Gynaikeion: or, Nine bookes of various history. Concerninge women inscribed by ye names of ye nine Muses. Written by Thom: Heywoode.

NINE BOOKES OF VARIOVS HISTORIE , ONELIE concerning Women : Inscribed by the names of the nine Muses .

The first booke which is CLIO , treating of the Goddesses Coelestiall , Terrestriall , Marine , and Infernall .

BEFORE wee enter into a particular tractate of these Goddesses , it shall not bee amisse to speake something of the opinions setled in sundry Nations , concerning them : Who were their first Adorers and Worshippers ; the multiplicitie of their gods ; and what seuerall rights , and customes , obseruations and Ceremonies they vsed in their Oblations and Sacrifices . The Aethiopians are said to bee the most ancient , and the first beginners of Diuine adoration , as Diodorus is of opinion ; Imagining in themselues , and verely beleeuing some of their gods to bee euerlasting , and others to participate of a mortall and corruptible nature . The Phoenicians , they deliuered admirable and strange things concerning their gods , and the first beginning and Creation of things ; aboue all others hauing in Diuine worship Dagona and Chamas . The Atlantides ( a people of Affrica ) they are confident that the generation of the gods proceeded from them , and the first that raigned amongst them they called Coelum , which is heauen . The Augitae another nation ( in the Affricke Continent ) acknowledged no other deityes than the Ghosts of such noble persons as were deceased , to whose sepulchers they vsuallie repayred to demand answers of all such things wherein they doubted . The Theologie of the Phrygians was not much different from theirs . The Persians neither erected Statues nor Altars , they worshipped the Heauen , which they called Iupiter ; the Sunne , by the name of Mithra ; the Moone , Venus ; the Fire , the Earth , the Winds , and the Water . Isiodorus saith , the Graecians first honoured Cecrops , whom they stiled Iupiter , and were the first deuisers of Images , erecters of Altars , and offerers of sacrifice . The Iewes , as Cornelius Tacitus relates , apprehended but one diuine power , and that onely they acknowledged . The Germans of old ( as the same author affirmes ) were of opinion , That the gods could not bee comprehended within walles , nor haue any humane shape appropriated vnto them , measuring their incomprehensible power by the magnitude of the heauens . Now concerning the diuers opinions of men , what this supreame deity should be ; some held it the vniuerse or the gloabe of the world : of which opinion was Origines in his fift booke against Celsus . The Stoicks held it to bee the first world ; the Platonists , a second world ; and diuerse other Sectists of Greece to bee a third world . Thales Milesius called God , a Mind , that fashioned all creatures out of the water , that knew no beginning , and was not capable of end . Anaxmiander he ascribed a deity to the starres and the planets , and these coelestiall bodies , attributing no honor to that Mind , of which Thales dreamed . Anaximenes , thought it to be the Infinite ayer , to which hee attributed the Originall of all causes , and deriued the birth of the gods from thence ; for so Saint Augustine and Cicero affirmes . Democritus Abderites ( as Cicero and Arnobius testifie of him ) was of opinion , that it was a Mind of fire , and the soule of the world . Plutarch in the life of Nu●● , sets downe Pythagoras his opinion concerning this godhead , and thus defines it : A Minde still trauelling , neuer out of motion , but disperst and diffus'd through all the parts of the world , and things naturall ; from which all creatures whatsoeuer that are borne take life . Lysis and Philolaus , call it an vnspeakeable number , or a summity of the greatest or smallest number , for so Origines faith . Archelaus Physicus would haue all things to be created of earth , and ( as Epiphanius testates of him ) the beginning of all things to proceede from thence . Pherecidas taught that the earth was before all other things , and therefore to that he appropriated a diuinitie , Heraclius Ephesius , contested the gods to be made of Fire ; so Varro writes of him : of the same beleefe was Hippasus Metapontinus ( witnesse Simplicius . ) Anaxagoras Clazomen called his god Homoeomeria , that is , Likenesse of parts ; and that a diuine thought was the producter of all things whatsoeuer : So Augustine reports of him ; others , that he held an infinite Mind to be the first moouer . Prodicus Coeus , as Epihanius tels vs , plac't his god in the foure Elements : likewise in the Sun and the Moone ; in which two planets there existed a liuing vertue . Diogenes Apollonaites deriued his god from the Ayre , as the matter from whence all things had their reality , as likewise that it did participate of diuine reason , without which nothing could be created . Cleanthes Assius would haue his god of the Firmament , as diuerse other of the Stoicks . And as Arnobius witnesseth of him , sometimes he called him the Will : now the Minde : then that part of the ayer which is aboue the fire : and sometimes againe the Reason . Straton made Nature his summum bonum . Antisthenes Atheniensis , he taught that there were many popular gods , but one onely Architector of the fabricke of the world . Chrysippus Silix the Stoicke , hee taught that god was a naturall power endued with diuine reason ; and then againe , he called him a Diuine necessity . Zeno Citteieus , called him a diuine and naturall Law ; and sometimes the Firmament . Zenophanes Colophonius called him , Whatsoeuer was infinite in a conioyned mind , or one vniuersall and euery thing that ( as Theophrastus saith of him ) he imagined to be god . Parmenides Eliates , called him fantasme , or an apprehension of an Imaginarie thing , something resembling a crown ; which the greeks call Stephanos , conteining within it a fierie light , an orbe , or girdle which compasseth and embraceth the heauens : adhearing to his fantasie were Cicero and Simplicius . Empedocles Agrigentinus , he would haue foure natures of which all things should subsist , and these he taught to be diuine : as also , that they had byrth , and should see end ; for so Cicero writes in his book de natura deorum . Theodorus and Epiphanius speake of one Theodorus sirnamed Atheos , the Atheist : He affirmed the gods to be meere toyes , and not worthie of diuine honors that would persuade men by their examples to theft , periurie , and rapine . Protagoras Abderita was of opinion , That it was not lawfull to inquire concerning the gods , whether they were or were not , or of what nature and qualitie . Xenocrates Chalcedonius made eight gods , in the wandering starres the number of fiue , in the whole number of the planets one , a seauenth in the Sunne , an eight in the moone . Plato Atheniensis went more diuinely to worke ; who taught that it is neither the ayre , nor reason , nor nature , but that there is one onely God by whom alone the world was fashioned , and made persect , and miraculous . Zenophon Socraticus held argument , That the forme of the true God , was not visible , and therefore his essence not lawfull to be sought into . Ariston the Stoicke affirmed , that God might be comprehended within his owne substance . Aristotle proposed , That one Mind gouerned the whole world , and that it was the prime and principall cause of all things . Speucippus constituted a naturall liuing power , by which all things were gouerned , and that he stil'd a deity , for so Arnob . in his eighth booke reports . Alcmaeon Crotoniates did attribute a deitie , to the Sunne , the Moone , and the rest of the Planets ; in his ignorance ( as Cicero speakes of him ) giuing immortality to things meerely mortall . Ecphantus Siracusanus , as Erigines relates of him , imagined the diuinitie to exist in the mind and soule . Brachmanae , ( who were the Indian wise men , or Sophoi ) called it the Light ; but not as the splendour of the Sunne , or Ayre , but the light of reason ; by which wise and vnderstanding men might enquire i●to the darke and mysticall secrets of nature . Lactantius and Cicero , say that it was the opinion of the Stoicks , for the most part , That this instrumentall power was a diuine substance , intelligeable and ayerie , but wanting forme ; yet to bee transhapt , or made like to whatsoeuer it best pleased it selfe . The same Philosophers attributed a god-hood to the starres and all other coelestiall bodies . Heraclides Ponticus , thought the World and the Minde , both diuine , and was of opinion that this forme of the deity was mutable , reducing the earth and the heauens within the compasse of Godhead . Epicurus Atheniensis , hee made him gods of Atoms of Moates , allowing them bodies differing from men , but bearing humaine forme . M. Terentius Varro , supposed him to be the soule of the world , and the world it selfe to be god . Cicero defines him thus , a certaine pure and free mind seperate from all mortall commixtion , euer moouing , and all things knowing ; and Origines adhering to the opinion of Exilneus , concludes , that the gods are euer during , not subiect to corruption , and yet altogether without prouidence . But least I should grow tedious in the search of so many diuerse opinions , which to some may appeare impertinent to the tractate in hand , yet not altogether vnnecessary to such who haue not trauelled in the search of these Antiquities ; I wil come neerer to the matter , and to speake of the goddesses , as we promist . Hesiod hath left to memorie , that there are no lesse than thirtie thousand gods within the compasse of the world , and euery one haue seuerall predominance ouer men , beasts , fish , foules , and all other creatures vegetatiue and sensatiue . Tertullian hee speakes of three hundred Ioues or Iupiters counted by M. Varro . Therefore it was not permitted amongst the Romanes , to adore any other gods or goddesses than such as were approoued and allowed by the Senate . In the books of the high Priest it was thus written , Let no man bring in an innouation of any new gods , or aliens , to be priuately adored , vnlesse they be publikely approoued : onely such as haue from antiquitie beene held Celestiall , and vnto whom Temples and Alters haue beene consecrated : let none else haue diuine worship . The Heathen of old amongst their goddesses , counted these , P●dicitia , Concordia , Mens , Spes , Honor , Clementia , and Fides : that is , Bashfulnesse , Concord , the Mind , Hope , Honour , Clemency , and Faith . Pliny writes of a Temple in Rome , dedicated to Honour . Certaine liuing creatures and other things were in the old time reuerenced as gods . The Trogloditae ( as the same authour testifies ) worshipped a Tortoise . The Aegyptians had in honour , ga●licke , and onyons ; they haue the Crocodile likewise in diuine adoration , to whom they offer sacrifice , but the Ombytae chiefly a people of that countrey , by whom he is held most sacred ; and if it so happen that their children be by him deuoured , the parents reioyce , imaginiug they are specially beloued of the gods , that are thought worthy to beget food to please their appetits . Serpents are honoured by the Phoenicians . In Gade●a a citie of Spayne , two Temples were erected ; the one to Age , the other to Death : to one as the mistresse of Experience : to the other , as a quiet harbour or cessation from all miseries and calamities . In other cities were the like instituted to Pouertie , and to Fortune : lest the one should afflict them , and that the other should fauor them . Floods likewise and riuers were esteemed as deities , some portraide in the figure of men , and others in the semblance of beasts . Amongst the Lacaedemonians as Plutarch relates , Temples were edified , one to Feare , another to Laughter , a third to Death . The Aeyptians worshipped the Sunne and Moone , the Goddesse Ibis , a cat , an eagle , and a goate . The Syrians adored a doue : the Romanes a goose , by reason that by cackling of geese the Capitall was preserued from the sacke . Amongst the Thessalians it was held an offence Capitall to kill a Storke . Those that inhabite the Island Syrene , honour the fish called Pharos : those that dwell in Moeotis , the fish Oxiringus : In Ambracia , a Lyonesse , because in times past a Lyonesse ceased vpon a Tyrant and tore him to pieces ; by which they were restored to their ancient liberties . Those that liue by Delphos , a Wolfe , who by scraping vp the earth discouered a great quantitie of gold buried , and till then concealed . The men of Samos , a Sheepe ; the Argiues a Serpent ; the Islanders of Tenedos , a Cow with calfe ; after whose conception they tender her as much seruice , as to a woman young with child . A Dragon in Alba ( a groue iuft opposite against Iunoes Temple ) was honoured by the Spartane virgins : to which at certaine times they went , and fedde him from their hands . The Aeyptians had Aspes likewise in great worship , which they fostered and brought vp together with their children . The Thebanes honored a Sea-Lamprey . There were gods called Medioxum dei , or middle gods : of which Plautus in his Cistellaria makes mention , Ita me dij deoeque superi , et inferi & mediorum ; as the gods and goddesses supernall or infernall , or those betwixt them both , &c. He speakes likewise of Dij potellarij , such as had power ouer the dishes that were vsed in sacrifices : to which Ouid hath reference in this verse , Fert . Missos Vestae pura patella cibos : The cleane platter presents those cates sent to Vesta . And Plautus in another place , Dij me omnes , magni , minuti , & patellarij , &c. There be others called Semones ; who haue domination ouer as much as lyes open from the middle region of the ayre to the earth , and they are called by vs semi-dei or halfe-gods : Fulgentius calls those Semones , that for the pouertie of their desert are not worthy a place in the heauens : Amongst whom he reckons Priapus , Hippo , and Vertumnus . In Italy there were diuers others called Dij municipates , as belonging to priuate men in citties , not called into any publicke office ; as amongst the Crustuminians , Delventinus ; amongst the Narnienses , Viridiarius ; amongst the Astrulanians , Ancharia ; amongst the Volcinienses , Nortia . But now of the Goddesses in order .

Of the Goddesses , Coelestiall : and first of IVNO .

IVNO is the daughter of Saturne , the Queene of the gods , and chiefe of those that are called Coelestiall . The wife and sister of Iupiter , Goddesse of Power and Riches , and soueraignesse of marriage , and all coniugall contracts . The Festiualls kept in her honour , were called Herea , which was a n●me appropriated to her owne person : so Enneus saith , as Cicero cites him in his first booke of offices , Vos ne velit an me regnare Hera ? Will the mistresse haue you to raign , or me ? where some take Hera for fortune . One of hir Priests , as Virgill testates , was Calibe , of whom he thus speakes .

Fit Calibe Iunonis anus templique sacerdos .

The old woman Calibe was priest in Iunoes Temple . Ouid in his 2. booke Metamorph. nominates Alcinoe .

Ante tamen cunctos Iunonis templa colebat , Proque viro ( quinullus er at ) veniebat ad Aras . Alcinoe before the rest did Iunoes Temple grace : And for a man ( for men were none ) had at her altar place .

She was honoured most in the Citie of Carthage , the chiefe cittie of Affrica : of which Virgill in his first booke Aeneiad . thus speakes : Quam Iuno fertur terris magis omnibus vnam Post habita Coluisse , Samo — .

Which onely ( saith he ) Iuno is reported to prefer before all other countries , euen Samos it selfe . Statius in his first booke Theb. saith that shee was much honoured in the citie called Prosimna : but in Samos ( an Island compast in with the Icarian sea ) shee was chiefely celebrated , as said to be there nourced in her infancie . In Argos and Micene , two chiefe cities of Achaia shee was likewise much honoured , as their Queene and Patronesse , for so Horace affirmes lib. 1. Carmin . Ouid in his 6 booke De fastis saith , that the people called Phalisci , haue her in great adoration , calling them Iunonicol● , as those that honour Iuno . Of her chastitie , maiestie , her brawling and chiding with Iupiter , her reuenge vpon his strumpets and bastards , diuers things haue beene diuersely commented , of which I will insist vpon some fewe . Iuno hauing in suspition Semele the daughter of Cadmus and Hermione to haue beene often prostituted by Iupiter , shee changed her selfe into the shape of her nource Beroe , persuading her that shee should beg of him , That he would grace her so much as to lie with her in the same state and maiestie , with which he bedded Iuno ▪ that as his power and potencie was great aboue all , so her embracings and wantonnings might be remarkeable aboue others : which he vnwillingly granting , and she as vnfortunately obtaining , was the occasion that she with her pallace were both consumed in his fires and thunders .

It is related of Iuno further , that when shee and her husband being reconciled and pleasantly discoursing , held argument betwixt themselues , Whether in the act of generation men or women tooke the greatest delight ? and that by ioint consent their controuersie was to be determined by Tyresias ( one that had beene of both sects : ) Tyresias giuing vp his censure , That women were by nature the most wanton ; her sport turned into spleene , and her mirth into such madnesse , that shee instantly bereaued him of his sight , and strucke him blinde : to recompence which losse , Iupiter inspired him with the spirit of Diuination and Prophesie ; to which , her continnued anger further added , That howsoeuer hee truely prophesied , yet his presages should neuer bee beleeued .

Alcmena too , growing great of Hercules , and readie to bee deliuered , shee taking on her the shape of a beldame , sat her downe before her owne altar with her knees crossed , and her hands clutched , by which charme shee stopped the passage of her child-birth ; which Gallantis espying , and aprehending ( as it was indeed ) that to be the occasion why her ladie could not be deliuered , she bethought her of a craft to preuent the others cunning ; for leauing Alcmena in the middest of her throwes , shee assumes a counterfeit ioy , and with a glad countenance approcheth the altar to thanke the gods for her Ladies safe deliuerie : Which Iuno no sooner heard , but vp shee riseth and casts her armes abroad ; her knees were no sooner vncrost and her fingers open , but Alcmena was eased , and Hercules found free passage into the world . Gallantis at this laughing , and Iuno chasing to be thus deluded , she afflicted her with an vnheard off punishment by transhaping her into a Weesill , whose nature is to kindle at the mouth ; that from the same jawes with which shee had lied to the gods about Alcmenaes childbearing she should euer after bring foorth her young .

No lesse was her hatred to all the posteritie of Cadmus : for when Agaue had lost Penthaus ; and Antinoe , Acteon ; and Semele had beene consumed by Ioues thunders ; and there remained onely two , Athames and Ino , shee possest them both with such madnesse , that hee being on hunting , transpierst his sonne Learchus , mistaking him for the game he chased ; and Ino snacht vp young Melicertes and with him cast her selfe downe headlong into the Sea , from the top of an high promontorie . But at the intercession of Venus , who was borne of the waues , Neptune was pleased to ranke them in the number of the Sea-gods , so that Melicertes is called Palemon ; and Ino , Leucothoe . I could further relate of manie other poeticall Fables , as of Ixion , who entertained and feasted by Iupiter , attempted to strumpet Iuno , and adulterat the bed of Iupiter ; which to preuent , and shunne the violence of a rape , she fashioned a Clowd into her owne similitude and semblance , which Ixion mistaking for Iuno , of that begot the Centaures . As also , the birth of her sonne Vulcane , and her daughter Eccho ; he lame , and shee so deformed , that being ashamed to shew her selfe or appeare to the eyes of any , she hath so conceald her selfe in thicke woods and hollow vaults and cauernes , that neuer any part of her could euer yet be discouered more than her voice .

Yet to shew that in all these seeming fables golden meanings were intended , I will briefely thus illustrate them : Iuno was therefore called the daughter of Saturne , because the world was created by God , the great worke-master of Nature . Then , in his course was Time borne ; from thence , Ether , which is , whatsoeuer is aboue the Element of Fire , the Firmament , or the Sky ; and next that , the Elements : The highest next Iupiter is Aër , namely Iuno , the moderatresse of the life of man , by whom the treasures of raine and haile are disposed and gouerned : of the Aire waxing hot , are generated creatures , trees and plants , &c. whose temperature hath an influence in the bodies and mindes of reasonable creatures : therefore when from water Aer is next begot , shee is sayd to be nourisht by Oceanus and Thetis ; when the force of the Element workes with the Aer in the procreation of creatures , shee is then sayd to be the wife of Iupiter : when shee is changed into fire , then shee brings forth Vulcan : when the benignitie of the aire hath cooperation with such things as are generated , shee is then stiled the goddesse of marriage . So likewise it is saied of Ixion , that for attempting the bed of Iupiter he was from heauen cast downe into hell ; which some would bring within the compasse of historie : But that hee is there tortured vpon a wheele incessantly turning round , must needs include moralitie . Most probable it is that Ixion disgrac't and banisht from the court of that king whose wife he had sought to adulterat , was thereby made of all men the most wretched and miserable , as one excruciated with perpetuall ambition and enuie : for such as vnder the imaginarie Idea of vertue apprehend the realitie of vaine glorie , they can attempt nothing good , nothing sincere or lawdable , but all their actions are criminall , irregular and meerely absurd ; importing thus much , That their estates can haue no continuance , that by sinister and indirect courses seeke to clime to the heigth and crowne of glorie .

CYBELE .

SHe is the wife of Saturne , and is called the mother of the gods . Her Chariot is drawne with Lions . To her , Ida and Dindimus ( two mountains of Phrygia ) weare sacred , whereupon Virgill saith , Alma parens , Idaea deûm cui Dindima sacer .

From that place she is called Dindimene , by Martiall .

Non per mistica sacra Dindimenes . Not by the mysticall oblations of Cibele .

In Phrygia the ministers of this goddesse , called Galli , kept certaine feast daies in her honour , after the manner of Fencers or Gladiators , contending amongst themselues euen to the shedding of much blood ; which when they saw to flow plentifully about their heads and faces , they ranne to a certaine floud not farre thence , sacred to the goddesse , and in that washt both their wounds and weapons : the like did the Romanes in Almo , a riuer neere to Rome , the eleauenth of the Calends of Aprill , which Valerius Flaceus remembers : Sic vbi Migdonios Planctus sacer abluit Almo : Letaque iam Cybile — Where Almo , the Migdonian knockes laues off , And Cybele now reioyceth —

Reate ( as Sylius saith ) a citie in Vmbria , is sacred to her , so is Berecinthus a mountaine in Phrygia , of whom she takes the name of Berecinth●a . Apuleius , lib. 11. calls her Pesinuntica of Pesinuntium a citie amongst the Phrygians . Ouid in his Metamorp . amongst her priests , reckons vp Alphitus : and Virgill in his 11 booke , Choreus . Melissa was a woman priest , of whom all that succeeded her were called Melissae . Plutarch in Mar. nominats one Barthabaces , Per ea tempora , &c. About those times came Barthabaces priest to the great mother of the gods , saying she had spoken to him in her Temple , and predicted victory . This Cibele is likewise called Vesta , and Rea. The rights of her sacrifices performed in her honour Ouid in his Fastis thus expresseth : Of old with tincling sounds , did Ida ring , But weakely , as young Infants crie or sing . Some beate their Bucklers , some their emptie caskes ; ( For this , of Cibeles Priests , the labour askes ) The mysteri's conceald : yes still remaines An imitation of those auntient Straines . Cimbals for Helmes ; for Targets , Timbrils play , The Phrigian Pipe still sounds , as at that day .

Her priests were called Curetes , and Coribantes ; as also Idaei Dactili , who like mad-men wagging their heads and playing on Cimbals ran about the streets , prouoking others to doe the like : They came from Ida in Phrygia into Creete , in which Island they cald a hill by the name of Ida.

The Poets ( who in their Fables hid all the mysteries of learning , as the Egyptians in their Hierogliphicks ) by the mother of the gods , would haue vs thus much vnderstand , That when they meant to signifie to our apprehensions , that the earth , as the stabilitie of the world , and firmament of all naturall bodies , from whence all things borne had beginning ; they therefore call Cybele or Vesta the mother of the gods , and to her sacrifices brought all the first fruits of the earth as due to her . Further to expresse the nature of the earth , many things haue from antiquitie beene remembred touching her : for Rhea signifies the force or strength of the earth who passeth and shifteth , piercing into the generation of things .

VENVS .

SOme report her to be borne of the Nymphe Dione , daughter to Oceanus and Thetis : Others , that she was borne of the foame or froath of the Sea . She is the goddesse of Loue , the wife of Vulcan , the sweet heart of Mars , the mother of Cupid and the Graces ; She goes armed with Torches , and bound about with a marriage girdle . Her chariot is drawne by Swannes , as Iunoes with Peacockes , as Ouid in his tenth booke Metamorph.

— Iunctisque per Aera Cignis Carpit itur — . With yoaked swannes she trauels through the ayre .

The like witnesseth Horace , Statius , Siluius , and others . The places to her most sacred , were Amathus , an Isle in the Sea Aegeum , of which she tooke the name of Amathusa or Amathusis . She was honoured in Cyprus ; and especially in Paphos , a cittie of that Isle : likewise in Memphis where she had a Temple : of Cyprus she had the denomination of Cypria , Cypris , and Cyprigena : of Paphos , Paphia ; of Gnydos , Gyndia . Pliny reports that Praxitiles was nobilitated for his grauing of Marble , but especially for the Statue of Gnidian . Venus . The Idalian woods , the Ciclides , and the hill Cythera were to her sacred . Of Erix a mountaine in Sicilia she was called Erecina : as Horrac . Carmin . lib. 1.

Siue tu mauis Erecina ridens .

Concerning hir loue to Mars , and his mutuall affection to her , it is frequent amongst the Poets : onely I will introduce Ouid in his second booke de arte Amandi : Fabula narratur toto notissima Coelo , Mulciberi capti Marsque , Venusque dolis , &c. This Tale is knowne to all and spoken still , Of Mars and Venus tooke by Vulcans skill : The god of warre doth in his browe discouer , No more a frowning souldier , but a louer . To his demands what could the Queene oppose ? Cruell , or hard ? alas , she 's none of those . How oft the wanton would deride his trade ! Polt-foot ; and hard-hand , blacke with Cole-dust made . He 's pleas'd to see her imitate his pace : What ere she doth , her beauty seemes to grace . At first their meetings they conceal'd with shame , None to their bashfull sinnes could scarce giue name . The tell-tale Sunne ( who can deceiue his sight ? ) Sees , and to Vulcane doth of all giue light . Oh Sunne , what bad example hast thou lent ? Aske her a bribe ; she hath to giue content , So thou wilt secret be . Vulcane downe sits , And his obscure wyres to the place he fits : The worke so fine , that it beguiles the eye , About their bed , he plac't them , lowe , and hye . He makes as if to Lemnos he would scoure , The louers keepe appointment iust at th' houre ; And catcht together in his wierie snare , Naked and fast bound Mars and Venus are . He calls the gods to witnesse , they are spide ; Soft hearted Venus scarce her teares can hide : Their hands to vaile their cheekes they cannot git , Or shodow that which to behold's vnfit . One of the gods said smiling , If they be Tedious , good Mars ▪ bestow thy bonds on me . Scarce at thy prayers , oh Neptune , th' are vntide ; Mars hasts to Creete , to Phaos Venus hi'de : What by this cott'st thou Vulcane ? what they two Before with shame did , now they boldly doe . Their lusts it did encourage , not asswage ; And thou hast since repenced of thy rage .

Of her loue to Adonis , the incestuous issue of Mirrha and her father Cyniras ; how he was slaine of the boare , and how his blood was turned into a purple flower by the power of the goddesse : her doating vpon Anchises , the father of Aeneas ; it might appeare superfluous to insist vpon . Therefore to auoide all prolixitie , I will briefly come to the mysteries included .

Because some creatures are borne of corruption , Morall . and others by copulation , the Poets by Venus would illustrat what is requisite and conuenient to both : To those which are bred of corruption , the mediocritie of heate , and clemencie of the heauen is very necessarie to their breeding . Againe , to those that are begot by coniunction , male with female , most conuenient is the temperature of the aire , for the matter of generation being of the most subtile part of the blood , it acquires a moderat heate , which is chiefly helped by the Spring : for the temperature of the Spring is called the baude to all procreation : and therfore the ancient writers , to expresse the matter of the seede , and moderation of the aire ( both necessarily to meete in the appetite of generation ) haue fabulated , That Venus was borne of the generatiue parts of Heauen , as also of the Sea : For these parts , are the mediocritie of heate by motion , which is vsefull and necessitous in the begetting of all creatures whatsoeuer .

MINERVA .

SHe is likewise called Pallas , borne of the braine of Iupiter ; shee is the goddesse of Wisedom , Discipline , and Armes , and therfore called Bellona ; and therefore translated into the number of the gods , because the inuention of artes and sciences are attributed to her . The places celebrated to her deitie , were Ithinas a hill neere to Athens , where shee had a Temple errected ; the mountaine Pireas , in Attica ; in Aracinthus , a place in Aetolia , from which ( as Statius writes ) she was called Aracinthia . Plinie saith that Nea , one of the Islands called Ciclades , was peculiar to her . But Athens was her place of most honour , which citie she is sayd to haue built : From thence she hath the name of Athnaea , Attica , Cecropia , and Mosopia : Horace Carm. lib. 1. The great citie called Alcomeneum , scituate in Boetia , hath likewise by the testament of the first founder submitted it selfe to her patronage . Of Scira , a prophet of Elusina , shee was called Sciras . The solemnisation of her feastiuals were called Panathenea . There were certaine wreastling contentions , which Theseus in Athens first instituted to this goddesse , as Plutarch hath deliuered . She had likewise her Quinquatria yearely celebrated , which were kept sacred fiue daies after the blacke day , ( and therefore so called ) the blacke day was immediatly after the Ides . In her sacrifices it was their custome to offer a Goat , because as Plinie hath left recorded , The biting of the goat is preiudiciall to the Oliue tree , whose fruit Minerua best loueth ; the verie licking of the rinde with their tongues makes it barren . Shee slew the beast Alcida , a monster that from his mouth and nosthrils breathed fire . Aelianus writes , that when Alexander brought his armie against Thebes ( amongst manie other prodigies ) that the image of Minerua , sirnamed Atalcomineides was burnt by a voluntarie flame , no fire being neere it . At Assessum she had two Temples : from that place she was called Minerua Assessia . From other places where shee was worshipt , she tooke the name of Pallenides and Pedasia : Alea from her temple amongst the Tegeates . Tutelaris she was called by the inhabitants of Chios , and honoured as an Oracle amongst the Aegyptians ; she had only a porch amongst the Seians . In some places her statues were couered with gold , in others they were of plaine stone . She had a Temple in Sigeum : three others , Sciradis , Aegis , and Crastiae : she was by some called Minerua Vrbana , and Minerua ●sliadi . Herodotus writeth that when Xerxes transported his armie into Greece , passing by Troy and being perusing the antiquities thereof ; vpon his departure thence , at the altar of Minerua , hee sacrificed a thousand oxen in one day . Manie things are fabled of her by Poets , as of her contention in weauing , with Arachne , which I purposely refer to her storie as it falls in course . She is the Hierogliphick of Wisedome , and therefore the Poet Martianus writes that she was borne without a mother , because that in women there is scarce anie wisedome to be found . In a Hymne vpon Pallas hee is thus read : Hanc de patre ferunt , sine matris saedere natam ; Prouida consilia , quod nescit curia matrum . Of father therefore , without mother borne ; Because learn'd courts , the womens counsell scorne .

The Maclies and the Auses , are two nations that border vpon the spacious Fenne Tritonides : Their virgins in the yearely feast of Minerua , in celebrations of their rights to the goddesse , diuide themselues into two armies , and fight one part against the other , with stones , clubs , and other weapons of hostilitie : such as perish in the conflict , they hold to bee no true and perfect Virgins , because not protected by the goddesse : But shee that hath borne herselfe the most valiant in the conflict , is by common consent of the rest , richly adorned , and beautified with the best armour , according to the manner of the Greekes , her head beautified with a Corinthian crest or plume , and seated in a Chariot drawn through the Tritonian Fenne . They haue it by tradition , that Minerua was the daughter of Neptune and the Fenne before named , and being reproued by her father , shee tooke it in such scorne , that shee vtterly reiected him and gaue her selfe to Iupiter , who adopted her his daughter . Zale●cus when hee commended his lawes to the ●ocrenses , to make them the better obserued by the people , told them , Minerua had appeared to him , and did dictate and propose to him whatsoeuer he had deliuered to them . The most famous of Poets , Homer , hee made Minerua a companion with Vlysses in all his trauels ; in whom hee personated the most wise man amongst the Grecians , who freed him from all daungers , labours , and ship-wreckes , and brought him in safetie to his Countrie , Parents , Queene , Sonne , and Subiects : thereby intimating , That by Wisedom and Knowledge all difficult things may be easily vndergone . This is that winged horse Pegasus , by which Perseus subdued so manie monsters . This is that shield of Pallas , to which the Gorgons head being fastned , turnes the beholders to stone , amazing the ignorant and vnlearned . Agreeable to this is Homers first booke of his Odissa , the argument I giue you thus in English : Odissa . lib. 1. Pallas by Ioues command from heauen discends , And of the Paphian Mentor takes the shape , In which she to Telemachus commends ? Such Greekes as from reuenging Hellens rape Were home returnd , Nestor amongst the rest , And Menelaus ; vrging him to inquire Of them , who in the warres at Troy did best ? And whose heroick acts did most aspire , But of Vlysses , chiefely to learne newes , What course he takes , or what attempt pursues .

Againe in the second booke . Perioch . 2.

Vnknowne to fierce Antinous and his mates , Telemachus from court in secret steales , On him Ioues daughter , bright Minerua , waites , And taking Mentors shape her selfe conceales . He by the goddesse Vrgence , straight prepares For such a voyage , instantly prouiding All needfull helpes , apt for such great affaires . Their ship made readie : vnto Pallas guiding He trusts himselfe : by helpe of saile and care , They put to sea , and loose the sight of shore .

Perioch . 6. Vlysses suffering ship-wrecke , and cast naked vpon the shore of Pheacus , he was assisted further by her , as followes in the sixt and seuenth arguments .

The wearied Greeke , all naked steps on shore , Whether Nausiaca discends to play , With other Virgins , as it was before Their custome : vp the Greeke starts spying day , With a faire flocke of Ladies him beside ; Vp by the rootes he teares the hearbes , and grasse , Thinking with them his nakednesse to hide ; And so proceedes vnto the queenelike lasse . Pallas his patronesse , moues her to pittie , She giues him both her chariot and attire , So to Mineruas Temple , neere the citie , He 's proudly drawne , guarded by many a squire : Thus in her altars sight , being lodg'd that night He striues with insence Pallas to requite . Minerua takes a Virgins shape vpon her , Perioch . 7. And to the citie first Vlysses brings . But after , to aspire him to more honour , Into the Pallace ( th' ancient seate of kings . ) Arete , wife to Alicinous , first demaunds , Where he receiu'd those garments , and what fate Brought him that way ? the Princesse vnderstands The vtmost that Vlysses can relate . Therefore the Queene accepts him as her guest , The night persuades , they part to seuerall rest .

In all his negotiations and trauels , Pallas was still his assistant , for Wisedome neuer forsakes anie man in necessities : in so much , that after hee had freed his court of his wiues vnruly sutors , hauing slaine them all , and was now peaceably possest of his kingdome , she was still constant to him in all his extremities . Which I will conclude with the foure and twentieth argument of Homers Odisse , and the last booke .

Tartaream vocat in sedem Cillenius vmbras . The mutinous Ghosts of the sad wooers slaine : Mercurie forceth to the vaults belowe , What Time th' heroick spirits , thronging complaine , That Agamemnon should be murdred so , These being yong men of chiefe beautie , and age , Why they so presse in heapes demand the cause : And are resolu'd , 'mongst whom Vlisses sage , And chast Penelope , gaine much applause ; Especiallie from Agamemnons ghost , Who had to him a fate much contrarie ; Yet whom in life he had respected most . Meane time Vlisses ( that much long'd to see His father● old Laertes ) freelie tells His fortunes , dangers , trauells , miserie , Both forreine and domesticke ; what strange spells , Witchcrafts , and ship-wracks , had so long detein'd him From his graue Father , and his constant Queene , And to what dyrefull exegents constrein'd him ; In what strange coasts and climats he had beene . By this , the Fathers of the Sutors dead , ( Grieuing their Sonnes should so vntimely fall ) Take counsell , and 'gainst th' Ithacan make head : These he opposes , and repells them all ; But gathering new supplyes , by Ioues command , Pallas from heauen descends t' attone these iarres , To free all forraine forces from the land , And by her wisedome compromise these warres . By his decrees , and her owne wisedome guided , Armes are surceast , all difference is decided .

Pallas hath beene often inuocated by the Poets , but amongst infinite I will onelie instance one , and that for the elegancie . Homer in his long peregrination through Greece and other countries , sometimes by sea , and sometimes by land , and by the reason of his blindnesse groaping his way , hee happened to passe by a place where Potters were at worke , and setting such things as they had newlie moulded , into their furnace : who finding by his harpe ( for he seldome trauelled without it , being one of the best meanes he had to get his liuing ) that hee had some skill in Musicke , intreated him that hee would play them a fit of Myrth , and sing them a fine song ; which if hee would doe , they would giue him so manie small pots and necessary drinking cups for his labour , vayles that belonged to their trade . The conditions were accepted ; and he presentlie to his harpe sung this extemperoll dittie , called Caminus , or Fornax .

Oh Potters , if you 'l giue to me that hyre Which you haue promis'd , thus to you I 'le sing : Descend , ô Pallas , and their braines inspire , And to their trade thy best assistance bring , That their soft chalices may harden well , And their moist cups of clay waxe browne and dry ; This being done , they may with profit sell , And customers from all parts come to buy , Not to the market onelie , but euen here Where they be forg'd and burnt : so shall it be When I am pleas'd , and you haue sold them deere , Profit to you , and couenant with me . But if you mocke me , and my meede deny , All hydeous mischiefes to this furnace throng , May those grosse plagues that thicken in the sky , Meete at this forge , to witnesse this my wrong . Hither rush Smaragus , and with him bring Asbetes and Sabactes : quench their fire , Oh Pallas , 'bout their roomes their models fling , On Ouen , shoppe , and furnace vent thine Ire : Else let Omodomas with too much heat Cracke all their vessels , and their art confound , Pash all their workes to mammocks , I intreat ; Pull furnace , forge , harth , house , and all to ground , That they may bruise together in their fall , ( Whilst all the Potters quake ) with such a ruine , As when huge masts are split and cracks withall , The warring winds , the sea-mans wracke pursuing . In such a tempest let the chimneyes shatter , And the vast frame within his basses sinke : Whilst 'bout their eares the tyles and rafters clatter , That all their pipkins , steanes , and pots for drinke , And other vses , may be crasht to powder ; And so conuert againe into that myre Whence they were forg'd . Or if a horror lowder May be deuis'd , here vent thy worst of Ire . Else let that * * Circe . Witch that calls Apollo father , Who can from hell the blackest furies call , All her infectious drugs and poysons gather , And sprinkle them on worke-men , worke and all . Let Chiron to this forge his Centaurs bring , ( All that suruiued the battell , 'gainst Ioues sonne ) That they these pots against the walles may ding , And all their labour into ruine runne , Till what they see , be nothing ; and these heare Spectators of this wracke , may howle and yell , And their great losse lament with many a teare , Whilst I may laugh alooofe , and say 't was well . And to conclude , That he that next aspires But to come neere the furnace where they stand , May be the fuell to these raging fires , And be consum'd to ashes out of hand : So may the rest that shall escape this danger , Be warn'd by these , how to deride a stranger ,

That the former writers might demonstrate vnto vs , That humane actions are not altogether so gouerned by the force coelestiall , but that there is some place left open for mans prudence , and wisedome ; and besides , to deliuer vnto vs how acceptable the knowledge of good things is to him who is the giuer of all graces : they therefore left this expression to posteritie , that Wisedome was the daughter of Iupiter , and borne without a mother , since God is onelie wise , and men not so , but meerelie in a similitude or shadow . Therefore to manifest the power of Wisedome , they feigned her to come into the world armed , because the wise man respects not the iniuries of Fortune , nor puts his trust in any worldlie felicitie , further than by counsell and patience to subdue the one , and moderate the other ; still placing his hopes in that fountaine from whence she first proceeded . Next , because the feare of the Lord is the beginning of Wisedome , shee is said to haue co●batted Giants , the sonnes of the earth : such as in that great Gigomantichia , would haue pluckt Iupiter out of his throane : by which are intended the presumptions of nature , and the insolencies of men ; who , all seruice and adoration to the diuine powers neglected , are not affraide to make insurrection against heauen it selfe . I may therefore conclude , that all humane wisedome different against the diuine will , is vaine and contemptible , since the good man is onelie wise , and in the grace and fauour of his maker .

DIANA .

SHe is the daughter of Iupiter and Latona , the goddesse of Virginitie and Chastitie . In the heauen shee is called Luna , the Moone ; in the Earth , Diana ; in Hell or amongst the Infernalls , Proserpina : of which three-fold power , she is called Triformis , and Triula . The places sacred to her , were ( as Valerius Flaccus affirms ) Parthenius , a flood of Paphlagonia . She with her brother Apollo , was borne in Cinthus , a mountaine hanging ouer Delos ; of whom Statius saith , they are both called Cinthij . In Ephesus , a cittie of Ionia , or Lydia , she had a magnificent Temple numbered amongst the seauen wonders of the world . In Bauron , a cittie of Attica , she was likewise honoured . And as Lucan testates , in Taurus , a mountaine in Sicilie : and as Virgil , in Delos , Notior vt canibus non iam sit Delia nostris . Not Delia to our dogges is better knowne .

Horace reports her to haue two mountaines in Italie dedicated to her deitie , Auentinus and Algidus . In her sacrifices , a Hart was still offered at her Altar ; and dogges or hounds , as Ouid writes : Exta canum Triuia vidi mactare Sabaeos : Et quicunque tuas accolit Haeme Nyues .

The Sabaeans and the Thessalians inhabiting the snowie mountaine Haemus , vsed dogges in their oblations . Of her Temple at Ephesus , it shall not bee amisse to speake a word or two by the way . Plutarch in his booke De vitando Aere alieno , saith that the Temple of Diana was a Sanctuarie , wherein all debtors were safe from their creditours . As the Vestalls of Rome had the time of their seruice distinguished into three parts , in the first to learne the mysteries of Vesta ; in the second to do the ceremonies ; and in the third , to instruct others that were ignorant : so amongst the Priests of Diana in Ephesus , the first order of them gaue them the name of Melieres , that is , to be capable of the Priesthood , but not admitted ; the second was Hieres , that was in present office ; the third Parieres , that was dead from the seruice . This statelie and magnificent structure was first erected by the Amazons , so beautifull and sacred , that when Xerxes had with sword and fire wasted and demolisht all the Temples of Asia , he spared onelie that , as the richest iewell of the world . It is reported of one Herostratus , a wicked and debosht fellow , who finding in himselfe nothing good to preserue his memorie , and willing that his name should liue to posteritie , set this Temple on fire , for no other purpose , but that hee would bee talkt on : the Ephesians vnderstanding this his malicious ambition , they made it death once to name him . Cornelius Nepos writes that the same night that this famous structure was ruin'd and defaced by fire , Alexander was borne in Pella , in the three hundered and eighth yeare after the building of Rome : so that at the extinguishing of one light of the world , another was kindled . It being demanded of one of Dianaes priests , Why Diana being a goddesse , would suffer her Temple to be vtterlie destroyed ? and what she was doing the while ? It was answered againe , That it was done vnawares to the goddesse , for she was that night at the labour of Olimpias , and busied about bringing Alexander into the world . Notwithstanding this great ruine , the people of Ephesus caused it to bee re-erected , and made both richer and more beautifull than before : of which worke Dinocrates an Architectour of Macedonia was chiefe . Diana ( as Plutarch in his Simposaicon saith ) is called Elitheia , Lib. de Solert . animal . or Lucina , as also Locheia , as goddesse of child-birth : she is called also Dictinna . And in his Solertia animalium , that Apollo would be called Lycoconos ; and Diana , Multicida Elaphibolos : The one for killing so many Wolues ; the other , Harts . Amongst the Aegyptians she is called Bubastis : she is celebrated ( witnesse Herodotus ) amongst the Thressae , and the Peloniates : amongst the Bizantians she hath the name of Diana Orthosia .

The Poets faine that she is continuallie exercised in hunting : for no other reason but to instruct and incourage all such as prophesse virginitie to shunne sloath and idlenes : so Ouid , Otia si tollas periere cupidinis arcus . Take sloath away , and Cupids bow vnbends : His brands extinguish , and his false fire spends .

Diana and Phoebus , were therefore said to be the children of Latona , because in that , the ancient Poets would signifie the beginning of the world : for when the matter whereof it was made , was a meere confused Masse , and without shape , because all things were obscure and hid : that darknes is signified in Latona ; and whereas they make Iupiter their Father , it imports as much as if they should fetch Iupiter out of this darknes , called the Sun and the Moone . More plainelie , the Spirit of the Lord said , Let there be light ; of which Light , Apollo and Diana , the one by day , and the other by night , are the greatest : by this inferring , that the generation of the world began first from Light .

CERES .

THe Goddesse of fruites and graine , and daughter to Saturne and Ops , a Law-giuer to the Sicilians : therefore by Virgill called Segifera . In Eleusis , a cittie of Attica , she had diuine worship ; because she there taught plantation and agriculture ; and of that place had the name of Elusina : she was honoured in the mount Aetna : in Aenna and Catana , two citties of Cicilie , From whence , as Claudian relates , she had the name of Aetnaea , Aennaea , and Catanensi● : the like doth Selius , &c. Lactantius reports , that into these her Temples erected in these citties , it was not lawfull for any man to enter . The manner of the rights among the Phigalenses were , that no Sacrifices should bee slayne , onely the fruits of planted trees , Hony-combs , and new shorne wooll , were laide vpon the Altar , and sprinkled with sweete oyle , and were set a fire , burnt and offered : these Customes were priuatelie and publikelie obserued yearelie , as Pausanias left recorded . The Argiues sacrifice to this goddesse by the name of Ceres Clithonia , vpon certaine set dayes in the Summer , after this manner : Their Sacrificiall pompe is attended by the chiefe Magistrates of the cittie : after which companie , the women and children next followed , the boyes all in white roabes with chaplets about their browes of Hiacinthes interwouen : and in the lagge end of the same troope were driuen a certaine number of faire and goodlie oxen , but bound in strict bands , and drag'd towards the Temple : being thither come , one of these beasts with his cords loosed was driuen in , the rest of the people standing without the gates , and looking on ; who , no sooner see him entred , but shut the gates vpon him : within the Temple , are foure olde women priests with hatchets and kniues , by whom he is slaine , and one of them hath by lot the office to cut off the head of the sacrifice . This done , the doores are againe set open , and the rest , one by one forc't in , and so in order by the same women slayne and offered . In a booke of the scituation of Sicilie , composed by Cl. Marius Aretius , a Patritian , and of Syracusa : Intituled Chorographia Siciliae ; In the cittie Aenna , saith he ( as Strabo consenting with him ) were borne Ceres , and her daughter Libera , whom some call Proserpina ; From which place shee was rap't , and therefore is this cittie to her sacred . Neere to this cittie is a riuer of an infinite depth , whose mouth lyeth towards the North , from whence it is said Dis , or Pluto , with his chariot made ascent , and harrieng the virgin thence , to haue penetrated the earth againe not farre from Syracusa . This is that most ancient Ceres whom not Sicilia onely , but all other nations whatsoeuer celebrated . Most certaine it is , that she was Queene of the Sicilians , and gaue them lawes , taught them the vse of tillage and husbandrie ; and that her daughter Libera was transported thence by Orcus , or Dis , king of the Molossians . In her Temple ( part of which , not many yeares since was standing ) were two statues of Marble ; one sacred to her , another to Proserpina ; another of brasse , beautifull and faire , but wondrous antient . At the entrance into the Church in an open place without , were two other faire portraitures ; one of her , another of Triptolemus , large and of exquisite workemanship : In Ceres right hand was the image of Victorie most curiouslie forged . This Historie with many other , is with much nimble and dextrous witte fabulated by Ouid : to whose Metamorphesis I referre you .

In Ceres is figured to vs , Morall . an exhortation to all men to bee carefull in the manuring and tilling of the Earth , since Ceres is taken for the Earth , the treasuresse of all riches whatsoeuer ; and iust is that vsurie and commendable which arriseth from thence : for the fertilitie that growes that way , is begot by the temperature of the weather , and the industrie of mans labours . Shee is therefore sayd to wander round about the earth , and ouer the spatious Vniuerse , because of the obliquitie of the signe-bearing circle , and the progresse of the Sunne beneath that , by which Sommer is in some parts of the world at all seasons of the yeare , and elsewhere when not here . Besides from hence this moralitie may bee collected , No man vnpunished can despise the gods : for miseries are the hand-maides of dishonestie , therefore of force a wicked and irreligious man is subiect and incident to fall into many distresses and casualties : therefore Pietie towards heauen , Wisedome in managing our affaires , and Thriftinesse in the disposing of our priuat fortunes are all requisite in an honest , religious , a parsimonious , and well disposed man .

PROSERPINA .

THe daughter of Iupiter and Ceres , shee was honoured in Cicilie , of which Prouince shee was called Cicula , of whom Seneca thus speakes , Vidisti Siculae regna Proserpinae ? Hast thou seene the kingdomes of Sicilian Proserpine ?

She is likewise called by Lucan , Ennaea , of the citie Enna .

Elo●uar immenso terrae sub pondere , quae te Cintineant Ennaea dapes ? — Shall I , oh Ennaea , discouer on what dainties thou feedest Beneath the huge waight of the Massie earth ?

Manie fables of Proserpina haue bin introduc'd for our better instruction , by the ancient Poets ; which is onely to expresse to vs the nature of the seedes , and plants ; for Proserpina , by whom is signified the Moone , shining to vs one halfe of the moneth , and lying the other halfe in the armes of her husband Pluto , that is , being halfe the yeare in Heauen and the other in Hell , sixe moneths beneath the earth , and as manie aboue : so is it with the vertue of plants , whose sappe for sixe moneths space , is by reason of the subterren cold , forc't and diffused vpward into the boughes and branches : againe , by the extreamitie of the Winters vpper cold , it is compulsiuely driuen backe downeward into the roote , beneath the earth : for so doth nature impart her power and vertue to all creatures and naturall bodies whatsoeuer , that they many obserue a mutualitie ( if I may tearme it so ) in their cooperation . After the like manner is the day sorted out for our labours and affaires , the night for our rest and repose . So likewise in explicating the power of Luna , or the Moone : some call her the daughter of Hiperion or the Sunne , because shee being Corpus diaphanes , that is a bodie cristaline , like reflectiue glasse , transferres the light receiued from her father , vpon the earth to vs ; for which cause she is called also the sister of the Sunne : by the swiftnesse of her course her proper motions are declared . To expresse her nature alwaies appearing to vs greater , or lesser , is to signifie her strength and multiplicitie of working , therefore they alot her a garment of diuers and sundrie colours . In attributing to her the double sexes of male and female ( as some haue commented ) the reason is , in that as shee is woman , shee infuseth an humor necessarie and profitable to the nutriment of all creatures : in respect of her virile nature shee allowes a moderate and sensible heate , much auailable to increase , for without this heate , in vaine were her opperation , which is easily proued in all creatures that are pregnant and bringing foorth : therefore , shee is called Lucina , as the goddesse that brings creatures to light . She is likewise operatiue to corruption , which is the reason that sicke men and such as are troubled with anie greeuous maladie , are most in daunger of death in the criticall daies of the Moone .

NEMESIS .

SHee is the goddesse of Reuenge and Wrath , and punisher of the proude and vaineglorious . She had a Temple in Ramnus , a towne in Attica , from which shee tooke the name of Rhamnusia . Aristotle by the passion of Indignation , and affection of Commiseration , saith Nemesis is figured ; and both of these tooke in the better part : Indignation when good men are troubled and vexed to see bad men vse good things ill : Commiseration , to see honest and just men crost with the disasters of the world . Plutarch in his booke de capienda ex hostibus vtilitate , speaking how ridiculous it is for anie man to reproue another of that vice of which hee is himselfe guiltie , or taint anie man for the least deformitie vnto which hee is subiect himselfe , brings in Leo Bizantius a crooked back't fellow , gybing at him , because hee had a weakenesse and an infirmitie falne into his eies : to him he thus answered , Why dost thou mock me for this mischance by fortune , when thou thy selfe carriest Nemesis vpon thy backe by nature . Of what power this Nemesis was , and how honoured , manie Authors as well amongst the Greekes as the Latines , haue laboured industriously to make manifest , I will insist on few : Ausonius from the Greeke interpreted this Epigram : Me lapidem quondam Persae advexore trophaeum , Vt fierem bello : nunc Ego sum Nemesis . Ac sicut Graecis victoribus asto trophaeum Punio sic Persas vaniloquos Nemesis . The Persians tooke me hence long since , From Greece a stone : and vow To make me a warres-Trophy stand , But Nemesis I am now . But as I to the victor Greekes A Trophy now appeare , The prating Persians Nemesis I punish with my feare .

The Historie from which both Epigrams are deriued , Pausanias recites much after this manner : From Marathon ( saith he ) some threescore leagues distant is Rhamnus , a citie bordering vpon the Sea , iust in the way to Oroxus : by which stands the Temple of Nemesis , a goddesse , who is the ineuitable reuenger of such men as are haughtie , proud , and contumelious . It seemes the barbarous Perseans vnder the name of Nemesis doe comprehend Indignatio : for comming towards Marathon , and despising the Athenians , as not able to interpose their incur●ions . They tooke a stone of white Marble , as if they had alreadie obtained the victorie : of which stone Phidias ( the excellent statuarie ) made the portraiture of Nemesis : A faire crowne vpon her head , with forrest harts carued about it , and many small Imageries pourtraieng Victorie , in her right hand a golden cuppe , in which the Aethiopians were figured . Some thinke her the daughter of Oceanus , some of Iupiter , others of Iustice. Ammianus Marcellinus in his booke of the deedes of the Emperour Gallus , speakes to this effect : These and such like things ( saith he ) Adrastia ( vnder whose name by a double signification , we vnderstand Nemesis ) oft times workes in vs , being a certaine sublime law of some High power effectuall in the opinions of men , and plac't , or hauing residence about the Lunarie circle , who suppresseth the loftie neckes of the proude , and from the lowest of despaire erects the minds of the humble . For when the wise and vnderstanding men would illustrate to vs , nothing to be more acceptable to heauen , or more commodious to the life of man , than a moderation of the mind , as well in prosperitie as aduersitie ; they deuised many fables , to exhort men nobly to indure the miseries and afflictions of this life , with constant sufferance and resolued patience . And because many had by such examples yeelded their submisse shoulders to the burden of disasters , but in prosperitie , and in the superabundance both of Wealth and Honour knew not how well to behaue themselues ; they therefore introduc't Nemesis the daughter of Iustice ( a most graue and seuere goddesse ) to see punishment inflicted vpon such , that in the excesse of their felicitie , and height of their authoritie prooue ouer other men Tyrants , and therefore intollerable .

LATONA .

SHe was honoured in Delos , as there being deliuered of Apollo and Diana , to illustrat whose historie the better I will giue you a taste out of Lucians dialogues , Luc●an . in Dial. superior . the interloquutors are Iuno and Latona . You haue brought to Iupiter two beautifull children saith Iuno . To whom she replyde , We cannot all , we can not all , indeede , be the mothers of such sweete babes as Vulcan . Iuno replyes , Though he be lame , as falling from the vpper region downe to the earth , by the negligence of his father , yet is he profitable and vsefull both to gods and men ; for Iupiter , he prouides thunders ; for men , armour and weapons : when on the contrarie , thy daughter Diana imployes her selfe onelie in hunting and vnnecessarie pastime , an extrauagant huntresse , neuer satiate with the blood of innocent beasts : Thy beautifull sonne pretending to know all things , to bee an exquisite Archer , a cunning Musitian , a Poet , a Physitian , and a Prophet ; and not of these alone the professour , but the Patron . To this purpose hath he set vp Temples and Oracles , here in Delphos , there in Claros , and Didimus : by his dilemmaes and oblique answers to questions demanded ( such as which way soeuer they be taken , must necessarilie fall out true ) deluding and mocking all such as come rather to bee resolued of their doubts and feares , or to know things future : by these illusions raising an infinite gaine and riches to himselfe , to the losse and discommoditie of others ; his foreknowledge meerelie consisting of legerdemaine and iugling . Nor is it concealed from the wise , how in his predictions , he dictates false things as often as true . For could he exactlie and punctuallie presage all things to come , why did he not foresee the death of his Minion , and know before that he was to perish by his owne hand ? why did he not predict , that his ●oue Daphne ( so faire hair'd and beautifull ) should flie and shunne him as a monster hated and scorned ? these with infinite others considered● I see no reason thou shouldst thinke thy selfe more happie in thy children than the most vnfortunate Niobe . To whom Latona replyed : I well perceiue ( great goddesse ) wherein this many killing and much gadding daughter , and this lying and false prophesieing son of mine offends you , namely , that they are still in your eie glorious , numbered amongst the gods , and of them esteemed the most beautifull : yet can you not denie but that he is most skilfull in the Voice and the Harpe , exceeding whatsoeuer can be vpon the earth , and equalling , if not preceading , that of the Spheres in heauen . I cannot chuse but smile sayth Iuno : Is it possible his skill in musicke should beget the least admiration ? when poore Marsias ( had the Muses not bin partiall , but judg'd indifferently of his side ) had gain'd of him prioritie : but he alas by their vniust sentence , lost not only his honor in being best , but being vanquished , hee most tyranously had his skinne stead off for his ambition : and this your faire Daughter and Virgin , is of such absolute feature and beautie , that being espied naked by Acteon ( bathing her selfe in the fountaine ) shee transform'd him into a Hart , and caused him by his owne dogges to bee torne in peeces , least the young man should suruiue to blabbe her deformities . Besides , I see no reason why to women in labour and trauell in child-birth , shee should shew herselfe so carefull and common a mid-wife euerie where , and to all , if shee were as shee still pretends to be , a Virgin . With her Latona thus concluded : You are therefore of this haughtie and arrogant spirit , because you are the sister and wife of Iupiter , and raigne with him together , which makes you to vs your inferiours so contumelious and harsh : but I feare I shall see you shortly againe weeping , when your husband leauing the heau'ns for the earth , in the shape of a Bull , an Eagle , a Golden shower , or such like , shall pursue his adulterate pleasures . Ouid in his sixt booke Metamor . and his third fable sayth , That Niobe the daughter of Tantalus , borne in Sypile , a citie of Lidia , hauing by Amphion sixe braue sonnes and as many daughters , though shee were forewarned by the daughter of Tyresias to bee present with the Thebans at their sacrifice to Latona and her children , yet shee contemptuously denied it , preferring her selfe in power and maiestie before the goddesse ; and her owne beautifull issue , before the others : at which contempt the goddesse much inraged complained to Appollo and Diana , in whose reuenge , he slew all the young men , and shee the virgins : with griefe whereof Amphion slew himselfe , and Niobe burst her heart with sorrow . Latona is by interpretation Chaos , Moral . it was beleeued that all naturall bodies seedes of things , mixt and confused , lay buried in darknesse . Some take Latona for the earth , and therefore Iuno did oppose the birth of the Sunne and Moone , by reason of the frequent fogges and damps arising , by which the sight of these two glorious planets , are shadowed and kept from our eyes ; for when by the thickenesse and tenebrositie of the clowdes , the Sunne is weakned and made of lesse force , oft times there proceeds a pestilent aire , with many pests and diseases preiudiciall both to sensible creatures and to plants : but when the Sunne resumes his vertue and vigor , then by the purifying of the aire all these infections are dispersed and scattered , vnlesse they haue proceeded so farre as to contagion . And so much for Latona .

FORTVNA .

ANtium a citie of the Latines , bordering vpon the Sea , had Fortune in great reuerence , to whom they erected a magnificent Temple . Wherefore Horace thus speakes : Oh Diuae gratum quae regis Antium .

So Rhamnus or Rhamnis , a towne in Attica , where Nemesis and Fortune were held in equall reuerence ; and from hence rather called Ramnusia . In Praeneste a citie of Italy , Sortes and Fortuna were held in like adoration , of which they were called Praenestine . Petrus Crinitus in his first booke of honest discipline and the sixt chapter , concerning this goddesse , rehearseth these verses from Pacuuius : Fortunam insanam esse , & Brutam perhibent Philosophi : Saxique ad instar globosi praedicant esse , Volabilem . Quia quo saxum Impulerit Fo rs , Ea Cadere Fortunam autumant : Caecam ob eam rem esse vocant quia nil Cernant quo sese applicet . Insanam autem aiunt quia atrox incerta Instabilisque sit Brutam quia dignum aut indignum , Nequeat ignocere .

Which I thus English .

The Philosophers tell vs that Fortune is both mad and bruitish : They preach to vs , that like a round rolling Stone , shee is voluble : Intimating , that wheresoeuer chance shall force , Fortune shall incline . Therefore they make her blinde , because shee can discerne nothing to which shee can applie her selfe , They terme her madde , because shee is cruell without Pitie : vncertaine and vnstable . Bruitish ; because she cannot distinguish betwixt what is right and iniurie .

Hitherto Pacuvius , whose verses M. Cicero commemorates . Plinie to Vespasian speakes thus , concerning the power of Fortune : Through the whole world ( sayth hee ) and in all places , at all houres , and by all tongues , Fortune is still inuokated , and she alone ; she is onely nominated , shee alone is accused , alone made guiltie , solely thought vpon , solely commended : solely reproued , and with her reproches adored ; of many shee is held mutable and blind : shee is wandering , inconstant , incertaine , diuerse , and a fauourer of the vnworthie , at her shrine are all things expended , to her are all things acceptable , offered ; she altogether swayes , guides , and directs the reason of mortall men . Amongst the Scythians she is painted without feete ; she had onely hands , and feathers . Amongst the Smyrnians , with her head she supported heauen , bearing in one of her hands the horne of Amalthea , that is , of Plentie . She is described by Pausanias , in the statue of a Buffe or wilde Oxe : but amongst all her figures and attributes , Liu. lib. 2. let me not forget that of ingenious master Owens , the Epigramatist , speaking of Fortune : Spem dat pauperibus diuitibusque metum . She is the Poore mans hope , and the Rich mans feare .

Liuie , Lib 8. Dyonisius Halicarnasseus , Lactantius , Plutarch , and others , affirme that the statue of Fortune which stands in the Latine way , Lib. 2. cap. 8. with the Temple , was dedicated at the same time that Coriolanus by his mothers intercession , withdrewe his forces from the sacke and spoile of Rome . Which image was heard to speake these words , Rite me matronae vidistis , riteque dedicastis .

So superstitious they were in the daies of old that they attributed all their intents , actions , and euents of things , to the guidance and will of Fortune , nay that shee had a power in their verie birthdaies , and dayes of death : as of Euripides the most famous Tragick Poet , hee was borne on the same day that before Salamine , the Greeks and the Meades fought that famous Sea-battel , and died vpon the birth day of Dyonisius senior , the tyrant of Sicily . When as ( Timaeus sayth ) at one instant , Fortune tooke away the imitator of Tragicke calamities , and brought in their true actor and performer . Ascribed it is to Fortune , that Alexander the Conquerer , and Dyogenes the Cynick , should die both on a day : and , that king Attalus left the world , the same day of the yere that he entered into the world . The like was read of Pompey the great , the same day of the moneth that he was borne in Rome , the same ( or as some will haue it the day after ) he was beheaded in Aegypt . Pyndarus the Greeke Poet , borne in Pithea , consecrated many diuine Hymnes to Appollo , patron of the place . Florus remembers Carniades in the celebration of Platos birth day , whom he calls a stout champion of the Accademie , obseruing that they were both borne on the feast day of Appollo , Plato in Athens , where the Thargetia were acted ; and Carniades in Cyrene , where the Carnia were celebrated ; both these feasts falling vpon the seuenth day , on which his priests say Appollo himselfe was borne , and therefore they call him Septimanatus , and Hebdomagenus , as much as to say , the seuenth day borne . Those therefore that call Plato the sonne of Appollo ( as Plutarch saith ) haue done the god no indignitie or dishonour , hee hauing succeeded him in the Oracles of diuine philosophie , of whom Tindarus Lacedemonius hath left this character : Non hic creditus est mortali de patre natus esse : Deo genitore satus — Deriu'd from mortall parents he was not : No , 't was some Deity that him begot .

Plutarch in his quest . Rom. the 64. question , demands why Seruius Tullius dedicated a Temple to little Fortune , or Short ? ( for so the Latine words imply , being Paruae & Breui ) because saith he , that in the beginning from basenes and obscuritie ( as being borne of a captiue mother ) by the benefite of Fortune he was exalted to the principalitie of Rome : or doth this change not rather shew her power than her pouertie , that she is a gyant , and no dwarfe ? Of all the other Deities , Seruius was knowne to celebrate her with the most Diuine honours , and to inscribe her in all his actions : for he not onely built Temples to Fortuna bonae spei , of good hope ; Auerruncae , to turne away her anger ; Blandae , to her smiling ; Primogeniae , as to the eldest child of Inheritance ; Virili , as she was manly : but he erected one also to his owne proper fortune . He gaue her also the denominations of Conuertentis , turning , or turning towards ; Bene sperantis , of well hoping ; and Fortunae virginis , Fortune the Virgin ; likewise Viscosae , as catching and clinging to vs in all our attempts and actions . May it not therefore be obserued , that this Temple , and these rights and ceremonies were celebrated to Little Fortune , that she may assist and much auaile vs euen in things of the smallest moment ? Teaching vs , that in all occurrents and euents we ought to intermit no occation or opportunitie that may auaile vs , for the smalnesse in shew or sleightnesse in appearance . But to apply these things to our better vse , and shew that all these Diuine attributes bestowed on this goddesse were heathenish , and absurd , I hold opinion with Plutarch , lib. de Fortuna , That Wisedome guideth the life and actions of man , not Fortune . Was it by Fortune ( saith he ) that Aristides liued in pouertie , when it was in his owne power to purchase wealth ? or that Scipio hauing taken Carthage , neither saw the prey , nor tooke part of the spoyle ? That Philocrates hauing receiued so many Talents of Alexanders , spent them vpon strumpets , and Fishes . That Lasthenes and Euthycrates , by proposing to themselues no other felicitie than the throate and belly , lost Olynthus ? If these things be attributed to Fortune , we may as well say , Cats , Goates , and Apes , are by chance giuen to voracitie , lust , and squirilitie . If all things be attributed to fortune , what can be deuised ? what learnt ? what citties gouernment could subsist ? or what Kings counsell be managed without prouidence , and wisedome to direct it ? did Fortune sway all ? Many bruite beasts are better furnisht in their nature and condition than man ; some are arm'd with hornes , some with teeth , some with prickles , not so much as the Porcupine , nay the Hedge-hogge , but as Empedocles saith : Dorsum horret spinis & spicula torquet acuta .

Some of their feete are armed with horne , most of their backes cloathed with hayre ; Man onely , as Plato saith , is left by nature naked and vnarmed , without shooe or garment .

Vnum sed hec largita , emollit omnia .

She hath yet bestowed one thing vpon him , which makes good all the rest , The vse of Reason , Industrie , and Prouidence : nothiug more wild , or more swift than the horse , yet he runnes to mans vse : The dogge is a beast , fierce and cruell , yet his seruant and keeper : with the Forrests beast , the Ayers foule , and the Seas Fishhe feedes and banquets : what beast is greater than the Elephant ? or to behold , what more terrible ? yet to him he is a spectacle of pleasure , like a play in a publike Theatre ? Anaxagoras saith , That bruit beasts excell man in all things , yet whatsoeuer they haue , man applyes to his owne vse ; hee gathers the honie from the Bee , and drawes milke from the Cow , yet in all this , Fortune hath no hand , onely Counsell and Prouidence . Looke but into crafts , arts , and sciences , we see mettalls tried , houses built , statues caru'd , yet not any of these by chance or accident ; for the arts crafts ( as we call them ) acknowledge Ergana , that is , Minerua ( not Fortune ) for their goddesse and Patronesse . It is recorded of a Painter , that hauing drawne a horse in all his liniaments , colours , shape , and euery thing in their true posture , onelie the foame forced from the horses mouth by the curbe or bit of the bridle he had not done to his mind ; which often blotting out , and againe seeking to make perfect , but in vaine , in a great vexation and anger , he cast his pencell ( being then full of the same colour ) against the table , which hitting in the same place gaue so fortunat a dash , that what art could not doe , meere chance and accident made compleat and perfect : and this is the onelie master-peece of Fortune that I haue read off . In all sciences , Artificers vse their rules , squares , lines , plummets , measures , numbers , least any particle of their cunning should be conferd vpon hap or accident . There is a prouidence euen in tuning of an instrument , in slackning or stretching the string ; in the kitchin to season meate to the pallat : nor doth any man that hath bought cloath to suite himselfe , kneele downe and make his orisons to Fortune , to make them vp and fit them to his bodie . Hee that hath gathered together abundance of treasure and riches , hath many captiues about him , and seruants to attend him , dwells in a Pallace with many porches and gates , sees it furnisht with costlie hangings , sumptuous beds and tables , without true wisedome to manage all these , apprehends no true felicitie or happinesse of life . Therefore one asking Iphicrates , why hauing armes , and bowes , and weapons , and other militarie ornaments , What kind of man he was that profest not any ? he answered , he was that man that had dominion ouer all these , and power to vse them at his pleasure . Therefore wisedome is neither gold , nor siluer , nor glorie , nor health , nor riches , nor strength , nor beautie ; it is onelie that which by knowing how to vse them well , makes them laudable and profitable , without which they are meerelie vaine , barren , yea , and oft times damnable , and to him that inioyes them brings trouble and shame . I will conclude this tractate with the saying of the Poet , Vires exiguae sunt mortalium Sed calliditate multiplici , Belluas Maris & Terrestria , Et sub Coelo volitantia omnia homo domas . Small is the Strength of mortall man , Yet full of craft and skill : Sea and land monsters he can tame , And bring birds to his will .

Of the Goddesses called Selectae .

THese Goddesses were honoured amongst the Gentiles . Canina , Leuana , Edulica , Potina , and Statana ; these , as they are opiniated , haue the gouernment of children in their infancie , till they finde their feet , and can stand , or begin to goe . Canina lookes to them in their swathing bands , whilst they are bound vp and mantled . Leuana lifts them from the earth when they chance to fall , and keepes them from breaking or spoyling their faces . Edulica and Potina , haue the charge of the meat and drink by the nurses prouided for them : Fabulana teacheth them when they begin to prattle ; and Vagitana to still them , least they should spoyle themselues by too forcible crying . Libentina , is a ●audie goddesse , and an ouerseer of their lusts and pleasures . There are likewise Aldonea , Albeona , Voluna , Pellonia , all diligent and circumspect about men . Pellonia , she keepes off and beats backe their enemies . Then there is Agenoria , Strenua , and Stimula , which stirres vp men , and accites them to some action or other . Numeria , to helpe them in numbers , and to make euen their accounts . Augerona , she is in stead of a Physitian to ease their Maladies , and to preuent or helpe against diseases . Febris , which is the Ague , was made a goddesse , and had a chappell allowed her in the pallace . Postuerta and Orbona were two others . Prosa directed the tongue in the voluble speaking of Prose . Sentia , had predominance ouer quicke and wittie sentences . In marriages , child-births , and funeralls , they vsed the inuocation of others , as Deneuerra , I●tercidones , Domiduca , Manturna , Virginenses , Lucina , Prema , Parrunda , Populonia , Mena , Tellumone , Rusona , Naenia . For corne and graine were Tutulina , Nodinum , Volutina , Patalena , Hostilina , Florae , Lactucina , Natura , Auerrunca , and Runcia . Against theeues they had Spineo●is : and to preserue their fruites from blasting , and that they might ripen in time conuenient , Fructesa . Rurina was goddesse for the countrey , Mountaines , and Promontories . Empanda , ouer the Plowefeasts , and countrey pastimes . To these were added Tanagraea , Antenorta , Larunda , Moneta , Larentia , Maiesta , Ventilia , and infinite others . Those which they called the select goddesses , were in number eight , Tellus , Ceres , Lucina , Iuno , Diana , Minerua , Venus , and Vesta .

Anaitis . Shee was a goddesse that was particularlie adored by the Lydians , and not knowne to any other nation : to her seruice were selected the choise and pickt damsells out of the chiefe and principall of the Nobilitie . These had no sooner beene in her ministerie and admitted to serue at her Altar , but all modestie and shamefastnes set apart , they exposed their bodies to publike prostitution ; by this meanes to be made more capable of husbands , and better practised against marriage .

Angerona . She was a goddesse honoured by the Romanes , when the whole cittie laboured of a disease called the squinancie , which is an inflammation or fierie heate of the Iawes , breeding a tumor in the throat , which suddainelie ( if not preuented ) suffocates and stoppes the passage of the breath : In this extremitie they offered many sacrifices to her . Her Sacreds and Festiualls were called Angeronalia . Her image was , with her finger laid vpon her lips . Pliny in his second booke thus speakes of her : Angerona , to whom the Romans vse to sacrifice , the thirteenth of the Calends of Ianuarie , hath her effigies in her Temple , with the mouth cloased or sealed vp .

Strabo . Atergatis . A goddesse honoured by the Syrians , so saith Strabo , That beyond Euphrates is the great citie Bambice ( whom some call Edessa , others Hierapolis ) in which Atergatis the Syrian goddesse hath diuine reuerence .

Drias , or Bona dea , was adored by the Roman Matrons , as also by the ordinarie women of lesse state and qualitie : Tibul. lib. 1. to whose sacrifices , no man could bee at any time admitted : of her Tibullus speakes , Sacra bonae maribus non adeunda deae .

Her name was Drias , the daughter , or ( as some will haue it ) the wife of Fannus , who was of that modest Temperance and Continencie , that she so much retyr'd her selfe from the sight of all men , that she neuer walked abroad , nor was at any time seene in publicke . A great aspertion and calumnie still liues vpon the Sepulchre of Pub. Claudius , a noble man of Rome , in that he was so impudent and irreligious , as to violate her rights and ceremonies ; For in her Temple ( as Iuuenall amongst others remember of him ) he adulterated Pompeia , the daughter of Quintus Pompeius , and niece to Sylla .

— Nota bonae secreta deae —

Bubona and Carna is the goddesse of oxen , and heards of cattell , all such she takes to her charge : but Carna was called Dea Cordinis , The goddesse of the henge or hooke , on which the doore or gate hangeth or mooueth . Ouid in his first booke de Fastis , thus writes : Prima dies tibi Carna datur dea cardinis haec est , Numine clausa aperit claudit aperta suo . The first dayes Carnaes ; She of doores , The goddesse is and guide : She by her power , ope's closed gates , And shuts such as stand wide .

The Antient writers affirme , that shee was held to haue predominance ouer the intrails , and all the interiour parts of man or woman : to whom they made their orisons , that shee would keepe and preserue their harts , liuer , lungs , and bowels , free from anguish and the disease of consumption . To her Brutus erected a Temple .

Dicè , and Deuerra . Dicè was one that had power ouer the Tribunall , or seat of iudgement : she had imployment in taking vp quarrells , ending strifes , compounding law-cases , and deciding all contentions whatsoeuer . Her ministers were called Dioastae , quasi litem diremptores , as much in our english tongue as if we should call them Peace-makers . Deuerra was a goddesse too , and held in reuerence , for no other reason than that she preserued them from ominous night-birds called Scopae .

Empanda . She had the charge of all such things as were negligentlie left open ; where she tooke the charge , it was held to be more safe than vnder locke and key .

Feronia . She is a goddesse of the wods memorated by Virgill in these words , — Et viridi gaudens Feronia luco , Feronia reioycing , and taking pleasure in the greene groaues .

Flora. She was first a strumpet in Rome , of extraordinarie fame , state , and beautie , who by her prostitution attain'd to such an infinite wealth , that she at her owne proper charge , not onelie repayred , but new built a great part of the walles of Rome . After her death , she constituted the people of Rome for her heire : for which bountie they caused her to be deified , and offered vnto her diuine honours . Her feasts were called Floralia . Of her Ouid thus speakes in his fifth booke Fastorum : Hunc mens impleuit generoso Flore maritus , Atque ait arbitrium tu dea Floris eris .

Tro and Thor. These are the names of a goddesse and a god , Saxo Gramat . spoken of in the historie of Saxo Gramatic●s .

Furina . Is the goddesse of theeues ; her sacrifices are kept in the night , as best affecting deedes of darkenes . The Etruscians call her the goddesse of lots , such as are drawne for the taking vp of controuersies .

Iuuen. Satyr. 8. Hippona , She hath the gouernment and protection of Horses , whom hostlers and groomes of stables haue in great adoration , her picture is still in the place where their horses stand : of her Iuuenall speakes in his eighth Satyre .

Horchia , is a goddesse worshipped in the cittie of Etruria , as the genius of the same place . From her the village by , called Horchianus , takes name .

Lauerna . She is ouer theeues , who make supplication to her for good and rich booties , as that she would charme the houshold with sleepe , keepe the dogges from barking , and the doore h●nges from creeking , to defend them from shame , Horac . epist. lib. 1. and keepe them from the gallowes . Horace in his first booke of Epistles , — Pulchra Lauerna Da mihi fallere , da sanctum iustumque videri .

Viz. Oh faire Lauerna , grant me that I may cosine and deceiue : but grant me withall that I may appeare to the world , a iust man , and an holy .

Mania was a goddesse , and mother of the Lares , or houshold gods , to whom children were vsed to be offered in sacrifice , for the safetie of their familiar friends that were in trauell by land or sea , or in any feare of danger . But Iunius Brutus in his consullship altered the propertie of that oblation , and changed the innocent liues and blood of infants , into the heads of garlicke and poppie , which serued in the stead thereof .

Medetrina , Mellonia , Mena , Murcea , &c.

Medetrina , she was the medicinall goddesse , and was called so à Medendo , she had power in the ministring of Physicke , her solemnities were called Medittinatia . So likewise Mellonia was thought to be goddesse and chiefe Patronesse of honie . Mena had predominance of some secrets belonging to women . Murcea , was she that was worshipped by such as were lazie , idle , and sloathfull .

Nundina . She was a goddesse amongst the Romans , taking her denomination of the ninth day , Macrobius . called ●ies Lustricus . In that day children had their names giuen them , as Macrobius relates , the males on the ninth day , the females on the eight day after their birth .

Pecunia likewise was numbred among their goddesses .

Pitho , Razenna , Robigo , Rumilia .

Pitho was thought to be the goddesse of eloquence : the Latines called her Suada .

Razenna , was one amongst the Etruscians , who was to rule in wedlocke , and marriages .

Robigo and Robigus were a two sex deitie , of whom the Romans were opinionated , that they could preserue their sheaues and vnthresht corne from being mustie or mouldie . Their festiualls were called Robigalia .

Rumilia , was the the protectresse of sucking infants , as ancient writers are of opinion : for Ruma signifies mamma , a dugge , and therefore sucking lambes are called Subrumi .

Runcina belongs to the gardens , and is said to be the goddesse of weeding ; her , the poore women weeders haue in great reuerence .

Seia , Segesta , Tutilina , &c.

Seia , the ancients report to bee the goddesse of sowing ; and Segesta had her name from the binding vp of the sheaues : both these had their Temples in Rome in the time of Pliny .

Tutilina and Tutanus were gods , so called of Tutando , preseruing , or keeping safe . Ennius calls them Aeuilernos and Aeuilogros , as much as , Euer liu'd , and euer in the perfectnes and strength of their age : because it was in full power and vigor , not subiect to mutabilitie or capable of alteration . In naming of gods , we may as well vse the feminine as the masculine , and the masculine as the feminine gender , as Virgill speaking of Venus .

Discendo & ducente deo Flammam inter & hostes , Expedior . Downe come I , and the god my guide , I make no stay , But boldlie through the enemy and fire I force my way .

Vacunadea , was Ladie and Gouernesse ouer those that were vacant and without businesse ; especiallie had in reuerence by swaines and husbandmen , who after the gathering of their haruest had a cessation from labour .

Vallonia was held to be the goddesse of vallyes .

Vitula Dea , had predominance ouer youthfull myrth and blandishments : For Vitulari was by the ancient grammarians taken for gaudere , to be glad or reioyce .

Volupta is held to be the goddesse of Pleasure .

Rhaea . This goddesse hath by the Poets allowed her a charriot drawne by foure Lyons , a Crowne vpon her head of Citties , Castles , and Towers ; and in her hand a golden Scepter . Priests could not offer at her Altar before they were guelded , which order was strictlie obserued in memorie of A●yos a beautifull Phrygian youth , and much beloued of Ceres , but would no wayes yeeld to her desires : because ( as he excused himselfe ) he had past a vow of perpetuall chastitie ; but after , not mindfull of his promise ( as Dorytheus Corinthius in his histories relates ) he comprest and defloured the nymph Sagaritides , of whom he begat Lydus and Tyrhenus . Lydus gaue name to Lydia , as Tyrhenus to Tyrhena . For this , the inraged goddesse stroke him with such furor and madnesse that he guelded himselfe , and after would haue cut his own throat , had not she commiserating his penitence , transformed him to a Pine tree , or as others will haue it , restored him to his sences , and made him one of her Eunuch priests . Nicander in Alexipharm . saith , her sacrifices were obserued euery new Moone with much tinckling of brasse , sound of Timbrels , and strange vociferation and clamours . Some fable , that Iupiter being asleepe , and dreaming , let that fall to the earth which may be called Filius ante patrem ; of which the earth conceiuing , produc'd a genius in an humane shape , but of a doubtfull sex , male and female , called Agdiste ; the gods cut off all that belonged to the masculine sex , and casting it away , out of that first grew the Almond tree , whose fruit the daughter of the flood Sangatius first tasting , and hiding part thereof in her bosome , as they wasted there and vanished , so she began to conceiue , and in time grew great , and brought forth a * * Cal'd Attis . Son , whom laying out in the wood , he was nurced by a goat , and fostred till he was able to shift for himselfe . As he grew in years , so he did in beautie , in so much that he exceeded the ordinarie feature of man : of him was Agdistes wondrously inamored , who when he should haue married with the daughter of the king of Pessinuntium , by the inter-comming of Agdiste , such a madnesse possest them both , that not only Attes , but his father in law likewise , caused their partes of generation to be cut quite away . Pausonias in Achaicis saith , that ( for his rare beauties sake ) Rhea selected Attes into her seruice , and made him her Priest . Those of that order were called Matragyrte , as either begging publikely , or going from house to house to demaund things necessarie for her Offerings : For the Greeke word Meter signifieth Mater or Mother , and Agartes , Prefigiator or Mendicus , a Iugler or Beggar . She was cald by diuerse names , as Proserpina , Isis , Cibile , Idaea , Berecinthia , Tellus , Rhaea , Vesta , Pandora , Phrigia , Pylena , Dindymena , and Pessinuntia ; sometimes of the places , sometimes of the causes . Rhaea bearing young Iupiter in her wombe , and ready to bee deliuered : knowing the predicted crueltie of Saturne , who commanded him to be slain , retired her selfe to Thaumasius a mountaine in Arcadia , fortified by Hoptodamus and his fellow giants , least Saturne should come with any forcible hostilitie to oppresse her : this mountaine was not farre distant from the hill Molossus , in a part of Lysia , where Iupiter was borne and Saturne there deluded ; into which place it is not lawfull for any man to enter , onely women . Lucian in Nigrino sayth , that the Phrygian pipe was onely sufficient to yeeld musicke to her sacrifices , for that was no sooner heard but they fell into a diuine rapture resembling madnesse : neither was the Pine onely sacred to her , but the Oake , De dijs lib. 3. as witnesseth Apollodorus . Euphorion attributes to her the Vine , because out of that wood her Effigies was alwaies cut . Argon . lib. 1. Appollonius left recorded , that the Milesian priests accustomed first to sacrifice to Taetia , and Cilaenus , and after to Rhaea , the mother of the gods , whose altars were deckt and adorned with Oaken bowes . By Rhaea is maent the earth , or that strength of the earth which is most pertinent and auailable in the generation of things : Shee is drawne in a chariot , because the globe of the earth hangs in the middle of the aire , without supporture , neither inclining or declining to one part or another , and that by nature . About her chariot are wilde beasts , the reason is , shee is the producter and nourisher of all creatures whatsoeuer . Deseruedly she weares a crowne of Towers and Turrets , being the queene and mistresse of so many Townes , Castles , and Cities . By the noyse of musicke and clamours at her sacrifices , is obserued the whistling and blustring of the windes , who are necessarie in all the affaires of nature , especially in heate and cold , bearing the showers and tempests too and fro vpon their wings , to make foule weather in one place , and a cleere skie in another . Her chariot is drawne with foure Lions , which imports those foure brothers which blow from the Orient , the Australl , the Occident , and the Septentrion ; these , are sayd to be her coach-steeds and hurrie her from place to place , because in generation they are much auailing : therefore as all things , as from a fountaine deriue their originall and beginning from her , she is most pertinently called Rhaea , à fluendo of flowing .

Isis or Io. She was the daughter of the flood Inachus : and as Andraetas Tinedius left written , was no better than a strumpet , who by sorcerie and witchcraft sought to attract the loue of Iupiter , in which businesse shee vsed the assistance of Iynx the daughter of Pan and Eccho , or ( as some will haue it ) of Suadela : this being discouered to Iuno , shee changed her into a bird which still beareth her name , Iynx , which is frequently vsed amongst witches in their sorceries and incantations : who because shee moueth her taile so much and so often , is by the Latines called * * A Wagtaile . Motasilla : from the intrailes of this bird , with other ingredients , was made a confection which ( they say ) Iason gaue to Medaea to inamourat her , in that expedition which he made to Colchos : this Iöne or Io by the cunning of Iynx , lay with Iupiter in a clowde , and after to conceale her from Iuno , hee transhapt her into a cowe : but this iugling being discouered by Iuno , shee begd her as a gift and gaue her in custodie to Argus the sonne of Aristor , whose hundered eyes Mercurie ( by the commaundement of Iupiter ) hauing charmed asleepe , he cut off his head and so slewe him . In these destractions , she past the Ionian sea , which from her beares the name ( though Theopompus and Archidamus rather are of opinion , that that Sea tooke his denomination from Ionius , an eminent man of Illyria ; ) from thence she came to Haemus , and transwafted thence to a gulfe of Thracia , which by her was called Bosphorus : There were two Bosphori , the one called Cimnerius , the other Thracius ( so much Prometheus speakes in his Escilus ) she past thence into Scythia , and traiecting many seas , that deuide , and run by Europe and Asia , came at length into Aegypt , and by the bankes of Nilus reassumed her humane shape : and this hapned neere the cittie Iaxe , so called of Io , after which she brought forth Epaphus ( as Strabo writes ) in a cauerne or denne Lib. 10. in Eubaea by the Aegean sea shore , which place is to this day called * * The Cow-house . Aula Bouis . That she past all these Seas in the shape of a Cow , the meaning is , that the ship wherein she sayled , had the image of a Cow carued vpon the sterne , and therefore was so called . By Argus with so many eyes , was intended Argus a wise and prouident king of the Argiues , whom Mercury hauing slaine , released her from his seruitude . After all her transmarine nauigations ( being the most beautifull of her time ) she was espoused to Apis , king of the Aegyptians : and by reason she taught them in that countrey the profitable vsurie arising from agriculture , was esteemed by them a goddesse , whose statue her son Aepaphus ( after he had builded Memphis the great cittie ) caused to be erected . Some more ingeniouslie and diuinelie withall , say that Isca , by which name the first woman and wife of Adam was called , imports no more than Isis , whom the Aegyptians honored as the great and most antient goddesse and mother of mankinde : for the Latines and Greekes corrupt the pronuntiation and aetimologie of the word , speaking Isis for Issa or Isca . Therefore as Isca is the wife of our great grandfather Adam , so by the auncient tradition of the Aegyptians Isis was the wife of Offidis whom the Latines call Osirides , transferring the Aegyptian Euphony , to their owne Idioma or proper forme of speech .

Ate. Ate whom some call Laesio , is the goddesse of Discord or Contention , and by Homer termed the daughter of Iupiter : Ate prisca proles quae le serit omnes Mortales . Ate the ancient offspring that hath hurt and harmed all Mankinde .

He calls her a certaine woman that to all men hath been obnoxious and perilous alluding ( no doubt ) to the parent of vs all Eue that first transgressed , and by some reliques of truth with which he was inlightned , for he sayth , Filia prima Iouis quaeque omnes perdidit Ate Perniciosa —

As much to say , Pernitious Ate the eldest daughter of Iupiter , who hath lost vs all . In another fable hee alludes to the same purpose , where he sayth , Iupiter notwithstanding he was the most wise of all mortalls , yet was in daies of old tempted and deceiued by his wife Iuno . And this Homer hath plainly deliuered , that the beginning of euill came first from a woman , and by her the wisest of men was beguiled . Hesiod . ( in his booke of Weekes and Daies ) is of the same opinion , and writes to the same purpose : but in another kind of fable , from the old tradition . For saith he , From Pandora , a woman of all creatures the fairest , and first created by the gods , all mischiefes whatsoeuer were disperst through the face of the whole earth . And though Palephatus in his fabulous narrations , and Pleiades Fulgentius in his Mythologicis otherwise interpret Pandora , yet Hesiodus is still constant in the same opinion , as may appeare in these verses : Namque prius vixere Homines , verum absque labore , Absque malis morboque grani tristique senecta : At mulier , rapto de poclo tegmine sparsit Omne mali genus , & morbos curasque molestas .

Which I thus interpret .

Man liu'd at first from tedious labours free , Not knowing ill , or grieuous maladie , Nor weake and sad old age : till woman mad Snatcht from the pot the couer which it had , Sprinkling thereby on mankind , euery ill , Trouble , disease , and care , which haunts vs still .

Therefore the same authour in his Theogonia ( as Cyrillus testifies in his third booke against Iulian , and in the beginning of the booke ) calls women Pulchrum malum , The faire euill .

Pandora . Of her thus brieflie ( the better to illustrat the former ) Hesiod tells vs : that Promaetheus vpon a time offered two oxen to Iupiter , and hauing separated the flesh of either from the bones ; in one of the skinnes including all the flesh without bones , in the other all the bones without any part of the flesh ; and artificiallie making them vp againe , bad Iupiter make choice of these , which he would haue imployed in his sacrifices , who chused that with the bones ; and taking it in great rage to be thus deluded , he to be reuenged , tooke away all fire from the earth , thereby to inflict the greater punishment vpon mankind : But Prometheus by the assistance of Minerua , ascended heauen , and with a dryed cane or reed , Carm. lib. 1. kindled at the chariot of the sunne ( vnknowne to Iupiter ) brought fire downe againe vpon the earth , which Horace expresseth in these words .

Audax Iapeti Genus , Ignem fraude mala gentibus intulit . The bold issue of Iapetus , By his bad fraud brought fire againe among the Nations .

This when Iupiter vnderstood , he instantlie commanded Vulcan to fashion a woman out of clay , who being the most subtle and best furnisht with all kind of arts ( so indued by the gods ) was therefore called Pandora . Pausonias tearmes her the first created of that sex ; In At ticis . she was by Iupiter sent to Prometheus with all the mischiefes that are , included in a boxe ; which he denying , she gaue it to Epimetheus ; who taking off the couer or lid , and perceiuing all these euills and disasters to rush out at once , he scarce had time to shut it againe , and keepe in Hope , which was lowest and in the bottome . The purpose of the Poets in this , as I can guesse , is , that since Pandora , signifies all arts , all sciences , all gifts , it imports thus much for our better vnderstanding , That there is no mischiefe or euill happens to man , which proceedes not from a voluptuous life , which hath all the arts to her ministers and seruants : for from them kings were first instituted and raised to their honoures , by them were plots , stratagems , supplantations , and dangerous innouations attempted ; with them grew emulation and enuie , discord and contention , thefts , spoiles , warres , slaughters , with all the troubles , cares , vexations , and inconueniences belonging and heriditarie to mankinde .

Of the Marine Goddesses .

IN these as in the former I will studie to auoid all prolixitie , because I am yet but at the start of the race , and measure in my thoughts , the tediousnesse of the way I am to run before I can attaine the goale intended ; and therefore thus desperatly from the Earth , I leape into the Sea , direct me ô ye marine goddesses , and Ampehitrite first .

AMPHITRITE .

IVpiter hauing expelled Saturne from his kingdome , by the helpe of his brothers , Neptune and Pluto , and hauing cast lotts for the tripartite Empire ; the Heauen fell to Iupiter , Hell to Pluto , and the Sea with all isles adiacent to Neptune , who solicited the loue of Amphitrite , but shee not willing to condescend to his amorous purpose , hee imployed a Dolphin to negotiate in his behalfe , who dealt so well in the businesse , that they were not only reconsiled , but soone after married . For which , in the perpetuall memorie of so great and good an office done to him , he placed him amongst the starres , not farre from Capricorne , as Higinus hath left remembred in his Fables , and Aratus in his Astronomicks : others contend that Venilia was the wife of Neptune : but notwithstanding his loue to , and marriage with Amphitrite , he had many children by other Nimphes , Goddesses , and wantons . Of Lyba he begot Phaenix , Betus , and Agenor : of Cataeno , Cataenus : of Amimone , Nauplius ; of Pylanes , ( of whom a citie of Lacoonia bears name ) Auadne , & Aone , from whom the prouince of Aonia takes his denomination ; Phaenix that gaue the name to Phaenicia ; and Athon , of whom the Mountaine is so called : as also Pheaces , from whence Pheacia ( now called Corcyrus ) is deriued ; Dorus , that giues name to the Dorij ; and of Laides , the daughter of Otus , Althepus ; by Astipataea he had Periclimenus , and Erginus ; by Alceone the daughter of Atlas , Anathamus , Anthas , and Hyperetes ; by whom certaine cities amongst the Trezenians were erected , and from them tooke their name . Of Arne hee had Boeotus : of Alope the daughter of Certion , Hippothous : of Ceclusa , Asopus : of Brilles , Orion . He begot the Tritons , one of Celaene , the other of Amphitrite : of Tyrbo , Palaemon and Neleus : of Molio , Creatus , and Eurithus ; of Crisigone , the daughter of Almus , Minya ; of Melantho , Delphus : of Calirhoe , Minius ; of Venus , Erix : of Alistra , Ogigus : of Hippothoe , Taphius : he had one Cygnus by Caces ; another by Scamandrodices , by Tritogenia , the daughter of Aeolus ; Minyas of the Nimph Midaea : Aspledones of Cleodora : Pernasus of Mecio●tica ( to whome , as Asclepeades relates , hee granted a Boone that shee should walke as firmely and stedfastly vpon the water as the land ) Euripilus , and Euphemus : Besides these he had another Euphemus that was steers-man in the Argo , when all the braue Heroes of Greece made their expedition for the golden fleece . As also Amicis , Albion , Aello , Antheus , Amphimanus , Aethusa , Aon , Alebius , Dercilus , Neleus , Peleus , and Astraeus , who ignorantly hauing beene incestious with his sister Alcyppa , and the next day their neerenesse of blood and affinitie being knowne to him by a ring , hee cast himselfe headlong into a riuer and was drowned ; which riuer as Leo Bizantius writes , was first from him called Astraeus ; Lib. 3. de Fluminib . and after , Caius , of Caicus the sonne of Mercury and Ocirhoe : moreouer these were his children , Actorion , Borgeon , Brontes , Busyris , Certion , Crocon , Cromos , Crysaos , Cencreus , Chrisogenaea , Chius , Dorus , Euphemus , Ircaeus , Lelex , Lamia the Prophetesse , and Sibilla , Hallerhoitius , Laestrigone , Megaraeus , Mesapus , Ephialtes , Nictaeus , Melion , Nausithous , Othus , Occipite , Poliphemus , Piracmon , Phorcus , Pelasgus , Phaeax , Pegasus , Phocus , Onchestus , Peratus , Siculus , Sicanus , Steropes , Farus , Theseus , Hiretus , and others infinite , besides fourescore whose names are remembred : there are others scarce to be numbered , for as Zetzes sayth in his Historie , Elatos animo enim omnes , & omnes strenuos , Hist. 51. chil. 2. Filios & amicos dicunt & amatos à Neptuno .

All that are high minded , and strong men , were esteemed as the sonnes and friends and beloued of Neptune . Amphitrite , signifies nothing else , but the bodie and matter of all that moyst humor which is earth aboue , belowe , or within the earth , and for that cause she is called the wife of Neptune : Euripides in Ciclope , In Ciclop . In Agronaut . takes her for the substance of water it selfe , Orpheus calls her Glauca and Piscosa , that is blew and full of fish , being attributes belonging solely to the goddesse of the Sea . And by the Dolphines soliciting the loue of Neptune to Amphitrite , and reconciling them , is meant nothing else but to illustrate to vs , That of all the fishes that belong to the sea he is the swiftest , the most actiue , and apprehensiue .

THETIS or TETHIES .

In Theog . HEsiod calls her the wife of Oceanus , who is stiled the father of all the floods , creatures , and gods : because ( as Orpheus , Thales , and others are of opinion ) all things that are bred and borne , haue need of humor , without which nothing can be begot or made corruptible . Isacius hath left recorded , that besides her hee had two wiues , Partenope , and Pampholige ; by Partenope hee had two daughters , Asia , and Libia : by Pampholige , Europa , and Thracia : and besides them , three thousand other children , for so many Hesiod numbers in his Theogonia . This Thetis was the daughter of the earth and heauen , and therefore as Oceanus is called the father of the gods , so is shee esteemed as the mother of the goddesses . Epicharmus calls one Thetis the daughter of Chiron the Centaure : and Homer in his hymne to Apollo , In Hebes nupt. In Anax. the child of Nereus , which Rhodius confirmes , as also Euripides in Iphigenia and in Aulide : she was the wife of Peleus , and of all women liuing the most beautiful , of whom Apollodorus thus speakes , They say Iupiter and Neptune contended about her nuptials , but she not willing to incline to Iupiter , because she was educated by Iuno , therefore he in his rage allotted her to be the bride of a mortall man . Homer writes that she was angerie , being a marine goddesse to bee the wife of a man , therefore to auoid his imbraces , she shifted her selfe into sundrie shapes and figures : but Peleus being aduised by Chiron , notwithstanding all her transformations ( as into fire , into a Lion , and others ) neuer to let goe his hold till she returned into her owne naturall forme , in which he vitiated her , and of her begot Achilles : the last shape she tooke vpon her was of a Sepia , which is a fish called a Cuttle , whose blood is as blacke as ynke , now because this was done in Magnesia , a citie of Thessaly , the place ( as Zertzes in his historie records ) is called Sepias : Hist. 46. Chil. 2. In prin. rer. Aeginitarum . Pithenatus and others say that she was not compelled or forced to the mariage of Pelius , but that it was solemnised in the mountaine Pelius with her full and free consent , where all the gods and goddesses , sauing Discord , were present , and offered at the wedding , for such hath been the custome from antiquitie ; Pluto gaue a rich Smaragd , Neptune two gallant steeds , Xanthus and Ballia ; Vulcan a knife with an haft richly carued , and some one thing some another . By Peleus shee had more sonnes than Achilles , which euerie night she vsed to hide beneath the fire , that what was mortall in them might bee consumed : by which they all died saue Achilles , who was preserued by being in the daytime annointed with Ambrosia : therfore ( as Amestor in his Epithalamium vpon Thetis espousals relates ) hee was called Piresous , as preserued from the fire , additur hinc nomen Pireso●s . She was the sister of Titan , and brought foorth Ephire ( who was after married to Epimetheus ) and Pleione , Lib. 5. who as Ouid relates in his booke de Fastis , was the wife of Atlas . These are likewise numbered amongst the daughters of Oceanus and Thetis , Acaste , Admete , Asia ( that gaue name to a part of the world , till now called Asia ) Climene , Idyia , Ephire , Eudora , Eurinome , Ianira , Liriope , Melobois , Metis , Plexame , Prinino , Rhodia , Thea , Thoe , Tiche , Xanthe , Ze●xo , Clitie , who was beloued of Apollo , but being iealous of his affection to Leucothoe , she had discouered it to her father Orchamus ; Apollo therefore left her : in griefe of which she vowed an abstinence from all sustenance whatsoeuer , onely with fixt eyes still gazing vpon the course of the Sunne ; which the gods commiserating , changed her into an Heliotropian , which is called the Suns flower , which still inclines to what part soeuer he makes his progresse . But whether shee be Tethies or Thetis she is no other than the reputed goddesse of the Sea : her name importing that huge masse of water or element ( as Virgill in his Pollio sayth ) necessarie to the generation of all creatures whatsoeuer . Towards the East shee is called Indica , towards the West Atlantica , where she diuides Spaine and Mauritania : towards the North Pontica and Glaciatis , as likewise Rubra , and Aethopica , for so Strabo relates , as also Rhianus in the nauigation of Hanno the Carthagenian . Stiphilus in his booke de Thessalia hath bequeathed to memorie , That Chiron a wise and skilfull Astrologian , to make Peleus the more famous , consulted with the daughter of Acloris and Mirmid●n , and betwixt them published abroad that he by the consent of Iupiter , She was called Philomela . should match with the goddesse Thetis , to whose nuptialls all the gods came in great showers and tempests ( for he had obserued a time when he knew great store of raine would fal ) and from that the rumor first grew , That Peleus had married Thetis . But Dailochus and Pherceides report , that Peleus hauing purged himselfe of the murder of his brother Phochus , murdered Antigone : others say that he first tooke Antigone , and after her death , Thetis ; & that Chiron being an excellent Chyrurgeon , was so called for the lightnesse and dexteritie of hand ( which is an exellent gift in the searching and dressing of wounds , in any of that profession . ) Apollodorus saith , that Thetis after many windings , turnings , and transhapes , to prese●ue her virginitie , was at length comprest by Iupiter . The Nimphes called Dorides were her ministers and handmaides .

NEREIDES .

THey were the daughters of Nereus and Doris ; he is sayd by Hesiod . to be the sonne of Oceanus and Thetis , he is stiled a prophet or south-sayer , who as Horace tells , did predict to Paris all the calamities that were to succeed at Troy . Apollonius tells vs that his cheife mansion or place of residence is in the Aegean sea . The fame is , that Hercules being sent to fetch the golden apples of the Hesperides , and not knowing where abouts they grew , went to the nymphs that dwell by the bankes of Eridamus , to be resolued by them : they sent him to demaund of Nereus who thinking to delude him by shifting himselfe into sundrie shapes , was notwithstanding held so fast by Hercules , that hee was forced to assume his owne forme againe , and tell him ; for so Orpheus in his Argonauticis informes vs . He is sayd to haue a principalitie in the Sea , to be delighted in the companie of nymphs and damosells ; as also to be the beginning and end of waters ; of whom Orpheus in one of his hymnes thus sings : Tu fundamen aquae tu terrae Finis , & Idem Principium es cunctis .

Euripides in one of his Tragedies , sayth he was educated and nourced by the waters , and calls him the father of the Nereides . He had daughters by Doris , the nymphs Halia , Spio , Pasitaea , and Lygaea ; Hesiod in his Theogonia reckons of them to the number of fiftie . Doris was the sister of Nereus ; Horace and others describe her with greene haire . Theocritus in Thessalijs , sayth that the birds called Halciones were to them most gratefull : some say that they vse to daunce and reuell in the waters , & play about the chariot of Triton , as nimbly as fishes . Homer in his Iliades reckons of that ranke , Glauce , Thalia , Cymodoce , Nesea , Spio , Thoe , Halie , Cymothoe , Actae , Melite , Agane , Amphithoe , Iaere , Doto , Proto , Pherusa , Dinamione , Doris , Amphinome , Panope , Callianira , Dexamine , Galataea , Amathaea , Callianassa , Climine , Ianira , Ianassa , Mera , Orithia . Hesiod besides these reckons vp Eucrate , Sao , Eudore , Galene , Glauce , Pasithaea , Erato , Eunice , Doro , Pherusa , Nesaee , Protomedeae , Doris , Panope , Hyppothoe , Hypponoe , Cymatolege , Cimo , Eione , Halimeda , Glanconome , Panto , Pautopenia , Liagore , Euagore , Laomedala , Polinome , Antonoe , Lasianassa , Euarne , Psamathe , Menippe , Neso , Eupompe , Themito , Pronoe , Nemertes . Apollodorus Atheniensis adds to these , Glaneothoe , Nonsithoe , Halia , Pione , Plesrure , Calipso , Cranto , Neomeris , Deianeira , Polinoe , Melie , Dione , Isaea , Dero , Eumolpe , Ione , Ceto , Limnoraea , and all these are held to be most beautiful : it is therfore thus fabled , That Cassiope wife to Cepheus king of Aethiopia , gloried so much in her beautie that she held herself to be the fairest woman in the world ; and did not onely compare , but preferre herselfe before the nymphs called Nereides : for which , their indignation was kindled against her , and in that high measure , that they sent into those seas a Whale of an incredible greatnesse ; the people consulting with the Oracle , how to appease the goddesses and free themselues from the monster ; answere was returned , That it could not bee done , but by exposing their onely daughter Andromeda , fast bound to a rocke that ouerlooked the sea , to bee a prey to the sea Whale ; but she was thence released by the vertue of Perseus : and Cassiope by his meanes ( as a perpetuall example that all such rashenesse ought to be auoided ) translated amongst the starres , for so much Arataeus hath left to memorie in certaine verses interpreted by Cicero .

This Nerius is for no other reason said to be the sonne of Oceanus and Tethis , than to denote vnto vs the counsell , iudgement , and cunning , in guiding and directing ships by sea ; and therefore to haue many daughters , which are nothing but inuentions , new deuises , stratagems , and changes belonging to nauigation . He is therefore said to be a Prophet , because in all arts and disciplines , there is a kind of knowledge , by which we foresee and diuine of things to come : for he is held no skilfull nauigator , that cannot foretell by the weather , the changes of winds , and certaine signes of tempests , thereby to vse preuention against them before they suddainelie come . Hee is also said to change himselfe into many figures , to giue vs to vnderstand , that it is the part of a knowing and vnderstanding man to arme himselfe against all chances and varietie of things whatsoeuer . It is therefore required of such a man , to vse prouidence and care in all his affaires and actions , and not to accuse the gods if any thing sinisterlie happen vnto him through his owne temeritie and rashnes ; since with a prudent and well gouerned man , their helpe and assistance is alwayes present .

The daughters of TRITON .

A Cesander calls Triton the sonne of Neptune . Numenius in his booke de piscatoribus , deriues him from Oceanus and Tethis . Lycaphron in those verses wherein he tells of a cup presented vnto him by Medea , calls him the sonne of Nereus . The Poets ascribe to him the inuention of the trumpet , and that it was first vsed in the Gigomantichia , the great battaile betwixt the gods and the gyants : for in the midst of the skirmish , when the euent of the battaile grew doubtfull , Triton blew so shrill a blast , that the gyants thinking it had been the voyce of fome dreadfull and vnknowne monster that vndertooke the party of the gods , turn'd their backes and fled ; by which accident they obtained a more suddaine and safe victorie . Pausonias calls Tritia the daughter of Triton , who was at first one of Mineruaes priests , who being comprest by Mars , brought foorth Menalippus , but that he had more than her , I haue not read .

Ino. She was the daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia , who with her sonne Melicerta , were entertained into the number of the Sea-gods ; he , by the name of Palaemon ; she , of Leucothea : both these are said to haue predominance ouer saylers , and power in nauigation . That she cast her selfe headlong into the Sea , I haue before related in the tractat of Iuno . She was a stepmother , and so prosecuted the children of Nephetes , that she would haue sacrificed one of them to the gods ; for which ( as Polizelus saith ) her husband Athanas did prosecute her with such rage , that flying to Gerania ( a mountaine amongst the Megarenses ) from a rocke called Maturides she cast her selfe with her son into the sea ; and of the same opinion is Pausonias : some thinke it hapned at the same time that the Nereides were dancing there , and that his bodie was transported by the waues to Sisiphus , from Exhaenuntia where the Ithnian pastimes were first celebrated to his remembrance . They of the cittie Megera affirme , her bodie to be cast vpon their shore , and by Cleso and Tauropolis , the daughters of Cleson , tooke vp and buryed . She was afterwards called Matuta , as Cicero in his Tuscal . disputations saith , Ino the daughter of Cadmus , Is she not called by the Greekes Leucotoe , and by vs Latines Matuta . And that she is taken for the morning , is manifest by Lucretius , lib. 5. Pausan in his Messanaicis saith , that she was first named Leucotoe in a small village not farre from the cittie Corone , and that she had clemencie in the securing and preseruing of ships , and pacifying the violent and troubled billowes of the Ocean - Palaemon is also called Portunus , or the Key-carrier ( as one that keepes a key of all the ports and hauens , to exclude and keepe out all forreine enemies ) and the sonne of Matuta , or the Morning ; in that time commonly the winds begin to breath and rise with the departing of night , and because that from the land they rush vpon the waters , they are therefore said to cast themselues head-long into the sea ; for the morning is the most certaine interpreter either of succeeding winds and tempests , or of the countenance of a sereane sky and faire weather . Strabo calls Glaucus the sonne of Anthedon , a Boeotian ; but Theophrastus will haue him the issue of Polybus the sonne of Mercury and Euboea : Promathidas Heraclaeota , deriues him from Phorbus and the nymph Pampaea , borne in Anthedon , a famous cittie of Boetia : Thelytus Methimnaeus in his Bacchik numbers , brings his progenie from Nopaeus . Epicus in one of his Hymnes , from Euanthes the sonne of Neptune and Maedis . He is said to haue rauisht Syma , the daughter of Iclemis and Doris , and to haue transported her into Asia : and was after marryed to Hidua , the daughter of Sydnus Scioneus , one that vsed to diue and fetch things vp from the bottome . But of his issue there is nothing left remembred . It is commented of him , that being a fisherman , and hauing taken more fishes that he could carrie vpon his backe with ease , and laying downe his burden to rest him by the shoare , there grew an hearbe which the dead fishes no sooner touched or tasted , but they instantlie recouered life , and one by one leapt into the sea : hee by tasting the same hearbe to prooue the vertue thereof , was forced to leape after them , and so was made a Sea-god . Others are of opinion , that wearied with the tediousnesse of his age , he willing lie drowned himselfe .

The wiues and daughters of PROTEVS .

ZEtzes in his foure and fortith historie , calls Proteus , the sonne of Neptune and the nymph Phenica ; who trauelling from Aegypt into Phlegra , there tooke to wife Torone , by whom he had three sonnes , Toronus , Timilus , and Telegonus , all wicked and bloody minded men , who for their crueltie perisht by the hands of Hercules . Aeuripides speakes of one Psamethes , a second wife , by whom he had Theonoe and Theolymenus . He had moreouer these daughters , Cauera , Rhetia , and Idothaea . This was she that when Menelaus doubted of his returne into his countrey ( hauing soiourned somewhat long in Aegypt ) counselled him to apparrell himselfe and his followers in the fresh skinnes of Porposes , and counterfeit themselues to sleepe amongst these Sea-cattle , and that about the heat of the day , at what time Proteus vsed to come out of the deepes vpon the dry land , and there take a nappe with his Porposes , then to catch fast hold on him sleeping : & notwithstanding all his changeable shapes and figures , not to dismisse him , till he had reduc't himselfe to his owne natural forme , and then he would predict to him whatsoeuer was to come . This counsell giuen by Idothaea , Homer excellentlie expresseth in his fourth booke of his Odissaea . It is said of him that he could change himselfe sometimes into water , and againe to fire , to wild beasts , birds , trees , or serpents , &c. Neither did this mutabilitie of shape belong to him onelie ; for we reade the like of Thetis and Mestra , or Metre the daughter of Ereficthon the Thessalian . Periclimenus the sonne of Neleus and Polymela , and brother of Nestor , obtained the same gift of Neptune : of him Euphorion and Hesiod speaks more at large . Empusa is remembred by Aristophanes to haue the same facultie and dexteritie in changing her shape : so likewise Epicharmus .

Empusa planta , bos fit , atque vipera , Lapisque musca , pulchra & illa femina : Quicquid cupit vel denique ille conferat . Empusa is made a plant , an oxe , a viper , A stone , a flye , and a faire woman too : What she desires , that she doth still resemble .

The Poets ( in these changing of shapes , and turning themselues into so many sundry sorts of creatures ) importing nothing else , but the wisedome of such persons who haue searcht into the hidden mysteries of Philosophy , and acquired the natures and properties of water , fire , hearbes , trees , and plants , beasts , birds , and serpents ; in which being perfect , they may be ( and not altogether vnproperlie ) said to change themselues into the similitudes of so many creatures .

The daughters of PHORCIS .

THis Phorcis , whom the Latines call Phorcus , was the sonne of Terra and Pontus , the Earth and the Sea , as Hesiod in his Theogonia makes him : But Varro will haue him to be the issue of Neptune , and the Nymph Thosea . He had besides those daughters begot one Ceto , the Phorcidae , namelie , the Gorgons ; and Thoosa , who lay with Neptune and brought forth the Ciclops Poliphemus , as Homer witnesseth . He is cald also the father of the serpent that kept the Hesperides , by Hesiod . But I will forbeare the rest , to speake something of his daughter Medusa .

Medusa . She for her lust and immoderate appetite to inchastitie , incurred the ire of the gods , being so impudent , as to suffer the imbraces of Neptune in the Temple of Minerua . There were diuers of that name , one the daughter of Priam , another of Sthenelus and Nicippe . Pausanias in Corinthiacis calls her the daughter of Phorbus ; others , of a sea monster , which I take to be Phorcus before mentioned . Minerua , for the prophanation of her Temple being grieuouslie incenst , thought to punish her in those haires which a little before were so wondrous pleasing to Neptune , and turned them into hissing and crawling snakes ; giuing her this power , that whosoeuer gased vpon her face , should be in the instant conuerted into stone . Isacius is of opinion , that that was not the cause of her calamitie , but relates it another way ; That Medusa was of Pisidia , and the fairest of all women , who glorying in her feature , but especiallie the beautie of her haire , dared to contend with Pallas ; which arrogant impudencie the goddesse heinouslie taking , her haire ( in which she so ambitiouslie gloried ) she changed into filthie and terrible snakes , and then gaue her that killing look before mentioned ; but pittying at length so generall a mischiefe , incident to mortall men by that meanes , she sent Perseus the sonne of Iupiter and Danae ( or rather as some will haue it , he was imployed by Polydectes , king of the Seriphians ) to cut off her head : who hauing before receiued a hooked skeyne called Harpe , from Mercury , and a shield from Pallas , came to the fenne called Tritonides , amongst whose inhabitants she exercised her mischiefe ; and first approaching Pephredo and Aenio , two of the Phorcidae and of the Gorgonian sisterhood , who were old and wrinckled croanes from their natiuitie , they had betwixt them but one eye and one tooth , which they did vse by turnes ; and when they went abroad , or when they had no occasion to imploy them , layde them vp in a casket , for so Ascilus relates . He borrowed of them that eye and tooth : neither of which he would restore till they had brought him to the nymphes with winged shooes , which taking from them , and being armed with the Helmet of Pluto , the sword of Mercury , and the mirrour of Pallas , he fled to Tartessus , a cittie of Iberiae where the Gorgons then inhabited ; whose heads crawled with adders , whose teeth were like the tuskes of a boare , their hands of brasse , and their wings of gold ; and there arriuing , found them asleepe , and spying her head in Mineruaes glasse , in which he still looked , it directed him so , that at one blow he cut it off , out of whose blood Pegasus sprung forth . The other two sisters , Sthumo and Aeuryale , awaking , and this seeing , with the lowde hissing of these innumerable snakes , made a noyse most dreadfull and horrible : From whence Pallas first deuised the pipe with many heads . The forme and shape of these Phorcidae , In Scuto . Hesiod elegantlie describes . Crisaor and Pegasus were begot of the blood dropping from Medusaes head , as Apollonius Rhodius writes in his building of Alexandria . The Gorgons were called Graee , as Zetzes explicates in his twenty two historie . Chil. 2. Menander in his booke de Misterijs , numbers Scilla amongst these Gorgons , and that they inhabited the Doracian Islands , scituate in the Aethiopick sea , which some call Gorgades , of whom they tooke the names of Gorgones . Nimphodorus in his third booke of Histories , and Theopompus in his seauenteenth , affirme their guirdles to bee of wreathed vipers : so likewise Polemo in his booke to Adaeus and Antigonus . The occasion of these fictions are next to be inquired after . By these Graee the daughters of Sea monsters is apprehended , Knowledge , and such Wisedome as is attained too by Experience . They are said to haue but one eye , which they vsed when they went abroad , because Prudence is not so altogether necessarie to those that stay within , and solely apply themselues to domesticke affaires ; as to such as looke into the world , and search after difficulties . Of this Wisedome , or these Graee ( not impertinentlie called the sisters of the Gorgons ) is meant the pleasures and vaine blandishments of the world , with the dangers that appertaine to the life of man : from either of which , no man without the counsell of Wisedome can acquit himselfe : Therefore is Perseus said to ouercome the Gorgons , not without the Helmet of Pluto , the eye of the Graee , the sword of Mercury , and the mirror of Pallas ; all which who shall vse aright , shall prooue himselfe to be Perseus , the friend and sonne of Iupiter .

SCILLA and CHARIBDIS .

A Cusilaus and Appollonius , both nominate Scilla to be the daugther of Phorcia and Hecate : Char. in Cathen . but Homer , that her mothers name was Crataeis . Chariclides calls her the issue of Phorbantes and Hecate : Stesichorus , of Lamia : Tymeus tearmes her the daughter of the flood Cratus . Histor. lib. 21. Pausanias in Atticis , and Strabo in lib. 8. agree that this Scilla was the daughter of Nysus , King of the Megarenses , who surprised with the loue of King Mynos , stole from her fathers head that purple locke in which consisted the safetie of his owne life and kingdome . The Athenians hauing inuaded his dominion , and ceised many of his townes , and wasted the greatest part of his countrey by their fierce and bloody incursions , they at length besieged him in the cittie Nysaea . Some are of opinion that Nisus incensed with the foulenes of that treason , caused her to be cast into the sea , where she was turned into a sea-monster . Pausanias auers , that she was neither changed into a bird , nor a monster of the sea , nor betrayde her father , nor was marryed to Nisus , as he had before promist her ; but that hauing surprised Nisaea , he caused her to be precipitated into the sea , whose body tost too and fro by the waues of the Ocean , till it was transported as farre as the Promontorie called Scylaea , where her bodie lay so long vpon the continent vnburyed , till it was deuoured by the sea-fowles : this gaue place to that fable in Ouid : Filia purpureum Nisi furata capillum , Puppe cadens nauis facta refertur auis . 'T is said , the daughter hauing stolne her fathers purple Haire , Falls from the hin-decke of the ship , and thence sores through the Aire .

Zenodorus saith , that she was hanged at the stearne of Minos his ship , and so dragged through the waters till she dyed : and that Scylla the daughter of Phorcus was a damsell of imcomparable beautie , and vitiated by Neptune , which knowne to Amphitrite , she cast such an inuenomous confection into the fountaine where she accustomed to bath her selfe , that it cast her into such a madnesse that she drowned her selfe . Of his mind is Miro Prianaeus in his first booke Rerum Messanicarum . Others imagine , that she had mutuall consocietie with Glaucus the sea god , which Circe ( who was before inamoured of him ) vnderstanding , she sprinkled the well wherein she vse to laue her selfe with such venomous iuice , that from her wast downewards she was translated into diuers monstrous shapes ; which as Zenodotus Cyrenaeus saith , was the occasion of the fable commented vpon her . Isacius thus describes her deformitie ; She had six heads , the one of a canker-worme , the other of a dogge , a third of a Lyon , a fourth of a Gorgon , a fift of a whirle-poole or a whale , the sixt of a woman . Homer in his Odissaees describes her with six heads , and twelue feet , euery head hauing three order of teeth . Virgill in Sileno saith , that all ships were wrackt and deuoured by those dugges that grew beneath her nauell .

Charibdis . She was likewise a most deuouring woman , who hauing stolne many oxen from Hercules , which he before had taken from Gerion , was by Iupiter stroke with a thunderbolt , and so transformed into that monster of the sea ; others contest , that she was slayne by Hercules , and after so transhapt : of these diuers are diuerslie opinionated . Strabo saith , that Homer imagined the vehement flux and reflux of that sea about the concaues of those rockes made so terrible a noyse , that therefore the Poets fabulated , that in her sides , and about her interiour parts were the barkings of dogs continuallie heard . Isacius writes , that Scilla is a proeminent promontorie ouer against Rhegium in Sicilie , hanging ouer the sea , vnder which are many huge and massie stones hollowed by the billowes , in whose concauities many sea-monsters inhabit , and when there is shipping in those parts amongst those rockes and shelues , they are either swallowed by Charibdis or Scylla . Charibdis being scituate directlie against Messana , and Scilla against Rhegium : they are therefore said to be women , because a far off these promontories appeare as it were in a feminine shape , what fleete soeuer by the tides and tempests was forc'd vpon Charibdis , were there shipwrackt , & such as by Charibdis were tost on the rocks of Scilla were there swallowed . In which fable is included the nature of Vertue and Vice . No man but in the progresse of his life sailes betwixt these two quickfands : if he incline to one hand more than the other , he is either swallowed by Scilla , or deuoured by Charibdis . What else doth this signifie , but that which Aristotle in his Aethicks illustrates , Vertue , which is the medium betwixt two extreames ? both which are to be auoided , and the middle , wherein is safetie to be imbraced : for mans life is nothing else but a continuall nauigation betwixt diuers molestations of one hand , and tempting and vnlawfull pleasures on the other ; both which are comprehended in these Syrtes , or places of certaine destruction . For Scilla is so called à spoliando , or repando ; of spoyling or grieuing ; And Charibdis of sucking vp and swallowing ; betwixt which two dangerous , and almost ineuitable gulfes , a vertuous and pious man shall in the greatest stormes and tempests ( neither inclining to the right , nor the left ) securelie , and with great safetie attaine vnto his wished harbour . Moreouer , where Scilla is said to be transhapt into this monster , by Circe , being so faire and beautifull a creature , What is it but to demonstrate vnto vs , that all such as digresse from reason , and the true institution of good life and manners , doe withall put on a bestiall and brutish shape , since Circe imports nothing els than a wanton tillation , inciting vs to immoderate and vnlawfull lusts and pleasures : and so much I guesse was intended by the Poets in these fables of Scilla and Charibdis .

The Goddesses of the Hills , Woods , Groues , and Trees .

Hydriades , Nimphs belonging to the riuers and wells . IT is commemorated by Plato , in certaine of his verses , that the Hydriades and Hamadriades much delighted in the musick of Pan , who was the god of sheapheards , and that they vsed to daunce about him ; the first beginning of the harmony which came from the pipe being inuented by him and made from his loue the nymph Syrinx , by Ladon changed into a reed , the manner was thus as Ouid manifests : Lib. 1. Metam . Syrinx one of Diana's traine , The tale of Pan and Syrinx Chacing with her ore the plaine : Arm'd alike with shafe and bowe , Each from other would you know ? Which is which cannot be told , Saue ones was horne the t'other gold . Pan he sees , himselfe makes fine : In his cap he prickes a pine , Now growes carelesse of his heard , Sits by brookes to pr●●e his beard , Meetes her and hath mind to w●● , Much be speakes , but more would doo . Still his profers , she denies , He pursues , and Syrinx flies . Past her kness her coat vp flew , Pan would faine see something newe , By the legge and knee he guest ( 't seemes ) the beautie of the rest : Wings it adds vnto his pace , Now the goale he hath in chase . She addes further to his speed , Now it is no more than neede , Almost caught , Alas ( she cries ) Some chast god my shape disguise . * * A Riuer of Arcadia compassing in the Fenne where the reeds first grew . Ladon heares , and girtes her round , Spies a reede to make sweete sound , Such is Syrinx : wondering Pan Puts it to his pipe anon : Syrinx thou art mine he sayd , So of her his first pipe made .

Isaciu● saith that the nymph Eccho was beloued of him , and that by her hee had a daughter called Iringes , she that to Medea brought the loue potion which she presented to Iason : but of Pan and Syrinx Ouid thus speakes , Panaquae cam preusam sibi iam Syringa put●ret Corpore pro nymphae calamos tennisse palustres . Pan ( flying Syrinx ) when he thought To haue catcht about the wast , Steed of the nymphes faire bodie , he The fennie reeds imbrac't .

Which reedes being shaken by the winde , making a kinde of melodie , of these he made his first pipe , which he called after her name . Of the Satyres , Silaeni , Fauni , and Siluani , memorable things haue beene recorded , but all being masculine , they belong not to this historie in hand : therefore I purposely omit them and and proceed to our Terrene goddesses , and of them briefely .

OREADES .

THese because they were bread vpon the Hills and Mountaines were sayd to haue a dominion and diuine gouernement ouer them . Strabo calls them the daughters of Phoroneus and Hecataea , but Horace in his Iliades , will haue them the issue of Iupiter and Oristrade : some hold them to be but fiue in number , but Virgill numbers them to bee many , and companions with Diana in her hunting .

— Quam mille secutae Hinc atque hinc glomerantur Oreades .

Viz. Such as attend Diana ouer the banks of Eurora , and ouer the mountains of Cinthus , a thousand of the Oreades in her companie heare and there shining : M●asaea Patarentis hath bequeathed to memorie , that these were the first that obserued absteined from eating flesh , contenting themselues with Chesnuttes and Akornes and the fruits of trees . One of them , called Melissa , first found and tasted honie in Pelloponesus , with whose tast the Greekes were so pleased that they call all Bees Melissae , after her name : From hence it came that in the sacreds of Ceres and in all nations the Priests deriued their names from her . These nymphes were supposed to haue the charge of hills and mountaines , and sometimes of such wild beasts as they pursued in the companie of Diana : but the protection of priuate heards or domesticke flockes was not conferd vpon them ; so religious were the people of old , that neither publicke place , nor priuate , was destitute of some peculiar and diuine power : so likewise euery element , hearbe , roote , and tree , or whatsoeuer symple was vsefull and medicinable , or obnoxious and hurtfull to the life of man . Those of the mountaines were Oreades or Orestiades .

The Driades and Hamadriades .

THe Dryades had predominance ouer the woods and groaues , as Pomona ouer the orchards and gardens . The Hamadriades were the genij of euerie particular tree ; and as Calimachus in a Hymne to Delos witnesseth of them , they begin with their first plantation , grow with them , and consume and perish as they rot and wither : their number is not agreed vpon . Pausonias in Phocicis calls one of them Tythorera ; in Arcadicis , a second , Erato ; and a third , Phigalia . Claudianus in la●dibus Stiliconis , reckons them seauen . Charon Lampsacenus produceth one Rhaecus , who in the countrey of Assyria hauing a goodlie faire oake , whose earth shrinking form the roote , and being ready to fall ; as he was propping and supporting the tree , and supplieng the decayed mould about it , the nymph or genius of that tree , which was to perish with it , appeared to him , and after thankes for so great a courtesie , bid him demand of her whatsoeuer , and it should be graunted , since by the repayring of that plant she was still to liue : He taken with her beautie , demanded libertie freelie to imbrace hir to his owne fill and appetite , to which she instantlie yeelded . Appollonius in his Argonaut . tells of the father of one Paraebius , who going to cut downe an antient faire oake that had stood many yeares , a nymph in like manner appeared to him , humblie petitioning , that he would spare the tree for her sake , since the age of it , and her , and the liues of both , were limited alike : which he refusing , so enraged the other of her fellowes , that many afflictions befell both himselfe and his posteritie . Mnesimachus saith that they are called Dryades , because in the oakes their liues are included ; and Hamadriades , because they are borne with them ; and Isacius the interpreter of Appollo , because they perish with them . I will conclude these with one tale recited by Charon Lampsacenus : Archus ( saith he ) the sonne of Iupiter and Calisto , being chacing in the forrests , incountred one of the Hamadriades , who told him how neere she was to ruine , in regard that the riuer running by had eaten away the earth from the root of such a goodly oake ( to which she pointed ) and that by sauing that , he should preserue her : at her intreatie , he turned the streame another way , and supplyed the roote with earth ; for which this nymph , whose name was Prospetia , granted him her free imbraces : of whom he begot Philatus and Aphidantes . Whether these relations were true or false , is not much to bee disputed on ; if false , they were for no other causes deuised , but by the superstition of the people of antient daies , who left nothing vnmeditated that might stirre vp men to the adoration of the diuine powers , since in euerie thing they demonstrated a deitie . If they were spoken as truths , I rather beleeue them to bee the meere illusions of diuells and spirits themselues , than the genij of plants and trees , that made such apparitions .

Of the Goddesses Infernall .

IT lies with much conuenience in our way to make discourse of Pluto , the third brother of Saturne ; of the riuer Acheron , and the properties thereof ; Of Styx , a flood terrible to the gods themselues , and by which they vse to sweare ; of Cocitus , of Caron , of Cerberus , of the three infernall judges , Minos , Aeacus , and Rhadamant , of Tartarus , with diuers others out of all which many excellent fables , pleasant to reade , and profitable to make both morrall and diuine vse of , might bee collected : but I skip them of purpose , since I am inioyned to it by promise , for but women onely I haue now to deale with : It therefore thus followes .

Of the Parcae .

OF Proserpina we haue treated alreadie amongst the supernall goddesses aboue , and therefore must necessarily spare her here amongst these below . The Parcae ( or fatall goddesses ) are three , Clotho , Lachesis , and Atropos . Ceselius Vindex he giues them three other names , Nona , Decima , and Morta ; and cites this verse of Liuius , a most antient Poet , Quando dies venit quam praesata morta est . When the day commeth that Morta hath presaged .

Some calls them the daughters of Demogorgon : others ( as Cicero ) of Herebus , and Nox , Hell and Night ; by another name , they are called Fata , the Fates , as Seneca , Multa ad Fata venere suum dum fata timeant .

As much to say , Many come to their death whilst they feare it . They are sayd moreouer to measure the life of man with a spindle and thread which they spinne from their distaffe ; from which they are called Lanificae by the Poets , Lanificas nulli tres exorare puellas Contigit : obseruant quem statuere diem . The three wol-weauing sisters none can pray To change their time , they fix a constant day .

They are sayd to be inexorable , and by no praiers or intreates to be moued to alter the limit of the fixed time , or prorogue the life of man one minute after the date bee expired which was proposed at our birthes ; therefore Seneca : Nulli iusso cessare licet : Nulli scriptum proferre diem .

The Poets thus distinguish their offices : one begins the life of man , and pluckes the towe from the distaffe ; the second , makes the thread , and continues it ; the third cuts it off and so ends it . The first is Clotho , whom Statius calls Ferrea , or hard hearted ; Seneca , Grandaena , or extreamely aged ; Pontanus , Improba , and Sedula , obstinate and yet carefull and dilligent . The second , Lachesis , called by Ouid , Dura , hard ; by Marciall , Inuida , enuious ; by Claudian , Ferrea , obdure and rude . The third Attropos , of whom Statius , — Hos ferrea , neuerat annos Atropos —

Some number Illithia amongst the Parcae .

Plutarch speaking of the face that is visible within the Orbe of the Moone , sayth some are of opinion that the soules of men are resolued into the Moone , as their bodies into the Earth : Aliquanto post tempore eas quoque animas in se recepit Luna atquae composuit . 1. After some time the Moone receiues into her selfe those soules which she had before framed , restoring their mindes before lost : ( for they are all in a dreame , like the soule of Endimion ) and by coadiuting with the Seminarie and vitall powers of the Sunne , makes them as new soules . The Tetra , that is the number of Foure supplying the bodie : for she giues nothing after death , who receiues towards generation . The Sunne takes nothing from , but receiues againe the mind which he giues ; the Moone both receiues and giues , and composeth or makes , and diuides ; when shee makes , she is called Lucina ; when shee deuides , Diana . So of the three Parcae , Atropos is placed about the Sunne , as the beginning of this new birth ; Clotho is carried about the Sunne , to collect and mingle ; Lachesis the last , her office is vpon the Earth : but these are riddles rather to trouble the braine than profit the vnderstanding . Parcae the mother of these three sisters , is said to bee the daughter of Necessitie : doubtles the Ethick writers held these to bee most powerfull goddesses , because all things borne , or that had subsistance , were thought to bee vnder their iurisdiction and power , and therefore they were imagined by some to bee the daughters of Iupiter and Themis , because ( as the Pithagorians taught ) Ioue gaue to euerie one a bodie and forme suitable to the merits or misdeeds of their former life ; or else because the diuine Wisedome allotted to euerie soule rewards or punishments , as their good deedes or badde deserued , the cause of which diuision the antient writers not truely vnderstanding , appropriated all to Fate , and the Parcae .

FVRIAE or the EVMEMIDES .

THose whom the Poets call Furiae , Virgill tearmes the daughters of Night and Acheron . Therefore Galtreus in his twelfth booke de Alexand. calls them by a fit Epithite , Noctiginae , Ego si dea sum , qua nulla potentior , inter Noctigenus , si me vestram bene nost is alumnam ? If I a goddesse be , of whom Amongst the night-borne , none More potent is , it 's well you knew Mee for your nurce alone .

By the same law Mantuan calls them Achecontiginae , as borne of Acheron : they are called by Lucan amongst the infernals , Canes , dogges : — Stigiasquae Canes , in luce superna , Destiluana . In the vpper light , I will forsake the Stigian dogges ; meaning the sisters . Amongst mortalls they are called Furiae , because they stirre vp and spur on rage and malice in the hearts of men . They are called also Eumenides by an Antiphrasis , in a contrarie sence , for Eumenis signifieth Benevolens or well wishing , therefore Ouid , Eumenides tenuere faces de funere raptas .

Their temples and foreheads , in steede of haire are sayd to crawle with snakes and serpents , as witnesseth Catullus , Statius , Mantuanus , in Appollon . and others . By Virgill they are called Dirae .

Vltricesque sedent in Limine dirae .

Lactantius in his sixt booke de Vero Cul●u writes after this manner : There be three affections or passions , which precipitate men into all violent and facinerous actions , therefore Poets calls them Furies : Ire , which couets reuenge ; Couetousnesse , which desires riches ; and Lust , whose itching appetite is after all vnlawfull pleasure . The first of these Furies is called Alecto , discouered by Virgill , where he tearmes her Luctifica , as making strife , and contention : The second is Tesiphone or Tisiphone , the daughter of Acheron , whom Ouid thus deliniates , Nec mora Tesiphone madefactam sanguine sumit , Importuna facem , fluidoque cruore madentem : Induitur pallam tortoquae incingiter angue . Egrediturquae domo , luctus comitatur cuntem . Et pauor , & terror , trepidoque insaniae vultu . Importunate Tesiphone , without delay makes speed And snatcheth vp a smoking brand , which burning seemes to bleed , A garment on her backe she throwes All gore , about her wast A gyrdle of a wreathed snake , In curl'd knots she makes fast . So foorth she goes ; sad Mourning she Attends her at the gate : Vpon her steps , grim Terror , Feare , And troubled Madnesse waite .

Claudian in his booke of the praises of Stilico , calls the third daughter of Acheron and Night , Megaera : so likewise Mantuan de Calam temporum , lib. 2. The sacreds that were made to these , were by such as hauing escaped any dangerous desease , or pestilent sickenesse , had bin spared by the Fates ; and their sacrifices were onely done with a sad silence . The priests were called Hesichidae , of a Heroë called Hesicho , to whom , before the solemnitie , a Ramme was still offered , as Polemo witnesseth in that worke he writ to Eratosthenes : It was held a prophanation ( saith he ) for any of the meaner sort of people to haue accesse to these ceremonies , onely to these Hesichides , whose familie was onely acceptable to these seuere goddesses , and in all their oblations had the principall prime place and precedence . Their chappell is neere to Cidonium by the Nine ports . All such as sacrificed to them , were in blacke vestures ; and they were alwaies celebrated in the night season , as it is manifest by Apollonius .

Indutam obscuram per noctem vestibus atris By night their sable habits they put on .

To them was slaine and offered a cole-blacke ewe , and great with young readie to yeane : neither was there any wine vsed in their sacrifices , which were called Nephalia . Now because no man should haue hope to hide and conceale his owne guilt and wickednes , to the three seuere judges of Hell , were giuen these three ministers ; which some cal by the name of Erinnae , which signifies the prickes and stings of Conscience ( the parents of which they were borne , importing so much ) for there is no greater torture or deeper piercing , than a mans owne sentence against himselfe . And ( compendiously to shut vp all ) the antient writers would by these signifie vnto vs , That to a good and just man only , all things are safe ; & that innocencie and integritie alone , make men feareles and constant against all the mutabilities of fortune , since the like torments of Mind , & troubles of Conscience still attend on all such as are impure and dishonest . Thus hauing past ouer the goddesses Coelestial , Marine , and Infernal , the goddesses Selectae , Terrestrial , and others ; least my discourse might grow too tedious by appearing dull and heauie , and besides , in regard that my purpose is aimed at many , or most of that sexe , of what estate and condition soeuer , to make my worke more succinct and compendious , and to spare you some reading , and my selfe more labour , I will deliuer you a multiplicitie of histories & tales in few , namely , in a short Epitome giue you the arguments of all the Fables in Ouids Metamorphosis , which for your better content I shall expresse to you in verse , and with that conclude my first booke called Clio.

An abstract of all the Fables in the fifteene bookes of Ouids Metamorphosis , as they follow in the Poëm . CHaos into foure elements deuided , Lib. 1. Each one into their seuerall place is guided . And for their sundrie creatures , Roomth prepare , Th' inhabitants of th' Earth , Sea , Heauens , and Aire . Of earth and water man is first begot , And the foure ages next succeede by lot . Gold , Siluer next , third Brasse , the fourth of yron : In last of which , the Giants seed inuiron The spatious earth , and are become the head Of Nations : of their spilt blood man 's bred . This wicked generation , Ioue ( instated In high Olimpus , hauing first translated Lycaon to the shape of woolfe ) destroies In a deepe deluge . Pirrha sole inioyes The earth , with her Deucalion : these at last , By seuerall stones behind their shoulders cast , Repaire mans generation : other creatures , From heate and moysture breed their seuerall features . 'Mongst these , the serpent Python is begot . Him , with an arrow , bright Apollo shot ; In memorie of which , Pithaean playes Are celebrated , euen to Caesars daies . Yet was no Lawrell knowne on earth to be , Till Daphne was transform'd into that tree . Her father growne disconsolate and sad , The floods ( that of his sorrow notice had ) Come to his comfort : Inachus alone . To Poeneus ( Daphnes father ) tells his name : Whose beauteous daughter Io ( heauen knowes how ) Ioue , after , Rape , transformes into a cowe . Argus that had a hundred eyes , her kept , Whom Mercury so charmed , that he slept : And after Syrinx transformation hard , His sleepie head , he from his shoulders par'd . His hundred eyes , whose sights begin to waine , Iuno dispos'd into her peacocks traine . Io restor'd vnto her first shape , beares Young Epaphus ; who being growne to yeares , To Phaeton obiects , That he was bred Of mortall straine , and not diuinelie spred . Th' aspiring lad , his mother Climen ' leaues : Lib. 2. And of his father Phoebus he receiues An ominous boone : he , for three dayes , hath wonne The guidance of the chariot of the sunne : By which , the vniuersall gloabe is fir'd , Ioues thunder strikes the lad that so aspir'd ; And as a token of that generall wrack , The sun-burnt Aethiops , haue since then bin black . Now whilst the sisters of young Phaeton , With Cignus for his death Lament and mone , The Fates ( that all our mortall actions skanne ) Change these to trees , and him into a swanne . Now Ioue surueighs the vniuerse , restor'd To pristine beautie : saw , and seeing ador'd The bright Calisto , whom he made a rape , And vitiated in Dianaes shape . For which , the wrathfull Iuno changeth cheare , And in her rage , transhapes her to a Beare ; Whom as young Archus chaceth 'ore the playne , ( Her sonne ) and with his arrow had nigh slayne , Ioue by his power determinates their iarres , Changing both mother and the sonne to starres . And now th' inraged Iuno hauing long Complain'd to old Oceanus her wrong , Is borne to heauen vpon her peacocks traine , Stucke with the eyes of Argus lately slaine . Next must the Crow her snow-white hew forgo , For she despis'd the shape of Cornix , who Tells her owne transformation : hauing mourn'd For faire Nictimine to'a night crow turn'd ; She notwithstanding , to Apollo prates , And how Coronis plaid him false , relates . Wrathfull Apollo hauing rashly slaine His beautious loue , turnes to the Crow againe , Condemnes his babling , and in deepe despight , To cole-blacke feathers turnes his siluer white . Of her and Phaebus , Esculapius came , Whose fortunes whil'st Ocirrhoe doth proclaime ; The gods ( that of propheticke spells haue care ) Transmute her to th' equinall shape of Mare . Apollo , that but late the Sunnes coach steard , Leauing the heauens to keepe Admetus heard , His oxen straie : Battus to Hermes lies , Whose faith the god in double habit tries : And finding him , his falsenesse , he so hated , That to a Tutch-stone Battus is translated . Thence to the Attick Regions hauing past , King Cecrops daughter he inioyes at last , Herse the faire , whose enuious sister hight Aglaurus ; her , the god for her despight Turnes into stone . Great Ioue , Europa spies , And for her loue he leaues th' Olimpicke skies . Commanding Mercurie , whom Maia boare , To driue Aegenors cattell to the shoare . Thither Europa comes , sweete flowers to cull , Her , Ioue transports to Creete in shape of Bull. Lib. 3. Cadmus her brother , by Aegenor charg'd To see his sister by some meanes inlarg'd , In his long search a monsterous Dragon slew ; From whose sowne teeth , men redie armed grew : With these , he founded Thebes ; after , laments Actaeons fall , borne to such strange euents , Who by Diana to a Hart transform'd , Was woorried by his hounds . Then Cadmus storm'd At his neere kinsmans death . This , Iuno ioyes , Who in her hate faire Semele destroies ; The shape of her nurse Beroe she assumes , By whose bad counsell , Semele presumes To aske her owne death . Now some few daies after , Ioue with his Queen dispos'd to mirth and laughter , Dispute of Venus , and desire to find , Which sex to pleasure should be most inclin'd . Tiresius ( who before both sexes prou'd ) Iudgeth the cause on Ioues side . Iuno mou'd , Depriues him sight : to recompence his eyes , Ioue fils him with the spirit of prophesies . His augurie Narcissus first made good , Who 'gainst all womens loues opposed stood ; Mongst whom the faire nymph Eccho by her sorrow Lost all saue voice , which she from voice doth borrow : He , pining with selfe-loue , was the same hower ( Loosing his forme ) transhap't into a flower . Pentheus , the sage Tiresius doth deri'd , Though he before the truth had prophesied : For when god Bacchus rights were celebrated , One of his Priests ( who had before related Of saylers turn'd to fishes ) he keepes bound , Receiuing from the Bachides many a wound . This makes the wine gods Orgyes of more fame , Alcathoe with her sisters mock the same . Lib. 4. And at their distaffes many tales they tell , First , what vnto the blacked Moores befell : Of Phaebus to Eurinome transuerst , By which all lets and troubles are disperst , That he may freely with Leucothoe lie , For which the iealous Clytie seemes to die ; But turnes into a Turnsole : they relate Hermophraditus next ( by wonderous fate ) And Salmacis , both in one bodie mixt . This done , the sisters in their madnesse fixt , Conuert to batts , their spindles change to Vines , Their webbes to leaues , made by the god of wines . At which whil'st Agaue reioic't , her glee Is turn'd to discontent , for she may see Ino and Athamas of great renowne , Run headlong to ●rock and thence leape downe , These being made sea-gods ; whil'st the Theban dames Lament their new change , and inuoke their names , Amid'st their sorrows and sad funerall mones , Part are made birds , and part are turn'd to stones . Cadmus with these calamities distrest , Leaues Thebes , and in Illiria he seekes rest . Where with his wife debating mid'st the brakes They soone may see each other turn'd to snakes . Alone Acrifius still remaines instated , Of all that Bacchus and his Oryges hated . Perseus his graund-child , of faire Danae bred , With crooked harpe cuts off Gorgones head . Whose purple drops as to the earth they fall Turne into serpents and before him crawle . Atlas he changeth into a mountaine hye , And all those shackles that Andronia tie , Are into stones conuerted : many a bold guest Intends to interrupt his bridall feast . Where Phineus , Pretus , and their furious band Are chang'd to Marble , and before him stand . Pallas ( till now the noble Perseus guide ) Lib. 5. Leaues him , and through the aire doth gently glide To Helicon , there doth the goddesse meane To view the famous Well cal'd Hippocrene . The nine-Muse sisters of the Pyrens tell , And what to the Pyerides befell . How they contending with the Muses were Transformd to Pyes , still chattering euery where . Lib. 6. By whose example Pallas soone puts on A Beldams shape , transports her selfe anon To Ariachne , who with her compares , And hauing after strife , wrought sundry chares , Pallas transhapes her to a spider , leauing Her antient Art , to take delight in weauing . This mooues not Niobe , who late had lost Her children , and in diuerse turmoyles tost , Is chang'd to stone . Now when the people knew This portent , they the memorie renew Of the base Lysian rustickes turnd to Frogges , And by Diana doom'd to liue in bogges . They Marsias likewise can remember still , Who ranks his musicke with Apolloes quill : But he that 'gainst the gods , sought praise to winne , In this contention lost both lawd , and skinne . When all the neighbouring citties came to cheere Distressed Thebes , the Athenians absent were ; And to their sorrowes can no comfort bring , Being at home awde by a tyrant king . Tereus , who the faire Philomel ' deflowring , Turnes to a Lapwing , in the ayre still towring , As Philomel ' into a Nightingale , And Progne to a Swallow . This sad tale Vnto Pandion told , he dyes with griefe : In whose sad king dome next succeedes as chiefe , Ericteus : Orithea the faire His daughter , Boreas to his kingdome bare . Of her , he Calain and Zethus got : Amongst the Argonauts these tooke their lot . There Iason the whit● teeth off serpents sew , Of which , men arm'd in compleat harnesse grew . The waking dragon made to sleepe : the Fleece Of gold from Phasis after brought to Greece . Medea he beares thence ; She by her art Lib. 7. Makes young , old Aeson , promising to impart Like good to Peleus ; to his daughters showing , From a decrepit Ram , a young lambe growing : But slew him by her fraud . Transported thence , She with Aegeus makes her residence : Against whom Minos wars , hauing collected Men from all places , by his skill directed : As some from Paros , which long time before , Arne betrayd , for which she euer w●re The shape of Daw. King Aeacus supplyes With Mirmidons , that did from pismires rise , King Minos : Cephalus these forces led , Who seeing to adulterat his owne bed , Preuailes with Procris : whil'st his dogges in chace Of a wild fox , both in the selfe same place Are chang'd to stone● Minos , Alchathoe woone . Nisus and Scilla are in shape foredoone , He to a Hawke , she to a Larke is shifted , Lib. 8. And through the aire with their light feather lifted . Thence he returnes to Creete , all sad and dull , Where liu'd the Minotaure halfe Man halfe Bull ; Him Theseus slew , and after doth beguile Faire Ariadne left in Naxos Isle . With her god Bacchus enters amorous warres , And placeth on her head a crowne of starres . Young Icarus with his old father flies , And downe into the sea drops from the skies . His death , whil'st Daedalus laments : his sees The Partridge new transformed . Now by degrees Theseus winnes fame , scarce spoken of before , Being cal'd to hunt the Calidonian Boore ; Which Meleager slew , and died by th' hand Of his owne mother , in the fatall brand . His sisters with loud shreekes his death proclaime , Being all chang'd into * * Birds called Meleagrides . birds that beare his name . He visits Achelous in his way , And all these Islands that but th' other day Were Nymphes and : Naides which appeared true , Since the like transformation Lelex knew , In Baucis and Philemon , whom he sees Growing before him in the shape of trees . Their cottage made a Temple for their sakes , The village where they dwelt , all standing lakes . Achelous addes to these the transformations Of Proteus and of Mestra , with the fashions That he himselfe appeared in , when he prou'd His strength 'gainst Hercules : both deerely lou'd Faire Deianeira ; who hauing vnderstood Her husbands scapes , dipt in the Centaures blood A fatall shirt . Alcides doth expire , Lib. 9. Being after made a starre : Lychas her squire , Is sixt a sea-rocke : whil'st Alcmena hyes To Iole , and as they two deuise , She tells her of Galantis , before made A monstrous Weasill : th' other showes the gl●de , In which at that time shee might growing see Her elder sister , now growne to a tree . To them comes Iolaus , in the way ( Made young by Hebe● ) Ioue himselfe can say And instance Aeacus , this to be true , From him Miletus fled , and thence withdrew Himselfe to Asia , from whom descended Caunus , and Biblis , whose not loue extended To her owne brother ( as the stories tell ) And weeping , was desolu'd into a well . This had appear'd more strange , were it not knowne Young Iphis on her marriage day was growne To be a compl●at man ; these nuptialls saw Hymen : and thence he doth himselfe withdraw Lib. 10. To Orpheus spousalls , but his bright robes di'd In funerall blacke : Euridice the bride Expires vpon her marriage day , being stung In th' anckle by a snake , when Orpheus sung His various transformations to the Lyre , The trees to heare him from all parts desire , Amongst whom came the Cypresse and the Vine , The one clasp's Cyparissus in her twine , The other Atis ; euerie Thrasian fro , That in his death had hand , besides them grow , Lib. 11. And are made trees . Bacchus departs from Thrace , And because Midas gaue Silenus place , With entertainments due , to quittance this , He guerdons Midas with his golden wish : Who after wearied with his rauishing dreames , Was made to wash him in Pactolus streames . They since that time their golden tincture keepe Still glistring when the Sunne shines on the deepe . Pans musicke and Apollos , Midas heares , And by false sentence gaines him Asses eares . Phoebus ( this done ) an humane shape puts on , And build's Troyes wals , to be excel'd by none . This cittie , great Alcides hauing rac't : With Pirams * * Hesion . sister , he the valor grac't Of Aiax Telamon , who in these bralls Was first set foot vpon the Dardan walls . Peleus wedds Thetis , though against her will , For though she by her godhead had the skill To shift in sundrie shapes , yet was comprest , And Peleus lodg'd vpon her yuorie brest . To Ceix he past thence ( one of his blood ) Where he part saw and partly vnderstood Dedalion take on him a goshawkes shape , And Woolfe made stone , that flying thought to scape . Soone after this , Alcinoe in her bed Dreaming she saw her lord shipwrecks and dead , And from the shore his liuelesse bodie floting , Both were made birds ; which some spectators noting , Straight call to mind , how * * Esacus the sonne of Priam. Aesacus before Was chang'd into a Sea-gull : him deplore , Priam , and all his sonnes as lost and dead , Excepting Paris , who to Greece was sped , And brought thence Hellen : him the Greek●s pursue At Aulis Gulfe they anchor : where in view Of the whole fleet , a Dragon they espie Obdur'd to stone . To Troy-ward thence they hye , Where Cygnus , on whose skinne no steele could bite , Was by the great Achilles bruis'd in fight : And at the instant made a siluer Swan , So Coenis once a woman , now a man , Was after likewise to a bird conuerted . This tale'mongst others Nestor had inserted . Periclimenes change to her repeates . Neptune meane time the other gods intreates About Achilles death , being much offended At his late losse : he dead , Aiax contended Lib. 12. With slye Vlysses , for his armes and shield : Aiax disgrac't expires , and in the field : Where his blood dropt a purple Hicinth grew , In memorie that Aiax , Aiax slew . Troy sact by th' Argiues , Hecuba the Queene Turnes to a she dogge , keeping still her spleene : Her sad distaster all the gods lament , Aurora sheddes most teares , still discontent For Memnons death . Aeneas leauing Troy To Anius comes , a prince depriu'd all ioy , Because his daughters were made house-doues , sad , That he of them no greater comfort had . Thence past he diuers shores and sundrie nations , With wonders fil'd , and various transformations . Till piercing Italy ( yet free from scar ) With the bold Turnus he beginnes new war . He sends to importune Diomedes ayd By Venulus : whose fellowes were all made Lib. 13. Light feathered birds : th' imbassador deni'd , And back returning by a riuers side Spies a wilde Oliue , which before had bin A louely sheapheard , but now chang'd for sinne . Aeneas shippes are in the hauen burn'd , But pitied by the gods , to sea-nymphes turn'd ; Ardea to a bird more strange than these , Himselfe into a god cal'd Indiges . Him , other kings succeed , and 'mongst the rest Liu'd vnder Proca ( that faire nymph who best Can skill of Gardens ) vnto whom resorted The fresh Vertumnus , and Pomona courted : He in an old wiues shape to her relates The tale of Anaxarites , how the fates For her obdurenesse turn'd her into stone . Pomona listning ( and they both alone ) He to his youthfull shape againe retires , And in the Garden quensht his amorous fires . In processe vnder Numitor the king , Where carst cold waters slid , now warme bathes spring . Him Romulus succeeding , is created The god Quirinus , and his wife instated The goddesse Ora ' . Him Numa next insues Who of the birth of Croton asking newes : He chanc't on pebles , who in all mens sight Once being blacke , were chang'd to perfect white . He likewise heard Pythagoras declame All the transhapes beneath the heauenlie steame . Aegaeria next king Numaes death deploring , Not comforted at all with thy restoring● Hippolitus , nor yet to heare thee tell Thy change ; she wept her selfe into a well . Nor is this to be wondred , since we see Thy Lance ( oh Romulus ) a flourishing tree . And Cyppus to weare hornes : ( hauing gone so far ) We end with Iulius Caesar made a starre .

Explicit lib. primus . Inscripus CLIO

THE SECOND BOOKE inscribed EVTERPE .

Of the Muses , the Sybells , the Vestalls , the Prophetesses , the Hesperides , the Graces , &c.

THE bodies of all reasonable creatures ( as Ficinus saith ) are naturallie pregnant , as hauing in them the seedes of issue , so likewise is the mind ; both , still procreating and bringing forth : as we see at such a time the heire appeares ; after , the teeth breake forth of the gummes ; at such an age , the beard growes vpon the chinne , and in time alters and changes colour ; and still the naturall faculties are in action . If then the body be so fertill , how much more is the nobler part of man , the Soule and the Mind , plentifullie furnisht with these seedes , that long for production ? as the instinct of manners , of arts , of disciplines , and such like , which are generated in the breast , and in their fit and due time haue their seasonable birth . For no sooner are we past the cradle , but we begin to affect few things good , honest , or profitable : but none at that age acquires after things vnknown . It is therefore a consequent , that there is borne with vs and bread in vs , certain notions of those outward things , the forms of which we apprehend , and their practise study to imitate . This euerie man , if he will but obserue , may by experience find in himselfe . For if we recollect our selues to apprehend any probleme or mysticall doubt , which is not within the compasse of our present capacitie ; after deepe consideration and mature deliberation , all the barres and rubbes of our fantasie and sences being remooued , we retyre our selues into a more priuate and inward contemplation , and then most subtillie reasoning with our selues , we shall by degrees perceiue the clowd to vanish , and the truth appeare in full glorie and splendour . Therefore , when we present our selues vnto schoole-masters : the braine fashioneth in it selfe many Ideas , without rule or example , which like a rank and well manur'd field , hath in it the seedes and grounds of many fruitfull sciences ; these if a skilfull man take in hand , bring oft times a croppe aboue expectation . Thus much Plato exprest in many places , but in his Theage most plainelie , No man ( saith he ) hath of me learnt any thing , though from me , many a one hath gone the more learned . And as Socrates saith , Me t●m exhortan●e tum bono demone suggerente , By my exhortations , and the good Angels suggestion . With this short preparation , we come now to the Muses , of these innate seeds , the glorius and euer-during fruit . Hesiod pronounces them to be the daughters of Iupiter & Memorie , in his Theogonia . From hence it seemes , the men of Gnydos had a custome to select sixtie graue and vnderstanding men , out of the prime of the nobilitie , Plutarch in Graecis petit . and to commit vnto them the affaires of the Common-wealth , and such they called Amnemodes , or remembrancers . Alcmaeon and some few others , call them the daughters of Earth and Heauen . Pindarus in one of his Hymnes thus speakes to one of them , Incipe vero Coeli filia . Aristarcus and Mimnerca ( if we may beleeue Eustathius ) determine , that the Muses were before Iupiter , interpreting the word Musa , the knowledge of the soule , which is a thing no lesse diuine than the soule it selfe . To him Homer assents , calling it , The celeritie of knowledge . Plato in Cratilo deriues it from diligent search and inquisition , to whom Pharnutus in his booke intituled , Of the nature of the gods , subscribes . Of the same opinion is Suidas . They are therefore ( saith he ) deriued from Inquirie , being the originalls and causes of all sciences and disciplines : others , as Cassiodorus , because they conteine in them a conueniencie and concordance of arts : or ( to conclude ) as Diodorus writes , They were therefore called Musae , because they comprehend the art of modulation or tuning , with a consent or agreeing of all other disciplines . Diuers authors much differ about their number , Varro , as Seruius witnesseth of him , allowes onelie three , Ina , which is bred by the motion of the water ; a second , begot by the sprinkling of the ayer ; a third , meerelie arising from the sound of the voyce . Augustine speakes of a cittie , which Gyraldus names Sicion , the primates of which , of three seuerall famous worke-men bespake three effigies or images of the Muses , to bestow as a gift vpon the Temple of Apollo ; and which of them could expresse the greatest art and most exquisite workemanship , he to be the best payd for his paines . It so hapned , that their three labours were equallie beautifull , and so esteemed , in so much that all the nine pieces pleasing generallie , they were all bought and dedicated to the Temple . To euery of which , the Poet Hesiod after gaue a seuerall Embleme or Motto : Not ( saith he ) because Iupiter had begot nine Muses , but that three artificers had forged three apeece : and therefore the number of three ; because it is easie to obserue , that euerie sound which begets any materiall thing concerning musicke , is tripartite by nature : either it proceedes from the voyce simplie , as to those that sing without an instrument ; or with the breath , as the Trumpet , Cornet , or Sackbut ; or by the stroakes , as the Lute , Harpe or Gitterne . The names of these statue-makers , Augustine saith , were Cephisodotus , Strongilio , and Olimpiosthines . Pausonias relates , that in times of old there were acknowledged no more than three , ( by Oto and Ephialtes the sonnes of Aloeus ) cald Meditation , Memorie , and Song or Musicke . Archestratus the Poet , affirmes as much ; as also , that these two were the first that offered diuine sacrifice to the Muses , and imposed these names vpon them in Hellicon . Some authours will approue but two ; others will make them vp foure , for the excellencie of the number , which the Pythagorists held to be so sacred , that by that ( as Plutarch replyes ) they vsed to sweare , Per quaternionem sacrum , qui animae nostrae tradi● naturam aeternam , &c. By the holy number of foure , which lends to the soule an eternall nature , &c. Some haue raysed them to fiue ; others to seauen ; Pierius Macedo , he increased their number to nine . Some are of opinion , that the names of the nine daughters of Pierius were imposed vpon the Muses : these are character'd by Hesiod in his Theogonia . Lucan in his third dialogue of the supernall gods , calls the Muses virgines , and such as are contented with their natiue colour and beautie : he likewise tearmes them invulnerable , as not to be toucht or wounded with the wanton darts of Cupid . They were crowned diuerse wayes by diuerse nations : some bestow Coronets of the palme-tree vpon them , some-lawrell , others chaplets of roses : to which Sapho seemes to allude , most elegantlie taunting an vnlearned woman , — Mortua Iacebis Nec enim hortulum habes rosarum ex Pi●ria , — Thou shalt lye dead Without Pierian roses 'bout thy head .

Cornutus in a booke intituled De natura Deorum , saith , that there were first onelie three , according to that number which is attributed to the deitie , as the most simple and perfect of all others . Those that made foure , as Cicero , or fiue , had reference to the auncient instruments of musicke then in vse , and which yeelded no more seuerall sounds . Those that approoued seauen , to the seauen liberall arts alluded the seauen Muses . But there are nine receiued and allowed amongst vs , and that for diuerse reasons ; as first because the number of nine is held to be vertuall and perfect ; being an euen foure , arising from a first odde ; and then odlie to an odde : it is likewise deuided and distinguished into three equall oddes , then it consists of Triangulors , &c. Besides Mnemosi●e , who is said to be the mother of the Muses , her name consists of nine letters . Fulgentius saith , that the nine Muses , with their brother Apollo , import nothing else than the tenne modulations of mans voyce , therefore is Apolloes harpe represented with ten strings : so in the Scripture we reade of the Decachord or Psalterie : others moralise it to be the foure former teeth , against which the tongue striketh : the two lips which are the Cymbals or Instruments to fashion the words : the tongue and the string of the tongue : the pallate , whose concauitie begets a sound : the wind-pipe which is the passage of the breath ; and the lungs , which like a paire of bellowes , giues and takes backe the ayre or spirit . Virgill of the Muses writes thus : Clio gesta canens transact is tempora reddit , Melpomene tragico proclamat maesta boat● . Comica lasciuo gaudet sermone Thalia , Dulciloqui calamos Euterpe flatibus vrget . Terpsichore affectus Cytharis mouet , imperat , auget , Plectra gerens Erato saltat pede , carmine , vultu . Carmina Calliope libris heroica mandat . Vrania poli motus scrutatur & Astra : Signat cuncta man● loquiturque Polimnia gestu , Mentis Apolliniae vis has mouet vndique Musas , In medio residens complectitur omnia Phebus . Clio past acts to after ages sings , Melpomine , with tragicke buskin , she In bellowing breath proclaimes disasterous things . Comick Thalia affects wanton lie To speake and write . The eloquent mans quill Euterpe vndertaketh to inspire With her learn'd breath . Terpsichore is still Busied about the musicke of the Lyre , Th' affections to command , to mooue , and sway . But Erato a Rebeck beares , and knowes To tread to it : of Verse she can the way , And how to frame the gesture . Number flowes , In straynes Heroick , from Calliop's penne ; Which she to bookes commits . The starres and spheares , Vrania searcheth , and instructeth men In their true motion . Polihimnia steares Action and language , by her hand directed , Which by her helpe , an orator much graceth . By Phoebus thus the Muses liue protected , He in the midest , the Nine about him placeth .

It may now lastly bee demaunded by those that are studious of antiquities , Why the Vertues , the Disciplines , the Muses , the Deuisers and Patrons of all good arts , with diuers of the like nature , should rather bee comprehended vnder the faeminine sexe , by the names of Virgins and women , as also their pictures drawne to the portraitures of damosells , than either by masculine nomination , or according to the effigies of men ; the rather since not onely the Ethnickes and Morrall men , but euen Christians and Theologists themselues , in all their bookes and writings which they commit to posteritie continue them vnder the same gender ? for who is ignorant that Sophia , which signifies Wisdome , was not from the beginning , and before the world ; who is sayd to be the mother of the three Theologicall Vertues , Faith , Hope , and Charitie , and these represented as Women ? why should the seuen liberall Arts , bee exprest in Womens shapes ? why the nine Muses bee the daughters of Iupiter ; as all writers agree ? Why is Wisdome called the Daughter of the highest , and not rather the Sonne , as witnesseth the booke of Wisdome ? why Pallas , otherwise called Minerua , not the Sonne , but the Daughter of Ioue , ( of whose braine she was borne ? ) and why the most curious and diligent inquisiters into these curiosities figure the liberal Arts and Disciplines like women and not rather like men ? or by what reason the Muses should be personated rather like Damosells than young men , strenuous and excelling in masculine Vertue ? To all these obiections , it is briefely answered by Lilius Gregorius , as likewise by Cornutus whom some cal Pharnutus ; That by the symbole or semblance of such women , much science is begot , and besides much fruit ariseth from the judgment of the soule : besides it was a custome of old for Virgins to play and daunce in companies , which excellently fitted the coupling and sisterhood of the sciences : these coherences are called by Martianus Capella , Ciclicae ; from whence Vitruuius grounded his Euciclium : besides , the Greekes Euciclopaedia is frequent with Plinie , Plutarch and the rest : likewise in Beroaldus commentaries vpon the Golden Asse , he adds this one thing worthie obseruation , to the great honour and commendation of the feminine sex : the foure parts of the world haue their denominations from women . Asia was so called of the nymph Asia , from whom and Iaphethus , Prometheus descended ; Europe , of Europa the daughter of Aegenor ; Lybia , which is Africa , of Lybia the daughter of Epaphus ; in like manner America ( since discouered ) beareth the like female figure : which ( as Beroaldus saith ) if the women of our age did fully apprehend and truely vnderstand , how insolently would they boast of their worth and dignitie ? how would they glorie in vaine boasts and ostentations , how much vncontinuall chidings would they vpbrayde their husbands , still casting in their dishes their owne vetues and goodnesse ; still commemorating and vrging , that women beare the names of all the foure parts of the diuided world ; that wisedome and the theological vertues are personated vnder the sex of women ; that the Arts , the Disciplines , the Muses , the Graces , and almost whatsoeuer is good , are deciphered both by the names and in the persons of women : therefore ( I feare ) this had beene better kept as secret as mysteries in Sanctuaries , and not to haue beene published to them in their owne mothers tongue , in which they are so nimble and voluble ; least calling a Counsell about this argument , it may adde to their insolencies , who haue too great an opinion of their owne worths alreadie .

I will onelie speake brieflie from what places they tooke their generall denominations , and so proceede to euery particular person : They were called Pierides , of the mountaine Pieris , or as some will haue it of Picrius , who had nine daughters : Likewise Camoenae à Canendo , of singing ; Heleconiades of the fountaine called Helicon , that flowed from a mountaine in Boetia ; Pernassides , of the hill Pernassus , scituate in the Region of Phocis ; Aonides , of the Aonian mountaine ; Pegasides , from a spring or well so called , first discouered by the hooffe of Pegasus , the horse of Perseus ; Cithereides , of Citheron , a hill neere to Thebes ; Libethrides , from a fountaine in Magnesia ; Pimplaeades , from a place in Macedonia ; Ilisstades , from a flood by Athens ; Thespiades , from the Thespians ; Ligyae , of a people of Larissina , who ayded Xerxes against the Greekes ; Castalides , of the fountaine so called ; Corycides , of a hill , or rather a caue amongst the Delphians ; Pat●ides , of a well in Macedonia ; Olimpiades , of the mount Olimpus ; Ardalides , of Ardalus the sonne of Vulcan : of these you may further reade in Varro , Herodotus , Terentianus , Plutarchus , Pompeius , Pausonias , Solinus , Seruius , Macrobius , Sidonius , Placiades , Lilius , Gregorius , Picus Mirandula , and others .

CLIO .

HEsiodus in his Theogonia saith , that Clio is the daughter of Iupiter and Memoria , and is the eldest of those Muses which he was nine nights a getting : she is called Clio , apo tou kleno , which is Laudo , to praise : or of apo to● cleous , for glorie which learned men acquire ; or that glorie which is conferred on eminent and great men , by the encomiasticks of Poets , so saith Diodorus : But Placidus deriues the Etimologie of her name from the cogitation and inuestigation of arts and sciences . Some say , that she hath the preheminence and gouernment ouer histories , as Apollonius in his Commentaries relates ( and therefore at this time I am to inuocate her ayde and assistance in the prosecutition and perfecting of this worke in hand . ) She is moreouer taken for the mother of Or Ialemus . Hyalemus and Hymenaeus , the god of marriage ; who are therefore called the sonnes of Clio , because of their knowledge in Historie , for so Iohannes Gramm●ticus is of opinion : the first , the Author of sad and mourning Madrigalls : the other of pleasant and ioyfull Epithalamions and nuptiall songs : the first in melancholie Elegeicks : The last , in loftie Iambicks . Apollodorus in his first booke of the Originall of the gods , saith , that Clio was besotted with the loue of Pierius , the sonne of Magne●is : ( by the incensed wrath of Venus , because she reprooued her for too much dotage on Adonis ) and that by Pierius , she had the boy Hyacinthus : But that it is she by whom all men are accited and spur'd on to the purchase of honour and glorie , whence else came that magnanimous and bold enterprise of Hercules in that great Centauromachia against the sons of Ixion ? to call to combat all the rebustious pyrats at sea , and robbers and spoylers on earth ? Tyrants and euill doers to tame ? and horrid and dreadfull labours to ouercome ? the invulnerable Lyon of Cytharon to teare in pieces ? The many headed monster Hydra to suffocate and strangle ? the Eremanthian boare to slaughter , and the golden horned hart to ouercome ? The rauenous Stimphalides to repell ? and all the monsters and terrours of the earth in single monomachy to ouercome ? but to attaine to the Apex and heigth of fame and glorie , What mooued Theseus ( the second Hercules ) to remooue the rocks , and plucke thence and beare away the inchanted sword ? the Minotaure to kill ? the tedious way to Athens to trauell ? the streights and passages in his iourney to cleere and free ? Corineta , with his owne proper mace to ruin ? Pitiocamptes Sinis , the sonne of Polypones , to oppresse ? and many other enterprises of no lesse danger to acquire and accomplish ? What incouraged the Captaines and Generalls of the Graecian and Roman Empire to such noble atchieuements , saue onelie the spurre of glorie to immortalise their names to all perpetuitie ? So did his Poetrie illustrate Homer ; his eloquence , Demosthenes ; and his integritie , Aristydes . In like manner , others by other meanes haue celebrated their names to posteritie , to whom this Encomium may bee iustlie giuen , Such as haue vertue in prise and estimation , they tread the illustrious path : for euery mans proper action doth nobilitate his owne name . Such therefore as desire to be eternised , it behooues them auspiciously to begin with some act either of consequence or danger . For so saith Pindarus in his sixt Hymne Olimp. In the beginning of an enterprise a couragious and an vndaunted countenance is behoouefull . For vertues are senselesse of dangers . And Hesiod saith , Virtutem posuere dij sudore parandum , The gods haue plac't vertue , not to be arriued too without sweat and trauell .

But it is next to be inquired what the ancient Poets chiefly intimated in this Nymph Clio : She is called the daughter of Iupiter , and signifies Glorie . If it be lawfull therefore to acquire glorie , and to leaue the memorie of your noble actions to posteritie , farre be it we should seeke the daughter but from the father , or court her without his consent : who from the memorie and contemplation of a deed well done , deriues to vs a fame , in no age not to be celebrated . She is called Prima cogitation , i. The first thought of seeking knowledge : and because no mans meditations are about that by which he hath not a purpose to inlarge the dignitie of his owne name , therefore she is called the first of the Muses . Plutarch in his Simposaicon , diuides the nine Muses into two halfes : the one to gouerne and haue dominion ouer pastimes and pleasures , least any man should foolishlie and vnaduised fall vpon actions dishonest or vncomelie , stirring him vp with songs , dances , and sweet sounding instruments , to vertuous exercises ; and reteining and keeping him backe from lusts , both vnlawfull and pernitious : the other diuision incourages vs , to actions difficult , to affaires serious and of import ; and these are Clio , Calliope , and Thalia : for all things ought to be done in that Symmetria and due proportion of mediocritie , that in our sports we slide not into lusts , and in things serious westumble not at the morositie and peeuishnesse of age . She had two sonnes , Ialmus and Himenaeus , men of two sundry lots and conditions ; the one in no place , but where there was ejulation and mourning ; the other where there was euer sport , myrth , banquets , and nuptiall ioyes . And as Athenaeus obserues from Aristophanes , In Luctu Ialmus , in nuptijs Himenaeus . Nothing els is apprehended by these two brothers of such contrarie dispositions , but that all such as seeke after glorie and the immortalitie of their names , are sometimes with crosse and sinister accidents oppressed , and sometimes with faire and prosperous successes incouraged and puffed vp ; singing sometimes the ioyfull songs of Hymeneus , and forc'd at other times to be subiect to the sad and melancholie howlings of Ialmus . And so much of Clio.

EVTERPE .

EVery man hath his pleasures and delights , as well wise men as fooles : there is no man of so seuere a grauitie or austere a condition ( no not Timon him selfe ) whose nature is not mollified , and made more tractable with the delight of some one thing or other . One is much pleased with horses of good stomacke , another with dogges of excellent sent or swiftnesse , some with wealth , others with honour , and so of the rest ; and thus we passe through the pilgrimage of a life full of infelicities and calamities , with the greater content and ease by pondering some such things in our minds , in which we take the greatest pleasure and comfort . Neither are the wise men without this alacritie , being sometimes extaside in the contemplation of things sublime and high . Plato in Philebis ( saith he ) As the imtemperat man takes pleasure , so doth the temperat man in his temperance ; As the foole is delighted in his foolish opinions and vaine hopes , so is the wise man in his wisedome and constant purposes ; but that their contents are different and of contrarie qualities , no man makes question . The wise man therefore and the vnwise haue both their pleasures , but so farre pre-excelling is the one , as the other is vile , abiect , and contemptible : for the one is gorged and surfetted with his delicacies , euen to loathing and vomit ; the other , inebriated or rather quickned and inspired with the sprightly nectar of contemplation , flyes into the celcitude and maiestie of things inscrutable : neither conteines he himselfe within the narrow and straight empire of this vniuerse , but acquires things aboue capacitie , and transcending nature ; for incited with the deepe studie of metaphysicall philosophy , he striues euen to trace the steps of the infinite maiestie , though it be confest that this ambition of his is both foolish and arrogant , yet is it daring , and noble , that not satisfied with the knowledge of humble and terrhene things , pierceth deeper , and aymeth higher , till it attaine that perfection of height , that the mind or vnderstanding being filled , may stoppe at the farthest , as there hauing fixt non vltra . But this small digression , being of Euterpe , which word implyes nothing els but true delectation or delight , I hope hath not beene much impertinent . Hesiod cals her the second Muse in order , and the daughter of Iupiter and Memorie . Neanthes in his booke intituled Rerum Graecarum , calls her the mother of Themistocles but Amphicrates in his tractat of illustrious men , Lib. 3. contraries that , and affirmes the strumpet Abrotonum to be his mother . Euterpe is called the goddesse of pleasantnes and iollitie , said to be delighted in all sorts of pipes and wind instruments , and to be both their inuentresse and guidresse ; therefore it is not probable or credible , that Themistocles should be her sonne , when at a solemne banquet , as M. Tullius witnesseth , he refused the harpe , for which he was accused in that assemblie of rudenesse and discourtesie , or else of want of skill , which was a kind of aspertion in those dayes and places . Lib. Sherap . Galenus saith , that the Lyre or harpe ( the pipe of which Euterpe was the first deuiser ) were held in great estimation and honour : these be his words , As in times of old to play vpon the harpe at meetings and banquets , or the like instruments , was held laudable and honest ; so eyther to deny it , or haue no skill in it , was an opprobry and scandall . Lycurgus , though he instituted most hard and seuere lawes ouer the Lacedemonians , yet the practise of musicke he did both allow and highly commend , as a sollace by which the troublesome burden of labour and trauell might be the easilier transmitted . Fauius saith , that songs cheere the gally-slaue at his oare , and the pipe though not exquisitelie playd vpon , yet the modulation is comfortable to such as are ouertrauelled . The first vse of pipes amongst the Greekes was after certaine great victories atchieued , where they were in great opinion of themselues ; but they were after relinquisht in Athens , either because they were held as inciters to wanton meetings , or because they raysed a kind of vncomelinesse and deformitie in the faces of such as playd vpon them . Of these pipes there were diuers kinds , That which was made of the Lote-tree , was called Plagiauton ; that of the Box tree , Elimon ; that of the Lawrell tree , Hippophorbon ; Monantus was likewise made of the Lote-tree , and most vsed at nuptials , which was called also Pholingia . The pipe nam'd Libis , called by some Matroa , was that which was solelie attributed to the inuention of Euterpe , though some bestow it on the mother of the gods . The Tyrhenes vsed pipes of horne ; the Thebanes made theirs of the shankebones of Hynd calfes ; the Celtae , of reeds ; the Islanders of the Ocean ( as the Scithae , the Antropagi , and Armaspians ) of the legge bones of Eagles and Vultures ; the Aegyptians pipe called Polypthongos , is composed of the stalkes of Barlie . There be as seuerall sorts of this kind of instrument , as it is vsed amongst sundrie nations and places . Certaine it is , though her inuention was but poore and wretched at the beginning , yet it increased miraculouslie : for almost no nation but sung their songs , oades , ditties and hymnes , to seuerall sorts of wind instruments ; but especiallie amongst the Germanes in Europe they were in the most frequent vse , from whom they had the name of Tybiae . The interpreters of Appollonius and Rhodius affirme that she first inuented the Mathemata , or disciplines : others , that she was much practised in Logicke . To speake in one word what the Poets materiallie intended by Euterpe , Lib. 9. Plutarch best expresseth in his Simposaicon , All attribute to Euterpe , the contemplation of the truth of nature , esteeming no delectations to bee more pure , or recreations more faire , than such as haue their birth from her . This therefore is the consequence and coherence betwixt Clio and Euterpe , according to Fulgentius : we first in Clio acquire sciences , and arts , and enterprises , and by them honour and glorie : that obtained , in Euterpe we find pleasure and delectations in all such things as wee sought and attained : which agree with Plutarchs words from Crysippus , I take something to my selfe which is appropriate to Euterpe , that she hath in her that which instructs men in ciuilitie and decencie . For Euterpe imports to vs nothing else , but the ioy and pleasure which we conceiue in following the Muses , and truely apprehending the mysteries of discipline and science . Therefore with Oppianus in his Halieuticis I conclude , Laboreum sequitur gaudium . i. Ioy still followes labour . And so much of Euterpe .

THALIA .

IT is a position , That the lawfull Platouicke banquet doth refresh both the body and the mind : such a one exprest Athenaeus in his Dipnosophistae ; which signifies Cenaesapientum , A supper or feast of Wise men , which is a discourse at table , both of pleasure and profit ; and of such is the Muse Thalia ladie and mistresse . For there is nothing that doth better delight the body , refresh the mind , or make cheerefull the countenance , than a banquet of that condition and purpose . Aristotle saith , That man is composed of a body ( which is an earthie masse consisting of spirit humour ) and of a mind which includes two things , namelie Sence and Reason , from which all honest pleasure doth arise and flow , if it be temperatelie and moderatelie gouerned . And Galen saith , That in a modest and well disposed banquet , all these occurre and meete : For who knowes not , but by such meanes the members are nourisht , the humours renewed , the spirit refresht , and the reason after a sort watered ? By this we haue a cessation from labour , a retyrement from care ; for the body , sollace ; for the braine , incouragement . Take away the hillarities and mirth of feasting and banquetting ; the nutriment of loue , the communitie of friendship , and the sollace of life , is by such a restraint opprest , and by degrees adnichilate : for the communion and societie of life , is the scope at which moderate banquets ayme , and not the lauish inuitation to healthing and intemperate drinking : which Plutarch in Symposiacis seemes to approoue in these words , speaking of the Muse Thalia : For that which belongs to surplusage of meate , and superfluitie of drinke , concernes not Thalia , who makes a man sociable in his banquets , who otherwise of his owne condition is churlish and froward . Therefore is Thalia deriued of Caliazein , which as the Greekes giue the etimologie is Conuenire , to meete according to appointment , well and contentedlie to please the pallat , and satisfie the appetite , and not to gormondise and exceede in surfet . Therefore the counsell of Varro is , that all such banquetters be either musicall or learned , and not to exceede the number of the Graces , or the Muses at most . From such a feast are to be excluded all such as are full of spleene , or prone to anger : but such whose affabilitie is smoth , and apt for the time and place , voyde of all loquacitie , and superfluous language , that rather sweeten than distast the company ; let such be welcome guests to her table : but the gluttenous and fat dishes of Sardanapalus , let them be as hatefull as cates saust with poyson , and such belly gods appeare to thee as dogges and serpents . Fulgentius and Epicharmus Comicus saith , that this Muse is the most of all the rest fauourable and gracious to Poets , because they loue to meete familiarlie and fare daintilie , to expell sorrow as they would doe shame , and melancholie as they would doe madnesse : and this they doe with an Antipharmacum , composed of neat and briske wine , which doth smooth and enlighten a wrinkled and clowdie countenance ; for Thalia will at no time suffer a Poet to droupe in spirit , or his fame to wither , Eclog. 6. as Virgill saith : Nostra nec erubuit siluas habitare Thalia . Our Thalia blusht not to dwell euen in the woods amongst vs .

She is the third in ranke , who hath a denomination of * * á Virescendo dallein , that is , Still springing and growing greene . Cornutus saith , That from that denomination she renewes and re-inspires the decayed life of a Poet : or else because at their free and jouiall meetings , she persuades them to friendlie and honest conuersation , without brawles or riot ; or lastly ( as others will haue it ) in regard the Poets fame once deseruedlie got , shall outlast time and liue with eternitie . Many bestow on her the inuention of the Comedie ; some make her the first teacher of Agriculture ; and others , to be the mother of Palephatus , who writ much concerning plantation and inoculating , besides fiue bookes Incredibilium , or things past beliefe . Therefore , the papers of Palephatus grew into an adage or prouerbe , because his bookes had no credit giuen vnto them . Much is spoken of him by Coelius in his Antiquae Lection : Lib. 30. cap. 34. But of her there is nothing left saue this to speake , That whosoeuer shall imbrace the Muses , shall purchase to themselues immortalitie . Therefore Pindarus in Olimpijs calls Poems , The purchases of diuine fame and glory immortall . Plutarch in Quest. 14. and in Symposiac , lib. 9. will haue Thalia , Calliope , and Clio to be conuersant in things serious , graue , and philosophicall ; in diuine things to haue speculation ; and lastlie to measure all things iustlie , and weigh them in an euen ballance equallie : He that can doe this , is not onelie worthy to be reckoned amongst the best of men , but to be numbered euen in the catalogue of the gods , of whose memorie no age shall euer be silent .

MELPOMENE .

BY sweete modulation , all things are mooued . Plato in his dialogue de Furore , calls her the daughter of Iupiter , and voyce of Appollo ; nor without merit , if we but retire our selues and looke backe into the originall of things . Her name deriued from the Greeke dialect , importing Ca●ere , to sing ; and Concentum facere , to make consent or concord : which includes the temperature and modulation of the whole world . For what is better moderated or kept within a more due proportion than melody : For as the many limbes and members of the body , though they haue diuers place and motion , and haue sundry gifts and offices , yet all their faculties are directed to one businesse , as hauing one scope and ayme : so the varietie that ariseth from diuers voyces or strings , all agree and meete to make one melody , which as Plutarch writes in his booke de Musica , signifies a * * Melos . member of the body . And that euery creature liuing is delighted with harmonie , Plato doth gather , because celestiall spirit from which the world first tooke life , had his first liuelie being and existence from musick . Strabo writes that the elephants are made gentle , by the voyce and the beating of the timbrell , or the tabor . And Plutarch in Symposiac , That many bruit beasts are much affected to , and delighted in musicke : Nam video , &c. For I see ( saith he ) creatures wanting reason are much pleased with harmony ; as the Hart with the pipe , and the Dolphin with the harpe and voyce : Of which Pindarus and Virgill are manifest witnesses : — Inter Delphinus Arion —

Which Arion , Plutarch in his Conuiuium thus elegantlie describes .

Quod mare nonnomit ? quis nescit Ariona tell us ? Carmine currentes ille tenebat aquas , Sepe sequens Agnam , &c.

Which I thus english .

What sea , what earth , doth not Arion know ? Whose verse could make the waters ebbe or flow ; His voyce hath cald the woolfe backe from pursuite Of the mild lambe , and made his howlings mute . Oft at his voyce , the sillie lambe hath staid , Whilst on his life the fierce wolfe might haue praid . Oft in one shade the hare and hound hath lyne , Both listning to a musicke so diuine . The Lionesse , and Ewe together are Attentiue both : but neither fierce , nor iarre . The prating crow to Pallas owle is ny , And quarrels not : the doue , the hawke sits by . Oft Cinthia hath he set thine heart on fire , And made thee sweare , his , was thy brothers Lyre All the Sicilian cities are at ones , And Italy is rapt with thy Lyrick tones . Bound homewards good Arion shipping takes , With all the store his art , or musicke makes . He feard to see the wind and waters rise ; But there more comfort than a shipbord lyes . Behold the captaine with his sword in hand , With all that guiltie crew at his command , Inguirt him round : he ( well nigh dead with feare ) Intreates them their rude violence to forbeare : Or if so madlie they his death desire , He first may take some comfort of his Lyre . They grant him leaue , and smile at his delay : He takes his chaplet of the still-greene Bay , A chaplet which euen Phoebus might haue tryde , Then don's a roabe in Tyrian purple dyde : And as the swanne that dying sweetlie sings , So he betakes him to his voyce and strings : And from th'inuiron of these marine knaues , Downe suddenlie he slips into the waues . The crooked Dolphin takes him on her backe , To saue Arion from the present wracke . She swimmes , he sits and playes vpon his Lyre , And payes with musicke the swift Dolphins hyre .

But to leaue to speake of vnreasonable creatures . In man there is a peculiar reason aboue the rest , by which his mind is made pliant and tractable to this modulation , for it insinuates into his bosome soonest . For none is of so rude and rough hewne a disposition , that yeelds not an attention to melodie , and is not captiuated and surprised with the rauishing sounds of Melpomene . In the monuments of antient writers there are obserued fiue seuerall sorts of songs : Fiue seuerall sorts of songs the first Suphronistiche , such were the songes that were vsed to bee relisht in the eares of Clitemnestra ; and all such singers are called Sophronistai , according to the Greekes ; the second were Encomiastice , Laudatory ; in which the prayses of the most excellent men were celebrated ; and such were soong by Achittas : the third , Drinetiche , or Cantus Lugubris , the mournefull song ; the fourth , Orchematiche , or Saltatoria , the dauncing dyttie ; the fifth , Pianiche , such as is in Homers Isliads , and is called Po●ean , or Po●an ; such were Hymnes to Apollo , not only in a plague time , that the Pest should cease , but for the cessation of warre , or any other present mischeife then immediat whatsoeuer . Melpomene is likewise the chiefe , and hath the prime precedencie in the Tragedie : as Virgill in the verse before remembred . Melpomene , tragico , &c. Therefore it was the custome in all the Tragedyes of old , to annexe to the end of euerie act , a Chorus , with some sad and mournfull song : and the neerer they grew to the catastrophe or conclusion , the songs were set to the more passionate tunes , and soong with the more sorrowfull accent , expressing an augmentation of griefe both in countenance and gesture . Some of the great Authors conferre vpon her the inuention of Rhetorick , of which opinion was Pharnutus , who doth etimologise Melpomene , from Molpe , which signifies the Sweetenesse of the voice : for one of the chiefest ornaments in an Orator is first Action , then a constancie in Voyce , Motion , & Gesture beseeming and comly . Most certaine it is , that all these things commented of Melpomene , either concerning the deriuation of her name , or her inuention of arts , meete in this one center ( to which so many lines ayme ) to signifie to vs a well spoken , learned , and eloguent man , from whose lipps issue all foecunditie and sweetenes : And that he may attaine to this elegancie which so much graceth an Orator , behooues him take counsell of M. Cicero , that is , to ioyne Wisdome with his Eloquence , and substance and matter to his pronuntiation and phrase ; by which practise , he may proue to the Common-wealth a most necessarie and profitable member . Lastly Fulgentius teacheth , that by this Muse is meant a maid giuen to meditation : as first , Clio begets a will ; secondly , Euterpe a desire to prosecute that which the will is bent vnto ; thirdly , Thalia to be delighted in that which wee haue acquired ; fourthly Melpomene , to meditate vpon that in which we are delighted . And so much for meditation , or the fourth of the Muses .

TERPSICHORE .

IN the fift place succeedes Terpsichore , whose name is deriued à 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . delecto , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , tripudium , that is , delighting in dauncing : This Muse hath no lesse reference to Musick than Melpomene her elder sister ; the one gouerns the voice , and hath predominance ouer songs , the other ouer dauncing and measures . They are by the great writers much commended , who therefore make the Muse the inuentresse of them , being the daughter of Iupiter : the originall of dauncing they deriue from the high heauens , from the order of the starres and planets , from their motion , their going forward and returne backeward ; which euen at the first creation began in an harmonaicall measure of the coelestiall bodies .

Of Daunces there be sundrie kindes ; some tooke name from the song , and such was called Emmeleia , that was held to be Tragicall : a second , was called Cordax Comica , or a countrie daunce ; of such Arriamnus in his Indian commentaries remembers vs : some bestow the inuention of such vpon the Satires , others affirme that Bacchus by his Orgyan leapings or daunces , brought the Tyrhenians , the Indians and Lidians , all warlike nations , to his subiection : Therefore those that were called Siccinastae , they conferre on him or some of his fellowes and adherents , though the Sicinni were the people of Creete , amongst whom that kind of measure was most celebrated . In what estimation these were of old , may be easily imagined , when no sacrifice was offered at Delos , but daunces were the chiefe in all their superstitious ceremonies . The Brachmani , a people of India , morning and euening in their adoration of the Sunne , frequently vse them . Amongst the Aechiopians , the Thratians , the Aegyptians , the Scythians , their sacreds are not solemnised without them , as first instituted by Orpheus and Musaeus . Some daunc't in the honour of Mars . The Lacedemonians had them in continuall practise , so likewise the Thessalians : in so much that the most wise Socrates after hee was growne in yeares practised to daunce , and not only gaue such exercises an extraordinarie character of commendations , but numbered them amongst the best sciences . These daunces were not in custome without musicke , especially in their feastiualls and sacrifices ; for the boyes or young men went in the first place , some playing vpon harps and pipes , and others selected for the daunces : whose custome was , as they tripped and skipped about the altar , they first proceeded so , that from the left hand they might incline to the right , to obserue the course of the Zodiacke ; and againe from the right hand turne to the left , to imitate the motion of the Primum mobile . Pindarus calls Apollo , Orcheste , that is , Salcator , a dauncer . Plato in his first booke de Legam latione , sayth that the first ground of learning proceeded from the works of Apollo and the Muses ; holding that man vntutered and ignorant that was not practised in the measures of the Muses , and him accomplisht and best instructed that could tread them with the best agilitie and cunning . By which it may be concluded , that these Choreae were begot by musicke , and fetcht from the very intrails of number vsed in verse ( which some of Rithmus , call Rime ) and from other Ethick obseruations : therfore some attribute to her the inuention of that which we call Humanitatis Disciplina , wihch signifies , The discipline of humanitie . By the sonne of Achelous shee had the Syrenes ( though Fulgentius calls them the daughters of Caliope ) and by Mars , Bistone , of whom the countrie is called Bistonia : shee is therefore rankt in the fift place , and sayd , Chorcis delectari , because it is a pleasure and delight to the Auditors , for the benefits they receiued by hearing the mysteries of learning and knowledge manifested & layd open vnto them : as if we should say Terpsichore , is a delight in instruction ; or , to take a felicitie to be instructed . Fulgentius will haue Polimnia to take place before her , his reason is , because after inuention or much memorie ( which is Polihimnia ) it is then necessarie to judge and determine of that which was before deuised and inuented . Cornutus sayth that good men transmit the best and greatest part of their liues in delectation and ioy ; or else that they bring pleasure and content to all such with whom they shall conuerse : of which delight this Muse is the patronesse . Others thinke she was so called , because she was so pleasing to the societie of the rest of her sisters : but whence soeuer shee had that name bestowed vpon her , it was neither idle nor vnmomentarie ; the fable of this Muse thus much insinuating , That part of the Muses are intentiue onely vpon serious and sollid matters , as Philosophie , the Mathematicks , and the like : the rest vpon recreation , sports , and pastimes . By which the ancients would teach vs , That it is not possible , but hee that hath spent most of his age and studie vpon Calliope and Vrania , but shall in that knowledge be most ioyfull , and filled with all manner of delectation : which pleasure and content they signified by daunces , musick , and banquets .

ERATO .

IN Platos Sanctuaries it is left recorded , that Amor , which is loue , in Greeke called Erota , which is the name of the Muse of whom wee are now to speake ( and by him called the voice of Venus ) is knowne to be nothing else by such as truely vnderstand , than the desire of beautie ; of which Plotinus makes a threefold distinction , it is either in the Mind , begot by vertue , and that is called Venustas , which may extend to a gracefull pleasantnes in speech , or delectable vtterance ; or in the Bodie , of the lineaments and colour meeting in the greatest congruitie , and that is called Decus , which is comlinesse or a sweetenesse of proportion ; the last is the concordance and pleasantnesse of sounds , which comprehends in it an excellent , though inuisible fairenesse or pulchritude .

This threefold beautie hath three sences subseruient or agreeing ; The interior eye of the Mind ; The sight of the Bodie ; and the Eare , accommodated and apt for the entertaining of sounds . Banisht therefore from the integritie and perfection of Platos loue are all the inflamations of fierie lust , and titillations of vnlawfull pleasure . Euen Socrates , who by the Delphick Oracle was iudged the wisest of his time , profest himselfe a seruant of this loue . In Athens as oft as any sacreds were made to Pallas , so oft were they to the statue of Loue , which was placed in the same Temple . In the popular ceremonies , Loue was honoured of all men . The Lacedemonians ( before they affronted or encountered the forteine enemie ) made their oblations to Loue , as if hee had the power to giue them both safetie and victorie . The band or companie , which among the Thebans was called Sacred , consisted on Louers , and such as were beloued . They had besides , a schoole or an Accademie dedicated to Loue . Plato in Phedra , proclaimed Loue to bee a god , and miraculous both with gods and men , as it is in his Simposi . Loue is a great god , and wonderfull both to men and gods ; and besides many other things , especially for his generation and birth .

Hesiod speaking in his Theogonia , sayth that Chaos was first made , then Earth and Hell next created , and immediately after them , Loue ; this is to bee vnderstood in an allegoricall sence , and mysticall and obscured : for he doth not by Loue vnderstand the sonne of Venus , for how can he be borne when his mother was not yet come into the world . We must vnderstand another Loue more ancient , which is significant in the name of this Muse called Erato ; therfore Hesiod defines him borne of Chaos and the Earth . Of the same opinion is Diuus Dionisius Arreopagita , Lib. de Diuinis nominibus . for thus he sayth , Loue , whether you tearme it diuine or angellicall or spirituall , liuely , according to creatures , or naturall ; you must vnderstand an inherent and commixt vertue which doth insinuate or intice the superior things to the inferiour , which doth reconcile things equall amongst themselues ; making them sociable , and equally communicating , and lastly doth pleasantly prouoke such things as are infinite , to be conuerted to matters more sublime and greatlier to be desired ; that like things combustible added to fire alreadie kindled , may make them sparkle and burne afresh . Worthie hee is no doubt , who is commended of all men , not onely for the nobilitie of his birth , but the antiquitie of his house , as is obserued from Plato ; but great must he needes be of force , to whose Empire both gods and men are subiected .

Hee is besides to bee wondred at for his shape and feature , because euerie man admires that beautie which he best loues . Lastly , he is to be commended , and Encomiastickes to be sung in his praise , for the vtilitie and profit that ariseth from him . Therefore from those before vs , for his nobilitie : from these present with vs , for his magnitude and potencie : and from those that shall succeede and come afer vs , for the expected vtilitie , this Loue is to be held in great honour and adoration . But the opinion of Ouid doth no way assent with the words of Hesiod , who saith , Nunc Erato & tu nomen amoris habes ; deriuing the sonne of Venus from the foresaid antiquitie ; by which he would make him much more elder than his mother . But to speake according to the Greeks , it is deliuered vnto vs by them , that Erato was the mother of Thamira , she that was the first Inuentresse of the Amatorious poem ( or loue verses . ) The Arcadians will not allow Erato in the number of the Muses , onely they giue her the character of a prophetesse , who was married to Archas the sonne of Calisto begot by Iupiter : and that she was the first publisher of Pans Oracles .

Patroclus that commented vpon Hesiod conferres vpon her the inuention of Poesie ; but the Poet himselfe sayth , that shee first deuised dauncing : as may appeare by that which I haue before interpreted .

Plectra gerens Erato saltat pede , carmine vultu .

Some of the Greeke authors allow her dauncing , others musicke . Pharnutus writes , that shee was so called from demanding and resoluing , which is ( more plainely ) from questions and answers , which two are much frequent amongst disputants . Fulgentius deriues her from the inuention of Similies , because that after Science and Memorie , is requisit that we deuise something resembling that which we haue learned . To conclude therefore : Erato is a certaine Loue borne by nature , which the wise men receiued from the gods . Or ( to speake according to Ariopagita ) a certaine institution by which Socrates , being eleuated , and ( as it were ) rap't into an higher element , soong and declared his diuine mysteries : before which time ( as hee hath of himselfe deliuered ) hee was altogether ignorant of things Superior or Inferior , Coelestiall or Infernall . Therefore with Erato I thus conclude , The force of Loue is in all creatures miraculous , but in man especially .

POLYMNIA .

THis Muse purchast to her self the famous and reuerend name of Mother , or one more condigne and excellent , and was of old held in great honor amongst Generalls , Princes , Optimates and Emperours . Her name importing nothing els but Memorie . Themistocles of Athens ( as Tully affirmes ) had learnt the names of all the cittizens . In Cant. Maior . Cyrus , with no lesse happy retention , hauing an infinite armie , yet knew euery one of his souldiers , and could call him by his proper name . Homer in his Isliads speakes the like of the Arch-duke Agamemnon , who commanded his brother Menelaus , from him to goe to euery particular souldiour in the campe , and by name to salute them . Nicias the Athenian , before he attempted that infortunate nauall battaile against the Syracusans , spake to all the captaines and masters of shippes , not onelie by their owne names , but the names of their fathers , and of their Tribes , exhorting and incouraging them to fight valiantlie ; for this Thucidades writes of him , Againe , he called euerie ship-master by his owne and his fathers name , remembring the very tribes from whence they were descended . Many haue excelled in memorie , but especially the Poet Symonides , of whom I haue thus read , That being inuited by one Scopa ( a fortunate and rich man ) to a great feast , where a multitude of his acquaintance , friends , and allies were then present , so that all the Tables in his large hall were furnished and thronged with guests , and euerie man had tooke his place , and hee amongst the rest ; suddenly a hastie message was brought vnto him , That two young men attended without to speake with him vpon businesse of great vrgence and importance ; he presently arose from his seat , but comming to the gate , saw no man : In this interim whilst hee expected them without , the whole structure with the roofe and battlements fell vpon those within and slew them all , not leauing one aliue : onely Symonides by this prodegie escaped . Now when the friends of those that perisht came to the place of slaughter , intending to giue their allies and acquaintance the due rightes of funerall , according to their degrees , but by reason of that confused massacre and multitude of persons there shattered almost to nothing no man could distinguish one from the other : Symonides by remembring in what place euerie man sate ( notwithstanding that confusion ) distinguisht the bodies and gaue to euerie one his friend and kinsman to giue vnto them their due rights of buriall according as their births or offices in the common-weale deserued . This aproues vnto vs , that order is a cheefe rule in memorie : which Cicero himselfe hath obserued . Lib. 16. Ammianus Marcellinus is of opinion that he strengthned and preserued his memorie with potions , extracted from the juice of diuerse drugges & simples . Most requisite and necessarie is Polyhimnia to all such as shall enter the chappell where the holie things of the Muses are kept . Whether the memorie come by nature or by art , or practise and exercise , who knowes not but all men are retentiue of such things as they are first instructed in , and that by nature : neuerthelesse it is to bee obserued , that children and old men , the first haue not their memories so perfect , the latter , not so full and strong ; for being in continuall motion , the braines of the one not ripe , and of the other somewhat decayed , answere not to the vascitie or greatnesse of the bodie , the prime sences being opprest with an vnwieldie and vnprofitable burthen : in those likewise that are fat and full of thicke and grosse humors , the exact formes of things are not so easily dissigned or exprest . Plutarch in his booke of Oracles calls Memorie the * * Antistrophe is where betweene two things conioined that haue mutuall dependancie , there is a conuersion by course . Antistrophon to Diuination : for things past onely belong to Memorie , and things present are the obiects of the sences . Themistius sayth that the Southsayer deales onely in predictions . And Plato in his Philebus affirmes , That Memorie is neither sence , nor imagination , nor vnderstanding , but an habit or affection of these , with Time added , by which there is made an impression and a spectre or imaginarie fancie left in the soule . Lucian sayth , he that proposeth to himselfe to haue Polymnia propitious vnto him , endeauours to keepe all things in memorie . She is called also Polyhimnia by Horace , à multitudine cantus of the multiplicitie of songs , as Lambinus obserues in his Commentaries . Lib. 1. Carmen . Ouid giues them the same title , as Muretus writes vpon this verse : Discencere Deae quarum Polyhimnia prima Caepit — The goddesses were at oddes , of which Polyhimnia first began .

So Virgill : Nam verum fateamna amat Polyhimnia verum . — We must confesse it sooth , For Polyhimnia nothing loues but truth .

In many places , and by diuerse Authours , she is sometimes called Polymnia , of Memorie , and againe Polyhimnia of varietie in historie : In the commentarie vpon the Argonauts , she is said to be the mistresse of the Lyre , or harpe . Hesiod giues Geometrie to her , and other of the Greeke Poets , Gramer . Cassiodorus in varijs , intreating of the Comedie , makes her the first inuentresse of Mimick action : and Plutarch in Symposia . of Histories : For ( saith he ) She is the remembrancer of many . Polymnia therefore , or Polyhimnia , is called Multa memoria , because Memorie is most behoouefull to all such as practise the study of arts and disciplines .

De VRANIA .

FRom Polymnia I proceede to Vrania , and from Memorie we are drawne vp to Heauen : for the best remembrancers , as Pliny saith , comprehend the whole world or vniuerse , in which the heauens are included , and all the secrets therein , as much as by inuestigation can be attaind to , haue the full and perfect knowledge : for the most secret and hidden things , are contained in the Heauens aboue , and therefore such as are expert in them , cannot be ignorant of these lesse and more easie to be apprehended below : Plutarch of Vrania thus speakes : Plato ( as by their steppes ) hath trac'd all the gods , thinking to find out their faculties by their names . By the same reason we place one of the Muses in the Heauens , and about coelestiall things , which is Vrania : for that which is aboue hath no need of diuersitie of gouernment , hauing one vniuersall directresse , which is Nature : where therfore there be many errors , excesses , & transgresses , there the eight remaining are to be transmitted ( and one particular Muse still reserued ) one to correct this fault , and another that . Vrania therefore ( according to Plutarch ) hath predominance in things coelestiall , which by how much they are aboue things terrestriall in excellence , they are so much the more difficult . Some stretch the influence of the starres to Zoriasta's magicke , in which he was popularlie famous , nay more , his name by that art enobled : notwithstanding , the annalls testifie that he was subdued and slaine in battell by Ninus . Pompey the great was curiouslie addicted to these diuinations ; yet his potencie fayl'd him , and he dyed a wretched death in Aegypt . Howbeit by these instances it is not to be inferred as the mysticallest and powerfull part of the Mathematicall desciplines . The inuentions of Manilius most indirectlie conferres it vpon Mercury . Plato in Epinomide , would haue all that contemplate Astrologie , to begin in their youth ; such is the excellencie of the art , and the difficultie to attaine vnto it : for these be his words , Be not ignorant that Astrologie is a most wise secret : for it is necessarie , that the true Astronomer be not that man ( according to Hesiod ) that shall onelie consider the rising and setting of the starres , but rather , that hath a full inspection into the eight compasses , or circumferences , and how the seauen are turned by the first , and in what order euery starre mooues in his owne spheare or circle : in which he shall not find any thing which is not miraculous . If therefore the prayse of Astronomy be so great , What encomium then is Vrania worthy , who first illustrated the art ? This onelie shal suffice , that by her is meant coelestiall Astrologie , so cald of the Heauen , for ( as Pharnutus saith ) The intire vniverse , the ancients cald by the name of Heauen . So by this meanes Vrania is acknowledged to be frequent in all sciences below , and speculations aboue whatsoeuer . Her Etimologie importing Sublimia spectantem , that is , Beholding things sublime and high . Of her Ouid thus : Incipit Vrania fecere silentia cunctae , Et vox audiri , nulla , nisi illa potest . Vrania first began to speake : The rest themselues prepar'd , To heare with silence , for but hers , No voyce could then be heard .

She is then receiued from the Heauen , either because all nations and languages beneath the firmament , haue some learned amongst them ; or that such as are furnisht with knowledge , she seemes to attract and carry vpwards ; or , to conclude , because glorie and wisedome eleuate and erect the mind to the contemplation of things heauenlie . Fulgentius saith , That some of the Greeke authours haue left written , that Linus was the son of Vrania : but it is elsewhere found that she was called Vrania of her father Vranus , otherwise stil'd Caelum , whom his sonne Saturne after dismembred . Xenophon in Sympos . remembers , that Venus was called Vrania , speaking also of Pandemius : of both their Temples and Altars , the sacrifices to Pandemius were called Radiouorgaraera ; those to Venus , Agnotaera . Some ( as Lactantius Placidas ) call Heleneuae that menacing star , Vrania . In a word , that coelestiall Muse called Astrologia , or Vrania , intimates nothing else , than after mature iudgement , to deliberate what to speake , what to despise ; to make election of what is vsefull and profitable , and to cast off what is friuolous and impertinent , is the adiunct of a mind coelestial , and a wisedome inculpable . Lib. 7. de repub . Most true therefore is the sentence of Plato , who tells vs that Vrania is she that first attracts the eyes of our mind to sublime things aboue , and if it were possible , would drawe our selues after .

CALLIOPE .

THere are two things in the mind chieflie predominant , Knowledge , and Disposition , Plat. in Gor. which as Plato saith , are in continuall and restlesse motion . Knowledge , which by the Sophists vnder a colour of truth , is abused , with things false and erroneous ; and Disposition or Affection , which tempted by the popular Poets , vnder a bait of delight and pleasure swallowes the hooke of many perturbations and distractions : those Orators that are meerelie superficiall and not seene in the grounds of wisedome , corrupted ; with idle and vaine reasons , they delude the knowledge , and with vnnecessarie curiosities precipitate the affection . From Sophists we must altogether beware , as pestiferous and infectious : from Poets and Orators , in some kinds , but not in all cases . Plato confineth Sophisters euery where and from all places , and Poets too , but not all ; such onelie as comment false and scandalous tales of the gods ; nor these from all places , but from the citties onelie , that is , from the societie of young men , and such as are ignorant , prone to perturbation , and not capable of the allegoricall sence included : admitting onely such as speake well of the gods , sing diuine Hymnes , and brauelie register the acts of noble and illustrious persons ; Such is the practise that Calliope teacheth her Poets : which practise as Ficinus witnesseth , is nothing but the rapture of the soule , with a transmigration into the maiestie of the Muses . This Poesie rouseth vs from the sleepe of the body , to the awaking of the mind , from the darkenesse of ignorance to the light of knowledge , from death to life , and from dull obliuion to a contemplation diuine and heauenlie : But where the wit failes , there is no helpe to be expected from the inuention , for it is not within the compasse of mans capacitie to compasse deepe and great matters in a moment , for all knowledge is inspired from aboue . And since Poetrie comes not by fortune , nor can be attained to by art , it must consequentlie be a gift from the gods and Muses . For when Plato names the god , he intends Appollo ; when the Muses , he vnderstands the soules of the spheares : for Iupiter is the mind of the deitie , who extasies and illuminates Appollo , Appollo the Muses , the Muses the Poets , the Poets inspire their interpreters , the interpreters make impression in the Auditours . By diuerse Muses diuers soules are enlightned , as it is in Tymaeus , that sundry soules are attributed to sundry spheares . The Muse Calliope , is a voyce resulting or rebounding from the sound of the other spheares , and of the rest the most excellent , Lib. 2. Theog . who is not onely a friend of Poets , but the companion of Kings , as Hesiod saith : Calliopeque & haec excellentissima est omnium , Haec enim & reges venerandos comitatur . Hee makes her the mother of Orpheus , and to inspire him as Vrania did the Poet Musaeus ; Clio , Homerus ; Polyhimnia , Pyndarus ; Erato , Sapho ; Melpomene , Thamyras ; Terpsichore , Hesiodus ; Thalia , Virgilius ; Euterpe , Pub. Ouidius . Thus the nine Muses , who haue reference and hold correspondence with the nine coelestiall sounds , make one harmonie and consent by inspiring nine illustrious Poets : Amongst them Calliope is held to be the most antient . Antient likewise is Poesie , whose inuention is giuen to Calliope , as to the Championesse that defends the standard of the Muses . Besides Orpheus , some say she had two other sons , Ialmus and Hymenaeus , of whom we spake before . Hymenaeus was beloued of Thamiras , who was the first Poetiser of vnchast venerie . She is also said to haue a sonne called Cymothon , by Oeagrus ; some also make the Syres the daughters of Calliope , others of Melpomene : Venus ( because Orpheus the sonne of Calliope discouered Adonis , whom she had deliuered to Proserpina to be six moneths concealed ) gaue him to be lacerated and torne in pieces by the Thracian women . But now to search what was chieflie aymd at by the Poets in this Muse Calliope : It appeares that by her they apprehended the sweetnesse and modulation of song , as taking her denomination à bona voce , of a good and tunable cleere voice ; therefore she is called Vox deae clamantis , The voyce of the calling goddesse ; from which they gaue her the dominion ouer the persuasiue art of Rhetoricke and Poetrie . The generall tractat of the Muses , ayming onelie at this , That the first thing requisite , is to haue a will to knowledge and learning ; the second , to be delighted in that will ; the third , to be constant in that wee delight ; the fourth , to attaine to that in which wee are constant ; the fift , to commemorate that which we haue attained ; the sixt , to make similitude and compare what we haue commemorated ; the seauenth , to iudge of those likes which we haue made and compared ; the eighth , to make elections of such things as thou hast iudged ; the last , eloquentlie to speake , and facundiouslie to delate of that thing of which before thou hast made election . So much Fulgentius . And those no doubt that haue long and much exercised themselues in these disciplines , and haue beene the deuout adorers of the Muses , the daughters of Iupiter , and practised themselues as well in the gentler sciences as the hidden mysteries of Philosophie , shall not onelie by their endeauours attaine to the perfection of fame and glorie , but purchase to themselues incredible ioy , pleasure , content , and delectation .

A word or two of the Muses in generall , and so conclude with them . They are held to be the soules of the Spheares : Vrania , of the starrie Heauen , and of that spheare which is called Aplanes ; Polyhimnia , of Saturne ; Terpsichore , of Iupiter ; Clio , of Mars ; Melpomene , of the Sonne ; Erato , of Venus ; Euterpe , of Mercury ; Thalia , of Luna . These eight Muses are referred to the eight Tones of the spheares ; from all which Calliope , not till now named amongst them , ariseth and is begot ; these being neere to the body that is first mooued , which is said to be next to the seat of the supreame deitie , are said by Hesidus to daunce about the Altar of Iupiter . But because diuerse and sundry are the studies of these Muses , therefore by their influence the minds of mortall men are inspired with sundry and diuerse delectations , which ( as the Pythagorians thinke ) descend downe vpon them from these spheares . Those ouer whom the Moone hath predominance , participate of the nature of Thalia , and are therefore delighted with comick lasciuiousnesse and wantonnesse . Those whom the spheare of Saturne gouernes , or Polyhimnia , being of a drie and cold temperature , they are wondrous retentiue in the remembrance of things long past . For the dispositions of the mind , and constitutions of the body , haue a consonance to the nature of that planet vnder which they were borne : therefore some are delighted with one study , some another , according to the aspects of the planet . For example , if Mercury be in a good and pleasing aspect , he begets eloquence , facunditie , and elegancie of speech , besides skill and knowledge in many things , but especiallie in the Mathematicks : the same being in coniunction with Iupiter , they are bred Philosophers and Diuines : beeing ioyn'd with Mars in his happy aspect , it makes men skilfull Physitians and fortunate ; but in his bad aspect , such as prooue vnskilfull , vnluckie , and sometimes theeues and robbers , which commonlie happens when he is scorcht with the planet of the Sunne . Being in coniunction with Venus , thence proceedes Musitians and Poets ; ioyn'd with Luna , warie merchants , and diligent and thriftie husbands ; with Saturne , it infuseth men with prediction and prophesie . But let this little serue to illustrate the rest , so from the Muses we come to the Sybells .

Of the SYBELLS .

Lib. 4. ISiodorus saith , that the word Sybilla is a name of place and office , and not of person : It is deriued of Syos , which signifies Deus , God ; and Beele , as much as to say , Thought . So that Sybell comprehends a woman that had gods thought : For as a man that prophesieth , is called a Prophet , so a predicting woman is called a Sybill . Of their number the antient writers much differ . Aelianus in his booke De varia Historia thus speakes : There were foure Sybells , Erithraea , Samia , Aegyptia , and Sardinia . Others to these adde six more , to make the number tenne : amongst which are numbred Cymaea , and Iudaea , with the three Bachides , one of Greece , a second of Athens , a third of Arcadia . It seemes he had forgot to reckon the tenth . Lib. 2. cap. 22. Aretine in his booke De aquila volante , agrees with Isiodorus . In the Etimologye of the word , Tanto s●na quanto a dire mente d●uina , He likewise numbers tenne , the first ( saith he ) was of Persia , the second of Libia , the third was named Delphita , being borne in the Island of Delphos , and neere to the Temple of Apollo , who prophesied of the warres of Troy ; the fourth was called Omeria , and was of Italy ; the fift Erythraea , and borne in Babylon ; she composed a booke , which in the Greeke tongue was intituled Vasillogra ; the sixt was called San●a , or rather Samia , as borne in the Isle Samos ; the seauenth Cumana , of the cittie Cuma , whose sepulchre , as Isiodorus writes , is in Sicilie , she brought certaine bookes to Tarquinius Priscus , which spake of the Roman succession , and what should futurelie betide them , prescribing them the Ceremonies to be vsed in their sacrifices ; the eight Ellespontiaca , who likewise prophecied of the warres of Troy ; the ninth , Phrigia ; the tenth and last , Alburnea , who prophecied many things concerning the Sauiour of the world . Lib. 1. cap. 7. And so farre Aretine . The opinion of Iohannes Wyerius in his booke De prastigijs Demonum , is to this purpose , That the diuell in the thea●re of this world might put a face of honestie vpon all those Tragedies which he aym'd to execute vpon mankind , he instituted his Enthusiastae and his Pythe●● Oracles , which were in vse almost amongst all nations , in so much that their superstitions , and prophanations had crept in amongst the people of god : so that Moyses made a law that all such as repayred to these iugling sorcerists , should be stoned to death . Amongst these are counted some of the Sibells , though not all , as hirelings of the diuell , for the conseruation and confirmation of his kingdome : for out of their bookes the Romans were drawne into many lunacies and frenzies , as ( besides many other ) it is manifest in Zozimus , who recites many of their verses full of tradition , and superstitions meerelie vnlawfull , though the two Sibells Erythraea and Cumana in heroicke poems prophesied of Christ , and sung and declared his prayses : which as some coniecture , they did by the sight of the prophesies of Esaias and Dauid . These oracles lasted to the comming of our Sauiour , but then surceast through all the parts of the world . There were also a kind of sorcerists , which some call Le●●res ; the word importing the spirits and ghosts of such as per̄isht before their times , or abortiuelie , for from such they fathered their predictions and prophesies . Of this kind there were many in Germany ( as Wyerius relates ) who were of long continuance , and such were called Albae mulieres , or the white women , which in their moderne tongue , implies as much as the white Sybells : and this sort of people was ominous to women with child , The white Sibill● . and to infants sucking at their mothers breasts , and in their cradles : These , though in times of old they were most frequent and common , when the world attributed too much to the iugling illusions of the deuill ; yet since the Sauiour of the world , and our onelie patron , hath supplanted him by the more pure and feruent preaching of the Gospell ; these mockeries and fallacies , by which he cheated the vnlettered multitude of their faith , and god of his honour are meerelie adnichilated , in so much there is scarce left to posteritie the least memorie of their wicked traditions . Of such as these , it seems S. Hierom took especiall notice , when in an epistle writ to Paula vpon the death of Blesilla , he thus speakes , Quae causa est vt saepe Dimuli & Trimuli , & vbera lactantes , &c. i. What is the reason that children of two and three yeares of age , and such as sucke at the breast should be corrupted by deuils ? The Ethnicks custome was to giue names to such , according to the diuersitie of their actions : there were some called Hecataea , as sent from Hecate : others by the Italians , Tolle●ae or Empedusae . But this may appeare a digression from our Sybills , therefore I thus proceede with them . Cap 1. Petrus Crinitus in his twentieth booke De honesta disciplina , speaking of the Sybells , the Branchi , and the Delphick prophetesses , alleadges Gallius , Fir●●anus , Hieronimus , and other antient writers , extracting from their opinions which way and by what means these oracles were imagined to be possest with the spirit of diuination : These of that order ( as Plato and Iamblicus , haue learnedlie related ) either from the gods or spirits ( say they ) are inspired with that illumination , by which they discerne the fundamentall causes of things , and can presage and foresee such euents as shall succeede . Iamblic in his booke to Porphirius saith thus , The Sybell of Delphos two seuerall wayes conceiues the spirit by which shee prophesies , either by a soft breath , or else by fire proceeding from the mouth of a certain den or caue ; before the entrance of which she seates her selfe vpon a three-footed , or foure-footed stoole of brasse , in which place the diuine power either by whispering in her care , or by some other infused blast inspired into her , giues her the facilitie of vttering her predictions . The Branchae sitting vpon an axeltree , held in her hand a wand consecrated to some deitie or other , and either washt her selfe in some sacred fountaine , or receiued some influence from the vapour of fire , and by this means were made repleate with diuine splendour . These Branchae deriue themselues from Branchus the sonne of Apollo , vpon whom his father bestowed the gift of diuination , to which Statius assents ; so Strabo in these verses makes him a Priest of the Temple of Apollo . Mirandula in Himnu .

Phebus , from Branchus axeltree , His Prophet did inspire : Who with a thousand Ambages , Hath set the world on fire .

Colephonius Zenophanes hath denyed , that there can be any diuination at all , but Democritus hath approoued it : of the same argument Chrysippus hath wri● two bookes , one of Oracles , another of Dreames . Diogines Babilonius , publishe one De diuinatione , Antipater two , Possidonius fiue . Panaetius the scholler of Antipater doubted whether there were any beleefe at all to be giuen to that art or no. Cicero is of opinion , that it hath onelie power ouer such things as happen accidentallie or by chance . Of diuination there be two sorts , one of art , as by the entrails of beasts , or by casting of lots ; the other of nature , as by dreames and visions : in both , the coniectures made by vaticinations , aime at more than they can accomplish , and intend further than they can proceede . Further , this art is by the Greekes called Mantices , that is , the knowledge of things to come ; the first inuenters thereof were the Aegyptians and Chaldaeans , by their obseruations of the starres . The nations of the Cilici , the Pysidauri , and the inhabitants of Pamphilia neere vnto these , predicted by the singing and flights of birds . The Magi among the Persians had many assemblies of purpose onely to augurate and to diuine : but all such are condemned of ignorance and want of art , who presage meerely by concitation and rapture , without the helpe of reason and coniecture . Sagire signifies to perceiue acutely or sharpely ; therefore they are called Sagaces that know much : he that is sayd Sagire , viz. to know , before things come to passe , is sayd Presagire that is to presage . It is called Diuination when it extends to a higher degree of prediction . But when by diuine instinct ( as in the Sibells ) the minde is as it were transported and extaside in rapture , it is then called Fur●r , or furie . Amongst the Ligurians , a people of Thrace , it was a●custome for their Priests before they would dema●nd any thing from the Oracle , to glut and gorge themselues with superfluous excesse of wine : The Clarij contrarie to these in their superstitions , vsed to quaffe great quantitie of water . The Diuination that was made by water was called Hydromantia : That which was made by an Axe or Hatchet , was stiled Axinomantia : That which was made by a Skin in which water was moued too and fro ( from whence a soft and gentle voice of presage was heard to breath ) was called Le●●●omantia : That which did consist of certaine points and markes fixed in the Earth , Geomantia : That which was gathered from Figures and imaginarie shapes shining in the fire , Pyromantia : The Diuination by smoke was called Capnomantia : That which was deriued from skipping shadows in a mirror or glasse , seeming to leape this way or that , Capyromantia : That which was apprehended from Brasse , Aeromantia : That which was begot from a Siue , Coschinomantia : That which came by Lots , Cleromantia : That which was gathered from the Aspect or Countenance , Phisiognomia : The coniecture by the hands , Chiromantia : That which was collected from Hearbes , Batanomantia : That which was apprehended from a great big-bellied Vessell into which children were set to looke and tell what they spide therein , Gastromantia : It is called Augurium or Auguri , from Birds ; and Extispicum , from the intrailes of Beasts . Phauorinus vpon Gellius sayth that he would haue no faith nor beleefe at all giuen vnto these Diuinations , arguing in this manner , Either ( saith he ) they must presage Prosperitie or Aduersitie , and bad or good fortune : If they promise good and faile vs , we are made miserable in our expectation ; if prosperitie to come , though it happen in the processe of time , in the interim , time spent in hope of it seemes irksome and tedious ; if they prognosticate Aduersities , and lie , yet are wee made wretched in our feares ; if Miseries to come , and lie not , wee are first excruciated in our minds before we be once toucht by the hand of Fate , & by that means doubly suffer . Mart. Cappell . will allow but two Sybells , namely , Symachia and Herophila : yet our latter authors approue the number of twelue , of which though briefly we will speake in order .

SIBILLA PERSICA .

SHe was borne in Persia , and is said to be the most auntient of all the rest , and therefore she weares this character , Antiquissium vaticinantium : she is figured with her hand crossing her breast , her eyes sixt vpward , as one contemplating of diuine things , holding a booke in her hand open , as if she had bin latelie reading , and now meditated what she had read : shee prophesied of Christ in this manner , as likewise of the seauen ages .

From Adam vnto Noah ( as well appeares ) Age 1. Were a thousand fiue hundred fiftie and six yeares , To make vp the first age . And from the flood , Age 2. Two hundred ninetie two , are vnderstood To Abraham . From him , Israel to free Age 3. From Egypt , makes fiue hundred adding three . Till of King Salomons Temple , the first stone Age 4. Be laid , iust yeares foure hundred eighty one . Age 5. Fourteene and full foure hundred yeares there be To Babylons distrest captiuitie . Age 6. The sixt age from that bondage may be seene To make vp iust six hundred and fourteene : In which yeare , of a Virgin shall be borne The Prince of peace , crownd with a wreath of Thorne , Age 7. Him the seauenth age shall follow , and extend Till the worlds frame dissolue , and Time see end .

Amalthaea and Marpesia are the names of Sybills , as Tybullus accounts them in his second booke .

Quicquid Amalthaea , quicquid Marpesia dixit , Heriphile Phoebo grataque quod monuit . What Amalthaea said , or speake Marpesia was able : Or what Heriphile forwarn'd , To Phoebus acceptable .

Politianus reckons vp diuerse of the Phebaiedes , or Sybells , withall some men skilfull in diuination , in these verses , — Quad & veteres prompsere Sybilla Carmen Amalthaea , &c.

Which I thus interpret .

The antient Sybells did in numbers sing , Amongst them Amalthaea , who did bring The verse in vse . Marpesia , rich in fate : Herophile next her , who doth translate Her birth from Ida. Sabbe , of knowne skill . Demo , and Phigo , with Phaennis quill , Which writ all truth . Carmenta who was held A matron still : with Manto that exceld . Pythian , Phoemonoe , who thought it meet , To make the proud verse stalke on longer feet . Old Glaucus daughter in this art hath striu'd To exceede the rest . Deiphoebe longe-li●'d Marcia , and Bacis . Olle doth adorne The trayne ( iust vnder the Triones borne , ) Lychus most famous i● the Attid land Rankt ; the Dodonia● do●es with these must stand .

This Persian Sybell is of such long standing , that it seemes by antiquitie she hath lost her name , neither am I willing further to inquire of her than the writers of the former ages were desirous to leaue recorded to posteritie .

SYBILLA LIBICA .

SHe is by some called Phoemonoe , Plin. lib 20. and held to be the daughter of Apollo , sirnamed Prima . By all antient writers shee hath the honour to be the first that inuented the heroick verse : of her perticular actions much is not left recorded . It is reported of a Prefect whose gouerment was ouer Cilicia , that he gaue no credit at all to these Oracles , and to make proofe whether there was in them any thing worthie admiration , or beleefe , he inscribed a question which he sealed vp ( his Aenigma was not known to any saue himself ) this letter by one of his freed men whom he best loued and most trusted , hee sent to the Oracle , charging him not to open it till hee had receiued a direct answere to the demand included . The messenger hauing made his Orisons , offered sacrifice , and presented gifts according to the custome of the place , petitioned for an answere to his vnknowne request , and so layd him downe to sleepe by the altar : in the morning being throughly awake , he remembered himselfe of a vision that appeared vnto him ; it seemed vnto him that he saw one of the Sybells standing before the altar , who onely spake to him this word , Nigrum , ( a blacke ) and so vanisht . With this satisfaction he returnes to his lord , and tells him euerie circumstance as it happened , withal , the short answer that he receiued by vision : when the gouernor , vnsealing the paper , discouered only these words written with his owne hand , Album tibi an Nigrum imolabo taurum . i. Shall I sacrifice vnto thee a white bull or a blacke ? to which the answere was giuen , a blacke : this euer after better possest him of the Oracles . The first Oracle that was heard , The beginning of Oracles . was by certaine sheapheards , the chiefe of whom was called Coretas , these grasing their flockes in the place where the Temple now stands , heard a sound of certaine words vttered by Diuine instinct ; of which at first they tooke small heede , as meerely neglecting them : but when by proofe they found all things to happen punctualy according to the prediction , they gaue a sacred reuerence to the place , which since hath enlarged the fame thereof through all the parts of the world . But concerning this Sybell , Libica her prophesies concerning Christ were somewhat to this purpose .

A King , a Priest , a Prophet , all these three Shall meet in one : sacred Diuinitie Shall be to flesh espous'd . Oh who can scan This mysterie , vniting God with man ! When this rare birth into the world shall come , Hee , the great god of Oracles strikes dombe .

Plutarch in his booke Oraculorum defunctione relates this historie : Aemilianus the Rhetoritian was the father of Epitherses , a doctor in Grammer , and a man of approued truth and fidelitie ; he reports that in his trauell by sea towards Italie , hee happened into a ship laden with merchants goods , and full of passengers of diuers nations : In the euening , being iust against the Echinadae , they failed afore the wind till with an incertaine course they were driuen neere vnto Pa●is , Epitherses with manie of the other passengers being then awake , ● voice was heard from the Island which ( to the admiration of them all ) called vpon the name of one Thamus : this Thamus was an Aegyptian , and his name scarce knowne to any in the ship : twice he was cald , but aunswered not , but at the third summons breaking scilence , these wordes with a loude voice were vttered : Thamus , great●an ●an is dead . Epitherses reported that these words put them into an vniuersall feare : diuerse arguments being held amongst them , and it being long disputed , Whether it were necessarie that this command should be performed , or omitted ? But Thamus thus resolued , that if the wind stood faire , he would not alter his course , but passe the Island , but otherwise he would deliuer the message according as he was inioyned . Comming neere the Palodes , their sayles were on the suddaine becalmed , for neither wind was felt to blow , nor tyde or water perceiued to mooue ; whith he perceiuing , turned himselfe towards the Island , and made this lowd acclamation , The great god Pan is dead : which words were no sooner vttered , but a great intermixture of howling , yelling and mourning , was heard from the Island , to the infinite amasement of them all . This was done in the presence of so many witnesses , that the rumor thereof spread so farre as Rome , euen to the eares of Tyberius Caesar , by whom Thamus being sent for , he related the circumstance in the presence of the Emperour and many learned men : all which concluded , that this Pan before spoken of , was the same who was held to be the sonne of Mercury and Penelope . The truth is , and agreed vpon by all approoued authours , that at the birth of Christ , all Oracles ceased , and since that time were neuer heard to giue answer vnto any demand whatsoeuer . And thus I take leaue of the second Sybill Phoemonoe .

SYBILLA DELPHICA .

SHe was called Daphne , and said to be the daughter of the Prophet Tyresias : many of whose verses Homer is said to assume to himselfe , and make them his owne . She prophesied of the warres and destruction of Troy . Tyrasius was king of Thebes , who as some say was strucke blind , because he vnawares saw Diana naked , bathing her selfe in a fountaine . Of whom Ouid speakes in Metamorph. Lib. 3.

At pater omnipotens , &c. Omnipotent Ioue did for his losse of eyes , Inspire him with the spirit of Prophesies : Things future to predict , which was ( I guesse ) To make his plague seeme in his honour lesse .

Of him Statius likewise speakes in the second booke of his Thebaiedes . Some thinke Daphnis the neateheard , who was the first inuenter of the Bucolick verse , to be her brother ; Lib. 10. he ( as Sindus and Vollateranus both auerre ) was strooke blind because he adulterated a woman in his drunkennesse ; the circumstance is so set downe by Aelianus . He was the darling of Mercury , and no sooner borne , but laid out vnder a Lawrell tree ; the kine which he fed , were said to be the sisters of the Sunne ( for so Homer in his Odissaea relates . ) In his flower of youth he was beloued of a beautifull nymph , who grew enamoured of him in Sicilia , with whom he made a couenant , That if euer he cast himselfe into the embraces of any second loue , he desired of the Fates that his eyes might for euer loose the benefit of the Sunne . Not long after , the Kings daughter fell in loue with him whom , hee vitiated in the heat of his wine , and grew blind soone after . Some make him the inuentor of the Beucolicks , which others confer vpon Stesichorus Himeraeus . But touching Daphne , thus Palephatus in his fabulous Narrations speakes of her : Terra , or the Earth , fell in loue with the flood Ladon , of their mutuall compression Daphne was begot : of her Apollo grew inamoured and layd daylie siege to her chastitie , but shee not able to oppose his importunities , and willing to preserue her virginitie pure and without blemish , petitioned to her mother Earth , That she would againe receiue her ( to conceale her from the Sunne ) into her bosome , from whence shee at first proceeded : to whose request her mother condiscended , and kept her so long , till from her brest shee sprong out a Laurell tree , whom Phoebus notwithstanding courted , Lib. prim . but in vaine . The manner of her transportation Ouid with great elegancie relates in his Metamorph. Without this Laurell ( as some thinke ) the Tripos in Boetia ( plac't neere the vaticinating caue ) cannot be erected . All writers confirme a her Sybell and a Prophetesse , belonging to the Delphian Oracle , howsoeuer the Poets haue fabled . Her prophesie was to this purpose .

An Angell shall descend and say , Thou blessed Marie haile ; Thou shalt conceiue , bring foorth , yet be A Virgin without faile . Three gifts the Chaldaeans to thy sonne Shall tender , with much pietie , Myrrhe to a Man , Gold to a King , And Incense to a Deitie .

SIBILLA CVMAEA .

SHe was called Cimmeria , and was one of Apollo's Priests , borne in Cuma , a citie of Aeolia . Leonard Aretine in his booke de Aquila volante , calls her Omeria , Lib. 2.22 . and would deriue her from Italie . Herodotus in his first booke hath left this historie recorded , That Pactias the Persian flying for refuge into the citie Cuma , hee was demaunded thence by Mazares the great generall ; but the Cumaeans would not deliuer him vp without aduise from the Oracle . There was in those daies an antient and much adored altar , sacred to Apollo , to which the Aeolaes and the Ionians in all their hesitations repaired for counsell ; it was scituate in the Milesian fields , neere to the port called Panormus : to this place were sent men both of birth and trust , to demand from the Cumaeans , Whether Pactias should bee deliuered vnto the Persians ? who answered , Let him be surrendered vp : which when the men of Cuma heard , they with a ioynt sufferage concluded to send him thence , and to obey the Oracle . To which decree , Aristodicus the sonne of Heraclius violently opposed himselfe ( a man amongst the rest at that time most illustrious ) either not giuing credit at all to the answere , or distrusting their fidelitie that brought it : therefore hee himselfe with other of the prime citisens prepared themselues for a second expedition ; these repairing to the Branchidae or Priests , of which this Cumaea was one ; Aristodicus humblie kneeling before the altar , thus bespake Apollo , Pactyas the Lidian ( oh king , and god ) to shunne a violent death , gaue himselfe into our patronage , the Persians redemaund him of the Cumaeans ; we , though we feare not their forces , yet dare not surrender vp a suppliant to death , who hath tendred his safetie into our hands , till wee heare from thee what in this destraction is most fit to be done . To these words , the Priest as from Apollo returned this answere : Let Pactias be deliuered vp to the Persians . This done , Aristodicus it seemes not well pleased to betray the life of his friend , surueying the Temple round , he spyde where sparrows and other small birds had builded their neasts , who taking away their young was about to depart the Temple : when instantly was heard from the altar , the sound of a voice thus speaking ; Oh thou most wicked of men , what arrogant boldnesse hath so far possest thee that thou presumest to take hence my suppliants , and such as I haue taken to my protection ? at which words Aristodicus returning , made this free and bold answere , Doest thou ( oh king ) succour and protect thy suppliants , and commandest vs to betray the life of Pactias to the Persians ?

Some haue cauelled with these Oracles that their verses haue bin harsh , and not in smoothnesse of stile or elegancie of phrase to be compared with those of Hesiod or Homer : to which may be answered , We are sicke with the disease of the Eare and the Eye ; let vs not blame a Pythian Prophetesse because shee sings not so sweetly as Glauce the mynstrell , nor appears in her heire perfumed with pretious vnguents , and her selfe ietting in Tyrian purple ; when the Sybel vtters her diuinations with a troubled braine , and a destracted countenance , her words harsh and vnpleasant , as not rellishing laughter , delight , or ornament ; for such things are least pleasing to vs in shew that are most beneficiall to vs in proofe , Voluptatem enim , non admittit quod integrum & castum , That admits no pleasure which of it selfe is perfect and chast . Besides , these were answeres to be leasurely writ , not suddenly spoake ; studied with long meditation , and not extemporall ; it is probable , that they in sweetenesse and smoothnesse might equall if not exceede the facunditie of the former : neither is it the sound , the voice , the language , or the number or meeter of the god himselfe , but of a woman , and she too extaside in spirit , and rauisht with a diuine furor . These shall suffice for Sybilla Cumaea , I will only conclude with her Prophesie .

Th' antient of daies , shall then submit to time , The maker yeild himselfe to new creation : The deitie and Godhead most sublime , Take shape of man , to ransome euerie nation : Die , to make others liue , and euerie crime Committed , from the round worlds first foundation , Take on himselfe : as low as Hell descending To winne man Heauen , vpon his grace depending .

SIBILLA SAMIA .

SHe is called Erophile , or Hierophile , taking the name of Samia from the Isle Samos where she was borne . She was deriued from Iupiter and Lamia the daughter of Neptune . Simon Grinaeus in his annotations vpon Iustin , thus saith , That this continent is likewise called Samothracia , because it buts so neere Thracia ; in that place was Pythagoras the Philosopher borne , with one of the Sybells , stiled Samia . The Island is dedicated to Iuno , because as they beleeue , there Iuno was borne , brought vp , and espoused vnto Iupiter . Heraclides in Politijs saith , That it was first a sollitude or desert , onelie inhabited by wild beasts , amongst which were the Neides first seene in that wildernesse . It was once called Parthenia , after that Driuse ; there Ancaeus raigned , of whom came the Prouerbe first , Multa cadunt inter , &c. Many things fall between the cup and the lip . In this Island haue bin seene white Swallowes , as great in body as a Partridge . In this place flourisht Aesop , where he first publisht his Fables ; and Theagines Samius , after , the scholler of Euripides . Plut. in Quaest. Graecis , relates , that when any sacrifice was offered to Mercurius Charidota ( which is as much as to say , Munificent ) it was lawfull for any to steale and catch away each others garments : because that hauing by the command of the Oracle left their owne countrey , and were forced by shifting into Micale , there to liue by rapine and theft ; that time being expired , and at their returne , by vanquishing their enemies , being possest of their owne inheritance , in remembrance of their former confinement , they haue obserued that custome . Of this Sybells particular actions , much hath not beene commended to posteritie : onely of her person , that such a one there was ; and of her prophesie , which was thought to be this : The world shall to six thousand yeares aspire , By water once , but then destroyd by fire : The first two thousand void : the next , the Law ; The last two , vnder the Messias awe . And as repose by Sabbaoth is exprest , Sunne , Moone , and Starres , all things shall then haue rest .

It is likely , and may be coniectured , that she came to the light of Elias prophesies , for in the like manner he distributed the world , diuining of the continuance of mankind , and the change of times : the first two thousand yeares he called Tempus inane , which may be thus interpreted , because the many regions of the earth were not fullie inhabited , Babylon not yet built , and diuers spatious prouinces vndiscouered : or else because the polliticke estate of the Church was not yet visiblie established , and separated from other nations : For then were no Empires extant , which after were apparant in the Monarchies . Yet doubtlesse it is , that the first age was the golden and most flourishing ; because the nature of man was then most potent and vigorous , as may appeare by their longeuitie , liuing so many hundred yeares : moreouer , it bred many wise old men , full of the diuine light , that spake of God , of the Creation , and were witnesse of the arts and sciences . The second times was numbered from the Circumcision to Christs comming in the flesh , and being borne of a Virgin ; which conteiues little lesse than two thousand yeares , and that is vnder the Lawe . The third Time , if it reach not to the full number to equall the former , it is for our sinnes , which are many and great , for which mankind shall be the sooner destroy'd , and Christ for his elect sake will hasten his iudgement .

SYBILLA CVMANA .

SHe was likewise called Amalthaea . Hyginus in his second booke speakes of Amalthaea , Cap. de Heniacho . that gaue sucke to Iupiter in his infancie ; his historie he deriues from Parmenesius , and relates it thus : There was a certaine King of Creete called Mellisaeus , to whose daughters young Iupiter was sent to be nursed ; but they wanting milke , brought vnto him a goat called by that name , which gaue him sucke . This goat was so fruitfull , that she euer brought forth two kids , and was then newlie eased of her burden , when Iupiter was brought thither to be fostred . In gratitude of which good done to him , he after translated her and her kids amongst the stars which Cleostratus Tenedius first obserued . Musaeus reports otherwise , That Athemides and Amalthaea were two nurses , to whom the charge of Iupiters infancie was committed , both beautifull Nymphes : Amalthaea hauing a goat whom she much loued , Lib. 1. and with whose milke she brought him vp . Palephatus in his fabulous narrations speakes of the Horne of Amalthaea , which Hercules still boare about him , which was of that vertue that it still supplyed him with all necessaries whatsoeuer : from which grew a Prouerbe , That all such as were supplyed without complaining of want , were said to haue the Horne of Amalthaea ; the history is thus . Hercules trauelling through Boeotia to visit his nephew Iolaus , soiourned by the way for a season amongst the Thespians , where liued a woman of approued beautie and vertue , called Amalthaea ; with whose feature Hercules being much delighted , he hosted there longer than his purpose , which Iolaus taking ill , Amalthaea out of a horne in which she had hoarded some quantitie of money , furnisht Hercules with all things needfull : which some strangers taking especiall notice of , they rumord it abroad , and from thence first grew the Prouerbe . But to returne to our Amalthaea Cumana : This was she by whose conduct Aeneas had free passage into hell , as Virgill expresseth at large in his sixt booke . She brought to Tarquinius Priscus those three bookes of Prophesies , Valer Max. lib. 8. cap. de Senc. of which two were burnt , and one preserued . By which computation comparing the time betwixt Aeneas and Tarquin , she could liue no lesse than fiue hundred yeares ; nor is it altogether incredible , since when Liuia the daughter of Rutilius , Terentia of M. Cicero , and Clodia of Aulus , the first liued ninetie seauen yeares ; the second , a hundred and thirtie ; the third , a hundred and fifteene after the bearing of fifteene children . Gorgias Leontius ( the tutor of Isocrates and many other learned men ) in the hundred and seauenth yeare of his age , being asked , Why he desired to liue any longer ? answered , Because he felt nothing in his body by which to accuse age . Herodotus , Pliny , Cicero , and others , speake of one Arganthonius Gaditanus , who raigned fourescore yeares , being sixtie yeares of age before he came to his crowne . Solynus and Ctesias with others , auerre , that amongst the Aethiopians a hundred and thirty yeares is but a common age , and many arriue vnto it . Hellanicus testates that the Epians , a people of Aetolia , attained to two hundred : whom Damiates exceedes , naming one Littorius that reached to three hundred : the like we reade of Nestor . I will conclude with Dondones , whom Pliny affirmes suruiued fiue hundred yeares , yet neuer stooped with age . More liberallie speakes Zenophon , who bestowes on one of the Latin Kings eight hundred , and six hundred vpon his father : but I will forbeare further to speake of her age , and come to her Oracle .

Vnto the Assyrian Monarchy , Monarch . 1. we assigne One thousand yeares , two hundred thirty nine . When thirty six successions shall expire , The last , his glories pompe shall * * It ended in Saraanap . who burnt himselfe , his concubines and iewells . end in fire . Thence to the Meades it transmigrates , and they Shall in nine full successions beare chiefe sway : Three hundred yeares shall memorise their deeds , Wanting iust eight . Monarch . 2. The Persian then succeedes In th' vniuersall Empire : which must last Fourteene Kings raigns , and then their sway be past Ouer to Greece : Monarch . 3. but ere their light blow out , Two hundred fiftie yeares shall come about , Adding fiue moneths . The Monarchy now stands Transferd on Macedonia : Monarch . 4. who commands The world , but Alexander ? by him is guided The spatious earth , but in his death diuided Amongst his captaines : Macedon one ceaseth , Asia another , Syria best pleaseth A third , Aegypt a fourth : thus lots are cast , Two hundred eighty eight their pompe shall last , And then expire . Great Rome shall then looke hye . Whose proud towers from 7. hills shall bra●e the skye , And ouerlooke the world . In those blest dayes , Shall come a King of kings , and he shall raise A new plantation : and though greater farre Than all the Monarches that before him are , In maiestie and power : yet in that day , So meeke and humble , he shall daine to pay Tribute to Caesar : yet thrice happy he , That shall his subiect or his seruant be .

After the death of Alexander , the kingdome of Macedonia was successiuelie inioyed by fifteene Kings , and indured a hundred fiftie seauen yeares and eight moneths . Asia and Syria were gouerned by nineteene Kings , and lasted two hundred eightie nine yeares . Aegypt was possest by tenne Ptolomies , and lastlie by Cleopatra ; and it continued two hundred eightie eight yeares . These Kingdoms fayling , the Romans gained the chiefe predominance . Of this Sybell S. Isiodore , Virgill , and Ouid writ more at large ; she writ her Prophesie in leaues of trees , and then plac't them ouer the Altar , which when the wind mooued , or made to shake , they had no efficacie , but when they remained firme and without motion , they receiued their full power and vertue : therefore Dante the famous Italian Poet thus writes : Come la neue al sole se distilla , Cosi , al vento nelle foglie leue , Si perdea la sententia de Sibille .

I cannot here pretermit Ouids expression of this Sybell : who when Aeneas ( hauing receiued from her that great curtesie to enter hell , and to come safe thence , and for that would haue sacrificed to her , done her diuine adoration ) she thus answered him .

Nec dea sum dixit , nec sacrifuris honore , &c. I am no goddesse ( goddesse sonne ) 't is true , Nor are these diuine honours to me due : I had beene such , and darknesse not haue seene , Had I a prostitute to Phoebus beene . For whilst he courts my loue , and day by day Hopes with large gifts , mine honour to betray : Aske what thou wilt , oh bright Cumaean maide , It shall be granted thee , Apollo said . I , willing that my dayes should euer last , Prostrate vpon the earth , my selfe I cast , And graspt as much dust as my hand could hold ; Let me then liue ( said I ) till I haue told So many yeares , as there are bodies small Lockt in this hand . The god could not recall , Nor I vnsay ; I had forgot in truth , To insert in my rash boone , All , yeares of youth . Euen that too , to haue yielded to his will , I might haue had : but I am virgin still Haue to this houre remaind , my happier dayes Are all forespent , Decrepit age now layes His weake hand on me , which I must endure Long time to come : seauen ages I am sure Are past , nor shall my thread of life be spuune Vntill the number of these sands be runne . The houre shall be , when this my body here , Shall small or nothing to the sight appeare , ( This , time and age haue power to doe ) and when I shall not louelie seeme , as I did then : Nay doubtlesse ) Phoebus will himselfe deny That e're he cast on me an amorous eye . Saue by my voice , I shall no more be knowne , But that the Fates haue left me as mine owne .

Ouid hath fabulated , that she was changed into a Voyce , the word Sybilla importing Vox . She prophesied much of the Roman warres , and the successe of their Empire .

SIBILLA HELLESPONTICA .

SHe hath the denomination of Marrinensis , and as most Authours affirme , deriues her selfe Ex agro Troiano , from Troy in Asia . She sung of the warres betwixt the Troians and the Greekes . I will be briefe with her , because I feare I haue beene too tedious in the former : her Prophesie of Christ , I haue included in these few lines .

When Atlas shoulders shall support a starre , Whose ponderous weight he neuer felt before , The splendour of it shall direct from farre Kings , and Wisemen , a new light to adore , Peace in those dayes shall flourish , and stearne warre Be banisht earth , lost mankind to restore . Then shall the Easterne Monarches presents bring , To one , a Priest , a Prophet , and a King .

And so much for Sybilla Hellespontica .

SYBILLA PHRIGIA .

SHe was called Vates Ancirrae , and as most will haue it , this was Cassandra the daughter of King Priamus and Hecuba : their femall issue are thus numbred , Cre●sa , Cassandra , Ilione , Laodice , Lycaste , Medesicastis , Polixena , Climene , Aristomache , Xenodice , Deimone , Metioche , Pisis , Cleodice , and Medusa . Amongst which , she onelie attained to the spirit of Prophesie , and predicted of the destruction of Troy ; but her Augurie was neuer credited . Appollodorus , as also Higinus giues this reason : Appollo inflamed with her beautie , promist if she would prostitute herselfe to his pleasure , he would inspire her with the spirit of Diuination , which he accordinglie performed ; but she failing in her promise to him , he in reuenge of that iniurie caused that her Prophesies , howsoeuer true , should neuer haue credit ; which makes her in her diuination thus complaine : The world to Troy I fitlie may compare , Erected first by Neptune , and the Sonne : These two , the aptest Heirogliphicks are , For water , and for fire . The buildings donne , Lao●edon , their right the gods denyes : For which , by water Troy was first destroid : So was the world for mans false periuries , In the great Deluge , where but eight inioyd The benefit of life . Troy happy were If it by water could forewarned be ; So were the world● but oh , too much I feare , In their like fatall ruin they agree . Troy must be burnt to ashes ( woe the while ) My mother in her wombe conceiu'd a brand , To giue it flame : he that shall many a mile Trauell by water , to bring fire to land . Lust is the fuell : Lust and other sinnes , Are the combustible stuffe , will bring to nought The worlds great fabricke , since from them begins All desolation , first to mankind brought . The world like Troy must burne : they both before Suffered by water , so they must by fire . We Prophesie these things : what can we more ? But after our predictions , none inquire , Vnlesse in scorne . This doth Cassandra greeue , To speake all truth , when none will truth beleeue .

The better to illustrate this Oracle , know that Laomedon , about to build the walls of Troy , borrowed much coine of the Priests of Neptune and Phoebus to accomplish the worke , vpon promise of due payment when the walls were finished : But breaking his faith and denying restitution of those summes lent , the gods inraged at his periurie , Neptune brought vp his waues so high that he in a deluge vtterly destroied the citie ; whilst Apollo by the scorching of his beames made the vpper countries barren . For the burning of Troy , it happened after the ten yeares siege ; elaboratly described by Virgill in his Aeneidos , when Aenaeas discourses the whole desolation of the citie , to Dido : in which he speakes of the prince Chorebus to bee much inamoured of Cassandra , who rescued her when shee was dragd by the haire from Apollo's altar , and was slaine in the attempt . The death of Cassandra is thus reported by Hyginus in Fabulus : When the spoiles and prisoners of Troy were diuided amongst the Princes of Greece , Cassandra fell by lot to the archduke and generall Agamemnon , with whom he safely arriued in Mycene , of which place he was king and gouernour . But Clitemnestra , the daughter of Tindarus sister to Hellen and wife to Agamemnon , being before their landing possest by Oeaces ( or as some call him Cethus ) the brother of Palamides , that Cassandra was the prostitute of Agamemnon , and had supplanted her from his loue ( which lie he had forged , to be reuenged of the Generall , for his brothers death before Troy : ) Clitemnestra therefore surprised with iealosie , complotted with Aegistus the sonne of Thiestas , to murder them both the first night they lodged in the Pallace , which was accordingly performed ; but Electra the daughter of Agamemnon , stole thence her brother Orestes , then but an infant ( who else had perished with his father ) and conueyed him to be safe kept to one Sihophius of Phocis , who had before bin married to Astichaea the sister of Agamemnon ; he brought him vp to manhood , till Orestes found fit oportunitie to reuenge himselfe on the two Regicides , his mother and Aegistus .

SIBILLA EVROPAEA .

SHe is said to be Incertae patriae , as no man knowing from what perticular region to deriue her , and therefore is knowne by no perticular name , nor by the antient Historiographers numbred amongst the ten ▪ only amongst the twelue she hath place , as may appeare by this her Prophesie , When the great King of all the world shall haue , No place on Earth , by which he can be knowne : When he that comes all mortall men to saue , Shall find his owne life by the world orethrowne : When the most just , iniustice shall depraue , And the great judge be judged by his owne ; Death when to death a death by death hath giuen , Then shall be op't the long shut gates of Heauen .

SIBILLA TIBVRLINA .

IT seemes she deriues her selfe from the riuer Tiber ; she is otherwise called Albunaea , of the cittie Alba , ( which was erected before Rome ) as also Italica , and by some Alburnea . It is reported that the Romans ( going about to deifie Augustus Caesar ) demaunded aduise of this Sybill , who after three daies fast , standing before the altar , where the Emperour himselfe was then present , after many hidden words miraculously spoke concerning Christ , vpon the sudden Heauen opened , and Caesar saw a beautifull Virgin standing before the Altar , who held in her armes as louely an infant ; at this apparition Caesar afrighted , fell on his face : at which instant was heard a voice as from Heauen , saying , This is the altar of the Sonne of God . In which place was after built a Temple dedicated to the Virgin Marie , and called Ara Caeli . i. The altar of Heauen . This Policronicon affirmes , and for the truth thereof citeth saint Augustine lib. 18. cap , 24. There is little more remembered of her life , sauing , that in her bookes she prophesied of the comming of the Sauiour of the world much after this manner : Seuen wonders of the world haue bin proclaimed , But yet a greater than these are , not named . The Egyptians high Pyramides , who seem'd 1 Wond . To meet the starres , a worke once much esteem'd . The Tower of Pharos . The miraculous wall 2 Wond . That Babylon begyrt . The fourth , wee call 3 Wond . Diana's Church in Ephesus ; Fame sings 4 Wond . 'T had fix and thirtie Pillers , built by kings As many . Next to these , Mausolus Tombe ; 5 Wond . Than which , the Earth supporteth on her wombe No brauer structure . Next to these there was The huge Colossus that was cast in Brasse , 6 Wond . Of height incredible , whom you may espye , Holding a lampe fiftie seauen cubits hye . Bestriding an huge riuer . The seuenth wonder , 7 Wond . Was of great Ioue that strikes with trisulck thunder : His Statue caru'd in Yuorie , and contriu'd By Phideas , the best workeman then suruiu'd . What at these trifles stands the world amaz'd ? And hath on them with admiration gaz'd ? Then wonder , when the troubled world t' appease , He shall descend , who made them that made these .

Of these Wonders briefly , to make her diuination the more plaine . Of these Pyramides there were diuerse , That 60000 men were 20 yeares in building . of which the greatest tooke vp eight acres of ground , parted into foure angles , each equally distant eight hundred eightie foot , and in heigth twentie fiue . A second , foure angles , euerie one containing by euen spaces seuen hundred thirtie and seuen foot . A third , comprehended three hundred sixtie three foote betwixt euerie angle . A fourth , errected by Rhodope the strumpet , the mistresse of Aesop , by the money which she got by her trade . Herodotus speakes of a Pyramis made by Cleopys king of Aegypt , of stones fetcht from Arabia , whose length was fiue furlongs , the breadth ten paces . He erected a second more magnificent , which was not finisht in twentie yeares , vpon which he spent so much treasure , that hee was forc't to prostitute his daughter , a most beautifull young virgin , to supply his owne necessitie . Pliny reports , that in this structure he impolyed so many workemen , that they eate him 1800 talents in onyons and garlicke . 2. The tower of Pharos , built by Ptolomaeus , in that Isle , which serued as a lanthorne to direct nauigators by sea in the night : he spent vpon it 5300 Talents : Sostrata was the Architectour , as appeares by the inscription of his name vpon the Cittadell . 3. The wals of Babylon were built by Semiramis , they were ( as Hermodorus writes ) in thicknesse fiftie cubits , in heighth two hundred , within the compasse of which were an hundred Ports , hauing brasen gates , that all moou'd vpon hinges ; they were beautified with three hundred Turrets , and Chariots might meete vpon the toppe of them , and haue free passage without impediment . 4. The Temple of Diana , of which I haue spoken before , was in length 425 foote , in breadth 220 : It was beautified with 127 Collumns . 5. The tombe of Mausolus , built by Artimesia queene of Caria , was in height 25 Cubits : it was compast with 36 collumns : it contained from the South to the North 33 foote , the whole compasse contained 1411 ; That part which lay towards the East , was perfected by Scopas ; that which was towards the North , was ended by Briax ; that towards the Meridian , by Tymothaus ; that which butted vpon the West , by Leocares . 6. The Colossus of the Sun , which bestrid the riuer Rhodes ( betwixt whose legges shippes without vailing their top sailes came into the harbour ) was of that vastnesse , that a man with his spread armes could not compasse his thumbe , euery finger being as bigge as a common statue . After it had stood six and fiftie yeares it was emolisht by an earthquake . The Souldan of Aegypt hauing inuaded Rhodes , with the broken brasse thereof laded thence 900 cammells . The chiefe workeman was Chares Lindius , the scholler of Licippus . 7. The image of Iupiter , to which some equall the pallace of Cyrus king of the Meades , built by Memnon , the stones of which were simmented together with gold . But I leaue further to speake of these , and proceed to the next Sybill .

SIBILLA AEGYPTIA .

SHe was called Agrippa , not numbered amongst the tenne , but hath place amongst the twelue , she prophesied vpon the number of Three , and on this manner : Sacred's the number Three ( as Sybells tell ) Betwixt three brothers , the Heauen , Sea , and Hell , Were cast by lot . The Earth , as all men write In their diuisions , is called Tripartite . Ioue , three waies striking , hath his Trisulc Thunder , Neptun's allowd his Trident , to keepe vnder The mutinous waues . Three fatall sisters spinne Our thread of life . Three Iudges punish sinne . Euen monsters are described so . Gerion weares Three heads : Grim Cerberus as many beares . Sphinx hath three shapes , of Bird , of Beast , of Maid , All three , in wings , in feete , in face , displaid . Chimaera is Triformd : the monstrous creature Scilla 's of dogges , fish , and a womans feature . The Erynnaes , Harpyes , Gorgons , three-fold all The Sybells * * As diuining three sundrie waies . Trifatidicae we call , Diuining from the Tripos . Orpheus Lyre , Sings , that 't was made of water , earth , and fire . Three Charites , three Fates , three Syrens bee . Number the Muses , they are three times three . She 's triple-Hecat's cald . Diana stilde , Triuia . The ground of Musicke was compild But on three Chords at first , and still exprest By voice , by hand , by breath . In the * * Meant naturall Philosophie . Phisicks rest Three principles , God , World , and Creature fram'd . Creator , Parent , Issue , these are nam'd In all production . Into Three we cast Mans age : two legges , next three , then foure at last . Phisitians three things to obserue are sure , First to preserue , preuent , and then to cure , Three gouernements are famous in Romes state , That of the Tribunes , and Triumuirate . Three sorts of people they distinguish can ; The Senat , Souldior , and the common Man , In the taking height of starres , w'obserue these Three , First Distance , then the Forme , next Qualitie . But which of vs obserues that sacred Tryne , Three persons in one Godhead sole diuine . That indiuiduall essence who dares scan , Which is , shall be , and ere the world began , Was in eternitie ? When of these Three , One of that most inscrutable Trinitie , The second person , Wisedome , shall intombe All maiestie within a Virgins wombe . True Man , true God , still to that blest Trine linckt , True light shall shine , and false starres be extinct .

SIBILLA ERYTHRAEA .

SHe is the twelfth and last , borne in Babylon , of the Assirian nation , and daughter to Berosus a famous Astrologian . She writ in Greeke a booke called Vafillogra , which some interpret , Penalis scriptura , which as Eugenius in his Res de Sicilia testates , was transferred into Latin . She prophesied of all the Greekes that came to the siege of Troy , designed the places whence , and how long they should continue there . In those bookes she speakes of Homer , and that he should write of those wars partially , according to his affection and not truth . In the same volume she prophesied of Christ , after this manner : The times by the great Oracle assignd , When God himselfe , in pittie of mankind , Shall from the Heau'n descend and be incarnate , Entring the world a lambe immaculate ; And as himselfe , in wisedome , thinkes it meete , Walke in the earth on three and thirtie feet , And with six fingers : all his subiects then , Though a king mightie , shall be fishermen , In number twelue : with these , warre shal be tride Against the diuell , world , and flesh ; their pride , Humilitie shall quell , and the sharpe sword With which they fight , shal be the sacred Word , Establisht vpon Peter , which foundation Once layd , shall be divulg'd to euerie nation .

The onely difficultie in this prophesie is Trentra tre piede , which signifies thirtie three yeares : and Mese dito , six fingers , intimating the time of six moneths . And thus I take leaue of the Sybells .

Of the Virgins VESTALLS .

FEnestella in his booke intituled de Sacerdotijs Romanis , proposeth Numa Pompilius to bee the first that deuised the forme of this Vestall adoration : Fenest . lib de Sacerdot . c. 6. though the first institution thereof was held to be so antient , that Aeneas transferred it from the Troians to the Albans ; as Virgill witnesseth in these words : Virgill lib. 2. Eneid . — Vestamque potentem . Aeternumque aditis adfert penetratibus ignem .

To this goddesse Vesta ( whom some call the Earth , others the Mother of the gods ) Fire perpetuallie burning , was consecrated : and to this obseruation and coustome , certaine virgins pickt out of the noblest families were chosen , as directors and chiefe ouerseers of that Order ; by whose negligence if by chance at any time that sacred Fire was extinguished , thier iudgement was to bee beaten to death with strokes by the hand of the chiefe Priest or Flamin . Valerius Maximus reports that the same judgement was executed vpon the same negligence , by P. Licinius Crassus then in the high Priesthood . All such as were found guiltie of incest were condemned to bee buried aliue : nor was it lawfull ( as Labeo Antistius writes ) for any vnder six yeares , or aboue ten , to be admitted into that seruice ; besides , she must not be the onely child of her father and mother , neither must shee haue a lisping or stammering tongue , bee deafe of her eares , nor marked with any blemish about her bodie ; neither such an one whose parents , one or both , haue liued in seruitude , or haue bin conuersant in any base offices ; neither such a one whose sister hath beene elected into the Priesthood : all these are excused from the seruice of Vesta : neither she who●e father is a Flamin , a South-sayer , or one of the Decemuirie in the sacrifices , or of the Septemuirate in the banquets . There is likewise a dispensation with the daughters of kings , and priests , as vncapable of this ministerie : neither can that mans child be admitted that hath not a knowne house and an abiding place in Italie , for so Capito atteius writes : so likewise the children of all such are restrained , as haue the number of Three , or more . By the edict of the Praetor , that no Virgin Vestall or Dialis which belongs to the sacrifices of Iupiter shall be compelled to any thing ; these be the words of the Praetor by the mouth of the crier : Through all my iurisdiction I wil not vrge or force an oath from the Vestall Virgins , nor from the Flamin Dialis : in the chusing of the Vestall these things were obserued . There is a caution by the law called Lex P●pia , That by the approbation of the chiefe Priest , and by his special appointment , twenty virgins were selected out of the people : but this ordinance with many other were abrogated and abolisht by Time , in so much that it was sufficient , if any of free parents and honestlie descended , petitioned or made meanes to the high Priest , she might without more difficultie enter her oath , and be admitted into the sacred order ; being receiued by him as one snatcht and taken violently from the hands of her enemies . The words he vsed were these , This vestall Priest , whom I enter into this holy office , according to the institution of the best law , I receiue by the name of Amata , to make her intercessions for the Nobilitie and people of Rome . It was a custom to admit them all by the name of Amata , because she that was first chosen by king Numa was so called ; and with these ceremonies shee was as it were hurried to the Temple of Vesta . In Labeons commentaries it is thus found recorded , The Vestall virgin is incapable to be made heire of any man or woman that dies intestate : her goods likewise after her death returne to the common treasurie . Pomponius Latus in his booke de Sacerdotijs , agrees with Fenestella , That Aeneas first brought the Vestal fire from Troy into Italy : and Lauinium being built , he there erected a Temple to her honour . After this , Ascanius consecrated another in a part of the hill Alba : beneath which , or at the foote thereof , was a thick groue , in which Mars vitiated Illia the mother of Romulus . These Ministers of Vesta were tied to an oath of perpetuall virginitie : for it was a custome amongst the Latines , to make choice of the most noble and chast virgins . After many yeres Romulus deuised all the chast ceremonies belonging to that Order : and as Varro declares to vs , created three score Priests to those publique seruises , selected by their Tribes and Families , but of the most noble & vnblemisht stocks amongst the Romans . The temple of Vesta is built round , and is scituat betwixt the Capitoll and the Pallace : in this is kept the perpetuall Fire ; for the Etimologie of Vesta is nothing else , but purus ignis , i. pure Fire . Some are of opinion that in that Temple are kept the remenbrances of many both sacred and secret monuments , some strange and vnknowne euen to the Priests and Virgins . Some speake of two toonnes of no great quantitie , the one continually shut , the other open & emptie : some of the Virgins haue reported that the Palladium that fell from Heauen and was receiued into Troy , is there still to be seene . The first Virgins appointed by Numa , were foure , Gegania , Berenia , Camilla , Tarpeia , Gegania . Berenia . Camill. Terpeia . two others were added by Seruius Tullius . Their vowes of virginitie were vnalterable for thirtie yeares . In the first ten yeares , they were to learne the ceremonies , and to be as ministers and handmaides : in the rest she was to gouerne and instruct others ; and the thirtie yeares expired , she had libertie ( if she pleased ) to marrie . If any of these Vestalls had wantonly offended , she was to bee chastised by the Priest : but such as were found incestuous , were punished after this manner , Being first bound she was laid vpon a beere , like a coarse alreadie deceased , and so carried through the midde Forum to the port or gate called Collina , for there betwixt two walls , is the graue of the vnchast Vestalls still apparant : there is a caue hollowed vnder the earth , the descent is with a ladder by the mouth , which is of no great widenesse ; in this vault is a bed readie prepared , a light burning , with bread , milke , and oyle : these things being all made readie for the purpose , the delinquent is set downe , her bands loosed , and her head couered , the high Priest whispering certaine secret things in her eare , the other priests turning their faces from her , which is no sooner done , but shee is let downe into the cauerne , earth throwne vpon her , the graue filled , and shee stifled aliue ; and that day on which this execution is done , there is a generall silence and sadnesse through the whole cittie .

OPPIA .

SHe was one of the Vestall virgins : who being taken in whordome , and the fact manifestlie prooued , she was conuented , conuicted , and had her doome to bee buryed aliue . Vpon whom Strozzafilius inscribed this Epitaph : Vestalis virgo laesi damnata pudoris , Contegor hoc viuens Oppia sub tumulo . I Oppia , once a Vestall , that For sinne my iudgement haue : Condemn'd for lust , am liuing shut And couered in this graue .

Claudia . Claudia . There were two of that name , as Liuy in his 22 booke reports , who were addicted to the ceremonies of Vesta .

Fonteia was the sister of Marc. Fonteius , Fonteia . who being a Prefect or gouernour amongst the Galls , was accused before the Senat of iniustice and misgouernment , as transgressing the lawes and edicts of the Romans .

Marcia was a Vestall virgin , Marcia . and one that attended vpon the sacred ceremonies , she was condemned of incest , and ( as Oppia was before her ) buried aliue .

Minutia also a minister of Vestaes sacrifices , Minutia . who for her elegant feature , and extraordinarie beautie ( and withall because the costlie ornaments with which she vsed to attire herselfe , exceeded the precise custome of her Order ) she was brought within suspition of lust and inchastitie : for which being cal'd into question , and not able legallie to acquit her selfe , she was brought within the compasse of the law , and for her supposed offence , had both the sentence and execution due to the like delinquents .

Iustin in his 43 booke commemorates this historie : Aeneas , after many tedious trauells , landing in Italie , was by marrieng Lauinia the daughter of King Latinus , made partner with him in the Kingdome : for which marriage , warre was commenst betwixt them two of the one partie , and Turnus King of the Rutilians on the other . In which combustions , Turnus being slaine , and Latinus yeelding to Fate , Aenaeas both by the right of victorie and succession , became Lord of both the Kingdome and poeple : erecting a cittie called Lauinium , in remembrance of his wife Lauinia . In processe , he made warre against Mezentias , king of the Etruscians , whom hauing slaine , Ascanius the sonne of Aenaeas succeeded in the principalitie . Ascanius leauing Lauinium , built the cittie Alba ; which for three hundred yeares space was the capitall cittie of that Kingdome . After many discents , the regall honours were conferred vpon Numitor and Amulius . These two Princes emulous of each others greatnesse , Amulius the younger , hauing opprest his brother Numitor , surprised also his sole daughter Rhaea , Rhaea Ve●●alis . who was immediate heire to her fathers honours and regall dignities : all which , he couetous to ingrosse to himselfe , and fearing withall , least from her issue might in time descend some one that might punish his insolencies , and reuenge her and her fathers iniuries , deuised with himselfe how to preuent both ; and fearing least by putting her to death , he might incurre a generall hate amongst the people , in whose loue hee was not as yet fullie setled ; he apprehended ( as his safest course ) to shadow her vow of virginitie to be elected into the sacred seruice of Vesta . Being thus confin'd into the groaue celebrated to Mars , whether begot by Mars himselfe ( as was then beleeued ) or otherwise adulterouslie conceiued , it is vncertaine , but she was deliuered of two sonnes . This being knowne to Amulius , increased his feares , who commanded the infants to be cast foorth , and Rhaea to bee loaden with yrons , vnder whose seuere sentence expiring , she yeelded to Fate . The two children ready to perish , were miraculouslie nourced by a she wolfe , and after found by the shepheard Faustulus were by him brought vp and called Remus and Romulus : and so much of Rhaea . Tranquillus , and Cornelius Tacitus both of them remember one Rubria , Rubria . a Vestall virgin , who was forceably deflowred by Nero. Another , whose name was Pompilia , Pompilia . because by her inchastitie she prophaned the sacred orders of Vesta , was buryed aliue ; the same death for the like offence suffered Cornelia . Cornelia . Floronea the Vestall was conuicted of whoredome , Floronea . but she to preuent one death , made choice of another : For taking to her selfe a braue Roman spirit , shee with her owne hands boldlie slew her selfe . Posthumia taxed for her two curious habit and gaudinesse in attire , Posthumia . ( as much transcending the custome of that more strict Order ) was suspected of Lust , and accited before the Senate , and there arraigned , she wittilie and noblie answered to whatsoeuer could be obiected against her ; so that being found guiltlesse , she was absolued by the sentence of the high Priest or Archflammin . Sextilia sped not so well as this Posthumia , Sextilia . for she being suspected of inchastitie , and found culpable , suffered according to the law made for the punishment of the like offenders . Tutia . The like suffered Tutia the Vestall for her vnlawfull prostitution . Plutarch in Gracchis , in the Catalogue of these consecrated virgins , numbers Licinia . Lycinia . And Pliny relates , that when Clodius the Emperour was in opposition with his wife Messalina ( that sinke of lust , and most incontinent of women ) when their differences could be no wayes decided , Messalina sent to Vbidia ( one of the most reuerent amongst the Vestalls ) by whose mediation attonement was made betwixt her and the Emperour . Vbidia . The vestfall fire vpon a time going out , and it being imputed to their inchastitie , Aemilia . Aemilia with these words besought the goddesse ; Oh Vesta , thou that art the protectour of this famous cittie Rome , as I haue truelie and chastlie , almost for thirtie yeares space , celebrated thy sacrifices , so either at this present crowne my puritie with fame , or before this multitude , brand my lust with infamy . These words were no sooner spoken , but casting her mantle vpon the Altar , the fire instantlie brake foorth , where before there was nothing in place saue cold embers ; by which prodigie her innocent life was protected . Claudia . Claudia the Vestall was of no lesse remarkeable chastitie , who when a barke laden with the sacreds of the goddesse stucke fast in the riuer Tyber , and by no human strength could be loosed from the sand : she thus openlie protested before the people , If ( quoth she ) ô goddesse , I haue hitherto kept my chastitie vndefiled , vouchsafe these may follow me : when fastning a cord to the stearne of the ship , she without any difficultie drew it along the riuer . Tuscia . Tuscia likewise suspected of incontinence , by the like wonder gaue testimonie of her innocence , who inuocating Vesta in these words : If ( saith she ) ô mother of the gods , I haue offered thy sacrifices with chast and vndefiled hands , grant that with this sieue I may take vp water from the riuer Tyber , and without shedding the least droppe beare it vnto thy Altar : which when she had obtained and accordinglie performed , with lowd acclamations of the multitude , she was absolued , and her austere life euerafter held in reuerence . The attributes of Modestie and Temperance are greater ornaments to a woman than gold or iewells ; and because all perfections cannot be in one woman at one time , this Modestie is that which supplyes all things that are wanting . It is a dower to her that hath no portion , not onelie an ornament to deformitie , but in blacknesse it impresses a kind of beautie ; it illustrates the ignobilitie of birth , supplying all those defects wherein fortune hath beene scanting . And so much shall suffice for the Vestalls .

Of the Prophetesses .

COncerning these Prophetesses , I will onely make a briefe catalogue of some few , whom the antient writers haue made most eminent . We reade of Hyrtia the daughter of Sesostris king of Aegypt , most skilfull in diuination , who to her father foretold his Amplitude and Monarchy . Volatteranus in Georg. writes of one Labissa , a diuining woman , that was eminent for many predictions in Bohemia , whom succeeded her daughter Craco , as well in skill , as in fame . Plutarch in Mario speakes of one Martha , whom Marcius most honourablie circumducted in a horse-litter , and at her appointment celebrated many sacrifices : her the senate with a generall suffrage for her approued skill in augurie , rewarded with libertie , making her a free woman of the cittie . Polyxo is the name of one of the Phebaiedes ; of whom Val. Flaccus in his Argonauts thus writes : Tunc etiam vates Phoebo delecta Polixo .

Where he calls her a Prophetesse beloued of Phoebus . Sosipatra , a woman by nation a Lydian , and the wife of Aedesius the Sophist , was possest with that diuining spirit and true coniecture of future things that in their times accordinglie happened , that she was said to be educated and instructed by the gods themselues . Of the like approbation was Spurina , who as Tranquillus testates , forewarned Caesar to beware of the Ides of March , who in the same day was murdered in the Capitoll , of which he bid him beware . Martianus Capella speakes of one Symachia , and calls her one of the Sybells ; and of tenne by all authours granted , will allow but two ; namelie , Herophile Troiana the daughter of Marmensis , and Symachia the issue of Hippotensis , who was borne in Erythraea , and prophesied in Cuma . Theano and Eucyppa , the daughters of one Scedasus , sung many oraculous cautions to the people of Sparta , yet could they not predict their owne disaster ; for after they were forciblie defloured by the young men of the same cittie , and slaine , and their bodies cast into a well ; their father after long search finding them , confounded with the sight of so sad a spectacle , vpon the fight thereof slew himselfe . Caelius writes of a woman borne in his countrey , called Iacoba , out of whose bellie vncleane spirits made acclamations of future things to come ; of which one of them called himselfe Cincinnatulus , who gaue maruellous answers to such as demanded of him , but spake as oft falselie as truelie . Of better knowledge ( as it seemes ) was Appollonius of Tyana , a cittie in Greece , who told one Cylix , a man giuen to all voluptuousnesse , That before three dayes were expyred he should be slaine ; which accordinglie happened . He vsed to protest , that he spake nothing without the counsell of the gods and direction of the spirit that attended him : he professed the knowledge of all languages and tongues , to haue insight into the thoughts of men , to discourse any thing punctuallie that had past , and diuine as truelie of any thing to come ; he was moreouer an exact interpreter of dreames : his life is compendiouslie set downe by Vollaterranus . Parialla liued in the age of Cleomines , and was called the championesse of all the Delphian prophetesses . Now how the diuell should come to the foreknowledge of things to come , it shall be held no vnnecessarie digression briefly to inquire . These spirits being of a thinne substance ( by their tenuitie , subtiltie , and incredible celeritie , moreouer by the quicknesse of their apprehensions , in which they farre excell the slownesse and dulnesse of all earthlie bodies ) by the diuine permission , vnderstand and deliuer many things which appeare to vs miraculous : Cap. 28. Therefore S. Augustine in his booke De Spiritu & Anima , saith , That by reason of their antiquitie , and benefit of the length of time ( as hauing continued from the beginning of the world ) they haue gathered to themselees that absolute and vnmatchable experience , of which man ( by reason of the breuitie of his age ) is no way capable , by which meanes , some of their actions seeme the more admirable : some things they fashion out of the holy Scriptures themselues , as hauing them all at their fingers ends , and oft times predict such things as they themselues haue purpose to act ; by this meanes tempting and seducing mankind . Therefore Plato in Epinomide , attributes vnto them , Lib. 4. acutenesse of witte , retentiue memorie , and admirable knowledge . Clemens in Recog. saith , That these spirits therefore know more , and much more perfectlie , as not being burdened or dulled with the grosse weight of the body . Cap. 22. Tertullian in his Apologie against the nations thus argues : All spirits are winged , and therefore are euery where in an instant ; the spatious earth and all the corners thereof , are to them but as one place , and whatsoeuer is therein done , they can as easily know as suddenlie declare : by this means they make themselues the authours of many things ; and so they are indeed of mischiefes often , of good things neuer . The Croesians and the Pirhians make it most apparant with what deceiuing cunning he hath shadowed the ambiguities of his Oracles . No question but the diuell by the infallible prophesies of Esay and Daniell ( both which had liuelie and expresselie deliniated the young man Alexander ) knew that this Alexander by subduing Darius , should enioy all Asia , and transferre the Monarchy from the Babylonians to the Graecians . The Prince therefore comming to the Delphian Oracle , and of the Prophetesse demanding the successe that should follow his intended expeditions , shee of long time made him no answer ; but he not so satisfied , by intreaties , menacies , and all manner of importunities , at length wrested from her these few words , Inuictus eris Alexander , Oh Alexander , thou shalt be inuincible : which words , had they fayled in the successe of his warres , yet had a shadow of truth , in that his vrgence ouercame the silence of the Oracle . After , traiecting his army against the Persians , diuers prodigies appeared ; at his entrance into Asia , the statue of Orpheus was seene to sweat ; in his conflict with Darius , an Eagle was still visibly , seene soaring and houering ouer his head , and as it were menacing the enemie : these were , no question , the mockeries of the diuell , to auert the opinions of such as gaue not much credit to the superstitions of these vaine Auguries , and to the firmer establishment of his own kingdome . He knew before out of the Prophesies of Esay , Esa. 23. That Tyrus should be destroyed by the Macedonians , for so saith the Prophet : The burden of Tyrus : howle ye ships of Tarshish , for it is destroyed● so that there is no house : none shall come from the land of Chittim , it is reuealed vnto them . This land Cethim , many hold to be Macedonia , for after that dialect the Macedonians are called by Homer . Others by Cethim , Ioseph . lib. 1. Aitiquit . interpret the land of the Cyprians . Now when after the defeate and vtter subuersion of Darius , Alexander had inuested his army before Tyrus , the diuell by oracle forewarned one of the prime cittisens , That Appollo would instantlie forsake the Cittie : that the euent answering the prediction , might the more firmelie establish the confidence setled vpon these false idols . To this purpose makes that of the Pithian damsell in the Acts of the Apostles , thus saith the text ; Act. 16.16 . And it came to passe , as we went to prayer , a certaine maide hauing a spirit of diuination met vs , which gate her maister much vantage with diuining : she followed Paul and vs , and cryed : saying , These men are the seruants of the most high God , which shew vnto you the way of saluation ; and thus did she many dayes . Here we see the diuell confesseth the truth , but not with th' intent to mooue the people to giue beleefe to his doctrines : For that appeares by the sequele . For when Paul grieued , turned about , and said to the spirit , I command thee in the name of Iesus that thou come out of her , and he came out the same houre . For instantlie followes the innate malice of the diuell ; for when her maisters saw the hope of their gaine was gone , they caught Paul and Silas , and drew them into the market place vnto the Magistrates , &c. The diuell prosecuting his hate against them , euen to false accusations , beating with rods , and imprisonment . This argument I will end with one historicall discourse . Cap. 15. Iohannes Wyerius in his first booke , De praest. Demon. tells vs , that vpon a time mention being made of Hector and Achilles before the Emperour Maximilian in his imperiall pallace , one of his chiefe nobilitie , and a prime counseller of Sate amongst the rest began to speake most affectionatlie in their praise , extolling their actions , strength , and vallour , in that high measure , that the Emperour was most desirous ( if it were possible ) to behold them in their true effigies and portrature . A Magitian at the same time liued about the court , who boasted so much of his skill , that he profest himselfe able to accomplish the desires of the Emperour , and that without danger or preiudice to any : this comming to the eares of the Emperour , he was sent for , and commanded to shew some testimonie of his art . The Magitian , in hope of reward , and promise of silence , free from all interruption , vndertakes it , and moreouer to secure the spectators from danger : when placing the Emperour in his regall throne , he cast about the same a wide and spacious circle , that done , he mumbles certaine vnknowne words to himselfe , which he seemed to reade out of a small booke of characters , which hee drewe out of his pocket . This was no sooner done , but Hector beates at the doore with such violence , that at the terrour of the stroakes , the whole pallace seemed to tremble : the doore being opened , Hector enters armed Cap a pe in a helmet plumed , his target vpon his arme , and in his right hand a long mightie speare , headed with brasse : who thus accountred , with terrible and flaming eyes lookes round about the roome ; his stature much larger than any that hath liued in our latter dayes . At another doore , first knockes , then enters Achilles , with the like maiesticke gate , compleatlie armed , with an austeare and menacing brow , beholding Hector , shaking and charging his speare against him , as if he instantlie purposed to inuade him . These two , after honour done vnto Caesar , hauing gone on , and returned backe three times , vpon the instant vanisht . This act being past , next enters on the stage king Dauid , his head crowned with a rich diademe , and adorned with all kinglie magnificence , playing vpon his harpe , but his aspect more plaucible and his countenance more amiable than the former : he likewise three seuerall times past by the Emperour , still sitting in his throane , but without any reuerence done to his person at all , and so likewise vanisht . The Magitian being asked by the Emperour , Why , of the rest , Dauid had onelie denyed to doe him honour ? he presentlie answered , That all kingdomes to the kingdome of Dauid must submit themselues , because Christ himselfe came of his stocke and linage . Thus we see how the diuell is neuer without scripture in his mouth , though blasphemie and execration in his heart . Besides these kind of Diuiners , there are such as are called Sortiligae , and these predict by lots , and that after sundrie manners , of which I will instance one onelie : They make a round circle , and diuide it into foure and twentie equall distances , according to the number of the Greeke alphabet , euery space hauing the character of one of these letters , vpon which they put a graine of wheat or barlie ; then is put forth a Cocke kept for the purpose , and by those graines that he picks vp from the letters , they make their coniectures . Valens the Emperour much perplexed in his mind about the succession in the Empire , retyred himselfe to this kind of Augurie : when the letters and the graines being placed as is aforesaid , the vaticinating Cocke ( called Alectiomanticus ) was turned out , who pickt vp the graines , and made bare these fiue letters , THEOD: by which was signified Theodosius , who after succeeded . Other predictions were gathered out of the sentences of the Poets : but especiallie out of Homer of the Greekes , Iliad. 9. and Virgill for the Latines . Socrates being in prison , out of a verse in Homer told to Aeschinus , That he should not outliue the third day . Alexander Senerus thus meaning to calculate what should futurelie betyde him , happened vpon this verse in Virgill : Aen●id . 6. Tu regere imperio populos , Romane memento . And after some few yeares hee attained to the Empire . Claudius the Emperour acquiring his owne fate the like way , happened vpon that in his sixt booke of his Aeneid : Tertia dum Latio regnantem viderit Aestas . Neither did hee raigne aboue two yeares . The same Claudi●s inquiring after his brothers fortunes , he light vpon that verse , which after Gordianus Iunior chanced vpon , Ostend●nt terris hunc tantum fata . This Gordianus was slaine within seauenteene dayes after hee had taken vpon him the emperiall purple . Claudius Secundus , predecessour to th● Emperour Aurelian , inquiring of the successe of his posteritie , had the lot of this verse in Virgill : Aeneid . lib. 1. His ego , nec metas rerum , nec nomina pono . Whose progenie lasted for a long time after . Of this kind there were infinite , which I purposelie pretermit . The Pithian woman that sate stradling with her legges vpon the Tripos , receiued the vncleane spirit at the immodest parts of her body , from whence she was likewise heard to deliuer such answers as were demanded of her , with a strange furor and rapture ; her heire scattered about her eares , and foaming at the mouth , she deliuered her franticke oracles . Methodius against Origen writ a booke of these mad diuinors , as Sophranius●aith ●aith . Others there were , cal'd Ventriloquae ( so nam'd by S. Augustin ) because they were heard to speake from their wombs and bellies . Tertul. a great authour , affirmes that he hath seene such women , that from their immodest parts ( sitting ) haue vttered such kind of oracles , answering in that maner to questions demanded . To conclude with these , Caelius Lodo●icus that liued in the memorie of our fathers , in his eight booke Antiquit. hath left recorded , Lect cap. 10. that he hath seene such a woman in Rhodigium , a cittie of Italie , from whose secret parts such a voice was often heard , which though small and weake , yet was altogether intelligible : that which she vttered was strange to the hearers ; but in future things her words were ful of vanitie and leasings . To speake of Fortune-tellers , Gypsies , Wisewomen , and such as pretend to tell of things lost ( a profession too much suffered , as most frequently abusiue in this age ) would but fill much paper , and giue small or no content at all to the Reader , I will therefore shut vp all their imposturous lies in one short and knowne truth ? A Cunning woman . A cunning woman that not long since liued about this cittie ( whom I for feare for some reasons to name ) pretended great skill not onely in Palmestrie , to tell maides how manie husbands they should hauc ; and young men , what wiues , and how manie children legittimate , or bastards , with such like ridiculous and illusiue coniectures ; but besides this Art , she professed the knowledge of things lost , and to returne any stolne goods to the true owner : growing by this so popular , that she grew not onely in fame but in wealth , and of great opinion amongst the vulger . It happened that in a certaine house a siluer spoone being lost , and some of the familie aboue the rest suspected about the felonie , two of the seruants knowing themselues innocent , to cleere themselues , and finde out the priuate thiefe , made a stocke betwixt them of ten groats ( for that was her fee ) and verie early in the morning repaired to this cunning womans house , because they would be sure both to take her within , and find her at leasure . They happened to come iust at the time when she her selfe opening the street doore , the first thing she cast her eye vpon was , that some beastly fellow or other had egregiously playd the slouen iust before the threashold of her doore , at which being exceedingly mooued , she in her anger thus said , Did I but know or could I find out what rascall hath done this , I would bee reuenged on him though it cost me twentie nobles . One of the seruing men somewhat wiser than his fellow , hearing this , pluckt him by the elbow & thus whispers to him , Thou hearest her talke of twentie nobles , but by my consent we will euen backe againe , and saue our ten groats . The other demanding the reason ; Marrie ( saith he ) she that cannot tell who hath done that abuse at her doore , I will neuer beleeue that she can tell vs the partie that hath stolne the spoone . I would wish that all would take caution from this seruant .

The HESPERIDES .

THey were the daughters of Hesperus the brother of Atlas , or as some thinke of Atlas himselfe , of which number is Eubulus . Chaeretra●es deriues them from Phorcus and Cetus . Their names were Aegle , Areth●sa , and Hesperthusa . These kept certaine pleasant and delectable gardens , not farre from Lyx●s a towne of M●●ricania in the farthest part of Aethiopia towards the West ; where all the countrie was scorched with the heat of the Sunne , and the place almost inhabitable for the multitude of serpents . These Gardens were not farre distant from Meroe , and the redde Sea , where liued the Serpent that kept the golden Apples , whom Hercules after slew . The keeper of this Dragon was called Ladon , the sonne of Typhon and Echidna , whom Apollonius takes to be the Dragon himselfe : Lib. 4. these Virgins inhabited the remotest parts of the Earth , the same where Atlas is said to support the Heauens , as Dionisius signifies to vs , in his booke de Situ orbis .

Sustinet hic Atlas Caelum , sic fata iubebunt Vltimus Hesperidum locus est , in margine terrae Hic Capite & manibus fert vasti pondera mundi : Here Atlas doth support the Heauen , for so The Fates command ; th' Hesperid's giue it name In the Earth's vtmost margent , he we know Beares with his head and hands the worlds vast frame .

The fame is , the mountaine Atlas hath round incompast or hedged in this Orchard or Garden , because Themis had prophesied to him , That in processe of time the sonne of Iupiter should breake through his pale and beare away his golden apples ; which after proued true in Hercules . These Apples , Agretus in rebus Libicis explaineth them to be sheep , and because kept by a rude and churlish sheap-heard were sayd to be guarded by a Dragon . Lib. 1● . But Pherecides , where he commemorates the nuptialls of Iuno , affirmes that the earth next to the sea in the furthest West , brings apples of the colour of gold ; whose opinion Lucan follows . With three of these apples was Atlanta the daughter of Scocneus vanquisht , which Venus gaue to Hippomines when shee was proposed the reward to the victor , and death to him that was ouercome : but more plainely to reduce these fables to historie , It is probable , that there were two brothers famous and renowned in these prouinces , Hespereus and Atlas , that were possest of sheepe beautifull and faire , whose fleeces were yellow and of the colour of gold . Hesperus hauing a daughter called Hesperia , conferd her on his brother Atlas , of this Hesperia the region was called Hesperitis . By her , Atlas had six daughters , and therfore they had a double denomination , from him Atlaintides ; from her Hesperides . Their beauties being rumord far off , it came to the eares of Busiris , who desirous of so rich a prey , sent certaine pirats and robbers with a strict commaund , by some stratageme , or else by force to steale them thence , and so to transport them within the compasse of his dominions . These Damosells sporting themselues in the garden , were by these spies & outliers surprised and borne thence which hapned iust about the time that Hercules combatted Antaeus : these Virgins being shipt away , the pirats went on shore to repose themselues with their prey vpon the beach ; of which Hercules hauing notice ( who had heard before of the rape ) he sallied vpon them and slew them all to one man , returning the Virgins safe to their father , for which he receiued not only a present of those sheepe ( the reward of so great a benefit but many other curtesies ; amongst other things he instructed him in Astronomie , and to distinguish of the stars : which knowledge Hercules first bringing into Greece he was therefore sayd to ease Atlas , and in his stead to support heauen vpon his shoulders . So the Hesperides are called the daughters of Hesperus , which signifies the Euening . And they are sayd to haue gardens in the Occident which bringeth foorth golen Apples , by reason the colour of the starres are like gold , and their orbes round as apples , neither rise they but in the West because instantly after the setting of the Sunne the Starres appeare , which by reason of his splendor are concealed and obscured all the day time : the Dragon , some thinke it to be the signe-bearig Circle ; others a riuer that by many windings and serpentlike indents incompast the Orchard . And so much for the explanation of the Hesperides .

PLEIADES , or HYADES .

OVid in his first booke de Fastis leaues remembred , how Atlas tooke to wife Pleione the daughter of Oceanus and Thetis , by whom hee receiued seuen daughters : these , when Orion ( with their mother ) had for the space of fiue yeares together prosecuted onely to vitiate and deflower them , they all iointly petitioned to the gods , That they might bee rescued from all violence ; whose prayers Iupiter hearing , and withall commiserating their distresse , hee changed the seuen sisters into seuen starres , whose names Aratus in Astronomicis thus recites , — Septemillae esse feruntur . Quamuis sint oculis hominum sex obuia signa . Alcione , Meropeque , Electraque , diua Celaeno Taigete , Sterope , preclaro Lumine Maia . — Seuen starres th' are held to bee , Though wee with our weake eyes but six can see Celaeno , Electra , Alcyone , Merope , Clerre-sighted Maia , Taygete , Sterope .

All these starres are plac't in the head of the Bull , two in his eares , two in his eyes , two in his nosthrills , and one in the middle of his forehead where the haire curles and turnes vp . Some reckoned the daughters of Atlas to the number of twelue , and that Hyas was their brother , who being stung to death by a serpent , fiue of his sisters tooke his death so grieuously that they dyed with sorrow ; of whom Iupiter tooke such pittie that he translated them into so many starres , which still beare their brothers name , and are called Hyades . Hesiod thus giues vs their names , Phoeola , Coronis , Cleia , Phoeo , and Eudora , Quas nimphas , Hyades mortales nomine dicunt .

Others nominate them after this manner , Ambrocia , Coronis , Eudora , Dione , Aesila , and Polyxo : Others haue added to these , Thiene and Proitele , which they haue beleeued to be the Nourses of Bacchus : as also Dodoninas so called of Dodonus the sonne of Europa , but write them as descended from other parents , whence some held them for the daughters of Erecheus , others of Cadmus : some would haue Calypso to be the daughter of Atlas . Neither is their number free from controuersie ; for Thales Milesius holds them but two , the one Australis , the other Borealis . Euripides in his Tragedie de Phaetonte addes a third . Achaeus makes them foure , and Euripides six : some thinke them called Hyades because they were the Nurses of Bacchus , who is also called Hyes , of which opinion Euphorion is .

Hyaecornuto Dionisio Iratae .

Others thinke them to haue tooke name of the Raine , because their rising still pretends shewers in the Spring . Besides , these are the most certaine signes of weather which the Nauigators at sea gather from the rising of these Starres , as Euripides in Ione most perspicuously demonstrates . These Pleiades and Hyades are therefore called the daughters of Atlas , because Atlas signifies Axis mundi , i. the axeltree of the world . The Collumnes of Atlas are the North and the Meridian or South poles , on which the Heauen is thought to be supported . Now the axeltree first made , the Starres were next created : Some thinke them the issue of Atlas . Libicus who being a most skilfull Astronomer , called his daughters by the names of the starres , thereby to eternise their memorie , as diuerse others haue done the like . Amongst whom was Conon , who liu'd in the time of Ptolomaus , who called his Com● , and Berenices . Proclus in his Coment . vpon Hesiodus his workes and daies , writes that these Pleiades are all diuine , and their starres the soules of the Planets ; as Celaeno is the soule of Saturne ; Sterope , of the sphere of Iupiter ; Merope , of Mars ; Elect●ra , of Apollo or the Sunne ; Alcione , of Venus , Maia , of Mercury ; and Taigete , of the Moone . Of whome some haue had congresse with their owne Planets , and some with other of the gods . Which Ouid in his fourth booke Fastor hath with much elegancie related : Pleiades Incipiunt humeros releuare paternos . The wandring Pleiades gadding abroad , Begin to ease their father of his Load . Who though in number Seuen , all shining bright , Yet onely six of them appeare in sight . Twice three of these , themselues haue prostrate cast Into the gods imbraces : Mars clings fast To Sterope ; Alcione the faire , And sweete Celaeno , Neptunes darlings are . Maia , Electra , and Taigete , three Of that bright sister-hood Ioues wantons be : But Merope ( the seuenth ) of minde more base , Stoopt lower , to a * * Merope was the prostitute of Sisiphu● . mortall mans imbrace . The thought of which fact she doth so detest , She since neare shewd her face amongst the rest .

And so much for the Pleiades and Hiades shall suffice .

Of the GRACES .

THese whom the Latines call Gratiae or Graces , the Greekes call Charites . Hesiod calls them the daughters of Iupiter and Eurinome , these called Oceanus father . Orpheus in an hymne soong to the praise of these sisters , calls them the daughters of Eunomea and Iupiter . Antilemachus deriues them from Aegles and the Sunne , others from Antinoe and Iupiter : as they differ in their brith , so they doe in their names and number : some allow but two , and name them Clita and Pha●na . Pausonias in Boeticis stiles them Auxo and Hegemone . Some number Suadela amongst the Graces . But all those ancient writers that are best receiued and most authentically approued , conclude them to bee three ; their names Euphrosine , Aglaia , and Thalia : of whom Hesiod in his Theogonia : Tres sibi , & Eurynome Charites parit edita magno , Oceano , &c. Eurinome of the Greeke Ocian borne , ( A nimph excelling both in shape and face ) Brought foorth the three faire Charites , to adorne Ioues issue : Faire Euphrosine the first Grace , Aglaia , and Thalia &c.

They are neuer seperated but alwayes put together , whensoeuer they are remembered by the antient Poets . The yonger sister Aglaia is sayd to bee the wife of Vulcan , and all iointly the handmaides and attendants of Venus . Concerning their habits , there hath beene some difference , because some haue presented them naked and without any garments at all : which difference Pausonius hath reconciled , In Boeticis . who witnesseth that the Graces were set foorth as obiects , either by the Grauers , the Painters , or the Poets ; of which number were Pythagoras , Parius , Bupalus , Appelles , and others : but in habits fashioned in a modest decencie , their haire faire , long , and comely ; therefore Homer in his hymne to Apollo calls them Pulcricemae , or faire haired . Horace hee setteth them out with gyrdles , which are neuer worne without other garments . It is therefore apparant that the ancient writers allowed them robes and vestures , either because it was a great immodestie to present women vnclothed , or else to keepe them from the violence of the winters cold , by which their tempers are much distasted , howsoeuer since they haue fallen into the hands of latter writers who haue robbed them of these habits , with which they were apparelled by the former : for which robberie they are said , as ashamed of their nakednesse , to haue exiled themselues from the Earth . The first of all mortall men that erected a Temple to the Graces was Eteocles a king ouer the Orchomaenians ; Lib. 9. for as Strabo writes , amongst them was the fountaine called Acidalia , in which these three sisters vsed to bathe themselues . Plato aduised Xenocrates , being a good man and of honest conuersation , but of austere life and condition , that he would sacrifice to the Graces . And Plutarch in his Coniugall precepts , sayth , That a chast and modest woman in her societie & conuersation towards her husband , needes the helpe of the Graces , that ( as Metrodorus was wont to say ) she may leade her life with him so sweetly , that her boldnesse be to him no distast , nor bashfulnesse any burden ; for by all such as affect their husbands , neatnesse and cleanlinesse in the house and at boord , with pleasing and smooth language at bed , are by no meanes to be neglected : for coursenesse of manners in the one , makes her appeare harsh ; and frowradnesse in the other , Lib 4. vnpleasant . Herodotus , relates that the flood Cynips glydes along by a hill dedicated to the Graces , distant from the sea two hundred furlongs , which hill is onely woodie and full of trees , and all the rest of the land of Libia desolate and barren ; neere to which hill a people called Gnidani inhabit , whose wiues vse to weare strings about their garments made of small thongs of leather , and so many sundrie men as they haue carnall societie withall , so many knots they tye vpon these strings , she that can shew the most , being the most respected and honoured amongst the rest , as aboue the others beloued . But now to find out what by these Graces was first intended ; They are called the daughters of Iupiter and Eurinome , which implies nothing els than the fertilitie of the fields , and the abundance of fruits : all which plentie ariseth from the benefit of peace , signified in this word Eunomia . For where law and equitie haue predominance , there violence , oppressions , robberies , and direptions are exiled , the fields smile , the houses flourish , the Temples of the gods are both repaired and honoured , and all places filled with splendour and ornament . Neither are these the sole blessings of Eurinome , or Eunomia , or of Autonoe ( by which is meant Prudentia , Wisedome ) without the helpe of Iupiter , which includes the Diuine clemencie , by which the aire and the earth are both reconciled vnto vs , the one in his temperature , the other in increase . They are called the children of the Sunne and Aegles , as knowing the Sunne to be the chiefe planet in the gouernance of the elements , without whose heat and incouragement , no hearbe or plant can attaine to any ripenesse and perfection . They are tearmd , conioynd and vnseparable sisters , by reason of the threefold profit arising from agriculture ; the first from the fields , the second from the trees , the third from the creatures : nor are their names vnfitlie conferred vpon them . Thalia , is a pleasant budding or burgening ; Aglaia , is splendour ; and Euphrasine , gl●dnesse . All these commodious delights arising to the lord of the soyle , by his industrious tillage and manuring the earth . And therefore is Aglaia called the wife of Vulcan , because there is a refulgence arising from all arts whatsoeuer . Others haue preferred Pasithaea in the place of Aglaia , in that she signifies heards , flocks , or such cattell as belong to tillage : out of whose labours or increase , there groweth pleasure or profit . They are nominated the goddesses of Benefits and good Turnes : the reason is , in regard that without the fertilitie of the earth , no man can be liberall or munificent , nor rich , which is the foundation of all bountie . They are vpheld to be virgins , because the most honest and conscionable vsurie is bred from the earth , without sallerie or brokage ; at the first demonstrated vnto vs by the antient Poets , habited and well apparrelled , vnlesse iniurie , oppression , and vsurie , in these latter times leaue them despoyled and naked .

HORAE , or the Houres .

OF the parents , or names of the Houres , there is small doubt or none at all , since all the Poets from the first to the last agree , that they were the daughters of Iupiter and Themis : amongst whom was Hesiod in his Theog . in these words , Inde Themim rursus ducit sibi quae parit Horas , Eunomiamque Dicensque , &c. By marrieng Themis , he begat the Houres , Eunomia , Dyrce , and Irene faire . And flourishing still , these sisters haue the powers To ripen all mens actions by their care .

Orpheus not onelie assents with him in their names , but addes also , That they were borne in the Spring time . Pausonias in Boetic . introduceth other name● and forreine from these ; one he calls Carpo , another Thalote , of the third he conceales the name . Fas●or . lib. 1. ●●b . de Sypacus . lib. 5. Ouid calls them , the porters to the gates of heauen . They are deciphered , to haue soft feete , to be the most slow paced of all the goddesses , yet euer to pruduce some thing new ; for so Theocritus rep●●ts of them . Homer in his Isliads tells vs , that they are not onelie placed to keepe the gates of heauen , but haue power at their pleasure ouer faire or foule weathers , calling it an open skie when the ayre is faire and cleare , and a shut heauen when the welkin is darke and cloudie , as may appeare in these words : Sponte sores Coeli patuerunt , &c. The gates of Heauen did of themselues stand wide , Those which the virgin howers are set to keepe ( As their great charge . ) The Poles they likewise guide , With all the vpper Regions . From the deepe , The showers exhal'd they store : and when they please , The borrowed rayne pay backe into the Seas .

They are called Horae of the Greeke word , which signifies Custodire , or to keepe ; and therefore said to be the guardians of heauens gates , as hauing power to admit of our deuotions , and giue them accesse vnto the gods , or otherwise if they be not faithfull and sincere , to exclude them at their pleasures : hauing moreouer alwayes beene , and still continue great fauourers and prosperers of all such as are laborious and studious . They are called the daughters of Iupiter and Themis , because as the Graces import nothing els but the hilaritie and gladnesse that ariseth from the increase of the earth , so these Houres signifie the fruit it selfe ; for the Greeke word Carpo , is Fructus : properlie then they are said to be the attendants of the Graces , as the Graces are still the handmaids of Venus , for the fruits of the earth are the increase , as that plenty still followes delight : and therefore they all equipage together , as being by the Poets neuer separate . Besides , the names of the Howers are thus properlie Englisht , Law , Iustice , and Peace . The abundance of all things is the companion of Vertue , and Honestie : but Scarcitie and Death are the pages to Irreligion and Impietie : for there is not a cleerer mirrour in which may truelier be discerned the malice or gratitude of men towards the gods , and consequentlie of their punishment and pitie towards men , than in the alterations of the Seasons ; which , the antient writers the better to signifie vnto vs , made the Houres the Porters to heauen gates , and gaue them power ouer the clouds , both in the mustering of them , or dispersing them . And so much for the Houres .

AVRORA , or the Morning .

HEsiodus in Theog . tearmes her the daughter of Hyperion and the nymph Thya , and sister to the Sunne and Moone . Others deriue her from Tytan and Terra , they call her the way-leader to the Sunne ; as Lucifer the day-starre is stil'd her henshman or vsher : for so saith Orpheus in an hymne to Aurora . Homer in an hymne to Venus , allowes her roseat fingers , a red or ruddie colour , and to be drawne in a golden chariot . Virgill sometimes allowes her foure horses , sometimes but two , and those of a red colour . Theocritus describes them white or gray , Lib. 6. Theoc. in ●yla . according to the colour of the morning . Lycopheon in Alexandra , brings her in , mounted vpon Pegasus . Pausonias in Laconic . writes that she was doatinglie besotted of the faire young man Cephalus , as likewise of Orion , in which Homer agrees with him . Apollodorus makes her the mother of the winds , Odiss . lib. 5. and the starres : Hesiod is of the same opinion , that by prostrating her selfe to her brother Astraeas , the sonne of Hyperion and Thia , she brought forth Argestre , Zephyrus , Boreas , and Notus , with a daughter called Iadama . She was marryed to Tythonus , the sonne of Laomedon and brother to King Priam , but by diuers mothers , Priam being the sonne of Leucippe , Tython of Strimo , or as others inuert it of Rhaeo , daughter to the flood Scamander . It is commemorated by the Poets , that this Aurora begged for her husband Tython , Immortalitie , which was granted her by the gods . But forgetting in her petition to insert that withall , he should not grow old ; in processe , he grew to that extremitie of decrepit age , that liuing to be twice a child , he was swath'd and cradled . Tython had two sonnes by Aurora , Memnon and Aemathaeon , of whom she tooke the name Aemathia . In reb. Phocen . Pausonias calls Memnon the king of Aethiopia , and from thence , or rather ( as some more approoued will haue it ) from Susis , a cittie in Persia , he came to the warres of Troy ; for he , before that expedition had subdued and subiugated all the nations neere or adiacent to the riuer Choaspes . Strabo relates that in the cittie of Abidus , not far from Ptolomais in Aegypt , he had a magnificent pallace all built of stone , Lib. 16. than which the Easterne world affoorded not a more miraculous structure ; in which there was a labyrinth of the same stone , and erected by the selfe-same worke-master , which was called after his name Memnonium . He died in a single Monomachia valiantlie by the hand of Achilles , in a battaile fought betwixt the Greekes and the Troians . In the place where he was slaine , a fountaine presentlie issued , which yearelie as that day flowed nothing but blood , which Calaber commemorates : his sepulcher was in Paltus in Syria● neere to the riuer Bada , for so saith the Poet Symonides . Some haue held argument , that Aurora made suit to Iupiter , that when Memnons body was committed to the funerall fire , he would transhape him into a bird , which accordinglie happened , as his Metamorph. most liuelie expresseth it in these words : Memnonis orba mei , venio qui fortia frustra , &c. Depriu'd of my sweete Memnon , who in vaine Tooke Armes for his deere vnkle : and now slaine By great Achilles in his prime of yeares ( For so you gods would haue it ) Loe , appeares Before thy throane , oh Ioue ( thou chiefe and rector Of all the gods , their patron and protector ) A weeping mother : begging , to assure Honors to him , by which my wounds to cure . To this great Ioue assents . The funerall fire Is kindled , the bright sparks towards heau'n aspire , And like so many starres , they make repayre Through the thicke smoake which clouds and dulls the ayre , Darkning the cleere day , as when damps and fogges Exhal'd from riuers , or from marish bogges , Before the sunne hath power : In such a myst , Vp flye the obscur'd sparkes , till they subsist Aboue , all in one body : which assumes First shape , then face , next collour , from the fumes . Thus from that Pyle the Metnnian bird first springs , Fire gaue it life , and lightnesse lent it wings .

It is said that many of these birds , which still beare the name , were seene to arise from his ashes , which diuiding themselues into diuers squadrons , fought so long amongst themselues , till they fell dead into the fire , sacrificing their owne liues to his obitts . But Theocritus in his Epitaph vpon Bion , speakes of none but Memnon onely , who himselfe was changed into a bird , and was seene to flye about and soare ouer his owne funerall fires . Lucian in Philopseudo , speakes of a prodigie , or rather a miracle , which was most frequent where his statue was erected in the Temple of Serapis ; no sooner did the rising sunne begin to shine vpon his monument , and seem'd to touch it , but his statue yeelded a most sweet and melodious sound , but when he tooke his leaue to rest himselfe in the West , as if it mourned the Sunnes departure , it breathed an harmony so sadlie passionate , that oft times it drew teares from the hearers : which was thus interpreted , That he still reioyced at his mothers approach and presence , but lamented her departure and absence . Cornelius Tacitus , and S●idas , both report the same , as likewise Zetzes , Chil. histor . 64. But to returne to his mother Aurora , she was still held to be the sweetest , the most delightfull and welcome of all to the nymphs and goddesses , not to man onelie , but to all other creatures , beasts , and plants . Orpheus in one of his hymnes affirmes no lesse : By thee ô goddesse mankind is made glad , Thy gracious presence cheares such as be sad . Since Memnons death , in teares thou risest still , And from thine eyes thick shewers of dew-drops spill , Through all the spatious earth : which to thy grace , The mornings sunne still kisses from thy face . By thee his glorious pallace is much graced , By thee , the pitchy night to Laethe chaced : All sleepie mankind to their sport thou wakest , And sleepie slumbers from their eyelids shakest . Thy beautie to behold or heare thy voyce , Serpents and men , beasts , birds , and all reioyce . The very Marine Frye thy presence craues , And to behold thee , dance vpon the waues .

And these things are the most remarkeable which haue beene fabulouslie obserued of Aurora , who is therefore supposed to be the daughter of Hyperion and Thia , because by the diuine bountie Light proceedeth from the Sunne , to illumine the earth and all the inhabitants thereof ; for there is no benefit eyther of pleasure or profit that can accrue to vs , which flowes not from their immediate grace and goodnes . She is said to haue a ruddy colour , because she appeares as if she came blushing from the pallace of the Sunne . And for that cause they describe her with roseat fingers , a high complexion , a golden seat , and red steedes to draw her charriot , to answer and correspond to the liuerie which the Sunne giues , his being all of the like colour . For the swiftnesse of her motion , she is allowed a charriot , and such as conferre white steedes vpon her , deriue not their hew from the gray vapours that arise from the earth , but rather from the cleere and perspicuous splendour of the light it selfe . Those that of this fable would make a historie , say that Tythonus marryed a wife out of the Easterne countries , by whom he had the fore-named children , and after liued to that age that he grew not onelie decrepit and bed-rid of his limbs , but doating and childish of his braine . From hence ariseth the fable , That Aurora was inamoured of him , by reason of the temperature of those Orientall climates , to be possest of which pleasant places she purchast for him Immortalitie . And where some fable that he was turned to a grashopper , it signifies nothing els but the loquacitie of age , ambitiouslie groaning in the often repetition of things past , glorying in times of old , and despising those latter in respect of them ; such a one did Homer personate in Nestor . The marke at which all these arrowes are aim'd in this fable , is to persuade men by wisedome patientlie to vndergoe all the chances and changes incident to vs , both in time and nature ; since death by the bountie of the gods is granted to man as a rest and cessation from all calamities and troubles . For when Aurora had beg'd immortalitie for Tython , he feeling the infirmities and defects of age , became himself a suppliant to the gods , That they would be to him so gracious as to giue him leaue to sleepe with his fathers , accounting it much better and happier to dye once , and be at rest , than to bee continuallie afflicted with the troubles and difficulties of a wearie and despised life .

NOX , or , the Night .

AFter morning past , the Sunne gone about , and the day spent , comes Night ; neither was she in meane honour amongst the antient Poets , who taught her to be the first , and long before all other nymphs or goddesses , as possessing all places , and all things , hauing in her owne dispose and gouernment that deformed and vnshapen matter , called Chaos , ouer which she raigned Emperesse before the gods themselues had any existence or being : notwithstanding , some contend to make her the daughter of this Chaos , as Hesiod and others : Inde Chao , est Erebus , Nox , & tenebros a creati . From Chaos , Erebus , and the Night tenebrous Were both created — And because so borne , she was called The most antient : the reason is approoued , For before the masse was opened , the matter of which to make things distinguished , and the world it selfe created , there could nothing be which might be properlie called Night : therefore Aratus in Astronomac . stiles her Nox antiqua ; and Orpheus in one of his hymnes , The mother of gods and men , as both hauing their birth from her . She is drawne in a charriot , with starres waiting vpon her wheeles , and vshering her , as Theocritus left recorded : — Salueteque Noctis Sydera quae Canthis tacite praecurritis alta : — Hayle all you starres so bright , Softlie forerunning the round wheeles of Night . She is habited in sable garments , for so all writers agree , her head bound vp in a blacke vayle , whom the starres attend behind her charriot , as well as before : for so Euripides in Ione testates : Inuita nigris vestibus currum in silit Nox : Astra sunt deum secuta protinus . Night in blacke vesture mounts into her carre ; Behind , the starres attend her , but not farre . Virgill giues her two horses to her charriot : Lib. 5. therefore Appollonius in this third book describing the Night comming , saith , Nox iniecit equis iuga , The night vpon her horses cast her yoake . But this maner of the nights progresse is later than in the time of Homer , for in his dayes she was allowed neither charriot nor horses , they onelie deciphered her with wings , like Cupid or Victorie . Some introduce her at the departure of the day to rise out of the sea , as Virgill in his Aeneids , Lib. 2. Vertitur interea Coelum : & ruit Oceano Nox : Inuoluens vmbramagna Terramque polumque . The Heauen meane time is turn'd , the Night Leapes from the sea in hast , In darke and pitchy cloudes : the Earth And Poles inuoluing fast . Her whom Virgill brings from the sea , Euripedes inuocates as comming from Erebus , in these words , Verenda , Verenda , Nox ex Erebo veni , Oh reuerent , reuerent Night , ascend from Erebus . Orpheus relates , that she sends day to the regions below , and againe chaseth her thence , in her owne person bringing them darknesse . Quae Lucem pellis sub terr as , rarsus & ipsa Tartara nigra petis — . Below the earth thou driuest Light , And then againe thou bring'st them Night . In all her sacrifices , Lib. 2. de dijs . a cocke was still kild and offered , as a creature much opposed against silence : for so Theagines hath left recorded . Night had many children : Euripides in his Hercules Furens calls one of hir daughters Rabies , her name importing outragious Madnesse ; a second daughter of hers was called Rixa , which is Brawling and Scolding ; a third Inuidia , or Enuy , for so saith Hesiod in his workes and dayes : Operib & dieb but in his Theogonia , he makes mention of others , whom he calls her sonnes in these verses : Nox peperit Fatumque malum , parcamque nigrantem , Et mortem , & somnum , diuersaque somnis : natos , Hos perperit nulli deanox connicta marito . Night , euill Fate brought forth , blacke Parca bred , With Death , and Sleepe , and diuers Dreames beside : Of all these Sonnes she was deliuered , And yet the goddesse neuer husband tride . Cicero in his third booke De natura Deorum , hauing numbred all the children of Night , deriues them also from their father Erebu● , as may appeare in these words : Quod si ita est , &c. If it be so ( saith hee ) those that are the Parents of heauen should likewise be reckoned in the number of the gods Aether and Dies , i. Ayre , and Day , with their brothers and sisters ; by the antient Geneologists thus nominated , Amor , Dolus , Metus , Labor , Invidentia , Fatum , Senectus , Mors , Tenebrae , Miseria , Querela , Gratia , Fraus , Pertinatia , Parcae , Hesperides , Somnia : that is , Loue , Deceite , Feare , Labour , Enuie , Fate , ould Age , Death , Darknesse , Miserie , Complaint , Fauour , Frawde , the Parcae , and the Hesperides . All which are by some imagined to be the children of Nox and Erebus ; I will only speake a little of two of these as they now lie in my way , and that verie briefly too , and ( because it may perchance be late before I haue doone with them ) I will conclude with Night . Death and Sleepe are brother and sister , and both the children of Night . Aristo calls Somnus , a seuere exacter from mankind , who as it were violently snatcheth away the halfe part of our age to bestow on Sleepe , and therfore by Orpheus he is called the brother of L●the , which insinuates Forgetfulnesse , which he most elegantlie expresseth in his hymne to Sleepe , So mi●e beatorum rex , & rex summe virorum , Quem fugiunt curia , &c. Sleepe of the blest man King , and King of men ; Whom cares still flie , and rest imbraceth then . Of mischiefes , the sole solace and best friend , To giue them due repose , and comfort lend , Who putting on the shape of Death , doest giue ( Onely by that ) all creatures meanes to liue . Sleepe , thou hast but two sisters , and these are , Death and Obliuion , both which shorten care .

Lib. 11. Ouid in his Metamorphos . for his so many benefits conferred vpon Mortalls , placeth him in the catalogue of the gods . The house of Sleepe the same Poet hath ingeniously described , vpon whom hee conferres a thousand children , or rather , a number not to be numbered ; nominating onely three , Morpheus , Icelus , and Phantasus : for sleepe , if it be moderately vsed , is of all mortall things the sweetest , best and most profitable , to whom all creatures whatsoeuer are subiect , therefore not improperly by Orpheus tearmed the king of men and gods . Lib. 2. Homer in his Illiades , makes an elegant expression , to show how wretched their conditions are aboue other men , that are in high and eminent place and office and haue predominance ouer the greatest affaires , which hee thus introduceth , by making all both gods and men asleepe at once , sauing Iupiter ; which Iuno seeing , shee with great bribes and rewards corrupts Somnus , that hee would amongst the rest charme the eyes of Iupiter ; which hee attempting , and the other perceiuing , the inraged god , feeling Sleepe to steale vpon him vnawares , cast him headlong from heauen into the sea ; where hee had doubtlesse for euer perisht , had not Night snacht vp her sonne , and in her darknesse hid him from the wrath of Iupiter . But had he beeene destroyed , Sleepe had bin exiled the Earth , and so all creatures depriued of their quotidian rest . From hence likewise may be collected , how wretched those sleeping gods are , when Iupiter the onely wise , and potent , is euer awake , to see , prouide , foresee , and gouerne , by his infinite prouidence both men and creatures .

The citie of Sleep , Lucian●● in his second booke Verarum Historiarum , though fabulously , yet hath facundiously described : This cittie ( sayth he ) is scituate in ● most spatious and silent plaine , yet round incompast with tall and spreading trees , amongst whose leaues the wind onely whispers , but neuer robustiously blowes . There Poppy growes aboundantly , Mandragora , and all such plants hearbes and simples as haue the innate vertue to procure and prouoke sleepe . There are multitudes of Battes which flie continually this way and that , and betwixt one tree and another , great store of Night-rauens , Owles , and Screechowles : no bird that is ashamed of day but is here frequently to be found . But neither the crowing Cocke , the chattering Pie , the quacking Duck , the gagling Goose , nor any other fowle , either of song or clamor can thither haue accesse . Fast by this citie glydes a riuer with a slow silent pace , making a murmure , but no noyse , rather to rocke and lull asleepe than to waken ; the water is thicke and soft like oyle , the floods name is Lethe , whom others call Nictyporus , it flowes from two fountaine heads , both hid and obscured in places to no man knowne , the one is called Pannychius , the other Negretas . This citie hath two ports or gates , one of home composed with miraculous workemanship , in which as in a table are expressed all such true dreames as exercise the fantasies of men in their depth of rest : The other is made of the most purest and most white yuorie , in which are carued all sorts of dreames , but these as it were artificially shaddowed by the pensell , but none fully drawne and exprest to the life . Within this cities walls is a magnificent and spatious structure , called the Temple of Nigh● , which with all superstitious ceremonies is religiously honored : there is a second instituted to the goddesse Apales , and a third to Alethia , in both which there are Oracles . The sole inhabitants of this place are an infinite companie , but not a cittisen in shape or fauour one like another , some are leane , lancke , and little , with crooked legges , and hutch-backes , rather like monsters than men ; others are comely , well featured , tall and proper , with cheerefull faces , and promising lookes ; some are of a froward and terrible aspect , as if they threatned mischiefe and disaster ; others portly , gallant , and regally habited : and whosoeuer shall enter the gates of this cittie , some domesticke dreame or other continually will encounter him and giue him a familiar and friendly salute , in the shape of some one of these formerly rehearsed , relating to him , some sad things , some pleasant things , to minister content or distast : somtimes they whisper truthes , but that sildome , for the greatest part of that multitude are lying and deceitfull , because for the most part they speake one thing and intend another : and thus far Lucianus of the house of Sleepe . I had once occasion to write my selfe in this manner : Neare to the darke Cimerians lies a caue , Beneath the foote of a declining hill , Deepe in the earthes warme intrailes , like a graue , Where charming Silence makes all husht and still : Hither did neuer piercing Sunne beame craue Admittance ; nor the voice of hunter shrill Fieres through the crannies of this concaue deepe , Where stands the dull and leaden house of Sleepe . Here the thicke vapoures from the earth exhaild , Myst● all the place about : a doubtfull light , 〈◊〉 twixt night and day ( when 〈◊〉 is faild , And the other not yet perfect ) dulls the sight . No w●●efull dogg● , o● clamorous cooke hath raild Vpon the drowsie Morne , earely to dight The Sunnes steedes . Here , the bird that fa●'d of old , Romes Capitoll , is neuer heard to scould . The brawlling Crane , nor yet the prating Crowe , Or tatling Parret , to desturbe the eare : No bestowing Bull , swift Hart , or Asse more flow , Is heard to bray : wee haue all silence here . Only a murmuring riuer ( which doth flow From Lethe ) with his streames 'mongst peables cleere Lulls the dull sence to soft and feathered rest , Charming the cares and sorrowes in the brest . Before the gate the drowsie Poppie springs , With thousand plants and simples without number ; Not one , but to the braine a numnesse brings , In●iting all the powers of man to slumber : Whose milkie iuice , the Night on her blacke wings Beares , t'wart the earth , and scatters . Who dares cumber This vniuersall whistnesse ; where none come , But Taciturnitie , and Silence d●mbe ? Vpon the doore no ratling hammers stroke Is heard without , to startle those within , No creeking hinge , by which soft sleepe is broke . Than to speake loude , ther 's held no greater sinne . Midst a vast roome , a bed Hewd out of Oke , ( That had of late some antient relique bin , Fring'd with thick dust and lasie cobwebs ) stands , Not in an age once stird with carefull hands . Vpon this easie couch , with curtaines hung Of duskie coloured silke , you may behould The god of Sleepe in carelesse fashion flung , Stretching his drousie limbes , whom now 's so bold To iogge or stirre : where snortings are heard sung : They are pincht to softer breath . Some dreame of gold , Of Trifles some : his court here Morpheus keepes , Which no man sooner enters than be sleepes .

And this description begins to make me drowsie alreadie . But least speaking too much of sleepe , I may be taxed , and so taken napping my selfe , I leaue the brother fast sleeping to find out the sister who to the worlds end shall euer be waking . In Elia●is . Death is sayd to be educated by her mother Night . Pausanias puts vs in mind that in a Temple amongst the Elaeans , there was a woman pourtraied , leading two sleepy children , that in her right hand White , that in her left hand Blacke , both with crooked legges and mishapen feet ; the inscription vpon the one was Sleepe , vpon the other Death , the woman that cherisht them , Night . This Death of all the powers that are , is most impartiall and implacable , and because by no prayers nor intercessions shee is to bee mooued , therefore there are no altars nor temples nor sacrifices celebrated to her honour● her impartialitie and implacabilitie Orpheus hath signified in one of his hymnes , Nec prece , muneribus , nec tu placabilis vllis .

She is attyred in a sable garment spotted with starres . The wise men of the former ages extold her with miraculous praises , calling her the port and onely secure harbor or rest : she frees the bodie from a thousand paines and diseases , deliuers the subiect from the crueltie of the tyrant , & makes the begger equall with his prince . She to all good men is acceptable and welcome , only dreadfull to the wicked , who haue a presage and feare of punishments to come . Alcid●●●us writ an excellent booke in the praise of Death , hauing a large and copious argument : in which he stroue to expresse with what an equall sufferance and modest patience she was to be entertained . Of the same argument writes Plutarch in Consolator : for life is nothing els but a light lent vs by the Creator of all mankind , which if it be redemanded of vs , ought no more grudgingly to be paid back , than comming to a friends house to bee merrie in the morning , and hauing feasted there all the day , to returne to our home at night ; or to pay back what wee borrow , to the owner : For there is no iniurie done to vs , if God demaunde that back at our hands which hee hath before but lent vs . Now from the daughter to come backe to the mother , and know what is allegorically meant by Night . These pests & mischeifes before commemorated are therfore sayd to be her sonnes and daughters , because the ignorance and mallice of man ( which is indeed the night of the mind ) is the parent and nurse of all calamities incident to vs : yet may some of their violences by wisedome be mitigated , though not frustrated of their ends , namely Age , Loue , Fate , Death , and the like ; who though they be in perpetuall motion , their speed may bee slackned though not stayd , and their pace slowed though not quite stopt . She was called the most Antient , because before the Heauens and the Sunne were created there was no light extant ; which is said to proceede from the lower parts of the earth , in regard that the Sunne compassing the world , when he lights the Antipodes with his beames , the earth shadowes them from vs , which shaddow is nothing else than Night . She is called the mother of all , as being before the birth of any thing . The word Nox is deriued à Nocendo , of hurting or harming ; the reason is , as some Phisitions hold opinion , because the corrupt humors of the night are infectious and dangerous , especially to men any way diseased ; of which there is continuall experience in all such as haue either woundes , or aches , or agues , or feauers , or the like , to all such weakenesses or imperfections , the humors of the Night are still most hurtfull and obnoxious . And so much breifly what morally can be gathered by that which hath bin fabulously commented of Night .

That Sleepe could not fasten on the eyes of Iupiter , it is intended , not to bee conuenient for him that hath the charge & protection of the whole Vniuerse , to whose care and foresight the administration and guidance of all things are committed , should so much as slumber or wincke at all ; neither doth the diuine Nature need any rest to repaire and comfort his troubled spirits , when he is not capable of either labour or discommoditie . And Lethe is called the sister of Somnus , in regard that by our naturall repose , wee for the time forget all paine , anguish , or trouble . Because he comes to many creatures , and at the same time , he is said to be winged ; in regard the humor of the Night encreaseth the vapours of the stomach , ascending to the higher parts of the body , which after by the frigiditie of the braine , descend againe lower and more coole , by which Sleepe is begot ; hee is therefore not vnproperly called , the sonne of Night : which Night calls me now to rest , with the finishing of this second booke , called EVTERPE .

Explicit Lib. 2.

THE THIRD BOOKE of Women , inscribed THALIA . Treating of Illustrious Queenes , Famous Wiues , Mothers , Daughters , &c. Containing the Histories of sundry Noble Ladies .

GOrgias held opinion , that Women were not to be honored according to their forme , but their fame ; preferring actuall vertue before superficial beautie : to incorage which in their sex , funerall orations were allowed by the Roman Lawes to be celebrated for all such as had beene either presidents of a good and commendable life , or otherwise illustrious for any noble or eminent action . And therefore ( least the matrons or virgins in Rome , the one should diuert from her stayed grauitie , or the other from her virgins professed integritie ) the vse of Wine was not knowne amongst them ; for that woman was taxed with immodestie , whose breath was knowne to smell of the grape . Pliny in his naturall historie , saith , That Cato was of opinion , Lib. 14. That the vse of kissing first began betwixt kinsman and kinswoman , How kissing first came vp . howsoeuer neere allide or farre off , onelie by that to know whether their wiues , daughters , or neeces , had tasted any wine : to this Iuuenall seemes to allude in these verses : Paucae adeo cereris vittas contingere digna Quarum non time at pater oscula . As if the father were iealous of his daughters continence , if by kissing her , he perceiued she had drunke wine . But kissing and drinking both are now growne ( it seemes ) to a greater custome amongst vs than in those dayes with the Romans : nor am I so austeare to forbid the vse of either , both which though the one in surfets , the other in adulteries , may be abused by the vicious ; yet contrarilie at customarie meetings , and laudable banquets , they by the nobly disposed , and such whose hearts are fixt vpon honour , may be vsed with much modestie and continence . But the purpose of my tractate , is to exemplifie , not to instruct ; to shew you presidents of vertue from others , not to fashion any new imaginarie forme from my selfe ; and that setting so many statues of honour before your eyes , of Beautie , Noblenesse , Magnanimitie , Bountie , Curtesie , Modestie , Temperance , and whatsoeuer else in goodnes can be included , each heroick and well disposed Ladie , or woman lower degreed and vnder●qualified , may out of all , or some of these at least , apprehend some one thing or other worthie imitation ; that as the best of Painters , to ●●law one exqui●it Ve●us , had set before him a hundred choise and selected beauties , all naked , to take from one an eye , another a lippe , a third a smile , a fourth a hand , and from each of them that speciall lineament in which she most excelled ; so hauing in these papers as many vertues exposed to your view , as the Painter had beauties , & all left as naked to your eies , you may make like vse of it : draw from one a noble disposition , bountie , and curtesie , the ornaments of great Ladies ; from others , temperance , sobrietie , and gouernement , things best beseeming matrons ; the married wiues , coniugall loue and sinceritie ; the virgins chast life and puritie ; and euerie of you fashion her selfe as complete a woman for vertue , as Apelles made vp the purtraiture of his goddesse , for beautie . I need not speake much of the worth of your sex , since no man ( I thinke ) that remembers hee had a mother but honours it ; the renowne of which , ●ome by their vertues haue as much nobilitated , as others by their vitious actions haue studied to disgrace : of both which , though my promise binde me to speake in their course , yet you Ladies in this treatise ( as you most worthily deserue ) haue the precedence and prioritie of place . What man was euer knowne to be eminent , whom woman in some manner hath not equalled ? Come to Fortitude , as there was an Hercules and a Theseus ; so there was a Menalippe and an Hippolite to encounter them : who as they conquered not , so they were not vanquished . Come to limning or drawing of Pictures , as there was a Zeusis , a Timanthes , an Androcides , and a Parhasius ; so the world yeelded a Timarete , the daughter of Micaon ; an Irene , the daughter and scholler of Cratinus ; an Anistarite , the issue and puple of Nearchus ; a Lala Cizizena , and a Martia , M. Varronis to boote : to them , in that art no whit inferiour . In Poetrie compare the Lyrickes of Sapho with Anacreons , and Corinnaes with Pindarus , and it shall be easily made manifest that Sapho in all points paraleld the first , and Corinna , in fiue seuerall contentions for the palme , preceded the last . But the similitude or discrepance of men & womens vertues conferd together , can be made no better apparant ( as Plutarch saith ) than by comparing Life with Life , and Action with Action , by which we shall see they haue almost one and the same effigies : For oppose the magnificence of Sesostris against that of Semiramis ; tha craft & subtlety of Seruius Tullius against Tanaquills ; the magnanimitie of Brutus against Porceaees ; compare Pelopidas with Timoclea ; and which shall yeeld to the other preheminence ? especially if wee exactly consider the end at which the vertue it selfe doth ayme : for diuerse vertues haue diuers colours laid vpon them , according to the temperature of body , or the disposition of the mind . Achilles was valiant one way , and Aiax another , yet both their indeuours intended to one Fortitude ; the Prudence of Nestor vnlike that of Vlysses , yet both wise men ; Cato and Agesilaus were both vpright men , yet executed justice two sundrie waies ; Irene loued one way , Alceste another , yet both endeeredly affected their husbands ; so likewise Cornelia and Olimpias were differently magnanimious , yet either of them attained to that height of honour to which their heroick mindes aspired . But to come to our former comparison from which I haue somewhat digrest ; in what greater vertue can either sex expresse themselues , than in true coniugall loue ? Cicero de Diuinatione , and Plinie in lib. 1. cap. 16. report of Tiberius Gracchus , Tiber. Grach . That finding two snakes in his house , male and female , hee consulted with a south-sayer concerning the prodegie ; who told him as a consequence infallible , That if hee slew the male , swift death should surprise himselfe , but if hee killed the female , himselfe should escape death , and his wife in 〈◊〉 like manner perish , but to one of them that fate must necessarily happen . He therefore preferring the safetie of his wife before his owne health , caused the male to be instantly cut in peeces , and the female let goe , beholding with his owne eyes his owne instant destruction in the death of the serpent . Therefore it was disputed , whether Cornelia were more happie in inioying such a husband , or made more wretched in loosing him ? An admirable and rare president in man , and a husband ; which I can easily instance in woman , and a wife : for as there is nothing more diuelish and deadly than a malitious and ill disposed woman , so there is on the contrarie , nothing more wholesome and comfortable to man than one prouident , gentle , and well addicted ; for as she that is good and honest , will vpon iust necessitie lay downe her life for her husbands health and safetie , so the other will as willingly prostitute hers for his distruction and ruin . Therefore a wife by how much neerer she is to vs in the strict bond both of diuine and humane lawes , by so much either the sweetenesse of her behauiour tasts the pleasanter , or the harshnesse of her crabbed condition , relishes more bitter ; for she is euer either a perpetuall refuge , or a continuall torment : she of whom I intend to speake is none such as the last , Alceste . her historie I thus receiue in briefe . Admetus a king of Greece , demanded Alce●te in marriage , whose father had publisht an edict , That none should inioy her saue such a one as could reconcile two wild beasts of contrarie cruelties and natures opposit , to drawe without iarring together in his Chariot . This Admetus hearing , he petitioned to Apollo and Hercules , who commiserating his suit , the one brought him a Lion , the other a Beare , both made tame and gentle to his hand : who presenting them to the father of Alceste , and hauing yoaked them and made them drawe according to the Edict , receiued her as his bride , and departed with her thence into his owne countrie of Thessaly . Not long after Admetus falling into a great infirmitie of sicknesse , and consulting with the Oracle about his health , answere was returned , That he must necessarily leaue the world vnlesse he could procure some friend , kinsman , courtier , or other , who by sacrificing their owne liues to his loue , might ransome his , and by no other meanes his health to be restored . This motion being made to many both neere and deere to him ( who no doubt had promised more , with purpose to performe lesse ) in conclusion it was refused by all ; which comming to the eare of Alceste , she gaue her selfe vp to a most willing death , to redeeme the health and life of her husband , and with her owne hands slew her selfe . Now tell me ( ô you Satyrists against the sex of women , that call them fraile , inconstant , weake , and timerous ) in which of these two did manly courage , noble resolution , or coniugall loue most shine ? in him that by suffering death to steale vpon him yeelded himselfe to the necessitie of fate , or in her who like a bold Virago with an vnmatchable resolution with her owne hand extracted that blood from her chast brest , with which shee writ herselfe a character of honour , to outlast all antiquitie ? In these things then you see , they may justly claime an equall competence with men , but in many things a iust prioritie , as in noursing and bringing vp their children , in mannaging the affaires of the house , and care of all domestick businesse , in prouiding vs Diet , Linnen for the backe and bed , in sewing , weauing , and in spinning : for who cannot imagine how ill great Hercules did become the distaffe ? But I will cease further to speake in their praise , least I be taxed of palpable flatterie , and some may lay on mean aspertion , That either I lou'd that sex wondrous well in my youth , or perhaps now begin to dote on them in my age . And since I last spake of that conioyned loue that ought to be betwixt man and wife , I will produce an Epigram taken from Ausonius to that purpose , the inscription is as followeth .

Ad Vxorem . Liue as we haue liu'd , still to each other new , And vse those names we did when we first knew : Let the same smiles within our cheekes be red , The same sports thought on we first vs'd in bed . Let the day neuer come to see the change , That either Time , or Age , shall make vs strange : But as we first met , let vs euer be , I , thy young man , and thou a girle to me : To others , though I seeme like Nestor old , And thou more yeares hast , than * * Sibilla Cu● Cumana told : Times snow we will not see , though it appeares , T is good to know our age , not count our yeares .

Such I must confesse , Husbands ought to be to their Wiues , and wiues to their husbands , but they are seldome found in these dayes , as may appeare by a short tale that I will tell you . Of three gentlemen and their wiues . Three gentlemen being late at supper in a tauerne , euerie man in curtesie made offer to pay the reckoning , at length a motion was made amongst them , that because it equallie concerned them all , to put it to fortune and cast the dice ; so that committing it to chance , the other should be no wayes beholding to him for his charges . To this two of them assented , but the third presuming much vpon the loue of his wife , was willing to put it to another venture , both to saue his purse , and expresse to his friends the gentle disposition of a woman to her husband , whose welcome home was still as constant at midnight as at mid-day : he therefore made a second motion , that to decide the controuersie , euerie man should instantly make hast home by turnes , as they lay neerest in their way , and he that did not that thing instantly which his wife badde , the whole charge of the reckoning should be imposed vpon him , and not to part companie till they see this done : vpon which they concluded . They went to the next house , the gentleman first knockt at his owne doore , and he was let in , the rest followed , but the husband onelie shewing himselfe , found his wife in the kitchin ; how now wife ( saith he ) what hast thou rese●ued for my supper ? She churlishlie replyed , here is nothing but the porridge the dogge hath lapt in , you had best sup vp them : this was sport to the other two , and he not willing both to be charged and laught at , and so doublie punisht , did as she bad , and so away they went all three to the house of the second . His wife was in bed , how now sweet heart where are you ( saith he ) here sweet husband ( she answered againe ) and I pray you come to bed quicklie : who hastilie put off his cloathes , went to bed , and as speedilie rose againe to see what would become of the third . To his lodging they went ( and this was he that presuming on his wiues gentlenesse drew the rest to the motion ) being entred , he askt the maid for her mistresse , who told him she was newlie gone to her chamber , vp the staires runnes he , the gentlewoman askt who is there ? 't is I sweet wife saith he , and for hast stumbled at the vppermost step : You had best breake your necke downe the staires saith she . At which words he pawsing a little , Nay on my word not so quoth he , rather than do that , I will euen backe againe with my friends to the Tauerne and pay the reckoning . But leauing this , which by some may bee consured to bee little better than trifling , I thus breake off my introduction , and proceede to matter more serious , beginning with a briefe summary or catalogue of the names of some famous Queen●s , Mothers and Daughters , many of which we shall haue occasion to handle more at large in the processe of our Treatise .

Of Queenes Illustrious .

SEmiramis was Queene of the Assyrians , Camilla of the Volscians , Nicaul● ( whom some call Saba ) of the Aethiopians , Athalia of the Hebrewes , Thomiris of the Scithians , Hesther of the Persians , Cleopatra of the Aegyptians , Zenobia of the Palmyriens , Amalasuntha of the Gothes ; of these wee shall speake more at large , Wherfore the Hunnes were first called Lombards or Longbeards . as they fall in course . Theolinda of the Longobards or Lombards succeedes . This nation dwelt first in Pannonia , and were gouerned by the king Albinus : now the reason why they were first so called , was this . In the time that Iustinus sirnamed the Lesse , wore the imperiall purple , Narses the Eunuch had fought vnder him many braue and victorious battells against the Gothes , who had vsurped the greatest part of Italie , from whence he expeld them , slew their king , and freed the whole countrey from many outrages . Notwithstanding his great good seruice , he was calumniated to the Emperour , and so hated by the Emperesse Sophia , that she sent him word , That she would make him lay by his sword and armour , and with a distaffe spinne wooll amongst her maides : to which message he returned answer , That hee would make such a thread to put into her loome , that all the weauers in the Empire should scarce make good cloath on . Vpon this ground he sent to Albinus king of the Hunnes , who then inhabited Pannonia , asking him , Why hee would dwell in the barren continent of Pannonia , when the most fertile countrey of Italie lay open to his inuasion ? Albinus apprehending this incouragement from Narses , in the yeare six hundred threescore and eight , made his first incursion into the Emperours confines , who sent certaine spyes to discouer the forces of Albinus ; of which he hauing intelligence , caused all the women to vntye their haire and fasten it about their chinnes , thereby to seeme men , and make the number of his army appeare the greater . The spyes obseruing them , wondred amongst themselues , and askt what strange people these were with the Long beards ? and from hence their names were first deriued , which hath since beene remarkeable in the most pleasant and fertill climate of all Italy , from them called Lombardie . Others say , that when they went to fight against the Vandales , There was a man that had the spirit of Prophesie , whom they besought to pray for them and their good successe in the battaile ; now when the Prophet went to his orisons , the queene had placed her selfe and hir women iust against the window where he prayd , with their heire disposed as aforesaid ; and iust as he ended his deuotions , they opened their casements and appeared to him , who presentlie said to himselfe , what be these Long-beards ? to whom the queene replyed , To these Long-beards then whom thou hast named , let the victorie happen , thus saith the history . Rhodegondis was queene of France , Why women in France are disabled from bearing Soueraigntie . but after her not any . Now some may demand the reason why the Salicke law was first made , by which all women were made incapable of succession in the principalities , which ( as Plicronicon relates ) was this ; The crowne lineallie descending to a Princesse of the blood , whom for modesties sake hee forbeares to name , or at least their owne Chronicles are loath to publish ; this Lady hauing many Princelie sutors , neglected them all , and fell in loue with a Butcher of Paris , whom she priuatelie sent for , and as secretlie married : since when , all of that sex were by an irreuocable decree disabled of all soueraigntie . Cassiope was the famous Queene of Aethiopia ; Harpalice , of the Amazons ; Hyppolite , of Magnesia ; Teuca , of the Illyrians , &c. Of these in their places . Amongst whom let me not be so vnnaturall to her merit , The memory of Queene Elizabeth . or so ingratefull to my countrey ( thrice blest and diuinelie happie in her most fortunate raigne ) as not to remember that euer to be celebrated Princesse , Elizabeth of late memory , Queene of England : She that was a Saba for her wisedome , an Harpalice for her magnanimitie ( witnesse the Campe at Tilburie ) a Cleopatra for her bountie , a Camilla for her chastitie , an Amalasuntha for her temperance , a Zenobia for her learning and skill in language ; of whose omniscience , pantarite , and goodnesse , all men heretofore haue spoke too little , no man hereafter can write too much : sacred be still her memorie to vs on earth , as her blessed soule liues euer glorified in heauen . Q. Anne . Her succeeded ( though not in her absolute Monarchy , yet a Princesse of vnspotted fame , incomparable clemencie , vnmatchable goodnesse , and most remarkable vertue ) Queene Anne , whom all degrees honored , all nations loued , and no tongue was euer heard to asperse with the least callumnie : who in her too short eminence heere amongst vs , was knowne to be the step of dignitie to many , but detriment to none ; in whom all were glad , by whom none had euer the least cause of sorrow , vnlesse in the lamented losse of so graue and gratious a princesse . And for my owne part ( gentle and curteous reader ) let me borrow so much of thy patience , that I may vpon this so iust and good occasion , remember a long neglected dutie , by inserting in this place a few funerall teares vpon her hearse .

A Funerall Oade vpon the death of ANNA PANARETA . NOw Hymen change thy saffron weedes To roabe and habit sable : For ioyfull thoughts , vse funerall deedes Since nothing's firme or stable ; This ( alas ) we May read and see , As in a mappe or printed table . It was not at the time of yeare Birds bid the Spring god-morrow , Nor when we from the Summer cleare Her warmth and pleasures borrow . Nor when full fields Ripe Autumne yeelds , That we are thus inuolu'd in sorrow . But when the barren earth denyes Fruits to the reapers mowing : When Meteors muster in the skyes And no faire fruits are growing . When winter cold , Dry , seare , and old , His frozen fingers or'e the fire sits blowing . When the Sunne scants vs of his heat , And Phoebe tempests threateth : When Boreas blustring in his seat , His frozen pineons beateth ; And as a King Aboue the Spring , The fresh and timely budds defeateth . In this great barrennesse were we Our plenty made to smother : But what might this rare iewell be ? A Saint , a Queene , a Mother , An Hester faire , A Iudith rare ; These dead , oh point me out another ! Saue Debora , that 's likewise dead , Fam'd for her countries freeing : But shall we henceforth see or reade Of such another being . Oh what a dearth Is now on earth That heare none liues with these agreeing . Saba was wise , so was our Queene , For beautie others famed , Some for their vertue crown'd haue beene , And in large legends named . Who liuing shall Contend in all With her ( alas ) shall be but shamed . But since our prayses at their best , Shorten so farre her merit , Leaue her to her eternall rest , A glorious Sainted spirit : For aye to sing Vnto heauens King Thanks , for these ioyes she doth inherit . Yet , 't is a duty that we owe To giue our griefe expression , The greater that our sorrowes grow , It shewes the lesse transgression , A losse like this T is not a misse That we then leaue to all succession . Skyes mourne her death in stormie cloudes , Seas weepe for her in brine : Thou earth that now her frailtie shroudes , Lament though she be thine ; Onely reioyce Heauen with lowd voyce , That you are now become her shrine . For this appear'd the Blazing starre , Yet fresh in our memory , That Christendome both neere and farre Might tell it as a story . Great Ioue it sent With an intent Onely to get her to her glory .

In this Catalogue of Queenes , The Lady Elizabeth . hauing so late remembred the mother , how can I forget the daughter ? she to whom I must giue that attribut which all soldiers bestow vpon her , The Queene of women , and the best of Queenes , whose magnanimitie in war , and gentlenes in peace , resolution in the one , and generous affabilitie in the other , haue so sweet a correspondence , that when the Canon roared lowd at the gates , and the bullet forced a passage euen through the Pallace where she lodged , was no more daunted in courage nor dismayd in countenance , than when the gentle and soft musicke melodiouslie sounded at the celebration of her espousalls . Sacred ( oh Princely Lady ) for euer be your memorie , and fortunate and happy your hopefull posteritie ; may your wombe prooue a bed of souldiours , and your breasts the nursserie of Kings , may the sonnes victories redeeme the losses of the father , and the daughters surmount the fertilitie of their mother : may your future fortunes be answerable to your former vertues , that as you haue the earnest prayers of all good men , so you may haue the successe of their wishes : which millions that neuer yet saw you desire , but all that vnderstand you , know you worthilie deserue . And to conclude , that as you are the last of these in this my Catalogue by order , posterity may reckon you the first amongst the Illustrious by merit .

Of diuers Ladies famous for their Modestie .

OH thou Chastitie and puritie of life , thou that art the ornament as well of man , as woman , from whence shall I inuoke thee ? thou diddest first helpe to kindle the sacred fires of Vesta , where virginitie was made Religion : Thou that was wont to frequent the chambers of great Ladies with sinnelesse and vndefiled hands make the beds of the cittie Matrons , and to be obsequious about the Pallats strowed in the countrey cottages , where shall I find thee now to direct this my pen in her large and vnbounded progresse ? or to tutour me so farre , that I may know what on this argument thou thy selfe wouldest haue done ? Liuie , Florus , Plutarch , and others , speaking of the wonder of the Roman chastitie , Lucresse , Lucresse . accuse fortune , or nature of error , for placing such a manlie heart in the breast of a woman ; who being adulterated by Sextus Tarquinius , after she had sent to her friends , and to them complained her iniuries , because she would not liue a by-word to Rome , nor preserue a despoiled body for so noble a husbands embraces , with a knife which she had hid vnder her garment for the same purpose , in presence of them all slew her selfe : which was after , the cause that the Tyrannicall monarchy of Rome was transferd into a Consular dignitie . Armenia , Armenia . the wife of Tygranes , hauing beene with her husband at a sumptuous banquet made by King Cyrus in his Pallace Royall , when euery one extold the maiestie , and applauded the goodlinesse of the Kings person ; at length Tygranes askt his queene what her opinion was of his magnitude and person : She answered , I can say nothing sir , for all the time of the feast mine eyes were stedfastle ●ixt vpon you my deare husband ; for what other mens beauties are , Cornelia . it becoms not a married wife to inquire . Cornelia the wife of Aemilius Paulus , when a great lady of Campania came to her house , and opening a rich casket ( as the custome of women is to be friendly one with another ) shee shewed her gold rings , rich stones and iewels , and causing her chests to be opened , exposed to her view great varietie of costly and pretious garments : which done , she intreated Cornelia to doe her the like curtesie , and to shew her what iewels and ornaments she had stored to beautifie her selfe , which hearing , she protracted the time with discourse till her children came from schoole , and causing them to be brought before her , turned vnto the Lady , and thus said , These be my iewells , my riches , and delights , nor with any gayer ornaments desire I to be beautified .

Filij bonae indolis , parentum lauta supellex .

Viz. No domesticke necessaries better grace a house , than children wittie and well disposed . Many haue bin of that continence , they haue imitated the Turtle , who hauing once lost her mate , will euer mourne , but neuer enter into the fellowship of another . Therefore Ania Romana , Ania . a woman of a noble familie , hauing buryed her first husband-in her youth , when her friends and kindred continuallie layd open the sollitude of widdowhood , the comfort of societie , and all things that might persuade her to a second marriage ; she answered , It was a motion , to which she would by no meanes assent : for ( saith she ) should I happen vpon a good man , such as my first husband was , I would not liue in that perpetuall feare I should bee in , least I should loose him ; but if otherwise , Why should I hazard my selfe vpon one so badde , that am so late punisht with the losse of one so good . It is reported of Portia Minor , P●ortia Min. the daughter of Cato , That when a woman who had marryed a second husband , was for many vertues much commended in her presence ; Peace ( saith she ) That woman can neither bee happy , well manner'd , nor truely modest , that will a second time marry . But I hold her in this to be too censorious ; yet the most antient Romans onelie conferred on her the Crowne of modestie and continence , that was contented with one matrimonie , as making expression of their vncorrupted sinceritie in their continewed widdowhood . Especiallie such were most discommended to make choice of a second husband , who had children left them by the first , resembling their father . To which Virgill in the fourth booke of his Aeneid . seemes elegantly to allude , Dido thus complaining of the absence of Aenaeas : — Siqua mihi de te suscepta fuisset Ante fugam soboles — &c. Had I by thee but any issue had Before thy flight ; some pretie wanton lad , That I might call Aeneas , and to play And pra●e to me to dri●e these thoughts away : And from whose smiling countenance I might gather A true presentment of the absent father ; I should not then my wretched selfe esteeme , So altogether lost●●● I now seeme .

Plutarch much commends the widdowhood of Cornelia , Cornelia . the illustrious mother of the Gracchi ; whose care , hauing nobly prouided for her children & familie after the death of her husband : she exprest her selfe euery way so absolute a matron , that Tiberius Gracchus ( of whom we spake before ) was not ill counselled by the gods , by preseruing her life , to prostrate his owne : for she denied to marry with king Ptolomeus , and when he would haue imparted to her a diadem and a scepter , she refused to be stiled a queene , to keepe the honour of a chast widdow . Of the like puritie was Valeria , Valeria . the sister Messalar : who being demaunded by her kindred and deerest freinds , why ( her first husband dead ) she made not choice of a second ? answered , that she found her husband Seruius to liue with her still : accounting him aliue to her whom shee had euer in remembrance : A singular & remarkeable sentence , proceeding from a most excellent matron , intimating how the sacred vnitie in wedlock ought to be dignified , namely with the affections of the mind , not the vaine pleasures of the body . This was proued in the daughter of Democion the Athenian , Democion Filia . who being a virgin , and hearing that Leosthenes , to whom she was contracted , was slaine in the Lemnian wars , and not willing to suruiue him , killed her selfe : but before her death , thus reasoning with her selfe ; Though I haue a bodie vntoucht , yet if I should fall into the imbraces of another , I should but haue deceiued the second , because I am still married to the first in my heart . Not of their minds was Popilia the daughter of Marcus , Popilia . who to one that wondered what should be the reason why all feminine beasts , neuer admitted the act of generation but in their time , and when they couet issue , and woman at all times desires the companie of man ? thus answered , the reason is onely this , Because they are beasts .

The wife of FVLVIVS .

THis Fuluius the familiar and indeered friend of Augustus Caesar , heard him priuatly complaine of the great solitude that was then in his house , since two of his grand-children by his daughter were taken away by death , and the onely third that remained , was ( for some calumnies publisht against the Emperour ) now in exile , so that he should bee forced to abandon his owne blood , He was called Posthumus . and constitute a sonne in law , and a stranger , to succeed in the Imperiall purple ; and therefore he had many motions in himselfe , and sometimes a purpose to recall the yong mans banishment , and to restore him to his fauour and former grace in the court . This Fuluius hearing , went home , and vpon promise of secresie told it to his wife : shee could not containe her selfe , but makes what speede she can , and tells this good newes to the Empresse Liuia ; Liuia she speeds to Augustus , and briefly expostulates with him about the banishment of her grand-child , & what reason he had not to restore him to his former honors ? and why he would preferre a stranger before his own blood ? with many such like vpbraidings . The next morning Fuluius comming ( as his custome was ) into the Presence , and saluting the Emperour , Augustus cast an austere looke vpon him , and shaking his head sayd onely thus , You haue a close brest Fuluius ; by this , he perceiuing his wife had published abroad what he had told her in secret , posts home with what speede hee can , and calling his wife before him , ô woman ( sayth he ) Augustus knowes that I haue reuealed his secret , therefore I haue a resolution to liue no longer : to whom she replied , Neither is that death you threaten to your selfe without merite , who hauing liued with me so long , and knowne my weakenesse and loquacitie , had not the discretion to preuent this danger to which you haue drawne your selfe by tempting my frailetie ; but since you will needs die , it shall be my honour to precead you in death : which she had no sooner spoke , but snacht out his sword and with it slew her selfe . A noble resolution in an heathen Ladie , to punish her husbands disgrace and her owne ouersight with voluntarie death ; and a notable example to all women that shall succeede her , to be more charie in keeping their husbands secrets : all which I would wish to follow the counsell of the comick Poet Philippides , who when king Lysimachus called him vnto him and vsing him with all curtesie spake thus , What of the things that are within or without me shall I impart vnto thee , ô Phillippides ? he thus answered , Euen what thou pleasest oh king , so thou still reseruest to thy selfe thy counsells . This puts me in mind of king Seleucus Callinicus , who hauing lost a battaile against the Galatians , and his whole armie being quite subuerted and disperced , casting away his crowne and and all regall ornaments , was forced to flie onely attended with two or three seruants ; and wandering long through many deserts and by-pathes , as fearing to be discouered , and growing faint with hunger , he came to a certaine ruinate cottage , where he de●ired bread and water : the maister of the house not onely affoorded him that , but whatsoeuer else the place could yeeld or the suddennesse of the time prouide , with a large welcome . In the interim of dinner , fixing his eyes vpon Seleucus face he knew him to be the king , and not able to containe his owne ioyes nor conceale the kings dssimulation , after dinner the king being redie to take horse , and bidding his host farewell , hee replied againe , And farewell ô king Seleucus : who finding himselfe discouered , reached him his hand as to imbrace him , beckning to one of his followers who at the instant at one blow strooke off his head , so that as Homer : Sic caput estque loquentis ad huc cum puluere mistum .

These were the fruits of vnseasonable babling ; for this fellow , had he kept his tongue till the king had beene restored to his former dignities , might haue receiued large rewardes for his hospitallitie , who su●ered an vnexpected death for his loquacitie .

Aretaphila .

ARetaphila Cyrenaea , is deseruedly numbered amongst the heroick Ladies , she liued in the time of Mithredates , and was the daughter of Aeglatur , and the wife of Phedimus : a woman of excellent Vertue , exquisit Beautie , singular Wisedome , and in the managing of common-welthes businesse and ciuill affaires ingeniously expert : this Ladie the common calamities of her countrie made eminent , for Nicocaentes the tyrant , hauing vsurped the principallitie ouer the Cirenaeans , amongst many other of his inhumane butcheries , slew Menalippus the Priest of Apollo , and assumed to himselfe the sacred office and dignitie . In the number of these noble citisens , hee caused Phedimus the husband of Aretaphila to be iniuriously put to death , & married her against her will : who as well distrest with her priuate discontents as suffering in the publique calamitie , meditated a remedie for both , and by aduise of some of her neerest allies attempted to poyson the king ; but the proiect being discouered , was preuented : and vpon that ground Calbia mother to Nicocrates , a woman of an implacable spirit , and prone to any thing wherin there might be blood and slaughter , first condemned her to insufferable torture , and next to violent death : but the tyrant her sonne in regard of the extraordinarie loue he bore vnto her , being the more relenting and humane of the two , was pleased to put her cause first to examination , and after to censure . In which triall shee answered boldly and with great courage in the defence of her owne innocence : but being by manifest proofes conuicted , in so much that her purpose could not be denied , she then descended so low as to excuse herselfe , alleaging that ( indeed ) apprehending the greatnesse of his person , and that she was in degree no better to him than an handmaide ; and fearing least some other more accomplisht beautie might steppe betwixt him and her to insinnuate into his fauour and grace , shee therefore had prepared an amatorious confection , minding only to continue his loue , not to betray his life ; and if her womanish weakenesse had in any kind ( through ignorance ) transgrest the bounds of loyaltie , she submitted her selfe to his royall clemencie , whose approoued judgement shee made no doubt , knew how to distinguish betwixt folly and malice . Notwithstanding these smooth euasions , Nicocrates fully possest of the truth , gaue her vp into the hands of his mother to be tormented , who ( as shee is before charractered ) being a harsh and mercilesse woman , left nothing vnattempted that torture could deuise , to wrest from her a capitoll confession : but Aretaphila with wonderous patience and constancie induring whatsoeuer the beldame could inflict vpon her , Calbia grew as wearie in punishing , as she in suffering , insomuch that Nicocrates was in some sort persuaded of her innocencie , & commanded her release , seeming sorrowfull for the torments she had indured , so that his former loue conquering his suspition , he began to studie a new reconcilement , and excusing his too much credulousnesse renewed his antient familiaritie and custome . But she not forgetting her former rackes and strapadoes , now began to meditate vpon his death another way : she had a daughter of exquisite feature , and the tyrant had a brother called Leander , a wilde-headed yong man and apt for any innouation or hair-braind attempt , shee wrought so far with her , and so inwardly with him , that by the consent of the king a match was concluded betwixt them . All these things falling out according to her wishes , her daughter ( by the mothers instigation ) wrought so farre vpon his rashnesse in priuate , and the mother gaue him such incouragement withall , that putting him in hope to inioy the soueraignetie to himselfe , they persuaded him to supplant his brother : This tooke such prosperous effect , that he suborned a seruant of his called Daphries , who attending his opportunitie , slew the tyrant . Aretaphila not with this contented , whose reuenge aymed to extirpat the whole familie of the tyrant , and whose goodnesse , to free her countrie from all seruitude , instigated the citisens against Learchus for the murder of her king and second husband , drawing him into the compasse of that publike hate , that he was forced to flie as a traitour and a fratricide : neither was she satisfied whilst he yet liued , therefore by her wit and policie , and the industrie of one Anabas , hee was at length subtlely surprised ; by which the citie receiued her pristine libertie and freedome . For which the people would haue done her diuine honours , as to a goddesse , which shee vtterly refused . They next proceeded to justice vpon the delinquents , where Calbia was iudged to the fire and burnt a liue , and Leander to be sowed in a sacke and so cast into the Sea , both which executions were accordingly performed . The people then once againe assembled and prostrated themselues before her , ioyntly beseeching her either to take vpon her the primacie and chiefe gouernment , or at least to be a gracious assistant to the magistrates and princes , with her directions and counsell : both which shee vtterly refused , betaking herselfe to a solitarie and retired life , spending the rest of her age in spinning , weauing , and the like womanish chares , amongst her handmaides .

Pieria . Many of the Iönes by reason of a discord that fell betwixt them and the sonnes of Neleus , were forced to leaue the cittie Miletum , where they before inhabited , and were driuen to plant a new collonie in Minus , betwixt which cities there was perpetuall jarre and enmitie ; in so much that from a priuat quarrell it grew to a publike warre , yet not in that violence but that vpon some certaine feastiuall daies there was free recourse betwixt the citisens of the one and the other , to be present at the sacred solemnities . There was amongst these of the cittie of Minus , one of a noble familie whose name was Pythes , his wife was called Iapigia , and his daughter Pyeria : He , when the great feast celebrated to Diana , called Nelaim ( of the opposit familie ) was kept , sent thither his wife and daughter , intreating the Milesians to suffer them to participate of their solemnities , which was granted : at which enterview , Phrigius , the chiefe of the sonnes of Neleus a man most potent in the cittie , grew inamoured on Pyeria ; and in courting her , desired her to demaund what curtesie soeuer the cittie or his power could yeeld and it should be instantly granted : to which she answered , That nothing could be more acceptable vnto her than that the Iönes might haue more often and peaceable recourse into their cittie . By which he apprehended that shee desired no more than a cessasion of armes , and that peace might be established betwixt the two citties : which by their marriage was accordingly effected , and Pyeria euer after honoured for the motion . In so much that it grew to a prouerbe , All the Milesian women desiring to bee no better beloued of their husbands than Pyeria was of her Phrigius .

Aspasia . Aspasia being the daughter of Hermotimus Phocencis ( her mother dying of her in childbirth ) was by her fathers care brought vp , though meanelie , yet modestlie : and growing towards vnderstanding , shee had many dreames as presages of her future fortunes ; namelie , that succeeding times should affoord her a husband faire , good , and rich . In this interim she was troubled with an vnseemelie swelling of the chinne , so great , that it grew almost to a deformitie , being a sorrow to the father , and almost a heart-breake to the daughter . Hermotimus carefull of her health , presents her malady to the Physition ; who was willing to vndertake the patient , but withall proposed too great a summe for the cure : the one replying , The demand is aboue my strength ; the other answered , Then is the cure aboue my skil , and so departed . This discouragement from a Tumor without , grew to a Corsiue within : as much tormented with the despaire of her recouerie as the violence of the disease . In this anxietie of thoughts and agonie of paine being much perplexed , she gaue her selfe to all abstinence and forbare to eate ; till on a time a gentle slumber stealing vpon her , there appeared to her a Turtle , which was instantlie transhapt into a woman most beautifull , who drawing more neere , bids her take courage , and be of comfort , and forgettting the Physitions with all their drugges , vnguents , and emplasters , onely to apply to the place then grieued , rose leaues dryed to powder , and not to doubt of her present recouerie ; and hauing thus said , vpon the instant vanisht . Aspasia awaking , and by this vision much comforted , applyed to her face such things as she was taught ; in short time all swelling was taken away , and she restored to her pristine beautie , with such an addition of comelinesse , that those with whom she before was held but equall , she in the eyes of all men might now claime ouer them a iust precedence : for she is thus described , Her haire somewhat yellow , and from the temples naturallie curling , her eyes bigge and cleere , her nose somewhat ( but most becomminglie ) hooked , her eares short , her skinne white and soft , her cheekes seeming to lodge the sweet blushes of the rose ( for which cause the Phocenses cald her from an infant Milto ) her lippes red , her teeth than snow more white , her feet without all fault , her voyce so sweet and rauishing , that when she spake , she would put you in mind of what you haue read of the Syrens . From all effeminate curiosities she studied to alienate her selfe , these being commonlie the superfluities of wealth and abundance , she being but of humble fortunes , and descended from meane parentage . It happened this Aspasia was by a Persian souldiour taken from her father ( as all their citties in those dayes were subiect to the like oppressions ) and presented vnto Cyrus the sonne of Darius and Parasatides , but much against her owne will , or the liking of her father : thus presented to him in the company of other of the most choice virgins , she was commended aboue them all , both for the modestie of her countenance , the ciuilitie of her carriage , and an irreproouable beautie without all staine or blemish ; and that which heightned the loue of all men towards her , shee was of singular wisedome : for which Cyrus afterward often admitted her into his counsells , and so oft as he was swayd by her aduise , his disseignes neuer fayled their wished successe . The first time she stood before the King was at supper time , which ended , and Cyrus after the Persian manner willing to take his cuppes somewhat lauishly , in middest of their healthing there were presented before him foure Grecian damosells , with Aspasia the Phocensian making vp the number ; the other three being richly adorned , whose friends had set their baire out in curles , beautified their heades with jewells , and polisht their faces and bodies with sweete odours and vnguents ; besides they had instructions how to behaue themselues towards the king , how to insinuate into his fauour , not to moue backe when he came forward , nor make squemish of any curtesie he should offer , but freely to recompence kisse for kisse , being fully instructed in the amatorious precepts belonging to such a businesse . But on the contrarie , Aspasia would not present her selfe in any curious or gay vesture , nor suffer any roabe of honour or state to be put vpon her , neither would she wash or bath her selfe : but in sadnesse and sorrow she muoakt all the Graecian and Eleutherian gods to her assistance , still calling vpon her fathers name , accounting those vnusuall ornaments and superfluous garments , rather the markes of seruit●de than honor ; and scarce with stripes could she be forced to appeare in any kind , rather a strumpet than a chast and vnblemisht virgin : The others comming before Cyrus , smiled vsing many immodest and lasciuious gestures ; she onely with her eyes deiected , and manifest blushes in her cheekes , by her teares expressed an extraordinarie bashfulnesse . The king commanding them to sit downe in his presence , the rest boldly contended who should place herselfe next him ; but this Phocean damosell at first seemed not to heare , nor without the robustious vsage of that souldier who first surprised her , could be wonne to sit downe . The king beginning to dallie with them , and playing with their cheekes , neckes , and brests , the rest willingly suffered him ; shee onely strooke his hand aside , and if hee offered but to touch her in the least part , she presently cried out , and told him he should not do it vnpunished . The king much delighted with this vnexpected coynesse , since at euerie offer of his shee fled his embraces ( which was against the custome of the Persians ) hee more ardently fixt his affection vpon her , and turning to the souldier who first presented them , thus sayd , This Phocean onely thou hast brought me chast and vncorrupted , the rest both in beautie and behauiour are impostures : and from thencefoorth she was solicited and beloued of the king aboue all others with whom he had before or after conuerst with , and from that time a mutuall affection grew betwixt them , so great , that it increased as farre as the modest and absolute confirmation of marriage , conformable to the custom of the Graecians . In so much that the loue of the king to Aspasia was not rumoured in Iönia solely , but through all the spatious prouinces of Greece , euen Peloponesus was filled with the bruit therof , to the glorie of the great King ; who after his familiar acquaintance with her , was neuer knowne to haue vsed the companie of any other woman . And now began the vision of Aspasia ( concerning the Doue ) to be much spoken of , and of the goddesse that appeared to her , to whom she dedicated ( after ) a goodly statue , called the image of Venus , beautified with many rich jewells ; withall , the picture of a Doue , to which she made daylie supplications , sacrifices , and oblations , still imploring the fauour of the goddesse . To her father Hermotimus shee sent many rich and vnualued presents , making him of a subiect almost vnparraleld for wealth , vsing in the processe of her life ( as witnesse , as well the Persian as Graecian Ladies ) a wonderous modestie and continence . Hormus , sometimes of Thessaly , was sent from Scopa the junior , who was of Scicily , with an admirable rich Iewell to Cyrus for a present . Who hauing shewed it to many , all wondering at the cost and workemanship , and prowd of so rich a gemme : presently after dinner repaired to the chamber of Aspasia , and finding her asleepe , cast himselfe vpon the bed by her without disturbing her rest : who waking and espying the king so neer , began to embrace him according to her accustomed manner , who presently taking the jewell from the casket , showed it to her vsing these wordes , This I bestow on thee as a gift worthie the daughter or mother of an Emperour , which I charge thee to weare for my sake in a carkanet about thy neck . To whom she wisely & consideratly answered , And how dare I be the possessor of so great a treasure , which rather becomes the maiestie and estate of your mother Parasatides ? therefore I intreat you send it to her , for I without this ornament can present you with a neck sufficiently beautifull . The king much pleased with her answer , daily and howerly more and more increased his loue towards her , and what she said and did , sent in a letter to his mother , with the iewell inclosed . For which she was not only much graced and fauored by the Princesse , but after by Cirus rewarded with many rich gifts , of value inestimable , all which she modestlie sent backe with this message ; These things , ô king , may be vsefull to thee that hast the charge of such infinites of men , when my greatest riches is to be solely beloued of thee : with these and the like , she tyed the King in inseparable bonds of affection towards her . For without all competitorship , in the beauty of face , feature of body , integritie of life , and noblenesse of mind , she was aboue all those of her time admirable . But after Cyrus being slaine in battaile by his brother , and his whole army : ouerthrowne , she likewise fell into the hands of the enemy : whom the king Artaxerxes with singular care and diligence caused to be sought , and brought before him , as one whose name and vertues he held in great respect and estimation ; and being presented before him bound , hee grew wondrous angry , commanding all such to prison as were the authours of her least durance : withall commanding a costlie and magnificent roabe to bee cast about her , which she with many teares and much sorrow refused , till shee was compeld to it by the king , still taking to heart and lamenting the death of Cyrus . But thus adorned , according to the Persian state , shee appeared in the eyes of all men the fairest of women , especiallie in the kings , much surprised with her extraordinary beautie , still persuading her to race out the memorie of Cyrus dead , and in his roome to admit of Artaxerxes liuing ; which slowly and at length though late , he obtained , respecting her aboue all other his wiues and concubines . Soone after , his Eunuch Teridates dyed , more than a child , and scarce full man , the most beautifull youth in Asia , and of the king the most beloued ; who so much lamented his death , that all the principalities and nations vnder him seemed to participate of his griefe ; yet none that durst be so bold as to come into his presence , or minister to him any words of comfort . Three dayes being past in these lamentations and sorrowes , Aspasia in a funerall habit , and with her eyes fixt vpon the earth , appeared before the king ; who no sooner espyed her , but demanded the cause of her comming : To comfort thee ( said she ) ô king , if thou beest so pleased , else to returne to the place of sorrow from whence I came . At which seeming to reioyce , the king intreated her to her chamber whether he would presentlie repaire , to whom she obeyed . And hauing put on a roabe of the Eunuches , so much bewayled , and in that casting her selfe vpon her bed , she gaue the king such content , that he commanded her till the dayes of mourning were past , neuer to appeare to him but in that habit ; she more preuailing with him than all his Princes , wiues , subiects , and seruants about him , still liuing in his most especiall grace and fauour . And so farre Aelianus .

The Matrons of Lacedemon , The women of Lacedemon . in all battailes fought against the common enemy , as many of their husbands sonnes or allyes as they found slaine , they vsed to search what wounds they had about them ; if the greater number were in the face or breast , with great ioy and solemnitie they bore them to bee intombed in the monuments of their ancestours ; but if on the contrary those on their backs exceeded the number of the former , surprised with shame and sorrow , they eyther left them to the common buriall , or gaue them such priuate interment , as if they wisht their memories to haue perisht with their bodies . This historie Aelianus in his twelfth booke records .

This discourse for the rarenesse of it , Odatis . I hold not impertinent to insert amongst the women most illustrious . Chares Mitylenus in his tenth booke of Histories thus writes . Athenaus in Dipsonoph . lib. 13. cap. 12. Zariadres the yonger brother of Hystaspes , both of them being so naturallie beautifull , that they were said to be the sonnes of Adonis and Venus . The elder raigned in the lower parts of Media , the Iunior kept his principalitie in the higher countrey , as farre as the riuer Ta●ais : not many leagues distant from thence , there liued the king Homartes , who had one onely daughter cald Odatis , whom as diuers Authours affirme , seemed in a dreame to haue seene this Zariadres , and of his person to be much inamoured . The like in a vision happening to him , in so much that he was ardentlie affected to her whome as yet he had neuer seene . This Odatis was the fairest Princesse in that time liuing in Asia , and Zariadres no whit to her inferiour , who sent to the king Homartes to demand her in marriage ; he would by no meanes yeeld to the motion , because not hauing any male issue he was loath to transferre the succession of his kingdome vpon a stranger , purposing rather to bestow her on some Prince of his countrey , though a subiect . Not long after he caused to be assembled all the friends , kinsmen , Nobilitie , and Gentrie of his land , inuiting them to his daughters marriage , but not yet knowing or hauing determined in himselfe on whom to conferre her . His subiects thus assembled , hee inuited them all to a solemne and high feast , whither hauing called his daughter● in the hearing of all his guests he thus bespake her : We are now ( ô Princely daughter ) to celebrate thy nuptialls , take therfore this golden bowle filled with rich Greekish wine , and hauing throughlie and aduisedlie perused all this noble companie , to whom thou shall daine first to drinke , he is vndoubtedlie thy husband . She hauing viewed and reuiewed them all , & none pleasing like that person presented to her in her dreame , she demanded of her father some few daies respight , which granted , she sent word to Zariadres , how her affaires stood concerning her marriage , and withall much desiring his speedy presence . He being in his army neere to Tanais , and hearing this newes , secretlie conueyed himselfe out of his tent , and without any seruant or attendant sauing his chariotter , came priuatelie into the Cittie of Homartes , hauing in wondrous short space runne 8000 furlongs ; this done , he disposed both of his charriot , and driuer , and withall putting himselfe into a Scythians habit , hee came to the place where this marriage was to be celebrated , and thronging in amongst the rest , he beheld the beautifull Odatis sad in countenance , and tempering her draught with a slow and vnwilling hand : to whom approaching more neerer , he thus whispered , Behold Odatis thy dearest Zariadres for whom thou didst latelie send , ready to doe thee all seruice . She casting an aduised eye vpon him , and perceiuing him to be a stranger beautifull , and in all semblance so like the person of whom she had dreamt ; in a great extasie of ioy dranke to him , and gaue him the cup : and whilst the rest were , amased at the nouell , hee snatcht her vp and carryed her where his charriot stood ready , and so transported her into Media . This their loue was so famous amongst the barbarous people , that the history was portraied in all their Pallaces and Temples , nay euen in their priuate houses ; many of the Nobilitie in memorie of her , calling their daughters by the name of Odatis .

Aristomache Dionisius the Tyrant banisht Dion out of Sicily , taking into his owne custody the exyles wife Aristomache , and her daughter : but after , at the great intercession of one of his seruants , Aesian . lib. 2. Polycrates , ( a man by him much affected ) he compelled the Lady ( who stil lamented the absence of her Lord ) vnto a second marriage with this Polycrates , who was by nation of Syracusa . But Dion hauing gathered fresh forces , and expelling Dionisius from Syracusa vnto the Locrenses : Ar●●e his sister , meeting him and congratulating his famous victorie , made intercession for Aristomache , who with great shame had sequestred her selfe from the presence of her first husband , not daring to looke him in the face , howsoeuer her second nuptialls were made by force and compulsion : But the necessitie of the cause , the wondrous submission and modest excuse of Aristomache , together with the mediation of Arete , so much preuayled with Dion , ( all confirming hir innocence ) that he receiued his wife and daughter into his familie , still continuing their former loue and societie .

Hippo , Hippo. a woman of Greece , trauelling by sea with her husband , and being surprised by Pyrats , finding the chiefe of them to be inamoured of her beautie ; rather than yeeld to his lustfull desires , she voluntarilie threw her selfe into the sea , and was drowned , leauing behind her a remarkable president of chastitie : her body was driuen vpon Ericheon , or ( as some will haue it ) the Erythean shore : in memorie of whom a sacred monument was raysed , which was many yeares after yeerely celebrated with many condigne honours . Valer. Max. lib. 7. cap. 1.

Chiomara , Chiomara . of whom Li●ius , Frontinus , Florus , and others haue written , was the wife of Orgiantes Regulus , and borne in Galatia ; Plutarch calls her Oriagontes , it is thus related of her : Plin. de viris Illustr. cap. 55. Val. Max. lib. 7. cap. 1. The army and the forces of the Gallogrecians being part of them defeated , and the rest taken captiue by Ca. Manlius then consull , neere to the mount Olimpus , this Chiomara the wife of Regulus , a woman of most knowne modestie and chastitie , being first taken , and after committed to the custody of a Roman Centurion , was forceably by him adulterated . A commandement comming from the Consull , that all the treasure of which the Lady was possest should be confiscate to the Centurion , onely her selfe with that ransome to bee returned safe and vntoucht to her husband : she presently promist the captaine to bring him to a place where all his desires should be satisfied . He of a couetous disposition , with all celeritie hasted with her to the discouerie of this Magazin , where she before had placed a company of Gallogrecians her countrey men , and in their language commanded them to fall vpon him & kill him : which done she cut off his head and presented it to her husband , and kneeling to him , both expressed the nature of her iniury , and the manner of her reuenge . The censures of the Consull Manilius and her husband Regulus both assented in this , That she was of a courage vnmatchable , for though her body was brought vnder the subiection of an enemy , neither her mind could be conquered , nor her chastitie made captiue .

An antient woman amongst the Syracusans , Valer. Maxim. lib. 6. cap. 2. when all the subiects of Dionysius , with many execrations cursed and openlie inueighed against his insufferable cruelties ; she onely was obserued morning and euening to sollicite the gods for his long life and happinesse : which comming to the eare of the king , he caused her to be called before him , and demanded of her the cause , Why amongst all his oppressed subiects who dayly wisht his ruin , she alone inuoakt the gods for his health and preseruation ? to whom with an vndaunted resolution she thus answered , That which I doe ( ô King ) is not without due premeditation , and grounded both vpon reason and iudgement , for we were before opprest with a tyrant whose gouernment was very grieuous vnto vs ; after him succeeded another farre more burdensome and cruell than the former , for whose destruction I amongst the rest besought the powers aboue ; now you being by succession the third , and more bloody and inhumane than the former , I therefore with great deuotion pray for your continuance , least when you be taken from vs , the diuell himselfe take vpon him the scepter , and succeede you in your principalitie . The Tyrant though toucht to the quicke , yet in regard of her age , and fearelesse libertie of her language , suffered her to depart vnpunisht .

Tertia Aemilia . This Tertia Aemilia , a famous Roman Lady , was the wife of the first Affricanus , the mother of Cornelia , mother to Caius and Titus Gracchus . She was of such gentlenesse and patience , that knowing her husband to be familiar with one of her handmaides , yet she dissembled it , least hee that had conquered a third part of the world , should haue the imputation of any such lightnesse laid vpon him ; being so farre from reuenge , that her husband being dead shee gaue her bondwoman manumission , and marryed her richly to a free'd man of her owne .

Turia . Turia was the wife of Quint. Lucretius , who when her husband was proscribed by the Triumuirate , Val. Max. lib. 6. cap. 7. and therefore instantlie to depart into exile ( onely trusting the secresie of her chambermaid ) she hid her husband in her house betwixt two chambers , where no search could discouer him , where to her great perill she kept him long without any preiudice or danger ; expressing therein her singular faith and loyaltie , that when the rest that were confined into countreyes remote , were exposed to the labour of the body and discontent of the mind , he alone vnder his owne roofe and in his owne chamber , liued safe in the bosome of his wife , so remarkably louing and constant .

Sulpitia . Sulpitia being strictlie kept by her mother Iulia , least she should follow her husband Lentulus Crustellio into banishment , who by the Triumuirate was confined into Sicily , Plin. lib. 4. notwithstanding , putting on the habit of a seruant , past through their guards and watches , & attended only with two hand-maids , and as many men-seruants , by secret flight came to the place whether he was proscribed , leauing all the pleasures and choice delicates of Rome to participate with the miseries of a husband . Plin. Nat. Hist lib. 7. cap. 35. Pliny writes of another Sulpitia a famous Roman Lady ( daughter to Paterculus , and wife to Quint. Fuluius Flaccus , ) she when the Senat and Decemuirat , by inspection into the books of Sibill , had decreed that an image should be dedicated to Venus Verticordia , by which the minds both of virgins and matrons might be the more alienated from libidinous affections , and reduced to the strict rules of modestie and shamefastnes , when to the dedication of this worke out of the whole cittie a hundred of the most chast matrons were to be selected ; and then out of these hundred , tenne supposed to be pure aboue the rest ; and out of these tenne , one to be preferred ; this Sulpitia carryed the suffrage from all , for vertue , modestie , and incomparable chastitie .

Iulia● This Iulia was the daughter of Caius Caesar , and wife of Pompeius Magnus : after the battaile of Pharsalia , Pl●● . in Pomp. seeing the garment of her husband brought home sprinkled with his blood ( and not yet knowing of his death ) the obiect so affrighted her , that instantlie at the sight thereof she sunke downe to the earth , and in the extremitie of that passion was with much paine and anguish deliuered of that burden in her wombe , which no sooner parted from her , but in that agony she expired .

Portia . Portia , the wife of Brutus and daughter of Cato , whose noble resolution , and coniugall loue to her husband , all future ages may admire ; for hearing that in the battaile at Philippi he was vanquisht and slaine , Valer. Max. lib. 4. cap. 6. when all weapons and instruments of death were strictlie kept from her , shee feared not with her womanish spirit to imitate ( if not exceed ) the resolution of her father in his death , for by swallowing hot burning coales she expired . Herein onely they differ , that he by a common , she by an vnheard of death were extinct .

Horestilla was the wife of Marcus Plautius , Horestilla . who by the commandement of the Senat , hauing the charge of threescore shippes to passe into Asia , his wife so entirely was deuoted to his loue , Valerius Max. Cap. de amore con●ugat . that she shipt her selfe with him , exposing her selfe to the dangers of the sea , but not able through her weaknesse to endure the casualties appending on so harsh a iourney ( as the distemperature of weather , and such like ) in the cittie Tarentum fell sicke and dyed . Plautius willing to shew himselfe a husband worthy such a wife , when her body was brought to the funerall fire , betwixt the ceremonies of annoynting her body and taking his leaue with a parting kisse , fell suddenlie vpon his naked sword and so slew himselfe : which his friends seeing and lamenting , they tooke him as he was apparrelled , without so much as stripping his body , and ioyning it to the corse of his wife ( and adding more combustible matter to the fire ) burnt them both together . Ouer the vrne that couered their ashes , the Tarentines erected a famous sepulcher , which they called The two louers . By Plautius and Horestilla it may appeare , that where the greatest and most honest loue is setled betwixt man and wife , it is oft times more happy to be ioyned in death than to be separated in life .

Artimesia , Artimesia . Q. of Caria , so much hououred the remembrance of her husband Mausolus , Herod . lib. 8. Strab. lib. 13. being dead , that after meditation , & deliberat counsell which way she might best decorate his hearse , and withall to expresse to perpetuitie her vnmatchable loue ; she caused to be erected ouer him a tombe so magnificent , that for the cost and state it was not doubted to bee worthily reckoned amongst the nine wonders . But what doe I speake of so rich a structure , when she her selfe became the liuing sepulcher of her dead husband , by their testimonies who haue recorded , that she preserued his bones , and hauing beaten them to powder , mingled their dust with her wine in remembrance of him , euery morning and euening . Cicer. Tusc. lib. 3. and Plin. lib. 36. cap. 5.

Of womans fortitude and magnanimitie , Harmonia . I will adde one admirable president in two virgins of Syracusa , Val. Max. lib. 3. equallie resolute : when by the intestine sedition and ciuill warres in Syracusa , the stocke and familie of Gelo ( in these combustions ) was quite extirpt and rooted out , euen to his onely daughter Harmonia , and all the seditious weapons of the enemy now drawne and aym'd at her bosome : her nurse pittying her threatned ruin , made choice of a young virgin like to her in fauour , and of equall stature , and attyring her in the habit and ornaments of a Princesse , offered her to the points of their yet bloody weapons ; this damsell was of that constancy and noble resolution , that notwithstanding she saw imminent death before her , was not affrighted with the terror thereof , nor would reueale her name , or tell of what condition she was . Which Harmonia seeing and admiring at her loyaltie and faith , she cald out to the murderers , and discouering her selfe to preserue her handmayd , offred her owne naked breast to the slaughter , telling them she was present whom they sought for : so that a couered fallacie to the one , and open truth to the other , in both an admirable and vndanted constancie , was the cause of their deaths .

This Hormisda was a great and mighty man amongst the Persians , The wife of Hormisda . and of one of the most noblest families amongst them , as Zozimus , Marcellinus and others commemorate . He being confinde vnto a certaine mountaine and fettered , was there kept with a strict guard of Persians , who against the lawes of the kingdome had purpose to inuest his younger brother in the state imperiall . Petr. Cri●itus . Lib. 18. cap. 1. It happened , that in the time of his confinement , his wife ( the remembrance of whose name it is pitty time hath abolisht and not left it to posteritie ) thus deuised for his enlargement : she sent to him a fish as a present , of an extraordinary bignesse , in whose belly she had hid an yron file and other like engines fit for his purpose , committing it to the charge of one of her most faithfull eunukes , desiring her husband by his mouth , not to haue the fish cut vp in the presence of any , onely to make happy vse of such things as he found inclosed therein . To his keepers the better to hide her stratagem , she sent Camells laden with sundry kind of meats , and seuerall wines . Hormisda apprehending the plot , gaue it a bold and resolute performance , for hauing first fil'd off his yrons , he changed his habit with that of his eunukes , and taking the aduantage of their feasting and healthing , past safe through them all , and by study and pollicy of his wife came after to the possession of his right , which his younger brother had vsurped .

Quint. Curt. lib. ● . Alexander the great , amongst his many other conquests , hauing besieged the great cittie Halicarnassus , and by reason of opposition made against him , leueld it with the ground . He entred Caria , where Ada then raigned Queene , Q Ada. who being before opprest by Orontobas ( imployd by Darius ) was almost quite beaten out of her kingdome : hauing at that time no more of all her large dominions left her sauing Alynda the most defenced cittie , into which shee had retyred her selfe for safetie . She hearing of Alexanders approach , gaue him a royall meeting , and submitted her selfe , her subiects and cittie into his power , withall adopting him by the name of sonne . The king neither despising her liberalitie nor the name , gaue her backe the cittie entyre as it was , and made her keeper and gouernesse thereof , who soone after recouering all those citties Darius by inuasion had vsurped from her ( in gratitude of her former curtesie ) reduced her countrey and people to their pristine estate , and stablisht her in her former Empire .

Zenocrita . This Zenocrita was borne in Cuma , whose father was at that time , amongst many other oppressed citisens , Plutarch de Virtat . Mulier . in exile : Her the bloodie tyrant Aristodemus was much inamoured of , but not dayning so much as to court her or to persuade her to his loue , hee imagined in the pride of his heart , that the damosell would thinke it grace and honour sufficient to her , to be seene in his companie , and onely for that cause to bee held blest and fortunate , of all such as should so behold her : But farre other cogitations troubled her more noble mind , being tormented in soule to leade such an vnchast life , though with a prince , who neuer had motioned contract or promised her marriage ; her apprehensions were rather how to purchase her countries freedome and rid the earth of a tyrant . About the same time that shee was busied in these and the like imaginations , it happened Aristodemus would needs compasse in a certaine spatious peece of ground with a broad and deepe ditch , not that it was any way necessarie or profitable , but only to vex and wearie the citisens with extraordinarie paines and insufferable labours , for to euerie man was so much ground limitted as daily taske , which whosoeuer in the least kind neglected , he was fined in a great mulct , either in purse or person . It happened she being abroad to take the ayre neer to the place where the citisens were hard at work , that Aristodemus with his traine came thither also , to ouerlooke his laborers ; who after some faults found , and other directions giuen , left the place , and in his returne past by where Zenocrita was then standing , she spying him come towards her , made him a low obeisance , and withall couered her face with her apron . The tyrant being gone , the yong men in the way of jeasting and sport , and seeming a little to touch her in chastitie , demanded the reason , why to all other men her face was bare and free , onely to him vailed ? ( intimating that something had past betwixt them which might discouer her blushes ) to whom she made this plaine and serious answere , I did it to him as an honor , because amongst all the Cumani there is but one onely man , and that is Aristodemus . These words touching them all to the quicke , it imprest in the mindes of the more generous , a true feeling of their basenesse and slauerie , with a shame thereof , and withall an apprehension of the recouerie of their pristine liberties : which perceiuing , shee thus proceeded , I had rather to purchase my fathers repeale from exile , to play the labourer , and beare burdens as you doe ; than liue with the tryant in all the surfetting riots and delicacies on the earth : and so left them , These last words gaue confirmation to what they had before scarce apprehended ; which afte● brought the embrions of their thoughts vnto a timely and full-borne action ; For with the prince Timotoles they conspired against Aristodemus , and Zenocrita had made their entrance free , at such time as hee was secure , and his guard negligent , when with great ease and small danger they rusht vpon him and slew him . Thus by her meanes her countrie recouered their antient liberties and honours . But when great and magnificent gifts were presented her for this good seruice , she refused them all , onely making one request vnto the people . That it might be lawfull for her to take the bodie of Aristodemus and giue it a solemne and royall buriall : to which they did not onely with great willingnesse condiscend , but they instituted her the Priest of Ceres , supporting it to bee an honour no lesse acceptable to the goddesse than worthily becomming her .

This Pythes liued in the time of Xerxes , The wife of Phythes . who had to wife a noble and wise Ladie , whose temperance and humanitie shall outliue posteritie : Hee in his countrey finding a Mine of gold , from whence hee had gathered by the industrie of his subiects an infinite masse of treasure , which hee vsed with no moderation , for all his studie , industrie , and imployment both of his subiects and seruants , were in this Mine , either in digging Ore , or drawing it vp , or fining and refining it ; all other actions , labours , affaires , and businesses quite neglected , many hauing died in the Mine , and many readie to perish for want of food by reason the earth lay neglected . The women came to make a petitionarie complaint to the wife of Pythes , who vnderstanding their greefes , with faire language returned them backe somewhat pacified though not altogether satisfied , yet putting them in good hope that their griefes should shortly be redressed . They thus dismist , she sent for all the goldsmiths that were knowne to bee exquisit workemen , and sequestring them into a remote place of the house , where she had fitted them with forges , & all things necessarie for the purpose , she commanded them to mold and cast all kinde of fruits , as Apples , Citrons , Mellons , and such like , with whose tast her husband was most delighted , and to fashion them all of gold . Pythes comming from his Mine with a good stomacke , as soone as he had seated himselfe , called to eat : his Ladie serued him in a golden table , but with no meate that could be eaten , but euerie dish composed of sollid gold . Being at the first delighted with this banquet ( as pleased that art should so imitate nature ) after being much delighted with the obiect , he demanded meate againe , and calling for such a dish , and such a dish , as his appetite was best inclined to : but shee still whatsoeuer was brought to the table , caused it to be all of gold : he still growing more hungrie , and verie angry withall , she made him this modest and effectuall answere , Oh sir , consider with your selfe , of these and such like dishes , you haue prouided for your selfe and your subiects plentie , but of other viands no plentie at all ; we haue store of artificiall , but the vse of naturall things hath vtterly forsaken vs : no man tills , plowes , sowes , or manurs the fieldes ; plantation , or hope to reape from the earth , is now forgot , onely we studie for things vnprofitable , and ( as you see ) vnnecessarie , to please the eye and not the palate , the fancie and not the stomacke , such indeede as to your subiects bring sorrow but no satisfaction , great molestation but no meate at all to suffise the necessities of nature . This short but pithy speech tooke such impression in Pythes , that though he would not altogether desist from his Mines , yet vpon her vrgence , he onely peculiarised to himselfe a fift part of the people , and the rest were imployed in agriculture , and tillage , planting , and such things most vsefull for mans sustenance . This Pythes after many disasters ( as rich men are sildome without some or other ) as the death of his children , who all came to violent & vnexpected deaths , by the meanes of Xerxes ; he fell into a wonderous deepe melancoly , for hee hated life , and yet was loath to die , and like a foolish rich man ( as this age affoords many ) griefe still would haue killed him , had not the thought of his wealth still recouered him ; therefore he proposed this farewell , betwixt the wearinesse of life and the tediousnesse of death : There was in the cittie a great heape of gold , by which a riuer softly glyded , which was called Pythopolite , within the midst of this great magazin he had prouided himselfe a sepulcre , and had so turned the channell , that the water might come iust to the brinke of the shore where his monument was readie prepared . The worke being finished , he committed the sole gouernement of the state and empire to his wife , with this charge , That none should dare to approch his tombe , but daily to send him such a quantitie of victualls in a boat by the riuer ; and when they found the meat vntoucht , to forbeare to send any more , for they should then imagine him dead . And such was the couetous mans end in the middest of his treasure . His wife after , mannaged the state wth great wisedome and pollicie , and to the generall good of the subiect .

The wife of Nausimines .

HErodotus reports of one of the sonnes of Craesus , that he was borne dumbe and neuer spake word from his birth , being in all things els compleat , of an able body , and a spirit vndanted : to supply which defect he vsed all means possible that art or humane skill could deuise , but all failing , as his last refuge , he consulted with the Oracle , which returned him this answer : Lyde genus , rex multorum , &c. Thou of the Lydian off-spring , and the king Of many nations ; if such be thy care To know this secret , and effect that thing , Which diuine worke , no mortall can , or dare : Be thus resolu'd , His tongue shall accent giue , When saue by it , thou canst no longer liue .

Craesus being besieged in Sardis , and the cittie taken ( as first entered by one Mardus Hyreades ) a Persian that had disguised himself , of purpose to murder Crasus in his pallace : who insinuating into his presence , and now lifting vp his hand to strike the fatall blow , the king ( by reason of his present distresse ) not apprehending the danger , which his son comming in at the instant and espying , the strings of his tongue were vnloosed on the sudden , and he cryed out , Oh man spare the king Craesus , and from that time forward his imprisoned voice was euer at libertie . Val. Max. li. 1. More disastrous was that which befell the wife of Na●simenes the Athenian , who happening by chance vpon the place where she found her sons and daughters mixt together in the horrible action incest , shee was suddenly strooke with that horror and extasie , that neither able to punish the fact , nor reprooue the heinousnesse of the sinne , shee was strucke mute and domb● : Her children punisht their owne offence with voluntarie death , and shee was depriued the vse of speech all her life time after .

Cyane and Medullina .

DOsithaeus in his booke Rerum sicularum commemorates this historie Cyanippus Syracusanus sacrificing to the gods , Lib. 3. amongst all others he had neglected the celebrations of Bacchus ; at which the god incenst , and to reuenge himself of the iniurie , punished him with drunkennes when at a high feast he found him pleasantlie disposed , being otherwise in his owne condition of a knowne abstinence : the heate of his wine wrought with such violence vpon him , that meeting by accident his owne daughter , Cyane , in a darke and remote place , ( and ignorant who she was ) hee forcibly defloured her ; in which wrestling together she wrong the ring off from his finger , hoping by that in time to find out the adulterer . This ring she gaue her nurse in keeping : not long after a pest raigning in the cittie , the Oracle being consulted with returned this answere , That vnlesse the incestuous person were sacrificed to the gods that haue the charge of punishing these horrible vices , the plague should still continue amongst them . The people being as much to seeke as before , in regard that the person aymed at , was to them altogether vnknowne . Cyane truely apprehending the intent of the Oracle , tooke her father by the reuerend lockes , and dragging him to the temple , slew him there before the altar ; which she intended for the common good : but to expiate her owne sinne in killing her father she fell vpon the same sword , and in her death mingled her blood with his .

Aristides writes a historie to the like effect . In the celebrations of Bacchus feasts , Arnutius ( who was likewise a man of knowne temperance from his birth ) was for the like contempt , alike punished , by the god of Healths . This Roman touched with the like distemperature , in the darke vitiated by force his daughter Medullina ; she also by his ring knowing the incestuous , be thought a greater mischiefe , for hauing a second time besotted him in the dregges of the grape , and crowning him with Vine leaues like a Bacchinall , slew him at the altar . Excuse me Reader , I illustrat not these as they are parrasides , but as without respect of time , person , or place , they thought no reuenge great ynough to be inflicted on the corrupters of their virginities .

Erixo .

ARchelaus the Tyrant vsing many tyrannies vpon the Cyraeneans ouer whom hee vsurped , ( but more by the euill instigation of one Laarchus , whom he had entertained as his familiar friend and counsellor ) was at length supplanted by this Laarchus whom he most trusted , and as some thinke , poysoned . Archelaus left behind him a sonne after his grandfathers name Battus Falix , called Battus : who because he was weake of body , and lame of his feet , his mother Erixo ( in whose guardianship he was ) was by that meanes held in more respect and reuerence , being a woman of approoued humanitie and goodnes . L●archus , notwithstanding she had the loue and hearts of all the cittisens , yet he inioyed the power , and by the helpe of his mercenarie souldiers , vsurped the dominion ouer all . But apprehending in himselfe that his tyrannie could not last long without better supporture , he sent to this chast dowager to treat with her of marriage , proposing to her as a maine article , to make her sonne Battus copartner with him in his regencie . About this motion shee consulted with her brothers , pretending a seeming consent . They debated with Laarchus ( but somewhat protractedly ) about the matter , in which interim , shee priuately sent to the vsurper one of her damosells with a message , That notwithstanding her brothers ( as vnwilling the match should goe forward ) had made needlesse delaies , yet her purpose was so fixt vpon the motion , especially since it concerned the generall good , that she wholly submitted herselfe to his seruice , in so much that if it pleased him to vouchsafe to come priuatly in the night , she would yeeld her honor intirely vp into his hand : vpon which beginning a good successe would doubtles follow , for then in vaine her brothers and kindred should oppose themselues against that to which the publike good , occasion , place , opportunitie , & all things necessarie inuited them . This message was plausible to Laarchus , who apprehended at once the imbraces of a beautious lady , a principalitie , and a countinuance therof . Briefly , the night was betwixt them appointed , and hee in regard of her honour to come priuatly and vnattended ; all which she reueal'd to her eldest brother Poliarchus , making him solely of her counsell : who at the time of their appointed meeting hid himselfe in his sisters chamber . Laarchus comes singly according to promise , and is admitted by Erixo : and in the midst of his hopes , ready to cast himselfe into her imbraces , is transpierst and slain , & his body cast ouer the walls , Battus proclaimed Prince , and pristine libertie restored to the long opprest Cyraenians . This Poliarchus did in reuenge of Archilaus death , husband to his chast sister Erixo . There were then about the cittie many soldiers belonging to Amasis king of Aegipt , by whose assistance Laarchus had bin long terrible to the people , these complained to the king , accusing Poliarchus and Erixo of the murder of Laarchus . But as he was about to inuade the Cyraenians , his mother happily died , and so hindered that expedition . Polyarchus and Erixo notwithstanding purposed a voluntarie iournie into Aegipt , to purge themselues of all accusations commenced against them : in which iourney Critola , a woman of great reuerence and very aged ( as hauing beene the wife of Battus Felix ) would needs accompanie them . These appearing before Amasis , so well pleaded their owne cause , that their iniuries appeared to him much to surmount their reuenge : so that imbrasing Erixo , he commended her fortitude and temperance , and with princely gifts sent them back into their owne countrie .

A Woman of the cittie Pergamus .

MIthridates king of Pontus hauing diuerse waies opprest the Galatians , as by sending to the citie by way of inuitation to Pergamus , for diuerse of the chiefe citisens , and then vniustly detaining them . This wrought such an impression to supplant the tirant , in the hart of Toredorix Tetrarch of Tosipporus , that he made a combination wherein many noble gentlemen of qualitie were ingaged , all which had vowed the tyrants death . Their plot being discouered and they in the attempt surprised , were all commaunded to death : in the midst of the execution Mithridates remembred a beautiful yong man of extraordinarie shape and feature , that was one in the conspiracie ; but half despairing whether hee were yet aliue , hee sent in hast , that if the hang man had not done his office vpon him , to reprieue him to his mercie . This yong mans name was Bepolitanu● , whose turne being come , and he presenting himselfe to the block , it happened at that time hee had on a rich and pretious garment of purple embrothered with gold , of which the executioner being greedie , and carefull to keepe it from blood , thereby to make the better sale of it , he spent so much time in disposing his head this way and that way , not for the prisoners ease , but for his own aduantage , till the messengers appeared from the king and called aloude to make stay of iustice : by which meanes Bepolitanus his garment was as much beneficiall to his life as the kings mercie , and couetousnesse that hath beene the destruction of many , was the meanes of his vnexpected safety . The executioner in his greedinesse making good the old english Adage , All couet all loose . To leaue circumstances and come to the matter . The bodie of Toredorix was cast out , and by the kings edict denied all rights of buriall , with a grieuious penaltie imposed vpon any such as should contradict the kings writ . This notwithstanding , dismaid not a faire Pergamaean damosell ( with whom Toredorix had beene in familiaritie ) to accomplish the vowed office of a louer and a friend , who in the night watched the opportunitie to take thence the bodie and bestow on it a faire interment : but being taken by the souldiers in the performance of this last memorable dutie , and brought before the tyrant ; either her beautie so much mooued him , or her teares so farre preuailed with him , as that his bodie was not onely left freely to her dispose , but to recompence her loue and loyaltie , shee had a faire and competent dower allotted her out of the lands and goods of the trespassor .

Stratonica .

OF Stratonica , Galatia may boast , as breeding a Ladie scarce matchable before her time or since , in her condition , she being the wife of king Deiotarus , and barren : and knowing how desiro●s her husband was to haue issue from his owne loynes to succeede in the kingdome , sollicited him , and that with great importance , to select some beautifull Ladie whom he best fancied , and by her to raise his posteritie : which the king ( ouercome with so vnexpected a curtesie , and therefore vnwilling to wrong her bed ) refusing , she of her owne accord , out of many captiue virgins chused one who seemed to excell all the rest in feature and modestie , and suiting her in all respects like a princesse , presented her to the king as a jewell to be receiued from her hand . This Virgins name was Electra , by whom Deiotarus had faire and fortunate issue ; to whom Stratonica was a second mother , and sawe them educated with as much magnificence and state as if they had beene borne of her bodie , and shee giuen them sucke from her owne brests . Her example is memorable , but since her time by few ( that I can reade of ) immitated .

Valeria and Cloelia .

TArquinus Superbus being expulsed the kingdome , because his sonne Sextus had stuprated the faire Lucretia , wife to Collatine , to reobtaine his principalitie hee insinuated vnto his aide Porsenna king of the Tuscans . These with an infinite armie besieged Rome , insomuch that the cittisens were not onely wearied with long warre , but opprest with famine ; therefore knowing Porsenna , as well in warre as peace to be a prince eminent both for justice and humanitie , they made choise of him to arbitrate and determine all controuersies betwixt Tarquine and them . This motion being offered by the Romanes , Tarquine refused to stand to any such comprimise , not allowing Pors●●●● a lawfull iudge in regard of their late league commensed . This , Porsen●● not well relishing , treated with the Romans about a peace , conditionally that they should restore backe certaine lands before taken from the Etruscians , and of them put him in peaceable possession , and till this were performed to send him tenne young men , and as many virgins of the noblest families for hostage : which was accordinglie done , and he dismist his armie . These virgins walking by the riuer side which parted the campe and cittie , ( for though he had sent away the greatest part of his armie , he had not yet raised his tents ) two of the chiefe , the one Cloelia , the other Valeria , daughter to the Consull Publicola , persuaded the rest , and by persuading so farre preuailed , that they were all resolued to passe the riuer : when stripping themselues naked , and holding ( as well as they conuenientlie could ) their cloathes aboue their heads , they ventured ouer that vnknowne passage full of whirlepooles and where there was no stedfast footing ; and what by wading and swimming , to all mens wonders got safe to shore , and presented themselues to their fathers and friends : who though they admired their boldnesse and commended their resolutions , yet disallowing the Act it selfe ( as those that in their faith and honour would not be outbid by any ) they sent them backe to king Porsenna , and submitted their rashnesse to be punisht at his pleasure . These virgins being presented before him , he demanded of them , Which she was that first animated and incouraged the rest to so rash and dangerous an enterprise ? when Cloelia beckning to the rest to keepe silence , tooke all the iniurie , contempt , or whatsoeuer they pleafed to call it , vpon her selfe , protesting the rest innocent , and she of what would be obiected the sole authour . Porsenna obseruing , and withall admiring her vndanted courage , caused presently a horse furnished with rich trappings to be brought● which he gaue to Cloelia in recompence of her magnanimous attempt , sending them all in his regall curtesie back to their friends and parents● Vpon this horse giuen to Cloelia by Porsenna , some haue grounded that she first past the riuer on horsebacke , sounding the way for the rest ; which others deny , onely that the king thought to gratifie her manly courage with the meede of a souldier . Her statue on horsebacke is erected in Via sacra : This some confer vpon Cloelia , others on Valeria .

Olympias .

ALexander hauing caused himselfe to be called the sonne of Iupiter , writ to his mother in this maneer , King Alexander the sonne of Iupiter Hamon to his mother Olimpias sends health : to whom with great modestie she thus rescribed , Deare sonne as you loue me , insteed of doing me honour , proclaime not my dishonour , neither accuse me before Iuno ; besides , it is a great aspertion you cast vpon nice to make me a strumpet , though to Iupiter himselfe . A great moderation in a woman , who for no swelling title or vaine ostentation could be woon to loose the honour to be called a Loyall and chast wife .

Troades .

Plutarch AMongst those frighted Troians that fled from the fearfull ruins of subuerted Troy , some by the violence of outragious tempests were driuen vpon the coasts of Italy , where landing at certaine ports neere to the riuer Tygris , they made vp into the countrey , the better to acquaint themselues with the conditions of those places . In which interim , the women began to apprehend that they had better farre to take vp an abiding place in any land , than againe to commit themselues to the mercilesse furie of the seas : Wherefore with one ioynt consent , they agreed to make that their fixed habitation , seeing all hope of their former losses at Troy were vtterly desperate . Hauing thus conspired together , with all possible expedition they burnt the shippes ( in this exploit , one Roma is reported to be chiefe ) which being done , they ran to meet their husbands ( making to their Nauie to quench it ) fearing their anger for their rash enterprise ; some of them embracing their husbands , others their friends and acquaintance they tempred their amorous kisses with such persuasiue Rhetoricke , that soone allayd the angry tempest of their husbands furie . From these ( as some haue writ ) the custome of kissing at salutations , by the Roman women to their kinsmen , first tooke Originall . The Troianes now tyed by necessitie , and likewise finding the inbahitants so louing and curteous , they much applauded this deede of the women , and dwelt there with the Latines .

The Phocides .

AFter an implacable war betwixt the Thessalians and the Phocenses , which had long lasted with much slaughter on both sides ; those of Thessaly ( bringing their army through the Locrenses ) inuaded the men of Phocis on all sides , making a decree to kill all that were of age , and the women and children to beare away captiue . Diaphantes the sonne of Bathillius with his two colleagues then gouerning the cittie : he persuaded the besieged boldlie and valiantlie to issue out and giue the enemy battaile , but with this caution , That all their wiues , daughters , and children , euen to one soule should be brought into a place circled and compast in with all manner of dry wood and matter combustible , and the dores by which they entered to be shut after them , and so guarded ; and if the day were lost and they perisht in battaile , the pile to bee kindled , and all their bodies to be burned at once . This being not onely proposed bu● confirmed , by the men ; the resolution of the women was demaunded , who all with one vnanimous consent applauded the decree , not one amongst them hauing will to suruiue her husband , sonne , or father , to fall into the captiuitie of a fierce and bloody enemy . This concluded , the Phocenses issue and encounter the enemy , and fought against them a noble and victorious battaile , in which they returned conquerors . The Edict made , they called Aponaea , Aponaea . as signifying , A bold action , arising from a desperate foundation . On the day that battaile was fought and so remarkable a victory atchieued , they yearely celebrate a feast to Minerua , which they call Elaphebolia .

The Women of Chios .

IN Chios , a gentleman of a noble familie riding through the cittie with his contracted Lady , in a charriot , as the custome was then amongst them : king Hippasus being a familiar friend of the bride groomes , meeting him in the streetes , with no pretence of iniurie , but rather as a testimony of their former familiaritie , leapt vp into the charriot betwixt them : which act beeing mistaken by the Cittisens , he was violentlie assaulted and cruellie murdered in their furie . Not long after , their affaires on all sides succeeding but ill , they perceiued they had incurd the anger of the gods , and therefore sent to consult with the Oracle : who returned them this answer , That nothing could expiate the Butchery of Hippasus till all the Regicides were to one man exild the cittie . But when all of them confest themselues guiltie of the fact , the god imposed on them all an equall doome of banishment : so that as well the murderers themselues as the abettors and accessaries ( howsoever many and mighty ) were forced to transport themselues with their wiues and families into Leuconia ; where they had not long soiourned , but growing distastfull to the Leuconians , as fearing their power , who began to increase both in wealth and number , they were commanded by such a day to depart the cittie , and bound by oath to beare nothing forth the gates , sauing a coat close girt to them , and a loose mantle or cloake ouer them . The Chij distrusting their owne strength ( as no way able to affront them in power and number ) were forced to submit themselues to the present necessitie , binding themselues by oath to obserue the couenants before rehearsed . The day comming on , and the women seeing their sons and husbands thus meanly accoutred , demanded of them , Why vnarmed they would passe by the face of a publicke enemy ? They excused themselues by the strictnesse of the oath inioyned them : to whom the women with a ioint acclamation thus replyed , Shew your selues worthy the nation from whence you are deriued , and guirt your armes about you : if they exact from you the strict conditions of an oath , answer them thus , That to a souldiour and a man magnanimous , his Speare is in stead of his cloake , and his Target in place of the garment which he should buckle about him . To whose counsell they assented , and at their departure appearing so stronglie arm'd , and their countenances menacing and daring , It strooke such a terrour into the hearts of the Leuconians , that as men amased , they suffered them peaceablie to depart with honour , who but by the noble and braue counsell of their women , had left the place with shame and infamy . As noble an act worthy memorie was not long after done by the women of Chios , what time Philip the son of Demetrius opposed the cittie , who published a proud and barbarous Edict to insinuate the slaues of the cittie to his aide , promising them not onely free manumission but to marry them to their mistresses and possesse them of their masters fortunes : which kindled such an vnquenchable wrath in the ladies and matrons of the cittie , that fired with rage and disdaine , they together with their seruants assisting them , with incredible faith and honesty maintained the breaches , defended the walls , guarded the ports , casting stones , darts , fighting , exhorting and incouraging one another , euen to the beating of the enemies backe , raysing their shamefull siege , and pursuing them flying with their weapons , till Philips army was quite discomfited . In all this troublous warre ( notwithstanding the proclamation ) not one seruant amongst so many had the least suspition , much lesse aspersion cast vpon his fidelitie .

Persides .

CYrus hauing alienated the Persians from King Astiages , was ouercome in battaile , his souldiers flying towards the cittie for refuge , in so much that the enemy was ready to enter with them : the women this seeing , issued from the gates , and holding vp their cloathes as high as their breasts met them running and said , Whether flye you , oh you cowards & basest of men , haue you any hope to hide your selues in these places from whence you came ? Which obiect cast such a shamefull blush vpon them , that renewing the battaile , the conquerors were defeated , and they obtained a glorious victorie : In memorie of which , Cyrus made a law , That what Persian King should euer after approach that cittie , so often as he entred it , should bestow on euery woman a peece of gold . It is said of Occhus his successour , Base auarice in a king . a couetous King , that he often past by it and compast it , but would neuer enter the gates , onely to spare his purse , and to defraud the women of their reward . But euer-renowned Alexander visited the cittie twice , according to the custome , bestowing on euery woman one piece , and vpon all such as were with child two pieces , to shew himselfe as royally bountifull as the other was penuriously sparing .

Celtae .

THese be a people of France betweene the riuers Graumna and Sequana , who dissenting amongst themselues , fell into an intestine and implacable ciuill warre . After many bloody conflicts , being ready once more to ioyne battaile , the women presented themselues betwixt their armies , and with such smooth Oratory and persuasiue arguments layd open the miseries of warre , with the aboundant commodity arising from peace and amitie , that they not onely reconciled all hostilitie for the present , but betwixt all the citties and chiefe families confirmed an indissoluble league of friendship , which continued many yeares after . Since which time , either in forreine differences , or domesticke quarrells , as well in warre , as peace , their counsell is euer demanded , and for the most part followed . Therefore in the league which this people made with Hanniball , it is thus written ; If the Celtae haue any thing worthy taxation to obiect against the Carthaginians , let it be disputed by the generalls and Praefects in Spaine ; If the Carthaginians find any thing iustlie to reprooue the Celtae , the matter shall be discust and arbitrated by their women .

Melitae .

THis people growing to that multitude , that the citties in which they inhabited could neither conuenientlie containe their number , nor supply them with victuall sufficient , sought the plantation of a Collony elsewhere , vnder the command of a beautifull young man called Nymphaeus . These falling vpon the coast of Caria , were no sooner landed to discouer the countrey , but by a mighty tempest , their ships were either swallowed in the sea , or scattered and disperst . The Carians who then inhabited the cittie Cryassa , either commiserating their distresse , or fearing that boldnesse their necessities might inforce them too , were pleased to allot them part of their land , and suffer them peaceablie to dwell amongst them : But finding them in a short space to increase both in wealth and power , they consulted amongst themselues by what meanes to destroy them and vtterly extirpe their memorie : this stratagem was agreed vpon to be performed at a banquet . It happened that one of the Carian damsells cald Caphana , a Lady of a noble familie , grew much enamoured of this Nimphaeus , and loath that the least detriment should happen to her best respected friend , especiallie loath to see him perish , she opened to him the full purpose of the cittie , wishing him to vse all meanes of preuention . When therefore the Cryassences came to inuite them to the feast , Nimphaeus answered them that it was not the custome of the Graecians to assemble vnto any such feasts , without the company of their women : which the Carians hearing , intreated them likewise to grace the solemnitie with their presence . This done , Nymphaeus relates the whole circumstance to the Melians his countreymen , intreating them to beare him company to the feast , all ciuilly habited , and without weapons , onely that euery woman should weare a sword beneath her kirtle and sit close by her husband . About the midst of the banquet when the Carians were ready to giue the watchword , the Graecians perceiuing that the instant ( for the pretended execution ) drew on , all the women opening their garments at once , shewed their concealed weapons , which their hudbands snatching from their sides , assaulted the barbarous Carians , and slew them all to one man : by which preuention , they possest themselues both of the countrey , and cittie . But relinquishing that , they built another which they called the new Cryassa , and in which they planted themselues . Caphaena was marryed to Nymphaeus , hauing honours done to her worthy her noble fidelitie . One thing in this historie is worthy especiall admiration , namely , Secresie , to be kept amongst so many women .

Tyrrhenae .

THe Tyrrhenians were by the Spartans opprest and cast into prison , where they were prouidentlie kept and guarded , purposing to question them for their liues . The wiues of the captiues this hearing , came to the prison doores and with humble prayers and infinite teares , besought those that had the charge of them , that by their visitation they might administer some small comfort to their husbands : which after much importunitie granted , they were admitted , where suddenlie they caused their husbands to change habits with them , which they did , and so were let forth in stead of the women ; they arming themselues against all the spight and furie of the Spartanes . The men that had escaped repaired to Taygeta , entering league with the Heilotes : by which confederacie the Spartans somewhat affrighted , by intercessours concluded a peace with them , conditionally that taking backe their imprisoned women , they should be furnished with ships and coine to seeke new fortunes elswhere ; they therefore made a brotherhood betwixt them and the Lacedemonians . Of which Collony two brothers , Pollis and Crataida of the cittie of Lacedemon were made gouernours . Part of them made residence in Melo , the rest with Pollis sailed into Creete , and hauing asked counsell of the Oracle , answer was returned them , That in the place where they should leaue their goddesse , and loose part of their anchor , they should find a period of their trauells , and vpon that continent make their aboad , plant their collony , and erect a cittie . In processe , arriuing in a part of Creete called Cheronesus ( a place halfe inuironed with water ( or almost an Island ) a sudden feare surprised them , in so much that hasting to get backe to the nauie , they left behind them the image of Diana which they had receiued from their ancestors , by Brauron first brought into Lemnos , and borne by them a ship-bord in all their nauigation . The feare being past ouer , and the tumult appeased , they weighed anchor to make from shoare : but Pollis perceiuing a great part of his anchor missing , and left in the rockes , hee remembred the Oracle , and causing his people to land againe , hee made his plantation in that countrey , and after many battailes in which he preuailed against the inhabitants , he subdued Lictium with diuers other citties , of which he had prosperous and peaceable possession .

Examples of Modestie and Magnanimitie .

THe Phocenses opprest by the tyrants of Delphos , in that commenced warre which was called Bellum sacrum , in which the Thebans were ingaged ; it happened that the Bacchinalls ( who were women that were vsually drunke in the celebrations of the feasts of Bacchus , and were called Thiades ) extasied in their deuine furor ( for so they tearmed it ) in their nightly wandering lost their way , Thyades . and erred so farre , that vnwittingly they happened vpon the cittie of Amphissa , and wearied as they were , cast themselues dispersedly abroad in the market place , there to repose themselues till they came to their better sences . The Amphissesian matrons , fearing least any outrage of offence might be done vnto them ( by reason there were at that time many forraine souldiers who were in league with the Phocenses ) themselues in person watched these Bacchides till morning , guarding and gyrting them round , least any thing vnseemely might be spied amongst them , and only with a reuerent silence attended them till they awaked : but finding them in their better temper , ministered vnto them all such necessaries as the cittie yeelded , and sent them ( though the wiues of their enemies ) in the charge & safe conduct of their owne husbands peaceably home to their owne cities . Comparable to their Modestie was the Magnanimitie of Megisto , Megisto . an eminent Ladie of the citie Elis. Aristotemus the tyrant hauing ( by the power of Antigonus ) vsurped the Franchises and Liberties of that cittie , oppressed the people with infinite calamities ; amongst which , that of Philodemus was not the least , who hauing a beautifull daughter called Micca , Micca . when Lacinus one of the Captaines of Aristotemus in the heate of wine and lust , would forceably haue rauished her , and the poore innocent Virgin fled for refuge into the armes of her father , he there most inhumanly transpierced her , mixing the teares of the reuerend old man with the blood of his daughter . The horridnes of this nothing moued the tyrant , but ( that if greater could possiblie be deuised ) he gaue countenance euen to such mischeifes , causing many of the prime cittisens to be slaine , and to the number of eight hundred banished . But fearing in regard of their number , hee might be in time by them subuerted : he made proclamation , That all such women that had a desire to visit their absent husbands , should with such gold and treasure as they could conueniently carrie ( with their children ) haue peaceable passage from the cittie into Aetolia , where many or the most of their exiled friends then soiourned . Many of the women incouraged by this edict , being to that purpose assembled , and with such goods as they had , departed the citie , he sent after them his horse men , who not onely rifled them , but stampt their children beneath their horses feete , where many of the infants perished , and so in confused heaps hurried them backe into the towne , bearing the spoile into the Tyrants treasurie . These outrages were the least of many which I purposely omit . There liued at that time an antient noble man in the cittie , called Hellanicus , who entred into a combination with the exiles , about the suppressing of the Tyrant , and by reason of his yeares was neither by him feared nor suspected : by the incouragement of this Hellanicus , the confined citisens assembled themselues into a citie most conuenient for their deseigne cald Amimona , to whom many of their allies and friends ( copartners in the publique calamitie ) resorted Aristotemus somwhat affrighted with this new faction , repaired to a place of publike assembly , whether he had caused all the chiefe matrons to be before called , & there in a premitated oration , stuft with many threats and menaces , protested to inflict vpon them rackes , tortures , and lingring deaths , vnlesse by speedie letters they did not onely persuade but preuaile with their husbands , instantly to abandon the place they had fortified . To whom Megisto the wife of Tymoleon ( a Ladie amongst the rest most respected , not daigning the tyrant the least honour , or so much as rising to doe him reuerence but sitting ) with a bold and vndaunted courage , thus speake . Weart thou a true spirited man , as nothing lesse appeares in thee , thou wouldest not threaten women in this base kind to betray their husbands , but wouldest rather haue negotiated with them , who haue entire power & command ouer vs , and that in smoother and more deceitfull language than such by which thou hast hetherto beguiled vs . But if thy cowardise and despairation compell thee to this exigent , as thinking by our meanes to complot their ruines , thou art in that hope destitute of all comfort : let that day neuer be callendred , to memorise them among men so void of councell and discretion , that by sparing the liues of their wiues and children , they should betray the sacred libertie of their countrie : for the mischiefe is not so great to loose vs altogether , whom they haue alredy wanted so long , as the good and profit that must necessarily accrue by redeemimg the citties from thy insolencie and tyrannie . These words were no sooner vttered , but Aristotemus distracted with rage and furie , commanded her young sonne to be sought and brought , whom hee purposed to massacre before the mothers face : and whil'st his lictors and serieants were inquiring for him amongst others that were then busied about their childish sports , she spying him , or her own accord called him to her with these words , Come hether to me , ô my sonne , and now in thy childhood before thou hast apprehension or passionate feeling of tyrrannie , be freed both from the terror and burden therof ; for mine own part , I had rather see thee innocently dying , than basely and ignobly seruing . The Tyrant at her last speech more inraged than the former , drew out his sword with purpose to haue slaine her , when Cylo one of his familiar friends ( but indeede a cheefe man in the confederacie with Hellanicus ) staid his hand , and by gentle words so tempered his spleene , that he departed thence without any act of murder , yet purpose of a future reuenge . Vpon a day as hee was sporting vpon the bed with his wife vntill dinner was prepared and disposed vpon the table , it happened that an Eagle soring aboue the Pallace , let fall a great stone vpon the battlements iust ouer the bed where the king then lay , and alighting there , made such a fearefull and prodigious noyse that it not onely amased the king within , but was wonderfull to all that beheld it without . The Augurers were sent for to know what omen should succeede : they flatter the tyrant , and promise nothing but what is good and prosperous . Hellanicus the same night in his dreame immagined his sonne appeared to him ( which sonne was by Aristotemus before murdered with his brother ) who spoke to him to this effect , O father arise , is this a time to sleepe when the whole gouernement of the cittie must depend on you to morrow ? With this dreame incouraged , he comforted his adherents , all attending the opportunitie of reuenge . Aristotemus meane time hearing that Craterus was marched as farre as Olimpius with a great armie , leauied for his safetie and supporture , grew so bold vpon the rumor of so great a power , that without his guard , accompanied with Cylo onely , he aduentured into the market place : whom Hellanicus meeting by chance , and almost extasied to see him so weakely attended ; with both his hands aduanced , and with an audable and cleere voice he made this clamour , Where be you , you good & long oppessed countriemen ? a braue Theatre is this for so noble a contention as our libertie , being seated in the middest of our countrie , and centre of our cittie . This Cylo inuaded the next man to the king and slew him . Thrasibulus and Lampides assaulted the tyrant , who fled to the temple of Iupiter , where they fell vpon him & killed him ; then dragging his bodie into the market place proclaimed their libertie . The women issued out of their houses with ioy & clamour , embracing their husbands , fathers , and friends , with loude and glad acclamations ; thence in multitudes they made concourse to the pallace . The tyrants wife to preuent their furie made fast her doore , and in her priuat chamber strangled her selfe . Aristotemus had two beautifull yong virgins to his daughters , both marriagable , these they were about to dragge into the streetes with purpose to destroy them , but first to excrutiate them with all disgraces and contumacies . Which Megisto seeing , with her best oratorie appeased their present furie , proposing to them how shamefull a thing it were for a noble and free state , to immitate the insolencies of a bloodie and inhumane tyrannie : libertie therfore was granted the yong damosells ( at her intercession ) to retire themselues into their chambers , and to make choise of what death best suited with their present feares . Myro the elder sister vnloosing from her wast a silken gyrdle , Myro . fastened it about her owne necke , and with a smiling and cheerefull looke thus comforted the younger : My sweete and deere sister , I more commiserat thy fate than lament mine owne : yet immitate ( I intreat thee ) my constancie in death , least any abiect thing or vnworthie may be obiected against vs vnagreeable with our blood and qualitie . To whom the younger replyed , That nothing could appeare more terrible to her than to behold her die ; therefore besought her , by the affinitie of sisterhood , to be the first that should make vse of that gyrdle , and dying before her to leaue to her an example of resolution and patience . Myro to her made answere , I neuer denied thee any thing sweete soule in life , neither will I oppose thee in this thy last request at thy death : and for thy sake will I indure that which is more greeuouous to mee than mine owne death , namely to see thee die . When accommodating all things for the present execution , shee no sooner saw her dead , but she gentlely layd her out and with great modestie couered her . Then she besought Megisto on her knees , to haue a care of them in their deaths , that nothing immodest or vncomely might bee done to their bodies : which graunted , she not only with courage , but seeming ioy , vnderwent her last fate , till she expired : nor was there any spectator there present , to whom the memorie of the tyrant was neuer so hatefull , from whose eyes and hearts this obiect did not extract teares and pittie .

In Megisto is exprest the Magnanimitie of spirit , but in these following , I will illustrate Fortitude in action . The Turkes busied in the siege of some townes in Catharo , Vluzales & Carocossa ( two of no meane place and eminence among them ) wrought so farre with the great Admirall , that he deliuered into their charge the managing of threescore gallies , with munition and men in number competent , to make incursions into the bordering Islands then vnder the state of Venice . These two Turkish captaines land their forces before Curzala , a citie that giues name to the countrie , with purpose to inuest themselues before it : which Antonius Contarinus ( then gouernour of the cittie ) vnderstanding , like a timerous and fearefull coward , taking the aduantage of the night , fled with his souldiors thence , not leauing the ●owne any way defensible ; which the cittisens vnderstanding , all or the most followed after . The towne thus left to the weake guard of some twenty men , & about fourescore women , the Turks giue them a bold and fierce assault : when these braue viragoes chusing rather to dye like souldiers than like their husbands runne like cowards ; some maintaine the Ports , others defend the walls , and with that noble resolution , that what with fire , stones , scalding water , and such like muniments then readiest at hand , so opposed the assailants , that many of the Turks in that conflict were slaine , and all repulst , retyring themselues with purpose ( some rest giuen to the souldiours ) to salute them with a fresh alarum . But fortune was so fauourable to these Amazonian spirits , that a mighty tempest from the North so tost and distrest the Turks gallyes , that they were forced to abandon the Island with dishonour , leauing to the besieged , a memory worthy to outliue all posteritie .

Of Dido , Cesara , Gumilda , and Ethelburga .

OF Dido queene of Carthage , all Authours agree to haue falne by the sword , and to haue died by her owne bold and resolute hand ; but about the cause that mooued her thereto diuerse differ . Ausonius is of opinion , That her husband Sychaeus being dead , shee did it to preserue her viduall chastitie , and so free hir selfe from the importunities of Hyarbus king of Getulia : of his mind is Marullus , and of these Remnius , or as some will haue it Priscianus in the Geography of Dionisius writing De scitu orbis , i. the Scituation of the world : Contrary to these is the Prince of Poets ( he whom Scalliger cals Poeta noster ) Pub. Virgilius , who ascribes her death to an impatience of griefe conceiued at the vnkind departure of Aeneas ; which though it carry no great probabilitie of truth , yet all the Latin Poets for the most part ( in honour of the authour ) haue iustified his opinion : as Ouid in his third booke De fastis , his Epistles Metamorph. and others workes ; so likewise Angelus Polytianus in his Manto , with diuers others . Iustine in his eighteenth booke of Hystor . speaking of the first erecting of Carthage saith , The building of Carthage . That where they began to digge with purpose to lay the first foundation , they found the head of an Oxe : by which it was predicted that the cittie should be futurelie fertill and commodious , but withall full of labour and subiect to perpetuall seruitude : therefore they made choice of another peece of earth , where in turning vp the mould , they chanced vpon the head of a horse , by which it was presaged their collony should in time grow to be a warlike nation fortunate and victorious . In what manner she dyed , I referre you to Virgill , and will speake a word or two of her sister Anna , the daughter of Belus . She , after the death of her sister , forsaking of the cittie of Carthage then inuested with siege by Hyarbus , fled to Battus king the Island Melita , but making no long soiourne there , she put againe to sea and fell vpon the coast of Laurentum , where being well knowne by Aeneas , she was nobly receiued , but not without suspition of too much familiaritie betwixt them : in so much that iealousie possessing Lauinia the wife of Aeneas , she conceiued an irreconcilable hatred against Anna , in so much that fearing her threatned displeasure she cast her selfe headlong into the riuer Numicus , and was there drowned ; for so Ouid reports in his booke de Fastis . But touching the illustrious Queene Dido , vnder her statue were these verses or the like engrauen in a Greeke character , interpreted into Latine by Ausonius , and by me in the sacred memorie of so eminent a queene thus englisht : I am that Dido , looke vpon me well , And what my life was , let my visage tell : 'T is faire and smooth , what wrinckle can you find In this plaine Table , to expresse a mind So sordid , and corrupt ? Why then so vneuen And blacke a soule should to a face be giuen That promiseth all vertue ? Virgill , where Begott'st thou those ill thoughts , that brand me here With lust and incest ? Neuer ( I protest ) Was that Aenaeas , whom thou calst the best Of men , in Lybia : Neuer saw I land One Troian on the Carthaginian strand . Because Sychaeus ( my first husband ) dead , To keepe my sacred vowes to him , I fled Th' imbraces of Hyarbus ; am I made A prostitute to nothing , to a shade : He came in armes to force me , and compell Me a chast widdow , to another hell , A second marriage : 'T is the gods aduise , No woman can be chast that marryeth twice . To auoide that sinne , I slew my selfe ; ô why Couldst thou ( ô Maro ) then comment a lye , With lust to brand my memory ? When heauen knowes , To saue mine honour I my life did lose . Giue faith to History , you that Readers are , Before this fabling Poesie , since that far Transcends the bounds of truth : for Poets can Make the high gods much more corrupt than man .

So much touching queene Dido , and as farre as probabilitie can , to acquit her of all incontinence . One Paulus an historiographer in his fifth booke remembers vs of Cesara , Cesara . a queene of Persia , who hauing some light of the Gospell , trauelled as farre as Constantinople in Greece to be further instructed , onely attended by a few priuat followers : who being satisfied in all the fundamentall points of her faith , she with her small traine was christened . The Persian Sophy hauing notice thereof , sent embassadours to the Emperour , to know the reason why he deteined his queene , wishing him to returne her safe vpon such easie sommons . Cesara being in presence when this embassie was deliuered , desired the Emperour that she might giue them their answer , which granted ; Returne ( said she ) my humble duty and vassaladge to my Lord the King , and tell him withall , That vnlesse he receiue my faith , and renouncing his false Idolls beleeue in the onely true God , he can claime no interest at all in me . The messenger dispatcht , and this short answer returned to the Sophy , he leuied an army of forty thousand men , and comming into Greece , the Emperour and he came vnto a peacefull enterview : at which , by the mediation of this royall and religious Empresse , the Sophy with all his princes and souldiers there present , receiued the Christian faith , and after the interchange of many Princely and magnificicent gifts , returned with his wife into his own countrey . Another noble history I thinke not amisse to be here inserted , which is recorded by one Willielmus de reg. lib. 20. Gunnilda the daughter of Canutus and Emma , Gunnilda . who being accused of adultery by her husband Henry the Emperour , who to iustifie his accusation had prouided a champion , in stature a giant , and for his presence and potencie much feared ; she notwithstanding relying vpon God and her owne innocence put her life vpon the valour of a priuat young gentleman of England , whom she brought with her to the same purpose . These Champions adventuring their liues , fought a braue and resolute combat , but in the end the victory inclined to the Empresse : her aduerse champion being vanquished , confest his treasons , and she was noblie acquit : but after , by no intreaties or intercessions made by the Emperour or others , shee could bee wonne vnto his embraces , but abiuring his bed , and vowing an austere and sequestred life , she retired her selfe into a Monasterie . Three royall presidents of three v●matchable queenes , the first for Magnanimitie , the second for Religion and deuotion , and the last for Chastitie . To these I will yet adde another . Willielmus de Regibus , in his first booke writes that king Iue betooke his kingdom of the West-Saxons to his cosin Ethelardus , and vndertooke a pilgrimage to Rome : the occasion of his iournie was this , The queene Ethelbnrga had often counselled her husband the king to forsake the pride and riches of the world , and to haue a respect to his soules health , especially now in the latter dayes of his life ; but not able to preuaile with him , she bethought her selfe of a queint stratagem : after they had left their royal pallace where they had but latly feasted in all pompe , pleasure and delicacies , and remoued into another house , she caused him to whose charge the place from whence they departed was committed , to take downe all the hangings , make foule and and filthy euerie roome and chamber , nay in the verie place where the king had but the other day sported with his queene , was lodged a sow and pigges , with all the loathsomenesse that could be deuised : this done according to her commaund , she by a wile , inticed the king to the place thus strangely disguised . The king wondering at this sudden change stood amased , to whom she thus spoke , I pray you my Lord where be now these rich hangings and curtaines , either for state or ornament ? Where is all the glyttering pompe a●d rich array , tending to nothing else saue gluttonie and luxurie ? Alas how suddenly are they all vanished ? Shall not ( my Lord ) this beautie of ours so fade , and this fraile flesh euen so fall a way ? This with other her words to the like purpose , tooke such impression in the kings brest , that he resigned his kingdome to his Nephew , and betooke himselfe to a religous and Monasticke life , after his vowed pilgrimage . The queene Ethelburga went to the Abbey at Berking , in which place her sister had beene before Abbesse , and there spent the remainder of her life in deuotion and penitence .

Polycrita .

THere arose great warres betweene the Milesians and Naxians , kindled by the adultrate practise of the wife of Hypsicreon a Milesian , who violating her coniugall vowes , by throwing her selfe into the lustfull imbraces of Promedon , a Naxian , then her guest , and fearing the iust anger of her husband , and withall the punishment due to her adultrate sinne , fled with him into Naxos : from whence being againe demanded , but denied , this priuate wrong turned to a publique ruin : for deuouring warre accompained with many calamities preyed vpon both their countries . But as this Beacon was first fired by a womans lewdnesse , so was it at last extinguished by a womans vertue : Diognetus who had the command of those Erythraeans which came in ayde of the Milesians , had committed to his custodie a certaine strong hold , scituated against the citie Naxos : who hauing taken from the Naxians a prize of women and free virgins , he was deepely stroke in loue with one Polycrata , whom he led with him not as a captiue , but as his wife . It chanced that the Miletians celebrated a generall festiuall day , Polycrita besought Diognetus to make her so far indebted to his fauour , as to suffer her to send her brothers part of those iuncates then at the table , which willingly he granted : she secretly writ vpon the leaden table of the marchpane what shee had proiected , withall charging the bearer to intreat her brothers not to let any participate therof saue themselues : when they had heard the writing , which contained thus much in effect , Take hold vpon the opportunitie which occasion thrusts into your hands : this night you may seise the Castle , for the enemie will lie downe in wine , and sleepe in a presumptious securitie . They shew it to the chiefe commanders of Naxos , who vniting themselues , giue the affrighted & vnweaponed Miletians a sudden and vnexpected assault , and hauing slaughtred many , possesse themselues of the castle : But by Polycritas intercessiue intreaties , surprised Diognetus scapes with life . And for this noble exploit of hers , the glad citisens running to meete her with shoutes and acclamations , euery one bearing in his hand a Garland to receiue her with those wreathes of honor ; Polycrita was so farre extaside , that her sudden ioy vshered a sudden death , for as she stood amased at the gate , she instantly fell downe exanimated : in which gate she was buried , and her sepulchre called The tombe of Enuie , because it is supposed that Fortune grew so enuious of her merits , that thus she robd her of her life , that so she might cheat her of her deserued honors . And thus much speakes the histories of the Naxians . Aristotle affirmes Polycrita was no captiue , but onely that Diognetus hauing seene her , hee grew so far enamoured of her , that to enioy her he proferred her any thing that was in his power to giue . She promises to yeeld to his desire , if he will grant her the fruition of one boone , which when hee had confirmed to her by oath , shee demanded Delium to be surrendred vp ( for the castle was so called . ) Diognetus being so much inchanted with her beautie , and moreouer bound by the religion of his vow , deliuered vp to her and the cittisens the castle Delium .

Of Queenes and other Ladies for diuers vertues memorable .

WEe reade of diuerse other women for diuerse noble actions Illustrious . Dominica the wife of the Emperour Valens , Dominica when the Gothes had threatned the vtter subuersion of Constantinople , by her wisedome and descretion mediated with the enemie & was the sole means of the safetie both of the people and citie . Sex . Aurelius reports of Pompeia Plautina , Pompeia Plautina . when hir husband Iulian the Emperor , had with intollerable exactions oppressed the people , insomuch that their discontents were readie to breake out into rebellion ; this vertuous princesse so farre temporised with the Emperour , that by her meanes they were released from all exactions and tributes . Diaconus makes mention of Placidia the sister and wife of Honorius , Placidia . who ( in the yeare 412 when Ataulphus king of the Gothes presented himselfe with an inuincible armie before the walls of Rome , threatning vtterly to subuert the cittie and after rebuild it againe , and in steede of Rome to call it Gothia ) so wrought with the barbarous king by persuasions and promises , that she turned his pride to pitie , and his immanitie to mercie , so that he departed thence without any assault made against the cittie , or the least spoile done vnto the countrey . Vollateranus speakes of Inguldis the sister of Childebert , Inguldis . who being marryed to Hermogillus , sonne to Lemigildus king of the Gothes , persuaded her husband ( then an infidell ) to bee a true and constant professour of the Christian faith . The like we reade of Cleotilda , Cleotilda . queene of France , who did the like good worke vpon her husband Clodoncus the sonne of Childericke . Nor hath our owne nation beene barreine of good examples , Helena . since Helena the mother of Constantine may in that kind claime equalitie , if not precedencie before any . As Rome affoorded a Volumnia , mother to Martius Cariolanus ; so England yeelded as eminent a Ladie in all points , the mother to Brennus and Belinus . The first , when her sonne had worthilie deserued of his countrie , euen to the attaining of all militarie honours , and as an addition to the rest , for his braue seruice against the cittie of Coriolorus , had the denomination of Coriolanus bestowed vpon him by the publique sufferage of the Senat : yet notwithstanding for all his merites and vnmatchable exploits , by which he purchased to himselfe the honor to be called Pater Patriae , yet after , by the ingratefull multitude ( who were euer emulous of any mans deserued greatnesse ) hee was not onely degraded from all his titles of dignitie , but had the doome of euerlasting banishment denounced against him ; in reuenge of which ingratitude , hauing raised an armie and inuaded the townes of the Roman empire , readie to inuest himselfe before the quaking and affrighted cittie , when they had first sent to him ( to make their attonement ) their priests , who by reason of their sacred offices were held in much reuerence , next their Augurers and South-sayers , then the Aeditiae which were the keepers of their Temples , and last their prophets ; but none of these preuailing , as their last refuge , the Roman matrons presented themselues before Volumnia the mother of Martius , humblie intreating her to make intercession betwixt her sons rage and the imminent calamitie . This reuerent Ladie mooued with their teares and acclamations , accompanied with Virgilia the wife of Coriolanus and many other noble matrons and damosells , hauing before promised to plead in their behalfes as farre as a miserable mother could claime interest in an iniured sonne ; repaired to his tent , and casting themselues downe at his feete , humblie besought him of compassion : the feare exprest in their faces and the sorrow in their habits , cast vpon the enemy a sudden reuerence and silence , when Volumnia with such feeling accents and moouing Oratorie mixed with teares , besought the peace of the cittie , that they made a reuerent impression in the heart of Coriolanus : who supporting his mother , and aduancing his wife from the earth , brake out into this extasie , Vicistis , You haue ouercome me . Thus by these excellent women , all combustions of warre were appeased , a threatned misery preuented , and a generall and safe peace setled in the Commonweale . Of no lesse remarke , was the wife of Mulmutius Dunwallo , the sonne to Cloten duke of Cornwall , who as Fabian remembers of him , hauing in great peace and tranquilitie gouerned the kingdome for the space of fortie yeres , and was after buried in a place by him before erected , cald the * * This some thinke to be Pauls church , others Blackwell hall . Temple of peace ; leauing the land equally deuided betwixt his two sonnes , Belinus and Brennus : to Belinus the elder was allotted England , Wales , and Cornewall ; vnto Brennus all the North parts beyond Humber : who being a young man and desirous of honour , not content with the principalitie appointed him , commenced against Belinus a fearefull war . But as the two brothers were readie to ioyne battaile , the mother presented herselfe betwixt the armies , exposing her bodie to their opposit weapons , shewing the breasts that gaue them sucke , and with noble admonitions and motherlie persuasions so molified the hearts of the incensed princes , that all ciuill and seditious warre layd aside , they entered a friendly and brotherly league ; which was so established in the reuerent vertues of the mother , that it was neuer after violated in all their life times after . With what condigne honours is queene Marcia's memorie worthie to be celebrated ? Mercia . who being the wife to Guinthelinus king of Britaine ( the sonne of Gurgunscius ) was in those daies of that excellent learning and knowledge , that she deuised many profitable and wholsome lawes to the benefit of the Common-wealth , which were much esteemed amongst the Brittaines , and carefully obserued , being cald after her name , The Mercean laws , many ages insuing . But being loath to instance too many to one purpose , least I should rather seeme tedious than delightfull to the reader , I will adde onely one English lady in another kind memorable , and worthy for her goodnes an euerlasting character . There was a noble man of England created Earle of Couentrie , this man was so austere to the citisens , that he had iniuriously wrested from them all their ancient franchises and priuiledges , insomuch that by his oppressions & insufferable exactions , the cittie was much decaied , the people disabled in their power , and weakened in their fortunes : These petitioned to the Countesse , a noble and well disposed lady , A ladie of Couentrie . to mediate for them to the Earle , That their customes and former liberties might be restored . The lady vndertakes their suit , and with much importunitie solicited her lord in their behalfe ; but he being of a haughtie and insolent disposition , stil persisted immoueable : but she commiserating their estate , as daily mooued with their complaints , without cessation still sollicited for them , and with such vrgence , that he had neither peace at boord nor quiet in bed ; he at length as much wearied with her importunitie , as she tired with their petitions , she wrested from him this churlish and indeffinite answer , Cease Lady further to persuade me , for I protest , and that with an vnaltered resolution , that there is but one onely meanes by which their franchises are to be recouered , which if thou wilt vndertake , ( as I presume thou wilt not ) I will surrender them vp intirely , if not , I will continue them in the same estate that I now hold them . The lady gently demaunding what imposition he would inioine her , he thus replied , Thou shalt strippe thy selfe starke naked , and mounted on horseback , at mid-day ride in that manner through the citie , from one gate to another , and by this exployt only their desire and thy suit is to be granted . The modest lady after some little pause , promised her lord that for their generall good she would doe it . This being sealed by an oath from him , and a vow from her , she acquainted the cittisens with her purpose , and appointed a day in which she commanded them to locke all their doores and shut in their windowes , and not to leaue any small cranny open towards the street , nor suffer any liuing thing to be abroad . This being faithfully and punctually performed by them , shee as effectually accomplished her promise , and rid in that manner with no more touch of immodestie , than when shee shifted her smocke in her priuat chamber . Some may say , Yet what might the people apprehend in their conceits , to thinke vpon a naked Ladie so mounted ? I answere , They could not more immodestlie conceiue of her , than a man that sees any beautiful woman wel habited , many do in his libidinous immaginations , by comprehending euerie naked lineament before she put on her apparrell . Of this noble Ladie there is in the citie both monument and memorie vnto this day .

In speaking of so many chast , worthie and eminent Ladies , I wonder how the name of Cuckold came to be so frequent amongst vs : Of the name Cuckold . might it be held no ridiculous digression , I would tell you an old tale to that purpose , which though I dare not warrant it for truth , I am willing to make it yours as freely as it was made mine . I speake not of the woman , that when her husband came home to her in hast , and brought newes there was a new edict come out , that all Cuckolds should be cast into the riuer ; presently asked him , why he did not learne to swimme : nor of her that when her good-man came to her in like manner with acclamation , and sayd , Wotte you what wife , such a woman ( naming one of his neighbours ) is found to be false , and hee branded for a notorious cuckold : answered , Lord husband you are such another man . But my discourse is at this present of a disputation in hell , what this thing Cuckold should be , or what kind of creature ; since all sortes of people of what estate or degree soeuer , examined by Lucifer , or any of the three infernall judges , denied themselues to bee the same . It was therefore agreed amongst them , to send vp some of the most ingenious diuells amongst them , by surueying the Earth , to discouer this strange vnknown creature : and if it were possible to bring him thither aliue , to make them spectators of an obiect they so much desired to see . With this commission away goes the diuell , showes himselfe vpon the earth , and taking the shape of a gallant thrusts himselfe into the societie of all kind of people : hee comes to the countrey man , askes if he bee a Cuckold , who answers he knowes not what it meanes . The cittisen denies himselfe to be the man . The souldier with oaths outfaceth the name . The lawyer will arrest any man vpon an action of slaunder that shall call him by that name . The courtier ( indeed ) confesseth himselfe to be a Cuckold-maker , but to be a Cuckold he can indure by no means . In so much that the poore diuell , altogether disappointed of his purpose was readie to retire againe to his black house of darkenesse : as he was meditating with himselfe to the same purpose , hee happened into an Ordnarie , where a cittisen being at game amongst many gentlemen , the dyce so fauoured him , that he got a great hand , blew vp two or three gallants , and so gaue ouer play ; which one aboue the rest taking not well , importuned him still to hold him game , which the other absolutly denying , the gallant told him , A Cuckold he found him , & so would leaue him , and with that language he bad him farewell . This the diuell hearing , grew ioyfull in himselfe , thus intimating ; I haue found him at length whom I so long haue sought , this is my prise , and shall be my purchase . He presently prouides himselfe of a large bagge able to containe so great a burden , and desiring the cittisen more familier acquaintance ( to cut off circumstance ) drew him out of the towne to take a turne or two in the fieldes . Together they walke , and comming to a remote place , the diuell discouering himselfe , appeares vnto him in a rough blacke haired shape , and tels him to what purpose he was come , and to what place hee was inioyned to beare him : therefore wished him patiently and quietly to creepe into his bagge . The man at these words amased , began to struggle with the diuell , who layde violent hands vpon him . It hapned that neere to this wrestling place a poore labouring man was digging of grauell , there lay by the edge of the pit a lustie mastiffe ( that had bin a beare-dogge ) to keepe the poore mans hat and jerkin , whil'st he was at worke below : this dogge seeing the man and the diuell contend , tooke ( it seemes ) the fiend , by reason of his rough skinne , to be a beast of the game ; vp skippes he to take the diuell by the throat , who presently lets goe his hold to secure himselfe from the dogge , and away he flyes . The citisen by this meanes secured from the present danger , and willing to be gratefull to his preseruer , comes to the labourer and bargaines for the mastiffe ; the price is made , and both parties agreed . It is to be presupposed , that the diuell in this feare , had left ( for hast ) his bagge behind him , and fled out of sight : which the cittisen apprehending , and being emboldned with so valiant a second , thinkes to put a new tricke vpon his aduersary ; for he imagines that ( tenne to one ) hee will come backe againe for his bagge , therefore he intreates the poore man to helpe him to put the dogge into the sacke , and tye the mouth of it fast with the strings . All is done and they retyre themselues apart , when iust as they imagined , out comes the diuel peaking from the place where he lay hid to see if the coast was cleere , and casting his eyes timerously about him , as fearing the like assault , he came softlie treading to the place where hee had left his sacke , and gently feeling , findes somewhat to stirre therein : vpon which he presently imagines that it was the supposed cuckold , who for feare had crept into the same ; and being wondrous iocund with this conceit , snatcheth him vp vpon his backe , and with his glad purchase sinkes himselfe down among the infernalls . His returne was rumord in hell , and a sinod cald , in which Lucifer seated himselfe in his wonted state with all his princes , iudges , and officers about him , all in great expectation of the obiect so much desired : the messenger is summond , who appeares before them with his bagge at his backe , or rather vpon his necke ; he is commanded to discouer this strange creature so often spoken of , but till then in that place not seene ; the sackes mouth is opened , out flyes the mastiffe amongst them , who seeing so many ougly creatures together , thought ( it seemes ) he had beene amongst the beares in Paris garden : but spying Lucifer to be the greatest and most ill-fauoured amongst them , first leapes vp into his face , and after flyes at whomsoeuer stood next him . The diuels are disperst , euery one runnes and makes what shift he can for himselfe , the sessions is dissolued , the bench and bale-docke cleered , and all in generall so affrighted , that euer since that accident the very name hath beene so terrible amongst them , as they had rather entertaine into their darke and sad dominions tenne thousand of their wiues , then any one man who beares the least character of a cuckold . But hauing done with this sporting , I proceede to what is more serious .

Of Women remarkeable for their loue to their Husbands .

IT is reported of the wiues of Wynbergen , a free place in Germany , that the towne being taken in an assault by the Emperour , and by reason the cittisens in so valiantlie defending their liues and honours , had beene the ouerthrow of the greatest part of his army ; the Emperour grew so inplacable , that he purposed ( though mercy to the women ) yet vpon the men a bloody reuenge . Composition being granted and articles drawne for the surrender of the towne , it was lawfull for the matrons and virgins ( by the Emperours edict ) to carry out , of their owne necessaries , a burden of what they best liked . The Emperour ( not dreaming but that they would load themselues with their iewels and coyne , rich garments and such like ) might perceiue them issuing from the Ports , with euery wife her husband vpon her backe , and euery virgin and damsell her father or brother : to expresse as much loue in preseruing their liues then , as the men had before , valour in defending their liberties . This noble example of coniugall loue and pietie tooke such impression in the heart of Caesar , that in recompence of their noble charitie , hee not onely suffered them to depart peaceably with their first burdens , but granted euerie one a second , to make choice of what best pleased them amongst all the treasure and wealth of the cittie . Michael Lord Montaigne in his Essayes speakes onely of three women for the like vertue memorable ; the first perceiuing her husband to labour of a disease incurable , and euery day more and more to languish , persuaded him resolutelie to kill himselfe , and with one blow to be ridde of a lingring torment ; but finding him to be somewhat faint-hearted , she thus put courage into him by her owne noble example : I ( quoth she ) whose sorrow for thee in thy sicknesse , hath in some sort paraleld thy torment , am willing by one death both to giue date vnto that which hath ( for thy loue ) afflicted me , and thy violent and vnmedicinable torture . So after many persuasiue motiues to incourage his fainting resolution , she intended to dye with him in her armes : and to that purpose , least her hold by accident or affright should vnloose , she with a cord bound fast their bodies together , and taking him in her louing imbraces from an high window which ouerlooked part of the sea , cast themselues both headlong into the water . As pious an affection shewed that renowned matron Arria ( vulgarlie called Arria mater , Arria mater . because she had a daughter of the name ) shee seeing her husband Poetus condemned , and willing that hee should expire by his owne hand rather than the stroake of the common hangman , persuaded him to a Roman resolution ; but finding him somewhat daunted with the present sight of death , she snatcht vp a sword with which she transpierst her selfe , and then plucking it from her bosome presented it vnto her husband onely with these few and last words , Poete non dolet , Hold Poetus it hath done mee no harme , and so fell downe and dyed : of whom Martial in his first booke of Epigrams hath left this memory , Casta suo gladium cum traderet Aria Poeto , Quem dedit visceribus traxerat illa suis , Si qua fides vulnus quod feci , non dolet inquit Sed quod ●u facies , hoc mihi Poete dolet . When Aria did to Poetus giue that steele , Which she before from her owne breast had tane ; Trust me ( saith she ) no smart at all I feele , My onely wound 's to thinke vpon thy paine . The third was Pompeia Paulina , Pompeia Paulina . the wife of Seneca , who when by the tyrranous command of Nero , she saw the sentence of death denounced against her husband ( though she was then young and in the best of her yeares , and he aged and stooping ) notwithstanding so pure was her affectionat zeale towards him , that as soone as she perceiued him to bleed , caused her owne vaine to be opened , so to accompany him in death ; few such presidents this our age affordeth . Yet I haue lately seene a discourse , Rathean Herpin . intituled , A true narration of Rathean Herpin , who about the time that Spinola with the Bauarians first entred the Pallatinate , finding her husband Christopher Thaeon , apoplext in all his limbes and members , with an inuincible constancie , at seuerall iournies bore him vpon hir backe the space of 1300 English miles to a Bath for his recouerie . These and the like presidents of nuptiall pietie make me wonder , why so many Satyrists assume to themselues such an vnbridled libertie to inueigh without all limitation against their Sex . I happened not long since to steale vpon one of these censorious fellowes , and found him writing after this manner : I wonder our forefathers durst their liues Hazzard in dayes past with such choise of wiues , And ( as we reade ) to venture on so many : Me thinkes he hath enow that hath not any . Sure either women were more perfect then , Or greater patience doth possesse vs men , Or it belongs to them since Eu's first curse , That ( as the world ) their Sex growes worse and worse . But who can teach me , Why the fairer , still They are more false ? good Oedipus thy skill , Or Sphinx thine to resolue me , lay some ground For my instruction : good , the like is found Mongst birds and serpents ; did you neuer see A milke white swan ( in colour like to thee That wast my mistresse once ) as white , as faire , Her downie breasts to touch as soft , as rare ; Yet these deepe waters that in torrents meete , Can neuer wash the blackenesse from her feete . Who euer saw a Dragon richly clad In golden skales , but that within he had His gorge stuft full of Venome ? I behold The woman , and me thinkes a cup of gold Stands brim'd before me ; whence should I but sip , I should my fate , and death , tast from thy lip . But henceforth I le beware thee , since I know That vnder the more spreading Misceltow , The greater Mandrake thrines , whose shrieke presages Or ruin , or disaster . Who ingages Himselfe to beautie , he shall find dependants Contempt , Disdaine , and Scorne ; with their attendants , Inconstancie , and Falshood : in their traine Waite Loosenesse and Intemperance . But in vaine Before the blind we glorious obiects bring ; Lend armour to the lame , or counsell sing To them will find no eares : be 't then approou'd , ,None euer faire , that hath sincerely lou'd . If beautifull , she 's proud : if rich , then scorne She thinks becomes her best . But ' ware the horne Thou man if she be crost once : bright , or blacke , Well shap't , or ougly , doth she fortunes lacke , Or be she great in means , haunts she the Cour● , Citty , or Countrey ; They all loue the sport . Further he was proceeding , when I stayd his penne , and so stopt the torrent of his poeticall rapture , and laid before him so many noble histories of glorious and illustrious women , some already in this tractate , and others hereafter to be remembred ; that he forsooke his late apostacy , confest his errour , and apprehended a new beleefe , professing himselfe futurely to bee a constant champion of their honours and vertues . The like impression I wish they may make in the hearts of all such whose poems haue been too lauishly bold , and still persist in the like peeuish obstinacie . Now if any man taxe me , Why I haue not equally suited my bookes in length ? to excuse my selfe I will tell them a short tale , and so conclude , this being the third in number . A gentleman of a suspected wit , amongst many other crotchets that came often into his braine , hauing a new suit to be made , sent to his taylor to giue him directions about the fashion , charging him aboue all things not to forget to make one sleeue longer than another , because he would haue a garbe peculiar to himselfe : the taylor loath to offend so good a customer , brings home his doublet made iust according to his direction . The Fantasticke gentleman the first thing hee doth measures the sleeues , and finding their inequalitie , in great chollor calls to his taylor , and to him thus saith , What a blockhead art thou ? did not I charge thee to make the one sleeue longer than the other ? and see if ( like a botcherly fellow as thou art ) thou hast not quite mistooke and made the one sleeue shorter than the other . Gentle Reader this is easie to apply .

Explicit lib. tertius . Inscriptus THALIA .

THE FOVRTH BOOKE inscribed MELPOMENE . Of Women incestuous , of Adulteresses , and such as haue come by strange deaths .

NEuer did my hand more compulsiuely direct my penne , nor my penne with lesse willingnesse blot paper , than at this present , being forced in this tractat to lay open the frailties of this Sex , before so much commended . But this is my encouragement to proceede , because I can produce nothing out of History to the disgrace of the bad and vicious , which addes not to the honour of the good and vertuous . Were none foule , what benefit were it to be faire ? and if none deformed , what grace could it be to be well featured ? There were no honour to be ascribed to modestie , but that we see the dishonour of immodestie depending ; nor to the temperate , but that we dayly find the inconueniences inherent to ryot and excesse . Besides , were all alike faire , what prayse were it to be beautifull ? or if all alike chast , what admiration could be attributed to so rare a Vertue ? As we see in the trying of mettalls there is the gold and the drosse ; in the progresse of time , there is day and night , comprehending light , and darknes ; in the creation of man , there is the immortall soule and the corruptible flesh . And as it hath pleased the diuine prouidence to prouide a heauen and a hell , the one to crowne the vertuous , the other to condemne the wicked : so there is a necessitie of number to people both , nor are the torments of the one more feelingly apprehended than in contemplating the ioyes and felicities of the other . Amongst artificers , vessells are made some for honour , some for dishonour ; in all estates there are the noble and the base ; amongst Princes , the good king and the tyrant ; amongst subiects , the true liegeman and the traytour ; in schooles , the learned and the ignorant ; amongst magistrates , the wise and the foolish ; if one be bountifull , another is auaritious and griping ; if one pious and religious , others atheisticall and prophane : neither is the vilenesse of the one any aspertion or blemish to the other , but rather as a foyle to set it off with more lustre and beautie . Those therefore that are before presented , are to imitate : the rest that in this next booke succeede , to beware and shunne . For who so foolish , that seeing shelues and sands on the one side , and safe harbour on the other , will forsake the part of securitie , willingly to swallow himselfe vp in the quick-sands : therefore I wish you all to striue , that the beautie of your mindes may still exceede that of your bodies ; because the first apprehends a noble diuinitie , the last is subiect to all frailtie : and as the higher powers haue bestowed on you fairenesse aboue man , to equall that excellencie of iudgement and wisedome in which man claimes iustly a prioritie before you , so it is both behoouefull and becomming your Sex , that your outward perfections should altogether aime at the inward pulchritude of the mind ; since the first is accidentall and casuall , the last stable and permanent . Besides , if beautie bee once branded with impudence or inchastitie , it makes that which in it selfe is both laudable and desired , reiected and altogether despised . For vertue once violated , brings infamy and dishonour , not onely to the person offending , but contaminates the whole progenie ; nay more , lookes backe euen to the iniured ashes of the ancestours , bee they neuer so noble : for the mind , as the body , in the act of adulterie being both corrupted , makes the action infamous and dishonourable , dispersing the poyson of the sinne euen amongst those from whom she deriues her birth ; as if with her earthly being they had giuen her therewith her corruptions , and the first occasion of this her infamie . It extends likewise to the posteritie which shall arise from so corrupt a seed , generated from vnlawfull and adulterate copulation . How chary then ought a faire woman to be , to strengthen her bodily beautie with that of the mind ? Of what small continuance it is , and how nature hath disposed of your age , you should consider : the beautie of your Cradle you cannot apprehend , nor of your Childhood , and therfore in it you can neither take pride nor delight , or if you could , it is not yet perfect . When you grow ripe for marriage , and that it beginnes to attract you sutors and seruants , it growes to budde , and is then commonly in the blossome , when you haue made choice of a husband : as you begin to be the fruitfull mother of children , so one by one the leaues fade and fall away . Alas , how swiftlie doth Age with wrinkles steale vpon you , and then where is that admiration it before attracted ? neither is that small season free from the blastings of disease and canker wormes of sicknesse , able to make the fairest amongst you to looke aged in her youth . Then may the choicest of you with beautifull Lais , who when she saw the Lillies in her brow faded , and the Roses in her chekes withered , the Diamonds in her eyes loose their lustre , and the Rubies in her lippes their colour ( as being now growne in yeares ) in these words giue vp your looking-glasses backe to Venus . Nunc mihi nullus in ho● vsus , quia cernere talem Qualis sum , nolo , qualis eram , nequeo . Now there 's no vse of thee at all , Because I haue no will To see what I am now : and what I was , I cannot still . If then this rare ornament be of such small permanens , euen in the best , How much then is it to bee vnderprised , when it is contaminated and spotted with lust and vnlawfull prostitution ? since it is a maxime , That things common are so farre from begetting appetite and affection , that they rather engender the seedes of contempt and hatred : for how should any thing festered and corrupt , please the eye ? or that which is rotten and vnsound , giue content vnto the pallat ? But to returne to my first appollogie : needfull it is that to the Tragicke Muse Melpomone , I should suit Tragicall historie , wherein if any women be personated for Incontinence , Intemperance , Adulterie , Incest , or any such vile and abhominable action ; shee hath in that disgraced herselfe , not her Sex , as stretching no further than the delinquent . If any man object and say they are bad presidents , to him I answere , they are examples of horror to be eschewed , not immitated , which in their owne natures beget a loathing , not liking : and for placing them next to and so neere to the women Illustrious I will excuse my selfe in this short Epigram .

A skilfull Painter hauing lim'd a face Surpassing faire , of admirable feature , Sets by the same , to giue it the more grace , The pourtrait of some foule deformed creature . No doubt , as much Art in the last is showne As in the first , albeit that pleaseth most : How euer to the workeman 't is well knowne They both to him are of like care and cost . T is so with me , I haue set before you many Braue Ladies , of them all to take full view , Pleasing to th' eye ( not of these peeces any Whome a more willing workeman euer drew ) Should these appeare rough hew'd or of bad fauour And whose aspect cannot so well content you , Perhapes the next of more delight may sauour , And grinding other colours , I 'le present you A smoother peece , and limne ( if I be able ) A fairer face in a more curious table .

Of Women incestuous , and first of Q. Semiramis .

IT is questioned by some authors , concerning this potent and mightie Queen , Whether she be more renowned for her braue and magnanimous exploits , or notorious for her ignoble and infamous actions ? some willing that for her vertues sake , her vices should be vtterly buried in obliuion ; others in regard of what was bad in her , that nothing good or commendable might of her to posteritie be remembred . I purpose to giue you a tast of both . Some say she was called Semiram●is , of the birds named * * The name of Birdes common in that country Semiramides , by which it is sayd she was fostered in her infancie : but that bearing no show of truth , others deriue her denomination from Samir , which in the Hebrew & the Syrian dialect imports as much as Adamant ; because her noble and braue atchieuements attracted the heartes of that barbarous rude nation to her admiration and loue , as the Adamant drawes yron . Plutarch in libro Amator . saith , she was a damosell of Syria and concubine to the king of that countrey , with whose loue Ninus being after besotted , tooke her to his wife ; of whom shee had that predominance , that though before he had conquered all the Easterne parts , subiugated his neighbour kings , and subdued Zoroastes monarch of the Bactrians ( he that was the first inuentor of the Art magicke , that deuised the principles of Astrologie , and found out the true motions of the starres ) notwithstanding she so farre preuailed with him , that for one day she might fit in the royall throne , and for that space haue the regall jurisdiction in her full power , with intire command ouer the whole Empire . In the morning of her soueraigntie , she imposed vpon the subiects such modest & milde iniunctions , that ere noone shee had insinuated into their bosomes so farre , that shee found them so plyable and conformable to her desires , that shee presumed there was nothing so difficult and impossible which for her sake they would not boldly and resolutely vndertake . Vpon this presumption , she stretched her vsurpation so farre , that she commaunded them to lay hands vpon the king her husband before night , and committing him to prison , caused him within few daies to be put to death . She had by Ninus one sonne called Ninus junior , who should haue succeeded his father , that for fiftie two yeares space had swaied the Babylonian Empire : but whether in her owne ambition desirous of the principalitie , or finding her sonne too effeminate to be lord ouer so great a people , and vncertaine withall , whether so many men , and of so many sundrie nations would submit themselues to the soueraigntie of a woman , all these suppositions being doubtfull , certaine it is that in the steade of the mother of Ninus , shee assumed the person of Ninus hir sonne , changing her womans shape into the habit of a mans ; for they were of one stature , proportioned in lineaments alike , semblant in voice , and in all accomplements difficultly to be distinguished , in somuch that neuer mother and child could haue more true resemblance : hauing therefore luld her sonne in all effeminacie , and attired him in her queenelike vesture , the better to shadow her owne proportion she suited her selfe in long garments , and commanded all her subiects to do the like ; which habit hath bin amongst the Assirians , Bactrians , & Babylonians in vse euen to this day . Vpon her head she wore a Turbant or Myter , such as none but kings vsed to adorne their heads with : so that in the beginning , she was known for no other than the prince , in whose name she accomplisht many notable and noble atchieuements , at whose amplitude , Enuie and Emulation stood amased , confessing her in all her attempts supereminent : neither did her heroick actions any way derrogate from the honour of the Empire , but rather adde to the splendor thereof admiration , in regard a woman had not onely excelled all of her Sex in valour , Herod . lib. 1. but might claime a iust prioritie ouer men . She built the mightie cittie Babylon , These walls the Queene Nicocris who after some yeares succeeded her , made much more stately , exceeding her in all her structures . and the stately walls reckoned amongst the seuen wonders . She not onely conquered all Aethiopia and made that kingdome to her state tributarie , but inuaded India , being the first that durst attempt it ; and sauing her , none since but Alexander , who was the second and the last . Thus farre Iustine , out of the historie of Trogus Pompeius . Berosus affirmes as much , These be his words : Nemo vnquam huic feminae comparandus est virorum , tanta in eius vita scribuntur cum ad vituperationem , tum maxime ad laudem . i. No man was euer to be compared with this woman , such great things haue beene written of her , partly to her disgrace , but chiefely to her praise . He proceedes further : She was the fourth that raigned in Assiria ( for so it is approued ) Nimrod was the first , being father to Belus , and grand-father to Ninus , which Ninus was the first that made warre vpon his neighbours and vsurped their dominions , in whom began to cease the Golden world : whom his widdow Queen succeeded , counterfetting the shape of man . She was after slaine by her sonne Ninus the second of that name , who as Eusebius writes , after her death swaid the scepter thirtie and eight yeares . One memorable thing is recorded of her by Diodorus Siculus , lib. 3. as also by Vitruuius , This queene being making her selfe readie in her pallace royall , when the one part of her haire was bound vp , and the other halfe hung loose vpon her shoulders , suddenly newes was brought her , That the cittisens of Babylon were reuolted , and all or the most of them in mutinie and vprore . She presently posted into the citie , and what with her presence and persuasion , attonde the discord , & before she had leasure to put her disordered curles in forme , reconciled the hearts of that innumerable people to her obedience : for which her statue was erected in the cittie , being pourtraied halfe readie halfe vnreadie , in memorie of that noble and magnanimous aduenture . Some thing of the best that was in her though not all , you haue heard , the worst is to come , Iuba apud Pli. relates that she immitated the fashions of men , neglecting the habit of her own Sex , and in her latter yeares grew to that deboisht effeminacie and for●id lust , that shee did not onely admit but allure and compell into her goatish embraces many of her souldiers , without respect of their degrees or places , so they were well featured , able and lustie of performance , whom when they had wasted their bodies vpon her , shee caused to be most cruelly murdered . Shee was slaine by her owne sonne , because shee most incestuously sought his bed : but , which of all the rest is most prodigious and abhominable , she is reported to haue had companie with a horse on whom shee vnnaturally doted . But these things whether related for truth or recorded of malice , I am altogether ignorant , and therefore leaue it to censure . Herodotus , Plutarch , and others writ that she caused these words to be inscribed vpon her Tombe . Quicunque rex pecunijs indiget aperto monumento , quod voluerit accipiat , that is , What king soeuer hath neede of coyne , search this mo●ument , and he shall find what he desires . This when king Darius had read , thinking some Magazin of treasure had beene there included , he caused the Tombe-stone to be remooued ; where he found vpon the other side thereof these words ingrauen , Misi rex auarus esses & pecuniae insatiabilis mortuorum monumenta , non vi●lasses , i. Haddest thou not been an auaritious king and insasiable of Coyne thou wouldest not haue ransacked the graue of the dead . Thus , as Franciscus Patritius Pontifex saith , the excellent Ladie in her death taunted the gripple auarice of the liuing . That the monuments of the dead are no way to be violated or defaced , Sertorius hath taught vs , who hauing subdued the cittie Tigenna scituate in the countrey of Maurusia , in which a noble sepulchre was , which the inhabitants sayd belonged to Antaus ( which was the gyant slaine by Hercules : ) when the greatnes of the graue exceeded all beleefe , Sertorius caused it to be ruined , and there digged vp a bodie ( as Plutarch witnesseth ) of seuentie cubits in length : which beholding and wondering at , hee caused it to be repaired with greater beautie than before , least by deminishing that , Tagenna a woman of seuent●e cubits high . he might haue ruined a great part of his owne honour . Some thinke it was the bodie of Tagenna the wife of Antaeus , whom Hercules prostituted after the death of her husband : of her he begot Siphax , who after erected that cittie , and in memorie of his mother called it by her name .

Pasiphae .

THis Ladie , though I cannot fitly introduce her within the number of the incestuous , yet for that horrid act which the Poets haue reported of her , I shall not impertinently place her next to Semiramis . Appollodorus Gramatticus in his booke de Deorum origine ( as Benedictus Aegius Spoletinus interprets him ) thus sets downe her historie : Ninus king of Creet espoused Pasiphae , daughter of the Sunne and Perseis , or ( as Asclepiades calls her ) Creta , the daughter of Aterius , she had by him foure sonnes , Cretaeus , Deucalion , Glaucus , and Androgeus , and as many daughters , Hecate , Xenodice , Ariadne , and Phaedra . This Minos peaceably to inioy his kingdome , had promised to offer such a Bull to Neptune : but hauing obtained his desires , hee sent that Bull before markt out , backe to the heard , and caused another of lesse value to bee sacrificed : at which Neptune inraged , knew not with what greater punishment to afflict him for the breach of his faith , than to make his wife most preposterously and against nature to dote on that beast which he had so carefully preserued . She therefore confederated with Dedalus , a great Artsmaster ( one that for murder had fled from Athens , and with his sonne Icarus there secured himselfe ) hee deuised by his mischieuous skill , a wodden cow , hollowed within with such artificiall conuayance , that the Queene inclosed , had satisfaction of her desires to the glutting of her libidinons appetite . Of this congression she conceiued and brought forth a sonne called Asterion , or ( as the most will haue it ) Minotaurus , shaped with a Bulls head and a mans body . About this monstrous issue , Minos consulted with the Oracle : which aduised him to shut him in a Labyrinth , and there see him safelie brought vp and kept . This Labyrinth ( the first that euer was ) was built by Dedalus , beeing a house so intricated with windings and turnings this way and that way , now forward , then backward , that it was scarce possible for any that entered therein to finde the direct way backe : thus farre Apollodorus . Lib. 1. But Palephatus in his Fabulous narrations reduceth all these commented circumstances within the compasse of meere impossibilitie ; and thus deliuers the truth concerning Pasiphae . Minos being afflicted with a disease in his secret parts , with which he had beene long grieued , was at length by Crides who belonged to Pandion , cured . In the interim of this his defect and weakenesse , the queene cast an adulterat eye vpon a faire young man called Taurus whom ( Seruius saith ) was the scribe or secretary to the king ; shee prostituting her selfe to his imbraces , when the full time was expired shee produced her issue : Which Minos seeing , and taking a true supputation of the time , comparing the birth with his discontinuance from her bed ( by reason of his disease ) apprehended the adulterie ; notwithstanding hee was vnwilling to kill the bastard , because it had a resemblance to the rest of his children , though an impression of the fathers face , by which the adulterer might easily bee knowne . Minos therefore to conceale his owne discontents , and as much as in him lay to hide his wiues shame , whom he endeeredly affected , caused the infant to be carryed into a remote mountaine , and there by the Kings heardsmen to be fostered . But growing towards manhood , he likewise grew intractable and disobedient to those to whose charge he was committed . The king therefore confinde him into a deepe caue digd in a rocke of purpose , not to curbe his fierce and cruell disposition , but rather incourage it ; for whosoeuer at any time hee feared , or whatsoeuer he was that had offended him , he sent him to this Minotaure on some impertinent message or other , by whom hee was cruelly butchered . The caue was called Labyrinthus , and therfore described with so many intricate blind Meanders , in regard of the difficultie of his returne with life who was seene to enter there . Therefore when Theseus came to Minos , hee sent him to be deuoured by this Minotaure : of which Ariadne hauing notice , being enamoured of Theseús , she sent him a sword by which he slew the monstrous Homicyde ; and that was the clew so often remembred by the Poets which guirded Theseus out of the Labyrinth .

Canace , Canusia , Valeria Tusculana .

MAcareus and Canace were brother and sister , the sonne and daughter to Aeolus king of the winds ( for so the Poets feigned him , because the clouds and mists rising from the seauen Aeolian Islands , of which he was king , alwaies pretended great gusts and tempests ) hee is reported to be the sonne of Iupiter and Alceste , daughter to Hyppotes the Tyrian , of whom he had the denomination of Hippotides . This Macareus and Canace , hauing most leaudly and incestuously loued one another , couering their bedding and boosoming vnder the vnsuspected pretext of consanguinitie and neerenesse in blood : It could no longer be conceald by reason Canace at length brought forth a sonne , which as she would secretly haue conueyed out of the court by the hands of her trustie nurse , who had beene before acquainted with all their wicked proceedings ; the infant by crying betrayed it selfe to the grand-father , who searching the nurse , examining the matter , finding the incest , and miserably distracted with the horridnesse of the fact : instantly in the heat of his incensed anger , caused the innocent infant to be cut in pecces , and limbe by limbe cast to the dogges , and before his face deuoured . This Macareus hearing , tooke sanctuarie in the Temple of Apollo : but Canace by reason of her greenenes and weake estate , not able to make escape , and shunne the violence of her fathers threatned furie : he sent her a sword , and withall commanded her to punish her self according to the nature of the fact . Which she receiuing writ a passionate letter to her brother , in which she first besought him to haue a care of his safety , and next to cause the bones of the slaughtered infant to be gathered together , and put into an vrne with hers : this hauing done , with the sword sent her by her father she transpierst her selfe , Canusia . and so expired . The like we reade of Canusia , daughter of Papirius Volucris , who being found with child by Papirius Romanus her own naturall brother , when the heinousnesse of the fact came to the knowledge of the father , he sent to either of them a sharpe sword ; with which they as resolutely slew themselues , as they had before rashly offended . The like successe of her incestuous affection had Valeria Tusculana , Valer. Tus. who as Plutarch relates , by the counsell of one of her handmaids comming priuately in the night into the armes of her father , and the deede after made knowne to Valerius , he in detestation of the act slew her with his owne hand .

Iulia , the Empresse .

THese abhominable sinnes that haue beene punisht in inferiour persons , haue in great ones beene countenanced . Sextus Aurelius and Aelius Spartianus both testifie , That Antonius Caracalla Emperour , doting vpon his stepmother Iulia was often heard to say in her presence , I would if it were lawfull ; at length apprehending his purpose , to these his words she made this reply : What you list to doe 〈◊〉 Emperour ) you may make lawfull , Princes haue power to make lawes , but are not 〈◊〉 to keepe any : by which words imboldned , he tooke her to his bed , whose sonne Ge●a but a while before he had caused to be slaine . Herodotus remembers vs of one Opaea the stepmother to Scithes king of the Scythians , Opaea . who likewise tooke her to his bed and made her his queene . Berenices . So Berenices the sister of Ptolomaus Euergetes was made partner both of his bed and kingdome . Arsinoe . Arsinoe the sister of Ptolomaeus Philodelphus became his concubine . The like did Herod Antipas vnto Herodias the wife of his brother Philip. Herodias . We reade also of one Leucon , who slew his brother Oxilochus king of Pontus for the loue of his wife whom he after marryed . Faustina the sister of Marcus Antonius Emperour , Faustina . became her brothers paramour ; on whom he begat Lucilla , Lucilla . whom he after gaue in marriage to his brother L. Antonius . Theodoricus king of the Frenchmen marryed the daughter of his owne brother , whom he before had slaine . And Pontanus remembers vs of one Iohannes Ariminensis who espoused his owne sister . Phillip the brother of Alphonsus the tenth king of Spaine , forcibly married Christiana , Christiana . daughter to the king of Dacia his owne brothers wife , all Christianitie and Religion set apart . Volaterranus remembers vs of one Stratonice , Stratonice . who being deuilishly doted on by Antiochus Soter king of Syria , his owne father at his importunitie gaue her vp into his sonnes incestuous embraces . Virgill in his tenth booke speakes of Casperia , Casperia . stepmother to Anchemolus the sonne of Rhatus king of the Marhubians , who was by him adulterated . These prodigious acts haue beene incouraged by kings , drawing their presidents from Iupiter , who vitiated Ceres , and marryed his sister Iuno : when in my opinion , the industrie of the Poets in illustrating the escapes of Iupiter and the other gods , was aymed at no other end than to manifest vnto all men , That such deities were not worthy adoration that were callumnised with so many whoredomes , adulteries , and incests .

The sisters of Cambises .

THese might seeme fearfull enough before related , but I will giue you a short tast of some more abhominable : I haue shewed the examples of Lust , but these following are besides lust polluted with vnheard of tyranny . Herodotus in his third booke speaking at large of the life and acts of Cambyses the great Persian king , and sonne of Cyrus , relates , that hauing shewed his puissance abroad in Aegipt , Greece , and other places , to the terror of the greatest of the world : he caused his innocent brother Smerdis to be secretly made away by the hand of his most trusted Praxaspes . The next inhumanitie which he purposd to exemplifie vnto the world , was the death of his sister , who followed him in his Campe to Aegipt , and back againe : being not only his sister by parents , but his wife also . The manner how she came to be his queene was as followeth ; Before his time , it was not lawfull , but punishable amongst the Persians , to marry into that proximitie of blood : but Cambyses surprised with the loue of his sister , and hauing resolued by what meanes soeuer to make her his wife , yet to colour his purpose , he sent for those honorable persons who were stiled the kings Iudges , being selected men for their wisedomes , and of great place and qualitie , as those that inioy their offices Durante vita , vnlesse some capitall crime bee prooued against them ; besides , they are the expounders of the lawes , and to their causes all matters of doubt and controuersie are referred . These being conuented , the king demanded of them , Whether they had any one law amongst so many , which licenst a man ( that had a will so to doe ) to contract matrimony with his sister ? to whom the Iudges thus ingeniously answered : We haue indeed no law which giues licence for a brother to marry with a sister , but we haue found a law ( oh Soueraigne ) which warrants the king of Persia to doe whatsoeuer liketh him best . Thus they without abrogation of the Persian lawes soothed the kings humour , and preserued their owne honours and liues , who had they crost him in the least of his disseignes had all vndoubtedly perisht : This hee made the ground for the marriage of the first , and not long after hee aduentured vpon the second . The younger of these two who attended him into Aegypt he slew , whose death as that of her brother Smerdis is doubtfully reported . The Graecians write that two whelps , one of a Lyon , the other of a Dog , were brought before Cambises to fight and try maisteries , at which fight the young Lady was present : but the Lyon hauing victorie ouer the Dog , another of the same litter broke his chain , and taking his brothers part , they two had superioritie ouer the Lyon . Cambises at this fight taking great delight , shee then sitting next him , vpon the sudden fell a weeping : this the king obseruing , demaunded the occasion of her teares , she answered it was at that obiect to see one brother so willing to helpe the other , and therefore she wept to remember her brothers death , and knew no man then liuing that was ready to reuenge it ; and for this cause ( say the Greekes ) she was doom'd to death by Cambises . The Aegyptians report it another way : That she sitting with her brother at table , out of a sallet dish tooke a lettice , and pluckt off leafe by leafe , and shewing it to her husband , asked him , Whether a whole letice or one so despoiled shewed the better ? who answered , a whole one : then ( said shee ) behold how this lettice now vnleaued looketh , euen so hast thou disfigured and made naked the house of king Cyrus . With which words he was so incensed , that he kickt and spurnd her ( then being great with child ) with that violence that she miscarryed in her child-birth and dyed ere she was deliuered : and these were the murderous effects of his detestable incest .

Of Lyuia Horestilla , Lollia Paulina , Cesonia , &c.

IT is reported the Emperour Caligula , that he had not onely illegall and incestuous conuerse with his three naturall sisters , but that bee after caused them before his face to be prostituted by his ministers and seruants , thereby to bring them within the compasse of the Aemilian Law and conuict them of adultery . He vitiated Liuia Horestilla , Liuia Horestilla . the wife of C. Pisonnius , and Lollia Paulina , Lollia Paul . whom he caused to be diuorced from her husband C. Memnius , both whose beds within lesse than two yeares he repudiated , withall interdicting them the companie and societie of man for euer . Caesonia he loued more affectionatly , Caesonia . insomuch that to his familiar friends ( as boasting of her beautie ) he would often shew her naked . To adde vnto his insufferable luxuries , he defloured one of the vestall virgins . Neither was the Emperour Commodus much behind him in diuelish and brutish effeminacies , Commodus born the same day that Caligula v●tiated the Vestall virgin . for he likewise strumpeted his owne sisters , and would wittingly and willingy see his mistresses and concubines abused before his face , by such of his fauorites as hee most graced : hee kept not at anie time lesse than to the number of three hundred , for so Lampridius hath left recorded . Gordianus iunior ( who was competitor with his father in the Empire ) kept two and twentie concubines , Capitolin . by each of which he had three or foure children at the least , therefore by some called the Priamus of his age , but by others in dirision the Priapus . The emperour Proculus tooke in battaile a hundred Sarmatian virgins , and boasted of himselfe that he had got them all with child in lesse than fifteene dayes : this Vopiscus reportes , and Sabellicus . But a great wonder is that which Iohannes Picus Mirandula relates of Hercules , as that hee lay with fiftie daughters of Lycomedes in one night and got them all with child with forty nine boyes , onely fayling in the last for that prooued a guirle .

Iocasta .

APollodorus Atheniensis in his third booke De deoroum Origine records this history : After the death of Amphion king of Thebes , Laius succeeded , who tooke to wife the daughter of Menocoeas called Iocasta , or ( as others write ) Epicasta . This Laius being warned by the Oracle , that if of her he begat a sonne , he should prooue a Patricide and be the death of his father ; notwithstanding , forgetting himselfe in the distemperature of wine , he lay with her ; the same night she conceiued , and in processe brought forth a male issue , whom the king caused to be cast out into the mountaine Cytheron , thinking by that meanes to preuent the predicted destinie . Polybus the heardsman to the king of Corinth finding this infant , bore it home to his wife Periboea who nourced and brought it vp as her owne , and causing the swelling of the feet ( with which the child was then troubled ) to be cured , they grounded his name from that disease , and called him Oedipus . This infant as he increased in yeares , so hee did in all the perfections of nature as well in the accomplishments of the mind as the body ; insomuch that as well in capacitie and volubilitie of speech , as in all actiue and generous exercises , he was excellent aboue all of his age , his vertues beeing generally enuied by such as could not equall them , they thought to disgrace him in something , and gaue him the contemptible name of counterfeit and bastard : this made him curiously inquisitiue of his supposed mother , and she not able in that point to resolue him , hee made a iourney to Delphos , to consult with the Oracle : about the true knowledge of his birth and parents , which forewarned him from returning into his countrey , because he was destinied not onely to be the deathsman of his father , but to adde misery vnto mischiefe , he was likewise borne to be incestuous with his mother . Which to preuent : and still supposing himselfe to be the sonne of Polybus and Peribaea , he forbore to returne to Corinth , and hyring a charriot , tooke the way towards Phocis . It happened that in a strait and narrow passage meeting with his father Laius and Polyphontes his charioter , they contended for the way , but neither willing to giue place , from words they fell to blowes : in which contention , Polyphontes kild one of the horses that drew the charriot of Oedipus : at which inraged , he drew his sword , and first slew Polyphontes , and next Laius who seconded his seruant , and thence tooke his ready way towards Thebes . Damasistratus king of the Plataeenses finding the body of Laius caused it to be honorably interred . In this interim Creon the sonne of Menecoeus in this vacancie whilest there was yet no king , inuades Thebes , and after much slaughter possesseth himselfe of the kingdome . Iuno , to vexe them the more sent thither the monster Sphinx , borne of Echidna and Tiphon ; she had the face of a woman , the wings of a fowle , and the breast feete and tayle of a lyon : she hauing learned certaine problemes and Aenigmaes of the muses , disposed her selfe in the mountaine Phycaeus , The riddle which she proposed to the Thebans was this , What creature is that which hath one distinguishable voyce , The riddle of Sphinx . that first walkes vpon foure , next two , and lastly vpon three feet , and the more legges it hath , is the lesse able to walke ? The strict conditions of this monster were these , that so often as he demanded the solution of this question , till it was punctually resolued , he had power to chuse out any of the people where he best liked , whom hee presently deuoured : but they had this comfort from the Oracle , That this Aenigma should be no sooner opened , and reconciled with truth , but they should bee freed from this misery and the monster himselfe should be destroyed . The last that was deuoured was Aemon son to king Creon , who fearing least the like sad fate might extend it selfe to the rest of his issue , caused proclamation to bee made , That whosoeuer could expound this riddle should marry Iocasta the wife of the dead king Laius , and be peaceably inuested in the kingdome : this no sooner came to the eares of Oedipus , but he vndertooke it and resolued it thus : This creature ( saith he ) is Man , who of all other hath onely a distinct voice , he is borne foure-footed , as in his infancy crawling vpon his feet and hands , who growing stronger erects himselfe and walkes vpon two onely , but growing decrepit and old , he is fitly said to mooue vpon three , as vsing the helpe of his staffe . This solution was no sooner published , but Sphinx cast her selfe headlong from the top of that high Promontory , and so perisht ; and Oedipus by marrying the queene , was with a generall suffrage instated in the kingdome . He begot of her two sonnes , and two daughters , Eteocles and Polinices , Ismene and Antigone ( though some write that Oedipus had these children by Eurigenia the daughter of Hiperphantes . ) These former circumstances after some yeares , no sooner came to light , but Iocasta in despaire strangled her selfe ; Oedipus hauing torne out his eyes was by the people expulsed Thebes , cursing at his departure his children for suffering him to vndergoe that iniurie : his daughter Antigone lead him as farre as to Colonus a place in Attica , where there is a groue celebrated to the Eumenides , and there rem●ined , till he was remooued thence by Theseus , and soone after dyed . And these are the best fruits that can grow from so abhominable a roote . Of the miserable end of his incestuous issue , he that would be further satisfied , let him reade Sophocles , Apollodorus , and others . Of him Tyresius thus prophesied : — Neque hic laetabitur Casibus & euentis suis : nam factus , &c. No comfort in his fortunes he shall find , He now sees cleerely , must at length be blind , And begge , that 's now a rich man , who shall stray Through forreine countreyes , for his doubtfull way Still groaping with his staffe . The brother , hee , And father of his children ( both ) shall be : His mothers sonne , and husband : first strike dead His father , and adulterate next his bed .

Crithaeis .

SHe was wife to one Phaemius a schoolemaster , Plutarch de Homero . and mother to Homer prince of the Greek Poets . Ephorus of Cuma , in a book intituled the Cumaean Negotiation , leaues her storie thus related : Atelles , Maeones , and Dius , three brothers , were borne in Cuma ; Dius being much indebted was forced to remoue thence into Ascra a village of Boetia , and there of his wife Picemeda hee begot Hesiodus . Atelles in his owne countrey dying a naturall death , committed the pupillage of his daughter Crithaeis , to his brother Meones : but comming to ripe growth , she being by him vitiated , and proouing with child , both fearing the punishment due to such an offence , she was conferred vpon Phaemius , to whom she was soone after married : and walking one day out of the cittie to bath her selfe in the riuer Miletus , shee was by the flood side deliuered of young Homer , and of the name thereof called him Melesigines . But after loosing his sight hee was called Homer , for such of the Cumaeans and Ionians are called Omouroi . Aristotle he writes contrarie to Ephorus , that what time Neleus the sonne of Codrus was President in Ionia of the Collonie there then newly planted , De re Poet. ●i . 3. a beautifull Virgin of this nation was forced and deflowred by one of the Genius's which vsed to daunce with the Muses , who after remooued to a place called Aegina , and meeting with certaine forragers and robbers that made sundrie incursions into the countrie , shee was by them surprised and brought to Smyrna , who presented her to Meonides a companion to the king of the Lydians ; hee at the first sight inamoured of her beautie tooke her to wife , who after sporting herselfe by the bankes of Miletus brought foorth Homer , and instantly expired . And since we haue had occasion to speake of his mother , let it not seeme altogether impertinent to proceede a little of the sonne : who by reason of his being hurried in his childhood from one place to another , and ignorant both of his countrey and parents , went to the Oracle to be resolued concerning them both , as also , his future fortunes ; who returned him this doubtfull answere , Faelix & miser ad sortem es quia natus vtramque , Perquiris patriam , matris tibi non patris extat , &c. Happie , and wretched , both must be thy fate , That of thy Countrey doost desire to hea●● ; Knowne is thy mothers Cl'ime , thy fathers not An Island in the Sea , to Creet not neer , Nor yet farre off , in which thou shalt expire , When boyes a riddle shall to thee propose , Whose darke Aenigma thou canst not acquire . A double Fate thy life hath , thou shalt loose Thine eyes : yet shall thy loftie Muse ascend , And in thy death , thou life haue without end .

In his latter daies he was present at Thebes at their great feast called Saturnalia , and from thence comming to Ius and sitting on a stone by the water-port , there landed some fishermen , whom Homer asked what they had taken , but they hauing got nothing that day , but for want of other worke onely lousing themselues , thus merilie answered him : Non capta afferimus : fuerant quae capta relictis . We bring with vs those that we could not find , But all that we could catch we left behind .

Meaning , that all such vermine as they could catch they cast away , but what they could not take they brought along . Which riddle when Homer could not vnfold , it is sayd that for verie griefe hee ended his life . This vnmatchable Poet whom no man regarded in his life , yet when his workes were better considered of after his death , hee had that honour that seuen famous citties contended about the place of his birth , euerie one of them appropriating it vnto themselues : Pindarus the Poet makes question whether he were of Chius or Smyrna ; Simonides affirmes him to be of Chius ; Antimachus and Nicander of Colophon ; Aristotle the Philosopher to bee of Iüs ; Ephorus the Historiographer that hee was of Cuma . Some haue beene of opinion that he was borne in Salamine , a cittie of Cipria ; others , amongst the Argiues ; Aristarchus and Dyonisius Thrax deriue him from Athens , &c. But I may haue occasion to speake of him in a larger worke intituled The liues of all the Poets Moderne and Forreigne , to which worke ( if it come once againe into my hands ) I shall refer you , concluding him with this short Epitaph :

An Epitaph vpon Homer prince of Poets . In Colophon some thinke thee ( Homer ) borne , Some in faire Smyrna , some in Iüs Isle , Some with thy byrth rich Chius would adorne , Others say , Cuma first on thee did smile . The Argiues lay claime to thee , and a●er Thou art their countrie-man , * * Aemus a Hil in Thessaly where some say Homar was borne . Aemus saies no. Strong Salamine sayth thou tookest life from her . But Athens thou to her thy Muse dost owe , ( As there first breathing . ) Speake , how then shall I Determine of thy countrie by my skill , When Oracles would neuer ? I will trie , And Homer ( wilt thou giue me leaue ) I will The spations Earth then for thy countrie chuse , No mortall for thy mother , but a Muse.

Doris the sister of Nereus the Sea-god , was by him stuprated : of whome he begot the Nimphes called Nereides ; Ouid in his sixt booke Metamorph. telleth vs of Philomela daughter to Pandion king of Athens , who was forced by Tereus king of Thrace , the son of Mars and the Nimph Bistonides , though he had before married her owne deere and naturall sister Progne : the lamentable effects of which incest , is by the same author elegantly and at large described : as likewise Beblis the daughter of Miletus and Cyane , who after she had sought the imbraces of her brother Caumus , slew her selfe . Mirrha daughter to Cyniras king of the Cyprians , lay with her father , and by him had the beautifull child Adonis . Europa the mother , and Pelopeia the daughter , were both corrupted by Thyestes . Hypermestra inioyed the companie of her brother , for whom shee had long languished . Menephron most barbarously frequented the bedde of his mother ; against whom Ouid in his Metamorph. and Quintianus in his Cleopol . bitterly inueigh . Domitius Calderinus puts vs in mind of the Concubine of Amintor , who was inioied by his sonne Phaenix . Rhodope the daughter of Hemon , was married to her father , which the gods willing to punish , they were ( as the Poets feigne ) changed into the mountaines which still beare their names . Caeleus reportes of one Policaste , the mother of Perdix a hunts-man , who was by him incestuously loued , and after inioyed . Lucan in his eight booke affirmes , that Cleopatra was polluted by her own brother , with whom she communicated her selfe as to a husband . Nictimine was comprest by her father Nictus , king of Aethiopia . Martiall in his twelfe booke writing to Fabulla , accuseth one Themison of incest with his sister . Pliny lib. 28. cap. 2. speakes of two of the Vestalls , Thusia and Copronda , both conuicted of incest ; the one buried aliue , the other strangled . Publius Claudius was accused by M. Cicero of incest with his three sisters . Sextus Aurelius writes , that Agrippina the daughter of Germanicus had two children by her brother Claudius Caesar ; Cornelius Tacitus sayth that she often communicated her body with her owne sonne Nero , in his cups and heat of wine : he after commanded her wombe to be ripped vp , that he might see the place where he had lien so long before his byrth ; and most deseruedly was it inflicted vpon the brutish mother , though vnnaturally imposed by the inhuman sonne . A●silaena is worthily reprooued by Catullus for yeelding vp her body to the wanton imbraces of her vncle , by whom shee had children Gidica the wife of Pomonius Laurentinus , doted on her sonne Cominus euen to incest , but by him refused , she stangled her selfe . The like did Phedra being dispised by her sonne Hippolitus . Dosithaeus apud Plutarch speakes of Nugeria the wife of Hebius , who contemned by her sonne in law Firmus , prosecuted him with such violent and inueterate hate , that she first solicited her owne sonnes to his murder ; but they abhorring the vilenesse of the fact , she watcht him sleeping , and so slew him . Iohn Maletesta deprehending his wife in the armes of his brother Paulus Maletesta , transpierst them both with his sword in the incestious action . Cleopatra daughter to Dardanus king of the Scithyans , and wife to Phinaeus , was forced by her two sonnes in law : for which fact their father caused their eyes to be plucked out . Plutarch reports of Atossa , that shee was doted on by Artaxerxes , insomuch that after hee had long kept her as his strumpet , against the lawes of Persia and of Greece , to both which he violently opposed himselfe , he made her his queene . Curtius writes of one Sisimithres a Persian soldier , that had two children by his mother . Diogenian also speaking of Secundus the Philosopher saith , that he ( vnawars to them both ) committed incest with his mother , which after being made knowne to them , she astonished with the horror of the fact immediately slew her selfe , and he , what with the sorrow for her death and brutishnesse of the deed , vowed neuer after to speake word , which he constantly performed to the last minute of his life . Manlius in his common places reportes from the mouth of D. Martin Luther , A strange Incest . that this accident happened in Erphurst in Germanie : There was ( saith he ) a maid of an honest familie that was seruant to a rich widdow , who had a sonne that had many times importuned the gyrle to leaudnesse , insomuch that shee had no other way to auoide his continuall suggestions , but by acquainting the mother with the dissolut courses of the sonne . The widdow considering with herselfe which was the best course to chide his libidinous purpose and diuert him from that leaud course , plotted with the maid to giue him a seeming consent , and to appoint him a place and time in the night , of meeting , at which he should haue the fruition of what he so long had sued for : shee herselfe intending to supplie the place of her seruant , to schoole her son , and so preuent any inconuenience that might futurely happen . The maid did according to her appointment , the sonne with great ioy keepes his houre , so did the mother , who came thither on purpose to reforme her sonne ; but he being hot and too forward in the action , and she ouercome , either by the inticements of the diuell , the weakenesse of her Sex , or both , gaue herselfe vp to Incestuous prostitution , the young man knowing no otherwise but that hee had inioyed the maid . Of this wicked and abhominable congression , a woman child was begot of whom the mother ( to saue her reputation ) was secretly deliuered , and put it out priuately to nourse , but at the age of seuen yeares tooke it home . When this child grew to yeares , the most infortunate sonne fell in loue with his sister , and daughter , and made her his vnhappie wife : what shall I thinke of this detestable sinne , which euen beasts themselues abhor ? of which I will giue you present instance . Lib. 9. cap. 47. Incest abhominable in beasts . Aristotle in his historie Annimal . who was a diligent searcher into all naturall things , affirmes that a Cammell being blinded by his keeper , was brought to horse his damme , but in the action , the cloth falling from his eyes and he perceiuing what he had done , presently seised vpon his keeper and slew him , in detestation of the act he had committed , and to reuenge himselfe vpon him that had betraied him to the deed . The like the same author reports of a horse belonging to a king of Scythia , who could by no meanes be brought to couer his damme , but being in the same fashion beguiled , and the cloath falling away , and perceiuing what hee had done , neuer left bounding , flinging and galloping , till comming vnto an high rocke , hee from thence cast himselfe headlong into the sea . If then this sinne be so hatefull in bruite beasts and vnreasonable creatures , how much more ought it to be auoided in men and women , and which is more , Christians ?

Cyborea , the mother of Iudas Iscariot .

THis that I now speake of is remembred by Ranulphus , Monke of Chester , Ierome , and others . There was a man in Ierusalem by name Reuben , of the Tribe of Isachar , his wife was called Cyborea : The first night of their marriage the woman dreamed that she was conceiued of a sonne who should bee a traytour to the Prince of his owne people : she told it to her husband , at which they were both sad and pensiue . The child being borne , and they not willing to haue it slaine , and yet loath to haue it prooue such a monster to his owne nation , they in a small boat cast it to sea to try a desperate fortune , this vessell was driuen vpon an Island called Iscariot , where the Queene of that place had then no child . This babe being found , she purposed to make it her owne , and put it to be nobly nurced and educated , calling his name Iudas , and Iscariot of the Island where he was taken vp . But not long after , shee was conceiued of a sonne , who prouing a noble and hopefull gentleman , Iudas ( whose fauour in court began to wane , and his hope of inheritance , which but late flourisht now quite to wither ) he plotted against his life and priuately slew him : but fearing least the murder might in time bee discouered , and hee compeld to suffer according to the nature of the fact , hee fled thence to Ierusalem , where he got into the seruice of Pontius Pilatus , and found meanes to be protected by him , being then in the cittie deputie gouernour for the Romans . Iudas ( because their dispositions were much of one condition ) grew into his especiall familiaritie and fauour . The Pallace of Pilot hauing a faire bay window , whose prospect was into Reubens Orchard , he had a great appetite to eate of some of those ripe apples which shewed so yellow and faire against the sunne . This Iudas vnderstanding , promist him to fetch him some of that fruit , and mounting ouer the orchard wall , he was met by his father , who rebuking him for the iniurie , Iudas with a stone beat out his braines , and vnseene of any , conueyed himselfe backe . Reubens death was smothered , and the murderer not knowne . Cyborea being a rich widdow , Pylate made a match betwixt her and his seruant Iudas , who being marryed to his mother was now possest of his owne fathers inheritance . Not long this incestuous couple had liued together , but Cyborea being vpon a time wondrous sad and melancholy , and Iudas demanding the cause , she began to relate to him her many misfortunes ; First , of her dreame , then of her sonne in what manner he was put to sea , then how she lost her husband being slaine , and the murderer not found ; and lastly , how by the authoritie of Pilat she was now compeld to match against her will , who had protested to her selfe a lasting widdowhood . By these circumstances , Iudas most assuredly knew that he had slaine his father , and had marryed his mother ; which acknowledging to her , she persuaded him to repent him of these great euills , and to become a Disciple of Iesus , who was then an eminent Prophet amongst the Iewes . It shall not be amisse to speake a word or two of Pilate . It is said that a king whose name was Tyrus begat him on a Millers daughter , Pyla , Pyla. whose father was called Atus , who from his mother and grandfather was called Pylatus , at foure yeares of age he was brought to his father , who by his lawfull wife had a prince iust of the same age . These were brought vp together in all noble exercises , in which the prince hauing still the best , Pylat awaited his opportunitie and slew him ; loath was the king to punish him with death least he should leaue himselfe altogether Issulesse , therefore hee sent him an hostage to Rome , for the payment of certaine tribute which was yearly to be tendred into the Roman treasurie . Liuing there as hostage , he assotiated himselfe with the son to the king of France , who lay pledge in Rome about the like occasion , and in a priuate quarrell was also slaine by Pylat . The Romans finding him of an austere brow and bloodie disposition , made him gouernour of the Island called Pontus : the people were irregular and barbarous , whom by his seueritie he reduced to all ciuill obedience , for which good seruice he was remooued to Ierusalem , bearing the name of Pontius from that Island ; there hee gaue sentence against the Sauiour of the world . Tiberius Caesar being then Emperour was sicke of a grieuous maladie , who hearing that in Ierusalem was a Prophet who with a word healed all infirmities whatsoeuer , hee sent one Volutianus to Herod , to send him this man ; but Christ was before condemned and crucified . Veronica . There Volutianus acquainted himselfe with one Veronica a noble Ladie of the Iewes , who went with him to Rome and carried with her the lynnen cloth which still bore the impresse and likenesse of Christs visage , vpon which the Emperour no sooner looked but he was immediately healed . The Emperour then vnderstanding the death of this innocent and just man , caused Pylat to be brought to Rome , who being called before Caesar ( the historie saith ) he had at that time vpon him the roabe of our Sauiour , which was called Tunica Insutilis , a garment without seame , which whilest it was about him , nothing could be obiected against him to his least dammage or disgrace ; this was three times prooued , and he still came off vnaccused , but when by the aduise of this Veronica and other Christians , the garment was tooke off , he was then accused for causing guiltlesse men to be slaine , for erecting statues of strange nations in the Temple , against the ordinances of the Iewes ; that with mony wrested and extorted from the holie treasures , hee had made a water-conduit to his owne house ; that he kept the Vestiments and sacred roabes of the Priests in his owne house , and would not deliuer them for the seruice of the Temple without mercenarie hire : of these and other things being conuicted , he was sent to prison , where borrowing a knife to pare an apple he slew himselfe , his bodie after was fastned to a great stone and cast into the riuer Tiber.

Of Adulteresses .

FRom the Incestuous , I proceede to the Adulteresses . Aulus Gellius in his first booke de Mortibus Atticis cites these words out of Varroes Menippea , Cap. 17. The errours ( sayth he ) and vices of the wife are either to be corrected , or indured ; he that chastiseth her makes her the more conformable , he that suffers her , makes himselfe the better by it : thus interpreting Varroes meaning , That husbands ought to reproue the vices of their wiues , but if they bee peruerse and intractable , his patience ( though it preuaile not with them ) yet much benefits himselfe : yet are not their insolencies any way to be incouraged , because it is a dutie exacted from all men , to haue a respect to the honour of their houses and families : Besides , such as will not be reformed by counsell are by the Lawes to be punished . Caesar sued a diuorse from his wife because she was but suspected of adulterie , though no manifest guilt could be prooued against her , Lysias the famous Orator declaimed against his wife in a publike oration , because he was iealous of her spouse-breach . But much is that inhumane rashnesse to bee auoided , by which men haue vndertooke to be their owne justicers , and haue mingled the pollution of their bdes with the blood of the delinquents , Cato Censorius reckons such in the number of common executioners , and counts them little better than bloodie hangmen ; For ( saith he ) impious & abhominable it is for any man to pollute his hands in such vnnaturall murder , hee may with as much justice violate the ordinances of the common-weale , or with as great integritie prophane the sacreds of the gods . Sufficient it is that we haue laws to punish , the judges to examine and sentence all such transgressors . Nero the most barbarous of princes after that by kicking and spurning he had slain his wife Poppaea in his anger , though he was altogether composed of mischief , yet when he recollected himselfe & truely considered the vildnesse of the fact , he not onely with great sorrow bewailed her death , to make what amends he could to the dead bodie before outraged , but hee would not suffer her coarse to bee burned in the Roman fires , but caused a funerall pile of all sweet and oderiferous woods ( fetcht from the furthest parts of the world ) to bee erected , sending vp her smoke as insence offered vnto the gods , and after caused her ashes in a golden vrne to be conserued in the famous sepulchre of the Iulian familie : Neither is this discourse aimed to persuade men to too much remisnes in wincking at , and sleeping out the adulteries of their wiues . A most shamefull thing it was in Antonius , the best of the Caesars to extoll his wife Faustina for the best of women , Faustina the wife of Claudius . and most temperate of wiues , when it was most palpably knowne to all men , how in Caieta she commonly prostituted her selfe to Players and Minstrells . L. Sylla that was surnamed Happie , was in this most infortunat , because his easie nature was persuaded that his wife Metella was the chastest of matrons , when her knowne loosenesse and notorious incontinence was ballated vp and downe the cittie . Disgracefull it was in Philip king of Macedon , who hauing conquered diuers nations , and subdued many kingdomes , yet could not gouerne one wife at home : who though he had manifest probabilitie of her loosenesse and riots , yet suffered with all patience her insufferable insolencies , and being violently thrust out of her bed-chamber by her , and her maides , dissembled the iniurie to his friends , excusing the wrong and seeming to laugh at the iniurie . In like manner Clodius the Emperour excused his wife Messalina , being taken in adulterie : this libertie grew to boldnesse , and that boldnesse to such a height of impudencie , that from that time forward she tooke pride to commit those luxuries in publike , which at first she not without blushes aduentured on in priuat . It is related of her , that before the faces of her handmaides and seruants , she dissolutely ( I might say brutishly ) cast her selfe into the imbraces of one S●lius ; not content with secret inchastitie vnlesse she had a multitude to witnesse her abhominable congression : of whom the most excellent of the Satyrists thus speakes , Quid priuata domus , quid fecerit Hippia curas Respice riuales diuorum , Claudius audi Quae tulerit — Doost thou take care what s done at home , Or Hippia doost thou feare ? Behold the riualls of the gods , What Claudius , he doth beare .

The sacred institution of marriage , was not onely for procreation , but that man should make choice of a woman , and a woman to make election of a husband , as companions and comforters one of another as well in aduersitie as prosperitie . Aristotle conferres the cares and businesses that lie abroad , vpon the husband , but the domesticke actions within doores , he assignes to the wife ; for he holds it as inconuenient and vncomely for the wife to busie herselfe about any publike affaires , as for the man to play the cotqueane at home .

Lib. 4. Marriage ( as Franciscus Patricius sayth ) becomes the ciuile man , to which though hee be not compelled by necessitie , yet it makes the passage of life more pleasing and delightfull , not ordained for the satisfying of lust , but the propagation of issue . Aelius Verus one of the Roman Emperours , a man giuen to all voluptuousnesse , when his wife complained vnto him of his extrauagancies , as neuer satisfied with change of mistresses and concubines , hee thus answered her , Suffer me ô wife , to exercise my delights vpon other women , for the word Wife is a name of dignitie and honour , not of wantonnesse and pleasure . The punishment of a woman taken in adulterie ( as Plutarch in his Quest. Grec . relates ) was amongst the Cumaeans after this manner : The punishment of Adulterie . Shee was brought into the market-place , and set upon a stone in the publique view of all the people ; when shee had certaine houres sat there as a spectacle of scorne , shee was mounted vpon an Asse and led through all the streetes of the cittie , and then brought backe againe and placed vpon the same stone , euer after reputed notorious and infamous and had the name of Onobatis , i. riding vpon an Asse , and the stone on which she was seated , held as polluted and abhominable . Aelianus in his twelfe booke , thus sets downe the punishment of an adulterer amongst the Cretans : He was first brought before the judgement seate , and being conuicted , hee was crowned with wooll to denote his effeminacie , fined with an extraordinarie mulct , held infamous amongst the people , and made vncapable of office or dignitie in the common-weale . Amongst the Parthians , no sinne was more seuerely punished than adulterie . Carondas made a decree . That no cittisen or matron should be taxed in the commodie vnles it were for Adulterie or vaine curiositie . Plutarch remembers two young men of Syracusa that were familiar friends , De reip. Gereui . pr●ceptis . the one hauing occasion to trauell abroad about his necessarie occasions , left his wife in the charge of his bosome companion whom he most trusted , who broke his faith and vitiated the woman in his friends absence ; hee returning and finding the iniurie done him , concealed his reuenge for a season , till he found the opportunitie to strumpet the others wife , which was the cause of a bloodie and intestine warre almost to the ruin of the whole cittie . The like combustion was kindled betwixt Pardalus and Tirhenus vpon semblant occasion . Lyuie in the tenth booke of his Decades relates that Q. Fabius Gurges sonne to the Consull , amerced the matrons of Rome for their adulteries , and extracted from them so much coine at one time , as builded the famous Temple of Venus neere to the great Circus . So much of the same in generall , now I come to a more particular suruey of the persons .

Of many great Ladies branded with Adultery amongst the Romans : and first of Posthumia .

THis Posthumia was the wife of Seruius Sulpitius , as Lollia the wife of Aulus Gabinus , Tertullia of Marcus Crassus , Mutia the wife of C. Pompeius , Seruitia the mother of Marcus Brutus , Iulia the daughter of Seruitia , and the third wife of Marcus Crassus , Furies Maura the Queene of King Bogades , Cleopatra of Aegypt and after beloued of Marcus Antonius , one of the Triumuirat : all these Queenes and noble Matrons is Iulius Caesar saide to haue adulterated . Liuia the wife of Augustus Caesar was by him first strumpeted , and beeing great with child , to recompence her wrong , hee hastened the marriage . This was obiected to him in an oration by Antonius . Tertullia , Drusilla , Saluia Scribonia , Tilisconia : with all these noble matrons he is said to haue commerse . Likewise with a great Senators wife , whose name is not remembred , Augustus being at a publique banquet in his owne pallace , An impudent whoredome . withdrew himselfe from the table in the publique view , and before the cloth was taken vp brought her back againe , and seated her in her owne place with her haire ruffled , her cheekes blushing , and her eyes troubled . Messalina . Messalina the wife of Claudius Tiberius , first priuatly , then publiquely prostituted her selfe to many , insomuch that custome grew to that habit , that such as she affected , and either for modesties sake or feare durst not enter into her imbraces , by some stratagem or other she caused to be murdred ( as Claudian saith : ) her insatiat desires yet stretched further , making choice of the most noble virgins and matrons of Rome , whom she either persuaded or compelled to be companions with her in her adulteries . She frequented common brothel-houses , trying the abilities of many choice and able young men by turnes , from whence ( it is said of her ) she returned wearied but not satisfied : if any man refused her imbraces , her reuenge stretched not only to him , but vnto all his familie . And to crowne her libidinous actions , it is proued of her that in the act of lust she contended with a mercenarie and common strumpet , which in that kind should haue the prioritie , and that the empresse in the 25 action became victor . Of hir , Pliny , Iuuinall , and Sex . Aurelius speakes more at large : a strange patience it was in an emperour to suffer this . A countrey fellow and his mistresse . I rather commend that penurious fellow , who hauing married a young wife , and keeping her short both in libertie and diet , she cast her eyes vpon a plaine countrie fellow , one of her seruants , and in short time grew with child : the old churle mistrusting his owne weaknesse , beeing as much indebted to his bellie as to his seruants for their wages ( for his parsimonie made him ingaged to both ) and now fearing a further charge would come vpon him , he got a warrant to bring them both before a justice . They being conuented , and he hauing made his case knowne , the gentlewoman being asked vpon diuers interogatiues , modestly excused her selfe , but not so cleanly but that the complaint sounded in some sort iust , and the case apparant . The countrie fellow was next called in question , to whom the justice with an austere countinance thus spake , Syrra , syrra , resolue me truly ( saith he ) & it shal be the better for thee , Hast thou got this woman with child yea or no ? to whom the plaine fellow thus bluntly answered , Yes sir I think I haue : how ( quoth the justice ) thou impudent and bawdie knaue , shew me what reason thou hadst to get thy mistresse with child : to whom the fellow replied , I haue serued my master ( a verie hard man ) so many yeares and I neuer got any thing else in his seruice . How this businesse was compounded I know not certainly , onely of this I am assured , that our English women are more curtious of their bodies than bloodie of their minds . Such was not Roman Fabia , Fabia . who as Plutarch in his Paralells relates , was the wife of Fabius Fabricanus , and gaue her selfe vp to a young gentleman of Rome called Petronius Valentianus , by whose councell she after slew her husband , that they might the more freely inioy their luxuries . Salust and Valerius Maximus both report of Aurelia Oristilla , who suffered her selfe to be corrupted by Catelyn ( against whom Cicero made many eloquent orations ) who the freelier to enioy her bed , caused her sonne to be poisoned . Comparable to Fabia , Thimen . sauing in murder , was Thimen the wife of king Agis , who forsaking the lawfull bed of her husband suffered her selfe to be vitiated by Alcibiades of Athens . Neuina . Martiall in his Epigrams writes of one Neuina , who going chast to the bath returned thence an adulteresse : of her thus speaking , Incidit in Flammam , veneremque secula relicto Coniuge : Penelope venit , abatque Helena .

Which is thus Englisht . She fell in fire , and followed lust , Her husband quite reiected , She thither came Penelope chast Went Hellen thence detected . Paula , Thelesina , Proculina , Lectoria , Gellia , all these are by some authors branded for the like inchastities .

An Egyptian Lady .

A yong cittisens wife . I Haue heard of a young cittisen , who hauing marryed a pretty wanton lasse ( and as yong folke loue to be dallying one with another ) set her vpon his knee , and sporting with her , and pointing one of his fingers at her face , now my little rogue ( saith hee ) I could put out one of thine eyes : to whom with her two longest fingers stretched forth right , and ayming at him in the like fashion , she thus answered : If with one finger thou put out one of mine eyes , with these two I will put out both yours . This was but wantonnesse betwixt them , and appeared better in their action , than in my expression : and though I speake of a blind King , hee lost not his eyes that way . Herodotus relates that after the death of Sesostris king of Aegypt , his sonne Pherones succeeded in the kingdome , who not long after his attaining to the principalitie was depriued of his sight : The reason whereof some yeeld to bee this , Thinking to passe the riuer Nilus , either by inundations , or the force of the winds , the waters were driuen so farre backe , that they were flowed eighteene cubites aboue their woonted compasse , at which the king inraged , shot an arrow into the riuer as if he would haue wounded the channell . Whether the gods tooke this in contempt , or the Genius of the riuer was inraged , is vncertaine : but most sure it is , that not long after hee lost all the vse of sight , and in that darknesse remained for the space of tenne yeares . After which time ( in great melancholly ) expired , hee receiued this comfort from the Oracle , which was then in the cittie Butis , That if hee washt his eyes in the vrine of a woman who had beene marryed a full twelue moneth , and in that time had in no wayes falsified in her owne desires , nor derogated from the honour of her husband , he should then assuredlie receiue his sight . At which newes beeing much reioyced , and presuming both of certaine and sudden cure , he first sent for his wife and queene , and made proofe of her pure distillation , but all in vaine ; he sent next for all the great Ladies of the Court , and one after one washt his eyes in their water , but still they smarted the more , yet hee saw no whit the better ; but at length when hee was almost in despaire , he happened vpon one pure and chast lady , A strange cure . by whose vertue his sight was restored and he plainely cured : who after hee had better considered with himselfe , caused his wife withall those Ladies ( sauing she onely by whose temperance and chastitie hee had reobtaind the benefite of the Sunne ) to bee assembled into one cittie● pretending there to feast them honourably for ioy of his late recouerie . Who were no sooner assembled at the place called Rubra Gleba , apparrelled in all their best iewells and chiefest ornaments , but commaunding the cittie gates to be shut vpon them , caused the cittie to be set on fire , and sacrificed all these adulteresses as in one funerall pile , reseruing onely that Lady of whose loyaltie the Oracle had giuen sufficient testimony , whom he made the partaker of his bed and kingdome . I wish there were not so many in these times , whose waters if they were truely cast by the doctors , would not rather by their pollution put out the eyes quite , than with their cleerenesse and purity minister to them any helpe at all .

Laodice .

IVstine in his 37 booke of History , speakes of this Laodice , the wife and ●ister to Mithridates king of Pontus : After whose many victories , as hauing ouerthrowne the Scythians and put them to flight , those who had before defeated Zopyron , a great captaine of Alexanders army , which consisted of thirtie thousand of his best souldiours , the same that ouercame Cyrus in battaile with an armie of two hundred thousand , with those that had affronted and beaten king Philip in many oppositions , being fortunately and with great happines stil attended , by which he more and more flourisht in power , and increased in maiestie . In this height of fortune , as neuer hauing knowne any disaster , hauing bestowed some time in managing the affaires of Pontus , and next such places as he occupyed in Macedonia ; he priuately then retyred himselfe into Asia , where he tooke view of the scituation of those defensed citties , and this without the iealousie or suspition of any . From thence he remooued himselfe into Bythinia , proposing in his owne imaginations as if hee were already Lord of all . After this long retirement hee came into his owne kingdome , where by reason of his absence , it was rumoured and giuen out for truth that he was dead . At his arriuall he first gaue a louing and friendly visitation to his wife and sister Laodice , who had not long before in that vacancie brought him a young sonne . But in this great ioy and solemnitie made for his welcome , hee was in great danger of poyson : An vnnatural wife . for Laodice supposing ( it seemes ) Mithridates to be dead as it before had beene reported ( and therefore safe enough ) had prostituted her selfe to diuers of her seruants and subiects : and now fearing the discouerie of her adulterie , shee thought to shaddow a mightie fault with a greater mischiefe , and therefore prouided this poysoned draught for his welcome : But the king hauing intelligence thereof by one of her handmaides who deceiued her in her trust , expiated the treason with the bloods of all the conspirators . I reade of another Laodice the wife of Ariarythres the king of Cappadocia , who hauing six hopefull sonnes by her husband , poysoned fiue of them , after she had before giuen him his last infectious draught ; the youngest was miraculously preserued from the like fate , who after her decease ( for the people punisht her crueltie with death ) succeeded in the kingdome . It is disputed in the greeke Commentaries , by what reason or remedy affection once so diuelishly setled in the brest or heart of a woman , may bee altered or remooued ; or by what confection adulterous appetite , once lodged and kindled in the bosome , may bee extinguished . The Magitians haue deliuered it to bee a thing possible ; so likewise Cadmus Milesius , who amongst other monuments of history writ certaine tractates concerning the abolishing of loue ( for so it is remembred by Suidas in his collections . ) And therefore I would inuite all women of corrupted breasts to the reading of this briefe discourse following . A remarkeable example was that of Faustina , Faustina wife to Marcus Philosophus : a noble and illustrious Lady , who though she were the daughter of Antonius Pius the Emperour , and wife to Marcus Philosophus , notwithstanding her fathers maiestie , and her husbands honor , was so besotted vpon a Gladiator or common fencer , that her affection was almost growne to frensie : for which strange disease , as strange a remedie was deuised . The Emperour perceiuing this distraction still to grow more and more vpon his daughter , consulted with the Chaldaeans and Mathematicians in so desperat a case what was best to bee done : after long consideration it was concluded amongst them , that there was but onely one way left open to her recouerie , and that was , to cause the fencer to be slaine ; which done , to giue her a full cuppe of his luke-warme blood , which hauing drunke off , to goe instantlie to bed to her husband . This was accordingly done , and she cured of her contagious disease . That night was ( as they said ) begot Antoninus Commodus , The birth of Commodus . who after succeeded in the Empire , who in his gouernment did so afflict the Commonweale and trouble the Theatre with fensing and prises , and many other bloody butcheries , that he much better deserued the name of Gladiator than Emperour . This that I haue related Iulius Capitolinus writes to Caesar Dioclesianus . Were all our dissolute matrons to be cured by the like Phisicke , there would ( no question ) be amongst men lesse offendors , and among women fewer patients that complained of sicke stomackes .

Phaedima .

CAmbises hauing before vnnaturally slaine his brother Smerdis , by the hands of his best trusted friend Praxaspes : but after the death of the king ( for the horridnes of the fact ) the Regicide not daring to auouch the deed to the people , least it might preiudice his owne safetie : One Smerdis a Magician ( whose eares Cambises had before caused to be cut off ) tooke this aduantage to aspire to the kingdome : A notable Imposter . and beeing somewhat like in fauour to the murdered Prince , ( who was by the souldiours generally beleeued to liue ) it purchast him so many abettors ( such as were deluded with his impostures ) that he was generally saluted and crowned Emperour . This was done whilest the greatest part of the Nobilitie were absent , and none since , admitted into the pallace , much lesse into the presence , least the Magitian might bee vnviserded , and the deceit made palpable . The greater feares and doubts still inuironing the Princes , because Praxaspes not daring to iustifie the murder , kept it still lockt in his own breast . The Magitian in this interim was not onely possest of all the Kings Pallaces and Treasures , but he inioyed all his wiues and concubines ; amongst which was a beautifull Lady called Phaedima , the daughter of Otanes , a man of great power amongst the Persians . Phaedima . This Lady first ( of all the rest ) most indeered to Cambyses , and now since to the counterfeit Smerdis , Otanes apprehends to bee the first instrument , by which to discouer the truth : He therefore by a secret messenger sends to his daughter , to know by whom she nightly lay , whether with Smerdis the sonne of Cyrus , or with some other : to whom she answered that it was altogether vnknowne to her who was her bedfellow , because shee yet had neither seene Smerdis the sonne of Cyrus , nor that man ( whatsoeuer he was ) into whose imbraces she was commanded . He then sent her word , that if she her selfe could not come to the sight of him , to demaund of Atossa the daughter of Cyrus , and brother to Smerdis ; who doubtlesse could decipher him in euery true lineament . To which the daughter returnes him , That she was separated both from the societie and sight of Atossa , for this man whatsoeuer he is , as soone as hee had possest himselfe of the Empire , commanded all the women into seuerall lodgings , neither could they haue any discourse or intercourse at all together . This answer made Otanes the more and more suspitious , and desirous with any danger to finde out the truth , he aduentured a third message to Phaedima to this purpose : It behooues you ( ô daughter ) being descended from noble ancestours , to vndergoe any hazzard , especially at the request of your father , when it aimes at the generall good of the common-weale and kingdome ; if that imposter bee not Smerdis the brother of Cambises ( as I much feare ) it becoms him neither to prostitute and defile your body , nor to mocke and abuse the whole estate of Persia vnpunished : therefore I charge you as you tender my loue , your owne honour , and the Empires weale , that the next night when you are called vnto his bed , you watch the time when he is soundliest asleepe , and then with your fingers gently feele both the sides of his head ; if thou perceiuest him to haue both his eares , presume then thou lodgest by the side of Smerdis the sonne of Cyrus , but if on the contrary thou findest his eares wanting , then thou lyest in the bosome of Smerdis that base Magitian . To this she replyed by letter , Though I truely apprehend the danger , should I be taken seeking of such things as hee perhaps knowes wanting ( which can be no lesse than death ) yet for your loue and the common good , I will vndergoe the perill : and with this briefe answer gaue satisfaction to her father . But greater content he receiued from her , when hauing discouered and layd open whatsoeuer her father suspected , she sent him a faithfull relation of euery circumstance . Deceit discouered . These things discouered by Phaedima , Otanes makes a coniuration amongst the Princes , all vowing the supplantation of this vsurper : who in the interim , the more to confirme the people in their errour , he sent to Praxaspes , promising him honours and treasures , but to pronounce him once more before the people to bee the true and legitimate heire . This charge Praxaspes vndertakes , the multitude from all parts of the cittie were by the Magi assembled , and he mounted vnto the toppe of an high Turret the better to be heard , silence being made and attention prepared , Praxaspes begins his oration , in which hee remembers all the noble acts of Cyrus , with the dignitie of his blood and progenie : and passing ouer Cambises to come to speake of his brother Smerdis ( contrary to the expectation of the Magitian ) with teares began to commemorate the death of the Prince , murdered and made away by his infortunate hand . Then told them whom in his stead they had voyced into the Sacred Empire ; namely a groome and one of low and base descent , one that for cousenages and forgeries had lost his eares , a Magitian , a Coniurer , one that had long deluded them with his diuelish sorceries , a slaue not worthy at all to liue , much lesse to raigne and gouerne so noble a people : and as a further confirmation , that dying men speake true , these words were no sooner ended , but he casts himselfe off from the toppe of the Turret , and slew himselfe . After this , the Pallace was assaulted by the Princesse , the imposter slaine , and all his adherents put to massacre : Of the sequel of the history , the succession of Darius , &c. you may further reade in Herodotus . But concerning Phaedima , onely for whose sake I haue introduced the rest , I know not whether I haue indirectly brought her into this catalogue , because she was so noble a meanes of so notable a discouerie : yet considering she was one of the wiues of Cambises , and he being dead , so suddenly changing her affection to another ; and after being inioyed by him ( of what condition soeuer ) to betray him ; all these circumstances considered , I giue hir free liberty to bee ranked amongst the rest .

Begum , Queene of Persia.

ABdilcherai , a braue and valiant Prince of Tartaria , taken prisoner by Emirhamze Mirize eldest sonne to the king of Persia , in a battaile betwixt the Persians and Tartarians , was sent to the king into Casbia ; where his captiuity in regard of his birth and valour was so easie , that hee rather seemed a denison than a forreiner , a Prince of the blood than a captiue : hee not long soiourned there , Adulterie . but he insinuated himselfe into the loue of the Queene Begum wife to the then king of Persia , who spent their time together in such publike daliance ( not able to containe themselues within the bounds of any lawfull modestie ) that their familiaritie grew almost into a by-word , as farre as his iust taxation , the Queenes dishonour , and the kings scorne ; insomuch that both court and cittie made them not onely their argument of discourse but theame of table talke . Yet in all this banding of their disreputation , and the kings infamy , nothing euer came within the compasse of his eare knowledge or suspition : insomuch that seeing him to be so wel a featured gentleman , knowing the Tartar to bee so braue a souldiour , and approouing him to bee so compleate a courtier ; and withall acknowledging from what high lignage he was descended ( as boasting himselfe to bee the brother of the great Tartar Chan : The king of Persia therefore determined to marry him to his daughter , hoping by that meanes to vnite such a league , and confirme such an animitie betwixt the Tartarian Precopenses and himselfe , that they might not onely deny all ayde and assistance to Amurath the third of that name , and then the sixt Emperour of the Turks ; but also , if need were , or should any future discontent arise , oppose him in hostilitie . But this politicke purpose of the kings arriuing almost at the wished period , seemed so distastfull to the Sultans of Casbia , that they first attempted by arguments and reasons to diuert the king from this intended match : but finding themselues no wayes likelie to preuaile , to make the king see with what errours he was maskt , and with what sorceries deluded , They diligently awayted when in the absence of the king , the Tartar and the queene Begum kept their accustomed appointment ; of which the Sultans hauing notice , they entered that part of the Pallace , brake ope the doores , and rushed into the Queenes bed-chamber , where finding Abdilcherai in suspitious conference with the Queene , they slew him with their Sables , and after cutting off his priuie parts , most barbarously thrust them into his mouth , and after ( as some report ) slew the queene . Though this historie show great remisnes in the king , most sure I am it was too presumptiue an insolence in the subiect .

To this Persian queene , The wife of Otho the 3. I will ioyne the wife of Otho the third Emperour of that name . This lustfull ladie ( as Polycronicon makes mention ) was of somewhat a contrarie disposition with the former : For neglecting the pride and gallantrie of the court , she cast her eyes vpon an homely husbandman ; better supplied , it seemes , with the lineaments of nature than the ornaments of art , but with an honestie of minde exceeding both : for when this libidinous lady could by no tempting allurements abroad , nor fitting opportunitie sorted in priuate insinuate with him , either to violate his allegeance to his prince , or corrupt his owne vertue ; her former affection turned vnto such rage and malice , that she caused him to be accused of a capitall crime , conuicted , and executed . But the plaine honest man knowing her spleene and his own innocencie , he called his wife to him at the instant when his head was to be cut off : and besought her as she euer tendered his former loue ( which towards her he had kept inuiolate ) to meditate vpon some course or other by which his guiltlesse and vnmerited death might be made manifest to the world : which she with much sorrow and many teares hauing promised , hee gently submitted to his fate , and his bodie was deliuered to the charge of his widdow . Within few dayes after , the Emperour kept a day solemne , in which his custome was , being mounted vpon his royall Throne , to examine the causes of the fatherlesse and widdows , and to search wherein they were oppressed , and by whom , and in person to doe them justice . Among the rest came this iniured widdow and brings her husbands head in her hand , humblie kneeling before the Emperors throne , demaunding of him , What that inhumane wretch deserued , who had caused an innocent man to be put to death ? to whom the Emperour replyed , Produce that man before the judgement seat , and as I am royall hee shall assuredly loose his head . To whom she answered , Thou art that man ( ô Emperour ) for by thy power and authoritie this murder was committed ; and for an infallible testimonie that this poore husband of mine perished in his innocence , commaund red hot yrons to be brought into this place , ouer which if I passe barefooted and without any damage , presume he was then as much iniured in his death , as I am now made miserable in his losse . The yrons being brought , and her owne innocence , together with her husbands being made both apparant , the Emperour before all his nobilitie submitted himselfe to her own sentence . But at the intercession of the Bishop , the woman limitted him certaine daies in which he might find out the murder , he first demanded ten daies , after eight , then seuen , and last six , in wich time by inquirie and curious examinations , he found his wife to be the sole delinquent : Noble Iustice . for which she was brought to the barre , sentenced , and after burned . This done , Otho to recompence the woman for the losse of her husband , gaue her foure Castles and Townes in the Bishopricke of Beynensis , which still beare name according to the limit of those daies : First the Tenth , second the Eight , third the Seuenth , fourth the Sixt.

Olimpias .

OThas of Persia , hauing defeated Nectenabus king of Aegypt and expelled him from his kingdome ; he the better to secure himselfe from the Sophyes tyrannie , shaued his head and disguising himselfe , with all such jewells as he could conueniently carrie about him , conueyed himselfe into Macedonia : the authors of this historie are Vincentius and Treuisa . There ( as they say ) he liued as a Chaldaean or Cabalist , where by his Negromancie and art Magick , he wrought himselfe so deepely into the brest of Olimpias , that taking the opportunitie whilest Philip was abroad in his forreine expeditions , The byrth of Alexander . hee lay with her in the shape of Iupiter Hammon , and begot Alexander the Great . After the Queenes conception , many fowles vsed to flie about Philip when hee was busied in his warres ; amongst others , there was a Henne that as he sate in his tent , flew vp into his lap and there layd an egge , which done she cackling flew away : The king rising vp hastily , cast it vpon the ground and brake it , when suddenly a young Dragon was seene to leape out of the shell , and creeping round about it and making offer to enter therein againe , died ere it had quite compassed it . The king at this prodigie being startled , called all his Astrologers together , dem●unding of one Antiphon the noblest artist amongst them , What the omen might be of that wonder ? who answered him , That his wife Olimpias was great with a sonne , whose conquests should fill the world with astonishment , ayming to compasse the whole vniuerse , but should dye before he could reduce it into one intire Monarchie ; the Dragon being the embleme of a royall conquerour , and the round ouall circumference , the symboll of the world . With this answere Phillip was satisfied . When the time came of Olimpias her trauell , there were earth-quakes , lightnings , and thunders , as if the last dissolution had beene then present , when were seene ●wo Eagles pearched vpon the top of the Pallace , presaging the two great Empires of Europe and Asia . Young Alexander being growne towards manhood , it happened that walking abroad with Nectenabus , in the presence of his father Philip , the young prince requested the Astrologian to instruct him in his art . To whom Nectenabus answered , that with all willingnes he would ; and comming neere a deepe pit , Alexander thrust the Magitian headlong into that discent , by which sudden fall hee was wounded to death : yet Nectenabus calling to the prince , demanded for what cause he had done him such outrage ? Who answered , I did it by reason of thy art , for ignoble it were in a prince to studie those vaine sciences , by which men will vndertake to predict other mens fates , when they haue not the skill to preuent their owne . To whom Nectenabus answered , Yes Alexander I calculated mine owne destinie , by which I knew I should bee slaine by mine owne natural son . To whom the prince in derision thus speake , Base Negromancer , how canst thou bee my father , seeing that to the mightie king Philip here present , I owe all filiall dutie and obedience ? to whom Nectenabus rehearsed all the circumstances ( before related ) from the beginning , and as he concluded his speech so ended his life . How the husband vpon this information behaued himselfe towards his wife , or the sonne to his mother , I am not certaine , this I presume , it was a kind of needfull pollicie in both , the one to conceale his Cuckoldrie , the other his Bastardie : so much of Olimpias concerning the byrth of her son Alexander . I will proceede a little further to speake of her remarkable death , being as maiestically glorious as the processe of her life was in many passages thereof worthily infamous . Lib. 14. Iustine in his historie relates thus , Olimpias the wife of Philip and mother of Alexan●●r the Great , comming from Epirus vnto Macedonia , was followed by Aeacida● king of the Molossians , but finding herselfe to be prohibited that countrey , * * By Euridice and king Ari●●aeus . whether annimated by the memorie of her husband , incouraged with the greatnesse of her sonne , or mooued with the nature of the affront and iniurie , as shee receiued it , I am not certain , but she assembled vnto her all the forces of Macedonia , by whose power and her command , they were both slaine . About seuen yeares after Alexander was possest of the Kingdom : neither did Olimpias raigne long after , for when the murders of many princes had been by her committed , rather after an effeminate than regall manner , it conuerted the fauour of the multitude into an vnreconcilable hatred , which fearing , and withall hauing intelligence of the approch of Cassander ( now altogether distrusting the fidelitie of her owne countriemen ) shee with her sonnes wife Roxana , and her nephew young Hercules , retired into a cittie called Picthium , or Pictua ; in this almost forsaken societie were Deidamia daughter to king Aeacidas , Thessalonice , her owne daughter in law , famous in her father king Philips memorie , with diuers other princely Matrons , a small traine attending vpon them rather for show and state , than either vse or profit . These things being in order related to Cassander , he with all speede possible hastens towards the cittie Pictua , and inuests himselfe before it , compassing the place with an inuincible siege . Olimpias being now oppressed both with sword and famine , besides all the inconueniencies depending vpon a long and tedious warre , treated vpon conditions , in which her safe conduct , with her traines , being comprehended , she was willing to submit her selfe into the hands of the conqueror : at whose mercie , whilest her wauering fortunes yet stood , Cassander conuents the whole multitude , and in a publike oration desires to be counselled by them how to dispose of the queene ; hauing before subborned the parents of such whose children she had caused to be murdered , who in sad and funerall habits , should accuse the crueltie and inhumanitie of Olimpias . Their teares made such a passionate impression in the breasts of the Macedonians , that with loude acclamations they doomed her to present slaughter , most vnnaturally forgetting that both by Philip her husband , and Alexander her sonne , their liues and fortunes were not onely safe amongst their neighbour nations , but they were also possessed of forreine Empire and riches from prouinces till their times scarce heard of , but altogether vnknowne . Now the queene perceiuing armed men make towards her and approch her to the same purpose , both with resolution and obstinacie , shee , attired in a princely and maiesticke habit , and leaning in state vpon the shoulders of two of her most beautifull handmaides , gaue them a willing and vndaunted meeting : which the souldiers seeing and calling to mind her former state , beholding her present maiestie , and not forgetting her royall offspring illustrated with the names of so many successiue kings , they stood still amased , without offering her any further violence : till others sent thether by the command of Cassander , through pierced her with their weapons , which she incountered with such constancie , that shee neither offered to euade their swords , auoid their woundes , or expresse the least feare by any effeminat clamour , but after the maner of the most bold & valiant men , submitted her selfe to death , The death of Olimpias . in her last expiration expressing the inuincible spirit of her son Alexander ; in which she likewise showed a singular modestie , for with her disheueled haire shee shaddowed her face least in the struggling betwixt life and death it might appeare vnseemely ; and with her garments couered her legges and feete● least any thing about her might be found vncomely . After this , Cassander tooke to wife Thessalonice the daughter to king Aridaeus , causing the sonne of Alexander with his mother Roxane , to bee kept prisoners in a Tower called Amphipolitana .

Romilda .

ABout the time that the Hunnes came first into Italie and expelled the Longobards , they layd siege to the cittie Anguilaea , and in a hot assault hauing slaine the duke Gysulphus , his wife ( the dutchesse Romilda ) making the Towne defensible , brauely and resolutely maintained it against the enemie . But as Cacana king of the Anes approched neer vnto the walls , incouraging his souldiers to hang vp their scaling ladders and enter ; Romilda at the same time looking from a Cittadel , cast her eie vpon the king , who as he seemed vnto her , with wonderous dexteritie behaued himselfe , and with an extraordinarie grace became his armes . This liking grew into an ardencie of loue , for shee that at first but allowed of his presence , now was affected to his person : in so much that in the most fierce assaults , though within the danger of their crosse-bows and slings , she thought her selfe secure , so she had the king her obiect . This fire was alreadie kindled in her brest , which nothing could qualifie , in so much that impatient of all delay , shee sent vnto her publike enemie priuate messengers , That if it pleased the king ( being as she vnderstood a batchilor ) to accept her as his bride , she would without further opposition surrender vp the towne peaceably into his hands : these conditions are first debated , next concluded , and lastly confirmed by oath on both sides . The towne is yeelded vp , and Cacana according to his promise takes Romilda to wife , but first he makes spoyle of the towne , kills manie , and leads the rest captiue . The first night he bedded with his new reconciled bride , but in the morning abandoned her vtterly , commanding twelue Hunnes , and those of the basest of his souldiers , one after another to prostitute her by turnes : that done , hee caused a sharpe stake to bee placed in the middle of the field , A miserable death . and pitched her naked bodie vpon the top thereof , which entering through the same made a miserable end of her life , at which sight the tyrant laughing said , Such a husband best becomes so mercilesse an harlot . This was the bloodie and miserable end ( as Polycronicon saith ) of Romilda . But better it happened to her two beautifull and chast daughters , who fearing the outrage of the lustfull and intemperat souldiors tooke putrified flesh of chickens and colts , A rare example of chastitie . and hid it raw betwixt their breasts : the souldiors approaching them , tooke them to be diseased , as not able to come neere them by reason of the smell ; by which meanes they preserued their honours for the present , and they for their vertues sake were after bestowed vpon gentlemen of noble qualitie . The same Authour puts me in mind of another Adulteresse , who to her guilt of inchastitie added the bloody sin of murder . Our moderne Chroniclers remember vs of one Ethelburga , Ethelburga . daughter to king Offa , and wife to Brithricus king of the West-Saxons , who aiming at nothing so much as her own libidinous delights , that she might the more freely and securely inioy them , by many sundry treasons conspired the death of her husband : but hauing made many attempts , and not preuailing in any , the diuell ( to whom she was a constant votaresse ) so farre preuailed with her , that she neuer gaue ouer her damnable purpose till she had not onely dispatcht him of life by poyson , but was the death also of a noble young gentleman the chiefe fauourite of the king , and one whom in all his disseignes he most trusted . These mischiefes done , and fearing to be questioned about them , because she had incurd a generall suspition , she packt vp her choicest iewells , and with a trustie squire of hers , one that had beene an agent in all her former brothelries , fled into France , where by her counterfeit teares and womanish dissimulations , she so farre insinuated into the kings breast , that the wrinckles of all suggestions were cleared , and shee freely admitted into the kings court , and by degrees into his especiall fauour : so rich were her iewells , so gorgeous her attire , so tempting her beautie being now in her prime , and withall so cunning and deceitfull her behauiour ; that all these agreeing together , not onely bated the hearts of the courtiers , but attracting the eyes of the great Maiestie it selfe , in so much , that the king sporting with her in a great Bay window , the prince his son then standing by him , he merrily demanded of her , If she were instantly to make election of a husband , whether she would chuse him or his sonne ? to whom shee rashly answered , That of the two she would make choice of his son . The king at this somwhat mooued and obseruing in her a lightnesse of behauiour , which his blind affection would not suffer him before to looke into , thus replied , Haddest thou made election of mee , I had possest thee of my sonne ; but in chusing him , thou shalt inioy neither . So turning from her , commaunded her to be stripped out of her jewells and gay ornaments , and presently to be shriuen and sent to a monasterie : where she had not long beene cloystred , but to her owne infamie , and the disgrace of the religious house , she was deprehended in the dissolute imbraces of a wanton and leaude fellow , for which she was turned out of the cloyster and after died in great pouertie and miserie . In memorie of whom there was a law established amongst the West-Saxons , which disabled all the kings wiues after her , either to be dignified with the name of queene , or vpon any occasion to fit with him in his regall throne : yet this woman , though she died poorely , yet died ( as it is said ) penitently , therefore me thinkes I heare her leaue this or the like memorie behind her .

An Epitaph vpon Ethelburga Queene of the West-Saxons . I was , I am not ; smild , that since did weepe ; Labour'd , that rest ; I wak't , that now must sleepe : I playde , I plaie not ; sung , that now am still ; Sawe , that am blind ; I would , that haue no will . I fed that , which feedes wormes ; I stood , I fell : I ●ad God saue you , that now bid farewell . I felt , I feele not ; followed , was pursude : I war'd , haue peace ; I conquer'd , am subdude . I moou'd , want motion ; I was stiffe , that bow Belowe the earth ; then something , nothing now . I catcht , am caught ; I trauel'd , here I lie ; Liu'd in the world ; that to the world now dye .

This melancholly it is not amisse to season with a little mirth . A merrie accident . In some other countrie it was , for I presume ours affoards none such , but a common housewife there was , who making no conscience of spouse-breach or to vitiate her lawfull sheets , had interteined into her societie a swaggering companion , such a one as amongst vs we commonly call a Roring boy . This lad of mettall , who sildome went with fewer weapons about him than were able to set vp againe a trade-falne cutler , had ( to maintaine his mistresses expenses and his owne riots ) committed a robberie , and likewise done a murder , and being apprehended for the fact , iudged , condemned , and ( according to the law in that case prouided ) hanged in chaines : the gybbet was set neere to the common hie-way , and some mile distant from the cittie where this sweete gentlewoman with her husband then inhabited , who because in regard of the common fame that went vpon them , she durst neither giue her Loue visitation in prison , bee at his arraignement , or publike execution , her purpose was ( as affection that breedes madnesse , may easilie beget boldnesse ) vnknowne to her husband or any other neighbour , to walke in the melancholly euening and to take her last leaue of him at the gallows . Imagine the night came on and she on her iourney . It happened at the same time a traueller beeing a footeman whose iourny was intended towards the towne , as purposing to lodge there that night● but being alone , and darkenesse ouertaking him , he grew doubtfull of the way and fearefull of robbing , therefore hee retired himselfe out of the road and lay close vnder the gybbet● still listning if any passenger went by to direct him in the way , or secure him by his companie : as he was in this deepe meditation , the woman arriues at the place , and not able to containe her passion breaks out into this extasie , And must I needes then goe home againe without thee ? at which words the trauellor starting vp in hast , No by no meanes ( quoth hee ) I shall bee glad of your company ; and with what speed hee can makes towards her : away runnes the woman , thinking her sweet heart had leapt downe from the gibbet and followed her , after speedes the man as loath to be destitute of companie , still crying , Stay for me , Stay for me : but the faster he called , the faster she ran , feare added to both their hast , downe they tumbled often , but as quickly they were vp againe , still she fled , still hee pursued . But contrary was the issue of their feares , for she neuer looked backe till she came to her owne house , where finding the doores open and her husband set at supper , for hast tumbled him and his stoole downe one way , and the table and meat another : hee rising with much adoe , askt what the pox she ayled , and if she brought the diuel in with her at her taile ? long it was ere she could make him any answer or come to her right sences : how she excused it I knew not , the traueller when he found himselfe neere the cittie , and saw light , slackned his pace , and went quietlie to his Inne , whether they euer met after to reconcile their mistake or no I know not , neither is it much pertinent to inquire .

A Moderne History of an Adulteresse .

Aeli●n . lib. 7. THe king of Scythia obseruing a man to goe still naked ( whereas the coldnesse of the clime enforceth them to inquire after sables , furres , and the warmest garments can be found ) in a violent and continued snow , meeting him , demanded of him whether he were not cold ? Of whom the fellow asked another question , Whether his forehead were cold or not ? The king answered it was not : neither can I be cold ( ô king replide he ) where custome hath made me all forehead : this may aptly allude to many as well in these our dayes as the former , in whom sinne hath begot such a habit , that where it once possesseth it selfe , it compells all the other powers and affections of the body and mind to become ministers and vassailes : for sinne wheresoeuer it doth vsurpe , doth tyrannise , and as we see the dyer when he would staine white cloath and put it into another hew doth it with a small mixture , being nothing comparable either in weight or quantitie to the stuffe he would haue changed ; so bee the mind neuer so chast , or the body of neuer so white and vnblemisht a puritie : yet if the diuell once come to put in his ingredients , with great facilitie and easinesse he will change the whole peece into his owne colour and complexion , and of this we haue both daily and lamentable experience : and therefore custome is called a second nature : for alas how easilie wee see boldnesse grow to impudence , and satietie into surfet . This puts mee in mind of seauen short questions asked of the seauen wise men of Greece , and by them as briefely answered : What 's the best thing in man ? The mind that 's pure . Bia● Prianaeus . What 's worst ? A man within himselfe vnsure . Piltacua Mitilaenus . Who 's rich ? He that nought couets . What 's he poore ? Cleobulus Liudius . The couetous man that starues amids his store . Periander Womans chiefe beautie what ? Chast life is such . Corinthius . Who 's chast ? She onely whom no fame dares tuch . Solo● Athenien . Who 's wise ? The man that can , but acts no ill . Chilon Lacedemon . The foole ? That cannot , but intends it still . Thales Milesius . They that can containe themselues within these few prescriptions , may vndoubtedly store vp a good name to themselues , and honour to their posteritie : But what the neglect of these may grow vnto , I will in some sort illustrate vnto you in a moderne Historie lately happening , A true discourse . and in mine owne knowledge . An antient gentleman , as well growne in reputation , as yeares , and in those parts where he liued hauing purchased to himselfe a generall respect for both , marryed a beautifull young gentlewoman of good parts and parentage : But hauing no issue by her , he selected vnto his acquaintance a noble young gentleman , one that had trauelled France , Italy , Spaine , and had beene at the Sepulchre : making that happy vse of his trauell , that he was able to discourse properly and without affectation either of the scituation of citties , or the conditions and customes of people ; and in one word to giue him his owne deserued character , there was nothing in him wanting that might become a perfect and a compleat gentleman . This young mans father was a great friend and familiar neighbour to this old man before spoken of , who had obserued his modestie and curteous behauior euen from his infancie , and therefore was the more affected to his discourse and company : his affection grew so farre that he purposed to make him a peece of his heire . Whilest they continued in this familiaritie ( and the young man still frequented the house ) there grew great acquaintance betwixt him and the gentlewoman : No maruell , for they had bin play-fellowes and schoole fellowes , and by reason of their paritie in yeares , vsed though an honest , yet a kind of suspected familiaritie ; insomuch that it grew to a calumnie , till passing from one man to another , it ariued at length to the eares of the young mans father , who sorted opportunitie to talke with his sonne , demaunding of him how that fire was kindled from whence this smoke grew : who , notwithstanding many protestations of his owne innocence , in which he derogated nothing from truth , was charged by his father ( to auoid all rumor and aspertion ) to forbeare the occasion and absent himselfe from the house , and this he imposed him vpon his blessing . To this the young man with great modestie assented ; as vnwilling to contradict his fathers counsell as to increase that iniurious suspition concerning the gentlewomans honour , which was vndeseruedly called in question . It is to be vnderstood , that many friendly and modest courtesies had past betwixt this young couple , in so much that hauing all libertie granted both of societie and discourse , hee prest her vpon a time so farre , to know if it should please God to call away her husband ( being verie old and by the course of nature not likely to liue long ) how she purposed to dispose of her selfe . To whom she protested , that though she wisht her aged husband all long life and happinesse , yet if it pleased the higher powers to lay the crosse of widdowhood vpon her , she would if so hee pleased , conferre vpon him her youth , her fortunes , and whatsoeuer shee was endowed with , before any other man liuing , if it pleased him to accept of them , and this she bound with an oath : This the gentleman ( betwixt honouring and louing her ) could not chuse but take wondrous kindly at her hands , and vowed to her the like . The conditions on both sides were accepted , onely as shee had bound her selfe by one oath , she imposed vpon him another , namely , that till that time of her widdowhood , he should neither associate him priuately , conuerse nor contract matrimonie with any woman whatsoeuer . These things thus accorded betwixt them , yet the fathers coniurations so farre persuaded with the sonnes obedience , that notwithstanding many vrgent and important messages from the good old man the husband ( who wondered what distast might breed his sudden discontinuance , as suspecting nothing from either ) he still excused his absence and forbore the house . It happened that some month after riding to a market towne not farre off equally distant betwixt his owne fathers house and the old gentlemans , to giue a meeting to some gentlemen of the countrey , by chance he happened vpon a chambermaide that belonged to his betrothed mistresse , whom he well knew ; he saluted her and she him , and after some complement past betwixt them , he asking how euery body did at home , and she on the other side wondering at his strangenes , telling him how long he had beene expected , and how much desired of all the house : these things ouer , he intreated her to drinke a cup of wine , which the maide willingly accepted . They being alone and falling into discourse of many old passages well knowne to them both , the young man began to speake how much he respected her mistresse , and how dearely tendered her honour : she on the other side began a cleane contrarie discourse , as that for his own part she knew him to be a noble gentleman and well parted , one whom her old master affected aboue all men ; proceeding , that she was not altogether ignorant what familiarities had past betwixt him and her mistresse , who onely bore him faire outwardly and in shew , when another inioyed both her heart and body inwarldly and in act , and that vpon her owne knowledge ; and to confirme her accusation , nominated the man ( who was his neerest and most familiar friend . ) At this report the gentleman was startled , but better considering with himselfe , told her he thankt her for her loue , but could by no meanes beleeue her relation ; first by reason he knew her ladies breeding , and was confirmed in her knowne modestie and vertue , as hauing himselfe made tryall of both to the vttermost , hauing time , place , and opportunitie , all things that might beget temptation . Lastly , for his friend , in all their continuall and daily conuersation he neuer perceiued either familiar discourse , wanton behauiour , or so much as the least glance of eye to passe suspitiously betwixt them . To which she answered , it was so much the more cunningly carryed ; for her owne part she had but done the office of a friend , and so left him , but in a thousand strange cogitations : yet loue persuading aboue iealousie , he began againe to itterate and call to mind , with what an outward integritie shee had still borne her selfe towards him , and with a puritie by no womans art to be dissembled . Next he bethought himselfe , that perhaps the maid might bee falne in loue with him , and by this calumny might seeke to diuert him from the affection of her mis●●esse ; or else she had taken some priuat displeasure against her , and by this meanes thought to reuenge her selfe . In the middest of these apprehensions , or rather distractions came another letter from the husband , complaining of his absence , wondring at the cause , and vrgently desiring his company , though neuer so priuate , where hee would reconcile himselfe touching any vnkindnesses that might bee conceiued , and withall resolue him what hee should trust to concerning some part of his lands . The gentleman still remembring his fathers charge , yet thought a little to dispense with it , and writ backe word ( knowing euery part of the house by reason of his long frequenting it ) That if he pleased to leaue his garden doore open at such a time of the night , hee would accept of such prouision as hee found , and be merry with him for an houre or two , and giue good reason for his vnwilling discontinuance ; but thus prouided , that neither wife , friend , nor seruant ( sauing that one whom hee trusted with his message ) might bee acquainted with his comming in or going out . This was concluded , the time of night appointed , and euery thing accordingly prouided : They met , the old man gaue him kind and freely entertainment , seeming ouerioyed with his companie , and demaunding the reason of his so great strangenesse ; Hee answered , that notwithstanding his owne innocence , and his wiues approoued Temperance , yet bad tongues had beene busie to their reproach , measuring them by their owne corrupt intents , and therefore to auoyde all imputation whatsoeuer , his study was by taking away the cause to preuent the effect : his reason was approoued , and the old man satisfied concerning both their integrities . Time calls the old man to his bedde , and the young gentleman is left to his rest , purposing to bee gone early in the morning before any of the houshold should bee awake and stirring . Beeing now alone and not able to sleepe in regard of a thousand distracted fancies that were pondering in his minde and braine : hee arose from his bedde , and walking vp and downe the chamber , after some meditation , as of her beautie , her vowes , her protestation , her oathes , all pleading together in the behalfe of her innocencie so farre preuailed with him , That considering hee was now in the same house , and that by reason of the old mans age they very often lay asunder , that hee was acquainted with euery stayre-case , and knew the ready way to her chamber ; Loue conquering all suspition , hee purposed once more to visite the place where hee had ( but euer honestly ) sate with her at all houres , and where their intended marriage was by their interchange of oathes at first confirmed . With this purpose stealing softly vp the stayres , and listening at the doore before hee would presume to knocke , hee might heare a soft whispering , which sometimes growing lowder , hee might plainely distinguish two voyces ( hers , and that gentlemans his supposed friend , whom the maide had before nominated ) where hee might euidently vnderstand more than protestations passe betwixt them , namely the mechall sinne it selfe . At this beeing beyond thought ex●aside , scarce knowing how to conteine himselfe for the present , hee remembred him of his sword in his chamber , whether hee went instanly with intent to returne , and breaking open the doore to transpierce them both in the adulterate act : but better iudgement guiding him , considering what murder was , and the basenesse to become a personall executioner , withall remembring her beautie , their often meetings , kisses , and imbraces ; his heart became too tender to destroy that goodly frame , in which nature had shewed her best of a●t , though the diuell his worst of enuy . Therefore hee instantly made himselfe ready , left the place , and without the knowledge of any man or discouering to any what had past , returned to his fathers : where pondering at full with himselfe , the nature of his abuse ( beeing beyond example ) the strictnesse of his oath , beeing not onely debarred from marriage , but as it were banished from the societie of women ; that shee onely reserued him as a stale or shadow , whilest another carryed away the substance ; that shee kept her selfe to bee his wife , and anothers whore ; and that from all these no safe euasion could bee deuised to come off towards her like a gentleman , or towards God like a Christian ; all these iniuries ioyntly considered , droue him into a suddaine melancholie , that melancholie into a doubtfull sicknesse , and that sicknesse into a dangerous distraction , in so much that his life was much feared , and hee with great difficultie recouered : but by the helpe of good Physitions being cured , and the counsell of his best friends comforted ; he at length gathered strength , and prepared himselfe for a second trauell , with purpose neuer more to reuisite his countrey where such an vnnaturall monster was bred . But before his departure , the old man hearing what he intended , sent for him to his house to take of him an vnwilling leaue : at the importunitie of his owne father he was forced to accompany him thither , where hee must of necessitie take another view of his betrothed mistresse and his treacherous friend . Dinner being past with his much impatience , it was generally imputed to his loath to depart ; when his sadnesse was meerely grounded vpon her impudence . Parting growing on , she singles him for a farewell , weeping in his bosome , wringing him by the hand , beseeching him to haue a care of his safetie , but especially of his vow and promise ; all which proceeded from such a counterfeit passion , as hee almost began to question , what in his owne notion hee knew to bee infallible . But in stead of reply hee deliuered her a letter , which hee intreated her to vouchsafe to peruse in his absence , in which his minde was fully signified . Imagine them with the rest of the companie diuided , euery one wishing the gentleman good speede and safe returne : when shee retyring her selfe , opens the letter , wherein was layd open euery passage concerning her lust , what hee himselfe personally had heard and knowne , the place where , the time when , the very words whispered , with euery vndeniable circumstance , and these exprest with such passionate efficacie , in which hee laboured to make knowne his iniuries , and her treacheries ( the sole occasions of his voluntarie exile ; ) all these ( I say ) were so feelingly set downe , that they strooke her to the heart , insomuch that shee fell into a present frenzie , and dispairingly soone after dyed . Which newes came to the gentleman before hee had past Grauesend , by which hee vnderstood himselfe to be quite released of all his intricate oathes and promises : whose noble disposition the old gentleman vnderstanding , instated him in a great part of his land , which he inioyes to this day , and in my opinion , not altogether vndeseruedly .

The wife of Gengulphu● . A homely tale I am next to tell you , were it of one of our owne countrey-women I would conceale it , but since it concernes a French woman , out it shall to the full , the rather for the authoritie of the Author who affirmes it . In the time that king Aethelwold raigned in Mercia , and Stephanus Paulus was Pope , one Gengulphus a good and deuoute man liued in Burgoigne , It is sayde that hee bought a well in France , and at his prayers it sunke there , and rose againe in Burgoigne . But the greater miracle is behind ( for therby hangs a tale . ) This man sued a diuorce , and was separated from his wife , ( vpon whom the story vouchsafes no name ) she confederated with a clerk ( who was the Adulterer ) to take away his life : he being dead ( as Policronicon testates ) there were many miracles seene about his graue . This being told to his wife sitting at a banquet , and being in all her iollitie , shee fell into a loud laughter , and thus said , When my husband Gengulphus doth any such miracles , then doe you all take notice that my Taile shall sing . These words ( as my authour saith ) were no sooner vttered , but instantly there was heard from vnder her a filthy foule noyse , and so oft as she spake so often it was heard , and that continued vntill her dying day .

The history of Italy remembers vs of one Isabella the wife of Luchinus , Isabella . a Viscount , who was the strumpet of Vgolinus Gonsaga Prince of Mantua , as also of Vittoria Corumbona , Cornabona . who slew her husband to enioy the Duke Brachiano . Friga was the wife of Othimus king of the Danes ; Friga . and as Saxo Grammaticus affirmes , prostituted her body to one of her seruants . So Babtista Egnatius informes vs of the Emperesse Zoe , Zoe . who slew Romanus Argiropilus , that she might freelier inioy the company of Michael Paphlagon , who after succeeded in the Empire . Lewis , seneshall of Normandy taking his wife in adulterie , ( named Carlotta with Iohannes Lauerinus , Carlotta . slew them both in the act . Gregory Turonensis nominates one Deuteria , Denteria . a beautifull French Lady , who was adulterated by king Theobert : as Agrippina the mother of Nero was corrupted by the Emperour Domitian . Macrobius speakes of one Iulia a Greekish woman who beeing suspected of adulterie by the great Orator Demosthenes ; Iulia Greca . his seruant . Aesopus who was conscious of all their meetings , could neither by faire meanes be wonne , nor torments compeld to betray hers or his masters secrets , till Demosthenes himselfe made of it a voluntarie confession . Blondus , Martinus , Platina , Robert Barnes , and others , writ of Maude the Dutchesse of Lorrein , who was after wife to a second husband . Aooron , Marquesse of Esten , from whom she was diuorced by Pope Hildebrand , betwixt whom and her it is said there were Furtiuae Complexus , i. Imbraces by stealth : she was after called the daughter of S. Peter , because in her last testament she bequeathed to the Church of Rome a great part of Hetruria , which is called vnto this day the Patrimonie of S. Peter . Tre●isa reports that in the time when Marcus Commodus was Emperour , hee sent into Aegypt one Philippus as president ouer a Prouince , then in the iurisdiction of the Romans . This Philippus had a beautifull daughter called Eugenia , Eugenia . who being wholy deuoted to the Christian faith , but not daring to professe it , because of her father who protested all rigor to those of that Sect , shee disguised her selfe in mans habit , stealing from her fathers house , and made such meanes that she was baptised by the name of Eugenius , and after became a Monke . In processe the old Abbot being dead , she had so well demeand her selfe in the Monasterie , that she had the voice to be made Abbot in his stead ; Being possest of the place , a leaud and an adulterous woman called Malentia , Malentia . by all allurements possible would haue tempted Eugenius to lust , but not preuailing , shee with loud acclamations pretending the other would haue forced her against her will , caused her to be apprehended and brought before the Iudge , which was the President Philip the father to Eugenia , who being an enemy to all of Religious Orders , was easily induced to giue beleef to any accusations commenst against them , and punisht euen sleight faults with the extreamest seueritie . Eugenius is accused , the circumstances examined , and carry great shew of truth ; The Iudge is ready to proceede to sentence , when Eugenia falling vpon her knees discloseth her selfe to her father , and humbly intreated his pardon . To whom ( notwithstanding her disguise ) her face is easily knowne , his fellow Monkes stands amased , Malentia the accuser confounded , but all in generall wonder-strooke , till Philippus raising his faire daughter from the earth , embraceth her louingly , as extaside with her recouerie beyond all expectation ; for whose sake he after renounced all his false heathen gods , and was christened with his whole houshold and family . Thus the wickednesse of one woman turned to the blessednesse and profit of many .

Elfritha .

RAnulphus Monke of Chester tells this storie : King Edgar ( sayth he ) being in his youth much addicted to the loue of faire women , had intelligence that one Elfritha daughter to Orgarus , Elfritha . was for face , feature , and accomplishments of nature , far surpassing all the Virgins of her time ; in so much that hee not onely greatly desired to see her , but purposed that if her beautie were any way answerable to that which fame had blazoned her to be , to make her his Queene . This secret apprehension hee communicated to one Earle Ethelwold , a noble gentleman , in his great fauour and best acquainted with his priuacies , commanding him to make a iourney to the Earle of Deuonshire her father , and there to take of her a free and full surueigh , and finding her answerable to the publique rumor , not onely to demand her of the Earle Orgarus , but to bring her along with her father royally attended like the bride of a king , to partake with him all regall honours . This iourney Ethelwold with great willingnesse vndertakes , without disclosing to any the secrets of his message : and comming to the place where the damosell with her father then soiourned , he was noblie entertained , as a fellow peere , and an especiall fauourit to the king . No sooner came the Ladie in presence , but Ethelwold began to conceiue that report had beene too niggardly in her praise , for hee had not in his lifetime seene a Ladie of so incomparable a feature , to whom all the Court-beauties appeared scarce good Christall to that vnmatchable Diamond . What cannot loue worke in the heart of man , when such a beautie is his obiect ? it makes the sonne forget his father , and the father not remember that hee hath a sonne , but either hath made the others bed incestuous : It hath subiected citties , and depopulated countries , made the subiect forget his allegeance to his soueraigne , and the soueraigne most vnnaturall and inhumane to his subiect , as may appeare by this historie . This Earle surprised with the loue of this Ladie , hath either quite forgot the message he was sent about , or else is not pleased to remember it . Not speaking of the king at all , but counterfeiting some occasions into that countrey , and as if he had happened vpon that place by accident , or come to giue him visitation in noble courtesie ; at supper finds discourse concerning the Ladie , and at length preuailed so farre with the old earle that they were contracted that night , and the next morning married . After some few daies soiourne there , the kings impositions inforced him to take an vnwilling farewell of his new married bride , onely at parting he earnestly intreated them for diuerse reasons which much imported him , to keepe the marriage as secret as possibly might bee , and so posted backe to the Court . He was no sooner arriued , but the king was busily inquisitiue concerning the beautie of the Ladie , how tall , how straight , of what haire , what complection , whether her lookes were cheerfull or sad , her behauiour sober or suspitious . To all which he answered in few , she was indeed a Ladie , and that was her best , an Earles daughter and therfore flattered , for what in a priuat woman is commendable , is in such excellent ; and what in the former praise worthie , in the latter rare and admirable : but for this Ladie Elfritha she was a course homesponne peece of flesh , whose nobilitie and dower might make her capable of beeing wife to some honest Iustice of peace , or Sherife of the shire , but not becomming the bed of any of the nobilitie ( vnlesse some one whose estate was decayd ; ) indeed a meer Rooke , and most vnworthie the eye of the princely Eagle . With this answere the king was satisfied , and for the present disposed his affection elsewhere , immagining these prayses might be diuulged abroad as well in scorne of her person as otherwise , so for some few weekes it rested : in which interim Ethelwold was oft mist in the court● and discontinued his wonted seruice , no man could scant tell or informe the king how he disposed himselfe , and still when he came to present his seruice he would excuse his absence with some infirmitie or other , which was the reason of his inforced retirement : besides , hee was often obserued to intreate leaue to recreat himselfe in the countrey , and take the benefit of the fresh ayre , as commodious for his health , in all which libertie hee past his limits . This bred some iealosie in the king , and the rather because the fame of this Ladies vnmatched beautie more and more increased . Therefore to bee more punctually informed of the truth , he sent another priuat messenger , who brought him intelligence how all things stood , with the certeintie of euerie accident how it befell . The king not knowing how to disgest such an iniurie from a subiect , smothered his grieuance for a space , and at length caused the gests to bee drawne , for hee purposed a progresse into the West . Ethelwold yet nothing suspecting , was the formost man to attend the king vpon his iourney : but when they came almost to Excester , he began to mistrust the kings purpose , the rather because hee sent to the Earle Orgarus that at such a time hee meant to feast with him . Now must Ethelwold bestirre himselfe , or instantly hazard the kings high displeasure : he therefore posts in the night to his wife and to his father in law , reports the truth of euerie circumstance from the beginning , how he was sent by the king , and to what purpose , how her beautie had so inflamed him that he was compelled by violence of affection to deceiue the kings trust ; and lastly , to secure his owne life , which for the loue of her he had hazarded , he was forced to disparage her feature , dissemble her worth , and disgrace her beautie : and therefore besought her , as she tendered his safetie being her husband , either not to appeare before the king at all , or if she were called for and so compelled , to bee seene in that fashion as he had described her to his soueraign , namely with a smodged face , counterfeit haire , vncomely habit , and in her behauiour to put on such a garbe of folly as might rather breed loathing than any liking in his maiestie . The first of his speech she heard with patience , but when he came to deliuer to her how he had disparaged her beautie , and to the king too ; nay more , would haue her derrogate from her owne worth , and be accessarie to the blasting of that beautie which nature had made so admirable , this her womanish spleene could hardly disgest : yet she soothed him vp with faire and promising language , and told him she would better consider of it , and so dismist him in part satisfied . In the morning he presented himselfe early to attend the king , who was that day to bee entertained by the earle his father in law . All things were noblie prouided , and Edgar royally receiued and set to dinner ( some write that Ethel●old had caused a kitchin maid to put on his wiues habit , and sit at the kings Table , but I find no such matter remembered in my Author ) the truth is , the king about the middest of dinner cald for the Earle Orgarus and demanded of him whether he had a wife or no , if he had , why he might not haue her companie , knowing it was a generall obseruation in England , that without the wiues entertainement there could be no true and heartie welcome ? The earle replied , that at that time he was an vnhappie widdower : he then demaunded , whether he had any children to continue his posteritie ? to which he answered , heauen had onely blest him with one daughter a plaine damosell , yet the sole hope of his future memorie . The king was then importunate to see her , and commanded her to be instantly brought vnto his presence ; which put Ethelwold into a strange agonie , yet still hoping she had done as hee had late inioyned her , when shee ( contrarie to his expectation ) came in apparelled like a bride , in rich and costly vestures , her golden haire fairely kembed and part hanging downe in artificiall curles , her head stoocke with jewells , and about her neck a chaine of diamonds , which gaue a wonderous addition to that beautie which naked of it selfe without any ornament was not to bee paraleld ; a contrarie effect it wrought in the king and her husband . To Edgar she seemed some goddesse , at least a miracle in nature ; to Ethelwold ( in regard of his feare ) a furie , or what worse hee could compare her to . O fraile woman , in this one vanitie to appeare beautifull in the eyes of a king , thou hast committed two heinous and grieuous sinnes , Adulterie , and Murder , for accordingly it so fell out . Edgar was as much surprised with her loue , as incensed with hate against her lord , both which for the present he dissembled , neither smiling on the one , nor frowning on the other . In the afternoone the king would needes hunt the stagge in the forrest of Werwelly , since called Hoore-wood : In the chace , by the appointment of Edgar , Earle Ethelwold was strooke through the bodie with an arrow and so slaine , the king after made Elfritha his bride and queene . The Earle had a base sonne then present at the death of his father , of whom the king asked how hee liked that manner of hunting , to whom he answered , Royall sir , what seemeth good to you shal be to me no way offensiue : from that time forward he was euer gratious with the king . And Elfritha thinking to make attonement with heauen for the murder of her husband , or rather ( as Ranulphus saith ) for causing Edward ( to whom she was step-mother ) to be slaine , that her owne sonne Egelredus might raigne , builded an Abbie for Nunnes at Worwell , where she was after buried .

Gunnora .

IN the time that Agapitus was Pope , Lewis king of Fraunce , the sonne of Charles , caused William Longa Spata the second duke of Normandie to bee treacherously slaine : this William was sonne to Rollo . The Lords of Normandie with this murder much insenced , watched their aduantage , and surprised the king in Rhothemage , where they committed him to safe custodie , till he had promised and sworne to yeeld vp Normandie to Richard sonne and immediate heire to William the late murdered duke , and moreouer in what place soeuer the king and the yong duke should haue meeting to conferre , that Richard should weare his sword , but king Lewis neither to haue sword nor knife about him . This Richard being yong , was called Richard the Old ; he had besides another attribute giuen him , which was , Richard without Feare , because he was neuer known to be dismayde at any thing ; but a third aboue these was , that he pretended to be wonderous religious . He was duke two and fiftie yeares , and tooke a Ladie to his bed from Denmarke , whose name was Gunnora , by whom he had fiue sonnes and two daughters , the eldest of which was married to Etheldredus king of England , her name was Emma , Emma . and shee was called the flower of Normandie . Concerning this bold , yet religious duke , it is reported by Marianus , lib. 2. Henricus , Ranulphus , and others , that besides many other testimonies of his sanctitie , this one made him most eminent , A Monke of Andoenus in Rothomage a town in Normandie , going one night to meete with his sweet heart , his way lay ouer a bridge , and vnder that bridge was a deepe foord or riuer , A strange Tale. it so happened , that mistaking his footing , hee fell into the water and there was drowned . He was no sooner dead but there came to carrie away his soule , an Angell and a Fiend , these two contended about it , the one would haue it , so would the other , great was the controuersie betwixt them ; at length they concluded to put the case to duke Richard , & both to stand to his arbitrement : much pleading there was on both sides , at length the duke gaue sentence , That the soule should be restored againe to the bodie , & be placed againe vpon that bridge from whence he had falne , and if then he would offer to goe from thence to his sweet heart , the diuell should take him ; but if otherwise , he ( because he was a Church-man ) should be still in the Angels protection . This was done , and the Monke left his way to the woman , and fled to the church , as to a sanctuarie , whether the duke went the next day and found the Monkes clothes still wet , and told the Abbot euerie circumstance as it fell out ; therefore the Monke was shriuen , did penance , was absolued and reconciled . This I haue read , which I persuade no man to beleeue . This duke liued with the faire Gunnora long time dishonestly and without marriage , had by her those children aforesaid , but at length by the persuasion of the nobilitie , and intercession of the cleargie , he tooke her to wife . The first night after the marriage when the duke came to her bed , she turned her backe towards him , which she had neuer done till that time : at which hee maruelling , demaunded of her the reason why she did so . To whom she answered , before I was your strumpet , and therfore as a seruant was tide to doe your pleasure in althings , but now I am your wife , and made part of your selfe , therefore henceforth I claime with you an equall soueraigntie , and will doe what mee list , bearing my selfe now like a princesse , not like a prostitute . This I am easily induced to beleeue , for how soone do honoures change manners . Iuuenall in his sixt Satire speaking of marriage thus sayth , Semper habet lites aeternaque iurgia lectus , &c. The marriage bed is sildome without strife . And mutuall chidinges : hee that takes a wife , Bargaines for mightie trouble , and small rest , Sleepe growes a stranger then , whilest in her brest She lodgeth Passion , Selfe-will , Anger , Feare , And from her eyes drops many a feigned teare ? &c. Somewhat to this purpose spake Terentius in his Adelphis . Duxi vxorem , quam ibi non miseriam vidi , &c. I made choice of a wife , with iudgement sound , What miserie haue I not therein found ? Children are borne , they proue my second care , They should be comforts , that my corsiues are . For her and them , I studie to prouide , And to that purpose , all my times's applyde : To keepe her pleas'd , and raise their poore estate , And what 's my meede for all , but scorne and hate ?

And so much for Gunnora . It seemes the Emperor Valentinianus was neither well read in Iuuenall nor Terrens , He , when his wife commended vnto him the beautie of the Ladie Iustina , Iustina . tooke her to his bed , and for her sake made a law , That it should be lawfull for any man to marrie two wiues . It is read of Herod the Great that he had nine wiues , and was diuorsed from them all , only for the loue of Mariamnes neice to Hircanus , Mariamnes for whose sake he caused himselfe to bee circumcised , and turned to the faith of the Iewes : he begot on her Alexander and Aristobulus ; on Dosides , Dosides . Antipater ; on Metheta , Archelaus ; on Cleopatra , Philip and Herodes Antipas ( he that was afterward called Tetrarch , Metheta . one of the foure princes : Cleopatra . ) Aristobulus that was Herodes sonne begotten on Beronica the daughter of his own Aunt called Saloma ; Beronica . he begot the great Agrippa , Aristobulus , & Herod that was strooke by the Angell : Saloma . also on the aforesaid Beronica hee begot two daughters , Mariamnes , & Herodias who was after Philips wife , Herodias . that was Vncle to Aristobulus : neuerthelesse whilest Philip was yet aliue Herodias became wife to his brother Herod . At length there fell debate betwixt her , Mariamnes , and Saloma Herods sister . Herod by the instigation of Saloma slew Hyrcanus the Priest , and after Ionathas the brother of Mariamnes , who against the law hee had caused to be consecrated Priest at the age of seuenteene yeares . After that he caused Mariamnes to bee put to death , with the husband of his sister Saloma , pretending that Hyrcanus and Ihonathas had adulterated his sister . After these murders , Herod grew madde for the loue of Mariamnes , who was held to bee the fairest Ladie then liuing , & innocently put to death . He then tooke againe his wife Dosides and her sonne Antipater to fauour , sending Alexander and Aristobulus the sons of Mariamnes to Rome to be instructed in the best litterature , whom after hee caused to be slaine . And these were the fruites of Adulterous and Incestuous marriages .

Of Women that haue come by strange Deaths .

THere are many kinds of deaths , I will include them all within two heades , Violent , and Voluntarie : the Violent is , when either it comes accidentally , or when we would liue and cannot : the Voluntarie is , when we may liue and will not ; and in this wee may include the blesseddest of all deaths , Martyrdome . I will begin with the first , and because gold is a mettall that all degrees , callings , trades , mysteries , and professions , of either Sex , especially acquire after : I will therefore first exemplifie them that haue dyed golden deaths .

Of the Mistresse of Brennus . Of Tarpeia , and Acco a Roman Matron .

OF Midas the rich king , and of his golden wish I presume you are not ignorant , and therefore in vaine it were to insist vpon his historie● my businesse is at this time with women . Brennus an Englishman , and the yonger brother to Belinus , both sonnes of Donwallo ) was by reason of composition with his brother , with whom hee had beene competitor in the kingdome , disposed into France , and leading an armie of the Galls , inuaded forreine countries , as Germanie , Italie , sacking Rome , and piercing Greece : In so much that his glorie stretched so farre , that the French Croniclers would take him quite from vs , and called him Rex Gallorum , witnesse Plutarch in his seuenteenth Paralel . This Brennus spoyling and wasting Asia , came to besiege Ephesus , where falling in loue with a wanton of that cittie , he grew so inward with her , that vpon promise of reward shee vowed to deliuer the cittie into his hands : the conditions were that he being possest of the Towne , should deliuer into her safe custodie , as many jewells , rings , and as much treasure as should counteruaile so great a benefit : to which he assented . The towne deliuered , and he being victor , shee attended her reward ; The reward of Couetousnesse . when Brennus commanded all his souldiers from the first to the last , to cast what gold or siluer or iewells they had got in the spoyle of the cittie , into her lap ; which amounted to such an infinite masse , that with the weight thereof she was suffocated and prest to death . This Clitiphon deliuers in his first booke Rerum Gallicar . to answere which , Aristides Melesius in Italicis speakes of Tarpeia , Tarpeia . a noble Virgin or at least nobly descended , and one of the keepers of the Capitoll : she in the warre betwixt the Sabines and the Romans , couenanted with king Tatius , then the publike enemie , to giue him safe accesse into the mountaine Tarpeia , so hee would for a reward but possese her of all the gold and iewells which his souldiers the Sabines had then about them . This shee performing , they were likewise willing to keepe their promise , but withall loathing the couetousnesse of the woman , threw so much of the spoyle and treasure vpon her , that they buried her in their riches , and she expired amiddest a huge Magozin . But remarkable aboue these is the old woman Acco or Acca , Acco , who hauing done an extraordinarie courtesie for the cittie of Rome● they knew not better how to requite her than knowing her auaritious disposition , to giue her free libertie to goe into the common treasurie and take thence as much gold as she could carrie . The wretched woman ouerioyed with this donatiue , entered the place to make her packe or burden , which was either so little she would not beare , or so great she could not carrie , and swetting and striuing beneath the burden , so expired . The like though somthing a more violent death , died the Emperour Galba , who in his life time being insatiate of gold , as being couetous aboue all the Emperours before him , they powred moulten gold downe his throat , to confirme in him that old Adage , Qu●lis vita , finis ita . The like was read of the rich Roman Crassus .

Of such as haue died in child-byrth .

THough of these be infinites , and dayly seene amongst vs , yet it is not altogether amisse to speake someting though neuer so little , which may ha●e reference to antiquitie . Tulluota . Volaterranus remembers vs of Tulliota the daughter of Marcus Cicero , who being first placed with Dolobella , and after with Piso Crassipides , died in child-bed . Iunia . Claudilla . The like Suetonius puts vs in minde of Iunia Claudilla who was daughter to the most noble Marcus Sillanus , and wife to the Emperor Caius Calligula who died after the same manner . Higinus in his two hundred threescore and fourth Fable tells this tale : In the old time sayth he , there were no midwiues at all , and for that cause many women in their modestie , rather suffered themselues to perish for want of helpe , than that any man should bee seene or knowne to come about them . Aboue all , the Athenians were most curious that no seruant or woman should learne the art of Chyrurgerie . There was a damosell of that cittie , that was verie industrious in the search of such mysteries , whose name was Agnodice , Agnodice . but wanting meanes to attaine vnto that necessarie skill , she caused her haire to be shorne , and putting on the habit of a yong man , got her selfe into the seruice of one Heirophilus a Phisitian , and by her industrie and studie hauing attained to the deapth of his skill and the height of her own desires , vpon a time hearing where a noble ladie was in child-birth , in the middest of her painfull throwes , she offered her selfe to her helpe , whom the modest Ladie ( mistaking her Sex ) would by no persuasion suffer to come neere her , till she was forced to strip her selfe before the women , and to giue euident signes of her woman-hood . After which shee had accesse to many , proouing so fortunate , that she grew verie famous . In so much that being enuied by the colledge of the Phisitians , shee was complained on to the Ariopagitae , or the nobilitie of the Senat : such in whose power it was to censure and determine of all causes and controuersies . Agnodice thus conuented , they pleaded against her youth and boldnesse , accusing her rather a corrupter of their chastities , than any way a curer of their infirmities : blaming the matrons , as counterfeiting weakenesse , onely of purpose to haue the companie and familiaritie of a loose and intemperate yong man . They prest their accusations so farre , that the Iudges were readie to proceede to sentence against her● when shee opening her brest before the Senat , gaue manifest testimonie that she was no other than a woman : at this the Phisitians the more incenst made the fact the more henious , in regard that being a woman , she durst enter into the search of that knowledge , of which their Sex by the law was not capable . The cause being once more readie to goe against her , the noblest matrons of the cittie assembled themselues before the Senat , and plainely told them , they were rather enemies than husbands , who went about to punish her , that of all their Sex had beene most studious for their generall health and safetie . Their importancie so farre preuailed , after the circumstances were truely considered , that the first decree was quite abrogated , and free libertie granted to women to imploy themselues in those necessarie offices , without the presence of men . So that Athens was the first cittie of Greece , that freely admitted of Mid-wiues by the meanes of this damosell Agnodice .

Of Women that suffered Martyrdome .

Corona . ANd of these in briefe . Corona was a religious woman who suffered martyrdome vnder the tyrannie of Antonius the Emperour , Her death was after this manner , she was tyde by the armes and legges betwixt two trees , whose stiffe branches were forced and bowed downe for the purpose , the bowes being slackned and let loose , her bodie was tost into the ayre , and so cruelly diss●uered limbe from limbe . Anatholia a Virgin , by the seuere commaund of Faustinianus the President , was transpierst with a sword . Felicula ( as Plutarch witnesseth ) when by no persuasion or threats , promises or torments , she could be forced to renounce the Christian Faith , by the command of Flaccus Comes shee was commanded to be shut vp in a Iakes , and there stifled to death . Murita had likewise the honour of a Martyr , who being banished by Elphedorus a certaine Arrian , opprest with cold and hunger , most miseraby died . Hyrene the Virgin , because shee would not abiure her faith and religion , was by Sisimmius shot through with an arrow . The like death suffered the martyr Christiana vnder Iulian the Apostata . Paulina a Roman Virgin , and daughter to the Prefect Artemius was with her mother Candida stoned to death by the commaund of the tyrant Dioclesian . Agatho virgo Catanensis was strangled in prison , by the command of the Cons●ll Quintianus . Theodora , a Virgin of Antioch , was beheaded by the tyrannie of Dioclesian . Iulia Countes of Eulalia , suffered the same death vnder the President Diaconus . Margaritu a maide and a martyr , had her head cut off by Olibrius . Zo● the wife of Nicostratus , was nayled vnto a crosse and so ended her life , partly with the torture of the gybbet , and partly with the smoke ( that the executioner made at the foot of the gallowes ) suffocated . Iulia Carthagensis , because she would not bow to Idolls and adore the false heathen gods , but was a constant professor of the true Christian faith , was martyred after the selfe same manner . Emerita the sister of Lucius king of England ( who had the honour to be called the first Christian king of this countrie ) shee suffered for the Faith by fire . Alexandria was the wife of Dacianus the President , who being conuerted to the Faith by blessed saint George , was therefore by the bloodie murderer her husbands owne hands strangled . Maximianus the sonne of Dioclesian , with his owne hands likewise slew his naturall sister Artemia , because that forsaking all Idolatrie , shee prooued a conuertite to the true Christian Faith . Flauia Domicilla , a noble Ladie of Rome , was banished into the Isle Pontia in the fifteenth yeare of the raigne of Domitian , for no other reason but that shee constantly professed her selfe to bee a Christian. These two following suffered persecution vnder Antonius Verus in France : Blondina who is sayd to wearie her tormentors , patiently induring more than they could malitiously inflict , in so much that before shee fainted , they confessed themselues ouercome , she readie still to suffer and beare , when they had not blows to giue , for as oft as she spake these words , I am a Christian , neither haue I committed any euill , she seemed to the spectators of her martyrdome , to bee so refreshed and comforted from aboue , that she felt no paine or anguish in the middest of her torture , and in that patience she continued without alteration euen to the last gaspe . Biblis , one that before through her womanish weakenesse had fainted for feare of torments , comming to see her with others executed , was so strengthened to behold their constancie , that as it were awakened out of her former dreame , and comparing those temporall punishments ( which lasted but a moment ) with the eternall paines of Hell fire , gaue vp her selfe freely for the Gospels sake . Dionisius in an Epistle to Fabius Bishop of Antioch , reckons vp those that suffered martyrdome vnder Decius the Emperour . Quinta , a faithfull woman , was by the Infidels brought into a Temple of their Idolls , vnto which because she denied diuine adoration , they bound her hand and foot , and most inhumanly dragged her along the streets vpon the sharpe stones ; but when that could not preuaile with her , they beat her head and sides , and bruised them against Mill-stones , that done , shee was pitiously scourged , and lastly , bloodily executed . The same Lictors layd hands on Appolonia a Virgin , but something grounded in yeares , and because she spake boldly in the defence of her Faith , first with barbarous crueltie they beat out her teeth , then without the ●ittie they prepared a huge pile , threatning to burne her instantly vnlesse shee would renounce her Christianitie , but shee seeming to pause a little , as if she meant better to consider of the matter , ( when thy least suspected ) leapt suddenly into the fire and was there consumed to ashes . Ammomarion a holy Virgin , after the suffering of many torments vnder the same tyrant , gaue vp her life an acceptable sacrifice for the Gospell . Mercuria a vertuous Woman , and one Dionisia a fruitfull and child-bearing Martyr , after they were questioned about their faith , and in all arguments boldly opposed the iudges , were first rackt and tortured till they were past all sence of feeling , that done , they caused them to be executed . Theodosia was a virgin of Tyrus ; Theodosia . about the age of eighteene years , she comming to visite certaine prisoners at Cesaria who were called to the barre , and because they stood stedfastly in the defence of the Gospell , prepared themselues to heare the most welcome sentence of death pronounced against them : which Theodosia seeing , gently saluted them , comforted them , and persuaded them to continue in their constancie , withall humbly desired them to remember her deuoutly in their prayers , which she knew would be acceptable to him for whose loue they so freelie offered vp their liues . The officers this hearing , dragd her before the President , who at first despising her youth , began to talke with her as to a child , but finding her answers modest and weightie , began further to argue with her : but seeing himselfe vnable to hold argument as being conuinced in all things , hee grew into such a malitious rage , that he first caused her to be scourged before his face , euen till the flesh gaue way to discouer the bones ; but this not preuailing , hee commanded her instantly to be dragged from thence , and from an high place to be cast headlong into the sea . I will conclude this discourse of Martyrs with one of our owne moderne stories : Our english chronicles report that Maximus the Emperour hauing held long warre with one Conon Meridock a resolute and bold Brittaine , hauing in many bloody conflicts sped diuersly , sometimes the victory inclining to one side , and then to another , but in conclusion to the losse of both ; their hostilitie was by mediation at length attoned , and a firme peace establisht betwixt them : that done , Maximus made warre vpon the Galls , and inuading a Prouince then called America ( but since Little Brittaine ) he wonne it by the sword , and after surrendered it to Conon to hold it for euer as of the Kings of great Brittaine . This Conon Meridock was a Welch-man , and from hence it may bee , That all that nation assume to themselues the name of Brittons . How Welch-men come to be called Brittons . This eminent captaine being onely furnisht with souldiours for the present warres , but wanting women to maintaine future issue , to him was sent S. Vrsula with eleauen thousand virgins to bee espoused to Conon and his knights . But being met at sea by the the Pagan pyrats , because they would neither change their faith nor prostitute themselues to their barbarous and beastly lusts , they were all by these inhuman wretches cut to peeces and cast ouer board , and therefore in mine opinion not vnworthily reckoned amongst the Martyrs . From these I will proceede to others .

Aristoclaea .

OF all the deaths that I haue read of , this of Aristoclaea me thinkes exceedes example : with which howsoeuer her body was tormented , her soule could not be greeeued , Plutarch in Amator . narrat . for neuer woman dyed such a louing death . Plutarch in his Amatorious narrations hath thus deliuered it : Aliartes is a cittie of Boetia , in which was borne a virgin so beautified and adorned with all the gifts and perfections of nature , as she seemed vnparaleld through Greece ; her name was Aristoclaea , the sole daughter of Theophanes . To her there were many sutors , but three especially of the noblest families of the cittie , Strato , Orchomenius , and Calisthenes Aliartius : Of these Strato being the richest , he seemed the most inde●red to her in affection , for he had first seene her at Lebedaea bathing her selfe in the fountaine Hercyne , from whence hauing a basket vpon her arme , which she was to vse in the sacrifice to Iupiter , he tooke a full view of her in her way to the Temple : yet Calisthenes he fed himselfe with the greater hopes , because he was of more proximitie and neerer to the virgin in allians : betwixt these two Orchomenius stood as a man indifferent . Her father Theophanes vpon their importunities doubtfull , and not yet hauing determined on which to conferre his daughter , as fearing Stratoes potencie who in wealth and nobilitie equalled if not anteceded the best in the cittie , he therefore put it off to one Trophonius to be decided : but Strato most confident in his owne opinion and strength tooke the power to her disposing from Trophonius and gaue it vp freely into her owne will . The damsell in a confluence of all her kindred and friends gathered for that purpose , and in the sight of her suitors , was publikely demaunded , of which of them she made choice ? who answered , of Calisthenes . Strato taking this in an irreconcilable disgrace , and in the greatnesse of his spirit not able to disgest an iniurie ( as he tooke it ) of that nature , dissembling his spleene , and some two dayes after meeting with Theophanes and Calisthenes , hee gaue them a friendly and an vnsuspected salutation , desiring still a continuance of their antient loue and friendship ; that since what many couet one can but enioy , he could content himselfe with his owne lot , howsoeuer desiring that their amitie might remaine perfect and vnchanged : these words came so seemingly from the heart , that they with great ioy did not only entertain his loue and voluntarie reconcilement , but in all curtesie gaue him a solemne inuitation to the wedding , which he as complementally entertained ; and vpon these tearmes they parted . Strato subornes a crew of such as he might best trust , and addes them to the number of his seruants , these hee ambushes in diuers places selected for his purpose , but all to be ready at a watch-word . Calisthenes bringing Aristoclaea towards the fountaine called Cisso●ssa , there to performe the first Sacreds belonging to marriage , according to the custome of her auncetors ; Strato with his faction ariseth , and with his owne hands ceiseth vpon the virgin ; on the other side Calisthenes hee catcheth the fastest hold he can to keepe her ; Strato and his pull one way , Calisthenes and his another : thus both contending in the heat of their affection , but not regarding her safetie whom they did affect , she as it were set vpon the racke of loue , pluckt almost to peeces , betwixt them both expired . Which seeing Calisthenes , hee was suddenlie lost , neither could any man euer after tell what became of him , whether he punisht himselfe by some extraordinarie death or betooke himselfe to voluntarie exile . Strato openly before his owne people transpierst himselfe , and fell downe dead vpon the body of Aristoclaea . Of no such death dyed Democrita , whose history next ensueth .

Alcippus the Lacedemonian had two daughters by his wife Democrita . Democrita . He hauing with great iustice and integritie managed the affaires of the weale publike , more for the common good than any peculiar gaine or profit of his own , was affronted by an opposite faction which emulated his goodnesse : and being brought before the Ephori , it was deliuered to them in a scandalous and lying oration , how and by what meanes Alcippus intended to abrogate and adnichilate their lawes : for which he was confind from Spatta , neither could his wife & daughters ( who willingly offered themselues to attend vpon his aduersity ) be suffered to associate him , but they were deteined by the power and command of the publike magistrate . Moreouer an edict was made , That neyther the wife was capable of inheritance , nor the daughter of dower out of their fathers goods , notwithstanding they had many sutors of such noble gentlemen as loued them for their fathers virtues . It was likewise by the enemy most enuiously suggested to the Senat , that the two Ladies might be debard from marriage ; their reason was , that Democrita was heard often to wish , and withall to presage that she should see children borne of her daughters who would in time reuenge the wrongs of their grandfather . This being granted , and shee euery way circumscribed both in her selfe , her husband , and issue , euery way confind ; she expected a publike solemnitie , in which according to the custome , the women of the cittie with the virgins , houshold seruants , and infants had meeting , but the matrons and wiues of the nobilitie kept their night-festiuall in a conclaue or parlor by themselues . Then she guirt her selfe with a sword , and with her two daughters secretlie conueyd her selfe into the Temple , attending the time when all the matrons were most busie about the ceremonies and mysteries in the conclaue : then hauing made fast the doores and shut vp the passages , and heaped together a great quantitie of billets with other things combustible , prouided for the purpose , but especially all that sweete wood that was ready for the sacrifice of that solemnitie she set all on fire : which the men hastening to quench in multitudes , she before them all with a constancie vndaunted , first slew her daughters , and after her selfe , making the ruins of this Temple their last funerall fire . The Lacedemonians hauing now nothing left of Alcippus against which to rage , they caused the bodies of Democrita and her daughters to be cast out of the confines of Sparta . For this ingratitude , it is said by some , that great earth-quake happened which had almost ouerturned the cittie of Lacedemon : from Democrita I come to Phillis .

Demophr●● the sonne of Theseus and Phadra , the halfe brother of Hippolitus , returning from the warres of Troy towards his countrey , by tempests and contrarie winds being driuen vpon the coast of Thrace , was gently receiued and affectionately entertained by Phillis , Phillis . daughter to Lycurgus and Crust●●ena then king and queene of that countrey , and not onely to the freedome of all generous hospitalitie , but to the libertie and accesse vnto her bed . He had not long soiourned there , but he had certaine tydings of the death of Muestham , who , after his father Theseus was expulsed Athens had vsurped the principalitie : pleased therefore with the newes of innouation , and surprised with the ambition of succession , he pretending much domesticke businesse , with other negotiations pertaining to the publike gouernment , after his faith pawned to Phillis that his returne should be within a moneth , hee got leaue for his countrey : therefore hauing calked and moored his ships , making them seruiceable for the sea , he set saile towards Athens , where arriued , he grew altogether vnmindfull of his promised faith or indented returne . Foure moneths being past and not hearing from him by word or writing , she sent him an Epistle in which she complaines his absence , then persuades him to call to mind her more than common curtesies , to keepe his faith ingaged to her , and their former contract to make good by marriage ; the least of which if he refused to accomplish , her violated honour she would recompence with some cruell and violent death : which she accordingly did , for knowing her selfe to bee despised and vtterly cast off , she in her fathers Pallace hung her selfe . From Phillis I proceede to Deia●eira .

I●piter begat Hercules of Alcmena , in the shape of her husband Amphitrio , ioyning three nights in one ; whom Euristius king of Micena ( at the vrgence of his stepmother Iuno ) imployd in all hazardous and fearefull aduentures , not that thereby he might gaine the greater honour , but by such meanes sooner perish : but his spirit was so great , and his strength to eminent , that from foorth all these swallowing dangers he still plunged a victor : amongst these difficulties was that combat against Achelous , a Flood in Aetolia ( who transhapt himselfe into sundry figures for the loue of Deianeira daughter to Oeneus and Althaea king and queene of Calidon , Deianeira . and sister to Meleager ) he , whom no monsters nor earthly powers could tame , by the conquest of Achelous wonne Deianeira for his bride . But he whom all tyrants and terrours were subiect to , submitted himselfe to effeminacie , and the too much dotage vpon women : for when Euritus king of Oechalia had denied him his daughter Iöle ( before promist him ) the citty taken and the king slaine he tooke her freely into his embraces ; with whose loue he was so blinded , that at her imperious command hee layd by his clubbe and Lions skinne ( the trophyes of his former victories ) and , which was most vnseemely for so great a conquerour , put on a womanish habit and blusht not with a distaffe in his hand to spinne amongst her damsells . In briefe , what slauerie and seruitude soeuer he had before suffered vnder the tyranny of Omphale queene of Lydia , of whom he had begot Lamus , he indured from her : which Deianeira hearing , in a letter she layes open to him all his former noble acts and victories , that by comparing them with his present deboishtnesse , it the better might incourage him to returne to the first , and deterre him from the last . But hauing receiued newes of Hercules calamitie , by reason of the poisoned shirt sent him by her seruant Lychas dipt in the blood of the Centaure Nessus , in which she thought there had beene the vertue to reuoke him from all new loues , and establish him in his first ( for so Nessus had persuaded hir , when in her transwaftage ouer the flood Euenus he was slaine by the arrow of Hercules dipt in the poyson of Lerna ) when she I say heard of the death of her husband , and that ( though vnwillingly ) it happened by her meanes , shee dyed by a voluntarie wound giuen by her owne hand . Not such was that which followes . The Ionians through all their Prouince being punisht with a most fearfull and horrible pest , Iohannes Wyerius , lib. 1. in so much that it almost swept the cittie and countrey , and had it longer continued would haue left their places and habitatious desolate , they therefore demanded of the Oracle a remedie for so great a mischiefe , which returnd them this answer , That the plague should neuer cease till the young man Menalippus and the faire Cometho were slaine and offered in sacrifice to Dianae Tryclaria ( and the reason was , Cometho . because hee had strumpeted her in her Temple . ) And notwithstanding their deaths , vnlesse euery yeare at the same season a perfectly featured youth and a virgin of exquisite-beautie ( to expiate their transgression ) were likewise offered vpon the same altar , the plague should still continue : which was accordingly done , and Menalyppus and the faire Cometho were the first dish that was serued vp to this bloody feast . The same author speakes of the daughter of Aristodemus in this manner : The Messenians and the Lacedemonians hauing continued a long and tedious warre , The daughters of Aristodemus . to the great depopulation of both their nations , those of Missene sent to know the euent of the Oracle at Delphos , and to which partie the victorie would at length incline . Answer is returned , That they shall bee conquerors , and the Lacedemonians haue the worst : but vpon this condition , To chuse out of the family of the Aepitidarians a virgin pure and vnblemisht , and this damsel to sacrifice to Iupiter . This Aristodemus hearing ( a Prince and one of the noblest of the familie of the Aepitidarians ) willing to gratifie his countrey , chused out his onely daughter for immolation and sacrifice : which a noble youth of that nation hearing , surprised both with loue and pittie ; loue in hope to inioy her , and pitty , as grieuing she should bee so dismembred ; he thought rather to make shipwracke of her honour than her life , since the one might bee by an after-truth restored , but the other by no earthly mediation recouered . And to this purpose presents himselfe before the altar , openly attesting that she was by him with child , and therefore not onely an vnlawfull but abhominable offering in the eyes of Iupiter . No sooner was this charitable slander pronounced by the young man , but the father more inraged at the losse of her honour now , than before commiserating her death , being full of wrath he vsurpes the office of the priest , and with his sword hewes the poore innocent Lady to peeces . But not many nights after this bloody execution , the Idaea of his daughter bleeding , and with all her wounds about her , presented it selfe to him in his trouble and distracted sleepe : with which being strangely mooued , he conueighed himselfe to the tombe where his daughter lay buried , and there with the same sword slew himselfe .

Pheretrina . Herodotus in Euterpe speakes of one Pheretrina queene of the Baccaeans , a woman of a most inhumane crueltie , she was for her tyranny strooke by the hand of heauen , her liuing body eaten with wormes and lice , and in that languishing misery gaue vp the ghost . Propert. in his third book speaks of one Dyrce , Dyrce . who much grieued that her husband Lycus was surprised with the loue of one Antiopa caused her to be bound to the horns of a mad bull ; Antiopa . but her two sonnes Zethus and Amphion comming instantly at the noyse of her lowd acclamation , they released her from the present danger , and in reuenge of the iniurie offered to their mother , fastned Dyrce to the same place , who after much affright , and many pittifull and deadly wounds , Consinge . expired . Consinge was the queene of Bithinia , and wife to Nicomedes , whose gesture and behauiour appearing too wanton and libidinous in the eyes of her husband , hee caused her to be woorried by his owne dogges . Pyrene . Plin. lib. 7. Pyrene the daughter to Bebrix was comprest by Hercules in the mountaines that diuide Italy from Spaine , she was after torne in pieces by wild beasts , they were cald of her Montes Pyreneae . i. The Pyrenean mountaines . Antipater Tarcenses apud Vollateran . speakes of one Gatis , Gatis . a queene of Syria , who was cast aliue into a moate amongst fishes , and by them deuoured ; she was likewise called Atergatis . Atergatis . Sygambis was the mother of Darius king of Persia , Sygambes . as Quintus Curtius in his fourth booke relates , she dyed vpon a vowed abstinence for being taken prisoner by Alexander , yet nobly vsed by him , whether tyred with the continuall labour of her iourney , or more afflicted with the disease of the mind it is not certaine : but falling betwixt the armes of her two daughters ( after fiue dayes abstinence from meate , drinke , and light ) she expired . Semele the mother of Bacchus , Semele . a Theban Lady , and of the royall race of Cadmus perisht by thunder . Pliny in his second booke writes of one Martia great with child who was strooke with thunder , Martia . but the infant in her wombe strooke dead onely , shee her selfe not suffering any other hurt or dammage : in which place he remembers one Marcus Herennius , a Decurion , who in a bright & cleare day when there appeared in the sky no signe of storme or tempest , was slaine by a thunderclappe . Pausanius apud Vollateran . saith that Helena after the death of her husband Menelaus , Helena . being banished into Rhodes by Megapenthus and Nicostratus the sonnes of Orestes , Polyzo . came for rescue to Polyzo the wife of Pleopolemus , who being iealous of too much familiaritie betwixt her and her husband , caused her to be strangled in a bath : others write of her , that growing old , and seeing her haires growne gray , that face growne wythered whose lustre had beene the death of so many hundered thousands ; shee caused her glasse to be broken , and in despaire strangled herselfe . The like Caelius lib. 6. cap. 15. remembers vs of one Acco , , Acco . a proude woman in her youth and growne decrepid through age , finding her brow to be furrowed , and the fresh colour in her checkes quite decayed , grew with the conceit thereof into a strange frenzie : some write that she vsed to talke familiarly to her owne image in the Mirhor , sometimes smile vpon it , then againe menace it , promise to it , or slatter it , as it came into her fancie : in the end with meere apprehension that she was growne old , and her beautie faded , shee fell into a languishing and so died . Iocasta the incestuous mother to Aeteocles and Polynices , Iocasta . beholding her two sonnes perish by mutuall wounds , strooke with the terrour of a deede so facinorous , instantly slew her selfe . So Bisaltia a mayd , Bisaltia . dispised by Calphurnius Crassus , into whose hands she had betraide the life of her father , and freedome of her countrie fell vpon a sword and so perished . Zoe the Emperesse , Zoe . with her husband Constantius Monachus , both about one time died of the Pestilence . Gregorius Turonensis writes of one Austrigilda a famous Queene , Austrigilda who died of a disease called Disenteria , which is a flux or wringing of the bowells . Of the same griefe died Sausones , sonne to Chilperick . Serena the wife of Dioclesian , Serena . for verie griefe that so much Martyres blood was spilt by her husbands remorseles tyrannie , Glausinda . fell into a feauer and so died . Glausinda daughter to the king of the Gothes and wife to Athanagildus was slaine by Chilperick , the sonne of Clotharius , at the instigation of his strumpet Fredegunda , Freiegunda . so saith Volateranus . Sextus Aurelius writes , that the Emperour Constantius , sonne to Constantius and Helena , caused his wife Fausta ( by whose instigation he had slaine his sonne Crispus ) to die in an hot scalding bath . Fausta , Lysides al Melissa . Herodotus speakes of Lysides otherwise called Melissa the wife of Periander , who at the suggestion of a strumpet caused her to be slaine , which makes Sabellicus amongst others to wonder , why for that deede onely he should be numbered amongst the seuen wise men of Greece . Marcus Cecilius in his seuen and twentieth booke vpon Pliny accuseth Calphurnius Bestia for poysoning his wiues , sleeping . Plinie in his fourteenth booke , nominates one Egnacius Melentinus who slew his wife for no other cause but that shee had drunke wine , Auctoclea . and was acquited of the murder by Romulus . Auctoclea the daughter of Sinon and wife of Laertes king of Ithaca when by a false messenger she heard her sonne Vlysses was slaine at the siege of Troy , suddenly fell downe and died . The mother of Antista seeing her daughter forsaken by Pompey the great , Antista . and Aemilia receiued in her stead , Perimela . ouercome with griefe slew her selfe . Perimele a damosell , was vitiated by Achelous , which her father Hyppodomus tooke in such indignation , that from an high promontorie he cast her headlong downe into the Sea . Lymone . Hyppomanes a prince of Athens , deprehending his daughter Lymone in adulterie , shut her vp in a place with a fierce and cruell horse , but left no kind of food for one or the other , in so much that the horse opprest with hunger deuoured her , hence came that Adage fathered vpon Diogineanus , More cruell than Hyppomanes . Deuteria . Gregorius Turonensis remembers one Deuteria fearing least her yong daughter , now grown ripe and marriageable , who might bee deflowred by the king Theodebertus , cast her headlong into the riuer that runs by the citie Viridunum , Leucothoe . where she was drowned . Orchamus finding his daughter Leucothoe to be vitiated by Appollo caused her to be buryed aliue . Lucilla . Lucilla the daughter of Marcus Antonius and Fausta , as Herodian reports , was slaine by the hand of her brother Commodus , Lychione . against whom she had before made a coniuration . Lychione the daughter of Dedalion , because she durst compare hirself , with Diana was by the goddesse wounded to death with an arrow ; at the celebration of whose exequies when her body was to be burnt , her father likewise cast himselfe into the fire . Hylonome the shee Centaur , seeing her husband Cillarius slaine in the battaile betwixt the Centaurs and the Lapithes , fell vpon his sword and so expired . Anmianus , and Marcellus lib. 16. haue left recorded , that Mithridates king of Pontus being ouercome in battaile by Pompey , committed his daughter Dyraptis , Dyraptis . to the safe custodie of the Eunuch Menophilus to bee kept in a strong Cittadell called Syntiarium , which when Manutius Priscus had straitly besieged , and the Eunuch perceiued the defenders of the Castle dismaide and readie to submit themselues and giue vp the fort ; hee drew out his sword and slew her , rather than she should be made a captiue to the Roman Generall . Sextus Aurelius writes of the Empresse of Sabina the wife of Adrian , Sabina . who hauing suffered from him many grosse and seruile iniuries , gaue her selfe vp to a voluntarie death , when shee considered shee had supported so inhumane a tyrant , and such a contagious pest to the common weale . Pontus de Fortuna , speakes of a Virgin amongst the Salattines called Neaera , Neaera . who greeuing that a yong man to whom shee was betrothed , had forsaken her and made choice of another , caused her vaines to be opened , and bled to death . Cleopatra . Cleopatra after the death of Anthony , least shee should bee presented as a captiue , to grace the triumphs of Augustus , gaue her arme to the byting of an Aspe , of which shee died ; for in that manner was her picture presented in Rome , of whom Propertius lib. 3. thus speakes , Brachia spectaui sacris admorsa colubris .

Neaera and Charmione Neaera and Charmione , were the two handmaides of Cleopatra , These ( as Plutarch & others report of them ) would by no persuasion suruiue their queen and misteresse , who perceiuing ( as they were gasping betwixt life and death ) the crowne to be falne from the temples of their dead Ladie , raised themselues from the Earth with the small strength they had left , and placed it right againe on her fore-head , that shee might the better become her death ; which they had no sooner done , but they both instantly fell downe and breathed their last ; an argument of an vnmatchable zeale to the princesse their Ladie . Monima Miletia and Veronica Chia were the wiues of Mithridates , Monima Milesia Veronica Chya . who vnderstanding of his tragicall fall and miserable end , gaue vp their liues into the hands of the Eunuch Bochides . Monima first hanged her selfe , but the weight of her bodie breaking the cord , she grew somewhat recouered , and fell into this acclamation , O execrable power of a diadem , whose command euen in this small sad seruice I cannot vse : which words were no sooner spoke , but she offered her throate to the sword of the Eunuch , who instantly dispatched her both of life and torment . Veronica dranke off a chalice of wine tempered with poyson , which dispersing into her vaines and keeping her in a languishing torment , her death was likewise hastned by the Eunuch Bochides . A strange madnesse possest the Virgins of Milesia : The Milesian Virgins . these , as Aelianus and others haue writ , gaue themseues vp to voluntarie deaths , many or the most strangling themselues , this grew so common amongst them that scarce one day past in which some one or other of them were not found dead in their chambers . To remedie which mischiefe the Senators of the citie made a decree , That what maide soeuer should after that time lay violent hands vpon her selfe , the body so found dead , should be stript naked , and in publike view dragd through the streetes , freely exposed to the eyes of all men : The impression of which shame more preuailing than the terrour of death , none was euer after knowne to commit the like outrage vpon themselues . Phaedra . Phaedra the steppe-mother to Hyppolitus her son in law , and wife of Theseus , when shee could not corrupt the yong man her son in law , to make incestuous the bed of his father , despairing , hung her selfe : yet before her death she writ certain letters in which she accused Hippolitus to his father of incest , which after prooued the speedie cause of his death . Amongst many strange deaths , Two mothers . these of two mothers are not the least remarkable : most strange it is that sudden ioy should haue as much power to suffocate the spirits , as the power of lightning . The rumor of the great slaughter at the Lake of Thrasimenes being published , one woman when beyond all hope she met her sonne at the cittie gate safely returned from the generall defeates , cast herselfe into his armes , where in that extasie of ioy shee instantly expired . Another hearing her sonne was slaine in the battaile , after much sorrow for his death , sitting in her owne house and spying him vnexpectedly comming towards her safe and in health , she was so ouercome with sudden ioy , that not able to rise and giue him meeting , she died as she sate in her chaire . Most strange it is that ioy should make speedier way to death than sorrow : these mothers Zoe remembered by Valerius Maximus lib. 9. cap. 12. So much I hope shall suffice for women that haue died strange deaths , for I had rather heare of many to liue well , than that any one should die ill . I onely intreate patience of the curteous Reader , that as I haue begun this booke in sadnesse , so he will giue me leaue to conclude it in jest . Some no doubt ( though not iustly ) will taxe me for my too much intermixtion of historie , and say there bee many things inserted , not pertinent to my proiect in hand , which might better haue beene left out than put in : They in my conceit doe but dally with me , and put such a tricke vpon me as gentleman did vpon a countrey hosteler . My Tale is but homely , The Hostelers Tale. but it hath a significant Morrall . This traueller often vsing to a thorowfare Inne , was much annoyed by reason that betwixt his chamber and the stable , where he commonly vsed to see his horse drest and meated , there lay great heapes of ●ullen● dounge in 〈◊〉 way , which much offended him , and being willing either to be rid of th●● inconuenience , or punish him that might remedie it , hee tooke occasion to aske the hosteler what dounghill that was which was so offensiue . Hee answered him , his master kept great store of pullen about the house , and that was all Hennes doung . Hennes doung saith the gentleman , I haue a peece of land at home I would it were all there , if thou canst helpe me to any quantitie of it ( being sure that it is such ) I will giue thee twentie shillings a loade for as much as thou canst prouide , and fetch it away with mine owne carriage . The fellow hearing this , promised within a moneth to furnish him with twentie loade at least at the same price . The match was made , and the gentleman after breakefast tooke horse and departed . The hosteler bespeakes all such soyle as the Towne could affoord , or the next Villages by , and made such a huge heape as annoyed the whole yard ( knowing the gentleman to haue beene euer a man of his word ) who came according to the time appointed . The hosteler is glad to see him , and tells him he hath prouided him of his commoditie , and withall brings him to the place where it lay like a lays●all . The gentleman seemes wondrous glad of this new merchandise , and drawes out certaine peeces out of his pocket , as if he meant to giue him present payment , but withall asked him , Art thou sure all this is Hens-doung ? vpon my life it is saith the hosteler , expecting still to finger the gold . But ( replyde the gentleman ) art thou sure there is no cockes doung amonst it ? ô lord yes ( saith the hosteler ) how can it be else ? why then quoth the gentleman I pray thee make thy best of it good friend , for if there be the least cockes doung amongst it , it will doe me no pleasure , I will not giue thee three farthings for it all . Thus was the hosteler , notwithstanding his former cost , forced to remooue all that muckhill , and make the yard cleane at his owne charge , with much addition of mockerie and laughter . If for a little quantitie of cockes doung you cauell at all the rest here included , the better judgements I hope will impute it , as to my simplicitie , so to your ouer curiositie . Another maine thing is to be feared , wherein I must of force incurre the censure of some or other , namely , Why amongst prophane histories I haue inserted Martyres , and to confirme their truth haue brought Authors that haue beene held superstitious ? I answere to all in generall , I haue onely specified such things as I haue read , and for mine owne opinion I keepe it reserued . But because I now come to a conclusion , I will end this booke thus briefly , in regard that women die , and so many die , and that they die at all , I will giue you a womans reason why it is so , Because they can liue no longer .

Explicit lib. quartus . Inscriptus MELPOMENE .

THE FIFTH BOOKE inscribed TERPSICHORE . Intreating of Amazons : and other Women famous either for Valour , or for Beautie .

A Question may be demanded , Why vnder the Muse Terpsichore , I personate the Bold and the Beautifull , the Warrelike and the Faire , she being the Muse to whom measures and daunces are solely peculiar , as being of them the onely and first inuentresse ? I answer , ( and I hope not impertinently ) that considering euery circumstance , I know not how to commend them to a more fit Mecaenas or Patron : for of what doth all your martiall discipline consist ; but vpon time , number , measure , distance , and order ? and all these in Choreis , Tripudijs ( i. daunces ) especially are obserued . In daunces we keepe time to the musicke ; so in marching or drilling , our eares are attentiue to the voice of the captaine or generall . In the figures of the one , and files of the other , number is necessarily obserued , so is measure , distance , and order , for in these they haue an equall correspondence . Now concerning faire women , whom in all Maskes at the Court , Cittie , or elsewere , doe your gallants picke out , but the virgins or Ladies most beautifull ? nay euen at Wakes or weddings in the countrie , the fairest lasse is continually called out to daunce , be it but to the harpe , taber , or bag-pipe . Amongst the souldiers were celebrated the Pirhick daunce in armour , first instituted by king Pyrrhus of Epire ; so likewise the Matachine or sword daunce : what measures haue beene deuised for the exercise of faire Ladies , Custome deriued from all Antiquitie still makes frequent amongst vs . It was vsed amongst the Iewes , witnes Herodias , and is still continued in Spaine , Fraunce , and England . A second doubt is , whether the magnanimous , or the exquisitly featured , whether Fortitude , or Pulcritude , ought to haue precedence and first place . It is a maxime amongst the Phisitions , Plus necat gula , quam gladius , i. surfets haue beene the destruction of more men than the sword : so I am of opinion , That beautie hath beene the ruine of more citties , the depopulation of more kingdomes , and destruction of more men than the sword . But in this place , since the courage of the mind , and excellence of forme , contend for the vpper hand , I take it from Feature , to bestow it on Magnanimitie and spirit , since the deeds of the one liue to all posteritie , but the frailtie of the other is subiect to euery small infirmitie : Therefore Ouid in his booke dearte Amandi thus writes , Forma bonum fragile est , quantumque accedit ad annos Fit minor , & Grada carpitur ipse suo , &c. Form's fraile good : as time runnes on , it wasts , And the more spends it selfe , the more it hasts . Nor alwayes can the purple violet smell , Or Lillies bloome , in whitenesse that excell . The fragrant rose whose beautie we desire , The leaues once falne , shewes but a naked brire . O thou most faire , white heires come on apace , And wrinckled furrowes which shall plow thy face .

So likewise Petronius Arbiter in one of his Satyres .

Quod solum formae decus est , cecidere Capillae . The onely beautie of her shape ( her haire ) Fell from her head , her beautie to impaire . Summer succeedes the Spring , her Autumne chaceth , And them sad Winter with his snow disgraceth . Deceitfull Nature , all these youthfull ioyes Thou gau'st vs first , thou art the first destroyes .

Now the fruits and effects of this fraile beautie , especially where a faire face meeteth with a corrupted mind , I will next shew you by historie . Achab by the persuasion of his faire wife Iesabell Iesabell . was the death of many of the Prophets of the Lord . Dalila was the confusion of Sampson the Strong . Dalila . Strange women brought Salomon the Wise to Idolatrie , and to forget God . Ioram , a king of Israell , at the instigation of Athalia committed many horrible outrages . Athalia . Helena's Helena . beautie was the occasion of that infinite slaughter betwixt the Greekes and Troians . Pelops succeeding in the kingdome of Phrygia made warre vpon Oenomaus the father of Hyppodamia , because being surprised with her beautie , she was denyde him in marriage . Another Hyppodamia , Hippodam . the wife of Perithous , was the occasion of that great Centauromachia , or battai●e betwixt the Centaures and the Lapithes ; Ischomach . for which Propertius calls her Ischomache of the greeke word Isco , which signifieth Habeo , and Mache Pugna : his words are these , Qualis & Iscomache Lapithae genus Heroinae , Centauris medio grata rapina mero . Such as Iscomache that was , Of the Lapythaean line , She whom the Centaures would haue rapt Amidst their cups of wine .

Aspasia . Pericles for his loue to Aspasia made warre against the Samians . For Chrisaeis the daughter of Chrises ( Priest to Apollo , Chrysaeis . vitiated by Agamemnon ) a plague was sent amongst the Greekish host , which ceased not till she was returned backe to her father : for so writes Tortellius . Lauiniaes beautie , Lauinia . the daughter of King Latinus and the Queene Amata , was cause of the combustion betwixt Turnus and Aeneas : so saith Pontanus , lib. 4. de Stellis . Lysimachus the sonne of Agathocles poysoned his owne sonne Agathocles , by whose fortunate hand he had receiued the honour and benefit of many glorious victories , at the instigation of his wife Arsinoe , Arsinoe . the sister of Ptolo●teus . Vollateran . Iphis a youth of exquisite feature , strangled himselfe , because he was despised by the faire , but cruell Anaxarite . Anaxarite . Archil●●us king of Macedon was slaine by a young man called Crateua , because hauing first promised him his faire daughter , he after bestowed her vpon another . The Poet Archilocus called Iambographus , because Lycambes denyde him his daughter in marriage , writes against him such bitter Iambicks , that hee despaired and hanged himselfe , therefore Ouid thus writes : Post modo si perges , in te mihi liber Iambus Tincta Licambaeo sangui●e tela dabit . If thou pursu'st me still , my booke Iust vengeance shall implore , And in Lambickes weapons yeeld Dipt in Lycambes gore .

Iustine in his 27 booke relates , That Seleneus Callinicus king of Syria , for exiling Berenice his steppe-mother , Berenice . sister to Ptolomaeus , was by the same Ptolomaeus inuaded and prosecuted by armes . Deiphebus after the death of Paris , hauing marryed Hellen , to which infortunate match her beautie had inuited him , was by her treacherie not onely murdered , but his body hackt and mangled , being almost made one vniuersall wound . Tortellius reports of one Euander the nephew of Pallas king of the Arcadians , Nicostrate . at the persuasion of his mother Nicostrate slew his owne father . Orestes the sonne of Agamemum slew Pyrrhus the sonne of Achilles , being surprised with the beautie of Hermione daughter to Menal●us : Hermione . and Helena Pteleras king of the Thebans was slaine by king Craeon , being betrayde by his owne Polydices . Polidices . Cleopatra was the cause of that bloody warre betwixt Ptolomaeus Philopaser , and her owne father Alexander king of Syria . Idas and Lyncaeus the sons of Aphareus and Arbarne fought a great battaile neere to Sparta about the two faire daughters of Leucippus , Phebe and Ilaira , Plebe . Ilaira . against Castor and Pollux , both which were slaine in that battaile , and perisht not by shipwracke as some write in the pursuite of Paris by sea , for the rape of their sister Hellen , Liuie lib. 36. writes of Antiochus , who warring against Rome , was so taken with the beautie of a Chalcidonian damsell , that neglecting all warlike discipline to spend his time in dalliance with his wanton , hee became a shamefull and dishonourable prey to the enemy . Octauia . Octauia the sister of Augustus being repudiated by Anthony , was the occasion of a ciuill and intestine war . The Poet Lucretius growing mad for the loue of a faire damsell , dranke poyson and so dyed . Tullia . Tullia incited Tarquinius Superbus to kill her owne father Seruius Tullius . Martia Marcia . the strumpet caused Autonius Commodus the Emperour ( whose Concubine she was ) to bee slaine by a souldiour with whom shee had many times had lustfull congression . Tytus Corrancanus being sent on embassie to Teuca queene of the Illyrians , Teuca . because hee spake to her freelie and boldlie , she caused him to be put to death , against the lawes of kingdomes and nations : Liuius and Florus . Vollateranus writes of one Rhodoricus king of the Gothes , who because he stuprated the daughter of Iulianus who was Prefect in the Prouince of Tingitana , the father of the rauisht virgin brought in the Moores and raised a warre , which before it was ended , was the death of seauen hundred thousand men , Chilpericus the sonne of Clotharius was slaine by the instigation of his wife Fridegunda in his returne from hunting . Fridegund . Luchinus a Count of Italy warred vpon Vgolinus Gonzaga , because hee had adulterated his faire wife Isabella . Vollateran . Otratus king of Bohemia accused of sloath and cowardise by his wife Margarita for entering league with Rodulphus Caesar , Margarita . raised warre betwixt them , in which her husband was defeated . Gandulphus the Martyr for but counselling his wife to a more chast and temperate life , was murdered betwixt her and the adulterer . Of warres and many other mischiefes , of which faire women haue beene the originall , Ouid elegantly deliuers in 2 Eleg. thus concluding : Vidi ego pro ●iuea pugnantes coni●ge tauros Spectatrix animos , ipsa innenca dabat . For a white heyfer I haue seene bulls sight , Both gathering rage and courage from her sight .

At the building of Rome , Romulus to people the cittie and get wiues for his souldiers , caused them to rauish the Sabine women and damsells : for which warre grew betwixt the two nations . Of which Proper . lib. 2.

Cur exempla petam Gracum ? Tu criminis au●h●r Nutribus duro Romule lacte lupae , &c. What neede I from the Greekes examples aske ? Thou Romulus by a fell she-wolfe nurst To rape the Sabines mad'st thy souldiers taske , Rape , Rome still loues , because thou taughtst it first .

Since then the forme ( at best ) so soone fades , and that beautie hath beene the cause of so much blood-shed , Why should women be so proud of that which rated at the highest , is no better than an excellent euill , or a wretched wonder ; that had beginning , therefore subiect to end ; created from earth , and therefore consequently transitorie ? but on the contrary , since the vertues of the mind solely acquire after fame and glory , conquer obliuion and suruiue enuie , and Phenix-like recouer fresh youth from forgotten ashes : To such I yeeld the first place , and so begin with the Amazons .

Of the Amazons .

ANd first of their countrey . Cappadocia is a land that breedeth goodly and braue horses , it hath on the East side Armenia , on the West Asia the lesse , on the North Amazonia , on the South Mount Taurus , by which lyeth Sicilia and Isauria , as farre as the Cilicke sea that stretcheth towards the Island of Cyprus . The lesse Asia ( cald Asia minor ) ioyneth to Cappadocia , and is closed in with the great sea , for it hath on the North the mouth and sea that is cald Euxinus , on the West Propontides , on the South the Aegyptian sea . This lesse Asia conteineth many prouinces and lands , on the North side Bythinia butting vpon the sea against Thracia , and is called Phrygia the greater . The chiefe cittie of Bythinia is Nicomedia . Galathia takes name of the Galls that assisted the king of Bythinia in his warres , and therefore had that Prouince giuen them to inhabit , It was first called Gallograecia , as being a people mixt of the Galls and Graecians , but now they be cald Galathians , and these are they to whom Saint Paul writ his Epistles Ad Galates . The third part of Asia minor is called Phrygia , and tooke name of Phrygia daughter to Europa the daughter of Aegenor : that Phrygia was likewise called Dardania of Dardanus the sonne of Iupiter ; It hath on the East side Lydia , and on the West the sea Hellespontus , so called of Helles the sister of Phrixus , who was there drowned . Lydia is on the East side of East Phrygia , there sometimes raigned the rich king Craesus . There were two brethren kings of that countrey , the one cald Liddus , the other Tyrhenus : but the land being too little for both , they cast lots which should abide there , and which should seeke abroad to plant a Collony else-where ; which lot fell to the younger , Tyrhenus : Hee toucht vpon a land then cald Galia , which after he caused to be named Tyrhia , of him also the sea Tyrhenus tooke denomination , as the land of Lydia of his brother Lyddus . Of Lydia , the chiefe cittie is Smyrna , to which cittie S. Iohn the Euangelist writeth in his Apocal. The chiefe riuer of that countrey is Pactolus , which as the Poets fable hath golden sands . The fift part of Asia Minor is called Pamphilia , and Isauria , the chiefe cittie is Seleucia , built by king Seleucus Antiochus ; neere to that is Scilicia , and containeth Lycia , which is called likewise Licaonia , in which are the two noble citties Lystris and Derbe , spoken of in Actib . Apostol . By these citties they sayle out of Syria into Italy : but the chiefe of all these citties is Tharsis , downewards towards the Amasonian sea , and that land is part in Asia , and part scituate in Europe . Now touching the Originall of the Amasons , and why they were first so called , diuerse authours haue diuersly writ . Lib. 1. cap. de Amazonib . Palaephatus in his fabulous narrations saith , The Amasons were not women , but certaine barbarous men who vsed to weare long garments and loose , reaching below their ankles after the manner of the Thracian women , who shaued their chinnes , and wore the haires of their head long but couered with miters : These Amasons were a warrelike people , and did many braue and remarkeable deedes of armes . But there is no likelihood ( saith hee ) that such should bee women , because of that nation there is at this day no memorie : but this was but his opinion . Trogus Pompeius , from whom Iustine extracts his history , thus speaks of their origenall : Scythia towards the East , is of one side imbraced by the sea , on the other part hem'd in by the Ryphaean mountaines , the longitude and latitude thereof lyes open to Asia and the riuer Tanais : These Scythians haue no portions of land amongst them which any man can call his owne , The custome of the Scythians . they manure no fields , they build no houses , ignorant both of Agriculture and Architecture , their riches are their heards and their cattle , they delight in vnfrequented solitudes and inhabitable desarts , when they remooue from one place to another , they carry their wiues along with them in charriots and waggons , these are couered with leather and skinnes of beasts , to shroud them from summers shewers , and defend themselues from winters tempests ; they know no houses els , and for no others care . Iustice is maintained by the modestie of their manners , not by the seueritie of their lawes : There is no offence so grieuous to them as theft , because their flockes lie open without folds or sheepe coates ; Gold and siluer they despise as much as other nations couet it , esteeming it rather an vnusefull burden than a profitable merchandise : Their food is for the most part milke and hony , the benefite of wooll or cloath is to them altogether vnknowne , though the climate oppresse them with continuall cold , their habit is furres and the skinnes of beasts ; their continence teacheth them that iustice , That they couet nothing but what is their owne : for where there is desire of riches , there must necessarily be vsurie and oppression . Were the like moderation and abstinence vsed amongst all nations , warre and surfet would not ( as they now doe ) destroy more than age or nature . Admirable it is , that custome in them should attaine to as much true morall humanitie as the wise men of Greece haue reached to by the learning of arts , or study of Philosophy ; and that vntaught Barbarians should excell them that professe to tutor others in manners ; more eminent farre in their ignorance of Vice , The braue acts of the Scythians . than the others in their knowledge of Vertue . Three times these Scythians attempted the Empire of Asia , in all their expeditions remaining vnfoild , at least vnconquered . Darius king of Persia they put to shamefull flight . Cyrus with a supposed inuincible armie they slew in the field . Zopyrus the great captaine of Alexander , they victoriously defeated . Of the Romans they onely heard their power , but neuer felt their strength . The Parthian and Bactrian Empire they establisht . A nation in labours vnwearied , in dangers vndismaied , not seeking to get what they cared not to loose , in all their victories preferring the glory before the spoile . The first that made warre against this nation was Vexores king of Aegypt , who by his Embassadours sent them word to prepare themselues for defence : by whom they returned to the king this answer , We wonder that the captaine of so rich a people will wage war against vs that are knowne so poore , considering the successe of warre is doubtfull ; and howsoeuer the euent prooue , the reward of the victorie is nothing , but the dammage arising from the fight , manifest . Their answer went before , which their resolution as suddenlie and swiftlie pursued after , for their army and their answer almost arriued together , whose celeritie in march , A base flight . and resolution in purpose , when Vexores vnderstood , he forsooke his tents and all prouision for warre , and betooke himselfe to a base and dishonourable flight . They pursued him to the Aegyptian fennes , but by reason of the marishes and vncertaine ground , their further passage was prohibited . Retyring thence they ouerranne Asia , and subdued it vnder their predominance , imposing on the Nations a small tribute , rather in acknowledgement of the title , than to be gainers by the victory , the enemy rather suffering disgrace than oppression : fifteene yeares they continued in Asia , rather to settle the estate than to extort from the inhabitants . From thence they were called by the wickednesse of their wiues , from whom they receiued word , That vnlesse they instantly repayred home , they would seeke issue from the neighbour nations , for they would not suffer the posteritie of the antient Scythians to bee in the women extinct . Asia was for many yeares tributarie to the Scythians ; Trogus and Iustine say for a thousand and fiue hundred yeares , which ended in Ninus king of Assyria : In this interim , two princely youthes among the Scythians , Plinos and Scolopitus , being by the optimates and chiefe of the people expulst from their families , drew to their societie a mightie confluence and inuaded Cappadocia , planting themselues neere to the riuer Thermedon : and being by conquest possest of the Prouince of Themisciria , there hauing for many yeares made spoyle of the neighbour nations by the conspiracie of the multitude who were opprest with their insolencies , they were betraide and slaine . Their wiues , by reason of their exile halfe in despaire , The first beginning of the Amasons . boldly tooke armes , and first retyring themselues and making their owne confines defensible , after grew to the resolution to inuade others . Besides they disdained to marry with their neighbours , calling it rather a seruitude than Wedlock . A singular example to all ages . Thus they augmented their seigniories and establisht their common-weale without the counsell or assistance of men , whose fellowship they began now altogether to despise : and to communicate their losse , to make the widdowes of equall fortune with the wiues , they slew all the men that yet remained amongst them , and after reuenged the deaths of their husbands formerlie slaine , vpon the bordering people that conspired against them . At length by warre hauing setled peace , least their posteritie and memory should perish , they had mutuall congression with their neighbour nations : The men children they slew , the female they nourced and brought vp , not in sowing and spinning , but in hunting and practise off armes and horsemanship ; and that they better might vse their launces and with the more ease , at seauen yeares of age they seared or rather burnt of their right breasts , Whence the name of Amasons was deriued . of which they tooke the name of Amasons , as much as to say Vnimammae , or Vrimammae , i. those with one breast , or with a burnt breast . There were of them two queenes that ioyntly held the soueraigntie , Marthesia and Lampedo ; Marthesia . Lampedo . these diuided their people into two armies , and being growne potent both in power and riches they went to warre by turnes , the one gouerning at home whilest the other forraged abroad ; and least there should want honour and authoritie to their successes , they proclaimed themselues to be deriued from Mars : in so much that hauing subdued the greater part of Aeurope , they made incursions into Asia , and there subdued many fortresses and castles , where hauing built Ephesus with many other citties , part of their army they sent home with rich and golden spoyles , the rest that remained to maintaine the Empire of Asia , were all with the queene Marthesia ( or as some write , Marpesia ) defeated and slaine . In whose place of soueraigntie her daughter Orythia succeeded , Orythia . who besides her singular valour and fortunate successe in warre , was no lesse admired for her constant vowe of virginitie , which to her death she kept inuiolate . The bruite of their glorious and inuincible acts reaching as farre as Greece , Hercules with a noble assembly of the most Heroicke youthes furnisht nine ships , with purpose to make proofe of their valor : two of foure sisters at that time had the principalitie , Antiope and Orythia : Orythia was then imployde in forreine expeditions . Now when Hercules with the young Heroes landed vpon the Amasonian continent , the queene Antiope , not iealous of the least hostility , stood then with many of her ladies vnarmed on the shore , who being suddainly assaulted by the Graecians were easily put to rout , and they obtained an easie victorie ; in this conflict many were slaine , and diuers taken , amongst whom were the two sisters of Antiope , Menalippe . Menalippe surprised by Hercules , and Hyppolite by Theseus , Hyppolite . hee subdude her by armes , but was captiuated by her beautie , who after tooke her to his wife , and of her begot Hyppolitus . Of her Seneca in Agamemnon thus speakes : Vidit Hyppolite ferox pectore emedio rapi Spolium & sagittas . The bold Hyppolite did see that day Her breast despoyld and her shafts tane away .

Of Menalippe , Virgill thus : Threicean sexto spolianit Amazona Baltheo . Hauing relation to the golden belt of Thermedon , which was numbered the sixt of Hercules his twelue labours , He receiued that honour , and she her libertie . Orythia being then abroad and hearing of these outrages and dishonours done at home , that warre had beene commenced against her sister , and Theseus prince of Athens borne thence Hyppolite , whom she held to be no better than a rauishor ; impatient of these iniuries , shee conuented all her forces and incited them to reuenge , inferring , that in vaine they bore Empire in Europe and Asia if their dominions lay open to the spoyles and rapines of the Grecians . Hauing incouraged and persuaded her owne people to this expedition , she next demanded ayd of Sagillus king of the Scythians , to him acknowledging herselfe to be descended from that nation , showes the necessitie of that warre , and the honour of so braue a victorie : hoping that for the glorie of the Scythian nation his men would not come behind her women in so iust an enterprise , the successe of which was vndoubtedly spoyle for the present , and fame for euer . Sagillus with these motiues incouraged , sent his sonne Penaxagoras with a great armie of horsemen to ayd Orithea in this warre : but by reason of a discention that fell in the campe , the prince of Scythia withdrew all his auxiliarie forces and with them retired into his countrey , by reason of which defect the Amazons were defeated by the Grecians , yet many of them after this battaile recouered their countries . After this Orythea succeeded Penthisilaea , Penthisilaea shee that in the ayd of Priam ( or as some say , for the loue of Hector ) came to the siege of Troy with a thousand Ladies , where after many deeds of chiualrie by her performed she was slaine by the hands of Achilles , or as the most will haue it , by Neoptolimus : shee was the first that euer fought with Pollaxe , or wore a Target made like an halfe Moone , therefore she is by the Poets called Peltigera and Securigera , as bearing a Target , or bearing a Poleaxe : Therefore Ouid in his Epistle of Phaedra , Prima securigeras inter virtute puellas .

And Virgill in his first booke of Aeneid .

Ducit Amazonidum lunatis Agmina peltis Penthisilaea fureus medijsque in millibus ardet . Penthisilaea mad , leades foorth Her Amazonian traine , Arm'd with their Mooned shieldes , and fights Mid'st thousands on the plaine .

These Amazons indured till the time of Alexander ; and though Isiodorus Eth. 14. saith that Alexander the Great quite subuerted their nation , yet Trogus , Iustine , Q. Curtius and others , are of a contrarie opinion , and affirme that when Alexander sent his Embassadors to demand of them tribute , otherwise his purpose was to inuade their territories : Minithra or Thalestris . their queene Minithra ( or as some writers terme her , Thalestris ) returned him answer after this manner : It is great wonder of thy small iudgement , ô king , that thou hast a desire to wage warre against women ; if thou being so great a conqueror shouldest be vanquished by vs , all thy former honours were blemished , and thou perpetually branded with shame and infamie ; but if our gods being angerie with vs , should deliuer vs vp into thy mercie , what addition is it to thine honor , to haue had the masterie ouer weake women ? King Alexander ( it is sayd ) was pleased with this answere , granting them freedome , and sayd , Women ought to be courted with faire words and flatterie , and not with rough steele and hostil●tie . After this she sent to the king desiring to haue his companie , as longing to haue issue by him to succeed the father in magnanimitie and vertue , to which hee assented . Some write , she stayd with him in wonderous familiaritie fourteene dayes : but Trogus in his second booke sayth fortie dayes , and when she found her selfe with child by him , tooke her leaue and departed into her owne countrey . Virgill amongst these Amazonians numbers Harpalice , Harpalice . Aenid . lib. 1.

— Vel qualis equos Therissa fatigat Harpalice — Such as the Thracian Harpalice was That horses tired —

Valerius Flaccus lib. 6. speakes of one Harpe . Harpe .

— Qua pelta vacat iamque ibat in Harpea Hee aym'd at Harpe where her shield lay void .

These Amazons were by the Scythians called Aeorpata , which is as much as Viricidae , or man-killers . For Aeor signifies Vir , a man , and Pata , Occidere , to kill . Their habits and manners Curtius thus describes lib. 5. de gestis Alexandri . Their garments couer not their bodies round ; their right side is still bare towards their brest ; their vpper roabe which is buckled or buttoned aboue , descends no lower than the knee ; one of their brests they reserue safe and vntouched , with which they giue sucke to their infants ; the right brest they burne off , that with the more facilitie they may draw a Bowe , thrill a Dart , or charge a Launce . Stephanus Byzantius writes , that they are called by the Greekes Sauropatidae , because they are said to feede vpon Lysards , which in their language they call Saurae . Herodotus writes of them many things needlesse here to insert , onely one is worth the obseruation : To incourage their valour , and that there should be no coward amongst them , A law among the Amazons they haue a law , That no Virgin shall be capable of a husband , or enter into familiar congresse with man , before she hath brought from the field , the head of an enemie slaine with her owne hand ; which hath beene the cause that so many of them haue died old wrinkled beldames , that neuer knew what belonged to the interchange of carnall societie . Of other Scythian women that had a purpose , it seemes , in some kind to immitate these Amazons , it is thus remembred by Strabo and others : The warlike Scythians in their third Asian expedition , being absent from their wiues the space of seuen yeares , they supposing their husbands rather to haue beene defeated and lost , than deteined with the tedioufnesse of so long and lingring a warre , married themselues to their slaues and seruants , such as were onely left at home to keepe their heards , flockes , and other cattell . The Scythians after the expiration of their warre , returning into their countrie were opposed by their owne vassalls , and repelled from their territories as strangers and inuaders , and not such as came to repossesse their owne wiues and fields : after many skermishes and conflicts , the victorie still remaining doubtfull and incertaine , the Scythians were aduised to change their manner of fight , and because their opposition was against the basest of slaues , not the noblest of enemies , therefore to suit their weapons according to the persons , and laying by the noble armes of a souldier , to encounter them not with weapons but with whips , not with steele but with scourges and other like instruments of the terrors of base and seruile feare . This counsell was generally approoued and followed , so that the next time their slaues affronted them in battaile , they met them with the commanding lookes of maisters , not of equall enemies , and shaking these whips and scourges , with the sight therof their seruants were so terrified that instantly they betooke themselues to seruile and ignoble flight , conquering them as slaues whom they could scarce oppose as enemies , all such of them as they tooke they put to tortures and death . Their wiues knowing themselues guiltie both of adulterie to their beds , and treason to their liues , some slew themselues with the sword , others strangled themselues with the halter , all in conclusion brauely and resolutely with selfe hands finished their owne liues , leauing their husbands lustie widdowers , with free libertie to make choice of honester wiues . After this accident the Scythians had peace euen to the time of king Lanthinus . Higinus addes vnto the number of those Amazons these following , Ociale , Dioxippe , Iphinome , Xanthe , Hypothoe , Orthrepte or Otrere , Antioche , Laomache , Glauce , Agaue , Theseis , Climene , and Polidora . Calaber besides these reckons vp twelue , but by diuerse and doubtfull names . Of the name of these Amazons , Ouid writes in the latter end of his second booke de Arte amandi , hauing writ his two first bookes wherein he hath ingeniously proposed all the wayes , plots , and stratagems by which men may captiuate women to their wishes and attract them to their desires , as if he had done his worke as worthily as wittingly ( which indeede he hath ) he thus insultingly concludes .

Me vatem celebrate viri , mihi dicite laudes , Cantetur toto nomen in orbe meum , &c. Call me your Poet , crowne my head with Bayes , And let the whole world descant on my praise . I gaue you armes , god Vulcan gaue no more To Thetis sonne : conquer as he ( before ) And he that shall his Amazon subdue , Strooke with the darts he from my quiuer drew , Vpon his warlike spoyles thus let him write , , , Naso my master taught me first to fight . Behold yong Wenches likewise trace my skill , They are the next charge of my labouring quill .

In his third booke as hauing prepared and armed men against vnarmed women , he proposeth to them the like precepts and instruction , with all the defensible weapons needfull against the ambushes and inticements of men , and thus begins : Arma dedi Danais , in Amazonas arma sup●rsunt , Quae tibi dem & turbae Penthisilaea tuae , The Greekes I haue giuen armes to , who now stand Ready to incounter the Amasonian band . Others within mine armorie remaine For thee Penthisilaea and thy traine : Goe equally acco●tred to the warre , And let such conquour as most fauoured are Of Carine , * * Venus . Dione , and the * * Cupid . Boy that flyes Round'bout the world still hood-winckt of his eyes . It were no iustice to arme men in steele 'Gainst naked women , bare from head to heele , Oh too much oddes there were in combat then , And so to conquour a great shame for men . And so much of the Amasons , I now proceede to other Magnanimous and braue spirited virgins .

Of warlike Women , and those of Masculine vertue .

I Know not better how to expresse the boldnes of women , than by shewing you the feare of men , nor can I more plainly illustrat the valor of one sex than by putting you in mind of the cowardise of the other . It is well obserued of an Italian ( who writes himselfe of Lucca ) concerning the passion of Feare , Of Feares . of which there are three sorts commendable ; the first is naturall feare , by which we auoid the iniuries of men , preuent the inconuenience of postelent sickenes , with such like casualties , and arme our selues against want , dearth , and necessitie . The second is ciuile Feare , wherein we feare to transgresse the law or incurre penaltie , are timorous to doe ill because it is ill , when we dare not depraue what s good or derrogate from our own reputation . The third is a more supernatural Feare , in which by our loue towards God and our neighbour , we feare to offend the higher Maiestie , and next that , feare the terror of eternall death and damnation ; by the first we preserue our bodies , by the second our honours , by the last our soules . But those other abiects the feares I purpose heare to exemplifie , Examples of Feare . onely such as proceed from Effeminacie and Cowardise . It is read of Pysander of Greece , that being aliue , he feared least his soule had alreadie forsaken his bodie . Likewise , of one Artemon who was of that hare-hearted disposition , that he mooued not abroad without Targets of brasse borne ouer him like cannopies , least any thing should fall from aloft and beate out his braines ; or if he rid , it was in a horse-litter seeled and crosse-bard with gads of steele and plates of yron , for which hee was called Peripharetes . Sabellicus writes that Cassander so feared Alexander , that long time after his death comming to Delphos to behold the goodly statues there errected , at the verie sight of his old maisters effigies , hee fell into such a timerous feauer , that his verie bones daunced in his skinne , and longtime it was ere they could constantly settle themselues in their owne places . This was that Cassander who had caused Olimpias the mother of Alexander to be so cruelly butchered . It is related of St. Valleir duke of Valentinois in Fraunce , that being condemned ●o death for not disclosing the treasons of the duke of Burbon , iust at the instant when the executioner should haue strooke off his head , the king sent him his gratious pardon , but all in vaine , the feare of the blow before it came , had dispatched him of life . Hereof hath growne a prouerbe , to any man that hath a strong apprehension of feare , they will say hee hath La fieure de saint Vallier , i. the feauer of Saint Vallier . Another thing is recorded , of a fellow that was so affraid of the name of Hercules , that he hid himselfe in caues and rockes , though he knew not of any quarrell betwixt them , at length , stealing from the obscure cauerne where he had denned himselfe , to see if the coast were cleere , casting his eye by chance on the one side and espying Hercules who came that way by chance , his life blood sinking into his heeles , he shooke them a little and died in that feauer . I could recite terrors and vaine feares which haue arise from nothing , that haue terrified whole citties of Grecians , armies of Romans , and multitudes of other nations , but these particulars shall suffice , for my purpose is not too farre to effeminate men , nor too much to embolden women : since the most valiant man that is , is timerous ynough , and the modestest woman that is may bee made sufficiently bold . Debora . But to the purpose in hand : Debora a warlike woman was a Prophetesse and iudged Israell ; by whose counsell and courage , they were not onely freed from the inroads and incursions of the neighbour nations , but many times returned from the field with rich spoyles and glorious conquests : of her you may reade more at large in the Iudges . Ianus was an antient king of Italy , hee entertained king Saturne when by his sonne Iupiter he was chased out of Creet : Because he was a prouident and wise prince , the Romans pictured him with two faces , and receiued him into the number of their gods , they attributed to him the beginning and end of things , celberating to his honour the first moneth Ianuarie , which tooke the denomination of Ianus from his name , one face looked vpon the yeare to come , the other looked backe on the yeare past ; in his right hand hee had a golden key which opened the Temple of Peace , in his left , a staffe which hee strooke vpon a stone , from whence a spring of water seemed to issue out ; he is thus described by Albricus the Philosopher in his booke de Deorum Imaginibus . This Ianus left behind him a beautifull faire daughter , whose name was Helerna , Helerna . shee sucded her father in his kingdome , which was scituate by the riuer Tiber , and was a woman of Masculine spirit and vertue : shee raigned ouer men without the counsell or assistance of men , she subdued nations by her valour , and conquered Princes by her beautie , of whom may bee truely spoken as Propertius lib. 2. writes of the queene Penthisilaea : Ausaferox ab equo quondam oppugnare sagittis , &c. Penthisilea from her steede , When her high courage rose , Durst with her shafts and warlike darts , The Darnish fleete oppose : No sooner was her beauer vp , And golden caske laid by : But whom by force she could not take , She captiu'd with her eye .

Camilla and others .

THis Camilla was queene of the Volscians , who euen in her cradle gaue manifest tokens of her future vertue and valour , for in her infancie shee was neither swathed in soft cloathing , nor wrapt in silken mantle , not attended by a tender nurse , nor fed with curious dainties or farre fetcht delicats , but fostered by her father Metabus with the milke of hinds and wild goates , Metabus . her court was a forrest , and her pallace a darke and obscure caue . Hauing somewhat outgrowne her infancy , she tooke no pleasure in rattles , puppets , or timbrells , in which children for the most part delight , neither did she inure her hands to sowing , spinning , or any such like womanish chares : her cloathing was the skinnes of wild beasts , her exercise hunting , her practise shooting , her armes the bow and quiuer , her drinke the fountaine water , and her foode venison . To this absteinous life shee added the strict vow of chastitie . At length warre being commenst betwixt Turnus and Aeneas , she adhered to the Rutilian faxion , and to those warres brought a regiment of braue and gallant horse , which she in person commanded . Her magnanimitie Virgill in the latter end of his seauenth booke thus sets downe , Hos superaduenit , volsca de gente Camilla , Agmea agens equitum & florentes are cateruas . To their supply Camilla came , The gallant Volscian Lasse , Who brauely did command the horse With troupes that shin'd in brasse . Of the like condition was Maria Puteolana , Maria Puteolana . so called of Puteolum a cittie of Campania , she was of a warlike condition and an inuincible courage , and flourisht in the age of Francis Petrarch : she is described to bee most patient of labour , and vntyred with trauell , moderate in diet , but altogether abstinent from wine , sparing of words , neuer boasting , but alwayes daring : The needle , the wheele , and the distaffe shee vtterly abiured ; horse , armour , the bow , the speare , and the target , aboue all other delights shee embraced ; shee vsed to walke whole nights without the least sleepe , and trauell whole dayes together without rest ; if necessitie at any time compelled her eyes to winke , or her bodie to lie downe , the earth was her bed , and her shield her pillow ; she abandoned the societie of women , her continuall conuersation was with captaines and commanders , which though it carried a face of boldnesse and ( as some tearme it ) impudencie , yet it is apparant to all men in what a soueraigne respect she held her chastitie and honour , which shee maintained without the least blemish vnspotted vnto the end ; from ribauld talke or discourse that tended to immodestie she refrained , all affected habit that sauoured of pride , or might be imputed to lightnesse she detested ; she was onely adicted to chiualrie , to be accounted valiant and vertuous that was her honourable ayme , and such her memorable end . Bona was a ladie of Lombardie , Bona Longabarba . and was sirnamed Longabarba , and not impertinently ranked with these , shee was a woman warrior , and liued in the yeare of grace 1568 , shee was the wife of Brunorius Parmensis a worthie and renowned souldier , her virgin youth was continually exercised in hunting and the chase , she attended her husband in all his hostile expeditions , not as a partner of his pleasures but a companion in his dangers , she kept not the cittie when he was in the campe , nor lodged in tent when he lay in the field , nor crept she more close to him in bed than shee stood fast by him in battaile ; after many great seruices performed , and glorious victories atchiued , he fell into the displeasure of Alexander king of Sicilie , who cast him into prison ; but this noble Ladie Bona , good both in name and conditions , neuer left solliciting the Emperour and other Christian princes both by petitions and friends , till she had purchased him a safe and honourable release . The next Virago that comes in place is Atalanta , Atalanta . Apollodorus Atheniensis lib. 3. de deorum origine , thus compiles her historie : Of Lycurgus and Cleophile ( or as some will haue it , Eurinome ) were borne Ancaeus , Epochus , Amphidamus , and Idaeus ; of Amphidamus , Melamian a sonne and Antimalie a daughter , whom Euristhaeus married : of Iasus and Clymene the daughter of Mimia , was Atalanta borne , whose father desirous of masculine issue , cast her out to a desperate fortune , whom a she beare finding , fed her with her milke , till certaine huntsmen coursing that way , and chancing vpon so sweete and beautifull an infant , tooke her home , and sawe her fairely and liberally educated . She being growne to mature age , notwithstanding she was solicited by many suitors , tooke vpon her the strict vowe of Virginitie , and arming her selfe after the manner of Diana , solely deuoted her selfe to hunting and the chace ; and increasing in beautie as she did in yeares , she was ambushed by two Centaures Rhaecus and Hyllaeus , who insidiating her virgin chastitie , shee with two shafts transpierst them and left them dead in the place . The next heroick action which made her famous , she came with all the noble youthes of Greece to the hunting of the Calidonian boare , and was the first that drew blood of the beast in the presence of Mele●ger prince of Aetolia , and all the other braue Heroes , of whom Putanus lib. 3. de Stellis thus speakes : Qualis in Aetolum campis Meleagria virgo , Strauit aprum , &c , As did the Meleagrian guirle , Who in the Aetolian plaine , Layd flat the foaming boare , and was The formost of the traine That gaue him bold incounter , and As ignorant of feare , Noct her sharpe arrow , and the string Pluct close vp to her eare : The first that day in field that blood From the sterne monster drew : Bearing the honour , spoyle , and palme , From all that princely crew .

Of the loue of Meleager to her , and of his death , I either haue or shall find occasion to speake elsewhere . Her next achiuement by which she purchased her selfe honour , was her contention in the sports of Peleus . It shall not bee amisse to tell you what these sports or pastimes were , They were the twelue in number that were celebrated amongst the Greekes , Acastus the sonne of Peleus instituted them in honour of his father . Zethaes the sonne of Aquilo ouercame in that which was called Dolichodromus , which signifies a race of twelue furlongs . Calais his brother had the best in the Diantus , which was a race of two furlongs . Castor the sonne of Iupiter was victor in the Stadium , which was a place of running or exercise as wel for men as horse ; the word signifies a furlong or a measure of ground ; Three sorts of Furlongs . there be of them three sorts , one of Italie containing 615 feete , which amounteth to 125 paces ; the second is called Olimpicum , which exsists of 600 feete , which is an hundred and twentie paces ; the third Pythicum , conteining 1000 feete , which comes to 200 paces . About these Stadia , Plinie and Diodorus differ : in the discription of Sicily , eight of these furlongs make an Italian mile , conteining 1000 paces , and euerie pace fiue feete . Pollux carried away the prise called Cestus , which signifies a marriage belt or gyrdle which the husband vsed to tye about the wast of his bride , and vnloose the first night of their wedding . Telamon the sonne of Aiax had the praise in Disco , or casting the bullet or the stone . Peleus in wrestling . Meleager the sonne of Oereus in casting of the dart . Cignus the sonne of Mars , slew Pilus the sonne of Diodatus . Bellerophon was the most eminent for riding the horse . And Iolaus the sonne of Iphicles , for mannaging the chariot . Hercules ouercame in many things , but Atalanta in al. Not long after this comming , to the knowledge of her parents , and being by them persuaded to marrie ; to preuent the loathed embraces of a husband , trusting to her owne incomparable swiftnesse , she deuised a race , in which she proposed her selfe the prise of the victor , but the vanquished were mulcted with the losse of their heads : after the slaughter of many princes , Melanion ( before spoken of ) inflamed with her loue , receiued of Venus three golden apples , which he let fall one after another in the swiftnesse of their course , she by stooping to take them vp slackened her speed , and by loosing the race became his prise and bride . Some write that they ran in chariots and armed , trusting to the swiftnesse of their steeds , not the verocitie of their owne feet . The manner of their running is elegantly described in Ouid , of which I will guie you present expression . Hesiod , Naso , and others will not allow Atalanta to be the daughter of Iasus , but Schoeneus ; Euripides deriues her from Menalus , making her the bride of Hyppomanes the sonne of Megaraeus , grand-child of Neptune , not of Melamion . The manner of their course is thus set downe , Metamorph. lib. 10.

Signa tubae dederuns , &c. The signalls giuen , whilest both prepared stand The race of Hippomenes and Atlanta . Now , on they goe : their heeles but kisse the sand And leaue no print behind , you would suppose They might passe seas , and yet their nimble toes Not mingle with the billowes : or extend Their course ore ripe eares , yet the stalks not bend . On all sides the young men ( spectators ) cry , Well runne Hippomenes ( who seemes to flye More swiftly than their voyces ) if thy meed Be worth thy toyle , now , now , t is time to speede . Clamour and shoutes incourage both : her pace She sometimes slackes to looke backe on his face , His labour made it liuely on the way , Which forc't her oft when she might passe him , stay ; She outstrippes him tho , but halfe against her will , And feeles his dry breath on her lockes play still , Which her speede cast behind . The course is long , He seemes to faint , and she appeares more strong . The bold Neptunian Heroe from his hand One of those golden apples on the strand Before her bowles ; she stoopes amaz'd , and wonne With th' riches of the iewell , is out-runne , Stooping to take it vp : he now gets ground , Whilst lowd appla●siue shoutes the people sound : At which , her slacknesse she redeemes , and time Lost in that small delay , she as a crime Now in her speed corrects , and like the wind Flyes towards the goale , and leaues the youth behind . Againe he drops another , and againe She for the second stoopes , whilst hee amaine Striues for the start , and gets it ; but her pace She still maintaines , being formost in the race . The last part of the course lyes plaine before . He now begins faire Venus to implore , And the third fruit pluckt from the golden tree , He further casts , yet where she needes must see The apple shine , 't was throwne out of the way , The ground vneuen , to mooue the more delay : The warlike lasse though tempted with the show , Doubts in her selfe to take it vp or no. Venus persuades in fauour of her knight , And made it weightie , which before seemd light : Which as from th' earth she labours to diuide , He gaines the goale and her for his faire bride .

It is said by Palephatus , Appollodorus , Ouid , and others , That for their ingratitude to Venus , he was turned into a Lion , and she into a Lionesse . The probabilitie is , that being in the chace they retyred themselues into a caue which proued to be a denne of Lions , where they were torne to pieces and deuoured . They being mist by the people , who after saw two Lions issue from that place , the rumour grew that they were transform'd into beasts of that shape . This Atlanta had by Me●amion or Hyppomanes , or as some write by Mars , Parthenopaeus , who after made warre vpon the Thebans .

Of other warlike Ladies .

Candaces . ABout Meroe raigned the queene Candaces , and had principalitie ouer the Aethiopians , a woman of a mightie spirit , who in all her conquests in person led her people to the field , amongst whom she obtained that dignitie and honour , that as amongst the kings of Aegypt from the first of that name that was renowned and beloued , they were for many successions cald Pharaoes , and after Ptolomyes , and since the time of Iulius all the Roman Emperours haue in memory of him taken vpon them the sirname of Caesar ; so for many yeares after her decease , the queenes of Aethiopia were cald Candaces . The women of Lacena imitated the men in all things , Lacena . in schooles , in hunting , and in armes . These in the warre commenst against the Messenians , aduentured equally in the battaile with their husbands : by whose assistance they purchased a noble victorie . It is reported of Valasca , Valasca . a queene of the Bohemians , that hauing made a coniuration with the women of her countrey to take away all the prerogatiue and iurisdiction from the men , she instructing them in Militarie exercises , leuied an armie of her owne sex , with which they met their husbands and ouerthrew them , by which meanes they attained the soueraigne principalitie , and ( as the Amasons had before times done ) for many yeares space mannaged all affaires as well for offence as defence , without the helpe or counsel of men . Bellouacae . The women of Bellouaca being long and fearfully besieged by Charles the great , duke of Burgundie , most resolutely defended the walls , tumbling the assailants from their scaling ladders into the ditches , to the euerlasting honour of their Sex , Lesbia . and the reproach of the enemy . Lesbia a virgin beeing besieged by the Turkes , hazarded her selfe to discouer their workes and mines , and when the cittisens were deliberating to surrender vp the towne to the mercilesse enemy , shee opposed their purpose , and presented her selfe vpon the walls to the violence of their arrowes and engines , by whose onely valour and encouragement the citie was preserued , & the assailants repulst with dishonor . Amalasuntha queeene of the Gothes , Amalasuntha . kept her principalitie neere to Rauenna , and as Volaterran hath left recorded , by the helpe of Theodotus ( whom she made competitor in the Empire ) shee expeld from Italy the Burgonians , Almaines and Ligurians . Teuca the wife of Argon tooke vpon her the soueraigntie , Teuca . shee was queene of the Illyrians , a warlikenation , whom she wisely gouerned , by whose valour and fortitude she not only opposed the violence of the Romans , but obtained from them many noble victories . Hasbites was a warlike Virago , Hasbites . and lead armies into the field , of her Siluius lib. 1. thus speakes : Haec ignara viri , vacuoque assu●ta cubili Venatu , & siluis , primos defenderat as ●nnos , &c. She knew not man , but in a single bed Vpon an emptie pillow cast her head , Her youth she spent in hunting , to th'alar●e Of the shrill bugle : on her sin●wy arme She wore no Osier basket , would not know Or teach the fingers how to spinne or sow : To trace Dictinna she did most desire , And in swift course the long breath'd stagge to tyre , &c.

The same author , lib. 2. speakes of one Tiburna Saguntina , Tiburna Saguntina . the wife of one Marhus , a braue and bold female warrior . Zenobia queene of the Palmyrians , Zenobia . after the death of her husband Odenatus tooke vpon her the imperiall regencie , and made tributarie the kingdome of Syria ; neither feared shee to take armes against the Emperour Aurelianus , by whom she was ouercome and led in triumph : but when it was obiected to Caesar as a dishonour and reproach , that he had triumpht ouer a woman ; he answered , It was no disgrace at all , being ouer such a woman as excelled most men in Masculine vertue . Of whom Pontanus thus speakes : Qualis & Aethiopum quondam sitientibus aruis In fuluum regina gregem , &c. — As did the Aethiopian queene In the dry fields of old , Incounter with the yellow heards whose rough haires shin'd like gold , Opposing the sterne Lions paw Alone and without ayde : To see whom wrestle , men aloofe stood quaking and afraid , Such 'tweene two warlike hosts appeares This Amasonian Queene , Zenobia , with her strong bow arm'd And furnisht with shafts keene .

Hypsicrataea the wife of Mithridates was still present with him in battaile , Hipsicrataea . and left him in no danger , cutting her haire short least it should offend her when she put on her beauer . Artimesia . Artimesia queene of Caria after the death of her husband was admired through Greece , who not onely in a nauall expedition ouercame the inuading Rhodians , but pursued them euen vnto their owne coasts , and tooke possession of the Island , amidst whose ruines she caused her owne glorious statue to be erected ; of whom Herodotus thus writes : I cannot wonder sufficiently at this warlike queene Artimesia , who vnforced and vncompeld followed the expedition of Xerxes against Greece , out of her owne manly courage and excellencie of spirit . She was the daughter of Lydamus , her father was of Halicarnassus , her mother of Creete : shee furnished fiue shippes of her owne charge with Halicarnassaeans , Coeans , Nisirians , and Calidnians , in the great sea fight neere Salamine , to behold which battaile Xerxes had retired himselfe and stood but as a spectator . Iustine , lib. 2. saith , There was to bee seene in Xerxes womanish feare ; in Artimesia , manly audacitie : for shee demeaned herselfe in that battaile to the admiration of all men ; of whose ships the king taking especiall notice , but not knowing to whom they belonged , nor in whose management they then were ; one spake to the king and said , Great Lord behold you not how brauely the queene Artimesia beares her selfe this day● the king would not at first beleeue that such resolution could bee in that Sex : at length when ( notwithstanding her braue seruice ) hee perceiued his nauie beaten and put to flight , he sighing thus said , All my men this day haue shewed themselues women , and there is but one woman amongst them and she onely hath shewed herselfe a man . Many of the most illustrious persons dyed that day , as also of the Meades , amongst whom was the great captaine Aria Begnes the sonne of Darius and brother of Xerxes . Cleopatra queene of Aegypt , Cleopatra . the daughter of Dionisius Auletes , after the death of Iulius Caesar hauing taken Antonius in the bewitching snares of her beautie , shee was not contented with the kingdomes of Aegypt , Syria , and Arabia , but she was ambitious to soueraignise ouer the Roman Empire ; in which though she fayled , it shewed as inuincible a spirit in the attempt , as shee exprest an vnmatched courage in the manner of her voluntary death . Cyrus the Persian inuading the Messagets and Scythians , of which Tomyris then raigned queene ; Tomyris . she sent against him her onely sonne Spargapises with a puissant army to beat him back againe beyond the riuer Araxes , which he had late with a mightie host traiected . But the young man not inured to the stratagems and policies of warre , suffered his souldiours in the height of wine and surfets to be inuaded , his tents rifled , his army defeated , and himselfe taken prisoner by Cyrus . To whom the queene sent to this purpose , Thou hast surprised my sonne by fraud not strength , by deceit , not warre , be now counselled by me , Returne me the Prince , and with the honour to haue vanguisht the third part of my people ( vnpunished ) depart out of my countrey : which if thou dost not , I vow by the Sunne ( the Lord and God to which the Messagets giue due adoration ) that I will quench thy thirst , beest thou neuer so much insatiate of blood . This message being deliuered to Cyrus , he regarded it not , Resolution in a Prince . but held it as the vaine boast of a franticke woman . But Spargapises the sonne of Tomyris being awaked from the drowsinesse of wine , and perceiuing into what mischiefe he was falne , intreated Cyrus he might be released from his bonds , to which the Persian granted ; who no sooner found his legges vnbound , and his hands at libertie , but he instantly catcht hold of a weapon , with which he slew himselfe . The queene hauing intelligence of the death of her sonne , and withall that Cyrus gaue no heed to her admonition , collected a puissant armie of purpose to giue him battaile , who inticed him by a counterfeit flight into certaine straits of her countrey , where hauing ambusht her men , she fell vpon the Persians and made of them an infinite slaughter , to the defeating of their whole host . In this strange and bloody execution , Cyrus himselfe fell , whose body Tomyris caused to be searcht for , and being found , filled a vessell with blood , into which commanding his head to be throwne , shee thus insultingly spake , Satiate sanguine quem ●●ti●●ie . Of human blood in thy life thou weart insatiate , and now in thy death thou mayst drinke thy fill . The fashions of the Messagets are after this manner described by Herodotus : A description of the Messagets . Their habit and their food is according to the Scythians , they fight as well on horsebacke as on foot , being expert in both ; they are both archers and lanciers , in all their weapons armour or caparisons , vsing gold and brasse , in the heads of their speares , their quiuers , their daggers , and other armour , they were brasse ; but whatsoeuer belongs to the head , or to the belt , is of the purest gold ; the breast-plates of their horses and what belongs to their trappings and caparisons are buckled and studded with brasse , but that which appertaines to the headstall or raines is of gold : of yron and siluer they haue small vse or none ( as being rare in their countrey ) but gold and brasse they haue in aboundance . Euery man marrieth a wife , but not to his owne peculiar vse , for they keepe them in common , for what the Greeks in this kind remember of the Scythians they do not ; it is customable onely amongst the Messagets , if any man haue an appetite to a woman , he onely hangs his quiuer vpon the next bough , & prostitutes her in publike without taxation or shame . There is no limit proposed to terminate their liues ; when any growes old , his neighbours about him make a generall meeting , and with great ceremony ( after the manner of a sacrifice ) cause him to be slain , with other cattell in number according to his degree , with whose flesh boyld together they make a banquet , counting him to dye in the most blessed estate that is so slaine and eaten : such as dye o● consumption or disease they eate not , but bury in the earth , accounting all such infortunate that suffered not immolation , and whose flesh was not feasted with . They neither sow nor reape , but liue vpon their cattaile and fish , of which the riuer Araxes yeelds them plenty , they drinke milke and honor the Sun : and to the gods whom they most feare , they sacrifice such foure●footed beasts as they hold most fearful : & so much for the customs of the Message●s . Now least it might appeare almost against nature that amongst so many fighting women there should be no scolding at all , let it not be taken amisse if I put you in mind of two or three shrowes by the way , and so returne againe to my former argument .

Zantippe and Mirho .

HEieronimo writ a booke against Iouinian , in which hee copiously discourses of the praise of Virginitie , reckoning a cattalogue of diuerse famous and renowned in that kind amongst sunderie nations , Petr. Crinit . lib. 1. cap. 11. besides the discommodities and inconueniences of scolding and contentious wiues : and amongst other husbands much troubled in that kind , hee speakes of Socrates , who hauing two curst queanes and both at once ( for the law of Athens did allow duplicitie of wiues ) could indure their scouldings and contumacies with such constancie and patience ; for hauing Zantippe and and Mirho the daughters of Aristides , the house was neuer without brawling & vprore . One Euthidemus comming from the wrastling place , and Socrates meeting him by chance , compelled him home to supper : and being sate at board and in sad and serious discourse , Zantippe spake many bitter and railing words of disgrace and contumelie against her husband ; but he nothing mooued therewith , nor making her the least answer , she tipped vp the Table and flung downe all that was vpon it . But when Euthidemus being therewith much mooued , arose to be gone and instantly depart , Why what harme is there ( quoth Socrates ) did not the same thing chance at your house when I dined with you the last day , when a cackling henne cast downe such things as were vpon the bord , yet we your guests notwithstanding left not your house vnmannerly . Another time in the open market , she snatching his cloake from his backe , the standers by persuaded him to beat her : but he replyde , So whilst she and I be tugging together , you may stand by laughing , and cry , ô well done Zantippe , ô well done Socrates . Another time shee with her much loquacitie had made him wearie of the house , therfore he sat him downe vpon a bench before the street doore ; but she at his patience beeing the more impatient , and much more angry because she was notable to mooue in him the least anger , she mounts vp into a garret window , and from thence pours a full pispot vpon his head : such as came by , extreamely mooued , as much in derision of his person , as at the suddennesse of the action ; he tooke vp a laughter as high and loud as the best , expressing no more anger than in these words , Nay I thought verily in my mind and could easily iudge by the weather , that after so great a thunder wee must necessarily haue raine . Aulus Gellius writes , Aulus Gel. that Alcibiades demanding why he would keepe two such scolding queanes in his house and at once , who neuer ceased brawling , when either of them both were sufficient to put any man of the gentlest temperance quite beyond his patience ? hee thus answered him : These women ( ô Alcibiades ) teach me at home that sufferance which I ought to practise when I am abroad , for being ( as you see I am ) well exercised and broken with the factions of these two , I shall be the more gentle to deale withall in the societie of other men : and so much for Zantippe and Socrates . But since I am falne into a discourse of Shrowes , let it not seeme much impertinent to insert what mine owne opinion was , when a gentleman demanded of me the difference betwixt a Shrow and a Sheepe . I considering with my selfe that there was so many of the one partie and so few of the other , thought it the most generous to take the weaker side : and therefore because some speake too much for themselues , and the modesty of the others will not giue them boldnesse to say what is sufficient , I thus determined in their behalfe .

What s hee can teach me by their seeming show , Whethers the best to chuse , a Sheepe , or Shrow ? A sheepe . A Sheepe , what s that ? A beast of gentle kind , Harmles in nature , and of modest minde , ( If mind may be in beasts ) she 's of voice low , Affraid of the least clamour : when the Shrow , A shrow . In calmes makes tempests , and to all mens wonder , Speakes in the fairest weather , fire , and thunder . What s he that s wise , and would in warm'th compare To th' English wooll , the Barbarie lions haire ? Th' Hircanian Tygars , or the Musco Beares , The Spanish Iennets trapt in all his geares , The Lapland Hart , or the swift Finlands Dow , The Arabian Panther ( spo●●ed for the show ? ) Doth not the Indian Dromodarie want Her riches ? or the ioyntlesse Elephant ? Or can the Italian Fox , or German Bore , The Danish Elke , or Cammell , boast her store ? Who that loues warm'th , and would desire to pull The Irish Woolfe and leaue the English wooll ? When as the first would ayme to teare thy throat , The latter gently cloath thee in her coat . Yet were it best a modest medium keepe , Chuse neither compleate Shrow , nor perfect Sheepe , I would haue my wife neither tongue-tide quite Nor yet all tounge ; so much as could accit● To affability and amorous prate , So much I 'd haue her vse , and more I hate . But with a voyce like Steutors should she raile , Or like Xantippe skould , and when words fayle , Bee sulleine , dogged , po●t and lowre , and whine , Or chide , or be still dombe ; if such were mine , From her I 'd wish my selfe remote as farre , As such from vertue and true goodnesse are . She of the two extreames , if you demand With which I would be troubled , vnderstand , I 'd take the gentler beast , the h●rmelesse Sheepe , Whose calmenes would not fright me from my sleepe , Or make the downe within my bed appeare Like knotted flockes , or curles of a rough Beare , Or the sof● holland sheetes for rest prepar'd , Feele in my nightly wallowing course and hard , Or the smooth pillow on the which my head I turne and tosse , seeme as if stuft with lead . These can the furie Shrow doe ; when the tother , Her amorous silken selfe , will seeme to smother In my warme besome , cling to me as fast As Salmacis , two in one bodie plac't , Whisper into mine eare soft ●u●es of loue , And be the sphere in which I sole may mooue , Shrinke me ●n smooth embracements , her white arme Skarffe 'bout my necke , whil'st euery words a charme , And euerie touch a motiue to desire , To kindle in my brest inchanted fire , Vpon whose smooth brow cannot ●it a frowne , She can make flints seeme feathers , bare boords downe .

I will now trouble thy patience gentle Reader , A tricke of an English skold . with a discourse that hath in it more mirth than murther , and more sport than spight , and yet a touch of both . A mad fellow newly married , had onely one yong child by his wife , of some quarter old , whom he deerely and tenderly loued , as being his first ; but he was much giuen to good fellowship , and shee altogether addicted to sparing and good huswiferie : still when he vsed to come merrie from the tauerne , where he had beene frollicke with his boone companions , she being as sparing of his purse as prodigall of her tongue ( for she was little better than a skold ) would often vpbraide him with his expences , that what hee wasted at the Tauerne , were better bestowed at home , that he spent both his mony & time , and that being so often drunke , it was preiudiciall both to his bodie and estate , with many such matron-like exhortations : but alwaies concluding her admonitions with a vow , That if euer he came home againe in that pickle , shee would ( happen what could come ) fling the child into the moat ( for the house was moated about . ) It hapned about some two daies after , that he reuelling till late in the euening in a cold frostie winters night , and she hauing intelligence by her scouts where he was then drinking , and making no question but he would come home flustred ; she commanded her maide to conueigh the infant to the further part of the house , and to wrap the cat in the blankets and put it in the cradle and there to sit and rocke it ; presently home comes the husband , shee falls to her old lesson and beginnes to quarrell with him , and he with her : Ill words begot worse , and much leaud language there was betwixt them , when the woman on the sudden stepping to the cradle ( hauing spyde her aduantage ) I haue long sayth she threatned a mischiefe , and that reuenge I cannot worke on thee , come dogs come diuells I will inflict vpon the brat in the cradle ; and instantly snatching it vp in her armes , ran with it to the moate side and flung it into the middle of the water : A pretie reuenge . which the poore affrighted man following her and seeing , leauing to pursue her , and crying , saue the child , ô saue the child , in that bitter cold night leapt vp to the elbowes in water , and waded till hee brought out the mantell , and with much paine comming to the shore , and still crying alas my poore child , opened the cloathes ; at length the frighted cat crying mewe , being at libertie leapt from betwixt his armes and ran away : the husband was both amased and vexed , the woman laught at her reuenge , and retyred her selfe : and the poore man was glad to reconcile the difference before she would yeeld to allow him either fire or dry linnen . Considering this , me thinkes it was not amisse answered of a gentleman , who being persuaded by a friend of his not to marry with such a gentlewoman to whom hee was a suitor , his reasons alleadged were , because she had no quicke and voluble tongue , neither was she of any fine witte or capacitie : to whom he instantly replyde , I desire to haue a woman to bee my wife that shall haue no more tongue to answer mee to a question than yea , or nay ; or to haue more wit than to distinguish her husbands bed from another mans .

Another woman hauing a husband who customably came drunke home , and shrinking from his stoole or chaire would oft fall vpon the floore and there lie along : & stil when she cald him to bed , he would answer her , Let me alone , the tenement is mine owne , and I may lye where I list , so long as I pay rent for the house . Some few nights after comming home in the like tune , and sitting asleepe in a chaire before the chimney , his wife being gone to bed , presently the man falls into the fire : the maide cryes out to her Mistresse , Oh mistresse , my master is falne and lyes in the fire , euen in the midst of all the fire ; shee lay still and turning her on the other side , sayd , so long as hee payes rent for the house , he may lye where he please . But to more serious businesse , for I haue now done sporting .

Of English Viragoes . And of Ioan de Pucil .

Guendolyne OF Guendoline the wife of king Locrine , and daughter to Corinaeus duke of Cornwall , I shall take more occasion to speake at large in the discourse of the beautifull Estreld . Elphleda was sister to king Edward before the conquest sirnamed the fourth , Elphleda . she was wife to Etheldredus duke of Mercia , who assisted her husband in the restoring of the citie of Chester , after it had beene destroyed and demolished by the Danes , encompassing it with new walls : he was generall to the king in all his expeditions against the Danes , in the last battaile that he fought against them at a place cald * * Toten Hall . Toten Hall in Staffordshire , hee gaue them a mightie auerthrow , but a greater at Wooddensfield where were slaine two kings , two Earles , and of the souldiours many thousands which were of the Danes of Northumberland . In this battaile were the king and Elphleda both present . Soone after this victorie Etheldredus dyed , and she gouerned many yeres after him in all Mercia or middle England , except in the two cities of London and Oxford , which the king her brother reserued to himself . She builded many cities and townes , and repayred others , as Thatarne Brimsbury , the bridge vpon Seuerne , Tamwoorth , Liechfield , Stafford , Warwicke , Shrewsbury , Watrisbury , Edisbury in the Forrest besides Chester , which is since vttery defaced and destroied . Also shee built a cittie and a castle in the North part of Mercia , which then was cald Runcofan , and after Runcorn . Thus farre Ranulphus . William de regib . with others giue her this noble character , This Lady hauing once assayde the throwes of childbirth , would neuer after bee drawne to haue any carnall societie with her husband , alleaging that it was not sitting or seemely for a woman of her degree being a princesse , a kings daughter , and a kings sister , to inure herselfe to such wanton embraces , wherof should ensue so great paine and sorrow . She tamed the Welchmen , and in many conflicts chased the Danes : after whose death the king tooke the prouince of Mercia intirely into his owne hand , disinherited her daughter Elswina , Elswina . whom he led with him into West-Saxon . Henricus lib. 5. hath left this Epitaph as a memoriall ouer her Tombe : Oh Elphlede mightie both in strength and mind , The dread of men , and victoresse of thy kind . Nature hath done as much as nature can , To make thee maide , but goodnesse makes the man : Yet pittie thou should'st change ought saue thy name , Thou art so good a woman : and thy fame In that growes greater , and more worthie , when Thy feminine valour much out-shineth when . Great Caesars acts thy noble deeds excell , So sleepe in peace , Virago maide farewell .

Much to this purpose hath Treuisa expressed these verses in old English . Maud the daughter of Henrie the first , was married to Henrie the fourth Emperour of that name , Maude . after the death of her husband she bore the title of Maud the Empresse : her father in his life time swore all the nobilitie to her succession , but he being dead many fell from their oathes of alleagence , adhering to Stephan Earle of Bulleine , who by the sisters side was neaphue to the deseased king . He notwithstanding he had before sworne to her homage , caused himselfe to be crowned at London vpon a Saint Stephens day , by William Archbishop of Canturburie , one that had before past his oath of alleagence to the Emperesse . Much combustion there was in England in those dayes betwixt Maude and Stephan , and many battails fought , in which the successe was doubtfull , the victorie sometimes inclining to the one , and againe to the other , the circumstances rather would become a large Chronicle than a short tractat : I will therefore come to that which sorts best with my present purpose . This lady tooke the king in battaile , and kept him prisoner at Bristoll from Candlemas day to Hollyrood day in haruest : for which victorie the people came against her with procession , which was approoued by the Popes legate . From Bristoll she came to Winchester , thence to Wilton , to Oxford , to Reding and Saint Albons , all the people acknowledging her their queene and soueraigne , excepting the Kentishmen onely : shee came thence to London to settle the estate of the land , whether came the wife of king Stephan for her husbands deliuerie , vpon condition that Stephan should surrender the kingdome vp entirely into her hands , and betake himselfe euer after to a sequestred and religious life : But to this motion the Emperesse would by no meanes assent , the Cittisens likewise intreated her that they might vse the fauourable lawes of S. Edward , and not those strict and seuere statutes and ordinances deuised & established by King Henry her father ; neither to this would the bold-spirited Lady agree . For which the people began to withdraw their affections from her , & purposed to haue surprised her , of which she hauing notice , left all her houshold pro●ision and furniture , and secretly conueighed her selfe to Oxford , where she attended her forces , who were by this time dispersed and diuided . But taking with her her Vncle Dauid king of Scots , shee came before Winchester , laying a strong siege to the bishops tower , with was defended by the brother of king Stephan . Another English Virago . But now obserue another female Warrior : The wife of the imprisoned King being denyed his freedome , now takes both spirit & armes , and associated with one William Iperus , came with such a thundring terror to rayse the siege , that the hardie Empresse ( to giue way to her present furie ) was from strength forced to flye to stratageme : for finding her powers too weake to withstand the incensed Queene , she counterfeited her selfe dead , and as a Corse caused her bodie to be conueyed to the citie of Glocester , and by this meanes escaped . But Robert her brother was there taken prisoner , and committed to safe custodie . Then the Queene imployed herselfe on the one part for the release of her husband , and the Empresse on the other , for the enfranchisement of her brother : at length , after long debating of the businesse , it was determined by the Mediators on both sides , that Stephan should be restored to the Kingdome , and Duke Robert to his Lordship and Earledome ; and both , as they had disturbed the peace of the Land , so now to establish it . To this the Earle would not assent : so that all that yeere there was nothing but spoyle , manslaughter , direptions , and all manner of violence , robbing of the rich , and oppression of the poore . The King vpon Holy-Rood day was released , and besieged the Empresse in the citie of Oxford , from Michaelmas day to mid-Winter : where , being oppressed with famine , she tooke the aduantage of the Frost and Snow ; and attyring her selfe all in white , escaped ouer the Fennes , and came to the castle of Wallingford . And so much shall suffice to expresse the magnanimitie and warlike dispositions of two noble and heroicke English Ladies . A French Ladie comes now in my way , of whom I will giue you a short character .

Ioane de Are , or de Pucil . In the minoritie of Henry the sixt , when France ( which was once in his entire possession ) was there gouerned by our English Regents , the famous duke of Bedford , and others ; Charles the Dolphin , styled after by the name of Charles the seuenth ( being a Lord wihout land , yet at that time maintaining what hostilitie he was able ) whilest the English forraged through France at their will , and commanded in all places at their owne pleasure ( the French in vtter despaire of shaking off the English yoake ) there arose in those desperate times , one Ioane Are , the daughter of Iames Are and his wife Isabel , borne in Damprin . This Iames was by profession a Shepheard , and none of the richest . Ioane ( whom the French afterwards called Ioane de Pucil ) whilest she was a yong maid and kept her fathers sheepe , would report to diuerse , That our blessed Ladie , S. Agnes , and S. Katherine , had appeared vnto her , and told her , That by her meanes France should regayne her pristine libertie , and cast off the yoke of English seruitude . This comming to the eare of one Peter Bradicourt , an eminent captaine then belonging to Charles the Dolphin , hee vsed meanes that she should be sent to haue conference with his maister , who soiourned then in Chynon , in his lowest of deiection and despaire of hope , supplie , or comfort . In her iourney thither , shee came to a towne called Faire-boys , where taking vp her Inne ( a place which shee had neuer before seene ) shee desired a souldier to goe to a secret by-corner , where was a heape of old yron , and from thence to bring her a Sword . The souldier went according to her direction , and searching the place , amidst a great quantitie of old tongs , shouels , hand-yrons , and broken horse-shooes , found a faire bright sword with fiue Flower-delyces vpon either side engrauen : This Sword ( with which she after committed many slaughters vpon the English ) shee gyrt to her , and so proceeded to Chynon to giue the Dolphin meeting . Being there arriued , Charles concealed himselfe amongst many others , whilest she was brought into a faire long gallerie , where he had appointed another to take his place and to assume his person : she looking vpon him gaue him neither respect nor reue●ence , but sought out Charles among all the other in that assemblie , and pickt him from amongst the rest ; to whom making a low obeysance , she told him , that to him only was her businesse . The Dolphin at this was amased , the rather because she had neuer before seene him , and was somewhat comforted , by reason that she shewed cheare and alacritie in her countenance : they had together long and priuat conference ; and shortly after she had an armie giuen to bee disposed and ●irected by her . Shee then bespake her selfe armour , Cap a Pe , bearing a white Ensigne displaide before her , in which was pourtrayde the picture of the Sauiour of the world , with a flower-de-lyce in his hand ; and so marched to Orleance . Her first exploit was fortunately to raise the siege and releeue the towne . From thence shee passed to Reames , tooke the cittie and caused the Dolphin there to proclaime himselfe king , and take vpon him the crowne of France . She after tooke Iargueux a strong towne , and in it the Earle of Suffolke with many other braue English gentlemen . She fought the great battaile of Pathay with good successe , in which were taken prisoners the lord Talb●● ( the skourge and terror of the French nation ) the lord Seales , the lord Hungerf●rd , with many others both of name and qualitie : she tooke in Benueele , Mehun , Trois , and diuers other townes of great import and consequence ; at length in a camisado or skirmish , she was taken prisoner by sir Iohn of Entenburch , a Burgonian captaine , and sent to Roan . The French Cronicles affirme that the morning before she was surprised , she tooke the sacrament , and comming from Church told to diuerse that were about her , that she was betraide , her life sold , and should shortly after be deliuered vp vnto a violent death , For sir Iohn gaue a great sum of money to betray her . The English comming to inuest themselues before Mondidier , Ioan was aduised to issue out by Ela●ie and skirmish with them ; who was no sooner out , but he shut the gates vpon her : being taken , she was sent to Peter Bishop of Beuoise , who condemned her to the fire for a sorceresse , which iudgement was accordingly executed vpon her in Roane , in the market place . Twentie six yeares after , Charles the king for a great summe of money procured an annichilation of the first sentence from the Pope , in which she was proclaimed a Virago inspired with diuine instinct : in memorie of whose vertuous life and vniust death , he caused a faire crosse to ●ee erected iust in the place where her bodie was burned . I returne againe to the English . Emma . Fabian and Harding speake of Emma sister to the Norman duke called Richard , who for her extraordinarie beautie was called , The flower of Normandie , she was married to Ethelred king of England . By her heroicke spirit and masculine instigation , the king sent to all parts of the kingdome secret and strict commissions , That vpon a certaine day and hour assigned , all those Danes which had vsurped in the land , and vsed great crueltie , should be slaughtered ; which at her behest and the kings commaund was accordingly performed , which though it after prooued ominous , and was the cause of much miserie and mischiefe , yet it shewed in her a noble and notable resolution . Of queene Margaret the wife of Henrie the sixt , Queene Margaret . her courage , resolution , and magnanimitie , to speake at large , would aske a Volume rather than a compendious discourse , to which I am strictly tyed . And therefore whosoeuer is de●irous to be further instructed in the successe of those many battailes fought against the house of Yorke , in which she was personally present , I referre them to our English Chronicles , that are not sparing in commending her more than womanish spirit , to euerlasting memorie . With her therefore I conclude my female Martiallists : And now me thinkes I am come where I would be , and that is amongst you aire Fones .

Of Faire Women .

IT is reported of a king , that for many yeeres had no issue , and desirous to haue an heire of his owne bloud and begetting to succeed in the Throne , vpon his earnest supplication to the diuine powers , he was blessed with a faire sonne , both of beautie and hope . And now being possest of what he so much desired , his second care was to see him so educated that hee might haue as much comfort of him in his growth , as hope in his infancie : hee therefore sent abroad to find out the most cunning Astrologians to calculate of his natiuitie , that if the starres were any way maleuolent to him at his birth , he might by instruction and good education ( as farre as was possible ) preuent any disaster that the Planets had before threatened . A meeting to that purpose being appointed , and the Philosophers and learned men from all parts assembled : after much consultation it was concluded amongst them , That if the infant saw Sunne or Moone at any time within the space of ten yeeres , hee should most assuredly be depriued the benefit of sight all his life time after . With this their definitiue conclusion , the father wondrously perplexed , was rather willing to vse any faire meanes of preuention , than any way to tempt the crosse influence of the starres : Hee therefore caused a Cell or Caue to be cut out of a deepe Rocke , and conueying thither all things necessarie for his education , hee was kept there in the charge of a learned tutor who well instructed him in the Theorie of all those Arts which best suited his apprehension . The time of ten yeeres being expired , and the feare of that ominous calculation past ouer , the day was appointed when his purpose was to publish his sonne to the world , and to shew him the Sunne and Moone , of which he had often heard and till then neuer saw entire ; and to present vnto his view all such creatures of which he had beene told , and read , but could distinguish none of them but by heare-say . They brought before him a Horse , a Dogge , a Lion , with many other beasts of seuerall kindes , of which he onely looked , but seemed in them to take small pleasure . They shewed him Siluer , Gold , Plate , and Iewels ; in these likewise hee appeared to take small delight or none , as not knowing to what purpose they were vsefull : yet with a kind of dull discontent , he demanded their names , and so past them ouer . At length the king commanded certaine beautifull virgins , gorgeously attyred , to be brought into his presence : which the Prince no sooner saw , but as recollecting his spirits , with a kind of alacritie and change of cheare , he earnestly demanded , What kind of creatures they were , how bred , how named , and to what vse created ? To whom his tutor ieastingly replyed , These be called Deuills , of which I oft haue told you , and they are the great tempters of mankind . Then his father demanded of him , To which of all these things he had beheld , he stood affected best , and to whose societie hee was most enclined ! who presently answered ; O Father , I onely desire to be attended by these Deuils . Such is the attractiue power of beautie : which women cannot fully appropriate to themselues , since it is eminent in all other creatures . Who wonders not at the beautie of the Sunne , the glorie of the Moone , and the splendor of the starres ? the brightnesse of the morning , and the faire shutting in of the euening ? Come to the flowers , and plants ; what artificiall colour can be compared to the leaues of the Marigold , the Purple of the Violet , the curious mixture of the Gillyflower , or the whitenesse of the Lilly ; to which , Salomon in all his glorie was not to be equalled ? You that are prowd of your haire , behold the feathers of the Iay , or Parrat , with the admirable varietie of the Feasant and Peacock : What Rose in the cheeke can counteruaile the Rose of the garden ? or what azure veine in the temples , the blew flower of the field ? Come to outward habit , or ornament ; what woman doth better become the richest attyre ( though fetcht from the farthest parts of the world ) than the Panther his staynes , and the Leopard his pleasing and delightfull spots ? Are not the Fishes as beautifull in their siluer-shining skales , and the terrible Dragon as glorious in his golden armour , as women apparrelled in cloth of Bodkin , or Tissue ? What is she that exceeds the Doue or Swan in whitenesse , or the Pyne or Cedar in straitnesse ? Let me heare her voyce , that can compare with the Nightingale in sweetnesse ; or behold that eye , that can looke vpon the Sunne with the Eagles . Why should you faire ones then be prowd of any thing , that are by other creatures exceeded in all things ? Besides , e●en the choysest beautie amongst you being once enioyed , is the lesse esteemed ; Souldiers hauing vanquisht their enemies , hang vp their armes ; Sea-men that haue attayned their harbour , fold vp their sayles . The choysest dainties are loathsome to such as haue filled their stomacks , and Wine is a burthen to him that hath satiated his thirst : Nobilitie of birth is a thing honorable , but you are not beholding to your selues for it , but your ancestors : Riches and Plentie are excellent , but they are the gifts of Fortune , therefore subiect to change and casualtie : Prayse and Honor is venerable , but withall vnstable : Health is precious , but subiect to sicknesse and infirmitie : Strength an excellent gift and blessing , but neither free from age , nor disease : Beautie is admirable aboue all , and yet subiect to all : onely Learning , Knowledge , Art , and Vertue , are aboue the enuie of change , or mallice of Fortune . Neither are you women solely beautifull : We reade in Martial , lib. 1. of a boy called Achillas , of admirable feature ; of Acanthus , whom the gods at his death , in memorie of his exquisite forme , changed into a flower , that still beares his name . Amongst the Romans , Scipio ( surnamed Demetrius ) and amongst the Greekes , Alcibiades carryed the Palme from women ; who ( as Plutarch in his life reports of him ) was not onely wondered at in his youth , but admired in his age , his grace and comelinesse still growing with him .

Formosum pastor Coridon ardebat Alexim : The shepheard Coridon doted on the faire Alexis .

Saxo Gramaticus speakes of Alphus the sonne of Gygarus , whose haires exceeded the brightnesse of Siluer . Amaratus was changed into a sweet-smelling flower after his death . Calentius speakes of Amphim●don thus : Formosum Phiale prius arserat Amphimedonta , Amphimedon Phiales maxima cura fu●t : Phiale was enamored of Amphimedon the faire , Amphimedon of Phiale became the greatest care . Antinous Bithinieus , was a youth of that admirable beautie and feature , that Adrian the Emperour was enamoured of him , in whose memorie he erected a Temple in Mantinea , and built a cittie by the riuer Nilus , he caused his effigies to be stamped vpon his owne coine , therefore Hieronimus ( as Vollaterranus reports ) calls him the Emperour Adrians concubine . Asterius was the sonne of Ceres , a yong man of a singular forme , but altogether abstenious from the loue of women , whom Ouid in Ilium remembres . Astur is celebrated by Virgil : — Sequitur pulcherimus Astur Astur equo fidens & versicoloribus armis . The fairest Astur follows next in field , Astur that trusts vnto his horse ans particoloured shield .

Atis the Phrigian youth was for his fairenesse beloued of the mother of the gods . Virgill speakes of Auentinus in these words : Victoresque ostentat equos satus Hercule pulcro Pulcher Auentinus — Faire Auentinus he that of faire Hercules was borne Boasts of his conquering steedes — Batillus was the fauourite or sweet-heart of Anacreon the Poet , of whom Pontan●s de Stellis : — Amatum a vate Batillum Pictum oculis fuscumque coma roseumque labellis , — The Poet of Batillus was enamoured , With painted eyes , browne haire , and lips like Roses red . ( By the way ) . Sure there was a great dearth of beautie in those dayes amongst women when boyes and catamites were so doted on by men . Bellerephon was not onely affected by Sthenobaea the wife of Pretus , Sthenoboea . king of the Argiues , but doted on by Venus . Of Castor and Pollux the two faire Tindarides , Ouid. lib. 6. thus writes : At gemini nondum Coelestia sidera fratres Ambo , conspic●i , niue candidioribus ambo , Vectabantur equis — The two twinne brothers , not as yet accounted 'Mongst the coelestiall starres , conspicuous b●th Vpon two steeds whiter than snow were mounted &c.

The yong boy Cestus , Martiall thus commends .

Quanta tua est probitus &c. How great thy honesty ? thy fame as rare , ( Oh sweete child Cestus ) thou that may'st compar● , With Theseus sonne , did bright Diana see Thee naked once , inamoured she would be And tyce thee to some pleasant ●iuers brim , There strip her selfe and teach thee how to swim .

Democles an Athenian youth was of that pulchritude , that he was called by all men Pulcher Democles , and ( that which seldome meets with beautie ) of that rare temperance , that when king Demetrius plucked him to haue made him a prostitute to his vnlawfull and beastly lusts ; to shun his embraces , he leaped into a caldron of seething hot liquor , and there drowned himselfe : Plutarch in Demetrio . Diadumenus the cup-bearer to Augustus was of that admirable feature , that in the contention which was made at Elis he carried the palme both from men and women : Volateran . For no other cause was Ganimede sayd to fill Nectar to Iupiter than for his eligancie of forme . Galetes was a youth of that excellent feature and so indeered to Ptolomaeus , that when diuerse malefactors ( and for great crimes ) were led to execution , onely at his entreatie hee spared their liues . Hypoclides the sonne of Thysander as Herodotus relates , was excellent aboue all the Athenians for wealth and beautie . Of Hyas the sonne of Atlas and Aethra , Ouid 5. de Fast.

Nondum stabat Atlas humeros oneratus Olimpo , Cum satus est forma , conspiciendus Hias . Olimpas weight did not as yet Great Atlas backe adorne , When as the louely Hyas of Conspicuous shape was borne .

Hylas the sonne of Hyadamus , was not onely indeered to Hercules , but doted on by the nymphs called Driades . Iulus the sonne of Aeneas and Creusa , was taken for Cupid the sonne of Venus . Iuuencus was the minion of Catullus , as Lygurinus was to Horace ; so likewise Lycus , of whom he thus speakes : Et Lycum nigris oculis nigroque Crine decorum . Lycus rare , Both for his blacke eyes and his blacke sleeke haire .

Some thing more freely he speakes of the Pulchritude of Nearchus in Carm. and his Odes . Of Nireus the sonne of Caropus and Alaga , Homer speakes at large : as Horace likewise in Carm. and Epedo . Tibullus commends his Marathis Maximinus , that his head being mangled and bloodie , yet notwithstanding in death it looked admirable . Marcellus the sonne of Caphisus and Lyriope , was so faire that the nymphes were surprised with his beautie . Endimion was beloued of the Moone , Val Flaccus lib. 8.

Latmius Aestiua residet venator in vmbra . Dignus amore Deae — The Latmian swaine sits in the Summer shade , Worthie the loue of that coelestiall maide .

In Ephestion was that maiesticall beautie , that the wife of king Darius saluted him for Alexander : for his exqusite forme hee was especially beloued of Alexander . Virgill commends the shape of Eurialus the sonne of Nisus . So Nysus king of the Megarenses was sayd to haue haires of gold they were of such splendor . Statius commends Parthenopaus the sonne of Meleager and Atalanta , or as some write of Mars and Menalipp● . Caelius , Ouid , and others , celebrate Phaon the beloued of Sappho the Poetesse , for the fairest of the world . Phedrus Fliensis who was the familiar of Socrates and Plato , was for exquisite shape compelled to be prostituted by the baud his maister . Of Pyramus Ouid thus speakes , Metamorph. lib. 4.

Pyramus & Thisbe Iuuenem Pulcherimus alter . Yong Pyramus and Thisbe , he Of all the yong men fairest , And she of all the Easterne world , Of louelie gyrles the rarest , &c.

Spurinae was a youth of such an alluring beautie , that when he could neither reserue himselfe from suit of men , or importunities of women , hee deformed his owne beautie with scratches and wounds to preserue his owne chastitie , Valer. Max. de Verecundis . Magnes Smyrnaeus was the most beautifull of his age , and so acceptable to Gyges king of Lydia , that when his parents cut off his delicate and faire haire ( somewhat to take off the kings affection ) the king was so incensed that for that cause alone he made warre against the Magnesians , Pauson . apud Volater . The Poet Musaeus celebrates the rare forme of Leander , a youth of Abidos & beloued of Hero : As Virgill doth the like of Lausus the son of Mezentius , Aeneid . lib. 7. Herodotus speaking of Xerxes sayth that he had in his armie sixtie eight miriades of men , yet amongst them all hee was the beautifullest of face , and tallest of stature . I could reckon vp others , as Pelops , Idas , Iason , Artaxerxes , Cyrus , Troilus , Patroclus , Hymene , the least of them a prince , the minion to a king , or the deerely beloued of some queene or goddesse . This is onely to put you in mind & women , That though you haue ingrossed a great portion of beautie , yet you are not possest of all , since not onely men , but diuerse other creatures share with you ; neither haue I introduced these to derogate any thing from your worths , onely to abate some of that ambition or selfeloue which is commonly attendant vpon beautie : One thing for your grace I haue read in the Spanish Cronicle of an exquisit ladie ( the like I did neuer of any excellent man ) Queene Isabell the wife of Henrie sirnamed the Humble , being attyring her selfe in her window , against which the Sunne shined somewhat hot , it is crediblie reported , that the beames of the Sunne set her curled lockes on fire : some held it as a prodigie , others alluded it to her miraculous beautie , some thought that one pane or other in the window was of the nature of a burning glasse and that was the cause , others imputed it to certain oyles and sweet vnguents , with which the Queens and great ladies vse to dresse their haire : howsoeuer , if their Cronicle speake truth , most certaine it is , that her lust made greater combustion in the land , than the Sunne had power to commit vpon her haire . I haue one thing more to instance to your grace , and so I will conclude my discourse . An Embassador being to be entertained in the court of queen Elizabeth ( where the greatest state was still obserued ) he first passed through a lane of the guard in their rich coats , next through the gentlemen pentioners , and so through all the greater officers , the Lords , Ea●les , and Counsell : The Queene sat then in state at the vpper end of a long gallerie , which when the Embassador should enter , the great Ladies of either side richly attired were placed , through the middest of whom as he passed along , he as amased at the stare , or admiring at their beauties , cast his eye first on one side , then on the other , and that not without some pause , as if hee had beene to take a particular surueigh of all their features , but by degrees comming vp towards the Queene , who fat like Diana amongst her nymphs , or Ariadne in her crowne of starres , instated aboue the lesser lights , to giue him entertainement : and obseruing his eyes still to wander , she thus bespake him , Auerte occulos ne videas vanitatem : i. Turne away your eyes least you behold vanitie : to whom hee suddenly replyde , Imo potius mirabilia opera Dei , i. Nay rather the wonderfull workes of God . Since then you are such , rather let your vertuous actions beautifie , than your vitious deeds any way disgrace his so great and glorious workemanship .

Of Faire Women .

OF these , Herodica shall haue the first place . Herodica . Niceus in his booke de Rebus Arcad . relates , That one Cypselus purposing to rayse a new Colonie , erected a faire and goodly citie in a spacious Playne bordering vpon the riuer Alphaeus , to which place multitudes of the Parrhasians came to inhabite . At the same time was a Groue and an Altar celebrated ( with much pompe and solemnitie ) to Elusina Ceres , with an annuall feast : at this publike meeting was a contention , Which of all the women was censured to be the fairest ? The first that had the prioritie and Palme for beautie bestowed vpon her , was Herodica , the wife of Cypselus . Zenophon apud Coelium , lib. 7. cap. 53. speakes of Panthaea , Panthaea . the wife of Abraditus , a nobleman of Persia , whom Cyrus ( hauing defeated the armie of the Assyrians , and spoyled their tents ) tooke captiue ; Abraditus at that time being absent , as not long before employed vpon an Embassie to the Bactrians , in which interim , Panthaea was in the custodie of a nobleman of Media , called Araspes , who affirmed of her to the king with great admiration of her feature and beautie , That in all Asia her like was not to be seene , or found . Paulus Diaconus writes of Theodole , Theodole . a Roman Ladie , of that admirable splendour , that shee attracted the eyes of all men that but glanced that way , to dwell vpon her with wonder : her haire was bright , and yellow , which when she pleased to vnloose and let fall about her shoulders , it couered her from the crowne to the heele . A large description he makes of her perfections , howsoeuer most certaine it is , that the king Cambeoles was extreamely entangled in the snares of her beautie . Saxo Gramaticus in his Danish historie , commemorates one Suabilda , Suabilda . a Queene , in all the lineaments both of bodie and face to be of that rare pulchritude , that being doomed vnto a wretched and miserable death , and bound with thongs of leather , to be trod vpon by the hoofes of wild horses ; her beautie struck such an impression euen in those vnreasonable creatures , that they could not be forced with their rude feet to leaue the least character of violence vpon limbes so faire and exquisitely fashioned . The same Author remembers vs of Seritha and Signis ,

Seritha .

Signis .

the first a virgin of incomparable splendor , to whom one Otharus was a robustious suitor ; the other was the daughter of one Sygarus , who paralleld the first , and was importunately sollicited by Hyldegislaeus Teutonicus . Bryseis was so faire , Briseis . that she endeered vnto her loue the noblest of the Greekes , Achilles ; who though she was but his damosell , or handmaid , yet he was enamored of her aboue all his other women : of whom Horace , Prius Insolentem Serua Bryseis niueo colore Mouit Achillem : His maid Bryseis , with her colour white , Insolent Achilles mooued to delight .

Of her , Ouid likewise speakes , lib. 2. de Arte Amandi : Fecit vt in capta Lyrneside magnus Achilles Cum premeret mollem lassus ab hoste torum . This , great Achilles of his Loue desired , When with the slaughter of his enemies tyred , He doff'd his Cushes , and vnarm'd his head , To tumble with her on a soft day-bed : It did reioyce Bryseis to embrace His bruised armes , and kisse his bloud-stain'd face . Those hands which he so often did imbrew In bloud of warlike Troians , whom he slew , Were now imploy'd to tickle , touch , and feele , And shake a Lance , that had no point of steele .

Thargelia Milesia . Thargelia Milesia was of that excellent aspect , that as Hyppias the Sophist testifies of her , shee was marryed by course to foureteene seuerall husbands ( for so he writes in a Treatise entituled De inscripta Congregatione : ) in which , besides her character of beautie , he giues her a worthie attribute for her wisedome , in these words , Anutis . Perpulcra & sapiens . Anutis was the wife of a noble person called Bogazus , and sister to Xerxes by the fathers side . Shee as Dinon writes ( in his Persicke historie , in the chapter entituled De prima Coordinatione ) in these words , Haec vt pulcherrima fuit omnium mulierum , quae fuerant in Asia , &c. Shee ( saith hee ) as shee was the fairest of all women in Asia , so of them all shee was the most intemperate . Timosa , Timosa . as Philarchus in his Lib. 19. contends , was the mistresse of Oxiartes , who in the accomplishments of nature anteceded all of her age : shee was , for her beautie , thought worthie to be sent as a present from the king of Aegypt to the most excellent queene of king Statyra , but rather for a wonder of nature , than a president of chastitie . Theopompus in his fiftie sixth booke of Historie records , That Zenopithia , Zenopithia . the mother of Lysandrides , was the fairest of all the women in Peloponnesus . Shee , with her sister Chryse , were slaine by the Lacedemonians , at the time when Agesilaus ( in an vprore and mutinous sedition raysed ) gaue command , That Lysandrides as his publike enemie should be banished from Lacedemon . Patica Cipria was borne in Cyprus : Patica Cipria . Philarchus remembers her in his tenth booke of Historie . Shee attending vpon Olympias , the mother of Alexander , was demanded in marriage by one Mo●imus , the sonne of Pythioa . But the Queene obseruing her to be of more beautie in face , than temperance in carriage ; O vnhappie man ( said shee ) that chusest a wife by the eye , Violentilla . not by counsaile ; by her beautie , and not behauior . Violentilla was the wife of the Poet Stella : shee for all accomplishments was much celebrated by Statius ; of her , Lib. 1. Syll. he thus speakes : — At tu pulcherrima forma , Italidum tandem casto possessa marito : Thou of our Latium Dames the fair'st and best , Of thy chast husband art at length possest .

Agarista . Agarista , as Herodotus calls her , was the daughter of Clisthenes the Syconian : shee was of that vnexpressable forme , that her beautie attracted suitors from all parts of Greece , amongst whom , Hypocledes the sonne of Tisander is numbred . From Italie came Smyndrides , Sibarites , Syritanus , and Damnasus . From the coast of Ionia , Amphimnestrus , Epidamnius , Aetolus , and Meges . From Peloponnesus Leocides , Amianthus , Archas , Heleus , Laphanes & Phidon , son to the king of the Argiues . From Attica , Megacles the son of Al●menon . From Etruria , Lysanius . From Thessalie Diacrides , and Cranomius . From Molossus Alcon , in number 20. These came into Greece to expresse themselues in many noble contentions , because Clistthines the son of Aristonius and father of Agarista had made proclamation , that he only should inioy the Virgin , who could best expresse himself in noble action and valour . Hyppodamia was daughter to Oenemaus king of Aelis , Hyppodamia . and of such attractiue beautie , that she likewise drew many princely suitors to her fathers court , though to the most certain danger of their liues . Caelius writes that Marmax was the first that contended with her in the charriot race , and failing in his course was slaine by the tyrant ; the Mares with which hee ran ( as some write ) were called Parthenia and Eripha , whose throats Oenemaus caused to be cut and after buried . After him perished in the same manner Alcathus , the son of Parthaon . Eurialus , Eurimacus , Crotalus , Acrius of Lacedemon , Capetus , Licurgus , Lasius , Chalcodas , Tricolonus , Aristomachus , Prias , Pelagus , Aeolius , Chromius , and Eritheus the son of Leucon . Amongst these are numbered Merimnes , Hypotous , Pelops , Opontius , Acaruan , Eurilachus , Antomedon , Lasius , Chalcon , Tric●ronus Alcathus , Aristomachus , and Croc●lus . Sisigambis as Q. Curtius relates , Sisigambis . was inferiour to no ladie that liued in her age , yet notwithstandig , Alexander the Great hauing ouercome her husband Darius in battaile , was of that continence , that he onely attempted not to violate her chastitie , but became her guardian , and protected her from all the iniuries that might haue beene done to a captiue . Plutarch writes of a Roman Ladie called Praecia , Praecia . of that excellent shape and admired feature , as she indeered Cethegus vnto her so farre , that he enterprised no dissigne or managed any affiaire without the aduise and approbation of the beautifull Pra●cia . So precious likewise was the faire Roxana in the eies of Alexander , Roxana . that hauing subdued all the Easterne kingdomes , and being Lord of the world ; yet from being the daughter of a mercinarie souldier , and a Barbarian , he tooke her into his bosome , and crowned her with the Imperiall Diademe . Aegina , Aegina . the daughter of Aesopus , king of Boetia , for her excellent pulchritude was beloued of Iupiter ; of whom Ouid , Aureus in Danaen , Aesopida luseritignis : In Gold faire Danae had her full desire , But with th' Aesopian Girle he play'd in fire .

So likewise Antiopa , Antiopa . the daughter of Nycteis and wife of Lycus king of Thebes , was for the rarenesse of her forme comprest by him , of whom hee begot Zethus and Amphion . O what a power is in this beautie ? It made the Cyclops Poliphemus turne Poet ; who ( as Ouid in his Lib. 13. ) thus writes in the prayse of his mistresse Galataea : Galataea . Candidior folio niuei Galataea ligustri , &c. Oh Galataea , thou art whiter farre Than leaues of Lillies : not greene Medowes are More flourishing , thy stature doth appeare Straighter than th' Elmes ; than Glasse thou art more cleare : More wanton than the young Kid , and more light Than those loose shells the billowes haue made white Still tumbled with the waues : more grace th' hast wonne , Than is in Summers shade , or Winters Sunne , Louelyer than is the Apple , when his side Turnes yellow ; than the Plane tree , of more pride ; Transparenter than I sicles , that meet With rising Phoebus ; than ripe Grapes , more sweet : Thou art of all choyse things the generall Theame , Soft as Swannes plumes , and faire as clow●ed Creame .

Therefore you Faire ones , the more choyse your beautie is , you ought of it to be more charie : the sweeter the flower is , the sooner it looseth the smell ; the fairer the colour , it the sooner fades ; and the purer the bloud , the apter to take putrifaction . Take heed then , least by vnlawfull prostitution you marre that by which in outward appearance you come neerest to your Maker , who as he is the Summum bonum , so he is the soueraigne and onely perfect beautie . A Tyrant hauing studied many fearefull and terrible deaths , to inflict vpon such as his mallice would punish ; when he thought none grieuous enough , at length ( as his master-peece of Tyrannie ) he deuised to bind the liuing to the bodie of the dead , that the stench and corruption of the one might stifle and suffocate the other . In what greater torment then is that man , who shall marry a faire false one , that shall bed with sinne and bosome diseases ? The dead bodie to which the liuing is bound , as the bloud dryes and the flesh consumes , so doth the loathsomenesse of the smell , till in time it wast to ashes , and so to participate of the same earth from whence it came : but your catching and infectious loathsomenesse , from lust growes to leprosie , still encreasing in you , to the impairing of his health and the impouerishing his estate , consuming his purse and contaminating his person . O miserable man , whom thy rash choyse shall cause to die of this wretched consumption . But this is but a caueat or admonition by the way : I proceed now with historie .

The faire Mistresse of Pisistratus .

Pisistrati amica . PHilarchus speakes of a beautifull woman ( on whom he hath vouchsafed no name ) who first brought Pisistratus from a priuate man to a gouernment Monarchicall . She tooke vpon her the name and habit of Pallas , as paralleld with her both in state and beautie , being thought by the people in all accomplishments to resemble the goddesse : she is said to haue dealt Scepters , and to haue made sale of Crownes , distributing them where she pleased , and to whom shee affected . Pisistratus after gaue her to his sonne in marriage , who was called Hypparchus ; for so Clidemus in his eight booke , intituled Redditionum , leaues recorded in these words : He gaue vnto his sonne Hypparchus a woman , by whom he was ouercome , who was a Pallas for her State , and for Wisedom might be called the daughter of Socrates : and where beautie and counsaile meet , there cannot chuse but be a sweet concordance and harmonie . It shall not be amisse in the next place briefely to discouer vnto you , what places haue beene the most eminent for the breeding of the rarest beauties , and which by the antient Authors haue beene most celebrated .

Lib. 3. Hesiodus in his Melampodia nominates the citie Chalcides in Euboea , to breed the choysest beauties , as that the most exquisite women are there borne . Of the same opinion with him is Theophrastus : but Nymphodorus in his Nauigation and Trauailes through Asia , affirmes , That the most incomparable features aboue all other places whatsoeuer , are bred in Tenedos , an Isle belonging to Troy . Dionisius Leuctricus hath left recorded , That for many yeeres continuance there was an annuall contention of Beautie held amongst the Elians in the citie of Elis , and that she that proued Victoresse , was honored with the Armes consecrated to Pallas . Others in other places , as Mysilus in his historicall Paradoxes hath left remembred , were crowned with wreathes of Myrtle . In other places , as Theophrastus writes , there were meetings and solemnities kept to censure women for their temperance and good huswiferie , as among the Barbarians ; but for the forme and feature , they were most frequent amongst the inhabitants of Tenedos and Lesbos . Heraclius Lembus writes , That in Sparta with great admiration and reuerence they obserue the fairest man or woman , and commonly the Spartane beauties are the most illustrious . Therefore of the king Archidamus it is left registred , That being to make choyse of a queene , when one singularly beautifull , but of small dower , and another wondrous rich but extraordinarie deformed , were placed before him , he cast his eye vpon the goods of Fortune , and neglecting the treasures of Nature , preferred bondage before beautie : For which , the Ephori ( which in Athens were the same officers that the Tribunes were in Rome ) called him to account , and put him to an extraordinarie great mulct , saying , This man in steed of soueraignes would beget subiects , and for princes leaue peasants to succeede and raigne ouer vs . Euripides saith , That beautie hath the first place in the claime of Empire : therefore those that in Homer were admirers of Helens beautie , spake to this purpose : Indignum nihil est Troes fortes & Achiuos Tempore tam longo perpessos esse labores ; Ob talem vxorem cui praestantissima foema , Nil mortale refert superisque simillima diuis . The Greekes and Troians who can say were base ? So long and so great Labours to endure For such a wife , whose most excelling face Shewes nothing mortall , but all God-like pure .

This made the Spartans ( the place from whence Helen was rauished ) as the greatest courtesie to entertaine a stranger , Athenae . lib. 13. cap. 7. to shew vnto them their Virgins naked . A custome they had likewise in the Isle of Chios in certaine times of the yeere , after the same manner , to behold the yong men and maides in publike wrastle together .

Nitetis .

CAmbyses hearing that the Aegyptian women did much differ from other nations in manners and behauiour , Athenae . lib. 13. cap. 4. especially from the custome of the Persians , sent to Amasa king of the Aegyptians , to demaund his onely daughter in marriage . The King something troubled at this Embassie , as fearing he would rather keepe his daughter as a Concubine , than giue her the right of her birth and to honour her with the titles of a Queene and Bride , he deuised this pollicie to delude Cambyses , and still to conserue her chastitie : hee had there in his Court a young Ladie , called Nitetis , the daughter of Aprias an Aegyptian , whom because he had beene defeated in a battaile against the Cyrenaeans , Amasa had caused to be slaine . This Nitetis being the prime and choyse beautie of the Court , in all her lineaments so exquisite , that hee presumed shee would not only content but much delight the king : he instructed her how to take vpon her the name of his daughter , and in euerie circumstance & complement how to demeane her selfe , so with a princely traine accommodates her for the iourney . Being arriued in Persia , she was royally entertained by the king , her behauiour and beautie more pleasing him than any of his choise damosells selected out of his many prouinces : in so much that he hastned the marriage , which was with no small pompe , according to the manner of the Persians . Nitetis lying in the kings bosome , and knowing how much she was indeered to him , as now not casting his eye or affection vpon any other , began to call to remembrance her fathers death , and what a plaine and smooth way lay open to her to be reuenged on him that slew him ; and forgetting the honors she had receiued by Amasaes meanes , in preferring her to be quenne of Persia ; not rating that good , equal with the ill she receiued in the shedding of her fathers blood : she opened to Cambises all the whole imposture , withall importuned him to reuenge the death of her father Aprias . The king as much pleased with her plaine and seeming simplicitie , as incensed with so great an iniurie done to him by Amasa , as well to reuenge her father , as his owne wrongs , with an inuincible armie inuaded Aegypt . Dinon in his booke of the Persian Historie , and Lynceas Naucratica in his Aegyptian Historie , they agree that Nitetis was sent to Cyrus , and that by him shee was the mother of Cambyses , and that after the death of Cyrus the Armie with which he went against Amasa and inuaded Aegypt ; was to reuenge the wrongs of a mother , and not a wife .

Bersane .

Lib. 3.

Lib. 6. & 8.

SHe ( as Curtius and Gellius both assent ) was the widdow of one Damascus , of that singular aspect that Alexander the great became enamoured of her aboue all other , so that when neither the rare beautie of Darius his wife and daughters could tempt him , nor the whorish blandishments of Thais and others corrupt him ( indeede where his modestie and temperance is preferred before many other princes , almost all ) yet with her he was intangled . For those that write of him affirme , that he was neuer knowne to enter into the familiar embraces of any saue his owne wife and this Bersane ; whom he made one of the Queenes women .

Berseba . It is not to be questioned , but that Berseba shee was a goodly faire woman , and of extraordinarie feature , which pierced so deepe into the brest of that most wise king and prophet Dauid , that all religion and sanctitie set apart , he for her loue committed the two most heinous and horrible sinnes of adulterie and murder , for he caused her husband Vriah to be slaine , and after married her , a great blemish to his former holinesse , of whom Strozza Pater thus writes : Ille sacri vates operis Iesseia proles , Praefecit populo quem Deus ipse suo , Bersabeae captus forma — The Psalmist borne of the Iesseian Line , The famous Author of that worke Diuine , Whom God made Ruler o're his people , he Dotes on the feature of faire Bersabe .

Lycaste , one of the daughters of Priam , was faire aboue measure , insomuch that Polydamus the sonne of Anthenor , whom hee begot of Theano the sister of Hecuba , of a Concubine made her his wife . There was another Lycaste that we reade of , who for her perfection in all degrees of comelinesse , had the name of Venus bestowed vpon her .

The wife of Candaules .

THis Candaules , Herodotus in Clio. whom the Grecians call Myrsilus , was king of the Sardians , and descended from Alcaeus the sonne of Hercules ; hauing a wife whom he affectionately loued , Plat. 2. de Repub . and therefore iudging her to be the fairest of women , could not containe his pleasures , but comming to one Gyges , the sonne of Dascylus ( a seruant of his , to whom hee vouchsafed his greatest familiaritie ) hee to him extolls the beautie of his wife aboue measure ; and because ( sayth hee ) I would haue thee truly know that she is no otherwise than I haue reported her , and that mens eares naturally are more incredulous than their eyes , I will deuise a meanes that thou shalt see her naked . To whom Gyges replyde , O royall sir , What words be these ? you speake that which rather sauours of a man distract , than well counsailed and aduised ; women that put off their garments , with them put off their modestie : therefore it was well determined and pro●ided by our fathers , wherein they proposed vnto vs honest rules and examples , among which this was one , That euerie man should haue inspection into his owne , and guide himselfe by that compasse . I verily beleeue she is matchlesse aboue all other women , and deseruedly to merit that character you haue giuen her ; but withall I beseech you , that you will not persuade me to any thing which is not lawfull . At these words the king seemed to be displeased , and replyde : Be confident , ô Gyges , and neyther distrust me in so persuading thee , nor my wife , who is altogether ignorant of what I intend , since from neyther of vs any damage or detriment , no not so much as the least displeasure can arise : for first I haue deuised , that she shall not know nor once suspect that thou hast beheld her ; for I will order it , that thou shalt be secretly conueyed into the chamber , and ( vnseene ) behold euerie passage of her making vnreadie and comming to bed : Now when thou hast freely surueyed her in euerie part and lineament , and spyest her backe towards thee , conuey thy selfe out of the roome ; onely in this be carefull , that at thy remoouing shee cast no eye vpon thee : This done , the next morning giue me thy free and true censure . Gyges that could by no meanes auoid his importunitie , was prepared against the time . The king according to his accustomed houre , conueyes himselfe into his c●a●ber , and so to bed : the queene soone after entring , despoyles her selfe of all 〈◊〉 vesture and ornaments , euen to her nakednesse , all which Gyges was spectator of , who no sooner spyed her backe turned to goe towards bed , but Gyges ships from the place where he was hid ; which was not so cunningly done , but he was espyed by the queene : shee demanding the reason of it from her husband , and ●●●●ertifying the truth ( but with what modestie he could excusing it ) she neyther seemed to be angry , nor altogether well pleased , but in her silence meditated reuenge ( for amongst the Lydians , and almost all those barbarous nations , it is held great inciuilitie and immodestie to behold a man , much more a woman , naked . ) The next morning , by such seruants as she best trusted , she caused Gyges to be sent for , who ( misdoubting nothing that had past , as one that had many times free accesse vnto her ) instantly came ; she causing her seruants to withdraw themselues , thus bespake him : Two wayes are proposed thee , ô Gyges , and one of them instantly and without least premeditation to make choyse of ; Eyther thou must kill Candaules , and that done , be possest of me , and with me the Crowne of Lydia , or instantly dye ; for thy doome is alreadie determined of , because thou shalt know that in all things it is not conuenient to obey the king , or search into that which thou oughtest not to know : There is now a necessitie , that eyther hee that counsailed thee to this must perish , or thou that obeyedst him against all Law or Iustice , to behold me ( against reason or modestie ) naked . Gyges at these words was first wonderously amazed , but after recollecting himselfe , entreated her not to compell him to so hard an exigent , as to the choyse of eyther . But finding that necessitie , that he must be forced to one or the other , to kill the king , or to be slaine by others ; he rather made choyse to suruiue , and let the other perish , and thus answered her : Since ( generous Ladie ) you vrge me to an enterprise so much opposite to my milder nature and disposition , propose some safe course how this may be done . Euen ( sayth she ) in the selfe-same place where he deuised this mischiefe against himselfe ( namely , his bed-chamber ) where to thee I was first discouered . Therefore prouiding all things necessarie for so determinate a purpose , and the night comming on , Gyges ( who knew no euasion , but to kill his maister or dye himselfe ) awaited his best aduantage , and hauing notice when Candaules was asleepe , followed the queene into her chamber , and with a Ponyard ( by her prouided for the purpose ) stabbed him to the heart , by which hee attayned both the queene and kingdome . Of this historie , Archilochus Parius makes mention in his Iambicks , who liued about the same time ; affirming , That Gyges was by the Oracle of Delphos confirmed in the kingdome , after the Faction of the Heraclides had opposed his soueraigntie .

Rowan and Estrilda .

Stowe . ROwan was a maid of wonderfull beautie and pleasantnesse , daughter to Hengest , a captaine of the Saxons . Of this Ladie , Vortiger ( then king ) grew so enamored , that for her sake hee was diuorced from his wife , by whom hee had three sonnes ; for which deed , the greatest part of the Brittaines forsooke him : therefore hee ( by the instigation of Rowan ) still caused more and more Saxons to be sent for , vnder pretence to keepe the Land in subiection . But the Brittaines considering the dayly repayre of the Saxons , came to the King , and told him the danger that might ensue ; entreating him whilest it wa● yet time , and to preuent a future miserie , to expell them the Land . But all in ●aine , for Vortiger was so besotted in the beautie of his faire wife ( by whose counsaile he was altogether swayed ) that he would in no wise listen to the counsaile of his subiects . Wherefore they with one vnited consent depriued him of his Crowne and dignitie , making Vortimerus his eldest sonne king in his stead . Who was no sooner crowned , Harding . but with all expedition he raysed an armie , and pursued the Saxons , and in foure maine battailes , besides conflicts and skirmishes , became victorious ouer them . The Saxons and their insolencies thus sup●●est , and the king now gouerning the Land in peace ( after he had reigned seu●● yeeres ) was by this Rowan ( in reuenge of the disgrace done to her king , deposed , and her countreymen disgraced ) most trecherously poysoned .

Estrilda . Locrin , the eldest sonne of Brute , chased the Hunnes which inuaded the realme of England , and so hotely pursued them , that many of them ( with their king ) were drowned in a riuer which parteth England , and Scotland ; and after the name of the king of the Hunnes ( who there perished ) the riuer is to this day called Humbar . Harding in Fabian . This king Locrin had to wife ●●●●doline , a daughter of Cori●eus duke of Cornwall , by whom he had a sonne cal●●d Mad●n : He kept also a Paramour , called the beautifull Ladie Estrilda ; by whom hee had a daughter called Sabrina . Locrine after the death of Corineus , of whom he stood in awe , diuorsed himselfe from his lawfull wife , and tooke to his embraces his faire concubine : mooued with this iniurie Guendoline retired herselfe into Cornewall , where she gathered a great power , fought with her husband , slew him in battaile , and after caused him to be buried in Troy-nouant . That done , she caused the faire Estrilda with her daughter Sabrina to be drowned in a riuer , that which parts England and Wales , which still beares the name of the yong Virgin , and is called Seuerne . These her dessignes accomplished , for so much as Madun her yong sonne was but in his pupillage , and not of capacitie or age to gouerne the Land ; by the common sufferage of all the Brittons , she was made Protectoresse and Ladie Regent of the kingdome , which to the comfort of the subiects and the weale of the kingdome , she discreetly gouerned for the space of fifteene yeares ; and therefore her memorie might fitly haue beene rancked amongst the most Illustrious women . Her sonne comming to age and yeares of discretion , shee to him resigned the Scepter .

The Faire ladie of Norwich .

ANd now because wee traffique altogether with Historie , it shall not bee amisse sometimes to mingle Seria Iocis , as shall appeare by this discourse which I haue often heard related . A knight both of same and memorie , and whose name is still vpon record , beeing eminent and of note with Henrie the fift , as personally with him in all the warres in France ; after the king had both conquered and quieted the Land , this noble Englishman retyred himselfe into his countrey . He had a Ladie that was of such beautie that she attracted the eyes of all beholders , with no common admiration , in briefe I cannot speake of her feature sufficiently , as being farre beyond the compasse of my penne , and therefore I put her into the number of my Faire ones . This ladie with her husband residing in the cittie of Norwich , He , after so many troubles and torments , purposed a more sequestred life , and ( next the solace he had in the beautie and vertues of his wife ) to take a course meerely contemplatiue : and thought , out of the aboundance of his wealth , to doe some pious deeds for the good of his soule : hee therefore erected in the cittie and neere to the place where his house stood , a goodly Church at his owne charge , and betwixt them a Religous house that entertained twelue Friers and an Abbot , allowing them demeanes competent for so small a brother-hood . In this couent there were two , Frier Iohn and Frier Richard ; these were still at continuall enmitie , and especiall notice taken of it amongst the rest , which by no mediation could be truely reconciled : but omitting that , it was custome of the knight and his ladie dayly to rise to morning Mattins , and she being affable and courteous to all , it bred a strange inciuile boldnesse in Frier Iohn , for she neuer came through the cloyster , but he was still with duckes and cringes attending her , which she ( suspecting nothing ) simply with modest smiles returned thankes to him againe : which grew so palpable in the Frier , that as farre as they durst it was whispered in the couent . Briefly , after these incouragements ( as he constered them ) it bred in him that impudencie , that he presumed to write a letter to her , in which he layde open a great deale of more than necessarie loue . This letter with great difficultie came to her hand ; at which the ladie astonished , as not dreaming that such leaudnesse should come from one that professed chastitie , and not knowing whether it might be a tricke complotted by her husband to make triall of her chastitie : howsoeuer , least her honour should be any way called in question , shee thought it her best and safest course to show the letter to her husband ; of which he had no sooner tooke a view , but he began to repent him of his former charitie , in regard of their so great ingratitude . But there yet wants reuenge for so great a wrong , the knight concealing his rage , causes an answere of this letter to be drawne , to which he commanded her to set to her hand ; the contents to this effect , That she was greatly compassionate of his loue , & that such a night her husband being to ride towards London , hee should be admitted , lodged , and entertained according to his owne desires . This letter was sealed , closely sent , receiued by the Frier with ioye vnspeakable : against the night he prouides him cleane linnen , a perfumed nightcap , and other necessaries ; he keepes his time , obserues the place , is closely admitted , and by herselfe without witnesse , and so conueighed into a close chamber . Which hee was no sooner entered , but in comes the knight with his man , and in great furie , without giuing him the least time either to call for helpe to the house or to heauen , strangled the poore Frier and left him dead vpon the ground . The deede was no sooner done , and his rage somewhat appeased , but he began to enter into consideration of the foulenesse of the fact and heinousnesse of the murder , withall the strict penaltie of the law due for such an offence , which would be no lesse than forfeiture of life and estate ; and now hee beginnes better to ponder with himselfe how to preuent the last , which may giue him further leasure to repent the first . After diuerse and sundrie proiects cast betwixt him and his man , it came into his minde , by some meanes or other to haue his bodie conueyed backe into the Monasterie , which being diuided from his house onely with a bricke-wall , might be done without any great difficultie : this was no sooner motioned , but instantly his man remembers him of a ladder in the backyeard fit for the purpose ; briefly , they both lay hand to the bodie , and the man with the Frier on his backe mounts the ladder , and sits with him astride vpon the wall , then drawing vp the ladder to the contrarie side , descends with him downe into the Monasterie , where spying the house of office , hee set him vpon the same as vpright as he could , there leaues him and conueyes himselfe againe ouer the wall , but for hast forgetting the ladder , and so deliuers to his master how and where hee and bestowed the Frier : at which being better comforted they betooke themselues both to their rest . All this being concealed , as well from the Ladie as the rest of the houshold , who were in their depth of sleepe . It happened at the same instant , that Frier Richard being much troubled with a loosnesse in his bodie , had occasion to rise in the night , and beeing somewhat hastily and vnhandsomely taken , makes what speede he can to the house of office , but by the light of the Moone discerning some one before him , whilest he could and was able , hee conteined himselfe , but finding there was no remedie , he first called and then intreated to come away ; but hearing no bodie answere , he imagined it to be done on purpose , the rather because approaching the place somewhat neerer , he might plainely perceiue it was Frier Iohn , his old aduersarie , who the louder he called seemed the lesse to listen ; loath hee was to play the slouen in the yard , the rather because the whole couent had taken notice of a cold he had late got , and how it then wrought with him : therefore thinking this counterfeit dea●●enesse to be done of purpose and spight , to make him ashamed of himselfe , he snatcht vp a Brick-bat to be reuenged , and hitting his aduersarie full vpon the breast , downe tumbles Fryer Iohn , without life or motion : which hee seeing , thought at first to rayse him vp ; but after many proofes finding him to be stone dead , verily beleeues that hee had slaine him . What shall hee now doe ? The gates are fast locked , and flye he cannot : but as suddaine extremities impresse in men as suddaine shifts , so hee espying the Ladder , presently apprehends what had beene whispered of Fryer Iohns loue to the knights ladie : and lifting him vpon his shoulders , by the helpe of the same Ladder , carryes him into the porch of the knights hall , and there sets him , and so closely conueyes himselfe backe into the Monasterie the same way hee came , not so much as suspected of any . In the interim , whilest this was done , the knight being perplexed and troubled in conscience , could by no meanes sleepe , but calls vp his man , and bids him goe listen about the walls of the Monasterie , if he can heare any noyse or vprore about the murther . Foorth goes hee from his maisters chamber , and hauing past the length of the hall , purposing to goe through the yard , findes Fryer Iohn sitting vpright in the porch ; hee starting at the sight , runnes backe affrighted , and almost distracted , and ( scarce able to speake ) brings this newes to his maister : who no lesse astonished , could not beleeue it to be so ( but rather his mans fantasie ) till himselfe went downe and became eye-witnesse of the strange obiect . Then wonderously despayring , he intimates within himselfe , that murther is one of the crying sinnes , and such a one as cannot be concealed : yet recollecting his spirits , he purposeth to make tryall of a desperat aduenture , and put the discouerie thereof to accident : hee remembers an old stallion , that had beene a horse of seruice , then in his stable , one of those he had vsed in the French warres , and withall , a rustie Armor hanging in his Armorie ; he commands both instantly to be brought , with strong new cords , a case of rustie Pistolls , and a Launce . The horse is sadled and caparrison'd , the Armor put vpon the Fryer , and hee fast bound in the seat , the Launce tyed to his wrist , and the lower end put into the rest , his head-peece clasped on , and his Beauer vp ; the skirts of his grey gowne serue for Bases : and thus accoutred , like a knight compleately armed Cap a pe , they purpose to turne him out of the gates , hee and his horse , without any Page or Esquire , to trie a new aduenture . Whilest these things were thus in fitting , Fryer Richard in the Monasterie no lesse perplext in conscience than the knight , about the murther , casting all doubts , and still dreading the strictnesse of the Law , summons all his wits about him to preuent the worst ; at length sets vp his rest , that it is his best and safest way to flye : he remembers withall , that there was belonging to the Fryerie a Mare , imployed to carry corne to and fro from the mill ( which was some halfe a mile from the Monasterie ) being somewhat fat , and therefore misdoubting his owne footmanship , hee thinkes it the safer course to trust to foure legges than to two , hee therefore calls vp the Baker that had the charge of the beast , and tells him , hee vnderstands there was Meale that morning to be fetcht from the Mill , which was grinded by that time ; therefore if he would let him haue the Mar● , he would ( it being now night ) saue him that labour , and bring it back before morning . The fellow willing to spare so much paines , caused the backe gate to be opened . The Fryer gets vp , and rides out of the Monasterie gate , iust at the instant when the knight and his man had turned out the Fryer on horseback to seeke his fortune , the horse presently sents the mare , and after her he gallops . Fryer Richard looking back amazed to haue an armed knight pursue him , and by the Moone-light perceiuing the Fryer armed ( for hee might discerne his face partly by the Moone , and partly by the breaking of the day , his Beauer being vp ) away flyes hee , and takes through the streets ; after him ( or rather the mare ) speedes the horse . Great noyse was in the citie ; insomuch , that many awaking out of their sleepes and morning rests , from their windowes looked out . At length it was Fryer Richards ill fate to take into a turne-againe-lane , that had no passage through ; there Fryer Iohn ouertakes him : the horse mounts the mare , and with his violent motion the rotten and rustie armour makes a terrible noyse ; Fryer Richards burthened conscience clamours out aloud for helpe , and withall cryes , Guiltie of the murther : at the noyse of murther the people being amazed , run out of their beds into the streetes . They apprehend miracles , and hee confesseth wonders ; but withall , that barbarous and inhumane fact , to murther one of his Couent : the grudge that was betwixt them is knowne , and the apparant iustice of heauen the rather beleeued . Fryer Iohn is dismounted , and sent to his graue , Fryer Richard to prison ; hee is arraigned , and in processe , by his owne confession condemned . But before the execution , the knight knowing his owne guiltie conscience , posts instantly to the king , makes his voluntarie confession , and hath his life and goods ( for his former good seruice ) pardoned him , Fryer Richard is released , and the accident remaines still recorded .

Of Callirhoe , daughter to Boetius .

Plut. Amat . Narration . I Now returne to more serious antiquitie : Phocus Boetius , was borne in the cittie Glisantes and had a daughter called Callirhoe , of such incomparable feature and beautie mixed , and withall so inherent a modestie and vertue , all meeting in one center to make a perfect and compleate creature , that thirtie of the noble youths of Boetia were suitors to her at once , and euery one sollicited her for marriage ; but Phocus fearing their importunities , and by inclining to one , to hazard the displeasures of all the rest , delayde them for his consent : but they still more and more vrging him , he desired but respite till hee sent to Delphos , there to demaund the aduise of the Oracle , how to dispose of his daughter ; but they taking this his pretended delay in ill part , all inraged , with an vnanimous consent set violently vpon him and his houshould : in which conflict Phocus was slaine . It happened that in the middest of this tumult the Virgin escaped and fled into the countrey , whom the suitors no sooner missed , but they with all expedition pursued her ; it so fell out ( for such was her good fortune ) that she light vpon some countrie people that were remoouing their corne from the field into the barne ( for it was then haruest ) whom she humbly besought , to bee her protectors from rape and the preseruers of her virginitie : they hauing commiseration of her youth and beautie ( both which are preuailing orators ) hid her amongst the sheaues , by which the pursuers were disappointed of their purpose , and being at a losse , ouer-run the game they chaced . Amongst these honest and simple people shee liued for a time retired and vnknowne , till the solempnitie of a great feast day , which the Boetians called Pamboeotia , at which there was customably a mightie confluence of people of all sortes and degrees from the highest to the lowest . To this feast she came , which was then celebrated in the cittie Coranea , and prostrating her selfe before the altar of Itonia Minerua , in the face of that great congregation , complained of the murder of her father , capitulating all their insolencies and her owne iniuries ; which she did with such feeling words and passionate teares , that shee not onely attracted the eyes of euerie one to behold , but mooued the hearts of all to pittie ; which perceiuing , and how the multitude was affected towards her , shee gaue to euerie of the murderers a particuler nomination , both of the families from whence they came , and the places where they had then their residence . The rioters this hearing , and finding how the people were annimated and incenst against them , they fled to Orchomenus , but were not there admitted but excluded from foorth the gates ; from thence they fled to Hippota ( a small cittie neere Hellicon scituate betwixt the Thebans and the Corineans ) and were there receiued . To them the Thebans sent , that these murderers and rauishers might bee surrendered vp to their justice . But being denied , they with other Boetians made an expedition against them ; of which forces , Phaedus then Pretor amongst the Thebans , was made captaine : the cittie Hippota was brauely besieged and assaulted , so likewise as resolutely defended ; but number preuailing they were compelled to yeeld themselues , with their citie . The murderers now surprised , they were condemned to be stoned to death , & had the execution of their iudgement : the rest of the Hippotences were brought vnder bondage and made slaues , their walls and houses demolished to the earth , their fields and possessions being equally distributed betwixt the Thebans & the Corineans . It is said that the same night before the surrender of the city , that a voice was often heard to call aloude from Helicon , Adsum Adsum , i. I am heare , I am heare ; which the thirtie suitors affirmed to be the voice of Pho●●s ; as likewise the same day of their executions , and at the instant when they were stoned , saffron was seene to distill out of a monument which was erected in the cittie Glisantes . Phaedus being newly returned from the fight , a messenger brought him newes of a yong daughter that day borne , whom for omens sake he caused to be called Nicostrate .

The Wiues of Cabbas and of Phaillus .

A Preposterous thing , Plutarch . in Amatorio . and almost against nature ( at least humanitie and good manners ) it is that I reade of these two , who after the example of Domitian and Commodus , those monsters of nature , haue not onely made their strumpets , but their owne wiues ( eyther for seruile feare , or abhominable lucre ) prostitutes to other men . This Cabbas , a Roman ( worthie for euer to be branded with base Wittoldrie ) had a Ladie to his wife of incomparable beautie , insomuch , that all men beholding her , apprehended what happinesse he was possest of aboue others . The report of her rare accomplishments , amongst many , attracted Mecenas ( then a great fauourite of the Emperour Augustus ) to inuite himselfe to his house , where he was nobly feasted . Mecenas being of a corrupt and licentious disposition , and much taken with her beautie , could not containe himselfe ; but he must needs be toying with her , vsing action of plaine Incontinence in the presence of her husband● who perceiuing what he went about , and the seruants ( it seemes ) for modestie hauing withdrawne themselues from forth the chamber ( the Table ●ot yet being taken away ) Cabbas ( to giue Me●enas the freer libertie ) ca●ts himselfe vpon the bed , and counter●eits sleepe . Whilest this ill-managed businesse was in hand , one of the seruants listning at the doore , and hearing no noyse , but all quiet , with soft steps enters the chamber , to steale away a flaggon pot that stood full of wine vpon the Table : Which Cabbas espying , casts vp his head , and thus softly said to him ; Thou rascall , Doest thou not know that I sleepe onely to Mecenas ? A basenesse better becomming some Ieaster , or Buffoon , than the noble name of a Roman .

In the citie of Argis grew a contention betwixt Nicostratus and Phaillus , about the management of the Common-weale , Philip of Macedon , the father of Alexander , comming then that way ; Phaillus hauing a beautifull young wife ( one esteemed for the verie Paragon of the citie ) and knowing the disposition of the king to be addicted to all voluptuousnesse ( and that such choyse beauties , and to be so easily come by , could not lightly escape his hands ) presently apprehends , that the prostitution of his wife might be a present Ladder for him to climbe to the principalitie , and haue the entire gouernment of the citie : Which Nicostratus suspecting , and many times walking before his gates ( to obserue the passage of the house within ) hee might perceiue Phaillus fitting his wiues feet with rich embrodered Pantofles , iewels about her hayre , rings on her fingers , bracelets about her wrists , and carkanets vpon her arme , in a Macedonian vesture , and a couering vpon her in the manner of a Hat , which was onely lawfull for the kings themselues to weare : And in this manner habited like one of the kings pages , but so disguised that she was scarce knowne of any ; he submitted her to the king . There are too many in our age , that by as base steps would mount to honor ; I could wish all such to carrie the like brand to posteritie .

Chloris . Chloris was the daughter of Amphion , and the wife of Neleus the sonne of Hyppocoon , as fruitfull as beautifull , for she brought twelue sonnes ●o her husband ; of which , ten with their father were slaine by Hercules , in the expugnation of Pylus ; the eleuenth , called Periclemenes , was transformed into an Eagle , and by that meanes escaped with life ; the twelfth was Nestor , who was at that time in Ilos : Hee , by the benefit of Apollo , liued three hundred yeeres , for all the daies that were taken from his father and brothers by their vntimely death , Phoebus conferred vpon him , and that was the reason of his longeuitie . Aethra . Aethra , the daughter of Pytheus , was of that attractiue feature , that Neptune and Aegeus ( both ) lay with her in the Temple of Minerua : but Neptune disclayming her issue , bestowed it on Aegeus ; who leauing her in Troezene , and departing for Athens , left his sword beneath a huge stone , enioyning Aethra , That when his sonne was able to remooue the stone , and take thence his sword , she should then send him to him , that by such a token he might acknowledge him his sonne . Theseus was borne , and comming to yeeres , she acquainted him with his fathers imposition ; who remooued the stone , and tooke thence the sword , with which hee slew all the theeues and robbers that interposed him in his way to Athens . Danae . Danae the daughter of Acrisius and Aganippe , had this fate assigned her by the Oracle , That the child shee bore should be the death of her father Acrisius : which hee vnderstanding , shut her in a Brazen Tower , restrayning her from the societie of men : but Iupiter enamoured of her rare feature , descended vpon her in a shewer of Gold , of which congression Perseus was begot ; whom Acrisius caused with his mother to be sent to sea in a mast-lesse boat ; which touching vpon the Island Seriphus , was found by a fisher-man , called Dyctis ; who presents the desolate Ladie , with her sonne , to king Polyd●ct●s . He surprised with her beautie , marryed her , and caused her sonne Perseus to be educated in the Temple of Minerua , and after made attonement betwixt them and Acrisius . But Polydectes dying , at the funerall games celebrated at his death , in casting of a mightie , stone ( being one of the exercises then vsed ) Perseus ( whose hand fayled him ) cast it vnawares vpon the head of Acrisius , and slew him , against his owne purpose making good the will of the Oracle . Acrisius being buried , Perseus succeeded his grandfather in the citie Argos .

Helena was first rauished by Theseus , Helena . and afterwards by Paris : shee had these suitors , Antiochus , Ascalaphus , Aiax Oeleus , Antimachus , Aeoeus , Blanirus , Agapenor , Aiax Telamonius , Clyrius , Cyanaeus , Patroclus , Diomedes , Penelaeus , Phaemius , Nyraeus , Polypates , Elephenor , Fumetus , Stenelus , Tlepolemus , Protesilaus , Podalyrius , Euripilus , Idomenaeus , Teliotes , Tallius , Polyxenus , Protus , Menestaeus , Machaon , Thoas , Vlysses , Philippus , Meriones , Meges , Philoctetes , Laeonteus , Talpius , Prothous : but she was possest by Menelaus .

A●ge was the faire daughter of Aleus , Auge . and comprest by Hercules , and deliuered of her sonne in the mountaine Parthenius : at the same time , Atalanta the daughter of Iasius , exposed her sonne begot by Meleager , vnto the same place ; these children being found by the shepheards , they called the sonne of Hercules Telephus , because he was nursed by a Hart which fed him with her milke ; they called the sonne of Meleager , Parthenopaeus , of the mountaine . Auge fearing her fathers displeasure , fled into Moesia to king Teuthrus , who for her beauties sake ( hauing himselfe no children ) adopted her his heire . These following are the fiftie faire daughters of Danaeus , The daughters of Danaeus . with the fiftie sonnes of Aegiptus , whom the first night of their marriage they slew : Idea killed Antimachus ; Philomela , Pantheus ; Seilla , Proteus ; Philomone , Pl●xippus ; Euippe , Agenor ; Demoditas , Chrysippus ; Hyale , Perius ; Trite , Enceladus ; Damone , Amintor ; Hyp●thoe , Obrimus ; Mirmidone , Mineus ; Euridice , Canthus ; Cleo , Asterius ; Arcania , Xanthus ; Cleopatra , Metalces ; Philea , Phylinas ; Hyparite , Protheon ; Chrysothemis , Asterides ; Pyraule , Athamas : her name is lost that slew Armoasbus ; Gla●cippe , Ni●uius ; Demophile , Pamphilus ; Antodice , Clytus ; Polyxena , Egiptus ; Hecabe , Driantes ; Achemantes , Echominus ; Arsalte , Ephialtes ; Monuste , Euristhanes ; Amimone , Medamus ; Helice , Euideus ; Amoeme , Polidector ; Polybe , Iltonomus ; Helicta , Cassus ; Electra , Hyperantus ; Eubule , Demarchus ; D●plidice , Pugones ; Hero , Andromachus ; Europone , Atlites ; Pyrantis , Plexippus ; Critomedia , Antipaphus ; Pyrene , Dalychus ; Eupheno , Hyperbius ; Themistagora , Podasimus , Palaeno , Ariston ; It●● , A●tilochus ; Erate , Endemon ; Hypern●nestra was the onely Ladie that in that great slaughter spared her husband Lyncaeus . What should I speake of Antigona , the sister of Polinices ; Electra , the daughter of Clytemnestrà ; Hermione of Helen , Polyxena of Hecuba , Iphigenia of Agamemnon ; Erigone , Merope , Proserpina , Amimone , Oenone , Calisto ; Alope , the daughter of Cercyon , and Theophane of Bysaltis , both stuprated by Neptune ; Th●onoe and Zeutippe , the daughters of Thestor ; Chi●ne , otherwise called Philonide , the daughter of Dedalion ; Coramis , the daughter of Phlegia , adulterated by Apollo ; Nictimine , comprest by her father Epopeus ? The very Index or Catalogue of whose names onely , without their histories , would aske a Volume . For their number , I will referre you to Ouid , in his first booke de Arte amandi : Gargarae quot segetes , &c. Thicke as ripe eares in the Gargarian fields , As many greene boughes as Methimna yeelds , Fish , Fowle , or Starres , in Sea , Ayre , Heauen ; there bee So many prettie wenches ( Rome ) in thee . Aenas * * Venus . mother is still lou'd and fear'd In that great citie , which her sonne first rear'd . If onely in young girles thou do'st reioyce , There 's scarce one house but it affoords thee choyse : If in new-marryed wiues ; but walke the street , And in one day thou shalt with thousands meet : Or if in riper yeeres ; but looke before , Where ere thou go'st , thou shalt find Matrons store .

If then one citie , and at one time , could affoord such multiplicitie , of all ages , and degrees ; how many , by that computation , may we reckon from the beginning , amongst all the nations of the world ? I doubt not then , but this draught of water , fetcht from so vast a Fountaine , may at least coole the pallate , if not quench the thirst of the insatiat Reader .

Manto .

ZEbalia a man whose byrth ranked him in the file of nobilitie , beeing imployed vpon seruice in the Turkish warres , brought with him his most estimated and greatest treasure , his deerest spouse stiled Manto . But he dying in the crimson bed of honour , the sinister hand of warre gaue her into the captiuitie of Bassa Ionuses ; who beholding with admiration a creature of so diuine a feature , was ( though her conqueror ) taken captiue by her beautie : who hauing put her vertue to the Test , found it to paralell , if not out-shine her forme . Wherefore being couetous to engrosse so rich a bootie to himselfe , he tooke her to wife , bestowing on her a more honorable respect than on his other wiues and concubines , and she likewise endeuored to meet his affection with an answerable obseruance and obedience . This feruent and mutuall loue continued long inuiolate betwixt them ; insomuch , that they were no lesse honoured for their eminence of state , than remarkable for their coniugall affection : but that cursed fiend Iealousie enuying at their admired sympathie , straight vsurpes the throne of reason , and sits a predominant tyrant in his fantastike braine ; for he grew so strangely iealous , that he thought some one or other to corriuall him , but yet knew not whom to taint with any iust suspition , nay hee would confesse that he had not catcht the least sparke of loosenesse from her that might thus fire this beacon of distraction in him . Briefly , his wife as beautifull in minde as feature , wearied with his daily peeuish humors , and seeing all her studies aymed at his sole content , were entertained with neglect and insolent scorne ; she resolued to leaue him , and secretly to flie into her natiue countrey : to further which , she vnlockes this her secret intent , to an Eunuch of the Bassaes , giuing him withall certaine letters to deliuer to some friends of hers , whom she purposed to vse as agents in the furtherance of her escape : but he proouing treacherous in the trust committed to his charge , betrayde her to her husband , showing her letters as testimonies to his allegations . The Bassa at this discouerie swolne big with rage , called her before him , whom in his disperate furie he immediately stabbed with his dagger , thus with the cause of iealousie taking away the effect . But this bloodie deed somewhat loosened him in the peoples hearts , where he before grew deepely and fast rooted : nor did he out-run Vengance , for at the last her leaden feet ouertooke him , and in this manner . Selymus the first , at his departure from Caire , his souldiers whom he there lefe in garrison made suit vnto his highnes , That in consideration of the great labours they had alreadie vndergone , together with the many dangers they were hourely in expectation of , that their wages might be inlarged ; which he granted , and withall gaue this Bassa Ionuses the charge to see the performance thereof . At last the pay-day came , but their hopes proouing abortiue , the souldiers mutined : to coniure downe which spirit of insurrection , messengers are dispatched to the Emperour , to certifie him of the neglectiue abuse of his royall word , and feare of sedition : this newes ouertooke him at Larissa in Iudea . Selymus inraged at this relation , sends for Bassa Ionuses and examines the cause of his neglect in such and so weightie a charge ? Ionuses somewhat abashed , as beeing conscious ( yet withall high-spirited ) gaue the Emperour a peremptorie answer ; at which being mightily incenced , hee commanded his head to be cut off , which was forthwith done : and thus iustice suffered not innocent Manto to die vnreuenged .

The wife of Agetus the Lacedemonian .

HErodotus , Lib. 6. thus writes of this Ladie , the daughter of Alcydes the Spartan , first wife of Agetus , and after to the king Ariston . She , of the most deformed infant , became the excellentest amongst women . Her nurse to whose keeping she was giuen ( for the parents were asham'd of their Issue ) went with her euerie day to the Temple of Helena , which stands in Therapne ( neere to the Church of Apollo ) and kneeling before the Altar , besought the goddesse to commiserate the child , and free her from her natiue vglinesse and loathsome deformitie . Vpon a time returning from the Temple , a woman appeared to her of a venerable aspect , and desired to see what she carryed so tenderly in her armes : the nurse told her it was an infant , but such an one as shee was loth to shew , and therefore desired to be excused , the rather , because she was enioyned by the parents not to expose it to the sight of any . The more the nurse put her off with euasions , the more importunate the strange woman was to behold it . At length preuayling , shee gently with her hand stroaked the face of the child , and kissing it , thus said : Goe nurse , and beare her home to her parents , who shall in time become the most beautifull of the Spartan Ladyes . From that time forward , her deformitie began to fall away , and a sweet grace and delightfull comelynesse to grow as well in face as euerie other lineament . Comming to marriage estate , she was sollicited by many , but onely possest by Agetus : yet after , by the craft of Ariston , shee was diuorced from Agetus , and conferred vpon him . Dion in Augusto speakes of Terentia , Terentia Mecenatis . the wife of Mecaenas , to be of that rare feature , that she dared to contend with Lyuia , the wife of Augustus Caesar , who was held to be the most amiable and exquisite Ladie of those dayes . Of Terentia the daughter of Cicero , Terentia Ciceronis . I haue thus read : Titus the sonne of Milo , and Appius the sonne of Clodius were as remarkable for their noble friendship , as their fathers notorious for their irreconcilable hatred . Titus was for his fathers sake welcome to Cicero , but Appius much hated , in regard of enmitie betwixt him and his father Clodius , for Cicero was of Miloes faction . Titus had long and dearely loued the faire Terentia , but vnderstanding that his friend Appius was likewise exceedingly inamoured of her , hee left his owne suit , and earnestly sollicited the ladie in his behalfe , who was easily persuaded to the motion , hauing long before cast an affectionate eye vpon Appius , but durst make no expression thereof , much fearing the displeasure of her father . Titus so well managed the businesse for his friend that hee brought him priuily into the house of Cicero , where the two louers had mutuall conference : her father comming home by accident , and finding them together , in the heate of his impatience excluded him , and lockt her vp in safe and close custodie . Which the poore Ladie tooke so to heart , that shee fell into an extreame feauer and languishing daily , her father ( now when it was too late ) desired to know what he might doe to minister vnto her the least comfort : shee onely besought him that before her death , shee might take her last and louing leaue of Appius ; who was instantly sent for : at his sudden comming in , shee was extaside with his sight and expired in his embraces ; which the noble youth perceiuing , hee drew out a short dagger which hee then wore about him , and in the presence of her father and his owne deere friend slew himselfe . A more comicall conclusion hath that which I shall next tell you .

A Vicars daughter . An old Vicar in the countrey hauing a wonderous faire wench to his daughter , it happened that a young scholler , that for want of meanes had left the Vniuersitie , was preferred to the seruing of a Cure somewhat neere him ; by which hee had opportunitie to woo the maid , and after had the parents consent to marrie her . It happened not long after , this young man had a Parsonage bestowed vpon him by his patron ; the father and the sonne meeting vpon a time at a market towne , with diuers gentlemen of the countrey , being at dinner , amongst other discourse cauelling about an argument , they fell into controuersie which should bee the better man ; many rough words passed , in so much that the gentlemen were forced to come betwixt them and keepe the peace . The old man he stood vpon his grauitie and the name of father ; the young man pleaded , That in regard he was a Parson , and the other but a Vicar , that he was the better of the two . This raised the vprore afresh , which the gentlemen had much adoe to appease : at length the young man demaunded audience but for a few words , in which ( sayth he ) if I doe not conuince him , and make it plaine and palpable before you all , that I am the worthier of the two , for name place and antiquitie , I will yeeld him prioritie and precedence for euer after . The words of Name and Antiquitie , the old man heard with much impatience ; at length audience being granted , and silence obtained : Now yong knaue ( sayth the old Vicar ) what canst thou say for thy selfe ? I onely desire ( answered the young man ) to be resolued in one question : propound i● say●h the other , Marrie thus ( sayth he ) When the world was distroyed in the generall deluge , all saue eight Parsons , tell me , Where were the Vicars then ? The old man was blanke , the gentlemen smiled , and the young man carried it ; so that euer after the sonne tooke place of the father , and the faire daughter of the mother . I will onely remember you of a faire young gentlewoman , a countrey woman of mine , and so conclude with my Faire ones .

A faire wittie Wench . A gallant newly come to his lands , became a suitor to a proper young Virgin , her fathers onely child and heire : Hee hauing had conference with her father , conditions on both sides were debated , the match concluded , and the day of marriage appointed : the father and the sonne in law riding abroad one morning to take the ayre , the antient gentleman was mounted on an easie paced Mare which he kept his owne saddle , this beast the young gallant was so enamored of , that hee offered to buy her at any rate , though neuer so vnreasonable : but the old man entreated him to hold him excused , because the beast was easie and gentle , fitting his age , and being disfurnished of her hee knew not how to come by the like , therefore his resolution was , neyther to depart from her for loue nor money . The gentleman grew so obstinate to haue her , and the other so selfe-will'd to keepe her , that at length the sonne in law told him plainely , That if hee would not sell him his Mare , he would not marrie his daughter . The father at this grew into choller , and told him , If he respected his child no better , but set her so slight , he bad him come when he sent for him , and vpon these short tearmes they parted . A fortnight passed in this discontent ; at length the young gallant better aduising with himselfe , and the gentlewomans beautie still sticking in his stomacke , he began to recant his former obstinacie , and purposely tooke horse to renew old acquaintance and giue her fresh visitation : and comming something neere the house , it was the young gentlewomans fortune to spye him from a bay window , who instantly steps downe to the gate , meaning her selfe to play the porter . Three or foure times hee knockes at the gate , but no bodie answered ; at length hee rapt so loud , that shee opened the wicket , and asked him , Who he was , and what he would haue ? He seeing it was she , smilingly answered ; It is I , sweet-heart , doe you not know me ? Not I indeed , replyed she , for to my remembrance I neuer saw you before : To whom he againe answered , I am such a man , and by these and these tokens I can put you in mind , that you cannot chuse but know me . Oh , I crie you mercie ; it is true indeed ( saith shee ) I now very well remember you , You are hee that came a wooing to my fathers Mare : so clapt to the gate , and left him , and neuer after would giue him the least entertainment .

Of Women Deformed .

IT is remembered of the Poet Hypponax ( by Plinie , Lib. 36. cap. 5. ) to be of that vnhappie shape , vnseemely presence , and vncomely countenance , so deformed both in face and feature , that he became a generall scorne to all : insomuch , that two famous Painters , Bubulus and Anterinus , drawing his picture , and setting it out to sale , had pensill'd him in such ridiculous and vnfashionable manner , that the Table begot laughter from all such as passed by and beheld it . Which Hypponax hearing , hee so persecuted the poore Painters , in his bitter Iambicks , and inuectiue Satyres , that despayring , they hanged themselues . Then blame me not , if I be sparing in ripping vp the deformities of women , least they prosecute me as seuerely with their rayling tongues , as the Poet did the Painters with his Satyricall penne . It is an argument therefore that I desire to be briefe in .

Athenaeus , Lib. 9. tells vs , That Anacharsis the Philosopher sitting at a Banquet with his wife ( who was a wondrous blacke and hard-fauoured woman ) one of the guests that sat with him at the Table being in his cups , could not contayne himselfe , but said aloud ; O Anacharsis , you haue marryed a wife deformed enough : to whom the Philosopher ( with great modestie ) replyed ; I haue indeed : but Boy ( sayth he , calling to one that attended on the Cup-board ) Fill the gentleman more Wine , and shee will then appeare to him sufficiently beautifull ; more taunting his intemperance , than hee her deformitie . As Ouid speakes of the Night , so may it be said of Wine : Nocte latent menda — The Night hides faults , the Midnight houre is blind , And no mis-shap'd deformitie can find .

Vetustina . Martial , Lib. 3. describes one Vetustina : Shee hath ( sayth hee ) onely three teeth , and three hayres , the breast of a Grasse-hopper , the legge of an Ant , the belly of a Spider , a rough and rugged brow ; her mouth in smyling , shewed like the Crocodiles ; her voyce in singing , like the Frogges , and Gnats ; her face like the Owles , and her sauour like the Goates , with other such like offensiue imperfections . The same Author , Lib. 1. speakes of Philenis : Philenis . Oculo Phile●is semper altero plorat , Quo fiat istud quaeris modo ? Lusea est . Philenis seemes with one eye still to mone ; Would'st thou the reason know ? she hath but one .

I see no cause why any man should mocke such imperfections as come by nature : therefore I commend the answer of a gentlewoman , who being followed by a gallant at the heeles , and seeing her to be of an vpright and straight bodie , slender wasted , and cleane legged , hee commended her in his thoughts for an exceeding proper and well-limb'd woman ; who mending his pace to ouertake her , and spying her masked , entreated her in courtesie to vnpinne her maske , with purpose to kisse her ; but seeing her face to be swartie , and somewhat wrinckled , and not according to his expectation answering to the other parts of her bodie : Mistresse ( saith he ) I had purposed to haue begged a kisse of you , had I liked you before as well as I did behind . Then Sir ( quoth shee ) so please you , you haue leaue to kisse me where you best like . The Persians affect such as haue hooked noses ( those the Greekes call Gripos ) and such they hold to beautifie the face best , Plut. in Apoth . because Cyrus ( to which nation , no kings memorie was euer dearer ) had his nose so fashioned . There are of those , two kinds ; one , which in the discent from the brow , instantly riseth in the fashion of a Crowes byll , Caelius , lib. 24. cap. 26. Antiq. Lect. and such ( sayth Aristotle ) is a marke of Impudence ; the second hath his bending separate from the brow , and the swelling in the middle part of the nose like a Hawkes byll , and those are the markes of Courage and Beautie , and such we tearme a Hawkes nose , or a Roman nose . I know not which of these it was the wench had , of whom Sir Thomas Moore compiled his Epigram , which was after this manner : A louely Lasse , that had a Roman nose , Meeting with Tyndarus , he would haue kist her : But when he should haue met her at the close , I would ( quoth he ) but cannot kisse you ( sister ) For had not your egregious long Nose bin , I would haue kiss'd your lips , and not your thin . The poore wench blusht , and burnt with secret ire , Which set her changing colour all on flame , And saith to him ; To furnish your desire , Since that you faine would kisse , and craue the same ; Because my Nose no more shall let your will , Kisse where is none , there freely take your fill .

Thus you see euen the greatest schollers , and grauest men , will sometimes make sport with the Muses . Many other things there are , which blast the brightest beauties , making women loathed where they haue beene most liked ; their number is infinite : Amongst many , I will giue you a taste of one , borrowed from an Elegie in Ouid ( which beares Title , Ad Amicam ) to his Mistresse , that demaunded hyre for her prostitution .

As faire as she that made two husbands iarre , Raysing 'twixt Troy and Greece a Ten-yeeres warre ; As bright as feathered Laeda , great Ioues rape , She that was chang'd into a Swan-like shape ; As faire as Amimone , euen so bright Were you my Mistresse . That which Poets write Of metamorphos'd Ioue , how ost Loue chang'd him , And from his owne celestiall shape estrang'd him , To an Eagle , or a Bull ; I fear'd least hee Would likewise from high heauen descend on thee . I am not iealous now , my feare is vanisht , And the hot ardor of Affection banisht , My fire is cool'd , Reason re'assumes his place . And now me thinkes thou hast not thine owne face . Do'st thou demand why I am chang'd ? Behold , The cause I le tell thee , thou didst aske me gold ; Thou look'st that for my pleasure I should pay , And that alone doth fright me still away . Whil'st thou wert simple , and in all things kind , I , with thy sweet proportion , lik'd thy mind : Thou now art cunning growne ; what hath that gayn'd ? Thy bodies beautie by thy mind is stayn'd , &c.

And after proceedes thus : Looke on the beasts that in the medowes stray , Shall women beare more sauage minds than they ? What gifts doe Kane from the rude Bulls enforce ? What price demands the Mare of the proud Horse ? Or of the Ram , the Ewe ? they 'le comple twice , Before they once debate vpon a price . Women alone haue learnt to bargaine well , Their pleasures borne with them , alone they sell ; Alone they prize the night , and at a rate Chaffer themselues to strangers : O vile state . Alone for mutuall pastime , Coyne they craue , And ere they sport , aske first , What shall I haue ? That which delighteth both , to which both run , And but by ioint assistance is not done , The pleasures which we both on euen-hand try , Why should one partie sell , the other buy ? Why should the sweetes which we alike sustaine , To me be double tosse , thee double gaine ? That which comes freely , much by that we set ; Thou giu'st it me , and I am still in debt . The loue that 's hyr'd , is plainely sold and bought , Thou hast thy price , and then I owe thee nought . Then , ô you Faire-ones , all such thoughts expell , What Nature freely giues you , spare to sell : Let not your bodies to base vse be lent , , ,Goods leaudly got , are euer loosely spent , &c.

And with this gentle admonition , I take leaue as well of the Faire , as the Deformed .

Explicit Liber Quintus , Inscriptus TERPSICHORE .

THE SIXT BOOKE , Inscribed ERATO : Treating of Chast Women , and of Women Wantons .

ERATO signifies Loue ; of which , there are but two kinds , that is , the loue of Vertue , or of Vice : then vnder what Muse could I more properly patronize the Chast , and the Wanton ? But me thinkes I heare some of our Critickes murmure and say , Whither doth this man purpose to wander , that hath lost his way and gone too farre alreadie ? Hee might doe well to breake off here , and leaue it to some other heads , eyther more ingeniously wittie , or more grauely serious . To such , I make the same answere that Bishop Bonner did once to Henry the eight . The king of England , and Francis the first of that name , king of France , being at oddes , Henry was much incensed , and appointed Bishop Bonner ( his Embassadour ) to debate with him sharpely about the designes then in hand : who hauing accommodated all things fitting for the journey , came to take his leaue of the king his maister , who vttered many bitter and disdainefull words against Francis , all tending to his opprobrie and dishonour ; And in these tearmes ( sayth hee ) deliuer vnto him thy Embassie . To whom Bonner replyed ; If it please your Maiestie , if I should giue him such harsh and despightfull language , and in his owne Court too , he can doe no lesse than take off my head . Thy head ( answered the king ) If hee doe , it is no matter : but tell him further , If hee dares to cut off thy head , ten thousand of his subiects heads shall be sent after it . To whom Bonner ( after some small deliberation ) againe replyed : But I am doubtfull ( my Liege ) whether any of these ten thousand heads will fit my shoulders ; in that short answere as well taxing the kings rash furie , as prouident for his owne safetie . With which the king somewhat satisfied , and better considering with himselfe , deliuered vnto him a more calme and milder Embassie . So , though those heads may fauour both of more Iudgement and Reading , I am doubtfull whether they could more naturally sute with my owne method , and stile , though neuer so meane or barbarous : Therefore , Deo adiuvante & Erato assistente , Plutarch . in Lacon . Apotheg . I proceede : The Spartans had a custome in their solemne feasts , to haue a song of three parts , sung by three seuerall Chorusses , The first was of weake old men , The second of yong able men , The third of Boyes and pretie growne children . The old men began with this verse : Olim iuuentutem , nos strenuam egimus . We haue beene Strong , that now Decrepit are .

To whom the yong men in a second quire answered : Sortes sumus nos , fac si vis periculum . Wee are both Yong , and Strong , prooue vs who dare .

To them in a third tone the children ecchoed : Nos erimus his prestantiores plurimo . With these in Youth and Strength wee shall compare .

To this three-fold age , I compare the triplicitie of the Muses . The first three books are by this , alredie spent in your iudgements : The second three , of which this is the last , are the pyth and strength of my present worke in hand ; to which the three succeeding ( though yet in their infancie ) I shall striue to paralell , if not exceed the rest . And first of Chastitie . It is reported of a woman of Lacena , that a great man sending her rich gifts to corrupt her chastitie , she returned him this answere , Whilest I was a Virgin , I was taught to obey my father , which I accordingly did ; and being a wife , to submit my selfe to my husbands will ; if then you desire any courtesie at my hands , get first his consent and you shall after vnderstand my further pleasure . Plutarch . in Lacon . Institut. relates , that diuerse of these Lacenaean Virgins were taken captiues and sold in open market ; one of them beeing cheapened , was demaunded what she knew ? she answered , To be faithfull . Another being asked if he should buy her , whether she would proue chast ? answered , Whether he bought her or no , she would be chast howsoeuer : her maister after seeking to corrupt her , she slew herselfe , vttering these her last words , See what a treasure thou hast lost , that knewest not my worth whilest thou wast possessed of me . There haue beene many men that haue left vnto women strict rules of Chastitie by their examples . Saint Augustine being asked why hee would not suffer his owne sister to dwell in the house with him ? answered , Because such as may conuerse with her are not my sisters ; intimating , that all such as would auoid the sinne ought to shun temptation : for he was wont to say , It is not good to looke vpon a woman , it is worse to conuerse with her , but worst of all to touch her . Therfore these sences of ours that are most subiect to danger , ought most to be supprest and bridled , Marul . lib. 4. Capit. 7. and Sabin . lib. 5. Hierome reports of the Abbot Hylarian , That when hee found any vnchast cogitations arise in his brest , hee would beate himselfe vpon the bosome , as if with blowes and buffets hee would expell them thence ( and thus sayd ) I will tame thee ô Asse , that thou shalt no more kick and spurne against me with thy heeles , I will not henceforth feed thee with Barley but chaffe , I will abate thy wantonnesse with hunger and thirst , I will loade thy backe with grieuous burdens , I will inure thee to the Sommers heate and the Winters cold . After which time he vsed the spare dyet of rootes and the iuice of hearbes ; and these onely when necessitie compelled him to eate : Hee inioyned himselfe ( the time of prayer excepted ) to strict and continuall labour , to increase his appetite , but not augment his dyet . Therfore Hierom against Lust prescribes these three souereigne remedies ; fast , prayer , and hard labour : The examples are innumerable , as well amongst Ethnick men as Christians . Alexander supping with Antipadres , there was brought to the table and set iust against the king , a wonderous beautifull woman , as excellent in voice as in face , both tempting so farre that Alexander began suddenly to be surprised with her loue , Plut Apotheg . Reg. and demaunded of Antipadres , If she were a woman whom he any way affected . To whom he answered , That she was indeered to him aboue all other creatures liuing . Then thou foole ( replyde the king ) cause her inst●ntly to rise and be conueyed hence from the banquet . How farre then was this temperate Prince from adulterating another mans wife , that was affraid to doe his host the least iniurie in his strumpet ? Therefore Iulianus the Emperour hauing tooke the cittie Nalaca , wherein were many women of rare and extraordinarie feature , was so farre from corrupting their vertues that he commanded , not any of them should be suffered to come in his presence . Calius lib. 7. cap. 27. Fulgos. lib. 4. cap. 3. tells vs that so great was the chastitie of the Paduan women in times past , that not any of them walked out of their doores but with their faces couered . Therefore Caius Salpitius Gallus sued a diuorse against his wife , because she was met bare-browed in the streetes , against whom he thus pleaded , Thou art onely to be gouerned and guided by the lawes of mine eyes , thy beautie is to be approoued by them , and to please them alone thou oughtest to adorne thy selfe : but to desire to seeme faire in the eyes of strangers , Erasmus lib. 6. Apotheg . incurres the imputation both of suspition and trespasse . What should wee thinke then of that fantastique attyre and gawdie ornaments so much in vse now adayes , which as well in youth as age , rather seeme openly to professe lust than inwardly to protect chastitie . Of these curiosities in vaine and vnnecessarie attire , Plautus in Pen●lo thus speakes , Negotij sibi qui vole● vim parare , nauem & mulierem Hec duo sibi comparato , & He that is idle and would businesse haue , Let him of these two things himselfe prouide , A Woman , and a Ship ; no two things crane More care , or cost , to suite the one for pride , Th' other for tackles : they are both like fire , For still the more they haue they more desire . And this I speake by proofe , from morne to noone , Their labour and their trauells haue none end , To wash , to r●b , to wipe , and when that 's done , To striue ( whore nothing is am●sse ) to mend : To polish , and expolish , pain● , and staine , Vnguents to daube , and then wipe out againe , &c.

Now what generall censures these fantasticke garbes and meere importunities incurre , if any demaund , I answere , What lesse than weakenesse of the braine or loosenesse of life : This iest following though it be old , yet me thinkes it is pittie it should dye vnremembered . A gentleman meeting in the streets with a braue gallant wench and richly accommodated , seeing her walke with her brests bare almost downe to the middle : laying his hand vpon them , demaunded of her in her eare , whether that flesh were to bee sold , who skornefully answered , No , to whom he modestly replyed , Then let me aduise you to shut vp your shop-windowes . I will end this monitorie counsell with an Epigram out of Ausonius , which beares title of two sisters of vnlike conditions : Delia nos miramur , & est mirabile qoud tam Dissimiles estis , &c. Wee wonder Delia , and it strange appeares , Thou and thy sister haue such censure past ; Though knowne a whore , the habit 's chast she woares Thou ( saue thy habit ) nothing whorish hast : Though than chast life , she hath chast habit sought , Her Manners her , thy Habit makes thee nought .

In memorie of Virgin chastitie , I will cite you one historie out of Marullus , lib. 4. cap. 8. Aegiptae . The monument of Aegiptae ( the daughter of Edgar king of England , a professed Virgin in her life time ) beeing opened after shee had many yeares lyen in the graue , all her bodie was turned into dust sauing her wombe and bowells ; and they were as fresh and faire without any corruption , as at the first day of her interment . Those that stood by wondering at the obiect , one Clerke amongst the rest broke foorth into these tearmes : Wonder not to see the rest of the bodie to taste of putrifaction , and the wombe still sound and perfect , which neuer was contaminated with the least stayne or blemish of lust . Of her , Bishop Danstan thus speakes : Worthie is her remembrance to be honoured vpon Earth , whose chast life is celebrated amongst the Saints in Heauen . O great reward , due to Virgin chastitie , by which such felicitie is attayned , that their soules are not onely glorified in Heauen , but their bodies are not subiect to corruption on earth . But because the Theame I am next to speake of , is of Virgins , giue me leaue to begin with the best that euer was since the beginning , for Beautie , Chastitie , and Sanctitie ; nor shall it be amisse to speake a word or two concerning her Genealogie .

MARY , the Mother of CHRIST , was the daughter of Ioachim , of the Tribe of Iuda ; her mothers name was Anna , the daughter of Isachar , of the Tribe of Leui. Here ( as S. Hierome obserues ) is to be noted , That Anna and Emeria were two sisters : of Emeria came Elizabeth , the mother of Iohn Baptist : also Anna was first marryed to Ioachim , Ranulphus . and had by him Mary , the mother of Christ ; and was after espoused to Cleophas , by whom she had Mary Cleophe , who was marryed to Alphaeus . From them two came Iames the lesse ( surnamed Alphaeus ) Symon Can●●●aus , Iudas Thaddaus , and Ioseph , otherwise called Barsabas . Eusebius in his Ecclesiasticall Historie , Lib. 2. cap. 2. sayth , That Iames the lesse was called the Brother of our Lord , because hee was the brother of Ioseph , the husband of Mary : but his opinion is not altogether authenticall . Also Anna was espoused to Salome , and had by him Mary Salome , after marryed to Zebedeus , and had by him I●mes the greater , and Iohn the Euangelist . Ioseph , the husband of Mary , was the brother of Cleophas . Marian. lib. 2. It is also obserued , That in the one and fortieth yeere of the reigne of Augustus Caesar , in the seuenth moneth ( which is September ) in the eleuenth day of the Moone ( which is the foure and twentieth day of the moneth ) on a Thursday , Iohn Baptist was conceiued ; and two hundred threescore and fifteene dayes after , on a Fryday , was borne : So that he was the fore-runner of Christ , both in his Conception , his Birth , his Baptisme , his Preaching , and his Death . A woman goeth with child two hundred threescore and sixteene dayes ( for so long , by computation , was Christ in the wombe of the blessed Virgin ) though all women goe not so long with child , as S. Augustine obserues , Lib. 4. de Ciuitate Dei , cap. 5. So that Christ was longer in the wombe by a day , and more , than S. Iohn Baptist. Iohn also was borne when the dayes began to shorten and wane ; and Christ , when the dayes began to waxe long . Concerning these Antiquities , I conclude with a sentence of S. Augustines : Against Reason ( sayth hee ) no sober man will dispute ; against the Scripture , no Christian man contest ; and against the Church , no religious man oppose . And so I proceed to the Historie .

Of MARY , the Blessed Virgin .

LEt it not be held vnnecessarie , Iohan. Wyerus de Lamijs , lib. 3. Suidas . or appeare out of course , amongst these Virgins to insert a historie memorable for the ●arenesse thereof to all posteritie , Iohannes Wyerius in his booke intituled de Prestigijs demonum , hath collected it out of Suidas . In the time that I●stinianu● was Emperour , there was a prince amongst the Iewes whose name was Theodosius , He hauing great acquaintance and familiaritie with one Philipp●s a Christian , a bancker , or one that dealt in the exchange of money ( for hee was called Philippus Argentarius ) this Philip did often sollicite and exhort him to leaue his Iudaisme and be a conuertite , and turne to the Christian religion : to whom he aunswered , Indeed he must ingeniosly confesse , he made no question but that Iesus whom the Christians adored , was the same Messias of whom the holie Prophets foretold , yet he could not bee persuaded to relinquish the honours and profits that he had amongst his owne nation , and giue himselfe vp to a name which they knew not , or at least would not acknowledge : yet that he beleeued so of Christ , he was not onely persuaded by the Oracles of the holie Prophets , but he found it approoued by a certaine mysterie , namely a writing most charily still kept amongst the Iewes , in a place most safe and secret , where their choise records with the especiallest care and trust are reserued ; which was of this nature : It was a custome amongst the Iewish nation , at what time , the holie Temple was yet standing in Ierusalem , to haue continually the number of twentie two chiefe and selected Priests , ( iust so many as there bee letters in the Hebrew language , or bookes of the old Testamen● ) and so often as any one of these was taken away by death , immediately another was elected to succeed in his place ; and being chosen ( in a booke kept in the treasurie for that onely purpose ) expressely to write downe his owne name , and the names of both his parents , with the dayes punctually set downe of the decease of the one and the succession of the other . Now in the time that Christ was conuers●nt in Iudaea , and yet had not shewed himself to the world , nor preached the Word openly to the people , it happened that one of the Priests of the foresaid number dyed , neyther after many voyces and sundrie nominations was any agreed vpon , or thought fit to be ascribed into his place . At length was propounded IESVS , the sonne of the Carpenter Io●eph ( for so they tearmed him ) a man though young , yet for the sanctitie of his life , his behauiour , and doctrine , aboue all the rest commended . This suffrage standing , as hauing generall approbation from all , it was thought conuenient to send for his mother ( for his father Ioseph was late dead ) into the Consistorie , onely to know their names , and to register them in the aforesaid booke . She therefore being called , and diligently questioned of her sonne and his father , thus answered , That indeed she was the mother of IESVS , and brought him into the world ; of which , those women are testates , that were present at his birth , but that he had no father from Earth : in which if they desired to be further instructed , shee could make it plainely appeare : For being a Virgin , and then in Galilee , the Angell of God ( sayth shee ) entred the house where I was , and appearing vnto me ( not sleeping , but thus as I am , awake ) he told me , That by the Holy-Ghost I should conceiue , and bring foorth a sonne , and commanded me that I should call his name IESVS : Therefore beeing then a Virgin , by that Vision I conceiued , I brought foorth IESVS , and I still remaine a Virgin vnto this day . When the Priests heard this , they appointed faithfull and trustie Midwiues , with all diligence and care to make proofe whether Mary were a Virgin or no : they finding the truth most apparant and not to be contradicted , deliuered vp to the Priests , That shee was a Virgin , pure and immaculate . Then they sent for those women that were knowne to be at her deliuerie , and were witnesses of the Infants comming into the world ; all which did attest and iustifie , That shee was the mother of the same IESVS . With these things the Priests amazed and astonished , they presently entreated Mary , that shee would freely professe vnto them what his Parents were , that their names ( according to custome ) might be registred amongst the others . To whom the blessed Virgin thus answered : Certaine I am , that I brought him into the world , but know no father that he hath from the Earth ; but by the Angell it was told me , That hee was the Sonne of GOD : Hee therefore is the Sonne of GOD , and me . This the Priests vnderstanding , they called for the Booke ; which being layd open before them , they caused these words to be inscribed : Vpon such a day deceased such a Priest , borne of such and such Parents ; in whose place , by the common and vnite suffrage of vs all , is elected Priest , IESVS , the Sonne of the liuing GOD , and the Virgin MARY . And this Booke Theodosius affirmed ( by the especiall diligence of the most noble amongst the Iewes , and the chiefe Princes ) was reserued from the great sacke and destruction of the citie , and Temple , and was transferred into the citie of Tiberias , and there kept a long time after . S●idas testifies , That hee hath heard this discourse from honest men , who deliuered it to him word by word , as they themselues haue heard it from the mouth of Philippus Argentarius . This most blessed and pure Virgin Mary , the mother of our Lord and Sauiour , was borne of the holy Matron S. Anne , in the yeere of the World 3948 , and in the yeere before Christ , fifteene . Of him , Cla●dian thus elegantly writes ●n one of his Epigrams : Proles vera Dei , ●unctisque antiquior Annis N●●c geni●●s , qui semper er as — True Sonne of God , older than Time , that hast Thy byrth but now , yet from beginning wast , Author of Light , and Light before all other , Oh thou that art the parent of thy mother , And by thine equall-aged father sent From Heauen vnto this terrhene continent . Whose word was made Flesh , and constrain'd to dwell In the straight prison of a Virgins cell , And in a narrow angle to remaine , Whose power , no limit can , no place conteine ; Who being borne , did'st now begin to see All these great workes created first by thee : The worke and workeman of thy selfe , not skorning T●obey those wearie houres of Eu'n and Morning , Of which th' art Lord , and tell each minute ore , Made by thy Wisdome , for mans vse before . And took'st on thee our shape , onely to show To vs , that God we did ( till then ) not know , &c.

Petronilla .

WHen Peter the Apostle , had by his Faith cured all infirmities and diseases , and in all places , yet he suffered his daughter Petronilla to bee grieuously afflicted with a Feauor ; and being demanded , why hee that had cured others did not helpe her ; he answered , Because hee knew her sickenesse to be most behoofefull for her soules health , for the weaker she was in bodie , she was so much the stronger in Faith , setling her cogitations on the ioyes of Heauen , and not the pleasures of the world , desiring of God that she might rather die a chast Virgin , than to be the wife of the Consull Flaccus , by whom she was at that time most earnestly sollicited : whose prayer was heard , for she dyed of that sicknesse , and the Consull was preuented of his purpose , who had long insidiated her chastitie . Marull . lib. 4. cap. 8. The like we reade of Hillarius Pictauiensis Episcopus , who hauing long trained vp his daughter Appia in chastitie and sanctitie of life , Appia . fearing least time might alter her vowes , and tempt her with the vaine pleasures of the world , hee besought the giuer of all graces , that hee might rather with ioy follow her to her graue , than with sorrow to her marriage bed ; which was accordingly granted , Eustochium as the same Author testifies . Eustochium the daughter of Paula a noble matron of Rome , is celebrated by Saint Hierom for the onely president of Virginall chastitie . Tora . Tora the virgin was of that chast and austere life , that hauing tooke a vow and once entered her profession , shee neuer put on her backe any new garment , Maria Aegipt . or so much as changed her shooes . Maria Aegyptiaca , liued the life of an Hermit in the sollitude of an vnfrequented desart : some write of her that as often as she was seene to pray , shee seemed to be lifted vp from the Earth into the Ayre the heigth of a cubit . Columba . Columba a Virgin of Perusina , is reported to be of that chastitie and abstinence , that she neuer tasted any other food than the bare fruits of the Earth , from the yeares of her discretion till the houre of her death . Amata . Amata was a professed Virgin , who in fortie yeares space neuer set foot ouer the threshold of that Cloyster wherein she had confined her selfe , in which time she neuer tasted food saue bread and roots . Sara . Sara liued in the time of Theodosius the elder , she made a Vow , neuer to lodge beneath any roofe ; but inhabiting the banke of a certaine riuer , remoued not from that place in threescore yeeres . The like is read of Syluia , Syluia . a Virgin , the daughter of Ruffinus , a Prefect or Ruler in Alexandria , who betooke her selfe to sollitude for the space of threescore yeeres , in which time she neuer washt any part of her bodie saue her hands , nor reposed her selfe vpon any bed sa●e the ground . It is reported by Edward Hall , S. Ebbe . Iohn Leisland , Iohn Sleyden , and others , of S. Ebbe , Abbesse of Collingham , That to preserue her owne and her sisters Chastities , and keepe their Vowes inuiolate ( because they would seeme odible to the Danes , who had done many outrages both against Law and Religion , and then tyrannized in the Land ) shee cut off her owne nose , and vpper lippe , and persuaded all the other Nunnes to doe the like : for which act , the Danes burnt the Abbey , Ildegunda . with all the Sister-hood . Fulgos. Lib. 4. cap. 3. speakes of Ildegunda , a German Virgin , borne in Nassau ; who after many temptations , to which shee feared her beautie might subiect her , in the yeere 1128 shee changed her habit , and got to be entertained in a Priorie neere vnto Wormes , called Schuna beu Heim : in which she liued long by the name of Ioseph , in singular continence and modestie , still conuersing amongst the learnedest and best approued schollers , euen till the time of her death : neyther was she then knowne to be a woman , till comming to wash her bodie , her Sex was discouered . In the same Monasterie , Euphrosyna . and amongst that Couent , liued Euphrosyna , a Virgin of Alexandria , Marina . by the name of Smaragdus : as also one Marina , who called her selfe Marinus , Gunzonis . both dissembling their Sex . Gunzonis , daughter to the duke of Arboa , was possessed by an euill spirit ; but after , by the prayers of holy men being recouered , she vowed perpetuall Virginitie . And after being demanded in marriage by Sigebertus , king of the Frenchmen , she was deliuered vnto him by her father : who debating with her concerning his present purpose , she humbly desired to be excused by his Maiestie , in regard she had alreadie past a pre-contract : The king demanding , To whom ? she answered , She was a betrothed Spouse to her Redeemer : At which the king being startled , forbore to compell her any further , but suffered her to take vpon her a religious life ; shee preferring her Virgin Chastitie before the state and title of a Queene . And these shall suffice for Religious Virgins ; I now proceed to others , that grounded their vertue on meere moralitie .

Baldraca . Baldraca was a Virgin , but of meane parentage and of a deiected fortune : yet to her neuer-dying honor , and president to all ages to come ( notwithstanding she was not able to supply her selfe with things needfull and necessarie , eyther for sustenance or ornament ) neyther by threats or menaces , promises of worldly honors , or promotion , shee could not be tempted to prostitute her selfe to the Emperour Otho . Saxo Gramaticus writes of Serytha , Serytha . the daughter of Synaldus king of the Danes , to be of that modestie , that when the fame of her beautie had attracted a confluence of many suitors to the Court of her father , yet she could neuer be woon eyther to conuerse with , Tara . or so much as to looke vpon any of them . Tara was a French Ladie , of a noble and illustrious Familie ; shee liued in the time of Heraclius : who when her father Hagerticus and her mother Leodegunda would haue compeld her to marrie , she fell into that excesse of weeping , that with the extraordinarie flux of teares she grew blind soone after . Dula . Dula was a Virgin famous for her Chastitie , who chose rather to be slaine by the hand of a Souldior , than to be despoyled of her Virginitie . Statyra . Roxana . Statyra and Roxana were the sisters of Mithridates king of Pontus , who for the space of fortie yeeres had kept their Vow of Virginitie inuiolate ; these hearing the sad fate of their brother , and fearing to be rauished by the enemie ( at least , to fall into their captiuitie ) by taking of poyson , finished both their dayes and sorrowes . Plutarch writes of one Roxana , drowned in a Well by Statyra . It is reported of an Hetrurian Damosell ( taken by a Souldior ) who to preserue her Virginitie , Etrusca Virgo . leapt off from the bridge Ancisa into the riuer Arnus : of whom , Benedictus Varchius hath left this memorie in one of his Epigrams : Perd●ret nitactum ne Virgo Etrusca pudorem In rapidas sese praecipitanit aquas , &c. Th' Hetrurian Girle , her Honor still to keepe , Precipitates her selfe into the Deepe ; And from the bottome three times being cast Vp into th' ayre , as loth that one so chast Should there be swallow'd , she as oft sinkes downe Her modest face , her martyrdome to crowne , And shame the lustfull world . What shall we say Of the chast Eucrece , famous to this day ? She for one death , is call'd the Romans pride ; To saue her Fame , this Tuscan three times di'de .

Bernardus Scandeonus , Lib. 3. Classe 34. Histor. Pat●ninae , writes , That when Maximilian the Emperour made spoyle of the Paduan territories , diuerse of the countrey people leauing the villages emptie , fled into the citie ; amongst whom , was one Isabella , Isabella . a Damosell of Rauenna , who being seized on by some of the Venetian souldiors that then had the charge of the citie , and surprized with her beautie , drew her aside , with purpose to haue dishonored her : but finding no other meanes to shun the violence of their lust , shee from the bridge cast her selfe headlong into the riuer Medoacus , where shee was drowned : and afterwards , her bodie being drawne out of the riuer , was buryed vnder a banke , without any other ceremonie belonging to a Funerall . Martia , Martia . the daughter of Varro , was of that admirable continence and chastitie , that being most excellent in the Art of Painting , shee not onely alienated and restrayned her Pensill from limning any thing that might appeare obscene , or shew the least immodestie , but shee was neuer knowne to delineate or draw the face of a man , Lala Cizizena . Rauis . in Officin . The like is reported of Lala Cizizena , alike excellent in Painting , and as remarkable for her Virgin Chastitie . Britonia , Britonia . a beautifull maid of Crete ( giuing her selfe wholly to Hunting , and the Chase ) to shun the importunities of king Minos ( who layd traynes to vitiate her ) threw her selfe into a riuer , and was drowned . Daphne , Daphne . the daughter of Amiela , retyred her selfe both from walled cities , and all publike societie , and was at length entertained into the fellowship of Diana , frequenting the Laconian fields and Peloponnesian mountaines . Of her , Leucippus the sonne of Oenemaus was enamored ; who hauing attempted diuerse wayes to compasse his will , but not preuayling in any , he bethought himselfe what course Iupiter tooke to stuprate Calisto , the daughter of Lycaon ; and attyring himselfe in the habite of a female Huntresse , was entertayned by Diana , and admitted into their number : where he grew familiar with all , and especially endeared to Daphne ; insomuch , that shee thought no houre spent well without him . Of which acquaintance Apollo being iealous ( in regard they had such conuenience of time , place , and opportunitie ) he put his owne dearely beloued Daphne in mind , to entice Leucippus to a riuer , where Diana with all their nymphes intended to bathe themselues : Whither when they came , the Virgins disrobed themselues , euen to nakednesse ; and being all stript to their skinnes , but finding Leucippus onely to mooue delayes , they pluckt off his garments by force , and so discouered him to be of the contrarie Sex : at which Diana enraged , commanded all her Virgins to take vp their Bowes and Quiuers , and so they shot him to death with their Arrowes . This is recorded by Parthen . de Amator . Theodor. Flaietes in Eleg. and Philarchus , lib. 15.

Of Chast Wiues .

Rhodogune . AN excellent president of Chastitie was that in Rhodogune , the daughter of Darius ; who caused her Nurse to be slaine , because her husband being dead , she persuaded her to a second marriage . A more admirable remarke of Nuptiall Chastitie it was of the Wiues of the Theutonicks , remembred by Hieron . in his Epistle to Gerontia ; whose husbands being slaine , and they taken captiue by Marius , humbly besought him on their knees , that they might be sent to the Vestalls in Rome , as a present ; protesting , they would be equally with them , still from the societie of men , and professe perpetuall Chastitie : but their request being denyed by the Consull Marius , the next night following all of them with an vnite consent strangled themselues . Theoxena was famous for her Chastitie , Theoxena . who being enuironed at Sea by the Nauie of Philip king of Macedon , seeing her husband throwne ouer-boord , leapt after him to follow him in death ; not onely to expresse her loue to her husband , but her skorne to stand to the mercie of the Conqueror . Baptista Pius , Lib. 2. Elegiar . speakes of Tyro , Tyro . a woman of Thessalia , who ( her husband being dead ) could by no counsaile of friends , or persuasion of kindred , be woon to suruiue him . Plutarch in Pompeio speaking of Hypsicrataea , Hypsicrataea sayth shee was so endearedly affected to her husband king Mithridates , that for his loue she made a voluntarie change of her most becomming womanish shape and habit , into a mans : for cutting her hayre , she accustomed her selfe to the practise of Horse and Armes , that shee might with the more facilitie endure the labours and dangers of the warres . Her husband being subdued by Cn. Pompeius , and his Armie quite dissipate and ouercome , shee followed him ( flying ) through many barbarous Nations , where her life and safetie were in hourely hazard ; and these shee enterprised with a mind vndaunted , and a bodie vnwearyed , her faith and loyaltie in all his extremities being to him no small sollace and comfort : for though an Exile ( being still in the societie of his Queene and bed-fellow ) he imagined himselfe ( in what place soeuer he reposed ) to haue beene in his owne pallace , and amongst his household gods .

Of Penelope .

THe beautie of Penelope attracted a number of suitors , who from diuerse countreyes came to adulterate the bed of Vlysses . From Dulichim came two and fiftie , from Samos foure and twentie , from Xacynthus twentie , from Ithaca two and twentie ; of which , these are nominated by Homer : Antinous , Eurinous , Eurimachus , Leocritus , Neso , Pysander , Hesippus , Agatus , Leocles , Ampinomus , Demotholomaeus , Medo● a common Cryer , Euphemus a Minstrell , and Irus a Begger ; all which , Vlysses ( at his returne from his twentie yeeres trauailes ) slew in his owne house . Some of these , Ouids Penelope reckons vp in these verses : Dulichij , Samijque , & quos ●●lit alia Xacinthus , &c. Dulichium , Samos , and Xaci●●hus Hill , Throng me with troopes of want●n s●itors still : What should I speake to thee of Medon fell ? Of Polibus , or of Pysander tell ? What of Antinous giddie head deplore , Couetous Eurimachus , and other● more ? These in thine absence cannot be withstood , But still thou feed'st them with thy wealth and blood . The Begger Irus , and Melanthius too , The Heardsman , &c.

And since we are in the historie of Penolope , Homer lib. 1. Odiss . It shall not be amisse to delate it a little further out of Homer : who in his first booke intituled Odissaea , of Phaemius the Harper speakes to this purpose : Phaemius the Haerper to the b●●rd in●ited , Where the bold suitors bid the●sel●es to feast● A dolefull song to a sad tune recited : Of th' Argiue fleete in their returne distrest , And cast in sundrie exiles : on what coast Such men miscarie , where such Princes perish , Vpon what rockes and shelues such ships were ●ost : Him , wil'st Penelopes bold suitors cherish , The discontented Queene , with Prayres , and Teares , Wills him desist : the Harper soone forbeares .

But to leape from the first , to the seuenteenth booke , and to omit all Vlysses trauells and aduentures till his meeting with his sonne Telemachus , who brought him into his owne court in the disguise of a begger , to see what reuells were kept there in his absence : Known only to his sonne and his friend Eumaeus , and not yet to Penelope .

Iam Caelum roseis rutilat Tritonia bigi● . Odiss . lib. 17. Perioch . Telemacus vnto the Queen relates The processe of his long peregrination : Eumaeus brings Vlisses 'mongst those States That sought his bed ; where they in courtly fashion Were sat at a rich banquet with his wife , There he begg's meat . Antinous 'mongst the rest , Threats with iniurious words to c●ise his life , But the milde queene inuites him as her guest . Vlysses for that time forbeares their sight , But s●nds the queene word he will come at night . Odyss. lib. 18. Irus adest populi per mendicabula notus . In his owne Pallace whilest Vlysses craues Their Charitie , Irus ( that was indeed One of that ranke , and begg'd 'mongst ragged slaues ) Boldly thrasts in , amongst the rest to feed : From words these grow to blowes ; the suitors they Encourage both parts to maintaine the ●ray : Proposing him that shall 〈◊〉 , for prise The intrailes of a Goa● . Vlysses hee Proues victor in his beggers base disguise , And ( halfe-dead ) Irus of the place doth free : For which hee 's guerd●●'d , as the Queenes request , With a rich Gift from many vnbid guest . Odyss. lib. 19. At parte interiore d●mus sacratus Vlysses . Vlysses with Telemachus conspires The death of all those suitors , both deuising How to release the Queene to her de●ires , And free the Pallace from their tyrannizing : And that they neither may offend , nor stand , Compl●t by night , their weapons how to steale . Now by Eumaeus to the Queenes faire hand Her Lord is brought ( who will 〈◊〉 y●● reueale Himselfe to her ) but sayth he is of Cre●●e . To whom her husband once had beene a guest . They part ; the Queene commands to wash his feet , ( And for that night betakes her to her rest . ) That taske Euriclia takes ( his Nurse before ) She a knowne skarre vpon his flesh espyes , On Mount Pernassus giuen him by a Bore . It was no sooner seeme , but out she cryes , Vlysses , Are you come ? Being thus descri'de , Hee prayes , and bribes , that she his name will hide . Perioch . 20. Odyss. — Iamque proces genua amplexus ●rabat Vlysses . The guest at banquet , Eresippus casts To hit Vlysses , but he mist his ayme . ( After some Healths , both time and banquet wasts ) When to the place Theoclemenus came , Expert in Diuination , who fore-spake At Table to them all , their imminent ruine ; But at his words they strange deri●ions make , Abusing all that speake of things ensuing ; They mocke the high Powers , and contemme the Fates , And thrust at length the Prophet forth the gates . Perioch . 21. Vnto Eumaeus and Philetius too , In whom he trusts , the Prince himselfe makes 〈◊〉 , And what that night he had intent to doe : And how to make safe seisure of his owne , ( Which craft must doe ) he calls for that strong Bow , In which , what time he woo'd his beautious Bride , All that were Riualls , must their vigors show , Yet he atchieu'd what many suitors tri'de : This was propos'd a second marriage-prise . And now the selfe-same Bow before them brought , All proue their strengths ( saue he in his disguise ) But ( much vnable ) they preuayled nought . The Bow the sonne vnto his father gaue : Which they ( deriding ) no way would admit , That such a needie and penurious slaue ( It being a Kings ) should once lay hand on it ; The rather , they being in their prime of yeares , And he so aged : yet he needes must try . And now his antient potencie appeares ; They shame to see it done , and they stand by . Squalentes Humeris habitus reiecit Vlysses . Perioch . 22. Vlysses drawes the string vp to his eare , The keene shaft flyes , and sterne Antinous pierces : At this , the boldest stand amaz'd , and feare , Whilest he enrag'd , strewes all the roome with Hearses . The Pallace gates are shut , no man can flye ; Eumaeus and Telemachus proceed , With bold Philetius , and aloud they crye , Kill all , spare none , for now the bold'st must bleed . The harmelesse Phemius , that but came in sport , ( Skilfull in th' Harpe ) their ruthlesse furies spare ; And Medon , that did ne're offend the Court , Or'gainst Penelope the least thing dare ; But sterne Melanthius , one of her owne Traine , That did the suitors in their riots cherish , He by their swords , amongst the rest , is slaine : Twelue strumpets likewise in their furies perish . Chalcidicum gressu nutrix superabat anili . Perioch . 23. From sleepe Euriclia soone awak'd the Queene , Relating all that had that night beene done , What valour in her husband she had seene , And what in her iust seruants , and her sonne● In her distraction to beleeue , or no. ( By this ) Vlysses to the Queenes faire bed Approacheth , whom at first she did not know ; Till by some tokens hee 's acknowledge , Receiu'd , and lodg'd : he makes a full Narration Of his Warres , Trauailes , Acts , and Nauigation .

And so much , the better to illustrate the Historie of Penelope .

Euadne . Capanaeus being dead , at the celebration of his funeralls , his wife Euadne cast her selfe into the flames , of whom Martiall : Arserit Euadne flammis iniect a mariti .

Laodamia . Of no lesse fame was Laodamia , her husband Protesi●ans ( vnder whose iurisdiction were Antron , Philaca , and Larissa , citties of Tessalie ) was the first Greeke that was slaine in the siege of Troy , and ( some write ) by the hand of Hector : which sad newes when his wife vnderstood , to comfort her sorrow , shee onely desired of the gods to see his ghost or shadow ; which she supposing to be granted her , in the imagination thereof she expired . Of no lesse memories is Panthaea the wife of Abratidas a noble Persian , Panthaea . who no sooner heard that her husband was slaine in battaile , but with a poynard stabbed ner selfe to the heart , and so dyed . Sophronia Romana , Sophronia . by some called Christiana , by others Lucretia ; when she could no longer put off the importunities of the prince Decius , hauing before befought the consent of her husband , slew her selfe . As great on honour to her familie was Antonia , Antonia . who in the prime and flourishing time of her beautie , hauing buried her husband , to preuent the temptation od suitors , married her selfe to the strictnesse of one chamber , to which her yonger sister being a vowed Virgin had confined her selfe ; thus in one bed the heat of youth in the one was extinct , and the sollitude of widowhood wasted in the other . Q. Curtius lib. 1. remembers vs of one Timoclea a Ladie of Thebes , Timoclea . who being forcibly adulterated by a prince amongst the Thracians , dessembled for a time both her hate and purpose ; not long after shee insinuated with him , and told him she would conduct him to a place in which was hid much treasure ; of which he being couetous , she brought him to the brincke of a deepe Well beeing in a remote place of the house , to which he presenting himselfe and bending his bodies downewards , to satisfie his expectation concerning the treasure , she apprehending that aduantage , thrust him headlong into the Well , and casting huge stones after him , reuenged her selfe vpon the Rauisher . Brasilla Dyrrachina a prime Ladie , Brasilla Dyrrachina as Ludouic . Vi●es lib. 1. de Instit. Tem. Christian relates being taken prisoner , and seeing an immediat shipwracke of her chastitie threatned by her cruell victor : shee couenanted with him , that if hee would but reprieue her honor for the present , she would giue him an hearbe , with whose iuice if he would annointe any part of his bodie it should preserue it wound-free . The souldier accepts of the condition ; she from a neighbour garden plucking vp the weede that came next to hand , with the sap or moysture thereof annoyntes her owne necke and throat , bidding him to draw out his sword and make triall of her selfe , whether shee kept not with him faithfull couenant . The souldier giuing credit to her words , in regard of her constancie and courage , with one strong blow dispatched her of life : ô resolute and noble Ladie saith Nicephorus li. 7. c. 15. to prefer death before the losse of her honour . Francis Sforza prince of Mediolanum , being Generall of the Florentine armie , A woman of Casanoua . hauing taken the cittie Casanoua , certaine souldiers brought before him a most beautifull captiue , who with great vocifiration called out , Bring me to your prince , Bring mee to your chiefe Generall . The souldiers mooued with her earnest clamour , brought her before him , who demaunded of the woman , Why she was so importunate to be conducted into his presence ? to whom she answered , For no other reason , but to submit her selfe wholly to his pleasure ; conditionally hee would secure her from the iniurie of the souldiers ; to which hee willingly assented , and seeing her of such exquisite feature and so tempting a presence , he purposed to make vse of her liberall and free profer that night , therefore hee commaunded a bed to be made readie , in which she was lodged , thether he presently repaires , and being vnclothed casts himselfe by her naked side ; but reaching his arme to embrace her , her eyes beeing full of teares and her heart of sorrow , shee humbly besought him before hee touched her bodie , but to graunt her the hearing of a few words ; at which the prince making a sudden pause : shee poynting with her finger to the picture of the blessed Virgin ( for Sforza was neuer without that or the like in his bed-chamber ) she intreated him , euen for the remembrance he bore to the person whom that Table presented , for the honour due to her Sonne and his Sauiour , and for the dignitie of his goodnesse , and for the sacred memorie of his noble auncestors , not to infringe her matrimoniall Vow , nor violate her coniugall Chastitie , but deliuer her backe an vnspotted wife to her vnfortunate husband , who was then a prisoner amongst many other wretched captiues . Her words tooke such impression in the noble General , that notwithstanding her tempting beautie ( the motiues to inchastitie ) his present opportunitie , and absolute power ouer her as she was his vassall and prisoner , yet to show his miraculous temperance , hee preferred the name of a chast and continent prince , before the imputation of a tyrant or an adulterer ; and instantly leapt out of the bed , and left her to her modest and more quiet rest . In the morning he sent for her husband , to whom ( after a great character of her Chastitie giuen ) he deliuered her , not onely freeing them both without ransome● but from his owne coffers bountifully rewarding her vertue : in the subduing of his owne affections gaining more honour than in the conquest of so great a cittie . In this act not onely imitating but exceeding Scipio : For that incomparable Ladie that was presented vnto him , She was the contract●d bride to the prince In●i●ilis . was of high linage and of princely parentage , besides he liued in a free cittie , and to haue dishonoured her , he had not onely incurred censure , but being then in a forrein nation purchased to himselfe the name of tyrant , and hazarded a new reuoult of the people : but that was nothing to oppose prince Sforza in the satisfying of his lust , saue his owne goodnesse ; for what conquerour hath not power ouer his captiue . Fulgos. lib. 4. cap. 3. Anastatia Constantino politana , Anastatia . when Theodora Augusta was iealous , that shee was not beloued of her husband Iustinianus Augustus , and hauing to that purpose receiued some taunting words from the Emperesse , to approue her innocencie ; shee fled both court and cittie , and retyred her selfe into Alexandria , where shee liued obscured in the societie of certaine chast Virgins : But after , hearing of the death of Theodora , her feares were not diminished but augmented , for the Emperors loue appeared to her a greater burden than the hate of the Emperesse ; therfore to auoid that which many would haue sought with greedinesse , shee changed her habit , and taking the shape of a young man vpon her , fled into the furthest part of Aegypt , called by the name of Anastatius : where shee liued priuately , austerely , and ended her chast life in great sanctitie . Hieronim . writes that Paula Romana , Paula Romana . after the death of her husband , was so farre from being persuaded to a second , that shee was neuer knowne from that time to eate or drinke in mans companie . Barbara . Of a contrarie disposition was Barbara the wife of Sigismund Emperor , Aenaeus Silu. relates of her , that her husband being dead , when diuers persuaded her to continue still in her widowhood , proposing vnto her , that women ought to imitate the Turtles , who if one be taken away by death , the other will neuer chuse other mate , but deuote her selfe to perpetuall chastitie ? thus answered , If you haue none else to bid me imitate but byrds that haue no reason , why doe you not as well propose me for example the Doues or the Sparrowes ? As contrary againe to her was the daughter of Demotian prince of the Arcopagitae , who no sooner heard that her husband Leosthenes was slaine in the Lamick warre , but in●tantly slew her selfe , least she should suruiue a second marriage . Others there bee that haue kept a viduall chastitie euen in wedlocke . The Virgin Edeltrudis , Edeltrudis . as Sigilbertus and Beda both witnesse , was the daughter of Annas a Christian king of the East-Angles , shee was first deliuered by her father in marriage to Candibertus a great prince , who were no sooner married but by mutuall consent they vowed lasting Virginitie : at length he dying , shee was by her father compelled to a second nuptialls with king Cephordus , with whom shee liued twelue yeares , yet neuer ( as they could adiudge it ) vnloosed her Virgin gyrdle . After which time , by her husbands consent she tooke vpon her a religious life , and entered a monasterie , where ( as Marullus lib. 4. cap. 8. sayth ) she liued a more secure , but not a more chast life . Infinite to this purpose are remembered by Fulgosius , Marullus , Albertus Cranzius , &c. as of Maria Desegnies , Margarita Aegypta , Cecilia Virgo , Kunegunda Augusta , wife to Henry of that name the first Emperour , Bafilissa , espoused to Iulianus Antiochenus , Stamberga the niece of Clodonius , married to Arnulphus a noble Frenchman . These and others without number ( which is somewhat difficult to beleeue ) haue wedded , bedded , boorded , lyne and liued together , yet went as pure Virgins to their graues as they came first to their cradles . Of these I may say as Ouid Metamorph. lib. 1. of Daphne : Saepe pater dixit generum mihi filia debes , Saepe pater dixit , &c. Thou ow'st me sonnes , oft would her father say , Yong Boyes and Gyrles , with whom my age might play , Thou ow'st me child ; this would he oft repeat : When shee as if with skorne and hatred great Sh'abhor'd the nuptiall bed , and held it sinne , With modest blushes dyde the tender skinne Of her faire cheeke : then to her father growes , And her white armes about his neck she throwes , And saith , Deere sir , this one thing grant your child , That I may liue from lustfull man exil'd , A voteresse . Diana this desired , And from her father had what she required .

I will onely produce one historie or two at the most from our moderne Histories , and so cease further to speake of our marryed Virgins . It is reported in the Legend , That after Editha the daughter of Earle Godwin , Editha . was married to king Edward ( otherwise called S. Edward ) they mutually vowed betwixt themselues perpetuall chastitie , and therein perseuered to the end of their liues . There continued in them ( sayth the Legend ) a Coniugall loue , without any Coniugall act ; and fauourable embraces , without any deflowring of Virginitie : for Edward was beloued , but not corrupted ; and Editha had fauour , but was not touched ; she delighted him with loue , but did not tempt him with lust ; she pleased him with discourse and sweet societie , yet prouoked him to no libidinous desire . It is moreouer in that Treatise recorded , That they vsed to call Marriage a shipwracke of Maiden-head , comparing it to the fierie Furnace of the Chaldaeans ; to the Mantle that Ioseph left in the hand of a strumpet , the wife of Putiphar ; to the lasciuious outrage of the two wicked Elders , who would haue oppressed and vitiated Susanna the wife of Ioachim : Susanna . and lastly , to the enticements of drunken Holofernes towards faire Iudith , Iudith . one of the deliuerers of her people . And so much for the Legend . But Richardus Diuisiensis sayth , That being awed by Earle Godwin , and for the feare of hasarding his life and kingdome , Edward was compelled by threats and menaces to the marriage of Editha . Moreouer , Polydore reports , That for the hate he bore her father ( who had not long before most trayterously slaine his brother Alphred ) hee caused himselfe to be diuorced from her , seising her goods and dower to his owne vse and pleasure . Ranulphus , and one that writes himselfe Anonimos ( as willing to conceale his name ) say , That shee was disrobed of all her Queene-like honors , and confined into the Abbey of Warnwell , with only one maid to attend her , and so committed to the strict custodie of the Abbesse . William of Malmesbury , and Marianus Scotus haue left remembred , That hee neyther dismissed her his bed , nor carnally knew her ; but whether it was done in hatred to her kindred , or purpose of Chastitie , they are not able to determine . Robert Fabian confesseth as much in his Chronicle , Part. 6. cap. 210. Howsoeuer , the effects of that abstenious life were not onely preiudiciall , but brought lamentable effects vpon this distracted kingdome , namely , Innouation and Conquest : for Edward dying without issue , England was inuaded and opprest by the Normans , and the people brought to that miserie , that happie was that subiect that could say , I am no Englishman . And in this , agree Matthew Paris , Capgraue , Fabian , and Polydore . As I hold it not necessarie for marryed folke to tye themselues to this strict kind of abstinence , so I hold it not conuenient for any such as haue to themselues , and in their soules , taken vpon them the strict life of Virginitie , to be compelled to an enforced marriage ; as may appeare by this discourse following , recorded by Gulielm . Malmsburien . Simeon Danelmens . Matthew Paris , Roger Houeden , Capgraue , &c. Henry the first of that name , king of England , and crowned in the yeere of Grace 1101 , was by the instigation of Anselme ( once a Monke of Normandie , but after by William Rufus constituted Archbishop of Canterburie ) marryed vnto Maude , Maude . daughter to Malcolme the Scottish king , she hauing taken a Vow , and being a profest Nunne in the Abbey of Winchester . Much adoe had the King her father , the Queene her mother , her Confessor , Abbesse , or the Bishop , to alienate her from her setled resolution , or persuade her to marriage : but being as it were violently compelled thereunto , she cursed the Fruit that should succeed from her bodie ; which after ( as Polydore affirmes ) turned to the great misfortune and miserie of her children : for afterwards , two of her sonnes , William and Richard , were drowned by Sea . Besides , her daughter Maude ( who was afterwards Empresse ) prooued an vnfortunate Mother ; and amongst many other things , in bringing forth Henry the second , who caused Thomas Becket to be slaine ; it thus happened : All forraine warres being past , and ciuile combustions pacified , in the yeere of our Lord 1120 , Henry the first with great ioy and triumph left Normandie , and came into England . But within few dayes following , this great mirth and iollitie turned into a most heauie and fearefull sorrow ; for William and Richard ( his two sonnes ) with Mary his daughter , Otwell their Tutor and Guardian , Richard Earle of Chester , with the Countesse his wife , the Kings Neece , many Chapleines , Chamberlaines , Butlers , and Seruitors ( for so they are tearmed in the storie ) the Archdeacon of Hereford ; the Princes play-fellowes , Sir Geffrey Rydell , Sir Robert Maldvyle , Sir William Bygot , with other Lords , Knights , Gentlemen , great Heires , Ladyes , and Gentlewomen ( to the number of an hundred and fortie ) besides Yeomen and Mariners ( which were about fiftie ; all these ( sauing one man , which some say was a Butcher ) were all drowned together , and not any one of their bodyes euer after found . Many attribute this great Iudgement to the heauie Curse of Queene Maude , others censure of it diuersly : Howsoeuer , in this King ( as Polydore sayth ) ended the Descent and Lyne of the Normans . Of this Anselme ( before spoken of ) there are diuerse Epistles ( yet extant ) to many women , in those dayes reputed of great Temperance and Chastitie : as , To Sister Frodelina , Sister Ermengarda , Sister Athelytes , Sister Eulalia , Sister Mabily , and Sister Basyle , To Maude , Abbesse of Cane in Normandie ; and Maude , the Abbesse of Walton , here in England . Hee writ a Treatife about the same time , called Planctus a missae Virginitatis , i. A bewayling of lost Virginitie . So farre Iohn Bale : And so much shall serue for Chast Wiues in this kind , being loth to tyre the patience of the Reader .

Of Women Wantons .

DIon the Historiographer in Tiberio sayth , that Lyuia the wife of Augustus Caesar beholding men naked , sayd to the rest about her : That to continent women and chast matrons , such obiects differed nothing from statues or images ; for the modest heart with immodest sights ought not to be corrupted . The vnchast eye more drawes the poyson of sinne from beautie , which is Gods excellent workemanship , from which the chast and contrite heart deriues the Creators praise and glorie . But my hope is , that in exposing vnto your view , the histories of these faire Wantons , you will looke vpon them ( should I strip them neuer so naked ) with the eyes of Lyuia , that is , to hold them but as beautifull statues , or like Appelles his woman not better than a picture of white Marble . I haue heard of a man that liuing to the age of threescore and ten , had led so austere a life , that in all that time he neuer touched the bodie of a woman , and had proposed to himselfe to carrie that Virginall vow with him to his graue ; but at length being visited with sickenesse , and hauing a faire estate purchased with his small charge and great husbandrie , and therefore willing to draw out the thread of his life to what length he could , hee sent to demaund the counsell of the Phisitians ; who hauing well considered the estate of his bodie , all agreed in this , that since the phisick of the soule belonged not to them , but onely the phisick of the bodie , they would freely discharge their duties ; and indeed told him , that this present estate was dangerous , and they found but onely one way in art for his cure and recouerie , which was in plaine tearmes , To vse the companie of a woman , and so tooke their leaues and left him to consider of it . Loath was the old man to loose his Virginitie which hee had kept so long , but more loath to part with his life which he desired to keepe yet longer ; and hauing meditated with himself from whom he was to depart , and what to leaue behind him ; namely his possessions , his money , his neighbours , friends , and kindred , and whether hee was to remooue , to the cold and comfortlesse graue ; he resolued with himselfe to prolong the comfort of the first , and delay ( as long he could ) the feare of the last : Therefore hee resolued rather than to be accessorie to the hastening his owne death , to take the counsell of the doctors . It was therfore so ordered by some that were about him , that the next night a lustie young wench was brought to his bed , one that feared not the robustious violence of youth , much lesse to encounter the imbesillitie of sicke and weake age . I know not with what queasie stomach the patient relished his phisicke , but early in the morning he gaue content to his shee Apothecarie , who was conueyed out of the house vndiscouered . The next day diuers of his friends comming to comfort him , they found him sadly weeping , and by no meanes could they weane him from that extasie : at length the one of them who was priuie to the former nights passage , began to compassionate with him , and told him hee was sorie for his extreame heauinesse , and ( as knowing the cause ) sayd , No doubt but God was mercifull , and wished him not to despaire but bee of comfort , and with ghostly counsell persuaded him to take nothing to his heart , because hee hoped all would bee well . The old man told him hee vnderstood not his meaning , but desired him to be more plain , that he might know to what purpose his language did in●end . His neighbour answered him againe , Sir I haue beene acquainted with you long , haue knowne your continence and strictnesse of life , and withall your abstinence from women ; and I am sorie that your last nights businesse should be the occasion of this melancholly and these teares . To whom the sicke ( but pretily well recouered ) man thus replyde , Neighbour you much mistake the cause of my sorrow , I neither greeue nor weepe for the good & wholsome phisicke I had the last night , but I now vex and torment my selfe that I haue so idly spent mine age , there being such a pleasure vpon earth ( aboue all that I haue hetherto inioyed ) that I neuer had the grace to know it sooner , and trie what it was before this time . If then Lust can strike this stroke , and haue this efficacie in age , ô how much should wee pittie youth readie dayly and hourely to run into this dangerous inconuenience .

Of these Wantons there bee two sorts , Meretrices and Scorta , that is , Whores and common Women , such as either for Lust or Gaine , prostitute themselues to many , or all . The second are Concubina or P●llices , Concubines to kings and princes , or such as wee call the priuate Mistresses to great men . The last are as our Accidence teacheth , like Eduardus or Gulielmus , proper names to this man or that . The first like Homo , common to all men : both degrees sinners , but not in the like kind . I haue read of a third sort , but know not what consonant or agreeing name to conferre vpon them . I haue heard of some that haue beene called honest whores , It may bee those that I shall speake of were such , and because they are the strangest , I will begin with them first . Dosithaeus lib. 3. Lydiacorum , tells vs that the Sardians hauing commenced warre with the Smyrnaeans , inuested themselues before the cittie of Smyrna , and hauing begyrt them with a straight and difficult siege , those of Sardis ( it seemes being hot fellowes ) sent their Embassadors into the citie to this purpose , That vnlesse they would send them their wiues , to adulterate at their pleasures , they would not onely race their citie , and leuell it with the earth , but kill man , woman , and child , and so extirpe their memorie . This message bringing with it not onely terror but horror , much perplexed the besieged : and betwixt the distractions of perpetuall infamie and most certaine death , not able what to determine ( and hauing sat long in counsaile , but nothing amongst them concluded ) a yong lustie Virago ( one that was hand-maid or bond-woman to Philarchus ) desired to be admitted into the Senate . And being called in amongst them to know what shee had to say , shee told them , That vnderstanding to what miserable exigent they were driuen , shee had deuised ( so pleased them to be swayed by her direction ) a meanes not onely to deliuer themselues from skorne , their wiues from dishonor , their children from the reproach of bastardie , and their liues and goods from spoyle , but to subiect the barbarous enemie into their hands , with a noble and memorable victorie . No maruell if to such a proiect they gaue attention , when greedily demanding , By what meanes the least of these proposed blessings might be accomplished ? she thus counsailed them , Send ( saith she ) to these lustfull Sardinians , and tell them you will in all points satisfie their desires : At the time appointed , let me with the rest of your slaues and vassals , be attyred in the habits of our ladies and mistresses ; for ( no question ) being deckt in their ornaments and iewels , wee shall appeare not onely free women , but sufficiently beautifull . Now in the night , when we are fast lodged in their embraces , and they dreaming of no further dangers than their present delights , and that you thinke wee haue sufficiently cooled their hot courages ; arme your selues against the Sardinians , whom ( if they offer to rise and arme themselues at the Alarme giuen ) wee will keepe still fast lockt in our armes , till what wee haue left of them being naked , you your selfe dispatch being armed . This counsaile was followed , and accordingly tooke effect . In memorie of this , the Feast called El●theria , i. of Free-women , is yeerely celebrated in Smyrna ; in which , the maid-seruants , attyred in their mistresses habits , sit at the Table , and are waited on by them , whom they attend all the yeare after . Aristides Milesius , lib. 1. Italicorum , parallels this Historie thus : Atepomarus king of the Gaules , infesting the Romans with warre , and hauing compelled them to the like exigent , demanded the like horrible conditions of peace , namely , to adulterate their wiues : but being in the same manner aduised by their hand-maids , and hauing intelligence giuen them by one Retana , Retana . the chiefe of that counsaile , when the Gaules were sunke in sleepe and lust , they set vpon them in the night , and gaue them a braue defeat : from whence the Feast of the Handmaids tooke beginning , which is celebrated amongst the Romans euen to this day .

A Tale something like vnto these , I haue beene told of a Mistresse , that in some sort did as much to saue her maids honestie ; but whether to the same commendable purpose , of that I am somewhat doubtfull . In some great citie it was ( I cannot say London ) that a citisen of good reckoning hauing a faire wife , kept diuerse prentices and maid-seruants in his house : one of those busie young fellowes had cast a wanton eye vpon her that ruled the rost in the kitchin , and longing as much to be in her bookes as out of his time ; and waiting many nights for opportunitie to find her in some remote place , or darke entry , it happened that one night hee dogg'd her at the heeles : she hearing him to tread softly after her , to escape him , stept vp a payre of stayres iust as her mistresse came downe . The prentice groping in the darke , catcht hold vpon his mistresse , and without any word speaking began to proportion his worke according to the shortnesse of his time . The gentlewoman all this while let him alone to see what he would doe , and hauing made proofe of him to the full , she might verie well perceiue what his vnchast intent was , when clinging him close too her least hee should escape vndiscouered , She asked what bold sawsie knaue he was that durst offer her that iniurie ? the young fellow knowing her voice and finding his mistake , down on his knees and besought her to pardon him & not to tell his maister , for he to 〈◊〉 her for one of the maides : The maides sayth she , which of the maides● hee answered , The kitchin-maid : and is it so ( sayth shee ) well 〈◊〉 , I will henceforth preuent the getting of Bastards in my house , without knowing who shall father them , and for that night sayd no more : but the next morning to preuent all future danger , pickt a quarell with the kitchin-wench , payde her her wages and turned her away . It seemes after , the yongman did well , for shee made him ( before his time was fully out ) both her iourneyman and foreman . It followes next in course , that I should define vnto you , what these prostitutes and common women are ; but what need I trouble my selfe so farre , when in these corrupt daies almost euerie Boy of fifteene or sixteen yeres old , knowes what a strumpet is , better by his own practise than I can illustrate to him by all my reading . And for Concubines wee need not trauell so farre as the Turkes Se●aglio , since but few kings pallaces are without them . And for such as wee call Sweet-hearts , Friends , or Good wenches , should we but search noble mens Diaries , gentlemens Summer-lodges , or cittisens Garden-houses , and trauell no further , wee should no question find plentie sufficient . It would also become this place well , to persuade these loose and incontinen● women with some elaborat exhortation , to retyre themselues from that wicked and abhominable course of life . But I am altogether discouraged , when I remember the positions of one most notorious in that trade ; word being brought her , as of a strange and vnexpected noueltie , That one who had beene a famous strumpet , had retyred her selfe from all her leaude courses , and was lately turned honestwoman . Tush sayth she , tell mee that as often as you will I will neuer beleeue it , For once a whore and euer a wh●re , I know it by my selfe : Of these Plautus thus speakes in Truculento : Meretricem ego item esse reor Mare vt est — Strumpets are like the Sea which doth deuour Riuers and brookes , and what so else you poure , Into his vastnesse : neither hath it beene Fuller by them , nor their great bountie seene . So what so ere thou spend'st vpon a whore , It doth not make her rich , but thee still poore .

Terentius in Helyra sayth : Nee pol-istae metuunt Deos nec hos respicere Deos opinor . They feare not God , and he regards not them .

I could produce innumerable adages and sayings of wise men both Poets & Hystoriographers to the like purpose , but I desire to be prolix in nothing . Petronius Arbiter in his Satyricon hath left remembred , Panachis . that when Panachis , a gyrle of seuen yeares old , was brought to the faire youth Gyton robe strumpeted , one wondering that so young a thing was capable of prostitution ; to him Quartilla the bawde thus answered , Quartilla . Minor est ilia quam ego fui cum primum virum passa sum , i. Is she lesse than I was when I lost my Virginitie ? and thus proceeded , May Iuno euer be displeased with me , if I can remember since I was first a maid ; for being an infant I commixt my selfe and had congresse with little ones like my selfe , and as I grew in yeares so I pickt out children of equall age , euen till I came vnto this burden that you now see , and hereupon ( sayth she ) I thinke came the prouerbe , Such may easily be brought to carrie an Oxe , that practised at first to carrie a Calfe . I thinke the name of Quartilla was giuen her because she began to practise at foure yeares and held on to fourescore . From common strumpets I should proceed to priuat mistresses : I will begin and end with them in this Sonnet .

A Sonnet . Though my Mistresse seeme in show . Whiter than the Pyrene Snow : Though I sitly might compare her To the Lyllies , or things rarer , Christall , or to yce congeal'd If those parts that lie conceal'd , Be others giuen and kept from mee , What care I how faire she bee . Though her visage did comprise The glorious wonder of all eyes : Captiue led she hearts in chaines , Kil'd or cur'd with her disdaines : Chus'd Beautie ( that commandeth fate ) Her forebeadwhere to keepe her state : Should another step in place , I care not , I 'd not loue that face . Imagine next her braine diuine , Or mansion for the Muses nine : Did her bosome yeeld choise places For the Charites and Graces : Had she stately Iunos stile● Pallas front , or Venus smile : If he inioy her and not I , For those vertues what care I. Trac't she Loues queene in her treasure , And could teach the act of pleasure , Make Lais in her trade a foole , Phrine or Thais set to schoole , To Helen reade ; or could she do● Worth Io and Europa too : If these sweets from me she spare , I le count them Toyes , nor will I care . But if my Mistresse constant be , And loue none aliue saue me , Be chast , although but something faire ; Her least perfection I le thinke rare , Her I le adore , admire , preferre , Idolatrize to none but her . When such an one I find , and trye , For her I le care , I le liue , I le dye .

Lais.

THis Lais ( as Aristophanes Bizantius relates ) was a strumpet of Corinth : she was called Axine , for her ferocitie and rudenesse of manners . Her , all the prime and noblest Heroes of Greece frequented , and extasied with her beautie , came dayly in troupes to visit her . Athenaeus in his Dipnosoph . speakes of her countrey , behauiour , and sepulchre , reporting her to be so beautifull , that the most exquisite Painters of Greece came frequently to her , and besought her to bare her necke , breasts , and other parts of her bodie before them : For when they were to limne any extraordinarie Piece , ( wherein was to be expressed Iuno , Venus , Pallas , or any well-shaped goddesse , or woman ) her faire feature or lineaments might be their example . Shee had a great emulation with Phrine the Courtizan , for they liued both in one age . Aristippus the Philosopher ( sirnamed Cyrenaicus ) about the season that the Feasts were celebrated to Neptune , did yeerely for the space of two moneths together associate himselfe with this Lais. Diogenes meeting him vpon a time : O Aristippus ( sayth hee ) thou keepest companie with a common strumpet , be rather a Cinicke of my Sect , than a Philosopher of such loose and dissolute behauiour . To whom Aristippus answered , Appeares it to thee , ô Diogenes , a thing absurd to dwell in an house which others haue before inhabited ? who answered , No : Or to sayle in the same Ship ( sayth Aristippus ) in which diuerse passengers haue before-time put to sea ? Againe hee answered , Neither : Nor doe I thinke it ( replyes hee ) O Diogenes , worthie thy iust taxation , to accompanie with a woman with whom many others haue had commerse . Againe , being by others calumniated for his often repayre and publike recourse to her ( in regard of her common prostitution , and therefore the greater blemish to his more austere profession ) hee thus satisfied them : This is the difference betwixt me and the rest of her Clyents ; I onely enioy Lais , all others are enioyed by her . When Demosthenes ( the famous Orator of Athens ) desired to haue had companie with her , and shee for one nights lodging demanded of him a thousand Drachmaes ; affrighted with the name of so great a summe , he thus replyed : I purpose not to buy repentance so deare . A young man , much taken with her beautie , came to Diogenes the Cinicke , and asked him this question , What if a man should marrie with Lais ? Who presently answered , For a young man it is much too soone , and for an old man it were farre too late . Concerning her , I haue read an elegant Epigram , of an old man desirous of companie with her at any rate , and her wittie answere to him : Canus rogabat Laidis noctem Myron , Tulit repulsam protinus , Causamque sensit , & caput fuligine Fucauit atra Candidum , &c. White-headed Myron did of Lais craue To haue one night , and he her price would pay : Which she deny'd . But why he could not haue His purpose , he perceiu'd , his head was gray : He knew his age betray'd him , therefore hee Dyes his hayre blacke , and did his suit renew . She seeing face and head to disagree , And them comparing with considerate view , Thus sayes , Why do'st thou vrge me thus ? the rather , Since but eu'n now I did denie thy father .

Nimphodorus Syracusa in his booke De admirabil . writes , That Lais came into Sicily from Hycaris , the most defenced citie of that countrey : but Strattis in Macedon . or Pauson . affirmes her to be of Corinth , in these words : Dic vnde sunt ductae puellae Venere nuper ex Megara Corinthiae Decus Lais Ingens .

Aelian . de Varia Histor. Lib. 10. sayth , That Lais casting her eyes vpon a young man of Cyrenaea , called Eubatas , neuer left solliciting him by all womanish enticements , till shee had made him promise her marriage , but the solemnization not to be performed till hee had returned Victor from the Olympicke Games : in which hauing had good successe , but fearing to hazard the embraces of a strumpet , he tooke her Picture onely , and carryed it to his citie of Cyrena , boasting by the way , that hee had marryed and borne thence Lais. Which she hearing , and enraged at the skorne thereof , writ to him this or the like Letter : O false and periured man , Whose lust hath no satietie , Since nothing please thee can , Saue changes and varietie : O thou alone , Constant to none , In nothing settled saue Impietie . Our Sex why do'st thou blame ? Tearme women sole offenders ? 'T is you , that past all shame , Are still your owne commenders ; That care nor feare To whom you sweare , Cease iudging , and be now suspenders . Phillis was chast and faire , Demophoon false and cruell , Sapho thought Phaon rare , And he tearm'd her his Iewell : But Traytors they Their Loues betray , Poore we , can oft fore-see , but not eschew ill . Falser than eyther , thou As foulely hast betray'd me , But I le beware thee now : As Heauen I hope shall ayd me , All thy procurements , And slye allurements , Hence-forth shall neuer more persuade me . Thy Oathes I hold as Lyes , As skorne , thy craftie smiling , Thy shape a meere disguise , Thy practise but beguiling ; All thy protests , As scoffes and ieasts , And thy faire words no better than reuiling . Poysons I le thinke thy Kisses , And from mine keepe thee fastings ; Thy torments , count my blisses ; Thy breathings , feare as blastings . And thanke my fate , I now can hate Thee , whom I now abandon euerlasting .

It is moreouer reported of her , That being of purpose conueyed into the bed of Xenocrates , by the meanes of his schollers , whom hee had instructed in all austeritie and strictnesse of life : but she by no whorish blandishments able to corrupt his temperance , his schollers asking her the next morning , How shee sped ? shee told them , They had lodged her with a Statue or an Image , but no man . Tymaeus in his thirteenth booke of Histories sayth , That she was beaten to death with woodden foot-stooles , by certaine women of Thessalie , in iealousie and madnesse , because she was beloued of a beautifull young man called Pausonias , on whom some of them doted : This was done at a sacrifice , in one of the Chappels of Venus : for which cause , the place was euer after called , The Groue of wicked or vniust Venus . Her Sepulcher was neere vnto the riuer Paeneus in Thessalie , which runnes betwixt the two great mountaines of Ossa and Olympus ; and vpon her Tombe-stone this inscription was grauen : Roboris inuicti , ac animi sit Graecia quamuis Victa tamen , formae paruit illa suae , Laiais , ipse parens Amor est , aluitque Corinthus At nunc ipsa tenet , inclita Thessalia , Though Greece of vnmatcht strength and courage bee , It obey'd Lais to thy shape , and thee : Loue was thy father , thee Corinthus bred , Who now in stately Thessaly lyest dead .

( This notwithstanding ) some will not allow her to haue beene educated in the Cranaeum , which is a place of exercise in the citie of Corinth .

Phrine .

SHe for her beautie was emulated by Lais , and was a prostitute in Thespis , a citie of Boetia : who being for some capitall crime conuented before the Senate , and ( notwithstanding she had a famous Aduocate to plead in her behalfe ) fearing some harsh and seuere censure , she trusting to her beautie , bethought her of this proiect ; before the Sentence was pronounced , shee cast off her loose and vpper garments , and without any word speaking , as farre as womanish modestie would suffer her , exposed her bodie naked to the Iudges . ( O Beautie , thou canst more preuayle than the tongues of a thousand Orators . ) With her rare forme and extraordinarie feature , the old gray-beards were so taken , that where before their purpose was to inflict vpon her some seuere punishment , they changed their austeritie into loue and pitie , and dismissed her without mulct or fine . Therefore the famous Orator and Grammarian Quintilian , thus speakes : The admirable beautie of so compleate a Fabricke more preuayled with the Senate , than all the Rhetoricall eloquence of the Aduocate Hyppari● . Vpon this occasion an Edict was published , That from thence-forward no Clyent whatsoeuer should be in presence whilest their Cause was in pleading , least either pitie or affection to the person should sway the ballance of Iustice and equitie . It is further remembred of her , That Praxitiles the most excellent Painter of his time ( for some courtesies shee had done him , or some fauours grac't him with ) promised to giue her the best and most curious Table in his worke-house : but shee by no persuasion or cunning able to wrest from him which ( amongst so many ) had the prioritie , shee bethought her of this sleight ; watching a time when the Painter was abroad in the citie , shee hyred a messenger to run to him in all hast , and counterfeiting a suddaine passion , to tell him his house was on fire , and many or most of his elaborate Pieces burnt to ashes : At which Praxitiles amased , and strangely mooued , broke forth into this language , But is the Picture of Cupid safe and reserued from combustion ? by which , she found that to be his maister-piece , and therefore due to her by promise . This Phrine neuer vsed the hot Bathes , as other of her profession accustomed to doe : onely at the Feasts of Ceres and Neptune , shee would in the sight of all the Grecians ( in her loose garment , and hayre disheuelled about her shoulders ) walke downe to the Sea side , and there wash her selfe . And from her , as Athenaus in his Dypnos . Lib. 13. cap. 22. affirmes , Apelles drew that admirable and vnmatched Peece , called Venus Emergeus , i. Venus swimming or rising out of the waters : Of which , Ausonius composed an Epigram , with this inscription , In venerem Andiomenen .

Emersam Polagi nuper genitatibus vndis Cipria Apellai , Cerne laboris opus . Behold faire Cipria from her natiue Brine Flunging ( Apelles a braue worke of thine ) Who shaking off her golden curles , late drown'd , Raynes the salt-sea-drops from her shoulders round : Her hayres , yet danke , 'bout her white wrists she winds , Which wreath'd , she in her silken hayre-lace binds . Pallas and Iuno said ( this ha●ing seene ) We yeeld the Palme to thee , faire beauties Queene .

Praxitiles , the Statuarie before spoken of , drew from her the Picture of Venus Cnidia , and vnder the Table of Loue ( which was giuen to adorne the Theatre ) he caused these verses to be inscribed : Praxitiles pinxit , prius est quem passus amorem , Deprompt sit proprio pectore qui Archetipum . Loue which himselfe hath suffred , and best knew , From his owne breast ( this piece ) the Painter drew .

This Picture of Loue , some say was placed in Thespia , a free towne in Boetia , neere Helicon , and dedicated to the Muses , which others take to be a citie in Magnesia , neere Thessalie : but her golden Picture , made by Praxitiles , was hung in Delphos aboue the Marble Statue of Mercurie , and betwixt that of Archidamus king of the Lacedemonians , and Philip of Amintas , hauing this inscription , Phrine Epicleis Thespia . This , when Crates Ci●icus beheld , he said , This Table is dedicated to expresse the intemperance of the Grecians , as Alcaetus witnesseth , Lib. 20. deposit●rum in Delphis . Apollodorus in Lib. Amicarum , speakes of two Phrines , the one was called Saperduis , the other Clausigelos , of Kleo , i. Lugeo , to mourne ; and Gelos , i. Risus , Laughter . Herodicus sayth , Lib. 6. Obi●●gator●m , That she was called by the Orators Se●tus , because she rifled and despoyled her Clients , and the other Thespica . This Phrine grew exceeding rich , and made offer to begirt Thebes with a new wall , so that vpon the chiefe gate they would make this inscription : This Alexander the Great demolished , which Phrine the Courtesan at her owne charge erected ; for so writes Calistratus in his booke Amicarum . Ti●●cles Co●●●●i writ of her infinite riches in his Ne●ra , as likewise Amphis in No●acula . Ari●●igiton in an Oration against Phrine affirmes , That her proper name was M●esarete . Of her , Posidippus Comicus writ more at large in Ephesia .

There was one Timandra , Timandra . daughter to Tyndarus and Laedia , the sister of Cli●●innestra : but Pliny speakes of a notorious strumpet of that name , beloued of Aleibiades the Athenian , for whom ( being dead ) she erected a famous Sepulcher : shee was , with her friend Atcis , opprest in battaile by Lysander . Equall to her in beautie was Campaspe , Campaspe . by some called Pancasta , a wanton of extraordinarie feature , and much affected by the excellent Painter Apelles ; she was prisoner to Alexander the Great , and at his earnest intercession , bestowed on him by the Macedonian Conqueror .

Glicerin or Glicera , and others .

THis Glicera was sirnamed Thespi●nsis of the cittie where shee was borne . Satyrus in ●itis . Pra●i●●les the Painter much doted on her beautie , and gaue her a Table in which Cup●d was most curiously pou●●●yde : which , after her death shee bequeathed as a legacie to the cittie . S●●yrus reports , That Stilp● beeing at a banquet with her , and reproouing her as a great corrupter of the youngmen of Thespis , she answered , We are ô S●ilpo of one and the same error guiltie alike : For it is said of thee , That all such as conuerse with thee and participate of thy precepts , thou corruptest with thy amatorious and vnprofitable Sophismes : small difference then there is to bee traduced by thee a Philosopher , or by me a professed Prostitute . She was a great fauourite of the Poet Menander . Hipperides in an oration against Manlithaus , as also Theopompus affirmes , That Harpalus after the death of Pyth●nice sent for Glicera to Athens , who comming to Tarsus was receiued into the kings palace , whither much confluence was assembled , bowing their knees to her , and saluting her by the name of Queene ; neyther would they suffer Harpalus to assume the Diademe till shee were likewise crowned ; and in Rhossus where his statue was erected in brasse , she caused hers to be placed , for so Clearchus writes in his historie of Alexander , as likewise Catanaeus : Clearchus obserues of her , that when any faire young lad appeared before her , shee vsed to say , Then doe boyes appeare most beautifull , Plini●● lib. 21. cap. 2. when they most resemble the lookes and gestures of women . She was affected by Pansia Sicionius a famous Painter .

Harpalus the Macedonian hauing robbed Alexander the Great of much treasure , flying to Athens sollicited there Pythonica , Pythonica . and by many great gifts woon her to his embraces : she dying , he profusely lauished many talents vpon her obsequies , and as Possidonius in his Histories affirmes , not onely with the artificiall skill of many of the best artists and workemen , but with organs , voyces , and all kinds of musicall harmony decorated her funerall . Dyo●●rchus writes , Dicaearch . de discensu , ad Trophonium . That whosoeuer shall crauell towards Athens , by the sacred way called Elusinis , there hee shall behold a goodly temple built , in state height and compasse exceeding all others , which who so shall considerately peruse , hee shall guesse it either to bee the cost of Miltiades , Pericles , Ci●●● , or of some other Athenian equally with them illustrious , and especially of such a one that for merit towards the common weale , might commaund a voluntarie contribution from the publike treasurie . Theopompus in an epistle to Alexander thus carpes at the intemperance of Harpalus , Consider ( quoth he ) and inquire of the men of Babylon , with what superfluous charge hee hath interred his strumpet Pythonic● , who was but handmaid to Bachis the she-musitian , and Bachis the seruant of Sy●●●e Threissa , who from the cittie of Aegina transported her bawdries into Athens , shee being not onely of the third rancke and degree of seruants , but of baudes ; for with more than two hundred Talents charge , he hath dedicated vnto her two sumptuous monuments , to the admiration of all men ; when it hath not beene knowne the like honour or cost to haue beene bestowed ( by him or any other ) in memorie of any braue souldier , or of such as perished in Cilicia for the Empire and libertie of whole Greece , shee onely hauing perdurable monuments raised to her as well in Babilon as in Athens , Temples and Altars with sacrifices offered her by the name of Venus Pythonica . With other such vpbraidings he complained on him to Alexander , of whom Alexis in Licisca likewise speakes , as also that after her death hee tooke to his bed the beforenamed Glicera . Next her followers Irene . Irene .

Athenae● Dipr. lib 13. That Ptolomaeus that placed garrisons in Ephesus and was the sonne of king Philadelphos , had a beautifull mistresse called Irene ; she , when Ptolomaeus was ●ssaulted by ●he Thracians in the cittie of Ephesus , and to shun their violence fled into a Chappell consecrated to the goddesse Diana , would not in that distresse forsake him , but entred the place together , and when the souldiers role open the gates vpon them to kil the king , she remoued not her hand from the ring of the doore , but with her owne blood sprinkled the altar , till the souldiers likewise falling vpon her , shee expired in the armes of the slaughtered king . As noble was that of Danae .

Philarchus remembers one Sophron of Ephesus to haue had in his delights Lib. 12. Danae , Danae and Laodice . daughter to Leontius , of the Sect of the Epicures , a man well seene in the speculations of Philosophie . To her trust were all the domesticke affaires of the house committed , euen by the consent of his wife Laodice ; who at length perceiuing his loue to encline to Danae , shee purposed at her next best opportunitie to make away with her husband . This being found out by Da●ae , and in great secrecie reuealed to Sophron , he gaue at the first no credit to the report ; yet at her importunacie , hee promised within two dayes to consider of the matter , and in that time to deliberate what was best to bee done in the preuention of such a mischiefe , and in that interim conceales himselfe in the citie : by which , Laodice finding her purpose to be discouered , she accused Danae for his murther , and instantly ( without further processe ) by the helpe of her friends and seruants , hurryed her to the top of a high P●omontorie , from thence to throw her headlong ; who seeing imminent death before her eyes , fetching a deepe sigh , she thus said : I meruaile 〈◊〉 now that the gods haue so small honour done to them , in regard of their iniustice , since I am thus punisht for sauing the life of my friend , and this Laodice is thus honoured , that would haue tooke away the life of her husband .

Agathoclaea .

WArres hauing beene long continued betwixt Ptolomey of Aegypt and Antioch●s of Syria , Iustine , lib. 30. insomuch that Ptolomaeus was by his embassadors rather by feare than necessitie as it were enforced to sollicite a peace ; notwithstanding , Antioch●s inuading Aegypt , tooke from him many townes and ci●ies of consequence : which proffer drawing Ptolomey to the field , hee gaue him a braue affront and foyle , and had he taken the aduantage of the prese●t fortune , had payd him home with an irrecouerable ouerthrow : but Ptolomy wholly deuoted to effeminacie and luxurie , onely contented with what hee had recouered of his owne , and pursuing no further aduantages , made choyse of a dishonorable peace before a iust warre , and so concluded all dissention with an vnalterable league . And being free from all forraine invasions , he began domesticke troubles at home . For being giuen ouer to b● owne appetite , and be●orted to his insatiate pleasures , he first began with 〈◊〉 ( both his sister and wife ) causing her to be slaine , that hee might the more freely enioy the societie and fellowship of his most rare and beautifull mistresse Aga●hoclea so that the greatnesse of his name , and the splendor of his maiestie both set apart , he abandoned himselfe solely to whoredomes by night , and to banquets and all profusenesse of riot by day . And now libertie being growne to law , the boldnesse of the strumpet ( for no better my Author styles her ) cannot be contayned within the walls of the kings house , which the ouer do●ag● of the king , the extraordinarie graces and hono●s conferred for her sake on her brother Agathocles , together with her owne ambitions ( growing euery day more and more to greater insolence made still more manifest . Next , there was her old mother , called 〈◊〉 , a cunning Hagge I may tearme her , who by reason of her double issue , Agathocles and Agathoclea , had a great hand with the king , or rather a great power ouer him . Therefore not contented with the king alone , they possesse the kingdome also : They ride abroad in all state to be seene , are proud to be by all saluted , and with such great traynes to be attended . Agathocles ( as if sowed to the kings elbow ) was not seene without him , but with a nod or word swayed and gouerned the citie . The gifts of all militarie honors , as the Tribunes , Prefects , and Captaines , all these were appointed by the women , neyther was there any in the kingdome that had lesse power than the king himselfe : who long sleeping in this dreame of maiestie ( hauing giuen away all that was essentiall in a king ) he fell sicke and dyed , leauing behind him a child of fiue yeeres old by his afore-murthered wife and sister Laodice . Laodice . But his death was by these fauorites long concealed , whilest they had by all couetous rapine snatched what they might out of the kings treasurie , by this to strengthen a faction of the most base and desolate subiects ; that by mony thus ill got , and deboisht souldiers thus leuied , they might set safe footing in the Empire : but it fell out farre otherwise , for the kings death and their dissigne was no sooner discouered , but in the rude concourse of the multitude , the Minion Agathocles was first slaine , and the two women , the mother and the daughter , were in reuenge of murdered Laodice hanged vpon gybets , being now made a skorne to euerie man , that was before a terror to all : the pupillage of the infant and the safetie of the realme to his vse , the Romans most noblie ( after ) tooke to their protection .

Cleophis .

Iustine Hist. lib. 12. ALexander the Great after many glorious conquests entring into India , that hee might contermine his Empire with the Ocean and the vtmost parts of the East , and , to which glorie that the ornaments of his armie might suit , the trappings of his horses and the armour of his souldiers were all studded with siluer ; and his maine armie of their Targets of siluer ( as Curtius writes ) he caused to be called Argyraspides . Q. Curtius . In processe , by gentle and pleasurable marches they came to the cittie Nisa , the cittisens making no opposition at all , trusting to the reuerence due to Liber Pater , by whom they say the cittie was first erected , and for that cause Alexander caused it to bee spared : passing those fruitfull Hills ( where grapes grow in aboundance , naturally and without the helpe of art or hand of man ) hee thence passed the Dedalian mountaines , euen to the prouinces and kingdome of the queene Cleophis , who hearing of his victories and fearing his potencie , thought rather to affront him by faire meanes than by fo●ce , by policie than power ; for knowing her selfe to bee a woman of extraordinarie state and beautie , she by her Embassadors sollicited an interuiew ; which Alexander graunting , she appeared before him with such a Queenelike maiestie , and her accomplishments of na●ure so help● with the ornaments of are ( for she was adorned with the richest and best shining stones of India ) th●● her glorie so captiuated the heart of the conquerour , that they came to treat of composition : shee proposing to him , That it were no honour for so magnificent a victor , so famous through the world for his conquests oue● men , to insult vpon the weake spoyles of a woman , i●ured to no other armes than the armes of a sweet and louing bedfellow ; yet if for the ransome of her Empire hee would accept of her loue and seruice , in that kind shee was there in person at his command , his subiect and seruant . Her beautie , with this submission wrought such impression in the king , that it was concluded betwixt them and by both parties agreed , That her honour should bee the ransome of her Empire . In conclussion , they louingly lay together , and so ended these threatned hostilities in an amorous peace ; her bodie he left tainted , but her kingdome vntouched . She was that night with child by him of a sonne , whom after his fathers name she called Alexander ; hee inherited the kingdome after her : but by the Indians from that time forward , in regard of her prostitution , she was called The kings whore .

Callipygae .

SO much were the Grecians giuen to all voluptuousnesse and pleasure , Athenaeus . that ( amongst others ) diuers Chappels and Temples were dedicated to Venus Callipyga , the word importing , Quasi pulchras habens nates , i. She that hath faire buttocks ; the originall of that superstition ( as Aegenaeus relates ) was this , A countrey Farmer beeing the father of two beautifull young Virgins , these two concluded betwixt themselues which should haue the prioritie in beautie : But modestie forbidding them to dispute it with open faces , they concluded betweene themselues to come to a place adioyning to the high-way , and there to expose their backe-parts naked to all such as passed by , and so by the most voices to bee censured . Amongst many others , a noble young gentleman of the next citie , by accident passing that way , and somewhat astonished at so vnwonted an obiect , enquired the reason thereof , and by one of the spectators being presently resolued , he as suddenly gaue the Palme to the elder ; and intimating by that he saw , what the rest might proue , grew greatly enamoured , and returning to his fathers house , surprised with melancholly , was of his brother demanded the cause ; hee after some few bash●ull denialls , still vrged with the others importunacies , discouered to him the whole circumstance of the businesse . The brother de●i●ous to be further instructed , was by the louer conducted to the place and obiect which made him first grow enamorated ; whither he was no sooner brought , but he grew presently inflamed with the loue of the yonger , and gaue his censure on her part . These two had an old Senator to their father , who much obserued his children : of him they demanded these Virgins in marriage ; but he proposing to them matches more honourable , they would no way assent . But wonne at length with their importunacies , hee sent in their behalfe to the F●●mer , to demand his daughters in marriage . An Enterview was granted , the parties agreed , a marriage concluded , and after consummate , with satisfaction on all sides . From which time , euer after , the two young marryed wiues were called Callipygae . Of these , Ger●ldas Megapelitanus in his Iambicks to this purpose speakes , These two liued in Syracu●a , who by their marriage hauing attayned to wealth sufficient , erected a famous Chappell to Ven●● , whom they styled Dea Callipygae . These , diuers other cities of Greece ( ●●ter them ) imitated . This Historie Arche●a●s likewise in his Iambicks records .

Alogunes , Cosmartidenes , Andia .

YOu shall read in the Historie taken out of Ex Ctesiae ●ersicis , That Artaxerxes being dead , Xerxes his sonne succeeded , the legitimate heire by his wife Damaspia ( who dyed the same day with her husband , therefore to be registred amongst the women most mastrious : ) after their deaths the Eunuch Bagorazus caused both their bodyes to be borne into Persia , and there to bee intombed amongst their ancestors . It is remembred of this Emperour Artaxerxes , that he had by seuerall concubines seuenteene bastards , amongst these was Secundianus borne of Alogunes , Alogunes . hee by treason succeeded Xerxes ( hauing before slaine his brother : ) this Alogunes was borne in Babylon . By another concubine of the same cittie called Cosmartidenes hee had two sonnes , Cosmartidenes . Ochus and Arsites ; this Ochus by supplanting his brother Secundianus ( raigning some few months ) succeeded him in the Empire . Xerxes had issue likewise by one Andia a Ladie of the same nation , Andia . Bagapaeus and Parisatis who was the mother of one Cyrus and another Artaxerxes . Xerxes the Persian Emperour ( yet liuing ) gaue to his second sonne Ochus the Prefect-ship ouer the Hircanians : Likewise Parisatis to wife , daughter to Xerxes and naturall sister to Ochus . This Ochus was after called Dariaeus , who in all his counsells and proiects neuer did any thing without the aduise of his sister queene ; before his aspiring to the Empirie hee had issue by his wife Parisatis two children , a daughter called Amistris and a sonne Arsaca , who after changed his name to his grandfathers , and was called Artaxerxes : after his instalment she brought him a sonne called Cyrus , after him Artostes , and so to the number of thirteene , of all which onely the fourth sonne called Oxendras suruiued , the rest perished in their minoritie . These were concubines of Persia.

Iulia.

IT is remembred of Augustus Caesar whose daughter this Iulia was , that hee established a law which was called Lex Iulia , concerning adulterers , after what processe persons so offending should be punished , being conuicted and found guiltie . It happened that a young gentleman of Rome being accused of the same fact with the Emperours daughter Iulia before named , Augustus grew into such furie , that not able to conteine himselfe he fell vpon the gentleman and gaue him many violent and sound buffets , till the supposed offendor cryed out , ô Emperour where is your Iustice ? you haue made a law concerning these matters , why am I not then iudged by that ? At which words it so repented him of his rashnesse , that all that day and night he forbore to tast any food . At a certaine sword-playing or such like pastime solemnised in the great Roman Theatre , Lyuia the mother , and Iulia the daughter , had turned the eyes of all the multitude vpon them twaine , and that by reason of the difference of their habits and their attendants ; Lyuia being matron-like attired , was accompanied with aged Senators and Ladies of approued modestie and grauitie ; Iulia on the contrarie , loosely and wantonly habited , had in her traine none but butterflie-pages , wild fashion-mongers , and fantasticke gallants : which obserued by Augustus , he the next day admonished her by letters , To obserue what difference and oddes there was in the appearance of two such high and noble persons : which hauing read , she returned him onely this short answere , Well , and these people about mee shall be old likewise when I am . This Iulia , to a noble Senator of stayd grauitie giuing her counsell to frame her selfe after her fathers graue and sober behauiour , she presently replyde , Though my father doth not remember that he is an Emperour , yet I cannot forget that I am an Emperours daughter . It is further remembered of her , that beginning to haue gray haires with the soonest and before she was old , as her maides and gentlewomen were kembing her head the Emperour came in suddenly vpon her , and espyde them picking and plucking the white haires vp by the rootes which still stucke vpon their garments ; the Emperor for that present said nothing , but not long after amongst many other discourses taking occasion to speake of old age , he demaunded of his daughter , Whether she had rather in the processe of a few yeares haue a reuerent white head , or to be directly without any haire at all ? she answered , She had rather to haue a white head : Why then ( said he ) doe thy damosells all they can to make thee cleane bald before thy time ? Augustus much greeued with her licenciousnesse , and seeing it subiect to no reformation , he banished her the Court , and with her , her daughter Iulia his grandchild , who tooke something too much after the mother ; and after that Agrippa whom hee had once adopted his heire , but after for his intemperance and bruitish and luxurious riots cast out of his fauor . Whensoeuer mention was made of any of these three , hee would recite a verse out of Homer , which imports thus much : What 's now my sorrow , would haue beene my pride , If I ( as some ) might issuelesse haue di'de .

He vsed not to call any of those three by any other names than Vlcers or rotten Impostumes , Cankers , and such like : for hee vsed much more patiently to take the deaths of his friends than their dishonours . Hee further prouided by his last will , That whensoeuer either Iulia his daughter or Iulia his grandchild expired , their bodies should not rest beneath his monument . One thing of her I had almost forgot ; Vpon a time comming to visite and doe her dutie to her father , she perceiued his eyes to be much offended with the gawdinesse of her attire , as sauering of immodestie ; the next day taking occasion to reuisite him , she changed her habit into a comely ciuill and matronly garbe , and in that sort came to embrace her father : Caesar who had the day before suppressed his greefe , was not now able to conteine his ioy , but broke out into these tearmes , ô how much more decent and seemely are these ornaments for the daughter of Augustus ? to whom shee instantly replyde , Indeed this day I apparelled my selfe to please the eyes of a father , but my yesterdayes habit was to content the eyes of a husband . She , when some that knew of her frequent inchastities , demanded how it was possible she should bring forth children so like her husband , considering her so often prostitution with strangers ? answered . Because I neuer take in passenger till my ship haue her full fraught and lading . Macr●b . lib. 2. cap. 5. Satur. And so much for Iulia.

Phileterus speaking of those wantons that liued afore his time and were now dead , In Cenegide . scoffes them thus , Nonne Cercope iam egi● annerum ●ria millia ? &c. i. Hath not Cercope alreadie liued three thousand yeares ? ( and proceeding ) and rough haired Diopethi● , and a second Tele●is ten thousand : for The●lite none . knowes or can remember when she was borne ; Was not This dead when she should haue prostituted her selfe and come vnder ? Ionias and Neaera are now dead and rotten , so is Philace . Of Siph●● , Galinas , and Cor●nas , I speake not . Of Nais I hold my peace , because her teeth are now no grinders .

Sinope and Phanostrate with others are remembred by Demosthenes in his oration against Androtio●es . Herdicus Grateticus speakes of this Sinope in his Commentaries , and sayth , That when she grew into yeares she was called Abidus ; shee was no question a famous strumpet in her youth , for Antipha●es speakes of her in many of his Comedies , in Ar●ade , in Horlicom● , in Medicatrice , in Piscante , in Neottide : So likewise Alexis in Cleobulina , and Calicrates in Moscione . Of Phanostrate , Appollodorus writes , That shee was a prostitute in Athens ( and that of her ranke were many others ) and was called Ph●herophile of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pediculus , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Porta , Propter quod pediculos cum staret in limine Porta queritabat . Menander in Adulatore hee numbers these wantons , Chrisis , Coronis , Antecyra , Ischades , and Nanniculum , whom hee calls Formosum valde , Exceeding faire .

Potonice . Quintus Curtius in his tenth booke of the life of Alexander the Great , writes , That after many honourable Conquests , hauing alreadie subiected sundry Nations to his iurisdiction ( beeing now in India , where all his attempts were prosperous , and his designes successefull ) proud of his victories , and thinking himselfe to be Fortunes minion , insomuch that despising the off-spring from whence hee came , hee caused himselfe to be called the Sonne of Iupiter . Being puffed vp with these thoughts , and swelling in all ambitions , hee betooke himselfe to all voluptuous delicacies , and of them , to the most tempting riots of wine and women ; insomuch , that lulled in all effeminacie , he so farre forgot both his high maiestie , and that commendable temperance , for which he was before all his predecessors renowned , that he sent as farre as Athens for a notorious strumpet ( branded in her life , though famous for her beautie ) called Potonice , on whom the king was so much besotted , that hee not onely gaue her most princely and magnificent gifts in her life time , but after her death caused a Tombe to be erected ouer her bodie , on which structure the king bestowed thirtie Talents . It were strange if our English Chronicles should not affoord some or other , to haue correspondence with these .

Harlotta , or Arlotta .

THis Historie is recorded by an Historiographer of ancient times , who writes himselfe Anonymus , or without name , by Gulielm . Malmesbury , Vincentius , Ran●lphus , Fabian , Polydore , and others . As Robert duke of Normandie , and father to William the Conqueror , rid through the towne of Falois , he beheld a beautifull Virgin ( a Skinners daughter ) playing and dancing amongst other Virgins : with whose feature beeing on the suddaine surprised , he so farre preuayled by his secret messages and gifts , that shee was priuately conueyed into the dukes chamber , and there lodged and put in a bed , to await his comming : who glad of such a purchase , without much circumstance made himselfe readie for the businesse intended . The chamber cleared , and the place voyded , and he readie to accomplish his desires , she rent her smocke from the chinne to the foot● to make the freer way for the Prince : and hee demanding the reason of her so doing , shee made him this prettie and read●● answere ; It were neyther fit nor comely , that the nether part of my smocke should be ●●●ned up , and kisse the lippes of my lord : at which the duke was much delighted . And that night was begot Willia● the Bastard , whom our Chronicles honour with the name of Conqueror : whether at first in memorie of this least , or since , in disgrace of the Wanton , it is not decided . But from that Harlotta , or Arlotta , our prostitutes and common wenches ●re to this day in our vulgar Tongue called Harlots .

Guinilde . ●●ban . Bal. Act. Engl Vot●r . Guliel . Malms . li. 2. de reg &c. In the yeere of our Lord 1036 , Henry the second Emperour of that name , was marryed to Guinilde , the daughter of Can●tus a D●ne , and king of England . This Empe●our had a sister , a professed Nunne , whom he loued so entirely , that oft times he would haue her lye in his owne Pallace , and neere to his owne priuie chamber . It happened in a cold Winters night , a Chaplaine belonging to the Court ( it seemes to keepe her the warmer , and one that had beene before much suspected ) lay with her : and in the morning , least both their footings should be seene in the Snow ( newly fallen that night ) shee tooke him vp , and carryed him out of the Court towards his chamber . The Emperour chancing ( as his custome was ) to rise iust at the same houre , was spectator of this close conueyance , and beheld how all the businesse happened . Not long after fell a Bishopricke , which the Priest expected , and a Nunnerie which the Nunne much desired : Whereupon the Emperour calling them before him the one after the other , Take that Benefice ( saith he to the Priest ) but saddle no more the Nunne ; And you the Abbesse ( saith hee to his Sister ) saddle no more the Priest , or looke thou neuer more beare Clerke riding vpon thy backe . It is said , that this serued after for a modest chiding betwixt them , and that they were parted vpon these friendly tearmes .

Of diuerse Wantons belonging to sundry famous men , and others .

ARistophanes , Athen. in Dypnos . Appollodorus , Ammonius , Antiphanes , and Georgia Atheniensis , of your Athenian strumpets haue writ at large : as also of the like argument Theomander , Cyrenaus , Eleus , Amasides , Theophrastus in libro Amatorio , Polemon de Tabellis , lib. 3. Ouid , and infinite others , out of whom may be collected many famous wantons in their times . Ocymus is the name of a strumpet , much beloued of a skilfull Sophist in Corinth ; Thalatra , of Diocles ; Corianno , of Pherecrates ; Antea , of Philillius , otherwise called Eunicus ; Thais and Phannium , of Menander ; Opora , of Alexis ; Clepsydra , of Eubulus : for so Asclepiades , the sonne of Arius , reports in his Commentarie vpon Demetrius Phalareus ; where hee affirmes her proper name to be rather Methica , In Agrestis . which Antiphanes writes to be the name of a wanton . The Poet Timocles speakes of Cina , Nannium , Plangon , Lyca , Pithionica , Myrhina , Chrisis , Conallis , Ieroclea , Lopadium : Of these , likewise Amphis makes mention . In Nouaculis . Anaxandries in his description of the madnesse of old men , amongst others hee reckons vp Lagisca , and Theolyte . Polemon the Historiographer speakes of one Cottina , whose Statue is erected in the citie of Lacedemon , not farre from the Temple of Dionisius ; she is mounted vpon a brasen Bull. Athen. in Dypnos . Alcibiades was beloued by a woman of Aegida , of whom hee was likewise amorous : after ( relinquishing Athens , and Lacena ) of one Me●ontide of Abidos , and with her sayled through the Hellespont , with Axioch●s a friend of his and much deuoted to his fellowship ; for so the Orator Lysias witnesseth of him in an Oration made against him . Hee had two other mistresses with whom hee was conuersant , Damasandra the mother of Lais Iunior , and Theodota , by whom hee was preserued when remaining in Melissa , a citie of Phrygia , Pharnabazus layd traines entrap his life . Abrotonax was the mother of Themistocles , a strumpet , as Amphicrates relates . Hist. lib. 3. Neanthes Cyzicenus ( a Greeke Historiographer ) calls him the sonne of Euterpe . The second Philodelphus , king of Aegypt , had many famous Concubines , Lib. 3. as Ptolomaeus E●●rgetes in his Commentaries witnesseth ; Didima , and Bilistiche : besides these , Agathoclea , and Stratonica , whose monument was erected in the sea ; El●sina , Myrtium , with many others . Polybius in his foureteenth booke of Histories remembers one Clino , that was his Cup-bearer , in whose honor many Statues were erected in Alexandria : Mnesides ( a shee-Musitian of the citie Mnesis ) and one Pothinae : his most delicate houses , in which he tooke much delight , he was wont to call after the name of two of his Paramours , eyther Myrtiae or Pothinae . Timothaeus , the great Captaine of the Athenians , was knowne to be the sonne of a common woman of Threissa : which being obiected to him as an aspersion , hee answered ; I am glad to haue beene borne of such a mother , that had the wisedome to chuse Conon to bee my father . Caristius in his Historicall Commentaries auerres Phileterus ( who soueraignized in Pergamus , and the new Region called Boca ) to be the sonne of a wanton shee-Minstrell , borne in Paphlagonia . Aristophon the Orator , who in the reigne of king Euclides published a Law , That all such as were not borne of ciuile and free women , approued for their modestie and temperance , should be held as bastards ; yet hee himselfe is mocked by the Comicke Poet Calliades , for being the sonne to the Prostitute Chorides , as may appeare in the third booke of his Commentaries . Of Lamia the strumpet , the king Demetrius had a daughter called Phila : Polem . de Var. porticu . Polemon affirmes Lamia to haue been the daughter of Cleonor the Athenian . Machon the Comick Poet numbers Leaena amongst this kings mistresses , with many others . Ptolomaeus , the sonne of Agesarchus , in his Historie of Philopater speaking of the mistresses of kings , bestowes Philinna , a Dancer , vpon Philip of Macedon , by whom he had Aridaeus , who succeeded after Alexander . Damo was the delight of Antigonus , Heracl . Lembus Histor. lib. 33. by whom he had Alcyonaeus . Mysta and Nisa were the beloued of Seleucus Iunior : and Mania , most famous for her wit and ingenious discourse , of Demetrius Poliorcetes . Of her , Machon the Poet writes much , as also of Gnathaena , who with Depithaea were said to be two Lasses much beloued of the Poet Diphilus . The citie of Athens was so full of famous strumpets , that Aristophanes Byzantius reckon'd vp at one time 135. but Appollodorus more , so likewise Gorgias ; as these , Parenum , Lampride , Euphrosine ( the daughter of a Fuller of Cloth ) Megista , Agaellis , Thaumarium , Theoclea ( otherwise called Corone ) Lenetocistus , Astra , Gnathaena , with two neeces by her daughter , Gnathenum , Lynceus Comicus . and Siga ; Synoris , sirnamed Lichnus ; Euclea , Grammea , Thriallis , Chimaera , Lampas , Glicera , Nico ( sirnamed Capra ) Hippe , Metanira , of whom many things worthie obseruation are remembred . Caelius . One Sapho is likewise numbred amongst these loose ones ; not Sapho the Lyrick Poetresse , but another borne of a strumpet . Many Roman wantons may here likewise not vnfitly be inserted ( as some related ) others beloued and celebrated by them in their Poems ; as Ipsithilla , of Catullus , Quintilia , of Caluus Licinius ; Lyde , of Calimachus ; Bathis , of Phileta ; Lycinea and Glicera , of Horace ; Leucadia , of Terentius Varro Arecinus , Delia , Sulpitia , Nemesis , Neaera , all these affected by Tibullus ; Hostia , otherwise called Cinthia , by Propertius ; Prop. lib. 1. Melenus , of Domitius Marsius Martialis ; Cesennia , by Caius Getulicus the Epigrammatist ; Bissula , by Ausonius Gallus ; Metella , of Tycida Epigrammatista ; Citheris ( who was also called Licoris ) of Cornelius Gallus ; Pamphilia , of Valerius Aedituus ; Gellius . Chrisis , of Q. Trabaea the Comick Poet ; Martia , of Hortensius ; Terentia , of Marcus Tullius Cicero , Calphurnia , of Plinie ; Prudentilla , of Apuleius ; Neaera , of Licinius Imbrex , a writer of Comedies ; Aeme , of Septimius ; Aufilena , of Quintius ; Lesbia , whose true name was Claudia , of Catullus ; Argentaria , of Lucanus ; Delia , of Tibullus ; Beatrix , of the Italian Poet Dante ; Aureta , of Petrarche ; Pandemus , a famous curtisan , cited by Coelius , and therefore may clayme a place in this Catalogue . Aegiptia was doted on by Theon ; Manulia , a prostitute , spoke on by Gellius ; Barine , the name of a famous Roman wanton , deciphered by Horace ; Spatale , by Martial called Mammosa ; Chione , the name of a common woman , expressed by the same Author . Licisca , not onely remembred by him , but by Iuuenal , in these words : Nomen mentita Licisca . Coelia is taxed in Martial for one that would for gayne prostitute her selfe to all men . Hermia was a loose woman , so doted on by Aristotle , that hee was said to sacrifice vnto her , and dedicate sundry Hymnes to her prayse : Origines . for which , being vpbrayded by Eurimidon and Demophilus , he forsooke Athens ( where hee had taught the space of thirtie yeeres ) and remooued himselfe to Chalcides . Martial in one of his Satyres reprooues Philenis , who was much beloued of the Greeke Poet Philocrates . So farre haue these wantons preuayled euen with Princes , that some ( to gratulate them , and continue their loues ) haue not spared to robbe the Altars of the gods . Athena . Gimos . lib. 13. cap. 18. Bromia , a shee-minstrell , so much delighted Phiallus , that hee rewarded her with a rich Bowle taken out of the Temple , which was a gift presented by the Phoceans . To one Pharsalia , a Thessalian shee-dancer , Philometus gaue the golden Crowne of Daphnes , the Offering of the Lampsacens . This Statue of Daphnes was in Metapontus , erected in the peregrination of Aristaeus Proconnensis . In this place Pharsalia appearing , and strutting in her new honors , the Priests surprised with a suddaine furie , and in the presence of all the people , tore her to pieces , dismembring her limbe from limbe : and being demaunded the reason , it was answered , It was the iust anger of the Nymph , Myrtilus . for being so despoyled of her Crowne . Lyda is remembred to haue beene the mistresse of Antimachus . There was likewise another of that name , beloued of Laminthius Milesius . Clearch . in reb. Amator . Clearchas affirmes either of these Poets to haue beene besotted on that name , the one expressing himselfe in Elegies , the other in a Lyricke Poeme , Manno the Minstrell was doted on by Mimnermus , as Leontium by Hermosinax Colophonius , both Greeke Poets . Naucrates produceth one Dorica ( amongst many other faire and beautifull wantons ) whom Sapho writes to be the sweet-heart of her brother Charaxus , when as a Marchant hee touched in Naucrates ; where shee complaynes , That by her , her brother was despoyled of all or the greatest part of his goods and fortunes . Herodotus ( though ignorantly ) calls her Rhodope ; not knowing , that this is diuersse from her , who erected those famous Obeliskes in Delphos , of whom Cratinus makes ample mention . Of this Dorica , Posidippus speakes often in his Aethiopia , and of her composed this Epigram : Dorica te capitis ornarunt Mollia vincla , Et late vnguentum pallia quae redolent , Quae quondam periucundum complexa Charaxum , &c. Thy Hayre ty'd in soft knots , become thee well ; Thy Robes , that distant , of sweet odours smell , ( Faire Dorica ) doe thee no common grace , In which thou erst Charaxus didst embrace .

Archedica , a very beautifull Girle , was likewise of this citie : for as Herodotus affirmes , this place much gloryed in her faire ones . Sapho of Eressus ( who was enamored of louely Phaon ) was here famous , as shee her selfe expresseth to her Nymphes , in her peregrination through Asia . No ignoble wench was Nicarete the Megarensian , both for the antiquitie of her blood , and for her practise in the best disciplines , as well to be beloued as admired , being a profest hearer of the Philosopher Stilpo . To her wee may compare Bilistiche the Argiue , who deriued her birth from the antient Familie of the Atrides ; for so they relate of her , that composed the Grecian Histories . Bittiles was the mistresse of the Poet Euripilus . Nicol. Damascen . Samia was the beloued of Demetrius Phalareus : hee was vsed ieastingly and in sport to call her Lampito , as Diyllus reports : She was also called Charitoblepharus , which signifies Gratia Cilium , From the beautie of her eye-browes . Nicareta was enioyed by Stephanus the Orator , and Metanira by Lysias the Sophist . Of their familiaritie were Antea , Aratola , Aristoclea , Phila , Istmias , and Neaera ( who was mistresse to Stratoclides ) Zenoclides the Poet , Hypparchus the Player , and Phrisoninus Paeaneius , the sonne of Damon , and by his sister the nephew to Democharis . It is said , That by arbitration Stephanus the Orator , and one Phrynion , enioyed Neaera by turnes , and seuerall dayes . These called her youngest daughter Strobyla by the name of Phano , acknowledging her to be their owne . But least with this multiplicitie of Histories I should grow tedious , here ( though abruptly ) I will pawse for the present .

Of Famous Wantons .

OF some of these , something more at large . It is a Maxime , Amor vbique in natura ; Loue is euerie where in Nature . The Poets ( as Euripides , and others ) called him , The Great and most mightie of the gods : and graue Aescilus in Danais introduc'd his mother Venus , thus saying : Ferire purus Aether , arua concupit Amorque terrae , consequi vult Nuptias , &c. The pure Ayre euer loues to stroake the fields , And to the Nuptials of the Ayre , th' Earth yeelds ; The showres drop from the cleare Heauens , and raine downe To kisse the Earth , and giue her a fresh Gowne , Whose garments were l●te thred-bare : euen these proue In senselesse things , congresse , and marriage-loue ; Whose birth we looke for : where the countrey Swaine The Mid-wife playes ; and Apples , Fruits , and Graine Returnes vs in their time . Then Ceres takes These Infants to her charge ; nor them forsakes ; But ( whilest she can ) from all corruption saues , Till being ripe for death , we find them graues . If you would know who first prescrib'd these Lawes Of this free birth , I ( Venus ) am the cause .

The like Euripides speakes in Hyppolitus . If then this vniuersalitie of Loue be in senselesse creatures , no maruell if it be so frequent in such as pretend to vnderstand . Herodotus , Lib. 1. sayth it was a Law amongst the Babylonians , The manner of the Babylonians . That all women free-borne , and Denisens of the citie , were enioyned once in their life times to make repayre to the Temple of Melitta ( for by that name the Assyrians called Venus ) and sitting in the Porch , to subiect themselues to the embraces of any stranger . But some of the noblest and richest not willing to publish themselues to open prostitution , were drawne thither in Chariots couered , leauing their trayne and attendants behind them : many sitting in the Temple in Pues , or places allotted them , with garlands vpon their heads ; of which , whilest some are called apart , others still returne ( for their passages to and fro are distinguished by small cords or strings , which direct strangers vnto such women to whom they are most addicted . ) But of these , not any returne to their houses ( after they haue once tooke vp their seats ) till some clyent hath cast some coyne or other into her lappe ( be it neuer so small or great ) and haue had carnall companie with her in a sequestred place of the Temple : which done , hee is to say , So much I did owe thee , ô goddesse Melitta . Nor was any woman to refuse the money that was offered her ( whatsoeuer it were ) because it was to be employed in their supposed pious vses . Neyther was it lawfull for a woman to refuse any man , but she was compelled to follow him that cast the first coyne into her apron . This beeing done , it was lawfull for her to mingle her selfe in prostitution with whom she pleased . The fairest and most beautifull were for the most part soonest dispatcht , but others that haue beene vgly and deformed , haue beene forced to sit in the Temple , some one , some two , some three yeeres , and vpwards , before they could meet with any by whose helpe they might giue satisfaction to the Law , returne to their owne houses , and make vse of their free libertie . The like custome ( though not in euerie particular ) was in Cyprus .

Amongst the Caunians ( a people in Coria ) there was a yeerely conuention of yong men and women to the like purpose , as the same Author in the same booke affirmes . Aelianus de var. Histor. lib. 4. sayth , That the Lydian women before their marriage presented themselues for gaine , till they had purchased to themselues a competent dowrie ; but hauing once selected a husband , they from that time liued in all continence and chastitie . From this generalitie I come to particulars , and first of Thais . Thais . Shee was a strumpet of Corinth , whose beautie bewitched all the Atticke youth . Her the Greeke Poet Menander in his workes most celebrated , of whom shee was called Menandraea . Clitarchus specifies vnto vs , That shee was much beloued of Alexander the Great ; at whose request ( after the conquest of Cyrus ) all the Imperiall Pallaces in Persepolis ( with the greatest part of the citie ) were set on fire , and burned downe to the earth . This strumpet ( after the death of Alexander ) was marryed to the first Ptolomey of Aegypt , by whom she had two sonnes , Leontiscus and Lagus , with one daughter called Irene , whom Solon king of Cyprus after tooke to wife . Lamia . Lamia was a Courtizan of Athens , and entyred to Demetrius , a lord of many Nations , insomuch that in his Armour and Crowne , with his Imperiall Diademe , he was often seene publikely to enter her roofe , to conuerse with her , and eate at her Table . It had beene lesse dishonour for so great a person , to haue giuen her meeting more priuately . In this one thing Diodorus the Minstrell was preferred before Demetrius : who being diuerse times sent for to this Courtezans house , refused to come . This Lamia was wont ( as Aelianus , Lib. 12. reports ) to compare the Greekes to Lyons , and the Ephesians to Wolues . Gnathana was of the same countrey , Gnathana . and borne in Athens , of whom it is thus remembred : A noble fellow drawne as farre as the Hellespont by the attractiue fame of her beautie , shee gaue him both meeting and entertainment : of which he growing proud and somewhat insolent , vsing much loquacitie and superfluous language ( being in the heat of wine , and lust ) shee asked him , Whether ( as he pretended ) he came from the Hellespont ? To whom he answered , He did : She replyed , And doe you know the name of the chiefe citie there ? He told her , Yes . She then desired him to giue it name ? Hee told her , it was called Sygaeum . By which , shee ingeniously reproued his verbositie ; since Syga ( of which Greeke word the citie takes denomination ) signifieth silence and taciturnitie . Of her prompt and wittie answeres the Poet Machon sets downe many : for shee was held to bee wondrous facetious and scoffing , and exceedingly beloued of the Poet Diphilus . Lynceus likewise remembers many things concerning her . Pausonius Lacus beeing dauncing in her presence , in doing a loftie tricke aboue ground , and not able to recouer himselfe , hee fell headlong into a Vessell that stood by : See ( sayth she ) Lacus in cadum incidit , i. The Poole hath powred himselfe into the Vessell : Lacus not only signifies a Poole , but a Vessell which receiueth the wine when it is pressed . Another , offering her a small quantitie of wine in a great and large Bole , and told her withall , That it was at least seuenteene yeeres old , Truly ( answered she ) it is wondrous little of the age . Two young men in the heat of wine quarrelling about her , and going to buffets , to him that had the worst , shee thus said , Despayre not youth , Non enim Coronarium est certamen sed Argenteum , i. This was a prize for Money onely , not for a Garland . When one had giuen her faire daughter ( who was of the same profession ) a piece of Gold valued at a pound , and had receiued no more than labour for his trauaile , and bare lookes for his money , to him she said , Thou for this pound art made free of my daughter , as those that are admitted into the schoole of Hyppomachus the maisterwrastler ; who oft times see him play , but seldome prooue his strength ; admire his skill , but neuer trie his cunning . Many such ( with great elegancie ) came frequently from her ; for ( as Lynceus sayth of her ) shee was Concinna admodum & vrbana . Aristodemus in his second booke Ridiculorum memorab . relates , That when two men had bargained for her at once , a souldier and a meane fellow , the souldier in great contumelie called her Lacus , or Lake : Why doe you thus nick-name me ? sayth she , because you two flouds fall into me , Lycus , and Liber : Lycus is a riuer not farre from Laodicea , which sometimes runneth vnder the earth , and in many places bursteth vp againe . Shee writ a booke which shee called Lex Conuinalis , imitating the Philosophers of those times , who had compiled workes of the like subiect : The proiect of her booke was , how her guests ought to behaue themselues at Table towards her and her daughter . The like Law Callimachus composed in three hundred and three and twentie Verses .

Rhodope . Rhodope was a Curtesan of Aegypt , one that by her prostitution came to such a masse of wealth , that she of her own priuate charge caused to be erected a magnificent Pyramis , equalling those that were raised by the greatest Princes . Sapho calls her Dorica , and makes her the mistresse of her brother Charaxus , vpon whom he spent and consumed all his fortunes , euen to the vtmost of penurie : of whom Ouid thus writes , Arsit inops frater &c. Aelianus and others report her for a woman most beautifull , who bathing herselfe in a pleasant and cleere fountaine in her garden , her handmaides attending her with all things necessarie , vpon a sudden an Eagle sowsing downe , snatched vp one of her shooes , and flying with it as farre as the great cittie Memphis , let it fall from aboue into the lap of the king Psamneticus , then sitting in publike iudgement : who much amased at the strangenesse of the accident , but most at the riches , proportion , and curiositie of th● shooe , instantly commaunded that all Aegypt should be through-sought , till they could find the owner thereof , by matching it with the fellow : which hapned soone after . Being brought before the king , he was so infinitely surprised with her feature , that the same houre he contracted her in marriage , and consequently made her his Queene . Some say she was first a Thracian damsell , and seruant to Iadmone of Samos ; shee was after carried into Aegypt by the Philosopher Zanthus Samius . She was a friend and Patronesse of Aesopus , so famous for his Fables still frequent amongst vs .

Metra was the daughter of Erisichthon a Thessalian , Metra . who hauing spent all his fortunes , and wasted euen his necessarie meanes ( as brought to the lowest exigent of penurie ) was forced to make marchandise of his daughters Chastitie ; but she would not yeeld herself to the imbraces of any man , without the gift and tender of a Horse , an Oxe , a Cow , a Sheepe , or a Goate , or some such like commoditie , to the supplie of her fathers necessitie : ( for it seemes that Coine and Iewels were not then in vse ) For the exchange aforesayd the Thessalians fabled , That she could transhape her selfe into all those creatures presented vnto her by her louers . And hence came that old adage , More changeable than Erisicthons Metra , Cyrene . Much of the like continence was Cyrene , a notorious strumpet , who as Erasmus reports , explaining of that old prouerbe , Duodecem artium homo , i. A man of twelue Arts or Trades , could vse her professed Venerie twelue seuerall wayes . Archianassa was sirnamed Colophonia , Archianassa as borne in the cittie of Colophon , and was beloued of Plato the diuine Philosopher , of whome he himselfe thus protested .

Archianassam ego teneo Colophonis amicam , Cuius & in rugis , mollia ludit amor . Archianassa I still hold My mistresse , and I say There is no wrincle in her face , In which loue doth not play .

Thus we see euen the deepest Philosophers & the wisest men , haue made themselues the captiues of Beautie and vassailes vnto Lust , Demosthenes the Orator was guiltie of the like aspersions , and subiect to much intemperance . It is sayd that hauing children by a noted strumpet , when both the mother and the children were cited before the iudgement seat ( to auoid calumnie ) hee presented the issue without the mother , though it were against the custome of the cittie : for as Idomeneus sayth , notwithstanding he were outwardly of a modest disposition and carriage , yet inwardly he was profuse and incontinent . It is reported of him , that he was wonderous prodigall and expensiue in banquets and women , in so much that the publike Scribe speaking of him in an oration , thus sayd , What shall wee then thinke of the Orator Demosthenes , when what he hath by his great trauell and industrie purchased in a whole yere , he will dissolutely spend in one night vpon a woman ? The like Nicolaus Damascenus writes of Demetrius , the last of that succession , who so much doted on Myrina Samia , Myrina Samia . That she comaunded from him all things saue his Diadem , so that not only Philosophers but euen Kings haue made themselues subiect to all kind of voluptuousnes and luxuries ; and what hath bin the lamentable successe , but shame and dishonor , the wasting of priuate estates , and the miserable subuersion of kingdomes . Therfore Claudian in his third booke in Stiliconis Laudes thus sayth : — Nam cetera regna . Luxuries vitijs odijsque superbia vertit , &c. Of other kingdomes , the imperiall state Lust doth subuert with vices ; Pride , with hate : So by the Spartans Athens was subdu'd ; And so Thebes fell : The Medes did first intrude Into th' Assirian Monarchie : their lust Buried their towring honours in the dust . From the luxurious Medes , the Persians rest Their proude dominion : they growne lustfull , left Their Empire to the Macedonian sway , Who kept it till they wanton grew : then they Their honours to the temper at Romans sold , For so the antient Sibills had fore-told .

Aspasia . The effects of this will more plainely appeare in the Historie ensuing . Aspasia , otherwise called Socratica , is numbred amongst the fairest women of her time , insomuch that shee had seuerall suitors from all the Prouinces of Greece , as Aristophanes deliuers in his discourse of the Peloponnesian warre : insomuch , that Pericles ( for the loue of this Aspasia , and for some seruants of hers , taken from her by force ) begun and established that terrible Decree against the Megarenses , remembred by Stesombrotus Thasius . She about her priuate and necessarie occasions sending her bawde Symaetha to the citie of Megara , the young men of the citie detayned her : vpon which restraint she sent two others , who not beeing suffered to returne , from these strumpets did arise a warre , almost to the depopulation of the greatest part of Greece . It is likewise spoken of that Cyrus ( who warred against his brother ) to haue had a mistresse of great wisdome and wonderfull beautie , bred in the citie of Phocis , who as Zenophanes sayth , was first called Milto , and after Aspasia . Of these in generall , I●●enal with great elegancie speakes in his Satyrs : Nil non permittit mulier , sibi turpe putat nil Cum virides gemmas collo circumdedit , & cum Anribus extentis magnos committit elenchos . There 's nothing that a woman will respect , Nothing so vile or odious that she feares , So she with glistring Iewells may be dect , And haue great pendant Pearles way downe her eares .

Of Mista , and others .

PHilarchus obserues this Mysta to be much fauoured by the king Seleucus : who beeing expelled by the Galathians , and hardly escaping with life , when his Pallace was seised and surprised , she casting aside all her princely ornaments , put on a seruile habit and mingled her selfe in the societie of her handmaides and seruants , hauing so disguised her selfe that shee remained vnknowne , and by that means was sold amongst the rest at a small rate , and bought by the Rhodian merchants , to whom after she disclosed her selfe . They to insinuat into the fauour of Seleucus ( who had recouered his former fortunes ) sent her to him nobly attended in great state and magnificence , of whom she was accordingly receiued and they most bounteously rewarded . Antecyra ( as Caelius , Antecyra . lib. 13. cap. 6. reports ) was a famous ( or rather infamous ) strumpet , so called because she yeelded vp her bodie to lunatickes and mad-men ; or else because the Phisition Nicostratus , at his death left her such a quantitie of Hellebore . Caluia Crisalpina is called by Tacitus , Caluia Crisalpina . lib. 17. the stale misteresse of Neroes lust , an apt pupill for such a tuteresse . Appollodorus and Caelius write of two sisters called Stragonium and Anthis , Stagonium . Anthis . both of the venerall profession : These were by a nickname called by some Aphiae , because of the smalnesse of their statures & the greatnesse of their eyes . Cynna , Cinna . Saluacha , Saluacha . and Casauria , Casauria . were three famous strumpets of Athens , many times remembred by Aristophanes in his Comedies . Hermippus , lib. 1. de Aristot. speakes of Herpillides the paramour of Aristotle , Herpillides . hee had by her a sonne called Nicomachus . Melissa Melissa . the daughter of Proclaeis ( as Pythenetus in his third booke de Aegina relates ) was beloued of Periander ex Epidauro king of Corinth , and numbered amongst the seuen wise men of Greece : Hee seeing her attyred after the manner of the Peloponnesians ( that was , almost naked , saue a linnen garment next to her skin ) and in that manner ministring wine to his seruants and workemen ; he was suddenly so surprised with her beautie , that he first entertained her as his friend and familiar mistresse , and shortly after in great state and publique solemnitie receiued and acknowledged her his queene and wife . Xenophon reports of Socrates to haue had familiar conference with Theodota , Theodota . whose speech was to this purpose , Before thee ô Socrates ( sayth she ) I claime a iust precedence , and hold my selfe the worthier person of the two : he demaunding the reason , shee thus proceeded , Because thou with all thy grauitie and austeritie of discipline , canst not alienate from mee and my societie any one of my suitors and clients ; but I when I please can drawe from thee the best of thy schollers and pupils , both such as I like and at what time I best please . To whom Socrates replyde , It is no wonder , ô Theodota , since the way to thy house is meerely to naughtinesse , and lyes down the hill ; but the path to my schoole is solely tending to noblenesse & vertue , and is the way vp hill , therefore the passage sublime and difficult . It is sayd that Appelles espying Lais ( when she was a yong Virgin ) drawing water from the Pyrenaean fountaine , admiring her beautie , which was not yet growne vnto perfection , he conducted her by the arme home to his shop , and presented her to the societie of his fellow Painters ; but they deriding his folly that hee would entertaine a virgin , one not capable of prostitution : hee sayd , Doubt you not , for within this three yeares I will deliuer her vp to the game the most beautifullest of any virgin liuing . The like Xenophon in Mirabil . testates , That Socrates presaged of this Theodota in her child-hood , Quod pulcherima 〈…〉 , pectusque quouis ratione haberet formosius , i. He sayd , That she would not onely prooue outwardly faire , but her brest within euerie way more beautifull Demades the Orator had a sonne called Demeas , by a she-minstrell , one that played vpon the Flute , or the Shaume , this young man puffing and blowing , and being ( as our English phrase sayth ) in a p●lting chafe , Hyperides then standing by , Peace ( sayth he ) young man and bee patient , for thy cheekes begin to swell bigger than thy mothers . Nicaeeus in Successionis Philosoph . sayth , That the Philosopher Doristhenites was the sonne of a strumpet called Olimpia Lacaena . Olimpia Lacaena . Sophocles the Tragedian had in his delights one Theorides , Theorides . in his age and decaying strength : therefore in his prayer to Venus hee thus sayth , O nutrix iuuenum exaudi , mihi da mulierem Abunere hanc &c. Here me thou nurce of youth , I thee intreate , And grant that she to whom my lou 's so great , May shun the beds of young men , and despise Their hot affection : onely cast her eyes On aged men , whose heads are snow'd by time , Who though decayde in strength , haue minds sublime .

Stasimus sayth that this Theorides was first the friend of Theoris . Sophocles after forsaking her , made election of another called Archippe , Archippe , whom as Hegesander writes , he made his heire . Isocrates the modestest of all Orators , was taxed with two wantons , namely , Metanira and Calles , Metanyra . Calles . for so Lysias affirmes in his Epistles . Demosthenes in an oration against Neaera confers Metanira vpon Lysias , who had another mistresse called Lagis , Lagis . whose Encomium was writ by the Orator Cephalus , as Alcidamus Laites ( the scholler of Georgius ) most eloquently penned the prayses of his beloued Nais . Nais . This Nais , Lysias gaue discription of in an oration against Philonides , her proper name was Archias : of her Aristophanes makes mention in Geritade and in Pluto , where he saith , Amat ne Lais , num tua Philonedem causa ?

Which should be writ Nais , not Lais , as Athenaeus is of opinion . Hermippus speaking of Isocrates sayth , That he entertained into his house the strumpet Lagisca , by whom he had a daughter . Lysias in an oration reckons vp diuerse other prostitutes , Philyra , Scione , Hyppaphesis , Theoclea , Psamathe , Lagisca , Anthaea , Aristoclaea , and Dagnista . Alce was the name of a famous Curtisan , Alce . as may be gathred out of the words of Laberius , Petrus Crinitus , and others . Pythagoras ( sayth he ) the Samian Philosopher , in speaking of his transformations , reporteth himselfe first to haue beene Euphorbus , then Pyrander , then Calidena , and after a strumpet of admired feature called Alce : with this Pithagorian Metamorphosis , Laberius the Minick Poet thus sported , — Vt nos olim mutant Philosophi Et nunc de mulo hominem , de muliere colubrum , Faciant —

i. As the Philosphers of old would change vs , making of a Mule a Man , and of a Woman a Snake . Petrus Crintius calls her Famoso nominus Alce . In the threescore and fourth Olimpiad , in the time that Hippias and Hipparchus tyrannised in the citie of Athens ( as Eusebius relates in his Annalls ) Harmodius and Aristogiton with others ( but those of the most note ) made a coniuration against the two princes , and in this conspiracie was Hypparchus slaine . Leaena . Leaena a famous strumpet , being knowne to be affected to some of that faction ( as being indeered to them for some former curtesies ) was called into question , and being commanded to discouer the Regicides , and obstinately refusing it , she was iudged to the racke , where with wonderous patience induring many almost insufferable torments , and still beeing vrged to discouer what shee knew concerning that confederacie ; she with a noble and memorable resolution bit out her tongue , and cast it into the face of the tyrant Hyppias : which act , Pliny and others record as a president of admirable patience in a woman . Let Leaena ( sayth he ) the strumpet be memorised for her constancie , who by no tortures could be inforced to discouer Harmodius and Aristogiton , by whose hands the tyrant Hipparchus fell . For the like resolution is Anaxarchides renowned amongst men by Zeno and others . Synope . Erasmus in Chiliad . speakes of Sinope before named , a famous strumpet of Corinth , to bee so extreamely giuen ouer to lust , that from her came the Latine word Sinopissare , which signifieth , to be in the highest degree libidinous or voluptuous . Suidas sayth , That Nannium the whoore was called Capra , Nannium . because shee deuoured a Vintner ( or made him breake ) called Thallus , which word sometimes signifies Germen , i. A bough or sprig on which Goats loue to feed . Acca Laurentia , Acca Laurentia . the wife of Faustulus the kings shepheard , who beeing a beautifull woman , prostituted her bodie for gaine : she was sirnamed Lupa , and from her euen to this day all brothel-houses are called Lupanaria . She nursed and brought vp Romulus and Remus , Liu. lib. 1. Decad. 1. Plutarch in Vita Romuli . Flora the strumpet , Flora , or Laurentia . who was likewise called Laurentia , constituted the people of Rome her heire ; from her came the yearely feasts celebrated , called Floralia : of her , Gellius lib. 6. cap. 7. and Vollat . lib. 16. speakes more at large . Manilia . Manilia was a Roman Curtesan , whom Hostilius Mancinus called into question , because a stone was cast vpon him from one of her galleries : Gellius . Phebe . Phebe was a freed woman to Iulia the daughter of Augustus Caesar , and a companion with her in all her lusts and brothelries ; who when she heard that her mistresse was confined by her father , fearing some seuere censure from the Emperor , slew her selfe to preuent further torture : Dion in Augusto . The immoderate lust of Caelia , Caelia . Martial , lib. 7. thus reprooues : Das Cattis , das Germanis , das Caelia Dacis , Nec Cilicum spernis Cappoducumque toros , &c. To th' Catti , Germans , and the Dacians , thou Caelia giu'st welcome , and thou do'st allow The Cappadians , and Cilicians bed : Besides , from Pharo thou art furnished With Memphian whorers , from the red sea sailes The swarthie Indian , and he brings thee vailes , And thou tak'st all , neither wilt thou refuse The offer of the circumcised Iewes , &c.

Catullus of his Lesbia thus speakes : Lesbia . Nulla potest mulier tantum se dicere amatum , Vere , quantum a me Lesbia amata mea est . No woman truly can report to be , So well belou'd , as Lesbia thou of me .

Chrisis . So Quintus Frabaeus Comediographus of his loue Chrysis : De improuiso Chrysis vbi me aspexerit , Alacris obuiam mihi veniet , &c. When Chrysis on the sudden me espide , She look'd vpon me with a chearefull face , Wishing withall , that me she might embrace , To whom she owes her selfe : this I haue tri'de . It is a fortune I haue seldome knowne , And such as I preferre before mine owne .

Dion , Nicaeus , and Xiphilinus , in the life of the Emperour Commodus , besides the strumpet Martia whom hee tooke to wife , remembers one Damostrat● , Damostrato whom he after bestowed vpon Cleander , him whom from a bondman he raised to be of his priuie-chamber . Time , Paper , and Leysure would faile me before example , and I desire not to be tedious . I haue hitherto shewed you what whoores are , I now desire to expresse vnto you what they should bee . Marie Magdalen the daughter of Syrus and Eucharia , Marie Magdalen . and sister to Lazarus and Martha , for some yeares gaue her selfe vp to all voluptuousnesse and pleasure , in so much that she had incurred the name of a common strumpet ; but after , when shee cast her selfe prostrat and washed the feet of our Sauiour with her teares , and dryde them with the haires of her head , and annointing him with costly oyntment in the house of Simon the Leaper , her sinnes were forgiuen her . We reade likewise of Aphra who was borne in Creet , Aphra . her mothers name was Hylaria a notorious bawde : This Aphra with her three seruants Dimna , Eugenia , and Eutropia , for mony prostituted themselues to all men ; but she her selfe being after conuerted to the Faith , by Narcissus bishop of Ierusalem , abiured all incontinence , and adhering to the Christian religion , prooued so constant in the same , that for the true Faith she suffered martyrdome . Niceta . Aquilina . Nicaeta and Aquilina were two beautifull strumpets and made gaine of their bodies ; these were imployed by king Dagnes to tempt and traduce the blessed Saint Christopher , and to vpbraide him of false religion , but it fell out contrarie to the purpose of the tyrant ; for those two being by him conuerted to the true Faith , and not to bee remooued by menaces or torments , were after by the same king both caused to bee slaine . Faucula Clauia is remembred by the Historiographer Lyuie , Faucula Clauia . who though she was of that wanton and loose behauiour , yet highly to be commended for her pietie ; she to her great charge ministered food and sustenance to many of the distressed Roman souldiers , all the time that Hannibal was possessed of Capua . Marullus lib. 2. cap. 12. and Sabin . lib. 5. cap. 5. speake of Thais an Aegyptian strumpet , Thais Aegypti● . who by the often admonitions of the Abbot Pannutius , repented her of her wicked & leaud life ; and to giue the best satisfaction to the world that she was able , shee caused a great fire to bee made , and all that wealth which she had gathered by her prostitution she cast therein , and caused it to be burned before her face : and from a common Brothel-house , retyred her selfe to a priuat Monasterie , where after three yeares penetentiall sollitude she expired . Pelagia Antiochena , Pelagia Antiochena so called because she was borne in Antioch , exceeding in wealth and excelling in beautie , was wholy giuen ouer to immoderate luxuries , in so much that no woman appeared in publike more gawdily apparrelled , or more voluptuouslly minded than her selfe ; but being drawne by some religiously disposed friend of hers , to heare the Sermons of Nonius Bishop of Heliopolis , shee acknowledged her error , cast off her gay and gawdie attyre , bewayled her sinnes , and lamented her leaud course of life , distributing her wealth amongst the poore , and as a farwell to all loosenesse and intemperance , builded a poore Cottage in the Mount of Oliues . And least any violence in such a sollitude might be done vnto her , in the way of preuention shee changed her habite , and called her selfe Pelagius , proceeding in that sanctitie of life ; that where before of Pelagia shee was called Pelagus Vitiorum , i. A Sea of Vices , shee was after stiled Pelagus Virtutum , amarissimus Marath aquas in dulces conuertens , i. An Ocean of Vertues , turning the most bitter Waters of Marath into sweet . And thus I conclude with these Wantons , wishing all such whose liues haue beene as ill , and infamous , that their ends might prooue as good , and glorious .

Explicit Liber Sextus , Inscriptus ERATO .

THE SEVENTH BOOKE , Inscribed POLYHIMNIA , or MEMORIE . Intreating of the Pietie of Daughters towards their Parents , Women to their Children , Sisters to their Brothers , Wiues to their Husbands , &c.

THERE is no gift ( according to Reason ) bestowed vpon man , more sacred , more profitable , or auayling towards the attayning of the best Arts and Disciplines ( which include all generall Learning ) than MEMORIE , which may fitly be called the Treasure-house or faithfull Custos of Knowledge and Vnderstanding . Therefore with great wisedome did the Poets call her the Mother of the Muses , & with no lesse elegancie did they place Obliuion below in Hell , in regard of their opposition and antipathie . Our Memorie ( as Sabellicus saith ) is a benefit lent vs from aboue , that hath her existence in Nature , but her ornament and beautie from Art . Alexand. ab Alex. Lib. 2. cap. 19. That the Aegyptians in their Hieroglyphicks , when they would figure any man of an excellent memorie , they would doe it by a Fox , or a Hare , with vpright and erected eares : But when they would represent one dull and blockish , they did it by a Crocodile . That Nation , of all others , hath beene remarkable for their admirable retention ; who , before they knew the true vse of Letters , had all the passages of former ages by heart , and still the elder deliuered them to the younger , keeping no other Records than their owne remembrances . Themistocles in this was eminent ; insomuch , that Simonides the Poet promising by Art to adde something vnto that which he had alreadie perfect by Nature , he told him , he had rather he could teach him the Art of Forgetfulnesse , because he was still prone to remember such things as he desired to forget , but could not forget such things as he gladly would not remember . Cic. Lib. 2. de Finibus . It proceedeth from a moderate temperature of the braine , and therefore may be numbred amongst the necessarie good things which belong vnto mankind . Many men haue in this beene famous , but few women , vnlesse for remembring an iniurie . Most necessarie to a good Memorie , is Meditation ; for as Ausonius saith , in Ludo septem sapientum : Is quippe solus rei gerendae est efficax , Meditatur omne qui prius negotium . He onely squares his deedes by measure true , That meditates before what shall ensue .

And againe : Nihil est quod Amplior●● Curam postulat , &c. Nothing there is that greater care should aske , Than to fore-thinke ere we begin our taske : All humane Actions iustly are derided , That are by Chance , and not by Counsaile guided .

There is a Prouerbe frequent amongst vs , Oportet mendacem esse memorem , It behooues a Lyar to haue a good Memorie . Neyther is the sentence more common , than is the practise in these corrupt dayes : insomuch , that one ingeniously speaking of the generalitie of it , thus sayd , or to the like effect ; Young men haue learnt to lye by practise , and old men clayme it by authoritie : Gallants lye oftener to their mistresses , than with them ; nay , euen womens Aprons are stringed with excuses . Most of our Tradesmen vse it in their bargayning , and some of our Lawyers in their Pleading . The Souldier can agree with the thing it selfe , but quarrels at the name of the word . It hath beene admitted into Aldermens Closets , and sometimes into States-mens Studies . The Traueller makes the modestest vse of it , for it hath beene his admittance to many a good meale . At a meeting of gentlemen about this Towne , whether in a Tauerne , or an Ordinarie , I am not perfect , but amongst other discourse at the Table , one amongst the rest , began thus :

It is recorded ( saith hee ) by a Spanish Nobleman who had beene Embassadour in Russia , A poore man and a Beare . that in the time of his residence there , a strange accident befell , which was after this manner : A poore man of the Countrey , whose greatest meanes to liue was by gathering stickes and rotten Wood in the Forrest , and after to make marchandise thereof amongst the neighbour villages ; hee climbing a hollow Tree , much spent with age , and that Countrey ( aboue many others ) beeing full of Bees , as appeares by their traffique of Waxe and Honey ; of which , in the bulke and concauitie of the Tree there was such a quantitie , that treading vpon a broken branch , and his foot-hold fayling , he fell into the trunke thereof , where presently hee was vp to the arme-pits deepe in Honey , besides the emptinesse aboue his head , not being able to reach to any thing by which he might vse the helpe of his hands . In this sweet pickle hee continued the space of three dayes , feeding vpon the reliefe the place affoorded , but altogether despairing euer to be released thence , as not daring to crye or call out for helpe , fearing the danger of wild beasts , of which in those Wildernesses there are infinite plentie . But it so fell out , that a mightie great Beare comming that way , and by reason of the poore mans moouing and stirring himselfe vp and downe within the Tree , smelling the Honey ( which they say Beares haue appetite vnto aboue all other things whatsoeuer ) hee mounts the Tree , and ( as their custome is ) not daring to thrust in their heads first , as fearing to fall headlong , prouident Nature hath allowed them that fore-sight , as catching fast hold vpon the top with their fore-feet , with one of their hinder legges ( as with a Plummet ) they sound the depth of the place , and how farre it is to the commoditie for which they come to search . All this the Beare did , at such time as the miserable poore man was casting his armes abroad to catch hold of any thing by which he might rayse himselfe out of that pittifull Purgatorie , who meeting with such an vnexpected Pulley , or Crane , catcht fast hold vpon the Beares legge : at which , the beast being suddenly affrighted ( fearing to leaue one of his limbes behind him ) drew it vp with such a mightie strength , that he pluckt out the man withall to the top , where he first fell in , by which meanes the poore wretches life was preserued , and the affrighted Beare ( as if the Deuill had beene at his tayle ) neuer lookt backe , till he had got into the thickest parts of the Wildernesse .

His discourse being ended , and euery one admiring the strangenesse of the accident , a Traueller that sat next him affirmed it for truth , as being then in the Countrey at the same time : and thereupon tooke occasion to discourse of the cities , the riuers , the manners , and dispositions of the people ; and withall , the coldnesse of the Clime , which in some places ( saith he ) I protest is so extreame , that one of my countreymen and I talking together one morning in the fields , A cold Countrey . our words still as we spoke them , froze before vs in the ayre , and that so hard , that such as the next day past that way , might read them as perfectly and distinctly as if they had beene ●exted in Capitall Letters : to which one of the gentlemen with great modestie replyed , Truly Sir me thinkes that should be a dangerous Countrey to speake Treason in , especially in the depth of Winter . Something before this discourse was fully ended , came vp the gentlewoman of the house to bid her guests welcome , and taking her c●ai●e at the vpper end of the table● It seemes gentlemen , saith she , your discourse is of Russia ; my first husband ( God rest his soule ) was a great Traueller , and I haue heard him in his life time speake much of the Country , but one thing amongst the rest , which I shall neuer forget whilest I haue an houre to liue , My Hostesses Lye . That riding from Musco , the great citie , to a place in the countrey , some fiue miles off , in a mightie great Snow , and the high way being couered , and hee mistaking the path , hee happened to tumble horse and man into a deepe pit , from which hee could not finde any possible way out eyther for himselfe , or for his beast : and lying there some two houres , and readie to starue with cold ; as necessitie will still put men to their wits , so hee bethought himselfe , and presently stepping to a Village some halfe a mile off , borrowed or bought a Spade ; with which comming backe , hee fell to worke , and first digged out himselfe , and after his Horse ; when mounting , hee ( without more trouble ) came to the end of his Iourney : And this ( sayth shee ) hee hath told to a hundred and a hundred Gentlemen , in mine owne hearing . To end this discourse in a word ( which by examples might be amplified into an infinite ) one of the guests sitting by , said , I can tell you a stranger thing than all these : being demaunded what ? hee answered , I beleeue all these things related , to bee true . Plutarch in his booke De educandis liberis sayth , Prater haec omnia ad sue faciendi sunt pueri vt vera dicant , &c. Aboue all things , children ought to be accustomed to speake the truth , in which consisteth the chiefe sanctimonie : but to lye , is a most base seruile thing , worthie the hate of all men , and not to be pardoned in seruants . Homer , Iliad . 1. to shew the difference betwixt Truth and False-hood , hath these words : Poene mihi est orci portis inuisior ipsis . Cuius verba son●●t aliud quam mente recondit . Hee 's to me hatefull , as the doores of Hell . That when he ill doth meane , doth promise well .

Iuuenal in his third Satyre giues it a more full and ample expression , after this manner : Quid Romae faciam ? mentiri nescio ; librum Si malus est , nequeo laudare , &c. What should I doe at Rome ? I cannot lye : If a bad Booke be layd before me , I Nor prayse it , nor desire it ; I haue no skill In the Starres motions , neither can n●r will I make deepe search into my fathers fate , To know when he shall die , nor calculate From the Frogges entrailes by inspection : neuer Was it my studie , how by base endeuour To panderize , or close conueyance hide Betwixt th' Adulterer and anothers Bride . These practises , seeke they ( that list ) t' attaine , Such as I haue beene , I will still remaine .

This Muse Polyhimnia , vnder whom I patronize this seuenth Booke , as she is the Mistresse and Ladie of Memorie , and consequently of the multiplicitie both of Hymnes and Histories , so from her I assume a kind of libertie to continue my varietie of Discourse , and from Mendacia come to Sales , or Dicteria , i. From Lyes to Ieasts , or ingenious and wittie answeres . For which , Athenaeus in his Dypnos . lib. 13. remembers these women famous ; Lamia , Gnathena , Lais , Glicera , Hyppo , Nico , Phrine , Thais , Leontium , and others . Yet least women should not be content to equall men onely , but to antecede them ; I will here commemorate some things , wittily and facetiously spoken by Princes and others . Anton. in Melissa , Part. 1. Serm. 56. speakes of an vnskilfull Physician comming to visit an old friend of his ( or at least an acquaintance ) saluting him in this manner : A Physician . Sir , God bee thanked you haue liued to a faire age , and are growne an old man : Yes Sir ( answered he ) and you Sir haue my health too , for I neuer made vse of any Physician . Cicero . Cicero thus playd vpon Vatinius , who was but a few dayes Consull : A great prodigie ( sayth he ) there happened in the yeare of his Consul-ship , That there was neither Spring , Summer , Autumne , nor Winter : one asking him , Why he had neglected to visit the Consull in his honour ? he answered , Hee had purposed it , but the night preuented him . Hee sported in the like kind vpon Caninius , Of him ( sayth he ) we haue had a most vigilant Consull , who neuer so much as slept in his Consul-ship . Lucius Manilius , Lucius Manilius . an excellent Painter , had drawne wonderous beautiful faces , but his children were exceedingly deformed : A friend of his supping with him one night , taunted him in these words , Non similiter fingis & pingis : as much to say , Thou doest not get thine owne children as thou doest paint others ; No wonder answered hee , For I get those faces in the darke ; but when I paint others , I doe them by the light of the Sun . The Christian Princes hauing vnited their forces to redeeme the Holy Land from the oppression of the Infidells , Santius of Spaine . Santius brother to the king of Spaine was made Generall of the Christian forces ; a man of great sanctitie and an austere life , and withall a noble souldier : hee amongst other Princes sitting in Councell with the Pope , but not vnderstanding the Roman Tongue , in which the businesse was then debated , onely hauing his interpreter placed at his feet ; vpon the sudden ( after their Decree ) there was a great acclamation and clamour , with flinging vp their caps , &c. At which Santius demanded of his interpreter , What that sudden ioy meant ? hee told him , It was because the Pope and Colledge of Cardinalls had by their publique sufferage created him king of Aegypt ( for the Saladine then vsurped in the Holy citie . ) Is it so ( saith he ) then arise and proclaime the Pope Caliph of Baildacha . Thus with a Princely libertie modestly taxing their forwardnesse ; who as they gaue him a Kingdome without a Countrie , he to requite the Popes gratitude , gaue him a Bishoprick without a Diocesse . Pacuuius Taurus . Pacuuius Taurus hauing for his former service sued to Augustus Caesar for some great & grosse summe of money , and the rather to induce the Emperor to bountie , told him , That it was voyced in the citie , and was frequent in euerie mans mouth , how hee had alreadie receiued a large donatiue from Caesar : to whom hee answered , Let them say what they will , Augustus Caesar. but doe not thou Pacuuius belleue it . To another that was remooued from his commaund , and sued for a pention , yet insinuating with the Emperour that it was for no couetous intent or any hope of gaine , but because it should be thought , that for no criminall cause he was put out of his place and dismist his office , that hee desired an annuall fee from the Treasurie : to whom Augustus replyed , Doe thou then report openly that thou hast a pention , and if any shall aske me about it , I will not denie but that I haue giuen it . The same Augustus going into a shop to buy Purple or Skarlet ( for in those dayes the Emperours were not so curious as some gentlemen are now ) hee cheapening a piece of Cloth , but not liking the colour , because it was not bright ynough , and the Draper hauing ( it seemes ) a darke shop ( such as are common amongst vs in our dayes ) faith the Draper to him , So please your Maiestie but to hold it vp into the light , and you shall see the colour more perfect . Gramercie for that ( saith he ) so when I purpose to shew my selfe amongst my subiects , to shew the true colour of my garments , I must likewise be tyed to walke vpon the Tarresses and tops of houses . Many other things are remembred of him , worthie to be commended to posteritie . Philip , Philip of Macedon . the father of Alexander the Great , had a custome when his armie was in the field , to leaue his owne Tent , and come into the priuate Halls and Cabbins of his souldiers , and obserue how they spent their idle howres : The Poet Calliniad . then following the campe , to whom the king had a particular loue , hee stole vpon him one day , and found him busily seething a Conger , stirring vp the fire , skimming the Kettle , and doing other such Cooke-like offices , for his particular diet : the king clapt him vpon the shoulder , and said ; I neuer read , ô Poet , that Homer , when hee was writing his famous Worke called the Iliades , could euer find so much spare time , as to kindle a fire , set on water , and skimme a Conger . To whom he presently answered : Neither remember I , O king , that I euer read in that Homer , the Prince of Poets , that Agamemnon , in all the time of the tenne yeeres siege of Troy , had such vacancie as thou hast now to prie into the Boothes of his souldiers ; and neglecting the publike affaires , to busie himselfe to know how euerie priuate man cookt his owne diet . This was a modest passage betwixt him that contended to act noble deedes , and him that the king knew could giue them full expression . Erasmus . lib. 6. Apoth . speakes of the Orator Crassus , Crassus . That when one Piso ( beeing accused by Sylus for some words speaking ) had incurred a Censure , and Crassus being then the Aduocate of Piso , found that Sylus his testimonie proceeded meerely from mallice and enuie ; after the Sentence was past , Crassus thus spoke to Sylus : It may be ( saith he ) this Piso ( notwithstanding this accusation ) was mooued , or angry , when he spake those words : who answered ( as reuerencing his authoritie ) Sir , It may be so . It may be too Sylus ( said he ) thou didst not at that time rightly vnderstand him : who againe answered , It was like ynough . And it may be ( said Crassus againe somewhat hastily ) That Piso neuer spoke those words which thou sayest thou heardest ; who answered vnaduisedly , And it may be so too : At which the Auditorie fell into a great laughter , Piso was acquit , and Sylus punisht , by the reuersement of Iudgement . It pleased a king of France , who had heard a great fame of the learned Scotus , Scotus . to send for him and to seat him at his Table ( which was a grace not common ) with expectation ( it seemes ) to heare from him some extraordinarie rare discourse , answerable to the fame was giuen of him . The scholler seeing such rarietie and varietie set before him , onely intended that for which he came , and eat with a good and sound stomacke : Which the king a prettie while obseruing , interrupts him thus ; Domine , qua est differentia inter Scotum & S●tum ? i. Sir , What is the difference betwixt a Scot and a Sot ? To whom he without pause replyed , Mensa tantum , i. The Table onely : the king playing vpon his name , and hee taxing the kings ignorance . A great Earle of this kingdome was sent ouer by Queene Elizabeth , to debate concerning State-businesse , and ioyned with him in commission one Doctor Dale , Doctor Dale . a worthie and approoued scholler : To meet with these , from the Spaniard were sent ( amongst other Commissioners ) Richardetti , that was Secretarie to K. Philip. These meeting about State-affaires , question was made , In what Language it was most fit to debate them ? Richardetti standing vp ( and belike hauing notice that our Embassadour was not well practised in the French Tongue ) thus said : In my opinion , it is most fit that this businesse about which wee are met , be discoursed in French ; and my reason is , because your Queene writes her selfe Queene of France . At which word , vp start the Doctor , and thus replyed : Nay then rather let it be debated in the Hebrew Tongue , since your king writes himselfe King of Ierusalem .

These may appeare digressions : I will onely , because this is a womans booke , end this argument with the answere of a woman , remembred by Petrarch . Azo , the Marquesse of Este , The wife of the Marquesse of Este. was eminent for many extraordinarie blessings both of Nature and Fortune : But as these were neuer perfectly enioyed without some difficultie and trouble , so it prooued in him ; for hauing a beautifull Ladie to his wife , he grew extreamely suspitious of her faith and loyaltie . He hauing by her a young sonne and heire then in the Cradle , looking earnestly vpon him , hee fetcht a deepe sigh ; of which shee demaunding the cause , he thus said , I would God wife this infant were as certainly mine , as it is assuredly thine , to confirme which to mine owne wishes and desires , I would willingly part with the greatest moietie of my meanes and fortunes . To whom shee answered , Let this be neither griefe to your heart nor trouble to your mind , for of this doubt I wil instantly resolue you : and taking the infant from the Cradle and holding it in her armes , she thus said , No man sir I hope , makes question but this child is mine : to which words he assenting , she thus proceeded , Then to cleere all former doubts and suspitions , Receiue him freely from my hands as my guife , and now you may presume he is only and absolutely yours . Whether she equiuocated or no , I am not certaine , only this I am most sured of , That she hath left a precedent behind her to all succeeding wiues , how their iealous husbands may be best confirmed in their suspected issue . I feare I haue bin somewhat to long in the Preamble , I will therefore now proceede to the matter . And first of Filiall pietie , ascending from Daughters to their Parents .

Of Pious Daughters .

OF Sonnes that haue beene remarkably gratefull to their Parents for their birth and breeding , the Histories are many , and the examples infinite : as of Coriolanus to his mother , celebrated by Tully in Lelio , Dionisius Halicarnasseus , Plutarch , Plini● , Gellius , Appianus , &c. as likewise of Lucius Manlius . Torq●atus , of M. Co●●a , Caius Flaminius , Cimon , remembred by Iustine , lib. 2. Cleobis , and Bithon ; Amphinomus , and Anapus , recorded by Herodotus and Solinus ; the sonne of Croesus , &c. Yet should I vndertake to write them all at large , they cannot exceed that Pietie of which I haue read in women . Suetonius and Cicero in an Oration pro Caelio , Claudia . speaking of Claudia one of the Vestall Virgins , thus report of her : Shee seeing her father in his triumphant Chariot riding through the streets of Rome , and by the Tribunes of the people ( who enuied his glorie ) pluckt and haled from his seat , she with a wondrous dexteritie , and a masculine audacitie , fr●ed him from the hands of the Tribunes and their Lictors , and maugre all their opposition , lifted him vp into his Chariot ; nor forsooke him , till shee saw him in all magnificent pompe receiued into the Capitoll : insomuch , that it was questioned amongst the Romans , which of them merited the greater triumph , hee for his vertue and valour in the Forum , or shee for her zeale and pietie in the Temple of Vesta : nor can it yet be decided which may claime a iust prioritie , the Father for his victorie , or the daughter for her goodnesse . Plinie , The Historie of a Pious Daughter . lib. 7. cap. 36. and Solinus speake of another Roman Ladie , of a noble Family , who when her mother was condemned at the Iudgement-Seat by the Praetor , and deliuered vp to one of the Triumviri to be committed to strait prison , and there for her offence to be priuately executed . But the keeper of the Gaole commiserating the Matron so sentenced ( eyther because he pittied her grauitie , or suspected her innocence ) did not cause her to be instantly strangled , according to the rigor of her sentence . At the importunacie of the daughter , he gaue her leaue to visit and comfort her mother , but narrowly searcht before her entrance into the prison , least shee should carrie with her any food or sustenance to her reliefe ; rather desiring she should perish by famine , and dye that way , than himselfe to haue any violent hand in her execution . The daughter hauing dayly accesse to the mother , who now had past ouer more dayes than the keeper thought was possible by nature , and wondering in himselfe how she should draw her thred of life out to that length , without any meanes to maintaine it ; hee casting a more curious eye vpon the young woman , and watching her , might perceiue how shee first drew out one breast , and after another , with her owne milke relieuing her mothers famine . At the noueltie of so strange and rare a spectacle being amazed , he carryed newes thereof to the Triumvir , he to the Praetor , the Praetor he related it to the Consuls , they brought it before the Senate ; who to recompence what was good in the daughter , pardoned all that was before thought ill in the mother : For what will not loue deuise ? or whither true zeale not penetrate ? What more vnheard or vnexpected thing could be apprehended , than for a mother to be fed from the breasts of her daughter ? Who would not imagine this to be against nature , but that we see by proofe , true naturall pietie transcends all bounds and limits ? The like of this we may read of in Plinie , of another young marryed woman , who when her father Cimon was afflicted with the same sentence , and subiect to the like durance , prolonged his life from her breasts , for which she deserues to be equally memorized . Our Parents in no dangers or necessities are to be by vs abandoned , and that by the example of Aeneas , in whose person Virgil thus speakes , as to his father Anchises , Aeneid . 2.

Eia age chare pater ceruici imponere nostrae , Ipse subibo numeris , nec me labor iste grauabit , &c. Come my deare father , and get vp , for see , No burthen to my shoulders you can bee , No weight at all ; and hap what can betide , One danger , or one safetie , wee 'l abide .

Rusticana . Sabellic . lib. 3. cap. 6. remembers vs of Rusticana , a noble Matron of Rome , and the daughter of Synnarchus , who with his brother Boetius ( the famous Philosopher ) being put to death by Theodoricus , king of the Gothes . Shee , after the Tirants miserable end , was the cause that all his Statues in Rome were demollished and ruined , purposing vtterly ( if it were possible ) to extirpe his memorie , that was the inhuman murderer of her father ; for which fact of hers being called in question before king Totila who succeeded him , she was so far from excuse or deniall , that she approued the deed with all constancie ; whose noble magnanimitie & resolution prooued more auailable to her saftie , than any timerous euasion could haue done , for he not only dismissed her vnpunished , but highly applauded and commended . Fulgos. Sabellicus and Egnatius writing of Alboinus king of the Longobards , who at his first enterance into Italie , hauing subdued and slaine Turismundus ( whom some call Cunimundus ) sonne to Cunimundus king of the Gepidanes , and after taken his daughter Rosamunda to wife ; the Historie sayth , hee made a bole of her fathers skull , in which one night hauing drunke somewhat lauishly , he caused it to be filled with wine and sent to Rosamunda , Rosamunda . then in her chamber , with this message , Commend me to my Queene and say , I command her to drinke with her father . The Ladie though shee knew him to be slaine by the Longobards , receiuing his death by a common casualtie and chance of war , and by this assuring her selfe that he fell by the hand of her husband ; betwixt filiall dutie and coniugall loue ( being for a time destracted ) the bond of affection towards her father , preuailed aboue those nuptiall fetters in which she was tyde to her Lord ; in so much that to reuenge the death of the one , she resolued to take away the life of the other : to bring which about , she deuised this proiect , she had obserued one Hemegildus a noble man amongst the Lumbards , to bee surprised with the loue of one of her waiting gentlewomen , with whom she dealt so far , that when her maid had promised to giue this Hemegildus meeting in a priuate and darke chamber , she her selfe supplyde the place of her seruant ; after which congression she caused lightes to be brought in , that he might know with whom he had had carnall companie , and what certeine preiudice he had therein incurred , protesting withall , that vnlesse he would ioyne with her in the death of the king , shee would accuse him of rape and outrage . The Lumbard to preuent his own disaster , vndertooke his soueraignes death , which was accordingly betwixt them performed . The murder done , they fled together to Rauenna , she preferring the reuenge of a slaughtered father before the life of a husband , the title of a Queene , State , Soueraigntie , or any other worldly dignitie whatsoeuer .

Something is not amisse to be spoken in this place concerning the loue of mothers towards their children , The loue of mothers to their children . which as Plutarch in his Grec . Apotheg . saith , was excellently obserued in Themistocles Prince of the Athenians , who was wont to say , That hee knew no reason but that his young sonne ( whom his mother most dotingly affected ) should haue more power and comma●nd than any one man in Greece whatsoeuer ; and being demanded the reason , hee thus answered : Athens ( sayth he ) commands all Greece , I Themistocles haue predominance ouer Athens , my wife ouer-swayes me , ●nd my sonne ouer-rules his mother . Olympias the mother of Alexander , Olympias . caused Iollaes graue to be ript vp ( who was Butler to her sonne ) and his bones to be scattered abroad , raging against him in death , on whom in his life time shee could not be reuenged on for the death of her sonne , to whom this Iollas was said to haue ministred poyson . Agrippina , Agrippina . the mother of Domitius Nero , by all meanes and industrie possible labouring to confirme the Empire vnto her sonne , enquired of the Chaldaeans and Astrologers , Whether by their calculations they could find if he should liue to be created Caesar ? who returned her this answer , That they found indeed by their Art that he should be Emperour , but withall that he should be the death of his mother . To whom she answered , Inter-ficiat modo Imperet , i. I care not though he kill me , so I may but liue to see him raigne , Sab. lib. 3. cap. 4.

Louing Mothers . The same Author tells vs , that in the second Punick warre , the Romanes being ouerthrowne with infinite slaughter , in the battailes fought at Thrasiamenus & Cannas , many that were reported to be assuredly dead escaping with life , after their funeralls had beene lamented , returning home vnexpectedly to their mothers , such infinite ioy oppressed them at once , that as if sinking beneath too great a burden , betwixt their kisses and embraces they suddenly expired . Aruntius the Roman being proscribed by the Triumuirat , his wife would neddes haue him take her deerely beloued sonne along with him , to associat and comfort him in his trauels , who when they had gone a ship-boord intending for Sicilia , and crost by an aduerse tempest , could neither proceede on in their voyage , nor returne to any safe landing ; such was their fate that they perished by famine , which the mother vnderstanding , more for the greefe of her sonne ( whom she her selfe proscribed ) than for her husband exiled by the Triumuirat , slew her selfe . The matrons of Carthage in the third Punick warre , The Mothers of Carthage . when the choysest of all the noble young men of the cittie were selected to bee sent as hostages into Sicilia , with weeping and lamentation followed them to the water side , and kept them hugged in their strict embraces , not suffering them to goe aboord ; but when they were forcibly plucked from them and sent vnto the ships , they no sooner hoysed saile , but many of these wofull and lamenting mothers , opprest with the extreamitie of sorrow , cast themselues headlong into the Sea and there were drowned , Sabel . lib. 3. cap. 4. The wife of Proclus Naucratides hauing a wilde and misgouerned sonne , The wife of Proclus . addicted meerely to voluptusnesse and pleasure , and withall to Cockes , Horses , Dogges , and such like pastimes ; his mother did not only not reproue him in this licensiousnesse , but would be still present with him to helpe to feed his Cockes , dyet his Horses , and cherish his Dogges : for which being reproued by some of her friends , as an incourager of his vnstayd and irregular courses to whom shee answered , No such matter , hee will sooner see then into himselfe and correct his owne vices , by conuersing with old folkes , than keeping company with his equalls . Niobes sorrow for her children , Auctoliaos death at the false rumor of her sonne Vlysses his Tragedie , Hecubaes reuenge vpon Polymnestor for the murder of her yong sonne Polydore , and Tomiris queene of the Massagets against Cyrus for the death of her sonne Sargapises , are all rare presidents of maternall pietie ; nay so superaboundant is the loue of mothers to their children , that many times it exceedes the bounds of common reason , therfore Terens in Heuton thus saith : Matres omnes filijs In peccato ad iutrices , & auxilio in patres Solent esse —

i. All mothers are helpers in their childrens transgressions , and ayd them to commit iniuries against their fathers ; Therefore Seneca in his Tragedie of Hippolitus breakes out into this extasie : — Oh nimium potens Quanto parentes sanguinis vinclo tenes Natura ? quam te colimus inuiti quoque . — Nature oh Too powerfull , in what bond of blood thou still Bind'st vs that parents are : commanding so , Wee must obey thee though against our will .

So great was the loue of Parisatis , Parisatis . the mother of Cyrus the lesse , to her sonne , that he being slaine , her reuenge vpon the murtherers exceeded example : for she caused one of them , whose name was Charetes , to be ten daies together excruciated with sundrie tortures , after commanded his eyes to be put out , and then moulten lead to be powred downe into the hollow of his eares ; the second , Metroclates , for the same treason shee commaunded to be bound fast betwixt two boats , and to be fed with figges and honey , leauing him there to haue his guts gnawne out by the wormes which these sweet things bred in his intrailes ; of which lingring torment he after many dayes perished ; the third , Metasabates , she caused to be flayed aliue , and his bodie to be stretched vpon three sharpe pikes or stakes , and such was his miserable end , a iust reward for Traitors . Fulgos. lib. 5. cap. 5. tels vs , That Augustus Caesar hauing subdued Cappadocia , and taken the king Adiatoriges prisoner , The wife of Adiatoriges . with his wife , and two sonnes ; after they had graced his triumphs in Rome , hee gaue command , That the father with the eldest sonne , should be put to death : now when the ministers designed for that execution , came to demand which of the two brothers was the elder ( for they were both of a stature ) they exceedingly contended , and either affirmed himselfe to be the eldest , with his owne death to repriue the others life ; this pious strife continuing long , to the wonder and amasement of all the beholders . At length Dietenius , at the humble intercession of his mother ( who , it seemes , loued him some deale aboue the other ) gaue way ( though most vnwillingly ) for the younger to perish in his stead . Which after being knowne and told to Augustus , hee did not onely lament the innocent young Princes death , but to the elder ( who was yet liuing with his mother ) he gaue great comforts , and did them after many graces and fauours ; so great a reuerence and good opinion doth this fraternall loue beget euen amongst enemies . Neither was this Queene to he taxed of seueritie or rigor to the youngest , since it was a necessitie that one must dye ; it was rather a Religion in her , hoping to leaue her first-borne to his true and lawfull inheritance . Now least I should leaue any thing vnremembred that comes in my way , that might tend to the grace and honor of the Sex , there is not any vertue for which men haue beene famous , in which some women or other haue not beene eminent ; namely , for mutuall loue , amitie , and friendship . Friendship in women . Marul . Lib. 3. cap. 2. tells vs of a chast Virgin called Bona , Bona. who liued a retyred life in a house of religious Nunnes : Shee had a bedfellow , vnto whom aboue all others shee was entired , who lying vpon her death-bed , and no possible helpe to be deuised for her recouerie , this Bona being then in perfect health of bodie ( though sicke in mind for the infirmitie of her sister ) fell vpon her knees , and deuoutly besought the Almightie , that shee might not suruiue her , but as they had liued together in all sanctitie and sisterly loue , so their chast bodies might not be separated in death . As shee earnestly prayed , so it futurely happened ; both died in one day , and were both buried in one Sepulchre , being fellowes in one House , one Bed , and one Graue , and now ( no question ) ioyfull and ioint inheritors of one Kingdome . Thus farre Marrull . But now to returne a little from whence wee began . Some sonnes haue beene kind to their parents : as in Sicilia , when the mountaine Aetna began first to burne , Damon snatcht his mother from the fire . Aeneas , in the fatall massacre of Troy , tooke his father vpon his backe , his sonne Ascanius in his hand , his wife Creusa following him , and passed through the sword and fire . Wee reade likewise in Hyginus , of Cleops and Bilias ( whom Herodotus calls Cleobis and Bython ) who when their mother Cidippe , Cidippe . the Priest of Iuno Argyua , should be at the Temple at the appointed houre of the Sacrifice , or failing , to forfeit her life : but when she came to yoake the Oxen that should draw her Chariot , they were found dead , her two sonnes before named layd their neckes vnder the yoake , and supplying the place of those beasts , drew her in time conuenient vnto the place where the sacred Ceremonies were ( according to the custome ) celebrated . The Oblations ended , and she willing to gratifie their filiall dutie , besought of the goddesse , That if euer with chast and vndefiled hands she had obserued her Sacrifice , or if her sonnes had borne themselues piously and religiously towards her , that she would graunt vnto them for their goodnesse , the greatest blessing that could happen to any mortall or humane creatures . This prayer was heard , and the two zealous sonnes drawing backe their mother in her Chariot from the Temple , vnto the place where she then soiourned , being wearie with their trauaile , layd them downe to sleepe . The mother in the morning comming to giue her sonnes visitation , and withall , thankes for their extraordinarie and vnexpected paines and trauaile , found them both dead vpon their Pallets : by which she conceiued , That there is no greater blessing to be conferred vpon man , than a faire death , when Loue , good Opinion , and Honor attend vpon the Hearse . These ( I must confesse ) are worthie eternall memorie , and neuer-dying admiration : But hath not the like pietie towards their parents beene found in women ? I answer , Yes . How did Pelopea , Pelopea . the daughter of Thiestes , reuenge the death of her father ? Hypsipile , Hypsipile . the daughter of Thoas , gaue her father life , when he was vtterly in despaire of hope or comfort ; Calciope would not lose her father , Calciope . or leaue him , though hee had lo●t and left his kingdome ; Harpalice , Harpalice . the daughter of Harpalicus , restored her father in battaile , and after defeated the enemie , and put him to flight ; Erigone , Erigone . the daughter of Icarus , hearing of the death of her father , strangled her selfe ; Agaue , Agaue . the daughter of Cadmus , slew the king Lycotharsis in Illyria , and possest her father of his before vsurped Diademe ; Xantippe . Xantippe fed her father Nyconus ( or , as some will haue it , Cimonus ) in prison with milke from her breasts ; Tyro , Tyro . the daughter of Salmoneus , to relieue her father , slew her owne children . Who will be further resolued of these , let him search Hyginus . And so much shall suffice for filiall dutie towards their Parents .

Of Sisters that haue beene kind to their Brothers .

THe Poets and Historiographers , to impresse into vs the like naturall pietie , haue left diuerse presidents to posteritie . Innumerable are the examples of fraternall loue betwixt Brother and Brother . To illustrate the other the better , I will giue you a tast of some few . Volater . lib. 14. cap. 2. de Antropo , Examples of fraternall Pietie . relates , how in that warre which Cai. Cornelius Cinna , Tribune , ( beeing expelled the citie with Caius Marius , and others ) commenced against the Romans , there were two brothers , one of Pompeyes armie , the other of Cinnaes , who meeting in the battaile , in single encounter one slew the other : but when the Victor came to rifle the dead bodie , and found it to be his owne naturall brother , after infinite sorrow and lamentation , he cast himselfe into the fire where the slaughtered carkasse was burned . M. Fabius the Consull , in the great conflict against the Hetrurians and Veientians , obtained a glorious victorie : when the Senate and the people of Rome had with great magnificence and cost , at their owne charge , prepared for him an illustrious triumph ; hee absolutely refused that honour , because Q. Fabius his brother ( fighting manfully for his countrey ) was slaine in that battaile : What a fraternall pietie liued in his breast , may be easily coniectured , who refused so remarkable an honour , to mourne the losse of a beloued brother ? Valer. cap. 5. lib. 5. Wee reade in our English Chronicles of Archigallo , brother to Gorbomannus , who being crowned king of Brittaine , and extorting from his subiects all their goods to enrich his owne Coffers , was after fiue yeeres deposed and depriued of his Royall dignitie , in whose place was elected Elidurus the third sonne of Morindus and brother to Archigallo , a vertuous Prince , who gouerned the people gently and iustly . Vpon a time beeing hunting in the Forrest , hee met with his brother Archigallo , whom hee louingly embraced , and found such meanes that he reconciled him both to the Lords and Commons of the Realme ; that done , he most willingly resigned vnto him his Crowne and Scepter , after hee himselfe had gouerned the Land fiue yeeres . Archigallo was re-instated , and continued in great loue with his brother , reigning ten yeeres , and was buried at Yorke ; after whose death , Elidurus was againe chosen king . What greater enterchange of fraternall loue could be found in brothers ? To equall whom , I will first begin with the sisters of Phaeton , called by some Heliades , by others Phaetontides ; Phaetontides who with such funerall lamentation bewayled the death of their brother , that the gods in commiseration of their sorrow , turned them into Trees : whose transformations Ouid with great elegancie expresseth , Lib. 1. Metamorph. as likewise Virgil in Cutice ; their names were , Phaethusa , Lampitiae , Phebe , &c. Antigone , Antigone . the daughter of Oedipus , when her brother Eteocles was slaine in battaile , shee buried his bodie , maugre the contradiction of the Tyrant Creon : of whom Ouid , Lib. 3. Tristium , — Fratrem Thebana peremplam Supposuit tumulo rege vetante soror . The Theban sister to his Tombe did bring Her slaught'red brothers Corse , despight the king .

Hyas being deuoured of a Lyon , Hyades . the Hyades ( his sisters ) deplored his death with such infinite sorrow , that they wept themselues to death : And for their pietie , were after by the gods translated into Starres ; of whom Pontanus , Fratris Hyae quas perpetuus dolor indidit astris .

Electra . Iliona . Thus you see how the Poet did striue to magnifie and eternize this Vertue in Sisters . No lesse compassionat was Electra , the daughter of Agamemnon , on her brother Orestes ; and Iliona , the issue of Priam , when shee heard the death of young Polidore . Stobaeus , Serm. 42. out of the Historie of Nicolaus de morib . gentium , sayth , That the Aethiopians , aboue all others , haue their sisters in greatest reuerence : insomuch , that their kings leaue their succession not to their owne children , but to their sisters sonnes ; but if none of their issue be left aliue , they chuse out of the people the most beautifull , and warlike withall , whom they create their Prince and Soueraigne . Euen amongst the Romans , M. Aurelius Commodus so dearely affected his sister , that being called by his mother to diuide their fathers Patrimonie betwixt them , hee conferred it wholly vpon her , contenting himselfe with his grandfathers reuenue . Pontanus de Liber . cap. 11.

I will end this discourse concerning Sisters , with one Historie out of Sabellicus , li. 3. c. 7. the same confirmed by Fulgosius , The wife of Intaphernes . lib. 5. cap. 5. Intaphernes was ( say they ) one of those confederat Princes who freed the Persian Empire from the vsurpation of the Magician brothers , and conferred it vpon Darius : who now being established in the supreme dignitie , Intaphernes hauing some businesse with the king , made offer to enter his chamber ; but being rudely put backe by one of the groomes or waiters , he tooke it in such scorne , that no lesse reuenge would satisfie his rage , than to cut off his eares and nose : of which the king hauing present notice , his indignation exceeded the others rage ; for he gaue commandement , That for this insolence and outrage done in the Pallace , and so neere his presence , that not onely Intaphernes the Delinquent , but all the male issue of his stocke and race whatsoeuer , should be layd hold vpon , and after , to the dread and terror of the like offendors , by mercilesse death tast the terror of the kings incensement . The Sentence of their apprehension was performed , and their execution hourely expected : when the wife of Intaphernes cast her selfe groueling before the Court gate , with such pittifull eiulations and clamours , that they came euen to the eares of Darius , and much penetrated him , being vttered with such passionate and moouing accents , able to mollifie the Flint , or soften Marble . Imprest therefore with her pittious lamentations , the king sent vnto her , That her teares and clamours had so farre preuayled with him , that from the condemned societie they had ransomed one , and one onely , to continue the memorie of their Name and Familie ; chuse amongst them all , whose life she most fauoured , and whose safetie with the greatest affection desired , but further than this to graunt her his Sentence was vnalterable . None that heard this small ( yet vnexpected ) fauour from the king , but presently imagined she would either redeeme her husband , or at least one of her sonnes , two of them beeing all that shee had then groning vnder the burthen of that heauie Sentence . But after some small meditation ( contrarie to the expectation of all men ) shee demaunded the life of her brother . The king somewhat amased at her choyse , sent for her , and demaunded the reason , Why shee had preferred the life of a brother before the safetie of such a noble husband , or such hopefull children ? To whom shee answered , Behold ( O king ) I am yet but young and in my best of yeeres , and I may liue to haue another husband , and so consequently by him more children : But my father and mother are both aged , and stricken in yeeres ; and should I lose a Brother , I should for euermore be depriued of that sacred Name . At which words the king exceedingly moued , to see with what a fraternall zeale they were spoken , he not onely released her brother , but added to his vnexpected bountie the life of her eldest sonne .

Of Matrimonie , and Coniugall Loue .

IT was inserted in Platoes Lawes , That what man soeuer liued a Batchelor aboue fiue and thirtie yeeres of age , was neyther capable of Honor , nor Office , Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 4. cap. 8. Licurgus , the Law-giuer amongst the Lacedemonians ( as the same Author testifies ) to shew the necessitie of Marriage , made a Decree , That all such as affected singlenesse and sollitude of life , should be held ignominious . They were not admitted to the publique Playes , but in the Winter were compelled to passe through the Market-place naked , and without garments . The Law of the Spartans set a fine vpon his head first , that married not at all ; next , on him that married not till hee was old ; and lastly , on him they set the greatest mulct , that married an euill wife , or from a strange Tribe , Stobae . Sermon . 65. Fulgosius calls these Iudgements Cacogamia , and Opsigawi● , lib. 2. cap. 1. So laudable and reuerent was Marriage amongst the Lacedemonians , procreation of children , and fertilitie of issue , That whosoeuer was the father of three children , should be free from Watch and Ward by day or by night ; and whosoeuer had foure , or vpward , were rewarded with all Immunities and Libertie : This Law was first confirmed by Q. Metellus Numidicus , Censor ; after , approoued by Iulius Caesar ; and lastly , established by Augustus . Memorable are the words of Metellus , in a publike Oration to the people : If wee could possibly be without wiues , O Romans ( saith he ) wee might all of vs be free from that molestation and trouble : but since Nature incites vs , and necessitie compells vs to this exigent , That wee can neither liue with them without inconuenience , nor without them at all ; more expedient it is therefore , that we ayme at the generall and lasting profit , than at our owne priuate and momentanie pleasure . Bruson . lib. 7. cap. 22. The Athenians , the Cretans , the Thurians , all in their Statutes and Ordinances encouraged Marriage , and punished the obstinacie of such as tooke vpon them the peeuishnesse of singlenesse , and sollitude , either with amercement , or disgrace . To that purpose was the Law Iulia instituted , that incited young men in their prime and flourishing age to the marriage of wiues , propagation of issue , and education of children ; and that such should be encouraged by rewards , and the opposers thereof to be de●erred with punishments . Tiberius Caesar depriued one of his Quaestorship , because he diuorced himselfe from his wife , hauing beene but three dayes married , alledging , That hee in whom there was such lightnesse , could not be profitable for any thing . Claudius Caesar caused the Law Papia to be abrogated , giuing men of threescore yeeres and vpwards , the free libertie to marrie , as at those yeares of abilitie to haue issue . Theodoretus , lib. 1. cap. 7. and Sozomenus , lib. 1. cap. 10. both write , That in the Nicene Councell , when certaine of the Bishops would introduce into the Church a new Decree , before that time not knowne , namely , That all Bishops , Prelates , Priests , Deacons , and Spirituall or Religious men , should be made vncapable of Marriage ; as also all such as in the time of their Laitie ( before they booke the Ministerie , or any seruice of the Church vpon them ) should be separated from their wiues , of whom they were then possest : One Paphnu●ius , Confessor , ( who was likewise Bishop of a citie in the vpper Thebais ) stood vp , and with great feruencie opposed the motion , yet a man of approoued chastitie , and great austeritie of life : who though he were mightily opposed , yet at length so farre preuailed with the Synod of the Fathers , that it was definitiuely concluded , That though the marriage of Priests were interdicted● and singlenesse of life inioyned them , yet all such as had wiues were dispensed withall , till death made a separation betwixt them . Pius , the second Pope of that name ( being a man of vnquestioned prudence and grauitie , weightie in his words , and discreet in all his actions ) was often heard to say , That he held it more conuenient and consonant both to reason and Religion , that their wiues should be restored to Priests , than taken from them . For the wise Bishop well vnderstood , that the restraining them from lawfull marriage , was the occasions of their falling into many great and grieuous sinnes , which by the former legall and regular course might be preuented : and if the libertie of Marriage were againe admitted , peraduenture many of those sinnes might in time decrease and be forgotten , into which by that restraint they were subiect hourely to fall , Fulgos. lib. 7. cap. 2. This short discourse shall serue for the necessitie of Marriage ; which is euer the most pleasing and contented , when it is made betwixt equals . Therefore Ouid. Lib. Epist. Heroid . thus writes : Quam male inequales veniunt ad aratra iuuenci Tam premitur magn● coniuge Nupta minor , Non honor est sed onus , &c.

Which though not verbum verbo , yet the intent of the Author I giue you thus in English : Vnsightly doe the vnmatcht Heifers draw , Nor can the Plough goe euen then : such the Law Of Wedlocke is ; to preuent Nuptiall strife , There must be paritie 'twixt man and wife . Then needes the one the other must oppresse , The husband great in power , the wife much lesse : It is no honor , but a burthen rather , To ioyne , and not be equall : this we gather From th' vneuen yoake , for so you cannot strike The furrow straight ; if match , match with thy like .

Times forbidden in Marriage . From the conueniencie or rather necessitie of Marriage , I will speake briefly of the times granted and allowed for the ceremonie , or limitted and forbidden amongst other Nations ; as also of some proemes or preambles , before the consummation . It was religiously obserued among the Romans , that no marriage was suffered to be celebrated in the month of May , in which the Lemuria were kept solemne , which were in remembrance of Remus & to the pacification of his ghost or shaddow ; nor whilest the Feralia nor the Parentalia were solemnised . The first was to appease the gods for dead soules , ( as our All-soules-day ) the others were feasts made at burialls of their fathers , brothers , or ancestors ; neither any day that was held impure , nor when the Ancylia were obserued , nor vpon any feastiuall or holy-day , nor in the month of Iune till after the Ides , neither did the Romans in their espousalls neglect Auguries and Presages , if either there were earth-quake or a troubled firmament , they held it fatall ; and therfore deferred it to a more quiet Earth , or lesse turbulent Heauen . A Crow they hold to predict a fortunate Omen , and an inuiolate league of future faith and loyaltie betwixt the bride and bridegroome , for such is the societie of Crowes that if one dye the other which is widowed neuer chuseth other mate : the like is remembered of the beast called a Loz or Lynx , aboue all other the quickest sighted , as also of the Turtle . Alex. ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 5. No betrothed Virgin could marrie amongst them , vpon any of their holy dayes or such as they called feastiuall ; but a widow had that libertie , so it were done in priuat and without any solemne ceremonie : the reason pretended was , Because to a widow there could be no force offered as to a Virgin , and therefore it was no violent but a meere holy-day labour : Vpon this Verrius Flaccus tooke occasion apud Verronem in these words , Fossas veteres festis diebus licet tergere Nouas facere non licet . Old ditches on the feast-dayes they might skower , But to digge new the law admits no power .

The Persians were onely permitted to contract matrimonie in , Ceremonies before Marriage . or before the Sommer equinoctiall , but not after : The Dapsolites once a yeare make a solemne conuention of all the men and women that are disposed to marriage , in one day , in which after their great feast , the women retyre themselues and lay them downe vpon their seuerall pallats , the lightes being all put out , the men according to their number are admitted in the darke , where without any premeditate choyse but meere lot and chance , euerie man chuseth her whom he first lightes on and diuirginates her ; and be shee faire or foule , euer after holds her as his wife , Stobae Sermon . 42. Amongst the Carmanians no man is suffered to marrie , before hee hath presented the head of an enemie to the king . About the Lake Meotes , there is a people called Laxamatae● amongst whom no Virgin contracts matrimony before she hath subdued an enemie . There is a law amongst the Armenians , that Virgins are first prostituted in an old Temple dedicated to the goddesse Anetes , whose picture was of sollid gold ; which Antonius after sacriligiously ( as they held it ) tooke away : according to the gaine of their compression , it was lawfull for any man to chuse a wife where he pleased . Amongst the Ciprians , the Virgins before marriage dayly repayre to the Sea-shore , and there companie with strangers , till they haue got such a competent summe as may make vp their mariage dower . The Phoenicians doe the like in the cittie of Syca , but their prostitution is in the Temple of Venus ; but the surplusage that ariseth aboue the dower , returnes towards the repayring of the Church . The Carthagenians obserue the like custome . The Lydian Virgins before they were suffered to lye with their husbands , made themselues for a cert●ine time common to any man , till tyred with sacietie they came gentle and quiet to their beds , and from that time forward vowed chastitie , but if any one was found euer after to transgresse the bounds of temperance , she was punished with all rigor and crueltie , Aelian . lib. 4. de Var. Hist. Lycurgus hauing prescribed a certaine age , before which time it was not lawfull for young men and maides to haue carnall companie , being demaunded the reason , answered , Because the issue that proceedes from those of ripe yeares and growne strength , is likewise able and perfect ; but the hastie and vntimely generation is still subiect to weakenesse and infirmitie . Plutarch in Laconic .

Of Contracts before marriage , and of Dowries , amongst whom they were allowed , and by whom forbidden .

Of Contracts IT was a custome amongst the Grecians and Lacedemonians , when a yong man and a Virgin were contracted , to eate of bread together that had bin deuided by a sword : Romulus the first erector of the citie Rome , caused the couenant of marriage to bee performed betwixt them by a reciprocall receiuing of bread and water . There was after his time no stipulation or nuptiall league fully confirmed , without fire & water placed at the threshold of the doore where they should enter , both these they both were inioyned to touch ; with the water the new bride was after sprinckled , as if by that ceremonie they were coupled & ioyned in an inexpiable couenant and inseparable bond of affection ; these two being the cheefe elements of nature , on which the life of man in our common food most essentially exist . Amongst the Indians , vnlesse both the husband and wife annointed their bodies all ouer with a gum or oyle distilling from certaine trees growing by the riuer Pha●is , the matrimonie was not to be allowed . The Persians and the Assirians , onely ioyned their right hands in contract : so likewise the antient Germanes , accounting that the onely firme pledge of their loue and loyaltie . Amongst the Galatians in their espousalls , the bridegroome drunke to the bride in a cup of Greekish wine ; in other places of milke , which shee pledged him ; by this ceremonie intending that their nuptialls were not onely firmely contracted , by that mutuall loue , equall societie , coniugall loyaltie , marriage concord , but like food and dyet should alwayes bee common betwixt them . Alex. ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 5. Of Nuptiall Dowries . Concerning nuptiall Dowries , by some nations approoued by others interdicted . Lycurgus and Solon because they would not haue the Virgins oppressed by the couetousnesse of men , forbad by their lawes that any man should demaund a dower with his wife ( a necessarie and profitable decree ; ) by which he was condemned , that being a long suitor to the daughter of Pysander , and promising her marriage in her fathers life time , repudiated the contract after his death , because he dying poore , her dower did not answere his expectation . Aelian . lib. 6. de Var. Histor. Amongst the Hetru●ians it was held base and ignoble , and absolutely forbidden by their inscribed statutes , for a man to send tokens or gifts to her whom he affected ; accounting them no better than bribes or mercenarie hire , not fit to bee thought on in such a sacred commixion , where nothing should bee meditated saue sincere loue and coniugall pietie . The Aegyptians were so opposite to demaunding of portions with their wiues , that they called all such as receiued them , no better than slaues to them and their dowries . Now touching bridall gifts and presents , Of Nuptiall Gifts or Presents . It was an antient custome amongst the Greekes , that the father , the day after the solemnisation of the marriage , sent to the bride some spousall offerings , which they called Epa●lia dora , they were vshered by a beautifull yong lad attyred in a long white vesture reaching to his heele , bearing in his hand a bright burning taper : in order followed after him all such young men and maides youthfully attyred , that brought the presents ; one presented Gold , another Gemmes , a third a Basin and Ewre with other Plate-dishes , a fourth Boxes of Alablaster full of sweet Oyles and Vnguents , a fift rich Sandals or Slippers , with other necessaries belonging as well to the whole house as to their priuat bed-chamber , Alex. ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 5. Solon to this marriage-offering allowed onely three sorts of garments for the Bride to bring with her , besides such small gifts as were tendered by the kindred , friends , and houshold seruants . A damosell of Lacaena being poore , and demanded , What Dower she had to bring to her husband , and to marrie her with ? answered , That which was left mee as an inheritance from mine ancestors , namely , Vertue and Modestie ; Ingeniously inferring , that there is no more commendable Dower to be expected in marriage , than Chastitie and vncorrupt Manners . The daughters of C. Fabritius , Cn. Scipio , and Manius Curius , because their fathers left them not portions sufficient to bestow them according to their byrth and qualitie , had their Dowers allotted them from the common Treasurie . There was a Law amongst the Romans , That no Virgins Dower should exceed the summe of ten thousand pieces of Siluer : But after , that limitation was taken away , and brought to fortie thousand and vpward . Insomuch , that Metulia ( because the Dower of which she possest her husband , Metulia amounted to fiue hundred thousand pieces ) had a sirname bestowed vpon her● beeing euer after called Dotata . Dotata . In ancient times the husbands wooed their Brides with a Ring of Iron , without any Stone or Gemme , but meerely circular and round ; by that denoting the parsimonie of diet , and frugalitie in liuing . Homer ( the Prince of Poets ) hauing no wealth with which to bestow his daughter vpon a thriftie citisen , gaue her onely an Epithal●mium , with certaine Cyprian Elegies ; for so Pindarus and Aedianus , lib. 9. affirme . The Carthaginians gaue no Portions with their Virgins , but were onely at the charge of the Nuptiall feasts , which grew to be immoderate and wastfull . Amongst the Indians , none can clayme a greater Dower with his wife than the price of a yoake of Oxen ; neither can he marrie out of his owne Tribe . The Assyrians brought their noblest Virgins into the marketplace , and their prices there publikely proclaymed by the Cryer , whosoeuer wanted a wife , and would reach to the summe propounded , might there be furnished ; and he that had not readie money , if he could put in good securitie , it was held sufficient . The like custome was amongst the Babylonians ; in which they obserued this order , They first set out to sale the most ingenuous , and beautifull , and those at an high rate ; and when they were put off , they brought forth the worser featured , euen vnto the degree of deformitie , and then the Cryer proclaymes , That who will marrie any of them , he shall haue so much , or so much , to recompence her foulenesse , or lamenesse . And this money which sells them , is collected from the ouerplus of the price of the other : so that the beautie of the faire ones , helpes to bestow and dispose of the foule . The Mass●lienses would not suffer any man to receiue with his wife more than an hundred pieces of Gold . Amongst the Cretans , halfe the brothers estate was conferred vpon the sister , to make her a Dowrie . The antient Germans , when they had made choyse of such with whom they meant to marrie , at their proper charge prouided them of Dowries . Which custome euen to these later times hath beene continued amongst the Celtiberians , who dwelt in a part of the Pyrenes , a Prouince which is now called Biskay , Fulgos. lib. 2. cap. 1. And with the Dower which he sent , he was tyed to present her likewise with a Horse bridled , a Sword , a Targuet , and an Armour , with a yoake of Oxen. And these were held to be the most assured Pledges of Coniugall loue , without which no Nuptials were legally solemnized . Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 5. Idem , lib. 4. cap. 8.

Of Nuptiall Ornaments , Pompe , Feasts , Epithalamions , &c.

Nuptiall Ornaments . AMongst the Greekes , the Bride was crowned with water-Mints , or Cresses : her head was kembed with a piece of a Lance or Speare of a Fencer , with which some man had beene slaine ; it was called Caelibaris , which imported , that the new-married Bride should bee as conioynedly commixt with her husband in mutuall affection , as that Speare was inward in the trans-pierced bodie , when it was drawne from the wound : A strange Aenigma it appeares to me ; howsoeuer , it is so recorded . Her hayre was parted the one way and the other , leauing a seame in the middest , that her forhead and face might be the plainlyer discouered . Some interprete it as an Embleme , that she might be the breeder of a warlike and valorous issue ; or else , that by that ceremonie she should euer acknowledge her selfe obsequious to the will and pleasure of her husband , Alexand. ab Alex. lib. 2. cap. 5. In other places of Greece the Brides heads were couered with a Veyle , to signifie her bashfulnesse and modest shame : It was of Clay-coloured Silke , by which colour the Matrons of the most temperate life and modest carriage , denoted vnto the world their continence and vertue . Amongst the Athenians , the Bridegroome kept his Bride concealed and couered at home in the place where she was after to be devirgined ; the doores of the house were adorned with white Wooll , and crowned and beautified with Lawrel , which were first touched by the Bride , who annointed the posts and daubed the thresholds with Swines grease , or the fat of Wolues , to preuent all Pest , or pernicious diseases from euer hauing entrance into that house . Some vsed to sprinkle their heads with a rough kind of hearbe called Carix , much like vnto Broome , with the fruits of Palme-trees , with Pulse or Pease , and with a kind of powder which belongs to Painting : this office was still performed by new seruants , at their first entrance into the houses of their maisters . The Law of Lycurgus amongst the Spartans was , That the Bride should cut her haire , and putting her selfe into mans habite , be brought into her chamber by the Bride-maids , who had before prepared it ; and being left by them , the Bridegroome then entred , and first vnloosing her Virgin Girdle , hee had free libertie of congression . In Boeotia their Virgins were crowned with a wreath made of the hearbe called Sperage . In the Isle Cous the husbands were compelled to enter the Bride-chamber , attyred like women . It was an vse amongst the Locrenses , for the Matrons to picke and gather selected flowers to make garlands for the Brides ; but such as were bought for money , were held vile and contemptuous . The antient Latines , as well the Bride as Bridegroome , wore Ribbands and Laces partie-coloured , White and Purple : so likewise they are apparcelled in checkred garments , of the same colours ; or else their neckes are put into one yoake ( a ceremonie they haue ) of which Iuno , the goddesse of Marriage , is called Iugalis ; intimating , that with concordant minds and equall sufferance they should beare all distresses and disasters . All Marriages amongst the Lusitanians were celebrated in Rose-coloured garments , or else not permitted . The Chelidonian women that had prostituted themselues to strangers , went with halfe of their faces open , the other halfe couered , else it was not lawfull for them to be seene abroad . They wore Girdles of Sheepes wooll wouen , about their Wasts , which was fastened about them with an Herculean Knot , which was not lawfull for any to vnloose , but either in the Bride-bed , or in the celebration of the Sacreds ; in which they obserue a kind of Omen , that they should prooue as fruitfull in the propagation of issue , as Hercules was in getting of children . The German Virgins , when they prepared to giue meeting to their betrothed , and so to proceed to the Coniugall ceremonie , put on a straight or plaine garment , such a one as they in some places call a Huke , and ouer that a Cloake without spot or stayne , bearing a garland wouen of Veruaine , an hearbe dedicated to Venus , with other selected flowers intermixed . And so much for their Habite and Nuptiall Ornaments vsed amongst forraine Nations : I will now giue you the description of a Bride , in her way to the Bride-chamber .

Descriptio Egredientis Sponsae . At length comes forth the Bride ( in all parts rare ) The Bride comming out of her chamber . Full ripe for man ( of Venus the iust care : ) A Virgins face , a Virgins chast active She weares . Now modest blushes kindle fire Within her bashfull cheeke , which by degrees Growes still more hot , and warmes all that she sees . The youthfull fri● , dispersed here and there , On tip-toe mooue , to see this starre appeare , And rise with such refulgence : on each hand The aged Fathers and the Matrons stand , And make a reuerent Lane for her to passe : She makes them thinke vpon the time that was , Their prime , their youth , their strength ( now gone and wasted ) And Nuptiall sweets , which they before ha●e tasted . On still she goes , and by the armes her lead Two Ganimedes : where she vouchsafes to tread , The Earth would haue her feet still to insist , As loth to part with what so late it kist . Still further she proceedes vpon the way , With her loose locks the Winds delight to play , And Boreas ( as if once againe turn'd Louer ) Blowes off her Veyle , the better to discouer So rare a Beautie ; and amaz'd , dare sweare A new Orythea doth in h●r appeare : He wantons with her garments , to behold Her pictured Vesture , clouded late in Gold ; Did not her modest hands her coates ke●●● downe , Hee 'd blow her bare , them seize her as hi● own● . Thus habited was Argius Hellen seen● , When Menelaus made her Sparta●s Q●eene . The Goddesses celestiall , when they trace The milkie path to Ioues high Pallace , grace Their rich attyre no better , scarce so well : They in some one thing 'boue the rest excell , But she in youth , strength , state maiesticall , In vntoucht puritie , pulchritude , all That beautifies the Sex . Thus is the Bride Brought to the place , where she must now reside . Egrediens Sponsus . The Bridegroomes first appearing . See from another part the gates spread wyde , From whence the Bridegroome issues tow'rds the Bride , A Youth of the first haire , whose tender skinne● Yet neuer rasor felt , his budding chinne ( Saue Downe ) can nothing show : vpon him flowes A curious mantle , which he carelesse throwes About him with neglect , as skorning pride , The ground thereof in Tyrian Purple dide , And mixt with golden Wyres ; for vnderstand , 'T was wouen with his carefull mothers hand ; About the edge double meanders run : 'T was long in worke , but against this day done . His count'nance loftie , and his shoulders spred , As sometimes we haue seene gods figured : In whose bright eye the life of youth doth shine , And as the day-starre from the Oceans bryne Where he hath newly wash't himselfe appeares , And as he mooues , the place about him cleeres ; So he , his star-like eyes ayme at the place To which he hasts , his deere loue to embrace : Loue troubles him , whil'st she attends him still , Till entring , hee finds time to gaze his fill , And feasts his eyes vpon his souereigne blisse , That done , they first take hands , embrace , then kisse . Oblatio munerum , or the Offering . The Nuptiall Offering . The young men with their Presents next proceed , With an affected gate , they neither speed , Nor doth their pace seeme tarde , but on row In order march , to make the goodlier show . ( Their parents set about them ) now behold , The first a rich roabe offers , stain'd with gold , Figured with beasts and birds and creeping things . Talents of gold and yuorie the next brings , One an embrodered Chaire , and then another A Cabinet , which for the time doth smother Iewels , and Gemmes . The Tables seeme to bend And swell with golden heapes the offerers send , Of Coyne and Plate , the next before them throwes : Chaplets , set round with stones to decke their browes , To her a hand-maid's giuen , as tither brest A sucking babe ; the morall is exprest , In fertile marriage , as he would haue sed Loe here the faire fruits of a nuptiall bed . Foure young men , and as many Virgins stand Obsequious all to hers and his command . Their hair 's alike ( as 't is the custome ) shorne , And all their neckes rich chaines of gold adorne . The Epithalamium , or Nuptiall song . The mothers then , with more than common care Make businesse , and bestirre them ; who prepare To leade them to their rest , whom as they bring Neere to the chamber doore , the Quirers thus sing : Oh you most Faire , most Chast , and meriting Bride , The Nuptiall Song . Of a like Husband ; now to sports vntride Applie your selues : and may your Nuptiall sheetes Flowe and abound with all delicious sweetes : Oh may Lucina when her childing growes Be present , and release her painefull throwes : Prooue fruitfull as the Vine , let Bacchus fill Her cup to th' brim , with iuices that distill From his choice Grapes : the husband in all places Skatter ripe Nuts , with Ribbands and with Laces ; A Ceremony , for them to cast Nuts about , vsed amongst the Romans . The Altars hang and deck , since he hath got To lodge with him , a Virgin without spot , A Flower , a Vertue , Glorie of man-kind , And of her Sex the pride , ô may you find Long dayes of ioy , nights shortned in your rest , And as your parents are in you , liue blest In your faire Issue , you are happie then , Harke , harke , to this , the Fates cry all Amen . Ingressus in cubiculum , i. Their entrance into their bed-chamber . Being entred , and the bed with all things fit , Their going to bed . Vpon the side therof a while they sit , When ( left alone ) they talke , and ioy , and smile , She whil'st she can the time seekes to beguile , Till suddenly her cheekes are all bewept , To loose so soone what she so long hath kept , And oft she casts her eye vpon the place Where she 's to wrestle , and she hides her face , But thinking on 't , nor dares to enter in , Doubting what 's lawfull , still to be a sin : He with such gentle force compells the lasse , As would not breake her were she made of glasse , So loath he is i● hur● her , yet he throwes Her softly downe and to her side then growes , Venus begins to teach them a new trade , The marriage queene here playes the chambermaid ; Iuno her selfe , who 's now officious growne , And there attends to teach them warres vnknowne , Th' whilst he seekes for babyes in her eyes , Feeles her white neck and yuorie brests , that rise Like two white snowie Hills , and still doth praise All that he feeles or touches ; then thus says , Oh fresh and flowrishing Virgin , now my Bride , And are you growne at length thus neere my side ? Of all my hopes the store-house and the treasure , My long expected , now my latest pleasure : My sweet and deerest wife , this could not be , Nor happen thus but by the gods decree , And will you now tht power of Loue withstand ? At this she turnes , and stayes his forward hand , Trembling to thinke on that which was t' ensue , Or prooue the thing which yet she neuer knew . 'Twixt Hope and Feare , she thus replyes● Oh faire And louely Youh , list to a Virgins praier , By thee I in●reat , by those which got thee , such Thy parents ( loe ) I onely begge thus much , Pittie my teares , put me to no affright , I onely craue repriue but for this night . With that she seemes intranc't , and prostrate lyes , Hath not one word to vtter more , nor eyes To see her selfe vnuirgin'd , winckes , lyes still , And since he needs must , lets him act his will : Betwixt them two they quench their amorous Fires , She , what she feares , he hath what he desires .

I dare proceede no further with the Author , whose conceit I haue borrowed , but his words not altogether imitated ; those that haue read him I make no question , will say I haue broke off and shooke hands with him in good time , and as farre as I haue gone hand in hand with him , rather added to his inuention , than any way derogated from his stile , or detracted from his conceite ; therefore I pause and now proceede to the Nuptiall Pompe , vsed amongst forreine nations , according to my promise .

Nuptiall Pompe . Pausonias hath left related , That it was the custome amongst the Grecians , for the bride to bee placed betwixt her betrothed husband and one of her next of kindred , and so in a Chariot ( which was called by them Parochus ) to be drawne thorow the streetes , the Axel-tree thereof at her comming home was taken off and burned before the gates of her house , to signifie that she must euer after be an housewife and keepe within , as a faithfull and industrious ouerseer of their domesticke affaires and businesse . It was the fashion in other Prouinces of Greece , that those of lower degree ( I meane the brides ) when they were conducted home to their husbands , a young Boy went before them hung round with Oaken leaues and Acornes , bearing on his arme a wicker Basket full of bread ; who all the way cryed aloud , Efugi malum , & inueni bonum , i. I haue shunned the bad , and found or made choyse of the good . As she enters the doores , there the bridegroome stands readie to receiue her , the children demaund wall-nuts , which are cast vnto them in aboundance . Amongst the Rhodians , the bride is called from her fathers house by the common Cryer , & by him conducted to the bed of her betrothed . The Romans obserued another custome : Their brides were not to touch the ground or pauement with their feet , but were snatched vp in their armes and borne vpon their shoulders , and as if shee were rapt and forcibly against her will hurried to her bedchamber : so Plutarch affirmes , others adde , That their haire was braided & combed with a peece of a souldiers speare , intimating that they were now valiantly and resolutely to enter a new warr and skirmish . Amongst the Lusitanians , she was not permitted either to walke her selfe , or be led to her nuptiall Chamber , but the yong men came , and with pretended rudenesse and force snatched her from the armes of her mother , as if according to the Roman custome shee were rauished thence ; before them went a piper & one that sung an Hymenaean song , all her alliance and kindred attended her , of whom one bore a Distaffe with Towe , another a Spindle , next her a young man and a maide that had their parents liuing , one lighting them with a taper whose staffe was made of a Pine-tree ; and with these ceremonies shee was conducted to her bride-bed .

Sacred Auguries and Nuptiall Expiations , &c.

THe Auspices or Auguries , were Southsayers and such as vsed to handfast or contract marriages , and these were still consulted with , as well in vndertaking Warres as propounding Nuptialls , as also in most of their publique enterprises or priuate imployments : these diuined either from the voyces or by the flying of birds . The women supt with their husbands the first night in their beds as they lay together , which seemed to be an inuitation of the gods , Because Iupiters banquets are ( as some report ) after the same manner celebrated , for he still feasted in his bed , and Iuno and Minerua sitting in chaires or vpon benches , Valer. lib. 2. cap. 1. The Athenians at their bridalls had the roome fumed with the skin of a blacke dogge , burned in the fire , his p●iuie parts were buried vnder the threshold of the doore ; at the outward gate was hid in the Earth the snowt of a Wolfe , & these they held to expell all Effacinations and Witch-crafts from the house : others vse a Fish called Stella Marina or the Sea-starre , Alex. ab . Alex. lib. 1 cap. 24. which sprinckled with the blood of a Wolfe preserued the marriage couple from all dangers or disasters . Cynxia and Gamelia Iuno were deuoutely celebrated in Hymenaean contracts . Cinxia . Gamelia . In all their sacrifices they tooke from the entrailes the Gall of the beast , and buried it in an obscure and remote place not far from the Altar , thereby signifiing that all marriage ought to bee without gall or bitternesse . Amongst the Boetians and Locrens●s no contract was held firme vnlesse they had before offered at the Altar of the Virgin Euclia . Euclia . In Rome there was a custome of old , that all maides before marriage should kneele some certeine houres in the Temple of the god Futinus ( whom wee may tearme the god predominant in the act of Copulation ) and of him intreate happie successe in their future congression . The Etrurians in their Hymenaenan bargaines from the noblest to the lesse qualified , slew hogges in their sacrifices , by that calling the gods to witnesse , That their league and couenant was from thencefoorth inviolable not to be altered but by lawfull Diuorse , Death , Captiuitie , or Slauerie and losse of freedome . Many other are reckoned vp by Alex. ab Alex. too tedious here to insert : a word or two of their Hymnes and Nuptiall Inuocations .

Hymnes and Inuocations . The antient Greekes vsed a kind of Verse , which they called Amboeum carmen , the same which ( they say ) was sung by the gods at the brydalls of Peleus , the father of Achilles and Thetis . Aristophanes in Auibus saith , That they were wont to cry aloud , Humin Ho Humenai Ho Humin . In other places , at their marriages , the Matrons held the Tapers and Torches , at which time were sung Fesciuini , which were broad and bawdie Verses : and they being ended , that which they call the solemne and sacred Hymne in the Athenian Espousals , was sung ; Bonos ama timidos repelle , &c. Loue those that good are , and the fearefull shun ; Obseruing these , thou do'st what 's to be done .

Plato in Gorgia affirmes , That at Nuptiall Feasts was vsed to be sung this short Hymne following : Formosum esse & diuitem & be●e valere , Summum existimari bonum . To attaine the soueraigne blisse , let vs implore Health , Wealth , and Beautie , then we need no more .

The Romans ( as Liu. lib. 1. Decad. and Plin. cap. 2. de viris illustribus , affirme ) in all their celebrations called aloud vpon the name of Thalassius , which they held as an Omen to their future successe and prosperitie . Their Brides , when they entred into the houses of their husbands , whilest their feet were yet vpon the threshold , inuoked the name of Caia Cecilia , Caia Cecilia , or Tanaquil . by another name called Tanaquilla , continuing and not surceasing to iterate that name from the doore till she came into the Bride-chamber . Tanaquilla was the wife of Tarquinius Priscus , king of the Romans , for temperance , modestie , vertue , and all the accomplishments that best grace a woman , most eminent ; thus intimating , that by remembring her name , they might imitate her life . All other Ornaments layd apart , there was onely borne before them a Distaffe and a Spindle : and thus the mothers of Martia , of Portia , of Lucretia , were first vshered to their Nuptiall chambers .

Nuptiall Diet. Touching their Diet , Solon published a Law , That no Virgin might be permitted to enter the Bride-bed , if at supper her husband and shee had not before tasted of a Quince-Peare , which they call Malum Cydonium . The Naucratians in all such Feasts forbid both Egges , sweet-meats , or any confection in which there was Honey : Amongst them no seruice was admitted sauing Skallions , or such roots as were diuided into cloues , Pine-apple Nuts , the iuice of the hearbe called Rochet , and Pepper , and these were in the place of a Banquet . Amongst the Persians , the husband was not permitted to come to visit his Bride , vnlesse he had first eaten an Apple , or else tasted of a sweet Rush called Squinanthum , or Camels meat ; neither might he eat of any thing else for that day . Amongst the Babylonians they bedded not , without red Storax first tasted . The Carthaginians in their Hymenaean Feastiuals sliced the fish called a Tunny , without the eating of which there was no perfect and absolute celebration . Alex. ab Alex. From their Feasts I come to ceremonies obserued concerning the copulation in or before Marriage ; and of that briefly .

Amongst the Trogloditae , Nuptiall Copulation . their betrothed Virgins were first brought forth by their neerest kinsmen and allyes , and by them promiscuously prostituted . After which time , they betake themselues to all ciuilitie and continence , which whosoeuer was knowne to violate or digresse from , was most seuerely chastised , without all commiseration or pitie . The same custome is obserued amongst the Gymnesians , the Lydians , and the inhabitants of the Islands Baleares . The Andrimachides ( a people of Africa ) before they can bestow their daughters , offer their Virginities to their Princes first , and such as he best affects , he vitiates at his pleasure , and then they are permitted to marrie . The like custome was held in Scotland : but since the Christian Religion was there professed , that Law hath beene abrogated ; onely the maids redeeme their Virginities with a certaine piece of money , and by that Tenure their lands are held to this day . The Volcinienses are tyed to a more base seruitude , because they are compelled before marriage to prostitute their free daughters to their slaues and seruants . Alex. ab Alex. lib. 1. cap. 24. Herodotus writes , That the Adyrmachidae present their daughters maidenheads first to their king , ere their betrothed husbands can be admitted any congresse with them . The Babylonians neuer haue companie with their wiues , but they before sitting about a fire , make a fume of a strong sent , which they snuffe vp at their nosthrils ; by the Authors description , it should not much differ from that which we haue now in such frequent vse , and call Tabacco : In the morning they both wash , before they touch any Vessell whatsoeuer . The Spartans ( by the Decrees of Lycurgus ) in all their Bridals , the man still came into the womans chamber , the Light being first extinct ; where ( with bashfull feare , and a religious kind of modestie ) they performed the offices of Nature , Loue , and Custome .

The Coniugall Loue of Women towards their Husbands .

HAuing done with the superstitious ceremonies of the Gentiles concerning Marriage , as farre as Polyhimnia or Memorie will helpe me ; I will now proceed with some few remarkable examples of Coniugall Loue , being an argument that cannot be too oft remembred , nor ouer-much handled , I begin with the women of India . Indian women . These , according to the custome of the country , being many married vnto one man , he is no sooner dead , but they all contend together which of them was of him in his life time best beloued ; and if it cannot be determined amongst themselues , they bring the controuersie before the Iudges , and plead as earnestly to accompanie him in death , as for some great fortune and honour : shee amongst the rest that preuailes , exults with ioy , as hauing attained a great victorie , when being led by her best friends and neerest of kinred ( partakers with her in the same triumph ) vnto the place where her husbands bodie is readie to bee consumed ; with a pleasant and merrie countenance shee casts her selfe into the fire , and is th●re burned with him together ; the rest that suruiue and were depriued of this last honour , consume the remainder of their liues in great discontent , sorrow , and anguish . Of this custome Cicero remembers vs Tusc. Quest. lib. 5. Vaeler . Maxim. lib. 2. cap. 1. Alex. ab Alex. Aelianus , Egnatius , and others . This funerall ceremonie , as Fulgos. lib. 2. cap. 6. is continued amongst them vnto this day : alluding to this purpose , is that of Propert. lib. 3.

Foelix eo is lex funeris vna maritis , &c.

Which I thus paraphrase in English : You Easterne Husbands , in your funerall Lawes Most happie , and their first inuentors wise , In which you are more famous then , because On you the blushing morning first doth rise . When Death hath with his last mortiferous wound The Husband strucke , his last Rites to prepare , A pious troupe of Wiues engirt him round , Drying their moist cheekes with their scatt'red haire , Who striue which shall associate him in fate , And bed with him together in the flame ; To liue beyond him , is a thing they hate , And he once dead , life is to them a shame : She that can die with him , hath her desire , And leapes with ioy into the funerall fire .

Thracians . The like is obserued by a people of Thrace , that inhabite a little aboue the Crestonaeans . They likewise are delighted with pluralitie of wiues ; who after the decease of their husbands enter into the like contention , as the women of India ; and she that is Victoresse ( as if glorying in some great conquest , adorned in her best and richest ornaments ) is with great ceremonious pompe ( amongst all her kindred and allyes ) conducted vnto the place where his bodie is to be interred : where being slaine by her next of kinne ( as the best office he can doe her ) she is buried in the same graue with her husband , Geates . Herod . lib. 5. The wiues amongst the Geates repayre to their husbands Sepulchre , and holding all life tedious and burthensome without them , offer their bodies willingly either to the sword , or to the fire . The custome of the Catheoreans was , Catheoreans . That when the Bride chose her husband , she made a couenant with him , at his death to be burnt in the same Pile , Alex. ab Alex. lib. 1. cap. 25. Herulians . The women amongst the Herulians ( a people that inhabite beyond the riuer of Danubius ) repayre to the graues of their husbands , and iust ouer-against them , strangle themselues . Which marriage-loue appeares the more strange , because the men are of that barbarous and inhumane incontinence that they hold it no shame to leaue the societie of their women , and haue congression with brute beasts . Bonifacius in his Epistle vnto king Ethelbaldus , as Gulielm . Malmsbur . lib. 1. cap. 64. de Anglia relates it , Winedi . sayth , That the Winedi are the worst and the most nastie people among the Germans ; yet their wiues are of that incomparable zeale and pietie toward their husbands , that shee is held to be the most laudable and prayse-worthie , that with her owne hand kills her selfe , to burne with him in his last funerall fire . From the generalitie of women , I descend to particulars . Phila. Admirable was the loue of Phila towards her husband king Demetrius , and haughtie and magnanimous her spirit ; who receiuing newes of his defeat in battaile , and that his whole armie being dispersed and scattered , he was retyred into Cassandria ; dranke poyson , and so died . The wife of Straton , The wife of Straton . Prince of Sydonia , when the citie was straitly besieged by the Persians , her greatest care was , least the person of her husband should fall into the hands of the mercilesse enemie , which she purposed to preuent by death . When therefore shee heard they had skaled the walls , and were readie to be instantly possest of the towne , and seize vpon the person of her husband , she snatcht from him his sword , with which she first ●lew him , and then ( laying out his bodie with as much comelinesse as the shortnesse of the time would permit ) after fell vpon the same sword ; thus by voluntarie death preuenting the dishonor of captiuitie . Fulgos. lib. 4. cap. 6. Fannia , Fannia . the daughter of Arria the younger , wife to Poetus Patauinus ( before remembred in her braue and heroick death with her husband ) was the Spouse of Heluidius Priscus , who followed him in all his exile , euen to his vnfortunate and most vniust death : she was the third time confined , from the reigne of Tiberius Nero to the death of Domitian . Plinie with infinite prayses applauds the incomparable vertues of this Fannia , with both the Arriaes , in Lib. 9. in his Epistle to Quadratus , Triaria . and in his seuenth to Genitor and Priscus . Triaria was the noble and chast wife of L. Vitellius , brother to Aul. Vitellius the Emperor , who as Hypsicrataea followed Mithridates in all his combustious warres , so she neuer forsooke her husband , but was present with him in all those ciuile dissentions against Vespasian . And the night when Vitellius her Lord with a great armie of souldiers inuaded and entred the citie Terecyna , shee presented her selfe in the middest of the slaughter , not onely daring but doing equally with the most valiant , killing on all sides , till shee had hemmed her selfe in with dead bodies , slaine by her owne hand ; so bold and magnanimous a spirit had the coniugall loue to her husband imprest in her : Her memorie is made famous by the same Author . Antonia or Archona . Antonia Flaxilla ( by some called Archona ) when her husband Priscus was found guiltie of the Pysonian Faction , and for that cause exiled by Nero , and when shee might haue enioyed all the plentie and abundance in Rome , left all the pleasures and delights of the citie , to accompanie her desolate Lord in his penurious and vncomfortable banishment . Her example Egnatia Maximilla imitated , Egnatia Maximilla . who likewise associated her husband Gallus , guiltie of the same Conspiracie with Priscus . Fulgos. lib. 6. cap. 7. From Iacobus , the sonne of Vsson Cassannus , amongst many other Captaines that reuolted , there was one eminent in that Rebellion , called Pandoerus , who had a most beautiful young wife ( her age exceeded not sixteene yeeres ) to whom he was ardently and in conioyned loue affected . The wife of Pandoerus . He being by her often earnestly entreated to forbeare all conflicts with the enemie , but by no meanes either mooued by her teares , or perswaded with her intercessions and prayers ( persisting resolute for a present encounter ) shee then begged of him , That before he hasarded himselfe to the extremitie of danger , hee would first take away her feares , by transpiercing her with his sword : which when he likewise denyed , he presently left her , and gaue signall of battaile ; in which conflict he was vanquished and slaine , his Tent rifled , his wife surprised , and committed into the hands of one of the chiefe Captaines belonging to the king : who pittying her teares and sorrow ( to which her feature and beautie gaue no common lustre ) made instant suit vnto her , to make her his wife . Shee ( whilest shee could ) put him off with all possible delayes : but after perceiuing , that what hee could not compasse with her good will , hee purposed to attaine vnto by compulsion and force , shee craued onely some few houres of deliberation priuately to her selfe : which graunted , and beeing retyred , shee first writ in a short Scedule these words , Let none report , that the wife of Pandoerus harboured so little loue , as to out-line him . Which Note leauing vpon the Table , she tooke a sword then hanging in the chamber , with which she immediately dispatcht her selfe of life , and so expired , following him in death , with whose life shee could be no longer delighted . Ibidem . Equall in all Matrimoniall pietie with this Ladie , was Cecilia Barbadica Veneta , Cecilia Barbadica . who after the death of her husband Philippus Vedraminus , by no counsaile , comfort , or persuasion , could be woon ( either by her kindred or friends ) to taste the least food whatsoeuer , or giue answer to any word that was spoken to her ; in which silence and consumption , shee ( after some few dayes of vnspeakable sorrow ) breathed her last , Egnat . lib. 4. cap. 6. Petrus Candianus , after the decease of his first wife espoused a second , called Walberta , Walberta . the daughter of Vgon one of the Princes of Italie , who liued with him in all obedience , with a religious obseruation of true coniugall loue and pietie , neuer forsaking him in any disaster , but attended him with her young sonne in law Vitalis . The Duke her husband being after slaine by the Venetians in a seditious mutinie , Vitalis escaped the furie of the Massacre , and fled , but shee stayed to abide the vtmost danger , with the bodie of her dead husband , meditating all posible meanes to reuenge the death of her husband vpon the Conspirators : but her womannish inabilitie not preuayling , shee likewise secretly left the citie , and followed her sonne Vitalis ; in whose societie shee fled to Adeleta , Adeleta . the wife of Otho the German Emperour , who at the same time resided in the citie Placentia : but after long vaine intercession ( seeing her hopes and purposes quite frustrate ) she retyred againe to her owne citie , where she liued a sad and solitarie life , still inuoking the name of Petrus Candianus , with whose name in her mouth she not long after deceased . The wife of Franc. Foscarus Egnat . ( the remembrancer of the former Historie ) speakes likewise of Franciscus Foscarus , another Duke of Venice , who married a second wife out of the noble Family of the Nanae , with whom he conioynedly liued long and had by her hopefull issue : But the Senate in his age depriuing him of the Principalitie , with the griefe thereof he retyred himselfe into the most antient house of his owne Family , and there ( after three dayes ) died . Whose bodie , when the Fathers would haue had brought forth to a solemne and Princely Funerall , because he had once beene their Duke and Soueraigne , she shut her gates against them , blaming their former ingratitude , alledging , she had both wealth and will sufficient ( without them ) to bestow vpon him the latest rites due to a worthie and royall husband : And though the Fathers were instant vpon her , first with entreats , and after menaces , yet she constantly persisted in her resolution , not suffering them once to approach the place , much lesse to take thence the bodie where she had carefully bestowed it ; still exclayming on the Senates mallice , and the Common-weales ingratitude , who to their former wrongs went about to adde this new iniurie , not to leaue him in death to her , whom they had so periuriously in life forsaken . Notwithstanding these exclamations , they shut her vp in her chamber , and perforce tooke thence the bodie , all the Fathers attending vpon the Hearse , vpon which they bestowed a solemne and a pompous Funerall . The greater their counterfeit sorrow was outwardly , the greater was her inward and essentiall griefe , still more & more weeping , euery succeeding day adding to her teares , to thinke that her Princely husband should in his death be for any courtesies at all beholding to his enemies ; desiring , that he ( whom from his Principalitie they had degraded , and compelled to a priuate life ) might onely by her and from her haue had a priuate Funerall : with whose choyse affection , and rare Coniugall pietie , I haue broke off , to enter vpon a new Proiect.

De Laenis , or of Bawdes .

FRom the honor of Women , I now come to the disgrace and shame of their Sex , in which I will striue to bee as briefe as I know the verie name to bee to all chast mindes odious . Sotades Marionites Cinedus , that is , one abused against nature or addicted to preposterous Venerie , was a Poet and writ most bawdie and beastly Iambicks in the Ionicke tongue , which he intituled Cinaedi ; in which were described the formes and figures of seuerall new deuised Lusts ( and before that time ) vnheard-of prostitutions : Of whom Martiall thus sayes , Nec retro lego Sotadem Cinaedum . Neither doe I read Sotades Cinaedus backeward . For as Valeterran . Lib. 17. Antropoph . relates , his verses were all to bee read backeward , least their included nastinesse might appeare too plaine and palpable , Tranquil . reports of Tiberius Caesar , That hee had built Cellers and Vaults , in which all kind of lusts and monstrous congressions were practised in his presence , which would offend any modest eare but to heare related . The Emperour Domitian succeeded , if not exceeded him in those detestable and diuillish abhominations , Hee as Suetonius affirmes , deuised that which was called Clinopales , i. The wrestling in the bed ; he was often seene to bath himselfe and swimme in the companie of the basest and most common strumpets , hee stuprated his brothers daughter yet a Virgin , after shee was contracted to another man . Cratinus Atheniensis the Comicke Poet , was so dissolutely addicted both to Wine and Venerie , that hee hung his chamber round with Glasses , the better to discouer himselfe in his own vnnatural and beastly prostitutions . The like some of our scandalous Grammarians most falsly would asperse vpon Horace . Suet. confers the like vpon Tiberius , as likewise Gyrald . Dial. 6. Historiae Poetarum . Elephantis Philaenis and Astianassa writ bookes of the seuerall wayes of Congression , with the pictures of them inserted ; but of them I shall speake further in the title of the Poëtesses , but before I come to those shee-monsters in particular , I will remember some few men infamous in the like kind . Erasmus in Chiliadib . speakes of one Clobulus a most wicked He-bawde , who kept in his house two most infamous strumpets , whose bodyes he prostituted for money to all strangers , and what the whoores could not extort from them , hee himselfe would robbe them of , from whence came the prouerbe . Clobuli ingum , which was still in vse when two knaues of like dishonestie were seene to haue friendship and socitie together . Timaeus apud Erasmun speakes of one Cymarus a Selenusian Bawde , who all his lifetime promised to leaue his ill gotten goods to the Temple of Venus , in whose seruice he had got them ; but at his death they were all squandred and lost , by the direption of the multitude . One Cippius counterfeited himself to sleepe and snort , that others with the lesse feare or doubt might haue free intercourse and carnall societie with his wife ; an argument that hee was not haunted with the fiend called Iealosie , from him grew the adage which Cicero vsed in an epistle to Fabius Gallus , Non omnibus d●rmio , i. I sleepe not to all men . Lucilius apud Beroaldum . Catullus remembers vs of the Bawde Silo , and Guido of one Bitraphus that made his wife basely mercenarie . Cai. Ticinius Minternensis , prouoked his wife to inchastitie for no other reason than to defraud her of her ioynter . Gemellus one of the Tribuns in Rome , a man of a noble familie , yet was of that corrupt and degenerat condition , that he made his owne Pallace no better than a common stewes , in so much , that in the Consullship of Metellus and Scipio , hee suffered Mutia . two great Ladies Mutia and Fuluia ( innobled both waies in their families ) with the noble child Saturnius to be vitiated in his owne house . Fuluia . Clemens Alexandrinus Lib. 3. Stromatum and Euseb. Lib. 4. haue left remembred , that the Arch-heriticke Nicolaus hauing a faire wife , Of him came the Nicolaietans . and beeing reprooued of Iealosie by the Apostles , to show himselfe no way guiltie thereof , hee brought her into the publique assembly , offering her freely vp to the prostitution of any man whatsoeuer ; more ( in my mind ) offending in his too much remisnesse , than before in his ouer great strictnesse . Nay least this detestable sinne should want a countenancer , euen from royaltie , Lycosthenes in his Theater of Humaine life , tells vs of Henricus Rex Castalionensis , who shamed not to bee a Bawde to his owne Queene , you may reade further of him in the Spanish historie by the title of Henrie the Vnable . Now of She-Bawdes , and of them briefly . Plutarch in the life of Pericles reports , Aspatia . That Aspatia his sole delight , made her house a Stewes , in which the bodies of the fairest young Women were made common for money . It is reported , Callistion or Proche . that Callistion sirnamed Proche , being hyred to lye with a common fellow or bond-man , and by reason of the hot weather beeing naked , she espyed the markes and skarres of blowes and stripes vpon his shoulders ; to whom she sayd , Alas poore man how came these ? he willing to conceale his base condition answered , That being a child hee had skalding hot Pottage poured downe his necke , I beleeue it ( sayth shee ) but sure they were Calues Pottage , or made of Calues flesh , promptly reproouing his quallitie , because slaues eate Pottage made of Veale , and the things with which they were lashed and skourged were made of Calues-skinnes . Erasm. Apotheg . 6. Dipsas . Dipsas is the name of an old Bawde in one of Ouids Elegies , whom for instructing his mistresse in the veneriall trade , he reprooues in these verses .

Est quaedam ( quicunque volet cognosere lenam Audiat ) est quaedam nomine Dipsas as anus . If any man an old Bawde list to know , 'T is the crone Dipsas she is titl'd so .

Of the Bawde Quartilla I haue before giuen you a true character from Petronius Arbiter . Tacitus lib. 17. puts vs in minde of Caluia Crisalpina , Caluia Crisalpina . who was the schoole-mistresse of Neros Lures , a fit tuteresse for such an apt and forward pupile . In my opinion to be wondered at it is , that these beeing past their owne actuall sinnes , wherein too much sacietie hath bred surfet , or the infirmitie of age , or disease , a meere disabilitie of performance ; yet euen in their last of dayes , and when one foot is alreadie in the graue , they without any thought of repentance or the least hope of grace , as if they had not wickednesse ynough of their owne to answere for , heape vpon them the sinnes of others ; as not onely intycing and alluring Virgins and young wiues to that base veneriall trade , and the infinite inconueniences both of Soule and bodie depending thereupon , but to weare their garments by the prostitution of others , and eate their Bread , and drinke Sacke and Aqua-vitae by their mercenarie sweat ; and so base an vsurie and vncomely a trauell of their bodies , as is not onely odious in the eyes of Man , but abhominable in the sight of Angells . This apprehension puts mee in mind of what Cornelius Gallius writes in a Periphrasis of old Age , Of Age. which I hold not altogether impertinent to be here inserted . These be his words : Stat dubius tremulusque senex semperque malorum Credulus , & stultus qua facit ipse timet , Laudat preteritos , presentes despicit annos Hot tantum rectum , quod facit ipse , 〈◊〉 , &c.

What he speakes of the old man , may be as well appropriated to the aged woman ; his Verses I thus English : The trembling old man he is doubtfull still , And fearefull in him selfe of that knowne ill . Of which hee 's author , and in this appeares His folly , to be cause of what he feares . Past yeeres he●l praise , the present hee 'l despise , Nought sa●e what 's his , seemed pleasing in his eyes .

It after followes : Hae sunt primitiae , &c. Of Death these the first fruits are , and our f●thers Declining towards the Earth , she her owne gathers Into her selfe , though with a tardie pace . We come at length ; the colour of the face , Our habit , nor our gate , is still the same , Nor shape that was , yet all at one place ayme . For the loose garments from one shoulders slides , And what before too short seem'd , now abides A trouble to our heeles : we are contracted , As if ( of late ) in a new world compacted , Decreasing still ; our bones are dride within , As seemes our flesh shrunke in our wither'd skin . We haue scarce libertie on Heau'n to looke , For prone old Age , as if it in some booke Meant to behold his face , lookes downe-ward still , Prying where he th' indebted place might fill , From whence he first was borrowed , and the same Matter returne to Earth , from whence it came . We walke with three feet first , as infants creepe , Next crawle on foure , as if the ground to sweepe . We follow our beginning , all things mourne Till to their generation they returne , And fall vpon the brest where they were nurst , , ,That goes to nothing , which was nothing first . This is the cause that ruinous Age still beates Th' Earth with th' staffe he leanes on , and intreates A place to rest in , as if he should say ( With often knocking ) mother giue me way . At length into thy bosome take thy sonne , Who faine would sleepe now all his labour 's done .

Let this suffice as a short admonition to these old corrupters of Youth .

De Gulosis & Vinolentis , i. Of Women addicted to Gluttonie , and Drunkenesse .

OF these there are not many left to memorie , the reason ( as may bee coniectured ) is , because to seeme the more temperat , being inuited to publique Feasts and Banquets ; many of them will dyne at home before they come , eating in priuat and drinking in corners . Of men for their incredible voracitie , there are presidents infinite , I will giue you onely a tast of some few , and those not altogether common , and with them to compare some women . I will passe ouer Eri●iethon remembred by Ouid , Ctaesias by the Poet Annaxilas , Morichus obserued by Aristophanes , Melanthius by Suidas , Theagines by Raues . Textor ( who at one meale eate vp a whole Bull in imitation of Milo , who deuoured an Oxe at a breakefast ) Pub. Gallonus by Laelius sirnamed Gorges , as also those Roman Emperours infamous for the insacieties of their Throats and Bellyes , as Tiberius Nero , C. Caligula , Nero , Galba , Vitellius , Aelius V●rus , Plautia●u● , Seuerus , Anton , Heliogabalus , Bonosus , Maximinus Imperator , Firmius , Galie●●● , Augustus , the most moderate in dyet of them all able to ground a Historie . Petrarch remembers mee of one Hugotie Fagiolanus a Prince , who after many rough and tempestuous stormes of Fortune , as his last refuge retyred himselfe into the pallace of Caius Magnus Duke of Verona , Hugotio being then an old man , where hee was magnificently feasted and receiued , more like a father reuerenced , than a guest entertained ; vpon a time discourse being commenced at table concerning eating and deuouring stomaches , where many of rauenous and insaciat appetites were remembred ; Hugotio being a man fat , grosse , and of an extraordinarie bulke , began to recite many vnbeleeuable things concerning his appetite in his youth . One Petrus N●vus sitting then at table , a man of a readie and accute wit , thus replyed , Wee wonder not ô Prince , at these strange and maruelous things which you haue alreadie related , hauing concealed greater than you haue yet spoken of , for there is none here but knowes that at one dinner you deuoured the two rich dukedomes of Luca and Pysa ; in these few words reprehending both his incredible voracitie and discommendable prodigalitie . As a fit match to this great eater , Aelianus puts vs in mind of Aglais the daughter of M●gacles a she-minstrell , Aglais . who at one meale vsually deuoured twelue pounds of flesh , foure great loaues of bread , by the Grecians called Choenices panum ( a Choenix contained a measure of a quarter of a peck , which was as much as a man was allowed to eate in one day ) to which shee vsually drunk foure Congiumus of Wine , euerie one conteining six Sextaries , & is according to our measure , a Gallon and a Pint. Timocre●● of Rhodes for his gulosity in meat & wine , was cald Hell●o , which signifies an insaciable glutton , after his death this epitaph was inscribed vpon his tombe-stone : Multa bibens , tam multa vorans , male plurima dicens Multis , hic iaceo Tymocreon Rhodius . Much drinking , eating much , and much ill speaking , I ( Of many ) here beneath this stone Rhodian Tymocreon lie .

What shall I now thinke of Agarista the daughter of Clisthenes , Agarista . who it seemes had an extraordinarie good stomach , since Aelianus in his twelfth booke tells vs , that when Smindrides of the citie Sybarita came to visite her as a suitor , he sent before him a thousand Cookes , a thousand Bird-catchers or Fowlers , and a thousand Fishermen to catch fishes , and all to the furnishing of one table . Astidamas Milesius being inuited to supper by the Persian Ariobarzanes , he alone deuoured what was prouided for himselfe and all his other guests . It is read likewise of Gathis queene of Syria to bee so gluttonous , Gathis . that shee caused an Edict to be published with a great penaltie depending vpon the breach therof , That it was not lawfull for any subiect to tast or eat fish , vnlesse she were inuited to the feast . Rauisius . Philoxenus Eressius the son of Leucadius , a Parrasite , for his gluttonie was called Philodipnos , by others Philichthis , by Aristotle , Pachemerus , and in his third book Ethicorum , Opsophagos , because ( as Melanthius before him did ) hee wished his necke so long as a Cranes , that hee might bee the better delighted in the swallowing of his junkets . If any dish were set before him that realished his pallat , hee would purposely cast therein some nastie or noysome thing offensiue to the guests , that they abhorring the tast thereof , hee might haue the libertie to deuoure it alone : he being set at Dionisius his Table , and a small Mullet beeing placed before him , when the greater were set at the vpper end of the boord , he took the little fish and held the mouth thereof close to his eare , which Dyonisius obseruing , asked what his reason was to doe so ? who presently answered the king , that he was inquiring of that small fish concerning Nereus and Galataea , to be resolued of some Sea newes ; but the young Mullet excused himselfe by reason of his youth and iunioritie , but commended him to those his elders and greaters aboue , from whom he might be better ●atisfied . Dyonisius pleased with his ieast , reached him downe the bigger fi●hes on which hefed to his content . This Philodipn●s dyed in Syracusa , after heat one meale had deuoured vp a whole Porpoise of two cubits long , all saue the head . Gyrald . Dial. 9. Histor. Poetarum . Though not for such voracious deuouring , yet for her profusenesse and prodigallitie in dyet , Cleopatra . Cleopatra the last queene of Aegypt is remarkable , who as Sidanius testifies of her , at one supper to which she inuited Marc. Antonius , bestowed an infinite masse of treasure , one dish in the second course being valued at two hundred and fiftie peeces of gold ; more famous she was for her draught in which she drunk vnto him , in which she pownded a Pearle that was valued at no lesse than the ransome of a king . From eating I come now to drinking . The Greekes in all their feasts and celebrations , vsed at first small cups and moderate draughts , but after , boles of greater receit and deeper quaffing healths , in so much it grew to a pro●erbe , if any man tooke an extraordinarie draught , he was sayd , Greco more ●●bere , that is , to drinke after the manner of the Gretians . Alex. ab Alex. lib. 5. cap. 21. sayth , That there was a law amongst them established , that such as would not freely take the round as it past , must depart the place . They vsed at those publike meetings , in their cups to salute the gods , and in turning vp the bottome of the bole or glasse at the end of euerie draught , to nominate them . The first drinking of Healths . At the chusing of their Magistrates , or conferring any new Honors vpon a man , they drunke to him in a cup brimmed with wine , as a confirmation of his dignitie : And from them it may be coniectured , these drunken Healths ( so frequent in these dayes ) had their first originall . I need not reckon vp any great Drinkers of old , or deriue the custome from antiquitie , since this age in which wee liue , is not able to equall them onely in deepe carowsing , and quaffing , but farre to exceed them in strange and new deuised Healths : nay , there is now scarce any meeting without superfluitie of wine , and drinking , euen to surfet . Adrianus Berlandus , Centuria prima , reports , That a young man being at a banquet , was accused for many scandalous and calumniated words spoken against a Priest : for which being questioned and cited before the Iudges , a question was demaunded him , Why he durst speake so contumeliously against a man of his holy profession and sacred Order ? who answered , Should he inuite me againe vnto the like Feast , and plye me so fast with wine as he did then , I should not onely be apt to maligne and reuile , but beat out of the roome ( if they were then present ) the twelue Apostles . The Iudges by this vnderstanding that his contempt onely proceeded from the excesse of wine , dismist him vnpunished , and vpon the Priest that had first inuited him , and after accused him , they layd this Penance , That hee should taste no wine for foure whole dayes together . Old Ennius ( notwithstanding these effects ) neuer buckled himselfe to the writing of any braue Heroicke Verse , before his braine was moistened , and his Muse kindled and awaked with the spirit of the Grape : of whom Horace , Ennius ipse pater nunquam nisi potus ad arma Profituit , &c.

They need no further explanation , the former words expresse them fully . Tiberius was so addicted to immoderate cups , that being in the campe , the souldiers vsed to nick-name him , and in stead of Clodius called him Caldus ; for Tiberius , Biberius ; and for Nero , Mero ; all of them reproouing his intemperate Vinositie . Iuuenal in his Satyrs reports one Lanfella , Lanfella . a woman , for an incontinent wine-bibber . Martial taxes another , called Myrtale , Myrtale . for her insatiate drinking ; but because her breath should not smell of the Grape , shee vsed to temper her wine with the leaues of Lawrell : His words be these : Foetore multo Myrtale solet vino Sed fallat vt nos , solia de●orat Lauri . Myrtale drinkes much wine : which to excuse , Least that her breath thereof should stinke , and smell , To deceiue vs , she in her cups doth vse To haue her wine with Lawrell temp'red well .

Fescenina . The like Epigram he hath , Lib. 1. of another called Fescenina , a great drinker of wine , whom hee brands for her intemperance . In so great a custome was this rioting in drinke growne , that when the great and sumptuous Espousals of Hyppolita and Alphonsus were celebrated by king Ferdinand his father , where euerie thing was carryed with extraordinarie magnificence and state , as well the Martiall Exercises abroad , as the Maskes , Reuels , and priuate sports within , which extended not onely to condigne praise , but admiration of all the spectators : and all these Pastimes , Feasts , and Banquets , kept to the end with great plentie and abundance , yet without vaine excesse and superfluitie . In the shutting vp of all these solemnities , one amidst the multitude ( by Nation a German ) clamoured out aloud ( euen to the hearing of the King , and all his Princely guests ) in these words ; Oh valeant ludi quibus nemo bibit , i. Happie be those sports , in which there is no excesse in drinking . Pontanus . And thus for the present I giue ouer Healthing .

Of Women beloued of diuerse Creatures .

EGesidemus vpon Plinie tells vs , That the child Hermias was so beloued of a Dolphin , that she would come to the Sea-shore and suffer him to get vpon her backe , then swimme with him into the Sea : and hauing sported with him sufficiently bring him safe to Land , and then attend him the next day . It happened , that hauing long continued this loue betwixt them , vpon a time being mounted on the Dolphins backe , a suddaine tempest arose , by the violence of which the Lad was beaten off , and so perished in the Sea . Which the Dolphin perceiuing , and hauing lost him whom she so much loued , she left the Water , and casting her selfe vpon the drie Continent , there gaue her selfe vp to a voluntarie death . Of the loue of that kind of Fish to men and children , there are diuerse remembrances , as of Arion , and others . In Argis , the child Olenus was affected by a Goose : so likewise Lycidas , the Philosopher ; who would neuer depart from him , nor be driuen out of his companie , but was his continuall associate , in publique and priuate , in the Bath , in the Night , the Day , without any intermission . Plin. Lib. 10. cap. 22. Glauce the Harper , was beloued of a Ramme ; a youth of Sparta , by a Daw. Nicander apud Caelium witnesseth , That one Selandus , the Butler to the king of Bithinia , was beloued of a Cocke , whom they called Centaurus . A Cocke doted likewise on a young Lad , whose name was Amphilochus , by Nation an Olenian . Why may wee not then as well giue credite , that Semiramis was affected by a Horse , Semiramis . and Pasiphae by a Bull ? when Plinie tells vs , Pasiphae . That in Leucadia a young Damosell was so beloued of a Peacocke , A Virgin of Leucadia . that the enamored Bird neuer left her in life , and accompanied her in death : for seeing the Virgin dead , shee neuer would receiue food from any hand , Gratitude . but so pyned away , and dyed also . In the citie of Sestos , A Virgin of Sestos . a young Eagle ( taken in a neast ) was carefully brought vp by a Virgin : The Bird beeing come to full growth , would euerie day take her flight abroad , and all such fowle as shee could catch , bring home , and lay them in the Lappe of her mistresse : And this shee vsed dayly , as it were to recompence her for her fostering and bringing vp . At length this Virgin dying , and her bodie beeing borne vnto the Funerall fire , the Eagle still attended : which was no sooner exposed vnto the flames , but the Bird likewise cast her selfe , with a voluntarie flight , amidst the new-kindled pyle , and to her mistresses Hearse gaue her selfe a most gratefull sacrifice . Plinie , lib. 10. cap. 5. Saxo Grammat . in the tenth booke of his Danish Historie reports , That certaine young maides of a Village in Swetheland , playing and sporting together in the fields vpon a holy-day , suddainely an huge hee-Beare rushed out of the forrest , and snatched vp the fairest amongst them , and hurryed her away to his Denne ; but gently , and without any harme : where hauing bestowed her , long gazed on her face , as if with a kind of admiration he grew so enamored of her on the suddaine , that in the stead of a murtherer , he became a louer , imparting vnto her all the prey that he got abroad . The sequele of this Historie ( which is almost past beleefe ) I am loth ( for many speciall reasons ) to prosecute any further here : therefore ( though abruptly ) I breake it off .

Of Women excellent in the Art of Painting , Weauing , &c.

INnumerable are the men that haue been excellent in the qualitie of Painting : the Catalogue of their Names ( without a Capitulation of their Workes ) would aske much Paper , but greater paines to set downe . Yet as of the rest , I will giue you a small taste of their exquisite dexteritie in that Art . I haue read , That Apelles hauing made an excellent Piece , in which he had deciphered a Horse to the life , he thought it then a Present worthie Alexander : and comming to present it to the king , hee onely gaue it a neglected looke , neither praysing it , nor discommending it , but found other discourse . The Painter still holding it vp , Bucephalus ( on whom the king was then mounted ) casting his eye vpon the Table , fell a neighing , thinking the liuely effigies had beene a liuing Beast . Which Apelles obseruing , could no longer containe himselfe , but cryed out aloud ; O Alexander , I now well perceiue thy Horse hath better iudgement in Painting than thy selfe . Zeuxes being almost with him equally famous , Apelles maligning that any Painter should be named whilest hee was yet aliue , tooke occasion in an humour , to make a purposed Iourney to giue him visitation , but especially to obserue the manner of his shop , and worke-house : and crossing an Arme of the Sea , hee came to the citie where Zeuxes then liued ; and enquiring out his house , was directed thither , where knocking , the maid came to the doore ; Apelles asked her for her maister : shee told him , hee was gone into the Towne about very serious occasions , and was not then within ; but I pray ( Sir ) when my maister returnes , who shall I say was heere to speake with him ? Apelles spying a faire Table hanging in the shop , readie to be wrought , but no worke therein , and the Pensils and Colours all readie by it , By thy leaue maid ( saith hee ) and entring the shop , chused out a Pensill , with which hee onely drew a curious small Line crosse the Table , almost of that finenesse to deceiue the eye : which hauing suddainely ended , Tell thy maister ( saith hee to the maid ) That hee that drew this Line , was here to haue spoken with him , and so away hee goes : who was no sooner out , but Zeuxes returning , and asking her , If any man had beene there to aske for him in his absence ? shee told him all , and shewed the Line drawne vpon the Table ; on which hee looking with admiration , suddainely broke out into an acclamation , saying , This could neuer haue beene done , but by the hand of Apelles ; and instantly sent vp and downe the Towne to seeke him . In the Interim ( this president being still standing before him ) in a kind of emulation , it animated him to aduenture on something worthie the sight of Apelles ; when chusing out another colour , differing from that Apelles had wrought , he with his Pensill cut the first Line iust in the middle with a kind of miraculous sted fastnesse and euennesse : when glorying in his worke ( which indeed was rare ) Now tell the Painter ( saith he ) if he come againe to enquire of me , that I haue been since at home , witnesse that , and shew him the Table ; and so retyred himselfe into the inner part of the house . Soone after comes Apelles , and askes the maid , If her maister had beene yet at home ? Yes Sir ( saith she ) and bad me shew you this , and aske you how you like it . Apelles wondered ( as thinking it had scarce beene to be found in Art ) and was startled at the first ; but as one that had neuer beene equalled , and loth now to be exceeded , he againe tooke the Pensill , and altering the colour , in the very life and spirit of Art he diuided the ( almost inuisible ) Line of Zeuxes , parting it in the middest , with such a constant proportion , that it seemed altogether to exceed the practise of Science . Which hauing done , Now ( saith hee ) commend me once more to thy maister , and aske him from me , If this last Line hath not made good the imperfections of the former : at which word Zeuxes appeared , and before he had the power to giue him any salutation ( looking vpon what he had done ) acknowledged him Victor , yet held it no dishonor to him to be so ouercome . This Table was after held as a rare and an vnparalleld maister-piece , and being sold for a great summe of money , as a choyse Iewell hung vp in the Capitoll of Rome , where it was long preserued , euen till time had defaced the colours , and raced out the memorie thereof . Amongst thousand Excellencies both in their Workes and Inuentions , these shall suffice in this place : I now come to my Women Painters .

Tymarete , Tymarete . the daughter of Mycon , or Mycaon ( a man eminent in that qualitie ) amongst other curious Pieces ( wrought by her owne hand ) made that admirable Picture of Diana , which was hanged vp in the Temple of Ephesus , clayming prioritie aboue many that proceeded from the best Artists : Shee flourished in the time that Archelaus reigned in Macedonia : Plinie , Lib. 35. cap. 11. Irene was the daughter and scholler of the Painter Cratinus : Irene . shee was famous for pensilling the Maid , whose effigies was kept as a Relike sacred to Memorie , in the citie Eleusina . Calipso . Calipsoes excellencie was expressed to the life , in drawing the old Iugler Theodorus . Alcisthine . Alcisthine limned a Dancer and shee-Minstrell , and by that got her a name amongst the best . Aristarete . Aristarete was the daughter and scholler of the Painter Marchus , and drew Aesculapius . One Olimpias professed the same Art , Olimpias . and instructed many schollers ; amongst whom ( as Plinie saith ) was Antobulus . Lala Cyzicena . Lala Cyzizena liued a perpetuall Virgin , and was the sole daughter of Marcus Varro : shee practised in Rome , and drew both with the Pensill and with a sharpe-pointed Quill , called Cestrum : shee cut in Iuorie . Shee medled not with the Faces of men , but women only ; shee made her owne Picture from a Looking-glasse : shee was commended for the nimblenesse and dexteritie of hand , for none euer equalled her in quicknesse ; and for curiositie , she exceeded two of the greatest and best practitioners in her dayes , Sopylon , and Dionisius .

From Painting , I come to Weauing : The practise of which was held in great vse and estimation amongst Princesses , and the chiefe Matrons ; in which to be excellent , was held as a prime honour . The Exercise thereof was accounted a commendable thing in Wiues , and a great signe of womannish modestie in Virgins . It was first brought from the Phrygians to the Romanes . King * * From him all rich and costly Arras Hangings are called Attalia . Attalus was the first that deuised to weaue with threads of Gold . It grew to that reuerent and respected custome , that sisters for their brothers , mothers for their sonnes , and women for their husbands , with their owne hands weaued Cloakes and Gownes . And therefore the Romanes in all their Marriages , caused the new married Virgins to present their husbands with a Distaffe , Thread , and Spindle : it is a custome which the Iberians still obserue ; as also , That whatsoeuer their women first spinne , and after weaue , is brought to be viewed in publique , and rated ; shee that hath done most , and best , hath so much the more respect and honour , Alexand. ab Alex. Lib. 4. cap. 8. Amongst the Phoeacenses , the men mind onely Nauigation , and the women Texture and Weauing ; but amongst the women of Persia it is held a great dishonour to lay her hand to the Webbe , or Needle . Penelope . Penelope ( by the testimonie of Homer , and other Poets ) in this Art was excellently practised ; of which came the Prouerbe , Tela Penelopis & Icariotis , The Webbe of Penelope , or Icariotes ( because shee was the daughter of Icarus . ) Virg. Aenead . Lib. 5. nominates one Pholoe to be eminent in that exercise . Pholoe . Plin. lib. 11. cap. 22. conferres the inuention of Weauing vpon Pamphile , Pamphile . the daughter of Plates , who deuised it in the Isle Coos . In this , Acecaeus Patarensis , and Helicon Caristius , exceeded all others : these two brothers woaue and embrodered a Vesture and a Hood for Pallas Poliades , who was honoured in the Temple of Athens , which was done with such vnimitable cunning , that thereupon came the Adage in Greece , if any thing were curiously or exquisitely performed , it was called , The Worke of Acecaeus , and Helicon . Aboue others most magnified by Ouid , Metamorph. lib. 6. is Arachne Lydia , Arachne . the daughter of Idmones , whose mother was borne in the small citie Hypepis : shee hauing by many degrees exceeded all mortall women , and that without difficultie durst compare with Minerua her selfe , who for her boldnesse and pertinacie she turned into a Spyder . Her controuersie with Pallas , is with great elegancie expressed in Ouid. Alexander of Macedon , Olimpias . and Octauius Augustus , the one wore a Garment woauen by his Mother , Lyuia . the other a Mantle , by the hands of his Wife . These Ladies had sequestred places in some part of their Pallaces , and kept their handmaids and damosells at worke ; of which , these two potent and mightie Queenes disdayned not to bee the dayly Directoresses and Ouer-seers . Alexand. ab Alex. cap. 4. lib. 8. Part of the Wooll which Tanaquil spunne , Tanaquil . with her Distaffe , Spindle , and Slippers , were long time reserued as sacred Reliques in the Temple of Ancus Martius , as also a Kingly Garment or Imperiall Roabe , woauen quite through with Rayes and Flames of Gold , wrought with her owne hand , in which Seruius Tullius oft went in state , and sat in the high Iudgement-Seat , in the Capitoll . Varro apud eundem . By the Law called Pagana , all women were forbidden to spinne or draw out any thread in the streetes , or the common high-wayes , because they held it ominous to the prosperitie of the Graine sowne in the Earth , or the Fruits blossomed , or growing vpon the Trees , as the same Author testifies . Ausonius speakes of one Sabina , Sabina . not onely excellent in this Science , but a Poet withall , which he left to posteritie in one of his Epigrams : Siue probas Tyrio textam sub tegmine vestra Seu placet inscripti commoditus tituli , &c.

Which is thus Englished : If thou affect'st a purple Roabe , Woauen in the Tyrian staine , Or if a Title well inscrib'd , By which thy wit may gaine ; Behold her workes vnpartially , And censure on them well : Both , one Sabina doth professe , And doth in both excell .

And thus I take leaue of weauing , for Memorie now transports me to another Argument .

Of Women Contentious , and Bloodie .

TExtor in his Officine remembers vs of one Kailla , Kailla . who was of that barbarous and inhuman crueltie , that being at dissention with her husband Vazules , she hauing banished all coniugall pietie and pittie , caused his eyes to be digged out of his head , spending the remainder of his age in vncomfortable darknesse . These subsequent stories of flintie and obdure hearted women , though I could willingly haue spared them out of this worke , that the world might almost be induced to beleeue that no such immanities could euer haue place in the smooth & soft bosomes of women , yet in regard I haue promised briefly to run ouer all Ages , Features , Affections , Conditions , and Degrees , though they might perhaps haue beene thought well spared by some , yet I make no question but they might be challenged at my hands by others . The rather I present them and with the more confidence vnto your view , because , though their actions to the tender brested may seeme horrid and feareful , and therfore the hardlier to purchase credit , yet the testimonie of the Authors being authenticke and approoued , will not onely beare me out as their faithfull remembrancer , but in the things themselues fasten an inherent beleefe . I proceed therfore . Cyrce . Cyrce the Witch slew the king of Sarmatia to whom shee was married , and vsurping the regall Throne , did much oppresse her subiects : of her Sabellicus writes more at large . Clitemnestra Clitemnestra was the wife of Agamemnon Archduke or Generall of the Gretians at the siege of Troy , she by the helpe of Aegistus ( with whom she adultrated ) slew her husband , of this Virgill speakes , lib. 11. Seneca in Agamemnonae and Iuvenall in Satyr . Danaus the sonne of Belus had fiftie daughters , who were espoused to the fiftie sonnes of Aegistus ; these made a coniuration in one night to kill all their husbands , which they accordingly did , all saue the yongest , Hypermnestra , who spared the life of her husband Lynceus , Senec. Hercul . Fur. Alexander Phaereus , The wife of Alex. Phaereus . a tyrant of Thessaly , when hee had shewed his wife naked to a certaine Barbarian , she tooke it so impatiently , that she cut his throat sleeping : Albina . Ouid in Ibin . Volaterranus reports that Albina daughter to a king of Syria had two and thirtie sisters , who all in one night slew their husbands , who beeing exild their countrey , landed in Brittaine ; and that of this Albina this Kingdome first tooke the name of Albion . Laodice . Laodice was the wife of Antiochus king of Syria , who caused himselfe to be cald God : She poysoned her husband because of his too much familiaritie with Berenice the sister of Ptolome . Fabia slew Fabius Fabriclanus , Fabia . that shee might the more freely inioy the companie of Petronius Volentanus a young man of extraordinarie feature , with whom shee had often before accompanied . Agrippina . Agrippina poysoned her husband Tiberius Claudius the Emperor . Lucia . Lucilla the wife of Antonius Verus Emperor , poysoned her husband because she thought him too familiar with Fabia . Filia Bentiu . Galeotus prince of Forolinium , married with the daughter of Ioannes Bentiuolus , of whom being despised and finding her selfe neglected , she hyred certaine cut-throat Phisitians , who slew him in his chamber . Andreas the sonne of Carolus king of Pannonia , Ioanna . was slaine by his wife Ioanna Queene of Cicily , for no other reason but that he was idle and held vnprofitable to the weale publique . Althaea . Althaea sorrowing that her two brothers Plexippus and Toxeus were slaine by her sonne Meleager , shee burned that Brand , of which the fatal Sisters had made a prediction , That his life and health should continue as long as that was preserued : Agaue . Ouid Trist. lib. 1. Bocat . in Geneol . Agaue a Theban woman slew her sonne Penth●us , because he would not honour the feast of the Bachinalls , with the rest of the Menades : Virgill in Culice . Ericthaeus taking armes against Eumolpus , and hauing an answere from the Oracle , That he should haue a certaine victorie , if he would sacrifice his only daughter to the gods ; Praxitha . by the persuasion of his wife Praxitha gaue her vp to slaughter : Euripides apud Plutarch . Elearchus one of the kings of Creet , at the persuasion of his second wife Phronima , Phronima . commaunded his onely daughter by the hand of one Themisones to bee cast into the riuer and there drowned : Herodot . Polidice Polidice . betrayde her father king Pletera to Creon king of Thebes and caused him to bee slaine ; as likewise Nisus being besieged by Min●s , by the treason of his daughter lost that purple hayre which was the stay of his soueraigntie : Ouid Metam . and Seruius . Tiphon Aegiptius , as Berosus , Seneca , Diodorus , and others relate , slew his brother Osiris then raigning in Aegypt and gouerning iustly , which done hee caused him to be cut into twentie six pieces , and to euerie one of the conspirators gaue a part , the better to secure him of their fidelities : Isis. but Isis their sister after she had lamented the death of her brother Osiris , by the assistance of her sonne ( who was called Oros ) slew Typhon and auenged his death . Draomitia was a queen of Bohemia , Draomitia . she caused Ludimillia ( much deuoted to religion ) to bee slaine : Ludimillia . by her instigation her sonne Boleslaus was the murderer of his brother Wenceslaus : Volaterran . The nymph Lara was of that loquacitie , Lara . that raising dissention betwixt Iupiter and Iuno , by telling her of his escapes , that in reuenge thereof he pluckt out her tongue . Talantia . Talantia Spartana hauing intelligence that her sonne Pedaretes tyrannised ouer the men of Chius , writ to him in this or the like language , Or gouerne there better , or remaine there ; if thou returnest to me , thou art not safe : thus admonishing him of better gouernment , or menacing him with death . Damariana was a woman of Sparta , Damariana . and with her owne hands slew her sonne , because shee found him of a timorous condition and would not be drawne to the warres . Amastris was the wife of Xerxes , Amastris . and did prosecute the wife of Massissa the President with that inhumane and barbarous crueltie , that hauing first slaine her , shee caused her breasts to be cut off , and cast vnto the dogges , dismembring her of her Nose , Eares , Eyes , Lippes , and Tongue . Rauis . Textor . Cisenis , Cisenis . the daughter of Diogerides king of Thrace , was of that sauage inhumanitie , that shee tooke pleasure to see liuing men to be dismembred and cut in pieces , causing young children to be killed and drest , after commanding them to be serued in to their parents , and to be by them eaten . Solinus . Tullia , Tullia . the wife of Tarquinius Superbus , she caused her Chariot to be drawne ouer the face of her dead father Seruius Tullius , presently before murthered by her husband in the Capitoll . Liuie . Irene . Irene the Empresse was wife to Leo the fourth , and caused her owne sonne Constantius Sextus to be first cast in prison , and after to haue his eyes digged out , because before shee had by him beene expelled the Empire . Fuluia . Fuluia was the wife of Marcus Antoninus : and how the excellentest of Orators , M. Tullius , being dead , was tyrannized ouer by him , many Authors haue commended to posteritie ; whose sacred hands and head being cut off , were nayled vnto that Pulpit where hee had often most learnedly declaimed . His head was first brought to Anthonie , which he caused to be placed before him vpon a Table , and scarce in a whole day could hee satiate his rancorous mallice with so sad and pittifull a spectacle ; but at length ( as Appianus Alexandrinus reports ) he commanded it to be tooke thence : And ( as it is gathered out of the collections of Dion , Prusius , and Suidas ) when Fuluia , the wife of Antoninus , came to the sight of it , shee tooke it in her hands , and after the breathing of many fearefull maledictions , execrations , and curses against it , spit in the face thereof : then taking it into her lappe , with a Bodkin or Penner which she wore in her haire for an ornament , pricked his tongue , which she had caused violently to be forced out of his iawes , least there should be any thing wanting that might adde to an vndiscreet womans hate and inhumane crueltie . This murther and horride act against so worthie a Senatour , hath beene deplored by many , as well in Prose , as in Verse ; as Portius Latro , Albutius Sylo , Caestius Murrhedius , and others : but none more elegantly than Seuerius Cornelius , in these Verses of his , which we haue by tradition from A●●aeus Seneca : Oraque magnanimum spirantia pene virorum In rostris iacuere suis , &c. As they were at large remembred in Crinitus . Euridice , Euridice . the wife of Amintas king of Macedonia , who had by him three sonnes , Alexander , Perdicas , and Philip , father to Alexander the Great ; as likewise a daughter , called Euryones . This Euridice not onely polluted the bed of her husband , but sought his life , to transferre the Principalitie into the hand of the adulterer : and least her daughter should discouer either her whoredome or treason , she likewise plotted against her life . The old man in the middest of these dangers dyed , leauing the kingdome to his eldest sonne Alexander ; she after caused him to be slaine : A president of strange and ( almost ) vnheard of crueltie in a mother . Iustine Histor. lib. 7.

Spitamenes ( a puissant Captaine that had long opposed Alexander the Great in many battailes and conflicts , The wife of Spitamenes . with his competitor Daha ) so dearely loued his faire wife , that he drew her to be a partner with him in his warres , and lodged her in his Tent : But being put to many affrights and distresses , ( the common casualties belonging to warre ) shee grew so tyred with Alarums , tumults , mutinies , affrights , slaughters , and such like , that shee dayly importuned him ( being before onely vsed to feasts , banquets , and effeminate delicacies ) to submit him to the Macedonian Conqueror . So long and so vrgently she sollicited him to peace , both by her children , her friends , and her selfe in person , that being a blunt and plaine souldier , traded in combustion ( and to whom the very thought of submission was more odious than death ) though hee entirely affected her , yet vpon a time hee aduanced his hand to haue strucke her , and had done it , had not his brother come in by accident and supprest his incensed furie : yet he concluded , That if euer after she persuaded him to peace , or troubled his eares with that base word of submission , that Hand which so long had opposed Alexander ( all Coniugall amitie set apart ) should be her luddaine and assured ruine . The Ladie affrighted with the name of death , thought it no safetie to interpose so robustious and setled a constancie , especially in a souldier dayly and hourely enured to bloud and massacre , therefore considering with her selfe what was best to be done ; in meditating for her owne safetie , she thought it better , by yeelding , to conquer , than by contending against power and aduantage , to be ouercome . After submission therefore made , and a new reconcilement established betwixt them , shee inuited him to a banquet in her Tent ( which was furnished with all the dainties the Campe would yeeld , and whatsoeuer rarietie remote places could affoord ) where she carryed her selfe with all humilitie and obedience . At this feast shee caused him to be plyed with Healths , and lauish Cups , till the Wine hauing got the preheminence of his better sences , hee grew drowsie , and retyred himselfe to his Pallat. The Tables were then withdrawne , and euerie man that was inuited , repaired either to his charge in the Armie , or to his rest . They hauing disposed of themselues , and the place now priuate , shee had confederated with one of her seruants , by whose assistance , shee in his depth of sleepe cut off the head of her husband , and gaue it to him . This done ( hauing the Word ) they past through the Watches and Guards , and by the breake of day came vnto the Campe of Alexander , desiring to haue conference with him about affaires which concerned him neerely . The Prince vnderstanding it was a woman , commanded shee should be admitted into his Tent ; which was accordingly done , and she appeared before him all stayned and sprinkled with blood ( for she had not yet changed her habite ) at which hee grew at the first amased , demaunding the cause of her repaire thither ? She desired her seruant might be likewise admitted ( who attended at the doore of his Tent ) for hee had that about him by which he should be better informed . His entrance was graunted : but being suspected by the guard ( because they perceiued him hide something folded vp in his garments ) they searcht him , and found a head cut off , but by reason of the palenesse of the face ( which was disfigured with the clottered and congealed bloud ) the countenance thereof could hardly be discerned . The seruant was brought in , with the head ( still dropping blood ) in his hand . At which the king more wondering , desired by her to be better certified concerning the Nouell ; to whom she boldly replyed , Loe here ( ô Alexander ) the end of thy many troubles and feares , the head of the great Captaine Spitamenes , who though my husband , yet because hee was thine enemie , I haue caused his head to be cut off , and here present it vnto thee . At the horridenesse of these words , the king , with all that stood by , were abashed ; euerie one glad of the thing done , but in their hearts detesting the manner of the deed . The Ladie still expecting an answer , Alexander ( after some pawse ) thus replyed : I must confesse ( Ladie ) the great courtesie and infinite benefit receiued from you , in presenting me the head of an Out-Law , a Traytor , and one that was to mee a great obstacle and an hinderance in the smooth passage to my intended Victories ; but when I vnderstand it to be done by the hands of a woman , nay a wife , the strange horridenesse of the fact takes away all the thankes and reward due to the benefit . I therefore command you instantly to depart the Campe , and that with all speed possible ; for I would not haue the sauage and inhumane examples of the Barbarians contaminate and infect the mild and soft temper of the noble Grecians : With which words she was instantly hurried from his presence . As noble a president of Iustice in a Prince , as it was an abhorred example of crueltie in a most vnnaturall wife . Q. Curt. lib. 8. de Alexandri Histor. From a remorselesse wife , I come now to as obdurate a step-mother .

Pelops hauing married Hyppodamia , Hyppodamia . the daughter of Tantalus and Eurianassa , had by her two sonnes , Thiestes and Atreus , and by the Nymph Danais a third sonne , called Crisippus , to which he seemed outwardly better affected than to the former ; on whom king Laius of Thebes casting an amorous eye , at length stole him from his father . But Pelops , with his two sonnes by Hyppodamia , made warre vpon Laius , tooke him prisoner , and recouered Crisippus : and when hee truly vnderstood that loue was the cause of his rape , hee was attoned with Laius , and an inuiolable league of amitie combined betwixt them . Whilest the Theban yet soiourned with Pelops , Hyppodamia persuaded with Atreus and Thiestes to conspire against the life of Crisippus , as one that aymed at the succession in the kingdome : but not preuayling , she meditated with her selfe , how to despoyle him of life with her owne hands ; when hauing conueyed the sword of Laius out of his chamber , when he was fast sleeping , she came to the bed of Crisippus , and transpierced him as he lay , leauing the sword still in his bodie , and left the place vndiscouered , accusing the Theban for his death : but the youth not fully dead , recouered so much spirit as to discouer the murtheresse ; for which , king Laius was acquitted , and she from her husband receiued condigne punishment for her immanitie and murther . Dosythaeus in Pelopedis . Progne , Progne . to reuenge the rape of her sister Philomela vpon her husband Tereus , king of Thrace , feasted him with the bodie of his owne sonne Itis ; of which , you may read at large in Ouids Metamorphosis . Some women haue beene so vnnaturall , as to betray their fathers . After Troy was vtterly subuerted and despoyled , king Diomede ( one of the most valiant amongst the kings of Greece ) in the returne towards his countrey , being by stormes and tempests violently cast vpon the coast of Thrace , where Lycas the sonne of Mars then reigned , and according to the bloodie custome of the countrey , sacrificed all such strangers as landed vpon his Continent ; Callirhoe . his daughter Callirhoe surprised with the loue of king Diomede , not onely released him from durance , but betrayed the life of Lycus her father into his hands ; notwithstanding , hee most trecherously left her : for which ingratitude ( and vrged with remorse of conscience , for proouing so vnnaturall vnto him from whom she had her being ) by strangling her selfe , shee despairingly expired , Iuba , lib. 3. Libicorum . Paralleld with this , is that which wee reade of Calphurnius Crassus , an illustrious Roman , and sent by M. Regulus against the Massilians , to take in a most defensible Castle called Garaetium : but by the crosse disaster of fortune being surprised in the siege thereof , and reserued the next day to be sacrificed to Saturne , being in despaire either of rescue , or life ; Besalia , Besalia . daughter to the king ( who was then possest of the Port ) falling in loue with Calphurnius , not onely deliuered vp vnto him the keyes of the Castle , that hee might freely escape with life , but betrayed vnto him the libertie and life of her father : but after being most degenerately forsaken by him , she desperately slew her selfe . Hegesinax , lib. 3. rerum Africarum . I am wearie with setting downe these immanities in women , and Polihimnia now inuites me to a new argument .

Of Women strangely preserued from death , and such as haue vnwillingly beene the death of their Fathers .

Iole . NIceas Maleotes ( as Plutarch in his thirteenth Paralell testates ) reports , That when Hercules for the loue of Iole the daughter of Cacus inuaded Oechalia , and shee abhorring the embraces of him who had before slaine her father , retyred herselfe for safetie into the strongest Cittadell in her countrey ; in which beeing straightly besieged by Hercules , and the Fort readie to be surprised & taken , she hauing no way to escape , and vnwilling to stand to the mercie of so louing an enemie , mounted vp into the highest Turret of the Castle , and from thence cast her selfe headlong downe towards the Earth , but the wind gathering vnder her loose garments so extenuated the fall , that she came to the ground without any hurt at all ; by which miraculous fortune shee inioyed a desperate life , and Hercules a most desired mistresse . Answerable vnto this , is that which Theophilus Italicorum tertio relates : The Romans in the Etrurian warre , instituted Valerius Torquatus Generall of their forces , Clusia . hee hauing beheld Clusia the daughter of the Tuscan king , grew innamoured of the Virgin● and sent Embassadors to demaund her of her father : but shee not willing to make any contract with her countries enemie , and her father as loth to contradict his daughter , the motion and offer of Torquatus was peremptorily denied ; at which inraged , hee begyrt the citie with a strong and fearefull siege , ingaging the defendants to all dangers and difficulties , in so much that Clusia timerous of surprisall , and preferring death before captiuitie , threw her selfe from the highest part of the wall , to destroy her selfe in the open view and face of the enemie : but either ( as the former late mentioned ) fauoured by the windes , or ( as my Author tels me ) greatly supported by the hand of Venus , or whether the pittious Earth vnwilling to hurt or harme such faire and well featured limbes , and therefore with more than accustomed courtesie fauorably receiued her into her lappe , I am not certaine , but the Ladie ( to the wonder of all the beholders ) was taken vp whole and sound , without wound or the least-astonishment , and from thence conducted to the Tent of the Generall ; who beecause he made but offer to violate her chastitie , the euer nobly minded Romans , not onely tooke from him the charge of the armie ( alleaging that hee that could not gouerne his owne affections , was not fit to command others ) but confined him into the Island Corsica adiacent , neere to the continent of Italie . Not much lesse strange was that of Perhibaea , Perhibaea . the daughter of Accathous , who when Telamon the sonne of Aeacus and Eudeides , came into the cittie of Euboea where shee then soiourned with her father , and tooke her at that aduantage , that shee was by him devirgined and deflowred , his name or person not being knowne by her or any , and so priuily escaped and fled away by night . Accathous after perceiuing her by assured tokens to bee growne bigge with child , and suspecting it to be done by some one of his citisens or subiects , hee was thereat so incensed , that banishing all pietie or paternall pittie , he deliuered her into the hands of one of his captaines , commaunding him either to kill her with his sword , or cast her into the Sea : the souldier vndertakes the imposition of his soueraigne vpon him , with many vowes and protestations to performe his pleasure with all strictnesse and seueritie ; but by the way commiserating her wretched fortune , and loth to be the destroyer of such youth and beautie created for better vse : comming neere the Sea-shore , and spying a ship there at Anchor , he sold her to the cheefe marchant for a summe of money , returning to the father with an assured relation of his daughters death . The marriners presently with this faire purchase hoysed sayle , and a faire and gentle gale fauouring them , they attained vnto the port of Salamine , and there harboured , where purposing to make sale of their marchandise , they exposed them to the publique view , amongst the rest they set a price on the Princesse Perhibaea . Telamon who was duke of Salamine and then resiant in the cittie , tooke his attendants with him , and hearing of this new marchant , went downe to the Key to take the first view of his goods , and prouide himselfe of such things as he wanted ; amongst all , the faire Perhibaea pleased him best , whose face he well knew and still remembred what had past betwixt them : hee bargained for her , payd downe her price , conducted her to his pallace , and there acquainted her with the true passage of all his former proceedings . Within few moneths shee brought him a sonne which he called Aiax : and this was that Aiax Telamon , who at the siege of Troy betwixt the two armies combatted with bold Hector in the plaine of Scamander : you shall reade this historie in Aretades Guidius in his second booke inscribed Insulis . The next that insues hath correspondence with this . Lucius Trocius had a beautifull young daughter called Florentia , Florentia . shee was stuprated by the Roman Calphurnius , and when the act came to the knowledge of her father , deliuered to the trustie executioner to bee cast into the Sea ; who in the same manner was by him pittied and sold to a marchant , his ship beeing then bound for Italie , where she being exposed to publique sale , was seene , knowne , and bought by Calphurnius , by whom hee had a sonne called Contruscus . I proceede to such as haue vnwittingly beene the death of their parents .

Euenus , the sonne of Mars and Steropes , by his wife Alcippa the daughter of Oennemanus had a beautifull female issue , Marpissa . whom hee called Marpissa who had vowed perpetuall virginitie ; her , Idas the sonne of Aphareus rauished and stole away , which her father hearing , prosecuted him euen vnto his owne countrey , but in vaine , for not able to ouertake them , and returning without her , in greefe of his lost daughter whom he so deerely loued , hee threw himselfe into the riuer Lycormus and was there drowned ; some thinke that by his death the flood lost his name , and was euer after called Euenus . Dosithae lib. 1. rerum Italicarum . Anius king of the Etruscians , hauing a rarely featured damosell to his daughter called Salia , Salia . whose virginitie he had vowed to Diana , and therefore admitted no suitors , though many great and rich offers were made vnto her : at length , as shee was sporting abroad amongst other virgins shee was espyed by one Calthetas , a hopefull young gentleman and ennobled by his familie , who at the first sight of her was so extaside with her beautie , that maugre all feare of pursuit or danger , hee snatcht her vp in his armes , and vsed such meanes that hee got her safe within the walls of Rome . Her father following the rauisher , but not ouertaking him , was strucke into such a deepe sorrow , that desparate of all comfort or counsell , hee violently cast himselfe into the next Foord that parted Rome and his owne Kingdome , which euer since that time still beares the name of Anius . Calihetus had by Salia two braue sonnes , Latinus and Salinus , who were famous in their noble and flourishing issue , insomuch , that some of the best and greatest families in Rome , were proud from them to deriue their ancestrie . This historie is recorded by Aristides Milesius , by Alexander and Polihistor lib. tertio Italicorum .

Of Clamorous Women commonly called Skoulds .

CNeius Pompeius to make his faction the stronger , by his friend Munatius sent to Cato that hee would bee pleased , of his two Neeces to contract the one of them to himselfe , the other to his sonne : by whome Cato sent word backe to Pompeius , That though he as a friend tooke gratefully the free profer of his friendship and allyance , yet beeing a man , hee had euer kept himselfe from beeing intricated in the snares of women ; but hee protested hee would adhere vnto him in a more firme league of amitie , than could be contracted by kindred , if hee would studie any thing conducent and profitable for the common-weale , but against the publique good hee would neither giue nor take hostages ; calling his neeces ( who as some write were his daughters , giuen so in matrimonie ) no better than pledges , of much future inconuenience , especially in matters of state , where the common-weale is distracted and diuided . Eras. 5. Apotheg . Socrates was wont to say , that hee had patiently suffered three torments , Grammer , Pouertie , and a skoulding Wife Xantippe , two of which he had prettily well euaded , namely , Grammer and Pouertie , but the morositie of a Skould hee could neuer put off . Anton. Parle . 2. Meless . Serm. 34. The like may be sayd of Sausarion the Comicke Poet , equally tormented with a bitter and rayling wife . Pittacus Mitelenus hauing married the sister of Draco the sonne of Penthilius , a proude insolent and rayling woman , persuaded a deere friend of his to marrie with the other sister , for if hee were neuer so much giuen to wrath and anger , shee would teach him sufferance and patience . Laertius when Georgias the Sophist at the solemnitie of the Olimpicke games , had made an elabourat Oration Concerning concord , and to persuade men to vnitie : one Melanthius in the conclusion or catastrophe thereof spake aloude , This man persuades all Greece to peace , who hauing but one wife and three maides at home , yet his house is neuer without clamour and dissention , and with all his smooth and filed phrases cannot make his owne peace . Erasm. 6. Apotheg . Mar. Pacuvius vpon a time sayd ( weeping ) to his familiar friend and neighbour Actius ( alias ) Arius , Suidas calls him Arius . Deere friend ( saith he ) I haue a tree in my garden , in my minde the most prodigious and vnhappie that euer the earth produced or gaue sappe vnto , for vpon that my first wife hanged her selfe , and after that the second , and now but this morning my third and last ; to whom Arius his neighbour replyde , I wonder you beeing a learned man and approoued for your wisedome , should be any way greeued at these successes and chances , Dij boni ( inquit ) quot tibi dispendia arbor iste suspendit ? i. Oh you gods , how many of thy dammages and losses hast thou hanged vpon that tree ; and proceeded thus , Deere friend giue me some of those grafts and scientes , tha I may plant them in my orchard or garden . Valerius records this in an epistle to Rufinus . As also Cicero reports the like of a Sicilian in 2. de Orat. and Gyraldus Dial. 8. Histor. Poetarum . Euen Cato Censorius could not escape a brawling and crabbed wife , though he married her from an ignoble stocke and familie . Guid. Bitturn . sayth , That Hadrianus had a wife called Sabina , Sabina . hard , peruerse , vntoward , rude in her behauiour towards her husband , and worthie to be repudiated , and her bed and societie abandoned . Alphonsus king of Naples , demaunding of one Antonius Panormita , What noble Neapolitane gentlemen were delighted in Hunting , or whether any late Writer had published any Treatise , concerning the goodnesse and excellencie of Dogges ? To whom Panormita answered , I beseech thee ( ô king ) rather aske this knight ( pointing to one that was then in presence ) who can better resolue you , who for the space of fortie yeeres hath beene continually so conseruant amongst such creatures , that euerie night he beddeth with a Canicula ( which word , as it signifieth a Brach or Bitch , so it is taken for a detractor or snarling slanderer , as also for a Dogge-fish : ) and proceeded , Therefore hee ( ô king ) can best describe vnto you their natures and conditions . This knight of Naples ( whose name for his honors sake is concealed ) onely smiled at the taunt giuen by Antonius , well apprehending , that by Canicula hee intended his wife ; a woman barkingly clamorous , most contentious , and bitter . Pontanus . Gregorius Hamburgensis , a famous and eloquent Lawyer ( amongst all the German practisers the most approoued ) when all his busie imployments were ended in the Court of Caesar , where hee was stayed some two moneths , or thereabouts ; and ( as wee say in our English phrase ) the Terme being done , and hee returning home to his owne house , not farre from the Towne of Nurimburch , ( where hee then dwelled ) hee met with a friend and neighbour , who after some familiar salutes past betwixt them , told him , That his wife was liuing , and in good health at home : to whom shaking his head , he made this short reply , Si vxor viuit , saene obij , i. If my wife be liuing , then am I but dead ; thereby intimating , that the morositie of a curst wife is no better than a dayly death to her husband . Aeneas Sylu. Lib. 3. Commentar. de reb . Cestis Alphonsi . Thisponius the Lawyer , and of the learned Councell to king Alphonsus , hauing at one time three hundred pieces of Gold stolne from him , which was part of the Dower of a peruerse and peeuish wife whom hee had lately married , for which being wondrous sad and pensiue in the presence of the king , Alphonsus looking vpon him , and seeming to commiserate his sadnesse , broke out into these tearmes , O how happie a man were Thisponius , if the theeues had stolne away his wife , and left the Gold behind them . Panormita , Lib. 1. de Gestis Alphons . Euripides , the most excellent of the Greeke Tragicke Poets , had two wiues ; the name of the first was Cherile , Cherile , or Chaerine . or ( as Suidas calls her ) Charine , the daughter of Mnesilochus , by whom hee had three sonnes , Mnesiloches the Actor or Stage-player , Mnesarchides the Marchant , and the third , Euripides the Orator : yet partly for suspition of adulterie , and by reason hee led with her an vnquiet life , after so hopefull an issue , shee was diuorced from him . After this separation , hee married another called Melitto , Melitto . who being apprehended in adulterie with Ctesiphon the Player , hee was so branded for a Cuckold , and so taunted and ieasted at by the Comicke Poets in the publique Theatre , that he was forced to leaue the citie and to remoue himselfe into Macedonia , where hee spent the remainder of his life in the Court of king Archelaus . Gell. Lib. 15. cap. 20. Athenaeus , Lib. 13. Arnus , Tarquinius , and Tullia , liued together in perpetuall discord and dissention , by reason of her vntoward and crabbed condition . Adrianus Berlandus tells vs of an Inne-keeper or Host ( a pleasant and frolicke fellow ) who when a guest of his complained vnto him , that he could not endure such noyse and clamour , for his wiues tongue neuer ceased walking , finding fault with this thing , then that ; besides , there was no cessation of her perpetuall brawling and chiding with her maids and seruants . To whom the merrie Host replyed , And I pray ( my friend ) is this a iust cause for your impatience , or discontent ? What doe you thinke of me then , that for two and thirtie yeeres space haue had this noyse and clamour continually in mine eares , night and day , without ceasing , and yet you see with what sufferance I beare it ; and cannot you endure it for the space of a few minutes ? By which words hee not onely gaue present satisfaction to his guest , but conuerted his wiues anger into laughter . Seruius Tullius , king of the Romanes , conferred his two daughters vpon the two Tarquius , Tullia , and her sister . Aruns , and Superbus : of seuerall dispositions were the men , and of sundrie conditions the women ; as they were opposite in humour , they were as vnfitly disposed . To Aruns ( a man of a quiet and mild temper ) Tullia ( a Ladie bold and daring ) was giuen : on Superbus ( a Prince haughtie and insolent ) the other ( beeing a modest and meeke Ladie ) was bestowed . Disparitie of mindes could not brooke the inequalitie of manners : Therefore bold and bloodie Tullia poysons her faire and gentle-conditioned Aruns , the other modest and mild-tempered sister is made away by the proud and ambitious Superbus : the best are lost● the worst left . They two contract an incestuous Marriage , Pride with Crueltie , and Immanitie with Ambition ; Murther is the ground or cause , and Treason and Vsurpation the prodigious effect : shee complots the death of her owne naturall father ; and hee , the ruine of his liege Lord and Soueraigne : shee a Parricide , hee a Regicide . The king is betwixt them slaine , ouer whose dead bodie shee caused her Chariot to be drawne : Her cheekes blushed not , when the wheeles of her Waggon were stained with her fathers blood . And so much to giue Tullia a short character , the most insolent of Wiues , and the worst of Daughters . Of a lower voice , softer spirit , and more temperate condition , Chilonia . were these wiues following . Chilonia the wife of Cleombrotus king of Sparta , and daughter of Leonides , who had before soueranised , when in those ciuile combustions the sonne in law had expulsed the father , and compelled him into exile , shee neuer ceased to importune her husband , till shee had called him home from banishment . But in processe of time , when Fortune had turned her Wheele , and Leonides in those dissentions ( hauing got the better ) had confined Cleombrotus , shee was an hourely intercessor for the repeale of her husband ; but finding her father to bee obdure , and her suit by him not listened too , though she might in all pleasure and ease haue happily spent her age in her owne cittie with her father , shee rather made choise to be a faithfull companion in all distresses with her husband , Fulgos. lib. 6. cap. 7. Anaxandrides , the sonne of Leontias , marryed with his sisters daughter , whom hee exceedingly loued , but because shee was barraine and that by her he had no issue , the Ephori made suit vnto him to be diuorsed from her , and would haue compelled him vnto it : but when he had absolutely denied to condiscend with them in that point , they made another request vnto him , That hee would take vnto him another wife more fruitfull , least the most fortunate issue of Euristaeus might in him bee extinguished . Hee therefore at their intreaties tooke to him a second wife , namely Perinetades , Perinetades the daughter of Demarmenus , and so brought her home to his house ; where ( which is strange ) the two women liued together peaceably , without emulation or enuie . His last wife brought him a sonne , whom hee called Cleomenes : and not long after , his first wife ( before barraine ) made him the fortunate father of three sonnes ; the first , Dorie●s ; the second , Leonides ; the third , Cleombrotus : but Cleomenes ( the eldest by the second wife ) succeeded in the Soueraigntie . Herodot . Lib. 5. Thesca , Thesca . the sister of Dionisius , beeing marryed to Polixenus , who hauing entred into a Coniuration with other noble gentlemen , to supplant the Tyrant , but fearing discouerie fled for his best safetie : Vpon whose flight , Dionisius calls his sister into question , as one that must of necessitie be priuie to his escape . To whom shee boldly thus answered : Thinkest thou ( ô Dionisius ) thy sister to be a woman of that seruile and degenerate condition , that had shee knowne the least purpose of his retyrement , shee would not haue made her selfe a companion in all his Nauigations , and Trauaile ? Erasm. Apotheg . Lib. 5. Caius Caligula the Emperour , hauing found Herod ( the husband to Herodias ) Tetrarch of Galilee , Herodias . engaged in a reuolt from the Empire , with Artahanus king of the Parthians , amerced him in a great summe of money for that defect ; and till it was leuied and payed into the Treasurie , gaue him in custodie to king Agrippa , whom he had found loyall vnto him , and in whose fidelitie hee much trusted . Hee after banished Herod into Lyons ( a citie of France ) with an irreuocable doome of exile imposed vpon him : but vnderstanding Herodias to be sister to the wife of Agrippa ( whom hee much fauoured ) out of Herods mulct , or fine , hee proportioned her a large Dower , reserued in the hands of Agrippa to her vse , as not dreaming shee would haue beene a companion with him in his confinement . To which extraordinarie grace from the Emperour , shee thus replyed : You ( ô Emperour ) as best becomes your Maiestie , speake like a royall and munificent Prince , but the Coniugall Bond of Loue and Pietie , in which I am tyed to a husband , is to me an impediment , that I am not capable of this great Largesse and vnmerited bountie . Vnmeet it is , that I ( who haue beene a partaker with him in all his prosperous and flourishing fortunes ) should now forsake him , and not be a companion with him in the worst that disaster or aduersitie can inflict . This noble answere Caligula tooke in such scorne and high displeasure , to see himselfe in magnanimitie and greatnesse of spirit to be exceeded by a woman , that hee banished her with her husband Herod ; and the bountie ( before bestowed on her ) hee conferred vpon her brother in law Agrippa . Ioseph . in Antiquitatibus . Cleomenes , The wife of Cleomenes . the sonne of Anaxandrides and Perinetades ( but lately spoken of ) being expulsed from Sparta by Antigonus , king of Macedonia , fled for refuge to Ptolomeus , king of Aegypt : whither his wife would haue followed him , but dissuaded by her parents ( notwithstanding a strict guard was set ouer her ) yet in the night shee beguiled her keepers ; and hauing prouided a Horse for the purpose , posted with all possible speed to the next Port Towne , that was least suspected ; where hyring a shippe , with all the Coyne and Iewels shee had then about her shee sayled into Aegypt , and there spent the remainder of her dayes with him in his vncomfortable exile . Fulgos. lib. 6. cap. 7. I haue but one more ( gentle Reader ) to trouble thy patience with at this present .

Blanca Rubea Patauina , Blanca Rubea Patauina . the wife of Baptista a Porta , betaking her selfe into the same free priuiledged Towne , of which Bassianus was then Gouernour , and whither her husband for his safetie was retyred in the yeere of our Redemption 1253 , when A●●iolinus the Tyrant hauing lost Padua , and bending all his forces to the surprisall of Bassi●●●● , compassing that at length by fraud and stratagem , which by opposition and violence hee could neuer haue accomplished ; in the entring of which Towne Baptista was slaine , and Blanca Rubea being armed , and fighting boldly by his side till shee saw him fall , was ( notwithstanding her masculine valour ) taken prisoner by a souldier , and presented to the Tyrant ; who gazing on her rare feature ( much more beautified by the rich armour shee then had on ) grew exceedingly enamoured on this manly Virago , and first with faire enticing blandishments hee courted her loue , but finding no possibilitie to satiate his libidinous affections that waye , where faire meanes fayled , hee purposed force : which to auoid , and to preuent the dishonour intended her , shee cast her selfe out from an high Bay-window , two stories from the ground ; where being taken vp halfe dead , with much difficultie shee was recouered . No sooner was shee well able to walke , but the Tyrant still prosecuted his beastly and bruitish desires ; which shee still opposing , with that small strength shee had left , hee caused his seruants to bind her according to his lustfull direction , and not able to stirre hand nor foot , in that horrible manner rauished her . At length being loosed from those hatefull and vnsufferable bonds , shee ( with what patience shee could ) dissembled her griefe , and wrought so farre with some that compassioned her miseries , that shee had libertie to visit her dead husband in his Tombe , into which ( with lowd shrikes and passionate lamentation ) shee entred , still inuoking her husbands name , and with all the force shee had , plucked the great and ponderous Tombe-stone vpon her , the weight whereof forced the breath out of her bosome . And by this meanes shee purchased the honourable name of a most chast wife , at which her life still aymed ; and a common graue with her husband , which euen in death shee most desired : one Stone beeing the couer to both their Hearses . Bernard . Scardeonus , Lib. 3. Histor. Pataminae .

Varietie of Discourse concerning Women .

APOLLO , or the Sunne , is said to haue fiue Daughters , which by their names appeare to be no other than the fiue Sences : The daughters of Apollo . The first is called Pasiph●● , or Sight , of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. Omnibus apparens , i. Visible to all ; for the Sight is a Sence that hath inspection into all the rest : for the Eye sees him that calls , or clamours , beholds him that feeles , obserues those that taste , and intend such as smell . The Sunnes second Daughter , is Medea , or Hearing , of the Greeke word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. Nullam visionem . The third Phaedra , or Odoratus , of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Afferens s●auitatem , i. Affoording sweetnesse and pleasantnesse . Dirce is deriued of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. Saporis Index , To iudge by taste ; or Acre Iudicare , that is , To censure acutely . The Syrens were the daughters of the floud Achelous , The Syrens . and the Muse Melpomene , so saith Hyginus : others deriue them from Calli●pe . They are by the Greekes called Tractatoriae , as attracting or insinuating into the eares of man by their seuerall illecebrations , or enticements ; by Song , by Sight , by Custome . They are three in number ; the first excels in Voice , the second in the Harpe , the third in the Pype : it was so ordered by the Fates , that whosoeuer listned to their musicke should instantly perish , but when any one escaped their Incantations , they themselues should liue no longer ; which destinie of theirs was made good in Vlysses . For stopping his owne eares and the eares of his saylers , with waxe ( by the counsell of Mercurie ) and causing them all to bee tyde to the Masts of the ship , when these Syrenes perceiued that they were preuented , they tumbled themselues from the Rockes headlong into the Seas and were so drowned . The place still beares their name and is called Syrenides , it lyes betwixt Sicilia and Italie . Some think that by these Syrenes were intended no other than strumpets , who by their inchanting insinuations and luxurious flatteries , haue beene the ruine of many eminent and excellent men , as likewise of others meanlier degreed and quallified ; but whatsoeuer he be that by his wisedom can preuent them is his own preseruer , and their destroyer . Their bodies vpward were feminine , withall faire ; and from the nauell downward beastiall , or fishie , denoting vnto vs the vglinesse of sinne and deformitie of lust . Diuerse differ about their number ; These are reckoned vnto vs , Aglaosi , Telsipoi , Pisno , Iligi : some thinke the cittie Parthinope to take denomination from Parthenopaea , once numbred amongst these Mermaides , because she was there buried : Others reckon amongst them the two nymphs Leucosia and Lygia . Plutarch in Amat●r . speakes of Oenanthe a she minstrell and a dauncer , Oenanthe . as also Aristonica , Aglais , and others . Aristonica . These and the like of their alluring profession , to these Syrens may not vnfitly be compared . Aglais .

Some women haue to honest purposes changed their garments , Women that haue dessembled their shape . and dissembled themselues in mens habits ; laudable it was in Theodora a Virgin of Antioch , who when a rude and rough hewed souldier was sent vnto her into prison , Theodora . forcibly to despoyle her of her virgin chastitie , shee with her modest lookes & becomming teares mixt with passionat persuasions , not only mollified his obdurate heart and deterred from his wicked purpose , but woon him to change habits with her , by which fortunate stratageme shee escaped out of prison , and so preuented the threatened slaughter intended her by the tyrant Dioclesian , Ambros. lib. 2. de Virgin . Euphrosina a maide of Alexandria , Euphrosina . tooke vpon her a mans habit , and for the space of thirtie six yeres dissembled her Sex vnknowne to any , all which time she spent in a religious monasterie onely for deuotion sake . Volaterran . Dicearchus apud Caelium testates , That only for the loue of learning and to bee truely instructed in the grounds of Phylosophie , Lasthenia , Martinea , Axiothea , and Phliasia came disguised in mens habits into Platos schoole and were his daily auditors , into which place women were not to be admitted . Pelagia a woman of Antioch , Pelagia . being in her youth solely giuen ouer to voluptuousnesse and pleasure , at length was so retyred from all worldly delights and vanities , that abandoning humane societie , she assumed the shape of a man , least her Sex might be discouered , and so betaking her selfe to the sollitude of a most disolate wildernesse , led a contemplatiue and deuoute life till she expired her last . The like I haue before related of Marina , who with her habit changed her name to Marinus , and Eugenia to Eugenius . Here I might fitly introduce Iohanna Anglicana , but I haue reserued a place for her amongst the learned . Not to the like commendable purpose , we reade how Semiramis betrayde her Sex , Semiramis . and for many yeares together beguiled the eyes of her people , tooke vpon her the stile of a king , and raigned in the person of her sonne .

Women that haue changed their Sex . As those before remembred haue dissembled their shape , so there bee some recorded in historie , that haue miraculously changed their Sex . In Phestus a citie of Creet liued one Lictus or Lignus of a noble family , Iphis. who being married to Telethusa , Telethusa . a Ladie of equall byrth , both nobilitated as well in wealth as parentage , he as an addition to the rest being honourable aboue others by his place and office ; his wife being great with child and something neere her deliuerie , he not onely besought her at the first but after inioyned her vpon her life of two things , the one was that shee should bring him a male child to inherit , the other that if it prooued to be a gyrle , she should instantly bereaue it of life . Hard was the imposition to a mother , & it somwhat penterated the heart of the father , for he no lesse wept to speake it than shee moystned her cheekes to heare it ; it drew teares from both , yet by reason of a vow solemnely made to the gods , notwithstanding all her passionate intersessions , he stood obstinate from being remooued , and she altogether in dispaire because he would be no further intreated . All her small hope was now in the hasard , as not knowing what her issue would proue ; if a male the ioy of her life , if a female her double death , as not intending to suruiue her infant . The night before her deliuerie she was comforted in her dreame , in which a Vision appeared to her , to cammaund her to saue the child howsoeuer , for the gods would take it into their protection ; this somewhat cheared her throwes : A gyrle is borne , the Sex is concealed betwixt her and her nurce , the father is proude of his young sonne , sends to comfort the mother , and performes the ceremonies of the vow before past , nor doth the countenance of the infant any way betray the Sex , for as Ouid Metamorph. lib. 9. sayth of it : Cultus erat pueri , facies quam siue puellae Siue dares pueri sierat formosus vterque . The habit of a Boy she wore And it had such a face , As whether she were Boy or Gyrle , It either Sex would grace . Lictus giues it the name of the grandfather , and calls it Iphis , a name that may belong equally either to man or woman ; the mother holds it as a fortuate Omen . The infant growes to be ripe for marriage , and the father is as readie to prouide a wife for his supposed sonne : Ianthe is found , Ianthe . the daughter of Dyctaeus and Thaleste , Thaleste . a young damosell of large dower and commendable beautie ; Iphis and Ianthe were of equall yeares and alike in feature , they were bred together , brought vp and schooled together , and as they had like instructions , so they had like affections , they were paraleld in loue but not in hopes , Ianthe expected to be possessed of Iphis , Iphis was in despaire euer to inioy Ianthe ; as her feare still growes greater , so the marriage day approcheth neerer , the fathers ioy and comfort is the mothers dread and greefe , the ones exaltation to blisse , the others deiection to sorrow . The Contract is past , the Nuptiall day come ; there are two Brides , and no Bridegroome : notwithstanding , Himen is present , Iuno at hand , Venus not farre off , and Lucina ( the goddesse of Child-birth ) in hope of future imployment . The mother retyres to her prayers , the daughter to her teares : Where humane hope fayles , and Nature opposeth ( or at least helpeth not : ) whither should we flye but to the gods , for assistance ? So they repaire to the Altar , where they humbly kneele , and as deuoutly pray . Prayers are said to be the daughters of Iupiter , and haue at all houres accesse to the eares of their father . Their Orisons ended , the mother and daughter returned ; if not helped , yet in their resolutions armed against hurt . In the way backe , as Ouid my maister tells me , it thus happened : Mater abit Templo , sequitur Comes Iphis enutem Quam solita est maiore gradu , &c. The mother from the Temple Iphis guides , She followes her , but yet with larger strides Than when she thither went ; and thinkes it strange To find within her selfe such sudden change , Because she feeles about her something grow , The like she neuer saw , nor yet doth know . The whitenesse in her Cheeke begins to fade , She seemes more swart ; besides , more breadth is laid Vpon her spreading shoulders ; she is now More strong than erst , and in her modest Brow A Looke more manly : her faire Haire , that hung Below her Waste , still shortens ; and her Toung Hath got a bigger tone : nor maruell , when Iphis the Maid may now be rank'd 'mongst Men.

What , and how great ioy this prodigious change was , I leaue to them that can truly apprehend the happinesse of such a hopelesse and vnexpected fortune betwixt two Louers : but whether this was done meerely by the miraculous worke of the gods , or were possible in Nature , might be disputed . To this purpose , he that collected the Memorable Histories of these times , hath quoted an Author , in many things beleeuable , That the like hath been knowne in our later ages : yea , children haue beene borne , that by the Midwiues , Nurses , and Parents , haue beene mistaken for daughters , and so continued for some yeeres . But growing to the age of twelue , or thereabouts , and are able to distinguish of good or euill ( being capable of passions , and subiect to affections ) whether Loue or Time haue produced these strange effects , I am not certaine : but those manly parts that were before inuerted , and concealed within the bodie , haue burst sorth , and beene made apparant ; insomuch , that they haue beene forced to change their womens names into mens , with the exchange of their habits ; and after made choise of wiues , and as this Iphis to Ianthe , haue beene ioyfully married . Ouid in his twelfth booke of Metamorphosis remembers the like transhape from the mouth of Nestor . Caenis ( saith he ) the daughter of Elataeus , Caenis . one of the most beautifull Virgins of Thessaly , and of such fame , that euen Peleus , the father of Achilles ( amongst many others ) was an earnest suitor vnto her to haue made her his Bride and Queene : but the proud Girle despising both his proffers and person , gaue him a like repulse with the rest , pretending a perpetuall Vow of Chastitie . At length Neptune grew enamoured of her , and encountred her at such opportunitie and aduantage , that mauger all resistance , she was by him vitiated and devirgined . To recompence which iniurie , he bad her aske whatsoeuer was in his power ( being a god ) to grant , and shee should be recompenced to the fullnesse of her wishes and desires . Shee fearing least the temptation of her incomparable beautie might bring her in danger of the like violence , and to base prostitution ( which she aboue all things hated ) to him she thus answered : Metam . lib. 12. Magnum ( Caenis ait ) Facit haec iniuria votam Tale pati , iam posse nihil , da femina ne sim , Omnia prestiteris , &c. My iniurie doth make me ( Caenis sayd ) To aske a mightie Boone , which graunt I pray , ( That I no more in this kind be betray'd ) Make me to be no woman from this day : 'T is all I begge . The last words that she spake , Seem'd to be vtt'red with more manly sound Than were the first : Great Neptune for her sake Had granted it ( which in her selfe she found ) And added more ; To recompence this deed , Neuer shall that smooth skinne by weapon bleed .

After which time she proued invulnerable , changed her name to Caeneus , practised Armes , and prooued a famous Souldier . Shee was in that great battaile betwixt the Centaures and the Lapithes , where fell by her hand Stiphilus , Bromus , Antimachus , Helimus , and Pyrachmon , fiue valiant Centaures . Now though this may seeme somewhat to fauour of fabulous Poetrie , may not she ( leauing out the compression of Neptune , or being made wound-free ) by the former probabilitie so late remembred ( being borne of a warlike race , and hauing in her the inherent seedes of hereditarie valour ) though shee was first thought a Damosell , yet when time produced her virilitie , make shew of that , imperfect Nature had not till then ripened , and practise Armes , agreeable with the braue spirits of her ancestors ? And because eyther her good fortune assisted her , or her valour so protected her , that shee neuer receiued any apparant wound in battaile ; may shee not therefore ( and without any palpable absurditie ) bee thought invulnerable ? And so much to apologie ( in the way of discourse ) for those supposed impossibilities ; onely producing these Histories , least any thing ( that sauours not of immodestie ) that can bee spoke of Women , should be left vnremembred .

Explicit Liber Septimus , Inscriptus POLYHIMNIA .

THE EIGHTH BOOKE , Inscribed VRANIA : Intreating of Women euerie way Learned ; of Poetresses , and Witches , &c.

POLYHIMNIA remembers me to looke vp to her Sister VRANIA , whose contemplation is in the Starres and Planets ; where ( mee thinkes ) I behold the twelue Signes , as Manilius ( in his first booke ASTRONOMICON ) thus describes their order : Aurato Princeps Aries in vellere fulgens Respicit , admirans aduersum surgere Taurum , &c. The Princely Ramme , clad in his golden Wooll , Lookes backe , admiring to behold the Bull Against him rise ; who with a chearefull face Calls to the Twinnes , to bid them mend their pace : The Crab these followes , and the Lyon than ; Next , the Celestiall Maid , not knowne by man : Libra comes after , who ( least Time should faile ) Weighes out the Nights and Dayes in equall Skale , And calls the Scorpion on , who in his trayne Beares a bright fulgent starre , at which ( in vaine ) The Centaure ( with his string drawne to his eare ) Aimes his keene shaft : the Goat doth next appeare , That 's Capricornus call'd , who oft-times lowres , Because to quench his starre , Aquarius powres His Lauer forth : next after him , are plac't Pisces , that of the twelue Signes are the last .

And now whilest mine eyes are yet fixt vpon the starres , let it appeare no vnprofitable digression , to speake something concerning Astronomie . Atlas for his skill in that Art , the Poets fabled him to support Heauen on his shoulders ; and Endimion for obseruing the course of the Moone , was therefore sayd to be her friend and louer . The Babylonians are reported to bee the first obseruers of the Starres and Planets , by whom the Grecians being instructed , found out the two Poles , deuised the Dyall , and distinguished the Day and the Night into foure and twentie houres . Zoroastres that flourished in the time that Ninus raigned in Assiria , was in this Art famous . Palamides the sonne of Nauplius and Climene , was the first amongst the Greekes that accommodated the Weekes , Moneths , and Yeares , and proportioned them to the true course of the Sunne ; hee obserued the terrible eclipse of the Sunne , and taught it to be a meere natural cause and not prodigious , as it was then feared . Philostratus in Heroicis . Thales Milesiu● one of the seuen wisemen of Greece , applyde himselfe to this studie , and as Calimachus witnesseth of him , was the first that disputed vpon Vrsa maior , as E●demus predicted the Eclips of the Sunne to the Ionians , which happened in the time that Haliattes was king of Lidia , and fought a great and terrible battaile against Aiaxaris king of the Medes , Herodotus in Clio. Laertius , Lib. 1. Anaximander Milesius the scholer of Thales , first taught that the Moone shined only by a borrowed Light , and that the Sunne equalled in bignesse the compasse of the whole frame of the Earth , and was the purest fire ; he made the first Sun-dyall in Lacedemon , and placed it where it might best giue a shaddow from the reflection of the Sunne ; he obserued the Aequinoctiall , and made Spheres and Horoscopes , Laert. lib. 2. Anaxagoras Clazimonius taught , That the Sunne was a fire perpetually burning , greater in the Circumference than the Island of Peloponessus , hee called it a fierie Stone ; he predicted that a stone should fall from the Orbe of the Sunne , which happened neere to Aegos a flood in Thrace in the second yere of the seuentie eight Olimpiad . This made Euripides his scholer in Pha●tontide , to call the Sunne a golden Turfe ; and that the Moone conteined within her Sphere , Houses , and Dwellings , Hills , Valleys , Forrests , Beasts , and People . Hee affirmed the Galaxia or Milkie-path to be a meere reflex of the Sunne , and no inter-light arising from the Starres ; Commets he taught to bee a concourse of the wandering Starres , and the flames or beards which proceed from them loose sparkes shaken by the Ayre : Being asked to what end he was borne into the world , hee answered , Onely to haue inspection into the Sunne , the Moone , and the Planets , Laert. li. 2. Plin. lib. 2. cap. 60. In this were eminent Parmenides Eleates the scholer of Xenophon , Leucippus Eleates , Democrates Abderites , Xenocrates Chalcidonius , who writ six bookes de Astrologia , as Laertius witnesseth lib. 4. E●doxus Guidius , Theophrastus Erisius , Oenopides Chius , Meton Lacedemonius ( both remembred by Aelianus ) Protagorus Astrologus , with infinite others : and among these Hyppatia a learned woman of Alexandria , Hyppatia . daughter of Theon the famous Geometrition , and wife to the Phylosopher Isiodorus , shee writ of Astronomie , kept schoole in Alexandria , where she was frequented by many worthie schollers , shee flourished in the time of Arcadius the Emperour , and was after by such as enuied her fame in learning pittifully slaine and massacred . From the professors of this Art I come to the effects therof . It is related of Meton the expert Astrologian , when the Athenian forces were to be shipped into Sicily to fight against the Syracusans , hee foreseeing by his Art the lamentable successe of that battell , which after proued accordingly , to auoid the danger thereof , being a man of especiall imployment in that businesse , and to come off without suspision of feare or cowardise , hee counterfeited madnesse ; which the better to confirme , hee fi●ed a Summer●house of his owne which stood neere Pyceta , by which act he was iudged to be distracted in his sences , and for that reason dismist from his charge , Plutarch in Alcebiad . P. Nigidi●s Figalus was of the Pythagorian Sect , excellent both in the Mathematickes and Physicke , of whom Lucian , lib. 1.

At Figulus cui cura deos secretaque mundi Nosse fuit But Figulus , whose cheife care was to find And know the gods , with secrets from mankind Conceald , &c.

Hee flourished in the time of Caesar , hee was skillfull in the reuolutions of the Heauens aboue all that liued in his time : amongst other notable effects of his Art , hee predicted to Angustus beeing an infant , the Imperiall Purple . Xiphilin . in Augusto . Scribonius Mathematic●● told Lyuia , the mother of Tiberius Caesar being with child , that shee was great with a male infant , not a female , adding ( wherein his Art failed ) Verum sine diademate , i. But without a Diademe , as ignorant then to what height the maiestie of the Caesars were to ascend , Sabellicus , lib. 1. cap. 1. It is reported of the Astrologian Thrasillus that when Tiberius was banished by Augustus into the Island of Rhodes , and in his greatest mellancholly and discontent had beene often comforted by Thrasillus his schoole-maister , as promising him some speedie good newes apprehended from his Art . But on a time they two walking together vpon the bankes of the Sea , Tiberius still fretting and chasing inwardly with himselfe that he had beene so long fooled with vaine and idle promises , by the Mathematician his maister , he rated him with bitter and harsh tearmes , reuiling his Art , and was readie to haue cast him headlong ( in this extremitie of rage ) from the promontorie : when Thrasillus intreating his patience but a few houres , espyed a ship with full ●ayles making towards the harbour , when suddenly reioycing , Be of good comfort Tiberius ( saith he ) for in yon ship is brought thee what thou most de●irest ; which prooued accordingly , for they attending their landing , letters were deliuered to Tiberius from Augustus and Lyuia , of his repeale from exile , and his calling backe to Rome ; at which time was layd the foundation of his Empire . Fulgos. lib. 8. cap. 11. Dion in August . reports it thus , Tiberius walking with Thrasillus , and priuately intending to cast him from the rocke , without any appearance of anger , on the sudden he grew wonderous melancholly and sad , vpon which Tiberius demanding the cause , Thrasillus answered , because I find there is now a present mischiefe intended against me ; vpon which words the purpose of Tiberius was altered , and the others prescience by him much commended . Euen Tiberius himselfe studious and expert in Astrologie , Astronomie , and other mysticall and hidden Arts , insomuch that he caused many noble gentlemen of Rome to be innocently put to death , for no other reason than that by calculating vpon their natiuitie , hee presupposed them dangerous to the state ; he obserued the carriage and conditions of all men , and whosoeuer excelled others in vertue , or entred into least popular loue , him hee cut off . It is sayd , that meeting with Galba vpon his marriage day , he cast a stedfast looke vpon him , and withall vttered these words , Et tu ●liquando Princip●tum degustobis , i. And thou also shalt in time attaine vnto the Principalitie . The Emperour Hadrianus was not onely industrious in the attaining to the height of perfection in the knowledge of all other generall learning , but also in the Mathematicks , in so much that Marius Maxim . affirmes of him , That hee assuredly knew all things that were spoken of , or by him ; he writ downe euerie morning with his owne hand the chances and successes that should follow the same day , and thus hee continued to the houre of his death . He was often heard to say of Verus whom he had adopted , Ostendent terris hunc tantum fata , nec vltra Esse sinent , &c. The fates will to the Earth but shew him , then , Ere fully seene , snatch him away agen . Volaterran . Auturo , lib. 23. saith , That he continued the writing downe daily of those predictions , euen to the last moneth of the yeere in which he dyed , and then gaue ouer ; speaking openly , that within the compasse of that moneth he should be gathered to his fathers , Fulgos. lib. 8. c. 11. Seuerus Pertinax hauing buried his wife Martia , made choise of a second called Iulia , borne of obscure parents ; for no other reason , but that by the inspiration into those Starres that were predominant at her birth , he found that she was borne to participate of Imperiall honours . Volaterran . lib , 23. An Astrologian in the court of Frederick the second , Emperour , with great ceremonie and diligence obserued Rodulphus Earle of Hausburch ( a plaine gentleman of meane fortunes and lesser hopes , and one whom all the other courtiers despised ) and still he was mocked when he had neglected others of great place and office , to be only obsequious to him : this being to the Emperor , he commanded the Artist before him , demanding the reason of his so doing ; to whom he answered , Because ô Frederick , in this Rodulphus I see a succeeding Emperour , who when thy issue shall faile must repaire the dignitie of the Caesars , and his noble memorable acts fill all Christendome with condigne praises : neither was this presage friuolous or vainely spoken , for in the yeere of our redemption 1273 , in the Kalends of October , this Rodulphus was by the Princes of Germanie confirmed in the Imperiall dignitie , and crowned at Frankefort : Caspinianus in Caesaribus . Marullus speakes of one Byli●tus an Astronomer , who died with eating of Mushroms , or such as we call Toadstooles , his words be these : Dum canet Astrologus prituris sidera amicis Dum sibi Boletos non canet ipse perit . Whil'st to foresee his friends mishaps , His skill the Artist tryde : His owne sad fate he could not find , But eating Mushroms , dyde .

Rare effects of this Art were showed in Guido Boiatus foro liuiensis , who liued vnder Martin the fourth , who sent to Guido Earle of Mountferrat , that if such a day and at such an houre he would issue out of the citie , and by stratagem inuade his enemyes , posteritie should remember him in that honourable victorie , in which he should giue them a strange defeate and assuredly ouercome , and himselfe receiue a dangerous wound in the thygh . The Earle at the day appointed issued from the citie , and assaulted them , prouiding himselfe of all things necessarie about him for a wound . Hee winnes the day , followed the victorie , was hurt in the same place , and after healed . F●lgos . Lib. 8. cap. 11. Egnat . Lib. 8. cap. 11. Paulus tertius Pope ( Farnesius ) was miraculously skilfull in Astrologie : He sent to his sonne Peter Aloysius ( who at that time with great crueltie vsurped in the Dukedome of Parma and Placentia ) and warned him to beware and take heed of his owne safetie the tenth day of September , in the yeere of Grace 1547. for that day was malignant to his life , and opposite to his good aboue all others . The father ( as my Author saith ) had power to fore-warne his sonne , but the soone had not grace to preuent the danger ; for the same day predicted , hee was slaine in his owne Castle by Augustinus Landus and Iacobus Scotus , two Earles of Placentia , who pretended priuate conference with him . Being dead , hee was deliuered vp to the long afflicted people ; who first hanged him vp by the priuie parts , and after ( without all humane pitie ) tore him limbe from limbe , to satisfie their malicious vengeance . Sleidanus , Lib. 19. Comment. I feare I haue stayed too long amongst the Starres , and conferred so much amongst those Men , that some may feare I haue forgot the Women : but it is otherwise , for I now proceed with them . And first ,

Of Women Orators , that haue pleaded their owne Causes , or others .

STrange and admirable is the efficacie and force of Eloquence . It is writ of the Poet Ty●aeaus , That when the Lacedemonians had beene in three sundrie battailes defeated , and were in despaire for euer reobtaining their pristine honours and dignities ; in this lowest of their deiectednesse , hee with his excellently eloquent Verses so kindled and awaked their dull and drowsie courages , that they the fourth time opposed the Massenians , their enemies ; and wearing about them the names of their noble ancestors ( whose braue exploits hee in his Poemes had celebrated ) they reassumed their former forces and courages , with such an addition and encrease of fortitude , that they after grew vnresistable . Answerable to the facunditie and eloquence of the Poet Tyrtaeus , was that of Amesia , Amesia . a modest Roman Ladie , who being of a great crime accused , and readie to incurre the sentence of the Praetor , shee in a great confluence stept vp amongst the people , and without any Aduocate pleaded her owne Cause so effectually and strongly , that by the publique Suffrage shee was freed and acquit from all aspersions whatsoeuer : Which shee did with such a manly yet modest constancie , that from that time forward shee was called Androgine . Valer. Maxim . Lib. 8. cap. 3. Equall to her was Hortensia , Hortensia . the daughter of Q. Hortensius : shee , when the Roman Matrons had a grieuous fine imposed vpon them by the Tribunes , and when all the Lawyers and Orators were afraid to ●a●e vpon them the patronage of their Cause ; this discreet Ladie in person pleaded before the Triumuirate , in the behalfe of the women ; which shee did boldly and happily , for as one hereditarie to her fathers eloquence , shee preuailed so farre that the greatest part of the mulct imposed vpon them was instantly remitted . Differing from their Modesties , was that of Caia Affrania , Caia Affrania . the wife of Lycinius Bructio , a woman prompt and apt for all contention and discord , and in all troubles and controuersies still pleaded her owne Cases before the Praetor : Not that shee wanted the helpe of an Aduocat , but rather to expresse her owne impudence ; whose common rayling and loquacitie before the Bench , grew to that scandall that it almost stretcht to the iniurie of the whole Sex : insomuch , that if any woman were iustly taxed with boldnesse or irregularitie , shee ( in the way of a Prouerbe ) was branded with the name of Affrania . Her spleene extended euen to Caius Caesar Tertius ; as likewise to M. Seruilius the Consull . My Author leaues her with this Character , That it is much better to enquire when such a Monster dyed , than curiously to be inquisitiue when or of whom she was borne . Val. Max. Lib. 8. cap. 3.

From Orators I come to Sophists , and from Declamers to Disputants . It is reported of Caecilia , Caecilia . the chast Roman Virgin ( being married against her will to a noble gentleman , called Valerianus ) when they were left together in the Bride-chamber , shee with her strong reasons and prompt arguments discoursed and disputed with him in the patronage and defence of her Virginitie , prouing vnto him from the Scriptures , how iustly vowed Chastitie is more acceptable in the eyes of the great Maker , than Marriage : insomuch , that notwithstanding his heat of youth , meeting with a tempting and prouoking beautie , the conuenience of opportunitie , time , and place ( with the lawfulnesse of the act , established by the Ceremonies of the Church ) yet he ( at her intercession ) not onely abstained from that time to offer her any force or violence , but euer after both betwixt themselues vowing lasting Virginitie . She , likewise when Tiburtius ( the brother to Valerianus ) contended with her in disputation , refuted the Opinions then generally held , concerning the idolatrous worship of the false Pagan gods● so that hauing conuinced him with vndenyable Propositions , hee turned a zealous Conuerti●e to the true Christian Faith . Catherina Alexandria , Catherina Alex. vnder the Tyrannie of Maxentius , argued with all the best and cunningest Sophists of those dayes , stoutly and constantly maintaining the Faith of the Gospell , and sillogistically refuting all their schismaticall Opinions , causing many of them to deliuer vp their names to the sincere profession of Christianitie . In her appeared how the wisedome of the world gaue place and submitted to the Diuine knowledge ; insomuch , that notwithstanding all the Sillogisticall cunning , and Sophisticall Dilemmaes ( in which they were elaborately practised ) they were forced to yeeld and submit to the authoritie of a plaine Virgins tongue , her wit and reason being illuminated with Diuine knowledge from aboue . Marull . Lib. 5. cap. 6. Guido Bit. in his Catalogue of Philosophers , reports Diodorus Socraticus to haue had fiue daughters , all Disputants , and skilfull in Logicke . Hypparchia , Hypparchia . the sister of Megocles and wife to Crates Cynicus , shee with one Sophisme put to silence Theodorus ( surnamed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) Quod faci●n● Theodorus non diceretur iniuste facere , idem si faciat Hypparchia non diceretur iniuste facere , i. That which Theodorus doing , he is not said to doe vniustly ; If Hypparchia doe the same , shee is not said to doe vniustly . To which when hee granted , shee added this : But Theodorus beating himselfe , is not said to doe vniustly ; Ergo , If Hipparchia beat Theodorus , shee cannot doe vniustly . To this Theodorus made no answere , but in snatching vp his Cloake , and leauing the place , hee taunted her in a Greeke lambicke Verse , which was to this purpose , Why shee being a woman , would trouble her selfe with such Disciplines as are solely appertaining vnto men ? thus saying , Radios apud Telas reliqui femina . To whom shee replyed ; Thinkest thou I haue beene ill counsailed , if that time which I might haue past vpon the Loome , or Distasse , I haue spent in the attaining of the liberall Arts and Disciplines ? Of Debora of the Tribe of Ephraim , her wisedome , and her Prophe●ies ( in which she excelled ) the holy Scriptures giues ample testimonie ; as likewise of Mary the sister of Moses , Anna the Prophetesse , and others . I proceed to such as haue beene studied and practised as well in Theologie , as Philosophie .

Of Women studious in Diuinitie .

TAbiola a Roman matron was verie laborious in the reading and vnderstanding of the sacred Scriptures , Tabiola . she was frequent in the old Prophets , the Gospells , and the Psalmes of Dauid , which shee had almost ad vnguem and by roat , her continuall reading practised her in a more perfect knowledge ; shee was of that reuerent respect amongst the learned , that Saint Ierome vouchsafed to dedicate a booke vnto her , intituled de Vesta Sacer dotali . Marcella . Marcella Romana for her industrie in the Scriptures , in which she was zealously trauelled ; was in many of Saint Ieromes Epistles saluted by name : Hee writ a booke to her De mundi Contemplu , i. Of the contempt of the world ; another of the ten names by which God is called amongst the Hebrewes ; a third , of our Faith , and the doctrine of the Heretikes ; a fourth , of Blasphemie against the holie Ghost ; a fifth , of the studie of Theophilus bishop of Alexandria , with diuers others . The same Saint Ierome witnesseth of Eustochium the daughter of one Paula a Roman matron , Eustochium who was excellently practised in the Greeke and Latin Dialects , as also in the Hebrew Charracter , in so much that shee in her time was called , The new Prodigie of the World : she gaue her studie cheefly to meditation vpon the Scriptures , in so much that shee read the Psalmes of Dauid familiarlie , and without the least hesitation . Anastatia . Anastatia the scholler to Crisog●nus the Martyr , and wife of Publius Romanus ( who faining a counterfeit disease , sequestred himselfe from her and quite abandoned her bed ) shee writ certaine Epistles to her Maister and Tutor Crisogonus , in which shee complained that all her meanes and substance was consumed and wasted by her impious and sacrilegious husband , who most vnnaturally deteined her in prison . This deuout woman for the Faith and ministring to the Saints , was arraigned and condemned to the fire , where shee publikely suffered a most glorious Martyrdom : of her Volateran . makes mention . Giliberta Anglica . Giliberta Anglica was borne in Maguns or Mens in Germanie , where shee was beloued of a young scholler , for whose sake , and least their priuat and mutuall affection should at length come to the eares of her parents , all virginall modestie and womanish feare set aside , she put her selfe into a yong mans habit , fled from her fathers house , and with her deere friend and paramour came into England , where as well as to his obseruance and loue , shee gaue her selfe to the practise of the Arts , and to attaine to the perfection of Learning . At length the young man dying ( finding her selfe entred into some knowledge , and desirous to bee further instructed , as one hauing a wondrous prompt and acute braine ) shee still continued her habite , and withall her laborious studie , as well in the Scriptures as other humane Learnings . At length comming to Rome , shee read publiquely in the Schooles , where shee purchased her selfe a great and frequent Auditorie : And besides her singular wisedome , shee was much admired and beloued for her seeming sanctitie and austeritie of life , and after the death of Leo the fift elected and confirmed in the Papall Dignitie , for thus writes Volaterran , Sigebertus , Platina , and others that haue writ the Liues of the Roman Bishops : shee is remembred likewise to this purpose by Boccatius in his booke de Claris Mulieribus . But Sabellicus , Lib. 1. Aeneadis , calls her Ioanna Anglica , i. Ioane English , who in her minoritie dissembled her Sex ; and so habited , trauailed as farre as Athens , and there studied with infinite gaine and profite : insomuch , that comming to Rome , few or none could equall her in Disputation , or Lectures ; which begot her such reuerence and authoritie with all men , that shee was by a generall Suffrage elected into the Papacie , and succeeded Leo the fourth . Rauisius in Officina , tit . 6. Others will not allow , that euer any such woman was Pope , and excuse it thus : There was one Bishop of Rome , who was a decrepit and weake old man : He ( by reason of age ) not being well able to manage his temporall affaires , and domesticke businesse , receiued into his Pallace as a guide and gouernesse , a woman called Ioanna , his sister or neere kinswoman : this woman tooke vpon her great pride and state , and vsurped vpon the infirmitie of her brother : insomuch , that hauing the command of all things , and being auaricious by nature , no businesse was dispatched but by her , nor any thing concluded without her , for which shee was both hated and scorned ; and therefore vpon her that vsurped the authoritie of the Pope , they likewise bestowed his stile , and nick-named her Pope Ioane . This I haue not read , but I haue heard some report it . From her I come to Rosuida , Rosuida . borne in Germanie , and by Nation a Saxon : shee liued vnder Lotharius the first , and was of a religious place called Gandresenses , in the Diocesse of Hildesemensis ; shee was facundious in the Greeke and Roman Tongues , and practised in all good Arts : shee composed many Workes , not without great commendation from the Readers , one especially to her fellow Nunnes and Votaresses , exhorting them to Chastitie , Vertue , and Diuine worship . Shee published six Comedies , besides a noble Poeme in Hexameter Verse , of the Bookes and Heroicke Acts done by the Otho Caesars . Shee writ the Liues of holy women , but chiefely a Diuine Worke of the pious and chast life of the blessed Virgin in Elegeicke Verse , which began thus , Vnica spes Mundiem . Cranzius , Lib. 6. cap. 20. Metrapoleos . Fulgos . Lib. 8. cap. 3. Elizabetha , Elizabetha Abatista . Abbesse of Schonaugia , zealously imitated the practise and studies of this Rosuida , which shee professed in the citie of Triers . Shee writ many things in the Latine Tongue , of which shee was diuinely admonished and inspired from aboue , besides many persuasiue Epistles to her Couent of Sisters , and others , full of great conceit and elegancie : A Booke also , that was entituled , A path to direct vs the way to God ; besides , a Volume of many learned Epistles , full of great iudgement and knowledge . Fulgos. Lib. 8. cap. 3. and Egnat . ibidem . Constantia , Constantia . the wife of Alexander Sforza , is deseruedly inserted in the Catalogue of women , famous and excellent in Learning : Shee from her child-hood was so laborious in the best Disciplines , that vpon the suddaine , and without any premeditation , she was able sufficiently to discourse vpon any argument , eyther Theologicall or Philosophicall ; besides , shee was frequent in the Workes of S. Hierome , S. Ambrose , Gregorie , Cicero , and Lactantius . For her extemporall vaine in Verse , shee was much admired ; in which shee was so elegantly ingenious , that shee attracted the cares of many iudicious schollers to be her dayly Auditors . And this facilitie is reported to be innate and borne with her , as proceeding with such smoothnesse , and without the least force or affectation . Baptista . Her daughter Baptista succeeded her both in fame and merit , beeing accepted and approoued for one equally qualified with her mother Constantia : Therefore Politianus in N●tricia doubts not to ranke her amongst the best learned and most illustrious women . Baptista Prima , Baptista Prima . the daughter of Galeatinus Malatesta , Prince of Pisauria , and after the wife of Guido Montefelcrensis , Earle of Vrbin , made many commendable proofes of her wit and learning ; for shee held many disputations euen with those that were best practised and grounded in the Arts , from whence shee came off with no common applause . Shee writ a Volume in Latine , which shee titled , The Frailetie of mans Life ; with other prayse-worthie bookes , De vera Religione , i. Of true Religion . Fulgos . Lib. 8. cap. 3. Isota Nauarula . Isota Nauarula Veronensis deuoted her life wholly to the studie of all humane knowledge , and withall , to the contemplation of Diuine Mysteries , to which shee added the honour of perpetuall Chastitie . Shee writ many eloquent Epistles to Pope Nicolaus Quintus , as also to Pius the second , being sufficiently seene as well in Theologie as Philosophie . Amongst other Workes , shee composed a Dialogue , in which it was disputed which of the two of our Parents Adam and Eue , sinned first , or more offended in the beginning Egnat . and Fulgos. Lib. 8. cap. 3. Alpiades a Virgin ( who much desired to be instructed in the true Faith ) was inspired from aboue with a miraculous knowledge in the Scriptures . Rauis . in Offic.

Of Women excellent in Philosophie , and other Learning .

FRom Theologie I descend to Philosophie . Nicaula . Nicaula Queene of Saba trauelled from the farthest part of Aethiopia vp to Hierusalem , to prooue the wisedome of Salomon in darke Problemes and hard Questions : which when he had resolued , and satisfied her by his diuine wisedome , inspired into him from aboue , she returned into her countrey richer by her gifts , more benefited by her knowledge , and fruitfull , as bearing with her in her wombe a child begot by Salomon . Lycasth . in Theat. Human. vitae , Lib. 1. cap. de Femin . doctis . Adesia , Adesia . a woman of Alexandria ( a neere kinswoman to the Philosopher Syrianus ) both for her Chastitie and Learning is commemorated by Suidas , Vata . Lib. 13. cap. 3. Antrop . Nicostrata Nicostrata . ( by some called Carmentis ) helped to make vp the number of the Greeke Alphabet : shee is also said to haue added to our Roman Letters . Hermodica was the wife of Midas , Hermodica . king of Phrygia : shee is not onely celebrated for her rare feature and beautie , but for her wisedome : shee was the first that euer stamped Money , or made Coyne amongst the Cimenses . Heraclides . Numa was the first that made Money amongst the Romanes , of whose name it was called Nummus . Isiodor . Lib. 16. cap. 17. It is likewise called Pecunia , of Pecus , which signifies Cattell : for the first that was made to passe currant betwixt man and man , was made of the skinnes of beasts stamped with an impression . It hath beene currant amongst our English Nation ; part of it may at this day be seene ( as an antient Monument ) in the Castle of Douer . Saturne made Money of Brasse , with inscriptions thereon ; but Numa was the first that coyned Siluer , and caused his name to be engrauen thereon , for which it still retaines the name in the Roman Tongue , and is called Nummus . Aspasia Aspasia was a Milesian Damosell , and the beloued of Pericles : shee was abundantly skilled in all Philosophicall studies ; shee was likewise a fluent Rhetorician . Plutarchus in Pericles . Socrates imitated her in his Facultas Politica , as likewise Diotima , Diotima . whom he blushed not to call his Tutresse and Instructresse . Of Lasthenea , Mantinea , Axiothaea , and Phliasia ( Platoes schollers in Philosophie ) I haue before giuen a short Character . Themiste was the wife of Leonteius Lampsacenus , Themiste . and with her husband was the frequent Auditor of Epicurus : of whom Lactantius sayth , That saue her , none of the ancient Philosophers euer instructed any woman in that studie , Arete . saue that one Themiste . Arete was the wife of Aristippus the Philosopher , and attained to that perfection of knowledge , that shee instructed her sonne in all the liberall Arts , by whose industrie hee grew to be a famous professor . Hee was called Aristippus , and shee surnamed Cyrenaica . Cyrenaica . Shee followed the opinions of that Aristippus , who was father to Socrates . Shee ( after the death of her father ) erected a Schoole of Philosophie , where shee commonly read to a full and frequent Auditorie . Genebria was a woman of Verona , Genebria . shee liued in the time of Pius the second , Bishop of Rome : Her Workes purchased for her a name immortall . Shee composed many smooth and eloquent Epistles , polished both with high conceits and iudgement : shee pronounced with a sharpe and lowd voyce , a becomming gesture , and a facundious suauitie . Agallis . Agallis Corcyrua was illustrious in the Art of Grammar , Caelius ascribes vnto her the first inuention of the play at Ball. Leontium was a Grecian Damosell , Leontium . whom Gallius calls a strumpet , shee was so well seene in Philosophicall contemplations , that she feared not to write a worthie booke against the much worthie Theophrastus . Plin. in Prolog . Nat. Histor. Cicero , lib. de Natur. Deorum , D●m● , Dama . the daughter of Pythag●ras , imitated the steps of her father , as likewise his wife ; The●no her husband , Theano . the mother and the daughter both prouing excellent schollers . Laer● . Themistoclea , Themistoclea the sister of Pythagoras , was so practised a student , that in many of his workes ( as he himselfe confesseth ) hee hath implored her aduise and iudgement . Istrina Queene of Scythia , Istrina . and wife to king Ari●ithes , instructed her sonne Sythes in the Greeke Tongue , as witnesseth Herodotus . Plutarch in Pericte saith , That Thargelia was a woman whom Philosophie solely illustrated : Thargelia . as likewise Hyparchia Greca , La●r●● Cornelia was the wife of Africanus , Cornelia . and mother to the noble Familie of the Gracobi , who left behind her certaine Epistles most elaborately learned . From her as from a Fountaine , flowed the innate eloquence of her children , therefore Quintil ▪ thus sayth of her : Wee are much bound to the Mother or Matron Cornelia ▪ for the eloquence of the Gracchi whose vnparaleld learning in her exquisite Epistles she hath bequeathed to posteritie . The same Author speaking of the daughters of Laelius and Quint. Hortensius vseth these words , The daughters of Laelius is sayd in her phrase to haue refined and excelled the eloquence of her father ; but the daughter of Q. Hortensius to haue escape her Sex in honor . So likewise the facundity of the two Lyciniaes flowed hereditarily from their father , L. Crassus , as the two daughters of Mutia inherited the learning of either parent . Fuluia . Fuluia the wife of M. Antonius was not instructed in womanish cares and offices , but as Volater . lib. 16. Antrop . reports of her , rather to direct Magistracies and gouerne Empires : she was first the wife of Curio . Statius Papinius was happie in a wife called Claudia , Claudia . excellent in all manner of learning . Amalasuntha . Amalasuntha Queene of the Ostrogothes , the daughter of Theodoricus king of those Ostrogothes in Italie , was elaborately practised in the Greeke and Latine Tongues , shee spake distinctly all the barbarous Languages that were vsed in the Easterne Empires . Fulgosius , lib. 8. cap. 7. Zenobia Zenobia . ( as Volaterran . speakes from Pollio ) was Queene of the Palmirians , who after the death of Odenatus gouerned the kingdome of Syria vnder the Roman Empire : shee was nominated amongst the thirtie Tyrants , and vsurped in the time of Gallenus ; but after beeing vanquished in battaile by the Emperour Aurelianus , was led in triumph through Rome , but by the clemencie of that Prince , she was granted a free pallace scituate by the riuer of Tyber , where shee moderately and temperatly demeaned her selfe : shee is reported to be of that chastitie , that she neuer entertained her husband in the familiar societie of bed , but for issues sake and procreation of children , but not from the time that shee found her conception , till her deliuerie : shee vsed to bee adored after the maiesticke state and reuerence done to the great Sophies of Persia. Beeing called to the hearing of any publique Oration , shee still appeared with her head armed and her helmet on , in a purple mantle buckled vpon her with rich jems : she was of a cleare and shrill voice , magnanimous and haughtie in all her vndertakings , most expert in the Aegyptian and Greeke Tongues , and not without merit numbred amongst the most learned and wisest Queenes . Besides diuerse other workes , she composed the Orientall and Alexandrian Historie . Hermolaus and Timolus her two sonnes in all manner of disciplines shee liberally instructed , of whose deaths it is not certaine , whether they dyed by the course of nature , or by the violent hand of the Emperour . Olimpia Fuluia Morata was the ornament and glorie of our latter times , Olimpia Fulu . Morata . the daughter of Fulu . Moratus Mantuanus , who was tutor in the Arts to Anna , Prince of Ferrara , shee was the wife of Andreas Gunthlerus , a famous Physitian in Germanie ; shee writ many learned and elaborate workes in either tongue ; at length in the yeare of our Lord 1555 in the moneth of October , being of the age of twentie nine yeares she dyed in Hedelburgh . Saint H●lena may amongst these be here aptly registred , S. Helena . for thus Stow , Harding , Fa●ian , and all our moderne Chroniclers report of her : Constantius a great Roman Consull , was sent into Brittaine to demaund the tribute due vnto Rome ; immediately after whose ariuall , before he could receiue an answer of his Embassie , Coill who was then king dyed , therefore the Brittaines the better to establish their peace , dealt with the Roman Embassador to take to wi●e Helen● , the daughter of the late deceased king , a young Ladie of an attractiue 〈◊〉 , adorned with rare gifts and indowments of the Mind , 〈◊〉 , Learning & Vert●● ; the motion was no sooner made but accepted , so that Constantius hauing receiued the Brittish tribute returned with his new bryde to Rome , and was after by the Senat constituted chiefe ruler of this kingdome . After twentie yeares quiet and peacefull gouernement ( which was thought her wisedome ) Constantius dyed and was buried at Yorke : in his time was Saint Albon martyred at Verolam , since called Saint Albones , as Iohn Lidgate Monke of Burie testifies , who in English heroicall verse compiled his Historie : Constantius ( sayth hee ) the younger succeeded his father Constantius , as well in the kingdome of England as diuers other Prouinces , a noble and valiant Prince , whose mother was a woman religious and of great sanctimonie ; this young Prince was borne in Brittaine and prooued so mightie in exploits of warre , that in time hee purchased the name of Magnus , and was stiled Constantine the Great , a noble protector and defender of the true Christian Faith . In the sixt yeare of his raigne he came with a potent armie against Maxentius , who with greeous tributes and exactions then vexed and oppressed the Romans : and being vpon his march , hee saw in a Vision by night , the signe of the Crosse shining in the Ayre like fire , and an Angell by it , thus saying , Constantine in hoc signo vinces , i. Constantine in this signe thou shalt conquer and ouercome ; with which beeing greatly comforted , be soone after inuaded and defeated the armie of Maxentius , who flying from the battaile was wretchedly drowned in the riuer Tiber. In this interim of his glorious victorie Helena the mother of Constantine being on pilgrimage at Ierusalem , there found the Crosse on which the Sauiour of the world was crucified , with the three nayles with which his hands and feete were pierced . Ranulphus amplifies this storie of Helena , somewhat largelier after this manner , That when Constantine had surprised Maxentius , his mother was then in Brittaine , and hearing of the successe of so braue a conquest , shee sent him a letter , with great thankes to heauen , to congratulate so faire & wished a Fortune ; but not yet being truely instructed in the Christian Faith , she commended him that he had forsaken idolatrie , but blamed him that hee worshipped and beleeued in a man that had beene nayled to the Crosse. The Emperour wrote againe to his mother , That she should instantly repaire to Rome , and bring with her the most learned Iews and wisest Doctors , of what faith or beleefe so euer , to hold disputation in their presence concerning the Truth of religion . Helena brought with her to the number of seuenscore Iewes and others , against whom Saint Siluester was only opposed . In this controuersie the misbeleeuers were all nonplust & put to silence . It hapned that a Iewish Cabalist among them spake certain words in the eare of a mad wild Bull that was broke loose and run into the presence where they were then assembled ; those words were no sooner vttered but the beast sunck down without motion and instantly dyed , at which accident the iudges that sat to heare the disputation , were all astonished , as wondering by what power that was done . To whom Siluester then spake , What this man hath done is onely by the power of the deuill , who can kill but not restore vnto life , but it is God onely that can slay and make the same bodie reuiue againe ; so Lyons and other wilde beasts of the Forrest can wound and destroy , but not make whole what is before by them perished : then ( saith hee ) if hee will that I beleeue with him , let him rayse that beast to life in Gods name , which hee hath destroyed in the Deuils name . But the Iewish Doctor attempted it in vaine , when the rest turning to Siluester , said , If thou by any power in Heauen or Earth canst call backe againe the life of this beast which is now banished from his bodie , wee will beleeue with thee in that Deitie , by whose power so great a miracle can be done . Siluester accepted of their offer , and falling deuoutly on his knees , made his prayers vnto the Sauiour of the world , when presently the beast started vp vpon his feete ; by which Constantius was confirmed , Helena conuerted , and all the Iewes and other Pagan Doctors receiued the Christian Faith , and were after baptised : and after this , and vpon the same occasion , Helena vndertooke to seeke and find out the Crosse. Ambrose and others say she was an Inne-keepers daughter at Treuerent in France , and that the first Constantius trauailing that way , married her for her beautie ; but our Histories of Brittaine affirme her to be the faire , chast , and wise daughter of king Coil , before remembred . The perfections of the minde are much aboue the transitorie gifts of Fortune , much commendable in women , and a Dowrie farre transcending the riches of Gold and Iewels . Great Alexander refused the beautifull daughter of Darius , who would haue brought with her kingdomes for her Dower , and infinite Treasures to boot , and made choyse of Barsine , Barsine . who brought nothing to espouse her with , saue her feature , and that shee was a Scholler ; and though a Barbarian , excellently perfect in the Greeke Tongue , who though poore , notwithstanding deriued her pedigree from kings : And vpon that ground , Licurgus instituted a Law , That women should haue no Dowers allotted them , that men might rather acquire after their Vertues than their Riches , and women likewise might the more laboriously imploy themselues in the attaining to the height of the best and noblest Disciplines . It is an argument that cannot be too much amplified , to encourage Vertue and discourage Vice , to persuade both men and women to instruct their Mindes more carefully than they would adorne their Bodies , and striue to heape and accumulate the riches of the Soule , rather than hunt after Pompe , Vaine-glorie , and the wretched Wealth of the world ; the first being euerlastingly permament , the last , dayly and hourely subiect to corruption and mutabilitie . Horace in his first Epistle to Mecaenas sayth : Vitius Argentum est Auro , virtutibus Aurum . Siluer is more base and cheape than Gold , and Gold than Vertue .

To encourage which in either Sex , Plautus in Amphit . thus sayes : Virtus praemium est optimum , virtus omnibus Rebus anteit profecto , &c. Vertue 's the best reward , and before all Iustly to be preferr'd . That which we call Libertie , Life , our Parents , Children Wealth , Our Countrey , Reputation , Honor , Health , By this are kept ( though by the bad despis'd ) , ,All that is good , in Vertue is compris'd .

Moreouer , all that are Noble , Vertuous , Learned , Chast , and Pious , haue their places allotted them aboue ; when on the contrarie , their soules are buried lower in the locall place of torment , than their soules that are hayd to sleepe in the graue . At the blessednesse of the good , and future glorie assigned vnto them , Lucan most elegantly aymed at , Lib. 9. de Bello Ciuili , where hee thus writes : Ac non in Pharia manes iacuere fauilla , Nec cinis exiguus tantam compescuit vmbram , &c.

Which I thus English : In th' Pharian flames , the bright Soule doth not sleepe , Nor can so small a Dust and Ashes keepe So great a Spirit : it leapes out of the fire , And leauing th' halfe-burnt members , doth aspire And aymes vp to the place where Ioue resides , And with his power and wisdome all things guides . For now no ayre his subtile passage barres , To where the Axle-tree turnes round the starres , And in that vast and emptie place which lyes Betwixt vs and the Moone ( the visible Skyes ) Th' halfe-godded Soules inhabite : such are nam'd There , whom bright fierie Vertue hath inflam'd , And were of pious life : their hopes are faire , Made Citizens and Free-men of the Aire , And such redeem'd from all that was infected , Are now within th' eternall Orbes collected .

This somewhat more illustrated by the Tragicke Poet Seneca in Hercule Oeteo , thus saying : Nunquam Stigias fertur ad vndas Inclita Virtus , &c. To the darke and Stigian shades , Vertue ( when it seeming fades ) Is neuer borne . Then , O you chast And valiant , though your yeeres may wast , No limit ( Time ) to that can giue , It Death suruiues ; then euer liue . The cruell Fates can clayme no due , Nor the blacke Stigian waues in you : But when wasted Age hath spent The vtmost minute Time hath lent , Then Glorie takes in charge the Spirit , And guides it to the place of Merit .

Let these serue for an encouragement to Vertue , and the attayning vnto all commendable Arts and Disciplines , by which the Bodie is honoured , and the Soule glorified . And thus I take leaue of the Female Students in Theologie and Philosophie , and now consequently come to the Poetesses : may the Muses be fauourable to me in their relation .

Of Poetrie .

Horace sayth , Et prodesse solent & delectare Poetae , In Poets there is both pleasure and profit , who are for the most part ( I meane the best ) studious for the pleasingest phrase and most moouing eloquence . From hence it grew that those of the first age , first introduced common ciuilitie , and humane moralitie amongst men , reducing them from irregular and bruitish conditions , into a mutuall and well gouerned societie : for by pleasant and delightfull language refined from the vulgar Barbarisme , they first drew the eares of the ruder people to attention , from attention to instruction , and by instruction to practise ; so that in processe of time , by their smooth and gentle persuasions , illustrated with facunditie and eloquence , they brought them from voluptuousnesse to temperance , from the fields into houses , from liuing in villages to build walled cities , and by degrees from edifying of houses for themselues , to erect Temples to the gods ; by whose adoration it impressed a reuerent feare to offend them : and so consequently reduced them from rudenesse to a more formall regularitie . They were the first that taught them shame , and feare ; shame , to seeme bruitish to humanitie ; feare , to appeare inhumane before a deitie . They moderated the ferocitie of their mindes , by smooth orations , profitable documents , and learned writings ; and the more to insinuate into their dull vnderstanding , when prose seemed vnto them lesse delightfull , they deuised verse , and still as one kind grew stale or common they apprehended new ; and thus that eloquence that before lay loose and skattered , was first contracted within feet and number . Then when the vulgar seemed lesse capable of deepe Sophismes tending to moralitie and ciuile gouernement , and therfore their grauer doctrines appeared to their eares harsh and vnpleasant , they dealt with them as carefull fathers vse to doe with their vntoward children ; when things profitable will not still them , they seeke to please them with toyes ; so the Poets , when wholesome foode would not tast their mouths , they deuised sweet meates to realish their pallats , finding out merrie and delightfull tales , best agreeable with their itching eares : comprehending notwithstanding , golden truths in leaden fables . They after instituted good & wholesome laws , to incourage the good , and deiect the bad , to raise the vertuous and well disposed to honor , and to punish the euill doer either with pennance or shame : then came the industrious man to bee first distinguished from the sloathfull , and the thriftie from the prodigall : things were no more made common , euerie man eate of his owne labour , and what he earned he might call his owne : Hence first grew Industrie , without which no common-weale nor publike state can stand . And these and much greater were the first fruits of Poetrie , now in this age so much despised ; the vse whereof was antient , the apprehension diuine , the practise commendable , and the name reuerent . There is a sympathie and correspondence betwixt Poetrie and Rhetoricke : Appollo is god of the first , and Mercurie the Mecenas of the second ; which the ancient writers the better to signifie vnto vs , say , That Apollo acquainted Mercurie with the Muses , and Mercurie in requitall first inuented the Harpe and gaue it to Apollo , being the instrument to which the Muses most delighted to sing ; as if they more plainely would haue sayd , A Poet cannot be excellent vnlesse he be a good Rhetorician , nor any Rhetorician attaine to the heigth of eloquence , vnlesse he hath first layd his foundation in Poetrie . They are two excellencies , that cannot well exist one without the other : Poetrie is the elder brother , and more plaine in his condition ; Rhetorick the younger , but more craftie in his profession : hence it comes Poets are so poore , and Lawyers so rich ; for they haue made a younger brother of the elder , and possesse all the land . Besides , as much as Apollo is excellent aboue Mercurie , as being God of Light , of Musicke , of Physicke , of Arts , &c. and the other God of Bargaining , Buying , Selling , of Cousening , Theeuing , and of Lyes ; so farre doth the first claime due prioritie aboue the second . They may be thus distinguished : Poets in that which outwardly appeares fabulous , colour and shaddow golden truths , to their owne painefull studies and labour , and to the pleasure and profit of others : But many Orators , vnder seeming truths , apparrell scandalous fictions , aymed onely to their owne benefit , to the impouerishing of others , and many times stripping them out of a faire inheritance : I speake of some , not all ; and I honour the Law , because I liue vnder it . Poets , they were the first teachers and instructers ; the people held them to bee inspired from aboue , and to speake as from the mouthes of the gods : some were Holy , as Ennius ; some Diuine , as Homer ; others Prophets , as hauing the name of Vates conferred vpon them : and amongst these , may bee numbred the Sybills , the Priests of Apollo , and such as belonged to all the other Oracles . Of the Poets there were many sorts , and such as writ in diuerse kinds , yet all these imitated at least ( if not equalled ) by women . There were such as were called Physiologi , that Poetised in Physicke , as Palephatus Atheniensis , Pronopides , Xenophanes , Coliph●nius , and others ; there were Poetae Mathematici , that writ of the Mathematickes , as Ma. Manilius , Thales Milesius , Aratus , Solensis , &c. Poetae Medici , as Thaletas Cretenses , Damocrates , Seruilius , Andromachus Cretensis , &c. Poetae Vates , or Prophets , as Moyses , Dauid , Hieremias , Isaiah , &c. Poetae Theologi , as Salomon , Dantes , Alegerius Florentinus ; and amongst the Heathens , Linus Chalcedensis , Pyerius , Thamyras , Amphion , Orpheus , &c. There are besides Ethici , Impudici , Historici , Mechanici , Epici , Heroici , Eliogeographaei , Satyrici , Epigrammatographi , Comici , Tragici , Mimographi , Histrionici , Melopaei , Lyrici , Mel●fi , Iambici , Himnographi : and amongst these , not any whom some ingenious women , in one age or other , hath not facetiously imitated . I am loath to dwell too long in the Proeme , I will now giue you their names , with a particular of their workes , who haue beene in many or most of these eminent .

Poetriae , or Women Poets .

Of the Sybills , the Muses , Priests , and Prophetesses ( included amongst those whom wee called Vates ) I haue alreadie spoken at large ; I now proceed to others . Theanae tres Theano Locrensis was so called , as borne in the citie of Locris : she writ Hymnes and Lyrick Songs ; she was also a Musicall Poetesse , such as were called Melicae . There was a second of that name , the wife of Pithagoras , a Poetesse ; besides a third , called Thuria or Metapontina , daughter of the Poet Lycophron , Nicostrata , or Carmentis . a Pythagorist , and wife of Caristius , or Brantinus Crotoniata , Teste Suida . Nicostrata was otherwise called Carmentis , skilfull both in the Greeke and Latine Dialect ; of a quicke and nimble wit , and conuersant in diuerse kinds of Learning . Sulpitia liued in the time of the Emperour Domitianus , her husbands name was Galenus , or Gadenus , with whom shee liued in most conioyned wedlocke for the space of fifteene yeeres . Some fragments of her Poetrie I haue read , inserted amongst the Workes of Ausonius . Of her , Martial in one of his Epigrams , Lib. 10. thus writes : Oh molles tibi quindecim Calene Quos cum Sulpitia tua ingales Indulsit Deus & peregit annos , &c. O those soft fifteene yeeres , so sweetly past , Which thou Calenus with Sulpitia hast In iugall consocietie ( no doubt A time by the Gods fauoured , and pickt out ) O euerie Night , nay Houre , mark'd by thy hand With some rich stone , fetcht from the Indian strand , What warres , what combats haue betwixt you beene ( But to your Bed , and Lampe ) not knowne or seene Of any . Happie Bed , and Tapers grace , Made of sweet Oyles , whose smoake perfumes the place . Thrice fiue yeeres thou hast liu'd ( Calenus ) thus , Reckoning by that account thine Age to vs : So to compute thy yeeres , is thy great'st pride , No longer to haue liu'd than with thy Bride . Were Atropos at thy entreats content To giue thee backe one day so sweetly spent , Thou at a higher rate would'st prise that one , Than foure times Nestors Age , to liue alone .

This Epigram hath expressed the loue of Calenus to Sulpitia , the husband to the wife : but in 35. of the same booke , her pious Loue , chast Muse , and Beautie , the same Author hath most elegantly illustrated , his words be these , Omnes Sulpitiam legant puellae Vno quae cupiunt viro placere , Omnes Sulpitiam legant mariti , Vnae qui cupiunt placere nuptae , &c. All women reade Sulpitia , such as can , In their desires betake them to one man ; All husbands reade Sulpitia , such whose life Can be contented with one single wife . Shee neuer spake of mad Medeas sinne , Nor why Thyestes Banquet was seru'd in ; It neuer with her pure thoughts could agree , A Scilla or a Biblis there could bee : Sa●e chast and pious Loues she did not write , Yet mixt with modest pleasures and delight . Her Verses who shall reade , and reade againe , And sift them well , shall find them without staine . Such were the words diuine Egeria spake ( The wife of Numa ) when shee did betake Her selfe to sollitude . Had Sapho beene Tutor'd by her , her Poems read and seene , More chast sh' had beene , with greater Art endu'd : Or had rude Phaon these together view'd , And both their beauties well obseru'd and noted ; He that left her , had on Sulpitia doted , &c.

Michaele . Seneca speakes of one Michaele , a shee Centaure , who in an Elegant Poem instructed the Thessalians in the Remedie of Loue , whom Ouid in his Remedium Amoris is said to haue imitated . Aristophanes ( as also Suidas ) speake of one Charixena , Charixena . the Author of many excellent Workes : amongst others , shee writ a Poeme , called Crumata . Musaea . Caelius , Lib. 8. cap. 1. speakes of Musaea an Epigrammatist , in which kind shee was eminent ; besides shee composed sundrie Lyrickes . Textor remembers vs of one Moeroe , Moeroe . who ( besides her other Workes ) is most celebrated for a Hymne to Neptune . Manto . Manto was the daughter of Tyresia , the Prophetesse ; of her , the famous cittie Mantua tooke name : shee was not onely a Poetesse , but famous for her Diuinations , for by the entrailes of beasts shee could predict and fore-tell things to come . Textor . Cornificia was the sister of the Poet Cornificius , Cornificia . and famous for many excellent Epigrams . Luccia Mima . Luccia Mima ( as Plinie reports of her ) was a writer of Comedies , in which practise shee continued no lesse than an hundred yeeres . Amongst the Poets , Cassandra . Cassandra the Prophetesse ( daughter to Priam and Hecuba ) is also numbred . Archilas Hermonaicus ( as Camelion saith ) writes of a Poetesse called Megalostrate , Megalos●rate . beloued of the Poet Alcman , hee that first deuised the amatorious Verse , in which was expressed all lasciuious intemperance ( which some attribute to Thamyris , as their first inuentor : ) shee , Amatores vel ipsis colloquijs ad se trahere potuit , i. Shee with her verie discourse could attract louers : shee was tearmed Flana Megalostrate . Athenae . Lib. 13. cap. 16. Polla Argentaria . Polla Argentaria was wife to the famous Poet Lucan , and hath a merited place in this Catalogue ; of whom Martial thus speakes : Haec est illa dies , quae magni conscia partus Lucanum populis , & tibi Polla dedit . This day of that great birth made conscious is , Which gaue him to the world , and made thee his . Shee was reputed to be of that excellent learning , that shee assisted her husband in the three first bookes , entituled Pharsali● . Her , Statius , Lib. 2. Sylu. thus remembers : Haec Castae titulum decusque Polla . Shee likewise writ excellent Epigrams . As much as Sta●ius of her , Plin. Secundus speakes of his wife Calphurnia . Calphurnia . Fulgos. Lib. 8. cap. 3. Aspasia Milesia , the beloned of Pericles , Aspasia Milesia . as shee was otherwise learned , shee is likewise numbred amongst the Poets ; some of whose Verses are remembred by Athenaeus . Hedyle was the mother of Hedylogus Samius ( who by the same Athenaeus , Hedyle . Lib. 4. Dypnoph . hath allotted him a place amongst the Poets ) shee was the daughter of Moschina Attica , Moschina . that writ Iambickes . This Hedyle composed a Poeme , inscribed Scilla ; shee made another , called , The Loues of Glaucus . Sosipatra ( as Eugapius apud Volaterran . relates ) was a woman practised in many kinds of Disciplines , Sosipatra . and so excellent in all her studies , that shee was said to be educated by the gods . Thymele . Thymele was a Poetesse that first introduced Dances into the Scene , which the Greekes from her call 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. The place which is onely free for the Actors . Of her , Martial thus speakes : Quae Thymele spectas derisoremque Latinum . Suidas writes , That Thymele was an Altar frequently vsed in the Theatres , which from her borrowed the name . Hyldegardis Hildegardis Moguntina was eminent both for Learning and Pietie ; insomuch , that from her verie childhood shee seemed inspired from aboue . Eugenius the third , in the Councell held at Tryer ( where Doctor Bernard was then present ) approoued her Workes : shee flourisht in the yeere of Grace , 1188. Of Clitagora Lacedemonia , Clitagora . Aristophanes speakes much ; Hesteia . but Strabo in Homerica Iliade , more of Hesteia Alexandria . Auyle writ Epigrams against Themistocles , Auyle . with Verses vpon Birds , which are read vnto this day . Myrtis Anthedonia . Myrtis Authedonia in a Poeme expressed the death of the Damosell Ochne , who had beene before the destruction of the Heroe Ennostus . Praxilla Syconia flourished in the 32 Olympiad , Praxilla Siconia . whom Antipater Thessalus giues the first place vnto amongst the nine Lyricke Poets : Shee writ Dithycambi , and a Worke which was called by her Metrum Praxillium . Shee called Adonis from Hell , to demand of him what was most beautifull in Heauen : who answered , The Sunne , the Moone , Figges , Apples , and Cucumbers : That and such like was the subiect of her Poeme ; of which grew a Prouerbe against Lunatikes and mad men , euery such was called Praxillaes Adonis . Nossis . Nossis the Poetresse was the composer of Greeke Epigrams , and is by Antipater numbred with Praxilla amongst the Lyrickes . Myro Byzantia shee writ Elegies , Myro Byzantia . and such as the Greekes call Melae , or Musicall Poemes : shee is said to be the mother of Homer , and reckoned one of the seuen Pleiades , the daughters of Atlas : shee was the wife of Andromachus , an illustrious Philosopher . Pamphilus her Statue was erected , which ( as Facianus witnesseth ) was made by Cephisiodotus . Damophila was the wife of the Philosopher : Damophila shee was a friend to Sapho , and louer , whom in all her Poemes shee striued to imitate . Her Hymnes were sung at the sacrifices which were celebrated to Diana Pergaea , after the manner of the Aeolians and Pamphilians . Shee writ moreouer certaine bookes , which shee titled , Libri Amatorij .

Of Minerua , &c.

MInerua , Minerua . the daughter of Iupiter , was for no other reason numbred amongst the gods , but for her excellencie and cunning in Poetrie and other good Arts , of which shee is said to be the first inuentresse . From her the antient Athenians haue borrowed the immortalitie of their name . Next her , wee reckon the Corinnaes . Corinnae tres . There were three of that name : The first , called Corinna Thebana , or Tanagraea ; shee was the daughter of Archelodorus and Procratia , Megalostrata Poetria Athenaeus , lib. 13. cap. 16. and scholler to Myrtis : shee in seuerall contentions fiue sundrie times bore away the Palme from Pindarus , Prince of the Lyricke Poets : shee moreouer published fiue bookes of Epigrams : of her Propertius speakes . The second was called Corinna Thespia , shee is much celebrated in the bookes of the antient Poets , Lib. 3. Silu. especially by Statius . The third liued in the time of Augustus , and was to Ouid much indeered : but of her wantonnesse than her Muse , there is more memorie extant . I come to speake next of Erinna who was sirnamed Teia , Erinna . or ( as some will hane it ) Telia of the Island Telos not farre distant from Gnidon , shee flourished in the time of Dion of Syracusa , and published an excellent Poem in the Doricke tongue , comprised in three hundred Verses , besides diuerse other Epigrams , her stile was sayd to come neere the maiestie of Homers , Proper . lib. 2. she dyed when she was but ninteene yeares of age . Damophila . Damophila was a Greeke Poetesse and the wife of Pamphilus . shee was Cousin-german and companion with Sapho , Lyrica Poetria , shee writ many Poems that were called Poemata Amatoria , because their argument was meerely of loue : one Poem shee writ in the praise of Diana , for so much Theophrastus in the life of Appolonius remembers of her . Hyppatia was a woman of Alexandria , Hyppatia . the daughter of Theon the Geometritian , and wife to Isidorus the Philosopher , shee flourished in the time of the Emperour Arcadius , shee writ certaine bookes of Astronomie , and was frequent in diuerse kinds of Poetrie : shee purchased her selfe much fame for her learning , in so much that shee ingrossed a great confluence of Auditors in the citie of Alexandria where she professed , Suidas apud Volaterran .

Sapho .

Elian. lib. 12. ELianus affirmes her to be the daughter of Scamandronius ; Plato , Plato . of Ariston ; Suidas and other Greeke writers deliuer to vs that there were two of that name , Suidas . the one called Erixia , a much celebrated Poetesse ) who flourished in the time of the Poet Alcaeus , of Pittachus , and Tarquinius Priscus ) who first deuised the vse of the Lyre or Harpe with a quill ; some giue her the honor to bee the inuentor of the Lyricke verse : the other was called Sapho Mitelaena long after her who was a singer and a strumpet , shee published many rare and famous Poems amongst the Greekes , and therefore had the honour to bee called the tenth Muse , the reason why she fell in loue with Phaon , Pliny attributes to the vertue of an hearbe , Plin. lib. 23. Bablist . Egnat . but Babtista Egnatius a later writer and exquisite both in the Greeke and Latin tongues , in trasferring this fable from the originall into the Romon tongue , as likewise others of his opinion , conclude , that Phaon was of the profession of such as get their liuing by transporting passengers from one side of a riuer vnto another , a plaine Ferrie-man , and that it happened vpon a time that Venus comming to the place where he kept his passage , without demaunding any hyre he gaue her a free transportage , not knowing to whom it was hee did that courtesie , no way suspecting she had beene a goddesse : This , Venus tooke so gratefully , that shee thought to requite his freenesse , with a bountie farre transcending the value of his paines . Shee therefore gaue him an Alablaster box full of a most pretious vnguent ( teaching him how to apply it ) with which he no sooner annoynted his face , but hee instantly became of all mortall creatures the most beautiful , of whom the Lesbian damsels grew inamoured , but espesially hee was ardently and most affectionately beloued of Sapho . Phaon hauing occation to passe from Lesbos into Cicilie , shee was tortured in soule for his absence , intimating that it was done in despight or disgrace of her ; first purposed to cast herselfe from Leucate , a high promontorie in Epyre , downe into the Sea , which she after did ; yet before she would attempt it , she first in an Epistle thought by all the allurements of a womans wit , to call him backe againe into his countrey ; which Ouid in her behalfe most feelingly hath exprest . And since it lies so fitly in my way for the opening of the Historie , I thus giue it English ,

Ecquid vt aspecta est , &c. Ouid. Epist. Sapho Phaoni . Is t possible as soone as thou shalt see My charracter , thou knowst it comes from mee ? Or else not reading of the authors name , Could'st thou haue knowne from whence this short worke came ? Perhapes thou maist demand , Why in this vaine I court thee , that professe the Lyricke straine ? My lou 's to be bewept , and that 's the reason : No * * Barbitos , id est , Carmen Lyricum . Barbit number suits this tragicke season . I burne as doth the corne-fields set on fire , When the rough East winds still blow high and higher , Now Phaon the Typhoean fields are thine , But greater flames than Aetnaes are now mine . No true disposed numbers flow from hence , ( The emptie worke of a distracted sence . ) The Pirhian gyrle , nor the Methimnian lasse Now please me ; not the Lesbians who surpasse . Vil's Amithon , vile Cidno too , the faire , So Atthis that did once appeare most rare , And hundreds more , with whom my sinn 's not small : Wretch , thou alone inioyest the loues of all . Thou hast a face , and youth too , fit for play , Oh tempting face that did'st mine eyes betray . Take Phoebus Faith vpon thee , and his bow , And from Apollo who can Phaon know ? Take hornes , and 'bout thy temples wreaths of vine , What 's he can say but th' art the god of Wine ? Phoebus lou'd Daphne , Bacchus Gnosis bright , Yet neither she , nor she , could Lyrickes write . The nine Muse-sisters of my verse dispose , And what my numbers are the whole world knowes , Nor can my countrey-man Alcaeus more * * Alcae●s , a Lyrick Poet of Mitelene . Than I , though he in age stand rank't before : Nor though his name sound louder , can he raise Or from his Lyre , or Country , greater praise . If niggard Nature haue denide things fit , Yet what I want in shape , I haue in wit : My statur's low , but know my name is high , And bruited through all regions farre and nigh . I am not faire , what therein doe I lacke ? Andromida pleas'd Perfeus , yet she blacke . The whitest Doues with mingled colours make , And the blacke Turtle will the Greene-bird take . If none can be thought worthie of thy loue , But such as shall thy like in beautie proue , Young man despaire , thou art for euer free , None such ere was , none such shall euer bee . When first thou readst my Verses , thou didst say I onely pleas'd , and I was faire that way , That I became my phrase ( and none so well ) Then did I sing ( wee louers , all must tell ; ) And I remember , thou ( 't is still my pride ) At euery Note didst on my lippes diuide . Nay , euen those kisses pleas'd thee wondrous well . But most of all , when I beneath thee fell , My wantonnesse contented thee 'boue measure , My nimble motion , and words apt for pleasure . Then when in confus'd rapture we both lay , Fulnesse of ioy depriu'd all vse of pla● . Now the Sicilian girles are thy new spoyle , I le be of them , and leaue the Lesbian sayle . You * * Nisea , a mounta●nous countrey neere Aetna . Nisean mothers , and faire daughters , bred In Sicilie : let him be banished From forth your earth , nor let the many Lyes The smoothnesse of his false tongue can deuise , Beguile your simple truth ; what to you ●e Speaks now , h' hath spoke a thousand times to me . And goddesse * * Venus called so of Erix , a mountaine in Sicilie , where shee had a famous Temple . Erecina , thou that do'st The barbarous rude Sicania honor most , Aduise thy Poetesse by thy wit diuine , And giue me counsell , since thou know'st I am thine . Can Fortune in this bitter course still run ? Vowes she to end those Ills she hath begun ? Six yeeres are past , since my aborti●e gr●nes Mourn'd , and my teares wet my dead parents bones . My needie * * Chor●xus , who doted on the famous strumpet Rhodop●● whome hee bought of Aesopus for a great summe of money . brother ( as a second crosse ) Dotes on a strumpet , suff'ring shame with losse , Turn'd Pyrate , prooues the Seas with sayle and oare , And badly seekes wealth , lost as ill before . Because my faithfull counsaile ( that course rated ) My guerdon is , that I by him am hated . And least my endlesse torments should find ease , My yong irregular * * Cl●is , a wanton daughter to Sap●o . daughter addes to these : The last and great'st cause why I thus miscarrie , Thou art ; my Barke still sayles with winds contrari● . Behold my erst well-ord'red Locks mis-plac'd , And those that in times past my temples grac'd , Neglected are , as if they were not mine● No precious gemmes vpon my fingers shine : My habit 's vile , my haire no Crispin weares , Nor smell my Locks of sweet Arabian * * The teares of Mirrha , with which they vsed to perfume their haire . teares . Whom should I seeke to please , since ●ee's absent , That was sole author of mine ornament ? My soft heart is with easie shafts imprest . There 's still new cause to lodge loue in my brest , Either because the Sisters three , had force , When I was borne , to spin my thread so course ; Or this , my studies in the Arts constraine , Since soft Thalia doth infuse my braine . What wonder if a youth of the first chinne Surprise me ? yeres which man to man might winne . I was afraid least faire Aurora thou For Cephalus would'st steale him , and I now Am still in feare , for surely this had past , But that thy first loue holds thee still so fast . If Phoebus ( that spyes all things ) thee had seene , Phaon in lasting slumbers cast had beene . Venus had rapt him into heauen by this , But that she fear'd Mars would haue made him his . Thou , that no child , and yet scarce man appeares , ( Best age ) the pride and glorie of thy yeares , Returne v●to my bosome , since of thee I beg not loue , but that thou lou'd would'st bee . Lo as I write , teares from mine eyes amaine Still drop , behold how they my paper staine . Thy parting had beene gentler ( in words few ) Had'st thou but sayd , Sweet Lesbian lasse adue . Thou took'st with thee no parting kisse , no teares , I little dream't I was so neere my feares . Of thine , saue wrong , I nothing haue , no more Thou ( let that mooue thee ) all my loue dost store : I gaue thee no command , nor had that day , Vnlesse some such , Do not forget me pray . By Loue that neuer can forsake that brest , By our nine sacred sisters I protest● He 's gone , when some ( but who I know not ) sayd , For a long space both words and teares were stayd , Mine eyes had banish't teares , and greefe my tongue , Through cold , my heart vnto my ribs was clung . ( My greefe retyr'd ) I ga● to beat my brest , To teare my haire , nor blush to walke vndrest ; Like carefull mothers , who with loude exclaimes Beare their dead children to their funerall flames - Charaxus walkes by lang hing too and fro , And from my extasie his pleasures grow , And ( which more shame vnto my sorrow giues ) Askes why this woman weepes , her daughter liues ? But Shame and Loue are two , the people stare To see my garments torne and brests vnbare , Thou Phaon art my care , and my dreames stay , Thee fled ( you dreames that haue made night my day ) I find thee there , though absent many a mile , But ô , my dreames last but a little while . Oft thinke I that thy armes my necke infold , As likewise these two are with thine like bold . I know thy kisses , thy tongue-sport I know , Which thou wast wont to take , and to bestow . More pleas'd sometimes , words ( like to truth ) I spake , And to thy forme , my sences are awake . What 's more , I shame to tell , and blush to write , Dreaming all done , may perfect our delight . No sooner Titan dons his golden beames , And with them all things sees , I curse my Dreames : Desarts and Dennes I then seeke , as if they Could profit me ( once guiltie of our play ) Madly , like her whom mad Erictho beares , I thither runne , my haires falne 'bout mine eares . I see the Cauernes with rough Grauell strew'd , To me they like Mygdonian Marble shew'd . The shades I find , that gaue vs oft our rest , And friendly Herbage , by our burthens prest . Thee ( maister of those Groues and me ) no place Can shew me , therefore they appeare most base . I knew the very flowers where wee haue line , Our weights haue made their vpright heads decline : Where thou hast falne , I threw me in that place , But first the gratefull flowers drinke from my face . The boughes despoyl'd , a sadnesse seeme to bring , And on their top-most branches no birds sing , Onely the * * Philomela . Daulian hird her discontents Chaunts out aloud , and Itis still laments ; Itis the bird laments , Sapho , th' affright Of Loue forsaken : so we spend the night . There is a perfect , cleare , and Glasse-like Well , Sacred , and where some thinkes the gods doe dwell , O're which the watrie * * Lothos , the daughter of Neptune , turned into a Tree , so called . Lotos spreads her bowes , The ground a soft and gentle Turfe allowes . Here as I lay to rest me ( drown'd in teares ) One of the Nayades before m' appeares , And standing , thus spake : Thou that scortcht do'st lye , In flames vnequall , to Ambracia , a citie in Epire , so called of king Ambraces . Ambracia flye ; Hence Phoebus from on high surueyes the Sea , Some , Actium calls the place , some Leucate . Deucalion from this Rocke his Pyrha craues ( First seene ) and she ( vndanger'd ) proues the waues . Here Pyrha prostitutes to his desires . Deucalion here first quencht his amorous fires . The place the same law keepes : climbe Leucats crowne , And from that high Rocke feare not to leape downe . This spoke , she vanisht : I affrighted rise , Whilest my wet cheekes are moistned by mine eyes . Thither let 's run Nymphs , till that Rocke appeare , From Loue distracted we should banish feare . Proue how it can , much better than you see It hath yet chanc'd , it needs must fall to mee . And gentle Loue , to me thy feathers lend , Still to support me , as I shall descend , Least being dead , by my vntimely fall , Leucadia for my sake be curst of all . Then Phoebus , I le bequeath into thine hand My Harpe , and by it shall this Distick stand : Sapho , thy gratefull Poetesse , doth assigne This Lyre to thee , being hers as well as thine . Why do'st thou send me to Actia hence , When thou may'st call thy exil'd foole from thence ? Safer to me , than can those waters proue , Thou mayest , so Phoebus did he Sapho loue . Canst thou ( O harder than the Rocks obdure ) It should be said , Thou didst my death procure ? Thy Sapho's ruine ? O , how better farre Were it these breasts , that now dis-ioyned are , Should friendly meet , and mutually please , Than mine alone be swallow'd in the Seas ? These are the breasts thou Phaon once didst prayse , Which seene , they fire did from thy coldnesse rayse . O would I were as eloquent as then , But sorrow takes all fluence from my Pen , So might my braine haue euerie ill withstood : But now my passion makes nothing seeme good . My Verse is of her first power destitute , Silent's my Quill , my Harpe with sorrow mute . You Lesbian Matrons , and you Lesbian young , Whose names haue to my Lyre beene oft times sung . You for whose loues my fame hath suffred wrong , No more in troopes vnto my Musicke throng , Phaon hath stole all that you nam'd Diuine , I was ( O wretch ) about to call him mine . Make him returne , my Muse shall then retire , He dulls my wits , or can my braine inspire . Can prayers preuaile ? or such a stubborne mind Be softened , or made rougher ? Shall the wind Disperse my words , as meerely spoke in vaine ? Would the same winds could bring thee backe againe , That mocke my sighes , and make thy sayles to swell , It were a worke that would become thee well . If so thou mean'st , why do'st thou keepe away From all those vow'd gifts that thy comming stay ? Why do'st thou with thy absence my breast teare ? Loose from the Hauen , set sayle , and doe not steare , Shee 's Sea-borne Venus call'd , and therefore still Shee makes the waues calme to a louers will , The gracious winds shall in thy course preuayle , And bring thee safe when thou ar● vnder sayle , Euen Cupid at the Helme shall sit and steare , He shall direct which way thy course to beare , If so thou please thy Sapho shun'd must be , Yet thou shalt find there 's no iust cause in me : At least , thy cruell answer she now craues , To end her fate in the Leucadian waues .

From that Rocke , shee cast her selfe headlong into the Sea , and so perished . For preposterous and forbidden Luxuries which were imputed vnto her , Horace calls her Mascula Sapho ; yet many are of opinion , this to be the same whom Plato tearmes the Wise : of her , Antipater Sydonius thus writes ; Dulcia Mnemosine demirans carmina Saphus Quesierit decima Pyeris vnde foret .

Mnemosine , When Sapho's Verse she did admiring reed , Demanded whence the tenth Muse did proceed .

As likewise Ausonius : Lesbia Pyerijs Sapho soror addita Musis . i. Lesbian Sapho , a Sister added to the Pyerian Muses . Her , Papinius and Horace , with many others , celebrate .

Of Cleobule Lindia , and other Poetesses .

SHee was the daughter of Cleobulus Lindius , one of the seuen wise men of Greece ; shee was called also Eumite , and Cleobulina : Cleobulina , or Eumite . in her writing , shee imitated her father . Shee was eminent for Aenigmaes , and Riddles ; of which , this one is redeemed from obliuion , and remembred of her : Est vnus genitor , cui vni sunt pignora bis sex , His quoque triginta natae , sed dispare forma Hae niuiae aspectu , nigris sunt vultibus illae , Sunt immortales omnes , moriuntur & omnes . One father hath twelue children , great and small , They beget thirtie daughters , vnlike all , Halfe of them white , halfe blacke , immortall made , And yet we see how euerie houre they fade .

Helpis . Helpis was wife of the famous Philosopher and Poet Boethius Seuerinus , a Roman Patrician ; shee was by Nation a Sicilian , of an elegant wit and capacious inuention . Many of her Hymnes to the Apostles are yet extant : one began , Aurea Luce ; another , Foelix per omnes mundi cardines , i. Thou Feast that art happie in being celebrated through all the countries of the world . Ranulphus calls her the daughter to the king of Sicilie , and the best Writers constantly affirme these holy Songs to be hers , witnesse Gyraldus Dialogo 5. Histor. Poet. She writ her Epitaph with her owne hand , which was ●fter inscribed vpon her Tombe , which I thus giue you in English , something neere to Treuisaes , as he translated it from Ranulphus .

AN EPITAPH . Elpis my name , me Sicilie first bred , A husbands loue drew me from hence to Rome , Where I long liu'd in ioy , but now lye dead , My soule submitting to th' Almighties doome : And I beleeue this flesh againe shall rise , And I behold my Sauiour with these eyes .

Eudoxia , or Eudocia , Eudocia . was the wife of the Emperour Theodo●ius Iunior : Shee was excellently qualified , and her chiefe delight was to be conuersant amongst the Muses , for which shee was stiled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Shee was the daughter of Leontius , of no higher degree than a Sophist of Athens : shee was first called Athenais , but after being married to the Emperour , hee caused her to be baptised by Atticus the great Bishop of Constantinople , and for Athenais gaue her the name of Eudocia , which much pleased the Emperour her husband . Some attribute a Centon vnto her , of Christ the Sauiour of the world ; it was called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which others would conferre vpon Proba . Cyrus Panopolita shee aduanced vnto the Praetorship . Gyrald . ex 5. Dialog. Philenis was a strumpet of Leucadia , Philenis . her Verses were as impurely wanton as her life was immodest and vnchast : shee imitated Elephantis , Elephantis . if wee may beleeue Suidas , and they both Astianassa , Astianassa . one of Hellens maids , the wife to Menelaus . Shee was the first that deuised 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Veneriall Trade , and left certaine bookes behind her of Veneriall Copulation . This you may reade in Gyraldus in 30. Dialog. Histor. Poet. Bocho , Bocho . a penurious and needie woman of Delphos , who composed Hymnes and pronounced Oracles ; shee is remembred by Gyraldus , Dialog . 20. Elephantis , Elephantis . or Elephantina , was a woman most wickedly wanton , and of notorious intemperance . Shee ( as Spinthria ) described the seuerall wayes and figures of Congresse and Copulation , Spinthria . from whose bookes Lalage presents a gift to Priapus , Lalage . in Priapaeis Poematibus : and Tiberius Caesar builded that chamber , wherein were discouered the omnivarious shapes of beastly and preposterous Luxuries , least any president of dishonest Brothelrie should be left vnremembred . Proba Valeria Falconia , Proba Valeria Falconia . a Roman Matron ( and wife to Adelphus Romanus the Proconsull , a man of noble and religious carriage ) flourished in the reignes of Honorius and Theodosius the Iunior , Emperours . Shee composed a Diuine Worke , of the Life and Miracles of Christ , which shee entituled Cento Virgilianum : shee dedicated it to the Empresse Eudocia , wife of Theodosius . Shee also paraphrased vpon the Verses of Homer , and called the Worke Homeroukentra , which some would conferre vpon Eudocia . Her husband being dead , shee is said to haue inscribed vpon his Tombe this or the like Epitaph : To God , to Prince , Wife , Kindred , Friend , the Poore , Religious , Loyall , True , Kind , Stedfast , Deere , In Zeale , Faith , Loue , Bloud , Amitie , and Store , He that so liu'd , and so deceas'd , lyes heere .

Amongst these ( and not vnproperly ) are numbred the Sibylls : but I haue spake of them in their place , therefore I proceede to others , and next of Telesilla .

Telesilla Poetria .

THis incomparable Ladie I know not where to equipage , or in what ranke to place , whether amongst the women illustrious for Vertue , or amongst the Warlike women , imitating the Amasonians for their noble Courage and Valour , amongst the Chast , the Faire , or the Wise , as beeing a most famous and learned Poetesse ; her Historie I will giue you in briefe . Amongst the memorable and remarkable acts attempted and atchieued by women , there is none more glorious or better deseruing a Cronicle of Perpetuitie than that performed by the Argiue women against king Cleomenes , by the persuasion and incouragement of Telesilla the Poetesse ; shee was borne of a noble familie , and in her youth being subiect to many infirmities of the bodie , she asked counsell of the gods concerning her health , answere was returned her from the Oracle , That she should apply her selfe to the studie of the Muses , and imploy all her industrie in verse and harmonie . Not long it was ere recouering her health , she grew to that perfection of Art , especially in Poetrie , that shee was onely held in admiration amongst all other women . Cleomenes king of Sparta , opposing the Argiues with all the rigor that hostilitie could make , and hauing slaine of them an infinite number almost incredible to relate ( for so sayth Plutarch ; Lib. de V●rtutib . Mulier . ) in reuenge of this losse , a notable courage and an vnspeakable boldnesse inspyred the hearts of these Argiue women , in so much that vnder the conduct of Telesilla , whom they made their Generall , they tooke armes to maintaine their fortresses , guard and defend the walls , and issue out vpon the enemy , not without admiration and terror to the besiegers , in so much that Cleomenes was repulsed with the losse of many of his souldiers . Another king ( as Socrates sayth ) called Demaratus , who besieged Pamphiliacum , they sent thence with losse and infamous retreat . The citie thus by their valour preserued , all such women as fell in the conflict , the inhabitants honourably interred in a place cald Via Argiua , i. The Argiue way , and to the suruiuers as a memorable gratitude to their vertues & valours , they granted a famous solemnitie cald the dedication of Mars . This battaile was fought ( as some say ) in the seuenth day ( others in the new Moone ) of the month which is now cald the fourth , but by the Argiues was of old called Hermaeus or Mer●ulialis ; as that day they yerely celebrat the great Feast stiled Hybristica , in which the women are habited like men , and the men are attired in vestures of women : And to make good the losse of so many men that perished in the late combustions , the matrons did not ( as Her●dotus afirmes ) match with their slaues and seruants , but they ioyned themselues in marriage to the best and noblest of the next adioyning citties ; vpon whom notwithstanding they cast such a contemptible neglect , that they enacted a law which inioyned all married women still to put beards vpon their faces , when they first went to bed to their husbands .

Perhilla . Perhilla was a young Roman ladie who liued in the time of Augustus Caesar , it seemes of no great noble familie , nor extraordinarie riches , onely of an admirable wit and excellent facilitie in Poetrie , she was scholler to Ouid , who enterchanged with her and she with him many Elegies and Epigrams , she flourishdd in the time of his banishment . Her workes it seemes neuer came to light : but that she was answerable to the character I haue giuen her , I referre you to his seuenth Elegie , in his third booke de Tristibus , in which he giues her an approoued testimonie : the title in , Mandat Epistolam vt Perhillam Adeat , which the better to expresse of what condition she was ( and that speaking of Poetesses , it will not bee amisse a little to Poetise ) I thought thus to English :

Vade salutatum , &c. Ouid. lib. Trist. 3. Eleg. 7. My wandring Letter to Perhilla goe , Greet her as one that doth my mind best know . Find her thou shalt , or with her mother sit , Or 'mongst her Bookes and Muses , searching wit . What ere she be a doing , when she knowes Thee thither come , her worke away she throwes , And without least delay , she will enquire Wherefore thou com'st , or what thou canst desire . Tell her I liue , but so , as life bemoning , Mischiefes augment , but do not ease my groning . Though by the Muses harm'd , I loue their name , And to euen numbers how my words to frame . Still doe you to your common studies cling , And your learn'd Verse to forraine fashions sing , Nature that gaue you Beautie , thought it fit To adde rare Gifts , chast Manners , and choise Wit. I taught you first from Hellecon to write , Least such a fertile Spring should perish quite . I saw how farre in youth it did extend , I was your Father , Captaine , and your Friend . If the same fires within your breast still liue , To none saue Lesbian Sapho the Palme giue . I feare my fate your forwardnesse may slack , And from your course my fortunes pluck you back . The time was when your Lines to me were read , And when by me your Muse was censured , 'T was lawfull then with both : and in those dayes You did me as your Iudge and Tutor prayse . Either vnto your Verses I gaue eare , Or made you blush when I forbore to heare . Perhaps ( by my example ) since my Muse Hath done me hurt , that practise you 'l not vse ; And feare , because I su●●er in my Art , That in my ruine you shall beare a part . Feare not ( Perhilla ) for no woman shall , Or man , by thy Muse learne to loue at all . Therefore ( most learn'd ) all cause of slouth adiorne And to these sacred and good Arts returne . That comely fauour will in time decay , And rugged furrowes in thy cheekes display . Age ( without noyse ) will by thee stealing passe , When some will say by thee , once faire she was : Thou then wilt grieue , thy faded front despise , Or else complaining , sweare thy Steele-glasse lyes . Your Riches are not great ( O worthie more : ) But say you Wealth had in the amplest store , Fortune bestowes or takes at her owne pleasure , Hee 's Irus now , that late had Cressus Treasure . ‛ Briefe , saue corrupt things , here we nothing gaine Except the Treasures of the Breast and Braine . I , that my House , my Countrey , and you , lacke , In all they would take from me , suffred wracke . My Braine I still keepe with me to this howre , For ouer that , great Caesar had no power : Who though in rage he doome me to be slaine , When I am dead , my fame shall still remaine . Whil'st warlike Rome on seuen Hils lifts her head , To o'relooke the conquer'd World , I shall be read . And you ( whom happier studies still inspire ) Preserue your name from the last comming fire .

Before many , or most of those , I may iustly and without flatterie preferre the famous Queene Elizabeth . Of her Wisdome and Gouernment , all the Christian Princes that flourished in her time , can giue ample testimonie : of her Oratorie , those learned Orations deliuered by her owne mouth in the two Academies , in the Latine Tongue , beare record in her behalfe . In the Greeke Tongue she might compare with Queene Istrina , before remembred amongst the Linguists . In the French , Italian , and Spanish , she needed no Interpreter , but was able to giue answere to such Embassadours in their owne Language . Of whose pleasant Fancies , and ingenious Ditties , I haue seene some , and heard of many . Others there haue beene likewise of our owne Nation , of whose elegancie in these kinds the World hath taken notice , and pittie it were their memories should not be redeemed from obliuion : as the Ladie Iane Grey , daughter to the Duke of Suffolke , the vnhappie wife of as vnfortunate an husband , L. Guilford Dudley . Here likewise worthily may be inserted the excellent Ladie Arabella , who had a great facilitie in Poetrie , and was elaborately conuersant amongst the Muses ; as likewise the ingenious Ladie , the late composer of our extant Vrania . For others , let me referre you to Sir Iohn Harrington , in his Allegorie vpon the 37. booke of Ariosto , where he commends vnto vs the foure daughters of Sir Anthonie Cooke , the Ladie Burleigh , the Ladie Russell , the Ladie Bacon , and Mistresse Killegrewe , giuing each of them in that kind a worthie Character . In the same place the Author commends vnto vs a great Italian Ladie , called Vittoria , Vittoria . who writ largely and learnedly in the praise of her dead husband : with whom ( though not in that Funerall Elegeick straine ) I may ranke ( if in the comparison I vnderprise not ) the beautifull and learned Ladie Mary , Countesse of Penbrooke , the worthie sister to her vnmatchable brother Sir Philip Sydney . But not to dwell too long on her prayse ( whom I neuer can commend sufficiently ) I will onely bestow vpon her Muse that Character which Horace bequeathed to Sapho : Viuuntque commissi Calores Aeoliae fidibus Puellae .

Of Witches .

IOhannes Bodinus , Andegauensis lib. 3. cap. 3. de Magorum Demonomania writes , That there is nothing which precipitates men or women to perdition , or more allures and incites them to deuote and giue themselues vp to the Deuill , than a sortish and meere Artheisticall opinion setled in them , That he hath power and will to giue to the needie , riches ; to the afflicted , ease ; to the weake , strength ; to the deformed , beautie ; the ignorant , knowledge ; the abiect , honor ; grace and fauour to them whom birth hath nobilitated , and meanes , and supplie , to such as aduersitie hath deiected : when on the contrarie , we see by common proofe than such miscreants none more miserably base , more penurious , more ignorant , more deboisht and contemned . Plutarch remembers vs that when Olimpias the wife of Philip king of Macedon , hearing that her husband was ensnared , and extreamely besotted with the beautie of a noble yong ladie , she much desired to see her : who being brought vnto her presence , and beholding a woman with all the accomplishments of nature so euery way graced , one of so exquisit feature , she hauing neuer beheld the like till then , she grew astonished , and without offring her the least discourteous violence , brake out into these tearmes , This rare and incomparable beautie which hath bewitched my husband , is likewise of force to effacinate the gods . Most certaine it is , nothing seemes fairely featured and beautifully composed within this large vniuerse , but it shewes to vs the glorie of the maker , who is the only true and perfect pulchritude ; neither is the●e any thing louely or amiable , which proceeds not from his especiall grace and miraculous workemanship . But it was neuer found or knowne that euer any Witch could by exorsismes or incantations adde any thing to Nature , to make her selfe in any part appeare more comely . It is further obserued , that all such are for the most part stigmaticall and ouglie , in so much , that it is growne into a common Adage , Deformis vt Saga , i. As deformed as a Witch . Moreouer , Cardanus who was not held the least amongst the Magitians ( as hauing his art , Lib. 20. de Subtilit or rather diabolicall practise from his father hereditarie ) confesseth , that in all his life time , in his great familiaritie and acquaintance amongst them , he neuer knew any one that was not in some part mishapen & deformed . The same Author ( with whose opinion Wicrius , Hippocrates , and others assent ) affirms that all those Demoniacks , or Witches , after they haue had commerce and congresse with the Deuill , haue about them a continuall nastie and odious smell , of which ( by the ancient writers ) they were called Faetentes , by the Vasconians Fetelleres , à Faetore , i. Of stench ; insomuch that women who by nature haue a more sweet and refreshing breath than men , after their beastly consocietie with Sathan , change the propertie of nature , and grow horrid , putred , corrupt , and contagious : For Sprangerus witnesseth ( who hath taken the examination of many ) they haue confessed ( a thing fearefull to be spoken ) to haue had carnall copulation with euil and vncleane spirits , who no doubt , beare the smell of the in●isible sulphure about them . Now concerning this Magicke , what reputation it hath beene in amongst men , ( which in effect is no better than plaine Witchcraft in women ) we may reade in Nauclerus , and Platina ; That all the Popes inclusiuely from Siluester the second , to Gregorie the seuenth , were Magicians : but Cardinall Benno , who obserued all the Bishops that way deuoted , numbers but fiue , Siluester the second , Benedict the ninth , Iohn the twentieth , and one and twentieth , and Gregorie the seuenth . Of these , Augustinus Onuphrius one of the Popes chamber ( that from the Vatican , and the Liues of the Popes there registred , made a diligent collection ) speakes of two only , Siluester the second , and Benedict the ninth ; one of them was after expelled from the Papacie . Siluester lying vpon his death bed , desired his tongue to be torne out and his hands to be cut off that had sacrifised to the Deuill , confessing that he had neuer any inspection into that damnable Art , How the Deuil rewards his seruants . till he was Archbishop of Rhemes . These are the best rewards that Sathan bestowes vpon his suppliants and seruants : how comes it else so many wretched and penurious Witches , some beg their bread , some die of hunger , others rot in prisons , and so many come to the gallowes or the stake . It is reported of a gentleman of Mediolanum , that hauing his enemie at his mercie , held his steeletto to his heart , and swore that vnlesse he would instantly abiure his faith , and renounce his Sauiour , had he a thousand liues he would instantly ( with as many wounds ) despoile him of all ; which the other for feare assenting to , and he hauing made him iterate ouer and ouer his vnchristianlike blasphemies , in the middle of his horrible abiuration stabd him to the heart , vttering these words , See , I am reuenged of thy soule and bodie at once ; for as thy bodie is desperate of life , so is thy soule of mercie . This vncharitable wretch was an apt schollar to the grand Deuill his master , who in the like manner deales with all his seruants , who after he hath made them renounce their faith , blaspheame their maker , and do to him all beastly and abhominable adoration ( such as in their owne confessions shall be hereafter related ) he not only leaues them abiects from Gods fauour , whose diuine maiestie they haue so fearefully blasphemed , but deliuers them vp to all afflictions and tribulations of this life , and all excruciations and torments in the world to come . Horrible and fearefull haue beene the most remarkeable deaths of many of the professors of this diabolicall Art , for whom the lawes of man hath spared ( as a terror to others ) the hand of heauen hath punished : I will onely giue you a tast of some few . The wretched ends of sundry Magitians . Abdias Bab. Episcopus lib. 6. Certam Apostol . writes , That Zaroes and Arphaxad ( two infamous Magitians amongst the Persians ) with their exorcismes and incantations deluding the people , in the houre when Simon and Iude suffered martyredome , were stroke with lightning from heauen , and so perisht . Lucius Piso , in the first booke of his Annals speakes of one Cinops , a prince amongst the Magitians , who at the prayer of S. Iohn the Euangelist was swallowed vp in a riuer . Olaus Magnus lib. 2. cap. 4. de gentib . Septentrional . tells vs of one Methotis , who by his prestigious iuglings had insinuated into the hearts of the people , and purchast that opinion and authoritie amongst them , that he was called , The high and chiefe Priest to the gods , who was after torne to peeces by the multitude : from whose scattred limbes such a contagion grew , that it infected the ayre , of which much people perished . Hollerus the Magitian was staine . Oddo the Dane was ( besides his skill in Magicke ) a great pyrat , it is written of him Wierius li. 2. ca. 4. that without ship or boat he would make his transmarine passage ouer the Ocean , and by his Inchan●ments raise stormes to shipwrecke the vessells of his enemies : hee was after , notwithstanding , swallowed in the sea , and there most wretchedly perished . D. Iohn Faustus , borne at Kuneling , a Village neere Cracouia , was found dead by his bed side , his face blasted and turned backward , in the Dukedome of Wittenberch , at which time the house wherein he died was shaken with a tempest and horrible Earthquake . The Earle Matisconensis ( a practitioner in the same diuellish studie ) sitting at Dinner amongst many Lords , Barons , Captaines , and others , was snatcht from the Boord by Deuils , and in the sight and view of all the people , three times hurried swiftly round about the citie , being heard to cry , Succurrite , Succurrite , i. Helpe , Helpe : of him , Hugo Cluniacensis writes more largely . A Priest at Noremberch searching for hidden Treasure in a place where the Deuill had directed him , found it guarded by a Spirit , in the semblance of a great blacke Dogge ; in the search of which , the Earth fell vpon him , and buryed him aliue : And this happened in the yeere 1530. Wierius . A Magician of Salsburch vndertooke to call all the Serpents together within a mile of the place , and bring them into one Pit digged for the purpose : in the trayne of which , came ( after the rest ) a great Serpent ( supposed to be the Deuill ) and twining about him , cast him in amongst the rest , where they together perished . The like vntimely deaths wee reade of Appion Grammaticus , Iulian Apostata , Artephius , Robertus Anglicus : amongst the Heluetians , Petrus Axonensis , sirnamed Conciliator , Albertus Teutonicus , Arnoldus de villa noua , Anselmus Parmensis , Pycatrix Hispanus , Cicchus Ascalus Florentinus , and many others . Commendable therefore it was in the French king , who when one Friscalanus Cenomannus ( a man excellent in this Science ) came to shew diuerse prestigious feats and trickes before him , for which he expected reward ; amongst others , he caused the Linkes of a Golden Chayne to be taken asunder , and remooued them to diuerse remote places of the chamber , which came of themselues to one place , and were instantly ioyned together as before : Which the king seeing , and being thereat astonished , he commanded him instantly from his sight , neuer againe to behold his face , and after caused him to be arraigned and iudged . And these are the Graces , Honors , and Aduancements , Offices , and Dignities , to which the Deuill exalts his liege people .

Of these seuerall sorts of Iuglings , Seuerall sorts of superstitious Iugling . with which the Deuill deludes his schollers ( besides such as I haue before spoken of , amongst such as predicted of things to come ) I will nominate some few . One thing which is vsed now amongst our cunning Women and Witches , is so antient , that it was before the age of Lucian , or Theocritus , it is called Coskinomanteia , i. Cribri saltatio , i. ( as wee call it ) The Syue and the Sheeres , and that is not shamed to be publiquely vsed . Bodinus himselfe sayth that hee saw in Lutetia a Boy in a Noblemans house , and before many honest and iudiciall spectators , by speaking of a few French words● make a Syue turne which way he pleased : but the same words vttered by another , could not make it to mooue at all . Another superstition is with a Knife or a Key . If any be suspected of Theft , reade but such a Psalme , and name the partie accused , if the Knife at the speaking of his name , mooue or stirre , hee is then held guiltie : and that practise is called Axinomanteia . That which is done by a Ring put ouer a Cruse of Water , is called Daktuliomanteia : And this is a famous Sorcerie , much in vse with the Witches of Italie . Ioachimus Cameracensis had a speaking Ring , in which was a Familiar , or a Deuill ; that kind is called Vdromanteia , as also Dactyliomanteia , i. A Ring wherein Spirits are worne . Coniectures made from Wells and Fountaines , were called Idromanteia : these , Numa Pompilius was said to be the first inuentor of , which Varro otherwise interpretes , i. Of a Boy employed by the Magicians to looke vpon Images in the water , one of which pronounced distinctly fiftie Verses of the warres of Mithridates , before any such rumor was spread , or purpose of the like businesse intended . Aeromanteia is a superstitious prediction by the ayre ; but most certaine , when the wind is South . Another was made from Meale or Chaffe , and was called Alphitomanteia , or Aleuromanteia , remembred by Iamblicus ; but to what purpose it was , hee explaneth not ; as likewise of Lythomanteia , which was practised by Stones . Diuination by Lawrell was called Daphnomanteia . The praescience which they gathered from the head of an Asse , Kephaleomanteia . Puromanteia and Kapnomanteia were coniectures from Fire . Rabdomanteia was vsed by a Physician of Tholosa , in speaking certaine mysticall words in a low and submisse voyce . The like vnto that , was Zulomanteia , with loose chippes of Wood , much practised in Illyria . But of all these diuellish and detestable practises , there is none ( saith Bodinus ) more Heathenish , irreligious , and dangerous , than that so commonly in vse now adayes , and by Witches continually practised , to the iniurie and wrong of new married women ; it is commonly called Ligare ligulam , or to tye knots vpon a point ; which as it is vsuall , so it is not new : For Herodot . Lib. 2. reports , That Amasis king of Aegypt was by the like Exorcisme bound and hindered from hauing any mutuall congresse with his wife Laodice , Laodice . till those ligatorie Spells were after vncharmed . Paulus Aemilius in the life of Clotharius the second witnesseth , That king Theodoricus was by the like ligaments effascinated by his Concubines , from hauing lawfull consocietie with his wife Hermamberga . Hermamberga . Bodinus reports , That he heard from the mouth of Roileus , Embassadour generall amongst the Blesenses , who affirmed , That at the marriage of a young couple , iust as they were to receiue the benediction from the Priest , a Boy was seene by him tying one of these Magicke knots in the Temple ; whom thinking to haue deprehended , the Boy fled , and was not taken . Bodinus further addes , That in the yeere 1567. he then being Procurator in Patauia , the gentlewoman in whose house he soiourned ( being it seemes a pregnant scholler in this Art ) related vnto him in the presence of one Iacobus Baunasius , That there were fiftie seuerall wayes of tying this knot , to hinder copulation , either to bind the Husband , or the Wife onely , that one hating the others infirmitie , might the freelyer pollute themselues with Adulteries . Shee said moreouer , the man was often so charmed , the woman seldome , and difficultly : besides , this knot might be tyed for a day , for a yeere , for the present time , or for euer , or whilest the same was vnloosed : That it might be tyed for one to loue the other , and not be againe beloued , or to make a mutuall and ardent loue betwixt them ; but when they came to congression , to bite and scratch , and teare one another with their teeth and nayles . In Tholosia , a man and his wife were so bewitched , who after three yeeres being vncharmed , had a faire and hopefull issue ; and which is more to be wondered at , in that time there appeared vpon some part of their bodies so many tumors , or swellings , like small knobs of flesh , as they should haue had children , if that impediment had not happened . Some there are that may be charmed before wedlocke , and some after , but those hardly . There are others , whom their effascinations can keepe from eiecting their Vrine ; others , to make them that they cannot restraine it at all : but of the first , diuerse haue perished . Shee likewise told him sundrie speeches belonging to these Witcheries , the words whereof were neither Hebrew , Greeke , Latine , French , Spanish , Italian , nor indeed deriuing their Etimologie from any knowne Language whatsoeuer .

Erasmus in his explanation of the Adage , Pasetis Semiobulus , writes of some Witches that by their Incantations could commaund in any voyd roome , Tables on the sudden to bee spread and furnished with meates and iunkets of all varieties to tast the palat , and when the guests had sufficiently fed and satisfied euerie man his owne appetite , with one word could likewise command all things away as if no such thing had beene : others also that when they had bought any commoditie of any man , their backes were no sooner turned but the money they layde out would instantly forsake the seller and returne into the purse of the buyer . But to begin with the antient Poets , by their testimonies it is manifest that the practise of Witches and Witch-craft hath beene so great , that by their Charmes and Spells they haue had the power to transhape men into bruit beasts , to alter the course of the Planets , and Starres , haue changed the Seasons , making the naturall course of the yeare preposterous : further , that their exorcismes haue extended to Hearbes , Flowers , Fruits , and Graine , to infect men with Diseases , and cattell with Murren , to delude the Eyes and weaken the Sences , bewitch the Limbes , binde the Hands , gyue the Feete , and benumbe the other Members , apoplex all the vitall Spirits , and raise vp dead bodies from their Sepulchres ; nay more , to call the Moone downe from her Sphere , with other most strange things , as miraculous to relate as difficult to beleeue , of such in his first booke Tibullus speakes , Hanc ego de Caelo ducentem sidera vidi : — This Witch I did espy To call the Starres and Planets from the Sky .

Now , that women haue beene more addicted to this diuellish Art than men , is manifest by the approbation of many graue Authors : Diodorus in his fift booke de Antiquorum Gestis , Speakes of Hecate , that shee was the first that euer tempered Aconitum ( a venomous Hearbe , which some cal Libbards bane , others Wolues bane ) applying her self to confections of sundry deadly poysons . Valer. lib. 2. This was frequent among the Romans , nay euen among the noblest matrons , Lib. 3. cap. 17. as their owne writers testifie . Of the like , Saint Augustine speakes in his booke de Ciuitate Dei : So Plinie affirmes in his fiue and twentith booke and second chapter , That women are most prone to these vnlawful Arts ; for so we read of Medea , Cyrce , and others whom the Poets fabled to be goddesses , of whom we shall find occasion to speake of in their order . Suidas of women Witches cites an old prouerb , Thessala Mulier , by which he notes all of that practise as peculiar to that Sex , Lib. 5. Orat. Instit. and not to men . Therefore Quintilian speaking of this argument , thus determines it , Theft ( sayth he ) is much preuailing with men , and Witchcraft most familiar with the Sex of women .

Of Cyrce , and others remembred by the Poets .

SHe was the daughter of the Sunne , Virgill in Beucol . and the Nymph Persa , and was sayd to be so exquisitely cunning in these effacinations , that she changed men into seuerall shapes of beasts , and the companions and associates of Vlisses into Swine . She inhabited not farre from Caieta a citie of Campania . The Marsians a people of Italie were sayd to bee linially descended from this Cyrce , Lib. 16. cap. 11. who likewise succeeded her in that diuellish Art . Gellius writes of this nation , That they had skill in taming the most poysonus Serpents , and to make them gentle and seruile to their vse ; their Charmes , Exercismes and Incantations , by which they had power in the transhapes of creatures , their mixtures of hearbes and tempering of drugges beeing to them left as hereditarie by her . Who would reade further of her , I referre him to Ouid , who in his Metamorphosis giues her a full and large character , so Homer in his tenth booke of his Odisses , the argument of which , for her better expression I thus English :

Aeoliam ventorum agimor patriamque domuque . Vlisses * * From the Island of the Cyclops , where hee thrust out Polyph●mus his eye . thence into Aetolia past , Where Aeolus the king of Windes then raign'd Who the foure brothers gaue him closed fast In leatherne bags ( for so they were constraind . ) With prosperous speed he sailes , and growing neere His natiue Ithaca , whil'st he was sleeping , His men suppos'd some wealth inclosed there , Within those bags giuen to their maisters keeping , And opening them , the imprisoned windes now free , With aduerfe gusts , despight his helme and glasse Blow him quite backe , so he is forc't to see Islands in the Sea so called . Antiphates , and the Lestrigone's . Some ships there lost , he attaines the Cercian shore , Where the most powerfull goddesse as she feasts , Transhapes Eurilochus with many more Of his companions , into sundrie beasts , The wylie Greeke , by Mercuries admonishment , Alone escapes the Witches transformation , Who failing in her Art , bred both astonishment , And of his many vertues , admiration : His wisedome so preuailed , him Cyrce ador'd , And to his mates their pristine shape restor'd .

Medea . Medea was the daughter of Otes and Ispaea king and queene of the Colchians , and sister to Cyrce : shee found out the vertues of many Hearbes , Plants , and Rootes , and tempered their juice to her diuellish purposes , growing to that height of cunning , that by her incantations shee tamed the mad Bulls that from their mouths and nosthrills breathed fire and bellowed terror , charming asleepe the euer-waking Serpent that kept the Golden fleece , least they should hinder Iason her beloued in the purchase thereof : for which courtesie hee tooke her to wife , and by long trauell arriuing in Thessaly , Aeson the father of Iason now growne decrepit through age , shee restored to his former youth and strength : notwithstanding , her husband forgetfull of this great benefit done to his father , forsooke her bed , and married Creusa daughter to Creon king of Corinth ; with which ingratitude Medea inraged ( yet dissembling her malice ) she after some insinuation presents Creusa with a glorious Mantle to the eye , which shee no sooner put on but her whole bodie was in a flame and she consumed vnto ashes : after the same sort perished king Creon with his queene . This done , she murdered her children had by Iason , and being openly hurried by winged dragons through the Ayre , she fled to Athens , and there was married to king Aegeus ; whose sonne Theseus , when she attempted to haue poysoned in a cup of Gold tempered with Aconitum ( gathered from an hearbe that grew from the ●ome of Cerberus ) her treason being discouered and preuented , by her Magick skill shee shut her selfe within a cloud in which with her young sonne Medus ( whose father Aegeus was ) she escaped into Asia . Of her Ouid speakes , Proportius , Valerius Flacchus , Pliny , and many others .

Vitiae were so called of an infamous Witch called Vitia , Vitia . these ( as some Authors write ) haue power like the Ba●iliske to kill with the eye , especially all such on whom they cast an enuious and malicious looke : of the selfe-same condition are a certaine people amongst the Tribullians and Illyrians Textor in Officin . Lib. 12. Micale .

Mycale is the name of a Witch in Ouid , likewise Dipsas ; of the one hee writes thus : Mater erat Mycale quem deduxisse canendo Sepe reluctantis , constabat cornua lunae . Her mothers name was Mycale , Knowne to haue had the skill , By spells , to pull the horned Moone From heauen , against her will .

And of the other in the first booke of his Elegies : Est quaedam quicunque volet , &c.

Locusta is numbred amongst the rest , Locusta . and remembred by Cornelius Tacitus , for making certaine venomous confections with which Agrippina poysoned her husband Claudius ; from her many or the most of her diabolicall practise , are called Locustae , shee is likewise spoaken of by Iuuenall in one of his Satyres . Satyr. 1. Eriphila was an inchanteresse of that diuellish condition that vpon whom soeuer she cast an enuious eye , Eriphila . that creature was sure to come to some extraordinarie mischiefe ; of whom was raised a prouerbe , cast as an aspersion vpon all such kind of women , Anus Eriphus : Textor in Officin . cap. de Venificis . Thracia was a Nymph famous for her incantations , Thracia . who for her skill in hearbes and cunning in exorcismes , was by some adored as a goddesse ; of her came the people amongst whom she liued , to bee called by the name of Thracians . Gyge was the name of a beldame , Gyge . who was a houshold seruant to Parasatis the mother of king Cyrus , and by the queene especially imployde in all her sorceries , Canidia Neapol . Herodotus . Canidia Neopolitana was a confectione● of vnguents , a Witch , and practised in diuers kinds of sorceries , excellently discribed by Horace . In Epod. Erictho . Erictho was the name of a notorions Witch of Thessaly , deciphered by Lucan , whom who shall reade and desire plainely to be instructed in that horrible Art , he shall not find it more truely and punctually discouered by any of the Latine Poets . Gunthrune . Gunthrune was a Witch of a strange diuellish condition , who by her incantations was the death of many creatures , as well beasts as men , yet beeing dead there was no wound or marke of death appearing about them . Sagana , Sagana . Veia , Veia . and Folia , Folia . were professors of the selfesame diuellish Art , and are remembred by Tacitus , Iuuenal , and Horace , these were said to haue had hand in the death of the noble child Varus .

A Witch of Scotland . It shall not be amisse to insert amongst these , what I haue heard concerning a Witch of Scotland . One of that countrie ( as by report there are too many ) being for no goodnesse by the Iudges of Assise arraigned , conuicted , and condemned to be burnt , and the next day according to her iudgement brought and tied to the stake , the reeds & fagots placed round about her , and the executioner readie to giue fire ( for by no persuasion of her ghostly father , nor importunitie of the sherifes , she could be wrought to confesse any thing ) she now at the last cast , to take her farewell of the world , casting her eye a tone side spied her onely sonne , and calls to him , desiring him verie earnestly as his last dutie to her , to bring her any water , or the least quantitie of licour ( be it neuer so small ) to comfort her , for she was extreamely a thirst : at which he shaking his head , said nothing ; she stil importuned him in these words , Oh my deere sonne helpe me to any drinke , be it neuer so little , for I am most extreamely drie , oh drie , drie ; to whom the young fellow answered , by no meanes deere mother will I do you that wrong : For the drier you are ( no doubt ) you will burne the better .

Of Witches transported from one place to another by the Deuill .

THe difference betwixt Witches , or to define what Magae are and what Lamiae , were but time mispent , the rather because it hath beene an argument so much handled in our mother tongue , I will onely rehearse vnto you some few particular discourses concerning Witches , out of Danaeus , Bodinus , Wierius , Grillaneus Italus , and others : all agree , that some haue made expresse couenant with the deuill by Bond and Indenture sealed and deliuered ; others by promise and oath onely : as likewise that all such haue secret markes about them in some priuate place of their bodies , some in the inside of the lip , some in the hai●e of the eye browes , some in the fundament , some in the inside of the thigh , the hollow of the arme , or the priuie parts . Albertus Pictus an Aduocate in the Parlement of Paris , reported he had seene one in the castle of Theodoricus who had a plaine marke vpon the right shoulder , Io. Herui●●eria . which the next day was taken off by the Deuill . Claudius de Fagus the kings procurator affirmed the like of one Ioanna Heruilleria . Concerning the transportation of Witches through the aire , Paulus Grillandus an Italian Doctor of the law , that writ the histories of many Witches , saith , That a countrie villager not far from Rome , vpon a night spying his wife daube her selfe with a certaine vnguent , and instantly leape out at the window , after her stay from him some three or foure houres , had prouided against her returne a good cudgell , with which he so soundly entertained her , that he forced her to confesse where she had beene , but would not grant her free pardon till she had made him promise to bring him to the sight of all these nouelties , and vnbeleeueable passages by her related : the match was concluded , she forewarned him that he must in no wise vse the name of God by the way , vnlesse it were in scorne or blasphemie , with other such horrible instructions . The night came , they were both annointed , when presently two rough goats appeared at the window , vpon which they being mounted , were instantly hurried through the aire into a place where were an infinit multitude of people , men and women , and in the middest one that seemed to be prince and soueraigne of the rest , to whom euery of them did obeisance and adoration , she bid her husband stand in a remote place till she had likewise done her worship , which she accordingly performed : This done , they all danced together in a circle or ring , not as our custome is face to face , but backe to backe , the rest may be coniectured , least if any should be apprehended one might appeach the other . After their dance was ended , the tables were couered and furnished , she calls to her husband to sit downe amongst the rest , and bids him welcome , he begins to feed , but finding the meat to haue no ●elish , in regard it was not well seasoned , he calls aloud for salt , and many times before it came , it was brought at length , which he seeing , before he tasted it , he thus said , Hor laudato sui Dio per è venuto questo sale , i. Now God be thanked that the salt is come : these words were no sooner spoken , but Men , Meat , Tables , Deuills , Witches , all were vanished in an instant , he was left alone naked , almost frosen with cold , ignorant in what place , or whether to trauel for shelter ; day came , he spies sheepheards , and askes them where he is ? they tell him in the principalitie of Beneuent , vnder the iurisdiction of the Pope , aboue an hundred miles from Rome . He was forced to beg rags to couer him , and bread to releeue him , being eight daies before he could reach to his cottadge ; he accuseth his wife , she others , who were all after deliuered to the fire & burnt aliue . The li●e historie the same author relates of a young damosell inticed by an old Witch to this damnable assemblie , in the Duchie of Spoletum , in the yeare of grace 1535. The like confession of these assemblies , dances , and banquets , and after all , their common carnall societie , women with he-Deuills and men with she-spirits , was extorted from a Witch of Lochinum , another of Lions , both suffered by fire ; and their arraignements , confessions , iudgements , and executions published by Danaeus in the yere 1474. Of these meetings , banquets , dances , and congressions , Friscalanus the before named Magitian gaue ample testimonie to Charles the ninth king of France . Saluertes the President speakes of a Witch called Beronda , Beronda . who being brought to the stake , accused a great ladie of France , for being one of that damned societie , but she obstinately denying it , the Witch thus said , Haue you forgot since our last meeting , when you were appointed to carrie the Challice of poison ? Olaus Magnus li. 3. ca. 11. saith that many of these conuenticles are made in the North , and are frequent in the mount Atlas ; as likewise Mel. lib. 3. Solinus lib. 38. cap. 44. and Plinie lib. 5. cap. 1. Infinit are the Histories to this purpose . A Spanish Magician . Antonius de Turquemada a Spaniard , saith , That a Magitian would needs persuade his friend to be a spectator of this wicked assemblie , all things being prepared for the purpose , in the middest of which con●●uence was an huge vglie goat , sitting vpon a sublime throne , whom euerie one came to kisse by turnes , En la parte ma senzia que tenia , those that vnderstand the Spanish know it to be a place which cannot modestly be named : which when his companion beheld , as detesting such a bestial adoration , he left all patience , & with an acclamation said to his friend , Dios a mui grandes bozes , i. Oh God with a loud voice ; which was no sooner spoken , but all things vanished in a tempestious whirlewind , he was only left desolately forsaken , being three yeres before he could come to visit his owne fields and gardens . Of their exportation after their vnction , many authors testifie , as vpon a Goat , a Pegasus , a Night-crow , an inchanted staffe , &c. This puts me in mind of a discourse which was told by a great ladie , to haue happened at her being in the Brill , A Witch of Brill . which was then one of the Cautionarie townes in the possession of Q. Elizabeth , a Muscatier one night standing centinell vpon the walls , a little before day , he heard a great noise of tatling gossips , laughing and talking aloude , their voices ( as he thought ) came from the aire , when casting his eies about to knowe from whence this prodegie might proceed : he might perceiue a duskie cloud come sweeping close along by him , in which it seemed to him they sat that were so merrie ; being first affrighted at the obiect , and after taking courage , he giues fire and shoots towards the cloud at randome , at the report of the musket the town is vp in armes , his officers leaue the court of guard and come to know the matter , he tells them an incredible discourse , which he spares not to confirme with a volley of oathes , they seeke further towards the place where he aimed his musket , and found an old woman with a bunch of keyes at her girdle and a bullet in her buttock , dropt out of the cloud , & the rest vanisht , they ceise her , she is after examined , & confesseth who had bin to make merrie in her companie , some of them prooued to be rich burgers wiues of the citie . The L. Adrianus Ferreus vicar generall amongst the Laodunenses hath left remembred , that one Margarita Bremontia the wife of Noel Laueretus confest vnto him that she with her mother Marie vpon a monday night , Margarita Bremontia . not long before her examination , came into a like assemblie at the mil called Franquisenum , which stands in the medow neere vnto Loginum , who bestriding a broom staffe , after some few words mumbled to her self , they were presently transported thither , where they found Ioanna Roberta , Ioanna Guillemina , Marie the wife of Simou Agnes , and Gulielma the wife of one Grassus , euery one mounted vpon the like wodden horse ; there met them six spirits , or Deuills , according to their number , in humane shape , but in aspect horrible , &c. who after they had danced together , euerie Deuill singled out his mistresse , and had with them mutuall copulation , she saith the Deuill kist her twice , and had her companie for the space of halfe an houre . Guillemina confest the like , as also , Perfrigidum semen ab eo Excreatum . The song vsed in those dances was this ; Har , Har ; Diabole , Diabole ; Sali huc , Sali illuc ; Lude hic , Lude illic : Then answered the rest ; Sabaoth , Sabaoth , i. The feast day of rest , &c. Iohannes Megerus the accurate writer of the Flanders Historie , relates that in the yeare 1459 , a great number of men and women Witches were burned , who publickely confessed their vnguents , transuections , dances , feasts , and consocietie with Deuills : so likewise Iacobus Sprangerus of German Witches , in the cities and villages about Constantienses and Ratisbone , in the yeare 1485 , reports the like . I could tire the reader with infinit examples , authors , testats , and adiurors , with the places , times , and circumstances , one or two at the most shall suffice . Ioachimus Camarensis in his booke de Natura Demonum , tells vs of a traueller that passing by night through a forest , heard the like noise of musicke , mirth , dancing , and reuells , and approaching neerer to discouer the nouell , espied the like conuention , when on the sudden the Deuills and Witches all vanished , and left behind them certaine boules and cups of plate , with the names of the owners ingrauen vpon them , which he tooke and carried the next day to the magistrates , by which many of the Witches were knowne , these discouered others , all which were condemned to the stake . In the yeare 1564 , Saluertus being President amongst the Pictauians , where he with Dauentonius his fellow President sate as Iudges , three men and one woman were conuicted , and after doomed to the fire , all these confest the ceremonies in the before named nightly meetings : as also , that there was a Goat placed in the middest of them , whose hinder parts they all kist , euery one holding a lighted Candle in their hand . At length , with these Lights the Goat was burnt to ashes , of which euerie of them receiued a quantitie . This dust they scattered vpon the thresholds of Houses , Stable-doores , Oxe-stalls , or Sheepe-coates , to destroy either Children , Horses , Sheepe , or such Cattell of their enemies . This being distributed amongst them , the Deuill cryed with a loud voyce , Reuenge your selues of your enemies , or die your selues . At the next meeting , euerie one was particularly examined of the mischiefes they had done ; and such as could not giue iust account of some or other ill , were publiquely mocked and derided by the rest , and after receiued so many stripes as were adiudged her by the Deuill ; insomuch that one Witch confessed shee could neuer rest nor be at quiet in her owne thoughts , vnlesse shee were doing some villanie or other ; and if shee had no worse worke in hand , shee must breake Pots , Glasses , plucke out the Spiggots and let the Beere runne out of the Barrells into the Cellar floores , to keepe her hand in vre . Of the power of Witches , and Witchcraft , Virgil ( who was held not to be the least amongst the Magicians ) speakes in many places ; but none more amply than Ouid , when he thus writ : Quum volui , ripis ipsis mirantibus , amnes In Fontes rediere suos , &c. When I so list , I make the bankes admire To see the flouds backe to their heads retire , And stay them there : when standing on the shore , I strike the Seas , I make the billowes rore , And calme them being angrie , I beat backe The stormie Clouds , or can command the Racke To bring in sweeping Tempests : the foure Winds My Incantation doth let loose , or binds . I remoue Woods , shake Mountaines : when I speake , The Vipers iawes I by my Spells can breake . When I but please , the Earth beneath me grones , And Sepulchers from the corrupted Bones Send forth their Ghosts , before my face t' appeare . I thee , ô horned Moone , call from thy Spheare , &c.

Much more might be cited out of the antient Poets , to illustrate these collected out of our moderne Histories of later times , and almost euery day presented before our eyes . But this one shall serue for many .

Of Witches that haue eyther changed their owne shapes , or transformed others .

WHether this be possible in Nature , or no , or whether it hath any time been suffered by the Diuine permission , hath beene a Question as well amongst the Theologists , as the Philosophers : It is no businesse of mine at this present to reconcile their Controuersies , my promise is onely to acquaint you with such things as I haue eyther read , or heard related : which if they erre in any thing from truth , blame not me , but the Authors . Concerning Lycantropia , Lycantropia or men that change themselues into Wolues , Doctor Bordinus ( generall Procurator for the king ) relates , That a Wolfe setting vpon a man , hee shot him with an arrow through the thigh : who being wounded , and not able to plucke out the shaft , fled to his house , kept his bed , being found to be a man , and the arrow after knowne by him that shot it , by the Lycantropies confession . Those that are the diligent Inquisitors after Witches , report in a booke intituled Malleum Maleficarum , That a countreyman was violently assaulted by three great Cats , who in the defence of himselfe wounded them all dangerously ; and these were knowne to be three infamous Witches , who were after found bleeding , and by reason of their hurts , in great danger of death . Petrus Mamorius in his booke de Sortilegis , affirmes that he saw the like in Sabaudia . Henricus Coloniensis in Libello de Lamijs , affirmes for an vndoubted truth , as also Vlrichus Molitor in his booke dedicated vnto Sigismund Caesar , in a Disputation before the Emperour , confidently witnesseth , That he saw of these Lycantropi ( which haue transhaped themselues ) at Constantinople , accused , conuicted , condemned , and vpon their owne confession deliuered vnto death . These , the Germans call Werwolff ; the Frenchmen , Loups Garous ; the Picards , Loups Warous , i. diuerse Wolues : The Greekes call them Lukanthr●pous , or Mormolukias ; the Latines ( or the Romans ) call them Versipelles , i. Turne-coats , or Turne-skinnes , as Plinie in these transmutations hath obserued . Franciscus Phoebus Fecensis Comes , in his booke de Venatione , i. of Hunting , sayth , That by the Garouz is signified Gardez vous , i. Guard , or looke to your selues . Pomponatius and Theophra●tus ( the Princes of the Philosophers in their age ) most constantly affirme the transmigration of Witches into Wolues . Gasper Peucerus ( an approued learned man , and the cousin german to Philip Melancthon ) held these things to be meere fables , till by Merchants of worthie reputation and credit hee was better informed ( from certaine proofes brought him from Liuonia ) of such that for the same fault were ( vpon their owne confessions ) adiudged to death . These , and greater , are confirmed by Languetus Burgundus , Agent for the Duke of Saxonie , with the king of France ; as also by Herodotus Neurios , who affirmes these conuersions and transhapes to be most frequent in Liuonia . In the Historie of Iohannes Tritemius you may reade , Anno 970. of a Iew called Baianus , the sonne of Simeon , who could transforme himselfe into a Wolfe at his owne pleasure . Of the like to these , Herodotus , Homer , Pomponius Mela , Solinus , Strabo , Dionisius , Afer , M. Varro , Virgil , Ouid , and many others haue written , long before these times ; as likewise Epanthes , remembred by Plinie , and Agrippas in his Olimpionicis , who speakes of 〈◊〉 Demaenetius Parrhasius , translated into a Wolfe . Or who so would be better confirmed , let him reade Olaus Magnus , of the Nations of Pilapia , Narbonia , Fincladia , and Augermania ; or else Saxo Gramaticus , Fincelius , and Gulielmus Brabantius . And therefore those things are not altogether incredible , Lycaon , who was transformed into a Wolfe . which Ouid speakes of Lycaon ( who included much truth in many Fables ) who in his Metamorphosis thus sayes : Territus ipse fagit , noctusque silentia ruris Exululat frustraque loqui conatur , &c. Frighted he flyes , and hauing got The silence of the shades , Thinking to speake he howles , and then The neighbour flockes inuades .

So much for monsterous Wolues , I come now to meere Witches . Saint Augustine in this booke de Ciuitate Dei , Lib. 18. cap. 17. and 18. tells of diuers hostesses or Inkeepers practised in these diabolicall Arts , who put such confections into a kind of Cheese they made , that all such trauellers as guested with them and eate thereof , were presently metamorphosed into labouring beasts , as Horses , Asses , or Oxen , all which they imployde either in drawing or bearing of burdens , or else let them out for Hackneyes to gaine profit by-their hyre , and when their worke was done and they had made of them what benefit they could , they restored them to their pristine shape ; Ranulphus and Willielmus de Regibus lib. 20. relates a Historie of two such Witches that liued in the road-way to Rome . A strange Witch-craft . A Minstrell or Pyper trauelling that way , tasted of this cheese and was presently changed into an Asse , who notwithstanding hee had lost his shape , still retained his naturall reason , and ( as one Bankes here about this citie taught his Horse to show trickes , by which he got much money ) so this Asse being capable of what was taught him , and vnderstanding what he was bid to doe , showed a thousand seuerall pleasures ( almost impossible to be apprehended by any vnreasonable creature ) to all such as came to see him and payde for the sight , insomuch that he was sold by these Witches to a neighbour of theirs , for a great summe of money , but at the deliuerie of him sayth one of the Witches , Take heede neighbour ( if you meane to haue good of your beast ) that in any case you leade him not through the water : The poore transhaped Pyper this hearing , apprehends , that water might be the meanes to restore him to his former humane figure , purposing in himselfe to make proofe thereof at his next best opportunitie . Carefull was the new merchant of the charge giuen , and watered him still in a paile , but would neuer let him drinke from the riuer ; but the maister trauelling by the way and to ease his beast alighting , and leading him in his hand : the Asse on the sudden broke his bridle , ran out of sight , and leaped into the next riuer he came neere , where leauing his saddle and furniture behind , he waded out in his owne shape : the man pursues him with all the speede he can , and followes him the way he tooke , the first hee meetes is the Pyper , and askes him if he saw not such a kind of beast , and describes him to a haire . The fellow acknowledgeth himselfe to haue beene the same Asse he bought of the Witch ; the maister wondereth , and relates this to his Lord , his Lord acquaints this nouell to Petrus Damianus a man of approoued knowledge and wisedome , and numbred amongst the greatest schollers of his age ; he examines the Maister , the Pyper , the Witches , and such as saw him leape into the riuer a Beast and returne a Man , and informes Pope Leo the seuenth thereof . All their examinations and confessions were taken , and a disputation of the possibilitie thereof held in the presence of the Pope , before whom the truth thereof was acknowledged and recorded . The same Historie is told by Viacentius in Speculo lib. 3. cap. 109. and Fulgentius lib. 8. cap. 11.

Wee reade in Gulielmus Archbishop of Tyrus , Miraculous Transformations . whom Sprangerus the great Inquisitor cites to the same purpose : An English souldier being in Cyprus , was by a Witch transformed into an Asse , and when all his mates went on ship-board , hee following them as loath to loose their fellowship , was by his owne friends and countrey men that gaue him lost , beaten backe with clubs and staues . They put to Sea without him , and he hauing no other owner , returned backe to the Witches house that had transhaped him , who imployde him in all her drudgeries ; till at length hee came into the Church when the Bishop was at diuine seruice , and fell on his knees before the Altar , and began to vse such deuout gestures as could not bee imagined to proceede from a bruit beast , this first bred admiration , and then suspition . The Witch was called before the Iudges , examined and conuicted , after condemned to the stake ; hauing before restored him to his former shape after three yeares transformation . Answerable to this we reade of Ammonius the Philosopher , of the Sect of the Peripate tickes , who hath left recorded , That an Asse came vsually into his schoole at the time of reading and with great attention listened to his Lecture . Merchants haue deliuered , that nothing is more frequent in Aegypt than such transhapes , in so much that Bellonius in his obseruations printed at Lutesia , sayth , That hee himselfe in the subburbes of Caire ( a great citie in Aegypt ) saw a Commedian that desired conference with the Asse that he himself rode on , who wondering what he then intended gaue him libertie of free discourse ; where they seemed to talke with great familiaritie ( as hauing bin before acquainted ) where the Asse by his actions & signes seemed to apprehend whatsoeuer was spoken to him ; when the one protested with the hand vpon his brest , the other would strike the ground with his foote and when the man had spoke as if hee had told some ieast , the Asse would bray aloude as if hee had laughed heartily at the conceit , appearing to him , not onely to apprehend and vnderstand whatsoeuer was spoken , but to make answere to such questions as were demanded him . These things haue been so common , that Saint Augustine himselfe , as he will not affirme the transformation of Apuleius , so he doth not denie it , but leaues it as a thing possible to be done by Witch-craft ; De Ciuitate Dei , lib. 18. cap. 18. Of the like opinion is Paulus Aegenita , Theophrast , Paracethus , Pomponalius and F●rnetius , the excellentest Physitions of their age , Fern. lib. de abditis rerum causis , You may reade in the Historie of Saint Clement , That Simon Magus transformed Faustinianus into his owne shape , Simon Magus . insomuch that he was not onely vnknowne to familiar friends , but denied and abiured by his own wife & children . This Simon came likewise to Nero , and told him if hee cut off his head hee would within three dayes appeare to him aliue ; which Nero hauing caused to bee done in a great confluence of people , he came to him after according to his promise , for which Nero caused a statue to be erected to his honour , and inscribed vpon the same , Simoni Mago deo , i. To Simon Magus the god . From which time Nero wholely applyde himselfe to that diuellish Art . But Simon , as the Historie relates , had deceiued the eyes of the Emperour with the multitude , and had caused a Goat to be beheaded in his shape . The like Apuleius relates of himselfe , who when he thought he had slaine three sundrie men with his owne hand , found them after , three Goats skinnes effacinated by the Witch Pamphila . Among these Witches , it shall not be amisse to insert a shee-diuell or two .

She Diuels . Franciscus Picus Mirandulanus in his booke de Praenotione tells of a Priest who was a Witch , called Benedictus Berna , of the age of fourescore yeares , with whom he had conference , hee confessed vnto him that for the space of fortie yeares and vpward he had carnall consocietie with a she-Spirit , Hermione alias Hermelina . who called her selfe Hermione , who continually attended on him , but visible to no man saue himselfe . He further confest that he had sucked the bloud of many infants , with other most horrid and execrable commissions ; and in this Wierius and Bodin ( though in many opinions they were Antagonists ) agree . They relate a further historie confirmed by Cardanus de varietat . lib. 15. cap. 80. of one Pinnetus who liued to the age of seuentie yeares and vpward , and exercised the like congression with a Spirit in a feminine shape , who called her selfe Florina , Florina . and continued their familiaritie and acquaintance for the space of fortie yeares . How true or false I know not , but I haue heard the like ( not many yeares since ) by an English gentleman , whose name I am loath to vse , who had the like companie of a Spirit , who called her selfe Cadua ; Cadua . the circumstances I cannot discouer without offence , though they be worthie both relation and obseruation .

Of Witches that haue confest themselues to haue raised tempests in a most serene Skie , with other things of no lesse admiration .

IN the booke of Inquisitors , lib. 4. de Malific . it is recorded , that anno Dom. 1488 in Constantiensis , there were terrible tempests , prodigious hail● and stormes , the like not seene before , and these within the compasse of foure miles : but the aire or temperate heauens beyond that space seemed no way disturbed ; vpon which the villagers laid hands vpon all such suspected women as were thought to be of that Deuillish practise : amongst which were two , the one called Anna de Mindele , Anna de Mindele . the other Agnes , Agnes . who first obstinately denyed themselues to be so addicted ; but after being called before the magistrats , and strictly examined apart , they confest , that the one vnknowne to the other , went into the fields , where either of them made a pit in the earth , into which they poured a certaine quantitie of water , somewhat before noone , and by vttering certaine words not fit to be named , and inuoking the name of the Deuill , they were no sooner got home to their cottages , but those miraculous stormes and tempests happened . The same author specifies the confession of another Witch of the same place , who seeing all her neighbours and acquaintance inuited to a solemne wedding , where after dinner in a faire and ●●mperate day , all the guests disposed themselues into the fields to sport and dance , according to the custome , she caused her selfe to be transported into the aire by the Deuill ( in the open day and sight of certaine sheepheards ) to a certaine hill neere vnto the village , where because she had no water readie , she notwithstanding digged a pit , and for necessitie ( because it is a ceremonie vsed in all these diabolicall practises ) she made water , which stirring in the same pit , and speaking some blasphemous words , instantly the aire and skie which was then cleere and vnclouded , was filled with stormes , haile , and tempest , which poured with such vehemencie vpon the guests of the village , and vpon them alone , that they were pittiously wet and weatherbeaten , till they had not any of them a drie thred about them ; all imagined this to be done by Witchcraft : the same woman was accused by the sheepheards , who confessing the fact , was adiudged vnto the stake . In this is to be obserued that the fruits , the graine , nor vines were blasted , though there is a law extant in the twelue tables , Qui fruges incantassit poenas dato , i. They that shall inchant or blast the fields let them be punished . There was another edict which prohibited any man from drawing the fertilitie and haruest of another mans field into his owne ground , in these words , Ne alienam segètem pellexeris incantando , & in another place , Ne incantanto ne agrum defraudanto , which hath reference to the former . By the authoritie of these Roman ordinances specified in the twelue tables , Turnius was accused by Spurius Albinus , because when there was a dearth in the countrie , his fields were onely aboundant and plentifull , and where other mens cattell died of the ro● and murren , his were fa● , faire , and in good plight and liking : vpon this accitement he caused his horses , his ox●n , his teemes , cattell , and seruants all to appeare with him before the Senate , and there pleaded that the masters eye made the cattell fat , and his care and industrie the seruant thriuing , sightly , and in good liking , protesting he knew no other inchantments ; and for that answere was acquited by the Senat. Notwithstanding this , wee may reade in Sprangerus of Hyppones and Stradlinus , two famous Magitians of Germany , who confessed that they could at any time , steale the third part of the croppe out of anothers field at their pleasure ; when by the most authenticke iudgements it is aprooued that no Witch or Coniurer was euer knowne to inrich himselfe the value of one mite by his Magick documents . The like I could produce out of Pontan●s and other Authors , Lib. 5. with that antient verse borrowed by all the Magitians from Virgill : Flectere si nequeam superos acheroeta mouebo . If to my prayers the gods will not incline I will sollicit Hell , and make that mine .

Boetius lib. 2. In the Scottish-Cronicle it is related of king Duffus to be troubled with a strange disease , that he could eate well , drinke well , and in the constitution of his bodie found no imperfection at all , onely he could not sleepe , but spent the tedious night in faint and cold sweats , insomuch that there was despaire of the kings health and safetie : There was at length a rumor published , That the Morauians ( certaine inhabitants of Scotland , once great rebells and enemies of the king , but since made regular , and reconciled to their faithfull obeysance ) had hyred certaine Witches to destroy king Duffus , vpon which report , one Douenaldus was made Pre●●●● to enquire after this businesse , and had authoritie to passe into Morauia , and if he found any such malefactors , to punish them according to their offences ; he being carefull of the charge imposed on him , had such good intelligence , and withall vsed such prouidence , that hee came iust at the instant when certaine Witches were rosting of a Picture called by the name of the king , and basted it with a certaine liquor : Douenaldus surprising them in the act , examined them , who confessed the treason , and were condemned to the stake ; at which instant , by all iust computation , the king recouered and was restored to his pristine rest and health . After the same manner it seemes Me●eager was tormented by his mother , the Witch Althaea , Althaea . who in the fatall Brand burned him aliue , as it is expressed at large by Ouid in his Metamorph. The like effacinations wee haue had practised in our memorie euen vpon the person of Queene Elizabeth .

A Tale of a Witch . A woman of good credit and reputation , whom I haue knowne aboue these foure and twentie yeares and is of the same parish where I now liue , hath often related vnto me vpon her credit with manie deepe protestations ( whose words I haue heard confirmed by such as were then passengers with her in the same ship ) . That comming from the Landsgraues Court of Hessen ( where shee had beene brought a bed ) to trauaile for England , and staying something long for a passage at Amsterdam ( either her businesse or the wind detaining her there somewhat longer than her purpose 7 an old woman of the towne entreated her to lend her some money of a Ket●●e ; which she did , knowing it to be seruiceable for her , to keepe a Charcoale fire in at Sea , to comfort her and her child . When the wind stood faire , and that she with her seruants had bargained for their passage , and they were readie to go aboord , she sent for this woman , to know if shee would redeeme her pawne , for shee was now readie to leaue the towne , and depart for her countrey . The old woman came , humbly entreating her she would not beare away her Kettle , notwithstanding she had as then no money to repay of that she had borrowed , but hoped that she was a good gentlewoman , and would proue her good mistresse , &c. she answered her againe , That she had lent her so much mony , and hauing a pawne sufficient in her hand , finding it necessarie for her purpose , she would make the best vse of it she could a shipboord . The old woman finding her resolute , left her with these words , Why then ( saith shee ) carrie it away if thou canst . Marry and I will crie what I can doe , replyed she againe ; and so they parted . The Maister called aboord , the wind stood faire , the Sea was calme , and the weather pleasant : but they had not beene many houres at Sea , when there arose a suddaine , sad , and terrible tempest , as if the winds and waters had beene at dissention , and the distempered ayre at warre with both . A mightie storme there arose , insomuch that the Maister protested , that in his life time he had not seene the like , and being in despaire of shipwracke , desired both Saylers and passengers to betake themselues to their prayers . This word came from them that laboured aboue the Harches to those that were stowed vnder : their present feare made them truly apprehend the danger , and betake themselues to their deuotions ; when suddenly one casting vp his eyes , espyed an old woman sitting on the top of the maine Mast : the Maister saw her , and all those that were aboue , being at the sight much amased . The rumor of this went downe ; which the gentlewoman hearing ( who was then sitting with her child in her Cabbin , & warming it ouer a Charcoale fire made in the Kettle ) O God sayth she ( remembring her former words ) then the old woman is come after me for her Kettle ; the Maister apprehending the businesse , Marrie and then let her haue it , saith he , and takes the Kettle , coales and all , and casts them ouer-boord into the Sea . This was no sooner done , but the Witch dismounts her selfe from the Mast , goes aboord the Brasse Kettle , and in a moment sailes out of sight : the Ayre cleared , the Windes grew calme , the tempest ceased , and she had a faire and speedie passage into England : and this the same gentlewoman hath often related . Nor is this more incredible than that which in Geneua is still memorable . A Witch of Geneua . A young wench instructed in this damnable science , had an Iron Rod , with which whomsoeuer she touched , they were forced to dance without ceasing , til they were tired , & lay down with wearinesse . She for her Witchcraft was condemned to the fire , to which she went vnrepentant with great obstinacie : and since which time ( as Bodinus saith , who records this historie ) all dancing in memorie of her is forbidden , and held euen till this day abhominable amongst those of Geneua . Our most learned writers are of opinion , that these Inchantresses can bewitch some , but not all , for there are such ouer whom they haue no power . The same Author testifies , That he saw a Witch of Auerne , Another kind of Witchcraft . in the yere 1579 , who was taken in Lutetia , about whom was found a Booke of a large Volume , in which were drawne the hayres of Horses , Oxen , Mules , Swine , and other beasts , of all colours whatsoeuer : She ( if any beasts were sicke ) would vndertake their cure , by receiuing some number of their hayres , with which she made her Spells and Incantations ; neither could she helpe any beast , by her owne confession , but by transferring that disease or maladie vpon another ; neither could shee cure any creature , if she were hyred for money : therefore she went poorely , in a coat made vp with patches . A nobleman of France sent to one of these Witches , to cure a sicke Horse whom he much loued : shee returned him answer , That of necessitie his Horse or his Groome must die , and bid him chuse whether : The nobleman crauing some time of pawse and deliberation , the seruant in the interim died , and the Horse recouered ; for which fact she was apprehended and iudged . It is a generall obseruation , That the Deuill ( who is a destroyer ) neuer heales one creature but by hurting another , and commonly he transmits his hate from the worse vnto the better : For instance , if a Witch cure a Horse , the disease falls vpon one of higher price ; if shee heale the wife , shee harmes the husband ; if helpe the sonne , she infects the father . Of this I will produce one or two credible instances : The Lord Furnerius . The first , of the Lord Furnerius Aureliensis , who finding himselfe mortally ( as hee thought ) diseased , sent to a Witch to counsaile with her about his recouerie ; who told him , there was no hope of his life vnlesse he would yeeld that his yong sonne ( then sucking at the Nurses breast ) should haue his mortall infirmitie confirmed vpon it . The father to saue his owne life , yeelds that his sonne should perish : of which the Nurse hearing , iust at the houre when the father should be healed , is absent and conceales the child . The father is no sooner toucht , but helped of his disease ; the Witch demands for the child , to transferre it vpon him : the child is missing , and cannot be found : which the Witch hearing , broke out into this exclamation , Actum est , de me , puer vbinam est ? i. I am vndone , where is the child ? when scarce hauing put her foot ouer the threshold to returne home , but she fell downe suddenly dead , her body being blasted , and as blacke as an Aethiope . Example of the like . The like remarkable Iudgement fell vpon a Witch amongst the Nanuetae , who was accused of bewitching her neighbour : The magistrates commanded her but to touch the partie distempered with her Inchantments ( which is a thing much vsed by all the German Iudges , euen in the Imperiall Chamber it selfe ) the Witch denyed to doe it : but seeing they began to compell her by force , shee likewise cryed out , I am then vndone ; when instantly the sicke woman recouered , and the Witch then in health , fell downe suddenly and died , whose bodie was after condemned to the fire : And this , Bodinus affirmes to haue heard related from the mouth of one of the Iudges who was there present . In Tholosa there was one skilfull in Magicke , who was borne in Burdegall : hee comming to visit a familiar friend of his ( who was extreamely afflicted with a Quartane Ague , almost euen to death ) told him he pittied his case exceedingly ; and therefore if he had any enemie , but giue him his name , and he would take away the Feauer from him , and transferre it vpon the other . The sick gentleman thanked him for his loue , but told him , there was not that man liuing whom he hated so much , as to punish him with such a torment : Why then ( saith he ) giue it to thy seruant ; the other answering , That he had not the conscience so to reward his good seruice : Why then giue it me sayth the Magician ; who presently answered , With all my heart take it you , who it seemeth , best knowes how to dispose it . Vpon the instant the Magician was stroke with the feauer , and within few dayes after dyed , in which interim the sicke gentleman was perfectly recouered . Gregorie Turonensis lib. 6. cap. 35. sayth , That when the wife of king Chilperick perceiued her young sonne to bee taken away by Witch-craft , shee was so violently incensed and inraged against the verie name of a Sorceresse , that she caused diligent search to be made , and all such suspected persons vpon the least probabilitie to be dragged to the stake , or broken on the wheele , most of these confessed that the kings sonne was bewitched to death , for the preseruation of Mummo the great Master , a potent man in the kingdome : this man in the middest of his torments smiled , confessing that he had receiued such inchanted drugs from the Sorcerists , that made him vnsensible of paine : but wearied with the multitude of torments , he was sent to Burdegall , where he not long after died . I desire not to be tedious in any thing : for innumerable Histories , to these purposes , offer themselues vnto me at this present ; but these few testimonies proceeding from authenticke Authors , and the attestations of such as haue beene approouedly learned , may serue in this place , as well as to relate a huge number of vnnecessarie discourses from writers of lesse fame and credit . Neither is it to any purpose heare to s●●ake of the Witches in Lap-land ; Fin-land , and these miserable and wretched cold countries , where to buy and sell winds betwixt them and the merchants , is said to be as frequent and familiarly done amongst them as eating and sleeping .

There is another kind of Witches that are called Extasists , Witches called Extasists . in whose discouerie I will striue to be briefe . A learned Neapolitan ( in a Historie not long since published , that treates altogether of naturall Magicke ) speakes of a Witch whom he saw strip her selfe naked , and hauing annointed her bodie with a certaine vnguent , fell downe without sence or motion , in which extasie she remained the space of three houres ; after , she came to her selfe , discouering many things done at the same time in diuers remote places , which after inquirie made were found to be most certaine . Answerable to this , is that reported by the President Turetranus , who in the Delphina● saw a Witch burned aliue , whose storie he thus relates : She was maidseruant to an honest citisen , who comming home vnexpected , and calling for her , but hearing none to answere , searching the roomes , he found her lying all along by a fire which she had before made in a priuate chamber ; which seeing , he kickt her with his foot , and bid her arise like a lasie huswife as she was and get her about her businesse : but seeing her not to mooue , he tooke a tough and smart wand and belabored her verie soundly ; A strange kind of Witchcruft . but perceiuing her neither to stirre nor complaine , he viewing her better , and finding all the parts of her bodie vnsensible , tooke fire and put it to such places of her bodie as were most tender , but perceiuing her to haue lost all feeling , was persuaded she was dead , and called in his next neighbours , telling them in what case he found her , but concealing vnto them the shrewd blowes he had giuen her : the neighbors left the house , the master and mistresse caused her to be laid out , so left her and went to their rest ; but towards the morning , hearing some bodie to stir and gro●ne in the chamber , they found their seruant remooued , and laid in her bed , at which the good man much amased , asked her in the name of God , being la●e dead , how came she so soone recouered ? to whom she answered , Oh master , master , why haue you beaten me thus ? the man reporting this amongst his nighbours , one amongst the rest said , if this be true she is then doubtlesse a Witch , and one of these Extasists : at which the Master growing suspitious , vrged her so strictly that she confessed , though her bodie was there present , yet her soule was abroad at the assemblie of diuers Witches , with many other mischiefes , for which she was held worthie of death , and iudged . At Burdegall in the yere 1571 , when there was a decree made in France , against the strict prosecution of Witches , an old Sorceresse of that place , amongst many horrid and fearefull things confessed by her , she was conuicted and imprisoned , where D. Boletus visited her , desiring to be eye-witnesse of some of those things before by her acknowledged : to whom the Witch answered , That she had not power to do any thing in prison . But desirous to be better satisfied concerning such things , he commanded her for the present to be released and brought out of the Gaole to another lodging , where she in his presence hauing annointed her bodie with a certaine vnguent , from the crowne to the heele naked , fell into a sodaine apoplex , appearing to them as dead , depriued of all sence or motion : but after fiue houres returning to her selfe , as if she awaked out of a dreame , she related many things done neere and farre off in that interim ; of which sending to know the truth , they found her to erre in nothing : this was confirmed to Bodinus by an Earle of great honour , who was then present when this thing was done . Olaus Magnus in his historie , saith , That those things are common in the Northren parts of the world , and that the friends of those Extasists diligently keepe and safeguard their bodies whilest their Spirits are abroad , either to carrie rings , tokens , or letters to their friends though neuer so farre off , and bring them answers backe againe , with infallible tokens of their being there . Many I could here produce to the like purpose , I will end with S. Augustine lib. de Ciuitate Dei 18. who affirmes the father of Prestantius hath confest himselfe to haue beene transported with such extasies , that when his Spirit hath returned to him againe , he hath constantly affirmed that he hath beene changed into an horse , and in the companie of others carried prouision into the campe , when in the meane time his bodie was knowne to lie at home in his chamber breathlesse , and without moouing , and this hath reference to Liranthropia , i. The changing of men into beasts . So much spoken of by the antient writers , and now so frequent in the Orientall parts of the world . Some obserue , as Strangerus Danaeus , and others , that no Witch can weepe or s●ed a teare . Others ( as the Germans in some parts ) that a Witch cannot sinke , Things obserued in Witches . nor drowne in the water , and therefore to trie them being suspected , they cast them into moates and riuers . They can do nothing in prison , neither will they confesse any thing till the Deuill hath qui●e forsaken them ( I meane in his power to helpe them , not in his couenant to inioy them . ) They are all penurious and needie , neither haue they the least power of the Iudges : they haue art to hurt others , but none any way to benefit themselues . There is not any of them but weares the Deuills marke about her . They neuer looke any man or woman stedfastly in the face , but their eyes wander of the one side or other , but commonly they are deiected downward : they answer pertinently to no question demanded them . They all desire to see the Iudges before they come to their arraignement , being of a confident opinion , that if they behold them first , the Iudges haue no power to condemne them : but if they be first brought to the place , all their Sorceries are vaine and of no validitie . Others are remembred by D. Adamus Martinus , Procurator of Laod●num , prooued vpon the famous Witch Beibrana , Beibrana . whom hee sentenced to the stake . But these shall suffice for this present , for CALLIOPE now pluckes me by the elbow , to remember her .

Explicit Liber Octauus , Inscriptus VRANIA .

THE NINTH BOOKE , Inscribed CALLIOPE : Intreating of Women in generall , with the Punishments appertaining to the Vitious , and Rewards due to the Vertuous .

WHEN I enter into a true consideration of how many seuerall Affections , Dispositions , Actions , and Passions in Women I haue had occasion to speake● of the Good and Bad , Famous and Infamous , Vertuous and Dishonest , Illustrious and Obscure ; next , of all Ages , from the Cradle to the Graue , the Swathband to the Winding sheet● then , of all Estates , Degrees , and Callings , from the Empresse in the Court to the Shepheardesse in the Village : when I next ponder with my selfe , that all these are gathered to the Earth from whence they came ; and that wee ( who are yet breathing ) doe but hourely tread vpon our Graues , lingring and prolonging a few vncertaine minutes , and must necessarily follow ; and that our liues are but a Circular motion , or a Circle drawne by a Compas● ending where it first began , being but as the wheeles of a Clocke wound vp , and ( as we mooue in the passage of our life ) like the Hand of a Dyall , point first to one houre , then a second , so to a third , still shewing our yeeres in our growth , that any man may reade what a Clocke it is with vs by our Age : but when the Plummets and Weights haue forced our Wheeles so often about , till there is no more Lyne left , then wee cease both motion , noyse , and being : Next , that all know they must die , but none the time when they shall die , and that as Seneca in Hercule Furente sayth : Prima quae vitam dedit hora carpsit . i. That the first houre of our life , takes an houre from our life . These considerations of humane frailetie ( as that there is but one Life , but many wayes to destroy it ; but one Death , yet a thousand meanes to hasten it ) mooues me to persuade all , as well men as women , young as old , noble as base , of both Sexes , and of what calling or condition soeuer , to doubly arme themselues with constancie to abide it , and courage to entertaine it : For as Ausonius in Periandri Sententia saith , Mortem optare malum , timere peius , i. As it is ill to wish death , so it is worse to feare it : besides , as it is base Cowardise dishonourably to shun it , so it is meere Pusillanimitie despairingly to hasten it . It is obserued , such as liue best , dread it least . Let this then persuade you vnto Vertue ; since to the Vicious onely it seemes terrible , why should we feare the Graue ? since there the modest and chast Virgin● lyes fearelesse and secure , though by the side of the libidinous Adulterer ; there the true man may rest , and though he haue twentie Theeues about him , sleepe soundly , and neuer dreame of Robbing ; there the poore Tenant is not afraid of his oppressing Landlord ; nor trembles the innocent , to lye next the wicked and corrupt Iudge ; the Handmaid is not frighted with the tongue of her proud and curst Mistresse , nor quakes the young scholler at the terrible voice of his Maister . There is no Brawling , but all Peace ; no Dissention , but all Concord , Vnitie , and Equalitie : which Propertius in his third booke , Eleg. 5. elegantly illustrates .

Haud vllas portabis opes Acherontis ad vndas , Nudus ad Infernus stulte vehere rates , &c. No Wealth thou canst beare with thee ( O thou foole ) All naked thou must passe the Stigian Poole : There is no strife in Weapons , or in Wits , But now the vanquisht with the Victor sits . The Captiue Iugurth hath an equall place With Consull Marius , now in eithers face Shines Loue and Amitie . There is no Throne For Lydian Croesus , he is now all one With poore Dulichian Irus : no regard Of persons there ; he dies best , dies prepar'd .

Then , since all things acquire and pursue their ends , that no earthly thing hath beene made , that shall not be destroyed ; why should we not with as much cheare and alacritie welcome our newest and last houre , as the Labourer desires to rest , or the wearie Traueller to come to his inne ? To this purpose Seneca speakes in his Tragedie of Agamemnon : Qui vultus Acherontis atri Qui Stigia tristem non tristis videt , Audetque vitae ponere finem Par ille Regi , par superis erit . Feareles who dare gaze vpon Blacke and griesly Acheron ? He that merrily dare looke On the gloomie stygian Brooke . Who so beares his spirit so hye That he at any houre dares dye , A king he is in his degree , And like the gods ( in time ) shall bee .

Some may wonder why I haue tooke this occasion to speake of death , I am willing to giue them this satisfaction , The Muse CALIOPE vnder whom I patronise this last book , being no other than a redundance of sound , or one entire Musicke arising from eight seuerall Instruments , and therefore as shee participates from euerie one , so she exists of all ; therefore in this succeeding tractate , I purpose by the helpe of the deuine assistance , to take a briefe suruey of what hath passed in the eight former bookes , to show you the punishments belonging to all such vices as I haue discouered in the frailtie of the Sex , to deterre the Vicious , and expose vnto the eyes of the Noble , Chast , and Learned , the honour and reward due to their excellent gifts , thereby to incourage the Vertuous . Then since besides the Shame or Honour in this life , the one is punished and the other glorified in the life to come , what more necessarie meditation than ( that wee may liue the better ) hourely to thinke of death , and that is the scope I ayme at : but before I can arriue so farre , I purpose to deliuer vnto you the dispositions , conditions , and quallities of diuerse sorts of women by me not yet remembred .

Of Women Rauished , &c.

MArpissa the daughter of Euenus was rauished by Apollo , Marpissa , shee was the wife of Idas . Perhibaea . So Proserpine the daughter of Iupiter and Ceres , by Pluto , therefore hee is called by Claudian , Europa . Ouid , and Sylus , lib , 14. the infernall Rauisher . Auge . Perhibea by Axus the sonne of Oceanus , as Europa by Iupiter , and Auge by Hercules . Phaebe . Castor and Pollux who for their valour were called Dioscuri , Ilairia . which imports as much as the issue of Iupiter ; they from Messene raped the two daughters of Leucippus , Phoebe and Ilaira , whom they after married : of Pollux and Phoebe was begot and borne Mnesilius ; of Castor and Ilaira , Anagon . They with their associats , Idas and Lynceas , the sons of Aphareus , had driuen away a great prey of cattell ; when they came to diuide the bootie , a motion was made that an Ox should be diuided into foure , according to the number of the brothers , with this condition , that he which could deuoure his quarter first should haue the one halfe of the cattell , and hee that had next made an end of his part , should possesse the remainder . This was no sooner agreed vpon , but Idas suddenly eate vp his owne portion , and presently deuoured that which belonged to his brother , by which hee claimed the whole heard , and being stronger in faction than the Dioscuri draue the prey backe to Messene . With which iniurie the two brothers incensed , they leuied fresh forces● inuaded Messene , and tooke from thence a much greater bootie than the former : the spoile being safely disposed off , Castor and Pollux awaited the pursuers , ambushed themselues beneath a broad spreading Oake , quick-sighted Linces espying Castor showed him to his brother , whome Idas slew with an arrow ; whom Pollux pursuing , transpiersed Linceus with his iaueline , Ap●llod . lib. 3. and vnaduisedly chasing , Idas was brained by him with a stone ; for which Iupiter stroke Idas with a Thunder-bolt , and translated the two princely brothers ( the Dioscuri ) into starres . Of these Propert. lib. 1. thus sayth : Non sic Leucippi succendit Castora Phoebe Pollucem cultu , non Ilaira soror . Faire Phoebe did not so inflame Her Castor with desire , Nor Ilaira Pollux brest Deckt in her best attire .

Ariadne . Theseus rapt Ariadne daughter of king Ninus , as also Hellen the daughter of Tindarus and Laeda , and sister to Castor and Pollux , long before Paris , but returned her backe vnuitiated . Diomeda . Achilles forced Diomeda the daughter of Phorbas from Lesbos , Orythea . as Boreas the faire Orithea daughter of Erisicthon from Athens ; Pyrene . Hercules rauished the nymph Pyrene of Bebritia , from her the Pyrenaean Mountaines tooke name , of whom Syllius : Nomen Bebricia duxere à virgine colles Hospitis Alcidae crimen , &c. From the Bebrician maid these hills tooke name , Of her guest Hercules , the fault and blame .

Lanissa . Pyrhus sirnamed Neoptolemus the sonne of Achilles and Deiadamia rap't Lanissa the niece of Hercules , Tecmessa . Aiax the sonne of Telamon did the like to Tecmessa , of whom Horace : Mouit Aiacem Telemone satam Forma captiuae dominum Tecmessae . Captiue Tecmessas beautiegaz'd vpon , Insnar'd her lord , the sonne of Telamon .

Aiax Oilaeus rauished Cassandra , Nessus the Centaure Deineira the wife of Hercules , sister to Meleager , and daughter to Oeneus and Althea king and queene of Calidon● Axiothia . Tleoptolemus stole Axiothia from Ephira a citie of Peloponessus , hee was the sonne of Hercules and Astioche , Astioche . he was first a suitor to Hellen , and came to the siege of Troy with nine shippes , and was after slaine by the hand of king Sarpedon . Hypodamia the daughter of Atracius and wife of Perithous , suffered the like violence by the Centaures , being heated with Wine and Lust , especially by Euritus , of whom Ouid lib. 12. thus speakes , Euritus , Hyppodamea , alij quam quisque probabat Aut poterat rapiunt — Euritus rap't Hyppodame , and after him , the rest By his example did the like , and snatcht where they lik't best ,

The great enmitie betwixt the Grecians and Barbarians , though it might seeme to arise by reason of the distance of countries and difference of manners ; yet most probable it is that their inueterate hate and irreconsilable malice , tooke first originall from diuerse rapes committed on either part : for first the Phoenician Merchanrs , exposing their commodities to publique sale in the citie of Argis , Io. when Iö the kings daughter amongst other damosells came downe to the Key to take view of what marchandise she best liked , to furnish her selfe according to her womanish fancie , the Merchants beeing extreamely surprised with her beautie , seised both her and the rest of her attendants , and stowing them vnder hatches , hoised saile and transported them into Aegypt . Not long after , the Cretenses awaiting the like opportunitie , stole away Europa the daughter of the king of the Tyrians and bore her into Creet , in requitall of the former rape . The Heroes of Greece next , sailed in the great Argoe to Cholcos , pretending their iourney for the golden fleece , Medea . and raped thence Medea the daughter of Areta ; after whom sending Embassadors into Greece to redemand his daughter , they returned him answere , That the barbarous Phoenicians had made no restitution nor satisfaction at all for the rape of Io , neither would they for Medea . After that , Paris the son of Priam , rather to reuenge the iniurie done to his Aunt Hesione , Hesione . than for any loue or affection to Spartan Hellen , stole her from Lacedemon and brought her to Troy in Asia . The Princes of Greece redemanding her , answere was returned , That since they made no restitution of Europa , nor of Medea , nor Hesione , neither would they of Hellena : which was the originall of that memorable siege of Troy , and the destruction of that famous citie ; Herodotus , Lib. 1. Thrasimenes being enamored of the faire daughter of Pisistratus , The daughter of Pisistratus . and his affection dayly more and more encreasing , he gathered to himselfe a societie of young men , and watching the Ladie when shee came with other young damosells to offer sacrifice ( according to the custome of the countrey ) by the Seaside , with their swords drawne they set vpon the companie that attended her , and hauing dispiersed them , snatched her vp and hurrying her aboord , sailed with her towards Aegina . But Hyppias the eldest sonne of Pisistratus , beeing then at Sea to cleere those coasts of Pyrats , by the swiftnesse of their Ores imagining them to be of the fellowship of the Sea robbers , pursued them , boorded them , and tooke them ; who finding his sister there , brought her backe with the rauishers . Thrasimenes with the rest of his faction being brought before Pisistratus , not withstanding his knowne austeritie , would neither doe him honour nor vse towards him the least submission , but with bold and vndaunted constancie attended their sentence , telling him , That when the attempt was first proposed , they then armed themselues for death and all disasters . Pysistratus admiring their courage and magnanimitie , which showed the greater in regard of their youth , called his daughter before him , and in the presence of his nobilitie , to recompence his celsitude of minde and spirit freely bestowed her vpon Thrasimenes ; by which meanes he reconciled their opposition , and entertained them into new faith and obedience , no more expressing himselfe a Tyrant but a louing and bountifull father , and withall a popular citisen . Polinae lib. 5. The daughters of king Adrastus were rauished by Acesteneutrix , as Statius lib. 1. hath left remembred . Euenus the sonne of Mars and Sterope married Marpissa daughter to Oenemaus and Alcippa , Marpissa . whom Apharetas espying as she daunced amongst other Ladies , grew innamoured of , and forcibly rapt her from her companie , Plutarch . in . Paral. Hersilia , Hersilia . with the Sabine Virgins , were likewise rap't by Romulus and his souldiers , at large described by Ouid. Lib. de Arte Amandi , 1. Lucrece , the chast Roman Matron , was stuperated by Sextus Tarquinius : of whom , Seneca in Octauia thus saith : Nata Lucreti stuprum saeui passa Tyranni .

Eudoxia . Eudoxia being left by Valentinianus , was basely rauished by the Tyrant Maximus , who vsurped in the Empire : for which , shee inuited Gensericus out of Africke , to auenge her of the shame and dishonour done vnto her . Sigebertus in Chronicis . The same Author tells vs of Ogdilo , Duke of Boiaria , who forced the sister of king Pepin : for which iniurie done to her , the king opprest him with a cruell and bloudie warre .

Of Handmaids , Nurses , Midwiues , and Stepdames .

Plecusa . PLecusa was a Handmaid to Diana , whom Martial . Lib. 1. thus remembers : Et cecidit sectis Icla Plecusa Crinis .

Lagopice . Lagopice is another , Lib. 7. remembred by the same Author . Cibale was the maid-seruant to a poore man called Similus , Cibale . remembred by Virgil in Morete . Phillis Troiana was the Handmaid to Phoceus , Phillis . as Briseis was to Achilles . Plinie , Lib. 36. Ocrisia . cap. 27. makes Ocrisia the Damosell to the Queene Tanaquil : Gyge . so Horace makes Cassandra to Agamemnon . Gyge ( as Plutarch relates ) was such to Parysatis Queene of Persia , and mother to Cyrus . Thressa was maid-seruant to Thales Milesius , Thressa . who ( as Theodoricus Cyrenensis affirmes ) when shee saw her maister come home durtie and myrie , as being newly crept out of a Ditch , chid him exceedingly for gazing at the starres to finde those hidden things aboue , and had not the foresight to see what lay below at his feet , Rhod. Thracia . but hee must stumble . Herodotus in Euterpe calls Rhodope ( the famous Aegyptian strumpet ) the Handmaid of Iadmon Sami●s , a Philosopher . Elos . Elos was a Damosell to king Athamas , from whom a great citie in Achaia tooke denomination , Lardana . and was called Aelos . Lardana ( as Herodotus affirmes ) was at first no better than a seruant , from whom the noble Familie of the Heraclidae deriue their first originall . Titula . Titula ( otherwise called Philotis ) was a Roman Virgin of the like condition , and is remembred for such by Plutarch in Camillo , Proconnesia as also by Macrob. Lib. 1. Saturnalium . Proconnesia is remembred by Plinie , who in one day brought forth two children , the one like her maister , and the other like another man with whom she had had companie ; Lathris . and being borne , deliuered either child to his father . Lathris was the Handmaid to Cinthia , Cypassis . so much spoken by Propert. as Cypassis was to Cersinna the mistresse of Ouid : of whom he thus writes , Eleg. Lib. 2. Commendis in mille modis praefecta capillis Comere sed solas digna Cipasse Deas . She rules her mistresse hayre ( her skill is such ) A thousand seuerall wayes , to her desires : O , worthie none but Goddesses to touch , To combe and decke their heads in costly Tyres .

Chionia was Handmaid to the blessed Anastasia , Chionia . so likewise was Galanthis to Alcmena , Galanthis . the mother of Hercules ; of whom , the same Author Lib. 9. thus sayes : Vna ministrarum media de plebe Galanthis Flaua comas aderat faciendis strenua iussis . Amidst them all Galanthis stood , With bright and yellow haire , A wench that quicke and nimble was , Things needfull to prepare .

From Handmaids I proceed to Nurses : Annius vpon Berosus , and Calderinus vpon Statius , nominate Caphyrna or Calphurnia , Caphirna . the daughter of Oceanus , to haue beene the Nurse of Neptune , as Amalthea and Melissa were to Iupiter , Amalthea . Melissa . who fed him with the Milke of a Goat in his infancie , when hee was concealed from his father . Hence it came , that the Poets fabled how Iupiter was nursed by a Goat , for which courtesie hee was translated amongst the starres : Others say he was nursed by Adrastea and Ida , Adrastea . Ida. the two daughters of king Melisaeus ; for so Erasmus teacheth in the explanation of the Adage , Copiae Cornu . Ino was the Nurse of Bacchus , Ino. as Ouid witnesseth in Ib. where he likewise calls her the Aunt to Bacchus , in this Verse : Vt teneri Nutrix eadem Matertera Bacchi . Of the same opinion with him is Statius , Lib. 2. Silu. But Ammonius Grammaticus makes Fesula the woman that gaue him sucke : Fesula . Plinie calls her Nisa , and saith shee was buried neere to the citie Scythopolis . Policha . Polycha was the Nurse of Oedipus , who fostered him when his father Laius cast him out in his infancie , because the Oracle had fore-told he should perish by the hand of his sonne . Barce was the Nurse to Sychaeus , Barce . the most potent and rich king of the Phoenicians , and husband to Dido : Her Virgil remembers , Aenead . Lib. 4. Charme was Nurse to the Virgin Scilla : Charme . of whom the same Author in Syri thus sayes : Illa autem , quid nunc me inquit Nutricula torques ? i. Why , Beroe . ô Nurse , doest thou thus torment me ? Beroe Epidauria was Nurse to Cadmeian Semele , Aceste . the mother of Bacchus , as Aceste was to the daughters of Adrastus . Eupheme . Stat. Lib. 1. Theb. Eupheme is memorated to be the Nurse to the Muses : shee had a sonne called Erotus , who inhabited the Mountaine Pernassus , Spaco . and was wholly deuoted to Hunting , and the Chafe . Spaco was Nurse to Cyrus , who because that word in the Median Language signifies a Bitch , Cyrus was said to be nursed by a Brache ; for so saith Herodotus in Clio. Archimorus ( the sonne of Licurgus , king of Thrace ) whose Nurse was called Hypsiphile , Hypsiphile . being left by her in the fields , was fed by a Serpent : Teste Statio . Ericlia , or Euriclia , Euriclia . was the Nurse to Vlysses . Homer . in Odyss. and Ouid. in Epist. Caieta was Nurse to Aeneas , Caieta . Lib. 7. Aenead .

Tu quoque littoribus nostris Aeneia Nutrix Aeternam moriens famam Caieta dedisti . And thou Aeneas Nurse , Caieta , Vnto our Shores hast left A neuer dying fame , because ( There ) of thy life bereft ,

Amicla . Alcibiades had a Nurse , whose name was Amicla , or as some would haue it Amida ; his schoolemaster was Zopyrus , so saith Plutarch in Lycurg . & Alcibiad Hellanice was the Nurse to Alexander the great , Hellanice . witnesse Qu. Curtius . Acca Lauentia was Nurse to Romulus , Acca Lauentia . so saith Plinie li. 18. ca. 2. so Statius li. 1. Sil. in this Distican .

I am secura parens Thuscis regnabat in agris , Ilia , portantem lassabat Romulus Accam . Ilia the mother of Romulus . Our parent Ilia now secure The Tuskan waters keepes , The whilest in Accaes wearied armes Young Romulus fast sleepes .

Yet Liuie , and almost all the Roman Historiographers write , that Romulus and Remus were nourst by Lupa , Lupa . wife to the sheepeheard Faustulus ; she was so called because she prostituted her selfe for gaine : they were cast out by the king Amulius , and was found by the bounds of Tiber. Plinie calls her Acca Laurentia . Philix was Nurse to the Emperor Domitian , Philix . who when he was slaine , and his corse lay derided and neglected , tooke vp his bodie and putting it in a common Beare , caused it by ordinarie and mercinarie bearers to be carried to the suburbs wherein she liued , and interred it in the Latine highway , Author Sueton. Macrina was a pious and religious woman , Macrina . the disciple and scholler of Gregorie Neocaesariensis , she was Nurse and schole mistresse ( in the first foundation of Christian religion ) to the great Basilius , as he himselfe witnesseth in an Epistle to the Neocaesarienses . From Nurses , a word or two of Midwiues .

Phanarite . Phanarite was one , the mother of Athenean Socrates , she is remembred to be the first that disputed of Morality ( that which we cal Ethick Instructions ) and taught the mysticall Philosophie of the Starres and Planets , how it might be made familiar and haue correspondence with our humane and terrestriall actions . The sonne imitated the mother , and prooued as happie a Midwife of the mind , as she of the bodie , both helping into the world ripe , timely , and fruitfull issues . Volateran lib. 19. Laertius in eius vita , and Valerius Maxim. lib. 3. cap. 4. Plinie lib. 28. cap. 7. speakes of two Midwiues , the one called Sotyra , Sotyra . the other Salpe , whose opinions and rules he obserueth in the cures of many diseases ; of Salpe he speakes more largely , Salpe . lib. 32. cap. 6. Lycosthenes speakes of one Philippa Midwife to Iolanta , Philippa . who indured many distresses and changes of fortune .

Of Stepmothers I will only name some few and so passe them ouer , because where they be can be exprest nothing but malice and vnnaturall crueltie in women . The histories must of force appeare harsh and vnpleasant , besides , some of their bloodie acts I haue touched before vnder another title . Ino was Sepmother to Phrixus , and Helles the daughter of Athamus ; Hyppodamia , to Chrisippus ; Stratonice , to Antiochus Soter ; Iulia , to Anton. Caracalla ; Gedica , to Cominius ; Iuno , to Hercules ; Opaea , to Scylis king of Scithia ; Eribaea , to Mercurie ; Alphriga , to Edward the second of that name before the Conquest , king of England ; Martina , to Constantinus Heraclius who she slew by poison , &c.

Of Women for their Pietie and Deuotion remembred in the sacred Scriptures .

I Desire to leaue nothing vnspecified , or not remembred in this worke , that might not make the excellencie of good Women oppose in all contradiction , the excesse of the bad ; and to draw ( if it were possible ) the worst to the imitation of the best . Hanapus c. 125. commemorates these : Rebecka , Rebecka . who when she saw the seruant of Abraham at the Well where she came to draw water , and desiring to drinke ; answered cheerefully , and without delay , Drinke sir , and I will also draw water for thy Cammells till they haue all drunke their fill , Genes. 24. The Midwiues feared God , and did not according to the command of Pharaoh king of Aegypt , but preserued the male-children whom they might haue destroyed , Exod●s 1. The daughter of Pharaoh comming downe to the riuer to wash herselfe ( with her handmaid ) and finding the young child Moses in the arke amongst the bulrushes , she had compassion on the infant , and said , Surely this is a child of the Hebrewes ; so caused him to be nursed , brought vp in her fathers court , and after adopted him her sonne , Exod. 2. Rahab the strumpet , Rahab . when she knew the spies of Ioshua to be pursued , and in danger of death , concealed them , and returned them safe to the armie , Iosh. 2. The messengers that were sent to Dauid in the wildernesse , to informe him of the proceedings of his sonne Absolon , were by a woman hid in a Well which she couered , and by that meanes deluded their pursuers , Kings 2.17 . When two common Women contended before Saloman , about the liuing and dead infant , the one had a tender and relenting brest and could not indure to see the liuing child to perish , Kings 3.3 . The widdow woman of Zerephath entertained Eliah as hir guest , and by her he was relieued , Kings 3. & 17. The Shunamitish woman , persuaded with her husband , that the Prophet Elisaeus might haue a conuenient lodging in her house , to go and come at his pleasure , Kings 4. & 2. When wicked Athalia had giuen strict command to destroy all the Kings seed , Iosaba the daughter of King Ioram tooke Ioas , Iosaba . one of the Kings children , and by hiding him out of the way preserued his life , Esther . Kings 4. & 11. Esther hauing commiseration of her people ( when a seuere Edict was published to destroy them all , and sweepe them from the face of the earth ) she exposed her selfe ( with the great danger of her owne life ) to the displeasure of King Ahashuerosh , purchasing thereby the freedome of her nation , and her owne sublimitie , Esther 4.5 . Women ministred to the Sauiour of the world in his way as he went preaching to the towns and cities , Luk. 8. when he walked from place to place , preaching and teaching , he is said neuer to haue had more free and faithfull welcome , than in the house of Martha and Marie , Martha . Marie . Luke 10. Iohn 12. When the Scribes and Pharisees blasphemed at the hearing and seeing the Doctrine and Miracles of Christ , a certaine woman giuing deuout attention to his words , as extasied with his diuine Sermon , burst forth into this acclamation : Blessed bee the wombe that bore thee , and the brests that gaue thee sucke , Luke 11. Christ being in Bethania , in the house of Simon the leaper , as he sate at the table , there came a woman with a box of ointment of Spicknard , verie costly , and she brake the box , and poured it vpon his head ; and when some said , disdaining , To what end is this wast , for it might haue beene sold for more than * * Which is six pound English 300 pence , and giuen to the poore : Iesus said , Let her alone , she hath wrought a good worke on me , &c. and proceeded , Verily I say vnto you , wheresoeuer this Gospell shall be preached throughout the whole world , this also that she hath done shall bee spoken in remembrance of her . The woman of Canaan was so full of naturall pittie and maternall pietie , that she counted her daughters miserie and affliction her owne , when she said to Iesus , Haue mercie vpon me oh Lord the sonne of Dauid , for my daughter is vexed with an euill Spirit , Math. 15. The women stood by to see the Lord suffer , and followed the crosse when he was forsaken of his Apostles , Luke 23. Iohn 19. they were carefull likewise to visit him in his sepulchre , Math. 28. Luke 24. The wife of Pilat had more compassion of Christ , and more vnwilling that he should suffer vpon the crosse , than any man of whom the Scripture makes mention , Math. 27. Marke 16. Iohn 20. For deeds of charitie , and dealing almes to the poore and needie widdowes and orphans , they intreated Peter ( weeping ) that he would visit Tabitha being dead ; Tabitha . who mooued with their teeres , kneeled and praied , at whose intercessions she was restored to life , Act. Apost . 9. Herod hauing slaine Iames the brother of Iohn with the sword , and seeing that it pleased the people , he proceeded further to take Peter , and put him in prison , deliuering him to the charge of foure quaternions of souldiers to be kept : but the Angell of the Lord appeared to him in the night , tooke off his double chaines , and led him out of prison , who hauing past the first and second watch , the yron gate opened to the Angell and him ; and finding that which he thought to be a vision , to be a reall truth , he came to the house of Marie the mother of Iohn , whose sirname was Marke , where many had seperated themselues to praier . Peter knocking , a maide ( whose name was Rhode ) came to the doore , Rhode . who hearing and knowing Peters voice , the Scripture saith , she opened not the doore for gladnesse , but ran in and told them that Peter stood without at the entrie . In which are to be obserued two memorable women for their zeale and pietie , namely Rhode the handmaid , whose ioy was so great at the verie voice of Peter , released from the prison of Herod : and Mary her mistresse , who was a deuout harboresse , and one that gladly entertained the Disciples of Christ into her owne house ( notwithstanding the persecution ) to performe their zealous and religious exercises , Act. Apost . 12. Lydia a dier of purple , Lydia . beleeuing the gospell which Paul preached , was baptised with her whole household , after which she intreated them in these words , If thou thinke me worthie ( saith she ) to be a faithfull seruant to my Lord and God , vouchsafe to enter my house , and abide there , and she compelled vs , as Luke saith . By which is concluded , that women haue beene the readie , willing , and deuout hearers of the word of God , Act. Apost , 16. Many ( no question ) zealous and religious women haue to their power striued to imitate those with their best of industrie . Amongst others I might instance one , now of a great age , as hauing much past that number by which Dauid reckons the yeares of man , yet from her youth hath lead a life without any noted staine or blemish , deuout in her zeale , remarkeable in her charitie , beloued of all , hated of none , a Phisitian to the sicke , and Chirurgion to the wounded , who with her owne hands hath sent more lame and diseased persons from her gate whole and sound , than Lazarus had sores about him when he lay at the rich mans gate vnrelieued , she feeding with loaues , when that purple glutton would not spare his crummes , she doing this out of a widowes mite when he would not doe any thing out of a Mammons treasure ; happie be her resurrection , as her byrth was hopefull , whose name at the Font was a future prediction to her blessednesse aboue ; Felicitie she is called on Earth , Eternall Felicitie may she inioy in Heauen .

Peter de Loyre a Frenchman in his booke of Specters , Sights , and Apparitions , hath verie well obserued , that the Syrens and Muses may bee in some sort compared together : for as there are three sorts of Nymphs , namely , of Ayre , Water , and Earth , so there are of the Muses , some that take their being from the continuall moouing and stirring of Waters ; a second , made by the agitation of the Ayre engendring sounds ; a third from the Earth , which is called Voice , or distinguishable words spoken to the capacitie of the hearer . So of the Syrens , Parthenope presented with a womanish , Parthenope . amiable , and inchanting face , importeth the Voice , and proceedeth from the Earth , as of the three the most materiall and weightie . Ligia denoteth Harmonie , Ligia . arrising from the melodious sounds of the Ayre . And Leucosia , Leucosia . called Albadea , or the white goddesse , is the Hierogliphick of the ebbing and flowing of the Sea , which begetteth the white froth or some , of which Venus is said to be ingendred : so that by these three , the Nymphs , the Muses , and the Syrens are comprehended : the art of Musicke existing of three things , Harmonie , Rythme , and Number ; Harmonie proceeding from the Ayre ; Number from the Sea , bounded within his compasse , yet as wee see in Hexamiter and Pentamiter and other verse , ebbing and flowing , according to the growth and wane of the Moone . To these is added the Voice , which the Greekes call 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the French Romans Dictier . To Harmony are approprited Sounds ; to Number or Rythme , Dances ; and to the Voice , all kind of Verse . But to come to my present purpose , all these including one generall musicke , and Calliope as she participates from euerie one , so comprehending all , I thinke it not impertinent , as in a consort many Instruments make but one melodie , so in this booke to recollect my selfe and giue you a tast of many or the most heads discoursed of in the former , the better to put you in minde of the penaltie due to the Vicious , and the guerdon and reward stored for the Vertuous , and that in compendious Historie . The Goddesses , Nymphs , Graces , Muses , Sybills , Vestalls , &c. I omit , as sufficiently spoken of , and apply my selfe to things more familiar and necessarie to instruction . I begin with the bad , because my desire is to end with the best , and of Incest first .

The sister of Leucippus ,

I Insist not of the seueral sorts of Incest , The sister of Leucippus . neither purpose I to stand vpon the multiplicitie of Historie , let this one serue to remember you of the former . Leucippus the sonne of Xanthius , who deriued his genealogie from Bellerephon , he was excellent both in strength and valour aboue all that liued in his dayes , not in priuat contentions onely but in forreine combustions , he demeaned himselfe with such discretion and courage , that hauing subdued the Lycians , and awed all the neighbour nations about him , hauing no enemie to inuade , nor opposite people to lift vp a rebellious hand against him , hee retired himselfe into his countrey , and laying aside his victorious armes which woon him same and honour abroad , hee abandoned himselfe to ease and the priuat pleasures of his fathers house , and now wanting other imploiment ( as idlenesse is the greatest corrupter of vertue ) he began to intertaine such vnusuall flames , and vnaccustomed cogitations , as before he had no time to feele , or leasure to thinke on ; for now he cast his incestuous eye vpon his sister . His passions much troubled him , at the first , and all possible meanes he vsed to shake them off , but in vaine : he liued in the same house with her , they dieted at one table , had libertie of vnsuspected conference , and he hauing nothing else to do , had only leasure to meditate on that which was fearefull to apprehend , but horrible to enterprise . To this purpose Ouid with great elegancie in remed. Amor. lib. 1. speaking of Aegistus , who in the absence of Agamemnon adulterated his queene Clitemnestra , thus writes : Queritur Aegistus quare sit factus adulter ? In promptu causa est , desidiosus erat , &c. Doth any man demand the reason why Aegistus an adulterer was ? Lo I Can tell , Because that he was idle , when Others at Troy were fighting , and their men Led stoutly on : to which place were accited The Gretian Heroes with a force vnited . He no imploiment had : There was no war , In Argos where he liued ( from Troy so far ) No strife in law , to which being left behind , He carefully might haue imploid his mind , That which lay plaine before him , the man proou'd , And least he should do nothing , therefore lou'd .

As Ouid of Aegistus , so may I say of Leucippus , whom rest , and want of action , in a stirring braine , and bodie , wrought this distemperature . Ashamed he was to court his sister , first because he knew her modest ; a second impediment was , she was elsewhere disposed , and contracted to a gentleman of a noble familie : besides , she was his sister , to whom he wisht all good , and then to corrupt her honor , he could deuise for her no greater ill : he considered that to persuade her to her owne vndoing , would shew ill in a stranger , but much worse in a brother . In these distractions , what should he doe , or what course take ? the thing he apprehended was preposterous , and the meanes to compasse it was most prodigious ; for he came to his mother , told her his disease , and besought her of remedie : his words as they were vttered with feare , so they were heard with trembling , for they feauered her all ouer . Being in to the knees , hee cared not now , to wade vp to the chinne , and proceeded , That if she would not be the meanes for him to compasse his sister , notwithstanding all obstacles what soeuer , he would by speedie and sudden death rid himselfe out of all his miseries , desiring her speedie answer , or with his naked poniard in his hand , he was as readie for execution , as she to deny her assistance . I leaue to any mothers consideration but to imagine , with what strange ambiguities , his words perplexed her , and what conuulsions it bred in her bosome , euen to the verie stretching of hir heart strings : but as she knew his courage to dare , so she feared his resolution to act , therefore more like a tender hearted mother , than a vertuous minded matron , rather desiring to haue wicked children , than none at all , she promised him hope , and assured him helpe , and after some persuasiue words of comfort , left him indifferently satisfied . What language the mother vsed to the daughter to inuite her to the pollution of her bodie , and destruction of her soule , is not in me to conceiue : I only come to the point , by the mothers mediation the brother is brought to the bed of his sister , she is vitiated , and his appetite glutted , yet not so , but that they continued their priuate meetings , in so much that custome bred impudence , and suspition certaine proofe of their incestuous consocietie . At length it comes to the eare of him that had contracted her , with attestation of the truth thereof : he , though he feared the greatnesse of Leucippus his knowne valor , and popular fauour , yet his spirit could not brooke so vnspeakeable an iniurie ; he acquaints this nouell to his father , and certaine noble friends of his , amongst whom it was concluded by all iointly , to informe Xanthius of his daughters inchastitie : but for their owne safetie ( knowing the potencie of Leucippus ) to conceale the name of the adulterer . They repaire to him , and informe him of the businesse , intreating his secrecie till he be himselfe eye-witnesse of his daughters dishonor . The father at this newes is inraged , but armes himselfe with inforced patience , much longing to know that libidonous wretch who had dishonoured his familie . The incestuous meeting was watcht and discouered , and word brought to Xanthius that now was the time to apprehend them ; he calls for lights , and attended with her accusers , purposes to inuade the chamber : great noise is made , she affrighted rises , and before they came to the doore , opens it , slips by , thinking to flie and hide her selfe ; the father supposing her to be the adulterer , pursues her , and pierceth her through with his sword . By this Leucippus starts vp , and with his sword in his hand , hearing her last dying shreeke , prepares himselfe for her rescue , he is incountred by his father , whom in the distraction of the sodaine affright , he vnaduisedly assaulted and slew . The mother disturbed with the noise , hasts to the place where she heard the tumult was , and seeing her husband and daughter slaine , betwixt the horridnesse of the sight , and apprehension of her owne guilt , fell downe sodainely and expired . And these are the lamentable effects of Incest , the father to kill his owne daughter , the sonne his father , and the mother ( the cause of all ) to die sodainely without the least thought of repentance . These things so infortunately happening , Leucippus caused their bodies to be nobly interred , when forsaking his fathers house in Thessalie , he made an expedition into Creet , but being repulst from thence by the inhabitants , he made for Ephesia , where he tooke perforce a citie in the prouince of Cretinaea , Leucophria and after inhabited it . It is said that Leucophria the daughter of Mandrolita grew innamored of him , and betrayed the citie into his hands , who after maried her , and was ruler thereof . This historie is remembred by P●rthenius de Amatorijs , cap. 5. Of incest betwixt the father and daughter , Ouid lib. Metam . speakes of , whose verses with what modestie I can , I will giue you the English of , and so end with this argument .

Accipit obscoeno genitor suà● viscera lecto , Cynarus & Mirha . Virgeneosque metus le●●t Hortaturque timentem &c. Into his obscene bed the father takes His trembling daughter , much of her he makes , Who pants beneath him ; ' bids her not to feare , But be of bolder courage , and take cheare . Full of her fathers sinnes , loath to betray The horrid act , by night she steales away Fraught , that came thither emptie ; for her wombe Is now of impious incest made the Tombe .

The punishment of incest . Next to the sinne I will place the punishment . Iacob blessing his children , said to Reuben , Thou shalt be poured out like water , thine excellencie is gone because thou hast defiled thy fathers bed , Genes. 49. Absolon went in to his fathers concubines , and soone after was slaine by the hand of Ioab , Kings 2.16 . & 18. Of later times I will instance one Nicolaus Estensis , Marquesse of Ferrara , who hauing notice that his sonne Hugo ( a toward and hopefull young gentleman ) had borne himselfe more wantonly than reuerence and modestie required , Parisia . in the presence of his stepmother Parisia , of the familie of Malatestae ; and not willing rashly either to reprooue or accuse them , he watcht them so narrowly by his intelligencers and spies , that he had certaine and infallible testimonie of their incestuous meetings , for which setting aside all coniugall affection , or paternall pittie , he caused them first to be cast in strict and close prison , and after vpon more mature deliberation , to be arraigned , where they were conuicted , and lost their heads , with all the rest that had beene conscious of the act , Fulgos. lib. 6. cap. 1. I will borrow leaue to insert heare one remarkable punishment done vpon a Iew at Prague in Bohemia , in the yeare 1530 , who being taken in adulterie with a Christian woman , they compelled him to stand in a tonne pitched within , they boared a hole , in which they forced him to put in that part with which he had offended : iust by him was placed a knife without edge , blunted for the purpose , and there he stood loose , saue fastened by the part aforesaid ; fire being giuen , he was forced through the torment of the heat , with that edgelesse knife to cut away that pars virilis and ran away bleeding , after whom they set fierce mastifes , who worried him to death , and after tore him to peeces , Lychost . in Theatro Human. vitae .

Of Adulterie .

The wife of Argento Coxus . THe wife of Argento-Coxus Calidonius , being tanted by Iulia Augusta , because it was the custome of their countrie for the noble men and women promiscuously to mixe themselues together , and to make their appointments openly without blushing ; to her thus answered , I much commend the custome of our countrie aboue yours , we Calidonians desire consocietie with our equals in birth and qualitie , to satisfie the necessarie duties belonging to loue and affections , and that publickely ; when your Roman Ladies professing outward temperance and chastititie , prostitute your selues priuatly to your base groomes and vassals . The same is reported to haue beene spoken by a Brittish woman , Dion Nicaeus Xiphilin in vita seueri . Her words were verified ( as in many others that I could heere produce ) so in the French Queene Fredigunda , Fredigunda . who though she infinitly flattered the King Chilpericus her husband outwardly , yet she inwardly affected one Laudricus , to whom she communicated her person and honour : these in the Kings absence were scarce to be found asunder , in so much that Chilperick himselfe could not more freely command her person by his power , than the other by his loose and intemperate effeminacies . It happened , the king being on hunting , and leauing the Chase before his houre , stole suddainely vpon his Queene , and comming behind her as shee was taking her Prospect into the Garden , sportingly toucht her vpon the head with the Switch hee had then in his hand , without speaking : shee not dreaming of the kings so suddaine returne , and thinking it had beene her priuate friend , ( without looking backe ) Well sweet-heart Landricus ( saith shee ) you will neuer leaue this fooling ; and turning towards him withall , discouered the king , who onely biting his lippe , departed in silence . Shee fearing the kings distaste , and consequently his reuenge , sends for Landricus , and as if the king had beene the offendor , betwixt them two conspired his death , and within few dayes affected it ( for seldome doth Adulterie but goe hand in hand with Murther . ) From the Sinne , I come to the Punishment .

Amongst the Israelites , it was first punished with Fin●s , The punishment of Adulterie . as may be collected from the historie of Thamar : who being with child by Iudas , hee threatened her to the stake , and had accordingly performed it , had shee not shewed by manifest tokens that he himselfe was the author of her vnlawfull issue ; Genes. 38. The Aegyptians condemned the Adulterer so deprehended to a thousand Scourges , the Adulteresse to haue her Nose cut off , to the greater terror of the like Delinquents : Diodor. Sicul. Lib. 2. cap. 2. Coel. Lib. 21. cap. 25. By Solons Lawes , a man was permitted to kill them both in the act , that so found them : Rauis . In Iudaea they were stoned to death . Plat. Lib. 9. de Legibus punisheth Adulterie with death . The Locrenses ( by tradition from Zaluces ) put out the Adulterers eyes . The Cumaei prostituted the Adulteresse to all men , till shee died by the same sinne shee had committed : Alex. ab Alex. Lib. 4. cap. 1. It was a custome amongst the antient Germans , for the husband to cut off his wiues haire so apprehended , to turne her out of doores naked , and scourge her from Village to Village . One bringing word to Diogenes , That a fellow called Dydimones was taken in the Act : Hee is worthie then ( saith hee ) to be hanged by his owne name ; for Didymi in the Greeke Tongue are Testiculi , in English the Testicles , or immodest parts . By them therefore ( from whence he deriued his name , and by which he had offended ) he would haue had him to suffer : Laert. Lib. 6. Hyettus the Argiue slew one Molurus , with his wife , apprehending them in their vnlawfull congression : Coelius . Iulius Caesar repudiated his wife for no other reason , but because P. Clodius was found in his house in womans Apparrell . And being vrged to proceed against her , hee absolutely denyed it , alledging , That hee had nothing whereof to accuse her : but being further demanded , Why then hee abandoned her societie ? hee answered , That it was behoofefull for the wife of Caesar , not onely to be cleare from the sinne it selfe , but from the least suspition of crime : Fulgos . Lib. 6. cap. 1. Augustus banished his owne Daughter and Neece ( so accused ) into the Island called Pandateria ( after into Rhegium ) commanding at his death , That their bodies ( being dead ) should not be brought neere vnto his Sepulchre . To omit many , Nicolaus the first Pope of that name , excommunicated king Lotharius ( brother to Lewis , the second Emperour ) because hee diuorced his wife Therberga , Therberga . and in her roome instated Gualdrada , Gualdrada . and made her Queene . Besides , he degraded Regnaldus , Archbishop of Treuers , and Gunthramus Archbishop of Collen , from their Episcopall dignities , for giuing their approbation to that adulterate Marriage . And so much for the punishment : I will conclude with the counsaile of Horace , Lib. 1. Satyr. 2.

Desine Matronas sectarier , vnde laboris Plus haurire mali est , quam ex re decerpere fructum est . Cease Matrons to pursue , for of such paine Thou to thy selfe more mischiefe reap'st than gaine .

Sisters that haue murdred their Brothers .

Fratricides . AFter the vntimely death of Aydere , his brother Ismael succeeded him in the Persian Empire , who arriuing at Casbin was of his sister receiued with ioy , and of the people with loude acclamations : and beeing now possessed of the Imperiall dignitie , the better ( as hee thought ) to secure himselfe , hauing power answerable to his will , after the barbarous custome of the Turkish tyrannie , he first caused his eight younger brothers to be beheaded , stretching his bloodie malice to all or the most part of his owne affinitie , not suffering any to liue that had beene neere or deere to his deseased brother ; so that the ●●ttie Casbin seemed to swimme in blood , and ecchoed with nothing but lamentations and mournings . His crueltie bred in the people both feare and hate , both which were much more increased when they vnderstood hee had a purpose to alter their forme of religion ( who with great adoration honour their prophet Aly ) into the Turkish superstition ; his infinite and almost incredible butcheries concerne not my proiect in hand , I therefore leaue them and returne to his sister whose name was Periaconcona , Periaconcona . who when this Tyrant was in the middest of his securities , and the sister ( as hee imagined ) in her sisterly loue and affection ; vpon a night when he was in all dissolute voluptuousnesse sporting amidst his concubines , she into whose trust and charge he had especially committed the safetie of his person , hauing confederated with Calilchan , Emirchan , Pyrymahomet , and Churchi Bassa , the most eminent men in the Empire , admitted them into the Seraglio in womans attyre , by whom with her assistant hand in the middest of his luxuries hee was strangled : an act though happily beneficiall to the common good , yet ill becomming a sister , vnlesse such an one as striued to paralel him in his vnnaturall cruelties , Turkish Histor.

Quendreda Equall with this was that of Quendreda , who after the death of Ranulphus king of Mercia , his young sonne Kenelme , a child of seuen yeares of age raigning in his stead , whose royall estate and dignitie beeing enuied by his sister , shee conspired with one Heskbertus , by whose treacherous practise the king was inticed into a thick forrest , & there murdered and priuatly buried ; his bodie long missed and not found , and the conspirators not so much as suspected : But after , as Willielm . de regib . li. 1. and de Pontificibus lib. 4. relates , a Doue brought in her bill a scroule written in English golden letters , and layde it vpon the Altar of Saint Peter , which being read by an Englishman contained these words ( by which the place where the bodie lay was discouered ) At Clent in Cowbach Kenelme Keneborne lyeth vnder Thorne , heaued by weaued , that is in plainer English , At Clent in Cowbach vnder a thorne Kenelme lyeth headlesse slaine by treason . Some say it was found by a light which streamed vp into the Ayre from the place where his bodie lay couered . His hearse being after borne towards his sepulchre , to be a second time interred , with solemne Dyrges sung by the Churchmen . Quendreda sitting then in a window with a Psalter in her hand , to see the funerall solemnely passe by , whether in skorne of the person , derision of the ceremonie , or both , The punishment of Fratricides . is not certaine , but she began to sing the Psalme of Te Deum laudamus backeward ; when instantly both her eyes dropped out of her head , with a great flux of blood which stained her booke , and it was after kept as a sacred relique in memorie of the diuine iudgement . What need I trouble you with citing antiquities how this sinne ought to be punished on earth , when we see how hatefull it is in the eyes of Heauen ; besides , to insult vpon the bodies of the dead is monstrous , and euen in things sencelesse to be punished . Ausonius remembers vs of one Achillas , who finding a dead mans skull in a place where three sundrie wayes deuided themselues , and casting to hit it with a stone , it rebounded againe from the skull and stroke himselfe on the forehead , his words be these : Abiecta in triuijs inhumati glabra iacebat Testa hominis , nudum iam cute caluicium , Fleuerant alij , fletu non motus Achillas , &c. Where three wayes parted , a mans skull was found , Bald , without haire , vnburied aboue ground : Some wept to see 't , Achillas more obdure , Snatcht vp a stone , and thinkes to hit it sure ; He did so , At the blow the stone rebounds , And in the face and eyes Achillas wounds . I wish all such whose impious hands prophane The dead mans bones , so to be stroke againe .

Of Mothers that haue slaine their Children , or Wiues their Husbands , &c.

MEdea , Parricides , &c. the daughter of Oeta king of Colchos , first slew her young brother in those Islands , which in memorie of his inhumane murther still beare his name , and are called Absyrtides ; and after , her two sonnes , Macareus and Pherelus , whom she had by Iason . Progne , the daughter of Pandion , murthered her young sonne Itis ( begot by Tereus the sonne of Mars ) in reuenge of the rape of her sister Philomele . Ino ( the daughter of Cadmus ) Melicertis , by Athamas the sonne of Aeolus . Althea the daughter of Theseus , slew her sonne Meleager , by Oeneus the sonne of Parthaon . Themisto ( the daughter of Hypseus ) Sphincius , or Plinthius , and Orchomenus , by Athamas , at the instigation of Ino , the daughter of Cadmus . Tyros ( the daughter of Salmoneus ) two sonnes , begot by Sysiphus the sonne of Aeolus , incited thereto by the Oracle of Apollo . Agaue ( the daughter of Cadmus ) Pentheus , the sonne of Echion , at the importunitie of Liber Pater . Harpalice , the daughter of Climenus , slew her owne father , because he forcibly despoyled her of her honor . Hyginus in Fabulis .

These slew their Husbands . Clitemnestra ( the daughter of Theseus ) Agamemnon , the sonne of Atreus . Hellen ( the daughter of Iupiter and Laeda ) Deiphebus , the sonne of Priam and Hecuba ; hee married her after the death of Paris . Agaue , Lycotherses in Illyria , that she might restore the kingdome to her father Cadmus . Deianira ( the daughter of Oeneus and Althea ) Hercules , the sonne of Iupiter and Alcmena , by the Treason of Nessus the Centaure● Iliona ( the daughter of Priam ) Polymnest●r , king of Th●●ce , Semyramis her husband Ninus , king of Babylon , &c. Some haue slaine their Fathers , others their Nephewes and Neeces ; all which being of one nature , may be drawne to one head : And see how these prodigious sinnes haue beene punished .

Martina . Martina , the second wife to Heraclius ( and his Neece by the brothers side ) by the helpe of Pyrrhus the Patriarch poysoned Constantinus , who succeeded in the Empire , fearing least her sonne Heraclius should not attaine to the Imperiall Purple , in regard that Constantinus left issue behind him two sonnes , Constantes and Theodosius , which he had by Gregoria , Gregoria . the daughter of Nycetas the Patritian : notwithstanding , hee was no sooner dead , but shee vsurped the Empire . Two yeeres of her Principalitie were not fully expired , when the Senate reassumed their power , and called her to the Barre ; where they censured her to haue her Tongue cut out , least by her eloquence shee might persuade the people to her assistance : her sonne Heraclius they maimed of his Nose , so to make him odious to the multitude ; and after , exiled them both into Cappadocia . Cuspinianus in vita Heraclij . A more terrible Iudgement was inflicted vpon Brunechildis , Brunechildis . whose Historie is thus related : Theodericus , king of the Frenchmen , who by this wicked womans counsaile had polluted himselfe with the bloud of his owne naturall brother , and burthened his conscience with the innocent deaths of many other noble gentlemen , as well as others of meaner ranke and qualitie ; was by her poysoned and depriued of life : for when he had made a motion to haue taken to wife his Neece , a beautifull young Ladie , and the daughter of his late slaine brother , Brunechildis with all her power and industrie opposed the Match , affirming that Contract to be meerely incestuous , which was made with the brothers daughter ; shee next persuaded him , that his son Theodebertus was not his owne , but the adulterate issue of his wife by another : at which words he was so incensed , that drawing his sword , hee would haue instantly transpierst her ; but by the assistance of such Courtiers as were then present , shee escaped his furie , and presently after plotted his death , and effected it as aforesaid . Trittenhemius de Regib . Francorum , and Robertus Gaguinus , Lib. 2. Others write , that hee was drowned in a Riuer , after hee had reigned eighteene yeeres . Auentinus affirmes , That presently after hee had slaine his brother ( entring into one of his cities ) hee was strucke with Thunder . Annal. Boiorum , Lib. 3. Punishment due to Regicides . But this inhumane Butcheresse Brunechildis ( after shee had beene the ruine of an infinite number of people , and the death of ten kings ) at length moouing an vnfortunate warre against Lotharius ( to whom shee denyed to yeeld the kingdome ) shee was taken in battaile , and by the Nobilitie and Captaines of the Armie condemned to an vnheard of punishment : She was first beaten with foure Bastoones ( before shee was brought before Lotharius ) then all her Murthers , Treasons , and Inhumanities were publikely proclaimed in the Armie ; and next , her Legges and Hands being fastened to the tayles of wild Horses , pluckt to pieces , and disseuered limbe from limbe , Anno 1618. Sigebertus Trittenhemius , Gaguinus , and Auentinus . And such bee the earthly punishments due to Patricides and Regicides . Touching Patricides , Solon ( when hee instituted his wholesome Lawes ) made no Law to punish such , as thinking it not to be possible in nature to produce such a Monster . Alex. Lib. 2. cap. 5. Romubus appointing no punishment for that inhumanitie , included Patricides vnder the name of Homicides , counting Manslaughter and Murther abhorred and impious , but the other impossible : Plutarch● in ●●amulo . Marcus Malleolus hauing s●aine his mother , was the first that was euer condemned for that fact amongst the Romans ; his Sentence was to be sowed in a Sack , together with a Cock , an Ape , and a Viper , and so cast into the Riuer Tiber : a iust infliction for such immanitie . The Macedonians punished Patricides and Traitors alike , and not onely such as perso●ally committed the fact , but all that were any way of the confederacie . Alex. ab Alex. Lib. 3. cap. 5. and all such were stoned to death . The Aegyptians stabbed them with Needles and Bodkins , wounding them in all the parts of their bodie , but not mortally ; when bleeding all ouer from a thousand small orifices , they burnt them in a pyle of Thornes : Diodor. Sical . Lib. 2. cap. 2. de rebus antiq . The Lusitanians first exiled them from their owne confines , and when they were in the next forraine ayre , ●to●ed them to death . Nero hauing slaine his mother Agrippin● by the hand of Anicetes , had such terror of mind and vnquietnesse of conscience , that in the dead of the night he would leape out of his bed horribly affrighted , and say , ( when they that attended him , demanded the cause of his disturbance ) That he heard the noyse of Trumpets , and charging of Battailes , with the groanes of slaughtered and dying men , from the place where his mother was interred . Therefore he often shifted his houses , but all in vaine , for this horror still pursued him , euen to his miserable and despairing end ; for so Xiphilinus testates , the Abbreuiator of Dion . in Nerone .

The perfidiousnesse of Husbands to their Wiues hath been thus punished . By the Law I●l●● , all such were condemned as rioted and wasted the Dowries of their wiues . The Romans did not onely hold such , impious and sacrilegious , that prophaned their Temples , and despised the Altars of the gods , but those also that were rudely robustious , and layd violent hands vpon their wiues and children ; in such a reuerent estimation they held fatherly loue and coniugall pietie . Alex. Lib. 4. cap. 8. Almaricus hauing married the sister of the French king , and vsing her most contumeliously and basely ( for no other reason , but that she was a faithfull follower of the true Religion , Punishments of vniust Diuorce . and quite renounced Arrianisme ) was by her brother Chilbertus vexed and tormented with a bloudie and intestine warre . Michael Ritius , Lib. 1. de Regib . Francorum . M. Valer. Maximus and C●i . ●anius Brut●s being Censors , remoued L. Antonius from the Senate for no other reason , but that without the aduice and counsaile of his friends he had repudiated a Virgin , to whom hee had beene before contracted . Val. Maxim . Lib. 2. cap. 4. So Tiberius Caesar discharged an eminent Roman from his Quaestorship , for diuorcing his wife the tenth day after he had beene married ; accounting him meerely void of faith , or constancie , that in a businesse so weightie , and of so great moment , in so small a time exprest himselfe variable and inconstant . Alex. Lib. 4. cap. 8. Rhodulphus Veromandorum Conies forsooke his wife , to marrie the sister of the Queene Petronilla , for which he was excommunicated by the Church of Rome ; and the Bishop Laudunensis , Bartholomaeus Noui●comensis , and Simon Peter Syluanectensis , that were assistants to the Earle Rhodulphus in that vniust Diuorce , were all suspended by the Pope . Robertus Abbas in Chronicis . The reuenge of these libidinous insolencies was most app●rant in the Emperour Andronicus , who after the death of Emanuel ( who preceded him ) caused his sonne ( the immediate heire to the Empire ) to be sowed in a Sacke and cast into the Sea . And being now securely installed in the Constantinopolitane Principalitie , besides a thousand Butcheries , Slaughters , and other insufferable Cruelties , he addicted himselfe to all luxurious intemperance , as vitiating Virgins , corrupting Matrons , contaminating himselfe with shamefull Whoredomes and Adulteries● not sparing the religious Nunneries , but forcing the Cloysters ; rauishing thence whom hee pleased to glut his greedie and insatiate lust , and when his owne desires were qualified , would deliuer them vp to be stuperated by his groomes and vassales . With whose vnbridled appetites , and insufferable madnesse ; the people being vexed and tyred , they inuited Isacius to the Empire , and besieging the Tyrant , tooke him and presented him before the Emperour elected ; who , because he had so maliciously trespassed against euerie man , deuised for him a punishment that might giue satisfaction to all : hee therefore first caused him to put off his Imperiall Robes , and to appeare no other than a priuate man , such as he had maliciously offended ; next , caused one of his eyes to be pluckt out ( the punishment deuised by Lycurgus for Adulterers ; ) hee mounted him vpon an Asse , with his face towards the tayle , which being forced to hold in his hand , and putting a Garland of Derision about his temples , commanded him to be led through all the streetes of the citie , allowing all men and women to speake against him what opprobry they pleased , without limitation , and doe him all outrages that stretched not to destroy his life . Thus was the Tyrant conducted along through an implacable multitude , entertained by the way with Clamors , Shouts , Raylings , Curses , and all manner of Contempts and Derisions , some spitting , others casting soyle and durt , the women emptying vncleanely Vessels vpon his head ; insomuch , that no disgrace or abiect vsage could be deuised , of which he was not then in some kind sensible . Whoredome punished . This done , he was carried to the common place of execution , and there like a Felon hanged vpon the gallowes . Guido Bituricensis . And this which was done to him , vndoubtedly belongs to all such shamelesse , barbarous , and brutish women , who with brasen impudence hauing abandoned all grace and goodnesse , expose themselues to the profession of all impuritie and abhominable dishonestie , making their corrupt bodies no better than Sinkes of Sinnes , and Spittles of Diseases ; not onely pleased in their owne ruines , without the destruction of others , till their Soules be euerie way as leprous as their infected Bodies : nay more , since the Maladies and Aches of the one is but momentarie , and for them the Graue is a Bed of Rest , and Death the Surgeon ; but the other are permanent and endlesse , namely , those of the Soule ; of which , Hell is the Prison , and the Deuill the Tormentor . From these greater , I now proceed to lesse ; and though not in that measure , yet in some kind punishable .

Of Loquacitie and Excesse , and how they haue beene punished .

BEcause I desire Women to entertaine nothing , either to the preiudice of themselues , or others , I could ingeniously wish , by taking away the cause to remooue the effect● and by suppressing the temptation , to cut off all occasion that might allure men to offend . Two things there are , that be great corrupters of Modestie , and prouokers to Sinne ; namely , Wanton and vnbridled Discourse , and vaine and fantasticke prodigalitie in Attyre : I will speake a little of the due reprehension belonging vnto these , ere I begin with others . If then the tongue be the Orator of the heart , and by our words our minds are specially signified , how much care ought women to haue what they speake , and with what modestie to gouerne the Organ of their thoughts , since corrupt words arise from corrupt apprehensions , and nothing but what is pure and irreprouable should proceed from a heart that is without staine and blemish . Besides , too much Loquacitie I could wish you to forbeare , with which many of your Sex hath beene vnsparingly branded . Many also haue accused you to be so open breasted , that you cannot conceale any secret committed vnto your trust . I aduise you to be counsailed by Horace , Lib. 1. Epistot . ad Saeuam .

Sed tacitus pasci si posset Corvus , haberet Plus dapis , & rixae multo minus inuidiaeque . Would the Crow eat in silence , and not prate , Much better she might seed , with much lesse hate .

It is reported of Theocritus Chius , Punishment of Loquacitie . being taken in battaile , that in the way as the souldiers conducted him , with purpose to present him before the king Antigonus , they persuaded him when hee appeared before the eyes of the Conqueror , to beare himselfe with all submisse humilitie , and no doubt but he should find the Prince royall . He rather willing to hasard his life , than lose his ieast ( notwithstanding his bonds and captiuitie ) thus answered : If I cannot be assured of safetie till I be brought before the eyes of your king Antigonus , he hauing but one eye ( for he had lost the other in battaile ) what then shall become of me ? At which words Antigonus being enraged , caused him instantly to be slaine ; who had he kept his tongue , might haue beene sent home safe and ransomelesse . Fulgos. Lib. 8. cap. 1. Plautus in Asinaria thus reprooues your verbositie : Nam multum loquaces merito habemur omnes Nec mutam profecto repertam vllam esse Hodie dicunt mulierem , illo in seculo . Great praters all we women are , they say , And full of words : there 's not amongst vs found Any that can keepe silence , but betray Our selues we must ( and seeke the whole world round . )

If then Loquacitie be so reproueable in your Sex , Punishment of Lying . how ill then would Lyes ( which women tearme Excuses ) appeare in your mouthes ? For who will beleeue the chastitie of your Liues , that finds no truth in your Lippes ? It is reported of two Beggars , who watching Epiphanius ( a zealous and charitable man ) as he came forth of his gates , to gaine of him the greater almes , the one of them fell prostrate vpon the earth , and counterfeited himselfe dead , whilest the other seemed pittiously to lament the death of his companion , desiring of Epiphanius something towards his buriall : The good man wished rest to the bodie diseased , and drawing out his Purse , gaue bountifully towards his Funerall , with these words ; Take charge of his Corse , and cease mourning my sonne , for this bodie shall not presently rise againe ; and so departed : who was no sooner gone , but the Beggar commending his fellow for so cunningly dissembling , iogges him on the elbow , and bids him rise , that they might be gone ; but he was iustly punisht for his dissimulation , for he was strucke dead by the hand of Heauen : which his fellow seeing , ran after Epiphanius with all the speed he could make , desiring him humbly to rayse his companion againe to life : to whom he answered , The Iudgements of God once past , are vnchangeable ; therefore what hath happened beare with what patience thou canst . Zozomenus , Lib. 7. cap. 26. Therefore Plantus in Mercatore thus sayth : Mihi scelus videtur me parenti proloqui mendacium . i. It appeares a heynous thing to me , to lye to my father . If Lying be so detestable , what may we thinke of Periurie ? Punishment of Puriurie . The Indians vsed to sweare by the water Sandaracines ( a floud so called , ) and who violated that Oath , was punished with death , or else they were curtailed of their Toes and Fingers . In Sardinia was a Water , in which if the Periurer washt his eyes , hee was instantly strucke blind , but the innocent departed thence purer in his fame , and more perfect in his sight . Alex. Lib. 5. cap. 10. Miraculous are those Ponds in Sicilia , Aristotle calls this Fountaine Acedinus . called Palici , neere to the riner Simethus , where Truths and Falsehoods were strangely distinguished : The Oathes of men and women being written in Tables , and cast in them , the Truths swum aboue water , and the Lyes sunke downe to the bottome . All such as forswore themselues , washing in these waters , dyed not long after , but others returned thence with more validitie and strength . The sinne of Periurie was hatefull amongst the Aegyptians , and the punishment fearefull . All Periurers had their heads cut off , as those that had two wayes offended , in their pietie towards the gods , and in their faith to men . Diodor. Sicul. Lib. 2. cap. 2. de rebus antiquis .

From instructing your Tongues , I come next to your Attyres : but hauing touched it elsewhere , I will onely speake of the iust Taxation , luxurious Habite , or prodigalitie in Apparrell hath been branded with in all ages , and reprooued in all persons , especially in such whose garments exceed their estates , which argues apparant pride ; or such as pretend to be meere Fashion-mongers , pursuing euery fantasticke and outlandish garbe , and such may iustly be reprooued of folly : but since they are both so common in our Nation , to discouer both too plainely , I should but contend against custome , and seeking to please few , offend many . There was a Law amongst the Grecians , That all such as vainely spent their patrimonie , either in riotous excesse , or prodigalitie in attyre , as well women as men were not suffered to be buried in the sepulchres of their fathers . Alex. Lib. 6. cap. 14. So hatefull was sprucenesse in habite , and effeminacie amongst the Macedonians , that Philip ( the father of Alexander ) depriued a Nobleman of Tarentum of all his Honours and Offices , because hee but delighted in warme Bathes , thus reproouing him : It seemes thou art neither acquainted with the customes nor manners of the Macedonians , amongst whom thou hast not once heard of a woman ( though great with child ) that euer washt but in cold water . I see not how that which is so reprooueable in men , can be any way commendable in women . What shall we thinke then of those affected pleasures now adayes so much in vse , as Riots , Reuels , Banquets , Pride , Surfets , Vinocitie , Voracitie : which as in men ( I meane being vsed in excesse ) they appeare odious , so in young Virgins , in whom should be nothing but affected Modestie ; in married Wiues , that ought to be presidents of Chastitie ; and temperate and graue Matrons , that should be the patternes and imitable obiects of sincere Vertue , they cannot but shew abhominable . The inconuenience of these Excesses , Silius Italicus well obserued , Lib. 15. de Bello Punici , when he thus said : — Inde aspice late Punishment of Prodigalitie and Excesse . Florentes quondam luxus quas vertitit vrbes Quippe nec Ira Deum tantum , nec tela , &c. — Thence looke abroad and see How many flourishing Cities ruin'd bee , Famous of old , since neither the Gods Rage , The hostile Weapon , nor the Enemies strage , Hath ruin'd Man in that abundant measure , As Riot hath , mixt with vnlawfull pleasure .

These are the sinnes that punish themselues , who as it is said of Lust , carrie their owne whips at their girdles . I was bold in some part of this Worke ( presuming on the goodnesse of your Sex ) as to say , There was no excellent gift in man , which was not in some sort paralleld by one woman or other . Therefore if any of you haue beene or are still addicted to these enormities , I entreat them but to remember what is writ of Themistocles , who in his youth was so wholly giuen ouer to all dissolutenesse , namely these two excesses , Wine and Women , that his father banished him his house , and his owne mother through griefe strangled her selfe . Valer. Max. Lib. 6. cap. 11 : But after Miltiades was made Generall , and fought that memorable battaile at Marathon , in which ( against infinite oddes ) hee defeated the Barbarians , there was neuer any thing seene or knowne in him , which was not modest and comely . And being demanded , how hee came so suddainely changed , Militia inquit , &c. The thought of Warre ( saith hee ) will admit neither slouth in me , nor wantonnesse : Plutarch . in Grecor . Apotheg . Would you but entertaine into your thoughts as settled an enmitie against all Vices ( your publike enemies ) as hee did against the Persians ( the forraine inuaders ) you shall vndoubtedly ( after the Battaile of the Mind , constantly fought against all barbarous temptations ) be ranked equall with him in all his triumphs . It is likewise recorded of Isaus , an Assyrian Sophist , who in his youth being giuen to all voluptuousnesse and effeminate delicacies , but comming to riper vnderstanding , assumed to himselfe a wonderous continencie of life , and austeritie in all his actions : insomuch , that a familiar friend of his seeing a beautifull young woman passe by , and asking him , If shee were not a faire one ? To him hee answered , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. Desij laborare de oculis , i. I am no more sicke of sore eyes . To another that demanded , What Fish of Fowle was most pleasant to the taste ? hee replyed , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. I haue forgot to looke after them ; and proceeded , I perceiue that I then gathered all my Fruits out of the Garden of Tantalus : insinuating vnto vs , that all those vaine Pleasures and Delights , of which Youth is so much enamored , are nothing else but shadowes and dreames , such as Tantalus is said to be fed with .

Of seuerall degrees of Inchastities , and of their Punishments .

PHilip of Macedon making warre against the Thebans , Aeropus and Damasippus , two of his cheefe captaines , had hyred a mercenarie strumpet and kept her in one of their tents ; which the king hearing , he not onely cashiered them from their commaunds , but banished them his kingdome : Polynaeus , lib. 4. In Germanie Chastitie and Modestie is held in that reuerent respect , that no meane Artificer though of the basest trade that is , will entertaine a Bastard into his seruice or teach him his science : neither in the Accademies will they permit any such to take degree in schooles ; though it be a strange seueritie against innocent children , who gaue no consent to the sinnes of their parents , yet it is a meane to curbe the liberties of men and women , deterring them from the like offences . Aeneus Siluius , lib. 1. of the sayings and deeds of king Alphonsus , tells vs of one Manes Florentinus , who being taken in forbidden congression with a strumpet , was adiudged to pennance , which was not altogether as our custome in England is , to stand in a white sheete , but naked all saue a linnen garment from his wast to his knees , after the fashion of Bases ; the Priests comming to strip him in the Vestrie , would haue put vpon him that roabe to couer his shame , which hee no way would admit , but was constantly resolued to stand ( as our phrase is ) starke naked : but when the church officers demanded of him , If he were not ashamed to shew his virile parts in such a publike assemblie ( especially where there were so many Virgins , married Wiues , and widow Women ? ) he answered , Minime gentium , nam pudenda haec quae peccauerunt , ea potissimum dare panas decet , i. By no meanes , quoth he , most fit it is that those shamefull things that haue offended and brought me to this shame , should likewise doe open penance . Pontius Offidianus , a knight of Rome , after he had found by infallable signes his daughters virginitie to be dispoyled and vitiated by Fannius Saturnius her schoole-maister , was not content to extend his iust rage vpon his seruant , and punish him with death , but hee also slew his daughter , who rather desired to celebrat her vntimely exequies , than follow her to her contaminated Nuptialls . Val. lib. 6. cap. 1. Pub. Attilius Philiscus , notwithstanding in his youth hee was compelled by his master to prostitute his owne bodye to vnnaturall lusts , for bruitish and vnthriuing gaine , yet after prooued a seuere father ; for finding his daughter to haue corrupted her virginall chastitie , hee slew her with his owne hand . How sacred ( then ) may wee imagine and conceiue puritie and temperance was held in Rome , when such as had professed base prostitution in their youth , became iudges and punishers therof euen vpon their owne children , in their age ? Val. Max. lib. 6. c. 1. Appius Claudius Regillanus , the most eminent amongst the Decemviri , so doted on Virginia the daughter of Virginius a Centurion , Virginia . who was then in the campe at Algidus , that he suborned a seruant of his to seise her & claim her as his bondwoman , and bring the cause to be decided before him : needs must the businesse passe on his side , beeing both the accuser and the iudge . The father being certified of these proceedings by Icilius a hopefull young gentleman before contracted vnto her , leauing his charge abroad , repaires to the citie and appearing before the iudgement seat , sees his owne lawfull daughter taken both from himselfe and betrothed husband , and conferred vpon another as his slaue and bondwoman . The iudgement being past , he desires leaue to speake with his daughter apart , it was granted him by the Court , who slew her with his owne hand : then taking vp her bodie and lifting it vpon his shoulders , posted with that lamentable burden to the campe , and incited the souldiers to reuenge : Liuie , Volater . lib. 14. cap. 2. Antropol . Quintus Fabius Seruilianus hauing his daughters chastitie in suspition , first deliuered her to death , and after punished himselfe with voluntarie banishment . The punishment of these inchastities is by the Poets to the life illustrated in the fable of Titius the sonne of Terra , who intending to stuperate Latona , was by Apollo slaine with an arrow , and being thrust down into Hell and chained to a rocke , his Liuer and Heart is perpetually tyred on by a rauenous Vulture , who still renewes his inceasible torments . Virgill lib. Aeneid . 6. vnder the person of Titius , would pourtray vnto vs the vnquiet conscience , which though sometimes it may be at a seeming peace , yet the torment by beeing still renewed , dayly increaseth and gnawes the heart-strings of all such persons as to themselues are guiltie .

Of Witches and the Punishment due to them .

VIncentius cites this following Historie from Guillerimus in Specul . Histor. lib. 26. Punishment of Witchcraft . cap. 26. which also Iohannes Wyerius , Ranulphus , and others , commemorats ; an English woman that dwelt at a towne called Barkley in England , being a Witch , yet not being much suspected , liued in indifferent good opinion amongst her neighbours , and beeing feasting vpon a time abroad and wonderous pleasant in companie , shee had a tame crow which she had brought vp , that would be familiar with her and sit vpon her shoulder and prate to her in the best language it could : she at this feast ( the Table being readie to be drawne ) sported with her , which spake to her more plainely than it vsed some wordes which shee better than the rest of the companie vnderstood , at which suddenly her knife dropped out of her hand , her colour changed , the blood forsooke her che●kes , and shee looked pale , readie to sinke downe , and fetching some inward suspires and grones , shee at length broke forth into this language , Woe is mee , my plow is now entred into the last furrow , for this day I shall heare of some great losse which I must forciblly suffer . The rest wondring at her sudden change from myrth to passion , next at her alteration of looke , and lastly at her mysticall language , when her words were scarce ended , but a messenger rushed hastily into the roome , and told her that her eldest sonne with all the whole familie at home were found suddenly dead : which she no sooner heard but ouercome with sorrow she fainted , and beeing recouered and conducted to her owne house she tooke her bed , and presently caused the onely two children she had liuing to be sent for , the one a Monke the other a Nunne , who presently came to visit her and know her pleasure , to whom with a pensiue and destracted heart , the teares running from her eyes , she thus speake : Alas my children behold me your mother , and commiserat my wretched and distressed estate , whose fate hath beene so maleuolent and disastrous , that I haue hetherto beene a wicked professor of diabolicall Witchraft , hauing beene a mistresse of that Art , and a great persuader to those abhominations ; now , all the refuge I haue to flie to is your religious zeale , and pietie , in this despaire , for now is the time that the Deuils will exact their due . Those that persuaded me to this mischiefe , are readie to demand their Couenant . Therefore by a mothers loue I charge you , and by your filiall dutie I coniure you , since the Sentence of many Soules perdition is irreuocable , that you will vse your best endeuour and industrie for the preseruation of my Bodie . This therefore I enioyne you , in stead of a Winding-sheet , sowe my Bodie in the skinne of a Hart , or Bucks Leather , then put me in a Coffin of Stone , which couer with Lead , and after bind it with Hoopes or Barres of Iron , to which fasten three strong Chaynes : If my Bodie thus coffin'd , lye three dayes quiet , burie me the fourth day , though I feare the Earth for my manifold Blasphemies will scarce giue entertainment to my Bodie . For the first two nights together , let there be fiftie Psalmes sung for me , and as many Masses for so many dayes ; which said , shee gaue vp her last breath . Shee dead , the brother and sister were carefull to performe the mothers last Will , and did all things accordingly . The first two nights , when the Quires of Church-men sung Psalmes about the Bodie , the Deuils with much ease broke open the Church doores , which were bolted , barr'd , lockt , and propt , and broke two of the Chaynes by which the Coffin was fastened , but the third remained stedfast . The third night , about the time when the Cocke begins to crow , the foundation of the Temple seemed to shake with the noyse of the Deuils who clamoured at the doore : one of the rest , taller in stature and more terrible in countenance than his fellowes , knocked with more violence than those which attended him , till hee had broken the doore to shiuers ; when stalking to the Coffin , he called the woman by her name aloud , and bad her arise and follow him : to whom the dead bodie answered , I cannot for these Chaynes . To whom he answered , Those shall be loosed to thy mischiefe ; when tearing them asunder as they had beene Linkes made of Rushes , hee snatched vp the Coffin , and carried it to the Church doore , where stood readie a blacke Sumpter-horse , loudly neighing , whose hoofes were diuided like Eagles tallons , vpon which he layde the bodie , hurried it away with seeming ioy , whilest all the Quirristers looked on , and so vanished : Her shrikes and eiulations were heard foure miles off . Let this one suffice for many : I come now to Temporall Punishments .

The Iudges called Areopagitae , when they deprehended a Witch , and were to deliuer her to death , if shee were with child , stayed the execution till shee were deliuered of her Infan● , because they would not punish the innocent with the delinquent : Aelian . de var. Histor. Lib. 5. The Law to punish Witches amongst the Persians , was to bring them to a place where their heads were beaten to pieces betwixt two Rockes : So suffered Gyge , the handmaid to Parisatides , the mother of Cyrus : Plutarch . in Artaxerxes . Charles the seuenth , king of France ( or the Frenchmen ) caused Prince Egidius de Raxa , Marshall of France , to be first hanged , then burnt , because hee confessed himselfe to be a Witch , and professor of Magicke ; and withall , to haue beene the death of an hundred and twentie children , and women great with child . A Witch of Auerne was burnt aliue , for killing young infants , and salting their flesh and putting them into Pyes , and baking them for publike sale : Fulgos. Lib. 9. cap. 2. Ioha●nes Bodinus , Lib. Mag. Demonomaniae 4. cap. 5. tells vs , That there is a Law sacred in France , That if any Magician , or Witch , or Soothsayer , or Mathematician , ( that shall goe beyond the true rules of Astrologie ) or expounder of Dreames , shall frequent the Court , be he neuer so great in fauour , or potent in office , he shall be immediately degraded from all his honours , and put to the racke and torture . And this Law is fitting ( saith he ) to be writ in golden characters vpon euery Court gate , because there is no greater Pest extant either to Prince or people , than this viperous brood : therefore ( aboue our Christian Princes ) hee commends the Ethnick kings . In the time of Marius , an Inchantresse ( whose name was Martha Martha . ) who pretended to fore-tell to the Roman Senat the successe of the Cimbrian warre , Tacit. was banished : Plutarch . in Mario . Claudius Caesar condemned a knight of Rome to death , Plin● Lib. 29. cap. 3. and forfeited all his goods to the people , Some say , a Serpents ●gge . because he wore about him a Cocks egge , as a Charme to dispence with Religion● and that all the causes which hee had in controuersie , should ( in despight of the Iudges ) passe of his side . Euen fellowes that were scarce of any name or opinion in the world , that were but suspected of Negromancie , were condemned to death vnder Tiberius Caesar. The Emperor Caracalla adiudged all such as but vsed inchanted hearbes to the curing of Agues and Feauers : Spartian . in Caracalla . The Scripture saith , Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to liue . Bodinus ( contrarie to Wyerius , who will scarce beleeue there be any such , accounting all those Iudges as condemne them to the Stake , or Gallowes , no better than Executioners and Hangmen ) hee shewes diuerse probable Reasons why they ought not to liue . Reason 1. The first is , Because all Witches renounce God and their Religion ; Deut. 13. now the Law of God saith , Whosoeuer shall forsake the God of Heauen , and adhere to any other , shall be stoned to death ; which punishment the Hebrewes held to be the greatest could be inflicted : 2. R. Maymon , Lib. 3. The second thing is , That hauing renounced God and their Religion , they curse , blaspheme , and prouoke the Almightie to anger . Leuit. 24. The Law saith , Whosoeuer shall blaspheme , their sinne shall remaine with them ; and whosoeuer shall take his name in vaine or in contempt , shall be punished with death . 3. The third thing is , That they plight faith , and make couenant with Deuil , adore him , and sacrifice vnto him ; as Apuleius testifies of Pamphila Larissana , a Witch of Thessalie ; as likewise a Witch in the Laodunensian suburbes , in the month of May , 1578. who blushed not to doe the like before many witnesses : Exod. 20.32 . Deut. 13.27 . Numb. 25. now the Law saith , Who that shall but incline or bow downe to Images ( which the Greekes call 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) shall be punished with death . The Hebrew word Tistaueb , and the Chaldaean Fisgud , ( which all our Latine Interpreters translate Adorare ) imports as much as to incline , or worship : now these Witches doe not onely incline vnto him , but inuoke and call vpon him . 4. A fourth thing is ( which many haue confessed ) That they haue vowed their children to the Deuill ; Leuit. 21. Deut. 18. now the Law saith , God is inflamed with reuenge against all such as shall offer their children vnto Moloch ; which Iosephus interpretes Priapus , and Philo , Satanus : but all agree , that by Moloch is signified the Deuill and malignant spirits . 5. A fifth thing is ( gathered out of their owne confessions ) That they haue sacrificed Infants not yet baptized , to the Deuill , and haue kild them by thrusting great pinnes into their heads . Sprangerus testifies , that he condemned one to the fire , who confessed , that she by such meanes had been the death of one and fortie children . A sixt thing is , 6. That they doe not only offer children in the manner of sacrifice ( against which the Holy Ghost speakes , Deut. 18. That for that sinne alone God will extirpe and root out the people ) but they vow them in the wombe . A seuenth is , 7. That they are not themselues blasphemers and Idolaters only , but they are tied by couenant with the Deuill , to allure and persuade others to the like abhominations ; Deut. 13. when the Law teacheth , That whosoeuer shall persuade another to renounce his Creator , shall be stoned to death . An eight is , 8. That they not onely call vpon the Deuill , but sweare by his name ; which is directly against the Law of God , Ierem. 5.12.9 . which forbids vs to sweare by any thing saue his owne Name . A ninth is , 9. That adulterous Incests are frequent amongst them , for which in all ages they haue been infamous , and of such detestable crimes conuicted ; so that it hath almost growne to a Prouerbe , No Magician or Witch , but was either begot and borne of the father and daughter , or the mother and sonne : which Catullus in this Distick expresseth ; Nam Magus ex Matre , & gnato gignatur oportet Si vera est Persarum impia Relligio . Intimating , that if the impious Religion of the Persians were true , Witches of necessitie should be the incestuous issue of the mother and sonne , or else è contra . A tenth , 10. They they are Homicides , and the murtherers of Infants ; which Sprangerus obserues from their owne confessions , and Baptista Porta the Neapolitan , in his booke de Magia : Next , That they kill children before their Baptisme , by which circumstances their offence is made more capitall and heinous . The eleuenth , 11. That Witches eat the flesh of Infants , and commonly drinke their blouds , in which they take much delight . To which Horace seemes to allude , when he saith : Nue pransae Lamiae vinum puerum extrahat Aluo . Nor from the stomacke of a Witch new din'd , Plucks he a yet ' liue Infant — If children be wanting , they digge humane bodies from their sepulchres , or feed vpon men that haue been executed . To which purpose Lucan writes : — Laqueum nodosque nocentes Ore suo rupit , pendentia corpora carpsit , Abrasit cruces , &c. The Felons strangling Cord she nothing feares , But with her teeth the fatall Knot she teares : The hanging bodies from the Crosse she takes , And shaues the Gallowes , of which dust she makes , &c.

Apuleius reports , That comming to Larissa in Thessaly , he was hyred for eight pieces of Gold to watch a dead body but one night , for feare the Witches ( of which in that place there is abundance ) should gnaw and deuoure the flesh of the partie deceased , euen to the very bones ; which is often found amongst them . Also , Murther by the Lawes of God and man is punishable with death : Deut. 19. besides , they that eat mans flesh , or deliuer it to be eaten , are not worthie to liue : Cornel. Lib. de Sicarijs . A twelfth is , 12. That they kill as oft by Poysons , as by Powders and Magick Spells : now the Law saith , It is worse to kill by Witchcraft than with the Sword : Lib. 1. de Malific . A thirteenth is , 13. That they are the death of Cattell ; for which , Augustanus the Magician suffred death , 1569. A fourteenth , 14. That they blast the Corne and Graine , and bring barrennesse and scarcitie , when there is a hoped plentie and abundance . A fifteenth , 15. That they haue carnall consocietie with the Deuill , as it hath beene approued by a thousand seuerall confessions . Now all that haue made any compact or couenant with the Deuill , if not of all these , yet vndoubtedly are guiltie of many , or at least some , and therefore consequently not worthy to liue . And so much for the Punishment of Witches , and other knowne malefactors : I come now to the Rewards due to the Vertuous , and first of some noble Ladies , for diuerse excellencies worthie to be remembred .

Of Tirgatao Moeotis , Camiola Turinga , and others .

TIrgatao , Tirgatao Moeotis . a beautifull and vertuous Ladie , was ioyned in marriage to Hecataeus , king of those Indians that inhabite neere vnto the Bosphor , which is an arme of the Sea , that runneth betwixt two coasts . This Hecataeus being cast out of his kingdome , Satyrus the most potent of these kings , reinstated him in his Principalitie ; but conditionally , That he would marrie his onely daughter , and make her Queene , by putting Tirgatao to death . But he ( though forced by the necessitie of the time , and present occasion ) yet louing his first wife still , would not put her to death , according to the couenant , but caused her to be shut in his most defenced Castle , there to consume the remainder of her life in perpetuall widowhood . The Ladie comforted with better hopes , & borne to fairer fortunes , deceiued the eyes of her strict keepers , and by night escaped out of prison . This being made knowne to the two kings , the sonne in law and the father , they were wonderfully perplexed with the newes of her flight , as fearing if shee arriued in her owne countrey , she might accite the people to her reuenge . They therefore pursued her with all diligence and speed , but in vaine : for hiding her selfe all the day time , and trauelling by night through pathlesse and vnfrequented places , at length she arriued amongst the Ixomatae , which was the countrey of her owne friends and kindred . But finding her father dead , she married with him that succeeded in the kingdome : by which meanes now commanding the Ixomatae , she insinuated into the breasts of the most warlike people inhabiting about Moeotis , and so leuied a braue Armie , which she her selfe conducted . She first inuaded the kingdome of Hecataeus , and infested his countrey with many bloudie incursions ; she next wasted and made spoyle of the kingdome of Satyrus , insomuch that they both were forced with all submisse entreaties , by embassadours to sue vnto her for peace ; to which she assented , hauing before as hostage of their truce , receiued Metrodorus , the sonne of Satyrus . But the two kings falsified to her their faith and honor : for Satyrus dealt with two of his subiects ( whom hee best trusted ) with whom he pretended hainous displeasure ; for which , flying and retiring themselues to her for refuge , they there attend a conuenient opportunitie , to insiderate her life . They submitting to her , her Court becomes their sanctuarie . Satyrus sends to demand the offendors : shee by her Letters entreats and mediates their peace and pardon . These attend their next occasion : the one pretends priuate conference with her , and bowing submissely to her , as she enclines her bodie to attend him , the other inuades her with his Sword ; her fortunate Belt kept the Steele from entring : Clamor is made , her seruants enter , the traytors are apprehended , and confesse all that before had passed betwixt Satyrus and them : Therefore shee commands his sonne Metrodorus ( the Hostage ) to be slaine , and the two conpirators with him ; gathers another Armie , and inuades the Bosphorean Tyrant : Shee punisheth his perfidiousnesse with Rapes , Murthers , Combustions , and all the calamities of warre , till Satyrus himselfe ( oppressed with miseries and surcharged with griefe ) expired , whom Gorgippus his sonne succeeded in the Principalitie , but not with any securitie , till he had acknowledged his Crowne as giuen to him by her , and with many costly and rich gifts compounded for his peace : Polyb. Lib. 8. This Ladie hath a merited name for an inuincible courage and a masculine spirit .

Comiola Turinga . No lesse worthie to be remembred , is Comiola Turinga ; her historie is thus reported : In that great Nauie which Peter king of Sicilie sent against Robert king of Naples , in the aid of the Lyparitanes , with other Princes and Noblemen , there was in that fleet one Roland , bastard brother to king Peter . The Sicilians being defeated by the Neapolitans , Roland ( amongst many other gentlemen ) was surprised and cast into prison . Now when the friends and kinsmen of all such captiues had beene carefull of their release , and almost all of them were ransomed thence , king Peter blaming the flouth and cowardise of his subiects the Sicilians , neglected his brother , and would entertaine no discourse that tended to his redemption . Whereupon he was put into a more close prison , no better than a Dungeon , where he was debarred the benefit of light , and shortened of his diet , where he spent his time in discontent and miserie . This extremitie of his ( with the Dukes slacknesse in his release ) comming to the eare of a beautifull young widow of Messana , who had a large Dower from her parents , and was left infinitely rich by her husband : shee pittying his distressed estate , and withall being somewhat enamored of his person , sent to him priuately by such as she best trusted , to know of him , If he would accept her as his wife , if she did instantly pay downe his ransome . The motion being made , he seemed ouer-ioyed , thanked the Heauens for their diuine assistance , and with great willingnesse accepted of the motion . They are contracted by Proxie , and shee payes readie downe two thousand ounces of Gold for his freedome . This done , and Roland comming backe to Messana , he was so farre from acknowledging the Contract , that he would not so much as see her , or confesse himselfe obliged vnto her in the smallest courtesie , who ( had it not beene for her charitable loue and pietie ) might haue languished in an vncomfortable durance all the dayes of his life . Comiola Turinga at this ingratitude much grieued ; for she had not onely payd downe so great a summe , but that which most afflicted her , was , that the fame of her marriage being all ouerspread , the Contract being denyed , and by Roland abiured , must at least redound to her perpetuall scorne , if not to the disparagement of her fame and vertue . To salue both , with what conuenience she could she was aduised to accite him into the Ecclesiasticall Court by Processe , and to plead the forenamed Contract , and ( which shee could easily doe ) prooue it by witnesse . Which the friends and kindred of Roland hearing , persuaded him ( to shun the common fame which went of his ingratitude ) to reconcile the tongues of euill speakers , and to preuent all controuersies and troubles in Law , to accept of her as one that best deserued him . With much adoe he accepts of the motion . A publike confluence of friends and kindred at an appointed day are assembled , where when the bastard expected to heare her and her friends sollicite him concerning the mariage , she in that publike conuention first ript vp her courtesies , and with what a charitable and chast purpose she had done them ; next she laid open his barbarous ingratitude , not to acknowledge them ; and lastly , his corrupt and dishonest heart , in lying to God and her , by denying a contract past in the presence of so many witnesses : therefore shee told him , shee now renounced both contract , clayme , or interest in him , accounting it a dishonor vnto her to cast her selfe away vpon one perfidious and a coward . As for marriage , she had now contracted her selfe to single chastitie , and all the wealth shee had , shee vowed to the seruice of God and his Church : and so left him with a kind of noble disdaine , being by all that saw and heard her constant resolution , as much commended for her courage , as he condemned for his mutabilitie and cowardise : Fulgos. Lib. 5. cap. 3. Honour and Reward to Fortitude . If Lucius Aemulius Regillus in a Nauall fight hauing defeated Hanniball ( then Generall for the king Antiochus ) was brought into the Temple of Apollo by the Senate ; where first hauing all his braue seruice rehearsed by the Herald , or Cryer , with how puissant a Nauie he had fought , how many of the enemies shippes hee had foundred in the Sea , and how many taken , and brought to Rome ; for which , by the consent of the Fathers , hee was graunted a Triumph : Liu. Lib. 8. de Bello Macedon . and Volater . Lib. 13. cap. 3. Anthrop . If Aurelius Alex. Emperor , for fighting against the Persians , and vanquishing the king Artaxerxes ( whom Herodian in his Historie calls Artaxaces ) for this Act alone ( after a large and learned Encomiastick Oration , made of the excellencie of his Valour ) had likewise a publike Triumph allowed him by the Senate : Volater . Lib. 23. If Leocritus the Athenian , and sonne of Protarchus ( being but a priuate souldier vnder the Generall Olimpiodorus ) at the assault of Pyraeum ( then guarded and defenced by Demetrius , the sonne of Antigonus ) because hee was the first that mounted and broke into the Rampier , then called Musaeum , in entring which , hee was slaine ; yet for this onely braue Act of Resolution had all Militarie Honours done to his Bodie , his Shield with his name engrauen thereon , with his valiant Enterprise inscribed , as a thing sacred to perpetuall memorie , and dedicated to Iupiter the Deliuerer : Pauson . Lib. 1. What prayse , what admiration , and condigne Honours may this magnanimous Queene Tyrgatao Meotis clayme , who not in one , but many battailes , opposed two potent and puissant kings ; whose martiall valour righted her owne iniuries in person , met them , braued them , and beat them in field , and after many victorious defeats vassalled their insolent pride , and subiected them to her owne Heroicall mercie ? If amongst the Romans , he that in battaile had saued but the life of one citisen , and bestrid him in battaile , and in the same conflict had slaine an enemie , was honoured with a Ciuicke Crowne and Garland ; to which , the Golden Honours , the Murall , and those Wreathes of Dignitie that either belonged to the Campe or the Pulpit , gaue place : which as hee was tyed perpetually to weare , so all the people were enioyned to giue him way , and doe him honour ; insomuch , that if hee came late to be a spectator of the Sports in the Theatre , at his first appearance in the * * Orchestra , a place in the Theatre onely for the Nobilitie . Orchestra , all the Princes and Senators arose , from the highest to the lowest , and offered him place : How shall we celebrate the euer to be admired magnanimitie of the Amazons , Marpesia , Lampedo , Orythea , Antiope , Penthesilea , and others of that masculine Vertue and courage ? The Archduke Agamemnon , because Aiax had but fought with Hector ( though not vanquisht him ) caused an Oxe to be sacrificed vnto him , rewarding him with the hinder Loynes and the Hornes : Homer . Lib. 7. Iliad . & 10. What Immolations then deserued Menalippe , for combatting Hercules ; or Hippolite , who hand to hand encountred Theseùs ? The same Generall presented Achilles for his valour , because he slew Hector ( though , as some write , with the oddes of base aduantage ) with seuen three-footed Pots of Brasse , twentie Cauldrons , ten Talents of Gold , twelue Steeds , and seauen beautifull Lesbian Damosels : Idem . How would he haue guerdoned the magnanimitie of Te●c● , the wife of Argo● , and Queene of Illyria , who not onely led valiant men in person to the field , but opposed the Roman Legions in all their might and flourishing time of their Empire , obtaining from them many glorious Victories ? The ordinarie souldiers in Rome ( euen for priuate and common seruices ) were guerdoned some with Obsidionall , Nauall , and Ciuicke Garlands ; others , with Lances headed with Gold ; some with Iuorie Chayres ; others with Staues of Iuorie ; figured Gownes , called Vestes Palmatae , which were wrought or embroidered all ouer with Palme trees ( such Conquerors vsed in Warre , and Consuls in the time of Peace : ) blew Ensignes , for Sea-conquest ; golden Chaynes , double Corne , double stipendarie Wages , or Pay ; and sometimes , with the dignitie of ciuile Magistracie and Office . Others were presented with Rings , Bracelets , Flags or Pendants , Coats of Mayle , and golden Vessels : some were allowed Ouations , others Triumphs , with Laudations , Acclamations , Gratulations , &c. If these things were allowed to men , onely borne for action , What Celebrations , Dignities , Prayses , and Encomi●●s , what rich Chaynes of Pearles , and Carkanets of Diamonds , nay Crownes embellished with Carbuncles , what Pictures , Statues , Sepulchers , and Monuments to eternize their memorie ( if it were possible ) beyond all posteritie ) merits Hypsicratea , the wife of Mithridates ; Artemisia , of Manso●●s ; Tomyris , Queene of the Scythians ; Zenobia , of the Palmirians ; Amalasumh● , of the Gothes , who haue changed their soft effeminacies into noble Virilitie , and their feminine weakenesse into masculine Valour ; in which by following , they haue got the start , and by imitating , excelled . I now proceed to the honor due to Modestie and Temperance , lately expressed in Comiola Turinga .

Honor due to Temperance . Otho the fourth , Emperour , being in Florence , and amongst many other beautifull young Damosels ( then in the flower of their age ) casting his eye vpon one Galdrata Bertha , Galdrata Bertha . daughter to a Florentine citizen , whose name was Bellincionus , he spake liberally of her beautie in the presence of her father ; insomuch , that his words sauored of great loue and affection towards the Virgin : which apprehended by Billincionus , he told the Emperour , That if his fancie were that way addicted ( and in the presence of the Damosell ) that hee might freely kisse and embrace her at his will and pleasure : To whom shee instantly replyed vpon his words ( first desiring the Emperours pardon ) That shee had made a Vow , that shee would neuer kisse any man , saue him whom shee assuredly knew should futurely be her husband . Which answer the modest Prince tooke in such good part , as that he purposed her vertue should not passe without reward : who asking , If shee were yet contracted to any● and shee answering , No ; Then ( saith the Emperour ) giu● me leaue to prouide thee of a husband : when calling to him one Gu●●o Germanus , a noble young gentleman , and one in his especiall fauour , to him hee presently contracted her ( a man , as hee was approued in Armes and Vertue , so hee was eminent in his Stocke and Familie , being nobly descended ) and gaue her for her Dower all that large Valley which lyes beneath the Hill Casentinus , in the fields that are called Aretini Agri , and made it an Earledome , which Tide he bestowed on him . And from them two proceeded the famous . Familie of the Earles G●●don● , whose eminence endured many hereditarie successions : Fulgos. Lib. 6. cap. 1. I could samplifie the Reward due to Temperance , and illustrate it with as many modest and chast women , before remembred , as I haue Magnanimitie in the Heroike Queenes and Warlike Ladies : But to auoid prolixitie ( which I labour to sh●● ) let this one suffice for many .

The reward due to Fertilitie , or many Children , with such as haue restored their decayed Families .

THere was a law amongst the Spartans , that whosoeuer had three sonnes that familie should be quit from watching and warding and such common seruice ; but he that had stored the common weale with fiue , hee claimed immunitie in all publique offices , Aelian . lib. 6. de Var. Histor. Amongst the Persians those that had the most numerous offspring , were capable of the most honours , to whome the king yearely sent rich presents , Herodot . lib. 1. Regina . What merited honours then deserued Regina the daughter of M●scinus Scalliger and Thadaea Garroriensis , who beeing married to Prince Bernobonus Viscount of Mediolanum , had by him foure sonnes and twelue daughters : The first and eldest was married to Peter king of Cyprus ; the second o Lewis Dolphin and first borne sonne to the French king ; the third to the Duke of Bauaria ; the fourth to the Duke of Austria ; the fifth to Vicount Gallen●ius , the sixth to Leopoldus of Austria , grandfather to Frederick the third Emperour ; the seuenth to another Duke of Bauaria ; the eighth to Frederick king of Sicilia ; the ninth to Frederick Gonzage ; the tenth to Duke Ernestus Monachus ; the eleuenth to Frederick his younger brother , the twelfth and last to the Earle of Kent , eldest sonne to the king of great Brittaine , from whose generous offspring most of the royallest houses of Christendome ( such as still flourish in their pristine honours ) claime their descent , so that this fruitfull queene may bee called a Cibele or mother of the gods , Bernardus Scardeonus lib. 3. Histor. Pat. Plinie confers great felicitie vpon a Lacedemonian Ladie called Lampedo , Lampedo . because she was the daughter of a king , the wife of a king , and mother to a king ; when a certaine rich Ladie of Ionia came to Lacena , and with great boasting and pride shewed her , her pretious iewells and rich garments , shee pointed to her foure faire children whom shee had liberally and vertuously educated , and sayd , These are treasures onely in which modest and discreet women ought to glorie . Plutarch in Apotheg . Luconic . Eumele . Eumele the wife to Basilius Helenopontamos of Pontabus ( as Nazianzenus testifies ) had by him fiue sonnes of which three at one time were learned bishops and stour champions for the Gospell , namely , Gregorius Nissenus , Basilius Magnus Caesariensis , and Petrus Sebasta , then I blame nor Epaminondas , who in all his noble exployts and prosperous successes in warre , was often heard to say , That nothing was so pleasing and delightfull to him , as that both his parents were yet aliue to participate with him in his honours : hee in the great battaile called Lenctricum , had a glorious victorie ouer the Lacedemonians , Plutarch in Grec . Apotheg . So Basilius Magnus Bishop of Cesaria , gloried of nothing so much ( with dayly thankes to God ) as that hee was borne of Christian parents , namely Helenopo●tanus his father and schoole maister , and Enmele Capadoce his mother , and that hee was nourced by Macrina , Macrina . who had beene a zealous and frequent auditor of Gregory Naeocae Soriensis , his grandfather in that bloodie persecution , vnder the Emperour Maximinus , with his kinsmen and familie retyred himselfe into a Caue in a moate , where with bread onely hee miraculously fed himselfe and the rest for the space of seuen yeares , and after for the Faith of the Gospell suffered a blessed and glorious Martyrdom , Licosck , in Theat. Human. Vitae . Saint Hierom commends Paula the religious Roman matron for her nobilitie of byrth , as being begot by Rogatas a Gretian , who deriued himselfe from Agamemnon king of Mecene , and royall Generall of those famous expeditious against Troy , and borne of Blesilla Romana , Blesilla . of the antient familie of the Scipioes and the Gracchi , and was married vnto Toxilius , illustrous in his blood , as claiming his descent from Aeneas and the Iulian pedegree : but nobility of byrth not being our owne but our ancestors , it is not my purpose to insist of it any further . It followes that I should speake something of such as haue beene the restorers of antient and decayde Families , euen when they were at the last gaspe and readie to perish and be as it were swept from the face of the Earth .

Vital is Michael duke of Venice returning with his weather-beaten Nauie out of Greece , where almost for the space of two yeares together without cessation he had opposed Prince Emanuel Constantinopolitanus , beeing so exhausted , that scarce Commanders , Marreners , or any nauall protection sufficiently accommodated was left to bring backe his fleete ; whether by a pestilentiall mortallitie , or that Prince Manuell had poysoned the Springs and Fountaines , where the Venetian souldiers furnished themselues with fresh water is not certaine , but most sure it is , besides many other disasters and discommodities , that which hee held to be the greatest , was , that there was not any of male issue of the Iustinian Familie left aliue , but all of them in that infortunate expedition perished to one man , not any of that noble stocke suruiuing , by whom the memorie thereof might bee restored to posteritie : This the Duke Michaell often pondering with himselfe in great sadnesse and sorrow , at length he bethought him of one Nicholaus , a young man , who had deuoted himselfe to a sequestred and religious life , and was of the order of the Benedictan Fryers ; he had besides , one onely daughter whose name was Anna , Anna Veneta . her he had a great desire to conferre vpon Nicholaus , so he could any way admit a dispensation from Alexander then Pope : therefore to that purpose hee earnestly petitioned him , and made great friends to sollicite him in that behalfe , who willing to repaire the ruines of so noble a familie now altogether spent and wasted , gaue approbation touching the marriage , which was accordingly publikely and with great pompe solemnised . These two , now the onely hopes of that future posteritie , had faire and fortunate issue , males and females , who were no sooner growne to any perfection and disposed of to liberall and vertuous education , but ( which is remarkable in two so yong ) they conferd together to this purpose , that since Heauen had blessed them with that for which marriage was ordained , and the purpose for which the dispensation was granted ( namely issue , and to reuiue a dying familie ) that they would with an vnanimous consent , againe enter into religious vowes and orders , This motion was betwixt them resolued , and hauing nobly disposed of their children , hee tooke vpon him holy orders , and retyred himselfe to the monasterie of Saint Nicholas ; his wife Anna erected a Nunnerie not far from Torcellus , which shee made sacred to Saint Adrian , how great and almost miraculous was their abstinence and Pietie , that abandoning all worldly pleasures and delights , when they flowed about them in all aboundance , euen then vowed themselues to solitude and heauenly meditations , in which profession they both in a faire and full age deseased , Egnat , lib. 4. cap. 3. and Marullus in Vita Vitalis . Not much different from this is that which wee reade of Pharon Meliensis a noble Prelat , who with his wife after some yeares of affectionate consocietie passed betwixt them , made by a vnited consent a strict vow of future chastitie ; shee betooke her selfe to a Nunnerie , hee to a Monasterie : but after seuen sollitarie winters passed , hee was still troubled in his thoughts , for often calling to remembrance the beautie of his wife , he repented himselfe of his former vow , and often sollicited her for a priuat meeting , which shee still denying , and he more and more importuning , at length shee yeelded to giue him visitation ; but the prudent and chast Ladie had her face couered , her eyes deiected , and presented herselfe in a base and sordid garment , where with her intreaties mixt with teares , she so farre preuailed with him that without breach of their promise made to Heauen they tooke their lasting leaue , he still remaining in his Couent , and shee repairing to her Cloyster , Marul . lib. 4. cap. 7. Volateran . writes of Petrus Vrseolus duke of Venice , who after he had one sonne by his wife , by their vnanimous consent , they vowed perpetuall abstinence from all venerall actions . So likewise Aloysius de Caballis a noble Venecian with his wife ( a Ladie deriued from the blood of the Patritians ) these two agreed together neuer to haue carnall congression but onely for issue sake , neither would they suffer any motion , temptation , or any word , looke , or gesture that might tend to the least prouocation , in so much that ( if we may beleeue report ) the verie linnen which they wore next them , was so interwoauen and disposed about them , that when they lay together , with great difficultie one might touch the others naked bodie , Egnat . lib. 4. cap. 3. Now what meede these deserue I am not able to iudge , I leaue it to his wisedome who is the rewarder of all goodnesse and is the searcher of the hearts and reines , and knowes who are Hippocrites , who true prosessors , who pretend deuotion meerely for deuotion sake , and who professe it for sincere zeale and religious pietie .

Of Beautie and the reward thereof .

TO the great & solemne marriage betwixt Peleus ( the father of Achilles ) and Thetis , Higinus lib. 1. Fab. all the gods and goddesses weae inuited , sauing Eris , i. Discord , who taking it ill , that she alone of the immortall deities , should either bee forgotten or neglected in that high and solemne conuention , and was not admitted to the banquet : shee casts in amongst them a golden Ball or Apple with this inscription , Detur pulcherrimae , i. Let this be giuen to the fairest . This was no sooner done , but vp start the then most potent goddesses euerie one assumming to themselues the excellencie of Beautie , in so much that snatching at the Ball , it had almost come to blowes , till Iupiter was by them intreated to end the controuersie . But knowing how it would offend his wife to bestow it vpon either of his daughters , and againe , if on the one , hee must of force distast the other ; hee therefore rather than to sentence partially , willing to bee no iudge at all , commanded Mercurie to conduct them to the mount Ida , and there this dissention to bee ended by Paris the sonne of Priam , who then was a Neateheard and kept cattell in the mountaines . These suddenly appearing before him , and the young man abashed , Mercurie cheered him vp , told his message from Iupiter , and withall deliuered him the golden prise to bee disposed of at his pleasure , to whome the bashfull Neateheard thus answered , How can I ( ô Mercurie ) that am but a mortall man and brought vp in all rusticie bee a iust and equall censurer of such diuine Beauties , such causes ought to bee decided by those that haue bin trained vp in the vrbanitie of walled townes or the delicacies of Courts , to both which euen from my infancie I haue beene an alien and meere stranger , I ( alas ) haue onely iudgement to distinguish this shee-goat from that , and which heighfer or the other is the fairer ; but for these coelestiall beauties , in my eyes they are all infinitely absolute and alike equall , in so much that I looke not vpon one but my sight dwells vpon her ; and if I transferre mine eyes vpon a second , though I be refresht yet I am not benefited ; and if vpon a third , I am cloyed with varietie , not dispariging any , but still applauding the present : if I cast mine eye vpon her , she is fairest ; if vpon , her , she appeares no lesse ; if on the last , she equalls both the other ; and stil that which is neerest seemes the best , as if succession bred excellencie . And now I could wish my selfe like Argus , to bee eyes all ouer , that the pleasure which I receiue from two , might by taking these miraculous obiects from an hundred , at once bee multiplied vnto me according to the number , to make my now sacietie a surfeit . Besides , the one is Iuno the wife and sister of Iupiter , the other are Minerua and Venus his two daughters , so that of necesssitie in gaining one vncertaine friend , I shall purchase two most constant enemies ; therefore ( sayth he ) I intreat you ( ô Mercurie ) so farre to mediate for me to these goddesses , that since but one can conquer , the two vanquished will not bee offended with me , but rather to impute my errour ( if any be ) to the weakenesse of my humane sight , than to any premeditated and pretended spleene or malice . To which euerie one ( trusting to their own perfections ) willingly assented ; when Paris thus proceeded . Only one thing I desire to know , whether it be sufficient for me being a iudge to censure of these features as they are apparelled , or more accuratly to prie into euerie linement of their bodies , it be behoouefull for mee to see them naked . To whom Mercurie replyde , You being iudge , and they now standing at the barre of your censure , haue power to commaund them at your pleasure : then ( sayth Paris ) for my better satisfaction I desire to see them naked . Mercurie then sayd , Strippe your selues to your skinnes , ô you goddesses , for it behooues him to see , that iudges : for mine owne part I am neither one that sits vpon the bench to censure , nor stand at the barre for witnesse , therfore whilest you show all , I will see nothing , but turne my face and looke another way . At this Iuno first began , T is right , ô Paris , and see ( as most presuming ) I first vnlace my selfe , and behold these are small and slender fingers , blew vayned wrists , white armes , and faire and delicat shoulders , looke vpon my round yourie brests , proportioned wast , smooth and soft skinne ; nor doe I onely boast the splendor of my amiable face , and cleere and p●esent eyes , for the lower thou lookest thou wilt the more commend my feature , for know I am queene and goddesse of marriage , totally , equally , and vniformely faire all ouer . This sayd , Paris bad Venus expose herselfe to his free view , to which Minerua replyde , Not , ô Paris , before shee haue vnloosed and cast aside that golden and embossed gyrdle ; for she is a Witch , & it is not fit that thou beiug aiudge shouldst be effacinated by her , neither ought shee to haue come to this place so neately accommodated , nor so painted and plastered with colours , temptations rather beseeming a strumpet than a goddesse , when in the deciding of so weightie a contention it is fitting that all our lineaments should bee exposed without addition , simplie and of themselues . To whom Venus replyde , If I be compelled to put off my virginall gyrdle , that which all young married men vse to vnloose from the wasts of their fresh and flourishing brides , before they can enter into the new Elisium , and of virgins make them women ; why doest not thou then Minerua lay by thy helmet , by which ( it may bee ) thou hopest to seeme terrible to the iudge , and so awe him to thy will : thou oughtest to shew thy head and forehead bare as mine is , but perhaps thou thinkest with thy broad and threatening burgonet , to shaddow thy faint and blew eyes , which to thy pretended beautie will appeare no small or ordinarie blemish . Then satih Minerua , There lyes my helmet ; & Venus , And there my gyrdle ; and so they presented themselues before him all three , naked : at which sight Paris beeing extaside , broke foorth into this acclamation , Oh Iupiter , thou monster-maker , and tamer , what spectacle is this ? what pleasure ? what delight ? what pulchritude ? what beautie is this in her ? what regall state and maiestie ? In the second , what affright ? what terrour ? yet withall , what amiablenesse in honour ? and what sweetnesse in victorie ? In the third , what tempting lookes and alluring smiles ? what inticing effeminacies and bewitching blandishments , able to melt yron and soften marble ? ô who shall then be vanquished , when euerie one is wotthie to ouercome ? I haue enough of felicitie , for I swim in a vast and boundlesse ocean of rapture , and surfeit in a riot of superaboundant delacies . When no longer able to conteine himselfe from satiating his heigthned appetite with one of them at least ( or had it been possible , with all ) he desired that they would singly appeare vnto him , as not knowing how iustly to determine , when his two eyes were distracted three wayes at once . It was then ordered by Mercurie , that Minerua and Venus should depart for the present , and Iuno haue the first hearing , who thus began . Thou hast beheld me ( ô Paris ) from the crowne to the heele , neither in all my bodie canst thou find the least blemish , then iudge me the fairest ; Scepters , Crownes , & Kingdomes , Potentates , Empires and Dominions are in my gift : I will first make thee Emperor of all Asia , of which thy father hath but a nooke or corner ; and if that satisfie not thy ambition , Lord and Ruler of the world . Who told her , he would consider of what she had sayd , but till he had heard all he could not determine of any thing , and so dismissed her ( assured of the prise , for selfe loue is euer confident . ) Minerua next appeared , and thus accosted him : ô thou faire Phrigian swaine , doe mee this honour , in all Tumults , Conflicts , and Combustions thou shalt euer returne victorious and neuer vanquished , thy brother Hector thou shalt excell in fame , and thy father Priam in honour , in all Combats thou shalt ouercome , and in all battails triumph ; of a Shepheard I will make thee a souldier , and to command more armies than thou keepest heards . Farther shee was proceeding , when he interrupted her thus ; I haue no neede ( Minerua ) of martiall discipline or militarie prowesse : Asia is in peace , Phrigia & Lydia without disturbance , my fathers Empire fearelesse of hostilitie , nor doe I despise your great and godlike offers , nor would I haue you to despaire , but you may now put on your helmet , for I haue sufficiently beheld you all ouer . She departed , and smiling Venus lastly presented herselfe with an a morous looke & moouing affabilitie , thus saying , Behold me Paris , looke on me consideratly , and view me in all and euerie part exactly , let not thine eyes wander loosely but stedfastly dwell and insist vpon euerie lineament with iudgement . This Face , these Eyes , this Necke , these Armes ( and spread them wide , in which hee could not chuse but wish himselfe lockt ) these Paps , this Wombe , this &c. and what thy eyes see not , let thy thoughts feelingly apprehend . Hast thou not perused me ynough ? yet consider mee further ; what are kingdomes but cares ? or thrones but troubles ? what are battailes but bloodsheds ? or victories but triumphs ouer slaughter ? To loue and be beloued is content , and that conteines a kingdome in it selfe ; to war and here to vanquish , combat and thus to come off , is honour without harme , and conquest without crueltie ; nor is this feature on which thy eyes dwell with such admiration , the guerdon proposed thee for my victorie : but a Face fairer , Eyes brighter , Hands whiter , Flesh softer , Skinne purer , Hayre more imitating gold , and Lippes more liuely resembling rubies . Thinke on such kisses Paris , Hellens , Hellens of Sparta , she is the daughter of Leda , whom Iupiter in the shape of a Swanne deflowred ; white therfore she must needes bee , and tender , as hatched by so beautifull a byrd . This is that Hellen whom Theseus thought worthie of a rape , and royall Menelaus of the Pelopidan familie , his Hymenaean contract : if thou fearest and doubtest to attaine to this superaboundance of happinesse , loe I haue two children , Amabilitie and Loue , these I will deliuer vnto thee , who shall be captaines of thy Voyage , vnder thee their generall , Cupid my eldest shall inflame her , & Amabilitie shall make thee gratious and amiable in her eyes ; I will more ouer intreate the Graces to be companions with thee in thy iourney . These words were so sweetly deliuered by her , and so inflamedly apprehended by him , that by giuing the golden apple to her , she had the glorie to be esteemed the fairest and worthiest . Now what greater reward for Beautie than to be preferred before Wisedome and Potencie : Reward of Beautie . Therefore Iohannes Sambucus Tyrnabiensis , in his argument to Lucians twentith Dialogue inscribed Deorum Iuditium thus writes : Matris Acidaliae iuvenis deceptus amore Non curat reliquas , ( Caecus ) habere Deas Pallade quidmelius Iunone potentius ipsa , Preferimus Cipridos munera pruna tamen . The Phrigian youth with Venus loue surpris'd , Tooke of the other goddesses no care : Pallas , and potent Iuno , he despis'd , Leauing the good , and great , to chuse the faire .

The Beautie of a woman is especially seene in the face , by which we may coniecture the excellencie of the other hidden lineaments of the bodie ; and therein is many times the pulchritude of the minde illustrated , as in the bashfull eye , modest looke , and shamefaced countenance , therefore doth the face deseruedly challenge the first seat of Beautie , the Head being the noblest part of the bodie , the Will , the Mind , the Memorie , the Vnderstanding haue their place & residence , where they exersise their diuerse effects and quallities , therefore though they bee in the other parts of the body excellently featured , though they be Wise , Learned , irreproouable in Life and conuersation , vnblemished in their reputation , and euerie way laudable , yet the Face is the first thing contemplated ; as noble aboue the rest , and from which all other excellencies are approoued ; for when all the rest are masked and hidden , that onely is continually visible , and layde open : and that may be the reason why most women that are not borne faire , attempt with artificiall beautie to seeme faire : Beautie therefore being a Dower of it selfe , is a Reward in it selfe .

Of Bountie , Charitie , Pietie , and other Vertues in Women , with their Rewards .

ONe Berta , Berta . a Countrey maid , of the Village of Montaguum , in * * The Prouince belonging to Padua . Patauia , who hauing spunne an exquisite fine thread , which was so curiously twisted , that it was not to be matched by the hands of any : and offering it in the cittie to publike sale , when none would reach to the price at which shee valued her paine and skill , shee thinking it a gift worthie an Empresse , presented it to Bertha , the wife of Henry the fourth , Emperour , who at that time soiourned in Patauia . Shee both admiring the excellencie of the Worke , and willing with her royall bountie to encourage the plaine Wench that wrought it , commanded her steward to take the Yearne , and goe with the maid to Montaguum , and out of the best soyle there , to measure so many acres of ground as that thread ( stretched out in length ) would compasse : by which her royall bountie , poore Berta grew suddainely rich , and from a Dowerlesse Virgin became a Match enquired after by the best men of the Countrey : insomuch , that from her flowed the illustrious Patritian Familie in Padua , which deriue themselues from Montaguum . This the women of neighbour Villages seeing , they all began to striue to equall ( if not exceed ) Berta , at their Wheeles and Spindles , and hoping of the like reward , troubled and oppressed the Empresse with multiplicitie of presents ; who causing them all to appeare before her at once , shee thus spake to them : If not in Art , yet Berta was before you in time ; I thanke your loue , and commend your skill , but shee hath preuented you of the blessing . Which saying of hers is still remembred as a Prouerbe in all that Countrey : for when any thing is done vnseasonably , or not in due time , they say , Mon e pui quel tempo , che Berta filaua , i. You come not in the time when Berta spunne : or as our English Prouerbe is , You come a day after the Faire . Bernard . Scardeonus , Lib. 3. Histor. Patau . In which , the Empresse expressed great wisedome ; who as shee shewed a rare bountie ( in which men and women come neerest the Gods , who are the free giuers of all good things ) so shee knew how to dispose it ; namely , to he● that came to tender her loue : not such as auariciously presented their Offerings meerely for lucre and benefit , for such come but like faire weather after Haruest . Bountie rewarded . And how could the Empresses Vertue bee better rewarded , than to haue her Bountie outlast her Death , and her Wisedome suruiue her Dust ?

Touching Charitie , Bruson . Lib. 2. cap. 21. relates , That a poore begger desiring an almes of Lacon , hee thus answered him● If I giue thee any thing● I make thee a greater begger , and tho●● mayest curse him that first gaue thee , for it was hee that made thee one . Amongst the Lacedemonians● nothing was more shamefull than to begge , being an industrious Nation , hating slouth , and contenting themselues with little . Notwithstanding , Charitie is commendable in all , and reckoned amongst the best Theologicall Vertues : neyther is it any fault in such , if their goodnesse and bountie be not a meanes to encourage idlenesse and slouth in bad people , who make a pretence of want and penurie : therefore commendable it is in any man that is apt to giue , to know vpon whom hee doth bestow . King Archelaus being at a banquet , where such as hee vouchsafed to set at his Table , were wonderous pleasant about him ; amongst others , one that had great familiaritie with him , demanunded as a gift , a great standing bole which the king had then in his hand : which hee had no sooner spoken , but the king called to one that waited at his elbow , to whom hee sayd , Hold , take this bole and beare it to the Poet Euripides , and tell him I bestow it on him as my free gift . The other demanding the reason thereof , Archelaus answered , Thou indeede art onely worthie to aske , but not receiue , but Euripides is worthie to receiue without asking . In which hee nothing abated of his kingly bountie , onely hee apprehended how most worthily to dispose it : Plutarch . in Regum Apotheg . But how this Charitie in women is rewarded , I will onely instance Tabitha , spoken of in the Acts ; who beeing dead , Charitie rewarded . was thought worthie for her former Charitie ( in relieuing Widowes and Orphants ) to haue Peters knees and prayers , to restore her againe to life .

Now of the reward of religious Pietie , in which many Matrons and godly martyred Virgins ( amongst such as haue suffered strange deaths ) may be included , as some by the Sword , some by Fire , others suffocated by Smoake , stifled in Iakes , shot with Arrowes , tortured vpon Wheeles , scourged with Whips , seared with Irons , boyled in Caldrons , &c. their Crownes are glorie , their Rewards neither to bee expressed by penne , tongue , or apprehension of man .

Loosenesse of life first conuerted , and the conuersion rewarded , in a home-bred Historie .

A Conuertite rewarded . A Ciuile gentleman ( within memorie ) in the heat of Summer hauing beene walking alone in the fields , contemplating with himselfe , and returning backe not the same way hee went out , but through another part of the Suburbes , to which hee was a meere stranger , and finding himselfe extreamely athirst , hee stepped into the first house that fairelyest offered it selfe to him , and called for a Cup of Beere , seating himselfe in the first Roome next to the street . He had not well wiped the sweat from his face with his Handkerchiefe , but two or three young Wenches came skittishly in and out the Roome ; who seeing him a man of fashion , and therefore likely to be of meanes , they thought to make of him some bootie , being ( it seemes ) set on by the Grandam of the house , for as it prooued , it was a common Brothelhouse . The youngest and handsomest amongst the rest was put vpon him : who entreated him , not to be seene below , where euerie Porter , C●●●an , and common fellow came to drinke , but to take a more conuenient ●nd retyred Roome . The gentleman suspecting the place ( as it was indeed ) to be no better than it should be , and being willing to see some fashions , tooke her gentle proffer , and went with her vp the stayres : where they two being alone ( and a Bed in the Roome ) Beere being brought vp , shee began to offer him more than common courtesie , being so farre from modestie , that shee almost prostituted her selfe vnto him . Which hee apprehending , asked her in plaine tearmes , If these were not meere prouocations to incite him to Lust ? which shee as plainely confessed . To whom he replyed , That since it was so , he was most willing to accept of her kind proffer ; onely for modestie sake , hee desired her to shew him into a darker roome . To which she assented , and leads him from one place to another ; but hee still told her , that none of all these was darke enough : insomuch , that shee began at length somewhat to distaste him , because in all that time hee had not made vnto her any friendly proffer . At length shee brought him into a close narrow roome , with nothing but a Loope-hole for Light , and told him , Sir , vnlesse you purpose to goe into the Coale-house , this is the darkest place in the house : How doth this please you ? To whom he answered , Vnlesse ( thou strumpet ) thou canst bring me to a place so palpably tenebrious , into which the eyes of Heauen cannot pierce and see me , thou canst not persuade me to an act so detestable before God and good men : For cannot he that sees into the hearts and reines of all , behold vs here in our wickednesse ? And further proceeding , told her the heynousnesse of her sinne towards God , that her prostitution was in sight of him and his Angels , and the euerlasting punishment thereto belonging . Or if ( irreligious as shee was ) shee held these but Dreames and Fables , hee bad her consider her estate in this world , and what her best could be ; a Whore : the name odious , the profession abhominable ; despised of the indifferent , but quite abandoned of those confirmed in Vertue : That shee was in her selfe but a meere Leprosie , to destroy her selfe , and infect others , a Sinke of Sinne and Diseases . Or if her extraordinarie good fortune were such , to escape the Spittle and the Surgeon , yet shee was a continuall vasall to euerie Constable and Beadle , neuer certaine of her Lodging , if not in the Stocks , in the Cage , but the chiefest of her hopes in Bridewell , &c. To conclude , hee read vnto her so strict and austere a Lecture , concerning her base and debosht life , that from an impudent Strumpet , hee wrought her to be a repentant Conuertite . Her Brasen forhead melted at his fierie zeale , and all those skales of Immodestie ( like a Maske plucked off ) fell from her face , and shee appeared to him in her former simple and innocentious life . When further questioning with her of her birth and countrey , shee freely confessed vnto him , That shee was borne in the North countrey , her father a gentleman , once of faire Reuenue ; but being impouerished by peeuish Suites in Law , her mother first , and hee ( whether by age , or griefe , shee knew not ) soone after died . Shee being an Orphant , and left distressed , loth to begge of those whom her Parents had before relieued , finding charitie there cold , and willing rather to appeare base any where , than where shee was knowne , sold such small things as shee had , to come vp to London with the Carriers : where shee was no sooner allighted at her Inne , but shee was hyred by this Bawd ( altogether vnacquainted with her base course of life ) who by degrees trayned her to such base prostitution : but withall protested with teares , that course of life was hatefull vnto her ; and had shee any friend , or kinsman , tha● could propose her any meanes to relinquish that Trade , which in her soule she detested , she would become a new woman , desiring that one moneth of her leaudnesse might be forgot , for from that houre shee protested Chastitie all her life time after . Her apparant teares and seeming penitence much perswading with the gentleman , he protested , If it lay in him , he would otherwise dispose of her according to her wishes ; and withall charging her , That if hee sent vnto her within two or three dayes with money , to acquit her of the house , that shee would attyre her selfe as modestly as shee could possibly , not bringing with her any one ragge that belonged to that abhominable house , or any borrowed garment in which she had offended , but instantly to repaire vnto him , at his first sending : and this being agreed betwixt them , for that time they parted . The gentleman wonderous carefull of his vndertaking ( because shee was now his new creature ) came to a Matron-like gentlewoman , a kinswoman of his afarre off ( with whom and her husband hee had familiar acquaintance , and by that meanes daily accesse to the house , who had prettie fine children , and were of a faire reuenue ) and told her there was a ciuile maid ( a kinswoman of his , lately come out of the countrey ) who wanted a seruice , whom if shee pleased to entertaine , it might prooue a great good to her , and no lesse courtesie to him . Briefely , the motion was accepted , shee sent for , according to appointment , and ( after he had tutored her in all things which shee should answere ) accepted , and entertained . Her modest behauior and faire carriage , with her tender loue and diligence about the children , woon her in short time a good opinion of her maister , a greater affection from her mistresse , and a generall loue of the whole household ; insomuch , that within lesse than a yeere shee was raysed from a Chambermaid , to be Waiting-gentlewoman , and the onely bosome friend of her mistresse : who falling sicke , euen to death , readie to expire her last , so much doted on her new seruant , that shee sent for her husband , and besought him ( if it stood with his good liking so to dispose of himselfe ) after her decease to make that woman his wife , and mother to his children ; for one more louing and carefull hee should not finde , and search England thorow and thorow . The gentlewoman soone after dyes , hee is left a widower , and the charge of the whole house committed to our new Conuertite , with the bringing vp of his children . Which shee executed with such fidelitie , that hee casting a more curious eye vpon her youth and beautie , and withall remembring his wiues last words , not knowing for the present how better to dispose of himselfe ( Time , Place , and Opportunitie , all things furthering her preferment ) hee contracted himselfe vnto her , and they were soone after married . But before any of these late passages happened , I must remember you , that instantly vpon the preferment of this young woman , the gentleman who brought her this fortune , aduentured all his meanes vpon a Voyage , which miscarryed ( for the shippe wherein hee sayled , was taken by the Spaniard , and hee almost a tweluemoneth kept prisoner in Lisbone . ) But at length ( by what meanes I know not ) being ransomed , he came for his countrey , but so poorely and deiected , that hee was ashamed to shew himselfe to any of his friends : for hauing tryed some , and finding their charitie cold , hee was loth to make proofe of the rest ; insomuch , that hee walked by Owle-light , without a Cloake , and scarce had honest ragges to couer him from nakednesse , or hide him from shame . It happened , that iust vpon his returne the old gentleman died too , and left her possessed of eight hundred a yeere during the minoritie of the children , but the thirds howsoeuer : and withall ( so great and good opinion he had of her ) that he made her full Executor . Now iust as shee followed the Herse to the Church ( hauing diuerse suitors before her husbands bodie was scarce cold ) this gentleman by chance comming by , like the picture of the Prodigall ( as I before relate him to you ) shee casting her eye aside , had espyed him , and presently apprehended him to be the man he was , and whispering a seruant in the eare ( willing to be truly satisfied ) bad him to fall into discourse with him , to enquire his name , his Lodging , with other questions , as she directed him , and so proceeded to the Funerall ; but in any case to speake nothing as from her . The seruant fell off from the Trayne , and did as he was commanded , and without suspition of him that was questioned , brought her true word how all things stood . The next morning ( by her appointment ) came a gentleman very early to his Lodging ( shee hauing taught him his Lesson before hand ) who desired to speake with him , and first asked him his name , which ( though loth ) he told him : the other proceeded , that if he were the same man he pretended , he had heard of his worth and noble qualities , and withall , of his casualties at Sea ; and not willing that any gentleman should groane beneath so great a burthen , told him there was a hundred pounds , bad him furnish himselfe with apparrell and other necessaries , and so was readie to take his leaue . The other extasied with so great a courtesie from a stranger , whom hee had not seene before , enforced him backe , to know what reason he had to be so charitable , entreating him to consider what hope he had of future satisfaction , or at least to resolue him what securitie he demanded . The other answered , That for the first , his courtesie was grounded vpon his worth ; his satisfaction , was in his acknowledgement ; and his securitie , in that he knew him honest , and told him some three dayes after he would call vpon him , when hee was habited like himselfe , to entreat his further acquaintance , and so presently left him . But troubled in his mind aboue wonder , to receiue such bountie from a man vnknowne , when all his kindred and familiar friends were ashamed of his acquaintance ; yet tooke the benefit of the present occasion , and suited himselfe according to his former , not his present fortunes . When the gentleman came according to promise , he seemed glad to see this present alteration , and withall entreated him to walke abroad with him to dinner : hee ( who could not denie him any thing ) seemed willingly to assent , not once demanding whither . In the meane time , the late widow had prouided a great Feast , whither shee had inuited all her suitors ( who were not few ) this gentleman whom shee had imployed ( and knew no further of her mind ) being one of the chiefest . Meat was vpon the Table , the guests readie to sit downe ; now the last that came in , were the two new friends late remembred : In comes the widow , to bid them all welcome . This new made vp gentleman ignorant of whatsoeuer had before happened , demanded of his friend , If it were not such a woman ? who briefely told him all : How shee came a stranger to the house , and what a fortune by her good demeanure she had in a short time purchased ; That shee was now a widow , had such and such meanes left , and all or most of those gentlemen ( and himselfe amongst the rest ) were suitors , and that their hope was , this day shee would make choyse of a husband . Whatsoeuer he thought , he said nothing for the present . The widowes turne was to place euerie man according to his degree , or at least to our owne fancie : this new gentleman was neglected , and the stooles being furnisht , left standing at a bay window : She tooke place at the tables end only , leauing her husbands chaire emptie , when suddenly starting vp , Me thinks saith she , some one in this roome might be well spared , for we haue more guests than stooles . The gentleman at these words bit his lip , and was intreated to sit downe by his friends , but whilest they were straining curtesie , she proceeded , Is this a suitor too ? no question some that either hath borrowed his clothes , or ingaged all his credit for this one new suit , in hope to gaine the widdow ; but women are now adaies growne more wise . By whose acquaintance came he hither ? Mine , answered his friend : then saith she , perhaps he wants a dinner , and hath not mony to pay for his ordinarie : Well , he may sit downe amongst the rest ; some of you there make him some small elbow roome . These words made him wish himselfe againe prisoner in Lisbone , or any where , saue where he was . This was sport to the rest , but torture to him , who much blamed her ingratitude , yet arming him with patience ( the rather for his friends sake who brought him thither ) he sate downe silent with an ill stomack , eating as little as he spake . All were merrie at the table , some of them making him their mirth the rather to please her . A Health went round to the widowes next husband : All pledged it gladly , hee enforcedly . At length rising from her stoole : Me thinkes ( saith she ) we are all merrie , onely that gentleman at the lower end of the Table is melancholy : but I know the reason , it is perhaps because he is placed so low ; but if that be his disease , I haue for it a present remedie : when walking to him where he sat , she pluckt him by the sleeue , desiring him to remooue , for she had another place for him . Who desiring her to torment him no further , refused to rise : but shee would needs enforce him , the rest likewise persuading , as wondering what further sport shee would make with him . Well ( saith hee ) I am this day yours , but will be mine owne euer hereafter : And so being drawne by her to the vpper end of the chamber like a Beare to the stake , where her late husbands Chayre stood emptie : Now Sir ( saith shee , with a more serious countenance than before ) my new husband , sit here in my old husbands Chayre , and bid these your guests welcome . Still hee fretted , and they laught , as before : when she crauing pardon for so abusing his patience , openly protested , That this meeting was meerely for his sake , and to make them witnesses of their present contract : for if hee refused her to wife , shee vowed neuer to haue other husband ; acknowledging , that all her fortunes ( next to the Diuine Prouidence ) came by his goodnesse ( omitting the former circumstances ) and that she knew no way better to expresse her gratitude , than to conferre them on him , by whom they first came . Thus the close proued better than the beginning , and the banquet of Sweet-meats made amends for the harsh Feast , for they found this last ( of all the other passages ) to be only serious . They were there contracted ( the suitors witnesses and soone after married . And thus his vertue and her conuersion had one ioint Reward .

Cura .

ONe woman I had almost forgotten , but better remember her at last than not at all ; and strange it is I should doe so , since she is still present with the King in his Throne , with the Generall in the Campe , the Tradsman in his Shop , and the Plowman in his Cottage , shee is with the Scholler in his Studie , and the Statesman in his Closet , shee is still at the elbow of euerie Father or Mother , and no Familie can exist without her . In this my worke shee hath rise earely with mee in the Morning , and againe sat vp with me till past Midnight , shee will leaue no man Waking , nor forsake him till she see him fast Sleeping . This womans name is , Care , the grandmother of Feares and Doubts , who passing a riuer , and finding a veine of bittuminous and clammie Clay ( being full of thoughts ) shee began to fashion a part thereof to the true semblance and shape of a man , and deliberating with her selfe what she had done , and being enamoured with her late workemanship , and casting how best to dispose of it , Ioues Herald ( Mercurie ) comming that way by accident , saluted her , whome shee intreated to be an intercessor to Iupiter in her behalfe , to giue that picture life . Hee at Mercuries intreaties , did so . There was then question made how to name it , Cura would haue it called after her owne name , Care ; but Iupiter would not agree to that , but giue it his ; next , vp start Tellus , i. The Earth , and pleaded the name belonged to her , because from her it first proceeded . The deciding of this controuersie was put to Saturne , who thus ended it : You Iupiter shall take charge of it , and after death receiue the Spirit backe that first gaue it ; Care , because she first fashioned it , Care shall all the life time possesse it . But because the difference is about the name . Homo vocetur quia ex humo factus esse videtur , i. Let it bee called man because made of the Earth : And therefore with great elegance Tibull lib. 3. Eleg. 3. thus writes : Nam graue quid prodest pondus mihi diuitis auri ? Aruaquae si findant pinguia mille boues , &c. What profit golden heapes weighed by the pound ? Or if a thousand Oxen plow my ground ? What profits me my house ? although it stand On Phrigian collumns , wrought by curious hand ; Dig'd first , and fetcht from the Tenarian Mine , Or else Caristus whether brought from thine ? Or woodes , beneath my roofe planted for state Which seeme the sacred groues to imitate ? My golden beames and floores with marble pau'd , Or my Pearle-shinining vessalls so much crau'd From th' Ericthraean shores ? what , all my pryde In wooll , that 's in Sydonian purple dyde . Or what besides , the vulgar sets on fire , Who still most enuie where they most admire . These but the temporall gifts of Fortune are , And 't is no pompe can free my thoughts from Care .

Rewards due to Philosophers , Orators , and poets .

IN what honour all Philosophers haue beene of old with Princes and Emperours , lyes next in me to speake of , as Agathe Pithagoricus with Arcesilaus king of Macedon , Plato , with Dionisius , Aristotle , with Philip , & Alexander , Xeno Citteius the sonne of Mnasenus with the Athenians , Theophrastus honoured by Demetrius , Psaleraeus with golden statues , Posidonius entyred to Cneius Pompeius Magnus , Ariston to Iulius Caesar , Zenarchas to Augustus , Appollonius Tyanaeus to Bardosanes king of Babylon , Dion Prusienis to the Emperour Traianus , Arrius to Alexander , Heliodorus to Adrianus , Sopater to Constantinus Magnus , wi●h infinite others , of which it is not necessarie now to insist . Plutarch remembers vs in the life of Alexander , That hee hauing taken ten of these Gymnosphists , So called of Sabbea cheefe citie of Arabia . that were the cause of the falling off of the Sabbea a people of Arabia , who had done many outrages to the Macedonians , because they were esteemed Phylosophers , and famous for their readie and accute answeres , he therfore to those ten propounded ten seuerall questions , with this condition , that hee who answered the worst of them should bee first slaine , and so in order the rest ; and of this hee made the eldest iudges . Of the first he demanded , Whether in his iudgement he thought there to be more men liuing or dead ? who answered , Liuing , because the dead are not . The second , Whether the Earth or the Sea harboured the greater Monsters ? Resp. The Earth , because the Sea is but part thereof . The third , What beast of all creatures was the most craftie ? Resp. That which to man is best knowne . The fourth , Why did the Sabbae reuolt from Macedon ? Resp. That they might either Liue well , or Dye ill . The fifth , Whether the day was before the night , or the night before the day ? Resp. The day , for one day was before another . The sixth , What was the best way to make a man generally beloued of all ? Resp. To be the best man and no tyrant . The seuenth , How might a man bee made a god ? Resp. By doing that which a man is not able to doe . The eigth , Whether is Life or Death the stronger ? Resp. Life , because it beareth so many disasters . The ninth hee demanded , How long hee thought a man to liue ? Who answered , Iust so long as he desired not to see Death . When the king turning to the iudge , bad him giue iust sentence ; hee sayd that one had answered more impertinently than another : then sayth the king , thou art the first that oughtest to die for so iudging . But he replyde , Not so ô king because it was your owne condition , that he should suffer first that made the worst answere . This sayd , the king dismissed them bounteously and royally rewarded . If then for ambiguous answeres to such slight and yet doubtfull questions , Alexander thought them worthie of such gifts and presents ; with what Memories , what Praises , what Crownes , Collumnes , and Statues ought we to dignifie and celebrate the names of queene Zenobia ? Amalasuntha , Aspatia , Fuluia , Morata , and others ? This Salomon the wisest ( not only of kings ) but of men , well knew , when hauing made proofe of the wisedome of Nicaulis Queene of Aethiopia , he sent her backe into her countrey so liberally furnished and so royally rewarded . What I haue spoke of these may be pertinently applyde to our women studious in Diuinitie , Oratorie , and Sophistrie , and laboriously practised in all other liberall Arts and Sciences ; Nor can I more fitly in my mind conclude this worke , than as I begun with goddesses , so to end with good women : Onely of the honour due to Poetesses , because it belongs something to mine owne profession , I will borrow my conclusion from Ouid in his last Elegie of the first booke Amorum , the title is Ad iuuidos quod fama poetarum sit perennis : Quod mihi liuor edax ignauos obijcis annos ? Ingenij que vocas carmen inerte meum ? Why ( eating Enuie ) dost thou as a crime , Obiect vnto me Sloath , and mispent time ? Tearming the Muse and sacred Numbers vaine , The fruitlesse issue of an idle braine . I am not woon to spend my youth in warre , By which our predecessors famous are : It tempt's not me to search the brabling laws , Or at the barre to quarrell in a cause : These studies mortall are , and transitorie , When mine shall purchase me eternall glorie . Whil'st Ida stands , or Tenedos hath name , Or Symois streames shall run , so long thy fame ( Meonides ) shall liue , whil'st graine shall grow , Which men with sythe or sicle , reape or mowe : Whilst vineyards grapes , and these grapes yeeld vs wine , Famous Ascraeus , euen so long shall thine . Battiades , the whole world shall impart , For what he wants in wit he hath in art . No losse can chance to thy Cothurnate straine , Oh Saphocles : nor Aratus thy vaine . The honours by the Muses you haue wunne , Shall last , if not outlast both Moone and Sunne . Whil'st ther 's a craftie Seruant , or hard Sire , Fat Bawde , or merrie Whoore , men shall admire Menander thee ; Ennius , although obscure , And weightie Accius , you shall both indure . All shall reade Varro that but heare of Greece ; In him , the first ship lancht to fetch the fleece . Then shall , Lucretius , thy bright fame decay , When all the world shall perish in one day . Whil'st Rome triumphant o're the world shall bee , So long , ô Maro , shall the world reade thee . Whil'st Cupid shall beare shafts or amorous fire , So long Tibullus shall thy Muse respire . Gallus in the East , and Gallus in the West , With faire Lycoris whom he loued best , Shall both be famous . Whil'st there s Tree , or Stone , Or Plant , or Hearbe , or Ground to tread vpon , When Flints consume , and when the Plow shal wast And be forgot , yet Numbers still must last . Vnto the Muse , euen Monarchies must yeeld , And glorious Tpiumphs purchast in the field : To her yeeld Tagus with thy golden shine , You Terrhene are , and onely she diuine . Let then the vulgar , what is vile admire , That nothing else saue ●anthie drosse desire . Gold hair'd Apollo with full hand shall bring My flowing cup fill'd from the Muses spring . And crown'd with myrtle , I shall now be sung , And be made frequent in each louers tongue . Enuie the liuing sole detracts , but Fate Concluding life , she likewise ends her hate , And then her rancour is no longer fed , When liuing Honor shall maintaine vs , dead : And when my Funerall Rites their last fires giue , Then shall the great'st part of my selfe still liue .

And this perpetuitie of Fame , which Ouid in giuing to others , likewise attributes to himselfe , is that which all the truly Noble , Chast , Wise , Vertuous , Learned , and Religious Virgins , Wiues , and Matrons haue proposed as their iust Reward ; who lift their thoughts vpward , and despising the Fraileties , Vncertainties , and Vanities of the Earth , ayme their Meditations , Contemplations , and Pious Actions at the sublimities of Heauen .

Opus Excogitatum , Inchoatum , Explicitum , Et a Typographo excusum , inter septemdecem septimanas . LAVS DEO .