Iohn Niccols pilgrimage whrein [sic] is displaied the liues of the proude popes, ambitious cardinals, lecherous bishops, fat bellied monkes, and hypocriticall Iesuites.

Iohn Niccols Pilgrimage , whrein is displaied the liues of the proude Popes , ambitious Cardinals , lecherous Bishops , fat bellied Monkes , and hypocriticall Iesuites .

Apoc. xviii .

It is falne , it is falne , Babylon that great Cities , and is become the habitation of Diuels , and a cage of euery vncleane , and hatefull birde .

Apoc. xvii .

And in herwas founde the blood of the Prophets , and of the Saints , and of all that were slaine vpon the earth .

Imprinted at London by Thomas Dawson , for Thomas Butter , and Godfrey Isaac . 1581.

Jllustrissimae , serenissimaeque Principi , Angliae , Franciae , & Hiberniae Reginae , Elizabethae , fidei Catholicae defensori , &c. Cum omni beatitudine , salutem in Christo optimo maximo sempiternam .

SI vel priuatae vtilitatis causa mea aliqua , vel affectato gloriae studio , vel leuitatis inductu , ac non communi potiús multóque grauissima rerum ac temporum ratione , me ad scribendum huius peregrinationis libellum potissimum contulissem ( serenissima Princeps , Regina Elizabetha 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) optimo iure non vituperatione modó bonorum , sed publica etiam ira inueterata dignus viderer , qui misellus homulus ex Argilla & Luto fictus , quem miseriae , quem erumnae praemunt omnes , humi reptans scarabaeus , hunc tuae Maiestati codicem dedicare minime sum veritus . Inanis Iesuitarum , sacrificulorum & Romani pontificis alumnorum ostentatio me valdé excitauit , ad hunc peregrinationis librú Dialogorum formula conscriptum , in lucem aspectumque omnium edendum . Publicum commodum mihi stimulos admouebat vt hoc scribendi munus susciperem : non mercedem expostulo , non applausum populatem expecto , non aestimationem vllam venor , non pingue sacerdotium ( vt fingunt Papistae ) peto , non diuitias quae to , placeret mihi tenuis in Vinea christi viuendi conditio , taceant Iesuitae , sileant Papistae , obmutescant aduersarij mej , pudeat illos dicere me in edendis codicibus , aut honorem aucupari , aut laudem aliquam exposcere , aut docti viri nomen mihi inaniter assumere , aut denique diuitem fieri opinari , nihil horum posco , verbi Dei propagationem sitio , & seductos erroribus liberare contendo , & postremó hypocrisim Papistarum patefacere nitor . Quid me ad scribendum impulit ostendi , superest vt ostendam quo consilio ftetus tuam maiestatem praecarer , & suppliciter rogarem huius incompti libelli Patronam fore , nam fortassis dicent aliqui , nonne longé inferiorem patronam aut patronum tibi satis fuerat eligere , prae ter Reginam . Quid ei opus est hoc tuo libro ▪ semel hoc anno ad illam nimis audactér scripsisti , cur iterum ad suam Regiam dignitatem scribis . Quid ab illa quaeris ? opulentum sacerdotium , aut praemium aliquod in remunerationem laboris tui . Primum vacans sacerdotium tibiconcessum est per bonosviros Christianae Religionis fautores , atq , defensores , & hos a concilijs Reginae & in suis literis Archiepiscopus Cantauriensis rogatus eratcum caeteris eius fratribus Episcopis necessaria interim tibi subministrare . Multorum liberalitatem cum procerum , tum Episcoporum expertus es . Quid praeterea tibi opus est , nonné viri eximij virtute praediti fideles Dei dispensatores prouiderunt , aut sine dubio prouidebūt quod ad victum , & ornatum tibi necesse fuerit ? Quid aliud ergo flagitas ? Haec , & talia multi habebunt verba , & magnam arrogantiam , atque mihi summam audaciam obijcient cum sim indoctissimus pené omnium Concionatorum huius regni vt conarer ( O Regina clementissima ) tuae serenitati dicare meum hoc inornatum opusculum , dicatus est hic tibilibellus quem semel legere & euoluere si placebit summae tuae amplitudini : videas quàm perfide , nefarieque agunt in te Domestici nostri papistae , videas qua malitia imbuti , qua animi prauitate , nixi , quo infando scelere constricti , & quàm solertes sunt in peruertenda , & supplantanda fide Christiana , & propagando , & stabiliendo Romano dogma te , & cum perspectam habueris perfidiam & malitiam papistarum , tuum est ( pace tua dixerim ) debita castigatione prauam illorum voluntatem restringere : te Reginam huius imperij deus delegit , vt rebelles & nefarios homines acerrimé punires , atque bonos ac humiles subditos diligeres , extolleres , atque foueres . Domina , & Regina illustrissima , memor quaeso esto tui , religionis , status huius Reipub. & ob occulos habeas , te rationcm villicationis tuae reddituram fore : si tuo munere in regendo benè defuncta fueris , oh quantam habebis mercedem , si autem malé ( quod absit ) iudica , quantum supplicium . Christianè huc vsque regnasti , & magis christianè regnabis , si cunctas Papistarum ceremonias funditùs delere determinabis . Compellant te literis sapientes , vt foeliciter cursum dirigas in omni sanctimonia , vt magnanimiter verbum Dei defendas , & Anti-Christi dogmata gnauiter repellas . Ad hoc te suadent mediocris ingenij homines , hoc inculcant docti , vt tuum officium piê ac fideliter exequaris adhortantur etiam nulla doctrina exculti . Audaciusscripsi , quam me decuit , sed spero te audaciae meae veniam daturam multòcitiùs procul dubiomihi ignosces , quòd in me non cadit adulationis crimen . Benè tibi volo ▪ bene amimae tuae O Elizabetha Regina maximè catholica , vtinam dignus Concionator essem in auditu tuo narrare gesta Papistarum stratagemata , narrarem per id temporis muka , noua , & vera , sed ea horrenda & ab omni Christiano pectore remota , veritatis Euangelicae inimicorum facta . Sed hoc munus subeundi dignus non sum , non licet cuiuis adire Corinthum , vereor me longior sit Epistola haec quàm aequum est , persuasum habeo , satis longam fuisse Epistolam si nihil aliud exarassem quam haec verba Asseclae Philippi quondàm regis Macedonum , Memento te mortalem esse . Dixi. Concedat Deus opti . max. tibi quod bonus animus tuus postulat in hoc seculo , & in futuro , pacem in vtroque Iam bis ad te scripsi illustrissima Regina primum librum laeto vt opinor fronte exmanibus meis excepisti , spe ducor te & hunc alterum libellum eodem animo bonam in partem accepturam esse , 1581.

Humilimus Subditus tuus , Ioannes Nicolaus Cambritanus .

To the indifferent reader .

NEw bookes of diuers sorts you haue plentie ( louing Readers ) some bookes are written for to comforte the afflicted in minde , & confirme the faith of the godlie , suche are the bookes of the learned Diuines , godly Preachers , and faithfull Ministers of God his holy woord , some bookes are written to incitate pleasure , to prouoke carnall lustes , to feede fancies , to nourish vice , to maintaine pride , and to magnifie vnhonestie , the authours of these bookes are men voide of godlines , carelesse of their saluation , addicted to selfe will , the instruments of Sathan , and men pleasers in iniquitie , they that buy & embrace bookes wherin consisteth matter of defence in true religion , or a plaine discouery of the hypocrisie of the wicked , or the manifestation of the corrupt liues of suche as fight against their own conscience , ( I meane Papists . ) What Papiste is there of any knowledge , learning , or reading in diuinitie , but he knoweth , seeth , and readeth the trueth . D. Alen. D. Bristow , D. Nicolson , Parsonnes , Campion , & others , were sometimes Protestantes , but nowe as Demas , Crescens , Titus , and Alexander , they are departed from vs , because perhaps they woulde not , nor coulde not anie longer abide with vs , what shall I say of the Seminarie men the most part of them all , forsooke their Countrey for want of liuings , for want of maintenaunce , there are fiftie Schollers in the English Seminarie at Rome , that coulde not tell what shift to make for their liuing here in England , therefore being loth to bee taken as vagrantes , and burnt in the eare as Roges , they thought it farre better for the auoyding of this infamie to hazarde their soules , to keepe their eares whole , and their necke bone vnbroken , they feared maister Recorder of London very much , they thought it good to proue the Popes liberalitie in renouncing the trueth , which before they professed , and in acknowledging him to be their Christ , to be their Messias , to be their Iesuah . And for some succour sake , they outwardly faine themselues to be Papistes , but inwardly the most part of them doe see the trueth , and confesse they are in a wrong way , some of them oftentimes tolde me at Rome , whose names I omitte to put in writing , hoping their conuersion , ( that the Romish faith was not the true faith . ) Foure of these with mee determined very often , secretly to forsake Rome , and returne to our countrey . But these foure Schollers , by their familiar frindes and fellowe Schollers , were with much a doe perswaded to remaine at Rome , vntill by their Rectours they shoulde be sent to England . But as for me , what I once determined to do , by the sufferance of god , that I thought to bring to passe , perswasions coulde nothyng cause me to change my purpose , I was perswaded by diuers , both by the Iesuites and by the schollers to remaine at Rome , but I woulde not , nor coulde not vnlesse I had despaired of my saluation , as I did during the time of my sicknesse , for that in hypocrisie I liued as a Papist , my conscience striued so mightily within me , that I feared not in talke with my fellowes to speake against the Romishe religion , insomuch that oftentimes I was at Rome called heritique . I appeale vnto them for testimonie of this trueth that haue heard mee so speaking at Rome , but what is this to the purpose , greater was my sinne , that for any temporall liuing , I shoulde forsake my God , wherefore very often troubled I am in conscience , and grieued in mind that I committed such an horrible offence in the sight of God . In deede I must needes confesse that I beleeued vnfaignedly a Monasticall life to haue beene allowable before God , I graunted inuocation of Saintes , and as for transubstantiation I doubted , these two pointes of the Romish religion , I did hold a little before my conuersion at the Towre , to haue bene firme and agreeable to God his holy worde , and as for the thirde point which was transubstantiation , I could not tell what to thinke therof , but nowe God be thanked I am resolued in these three points as a Christian ought to bee , this treatise is called the book of Pilgrimage , for that in my perigrination I haue seen with mine eies the most things which I haue written in this booke for your instruction christian readers , not for any profite of mine , estimation , fame , or glorie to bee gotten thereby , as the Papistes doe surmize , I am briefer then I woulde bee , and that because there are certaine bookes scattered against mee , and against my workes , whiche bookes if I may geat , I meane God willing to pourge my selfe of the slaunders and false reportes of the aduersaries , I take no great pleasure in writing , greater pleasure would I take to applie my studies , but seeing that the Papistes seeke to deface my sayings , it is reason that I should defend mine owne cause as farre forth as I may , if they flow in termes of Rhetorique , and seeke to shadow the truth with their subtilitie , I woulde be contented with a plain stile , so that I were able to bring forth somewhat in defence of truth . I craue the spirite of mildnesse , and not the spirite of scoffing , and taunting , which spirite they neuer want . Farewell louing readers , God graunt you a perfect faith and to me likewise , and also for my former sinnes and hypocrisie , the fatherly visitation of God here in this worlde , that I may once feele Gods loue towardes me a sinner , an abiect and wormes meate , God be mercifull vnto me , and confirme my faith . God forgiue me mine hypocrisie , my wicked life , and lewde behauiour , God giue me grace neuer to commit the like trespasses against his diuine maiestie , in word or deede . Be thou fauourable O Lorde vnto Sion , build vp the broken walles of Ierusalem , forsake not thy Sanctuarie , but saue thine elect from the pernitions customes of the wicke● worlde , so full of poyson , so full of murther , so full of whoredome , so full of auarice , so full of contempt , and so full of securitie , that ( alas ) euen with horrour it swelleth to the toppe of the vppermost heauens , and it annoyeth the seate of the most highest . Such as are gone astray , God bring them home , such as are conuerted , God make them strong , such as are , and euer herevnto haue bene in the true faith of Christ , God giue them perseuerance vnto the ende , and in the ende , suche as are wicked , God make them good , God increase the number of his elect , God make vs all his faithfull seruantes , to raigne with him in glory , and blisse in his kingdome of euerlasting ioy . Amen .

I. N. If vertue faile , as it doth beginne , The people must quaile , and die in their siune : And if it decrease , Gods curse is at hand , To destroy vs , our peace , our soules , and our lande . Therefore let vs amende , Gods plagues to preuent , For when life is gone , it is to late to repent : Take heede then to preaching , Gods worde to imbrace , And learne to take warning , least God you deface .

IN not well perusing my copie , through my default , Christian readers , fiue or sixe grosse words haue escaped my hands to the print vncorrected , but yet they are not so grosse and obscure , but that others more learned then I am in a matter more graue haue writen the like : wherefore let not these fiue or sixe words offend your modestie , neither thinke the woorse of my booke , if any other faultes bee escaped in the booke , amend them I pray you , and construe them to the best .

A Lessandro imperatore diceua , che il prencepe doueria sempre essere piu pronto & presto in dare , che in Pigliare . O nobil detto da vn prencipe , fv vn altro che demando a Alessandro , doue erano tutte le sue richezze , che lui hauena aquistate in tante guerre che lui hauena fatte : lui fece segn● verso i suoi sudditi , & disse , ne li cuori della mia gente , o nobil prencipe dice lui che piu gran cosa puo desiderar vn prencipe da i suoi sugetti , che fede e verita verso lui , che piu laudabil cosa in vn prencipe , che liberalita & lenita verso i suoi sudditi : la liberalita di vn pouero si e il suo bon volere , che piu gran dono puo dar le huomo , che quello chegli vien dal cuore , fu vn Re in thebe , che fu si liberale mentrevisse , che quando mori , non si gli trouo tanti denari apressoper sepe lirlo : non si gli trouo denari in banchi , oro in casse , richezze nascoste non giou in cofani , de quellise netroua pochi perche piu che le huomo hae piu lui ha da temer la mutabilita di fortuna , ogni vno e liberale in parlare ma pochifran chi in danare ogni vno parla contra innidia e malitia e purci odiamo l' vn l'altro noi continualmente esclamiamo contra tirannia , e pur siammo senza miserecordia , noi dispreziamo superbia , e pur siamo senza his māita , noi abhoriamo glottonia e ebrieta , & pur sempre siammo a banchetti , a feste : noi sempre gridiamo contraotio , e pur sempre siammo otiosi : noi sempre diciamo male de la lingua che scandaliza , e pur non sapiauo dir bene dines vno . O Dio ache termine siamo , ogni vno ha inuidia al suo prossimo , ogni vno cerca di auanza , l' altro . Io credo che il mondosia quasi ala fine .

Essendo il prencipe giusto , il clero sancto , la chiesa ben fauorita , la republica emendata & tutto il regno pacefico , quel pren cipe , quel clero , quella chiesa , quella republica & quel regno saranno beneditti a dio. The Prince being iust , the Cleargie holy , the Church fauoured well , the common weale amended , and all the Realme peaceable , that Prince , that Cleargie , that Church , that Commen Weale , and that Realme shal be blessed of God .

The Argument of the Dialogue .

TRisander the Pilgrime , entereth in talke with his father Panteleon , and craueth leaue to depart the Realme into other forraine countries , humbly beseeching his father to disburse him such summes of money as may suffice him in all his peregrination . His father fearing lest his sonne were seduced by some craftie Papist , asketh the cause of this importunate request to forsake his natiue soile and to wander hee knewe not whither . His sonne declareth the cause of this his petition , and the cause being knowne , his father yeeldeth to his sonnes demaund , and giueth him so much money as is sufficient for him , hee exhorteth his sonne to be vertuous in liuing , pure in religion , patient in aduersitie , and humble in prosperitie . Hee exhorteth him also to bee mindefull of God , and not forgetful of himself . His father more esteeming his sonnes soule , then his body , & dreading the eternall destruction of the one , more then the temporall death of the other , to confirme his sonne the more in religion , ( which as yet he holdeth firmely to bee true and agreeable to Gods worde ) sheweth the corrupt liues of certaine popes , that by the knowlege therof , he might the more warily looke to himselfe , and the more prudently take heede of Antichriste , the deceiuer of thousande seely soules , that are taken captiue by his great threatnings , princely giftes , glorious promises , Papall countenance , singular hypocrisie , cauilling Sophistrie . bulles of excommunication , and other sinister meanes .

¶ The first Diologue , Wherein the corrupt liues of certaine Popes are discouered , who arrogantly to the derogation of the diuine authoritie , claime to them selues the title , and name of supreme Pastor , and chiefe head in the Church of God . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Panteleon his father . Trisander .

OH out alas , my minde is sore troubled , I am gréeued at the hearte , I knowe not what to doe , day and night I passe ouer with gréeuous complaintes , bewayling the time wherein I was borne little rest I take , and lesse meate I eate . In the day time I walke the faire gréene fieldes oppressed so sore with diuers thoughts , that no man is able to assuage my paine and dolour , but only my deare father . Wherefore I thinke it best to vnsold to him the cause of this my griefe . Oh Father , whom , next vnder God and my Prince , I loue aboue all earthly things , whom I obey likewise , & whome I reuerence with all humilitie . Oh father , I say , you are hée that hath begotten mee , nourished mée , and brought mée vp from mine infancie in learning and vertue : you loued mée dearely , as a Father shoulde loue his sonne . These fiue and twentie yéeres I liued vnder your regiment and all this while I wanted neither meate nor drinke , I lacked no apparell nor money in my purse , I had all things at my will , and at my request : Suche a father you were vnto mée , as to leaue I am verie sorie . And yet alas I must leaue you and depart from you , I cannot choose : I am so constrained , will I , nill I , yea I must néedes forsake you . And where heeretofore I haue had plentie of all thinges belonging to the bodie , hereafter I am like to féele scarcitie to the maintenance of this my litle corps . Notwithstanding , the verie griefe of minde wherein I languishe , mooueth mée perforce to craue your fauour and licence to bee absent from you , for thrée or foure yeeres space .

Panteleon .

What sonne Trisander , howe commeth this to passe , that you are so vexed in minde , and your countenance so soone changed ? Is it , because you are loth to dwell with mée ? What haue I done against you ? Haue I gréeuously offended you ? or haue I withdrawne my fatherly affection from you , that shoulde prouoke you to be so sad , & so sodeinly too séeke to depart from mée ? If I haue nothing degenerated from the nature of a father , what shoulde then mooue you to craue my fauour to be absent from mée ? I pray you good sonne tell mée the cause of this your passioned mind : and without dissimulation vtter the same , then shall vnquiet thoughts and troublesome imaginations auoide from mée . Speake on , bée not afraide .

Trisander .

You aske louing father , why I am in suche perpleritie of minde , fieldes oppressed so sore with diuers thoughts , that no man is able to assuage my pains and dolour , but only my deare father . Wherefore I thinke it best to vnsold to him the cause of this my griefe . Oh Father , whom , next vnder God and my Prince , I loue aboue all earthly things , whom I obey likewise , & whome I reuerence with all humilitie . Oh father , I say , you are hée that hath begotten mee , nourished mée , and brought mée vp from mine infancie in learning and vertue : you loued mée dearely , as a Father shoulde loue his sonne . These fiue and twentie yéeres I liued vnder your regiment and all this while I wanted neither meate nor drinke , I lacked no apparell nor money in my purse , I had all things at my will , and at my request : Suche a father you were vnto mée , as to leaue I am verie sorie . And yet alas I must leaue you and depart from you , I cannot choose : I am so constrained , will I , nill I , yea I must néedes forsake you . And where heeretofore I haue had plentie of all thinges belonging to the bodie , hereafter I am like to féele scarcitie to the maintenance of this my litle corps . Notwithstanding , the verie griefe of minde wherein I languishe , mooueth mée perforce to craue your fauour and licence to bee absent from you , for thrée or foure yeeres space .

Panteleon .

What sonne Trisander , howe commeth this to passe , that you are so vexed , in minde , and your countenance so soone changed ? Is it , because you are loth to dwell with mée ? What haue I done against you ? Haue I gréeuously offended you ? or haue I withdrawne my fatherly affection from you , that shoulde prouoke you to be so sad , & so sodeinly too séeke to depart from mée ? If I haue nothing degenerated from the nature of a father , what shoulde then mooue you to craue my fauour to be absent from mée ? I pray you good sonne tell mée the cause of this your passioned mind : and without dissimulation vtter the same , then shall vnquiet thoughts and troublesome imaginations auoide from mée . Speake on , bée not afraide .

Trisander .

You aske louing father , why I am in suche perplexitie of minde , and why my visage is so altered . You demaund , whether by your meanes I was so sore offended , that thereof my griefe , sorrowe , and woefull anguishe shoulde arise . You aske what mooued me to aske your leaue to depart from you . I tell you vnfeinedly , that I haue founde you euer a louing father , and suche a one as neuer offended me , or did otherwise then a father should haue done vnto his natural child . But why I séeke licence to be absent from you for the space of thrée or foure yeares , is a desire that I haue to goe to strange Countries , to veiw those things whiche are not to be séene in thie my natiue soile .

Panteleon .

Oh my sonne , what ? haue you greater desire to trauel abrode amongest vnacquainted people , then to tary at home with your familiar friends . But is there no other thing that embeldeneth you to forsake mee your father , & to wander you know not whither ?

Trisa .

Yes father , the loue the I haue to diuersitie of tongues , & the hope the I haue to bée instructed therein , is partly the cause of this great desire which I haue to forsake my natiue countrie for a while .

Panteleon .

I sée now my sonne , you desire to learne languages . It is very well , & I commende your intent . But for this so light a cause , would you depart from me , séeing you may learn languages at home ?

Trisander .

How can I , louing father attaine to the knowledge of languages at home , séeing that our Countrie men vse but one kinde of spéech ?

Panteleon .

Though the people of this land haue but one language in generall , yet some there be , as merchants , Gentlemen , & others , that vnderstande & speake diuers languages , and by suche you may bée instructed very well , without trauelling any further .

Trisa .

By what meanes , ( I pray you father tell me ) came they to the knoweledge and vnderstanding of so many languages ?

Panteleon .

I tell you , by trauelling to farre countries .

Trisander .

If they learned this and that language , by going to this and that Countrie , wherefore then ( louing father ) will you denie me leaue so to trauell as they haue trauelled that I may learne as they haue learned , this & that language ?

Panteleon .

They were merchants , and so are not you .

Trisander .

But you haue saide that there were Gentlemen , as well as Merchants , that could speake diuers languages . These Gentlemen in going from kingdome to kingdome , haue gotten this knowledge of tongues , which merchants haue obtained . Being a Gentleman then , as yée know me to bee , graunt me leaue to trauel , as they haue trauelled .

Pante .

Doth the loue of languages inforce you to forsake mée , & to wander in forreigne soiles , is there nothing else that persuadeth you herevnto .

Trisa .

I haue tolde you my father , that it is the desire of languages the thus as you sée disquieteth my mind , and mooueth mée so earnestly to craue leaue to visite other Countries .

Panteleon .

If there bée nothing else than the desire of languages that driueth you into this perplexitie of mind , I haue an especial friend , that hath béen a great traueller this longe time , and nowe is returned home : hée I am assured will teach you my sonne what language you can desire .

Trisander .

Albeit you haue suche a friend louing father , that can teache mée what language I can wish , yet I cannot so soone be taught to speake readily , and perfectly the vnderstanding of any language . But if I were beyond the seas , I could in small continuance of time and with little paines , learne the language of that countrie whereto I trauelled .

Panteleon .

I sée sonne you will not be persuaded to tarrie at home with mée , and enioye that which shall bee left you after my death . Oh how vnfortunate am I , that am father to such a sonne as will not be ruled by my counsell , nor persuaded to forsake his fonde fansie . Oh sonne , I loue you so dearelie , that loth I am you shoulde depart from mee , and I am so careful of your life , both bodily and ghostly , that by my persuasion , aduice & counsel , I would haue you preuent the euils & dangers incident to trauellers , by tarrying at home . Aske whatsoéuer I haue of worldly substance to set you forwards amongst the best of your degrée , yea boldly craue it , nothing shalt thou want : if thou haue a pleasure to hunt , and hawke , I wil giue thée leaue , and maintaine thée so to doe , thou shalt haue all thinges at will and commaundement if I may procure the same for thée . Why wilt thou then departe , & refuse all these proffers , ioyes , and pleasures ? be aduised my good sonne , take counsell in time before it be too late , & when time & place wil not serue me when and where to helpe thée .

Trisander .

Oh father your mournfull wordes doe cause my heart to bléede . What with sorrow and pain , what with griefe and anguishe the very teares tricle downe mine eies . Oh howe heauie is my heart to heare such woordes ? Why are you more pensiue then others haue bene , when their sonnes haue forsooken them ? be not ( I pray you ) more vnwilling to graunt me leaue to depart out of my countrey , then others were to giue their sons licence to trauayle to forraine countreys . In one day I shall learne more in the vnderstanding of any tongue , then heare in a whole yeere . For there I that heare nothing els but that language spoken , with I couet to learn , but here not so . For here in this my natiue countrey is spoken the language which I speak & vnder stand , and which my mother taught me .

Pan.

Seeing my words are but wind , & will not preuaile , tell me then to what countrey chiefely art thou bent to goe ?

Trisander .

My mind and purpose is , if it may please God , and you my deare father , to make a voyage into Italie , there to beholde the stately Cities , to sée the fertile fieldes , plesaunt hylles , batefull pastures , shadowing woodes , the plentie of al kind of trees and groues , the abundance of corne , vines and oliues , fayre cattell , sweet springes , fountaines , lakes , riuers , and hauens . For the countrey of Italie , is as it were an open lap , to receiue the trade of all countreys . My féete doe couet to make haste to this noble land most deere father , & therefore giue me leaue to trauel foorthwith into that famous region .

Panteleon .

You talke of Italie , my sonne , as though you had bin there : but in Italie you were neuer I am sure , tell me therfore whom hast thou harde to praise Italie so much , that thou shouldest with such words extol the same .

Trisander .

One who was both a gentleman and also well learned , who had bin in Italie , & passed through many a fair Citie , as Rome , Naples , Bolonia , & Genoway , with many mo . He was a godly Gentleman alwayes , and I take him to be so still : for hee ceaseth not to praye to God , both night and day , nor to call vpon the name of the Lorde : hée fasteth twise a wéeke , hée giueth almes vnto the poore very liberallie of that hée hath . Now because this Gentleman is both vertuous of life , and true in his reportes , I am the more enflamed with ardent desire , to sée the Italian Countrie .

Panteleon .

Good louing sonne , the Gentleman ( of whom you spake , before ) & whose person I do know ) I will neuer discommend , hee may be learned and vertuous , I say not to the contrarie , but yet tell mée ( my sonne , ) was it he alone , or else many in number , that caused thée to be so desirous to trauell to Italie ?

Trisander .

It was he alone , and none other that reported these wordes to mée .

Panteleon .

I like it so much the better , because thou saidst he was both learned , and godly . But canst thou tel where he was borne , and what is his name ?

Trisander .

A Saxonian borne , and his name is Rhodoman .

Panteleon .

But what religion did he professe , canst thou answere mée to that ?

Trisander .

Hée counted the Pope as Antichrist , his religion prophane , and of his Church he estéemed as of the Sinagogue of Sathan . He beléeued whatsoeuer is written and contained in Gods holy word , he misliketh the doctrine of meritum congrui & condigni : & as for being iustified by his workes , it is no part of his opinion . Hée denieth the reall presence of the Lorde in the Sacramentes . Hée beléeueth no other thing then the worde of God willeth him to beléeue , therefore I am persuaded his religion is good .

Panteleon .

I am glad thou hast talked with such a Christian , and because thou arte so fully minded to trauell to Italie & other countries , I am contented to graunt thy request , to trauell whither thou wilt , for three or foure yeeres space .

Trisander .

I thanke you gentle father , but I desire moreouer , that you giue me so much money as may be sufficient to cary me throughout my voyage , so shall not I hauing money enough , doe that which I woulde not .

Panteleon .

Holde , I giue thee three hundreth pounde in gold vse it well , and spende it not prodigally .

Trisander .

I thanke you good father , I request no more , this is ynough for mée : I will vse your money well , and wil spende no more then I must needes .

Panteleon .

My sonne , thou art younge , lustie , and prone to committe follie : wherefore I counsell thee to bridle thy fansies , to banishe euill thoughts , and to cutte off all occasion of any vice that may hinder thy voyage , and pronoke the wrath of God agaynst thée . If the luste of the fleshe entise thee , and the concupiscence of the eye allure thée to euill , tame thy self with fasting and prayer , & call for the assistaunce of Gods spirit , be circumspect in thy talke , lowly in thy behauiour , ready to suffer all raylings & reuilings : if thou be abused with ill speeches , giue sayre words again , & if thou be offended with reproches , offende not againe : if thou be had in derision , deride not again . Moreouer to what countrey soeuer thou comst , vse thy selfe gently , soberly , mildly , and humbly : be ready to pleasure all , loth to displease any : if the manners of the people be rude , let not their rudenesse moue thy pacience , and faine thy selfe alwayes needy , then thy expences shal not bee so great , neither shalt thou bee in any great danger of thieues . Before you receiue any thing , ask the price : if the thing doth like thée take it with thankes , and pay that thou promisest : if the thing be proffered for more then it is worth in value , refuse it with curteous speches . Now for thy lodging thou maiest be so bolde as to craue a view of thy chamber , & of thy bed if the same doth not content thée , pay for a buccale of wine , & seeke another lodging for thy contentment . In all thyne affaires vse thy selfe honestly , and practise humilitie , so mayest thou trauaile whether thou wilt as safelie as in thine owne countrey .

Trisander .

Louing father I thanke you , this counsell is good , & may saue mée from many dangers : God graunt I doe , as I am councelled , then I am sure , I shall giue no occasion of wrath , to anye man luing . Your exhortation good father , I will accomplish if the I may , in euerie respect . For I will so behaue my self , that no stranger shall be displeased with me , if I may choose .

Panteleon .

If thou dost so , thy state shal be the safer . But I must tell thée one thing , and marke the same diligently , In trauelling thou must néedes fall in the company of Papistes , take héede they deceiue thée not : and when thou commest to Rome , suffer not thy selfe to be seduced , for they wil make thée beléeue ( vnlesse thou stand stedfaste in thy fayth ) that the Bishop of Rome is the vniuersall head ouer the Church of God . Doest thou not sée ( say they ) how beneficiall the Pope is to Pilgrimes , what Churches hée buildeth , what high wayes he mendeth , what companie of strangers he dayly susteyneth , howe many hospitalles he findeth , howe many schollers he maynteyneth , howe deuoutly he commeth once & moneth into his chappell , how reuerently he giueth the peopls benediction , how he neuer misseth twise a day to say his breuiarie , what paines he taketh , with oratours , leagates , and such others , in hearing their causes ? surely this man , if he were not of God , hee woulde not be so liberal , in suppliyng the want of the needie : neither woulde he be so painefull in causes ecclesiasticall : Therefore ( saye they ) perswade thy selfe , the Pope is here on earth in Christes steade , he is Peters successour , and may binde and loose whom he list : hée may saue whom be loueth , & destroy whom he hateth , hee hath the same authoritie here in earth , in heauen , in purgatory , and in hel , that Christ himselfe hath in al these places . Oh take heede my sonne , these woordes are venemous , and as bitter as gall : beware , and neuer condescende to the opinion of these stifenecked Papistes . The Pope hath no vertue in him , but all vice and hypocrisie . Let them bragge of the Pope , vntyll they bee wearie , yea neuerthelesse thou shalt finde ( my sonne ) that the Pope is verye Antichriste , as by his life and religion most manifestly shall appeare . I will tell thee ( my sonne ) of the parentes of this Pope gregorie the thirtéenth , otherwise named ( and that properly ) hugo , ( that is to say ) hugh : and by his surname boncompagnion , good fellowe . His father at the beginning was suche a one as solde olde wares ( which the Italians termed vechio ) as olde yron , olde showes , olde apparell , and suche like thinges . This man at laste became somewhat riche , and vsed the trade of marchandize . Nowe this Pope Hugh was borne at Bolognia , and brought vp in learning there , where hée studied the Ciuil and Canon lawes , and became publique professour of both those lawes in that Citie , where hee was borne . At Rome , and else where , before hée was made Cardinall , hée bare manie offices , as it was reported vnto mée . Some in Bolognia , tolde certayne of my acquaintance , that this Pope was maried , and by that wife begate those children who are as yet aliue . Some say otherwise , that hée was neuer married , but say that those whome hée calleth his sonnes , are in deede his Bastardes : but whatsoeuer they bée , they are Gentlemen , whether they bée so in condition or no , I can not tell , but I am sure they are noble men in wealth , and in worldelye pompe . The Popes syr name is boncompagnion , good fellowe , for that one of his Graundsyers accompanied him selfe with another Italian , to kill a Serpent , who did much hurte in the Countrey of Italie , in slaying both man and beast : and for this cause the Serpent being stayne , by one of this Popes Graundsyres , and by another Italian , from that day forwardes hée was called boncompagnion , and so was his father surnamed , and this Pope likewise . This Pope hath a brother in Bolognia , who hath the charge of manye affayres , and also the Popes bastarde , though some call him his Nephewe , hee hath the rule of all thinges at Bolognia .

This Pope hath his protrature liuely set foorth in manye places of that Citie : and gaue commaundement to the Bolognians that his statute shoulde bee erected there : In deede his stature is erected at Rome , is erected in the Capitoll . The Pope is liberall to those , by whome he hopes that the ruines of his kingdome shal be repaired : hée is beneficiall to Englishe men , and to Germans . For hee hopeth that by their witte and pollicie , by their industrie and labour , hee shall recouer to hymselfe those countreys againe and haue them in subiection . What the lyfe of this Pope is , thou maist reade ( my sonne ) in diuerse bookes , as thou trauaylest to other countreys , but this I will say as I was infourmed by credible persons that had beene traueylers to Rome , that Omnia in curia Romana sunt vaenalia . All thinges are to bee solde for money in the Court of Rome . If any man hath committed murther , if any man hath liued in adulterie , if any man hath offended in gluttonie , or drunkennesse , or what so euer cryme hée hath committed , come to this Pope with your purse full of money , and for your syluer you shall bée absolued and forgiuen of all your sinnes . But if you come with an emptie purse , you shall departe as you come , without anye indulgence and pardon of your sinnes : no penye no pater noster . If any will release his brother from purgatorie , let him prouide money , and an owle will flye with his brother to heauen , wil you haue Agnos dei , graua benedicta , medalla , crosses , beades , &c. Then goe to this Pope and bring him a satchell of money , and you shall haue all these thinges . Oh my sonne I tell thée the trueth before these my neyghbours . For a brother of mine hath dwelt with the Popes chiefe Chamberlayne , and hath seene the practises of this Pope Gregorye the thirteenth , and knoweth the fashions of his Courte . Let not his hypocriste delude thée , neyther lef his magnificent giftes deceiue thee : thou shalt overthrow by his supermaiesticall statelinesse , that hee is the sonne of perdicion : hée can not take the paynes ( béeing lustie of age ) to goe on foote from his chamber to his chappell vppon feastiuall dayes , but must bée carried on eyght scarlette mens shouldiers .

Oh pride , Lucifer like . When hée goeth in procession , in the Citie hée is honoured as Christe , ouer his heade must carpettes bee layde , the walles must bee couered with the same , and the streetes strowed with flowers and rushes .

The swishers are placed as it were in battaile arraye , the meaner forte with their torches goe before , the richer Citizens followe after , the Nouices of moffe monasteries followe them , then come the fatte belled Monkes , Fryars , Abbotes , pryours , and suche lyke , after them the Byshoppes , them the Popes Chamberlaynes , with his Miters , and after them followe the Cardinalles , then appeareth the Pope , not goyng on foote , but caryed on mens shoulders verye pontyfically , the trumpettes sounding , the double Cannons are charged . Which pontificallitye Christe hym selfe neuer vsed , and therefore this excessiue pride seuereth the the Pope from the Immitation of Christes steppes .

Thou shalt see my soone , that the Pope is not vertuous in deede though hée bée so accoumpted , but full of hypocrysie .

Hée is ( as the brute goeth at Rome ) the cause of dissentions in diuers Countreys , and hée onely was the cause of the late rebellion in Ireland . For commaundement was giuen vnto them of the seminary by the Pope , that they shoulde praye daylye for the prosperous successe of Doctour Saunders his affayres in Irelande . This Pope succoureth rebelles and traytours , that in the tyme of the laste commotion fledde out of the North.

Trisander

I vnderstande nowe ( father ) that you are verye well acquainted with one or other , that lately hath béene at Rome .

Panteleon .

Haue I not tolde thée ( my sonne ) that my brother dwelt with the Popes chiefe chamberlaine ? it was hee that knewe all these thinges , and reported them vnto mee .

Trisander .

Truely this reporte shall bee a caueat vnto mee , to beware of the Popes engine readie prepared to entrape imprudent and vndiscreete persons . All the perswasiue woordes in the worlde shall not make mée brooke him .

Panteleon .

In so dooing happie shall I bee , that haue suche a godly and obedient sonne .

Trisander .

But father , by your pacience I will aske one question : were all Popes wicked in their liuing , as they are Heathenish in their religion ?

Panteleon .

Sonne , thou askest mée a doubtfull question . If thou askest whether all Popes wanted moral vertues , and such as the Gentiles had , or whether they all lacked those Christian vertues , which are the fruits of the Christian faith : whether thy demaunde be of the first or of the second , tell mée without any dissimulation .

Trisander .

I aske , whether all popes that arrogantly claimed to them selues Supremacie in earth , and the false pretensed succession of Peter in the Sée Apostolike , were prophane in conuersation of life .

Panteleon .

There were no such arrogant Popes , but they liued only Christianlike , and as their religion was repugnant to Gods worde , so their life and maners were contrarie to the commandement of the liuing God .

Trisander .

But father , can you tell their names , and how impiously they liued ?

Panteleon .

What their names were I knowe , and what their maners were likewise I knowe of certentie : but forasmuch as I haue said somwhat of Pope Gregorie the xiii . I thinke it not amisss to tell what his predecessour was , and howe hée came to the Popedome , this Pope Pius Quintus descended of very poore Parentage , as at Rome is reported of him . At Minerua , hée was a Dominican Friar for a certaine space , then hée became Pryor of that Monasterie , at what time Cardinall Morone was suspected for one that sauoured not of Popishe religion . Wherefore this Pryor Dominican was sent by the Pope to heare Cardinall Morons confession , which when hée vndertooke , and thought to haue hearde the Cardinals confession , hée was reiected , for that hée was neyther Bishop nor Cardinall : But a poore Fryar .

This Dominican returned backe againe to the Popes Courte , and tolde the Pope that Cardinall Morone disdained to take him for his confessor , being no Cardinal , but a poore Dominican . The Pope hearing these wordes , was muche out of pactence , he was sore offended , and his wrath was so kindeled , that in his angrie moode , hée called for a Cardinals hatte , and gaue it vnto this Dominican , willing him foorthwith to go againe to Cardinall Morone .

Now when hée came Cardinall like , Cardinall Morone submitted himselfe , yeelded to make his confession before him , to answere to any Article that hée had to lay againste him , and in his examination hée shewed him selfe conformable to the Popes Lawes . It happened afterwardes , that this Pope dyed , and then , ( as the order is ) the Colledge of Cardinals assembled together , in a certaine appointed place of the Popes Courte , to elect and choose amongest themselues , some méete man to take vpon him the charge of so great and Sathanicall function . The whole Colledge of Cardinalles , that were present there , except this one Dominican Cardinall , gaue their assent and consent to this Cardinall Morone , that hee shoulde haue béene Pope : but when this Dominican Cardinal was asked why hée gaue not his voyce with the rest , he made this answere , I will neuer ( saith hée ) giue my voyce to any person suspected of heresie . Then spake Cardinall Morone I will not be Pope , though I might .

Heereupon all the Cardinals were willing , that this Cardinall Morone should elect whom he best fansied , to bée Pope of Rome , which thing beeing graunted vnto him , hée vttered these wordes , saying . I knowe none more worthie to bée made Pope , then the Cardinall of Alexandria , who refused to giue his voyce to my election , for that some time I was suspected to bée an Heretike : a worthier man then hée to beare rule , may seldome or neuer bée found though wée sought for one through out the worlde . Therefore séeing your graces good wil and pleasure , was , that I shoulde choose whom I best liked to the Popedome , I nominate and pronounce this Cardinall of Alexandria . These wordes thus vttered , euery Cardinall in his degrée doing obeysance , came and kissed this newe Popes féete . This Pope had a nephewe , ( supposed of some Romans to haue béene his bastarde ) whome hée created Cardinall ouer that Citie Alexandria , whereof he himselfe had béene Cardinal before . This his nephewe ( or rather as the common bruite or same goeth at Rome ) was bounde apprentise to a poore Tailour , who dwelleth in the Englishe Seminarie at Rome : and because hée was altogether vnapt for that science , this poore taylour came vnto his vncle , the aforesaid Pope Pius Quintus , ( but then a Dominican Frier in the monasterie of Minerua ) and tolde him that his nephewe was vnfitte to bée a taylour , for that hée sawe no towardnesse at all in him touching that Art . But sée now ( my sonne ) howe fortune fauoureth fooles , howe shée exalteth the vnworthie . For this felow , the Popes nephewe can scarce reade his Masse booke , much lesse vnderstande it , and yet loe , on a sodaine hée is created Cardinall of Alexandria . This Pope his vncle , as the report goeth , was a better practicioner in hearing Nunnes confessions , and fitter to play the Cooke , then to supplie an office and roome of suche high dignitie , to the which the Maiestie of Emperours & kings , by the iudgement of the Papistes , is counted inferiour . This Pius Quintus at the first was a beggar , then afterwardes hee became a Dominican Friar , and consequently , a Cardinal , and in fine a Pope . Thus fortune exalted him to high degrées of promotion . The recordation and remembrance of his pristinate and former state , before fortune had smiled on him , shoulde by right haue moued him to bee humble and lowly to all men in his Papall Maiestie .

Trisander .

Truely Father , as for his base estate of byrth , if his vertues were good , or if his excellencie of wit was suche , that it surpassed the wisedome of others . I dde not weigh nor make any account , nor doe so vilely thinke of his simple Parents that therefore I shoulde esteeme him vnworthie to haue béene ( as hee was ) promoted to a higher degree of function .

Panteleon .

Louing sonne , to the derogation of his promotion I speake not a worde , and as for his Papall dignitie , it dothe not touche mee who hath it , or who euer had it , either noble or vnoble , poore or riche .

But mine intention was to tell thee , howe at the first hée became Chapline to Sainte Dominicke , then afterwardes Chamberlaine to Beelzebub , and last of all , sonne to Lucifer , by marriage . For hee married his begotten daughter pride .

Trisander .

From suche offices and degrées of function good Lorde deliuer vs . I pray you father will you shewe mee , if you can , what his lyfe was , being Pope ?

Panteleon .

Yes that I can , and hew hée liued I will declare to thée as followeth . Hée was a blooddy persecutor of the Christians , and caused many a faithfull beléeuer of the Gospell , most lamentably to bée burned : yea hée was the cause of that butcherly effusion of Christian blood at Paris , and in all other places of Fraunce . His successour Gregorie xiiii . wickedly allowed , the cruell handeling & formentes shewed vpon the great Admirall of Fraunce , the instrument of God , for defence of true religion , and for the consolation of the afflicted Christians . Whiche facte is entred in marble stone , in the imperiall hall of the Popes Court , artificially set foorth : but to speake of Pius Quintus , this Pope was certified by a certaine Cardinall , that in Rome there was an noble man , sonne to a Duke , borne in Germanie , differing from the Papistes in religion and disagréeing with their doctrine . So soone as the Pope had heard these wordes , being moued with furious indignation , hée cried vnto the Cardinall , burne him , burne him : but the Cardinall béeing more mercifull then the Pope , desired his gracelesse Antichristian Maiesty , to commaunde the young noble youth to appeare before him , and so hée did . When the young Noble man came before his presence , hée did prostrate him selfe at the Popes féete , at whom the Pope began so to raile , and so to threaten him , that the Noble man ouercome with his threatenings of death , was readie to beléeue whatsoeuer hée woulde haue him beléeue , and so with his grimme countenance and threatning words hée peruerted this Noble young man to the religion of perpetuall destruction .

Trisander .

Surely , this man was more bitter then prudent , and more gréedie of vndeserued subiection , then carefull ouer the life of true Christians . Fie vpon such a proude persecutor , from such Tirants , libera nos Domine . But father , it was tolde mée , that hée was a great Coniurer or Nigromancer .

Panteleon .

And in very déede ( as I suppose ) thou hast hearde nothing but the truth in that . For surely at Rome it is reported that hée did those thinges which no man coulde haue doone , vnlesse he had béen skilfull in Nicromancie : Hée foretolde of the victorie of the Venetians , and Dun de Austria , ouer the Turkes . Hée came also vp on a certaine time out of his studie and tolde them of the victorie that were then in his presence : Nowe , ( quoth hée ) the Turkes are vanquished and slaine . These wordes hée might foretell by Nigromancie , as I suppose , and not otherwise . For hée had not the gift of Prophesie being a Tyrant , and an open persecutor of the truth . This Pius Quintus was so welbeloued of his seruants , that some of his Chamberlaines had besméered his Crucifix with poyson , so that when he came to pray , and approched to kisse the Crucifix , it ranne away : & when he saw the Crucifix remoouing it selfe after that maner , he créeped néerer , but the more hée créeped , the farther the Crucifix remooued . This thing I thinke was doone by the Art of Nigromancie , but it was one of the myracles of his Grandfather Satan . But the Romans report him to haue béene familiar with God , and that hée very myraculously preserued him alwayes , and caused the stones to certifie him of any iminent dangers . This man of sinne was so bent to the heauenly treasures , that hée cared not for worldly riches : for hée gaue all his goods to the poore , & made them Noble men and Gentlemen : but they were suche poore as were his kinsmen , some of them Cozins and Nephewes , to speake plainely his bastardes .

Trisa .

Of this Pope Pius Quintus I also ( good father ) haue hearde muche . Was it not hée ( I pray you sir ) that first excommunicated our gracious Quéene ELIZABETH .

Pante .

It was euen hée , but shée neuer prospered better , nor this Realme did neuer florishe more then since it was by him excommunicated : therefore for his cursing wée passe not , neither doe we regarde the thundering Bulles of excommunication of his successours .

Trisander .

It is so , as you say , that the Popes curse can doe vs no hurte : but can you tell me ( father ) whether they are chosen Popes by the meanes of their vertue , learning , and wisedome , or by the meanes of briberie , golde and siluer ?

Panteleon .

I haue tolde thée ( my sonne ) that in the Popedome there is no vertue , and therfore it is the more lightly to be regarded . Learned they must néedes bée , not in Scriptures , for that they defie them , but in the Ciuile & Canon lawes , that they may know what is their owne Iure illicito , & may pleade for that which is not their owne Iure Pontificiali . Wisdome is requisite in a Pope , whereby he may knowe golde from siluer , gemmes and precious stones , from common stones which bée in the stréetes . Hée must haue wisedome to counte them , wisedome to locke them vp in his treasure house : hée cannot bée without wisedome to picke out the best golde from the badde , to giue to his waiting gentlewomen at bed and boorde . Hée must moreouer haue wisedome to prouide for his bastardely children , which hée begot whiles hee was a soule Priest to the Putanne in the Burdello or whilest hée saide Masse elswhere for money , to supplie the necessitie of any sober Curtezane , and defloured Virgin . Such learning and wisedome , as before is recited , euery Pope muste haue , and euery Gentleman . Bribery , large giftes , and greate promises must helpe him to that Papall dignitie , or els hée shall go without it , as most commonly it falleth out , vnlesse perhaps some poore Cardinall be made Pope , and compoundeth with the colledge of Cardinals that the Papall reuenewes bée equally parted amongst them all of the Colledge of Cardinals .

Trisander .

But what if a man had plentie of money ? then peraduenture hée might bée made Pope , and rule the roste at his pleasure .

Panteleon .

If a man had money , as thou saiest , great plenty , he should quickly bée made Pope of Rome , as it saide of Iohn the xviii . a Grecian borne , who obtained the place by briberie , sedition , and hurly burly . This man brought so much money to Rome with him , from Constantinople , as that hée was able therewithall to drawe and tempt vnto him , aswell the wise and wary , as the simple sort , to bée of his faction : whereby hée corrupted Crestentius the Consul , violently to abuse Pope Gregory , and to driue him out being a Germane , and so purchased the Popedome , and the sequell thereof . But of those thinges that hée and his traine set to sale in his Popeship , Mantuan writeth thus :

Pernices mercatur equos , vaenalia Romae , Templa , Sacerdotes , Altaria , Sacra , Coronae .

Iohn the xiii . being the sonne of Albericus the sonne to Maozia , obtained to be pope , partly by the briberie , and partly by the threatning of his father Albericus being Prince . Before the Emperour Otho , in an open Synode , it was laide to his charge ( as Lutherandus writeth in his sixt booke ) that hée neuer saide Mattins , that incelebrating the Masse he himselfe had not communicated , that hée made Deacons in his stable among his Horses , that hée had committed incest with two harlots being his owne sisters , that hée played at Dice , prayed to the Diuell to send him good luck , the for money he admitted boy as to bée Bishops , that he had rauished virgins , and strange women , that hée had made the holy pallance of Lateran , a Stewes & Brothelhouse , that hée had defloured Stephana his Fathers Concubine , and one Rainera a Widdow beside one Anna another Widdowe , and her Néece : that hée had put out the eyes of Benedict his Ghostly father , that hee vsed common hauntes , that hée ware armour , and set houses on fire , that hee brast open dores & windowes by might , that hée tooke a cup of wine and drunke to the Diuell , and neuer blessed him selfe with the signe of the Crosse . These and many more odious Articles , were laid to his charge : Whereupon the Emperour by the consente of the Prelates deposed him : and Leo the eight was set vp in his stéede . But so soone as the Emperour was gone , those Harlots that had béene his companions , inueighed the Nobles of Rome , promising them the treasures of the Church to depose Leo , and to place Iohn againe : which they did out of hand for desire and couetousnesse of the treasures of the Church . Thus Leo whom the Emperour appointed , was deposed , and Iohn established againe . So that you sée ( my sonne ) howe this Pope who was once deposed , is restored again to the See antichristian .

Trisander .

But Father doe they al climbe to the Popeship with money , with briberic , and dissention ?

Panteleon .

Not all ( my sonne ) for some obtained the popeship by Magicke , as Benedict the menth , who before was called Theophilact , the sonne of Albericus , and nephewe to Pope Iohn xxi . As hée by coniuring and diuelish Artes , did first aduaunce his vncles , Benedict the eight , and Iohn xxi : So nowe , by his Magicall Arte , hee brought to passe , that hée succéeded them . This Benedict , after the death of Conradus , conspired with his Councellours Laurence , and Iohn Gratian , to disherite his sonne Henry the thirde of the Empire , and to plant in his stéede Peter king of Hungary : and therefore he sent the crowne of the Empire to him with this verse :

Petra dedit Roman Petro , tibi Papa coronam . The Rock to Peter gaue Rome the towne , The Pope to thee Peter giueth the crowne .

Syluester the thirde , obtained to bée Pope by Magicall sorcerie , and that at the handes of his father Laurence the famous coniuerer . For thus saith Benno after Benedict was driuen out , and the Popeship solde , Iohn Gratian being in the place , Iohn Bishop of Saba was thrust in vpon him , and called Syluester the third . Thus these thrée being Popes all at once , deuided the Church of Rome into diuers factions : For what with cruell warres , and great bloodshed , the Churche was torne in péeces , fouly mangled with Scismes , and choked with errours , while vnder the coulour of wine it gulled in poyson . Thus wrote Benno of that wretched time . This Syluester enioyed the rowme of Pope but a while for within xxix . daies , the friendes of Benedict , with great tumult restored him to that which hée had first both loste and solde . Anno dom. 1041. Pope Benedict made one Cazamirus , a Monke in Clunace Abbey , & a Deacon , king of Poleland , vpon this condition , the for euery head in Poleland , hée shoulde pay yéerely to the Pope , and his successours , an ordinarie summe of money : and furthermore , that they should not let the hayre of their head grow long , and that they of Poleland shoulde remember for euer , howe that this polling had giuen them a shauen king out of an Abbey . Sergius the iiii . came to bée Pope by Magicall charmes , and in his Popedome hée exercised the same sorcery styll , by which hée obteined the seate . Iohn the xix . an Italian succéeded Syluester the second , and gate to bée pope by the Diuels aide : for ( saith Benno ) the schollers of the saide Syluester , euery one gaped for the Popedome . Iohn the xx . called Fasanus , got the Popedome by magicke and coniuring . For from the foresaid Syluester , tyll Gregory the vii . ( a notorious person ) all the Popes were famous inchaunters : by their charming they stirred vp walking spirites , bugges , goblins , firie sights , and diuers terrible ghostes and shapes of things , with howlings , and gronings , about dead mens graues , persuading the simple people , that they were dead mens soules , & those spirits that being coniured vp by priests , deluded men , dissembling that they were ●e soules of the dead , complaining of ●heir intollerable paines in Purgatorie ●●e , and crauing to be released by the me ●●torious déedes of their fréendes & kinded , bestowing Diriges , Masses , and Trentals vpon them . Syluester the se●onde , of whome mention is made alrea●ie , betooke himselfe to the Diuell , both ●ody and soule , to bée made Pope , and ●iserablie ended his life in the pallace of ●he holy Crosse , which is called Hierusa●em , as hée saide Masse , and the Diuels were readie to receiue him into their hel●ishe habitation . Hée commaunded ●is tongue and his handes ( as writeth ●enno ) to bée cut of , because that by them hée had blasphemed God , in Sacrificing ●nto Diuels : thus hée dyed a reprobate , Anno. Dom. 1003. The report of him is this , that the Tombe of this Syluester doth euer since Prognosticate the death of the Pope , by the ratling of the bones , and the gushing out of the water that ri●eth out of the grounde about it : as also ( saith Platina ) it is testified by the Epitaphe written vpon his graue . Manie such Popes coulde I recite , which by enchauntments , and magicke , obtained th● Popeship , whom for breuitie sake I omit .

Trisander .

Why then ( father ) i● these forenamed persons by Magical Ar● became popes , it is easie for cunning coniurers to bee made Popes . I though● that the holy Ghoste chose them to bé● Popes , but nowe I sée the Diuell getteth them the Popeship : the Diuell himself● being the Authour of Nigromancie , i● hée woulde transforme him selfe int● the likenesse of a man should bee excéedingly estéemed amongst the Papists .

Panteleon .

And so hée should in déed but because hée is a spirite , hée placeth in his roome some ambitious mortal wretch as his Vicegerent , with conditions to be obserued and kept of euery Pope .

Trisander .

Father , must they be all men , that are Popes ? was there neuer woman Pope ?

Panteleon .

There is no matter whether they bée men or women that are made Popes . For as long as they are Satans Vicars héere on earth , they may bée both hée and shée Popes : but I reade ●f one woman that was made Pope of Rome .

Trisan .

But can you tell mée her name , where shée was borne , and howe shee came to the Papacie ?

Pan.

Yes that I can . Her name was ●oan the eight , and because of her bringing vp vnder a certaine Englishman , a monke of Fulda ( whom she loued tenderly ) her name was altered , and shée was called Iohn English : shée sate as Pope in the Pontificall seate of Rome two yéeres , and sixe monethes , shee was a Germane by birth , and borne in Mentz . She was called at the first Gilberta , a lecherous beast , and such a one , as for the more inioying of her leuers company , & the better auoiding of suspition , dissembled her kinde , and put her selfe into mans apparrell , and so trauelled with the Monke her Paramour , to Athens who being dead shée came to Rome , still disguising her selfe , and counterfetting to bée a man . For through the promptnesse of her wit , and her readie tongue , shée talked eloquently in publike lectures and disputations : and many had her in admiration for her learnin● shée grewe into so great credite , and wa● so well liked of all , that Leo the pope b●ing dead , they chose her in his roome : 〈◊〉 which office , as other Popes had don● shée gaue orders , made Priestes & De●●cons , promoted Bishops , creat●● Abbots , saide Masses , hallowed Alte● and Churches , ministred the sacrament● gaue men her féete to kisse , & did al oth●● things belonging to the Popes : and h●● doings stood in force . But in the time of h●● Popeship , Lotharius the Emperour being an olde man , became a Monke , an● Lewis the seconde came to Rome , and r●ceiued of her the Scepter and Crown of the Empire , with Peters blessing whereby the whoore of Babylon shew●● her selfe so mightie , that shée made king stoupe vnto her . Apoc. cap. 7. Furthe● more , ( as Houedemus saith ) in her tim● Ethelwolphus king of Englande ga●● the tenth part of his kingdome to th● Priestes and Monkes , to pray for hi● soule : and his sonne Ethelwaldus ma●ried Iudith a widdowe , the late wife 〈◊〉 his owne father , and his Stepmothe● But as touching Pope Ioan , shée was gotten with childe by one of her familar Chaplines , a Cardinall to whome her fleshly appetite caused her to disclose herselfe . For as shée was going on Procession solemply to Lateran Churche , in the midst of the way , & in the open stréet , betwéene Colossus & Clement Churche , shee was deliuered of childe , in presence of all the people , and dyed of her trauell in the same place . For which wickednesse shée was stripped , and spoyled of all pontificall honour , and buried without any pompe or solemnitie . Héereof Mantuan writeth , describing Hell in the thirde booke of Alphonsus , thus .

Heere long the dame that erst disguisd , woulde seeme a man to bee , Whose head the Romane Miter ware : with crest of crownets three , Who plaide a shamelesse strumpets part , in place of Popes degree .

Loe , this is that seat that cannot erre ▪ being endewed with the holy Ghoste by succession , or rather an euident argument of the seate of Babylon . But the Popes since that time , in their Procession doe shunne that place , where shée was deliuered , as odious for the hap thereof Funcius saith boldly , that this was suffered by Gods especiall prouidence , that this woman shoulde bée made Pope , being also an Harlot , euen then , when shé● shoulde bring kinges ( as shee did Ethelwolphus and Alphredus ) in subiection vnto her , whereby Antichriste might bee● knowne . For then it was the Lordes pleasure , to bewray the whoore of Babylon , in a Pope , being an whoore . Wherefore the holy Ghost foretolde it , Apoc. 17 that the elect might beware of her . But to avoid the like inconuenience of a woman for the time following , they deuised that whosoeuer should bée chosen Pope , shoulde bée searched very narrowly to be tryed a man , & if hée were , a crye shoulde bée made with a loude voyce . Habet testiculos , dignus est Papari : A thing shamefull to bée reported , but vsed without shame , among such shameles shauelings . But nowe commonly they néede not , when they choose them Popes , mistrus●● them to bée women : for while they are Cardinals they play such carnall partes that they are able to bring foorth bastardes of their owne begetting , to prooue themselues men . Whereof one Iohn Pannonius wrote a merry Epigram , in foure Latine verses : testifying the truth of this their doing , of the which I omit the two first verses for ciuilitie sake . It may be gathered by these latter two , what is meant .

Curigitur nostro mos hic iam tēporecessat ? Ante probat sese quilibet essemarem . How happeneth that this groping then , is vsed now no more ? Because each one doth trie himselfe , to bee a man before . Trisander .

And will not the people for all this be reduced from their vaine opinion , in taking the Pope to bée Christs Vicegerent , to the abhorring of that vsurped high ambitious title of Supremacie ?

Panteleon .

My sonne , many are so obstinate , that they will neuer confesse to the contrarye : and the more wicked the Popes were in life and conuersation , the more godly they thinke them to bée .

Triasander .

But were they all doers of michiefe that became Bishops of Rome ?

Panteleon .

No , for all did not arrogantly claime to themselues Supremacie on earth . Linus a Tuscane borne , a man of pure and godly life , was Bishop of Rome : hée was neuer puft vp with such pride , that he woulde name himselfe head of all Churches throughout the worlde . But this good man , according to the example of the Apostles , was not afraide to preache the Gospell , and for preaching of the same , suffered martyrdome vnder Saturninus the Consul , while Vespacian reigned . Diuers fansies are fathered vpon this man , as that hée decréed by the commaundemente of Saint Peter , being dead , that no woman should enter into the temple bareheaded : which cannot bée , for there were no temples in Rome , till the time of Constantine the Emperour . For Christian congregations were constrained to liue in desertes , woods , and mountaines : they were inforced to digge them Caues vnder the grounde , whereof many are yet to bée séene at Rome , euen to this day . Therfore these thinges may bewray the dotage of Platina , and others , who charge these firste godly Martyrs with diuers superstitions , deuised by other long after . Anacletus the first borne at Athens , is placed by Irenaeus next after Linus : hée was a man of an excellent and feruent spirit , and of great learning , hée planted the Churche of God with dayly labour , and was put to death by Domitian . Anno. 94. Certaine Epistles & decrées , stuffed full of falshood , vntruthes and ambition , touching the ordering & primacie of Bishops , are counterfeited in his name . But Flaccus Illyricus , in the first Centurie , doth so rip the seames of them , that euery man may perceiue what botched stuffe it is . Beside Mantuan saith , that he liued not long in any such estate , as to haue occasion to write of such matters , but in Caues and Dennes , among woods . Clement the first , a Roman , aduaunced the Gospel by continuall preaching and good déedes . They forge of him that hée did deuid● Rome into Parish churches , which had scant a lodging in it . Againe , they slaunder him that he made orders in Rome for confirmation of children , for Masses , Apparrell , Vestures , and other Popish Ceremonies : and yet hée ( séely man ) was of so small power and authoritie to establish these thinges in Rome , that hee was a long time banished by the emperor , & he wed marble stones , till at length hée was cast into the Sea , with an Anchor about his necke : Anno. 102. So writeth Mantuan . Fasto . 11. Euaristus the first , a Grecian , was especially endewed with the grace of God , whereby in the time of persecution hée ceased not to increase the Church of Christe by his diligent preaching ; till hée was martyred vnder Traian , An. 110. Alexander the first , a Roman , did trauell painefully , both in preaching and baptizing , hée suffered great tormentes , till hée died thereof , vnder one Aurelianus fore● president to the Emperor : Ann. 21. Sixtu● the first a Roman , did both preach diligently , and did many good workes , he● beautified the Church with godly déeds , ●eing alwayes vigilant and carefull for ●is flocke , & died for it . Ann , 129. These thrée good Bishops are slaundered with ●ertaine Popish decrées , as touching the ●onsecrating of the Clergie , holy water , and holy vessels : but olde verses made of these times , doe testifie , that they were not at such leasure , to furnishe , or rather disguise the Churche with these superstious Ceremonies . Thus doe some write of these times :

Vrbibus antiqui patres fugere relictis , &c. The tyrants did our Ancestours compell , to flie to woods , & not in townes to dwel .

Many such godly men , who were Bishops of Rome , I coulde recite , as Telesphorus the first , Higinus the first , Pius of Aquilia , Anacletus , Sother , Eleutherius , Victor , Zepherius , Calixtus the first , Vrbanus , Pontianus , Antheros , Fabian , Cornelius , Lucius a Roman , Stephanus , Sixtus the second , Dyonisi us , Foelix , Eutychianus , Gaius , or Caius , Marcellinus , Marcellus , Eusebius , Melchiades , Syl●ester the first , &c. Except this one bishop Siluester , al the rest gaue their blood to bée shed for testimony of their faith . these foresaid bishops neuer claimed the supremacie , as proude Popes doe now a dayes , they neuer desired to bée decked with suche vaine gloryous titles , it was a thing which they neuer wished , nor neuer intended : yet were they bishops of Rome . And if the Supremacie were lawfull for their successours , it had been much more lawfull for than , being the succéeding popes of their Predecessours . They knew well that Christe gaue them no such prerogatiue aboue the rest of their fellow Bishops to bée rulers ouer all : for they were Bishops , such as God loued , and suche as loued God : they became not Bishops of Rome , to the end they might goe in their Pontificalibus , to the end they might bée richer then kinges , or to the ende they might commaunde Emperours , Kings , Princes , and all estates , to doe according to their fantasticall mind , to make them knéele and kisse their féete . These Bishops were no suche proude Lucifer like Prelates , they cared not for the vaine-glory of man , the deceitefull pompe of his worlde , nor the glorious shewes of his life : but all their delight was ●o preache the glad tidinges of the Go●pell , to preache faith fixed in Christe , ●nd to preache repentance established in the minde , to preache the Sacrament of the Supper of the Lorde , and to preache the Sacrament of Baptisme : in confirmation of which their sound and perfect doctrine , they shed their innocent blood . But assoone as their successours vanquished with pride , and inflamed with ambition , tooke to themselues the name and title of the vniuersall Bishop , and would haue the Roman Churche called the head of all Churches , then they raigned in the church of christians , without iudgment or consideration of the heauenly spirit , they did cast their eyes on earthly thinges , forgetting Gods euerlasting Testament , as if they regarded the fleshe onely , and not the soule . All their delight was in newe Traditions , Ceremonies , buildinges , pleasures , pompe , warres , treasons , and translations of kingdomes , so that they séemed to liue in the glory of this world , & in contempt with Christe . Thus the Churche vnder their gouernement , is at length become the strumpet of Babylon according to the whole discourse of the Apocalyps . Yet men blinded by their owne affections , and nouzeled in their owne vanities , will néedes confesse these vngodly Popes to bée Christs Vicars héere on earth , albeit their life bée abhominable , albeit many of them haue beleeued the soule of man to haue béene mortall , and haue taught that there was neither Heauen nor hell , neither God nor Diuell , and haue procured generall disputations for that cause : as Clement the eight , who was a poysoner , a murderer , a bawd , an vncleane liuer , & that in such sort , as ( if it were not for offending chast eares ) is not to bée named . Hée is also charged with Symonie , adulterie , rauishing of women , periurie , coniuring , Church robbing : finally , to bée fraught with all kinde of villanie . And therefore a certaine Poet wrote thus of him :

Clementi nomen dedit inclementia fati , Bellorum hic fomes cunctorum lerna malorum .

The inclemencie of destenie gaue this name to Clement . This man was a sturrer vp of warres , & a worker of all mischief . Iohn the xxiii . a Frenchman borne , ●aide , and stubbornly beléeued , that the ●oule of man dyeth together with the bo●y , and is consumed to nothing , like the ●oule of bruite beastes : of which errour ●ée neuer purged himselfe . These Popes are they , by the iudgement of the Papistes , that can neuer erre : for the holy Ghost directeth them in all their doings . I woulde aske them this question , whither is the holy Ghoste gone ? or howe both hée direct them in all their doinges , when they beléeue there is neither heauen nor hell , God nor Diuell , and when they maintaine this , that the soule of man is mortall ? Surely the holy ghost is gone to prepare a place of miserere for such faithlesse Caitiffes . I could write many thinges touching the Popes of Rome , that liued most wickedly , and denyed the immortalitie of the soule : but because thou art learned , thou mayest reade ( my sonne ) of their liues at large in the histories of Platina , Christianus Masseus , Carsulan , Ptolomeus Lucensis , &c.

Trisander .

The narration of the corrupt liuing , and horrible heresies of these Popes before recited , shall make mée beware howe I giue credite to any proude Papist , that will haue mée confesse the Pope to bée Supreme head ouer all Churches .

Panteleon .

God graunt thou mayst doe so : holde héere , I giue thée two hundred poundes , God blesse thée , and make thee his seruant .

Trisander .

Fare you well my good father .

Panteleon .

Adue my sonne .

The end of the first Dialogue .

The second Dialogue . Wherein mention is made of the liues of Cardinals and Bishops &c. The speakers are Trisander the Pilgrime , and Tiptelichia his mother . Trisander .

SEeing that I haue obtained my fathers good will , and receiued money sufficient for my voyage , I thinke it my duetie likewise to request your leaue ( O louing mother ) to trauell to forreigne Countries . The cause of this my requeste to trauell to strange & forreigne kingdomes I haue alreadie declared . I haue taken my farewell of my father , and I meane to take my leaue of you in like maner deare mother .

Tiptelichia .

Sonne , séeing that your minde and pleasure is to depart from vs : and séeing your father my husband hath satisfied your request , I am not to denie what you aske of mée in that behalfe . But forasmuch as your father tendering the safetie of your soule , hath tolde you many enormities of the Popes , for your greater detestation of them , it behooueth mée being your mother , to impart vnto you my sonne a farther declaration of the corrupt liues of Cardinals and Bishops .

Trisander .

To heare your talke touching the abhominable and hypocriticall life of Cardinals and Bishops , I would gladly giue eare , that I may take héede of their delusions .

Tiptelichia .

Then listen to my wordes , and marke what I say , I will tell thée but truth , and what I hearde reported vnto mée by my brother that hath béen a great traueller , & hath séene with his eyes those things which I shall recite vnto thée .

Trisand .

I pray you ( mother ) without farther tract of time , reueale vnto me what your brother ( my vncle ) hath vttered vnto you .

Tiptelichia .

My brother being at Rome , hard of many that Cardinall Far ●n his youth loued a boy better than a woman , and in his olde age ( as it is supposed of many ) of an Agent is become a Pacient . Nam succumbit libidini quorundam Sodomitarum . Shamefastnesse prohibiteth mée to tel this abhominable practise of his in English . This is he notwithstanding , whom certaine of the Papistes write to bée vertuous and learned .

Trisander .

But is not hée the chiefe and principall Cardinall amongst all the rest in office and dignitie ?

Tiptelichia .

Yes , and in his office is great : for hée is the Popes Vicechauncellour , and his reuenewes are likewise great . For his rents amount in the yere to sixescore thousande Crownes , his seruants are many , his house is sumptuous , and his going is maiesticall . This man wanteth no worldly pompe , no glory , no maiestie , that may be lawfully demaunded in respect of his courtly dignitie , and princely reuenewes .

Trisander .

I vnderstande ( mother ) that his office is great , and his riches as great : but can you tell ( gentle mother ) whether hée bée a temporall or spirituall man , a secular or a Priest .

Tiptelichia .

I vnderstood by my brother , that his crowne is shauen , and that he saith Masse , I suppose therefore hée is a Priest after the order of Iupiter , or of Venus , I cannot tell which .

Trisander .

But is hée learned ? Can hée preache ? And doth hée kéepe hospitalitie ?

Tiptelichia .

Hée is very well learned , for hée vnderstandeth the scriptures , as though they had not béen written : and hée is as cunning in the Doctours , as though hée had neuer séene or hearde of their writings . He speaketh as good latin , as there is in the Italian tongue , hée is a singuler good preacher , when he is in his garden of pleasure , and repaste with his louing Néeces , hée hath a good gift in teaching : for hée teacheth his curre dogge to licke his Priestly bearde . This man hath such a grace in vtterance , that all the whelpes hée hath would commende him , if they had the gift of spéeche . Hée commeth as often to the Pulpit , as the Pope doeth to Englande , to shewe himselfe Peters Successour by life and doctrine .

Trisander .

I sée that this man is more glutted with dainty dishes of meat , them replenished with copie of wholesome places of Scripture : more fatted in eating of crammed Capons , then well read in the auncient and graue Doctors : and more occupied in playing with his fawning Spaniel , then exercised in preaching , and deliuering the worde of God vnto the flocke committed to his charge . But ( mother ) can you tell whether any other liueth so corruptly as this Cardinall hath , and ( as farre as I know ) doth as yet ?

Tiptelichia .

Good sonne , to tell how the Cardinals of Rome lead their liues , contrary to their calling and profession : some ( whom declaration of truth can neuer or hardely make pliable to imbrace true reportes ) will thinke that whatsoeuer I reueale vnto thée , touching their wicked and hypocriticall liues , to bée either feined , or els vttered of malice , no● knowing that which I report vnto thée t● bée either true or false . Bée my wordes neuer so true , nor vttered of malice , ye● will the Papists say , that all things that I speak are false , and spring of a malicious and cankered stomacke . But no faithfu● Christian may otherwise persuade him selfe , but that the Cardinals may now liue as licentiously and lewdly , as they haue in times past . What the life of many Cardinals and Bishops hath béene in times past , the histories of their liues in sundry Historiographers bookes expressed may giue sufficient notice vnto the worlde 〈◊〉 and what I shall vtter vnto thée , shall be so true and manifest , the diuers that haue béene in Italie , and haue séene the fashions of those Cardinals & Bishops , may verifie my wordes to bée true .

Trisander .

Are all Cardinals ( I pray you ) Priestes ?

Tiptelichia .

All , for the most parte , haue shauen crownes , and are bounde to make a wheaten god of a wheaten cake , & to drink to Baal a carowse once euery wéek .

Trisander .

But doe they preache as ●he superintendents in Germanie , and as ●ur Bishops in England doe ?

Tiptelichia .

They preache not after ●he same maner , for they preache in Co●hes and in gardens , but the Bishops in Germany and in England preach in pulpets both in Churches and els where .

Trisander .

It was tolde mee , that Cardinal Medices is a braue fellow , when hée commeth to the pulpet , that hée is a singular good scholler , and a passing Diuine both in the Scriptures and Doctours .

Tiptelichia .

Hée is a braue fellow in déede , albeit hée neuer commeth to the Pulpet , his apparrell is gay and costly , and he hath a comely body & a faire complexion . But surely hée hath such an impediment ( which they vulgarly call the crampe ) in his feete , that he is not able to ascend or goe vp to the pulpet : and hee hath such an ache in his backe , that hée may not be carried to the Pulpet without intollerable paine . Therefore , by reason of the crampe of slouthfulnesse , & the ache of insufficiencie , hée hateth the Pulpet , as the mouse abhorreth the sigh● of the Cat. I confesse hée is a singular schollar to dispute with any Doctour , i● the knowledge of the making of goodl● Rockes , faire mountes , and artificial milles vnder the ground . Moreouer ; I d● not denie but that hée is a passing diuine in the scriptures , & bookes of Venus , Diana Iupiter , & Mercurie , in the oracles of Apollo he is a skilfull man , in the writings o● the Heathen doctors he is very wel séene This Cardinall Medices , a noble man by byrth , a Papist by profession , and a shaueling by vocation , bestoweth more cost and expences in his garden , house , and mount , then will satisfie the wantes and necessitie of thrée hundreth poore men . This thing is to bée coniectured by the number of workemen , and by the cost linesse of euery thing that apperteineth to the workemanship in his house . Hée hath caused the likenesse of a liuely rocke to be made , and on each side thereof to bée portraited the shape of naked women hee hath laide out great riches in this & such like vanities , hée hath consumed muche Churche goods in his mount of pleasure . For the charges that are bestowed in his ●arden , he is not much to be discommened , for that I thinke it requisite , that ●pirituall as well as Temporall men ●oulde haue some worldly felicitie . The ●auest dames in Rome may bée glad to ●ecreate themselues in this pleasant garden , the like whereof I neuer sawe , and ●et I haue séene many , but ●●lacke , this Noble Cardinall abuseth himselfe to muche , and abuseth the name of a Christian , in fayning himselfe to bée one , where in déede hée is none . Why doth hée if he were not a Gentile ) spende so much money in making such Gods as the gentiles had ? No God of great renowme was amongst the Paganes , amongst the Gentiles , amongst the vnbeléeuers , but this Cardinall Medices hath caused the like to be made .

Trisander .

Mother you say that this Medices is a Cardinall , and therefore a pillar of the Churche of Rome : how can this Churche stande , if the pillars doe faile ? Is it possible that a Cardinall may bée a Gentile , and a Christian ? a worshipper of God , & a runner a whooring after other Gods ? I pray you ( mother ) tell mée , who tolde you that Cardinall Medices hath made the Statue of Venus , Diana , Mercurie , Iuno , Iupiter , Apollo , Hercules , and a hundreth more Gods ?

Tiptelichia .

My brother was hée that hath séene these things with his eies , and hath tolde mée euen as hée sawe them . There is no day in the yéere almost , except Sundayes and holy dayes , but this Cardinall hath ten at the least that are about the making of the gods of the gentiles : they are to bée séene in his garden , & in his house adioyning to his garden , I meane not his pallace .

Trisander .

But ( mother ) can you tell mée whether all the rest of the Cardinals reserue the Gods of the Gentyles ?

Tiptelichia .

All ( for the most part ) as cardinall Comedone , cardinall Columna , Cardinall Sauello , Cardinall Farnefio , Cardinall Alexandrino , &c.

Trisander .

Oh abhomination of all abhominations , that these worldly Cardinals should thus prophane themselues in making and kéeping the Idols of the gentiles , shoulde thus vsurpe vnto them selues the name and title of Christians , should in worde professe Christ , but in a●owing and hauing these dumbe , deafe , and insensible Idols , vtterly denie him . Oh men voide of the grace of God , what should they doe with these Statues , that were the Gods of the Gentiles , if they woulde bée counted Christians ? But in déede they do as Antichrist their graund-captaine doth , and aloweth .

Tiptelichia .

My sonne , séeing that thou art persuaded , that these Cardinals are not the right worshippers of Christe , for that they make suche vnlawfull account of the Idols of the Gentiles , I am the more beholding vnto thée , & God graunt thou mayest neuer be otherwise persuaded then thou art at this time . I haue declared vnto thée the manifest and expresse Idolatrie of these Roman Cardinals , for this one only cause , that thou knowing what they are , maist the more earnestly stick to the saith wherein thou art nowe , and striue with thy Ghostly and bodily enimie with all might and maine ( as the Prouerbe is ) that the Papists may not haue power ouer thée , nor habilitie , by their craftie iuggling and feined Legendes of Saintes to deceiue thee . Marke the maners of the Cardinals of Rome , and thou shalt sée them voyde of any vertue , or godlinesse , marke their pronesse and readinesse to idolatrie , marke that Paganisme tooke such déepe roote in their forefathers , that they them selues are infected with the spot of ●dolatrie , and worshipping of salfe Gods . To dissuade them from this horrible crime , no man dare , without danger of his life If a man shoulde come to Rome , and make a Sermon before the pope and the Cardinals , willing them to forsake their Gods , to breake them in péeces , and to cast them into the rider Tyber , they would all with one consent & open mouth exclaime against him , they would lay hands vpon him , as Iudas and Caiphas laid hands vpon Christe : they woulde shut him vp i●●prison , and accuse him for an Heretike . Therefore very fewe or none dare vtter such wordes , for feare of their great displeasure , vndeserued indignation , and sore reuengement . If any of these Cardinals haue any morall vertue , be it neuer ●o litle the Papists will extoll him to the kies , and commende him beyonde all ●easure : but if they hée all naught , they ●hall not want but one or other will ●raise and magnifie their names .

Trisander .

I vnderstand by the proesse of your talke , that riches , and not vertue , dignitie , and not Pastorlike granitie make them to bée beloued , to bée draysed , to bée defended , and to bée reuerenced . If they were as poore , and as humble as Christe & his Apostles were , ●o doubt there would not be so many flatterers , and so many idle shauelinges , to commend these cardinals liuing in wantonnesse , licentiousnesse , and carnall securitie .

Tiptelichia .

Thou saiest true ( my sonne ) if is honour and dignitie , it is pomp and pride , it is crueltie and tyrannie that vnholde the Churche of Rome . Pouertie and humilitie , submission and loyaltie , carefulnesse and Pastorlie watching preserue not the state of Babylon , of that whoorish and idolatrous Churche of Rome . But to let these wordes passe , I will tell thée ( my sonne ) how the Cardinals liue at Rome . First it is saide , that in their Gardens diuers times are séene faire and comely Gentlewomen , whom they call either Néeces , Cozens , or sisters : but what they bée let the Romans iudge , that knowe better of their order , in that kinde of dealing . They say plainely , that they are chamberlaines to the Cardinals ( I will not say their bedfellowes , for I knowe not that . ) These Cardinals ride gallantly in their coches , almost euery day in ye●reetes of Rome , they kéepe their men lustie and brane in apparrel , their Pages are most gallant , amongst all the rest , in their costly attyre . There are in Rome , aboue twenty Cardinals , but yet not one of them preacheth . There are bishops I know not how many , but yet not one exhorteth the people . In common or priuate assemblie , all their talke is of worldly matters , all their doings tende to their owne glory , to their farther promotion , and to their greater gaine . If euer there were Epicures and Saduces in the worlde , or are nowe in these dages , surely they were and are the Cardinals of Rome : For they want no pleasure , they want no treasure , they ●acke no promotion , & they want no reuerence done vnto them . They haue the worlde at will , soft beds , daintie fare , stout geldinges , goodly mules , princely coches , gorgeous apparrell , huge buildings , and what flesh and blood can wish besides : I will not adde bewtifull women , and imagine more : Fye , I am loth to write Formosos pueros . These forsooth ( if you giue credite to diffembling Papistes ) are vertuous priestly Cardinals , deuout , religious , sptrituall Potentates , clearkly churchly princes , and holy reuerend fathers .

Trisander .

I sée ( mother ) that the Churche is weake , where the pillers are feeble : and the Churche must needes bee naught , when as the Cardinals are naught , who are the holders vp therof . But I beseech you ( mother ) tell mee whether they imitate the Apostles in some point or other , or els follow the gentiles in all their proceedings .

Tiptelichia .

They altogether degenerate from the Apostles wayes . For the apostles preached , they neuer preach they studie to please God alone , but the studie to please many Gods , therefor they follow not the Apostles . They séek to become riche and glorious in the sigh of men , they are busie in séeking for th● Gods of the Gentiles , therfore it appeareth that Paganisme is not cleane roote● out of their hearts .

Trisander .

Is it not Cardinall Ferrara that kéepeth a great rowt of gallant Gentlemen , and maintaineth them to doe as they list ?

Tiptelichia .

I thinke it bée the very same person , that hath suche Gentlemon as you talke of , and if it bée , hée caused his men to kill one of the Sbirri , whersoeuer they tooke him , though it were in the Church . It chaunced , that his men followed this poore Sbirri , euen to Saint Peters Church , & they woulde hane killed him in the Vestiarie , had not the shauen crownes holpen him , and deliuered him from the danger then imminent .

Cardinall Como , Cardinall Morono , cardinall Sauello , best fauourers of the English Seminarie at Rome , are very prompt and readie to exhort the English Priests ●o seduce the simple people héere in England , and to stirre vp dissention amongst ●he Gentrie . But to warne the popes ●chollers to goe decently in apparrell , to walke circumspectly in their calling , to deale with all men simplie and iustly , & to liue vertuously they neuer intende it . But what crastie counsell may be giuen to make hurly burly in this lande , they giue it . To speake a little of the Bishops I thinke it not amisse . The Bishop of Versellis , and the Bishop of Pauia , were at great dissention for worldly dignitie , as my brother reported vnto mée , who was with them both , and heard how the one backhited the other , and the one maliciously slaundered the other . The one dealt with my brother very liberally , & willed him to certifie the Bishop of Pauia , what liberall giftes hée had receiued at his handes : The other knowing of the Bishop of Versellis liberalitie , gaue him more Iuels , then other wise hee woulde haue doone , and willed him to tell the other Bishops , what hée had giuen . But when they gaue him so much money , for that the one woulde séeme more vertrous then the other , I cannot tell : bu●● surely , because the one willed him to ce●tifie the other how much money hée harecētued , I thinke it hypocrisie . The Bishop of Turym had the name in the town to be very much fleshly minded , but whe ther hée was such a one or no , I canno of certaintie tell : how be it thus went th● report of him . Though the Bishop o● Granoble hath vowed chastitie , yet he● hath two or thrée base borne children , and kéepeth a well complextioned gentlewoman to serue him at bed & at boord . What liuers the Bishops are in Fraunce , they that haue dayly trafficke in those countries may soone knowe : and howe wickedly most Bishops ( I doe not say all ) leade their liues , they that bée trauellers can easily shew . I will not name all , whom I haue knowne ( by the report of manie ) to haue liued very hypocritically & naughtilie in germany , where papistrie reigneth . The Bishops in many places liue not spiritually but secularly , as my brother hath séene with his eyes . Let no man thinke that I reporte these thinges to thee of malice . How the generation Papisticall Bishops haue liued from me to time , histortes do declare . Hee ●at was Bishop sometime of Cambray , 〈◊〉 his booke de vitis Patrum , & de rebus estis Catholicorum , writeth how that in ●raunce , Germanie , Italie , Spaine , and Eng●ande also , when the saying was Viuat Papa Romanus , Bishops liued more after the example of Sodomites , Tyrians , & Sydonists , then after the example of true vertuous Christians . There was a Bishop ( saith this writer ) that was born in Germanie & dwelt there : when this Bishop was a boy , hée was so dull of conceining any thing the was taught him by his maister , that hée prouoked to himselfe more stripes then all the rest of the schollexs besides . This lad being werie of suffering more stripes and beatinges , made his prayer to our blessed Ladie Marie , the mother of our Lorde Iesu Christe , who being as it were ouercome with his often supplication , asked him at the last , what hee woulde haue : then answered the boy , the gift of learning . For now through defect thereof I am beaten without compassion . Our blessed Lady powred so much doctrine into his mouth , tha● hée was readie to crye , It is good ? Ther● shée tolde him , that after the decease o● the Bishop of his Diocesse , hée should b● created a Bishop , and bée his successour This man soone after excelled his maister in perfect knowledge of good Literature , and after the discease of the Bishop hée became Bishop in his roome : but afterwardes hée liued so sensually , and so voluptuously , that hée surpassed the beastes of the field in sensualitie and voluptuousnesse . For hée tooke the Nunnes out of their Monasterie and made them his bedfellowes , hée rauished his neighbours maidens , and defiled his neighbors beds , insomuche that vpon a time there came a voyce vnto him , and saide , Thou hast doone enough repent now : but hée lightly regarding what the voyce had told him , became worse & worse . Another time the voyce came , and tolde him againe , Thou hast doone enough nowe repent : but the next night , he tooke two Nunnes out of a Nunrie , and stept with them both . Then the spirite of illusion came , as they were a bed , in the forme of a man , and willed ●e bishop tomake roome : who asked him owe hée entered into the chamber , the ore being lockt ? The spirite answered , ●at hée opened the doore by his cunning . Then hée asked him againe , how he durst ●ée so bolde : but the spirite making no ●nswere too this demaund , bad the Bi●hop make roome , without asking any ●nore questions . Then the Bishop asked whence he was , he answered , from Hell : ●hen saide the Bishop , what is it the thou wouldest haue : then saide the Hellishe ●pirite , come thy way , thou hast liued too ●ong in pleasures and delights . These wordes being saide , hée tooke the Bishop and lifted him vp in the ayre , and letting him fall , bruised and mangled so piteous●y ; that it was horrible to be beholded . As ●oone as the day light appeared , the Bishops seruants being vp saw their master ●ying dead on the ground , very deformed & dissigured by the furious spirites of Hel. Hée writeth another historie in his booke of a certaine Bishop , who had a temporall princely dignitie , beside his reuerend spirituall function . As this Bishop was on a day , riding abrode , there beheld him a farre of a poore husbande man , whom when the Bishop sawe , hée called vnt● him , and asked why hée behelde him 〈◊〉 gréedily ? Mary ( quoth the poore man ) was straunge in my sight , to sée you princely attyre , and your courtly rou● of valiant champions , and noble Gentl●women . Doest thou not know that am both a Secular Prince , and a Spir●tuall Bishop ? Then answered the cou●try man , I knowe not so much , but sur●ly I thinke it is harde for a man to seru● God and the worlde , to bée chaste and 〈◊〉 maintaine waiting gentlewomen . The● saide the Bishop , thou saiest truth , tha● beyng a Bishop , I must liue as a bishop but whereas thou séest I am a tempora● prince beside , I may flaunt in my brauery héere in this worlde , and doe God goo● seruice : I may kéepe as many men an● women as I liste . What followeth i● the Historie , thou maist reade my sonne at thy leasure . Thou mayest see ( m● sonne ) many such pretie histories in tha● Byshop of Cambrays booke full of delectation . I wyll tell thée my sonne of on● Bishop that gote a childe by his owne ●aughter , hée dwelt in Bauaria , and had ●is daughter to kéepe his house , whom he ●iked so well , that hée tryed the maisterie with her whether hée were able to geate a childe by her or no. But it so fell out , as it was reported at Inglestade that his ●aughter was gotten with childe by her father . The Cardinall of Trent that ●ately deceased gaue himselfe so much to drinking , that hée became a famous Clarke in that science , especially in the assemblie of swyll pottes . Many suche ●elly Gods , horned Prelates , and oyled Priestly Bishops coulde I recite , but these fewe alreadie recited may contente thy minde , vntill thou hast séene with thine eyes what many of them bee in déede .

Trisander .

The Papistes blame the liues of our bishops very much : but surely compare their liues together , you shall sée , that they differ muche the one from the other .

Tiptelichia .

Thou saiest truth , for albeit there bée one or other that liueth not so vprightly as hée ought , yet where as one or other liueth otherwise then well , yet haue you the most parte liue very well , and are good Preachers . This to bée true all men knowe . To wade any farther in talke with thée at this present time , I may not , nor will : I may not , in respect of my businesse : nor will , for that I knowe the liues of these fewe Cardinals & Bishops , recited according to veritie , may serue thée for a sufficient warning how to take héed of papistrie , being the religion of Diuels , and not of faithfull Christians . Adue my sonne , God blesse thée , and make thée his seruant , to doe his will as hée commaundeth , to thy Parents ioy , and thine owne comforte and consolation in Christe Iesu . Cleaue to the truth , bée mindfull of thy calling be warned in time to flie from iniquitie● once againe , farewell my sonne , and forget not my wordes .

Trisander .

As you haue councelled mée to doe , so will I doe God willing : Adue good mother , god haue you in his kéeping .

Tiptelichia .

Holde héere , I giue thée foure score poundes , spend not too liberally , least that thou want , and then find● none that will succour thée . Bée wise , circumspect , humble , prouident , sober , patient , and carefull .

Trisander .

I will : once againe adue , god preserue you euermore , & graunt that I may returne happily vnto you againe .

Tiptelichia .

Amen , God graunt that thy returning home may bée as ioyfull to mée , as thy departure from home is troublesome and greeuous .

THus are these two former Dialogues finished and ended : I must make hast to the thirde . And ( courteous Reader ) if thou be not alreadie tyred , in reading the fewe leaues going before , proceede a little further , and thou shalt see very pretie stuffe , and worthie to bee noted .

The end of the second Dialogue .

The thirde Dialogue , Wherein the liues of certaine Monkes , Friers , my Ladie Nunnes , and sister Nunnes are discouered . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Diawinckian● the wandering Papist . Trisander .

NOWE I haue for saken the presence of my father and mother , and bidden adue to my louing countrie . Nowe wil I frequent and vse the company of straungers , and trauell into sundrie forreigne soyles : now haue I hazarded my life to a thousande dangers , to danger of drowning , to hazzarde of robbing , to perill of murdering , I feare the raging waters , I dread the couetous robbers , and I mistrust the cruell murderers . Good God , what shall I doe ? I am compassed round about , and inuironed on euery side , howe shall I scape the imminent perils in euery way ? There lurketh a théefe in most woods through Fraunce , there are noterious murtherers , I want companie , I knowe not the language . Good Lorde , what shall I doe ? woulde God I were in Englande againe , I would I were with my father and mother , who loued mee so dearely , that no Parents more entirely coulde loue their children . But séeing I am thus farre out of my countrie , and am at Rhone , not farre from the famous Citie Paris , I will goe forwardes in my iourney , bée the way neuer so dangerous . Si Deus sit mecum , quis contra me ? If God bee with mee , who can doe me any wrong ? I sée a man comming behind mée a farre of , I will aske him whether he determineth to trauell . But I thinke by his apparrell , that hée is no scholler , wherefore I will first expect & looke for some words from his mouth , and if hée begin to speak Frenche , I will answere him in Latine , and by that meanes I shall prooue if hée be a scholler or no.

Diawinckiani .

Dieu vous gard monfieur , ou voulez vous cheuaucher ?

Trisander .

Amice mi , externus sums , & sermonem tuum non percipio : I am a stranger , & vnderstand not your wordes , Sed pace tua diverim ( ni fallor ) tua in Auglia familiaritate quondam vsus sum , tempore Mariano . But with your good leaue I speake it , vnlesse I am deceiued , in Quéene Maries time wee were well acquainted in England .

Diawinckiani .

Ie suis bien ioy●ux vostre trouue compaignie : si il vous , plaist , nous irons ensemble , d' ou estes vous ? I am glad to haue your companie , if it may please you , wée will goe together , whence are you ?

Trisander .

I vnderstande you are no Latinist , but séeing that you speake French , I will answere you in English , if you bée hée whom I meane , you can speake the English tongue .

Diawinckiani .

I vnderstand and can speake your language , & I am glad you haue not forgotten me , in déede in Quéene Maries time I haue liued in Englande , ●nd fared very wel , with powdred béefe , ●nd fat mutton , good wine , and strong beere , in faring so daintily , and liuing so méerily , in fléeping so softly , & carousing so stoutely , I serued Thomas Becket , and my Ladie Anne of Cleue , I loked to their rotten bones , and swept the dust from their images , I did them good seruice , and therefore by their intercession I deserued to redéeme many soules out of the boyling Cauldron of Purgatorie .

Trisander .

I reioyce , and am glad that it was my good lucke to finde you in this forreigne countrie . In déede I remember your state very well , your life then surely was pleasant , you were cooke in the monasterie of Glastenburie , about fiftie yéeres agoe , you were then young and lustie , & coulde haue brought to your Abbots Chamber a pretie young damosell to kéepe him waking , and to comfort his wéery members féebled with ouermuch studies .

Diawinckiani .

Your words are true , I was such a one as you speake of , then my diligence was acceptable to many an Abbot and Pryor , to many a Monke and Fryer , I haue gotten wealth by them , obteined much pleasure , enioyed great estimation , by coupeling Male and Female together : at the last they sawe mée so fortunate in bringing to passe those thinges which they had wished , that they promoted mée to bee the Clarke of the Monasterie Chappell . I had the precious reliks of Thomas Becket , & my Lady Anne of Cleue in my custody , I had their images likewise in my kéeping .

Trisander .

I knowe my friende what you were in times past , therefore superfluous it shal be to make many wordes of that matter : but I pray you tell me , whither are you bounding , what is your state and condition ? where dwell you ? and howe long haue you stayed in this Countrie ?

Diawinckiani .

For olde acquaintance sake , curtesie mooueth mée to giue a direct & resolute answere to euery particular demaund of yours . I intende to trauell to Italie , my state is not so happie as it hath béene , for now I am poore , then I was rich , now and then I haue money plentie , but then I had store alwayes . Haec est vicissitudo rerum . This is the course of the Cardes . I haue no certaine limitted dwelling , but sometimes I dwell in this Monasterie , sometimes in that , nowe in this Nunrie , and to morrowe in that , now in this Hospitall , nowe in that , nowe in this Countrie , in another soone after : nowe héere , nowe there : nowe I cannot tell where : Hanc viuo vitam , This life I leade in spight of the Diuell . Lastly , I tell you that in Fraunce , Germany , Italy , Bohemia , Polonia , Flaunders , Brabant , and Freezeland , I haue trauelled euer since the Coronation of this Quéene ▪ Elizabeth .

Trisander .

Wherfore went you out of the Realme ? and why returne you not againe ?

Diawinckiani .

I went out of the Realme for conscience sake , and because of religion .

Trisander .

What religion then do you professe ?

Diawinckiani .

Papistrie , otherwise ( and that rightly ) termed the Catholike faith , which I doe imbrace with all my hearte .

Trisander .

What doe I héere ? Are you stil ! a Papist ▪ Will you neuer renounce the Pope with all his Traditions and filthie abhominations ? With all his idolatrie and superstitious Ceremonies ? I pitie your case , alacke my friend , hath Satan blinded your eyes with the cloudie mist of ignorance , and hardened your heart as the flint or adamant stone ? I lament your state , I bewayle your grosse errour , wherewith you are intangled . Oh my friende , for the loue I beare you , and for the olde acquaintance that hath béene-betwixte vs these many dayes , I councell you , for your owne saluation , for your own glory , & life euerlasting , to examine your vnstable religion , grounded vpon a sandie and fickle foundation , which is easie to bée ouerthrowne with the leaste blast of winde that can bée .

Diawinckiani .

To examine my religion I haue no néede , it is warranted and grounded vpon a riche rocke , strong , & auaileable against all stormes , winds , and tempests , My religion standeth built vpon a good foundation , as the pope , ●s Cardinals , Bishops , and Abbots , do ●ouch and declare in their assemblies ●nd councels generall .

Trisander .

Surely my friende thou ●iest truth . For I hearde tell , that S. ●eters Churche is builte vpon a little ●ocke , very rich , I cannot denie it . For the Pope dwelleth fast by-it , and hath ●he most of his treasure in that plott of ●rounde . But your religion shoulde not ●ée contrary to the truth of Christes hea●enly Gospell , though Saint Peters Churche were richer then it is , & though ●he Pope and his Cardinals , with the ●est of his adherentes , to kéepe their great titles , honours , dignities , and promotions , boldly say that the Romishe faith is the true religion .

Diawinckiani .

My friend Trisander , the Pope hath larger reuenewes then any Prince in Christendome , why therefore is hée not Christes Vicegerent ? And the Church of Saint Peter is the costliest Church in the worlde , in many respects , why therefore is not the Church of S. Peter the holy Catholike Church ? the holy ghost , in the fourme of an ow● hath confirmed this faith before the fa● of a Councell , and in the presence of t● Pope himselfe . Therefore assure yo● selfe , this is the Catholike faith , whi●● I holde and allowe . This is the tr●● religion confirmed by the Pope .

Trisander .

O my friende , thou a 〈◊〉 fouly deceiued . For the holy Ghoste wont to appeare in the forme of a Dou● but not in the likenesse of an owle . Th● Pope is not able to establish true relig●on , but hée can peruert all truth , for th● hée fitteth in the chayre of pestilence , an● claimeth to himself supremacie on eart● But I purpose not to discusse of religio● séeing that I haue no sufficient leasu● & oportunitie thereunto : but this brief● I tell thée , giue ouer thy lewde opinio● and let vs both trauell together as tw● brethren , and reconciled Christians . Fo● sometimes I was of thy religion , albei● not in all pointes .

Diawinckiani .

Let wordes of religion passe by , and let vs talke of our long and tedious voyage , which wée haue to take .

Trisander .

I am content , let vs do you haue said . How many miles haue ●ée now to Paris ?

Diawinckiani .

Thrée short miles .

Trisan .

What is it of the clocke ? ●ay wée bée at the Citie before night ?

Diawinckiani .

It is one of the clock , ●●d easily before the going downe of the ●unne wee may beat Paris .

Trisa .

Let vs ride a pace , where shal ●e finde good lodging ?

Diawinckiani .

Doe not you care for ●hat , wée shall bée very well entertamed ●●y the Prior of Saint Dominicks Mona●erie , and our good fare shall cost vs no●hing .

Trisander .

But can my Lorde Pri●r speake English ?

Diawinckiani .

Not a worde , but he ●peaketh Latine , no man better then ●ée .

Trisander .

I am glad that hée speaketh Latin so well , but is he so vertuous that hee will so friendly receiue into his Monasterie such trauellers as I am ?

Diawinckiani .

Hée is very vertuous . But this I forewarne you of , that if you sée him with others of his Cloyster walking after supper to the fieldes , and many of the Parisian Cleargie sporting in the faire meddowes , speake not a worde , if ( after their woonted maner ) man with man worke filthinesse , as Sainte Paul writeth in the first Chapter to the Romans , That some men leaue the naturall vse of the women , and burne in their lustes one with another . This thing hath béene doone this long time , and this wickednesse is as yet practised amongest them secretely .

Trisander .

In the booke of the Bishop of Cambray I haue read of this abhomination , vsed most commonly amongst the Parisian Cleargie : and whether in those places as yet they vse the like filthinesse , I cannot tell : but surely I am perswaded , that at home in their houses they are not ashamed to defile themselues one with another . For I resorting to som of their houses as a stranger , might easily gather by their vnseemely playing one with another , that their life is Sodomiticall : and by their carnall and venereal talke , a man may rightly hee persuaded , that they liue as the Sodomites and Gomorreans did .

Diawinckiani .

They had rather liue like Sodomites , then bée married , as the ministers of the reformed churches are , for the auoiding of all occasions of these carnall and fleshly pranckes . I will bring thée my friende to manie Monasteries in the Popish Countries , where it is the Monkes and Friers custome to practise the vices specified by S. Paule , in the first Chapter to the Romans . At Shalome in Burgundie thrée Monks were taken in doing this déede , and were banished the Citie . A German Prieste , and a Frenche Priest of the Cathedrall Churche there , in the saide Citie , will not bée ashamed to offer this villanie to straungers that come to their houses . This vice , and iniquitie aboundeth in most places amongst the Monkes , Friers , and Priestes . At Troy , albeit by the Magistrates they are sore punished , for associating themselues to the company of lewde women , yet for all that , there is no woman but shée shall bée welcome to their bed and boord . I trauelled the most townes in Fraunce , in Anno , Dom. 1578. And I coulde come to no Monasterie , but that I founde one or other in that Cloyster hauing in his chamber a fayre wayting Gentlewoman . On a certaine time it fortuned , as I came to a Cloyster in the Dolphine of Fraunce , to séeke some reliefe of the Prior of that Monasterie , I met the Subprior , and hée demanding from whence I came , and whither I woulde wander , caused mée to come to his chamber , and there was in his bed a woman groning , as though shee had béene with childe . I was so bolde to aske the Subprior what shée was , and hée answered , his sister . I being a stranger and merily disposed , I knowe by her countenance , said I , and vnderstand by her groning , that your sister is with child . Then spake the Subprior , and are you a Phisition , that you vnderstand so much by my sister , that shée is conceaued ? Yea mary doe I , quoth I , and I am a Phisition . Then smiled the subprior , and said , surely my friende , thou art welcome , and bee thou assured of any friendship that I can shewe thée , thou hast iudged right by this woman , shée is with childe , shée is not my sister , but my Concubine , I had rather naturally deale with a woman , than vnnaturally and Sodomittically defile my body with a man . Many of my brethren , the Benedicts , kéepe maid seruants to looke to their chambers , and to be their bedfellowes , and by that meanes they anoyde the offence of pollution , and the other crime Sodomiticall : but my friende holde two franckes , goe to the butterie , take some meate , and goe forwardes in thy iourney , tell no body those thinges which thou hast séene and hearde . Garamercie with all my hearte ( quoth I ) good maister Subprior , I will conceale whatsoeuer I haue heard and séene . At Lions in Fraunce , as I came to the Nunrie of Saint Bridgit , crauing some reliefe , I found them very courteous , sober , and quiet , and some of them so still , that the braue youthes might doe with them as they would ? Maister Pound ( who is now gone to Hierusalem ) as hée himselfe reported vnto mée often , secretely plaide with two of the Nunnes , and in one bed with eache one of them said his breuiarie . One of the Nuns loued this M. Pound a gentle man Priest so well , that in all his iourney to Rome , and the world throughout , shée woulde bée his clarke , and forsake her sisters .

Trisander .

Truly good companion , these Monkes and Fryers are manifeste hypocrites , and woe and sorrowe shall bée their rewarde . They pretende chastitie , and liue ( as thou saiest ) Sodomitically : they suffer themselues ouer easily to bée snarled by the allurementes of the fleshe , and yet they will hée counted holy Fathers , good liuers , and the adopted children of Christe . But vnlesse they reforme their vitious maners , and corrupt life , I cannot sée howe these men may rightly bée named the seruantes of the most highest , and the lawfull inheritours of the incorruptible crowne of eternall happinesse . Howe doe they think to excuse themselues in the sight of Christe our Sauiour , that dissemble thus with the worlde ? Doe they persuate themselues that they are virgins , and shall obtaine the glorious and vncorrupted reward of virginitie , because the worlde doth iudge them chast virgins : Let the people imagine of them selues as they will , hyporrisie may not , nor shall escape vnpunished at the dreadfull day of iudgement . Doe they thinke , that because they intrude them selues into Monasteries & Nunneries , they are able to kéepe their virginitie vndefiled , & able to performe the vowe of chastitie ? nay surely , dayly experience teacheth , & the eiesight testifieth , that Monkes and Friers , are no otherwise able to refraine the lusts of the fleshs , then men liuing in the worlde . These hypocrites say that they liue out of the worlde , only for that they are enstraunged and feigned from the common assembly of the secular people : and that their conuersation sauoureth not of the woolde . These are their wordes , but their déedes are contrary : they say they forsake the worlde , but yet they will not despise the thinges that are in the world , as high titles , good estimation , great credite ; large possessions , ample reuenewes , full purses of gold and siluer , faire buildinges , goodly orchards , and delight some gardens . They say they are not of the world , but yet the pompe , pride , and glory of the worlde , the vanitie , wealth , felicitie , brauery , and iolitie of this earth , and of earthly thinges , with daliance , pastime , eating , drinking excessiuely , and al other sensuall delightes and desires , seruing to carnall appetite , they highly eshéeme and magnifie . And albeit they sequester themselues from the common company of the secular people , yet their life is not a whit more holy then theirs : yea , to say the truth , their condition is farre worse then theirs . They haue vowed chastitie , but who more vnchast then they ? They haue named themselues virgins ; but who more defiled , and more incontinent then they ? Howe periuriously they haue violated their rash● and vnaduised vow of continencie , histories make mention . The artificiall and secrete places to kéepe their concubines in many places of Englande , doe plainely notifie to vs all , that they were incontinent violatours of their professed vowe , and abusers of the people , in causing them to beléeue , that they were the ●hast and vndefiled members of the holy Ghost . Nigellus wireker saith , in speculo stultorum .

Quid de sempingham , quantum vel qualia sumam , Nescio , nam noua res , me dubitare facit . Hoc tamen ad presens , nulla ratione remittam , Nam necesse nimis fratribus esse reor , Quod numquam nisiclā , nullaquesciēte sororum , Cum quocunquesuo fratre manere licet .

Thus are these verses englished of Sempingham .

What should I much prate , An order it is , begunne but of late : Yet will I not let , the matter so passe , The siely brethren and sisters alas . Can haue no meetings but late in the darke , And this ye know well is an heauie worke .

The same Nigellus writeth moreouer , these verses following .

Canonici missam tantum , reliqūque sorores , Explent officii debita iura sui , Corpora non voces murus distinguit in vnum , Psallunt , directo psalmatis absquemero .

Thus are they to bée englished .

The Monkes sing the Masse , the Nunnes sing the other , Thus doth the sister take part with the brother : Bodies not voices , a wall doth disseuer . Without deuotion they sing both together .

Nigellus the foresaid Poet , doth largely touch the corrupt liuing and hypocrisie of his time , chiefly in bishops , priests , Abbots , Monkes , Canons , and Nunnes . His booke is all in old Latine verses , and is named the Glasse of Fooles , that euery dissolute Prelate might beholde his folly therein . Of the Monkes and Friers he giueth this iudgement among other .

Qui duee Bernardo gradiuntur vel Benedicto , Aut Augustint subleuiori ingo , Omnes sunt fures , quocumque charactere sancto , Signati veniant , magnificentque deum . Necredas verbis , ne credas vestibus albis , Vix etenim factis est adhibenda fides . Quorum vox lenis , vox Iacob creditur esse , Caetera sunt Esau , brachia , colla , manus . Rursus in Egyptum quam deseruerereuersi , Dulce sibi reputant à Pharaone premi , Carnis ad illecebras nulloretinēte ruentes , In foucam mortis carne trahente cadunt . They that pretend to follow S. Bernard , Bennet or Austen which is not so hard , False theeues they are al , seeme they neuer so good Nor yet so deuout , in their cowle & their hood , Beleeue not their words nor apparrel right white , For nothing they do , that afore god is right , As gentle as Iacob in wordes they appeare , But all in their workes they are Esau cleare , To Egypt againe they are come to dwell , Vnder great Pharao fearing no peril , They followe the flesh and seek no restraint , Which will at the last with hell them acquaint .

This also he writeth of the Nunnes .

Harum sunt quaedam steriles , quaedam parientes , Virgineo tamen nomine cuncta tegunt , Quae pastoralis baculi do tatur honore , Illa quidem melius , fertiliusque ; parit , Vix etiam quaeuis sterilis reperitur in illis , Donec eius aetas talia possenegat . Some Nuns are barren , & som bearing beasts , Yet all are virgins at principall feastes : Shee that is Abbesse , as her doth befall , In fruitfull bearing is best of them all . Scarse one shal ye find among the whole rout , which is vnfruitful till age commeth about .

Muche more of the Lecherous liues of Monks and Nunnes hath this Poet Nigellus written . Geraldus Cambrensis declareth in the 2. part of his worke , called the Glasse of the Church , Cap. viii . that by the Sea Coast a shée fish was founde of a wonderfull greatnesse , called a Thirle Poole . The people in great number came from al quarters there about , some to beholde the monstrous shape of the fishe , and some to cut it in péeces & to carry them home to their houses , for some profitable vse . Among all other there was a Monke more quicke and stéering to perceiue all thinges then any other there : This monke drawing very néere to the fishe , behelde , viewed , and marked the priuie part thereof aboue all whiche ( the historie saith ) was as it had béene the opening of a great doore or gate : hée looked thereupon very seriously , & much wondred , neither coulde hée in any wise bee satisfied with the sight thereof : at the last without modestie , shame , and all bashefulnesse , hée approched somewhat nigh , that by the stime and fatnesse thereof , whiche then lay vpon the sande , his footing failed him and hée fell flat into the foule hole , so hée was swallowed vp of that which his lecherous hearte most desired . This Adage then was founde true , such Saint , such shrine , suche béere , such botell , and such treasure , such trust . Many suche vitious & lecherous monkes coulde I recite , but because I am persuaded these fewe may suffice the Reader , I passe them ouer , and referre the Reader to the histories of euerie age , since the beginning of this monkish and solitarie life . When Antichrist chiefly raigned in the consciences of men , and when his doctrine repugnant against GOD his worde most floorished in all quarters of Christendome , yet God did raise vp some that boldly spake in publike assemblies , and with great boldnesse wrote against the Pope and his poysoned doctrine . In their bookes a man may reade howe wickedly and hypocritically the Papisticall votaries liued . But louing companion I pray you tell mee howe doe the other monkes , Friers , and Nunnes , liue in the Countries , which you haue trauelled , besides the Cities before specified ?

Diawinckiani .

Surely they liue very vnchastly and loosely , as I haue declared of some alreadie . At Granoble in Fraunce there was an Augustinian Frier , who in his talke , apparrell , and gesture , in the presence of the Citizens appeared very religious , godly , and deuout : but this man had no good fortune . For as he Sodomitically medled with a sworne brother of his own profession , hee was taken doing the déede : but this horrible fault being forgiuen vpon his deniall , hée was at an other time apprehended and imprisoned , for the vnder a rocke , nigh the foresaid Citie Granoble hée crackt a louse in a whoores Codyéece . At Shalome in Sauoy there were two Dominicans , that were in outwarde conuersation like Angels of heauen , but yet they loued the woman kinde so well , that they studied more in making a Caue in a Rocke , not far from the Citie before mentioned , to entertaine two young queanes , them they indeuoured to perfourme their Frierly vowe of chastitie . Their often walking from theyr Cloysters , to these caues , bewrayed them at last , and made them infamous amongst the Citizens . This thing was doone in the yéere of the Lorde , 1578 ; and the infamie thereof was bruted in the Citie , at my being there .

Trisander .

Oh my friend and fellowe traueller , hast thou séene the horrible abuses of these monstrous and ougly hypocrites , and wilt thou not condemne their idolatrous doctrine , and superstitious Ceremonies , tending to the perpetuall destruction both of body and soule ? What do they professe , but a religion inuented by man , for his worldely gaine and honour , not conformeable to Gods worde , but agréeable to the Popes will and commaundement ? What is their life , but Pharisaicall , iniurious , lasciuious , lecherous , & sodomiticall ? They talk of heauen , but they walke not to heauen , they bragge of chastitie , but they kéepe concubines , or els do much worse : they defile themselues one man which another they speake of iustification by good works , but they haue no good workes , but vice , as buggerry , adulterie , fornication , fraud , tyrannie , ambition , couetousnesse , and all vncharitablenesse : they talke of Christ , but haue no experience of him , nor any acquaintance with him : they honour him with their lippes , but their hearte hungreth not after him : outwardly they professe him , but inwardly they passe not for him : in the hearing of men they vtterly forsake the worlde , but in the sight of men they imbrace the worlde . The Scripture calleth the worlde , as it is written in the first of Iohn . 2.5 . The ambition , the couetousnesse , the lechery , and all those other thinges , that Sauour of nothing els but the flesh : so that the fleshe , the worlde , & the Diuell , are those thrée furies , that with their firebrands , and serpents , make an intermingling & confusion of all thinges . The fat bellied Monkes and Friers , that say they forsake the world , carry it with them into the monasteries . For without doubt , it is not possible to sée the worlde better than in the monasteries , where a man shall sée nothing els , but affections and passions of the minde , with the whiche they seeke to aduaunce themselues , or to driue one another out of the doores . Oh that men will suffer themselues to bee thus mocked and deluded , by these Frierly shauelings , that indeuour as much as they may in deceiuing the people with counterfet holynesse , to liue like Epicures , and to bée estéemed as Lordlinges . Oh that men shoulde credite these Pharisaicall hypocrites , that more regarde the pampering of their bodies , then the saluation of the soules of men , which is the end of our hope and faith , yea , the very ende of our life in this life . Oh that men cannot sée howe they fight againste the Gospel , and séeke to ouerthrow faith with superstition , couered with the cloke of true holynesse . Oh that men will not perceiue howe eache one of these monstrous marked Friers trauelleth to séeke out some newe toy , therewith to drawe the common people vnto him , who are full of wandering . Doe they not sée that they prepare newe fashioned hoods , strange and horrible Ceremonies , not séene in the worlde past , but reserued to oppugne the truth of the Gospell ? What Christian is hée that séeth not their hypocrisie , that vnderstandeth not their fraudulent superstition , wherwith the foolish people is inneigled ? what true beléeuer of the Gospel , thinketh , that to weare the wéede of S. Fraunces , or to goe clothed in that colour , is good against the quartane Ague , and other diseases , and ( that worse is ) that to be buried in that habite , is the very right way to goe to heauen ? And therefore that cunning man Longolius , leauing the name of a citizen of Rome , ( in whose practise hée had so long laboured ) woulde bée laid in his graue a Fraunciscane rather then a Romane . This selfe same honour had the Lord Albert of Carpi in his head , Rodulphus Agricola , and other innumerable . But what néede so many wordes ? These Friers are come to that point , with that opinion of holynesse , that they haue rid themselues out of all other mens hands and authoritie , and haue brought all other men vnder their fée . Who knoweth not , that in olde times pastil when learning and good studies were layde a sléepe , that all men held them for God Almighties kinsmen ? And estéemed more of their commaundements , then of the commaundements of God . And they knewe not Christe , whom the Gospell doth plainely set foorth vnto vs , which they kéepe in prison . And sith they onely had the handelyng of the booke of peace and libertie , the common people thought that they had taken all thinges out of that booke , and with cursed and abhominable lyes , they tooke out héere a péece , and there a péece , and with strange & fearefull myracles , and fayned dreames of Purgatorie , they kept the poore people in so great feare and woonder , that they were constrained to beléeue their wicked deuises and lyes . I● we consider their lawes , and the waights and beaute burthens , that they haue laid vpon mens shoulders , wee shall truely say , that the Iewes lawe is an hundreth times more pleasant & easie than theirs : but let these wordes passe . Euery Christian ( I am sure ) knoweth , that by the Diuels Rhetorike , they make the world beléeue too too many manifeste fashoods . and foolish toyes of the Diuels inuention , these Monkishe fathers séeke to bee Iudges ouer them that are godlier then they themselues , and lesse spotted with any worldly affection : they haue the bare name of Saints and nothing els . Oh what a presumptuous boldnesse is this ? to vsurpe the names of Saints , and vnder that godly name to deceiue the world ? vnder the forme of an Angell of light , to worke all their deceites ? their Coates , hoods , and sundry colours , are deuised by the Diuell , to deceiue the worlde . For if they were the same that they woulde be counted , what néede shoulde there bée of such disguised garments ? the which ( say they ) doe signifie that whiche they ought to bée . This is a cléere case , that while there is a shadow and signification of the thing , there is not the thing it selfe . If they were so in déede , then what shoulde they néed séek to be so in shew ? outwardly they are one thing , and inwardly another . Of such the gospel maketh mention , which saith , that there shall come wolues to deuour vs , cladde in shéepes skins , because they will not bée knowne . For right well we know , that one shéepe eateth not an other . If these Monkes vsed not such strange garmentes , there shoulde not bée so many seduced from the truth . The Diuell is craftie , and hee knoweth howe prone and readie wée bée to beléeue euery toy & trifle , euery counterfet holinesse , and superstitious hypocrisie , he oftentimes transfourmeth himselfe in his members , to an Angell of light , hée informeth and teacheth his children to frame them selues alter the maner of hypocrites . This auncient aduersarie of ours maketh his seruants learned , & skilful in his art : he maketh them to goe bare legged , and bare footed , to put on shirtes of haire , that by meanes of their outwarde austeritie in apparrell , and foode , the people may proclaime them as Saintes , and honour them as Gods omnipotent , and finally beléeue ( whatsoeuer they teache ) their wordes to bée Euangelicall . How Monkes and Friers haue liued from time to time , I néede not to write , for that others haue sufficiently written thereof .

Diawinckiani .

Now louing friend Trisander tell mée , how do the Monkes and Friers liue nowe , in these Countries , which thou hast trauelled , I long to heare , I pray thée informe mée .

Trisan .

Before I satisfie your petition , I am so bolde as to request you , ( for that I think you haue read more histories then I haue doone ) to make rehearsall of some notable Monkes liues , of their enormities and ill behauiours in their Diabolicall & pernicious function .

Diawinckiani .

I will tell thée of the iuggling of hypocriticall Friers espied at Orleance , as writeth Sleydane in his ix . booke of his Cronicles . In Orleance a Citie in Fraunce , it is not long since the Presidents wife dyed , a noble and great woman , who ordained by her Testament , that they shoulde carry her to bée buried without light , without Masses , and without any maner of pompe : and in déede shée was buried so in the monasterie of the Friers of Saint Fraunces . Anone after they beganne to heare in that place horrible noyces , vntill one of those Massemumblers turning his backe to the people , shewed them their rounde God made of dough . When this was once spread abroade , euery man was mooued , one saide hée heard it , one said hée vnderstood it , and another saide hée sawe all . The husband hearing this , came thither himselfe . Then doth the Coniurer binde the spirite to answere to his questions , and asked it shée were in Paradice , and there was no answere made : hée asked if shée were in hell , and yet there was no answere : he asked if she came from purgatorie , and then the spirite made a great rushing against the wall . Then did the Coniurer aske , whether hée was suche a one , or such a one , naming many and sundrie persons that dyed long agoe , and yet there was no answere heard , nor no maner of noyse , but when hee named the woman the was buried without pompe , then the spirite made two great rushings against the wall , then did the Coniurer aske whether shée were condemned for this or that cause : and in the end the spirite saide , because shée was a Lutheraue . Then was hearde thrée great rushes against the wall . The husband being a wise and circumspect man , marked euery thing , and made as though hee had much maruelled at the matter , and desired those wolues to Supper : and the day following , caused an hundred Masses to bée saide , and to light a whole worlde of candles . The wolues howled , they sent their Gods into Purgatorie , wet the graue with vnholy water , and perfumed it with Frankinsence : and when this was doone , carried the Friers into dinner , and in the meane season sent the officers to the place where this deceit was doone , where they found certaine vautes and there within were thrée spirites hidden , whom they tooke & carried away . But howe coulde they doe this considering that they are spirites and no bodies ?

Trisander .

That is soone answered . For these were of those spirits that haue bodies , of whome Saint Augustine speaketh , and of which sorte almost all those that dwell in Monasteries are .

Diawinckiani .

But were they not spirites in déede ?

Trisander .

Thou art very grosse , they were thrée Friers of those that they call Nouices , that is too saye , suche as know not yet very well the sleightes and falsehoodes of the Friers . And in déede the Monasteries are euen ful of deceipres , and the worlde is very blinde in that they espie them not . In Turine also of late , the like matter hath béen séene well , the officers hauing found the bugs that made them a feard , lead them away like thrée little Diuels ( as they were ) into the place , where the other great Diuels were at meat , who when they knew their knauery bewrayed , as men all dumbe , they began to looke one vpon another , and with shame enough were punished afterwardes and rewarded according to their demerites .

Diawinckiani .

Such feates plaid by the Monkes I haue knowne full oft . Wherefore this is no rare thing whereof thou tellest . It was tolde mée that the like thing was doone in Polonia , and forasmuch as this is an vsual craft amongst them , as histories doe write , and as Cities and townes doe testifie , who haue séene these deceites practised amongest them , I meane not to speake heereof any more , but of their iugling in other respects I purpose to say somwhat as shall bée profitable for thée to heare , for thy greater instruction , & shall not be hurtful vnto me in vttering the same for the obseruation of true fellowship in brotherly companie . Wherefore giue attentiue eare , and diligently marke what shall bée reuealed vnto thée .

Trisander .

I will , say on .

Diawinckiani .

At Versillis , a notorious false Frier desirous to get money , vnder colour of religion , entised a rich widdow , and carried her away with him to Naples and from thence to other Cities and Townes . At Verona a Citie in Italie , in the yéere of our Lorde , 1578. There was a false théese , a Frier of the order of the Minorites Franciscanes , that hadde put into the heades of the foolish women this opinion , that they must giue to the Churche the tenth of al things , and euen in like maner , the tenth night as they doe with their husbands . In a Monasterie not farre from Palestro , there was a Monke named Padre Francisco , that loued laced mutton so well , the oftentimes he woulde take the bridles bit in his mouth , & cause his Iillian to kicke him with her féete , and then hée woulde gallop as though he had béene a horse : But surely not as wise as a horse . At Vigleuano in Lombardie , 1578. There was a Dominican preacher , that was counted vertuous , learned , and eloquent , yet hée loued Nunnes with all his heu●te , with this man I haue kepts company , very often , at the commaundement of my Lorde Bishop of that citie Vigleuane . This man in the Pulpet was very earnest , hée made the place where hée stoode to shake , he spake very emphatirally to the crosse that stood before him , he spake mightily , & sweated very much , a man woulde surely haue thought , if he had heard him , that he had béen a Saint in liuing and conuersation , for that so ●toutly he rebuked vice , and in preaching maintayned vertue . But from suche hypocriticall Saints , libera nos Domine . This Dominican Frier , at euening time , would repaire to his brethren of the same profession , and the Prior or Subprior , with some other of the society , alwayes would kéepe him company to the Nunnery of Saint Brigit , and there this gentleman Frier , with the rest of his company , woulde shriue the Nunnes in the darke . Their kissing and vngodly behauiour , their vnchaste woords , & vnséemely handeling eche other , were demonstratiue tokens of their incontinencie . Prate they til their tongue bée worne to the stumps , & write they til their fingers bée not able to hold a pen , they shall neuer make mée beléeue that Friers and Nunnes bée chaste virgins , when they commit such vnchast dealinges secretly , let the Friers ( if they wil be chast ) bridle their lasciuious affections , let the nunnes in like wise , forsake the suspitious company of dissolute Friers , let them fast & pray , or if they haue not the gift of continencie , let them marrie according to the counsel and aduise of S. Paule , who aduertiseth the incontinent to liue in holie wedlocke , and thereby to auoyde fornication , it is hard for them to beguile now the world as they haue in times past , the people haue alredy smelled out their dissolute & lasciuious liuing . Now it is time for them to repent and amend their sinfull liues it is time for to renounce their hypocrisy . For surely it is impossible for them to bring the people in this beliefe the their life is chast , séeing by daily experience they are taught , otherwise , that they liue vnhonestly and vnchastly , so that vnles they recant in time , before it be too late , woe & destruction shal be their end .

These Friers and Nunnes obserue the saying of Bennet , who taught his disciples if they could not liue chastly , then to worke closly . These Monkes abrode in the sight of the worlde looke as though they cared for no women , but in the darke , with Iilian and Ione , they loue good iumbling , they dread not God that sitteth aboue , For all is but play , and as they do say , the night must vade away . This Dominican preacher I am sure , with the rest of his company , in the face of the worlde appeared as saintes : the woordes they spake sauoured of holinesse , in gesture , in countenance , & in outward appearaunce , they were as Angels , holy , & holy , & double holy , and more then holy : they blinded the people with their counterfeit shewe of holinesse , and made them selues to bee honoured amongst the silly people as god almighties kinsmen . This Dominican preacher , with the Bishops secretarie , in my presence ful off woulde vse Sodomiticall woordes . It is not possible almost to speake of that honestly , which both preacher & secretary so vnhonesty spake and did . I was ashamed to heare their beastly talke , but they were shamelesse to vtter such ribauldrie . The like in England I neuer heard , & God graunt I may neuer heare the like . In another Augustinian monasterie of that citie , I was well acquainted , and beloued also of many , so that in going with them to the Nunneries , I sawe many horrible practises , and detestable abuses amongst them , which shamefastnes doth forbidde me to receite . An Augustian confessour , hauing heard the confession of a Flemming , inioyned him in his pennance , that hee shoulde visite Madonna diloreto , and offer his gift at her alter , & craue her intercession to her sonne Iesus Christ : In the meane while , this incontinent and vnchaste Fryer sleapt with his wife , and being taken naked in bedde by the officers of the Citie : they let him go to his monasterie without any trouble or punishment , for that he was a graue father & eloquent preacher . At Auspurgh in Germanie , there was a monke that craued leaue of his superiours , to visite the holye sepulchre at Hierusalem , and at Venice . As I was lodged with him at Realto , at the signe of the George , I fel in acquaintance with him , and he made me priuie of his counsell very often : he woulde haue intised mee , ( had I not auoyded his inticements by lawful excuses vnknowen vnto him ) to the Burdello , to the place where lewde women dwelled , a streete full of naughtie packes , amongst whom he was alwayes conuersant , and adioyning to the streete where our lodging was . I asked this M●nke on a time with what deuotion he tooke his Pilgrimage to Hierusalem , haunting ( as hee did ) the Brothell houses ? hee answered , that what sinnes he had committed in his life time , & in his pilgrimage , should soone after his arriual to Hierusalem bee forgiuen and forgotten . At Bolognia I mette with a Frier and an Nunne , that tooke their Pilgrimage to Madonna diloreto : this Fryer called this Nun his wife in the viteling houses where hee came : for he traueiled like a Gentleman , and she like a Gentlewoman . For they had put off their frierly and Nunnish weede . I went with them euen to that idole of Madonna , kept them company , & saw howe in our iourney one bedde serued them twaine . This Frier verye craftely couered his head with a great coife , that his shauen crowne might not bee seene . How when we came to Madonna diloreto , ( a little before they changed their garmentes ) they went in their professed weedes , and were as deuout in any mans iudgement , as saint Frances and saint Clare . Howe they returned home I can not tell , for I bare them company no longer . At Serauallis I mette a Neapolitan , whome accompaned with a braue Italian whom shee called brother : these two slept in one chamber , & what they did , I cannot tell , but surely I sawe right well in the fields that vnder a hedge they played as man and wife . I was a meere straunger , and therefore they had the lesse feare to doe what they woulde . I kept them company foure dayes , & all that while both brother and sister did as man and wife woulde haue done in secrete . It is no newes to heare howe that Monkes and Fryers in their Pilgrimage , resorte to the Brothell houses : for it is a common thing amongst them . At Pauia in Italie , there was a Benedictine , that asked leaue of his superiours to visite Madonna di loreto , & a Nun likewise craued licence of her Prioresse , to visite the saide idole of Loreto . This Nun and Fryer mette together at Venice and there renewed dide friendshippe , in kissing & lulling and in playing the parte of man and wife : they forgot that they had vowed chastitie , they woulde no longer be continent he at a foyle , and shee at defence made them selues readie and apte , they went forwardes in their peregrination , with kissing , embracing , & playing eche one with the other vnchastly . A fryer out of Cicilia came in deuotion to Madonna di loreto likewise , with a stolen Nunne from his countrey , as I came from Madonna di loreto in vrbin a citie in Italie , I mette this lustie fryer with Itlian his louing saint , whome hee woulde néedes haue in his bedde to pray vnto : his shauen crowne was couered with a coife , that hee might bee taken for a temporall man , for so he would seem to be , although he was not . In rome 1580 an Augustinian Fryer was imprisonned , for that he had slaine a man . This frier ( by report ) was a preacher , and of vnchaste liuing , hee had slayne either two or thrée , & yet was neuer executed , the fact being wilfull : belike hee had some good friendes , otherwise he had suffered as malefactour & Homicide . Trauel ( my friend ) al I talie , Polonia , Bohemia , part of Germinie , and throughout all these countreys thou shalt heare people complaine of their Buggerie , ( for the which no lesse then twelue Monkes at once were hanged at Rome ) of fornication , adultery , incest , bloodshed , and the uerie . If they couet to satisfie their carnall appetite , if they couet to steale , if they desire to fare delicately , if they intende to raunge the countrey from place to place , them must they fayne to their Abbots , or Pryors , the they haue vowed to visit either Madonna di loreto , or the sepulchre of the Lorde at Hierusalem , or the place where saint Frauncis bodie hangeth in the ayre , not touching the earth , but miraculously hanging between the firmament and the earth , wearing a golden ring on his singer , which a Pope of Rome in commandement gaue him to put on . And in that place ( say the Pilgrime Papistes ) remayneth his bodye vncorrupted , béeyng there fiue hundreth yéeres at least . Or else the Friers and Monkes goe on Pilgrimage to the Tumbe of S. Andrew the Apostle , out of which floweth cléere oyle , profitable to heale many diseases . The Nunnes obtaine leaue to the like places , and on the way they méete their Paramours , whom in curtezane ( curteous I would say ) maner they kisse and licke with stretched out tongue , and white lilie lippes . They vse such daliance one with the other , as I am lothe to declare . Their songues sauour of nothing else but ribauldry , and abhomination . God graunt them repentance , and make them his seruantes : for surely they doe amisse , & violate their oth , breake Gods holy commaundement , and woonderfully abuse his diuine Maiesty . They would be counted holy Virgins , and deuoute fathers , albeit they are painted sepulchers , and vitious hypocrites . At Millan there were two Monkes that so hated Cardinall Brhomeo , for that hée endeuoured to reforme their loose liuing , that as this Cardinall was at Masse , one of them charged a dagge towardes him . But as Fortune fauoured this Cardinall , the bullet flew vnder his arme , and was not found betwéene his shirt and his skinne , as hée that wrote in his booke of the discouery of Iohn Nichols falsly reporteth . For at Millan the Cardinals confessour tolde mée the contrary . Surely it was a weake bullet , weaker then a bullet of paper , that could not pearcethrough his body , hauing no other thing for defence , but his thinne Garmentes about him . Hee that shooted towardes him , was not farre from the place where he saide Masse . Therefore it is an vntruth , that the bullet was found betwixt his skinne and his shirt . I could say muche more then I haue recited of the vngodly liues of Monkes , Friers , and Nunnes , & yet not excéede the bands of truth . A priest of their owne order , & sometimes bishop of Cambray , wrote very amply , at large , of the corrupt liuing of these lazie lubbers , fat bellied Monks . If hée béeyng one of their crewe discouered so much of their grieuous & abhominable wickednes , why shold not I write what I haue seene with mine eyes , practised lewdly amongst them ? and why shoulde I notifie to thee my fellowe companion , the hypocrisie and dissimulation of these vncleane and incontinent Monkes , Fryers , and Nunnes .

Trisander .

Thou hast delighted my hearing very much , in thy discouerye of the liues of certaine Monkes , Fryers , and Nunnes . That I met such a companion I am very glad , I hope by the grace of God , & the recordation of the wickednesse of these votaries , thou art free from all papisticall contagion , with superstitious ceremonies , and venemous idolatrie . Nowe let vs in one faith , and in one mind serue God dayly , & hourely . Let vs lyke true Christian Pilgrimes trauell to farther countreis , that we may see what religion they haue , and howe they doe liue . Goe swifter , amende your pace , the night approcheth : we are strangers , and if wee come too late , wee shall be vnprouided of our lodging .

Diawinckiani .

Content , let vs go apace : here in this Inne I will take my rest for this night : goe you to the other , lest we be suspected for spies . Good night , rise earely in the morning .

Trisander .

I will God willing , go● giue you good night also .

The ende of the third Dialogue .

The fourth Dialogue , Touching the hypocriticall liues of Iesn●es and Theatines , who neither inhabite , nor in Ceremonies differ much the one from the other . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Diawinckiani the wandering Papist . Trisander .

GOod morrowe louing companion how were you entertayned to night ? What lodging haue you founde ?

Diawinckiani .

My entertainment was good , I praye you tell me how was yours ?

Trisander .

Truely louing companion , woorse lodging I neuer founde in all my life : my Hostesse did frowne , and mine Host did chafe , because I woulde not paye willingly thrée Iulies for one . My bed was very harde , and my shéetes were somewhat scabbed : yet durst I not speake boldly , and saye , that I was sore misused . But I healde my peace , and when I saw them angry , I did what I could to content their mindes by paying them more then was their due . Therefore I say farewell that Inne , I will neuer lodge there any more . Nowe let vs be goyng forwards in our iourney the wée may the sooner shorten both the time , & the way : and passe through it with the lesse tediousnes , let vs talk of somwhat woorth the marking . And for as muche as thou art the better learned , and most able to discouer the wicked liues of idolatrous Papistes , both by reading of diuers notable hystories , as also by the experience that thou hast had amongst them , I craue of thée to tell me how the Iesuites liue , and what their profession is ? For surely they are of great fame , and many thinke they are as holye as the Scribes & Pharisies , who were the greatest hypocrites amongest the Iewes .

Diawinckiani .

To tell thee the originall of these Iesuites , I think it be but lost labour : forasmuch as Maister Hanmer hath so displayde their originall and successe , their vowe and othe , their hyyocrisie and superstition , with their docttrine & positions , that to speake more thereof , ( excepte of that whiche I haue séene and heard ) I thinke it but vanitie . Thou askest me how they liue ? I aunswere ( as conference , familiaritie , & acquaintance taught me ) they liue spotted with hypocrisie , they pretend holinesse , but woorke wickednesse . For they haue fayned a newe profession , a newe and strange title , neuer heard of before . They were ashamed to be named Christians , and for this cause they called themselues Iesuites , that is of Iesu . And why ? because they vamely persuade themselues , the perfect & absolute holines consisteth in their society only . Otherwise these sowgelders ( Iesuites I would say ) should be afrayde to take vpon them such a glorious name , as passeth all names , for this name Iesus , and this title Christ , by the commandement of the Father , was giuen as proper & peculiar vnto the sonne of God , borne in the worlde : and therefore no name for them . If this name were lawfull for them to take by the woorde of God , as it is not , why shoulde not in like manner , this name be proper to all by the same worde of God ? the Monkes and Friers crie out in priuate talke , & in publike preaching against their presumptuous loftinesse of minde , in taking vnto themselues such a name as excelleth all names . Why saye the Monkes , and Friers , doe the Iesuites arrogantly presume to say , that they are onelie of the societie of Iesus , and none other ? What ( saye these religious men ) is their life holier then ours ? Doe they fast oftener then we ? pray oftener then wée ? or leade a more auste●re life then wee ? séeing that wée knowe they doe not liue more austerly then we , this prerogatiue to be of the societie of Iesu , aboue vs that are their coequals in liuing , and doctrine , they cannot iustly chalenge , as proper and peculiar vnto them . But wee woulde gladly knowe why they terme themselues Iesuites ? Iesu signifieth a sauiour , and belike they terme themselues Iesuites , because they are compartuers with Iesu in saluing . O proud and arrogant Luciferlike monsters . O wretched creatures . Woulde no other name serue your turne Gentlemen hypocrites , but Iesuita , the name of a Iesuite ? if Lucifer himselfe , your father and Progenitour , had taken vpon him the shape of a man , he would neuer haue chosen a more proud & arrogant title . What mooued you ( you blinde creatures ) to forgette your owne state , and miserable condition ? What did you thinke by this title to be magnified héere in this world ? What did cause you to take this name Iesuita vpon you , and refuse to bee called Ignatians Layola ? what are you ashamed of your poore Patrone Ignatius Layola , who although hée were a crippled souldier , oppreffed with extreame pouerty , and well nigh spent or worne with sores and infirmities of bodie , who although hee were a wanderer , or ( as you terme poore trauellers ) a roge yet take no scorne to vse his name , séeing the you allow as fauourers , follow as disciples , & practise as Pupilles , his superstitious & idolatrous inuentions ? The Monks and Friers blush not to bée named according to the name of their Patrones , the Monkes of Dominicke , are called Dominicans : the Monkes of Benedict , Benedictines : the followers of Iames , Iacobines : of Basil , Basilians : of Augustine , Augustinians : and of Bernard , Bernardines . And why then will not you likewise bée called by the name of the lame souldier Ignatius Layola ? But surely I thinke hee was so infamous , so wicked , and superstitious , that they are afrayde to bee called Ignatians , least their good name be called in question . But yet , albeit he was ( as farre as I surmise , by his foolish vowes , rogishe peregrinations , & lewd practises in many countries ) impudently disposed & naughtily bent to peruert good manners , to establish grosse errours in the Synagogue of Sathan , and besides that , busily occupied in preferring manye superstitious ceremonies : yet they should not disdaine after his name to be termed Ignatians or Layolans , because they acknowledge and follow him as their Patrone in doing according to his doctrine , councell , and preceptes . For as they obey his will , so should they acknowledge his name , and think no skorne , to be called therby as for the name Iesus , it is not for their mowing , neither ought they to desire the honour due to so great a title and name of Iesus : contrary to the godly meaning of all true Christians . Surely ( louing companion Trisander ) there is such enimity betwéen the Monkes and the Iesuites , ( I speake not this of malice , but of experience ) that greater is hardly to bee found betwéene the Turke and the Christian . The Monks neuer report wel of the Iesuites , and the Iesuites neuer speake well of the monks . From cardinal Brhomeo , there came Iesuites oftentimes to my Lord Bishops house of Vigleuano , now there were two Dominicans in his house , that alwayes denyed to kéepe them company , for this cause only sayd they , for that they were Hypocrites . I wayted at their table , and marked their behautour , they woulde drink but once at one meale , they would vse such Ceremonies about the Cups with crossing , double crossing , and mumbling I cannot tell what , that it would make a man to woonder . But at the first time I was so wearie in holding the cup , and not knowing the meaning of their Ceremonies in blessing the cup , that I took it from them , and left them thirsty and dry , vntill I was taught yea with rebukes of my yll maners , in taking the cup before they had drunk ) to stay with the cup vntil they had quenched their thirst , The Iesuites must haue patience if any thing once be denied to them , they must not séeke it twise , they eate but very little at a meale , they are nourished ( say they ) by dayly contemplation , and the Angel féedeth them assoone as they dyne or sup , after thanksgiuing to GOD , and our blessed Lady , as the manner of the Papistes is , and after washing of their handes , they goe to the Temple , & there they knéele before a dustie image : there is suche crying and knocking on their brestes , that oftentimes I was afrayde their heartes shoulde haue leapte out of their Bodies . There was suche howling , and suche weeping , that teares as bigge as milstones came out of their eyes . Blessed Marie ( quoth pardon me , for I haue offended thee , not only in thought but woorde , and deede . Oh helpe me holy saint with speede , thy sweete sonne Iesus Christ also , I haue offended alas for wo , but through thy intercession , he will forgiue my transgression , and as I hope will fauour me , and pardon mine iniquities . Then hée knocketh his breast , and boweth his bodie to kisse the grounde . Blessed Ladie quoth the other , pray so , mee to the Lord Iesu thy louing sonne . For I am a sinner , and therefore I say ora pro me peccatore , O beata Maria , mater vnigenti : O blessed Marie , the mother of the onely begotten , pray for mée a sinner . This , and such like prayers doe the Iesuites vse before the Image of Marie the mother of Christ ; they goe from image to image , from stocke to stone , from poste to pillar , and passe by no image but they touch it with their beades , and kisse it with their mouthes . If they find a rotten poste , they thinke immediatly that some saint was bounde to the same to bee scourged . If there appeare vppon the pillers the picture of a mouse , forthwith they woulde imagine it to bee the picture of a Saint , and therfore they will kneele before those pillers , & adore them , with kissing them , and bowing their bodies before them . Doubtles the Iesuites are very superstitious , & from them ( as from a founraine ) floweth all kinde of Idolatrie and superstition . Let the Monkes and Friers beare witnesse of this , let Balaams marks beare recorde of my woordes . There is suche brawling & chiding oftentimes amongst the Iesuites , and the Monkes , in Cardinall Browmeo his house at Millan , that greater can not lightly bee amongst two scoldes : first there is a question moued , then in the answere to the same there followeth great contention : one dispraysing ech others insufficiencie & defect of knowledge , sometimes eche one seeketh to excel the other , with vaine bragges of their life and conuersation . The Iesuites , more boldely then wisely , say that their life is Angelicall , and spotted with no spotte of iniquitie . The thing which wée promise ( say they ) we performe , we vowe chastitie , and wée kéepe it : wee neuer haue accesse vnto women , we neuer haue conference with them , wée neuer come in their sight , and if they come to talke with vs , wée auoyde their companie , by whiche meanes all occasion of carnall copulation is cleane cut off , and so is our vowe kept , and neuer violated . These words of the Iesuites are but bragges , the truth insinuateth the contrarie . For at Venice , Ann. do. 1580. a Iesuite was found in bed with a Curtezane , or ( as in Englishe I may terme her ) with a common strumpet : what he did in bedde with her I can not tel , for that certaine venecians at my lodging , at the signe of Saint George at realto told me that a Iesuite and a curtezane were founde in bedde together , they told mée not that they were both taken in doing the déed , but found in bed , as I said . Alac good Iesuite , I thinke hée came to bed to his sister , to giue her some ghostly comfort and to heare her confession being in ashaking ague . I dare say the yong gentleman Iesuite meant no hurt in the worlde , vnlesse perhappes wée thinke it hurt , that hée ventered to bée in one bedde with her , without consent of his rectour : or else that hée endeuoured to gette a pretie boy by one that was a laye woman , and a strumpet , and not by some nun being a spirituall sister , but yet a common woman , and common aswel to Monkes , as to Iesuites . At Millan , as it was reported vnto mée by a Bargamesco Gentleman in the Cathedral Church , there was a lustie stout Iesuite that loued to haunte the stewes verie well . And that the Iesuites violate their vnlawfull vowe of chastitie , these examples following may testifie . At Auspurgh late in the euening there was a Iesuite founde with his companions , that resorted to a suspitious & defamed house of harlottes . When they came into the house , they told the mistresse of the house that they brought with them holye water to sprinckle about in euery chamber , to the expulsion of Diuelles , that through their absence they might doe as they woulde , & that their offence might not bée knowen vnto the Diuell , and therefore not like to bée punished . But these holy fathers , when they had sprincled all their coniured water , they were rapt in loue with two queanes of the house , and because they had no money , they gaue their bookes vnto the haudie drabs , that they should accomplish their venereal luste and carnall concupiscence . In the Franciscan monasterie , I hearde this of trueth by thrée monkes . At Florance a citie in Italie the like thing happened betweene two Iesuites , who coulde not for all their meditations and deuine contemplations , brydle the lustes of their flesh : these were taken in the stewes late in the euening , and beeing examined what they did there , they answered that they gaue good exhortations , to the ende that they might bée conuerted from curtezanes vnto Nunnes .

Better is a bad excuse then none . Thus they were dismissed , and their intent commended , albeit it was suspicious that the Iesuites were nought , séeing that they were found abroad so late , & also with infamous women : but let this matter passe . I know not their intent , whether it was to begette two boyes to make them in time to become soule priestes to say masse for their soules , or els to begette two wenches , that in time they might become Nunnes to serue the gréedie néede and fleshly desire of them of their societie . I tell thée not ( good friende Trisander ) what is the chiefest cause of the Iesuites Pilgrimage to Madonna di loreto , no other cause then to visite this idole and to serue theyr incontinencie , their youthful toyes , being not as yet set apart . I haue béene in their company , and therfore with lesse feare I may reporte of them , they would neuer remaine in anye other lodging , except in suche , where they might finde Italian mares redie , and easie to be riden , that was so sober that euery man might handle her as he woulde , they bowed vnto that saint , and made their offrings vnto her , they loued a saint with wanton lookes and rouling eyes , better ( I am sure ) then Madonna di loreto . These Iesuites while they are in their perigrination , are Venus lulibie babes , and her sweete darlings , they loue to play with women , they are so lasciuious , luxurious , & vitious , that they regarde not howe lewdlye they behaue them selues , so that their habite bée changed , and their persons vnknown . These examples recited may serue to daunt the pride , and coole the vanting brags of wicked and licentious Iesuites . They haue eares more vigilant to heare themselues praysed , then a purposed intent to deserue prayse . If it bée possible that fyre might bee voyde of heate , then may the Iesuites kéepe themselues chaste from women . For howe much so euer they punishe their fleshe , yet can that ielousnesse be neuer expelled . Naturam expellas furca , licet vsque recurret . I will not sayth Christ , Matth. 19. that all men vnderstande this woorde , but hée which can vnderstande it , let him vnderstand it . therefore the Iesuites are worthie of rebuke , that vowe chastitie , and can not kéepe it .

Trisander .

The Iesuites are hypocrites , and though they carnally knowe fourty women , yet they say they are blessed and sanctified virgins . They make their belly their god , their lust , their heauen , their pleasure , their blisse : they hunt gréedily for such delights , they bée drawne with a twine thread to the company of a woman , and cannot bée kept from them with a cable rope . For they houer like fethers in the wind , and are blowen away like chaffe with euery blaste . They estéeme this life for a woonderful pleasure and a great felicitie , that pretende chastitie , and yet satisfie the lustes of the fleshe . Their esteminate mindes are more addicted to fleshly pleasure , then the mindes of such as haue not vowed chastity . They will take no warning to flie from hypocrisie , séeing that the world knoweth therof . Will they bée counted continent and haue not renounced their filthy delights , that are so déepely drowned in the durtie ditche of dissolutenesse , wherein they neglect the sauegard of their soules , in folowing of filthy pleasure , the onely enemie to vertue , then the which ( as Cicero sayth in his booke De Senectute , nullam Capitaliorem pestem , quam corporis voluptatem a natura datam , &c. There is not a more deadly poyson giuen to man by nature , then sensuall pleasure of body . Their importance and gréedy desires , whereof , were set and bent outragiously , to bring their purpose to passe : and ( as hée saith a little after ) Cuique homini siue natura , siue quis deus , nihil tam esse inimicum , quam voluptatem . Nec enim libidine dominante temperantiae locum esse omnino ; nec in voluptatis regno virtutem posse consistere . That is . And seeing that nature , or God hath giuen vnto man nothing more excellent then wit , and reason there is nothing more enemie to this diuine gift , then voluptuous pleasure , which sensuall pleasure ruling him , there is vtterly no place left to temperance , neither may vertue remaine where pleasure raigneth . Whereby it appeareth howe like vnto a beast it transformeth a man , during the which nothing can bée exercised in minde , nothing done by reason or studie : for this drowneth a man in the whirelepoole or gulfe of all vngodlinesse . These Iesuites , for all their graue and fatherly lookes , do fixe their vnhonest loue in fleshely filthinesse , and like the beasts of the fielde lie wallowyng in the myre , they take great delight , by their auricular confession , to make a spoyle or pray of maydes and wiues : against these Iesuites , vnlesse they repent , the heauenly gates are shut for euer , to exclude them out , for their rewarde is appoynted in darkesome hel , there to remaine amongst the cursed reprobate . I would they shuld repent , & be heartily sorye for their hypocriticall dealings . The worlde hath spied their hypocrisie already , & condemneth them of follie , that will not confesse their liues , which are nothing inferiour to the liues of the Scribes & Pharisees , whom Christe often rebuketh , and accuseth of hypocrisie . Their déedes do bewray them to be so holy as they woulde bee counted , their words do condemne them of plaine hypocrisie , when with vnmeasurable prayse , they laude and magnifie themselues . God conuert their heartes , and make them penitent : I wish them well to do . God lighten their heartes with the bright beames of his holy spirite , that the mistie cloude of ignorance expelled , they may sée the trueth , and confesse it , and according to the rules of Gods holy worde , direct their liues in all holinesse , to his glory , and the good example of their neighbours , & the benefite of their own soules . But friende Diawinckiani , tel mée I pray thée a little more of the Iesuiticall manner of couersation and liuing .

Diawinckiani .

As I gather by the historie of Hierosolomitanus the pilgrime , & by the report of the Turkes themselues , with whome I haue had conference at Venice , especially for suche matters , to knowe what religious votaries they had . It is this in the hystorie of this Pilgrime I haue read , and the Turkes with whome I spake , confirmed the same , that there bée two sortes of religious votaries , the one is of them that dwell in Cloisters , where Magicall Arte is taught , who when they haue béene Nouices two or thrée yéeres , then they are taken to bée members of that Cloister , and are bounde to pray for the Emperours good successe in all his affaires . The Emperours of the Turkes oftentimes consulte with these Monkes , touching the state of his Empire , they foretel him what mishap is like to chance in his enterprises , and prognosticate the euent of all his procéedinges . These Monkes neuer departe out of their cloysters , except vpon some great and vrgent occasion . This order is not farre vnlike to the Carthusians order , for they are seldome séene out of their cloisters . An other order is of them that goe a begging from doore to doore , with great beades aboute their armes and crye Allah Mahomet saue you good dame and good maister , I wil pray for the soule of your fathers and mothers and of your Grandsiers , allah blesse you little children . We see ( say they ) that these children of yours are like to come to high degree of honour . This pilgrime who liued fourtéene yeeres at least as captiue amongest these Turkes , in his historie maketh mention of their begging from house to house : suche flattering I thinke they vse , as these Iesuites doe , when they are commaunded to goe a begging . These Monkes are like the Iesuites in superffition , and idolatry , These Turkishe Monkes neuer goe a begging , but when their rectour , or their prouost commandeth them . So the Iesuites in like manner , when they are commanded by their generall or rectour to goe a begging , they must needes obey , yea , admitte hee be a preacher , a confessour , a publique professour of diuinitie , or philosophie , or of any other science , if hée bée commaunded to take wallet and bottle , hée must néedes doe it , and may not denie , vnlesse hée will incurre his superiours displeasure . Father Peter , & father Ioseph , Iesuites of the English Seminarie tolde me , that the vicegenerall , being a gentleman man borne of most noble parentage , was commanded at his firste enteraunce into the societie of Iesus , to carrie a basket to bée solde , which basket being not woorth vi . d . He was willed notwithstanding to receiue no lesse then a crowne , and as for his dinner hée shoulde begge it at other mens houses abroad in the citie of Rome . This man being commaunded to goe & sel his basket , did so , and as hée sought to sell it , being very olde and rotten , all men laughed him to skorne , and when they knewe the price , which hee demaunded for the basket , they derided him the more , and cryed , what meanest thou , thou foole , to séeke v.s. for thy baskette , béeing not worth v. .d. This thing was done by his superiours to proue his pacience and to try how wel he would frame himselfe to their orders , as this Nouice , being sometimes a Lorde by byrth , and riche in possessions , suffered himself to bée laughed of all sortes of people , and as hée went about the marked places of Rome , and walked in euery street , hée met by chance with one , that in time past had béene his seruaut : this Nouice Iesuite knew him not , but this man that had béene his sernaunt in time past , knewe the saide Nouice Iesuite verye well , and saining as though hée had not knowen him , he came vnto him , & asked him the price of his basket . This Nouice answered v.s. then hée that had béene his seruaunt , gaue him v. s according to his owne demaunde . And when this Nouice Iesuite had added moreouer , that hée was commaunded to séeke his dinner abroad , then this man inuited him to dinner . The duke of Millans sonne and heire , was inchaunted by these Iesuites to forsake his father , his mother , and all the fréendes that hée had , yea , & to renounce his inheritaunce that shoulde haue befallen into his handes after the decease of his father . This noble youth , tobecome a Iesuite , regarded no worldly wealth , nor princely promotion . But this young Gentleman was abused very much , as you may heare as followeth . They caused him , not only to practise the arte of begging , but also to fast , and to whippe himselfe so often , hauing neyther respect to his tender and féeble state of bodie , by reason of his delicate education on and bringing vp : neither yet to his vnaccustomed manner , in so chastising him beyonde al reason and measure , that he fell into a pitifull consumption , in so much that being worne and consumed to the bare bones , he died . The parentes in sundrye Cities of Italie crie out against these new sect of Iesuites , for they seduce their children to their sect , and with their flattering woordes , fatre spéeches , and large promises of great giftes at Christs handes , in the heauenly citie Hierusalem , they deceiue and corrupt the towardely dispositions of many a youth , to vertue and Christian religion , and abuse them vnto all vngodlynesse and heresies . In Rome , Anno domi . 1579. There was a young Gentleman of great reputation amongst the Romanes , this man beeyng heire to his father deceased , was beewitched with such an immoderate desir to be a Iesuite , that neither his mother nor any freinde that hee had , coulde perswade him to the contrary .

At last he was admitted into the societie of Iesuites , and being amongest the Iesuites , his mother made earnest supplication vnto the Pope , that her sonne being commaunded by his holinesse letters , directed vnto the generall , might bée be put out of their societie , and might returne vnto her , and peaceably inioy that which his father had bequeathed him in his last will and Testament . Now as shée demaunded of the Pope , to haue her sonne released , & set frée from the societie of Iesu , so it came to passe . But yet the Iesuites hauing accesse vnto the youngman , so incensed his minde with the loue of their profession , the being kept for a space in a close chamberr vnder a false and forged pretence of looking for his shyrt to bée made warme before the fire , hée conueied himselfe out of the chamber , and came directly to the Iesuites Colledge . Of many such coulde I make rehear all , but the time doth not permit , nor my leasure doth suffer me to say more hereof , then is alreadie saide .

Trisander .

It was told mée , that the Iesuites take greate paynes to informe youth in learning & vertue , what say you doe they so or not ?

Diawinckiani .

They do informe the youth with such austeritie , and in suche ord●r , that they are become odious too most Studentes , as may plainly appeare by this example following . In the Romane Colledge , Anno Domini , 1580. there was a Iesuite slaine by a Student of the Colledge , and because belike the Iesuite had offended the Student too too much , the Superiours of that Colledge suffered the Student to depart without any manner accusation . The Iesuites in that Colledge oftentimes were hurte by the Students for their proud and hawty mynde , in seeking to ouerrule them . The like happened in many other Colledges of Italy , as it was told mée trauelling the Countrey , but for this thing that was done at Rome , I know it my selfe to bée true , béeing at that present at Rome , & a scholler in the English Seminary , For about this time , German a priest , the Popes Scholler appoynted for the peruersion of Germany , threw himselfe headlong from an high window , and so brake his neck . About this time one of our owne Students would haue drowned himselfe in a Well , had not God deliuered him from that daunger , by some of the Studentes .

Trisander .

You went about once loning brother to compare the conuersation and doings of the Iesuits , with the Monks of the Turks : I pray you procéed in this matter , as you first began .

Diawinckiani .

I wil , then giue eare . Trisander . I wil be attentiue to heare you doe so : then goe forwards in your talke .

Diawinckiani .

The Turkish Monks must haue their garments very short , of diuers colours , with many patches , and in all respects they must goe like Fooles , that they may bée a laughing stocke vnto the Beholders . So after this maner goe the Iesuites a begging , for they will followe Christ and his Apostles ( say they ) their Iesuiticall wéede is very curtall , it reacheth no farther then the knée , it hath diuers colours , and many patches , they goe from doore to doore , and crie , Date noi ●lcuna elemozina peramoredi Christo , del quale discipulisiāno : Geue vs some almes for Christes sake , whose Disciples we be . The Turkish Monkes haue great heades , vpon on the which they pray , they haue the Picture of Mahomet , about their neckes , they praye in the stréetes , they goe a Pilgrimage to their pretensed God Mahomet , they take no money with them , but a staffe to defende them from the sharpe téeth of Dogges : thus doth the Iesuites , let them deny it , and they shal be prooued Liars . They haue greate beades about their neckes , about their armes , and in their handes , I brought a Iesuite a little before night , from the English Seminary vnto the Romane Colledge , of whom I demaunded vpon the way , why hée had such great beads , that euery bead should bee almost as bigge as my fist : hee answered , that in the darke night he had néede the his beads should be so big , for the better féeling of euery beade in saying ouer his beades . The Iesuites haue the picture of S. Ignatius , their Patrone , or the picture of our blessed Ladie Marie , in the stréetes , they pray very often , and to Pilgrimage they goe very often without any money giuen by their Superiours vnlesse they haue somwhat of their own , as most commonly they haue , they vse a staffe , yea in the Citie of Rome are some nouices not twentie yéeres of age , and the cause is , for that they maye bée counted as the Apostles of Christ . The turkish Monks shorten their liues with too muche austeritie of life , so doe the Iesuites discipline and whippe themselues at the Euening of euery festiuall day , that the blood trickleth downe from their bodies , as streames of water , that it is lamentable to make report thereof . They scourge themselues voluntarily so extréemely , that oftentimes many of them before the due course of nature yéeld vp their Ghost . They fast so often , and giue themselues to such contemplations , that sometimes seme of them are rauished of their wits . I speake this with griefe of minde . They followe the Turkish Monkes in life and conuersation , and so they may bee rightly Mahometaines , of the society of Mahomet . The Turkish Monkes praise themselues aboue measure , so do the Iesuites bragge , boast , and extoll their names aboue the Cloudes . The Iesuites of the Englishe Seminarie would alwaies bée praising men of their society , and discommending others , especially Dominicans . and Franciscans , who are no better then sworne enimies : for the one cannot speake well o● the other . If any amongest the Iesuites hath eyther disputed egregiously , or declaymed Rhetorically , or done any thing learnedly , they publishe his name with great bragges and praises , of his excellē● and ingenious capacitie , and rare giftes of knowledge . If any afflict themselues so seuerely , that they fall into sicknesses , and daunger of death , then they commend his dooinges euery where , and déeme him ( for that hee spared not to scourge his owne body ) a woorthy Saint , and a blessed disciple of Christ . The Turkish Monkes , more boldly then prudently , say they are saued , by reason that they leade a Monasticall life : so doe the Iesuites bragge that they are sure of life euerlasting , because they are secluded from the companie of them that dwell in the worlde , for they wil not confesse that they liue in the worlde , and therefore must their Colledges be counted heauen , or called by som● other name , or else ( I will say as I hau● said ) they liue in the world . Father Benedictus reader in positiue diuinity , intreating vpon Predestination , said that hée knewe that he was sure of life eternall in the kingdom of God , because God called him , as hée said into the societie of Iesu : and if I had not béen made a Iesuite I know ( saith he ) I had béen a reprobate . This mans knowledge was greater than his wisedome , and his woords of greater force then his holinesse . These Hypocriticall Iesuites were taught ( as I thinke ) by the Turkish Monks , for in their idolatrous practises , and superstitious ceremonies , they differ little or nothing . From such Turkish Monkes , and Papisticall Iesuites good Lord deliuer vs . These Iesuites in woordes professe humilitie , but in mind and déede they practise pride , they séeke greate obeysance to bée done vnto them , they looke for capping and knéeling , and they would bée woorshipped . If anye of the students of any Seminary , where the Iesuites beare sway , forget to put off his hat in the stréete as hée passeth by the Iesuites , and then will the Iesuites remember to get these students a penance . They are sworne to kéepe no money , yet they haue money some of them plentie These Iesuites are full of scoffes and mockes , as I my selfe haue prooued , the● haue vowed chastitie , but I doe not lik● the thinges that were practised in th● dark , betwéene some of the Iesuites an● the English Seminarie , and some of th● fairest complexion of the Englishe Students , whose names I remember , bu● for modestie sake I conceale them . Thes● Iesuites make great shewe of integriti● of life , and mortification of the fleshe , bu● their déedes bewray them , and their va●nities are knowne to procéed from an hipocritical habite . They more regarde th● prayses of men , then the kingdome 〈◊〉 heauen , and the glory of the highest .

Trisander .

I was informed by man Pilgrimes , that the Iesuites , whereso●uer they come , preache vpon bulke● stooles , and such like thinges : they stan● pratling vnto the auditorie of the worth●nesse and excellencie of their professio● & the Euangelicall life of the Iesuites . 〈◊〉 haue hearde a Iesuite preacher , my self● at Piacentia , that was so impudent , as 〈◊〉 say that the Iesuites were more acce●table to God , then the Angels of heauen .

Diawinckiani .

Thou hast béene truly informed , for they preach in deede vpon bulkes , stooles , chaires , or any other such thing , yea , they preach in market places , in open stréetes , and bie corners , Wée are the disciples of Christe ( say they ) wee haue his Angels , to guide vs , wée haue the holy Ghost to mooue vs to preach vnto publicanes and sinners , to curtezans and ruffians .

Trisander .

A faire péece of worke I promise you , they boast that they are sent from Christ , to instruct publicans sinners , and curtezans : I woulde they learned first to liue godly themselues being publicans , sinners , and harlots , bedfellowes , and play mates . I woulde to God they framed their liues according to the will of God . They deserue more glory at Christ his handes , say these Iesuiticall helhoundes then the Angels do : they merits the kingdome of heauen of their owne workes . What shall I speake of their erronious doctrine , séeing many , both learned and veriuous , haue written at large thereof . And therfore I passe it ouer , the rather because their pernicious doctrine is well knowne , and published to the world in print . But brother Diawinck . can you tell whether they say they haue any conference wish Christ .

Diawinckia .

Tush man , what speake you of conference , seeing that our blessed Ladie as you knowe bringeth them , as they are sléeping , both bed and all vnto heauen , and in their dreames they talke as familiarly with Christe as Robinhood , and William of Clowdesly . All their talke with Christ is in dreames & visions , & I think euer will be . There talked once with mée a Iesuite , trauelling to Madonna di loreto , who tolde mée , that Christe is a vision appeared vnto him , and saide , that hée shoulde prooue a notable Philosopher , well estéemed of all men , and therfore said this Iesuite , this Aristoles booke which you sée , I carty alwaies with mée . Then I asked him , why rather hée brought not with him the book of the new Testament ▪ Then answered this Iesuite , Aristotles booke is more profounde and learned then the booke of the newe Testament . Thus wée sée , that the booke of an Heathen philosopher , is more estéemed amongst these Iesuites , then the booke of the newe Testament , containing nothing els in it , but the heauenly veritie . Had not the Rector of the German Colledge at Rome , séene in a vision our blessed lady come to him , telling him he should be a Iesuite , he had neuer ( as he thinketh ) béen a Iesuite , nor rector of that Colledge . He that faineth best , and excelleth in hypocrisie , shal be in great reputation amongst this new order of the Iesuites . Héere in this place I surcease to speake of the Iesuites any more . Nowe wil I speake a word or two touching the Theatines . The Theatines are a kind of religious men , who differ nothing in habite from the Iesuites : their shurt bands are scarce to bée séene , so are the Iesuites : their gownes are somtimes of one colour , and sometimes of another . These Theatines haue moe reuenewes , yea and they fare better than many an honest man doth : they heare confession , & ther by so delude the people insomuch that they giue them both money , & other things necessary . this foolish generation goeth neuer a begging , but al things necessary for prouision are broght to their houses , I haue béen at their monasteries & haue had such good chéere , the better lightly is not to be gotten . They haue wine plentie , & al other things in great abundance . Now because this generation is obscure & vnknowen to the world , therfore to make them famous , is not mine intent , but this I say , that these Iesuites , & these Theatines are in great emulation : the one speaketh euil of the other , the one enuieth the other . There is no difference almost betwéene the Iesuites , & the Theatines . I woulde speak more abundantly of this order of the Theatines , if our English men were any whit molested by the name & sect therof . God be thanked , England knoweth not what they be , & by me surely at this time England shall not know what they are . The remembrance of the present state of this our miserable time , wherin so many sects & so many vowed orders of vaine profess●ds abound , doth driue a maruellous sorrow & griefe into me , who haue séene them . I bewaile & lament their cases . For considering the pitifull plight of these our wretched daies , what true Christian is there , but wil powre out a fountaine of teares , to bewaile the calamitie therof . The ruine of our aduersaries is exceeded so farre that it withdraweth mans expectation to looke for amendement , vnles God of his great mercie doe worke supernaturally the restitution . Againe none might nowe double his exclamation , in these dayes as Seneca reporteth , which is : good life , lawe , good order , godlines , & faith are now decaied . Therefore , calling to my remembrance this our carefull case , I mused with my selfe what might bée the cause thereof , and sodenly came to my remembrance the comfortable promises of God the father , made to the kéepers of his lawes and commaundementes : and likewise I considered his intollerable threatninges to the breakers of the same . Then comparing the wretchednesse of our liues to the sinceritie of his holy preceptes , I finde a marueilous difference . Good life was neuer in such contempt , malice at no time bare such rule , the godly neuer more dispised , and finally , God neuer more dishonoured , nor the Catholike faith at any time had in so litle regarde , especially of such as of arrogancie chalenge to themselues the name of true Christians , who in very déede are vtterly voide of all christianitie . To these the wordes of Christ may be well applied , where he sayth in the 9. Chap. 15. If I had not come vnto them , they shoulde haue had no sinne in them , but now their sinne doth remaine . Which words are verily verified in those false Christians , which did erre not onely in faith , but also in all other pointes of religion , and yet obstinatly séeme to defende their religion . They will not yeelde to scripture , they wil not consent to reason , they will not acknowledge the trueth . It is by nature giuen to men , in some things to erre , but to persist therein is against nature . For ( saith Tullie Lib. 1. ) Wée bée al drawen and led to aspire vnto knowledge , wherein to passe other we thinke it a goodly matter : but to slide , to erre , to bée ignorant , to bée deceiued , wée count it euill and dishonest . Therefore saith hée , one thing is to be auoided therein , which is , that we take not things that we know not , as though we knew them , and rashly assent to them . Wherefore , deliberation and aduertisment is to bée required in such causes . Nowe then it is the office and duetie of man , to apply his will to the grace of God , by whom truth is reueiled in time , wherevnto hée ought to consent : The serpent Hydra , with whom Hercules fought , had not so many heades , as each of these serpents had deuised opinions : nor yet Ixion begate so many Centaurs , as these monsters imagined heresies : insomuch that vpon one point , which is the chiefest confort left here vpon earth , there are Myriades opinionum , innumerable opinions , and one so contrary to another , that they agrée like germaines lips . The monstruossitie of whiche opinions are such , that to remember them , it yéeldeth a marueylous terrour to the heart of many a good christian . These adulterate Iesuites thinke it not sufficient , to effeminate the mindes of the simple with their false doctrine , and to defile the same with the venim of their viperous tongues , but also therewith haue so slaine the conscienses of many , that like men desperat of their owne saluation , they make haste to their owne destruction , who being puft by with presumption , séeke to clime vp to the chariote of the sunne . But as Phaeton was serued , for going about to aspire to his fathers secretes , and with a flashe of lightening was set all on fire : so these presumptuous and ignorant people , shall be plagued with the like , vnlesse they repent , as a due rewarde of presumption . This it is to followe the hissinges of the vipers broode , who neuer leaue their haunte , till they haue infected whole countreys .

For this cause ( welbeloued readers ) this present treatise is published , to sette before mens eyes , the abominable liues , and odious practises of these papistes , who in their owne conceiptes presume , that they haue the vndouted truth : whom ( if you marke intus & incute ) you shall wel vnderstand to be quite contrary . And thus much touching the Iesuites : more of them ( God willing ) shal be saide in mine answere to the bookes written against me , most maliciously , and slaunderously , by a Iesuite as I gesse . Belike he was ashamed to write his name least that his ill quallities shoulde be called in question .

¶ The fift Dialogue . Wherein the Liues of Certaine Popish priestes , with their Concubinesare declared . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Diawinckiani the conuerted Christian . Trisander .

I Woulde desyre thée , if thy leysure were such , louinge companion , as to tell mée more at large the corrupt liues of the hipocriticall Iesuites , who haue none other care al their life time , but to féede and pamper their panches with delicious wines , and delicate dishes to séeke their ease , and vse all kind allurementes and entisementes to whoredome , to kéepe themselues in all pleasures and idlenesse , & to giue them selues into all monstruous infamies : the which they may verie well doe , and that fréelye . For they haue many priuiledges , wherin they are well armed , and warranted to be exempted from all punishment . But for asmuch as your talke extendeth no farther touchinge Iesuites , let me heare howe the Popishe Priestes do liue ?

Diawinckiani .

As their life was two hundreth yeares agoe , suche is their life now .

Trisander .

How they liued then , and long time sithens , I finde in histories . A Curate of Clauenie in the Duchie of Guyen , as Stephanus reporteth in his Apologie vppon Herodot . fol. 72. did séeke to Saibborne the daughter of an honeste man of the same towne to hys leude lust and pleasure , whome he haunted in all places where she wente : notwithstandinge , she still flatlye and constantlye denyed hym , whiche bredde the greater fire to hys beastlye desire . And therefore on a daye , as the mayde was goinge to her fathers farme ( somewhat out of the towne ) this minion masked in blewe sarcenet , set all ouer wyth little startes of gold , hauing a fine laune ouer his face , and his armes and legges bare , but couered likewise with laune . In this attire he appeared vnto her on the way , and with counterfait voyce , shewed her that he was the Virgin Marie , declaring vnto her that sondrye afflictions shoulde fall vpon the towne , for the Luterane heresie that was entered amongst them , ( againste the whiche this Prieste was a great Preacher ) with sondry other purposes , touchinge the same : and further willed her to shew it to the towne , that they mighte celebrate her feast wyth fastinge and prayer , tellinge her withall , how she had refused the frendshippe and loue of a holye person , who in the same place ( not longe before ) made sute vnto her , but she denied hym : and therefore , if hée soughte any thinge at her handes hereafter , she was admonished that shée shoulde obey hym , for in so doinge there woulde greate happines fall vnto her by it : finallye shée was charged that shée should not discouer this last parte to any Creatures : the simple wenche beléeued all for trueth , and deliuered it as a Prophesie , and forewarneth them of that shoulde happen to Clanuenie , for the which cause ( at the first ) the inhabitants feared muche : and in the meane tyme thys poore soule yelded to hys villanie , whiche was shortly after spied , the practise discouered , and hée executed as well woorthie . In a village néere vnto Coignake , called Shermes ; the Parson there abused his owne sister so long , that in the ende hée gate her with childe : which the Curate so couered , as shée ( being holden verie holie throughe her déepe Ipocrifie ) was taken to bée as chaste a Virgin as might be : and therefore when this fault was spied , he was not a shamed to publish , that it procéeded of the holie Ghost , and that shée was a seconde Virgin Marie . The brute whereof comming to the hearinge of Charles , the Earle of Angoleme , he sent of purpose to se how it was for that hée suspected some abuse in it . In whose presence the supposed Virgin ( of the age of thirtéene yeares ) being solemly charged by her brother , vpon the damnation of her soule , to deliuer them the truth ( repeating the second time the same miracle ) she aunsweared , I take this holie Sacrament to my damnation , before you all here present , that neuer any man did carnally know mée , or in that sorte of sinne touche mée , no more then that my brother haue done : they hearing so vehement a vowe retourned , and confirmed the shamelesse report that was broached afore . But the Earle being wise , and noting the order of her othe néerer then they did , founde the fire by the smoke , and therefore sente , and commaundinge that they shoulde bee seuerallye committed , and they both examined , wherebye the truth was confessed , and they both burned into ashes , and dedicated vnto Vulcane . An example of a horrible incest , ioyned with blasphemie , whiche witnesseth the continente and chaste liues of those that were vowed from Matrimonie : approuing the godly furie of the Cardinal of Lorane , who hearing that a Bishop was secreatly married , said , I maruaile how these Lutherans haue geuen themselues ouer to all the deuils , to marrie , seeinge they haue libertie otherwise , after their liking to satisfie their lusts , at their own pleasure . This did hée speake generallye to those that liued then of their holy mother the Church . For , what was it that those wretches woulde not attempte , to fullfill ( after their insatiate gluttonye ) their beastly and rompwood lechery , hauing this Priuiledge , Si non caste , tamen caute . A Iesuite Priest in Vienna in Austria , made it no conscience to abuse a marchantes wise ( whome hée had vnder confession ) before all the Saintes of either kinde , not simply in the church , but behind the Aultar , and on good Fryday . This fellow beinge taken wyth the manner , although the faulte deserued as vile death as mighte bée deuised ) yet hée was onely enioyned to do pennance , and to forbeare sayinge of Masse thrée monethes . Their Legate ( comminge from Rome ) thinking this too sharpe a punishmente for so small a faulte , presently absolued him , whose ordinary Masses were afterward found of as good sauour , taste , and digestion , to those that willingly deuoured them ) as if they had béene sayd of the most maidenliest Priest in the world . So that it one woulde searche the euilles of all sortes , committed by these rauening rabble that feede on the Church , hee should finde them innumerable . But , as touching their punishmentes , it was seldome , or for the most part so light , that it seemed ( in déede ) but a mockerie : where as , on the other side , if any were but suspected to couet the true way to their saluation , fire and sworde was layde vpon them , wyth all the rigour and violence that might be . Many such histories could I recite , but because they are written in diuers bookes at large , I purpose to make no more wordes thereof , but will referre the Readers to Stephanus , Platina , and other Historiographers , who haue written aboundauntlye thereof . Now I am desirous to heare the enormities and errours of these late Priestes , whose life and conuersation is altogether vnknowne to all this English lande .

Diawinckiani .

As I haue begone to reueale the abuses of the Clergie , so will I procéede to speake therof in al degrées . Nowe there remayneth that I shoulde displaye the wickednesse of the Masse Priestes , I will speake no more , then that whiche myne eyes haue séene . At Gaunt in Flaunders , there was a priest that tolde mée Anno domnini . 1578. that if amonge the Turkes he could find better liuing , he would not be afrayd to offer sacrifice to Mahomet . For ( sayd he ) it is not the outwarde action that proueketh the indignation & displeasure of the most highest , but it is the inwarde cogitation , being rebellious and disobediente to Gods holy will and ordinaunces , that causeth the reprobation of man . I am not constrained ( sayd this wretched caytife ) to obserue the commaundementes of God in word and dede , but in thought onely . How voyde of reason , vnderstanding , and Christianitie these his wordes were , all men maye sée . Amongest the Turkes hée woulde liue as a Turke , amongest the Papistes , ( the Turkes cosen germanes , ) he woulde liue as a Papiste , and amongest the Christians hée woulde fayne hymselfe a Christian . At Ausburgh in high Almaine , there was a Prieste at Masse , Anno domini 1578. that had hys Lemman to supplye the roome of the Clarke that was absente , now sir shee being vnfitte for that place , when she should haue said Suscipiat dominus hoc sacrificium , &c. shée sayde , Et cum spiritu tuo . What hore ( quoth hée ) canst thou not say , Suscipiat dominus hoc sacrificium &c. Master Parson ( quoth shee ) you are to blame to vse suche termes by me , in presence of thys people . What Drabbe ( quoth he ) avoid in haste , or els I will strike thée with my Chalice . Hereat his Lemman ran away , cryinge , the deuell take thée villanous Priest , thou hast abused me too too much .

Trisander .

I woulde , if I had bene at the sight hereof , haue laughed as merrily as euer I did in my life . But I pray you tell me , did hee make little God Almighty , and eate him also then .

Diawinckiani .

Yea that hee did , but what maner of Sacrifice hee offred then in his rage vnto God , surelye I cannot tell , or with what charitie he then receyued his maker , let the reader of this s●●ry iudge by the rayling disorder of hys vehemente wordes . At Curtrike in Flaunders , Anno domini 1578. there was a Priest who willed a little boy that was his Clarke , to fill hys Chalice vp to the brimme : this drincke is good ( quoth he ) and tasteth well in my mouth , therefore good child fill a little more .

Trisander .

I thincke thys Prieste was glad to saye Masse , to quenche hys thirste and to please hys pallate . At a village called Westendorfe in highe Almaine , there was a Priest , by report of the Parishioners , that as he was saying Masse , there came newes vnto him by a little lad , that a certaine yong man was a bedde with his Lemman . Assone as he heard these wordes , he left the residue of his Masse vnsayde , and came presentlye wyth hys Clarke and two more , and found his Lemman and the young man together in a bedde : to whome he sayde , what in the deuils name doe you here ? Could you not haue told me of this your pastime , that I mought haue taken part with you ? Now therfore I enioyne you this pennance , that you come in your shirte and smocke to heare the rest of my Masse . At Alberstat in Saronye there was a Cannon Priest that wanted money , and could not tell what to doe to get some wherfore he thought it good to con●●●e vp a deuell , with whome hee compounded , that if he woulde procure him two thousand Dollors , he would assure the deuell of a baptised bodie . To the whiche promise the deuill assented , and procured the mony . The day being appointed , when the body baptised should bee geuen to the deuill , thys Cannon Priest had prouided before hande , that a goose shoulde bee baptised in the Fonte , where Christians were wonte to be baptised , and thys goose was geuen to the deuill . When the wicked spirite had perceiued this pollicie , he said , thou hast beguiled me now , but I will deceiue thée an other time .

Trisander .

Is it not straunge that men are deluded by these craftie Priests seeinge the deuell himselfe is beguiled by their craft and pollicie .

Diawinckiani .

It is nothing strange . In Italie there happened the like thing , for in the Neapolitane kingdome there were certaine ( as farre as I do remember ) Priestes , that borrowed a greate somme of money of the deuill , and promised to repay the debt by such a daye , if not , that he should vse them at hys pleasure . When the day came , these Romish Italian Priestes were merrily banqueting , not being mindfull of their promise touching the discharging of the debt : the deuill came amongest them , and demaunded his mony : now , when it was tolde him that they had it not readie , hee stew them euerie one to the nomber , of fiue and twentie Priestes , and lay men . This thing was reported vnto me to be true at Sinegallie , whether it be true or false I cannot tell , but I suppose it to bée rather true then otherwise , because manye auouched the same to bee true , and they were all Italians . At Ausburghe there was a Prieste that had dronken more then sufficient who when hee was at Masse , he cryed , ho la hostes , geue me some more béere for I am a thirst . Thys Priest notwithstandinge was aboute to make hys Sauiour , in transubstantiating the bread and wine by a few wordes vttered by him , into the very bodie and bloud of Christe . This Prieste was not farre vnlike vnto him that was at Masse , who when he was at his memento , his boy came vnto hym , and tolde hym that his neighbours swine were entered into his garden : he had no sooner hearde these wordes , but in a furie he brake forth into this speech , forgetting his memento , and not remembringe the place wherein he was , what in the deuils name do the swine there : goe thither ( saide hée to hys boy ) and kill them euery one .

Trisander .

No doubt this man wanted patience and charitie , and receyued the Sacramente of the Aultar vnworthely , not onely for other causes , but also for these his furious and vnquiet Passions , hee receiued the Sacramente as an ill disposed Parson , no doubt .

Diawinckiani .

In a Cittie called Guntzburgh , there was a Prieste so dron●ke , that he could not stande to saye M●s●e , and when hee had filled hys chlalice with wine , he cryed with a loud voice praysinge the wine : the Clarke whispered in hys eare that hee had receyued the bloud of Christ , God send me more such bloud ( quoth hee ) and I pray thee good Clarke fill the Chalice agayne . Master Parson ( quoth the Clarke ) I praye you dispatch your Masse , for surely good beare hath made your heade so lighte , that you know not what you do . I tel thee knaue ( quoth he ) fill the Chalice , or els I will make thy pate ake . Thys Masse was dronkenly begonne and dronkenlye ended .

Trisander .

Surely this Priest was 〈◊〉 fitte man for such a prophane and poluted Sacrament . To serue the deuill a ●ronken man is moste meete , for if hee ●hall transforme hymselfe into the like●es of a child and so appeare in the hoast of bread , he may bid him conuey a potle of wine at a neede , out of the Popes sared Chaplaines wineseller , .

Diawinckiani .

Thou sayest well and ●uelye : but marke , I wyll tell thee a ●errie and a true storie of a Prieste of Palam , where a Queene a Virgin the Emperours daughter albeit a Papiste , ●●t surely affable , amiable , and a succourer and fauourer of straungers ) hath her abode . Thys Prieste Anno domini 1580. trauailed to Italie , & as hee came to Venice , there was broughte hym such wine as pleased him so well , that hee asked what drincke it was : hys hoasts being a merry man , and knowing he was a Germaine , tolde hym that it was the teares that came downe from the eyes of Christe , in such aboundance , they hys teares at three seuerall times , when hee wept filled a whole hogshed . Oh ( quoth the Priest ) how is this credible , that hée being a man , could shed so many teares , and that his teares shoulde be conuerted to so sweete a drincke as I taste of , then aunswered hys hoaste , in that hee was a man alone he did not this miracle , but in that he was both man and God , thys came to passe by that meanes , this thing I say , that his teares filled a whole hog● shead , and became notable good wyne . Then sayd the Priest , but how got you● his teares conuerted into this pleasaunt drincke , whereof ( I thanke you ) I haue had a taste ? then sayde hys hoaste , that Christ sent it by his Angell to all Italye , and the more wee drincke thereof the more wee haue . Oh good God ( quoth thys Masse Prieste ) wherein haue we● Germaines offended Christ , that he sent nothing of teares to vs also to make our hartes merrie therewith ?

Trisander .

Surely this Priest was a very wittie man , I thinke that if a man had tolde hym that the Citizens of Venice brought their marchandise from heauen , hee woulde haue belieued them . Indede I must say that it was a strange thinge , for thys Almaine Prieste , to get such pleasant wine as he did then at Venice and belike he neuer tasted the lyke drincke before . At Eraneble in France , there came a fellow to the Bishop , mindinge to take holye orders : the Bishop willed hym to reade thys place of Scripture , Faciemus hic tria tabernacula , vnum tibi &c. this word Tabernacula , he could not wel pronounce , but thus he read that place , Faciemus tria traber●ula . The Bishop beinge angry , sayde , three turdes : vnum tibi ( quoth he , my Lorde that soughte to haue beene made Prieste ) alterum for Mary your sweete ●arte , and tertium for Margaret your ●aughter . With these woordes the Bishoppe was so moued , that he called the Reader knaue . Then sayd the Reader , haue you made mee Deacon nowe my Lord : whether this storie be true or no , I cannot tell : for it was tolde me of certaine Frenchmen beinge merrilye disposed , and if it be a fable , let it passe as a fable . But I will now speake of one that came to the Bishop of Graisoble . Anno domini 1579. to seeke for Priesthoode , and when he came to be examined of the Bishops Chaplaine , touchinge doctrine , he put his hand in his pocket , and said to his examiner , Ecce hic : and gaue hym a handfull of money . Then the Bishops Chaplaine came to his Lordship , & tolde him that hée had not a better Scholler to be examined in thre yeares before . Then the Bishop sente this man to a singinge Cannon of the Qutere , to bee prooued whether he could singe Masse or no , and when he came to be examined , he gaue also a handfull of money to this singinge Cannon : and as soone as he receiued the money , he tolde the people that he knew by a few interrogations propounded vnto the said fellow , that it was in vaine to examine him farther in notes of singing . Thus by meanes of his money , he was counted both learned , and also a good Qutereman , whereas hee was neyther of both . This storie I know to bee true for the same thinge hath beene reported vnto me by diuers , aswell of the clergie , as of the laitie . Many such stories coulde I recite , but few may content the mind of the Reader . And at Moleina , a little towne in the Dolphin of Fraunce , there was a Priest that kept his sister , in stede of a concubine , as it appeared at last , in that she was wyth childe , and confessed her brother to bee the father thereof . Whereupon it was enioyned hym by way of pennance , to goe and visite Madonna di Loreto .

Trisander .

Surelye an easie pennance for suche an horrible crime , hanging had bene too too good for such an execrable facte : but one Popish Priest will beare with an other .

Diawinckiani .

Thou hast said truth . But marke , I will tell thée of a storie woorthie the hearings , wherein is to bee noted the dissimulation of a shauelinge Priest . In citie called Langue in Picardie , there was a holye ( as they termed him ) Priest , that tooke his pilgrimage to S. Iames in Spaine : who when he retourned home , he boasted of so many reuelations and visions , that he would not otherwyse haue the people perswaded , but that S. Iames brought hym to heauen , and there shewed hym all the glorious buildinges that are to bee séene . The walles ( sayd hee ) of that Princely Pallace of God , were altogether of cristall , Saphire , Diamonds , Carbuncles , and suche other precious stones . The pauementes , both within and without that heauenly and celestial court of God , were of gold , siluer , and such other costly mettall . The couering therof was bright shininge golde , the like whereof I neuer sawe before . Then S. Iames broughte mee to dinner , amongest the Apostles , where I refreshed my self very princely : at the laste I shooke handes wyth all the Apostles , and so tooke my farewell of them . Then S. Iames gaue mee hys picture in siluer , and promised , that whosoeuer woulde offer to the same , during the tyme that I am at Masse , he woulde cary his soule at his departure to heauen The people beleued euery word that he spake , and offered much mony to the picture , which the Priest receiued , and applied it to hys owne vse . This Priest made simple women beleue , that if the would not condiscend to hys luxurious and fleshlye request , S. Iames woulde take reuengemente vpon them : so that by this his pilgrimage , he gate money aboundantly , and allured many wemen , to Venus follye . Thys is the fruite of Priestes pilgrimages , I woulde to God they considered the end of this their counterfaite holinesse . There was another Priest that trauailed with me on Pilgrimage in Fraunce to S. Sebastian , thys mans life-was dissolute , his wordes prophane , and his manners leude , when anye Massemonger had committed some hainous offence , hee determined wyth the consultation of his ghostly father , and other of hys annoynted companie , to make a vowe to visite one or other holy place , for expiation of his sinnes : and in his whole pilgrimage he meditated vpon nothinge els , then vpon liberall wemen of their bodies . Oh God , what doe these hipocrites meane , to vaunte of holines , and meddle so muche with the worlde : doe they not passe to dissemble thus wyth men , as they do , for temporall gaine , and to be disherited of life euerlasting by this their folly ? Let not the Papists imagine that I haue reported thys of malice , or that I vntruely told the liues of their lasciuious clergie : or pray for them , I wish their conuersion in the Lord . Their malicious and vntrue reportes of mee haue troubled my patience neuer a whit : speake what you will , raile and reuile , skoffe and taunte me at your pleasure , counte mee what you will , a foole , an asse , vnlearned , and whatsoeuer besides , I am not offended , I am not mooued with these your vncharitable termes : God conuerte your mind to vnderstand his holy word , and vnfainedly to obserue it , duringe life : and God make vs all fit instrumentes for hys blessed kingdome , and graunt that we may glorifie hym in our doinges , edifie his churche and congregation , and profite our owne soules , and so enioy the crowne of glorye in the kingdome of the most highest . I will recite thrée or foure more incontinente Priestes , and so make an ende of thys matter . Lingano in Italie , a Priest kept his owne daughter , in steede , of his concubine , and being made great with child by this Priest shée confessed , ( as sone as shée was examined by the Magistrates ) that her father , the Priest and parson of the parishe had gotten her wyth childe . When thys Priest was broughte to be● examined , he denied not his manlie facte , but stoode in proouinge the same hys vnnaturall déede , to haue bene lawfull and commendable : for ( saide he ) shee is my base daughter , I haue nourished and broughte her vp from a childe vnto womans estate , and in recompence of all my charges , costes , and labour , she ought to supply my want with her own bodie , beinge forbidden to marrie : and with whome can suche a man as I am , being destitute of a wife , be better pleased , then wyth hys owne daughter base begotten ? If I had taken an other mans daughter , I had offended none but the parentes : but séeinge I haue vsed myne owne daughter , to fullfill my luste , no man ( I thinke ) oughte to bee offended . Thys bawdie Prieste escaped vnpunished , for they that had the examination of him , belike were as had as hee . How wittie his words were , let al men iudge . If a Massemonger cannot get one or other to accomplish his libidinous lust , he will then procure to himselfe his daughter , yea sister , yea and hys mother , rather then faile : such is the impretie of the idolatrous Priestes . At Viterbo in Italie , Anno domini 1579. there was a Prieste borne at Naples , that loued the Burdell house so well , that he sayd three or foure Masses in one day , to gette hym some money , to the ende his often comminge to the Burdell houses mighte be more accepted . As I my selfe trauayled from Millane to Rome , I haue had them oftentunes in my iourney , that woulds not sticke to play the parte of a ingler in their maskinge garmentes at the aultar , before whome they woulde , yea euen a shéepe if you gaue him but six pence . And you shall finde a popish prieste , that will say Masse in the fieldes for the safegarde of the sheepe againste the wolfe . Let trauailers reprooue mee : if this bee vntrue , that a man for a little money , shall haue manye Masses , and that of one Massemonger , in one day . At Vigleuan a citie in Italie Anno domini 1578. there was a riche citizen that had buried hys wife , and afterwardes coulde take no rest in his house in the night time , for the sturre and noyse of hys wiues spirite . This citizen asked councell of a Chaplaine of our Ladies , what was best to be done ▪ this priestes deuice was , for lucre and gains that there shoulde bee manye Masses soonge for his wiues soule , which was ( as he said ) tormented by the deuel in his house . This citizen demaunded of the priest what money hee woulde take to redéeme hys wiues soule by hys Masses , from all such tormentes , misery and griefe , wherewyth shee was perplexed and tormented . The prieste vndertooke for a hundreth crounes that hys wiues soule shoulde flie to heauen . The citizen , to be in quiet , was contente to graunte his request . The prieste vsed a long season to saye Masse for the deliuery of thys spirite , but it woulde not b●e : the more Masses were said , the more was the spirite vexed , and made the greater rumblinge in the citizens house . The citizen being in a chafe , came to the prieste , and told him , that if he woulde not vse better Masses , to deliuer his wiues spirite from that vexation and trouble wherein shee was , he would not onely haue his mony backe againe , which the priest had receiued , but also take reuengemente vpon him , for that he by his flattery had béene deluded : when the priest heard thys beinge somewhat skillfull in magicke , hee craued to come to hys house that nighte , and I cannot tell howe , whether by hys coniuration , or by any other meanes , it came to passe that the spirite neuer appeared afterwardes nor yet was hearde . But surely if he had not bene skillfull in Nigromancie , he had neuer chased away this spirite of illusion out of the citizens house by hys Masses . Hee tried seuen or eight weekes by these Masses to get this somme of money and coulde not for all that , but for one or other couenante and bargaine he made with the deuill in one night , the citizens wiues spirite neuer did afterwardes once disquiet the house . Thus oftentimes it happeneth with the papistes , that when with their Masses they obtaine not their purpose and intent , then by their magical arte they will do what they can . There was a Prieste at Hadocke in Bauaria , that made a woman beleue , that she should be transformed to a mare , and that the deuill should ride vpon her ouer craggie mountaines and stony places vnles she would fullfill his fleshly lust . This Prieste , for that he had fallen out wyth her husband , durst not come to his house , nor his wife to the priestes house . The prieste wantinge no crafte and subteltie , when the woman came to confession , hee willed her to repaire home , and to faine herselfe very sicke , and like to die , and to crie for master Parson to heare her confe●sion againe , for that shee had concealed some notorious crime from him . As soone as shée came home she sounded , as thoughe the spirite was readie to take her , vitimum vale from the bodie . Why howe now frowe ( quoth her husbande ) what ayleth you to be sicke , and so sicke , that you are like to die ? Oh husbande sende spéedelye for master Parson , or els I muste saye adue to you all , adue to thys worlde , before I haue confessed that to master parson , which troubleth my conscience , and from whome I haue concealed in my confession a thing which I could haue vttered to day . Ah my bodye is féeble , my harte panteth full sore , my strength fayleth me , my féete beginne to ware colde , my breath is shorte , I am readie to geue vp the ghost : Oh call for master parson , that I may bée shriuen againe . The prieste was sente for , and as hee entered the chamber , hee sprinckled the same with water , and then he sayd so his patient , how do you neighbour , I am come hether to geue you ghostly comfort , and to heare your confession , and to minister the Sacramente of holye vnction . He caused all them that were in the chamber to depart thence , vntill he had played hys feates of actiuitie wyth her : but the morning following she being recouered , was very merrye and ●ocand . The womans husband being a wise man suspected some secrete frendship to haue béene betwéene hys wife and the parson , in so much that euer afterwardes hee inuited the parson to dinner and supper , twice or thrice a wéeke . Vppon a tune he fayned that he would make a iourney to Inghelstatte , and remayned at home vnknown to his wife in a counting house of his , and then the good wife , not mistrustinge any thing , made the priest of the parish to bée called , and ordained notable good chéere for his entertainement : at night , as they were merrie & had made good chéere , her husband tooke them both naked , & made the priest lighter by both hys stones . Oh villaine ( quoth the husband to the priest ) hast thou thus vsed me for the great curtesie that I haue shewed thée ? therfore I am reuenged on thée : holde , take thy stones , and kepe them in thy purse at all times when thou sayest Masse : nowe I am out of doubt thou wilte neuer make more kuckoldes . Then hée put his wife in a close chamber , and gaue her breade and water once a daye , for the space of one whole yeare . There was an other priest but here in England by reporte in Quene Maries time that heard the confession of a gentlewoman , how she vsed the carnall company of a younge gentleman of that parish : the priest beeing of a leacherous disposition practised by all meanes possible to obtaine her fauoure , and by amorous talke he assayed her many wayes , but all in vaine : at last there came a maide a seruaunte of that gentlewomans to him to shrift , and when she had made an ende of her confession , hee asked her where she was borne , she told him in such a shiere , naming Yorkeshire : hee asked in what place there , and shee told him , the place , he asked the names of her parentes , and shee tolde hym , I am glad ( quoth he ) that I haue founde a cousin here , I came from thence where you were borne , and your mother was my aunte . You knowe I am parson of this parishe ( quoth hee ) and haue some substaunce , I haue no kinsfolke here in this parishe besides you good cousin , and therfore come often and continualiye to my house , for I will make you executrix of all that enioye . The poore maide was glad to finde such a cousin , but when she came vnto his house , hee had boughte a paire of perfumed gloues to be deliuered by his cousin to her mistresse , whiche being deliuered , her mistresse on a sodaine was wrapte in loue with the prieste , so that shée from that tyme forewardes feasted the priest full o●ten , and tooke hym for her seconde paramour . Thus the Priest , by his knauish conceite , got hys pleasure on the gentlewoman . Popishe priestes wante not their traines of subtelties , to bring that to passe , which they desire : as by manye histories of their liues it plainely appeareth . If I shoulde put in writing the abuses of those priests whome I haue partlye knowne , and of whome I haue partlye heard , then thys booke shoulde grow to a greate volume : but the christian reader maye by the historie of the vngodly shauelinges here recited take heede of their hipocrisie , and counte them as false Prophetes , and wolfes in shepes clothing . Their works do testifie , that among them , there is no God , but the Pope : and they saye with the fleshly Epicure , Geue me that is here presente , and let God alone with that is to come . If they were true Christians , and had regard to their soules health , would learne by the sermons of faythfull preachers , and vnderstande by the holye scriptures , that besides this life , besides this world , this kingdome , these thinges here present , there be other things , and much greater thinges , an other life , an other kingdome , an other worlde to be looked for , doubtlesse they would neuer dissemble with the people as they do . What do they thinke that God knoweth not their secrete sodomie , their pollution , and carnall copulation ? Will they be named holy virgins , sacred priestes , and chaste sacrificers , because many of them , follow the councell of S. Benet . Si non caste , tamen caute . If thou canst not liue chastlie , walke closelie . They passe not to displease God in his heauenly sight , but the displeasure of man they dread : and therfore they thinke themselues as happie as any Saintes , if the people knowe not of their wickednes . Here in this world , they hunte for praise , vaineglorie , opinion of holines , and for humble reuerence : they will be estéemed before al others , and saluted as holy fathers , and chaplaines to our Ladie . O Englishe men beware of these false Prophetes , and you that are infected with the poyson of Popish superstition , aske councell in tyme , vse some good remedie to purge the infection out of your soule , apply the salue of the woorde of God vnto your griefe , and you shal be holpen , and made whole , safe , and sound againe : repente , repente , flie from papistrie while it is time , ere it be to late , for our life is very shorte . To write farther of the incontinencye of the Popes holye priestes , I thincke it not néedefull , for that the whole world knoweth , that popish priestes , for the moste parte ( yea in a manner all ) haue euer liued and doe liue incontinentlye , for all their bragges of chastitie : they let loose the raines to all the iust of the flesh . Let trauailers to forraine countreies beare witnes with me , of that whiche I haue reported by them . Marke the liues of the popishe priestes that are in Flaunders , Brabante , Holland , Friseland , Fraunce , Sauoy , Italie and Germanie : you shall confesse , albeit they are wifelesse , yet that they are not womanlesse ; albeit they are forbidden to marrie , yet that they are permitted to kepe concubines : they haue them , I haue seene them , I haue talked wyth them , and both he and shee haue confessed that they were dispensed with all . It is not one priest that is dispensed to take a concubine : neither is it two , neither is it twentie , neither is it a thousande : but al Massemongers , of what countrey soeuer , are suffered to haue concubines . Is it marueile then , that the Popes shauelinges do so vehemently inueigh against priestes marriage , seinge it is tollerable for them to kepe concubines ▪ if the Popes dispensation were good and godlye ( as it is not ) surely better it were to take a concubine , then to marrie a wife . For a concubine if she were a shroe , and sharpe of her tongue , a man might put her awaye , and take an other , and so hée coulde take the choyce and proofe of two and fiftie in one yeare , and the Pope should dispence withall . Is it to bee wondered that the Pope hath so many subiectes , more loyal vnto him , then to their naturall Princes , séeing he dispenseth with them in all their wickednes , and alloweth their deuelish practises , and furthereth their impious and Venereous inclination , wyth hys Antichristian permission ? The whore of Babilon , the minister of Antichriste , and the false Prophetes prohibite matrimony , but allow all maner of whoredome . They condemyne chaste wedlock and approue a lasciuious life . These are the enormities of the churche of Rome , thys is the imquitie of the Pope and of his Cardinals , to establish impietie , and to suppresse vertue , to punishe yea and count the heretiques Priestes , that seke vnder the yoke of wedlocke to avoyde fornication , and to leaue others vnpunished that kéepe concubines : yea to permitte them to take as manye as they liste . The law of chastitie enioyned vnto Priesthoode , the which was firste ordeyned to the preiudice of wemen , induceth Sodomie into the Churche : the delicate féeding and fare of the Clergie , will haue ryther a naturall purgation , or some worse : the secrete trial and proofe of such men is , that they do delighte in wemen . But God of his mighte for priny sinnes doth sende open vengeance . And though the worlde spieth their pronenesse to leacherye , yet neuer reckou they wedlocke any godly estate of liuing , though it were an onelye order instituted of God in the beginninge : yea for hys Priestes also But commonly they haue diswaded both men and wemen from it , as from a most pernicious euill , or from a mischiefe of al mischiefes , callinge it foolishnes , beastlinesse , a walking in darkenesie , a mainetenance of leachery , a fullfilling of fleshlye desires , a grounde of all vice , an entraunce of death , a corruptinge of maydenhoode , a lake of miserie , a claye pit of vncleannesse , a thraldome of Egipte , a nette of Sathan , a snare of the deuell , and a ponde of perdition : suche peruerse stomackes haue they borne to holy wedloeke , instituted by God himselfe in Paradise , and confirmed by Christes presence in Galile , and by the firste miracle that he wrought there , as some write , at the marriage of S. Iohn the Euangelist , that they séeke to subuerte the same . Let the Pope disanull priestes marriage , yet some will followe the councell of Paule in thys , that it is better to marrie then burne , better it is to take a wife , then to shutte a whore in his studie , as Bonner did , the whiche place was shewed vnto me . Pope Calixtus the seconde of that name , was he that first forbad Priestes , Deacons or Subdeacons to haue wiues : whereupon one in Englande wrote a sharpe Epigramme againste him , thus much in effect :

O bone Calixte , nunc omnis clerus odit te , Quondam praesbyteri poterant vxoribus vti , Hoc destruxisti , postquam tu Papa fuisti , Ergo tuum meritò nomen habent odio . O good Calixtus nowe the Clergie doth thee hate , In former time the Churchmen mighte enioy their spousall mate : But thou haste taken this away to Popeshippe since you came , Therefore as thou deserued hast , they do detest thy name .

This was the arrogante and shamelesse impudencie of thys minister of Sathan , Pope Calixtus , to forbid the marriage of Priestes . And who séeth not manifestly these mens impudencye , whiche contemne and disprayse that honorable estate of holy wedlocke , to the ende that they mighte aduaunce their owne filthynes , and bring vncleane single life , and the abominable vowes of their counterfait chastitie in estimation , to the verefyinge of that in themselues whiche hath bene long agoe foretolde by the holye Apostle . I will tell you of the knauerye of one or two priestes , in hearing the confession of two maides at Naples , as I was credibly informed of certaine marchantes that had beene there when thys thinge was done : and trauayled in my companie , Anno domini 1578. This Neapolitane Priest was incensed wyth the loue of a fayre mayde of Naples , hee attempted manye wayes by large effers , & greater promises to winne this maide to satisfie his inordinate lust : but hee laboured in vaine . At last , he deuised to allure her to follie after this manner , when the maide came to be shriuen of him , and had ended her confession , the Priest sayned that our blessed Ladye appeared beefore him in his studie , and willed hym to tell the mayde , that in stede of absolution shee shoulde sléepe with him that nighte . For of her ( sayd our Lady to the Priest ) should a child be begotten that should be one of the pillers of the Churche . When the mayde heard thys , she aunsweared , oh good God , what caused our blessed Ladie to bid me sleepe with you , but séeing our blessed Ladie hath willed mee to lie by your side to night , I will do as she hath commaunded , for feare of her heauy displeasure . There was a Prieste at Sinagaglia Anno domini 1580. who wanted money , it may be to offer to the Curtezans , and therefore hee inuented this shift . There was a rich widow that had good store of mony , and came to him to be shriuen : now when shée had ended her confession , hee tolde her that it was reuealed vnto hym in a vision , that if this woman would not goue hym tourescore crownes , he should not absolue her of her sinnes , vntill shee woulde vowe a monasticall lyfe . Thys woman had rather depart from sourscore crounes , then not to haue bene absolued . I haue written of these Iesurtes , for that they are sent by their Rectors to thys land , to pestre the same with heresies , and haue geuen euidente notice to our countreymen of their hypocrisie and dissimulation , exhortinge them to beware that by their outward shew of holines they do not deceiue them . They are as craftie as the Scribes and Phariseyes , and they peruert the people as the Scribes and Phariseyes did in Christ his time . These Iesuites preach not as they oughte , for they leaue the woord of God , and teache their owne traditions , they preache euill , for they wrest the verie Scriptures , or rather rashly gather them out of old rotten papers , readie wrasted by others . And for that I say wrasted by others , the stolen bookes of controuersie that are scattered here in Englande , who bringe them but the Iesuites , and from whence came they but from Rome , or from some other citie where there is a Couent of begging Iesuites ? What written bookes of diuinitie soeuer the learned Iesuites of anye nation haue , by the post they impart the copy thereof to all Iesuites of all countreyes . And whereas hee wrote , that I tooke some parte of my firste booke out of Philip of Norleyes booke , what is that to the purpose ? You take , to aunsweare that part the help of Bellar●●inus dictates , which haue made D. Bristow famous . For he committeth his lesson to memory as a child doth the dictates of his master , and readeth them publiquely to the English studentes . His bokes that are written against that learned man D. Fuilke , & others , are gathered ( as I suppose ) out of father Robert Bellar●●inus dictates . Well , let these thinges passe , vntill a more conueniente tyme serue to wryte hereof . But this by the way I annswere to Parson ( as I surmise ) his malicious detractions , where he sayeth that they of the reformed churche are driuen to thys exig●nt , that they are glad to haue suche simple fellowes as I am , and others whome hée named . But let him be assured that in Englande , at this daye , there are a thousand that can encounter wyth hym , and all the whole crew of blasphemous Iesuites . They are able ( God bee thanked ) to confute them in their errors , albeit in hugger mugger they are groate braggers , and little doers : they are fearfull barkers , but small biters . What prayse shall the learned winne by medling with these boasters and braggers of themselues , who when they come to defend their cause , they alledge elde wiues tales , the liues of fayned Saintes , false miracles and such like trifles . As for the Scriptures , when they alledge them , they peruert the sence thereof . Now , shoulde learned men trouble themselues wyth suche peruerse men , that haue no knowledge in Gods booke , the most vnlearned minister in England is able by authority of Scripture to ouerthrow them with their sophisticall and fantastical religion . For these greate Rabines and masters , do neuer once read the bible orderly , and yet the blinde and ignoraunt people doth reuerence , these sowgelders in stéede of Gods . For in Germanie these Iesuites are so termed in their language . These are they whiche now leaue their bellies , séekinge their owne glory , & not the true glory of God , which mighte bee s●tfoorthy euen by Balaams asse : much lesse then ought we to contemne such abiectes , as preach the word of God . We haue ( sayth S. Paul ) thys treasure in bricketh vessels that the glorie of the power mighte be of God , and not of our selues . God hath chosen the foolishe thinges of the worlde , to confounde the wise : and the weake thinges hath God chosen , to confounde the mightie : and vtle thinges of the world and despised , hath hee chosen , and thinges that are not , to bringe to noughte thynges that are , that no fleshe shoulde glory in his sighte . But now all men ( in a manner ) will bee wise , and therefore they are ashamed of the simple Gospell , and of vneloquente preachers , they are ashamed ( truelye ) to saye wyth Paul , and to performent in déede : I brethren , when I came vnto you , did not come with excellencie of woordes , or of wisdome , preachinge the testimonie of Christe . For I estéemed not my selfe , to know any thing amongest you , but onelye Iesus Christe , and hym crucified . 2. Cor. 2. O voice of a true Euangelist ? But now we are ashamed of this foolishe preachinge , by the whiche it hath pleased God to saue al those which beléeue in him and béeinge puffed vp wyth out owne fleshly minde , we do rather choose proudlye to deale in those thinges wherein we are slenderly séene , preaching fables and lies , and not the law of God , whiche is vndefiled , and conuerting mens soules . God geue the people grace better to estéeme his word then they haue done hetherto , that they may geeue due honour vnto the ministers thereof , according as they are admonished in the Scriptures . For nowe scarse the Bishops are stéemed , as they ought to bée : as for others , they are had in contempt with the proud , rather than otherwise . Who now a dayes more vile with the foolishe people then a minister ? who more abiect then he ? the Papistes haue their Priestes in greater reuerence , who are better loued by a greate deale , then our ministers are amongest their owne flocke . I doe not write this , that men should come to the ministers with cap and knee : no , they ought not to bee so vaineglorious as to require such obeisance , but they ought to bee regarded and honoured , as Christ himselfe hath appointed . But of this matter I wil write no more , let the people if they wyll follow Christe , do as Christe hath commaunded : or els let them bee sure they are not the followers of Christ . But least I might seeme too tedious in this disc●uery of the Iesuites , and Papistes , I will here make an ende directinge all the reste of my talke wholy vnto them both , whome this dialogue specially concerneth , exhorting them to be reformable , and to cease of from hauing the word of the eternall God in contempt . Be ye therefore better minded then you haue beene hetherto , say with Haule , It is ha●de to kicke againste the pricke , O leaue your erroneous opinions , abhorre heresie , and bee reconciled to the truth , that you may bée receiued agayne into the perpetuall fauour of God , purchased by Christe to all them that by fayth and repentance come vnto him . You haue examples of diuers that recanted and forsooke the dregges of popish superstition , and spent their bloud for the testimonie of their fayth , as you may reade in the histories of the churche of Christe . And as you haue them , so followe them , to your owne saluation . Now as longe as you are obstinate , and stiffenecked in your naughtie and peruerse opinion , so long shall you be vnder the indignation and displeasure of God and the Prince , so longe shall your state be miserable , your mind vnquiet , fraught full of feare and dread , your harte out of comforte , no safetie in your life , brieflye you shall lacke no calamitie : but if you will recant , your trespasse shall be pardoned , and displeasure remooued , then feare shall departe , comforte shall come , and you shall receyue hope of eternall lyfe . Your feare shal be turned to hope , death to lyfe , damnation to saluation , hell to heauen , malediction to blessinge , the power of Sathan shal be dissolued , your care shal be tourned to consolation , finally all the felicities of heauen , so many as Paradise can holde , shall belonge to you as to all other vnfained beleeu●rs of the Gospell of Christ Iesu . O Englishmen , you that are Priestes secundum ordinem Antichristi Papae Romani , after the order of Antichriste the Pope of Rome , be no longer enemies to the truth deuided and sundred from God and your louing Quéene Elizabeth . Your obstinacie ingendereth wrath , and prouoketh iudgement : and iudgement by law ministreth death and damnation : wyth death entereth the deuill , and with hym heapes of infinite miseries and calamities . In this pickle the impenitent lyeth for euer , without redemption of our Lord and Sauiour Iesu Christ . So long as you hold with the Pope , you shall be execrable vnto God , and odious vnto your Prince : expend therfore and weigh in your mindes , caste with your selues , in what a miserable perplexitie & wretched case you Massemongers are , so many as be not yet reconciled vnto the truth in Christ . Tourne vnto the liuing God , and as you haue long tasted of his wrath so now beginne to taste hys frendship . A better frend you cannot haue , yea , to say the trueth , no other frende ye lacke but him , whome if you haue your frende , no enemy can do you hurte : if he be your enemie , no frende can do anye good : if ye desire his frendship , ye néede not séeke it farre , it is offred vnto you in the Scripture , at what tyme so euer ye recante , God is ready to receiue you into hys fauour and grace . But then you must take it while it is offred . Behold , now the acceptable yeare : yet is the good tyme , yet the golden time , yet is the daye of saluation , yet to day lasteth , and yet the gate is open , wherein the wise virgins maye enter . But if it be once shutte againe , the foolish virgins shall neuer haue it open any more . Take mercy and pardon therfore , while it is offred : refuse it not least ye be refused . The eternall God , and father of our Lord Iesus Christe , which is true in his promises , and wonderfull in all his workes , haue pittie of al Papists , and spéedelye conducte you to the knowledge of the truth , that you may be saued through the merites of Christ Iesus , our onely redéemer and Sauiour .

Trisander .

Amen , And I beséeche the same God , to géeue them some porcion of his holy Spirite , to kepe and confirme them in the knowledge of the eternall trueth of his Gospell : that wée all , like brethren , and children of one father , maye laude and prayse the name of the Lord our God , that exalteth the humble and méeke , doth throw & pull downe the proud and highe minded Papistes . And thus muche brieflye touchinge this Dialogue of Popish Priestes , and theyr execrable abuses .

The end of the fifte Dialogue .

The sixt Dialogue , wherein is laid open the dissention that hath beene in the Englishe Seminarie at Rome , and the orders of that Seminarie . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Theophilactus the conuerted Christian . Trisander .

NOwe are wee come to Rome the famous Citie of the worlde , and the seate of Antichrist : but before wée enter into this Citie can yée tell me how this Church is called , and who payde for the building of the same ?

Theophilactus .

What the name therof is I cannot tel , but Pope Iulius the third , when the state of true religion , was subuerted , and altered , and papistrie planted , erected the same Church , of his owne expences , and made processions , and singing Te Deum with great solemnitie , to declare the ioye and gladnesse that was pretended for this reconciliation .

Trisander .

I thinke the Diuell triumphed very much , & great ioies were then in hell amongst his route of Angels . For this metamorphoses , and sodaine alteration in religion , the Pope his vice gerent here on earth reioysed , and the Diuel his maister was glad that both king and quéene , nobles and commons disioyned and disseuered themselues from the vnitie of Christes Church . The Pope was more enriched , his authoritie amplified , & his kingdome enlarged : the Pope had plentie of worldly goodes , and Peter pence pleased him best , the Diuell sought nothing els but the sillie soules of the wretched persecutours , and their vnhappie soules contented him most of all . But tell mee ( I pray you good friende Theophilactus ) what moued the Pope to erect this Church without the walles of the Citie ?

Theophilactus .

I knowe not in good sooth what caused him so to doe , vnlesse he had thus conceit in his subtil braines , that K. P. and Q. M. shoulde stande without the Citie to sée the repayring of the ruinous walles of Rome , the cytie of iniquitie , and there both K. P. & Q. M. should stande to paye the workemen their hyre . And suerly so it came to passe in the daies of K. P. and Q. M. that a great part of the ruines of that Citie was repayred vp agayne , to the contentment of the Pope and his master , whome hée serueth , euen the iayler of hell . But nowe all prayse bée ascribed to the Lorde , that by the meanes of his faithfull seruant Queene Elizabeth our gracious princesse , the light of the Gospell shineth throughout all this kingdome , the ruines that were once repayred are nowe broken downe againe , Antechristes religion is exiled , and the trueth is preached of painefull labourers in Christes vineyarde , and their doctrine is embraced of all true English subiectes . Gods holy name bée praysed therefore .

Trisander .

Let vs nowe enter into the Citie , where shall wee take our loding to night ? can you tell ?

Theophilactus .

Yes that I can , wée will go to the English hospitall , and there wee shall bee welcome , if we tel the schollers any newes that are in the colledge adtoyning to that hospitall .

Trisander .

What newes shall wée shew them ? they are of a contrary religion to vs , they are disloyall subiectes both to God , and to their princesse . And if wée woulde tel them any such newes as they couet to heare , wée shoulde offende both God and our louing Quéene : therefore wee dare certifie them of nothing done in Englande , without offence : and if wée durst , yet we would not , for that they are degenerated from the faith , and are vnnaturall vnto their Countrey .

Theophilactus .

Tush man , you are melancolique , you feare to vtter that which may be vttered for newes vnto the schollers . Let vs tell them that father Edmunde Campion , Ignatius di layolas priest is highly promoted in Englande . For hee is Archbishoppe of the Towre of London , and retaineth in his seruice many a stout Prelate . Let vs tel them of their Catholique martyre William Sherwood , which was executed and put to death , for that hee committed a horrible murther vpon Richard Hobson , Gentleman , both prisoners in the Kinges benche for the profession of Poperie . Let vs bidde them make haste to returne home , they shall want no preferment : the Bishopricke of Newgate ? is voyde , the Archdeaconship of the Kinges bench is vacant , and many rich benefices in the towre doe waite and tarry their comming home . For these recited places are receptacles of all the worthiest vnreformed priestes that come from beyond seas . These newes wil animate & embolden the Popes schollers very much , to séeke to haue accesse to Cardinall Modone , for their letters of presentation to this Deanerie , and that Deanerie , to this Archdeaconship & that Archdeaconship , to this benefice and that benefice . About a two yéeres agoe , there was such a brute at Rome , that Queene Elizabeth was dead , that the schollers triumphed , and were at variance betwéene themselues , who shoulde haue the beast Ecclesiasticall liuinges here in England , some said hée would bée deane of Paules , another woulde assigne to him selfe the Deanerie of Yorke , & so euery one would choose to himselfe , one peculiar place or other , therein to be deane , archdeacon , or parson , one of the schollers made sute to Cardinall Modone , to haue his letters of presentation to be made M. Parson assoone as hée came to Englande . And at another time there was great sturre , and controuersie at Rome , betwéene Goldwel Quondam bishoppe of saint Asse : and Shelley , Prior of the order of the crosse : which of them shoulde be Archbishoppe of Canterburie , for both of them were perswaded , through a false surmised report , that our louing Quéene was disceased , whom God preserue from day to day , to his glory , and the publique benefite of this fortunat English Iland . Their vaine interrogations may bée fed and pleased by the newes before mentioned .

Trisander .

I am content to dee as you haue saide , for by the recitall of suche newes I will satisfie their inquisitiue demaundes . But tell mée ( good friend Theophilactus ) howe long may wée lawfully remaine in the Englishe hospitall , without offence vnto the superiours of that house ?

Theopilactus .

Eyght dayes may we stay there , and haue both meate drinke , and lodging , which dayes being expired , wée must depart thence .

Trisander .

But shall wée bee examined of our religion of the Popes inquisitours ?

Theophilactus .

There is no examination of religion , vnlesse they haue you in suspition of a contrary religion . You may be in Rome twentie yéeres , and neuer be examined touching your religion , vnlesse some of your acquaintance to bewray you , or els that you speake one worde or other inuectiuely against their Romish religion : which if yée doe , then shall you bee straitly examined of the inquisitours , and haue no fauour , without recanting the trueth , but suffer taunts and rayling words which you shall not want nor any miserie or sorrowe that they can procure you in any respect .

Trisander .

But wée will take héede what wée speake , that wée fall not into their mercie . But let these words passe , and nowe tel me ( I pray you ) who were the founders of this hospitall , and what reuenewes hath it , and what is he that is protectour of this hospitall .

Theophilactus .

Kings of Englande first founded this hospitall , and bought certaine houses within the walles of the Citie of Rome for the maintenance therof : as for landes , it hath none belonging vnto it . Cardinall Morone is protectour thereof , and of the English colledge adioyning vnto the same . D. Morice , a welch man , is the prouider and manciple thereof , which D. Morice was sometimes Rectour of the English Seminarie , but during the time of his Rectourship , there was such dissention in the Colledge amongst the English men , and the welchmen , that I thinke the spirits of darkenesse did better agrée together in hell . This D. Morice fauoured his own countreymen more then hée did the other , wherfore the Englishe men coulde not abide him , nor allow him to bée Rectour . D. Parkar , if hee vsed no parcialitie , but spake vprightly , surely he was worthy to be commended . D. Morice saide he to mée ( beeing then at Millan in his house ) is appoynted Rectour of the English Seminarie , but he is so proude and stately , that hée rideth in a Wagon , as though hee were a prince , and causeth the English schollers to follow him all a long , aloofe , a farre of .

While he thus rangeth and wandereth abrode , the Englishe schollers are sure to fare hard : but the Welshmen will not be so vsed . Maister Morice ( say they ) is our countruman , and therefore we will fare of the best : and surely so they did , as I vnderstoode by their owne confession . For they had the best chambers , the best apparrell and the best commons : for the cooke was a welshman , the kéeper of the wine seller was a welshman , & al were welshmen that had any office : so that they could controul the other schollers at their pleasure . And when any english scholer made sute to be of the Colledge , he would aske him with a grim countenance from whence he came , and what was the cause of his comming : then he woulde tell him that there came more wandering fugitiues out of england then out of Wales . But if he vnderstoode there came a welsh man , he woulde receiue him very courteously and entertaine him ioyfully , and so woulde his countreimen take him by the fiste , with many congratulations . O proud vncharitable wretches , what distinction make you of Wales and England , that there shoulde breede in your poysoned breastes , such canckred malice towardes them that bee of your owne crewe , and superstitious secte of poperie . This Morice the welshman neuer loued them that were borne in England , for proofe whereof I will bring his owne slaunderous reportes , which I haue heard with mine eares vttered from his owne mouth , euen to his countreimen . The englishmen ( sayd he ) are proud and ambitious braggers , and they are slaunderers of our nation . If he had sayd , both we welshmen , and you englishmen are high minded , ful of enuie , bragging and standering one of another , I would haue holden with him : but seeing he sought to cleare himselfe , and his owne countreymen , in shifting their faults from themselues to the englishmen , I commend not his charitie . He would say often , that the english papists were plaine hypocrites , and had no more religion ( to vse his owne termes ) then a dogge : that they sought for vaineglorie , and a name of holines . And so they did doubtles , and so did his owne countreimen too , albeit he spake nothing against them , as hereafter in the sequel of this chapter most manifestly shall appeare , to the viewe of England . I will speake the truth for both , I will not spare to discouer the malice and hypocrisie of the one and the other , I will not be partiall , neither shall affection drawe mée to display the offences of the one , and kéepe in silence the enormities of the other : but with an vpright conscience and an equal minde I will write of them both , as well of welshmen as of Englishmen , as the truth shall giue place . They neuer came to dinner or supper without iarring & brauling one with the other , they vsed such ignominious names the one to the other , as I am loth to rehearse for Ciuilitie sake . I am a Gentleman quoth the one : thou art a rascall , quoth the other . The welshman beginneth to fret and fume , and saith , albeit I came to Rome with broken & rent apparrell , yet I am borne of as good blood as thou art : stop there quoth the other : nay , I tell thée plainely I am as good a Gentleman as thou art : where sir , quoth the Englishman , in Wales I trowe . For if a man of your countrie , bée able to spend fortie groates a yéere , and pay thirtie to the Quéene , hée is a Gentleman of Wales . Then chafed the other , and said , there are as good gentlemen in Wales , as in any place of England . Before you came out of Saxonie , and conquered this auncient Island of Britan , now named Englande by the traines of your subtiltie , wée Welshmen ruled the coastes of England : but nowe being vanquished through your pollicie , wée are driuen to Wales . Oh diuelish mindes to conceiue such wicked and vngodly thoughtes : the Englishmen not able to abide such malicious reproches , called them vacabounds , variets , and beggerly rascals , horsestealers , stealers of kye and oren . The Englishmen would abuse them with quips , scofs , and mowes , that my mind is troubled sore to remember and put in writing the vncharitablenes , and mutual dissention of both countriemen , English and Welshmen . At last D. Morice brought all the English students before Cardinall Morone , and complained of them very vncharitably , and said they would bée ruled by noe aduertisements or exhortations which he vsed as hée said , to haue them reconciled to the Welshmen , and to bée contented to liue orderly and peaceably the one with the other . Hée mooued the Cardinall of their dissolute liuing , and vnorderly behauiour in the Citie of Rome . Whose complaints were of suche force with the Cardinal , that they were charged to depart the Colledge , and to get them packing out of the Citie . This charge being giuen to D. Morice , that they shoulde no longer remaine in the Colledge , Morice warned the English-students to depart , and kept his owne Countrie birdes with him , to solace and comfort him selfe with their company . Then the Englishmen tooke their scrips and bottels , & went to an Englishmans house that was married , to dinner : and after dinner , as far as I remember , they had accesse vnto the Pope , and the Pope hauing hearde before ( I knowe not by whom ) how vnruly they were , asked the English students , assoone as he saw them , how chaunce they went not out of the Citie . For ( said he ) the gates of Rome are open , & you may depart out of the Citie when you will , no man shall let you . Then saide the English students , if your holinesse commaunde vs to forsake the Citie , wée will and must obey your holinesse commaundement : but this we tell your holinesse , that wée are come hither to Rome for conscience : sake , and for refuge . Hitherto your holinesse hath susteined our néede , but if now ( wée know not for what offence ) wée bée banished the holy Citie of Rome , wée shal be the most vnfortunate men liuing . For to our own Countrie wée dare not returne , being alienated and seuered from their religion , and whither wée may goe ( most holy father ) wée knowe not , wée haue neither lands , nor money to maintaine our wretched state : oh holy father haue compassion vpon vs , and forsake vs not vtterly , séeing we are redy to suffer martyrdome for your holinesse sake , and that by our death your authoritie shall be enlarged , your power increased , and your kingdom inriched . Wée are yours ( holy father ) both bodies and soules , by our life to doe your holinesse obedient seruice , and by our death to doe you holynesse honour . Therefore ( holy father ) receiue vs againe ( wée beséech your holines ) to fauour and grace , and wée shall from hencefoorth giue your holinesse no occasion of indignation or displeasure against vs . The Pope hauing vnderstood before , the cause of their dissention with the welshmen asked why they woulde not be ruled by their Rector D. Morice , they answered , because D. Morice fauoured his owne Countreymen more then them , beeing englishmen borne . The Pope being perswaded by D. Lewis his Suffragane , the if he should not maintaine the englishmen , they would then returne to england , and reuolt from papistrie , and denie him to be Peters successour and Christs vickar here on earth , and fearing the recantation and backslyding of his schollers ▪ from him assented to their request , and their petition was to haue the Iesuites to be their superiours , so that as they requested it came to passe . Then the Pope caused one of his chamberlaines to place them in the colledge agayne . D. Morice was remooued from thence to be prouider of the english hospitall , and father Alphonsus an Italian Iesuite in D. Morice time of his rectorship , confessour , was chosen to be the Rectour of the english seminarie . Father Ferdinando a Neapolitane was chosen to be maister of the students and so now eyght Iesuites haue the rule of the english seminarie . And since the Iesuites came to beare office in that seminary , at the request of the englishe studentes there were two welshmen put out of the colledge , who as yet remaine in the Citie , and liue as the Popes pentioners , much better then they did in the Colledge , because there was such enmitie and serpentine hatred betweene one countrie man and another . And because I perceiued that the holy fathers the Iesuites vsed partialitie , and blinde affection , to the one countrie more then to the other , full often I attempted to escape out of the citie secretly , and coulde not , for that feare kept me backe . I went to the Rector very often to aske him leaue to departe to Rheines , there to be made priest , and to studie out my course in diuinitie . But where as it is written , I was put out of the Colledge , as non proficiens , howe can that bee ? For they coulde not put me out of the Colledge , if I had beene such a one as he malitiously fayneth me to be : because I was halfe a yeere in probation . And if I had beene non proficiens , the lawes of the colledge , were such that then the Rector should haue warned me to forsake the colledge . But it came not so to passe , for I stayd there afterwardes , somewhat more then a tweluemonth I am sure , & I was in that Colledge in probation , well néere the space of two yéeres : and with muche adoe I got leaue of the Rector , and the Pope , to goe to Rheines , as it is saide in my booke of recantation , &c. Nowe , to procéede farther in the narration of the dissention of the students of the Englishe Seminarie , there is suche backbiting amongst them ) such slaundering , such mocking , such rayling and reuiling the one of the other , that their colledge may wel hée named a Seminarie of dissention , a Seminary of hypocrisie , a Seminarie of pride , a Seminarie of treacherie , and a Seminarie of all mischiefe . They haue conceaued suche an inwarde grudge one towards an other , they are so stiffe necked , so waywarde , and so crabbed , that seldome or neuer they will be reclaimed . Assone as they haue receiued the idol of the Masse , and are gone out of the Churche , they fall out for some odde trifle or other , and vse suche reprochfull wordes one to another , that it is rather a Hell then a house , a place of dissention then a seminary of godlines . When they come to confession , they knéele downe before a picture , and there looke as though they came to Tyborne : they bend their eyes towards the grounde , their faultes are so many , that they are ashamed to looke vp to the heauens , and there they tell the Prieste one veniall sinne or other , for mortall sinne they neuer commit ( as they say , and as the Iesuites report of them . Such like faultes as these they tel their confessour , that they neglected to come to dinner at the first toule of the Bell , or els left their beades behinde , or came too late to associate his fellowes to the schole , or rose tardie to meditation . These faultes are counted veniall , but as for mortall sinnes , they neuer commit any , for then they shoulde loose the name of holinesse , and the Iesuites shoulde bée muche discommended , to suffer them to offend mortally . The students must bée counted as holy as the Iesuites , for that these holy fathers are appointed by our most holy father the Pope , to traine vp the Students in all vertue and godlinesse . The Iesuites cannot abide to heare that they haue sinned mortally , euer since they became members of that societie of Iesu . Amongst the students of the English Seminarie , & the Iesuites their ouerséers , it is a veniall sinne to goe to the Burdello , I meane the Stewes secretly , they make it no mortall sinne . I coulde name some of the schollers , that in resorting to those places got the French pockes , but their names , vnlesse I bée called to question , I will bury in the pit of silence . When the schollers come to receiue the idoll of the Masse , they looke down so sad as may bée , some wéepe , and some receiue it gaping and knocking of their breasts , with such sighing and sorowfull lookes , as though they should swallow vp a Toade or a Frogge . And when the Priest is at the eleuation , they beginne to knocke their breasts apace , & to kisse the ground , crying signiore mio , that the Italians may vnderstand their holinesse . When the Priest departeth from the aultar , they touch his masking garments , and then put their handes to their mouthes . They think there procéedeth some vertue from the Priestes Cope , and when they put their hand to their mouth , that the holy Ghost entereth into their bodies . There they knéele after Masse is saide , ratling their beades , as though they meant to awake our blessed Ladie ( beeing fast asléepe ) with the noyse thereof . They are as busie in counting their beades , as any vsurer in summing his money , so they goe from image to image , with kissing , bowing , & knéeling before them . But when they come from the Church , all that shewe of holines is quite forgetten , the one be ginneth to praise himselfe for his vertue , & is not ashamed to say that assone as he receiued the body ( as he termeth it ) of the Lorde , hée felt the holy Ghost suggesting & prompting him to say ouer his beades . The other beginneth likewise to extoll himselfe : I haue saide ( saith hée ) so many Pater nosters , and so many Créedes , so many Aue Maries , & so many Psalmes of our Ladie , only by the suggestion of the holy Ghost . By and by after , they will holde a Parliament how all things shall bée ordered in Englande , then they will beginne to name who are fauourers of their side , and what iolly champions they bée : Oh ( say they ) if these were dead , it woulde bée a happy worlde , with vs : or if these were receiued to the bosome of our holy mother the Church , then we should be blessed , and haue our harts desire . These are the men of whome they talke so often , my L. of B. my L. of L. my L. T. my L. of H. Sir F. W. S. F. K. S. I. of C. Sir W. M. with diuers others , to whom God graunt many ioyfull yéeres , with health both of body and soule : I hope they shall neuer sée that golden day , that day of Iubiley .

God prosper the raigne of our soueraigne Ladie Quéene Elizabeth , and make her an olde woman in Israel : God defende her from all dissembling Papistes . Now to come againe to our English students , the Popes schollers , they are readie to fall downe to painted walles , and faire Sepulchres full of rotten bones : they are Saintes in the sight of men , and Diuels inwardly . They hunt for vaine glory , and lightly regarde the portion of the godly in the kingdome of God . They are deuout in visiting holy places ( as they tearme them ) and in going to Stations : they thinke that all their sinnes are forgiuen , if they mumble vp a fewe prayers in a couert tongue , before a dumbe idoll , and a painted image clothed like a liuing creature . What vice soeuer they commit , if it bée not against the Pope , nor against his procéedinges , indulgentiam plenariam obtinebunt omnium suorum peccatorum . They shall be released of all their sinnes , bée they neuer so monstrous and execrable : yea , & they shall deliuer their parents out of Purgatorie . I thinke a mouse will carry their soules to heauen , vpon his backe , or els Robin Redbreast , for greater expedition , will flie with their soules vnder his wings to heauen . They say it is vnpossible for them to bée out of fauour with God , if the Pope loue them , and graunt them indulgence . Oh Rome , Rome , What a holy Citie art thou , in thée all men shall bée saued that are rich , and will please thy ruler with franke giftes , and humble obedience doone vnto his holy reuerence : his schollers are happy to bée in his grace , and to dwell in his holy and more then holy Citie , the Pope will graunt his schollers a frée pardon of all their sinnes , liue they neuer so wickedly , the Pope is their friende , and will giue them heauen , which place Lucifer holdeth in possession . But when the Pope his trustie seruant sendeth any of his welwillers thither , it is so large a rowme , that hée prepareth suche chambers for them , as are méete for their degrées : but if hée wyll presume to send any of his acquaintance , or of his fauourers , or of his disciples to the other heauen , where Christe raigneth perpetually : Saint Peter the porter of heauen gates wil not suffer them to enter in , but will charge them to depart , for that the Pope vsur peth the seate of an Apostle , and saith , he is Saint Peters Successour , whereas he followeth not Saint Peter in life , nor in doctrine .

Trisander .

You haue sufficiently declared the dissention of the Colledge , now I pray you speake somewhat of the orders thereof .

Theophilactus .

That will I doe gladly to pleasure you , if I may therein . First , they must rise early in the morning , assone as they haue heard the seconde sounde of the Bell. For the first sounde is for the Iesuites , to rise and fall downe on their maribones , and fall to contemplation . The second sound of the Bell is for the Iesuites , to ceasse from meditation & , for the schollers to ryse vp to rowle their beades , after the maner of a péece of cloth : then to knéele downe to contemplation for one houre space , and when the Bell hath roung againe , to rise vp from contemplation , and to heare Masse , and Masse being ended to repaire to their chambers , and there to abide vntill the Bel warneth them to the scholes . First the deuines scolasticall and positiue , then the phylosophers and logicians , and afterwardes the rhetoricians and gramarians . One forme after another , at diuers and seuerall ringing of the bell , goeth to heare the publique lectures of the schooles of Rome : and when they are come home from the schooles , then one or other ringeth the bell to washing of handes , ouer one of the Towels , which are there to wipe their handes therewith there is written , pro sacerdotibus , no scholler dareth to wipe his handes therewith . Then one ringeth the bell to dinner , and one of the priestes is appointed by father minister a Iesuite , to say grace , and grace is said in latine , and during dinner time , one of the schollers , who is appointed for that weake , ascendeth and goeth vp to the pulpit , whiche standeth in the lower ende of the refectorie or haule , and there-hée readeth one hystorie or other , and afterwards the Martyrologue . But if any of the schollers haue committed some veniall sinne , as they terme it , then he pronounceth his fault , and inioyneth suche penance as is specified by the superiours or written in his scedule , or peece of paper & assoone as he hath done reading , hee commeth down , & immediately after wards , one or other ringeth the bel , & then they rise vp from dinner to recreation , & their talke is of England , wishing & hoping the subuersion thereof , they had rather that aliants and straungers did rule the lande . And that I lye not , hée that is reconciled to the veritie of the Gospel , and to the concorde of the reformed Church , may beare testimonie ( for this man was in my time in the Englishe Seminarie , and visited a scholler , once lying sicke in his bedde ) which scholler died within a while after . There were fiue or sixe schollers , with the Neapolitane Priest , and a Iesuite then beyng of the Englishe Seminarie , nowe reader of Philosophie in the common schooles : these perfect scholers talked of the Spanish Nauie , of D. Nicholas Saunders then Captaine generall ouer the souldiers which came out of Spaine with him , they hoped ( said they ) to sée the Masse openly aduanced in Englande , for ( saye they ) wée had rather haue the Quéene of Scottes , or the King of Spaine to gouerne the land , then our gracious Quéene Elizabeth , whom God defende , for his glorye sake , and the maintenance of true religion . When I hearde these vnnaturall woordes pronounced of vnnaturall subiectes towards their natural soueraigne , and Countrie : I could no longer forbeare to speake somewhat after this manner , against these most malicious and blooddy wishings . Though ( said I ) being then moreinclined to superstition , then otherwise , the religion of our Quéene & Countrey differeth from the Catholique faith , yet doe I not reade in Gods woorde , that it is lawfull for vs to wishe the death of our naturall Princesse , the ouerthrowe of our louing Countrey , wherein we were borne . Wée ought say they ( as wée may reade in the scripture ) hartily to pray vnto God for the happie conuersion of our Quéene and countrey to the faith of the Romanes . Oh ( say they ) we had rather haue our parentes and friendes burned to ashes , then that they shoulde renounce the profession of the faith of Rome : but God sendeth a shrewd cow short hornes . Neuerthelesse , our hope and confidence is in the Lord of hoastes , that the wished day of theirs shall neuer come to passe : if the euent of all things should happen according to their wished mind , they would not spare to imbrue their giltie handes in the innocent blood of their parentes and kinsfolke , that shoulde boldely and constantly confesse Christ to bée the inuisible head of the Churche , and not the Pope . Father Ferdinando commended their villanous and Diuelish wishes . For breuities sake , I omitte to delate vpon their tir annous doyngs , desires , and demaunds . Nowe I procéede to certifie the curteous Reader of their manner of penaunce . If any had committed some faulte by negligence or through disobedience , or contrarywise , he hath penance inioyned him according to the qualitie of the crime . As if he commeth to late to acompany his fellow to the schooles , then he is commaunded to stand at dinner or supper , vntill the Rectour biddeth him sit downe . If any other rose somewhat too late to contemplation , hée is charged to lye prostrate on the ground vpon some couerlet or blanket , and there hée lyeth on his backe , vntill father Reetour , or father Minister , in the Rectours absence willeth him to rise vp . Some for not comming to church , some for neglecting the hearing of exhortations , some for passing by any Iesuites , some for one fault , and some for another receue diuerse penances . Some holde their fingers in their mouthes in the middle of the haule , some are forbidden to drinke , some haue not their antepast their first dish of meat , or of fruites , or of rootes : some of ther post-past their after dish , eyther of fruites or chéese . And thus much in breuity fouching their maner of penances . Euery one hath his bedde alone , for feare of the abominable acte of Sodomie , which is vsuall at Rome amongst all fortes of people . And a little before midnight , one of the Iesuites commeth to the scollers Chambers , to sée what rule they kéepe , and whether euery one bée in his owne bedde . The scollers , both in winter and summer , weare two gownes , the one vpon the other , and a doublet , and brieches in summer : but in winter , they haue warmer apparell . Euery wéeke they are bounde to say ouer their beades , for the Popes health , and his florishing prosperitie : and for the whole colledge of the the princely & Maiesticall Cardinalls . The first time that I came to the Englishe Seminarie , father Rectour asked if I had any holy beades , I tolde him no : the next day the Rectour gaue me a payre of beades , and warned me diligently and affectionately to pray incessantly for our patrone the Popes holinesse , as he termed it . I will ( sayde I ) say ouer my beades as well as I may : but I could not tell what to doe with my swapping beades , vnlesse to fray away dogges . For I coulde better number the beades seuerally , than say my prayers on them . I neuer learned to vse my beades , but contented my selfe with my little primer booke , and when I lost them , I neuer sought any other .

I was complayned of to the Rectour , for that I regarded no better the Diuels guttes . To procéede further , to write of the orders of the english seminarie , I thinke it not amisse once a moneth , euery student hath giuen him the name of some Saint , whom for that moneth he taketh to be his patrone and defendour to him , hee directeth his prayers , and supplications , as to God him selfe . In that little fragment of paper is written , to what purpose he shall pray , as for the Popes health and long life , that he may see reuengement done vpon princes , who are fauourers of the reformed religion , that he may subdue all countries fallen from him vnder his seruile subiection . They pray for the Queene of Scottes , that shee may be restored to hir former dignitie , that she may attaine to the Crowne of England , establishe the Romish religion , and set abroche the Popes supremacie . They pray for the prosperous successe of D. Nicholas Saunders proceedinges in Yreland . I thinke the saintes , to whome they prayed were fast asléepe , and hearde not their prayers , or else their mindes were ouer much troubled with she prayers of other men , so that they coulde not bend downe their eares to them , most heartely beséeching their deuine graces so fight with Saunders , disloyall to his soueraigne , false to his Countrey , and enemie to the trueth . They prayed that certaine hollow hearted papistes , of great countenance , & high reputation , should make an insurrection , and ioyne all their powers , mightes , and forces to assist and ayde the rebellious caitiffe and wickedly disposed wretche D. Saunders , captaine generall of a companie of Rakehels , and bloodde suckers . He that hath defended both our Queene and Countrey from all maltgnāt deuises & treachiries , wrought & attempted by disloyall and vnnaturall subiectes , I hope ( of his free mercie and bountie , and not for any of our desertes ) shall continue and preserue the royall estate and dignity of our gracious Quéene and the desired welfare of this woorthye Englishe Ilande .

Lushe , wee Christians set not a rush by all the studentes vngodly prayers , what euill they wishe to their natiue soyle , the same euil chaunceth to them selues : they prayed earnestly , seriously , and as a man woulde thinke by their outward shewe , and by the often mouing of their lippes , very deuoutly : theyprayed , but their prayers tooke no place , the victorie redounded to the prayse of the Christians , and to the shame of the Papistes . D. Nicholas Saunders was glad to run away , and leaue his souldiers to abide the endelesse woe of vnfortunate destinie . One paire of féete were better then two paire of handes to D. Saunders , and his adherents . Oh how vainely did the Students pray , that hée , for whom they prayed , shoulde abide suche losse of his souldiers , and suche infamie , with well neere the hazarde of the rope , that it had beene better for the Englishe Students to haue healde their peace , and not to haue wearied their braines , with vnlawfull inuocation of the helpe of saintes . For sometimes the saintes are woont ( belike ) to take their recreation , solace , and pleasure being ouerwearied with the continuall sutes and supplications of phantasticall , and busie headed Papistes . Thus much for this matter , and this I adde by the way . Examine the state of thy religion , oh thou papiste , howe it beganne with crueltie , is nourished with tyrannie , and defended with forged fables of lying spirites : whereas the christian religion tooke her beginning by lenitie , was mainteyned with sincere and perfect simplicitie , and is as yet sustained with genilenesse , mildnesse , and amitie . If any bée gone out of the pathway of faith , wée exhort him brotherly and friendly to forsake his errour , and to become a reformed man . These meanes the Papistes despise : by threatnings and violence they séeke to inforce Christians to their pretensed religion , inuented of man , through the malice of our auncient aduersarie the subtill Serpent , that deceiued Eue in the Garden of all pleasures and delightes . Euery Saintes euening , some of the Studentes are appointed to couer their bodies au● their faces with sackcloth , and come to the common haule , whiles their fellowes bee at supper , and there to whippe themselues , so long , that some of their backes shall be altogether bloody . Some lay the strokes on their backes very softly , some make their whipcordes not to smart , and these fellowes will come forth , when the Rectour hath knocked his fingers on the boord , and say , Oh what a good saint was hée , whose feast wée celebrate to morrowe . I whipt my self with ioy , to remember the good déedes of this celestiall saint . Oh ( saide hee ) and tooke a déepe sigh from the soles of his féete , my backe aketh , I think it bée altogether blooddy . Well , no force , I will once againe , for the saintes sake whom I serue , whip my selfe . And then hée goeth to his chamber , and in the darke he layeth on his gown , & not his backe which such mighty strokes , that if his gown could speake it would bid him holde his hands . When hée hath done beating his gowne in steade of his backe , hée commeth down to his fellowes , and sayth : I will mortifie this proude fleshe of mine . For if I suffered but half the griefe and sorrowes that this saint Agnes , or saint Lucia , or saint Bridget , or any other saint did , I were not able to abide it : but yet I will not spare my backe , for my saintes sake . If hee had said : I will not spare my gown in the darke , hée had tolde the trueth . Euery chamber hath one sainte or other to bée patrone or patronnesse thereof , as one Chamber hath S. Katherine of Stenna , another hath our Lady the virgin Marie , and another saint Gregorie , and another saint Peter , and suche like Saint hath euery chamber , to kéepe the same : and euery chamber is called according to the name of the saint . As for example , one Chamber is named sainte Peters chamber , and another our Ladies chamber , and another saint Gregories chamber , &c.

Trisander .

Haue the Studentes once euery fourtnight daies of recreation ?

Theophilactus .

Yes they haue once a fourtnight a day to recreate them selues , and the Rectour prouideth vineyardes for them , for their recreation , and there they practise Marshall feates . The one taketh vpon him to bée the chiefe leader of the campe , and some become Captaines , as Diuines : and all the rest are souldiers . Sometimes they fight with the canes of réedes in sporte , but at the ende of the skirmishe they fall out by the eares in earnest . The Iesuites are gladde sometimes to come and parte them , least they grieuously hurt eche one another . Twise a yéere there are priestes sent from Rome and Rhemes , to england , at Michaelmas & at Easter , and assoone as they are arriued in Englande , they haue their Patrones to maintaine them . some go like seruing men , some like gentlemen , and some like countreymen . There goe from both places , I meane Rome and Rhemes , about the number of twentie priestes . Wée may sée what vntrue subiectes there bée in Englande , to maintayne suche a seditious broode of pestilent shauelyngs . If they were al loyall subiects , there should not be one masse priest in Englande : but séeing they are most delicately nourished , and most brauely mainteyned in apparell . What passe they for Christianitie , and true religion . Amongst the Christians of the reformed Church , it is but in vayne to hope for such delicate féeding , and gorgeous raymentes . These Epicures the papistes , perceiue very wel and often speake thereof , howe bare and poore the Christian Cleargie is , howe it is pouled and pilled by Gentlemen , Esquires , Knightes , and others : wée shall shortly ( say they ) sée the spirituall liuinges ioyned to the temporall , sir Iohn lacke latine shall be maister Parson to serue the parish , and the patrone of the benifice shall reape the commoditie . If the benifice bee woorth threescore poundes a yéere , sir Iohn shall haue twenty or scarce that : if it be woorth more , the patrone of the benefice hath the greater profite , and sir Iohn lacke latine not a whit the better . And when these popish priests are apprehended , some had rather wilfully weare Stories Tippet , then yéelde to the trueth . They knowe their names shall bée celebrated as the names of Saints , amongst the viperous Progenie of wicked papists . They know moreouer , that their apparell shall bee adored and woorshipped , if it may bee bought or gotten of the Papistes : their bodyes also should be holy reliques in the Pharisaicall sinagogue of Papistes , if they coulde come by them , by some secret meanes . Thus haue I briefly , and without prolixitie of woordes , declared the dissention and discorde of the Studentes amongst themselues . I haue written also of the orders of the English Seminary at Rome , I haue shewed howe vnnaturall the Studentes be to their natural & mercifull princesse , to rayle vpon her maiestie in their sermons , & reuile her which reprochfull words : I haue shewed likewise howe much hurt they wish to their countrey , I meane Englande . For they had rather it were destroyed with fire , sword , and famine , then if shoulde continue in the trueth of Christian religion . Nowe the Christian reader may easily vnderstande , what crueltie they would practise vpon their own Countrey men , if power and strength were correspondent to their satanicall desires . God hath weakened the might of our aduersaries , and I hope will holde it enfebled continually . Let the Popes schollers , and all other papists wishe what tyranny they list to bée vsed vpon Englande , it will not bée as they desire : but it wil be as it pleaseth the Lord . If persecution and miserie fall vpon Englande , it is for the sinnes of England and not for that they reiect the Popes authoritie , and his forged religion . This English Seminarie hath foure thousand Crownes a yéere for the maintenaunce thereof . There was great suite made vnto the Pope , before hee woulde graunt anye exhibition for the maintenaunce of any number of schollers at Rome . There was an Englishe Lady that wrote vnto him about it , and many Doctours , besides other Englishmen of some worshippe and credite . Doctor Allen , the chiefest scholler of an Englishe man that is beyonde the Seas , and president of the Englishe Seminarie at Rhemes , came a foote to Rome , and was glad within these seuen yeeres , to haue beene Thomas Beckettes Chapilan , and to receiue foure crownes a moneth , to buie him meate , drinke , and cloth . His fauour then with the Pope was very small , but yet hée coulde not gette this poore liuing , for that Doctor Morice , being a malicious , and enuious man , who vnder Cardinall Morone had the preferring of him there vnto , denied it him , partely for that he was an Englishe man , and partly fearing least that by such meanes , by little and little , hée shoulde come in fauour with the Pope as well as hée .

At the first the Pope was intreated to giue exhibition for sixe schollers , secondly hée was persuaded to maintaine fourtéene , and by little and little the number is growne to thréescore . So that in Rhemes hée maintaineth fourescore , and eight . But our English Gentlemen , ( as I haue hearde D. Alen report to the Rector of the Englishe Seminarie at Rome ) supplieth the want of that Colledge with seuenscore poundes at a time .

I Haue now ( Gentle Reader ) put in writing the dissention and orders of the English Seminarie , and haue written so truely whatsoeuer I haue hearde and seene , that my aduersaries ( except they haue an impudent face ) can say nothing to the contrarie . And yet I haue not written all the disorders of that Colledge , but leaue that for another time , when occasion shall better serue . In all this booke I haue fained nothing , neither emptied my gal , neither spoke I any thing of hatred or fauour to any man , God ( the iudge of all men ) is my witnesse . But I haue written thus much to this ende , that our cake holy Priestes may not delude the people with the false praises of their fained holynesse . If proud , malicious , enuious , slaunderous , luxurious , and ambitious men , deserue to bee counted vertuous , why then , the Popes schollers are vertuous ? For they are proude , malicious , enuious , &c. For when they come on the Saturdayes to receiue their shyrts , the one saith to him that deliuereth the shyrts , come giue me a good shyrt , for a naughtie shyrt doth not become the beautie of my face very well . Ther will bee sometime such contention amongest them , who shall haue the fairest shirt , that it is a worlds wonder to see it . One saith , I am of better complexion then hee , another doth contrary him in his saying , oftentimes I haue looked two or three houres for a shyrt , and was loth to contende with any , for my beautie was burnt with the heat of the Sunne , or ( to say as it is ) I neuer had any , and passe not it I neuer shal . There was one honoredin that colledge as a saint for his beauties sake , but lo , now he is a carkase : I saw him dead , but so deformed , that I scarse knewe him , albeit I vsed his company for a long tyme . Quid superbis terra & cinis ? Why art thou proud thou earth and ashes ? The Lorde gaue thee that beauty wherein thou so much gloriest , and within one houre wil take it away at his pleasure , and leaue thee an ougly sight to the beholders . Repent you that are the Popes schollers , repent you of your pride , repent you of your Romish religion , repent you of your cankred malice both to Queene and Countrie , be humble , imbrace the truth , bee loyall to your Soueraigne , and loue your Countrie . God graunt you may doe so , for your owne soules health , Amen .

The seuenth Dialogue , Wherein is shewed , that the Turks & Iewes by the Popes licence , are permitted to haue their sinagogue in his vsurped kingdome , & iurisdiction , & how he suffereth Curtezans in their filthinesse , for a yeerely tribute paid to his Treasure house , which tribute of theirs amounteth in the yeere to twentie thousande poundes . The speakers are Trisander the Christian Pilgrime , and Merandulabasca , the Turkish Merchant , and Rabbi Diacothelah the craftie Iewe. Trisander .

SEing my friend Theophilactus is gone away from mée , to looke vnto his businesse , I thinke it necessary for my comfort and greater ease to mée in mine expences , to ioyne my selfe to the company of some trustie traueller , and pilgrime which intendeth to goe to Madonna di Loreto .

As hée bethought him selfe in this wise , how to finde a faithfull friende in his iourney , loe héere hée méeteth with a wealthie rich merchant Turke , that determineth to goe to Ancona , a Citie not farre from Madonna di Loreto , & this man vnderstanding that Trisander wanted a companion , saith after this maner as followeth .

Merandulabasca .

Your faire and cleare complexion doth make manifest that you are an Englishman , your stature , behauiour , gesture , and apparell doth testifie the same : are you not ? What say you ?

Trisander .

I am an English man borne syr .

Merandulabasca .

So I thought by your countenance , you were an English man , but whither are you bounding sir ?

Trisander .

To Madonna di Loreto to sée what abuses are practised there . I pray sir let mée bée so bold with your pacience , as to craue your name , and the Countrie wherin you were borne : and if it may please you to haue my companie to Ancona , I shal be heartily glad therof .

Merandulabasca .

I am glad I haue met you , for I trust I shall finde a trusty companion in all my iourney to Ancona , vnto the which Citie I purpose to goe . And because you aske my name , and the Countrie wherein I was borne , I tell you , my name is Merandulabasca , by byrth a Turke , and by profession a Mahumetan .

Trisander .

Beare with my rudenesse Gentleman , I am loth to vse your company , séeing you are no Christian .

Merandulabasca .

Why sir , doe you refuse my company , for that I am no Christian ? Haue you not read that Christe and his Disciples kept company with Publicans and sinners , and will not you imitate them ? Accept my company , I pray you , and wée will conferre together of worldly matters , and not of religion .

Trisander .

But howe is it that the Pope doth permit you to traffique in his Countrie , being Turkes his sworne enimies ?

Merandulabasca .

Wée pay yéerely Tribute to the Pope for his permission , to vse our merchandize in his kingdome , and for money the Pope will graunt vs whatsoeuer wée request at his handes : and as for his subiects , they are so gredie of siluer , that they sell vs their owne natiue Countrie men . The Inne kéepers that are rounde about the Sea side , put vp a Lanterne with light in the top of a turret , for a watchworde , vnto our countriemen that are in little gallies rouing néere the Sea shore , expecting their pray . Thus very often in one night , they appre hende twentie , and sometimes thirtie guestes , that neuer premeditate of the treachery of their hoast , who selleth them to our Countriemen , for such a price as hée and they can agrée . And if our countriemen bée taken , they are pardoned for a litle money of the Pope . Wée haue our synagogue by the Popes sufferance .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

What Merandulabasca , what talke you of with this lustie Bentleman : and you Gentleman where were you borne ?

Trisander .

I am an Englishman borne Syr , and Maister Merandulabascas talk and mine is of the Tribute of all his Countriemen that are within the Popes dominion .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

That shauen Priest polleth vs of more money then his necke is worth . Hée receiueth tribute for fiue thousande of vs Iewes at Rome , and for as many at Ancona : but the more hée rateth vpon vs , the busier wée are to deceiue his Priestes : yea his Cardinals and Bishops , with our great vsurie , maintaine their Concubines so braue & gallant , that sometimes the most of his Cleargie are glad to crouch to vs , for the lone of certain summes of money , which if they want , then must they forgoe the amiable countenance of their swéete peragons , and fine minions . And they had rather bée deprined of their liuinges , then to be separated from their faire bedfellowes . When they stande in néede of our helpes , then they begin with flatterie , as a preparatiue medicine to mollifie lifie the minde : and assone as they haue receiued that which they demaund , they extoll vs for our vertuous charitie , and say that wée are sure to bée the children of God , and to bée iustified by works of charitie . Wée shall haue the Popishe Priestes redie to doe any thing that we request , if we giue them money , they wil not stick to say Masse for a stolne dogge , as once it happened at Rome , Anno Dom. 1575. that Rabbi Salomon was méerily disposed , to deride the palpable error , and grosse ignorance of the whafer Priestes , in beléeuing that Christ whom his countriemen the Hebrwes haue crucified , is in a little whafer cake , as really as hée was on the Crosse . Therefore hée gaue to a Romish Priest two Iulies to say Masse for a Dogge , which was lost . These shauelinges will say Masse for a sicke horse , to recouer his health , if hee may haue a little money . They will doe any thing that they may perfourme , if they bée rewarded . Wée haue a licence of the Pope , to haue our Sinagogue , and such seruice , & Ceremonies as our Forefathers the Hebrwes vsed .

Trisander .

The Pope hath his kingdome héere in this world , héere is his ioy , pleasure , riches , and honour , séeing hée may not hope for the fruition of the kingdome of heauen , heauenly ioyes , celestial pleasures , and eternall happinesse . It is no maruell though hée setteth so much store by siluer and golde , the more treasure hée getteth , the greater his dignitie increaseth , and the larger possessions , and reuenewes his Bastardes are like to obtaine .

Merandulabasca .

Séeing you saide you were loth to trauell in my company as farre as Ancona , I must therefore bid you farewell , and prouide mée another companion .

Trisander .

Doe so , and fare you well .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

Adewe courteous Gentleman , doe you lacke my frendship to the Pope in your behalfe , tell me , and you shall finde mée readie if you wil promise to recompence my paines .

Trisander .

Adue I say to you also , and if you wil get mée the Popes Cope , and his triple crowne , you shall doe mée a great pleasure , and I will giue you an hundred crownes for your paines .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

His Cope , and triple crowne , I am sure I cannot haue , to giue you : but if you lacke his blessing , or will haue a dispensation to liue as you list , without daunger of Hell , to marry whom you will , your Cosen , your Néece , or whom you fancie best , yea if the same bée your mother in lawe , if you get a dispensation once , what sinnes soeuer you commit , shall bee forgiuen and forgotten of God , if the Popes dispensation bée true . If you haue committed murder , or any other crime as wicked : for a little money I will get you your pardon of the Pope for hée is Christe .

Trisan .

I had rather the Pope should curse then blesse , his dispensation and pardon can doe mée no good , the Lorde of heauen and earth is hée that can pardon mine offences , and not the Pope , who is but a lumpe of clay , to day reioysing and laughing in his sléeue , to morrowe wallowing in Hell , in sorrowes , paines , and torments : nowe a mightie Potentate , a worldly Monarke , a pretensed Apostle , and a stately chiefe Priest : to morrowe an abiect , forsaken of all men , wormes meate , and a stinking carkasse , whose soule shall bée carried to Hell , there to be tormented with endlesse woe , miserie , and calamitie , both for his owne sinnes , and the sinnes of others , that haue béene peruerted by him .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

I perceiue by your wordes , that you regard his riches but not the power and authoritie whiche Christe your Messias hath giuen him .

Trisander

Christ our Sauiour hath giuen him no such power or authority , as hée arrogantly claimeth , and fasty challengeth to himselfe . Hée is an aduersarie to Christe , a corrupter of his word , and a persecutor of his Saints : from his tyranny , and from his idolatrous and superstitious religion , Good Lorde deliuer vs .

Rabbi Diacothelah .

Once againe , I bid you farewell , and I thanke you for our courteous communication .

Trisander .

If your businesse be such that you may no longer tarry , why then adue , and I thanke you for your talke .

If I shoulde speake of the abhominable practises of Rome , by way of discourse , this little treatise shoulde growe to a huge volume , : and therefore at this time , as not hauing sufficient opportunitie , I surcease . I néede not to write ( for that I knowe the worlde is certified of such matters alredie ) of the sinnes of the Papistes . There is not one Citie of any account in Italie , especially of any that I haue trauelled vnto , or could heare of , but hath a brothell house . These naughtie women are so voide of grace , and honestie , that as men passe the stréetes , they séeke with flattering wordes to allure them to come to their chambers , they sit all day in the open stréete with their clothes lifted vp aboue their knées : how filthily and beastly they vse themselues , openly in the viewe of all men that passe that way where they bée harboured , modestie constraineth mée to bée silent . But by report of my Lorde Alexander Cazalis chaplins , there are at Rome . aboue twentie thousande harlots , whose tribute is xx . thousand pound by the yéere , which the Pope receiueth from the Courtezans of Rome . Come to the Popes courte , when you list , at morning , at euening , at mid-day , or at midnight , you shal finde Courtezans in one odde corner or other , with some baudie Prieste , or the Popes man . Hée that will bend himselfe , but sleightly to beholde the dealinges of the Papistes at this day , shal perceiue ( euen to the great horrour of his minde ) the small habilitie of wel doing , that remaineth scant superficially rooted in the consciences of them : hée shall sée their willes so bent to euill actions , their wits so prone to vngodly inuentions , their consciences so loose , wide and hypocriticall , and their heartes so full of dissimulation and fraude : that alas euen the very principles , as well practiue , as speculatiue , are quite and cleane forgotten , and the infallible doome of our conscience ( which of the learned is called Synteresis ) holdeth no place of terror amongest them . Reasons as well superiour , as inferiour , as well diuine as ciuill , haue no power to reclaime them . And ( to conclude ) euen humane mortalitie will not , cannot , nor ( I feare ) shall not withdrawe them : so great is their libertie , so secure their liues , and so presumptuous their heartes , thoughtes , and attempts . Chastitie is exiled , and whooredom is maintained , nourished , practised , defended , and prouoked by them . What are Nunneries , but brothell houses ? what are Monasteries , but a receptacle of idle lubbers , and luxurious Epicures ? liue they neuer so dissolutely , the Pope will pardon them , the Cardinals will commend them . Amongest the religious men there is nullus ordo , amongest the Canons and Cardinals there is horror inhabitans : goe rounde about Rome , and in euery place , thou shalt sée lecherie and buggerie , deccit and fraude in euery corner and place . Fiue thousand Iewes are suffered to haue their Iudaicall ceremonies at Rome in their Synagogue : Turkes shall liue and haue their seruice in his kingdome : but thrée or foure godly Christians or preachers , may not be permitted fréely to heare , or preach the worde of God , as the Iewes are suffered to preach against Christ , and against his holy workes . The Turke is not forbidden to shawe the law of Alcoran , and to preach of Mahomet : the Papistes wil answere , it is better to permit the Iewes and Turkes to dwell amongest them , then Heretikes that are seducers of the people . I demaunde of you Gentlemen Papistes , doe not the Iewes & Turkes , what they may , to conuert the people to their heresie ? Yes no doubt , as by experience I haue prooued . I knowe the cause why the Christians are not suffered to haue the breathing of the ayre amongest them . Christians would not giue the Pope so many pounds of money as the Turkes and Iewes doe , & moreouer , hée séeth the spirite of God is mighty in operation with the Christians , so that if but xx . preachers were suffered to preach throughout all Italy , the people woulde soone afterwardes denie the Pope , they would doubtlesse take his crowne euen from his head , they woulde make him giue ouer his hautie title of pretensed supremacie , and content himselfe with his owne diocesse .

BVt keeping silence , I will heere abruptly leaue the Papistes in their sinne , and with heartie prayer commit their amendment to the will of our God : who for Christes sake , and for his holy name sake , frame their heartes to more loue of his truth , that his Gospel by them be no more hindred , nor the professours thereof hated , nor the sounde of his word stopped , nor the hearers thereof afflicted or persecuted , which he graunt for his sonnes sake Iesus , our onely mediator and aduocate , to whom be all honour , glory , power , maiestie , and dominion , for euer and euer , Amen .

The end of the 7. Dialogue .

The Papistes obiection to proue transubstantiation .

In Queene Maries time as there was in the North a priest at Masse , from heauen Christ fell into the challice , he appeared like an vnfeathered dawe and cried gna , gna , was there not then in sight miraculously flesh , blood , and bones : Ergo , there is transubstantiation in the sacrament of the altar . Albeit this be not their obiection , yet the like they haue .

The Solution .

This miraculous Christe was a Dawe that fel from the nest into the chalice , and belike the priest thought he had bin very Christ , and that hee spake that which hée coulde not vnderstand , for gna , gna , was not in his masse booke , nor he neuer was taught what it meant , but hee thought that Christ willed him to eate him fleshe , blood , and bones , and therefore the priest saide , gude lerde holde thy peace , and I will eate thee vp all , and so hee did eate his master Christ the Dawe , flesh , blood , & bones . Surely I graunt the wine was conuerted into an vnfeathered dawe , and there was then transubstantiation , and I counsell the Papistes alwayes to say masse vnder the nestes of such dawes , for the dawes perceiuing howe weake the opinion of the Papistes is touching transubstantiation , will not sticke to spare them one of their vnfeathered birdes to fall into their chalice for a miraculous probation of their transubstantiation , and the people being as wise as the priest hearing the sound of the sillable gna , gna , thinketh there in the challice to be Christ corporally , and sensibly , this reporte I receiued from a Gentleman in presence of thrée or foure other persons , whither such an vnfeathered foule fell into the chalice in Quéene Maries time , the priest being at Masse , I cannot tell , but I write it as it was tolde me .

Another prettie storie was told me by a man here in London , of good reputation , & such a one as in Spaine and Naples was persecuted for his Christian profession , in a towne of Galizia , there was a germane Marchant that as the idole of the Masse was caried in the stréetes , he neglected to kneele downe , wherefore he was apprehended and put in prison , and bein● there , a Monke came vnto him to perua●t him , but coulde not , the Monke aske● him if h●e coulde make a hundreth Duccates , this Dutch Marchante answered that he coulde make so much , why then sayd the Monke I wil warrant thee thy life without deniall of thy fayth , but thou must doe as I will tell thee , when thou comest before the Inquisitour , whatsoeuer he demaundeth , say I woulde gladly learne . The Dutch marchant saide , as I by you am instructed , so will I doe , but my faith I will neuer godwilling renounce . The Monke went before the Inquisitour , and told him that he had conferred with this Dutch marchant , but with a verier foole he neuer talked .

Therfore said this Monke , seing I gather by his words that hée is worth a hundreth Duccates , take what he hath and let him goe to his countrey . The In quisitour was contented to take the money , and caused him to be sent for , who when hee came was willed to say his pater noster , I woulde gladly learne sayde the Dutch marchant , did not I say the trueth quoth the Monke that this man is a very foole , the Inquisitour bid him say his credo in Deum patrem , I woulde gladly learne quoth the Dutch marchant , the Inquisitour asked him why he knéeled not before the reuerende Sacrament of the altar , then he sayde , that cost mee a hundreth Duccates . I perceiue now quoth the Inquisitour to the Monke that he is a very foole , well , goe with him into his shippe and receiue the money . As the Monke & the Dutch marchant passed by a Church , the Monke stouped downe , mouing his hoode and doing obeisaunce to the picture of Christ , & to the pictures of saint Francis , and saint Dominick , the Dutch marchant neuer touched his bonet . Wherefore the Monke rebuked him , the Dutche marchant asked to whom he should vncouer his head , said the monke to the picture of christ , and to the pictures of saint Francis , and saint Dominicke . Truly sayd the Dutch marchant I was to blame for not putting off my bonet , there is Christ in déed , for I heard tell that Christ was crucified betweene two theeues , and I thinke that saint Frances , & saint Dominicke were those théeues , this Dutch marchant paid to this Monke the hundreth Duccates , and gaue the Monke a cloth gowne .

Graunt Lorde that none within this lande no one that draweth breath . In heart disdaine to crie God saue our Queene Elizabeth .

I Youth , when Fancie bare the sway , Within my peeuishe braine : And reasons lore by no meanes could , my wanton will restraine : My gadding minde did pricke me forth , a Pilgrimes life to proue : Whose golden shewes , & vaine delights , my senses then did mone . O mightie God which for vs men , didst suffer on the crosse , The painefull pangues of bitter death , to saue our soules from losse , I yéelde thée here most hearty thankes , in that thou doest vouchsafe , Of me most vile and sinfull wretch , so great regarde to haue . Alas none euer had more cause , to magnifie thy name , Then I , to whome thy mercyes shewde , do witnesse well the same . So many brunts of fretting foes , Who euer coulde withstand , If thou hadst not protected me , with thy most holy hand : A thousand times in shamefull sort . my sinfull life had ended , If by thy gracious goodnes Lord , I had not béene defended . In stinking pooles of Poperie , so déepely was I drownde , That none there was but thee alone , to set my foote on ground . When as the fiende had led my soule , euen to the gates of hell , Thou caldst mée backe , & doest me choose , in heauen with thee to dwell , Let furies now fret on their fill : let sathan rage and rore , As long as thou art on my side , What néede I care for more ? God saue our Quéene Elizabeth , and graunt her many yéeres to raigne with health , peace , and prosperitie . God defende her honourable Counsell and guide them with his holy spirite in all their actions , the nobilitie , Bishoppes , Magistrates , and commons , their heartes good Lord , incline , to all goodnesse .

The complaint of a sinner . LIke as the thiefe in prison cast , with wofull wayling mones , When hope of pardon cleane is past , and sighes with dolelfull grones : So I a slau● to sinne , with sobs and many a teare , As one without thy helpe forlorne . before thy throne appeare . O Lorde , in rage of wanton youth , my follies did abounde , And eke , since that I knewe thy trueth , my life hath béene vnfound . Alas I doe confesse , I sée the perfect way , Yet frailtie of my féeble flesh , doth make me run astray . Aye me , when that some good desire , woulde moue me to doe well , Affections fond make me retire , and cause me to rebell . I wake , yet am asléepe . I sée , yet still am blinde , In ill I runne with headlong race , In good I come behinde . Loe thus in life I dayly die , and dying shall not liue , Vnlesse thy mercy spéedily , some succour to me giue . I die O Lord , I die , If thou doe mée forsake , I shall be likened vnto those , That fall into the lake . Yet though my hard and stony heart , be apt to run astray : Yet let thy goodnesse mée conuert . so shall I not decay : Swéete God doe rule my plants , And shéelde mée from annoy : Then my poore soule this life once past , shall rest with thée in ioy . H. G. G.

FINIS .

¶ Imprinted at London at the three Cranes in the Vinetree by Thomas Dawson , for Thomas Butter , and Godfrey Isaac .

1581.