An extracte of examples, apothegmes, and histories collected out of Lycosthenes, Brusonius and others ; translated into Englishe, and reduced into an alphabeticall order of common places, by A.P.

Of Abstinencie , Continencie , and Temperancie .

WHEN Caesar broughte two hundred Talentes vnto Demetrius the Cynicke , Brusonius . li. 1. cap. 9. he smiling , caste it vnto him againe , and saide : if he meaned to try me , he should haue done it with all his Empire .

Certain Legates bringing vnto Photion a great summe of golde , which was sent him from Alexander the great , he demaunded of the bringers why ? bicause ( quod they ) he demeth thée of al others to be an honest & good man : then ( quod he ) let me be in déede , and continually be accounted , as he now iudgeth of me , and so contemned and refused the golde .

The same Photion likewise refused giftes which were sent him from Philip king of the Macedonians , and when the Ambassadors persuaded him to take it , thoughe not for his owne vse ; yet for his children : he answered , the same fielde which hath brought me vnto this dignitie , shall likewise nourishe them . But if they proue not like me , I will not haue mine expences to be an occasion to maintaine their riot .

Harpalus fléeing from king Alexander , Brusonius . li. 1 cap. 9. came vnto Athens with great plentie of golde , where , when he had intised many vnto him through his great gifts : be sent also 70. talentes vnto Photion . Who turning him about vnto the bringers , away ( quoth he ) you naughtie-packes with this geare , and tell Harpalus in my name , that it shall be to his great gréefe and paine , onlesse he abstaine his handes from corrupting the citie .

Diomedon Cizecenus , promised Artaxerxes the great king of Persia , that he woulde corrupte Epaminundas with money , and so béeing well furnished therewith , he repaired to Thebes , where when he hadde corrupted Michitus a yong man , he thoughte likewise to haue dealte with Epaminundas . But he answeared Diomedon , it was néedelesse for thée to bring me this money . For if the kings pleasure tende to the weale publike , I promisse thée , I will doe it francke and fréely , if not , no worldlye wealthe shall cause me to accorde thereto . And as for thée Diomedon , bicause not knowing me , thou déemedst me like thy selfe , I forgiue thée , but I charge thée gette thée hence , leaste that when thou canste not preuaile with me , thou corruptest others . Héereat , when Diomedon gan to feare that he shuld not escape , Epaminundas willed him not to feare : For I will ( quoth he ) dismisse thée safe , not only for thy sake , but also for my owne honestie , least some suppose , that whereas I would not take the mony of thée , I should now take it from thée .

When Aetolis sawe earthen vessels on Q. Tuberius table , at his retourning home , he sente him plate of siluer , but Tuberius neglecting suche pompe , sente them vnto him againe .

The Ambassadors of king Alexander bringing vnto Xenocrites . 50. talentes , ( which in those days , & specially amongst the Atheniens , was coumpted a greate summe of money ) Xenocrites broughte them to supper into the colledge , intertaining them homely , and with his ordinarie fare . On the morowe , they asked him who shuld receiue the mony ? Lib. 1. cap. 9 Bruson . wherto he answeared , why , did you not perceiue by yesterdays supper , that we lack no money ? At which woordes , when he sawe them sory , he tooke of them thirtie poundes , to the intent they shoulde not thinke that he despised the kings liberalitie , and so dismissed them .

When Alexander hadde taken king Darius wife captiue , albeit shée wer the fairest Quene liuing , yet he neuer medled with hir . But shutting hir and hir daughters in the Temples , he suffered them to liue vnséene of any , and woulde say in iest , that the Persian damsels were eyesores .

Xenocrates , Plato his scholler , was a man of wonderous continencie : In somuche that whereas Phryne a passing faire strumpet , had laide a wager with certain yongmen , that shée would allure him vnto hir pleasure , shée coulde by no whorishe trickes prouoke him thereto . But when the yongmen required the wager : shée answered , that hir wager was laide of a man , and not of an image .

Valentinus the Emperor , at the houre of his death , sayd : that one conquest only reioyced him , and being asked what that was ? He answered , that nowe I haue subdued my fleshe , the wickedst & greatest enimie that euer I had .

S. Ierome telleth of a certaine yongman , which by the commaundement of Decius Valerianus , was laide in a pleasant garden , Lib. 1. cap. 9 and there brought vnto him a faire faced harlot , who with hir dalying indeuored to prouoke him to sinne : but such was his continencie , that when shée went aboute to kisse him , he bitte of his tong , and spit it in hir face .

As Alexander trauailed by the way , and thereby had gotten a great thirst , it happened that one presented vnto him a helmet full of water : who receiuing the helmet in his hande , and beholding his horsemen aboute him , he bowed downe his head , beheld the drinke , and restored the drinke , not tasting thereof , but sayde vnto his chéefe men , if I alone shoulde drinke , all these would be a thirst . Remembring well the Ouidian verse :

Est virtus placitis abstinuisse bonis , Great vertue t' is from present pray , mans fansie to refrayne .

When Pompei was sicke , and therby had no appetite vnto his meat , his Phisitian commaunded them to dresse him a thrushe : but such either was the time of the yere , or else the scarcitie of things that for money none could be had , only they tolde him that Lucullus had one in his cage , but he would none of him , saying : and can I not liue onlesse I haue Lucullus his wanton toyes ?

Of accusing and speaking euill of others .

A Certayne Sophist called Zoilus , indyted many rayling commentaries , Li. 1. cap. 16. which he presented to Ptolomie king of Egypt , hoping to haue had some greate rewarde of the king for his paynes , but when the kyng gaue him nothing , he was so néedie , that he procured some to demaunde the kinges liberalitye , whereat the king had greate wonder , that Homer so many yeares after his death could féed so many thousand men , and Zoilus , who professed him selfe better learned than Homer , shoulde stande in so great néede . And on that occasion caused him to be punyshed for hys labour .

Memnon a capitayne of Darius , fighting agaynst Alexander , and hearing one of his souldiers rayling agaynst the king his enimie , stroke him with his speare , and sayde : I kéepe thée to fight agaynst Alexander , and not to rayle on him .

When Antigonus his souldiers reuiled hym , not thynking that he was present , he opening his tente with hys rodde , sayde : go further to rayle on vs , or else it shall be to your payne . But Seneca in his third booke of Ire , sayth that he sayde , Stande further sirs , least the king heare you .

Also the same king Antigonus hearing his souldiers curse him , bicause that in a darke nighte he had broughte them into suche a mierie place , that they could hardly go out : he came him selfe ( they not knowing him ) and holps them euery one out . And now ( quoth he ) curse Antigonus , which broughte you into the mire , but pray for him which pulled you out .

When a certaine drunken gest , had railed on the crueltie of Pesistratus , king of Athens , Cap. 16. and his frends willed the king to punishe him therefore , he answered that he was no more offended with him therefore , than he woulde be , if a blindefolde man shoulde vnawares runne against him .

Pirrhus the king , hearing that some withoute cause had railed on him , Bruson . he caused the parties accused , to be sent for , demaunding them whether they had saide of him , as the reporte wente they did ? Wherto one of them answeared , yea O king , and should haue said muche more , had we had more wine to haue prouoked vs thereto . Whereat king Pirrhus laughing , suffred them to depart in peace .

It was tolde Augustus , that Aemilius spake euill of him , who turning him aboute vnto the accusers , as thoughe he were in a great chafe , sayd , I would you could proue it on him , Aemilius shoulde then knowe , that I haue a tong too . For I would say as muche of him .

Philip king of Macedome , being railed on by one Nicander , beganne to bestowe many giftes on him : after this , Nicander changing his note , began now as faste to praise him . Wherefore Philip turning him vnto his fréendes , sayde : Loe it lieth in vs to be spoken well , or euill of .

Whereas M. Crassus for a light cause woulde chaunge loue into hatred , and wold be both defender and accuser of one man , and in a short time , would dissuade the selfe same lawes , whiche lately he persuaded , he caused many to be troubled thereby . Wherefore Sicimius , who accustomed to cast many things in mens téethe , being asked , why amongst others he only spared Crassus ? bicause ( quoth he ) that Crassus , though he be a shrewde cowe , yet he hath short hornes .

Socrates in Plato sayth , that we offend God as often as we dispraise a good man , Lib. 1. cap. 9 or praise an euill man .

Of Adultrie , Fornication , and Whoredome .

WHen Vrias was slaine , Brusonius . Lib. 1. cap. 4 and Dauid had taken Bersabe his wife , the thing sorely displeased God , wherfore he sent Nathan the Prophet , to warne him to putte hir away . But Nathan daring not openly to tell the matter to him being a king , 2. Reg. 12 and taken in loue : vsed this insinuation . There were ( quoth he ) two men in one Citie , the one very riche , hauing of his owne two heards of beastes , and as many flockes of shéepe , the other poore , and had but one only Lamb , which he broughte vp with his children , and it vsed to eate with them . And when a straunger came to this riche manne , he would not slay any of his own flocke for his guestes supper , but tooke this poore mannes Lambe , to entertaine him withall . This thing when Dauid greatly misliked , and sayde , that suche a fellowe coulde not be too muche punished , which hauing so many of his owne , woulde so vniustly take the poore mannes Lambe : Nathan pronounced euen that onely he had committed the like facte .

Vrbinia a virgin vestall , being taken in adultrie , was whipped aboute the Citie with roddes , and afterwardes according to the manner , was buryed aliue . And of the Adulterers whiche medled with hir , the one slew him selfe , the other the ouerséers of the Temple , caused to be executed openly in the markette place . But this is not to be forgotten , throughe hir default , in offering sacrifice after shée was thus polluted : Rome was generally plagued , so that wemen with childe , togither wyth their birthe , dyed in trauell .

When Tereus had rauished Philomela , his wife Prognes sister , and cutte of hir tongue , bicause shée shoulde not disclose him , bothe his wife caused hym to eate his owne sonne Itis , and also he was turned into the birde called a Lapwing . Brus . Lib. 1. cap. 4.

Lais a famous strumpet of Corinth , for the comlinesse of hir person , Lib. 1. cap. 4 and elegancie of hir beautie , earned muche money , so that richmen resorted vnto hir oute of all Grece , but shée required great hire , so that this Prouerbe rose on hir .

Non cuiuis homini contingit adire Corrinthum . Euery mannes purse can not reache to goe to Corinth .

Vnto this harlot came Demosthenes secretely , desiring to be receiued into hir grace , but when shée required ten thousand groates for hir reward : Demosthenes as one astonied with the wantonnesse of the woman , and the great summe which shée required , turned from hir , and said , I wil neuer buy repentance so deare .

Cyanippus of Syracuse , for that he did sacrifice to all the gods but Bacchus , was by him stricken with suche a drunkennesse , that méeting his owne daughter Cyane in the darke , he defiled hir . But shée , to the intent shée might after know who it was with whome shée had to doe , tooke a ring off his finger , thereby perceiuing that it was hir owne father . And afterwardes , when the whole Citie was plagued for this so horrible an acte , and the Oracle willed the author héereof to be taken , and sacrificed : whereas none knewe the author , nor what was the occasion thereof , Lib. 1. cap. 4 Cyane with afflicted conscience well remembring it , slew hir father , and afterwards also slaying hir self cast hir vpon him .

Of Auarice or Couetousnesse .

A Certaine man dreaming on a time , that he had founde an egge , Bruso . lib. 1. cap. 1. knitte in a corner of his shéete , declared it vnto a Southsayer , who interpreted , that thereby was meante some hidden treasure , counselling him to digge in the place where he had this dreame . Which being accordingly accomplished , he founde in the same place , golde couered ouer with siluer , of the siluer he sent a little , but of the golde , he sent nor saide any thing . Wherfore the interpreter receiuing it , and alluding vnto the egge , demaunded if it had no yolke ?

It happened that M. Crassus making expedition to make warre into Parthia , by the way espied Diatarus building a newe Citie , to whome , bicause he was an Olde manne , he began to say : What meanest thou O King , in the twelfthe houre of the day to beginne thy bulding ? Naye ( quoth Diatarus , ) what meanest thou being an Emperoure , and not verye younge ( mée thincketh ) wyth suche expedition to goe vnto Parthia ? Héereof Tullie in his booke de senectute saythe , I can not deuise , what Couetousnesse in an olde man shoulde meane ? For canne there be any thing more foolishe , than the lesse waye a man hathe to goe , the more to care for vittaile , wherewith to passe the way .

Semiramis the Assirian Quéene , caused in hir life time a Sepulcher to bée made , and therein engraued , that what King so euer shoulde want mony , might open the graue stone , and take inoughe . Which inscription Darius king of Persia reading , opened it , but money there he founde none , onlye there was a scrolle wherein it was wrytten : Onlesse thou were a naughtie manne , and vnreasonable Couetous of money , thou wouldest neuer haue opened the sepulchres of the dead , to haue sought it . Lib. 1. cap. 1

Oraetes a Persian , imagining howe to destroye Polychrates a Persian Lorde , Bruso . lib. 1. cap. 1. with whome he was at strife , remembring him to be very gréedie of money , sent a Legate , to persuade him to take his parte againste Cambises , promising him for his rewarde , great aboundance of golde , and that he shoulde not thincke this promisse vaine , or of none effecte , he willed him , to sende some fréende of hys , to sée the Treasure , whereof he shoulde be partaker . Héerevppon Polychrates sente Maeander his scribe , vnto whome Oraetes shewed eighte chestes filled with stones , and couered ouer wyth golde . With the which golden baite , Polychrates moued , came vnto Oraetes , and so was taken , and crucified to death .

Cesellius Bassus borne in Carthage , came vnto Nero , and tolde him that in a fielde of his , he hadde founde a wonderous déepe caue , and therin great store of hidden treasure , whiche he supposed to be of Didoes hiding : Nero straighte-wayes giuing credite vnto thys talewith all expedition sent a many to fetche this treasure . The orators in the meane season greatly commended Nero , saying that he was a Prince moste fortunate , and moste intirely beloued of the Gods , in whose time treasure so long hidden , should nowe be reuealed , wherefore he in hope of this new found treasure , frankly spent and consumed his substance at home . But in fine , when they wer come vnto the field where this treasure should be , Cesellius brought them from this place to that place , to séeke the caue , and so when a great companie of moiners wer come togither in vaine , he fained himself to be frensie , and said that his dreame had neuer deceiued him , vntil nowe . Wherfore to auoide the present feare & shame which he was like to sustain , Lib. 1. cap. 1. he willingly slue him selfe , and lefte Nero gaping in vaine for his pray .

M. Cato the yonger , at the request of Q Hortentius his frende , gaue him Marcia his wife , but after Hortensius was deade , he tooke hir home to him selfe againe . Wherefore afterwardes Caesar and he falling at debate : Caesar by those wordes accused him to be a couetous person . If ( quoth he ) he had no néede of hir , why did he take hir ? if he had , why did he let hir go ? but that he was disposed to make marchaundise of hir , letting hir go in hir youth , that he mighte receiue hir agayne when she was riche ?

At the siege of Prenest , a citie in Jtalie , it hapned that in a great famine a souldier caught a mouse , which he chose rather to sell for two hundreth pence , than therewith to assuage his hunger . But he was worthily punyshed for his couetousnesse . For he whiche boughte the mouse liued , whereas the couetous seller dyed of famine .

Vaspatian the Emperour was so vnreasonable couetous , that he caused vessels to be set in the way , to receyue the vrine of such as passed by , and so selling it to the Dyers , gotte thereby great tribute . Hereof when Titus his sonne reproued him , he sayde nothing , vntyll that the rente hereof was brought vnto him , then putting the money vnto hys nose , asked him howe he lyked the smel therof , wherto when he answered that he liked it well , why ( quoth Vaspatian ) it commeth of pisse . Also when this Vaspatian had gotten his empire , a cowherd of his , who had serued him al his youth , now desired him to make him frée , but could not obteyne his suite , wherfore he exclamed this prouerbiall sentence : The Foxe may change his cote , Bruso . li. 1. ca. 1. but neuer will leaue his crafte . Herevpon Seneca in his Prouerbs sayth , that the couetous man doth nothing well , but when he dyeth . Wherefore Marcial in his Epigram of Sceuola , who after his wealth became more couetous , wryteth thus :

Si dederint superi decies mihi millia centum . &c. In Englishe thus : If millions many Gods would giue of goodly glittering golde , Should not then Sceuola be estemde , and highly be extolde ? Oh then , how would I liue ( quoth he ) whereat the Gods dyd smile And gaue him his request : but then his ioyes he gan exile . Then ragged gowne as pelting patche , our Sceuola could vse , With patche on patche as loutish lobbe he cobled ofte his shoes . His table then he did neglecte , and course fare pleasde him best : With worldly cares he was so toste that scarse he toke his reste . Then must I lyue he often sayde , or else the Gods me take : And so with welth gan cares increase , and him more carefull make .

The sayd Vaspatian demanding what the funerall pompe of a certayne noble man stoode in , and being told . 300. pounds , he cryed out , giue me so muche , and cast me into Tiber.

Midas king of Phrigia was so desirous of golde , Lib. 1. ca. eodem . that he made his petition vnto the gods , the whatsoeuer he touched might be turned into gold : wherin obteyning his request , all things which were ordeined for him to eate , béeing turned into gold , he miserably dyed for hunger .

Iosephus in hys sixte Booke of the warre of the Iewes , sheweth that there were some of the Iewes founde , who had deuoured golde . Wherefore as many of them as came into the handes of the Assirians , had their bellies ripped . So that in one night there were . 20000. opened , in hope to finde golde in their bellies , and had all so bene destroyed , had not Titus set foorth a sharpe edicte to the contrarie .

At the destruction of Salomons temple at Ierusalem , when the Romanes were ascended on the temple , the Iewes setting it on fire , destroyed many of them , amongest whom there was one Agorius , who with a loude voyce cryed vnto Lucius his fellow souldier and chamber fellow , that if be woulde helpe him out , he woulde make him inheritour of hys patrimonie . Wherefore Lucius in hope of the promysed rewarde , ranne vnto him , and taking him on his backe , with the weight of him was throwen down , and with the falling downe of stones , was presently destroyed .

Oclius the sonne of Artaxerses , king of Persia , was so vnsaciable couetous , that whereas the Persian Princes were accustomed as often as they went , to giue to euery woman a pece of gold : bicause he woulde giue none he neuer came there . Yea for couetousnesse of a small thing , he banished him selfe his countrey .

Alexander the great hearing Anaxarchus disputing of infinite worlds , Lib. 1. ca. 1. began bitterly to wéepe , and béeing demaunded the cause thereof : he answered , haue I not good cause to wéep , when as there be many worldes , and I haue yet scarse conquered one ?

Of bestowing and thankfull receiuing of benefites .

THoas in his youth brought vp a yong Dragon , which waring great , Bruson . he searing his serpentine nature , brought him into the wood , & there left him . It hapned afterwards , that in the same wood Thoas was beset with théeues , whose voyce the dragon remembring , came and rescued him from them .

Philarchus telleth of a man of Egipt , who brought vp an adder , which afterwards bringing forth yong , one of them slue the son of him who had fostred them . But when the old adder perceiued it , she slue hir yong one , and afterwards woulde neuer more come there .

Also it is reported , that at Sestos a city in the sea coast of Thracia , there was a mayd which brought vp an Egle , who to requite hir gentlenesse , would first kill hir birdes , & afterwards flie abrode , and bring home great pray vnto hir : moreouer when the maiden died , the egle also cast hir self into the fire , wherin according to the maner , the maiden was burned , & so in hir life requited hir , at hir death died with hir .

Simonides finding a dead man , whom he knew not , Lib● . ca. 27. lying vnburied on the ground , tooke the paines to take him vp , & burie him Wherfore when as he minded the nexte day to take shipping , he was warned as he thought , by the dead man in hys sléepe not to do so , for that the ship wherein he would sayle , should make shipwrack , & so it came to passe . And Simonides by this means tarying at home , was saued , wheras the rest , with whom he should haue taken his iourney were drowned .

Aristomenes after the Lacedemomans wer conquered , Lib. eodem . brought from thence . xv . virgins captiue , whom when his companions would haue defiled by the way , he defended them , and in their defence slue some of the company . Wherfore afterwards when the virgins were raunsomed of their kinsfolks , Aristomenes was accused of murther , but the virgins would neuer returne vnto their cuntry , vntil the by knéeling and weping at the iudges fete , they had deliuered Aristomenes their defender .

When L. Cinna had conspired against Augustus Caesar , and Caesar had therfore determined to be reuenged on him , the empresse Liuia desired him to absteine from taking vengeaunce : persuading hym rather by gentlenesse to bynde him vnto him . Wherefore Caesar called Cynna vnto him , vnto whom declaring the trespasse committed , he desired , that like as he would forget and forgiue it : so Cynna woulde from thencefoorth leaue off suche conspiring deuises , and ioyne with him in peace and vnifie , and besides that ( which Cynna lyttle looked for ) he bestowed on hym the Consulshippe , and after that founde hym moste faythfull and friendly in all things .

Diogines béeing demaunded why he was called Cynicus , Cap. eodem . that is a dogge , bycause ( quoth he ) I vse to fawne on suche as giue me any thing , barke at suche as giue me nothing , and bite them which are nought .

Of Children .

SEruilius Geminus supping with Lucius Manlius ( who was counted the best paynter in Rome ) séeing his children Bruson . li. 2. capi . 34. harde fauoured , he saide vnto him , I sée Manlius thou canst not make a childe so wel as thou canst paint him . No ( quoth Manlius manerly answering ) for I paint them in the lighte , but I make them in the darke .

Cyriades the first of the. 30. Roman tirants , for that Cyriades his father was iustly displeased with him , toke a great pece of money , and fled vnto Persia , where ioyning with Sapores , he made war against Rome , and killed his owne father , but after wardes was by his owne crafte slaine him selfe .

Absalon king Dauids sonne , Lib. & cap. vt supra . desiring his fathers kingdome , and therfore making war agaynst him , was , as he fled , hanged by the haire on a bushe , and so flayne ; whose death his moste godly father bewayled with many teares .

Ariaster Triganis sonne , hearing that Pompe● was inuading his fathers kingdom , fled to aid hym agaynst his father : wherof Triganis hearing came & humbly submitted himself at Pompeis féete , who curteously receyued him , and placed him on the right hand , and his sonne Ariaster on his left hand , deuiding the kingdome betwéene them . But Ariaster béeing offended herewith , when as Pompei sent for him to to supper , he wold not come , sending him this manacing answer , the he had no néed of him , but wold ioine with some other Roman , who shold better estéeme him . With which words he so offended Pompei , that he caste him in prison , and kept him for a spectacle at the triumph .

Herodes father to Parcorus , hearing of of the death of Parcorus his sonne , & the discomfiture of his host , was so greued that he fel mad for sorrowe , but after he had bene a great while in this care , at laste comming to himselfe , he was so greatly trobled , whom of his 30. sons which he had begotten of his concubines , he might make king : for euery of these concubines desired the regiment of the kingdome for their sonne : but in fine he determined to prefer Phrahates therto , who immediatly killed his father , destroied his brethren , & when his owne son came to age , put him to death .

It was by an oracle declared vnto Altamenes , Lib. 2. ca. 34. the he should be the death of his father Cartareus , king of Crete , nowe called Candie , which destinie he desirous to eschue , departed and dwelt at Camiros in Rhodes . But after a season , his father desirous to sée him , departed from Candie , and by night ariued at Camiros . But his men , and the inhabitantes falling at debate , Altamenes comming amongste them vnawares , siue his father . Which thing when he vnderstoode , being ashamed to looke any man in the face , he departed into the wildernesse , and there died for sorowe .

Spartianus wryting of the life of Seuerus , saythe , that there was almoste no good , or noble man , which left any sonne good or profitable for the common wealth , but either they died withoute issue , or lefte suche , as it had bene good if they neuer had bene borne . And to begin with Romulus , he lefte no childe , Numa Pompilius none to doe the common wealthe good . What did Camillus ? lefte he any childe like himselfe ? What did Scipio , or the Catoes , who were noble men ? And what should I speake of Homer , Demosthenes , Virgill , Crispus , Terence , Plautus or the rest ? Or what of Caesar or Cicero ? Who aboue all others had bene happie , if he had died without issue . And finally , who had bene more happie than Marcus Aurelius , if he hadde not lefte his sonne Comodus , to succéede him in the Empire ? Libro & ca. supradicto . or who more fortunate than Seuerus Septimius , if Bassianus had neuer bene begotten ? Reade more in the title of education .

Of the Court and Courtyers life .

CAlisthenes the Philosopher , Bruson . Liber . 1.5 . going to dwel with king Alexander , was warned of Aristotle , either seldome to speake vnto him , or else to frame his speache pleasant and merie . But he reprouing the king , for taking pleasure to be saluted of the Persians , and indeuoring to induce him in the Macedonian customes : was cast in prison , & there as some say , he died of the gout , others say he was crucified , which Trogus denyeth , saying , he had his handes and his eares cut off , also his nose , and his lippes deformed , and so was made a spectacle for men to behold .

Praexaspes , Liber & ca. infradict . one of Cambyses his secrete counsell , being asked what the people saide of him , he answered , that all men praised him greatly , but that they saye he was toomuche giuen to Wine . Wherewith Cambyses being angrie , sayde , thou shalte perceiue whether the Persian people be deceiued , or no. For if I strike not thy sonne , which standeth in thy entrie , in the middest of the hearte , with this my shafte , then is the reporte true , whiche the Persians speake of me , but if I strike him , then doe the Persians belie my sobrietie : and at this woorde he drew his bowe , and strooke the childe full in the heart , and thereat laughing , he sayd , nowe maist thou sée Praexaspes , that not I , but the Persian people are beside themselues , and I pray thee tell me , if euer thou sawest any aime righter : wherat Praexaspes searing leaste he shoulde haue bene slaine himselfe , said : Nay surely , I thincke euen God himselfe coulde not haue shotten righter .

When Agrippa the king , had bestowed a Bishopricke vpon Mathias Ionas his brother , one Sylas his chéefe ruler , which neuer had failed him in his affaires , enuying the preferment of Mathias , began continually to cast his good seruice in the kings téethe , requiring that he also might be rewarded for his diligence , but thereby he so displeased the king , that he tooke from him his former dignitie , and caste him into prison .

Alexander Seuerus the Emperoure , Idem libro , & cap. eod. hearing that Veronius Turinus made the people beléeue , that he was in greate authoritie with the Emperoure , and thereby gotte greate bribes : He caused one to sue to himself openly , for a certaine sute , but willed him to go secretly to Turinus , to request his fauoure , which being accordingly accomplished , Turinus promised his furtherance héerein , and shortly after , tolde him that he had greatly laboured vnto the king in his case , whereas in déede he had sayde neuer a woorde .

The matter thus suspending , he was againe called for , where his Aduocate Turinus likewise appeared , who hearing the case , began to becken , but said nothing , yet in fine he obtaining his sute , Turinus required a great rewarde for his laboure , which he receiuing , & being accused hereof vnto the Emperoure , was bounde to a stake , in the markette place , and stifeled with smoke . The crier standing by , and cried : smoke he solde , and with smoke he is punished .

Lampridius in the lyfe of Seuerus , which he wrote vnto Constantine , saythe , your godlinesse knoweth what you redde in Marius Maximus , howe that the common wealthe is in better case , and more in safetie , where the Prince is euill , and his frendes be good , than that common wealthe , where the Prince is good , and hathe euill fréendes . For one , be he neuer so hadde , may be amended by many good , wheras a multitude euil , can neuer be amended by one , though he be neuer so good . And he saith further , that Courtiers oughte to be holy , worshipfull , agréeing they were séeking , and he couering this theft , bitte , and tore his side pitifully . All which pain he constantly abode , vntil the séekers were gone , whereof when one of his companions mocked him , saying , that he had bene better to haue deliuered the Fore , than so to be bitten to death : he answered , no , but it is better to die with pain , than to be apprehended with theft .

Aristides hauing married one of his daughters to Dionisius the yonger , Lib. 2. cap. 1. and after repenting that he had so done , said : that he hadde rather wishe his daughter shortly to die , than long to continue with suche a husbande : wherof Dionisius hearing , commaunded that he should immediatly he put to death , but first he demaunded of him , whether nowe he thought his daughter any better bestowed , than of late he professed : No ( quoth Aristides ) I repent me greatly of that I haue done , but nothing at all of that I sayde .

When Decius Brutus making warre into Spaine , had subdued all Luscitania , only one Citie , called Cynania excepted , which stoutly tooke armor againste him : he sent Embassadors vnto them , to trie whether they wold giue any money to be at peare . But they answered the Ambassadors , that their ancestors had left them swordes to defend their country , but neither siluer nor golde to redéeme it of so couetous a captaine .

Agis a man of Sparta , being by Leonida cast into a prison called Dechas , wher the prisonners were strangled to death : séeing the hangman wéepe , and stagger in doing on the rope , fréende ( quoth he ) wéepe not for me . For I dying thus vnjustly , and contrary to the lawe , am in better case , than they which condemned me héereto . And at this woorde , he helde downe his head , whilest the executor tied the knot to strangle him .

Pomponius a Romane captaine , Capite vt supra . after many woundes , was taken captiue of Methridates , who asked him , whether he woulde héereafter become his fréende , if he caused him to be healed : to whome he answered , if thou wilte be a fréende unto the Romanes , I will be thy fréende , 〈◊〉 not , I will surely be thy ennimie .

When Socrates was appointed to die , he séemed as thoughe he cared not for his life , Brusonius . Lib. 2. cap. 1. wherefore Hermogenes his familiar fréende , sayde vnto him , O Socrates , it were good , that you had some respect vnto your owne safegarde : why doe not I séeke my safegarde fréende Hermogenes ( quoth he ) whilest I bethincke me of my life passed ? An other called Appollodorus , who also loued him intirely , sayde , D fréende Socrates , I am very sory to sée thée thus vniustly condemned . Why Appolodorus ( quoth he ) haddest thou rather sée me iustly condemned , than vniustly ? and so fell a laughing .

After that Pompei was conquered by Caesar , Cato the yonger , fearing least he shoulde come into the handes of Caesar , first reading Plato his booke de anima , of the immortalitie of the soule , caste him selfe on his swearde , but when his housholde ranne aboute him , and his sonne with a Phisitian , came and bound vp his woundes , he inwardly blamed him selfe , for not making the wound déepe inough , then thancking the Phisitian for sauing his life , he sayde that he woulde a while take his rest , and so the companie supposing that he woulde haue slept , departed , when as he renting the wounde wider , tore out his guttes , and died .

This Cato , in his childhood comming to Sylla his house , and séeing many noble mennes heades broughte thither : asked Sarpedon his maister , why no man slue Sylla ? Who answered , bicause they feare him more than they hate him . Why than ( quoth Cato ) diddest not thou giue me a sweard , that I might haue deliuered my country of so cruel a tirant ?

When the sayde Sylla had fully obtained the regiment of the common wealth , and none durste gainesay him in oughte he tooke in hande : he desired the Senate to giue sentence , and pronounce Marius an ennimie to the common wealthe . Whereto only Sceuola would in no wise consent . But when Sylla began cruelly to threaten him , Scenola answered : albeit thou wouldest straightwayes shewe me thy hande of souldiers where with thou didst assault this court , yet couldest thou neuer , for shedding this little olde bloude of mine , cause me to call him an enimie , who so manfully hathe saued this Citie , and all Italie by his prowesse .

When Aristides , who for his vertue , of the Atheniens was surnamed Iustus , Lib. 2. cap. 2. was leading towards execution : all that met him , call downe their eyes , and lamented , that not only an vpright and iust man , but euen Iustice hir self ( as it wer ) should so be dealt with all : Only one spit in his face as he came by . Wherewith Aristides nothing moued , in smiling sorte desired the magistrate to take him away , that he might no more so frowardly trouble them .

Of Crafte or subteltie .

ALexander king of Macedonie , meaning to destroy Lapsacus , Brusonius . Lib. 2. cap. 3. the Citie wherein Anaximenes his maister dwelled , prepared with all his mighte to accomplishe his pretended purpose . But it happened , as he came nighe the Citie , he espied Anaximenes his master within the walles , wherefore , knowing that he would dissuade him from his purpose , thincking to preuent him , he made an othe , that he woulde not graunte Anaximenes hys fuse . Héereof Anaximenes ( as it shoulde seeme ) hauing some priuie intelligence , came vnto him , and desired that he wold destroye Lapsacus . And so Alexander , who hadde sworne to denie his request , to saue his othe , was forced to spare the Citie , which he so faine woulde haue destroyed .

On a time two straungers deliuered a certaine summe of money to a woman to kéepe , on that condition that shée should deliuer to neither of them their portion , vntill they bothe came together to fetche it . But shortly after , one of them faining that his fellowe was dead , came and had bothe theyr portions deliuered him . It happened not long after , that the other whome the woman supposed to haue ben dead , came and required his part . Wherfore the woman not hauing wherewith to paye him , and not knowing howe to doe , meante to hang hir selfe oute of the way . But Demosthenes deliuered hir of hir greate sorrowe and care , willing hir , that when he came againe , she shoulde bidde him bring hys fellowe , according to his former promisse , and he should haue his money .

Semiramis Quéene of the Assirians , making warre into India , that shée might make them afeard with the sight of Elephantes , whiche they supposed to be no where but in Jndia , caused Oxehides to be sowen in the likenesse of Elephants , and to be stuffed with hay , hauing eche of them within it , a Camell & an armed Knighte sitting on his backe .

Trimellius a citizen of Rome , remouing and abiding with his whole familie in the countrey , one of his seruauntes finding a sowe of his neighbors abrode , killed hir , and broughte hir home . Whose carkesse being dressed , Trimellius layd vnder the blankets , wherin his wife lay . And when his neighboure made inquisition & search for the sow , he swore that he had but one , and shée laye vnder his blankettes . And therwith bringing them into the chamber , he shewed the bed where this wife laye . And so with this iest , deceiued his neighbor , and caused his wife for euer afterwardes , to be called Trimellius sowe .

When Photion coulde by no meanes kéepe the Atheniens from making an vnprofitable warre wyth the Boetians , he commaunded that all men from the age of seuentéene to seuentie , shoulds within fiue days after come before hym in complet harnis . Whereat they stomaking the mater , that aged men shuld be brought to that poynt : he aunswered them , what wrong shall I do you when I my selfe which am fourescore yeares olde shall be present with you ? And by that meanes quited them from prosecuting their pretended war .

After that the Magarenses , and the Atheniens , had a long while made war for the Ile of Salamis , almoste vnto the vtter decay of them bothe : it was in fine concluded by the Atheniens , that who so made any law of rechalenging the sayd Iland , should loose his life for it . Wherfore Solon being verie carefull in thys case what to doe , knowing that by holding his peace he should do the common wealth no good , and on the other syde by counselling them thereto , he shoulde be in danger of his life : he sayned himselfe to be madde , and like a madde man ranne about the stréetes , and so causing a great assembly of people to come about him , he persuaded them with such verses as he neuer before vsed , and so preuailed therein , that with all expedition , they prepared them selues to renue the war agaynst the Megarenses .

In the tyme of the war betwene the Lacedemonians and the Athenians , Cap. 3. the Lacedemonians hauing the better , to the intente to bring Pericles the Athenian Capitayne in suspition : lefte all his landes vntouched , which thing he foretolde the Athenians , and to auoyde the enuic which they thoughte hereby to cause him incurre : he gaue all those his landes to the vse of the common wealth .

When Medea would be reuenged of Pelias , Vtinfra . she promised to make him yong agayne , and the better to persuade hym therto , in his presence she transformed hir selfe from an olde woman , vnto youthly yeres agayne . Wherefore he commaunded his daughters to do what soeuer shée shoulde commaunde them . Wherevppon when he was a sléepe , she commaunded them to take him and teare hym in péeces , and afterwardes to put him in a cauldron , that she might by that meanes restore hym to hys youth . And so was she reuenged , and he stayne by his owne daughters , and through his owne commaundement .

Of Crueltie and Immanitie .

TVllius Cicero wyth his owne handes wrote a Decrée agaynst Anthonius , Bruso . li. 1. ca. 9. the which he lykewyse pronounced agaynst hym in the common place . But Anthonius reuenged hym , causing hys heade and his handes to bée cutte off , and fastened in the same place . And ( as Dion wryteth ) Fuluia Anthonies wyfe , holding hys heade in hir lappe , wyth moste opprobrious wordes rayled and cursed it , spitting on it , and opening his mouthe , pulled out his tongue , whiche she all bepricked with pinnes .

When Vitellius vnderstoode that Otho his enimie was slaine in the fielde Bebryacus , and comming thither , sawe the dead carkasse lying on the grounde , whereas others abhorred the stenche of it , Bruso . li. 1. ca. 9. he with a detestable voyce cryed out , that the dead corpse of his enimie , especially béeing a citizen , had a swéete sauour in his nose . But afterwardes he him selfe hauing his handes bounde behinde him , a halter aboute his necke , and his haire cutte of like a condemned person , was for a mocking stocke so drawen alongst all the way to the temple . And finally , béeing set vpon the Gemonian ladders , had his head hacked of with little strokes , and thence was tumbled downe into Tyber .

After that the Tribunes had slayne Apuleius , the Senate and the people of Rome consented that Metellus shoulde be reuoked from banyshement : whereto Publius Furius then béeing Tribune , woulde in no wyse consente , no not though his sonne with teares desired it on hys knées . Which sonne of Metellus was surnamed for thys Pius Pityfull . The nexte yere Caius Cornelius succeding Furius in the Tribuneshippe , for this caused him to be called to accounte , but so had his harde and cruell harte incensed the people agaynst him , that they not abiding his answer , rent him in peces .

Suche was the wretched crueltie of Domitius Nero , that he commaunded Ruffinus his sonne in lawe to be caste in the sea , also he put to death his owne sister , béeing great with childe , and hys master Seneca , Lucane , and diuers others , aswell learned men , as also his tutors and friends , he rewarded wyth like curtesie . Finallie , when he had attempted diuers diuelishe deuises to destroy his mother , and yet she was by Gods prouidence preserued , in fine pretending great amitie , he sent for hir to a banquet , where with great ioy he receyued and interteined hir , & at parting kissed the brests , which he more vnnatural than any Tigre had sucked , secretly commaunding the shipmaster , that béeing on the sea , he shuld make as though perforce he were driuen against hir ship , & so bursting the ship , to drowne hir : which being as wickedly accomplished , she neuerthelesse swam out & escaped . Wherof ( as ioyfull tidings ) when one Ligarinus brought him word , he commanded him to be put to death , and with him his owne mother . This Nero commanded Rome to be set on fire in twelue places , Fox . & so continued it sixe dayes , and seuen nightes in burning , while that he , to sée the example howe Troy burned , sitting in his towre Mecaenas , song Homers verses . But in the ende he was fayne to kil him self for fear , complayning the he had neither friend nor foe left the would do it for him .

Also C. Caesar Caligula was so cruell , that in dedicating a bridge which he had made , conteyning in lengthe thrée myles , and sixe hundred passes : he calling a number of people vnto him , caused them all to be throwen downe , and drowned in the sea , he wyshed that all the people of Rome had but one necke , to the intent he mighte destroy suche a multitude . But God sent so shrewde a cowe short hornes . For he was cut of by Cheraea , Sabinus , & others , which conspired against him . After whose death there was sound in his closet two libels , wherin was conteined the names of those senators and noble men , that he meant to put to death , ther was also found a coffer , Fox . wherin diuers kinds of poyson were kepte to destroy a multitude of people , which poysons afterwards being throwen into the sea , destroied a great number of fish .

When Herode had put to death al his sons , & at length falling into a gret & greuous disease , insomuch the worms did eat him aliue , dispayring the he should neuer recouer , he caused all the noble men of Iewry to be imprisoned , them calling his sister Salome & Alexander hir husbande vnto him , he said vnto them : I know the Iewes wil be right ioyful , & make great feasts at my death , wherfore take these whom I haue in holde , and put them to death , that once in my life I may cause all Iewry to lament and mourne .

When king Darius made war agaynst the Scithians , & had taken the sonnes of Orobertus a noble man : he desired the king to leaue him one of his thrée sonnes to comfort him in his age . Which thing Darius promised to do , and more than that to . And so cruelly killing them , he bad him take them all thrée .

Cneius Piso made an Edict , that if any of his souldiours returned out of the field without his companie , he should dye for it aswel as if he had slaine him , him self . It hapned that one so returning desired his leaue to goe séeke his mate , Lib. 2. cap. 9. whiche thing Piso would not graunt , but commaunded a Captain to sée him executed , which when he prepared to accomplish , he sawe the man whiche was missing comming towards them , wherefore he commaunded the hanchman to stay the sworde , and so brought them both vnto Piso : but he in a furie commaunded them all thrée to be put to deathe , the one bycause he was alreadie condemned , the other bycause he was the cause of his condemnation , and the Captain for not executing his precept .

Of deceyte and guile .

ROsimund the wife of Alboinis king of Longobardia , Bruso . li. 2. through the persuasion of one Helmelchides , who promised hir mariage , made awaye Albonis hir husbande . After whose death the adulterer and she béeing chased from Longobardia , fled to Rauenna , where she was honourably interteyned of Longinus the king , who also béeing taken with hir beautie , desired that she would make away Helmelchides , and marry him , promising hir by this meanes to restore hir to the kingdome of Longobardia . Wherevpon as Helmechides on a tyme came out of the bathe , she making him beléeue that she had made him a drinke to recouer his strengthe , caused hym to drinke poyson , whiche thing when he perceyued , he compelled hir to drinke the rest , and so in one day , and wyth one kinde of death , the worlde was deliuered of two adulterers .

Datames was a man of singular craft , Capi. 19. and very subtyll and circumspecte in all his dealinges , so that when it was tolde him , that there were some which lay in wayse to kyll him , he caused one to doo on hys attire , and to goe to the place where the ambushement was , who béeyng supposed to haue béene Datames him selfe , was beset , but Datames with greater power rescued him , and subdued his foes . After this one Mithridates pretending friendship , desired to speake with him in a secrete place , where he before had hidde his weapon . When the tyme was come that they should méete , Datemes caused him , and he Datemes to be searched , and when no weapon coulde be founde aboute them , they came togither to talke , and after long debating , they departed eche man his way : Capi. 19. but Mithridates comming to the place where his weapon lay , making as thoughe he paused , tooke vp his weapon , and hid it vnder his clothes , then calling againe after Datemes , as though he had somewhat more to say vnto him , came to him and flue him .

When Xerxes for his feblenesse began to be contenned of his subiects , Bruson . Artabanus his chief ruler hoping to aspire vnto the kingdome , came with his . vij . sturdy sons vnto the palace , where first he secretly made away his lord Xerxes , then the soner to attaine his hoped pray , he set discorde betwéene the two yong princes , persuading Artaxerses that Darius his brother had killed his father Xerxes . Wherevppon Artaxerses caused Darius to be kylled in his bedde . But as GOD woulde haue it , Artabanus not kéeping his owne counsayle , opened hys trayterous stomacke to Bacabassus hys companion , who disclosing it to Artaxerses the Prince , he faygning as though he woulde sée a viewe of his men , commaunded them all agaynst the next day to be before him in complete armoure . Wherein they accomplished his commaundement , & he according to promise came to take a view of them , and espying Artabanus amongst the rest , making as thogh his cote of maile were to short , he willed Artabanus to chaunge wyth him . And so Artabanus vnarming him , Artaxerses thrust him through , verefying the Psalm , Foueam féecit , ac incidit in eam , he pretended the destruction of an other , and was him selfe destroyed .

After that Ptolome king of Ceraunia had subdued Antigonus , Lib. 2. ca. 9. made war with Antiochus & Pirrhus , and had now gotten the regiment of al Macedonia into his own hands : he assaied also to deceiue his own sister , & to bereue from hir hir two sonnes , and hir citie Cassandra . Bruso . And that he might the better accomplish his malicious intent , he desired to mary hir . Herein albeit she suspected his wicked purpose , yet fearing his cruel nature to take vengeance on hir , she denied him not , but sent one Dion to reason with him in hir cause . To whom he sware & made many solemne protestations & vowes , that he sincerely sought the mariage of Arsinoe his sister . Herevpon she hoping that his meaning had bene as simple as his speaking , consented to marry him . Vnto the solemnization whereof he assembled his nobilitie , charging them to call and take hir for Quéene . Which fayre wordes making hir fayne , she nowe of hir own accord desired him to go sée hir citie Cassandra , and agaynst his comming she caused the citie to be adorned & garnished , and further she commanded that hir two sonnes , Lycimachus and Philip , with their crounes on their heads , shuld come and meete him by the way , which thing they accordingly did , and Ptolome with fayned countenance imbraced and kissed them . But assoone as he came vnto the citie , he commaunded the Towre to be taken , and the two children to be slayne . Wherefore the poore babes were compelled to flée vnto their mother for reskewe , who imbracing them in hyr armes , assayed wyth hyr owne bodie to kéepe them from wounding but all in vayne . For in fine they were slayne , and she most cruelly and dispitefully expelled the citie : whence she went to Samothracia greatly lamenting that she was not slayne with hir children . But Ptolome for his wyckednesse escaped not vnpunished : For shortely after , léesing his kingdome to the Frenchemen , and him selfe taken captiue , with the sworde ( as he deserued ) finished his life . Whose head was fastned on a speare , & carried about for a terrour to their enimies .

Caius Cannius a Romane knight , lying at Syracuse to refresh him selfe , was very desirous to buy a garden there : Whiche thing Pithius vnderstanding , came vnto him , & told him that he had a garden which Cannius might vse as his owne , but he would not sell it . The next day he had Cannius to diner , & had prouided that at that time all the fishermen should fish before his garden . At the time appoynted Cannius came , where he saw great store of botes , & much fish taken and cast vp , euen at Pithius féete . Whereat Cannius wondring , what meneth it frend Pythius ( quoth he ) is here suche store of fish ? Yea ( quoth Pythius ) it is no maruel , for al the fish in Syracuse is in this place . Herewith Cannius was greatly in loue with it , & earnestly desired Pythius to sel it . Which thing Pythins made straunge to do at the first , but in the end yéelded to his request . And so Cannius being a very welthy man , & desirous to haue it , gaue him as much money for it as he woulde aske . A day or two after Cannius inuited certain of his friends thither to supper , & he him selfe came thither betimes , but could sée neuer a bote there . Wherefore he demaunded of the nexte neighbour , whether the fishermen kept holyday that day , bicause none of them came thither ? No ( quoth the neighbour ) but they vse not to fish here . Ex Ci. off . lib. 3. Wherefore I marueled yesterday to sée so many of them here : and thus was Cannius deceiued .

Of death and buriall .

DIogines the Cinicke béeing persuaded that after a mans death he shuld haue no sense nor féeling , Bruson . li. 4. cap. 10. was asked of hys frends what should be done with him after he was dead : why take me ( quoth he ) & cast me in the fields . To whom his frends replying , that beast & birds would then deuour him , he bad them lay his staffe by him . But what shal that staffe do ( quoth they ) when you can not handle it ? And what tell you me ( quoth he ) that beasts will eate me , if I féele them not . Wherfore Seneca sayth very well , that buriall was not inuented for the deades sake , but for vs that liue , that we mighte not be offended with the noysome sauor and sight of the dead corpse .

When Alexander had taken certayne Philosophers of India called Gymnosophistae , which prouoked Saba to rebellion , he proposed them hard questions , which onlesse they could absolue , they were put to death , & one of them which was eldest was made iudge in the mater . The first of them was demaunded whether there were more liuing or dead ? he answered there were more alyue , bycause the dead haue no more béeing . The seconde béeing inquired whether the lande or sea ingendred greater creatures ? answerred , the lande , bicause the sea is but a portion of it . The thirde béeing asked what beast was moste subtill ? the beast ( quoth he ) that man can not discerne . The fourth was demaunded what induced him to persuade the Sabians to rebellion ? who answered , bicause I thought it better to dye manfully , than to lyue miserably . The fifthe inquired , which was first made , the day or else the night ? who sayd that the day was a day before the night . The sixte béeing demaunded howe one raygning mighte get the good-will of the people ? aunswered , if he be not terrible . Of the other thrée , one was asked howe a mortall man might be accounted in the number of the Gods ? if he do greater thinges ( quoth he ) than mans power can attayne to . The other was demaunded whether he thoughte life or death to be the stronger ? answered , that life was strongest , bicause in it man suffereth so many calamities . The last was inquired , how long a man should liue ? vntill ( sayd he ) that he thincketh life to be better than death .

The Galathians do so contemne death , that they fighte naked , and are persuaded as Pythagoras thincketh , that they shall put on new bodies . And therefore many put letters into the fire , wherein theyr fréends bodies are burned , thinking that their fréendes shall read them after their death .

Aulus Posthumius in an oration which he made vnto his souldiers , sayd : It is giuen to all men bothe good and bad to die , but to die godly and gloriously is only giuen to good men . Hector in Homer , Diodorus , lib. 6. speaking vnto Andromache his wife , said : be not gréeued for my death , for both the valiante , and the miser , muste needes take that way .

When Socrates was condempned of the Athoniens . for bringing in of newe Gods , with a stedfast countenaunce he tooke the poyson out of the hangmannes handes , and putte it too his mouthe . And when Xantippe his wife complained that should die giltlesse . Why ( quoth he ) and haddest thou rather to sée me die giltie , than giltlesse ?

The Thratians wéepe at the birthe of man , and are merrie at his deathe . The Licians at the death of their fréedes , put on womans attire , that being moued with the deformitie therof , they might the sooner cease mourning .

The Egiptians doe poulder the deade carcase , and kéepe it at home with them . The people in Carmania called Chelonophart , doe throwe them to fishes to be eaten . The people in the East , called Nabatholi , doe bury their kings in dunghils . The Persians doe lappe them in waxe , and salte them . The Magians vse not to bury the corpse , before it be rent with wilde beastes . The Hircanians kéepe dogs to deuoure them after they be dead . The buriall of the Parthians , ( as Iustin recordeth ) is first to haue the flesh deuoured of beastes and foules , and then to cast the bones into the earth . The Megarenses when they interre the corpse , turne them to the East , and the Atheniens to the West , &c.

When any of the Egiptians domesticall fréendes departe , the women smeare their heade and their visages with durte : then leauing the deade carcase at home , they gadde aboute the streates with their garmentes rent , and theyr haire hanging aboute their eares , and pitifully yall and bewaile the deade . The like kinde of lamentation , the men likewise vse . When they returne to the corpse , they take a crooked iron , and therwith pul the braine oute of the nostrelles of the deade , and stuffe it with herbes . Afterwardes , they take a sharpe Ethiopian stone , and therewith cutte his belly , and take oute his paunch , which when they haue emptied & made cleaue , Lib. 4. ca. 10 they stuffe it with swéete odors & sow it vp againe , suffring the haire on their heads to growe , but vse to shaue their beardes .

Diognit ' Emperor of Erithraea , taking Policrita of Naxus captiue , delt not with hir as men vse to do with captiues , but retained & kept hir as his wife . It hapned whilest shée abode with him , that the Erithreans , otherwise called the Milesians , kéeping solemne feast , were all ouercomen with wine . Which thing shée perceiuing , desired Diog●●tus to giue hir leaue to sende some of the festiuall cakes vnto hir brethren at Naxus , and being permitted , shée folded a shéete of lead , and couered it ouer with dowe , wherin shée declared the drunken case of the Milesians , and exhorted them with spéede to come thether . Which they accordingly accomplishing , came and set on them , and returned with great spoile , and no lesse victorie , bringing home Polycreta their sister with them : who being commended , saluted , and iuyfully receyued of all men , euen in the middest of this their ioy , gaue vp the Ghost .

It is wrytten that Philarchus in the middest of a battaile , died with straining his voice . Or as some wryte , after he had attained a great victorie , crying oute , O ioyful and happie day : he was taken with a sodaine feuer which brake his vaines , and killed him .

The signes of death in a sick man are these : If he haue the rauing sicknesse to laughe . Otherwise , if he be carefull for mending his apparell , or delight to folde his bedde clothes . If after sléepe he moue not himselfe , or continually vse to lie vpright . If he vse to stretch out his handes , and answer to them which inquire of his discease . Celsius saythe , that it is a token of death , to rise vp in the very pange , immoderate sléepe or ouer watching , to fetche breth thicke , to voide sneuill , hardly to spit , to wéepe when he hath no wil , to haue slime slicke on his tongue .

Of Desire of knowledge Discipline , and the duetie of Schollers to their Masters .

LVcius comming to Rome , chaunced to méete with Anthonius the Emperor , of whom demaunding whether he went , and what businesse he had that way ? Anthonius answeared him , I knowe it is no dishonestie for an olde manne to learne , whiche causeth me to goe to Xextus the Philosopher , that of him I maye learne the things which yet I knowe not . At which wordes of his , Lucius wondering , helde vp his handes , and sayde : Good Lorde this olde man like a childe goeth to schole with a table in his handes , Lycosthenes , pa. 284. ex Philostrato . whereas oure king Alexander , beeing but thirtie yeres olde , is already dead . Héerein muste I néedes more commend this Emperors studie and modestie , than Lucius his licence and libertie .

Salinus Iulianus the Emperor , being famous as well for his studie in the ciuill lawe , as also for the greate fréendshippe which was betwéen him and diuers other Princes : was woont to say that he would be glad to learne , albeit one of his féete were in the graue . Which saying of his , was commended as it well deserued of all good men . But in these dayes we haue an other sentence common in most mens mouthes , I am nowe too olde to learne . Wheras in dede it is a shame , that being so olde , thou haste not already learned all such things as are worthy to be learned . Lycost . pa. 248.

Solon of Athens , hearing Sapphus his brothers sonne singing a song as he was tippling amongst his pottes : desired the yongman to teach him that song . Who being demaunded why he so desired it : answered , that I may die by that time I haue learned it . Shewing héereby howe desirous to learne he was , when euen nowe being as it were at deathes dore , he was not ashamed to learn. Yea he wold say , the by learning euery day a little , he became an olde man . Lycost . pa 246. ex Aeliano .

Alphonsus king of Arragon , being in talke of the losse of iewels , sadly affirmed that he had rather lese his gemmes , Margarites and precious stones , wherof he had great store , than any of his bookes . Panormita . li. 4.

Metrocles sayd , Bruso . li. 2. cap. 23. that other thinges , as house , landes , garmentes , and such like , mighte be giuen & solde for money , but onely learning & discipline require long studie & indefatigable labour . La. l. 6. c 6.

Marcus Antonius the Philosopher and Emperour so intirely loued his techers , that he set vp the picture of Fronte his master , & exalted Proculus to the dignitie of a consul . He would imbrace & kisse Iunius Rusticus in the presence of the senate , and in the ende made him also consull : & after his death erected his Image . Lico . ex Antonio in Melissa : par. 2. serm. 11. And shortly to say , he so honored them al , that he adorned their images with golde , and would himselfe often resort vnto them , and offer floures & incense vpon them .

Alexander being demanded whom he loued better of Philip his father , or Aristotle his master , said , that he was more beholding to his maister . For Philip had made him a man , but Aristotle had made him a learned and wise man .

When Dionisius tolde Plato that some body shoulde cutte off hys heade , Xenocrates Plato his scholer standing by , sayde , Nay I will firste haue this head of mine cut off . Lycost . ex Laert. lib. 4. cap. 2.

Zeno not hauing money to giue a master to teache him , Ex Laer. l. 7. cap. 1. woulde creepe in by a backe doore to heare Polemon reade his Logicke Lecture : whom Polemon espying , sayd : I sée well Zeno thou wilt steale that from me , which others are like to buy of thée . Lycost . pa. 251.

Of Dronkennesse and Drinking .

AStiages in Xenophons Pedia demanded of Cirus why he quaffed wine no better ? Brus . lib. 1. cap. 16. bicause ( quod he ) I feare there be some poyson mixed in the goblet among the wine . For I perceiued wel , that at the last feast you supped vp poyson apace . Howe knowest thou that my sonne ( quoth he ) bicause ( quoth Cirus ) I saw that thereby you loste the right vse bothe of body and minde .

Alexander of Macedonie , béeing a gret drinker of wine , whether ouercome with wine , or enuying his fathers commendation , at a banket killed Clytus his very frend . But after his fury , he greatly repented the acte , and therwith falling into a rage , he wold haue slaine himselfe , had he not ben let by his fréendes . Afterwardes falling on the dead corpse , he imbraced and kissed the wounds , and could scarce be gotte thence to eate his meate .

Wheras Antigonus loued , and greatly reuerenced Xeno the Philosopher , it hapned on a time , that being ouercome with wine , he met his master Xeno , wherefore like a drunken man he went to embrace and kisse him , desiring the Philosopher to commaund him do somwhat for him . Mary , I pray thée then ( quoth Xeno ) get thée hence and vomite . And so by this graue & wise reprehension , he both taunted his drunkennesse , and warned him to beware , least by such surfetting he should hurte him selfe , and shorten his dayes . Lycost pa. 297. ex Acliano li. 9. de var. hist.

Agesilaus the great king of the Lacedemonians , at a certaine dricking , was by casting of lottes , as the maner was , made ruler of the feast . whose office it was to appoynte howe muche euery one should drincke . Wherefore when the tauerner demaunded him how much wine he shold fill to euery one of them : If thou hast prepared muche wine ( quoth he ) let euery man haue as much as he shall call for . But if thou haste but little , let euery one haue like muche . By which his wise dealing , he prouided that if there were wine inoughe , he mighte please the lustie quaffers , and yet not compell the sober drinckers . And on the other side , if there wanted wine , deuiding to eche like much , he shoulde not cause them to murmure . For when one had as muche as an other , they which woulde drincke moderately , had so to do , and they which would quaffe fréely , though they had not enoughe to satisfie their appetite , yet hauing inoughe to satisfie nature , could not complaine since they hadde as muche as theyr fellowes . Lycost . pa. 298. Wherfore they which otherwise would haue druncke fréely , for this cause only vsed it moderatly . Ex Plutarch . in Lycost . Apoth.

Aristippus the Philosopher , who was Socrates scholler , hearing one commende him selfe that he coulde drincke muche , and not be druncken : Marry a goodly matter ( quoth he ) and so can a mule to . ix Laer. li. 2. ap 8. Lycost . pa. 298.

Philochrates and Aeschines béeing sent with other Athenians in legacie vnto king Phillip , at their comming home commended him to be a lusty quaffer . Wherto the orator Demosthenes answered , that vertue hath the spunge likewise : meaning that to be asmal vertue in a king to emptie pottes apase . Licost . pa. supradict .

Anacharsus a Scythian , being demaunded howe a man might eschue drunkennesse ? If ( quoth he ) he alwayes set before his face the vncomly gesture of drunkards . For nothing more resembleth madnesse , than the vndecent behauioure of drunkards , where he him selfe thinketh that all things become him maruelous wel . Brus . li 4. cap. 19. Lycost . ex Laer. li. 1. cap. 9.

The Lacedemonians cause their children to beholde their bondsiaues when they be drunke , to the intente that they may sée howe fowle and frantikelike a sighte it is to sée a man ouercome wyth wyne . Yea they woulde compell their slaues to drincke to muche , to daunce foolishe daunces , and to sing madde verses . And so whereas others with many wordes could scarse persuade sobrietie to be a thing most honest , and drunkennesse to be a detestable vyce : they as it were in a briefe , set it before their childrens eyes by the example of these bondslaues , vnto whose conditions for a child to degenerate , Lycost . was a foule and dishonest thing Ex Plut. in Lacon .

Of education of children .

SOcrates sayd , that welborne children , Lico . Erasm . Apo. 3. and specially good natures , ought to be well instructed and brought vp in their youth . For it commeth to passe wyth them , as it doth with horses , which thoughe they be fierce , and of a hautie stomacke , yet if they be well and gently broken they become coragious and good for any thing . But béeing euill delte withall , they become vntractable and good for nothing . And hereby it commeth often to passe , that the best and readiest wits are throgh the folly of their teachers , marred , whilst they straightways turne horses into asses for want of skil to vse them

He being demaunded why he did not rule the common wealth since be knewe so well the trade therof ? Answered , that he dothe more good to a Citie , which maketh many apte to beare rule therein , than he whiche gouerneth it him selfe . Lycost . pa. 305.

He exhorted yongmen oftentimes to behold themselues in a glasse , and if they sawe them selues beautifull and faire , Lycost . pa 305 to take héede they commit nothing vnworthy so faire a face . If they séemed deformed , to recompence that with dexteritie of wit , which wanted in feature of body . Ex Eras . lib. 3. Apoth.

A certaine childe being broughte vp with Plato , Lycost . supradict . after a season returning home vnto his father , and séeing him immoderatly laughing , wondered , and sayde , he neuer sawe any suche thing all the whilest he dwelled with Plato : of so greate a force it is euen from ones infancie to be acquainted with vertue .

When one was in hand with Aristippus , to teache his childe : and he requested for hys paines . 500. groates , the other béeing ( as it were ) astonnyed , wyth the greatnesse of the summe : saide that he would buie a slaue better cheape than so . Yea ( quoth Aristippus ) but for thys money thou shalte haue two , meaning that he shuld haue his sonne a good Philosopher , Ex Lac. li. 2. cap. 8. and an obedient childe : Pretily taunting the nigardisenesse of the common sorte , which are more couetous in nothing than about the education of their children . And will bestowe more coste on one to kéepe their horse , than on him that shall take paynes to teach and instructe their childe . Lico . pa. 306 ex Lac. li. 4. cap. 9. Lico . pa. 306.

Carneades was wont to say , that rich men and kings sonnes learne nothing aright , but the arte of riding . Bicause all other féede their humor , and flatter them , whereas the horse , not knowing nor caring whom he hath on his backe , onlesse he sitte well , will cast him off .

When Diogenes was taken captiue , and should be solde at Crete nowe called Candie , the cryer asked him by what title he should commende him vnto the byer . Say ( quoth he ) thou haste one to sell , who can rule children . A certayne man of Corinth marueling at the strangenesse of the cryer , came to Diogenes , to know whether he coulde do as the cryer professed : where perceyuing by hys talke that he was a wyse and a learned man , boughte him , and broughte hym home , committing hys children vnto him to sée them instructed , and brought vp in the liberall Sciences . Who receyuing them , dyd liberally instructe and bring them vp . And first he set foorthe for them the seuen sciences . Afterwards he taught them to ryde , to bende a bow , and caste a sling , with diuers other déedes of actiuitie . Besides this , he prouided that they shoulde learne all the best sentences out of Poets and other good authors . He taught them to serue their father at his table , to be contente with course meate , and to drinke water . And whereas other dyd weare their heire long for a pride , he caused them to be shauen , and when they went abrode , to goe with their heire vnkempt , no coates on their backe , nor shoes on their féete , and so taught them , that he was reuerenced of them , and highly commended of Xeniades their parent . Lic . pa 306. Ex Laer. li. 6.

Lycurgus , Bruson . li. 2. cap. 38. which made the Lacedemonian lawes , indeuoring to bring the citizens from their riot & excesse , vnto a more temperat & better trade of life , & to make them desirous of honesty & vertue : brought vp two whelps , which he tooke of one bitch , & wer litred at one time . Whereof the one he brought vp at home with delicat fare , the other he daily exercised in hunting abrod . After he had thus broughte them vp , he brought them both foorth with him before the people , then setting by them meat to féede on , whilest ech of them fell therto , he sodenly put forth a hare , wherfore when the dog which had bene exercised in that trade , saw hir , he began with swift spéed to make after , but the other , according to his education , fel stil to his meat . Lo ( quod Lycurgus ) sée you not these whelps , who although they are bothe of one kinde , yet what diuersitie there is in them by reason of their education ? and that exercise dothe more preuayle vnto the attainement of honesty , than education . Some say that these two whelpes were not both of one kind , but that the one came of a mastife , the other of a grayhounde , and that he exercised the mastife to hunt , and suffred the grayhounde to tarry at home and fill his belly , and so it came to passe that the mastife proued the better , and that he sayde : Wherfore O citizens , our noble of spring , whiche the common sorte commende and wonder at , saying that we came of the stocke of that noble Hercules , shal nothing auaile vs , onlesse we learne and exercise suche honest , vertuous , and noble déedes as that notable and famous man did . This wise man founde a way , that whereas the multitude are not fitte for Philosophicall reasons , he might by a familiar example , as it were , sette the image of vertue before their eyes . For commonly the thinges which we sée with our eyes , doo more moue vs , than that wée heare spoken of others . But that which he did in this citie , that may euery hous-holder doo in his owne familie , and euery ruler in his owne companie . Nature is of greate force , but education is of greater force . Eras . li. 1. Plut. in Lacon . For that can amende a naughtie nature , and make it . And the faultes that come by birthe , we can not doo withall , but to instructe and amende them by education , that may we do .

Alexander béeing but yet a stripling , saw Philip his father about to cast away a horse , bicause he was so fierce that he wuld suffer no body to take his back . Sée ( quod he ) what a horse these cast away , for wante of knowledge howe to vse him . And when he had so saide , he came to the horse , and with great skil by faire meanes he so dealt with him , that in the ende he got on his backe , and softly with strayning the bit , he ran a course , and retyred backe againe . Wherfore at the returning , as he was aboute to alight , his father imbraced and kissed him , saying : It were good reason my sonne , to get thée an other kingdome , for Macedonia shall not be able to contayne thée . The wyse man forsawe , that the fathers kingdoms would not suffize so wise and valiaunt a childe . But the horse warneth vs of many good wits , which for want of skil are cast away : by reason that suche as haue charge of them , not knowyng howe to deale with couragious horsses , maks them tame asses . Ex Eras . li. 1. Apotheg . Lico . pa. 311 ,

A certen man béeing accused for heating his father , Lico . pa. 312. defended his impious act in this sort . When he was a yong man he beat his father ( quod he ) & this my sonne when he commeth to age will beat me , for it commeth so to vs by kind . And we sée it commonly come to passe , that like as we behaue our selues to our parents , so do our children behaue themselues to vs when we are parents . Eras . li. 8. Apoth.

Leonidas Anaxandridas his son , going to warre against the Persians , when hys wife Gorgon asked him what commaundement he would giue hir at his parting : I commaunde thée nothing else ( quoth he ) but that thou marrie and bring vp thy children well . By which saying it is euident , that the wise man foresaw that he should dye in warre , and warned his wyfe to take a newe husbande , and to do hir indeuour , that hir children might be wel brought vp . Plut. in Lacon .

Of Exercise and vse .

WHen Octauius had conquered Antonius at Actium , as he returned home , amongst others which gratified his victorious successe , there came one , holding a crowe in his hande , which he had taught to say : God saue thy grace Ceasar , victorious Emperour . Caesar maruelling at the curteous salutation of the birde , gaue a great summe of money for him . But his companion , who had taken like paynes in bringing vp of the birde , and could get no part of the sayd reward , came to the Emperour , and tolde him that he had an other crowe , which he requested Caesar to compel him to fetch . Which being taughte a contrary lesson , began to say : God saue Antonius the Emperor . Wherwith Caesar was nothing offended , but bad the money to be deuided betwéene them both . It hayned that a cobler seing this , folowing their example , indeuored to bring a crow to the like salutation . But when he had with gret pains & some charges kept this crow a long while , & could by no meanes cause him to answere , he would say vnto the bird : I sée my labor & cost are cast away . But in the end the bird began to speake , & as the Emperor came by , saluted him , to whom the Emperor sayde , I haue now inough such felowes to salute me at home , the birde remembring the sentence which his master was wont so often to repete vnto hym , sayd : I see my labour and coste is caste away , whereat the Emperour laughing , Bruso . li. 2. ca. 30. boughte hir also for the lyke summe of money .

When Demonax hearde one stumbling in his declamation , he exhorted him to exercise him selfe often therein . Why so I doo ( quoth the other ) for I oftentimes vse to declaime when I am alone by my selfe . Mary it is no maruell then ( quoth Demonax ) that thou diddest it so foolishly nowe , since hitherto thou haste bene accustomed to so foolish an audience . Eras li. 8. Apotheg .

When Cicero had praysed M. Crassus , in the common place , and his Oration was greatly commended of the people , and afterwardes in the same place vehemently inuaied against him . Why ( quod Crassus ) dyddest not thou lately prayse me in the same place . I confesse ( quoth Cicero ) I praysed thée in deede , but for exercise sake I tooke in hande a slaunderous argument . For the Rethoritians sometymes take in hande argumentes of contrarie matters , as when they prayse Bulyris , the quartan feuer , or ingratitude . Licost . ex libro . 4. Apotheg . Erasmi .

Socrates was wont to say , that suche as exercised their body with dauncing , had néde of wyde houses , but suche as exercised them selues in singing , or making orations , might stande stil , and neuer moue out of their places . Eras . lib. 3. Apotheg . By which saying of his , he allowed mode rate exercise , & disalowed the immoderate , especially after meat . Licost . pa 324.

Plato was wonte to admonishe men , that neither they shoulde exercise their body without some exercise of the mind , neither their minde without the body , wherof the one is proper to champions , Laerti . li 3. the other to fluggards .

The Lacedemonians had a kinde of black potage , which they so greatly estemed , that the elder & better sort woulde onely eate thereof , and leaue the meate for their yongers . Wherfore Dionisius king of Sicil bought a Lacedemonian cooke commaunding him to make that kinds of potage , Ma. Tu. Ci. Tusc. quest. libro . 5. and to spare no coste therein . But when the king tasted of it , he lyked it not , but spit it out agayne . To whom the cooke sayde , you muste vse this after you haue exercised your selfe as the Lacedemonians doo . Lycost .

Of fatall Destinie .

WHen Dioclesianus was abiding at Turin in Fraunce , Bruso . li. 2. as he stayed at a certayne Iune , and a woman named Drutas & he commoned of his liuing , she saide vnto him : Dioclesian thou art ouer couetous a nigarde . To whom he in iest answered : thou shalt sée what a liberall fellowe I will be , when I am Emperour . Well ( quoth she ) iest not , for thou shalte be an Emperoure in déede when thou haste killed Aper , ( meaning Aper , Numerianus father in law , whom afterwards Dioclesian killed for the death of Numerianus , whom Aper slue . ) But Dioclesian construing Aper to be spoken according to the sense of the Latin worde , for a wylde hore , dayly vsed to hunte wild bores : But when he had killed many , and sawe Arelianus , Probus , Tacitus , & Charus possesse the Empire , he would say : I kill the bores , but others eate the brawne . In the ende , hauing killed this Aper , and béeing now made Emperour , he sayde , nowe I haue killed my fatall Bore .

Procas succéeding in the kingdome of Albanie , conceiued two sons , Aemulius and Numitor , whereof Numitor béeing the elder succeded in the kingdome . But Aemulius perforce expelled his brother , and vsurped the kingdome . And bicause none of his posteritie should afterwards enioy it , he killed Numitors sonne , and made his daughter Rhea a virgin vestral . But she , whether it were by a souldier , or else by the god Mars , as the Romanes thinke , was conceyued , and bare two sonnes . Whereof Numitor hauing intelligence , caused hir to be bounde , and put in prison , and commaunded one to take the children , and cast them into Tibris , but at that time it hapned that the water was so ouerflowen , that he which was charged to droun them , could not come to the riuer side , but thinking that the ouerflowing of the water should be sufficient to drowne them , he lefte them there , and went his wayes . Shortely after the water decreasing , one Fastulus the kinges shephearde , came and founde them vnder a tree , which afterwards was called Ruminalis , and caried them home , committing them to Laurentia his wife to be brought vp . Who bicause she was euill reported of for hir honestie , the shepherds called hir Lupa and hereof it came that some write they were fed of a she wolf . For Lupa in Latin so signifieth in English . When they came to age , they became great hunters , and vsed to rescue the pray which théeues came to fteale . So that they were accounted amongst the shepheards to be very valtaunt fellowes . But in processe of time it hapned that the shepherds of Numitor & Aemilius falling out , in a fray Remus was taken and brought bound vnto Numitor , where he so valiauntly behaued him self in his answere , that he caused Numitor to wonder at hys singuler audacitie , and remembring the tyme of the exposition of his Nephues , by the circumstraunce of the time and the liniament of the person , he suspected that it was his nephue . And whylest Remus was thus occupyed with Numitor , Faustulus which knew al the matter , opened it vnto Romulus . Whervpon leuying an armie of young men , and hauing aide also from Numitor their graundfather , they set on Aemulius their vnlce , and in the end restored Numitor their graundfather vnto his kingdome . And leauing Albane they builded Rome in the place where they were cast foorth . Brus . li 2. cap. 38.

Mandana , Bruso . li. 2. cap. 38. Astiages his daughter , dreamed that she made so muche water , that the whole citie was filled , and all Asia ouerflowen therewith . With whiche dreame Astiages was so terrified , that he married his daughter vnto Cambyses , a manne of a good witte , but of a meane birth . But the same yere he him selfe also dreamed , Iust. li 2. that he sawe a vyne grow out of the priuitie of his daughter , whose branches ouershadowed al Asia . Wherfore he sent for his daughter , who was then nere hir trauell , setting some to watch the birth , that assoone as it was brought foorth , it might be slaine . Which beeing performed , assoone as the childe was borne , it was broght vnto the king . Who tooke it vnto Harpagus his very friende , desiring & straitly charging him to carie it home , and kil it . But when he came home , he determined with him self to abstayne his handes from killing the babe : wherfore he sent for Methridatis the kings shephearde , and charged him in the kings name to take the infant , and cast it away on the mountaynes . When he had the childe , he carried it home , and shewed it vnto his wyfe , who desired him of all loues not to caste away the childe . But if he must néedes cast away one , she desired him to caste away hir owne , which she brought foorth that present day : wherin he accomplished hir request , and caste away his owne childe , retayning the other in hys stede . Who growing in yeares , was made king of his playfellowe boyes : Wherefore playing Rex amongest them , when one Artembaris , a riche mannes sonne had disobeyed him , he caused him to be apprehended , and beate him . Whereof his father complayned vnto the king , and caused him to be sente for . When he came , the kyng beholding hym , sayde : Arte thou the shepheardes sonne , which vseth to beate the chéefe mennes sonnes of Media ? Yea O king ( quoth he ) and that not without a cause . For the boyes made me king aboue others , bicause they thoughte me fitter therefore than the rest were . Nowe whereas the reste reuerenced and obeyed me : thys one woulde not doo so , wherefore according to his desertes I punyshed him . At whiche wordes he caused the king to wonder , and remembring the time of the childes exposition , with the age and comelynesse of the person , he feared that it was his nephue . Wherefore calling Methridatis vnto him , he straitly charged hym to tell the very truthe of the matter , who daring doo none other wyse , declared the truthe of it . Héerevppon the king sente foorthwyth for Harpagus , demaunding him what he hadde doone wyth the chylde ? who declaring all that he hadde doone , the king made as though he were nothing offended herewith , but shortly after bidding him to a banquet , he slue his sonne , and caused him vnwares to eate therof , asking him after supper how he liked the meat ? And when he sayde very well , he commanded his cokes to bring in the head & other appurtenances of the childe , and sent Cyrus his new-founde nephue vnto his parentes at Persia . Who afterwardes by the ayde of Harpagus , subdued hys Graundfather , verified their Dreames , and enioyed the kingdome . Herodot . li. 1.

Laius king of Thebes was tolde by an oracle , Brus li. 2. cap. 38. that it were good for him neuer to haue childe . For the childe whom he should conceyue , should be an occasion of great murther in their owne house . Wherefore as soone as the childe was borne , it was drawen out by the héeles , and therof was called Oedipus and cast away . But a woman chauncing to finde him , brought him vp . Afterwards it happened that Laius his father and he méeting , bicause Laius proudly commaunded him to gyue way , he slue him , not knowing that it was his father . Aboute that time , there came to Thebes , one Sphinx , who kéeping a certaine bridge , there put forth a riddle to them that passed by , throwing them into the water that could not reade it . But this Oedipus absolued it , and had for his reward Iocasta , and the kingdome of Thebes ▪ The ridle was thus . What Craeture is it , that first hath foure féete , then two fete , and at last thrée féete ? Which Oedipus interpreted to be a man , who at his birth crauleth on all foure , afterwardes goeth on his two féete , comming to age leaneth on his staffe , and so hath thrée féete . Wherfore Sphinx was cast into the riuer , and Oedipus vnawares maried Iocasta his own mother .

Of Felicitie or happinesse .

CRoesus king of Lidia , the richest man that euer was , sent for Solon , and asked him whether any man were more happie than he ? Yea ( quoth Solon ) that is Telus , who had very honest men to his sonnes , and he him selfe manly died in defending his countrey . Then Craesus asked him agayne , whether nexte vnto Telus he were not most fortunate ? Eras . lib. 8. Apoth. No ( quoth he ) Cleober and Brito are more happie , both for the singular friendship which is betwéene them , and also for the great obedience & reuerence which they shewed vnto their mother . But Craesus was here with offended , and asked whether he had no place amongst the fortunate ? No ( quod Solon ) we can not yet cal thée blessed , but assoone as thou art dead , and out of the danger of fortune & affection , then we shall sée how happie thou shalt be . Wherfore Craesus was sorely displesed with him , and let him go without doing him any honor . But this saying of Solon was shortely after verified . And Craesus béeing ouercome and taken captiue of king Cyrus , and a fyre made to burne him , when he shuld enter into the flame , began oftesones to say , O Solon , Solon ▪ Wherfore Cyrus asked him what he ment by those wordes ? Then Craesus telling him the sum of the matter : Cyrus séeing thereby the varietie of fortune , and the alteration of the worlde , caused the fire to be quenched , and made Craesus one of his chief counsellers . Ouid 4. de Ponto .

Of this felicitie Martiall in a certaine Epigram sayth thus :

Vitam quae faciunt beatiorem . &c. In Englishe thus : The things which cause mans life , methinketh , most full of blisse to be , Are these : when goods from friends do fal , and we from labour free . When fertile field growes fast abroade , and minde is voyde of strife , And merie Iohn by toasting fire may sitte with Ione his wife . When corpse is sound and strong withal , and wisedome rules the minde , And friends in friendships faithfull knot , a faythfull heart doth binde : When fare is good , though not of cost , and night with pleasure prest , Not drousie head , but merry minde , doth cause a quiet rest . To be as heart could wishe or craue . thy state content withall : Not feare nor wishe for fatall day , But come when come it shall .

Demetrius was wont to say , that he thought nothing more vnfortunate than him , Eras . lib. 8. Apoth. who in al his life had no misfortune chauncing him . For that suche a one either knoweth not himselfe , for lacke of experience , or else is contemned and ouer scaped of the Goddes , as one good for nothing .

Sylla , who for his felicitie was surnamed Felix , among other his happie haps , saide , that two things chéefely reioyced him . The one , for that he had Pius Metellus to his fréende , the other , bicause he had not destroyed Athens . Ex Plutarch . in Rom. Apoth .

When one demaunded of Socrates , whether he thought not Archilaus moste happie ? I can not tell quoth he , for I neuer spake with him . Bruso . lib. 2 cap. 36.

Antigonus seeing one of his souldiers , ( who otherwise was a valiant man ) to haue some secreate disease , asked him what the matter was that he looked so pale ? To whome the souldier confessing the truthe of his anguishe , Antigonus bad his Phisitians , if it were possible to cure him . But being now cured of his disease , he began to be more slacke to fighte , and not so hardie in his affaires as he was woont to be . Whereat the king wondering , asked him how it came to passe that his minde was so fodenly altered ? Why thou thy selfe ( quoth he ) arte the cause thereof . For as long as I liued in paine and miserie , I was nothing afeard to lose so miserable a life . But nowe when by your goodnesse I liue in better case , I am loth to lose my life . Lycost . Ex Eras . lib. 8. Apoth.

Of Fortune .

POlycrates king of Samia , was a prince so fortunate , that he neuer desired any thing , but he had it . And coulde no sooner wishe but haue . Wherefore fearing the mutabilitie of Fortune , who when shée striketh , striketh home : he tooke a ring of inestimable price , and cast it into the sea . But fortune was so fauorable vnto him , that a fish eat his ring , which afterwards was taken and giuen vnto him , in whose belly the Cooke finding the ring , restored it vnto him againe . But in the ende , making warre with Darius , he was taken captiue of Crontes the chiefe Captayne , hanged on the high mount Michasus , & there lefte a praye for foules to deuour .

Dionisius the yonger being asked how it chanced that his father was preferred from the state of a priuat man , Brusonius . Lib. 2. ca. 37. to become a king , and he from royall scepter , to be throwen downe to so base an estate , answered : bycause my father lefte me his kingdome , but not fortune .

Cressus consulting the oracle , whether he should wage warre against Tomiris the Quéene ( of whome he was in fine killed ) was aunswered : If thou déemest thy self immortal : then néedest thou not my counsell héerein , but if thou acknowledge thy self to be a man , let this be thy firste lesson , that the state of humaine affaires is rounde , and that fortune neuer leaueth man in one estate .

When Aucaeus the sonne of Neptune and Astipalcas planting a vineyard , Bruso . Lib. 2. ca. 37. was earnest with his seruants to apply their worke : one of them sayd to his felowes , what paines my Maister taketh aboute this vine , and yet he shall neuer taste the fruit of the grape . When Ancaeus heard hereof , he said nothing vntill the grapes were ripe , and euen nowe pressed them , sending for his seruant , and caused a cup of the wine to be filled , he put it towards his mouthe mocking and taunting hys seruant for this vaine prophecie . But as he was thus preaching ouer the cup , an other of his seruants came in with spéed , and sayde , that there was a wilde Bore in the vineyarde . Wherfore Ancaeus cast downe the cuppe , and running to chase away the wild bore , was destroied of him : and héerof sprang the prouerbial verse . Multa cadunt inter calicem supren●aque labra .

Though to thy mouth thou lift the pot , Whether thou shalt drink yet wotest thou not . Brusonius . Li. 2. cap. 37.

When one Damacles a Parasite of Dionisius began to praise the abundance of welth , maiestie & dominion , wherwith Dionisius was indued , & sayd , the he neuer saw any so fortunat as he was : Dionisius asked him whether he wold be content to assay his estate and fortune awhile ? Yea ( quoth Damacles ) with all my heart . Wherfore the king commaunded that this Parasite should be layd in his bed . The next day he caused a gorgious dinner to be prepared , and setting him in his chaire of estate , he charged them that with all possible honoure and pleasure they should serue him . But in the middest of this chéere , he caused a glistering sweard to be hanged with a horsse haire , and let downe ouer his head . Which when Damacles sawe , neither could he behold the comelinesse of his seruitures , nor yet the delicacie of his meat , but only fastening his eyes on the sworde , he desired Dionisius to giue him leaue to departe , and saide that he would no lenger be blessed . Bruso . Lib. 3. cap. 13.

On a time when the papacie of Rome had bene vacante two yeares and more , the Cardinals concluded to electe Petrus Moroneus a godly man , and consecrated him by the name of Celestine the fifthe . Who bicause he began to refourme the clergie , Boniface the eighte , ( then called Benedictus ) so handled the matter , that what by his iuggling & speaking through his chamber walles , nightly admonished him to giue vp his papacie , and other his diuellishe illusions , he persuaded him in in some solitarie deserte . And ere long was by this Boniface apprehended , imprisoned , and put to death . For whiche impietie of his , when Iacobus and Petrus Cardinalles of Columna , séemed to be offended , this Boniface tooke suche displeasure agaynst them , that he caused Preneste , Zagorolum and Columna to be made leuell with the grounde . Yea for their sakes he was so displeased with the Gibilenes , and the inhabitauntes of Columna , that on ashewednesday , when Porchetus an Archebishoppe , came and knéeled downe before hym to receyue his ashes , he looking on him , and perceyuing that he was one of the Gibilines , caste his handfull of ashes in his eyes , and sayde : Memento homo . &c. That is , remember man that thou arte a Gibiline , and to ashes thou shalte goe . But in the ende , partely from the Cardinalles of Columna , Ex domino Foxo . and partely from Phillip the Frenche king ( whome he had greatly molested ) were sente an arnne of men , whiche came to Augonum , and there in hys owne fathers house , and in the very chaumber where he was borne , they spoyled his substaunce , and led him captiue to Rome . And there within . 24. dayes after he dyed for sorrowe .

Whereas the inhabitants of Paphus were wonte to haue their king chosen of the familie of the Sinarasians , and nowe that house was cleane spente , Alexander being very desirous to get them a king of that stocke , vnderstoode that there was yet a poore man called Halimomus , which came of that linage , wherefore with al spéede he repaired thither to create him king . And finding him in hys garden drawing of water , with al triumph had him thence , & incontinent made him a king , and companion of his owne person . Bru. li. 2. cap. 37.

It is reported that Marius Septimus the tyrant was made emperor one day , reigned the next , & the third day was slayn of his souldiers . Brus . li. 2. cap. 37.

After the death of Antiochus , king of Syria , his sonne Seleucus killed Bernice his stepmother , with the yong childe his brother . Whereof when Ptolome king of Egypt , and brother to this Bernice , had intelligence , he came to Syria with a mayne Hoste , to reuenge the death of his sister : and so good successe he hadde herein , that all the kings of Syria yéelded them vnto him . But whylest he was thus occupied in Syria , his owne subiectes rebelled in Aegypt . Wherfore he was fayne to rayse his siege and departe home . Then Seleucus thinking to be reuenged on the Syrian cities , which tooke parte agaynst him , prepared an armie to inuade them . But so it fell out , that the greatest parte of his nauie were drowned on the sea , and he with a small power ariued at the citie , and there when the citizens submitted them selues vnto hym , he receyued them to mercie . And gathering a new armie , he renued the warre agaynst Ptolome , of whome he was subdued , and compelled to flée to Antioche , as one with whome fortune was disposed to make a playgame . Bruso . lib. 2. cap. 37.

When Timotheus , Conous sonne had subdued many cities vnto the Athenian kingdome , certayne persons enuying him , and ascribing all his prowesse vnto fortune , paynted him a sleepe , and fortune subduing cities for him . But he offended so to loese the glorie of his valyaunt attemptes , the nexte tyme that he had obteyned a conqueste , he sayde vnto the Athenians , that in all the victories that euer he gotte , fortune coulde rightely chalenge none of hys glorie . Wherevppon fortune was so offended with him , that after that tyme he neuer atchéeued any notable acte , but had euill successe in all the affayres he wente about , and in the ende loste the fauour of the people , and was banished his countrey . Brus . lib. 2. cap. 37.

When tidings was brought to king Phillip , of sundrie good fortunes which happened vnto him at one instaunte , as that Tetrippo his sonne had wonne the pryce at Olimpus , Dardenio had got a greate conqueste on the sea , and Olimpia hys wife had broughte him foorth a man childe : he helde vp his handes to heauen , and sayde . And O fortune I beséeche thée for so many and so greate benefites of thyne , suffer but some small myschiefe to lyghten vppon mée . Lico . Plut. in Apo reg. Fulgo . lib. 7. cap. 2. Knowing hir manner to be suche , that on whome shée meaneth to worke some greate myschiefe , on them shée firste sheweth a fauourable and fauning face , as playnely appeareth in the storie of Polycrates .

Simonides the Philosopher was inuited to a banquet of Paulanias the king . Who in the banquet desired him to tell them something out of his Philosophie , that mighte be a lesson for them whylest they lyued . Well then ( quoth hee ) remember Pausanias , that thou arte a man . For séeing Pausanias by reason of hys happie estate , to thinke well of him selfe : he thought good by those wordes to putte hym in mynde of his duetie . But albeit Pausanias contemned thys sage saying of the Philosopher , yet afterwardes ( béeing taken captiue , and lyke to bée famyshed ) he was forced to allowe and commende hys wordes , and to appostrophate vnto hymselfe in thys sorte : O guest , guest , I sée nowe there was greate weighte in thy wordes : Lycost . Aelian . li. ●0 but I reposed suche confidence in myne owne fickle fortune , that I thoughte them of no force . Wherefore now I muste dye a miserable death .

Of Fortitude and Manhoode .

IF Antisthenes sawe any woman goe gayly apparelled , he woulde straightwayes goe vnto hir husbandes house , and byd him shewe his horse , and his harnesse , and if he thoughte them sufficient , he woulde suffer his wife to goe at hir pleasure , bicause she had one at home to defende hir . But if he lyked not of it , he woulde persuade hir to leaue of hir gay clothes , least some bodye woulde come and steale hir away . Ex Laer. li. 6. cap. 1. Licost .

Archilomida Brasidas mother , hearing that Brasidas hir sonne was slayne in warre , the firste question shée demaunded , was whether he dyed manfully of no ? Yea ( quoth the Thrasisians : ) For amongest all the Lacedemonians there was none in prowesse and vertuous qualityes comparable vnto hym . You knowe not sirs ( quoth shée ) what felowes the Lacedemonians are , I thinke in déede Brasidas my sonne was a good honest yong manne , but yet not so good , but that there be many better amongest the Lacedemonians . Whiche aunswere of hirs is greatly to be commended , aswell for hir wisedome and fortitude , in so reioycing at the honest deathe of hir sonne : as also for hir modestie and naturall affection vnto hir countrey , which could not abyde that hir sonne shoulde be so highely praysed , that his prayse shoulde any thing derogate from the true commendation of hir natiue soyle . Plutar. in Lacon . Apoth . Lycost .

When a certayne Athenian made a funerall Oration in the prayse of them whome the Lacedemonians hadde slayne in the warre : a Lacedemonian standing by , sayde : If these were suche iollie felowes which were slayne , what thinke you of our men which slue them .

Alexander the sonne of Mammea , hearing that Artaxerses king of Persia , was comming with an huge armie to inuade the Romane Empire , saide vnto his souldiers , that strong and valiaunt men oughte to wishe the beste in all thinges , but yet to be content and to suffer , if any thing happen contrary to their expectation . And neither to waxe proude in prosperitie , nor to dispayre in aduersitie . Licost . Herodian . lib. 6.

When Publius Crassus sonne had a long time manfully fought agaynst his enemies , and was in fine slaine of them , they fastned his head vpon a speare , and therewith approched nye vnto the Romane armie , and greatly triumphing that they had him , they asked the Romanes of what stocke that yong man came ? saying that it was impossible that so valiaunt a sonne shoulde come of so cowardly a father . But Crassus was nothing troubled with this heauy sight , but ranne among the Roman souldiers , and sayde : this losse is mine ye Romanes , this calamitie is mine , and I onely haue cause to be sorie for this , but in your health and prowesse , consisteth the publike welth and glorie of the whole citie . Plut. in N. Crass .

When Xerxes made warre agaynste Greece , the Athenians sent a spie to view Agiselaus Themistocles brother . Who comming into the host slue one Mardonius Xerxes Courtier , thynking to haue slayne the king him selfe . Wherefore he was apprehended and sacrificed on the aulter of Sol , and there stoutly endured all the torment , not once sighing for all the payne . And when he was losed , he told them that al the Atheniens were such fellowes , and if you beléeue me not burne my left hand also .

Of Friendes and Friendship .

SOcrates was wont to say , that no possession is so good as a true and a faythfull friende , and that nothing is so pleasant and profitable as is suche a friende . Wherefore they go a contrarie waye to worke , which are more sorie for the losse of their money than for their friend , and thinke that they haue lost much , if they bestowe a benefit on any man without some present profite , whereas in déede they gayne thereby a friende , whyche maye by the fruitfullest gayne possible . Erasm . Lib. 3. Apo.

When it was tolde Dion ( whiche afterwardes expelled Dionisius out of his kingdome ) that Calixtus his friend , whom aboue all others he trusted moste , wente about to séeke his life : he couloe by no meanes be persuaded to condemne hym to death . But saide : I had rather be dead , than not only to stande in feare of my ennimies , but also to mistruste my friendes . Ex Plutarcho in regum Apotheg .

Antigonus dreamed that he was walking in a faire fielde , Bruso . Lib. 1. cap. 3. and there sowed golden crummes , whereof incontinente sprang vp golden Corne . The interpretation whereof , was applyed to Methridates king of Pontus , whome they sayde at Ponthus to haue great store of Golde . Wherevpon Antigonus fully purposing to destroy Methridates , opened his minde to Demetrius hys son , binding him with an othe to tell it to no man , but Demetrius béeing Methridates verie friende , bycause for his othe he coulde not open it in woordes , watched a tyme vntyll Methridates and he were alone , and then he toke hys Speare , and wyth the poynte thereof wrote , Flee Methridates , and so delyuered hys friende from presente perill .

Luc us béeing Brutus verie friende , Bruso , li. 1. cap 3. and séeing the Souldiours verie desirous to take Brutus : he made as thoughe he hadde béene Brutus , and so was taken , and with all spéede brought before Antonius the Emperour , in whose presence he sayde : O Anthonie , no man hath taken Brutus , and God forbid that he shoulde euer come into his ennimies handes . At which wordes of his , when Anthonie sawe his Souldioures greatly abashed , he sayde thus vnto them : I beléeue ( syrs ) that you are greatly grieued , and verie sorie to sée that you are thus deceyued , and also thinke that you were verie muche mocked herein . But know of a troth that you haue brought me a better pray than you are aware of , for I knowe not ( I protest ) what to haue done with Brutus if I hadde him a liue . But such a friende as this is , I had rather haue than all my foes . And so louingly entertayned , embraced and kyssed Lucius . Plutarchus .

Orestes and Pilades so entirely loued eache other , Bruso . li. 1. cap 3. that whereas Orestes fell madde for slaying his mother Clitimnestra : Pilades tooke him and brought hym to Tauritia to the temple of Diana wher Iphigenia his Sister was abyding . And there afterwards when Orestes and his Sister went about to steale the Image of Diana , he was therefore apprehended and brought before the king . And when he was adiudged to die , Pilades made as though he had bene Orestes ▪ and Orestes as the truth was , offred himselfe as the partie guiltie . And so contended whether of them should die . Ex Plutarcho .

Suche friendship likewise there was betwixt Damon and Pythias , Bruso Lib. 1. cap. 3. that wheras Dionisius the tirante had condemned one of them to die , and he desired leaue to goe to bid his friendes their vltimum val , and to set his goodes in a staye : the other became his suertie , promising that if he came not at his daye , he would dye in his steade . But when he was so faithfull that he came at the time prefixed : Dionisius maruelling at their fidelitie forgaue the partie guiltie , & desired them to make him the thirde in this saythfull and friendly fellowship . Cicero off li. 3.

But bycause this friendshippe is a blacke Swanne in these oure dayes , Bruson . li. 1. cap. 3. Esope in his fables warneth vs , that the things whiche we nowe doe our selues , we neuer loke for our friendes to do for vs . The Fable whereof is thys : On a tyme the Larke hauing yongones in a corne fielde which began to waxe ripe , when she shoulde flee abreade to séeke meat , she warned them to herken what news they could hear , and at hir comming home to certifie hir thereof . It happend in the meane season that the owner of the fielde came thether with hys sonne to see his corne , saying this géere is ripe , and it is tyme that it were nowe cutte downe : wherefore to morrow morning betimes goe vnto my friendes , and desire them that I maye haue their helpe to dispatche this businesse : whyche thing the sonne accordingly dyd , and they no doubt promysed their ayde . Wherefore at nyghte when the Larke came home , all hir birdes beganne to flutter aboute hir , telling hir what they hadde hearde , and desiring that shée woulde incontinent carrie them to some other place , but she willed them be contente , and bad them hearken the next day what newes they coulde heare . The nexte daye the goodman and hys Sonne came a fielde , wayting when his friendes woulde appeare , but there came nobodie . Wherefore he sayde agayne vnto hys Sonne , goe to my Cosens and Kinsfolke , and desire them to morrowe morning to come and helpe me reaps my corne . The yongbirdes hearing thys , were nowe more earnest wyth theyr damme to transporte them thence , but she was as earnest to persuade them not to be afraide . For no Cosens ( quothe she ) will be so seruiceable , that they wyll strayghte-wayes come and helpe their kinred . But to morrowe abyde , and hearken what other newes you can heare , and then if néede bée , I will prouide for you . The nexte daye the Cosens came not : wherfore the goodman sayde , farewell friends and kinsfolke , let vs truste to our selues , goe thou my Sonne and prouide two hookes , one for thy selfe , and an other for me , and we two to morrowe will reape it our selues . When the Larke hearde of this , nay now ( quoth she ) it is time to get vs packing , and so she immediately bare away hir youg ones . Ex Aesopo .

Zopirus caused his nose and his eares to be cutte off , and making as though he were some other of the Persian princes : he wente vnto Babylon , and there complayned , that Darius hadde so cruelly delte wyth him , desiring them to take vengeance on him . And so preuailed with them that they leuied a power , and made him chiefe ruler of their Armie , and so by this meanes betrayed Babylon vnto Darius his friende . But afterwardes Darius woulde often say , that he hadde rather haue Zopirus whole agayne , than the conquest of a hundred Babilons . Much vnlike such Princes whiche make more of a disarde , a horse , or a dogge , than of an honest faythfull and learned friende . Also Darius finding faulte with the crueltie of Zopirus towards himself , would say that by a foule facte he hadde gotten himself a fair name . Ex Plutarcho & lustino in Lib. 1.

Scipio the yonger following the aduise of Polibius , endeuored neuer to returne out of the market before he hadde made some of them whom he met there , to become his verie friend . Plurarchus in Reg. Apoth .

When Nicocles and Photion being perfite friendes , were condemned to die of poyson , Nicocles desired Photion to suffer him firste to taste of this deadely drinke , who answered . Albeit friende Nicocles this request of thyne is hard , yet must I néedes graunt it thée , to whom in all my life hetherto I neuer denyed ought . So great a griefe it is where true friendshippe is , to sée the deathe of his friend . Plutarch . in Grae. Apoth .

Of Hatred and Enuie .

WHen it was tolde Agis that there was one enuied him , no force ( quothe he ) the harme shall be hys , for then both his owne euill happe and my good fortune shall put him to payne : Aluding to Horace who sayde .

Inuidus alterius rebus macrescit opimis .

The enuious man pineth awaye when he séeth his aduersarie prosper .

And Antisthenes sayde , that Enuie gnaweth & consumeth the enuious man no other wise than ruste dothe the yron . Likewise Chrisostome vppon one of the Psalmes saythe : that enuie is an vnquenchable fire whiche consumeth hym that hath it , like as the mothes do cloth . Whose vglie anctamie a certaine Poet describeth in this sort .

Pallor in ore sedet macies in corpore toto . In English thus : His face is pale , his corpes is leane , his eyes are dimme of sight , His teeth do rust , his breath doth stinke his tong is poysoned quite : He neuer laughes , vnlesse it be when other men do weepe , He troubled is at others ioyes , that scarce he taketh his sleepe , And other men he blameth apase and they at him do chyde , And thus himselfe he doth torment , and payne doth still abyde .

When Caius Furnius was made frée , albeit he hadde but a little grounde of hys owne : yet he so played the good husbande therein , that he hadde more encrease of Corne than hys neighbours hadde , of better and farre larger fieldes . Wherefore some of them accused hym , that he had by witchcrafte gotten other mennes Corne into hys fielde . At the day therfore of his appearance , he brought all his husbandrie tooles with hym . He broughte his Daughter béeing a ioly huswife , and wel apparelled , hys plowchaynes strong and well made , his culter , share , and other instrumentes méete for a good husbande , and hys Oxen mightie and full of fleshe , and sayde : loe here are my charming instrumentes whyche brought my field so good encrease , and so he was released . Ex Plin. Lib 18. cap. 16. Bruson . Lib. 3. cap. 7.

Antiphiles enuying Apelles , accused hym to Ptolome , ( who loued him verie well , ) that he wente to Tyre , and there stirred the king to Rebellion , and saide that al the businesse which was betwene the ●irians and Aegipt , came by means of this Apelies . Ptolome beléeuing this tale , began to cal Apelles traitour and rebel . But afterwards when one of the Tirian captiues swore , that Apelles was falsly accused , & that he neither made nor medled therein : Ptolome repented him that euer he had so said , and for amends , gaue Apelles a hundred Talentes , and this Antiphiles to be his bondman . A iust reward of a lying and enuious varlet , and a notable example for Princes to be ware , so lightely to giue credite to pickthankes and tell tales . Brusonius Lib. 3. cap. 7.

Marcus Anthonius commaunded hys Steward to deliuer two hundred poundes to a friende of his . Bruso . lib. 3. cap. 7. But the Steward maruelling , & enuying at the greatnesse of the gifte , beganne to open the money , and asked what shoulde be done therewith ? Why I tell thée ( quoth the Emperour ) I mean to bestow it on this my friend . And séeing the malicious stomacke of his Steward , he sayde : Is thys the whole summe ? yea ( quoth he : ) now ●urely quoth Anthonius I thought two hundred poundes had contayned muche more mency than thys . Wherfore go and fetch as much more . O how many ●uch wicked and malicious stewards be there nowe a dayes , which bicause they deserus nothing them selues , they can not abide that theyr Lordes shoulde bestowe it on suche , as well deserue it .

Themistocles was so gréeued , to sée Milciades honoured for the greate conquest he wonne at Marathea , fighting against the Barbarians : that he could not take his rest . And being demaunded what caused him to be so watchfull ? He aunswered , that Milciades triumphs , would not suffer him to sleepe .

The king of the Assirians , so loued Gobrias , one of his Noble men , that he meaned to ioyne his daughter in marriage with Gobrias sonne . Wherewith Gobrias being well content , sent his only sonne to the king , that they mighte further intreat of this marriage matter . But so it fell oute , that the kings sonne , and he going a hunting together , and chauncing to méete with a Beare , the kings sonne shotte at him , and missed , but this young Gobrias siewe him . And when the like chaunced , in chasing a Lyon : the kings sonne was so wrothe , and enuious against him , that he tooke a speare out of his mannes hande , and slue him . Bruson . Lib , 3. cap. 7.

Of Harlots .

SAlomon who had himselfe . 300. concubines , sayeth in his Prouerbes , that the lippes of an harlot , are as the dropping of an hony combe , and her throte more swéete than oyle , but hir ende is as bitter as wormewoode .

When Agrippus a yongman in Plautus comedie , intituled Asinaria , Bruso . lib. 3. cap. 7. was like to be put from his lemman , bicause he had not twentie pounds to giue her , and Leonidas his man hadde so handled the matter , that he had gotte the money : the harlot came to him and saide , O Leonida mine eye , my Rose , my minde , my pleasure and hartes delight , let me haue the mony that we two louers be not put asunder . Nay I pray thée quoth Leonidas call me thy sparow , thy hen , thy Lambe , thy kid or thy calfe , and so pretely taunted hir flattering tong .

Straphones a soldier in Plautus comedie Truculentus , was in loue with Phronesius a harlot , & when he had ben from hir a season she sayde , that she was conceyued with chylde by him , and getting an other womans chylde , she mente to present it vnto hym , and make hym beleeue that it was his . When worde was broughte vnto him , that Phronesius was broughte a bedde with a chyld , and confessed that he was father therof , he made al spéed to returne home vnto hir . Afterwardes resorting vnto hir house , and méeting with Astrophius the Harlottes handmayde , he talked with hir in this sorte : I praye thee is Phronesius brought a bedde ? yea forsoothe syr ( quoth she ) wyth a goodly Boye . And is it like me quoth he ? as like as maye be ( quoth she . ) For as soone as he was borne , he called for a sword and a buckler .

Phryne desired a Caruer that was in loue wyth hir , to gyue hir one of the best Images he had , the whiche thing the louer promised to do , but the craftie Harlot thinking that he woulde not lette hir knowe whiche was the beste , suborned her man to set his shop on fire , wherfore when moste parte of his Images were brent , and yet some of the beste escaped , the caruer cryed out , Alas if Cupide and my Satyres had bene brent , I had bene vtterly vndone . And so by this diuel she pollicie , she vnderstanding that the Image of Cupide was more worth than the reste , required to haue it for hir rewarde . Ex Eras . li. 6. Apoth.

Theodora a passing strumpet , Lycost . talking with Socrates of hir great haunt , made hir beste that she could call away more of his schollers , than he coulde of hirs . No maruell ( quoth Socrates : ) for thy wayes séeme pleasaunt and easie : but the way to vertue séemeth full of brambles and briers . Recitatur apud Xenophon , & Telia . li. 13. de varia histo.

Gnathena a queane , Licost . séeing two yong men fighting for hir , comforted him that had the worse in this wise : Be merie good felowe , for this game was not for glorie , but for spending of money . Meaning that in other games he that had the beste , had some rewarde for his paynes . But héere he that had the best , must pay some money , or else should go without hir . And so it was better for him to go without the conquest , than haue it . Ex Er. l. 6. Ap.

Of Humanitie and Gentlenesse .

DEmonax sayde , that we ought not he offended with men , when they offende vs , but to correct and amend their faults : imitatin ; herein good phisitians , which are not offended with men , bicause they are infirmed , but indeuour to cure their disease . And as it is proper to man to offende : so is it the maner of God , and of suche men as desire to be like vnto God , to forgiue their offences . Ex Eras . li. 8. Apoth. Licost .

Certen tospottes chaunced to fall in company with Pisistratus wise , who hauing dronken more than they had bled , began to shewe their lasciuious maners abundantly towards hir . But on the morow when they came to them selues , and remembred what they had don , they went to Pisistratus , and besoughte him wyth teares to forgiue their follie . To whome Pisistratus sayde : take héede hereafter that you behaue your selues more soberly . But as for my wyfe , I can beare hir record , that she was not out of my gates yesterday of all the day . Shewing great humanitie in forgiuing the sily soules , Lycost . and no lesse wisedome in defending his wiues honestie . Ex Plut in Grae , Apoth.

When one told Agisipolis , that Philip king of Macedonie had in a shorte tyme destroyed the citie Olirthius , he answered : but it would be a good while ere he woulde builde suche an other . Meaning that it were far better with gentlenesse to preserue suche a citie , than with suche austeritie to destroy it . Ex Plut. in La.

Theodocius the younger was of suche and so wonderfull humanitie , Licost . that when his friends demaunded him why he dyd not behead suche as had conspired hys death ? he aunswered : I had rather restore suche as are dead to lyfe , than to put to death suche as are alyue . Aboundauntly herein declaring the ductie of a good Prince , who oughte to be gentle and ready to forgiue suche as offende priuately agaynst him selfe , Ex Eras . li. 8. Apoth. but yet to be austere and sharpe to punishe such as offende generally agaynst the common wealth . Brus . li. 3. cap. 4.

When Ouileus Camillus a Romans Senatour meaned to rebell , and purchase vnto him selfe the Romane Empire , Alexander Seuerus hearing therof , sent for him , and thanked him , that he was so willing to take so great a charge in hande . And in the Senate house called him sellowe Emperoure , curteously intertayned him into his palace , caused him to be apparelled with his imperiall robes , and when he went in progresse , tooke him as his companion to ryde with him . And when he him selfe wente on foote , he woulde cause him to ryde on horsebacke . And finally when by the lawe he was condemned to dye , he gaue him his life , and forgaue him his fault .

Traianus the Emperour , Eiusdem . which succeded Nerua , did so surmount his predecessours in humanitie and gentlenesse , that when his friends blamed him , and saids he was too gentle vnto his subiectes : he answered , that he behaued him selfe towardes them , as he woulde wishe that they should do towards him .

Sigismunde the Emperour sayde , Licost . that those Princes of all others were moste happie and fortunate , which expel from out of their courte the malicious and proude , and retayne suche as be mercyfull and gentle . Aeneas Siluius de dictis Sigismun , Impe.

Alexander hauing taken Porus king of Indio captiue , Licost . offered to giue him his request in any thing that he shoulde reasonably demaunde . Wherefore king Porus desired him that he might be vsed lyke a king . At which words Alexander smiled , and sayde : I meaned so to doo , albeit thou haddest not desired it , though not for thy sake , yet for my owne honor and honestie . Ex Bruso . li 3. cap. 13.

When one had solde gems of glasse vnto Galenes , Aurelius Ceasars wyfe , Lycost . making hir beleeue that they were right gemmes , she afterwardes perceyuing that she was so deluded , desired hir husbande to haue him punished for his disceite . Whervppon the Emperour commanded that be should be taken , & made him beléeue that he should be deuoured of a lyon . Then béeing put into a caue , and all men looking when a ramping lion should come to deuoure him , on a sodayne he caste in a sily capon . And when all men maruelled at so ridiculous a thing , he caused the crier to cry , he offended in deceit , and with deceite lo he is punished . Lycost . Ex Trebellio pollio .

This Aurelianus the Emperour comming to besiege Tira , and finding the gates shut agaynst him , said in his chafe , that he would not leaue a dog aliue in al that citie . Which voyce of his greately encouraged his souldiers , hoping therby to get some great pray , and when they had nowe subdued the citie , they desired the Emperor according to promise , to suffer them to ransacke the same . Go to ( quoth he ) I remember in déede that I sayde , that I woulde leaue neuer a dogge in all the citie . Wherfore go your ways , and kil them al. And so he accomplished his promise , and yet gently intreted his einmies . Ex Flauio Vopisc .

At the siege of Caieta , Lycost . when the inhabitants had for want of vittaile expelled out of their citie all the yong frie , olde people , and all other that were not mete for warre : Alphonsus king of Arragon , who came to subdue them , gently receyued them into his campe . Whereof of when certayne of his souldiers blamed him , and sayde , that if he had not receyued them , the Caietanes woulde haue yéelded vnto him ere long : he answered , that he dyd more estéeme their lyues , than the conquest of a hundred suche cities . A notable acte , and worthy perpetuall memorie . And afterwardes the citie , which with fortie thousand men of armes he coulde not subdue , by that kindenesse , without any effusion of bloud yéelded vnto him . Ex Panor . li. 1. de rebus geftis Alphonsi .

Ex domino Foxo . Iohannes Scotus , a right godly deuine and learned Philosopher , comming to Fraunce out of his owne countrey of Scotland , by reason of the gret tumults of war , was worthily intertained , & had in great estimation of Carolus Caluus the Frenche king , whom he commonly and familiarly vsed to haue about him , both at bed & at borde . Vpon a time the king sitting at meate , and séeing ( belike ) in this Iohn Scotus . somewhat which séemed not very courtly : cast forth a mery word , asking him what difference there was betwene a Scot and a Sot ? Whervnto the Scot sitting ouer against the king , somewhat lower , replyed agayne sodenly , rather than aduisedly , ( yet merily ) saying : Mensa tantum , that is , the table onely : importing himselfe to be the Scot , and so by crafte calling the king a Sot. Which thing the king tooke in good parte , and laughed it out .

Xerxes séeing Grecian spyes come to viewe his armie , dyd them no harme , but ledde them about , shewing them all his armie , and let them go vnhurt .

Laurentius Palatine of Hungarie said , that Sigismunde the Emperoure dyd foolishly , Lycost . who not onely forgaue his enimies their liues , but also intreated them as his friends , and bestowed much liberalitie vpon them : to whom Sigismunde answered , thou thinkest it profitable to kill thy enimies , bicause they shal make warre agaynst thée no more . But I kill my enimie with sparing him , and with my liberalitie I make him my friende . Ex Aenea Siluio . l. 3. commentarij de rebus ge●●is Alphon.

Of Iudges and Iudgement .

PHilip king of Macedonie , sitting in iudgement in a certen cause of one Macheta , slumbring , and not tending the cause , vnaduisedly condemned Macheta . But he cried out , and said , I appeale . Appeale ( quod the king ) vnto whom dost thou appeale ? Vnto thée O king ( quod he ) if thou wilt awake & heare me . Whervpon the king began to awake & be more attentiue in his cause , & perceiuing that he had done him wrong , he did not reuoke hys former iudgement , but payed him selfe the summe , wherein Macheta was condemned . Bruso . li. 3. cap. 10.

Alexander Seuerus did beare such stomacke agaynst corrupt iudges , that when he chaunced to méete with any of them , by commotion of his minde he would cast vp choler , béeing so moued with them , that he could not speake , and was ready with his two fingers to putte out their eyes . Bruso . li. 3. cap. 10.

When Cambises king of Persia vnderstoode that one of his iudges had pronounced false iudgement , he commaunded that his skin should be flayne of , & set on the chaire where he sat in iudgement , and where his sonne after him should sit to giue sentence . Brus . li 3. cap. 10.

Marcus Antonius the wyse Philosopher , and mightie Emperour was wont to say , that priuate persons had many iudges , but Princes and Magistrates haue onely God to be their iudge . As by this example folowing may appeare .

Ex domino Foxo . Anno domini . 1105. two famous Archebishops of Mentz béeing right vertuous and wel disposed prelates , were cruelly and tirannously delt withal , & intreated by the bishoppe of Rome . Their names were Henrie and Christian . This Henry hauing intelligence that he was complayned of to the Pope , sent a learned man , ( an especiall friend of his ) named Arnolde , to excuse him . But this honest man Arnolde , in steade of an excuser became an accuser , brybing the chiefe Cardinalles with good golde : by which meanes he obtayned of the Pope those two Cardinalles to be sente as inquisitours , and onely doers in that present case . The which ( comming to Germanie ) summoned the sayde Henry , and deposed him of his Archbishopricke ( for all that he could doo ) either by iustice , or lawe , substituting in his place the sayde Arnolde ▪ vppon hope ( no doubte ) of the Ecclesiasticall golde . Wherevpon that vertuous and honorable Henry spake vnto those peruerse iudges on this wise : If I shoulde appeale vnto the Apostolike see for your vniust processe had agaynst me : perhappes the Pope would attempte nothing more herein than you haue , neither shoulde I winne any thing by it , but onely toyle of body , losse of good , affliction of minde , care of heart , and missing of his fauor . Wherfore I do appeale vnto the Lord Iesu Christ , as to the most highest and iust iudge , and cite you before his iudgement , there to answere before the high iudge . For neither iustly nor godly ( but by corruption as it pleased you , ye haue iudged me . Wherto they scoffingly answered : go you first , & we wil folow you . Not long after ( as the storie is ) the said Henry died . Whereof the two Cardinals hauing intelligence , sayd one to the other , iestingly : beholde he is gone before , and we must folow , according to our promise . And verily they said truer than they were aware of , for within a while they died in one day . For the one sitting on a iakes to ease himself voided out al his intrels into the draught , & miserably died . The other gnawing of the fingers of his hands , & spitting them out of his mouth ( all deformed in deuouring himself ) died . And likewise not long after the ende of these men , the foresayd Arnolde ( moste horribly ) in a sedition , was slayne : and certayne dayes , lying stinking aboue the grounde vnburied , was open to the spoyle of euery rascall and harlot . Ex domino Fox .

As Ptolome was on a time playing at tables , Licost . one came to him , reading the names of such as were condemned , with the crimes that they had committed , to knowe what kinde of execution eche of them ( according to their deserts ) should sustayne . But Bernice , Ptolomes wife tooke the scroule of his hand , and would not suffer him make an ende of reading . And sayde that he ought not go so vnaduisedly to worke , when they intreate of life and death , but leauing of their game , should go to it in earnest . Knowing that the lyfe of man is of greater importaunce , than a caste at tables . Which wise words of hirs greatly pleased the wise Prince , and after that he woulde neuer determine of so weightie a matter , before he had rightly & duly considered the same . Ex Aeliano . li. 14. de Va. hi.

When Zeuxis an excellent painter had portrayed the picture of Helena , Lycost . Nicostratus an other painter comming by , gazed a long time on the artificiall workmanship thereof . An other of his neighbours comming that way , went to Nicostratus , and asked him why he wondred so muche at so common a thing ? O ( quoth he ) if thou hadst mine eyes , thou woldest not think it common . Alluding to our prouerbe : Eras . li. 6. Apoth. A blinde man can not iudge of colours .

When Apelles had portrayed his pyctures , he vsed to set them foorth in the stréete , and sitting him selfe behinde a clothe , he woulde hearken what euery one sayde of his workemanship . It hapned therefore on a tyme , that hauing with all diligence portrayed a passing péece : a shoemaker came by , and founde faulte with the shoe , saying , that there wanted a hemme in the héele , which reprofe of hys , Apelles ( authorizing hys science ) tooke in good parte . But the next day comming by agayne , he sayde that the legge was not well formed . Wherfore Apelles séeing his blinde boldnesse : stepped foorth , and sayde : Ne sutor vltro crepidam . Nay let not shoemaker meddle further than the shoe . Ex Bruson . lib. 1. cap. 10.

Negabisus an affectionate fellowe sometimes would greatly commend the rude workemanshippe of the Paynter , Licost . and at an other tyme woulde disprayse very artificiall workemanship . Wherfore Xeuxes sonnes holding a paynting sticke in their handes , would laugh and mocke him to scorne . Wherewith when he séemed to be offended , Xeuxes sayde vnto him : as long as thou holdest thy peace , the children thinke thou arte a fine fellow , bycause of thy gay clothes , but as sone as thou thinkest to speake of some weightie matter , they contemne thée , Wherfore rule thy tong , and praise nothing wherein thou hast no skill , and knowest not whether it be well or euil . Ex Aeliano . Lib. 2. de vari . Brusonius li. 3. cap. 16. Erasmus Lib. 6. Apoth. Plin. pro Negaby . ponit . Alexan. Magnum .

Of Iustice and Equitie .

WHen Bias was about to condemne one to deathe , he began bitterly to wéepe , and to lamente the lamentable case of the man . But when one sayd vnto hym , why doste thou wéepe ? since it standeth in thy choyce whether thou wilt condemne him or saue him : he answered as nature chargeth me to bewail his death : so dothe she bynde me for nothing to depart from iustice and equitie . Ex Eras . ser. 44.

Antisthenes the wisest of the Athenian Philosophers , sayde : that a wise man is not bounde to humane lawes . Meaning that a wise man is only bounde to vertue , and in all things ordereth his life according to equitie and iustice . Laer. li. 6

When Cyrus was a boy , his maister gaue him this argument to teach him the rule of perfect iustice . There wer ( quoth he ) two boyes , the one great , and he had a little coate , the other little , and he had a great crate , nowe this little boye put of his owne great coate , and did putte on his fellowes little coate . Was this good iustice quoth the master , or no ? Yea ( quoth Cyrus ) for by this meanes eche of them had a fitte coate . Nay quoth his master thy iudgement is false . For iustice commaundeth to giue euery one his owne . And so tooke him vp and beate him .

On a time as Carolus Caluus the French king was sitting at dinner , and was serued with a certain dishe of fishe , wherin were two great ones and a litle one , after he had therof sufficiently taken his repast , he set downe the saide fishe to Iohannes Scotus , to distribute with the two clarkes that were sitting with him , which were two tall mightie persons , he himself being but a little man . Iohannes taketh the fishe , of the which the two great ones he carued to himselfe : the little fishe he reached to the other two : whose vniuste deuision the king beholding , reprehended him therfore . But he answered and saide that he would proue this deuision to be bothe iust and equall . For heere ( sayth he ) be two great and a little , poynting to the two great fishes , and him selfe : and likewise héere againe is a little one , and two great , pointing to the little fish , & the two great persons . I pray you ( quoth he ) what oddes is this ? or what distribution can be more equall ? Ex domino Fox .

Glaucus in all his dealings was a very iust and vprighte manne , only in one thing a little departing from iustice , he was greatly plagued therefore . On a time one Milesius tooke a greate summe of money to kéepe , leauing a certen token whereby he mighte knowe howe , and to whome to restore it againe .

But after long continuaunce of tyme , when the sonnes of the man that deliuered it came to require it , he woulde not deliuer the money before he had therein consulted the oracle . Wherefore he died without issue , and the name of hys house was cleane extinct and decayed . Bruson . Lib. 3. cap. 8.

Iohannes the Emperoure , and Henricus Duke of Corinthe , Lycosthe . being a long tyme at variance for the kingdome of Boheme : there came one vnto this Iohannes , who promised that if he shoulde haue any thing for his laboure , he wold poyson the Duke his ennimie . But this godly Emperoure so embraced iustice : that he gaue him this sharpe aunswere . If thou haddest killed Duke Henrie , I not knowing thereof , and haddest come to me for a rewarde : I promise thée I woulde haue rewarded thée with a halter , for imbruing thy hands with his regal bloud . And wouldest thou , thou varlet haue ben author of so horrible an acte ? Aneas Siluiu , lib 3. commentariorum de rebus gestis Alpho.

Ex domino Fox . On a tyme when the Abbot of a certaine Monasterie was dead , there came vnto the Courte of William Rufus then king of Englande two Monkes of the same house : who before hadde gathered muche money and made their friendes to the king , and offred large offred large offers , eyther of them to be promoted vnto that dignitie . Ther was also the third Monk , who of méekenesse and humilitie followed the other two : to the intente that on him whome the King shoulde admitte Abbot , he shoulde attende and wayte . The King called before him the two Monkes seuerally , & eyther of them out-profered the other , but as he caste his eye aside , he espyed the thyrde Monke standing by , supposing that his comming had also bene for the like cause , wherfore calling him vnto him , he asked him what he would do , whether he woulde giue more than his brethren hadde offred to be Abbot ? who aunswered the king and sayde : that he neyther hadde ( nor woulde if he myght ) offer any penny for it , nor by any suche vnlawefull meanes come by it . When the King had wel pondered his answere he sayde , that he was best worthy to be Abbot , and to haue the rule of so holy a charge : and so gaue it him without taking any pennie for it .

Of Laboure and paine taking .

DEmocritus being demaunded what difference was betwixt the painefull and the idle ? answered , the same difference that is betwéene the wicked and the godly . Lycost . For the labourer hopeth for his rewarde , whereas the idle persone , respecting his present estate , is content to take his ease , and to liue a miserable and beggerly life . Ex Maxi. ser. 32.

The wise man in his Prouerbes , reproueth the sluggardes in thys wise . Go to the Pismire , O thou sluggard : beholde her wayes , and be wise . For shée hauing no guide , gouernoure , nor ruler , prepareth hir meat in sommer , and gathereth hir foode in haruest . How long wilt thou sleepe O thou sluggarde ? when wilt thou awake out of thy sléepe ? Yet a litle sléepe , a little slumber , a little folding of thy handes together : Therefore thy pouertie commeth on as a trauailer by the way , and thy necessitie as an armed man .

The Corinthians hearing that Phillip king of Macedonie , was comming to inuade theyr kingdome : began euery man to doe his endeuoure to resist his force . One in making fitte his armoure , an other in gathering of stones togither . Be made the wals hygher , and the other made the fortresses stronger , and to be shorte , euery one did somewhat which might tende to the defence and sauegard of the Citie . Which thing when Diogines saw ( bicause he had no other thing to do ) he began to roll and tumble his tun . Whereat when one of his fréends wondered , and asked what he meaned thereby ? He answeared , bicause I alone will not be idle , when all these are so busily occupied . Guido Bitur . tit. de Disidia .

When one tolde Socrates that hée woulde very faine goe to Olympia , Lycost . but that he feared least he shoulde not be able to endure the laboure and paynes : Socrates answered him , I know thou vsest to walk betwene thy meales , which walke if thou vse onwardes thy way to Olympus , within fiue or sixe dayes thou shalte come there . Whereby the wyse man declared that it is rather a slouthful imagination , than oughte else , whiche maketh men afrayde to attempte any goodnesse . For if we should sustayne any labour , daunger , or coste , for some honest matter : Lorde howe we excuse our selues , detracte the time , and cast daungers ? Whereas commonly in a thing of no value , yea sometimes in vnhonest affayres , we nothing sticke to sustayne the like or greater paynes . As for example , exhorte a slouthfull truande to the studie of learning and vertue , and he wil straiwaies haue an excuse , that for want of wealth he can not sitte vp , and take paynes at his booke , that he is not able to buy bookes and other necessaries to his studie : and yet the selfe same fellowe for all his weaknesse can indure to sit vp whole nightes at cardes , dise , and tossing the pot , and so bothe spende his money , léese his credite , and gette the Ague , Goute , or Dropsie or some suche disease .

When one Matheus Siculus blamed Alphonsus for labouring wyth his owne handes : Alphonsus smyled and sayde , what hath God and nature giuen Kings their handes to do nothing with ?

The Lacedemonians vsed this prouerbe , put to thy hande and then call on fortune and she will helpe thée : Whereby they meant that we shoulde so call to God for helpe that we in the meane season be not idle our selues , for then our prayer shall nothing helpe vs . And as we know the he will prosper our workes that we attempte in his feare : Lycost . so oughte we to persuade oure selues that he detesteth idle and slouthful persons , and that his pleasure is that we shoulde take paynes for his blessings , not thincking him to be so folish that he wil bestow his blessings on them that eare not for them . Ex Plut. in Lacon .

Amis king of Egipt , amongste other his statutes , made an especiall law , that the Pretor should once a weeke aske an accoumpte howe euery one in the Citie liued : to the intent that if any were founde irle , or occupyed in any vnhenest science , he should be taken and punished as one greatly offending against the common wealth .

Aristotle woulde often saye that the roote of learning was sowre and bitter , Lycost . but the frute thereof to be most pleasant and swéete ▪ Meaning thereby that without laboure and diligence a man can attaine nothing ▪ But after laboure and diligence so applied , that there ensueth perpetuall rest and tranquilitie of mind . Ex Laert. lib. 5. cap. 5.

Of Lawes , Statutes , and Decrees .

PAusanias being demaunded why the Spartanians might alter none of their olde lawes ? Bruso . lib. 3. cap. 34 bicause ( said he ) that lawes ought to rule men , & not to be ruled by thé .

Anacharsis , no lesse pleasantly than truely , Ibidem , called lawes spider webs , bicause they take the silly flées , but let the great birds through them . Meaning that the pore only are punished for their offences , but the riche and mighty by bribing , and other shiftes , escape vnpunished .

When one inquired of Demarchus , Lycost . Ex Plut. in Lacon . Apot. why he was exiled his Countrey , being himselfe Prince therof ? He answeared , bicause that oure Spartantan lawes are mightier than oure Princes . Meaning that albeit he were Prince of the Citie : yet he ought to be ruled , & guided by the law . Herein shewing a Princely modestie , in so quietly taking his exile , and so nobly authorizing his countrey lawes : Who did not repine , but spake well of the rigoure of his countrymen .

Antiochus the thirde wrote vnto his citizens , willing them , that if he chanced to wryte any thing vnto them , Lycost . which were contrary to the order of their law : thei shuld not accept it , but account it wrytten without his consent , or knowledge . For Princes sometimes for pleasing of parties wryte suche things as they would be lothe to haue accomplised . Wherefore , what so euer is contrary to the law , Eras li. 5. Apo Ex Plut. ought to be accompted as a thing forged , and not consented vnto by the Prince : who oughte to defend , and not to infringe his lawes and customes .

The Lacedaemonians had a lawe that in warring with their ennimies , Lycost . who so fled out of the fielde , shoulde be apprehended and put to deathe . But it hapned that fighting agaynste the Remaynes at a fielde called Leuctria , the greatest part of the Armie tooke their héeles : wherefore the Captains being destitute of ayde on the one syde , were loth to put so great a multitude of theyr souldiers to death : & on the other side were as lothe to haue their lawes infringed . So that they desired Agesilaus a valiant captain & a wise ceūseller to take so me order herein , wherevpon going vp into the pulpet , he began in thys sorte to insinuate the people .

My purpose is not at this time eyther to make any newe lawe herein , or to adde or diminishe any thing from your olde and commendable decrées , or in any sorte to alter or chaunge the same . But only thys I counsell and thinke good , that the Statute in thys case enacted , shall from to morrowe forewardes take date for euer hereafter to be executed . And so by thys shift he defended the citie from present danger , and prouided a remedie for the dangerous mutation of lawes , and all this by abrogating the lawe for one daye . Ex Plutarc . in Laco . Apotheg .

Augustus made a Lawe for adulterers , Lycost . howe they shoulde be iudged which were accused thereof , and howe they shoulde be punished which were founde guiltie therein . But afterwardes hearing that a yong man hadde to doe with Iulia his daughter , he was so incensed with ire : that he fell on hym and beate hym wyth his owne handes . Wherefore the yong man cryed out O Caesar thou madest a Lawe herein , but dost thy selfe contrarie to it : Ex Plut. in Rom. Apot. with which words Caesar comming to himselfe , and remembring howe he hadde violated his Lawe , was so sorie therefore , that that daye he woulde eate no meate .

Ethelstane sometymes king of Englande , prescribed a Lawe , Ex domino Fox . that euerie man shoulde paye Tythes of hys increase : whose wordes are these . Ego Ethelstanus . &c. I Ethelstane King , charge and commaunde all my officere through my whole Realme , to paye the Tithes of my proper goods , as wel in liuing and cattel , as in the corne and frute of the grounde , and that my Bishoppes likewise of theyr proper goodes , and my Aldermen and officers and heade men shall do the same . Remembring what Iacob sayd vnto the Lord : Of all things that thou hast giuen me I will paye the tenthe , and howe terribly God threatneth vs , that if we will not paye oure tithe , from vs nine partes shall be taken away , and the tenth only shal be lest vs .

King Alfrede his father deuised and set forthe many godly & holsome lawes : Ex domino Fox . wherein especially by him was prouided for the extirping and abolishing of al theft , and theues out of this realm . So that the realme throughe his viligante care was broughte to suche tranquilitie , or rather perfection at that euery crosse or turning way he made be set vp a golden brooche , at least of siluer gilded through out his realme : and none to be so hardie by day , or night to take it downe .

Vitoldus duke of Lituania , Ex domino Fox . desirous to differ from his subiectes , made a Lawe that all men shoulde be shauen , and no man to haue a bearde but he . But nature so impugned his vaine deuise , the he had no hair growing on his face . Wherfore still coueting to haue a knacke by himselfe , he shaued his head and his eye-browes , forbidding his subiectes to doe the like . And he would say that the people should obey the lawe , and the lawe be subiecte vnto the Prince . The words and workes of a right impious tirante . Who when he oughte to giue his subiectes example of obeying the law , wold himselfe be vnruely , and lawlesse , and deny that in life and conuersation , which he ratified in words and constitution .

Of Lasciuious loue , lust , and lecherie .

OVid in his booke de arte amandi , saith loue is I wotte not what , that commeth I wotte not whence , Ouid de Arte aman. who sent it I wotte not , it ingendreth I wotte not howe , it is contented I wotte not wherwith , it is felte I wotte not howe ofte , nor I wotte not wherefore .

And finally it taketh roote without breaking of the fleshe outwarde , or pearsing the intrals inwarde .

Diogines saith that loue is a businesse to set idle persones a woorke , Lycost . alluding to the verse of Ouid , in his boke de remedio amoris . Laert. lib. 6.

Quasi tollas periere Cupidinis arcus , Contemptique iacent & sine luce faces . Where idle minde is not in place , There Cupids craft hath lost his grace .

Estrasco a yong Romane that was dumb , and Verone a Latin Ladie that was dumbe also , sawe eche other at the mount Celio●te at a feast , and there fell in loue eche with other . And theyr heartes were as sore fixed in loue , as theyr tungs were tied with woordes . The yong Ladie came from Salon to Rome : and he went from Rome to Salon , by the space of thirtie yeares together without the witting of any persone . And at last died the husbande of the Lady Verone , and the wife of ●icrasco , and then they discouered their loue , and concluded a mariage , of whom discended the noble linage of the Scipions : which were more liberall in feates of armes , than their father & mother were of their tongues . Ex M. Aurelio .

Masin●●●a king of Numidia , and Sapharise a Ladie of Carthage , all only by one sighte , as they sawe eche other on a ladder , he declared his desire vnto hir : and she knowing his luste , breaking the ore of feare , and lifting vp the Ankers of shame , incontinently raysed the sayles of their hearts , and with the shippes of their persons ioyned eche to other . And so the knowledge of their heartes , the mariage of their bodies , the perdition of their estate , and the infamie of their name , in one day , in one houre , in one moment , and in one steppe of a ladder was agréed . Ex M. Aurelio .

Paris a Troian , and Helena a Greke , of two straunge Nations , and of farre countroys , with one onely sighte in the temple , their willes were so vnited , that he tooke hir as his captiue , and she abode his prisoner . In Paris appeared but small force , and in hir as little resistaunce . So that in maner these two yong persons , the one in procuring to vanquish , the other suffering to be vanquished , Paris was cause of his fathers death , and Helene of the infamie of hir husbande , and they bothe of their owne death , losse of men , destruction of Troy & slaunder to all the worlde . Virg. li. 2. Aenidos .

When Alexander would haue gyuen battayle vnto the Amazones , the quéene captayne of them , no lesse fayre than strong and vertuous , came to a riuers side , and the space of an houre eche of them beheld other with their eyes , without speaking of any worde , & when they returned to their tentes , their fiercenesse was turned into swéete wanton words . Ex Marco Aurelio .

Cleopatra in the Prouince of Bithinia , in the wood Sehin , made a goodly banket and solemne feast to Marcus Anthonius hir louer . And though she were not very honest hir self , yet had she with hir right chast women . And thus the banket endured a great part of the night , and the wood béeing thicke , the yong damselles were not so wilie to hide them , but the yong men Romanes found them , so that of sixtie daughters of the Senators . 55. were gotten with childe . Which thing made great slaunder to the people , sorow to the Senatours , infamie to Cleopatra , and dishonestie to Anthonius . Ex eodem .

When Pirrhus , the faythfull defendour of the Tarentines , and renowmed king of Epyrotes , was in Italie , hée came to Naples , and hadde not bene there but a day , the same season there was a Lady in that same citie named Gamalice , of a highe linage , and greatly estéemed in beautie , the very same day she was gotten with childe , shamed throughout all Jtalie thrust out of the citie , and slayne by hir owne brother . Ex Marco Aurelio .

Nero Domicius was a monster of so horrible vncleannesse , that he absteined not from his owne mother , his naturall sister , nor any degrée of kinred . And that ( more horrible is to speake ) he vsed hys filthy buggerie with Porus a boy , whom by magike and sorcerie he endeuoured to traduce vnto the nature of a woman . Bruso . li. 3. cap. 9.

Letus declareth howe that Maxentius béeing at a time farre in loue with a noble and chaste gentlewoman of Rome : sente vnto hir suche courtiers of his as were most fitte for that purpose , whom also he had in greater estimation than any others , and with suche was wonte to consulte about matters for the common wealth . These first fell vpon hir husbande , and murthered him in hys owne house : then when they by no meanes , neither with feare of the tyraunt , nor threatning hir death , pull hir from him : at length she desired leaue of them to goe into hir chamber , and after hir prayers she woulde accomplishe their request . And when she was gone into hir chamber , vnder this pretence she slue hir selfe . But the rakehelles , when they sawe the woman farrie so long , béeing therewith displeased , brake vp the doore , and founde hir lying dead : wherefore they returned , and declared this heauie happe vnto their vnhappie maister . Who was so farre past shame , that in steade of repentaunce , he was the more set on fire to attempt the like . Ex domino Fox .

Also Tarquine the proude , béeing a right goodly man in gesture , right valiaunt in armes , and of a noble bloud , as an vnhappie Prince , defiled all his vertues with vicious liuing , in suche wise that he conuerted his heautie into lecherie , and his power into tyrannie , for dooing the lyke villanie vnto Lucrecia , the chast Lady of Rome . Whereby he loste not onely his realme , but also caused the name of Tarquine to be banished out of Rome for euer after . Liuius li. 1. & . 2.

Of Liberalitie .

MYcippa in Salust said vnto Iugurtha , that neither an armie of men , nor yet abundance of treasure were so firme to retayne a kingdome , as a sure and trustie friende , whom neither golde can winne , nor sworde compell to forsake his friende . And suche friends ( saide he ) by beneficence & liberalitie thou mayest easily finde .

At the siege of newe Carthage , there was a proper yong woman ( who was the wife of one Lucius prince of the Celtibrians ) taken captiue , and brought vnto Scipio as a bootie worthy of so valiant a captaine . But he no lesse curteous & liberall , than he was valiaunt and martial , did in most honest maner restore hir agayne . Wherfore hir father & hir friendes gaue him righte condigne thankes , and offred him a great summe of money for hir raunsome . Which summe Scipio willed them to deliuer vnto him , and faking it in his hands , he deliuered it vnto hir husbande , and said : besides the dourie which hir father had bestowed with hir , he woulde giue that to hir mariage . Abundantly declaring his liberal & gentle disposition , both in restoring the damsell and refusing the raunsome .

Who on another time hauing taken Hasdruball king Masinis●a his cosin captiue , Brus li 3. cap. 23. gently intertayned him , and sente him home , with other greate presentes vnto the king his cosin . Shewing hereby that a valiaunt captayne oughte aswell to excell in liberalitie and other domesticall vertues , Bru. li. & ca. ●adem . as in warlyke affayres and prowesse .

Cymon was so gentle and liberall , Brus . li. 3. cap. 28. that whereas he had farmes , orchardes , and gardeynes in many places : he neuer set any man to kéepe them , but suffered who so woulde to enioy the fruits thereof : Accustoming alwayes , whersoeuer he wente , to haue one followe him with a purse of money , that if any one asked his almes , he might straightwayes bestowe his liberalitie vppon him . And if he sawe any one want clothing , he would do off his own apparell , and bestow it vpon him . And though this kinde of liberalitie be in these our dayes very rare , yet by reporte good master Foxe dothe to his power resemble this good Cymon .

When a certayne Macedonian was driuing a Mule , Brus . vt infra . laden wyth the kinges coyne : it happened that wyth the weight of the money the Mule was tyred . Wherefore the man tooke it on his owne shoulders , and beganne with greate payne to carrye it . But the weighte thereof was so heauie , that the poore man was forced to fall vnder it . Whiche when Alexander the kyng espied , he sayde : bicause thou shalte not be wearie to carrie so tedious a burthen , I giue it thée , take it , and carrie it to thy owne house .

When Ptolome had subdued Demetrius , he not onely spared his lyfe , but also lefte his tente vntouched , and gaue him . 8000. of his captiue souldiers without any raunsome , saying : that valiant men striue not for the death of men , but for honour and glory . Whose regall beneficence Demetrius wondering at , desired God to giue him occasion to requite him with the like . And so it came to passe . For Demetrius tooke Cilla a notable aptayne of Ptolomeis , captiue , and with lyke humanitie restored hym agayne . Brus . li. 2. cap. 28.

Amongest infinite foreine examples which I might here insert : I thoughte good not to forget a domesticall example of an English captayne in beneficence and liberalitie inferiour to none . In the reigne of king Edwarde the thirde , the yere of grace . 1 3 4 5. the king of England waging warre into Fraunce , sente thither Henry Earle of Lancaster , as generall captayne of his armie , who albeit he were a man famous and notable for his prowes in marciall affayres : yet in curtesie and liberalitie he surmounted all others , and almoste passed himselfe . In so muche that at the siege of Briers , wheras he had graunted euery man for his bootie the house with the implements therein , which he by victorie should obtayne : amongest other his souldiers , to one named Reth , fell a certayne house , wherein was conteyned the minte and money coyned for that countrey , to the value of a great substaunce . Whiche when the souldier had founde , in breaking vp a house where the first grosse metall was not yet perfitly wroughte , he came to the Earle , declaring vnto him the treasure , to knowe what was his pleasure therein . To whome the valiaunt captayne answered , that the house was his , & what so euer he founde therein . Afterwardes , the souldier finding a whole minte of pure siluer ready coined , signifying the same to the Earle , thinking so great treasure to be to much for his portion . To whome the sayde Earle answered and sayde , that he had once giuen him the whole house for his portion , and that he hadde once giuen , he would not call backe , as children vse to play , and if the money were thrise as muche , it should be his owne . Dominus Fox . Ex Chro. Albanea .

Dionisius the elder comming to his sonnes house , and séeing there greate store of plate , bethe of siluer and golde , cryed oute and sayde : O my sonne , thou haste no princely stomacke , which canst kéepe all this plate to thy selfe , and make friends with none of it . Meaning , that without the good will of the citizens , he shoulde neuer aspire to be prince , and hardely kéepe his kingdome , if he had it . But the vnskilfull yong man thoughte it better to haue a house well garnished , than to haue faythfull friendes abroade in the citie . Brus . lib. 3. cap. 28.

Iohn Patricke béeing sometimes a hardeand a sparing man , as he was at his prayers on a time , there appeared vnto him a comely virgin , hauing on hir head a garlande of Oliue leaues , which named hir selfe Mercie , saying to him , and promising , that if he would take hir to wyfe , he shoulde prosper maruellously well . Wherefore after that day he became so bountifull and beneficiall to the poore and néedie , that he counted them as his Masters , and hym selfe as a seruaunt and stewards vnto them . He vsed twyce a weeke to sitte at hys doore all the day long , to take vppe matters , and to sette vnitie where there was any variaunce . One day it happened , as he was sitting all day before hys gate , and sawe no man come vnto him , he lamented bicause that that day he had done no good . But his Deacon standing by , sayde , that he had more cause to reioyce , seting that he had brought the citie to suche perfection , that there néeded no reconcylement amongest them . An other tyme , as he was reading the Gospell , the people ( as their manner is ) wente foorthe to talke and iangle : he perceyuing that , wente foorthe a●●e , and sa●e amongst them , and sayd : where the flock is , there ought the shepheard to be . Wherfore either come you in , that I also may come in with you , or else if ye tarie out , I wil likewise tarie with you . Dominus Fox . Anno. 651. ex Polly chro . li. 5. cap. 10.

Osewie sometimes king of Deira in Englande , was a prince of wonderous liberalitie towardes his people , and no lesse deuoute and religious towardes God . Who on a tyme had giuen to Adianus a Scottishe Bishop , a princely horse with trappers , and all that perteyned thereto . This Adianus as he was riding vpon his kingly horse , there méeteth him a begger crauing his almes . Adianus hauing nothing else to giue hym , lighted downe , and giueth to him his horse trapped and garnished as he was . The king vnderstanding this , and not contented therewith , as he was entring at diner with the sayde Adianus : what mente you father byshop ( sayde he ) to giue away my horse I gaue you , vnto the begger , had not I other horses in my stable that might haue serued him ? but you muste giue away that which of purpose was picked out for you ? To whome the Byshopp aunswered and sayde : what be these wordes O king that you speake ? Why sette you more price by a horse , which is but the foale of a horse , than you did by him which is the sonne of Marie , yea the sonne of God ? He sayd but this , and the king fell downe at the Bishops féete , destring him to forgiue him that , and he woulde neuer after speake any worde for giuing away any treasure of his . Dominus Fox Pa. 164. Ex Hunting . de hist. Angli .

Of Mariage , wyues and women .

WHen the realme of Carthage was flourishing in riches , and happy in armes , they ruled the common wealth by wise Philosophers , and sustayned it by discrete armies on the sea . At which tyme Arminius the Philosopher was aswell estéemed amongest them , as Demosthenes amongest the Gréekes , or Cicero amongest the Latines . Fourescore yeres he liued quietly , as a baron moste peacible of minde . And was as strange to women , as familiar with his bookes . Then the Senate séeing he was much broken with the common wealth , & withdrawen from al naturall recreation , they desired him with gret instance to be maried , that mentorie mighte be had of so wise a man in time to come . But she more importunate they were , the more he resisted , and sayde : I will not be marryed . For if she be foule , I shall abhorre hir : If shee be riche I muste suffer hir : if she be poore , I muste mayntayne hir : if she be faire , I muste take heede of hir : if she be a shrewe , I canne not suffer hir . And the least pestilence of all these is inough to slea a thousande menue . Ex Marco Aurelio .

When one asked Socrates whether it were better to marrie , or to liue single ? He answered : whether of bothe thou doest , it shall repente thée . For if thou marrie not , thou shalte liue solitarily , thou shalte dye withoute issue , and a straunge ▪ shall inherite thy lande : on the other side , if thou take a wise , thou shalte haue perpetual vexation and continuall complayning . Hir dourie shall be caste in thy dishe , hir kinsefolkes shall bend the browes at thée , and hir mother shall speake hir pleasure by thée . And besides this , little knoweth the father what shall be the ende of his children . Brus . li. 7. ca. 22. Laer. li. 2. ca. 5.

When Cneius Pompeius passed the Orient , on the mountaynes Rifees he founde a manner of people called Masagetes , whiche hadde a lawe , that euery inhabitaunte shoulde haue two tunnes or fattes ( bicause they had no houses to dwell in . ) In one of them was conteyned the husbande , their sonnes , and their menne seruauntes , and in the other the wyfe , the daughters , and their mayd seruaunts . On the holidayes they did eate togither , and once a wéeke lay togither . Hereat when Pompei wondred , & demaunded the cause therof , they answered : because the Gods haue giuen vs but a shorte life ( for none of vs may lius aboue lx. yeres at the moste ) those yeares we indeuour to liue in peace and tranquilitie . And in hauing our wyues still with vs , wée shoulde liue euer dying . For wée shoulde passe the nyghtes in hearing their complayntes , and the day in abyding their chidinges and braul●●ges , but in kéeping them this wyse a parse from vs , they nourishe their children more peaceable , and eschews the noyse which slayeth their fathers . Ex Marco Aurelio .

But hereof Palingenius passingly intreateth in this sorte .

Sed for san multi dubitant , an caelibe vita Coniugium melius : namque vxor sepe superb' est Litigiosa , ferox , demeus et adultera saepe . &c. Englished thus : But some perchaunce will doute The mariage or the single life , which best of them : for stoute And proude the wiues are often seene , and ofte to chide and brall , And catche their husbands by the pates , and often nought withall : Besides , the cares of children vexe , whom greeues the sicknesse rage , Or else vntimely death doth take : the daughter comes to age , With monied bagges a mate requires , or else dame Lais schoole , Doth practise there , & staines the house : the sonne proues oft a foole , Limefingred oft , and harlots kepes , a brawling marchant stoute , A swearing goose , a ruffian wilde , a vile vnshamefast lout . He seemth not to be free beside , who so euer hath a wife , Must alter needes conditions all , and leaue his youthfull life . Forsaking frayes must bide at home , nor ride from towne to towne , Nor in the night time walk in the stretes in beating dores a downe , And keping Ione . It s nedefull then to liue aduisedly , And see thy goodes then not decreace , but may augmented be . Least in thy age the wallet come . Although these things be so Yet thincke I sure with maried bed and nature for to go , More better farre , as shee to vs of birdes and beastes vntame , Example shewes , how both the kindes them selues togither frame . And ioyne in one of duetie must , and alwayes so remaine , Encrease to get , and nourish vp their yong with equall paine , Wherby the kinde may still endure , and neuer more decay : For we as euery kinde of beast , are moude to Venus play , By natures will : a worser thing shall hap to thee be sure , If thou thy selfe wilt neuer seeke , this thing for to procure . And voide of issue shalt thou die , and yeelde thy corpse againe , A straunger then shall haue thy goods , for which thou tokest paine . And when that aged haires shall hap , and sicknesse shall thee hent , Who shall thy wearied age relieue ? who shall thy hurtes lament ? Thy brother or thy kinsman neare , or will do this thy freend ? No sure , for to be heire to thee , they rather wishe thine end . On thee aliue they wait and fawne , thy goodes at graue to take : And eche man loues , and feares thy good on thee no force they make . But nowe thy wife hir father leaues , and mother deare besides , With all hir house and houshold frends : with thee alone shee bides For euermore both night and day , and of thy seede shee beares A sweete and goodly golde polde boy of yong and tender yeares . And kindred eke to thee shee brings , and doth thy house enlarge , And helpes thee eke in euery thing , and takes with thee thy charge . Betweene you , all things common are , both good and euill things , Whatsoeuer harmeth one , hurtes both , and that which profit brings Vnto the one , that profits both . If sicknesse make thee weake . Or greater age , then doth shee straight exhort thee well , and speake . Shee comforteth thee , & helps thee then , shee neuer leaues thee there , Shee watcheth thee , and watching serues : likewise thy children deare , With all the meanes they can they kepe , for both theyr blouds are one , And image like : and when the day wherin thou must be gone Is come , thou art not cleane extinct , but shalt aliue remaine In them , who then shall represent theyr fathers face againe . But some there be that rather had in common harlots bed , Vncertaine children get , therfore they list not wiues to wed . Suche kinde of men I can not praise , nor wise I haue them thought , For wife with dourie helpes thee well , where harlots bring thee nought . A wife doth bring thee store of frendes , where harlots bring thee foes , A wife thou maist in safetie keepe a whore with greefe and woes . The one will trustie still remaine , the other false alway , And fearing to be cast at large , shee stealeth all shee may , And for hir selfe shee heapes vp all , hir state for to repaire , When thou hast pluckt hir bels away , and cast hir vp to aire . More , if thou kepest a whore , thy goods are but in queasie case , Of wiues are children lawfull got , of harlots bastardes base . To wed therfore it needefull is .

On a time when Socrates had inuited Euthidemus to supper , in the middest of the banket Xantippa Socrates his wife was so offended with hir husbande , that shee railed at him , and rising , ouerthrew the Table with all that stoode thereon . Lycost . Héereat when Socrates saw Euthidemus sore vexed , he sayde vnto him , why arte thou so offended with this ? Cansts not thou suffer my wife , as well as I laste day suffered thy hen to flée on thy takle , & ouerthrow the pottes , and other things that stoode theron ? Ex Laer. lib 2. cap. 5.

An other time , when Alcibiades asked him how he could suffer his wise so to chide and seeld with him ? He replied , and how chaunceth it then that thou canste suffer thy hennes at home to cackle ? I abide them quoth Alcibiades , bicause they bring me egges and chickens . Idem . And so ( quoth Socrates ) I beare with my wife bicause she bringeth me children . Ex Laertio li. & ca. supradict .

Also when one saide that he wondred howe Socrates coulde abide to suffer two suche shrewde wiues in hys house : Idem . He saide , that of them he learned pacience at home , to putte in practise when he went abrode . Ex A. Gellio , lib. primo . cap. 17.

When Anymus had bad one to supper , and sawe him displeased to heare his wife chide and scolde with hir maidens : he turned to his gest , and sayde : Good Lord howe impacient arte thou ? I haue suffred hir this twentie yéeres , and canst not thou abide it two hours . And so quieted his gest , Lycost . and caused his wife to leaue chiding and fall a laughing . Ex Adriano Barlando .

But as there are and hath bene many wiues , proude , malicious , deceitfull , and shrewde vnto theyr husbandes , so hathe there bene , and are many of that sexe , temperate in woordes , faithfull and louing vnto theyr husbandes , well ordered in theyr personnes , peaceable wyth theyr neighboures , honest in theyr familie , and shame faced amongste straungers , whereby they haue attained great renowne in theyr life , and left eternall memory after theyr death : Of whiche sorte as I could alleage many examples both Ecclesiasticall , forren and ciuill : so to delight the good I meane to insert two or thrée , as héere immediatly you shall sée folowing .

On a time when Camillus a Romane captaine hadde made a solempne vowe to offer a present vnto Cybilla , if he conquered his ennimies : when he had attayned the victorie , Rome was so poore that it hadde neyther golde nor siluer to make this promisse good . Wherfore the Matrones of Rome séeing their husbands had offred theyr liues in the said warre , went altogither into the highe capitoll , and there in the presence of euerye manne , presented theyr Owches hanging on theyr eares , the rings of theyr fingers , the Bracelets of theyr armes , the Pearles from theyr heades , the collers from theyr necks , theyr brooches from theyr brests , the girdles from their middles , and borders of theyr gownes . Whereby there was enough , Ex M. Aurelio . not only to performe the said vow , but also to prosecute the warre against theyr enimies .

Fuluius Torquatus being consul in the warre against the Volseos , the Knightes of Mauritane brought a wilde man to Rome , that had but one eye , whome they had taken in hunting in the desertes of Egipt . And the matrones of Rome were at that time as sadde and sober , as theyr husbandes were valiant and vertuous . Amongst others was the wife of that saide Torquate , who was great with child , and neare the time of hir deliuerance . A woman so honest for the sober solitarinesse that shée kept in Rome , that shée had no lesse glory in the citie , than hir husbande had abrode in the warres . For in the fourtéene yeare that hir husbande was in warfare in Asia , from the first time the he went thether , shée was neuer séene at the windowes gasing out , nor suffred man childe aboue the age of eight yeares , to come within hir gates , Yea where shée had left with hir thrée sonnes ( the eldest of whom was not aboue the age of three yeares ) assone as they came to the age of eight yeares , shée sent them away vnto theyr graunde father , to the intent that vnder the coloure of hir owne children , no others should enter into hir house . Those yeares passed , after the good olde Torquate was returned home , the saide Wilde man with one eye went by the doore of the sayde Torquate , and one of hir maidens tolde hir that it was a maruell to sée him . Wherefore shée hadde great desire to sée him , and bicause there was no body to shewe him hir , shée lost hir lust , and dyed for sorow , choosing rather so to doe , than eyther to goe abrode , or to gaze oute of the windowes to sée him , wherfore shée had this glorious Epitaphe .

Heere lieth the wife of Torquate , the chaste Matrone : That did aduenture hir life , to assure hir Fame . Ex M. Aurelio .

Almaricke king of Ierusalem , ( who destroyed Babylon , ) hadde a sonne named Baldewine , and a daughter called Sibilla . Baldewine from the beginning of his raigne was a leapre , and therefore not able of bodye ( all be it valiant in harte ) to rule that function . Sybilla his sister was marryed to one Wilermus of the mounte Ferat , by whome shée hadde a sonne called also Baldewinus . After him shée was married to an other husbande , named Guido de Lizimacho , Earle of Joppa and Ascalon . Vppon thys it befell that the sayde Baldewine the Leapre sonne of Amaricke , béeing thus féeble and infirme ( as is saide ) called his nobles togither , with his mother and the Patriarche , declaring vnto them his inhabilitie , and by theyr consentes committed the vnder gouernment of the Citie to Guido the husbande of Sybilla his sister . But he being founde vnsuffiente , or not luckie in the gouerning thereof , the office was translated to a nother named Raimundus Earle of Tripolis . In the which time , the Souldans with the Sarazens mightely preuailed againste the Christians , and ouer-ranne the countrey of Palestina . In the meane time Baldewine the leaprous king departed , whereby the kingdome fell next to Baldewinus the sonne of Sybilla by hir first husbande . But hée also dying in hys minoritie , the succession thereof by discente fell to Sybilla , the wife of Guido aboue mentioned . To whome the Péeres and Nobles of the Realme iayning togither in Counsell , offred vnto the sayde Sybilla , as to the lawfull heyre vnto the Crowne , to bée theyr Qúeene : wyth thys condition that shée should sequester from hir by lawfull diuorcement the foresayde Guido hir husbande . But shée refused the kingdome offred vnto hir on that condition : till at the laste the Nobles with the Magistrates in generall graunted vnto hir , and by theyr othe confirmed the same , that whome so euer shée woulde choose to be hir husbande , all they woulde take and obey as theyr king . Also hir husbande Guido amongste the rest wyth like petition humbly requested hir , that the kingdome not for his sake , or for his priuate losse , mighte be destitute of gouernement .

At length , shée with teares consenting to theyr intreatie , was contented , and solemnly was crowned for theyr Quéene : who after the manner , againe receyued theyr fidelitie by theyr othe . Wherupon Guido without all hope of kingdom and wife , departed home quietly to his owne house . This done , the Quéene assembling hir states and Prelates together , entred talke with them about the choosing of the king , according vnto that they had promised and sworne vnto hir : and to obey him as theyr king , whome shée shoulde nominate : the Quéene wyth a loude voice sayde vnto Guido that stoode amongst them : Guido my Lord , I choose thée for my husbande , and yéelding my selfe and my kingdome vnto you , openly I protest you to be the king , And woorthy ( no doubte ) was shée to be commended and extolled bothe for hir singular vertue of chastitie and high prudence : so tempering the matter , that both shée obtained to hir husband the kingdome , and retained to hir selfe hir husband . Dominus Fox . Ex bibliothaeca Cariensi .

Licurgus made a lawe amongste the Lacedemonians , that the father that died , shoulde giue nothing to hys Doughter . And that neither liuing nor dying , he should giue any thing to marie hir with : to the intent that none should marry hir for hir riches , but for hir goodnesse and vertue . And whereas nowe some be vnmarried bicause they are poore : so then they abode vnmaried , bicause they were shamefull and vicious . Ex M. Aurelio .

Of Magistrates and Officers .

CLeobulus sayde that that common wealth was most fortunate and best ordered , Lycost . Ex Stobeo , ser. 41. wher the Magistrate was more afearde to be euill spoken of , than to suffer the penaltie of the lawe .

Bias sayde , that that common wealth was happiest where men stoode more in feare of the law , than of the Magistrate . And Pitticus counted that realme in best case where the wicked do beare no sway nor authoritie .

Antisthenes being demaunded howe they oughte to order them selues that come to be Magistrates in the common wealth : Lycost . answeared , they muste doe as men that doe come to the fire , that is , they must take héede least they stand to neare for burning theyr shinnes , nor yet stand to farre of , least they be a cold still . Ex Stob. serm 43.

Agasicles being asked howe a manne mighte rule wythoute a garde to defend him ? Answeared , if he do so rule his subiectes as a father dothe his sonnes . Lycost . Meaning that if he were gentle and amiable vnto his Citizens , there can be no surer defence than they will be vnto him . Ex Plutarcho in Lacon .

When Cleon shoulde take in hande to administer the common wealthe , he called all his fréendes vnto him , and dissolued his olde knot of amitie and frendshippe , Lycost . as a great stay to kéepe him from equitie and iustice . Therefore also when Themistocles shoulde be made Magistrat , he denyed it , saying : he woulde neuer sitte in that seate where he mighte doe no more for his fréendes than for his foes . Ex Plutarcho in Lacon .

Chrysippus being demaunded whye he woulde beare no office in the common wealth : Answeared , bicause that if I rule not well , I shall displease God , but if I rule as I shoulde doe , the people will be offended . Brusonius Lib. 3. cap. 5.

Socrates was wonte to saye that it was a shame to sée that wher as in handy craftes , no manne taketh anye thing in hande , Lycost . wherein he hathe not benetraded : yet in administration of the common wealth oftentimes many are made officers , whiche wotte but very little , what belongeth thereto . Ex Eras . lib. 3. Apoth.

Antisthenes willed his Citizens to set Asses to ploughe , and when they aunsweared that Asses were not apt to that laboure : what matter is that quoth he ? For you make many Officers in the common wealth : which neuer learned the manner thereof , and yet when you haue made them , they serue the turne wel inough . Meaning that it was a thing muche more absurde , Lycost . to make an vnskilfull man a magistrate , than to sette an Asse to ploughe . Brusonius Lib. 6. cap. 5. Ex Laertio Lib 4. Cap. 1.

When the regall Diademe shoulde be sette on Antigonus his head , Lycost . before it was put on , he sayde these woordes : O noble ( though vnhappie ) crowne , if a man knewe howe full of trouble and misery thou arte , he would not take thée vp , albeit he founde thee lying in the streate . Max. Valerius lib. 7. cap. 2. Ex Stobaeo serm. 46.

Alphonsus the mightie king of Arragon vsed to say that Magistrates oughte as muche to excell priuate personnes in life and conuersation , Lycost . as they d ee in dignitie and vocation . Meaning that the life of the subiects shal best be reformed , when Princes and others giue others example of theyr godly and vertuous liuing . As by this story folowing may appeare . Ex Panorm . lib. 6.

Cato being Censor in Rome , was so seuere a punisher of transgressoures , and so feared for his good and vertuous liuing , that like as children in the schole hearing their master comming , runne vnto their bookes : so when he wente through the citie , euery one ranne vnto his businesse . Who when he tooke any euill doer , he strayghtewayes imprisoned him , and in steade of examination , the first thing he tooke hold of , was their hands : which if they had bene laborious and full of harde knots , though his crime were very gréeuous , yet his chastisement was mitigated and made more easie , but if the vnhappie prisoner chanced to haue idle hands , that is , softe and smoothe , he shoulde for a small faulte haue greeuous punishment . For the Romanes had this prouerbe : he that hath good hands , muste néedes haue good conditions . Ex Marco Aurelio . Lycost .

The sayde Alphonsus also called effites and dignities , touchstones to try the natures and dispositions of men , which can in nothing be so well perceiued , as in promotion and dignitie . Ex Panormita , de rebus gestis Alphonsi . li. 6.

Of Misfortune and miserie of man .

CRates sayde , that what state soeuer man follow , he shall be sure to finde bitternesse therin . In the field labour : at home cares : in a strange countrey feare , if he haue ought : in youth , folly : in age , weaknesse : in mariage , vnquietnesse : in lacking a wife sollitarinesse . If a man haue children , he shall haue cares : if he haue none , he is halfe maymed : so that one of these two ( sayth he ) is to be wished , either not to be borne , Lycost . or quickly to dye .

Xerxes séeing Helespontus swimming with his ships , and all the playnes therabout mustring with his men , said that he was a right happie man , & therwith began bitterly to wepe . Which soden alteration Artabanus his vncle espying , wondred , and demanded the cause therof . Oh ( quod Xerxes ) now I remember howe short & transitorie mans life is . For sée , of so great a multitude as here is , within this hundred yeres there shal not be one man aliue , Ex Plut. in Rom. Apoth .

When Philip king of Macedonie had subdued Cheronea , a citie of Athens , Licost . and thereby hadde purchased innumerable wealth , he began to be hautie and high minded , saying , that fortune hadde no power to doo him harme . But afterwardes béeing aduertised that his pride woulde haue a fall , and howe vayne a thing man was , he kepte a boy euery day to come to hys chamber doore , Ex Caelio . Rhodi . li. 9. cap. 33. and with a loude voyce to cry : Remember Philip thou art a man .

Also his sonne Alexander , as he was at the siege of a certayne citie , viewing in what place the walles thereof were moste weakest , was wounded in the legge with an arrowe . But at the first , not séeling the smarte thereof , procéeded in the siege , vntill in fine his legge waxed so sore , that he was compelled to take his horse , and leaue the fielde . And then he sayde : Euery one telleth me that I am immortall , and sonne to Iupiter , but thys wounde playnely sheweth , that I am a myserable mortall manne . Ex Plutarch . Lycost . in vita Alexand.

When flatterers came about Canutes ( sometimes king of Englande ) and began to exalte him with highe wordes , calling him a king of all kinges ( moste mightie ) who had vnder his subiection bothe the people , the lande , and the sea . Canutus reuoluing this matter in hys minde ( whether for pride of his heart exalted , or whether to trie and refell their flattering wordes ) commaunded his chaire to be broughte to the sea side , at what time it should begin to flowe , and therein sitting downe charged and commaunded the floudes rising to goe backe , and not to touche him . But the water kéeping his ordinarie course , growing higher and higher , began to wash him welfauouredly : Wherfore the king starte backe , and sayde : Lo , ye call me a mightie king , and yet I can not commaunde this little water to stay , but it is like to droune me . Dominus Fox . Ex Polli . li. 7. Hunting . li. 6.

A scholer of Zenons comming honie to his father , was of him demaunded , what profite he had attained by his long studie in Philosophie ? who answered that he would tell him , and saying no more , his father was offended , and thinking his coste caste away , he began to beate him . Which thing his sonne paciently suffred . Then his father demaunded him agayne to she we some experience of his learning , to whom his sonne answered : Lo this fruite haue I gotten by my Philosophie , thus paciently to endure my fathers displeasure . Ex Era. l. 8. Lycost . A poth .

When one stroke Socrates with hys héeles , and his friends sayde that they wondred howe he could put vp so great an iniurie , he aunswered them : what and if an asse should kicke you , woulde you go to laws with him for it . Another tyme when one gaue him a blowe , he was nothing offended , but sayde it was great pitie that menne coulde not tell when to doo on their helmets . Ex Eras . Lycost .

Pericles béeing rayled on and brawled with , of a brabling marchaunt , Licost . saide nothing , but went his wayes home , and when the other folowed him , incessantly scolding with him ( béeing late in the nighte ) he caused his man to light a candle , and brought him home .

Augustus lying at a certayne village in the countrey , coulde not take his rest , for an Owle which euery nighte awaked him . Wherefore he willed some body to take the Owle . Whiche thing a souldier , béeing skilfull in byrde-taking , accordingly accomplyshed , and hoping to haue some greate rewarde for his labour , brought him to Augustus . Who commended hym for his diligence , and bidde one gyue hym a thousande pounde for his paynes . But the mallaperte souldioure sayde , that he had rather let hir go , than take so little for hir , and so let hir goe in déeds . Wherwith Augustus was nothing moued or offended . Li. 5. cap. 4.

Crates after he had by shipwracke , loste all that he had , was nothing gréeued , but with a meric chere sayde this : Go too fortune , I knowe what thou meanest , I am sure thou intendest nothing else , but to cal me to Philosophie , and I am well content to come thither as thou callest me . Lycost . Ex Laer.

Of Fathers and their loue towards their children .

SEleucus had a sonne named Antiochus , Bruso . of comely gesture , and valiant in armes , who comming to youthly yeres , fel in loue with Stratonice , his mother in lawe , & his fathers wife . But fearing and shaming to disclose it , it so payned him , that he was sicke and like to dye thereof . Wherfore his father caused many Phisitians to be sent for , to knowe , & to cure ( if it were possible ) his sonnes sickenesse . Amongest the reste one named Eristratus perceiued the effecte and cause thereof . For when Stratonice hys mother in lawe came in to visite him , strayghtwayes his colour began to rise , and his pulses to beat , and when she departed , his colour vaded , & his sickenesse increased . Wherefore calling Seleucus vnto him ( who was wonderous pensius for his son ) he tolde him that Antiochus his sonne was sicke with loue . Then the carefull father earnestly desired him , to disclose the partie that caused hys sonne so to fare : to whome Eristratus answered : O king it is my wife that thy sonne so loueth . Immediately Seleucus with many teares desired him to accord vnto his sonnes wil , and to saue his life . O king ( quoth the Phisition ) this is soone spoken , but if it were your wife that he were so in loue with ( as wel as you loue him ) I beléeue you would tell me an other tale . Oh no ( quoth the king ) there is nothing so harde , but to saue his lyfe I coulde well finde in my harte to doo it . Why then ( quoth Eristratus ) you muste be your owne Phisition , for it is your wife Stratonice that causeth him to féele this payne . And so the louing father was content to forsake his owne pleasure , to redresse the payne of his sonne , and maried him vnto Stratonice his wife . Li. 5. cap. 4.

Agesilaus so intirely loued his children , that he would play and ryde on a sticke with them . And when one of hys friends came in , and sawe him so playing with them , Agesilaus desired him that he woulde tell no body thereof , vntill that he had children of his owne . Meaning that then he shoulde him selfe proue and féele the great loue & affection which nature causeth parentes to beare vnto their children . Licost . Ex Acliano li. 12.

The like saying is of Socrates , whom when Alcibiades saw playing with Lamprocus his sonne , he beganne greatly to laugh , and mocke Socrates therfore . But Socrates answered : why man is it so gret a matter of laughter to sée the father play with his children ? Holde thy peace , when thou hast children of thine owne , thou shalt do the like , and perhaps more foolishly than this . Licost . Ex Acliano .

Albeit Pericles hadde loste all hys kinredde , and his owne sister , yet he was nothing gréeued therewith : but when he had loste Paralus his sonne , he could not choose , Brus . lib. 5. cap. 4. but fell a wéeping and crying , and saide : Good Lorde kéepe Camillus , that I lose not him too .

When Absolon was hanged by the haire , albeit he had defiled his father Dauids bed , and had sought by all meanes possible to put him besides his cushion , yet when his father heard thereof , he coulde not contayne his fatherly affection , but bitterly wept and saide : O my sonne Absolon , my sonne , my sonne Absolon , would God I had dyed for thée , O Absolon my sonne , 2. Reg. 18. my sonne .

Of Pride .

WHen Aristotle sawe a yong man proud , which was indued neither with learning nor vertue , nor any other good gift , he sayd vnto him , I would my selfe no better than thou thinkest thou art , nor my foes to be no worse than thou art in déede . Another time séeing a yong man proude of a gay cloke , he saide : wilt thou not leaue to be so brag of a shéepes skinne . Anthon. in Melissa , parte . 2. serm. 74. Licost .

Socrates séeing Alcibiades proude of his riches , and of a ferme or two that he hadde : brought him vnto a Mappe , wherein the whole worlde was descrybed . Then he had Alcibiades looke where he could finde Athens therin , which when he had with muche a do accomplished nowe ( quoth Socrates ) shewe me your ferme héere : why ( quoth Alcibiades ) it is not here . And why then arte thou so proude ( quoth Socrates ) of that which is counted no part of the world ? Licost . Ex Stobaeo : ser. 20.

Chilon enquiring of Esope what Iupiter did , was answered that he was occupied in putting downe the mightie , and exalting the humble . Wherefore when Artabanus woulde dissuade Xerxes from leading his armie into Grece , he sayde : thou séest that the great beasts are killed with lightning , Brus . lib. 6. cap. 5. but the little ones escape : high houses & trées are blowen downe , wheras the little cotages stand stil . For God deliteth to put down the mightie from their supernall seates .

When a certayne Phisitian named Menacres had good successe in his profession , & had cured many desperat diseases , the people flatring him , said that he was a God , & called him Iupiter . The proude vainglorious foole thinking highly of him self , & wel liking this surname , when he shoulde write to Agesilaus , he prefixed this salutation : Menacres Iupiter to Agesilatis sendeth gréeting . But the king offended with his presumption , replied with this salutation , Agesilaus the king sendeth to thée Menacres helth . Wherby he meante that the Phisition him selfe was sicke , 2 and neded some pils to purge his proude stomacke , who beeing a man subiecte to mortalitie , would think so highly of him selfe , as to terme him selfe by the name of an immortall God. Licost . Ex Achano . li. 12.

When one Pambo sawe a woman proude , and very gorgiously attired , he wept & sobde . And béeing demaunded the cause thereof , he aunswered , that there were two thinges that caused him so to do . The one is ( quod he ) to sée the woman thus cast away , the other is , for that I , who beare the name of a Christian , do not so indeuer with innocencie of life to please my God , as this woman doth with hir gay attire to plese wicked & naughtie persons . Licost . Ex Pet. de nata . Eccle. hist. l. 8. c. 1.

Iulia , Augustus Caesars daughter beeing nicely apparelled , came so vnto hir father , who abhorring all pride , rebuked hir for hir ouer nicenesse . Wherfore the nexte day shee attyred hir selfe more soberly , and came and saluted hir father . Who sayde vnto hir : is not this attyre better than yesterdays ? yea quoth shee . For to day I indeuoure to satisfie my fathers , by yesterday my husbande his eyes . Licost . Ex Macrobio Satur. lib. 2. cap. 3.

An other tyme when one tolde hir , that she was a great deale more proude than hir father Caesar . She answered : my father forgetteth that he is Emperour , but I remember wel that I am an Emperours daughter . Licost . Ibidem .

When one demaunded Phitons wife , why she was not attired in gold as other princes wiues were ? she answered : bicause my husbands vertue is a sufficient ornament for me . Licost . Ex Stobeo . ser 72.

Tharsius Amphius béeing exalted from the state of a gardener , vnto great honor and dignitie , beganne to forget his olde friends . Wherfore one of them saide vnto him : if ye remember sir , we also sprang vp of the same séede that you did . Brus . li. 6.

Of Princes and principalitie .

PYthagoras sayde that a Prince ought so to rule , that he may be more beloued than feared of his subiects . For loue causeth reuerence , but feare causeth hatred and treason . Licost . Ex Stobaeo ser. 46.

Edwarde surnamed the Confessour somtimes king of Englande , describeth the office of a prince in this sort : A king ( saith he ) ought aboue al things to feare God , to loue & obserue his commaundements , & to cause them be obserued throgh his whole kingdome . He ought also to kéepe , cherish , maintayne , & gouerne the church within his kingdome , according to the institution of his auncientes and predecessors , & to defend the same agaynst al his enimies , so the god aboue al thinges be honoured , & euer be before his eyes . He ought also to set vp good lawes , and customes , suche as be holsome , & approued , & such as be otherwise to repel and put out of his kingdome . Item he ought to do iudgement and iustice in his kingdome , by the counsel of the nobles of the Realme . Also thrée seruauntes a king ought to haue vnder him as vassals , fleshly lust , auarice , and gréedy desire . Whom if he kéepe vnder him as slaues , he shall reigne well and honorably in his kingdome . Al things are to be done with good aduisement and premeditation , & that properly belongeth vnto a king . For temeritie and rashnesse wil bring a kingdome soone to desolation and decay . Dominus Fox . Ex libro regum antiq. in praeto . Londinensi .

Agesilaus would often say that a prince ought to excell his subiectes , not in nicenesse and wantonnesse , but in fortitude and temperaunce . Also he sayde , that a prince oughte to learne this lesson , to be stoute and cruell agaynst traytours and rebels , and to be gentle and louing vnto his citizens and subiectes . And he was wont muche to reioyce in this , that where as he was Prince and ruler of his people , yet he coulde aswell indure to take paynes as any of them . Yea when vs woulde haue his souldiers attempte any enterprise , he hym selfe would be the first that should set on it , and so for shame they woulde followe him in dooing the like . Licost . Ex Plutarch . in Lacon .

When one sayde vnto Theopompus king of the Lacedemonians , that then it should be well with the Lacedemonians , when the Prince knewe howe to rule the subiectes as he ought to doo : he replied , that that shoulde rather come to passe , when the subiectes knewe howe to obey their Princes . Meaning that the citie shall be beste gouerned , where the citizens will be obedient and ruled by their gouernour . For as the Gospell sayth , euery citie deuided within it selfe shall be broughte to desolation . Licost . Ex Fulgocio . li. 7 ca. 2.

Cyrus king of Persia , sayde , that no man shoulde be a Prince , which were not better than the people whom he ruled , and did not excell them in valiauntnesse and prowesse , aswel as in wisdome and knowledge . Brus . li. 3. ca. 33.

Fredericke the Emperour béeing demaunded whom he loued best of his subiects , he answered , that he loued them best which would so please him , that in no case they would displease God . A christian prince , and spoken right christianlike . Ex Aenea Siluio . Licost .

Alphonsus king of Arragon sayde , that those princes ought especially to be beloued & feared , which were louers and imbracers of iustice and equitie . Which Princely vertues who so euer is indued withall , theyr behest all men loue , reuerence and feare . As we reade of Cyrus , who not only in iustice , but also in all other princely vertues , was him selfe an example vnto his subiectes , and whose woorde was of as great a force as the oth of any priuate person . Ex Panormi . lib. 1. de rebus gestis Alphonsi .

When one tolde him that the king of Spaine should say , that it was not comely for a Prince to be learned : he said that those were woords of an Oxe , and not of a man . Lycost . ex eodem . For quoth he a Prince wythout learning , is nothing else but as it were an Asse with a crowne . Also , when it was tolde him that he was not apparelled like a Prince : he answeared that he had rather be princelike in manners and authoritie , rather than in his scepter and crowne .

Boso the last king of Araletensis commaunded the Bishop that he shoulde not goe to Euening prayer on Christmasse euen , before that he came thether . But when the Bishop with the rest of hys companie had taryed somewhat longer than his accustomed time , and sawe that the king came not , he went to seruice . Wherfore when the king came in , he began to chide with the Bishop , and was so moued that before all the people he gaue him a blowe . Lycost . Ex Munster . li 2 Cosmogra . Whereof the Bishop thincking to be reuenged , complained to Otho the Emperoure , who immediatly commanded that the Bishop should be beheaded . And when the Archbishop intreated for him , he woulde not forgiue him , but sayde that no woorde that came from the mouthe of a Prince , shoulde be spoken in vaine .

When one sayd vnto Antigonus , that all things were honest and iust , what so euer the Prince did , Bruso . li. 3. cap. 13. he answeared , yea , amongst the Barbarike Princes it is so , but we account nothing honest , which is not honest in déede , nor any thing iuste which is not iust in déede .

Alexander Seuerus the adopted sonne of Heliogabalus , was a wise , valiant and vertuous Prince , who bare suche affection to learning and learned men , that he would do nothing without their cousel and assistence . From his Courte he dismissed all superfluous and vnnéedefull seruantes , and sayd that he was no good pupill , which fedde idle seruauntes with the bowels of his common wealth . And amongste his other good vertues ( which was a rare thing in those dayes ) he was fréendly and fauourable vnto the Christians . In so muche that when the Christians hadde occupied a certaine publike place to some good vse , belike for the assembling and conuenting togither of the congregation , the companie of the cookes or tiplers made chalenge thereto . The matter being brought before the Emperoure , he iudged it more honest the place to serue to the woorshippe of God ( howe so euer it were ) than to the durtie slubbring of cookes and scullians . Ex domino Fox .

King Alfrede alias Alurede , Anno 899 king of Englande , in his youthe perceyuing him selfe somewhat disposed to the vice of the fleshe , and therby letted from diuers vertuous and good purposes , did not as many yong Princes and Kings sonnes in the worlde be nowe wonte to doe : that is , to resolue them selues so all kinde of carnall licence and sensualitie , running and folowing without bridle , whether so euer theyr licence giuen doth giue them leaue ( as therefore not without cause the common prouerbe doth reporte of them ) that kings sonnes learn nothing else well but only to ride . Meaning thereby that Princes and Kings sonnes hauing aboute them flatterers , which boast them in theyr faultes : only theyr horsses giue them no more than to any other , but if they fit not fast , they will cast them . But this yong king seeing in him selfe the inclination of the fleshe , minding not to giue him selfe so muche as he might take , but rather by resistance to auoid the temptation therof , besought God that he would send to him some continuall sicknesse in quenching of that vice , whereby he mighte be more profitable to the businesse of the common wealth , and more apte to serue God in his calling . Then at Gods ordinaunce he had the euill called Bicus , till he came to the age of twentie yeres . After this sicknesse being cured , he fel to another , which continued with him from twentie yeares of his age to . 45. ( according to his owne petition and request made vnto God ) whereby he was more reclaimed and attempred from other more greate inconueniences , and lesse disposed from that which he did most abhorre . Also he deuided his goods into two equall partes , the one appertaining to vses seculare , the other to vses spirituall or ecclesiastical . Of the which two principall partes , the firste he deuided into thrée portions : the first to the behoose of his house and familie : the second vpon his workemenne and builders of his newe woorkes , whereof he had right great delighte and cunning : the thirde vppon straungers . Likewise the other seconde halfe vppon spirituall vses , he did thus deuide in foure portions , one to the reléeuing of the poore , an other to monasteries , the third to the schollers of Oxford , for maintinance of good letters , the fourth he sent to forren churches wythoute the realme . Also so sparing he was of time , that he deuided the day and the night into three partes , if he were not lette by warres and other great businesse , the viij . houres he spent in study and learning , & other . viij houres he spent in prayer and almes déedes , and other . viij . houres he spent his naturall rest , sustinance of his body , and the néedes of the realme . The which order he kept duely by the burning of waxen tapers , kept in his closette by certaine persones for the same purpose . Nowe besides these other qualities and gifts of Gods grace in him , aboue mentioned : remaineth another part of his no little praise & commendation , which is his learning and knowledge of good letters , whereof not only he was excellent expert himself , but also a worthy maintainer of the same throughout all his dominions . He translated into English Orossius , pastorale Gregorij the historie of Bede , Boetius de consolatione Philosophie , also a Booke of his owne making in his owne tong , which in the Englishe spéeche is called a handbooke , in Gréeke called Inchiridion , in Latin a manuell . Suffring no man to aspire vnto any dignity in the court , onlesse he were learned . Do. Fox .

Next vnto this vertuous and learned prince Alfrede , of all others that I could reade , Maximi ian moste resembled hym in godly learning and in learned godlinesse : Who was so excellente expert in the toungues , but specially in the Latine stile , that imitating the example of Julius Caesar , he did wryte and comprehend in Latin histories , his own acts and feates of chiualrie , and that in suche sorte , that when he had giuen a certaine taste therof to one Pycharmerus a learned man , asking his iudgement how his warrelike stile in Latin did like him , the said Pycharmerus did affirme and report of him to Iohn Charum ( the witnesse & wryter of this historie ) that he did neuer sée nor read in any 〈◊〉 story a thing so exactly done , as this was of Maximilian . Moreouer , as he was himselfe right learned , so was he a singuler patrone , and aduauncer of learning and learned men . And for the maintenaunce thereof erected the excellent vniuersitie of Wittenberge . Dominus Fox ex Iohanne Carione .

Of Seruauntes .

DIogines had a seruant named Naues , who running away from his master his fréendes willed him to make inquisition for him . No ( quoth Diogines ) that were a sport alone , if Naues can liue without Diogines , that Diogines shoulde not be able to liue withoute Naues . Lycost . For he is the best Philosopher that néedeth fewest things , wherefore he woulde not séeme to be worse than his seruaunt , and to séeke suche a seruaunte that cared not for his master . Ex Erasmo .

When Xeniades had boughte Diogines , Diogenes ( as thoughe he had béene maister ) sayde , sée that thou doe what so euer I bidde thée . Marie quoth Xeniades , that were a merrie world , when the seruaunte shoulde commaunde the Master . No ? quoth Diogines , what if you shoulde hire a Phisitian , woulde you not doe what soeuer he prescribed vnto you ? Muche more then ought you being sicke in minde , to obey your seruaunt , who is a cunning Philosopher , Laerti . lib. 6. and cannecure your disease . And as much as the minde excelleth the body : so much the disease of the minde is more daungerous than the infirmitie of the body .

He also was wonte to say , that there was no difference betwéene the Master and the seruaunt , but onely theyr name . And that wheras the seruauntes serued theyr maisters , the maisters serued and obeyed theyr own affections . Wherfore he concluded that good and faithful seruants were better than their maisters , Laertius . li. 6 if they were voluptuous and wicked liuers .

Callicratides being demaunded what kinde of people the Jonians were ? answered that they were euill frée menne , but good bondmen . Meaning that they knew not howe to rule , Lycost . but coulde well indure to be ruled and gouerned by others . Ex Plutarcho in Lacon .

A woman of the Lacedemonians being taken captiue , and brought to be solde , was demaunded whether shée woulde proue an honest woman if shée should be bought , Lycost . Ex Plut. in Lacenar . Apot. yea that I will quoth shée , albeit I be not bought . And when he asked hir what shée coulde doe , shée answeared , all things that a frée woman should do . But when shée was putte to doe some seruile businesse : shée said , thou shalt repent thée , that thou haste bestowed thy money no better , and immediatly slue hir self , saying : that albeit shée were a captiue , yet a caitine or a bondslaue , shée coulde not , nor would not be .

A certaine seruaunt in Rome accused his master , that contrary vnto the Romane edict , he had hidden gold . And comming before the Tribune , he broughte the golde with him . Wherupon his master was broughte before the iudge . But his mother purposing by accusing hirself to excuse hir sonne , came and offred hir selfe as the partie guiltie , and sayde , that the treasure was of hir hiding : On the other side , the seruaunt refelled hir saying , and earnestly indeuoured to proue that it was his master that had hidden it . His master all the while stoode still and saide nothing . Wherefore albeit Brutus ( being iudge ) perceiued by his scilence this accusation to be true , yet hauing compassion on the yong man and his mother , dismissed them , and badde them take the gold with them . But séeing the vntrustinesse of the malapert seruaunte , who so greatly desired his masters death , he commaunded that he should be hanged , according to the law of Seuerus the Emperor , who made a lawe that if any seruaunte complained on his master , his complaint shoulde stande of no force , Lycost . but that he should be punished therfore . Ex Plutarch . in Rom Apoth.

When the Scythians hadde béene seuen yeares together in Asia in warre-fare , theyr wiues being weary , and gréened any longer to tarry for them , thinking that by this time they were cleane destroyed : determined to marrie wyth theyr seruauntes whiche were lefte at home to kéepe theyr cattell . Wherefore when the warre was finished , and the Scythians as conqueroures would haue returned home : theyr seruauntes in armure forbadde them theyr coastes . So that they wer compelled to wage warre with theyr owne seruauntes , who so stoutly resisted them , that they were as like to be conquered of them , as to conquer , or subdue theyr ennimies . Wherevppon one more wise than the rest , willed them to chaunge theyr weapon , remembring that it were not theyr ennimies , but theyr seruauntes and bondeslaues , with whome they had to do . And therefore not by force of armes , but by the authoritie of theyr maistership , they shoulde represse them . And so chaunging theyr sweardes into roddes and whips , on a sodaine they sette on them , and with shaking the whippes so terrified them , that where as by dinte of sweard they coulde nothing abate them , wyth feare of stripes they chased and put them to flight , not as conquered ennemies but as fugitiue seruaunts . Iustin . lib. 2.

When M. Antonius was subdued of Octaunus , he commaunded Erotes his seruaunt to thrust him through with his swearde : Bruso . lib. 6. cap. 4. but the faithfull seruaunte so entierly loued his maister , that making as thoughe he would haue stricken him , he turned the sweard , & thrust it through his owne body .

When Caepio was condempned for conspiring againste Augustus , hys seruaunte putte him in a chest , Idem cap● . eodem . and so conueyed him secretely in the nighte ouer Tibris vnto Napies , and there hid him and retourned home . And being taken and examined héereof , he coulde by no violence be induced to confesse where his maister was .

On a time as Appion lay a sléepe in a stable , a companie of armed men , which bare him a secrete grudge , came to kill him : but his seruaunt knowing of theyr comming , attired himself in his masters apparell , and lay him down in his place : And so the men rushing in , killed the seruaunt , Ibidem . supposing that it had bene Appion , and Appion by this meanes , being apparelled in his seruauntes attire , escaped with his life .

Seneca in his sixth Epistle , giueth this lesson to masters . Liue so ( sayth he ) with your inferiours , Bruso . as you would that your superiours shuld do with you And when ye remember what power you haue ouer your seruaunts , remember also that the same power your Lord hathe ouer you . Ex Senecae epist , 6.

Of worldly wealth , ryches , and prosperitie .

WE reade of many prophane Philosophers ( as Socrates , Diogenes , Bion , Crates , Anaxagoras , Pythagoras , and innumerable others ) who considering that worldly wealth could nothing lesse doo , than cause a quiet minde , as a thing of no worthinesse , neglected it , and as a thyng of no pryce , sette it at nought .

Whose consideration Plutarche by this similitude approueth as not vntrue . Likewise ( sayth he ) as a man going to the sea , and firste carried towardes the great shippe in a little bote , there beginning to vomit , desireth greatly to be at the bigger vessell , supposing to finde ease therein , where he is worse troubled with the same griefe than he was before : euen so a man béeing in a vyle state , and poore case , and not well content therewith , coueteth aduauncement to higher condition , and to haue his goods and substaunce increased . To the which things if he chaunce to attayne , he shall be more vnquieted than he was before in his former dignitie .

As for examples , Alexander the great king of Macedonie , possessing in a maner all the worlde , for all that was so little quiet , that when he heard Democritus disputing of many worldes , Brus . lib. 1. cap. 1. he wept bitterly , that he had not yet conquered one of them . Of the other parte , poore Diogenes , glad to vse in steade of a house , a tunne to lye in , Era. Apoth. lib. 3. and compelled with pouertie to liue with colde hearbes and water ( his mynde instructe with learning and vertues ) was neuer vnquiet , neuer carefull , no , he thought him selfe richer than Alexander , to whome he was bolde to say ( at which tyme he offred to giue him what he wold desire ) that he was in better case , and néeded fewer things than he . For as for hym he was well contented with his state , but as for Alexander , he coulde not be contented with the kingdome of Macedonie , no not with the kingdome of the whole earth . At whose securitie Alexander maruelled , and saide : And if I were not Alexander him selfe , I would wishe to be none other , but euen Diogenes .

Laertes , which to the sight of the world liued welthy , and wonderous quiet , yet was not quiet in déede , as witnesseth Plutarch . On the other side Metrocles vile & beggerly , in winter couering his body with a tub , Era. Apoth. lib. 6. for lack of houseromth , & in sommer taking vp his innes in the porches of the temples , faring no better than did the dogs of the citie : yet was he of so quiet a mynde ( vertue béeing the author thereof ) that hys quietnesse amongst writers shall be had in perpetuall memorie .

In Aristotles problemes it is demanded of riches , why he vsed to dwell with the worst , and so to disdayne the company of the beste ? Ex Hugone . who answered , that his minde was once to haue dwelled wyth them that were good , but Iupiter enuying this his purpose , put out his eies , and since he loste his sight , it was euer hys chaunce lightly to happen on the worst . It was also asked of pouertie , why she did stil visite the good men , and passed by them that were wicked and naught : she answered , that good men could tell how to intreate hir .

And so shal ye read that such murtherers as Tantalus , ambicious as Croesus , couetous as Crassus , and sicophantes as Cylition , had of wealth great abundance . And on the other part such iust and good men , as Aristides , Cato , Vticensis , Fabius Maximus . Anaxagoras , & Plato were euer in great trouble , indigencie , & affliction .

Manius Curius , was once a man of muche nobilitie , riches , and renowme amongest the Romanes . Howebeit afterwards as it fortuned , he became a very poore man , insomuche that his meate for the moste parte was onely rootes , colde hearbs , and wortes . Era. Apoth lib. 5. It chaunced that the Embassadoures of the Samnites then being at Rome , & hearing of his pouertie , whom they had knowen once to be famous and wealthy , came to his house to visite him , where they founde him in a poore chamber , very poorely arayed , and dressing his simple dinner , they after much communication about to depart , gently offered to giue him money , the which he refused , and sayde : kéepe your money to your selues , for he that can be content with such apparel and fare , hath no néede of your money .

Horace considering the whorish charmes of the worlde , calleth hir riches & ornaments matters of the great euill , and counselleth them that be lothe to be wicked , to hurle them into the sea .

Let vs therfore not passe for the lacke or losse of riches or other worldly thinges , that be so perillous : but rather prepare our selues to follow the counsell of Horace , though he were an Ethnicke : not in casting away our goods , if we haue them , but liuing as though we had them not . Imitating the godly riche Abraham , Iob , Tobie , in giuing and distributing them vnto the poore and néedie . And 〈◊〉 so shall we lay vp treasure in heauen , where neither rust nor mothes do corrupt , nor théeues breake through and steale .

FINIS .