¶ THE WANDRING KNIGHT DECLARETH his intent and foolish enterprise , wishing and supposing in this world to finde true felicitie . The first Chapter .

MANY HISTORIOGRAPHERS both Poets and Orators , as well prophane as diuine , haue by writing notified diuers persons , with their voyages & aduentures . First , Iustin and Diodore of Sicilie haue made mention of the Argonautes voyage by Sea : that is to say , of Iason and his alies , Castor , Pollux , Hercules & other Péeres , to the Isle of Colchos , to win the golden Fliece , which a great Dragon kept . Also Homer a Gréeke Poet , writ in verse the wandring and Sea voyage of Vlisses & his companions , at their return from the Troyan warres . After him , Virgil , a most eloquent Latine Poet , set downe in verse the voyage of Aeneas in Italy , with his fortunes after the subuersion of Troye .

Now if we come to the sacred Histories , we shall finde first how Moses wrote of the Children of Israel , their going out of Aegypt into the Land of promise , & of the xlij . Mantions that they made in the Desart , for the space of fortie yeares . And how the foure Euangelists likewise most faithfully haue written of the holy peregrination of the blessed Sonne of God , our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ , who tooke vpon him our fraile and humaine nature . The selfe same Sauiour hath set downe a Parable of the voluptuous voyage of the prodigall Childe , and his retourne . Saint Luke very notably and sincerely hath deliuered in writing , the painfull and holy perigrination of that great vessell of election Saint Paule , together with the great trauell hée tooke to preach the Gospell , and the faith of Iesus Christ , to all the Gentiles .

And now ( by Gods grace ) I mean to declare mine own voyage and aduentures , much like to that of the prodigall childe , who left his fathers house , and ranged into strange countries , wasting all his goods , liuing licentiously , but after he knew his lewdnesse , he returned backe to his father , of whom he was very louingly receiued . So I by great Folly counselled , in absenting my selfe far away , ( not onely in bodie , but also in minde ) from God my Father & Creator , haue wasted & consumed all the goods which this same my God & father had bountifully bestowed vpon me , in following the vaine pleasures of this life . But in the ende , I being inspired with Diuine grace , acknowledged mine offences , & leauing the dark Region of sinne and vanitie , through the aide & conduction of the diuine grace , am returned to mine eternal father , humbly requiring pardon & mercie : who of his vnspeakable mercie , hath louingly receiued me . But how all this hath ben done , I will declare all vnto you , praieng you patiently to giue me the hearing , & attentiuely consider my talk , & well to note the whole , from the beginning to the ende .

After I had passed in all folly and lasciuiousnesse thrée wéekes of the yeares of mine age : that is to say , my Infancie , childes age , and youth , which make together xxj . yeares : I entred into the age of a young man , which is the fourth wéeke of my age , which is betwéene xxij . and xxiiij . yeares . At xxv . I was minded to make a voiage by my foolish industrie to séeke where in this world I might finde true felicitie and happinesse , which séemed to my sottish sense , an easie matter , being young , strong , wilde , hardie and couragiously disposed . Me thought in my mind to liue in the world without felicitie , was a lyfe worse then death . But alas , being plunged in the déepe darknesse of ignoraunce . I considered not that true felicitie was the gifte of God from aboue , and cannot be atteined without his helpe .

Beeing robbed of reason , I thought it might come easely of my selfe , without the helpe of others : so that then I sought true felicitie , where she is not , was not , nor euer shall be : as in riches , worldly pleasure , strength , honour , and delights of the flesh . But I was in so thinking , as very a foole as he , who hopeth with anglyng lines , to take fishes in the Aire , or with Hounds to hunt the Hare in the Occean sea . Were it not thinke you , a great folly so to thinke ? Euen the lyke is it , to thinke that true felycitie is to be found héere in this wretched world . And forsomuch as in perfect felicitie is comprehended all goodnesse , and that this world ( as saith S. Iohn ) is addicted and giuen to all euill , and subiect to hunger , thirst , heate , colde , diseases , calamities , pride , ambition , couetousnesse , and voluptuousnesse , it is euident that those which héere be liuing , supposing héere to finde true felicitie , are worse then fooles , and voyd of right reason .

True felicitie is not without goodnesse and vertue , which commeth from God aboue . If it be so , why then is it not a most wicked and presumptuous opinion to thinke that by a mans owne industrie he is able to possesse and enioye the faire lot of true felicitie . Therefore euery one that thinketh in this world , he may come to perfect felicitie and true blessednesse , shall finde in fine as I found , for felicitie , vanitie : for good , euill .

¶ THE WANDRING KNIGHT DECLAreth vnto Dame Folly his Gouernesse , what is his intent . The second Chapter .

INtending to take my iourney , I considered that it was necessarie to vse counsell therein , knowing that whatsoeuer is done without aduise cannot haue good successe : as contrariwise , a matter discréetely attempted , is luckely ended . Then dwelt with me a damzell which ruled my house , whose proper name was Folly , the only enimy to wisdome . For euery thing that hateth the one , loueth the other . Ther is as much difference betwéen them , as is betwéene white and blacke , hot and colde , moyst and drye , lyght and darknesse , God and the Diuell : all which be contraries , and can not bée in one bodie together . Wisedome gouernes the good , Folly the euill : Wisedome maketh the euill good , when they yéeld themselues to be hir subiects : Folly maketh the good euill , when they place themselues vnder hir protection : Wisedome draweth men from hell , and bringeth them to heauen : Folly fetcheth Angels from heauen to dwell in hell .

I doe not tearme that Wisedome to know the vij . liberall Sciences , the qualities of the Starres and Planets , but I count him wise that hath the true knowledge of God . For , as saith Saint Cyril , Wisedome is that true vnderstanding , by the which the souereigne good , namely God , is seene , knowen and loued , with a chast loue and pure affection . Folly , is very ignoraunce , and false worshipping of God . Wisdome maketh fooles , wise , & Folly maketh wise men fooles . Tell me I pray you , can ther be greater wisdome then to serue God with a pure faith , and to obserue & kéepe his holy lawe obediently ? And contrariwise , can there be greater Folly then to commit sinne , and to disobey God , by transgressing his Commaundements ? It is not possible . For whosoeuer committeth sinne , hurteth himselfe , and runs headlong to hell , which is a point of very great folly . Therfore all those that faithfully serue God , and keepe his holye Commaundements , are wise and gouerned by Wisedome : and all those that transgresse the Commaundements of God , are fooles , and fettered to Follye , as slaues and Uassalls .

When I wandered in wanton wayes , I wrought my will , estéeming my selfe wise , but I proued a flat foole . Thus fostered by Folly , to whome I vnfolded my intent , which was to take vpon me a voyage to finde felicitie and blessednesse , I requested hir counsell , who without regard whether it were profitable for me or no , did not onely lyke of the matter , but also forced mée forwardes , and with flattering phrase commended my enterprise .

And to encourage me therein , she began to exalt my deuice , to commend my industrie and wit , to praise my strength , to aduance my vertue , to blaze my knowledge , to decipher my beautie , and to extoll all my qualities , saieng , that I was a second Salomon , to haue in my head such noble cogitations .

Héerevpon she promised to be my guide , and vowed , not to goe from mée in all my voyage , affirming that she had sundrie seasons made the lyke iourney , and that I should assure my selfe shortly to see the Pallaice of true felicitie . My sonne ( quoth shée ) I would not haue thée thinke , that anie euill or guile canne haue place in my heart . Thus comforted , or rather emboldened , I thought my selfe most happye to haue such a gouernesse , so wise , so graue , and so expert , for verye ioye whereof , my heart tickled within mée . But alas wretch that I was , my desire was alwayes after contrarye thinges : for I reiected whatsoeuer tended to my health : insomuch that to mée , sowre séemed swéete : blacke séemed white , euill séemed good , Follie séemed wisdome , light séemed darknesse : And follye had so sore bewitched me , that I neglected to doe the good I should haue done : And I was too willing to playe the part I should not haue played .

It is true that the wise man spake ( saieng . Pro. 11. Eccle. 32. ) There is health where many doth giue counsell , and he that taketh good aduise and counsell before , shall not repent him after . But it is forbidden to take counsell of fooles : For that they loue but what they lyke . There is an olde Prouerbe , Such as my Counsailour is , such must needes bee my counsell . It were against reason that a foole shoulde giue good counsell : For this is , euen as if Riuers shoulde runne against the Hill . Nothing canne be compared to good counsel , neither can any thing be worse then euil counsell : by the which the worlde is troubled , Realmes molested , Princes defaced , Kinges killed , Empires altered , Townes taken , Cities sacked , Lawes abolished , Iustice generally corrupted , diuine mysteries prophaned , mingled with mischiefe , and confounded : the true knowledge of God is forgotten , all reuerence to superiours neglected , shamefastnesse , sobrietie , faith , hope , charitie , and all other vertues defaced : all manner of warres both forreine and ciuill , attempted : O griefe , O plague , O cruell monster . Now to our purpose .

¶ FOLLY AND EVILL WILL PROVIDED the Knight apparell , armour , and horses . The third Chapter .

FOrasmuch as men oftentimes do alter their intents , Folly was busie & earnest to force me forward in the prosecuting my purpose , perswading me to put my selfe on the way , and saieng that such good meanings and enterprises should presently and without nay be put in execution , for feare of inconueniences that might ensue : and that to meane a matter without dooing it , was a reproch to anie person . Whereto I aunswered , that I would procéede , whatsoeuer followed therevppon : but my thought it was necessarie to haue companie , and other prouision , as apparell , horses and armour fit for such a voyage . My sonne ( quoth she ) I will take charge vpon mée , wherevnto trust : cast all care from thée , let nothing torment thée , be of good chéere , sléepe at thy ease , refuse no rest : for I will within few daies , bringe thée all such necessaries as thou shalt néede : and séeing thou hast submitted thy selfe to me , I will not faile thée . Béeing glad of those wordes , I rerefreed the whole matter to her discreation , and tooke my case .

Then Follie was acquainted with an armourer named Euill Will , whose companie she daylye frequented . This armourer was not alwaies occupied in forging armours : but also oftentimes he made shirts , hosen , doublets , & medled in all matters that his friend Follye appointed him to doe . To this armourer , Follye declared all my purpose , and he at her request made me a shirt of lasciuiousnesse , a doublet of lewde desire , hosen of vaine pleasures , armour of ignorauncie , a corselet of inconstancie , vanbraces of arrogancie , gauntlets of idlenesse , a gorget of lycorousnesse , a helmet of lightnesse , a bucklar of shamelessnesse , a quilt cap of vaine-glorie , a girdle of intemperaunce , a swoorde of rerebellion , & a lawnce , named hope of long lyfe . Then Pride prepared me a galloping horse , called Temeritie .

All these wicked weapons , with this prodigall apparell , and vnhonest armour , Euill Will prepared me , at Follies request . And what better seruice canne hée doe , séeinge he is depriued of truth and veritie ? For , as good will is the worker of all goodnesse , so is euill will of wickednesse . Iesus Christ ( who cannot faile ) saith in the Gospell . Mat. 12. Luke . 6. That of the abundaunce of the heart the mouth speaketh : the good man of the good treasure of his heart , deliuereth out good thinges : but the euill man cleane contrarie . For out of a sacke can nothing come , but such as is in it : and out of a cofer of precious pearles : we must not looke for colebrands .

And therefore surelye , séeinge , I haue Euill will to my Tailer , and Folly to my gouernesse , how can I do other then euill ?

¶ FOLLY APPARAILETH AND ARmeth the wandering Knight . The fourth Chapter .

WHiles Folly my Gouernesse , and Euill will my Armourer , prepared my appapell , and other prouision , I forgat not to cast all care behind me , as Folly commanded For when I was a childe , I did eate alwayes of the best meate , dranke of the delicatest drinke . I slept when I listed , I laye as soft as silke , I past my time in pleasures , trusting to my gouernesse Folly , in al my affayres . After I passed thrée dayes in pleasure , vppon a morning , beeing in my golden sléepe , Dame Folly came to my beds side , accompanied with euill will , and with them they brought all my necessaries . When they sawe mée asleepe in my soft bed , at that time of the daye , tossing my selfe euerie waie wantonly , they sayd , What pretie one , are you yet in bed ? It is late , arise . Ah my sweete friende ( quoth I ) I haue followed your aduice , I haue cast all care away , and taken mine ease in mine Inne : but I wonder how you are so soone returned .

What man ( quoth Follye ) knowe not you howe diligent I am in mine affaires ? I neuer rest till all thinges bee brought about , that I once take in hand . Then she put on me my shirt of lasciuiousnesse , ( most agréeable to my wanton will : ) and then all my delight was to be delicatelye handeled , pompeouslye apparailed , and soft lodged . After that , on went my doublet of lewde desires , alwayes enimie to the good spirit : then my hosen of vaine pleasures , tide together with pointes of delightes . When I was full of lewde desires , I tooke pleasure in nothing but vanitie : and as my desires were dampnable , so were my pleasures daungerous .

Then as I was ( making me readie ) Follye commaunded the Clarke of my kitchin , called ill gouernement , to prepare me my breakfast , of light and delicate meates , in dooing whereof my Cooke was more cunnning then euer Cicero was elloquent in speaking . And thus as Folly and I were merrily discoursing together , spending time till breakfast , I tooke occasion to aske of what age shee was , and also what iestes and fine feates she had , what people she had gouerned , and how she ruled them . Shée sayd that question was asked and aunswered long agoe . But as we rid on the waye , she would declare all , in the meane time she sayde , that she was aboue fiue thousand yeares olde . Howe can that be ( quoth I ) you doe not seeme to be fortie yeare olde . Yes ( quoth she ) thou must vnderstande , that I was borne at the present houre that the world was made , and haue euer since stoode in strength , alwayes in health , and neuer sicke . I shall neuer séeme olde , though I liue till domes daye . Fooles dye , but ( Follye ) neuer dyeth . Hauing euer bene in force , I forceablye doe reigne , in euerye corner of the worlde , and doe gouerne as well Princes , as poore people .

Now to the purpose , after washing in swéete waters , in came my breakfast , so sumptuous , that Partriges were estéemed palterie for Pages , Phesauntes for common folke . Breakfast finished , on went mine armour : but being once apparailed and armed , I cared not for my soules health . I had no desire to heare the worde of God , no feare to followe his commaundementes , or to doe anye thing fitte for a Christian , towardes his saluation . I did what I woulde , I sayde what I pleased . And after that I was couered with my stéele coate of ignorauncie , and my corcelet of inconstancie , I presentlye became inconstaunt and variable , oftentimes altering my intent , not for better , but for worse , out of one ill , into an other : I neuer ceased to acquaint my selfe now with one sinne , then with an other : dooing nothing that seemed good or honest . For such is the nature of sinne , that vnlesse it bée soone subdued , it will drawe vnto it an other sinne : as witnesseth Saint Paule in his first Chapter of his Epistle to the Romaines .

Then Follye put on my vanbraces of arrogancye , which made me become carelesse and presumptious , taking things in hand , farre passing my capacitie , strength , and abilitie , and not fearing to aduenture that which was aboue my reach , but beeing armed with arrogancye , vp went my curled haire , I aduaunced my selfe ignorantlye aboue others : then on went my gorget of gluttonye and lycorousnesse , the bréeders of all fleshlye sinnes , and chieflye of lecherye . For when the bellye is full with lycorous meates and drinkes , it warmes and heates the other members excéedinglye , which by and by wrestle and striue against the good spirite . But if the bellye were brideled from gluttonye , those rebellious members woulde bée subdued , as sayth the Comicall Poet , Sine Cerere & Baccho , Friget Venus . That is to saye .

From Wine and good cheere , thy belly restraine , And lust of the flesh small heate will containe .

Upon all this , Folly put me on an other armour , called Vaine glorie , which is of such a propertie , that the greater it grewe , the lesse I perceiued it : then on went my girdle of intemperauncie , which did let loose the bridle of lecherie , and all other fleshlye affections . To it was tyed my swoord of rebellion : so that then I rebelled against God , his holie commaundements , and all Magistrates and superiours . But if I had brideled my boldnesse , reprehending my selfe , my desires and affections , and had rested in reason , without rebellinge , then had I serued God , and obeyed my betters , with all duetifull reuerence . Dame Folly disguised mée with the helment of wantonnesse , vppon the toppe whereof was put a Pecockes tayle : so that then I might not suffer anye checke , for anie fault , but might and did mainteine my opinion against all men , giuing place to none whatsoeuer , learned , or in authoritie .

After my gauntlettes of idlenesse were once on my handes , I greatlye gloried of the giftes which were in mée , vauntinge my selfe to bée more riche , more wise , more stronge , more hardye , more gratious , and in all respectes better then I was . Manye times I boasted of mine imperfections , as of Dronkennesse , Lecherie , and such lyke . After on went my bucklar of shamelesnesse , which béeing about my shoulders , I blushed not to commit anye vilanye : I lead the lyfe of an Infidell , rather then a Christian. Unshamfullye I despised both God and man , nothing regardinge mine owne honour , renowne , or saluation .

Then I mounted vppon Temeritie my horse , with a Lawnce in my hande , called Hope of long lyfe . O deceiptfull Lawnce , more rotten then a Réede . Howe manye proper youthes haue trusted vnto thée , hopinge to haue béene safe and assured , and were deadlye deceiued .

This Lawnce once béeing entered in me , I interteined all vices , it euer hindered me from imbracing repentaunce , perswading me in this manner . Thou art young , make merrie whiles thou maist , for when thou art olde , all playe and pastime will bée past : then it will bee time inough for thée to repent . Béeing thus gouerned by Follye I thought neither of God , nor the Diuell , of lyfe , nor death , of heauen nor hell : but liued at my pleasure , dooing what I delyghted in . At last Folye apparailed her selfe lightlye , with a Cloake of feathers , and mounted vpon a Iennet , and opening her feathers and winges with the winde , awaye she flewe , and I also at a wilde aduenture , sette the spurres to my horse , and awaye we went both . Thus you sée that Follye is my guide , Temeritie my horse . Now , the first that shall repent this voyage must néedes bee my selfe , as you maye euidentlye iudge and gather before hande .

¶ FOLLY VPON THE WAIE SHEWETH THE wandering Knight , many of her auncient proceedings , and how many great and noble personages she had gouerned . The fift Chapter .

AFter wée were so farre passed vppon our way , that we had lost the sight of my house , I called to my remembraunce the promise which Dame Follye had made mée in the morninge , namelye , that shée woulde tell mée of her exploytes past , and what people shée had gouerned . And thus with flattering frase I beganne . My good Mistres , my louing Ladye , my heart , my ioye , my lyfe , my lust , my councell , my hope , my souereigne good , I desire thée most earnestlye ( if it please thée ) to let mée vnderstande thine auncient procéedinges , and to rehearse what people thou hast gouerned , how they were ruled , lead , conducted , and counselled .

Mine exploites ( quoth Follye ) are innumerable . Ten dayes are not inough to repeate halfe of them . Neuerthelesse to accomplish thy request , and to ease the tediousnesse of the waye , I will tell thee of the most principallest . First the worlde and I came together , and because I founde no man in the worlde , I ascended vp into heauen , and there assaulted the excellentest Angel of all the whole companie , called ( Lucifer ) who at my present arriuall , enterteyned and receiued me for his gouernesse , and so dyd manie mo of his coequalls . By my counsell he aduaunced himselfe to be fellowe mate with God , for the which presumption both he and his were thrust out of heauen , and throwne headlong into hel . That was the first of mine exploites .

Shortly after God made man , and of his ribbe fationed woman , these two were husband and wife , with them both I had much a doe , because they were full of wisedome and reason . I vsed the helpe and subtiltie of a Serpent , to tempt the woman , béeing the weaker , who with his deceiptefull wordes , wonne her to eate of the apple , which God forbadde to bée eaten . But after shee had eaten it , in the presence of her husbande , ( because he feared her sadnesse ) hée did also eate , to fulfill her desire and lust : wherein they both committed greate follye , for the which they were depriued of innocencie , of GODS grace and glorie , yea , they were banished the place ( appoynted by GOD for them to dwell in ) and made ( with all their posteritie ) subiect to eternall death , it was my second principall exployt .

Then began my raigne in the world , where I gouerned a number of fooles . I gouerned Cain the first borne , both of his father and mother : by my counsell he kild his good brother Abel the innocent . I gouerned the greatest Gyaunts that euer were of the séede of man , as the daughters of Cain , and the sonnes of Seth , I made them trust in their owne strength , not onely touching feates of warre , but I caused them also to contemne the word of God , and the knowledge of the same : I perswaded them to vse their lybertie , and to liue according to their lusts , in lecherie , and all other abhomination , without regard of the vprightnesse of nature , honestie , or the feare of God .

When Noe had preched fortie yeres space of the last destruction of the world , these obstinate Gyaunts being nusseled in all wickednsse of life , detestably turned all his admonitions and sermons to mockerie : Whereat God was wroth , and sent a great floud , which drowned all liuing creatures , sauing Noah and his thrée sonnes , Sem , Cham Iapheth , and their wiues . Gen. ●● Then I thought to haue lost my raigne in the world , but in short space they encreased wonderfully . Then I counselled them to builde an high Tower , which might reach as high as heauen , that in despight of God , they might saue themselues , if againe he meant to drowne the world . But God confounded their deuice : and where before all the world spake in one language , he deuided them , so that the Tower remained vnfinished , for the builders vnderstood not each others speach .

Then the posterities of Noah , were dispersed throughout the world , and I raigned amongst them euery where , counselling many Nations to forsake the knowledge of God , and to worship the hoast of heauen , as the Sunne , the Moone , the Starres , the Planets , the Fire , the Water , the Aire , the Earth , and to make Idols , and honour them , in the likenesse of men , of beasts and birds , and to worship them , so that the true knowledge of God should be proper but vnto one people , descended from the loines of Abraham , and they are the Iewes .

Then I demaunded of Folly , how Idolatry entred the world , & wher she took place first . My son ( qd she ) vnderstand , the Idolatrie hath been brought into the world by my means : The beginning of Idolatrie . For Idolatry took hir first original & beginning in Chaldea in the citie of Babilon , & in the region or country of the Assyrians , in the raign of Ninus the third king , which was the son of Bel , Bel of Nemroth , Nemroth of Chus , Ninus the sonne of Bell , and third king of Babilon . Chus of Cham , Cham of Noah : so the Ninus the third king of Babilon , was the first man that did ordein temples , & set vp Altars to sacrifice vpon , vnto his father Bel , & to Iuno his mother . First he fashioned their standing Images , & set them in the midst of the citie of Babilon , & that was the first beginning of Idolatry : other neighbours & nations did as much : the Aegyptians made the like by Osiris , surnamed Iupiter , the true son of Cham & of Rhea . The same Osiris , after his death was esteemed of the Aegyptians for his vertue to be a God , so that the matter by my counsell ( quod Folly ) turned to Idolatrie . For they offered sacrifice vnto him , & honoured him in forme of an Oxe or a Calfe : Exo. 32. the like also did the children of Israel in the desart to their Idoll , which afterwards was named Serapis .

But as yet Fraunce & Germany wer not infected with Idolatry , howbeit I did mine indeuour to make it more vniuersal , & ceased not , til that shortly after this pestilence had taken root . For the aboue named Ninus son of Bel king of Babilon , maried Semiramis ( that wonderfull woman ) who ( as it is written ) deuised , that all the male children shuld be gelded : of hir body begat he one son , named Ninus the second : & by another wife , he had another son called Trabeta , who by right of succession should haue enioyed the crowne of Babilon , but that his mother in law kept him from it , & tooke the gouernment & rule vnto hir selfe , & kept it in the behalfe of her young son Ninus . Trabeta then fering his stepmother , fled from Babilon , & after long trauaile he arriued in Fraunce , Trabeta wandred a long time like a vagabond from country to countries . not far from the riuer of Rhene , wher he founded a citie , & called it Treues , which is yet a very ancient citie . At that time was Gallia Belgica & all the country about it , which we call Low Almaine , first infected & poisoned with Idolatry , which was 1947. yeres before the incarnation of Iesus Christ . Ther Trabeta ) by my counsel ) made the picture of his grandfather Bel the son of Nemroth the great Giant , & first Saturn of the Babilonians to be worshipped in the citie of Treues . But afterwards Bauo , who founded the citie Belges , otherwise called Bauoy in Hainot , had taken by force the citie of Treues , & victoriously brought to Bauoy , all the tresure of Treues , & their Idols , wherwith also he brought his own Idolls from Phrigia .

By this meanes the error of Idolatry was more authorised . For by my counsell he built with the spoils of his conquest 7. meruailous , & mightie temples in his citie , which had vii . dores , according to the seauen planets , they had also a thousand towres , euerie one an hundreth cubites high , & xviii . foote broad . As for other nations , they were euen no other then the Babilonians , the Aegyptians , the Phrigians , the French men & the Germaines : for the good Patriarke Noah , otherwise called Ianus , hauing dwelt in Italy 82. years , & being 959. years olde .350 . years ( or ther about ) after the floud he dyed , before the incarnation .1967 . years . This good man was lamented & bewailed through all the world generally , but chiefly of the Italians , then called Lanigenes , & of the Armenians , ouer whome he first reigned . These people presently after they knew of Noahs death , they honored him as a holy man . For in those daies al holy men were counted Gods , as it is often mentioned in the holy scripture , Ego dixi Dij estis , & filij excelsi omnes , that is , I haue said ye are Gods , & yee all are children of the most high . And , which is more : they made him temples & alters , as now a daies Idolaters do vnto the saints of heauen , I ( quoth Folly ) made the simple people assure themselues , that the soule was remoued into some of the heauenly bodies , for the which cause they called heauen the Sun , & the séede of the world , the father of Gods , the greater & lesser , the God of peace , iustice , & holinesse , the driuer away of euil things , & the preseruer of good things . Againe , they called his successors , Ianus , Geminus , Quadrifrons , Enotrius , Ogiges , Vertumnus , Iupiter , Optimus , Maximus . Then I perswaded the people to offer sacrifice vnto him , as vnto god , by which déed they became al Idolaters , for if they had estéemed them no better than holy men , they had not sinned in that , for in déede he was a holy man . Marke what Austen saith in the tenth booke of the Citie of God : It is not lawfull ( saith he ) to offer any sacrifice to any Saint , be it Man or Angell , but onely to God . After the destruction of Troye , Aeneas came into Italy , bringing with him his owne Idolls , and the Gods of Troye : héerevppon Idolatrie tooke force , and increased more and more . I thinke ( quod Folly ) that this which I haue tolde thée already may suffice to declare , how Idolarie entred the world first . Thou hast heard also , how I gouerned Angells & Nations . Now thou shalt vnderstand how I haue ruled and ordered perticular persons .

After the floud , I first ruled Cham , Noahs sonne , who being wholly giuen to the Magicall Art , obtained and had the name of Zorastes . He hated his father , because he loued his other brother better then him . In reuenge whereof vppon a daye he found his father Noah drunke , lieng fast a sléepe vpon the ground , vnhonestly he discouered his fathers priuities : and ( by my counsell ) he presumed to touch those his secret parts , and inchaunted them by his Magicall Arte , so that euer after for want of abilitie , Berosus . he could not ioyne issue with any woman , to beget children . His Father being angry thereat , abandoned him for a season . After that , he became the first King and Saturne of Aegypt , insomuch as the holy Scriptures calleth Cham the first King of Aegypt .

Againe , by my counsell he trained vp his people , according to his owne nature , in all villany and filthinesse , openly affirming that men might lawfully vse and haue to doe with their owne mothers , daughters , and sisters , as was the custome before the floud , and also to commit many other vnlawfull déedes , which I am ashamed to declare : by the which doctrine , naturall virginitie was oftentimes violently assaulted and rauished . Then my friend Cham went into Italy , & vsurped the realme to himselfe . And whereas other Princes of his lynage in Germany , Spaine & Fraunce gaue good examples to their subiects , instructing them in good and godly lawes : he contrariwise , spoyled all the youths in Italy , corrupting them with all kinds of vices , as vsurie , theft , murther , poysoning and inchauntment , whereof he himselfe was the first inuentour , as all Historiographers hold opinion . But when his good father Noah vnderstood of it , he came into Italy , and hunted him from thence .

If I should write all the euill déedes of Cham , it would be a waightie peece of worke , and the matter would seeme monstrous . But at the last he conueyed himselfe ouer among Bractiens , a people inhabiting towardes the Indians , where by his inchauntment , the people became his subiects , and he raigned ouer them with great force and power . Yet at the last , he was vanquished and slaine in battaile , by Ninus king of Babilon , which descended of his race , by his son Chus . Thus ( quod Folly ) I lost my friend Cham , surnamed Zorastes , Saturne of Aegypt , the common enimie of God & man , and one of the most peruerse & vntowardest Tyrants , that euer was in the world .

I gouerned Bel the second king of Babilon , and his sonne Ninus : into whose heads I put a disordinate raging , so that they desired to liue alone in the world . And to bring this to passe , I counselled them to chaunge and cut off the golden age , which would haue all things common , peaceable , and in quyet . Héerevnto they armed themselues by all possible meanes , vndertaking to spoyle Sabatius Saga , surnamed Saturne , King and Patriarch of Armenia , so made and ordeined by his grandfather Noah . The same Sabatius was son to Chus , and brother to Nemroth , whom Moses called Sabatha in Hebrue , which in Latine is Saturnus .

Then the said Sabatius king of Armenia , hauing hardly escaped the hands of Bel & Ninus , he went for refuge to his Grandfather Noah into Italy , & made Noah king and Patriarch of the Aborigenes , & founded him a Citie on the other side of Tiber , which he named Saturnia : As Virgil declareth in a Passage , where he saith thus : Primus ab aethereo , venit Saturnus Olympo , Arma Iouis fugiens , & regnis exsul ademptis . That is to say . Saturne the first from heauen did flie , For feare of Ioues artillerie . He lost his rule and regiment , And lead his life in banishment .

For Bel the sonne of Nemroth , was surnamed Iupiter . And it is not likely to be true that some saies , that the same Saturne that was chased away by Iupiter , was Nemroth the king of Crete : but the Bible saith , that he was king of Babilon , which was far distant from the Isle of Crete . In those daies , they tearmed the chiefe man in euery house , Saturne : their sonnes Iupiter or Ioues : their daughters Iunoes , and their nephewes , Hercules : so that we finde in auntient Records , many people named Saturnes , Ioues , and Hercules .

But to my purpose ( quod Folly ) the aboue named Ninus ( by my counsell ) after the death of his father Bel , caused his Picture and standing Image to be made , commaunding euerie manner of person , to doe homage vnto the Idolls of his father and mother , and to adore them with diuine worship : and so he was as you haue heard , the first inuentor of Idolatrie . I gouerned Tiphon the sonne of Cham , in whom all his fathers vices abounded . He malitiously enuied the prosperitie of his brother Osiris , surnamed Iupiter the iust , who was a great persecutor of tyrants . It angred me ( quod Folly ) that so honest a man liued . Then I caused Typhon with other Giants to murder Osiris , insomuch that Typhon cut him in xxvj . péeces , and bestowed them vpon other Giants that helped him to worke his feate . But the good Hercules of Lybia , the sonne of Osiris with the helpe of his other bretheren , in foughten fielde kilde Typhon the Gyant , and the other Tyraunts , which consented to his Fathers death .

I gouerned ( quod Folly ) one Iupiter king of Crete , which countrie is now called Candie . But forasmuch as the Gréeke lyars , & other writers both Latin & French , to enlarge their lyes and dreames , attribute that vnto this Iupiter , oftentimes , which appertaine not vnto him , I would haue you marke well , that in those daies , the kings children & fathers of families wer called Iupiter and Iouis , notwithstanding ther are thrée of that name renowmed , as we finde in Histories . The first was Osiris the nephew of Noah , the son of Cham : who was no lesse good then his father was euill . That Iupiter begate great Hercules of Lybia : who was King of Spaine , Fraunce and Italy . This great Hercules was like vnto his father , a great persecutor of Tyraunts through-out all the world . He begate of Araxa , the young Tuscus , King of Tuscane , and Italy .

This Tuscus begate Altirus Blascon , of whom was begotten Camboblascon , which was ( as some say ) surnamed the second Iupiter , and worshipped in the world . Now this Camboblascon surnamed Iupiter , begate vpon Electra the daughter of Atlas , surnamed Italus ( of whome yet Italy beareth the name ) Iasius and Dardanus . This the lyeng Grecians , and many other triflers , attribute vnto Iupiter of Crete : which matter is in controuersie , and may be denied . For Dardanus after he had killed his brother Iasius by enuie and treason , he fledde into the Isle of Samos , and from thence into Phrigia , where he founded a Citie called Dardania , where he begate a sonne called Erictonius , and of him lineally descended Tros , who gaue the Citie Dardania the name of Troye .

This same Tros had thrée children , Illius , Assaracus , and Ganimedes , which Ganimedes was taken by Tantalus , the king of high Phrygia , & sold vnto Iupiter of Crete , to be abused like a Sodomit : which argueth that he begate not Dardanus the great grandfather of Ganimedes . The first Iupiter then you may perceiue , was Osiris , Nephew to Noah : whom Moses named Mesraim . The second Camboblascon , king of Italy , which some say also had bene king of Athens and of Arcadie : but I thinke that Iupiter of Arcadie , who begat Lacedemon , is some other beside Camboblascon . Howsoeuer the case standeth , certaine it is , that Iupiter , Ioues , Osiris , and Camboblascon , were contraries .

The thirde Iupiter renowmed in the world , was Kinge of the Isle of Crete : who bare in his Scutchin and Coate-Armour , an Eagle : but in his manners he was altogether giuen to Folly . For he deflowred Uirgins , he rauished wiues , abused young children , and committed all kinde of villanie that was possible , either to bée spoken or done . He committed adulterie with Alcmena the wife of Amphitrio , of whome he begate little Hercules of Greece : he did the like with Laeda the wife of Tindarus , of whom also he begate faire Helen . I loath to tell what deflowrings and rapes , he offered & thrust vpon diuers perticular maidens , & faire young children . But notwithstanding his vile life ( quod Folly ) by my meanes the rude people made him a God , & many false liars haue attributed vnto him , the noble deedes of the good Patriarch Noah , and his Nephew Osiris , surnamed Iupiter the iust .

Moreouer , they did not onely offer sacrifice vnto him , but also gaue him the title and name of Most excellent good , whereas indéed he was most euill : for he was an incestuous and Sodomitical person , and a common enimie to chastitie and honestie , insomuch that people openly in their stage-plaies , counterfetted , sung and descanted vpon the filthy lecheries and other villanies which he vsed , affirming that such Anticques and Pageaunts were most fit and agreeable vnto him . By meanes whereof , all his subiects gaue themselues to the same , saieng , that it was as fit for them so to lyue , as for their great God Iupiter . I gouerned little Hercules of Greece , otherwise called Alceus , the bastard sonne vnto the same Iupiter , whom he had by Alcmena , the wife of Amphitrio . Unto this same Hercules , the lieng Greekes full of vaine eloquence giue the name & title of great Hercules of Lybia , which is most false . For that Hercules of Greece , was the first Pyrate that euer roued on the Seas , and abounded with all vice , following the steps of his Father Iupiter the adulterer , in all respects : and as hée liued , euen so he died .

For being mad ( saith Seneca ) he slew his wife & children , & afterwards burned himselfe . But a litle before his death he made Philoctetes sweare , that he wold neuer disclose his death , nor the manner how he had bestowed himselfe : which thing he did of a vaine , arrogant , proud , & ambitious minde , euen to this end , that the people might report and beléeue that the Gods had drawne him vp to heauen inuisibly : but it chaunced not as he desired . Yet notwithstanding ( quoth Folly ) I perswaded the lienge Greekes that it was so , & made them worship him as a God .

I gouerned faire Paris , king Priams sonne , whose surname was Alexander . At the first he made no accompt of me , but leading a contemplatiue lyfe , he followed the lo●e of Pallas , the Goddesse of wisdome , mine aduersarie : but when Iuno , Pallas , and Venus , wer at strife for the golden Ball , which was throwne amongest them ( with condition that the fairest of them should haue it ) they committed the matter to the iudgement of Paris , surnamed Alexander : who was vppon the point to giue sentence in the behalfe of Pallas , mine enimie : but by my perswasion , afterwards he gaue it vnto Venus , my good friend , and of olde acquaintaunce : then for recompense of his foolish iudgement , I counsailed him to goe to Greece , where he rauished faire Helen . Heerevpon the Greekes in a great and mad rage prepared all their force against the Troyans , and after ten yeares siege against their Citie , they tooke Ilion , & put king Priam to death , insomuch that the whole Realme was defaced .

In that warres were killed many Princes and noble knights , as Hector , Achilles , & Paris also was slaine by Philoctetes ( the companion of the lesse Hercules , ) in a combat fought hande to hande . The weapons which they vsed were Bowes and forked Arrowes , wherewith Philoctetes wounded Paris in thrée places . First in his left hand , secondly , in his right eie , thirdly , in both his legs , which wer fastened with the stroke together . Béeing thus wounded , the Troyans carried him into their Citie , where shortly after hée dyed .

I gouerned ( quoth Folly ) faire Helen the bastard daughter of the third Iupiter of Greece , begotten of Laeda the wife of Tindarus , which Helen by my counsell , went from her husband Menelaus , and suffered her selfe to be rauished of a yong lecherous Troyan named Paris , surnamed Alexander , the sonne of king Priam. She brought bloud & death to Troye , in stéede of dowrie . For by her occasion Troye was destroyed , and Priam with the most part of his children killed . And to the ende , that her adulterous mate Paris or Alexander , should not leaue her , and goe to his owne lawfull wife Pegasis Enone , she bewitched him with certeine drinkes , wherein she was her crafts Mistres : which tricke when one doth vse , he is in such case that he forgets all things past , and all sorrowes present . When she was thus arriued at Troye , the good man her husbande Menalaus , with Vlisses , and other Greeke ambassadours , came to fetch her awaye : and king Primamus commaunded that she should be brought into his presence , offering vnto her franklye with lowde voice , that she should ( if she thought good ) fréely and with full libertie depart againe into Greece , with all her retinue , people , and pelfe . Wherevnto she aunswered , in the hearing of her husband and king Priam , with the rest of his counsel , and commons , that she was not disposed to retire to her countrie , wishing also that her husband Menelaus , that good man , might go to God , for she was none of his wife , neither would she haue to doe with him : and that she came not to Troy against her will , neither did she estéeme of his marriage .

To conclude , at length Troy by treason was taken , and raunsackt .xviii. yeares after she had bene from her husband , and all that space had liued in lecherie with two adulterers , she grew to agreement , and made peace with her husband Menelaus . But when she waxed olde , she looked in a Glasse , and séeing her face farre from faire , she fel in a lowd laughter , and flouted at the fooles that fought ten years together , for the loue of a thing that faded so soone away , but when her husband Menelaus was dead , two chiefe men of the citie of Sparta , named Nicostratus , & Megapentus , men of great authoritie , hunted Helen out of the citie & realme of Lacedemonia , without appointing vnto her any place or prouision to kéep her . Upon which banishment she came to Rhods , to hir auncient companion & friend , quéene Polypo , which was also then widow , by reason of the death of hir husband Tlepolemus , who was slaine before Troy . And when shée was at Rhods , quéene Polypo vsed her very well , but the yong gentlewomen hir waiting maides , hated hir deadly : for that shée was the cause that their king Tlepolimus was kild : insomuch that vpon a day they conspired together against hir , & gat hir into a garden , where then fastening a rope about hir neck , hung hir vpon a trée & strangled hir to death . This was the miserable end of Helen , who being dead ( quoth Folly ) I put into the heads of the blind people , that she was a Goddesse , by reson of hir incomperable beauty . For which consideration , they being , not onely Idolatrously & heretically , but also dampnably deceiued , built hir a meruailous costly & stately temple , & named her , with great deuotion , The Goddesse of beautie , & deuised many fals miracles & lies , the which for breuity I let passe . I gouerned ( quod Folly ) Pharao Amenophis , & Pharao Bocchoris , both kings of Aegipt : Exo. 1. who by my counsel caused al the male children of the Iews to be drowned , which people the first Pharao held in meruelous subiection . As for the second , I instructed him so well , that he would not suffer the children of Israel to depart out of his land , but in the end , being scourged by God , Exo. 14. he was constrained to let them go , & when they were gone , I gaue him counsell , in reueng , to pursue them with al his chiualrie & power of Aegypt , which thing he did : but the tyrant & al his company wer drowned in the red sea . I gouerned Chore , Dathan , and Abiron , counselling them not to obeye the commaundement of Moses , Nu. 16. whome God had ordeined chiefe gouernour ouer the children of Israel , but Chore , in offering Insence contrarie to his office , was atteinted , and 500. more of his faction with him . And for the rebellion of Dathan and Abiron , the earth opened , insomuch that they their wiues , children , and goods , were all swallowed vp aliue . I gouerned Saule , the first king of Israel . 1. Kin. 21.26.31 . At the beginning of his reigne , hée was good and godlye , but at last I enchanted him , so that he caused many of Gods Prophets to be killed , insomuch the in one day he put to death .85 . I counsailed him to persecute good Dauid , & to aske counsell of witches and sorcerers , contrarie to Gods lawe . Then at the last , being forsaken of God , he was vanquished with the Philistines , and with his own hands slew himselfe vpon the mount of Gelboa .

I was also so bold as to enter into king Dauids house , and by my counsell I made him commit adulterie with Bersaba the wife of Vrias . And notwithstanding that Vrias was his faithfull seruaunt , and good counsellour , yet I gaue him counsell to kill Vrias , 2. Ki● 1.12 by meanes whereof his sinne might he couered in marrieng of his wife . For the which offence the Prophet Nathan disclosed mée , so that my further meaning brake of , and euer after I was banished his house . I Also gouerned his sonne Absalon , who after he had killed his brother Amon , made warre with his Father , and draue him to Hierusalem , béeing nothing ashamed to enter the houses of all his Fathers concubines , Kin. 13.11 and to lye with them : but an Oke did execute iustice vpon that wicked child : for when he thought to escape with his Moile , the tree caught him fast by the haire of his head , till Iacob came with a Lawunce and killed him .

I also gouerned Roboam king Salomons sonne , who vnreasonably grieued and oppressed his people with taxes , and imposts : insomuch that when they requested to haue it somewhat eased , he did not onely denie their petitions , but also gaue them vncurteous language , followinge the counsell of his yong wanton Gentlemen , 4. Kin. 12. rather then the wise admonitions of his graue counsailours , by which meanes he lost the tenth part of his Realme .

I gouerned the great Quéene Iezabel , by whose aduise king Achab her husband worshipped the Idoll , 3. Kin. 18 21. Bale , and caused good Naboth to be killed . She persecuted the Prophets of God , and made manie of them to be put to death . Shee sought by all meanes to dispatch good Elias , but as her lyfe was euill , so was her death shamfull . For she falling from a high windowe , was ouertroden with horses féet , and eaten vp of dogges .

I gouerned Sardanapalus , the last king of the Assirians , who regarded not the gouernment of his Realme , but liued altogether in delights . He vsed to paint his face , and to apparell himselfe in womans apparell , he exercised himselfe in all kinds of vilanie and filthinesse , insomuch that when he sawe that he was forsaken of the greatest part of his people , that he had verie euill luck in battell against his enimies , and stoode vpon no ground frée from daunger of death . It chaunced one day , that being in the towre of Babilon , he set it on fire , and there burned himselfe and all that euer he had . I gouerned Cambises king of Persia , the sonne of good king Cirus , who by my counsel was giuen to gluttonie and dronkennesse , with other vises , not beséeming a Prince . Upon a time Praxaspes , one of his most excellent counsailours , seeing him immoderatly bibbing , reuerently told him that it was not Prince like : whereat the king was wroth , & commanded him to send for his youngest sonne , who being brought , Cambices caused Praxaspes to tie him to a trée , saieng : If I canne hit the heart of thy sonne with my arrow out of my long bow , is it the feate of a man that is dronke ? So Cambices shot , and cloue the childs heart in sunder , shewed it vnto the father , with a warning to take héede how to iudge his liege Lord , dronke . Then I made him marrie his owne naturall sister , and to kill his owne brother . It fortuned vpon a daye , that as the king & the Quéene his sister were at the Table , for his pastime and recreation sake , he had a young Lion let loose , and a mightie mastiefe or band dogge that the king kept . These two fought so long till at last the dog was lyke to haue the worst . Within the sight of this game , an other mastiefe was tyed in a chaine , both bred of one bitch , this band dogge , brake his chaine in hast , and came to helpe his fellowe , insomuch that these two dogges ouercame and kilde the Lyon . The king liked well of the loue and loialtie of these two Dogges , but the Quéene béeinge moued thereat , beganne to wéepe tenderlye . Which when Cambises sawe , he asked the cause of her sorrowe , to whose demaunde the Quéene aunswered in this sorte .

It is otherwise hapned to my brother , then to this Dog that was to weake for the Lion . For thou being his own brother , hast not shewed the like loue & faithfulnesse vnto him , as this band-dog hath done to his mate , for thou hast caused thy brother to be slaine .

The king being sore displeased & ful of indignation at hir answere , commaunded , that the quéene should be had away by and by out of his sight , & put to death : the which was done . But as that king came one day out of Aegypt , riding on horsebacke , his swoord by hap fell out of the scabbard , & hée fel likewise vpon the point of it , & was thrust through the bodie , & died . I gouerned ( quoth Folly ) one Catilin a Romane , a very seditious fellow , who conspired to kill all the Senators of Rome , but he was put besides his purpose , by reason that one Cicero opened it , and he with all his conspirators were killed in battell . I gouerned ( quoth Folly ) Herod & Herodias , to accomplish their lecherie , I coupled them in marriage , albeit she was his brother Philips wife , which vnlawfull marriage Saint Iohn reprehending & finding fault with all , for so dooing , had his head cut off . I gouerned Pilate , Annas , & Caiphas , in Hierusalem , with many Doctors , Priests , Scribes & Pharises : I counselled them to crucifie Christ , betwéene two théeues , as if he had bene a sower of sedition : which being done , I thought then that I had won all the world , but when I sawe that vpon the third day after he arose againe contrary to my reckoning , I lost a greate number of clients & subiects , who hearing the Apostles preach , quite abandoned and gaue me ouer .

I gouerned Nero , the sixt Emperour of Rome , who at the beginning of his reigne was good and vertuous , but after he had possessed the Empire fiue yeares , he became most euill and wicked , and was giuen to lecherie and filthinesse . This man was a murtherer , he slew his wife , his mother , & diuers other honest persons , of which number Seneca was one : hée was the first persecutour of the Christians , and put many good men to death , as for example , Saint Peter & S. Paule , with other . But this tyrant being vpon a time vngarded , & wanting about him his lieftenants & Chaptaines of warre , the Senators and states of Rome sought meanes to punish him : for anger whereof he killed himselfe , and the souldiers that were sent to seeke him , founde him dead in the field .

I gouerned Antonine Bassian Caracalla , the ninetéetenth Emperour of Rome , who by my counsell killed his brother Geta : besides that , he married his stepmother , & desired Pompinion ( the great Lawier ) to excuse his murther . Who aunswered him , That he was not so willing to excuse a murtherer , as he was to disclose him : the Emperour vnworthy of so good an answere , kilde the Lawier .

I gouerned Varius Heliogabilus , the .xxi. Emperour of Rome , who by my counsell liued so disorderedly , that he left behind him no memorie of honest life , but infamy & shame . This mans own souldiers slew him , & threw him into a ditch , & because his body would not sinke to the bottome , they dragged him out againe with a hooke , & hurled him into the riuer of Tiber. I gouerned ( quoth Folly ) Iulian Apostata , the .xxxix. Emperour of Rome , who in his thought was so wise , & well giuen , that he was made Reader in the Church of Nicomedia . This man trauailed to Athens , where he studied Philosophie , but he staide not long in that good purpose , for by the counsell of me . Folly , he renounced the Christian faith , & became a reuolt & an Idolater . I perswaded him to persecute the christians , least they should encrease seauen for one : I moued him also by my subtile deuice , to root and wéed them out quite , which thing hée meant to doe , but he was kilde within two yeares after , béeing slaine in Persia , and yéelding vp his euill spirit , he lifted vp his bloudie hand to heauen , in contempt & despite of Iesus Christ , making this out-crie . Now , O Galilean , thou hast the victorie .

I gouerned the false Prophet Mahomet , and counselled him to make a booke , to intitle it Alcaron , and to expounde thinges in the holye Scriptures carnallye : which he did , and that lawe is yet continued , in the greatest partes of the worlde . I gouerned Messaline , an Empresse , the noblest whoore in the worlde , who being but newly married to Claudius , fift Emperour of Rome ( an old gentleman ) when she found by proofe that her husband was insufficient & vnable to satifie her lecherous desires , by my ( counsell ) oftentimes she disguised her selfe into mens apparell , and went to the common Stewes , wheras she abused her body with a great number , returning backe no better then a bitch , and vaunted that she had vanquished and gone beyond all the whoores in the house of bawderie .

When the wandering knight had heard these wonderful discourses vttered by ( Folly ) & hauing in him some sparkle of reason & inclination of nature , he thought himselfe foolish if it were not in him to iudge of déeds so mischeuous & ill . And being no longer able to kéep silence , he brake his mind to Folly finding great fault with this vnsatiable Empresse , insomuch that he cried out with a lowd voice , & said : Fic , fie , fie , filthy bitch & vilde whoore , worthy to be tied to a tree , starke naked , & deliuered to greedy dogs & rauening birds , to be deuoured . Then I asked Folly , what was the end of this wicked woman , who tolde me that the Emperour put her to death , because she was not content with hir lawful hausband , but married an other man , whose name was Silius . Whervnto I assented , saieng , that it was a good deed , for ther néede no more ▪ but thrée such detestable filths in al Fraunce , to spoile the whole realme . This tale of Follie , touching her déeds & exploits , hir deuises & practises , her prouocations & counsels , as it being long & straunge , I am not able to repeat as it was spoken : but haue nakedly recorded so much as resteth in my remembraunce , which thing I haue the rather done , to the end that all deuout Christian readers might willingly learne , & throughly know , what great wickednes they commit , in following the euill counsell of dame Folly . Euerie one ought to forsake her , for that the end of such as be ruled by her preceptes , tread in her paths , & daunse after her pipe , is proued by experience to be daungerous , deadly , and dampnable . But now let vs returne to our voyage , and former matter .