Natures picture drawn by fancies pencil to the life being several feigned stories, comical, tragical, tragi-comical, poetical, romanicical, philosophical, historical, and moral : some in verse, some in prose, some mixt, and some by dialogues / written by ... the Duchess of Newcastle.

SEVERAL Feigned Stories IN VERSE . The First BOOK .

READERS , my Works do not seem ( in my Mind ) So bad as you make them , if Faults you find : For if you find much Fault , you would not spare Your ridgid Censures , but their Faults declare . For I perceive the World is evil bent , Judging the worst of that which was well meant . When they a word to Wantonness can wrest , They 'l be well-pleas'd , and often at it jest : When every foolish Tongue with words can play , And turn good sense , with words , an evil way . But at my Writings let them do their worst , And for their pains with Ignorance be curst .

IN Winter cold , a Company was met , Both Men and Women by the Fire were set ; At last they did agree ( to pass the time ) That every one should tell a Tale in Ryme . The Women said , We no true Measures know ; Nor do our Rhymes in even Numbers go . Why , said the Men , All Women's Tongues are free To speak both out of time , and follishly . And , drawing Lots , the Chance fell on a Man , Who having spit and blown his Nose , began :

Of the Mournful Widow . I Travelling , it was my chance to spy A little House , which to a Tomb stood nigh . My Curiosity made me inquire Who dwelt therein : to further my desire , I knocked at the door ; at last came one Which told me , 'T was a Lady liv'd alone . I pray'd that I the Lady might but see : She told me , she did shun all Company . By her discourse , the Lady had been Wife , But being a Widow , liv'd a lonesome life . I told her , I did travel all about , Only to find a Constant Woman out . She answer'd , If the world had any where A Constant Woman , surely she dwelt there . I waited there , in hope my Fortune might At length direct me to this Lady's sight : And lying underneath a Tomb at night , At Curfue-time , this Lady with a Light Came forth out of the House all cloth'd in white , And to the Tomb her walk she bended right ; With a Majestick-grace she walk'd along , She seem'd to be both beautiful and young ; And when she came , she kneeled down to pray , And thus unto her self did softly say . Give leave , you Gods , this Loss for to lament ; Give my Soul leave to seek which way his went : O let my Spirits with his run a Race , Not to out-go , but to get next in place : Amongst the Sons of Men raise up his Fame , Let not foul Envy Canker-fret the same : And whilst , Great Gods , I in the world do live , Grant I may Honour to my Husband give : O grant that all fond Love away may flye , But let my Heart amongst his Ashes lye . Here do I sacrifice each vainer dress , And idle words , which my Youth did express . Here , Dear , I cancel all Self-love , and make A Bond , thy loving Memory to take , And in my Soul always adore the same ; My Thoughts shall build up Altars to thy Name : Thy Image in my heart shall fixed be : My Tears from thence shall Copies take of thee , And on my Cheeks those Tears as Pictures plac't , Or , like thy Carved Statue , ne're shall waste . Thy Praise my words ( though air ) shall print so deep , By Repetition shall for ever keep . With that , Tears from her Eyes in show'rs did flow : Then I rose up , to her my self did show . She seemed not to be mov'd at my sight , Because her Grief was far above her Fright . Said I , Weep , weep no more , thou Beauteous Saint , Nor over these dull ashes make complaint ; They feel not thy warm Tears , which liquid flow ; Nor thy deep Sighs , which from thy Heart do go : They hear thee not , nor thank thee for thy love ; Nor yet his Soul , that 's with the God's above . Take comfort , Saint , since Life will not return ; And bury not thy Joys within this Urn. She Answered . I have no Joys , in him they did reside ; They fled away when as his Body dy'd : Not that my Love unto his Shape was ty'd , But to his Virtues , which did in him 'bide . He had a Generosity beyond all Merit , A Noble Fortitude possest his Spirit ; Foreseeing-Prudence , which his Life did guide ; And Temperate Thoughts did in his Soul abide : His Speech was sweet and gentle to the Eat ; Delight sate close , as listning for to hear His Counsel wise , and all his Actions good : His Truth and Honesty as Judges stood For to direct and give his Actions Law : His Piety to Gods was full of awe . Wherefore return , your Counsels are in vain ; For I must grieve whilst I'n the world remain : For I have sacrific'd all my Delight Upon my Noble Husband 's Grave , and slight All Vanities , which Women young do prize , Though they entangle them , as Webs do Flies . Lady , said I , you being Young and Fair , By Pleasures to the world invited are : Bury not all your Youth and Beauty here , Which like the Sun may to all Eyes appear . O Sir , said she , the Sun that gave me light , Death hath eclips'd , and taken from my sight . In Melancholy Shades my Soul doth lie , And grieves my Body which will not yet die . My Spirits long to wander in the air , Hoping to find its loving Partner there . Though Fates my Life have power to prolong , Yet they have none my constant Mind to wrong . But when I did perceive no Rhetorick could Perswade her to take comfort , grieve she would ; Then taking my leave for to go away , With adoration thus to her did say : Farewell thou Angel of a Heavenly Breed , For sure thou com'st not from a Mortal Seed , Thou art so constant unto Virtue fair , Which very few of either Sexes are . And after a short time I heard she dy'd ; Her Tomb was built close by her Husband's side . After the Man , a Woman did begin To tell her Tale ; and thus she entred in .

A Description of Diverted Grief . A Man had once a Young and Handsom Wife , Whose Virtue was unspotted all her life . Her words were smooth , which from her Tongue did slide ; All her Discourse was wittily appli'd . Her Actions modest , her Behaviour so , As when she mov'd , the Graces seem'd to go . Whatever Ill she chanc'd to see or hear , Yet still her Thoughts as pure as Angels were . Her Husband 's Love seem'd such , as no Delight Nor Joy could take him out of his Wife's sight . It chanc'd this virtuous Wife fell sick to death , And to her Husband spake with dying-breath : Farewell my dearest Husband , dye I must , Yet do not you forget me in the Dust ; Because my Soul would grieve if it should see Another in my room , your LOVE to be : My Ghost would mourn , lament ; that never dyes , Though Bodies do ; pure Loves eternalize . You Gods , said he , that order Death and Life , O strike me dead , unless you spare my Wife . If your Decree be fix'd , nor alter can , But she must dye , ( O miserable Man ! ) Here do I vow ( Great Gods all witness be ) , That I will have no other Wife but thee : No Friendship will I make , converse with none ; But live an Anchoret my self alone . Thy Spirits sweet , my Thoughts shall entertain ; And in my Mind thy Memory remain . Farewell , said she , for now my Soul 's at peace , And all the Blessings of the Gods encrease Upon thy Soul ; but I pray do not give Away that Love I had whilst I did live . Turning her Head , as if to sleep she lay , In a soft Sigh her Spirits flew away . When she was dead , great Mourning he did make , Would neither eat , nor drink , nor rest could take ; Kissing her cold pale Lips , her Cheeks , each Eye ; Cursing his Fate he lives , and cannot dye : Tears fell so fast , as if his Sorrows meant , To lay her in a watry Monument . But when her Corps upon the Hearse was laid , No Tongue can tell what mournful Cries he made . Thus did he pass his time , a week or two , In sad commplaints , and melancholy wo ; At last he was perswaded for to take Some air abroad , ev'n for his own healths sake . But first , unto the Grave he went to pray , Kissing that Earth wherein her Body lay . After a Month or two , his Grief to ease , Some Recreations sought himself to please ; And calling for his Horses , and his Hounds , He went to hunt upon the Champian grounds : His Thoughts by these Pastimes diverted are , Pass'd by the Grave , and never dropt a Tear . At last he chanc'd a Company to meet Of Virgins young , and fresh as Flowers sweet ; Their Cloathing fine , their Humours pleasant , gay , And with each other they did sport and play , Giving his Eyes a liberty to view ; With interchanging Looks , in Love he grew . One Maid amongst the rest , most fair and young , Who had a ready wit , and pleasant tongue , He Courtship made , to her he did address , Cast off his Mourning , Love for to express . Rich Clothes he made , and wondrous fine they were ; He barb'd , and curl'd , and powder'd sweet his Hair : Rich Gifts unto his Mistress did present , And every day to visit her he went . They like each other well , they both agree , That in all haste they straight must married be . To Church they went , for joy the Bells did ring : When married were , he home the Bride did bring . But when he married was some half a year , He Curtain-Lectures from his Wife did hear : For whatsoe're he did , she did with spight And scorn dislike , and all his kindness slight : Cross every word , she would , that he did say ; Seem'd very sick , complaining every day , Unless she went abroad ; then she would be In humour good , in other Company . Then he would sigh , and call into his Mind . His dear dead Wife that was so wondrous kind . He jealous grew , and was so discontent , ( And of his later Marriage did repent ) With Melancholy Thoughts fell sick and dy'd ; His Wife soon after was another's Bride . When she had done , the Men aloud did cry ; Said she had quit her Tale most spitefully . Another Man , to answer what she told , Began to tell , and did his Tale unfold .

The Feminine Description . A Man a walking , did a Lady spy ; To her he went : and when he came hard by , Fair Lady , said he , why walk you alone ? Because ( said she ) my Thoughts are then my own : For in a Company my Thoughts do throng , And follow every foolish babling Tongue . Your Thoughts , said he , 't were boldnessfor to ask . To tell , said she , it were too great a task : But yet to satisfie your Mind , said she , I 'le tell you how our Thoughts run commonly : Sometimes they mount up to the Heavens high , Then straight fall down , and on the Earth will lye ; Then circling run to compass all they may , And then sometimes they all in heaps do stay . At other times they run from place to place , As if they had each other in a Chace . Sometimes they run as Phansie doth them guide , And then they swim as in a flowing-Tide : But if the Mind be discontent , they flow Against the Tide , their Motion 's dull and slow . Said he , I travel now to satisfie my Mind , Whether I can a Constant Woman find . O Sir , said she , it 's Labour without end , We cannot Constant be to any Friend : We seem to love to death , but 't is not so , Because our Passions still move to and fro : They are not fix'd , but do run all about ; Every new Object thrusts the former out . Yet we are fond , and for a time so kind , As nothing in the world should change our Mind : But if Misfortune come , we weary grow ; Then former Fondness we away straight throw : Although the Object alter not , yet may Time alter our fond Minds another way . We love , and like , and hate , and cry , Without a Cause , or Reason why . Wherefore go back , for you shall never find Any Woman to have a Constant Mind : The best that is , shall hold but for a time , Wav'ring like wind , which Women hold no Crime . A Woman said , This Tale I will requite , To vindicate our Sex which you did slight .

A Man in love was with a Lady fair , And for her sake would curl , perfume his Hair . Professions thousands unto her did make , And swore for her a Pilgrimage would take . I swear , said he , Truth shall for me be bound , Constant to be , whilst Life in me is found . With all his Rivals he would Quarrels make ; In Duels fought he often for her sake . It chanc'd this Lady sick was , like to dye Of the Small Pox , Beauty's great Enemy . When she was well , her Beauty decay'd quite , He did forsake her , and her Friendship slight ; Excuses made , her did not often see , Then asked leave a Traveller to be . And thus , poor Lady , when her Beauty 's gone , Without her Lover she may sit alone . Then was the third Man's turn , his Tale to tell , Which to his Company he fitted well .

A Description of Constancy . THere was a Noble Man that had a Wife Young , Fair , and Virtuous ; yet of so short life , That after she had married been a year , A Daughter 's born , which Daughter cost her deer ; No sooner born , the Mother laid in bed , Before her Lord could come , his Wife was dead ; Where , at the sight , he did not tear his Hair , Nor beat his Breast , nor sigh , nor shed a Tear ; Nor buried her in state , as many do , And with that Funeral-Charge a new Wife wo : But silently he laid her in a Tomb , Where , by her side , he meant to have a Room : For by no other side he meant to lye , In Life and Death to keep her company . The whilst he of his Daughter care did take , And fond he was ev'n for his dear Wife's sake : But Grief upon his Spirits had got hold , Consum'd him more than Age , that makes Men old . His Flesh did waste , his Manly Strength grew weak ; His Face grew pale , and faintly did he speak : As most that in a deep Consumption are , Where Hectick-Fevers do with Life make warr : And though he joy'd he had not long to live , Yet for to leave his Daughter young , did grieve ; For he no Kindred had to take a care Of his young Child , and Strangers he did fear They would neglect their Charge , not see her bred According to her Birth , when he was dead ; Or rob her of her Wealth , or else would sell Her to a Husband might not use her well : Or else ( by Servants brib'd ) might her betray With some mean Man , and so to run away . These cares of his , his Mind did much torment , And her Ill Fortune to his Thoughts present . At last he did conclude , If any be True , Just , and full of Generosity , They 're such as are like to the Gods on high , As Powerful Princes , and Dread Majesty . The Soveraign was dead , but left to reign His Widowed-Queen , whose Prudence did maintain The Government , though Forreign Warrs she had , Which was a Charge , and oft-times made her sad . This Noble-man sent to the Queen to crave , That she upon his Child would pity have , To take her to the Court , there to be bred , That none might wrong her after he was dead . The Queen most willingly his Suit did sign , And so in Peace his Soul he did resign . This Lady soon did to the Court repair , Where she was bred with tender Love and Care ; And Youth , that 's bred in Courts , may wisest be , Because they more do hear , and more do see Than other Children that are bred obscure , Because the Senses are best Tutors sure . But Nature in this Maid had done her part , And in her frame had shew'd her curious Art ; Compos'd her every way , Body and Mind , Of best Extracts that were to form Mankind : All which she gave to Time for to distill , And of the subtil'st Spirits the Soul to fill ; As Reason , Wit , and Judgment ; and to take The solid'st part the Body for to make . For though that Nature all her works shapes out , Yet Time doth give strength , length , and breadth about . And as her Person grew in stature tall , And that her Beauty did encrease withall ; So did affection in her Heart grow high , Which there was planted in her Infancy . There was a Subject , Prince within the Land , Although but young , the Army did command : He being chose for Birth , Wealth , Valour , Wit , And Prudence , for to lead and martial it ; The whilst his Father did the Queen assist To manage State-affairs , as knowing best The Kingdom 's Constitutions , Natures bad Of Common-People , who are sometimes mad , And wildly in Distempers , Ruins bring ; For most Rebellions from the Commons spring . But he so just and loyally did serve His Queen and Countrey , as he did preserve Himself within her Favour , and her Love , As great Respect , and honour'd Praise did prove ; And in the Warrs his Son such Fame did get , That in Fame's Chariot he triumphant set . For he was Valiant , and of Nature free , Courteous , and full of Generosity : His Wit was quick , yet so as to delight , Not for to cross , or in Disputes to fight : For gallant Sword-men that do fight in warr , Do never use with Tongues to brawl and jarr . He was exact in Body and in Mind , For no Defects in either could you find . The Queen , that had a Neece both young and fair , Did strive to match her to this Prince , and Heir Of all his Father's Wealth , who had such store , As all the Nobles else did seem but poor : And the young Princess lik'd so well the choice , That thoughts of marrying him did her rejoice : And through her Eyes such Messages Love sent , On smiling-rays and posting-glances went . The other Lady did hear the Report , For every one did talk of it in Court : Besides , she saw his Person still attend Upon the Princess , and did Presents send : And every day to visit her did go , As being commanded by his Father so . At which she sad and melancholy grew ; Yet her Disease not thorowly she knew . Like as a Plant , that from the Earth doth spring , Sprouts high , before a full-blown Flower it bring . So did her Love in Bud obscurely lye , Not any one as yet did it descry : Nor did the Prince the least affection find , She being reserv'd in action , and in mind . Sober she was , and of a bashful look , Of but few words ; yet she good notice took , And much observ'd , for Love hath a quick Eye , And often by her Countenance doth spy The hidden Thoughts , that the Tongue dare not tell : For in the Mind obscurity doth dwell . But yet she did espy something lay cross To his Desires , but guess'd not what it was ; But griev'd that any thing should him displease : For those that love , do wish their Lov'd much ease : Nay , so much ease , they Torments would endure , If these , for those they love , might good procure . But she grew restless , and her Thoughts did run About him , as about the World , the Sun : For he was her sole World , and wish'd her Love Had influence , as Planets from above , To order his affections , and to bring From several Causes , one Effect to spring ; And the Effect , that he might love her so , As love her best , or at least he might know How well she lov'd him ; for she wish'd no more Than love for love , as Saints which do adore The Gods in Heaven , whose love is wholly pure , And nothing can of drossy flesh endure . At last she and her Thoughts in Councel sate , What was best to be done , or this , or that : They all agree , that she her Love should own , Since innocent and pure , and make it known By her Epistles , and her Pen to write What her pure Heart did dictate and indite : No forfeit of her Modesty , because She had no Ends , but only Virtuous Laws . Then took she Pen and Paper , and her Wit Did tell her Love the truth ; and thus she writ : Sir , You may wonder much that I do send This Letter , which by Love doth recommend It self and suit unto your judging-ear , And that it was not stopt by bashful fear : But let me tell you , This pure Love of mine Is built on Virtue , not on base Design . It hath no dross , nor proudly doth aspire ; A Flame inkindled by immac'late Fire , Which I to th' Altar of your Merits bring , From whence the Flame to Heaven high may spring . Your glorious Fame within my Heart , though young , Did plant a Slip of Honour , from whence sprung Pure Love , and Chast Desires ; for I do crave , Only within your Heart a place to have . I do not plead , hoping to be your Wife , Nor 'twixt you and your Mistress to breed strife ; Or wish I that her Love you should forsake , Or unto me a Courtly Friendship make : But only , when I 'm dead , you would inshrine Within your Memory , this Love of mine ; Which Love to all the World I may proclame Without a blush , or check , or spotted-fame : 'T is not your Person I do so admire , Nor yet your Wealth or Titles I desire : But your Heroick Soul , and Generous Mind , Your Affability and Nature kind ; Your honest Heart , where Justice still doth raign ; Your prudent Thoughts , and a well-temper'd Brain ; Your helping Hand , and your industrious Life , Not to make broils , but to decide all strife ; And to advance all those are in distress , To help the weak , and those are powerless ; For which my Heart and Life to Love is bound , And every thought of you with Honour crown'd . These are not feigning Lines that here I write , But Truths as clear and pure as Heaven's Light . Nor is it Impudence to let you know , Love of your Virtues in my Soul doth grow . Her Love thus innocent she did enroll , Which was the pure Platonick of her Soul : Though in black Characters the Envious may Call the sense clear , as is the Morning's day ; And every word appear unto the sight , To make her smoother Paper yet more white . Thus she infolded Honour , and more Truth , Than ever yet was known in Female-youth . Blush-colour'd Silk her Letter then did bind , For to express how modest was her Mind : And Virgins Wax did close it with her Seal : Yet did that Letter all her Love reveal . Then to her Nurse's Husband she did trust These loving Lines , knowing him faithful , just To all her Family ; he obey'd her will , And would have done , no doubt , though 't had been ill : For his Obedience never ask'd the cause ; Nor was he Casuist in Divine Laws , But faithful and most trusty : so was sent With this most Sacred Letter ; then he went . In the mean time that she her Letter sent , The Prince to her a Letter did present By a Servant , in whom he put much trust , As finding him both dextrous , prudent , just In all Employments ; he this Letter brought , Which'mongst this Lady's Thoughts much wonder wrought ; Even so much , as she could not believe , But thought he did mistake , and did conceive She was the Princess . Whereupon , said she , I doubt this Letter was not writ to me . But he confirm'd , to her that it was writ . She to her Closet went , and open'd it : With trembling hands the Waxen Seal she broke , And what he writ , with a faint Voice thus spoke : Fairest of all your Sex , for so you are Unto all others ; as a Blazing-Starr , Which shews it self , and to the World appears As a great Wonder once in many years ; And never comes , but doth portend on Earth Either the fall of Princes , or their Birth . O let your influence only at me aim , Not for to work my Overthrow , or Fame ; But Love , to make me happy all my life ; Then yeeld your self to be my Virtuous Wife . But if you ( this Request ) to me deny , The Gods , I hope , will grant me soon to dye . She , when she this had read , was in a maze , And senslesly did on the Letter gaze ; By which her Spirits discomposed were , In quarrelling-disputes , 'twixt Hope and Fear . At last Hope got the better , then did they Triumph with joy , and in her Heart did play . For when the Spirits mutually agree , Both in the Eyes and Heart they dancing be . Then to the Gentleman that came , she went , And told him civilly that she had sent Unto the Prince , and that she could not fit So well an Answer to return as yet . The Prince as Melancholy sate alone , But all the while his Mistress thought upon : Staid for the Messenger's return ; for he , Till answer came , refus'd all Company . At last one of his Pages to him ran , To tell him , Without was an ancient Man That would not be deny'd , for speak he must Unto the Prince , or else must break his trust He was in charge with ; and rather than so , Would venture life , before he back would go , And not his Message to the Prince to tell . Whereat the Prince , liking his Courage well , Sent for him , who came with Humility , The Letter gave upon his bended knee . The Prince the Letter read , and pleased so , As by his smiling-countenance did show ; Which made all Cloudy Thoughts disperse , & clears His Mind , as in dark days when Sun appears . Sure , said the Prince , the Gods our Loves decree , And in our Unions they do all agree : They joyn our Hearts in one , our Souls so mix , As if eternally in Heaven would fix . Then soon he ( all delays for to prevent ) Another Letter writ ; which to her sent In answer of her own ; this Letter gave Unto her Foster-Nurse , who was as grave As old bald Father Time , of Courage stout , A Rustick plainness , and not eas'ly out Of countenance ; trusty to be employ'd , And in her Lady's service would have dy'd . The Prince commended her Fidelity , And pleas'd he was at her blunt Quality : But with the Letter quickly did return , ( For she , though old , yet every step did run ) And then the Letter which the Prince had sent , She to her Lady did in mirth present ; Who then the Letter broke with joyful speed , And to her Foster-Nurse she did it read : Sweetest , You have exprest your Love to me With so much plainness and sincerity ; And yet your stile severely have you writ , And rul'd your Lines with a Commanding-wit : Heroick Flourishes your Pen doth draw , Or executes as in a Martial-Law . Then solemnly doth march in Mourning-trail , And melancholy words all hopes do vail . As Golden dust on written lines strewn were , Your written lines seem sprinkled with a Tear ; As by the Heat of Passion spread about , For fear that Cruelty should blot it out . But let me tell you , That my love is such , As never Lover loved half so much , And with so fervent Zeal , and purest Flame , Nay , something above Love , that wants a Name For to express it ; like to Gods on high : For , who can comprehend a Deity ? And though I honour all your Sex , yet my Having another Mistress , I deny , Besides your self ; and though I do obey To visit the fair Princess , nothing say Concerning Love , nor yet Professions make , As common Lovers , promise for her sake Wonders ; and yet my Life to her will give To do her service : but whilst I do live , My Heart and Soul is yours ; and when I dye , Still will my Soul keep yours in company : Though by Honour my active life is bound Unto your Sex , you only will be found Within my Heart , and only Love to be , From whence my Brain doth Copies take of thee : On which my Soul doth view with much delight , Because the Soul sees not with vulgar sight : For Souls do see , not as the Senses do , But as transparent Glass , the Minds quite through : Or rather as the Gods see all that 's past , Present , or what 's to come , or the World vast ; Or what can be , all unto them is known ; And so are Souls to one another shown : And if our Souls do equally agree , Our Thoughts and Passions to each known will be . But after this Letter , they both did get An opportunity , by which they met : No Complemental-wooing they did use ; True Love all flattering words it doth refuse . But they agreed , and both did think it fit , Their love to hide , not to discover it . At last the Queen and Father did agree , The Prince and Princess straight should married be ; Ne're made a question , for they doubted not But Youth and Beauty had each other shot With Amorous Loves . But when the Prince made known , How that his heart was now none of his own ; His Father seem'd , with trouble , discontent : But the enraged Queen , with malice bent , Did strive all ways she could for to disgrace The sweet young Lady , oft disprais'd her Face , Her Person , Dress , Behaviour , and her Wit ; And for to match with such a Prince , not fit . The Prince's love so firm , no words could break ; Impatiently did hear , but little speak . But the Princess heard the Prince to be A Lover to another ; then did she Tear , rail , and rave , as if she frantick were ; And of her Rival , words she would not spare . One day a Company of Nobles met , And in a Room they were together set ; The Prince and his Fair Mistress she did spy , And often at them cast a spightful Eye . At last her Malice set a-work her Tongue , And at the Prince she evil words out flung , Which he receiv'd with a submissive face , Turning those scorns as favours of her grace . But when she had with Scorns his Patience try'd , She ( for to vent her Spleen ) in Passion cry'd . Some of the Company there jesting by The other Lady , ask'd if she would cry : She answer made , she had not the like cause ; Nor had she broke the Modest Civil Laws : But if her Passion had misled her Tongue , She would have wept to water , or else flung Her self to dust , for want of moisture dye , Unless her life could issue through her eye . But when the Prince perceiv'd such storms to rise , And showring tears to fall from beauteous eyes , He did absent himself , and shun'd to be A trouble to the Princess Company . But when the Queen had try'd all means she could To alter his affections , nothing would ; She then their Marriage strove for to prevent , And to the Army she the Prince soon sent ; Then order gave , Not to return again , But with the Army there for to remain . He to his Mistress went , his leave to take , Perswading her a Journey she would make Unto the Army , and there to agree , When they should meet , & straight-way married be . At last she did resolve to leave the Court , And privately with great speed to transport Her Person to the Prince where he was gone , For ne're till then she found her self alone . When the Army began for to retire To Winter-Quarters , he did there desire His Mistress Company , and then did write To those he had entrusted , how they might Convey her safely : but by some mistake , The Queen had means this his Letter to take ; Which when she read , all in a rage she grew , And then his Letter into the fire she threw . Which when sh' had told her Neece , they both did strive , And both in Council sate , for to contrive To hinder her wish'd-meeting ; wherefore they Did think it best , the Lady to convey Unto some private place , and then give out That she was dead , which soon was spread about , And every one in censuring spent some breath , And most did judg she dy'd a violent death . But the Queen's anger only would destroy Their Loves , because her Neece then should enjoy The Prince , on whom her heart in love was set , And us'd all means she could , his love to get . But though at first they thought the Prince might mourn ; Yet when his grief had been by time out-worn , He then might take the Princess for his Wife , Concealing the young Lady all her life . And though they did not murther her , yet they Did strive to grieve and cross her every way : Wherefore they did agree that some should tell Her , that the Prince in Battel fell . The report of her death spread far and near ; And at last came unto the Prince his ear : The news struck him so hard , as it did make His strength grow weak , and all his limbs to shake . But when his strength return'd , his mind sad grew , And from all company himself withdrew : No Orders he would give , but left the care Of all the Army to an Officer : And from th' Army , without the Queen's consent , He did return , and to his Father went , And told him , he all worldly things did wave , Had buri'd them all in his Mistress Grave , And the remainder of his days would spend In holy Devotion , his Prayers would send Unto the Gods ; and my dear Saint , said he , Will be a Mediator there for me : His Father did disswade him all he could , But all in vain , a Hermit be he would . Instead of Palaces , he chose a Cell , Left Courts and Camps , did solitary dwell : Instead of Clothes that rich and costly were , He wore a Garment made of Camel's hair . Instead of Arms , a Hermit's Habit took ; And for a Sword , he us'd a Prayer-book : Instead of treading Measures in a dance , And wanton Eyes that oft would side-ways glance ; His knees upon hard stone did bowing bend , And his sad Eyes unto the Earth descend : Instead of flattering words to tempt Maids fair , No words did speak but what were us'd in Prayer . All wild & wandring thoughts were now compos'd , And the dead object of his Mistress clos'd , Like Multitudes that gather in a Ring , To view some curious or some wondrous thing : Or like a devout Congregation met , Will strive about the Altar near to set : So did his Thoughts near her Idea get , Which , as a Goddess , in his Soul did set : Then he an Altar built of Marble white , And Waxen Tapers round about did light : Her Picture on this Altar plac'd was high , There to be seen with an up-lifted Eye . She was his Saint , and he there every day Did offer Tears and Sighs , to her did pray , And her implore , she would the Gods request To take his Soul , his Body lay to rest . In th' mean time his Mistress's made believe That he was kill'd , for which she much did grieve : For when she at the first the news did hear , Her Face turn'd pale , like Death it did appear : Then gently sinking , she fell to the ground ; Grief seiz'd her heart , and put her in a swound : At last , life got the better , and then wept , And wisht to Heaven , that she in death had slept . But Melancholy her whole Soul possest , And of all pleasing Thoughts it self divest : All objects shuns , that pleasing were , and fair ; And all such sounds as were of a leight air : The splendrous Light and glorious Sun shut out , And all her Chamber hung with black about : No other light but blinking Lamps would have : Some Earth and Turf therein , like to a Grave , The which she often view'd , or sate close by , Imagining the Prince therein did lye ; And on that Grave , her Tears , like show'rs of rain , Keep fresh the Turf , on the green Grass remain As pearled dew before the Sun doth rise ; Or as refreshing show'rs from Cloudy Skies : And often this supposed Grave doth dress With such significant Flow'rs as did express His Virtues , and his Dispositions sweet , More than those Flowers when in Posies meet : His various Virtues , known to all so well More fragrant than those Flowers were for smell . But first , she set a Lawrel-Garland green , To shew that he a Victor once had been ; And in the midst a copious Branch did place , For to express he dyed in the chace Of his fierce Enemies ; his Courage was so true , That , after a long fight , away they flew . Thus Melancholy past her time away , Besides sad solemn Musick ' twice a day : For ev'ry Sense with Melancholy fill'd , And always dropping-tears from thence distill'd , With which her Melancholy Soul did feed , And Melancholy Thoughts her Mind did breed : Then on the ground her Head aside-ways hung , Would lye along whilst these sad Songs were sung . A SONG . TITAN , I banish all thy joys of Light , Turning thy glorious Rays , to darker Night ; Clothing my Chamber with sad Black , each part , Thus suitable unto my mournful heart : Only a dimn Wax Taper there shall wait On me , to shew my sad unhappy Fate . With mournful Thoughts my Head shall furnisht be , And all my Breath sad Sighs , for love of thee : My Groans to sadder Notes be set with skill , And sung in Tears , and Melancholy still . Languishing-Musick to fill up each Voice With Palsied trembling Strings , is all my choice . A SONG . SInce he is gone , Oh then Salt Tears , Drown both mine Eyes , and stop mine Ears With Grief ; my Grief it is so much , It locks my Smell up , Taste , and Touch. In me remains but little breath , Which quickly take away , Oh Death . A SONG . WHY should I live ? But who doth know The way to him , or where to go ? Death's ignorant , the Dead they have No sense of Grief , when in the Grave . Forgetful and Unthankful Death , Hast thou no love , when gone's our Breath ? No Gratitude , but there dost lye , In dark Oblivion for to dye ? No sense of Love , or Honour , there : Then Death I prethee me forbear : Thousands of years in sorrow I Would live in Grief , and never dye . A SONG . MY Bed of Sorrow 's made , since no relief ; And all my Pillows shall be stuff'd with Grief , My Winding-sheets are those whereon I lye , My Curtains drawn with sad Melancholy . Watching shall be my Food , Weeping my Drink , Sighing my Breath , and Groaning what I think : Trembling and shaking , all my Exercise ; Disquiet and disorder'd Thoughts now rise . Wringing of hands , with folded arms lamenting , Is all the joy is left me of contenting : For he is gone that was my joy , my life ; I 'm left his Widow , who ne'er was his Wife . But all the while , the Queen was angry bent Against the Prince , because away he went , And left the Army without a General ; For which she Rebel , Traytor , him did call : But she another General did make , Which of the Army all the Charge did take : Yet his Success in Warrs proved but bad , For afterward the Queen great Losses had . And all the Soldiers they were discontent : Whereat the Queen another General sent ; But he no better Fortune there could meet , The Enemy did force him to retreat ; Then did the Enemy so pow'rful grow , The Forces of the Queen they overthrow In every Fight and Skirmish which they had ; For which the Queen and Kingdom did grow sad . At last the Queen the Prince did flatter , and Entreated him again for to Command : But he deny'd the Queen , would not obey ; Said , Earthly Power to Gods they must give way . At last she sent him word she would not spare His life , and therefore bid him to prepare Himself for death , for dye he should For Disobedience , and Revenge she would Have on him : Then his Father to him went For to perswade him , and there did present Show'rs of Tears , which sadly pouring fell Upon his only Son , his grief to tell . He round about his Neck one arm did wind , The other arm embrac'd his Body kind : His Cheeks his Son did joyn to his , And often he his Lips did kiss : O pity me , my Son , and thy Life spare , Thou art my only Child , and only Heir . Th' art my sole Joy , in thee I pleasure take , And wish to live but only for thy sake . The Prince , his Father answer'd ; and said he , I am not worth those Tears you shed for me . But why do you thus weep , and thus lament , For my death now ? When to the Warrs I went , You did encourage me to fight in field For Victory , or else my Life to yeeld : I willingly obey'd , and joy'd to find My Father's Sympathy unto my Mind . Besides , it shew'd a greater love to me , Than Parents self-lov'd fondness us'd to be ; For to prefer my Honour , and my Fame , Before the perpetu'ty of your Name : And as you priz'd my Honour and Renown , So I a Heavenly , not an Earthly Crown : And give me leave the better choice to make , To quit all troubles , and sweet Peace to take : I ne'er more willing , nor more fit can dye , For Heaven , and the Gods pure company : For had I dy'd in Warrs , my Soul had been Stained with Blood , and spotted o're with Sin . But now , my Mistress is a Saint , in Heaven Hath intercession made , my sins forgiven . And since she 's gone , all Joys with her are fled , And I shall never happy be , till dead : She was my Soul's delight , in her I view'd The pure and Celestial Beatitude . But were I sure the Soul that never dyes , Should never meet , nor Bodies never rise By Resurrection ; yet sure those are blest That pass this life , and in the Grave do rest . Then said the Duke ( his Father ) to his Son , What ever comes , Son , Heaven's will be done ; But since you are resolv'd , and needs will dye , I in the Grave will keep you company . The young Prince said , I cannot you disswade , Since none are happy but those Death hath made . The Day of Execution drawing nigh Of the young Prince , his Father too would dye . Then the young Prince askt leave , and leave he had , That he like to a Soldier might be clad : When he was brought to dye , and on that day Death he did meet in Soldierly array : Instead of Mourning-Garments , he had on A Suit of Buff , embroidered thick upon ; And a Rich Scarf that was of Watchet-dye , Set thick with Pearls ; instead of strings to tye It close together , were rich Diamonds , so As like a Ring or Garter it did show , Of but one entire Diamond ; this did bind The Scarf so firm as an united Mind : A Scarlet Coat embroidered thick with Gold ; And Hangers like to it , his Sword did hold ; And in his Hat a Plume of Feathers were , In falling-folds , which hung below his Hair . He being thus accouter'd , Death to meet In Gallantry , yet gently , friendly , sweet : He would embrace it , and so gladly yeeld , Yet would he dye as Soldiers in the Field : For gallant valiant men do court Death so , As amorous courtly men a wooing go . His Father all in Mourning-Garments clad , Not griev'd to dye , but for his Son was sad : Millions of People throng'd about to see This gallant Mourning Prince's Tragedy . But in the time these Preparations were , The Queen sent to th' young Lady to prepare Her self to dye : when she the news did hear , Joy in her Countenance did then appear : Then she her self did dress like to a Bride , And in a Rich and Gilded Coach did ride : Thus triumphing as on her Wedding-day , To meet her Bridegroom Death ; but in the way The people all did weep that she should dye , And Youth and Beauty in Death's arms should lye . But she did smile , her Countenance was glad , And in her Eyes such lively Spirits had , As the quick-darting Rays the Sun out-shin'd , And all she look'd on , for a time were blind . But when the Queen and Nobles all were set , And the Condemned on the Scaffold met : Where when the Lovers they each other spy'd , Their Eye-strings seem'd as if together ty'd : So firmly they were fix'd , and did so gaze , And with each other struck in such a maze , As if with wonder they were turn'd to stone , And that their feet unto the ground were grown ; They could not stir ; but at the last mov'd he In a slow pace , amazed , went to see That Heav'nly Object ; for , thought he , it may An Angel be , my Soul to take away . Her Limbs did shake , like shiv'ring Agues cold , For Fear upon her Spirits had got hold , When she did see him move ; for she had thought He was a Statue , and by Carvers wrought , And by the Queen's Command was thither brought . When he came near , he kneeled down to pray , And thus unto her sofrly he did say : My Sense my Spirits surprise , thy Spirit my Mind ; And great disturbance in my Thoughts I find : My Reason's misty , Understanding blind ; Tell me whether thou art of Mortal Kind . Said she , That Question I would ask of you , For I do doubt my Senses are not true Intelligencers ; are you the Prince I see ? Or are you a Spirit that thus speaks to me ? With that , the Queen did come , their doubts to clear ; It was my Plot , said she , to bring you here : And why I crost your Loves , I will forbear To tell you now , but afterwards declare . Then did she cause a Priest to join their hands , Which he devoutly ty'd in Wedlock-bands . Then did the Queen unto her Nobles say , That she a Debt to Gratitude must pay : And to the Prince's Father straight she went ; Here , Sir , said she , I do my self present To be your Wife ; for by your Counsel I Have Rul'd and Reign'd in great Felicity . He , kneeling , kist her Hand ; and both agree , That in few days the Wedding kept should be . Such joys of acclamation loud , of wonder , Echo'd the air , louder than is Jove's Thunder . Her Princely Neece so Noble was , that then For joy she modestly threw up her Fan ; Since to a High-born Prince she well knew she In glorions Nuptials soon should joined be . The Marriage-Song . WEre all the Joys that ever yet were known ; Were all those Joys met , and put into one , They 'd be , than these two Lovers Joys , far less ; Our Lovers height of Joys , none can express : They 've made another Cupid , I am told , And buri'd the blind Boy that was so old . Hymen is proud , since Laurel crowns his Brow , He never made his Triumphs until now . The Marriage-Song for the Old Duke and the Old Queen's Marriage . NOW the Old Cupid he is fled Unto the Queen ; she to her Bed Brought the Old Duke ; so ends all harms In Love's Embraces , in their Arms. This Elder Wedlock , more than ripe , Was of the Younger but a Type : What wants of Cupid , Hymen's Cup , Ceres and Bacchus make it up . A Marriage-Song of the Queen's Neece . SEE the Old Queen's Beloved Neece , For Beauty , Favour , such a Piece As Love could feign , not hope to see ; Just such a Miracle was she . She doth congratulate , and 's eas'd To see these Noble Lovers pleas'd Above repining : The Fates since Are just , and gave her a brave Prince . A SONG . HYMEN triumph in joy , Since overcom'd Love's Boy : Each Age , each Sex and Place , The Wedlock-Laws embrace , The looser sort can bind , Monarch of what 's Mankind . All things do fall so pat In this Triumvirat , Which now in Wedlock mix ; Now Three , though once were Six . A Lady said , Such Constant Love was dead , And all Fidelity to Heaven fled . Another Lady said , She fain would know , When Marri'd , if they did continue so . O , said a Man , such Love ( as this was ) sure Doth never in a Married Pair endure : But Lovers cross'd , use not to end so well : Which , for to shew , a Tale I mean to tell .

The Description of the Violence of Love . THere was a Lady , Virtuous , Young , and Fair , Unto her Father only Child and Heir : In her Behaviour modest , sweet , and civil ; So innocent , knew only Good from Evil : Yet in her Garb had a Majestick Grace , And affable and pleasant was her Face . Another Gentleman ( whose House did stand Hard by her Father's , and was rich in Land ) He had a Son whom Beauty did adorn , As some might think , of Venus he was born : His Spirit Noble , Generous , and Great ; By Nature Valiant , Dispositions sweet : His Wit ingenious , and his Breeding such , That his Sci'nces did not Pedantry t'uch . This Noble Gentleman in love did fall With this fair Lady , who was pleas'd withall : He Courted her , his Service did address ; His Love by Words and Letters did express . Though she seem'd Coy , his Love she did not slight , But Civil Answers did in Letters write . At last so well acquainted they did grow , That but one Heart each other's Thoughts did know . Mean time their Parents did their Love's descry , And sought all ways to break that Unity : Forbad each other's company frequent ; Did all they could Love's Meetings to prevent . But Love regards not Parents , nor their Threats ; For Love , the more 't is barr'd , more Strength begets . Thus being cross'd , by stealth they both did meet , And Privacy did make their Love more sweet ; Although their Fears did oft affright their Mind , Lest that their Parents should their Walks out-find . Then in the Kingdom did Rebellion spring , Most of the Commons fought against their King : And all the Gentry that then Loyal were , Did to the Standard of the King repair . Amongst the rest , this Noble Youth was one ; Love bade him stay , but Honour spurr'd him on : When he declar'd his Mind , her Heart it rent ; Rivers of Tears out of her Eyes grief sent ; And every Tear , like Bullets , pierc'd his Breast , Scatter'd his Thoughts , and did his Mind molest . Silent long time they stood , at last spake he , Why doth my Love with Tears so torture me ? Why do you blame my Eyes , said she , to weep , Since they perceive you Faith nor Promise keep ? For , did you love but half so true as I , Rather than part , you 'ld chuse to stay and dye : But you Excuses make , and take delight , Like cruel Thieves , to rob and spoil by Night . Now you have stole my Heart , away you run , And leave a silly Virgin quite undone . If I stay from the Warrs , what will Men say ? They 'l say , I make excuse to be away : By this Reproach , a Coward I am thought ; And my Disgrace will make you seem in fault , To set your Love upon a Man so base ; Bring Infamy to us , and to our Race . To sacrifice my Life for your content , I would not spare ; but ( Dear ) in this consent , 'T is for your sake Honour I strive to win , That I some Merit to your Worth may bring . She. If you will go , let me not stay behind , But take such Fortune with you as I find : I 'le be your Page , attend you in the Field ; When you are weary , I will hold your Shield . He. Dear Love , that must not be ; for Women are Of tender Bodies , and Minds full of Fear : Besides , my Mind so full of Care will be , For fear a Bullet should once light on thee , That I shall never fight , but strengthless grow , Through feeble Limbs be subject to my Foe . When thou art safe , my Spirits high shall raise , Striving to get a Victory of Praise . With sad Laments these Lovers did depart ; Absence , as Arrows sharp , doth wound each Heart : She spends her time , to Heaven-high doth pray , That Gods would bless , and safe conduct his way . The whilst he fights , and Fortune's Favour had , Fame brings this Honour to his Mistress sad : All Cavaliers that in the Army were , There was not one could with this Youth compare : By Love his Spirits all were set on fire , Love gave him Courage , made his Foes retire . But , O ambitious Lovers , how they run Without all guidance , like Apollo's Son * * Phaeton , , Run out of Moderation's Line ; so he Did through the thickest of the Army flee Singly alone , amongst the Squadrons deep Fighting , sent many one with Death to sleep . But Numbers , with united strength , at last , This Noble Gallant Man from Horse did cast : His Body all so thick of wounds was set , Safety , it seems , in fight he did forget , But not his Love , who in his Mind still lyes ; He wish'd her there , to close his dying-Eyes . Soul , said he , if thou wandrest in the Air , Thy Service to my Mistress by thy care : Attend her close , with her Soul Friendship make , Then she perchance no other Love may take . But if thou sink down to the Shades below , And ( being a Lover ) to Elyzium go ; Perchance my Mistress Soul you there may meet , So walk and talk in Love's Discourses sweet : But if thou art like to a Light put out , Thy Motion 's ceas'd , then all 's forgot no doubt . With that a sigh , which from his Heart did rise , Did mount his Soul up to the Airy Skies . The whilst his Mistress being sad with care ; Her Knees were worn , imploring Gods with Prayer . A Drowsie Sleep did all her Senses close , But in her Dreams Fancy her Lover shows With all his Wounds ; which made her loud to cry , Help , help , you Gods , said she , that dwell on high . These fearful Dreams her Senses all did wake ; In a cold sweat , with fear , each Limb did shake . Then came a Messenger as pale as Death , With panting sides , swoln eyes , and shortned breath ; And by his looks , his sadder Tale did tell ; Which when she saw , straight in a swoun she fell : At last her stifled Spirits had recourse Unto their usual place , but of less force : Then lifting up her Eyes , her Tongue gave way , And thus unto the Gods did mourning say : Why do we pray , and offer to high Heaven , Since what we ask , is seldom to us given ? If their Decrees are fix'd , what need we pray ? Nothing can alter Fates , nor cross their way . If they leave all to Chance , who can apply ? For every Chance is then a Deity . But if a Power they keep to work at will , It shews them cruel to torment us still . When we are made , in Pain we always live ; Sick Bodies , Grieved Minds , to us they give : With Motions which run cross , compos'd we are , Which makes our Reason and our Sense to jar . When they are weary to torment us , must We then return , and so dissolve to Dust ? But if I have my Fate in my own Power , I will not breathe , nor live another hour : Then with the Gods I shall not be at strife , If my Decree can take away my Life . Then on her feeble Legs she straight did stand , And took a Pistol charg'd in either hand : Here , Dear , ( said she ) I give my heart to thee , And by my Death , divulg'd our Loves shall be ; Then Constant Lovers , Mourners be ; when dead , They 'l strew our Graves , which is our Marriage-Bed : Upon our Hearse a weeping-Poplar set , Whose moistning-drops our Death's-dri'd Cheeks may wet . Two Cypress Garlands at our Head shall stand , That were made up by some fair Virgin 's hand : And on our cold pale Corps such Flowers strow , As hang their Heads for grief , and downward grow . Then shall they lay us deep in quiet Grave , Wherein our Bones long Rest and Peace may have . Let no Friends Marble-Tombs erect upon Our Graves , but set young Mirtle-trees thereon : Those may in time a shady Grove become , Fit for sad Lovers Walks , whose Thoughts are dumb : For Melancholy Love seeks place obscure , No Noise nor Company it can endure : And when to ground they cast a dull sad Eye , Perhaps they 'l think on us who therein lye : Thus , though w' are dead , our Memory remains ; And , like a Ghost , may walk in moving-Brains ; And in each Head Love's Altars for us build , To sacrifice some Sighs , or Tears distill'd . Then to her Heart the Pistol set , she shot A Bullet in , and so her Grief forgot . Fame with her Trumpet blew in every Ear ; The sound of this great Act spread every where : Lovers from all parts came , by the report ; Unto her Urn , as Pilgrims did resort : There offer'd Praises of her Constancy , And vow'd the like unto Love's Deity . A Woman said , That Tale exprest Love well , And shew'd , that Constancy in Death did dwell . Friendship , they say , a thing is so sublime , That with the Gods there 's nothing more Divine . With wonder Lovers , having but one will , Their two Bodies one Soul doth govern still : And though they be always dis-joined much , Yet all their Senses equally do t'uch : For , what doth strike the Eye , or other part , Begets in all like Pleasure , or like smart . So though in Substance , Form divided be , Yet Soul and Senses , join'd in one , agree . A Man that to the Lady plac'd was nigh , Said , He would tell another Tragedy .

Humanity , Despair , and Jealousie , express'd in three Persons . WAlking along , close by a River's side , The Waters smooth ran with a flowing-tide : The Sun thereon did dart such shining-light , As made it than a Diamond-Chain more bright . The purling-streams invited me to swim , Pull'd my Clothes off , then enter'd every Limb. But envious Cold , alas , did me oppress , And darting-arrows sharp me backwards press . The River to embrace me , made great haste , Her moist soft arms incircled round my waste . Streams coming fast , strove there to force me stay , But that my arms did make my body way . My hands did strike the soft smooth Waters face , As flatt'ring them to give my body place . But when I found them apt higher to rise , Striving to stop my breath , and blind my eyes ; Then did I spread my arms , and Circles make , And the united-streams asunder brake : My Legs did kick away those Waters clear , To keep them back , lest they should croud too near : And as I broke those Streams , they run away , Yet fresh suppli'd their place , to make me stay : Long did I struggle , and my strength did try , At last got hold upon a Bank near by ; On whose side was a Hill where Trees were plac'd , Which on the Waters did a shadow cast : Thither I went ; and when I came close by , I saw a Woman there a weeping lye ; Which seeing , I began to slack my pace : Straight did my Eyes view there a lovely Face Under a Tree ; close by the Root she sate , Which with her Tears as falling-show'rs she wet : At last she spake , and humbly thus did pray , You Gods , said she , my Life soon take away : No slander on my Innocency throw , Let my pure Soul into Elyzium go : If I drown here within this watry Lake , O let my Tears a murmuring River make : Give it both Voice and Words , my Grief to tell ; My Innocence , and why therein I fell . Then straight she rose , the River leapt she in , Which when I saw , I after her did swim : My Hands , as Oars , did well my Body row , Though panting-breath made waters rough to grow ; Yet was my Breast a Keel for to divide , And by that help my Body swift did glide : My Eyes the Needle to direct the way , Which from the North of Grief did not estray ; She , as the Load-stone , drew me to her aid , Though Storms within did make my Mind afraid . Her Garments loose did on the Waters flow , Which were puft up like Sails when winds do blow . I catch'd thereat , to draw her to the brink ; But when I went to pull , she down did sink : Yet did not I my hold thereof let go , But drew her to the Shore with much ado ; I panting with short breath , as out of wind , My Spirits spent , my Eyes were dimly blind ; My strength so weak , forc'd me to lye down straight , did fill , Because , alas , my Life was over-fraight . When life got strength , my mind with thoughts Then to the Lady us'd all art and skill ; Bowing her forwardsth ' waters to let out , Which from her Nose & Mouth gusht like a spout : At last her breath ( before restrain'd ) out-broke , And thus to me she passionately spoke : O who are you that do my Soul molest , Not giving leave in Death to take my rest ? Is there no Peace in Nature to be found ? Must Misery and Fear attend us round ? O Gods , said she , here grant me my desire ; Here end my life , and let my breath expire . I Answered . Thus you with Nature set your self at odds ; And by this wish you do displease the Gods : By violence you cut off their Decree , No violence in Nature ought to be . But what makes you thus strive for to destroy That Life which God did give you to enjoy ? She Answered , O Sir If you did know the torments I do feel ; My Soul is rackt upon Ill Fortune's Wheel : My Innocency by aspersion whipt , And my pure Chastity of Fame is stript : My Love 's neglected and forsaken quite , Banisht from that my Soul took most delight . My Heart was plac'd upon a Valiant Man , Who in the Warrs much Honour bravely wan . His actions all by wisdom placed were , And his discourse delighted every Ear : His Bounty , like the Sun , gave life and light To those whom Misery had eclipsed quite . This Man my Person seem'd for to admire ; My Love before the World he did desire : Told me , the Gods might sooner Heaven leave , Than he forsake my love , or truth deceive . But O vile Jealousie , a Lover's Devil ! Tormenting Thoughts with Suspitions evil ; Frighting the Mind with false Imaginations , Burying all Joys in deepest Contemplations : Long lay it smuther'd , but at last out-broke With Hate ; in Rage and Spleen base words it spoke . Slander and Infamy in Circles round , My innocent Youth with sharpest Tongues do wound : But his Inconstancy did wound me more Than Slander , Spite , or Malice did before : For he another married , and left me Clouded in dark Disgrace , black Infamy . With that she fetch'd a Sigh ; Heav'n bless , said she , This cruel unkind Man , who e're he be . I faint , Death digs my Grave , O lay me in This watry Monument ; then may the Spring In murmures soft , with blubbering words relate , And dropping weep at my Ill Fortune's Fate . Then on a Groan her Soul with wings did flie Up to the Heavens , and the Gods on high : Which when I saw , my Eyes with grief did flow , Although her Soul I thought to Heaven did go . And musing long , at last I chanc'd to see A Gentleman which handsome seem'd to be . He coming near , ask'd me who there did lie ? I said , 'T was one for Love and Grief did die . Hearing my words , he started back , Brows bent , With trembling legs he to the Body went ; Which when he view'd , his blood fell from his face , His Eyes were fix'd , and standing in one place . At last kneel'd down , and thus did say , No hope is left , Life 's fled away . Thou wandring Soul , where e're thou art , Hear my Confession from my heart : I lov'd thee better far than life , Thought to be happy in a Wife : But O Suspition , that false Thief , Seiz'd on my Thoughts , ruling as Chief . Suspition , Malice , Spight , commanded still , To carry false Reports thy Ears to fill . My jealousie did strive thee to torment , And glad to hear when thou wast discontent : I strove always my love for to disguise ; 'T was . said I married was , when all were lies . But Jealousie begets all actions base , And in the Court of Honour hath no place . Forgive me , Soul , where ever thou dost rest , For , of all Women , I did love thee best . Here I do offer up my life to thee , Both dead , we in one Grave may buried be . Swifter than Lightning , straight his Sword he drew , Upon the Point himself he desperate threw ; And to his panting Breast made such dispatch , That I no help could bring , on hold could catch : Turning his pale and ghastly eyes to me , Mix both our ashes in one Urn , said he . With that he fell close by his Mistress side , Embrac'd , and kist , and groan'd , and there he dy'd : Which when I saw , I drest , my Clothes put on , To celebrate their Funeral-Rites alone : First , I did lay a heap of Cypress dry , With striking Flints I made a fire thereby , Laid both their Bodies thereupon to burn , Which in short time did into ashes turn : And being mixt , I took them thence away , And digg'd a Grave those ashes in to lay : Then did I gather Cockle-shells , though small , With art I strove to build a Tomb withall ; Placing some on , others in even Lays , Others join'd close , till I a Tomb did raise . And afterwards I planted Myrtle green , Where Turtle-Doves are daily building seen : And there young Nightingals come every Spring ; To celebrate their Fames , do sit and sing . A Merry Lass , amongst the rest , Began her Tale , and thus exprest :

A Master was in love with his fair Maid , But of his scolding Wife was sore afraid : For she in every place would watch and pry , And peep through every Key-hole to espy ; And if she found them out , aloud would call , And cry she was undone , her Maid had all Her Husband's love , for she had none sh' was sure ; Wherefore this life she never would endure : But he did woo his Maid still by his eye ; She , apprehensive , understood thereby ; And oft would find some work to come in place , Because her Master should behold her Face ; Excuses make , that business she had great , ( Her business was , her Master for to meet ) . With pretty smiles she trips it by , And on him casts a kind-coy eye : To all the House besides , would seem demure , Oft singing Psalms , as if she were right pure ; Repeating Scripture , sigh , turn up her eyes , As if her Soul straight flew unto the Skies , And that her Body were as chast cold Ice , And she were only fit for Paradice : Though her words were precise , her thoughts were not ; She , with her Master , Scripture quite forgot : She then a Goddess was , prayed unto ; Her Master did , as Priests , with Offering woo : Her Mistress , like to Juno , fret and frown'd , When that her Husband and her Maid she found ; And in the Clouds of Night would seek about , Sometimes she mist them , sometimes found them out : But when she did , Lord , what a noise was there ! How Jove and she did thunder in the air ! She with an Ishmael big away was sent ; Like unto Hagar , out of doors she went ; Where he , like Abraham good , a Bottle ty'd , And gave her Means for the Child to provide : Whereat her Mistress angry was , and cry'd ; And wisht her Maid ( like Ishma'l ) might have dy'd . Another man , amongst the rest , Said , they their Tales bad well exprest .

BUT they that study much , and seldom speak , For want of use of words , are far to seek : Their Tongue is like a rusty Key grown rough , Which hardly turns , so do their words come forth : Or like an Instrument that lies unstrung , Till it be tun'd , cannot be plaid upon : For Custom makes the Tongue both smooth & quick , And moving oft , no words thereon will stick ; Like to a flowing-Tide , makes its own way , Runs smooth or clear , without a stop or stay : That makes a Lawyer plead well at the barr , Because he talks there four parts of the year : That makes Divines in Pulpits well to preach , Because so often they the People teach : But those that use to contemplate alone , May have fine thoughts , good words t' express , they none : Good language they express in black and white , Although they speak it not , yet well they write : Much thoughts keep back the words from running out ; The tongue 's ti'd up , the sluce is stopt no doubt : For Fancy's quick , and flies such several ways , For to be drest in words it seldom stays . Fancy is like an Eele , so slippery glides , Before the tongue takes hold , away it slides . Thus he that seldom speaks , is like to those That travelling , their Mother-tongues do lose . Now , says a Lady that was sitting by , Pray let your rusty Tongue with silence lye , And listen to the Tale that I shall tell ; Mark the Misfortunes that to them befell .

A Description of Love and Courage . A Gentleman was riding all about , As in a Progress , he chanc'd to spy out : ( Growing upon a rising-Hill ) a Wood , In midst whereof a little House there stood : It was but small , yet was it wondrous fine , As if 't were builded for the Muses Nine : The Platform was so well contriv'd , that there Was ne're a piece of ground lay waste or spare . This House was built of pure rich Marble-stone , And Marble-Pillars wholly stood upon ; So smooth 't was polish'd , as like Glass it show'd , Which gave reflection to the Wood there grow'd . Those Trees upon the Walls , seem'd painted green , Yet every Leaf thereon was shaking seen : The Roofs therein were arch'd with artful skill , Which over-head hung like a hanging-Hill ; And there a man himself might entertain With his own words , rebounding back again . The doors to every room were very wide , And men , like Statues , carv'd on either side ; And in such lively postures made they were , They seem'd like Guards or Porters waiting there . The winding-Stairs rising without account Of any steps , up to the top did mount : It on the Head a Cap of Lead did wear , Like to a Cardinal's Cap , 't was made four-square ; But flat it was ; close to the Crown did lye , From Cold and Heat it kept it warm and dry : And in the midst , a Tower plac'd on high , Like to Ulysses Monster , with one eye : But standing there , did view through windows out , On every side , fine Prospects all about . When that his eyes were satisfi'd with sight , And that his mind was fill'd with such delight , He did descend back by another way , Chance was his only Guide , which did convey Him to a Gallery both large and long , Where Pictures , by Apelles drawn , there hung , And at the end , a Door half ope , half shut , Where , in a Chamber , did a Lady sit . To him so beautiful she did appear , She seem'd an Angel , not a Mortal here : Cloth'd all in white she was , and from her Head Her Hair hung down , and on her Shoulders spread ; And in a Chair she sate , a Table by , Leaning theron , her Head did side-ways lye Upon her Hand , the Palm a Pillow made , On which , being soft , her Rosie Cheeks she laid ; And from her Eyes the Tears in show'rs did fall Upon her Breast , sparkling like Diamonds all : At last she fetch'd a sigh , Heart break , said she ; Gods take my Life , or give me Liberty : When those words were exprest , she was constrain'd ; He courage took on what she there complain'd , And boldly entring in , she seem'd afraid ; He kneeling down , askt pardon , and thus said : Celestial Creature , do not think me rude , Or want of Breeding made me thus intrude ; But Fortune me unto this House did bring , Whereby a Curiosity did spring From my desires this House to view throughout , Seeing such shady Groves to grow about : And when I came near to the Gate , not one Was there to ask or make opposition : The House seem'd empty , not a Creature stirring , But every Room I entred , still admiring The Architect and Structure of each part ; Those that design'd , were skilful in that Art . Wandring about , at last , Chance favouring me , Hath brought me to this place , where I do see ABeauty far beyond all Art , or any That Nature heretofore hath made , though many Of all the Sex creates she sweet and fair , Yet never any of your Sex so rare : This made me stand and gaze , amaz'd to see What wondrous glorious things in Nature be . But when I heard your words for to express Some grief of heart , and wisht for a redress , My Soul flew to your service , here I vow To Heaven high , my life to give to you ; Not only give my life , but for your sake Suffer all Pains Nature or Hell can make : Nor are my Proffers for a base Self-end , I 'm to your Sex a Servant and a Friend : Pure is my Zeal , and my Flame being clear , Chuse me your Champion , and adopt me here . If I cannot your Enemy destroy , I 'le do my best , no rest I will enjoy ; Because my Fortune , Life , and Industry , I 'le sacrifaice unto thy Liberty . When that the Lady heard him speak so free , And with such passion , and so honestly : I do accept your Favour , Sir , said she , For no Condition can be worse to me Than this I now do live in ; nor can I My Honour hazzard in worse Company : Wherefore , to your protection I resign ; Heaven , O Heaven , prosper this Design . But how will you dispose of me ? pray tell . I will , said he , convey you to a Cell Which is hard by ; and there will Counsel take What way is best to make a clear escape : With that , his Riding-Coat which he did wear , He pull'd straight off , which she put on ; her Hair She ty'd up short , and covered close her Face , And in this posture stole out of that place . An old ill-natur'd Bawd that did wait on her , Being then asleep , did never think upon her . But when sleep fled , awak'd , she up did rise , Sitting upon her Bed , rubbing her eyes That were seal'd up with Matter and with Rheum ; When that was done , she went into the Room Wherein the Lady us'd , alone to be : Straight missing her , cry'd out most piteously , Calling the Servants to search all about ; But they unto a Wake were all gone out . The Peasant's Ball is that we call a Wake , When Men & Maids do dance , and love do make ; And she that danceth best , is crown'd as Queen , With Garlands made of Flow'rs , & Laurel green : Those Men that dance the best , have Ribbans ti'd By every Maid that hopes to be a Bride . Youth loves these kind of Sports , and to a Fayre , 'T will venture life , rather than not be there . Which made the Servants all , although not many , To be abroad , and leave the house for any To enter in , which caused this escape , And to the Owner brought so much mishap . A Lord came galloping as from his Palace , With pleasing thoughts , thinking alone to solace Himself with his fair Mistress , who admired Her Beauty more than Heaven , and desired Her Favour more than Jove's ; her angry words Did wound him more than could the sharpest swords . Her Frowns would torture him as on a Rack , Muffling his Spirits in melancholy black : But if she chanc'd to smile , his joys did rise Much higher than the Sun that lights the Skies . But riding on , the Castle coming nigh , The Woman running 'bout he did descry : His heart misgave him , with doubts he alighted , Asking the reason she was so affrighted : She shak'd so much , no answer could she make ; He , being impatient , unto her thus spake : Devil , said he , what is my Mistress dead , Or sick , or stole away ? or is she fled ? She kneeling down , cry'd out , O she is gone , And I left to your Mercy all-alone . With that he tore his hair , his breast did beat , And all his body in a cold damp sweat ; Which made his Nerves to slack , his Pulse beat slow , His strength to fail , so weak he could not go , But fell upon the ground , seeming as dead , Until his Man did bear him to a bed : For he did only with him one Man bring , Who prov'd himself trusty in every thing : But when his diffus'd Spirits he did compose , Into a deep sad Melancholy he grows ; Could neither eat , nor drink , nor take his rest , His thoughts and passions being so opprest . At last this Lady and her Noble Guide , Got to a place secure , yet forc'd to hide Her self a time , till such Friends could make That would protect Vertue for Vertue 's sake ; Because her loving Foe was great in Power , Which might a Friendless Innocent devour . This Noble Gentleman desir'd to know From what Misfortunes her restraint did grow . Willing she was to tell the Gentleman The story of her Life , and thus began : After my birth , my Mother soon did dye , Unto my Father leaving a Son and I : My Father nor my Brother liv'd not long , Then was I left alone ; and being young , My Aunt did take the charge to see me bred , To manage my Estate ; my Brother dead , I was the only Child and Heir ; but she Was married to a Lord of High Degree , Who had a Son , and that Son had a Wife , They disagreed , led an unhappy Life . When I was grown to sixteen years of age , My Aunt did dye , her Husband did engage To take the charge , and see me well bestow'd , And by his tender care great love he show'd . But such was my Misfortune , O sad Fate ! He dy'd , and left me to his Son's Wife's hate ; Because this younger Lord grew much in Love , Which when his Wife by circumstance did prove , She sought all means she could to murther me ; Yet she would have it done with privacy : The whilst her amorous Lord fresh Courtships made , With his best Rhetorick , for to perswade My honest Youth to yeeld to his desire , My Beauty having set his heart on fire : At last , considering with my self , that I Having a plentiful Estate whereby I might live honourable , safe , and free , Not subject to be betray'd to slavery ; Then to the Lady and the Lord I went , As a respect I told them my intent . The Lady my Design she well approv'd ; He nothing said , but seem'd with passion mov'd . But afterwards , when I my leave did take , He did rejoice , as if 't were for my sake ; And so it was , but not unto my good , For he with Treachery my ways withstood ; For as I travell'd , he beset me round , And forc'd me from my Servants , which he found To be not many ; when he had great store For to assault , but my defence was poor . Yet were they all disguis'd , no Face was shown , ( Such unjust acts desire to be unknown ) . When I was in their power , Help , help , said I , You Gods above , and hear a Wretch's Cry : But no assistance from Heav'n did I find , All seem'd as Cruel as the mad Mankind . Then he unto the Castle me convey'd ; The Lord , himself discovering , thus said : Cruellest of thy Sex , since no remorse Can soften thy hard heart , I 'le use my force ; Unless your heart doth burn with equal fire , Or condescend to what I shall desire . I for my own defence , 'gainst this abuse , Soft flattering words was forced for to use ; Gently entreating his Patience , that I A time might have my heavy heart to try ; That by perswasions it might entertain Not only Love , but return Love again . He seem'd well-pleas'd , his temper calm did grow , Which by his smiling-countenance he did show : He said , If in your Favour I may live , A greater blessing Heaven cannot give . Then to a Woman old he gave the charge For to attend , but not for to enlarge My Liberty ; with rules my Life did bind ; Nothing was free , but Thoughts within my Mind . Thus did I live some half a year , and more , And all this while the Gods on high implore ; For still he woo'd , and still I did deny ; At last h'impatient grew , and swore that I Deluded him , and that no longer would He be denied , but yeeld to him I should . With much entreaty I pacifi'd his Mind With words and countenance that seemed kind ; But Prayers to Heav'n more earnestly I sent With tears and sighs , that they would still prevent , By their great power , his Evil Design , Or take away this loathed life of mine : Although at first they seem'd to be all deaf , Yet now at last they sent me some relief . The whilst the Champion Knight , with his fair Prize , Was struck with Love by her quick-darting Eyes ; Yet mov'd they so as Modesty did guide , Not turning wantonly , or leer'd aside : Nor did they stern or proudly pierce , But gentle , soft , with sweet commerce : And when those Eyes were fill'd with watry streams , Seem'd like a Brook gilded with the Sun-beams ; At last perswading-Love prevail'd so far , As to present his Suit unto her care : Fair Maid , I love thee , and my Love so pure , That no corrupted thoughts it can endure : My Love is honest , my Request is just ; For one Man's fault , do not all Men mistrust . I am a Batchelor , and you a Maid , For which we lawfully may love , he said : Wherefore , dear Saint , cast not my Suit aside ; Chuse me your Husband , and be you my Bride . I am a Gentleman , and have been bred As to my Quality ; my Father dead , Me his Possessions left , which are not small , Nor yet so great to make me vain withall . My Life is yet with an unspotted Fame ; Nor so obscure , not to be known by Name ; Amongst the best and most within this Land , Favours receiv'd , yet none like your Command . She stood a time , as in a musing-thought , At last she spake , Sir , said she , you have brought My Honour out of danger , and civilly Have entertain'd me with your company ; For which I owe my life , much more my love ; Should I refuse , I should ungrateful prove . 'T is not for Wealth that I would marry to , Nor outward Honours that my Love can woo : But it is Virtue , and a Heroick Mind , A Disposition sweet , noble , and kind ; And such a one I judg you for to be , Wherefore I 'le not refuse , if you chuse me . When they were thus agreed , they did repair Unto his House , and went to marry there : The whilst the Lord , the Kingdom all about , He privately had sent to search her out . At last news came , with whom , and where she dwelt ; With that much grief within his heart he felt , That any Man should have her in his power ; He , like a Devil , could his Soul devour . But when he heard the Messenger to say , There 's preparation gainst her Wedding-day ; He grew outragious , cursed Heaven and Earth , The Marriage of his Parents , and his Birth : At last he did resolve , what e're befell , That he would have her , though he sank to Hell . When he had got a Company together , Such as he fed , that would go any whither ; No act they would refuse , that he desired , Obey'd most desperately what he required . Unto his House they went in a disguise , Intending then the Lady to surprise : But be'ng upon her Wedding-day , were there A Company of Guests that merry were ; This Lord desir'd to part them , if he might , 'Cause lye together they should not that Night . So in they went : the Servants all did think Them Maskerades , and made them all to drink : But when they went into an inward Room Where all were dancing , Bride and the Bridegroom ; The Bride acquainted with that Maskard-sight , She ran away as in an extream fright : The Bridegroom soon imagin'd what they were , And , though unarm'd , his Courage knew no fear . Their Swords they drew , aim'd only at his life ; That done , they thought to get away his Wife : His Hat and Cloak , Arms of Defence did make ; The Tongs , for to assault , he up did take : The Women scriecht , Murther , Murther , cry'd out ; The Men flung all the Chairs and Stools about , With which they did resist , and did oppose , For some short time , the Fury of his Foes . It chanc'd a Sword out of a hand did fall ; The Bridegroom straight took 't up & fought withall ; So well did manage it , and with such skill , He many of his Enemies did kill : Yet he was wounded sore , and out of breath ; But heat of Courage kept out dull cold Death . At last his Friends got Arms to take his part , Who did th' oppression of his Foes divert . The Vizzard of the Lord fell off at length ; Which when the Bridegroom saw , with vigorous strength , He ran upon him with such force , that he Struck many down , to make his passage free . The trembling Bride was almost dead with fear , Yet for her Husband had a listening ear . At last the noise of Murther did arrive : O is he dead , said she , and I alive ! With that she run with all her power and might , Into the Room , her Husband then in fight With her great Enemy ; and where they stood , The Ground was like a foaming Sea of Blood ; Wounded they were , yet was each other's heart So hot with Passion , that they felt no smart . The Bride did pass and re-pass by their Swords , As quick as flashing Lightning , and her words Cryed out , Desist , desist , and let me dye , It is decreed by the great Gods on high , Which nothing can prevent ; then let my fall Be an Atonement to make Friends withall . But Death and Courage being long at strife About her Husband's Honour and his Life , They both did fall , and on the ground did lye ; But honoured Courage receiv'd Fame thereby . When Death had turned out his Life , it went Into his Fame , and built a Monument . The Bride , when that she saw her Husband faint , She weeping mourn'd , and made a sad complaint : O Gods , said she , grant me but this Request , That I may dye here on my Husband's breast . With that she fell , and on his Lips did lye , Suckt out each other's breath , and so did dye . When that the Lover saw her Soul was fled , And that her body was cold , pale , and dead ; Then he impatient grew his Life to hold , With desperate Fury then both fierce and bold , He gave himself a mortal wound , and so Fell to the ground , and sick did grow . Then did he speak to all the Company , I do entreat you all for Charity , To lay me by my Mistress in a Grave , That my free Soul may rest and quiet have : With that a Voice heard in the air to say , My Noble Friends , you ought to disobey His dying-words ; for if you do not so , From our dead ashes jealousie will grow : But howsoe're , their Friends did so agree , That they did put them in a Grave all three : And ever since fierce Jealousie doth rage Throughout the World , and shall from age to age . A Batchelor that spightful was , and old , Unto the Company his Tale he told .

WOmen care not , nor seek for Noble Praise ; All their delight runs to Romantick ways ; To be in love , and be belov'd agen ; And to be fought-for by the youngest men , Not for their Vertue , but their Beauty fair , Intangling men within their amorous snare , And turning up their Eyes , not for to pray , Unless it be to see their Love that day : With whining Voice , and foolish words implore The Gods ; for what ? unless to hold the dore . And what is their desire , if I should guess , I straight should judg it tends to wantonness : Perchance they 'l say , It is for Conversation ; But those Conversations bring Temptation . What Youth 's in love with Age , where wisdom dwells , That all the follies of wild Youth still tells ? But Youth will shun grave Age's Company , And from them flye as from an Enemy . Say they , Their wit is all decay'd and gone ; And , that their wit is out of fashion grown : Say , they are peevish , froward , and displeas'd , And full of pain , and weak , and oft diseas'd . But that is fond excuse to plead for Youth : For Age is Valiant , Prudent , full of truth : And Sickness often on the Young takes hold , Making them feeble , weak , before they 're old . If Women love , let it be for the sake Of Noble Virtue , and the wiser take ; Else Virtue is depress'd , forsaken quite , For she allows no Revellers of Night . This Sex doth strive by all the art they can , To draw away each other's Courtly-Man . And all the allurements that they can devise , They put in execution for the prise . Their Eyes are quick , and sparkling like the Sun , Yet always after Mankind do they run : Their words are smooth , their faces in smiles drest ; Their heart is by their countenance exprest : But in their older age they spightful grow , And then they scorns upon their youngers throw ; Industrious are , a false Report to make : Lord ! Lord ! what poor Employments Women take To carry Tales on Tongues . from Ear to Ear , Which faster run than Dromedaries far : In heat , with speed and haste they run about From House to House , to find their Comrades out : And when they meet , so earnest they are bent , As if the Fate 's Decrees they could prevent : The best is Rubbish ; they their Minds do load With several Dresses , and what is the Mode : But if they spightful are , they straight defame Those that most Virtue have , or honoured Name ; Or else about their Carriage they find fault , And say their Dancing-Masters were stark naught . But for their several Dressings , thus will say , How strangely such a one was drest to day ! And if a Lady dress , or chance to wear A Gown to please her self , or curl her Hair , If not according as the Fashion runs , Lord , how it sets a-work their Eyes and Tongues ! Straight she 's fantastical , they all do cry , Yet they will imitate her presently ; And for what they did laugh at her in scorn , With it think good themselves for to adorn . Thus each of them doth into other pry , Not for to mend , but to find fault thereby . With that the Women rose , and angry were , And said , they would not stay such Tales to hear . But all the Men upon their Knees did fall , Begging his Pardon , and their stay withall . And Women's Natures being easie , free , Did soon consent to keep them company . The Tale to tell , Unto a Woman's turn befell : And when their rusling twatling Silks did cease , Their creaking Chairs , and Whisperings held their peace ; The Lady did a Tragick Tale unfold , Forcing their Eyes to weep , whilst she it told .

The Description of the Fondness of Parents , and the Credulity of Youth . A Gentleman had liv'd long , and was old , A Wife he had , which Fifty years had told : Their Love was such , as Time could not decay ; Devout they were , and to the Gods did pray : Yet Children they had none to bless their Life ; She happy in a Husband , h'in a Wife . But Nature , in the World her Power to show , From an old Stock caus'd a young Branch to grow : At length this aged Dame a Daughter bore , Got by her Husband when Threescore , and more . They are so joy'd , they Nature's Bounty praise , And thank the Gods that did the Issue raise . They were so fond , that none this Child must t'uch , Only themselves ; their pains they thought not much . She gave it suck , and dress'd it on her Lap , The whilst he warm'd the Clouts , then cool'd the Pap. They , when it slept , did by the Child abide , Both sitting near the Cradle on each side . But when it cry'd , he danc'd it on his Arm , The whilst she sung , its Passion for to charm . Thus did they strive to please it all they could , And for its good yeeld up their Lives they would . With pains and care they Nurs'd their Daughter well , And with her Years her Beauty did excel . But when she came to Sixteen years of age , Her Youth and Life by Love she did engage Unto a Gentleman that liv'd hard-by Close to her Father's House , who seem'd to dye If he enjoy'd her not ; yet did he dread His Father's Curse to light upon his Head ; His Father to his Passion being cruel , Although he was his only Son and Jewel ; Charging , upon his blessing , not to marry This fairest Maid ; nor Servants for to carry Letters or Tokens , Messages by stealth ; Despising her , because of no great Wealth : Yet she was Nobly born , not very poor , But had not Wealth to equal his great store . But he did woo his Love in secret guise , Courting her privately for fear of Spies . He strove to win her unto his embraces ; Muffle the Faults he would , and the Disgraces . Said he , Why may not we our Senses all delight ? Our Senses and our Souls Heaven unite That we call Honour , only Man creates , For it was never destin'd by the Fates . It is a word Nature ne're taught us , nay It is a Precept she forbids t' obey . Then follow Nature , for that follows God , And not the Arts of Men , they 're vain and odd . Let every Sense lye steep , not drown'd , in pleasure : Let us keep up their height in balanc'd measure . First , let our Eyes all Beauteous Objects view ; Our Ears all Sounds , which Notes and Times keep true . Then Scent all Odours to refresh the Brain ; With Tastes delicious Palates entertain . Touch things most pleasing , that all Parts may feel Expansion of the Soul , from Head to Heel : Thus we shall use what Nature to us gave ; For by restraint , in Life we dig our Grave : And in the Grave our Senses useless lye ; Just so is Life , if Pleasures we deny . Thus Heav'n , that gave us Sense , may take it ill , If we refuse what 's offered to us still : Then let our Sense and Souls take all delight , Not to surfeit , but feed each Appetite . Come Pleasure , Circle me within thy Arms , Inchant my Soul with thy delightful Charms . Said she , It is not always in our Power To feed , Delight , nor Pleasure to devour . Man no free Power hath of any thing ; Only himself can to destruction bring : Can kill his Body , and his Soul can damn , Although he cannot alienate the same ; Nor can he make them always to remain , Nor turn them to what they were first again . Thus can we cross and vex our selves with pain , But being sick , cannot be well again : We can Disturb great Nature's work at will ; But to Restore and Make , is past our skill . But he did plead so hard , such Vows did make , Such large Professions , and such Oaths did take , That he would constant be , and that his Bride He would her make , when that his Father dy'd : She , young and innocent , knew no deceits , Nor thought that Words and Vows were us'd as baits . So yeelded she to all he did desire , Thinking his Vows as much as Laws require . But they so oft did meet , till it befell , She sick did grow , her Body big did swell ; Which she took care to hide , and would not be , As she was wont , in other Company : But to her Parents she would often cry , And said she swell'd so , with a Tympany . They did believe her , and did make great moan , Their only Child was now so sickly grown . His Father old , the Marriage to prevent , Now , in all haste , his Son to travel sent ; Gave him no time nor warning to be gone ; Nor , till he saw him ship'd , left him alone . But he , to ease his Mistress of her fear , For to return , he only now took care . But she no sooner heard that he was gone , But in her Chamber lock'd her self alone ; Complain'd against her Destiny and Fate , And all her Love to him was turn'd to Hate . You Gods , said she , my Fault 's no wilful sin ; For I did think his Vows had Marriage been : But by his stealth , so privately to leave me , I find my Crime , and that he did deceive me : For which , said she , you Gods torment him more Than ever any Man on Earth before . With that she rose , about her Neck she flung A Silken String , and in that String she hung . Her Parents to her Chamber did repair , Calling her forth to take the fresh sweet air ; Supposing it might do her Health some good ; And at her Chamber door long time they stood : But when they call'd , and knock'd , no answer made , She being sick , they 'gan to be afraid : Their Limbs did shake with age , Nerves being slack't , Those Nervous Strings with fear were now contract : At last , though much a-do they had to speak , They Servants call'd to open , or to break The Lock : No sooner done , but with great fear They entred in ; and after they were there , The horrid sight no sooner struck their Eyes , But it congeal'd their Hearts , and straight both dyes . The Fame of their sad Fates all round was spread , The Lover heard his Mistress then was dead ; His Clothes , his Hair he tore , his Breast did beat , His Spirits issu'd out in a cold Sweat . Said he , O cursed Death come kill me quick , And in my Heart thy Spear or Arrow stick ; Because my Love in thy cold Arms doth lye , I now desire , nay , am resolv'd to dye . But O! Love is a powerless God ; in vain He strives with 's Flame to melt Death's Icy Chain : For though with Love my Heart so hot doth burn , Yet cannot melt , I fear Death's Icy Urn. Then he all in a rage to the Earth fell , And there invoking up the Devils of Hell , Saith he , Ye Powerful Terrors me assist , For to command or force Death when I list , That by your help and pow'r my Love may rise From the dark Vault or Grave wherein she lies ; Or else by Death's cold hand alone , Convert me into Marble-stone . Then running , as distracted , in and out , By Fancies , Visions strange saw all about : And crying loud , My Mistress , she is there ; He seem'd to catch , but grasp'd nought else but air : See , see her Ghost , how it doth slide away , Her Soul is pure , and shines as glorious Day . But my foul Soul , which is as black as Night , Doth shadows cast upon the Soul that 's bright ; Which makes her walk as in a gloomy shade , Like Shadows which the Silver Moon hath made . Hark how my Love sings sweetly in the Skye , Her Soul is mounted up to Heavens high , And there it shall be made a Deity , And I a Devil in Hell tormented lye . His spirit being spent , fell to the ground ; And lying there a while , as in a swound , At last he rose , and with a sober pace He bent his steps , as to her burying-place ; And with his Cloak he muffled him about , His Hatpull'd o're his Brows , his Eyes look't out To guide his way ; but far he had not gone , That straight he saw the Funerals coming on : Three Hearses all were born , as on a breast , Black cover'd two , with white the third was drest : A Silver Crown upon that Hearse did stand , And Myrtle-boughs young Virgins bore in hand : The graver sort did Cypress-branches bear , The mournful Parents death for to declare . With solemn Musick to the Grave them brought ; With Tears in-urn'd their Ashes in a Vault : But he , before the People did return , Did make great haste to get close to the Urn ; His Hat pulls off , then bows , le ts loose his Cloak ; With dropping Eyes , & countenance sad , thus spoke : You charitable Friends , whoe're you be , To see the Dead thus buri'd solemnly ; The like to me your Favour I do crave , Stay all , and see me buri'd in this Grave . Giving himself a private wound , there fell Into the Grave ; and dying , there did tell Of his sad Love ; but now , said he , Our Souls nor Bodies ne're shall parted be . With that he sighs , and breathing out his last , About his Mistress Corps his Arms he cast . The Urn seal'd up , his Friends a Tomb did build ; Famous it was , such Love therein it held . Most Parents do rejoyce , and Offerings bring Of thankful Hearts , or Pray'rs for their Off-spring . These thought their Age was blest ; but they were blind With Ignorance , and great affections kind , More than with Age ; but who knows Destiny ? Or thinks that Joy can prove a Misery ? Some Parents love their Wealth more than their Breeds , Hoording up more than Love or Nature needs : And rather than poor Virtue they will take , By crossing Love , Childless themselves will make . A sober Man , who had a thinking-Brain , Of Vice and Vanity did thus complain :

'T IS strange to see the Follies of Mankind , How they for useless things do vex their Mind : For what superfluous is , serves them for nought ; And more than necessary is a fault : Yet Man is not content with a just measure , Unless he surfeits with Delight and Pleasure ; As if true Pleasure only liv'd in Pain , For in Excess Pain only doth remain : Riches bring Care to keep , Trouble to spend ; Beggars and Borrowers have ne're a Friend : And Hospitality is oft diseased , And seldom any of their Guests are pleased : In Feasts , much Company disturbs the rest , And with much noise it doth the Life molest . Much Wine and Women makes the Body sick ; And Doting-Lovers they grow Lunatick . Playing at Cards and Dice , Men Bankrupts grow , And with the Dice away their Time they throw , Their Manly Strength , their Reason , and their Wit , Which might in Warrs be spent , or Letters writ . All Generosity seems buried here ; Gamesters seem Covetous , as doth appear : But when they spend , most prodigally wast , As if their Treasures were the Indies vast , Or else their Purse an endless Myne of Gold ; But they 'l soon find it doth a bottom hold . Titles of Honour , Offices of State , Bring Trouble , Envy , and Malicious Hate . Ceremony restrains our Freedom , and State-Offices Commands , Men tott'ring stand . And Vanities Inchanters of the Mind , That muffle Reason , and the Judgment blind ; Do lead the life in strange fantastick ways , To seek that Pleasure which doth live in Praise . Praise is no real thing , an empty Name , Only a Sound which we do call a Fame ; Yet for this Sound Men always are at strife , Do spend their Fortunes , and do hazzard Life : They give their Thoughts no rest , but hunt about , And never leave until the Life goes out . That Man that seeks in Life for more than Health , For Rest and Peace within his Commonwealth , ( Which is his Family ) sure is not wise , And know not where true Happiness still lies . Nor doth he guess that Temperance doth give The truest Pleasure , makes it longest live . You Gods , said he , give me a Temperate Mind , An Humble Cottage , a Chast Wife and Kind , To keep me Company , to bear a part Of all the Joys or Sorrows of my Heart ; And let our Labours , Recreations be , To pass our Time , and not a Misery . Banish all Cares , you Gods , let them not lye As heavy burthens ; and when we must dye , Let 's leave the World , as in a quiet Sleep ; Draw gently out our Souls , our Ashes keep Safely in Urns ; not separate our Dust , Or mix us so , if transmigrate we must , That in one Body we may still remain ; When that 's dissolved , make us up new again . A Lady said , She his Discourse would fit ; A Story tell that should his Humour hit .

THere was a Man and Woman married were , They liv'd just so as should a Married Pair ; Though their Bodies divided were in twain , Their Souls agreed , as one they did remain : They did so mutually agree in all , This Man and Wife we only One may call . They were not rich , nor were they very poor ; Not pinch'd with want , nor troubled with great store . They did not labour for the Bread they eat , Nor had they various or delicious Meat ; Nor many Servants had to vex their Mind , Only one Maid that faithful was , and kind ; Whose Work was just so much as to employ Her so , as Idleness might not her annoy . Thus decently and cleanly did they live , And something had for Charity to give . Her Pastime was to spin in Winter cold , The whilst he read , and to her Stories told : And in the pleasant Spring , fresh air to take , To Neighbouring-Villages short Journeys make . In Summer-Evenings they the Fields did round , Or sit on Flow'ry-banks upon the ground : And so , in Autumn they their walks did keep , To see Men gather Grapes , or sheer their Sheep . Nor did they miss Jove's Temple , once a day , Both kneeling down unto the Gods to pray For gracious Mercy , their poor Souls to save , A healthful Life , an easie Death to have . Thus did they live full forty years , and more ; At last Death comes , and knocketh at the dore , And with his Dart he struck the Man full sick , For which the Wife was almost Lunatick : But she with care did watch , great pains did take ; Broths , Julips , Jellies , she with skill did make . She most industrious was his pains to ease , Studying always his Humour for to please : For oft the sick are peevish , froward , cross , And with their pains do tumble , groan , and toss , On their sad Couches ; quietly he lay , And softly to himself to Heaven did pray . Yet was he melancholy at the heart , For nothing else , but from his Wife to part . But when she did perceive his Life decay , Close by his side , upon a Bed she lay , Embrac'd and kist him oft , until his Breath And Soul did part , drawn forth by powerful Death : Art gone , said she ? then I will follow straight ; For why , my Soul upon thy Soul shall wait . Then turn'd her self upon the other side , In breathing-sighs and show'ring-tears she dy'd .

A Single-Life best . A Man said , He liv'd a most happy Life , Because he was not ty'd unto a Wife : Said he , Marriage at best obstructs the Mind . With too much Love , or Wives that are unkind . Besides , a Man is still ty'd by the heel , Unto the Cradle , Bed , Table , and Wheel ; And cannot stir , but , like a Bird in string , May hop a space , but cannot use his wing . But those who 're free , and not to Wedlock bound , They have the liberty the World to round ; And in their Thoughts much Heav'nly Peace doth dwell , When Marriage makes their Thoughts like pains of Hell . And when they die , no Care doth grieve their Mind , For any thing that they shall leave behind . A Lady said , If Women had but Wit , Men neither Wives nor Mistresses should get : No cause should have to murmure and complain , If Women their kind Freedom would restrain . But Marriage is to Women far more worse Than 't is to Men , and proves the greater Curse : And I , said she , for proof , a Tale will tell , What to a Virtuous Married Wife befell .

THere once a Lord and Lady married were , And for Sev'n years did live a Happy Pair : He seem ; d to love his Wife , as well he might , For she was Modest , Virtuous , Fair , and Bright ; A Disposition suitable and kind ; No more Obedience Man in Wife could find : She did esteem him so , and priz'd him such , Of Merit , she thought no Man had so much ; And lov'd him more than Life lov'd perfect Health , Or Princes for to rule a Commonwealth . But such the Natures of most Husbands be , That they love Change , and seek Variety ; Or else like Fools or Children , eas'ly caught With pleasing looks , or flatt'ring tongues are brought From Virtues side , in wicked ways to run , And seldom back with Virtue do return . But Misery may drive them back again , Or else with Vices they do still remain . It chanc'd this Lord a Lady fair did meet , Her Countenance was pleasing , Speech was sweet ; And from her Eyes such wanton Glances went , As from her Heart Love-Messages had sent ; Whereby this Lord was catch'd in Cupid's Snare , How to address , he only now takes care . But he straight had access , and Courtships makes , The Lady in his Courtships pleasure takes ; And Pride she takes , that she could so allure A Husband from a Wife , that was so pure As Heaven's Light , and had the Praise and Fame Of being the most Fair and Virtuous Dame . At last this Lady by her wanton Charms , Inchanted had this Lord , till in his arms He might embrace her in an amorous way , His Thoughts were restless , working Night and Day To compass his Designs ; nor did he care To lose his Wife's affection , but did fear His Mistress to desplease ; and as her Slave , Obey'd her will in all that she would have . But she was subtil , and of Nature bad ; A crafty Wit , in making Quarrels , had : For which she seemed to be Coy and Nice , And sets her Beauty at so great a price , That she would never yeeld unless that he From his Chast Wife would soon divorced be : Straight he , to please her , from his Wife did part , For which his Wife was grieved at the Heart , And sought her self obscurely for to hide , And in a solitary House did 'bide , As if she had a grievous Criminal been , Or Causer was of his adulterous Sin ; And for a Penance , she did strictly live ; But she was Chast , and no offence did give : Yet she in sorrow liv'd , no rest could find , Sad melancholy thoughts mov'd in her Mind : Most of her time in Prayers she did spend , Which as sweet Incense did to Heav'ns ascend ; Did often for her Husband Mercy crave , That they would pardon all his Faults , and save Him from Destruction , and that they would give Him Happy Days as long as he should live . But after he his Mistress had enjoy'd , And that his Amorous Appetite was cloy'd ; Then on his Virtuous Wife his Thoughts did run , The later Lady he did strive to shun : For often they did quarrel and fall out ; He gladly would be rid of her , no doubt . At last he was resolv'd his Wife to see , And to be Friends , if that she would agree . But when he saw his Wife , his Heart did ake , As being guilty , all his Limbs did shake : The terror of his Conscience did present To him her wrongs , but yet to her he went . She being set near to a Fountain low , Her Tears did make the Stream to overflow . Thither he came , and on the Earth did kneel , But in his Soul such passions did he feel Of Shame , Fear , Sorrow , as he could not speak : At last his Passion through his Lips did break , Begging her Pardon , and great Vows did make Of Reformation , and that for her sake He would all Pain or Punishment endure , And that no Husband should to Wife be truer . Which when she heard , she sighing , did reply , You come too late , my Destiny is over-fraught , My Bark of Life with Grief is over-fraught , And ready is to sink with its own weight : For show'rs of Tears , and stormy Sighs do blow Me to the Ports of Death , and Shades below . He being affrighted at the word she spake , In haste he rose , her in his arms did take : Wherewith she pleas'd , and smiling , turn'd her Eye Upon his Face , so in his arms did dye . And being dead , he laid her on the ground ; He in the Fountain , and her Tears , was drown'd . Impatiently in a high discontent There dy'd , so had a watry Monument . Another Lady said , Such Men I hate That wrong their Wives , and then repent too late . But all Adulterers I wish might have A Violent Death , and an Untimely Grave . The next Man's turn to speak was one that in The Warrs was bred ; and thus be did begin :

A Description of Natural Affection . THere were two Potent Princes , whose great Fames For Actions in the Warrs got mighty Names . It chanc'd these Potent Princes both did greet , And were resolv'd in open Warrs to meet , Their Courages to try , their Strengths and Pow'r , Their prudent Conducts , or their fatal Hour . In short , these Armies meet , a Battel fight , Where one Side beaten was by Fortune's spight . The Battel won , that Army routed , ran , And for to save his Life , strove every Man , And their Artillery they left behind , Each for himself a shelter hop'd to find . When from pursuit the Victors did come back , The Solidiers for to plunder were not slack : And every Tent they search'd , and sought about To see if they some Treasure could find out . To th' Prince's Tent did some Commanders go , Where they did find an Object of much wo. That Prince being dead , upon the ground was laid , And by him sate a fair and sweet young Maid : Her Beauty was so splendrous , and so bright , Through Clouds of Grief , it shone like Heavens light . Which the Commanders saw , then straight did go To let their General of this Beauty know . Who when he came , amazed was in mind , Such Beauty for to see , and Grief to find . For this fair Princess by her Father set , Her Eyes being fixt , her Tears his Cheeks did wet ; She leaning o're his Head , her Eyes down bend , From whence her Tears upon his Face descend . Upon his Mouth such deep-fetch'd sighs did breathe , As if therein her Soul she would bequeathe ; For which this General did her admire , Her Tears quench'd not , but kindle did Love's Fire . With that he did command the Solidiers there , The Dead to take , the Body up to bear . But then she spake : For pity have remorse , Remove not from me my dead Father's Corpse : For had not Fortune ( which he never trust With any business , but what needs he must ) Conspir'd with Death to work his overthrow , His wisdom crossing her , she grew his Foe . But all her Spight could never do him harm , For he with Prudence still himself did arm : But when that Death assisted her Design , She struck him dead when Battels were to join ; His Solidiers forc'd to fight , when that their Mind Was press'd with grief , which fast th' Spirits did bind ; It was his Death that made him lose the Day , And made you Victors that now wear the Bay . But look , said she , his Hands now strengthless lye , In fight which made his Enemies to flye : His Eyes , now shut by Death , in Life gave light Unto his Soldiers , in the Warrs to fight . His Tongue , that silenc'd is by Death's cold Hand , In Life mov'd wisely , and could well command : It Knowledg gave to those that little knew , And did instruct what was the best to do . His Heart lyes still , no Motion doth remain : Ceas'd are the Thoughts in his well-temper'd Brain ; Where in his Heart all Virtues did abide , And in his Brain strong Reason did reside : But all is vanquish'd now , and Life doth seem No better than a Shadow , or a Dream . 'T is strange in Nature to observe and see The unproportion'd Links in Destinie . For Man's the wisest Creature Nature makes , And best Extracts to form his Figure takes ; And yet so short a Life to him she gives , He 's almost dead before he knows he lives : Yet she from Man receives the greatest praise , He doth admire all her curious ways : With wonder he her sev'ral Works doth see , And studies all her Laws , and each Decree ; Doth travel sev'ral ways within his Mind , His Thoughts are restless , her Effects to find . But in his Travels Death cuts him off short , And leads him into dark Oblivion's Court. Thus Nature is unjust , Heaven unkind , Which strikes the Best , the Worst do favour find . My Father's Merits might have challeng'd still A longer Life , had it been Heavens will . But he is dead , and I am left behind , Which is a torture to my troubled Mind . If Soldiers pity have , grant my desire , Here strike me dead , and let my Breath expire . Said the Victorious Prince : Heaven forbid ! all horrid Acts we shun ; For in the Field the purest Honour 's won : We stake our Lives for Lives , and justly play A Game of Honour on a Fighting-Day . Perchance some Cheats may be among the Rout , But if they 're found , the Noblest throw them out . But since you cannot alter Destiny , Nor none that live , but have some Misery ; Raise up your Spirits , unto Heaven submit , And do not here in Grief and Sorrow sit . Your Father was a Soldier of great Fame , His Valiant Deeds did get an Honoured Name : And for his sake judg us , which Soldiers be , To have Human'ty , and Civility . Your Father he shall safely be convey'd , That he may be by his Ancestors laid . But you must stay , yet not as Prisoner ; You shall Command and Rule our Peace and War . She answered not in words , her Tears did plead , That she with her dead Father might be freed : But her clear Advocates could not obtain Their humble Suit , but there she must remain With the Victorious Prince ; but he deny'd , As Victor , in a Triumph for to ride : For though the Battel I have won , he said , Yet I am Prisoner to this Beauteous Maid . She is the Conqueress , therefore 't is fit I walk as Prisoner , she Triumphant sit . Then all with great Respects to her did bow ; So doth the Prince , and plead , protest , and vow , To be her Servant , and to yeeld his Life To Death's sad strokes , unless she 'ld be his Wife . But she still weeps , his Suit no favour gains ; Of Fates and Destiny she still complains . Why , said the Prince , should you my Suit deny , Since I was not your Father's Enemy ? Soldiers are Friends , though they each blood do spill , 'T is not for Spight , nor any Malice ill ; But Honour to maintain , and Power to get , And that they may in Fame's House higher set : For those of greatest Pow'r , to Gods draw near ; For nought but Pow'r makes Men like Gods appear . But had I kill'd your Father in the Field , Unto my Suit in Justice you might yeeld . But I was not the Cause your Father dy'd , For Victory doth still with him abide : And though that Death stid strike him to the heart , Yet his great Name and Fame will never part . Men will suppose the Loss is loss of Life , And had he liv'd , there would be greater strife Between our Armies ; but if you 'l be mine , Our Kingdoms in a Friendly Peace shall join . Then she began to listen , and give ear ; She of her Countrey in distress took care : And in short time they were both Man and Wife ; Long did they live , and had a happy Life . The next , a Virgin 's turn her Tale to tell ; Her Youth and Modesty did fit it well .

The Surprisal of DEATH . A Company of Virgins young did meet , Their Pastime was , to gather Flowers sweet : They white Straw-Hats upon their Heads did wear , And falling-Feathers , which wav'd with the air , Fanning their Faces , like a Zephyrus Wind , Shadowing the Sun , that strove their Eyes to blind ; And in their Hands they each a Basket held , Which Baskets they with Fruits or Flowers fill'd : But one amongst the rest such Beauty had , That Venus for to change might well be glad . Her Shape exact , her Skin was smooth and fair ; Her Teeth white , even set , a long curl'd Hair : Her Nature modest , her Behaviour so , As when she mov'd , the Graces seem'd to go . Her Wit was quick , and pleasing to the Ear , That all who heard her speak , straight Lovers were . But yet her Words such Chast Love did create , That all Impurity they did abate . And every heart or head where wild Thoughts live , She did convert , and wise Instructions give : For her Discourse such heavenly Seeds did sow , That where she strew'd , there Virtues up did grow . These Virgins all were in a Garden set , And each did strive the finest Flowers to get . But this fair Lady on a Bank did lye Of most choice Flowers , which did court her Eye ; And every one did bend their heads full low , Bowing their Stalks , which from the Roots did grow ; And when her hands did touch their tender Leaves , Each seem'd to kiss , and to her Fingers cleaves . But she , as if in Nature 't were a Crime , Was loath to crop their Stalks in their full prime ; But with her Face close to those Flowers lay , That through her Nostrils those Sweets might find way ; Not for to rob them , for her head was full Of Flow'ry Phansies , which her wit did pull , And Posies made , the World for to present With a more lasting and a sweeter Sent. But as she lay upon this pleasant Bank , For which those Flowers did great Nature thank ; Death envious grew she such delight did take , And with his Dart a deadly wound did make : A sudden Cold did seize her every Limb , With which her Pulse beat slow , and Eyes grew dim . Some that sate by , observ'd her pale to be , But thought it some false Light ; yet went to see : And when they came , she turn'd her Eyes aside , Spread forth her arms , then stretch'd , and sigh'd , and dy'd . The frighted Virgins ran with panting-breath , To tell the sadder story of her death : The whilst the Flowers to her rescue bend , And all their Med'cinable Virtues send : But all in vain , their Power 's too weak ; each Head Then droop'd , seeing they could not help the Dead . Their fresher Colours did no longer stay , But faded straight , and wither'd all away . For Tears , they dropp'd their Leaves , and thought it meet To strew her with them , as a Winding-Sheet . The Airy Choristers hover'd above , And sung her last sad Funeral-Song of Love . The Earth grew proud , now having so much honour , That Odoriferous Corpse lying upon her . When that pure Virgin 's Stuff dissolv'd in Dew , Was the first cause new Births of Flowers grew , And added Sweets to those it did renew . The Grosser Parts the Curious soon did take , Of it transparent Purslain they did make : Her Purer Dust they keep for to refine Best Poets Verse , and gild every Line ; And all Poetick Flames she did inspire : So her Name lives in that Eternal Fire .

A Mock-Tale of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle . CUPID Love-birding went , his Arrow laid , Aiming to hit a young fresh Countrey-Maid : Being pur-blind , his Arrow it did glance , And hit an Old-old Woman there by chance . She presently with Love sighs shorter breath , Groan'd so , as all the Neighbours thought her Death . Little she had of feeling , nor no ground To guess where Cupid us'd to make the wound . A long forgetfulness there was , no doubt , Of what was Love , and all those thoughts worn out . At last , Love rub'd her Mem'ry up , and then She thought some Threescore years ago , and ten , Was wounded so ; but then was in her Prime ; The Surgeon cured her , was Father Time ; But he 's not skilful for Love's wounds ; all those , Though they seem cured , yet they 'l never close , But break out still again ; not Winter's cold Will freeze them up , nor Age , though ne're so old . She , with Laborious Hands , and Idle Breech , Us'd to weed Gardens , and for her grown rich ; Some Twenty Pounds she 'd got , which she did hide For her great , great , great Grandchild , when a Bride . O powerful Love ! to see thy fatal Curse , Now to forget her Noble Race and Purse ; Enquires out the best Taylors in the Town , To make her Wastcoats , Petticoats , and Gown : New Shooes of Shoo-maker she did bespeak , And bids him put three-penny-worth of Creak Into the Soles , that Dew when them it fills , Like Hero's Buskins , chirrup through the Bills . Hunts Pedlars out , and buys fresh Ribbans blew , To shew that she is turn'd a Lover true . And now those Hands , not white as Venus Doves , Not to preserve , but hide with Dog-skin Gloves . Takes keener Nettles up , that by her stood , To rub her Skin and Cheeks , but found no Blood . No dangling Tresses there could any find ; Sister to Time , no Locks before , behind . Yet smooth she was not , as the Billiard-ball ; But bald as it all over , you might call . When met her Love , he thought she smil'd to grace Her self , when 't was but wrinkles in her Face . And all Love's arts she try'd , and oft she met him , This lusty young and labouring-man , to get him . His Poverty with her Purse join'd their hands , And so did enter in the Marriage-bands . But to describe their sumptuous Marriage Feast , Their richer Clothes , and every honour'd Guest ; Their melting Love-Songs , softer Musick 's t'uch , Are not to be express'd , not half so much As you may now imagine ; all my Skill , And fainter Muse , too weak ; nay , Virgil's Quill , With that description , it would blunter grow ; And Homer's too , with all his Furies ; so They blush'd for shame , when saw this lovely Bride Put them all down ; thus triumphs she in Pride . Now after Supper , when they were both fed , Your Thoughts must go along with them to bed : There being laid , he mounted now Love's Throne ; She sigh'd with Love , then fetch'd a deeper groan : And so expir'd there in height of Pleasure , And left him to enjoy her long-got Treasure . Nay , so belov'd she was , that now lies low , That all the Women wish'd for to dye so . Then came a Lady young , that had not been In that Society ; and coming in , They told her , she a Tale must pay , Or , as a Bankrupt , she must go away . Truly , said she , I am not rich in Wit , Nor do I know what Tales your Humours fit . Yet in my young and budding Muse , Will draw the Seasons of the Year , Like ' Prentice-Painters , which do use The same to make their skill appear . But Nature is the Hand to guide The Pencil of the Brain , and place The Shadows so , that they may hide All the Defects , or giv 't a grace . Phansie Draws Pictures in the Brain , Not subject to the outward Sense ; They are Imaginations vain , Yet are they the Life's Quintessence . For when Life 's gone , yet they will live , And to the Life a Fame will give .

The Tale of the Four Seasons of the Year . THE Spring is dress'd in buds & blossoms sweet , And Grass-green Socks she draws upon her feet . Of freshest air a Garment she cuts out , With painted Tulips fringed round about , And lines it all within with Violets blew , And yellow Primrose of the palest hew : Then wears an Apron made of Lillies white , And lac'd about it is with Rays of Light . Cuffs of Narcissus her fair hands do tye , Pinn'd close with Stings of Bees which buzzing flye To gather Honey-dew which thereto cleaves , And leave their Stings when they do prick the leaves . Ribbons of Pinks and Gilliflowers makes ; Roses both white and red , for Knots she takes . When she 's thus dress'd , the Birds in Love do fall , And chirping , then , do to each other call To sing , and hop , and merry make , And joy'd they are all for the Spring 's sake . But of all Birds , the Nightingal delights To sing the Spring to bed in warmer Nights ; Because the Spring at Night draws in her Head Into the Earth , for that she makes her bed ; And in the Morning , when asleep she lies , The Nightingal doth sing to make her rise ; And calls the Sun to open her fair Eyes , Who gallops fast , that he might her surprise . But when the Spring is past her Virgin 's prime , And married is to old bald-Father Time ; The Nightingal , for grief , doth cease to sing , And silent is till comes another Spring . The Summer 's cloth'd in glorious Sun-shine bright , And with a trailing-Veil of long-day-light : Some Dust , as Powder , on her Hair doth place , And with the Morning's Dew doth wash her Face . A Zephyrus-Wind she for a Fan doth spread , To cool her Cheeks , which are hot-burning-red ; And with that Heat so thirsty she doth grow , As she drinks all the fresh sweet Springs that flow . Then in a Thundring-Chariot she doth ride , For to astonish Mortals with her Pride : Before her Chariot flashing-Lightning flyes , A fluid Fire that spreads about the Skyes . As Princes great , that in dry ways do travel , Have Water thrown t' allay the Dust and Gravel . This Fire allays , cleanses all Vapours gross , Lest , rising , they should stop the Thunder's force : And when she from her Chariot doth alight , Then is she waited on by Sun-beams bright : Or else the Rays that from the Moon do spread , As Waxen Tapers , light her to her bed , And with refreshing-sleeps a while doth rest ; There sweet air breathing from her panting breast . Yet Summer's proud , ambitious , high , and hot , And full of action , idle she is not : Chol'rick she is , and oft doth Quarrels make ; But yet sometimes she doth her Pleasure take : At high-noon with the Butter-flyes doth play , In th' Evening with the Bats doth dance the Hay : Or at the setting of the Sun doth flye With Swallows swift , to keep them Company . But if she 's cross'd , she straight malicious grows , And in a fury Plagues on Men she throws , Or other Sickness , and makes Beasts to dye , And cause the Marrow in the bones to fry . But Creatures that with long time are grown old , Or such as are of Constitution cold , She nourishes , and Life she doth restore , In Flyes , Bats , Swallows , many Creatures more : For some do say , these Birds in Winter dye , And in Summer revive again to flye . Of all the Four Seasons of the Year , This Season doth most full and fat appear . Her blood is hot , and flowing as full Tide , She 's only fit to be Apollo's Bride : But she , as all young Ladies , in their prime , Doth fade and wither with old Father Time ; And all their beauty , which they much admire , Doth vanish soon , and quickly doth expire . Just so the Summer dries , withers away ; No powerful Art can make sweet Beauty stay . The Autumn , though she 's in her fading years , And sober , yet she pleasantly appears : Her Garments are not deck'd with Flowers gay , Nor are they green , like to the Month of May , But of the colour are of dapple Deer , Or Hares , that to a sandy ground appear : Yet she is rich , with Plenty doth abound , All the encrease of Earth is with her found : Most Creatures , Nourishment to them doth give , And by her bounty , Men , Beasts , Birds , do live ; Besides , the grieved Heart with Joy doth fill , When from the plump Grapes Wine she doth distill ; And gathers Fruits , which lasting are , and sound , Her brows about with Sheaves of Corn are crown'd , In those are Seeds , whereof Man makes some Bread , With which the Poor and Rich are nourished . Yet 't is not Bounty can hinder Nature's course , For constantly she change in one source : For though the Matter may be still the same , Yet she doth change the Figure and the Frame : And though in Principles she constant be , And keeps to certain Rules , which well agree To a wise Government ; yet doth not stay , But as one comes , another glides away : So doth the Autumn leave our Hemisphere To Winter cold , at which Trees shake for fear , And in that Passion all their Leaves do shed , And all their Sap back to the Root is fled : Like to the Blood , which from the Face doth run , To keep the Heart , lest Death should seize thereon . Then comes the Winter , with a lowring brow , No pleasant Recreations doth allow : Her skin is wrinkled , and her blood is cold ; Her Flesh is numb , her Hands can nothing hold : Her Face is swarthy , and her Eyes are red ; Her Lips are blew , with Palsie shakes her Head ; She often coughs , and 's very rheumatick , Her Nose doth drop , and often doth she spit ; Her Humour 's Melancholy , as Cold and Dry , Yet often she in show'ring Rain doth cry , And blustring Storms , as in a Passion sent , Which on the Earth , and on the Water vent ; As Rheums congeal to Flegm , the Waters so , By thickning Cold , congeal to Ice , Hail , Snow , Which she spits forth ; upon the Earth they lye In lumps and heaps , which makes the Plants to dye : She 's poor and barren , little hath to give , For in this Season all things hardly live : But often those who 're at the worst estate , By change of Times do grow more fortunate : So when the Winter 's past , then comes the Spring , And Plenty doth restore to every thing .

A Poet in the Company Said to his Lady : YOur Fingers are Minerva's Loom , with which Your Sense in Letters weave , No knots or snarls you leave ; Work Fancy's Thread in Golden Numbers rich . Your Breasts are Helicon , which Poets fits : For though they do not drink , If thereon they do think , Their Brains are fill'd with high and sparkling Wits . Your Tongue 's Parnassus Hill , on high it stands ; Her Muses sit and sing , Or dance in Fayrie's Ring , Crown'd with your Rosie Lips , and sweet Garlands . Your Eyes Diana's Arrows ; and no doubt Your arched Brow her Bow , Like Ebony black doth show , From whence sweet gentle Modesty shoots out . Your Hairs are fatal Threads , Lovers hang by ; Your Brain is Vulcan's Net , Fine Fancies for to get , Which , like to winged Birds , aspiring flye . The next , a Man of Scholarship profest , He in his turn this Tale told to the rest .

An Expression of the Doubts and Curiosity of Man's Mind . THere was a Man which much desir'd to know , When he was dead , whither his Soul should go ; Whether to Heaven high , or down to Hell , Or the Elyzium Fields , where Lovers dwell ; Or whether in the air to flie about ; Or whether it , like to a Light , goes out . At last the Thoughts , the Servants to the Mind , Which dwell in Contemplation , to find The truth ; they said , No pains that they would spare To travel every where , and thus prepare : Each Thought did clothe it self with Language fit , For to enquire , and to dispute for it : And Reason they did take to be their Guide , Then straight unto a Colledg they did ride ; Where Scholars dwell , and learned Books are read , The living Works of the most Wise , who 're dead . There they enquired , the truth for to know , And every one was ready for to show ; Though every sev'ral Work , and sev'ral Head , And sev'ral Tongue , a sev'ral path still lead ; Where the Thoughts were scattering several ways , Some tedious long , others like short Essays . But Reason , which they took to be their Guide , With rest and silence quietly did 'bide , Till their return , who ragged and all torn , Came back as naked as when they were born : For in their travels hard disputes had past , Yet all were forc'd for to return at last . But when Reason saw their poor condition , Naked of Sense , their Words , and Expedition , And Expectation too , and seeming sad , ( But some were frantick , and despairing , mad . ) She told them , They might wander all about , But she did fear the Truth would ne're find out . Which when they heard , with rage they angry grew , And straight from Reason they themselves withdrew . Then all agreed they to the Court would go , In hopes the Courtiers then the truth might know : The Courtiers laugh'd , and said they could not tell ; They thought the Soul in Sensual Pleasures dwell , And that it had no other Heaven or Hell ; The Soul they slight , but wish the Body well . This answer made the Thoughts not long to stay Among the Courtiers , but soon went their way . Then to the Army straight they did repair , Hoping the Truth of Souls they should find there ; And of the Chief Commander they enquire , Who willing was to answer their desire . They said for certain , that all Souls did dye , But those that liv'd in Fame or Infamy . Those that Infamous were , without all doubt Were damn'd , and from reproach should ne'r get out : But such whose Fame their Noble Deeds did raise , Their Souls were blest with an Eternal Praise ; And those that dy'd , and never mention'd were , They thought their Souls breath'd out to nought but Air. With that the Thoughts were very much perplext , Then did resolve the Chymists should be next Which they would ask : so unto them they go To be resolv'd , If they of Souls did know . They said unto the Thoughts , When Bodies dye , Souls are th' Elixir , and pure Chymistry : For Gold , said they , can never wasted be , Nor can it alter from its purity . Eternal 't is , and shall for ever last , And as pure Gold , so Souls do never wast . Souls are the Essence , and pure Spirits of Gold , Which never change , but shall for ever hold : And as Fire doth the pure from dross divide , So Souls in Death are cleans'd and purifi'd From grosser parts of Body ; and no doubt The Soul , as Spirits , Death exhaleth out : It is the Essence of great Nature's store ; All Matter hath this Essence , less or more . After the Thoughts had mused long , In fine , Said they , we think the Soul is more Divine , Than from a Metal'd Earth for to proceed ; Well known it is , all Metals Earth doth breed : And though of purest Earth the true Gold be , Being refin'd by Heat to that degree Of pureness , by which it long doth last , Yet may long time and labour make it wast , To shew 't is not Eternal ; and perchance Some slight Experience may that work advance , Which Man hath not yet found ; but Time , said they , May Chymists teach ; and so they went away . But travelling about , they weary grew ; To rest a while , they for a time withdrew The search of Truth , into a Cottage went , Where liv'd an aged Cottage , well content , A Man and Wife , which pious were , and old ; To them the Thoughts their tedious Journeys told , And what they went to seek , the Truth to find Concerning Souls , to tell unto the Mind : For we desire , said they , the truth to know , From whence the Soul proceeds , or where 't will go , When parted from the Body . The Old Man said , Of such Employment he should be afraid , Lest Nature or the Gods should angry be For his Presumption and Curiosity . If it be Nature's work , there is no doubt But it doth transmigrate all things about : And who can follow Nature's steps and pace , And all the subtil ways that she doth trace ? Her various Forms , which curious Motion makes ; Or what Ingredients for those Forms she takes ? Who knows , said he , the Cause of any thing , Or what the Matter is whence all doth spring ? Or who at first did Matter make to move So wisely , and in order , none can prove ; Nor the Decrease , nor Destinies can find , Which are the Laws that every thing do bind . But who can tell that Nature is not Wife To mighty Jove ? and he begets the life Of every Creature which she breeds , and brings Forth several Forms ; each Figure from her springs . Thus Souls and Bodies joined in one Gin , Though Bodies mortal be , the Soul 's divine , As being first begot by Jove , and so The purest part of Life 's the Soul , we know ; For th' animated part from Jove proceeds , The grosser part from Nature self she breeds . And what 's more Animated than Mankind , Unless his Soul , which is of higher Kind ? Thus ev'ry Creature to Jove and Nature are , As Sons and Daughters , and their Off-spring fair . And as their Parents of them do take care ; So they , as Children , ought not for to fear How they dispose of them , but to submit Obediently to all that they think fit ; Not to dispute on idle Questions still , But shew obedience to their Maker's will . Man asketh blessing of his Father Jove , And Jove doth seem Mankind the best to love . And Nature she her blessing doth bestow ; When she gives Health , makes Plenty for to flow . The blessings which Jove gives unto Mankind , Are peaceful Thoughts , and a still quiet Mind : And Jove is pleas'd , when that we serve his Wife ( Our Mother Nature ) with a Virtuous Life : For Moral Virtues are the Ground whereon All Jove's Commands and Laws are built upon . Thoughts trouble not your selves , said he , which way The Soul shall go to Jove , and Nature pay : For Temperance , wherein the Life is blest , That Temperance doth please the Life the best . Intemperance doth torture Life with pain ; And what 's superfluous , to us is vain . Therefore return , and temper well the Mind , For you the truth of Souls shall never find . At last came Reason , which had been their Guide , And brought them Faith ; in her they did confide . Taking their leave , away with Faith they ride , And Faith e're since doth with the Mind reside . A Lady which all Vanities had left , Since she of Youth and Beauty was bereft : She said , That Pride in Youth was a great sin ; Of which a Tale did tell , thus entring in :

A Description of the Fall of foolish and self-conceited Pride . THere was a Lady rich , that sate in state , And round about her did her Servants wait : Where every Tongue did walk still in their turn , But in the ways of Flattery they run . You are , said one , the finest drest to day ; A Heavenly Creature , did another say : Your Skin is purer far , than Lillies white , And yet is clear and glassy as the Light : And from your Eyes such splendrous rays do spread , That they seem like a Glory round your Head : Your Wit is such , 't is supernatural ; And all that hear you speak , straight Lovers fall : The sound but of your Voice , charms every Ear , And when you speak , your breath perfumes the air . Thus by these flatteries most proud she grew , And scornful looks on every Object threw : All Men she scorn'd that did to her address ; And laugh'd at all did love to her profess . Her Senses for to please , she was so nice , That nothing serv'd but what was of great price . Thus did she live in Lux'ry , Pride , and Ease , And all her Thoughts were still her self to please . She never pray'd unto the Gods on high , For she did think her self a Deity ; That all Mankind was made her to admire , And ought her Favours most for to desire : That every knee that bow'd not to her low , Or whose demeanors did not reverence show . She thought them Beasts that did not Merit know , Or that her Frowns should work their overthrow . Her Smiles and Frowns she thought such power had , As Destiny , to work both good and bad . At last the Gods , that always have an eye Upon the Earth , who all things do descry Amongst poor Mortals , they this Lady spy'd , Whose heart was swell'd , and thoughts were big with pride , Begot by Pluto's Wealth , and Nature's Paint , Bred in the Soul , which makes it sick and faint . But Pride is nurs'd still by the Senses five , What from each Sense it sucks , it keeps alive . But if no Nourishment it gets from those , As Touch , Taste , Sound , sweet pleasant scent orshows . It faints and pines a way as starv'd , so dyes , And in a Grave of Melancholy lyes . But , as I said , when Gods poor Mortals view'd , They for their sins , with Punishment pursu'd . Then with this Lady they did first begin , Many ill accidents at her they fling : First , they did set her House and Goods on fire , Where her rich Furniture did soon expire : Then Envy sought all ways to pull her down , And tax'd her Land as due unto the Crown ; And in that Suit great Sums of Money vast Lawyers ingross'd , which made those Sums to wast . And when those Lawyers got all that she had , They cast her Suit , as if her Cause was bad : By which her Lands she lost ; then only left Her rich with Beauty , but of Lands bereft : In which she pleasure took , although but poor Of Fortune's Goods , of Nature's Giftssh ' had store . But when the Gods did see her still content , At last they to her Body Sickness sent . She patient was , her Beauty still did last : But when that they their Judgment on that cast , Making a Grave to bury Beauty in , Which Beauty once did tempt the Saints to sin : Because her Face so full of Pock-holes were , That none could judg that Beauty once dwelt there . Then did she sit and weep , turn'd day to Night , Asham'd she was to shew her Face the light . Time , an Ingraver , cuts the Seal of Truth ; And , as a Painter , draws both age and youth : His Colours , mix'd with Oyl of Health , lays on ; The plump smooth Youth he pencils thereupon : Shadows of Age he placeth with much skill , Making the hollow places darkest still . But Time is slow , and leisure he doth take , No price will hasten him his Works to make ; But accidental Chance , who oft doth jarr With aged Time , and then some Works doth marr . But when her wealth was gon , and state was down , Then did her Friends and Servants on her frown ; So far now from professing Slavery , As they did use her most uncivilly ; Would rail against her , spightful words throw out ; Or had she been but guilty , would ( no doubt ) Betray her life : such natures have Mankind , That those in Misery no Friends can find : For Fortune's Favours only Friendships make . But few are Friends only for Virtue 's sake ; In Fortune's Frowns Man will not only be A Neuter , but a deadly Enemy : Nay , ev'n a Devil to torment the Mind , If he no mischief 'gainst the body find . But after she had mourn'd Three hundred days , Consid'ring Nature's , Fortune's various ways ; She did repent , weeping for what was past , Imploring Gods to pity her at last . Good Gods ! forgive my Vanity and Pride , Let not my Soul with sinful spots be dy'd ; Let your great Mercies scour those spots off clean , That by your Justice no spots may be seen . Consider , Lord , the Works that Nature makes , The Matter , Motion , and the Form she takes ; The Grounds and Principles on which she builds ; The Life and Death in all things she distills , Is various still ; in what she doth compose , Nothing but wild Inconstancy she shows . Nor is it only the substantial part That is compos'd thus by her Curious Art : But what we call Immortal , as the Soul , Doth various passions appetites controul . And as all bodies that are young , want strength , And wait for Time to give them breadth and length ; So doth the Soul want Understanding too , And knows not what is best to think or do : Wherefore , great Jove , I never shall despair Of thy sweet Mercy , nor yet Devils fear . To punish Ignorance , Youth rash ways runs , Which Age by long-experienc'd knowledg shuns : But Age oft time 's as faulty , as Youths be Corrupted with bad Principles : we see That length of Time and Custom makes them shew As if in Man they naturally grew . But to conclude , the time she had to live , She heartily unto the Gods did give : Though young , into a Nunnery she went , Her Vows unto the Gods she did present : Her Days not being long , she soon there dy'd , And now her Soul with Angels doth reside : For with her Penance , Tears , and Contrite Spirit , She wash'd away her sins , and Heav'n did merit . The next Tale when you read , it will discover The fortunate or the unfortunate Lover .

A Mock-Tale of the Lord Duke of Newcastle , which his Grace was pleased to say , out of his great Civility , That it would serve for Shadows to set off the rest ; He loving Truth so well , that he was never good at telling Tales . A Young and Lusty Cheshire-Lad did move In Venus Sphere , and was so fill'd with Love When first he saw a lovely Lass at Chester , Whose badg of Christianity was Hester . So beautiful and fair she did appear , Fresh as the welcome Spring to the New Year ; And Odoriferous as Flower 's birth ; As fair as new-born Lillies from the Earth . This set the young Man's heart in Love's Flame Fire , Struck dumb in Love , turn'd all now to admire . At last Love found a Tongue , which did not fail To burst out violently , and thus to rail ; Cursing now partial Nature , that did give More beauty to her than elsewhere doth live . Bankrupt in Beauty , since her store is gone , Mankind condemn'd to foul ones now , or none . Was Nature lavish ? or else made the Thest Upon her self , since she hath nothing left Of what is handsom ? so I now do find , He enjoys thee , enjoys all Womankind : For Beauty , Favour , and what 's height of Pleasure , Since thou art Nature's Store-house , & her Treasure . O love me then , since all my hopes are crost ; If I enjoy you not , I 'm wholly lost . For what I can call Happiness ; nay worse , My Life then to me 's but a fatal Curse : But if you yeeld , I 'le bless Dame Nature's Gift , And Bounty to you , since 't was all her drift To make her Master-piece in you , and vex The envious Females , angring all your Sex : And if her bounty to you , you give me , I shall be Deifi'd in love by thee . Here on my knees I beg thy Love thus low ; Until I have it , my Knees here shall grow : Therefore be kind . She answer'd with sweet Eyes , Which spoke , not speaking , for to bid him rise : And then discours'd with modest blushes , so As that did tell him all her heart did know . Trembling and shaking with Love's Palsi'd Tung , With broken Sighs , and half Words it was strung ; Love's Comma's , Full-Points , and Parenthesis , And this Love's Rhetorick , Oratory is . With Love's pale-difficulty then afraid , She softly said , O I 'm a tender Maid , And never heard such language ! you 'l deceive me ; And now I wish , I could wish you would leave me . Why d' ye inchant a silly Maid ? alas , I never saw such beauty in my Glass , And yet I 've heard of flatt'ring Glasses too ; But nothing flatters like you Men that woo : Your Tongue 's Love's Conjuration , without doubt ; Circles me here in Love , cannot get out , By your Love 's Magick whispering . Then did yield , And said , You 've conquer'd , and have won the field . Such Joy between them , such new Passions rais'd , Which made the God of Love himself amaz'd ; Since by no Tongue or Pen can be exprest ; Cupid and Hymen ne're hop'd such a Feast . But see the Fate of business , which doth move So cross , For Business hath no sense of Love . O thou dull Bus'ness ! Yet some States-men pry Into Love's Secrets with a glancing Eye . But here our Lover was arraign'd to stand Condemn'd to Bus'ness , that in Ireland Necessity doth urge him : That word Part , So cruel was , it struck each other's heart , Which inwardly did bleed with sorrow's grief , Since nothing now but hopes were their relief . Sadly he goes aboard , Love fills his Sails , And Cupid with his wings fanns gentle Gales To waft him over ; he thus thought to please His wounded Lover o're those Rocky Seas ; Love would not leave him : nor was he content , Unless this dangerous passage with him went . In the mean time , his Mistress did commit Her self to sorrow , and with her to sit As her close Prisoner , this was all her end , And grieved more than Widows do pretend . Safely is landed now our Lover o're , And Cupid with him , on the Irish shore . Love is so various , which some Lovers see ; Now Love an Irish Cupid's turn'd to be : And takes all memory thus from our Lover , Of his first Mistress , and doth now discover Love's new Plantation in the Irish Pale , In Love's rich Island there , which doth not fail To take our Lover , and inflame him more Under an Irish Mantle , than what 's store Of Gowns of Cloth of Gold . Curls , painted Art , Cheats Love , when simple Nature wounds Love's Heart . This change of Love is blown so up and down , By Fame's loud Trumpet , through all Chester Town : The Women gossip'd it , and could not hold Till to his former Mistress they it told . This was the first time that she smil'd to see Impossible Reports of him to be : They might as well say , Phoebus gives no light , Or Starrs to fall , or make a Day of Night , As he inconstant was : yet Love doth doubt , Not doubting , yet enquires all about , And sets her Love-spies to enquire a-new : But those reports each minute stronger grew : So she resolv'd her self to know the truth , And was disguis'd in Clothes now like a Youth , And went in Cavalier : The gentle Wind Did favour her , and landed to her mind . The Port was Dublin , and could not forbear To make enquiries for her Love , and there She found him at an Inn. He then began To take such liking to his Countrey-man , All his Discourse enquiring for his Ends , To know the welfare of his English Friends : Which she so fully satisfied , as he Was now enamour'd of her company ; And was so fond , in her took such delight , As supp'd , and lay together too that night . Never suspecting her , his Mistress , then Blindly went on , and took her for a Man ; So full of Love and Friendship , could not hold , But to her all his Irish Love he told , Desiring her to go along and see This Miracle of Beauty , which was she ; And so she did . Her Love turn'd now disdain , To see his Falshood , and no love remain : So base , unworthy , and unconstant too , As now began to think what she should do . She quench'd her Passion , which is wise and better Than Love's Complaints : so writ to him a Letter Of her whole Voyage , and Love's constant Hist'ry , All her Designs , disguises in Love's Myst'ry ; And left this Letter in the Window : so Three or four days it was 'fore he did know , Or found it out . In the mean time she 's gone , And shipp'd for England , leaving him alone . When found her Letter was , such Passions grew Stronger upon him than e're Lover knew ; Resolv'd the foaming Billows to embrace , Those liquid steps of hers he meant to trace , And lay himself in pickled tears of Love , Now at her feet , to see what that would move : But all in vain , he thought too long had tarri'd , When landed , found the same day she was marri'd : Fell in such extasies , cursing his Fate , The Ship and Winds , that made him come so late . With Love's new hopes , his Sails he fill'd , and then Invok'd God Neptune to go back again : And all the passage as he went along , Challeng'd the Mermaids in a loving Song ; With Love's assurances so over-joy'd , As now his loving heart was not annoy'd , But fill'd with Pleasure , and with all Delight , Thinking t' embrace his Irish Love that night . No sooner landed so — he thought to woo His Mistress , but he found her marri'd too . Cursing the Starrs of his Nativity , Thus short of Wedlock at both ends to be ; Made him grow desperate ; and , as they say , Then in despair he made himself away Upon a Wench , and some swear without doubt , That there he knock'd the Brains of 's Cupid out ; So murther'd Love , and there he did enroul Each one a Fool , with a Platonick Soul : And so despis'd and scorn'd the old God Hymen , That with so easie words so long did tye men , To make them Galley-slaves in Marriage , so Ti'd in his Chains , condemn'd for life to row In Wedlock's Galley — Give me freedom then , Thy Godhead I invoke , whilst foolish Men To Love and Hymen's Prisons there do sit , Justly committed for their want of Wit : For he 's a Fool that 's ti'd when might be free : And thus he rav'd and talk'd Non-sense you see , As he that writ this Story , you may mend it ; So for his sake , and yours , and mine , I 'le end it . A Lady said , His Tale of Love did tell ; She with a Tale of Death would fit it well : For Death , said she , unties the Lover's knot , When deadly Arrows from his Bow are shot .

A Lady on her Death-bed panting lay , She call'd her Friends , and thus to them did say : Farewel my dearest Friends , for I must go Unto a place which you nor I yet know : May be my Sp'rit will wander in the shade Of glimmering light , which is by Moon-shine made : Or in my Tomb in peace may lye asleep , So long as Ashes in my Urn do keep . Or else my Soul , like Birds , may have its wings , Or like to Herc'les Flyes that want their stings . But howsoever , Friends , grieve not , nor cry , For fear my Soul should be disturb'd thereby : Clothe not your selves with Melancholy black ; Call not your Grief unto remembrance back : But let your Joys a Resurrection have , Call'd forth by comfort from the sorrowful Grave . Let not Delight intombed lye In the sad Heart , or weeping Eye : Let not pale Grief my Soul affright , Shrouded in Melanch'ly's dark Night : But Death , said she , I fear him not ; So turn'd her head , and Death her shot . Then on a Cypress Hearse was laid forth dead ; As scorning Death , aside was turn'd her head : By cruel Death her arms were careless flung ; Her hands over the sides as strengthless hung : Her eyes were clos'd , as if she lay asleep ; Though she was pale , her face did sweetness keep . Her Elogie was thus : Tears rain a-pace , and so a River make , To drown all Grief within a watry Lake . Make Seas of Tears , for Wind of Sighs to blow Salt Billows up , the Eyes to overflow : Let Ships of Patience traffick on the Main , To bring in Comfort to sad Hearts again . The next turn , a Man ; And he thus began :

THE Silk-worm and the Spider Houses make , All their Materials from their Bowels take ; They cut no Timber down , nor carve they Stone ; Nor buy they Ground to build their Houses on : Yet they are Curious , built with Art and Care , Like Lovers , who build Castles in the Air , Which ev'ry puff of Wind is apt to break , As Imaginations , when Reason's weak . They said , His Tale was short , He Answer made , I 'le piece it out . And thus he said :

THE Silk-worm digs her Grave as she doth spin , And makes her Winding-sheet to lap her in : And from her Bowels takes a heap of Silk , Which on her Body as a Tomb is built : Out of her ashes do her young ones rise ; Having bequeath'd her Life to them , she dyes . They only take that Life to spin a Death ; For as they wind up Silk , they wind out Breath . Thus , rather than do nought , or idle be , They 'l work , and spin out Life's small Thread we see . When all their work is done , ready to dye , Their Wings are grown , for Life away to flye .

The Silk-worm is first a small Seed ; then turneth into a Worm ; at last grows to have Wings like a Flye , but lives not to make use of them . As soon as she is big enough , she spins a Ball of Silk all about her self ; wherein , being grown to be a Fly , she makes a hole to come out , to leave Seed for the generation of her young ones : After which she immediately dyes .

The Women said , the Men made quick dispatch In telling Tales , like Dogs that Bones do snatch . But howsoe're , a Woman did begin To tell a Tale , and thus she entred in .

A Description of the Passion of Love misplaced . A Lady on the Ground a mourning lay , Complaining to the Gods , and thus did say : You Gods , said she , why do you me torment ? Why give you Life , without the Mind's content ? Why do you Passions in a Mind create , Then leave it all to Destiny and Fate ? With knot and snarls they spin the Thread of Life , Then weave it cross , and make a Web of strife . Come Death , though Fates are cross , yet thou' rt a Friend , And in the Grave dost peace & quiet send . It chanc'd a Gentleman that way came by , And seeing there a weeping Beauty lye ; Alas , dear Lady , why do you so weep , Unless your Tears you mean the Gods shall keep ? Jove will present those Tears to Juno fair , For Pendants , and for Neck-laces to wear : And so present that Breath to Juno fair , That she may always move in perfum'd air . Forbear , forbear , make not the World so poor ; Send not such Riches , for the Gods have store . I 'm one , said she , to whom Fortune's a Foe , Crossing my Love , working my overthrow : A Man which to Narcissus might compare : For Youth and Beauty , and the Graces fair , Do him adorn ; on him my love is plac'd : But his neglect doth make my life to wast . My Soul doth mourn , my Thoughts no rest can take ; He , by his scorn , doth me unhappy make . With that she cry'd , O Death , said she , come quick , And in my heart thy Leaden Arrow stick . Take comfort , Lady , grieve and weep no more , For Nature handsome Men hath more in store : Besides , dear Lady , Beauty will decay , And with that Beauty love will flee away . If you take time , this heat of Love will wast , Because 't is only on a Beauty plac'd . But if your Love did from his Virtue spring , You might have lov'd , though not so fond have been . The love of Virtue is , for to admire The Soul , and not the Body to desire : That 's a gross Love , which only dull Beasts use ; But Noble Man to love the Soul will chuse : Because the Soul is like a Deity , Therein pure Love will live eternally . O Sir , but Nature hath the Soul so fix'd Unto the Body , and such Passions mix'd , That nothing can divide or dis-unite , Unless that Death will separate them quite : For when the Senses in Delights agree , They bind the Soul , make it a Slave to be . He Answered , If that the Soul in Man should give consent In every thing the Senses to content , No Peace , but War amongst Mankind would be , And Desolation would have Victory : No Man could tell or challenge what 's his own ; He would be Master that is strongest grown . Lady , love Virtue , and let Beauty dye , And in the Grave of Ruins let it lye . With that she rose , and with great joy , said she , Farewell , fond Love , and foolish Vanity . The Men condemn'd the Tale , because ( said they ) None but a Fool would preach so , Wise men pray . But Ladies hear me , did another say .

TO love but one , is a great fault , For Nature otherwise is taught : She caus'd Varieties for us to taste , And other Appetites in us she plac'd ; And caus'd dislike in us to rise , To surfeit when we gormandise ; For of one Dish we glut our Palat , Although it be but of a Salat . When Solomon the Wise did try Of all things underneath the Sky ; Although he found it Vanitie , Yet by it Nature made us free : For by the change her Works do live By several Forms that she doth give : So that Inconstancy is Nature's play ; And we , her various Works , must her obey . A Woman said , that Men were foolish Lovers , And whining Passions Love oft discovers : They 're full of Thoughts , said she , yet never pleas'd , Always complaining , and yet never eas'd : They 'l sigh , they mourn , they groan , they make great moan , They 'l sit cross-legg'd , with folded arms alone . Sometimes their Dress is careless , with despair , With hopes rais'd up , 't is costly , rich , and rare , Setting their Looks and Faces in a frame ; Their Garb's affected by their Mistress Name , Flattering their Loves , forswearing ; then each boasts What Valiant Deedsh ' has done in Forreign Coasts ; Through what great dangers his adventures run ; Such acts as Hercules had never done : That every one that hears , doth fear his Name ; And every Tongue that speaks , sounds forth his fame . And thus their Tongues extravagantly move , Caus'd by vain-glorious , foolish , amorous Love , Which only those of his own Sex approve . But when their Rallery was past , The Tale upon a Man was cast : Then crying peace to all that talking were , They were bid hold their Tongues , and lend an Ear. The Man , more than the rest , was somewhat old ; They said to him , Your Tale you have not told : Alas , said he , my Memory is bad , And I have none so good as you have had . He , musing a short time , thus did begin ; I hope , said he , my Tale may credit win .

A Description of Civil-Warrs . A Kingdom which long time had liv'd in Peace , Her People rich with Plenty , fat with Ease ; With Pride were haughty grown ; Pride Envy bred ; From Envy Factions grew : then Mischief spread ; And Libels every where were strew'd about , Which after into Civil-Warr broke out . Some for the Commons fought , some for the King , And great Disorder was in ev'ry thing : Battels were won and lost on either side ; Where Fortune ebb'd and flow'd , like to a Tide . At last the Commons won ; and then astride Fierce Tyranny on Noble Necks did ride : All Monuments pull'd down , that stood long time ; And Ornaments were then thought a great Crime . No Law was pleaded but the Martial Law ; The Sword did rule , and keep them all in aw . No Prayers offer'd to the Gods on high ; All Ceremony in the Dust did lye : Nothing was done in Order , Truth , and Right : Nought govern'd then , but Malice , Spleen , & Spight . But mark how justly Gods do punish Men , To make them humble , and to bow to them . Though they had Plenty , and thereof did eat , They relish'd not that good and savoury Meat ; Because their Conscience did them so torment , For all their Plenty they were discontent : They took no rest , Cares so oppress'd their Mind , No Joy nor Comfort in the World could find . When drowsie sleep upon their Eyes did set , Then fearful Visions in their Dreams they met : In Life no pleasure take , yet fear to dye ; No Mercy can they hope from Gods on high . O serve the Gods , and then the Mind will be Always in peace and sweet tranquillity . A Woman said , A Tale I mean to tell , That in those Warrs unto a Cross befell .

AN ancient Cross liv'd in our Father's time , With as much Fame as did the Worthies nine : No harm it did , or injury to none , But dwelt in peace , and quietly alone : On Times or Government did not complain , But stood Stone-still , not stirr'd in no King's Reign . Both Winter's Snow , and Summer's scorching Sun , It did endure , and Urin'd was upon . Yet peaceful Nature , nor yet humble Mind , Shall not avoid rude Ignorance that 's blind : That superstitiously beats down all things Which smell but of Antiquity , or springs From Noble Deeds ; nor love , nor take delight In Laws or Justice , hating Truth and Right : But Innovations love , for that seems fine ; And what is new , adore they as Divine : That makes them so neglect the Gods above , For Time doth waste both their respect and love . And so this Cross , poor Cross , all in a rage They pull'd down quite , the fault was only Age. Had it been gilded gloriously and brave , They Vanity for an excuse might have : But it was poor , its Mortar all off worn , Which Time had eaten , as when Dogs have torn The Flesh from Bones of Hares , or harmless Sheep ; Or like to Skeletons , that Scholars keep . If they had pious been , it might have stood , To mollifie the Minds of Men to good . But they were wicked , hating every thing That by example might to goodness bring . Then down they pull'd it , leaving not one stone Upon another , for it to be known To after-ages ; for the Ground lies bare , And none can know that once the Cross stood there . Then said a Man , I can this Tale well fit , For I a Tale can tell that 's like to it .

IN old times , when Devotion false did reign , A Church was built , although to use prophane , Was Consecrated as Diana's right , Who was their Goddess of the Moon-shine bright . But afterwards , when Truth with Zeal did flame , It Christned was , and bore Jove's mighty Name , And dedicated to the Sun above , Then married was , became his Spouse and Love . Long did she live in Duty , Peace , and Zeal , Became an Honour to the Commonweal ; Was curiously adorn'd within , without , The Quoire all hung with Hangings rich about ; With Marble Tombs and Statues carv'd and cut , Wherein the Bodies of good Saints were put . There polish'd Pillars long the Iles did stand , And Arched Roofs built by a skilful hand ; With Painted Windows plac'd on either side : At every end were Gates , large , open , wide : And all the inside was most bravely gilt , As all the outside with Free-stone were built : There Choristers did sing each several Note , And Organs loud did answer ev'ry throat : And Priests there taught Men how to pray and live , Rewards and Punishments which Jove did give . But mark , this Temple was destroy'd by sin , Since they did leave to worship Jove therein , Because this Church profan'd by sinful Men , Was made a Stable , and for Thieves a Den. No surer mark of Wrath when Gods do frown , Then to give leave to pull their Temples down . A Lady said , these Warrs her Soul did shake , And the remembrance made her heart to ake . My Brother then was murther'd in cold-blood , Incircled round with Enemies he stood ; Where he , like to a fixed Starr shin'd bright ; They like to black and pitchy Clouds of Night : He like the Sun , his Courage like that Heat ; Their Envy , like bad Vapours , strove to beat . His Light of Honour out ; but pow'rful Fame Did throw their spight back on their heads with shame . And though they struck his Body , not his Mind , ( For that in Death through all their Malice shin'd . ) He valiant was , his Spirits knew no fear , They never chill'd when they in Battel were ; And strove to give more blows than safety sought : His Limbs most vigour had , when most he fought . He spoke not loud , nor sung , his fear to hide ; With silence march'd , and quietly did ride , Viewing the Armies with a watchful Eye ; And careful was , advantages to spye . If that his Soldiers chanc'd to run away , He ran not after them to make them stay , As some Commanders , which will call and run After the Soldiers , when the Flight's begun : But when once gone , seldom return again , But with their Soldiers they will safe remain . But he amongst his Foes , like Earth , was fix'd ; Or , like to Fire , himself was intermix'd ; And their great solid Bodies did divide , Pulling their Fabrick down on either side ; Until his Mercy did for Favour pray Unto his Courage , so to run away . He made them know he was a Soldier good , Train'd up in Warrs , which Art he understood : Besides , his Genius was prompt thereunto ; Wit , Skill , Invention , knew what best to do : Which made the Foe more fierce his Life to take , For fear that he their ruin soon would make . For they , so soon as he was in their pow'r , Like greedy Vulturs , did his Life devour . He stood their Rage , his Courage knew no fear ; Nor on grim Death with terror did he stare ; But did embrace her with a Generous Mind , With Noble Thoughts , and Kisses that were kind . Vollies of Shot did all his Body tear ; Where his blood 's spilt , the Earth no Grass will abear . As if , for to revenge his Death , the Earth Was curs'd with barrenness ev'n from her birth . And though his Body in the Grave doth lye , His Fame doth live , and will eternally . His Soul 's Immortal , and so is his Fame ; His Soul in Heav'n doth live , and here his Name . The next time had a Man his turn to speak ; Who said , That Civil-Warrs made Rich men break . Populous Kingdoms , that do flourish well In Peace and Plenty , then to ruin fell .

WHen I , with grief , unto remembrance bring The blessed time men liv'd with a goodKing ; To think at first how happy such do raign , And in what Peace such Kingdoms do remain ; Where Magistrates do sit in Justice Throne , Few Crimes committed , Punishments scarce known ; The Nobles liv'd in state and high degree , All happy , even to the Peasantry : Where easie Laws , no Tax to make them poor , All live Plenty , full is every Store : They Customs have to recreate the Mind , Not barbarous , but civil , gentle , kind : And those where Chance and Fortune bad do fall , Have Means straight given to be kept withall : Their Lands are fertil , and their Barns are full , Orchards thick planted , from whence Fruit to pull : Of Cattel store feeding in Meadows green , Where Crystal Brooks run every Field between ; With Cowslips growing , which makes Butter yellow ; And fatted Beasts , two inches thick with Tallow : And many Parks for fallow Deer to run , Shadow'd with Woods , to keep them from the Sun : And in such Kingdoms , Beasts , Fowls , Fish , are store ; Those that industrious are , can ne're be poor . But O sad Fate and Fortune , if it chance The Sword of Civil-Warr for to advance ; As when Rebellions , like a watry Flood , O'reflows a Monarchy ; in Royal Blood Builds Aristocracy with cruel hands , On unjust grounds of Tyranny it stands . Then into wicked States such Kingdoms go , Where Virtue 's beaten out , no truth they know : And all Religion flies away for fear , And Atheism is preached every where . Their Magistrates by Bribes do govern all , No Suit is heard but what Injustice call : For Covetousness and Malice pleads at barr Against poor Honesty , with whom they jarr : Calamity doth find no Pity ; for All Pity 's buri'd in a Civil-Warr . A Lady's turn was next , Which told this Tale perplext :

SHE said , I over Sea to Lapland went , My Husband being then in banishment : His Estate gone , and being very poor , I thought some means Compassion might restore : But when I ask'd , no pity could I find ; Hard were their Hearts , and cruel every Mind . Fye , saith a Man , you do all Orders break , So long on Melancholy Themes you speak .

The Prologue to the Beggars Marriage . I 'Ve serv'd two ' Prentiships , and now am made Free of the Beggars Company to trade : My Stock , in secret to your Ear I speak , Is such , as I am sure I shall not break . Let Boreas burst his Cheeks , and the Sea rore , The Beggars Bark can ne're be tumbled o're . What fitter Subject for my Muse can be , Than make Descriptions of our Company ? The Beggar 's Theme too well my Fortunes fit , My begg'rly Fancy too , and so my Wit.

The Duke of Newcastle's Description of the Beggars Marriage . WHile'om , there was a Ragged Beggar old , Who in his time full fourscore Winters told ; His Head all frozen , Beard long , white as Snow , With a staff's prop , for else he could not go : With bleared Eyes , all parched , dry , and cold ; With shaking-Palsie , little could he hold : His Clothes so tatter'd , for they were so worn , Older than he , in many pieces torn : The subtill'st Brain , and prying'st Eye , those seen , Both could not guess what stuff they 'd ever been . On 's Cloak more several Patches there did stick , Than labour'd Algebra's Arithmetick Could once tell how to number ; and was fuller , Than was the Rainbow , of each various Colour , But not so fresh ; so faded when th' were seen , That none could guess which red , which blew , which green . His Turf-house lean'd to an old stump of Oak ; A hole at top there for to void the Smoak Of stollen scatter'd Boughs ; could not be fed But by his daily begging daily bread . There on his little Bench I 'le leave him , then Within a while I 'le speak of him again . A wither'd Beggar-woman , little sundred From him , who all the Town said , was a hundred : Toothless she was , nay more , worn all her Gums , And all her Fingers too were worn to Thumbs : Wrinkles , deep Graves to bury all delight ; Eyes now sunk holes , little she had of sight , Little could speak , as little sense could tell ; Seldom she heard , sometimes the great Towns-bell : A long forgetfulness her Legs had seiz'd ; For many years her Crutches them had eas'd : Clothes , thousand rags torn with the wind & weather , Her Huswifry long since had sew'd together . No Livelihood , but Charity grown cold As she was , this more than her years made old . In a hot Summer's day , they out did creep , Enliven'd just like Flyes , for else they sleep ; Creeping , at last each one to other get , Lousing each other , kindly thus they met : Apollo's Master-piece shining , did aim To light dead ashes sparks , not make a flame To stir up Nature in them , now so cold , And whether Cupid dwelt in them who 're old : Now Heat and Kindness made him try to kiss her ; Her Palsi'd Head so shak'd , he still did miss her : He thought it Modesty ; she 'gainst her will , Striving to please him , could not hold it still : She mumbl'd , but he could not understand her : He cry'd , Sweet Hero , I 'le be thy Leander : She said , Before we met , cold as a stone is , I was ; but now am Venus , thou Adonis . Such heights of Passion's-love utter'd these two , As youngest Lovers , when they 'gin to woo : For Cupid , reign o're Mankind still will have ; He governs from the Cradle to the Grave . Their Virtue 's such , they would not sin , nor tarry , So heated , vow'd a Contract , then to marry . This Marriage now divulg'd was every where To neighbour Beggars , Beggars far and near ; The Day appointed , and the Marriage set , The Lame , the Blind , the Deaf , they all were met : Such throngs of Beggars , Women , Children , seen , Muster'd all on the Town 's fair Grassy-Green : The Bridegroom 's led between two Lame men , so , Because our Bridegroom fast he could not go . The Bride was led by Blind-men ; him behind , Because you know that Love is always blind . The Hedg-Priest then was call'd for , did him bring , Marri'd them both with an old Curtain-Ring : No Father there was found , or could be ever ; She was so old , that there was none to give her . With acclamations now of louder joy , Pray'd Hymen Priapus to send a boy , To shew a Miracle ; in Vows most deep The Parish swore their Children all to keep . Then Tom-a-Bedlam wound his Horn , at best ; Their Trumpet now , to bring away the Feast ; Pick'd Marrow-bones they had found in the Street , Carrots kick'd out of Kennels with their feet ; Crusts gather'd up , for Bisket , 't was so dri'd , Alms-tubs Olio Podridoes had beside : Many such Dishes had , but it would cumber Any to name them ; more than I can number . Then came the Banquet ( that must never fail ) Which the Town gave , that 's White-bread , & strong Ale . Each was so tipsie , that they could not go , And yet would dance , and cry'd for Musick Ho ; Gridirons and Tongs , with Keys , they play'd on too , And blind-men sung to them , as use to do : Some whistled then , and hollow sticks did sound , And thus melodiously they play'd a Round : LameMen , lame Women , mingled , said , Advance ; And so , all limping , jovially did dance : The Deaf-men too , for they could not forbear When they saw this , although they did not hear , Which was their happiness . Now to his House The Bridegroom brought the Bride , each drunk as Mouse . No room for any but them two , they saw , So laid them both in bed of good fresh Straw . Then took their leave , put out their Rushen-light ; But they themselves did revel all the Night . The Bridegroom ruffles now , kiss'd , and said , Friend ; But when he kiss'd , thought 't was at t'other End , And cry'd her mercy , said he could not look , It was so dark , and thought he had mistook . No , said the Bride most sweetly , you are right , As if our Taper here was shining bright . Now Love's Hesperides would touch the same , That Place , O Place ! which Place no tongue should name . She , gentle Dame , with roving hand , indeed , Instead of Crutches , found a broken Reed . They both , now fill'd with Ale , Brains in 't did steep ; So , arm in arm , our Lovers fell asleep . So for the Will , though nothing else indeed , To Love the Beggars built a Pyramid .

A Tale of his Grace the Duke of Newcastle , called , The Philosopher's Complaint . I Through a Cranny there did spy , A grave Philosopher all sad , With a dim Taper burning by , His Study was in Mourning clad . He sigh'd , and did lament his state , Cursing Dame Nature , for 't was she , That did allot him such a Fate , To make him of Mankind to be . All other Animals , their Mold Of thousand Passions makes them free , Since they 're not subject unto Gold , Which doth corrupt Mankind we see . The busie Merchant plows the Main , The Pleading-Lawyer for his Fee ; Pious Divines for Lawful Gain , Mechanicks all still Coz'ners be . With Plow-shares , Farmers wound the Earth , Look to their Cattel , Swine , and Sheep , To multiply their Seed , Corn's birth , And all for Money , which they keep . The Sun-burnt Dame prevents the Day , ( As her laborious Bees for Honey ) Doth milk her Kine , and spins away Her fatal Thread of Life for Money . Mankind doth on God Pluto call , To serve him still , is all their pleasure : Love here doth little , Money all ; For of this World it is the measure . Beasts do despise this Orient Mettle ; Each freely grazing fills his Maw : After Love's procreating , settle To softer sleep , wise Nature's Law . They 're not Litigious , but are mute ; False Propositions never make : Nor of unknown things do dispute ; Follies , for wise things do not take . Or Flow'ry Rhet'rick to deceive ; Nor Logick to enforce the wrong : Or tedious History to weave , Troubling the Hearers all along . Nor study the enamell'd Sky , Thinking they 're govern'd by each Starr ; But scorn Man's false Astrology , And think themselves just as they are . Their Pride not being so supream , Celestial Bodies moving thus , Poor Mortals each awaking dream , To think those Lights were made for us . Nor are they troubled where they run ; What the Sun's Matter it might be ; Whether the Earth moves , or the Sun , And yet they know as well as we . Nor do they with grave troubled looks , By studious Learning for to stay , Or multiplicity of Books , To put them out of Truth 's right way . For Policies , Beasts never weave , Or subt'ler Traps do ever lay , With false dissembling , which deceive , Their Kind to ruin , or betray . No hot ambitions in them are ; Trumpets are silent , Drums do cease : No troublers in their Kind in Warr , For to destroy , but all for Peace . The Stranger valu'd Jemms that dress Our beauteous Ladies like the day , A Parrot's Feathers are no less ; And gossips too as well as they . Man's ever troubled 'bout his Fame , For Glory and Ambition hot : When Beasts are constantly the same ; In them those Follies enter not : Nor hope of Worlds to come , that 's higher , With several Sects divisions make ; Or fear an everlasting Fire , But quiet sleep , and so awake . Man still with thoughts himself torments , Various desires , what shall be ; And in his life hath small contents : Beasts pleas'd with what they have , not we . Repining Man , for what is past , Hating the present what they see , Frighted with what 's to come at last : Beasts pleas'd with what is , and must be . Ease Man doth hate , and Business store ; A burthen to himself he is : Weary of time , yet wishes more : Beasts all these Vanities they miss . Self-loving Man so proud a Durt , Vain 'bove all things , when understood ; Studies always himself to hurt : When Beasts are wise to their own good . Man makes himself a troubled way , Runs into several dangers still , When in those thoughts Beasts never stray , But do avoid them with their will . Man's troubled Head and Brain still swelling Beyond the Power of Senses five , Not capable of those things telling : Beasts beyond Senses do not strive . Nature's just measure , Senses are , And no Impossibles desire : Beasts seek not after things that 's far , Or Toys or Baubles still admire . Beasts Slander not , or Falshoods raise , But full of Truth , as Nature taught ; And wisely shun dissembling ways , Follow Dame Nature as they ought . Nor to false Gods do sacrifice , Or promise Vows to break them ; no : No Doctrine to delude with Lyes , Or worship Gods they do not know . Nor envy any that do rise , Or joyful seem at those that fall ; Or crooked ways 'gainst others tries ; But love their Kind , themselves , and all . Hard labour suffer when they must ; When over-aw'd , they wisely bend ; Only in Patience then they trust , As Misery's and Affliction 's Friend . They seek not after Beauty's blaze , To tempt their appetite when dull ; But drink the Stream that Tempests raise , And grumble not when they are full . They take no Physick to destroy That Health which Nature to them gave : Nor rul'd by Tyrants Laws , annoy , Yet happy seem with what they have . With cares Men break their sweet repose , Like Wheels that wear with turning round : Beasts quiet thoughts their Eye-lids close , And in soft sleep all cares they drown'd . No Rattles , Fairings , Ribbons , Strings , Fiddles , Pipes , Minstrelses , them move , Or Bugle Bracelets , or fine Rings , And without Cupid maketh Love . O happy Beasts ! that spend the day In pleasure with their nearest Kin , And all is lawful in their way , And live and dye without a sin . Their Conscience ne're troubled is ; We made so , yet forbid it too : For Nature here is not amiss , We strive 'gainst what w' are made to do . Beasts need not Language , they despise Unuseful things , all Men's delight : Those Marks which Language from doth rise , If pleas'd with them , discourse they might . And out of words they argue not , But reason out of things they do : When we vain Gossipings have got , They quiet silent Lives have too . Complain'd of Scholars , that they sought With envious watching , and with spight , To leave the good to find a fault In any Author that doth write . O vain Philosophy ! their Laws With hard words still for matter brings , Which nothing is , nor knows the cause Of any thing ; unuseful things . Why are our Learned then so proud , Thinking to bring us to their bow ? And Ignorance , Wisdom allow'd , And know not that they do not know ? Motion's cessation is the end Of Animals , both Beasts and Men ; The longest Lives to that do tend , And to Death's Palace , his dark Den. Or that Beasts breath doth downwards go , And that Men's Souls do upward rise ; No Post from that World comes you know : It puzzled Solomon the Wise. Thus he complain'd , and was annoy'd , Our grave Philosopher for 's birth , That he was made to be destroy'd , Or turn'd to sad or colder Earth . I piti'd him , and his sad case , Wishing our Vicar him to teach ; For to infuse a Saving-grace , By his Tongue 's Rhet'rick for to preach .

SEVERAL Feigned Stories IN PROSE The Second BOOK .

The strict Associate .

THERE was a Gentleman came to a Lady with a Message from his Lord , which was to tell her , His Lord would come to visit her .

Sir , said she , Is your Lord a Poet ?

No , Lady , said he .

Then he hath no Divine Soul , said she .

Is he a Philosopher ?

No , Madam , said he .

Then , said she , he hath no Rational Soul .

Is he an Historian ?

Neither , said he .

Then , said she , he hath no Learned Soul .

Is he an ancient Man ?

No , Lady , said he .

Then he hath no Experienced Soul , said she .

Is he an Orator ?

No , Lady , said he .

Then he hath no Eloquent Soul , said she .

And if he hath neither Poetical Wit , Philosophical Wisdom , Studious Learning , Experienced Knowledg , nor Eloquent Language , he cannot be conversable ; and if he be not conversable , his Visit can neither be profitable nor pleasant , but troublesome and tedious ; therefore I do entreat your Lord that he will spare his pains , and mine , in giving me a Visit.

But , said the Man , though my Lord is neither a Poet , a Philosopher , an Historian , an Orator , nor Aged ; yet he is a Young Beautiful Man , which is more acceptable to a fair Lady .

Sir , said she , Youth and Beauty appears worse in Men , than Age and Deformity in Women ; wherefore , if it were in my power , I would make a Law , That all young men should be kept to their Studies so long as their Effeminate Beauty doth last ; and old Women should be put into Cloysters when their Youth and Beauty is past : but I must confess , That the custom of the World is otherwise ; for old Women and young Men appear most to publik view in the World ; when young Women and aged Men often retire from it .

The Judgment .

THERE were two Gentlemen that had travelled both into England and France ; and meeting another Gentleman , he asked one of them , Which he liked best , England or France ? Who said , He liked both well where they were alike worthy ; and disliked them both in things that were not worthy of praise .

Then he said to the second Gentleman , And which like you best ?

Which do you mean , answer'd he ? the Countreys or Kingdoms ?

Why , what difference is there betwixt saying a Countrey and a Kingdom , was reply'd to him ?

Great difference , said he : for , to say a Countrey , is but such a circumference of Earth ; and to say a Kingdom , is to say such a Countrey manured , inhabited , or rather populated with Men that dwell in Cities , Towns , and Villages , that are governed by Laws either Natural or Artificial .

Well , which Kingdom do you like best , then ?

Truly , said he , I cannot give a good judgment unless I had travelled through every part in both Kingdoms , and had taken strict surveys of their Forts , Havens , Woods , Plains , Hills , Dales , Meadows , Pastures , Arrable ; also of their Architectures , as Cities , Towns , Villages , Palaces , Churches , Theaters ; of their Laws , Customs , and Ceremonies ; of their Commodities , Trafficks , and Transportations ; of their Climates and Situations ; and of the several Humours of the several People in each Kingdom : which will not only require a solid Judgment , and a clear Understanding , but a long Life to judg of it all .

But , said the other , judg of as much as you have seen .

To judg of Parts ( answered he ) , is not to judg of the Whole : but to judg of as much as I have seen , I will compare them , or similize the Parts of those two Kingdoms , to two Ladies , whose Faces I have only seen , their Bodies and Constitutions being unknown ; the one that a larger and fairer Forehead than the other , and a more Sanguine Complexion ; the other hath better Eyes , Eye-brows , and Mouth . So France is a broader and plainer Countrey , and the Climate is more clear , and somewhat hotter than England ; and England hath better Sea-Ports , Heavens , and Navigable Rivers , than France hath ; also , the one hath a more haughty Look than the other ; and the other a more pleasing and modest Countenance . So France appears more Majestical , and England more Amiable .

The Vulgar Fights .

A Young Gentleman , of a good Natural Wit , had a desire to travel : but first , he would visit every Province in his own Countrey , before he went into Forreign Kingdoms ; preferring the knowledg of his own Native Soil , before those wherein he was neither born , nor meant to dwell . So he went to the Chief Metropolitan City , where he did intend to stay some time , that he might inform himself best of the several Trades , Trafficks , Imposts , Laws , Customs , Offices , and the like . When he was come to it , he sent his Man to seek him out some Lodgings in some private House , because Inns are both troublesome , and more chargeable . His Man had not gone far , but he saw a Bill over a Trades-man's Door , to let Passengers know there were Lodgings to be Lett. The Mistress sitting at the Door , he asked her if he might see the Lodgings that were to be Lett ?

She answered , No ; she would first see them that were to take them : Who is it that would take them , said she ?

My Master , said he .

Hath he a Wife , said she ?

Why ask you that , said he ?

Because ( said she ) I will not Lett my Lodgings to any Man that brings a Wife : for , Women to Women are troublesome Guests ; whenas Men are very acceptable : and I thank the Gods ( said she ) I am not so poor as I care for the Profit , but for Company and Conversation : for , to have no other Company but my Husband , is very dull and melancholy .

The man said , My Master hath no Wife .

Is he a young man , said she ?

Yes , said he .

Is he a handsome man , said she ?

Yes , said he .

Then , said she , my Lodging is at his service .

At what Rate are they , said the Man ?

She said , Your Master and I shall not fall out about the Price .

So he returned to his Master , and told him , He had found not only Lodgings , but ( as he thought ) a fair Bed-fellow for him ; for the Mistress would make no Bargain but with himself .

So thither he went , where he found all things accommodated for his use ; and his Landlady , who was a handsome Woman , and her Husband a plain Man , bid him very welcome ; then taking their leave , left him to himself : after which , the good man seldom troubled him ; but the Wife was so officious , as he seldom mist of her Company ; and so wondrous kind as might be , making him Whitewine-Caudles for his Break-fast , and giving him very oftern Collations : besides , if he stay'd out , she would send her Husband to bed , and wait for his coming home : for which Kindness he would return her Courtly Civilities .

He went often abroad to view the City , and to see the course of the People , and the several passages that happen in such places : and one day , as he went through a large Street , a Coach-man and Carman man fell out for out for the right side of the way ; the Carman said he was loaded , and therefore would not give way ; the Coach-man said , It was not fit for a Coach to give way to a Cart , and therefore he should give way : so after words , follow'd blows ; and their Whips were their Mettle-blades , wherewith they fought and lashed one another soundly . The Gentleman , seeing them lashing one another so cruelly , spake to his Man to part the Fray . In troth , Master , said the Man , if I shall go about to part all foolish Frays , or but one in a City , I may chance to go home with a broken Pate , and get no Reputation for the loss of my blood .

Thence they went to the Market place , and there were two Women which had fallen out about their Merchandize , and their fight was much fiercer than the Coach-man and Carters , and their words more offensive , and their Nails more wounding than Whips , insomuch as they had scratched each other so , that the blood trickled down their faces : whereupon the Gentleman , being of a pitiful nature , commanded his man to part them : The man said , I will adventure on the Feminine Sex , for I believe I can pacifie them , at least make my party good : so he went and spoke to them to forbear each other ; but their ears were stopt with the sound of their scolding ; and when he went to part them , it did so enrage their fury , as they left fighting with each other , and fell upon him ; who , to help himself , was forced to fight with them both : at last it grew to be a very hot Battel ; first off went his Hat , then down fell his Cloak ; he thrust them from him , they prest upon him ; he cuft them , they laid on blows on him ; they tore his Band , he tore their Kerchers ; they pull'd his Hair , he pull'd their Petticoats ; they scratch'd his Face , he beat their Fingers ; he kick'd them , they spurned him : at last , with strugling , they all three fell into the Kennel ; and so close they fought , as those three Bodies seemed but one Body , that moved as a Whale on a shallow shore , which wants water to swim ; even so they lay waving and rolling in the Kennel : in this time a number of people were gathered about them to see them fight , ( for it is the nature of common people to look on Combats , but part none ; to make frays , but not friends ) who enrag'd them the more , and enflam'd their angers with their shooting-noises : but the Gentleman , that was concerned for his Man , desired the people to part them ; who cryed out , Let them fight , Let them fight ; and they that had so much good nature as to offer to pull them asunder , were hindered by the rest . At last the Constable came , and did cause them all three to be put into the Stocks ; the Man was placed betwixt the two Women , which made him almost deaf of both his Ears ; for though their Legs were fast , their Tongues were loose ; with which they rung him such a Scolding-Peal , as made his Head dizzy ; whereas he , without speaking one word , sate in a most lamentable posture , with his Clothes all rent and torn , his Face all scratch'd and bloody , and that Hair they left on his Head , all ruffled , and standing an end , as if he were affrighted : But at last his Master , by bribing the Constable , got his Man out of the Stocks , and gave the Constable so much more to keep the Women shackled a longer time ; who , when they saw the Man let loose , and they still fast , were stark mad . The Man was so dogged , that he would not speak to his Master , because it was by his command he came into that Womanish Quarrel . His Master , to pacifie him , and to reward him for his obedience , gave him new Clothes , and all things suitable , and Money , to be Friends again . But though the Money did qualifie his Passion , yet he was wonderful angry for the disgrace ( as he thought it ) to be beaten by Women , and prayed his Master to give him leave to depart from him , that he might retire to some meaner man's Service , where he might hide his Dishonour . His Master told him , He thought he never had much Honour to lose ; neither would any trouble their thoughts , and burthen their memory , with such foolish Quarrels : But howsoever ( said his Master ) if you be a Man of Honour , as you imagine your self , you should glory in this Combat ; for Honourable and Gallant Men will not refuse to grasp with Women , and take it as an honour to receive blows from them ; a rent Band is their Victory , and a scratcht Face their Trophy , and their scolding Speech is their Chariot , wherein they ride in triumph . Heaven ( said the Man ) deliver me from that Honour ; for I had rather grasp a Fury of Hell , than an angry Woman !

So home they went ; and when they came to their Lodging , they found the Man and his Wife together by the ears ; the Man cursing , the Wife scolding , and the Wares in their Shop flung about ; for they had hurled all they could lay hold on , at each other's head : Both Master and Man stood at the door , not daring to enter the House , for fear they should partake of the Quarrel . At last said the Man to his Master , Sir , now you may have those Honourable Victories , Trophies , and Triumphs , you spake of , if you will endeavour to part them . His Master answered , That one man was enough for one woman , and two would be too much . The Man said , I found two women too much for one man , and I dare lay a wager our Landlady will be too hard for our Landlord . He had no sooner spoke , but the Wife had broke her Husband's Head with a Measure that lay by ; which as soon as she had done , she run into the Kitchin , and shut the Door to secure her self , making it her Castle of Defence ; where her Husband followed with threatning-language , then bounced and beat against the Door to break it open ; but she had not only barred and lock'd it , but set all the Pots , Pans , and Spits against it , as a Barricado to make it strong . At last the Gentleman went to his Landlord , and perswaded him to be friends with his Wife . At first he would not hear him ; but at last , when he found he could not get in , and that his fury was wasted with the many assaults against the door , he was contented to have a Parley : Then there was a Truce agreed upon for two hours ; in which time the Gentleman managed the Quarrel so well , as he made them Friends ; the Wife being contented to be Friends with her Husband for the Gentleman's sake , and the Husband for Quiet 's sake . The Man was also contented to stay with his Master , when he saw he was not the only man that was beaten by women , but triumphed that the Landlord was beaten by one , when he had two against him .

The TOBACCONIST .

THERE were two Maids talking of Husbands , which is for the most part the Theam of their Discourse , and the subject of their Thoughts .

The one said , I would not marry a man that takes Tobacco , for any thing .

Then said the other , It is likely you will have a Fool for your Husband ; for Tobacco is able to make a Fool a Wise man : And though it doth not always work wise Effects , by reason some Fools are beyond all improvement ; yet it never fails , where any improvement is to be made .

Why , said the first , what wise Effects does it work ?

The second said , it composes the mind , it busies the thoughts , represents several Objects to the mind's view , settles and stays the Senses , clears the Understanding , strengthens the Judgment , spies out Errors , evaporates Follies , heats Ambition , comforts Sorrow , abates Passions , excites to Noble Actions , digests Conceptions , enlarges Knowledg , elevates Imaginations , creates Fancies , quickens Wit , and makes Reason Pleader , and Truth Judg , in all Disputes or Controversies betwixt Right and Wrong .

The first said , It makes the Breath stink .

You mistake , said the second , it will make a stinking Breath sweet .

It is a Beastly Smell , said the first .

Said the second , Civet is a Beastly Smell , and that you will thrust your Nose to , although it be an Excrement ; and , for any thing we know , so is Ambergreece ; when Tobacco is a sweet and pleasant , wholsome and medicinable Herb.

The School-Quarrels , or Scholars-Battels .

A MAN travelling , and being very weary , seeing a large House , a-lighted , and went to the Gates , which he found open for any to pass without opposition : Entring in , he came into a large paved Court ; and walking about it , he heard a noise as of a great Wind , which made him look up towards the Clouds ; and seeing the Air not much agitated , he wondred at it : At last he looked in at a Door that was open , but there was such a Mist , that he could see no further than the entrance ; yet going in , he perceived a long Gallery , wherein were Books placed in long rows , and Men in old tatter'd Gowns reading them , and turning their leaves ; which shewed him his error to think he heard a Wind , for it was the shuffling of the Leaves of the numerous Books that were turned over by those many men . But desiring to instruct himself of their several Studies , he went softly to observe them .

The first man he took notice of , was one that ( as he read ) did beat his hands upon the Desk whereon his Book lay ; and looking over his shoulder , he perceived he was studying the Laws , and acted , against he pleaded at the Barr.

Then he went to the next , who was counting on his Fingers , and looking in his Book ; by which he saw he was studying Arithmetick .

A third was with a Celestial Globe , and a pair of Compasses , very busie studying of Astronomy , measuring of the Planets , and their distance .

The fourth was with a Terrestrial Globe before his Book ; and one while he would read , then view the Globe , and then read again , studying Geography .

On the other side he saw one very serious in his study , and he was reading Moral Philosophy .

Another he saw reading , who would often lay his hand upon his Breast , and cast up the black of his Eyes , and he was studying Theology .

Then there were others who as they read , would often scratch their Heads , and they were Natural Philosophers .

But one amongst the rest looked very merrily , and he was studying the old Poets .

Likewise there were very many more , as , Historians , Grammarians , Logicians , Geometricians , Physicians , and the like .

At last a little Bell rung , whereupon they all left off their studying , and began to walk about , discoursing to each other of their several Studies . So the Grammarians and the Logicians began to dispute , one for the Words , or rather for the Letters ; the other for the Sense , Subject , and matter of Discourse ; the one troubling himself with Derivations , the other about Quantities and Qualities .

Then fell into dispute two Divines , about the Controversies of Theology : but they grew so hot with zeal , that their discourse flamed up high , and their fiery words flew above all Respects or Civility , calling one another Heretick , and Beelzebub , and the Whore of Babylon , and the like terms , that the rest of the Scholars had much ado to appease them .

But amongst the rest , there were two Historians , the one a Grecian , the other a Roman ; who talking of Caesar and Alexander , the Roman Historian said , There was no comparison between those two Worthies : for , said he , Alexander was only a Darling of Fortune , whose Favour gave him a free passage without opposition , and had no occasion to shew his Courage , Skill , Conduct , or Industry ; and , said he , Fools , Cowards , and Slothful persons , have had good Fortune sometimes . At this Discourse the Grecian grew very angry , saying , That Alexander was born from a Warrier , and bred a Soldier , and was a Valiant , Wise Commander ; and that Caesar was only a Man of Fortune , Traiterous , Desperate ; and whatsoever he got , was all by Chance . In this Dispute , one defending Alexander , the other Caesar , they fell from words to blows ; and , like two School boys , to Cuffs they went ; and such notable thumping-blows they gave each other , that either had a bloody-nose ; whereupon the rest of the Scholars began to side in Factions , some taking one part , some another , that at last they were all together by the ears ; and so fierce in fight they were , that the Drums and the Trumpets of their several Clamours , arrived to the Master of the Colledg's hearing ; at which noise he went running up to inform himself of the Cause : But when he came , his Questions could not be heard , nor his Commands obeyed ; for all the Scholars were divided so equally , as if it had been a pitched-Battel : for all the Scepticks were against the Mathematicians , the Natural Philosophers against the Divines , the severe Moralists against the Poets ; and in the like opposition were all the rest : But at last they grew out of all order , and there became such a confusion , that they cared not whom they did strike , so they did fight , although 't were their own Parties : Whereupon the Master of the Colledg hollow'd so loud , and bestirr'd himself so prudently , that he appeased them ; and after their Fury was quenched , at least abated , they began to consider , and finding their Quarrels needless , they were ashamed ; and feeling their received blows painful , they did repent . But howsoever , it was a strange sight to behold them , some having black and blew Eyes , others swelled Foreheads , like Camels backs , others scratched Faces ; some blowing blood out of their Nostrils , others spitting blood out of their Mouths , and some their Teeth also ; and all the Hair both of their Heads and Beards , was in a ruffled and affrighted posture , and the poor Library was , like a Ship after a storm at Sea , in great disorder ; for there was strewed about pieces of Papers rent from Books , and old Patches of Cloth and Stuff torn from Gowns , Slippers kick'd from their feet , Caps flown from their Heads , handfuls of Hairs pulled from their Crowns , and Pens and Ink sans nombre .

The man that came by chance , was crept into a hole , and was in such an agony and fear to see this distraction , that he had not power to come forth : but at last , when they were all gone out of the Library to Supper , or Prayers , he took courage , and came out of the corner , stealing forth the same way he came in : and being clearly got from the Colledg , full glad he was , and then began to call into his Mind their Quarrels ; which when he had considered , Well ( said he to himself ) , if there be no more Tranquillity and Order amongst Scholars , I will keep the company of my merry , harmless , and ignorant Neighbours ; and so returned home .

The Observer .

A Gentleman desirous to travel to see the Varieties of several Countreys and Governments , at last he arrived in a Kingdom , where he went to the chief City , and there wandring about , came to the King's Palace ; and though there was a Guard , yet there was a Porter sitting at the outward Gate of the Palace , to whom he went and said to him , I am a Stranger that travel to see several Kingdoms and Courts , and have heard great praises and fame of your King for his peaceable and wise Government ; wherefore I desire you would please to assist me , if you can , to see the King . So putting two or three Pieces of Gold into his hand , that the Porter might as well feel his Bounty , as hear his Desire , to help to make his passage free ; the Porter making Legs without Thanks ( for Bribes have only Civil Congies ) , he told him there was a Gentleman at Court that was his very good Friend , and that he used to come and go through the Gates late at night , and early in the morning ( which he need not have told , but he thought he should have as much knowledg for his Money as he could give ) ; but , said he , I will try if I can find this Gentleman , my good Friend , and he will shew you the King for my sake .

No sooner had he spoke , but the Gentleman came by ; who , at the Porter's entreaty , conducts this Stranger to the sight of the King and Queen ( for Courtiers will oblige one another for Interest sake , although they have neither Kindness , nor Civility , where they cannot have Ends or Designs ) : He guided this Gentleman through a great Court-yard , wherein were many walking and talking , like Merchants in an Exchange , or as a Court of Judicature ; and so up a pair of Stairs into a large Room , where was a Guard of Soldiers with Halberts , which were more for shew than safety ; for the Halberts lay by , and great Jacks of Beer and Wine were in their hands , and some at their mouths , drinking to one another : by their strong large stature , and swell'd bulk , they seemed as if they did use to eat to the proportion of their drinking .

From thence he was guided into a Long-Gallery , at the end of which was the Presence , where were many young Gallants , and fair Ladies , the young Men courting their fair Mistresses , in repeating of Love-Verses and Sonnets , some dancing , others singing , some congie-ing , some complementing , and thus diverting themselves in pleasant pastimes . Thence he was guided into the Privy-Chamber , where the King and Queen were set , with many of their Nobles about them , discoursing of Plays Masques , Balls , Huntings , Progresses , and the like , After he had been there a little while , the King and Queen rose to go to Supper , and the Gentleman invited the Stranger to sup at the Waiters Table ; which offer he civilly received . When he was there , he found good store of Company full of discourse ; and amongst much talk , they complained of their long Peace , saying , That Peace was good for nothing but to breed Laziness ; and that the Youth of the Kingdom were degenerated , and become effeminate : concluding , That there ought to be a Warr , were it for no other reason , but to exercise their Youth in Arms , which would breed Courage , and inflame their Spirits to Action . But after Supper , the Stranger was guided into the Presence again , where there was a great Company of Lords and Ladies waiting for the King and Queen's coming forth , which gave the Stranger some time for observation .

It was his chance to stand by a Lord that had many of his Friends , or rather flatterers , about him , speaking to him of another Lord at the other side of the Room , who stood also with his Friends or Flatterers ; he said to his Company , Do you think that Lord worthy of those Favours the King throws on him , having neither Merit nor Worth to deserve them ; when Men of Noble Qualities , and great Deserts , are neither regarded nor rewarded ? Gentlemen , said he , this must not be ; for we are born Free Subjects to the King , not Slaves to his Favourite , who makes our Estates the Exchequer to supply his Vanities by the way of large Taxes , which is not to be suffered : for , though the King commands by his Advice , yet he receives the Sums .

The Stranger ( that had but a little time to stay ) removed from that side to the other , where the other Lord was talking to his Faction , and said , Do you see that Formal Lord , who loves and affects Popularity , and would be the absolute Man in the Kingdom , to Rule and Govern all ? Let me tell you Gentlemen , said he , He is a dangerous Man , whom the King should be ware of : but alas , said he , the King is so facil , that whosoever comes with a clear Brow , and a smooth Tongue , he believes all he says is truth . Besides , he is so cockered up with a long Peace , that he cannot believe any body dares be Traitors . And thus he lives in secure Credulity , and is so timorous , that he dares not displease any one : for , those that are against him , he preferrs ; and those that are faithful to him , he cares not for , and rejects them .

From that Company , the Stranger removed to the Women's Side ; where was a Lady , wity others by her ; who said to one of them , Prithee look on yonder Lady , how she is Painted and Curled , to allure the Youth of the Court ; but ifaith , said she , it will not do ; for if one comes near , she is as withered and dry as a Leaf in Autumn . So he ( desiring to hear all Parts ) removed to the other Lady , where she said to some others , Do you see , said she , the Wit of the Court ( meaning the other Lady that was opposite ) ? Ifaith ( said she ) if I were her , I would rather conceal my Wit , than discover my Pratling : She is so full of talk , that she will suffer none to speak but her self . Every Lady of each Company , flung spightful words upon each other's back : But the Musick beginning to play , they all flock'd together , and did all embrace , kiss , profess , and protest such affections , and vowed such friendships , That neither their Lives nor Fortunes should be wanting in one another's Service : Which the Stranger hearing , went out of the Court as fast as he could , for fear of the Court's Infection . And when he came to the Gate , the Porter ( to whom he first spoke ) ask'd him , Why he went away so soon ? for , said he , the Company seldom parts until one or two of the Clock in the morning , nay , said he , some not all the night long , if their Mistresses favour them , or at least take some pity of them .

The Stranger said , He had seen so much , that it did fright him : What , said the Porter , some Devils in the Play , or in the Masque ? Yes , said the Gentleman , they could change into as many shapes as they would . That is only in their Clothes , answered the Porter . No , said the Stranger , it was in their Tongues and Faces : And so God give you Good-night .

The Discreet Virgin .

THERE was a Grave Matron who came to visit a Young Virgin ; whom she ask'd , Why she did not marry , since she was of marriageable years ?

Truly , said she , I am best pleased with a Single Life .

What ( answered the Matron ) , will you lead Apes in Hell ?

The young Lady said , It was better to lead Apes in Hell , than live like Devils on Earth : for , said she , I have heard , That a Married Couple seldom or never agree ; the Husband roars in his Drink , and the Wife scolds in her Choler ; the Servants quarrel , the Children cry , and all is in more disorder than 't is thought Hell is , and a more confused Noise .

The Matron said , Such are only the Meaner sort of people ; but the Noble and Rich Men and their Wives live otherwise : for the Better sort ( the Noble and Rich ) when they are drunk , are carried straight to Bed , and laid to sleep ; and their Wives dance until their Husbands are sober .

The Lady said , If they dance until their Husbands be sober , they will dance until they be weary .

So they do , replied the Matron .

Why , said the Lady , the Husbands are , for the most part , always drunk .

And the other answered , And the Ladies are , for the most part , continually dancing .

But , by your favour , said the Matron , Men are not so often , nor so constantly drunk , as you report them .

The young Lady answered , You shall be Judg if I slander them : They drink drunk at Dinner ; and before they are throughly sober , they go to Supper , and they drink so , as they go drunk to bed ; and in the Morning they will have their Refreshing-draughts : But , said she , I perceive you think none are drunk but those that drink in Tavern ; but they , let me tell you , are sober men to Home Drunkards ; and Taverns are quiet orderly Houses , to Great , Noble , and Rich Men's Houses : for Palaces are oft-times but Hospitable Taverns , Inns , and Bawdy-houses , only their Guests pay nothing for their Fare : but when they are Gaming-houses , then they pay the Box sometimes to their grief .

Fie , Lady , fie , said the Matron , Why do you abuse Noble Persons ?

I do not abuse them , answered she , they abuse themselves .

We will leave off this Discourse , said the Matron , and talk of Husbands .

We have talk'd ( said the young Lady ) of Husbands already : besides , the Theme is so bad , that the Discourse of them cannot be good .

I am come ( said the Matron ) to offer you a Husband .

She replied , She was offered Husbands enough , but there were none worth the taking : for , said she , Men in this Age are far worse than Women , and more ridiculous in their Behaviours , Discourses , Dressings , Vanities , and Idleness : As for their Humours , said she , they are either apish , constrained , or rude : If they be apish , they put themselves into a hundred several postures in an hour ; and so full of apish actions , as scratching their Heads , combing their Perwicks , or gogling their Hats , with jogging their Heads , one while backwards to the Noddle of their Heads , and then forwards , to their Brows ; or fumbling with their Buttons , Band-strings , or Boot-hose ; or pulling their Cloaks one while upon one shoulder , and then on another , and then back again ; or else pull their Cloak with one hand , and hold it fast with the other ( this pulling-motion being a Mode-motion ) : But those that are very much in the Mode , lay it about their Waste , all in a crumple , like a Scarf ; or else ( like Male-contents ) muffle themselves therein . As for their Behaviour , those that are fantastical , their Bodies are in a perpetual motion , winding , or turning , or wreathing about or dancing affectedly , singing fa , fa , la ; or whistling , like a Carter ; or lye careless upon the ground , kicking back with their Heels ; or with the end of their Feet lye kicking the ground . But when they affect a careless Behaviour , as thinking it dignifies them ( as all those that have been meanly born or bred , and have had some advancement either by Riches , Offices , Royal Favours , or by Fortune ) then they will sit lolling upon their Breech , or lean on their Elbows , gaping or stretching themselves , or else laying the Ankle of one Leg upon the Knee of the other , heaving their Feet up towards the Nostrils of their Company , especially when Ladies are by .

Methinks ( said the Matron ) that is an ill behaviour , to thrust their Feet towards a fair Lady's Nose .

They do so , answered she : Also , they have a Restless Mode , to stand up one minute , the next sit down ; dividing the time of visiting , in neither going , nor staying , but between both : for they neither quietly stay , nor civilly take their leave : and in Winter , where there is Fire , as soon as they come into a Room , they straight go the fire , and there turn their backs to warm their Breeches , with their hands turned back upon them : but if it be in Summer , then they lean their Breech upon the Chimney-side , or against a Wall , standing cross-legg'd ; or else they stand bowing over a Chair's back , or set their Stomacks against the edg of a Table , and lay the upper part of the Body upon it ; and sometimes they rest their Elbows thereon , and hold up their Chins with the palm of their Hands , or Wrist ; and in all these actions their Tongues run with Nonsense . But the rudest Behaviour is , to pull out the Ladies Fanns or Muffs out of their hands , to fling their Cloaks or Coats on their Beds , Couches , or Tables ; or to lye rudely upon their Beds or Couches ; or to come unawares and kiss their Necks , or embrace their Waste ; and twenty such like tricks , which no Woman of Honour can like , but will be very angry : yet they know not how to be revenged , unless they engage their nearest Friends , Fathers , Brothers , Uncles , or Husbands , in a Quarrel ; for they cannot fight with Men themselves , their strength being too weak , although their will is good .

The Discourses of the most part of them , are , Swearing , Bragging , Ranting , Rallery , Railing , or Lascivious : and in their Dressings and Fashions they are more fantastical , various , and unconstant , than Women : for , they change their Blocks for their Hats ( although they cannot their Block-heads ) forty times oftner than Women change the shapes of their Bags or Hoods for their Heads , and Mens Bands , Cuffs , and Boot-hose-tops , are changed into more several shapes , than Women's Gorgets , Handkerchiefs , or any Linnen they wear : and for their Doublets , Breeches , Cloaks , Coats , and Cassocks , they change their Fashions oftner than the Winds change their corners : whereas Women will keep to the fashion of their Gowns , Petticoats , and Wastcoats , two or three years before they alter their shapes . Neither do Men change for convenience , grace , or behaviour ; but out of a fantastical vanity . And are not Men more Perfumed , Curled , and Powdred , than Women ? And have they not greater Quantities of Ribbons of several Colours ti'd and set upon their Hats , Clothes , Gloves , Boots , Shooes , and Belts , than Women on their Heads and Gowns ? Have not Men richer and more gaye Clothes than Women have ? And where Women make Clothes once , Men make Clothes three times ; yet Men exclaim against the Vanities of Women , when they are a hundred times vainer , and are more unnecessarily expensive than Women are : Women may be allowed by the severest Judgments , to be a little vain , as being Women ; when it ought to be condemned in Men as an Effeminacy , which is a great Vice .

The last is their Idleness : for , Do not Men spend their time far more idly ( not to say wickedly ) than Women ? Do not Men run visiting from House to House , for no other purpose but to twattle , spending their time in idle and fruitless discourse ? Do not Men meet every day in Taverns and Ordinaries , to sit and gossip over a Cup of Wine ? When Women are condemned for gossiping once in a quarter of a year , at a Labour , or a Christning , or at the Up-sitting of a Child-bed Woman . And do not Men run and hunt about for News , and then meet to gossip on it with their Censuring-Verdicts ? Besides , they are so greedy of twattle , that rather than want idle matter to prate of , they will invent News , and then falsly report it ; and such are accounted Wits that can make the most probable Lyes , which they call Gulling .

Have not Men also more foolish Quarrels than Women have ? Are not Men more apt to take exceptions at each other , than Women are ? Will not Men dissemble , lye , and flatter with each other , more than Women do ? Will not Men rail and back-bite each other , more than Women will ? Are not Men more spightful , envious , and malicious at each other , than Women ? Will not Men imitate each other 's fantastical Garb , Dress , and the like , more than Women ? Will not Men ride from place to place , to no purpose , more than Women ? And do not Men take more delight in idle pastimes , and foolish sports , than Women ? And in all this time of their Visiting , Club , Gossipping , News-travelling , News-venting , News-making , Vain-spending , Mode-fashioning , Foolish-quarrelling , and Unprofitable-journeying , what advantage do they bring to the Commonwealth , or honour to their Posterity , or profit to themselves ? None at all ; but they are like Flyes bred out of a Dunghill , buzzing idly about , and then dye : when Women are like industrious Ants , and prudent Bees , always employed to the benefit of their Families . Therefore unless I can have a Husband that is so wise that he can entertain himself with his own thoughts , to dwell quietly in his own House , governing prudently his own Family ; also , to behave himself civilly , to speak rationally , to accoutre himself manfully , to defend himself , and maintain his Honour valiantly ; to do nobly , to judg charitably , to live honestly , to temper his Appetites , rule his Passions , and be very industrious ; I will never marry : for it is not only a Good Husband , but a Wise Man , that makes a Woman happy in Marriage .

Of Three TRAVELLERS .

THERE were three Travellers that enquired of each other about their Travels ; and after they had recounted their tedious Journeys , dangerous Passages , and their many Inconveniences ; they discoursed of the Climates of each Countrey they had been in , their Scituations , Commodities , Trade , and Traffick ; the Customs , Fashions , and Humours of the People , the Laws and Government of their Princes , the Peace and Warrs of Neighbour-Nations ; at last they became to question one another , Who had seen the greatest Wonders in their Travels ?

Said one , I have seen the greatest Wonder : for I have seen a Mean Man become an Emperor .

Pish , said the Second , that is nothing ; for I have seen a Mean Fellow , without Merit , a Powerful Emperor's Bosome-Friend , and Chief Ruler : for , though the Power of Fortune can enthrone Slaves , and unthrone Kings ; yet Fortune hath no Power over the Souls of Kings : for , although Fortune hath Power over the Body , she hath none over the Mind .

Why , said the third , that is no more Wonder for Nature to put a Subject's Soul ( fill'd with mean Thoughts ) into an Emperor's Body , than for Fortune to set an Emperor's Crown on a Slave's Head . But I can tell you , said he , a Wonder indeed , which is , That where I travelled , there was an Emperor , the wisest Man in the world .

That is no wonder , answered the other ; for all great Monarchs and Emperors ought to be the wisest , because they rule all others .

But though they ought to be so , said the other yet they are not always so : for , were not many of the Roman Emperors called , The Foolish Emperors ? And when there are so few wise Men in the world , that there is scarce a wise Man to be found in an Age , it is a Wonder when Wisdom lights in the right Line , I mean in a Royal Line .

No , answered the Third , it is no Wonder ; for the Gods take a particular care to endue a Royal Head with Understanding , and a Royal Heart with Justice : for , Hereditary Royalty is Sacred , since the Gods annoint those Lines to that Dignity .

But those that have not a Right by Inheritance , the Gods take no care of ; nay , many times the Gods punish with Plagues , and other Miseries , those People that make a King of their own chusing , and justly ; since Kings are God's Vicegerents , or Deputies on Earth : for , as the Gods are chief in Heaven , and rule the Works of Nature as they will ; so Kings are chief on Earth , and rule the rest of Mankind as they please .

But , said the other ; If they rule not well , they are to give an account .

Yes , answered the other ; but not unto those Men they rule , but to the Gods that placed them . in their Thrones .

The Loving-Cuckold .

THERE was a Gentleman that had married a Wife , Beautiful , Modest , Chast , and of a mild and sweet Disposition ; and after he had been married some time , he began to neglect her , and make Courtship to other Women : which she perceiving , grew very melancholy ; and sitting one day very pensive alone , in comes one of her Husband's Acquaintance to see him , whom this Lady told , Her Husband was abroad .

He said , I have been to visit him many times , and still he is gone abroad .

She said , My Husband finds better Company abroad than he hath at home , or at least thinks so , which makes him go so often forth .

So he , discoursing with the Lady , told her , He thought she was of a very melancholy Disposition .

She said , She was not naturally so , but what her Misfortunes caused .

He said , Can Fortune be cruel to a Beautiful Lady ?

'T is a sign , said she , I am not Beautiful , that she would match me to an unkind Husband .

He said , To my thinking it is as impossible for your Husband to be unkind , as for Fortune to be cruel .

She said , You shall be Judg whether he be not so : for first , said she , I have been an Obedient Wife , observed his Humours , and obeyed his will in every thing . Next , I have been a Thrifty , Cleanly , Patient , and Chast Wife . Thirdly , I brought him a great Portion . And lastly , My Neighbours say , I am handsome ; and yet my Husband doth neglect me , and despise me , making Courtships to other Women , and sometimes ( to vex me the more ) before my Face .

He said , Your Husband is not worthy of you : therefore , if I may advise you , I would cast aside the affection I had placed upon him , and bestow it upon a Person that will worship you with an Idolatrous Zeal ; and if you please to bestow it on me , I will offer my Heart on the Altar of your Favours , and sacrifice my Services thereupon ; and my Love shall be as the Vestal Fire , that never goeth out , but perpetually burns with a Religious Flame .

Thus speaking and pleading , he made courtship to her ; which she at first did not receive : But he having opportunity , by reason her Husband was much from home , and using importunity , at last corrupted her ; and she , making a Friendship with this Gentleman , began to neglect her Husband as much as he had done her : which he perceiving , began to pull in the Bridle of his loose carriage ; and finding that his Acquaintant was her Courtly Admirer , he began to woo her a-new to gain her from him ; but it would not be : for she became from a Meek , Modest , Obedient , and Thrifty Wife , to be a Ranting , Flanting , Bold , and Imperious one .

But her Husband grew so fond of her , that he sought all the ways he could to please her ; and was the most observant Creature to her , that might be ; striving to please her in all things or ways he could devise ; insomuch , as observing she was never pleased but when she had Gallants to court her , he would invite Gentlemen to his house , and make Entertainments for them ; and those she seemed most to favour , he would make his dear Friends ; and would often be absent , to give them opportunities to be with his Wife alone ; hoping to get a favourable Look , or a Kiss , for his good services , which she would craftily give him to encourage him .

But the other Gentleman that made the first addresses to her , being a Married-man , his Wife hearing her Husband was so great a Lover of that Lady , and that that Lady's Husband was reformed from his incontinent life , and was become a doting fond Wittal , loving and admiring her for being courted and made love to ; esteeming that most , which others seemed to like best ; she began to imitate her : which her Husband perceiving , gave her warning not to do so ; which she would not take , but entertained those that would address themselves to her : Whereupon her Husband threatned her ; but she was at last so delighted with variety , that she regarded not his Threats : whereupon he used her cruelly ; but nothing would reclaim her ; only she would make more secret meetings , wherewith she was the better pleased ; for secret meetings , as I have heard , give an edg to Adultery ; and it is the nature of Mankind to be most delighted with that which is most unlawful . But her Husband , finding no reformation could be made , he parted with her , because he thought it a greater dishonour to be a Wittal than a Cuckold , although he was very much troubled to be either : for , though he was willing to make a Cuckold , yet he was not willing to be one himself . Thus you may see the different natures of Men.

The Converts in Marriage .

THERE were four young Gentlewomen , whose Fathers were near Neighbours ; whereupon there grew an Acquaintance , and so a Society between them .

The first was Reserved and Coy .

The second was Bold and Ranting .

The third was Merry and Gay .

The fourth was Peevish and Spightful .

She that was Reserved and Coy , was Generous and Ambitious .

She that was Bold and Ranting , was Covetous and Wanton .

She that was Merry and Gay , was Vain and Fantastical .

She that was Peevish and Spightful , was Cross and Unconstant .

It chanced that the four Fathers ( by reason they had good Estates ) were offered four Husbands for their four Daughters , all at one time .

The Husband that was to marry the first Lady , was Covetous , Miserable , and Timorous ; as all Miserable , Covetous Persons , for the most part , are : but being very Rich , the Father to this Lady forced her to marry him .

He that was to marry the second Lady , was Temperate , Prudent , and Chast.

He that was to marry the third Lady , was Melancholy , Solitary , and Studious .

And he that was to marry the fourth Lady , was Cholerick and Impatient .

After they had been married some time , the Covetous and Timorous man became Hospitable , Bountiful , Valiant , and Aspiring ; doing High and Noble Deeds .

And she that was Bold and Wanton , became Chast , Sober , and Obedient .

He that was Melancholy , became Sociable , Conversable , and Pleasant ; and she , Thrifty and Staid .

But he that was Cholerick and Impatient , who married her that was Peevish and Spightful , they live like Dogs and Cats , spit , scrawl , scratch , and bite ; insomuch as they were forced to part : for , being both faulty , they could not live happily , because they could never agree : for Errors and Faults multiply , being joined together .

AGE's FOLLY .

THERE was a Man and his Wife that had been married many years together ; and had agreed and lived happily , loving each other wondrous well : but at last , after they were stricken in years , the Husband was catch'd with a crafty young Wench , ( like a Woodcock in a Noose or Net ) wherein he was entangled in Love's Fetters ; and though he fluttred and fluttred to get loose , yet she kept him fast ; not that she loved Age , but Wealth : for Amorous Age is prodigal , and though more self-conceited than those that are young , or in their prime of years , yet are easily catched ; which is strange : for , most commonly , those that are self-conceited , are proud , disdainful , despising , thinking few or none worthy of their love . But Amorous Age , although they are self-conceited , take a pride , and brag , that they can have a Love as well as those that are Young ; which makes each smile and every amorous glance from youthful eyes , to be snares , or rather baits , which Age doth nibble at .

But his Wife observing her Husband to prank and prune , to jet and set himself in several postures , to be extravagant in his actions , fantastical in his dress , loose in his discourse ; wondred to see him on a sudden transformed from a Sober , Grave , Staid , Wise Man , to a Jack an-apes : At last concluded with her self , That for certain he was mad ; with which opinion she became wondrous melancholy . But , by chance , finding him making amorous addresses to a young Woman , she then perceived the Cause was Love , and nothing but Love ; I mean Amorous Love , that powerful Amorous Love , which blindfolds long and wise Experience , with a foul , false appetite ; making not only Young , but Old Men Fools .

His Wife , like a discreet Woman , moderated her Passion for a while , hoping it was but a sudden flash , or faint blast , that would soon dye . But when she perceived his Amorous Humorou not to quench , but rather to burn , though smutheredly , and no perswasions could reform him , but rather make him worse , as Cordials in hot Fevers ; she parted from him , after that they had been , and as she thought , happily married many years ; and so resigned that part of the Command and Government of his Family that was left her ; for the Maid had encroach'd by her Master's favour , and had ingross'd the chiefest Power of Rule in the Houshold-affairs , as well as in the Affection of the Heart .

Thus his Wife left him , and his Dotage ; but Death in a short time did come and revenge her Quarrel ; and that Tinder-fire Cupid had made , Death put out .

By this we see , there is no Certainty of Constancy , nor no Cure in Time , nor no Settlement in life .

The Three WOOERS .

THERE were three Knights went a wooing :

A Covetous Knight .

An Amorous Knight : and

A Judicious Knight .

The Covetous Knight sought a Rich Wife , not caring for her Birth , Breeding , or Beauty .

The Amorous sought for a Beautiful Wife , not caring for her Wealth or Birth .

The Judicious sought for a Wife Virtuous , well bred , and honourably born , not caring for the Wealth or Beauty .

And having all three good Estates , every Man that had Daughters , invited and feasted them .

So they went to visit all Noble , Hospitable House-keepers , such as Gentlemen are , and Honourable Persons , that live in the Countrey .

The Amorous Knight made love to all those Ladies and Gentlewomen that were Handsome ; but as soon as he was to treat with their Parents or Friends about Marriage , or to appoint a Wedding-day , he would find some excuse or other to break off .

The Covetous Knight would be so far from Wooing , that he would not speak to any of the young Ladies , nor look on them oftenl , for fear they should claim Marriage ; but he still would treat with their Parents or Friends , to know what Portions they had , or what Estates were likely to befall them by the death of their Friends .

The Judicious Knight would neither woo the Ladies , nor treat with their Parents or Friends , but discoursed with them civilly , observing strictly what Capacities , Wits , and Behaviours , the Women had ; also employing Agents secretly to enquire of their Servants , Neighbours , and Acquaintance , of what Natures , Dispositions , and Humours , they were ; not trusting to their sober outsides , and formalities they use to Strangers .

After they had visited all Noble Entertainers , they went to the City .

For , said the Covetous Knight , I will not chuse a Wife in these Families ; for these Daughters , Sisters , and Neeces , are too prodigally bred to make Thrifty Wives . So they went to visit the City .

But the Amorous Knight said , He would not chuse a Wife out of the City ; because ( said he ) I shall never love my Wife but on Holy-days , or Sundays ; for they then appear indifferent Handsom , when they have their best Clothes ; but on Working days they smell of the Shop , and appear like their Father 's faded , mouldy , withered Wares . Besides , said he , they discoursing to none but their Journey-men and ' Prentice-boys , cannot tell how to entertain a Gentleman , or a Lover , with Romancical Speeches , or pieces of Plays , or Copies of Verses , or the like .

The Covetous Knight said , You condemn that I shall commend , and dislike that which I shall like , and love that which I shall hate : for I hate whining-Love ; and I shall be unwilling to marry a Woman ( although she should bring me a great Portion ) that would be reading Romances , and the like ; and be entertaining with repeating Verses , and singing Love-Sonnets , when she should be looking to my Servants , ordering my Family , and giving directions : Or such a one that would be half the day dress'd so fine , she cannot stir about her House , or will not , for fear of dirtying or crumpling her Clothes ; besides the infinite Expence their Bravery will put me to . But when they dress fine but on Sundays and Holy-days , ( I mean , only at such Good-times as Christmas , Easter , Whitsuntide , or so ) a Silk-Gown will last some Seven years . He is a good Husband that will or can love his Wife sometimes , as on Holy-days ; although I shall love my Wife best those days she is most in her Huswifry ( which is , in her Sluttery ) , and not on Holy-days , when she is in her Bravery . But he that loves his Wife every day , and at all times , is Luxurious , and ought to be banished a Commonwealth : for , Fond Husbands make Proud , Vain , Idle , and Expensive Wives , who spoil Servants , kill Industry and all good Huswifry , which is the ruin to Noble and Ancient Families .

But after they had traversed the City , they went to the Court.

And when the Covetous Man saw the Bravery of the Court , he would by any means be gone from thence . The other two asked him the reason : He said , He was afraid that they would cheat him , or bring some false Witness to accuse him of Treason , to get his Estate ; or at least to bring him into some Court of Justice , to get a Fine : for , said he , I verily believe they have no Money , having no Lands but what they get by such shifting , sharking , flattery , bribery , betraying , and accusing : for , said he , poor Courtiers are like starved Prisoners , devour all they can get , and sometimes they devour one another . But the Amorous Knight was ravished with the glistering Shews ; and was more enamoured with the gay Clothes , than with the fair Ladies ; and did long to embrace their Silver-Lace ; which made him use all his Rhetorick to the Covetous Knight , to stay .

As for the Judicious Knight , he was neither moved with fear , as the Covetous ; nor struck with admiration , as the Amorous Knight ; said little , but observed much ; and was willing to go or stay , as the others could agree .

But when the Covetous Knight heard them to talk of nothing but Fashions , Gowns , Gorgets , Fanns , Feathers , and Love-Servants , he fell into a Cold-sweat , for fear he should be forced by the King and Queen to marry one of those Maids of Honour . And when he heard them talk of Love , Justice , and justifying loving-Friendships , he was forced to go out of the room , or otherwise he should have swooned with an Apoplexy , or Lethargie , or the like sudden Disease : for he did imagine himself married to one of them , and all his Estate spent , and he only left with a pair of Horns ; and , like a Horned-Beast , in the wild Forest of Poverty .

But these sorts of Discourse did enslave the Amorous Knight , binding him in Love's Fetters , insomuch as he became a Servant to them all : but then finding it was impossible to please them all , he only applied , and at last yeelded himself to one ; to whom , after a short time , he was married .

The Covetous Knight , being afraid of being forced to marry a Courtier , took a Wife out of the City .

The Judicious Knight , seeing his Wooing-Travellers married , thought it would shew an unconstant Humour not to marry , since he travelled about with them to get a Wife ; or else it would seem as if he thought no Woman Virtuous , or at least Discreet . So he went to a Noble Gentleman , who had a fair , well-bred , virtuous Lady to his Daughter , although but a small Portion ; and having the Father's consent , and the Lady's affection , at least her good-will , married .

When these three Knights were married , each carried his Wife to his Dwelling-House .

Where the Covetous Knight did spare from his Back and Belly , rise early , and go to bed late ; yet his Wife and Servants did agree , at least did wink at each other , to cozen him : let him do what he could to spare , they outwitted him with craft , to get .

The Amorous Knight , when he had lived at home a little while to himself , and his Wive's gay Clothes were faded , and she appeared in her natural Complexion , and became like her Neighbours , he courted others , and despised his Wife ; then she strives to spruce up , and to get others to court her , which Courtships did cause Expences , in Dancing , Meetings , Revelling , and Feasting .

The Judicious Knight and his Lady , lived happily , loved dearly , governed orderly , thrived moderately , and became very rich , when the other two were Bankrupts ; the one being cozen'd by his Wife and Servants ( he not allowing them sufficiently ) ; the other being impoverished with Mistresses and Vanities .

Ambition preferr'd before Love .

THERE was a Noble Gallant Man , made love to a Virtuous Fair Lady ; and after he had express'd his affection , and desired a return , and so agree to marry ; she told him , If she would marry , and had her liberty to chuse a Husband through all the World , it should be him : for , said she , the same of your Worth , and praise of your Merits , hath planted a Root of Affection in my Infant-years , which hath grown up with time : but , said she , there was another Root also planted therein by Encouragement , which is Ambition ; which Ambition , says she , hath out-grown that ; so that the Tree of Love is like an Oak to a Cedar ; for though it may be more lasting , yet it will never be so high . On this high Tree of Ambition , said she , my Life is industrious to climb to Fame's high Tower , for the top reaches to it ; which , if I marry , I shall never do .

Why , said her Lover , Marriage can be no hindrance .

O , yes , said the Lady ; Husbands will never suffer their Wives to climb , but keep them fast lock'd in their Arms , or tye them to Houshold-Employments ; or , through a foolish-obstinacy , barr up their Liberty : but did they not only give them Liberty , but assist them all they could ; yet the unavoidable Troubles of Marriage would be like great storms , which would shake them off , or throw them down , before they had climbed half the way : Wherefore , said she , I will never marry , unless you can assure me that Marriage shall not hinder my climbing , nor cause me to fall .

Her Lover said , I will give you all the assurance I can : but , said he , You cannot be ignorant , but know , That Fortune , Fates , and Destiny , have power in the ways to Fame , as much as in the ways to Death ; and Fates , said he , do spin the Thread of Fame as unevenly , as they do Threads of Life .

Yes , said she ; but there is a Destiny belongs to Industry ; and Prudence is a good Decree in Nature : Wherefore , said she , I will be so prudent , as not to marry ; and so industrious , that all the actions of my life , and studious contemplations , shall be busily employed to my Ambitious Designs : for I will omit nothing towards the life of my Memory .

The Matrimonial Agreement .

A Handsome young Man fell in love with a fair young Lady ; insomuch that if he had her not , he was resolved to dye ; for live without her , he could not . So wooing her long , at last , although she had no great nor good opinion of a married life , being afraid to enter into so strict bonds , observing the discords therein that trouble a married life , being raised by a disagreement of Humours , and jealousie of Rivals . But considering withall , that Marriage gave a respect to Women , although Beauty were gone ; and seeing the Man personable , and knowing him to have a good Fortune , which would help to counterpoise the Inconveniences and Troubles that go along with Marriage , she was resolved to consent to his request .

The Gentleman coming as he used to do , and perswading her to chuse him for her Husband , she told him she would ; but , that she found her self of that Humour , that she could not endure a Rival in Wedlock ; and the fear of having one , would cause Jealousie , which would make her very unhappy ; and the more , because she must be bound to live with her Enemy ( for so she should account of her Husband , when he had broken his Faith and Promise to her ) .

He smiling , told her , She need not fear ; and that Death was not more certain to Man , than he would be constant to her ; sealing it with many Oaths and solemn Protestations ; nay , said he , When I am false , I wish you may be so , which is the worst of Ills.

She told him , Words would not serve her turn ; but , that he should be bound in a Bond , That not only whensoever she could give a proof , but when she had cause of suspition , she might depart from him ; with such an allowance out of his Estate , as she thought fit to maintain her .

He told her , He was so confident , and knew himself so well , that he would unmaster himself of all his Estate , and make her only Mistris .

She answered , A part should serve her turn . So the Agreement was made and sealed ; they married , and lived together as if they had but one soul : for , whatsoever the one did , or said , the other disliked not ; nor had they reason : for their study was only to please each other .

After two years , the Wife had a great Fit of Sickness , which made her pale and wan , and not so full of lively spirits as she was wont to be ; but yet as kind and loving to her Husband , as she was afore : and her Husband , at her first sickness , wept , watched , and tormented himself beyond all measure ; but the continuance made him so dull and heavy , that he could take no delight in himself , nor in any thing else .

His occasions calling him abroad , he found himself so refreshed , that his spirits revived again ; but returning home , and finding not that mirth in the sick , as was in the healthy Wife , it grew wearisome to him ; insomuch that he always would have occasions to be abroad , and thought Home his only Prison . His Wife , mourning for his absence , complained to him at his return , and said , she was not only unhappy for her Sickness , but miserable , in that his occasions were more urgent to call him from her , when she had most need of his company to comfort her in the loss of her Health , than in all the time they had been married : And therefore , pray Husband , said she , what is this unfortunate business that employs you so much , and makes me see you so seldom ? He told her , The Worldly Affairs of Men , Women did not understand ; and therefore it were a folly to recite them : besides , said he , I am so weary in following them , that I hate to repeat them . She , like a good Wife , submitted to her Husband's Affairs , and was content to sit without him .

The Husband returning home one day fromjolly Company , whose Discourse had been merry and wanton , he met with his Wife's Maid at the door , and ask'd her how her Mistris did ; she said , Not very well : Thou lookest well , said he , and chucks her under the chin . She , proud of her Master's kindness , smerks and smiles upon him ; insomuch , that the next time he met her , he kiss'd her . Now she begins to despise her Mistris , and only admires her self , and is always the first Person or Servant that opens the door to her Master ; and , through the dilgence of the Maid , the Master 's great Affairs abroad were ended ; and his only employment and busie care is now so much at home , that whensoever he was abroad , he was in such hast , that he could scarce salute any body by the way ; and when his Friends spake to him , his Head was so full of thoughts , that he would answer quite from the question ; insomuch that he was thought one of the best and carefullest Husbands in the World .

In the mean time his Wife grew well , and his Maid grew pert and bold towards her Mistris ; and the Mistress , wondering at it , began to observe more strictly , what made her so : for she perceived the Wench came oftner than accustomed where her Husband and she were ; and found also , that her Husband had always some excuse to turn his head and eyes to that place where she was ; and that whensoever the Wench came where they were , he would alter his Discourse , talking extravagantly .

Whereupon , not liking it , she examined her Husband , Whether his Affections were as strong to her as ever they were : He answered , He was the perfectest good Husband in the World , and so he should be until he dyed .

It chanc'd he was employed by the State into another Countrey ; where , at the parting , his Wife and he lamented most sadly , and many tears were shed . But when he was abroad ( being in much Company who took their liberty , and had many Mistresses ) , he then considered with himself , he was a most miserable Man that must be bound only to one ; but withall , did consider what Promises he made his Wife , and what Advantages she had on him in his Estate ; which kept him in good order for a time .

But at last he was perswaded by his Companions to fling off all Care , and take his pleasure whilst he might : for , said they , What do our Wives know what we do ? Besides , said they , Wives are only to keep our House , to bring us Children , not to give us Laws . Thus preaching to him , he at last followed their Doctrine , and improved it so well , that he became the greatest Libertine of them all ; like a Horse that having broken his Reins , ( when he finds himself loose ) skips over Hedges , Ditches , Pales , or whatsoever is in his way ; and runs wildly about , until he hath wearied himself .

But his Wife having some Intelligence ( as most commonly they want none ) , or may be out of pure love , comes to see him : He receives her with the greatest joy , and makes the most of her in the World , carrying her to see all the Countrey and Towns thereabouts , and all the Varieties , Curiosities , and Sights , that were to be seen . But when she had been there a Month , or such a time , he tells her how dangerous it is to leave his House to Servants who are negligent , and his Estate to be entrusted he knows not to whom ; so that there is no way but to return both for his and her good , especially if they had Children ; although , said he , I had rather part with my life , than be absent from you ; but Necessity hath no Law . So she , good Woman , goeth home to care and spare , whilst he spends ; for in the mean time he follows his Humours : and Custom making Confidence , and Confidence Carelesness , begins to be less shie , and more free ; insomuch as when he returned home , his Maid , whom he did but eye , and friendly kiss , now he courts in every Room ; and were it not for his having his Estate made over , even before his Wive's face ; but that made him fawn and flatter , and somewhat for quietness sake .

But his Wife , one day being in his Closet , by chance opened a Cabinet , wherein she found a Letter from a Mistris of his ; whereat she was much amazed : and being startled at it , at last calling her self to her self again , shewed it to her Husband ; he fain would have excused it , but that the plainness of truth would not give him leave : whereupon he craved pardon , promising amendment , and swearing he never would do so again .

No , said she , I never will trust a broken Wheel : Do you know what is in my Power , said she ?

Yes , said he , a great part of my Estate .

O how I adore Dame Nature , said she , that gave me those two Eyes , Prudence to foresee , and Providence to provide : but I have not only your Estate , but your Honour and Fame in my Power ; so that , if I please , all that see you , shall hiss at you , and contemn whatsoever you do .

For , if you had the Beauty of Paris , they would say , You were but a Fair Cuckold .

If you had the Courage of Hector , they would say , You were but a Desperate Cuckold .

Had you the Wisdom of Ulysses , or Solomon , they would laugh , and say , There goes he that is not yet so Wise as to keep his Wife Honest.

If you had the Tongue of Tully , and made as Eloquent Orations , they would say , There is the Prating Cuckold .

If you were as fine a Poet as Virgil , or as sweet as Ovid , yet they would laugh , and scorn , and say , He makes Verses , whilst his Wife makes him a Cuckold .

Now Jealousie and Rage are her two Bawds to corrupt her Chastity ; the one perswading her to be revenged , to shew her Husband she could take delight , and have Lovers , as well as he . This makes her Curl , Paint , Prune , Dress , make Feasts , Plays , Balls , Masques , and have Merry-meetings abroad : whereupon she began to find as much pleasure as her Husband , in Variety ; and now begins to flatter him , and to dissemble with him , that she may play the Whore more privately , finding a delight in obscurity , thinking that most sweet which is stoln : so they play , like Children , at Bo-peep in Adultery , and face it out with fair looks , and smooth it over with sweet words , and live with false hearts , and dye with large consciences . But these , repenting when they dyed , made a fair end .

Of Two Ladies different Humours .

THERE were two young Ladies bred together ; the one proved a Stoick , living a retired life ; the other proved a Gossip , her Head being full of vain Designs , her Tongue full of idle Discourses , her Body busily-restless , running from place to place , spending her life in fruitless Visits , and expensive Entertainments ; gleaning up all the News of the Town ; and when she had gathered up a Bundle , or Sheaf , of this unprofitable Grain , her Custom was to come and thresh it out with the Flail of her Tongue , at the Door of the other Lady's Ears ; which she , although with great inconvenience , suffered , by reason of their long acquaintance , which many times breeds a kind of friendship , although between different Humours , Natures , and Dispositions : for Custom of Acquaintance begets some small affections even in the most obdurate hearts .

But this Stoical Lady did comply so much with her Friend's humour , as to give her the hearing , although she would often advise and perswade her to that course of life she lived ; which course of life the other Lady would often dislike , and speak against , saying , That Solitariness was a Grave that buried the Life ; and , that a Contemplatory Mind was a Tomb , wherein lay nothing but insipid Thoughts .

The other Lady said , That Solitariness was a Paradice of true Happiness ; and , that Contemplation was a Heaven of Fruition : for in Imagination ( said she ) we enjoy all things with ease , and as we will ; whereas in Action we find great disturbance and opposition ; are cross'd in every thing , and enjoy nothing . At last the Lady Gossip married , whereat the Stoick-Lady rejoiced , imagining her Friend would become grave and staid , and that her thoughts would be more composed and setled to a retired life , being married , than when she was a Maid , by reason married Wives have more employment than Maids , in ordering their Families , directing and over-seeing their Servants , nursing their Children , and the like .

But after she had been married some time , she came with her Eyes full of Tears , and her Mouth full of Complaints , one while for the Debaucheries of her Husband , and other times for the Carelesness and Cozenage of her Servants .

Other times she would come in a cholerick humour , with railing-speeches , telling her Friend what quarrels she hath had with such a Lady , and such a Neighbour , and what abuses she had received : Which the Stoick Lady would endeavour to pacifie , and perswade her to patience , as much as she could . But at last the Stoick-Lady married to a Gallant Heroick Man .

But soon after , a Civil-Warr broke out ; where these two Ladies Husbands being for the Emperor , after great Dangers , and many Wounds got in their Royal Master's Service , with the loss of their Estates , and banishment of their Persons , they were forced to wander into other Nations , to live with Strangers upon cold Charity ; and these two Ladies were forced also to take up their Crosses , and travel with their Husbands ; wherein the Stoick Lady did bear her part patiently .

The other Lady was impatient with her Misfortunes , which made her quarrel with every thing , even with her self ; and yet sometimes would take delight with the least hopes of a repair , and would lend a credulous ear to every hopeful report , although never so improbable .

But the Stoick-Lady , as she bare her Misfortunes patiently , so she lived quietly , making her Necessities a School of Wisdom , where Truth taught , and Judgment corrected ; wherein she learned neither to be credulous , nor obstinate ; not to believe every report , nor to reject all reports ; but setled her self , if good came , so ; if not , she knew how to suffer without repining at that which could not be avoided nor amended .

But one day the Lady - Gossip came to the Stoick-Lady with a pleased humour , and merry countenance , and told her , That her Husband had been with the Emperor , and that the Emperor used him very kindly , and had spoke to him very affectionately .

The other Lady said , That Princes would do so to them that had deserved no favour .

Nay , said the Lady - Gossip , he told my Husband , That when he hath his Power , he would reward his Service .

O , said the other Lady , Princes forget to Reward when they have Power , although they never forget to promise Rewards when they have none .

Nay , said the Lady - Gossip , the Emperor's Favourite said , The Emperor had a great esteem of my Husband ; and that he takes an occasion in all his discourse to commend my Husband , and to express his Love and Kindness to him .

The Stoick Lady said , That was but a petty Favourite's Policy , to keep off Envy from himself , and to feed half-starved Sufferers : for it is not to your Husband only , who is a Gallant Man , and deserves much ; but to every one he says the like ; even to Grooms , Trumpeters , Cooks , and Scullions , making no difference in Promises nor Commendations . The like they do in Letters ; for one kind of stile serves for all Qualities and Degrees , which is as one Deed of Gift to several Friends , which in effect proves nothing ; and though they think it is not perceived , yet it is as publick as a Proclamation , which begins , May it be known to all People .

But , said she , although this kind of Policy may deceive unpractised Men , and please young Men , and foolish Women , with vain hopes , causing them to build Castles in the Air : yet they that are wise and experienced , are not muffled nor blinded therewith , nor build any design thereon , by reason that Politick Foundation is rotten and weak ; and that such poor , smooth , smiling , dissembling Policies , will sooner pull down Monarchy , than defend it , much less set up one that hath been cast down by Rebellion .

No , said she , Wise Men know , That the best Policy is True and Plain dealing .

And , said she , let me fore-warn you , Not to feed upon Court-Promises , Smiles , Commendations , and Letters ; for they will breed in you Vain Crudities , and fill you with Hydropsical Spleen , and Spightful Vapours , and hot Malicious Humours , which are apt to make Honest Men turn Knaves .

The Lady - Gossip said , If I thought my Husband 's great Losses and faithful Services should not be rewarded , I should hate the Favourite for playing the Politician with my Husband ; and , for revenge , I would work up a Faction of Women against him ; and ifaith , said she , they would not fail to pull him down .

Indeed , said the Stoick-Lady , our Sex is prevalent and prompt in any Revengeful-Design ; and those in Authority might safer displease Ten Men , than One Woman : for , though they can do no good ( said she ) in State-Affairs , yet we can do hurt .

Yes , said the Lady - Gossip , and so secretly , that Men shall not perceive it .

But , said the Stoick-Lady , it is against the nature and temper of our Sex to do so .

No , said the Lady - Gossip , we were born to do it ; and so went out in choler .

The Drunken Poets .

THERE were a Company of Men met at a Well called Helicon ; which place of Society is the cause , many times , of good Fellowship ; and drinking they take for their Pastime . But here , at first , they drank soberly , and discoursed orderly ; but at last they began to drink Healths , and so many , that they grew so drunk that they could not stand ; and so drowsie , that they all fell asleep . But , in their sleep , this Drink did work such effects , that when they waked , they became all Mad in Poetry ; some Merry , some Melancholy , others Envious ; some Amorous , some Divinely , Poetically Mad.

Those that were Mad-merry , were Lyrick Poets , who did nothing but sing Sonnets .

The Melancholy were Tragedians .

The Envious were Satyrists , who describe the World a Hell , and the Men therein Devils .

The Amorous run all into Blank-Verses , putting them into such Numbers as to raise the Voice to a passionate whining , folding their Arms , fixing their Eyes .

But a Grave Moral Philosopher walking that way , seeing a Company together , out of a Curiosity went to them . The first that he saw , was blind Homer , acting of Paris ; who hearing one come towards him , imagined straight it was a Woman , because his desire would have it so ; and would have him act the part of Helen . The Philosopher told him , He was not fit to make a Courtezan . Why , said Homer , Pythagoras was one in his Transmigrations . Whereat the Philosopher was very angry , and left him , and went to see who the rest were .

The next he met , was Virgil , acting of AEneas ; who as soon as saw the Philosopher , would needs take him up for his Father Anchises . The Philosopher desired to be excused : for though ( said he ) I am old enough to be thy Father , yet I love not the few remainder of my days so well , as to have them be a cause to burthen my Son ; nor am I so uncharitable as he was to his Daughter-in-law , to expose her to danger , and so to be lost , whilst he rid lazily upon his Son's Shoulders .

The third Person he saw , was Ovid , transforming Gods , Men , and Beasts . As soon as he saw the Philosopher , he would needs have him Europa , and himself Jupiter ; and lay tumbling upon the Grass , feigning himself like a Bull , and would have him get upon him , as Europa did , and bid him lay hold upon his Horns . The Philosopher said , He thought them all Horn'd-mad , and so left him .

The fourth he met , was Lucan , describing the Battel between Caesar and Pompey : and when he saw the Philosopher , he would have him stand for Pompey , whilst he represented Caesar , and so would have had them fight . But the Philosopher told him , He was a Man of Peace , and not for Warr ; my study , said he , is , To conquer unsatiable Ambition , and not to fight and kill for Power and Authority by Usurpation .

The fifth he met , was Martial ; who was writing Epigrams , and would needs write one of the Philosopher . But he prayed him to forbear : for , said he , my ways are so dull and sober , that they will not produce such Fancies as must go to the making of Jestings-Epigrams .

The sixth he met , was Horace ; who was describing , in his Discourse , a Countrey-Life ; and would needs have the Philosopher a Countrey-Lass ; he would have had him sit down upon a Bank by him , that he might make love to him , by repeating of Amorous Poems . But after much strugling , the Philosopher got from him ; and growing weary of their Company , left them to their vain Fantasms , and Fantastical Humours .

LOVE's CURE .

THERE was a Man , Amorous by nature , and of a Courtly Behaviour , who made love to a young Lady , and she returned him Affection for his kind Professions : but after a while he forsook her , and made love to another ; of whom he had also the good fortune to be beloved , as oft-times Amorous Men have , by reason they address their Suits to Credulous Women , who are self-conceited and opinionated , easily believe , and soon perswade themselves , That Men's Praises and Promises , Vows and Protestations , are real ; and , that their Affections are unalterably fix'd , when they address themselves as Suitors and Servants . But this Gallant left her , as he did the other , and made love to a third : for it is the nature of Amorous Persons to love variety , and seek for change , being soon weary of one and the same Object .

Whereupon these two forsaken-Ladies became very melancholy ; and though they were Enemies whilst he made love to either , yet now became dear Friends , since he made love to neither : and every day they would visit one another , to condole and bewail their Misfortunate Loves .

But the second forsaken-Lady having been some time in the Countrey , and returning thence , went to visit her Friend , with a Face clothed in a sad Countenance , and veiled with dull Eyes ; and seeing her Friend ( who had wont to have as mourning a Face as she ) to have now a merry Countenance , a lively Behaviour , and a healthful Complexion ; began to be jealous , thinking her unconstant Lover had renewed his Love-suit to her : for Friendships made by Loss , dissolve , when either get what they before did lose ; and think they had a right to , or at least a share in it .

But , to be resolved , she asked her the reason she seemed so well disposed to be pleasant ; for when she parted from her last , she seemed to be like one newly raised from the dead ; or like a Statue made of Stone , that had no Life nor Motion .

Truly , said she , my Mind is in such peace , that my Thoughts take a harmless freedom to sport and play , and it gives also my Body leave to nourish Life .

The second Lady said , Would my Mind could find the same tranquillity .

The first said , Truly if your Mind be troubled still , and finds no rest , I pity you , by what I have felt my self ; for when my Mind was troubled , there was a Civil-Warr amongst my Passions , such Factions , Side-takings , and Disputations , with Anger , Spight , Spleen , and Malice , against Love , Hope , and Jealousie , that it caused many Tears to be shed , and Groans to be sent forth .

But how came you to be cured , said she ?

I tell you ( answered she ) ; After a long Civil-Warr amongst my Passions , my Body became almost wasted to skin and bone , for want of rest and nourishment ; for my Passions had devoured Sleep , and banished Appetite , whereby my Mind began to be infected with a Feverish Distemper ; which Reason perceiving , came to the rescue , bringing an Army of Arguments , of which Understanding and Truth were chief Commanders ; and after many Skirmishes , those Passions being often foiled , and put to a rout , they grew weak , and so dispersed several ways . But after these Warrs , a dark Melancholy cover'd my Mind like a Cloud , which eclipsed all the Light of Comfort , and made it murmur against the Gods Decree , and complain against Nature's Works , and curse Fortune's Instability : at which , poor Virtue , whom Education had put to be my Governess , was very angry , and said , The Gods had been too merciful , Nature too bountiful , and Fortune too favourable , unless I were more thankful . Yet she commanded Patience and Charity ( who were two of her Handmaids ) to stand by me . But as my Mind was musing , in came my grave and sober Companions , the Sciences ; and seeing me in that posture , began to counsel me , perswading me to follow their Studies : for , said they , nothing can compose and settle the Mind more than we do .

My Mind , bowing to them , gave them thanks for their advice : But as soon as they were gone , in came my Domestick Acquaintance , the Arts , who offered me all their Industry and Ingenuity , to do me service . But I told them , I was past the cure of any . Art : Whereupon they very sorrowfully departed .

No sooner were they gone , but in came my Play-fellows , the Muses ; who seeing me sit so dejected , began to sport with me ; one pulled me out to Dance ; another would have me Sing ; another repeated Love-Verses ; another described Battels and Warrs ; another , like a Mimmick , imitated several Humours : and so every one endeavoured to please me in their turns . But the Tragedian Muse said , That she liked my Humour very well ; and , that I was the only fit Company for her . But my Moral Governess chid them away , and said , She would order me better , than to suffer such wanton Wenches , and idle Huswives , to keep me Company ; for they were able to spoil and corrupt a whole Nation with their wildness , and impoverish a Kingdom with their laziness : whereupon some went laughing away , but others went weeping . So after I had been some time chastised by Virtue , the Sciences returned in a Chariot which the Arts had made , being finely carved , neatly cut , and lively painted , joined with curious Screws , and subtil Engines , and the Wheels Mathematically Compassed : Which Chariot was drawn by Six new , sound , strong , and well-breath'd Opinions , Harnessed with Speculations , Shod with Disputations , wherewith they often stumble upon the ridg of Ignorance , or plunge into holes of Nonsense . He that drove the Chariot , was Ambition ; the Postillion , was Curiosity ; the Sciences sat in it , and Doubts and Hopes run by , as Lacquies ; which Lacquies did bear me upon their Shoulders , and placed me in the midst of the Chariot , the Sciences being round about me . Where I was no sooner set , but Rhetorick presented me with a Posie of sweet Eloquence , and the Mathematicks crown'd me with Truth . But they all , in their turns , encouraged me with Promises , That they would carry me to Fame's Palace , and there I should remain .

No sooner had Ambition given a Lash , to make the Opinions run , but the Muses came in another Chariot made by Contemplation , cut out of Imagination , lined with several-colour'd Fancies , embroidered with Rhymes , rowling upon the Wheels of Numbers , drawn by Distinguishings , whose Trappings were Similizing , Plumed with Delight , Shod with Pleasure , which makes them run smooth , swift , and easie : He that did drive the Chariot , was Judgment ; and the Postillion , Wit.

But when the Muses , who were therein , saw I was in the Chariot of the Sciences , they began to quarrel , and draw out their Satyrical Swords .

The Sciences , being more Grave and Temperate , received their Assaults very civilly , as coming from fair Ladies . But after some dispute , they did agree to take turns to carry me to Fame's Palace . After I had travelled some time with the Sciences , I was received into the Chariot of the Muses , where I was received with great joy , and crowned with a Wreath of Flame . And thus I am travelling with very wise and pleasant Company , though as yet I have no sight of the Palace ; but howsoever , my Mind is so pleased with the Journey , so delighted with the Society , and so proud of the Favours and Gifts it receives from them every day , that it despises the Follies , and hates the Falshood of Mankind , and scorns the Proffers of Fortune , not regarding the Vanities of the World .

Would you could bring me into that Society , said the second Lady .

The first answered , I will do my endeavour .

So , after a short time , She pleaded so earnestly in her Friend's behalf , that she was received into their Company , in their Chariots ; where each Lady took their turns to ride in each Chariot , whereby the Muses and Sciences were both pleased , having always one of them with each . And when at any time they rested from travelling , the Sciences and Muses made Pastimes for those two Ladies , like those of the Olympick-Games ; the Sciences found out new places to play in , and took the Height , the Longitude and Latitude of them .

Also , by the help of the Arts , they fortified and made them strong , and built thereon ; and the Muses invented Masques , made Plays , and the like : for the Sciences , Arts , and Muses , were so proud , and did so glory that they had gotten two of the Feminine Sex , that they strove with all their Industry to delight them , and to entertain them after the best manner .

The Propagating SOULS .

THERE was a handsom young Lord , and a young beautiful Lady , who did love one another so passionately and entirely , that their Affections could never be dissolved : but their Parents not agreeing to it , would by no means be perswaded to let them Marry , nor so much as to let them converse like Strangers , Setting Spyes to watch them .

But when they found they would meet , in despight of their Spies , they enclosed them up from coming at each other : Whereat they grew so discontent and melancholy , that they both dyed , and just at one and the same time , to the great grief of their Parents , who now wish'd they had not been so cruel .

But when their Bodies were dead , these Lovers Souls , leaving their Fleshly Mansions , went towards the River of Styx , to pass over to the Elyzium-Fields ; where , in the way , they met each other : At which meeting they were extreamly joyed , but knew not how to express it , for they had no Lips to kiss , nor Arms to embrace , being Bodiless , and only Spirits . But the Passion of Love being always ingenious , found out a way , that their Souls ( which are Spirits ) did mingle and intermix , as liquid Essences , whereby both their Souls became as one .

But after these gentle , smooth , soft Loveexpressions , they began to remember each other of their Crosses and Oppositions whilst they lived in their Bodies : but , at last , considering of the place they were moving to , the Masculine Soul was unwilling to go to it ; for , since he had his Beloved Soul , he cared not to live in the Elyzium : Then , speaking in the Soul's Language , he perswaded his Love not to go thither : for , said he , I desire no other Company but yours ; nor would I be troubled or disturbed with other Lovers Souls . Besides , I have heard , said he , that those that are there , do nothing but walk and talk of their past-life , which we may desire to forget . Then let us , said he , only enjoy our selves by intermixing thus .

She answered , She did approve of his desire ; and , that her Mind did join and consent . But where ( said she ) shall be our Habitation ? He answered , He would build a Mansion in the Air , of Poets Fancies , and Philosophers Imaginations , and make Gardens of Oratory :

Wherein should Flow'rs of Rhetorick grow , By which Rivers of Divine Faith should flow . That place ( said she ) a Paradice would be ; But I no strong Foundation there can see ; For it will shake with every puff of Wind ; No certainty nor surance will you find . My Soul , said be , then we will higher fly , And there another Mansion we will try .

And after they had argued some time , at last they did agree to dwell in one of the Planets ; but before such time as they could arrive to the lowest Planet , these two Noble Souls , by Conjunction , produced several Flames , which were called Meteors : these , being not able to travel so high , lived in the Lower Region ; and by intermixing together , as their Parents did , produced more of their Kind .

But after those productions of these Souls , they went to the Planets , where they found some of their Climates too cold , others too moist , others too cold and moist ; others hot , and others hot and moist ; others hot and dry , others cold and dry ; with which they did not agree , being not equally temper'd .

But yet in every Planet , these Souls being fruitful , they left many of their Issues , called Meteors , which are shining-lights , like Starrs ; but being produced from the Mortal temper of the Souls , are subject to Mortality : for , Amorous Thoughts are the Bodily-dregs of Mortality , which made these Meteors subject to dye , as other Generations , being the Mortal Effects of their Immortality ; otherwise they would be Starrs : for , whatsoever is Mortal , may beget their Like , or Kind , which other things that are Immortal , never do .

But when these two Souls had travelled above the Planets , they became one fix'd Starr , as being Eternal , and not subject to dye .

And when they were thus , they did produce no more Issues ; for what Mortality the Body left ,

Those Souls to Earth and Planets did resign , Which in a Generation of Meteors shine .

Fancy's Monarchy in the Land of Poetry .

IN the Land of Poetry , Reason was King ; a Gallant Prince he was , and of a Heroick Spirit , a Majestical Presence , and of a Sober and Grave Countenance : He was tall of Stature , and strong of Limbs . His Queen was the Lady Wit ; a Lady of a quick Spirit , of a pleasant Conversation , amiable Countenance , free Behaviour , and of a sweet Disposition : she was neatly shap'd , fair Complexion'd , and finely , but variously attired .

This King and Queen loved one another with an extraordinary Affection , and lived very happily and peaceably , for he governed wisely . His Kingdom was large , and fully populated ; well manured , and of great Traffick . He made profitable Laws , set strict Rules , and kept good Orders both in the Church and State .

As for the Church , Faith and Zeal were the two Arch-bishops , who were sworn to consecrate none but Moral Virtues , to preach Good Life , and leave all Sects , Opinions , Superstitions , Idolatry , and the like . Neither were they suffered to make Lectures of Learning , because it is always about Controversies , puzling Belief with nice Distinctions , vain Fantasms , and empty Words , without Sense .

The Cathedral Church , was the Conscience . The two Universities , were Study and Practice , wherein all the Masculine Youth of the Kingdom were bred .

As for the State , there were Superintendent Officers and Magistrates made of all degrees . The Sen ces were the five Ports to this Kingdom ; the Head and the Heart were the two Magazines .

There were two Governours made to every Port to Command and Rule , Judgment and Understanding always sit at the Ports called the Ears , to examine all that enter there , having a strict Command from the King to let in no Sound but Harmony , no Reports but Truth , no Discourses but Rational or Witty ; and that they should shut the Gates against Flattery , Falshood , Discord , harsh loud Strains , Scraping , Creaking , Squealing Noises .

Love and Skill were the two Commanders to the Port , Eyes , who were commanded to let none in , but Uniformity , Cimmetry , Beauty , Graceful Motions , pleasing Aspects , light and well-mixt Colours ; and to shut the Gates against Deformity or Monstrosity , rude or cruel Actions , glaring Lights , illmix'd Colours , false Shadows , and Darkness , and to set up the light of Dreams when they are shut . Also to let no Tears pass through the Eyes , but those that have a Pass-port from the Governour of the Heart .

At the Port of the Nostrils sate Like and Dislike , who were commanded to let in none but sweet Smells , such as refresh the Brain ; as , the scent of sweet Flowers , savoury Herbs , Earth new-plough'd , new-bak'd Bread ; also , sweet Gums , sweet Essences , and the like ; but to shut the Gates of the Nostrils against snuffs of Candles , stinking Breaths , corrupted Flesh , stale Fish , old Apples , strong Cheese , spilt Drink , foul Gutters , especially the Pump or Sink in a Ship : also , no Smells of Suet or Grease ; and from many more stinking Scents , which would be too tedious to mention . But in case of necessity they were to be allowed , or at least commanded , to let in some sorts of Stinks , as Assafoetida , and burnt Feathers , to cure the Fits of the Mother .

Then the two Commanders of the Mouth were , Truth and Pleasure ; one was to govern the Words , the other the Taste . Pleasure was commanded to let nothing into the Mouth that was either too sharp , too bitter , too salt , or too deliciously sweet . Truth was commanded to suffer no Lyes , Cursing , Slandering , Railings , Flattering ; nor Amorous , Lascivious , Factious Discourses . Likewise , never to let pass an Oath , but to confirm a Truth ; no Threatning , but to terrifie or reclaim the Wicked , or Cross-natur'd ; no Pleading , but for Right ; no Commands , but for Good ; no Praises , but for Worth . Also , to let no Sighs nor Groans pass , nor no Professions , except they have a Pass-port from the Heart . Nor no Promises , but when they have a Pass-port from the King , which is Reason .

The two Commanders of Touch , were Pain and Pleasure ; who were commanded to keep out all sharp Colds , burning Heats , Bruises , Pinches , Smartings , Cuttings , Prickings , Nippings , Pressing , Razing ; and to let in none but nourishing Warmth , soft Rubbing , gentle Scratching , refreshing Colds , and the like . And upon pain of Death , or at least high Displeasure , these Rules were to be kept . Yet , sometimes , Bribery corrupted the Commanders .

The Privy-Council-Chamber was the Breast ; the Privy-Councellors were , Secrecy , Constancy , Fidelity , Unity , Truth , Justice , Fortitude , Prudence , and Temperance . These Privy-Councellors helped the King to manage the Affairs of the Kingdom .

The Secretaries of State were Intelligence and Dispatch .

The Treasurer , was Memory .

The Lord Keeper , was Remembrance .

The Mayors of every City , were Authority .

The Constables were Care .

The Judges were , Commutative and Distributive Justice . Honesty was the Commander of all the Forces , of the Actions and Thoughts .

The Heroick Actions , are the chief Commanders , as Captains , and Colonels , and the like .

The Common-Soldiers are the ordinary and necessary Actions , which are employed in Offensive and Defensive Warrs .

The Merchants are the Imaginations , which traffick and trade all over the World .

The Inventions , are the Handicrafts-men and Labourers .

The Appetites are the Citizens , that are so covetous as to engross all Commodities , and the Wealth of the Kingdom ; and are the most Luxurious People in the Land .

But , as I said , the King was a Wise Prince ; and to divert his Subjects from too serious Studies , dull Contemplations , and laborious Dictatings , he had Masques , Plays , Pastorals , and the like ; being attended by his Nobles , the Sciences ; and the Gentry of the Kingdom , which were the several Languages .

The Queen , by the Muses and Graces .

The Marriage of Life and Death .

DEATH went a wooing to Life ; but her grim and terrible Aspect did so affright Life , that she ran away , and would by no means hearken unto her Suit .

Then Death sent Age and Weakness , as two Ambassadors , to present her Affection : but Life would not give them audience .

Whereupon Death sent Pain ; who had such a perswasive power , that made Life yeeld to Death's embracements . And after they were agreed , the Wedding-day was set , and Guests invited .

Life invited the Five Senses , and all the Passions and Affections , with Beauty , Pleasure , Youth , Wit , Prosperity ; and also , Virtue , and the Graces .

But Health , Strength , Cordials , and Charms , refused to come ; which troubled Life much .

None that Death invited , refused to come ; they were , Old Father Time , Weakness , Sickness , all sorts of Pains , and all sorts of Diseases , and killing-Instruments ; as also , Sighs , Tears , and Groans ; Numbness , and Paleness .

But when Life and Death met , Death took Life by the Hand ; then Peace married them , and Rest made their Bed of Oblivion , wherein Life lay in the cold Arms of Death . Yet Death got numerous Issues ; and ever since , whatsoever is produced from Life , dyes . Whereas , before this Marriage , there was no such thing as dying ; for Death and Life were single , like Batchelors and Maids . But Life proved not so good a Wife , as Death a Husband ; for Death is sober , staid , grave , discreet , patient , dwelling silently and solitary ; whereas Life is wild , various , unconstant , and runs about , shunning her Husband Death's company .

But he , as a loving and fond Husband , follows her ; and when he embraces her , she grows big , and soon produces young Lives . But all the Off-spring of Death and Life , are divided ; half dwelling with Life , and half with Death .

At this Wedding , old Father Time , which looked the youngest , although he was the oldest in the Company , and danced the nimblest and best , making several changes in his Dances ; he trod so gently , and moved so smoothly , that none could perceive how he did turn , and wind , and lead about . And being wiser than all the rest , with long Experience , he behaved himself so handsomely , insinuated so subtilly , courted so civilly , that he got all the Ladies Affections ; and being dextrous , got Favours from every one of them , and some extraordinary ones ; for he devirginated Youth , Beauty , Pleasure , Prosperity , and all the Five Sences ; but could not corrupt , Wit , Virtue , nor the Graces .

But Nature , hearing of the abuse of her Maids , was very angry , and forced him to marry them all . But they , although they were inamoured of him before they were married , yet now they do , as most other Wives , not care for him ; nay , they hate him , rail and exclaim against him ; that what with his peevish , froward , and cross Wives , and with the jealousie he hath of Sickness , Pains , and Mischances , that ofen ravish them , he is become full of wrinkles , and his Hair is turned all gray .

But Virtue and Wit , which are his sworn Friends , and sweet Companions , recreate him with their pleasant , free , honest , and honourable Societies .

Of the Indispositions of the Mind .

THE Mind was very sick , and sent for Physicians ; and the first that came , were Divines ; who disputed so long , and contradicted one another so much , that they could conclude of nothing . One advising the Mind to take a Scruple of Calvin's Institutions ; others , a Dram of Luther's Doctrine ; some , two Drams of the Romish Treacle , or Opinions ; some , of the Anabaptists Water ; others , to take some of the Brownists Spirits . But there were some quite from these Opinions , and would advise the Mind to lay some of Mahomet's Pigeons at the feet , cutting them with the Turkish Scimitar , then bind it up with his Alcaron ; others would have the Mind bind the Head with the Talmud of the Jews .

But the Mind grew sicker and sicker ; insomuch that it was almost at the last gasp : whereupon the Mind desired them to depart ; for , said he , your Controversies will kill me sooner than your Doctrine will cure me ! The Mind being very sick , sent for other Sects of Physicians , who were Moral Philosophers ; who being come , set round a Table , and there began to discourse and dispute of the Diseases of the Mind .

One said , Grief is a Lethargie .

No , said another , Stupidity is a Lethargie ; for Grief rather weeps , than sleeps .

O , but said another , there are dry Griefs , that sweat no Tears .

Pray , Gentlemen , dispatch , said the Mind , for I am in great pain .

One says , Hate is an Apoplexy ; for it is dead to it self , though it lives to the Beloved .

No , said he , but Hate is a Dead-Palsie ,

No , said the other , Ignorance is a Dead-Palsie , but Hate is an Apoplexie , caused by the stopping of the Spirits , either Animal or Vital ; the Vital Spirits being Compassion ; the Animal Spirits , Generosity .

You are most strangely mistaken , said another ; for all the Spirits are composed of Fortitude ; the Vital Spirits are active , the Animal are passive .

But they disputed so long upon this point , that they had almost fallen out ; and the Mind prayed them not to quarrel ; for wrangling noise did disturb him much .

Then one said , That Spight and Envy were Cancers ; the one caused by sharp Humours , the other by salt ,

Another said , That Spight was not a Cancer , but a Fistula , that broke out in many several places ; and that Envy was the Scurvy , that speckled the whole Body of the Mind , like Flea-bites .

The Mind prayed them to go no further in that dispute .

Then one of them said , That Anger was a Hot Burning Fever .

Nay , by your favour , said another , Anger is an Epilepsie , that soams at the Mouth , and beats its Breast , strugling and striving , and will be often in Cold-Sweats , and as pale as Death .

Then another said , That an Ague in the Mind was Doubt and Hope ; the Cold Fit being Doubt ; and the Hot Fit , Hope .

A second answered , That Agues were Fear , which caused Shaking-Fits .

A third said , That Jealousie was an Ague , that had Cold and Hot Fits .

Nay , said a fourth , Jealousie is an Hectick Fever , that is , an extraordinary Heat got into the Arteries , which inflames the Spirit of Action , drinks up the Blood of Tranquillity , and at last wasts and consumes the Body of Love .

A fifth said , Jealousie is the Gout ; which is a burning , beating pain , never letting the Mind be at rest .

Said a sixth , Jealousie is a Head-ake , caused from an ill affected Friend .

But there grew such a Dispute upon this , as whether it was the Head , Heart , or Arteries ; that the Mind was forced to threaten them , they should have no Fees if they did dispute so much .

As for the Wind-cholick in the Mind , some said , It was an overflow of Imaginations and Conceptions : others , That it was strange Opinions : others said , It was wild Fancies : others , That it was the over-dilating of the Thoughts : and many more several Judgments were given ; whereupon they were ready to fight .

To which the Mind replied , That it is impossible you should prescribe effectual Medicines , if you cannot agree about the Disease .

Then another said , Slander was the Spotted-Fever .

Another said , A Spotted-Fever was Malice .

Says another , A Spotted-Fever and the Plague have near relation : but the Plague , said he , is Discontent , that is caused by Envy , Slander , Malice , and the like . This Plague of Discontent breaks out into Factions , Sores , and great Spots of Rebellion , which causeth Death and Destruction .

But one of the former Doctors was about contradicting him ; but the Mind forbid him .

Then one said , Melancholy was the Stone , caused by a cold congealment of the Spirit .

Another said , Cruelty was the Stone , caused by hot Revenge , or covetous Contractings , which bakes all the tender and softer Humours into a hard confirmed Body , the Stone .

Then one said , That Rage and Fury were Convulsions .

No , said another , Inconstancies are Convulsions .

Then one said , Pity was a Consumption , pining and wasting by degrees .

Nay , by your favour , said a second , Forgetfulness is a Consumption , which fades as Light and Colours , or moulders as Dust.

Then another said , Desire was a Dropsie , which was always dry .

Nay , said a second , Desire is that Disease which is called a Dog-like-Appetite ; which causes the Appetite of the Mind to be always hungry , and the Stomack of the Mind seeming always empty , which makes the Thoughts hunt after Food . But a Dropsie ( said he ) is a Reluctancy , which always swells out with Aversions .

O , said a third , a Dropsie in the Mind is Voluptuousness .

Nay , said a fourth , a Dropsie is Pride , that swells out with Vain-glory.

But they disputed so much , whether a Dropsie , or a Dog-like-Appetite , or a Reluctancy , or Voluptuousness , or Pride , that they fell together by the Ears .

And the Mind was well content to let them fight . But for fear the Mind should be disturbed , his Friends parted them , and pray'd the Doctors that they would prescribe the Mind something to take . Then they began their Prescriptions .

For the Lethargie of Grief , said one , you must take some Crumbs of Comfort mix'd with the Juice of Patience , the Spirits of Grace , and Sprigs of Time , and lay it to the Heart of the Mind , and it will prove a perfect Cure .

Another said , A Lethargie is Stupidity ; and therefore you must take hot and reviving Drinks , as the Vapour of Wine , or the like Drinks , variety of Objects , pleasant Conversation ; mix these together : then put this Liquor into a Syringe of Musick , and squirt it into the Ears of the Mind , and this will bring a perfect Cure .

The Doctor , who said an Apoplexy was Hate , said , The Mind must take a few Obligations , and mix them with a mollifying-Oyl of Good-nature , and Spirits of Gratitude , and bind them upon the grieved part , and that would cure it .

No ( said the Doctor that said Apoplexies were Love ) , you must take the Drug of Misfortunes , and the Sirrup of Misery ; and when you have mix'd them together , you must set them a stewing on the Fire of Trial , then drink it off warm ; and although it will make the Mind sick with Unkindness for the present , yet it will purge all the doting Humours out of the Mind .

But he that said , Hate was a Dead-Palsie , prescribed the same Medicine as he that said it was an Apoplexy ; for he said , an Apoplexy is a kind of a Dead-Palsie .

He that said , Ignorance was a Dead-Palsie , said , The Mind must take some good Books , whose Authors were Learned Persons , and squeeze them hard through a Strainer of Study , and mix some practised Experience thereto , and make a Salve of Industry , then spread it upon a strong Canvase of Time , and lay it upon the Malady , and it will be a perfect Cure .

And he that said , Spight and Envy were Cancers , bid the Mind take the Honey of Self-conceit once in two or three hours , and it would abate that sharp or salt Humour .

The other , that said that Spight and Envy were Fistula's , bid the Mind get some of the Powder of Inferiors , or the Tears of the Distressed , and mix them well together , and lay it to the Sore , and it will be a perfect Cure .

He that said , that Envy was the Scurvy , bid him bathe in Solitariness , and drink of the Water of Meditation , wherein run Thoughts of Death , like Mineral-Veins , and it will cure him .

And the Doctor that said , Anger was a Fever , bid the Mind drink cold Julips of Patience .

He that said , Anger was an Epilepsie , bid the Mind take the Powder of Discretion .

And the Doctor that said , An Ague was Doubts and Hopes ; bid him take the Powder of Watchfulness , and mix it with a Draught of Courage , and drink it in his Cold Fit ; and take the Powder of Industry in the Liquor of Judgment , in his hot Fit , and it will cure him .

He that said , An Ague in the Mind was Fear , gave the same Prescription of the former Medicine for the Cold Fit .

But he that said , Jealousie was an Ague , bid the Mind take some of the Spirits of Confidence .

And he that said , Jealousie was a Consumption ; bid the Mind take Nourishing-Broths of Variety , and bathe in the River of Oblivion , which would cool the Fever of Suspition .

But he who said , That Jealousie was the Gout in the Mind ; bid the Mind lay a Plaster of Absence , spread on the Canvase of Time , and it would cure him .

As for the Wind-Cholick , he that said it was the overflow of the Imaginations and Conceptions , bid the Mind take some several Noises , both Instrumental and Vocal , and mix them with much Company , and lay them to the Ears of the Mind , and it will cure . Probatum est .

And those that said , That Wind-cholick was strange Opinions , or wild Fancies ; bid the Mind take some Pills of Employment to purge out those crude , flatulent , and undigested Humours .

But he that said , It was caused by a dilatation of the Thoughts , bid him take the Eyes of Dice , and the Spots of Cards , and the Chequers of Chess-boards , and the Points of Table-men , and put them together ; and when they are throughly mix'd , and dissolved into an Oil , annoint the Fingers-ends , the Palms of the Hands , the Wrist , the Elbows , and the Eyes of the Mind ; this , says he , will contract the Thoughts to the compass of a Single-penny , which will cure that Disease .

As for the Disease called the Spotted-Fever , which is Slander ; they bid the Mind take a good quantity of Repentance , and distil it , from whence will drop Tears ; and take a Draught of that distilled Water every morning fasting .

But he that said , That Malice was the Spotted . Fever , bid the Mind distil Merits , from whence will drop Praises ; and bid the Mind take a draught of that Water every Evening .

He that said , Discontent was the Plague , being a part of all the Diseases ; bid the Mind take Humility , Magnanimity , Obedience , Loyalty , Fidelity , and Temper ; and put all these together , and make a Pultis , and lay it upon the Swelling , it will keep it from breaking , asswage the Pain , and cure the Patient . But if they come out in Spots of Rebellion , there is no Remedy to avoid Death .

As for Melancholy , he that said it was the Stone in the Mind , caused by a cold congealment in the Spirits , which stupifies the Senses of the Mind into Stone ; bid him take Beauty , Wit , fine Landskips , Prospects , Musick , fresh Air ; put this into the Liquor of Mirth , and drink of it every day ; it would prove a perfect Cure .

But he that said , The Stone in the Mind was Cruelty , caused by the sharpness of Envy , the bitterness of Hate , and greedy Covetousness ; bid drink a Draught of Prodigality once a week , and it would cure him .

And he that said , Cruelty was the Stone , that baked the tender and soft Humours , into a hard confirmed Body of Stone ; bid him take an Ounce of Compassion , two Ounces of Charity , two Ounces of Generosity , as much Clemency , and bray them all together ; then divide them into two parts , and lay one half to the Heart , and another to the Reins of the Mind ; and those Medicines will soon dissolve the Stone .

As for Convulsions of the Mind , he that said it was Fury , bid the Mind take an Ounce of Discretion , half an Ounce of Judgment , a Scruple of Gravity ; mix them all together , as in an Electuary , and take it fasting , and it will cure him .

And he who said , That Inconstancy was the Convulsion in the Mind , bid him take an Ounce of Temperance , and an Ounce of Judgment ; one Ounce of Understanding , two of Resolution ; mix these into an Electuary , and take a good quantity of it every morning , and this will cure him .

As for a Consumption , he that said , Pity was a Consumption ; bid the Mind take a Heart , and bake it dry ; and when it was dried to Powder , mix it in his ordinary Drink , and it will cure him .

But he that said , Forgetfulness was a Consumption ; bid him only take a Draught of Remembrance every day .

As for Dropsies , he that said Desires were Dropsies , bid the Mind take a Bunch of Reason , that grows in a well-temper'd Brain ; and as much Humility , that grows in a good Heart ; boil them in the Water of Content ; and drink a Draught three times a day ; this ( said he ) will dry up the superfluous matter .

But he who said , That Desire was that Disease which was called the Dog-like-Appetite ; bid the Mind make a Bisk of Vanity , an Oil of Curiosity , and a Hodg-podg of Variety ; and eat so long , till he did vomit it up again ; and if he could surfeit thereof , it would prove a Cure , otherwise there was no remedy , unless the Mind could get some Fruition , which is seldom to be had ; yet sometimes it is found , said he .

But he that said , A Dropsie was a Reluctancy , that swelled out with an Aversion ; bid the Mind only use Abstinence , and it would cure him .

And he that said , It was Voluptuousness , said , That the same Medicine was to be prescribed .

He that said , It was Pride that swelled out with Vain-glory ; bid the Mind take a great quantity of Humility ; but if you take it from the hand of Misfortunes , said he , it will make you sick .

But the Mind , perceiving that they agreed not in any one Medicine or Disease , desired that they would depart from him : for , said he , Gentlemen , it is impossible you should prescribe an effectual Medicine , or Remedy , since you cannot agree about the Disease . So he paid them their Fees , and they departed ; and the Mind became his own Physician , Apothecary , and Chyrurgeon .

First , He let himself Blood , opening the wilful Vein , taking out the obstinate Blood .

Then he did take Pills made of Society and Mirth , and those purged all strange and vain Conceits .

Also , the Mind eat every morning a Mess of Broth , wherein was Herbs of Grace , Fruit of Justice , Spice of Prudence , Bread of Fortitude ; these were boiled with the Flesh of Judgment , in the Water of Temperance . This Breakfast was a Soveraign Remedy against the malignant Passions ; for it did temper Heat , qualifie Sharpness , allay Vapours , and mollifie obdurate Passions , and foolish Affections .

Likewise , he did take , to his Service , the strongest , soundest , and quickest Senses , which were Five ; these waited on him : and each in their turn gave him intelligence of every thing , and brought him all the News in the Countrey , which was a Recreation and a Pastime for him . And in thus doing , he became the healthfullest and jolliest man in the Parish .

The Thoughts feasted .

THERE were two men , great Companions ; one of them told the other , That he had made a particular search , and a strict enquiry for him , three days together , and could not hear of him ; insomuch that he had thought some unfortunate Accident or violent Death had befallen him .

He answered , His Senses had been to visit the Soul , which was the cause of his Body's retirement .

The other said , I have heard that the Soul did use to visit the Senses , but never heard that the Senses did use to visit the Soul .

He answered , That the Sensitive Spirits did as often , in some men , visit the Rational , as the Rational did the Sensitive .

Well , said he , and how doth the Soul live ?

He said , As a great Prince should do : for the Mansion of the Soul is nobly situated upon a high Hill of Ambition , which ascends by steps of Desires , whereon stands a very curious Castle of Imaginations , and all about are solitary Walks of Contemplations , and dark Groves of Melancholy , wherein run Rivers of Tears . The Castle is Walled with Vain-glory , and built upon Pillars of Hope . Within the Walls are fine Gardens of Eloquence , set full with Flowers of Rhetorick , and Orchards of Invention , wherein grow fruitful Arts. In this Orchard are many Birds of Fancies , which flie from Tree to Tree , from Branch to Branch , from Bough to Bough , singing fine Notes of Poetry in a sweet strain of Verse , and chirping Rhymes , and building their Nests in Arbours of Love , wherein they hatch Conceits .

Likewise , said he , the Soul hath another House , which is a most stately Palace ; it stands in the midst of a large Plain of good Nature , wherein run Rivers of Generosity . This Palace is walled about with Fortitude , and stands upon Pillars of Justice . There are long , straight , level Walks of Temperance , where is fresh Air of Health . This Palace is built very convenient : for on the out-side are Stables of Discretion , wherein are tyed up wild Opinions , Phantasms , and all skittish Humours , and a large Riding-Room of Judgment , where all Opinions are managed . Also , there are Granges of thrifty Contrivance , wherein are Cattel of Prudence , that give the Milk of Profit . Besides , there are Kitchins of Appetite , Dining-rooms of Luxury , Galleries of Memory , Cellars of Forgetfulness , Chambers of Rest , and Closets of Peace .

But , said he , after my Senses had viewed every place , they took their leave of the Soul , who told them , That they should stay and feast with her . So the Soul invited all his Subjects , the Thoughts . The first of all , were the Generous Thoughts , who are the Nobles ; then the Gentry , who are the Obliging and Graceful Thoughts ; the Heroick Thoughts were Commanders of Warr ; the Factious Thoughts were the Commons ; the Mercenary were Trades-men ; the Plodding-Thoughts were the Yeomantry ; the Ordinary Thoughts were Labourers and Servants . Then there were the Politick Thoughts , which were Statists ; the Proud Thoughts , Magistrates ; and the Pious Thoughts , Priests ; the Censuring Thoughts , were the Judges ; the Wrangling and Pleading Thoughts , Lawyers ; and the Terrifying Thoughts , Sergeants ; the Arguing Thoughts were Logicians ; the Doubting Thoughts , Scepticks ; the Hoping Thoughts Physicians ; the Inquisitive Thoughts , Natural Philosophers ; the Humble Thoughts , Moral Philosophers ; the Phantastical Thoughts , Poets ; the Modest Thoughts , Virgins ; the Jealous Thoughts , Wives ; the Incontinent Thoughts , Courtesans ; the Amorous Thoughts , Lovers ; the Vain Thoughts , Courtiers ; and the Bragging or Lying Thoughts , Travellers .

And when all these Thoughts were met , the Soul feasted them with Delight , and the Senses with Pleasure , presenting them with Reason and Truth .

The Travelling Spirits .

THERE was a Man went to a Witch , whom he entreated to aid his Desires : for , said he , I have a curiosity to travel ; but I would go into such Countreys , which , without your power to assist me , I cannot do .

The Witch asked him , What those Countreys were ?

He said , He would go to the Moon .

Why , said she , the Natural Philosophers are the only men for that Journey : for they travel all the Planets over ; and indeed , study Nature so much , and are so diligent and devout in her Services , that they despise our great Master the Devil , and would hinder us in our ways very much , but that they travel most by Speculation .

Then , said he , I would go to Heaven .

Truly , said she , I cannot carry you thither ; for

I am as unpractised in those ways , and have as little acquaintance there , as the Natural Philosophers have ; for they believe that there is no such Kingdom .

But if you desire to travel to that Kingdom , you must go to the Divines , who are the only Guides ; yet you must have a care in the choice : for , some will carry you a great way about , and through very troublesome and painful places ; others , a shorter , but a very strait , narrow way ; others , through ways that are pleasant , and easie ; and you will find , not only in Natural Philosophers , but also in Divines , such Combats and Dissentions amongst them , that it is both a great hindrance and a trouble to the Passengers ; which shews they are not very perfect themselves in their ways : for many Travellers go , some a quarter , and some half , and some three parts of the way , and then are forced to turn back again , and take another Guide ; and so from Guide to Guide , until they have run them all over , or are out of breath ; and yet be as far to seek of their way , as when they first set out .

Why , then ( said the Man ) carry me to Hell .

Truly , said the Witch , I am but a Servant extraordinary , and have no power to go to my Master's Kingdom , until I dye ; although the Way be broad and plain , and the Guides sure : yet , being the Devil's Factor to do him service on the Earth , I can call forth any from thence , although it were the King himself .

Well then , said he , carry me ( I beseech you ) to the Center of the Earth .

That I can do ( said she ) , and so obscurely , that the Natural Philosophers shall never spye us . So she prayed him to come into her House ; for , said she , it is a great Journey , therefore you must take some repast before you go . Besides , said she , your Body will be too cumbersome ; wherefore we will leave that behind , that you may go the lighter , being all Spirit . So she went out , and came and brought a Dish of Opium , and prayed him to eat well thereof : So he eat very heartily , and when he had done , his Senses grew very heavy , insomuch as his Body fell down , as in a swound , remaining without Sense ; in the mean while his Spirit stole out , and left the Body asleep .

So the Witch and he took their Journey ; and as they went , he found the Climate very intemperate , sometimes very hot , and sometimes very cold : great Varieties they found in the way ; in some places , monstrous great and high Mountains of the Bones of Men and Beasts , which lay mixed with one another . Then he saw a very large Sea of Blood , which had issued from slain Bodies ; but those Seas seemed very rough : whereupon he asked , What was the reason ? She answered , Because their Deaths were violent . And there were other Seas of Blood , which seemed so smooth , that there was not a wave to be seen . Whereat he ask'd , How comes this to be so smooth and calm ? She said , It was the Blood of those that dyed in peace . Then he asked her , Where was the Blood of other Creatures , as Beasts , Birds , Fish , and the like . She said , Amongst the Blood of Men : for , said she , the Earth knows no difference .

And as they went along , they came through a most pleasant place , which ( she said ) was the Store-house of Nature , where were the shapes and sub . stances of all kind of Fruits , Flowers , Trees , or any other Vegetables , but all were of a dusky colour . There he gathered some Fruit to eat , but it had no tast ; and he gathered some Flowers , and they had no smell : Of which he asked the reason ? She said , That the Earth gave only the Form and Substance ; but the Sun was the only cause of the Tast , Smell , and Colours .

Going farther , they saw great Mines , Quarries , and Pits ; but she , being vers'd , and knowing the way well , did avoid them , so that they were no hindrance in their journey , as otherwise it would have been .

But going down further , it began to grow very dark , being far from the face of the Earth ; insomuch that they could hardly see the plainest way : whereupon he told the Witch , That the Hill was so hideously steep , and the place began to grow so dark , that it was very dangerous . No , said she , there is no danger , since our Bodies are not here : for our Spirits are so light , that they bear up themselves . So they went a great length , until the place grew so strait , that it began to be a pain even to their Spirits : and so he told the Witch , His Spirit was in pain . She said , He must endure it : for , the Center of the Earth was but a Point in a Circle . So when he came to the Center of the Earth , he saw a Light like Moon-shine ; of which , when he came near , he saw that the first Circle about the Center , was Glow-worms Tails , which gave that Light ; and in the Center was an old Man , who did neither stand nor sit , for there was nothing to stand or sit on ; but he hung ( as it were ) in the Air ; nor ever stirr'd out of his place ; and had been there ever since the World was made ; for he , having never had a Woman to tempt him to sin , never dyed . And although he could never remove out of his place ; yet he had the power to call all things on the Earth unto him , by degrees ; and to dispose of them as he would .

But , being near the old Man , the Witch excused her coming , and prayed him not to be offended with them : for , there was a Man desired Knowledg , and would not spare any pains or industry to obtain it : For which he praised the Man , and said , He was welcome ; and any thing he could inform him of , he would .

The old Man asked him about the Chymists that lived upon the face of the Earth .

The Man answered , They made much noise in talk , and took great pains , and bestowed great costs , to find the Philosophers Stone , which is to make the Elixir , but could never come to any perfection .

Alas , said the old Man , they are too unconstant to bring any thing to perfection ; for they never keep to one certain ground or track , but are always trying of new Experiments ; so that they are always beginning , but never go on towards an end . Besides , said he , they live not long enough to find the Philosophers Stone : for , said he , 't is not one nor two Ages will do it , but there must be many Ages to bring it to perfection . But , I said he , living long , and observing the course of Nature strictly , am arrived to the height of that Art ; and all the Gold that is digged out of the Mines , was converted by me : for , in the beginning of the World , there was very little Gold to be found ; and neither my Brother Adam , nor his Posterity after him , for many Ages , knew any such thing : but since I have attained to the perfection of that Art , I have made so many Mines , that it hath caused all the outward parts of the World to go together by the ears for it : but I will not hereafter make so much as to have it despised .

As for my Stills , said he , they are the Pores of the Earth ; and the Waters I distill , are the sweet Dews : the Oily part is the Ambergreece ; and the Chymists know not how , or from whence , or from what it comes : for some say , from Trees ; others , that it is the Spawn of some kind of Fish ; so some think it one thing , some another .

The saltness of the Sea comes also from Chymistry ; and the Vapour that arises from the Earth , is the Smoak that steems from my Stills . But , said he , the World is not to continue long as it is ; for I will , by my Art , turn it all into Glass ; that as my Brother Adam transplanted Men from Earth , by his sin , some to Heaven , some to Hell ; so I will transplant the World from Earth to Glass , which is the last act of Chymistry .

Then the Man observing a great concourse of Waters , that went with a violent force close by the Center ; he asked the old Man , How came that Water there ? He answered , It was the Gutter and Sink of the Earth : for , whatsoever Water the Sun drank from the Sea , and spued upon the Earth , run through the Veins , into the Sea again , by the Center , all little Pipe-Veins meeting there , or else ( said he ) the World would be drowned again : for , at Noah's Flood , those Pipe-Veins were commanded by Jove to be stopt , and after such a time to be opened again .

I wonder , said the Man , that all the weighty Materials in the World do not fall upon your Head , and so kill you . Why so they would , said he , if they lay all together on a heap : but , as every thing hath a several motion ; so , every thing hath a proper place : for , Gold and Iron never dwell together in the Earth ; neither are all kinds of Stones found in one Quarry ; nor do all the Mines or Quarries join together ; but some are in one place , and some in another ; which poises the weight of the Earth equally , and keeps it from falling .

The Man said , You have but a melancholy life , being none here but your self .

O , said the old Man , the Riches of the Earth , and all the Varieties thereof , come into my Compass : This place is the Heart or Soul of Plenty : Here have I sweet Dormice , fat Moles , nourishing Worms , industrious Ants , and many other things , for Food . Here are no Storms to trouble me , nor Tempests to disorder me ; but Warmth to cherish me , and Peace and Quiet to comfort and joy me : the drilling-Waters are my Musick , the Glow-worms my Lights , and my Art of Chymistry , my Pass-time .

When he had done speaking , they took their leaves , craving pardon for their abrupt Visit , and giving him thanks for his gentle entertainment . But the old Man very kindly prayed them to have a care of themselves as they returned : for , said he , you must go through Cold , Crude , Aguish , and Hot , Burning , Pestilent places ; for there are great Damps in the Earth , as also a great Heat and Fire in the Earth ; although it gives not Light like the Sun ; for the Heat of the Earth , said he , is like the Fire in a Coal ; and that of the Sun , like that of a Flame , which is a thinner part of Substance set on fire , and is a weaker or fainter Heat ; but the Sun , said he , gives more Heat by his quick Motion , than the Heat gives Motion . And though , said he , the Fire be the subtillest of all Elements , yet it is made slower , or more active , by the substance it works upon : for , Fire is not so active upon solid Bodies , as it is upon leighter and thinner Bodies .

So the Witch and the young Man's Spirit , gave him thanks , and departed . But going back , they found not the ways so pleasant as when they went : for , some ways were deep and dirty , others heavy and clayie , some boggy and sandy , some dry and dusty , and great Waters , high Mountains , Stony and Craggy Hills , some of them very Chalky and Limy .

But at last , arriving where they set out , he found his Body there ; and putting it on as a Garment , gave thanks to the Witch , and then went home to rest his weary Spirits .

The Tale of the Lady in the Elyzium .

THERE was a Lord that made love to a Lady upon very honourable terms , for the End was Marriage . This Lady received his Love with great Affection ; and it chanced that upon the hearing of a report , That he was married to another , she fell into a swound for above an hour , insomuch that they all thought her to be dead : but at last , returning to her self again , one told her , That he thought her Soul had utterly forsaken her Mansion , the Body . No , said she , 't was only the sudden and violent Passion , which had hurried my Soul to Charon's Boat , in a distracted Whirlwind of Sighs ; where , in the Croud , I was Ferried over to the Elyzium-Fields .

They ask'd her , What manner of place it was ?

She answered , Just such a place as the Poets have described ; Pleasant green Fields , but as dark as a shady Grove , or the dawning of the Day ; or like a sweet Summer's Evening , when the Nightingal begins to sing , which is at the shutting up of the day . But when I was there , said she , I met with such Company as I expected not ? Who were those , said they ? Julius Caesar and the Vestal Nunn , Nero and his Mother , Agrippa and Catiline , and his Daughter Cornelia ; and such as Anthony and Cleopatra , Dido and AEneas , sans nomber . But finding not my chast Lover there , said she , I went to Charon , and told him , The Fates had neither spun out my Thread , nor cut it in sunder ; but they , being careless in the spinning , it was not so hard twisted as it should have been ; insomuch , that the report of my Lover's Marriage had given it such a pull , that ( if the Fates had not had great care in slacking it ) it had broke from the Spindle . So I told Charon , He must carry me back again ; where , with much entreaty , he set my Soul where he had taken it up ; and from thence it returned into my Body , to be alive again .

The SPECULATORS .

A MAN having occasion to travel , being in the heat of Summer , for more ease took his journey when Night was running from Day , for fear the glorious Sun should overtake her . And looking earnestly , to observe how her darker Clouds retired or were illuminated ; at last , in the dawning , before the Sun appeared in glory , he thought he saw something appear in the Air , more than usual ; which Fancy of his caused him to a-light from his Horse ; and fastning his Bridle to a Bush , himself went and lay upon his back on the ground , that he might fix his Eyes on the strange Sight the more stedfastly . But his desires were cross'd with the dulness and dimness of his Eyes , which ( by over-earnestness ) could view nothing at all .

But a grave old man coming there , asked him , Why he lay in that posture ? He answered , It was to look up to see more perfectly that which in the Air he had but a glimpse of : but , said he , striving to see more , I saw less ; for I have not only lost the Vision , but almost my Sight

That may well be , said the old man ; for the Body is like the Mind , whereinto if you take more Learning than the Understanding can discuss , it overwhelms it , and knocks Reason on the head ; as , if you take more Meat into the Stomack than it can digest , it surfeits ; if the Ear receives too swift or harsh a Sound , it makes it deaf , smuthering the distinct Notes . Likewise , if you draw more Species than can pass through the Eye , in order to the Optick Nerve , it 's like a Croud of People at a narrow Pass , every one striving to get in first , wedging themselves so close , sticking so fast , one binding in the other , that they can neither pass backward nor forward , but stop up the place . Just so come the Eyes to be dimmed or obstructed . Besides , said the old man , Nature is not only curious in her workings , but secret in her Works : for , none of her Works know themselves perfectly ; not Man , who seems to have the best Understanding ; because Nature governs her Creatures by Ignorance ; and if any had perfect knowledge , they would be as great as She.

The other Man says , Doth she know her self ?

The Answer was , That it is a Question not to be resolved : but surely , if her Creatures knew her , she would be slighted ; for what they know , they despise : but Ignorance begets Fear ; Fear , Superstition ; Superstition , Admiration ; and Admiration , Adoration . By that we perceive , that Nature takes delight that her Creatures should search her ways , and observe her several motions ; and those are esteemed her perfectest and best Works that do so . And because your Desires flye high , I will give you such Glasses as shall satisfie your Mind concerning the Celestial Globe . Here be three Glasses ; the first shews you the Lower Region ; the next , the Second Region ; and the third Glass shews you the Upper Region ; that is , as high as can be observed . So taking leave of the Gentleman , he left him to his observation .

Soon after , the Gentleman takes the first Glass , and laying his Eye to it , he saw a Vapour arise from the Earth , straight upward , in small Lines or Streams , streaming through every Pore of the Earth , which Pores were like a Sieve full of small holes : This was a fine sight , to see how small , straight , and thick , those Streams were : for it seemed as an ascending-Rain ; and those Streams , at a certain height , gathered together , and became spongy Clouds ; which clouds were of the fashion of Honey-combs , where , in every hole , lye drops of Water , which are squeezed by the agitation of the Air ; or , by the heat of the Sun , made to bubble out ; or , those holes being over-full , they fall down with their own weight ; or , as one may say , they overflow .

Then turning his Glass to the two Poles , first to the North , then to the South ; he saw they were like two Crystal Squirts , which some call Syringes ; those suck and draw in a certain quantity of Water from those Honey-comb-Clouds ; and when they are full , they spout that Water with such a force back , that it goeth a great length ; and the smalness of the passage , wire-draws it , as it were ; and by the agitation it becomes so powerful , that it drives all before it , if they be not very firmly fix'd ; it enters all Porous Bodies ; and those that are sensible , it puts to pain , as if they were sharp ; for the smalness , thinness , and quickness , makes it cut and divide ; and the force makes it break and cast down all that doth oppose it . These are called the South and North Winds .

Then directing his Perspective to the midst , between the East and the West , which is called the Torrid Zone ; he perceived it was like a Cymbal of Fire , which had three holes ; the one in the midst , by which it drinks in Water ; the other two holes of each side , which are called the East and West : for , the Water that is drawn in , being in this hollow Ball , the Heat rarifies it so thin , that it breathes forth at the lesser Holes : for , as the Water is rarified into Air by the Heat ; so the Air is rarified into Wind ; and those two small holes let out the thinner part , and keep the grosser in , until it be more rarified into Wind. Those Winds that are made thus , are much gentler and softer than those that proceed from the Squirts , because this is only a voluntary Motion , which breathes out , and spreads gently ; the other is forced , and goeth out with Violence .

Now the hole that is in the midst of this Cymbal , which serves as the Mouth , drinking perpetually , being very dry , by reason of the heat within , cannot digest it all at once , but by degrees . Now if that part of the Water be rarified soonest , which is of that side we call the East , that blows out first ; if it be rarified of that side first , that we call the West , that blows soonest : but if it blows from several places or parts , then that predominates that is most powerful .

After he had perceived how the Winds were made , he laid by that Glass , and took up the second , and looked into the Middle-Region ; then he saw curling , folding , and rowling Waves of Air , every Wave as thin as the thinnest Cypress ; and through those Waves he saw many Cities , which had great Champanes of Air , full of Flowers , Fruits , and sweet Herbs ; which Champanes of Air the Winds plough or dig ; and the Sun plants , sows , and sets Incorporeal Vegetables with his Instrumental Beams ; for they draw the Vapours or Scents of all Herbs , Flowers , Fruits , and the like , from the Earth , and plants them there : So there grows nothing but the sweet and delicious Scents , and not the gross Corporeal part .

As for the People in that Region , they are of upright shapes , and very slender ; but their sub . stance is of the same of Fish , and they swim in the Air , as Fishes in the Sea , which do not admit of a firm footing ; so that they swim or ride upon Waves of Clouds every where .

As for their Houses , they are made of the Azure Sky ; and are so clear , that the Inhabitants are seen in them , when the Sun shines ; being only obscured when the Sun is from them . These Houses are covered with Flakes of Snow , and all their Streets are pitch'd with Hail-stones .

But when the Chariot of the Sun runs through their Streets in the Winter time , their furious Horses being more heady in Winter , run then the swifter ; for in Summer they are lazy and faint with Heat : but with the trampling they loosen the stones , and then they fall to earth , and there melt to Water . Neither are their Tiles or Slats safe ; for the Wheels of the Chariot do so shake their Houses , that the flakes of Snow fall many times from their Houses upon the Earth . But they , being of a nature as industrious as little ants , do straight pitch their Streets a new , and repair their Houses , having enough Materials : for there are there great Rocks of Hail stones , and huge Mountains of Snow .

But when the Chariot runs in Summer-time , the Streets being dryed and hard , or , as I may say , Crystalined , it makes a ratling Noise , which we call Thunder ; and the Horses being very hot , great flashes of Fire proceeds out of their Nostrils , which we call Lightning ; and many times their Breath is so exceeding hot , and being moist withall , that it softens their Streets ; and , melting their Hail-stones , cause great overflows , which fall down in pouringshowers of Rain , as we oft see when it Thunders . Now Snow and Hail are as naturally engendered there by Cold , as Minerals in the Earth by Heat , both being wrought by contraction ; only the one is more dissolvable than the other , because the Matter contracted , is different in solidity ; but they meet at one End at last , though by different ways .

When he had observed the Middle Region , he takes the third Glass to view the highest Region . There he saw Six moving-Cities , which we call Planets ; every City had a Governing-Prince ; their Compass was very large , their From round , and moving in a Circular Motion . The midst of those Cities , was a Center City , as I may say , a Metropolitan City , which we call the Sun , the King thereof ; and all his People are of the nature of Salamanders , for they live always in Fire , as Fishes in Water ; for it is not so hot as is imagined ; because that which feeds the Flame , is not a gross , combustible , and solid Matter , to burn like Coals ; but a thin , voluble , and oily substance , which makes only a Flame clear and bright , having no Dross mix'd in it ; and whatsoever is wasted by the Flame , is supplied by the Six Cities , which is the Tribute they pay to the Seventh , the Monarchical City , whom all the rest are some ways or other subject unto .

But indeed , these Cities are forced , by necessity , to send Oily Matter , or the like , or else they should be in perpetual Darkness , wanting Light ; so that this Oily Matter comes into the Metropolitan-City , and the Flame goeth out like the Water into the Sea ; for the Water of the Sea goeth out salt , and returns fresh , being clarified by the Earth : so this Oil , when it runs to the Center-City , is refined , and made more thin and pure , and is sent back in Streams and Beams of Light .

But though the King and People be of the nature of Salamanders , yet their shapes are like those we describe Angles to be , and flye about through Beams of Light , though our grosser Sense cannot see them without the help of some Miraculous Glasses , as these were .

Some of them perceiving this Man saw them , went to the King , and complained thereof ; which when he heard , he was very angry , and rose in great Rage , casting a Blaze of Light , which dazled his Eyes , blinded his Sight , and in this Heat melted his Glasses .

The Body , Time , and Mind , disputed for Preheminency .

THE Dispute was begun by Time , who said , If it were not for me , the Body would neither have Growth nor Strength , nor the Mind Knowledg or Understanding .

The Mind answered , That though the Body had a fix'd time to arrive to a perfect growth , and mature strength , yet the Mind had not : for I , said the Mind , can never know and understand so much , but I might know and understand more ; nor hath Time such a Tyrannical Power over the Mind , to bring it to ruin , as it hath over the Body .

Why , said the Body , Time hath not an absolute power over me neither : for Chance and evil Accidents prevent Time's Ruins ; and Sickness and evil Diers obstruct and hinder Time's Buildings . Neither is it only Time that nourishes the Body , but Food ; for without Food the Body would waste to nothing : for , the Stomack is as the Pot , and the Heart as the Fire , to boil the Food , to make it fit for Nourishment , making a Broth for Blood , a Jelly for Sinews a Gravy for Flesh , and Oil for Fat ; from which a Vapour steems forth to make Spirits ; and the several parts of the Body , are the several Vessels , wherein , and by which , the Body is nourished , and Life maintained . Neither doth Time give the Mind Knowledg and Understanding , but the Senses , which are the Porters that carry them in , and furnish the Mind therewith ; for the Eyes bring in several Lights , Colours , Figures , and Forms ; and the Ear several Sounds , both Instrumental and Vocal ; the Nose , several Scents ; the Tongue , several Tasts ; and every part of the Body , several Touches ; without which , the Mind would be as an empty , poor , thatch'd House with bare Walls , did not the Senses furnish it . Besides , said the Body , the Mind could have no pleasure nor delight , were it not by my Senses .

But the Mind answered , That Delight belonged only to the Soul , and Pleasure only to the Body . 'T is true , says the Mind , they often make a Friendship , as the Soul and the Body do ; yet they consist by , and of themselves . And for Time , said the Mind , he is only like a Page or Lacquey , which brings Messages , runs of Errands , and presents Necessaries for the Mind's use : but , said the Mind , had Time no Employment , or the Senses no Goods to bring in , and neither would or could do the Mind any service ; yet the Mind would not be like a thatch'd House , empty and unfurnished ; for Delight would be there as Queen , were it not for Discontent , which is begot in the Body , but born in the Mind ; and if he lives , becomes a Tyrant , unthroning Delight , which is the natural Queen thereof , as Pleasure is in the Body ; and if it were not for this Tyrannical Usurper , Delight would have more perfect Fruition than Pleasure hath , by reason Perfection lives more in the Mind , than in the Senses . And let me tell you , said the Mind , Nature builds some Minds like a curious and stately Palace , and furnishes them so richly , that it needs neither Time nor the Senses , laying Reason as the Foundation , and Judgment for the Building ; wherein are firm and straight Pillars of Fortitude , Justice , Prudence , and Temperance ; is paved with Understanding , which is solid and hard ; walled with Faith ; which is roofed with Love , and bows like an Arch , to embrace all towards a round Compass ; is Leaded with Discretion , which sticks close , keeping out watry Errors , and windy Vanities ; it hath passages of Memory and Remembrance , to let Objects in ; and Doors of Forgetfulness , to shut them out ; likewise , it hath Windows of Hopes , that let in the Light of Joy ; and Shutts of Doubts , to keep it out : also , it hath large Stairs of Desire , which arise by steps or windings up , by degrees , to the Towers of Ambition .

Besides , in Architecture of the Mind , there are wide Rooms of Conception , furnish'd richly with Invention , and long Galleries of Contemplation , which are carved and wrought with Imaginations , and hung with the Pictures of Fancy .

Likewise , there are large Gardens of Varieties , wherein flow Rivers of Poetry , with full Streams of Numbers , making a purling Noise with Rhymes , on each side are Banks of Oratory , whereon grow Flowers of Rhetorick , and high Trees of Perswasion , upon which a Credulous Fool , helped by the Senses , will climb ; and , from the top , falls on the Ground of Repentance , from whence old Father Time takes him up , and puts him into the Arms of Expence , who carries him in to the Chyrurgeon of Expence , and is healed with the Plaster of Warning , or else dyes of the Apoplexical Disease , called Stupidity . But Wisdom will only look up to the top , viewing the growth , and observing what kind they are of , but never adventures to climb : she will sit sometimes under the Branches , for Pleasure ; but never hang on the Boughs of Insinuation .

While they were disputing , in comes grim Death , whose terrible Aspect did so affright the Mind , that the very fear put out its Light , and quenched out its Flame ; and the Body , being struck by Death , became sensless , and dissolved into Dust. But old Father Time run away from Death as nimbly as a light-heel'd Boy , or like those that slide upon the Ice ; but never turned to see whether Death followed or no : Death called him ; but he made himself , as it were , deaf with Age , and would not hear .

A Tripartite Government of Nature , Education , and Experience .

NATURE , Education , and Experience , did agree to make a Juncto to govern the Monarchy of Man's Life , every one ruling by turns , or rather in parts , being a Tripartite Government , The Soul , the Senses , and the Brain ; where Nature creates Reason as the chief Magistrate , to govern the Soul . Education creates Virtue to govern the Appetites ; for Virtue is bred , not born in Man . And Experience creates Wit to govern the Brain : for Wit ( though native ) without Experience , is defective .

As for the Soul , which Natural Reason governs , it hath large Territories of Capacity and Understanding , and many Nobles living therein ; as , Heroick Passions , and Generous Affections ; Subtil Enquiries , Strong Arguments , and Plain Proofs .

The Senses ( which Virtuous Education governs , are five great Cities ; and the various Appetites , are the several Citizens dwelling therein ; which Citizens are apt to rebel , and turn Traitors , if Virtue , the Governess , be not severe and strict in executing Justice with Courage , cutting off the Heads of Curiosity , Nicety , Variety , Luxury , and Excess ; and though Temperance must weigh , measure , and set Limits ; yet Prudence must distribute to Necessity and Conveniency , the several Gifts of Nature , Fortune , and Art .

The third is the Brain , wherein Experienc'd Wit governs , which is the pleasantest part , and hath the larrgest Compass ; wherein are built many Towers of Conceptions , and Castles of Imaginations ; Grounds ploughed with Numbers , and sowed with Fancies ; Gardens planted with Study , set with Practice ; from whence Flowers of Rhetorick grow , and Rivers of Elegancy flow through it .

This part of the Kingdom hath the greatest Traffick and Commerce of any of the three parts , and flourishes most , being populated with the Graces and Muses ; Wit , being popular , hath great power on the Passions and Affections , and in the Senses makes Civil Entertainments of Pleasure and Delight , feeding the Appetites with delicious Banquets .

NATURE's HOUSE .

THE whole Globe is Nature's House ; and the several Planets are Nature's several Rooms ; the Earth is her Bed Chamber ; the Floor is Gold and Silver ; and the Walls Marble and Porphyrie ; the Portals and Doors are Lapis-Lazarus ; instead of Tapistry Hangings , it is hung with all sorts of Plants ; her Bed is of several precious Stone ; the Bed-posts are of Rocks of Diamonds ; the Bed's-head , of Rubies , Saphires , Topasses , and Emeralds : Instead of a Feather-bed , there is a Bed of sweet Flowers ; and the Sheets are fresh Air ; her Table is of Agats , and the like : yet the Roof of the Chamber is Earth ; but so curiously Vaulted , and so finely wrought , that no Dust falls down : it is built much like unto a Martin's Nest : the Windows are the Pores of the Earth .

Saturn is her Gallery ( a long , but a dark Room ) , and stands at the highest Story of her House .

Sol is her Dining-Room , which is a round Room built with Heat , and lined with Light .

Venus is her Dressing-Room .

Cynthia is her Supping-Room , which is divided into four Quarters , wherein stand four Tables ; one being round , at which she sits , being furnished with all Plenty ; the other are Side-board Tables .

Mercury is her Room of Entertainment . The Rational Creatures are her Nobles . The Sensitive Creatures are her Gentry . The Insensible Creatures are her Commons . Life is her Gentleman-Usher . Time is her Steward . And Death is her Treasurer .

A DISPUTE .

THE Soul caused Reason and Love to dispute with the Senses and Appetites .

Reason brought Religion : for , whatsoever Reason could not make good , Faith did .

Love brought Will : for whatsoever Love said , Will confirmed .

The Senses brought Pleasure and Pain , which were as two Witnesses : Pleasure was false Witness ; but Pain would not , nor could not be bribed .

Appetite brought Opinion , which in somethings would be obstinate , in others very facil .

But they had not disputed long , but they were so entangled in their Arguments , and so invective in their Words ( as most Disputers are ) , that they began to quarrel ( as most Disputers do ) .

Whereupon the Soul dismist them , although with much difficulty : for , Disputers are Captains or Colonels of ragged Regiments of Arguments ; and when a Multitude are gathered together in a Rout , they seldom disperse until some Mischief is done ; and then they are well pleased , and fully satisfied .

The Preaching-Lady . Dearly Beloved Brethren ,

IHAVE called you together to Instruct , Exhort , and Admonish you : My Text I take out of Nature ; the third Chapter in Nature , at the beginning of the fourth Verse ; mark it , dearly Beloved , the third Chapter , beginning at the fourth Verse : ( The Text ) In the Land of Poetry there stands a steep high Mount , named Parnassus ; at the top issues out a Flame , which ascends unto Fame's Mansion .

This Text , dearly Beloved , I will divide into seven parts :

First , In the Land of Poetry . Secondly , There stands a Mount . Thirdly , A steep Mount . Fourthly , A high Mount . Fifthly , The Name is Parnassus . Sixthly , There issues from the top a Flame . Seventhly , and lastly , The Flame ascends to Fame's Mansion .

First , In the Land of Poetry .

Which Land , dearly Beloved , is both large , sweet , pleasant , and fertile ; and hath been possessed by our Fore-fathers , ever since the time of our Father Adam in Poetry , which was Homer ; from whom all Poets are descended ( as the Ancients say ) . This our very great Grandfather , named Homer , did excel all other Men ; for he did not only give some Names to Creatures on Earth , but he gave Names to all the Gods in Jove's Mansion , and to all the Devils in the Infernal Parts . Nay , he did more ; for he made Heavens and Hells , Gods and Devils ; and described them , that his Posterity might know them in after-Ages . In this Land of Poetry he lived , which Land flowed with Wit and Fancy ; and is so large , that it doth not only reach to all parts and places of or in the World ( spreading it self , like Air , about , and into every nook and corner in this World ) , but beyond it , as into many other Worlds . In this most spacious Land runs a clear Stream , called Helicon ; it is a most pleasant Spring , and refreshes not only the Life of the Senses , but the Sense of Life . In this Spring did our very Great-Grandfather bathe himself in ; also , with this Spring he watered numbers of several Roots growing in this Land , that the sweet Flowers of Rhetorick might sprout forth in due season , and that the Trees of Invention might bear their fruitful Arts , for the nourishment of Common-weals .

Secondly , In the midst of this Land there is a Mount : A Mount , dearly Beloved , is a swell'd , contracted , and elevated Matter or Form : but you must not conceive this Mount to be of Earth , but of Thoughts ; it is a swell'd , contracted , and elevated Form in the Mind .

Thirdly , It is a steep Mount : That is , dearly Beloved , it is not slope , or shelving ; but so straight , as to be perpendicular : insomuch , that those that have not sure and sinewy Feet , can never wald up this Mount : indeed , it requires Mercury's Feet , which have Wings , that when they are in danger to slip , their Wings might bear them up .

Fourthly , It is a high Mount : That is , dearly Beloved , there is a great space , or long line , from the Bottom to the Top ; unto which top , all that have light and empty Heads can never attain ; for the height will soon make them dizzy , and cause them to fall into the Gulph of Oblivion .

Fifthly , The Name of this Mount is Parnassus : A Name , dearly Beloved , is a Word ; not a Thing , but the Mark of Things , to distinguish several Things , or conceptions of Things , to know and understand them .

Sixthly , From the top of this Mount Parnassus , issues out a Flame : A Flame , dearly Beloved , is the fluid part of Fire . But , Beloved , you must know , there are two sorts of Fire ; the one , a bright shining Fire , which is visible to the vulgar sense ; the other is so pure and subtil a Fire , that it is not subject to the outward Sense , but is only perceived by the Understanding ; indeed it is a Spiritual Fire , which causes a spritely and pure Flame : The other a Corporeal Fire , which causeth a gross and smoaking Flame .

Seventhly and lastly , This insensible Flame ascends to Fame's Mansion : And though , dearly Beloved , Fame's Mansion is but an old Library , wherein lies ancient Records of Actions , Accidents , Chronologies , Moulds , Medals , Coins , and the like ; yet Fame her self is a Goddess , and the Sister to Fortune ; and she is not only a Goddess , but a powerful Goddess ; and not only a powerful Goddess , but a terrible Goddess ; for she can both damn and glorifie ; and her Sentence of Damnation is , most commonly , of more force than her Sentence of Glorification ; for those that she damns , she damns without Redemption ; but she sets , many times , a period to those she Glorifies .

Thus , beloved Brethren , I have interpreted to you the Text. Now I am to exhort you , That none should venture up this Mount , but those that can flye with Fancy's Wings , or walk with a measured pace , on Velvet Feet , or Comick Socks , or Tragick Buskins ; not to venture , if you find any infirmity or weakness in the Head , or Brain , or other parts : for , the Flame which issues out of the Mount called Parnassus , is not only a Flame , but a wondrous hot , sindging , scorching , burning Flame ; insomuch , that ( many times ) it is insufferable , and oft-times burns the Brains into Cinders , and consumes the Rational Understanding ; at least , it sindges the Health , and endangers the Life of the Body .

But to conclude , beloved Brethren in Poetry : Let me admonish you to be devout to the Name of great Fame , who is able to save or damn you : Wherefore be industrious in your Actions ; let no opportunity slip you , neither in Schools , Courts , Cities , Camps , or several Climates , to gain the Favour of great Fame ; offer up your several Conceptions upon her white Altars ( I mean white Paper ) , sprinkling Golden Letters thereon ; and let the Sense be as sweet Incense to her Deity , that the Perfumes of your Renown may be smelt in after-Ages , and your Noble Actions recorded in her ancient Mansion .

And so the Love of Fame be with you , And the Blessing of Fortune light upon you .

A Moral Tale of the Ant and the Bee .

IN the midst of a pleasant Wood , stood a large Oak in its prime , and strength of years , which by long time was brought to a huge bigness . A Company of Ants meeting together , chose the Root , or bottom thereof , to build a City ; but wheresoever any of them build , they build after one fashion , which is like a Hill , or half-Globe , the outside being Convex , the inside Concave ; a Figure , it seems , they think most lasting , and least subject to ruin ; having no Corners , Points , or Joints , to break off ; and every one of the little Creatures industrious for the Common-good , in which they never loyter , but labour and take pains ; and not only laboriously , but prudently ; for those that bring the Materials to build , lay those Materials in such a manner , that they do not hinder one another by any retardments : Among Men , one brings the Brick , another the Mortar , and a third builds with them ; and if any come to a mischance , the Work is not only hindred , and time lost , but the Builder is forced to be idle for want of Materials ; and if the Builder comes to any mischance , the Materials are useless for want of a Worker . But they , being wiser than Man , know Time is precious ; and therefore judiciously order it , forecasting while they work , and taking up the whole time with Contrivance , leaving none for Practice ; neither do they prefer Curiosity before Convenience . Likewise , they are careful of Repairs , lest Ruin should grow upon them ; insomuch , that if the least Grain of Dust be misplaced , they stop , or close it up again . They are also as prudent for their Provisions , having a Magazine of Meat in their City , as Men have of Arms : but this Magazine is like a Farmer 's Cupboard , which is never without Bread and Cheese ; wholsome , although not delicious Fare ; so is theirs . Neither do they shut their Door , for all is open and free : they need not beg for Victuals , since every one labours and takes pains for what they eat : neither are they factious and mutinous , through Envy ; by reason there is no superiority amongst them , for their Common-wealth is composed of Labourers . They have no impertinent Commanding Magistrates , nor Unjust Judges , nor Wrangling Lawyers : for , as their Commonwealth is as one Body ; or rather , all those little Bodies are as one great Head ; or rather , as one wise Brain ; so are they united by a general Agreement , as one Mind ; and their Industries are united as to the general Good ; which makes the Profit thereof return equally to each particular : for as their Industry , so Power and Riches are levelled amongst them , which makes them free from those Inconveniences and Troubles , and oft-times Ruins , that are incident to those Commonwealths that make Distinctions and Degrees , which beget Pride , Ambition , Envy , Covetousness , Treachery , and Treason ; causing Civil-Warrs , Tyrannical Laws , Unjust Judgments , False Accusations , Cruel Executions , Faint Friendships , Dissembling Affections , Luxury , Bribery , Beggery , Slavery , heavy Taxes , and unconscionable Extortions . But these Citizen-Ants , have little Heads , and great Wisdom ; which shews , it is not the quantity of Brains that makes any particular Creature wise ; for then an Ox would be wiser than a Man : Nor is it the bigness of the Heart that makes a Creature good-natur'd ; for these little Creatures , although they have little Hearts , yet they have great Generosity , Compassion , and Charity to each other : and as their assistance is always ready and free to bear a part of a Burthen ; so their care and affection is not less to bury their Dead . I know not whether they have the passion of Sorrow , or rather ( I may say ) the moisture of Tears , to weep at their Funerals ; but they do lay the Dead into the Earth , and cover them with Earth , with great Solemnity . But they have , as all other Creatures that Nature hath made , Enemies : for , though they are Friends among themselves , yet they cannot make Friendships with all Nature's Works , by reason some Creatures live upon other Creatures ; and they have many Forreign Enemies , as Swallows , and other Birds , which come with their sharp and digging Bills , and pull down their City , devour their Eggs , and make a Massacre of their Citizens ; which Cruelty makes them fearful , and careful in concealing themselves , crepping always out at little holes , lest they should be discovered .

It happened , upon a hot Summer's day , a company of Bees flying to that Tree , to swarm on a Bough thereof ; that they , thinking it might be some of their Enemy-Birds , were in an extraordinary fright : Whereupon they withdrew all into the City , shutting up the Gates thereof ; only sending out a few Spies at Postern-doors , and setting Cen-tinels to view their approaches . At last they ob-served , these Birds ( which Men call Bees ) gathered in a round Figure , or Globe , like the World ; which shews , the round Figure is not only the most profitable ( having the least waste , and largest compass ) , but the securest Figure , being the most united , not only by drawing in all loose and wandring parts , but it combines them all together with a round Line . But when these Bees were swarmed ( which swarming is a general Meeting , to make up one Councel ) , there was such a humming-noise , as did more affright the Ants than it had before : for Bees do not , as Men in Publick Councels , speak by turns ; but they speak all at once , after the Leading-Bee hath spoke ; I suppose , either all consenting , or not consenting to the chief Bee's Proposition . Neither can I perceive that they speak studied Speeches , as Men do , taking more care and pains therein , than for theCommon Good . Neither do they , as Men do , which is , to speak as Passion perswades them , not as Reason advises , or Truth discovers , or Honesty commands them ; but as Self-love or Self-will draws them , driving their own particular Interest , following their own Appetites , preferring their own Luxuriousness and Pleasure , before the publick Felicity or Safety ; venturing the publick Ruin , for a Title of Honour , or Bribe , or Office , or Envy , or Hate , or Revenge , or Love , or the like ; nay , for a vain and affected Speech . But Bees are wiser ; for they know , that if the Commonwealth be ruinated , no particular Person can be free . Also , Bees do like those that send Colonies out of over-populous Kingdoms , to make new Plantations : for , if there should be more Mouths than Meat , and more Men than Business , they would devour one another in Civil-Warrs , and pull down the Fabrick of the Commonwealth , by breaking the Laws and Civil Customs thereof .

But this Colony of Bees swarming together , agreed where to settle , and so to meet all at the appointed place : Whereupon the Councel broke up , and every one took their flight several ways , to gather Honey and Wax , wisely providing for Food , and Store-houses to lay their Provisions in , building them a City in some hollow Tree , or cleaved part of the Earth , or the like places ; and their several Apartments are built so close together , and in such a curious Mathematical Figure , that there is not the least waste or loss ; and they are so industriously wise , that they carry their Provisions of Victuals , and their Materials to build withall , at one time , as one Burthen ; for they have a natural Bag , like a Budget , which they fill with Honey ; and they carry their Wax on their Thighs .

But when the Ants had heard their wise Propositions , their general Agreements , their firm Conclusions , their quick Executions , their methodical Orders , their prudent Managements or Comportments , and their laborious Industry ; they did admire , commend , and approve of their Common-wealth ; and the more , because it was somewhat like to theirs . But the truth is , the Ant and the Bee resemble one another more in their wise Industry , than in their Government of the Commonwealth ; for the Bees are a Monarchical Government , as any may observe ; and the Ants are a Republick .

But by this we may perceive , it is not such and such kinds of Government , but such and such ways of Governing , that make a Commonwealth flourish with Plenty , Conveniency , Peace , and Tranquillity : for , the Monarchical Government of the Bees , is as wise and happy as the Republick of the Ants.

The Second Tale of the Ant and the Bee .

AN Ant and a Bee meeting together upon a Gilliflower , condemned each other for doing wrong to the Flower : for , said the Ant to the Bee , you luxuriously and covetously come and suck out the sweet and nourishing Juice .

You are deceived , said the Bee ; for I only gather off the sweet Dew that lies thereon ; I neither draw out the Juice nor Scent , nor fade the Colour , nor wither the Leaves , nor shorten the Life ; for it may live as long as Nature pleases , for all mee : but you eat out the Seeds , which are their young Off-springs ; and the Earwigs eat off the Leaves , and the Worms devour the Roots ; when I bear nothing away , but what is free for all , which is that which falls from the Heavens .

By this we may perceive , That it is the nature of most Creatures that are guilty , and do the greatest Wrongs , to be the first Accusers .

The Third Tale of the Ant and the Bee .

IT chanced , that an Ant and a Bee , wandring about , met in a Honey-pot ; the Honey being very clammy , stuck so close to the Ant , and weighed so heavy , that she could not get out , but ( like a Horse in a Quagmire ) the more pains she took to get out , the deeper she sunk in : Whereupon she entreated the Bee to help her .

The Bee denied her , saying , She should become guilty of Theft , in assisting a Thief .

Why , said the Ant , I do not entreat you to assist my Stealth , but my Life : but , for all your pretended Honesty , and Nicety of Conscience , you endeavour to steal Honey , as much as I.

No , said the Bee , this Honey was stoln by Man out of our Commonwealth ; and it is lawful not only to challenge our own , but to take it wheresover we find it . Besides , Man ( most commonly ) doth cruelly murther us , by smuthering us with Smoak , then destroys our City , and carries away the Spoils . But Men are not only the most wicked of Creatures , in making the greatest Spoils and Disturbances in Nature ; but they are the subtillest of all Creatures , to compass their Designs ; and the most inventive for several destructive and enslaving Arts. But Nature , knowing the Ingenuity of Man to Evil , and the proneness of his Nature to Cruelty , gave us Stings ( for Weapons ) to oppose and defend our selves against them ; which they finding , by experience , invented the way of smuthering us with Smoak .

The Ant said , I hope that the Cruelty you condemn , and have found by experience in Man , will cause you to be so charitable , as to help me out of my Misery .

There is no reason for that , answered the Bee : for if Man doth unjustly strive to destroy me , it doth not follow , I must unjustly strive to help you .

But whilst the Bee was thus talking , the Honey had clammed the Bee's Wings close to her sides , so that she could not loosen them to flye ; and in strugling to get liberty for flight , plunged her whole Body in the Honey .

O , said the Bee , I shall be swallowed up , and choaked immediately .

What , said the Ant , with your own Honey ?

O , said the Bee , the Quantity devours me : for , Water refreshes Life , and drowns Life ; Meat feeds the Body , and destroys the Body by Surfeits : besides , a Creature may choak with that which might nourish it . O unhappy Creature that I am , said the Bee , that my Labour and Industry should prove my ruin ! but the Honey rising above her Head , stopped her speech , and kill'd her .

The Ant , after a short languishing , dyed also .

Thus we see , the same Mercy and Assistance we refused to others , is refused to us in the like Distress . And , many times , in the midst of Abundance , are our Lives taken away .

When we are too greedily earnest in keeping or taking what we can justly call our own , we seldom enjoy it , either by losing it , or our selves . Which shews , there is no secure Safety , nor perfect Felicity , nor constant Continuance in the Works of Nature .

A Tale of the Woodcock and the Cow .

A COW seeing a Woodcock sitting close to a a green Turf , and observing him not to stir , asked him why he sate so lazily there , having so strong a Wing as he had to flye .

O , said the Woodcock , it is a laborious action to flye ; but sitting here , I take my ease and rest .

The Cow said , If I had Wings to flye , I would never lye upon the cold Earth , but I would mount up near to the warm Sun , whose Heat clarifies the Air to a Crystalline Skye ; whereas the Earth is only a gross Body , sending forth thick and stinking Fogs , which many times give us the Rot , and other Diseases , by the unwholsome Vapours that arise from it , and cold Dews that lye upon the Ground ; when the Air is sweet and refreshing , warm and comfortable .

'T is true , said the Woodcock , the Sun is a glorious and powerful Planet ; his Heat is our Comfort , and his Light is our Joy ; and the Air is a thin and fine Element . But alas , said he , though we be Birds that can flye therein , yet we cannot rest therein ; and every Creature requires rest sometimes : neither can we live only by the Sun ; for the Sun cannot fill us , though he warms us ; his Light fills not our Crops , although it doth our Eyes ; nor is the Seed sown in the Air : and though the Winds furrow and plow the Clouds , yet the Air is too soft an Element to bear Corn , or any other Vegetable ; nor doth there grow sweet Berries on the Sun-beams , as on the Bushes : besides , great Winds beat down our sailing-wings ; and when the Air is thick , and full of Water , it wets and cleaves our Feathers so close , they will not spread ; which causeth difficulty of flight ; which tires us , and puts our Limbs to pain , when you sit lazily here all day long , chewing the Cud , having your Meat brought by Man , to encrease your Milk ; and in the Summer you are put to rich Pasture , or lye in green Meadows , growing thick with Cowslips and Dazies ; or else , for change , you walk up to the Mountains tops , to brouse on wild Thyme , or sweet Marjoram ; and yet you rail against our good Mother Earth , from whose Bowels we receive Life , and Food to maintain that Life she gives us : She is our kind Nurse , from whence we suck ( out of her springing breasts ) fresh water ; and are fed by her Hand of Bounty , shaded under her spreading-Boughs , and sheltred from Storms in her thick Groves .

Besides , said the Woodcock , you are safe from Dangers ; whenas we have many Airy-Enemies , as the Tyrant-Eagle , and Murtherous Hawk : But , said the Cow , we that only live upon the Earth , are dull and melancholy Creatures , in comparison of those that flye in the Air : for , all Birds are ingenuous , and seem to have more Wit than Beasts : besides , they are of chearfuller Dispositions , and have clearer Voices , by reason their Spirits are more refined , whereof the Serene Air , and the hot Sun , is the cause , by agitating the Spirits to that degree , that they seem to have more Life than we Beasts have , or any other Creature ; for those Bodies that are most active , and those Minds that are more cheerful , have most , although not longest Life , having more of the innated Matter ( which is Self-motion ) in them , than duller Creatures have . And since Nature hath given you a greater proportion of Life ( that is , more lively Spirits ) , slight not her Benefits , but make use of them ; for to that purpose she gives them .

Wherefore get up , and sit not idly here ; Mount up on high , above the Clouds appear . The Woodcock said , When we are up on high , We rather swim like Fishes , and not flye : The Air is like the Ocean , liquid , plain ; The Clouds are Water , and the Roof is Rain : Where , like a Ship , our Bodies swift do glide ; Our Wings , as Sails , are spread on either side : Our Head 's the Card , our Eyes the Needles be , For to direct us in our Airy Sea . Our Tail 's the Rudder , moves from side to side : And by that motion we our Bodies guide . Our Feet's the Anchors ; when to ground them set , We mend our Sails , that 's prune our Feathers wet : And every Bush , like several Ports they be : But a large Haven is a broad-spread Tree . O , said the Cow , this Voyage to the Skie I fain would see , whilst on the Ground I lie . To satisfie you , said the Woodcock , I Will mount ; so rose , and shak'd his Wings to flie .

But the Woodcock had not flown above a Cast high , but a Faulcon ( who had soared above for a Prey ) seeing the Woodcock underneath him , came down with such force , that he knocked him on the head with his Pounces .

Which when the Cow saw , she lowed out with sorrow , and made a most lamentable Voice , bewailing the Woodcock 's misfortune ; and out of a sad , melancholy , and discontented grief for the Woodcock his death , and for the unfortunate counsel she gave him , she mourned and lamented , putting on a black Hide ; which Hide she wore to her dying-day , and all her Posterity after her ; and not only her Posterity , but many of her Acquaintance .

The MORAL .

Some are so busily-good , that they will perswade and counsel not only all those they have relation to , or all they know and have acquaintance with , but all they meet , although they be meer strangers to them . But although some do it out of a meer busie nature , and intermedling humour and disposition ; yet questionless some do it out of a desire and natural inclination they have for a general fruition of Happiness , putting themselves in the last place .

But these sort of men have more Good-nature than Judgment ; for their Counsel oft-times brings Ruin , at least Sorrow , both to those that take it , and those that give it , through a blind ignorance of both Parties . But those that are prudently wise , never give Counsel but when it 's asked ; and then , not without great Caution ; chusing the safest ways , and the likeliest means , joining their own Reputation with the Party 's Good ; fearing to lose the one , or hurt the other by a rash Advice .

Of a Butcher and a Fly .

IN Shamble-Row , a Butcher walking in his Shop , where Meat was lying upon his Shop-board , and ( being in the heat of Summer ) a number of Flies were busily working thereupon ; which the Butcher seeing , was very angry , and said , That Flies were good for nothing but to corrupt Dead Flesh. At which words , the Flies murmured against the Butcher , making a humming-noise , to express their Passion .

But one of the ancientest and gravest Flyes amongst them ( which Fly living long , and observing much , had studied Natural and Moral Philosophy ) , having observed the Humours and Actions of all Creatures , especially of Man , and more especially of Butchers , by reason they most commonly frequent the Shambles ; she answered the Butcher thus :

Why ( said the Fly ) do you rail and exclaim against us , when we do nothing against Nature , but do good service to the Countrey ? for , we create living Creatures out of that you destroy ; whereby we keep Nature from ruin : and those only that destroy Life , are Nature's Enemies ; but those that maintain or create Life , are Nature's Friends . Thus we are Friends , and you are Enemies to Nature : for you are cruel , striving to destroy Nature , not only by taking the Life of barren Creatures , that are past producing ; but of young Creatures , that would encrease , had they been suffered to live , in not killing them before their natural time to dye . Besides ( said the Fly to the Butcher ) you are a Cheat and a Robber , as well as a Murtherer ; for you cozen and rob Time of the Goods he is intrusted to keep until such time as Nature requires them , to whom he carefully , easily , peaceably , delivers them to the right Owner . Also , you do not only rob him of those Goods he hath in charge ; but you maliciously or covetously spoil his Work : for , those Creatures that he hath but newly made and shaped , and some before they are quite finished ; nay , some which he hath but moulded in a lump together , you destroy ; which not only spoils old Father Time's Labours , but defaces his Architecture , disgracing his Skill . Likewise , you do not only endeavour to destroy Nature , and rob and disgrace Time ; but you take away Divine Worship from the Gods , who receive their Worship from Life , which you destroy ; for which , they may justly punish you to Death .

After the Fly had made an end of this Discourse , Now ( saith the Butcher to the Fly ) you think you have spoke wisely , honestly , and piously ; but your Speeches shew you to be a formal , prating Coxcomb : For first , Nature creates more Creatures from Death , than from Life ; from the Grave , than from the Womb : for those Creatures she creates from the Womb , she creates ( for the most part ) by single ones , or couples , as Mankind , and most sorts of Beasts ; but those that she creates from Death and the Grave , as from dead Carkasses , and Corruption , she produceth by numbers , as Maggots , Worms , and the like : and , most commonly , your impertinent Worships are created in that manner . And if the Gods are only served by Life , we serve the Gods best ; for we , by killing of single Creatures , are the cause of creating millions of living Creatures . Neither have you reason to brag ; for it is not you that are the only cause that those Creatures are produced from those Carkasses , but Corruption , which is the Mother of Life , and which ( by your Bloth ) you hasten , whereby you take Time's Work out of his hands , and so you do usurp on Time's Prerogative , for which I will whisk you out of my Shop as a Company of busie , prating , idle , foolish Creatures you are . Whereat they , being frighted , flew away .

Of a Man and a Spider .

A MAN , whose Thoughts were not busily employed upon potent Affairs , but lazily sitting in his Chair , leaning his Head on his Hand , with his Face towards the Window , viewing a crafty Spider , and marking what pains she took in spinning a Web to entangle the innocent Flyes ; saw , that her Work was no sooner done , but a Fly was catch'd therein . He seeing this poor Fly dragg'd along , and ready to be murthered by the cruel Spider ( who had watched her coming thither ) , thus spake :

Mischievous Spider ( says he ) who art only industrious to an Evil Design , spinning out thy own Bowels only to entrap a Creature that never did nor meant thee harm : Hadst thou spun out of a charitable intention to clothe the Naked , thou hadst been worthy of my Commendation ; but now thy Malice falls justly under my Wrath : and taking the Tongs , intended to kill her . But the Spider , perceiving his intention , thus spake :

Sir , You that pretend to Justice , be just to me , and hear me first speak : for , What is more unjust , than to censure , strike , or kill , before you know whether your Doom be deservedly given ; and you must be clear from the same Faults , before you can justly punish another for the like Crimes ; as also , be free from Partiality , lest you become cruel to one , through your tender pity to the other . But to answer for my self : I do not only spin thus to catch the Flyes , but it is my House in which I dwell ; which no sooner have I built it up , but the Flyes strive to break it down : for , if you would but observe , that when I have spun my Web , they straight flye into it ; which I no sooner see , but I run upon my Threads to assault them , and so catch them , if I can : for , since I cannot keep my House from being assaulted , I strive to make it a Snare to intangle my Foes therein ; and by that means I make it a Mischief to fall on their own Heads : and , What Creature hath Nature made , but ( if they had power ) would defend themselves . But say , I spun this Web only to catch Flyes to feed upon , it were no Crime in Nature : for , What Creature is there that will spare the Life of another , if it be to maintain his own ? since Self-preservation is the chief of Nature's Works ; and of all her Works , Man seeks it most : and not only so , but he delights in Spoil , which is against Nature : for , Doth not Man take delight , and account it as one of his Recreations , to kill those Creatures that he refuses to eat ? Nay , Man will destroy his own Kind : for , What Warrs and Slaughter do they make , out of a covetous Ambition for Power and Authority ? But , if you be so just as you pretend , then first cast out all Intemperate Desires . Make Peace among your selves , then may you be fit Judges to decide the Quarrels of other Creatures , and to punish Offendors , when you are innocent ; otherwise you will but shew your self an Usurper , wresting that Power that belongs not to you ; and a Tyrant , to execute with the Sword of Cruelty , destroying Truth and Right .

The Man , when he had heard the Spider's Discourse , turned his Back , and went his ways .

A Dialogue betwixt a great Lady , and her Maid of Honour .

THERE was a great rich Lady talking to one of her Maids of Honour of several things , at last she began to speak of the false Reports Envy and Malice had raised in the World .

Her Maid told her , If she would not be angry , she would tell her what they said of her .

Do so , said she ; for I do not censure my self according as the World's reports , which most commonly are false ; but I judg my self according to my Life , which is my Thoughts and Actions : Wherefore , they cannot move my Anger at any thing they say ; and so you may relate without offence .

Maid .

They say , You are Proud .

Lady .

I am so , in scorning what is base .

Maid .

They say , You prize your Title of Honour at too high a rate .

Lady .

That 's false , said she ; I only prize such Titles , as being the Mark of Merit : for , only Merit dignifies a Man , and not those Titles of Honour , which gain a Luster from the Worth of those they are placed upon .

Maid .

They say , You are vain , in making Shews of State , and Stately Shews .

Lady .

Why , answered she , the Gods delight in Ceremonies , which are devout Shows ; and this World which they have made , is like a Pageant , or Masquing-Scenes ; and when Great Kings neglect their Ceremonies , their State goes down ;

And with their State they lose their Kingly Crown .

Maid .

They say , You are so Proud , that you will not sit , because all others by you should stand .

Lady .

They are deceived , said she ; for I would rather stand whilst others sit ; for as they sit , they bow lower towards the Earth ;

By which , my Slaves and Vassals they do shew .

Maid .

They say , You will not eat your Meat , but by your self alone ; which proves you Proud , or Covetous

Lady .

It proves me neither : for , Why should I disgust my Palat , in hearing a confused Noise ? For , when good Meat and Wine fumes to their Brains , their Tongues become unruly . Neither is it out of Covetousness : for , I do not only keep one well-furnished Table , but many ; and do allow Entertainment to all Civil Guests .

Maid .

They say , You are Proud , because you will receive no Visits but at set and certain times .

Lady .

Why should I spend my time in idle talk , since Life is short ? or to disturb my solitary hours , which is the best and happiest time of Life , wherein Man only doth enjoy himself ?

Maid .

They say , You are not Sociable , in not carrying abroad your Neighbours , or your Friends , as other Ladies of great Titles do ; which send about to other Ladies to accompany them abroad , to fill their Train , and make a Shew .

Lady .

I hate to be attended upon Courtesie , or make a Shew of Borrowed-Favours , or fill my Train with bare Acquaintance , or humble Companions ; to have my Estate none of my own , only to make a seeming-Shew ; and when they are gone , my Estate is gone , and I left alone , naked and bare , having none that I can command about me . No , when I appear abroad , I will only be attended and waited upon by such as live upon my Bounty , or are raised by my Favours . I will have no patch'd Train , made up of Strangers ; it shall be all my own , although it be the shorter ; otherwise , what Shews soever it makes , it is but mean and poor , expressing more Vain-glory , than it doth State . Besides , it cheats and cozens Noble Honour : for , should a King be attended and served in State with other Subjects than his own , upon another King's Charge or Courtesie ; he would not seem , to those that are wise , to have great Power . But he is Great , whose Kingdom is fully populated , and all do bow with an obedient Knee , and are ready to serve his Will. So , like Potent Kings , in my Degree , will I be served and waited on by my own Family , with Duty and Obedience ; and not by Strangers , who are like Forreigners , and are apt to mutiny , and make a Warr , or think they do me Honour . No , I will have none but such as think I honour them ; and if I have Merit , I do so ( although they be of equal rank ) , if by my Worth or Fortune I do grace or assist them any way : for , it is an Honour to receive a Bounty or a Favour from Persons of Merit .

Maid .

They say , You do dislike , when any Man falutes you , although of Quality .

Lady .

How ! salutes me ?

Maid .

Why , to kiss you .

Lady .

Why ought not every honest Woman so to do ? For , Kisses are Cupid's Gentlemen-Ushers , and Venus Waiting-Maids , which oft betray the Men to wild Desires , and kindles in their Hearts unlawful Fire : Wherefore , I would have that Custom banished quite , especially by Husbands that do prize their Honour . But Envy doth misemploy the Tongue , and leads Mankind to base Actions , making their Life like leaking-Vessels , where precious Time doth idly drop away .

Maid .

I have heard , That all the World was pictured in Fool 's Cap.

Lady .

'T is strange it should be so : for Nature that did make it , and Gods that rule it , are wise : but Men are bad , which makes me not care what they say : for , I divide Mankind into Four parts , whereof three are naught : One part I hate , as being Wicked . The second I scorn , as being Base . And , the third I pity , as being Ignorantly foolish .

Maid .

What is the fourth part , Madam ?

Lady .

The fourth part I may divide into four parts more : One part I admire , as being Wise. The second part I honour , as being Noble . The third part I love , as being Good . The fourth part I rely on , as being Valiant .

Maid .

There would be little Security , if only the fourth part of the fourth part were Valiant ; for the other parts might overpower them .

Lady .

O no , Cowards know not their own strength , because they dare not try it ; and one Valiant Man , if Fortune sits but idle , will beat at least twenty Cowards . But Fortune , for the most part , is a Friend to Cowards and to Fools , more than to the Valiant and the Wise ; yet oft-times the Valiant and the Wise do make a passage through , though Fortune do obstruct .

Maid .

But , Madam , if there were so few Valiant , there would not be so much Warr amongst Mankind , as is .

Lady .

O yes ; for Cowards fight for fear , and Valiant Men do set them on ; and were it not for those that are Valiant and Wise , there would neither be Justice nor Propriety .

Maid .

Indeed , Justice is pictured with a Sword in one hand , and a pair of Balances in the other .

Lady .

That shews , that Wisdom doth justly weigh Truth , and Valour doth maintain the Right .

Maid .

I have heard a Proverb , Madam , That be that is wise , is honest .

Lady .

And those that are not Valiant , can never be constantly Honest ; for , said the , Fear would put them out of Honest ways . And so she left off discoursing .

A Dialogue betwixt a Contemplating Lady , and a Poet. POET.

PRAY , Madam , think me not rude to intrude upon your Contemplation .

Lady . A Poet's Wit is a Companion Fit for a vain Imagination . Poet.

That is not vainly done , which gives a Delight to the Mind , without endangering the Soul , or distempering the Body : for , Vanity lives only in that which is useless or unprofitable .

Lady .

Indeed , to delight the Mind is more necessary than to feed the Body : for , a discontented Mind is worse than Death ; but the most part of the World think nothing useful to the Life , but what is Substantial .

Poet.

If they do so , they must account Thoughts vain : for , Thoughts are only an Incorporeal Motion , or at least believed to be so .

Lady .

But without the Incorporeal Motion , the World would be a dead Carkass only : for , were it not for Contemplation , there would be no Invention ; if no Invention , no Conveniency ; if no Conveniency , no Ease ; if no Ease , no Pleasure ; if no Pleasure , no Happiness ; and to be unhappy , is worse than Death : but Contemplation is the Mother of Invention .

Poet.

But Language is the Midwife , and Practise the Nurse . Besides , if there were no Practise or Conversation , all Invention and Industry would be Abortive : And Language utterly unknown , The Trumpet loud of Fame unblown : No Ladder set unto her Throne , The Hill untrod she sits upon .

Wherefore , we ought not to bury our selves in Contemplation , nor to banish our selves from Conversation : for , Conversation gives the Mind breath , and makes the Imagination the stronger , the Conception larger , the Invention apter , and Fancy livelier ; otherwise we shall smuther the Thoughts for want of vent , and put out their Light for want of Oil , and then the Life would sit in Darkness .

Lady .

Certainly the greatest Delight that Life gives , is Contemplation ; and the Life of Contemplation , is silent Solitariness .

Poet.

'T is true : but the Mind , as the Body , may feed so long of Pleasures , that they may prove tormenting-Pain : so that the Mind must be exercised with Discourse , cleansed with Writing , otherwise the Streams of Fancy , which arise in several Springs from the Imaginations , may overflow the Mind , causing it to be flatuous and hydropcal ; or the several and singular Opinions , which are most commonly tough and hard , may obstruct the Mind , causing it to be pursie and short-breath'd ; and the cold and hot Passions , for want of Purgingwords , may either stupifie or inflame the Mind ; and too much Solitariness will bed-rid the Mind , making it faint and weak . Besides , if the Mind do not travel to several Objects , and traffick with the Senses and Discourse , it would have no acquaintance with the World , no knowledg of Men , nor Famous Monuments . And give me leave , Lady , to tell you , Extreams in Nature are an Enemy to Life , and to Life's delight : Wherefore , let me advise you to intermingle with your harmless Contemplations , rational Discourses , knowing Societies , and worthy Actions ; and employ your Senses on profitable Labours , and not suffer them to live idly and useless to the Mind .

Lady .

Let me tell you , Sir , the Mind needs them not ; for the Mind is so well attended , so richly furnished , has such witty Companions , such wise Acquaintance , such numbers of Strangers , such faithful Friends , such industrious Servants , such various Pleasures , such sweet Delights , such spacious Walks , such safe Habitations , and such a peaceable Life , that it neither needs to converse or have commerce either with the Senses , Mankind , or the World ; for it is a World within it self .

The Mind a vaster World it self doth prove ; Where several Passions , like the Planets , move : Poetick Fancies , like fix'd Starrs , shine bright Upon the Brain , mhich makes a Day of Night . The flux of things produceth from the Earth ; As some decays , to others gives new birth . Nature and Time are equal in their ends , As some decay , to others new Life sends . The Circulation of Time's World , we see , May prove Eternal , the Mind Immortal be . All the Material World hath Compass round , But in the Mind no Compass can be found : T is infinite , like Nature can create Thoughts , several Creatures , Destiny and Fate : And Life and Death do in the Mind still lye ; Death to forget , and Life is Memory . Poet.

But , Lady , in Justice the Body , as well as the Mind , must share in the Pleasures of Life : for it were unjust that only the Body should endure Restraint and Pain , and take no Delight : wherefore you ought not to imprison it to dark and solitary places , to chain it up with Contemplation , and to starve it with Abstinency ; but let it take a moderate pleasure .

Lady .

Well , I will try to be more sociable , and not starve the Life of my Body with over-feeding my Mind .

But hard 't will be to me for to abstain , And leave the Banquet of a thinking-Brain ; Where all delicious Pleasures and Delight Are there set forth to feed each Appetite .

The Dialogue of the Wise Lady , the Learned Lady , and the Witty Lady . Learned Lady .

SOME are of opinion , That the World is a living Creature , and the Sun is the Soul of it . A Wise and Learned Philosopher held , That the World was made of Atoms , the Chaos being nothing but an infinite confus'd quantity of them .

Wit.

I think the Chaos was a great Lump of Wit , which run it self into several Figures , creating several Forms . Thus the Chaos being Wit , and the Wit being Motion , hath invented this World , and many more , for all we know : for Wit is never idle , but is still producing something either of Delight or Profit .

Wis.

The best is , Not to dispute of what Matter it is , or how it was made , or when it was made ; but to enjoy the Pleasures thereof , to make use of the Profits it hath , and to avoid ( as much as we can ) the Inconveniences and Troubles therein : for Disputes carry more out of the ways of Truth , and leads further into the ways of Ignorance , than all the Reason Nature hath given can add to our Knowledg ; and there is no Reason so strong , but may be contradicted by another .

Wit.

If our Reason be so false a Guide , and not only the Creation , but the Tract of the World , is so hard to be found out ; How shall we find a direct way to Jove's Mansion ?

Wis.

I will tell you : The way to walk , is by the Line of a good Life , and to take hold of Faith , and to climb up to Heaven by the Ladder of Prayers .

Lear.

Nature is a Chymist , and Water is the Mercury , Fire is the Sulphur , Air is the Volatil Salt , Earth is the fixed Salt , the fixed Starrs are the Crystalline part , Life is the Spirits or Essences , Death is the Caput Mortuum .

Wit.

Wit , which is the Scholar of Nature , is as good a Chymist : for , Wit doth extract something out of every thing .

Wis.

And Wisdom knows how to apply the Extraction to the best use .

Learn .

As the agitation of the Air makes us draw our breath ; so the agitation of the World makes it continue .

Wit.

The agitation of the Brain makes a sharp ready Wit.

Wis.

The agitation of Virtue makes a peaceable Commonwealth .

Learn .

Some Moral Philosophers hold , That no Creature hath Reason , but Man .

Wis.

Men only talk of Reason , but live like Beasts , following their Appetites without Rules .

Wit.

Men may as soon set Rules to Eternity , as to themselves : for , their Desires are so infinite , and so intricate , that we may as soon measure Eternity , as them : for , Desires are like Time , still run forward ; and what is past , is as it had never been .

Wis.

But Man may set Rules to Himself , not to his Desires ; and as wise Laws govern the Life , so that Reason ( Which Men say they have ) should govern their insatiable Desires .

Learn .

'T is said , History instructs the Life , it registers Time , it enthrones Virtue , it proclaims Noble Natures , it crowns Heroick Actions , it divulges Baseness , and hangs up Wickedness : It is a Torch , that gives light to dark Ignorance : It is a Monument to the Dead , and a Fame to Persons of Merit .

Wit.

In Poetry is included Musick and Rhetorick , which is Number and Measure , Judgment and Fancy , Imitation and Invention : It is the finest Art in Nature ; for it animates the Spirits to Devotion , it fires the Spirits to Action , it begets Love , it abates Hate , it tempers Anger , it asswages Grief , it eases Pain , it encreases Joy , allays Fear , and sweetens the whole Life of Man , by playing so well upon the Brain , that it strikes the strings of the Heart with Delight , which makes the Spirits to dance , and keeps the Mind in tune , whereby the Thoughts move equally in a round Circle , where Love sits in the Center as Mistress and Judg.

Learn .

Some Philosophers hold , That all the Changes in the World are only caused by Dilatation and Contraction .

Wit.

I am sure , too much Dilatation of the Spirits , causeth a weakness , by dis-uniting their Forces , and contracting of Humours , causeth Diseases . Yet a dilatating Wit is best , spreading it self , smoothly flowing , and easily ; which if it be contracted , it makes it constraint , hard , and unpleasant , and becomes difficult to the Understanding .

Wis .

Let us contract our Vanities , and moderate our Appetites with sober Temperance , and dilate our Virtues and good Graces , by Noble Actions , and Pious Endeavours .

Learn .

The Mind , some say , is nothing but Local Motion in the Brain , which we call Spirits in Animals , that is , Vapour ; indeed , Vapour of Vapours ; that is , the thin and sharp Vapours ; it is an Extract of Vapour from Vapours , like Essences or Smoak , that arises from the porous and liquid parts of the Body , especially the Blood . This Essence hath an innated Motion , arising from the acuteness thereof ; yet its strength is often allayed by the dulness and coldness of grosser Vapours , or obstructed or hindred by the thickness of dull Matter ; and oft-times it evaporates out of the Body , by too much rarification , caused by too quick a Motion .

Wit.

The Mind is , like a God , an Incorporeal thing ; and so infinite , that it is as impossible to measure the Mind , as Eternity . Indeed , Vapour is a great Instrument to the Wit : for , gross Vapour stops up the Wit , cold Vapour congeals it , hot Vapour inflames it , thin and sharp Vapour quickens it . Thus all sorts of Vapours make Variety of Wit ; and the several Figures , and Works , and Forms , that the Vaporous Smoak ariseth in , causeth several Fancies , by giving several Motions to the Brain .

Wis .

Well , Sisters , to conclude your Dispute , The best Ingredient of the Mind , is Honesty ; and the best motion of the Brain , is Reason ; otherwise the Brain would be mad , and the Mind wicked : wherefore moderate the one , and temper the other .

Learn .

Learning encreases Knowledg , begets Understanding , employs Time , and enriches the Mind .

Wit.

Wit invents profitable Arts , it creates Sciences , it delights the Mind , it recreates the Life , and entertains Time .

Wis .

Wisdom guides the Life safe , gives honest Laws to the Will , sets noble Rules to the Actions ; it governs Misfortunes easily , it prevents Misfortunes prudently , it employs Time thristily , it makes Peace , it gets Victory , it tempers those Passions that would disturb the Soul ; it moderates those Appetites that would cause Pain to the Body ; it endures Sickness patiently , and suffers Death valiantly .

Learn .

There are many several kinds of Arts , as Arts of Pleasure , enticing Arts , vain-glorious Arts , vain Arts , superfluous Arts , superstitious Arts , ambitious Arts , covetous Arts , profitable Arts , destructive Arts.

Arts of Pleasure are , Gardens , Groves , Bowers , Arbours , Grots , Fountains , Prospects , Landskips , Gilding , Painting , Sculpture : likewise , Musick of all sorts , Confectionary , Cookery , and Perfumes .

Enticing Arts are , Artificial Singing , Artificial Speaking , Artificial Dressing , Dancing , Powdring , Curling , Perfuming , Rich Clothing , Luxurious Entertainments .

Vain Arts are , Feathers , Fancies , Ribbons , black-Patches , and Side-Glasses .

Amorous Arts are , flattering Complements , false Professions , affected Garbs , affected Speeches , affected Countenances , affected Actions ; Sonnets , Poems , Frolicks , Questions and Commands , Proposes and Riddles , Presents , Private Meetings , and Conference .

Expensive Arts are , Feasting , Masquing , Balling , Carding , Dicing , Racing , Betting , and the like .

Ill-natur'd Arts are , Bull-baiting , Cock-fighting , Dog fighting , Cudgel-playing .

Exercising Arts are , Bowling , Shooting , Hunting , Wrestling , Pitching the Barr , and Tennis-Court Play .

Vain-glorious Arts are , Oratory , Pleading , Disputing , Proposing , Objecting , Magnisicent Entertainments , great Revenues , Sumptuous Palaces , and Costly Furnitures .

Covetous Arts are , Bribery , Monopolies , Taxes , Excises , and Compositions .

Ambitious Arts are , Time-serving , Observing , Insinuating .

Malicious Arts are , Impeachings , Back-bitings , and Libels .

Superstitious Arts are , Interpretations , false Visions , Impostures , Imprecations , Ceremonies , Postures , Garbs , Countenances , and Paces ; and particular Customs , Habits , and Diets .

Idolatrous Arts are , Groves , Altars , Images , and Sacrifices .

Dangerous Arts ( though necessary for the safety of Honour ) are , Fencing , Riding , Tilting , Vaulting , Wrestling , and Swimming .

Murthering Arts are , Swords , Knives , Hatchets , Saws , Sythes , Pick-axes , Pikes , Darts , Granadoes , Guns , Bullets , Shot , Powder .

Arts of Safety are , Trenches , Moats , Bridges , Walls , Arms , and Chyrurgery .

Profitable Arts , are , Geometry , Cosmography , Arithmetick , Navigation , Fortification , Architecture , Fire-works , Water-works , Wind-works , Cultivating , Manuring , Distilling , Extracting , Pounding , Mixing , Sifting , Grinding , as Malting , Brewing , Baking , Cooking , Granging , Carding , Spinning , Weaving , Colouring , Tanning , Writing , Printing .

Wit.

Why , Learned Sister , all these Arts , and innumerbale more , are produced from the Forge of the Brain , being all invented by Wit ; and the Inventer is to be more valued than the Art ; the Cause , more than the Effect : for as without a Cause , there would be no Effect ; so , without an Inventive Brain , there could be no Ingenuous Art .

Wis.

Dear Witty Sister , do not engross more than what is justly your own ; for there are more Arts produced from Accidents and Experiments , than from Ingenious Wit.

Learn .

Some Learned Men hold , That the Motion of the Sun makes the Heat : others , that Heat makes Motion .

Wit.

Then it is like the Brain ; for a hot Brain makes a quick Wit ; and a quick Wit makes the Brain hot .

Wis.

We ought not to spend our time in studying of the Motions and Heat of the Sun , but of the Motions and Passions of the Heart .

Learn .

Some are of opinion , That Light hath no Body : others , That it hath a Body ; and that the Light of the Sun enlightens the Air , as one Candle doth another .

Wit.

Light is like Imagination , an Incorporeal thing , or an Accidental Proceeding from a Substance ; and as one Candle doth light another , so one Fancy produceth another .

Wis .

Pray discourse of Virtues , which is the Light of the Soul ; and Generosity , an Effect thereof , which distributes to Necessity , producing comfortable Relicfs therewith .

Learn .

And some say , Colours are no Colours in the dark , being produced by Light on such and such Bodies .

Wit.

We may as well say , Wit is no Wit , or Thoughts no Thoughts in the Brain , being produced by such and such Objects ; nor Passion is no Passion in the Heart , being raised by such and such Causes .

Wis .

I pray dispute not how Colours are produced , whether from the Light , or from their own Natures , or Natural Substances ; but consider , that Good Works are produced from a Soul that is pure and bright .

Learn .

The Learned say , That Sounds are Numbers , and Opticks are Lines of Light .

Wit .

Wit sets the Number , and Motion draws the Lines .

Wis .

There is no Musick so harmonious , as Honest Professions , nor no Light so pure as Truth .

Learn .

And they say , Discord in Musick well applied , makes the Harmony the delightfuller .

Wit .

So Satyr in Wit makes it more quick and pleasant .

Wis .

So Truths , mix'd with Falshood , make Flattery more plausible and acceptable .

Learn .

Time , which is the Dissolver of all Corporeal Things , yet it is the Mother , Midwife , and Nurse to Knowledg ; whereby we find all Modern Romancy-Writers , although they seem to laugh and make a scorn of Amadis de Gall , yet make him the Original-Table , or Ground , from whence they draw their Draughts , and take out covertly their Copies from thence . Indeed , Amadis de Gall is the Homer of Romancy-writers .

Wit.

Although Wit is not a Dissolver , yet 't is a Creator . Wit doth descry and divulge more Knowledg than Time : for that which Time could never find out , Wit will discover .

Wit is like a Goddess in Nature : for , though it cannot dissolve , yet it can produce , not only something out of something , but something out of nothing ( I mean , from the Imaginations , which are nothing ) ; and Wit needs no other Table or Ground to draw its Draughts , or take Copy from , but it s own Brain , which creates and invents , similizes and distinguisheth .

Wis.

But Time and Wit would soon produce a Chaos of Disorder , if it were not for Wisdom , which is composed of Judgment , Justice , Prudence , Fortitude , and Temperance : for , Judgment distinguishes Times and Wits ; Justice governs Times and Wits ; Prudence orders Times and Wits ; Fortitude marshals Times and Wits ; and Temperance measures Times and Wits .

Learn .

Scholars say , That one Man can see higher and further , when he is set upon another Man's Shoulders , than when he stands or sits on the Ground by himself : so , when one is raised by another Man's Opinion , he can descry more in hidden Mysteries .

Wit.

But if a Man see a Lark tow'r in the Sky , which another Man doth not , having weaker Eyes ; yet he is no wiser than the other , that only saw the Lark picking Corn on the Ground . But he that sees her not in the Sky , knows she is in the Sky , as well as the other , because he saw from whence she took her flight .

But if the other , that is raised , can see a Bird in the Sky that was never seen before , it were something to add to his Knowledg . Besides , a sharp , quick Eye will see further on his own Legs , than on the Shoulder of another : for most grow dizzy , if set on high , which casts a Mist on the Eyes of the Understanding .

Wis.

Leave the Shoulders of your Neighbours , and let your Eye of Faith reach to Heaven . As some Meats nourish the Body , and some destroy the Body : so some Thoughts nourish the Soul , and some destroy it . The Senses are the working-Labourers , to bring Life's Materials in . As Nature is the best Tutor to instruct the Mind , so the Mind is the best Tutor to instruct the Senses . And my Mind instructs my Senses to leave you .

There are learned Arts and Sciences ; a Poetical and Satyrical Wit ; a Comical and Tragical Wit ; an Historical and Romancical Wit ; an Ingenious and Inventive Wit ; a Scholastical Wit ; a Philosophical Wit. There is Moral , Human , and Divine Wisdom .

The CONTRACT .

A NOBLE Gentleman that had been married many years , but his Wife ( being barren ) did bear him no Children ; at last she dyed , and his Friends did advise him to marry again , because his Brother's Children were dead , and his Wife was likely to have no more . So he took to Wife a virtuous young Lady ; and after one year she conceived with Child , and great Joy there was of all sides : but in her Child-bed she dyed , leaving only one Daughter to her sorrowful Husband , who in a short time ( oppressed with Melancholy ) dyed , and left his Daughter ( who was not a year old ) to the care and breeding of his Brother , and withall left her a great Estate , for he was very rich . After the Ceremonies of the Funeral , his Brother carried the Child home , which was nursed up very carefully by his Wife ; and being all that was likely to succeed in their Family , the Unkle grew extream fond and tender of his Neece , insomuch that she was all the comfort and delight of his life .

A great Duke , which commanded that Province , would often come and eat a Breakfast with this Gentleman , as he rid a Hunting ; and so often they met after this manner , that there grew a great Friendship betwixt them : for this Gentleman was well bred , knowing the World by his Travels in his younger days ; and though he had served in the warrs , and fought many Battels , yet was he not ignorant of Courtly Entertainments . Besides , he was of a very good conversation , for he had a voluble Tongue , and a ready Understanding ; and in his retired life , was a great Student , whereby he became an excellent Scholar ; so that the Duke took great delight in his company . Besides , the Duke had a desire to match the Neece of this Gentleman , his Friend , to his younger Son , having only two Sons ; and knowing this Child had a great Estate left by her Father ; and was likely to have her Unkle's Estate joined thereto , he was earnest upon it : but her Unkle was unwilling to marry her to a younger Brother , although he was of a great Family : but , with much perswasion , he agreed , and gave his consent , when she was old enough to marry ; for she was then not seven years old . But the Duke fell very sick ; and when the Physicians told him , he could not live , he sent for the Gentleman and his Neece , to take his last Farewell ; and when they came , the Duke desired his Friend , that he would agree to join his Neece and his Son in Marriage .

He answered , That he was very willing , if she were of years to consent .

Said the Duke , I desire we may do our parts ; which is , to join them as fast as we can : for Youth is wild , various , and unconstant ; and when I am dead , I know not how my Son may dispose of himself when he is left to his own choice : for he privately found his Son very unwilling , being a Man grown , to marry a Child .

The Gentleman seeing him so desirous to marry , agreed to what he desired .

The Duke called his Son privately to him , and told him , His intentions were to see him bestowed in Marriage , before he dyed .

His Son desired him , Not to marry him against his mind , to a Child .

His Father told him , She had a great Estate , and it was like to be greater , by reason all the Revenue was laid up to encrease it : and besides , she was likely to be Heir to her Unkle , who loved her as his own Child ; and her Riches may draw so many Suiters when she is a Woman , said he , that you may be refused .

He told his Father , Her Riches could not make him happy , if he could not affect her .

Whereupon the Duke grew so angry , that he said , His Disobedience would disturb his Death , leaving the World with an unsatisfied Mind .

Whereupon he seemed to consent , to please his Father . Then were they as firmly contracted , as the Priest could make them , and two or three Witnesses to avow it .

But after his Father was dead , he ( being discontented ) went to the Warrs , and in short time was called from thence , by reason his Elder Brother dyed , and so the Dukedom and all the Estate came to him , being then the only Heir . But he never came near the young Lady , nor so much as sent to her ; for he was at that time extreamly in love with a great Lady , who was young and Handsome , being Wife to a Grandee which was very rich , but was very old ; whose Age made her more facil to young Lovers , especially to this young Duke , who was favoured by Nature , Fortune , and Breeding : for he was very handsom , and of a ready Wit ; Active , Valiant , full of Generosity ; Affable , well-fashion'd ; and had he not been sullied with some Debaucheries , he had been the compleatest Man in that Age.

The old Gentleman perceiving his neglect towards his Neece , and hearing of his Affection to that Lady , strove by all the Care and Industry he could , to give her such Breeding as might win his Love : Not that he was negligent before she was contracted to him ; for from the time of four years old , she was taught all that her Age was capable of ; as , to Sing , and to Dance : for , he would have that Artificial Motion become as Natural ; and so to grow in Perfections , as she grew in years . When she was Seven years of age , he chose her such Books to read , as might make her Wise , not Amorous ; for he never suffered her to read in Romances , nor such leight Books : but Moral Philosophy was the first of her Studies , to lay a Ground and Foundation of Virtue , and to teach her to moderate her Passions , and to rule her Affections . The next study was History , to learn her Experience by the second hand ; reading the Good Fortunes and Misfortunes of former times ; the Errors that were committed , the Advantages that were lost , the Humours and Dispositions of Men , the Laws and Customs of Nations ; their rise , and their fallings ; of their Warrs and Agreements , and the like .

The next study to that , was the best of Poets , to delight in their Fancies , and in their Wit ; and this she did not only read , but repeat what she had read every Evening before she went to Bed . Besides , he taught her to understand what she read , by explaining that which was hard and obscure . Thus she was always busily employed ; for she had little time allowed her for Childish Recreations .

Thus did he make her Breeding his only Business and Employment : for he lived obscurely and privately , keeping but a little Family , and having little or no Acquaintance , but lived a kind of a Monastical Life . But when the Neece was about Thirteen years of age , he heard the Duke was married to the Lady with which he was enamoured : for being by the death of her Husband left a rich Widow , she claimed from him a Promise that he made her whilst her Husband was living , That when he dyed ( being an old man , and not likely to live long ) to marry her : which he was loth to do ; for Men that love the Pleasures of the world , care not to be encumbred and obstructed with a Wife ; and so did not at all reflect neither upon his Contract with the young Lady ; for after his Father dyed , he resolved not to take her to Wife ; for she being so young , he thought the Contract of no validity . But the Widow seeming more coy than in her Husband's time , seeking thereby to draw him to marry her ; and , being overcome by several ways of subtilty , he married her . Whereupon the Unkle was mightily troubled , and very melancholy ; which his Neece perceived , and desired of him to know the cause ; which he told her .

Is this the only reason , said she ?

Yes , said he : and doth it not trouble you ?

No , said she , unless I had been forsaken for some sinful Crime I had committed against Heaven , or had infringed the Laws of Honour , or had broken the Rules of Modesty , or some Misdemeanour against him , or some defect in Nature , then I should have lamented , but not for the loss of the Man , but for the cause of the loss ; for then all the World might have justly defamed me with a dishonourable Reproach : but now I can look the World in the face with as confident a Brow as Innocence can arm . Besides , it is likely I might have been unhappy in a Man that could not affect me . Wherefore , good Unkle , be not melancholy , but think that Fortune hath befriended me , or that Destiny had decreed it so to be : if so , we are to thank the one , and it was impossible to avoid the other : and if the Fates spin a long Thread of your Life , I shall never murmur for that loss , but give thanks to the Gods for this Blessing .

O , but Child , said he , the Duke was the greatest and richest Match , since his Brother dyed , in the Kingdom : and I would not have thy Virtue , Beauty , Youth , Wealth , and Breeding , stoop to a low Fortune , when thou mayest be a Match fit for the Emperor of the whole World , in a few years , if you grow up , and go on as you have begun .

O Unkle , said she , let not your Natural Affection make you a Partial Judg , to give the Sentence of more Desert in me , than I can own : if I have Virtue , it is a Reward sufficient in it self : if I have Beauty , it is but one of Nature's fading Favours ; and those that loved me for it , may hate me when it is gone : and if I be rich , as you say I am like to be : Who are happier than those that are Mistresses of their own Fortunes ? Having bred me well , I shall be happy in what Condition soever I am in , being Content ; for that is the End and Felicity of the Mind .

But if thou hadst been in Love with him ( said her Unkle ) , Where had been your content then ? For no Education can keep out that Passion .

I hope ( said she ) the Gods will be more merciful , than to suffer in me such Passions as I cannot rule . What manner of Man he , said she ? For I was too young to remember him .

His Person ( said he ) is handsom enough .

That is his outside , said she ; but , What is his inside ? What is his Nature and Disposition ?

Debauch'd , said he , and loves his Luxuries .

Heavens have bless'd me from him , said she .

Well , said her Unkle , since I am cross'd in thy Marriage , I will strive to make thee a Mirror of the Time : wherefore I will carry thee to the Metropolitan City for thy better Education ; for here thou art bred obscurely , and canst learn little , because thou hearest and seest little . You shall not appear to the World this two or three years , but go always veiled , for the sight of thy Face will divulge thee ; neither will we have acquaintance or commerce with any ; but observe , hear , and see so much as we can , without being known .

Sir , said she , I shall be ruled by your Direction ; for I know my small Bark will swim the better and safer for your steerage : wherefore I shall not fear to launch it into the deepest or most dangerous places of the World , which I suppose are the great and populous Cities . So , making but small Preparations , only what was for meer necessity , they took their Journey speedily , carrying no other Servants but those that knew and used to obey their Master's will . And when they came to the City , they took private Lodging ; where , after they had rested some few days , he carried her every day ( once or twice a day ) abroad , after her Exercise of Dancing and Musick was done . For , being careful she should not only keep what she had learn'd , but learn what she knew not ; after her Lessons at home , he carried her to Lectures , according as he heard where any were read , either of Natural Philosophy , ( for this she had studied least : but taking much delight therein , she had various Speculations thereof ) or of Physick and Chymistry , of Musick , and of divers others , on such days as they were read . Also , he carried her to places of Judicature , to hear great Causes decided ; and to hear the several Pleadings , or rather Wranglings , of several Lawyers ; but never to Court , Masques , Plays , nor Balls : and she always went to the publick places aforementioned , masqu'd , muffl'd , or scarf'd : and her Unkle would make means to get a private Corner to sit in , where they might hear well ; and when he came home , he would instruct her of all that was read , and tell her where they differed from the old Authors ; and then would give his Opinion , and take hers , of their several Doctrines . And thus they continued for two years .

In the mean time , her Beauty encreased with her Breeding , but was not made known to any , as yet ; till being come to the age of sixteen years , her Unkle did resolve to present her to the World : for he knew , Youth was admired in it self ; but when Beauty and Virtue was joined to it , it was the greater Miracle . So he began to examine her , for he was jealous she might be catch'd with vain Gallants ; although he had observed her Humour to be serious , and not apt to be catch'd with every Toy ; yet he knew Youth to be so uncertain , that there was no trusting it to itself .

So he ask'd her , How she was taken with the Riches and Gallantry of the City ; for she could not chuse but see Lords and Ladies riding in their brave gilt Coaches , and themselves dress'd in rich Apparel , and the young Gallants riding on praunsing Horses upon embroidered Foot-Clothes , as she pass'd along the Streets .

She answered , they pleased her Eyes for a time ; and that Dressings were like Bridal-Houses , garnished and hung by some Ingenious Wit ; and their Beauties like fine Flowers drawn by the Pencil of Nature ; but being not gathered by Acquaintance , said she , I know not whether they are vertuonsly sweet , or no ; as I pass by , I please my Eye , yet no other ways than as upon sensless Objects : they entice me not to stay ; and a short view satisfies the Appetite of the Senses , unless the Rational and Understanding part should be absent ; but to me they seem but moving-Statues .

Well , said he , I hear there is a Masque to be at Court ; and I am resolved you shall go , if we can get in , to see it : for though I am old , and not fit to go , since my Dancing-days are done ; yet I must get into some Corner , to see how you behave your self .

Pray , said she , What is a Masque ?

He said , It is painted Scenes , to represent the Poets Heavens and Hells , their Gods and Devils , the Clouds , Sun , Moon , and Starrs : besides , they represent Cities , Castles , Seas , Fishes , Rocks , Mountains , Beasts , Birds , and what pleaseth the Poet , Painter , and Surveyor . Then there are Actors , and Speeches spoke , and Musick ; and then Lords or Ladies come down in a Scene , as from the Clouds ; and after that , they begin to dance , and every one takes out one or other , according as they fancy . If a Man takes out a Woman , if she cannot , or will not dance , then she makes a Curt'sie to the King , or Queen , or chief Grandee , if there be any one ; if not , to the upper end of the Room ; then turns to the Man , and makes another to him : then he leaves , or leads her to them she will take out ; and she doth the like to him , and then goeth to her place again . And the Men do the same , if they will not dance ; and if they do dance , they do just so when the Dance is ended ; and all the chief of the Youths of the City ( or all those that have youthful Minds , and love Sights and fine Clothes ) come to see it , or to shew themselves . Then the Room is made as light with Candles , as if the Sun shined ; and their glittering Bravery makes as glorious a Shew as his gilded Beams .

Sir , said she , if there be such an Assembly of Nobles , Beauty , and Bravery , I shall appear so dull , that I shall be only fit to sit in the Corner with you . Besides , I shall be so out of Countenance , that I shall not know how to behave my self ; for private Breeding looks mean and ridiculous , I suppose , in publick Assemblies of that nature , where none but the Glories of the Kingdom meet .

Ashamed , said he , for what ? You have stoln no Body's Goods , nor Good Names ; nor have you committed Adultery ; for on my Conscience you guess not what Adultery is : Nor have you murthered any ; nor have you betrayed any Trust , or concealed a Treason ; and then why should you be ashamed ?

Sir , said she , although I have committed none of those horrid Sins ; yet I may commit Errors through my Ignorance , and so I may be taken notice of only for my Follies .

Come , come , said he , all the Errors you may commit ( although I hope you will commit none ) will be laid upon your Youth ; but arm your self with Confidence , for go you shall , and I will have you have some fine Clothes , and send for Dressers to put you in the best fashion .

Sir , said she , I have observed how Ladies are dress'd when I pass the Streets ; and , if you please to give me leave , I will dress my self according to my judgment ; and if you intend I shall go no more than once , let me not be extraordinary brave , lest liking me at first , and seeing me again they should condemn their former judgment , and I lose what was gained ; so I shall be like those that make a good Assault , and a bad Retreat . But , Sir , said she , if you are pleased I shall shew my self to the most glorious , let me be ordered so , that I may gain more and more upon their good Opinions .

Well , said her Unkle , order your self as you please , for I am unskilled in that matter : besides , thou needest no Adornments ; for Nature hath adorn'd thee with a splendid Beauty , Another thing , is ( said he ) , we must remove our Lodgings , for these are too mean to be known in ; wherefore , my Steward shall go take a large House , and furnish it nobly ; and I will make you a fine Coach , and take more Servants , and Women to wait upon you ; for , since you have a good Estate , you shall live and take pleasure . But I will have no Men-visitors but what are brought by my self : wherefore , entertain on Masculine Acquaintance , nor give them the least encouragement .

Sir , said she , my Duty shall observe all your Commands .

When her Unkle was gone , Lord ( said she ) , What doth my Unkle mean , to set me out to shew ? sure he means to traffick for a Husband ; but Heaven forbid those intentions , for I have no mind to marry . My Unkle is wise , and kind , and studies for my good ; wherefore I submit , and could now chide my self for these Questioning thoughts . Now ( said she ) I am to consider how I shall be dress'd ; my Unkle saith , I am handsome ; I will now try whether others think so as well as he ; for I fear my Unkle is partial on my side : wherefore I will dress me all in Black , and have no Colours about me ; for if I be gay , I may be taken notice of for my Clothes , and so be deceived , thinking it was for my Person ; and I would gladly know the truth , whether I am handsome , or no ; for I have no skill in Faces : so that I must judg of my self by the approbation of others Eyes , and not by my own . But if I be ( said she ) thought handsome , What then ? Why then ( answered she her self ) I shall be cryed up to be a Beauty . And what then ? Then I shall have all Eyes stare upon me . And what am I the better , unless their Eyes could infuse into my Brain Wit and Understanding ? Their Eyes cannot enrich me with Knowledg , nor give me the Light of Truth ; for I cannot see with their Eyes , nor hear with their Ears , no more than the Meat which they do eat , can nourish me ; or rest when they do sleep . Besides , I neither desire to make , nor catch Lovers ; for I have an Enmity against Mankind , and hold them as my Enemies ; which if it be a Sin , Heaven forgive , that I should for one Man's Neglect and Perjury , condemn all that Sex .

But I find I have a little Emulation , which breeds a desire to appear more beautiful than the Duke's Wife , who is reported to be very handsome : for I would not have the World say , He had an Advantage by the Change : Thus I do not envy her , nor covet what she enjoys ; for I wish her all Happiness : yet I would not have her Happiness raised by my Misfortunes , for Charity begins at home ; and those that are Unjust or Cruel to themselves , will never be Merciful and Just to others . But , O my Contemplations ! whither do you run ? I fear , not in an Even Path : for , though Emulation is not Envy , yet the Bias leans to that side .

But , said she , to this Masque I must go ; my Unkle hath press'd me to the Warrs of Vanity , where Cupid is General , and leads up the Train : but I doubt I shall hang down my Head through shamefac'dness , like a young Soldier when he hears the Bullets flye about his Ears : but , O Confidence , thou Goddess of good Behaviour , assist me ! Well , said she , I will practise against the day , and be in a ready posture . So , after two or three days , the Masque was ; and she being ready to go , her Unkle comes to her , and sees her dress'd all in Black .

He said , Why have you put your self all in Black ?

Sir , said she , I mourn like a young Widow , for I have lost my Husband .

By my troth , said he , and it becomes thee : for , you appear like the Sun when he breaks through a dark Cloud . I would have you go veiled , says he ; for I would have you appear to sight only when you come into the Masquing-Room ; and after the Masque is done , all the Company will rise , as it were , together , and join into a Croud ; then throw your Hood over your Face , and pass through them as soon as you can , and as obscure ; for I will not have you known , until we are in a more Courtly Equipage . So away they went , only he and she , without any Attendants ; and when they came to enter through the Door of the Masquing-Room , there was such a Croud , and such a Noise , the Officers beating the People back , the Women squeaking , and the Men cursing ; the Officers threatning , and the Enterers praying , that so great a Confusion made her afraid .

Lord , Unkle , said she , What a horrid Noise is here ? Pray let us go back , and let us not put our selves unto this unnecessary trouble .

O Child , said he , Camps and Courts are never silent ; besides , where great Persons are , there should be a Thundering-Noise , to strike their Inferiors with a kind of Terror and Amazement : for Poets say , Fear and Wonder makes Gods .

Certainly , said she , there must be a great felicity in the sight of this Masque , or else they would never take so much pains , and endure so great affronts , to obtain it . But pray Unkle , said she , stay while they are all pass'd in .

Why then , said he , we must stay until the Masque is done ; for there will be striving to get in , until such time as those within are coming out .

But when they came near the Door , her Unkle spoke to the Officer ; Pray Sir , said he , let this young Lady in to see the Masque .

There is no room , said he ; there are more young Ladies already , than the Viceroy and all his Courtiers can tell what to do with .

This is a dogged Fellow , said her Unkle : whereupon he told her , She must put up her Scarf , and speak her self ; for every one domineers in their Office , though it doth not last two hours ; and are proud of their Authority , though it be but to crack a Lowse : wherefore you must speak .

Pray Sir , said she to the Door-keeper , if it be no injury to your Authority , you will be so civil as to let us pass by .

By my troth , said he , thou hast such a pleasing-Face , none can deny thee : but now I look upon you better , you shall not go in .

Why Sir , said she ?

Why , said he , you will make the Painter and the Poet lose their design ; for one expects to enter in at the Ears of the Assembly , the other at their Eyes ; and your Beauty will blind the one , and stop the other . Besides , said he , all the Ladies will curse me .

Heaven forbid , said she , I should be the cause of Curses ; and to prevent that , I will return back again .

Nay , Lady , said he , I have not the power to let you go back ; wherefore pray pass .

Sir , said she , I must have this Gentleman along with me .

Even who you please , said he , I can deny you nothing : Angels must be obeyed .

When they came into the Masquing-Room , the House was full : Now ( said her Unkle ) I leave you to shift for your self ; and he went and crouded himself into a Corner at the lower end .

When the Company was called to sit down , that the Masque might be represented , every one was placed by their Friends , or else they placed themselves . But she , being unaccustomed to those Meetings , knew not how to dispose of her self ; and observing there was much justling and thrusting one another to get places , she consider'd she had not strength to scamble amongst them , and therefore she stood still . When they were all set , it was as if a Curtain was drawn from before her , and she appeared like a glorious Light ; whereat ali were struck with such a maze , that they forgot a great while the civility in offering her a place . At last , all the Men ( which at such times sit opposite to the Women , to view them the better ) rose up , striving every one to serve her . But the Vice-Roy bid them all sit down again , and called for a Chair for her . But few looked on the Masque , for looking on her ; especially the Vice-Roy and Duke , whose Eyes were rivetted to her Face .

When the Masquers were come down to dance , ( who were all Women , the chief of them being the Daughter of the Vice-Roy , who was a Widower , and she was his only Child ) they took out such Men as their Fancy pleased , and then they sate down ; after which , one of the chief of the Men chose out a Lady , and so began to dance in single Couples ; the Duke being the chief that did dance , chose out this Beauty , not knowing who she was , nor she him : but when she danced , it was so becoming ! for , she had naturally a Majestical Presence , although her Behaviour was easie and free ; and a severe Countenance , yet modest and pleasing ; and great skill in the Art , keeping her Measures just to the Notes of Musick ; moving smoothly , evenly , easily ; that it made her astonish all the Company .

The Vice-Roy sent to enquire who she was , and what she was , and from whence she came , and where she lived ; but the Enquirer could learn nothing . But as soon as the Masque was done , she was sought about for , and enquired after ; but she was gone , not to be heard of ; whereupon many did think she was a Vision , or some Angel , which appear'd , and then vanished away : for , she had done as her Unkle had commanded her , which was , To convey her self as soon away as she could , covering her self close : So home they went , and her Unkle was very much pleased to see the Sparks of her Beauty had set their Tinder-Hearts on fire . But as she went home , she enquired of her Unkle of the Company : Pray Sir , said she , was the Duke or Duchess there ?

I cannot tell , said he ; for my Eyes were wholly taken up in observing your Behaviour , that I never considered or took notice who was there .

Who was he that first took me out to dance , said she ?

I cannot tell that neither , said he ; for I only took the length of your measures ; and what through a fear you should be out , and dance wrong , and with joy to see you dance well , I never considered whether the Man you danced with , moved or no , nor what he was : but now I am so confident of you , that the next Assembly I will look about , and inform you as much as I can : so home they went But her Beauty had left such stings behind it , especially in the Breast of the Vice-Roy and the Duke , that they could not rest . Neither was she free ; for she had received a Wound , but knew not of it ; her Sleeps were unsound , for they indeed were Slumbers rather than Sleeps ; her Dreams were many and various : but her Lovers , that could neither slumber nor sleep , began to search , and to make an enquiry ; but none could bring tidings where she dwelt , nor who she was . The Vice-Roy cast about to attain the sight of her once again . So he made a great Ball , and provided a great Banquet , to draw an Assembly of all young Ladies to his Court ; which her Unkle understanding , told his Neece she must prepare to shew her self once again ; for I will ( said he ) the next day after this Ball , remove to our new House .

Sir , said she , I must have another new Gown .

As many as thou wilt , said he , and as rich ; I will also buy you Jewels .

No Sir , said she , pray spare that cost ; for they are only to be worn at such times of Assemblies , which I shall not visit often , for fear I tire the Courtly Spectators , which delight in new Faces , as they do in new Scenes .

So her Unkle left her to order her self ; who dressed her self this time all in white Sattin , embroidered all over with Silver .

When her Unkle saw her so dress'd ; Now by my troth , thou lookest like a Heaven stuck with Starrs ; but thy Beauty takes off the gloss of thy Bravery : Now , said he , you shall not go veiled ; for thy Beauty shall make thy way : besides , we will not go too soon , nor while they are in disorder ; but when they are all placed , you will be the more remarkable .

The Cavaliers ( especially the Duke , and the Vice-Roy ) began to be melancholy , for fear she should not come : their Eyes were always placed at the Doors , like Centinels , to watch her entrance ; and when she came to the Court , all the Crouds of People , as in a fright , started back , as if they were surprised with some Divine Object ; making a Lane , in which she pass'd through ; and the Keepers of the Doors were struck mute , there was no resistance , all was open and free to enter . But when she came in , into the presence of the Lords and Ladies , all the Men rose up , and bowed themselves to her , as if they had given her Divine Worship ; only the Duke , who trembled so much ( occasioned by the passion of Love ) that he could not stir ; but the Vice-Roy went to her .

Lady , said he , will you give me leave to place you ?

Your Highness , said she , will do me too much Honour .

So he called for a Chair , and placed her next himself ; and when she was set ; she produced the same Effects as a Burning-glass ; for the Beams of all Eyes were drawn together as to one Point , placed in her Face ; and by reflection she sent a burning heat , and fired every Heart . But he could not keep her ; for as soon as they began to dance , she was taken out , not by the Duke , for he had not recovered as yet Love's shaking-sit . The young Gallants chose her but too often to dance ; for every one took it for a Disgrace not to have the Honour to dance with her ; insomuch that few of the other Ladies danced at all , as being Creatures not worthy to be regarded whilst she was there .

The Vice-Roy , fearing they should tire her ( for she durst not deny them , by reason it would be thought an affront , and rude , or want of Breeding ) call'd sooner for the Banquet than otherwise he would have done . Besides , he perceived the rest of the Ladies began to be angry , expressing it by their Frowns : and knowing nothing will so soon pacifie that Bitter Humour in Ladies , as Sweet-Meats , he had them brought in . But when the Banquet came in , he presented her the first with some of those Sweet-Meats , still filling her Ears with Complements , or rather chosen Words , for no Complement could pass on her Beauty , it was so beyond all expressions .

At last he asked her where her Lodging was , and whether she would give him leave to wait upon her ?

She answered him , It would be a great grace and favour to receive a Visit from him ; but , said she , I am not at my own disposing : wherefore I can neither give , nor reccive , without leave .

Pray , said he , may I know who is this happy Person you so humbly obey ?

She said , It is my Unkle , with whom I live .

Where doth he live , said he ?

Truly , said she , I cannot tell the name of the Street .

Is he not here , Lady , said he ?

Yes , said she , and pointed to him . And though he was loath , yet he was forced to leave her so long , as to speak with her Unkle : but the whilst he was from her , all the young Gallants , which were gathered round about her , presented her with Sweet-Meats , as Offerings to a Goddess ; and she , making them Curt'sies , return'd them thanks for that she was not able to receive , as being too great a Burthen ; for she was offer'd more Sweet-Meats than one of the Vice-Roy's Guard could carry .

But all the while the Duke stood as a Statue , his Eyes were fix'd only upon her ; nor had he power to speak ; and she perceiving where he was ( for her Eyes had secretly hunted him out ) , did as often look upon him , as her Modesty would give her leave ; and desired much to know who he was , but was ashamed to ask .

At last the Duke , being a little encouraged by her Eye , came to her .

Lady , said he , I am afraid to speak , lest I should seem rude by my harsh Discourse : for there is not in the Alphabet , words gentle nor smooth enough for your soft Ears , but what your Tongue doth polish ; yet I hope you will do as the rest of the Gods and Goddesses , descend to Mortals , since they cannot reach to you .

Sir , said she , but that I know it is the Courtly-Custom for Men to express their Civilities to our Sex in the highest Words , otherwise I should take it as an affront , and scorn to be called by those Names I understand not , and to be likened to that which cannot be comprehended .

The Duke said , You cannot be comprehended ; nor do your Lovers know what Destiny you have decreed them .

The Vice-Roy came back with her Unkle , who desired to have his Neece home , the Banquet being ended .

But when the Duke saw her Unkle , he then apprehending who she was , was so struck , that what with guilt of Conscience , and with repenting-forrow , he was ready to fall down dead .

Her Unkle , seeing him talking to her , spoke thus to the Duke :

Sir , said he , you may spare your Words , for you cannot justifie your unworthy Deeds .

Whereat she turned as pale as Death , her Spirits being gathered to guard the Heart , being in distress , as overwhelmed with Passion . But the Bussle of the Croud helped to obscure her Change , as well as it did smuther her Unkle's Words , which pierced none but the Duke's Ears , and hers .

The Vice-Roy taking her by the Hand , led her to the Coach , and all the Gallants attended ; whereat the Ladies , that were left behind in the Room , were so angry , that they shoot forth Words like Bullets , with the Fire of Anger , wounding every Man with Reproach ; and at the Vice-Roy they sent out whole Volleys , which battered his Reputation . But as for the young Lady , they did appoint a place of purpose to dissect her , reading Satyrical Lectures upon every part , with the hard terms of Dispraises . So all being dispersed , the Vice-Roy long'd for that seasonable hour to visit her .

But the Duke wish'd there were neither Time nor Life : I cannot hope ( said he ) for Mercy , my Fault is too great ; nor can I live or dye in quiet , without it ; and the Miseries and Torments of despairing-Lovers , will be my Punishment .

The old Gentleman was so pleased to see his Neece admired , that as he went home , he did nothing but sing after a humming way ; and was so frolick , as if he were returned to twenty years of age : and after he came home , he began to examine his Neece :

How do you like the Duke , said he ? For that was he that was speaking to you when I came .

She answered , That she saw nothing to be disliked in his Person .

And how ( said he ) do you like the Vice-Roy ?

As well ( said she ) as I can like a Thing that Time hath worn out of fashion .

So , said he , I perceive you despise Age : but let me tell you , That what Beauty and Favour Time takes from the Body , he gives double proportions of Knowledg and Understanding to the Mind . You use to preach to me , The outside is not to be regarded ; and I hope you will not preach that Doctrine to others that you will not follow your self .

Sir , said she , I shall be ruled by your Doctrine , and not by my own .

Then , said he , I take my Text out of Virtue , which is divided into four parts , Prudence , Fortitude , Temperance , and Justice . Prudence is to foresee the worst , and provide the best we can for our selves , by shunning the dangerous ways , and chusing the best . And my Application is , That you must shun the dangerous ways of Beauty , and chuse Riches and Honour , as the best for your self .

Fortitude is to arm our selves against Misfortunes , and to strengthen our Forts with Patience , and to fight with Industry . My Application of this part is , You must Barricado your Ears , and not suffer , by listning , the enticing perswasions of Rhetorick to enter : for if it once get into the Brain , it will easily make a passage to the Heart , or blow up the Tower of Reason , with the Fire of Foolish Love .

Temperance is to moderate the Appetites , and qualifie the unruly Passions . My third Application is , you must marry a discreet and sober Man , a wise and understanding Man , a rich and honourable Man , a grave and aged Man ; and not be led by your Appetites , to marry a vain fantastical Man , a proud conceited Man , a wild debauched Man , a foolish Prodigal , a poor Shark , or a young unconstant Man .

Fourthly and lastly , Is Justice , which is to be divided according to Right and Truth , to reward and punish according to desert , to deal with others as we would be dealt unto . And my last Application is , That you should take such counsel , and follow such advice from your Friends , as you would honestly give to a faithful Friend , as the best for him , without any ends to your self ; and so Good-night , for you cannot chuse but be very sleepy .

When he was gone , Lord ! said she , this Doctrine , although it was full of Morality , yet in this Melancholy Humour I am in , it sounds like a Funeral-Sermon to me : I am sure it is a Preamble to some Design he hath ; pray God it be not to marry me to the Vice-Roy : of all the Men I ever saw , I could not affect him ; I should more willingly wed Death than him ; he is an Antipathy to my Nature . Good Jupiter , said she , deliver me from him . So she went to Bed , not to sleep , for she could take little rest ; for her Thoughts worked as fast as a Feverish Pulse .

But the Vice-Roy came the next day , and treated with her Unkle , desiring her for his Wife .

Her Unkle told him , It would be a great Fortune for his Neece , but he could not force her Affection : but , said he , you shall have all the assistance that the Power and Authority of an Unkle , and the Perswasions as a Friend , can give , to get her consent to marry you .

Pray , said the Vice-Roy , let me see her , and discourse with her .

He desired to excuse him , if he suffered him not to visit her : for , said he , young Women that are disposed by their Friends , must wed without wooing . But he was very loth to go without a sight of her : yet pacifying himself with the hopes of having her to his Wife , he presented his Service to her , and took his leave .

Then her Unkle sate in counsel with his Thoughts , how he should work her Affection , and draw her consent to marry this Vice Roy ; for he found she had no stomack towards him . At last he thought it best to let her alone for a Week , or such a time , that the smooth Faces of the young Gallants that she saw at the Masque and Ball , might be worn out of her Mind . In the mean time she grew melancholy , her Countenance was sad , her Spirits seemed dejected , her Colour faded ; for she could eat no Meat , nor take any rest ; neither could she study nor practise her Exercises , Dancing and Musick was laid by ; and she could do nothing , but walk'd from one end of the Room to the other ; where her Eyes fix'd upon the Ground , she would sigh and weep , and knew not for what ; but at last spoke thus to her self : Surely an Evil Fate hangs over me ; for I am so dull , as if I were a piece of Earth , without sense ; yet I am not sick , I do not find my Body destempered : then surely it is in my Mind ; and what should disturb that ? My Unkle loves me , and is as fond of me as ever he was : I live in Plenty ; I have as much Pleasure and Delight as my Mind can desire . O but the Vice-Roy affrights it ! there is the Cause : and yet methinks that cannot be , because I do verily believe my Unkle will not force me to marry against my Affections : besides , the remembrance of him seldom comes into my Mind ; for my Mind is so full of Thoughts of the Duke , that there is no other room left for any other : my Fancy orders , places , and dresses him a thousand several ways . And thus have I thousand several Figures of him in my Head ; Heaven grant I be not in love ; I dare not ask any one that hath been in love , what Humours that Passion hath . But why should I be in love with him ? I have seen as handsome Men as he , that I would not take the pains to look on twice : and yet when I call him better to mind , he is the handsomest I ever saw . But what is a handsome Body , unless he hath a noble Soul ? He is perjured and inconstant ; alas , it was the fault of his Father to force him to swear against his Affections Whilst she was reasoning thus to her self , in came her Unkle , who told her , He had provided her a good Husband .

Sir , said she , Are you weary of me ? or , Am I become a Burthen , you so desire to part with me , in giving me to a Husband ?

Nay , said he , I will never part ; for I will end the few remainder of my days with thee .

She said , You give your Power , Authority , and Commands , with my Obedience , away : for , if my Husband and your Commands are contrary , I can obey but one , which must be my Husband .

Good reason , said he ; and for thy sake I will be commanded too : but , in the mean time , I hope you will be ruled by me ; and here is a great Match propounded to me for you , the like I could not have hoped for , which is the Vice-Roy ; he is rich .

Yet , said she , he may be a Fool.

O he is Wise and Discreet , said he .

I have heard , said she , he is ill-natured and froward .

Her Unkle answered , He is in great Power and Authority .

He may be ( said she ) never the Honester for that .

He is ( said he ) in great Favour with the King .

Sir , said she , Princes and Monarchs do not always favour the most deserving ; nor do they always advance Men for Merit ; but most commonly otherwise , the unworthiest are advanced highest : besides , Bribery , Partiality , and Flattery , rule Princes and States .

Her Unkle said , Let me advise you not to use Rhetorick against your self , and overthrow a good Fortune , in refusing such a Husband as shall advance your place above that false Duke's Duchess ; and his Estate , with yours joined to it , will be greater than his ; with which you shall be served nobly , attended with numbers of Servants , live plentifully , adorned richly , have all the Delights and Pleasures your Soul can desire ; and he , being in years , will dote on you : besides , he having had experience of vain Debaucheries , is become staid and sage .

Sir , said she , His Age will be the means to barr me of all these Braveries , Pleasures , and Delights , you propound ; for he , being old , and I young , will become so jealous , that I shall be in restraint , like a Prisoner ; nay , he will be jealous of the Light , and of my own Thoughts , and will enclose me in Darkness , and disturb the Peace of my Mind , with his Discontents : for Jealousie , I have heard , is never at quiet with it self , nor to those that live near it .

Come , come , said he , you talk you know not what : I perceive you would marry some young , fan'tastical , prodigal Fellow , who will give you only Diseases , and spend your Estate , and his own too , amongst his Whores , Bawds , and Sycophants : whilst you sit mourning at home , he will be revelling abroad ; and then disturb your rest , coming home at unseasonable times : and if you must suffer , you had better suffer by those that love , than those that care not for you : for , Jealousie is only an overflow of Love . Wherefore be ruled , and let not all my Pains , Care , and Cost , and the Comfort of my Labour , be lost through your disobedience .

Sir , said she , I am bound in Gratitude and Duty to obey your Will , were it to sacrifice my Life , or the Tranquillity of my Mind , on the Altar of your Commands .

In the mean time , the Duke was so discontented and melancholy , that he excluded himself from all Company , suffering neither his Duchess , nor any Friend , to visit him , nor come near him ; only one old Servant to wait upon him : all former Delights , Pleasures , and Recreations , were hateful to him , even in the remembrance , as if his Soul and Body had taken a Surfeit thereof . At last , he resolved she should know what Torment he suffered for her sake ; and since he could not see , nor speak to her , he would send her a Letter . He called for Pen , Ink , and Paper , and wrote after this manner :

Madam ,

THE Wrath of the Gods is not only pacified , and they do not only pardon the greatest sins that can be committed against them , taking to mercy the Contrite Heart ; but give Blessings for Repentant tears ; and I hope you will not be more severe than they : Let not your Justice be too rigid , lest you become cruel . I confess , the sins committed against you , were great , and deserve great punishment : but if all your Mercies did flye from me , yet if you did but know the Torments I suffer , you could not chuse but pity me ; and my Sorrows are of that weight , that they will press away my Life , unless your Favours take off the heavy Burthen . But bomsoever , pray let your Charity give me a Line or two of your own writing , though they strangle me with Death ; then will my Soul lye quiet in the Grave , because I dyed by your hand ; and when I am dead , let not the worst of my Actions live in your Memory , but cast them into Oblivion , where I wish they may for ever remain . The Gods protect you .

Sealing this Letter , he gave it to his Man to carry with all the secrefie he could ; bidding him to enquire which of her Women was most in her favour , and to pray her to deliver it to her Mistress when she was all alone , and to tell the Maid , He would be in the Street to wait her Command .

The Man found such access as he could wish ; and the Letter was delivered to the Lady ; which when she had read , and found from whom it came , her Passions were so mix'd , that she knew not whether to joy or grieve ; she joy'd to live in his Thoughts , yet griev'd to live without him ; having no hopes to make him lawfully hers , nor so much as to see or speak to him , her Unkle was so averse against him ; and the greatest grief was , to think she must be forced to become anothers , when she had rather be his , though once forsaken by him , than to be beloved by another with Constancy . Then musing with her self for some time , considering whether it was fit to answer his Letter or no ; If my Unkle should come to know ( said she ) I write to him without his leave ( which leave I am sure he will never give ) , I shall utterly lose his Affection ; and I had rather lose my Life , than lose his Love : but if I do not write , I shall seem as if I were of a malicious nature , which will beget an evil construction of my Disposition in that Mind , in whose good Opinion I desire to live . If I believe , as Charity and Love perswades me , that he speaks truth , I shall endanger his Life ; and I would be loth to murther him with nice scruples , when I am neither forbid by Honour nor Modesty , Religion nor Laws , to save him . Well , I will adventure , and ask my Unkle pardon when I have done . My Unkle is not of a Tyger's nature , he is gentle , and a Pardon may be gotten : but Life , when once it is gone , will return no more . Then taking Pen , Ink , and Paper , writ to him after this manner :

SIR ,

I Am obedient , as being once tied to you , until you did cut me off , and throw me away as a worthless piece , only fit to be trodden under the feet of Disgrace ; and certainly had perished with shame , and been left destitute , had not my Unkle own'd me . And though you are pleased to cast some thoughts back upon me , yet it is difficult for me to believe , that you that did once scorn me , should humbly come to sue to me : and I fear you do this for sport , angling with the Bait of Deceit , to catch my innocent youth . But I am not the first of my Sex , nor I fear shall not be the last , that has been , and will be deceived by Men , who glory in their treacherous Victories ; and if you beset me with Stratagems , kill me outright , and lead me not a Prisoner , to set out your Triumph . If you have Warrs with your Conscience , or Fancy , or both , interrupting the peace of your Mind , as your Letter expresses ; I should willingly return to your side , and be your Advocate : but the Fates have destin'd it otherwise . And yet what unhappy Fortune soever befalls me , I wish yours may be good . Heavens keep you .

Here , said she , give the Man that brought me the Letter , this .

The Man returning to his Lord so soon , made him believe he had not delivered her his Letter .

Well , said the Duke , you have not delivered my Letter ?

Yes , but I have , said he , and brought you an Answer .

Why , said the Duke , it is impossible , you staid so short a time !

Then , said he , I have wrought a Miracle , or you did lengthen my Journey in your Conceits with the foul ways of Dissiculties .

I hope , said the Duke , thou art so blessed , as to make as prosperous a Journey , as a quick Dispatch . Leave me a while , said he , till I call you . But when he went to open the Letter , Time brings not more weakness , said he , than Fear doth to me ; for my Hands shake as if I had the Palsie ; and my Eyes are so dim , that Spectacles will hardly enlarge my sight . But when he had read the Letter , Joy gave him a new Life . Here , said he , she plainly tells me , She would be mine : She saith , She would return to my side , if the Fates had not destin'd against it ; by which she means , her Unkle is against me . Well if I can but once get access , I shall be happy for ever . So after he had blessed himself in reading the Letter many times over , I will ( said he ) strengthen my self to be able to go abroad , for as yet I am but weak ; and calling to hisMan , he bid him get him something to eat . Did your Grace , said the Man , talk of Eating ?

Yes , answered the Duke , for I am hungry .

By my troth , said the Man , I had thought your Hands , Mouth , Appetite , and Stomack , had made a Bargain ; the one , That it never would desire Meat nor Drink : The other , That it would digest none : The third , That it would receive none : and the fourth , That it would offer none : for on my Conscience you have not eat the quantity of the Pestle of a Lark this week ; and you are become so weak , that if a Boy should wrestle with you , he would have the better .

You are deceived , said the Duke ; I am so strong , and my Spirits so active , that I would beat two or three such old Fellows as thou art ; and to prove it , I will beat thee with one hand .

No pray , said he , I will believe your Grace , and leave your active Grace for a time to fetch you some Food .

When his Man came in with the Meat , he found the Duke a dancing .

I helieve , said he , you carry your Body very leight , having no heavy Burthens of Meat in your Stomack .

I am so Airy , said the Duke , as I will caper over thy Head .

By my troth , said he , then I shall let fall your Meat out of my hands , for fear of your heels .

Whist the Duke was at his Meat , he talkt to his Man : Why hast thou lived an old Batchelor , and never married ?

O Sir , said he , Wives are too chargeable .

Why , said the Duke , are you so poor ?

No , Sir , answered he , Women are so vain ; and do not only spend their Husbands Estates , but make his Estate a Bawd to procure Love servants ; so as his Wealth serves only to buy him a pair of Horns .

Prithee let me perswade thee to marry , and I will direct thee to whom thou shalt go a wooing .

Troth Sir , I would venture , if there had been any Example to encourage me .

Why , what do you think of my Marriage ? Do not I live happily ?

Yes , said he , when your Duchess and you are asunder ; but when you meet , it is like Jupiter and Juno ; you make such a thundring noise , as it frights your Mortal Servants , thinking you will dissolve our World ( your Family ) ; consuming your Hospitality by the Fire of your Wrath ; rouling up the Clouds of smoaky Vapour from Boil'd-Beef , as a Sheet of Parchment . When you were a Batchelor , we lived in the Golden Age ; but now it is the Iron Age , and Doomsday draws near .

I hope , saith the Duke , thou art a Prophet ; but when Doomsday is past , you shall live in Paradice .

In my Conscience , Sir , said he , Fortune hath mis-match'd you ; for surely Nature did never intend to join you as Man and Wife , you are of such different humours .

Well , said the Duke , for all your railing against Women , you shall go a wooing , if not for your self , yet for me .

Sir , said he , I shall refuse no Office that your Grace shall employ me in .

Go your ways , said the Duke , to that Lady's Maid you gave the Letter to , and present her with a Hundred pounds , and tell her , If she can help me to the speech of her Lady , you will bring her a Hundred pounds more ; and if you find her nice , and that she says , She dares not ; offer her Five hundred pounds , or more ; and so much , until you have out-bribed her cautious Fears .

Sir , said the Man , If you send her many of these presents , I will woo for my self , as well as for your Grace : Wherefore , by your Grace's leave , I will spruce up my self before I go , and trim my Beard , and wash my Face ; and who knows but I may speed ? For I perceive it is a fortunate year for old Men to win young Maids Affections ; for they say , The Vice-Roy is to be married to the sweetest young beautifullest Lady in the World ; and he is very old , and ( in my Opinion ) not so handsome as I am .

With that , the Duke turned pale .

Nay , said the Man , Your Grace hath no cause to be troubled , for 't is a Lady you have refused : wherefore he hath but your leavings .

With that the Duke up with his hand , and gave him a box on the Ear ; Thou lyest , said he , he must not marry her .

Nay , said the Man , that is as your Grace can order the business : But your Grace is a just performer of your Word ; for you have tried your strength , and have beaten me with one hand .

The Duke walked about the Room ; and after he had pacified himself , at last spoke to his Man : Well ( said he ) , if you be prosperous , and can win the Maid to direct me the way to speak to her Lady , I will cure the Blow with Crowns .

Sir , said he , I will turn you my other Cheek , to box that , if you please .

Go away , said the Duke , and return as soon as you can .

Sir , said he , I will return as soon as my business is done , or else I shall lose both Pains and Gains : Good Fortune be my Guide , said he , and then I am sure of the World's Favour : for they that are prosperous , shall never want Friends . Although he were a Coward , a Knave , or a Fool ; the World shall call , nay , think him , Valiant , Honest , and Wife .

Sir , said he to the Duke , Pray flatter Fortune , and offer some Prayers and Praises to her Deity in my behalf , though it be but for your own sake ; for he that hath not a feeling interest in the business , can never pray with a strong devotion for a good success ; but their Prayers will be so sickly and weak , that they can never travel up far , but fall back , as it were , in a swoun , without sense .

In the mean time the Vice-Roy and the Unkle had drawn up Articles , and had concluded of the Match , without the young Lady's consent : but the Unkle told her afterwards , She must prepare her self to be the Vice-Roy's Bride : and , said he , if you consent not , never come near me more , for I will disclaim all the interest of an Unkle , and become your Enemy .

His words were like so many Daggers , that were struck to her heart ; for her grief was too great for tears . But her Maid , who had ventured her Lady's Anger for Gold , had conveyed the Duke into such a place , as to go into her Chamber when he pleased . He seeing her stand , as it were , without life or sense , but as a Statue carved in a Stone , went to her ; which Object brought her out of a muse , but struck her with such a maze , as she fixt her Eyes upon him as on some Wonder ; and standing both silent for a time , at last she spake :

Sir , said she , this is not civilly done , to come without my leave , or my Unkle's knowledg ; nor honourably done , to come ( like a Thief in the night ) to surprise me .

Madam ( said he ) , Love , that is in danger to lose what he most adores , will never consider Persons , Time , Place , nor Difficulty , but runs to strengthen and secure his side , fights and assaults all that doth oppose him : and I hear you are to be married to the Vice-Roy ; but if you do marry him , I will strive to make you a Widow the first hour , cutting your Vows asunder ; and your Husband , instead of his Bride , shall embrace Death ; and his Grave shall become his Wedding-bed , or I will lye there my self , shrowded in my Winding-sheet , from the hated-sight of seeing or knowing you to be anothers . But if Knowledg lives in the Grave , think not your self secure when I am dead ; for if Ghosts ( as some imagine ) can rise from the Earth , mine shall visit you , and fright you from delights ; and never leave you , until you become a Subject in Death's Kingdom . But if you are cruel , and take delight to have your Bridal-Health drunk in Blood , marry him , where perchance we may be both dead-drunk with that warm red Liquor .

Sir , answered she , It is an unheard-of malice to me , or an impudent and vain-glorious pride in you , neither to own me your self , nor let another ; but would have me wander , that the World may take notice , and say , This is your forsaken Maid ; and I live to be scorned , and become friendless : for my Unkle will never own me ; which will prove as a Proclamation to proclaim me a Traitor to Gratitude and Natural Affection , by committing the Treason of Disobedience .

The Duke said , You cannot want an Owner whilst I live ; for I had , nor have , more power to resign the Interest I have in you , than Kings to resign their Crowns that come by Succession ; for the Right lies in the Crown , not in the Man : and though I have played the Tyrant , and deserved to be uncrowned ; yet none ought to take it off my Head , but Death : nor have I power to throw it from my self ; Death only must make way for a Successor .

Then said she , I must dye , that your Duchess may have Right , and a free Possession .

Nay , said he , You , must claim your own just Interest , and place your self where you should be .

What is that , said she ? Go to Law for you ?

Yes , said he .

If I be cast , said she , it will be a double shame .

You cannot plead , and be condemned , said he , if Justice hears your Cause : and though most of the Actions of my Life have been irregular , yet they were not so much corrupted or misruled by Nature , as for want of good Education , and through the Ignorance of my Youth : But Time hath made me see my Errors . And though your Beauty is very excellent , and is able to enamour the dullest Sense ; yet it is not that alone disturbs the peace of my Mind , but the being conscious of my Fault ; which unless you pardon and restore me to your Favour , I shall never be at rest .

I wish there were no greater obstacle ( said she ) than my Pardon , to your Rest : for I should absolve you soon ; and sleep should not be more gentle , and soft on your Eyes , than Peace to your Mind , if I could give it ; but my Unkle's dislike may prove as fearful Dreams to disturb it : though indeed , if his Anger were like Dreams , it would vanish away ; but I doubt it is of too thick a Body for a Vision .

The Duke said , We will both kneel to your Unkle , and plead at the Barr of either Ear : I will confess my Fault at one Ear , whilst you ask Pardon for me at the other : And though his Heart were Steel , your Words will dissolve it into compassion , whilst my Tears mix the Ingredients .

My Unkle , said she , hath agreed with the Vice-Roy ; and his Word hath sealed the Bond , which he will never break .

The Duke said , I will make the Vice-Roy to break the Bargain himself , and then your Unkle is set free : besides , you are mine , and not your Unkle's ; unless you will prove my Enemy to deny me ; and I will plead for my Right .

Heaven direct you for the best , said she ; it is late , Good-night .

You will give me leave , said he , to kiss your Hand ?

I cannot deny my Hand , said she , to him that hath my Heart .

The next day the Duke went to the Vice-Roy , and desired to have a private hearing , about a business that concerned him : And when he had him alone , he shut the door , and drew his Sword ; which when the Vice-Roy saw , he began to call for help .

Call not , nor make a noise ; if you do , Hell take me , said the Duke , I 'le run you through .

What mean you , said the Vice-Roy , to give me such a dreadful Visit ?

I come , said the Duke , to ask you a Question , to forbid you an Act , and to have you grant me my Demand .

The Vice-Roy said , The Question must be resolvable , the Act just , the Demand possible .

They are so , said the Duke : My Question is , Whether you resolve to be married to the Lady Delicia .

Yes , answered he .

The Act forbidden is , You must not marry her .

Why , said the Vice-Roy ?

Because ( said he ) she is my Wife ; and I have been married to her almost nine years .

Why , said he , you cannot have two Wives ?

No , said he , I will have but one , and that shall be she .

And what is your Demand ?

My Demand is , That you will never marry her .

How , says the Vice-Roy ? Put the case you should die , you will then give me leave to marrie her ?

No , said the Duke ; I love her too well , to leave a possibility of her marrying you .

I will sooner die , than set my hand to this , said the Vice-Roy .

If you do not , you shall die a violent death , by Heaven , answered he ; and more than that , you shall set your hand never to complain against me to the King : Will you do it ? or will you not ? for I am desperate said the Duke .

The Vice-Roy said , You strike the King in striking me .

No disputing , says he ; set your hand presently , or I will kill you .

Do you say , You are desperate ? Yes , answered he .

Then I must do a desperate Act , to set my hand to a Bond I mean to break .

Use your own discretion , to that .

Come , said he , I will set my hand before I read it ; for whatsoever it is , it must be done . After he set his hand , he read .

Here I do vow to Heaven , Never to woo the Lady Delicia , nor to take her to Wife : Whereunto I set my hand .

To this Paper too , said the Duke .

Here I do vow to Heaven , Never to take Revenge , nor to complain of the Duke to the King my Master : Whereunto I set my hand .

The Duke said , I take my leave ; rest you in peace , Sir .

And the Devil torment you , said the Vice-Roy ! O Fortune ! I could curse thee , with thy Companions , the Fates ; not only in cutting off my Happiness , in the enjoying of so rare a Beauty ; but in stopping the passages to a sweet Revenge . And though I were sure there were both Gods and Devils , yet I would break my Vow ; for the one are pacified by Prayers and Praises , and the other terrified with Threats . But O! the Disgrace from our Fellow-Creatures ( Mankind ) , sets closer to the Life , than the Skin to the Flesh : for , if the Skin be flea'd off , a new one will grow again , making the Body appear younger than before : But if a Man be flea'd once of his Reputation , he shall never regain it ; and his Life will be always bare and raw , and Malice and Envy will torment it , with the Stings of ill Tongues ; which to avoid , I must close with this Duke in a seeming-friendship , and not defie him as an open Enemy , lest he should divulge my base Acts done by my Cowardly Fear : but they are Fools that would not venture their Reputations , to save their Life , rather than to dye an Honourable Death , as they call it ; which is , to dye to gain a good Opinion ; and what shall it avail them ? A few Praises ; it will be said , He was a Valiant Man : And what doth the Valiant get ? Is he ever the better ? No , he is tumbled into the Grave , and his Body rots , and turns to dust ; all the clear distinguishing Senses , the bright flaming Appetites , are quenched out : but if they were not , there is no Fuel in the Grave to feed their Fire ; for Death is cold , and the Grave barren : besides , there is no remembrance in the Grave , all is forgotten ; they cannot rejoice at their past gallant Actions , or remember their glorious Triumphs ; but the only happiness is , that as there is no Pleasure in the Grave , so there is no Pain : but , to give up Life before Nature requires it , is to pay a Subsidy before we are tax'd ; or to yeeld up our Liberties before we are Prisoners : and who are wise that shall do so ? No , let Fools run head-long to Death , I will live as long as I can ; and not only live , but live easily , freely , and as pleasantly as I can . Wherefore , to avoid this Man's Mischiefs ( which lyes to entrap my Life ) , I will agree with him ; and I had rather lose the Pleasures of one Woman , than all other Pleasures , with my Life : but from a secret Mischief he shall not escape , if I can prevail : for I perceive this Duke , since he can have but one Wife , intends to set up a Seraglio of young Wenches ; and , by my troth , he begins with a fair one ; and whilst he courts his Mistress , I mean to woo his Wife ; for he hath not sworn me from that : So that my Revenge shall be , To make him a Cuckold .

So the Vice-Roy went to the Duchess ; and after he had made his Complemental-Addresses , they began to talk more seriously .

Madam , said he , How do you like the rare Beauty , which your Husband doth admire so much , that he is jealous of all that look on her , and would extinguish the sight of all Mens Eyes , but his own ; and challenges all that make Love to her ; and threatens Ruin and Murther to those that pretend to marry her ?

She answered , If he be so enamoured , I shall not wonder now that my Beauty is thought dead , my Embraces cold , my Discourse dull , my Company troublesome to him , since his Delight is abroad . But , said she , I am well served ; I was weary of my old Husband , and wished him dead , that I might marry a young one : I abhorred his old Age , that was wise and experienced ; despised his gray Hairs , that should have been reverenced with respect . O what happiness I rejected , that I might have enjoyed ! For he admired my Beauty , praised my Wit , gave me my Will , observed my Humour , sought me Pleasures , took care of my Health , desired my Love , proud of my Favours ; my Mirth was his Musick , my Smiles were his Heaven , my Frowns were his Hell : whenas this Man thinks me a Chain that enslaves him ; a Shipwrack , wherein all his Happiness is drown'd ; a Famine to his Hopes , a Plague to his Desires , a Hell to his Designs , and a Devil to damn his Fruitions .

Nay certainly , said he , that Woman is the happiest that marries an ancient Man ; for he adores her Virtue , more than her Beauty ; and his Love continues , though her Beauty be gone ; he sets a price of Worth upon the Honour and Reputation of his Wife ; uses her civilly , and gives her Respect , as Gallant Men ought to do to a tender Sex ; which makes others to do the like : when a Young Man thinks it a Gallantry , and a Manly Action , to use his Wife rudely , and worse than his Lacquey ; to command imperiously , to neglect despisingly , making her the Drudg in his Family , flinging words of disgrace upon her ; making her , with scorn , the mirth and pastime , in his idle and foolish discourse amongst his vain and base Companions ; when an ancient Man makes his Wife the Queen of his Family , his Mistress in his Courtship , his Goddess in his Discourse ; giving her Praise , applauding her Actions , magnifying her Nature ; her Safety is the God of his Courage ; her Honour the World to his Ambition ; her Pleasure his only Industry ; her Maintenance the Mark for his Prudence ; her Delights are the Compass by which he sails ; her Love his Voyage ; her Advice his Oracle : And doing this , he doth Honour to himself , by setting a considerable value upon what is his own : when Youth regards not the temper of her Dispotion , slights her Noble Nature , grows weary of her Person , condemns her Counsels , and is afraid his Neighbour should think his Wife wiser than himself ; which is the Mark of a Fool , and a Disease most Men have ( being married young ) . But a Man in years is solid in his Counsels , sober in his Actions , graceful in his Behaviour , wise in his Discourse , temperate in his Life , and appears ( as Nature hath made him ) Masculine . Whereas a young Man is rash in his Counsels , desperate in his Actions , wild in his Behaviour , vain in his Discourses , debauch'd in his Life ; and appears not like his Sex , but Effeminate .

A fair Forehead , and a smooth Skin ; a rosie Cheek , and a ruby Lip ; wanton Eyes , and a flattering Tongue , are unmanly ; appearing like Women or Boys , let them be never so Valiant ; and as if they would sooner suffer the Whip , than handle the Sword .

In an ancient Man , every Wrinkle is a Trench made by Time , wherein lies Experience to secure the Life from Errors ; and their Eyes are like active Soldiers , who bow and sink down by the over-heavy Burthens of their Spoils , which are several Objects that the Sight carries into the Brain , and delivers to the Understanding , as Trophies , to hang up in the Magazine of the Memory . His white Hairs are the Flage of Peace , that Time hangs out on the Walls of Wisdom , that Advice and Counsel may come to and fro safely . Nay , the very Infirmities of Age , seem manly ; his seeble Legs look as if they had been over-tired with long Marches , in seeking out his Foes ; and his Palsey-Hands , or Head , the one seems as if they had been often used in beating of their Enemies ; and the other in watching , as if they knew not what Rest meant .

Sir , said the Duchess , you commend Aged Husbands , and dispraise young ones , with such Rhetorick , torick , as I wish the one , and hate the other ; and in pursuit of my Hate , I will cross my Husband's Amours as much as I can .

In the mean time , the Duke was gone to the old Gentleman , the young Lady's Unkle ; who when he saw him enter , he started , as if he had seen an Evil he desired to shun .

Sir , said he , What unlucky occasion brought you into my House ?

First , Repentance ( answered the Duke ) , and then Love ; and lastly , my Respect , which I owe as a Duty . My Repentance begs a Forgiveness : My Love offers you my Advice and good Counsel : My Respect forewarns you of Dangers and Troubles , that may come by the Marriage of your Neece to the Vice-Roy .

Why , what danger ( said he ) can come in marrying my Neece to a Wise , Honourable , Rich , and Powerful Man , and a Man that loves and admires her , that honours and respects me ?

But , said the Duke , put the case he be a Covetous , Jealous , Froward , Ill-natured , and Base Cowardly Man , Shall she be happy with him ?

But he is not so , said he .

But , answered the Duke , if I can prove him so , Will you marry her to him ?

Pray , said he , spare your Proofs of him , since you cannot prove your self an Honest Man .

Sir , said the Duke , Love makes me endure a Reproach patiently , when it concerns the Beloved : but though it endures a Reproach , it cannot endure a Rival .

Why , said the old Gentleman , I hope you do not challenge an Interest in my Neece .

Yes , said the Duke , but I do ; and will maintain that Interest with the power of my Life , and never will quit it , till Death ; and if my Ghost could fight for her , it should .

Heaven bless my Neece , said the old Gentleman ! What is your Design against her ? Is it not enough to fling a Disgrace of Neglect on her , but you must ruin all her good Fortunes ? Is your Malice so inveterate against my Family , that you strive to pull it up by the Roots , to cast it into the Ditch of Oblivion , or to fling it on the Dunghill of Scorn ?

The Duke said , My Design is , To make her happy , if I can ; and will oppose all those that hinder her Felicity , disturbing the content and peace of her Mind : for , she cannot love this Man ; besides , he disclaims her , and vows never to marry her .

Sir , said the Gentleman , I desire you to depart from my House , for you are a Plague to me , and bring an evil Infection .

Sir , said the Duke , I will not go out of your House , nor depart from you , until you have granted my Request .

Why , said the Gentleman , you will not threaten me .

No , said the Duke , I do petition you .

The Gentleman said , If you have any Quarrel to me , I shall answer it with my Sword in my hand : for , though I have lost some strength with my years , yet I have not lost my Courage ; and when my Limbs can fight no longer , the heat of my Spirits shall consume you : besides , an Honourable Death I far prefer before a baffled Life .

Sir , said he , I come not to move your Anger , but your Pity ; the Sorrows I am in ( for the Injuries I have done you ) being extream great ; and if you will be pleased to take me into your Favour , and assist me , by giving my Wife ( your Neece ) leave to claim the Laws of Marriage and Right to me , all my Life shall be studious to return Gratitude , Duty , and Service , to you .

Yes , answered he , to divulge her Disgrace , declaring your neglect in an open Court , and to make my self a Knave to break my Promise .

Sir , said the Duke , your Disgrace by me , is not so much as you apprehend : but it will be a great Disgrace , when it is known the Vice-Roy refuses her , as I can shew you his hand to it ; and if he deserts your Neece , you are absolved of your Promise made to him ; and to let you know this is a Truth , here is his Hand .

The whilst the old Gentleman was reading the Papers , the Vice-Roy comes in .

O Sir , said he , you are timely come ! Is this your Hand , says he ?

Yes , answered the Vice-Roy .

And do you think it is honourably done , said the Gentleman ?

Why , said the Vice-Roy , Would you have me marry another Man's Wife ?

Well , said the old Gentleman , when your Vice-Roy-ship is out ( as it is almost ) , I will give you my Answer ; till then , fare you well .

But the Duke went to the young Lady , and told her the progress he had had with her Unkle , and his Anger to the Vice-Roy .

After the old Gentleman's Passion was abated towards the Duke , by his humble submission , and the Passion enflamed towards the Vice-Roy , he hearkned to the Law Suit , being most perswaded by his Neece's Affection , which he perceived was unalterably placed upon the Duke . And at last , advising all three together , they thought it sit ( since the Parties must plead their own Cause ) to conceal their Agreements , and to cover it by the Duke's seeming dissent , lest he should be convicted as a Breaker of the known Laws , and so be liable to punishment , either by the hazzard of his Life , or the price of a great Fine .

Being thus agreed of all sides , the Law-suit was declared ; which was a business of discourse to all the Kingdom ; and the place of Judicature , a meeting for all curious , inquisitive , and idle People .

When the day of hearing was come , there was a Barr set out , where the Duke and the two Ladies stood ; and after all the Judges were set , the young Lady thus spake :

Grave Fathers , and most Equal Judges ,

I Come here to plead for Right , undeck'd with Eloquence ; but Truth needs no Rhetorick ; so that my Cause will justifie it self : But if my Cause were foul , it were not pencil'd words could make it seem so fair , as to delude your understanding Eyes .

Besides , your Justice is so wise , as to fortisie her Forts with Fortitude , to fill her Magazine with Temperance , to victual it with Patience , to set Centinels of Prudence , that Falshood might not surprise it , nor Bribery corrupt it , nor Fear starve it , nor Pity undermine it , nor Partiality blow it up ; so that all all right Causes , here , are safe , and secured from their Enemies , Injury and Wrong . Wherefore , most Reverend Fathers , if you will but hear my Cause , you cannot but grant my Suit .

Whereupon the Judges bid her declare her Cause .

I was married to this Prince , 't is true ; I was but young in years when I did knit that Wedlock-knot ; and though a Child , yet since my Vows were holy , which I made by Virtue and Religion , I am bound to seal that Sacred Bond with Constancy , now I am come to years of knowing good from evil .

I am not only bound , most Pious Judges , to keep my Vow , in being chastly his as long as he shall live but to require him by the Law , as a Right of laberitance belonging to me , and only me , so long as I shall live , without a Sharer or Co-partner : so that this Lady , who lays a Claim , and challenges him as being hers , can have no right to him , and therefore no Law can plead for her : for , should you cast aside your Canon Law ( most Pious Judges ) , and judg it by the Common-Law , my Suit must needs be granted , if Justice deals rightly , and gives to Truth her own : for , should an Heir , young , before he comes to years , run on the Lenders score ; though the Lender had no Law to plead against Nonage ; yet if his nature be so just to seal the Bonds he made in Non-age , when he comes to full years , he makes his former Act good , and fixes the Law to a just Grant , giving no room for Cozenage to play a part , nor Falshood to appear . The like is my Cause , most Grave Fathers ; for my Friends chose me a Husband , made a Bond of Matrimony , sealed it with the Ceremony of the Church ; only they wanted my years of Consent , which I give now freely and heartily .

The Judges asked , What says the Duke ? Then the Duke thus spake :

I Confess , I was contracted to this Lady by all the Sacred and most binding Ceremonies of the Church , but not with a free consent of Mind : for , being forced by the Duty to my Father , who did not only command , but threatned me with his Curse , he being then upon his Death-bed , and I being afraid of a dying-Father's Curses , yeelded to those Actions which my Affections and free-will renounced : and after my Father was dead , placing my Affections upon another Lady , married her , thinking my self not liable to the former Contract , by reason the Lady was but Six years of age , whose Non-age I thought was a warrantable Cancel from the Engagement .

Most Upright Judges ,

MY Non-age is not a sufficient Reason to set him free , he being then of full Age ; nor can his fear of offending his Parents , or his loving-Duty towards them , be a Casting-Plea against me : his Duty will not discharge his Perjury ; nor his Fear could be no warrant to do a Wrong : And if a Fool by Promise binds his Life to Inconveniences , the Laws that Wise Men have made , must force him to keep it . And if a Knave , by private and self ends , doth make a Promise , Just Laws must make him keep it .

If a Coward makes a Promise through distracted Fear , Laws ( that carry more Terrors , than the broken Promise , Profit ) will make him keep it .

A Wise , Just , Generous Spirit , will make no Promise but what he can , and durst , and will perform .

But say , a Promise should pass through an ignorant Zeal , and seeming Good ; yet a right Honourable and Noble Mind will stick so fast to its Engagements , that nothing shall hew them asunder : for , a Promise must neither be broken upon Suspition , nor false Construction , nor upon enticing Perswasions , nor threatning Ruins ; but it must be maintained with Life , and kept by Death , unless the Promise carry more malignity in the keeping , than the breaking of it .

I say not this to condemn the Duke , though I cannot applaud his second Action concerning Marriage : I know he is too Noble to cancel that Bond his Conscience sealed before high Heaven , where Angels stood as Witnesses : Nor can he make another Contract , until he is free from me : so that his Vows to his Lady were rather Complemental , and Love's Feignings , than really true , or so Authentical as to last . He built Affections on a wrong Foundation , or rather Castles in the Air , as Lovers use to do , which vanish soon away : for , where Right is not , Truth cannot be . Wherefore , she can claim no lawful Marriage , unless he were a Free-man , not bound before ; and he cannot be free , unless he hath my Consent , which I will never give .

Then the other Lady spake .

Noble Judges ,

THIS Crafty , Flattering , Dissembling Child , lays a Claim to my Husband , who no way deserves him , she being of a low Birth , and of too mean a Breeding to be his Wife : Neither hath she any right to him in the Law , she being too young to make a free Choice , and to give a free Consent . Besides , he doth disavow the Act , by confessing the disagreeing thereto in his Mind ; and if she was to give a Lawful Consent , and his Consent was seeming , not real , as being forced , it could not be a firm Contract . Wherefore , I beseech you , cast her Suit from the Barr , since it is of no validity .

Just Judges , answered she :

WHAT though he secretly disliked of that Act be made ? Yet Human Justice sentences not the Thoughts , but Acts : Wherefore those Words that plead his Thoughts , ought to be waved as useless , and from the Barr of Justice cast aside .

And now , most Upright Judges , I must entreat your Favour and your Leave to answer this Lady , whose Passions have flung Disgraces on me ; which I , without the breach of Incivility , may throw them off with scorn , if you allow me so to do .

The Judges said , We shall not countenance any Disgrace , unless we knew it were a punishment for Crimes : Wherefore speak freely .

Well then , to answer this Lady , who says , That I am meanly born : 'T is true , I came not from Nobility , but I can draw a Line of Pedigree Five hundred years in length , from the Root of Merit , from whence Gentility doth spring . This Honour cannot be degraded by the Displeasure of Princes ; it holds not in Fee-simple from the Crown , for Time is the Patron of Gentility , and the older it groweth , the more beautiful it appears ; and having such a Father and Mother , as Merit and Time , Gentry is a fit and equal Match for any , were they the Rulers of the whole World .

And whereas she says , Most Patient Judges , I am a false Dissembling Child .

I answer , As to my Childhood , it is true , I am young , and unexperienced ; a Child in Understanding , as in years : but to be young , I hope , is no Crime ; but if it be , 't was made by Nature , not by me . And for Dissembling , I have not had time enough to practice much Decev my Youth will witness for me . It is an Art , not an In-bred Nature , and must be studied with Pains , and watch'd with Observation , before any can be Masters thereof . And I hope this Assembly is so just , as not to impute my Innocent Simplicity to a Subtil , Crafty , or a Deceiving Glass , to show the Mind 's false Face , making that fair , which in it self is foul .

And whereas she says , I have been meanly bred , 't is true , Honoured Judges , I have been humbly bred , taught to obey Superiors , and to reverence old Age ; to receive Reproofs with thanks , to listen to wise Instructions , to learn honest Principles , to Huswife Time , making use of every minute ; to be thrifty of my Words , to be careful of my Actions , to be modest in my Behaviour , to be chast in my Thoughts , to be pious in my Devotions , to be charitable to the Distressed , to be courteous to Inferiors , and to be civil to Strangers : for the truth is , I was not bred with splendid Vanities , nor learnt the Pomp and Pride of Courts ; I am ignorant of their Factions , Envies , and Back-bitings ; I know not the sound of their stattering Tongues ; I am unacquainted with their smiling Faces ; I have not Wit to perceive their false Hearts ; my Judgment is too young , and too weak , to fathom their deep and dangerous Designs .

Neither have I lived so long in populous Cities , as to share of their Luxuriousness : I never have frequented their private nor publick Meetings ; nor turned the Day into Night by Disorders : I can play at none of their Games ; nor can I tread their Measures . But I was bred a private Countrey-Life , where the Crowing of the Cocks served as Waights of the Town ; and the Bleating of the Sheep , and Lowing of the Cows , are the Minstrels we dance after ; and the Singing of the Birds are the Harmonious Notes by which we set our Innocent Thoughts , playing upon the Heart-strings of Content , where Nature there presents us a Masque with various Scenes of the several Seasons of the Year .

But , neither low Birth , nor mean Breeding , nor bad Qualities ; nay , were I as Wicked as I am Young , yet it will not take away the Truth of my Cause , nor the Justness of my Plea : Wherefore I desire you to give my Suit a patient Trial , and not to cast me from the Barr , as she desires ; for I hope you will not cast out my Suit by unjust Partiality ; nor mistake the right Measure , and so cut the Truth of my Cause too short : but I beseech you to give it length by your serious Considerations , and make it fit by your just Favour : for , though Truth it self goeth naked , yet her Servants must be clothed with Right , and dress'd by Propriety , or they will dye with the Cold of Usurpation , and then be flung into the Ditch of Sorrow , there to be eaten up with the Ravens of Scorn , having no Burial of Respect , nor Tomb of Tranquility , nor Pyramids of Felicity , which your Justice may raise as high as Heaven , when your Injustice may cast them as low as Hell . Thus you become , to Truth , Gods or Devils .

Madam , said the Judges to the young Lady , The Justice of your Cause judges it self : for , the severest Judg , or strictest Rules in Law , can admit of no Debate .

And truly , Madam , it is happy for us that sit upon the Bench , that your Cause is so clear and good ; otherwise your Beauty and your Wit might have proved Bribes to our Vote : But yet there will be a Fine on the Duke , for the breach of the Laws .

With that the Duke spake :

Most Careful , Learned , and Just Judges , and Fathers of the Common-wealth :

I Confess my Fault , and yeeld my self a Prisoner to Justice , which may either use Punishment or Mercy : But , had I known the Laws of Custom , Religion , or Honour , then ( as well as I do now ) I had not run so fast , nor plunged my self so deep in the foul ways of Error : But wild Youth , surrounded with Ease , and fed with Plenty ; born up with Freedom , and led by Self will , sought Pleasure more than Virtue ; and Experience hath learn'd me stricter Rules , and nobler Principles ; insomuch as the reflection of my former Actions , clouds all my future Happiness , wounds my Conscience , and torments my Life . But I shall submit to what your wise Judgments shall think fit .

My Lord , answered the Judges , Your Grace being a great Peer of the Realm , we are not to condemn you to any Fine , it must be the King : only we judg the Lady to be your lawful Wife , and forbid you the Company of the other .

The Duke said , I shall willingly submit .

With that the young Lady spake : Heaven ( said she ) send you just Rewards for your upright Actions : But I desire this Assembly to excuse the Faults of the Duke in this , since he was forced , by Tyrant Love , to run in uncouth ways ; and do not wound him with sharp Censures : For , Where is he , or she , though ne're so cold , But sometimes Love doth take , and fast in Fetters hold ?

The Vice-Roy being by , said to the other Lady , Madam , Since the Law hath given away your Husband , I will supply his Place , if you think me so worthy , with whom perchance you may be more happy than you were with him .

I accept of your Love , said she , and make no question but Fortune hath favoured me in the Change .

With that the Court rose , and much Rejoicings there were of all sides .

The Ambitious TRAITOR .

THERE was a Noble-man in Fairy-Land , which was in great favour with King Oberon ; but the Favour of the King made him so proud and haughty , that he sought to usurp the Crown to himself . His Design was , To kill the King , and then to marry Queen Mabb ; and to bring his Evil Designs to pass , he feasted the Nobility , devised sports for the Commonalty , presented the old Ladies with Gifts , flattered the young ones , in praising their Beauties ; made Balls , Plays , Masques , to entertain them ; bribed the Courtiers , corrupted the Soldiers with Promises of Donatives ; fired the Youth with Thoughts of Chivalry , and expectations of Honours ; and was industrious to present the Petitions of Suitors , and to follow the Causes of the Distressed , and to plead for his Clients ; and all to get a popular esteem and love . But there is none so wise and crafty , that can keep out Envy from searching into their ways with the Eyes of Spight . His Popular Applause begot in him private Enemies , which advertised the King to look to himself , and to cut off his growing-Power ; not out of Loyalty to the King , but out of hate to the Favourite : and Kings being jealous , are apt to suspect the worst ; which made him observe with a stricter Eye , setting Spies and Watches on all his Actions , until he catcht him in the Trap of his Rebellion : for , speaking some dangerous and seditious words , he was cast into Prison until further trial . A day being appointed for his hearing , a Council was called of all the Peers of the Land , which were his Judges ; and the Witnesses being brought , he was cast , and condemned to dye . Great Preparations were made against the Day of Execution , Scaffolds were set up , Windows were pulled down , that People might behold him : Guards were set at each corner of the Streets , and the multitude did so throng , that when this Noble-man passed along , every Eye strove to out-stare each other ; and every Neck stretch'd to out reach his fore-standers head ; and every Ear listned to hear if he did speak ; and every Tongue moved with Enquiries ; every Mind was filled with expectation of the Event ; and every one as busie as a Judg , to condemn him , or a Hang man to execute him ; and those that profest most Friendship to him in his Prosperity , were his greatest Enemies , upbraiding him with the Name of Traytor , though truly , yet not seemly , from former profest Friends : But he ( with a slow pace , and a sad countenance , habited in Black ) went on , until he came to the Scaffold : Then turning his Face to the People , he thus spake :

I do not wonder to see so great a Multitude gathered together , to view the Death of a single Person ; although Death is common to every one , and that there is as many several ways to dye , as Eyes to look on : yet Beasts do not gather in Troops to see the Execution of their Kind . But I wonder Men should change their Opinion with the change of Fortune , as if they did applaud her Inconstancy , hating what she seemed to hate , and loving what she seemed to love ; calling them Fools which she casts down , and those Wise which she raises up , although it be without Desert : for , had I been prosperous in my evil Intention , I should have had as many Acclamations , as now I have Accusations ; had been called Wise , Valiant , Generous , Just , and all the Names that Praise could honour me with : and not only they would have called me so , but have thought me to have been so . But , O odd Man ! how art thou made ! To have so much Ambition as to desire the Power of Gods , and yet to be more foolish than Beasts , and as ill-natur'd as Devils of Hell ! For , Beasts follow the Laws of Nature , but Men follow their own Laws , which make them more miserable than Nature intended them to be . Beasts do not destroy themselves ; nor make they Laws to entangle themselves in the Nets of long strong Suits ; but follow that which pleaseth them most . Unless Men vex them , they weary not themselves in unprofitable Labours , nor vex their Brain with vain Phantasms ; they have no superstitious Fear , nor vain Curiosity , to seek after that which ( being found ) they are never the better : nor strange Opinions , to carry them from the Truth ; nor Rhetorick , to perswade them out of the right way . And when Beasts prey upon one anothe , it is out of meer Hunger ; not to make Spoil , Man , who is so disorderly , as that he strives to destroy Nature her self , and ( if he could ) pull Jupiter out of Heaven : But when we come near to be destroyed by Death , then we have a seeming-Repentance , and flatter the Gods to have pity on us . And though my Nature is so bad ( as being of Mankind ) that I may dissemble so nicely , as not to perceive it in my self ; yet I hope the Gods will have as much mercy on me , as I think I am truly sorrowful for my Fault : and then kneeling , thus said :

O Jupiter ! how should weak and frail Men agree amongst themselves , when there have been Quarrels in thy Heavenly Mansions , envying thy glory , and being ambitious of thy Power , conspiring against thee ? And since Ambition hath been in Heaven , pardon it on Earth : for it was not against thee , my Maker , but against my Fellow-Creature .

O Jupiter ! check thy Vice-gerent Nature for making me of such an aspiring quality , coveting to be the chiefest on Earth : for she might have made me Humble and Lowly , and not of so proud and haughty a Disposition ; for it was in her power to have made me in what temper she had pleased . I do not expostulate this out of a Murmuring-discontent , but to draw down thy pity for my unhappy Nature , which ( in a manner ) enforced me thereunto . But I submit , as thou hast commanded me , and am content to obey thy will and either to undergo Pulto's Punishments , or to be annihilated : But if thy Judgment may be diverted , send me to the blessed Elyzium .

Then turning to the Block , he was executed .

No sooner was his Head off , but all his Acquaintants , Friends , and Kindred , forgot him , as the living usually do any the dye . And although most rejoyce at the fall of those that are most Eminent ( as if the chiefest Ingredient of Man were Malice and Spight , which produceth Cruelty ) ; yet when the Multitude saw all was done , and that their greedy Appetite was satisfied with Blood , then a lazy and sleepy Pity seized on them ; and with yawning wishes , would have had him alive again .

But King Oberon and Queen Mabb , after the Execution , having given Order for his Quarters to be set up on the Gates of the City , rid to their Palaces in State , hoping they should have no more such Traiterous Subjects disturb their Peace .

Assaulted and Pursued Chastity . PREAMBLE .

IN this following Tale or Discourse , my endeavour was , To shew young Women the danger of Travelling without their Parents , Husbands , or particular Friends , to guard them : for , though Virtue is a good Guard , yet it doth not always protect their Persons , without other Assistance : for , though Virtue guards , yet Youth and Beauty betrays ; and the Treachery of the one , is more than the Safety of the other ; for Young , Beautiful , and Virtuous Women , if they wander alone , find but very often rude entertainment from the Masculine Sex , witness Jacob's Daughter Dinah , which Shechem forced : and others , whose Forcement is mentioned in holy Scripture , and in Histories of less Authority ( sans nombre : ) which shews , that Heaven doth not always protect the Persons of Virtuous Souls from rude Violences ; neither doth it always leave Virtue destitute , but sometimes sends a Human Help ; yet so , as never but where Necessity was the Cause of their Dangers , and not Ignorance , Indiscretion , or Curiosity : for , Heaven never helps , but those that could not avoid the Danger ; nay , if they do avoid the Danger , they seldom avoid a Scandal : for , the World in many Cause judges according to what may be , and not according to what is : they judg not according to Truth , but Shew ; nor by the Heart , but by the Countenance ; which is the cause that many a Chast Woman hath a spotted Reputation . But to conclude , I say , Those are in particular favoured by Heaven , that are protected from Violence and Scandal , in a Wandring-life , or a Travelling-condition .

IN the Kingdom of Riches , after a long and sleepy Peace , over-grown with Plenty and Ease , Luxury broke out into Factious Sores ; and Feverish Ambition , into a Plaguy Rebellion , killing numbers with the Sword of Unjust Warr ; which made many flye from that Pestilent Destruction , into other Countreys ; and those that stayed , sent their Daughters and Wives from the Fury of the Inhuman Multitude ; chusing to venture their Lives with the hazzards of Travels , rather than their Honours and Chastities , by staying at home amongst rough and rude Soldiers . But in ten years Warrs , the Ignorant-Vulgar , being often ( in the Schools of Experience ) whipt with Misery , had learnt the Lesson of Obedience ; and Peace , that laid all that time in a Swound , was revived to life ; and Love , the Vital Spirits thereof , being restored to their orderly Motions ; and Zeal , the Fire of the Publick Heart , flaming a-new , did concoct the undigested Multitudes to a pure good Government ; and all those that Fear or Care had banished , were invited and called home , by their natural Affections to their Countrey . A Lady , amongst the rest , enricht by Nature , with Virtue , Wit , and Beauty ; in her returning-voyage , felt the spight of Fortune , being cast by a storm , from the place she steered to , upon the Kingdom of Sensuality , a Place and People strange unto her : No sooner was she landed , but Treachery beset her ; and those she entrusted , left her : Her years , being but few , had not gathered Experience enough to give her the best direction . Thus , knowing not how to dispose of her self , wanting means for support , and calling her young and tender Thoughts to counsel ; at last they did agree , She should seek a service : And going to the chief City , which was not far from the Haven-Town , with a Skipper , whom she had entreated to go along with her ; he left her in a poor and mean house , to Chance , Time , and Fortune ; where her Hostess , seeing her handsome , was tempted ( by her Poverty and Covetousness ) to consider her own Profit , more than her Guest's Safety , selling her to a Bawd which used to traffick to the Land of Youth , for the Riches of Beauty . This old Bawd , having commerce with most Nations , could speak many Languages , and this Lady 's amongst the rest ; and what with her Languages , and her flattering Words , she inticed this young Lady to live with her ; and this old Bawd ( her supposed vertuous Mistress ) used her kindly , fed her daintily , clothed her finely ; insomuch as she began to think she was become the Darling of Fortune ; but yet she keeps her closely from the view of any , until her best Customers came to the Town , who were at that time in the Countrey .

In the mean time her Mistress began to read her Lectures of Nature , telling her , She should use her Beauty while she had it , and not to waste her Youth idly , but to make the best profit of both , to purchase Pleasure and Delight : besides , said she , Nature hath made nothing in vain , but to some useful End ; and nothing meerly for its self , but for a common Benefit , and general Good ; as you see by the Earth , Water , Air , and Fire ; Sun , Moon , Starrs , Light , Heat , Cold , and the like . So is Beauty ( with Strength and Appetites ) either to delight her Creatures that are in being , or to procure more by Procreation ; for Nature only lives by Survivers ; and that cannot be , without Communication and Society . Wherefore , it is a sin against Nature , to be reserved and coy ; and take heed , said she , of offending Nature ; for she is a great and powerful Goddess , transforming all things out of one shape into another ; and those that serve her faithfully , and according as she commands , she puts them in an easie and delightful Form ; but those that displease her , she makes them to be a trouble and torment to themselves : wherefore serve Nature , for she is the only and true Goddess , and not those that men call upon , as Jupiter , Juno , and a hundred more , that living-men vainly offer unto , being only Men and Women which were Deified for Invention , and Heroick Actions : for unto these dead , though not forgotten Gods and Goddesses ( as they are called through a Superstitious Fear , and an Idolatrous Love to Ceremony , and an Ignorant Zeal to Antiquity ) , Men fruitlesly pray : But Nature is the only true Goddess , and no other ; wherefore follow her Directions , and you shall never do amiss : for , we that are old , said she , are Nature's Priests , and being long acquainted with her Laws and Customs , do teach Youth the best ways to serve her in .

The young Lady , being of a quick apprehension , began to suspect some Design and Treachery against her : and though her Doubts begot great Fears , yet her confidence of the Gods protection of Virtue , gave her Courage ; and , dissembling her discovery as well as she could for the present , gave her thanks for her Counsel : But when she was gone , considering in what a dangerous condition she stood , and that the Gods would not hear her if she lazily called for help , and watch'd for Miracles , neglecting Natural Means : whereupon she thought the best way was , secretly to convey her self out of that place , and trust her self again to Chance , by reason there could not be more danger , than where she was . But those thoughts being quickly cut off , because she could find no possibility of an escape , being strictly kept by the care of the old Bawd , for fear she should give away that by enticement , which she meant to sell at a high rate : Wherefore she was forced to content her self , and to satisfie her Fears , with hopes of finding some means to be delivered from those dangers ; praying to the Gods for their assistance , to guard her from cruel Invaders of Chastity . But after two or three days , a Subject Prince of that Countrey , which was a grand Monopolizer of young Virgins , came to the Town ( which was the Metropolitan City of that Countrey ) ; where as soon as he came , he sent for his chief Officer , the old Bawd , to know of her how his Customers encreased ; who told him , she had a rich Prize , which she had seized on , and kept only for his use ; telling him , She was the rarest Piece of Nature's Works , only ( faith she ) she wants mature confidence ; but Time , and heat of Affection , would ripen her to the height of Boldness . So home she went to prepare for his coming , adorning her House with costly Furniture , setting up a rich Bed , as an Altar to Venus ; burning pleasant and sweet Perfumes , as Incense to her Deity , before the Sacrifice of Chastity , Youth , and Beauty ; and instead of Garlands , dress'd her with costly and rich Jewels : But the fair Aspect of her Beauty , her lovely Features , exact Proportion , graceful Behaviour , with a sweet and modest Countenance , was more adorned thus , by Nature's dress , than those of Art . But these Preparations turned Miseriae ; for so she was called from Doubts , to a perfect belief of what she feared before ; and not knowing how to avoid the Shipwrack , she grew into a great Passion , and great Controversies she had with her self , whether she should lose her Honour , and live ; or save her Honour , and dye : Dishonour she hated , and Death she feared ; the one she blusht at , the other she trembled at . But at last , with much strugling , she got out of that Conflict , resolving to dye ; for in Death ( said she ) there is no Pain ; nor in a dishonourable Life , any Content : But though Death ( says she ) is common to all , yet when it comes not in the ordinary ways of Nature , there must be used violence by Artificial Instruments ; and in my Condition , there must be used Expedition . And , considering what ways to take , she bethought of a Maid-servant that used to make clean the Rooms , and such kind of works ; to whom she had often talked , as she was about her Employments , and had gotten much of her Affections : Her she called , and told her , that a Wife Wizard had advised her , That ever on her Birth-day , she should shoot off a Pistol ; and in so doing , she should be happy , so long as she used the same Custom ; but if she neglected , she should be unfortunate ; for by the shooting thereof ( said she ) , I shall kill a whole Year of Evil from doing me hurt : but she told her withall , That it must be that day ; and it must be a small one , for fear of making a great noise ; and done privately , for fear her Mistress should know of it , or any Body else ; for it will be of no effect if above one know of it besides my self .

The simple Wench , easily believing what she said , was industrious to supply her wants , and in a short time brought her desires ; which when she had got , her dejected Spirits rose with an overflowing joy ; and setting down with a quiet Mind , since before she could not stand nor set still : for her troubled and rough Thoughts , drove her from one end of the Room to the other , like a Ship at Sea that is not anchored nor ballasted , or with storm tost from Point to Point ; so was she : but now with a constant Wind of Resolution , she sailed evenly , although she knew not to what Coast she should be driven .

But after some expectation , in came the old Bawd and the Prince ; who was so struck with her Beauty , as he stood some time to behold her : At last coming near her , earnestly viewing her , and asking her some leight Questions , to which she answered briefly and wittily ; which took him so much , as he had scarce patience to bargain with the old Bawd for her . But when they were agreed , the wicked Bawd left them to themselves ; where he , turning to the young Lady , told her , That of all the Women that ever he met with , his Senses were never so much delighted ; for they had wedded his Soul to Admirations .

She answered , That if his Senses , or his Person , did betray her to his Lust , she wished them all annihilated , or at least buried in Dust : but I hope ( said she ) by your Noble and Civil Usage , you will give me cause to pray for you , and not to wish you Evil : for , Why should you rob me of that , which Nature freely gave ? And it is an Injustice to take the Goods from the right Owners , without their consents ; and an Injustice is an Act that all Noble Minds hate ; and all Noble Minds usually dwell in Honourable Persons , such as you seem to be ; and none but base or cruel Tyrants , will lay unreasonable Commands , or require wicked things , from the Powerless , or Vertuous .

Wherefore , most Noble Sir , said she , Shew your self a Master of Passion , a King of Clemency , a God of Pity and Compassion ; and prove not your self a Beast to Appetite , a Tyrant to Innocents ; a Devil to Chastity , Virtue , and Piety ; and with that , Tears did flow from her Eyes , as humble Petitioners , to beg her release from his Barbarous Intention .

But he by those Tears ( like Drink to those that are poyson'd ) grows more dry , and his Passions more violent : He told her , No Rhetorick could alter his Affections . Which when she heard , and he ready to seize on her , she drew forth the Pistol which she had concealed , bending her Brows , with a resolute Spirit told him , She would stand upon her Guard : for why , said she , it is no sin to defend my self against an Obstinate and Cruel Enemy ; and know , said she , I am no ways to be found by wicked Persons , but in Death : for whilst I live , I will live in Honour ; or when I kill or be kill'd , I will kill or dye for security .

He for a time stood in a maze to see her in that posture , and to hear her high defiance : but considering with himself , that her words might be more than her intentions , and that it was a shame to be out-dared by a Woman ; with a smiling-countenance said , You threaten more Evil than you dare perform ; besides , Honour will be buried with you in the Grave , when by your Life you may build Palaces of Pleasure and Felicity .

With that he went towards her , to take away the Pistol from her : Stay , stay , said she ; I will first build me a Temple of Fame upon your Grave , where all young Virgins shall come and offer at my Shrine ; and , in the midst of these words , shot him . With that , he fell to the ground ; and the old Bawd , hearing a Pistol , came running in : where , seeing the Prince lye all smeared in blood , and the young Lady ( as a Marble Statue ) standing by , as if she had been fixt to that place , looking stedfastly upon her own Act ; she , running about the Room , called out , Murther , Murther , Help , Help ; not knowing what to do , fear had so possest her . At last she drew her Knife , thinking to stab her ; but the Prince forbid her , saying , He hoped he should live to give her her due desert ; which if the Gods grant , said he , I shall ask no more . So desiring to be laid upon the Bed until the Chirurgeons came to dress his Wounds , stenching the blood as well as they could , the mean time . But after the Chirurgeons had search'd his Wounds , he ask'd them , Whether they were mortal ? They told him , They were dangerous , and might prove so ; but their hopes were not quite cut off with despair of his recovery . But after his Wounds were drest , he gave order for the young Lady to be lockt up close , that none might know there was such a Creature in the House ; nor to disclose how or by what means he came hurt . Then being put in his Litter , he was carried into his own House , which was a stately Palace in the City . The noise of his being wounded , was spread abroad , and every one enquiring how he came so , making several Tales and Reports , as they fancied , but none knew the truth thereof . After some days , his Wounds began to mend , but his Mind grew more distemper'd with the love of the fair Lady ; yet loath he was to force that from her , she so valiantly had guarded and kept : and to enjoy her lawfully , he could not , because he was a married Man , and had been so five years : for as the years of Twenty , by his Parents Perswasion ( being a younger Brother at that time , although afterwards he was lest the first of his Family , by the death of his Eldest Brother ) , he married a Widow , being Noble and Rich , but well stricken in years , never bearing Child . And thus being wedded more to Interest than Love , was the cause of his seeking those Societies which best pleased him .

But after long Conflicts and Doubts , Fears , Hopes , and Jealousies , he resolved to remove her from that House , and to try to win her by Gifts and Perswasions : And sending for a reverent Lady , his Aunt ( whom he knew loved him ) , he told her the passage of all that had hapned , and also his affection , praying her to take her privately from that place , and to conceal her secretly , until he was well recovered ; entreating her also , to use her with all the Civility and Respect that could be .

Going from him , she did all that he had desired her ; removing her to a House of hers a Mile from the City , and there kept her .

The young Lady , in the mean time , expecting nothing less than Death , was resolved to suffer as valiantly as she had acted . So , casting off all care , she was only troubled she lived so idly . But the old Lady coming to see her , she prayed her to give her something to employ her time on : for , said she , my Brain hath not a sufficient stock to work upon it self .

Whereupon the old Lady asked her , If she would have some Books to read in ?

She answered , Yes , if they were good ones ; or else , said she , they are like impertinent persons , that displease more by their vain talk , than they delight with their Company .

Will you have Romances , said the old Lady ?

She answered , No ; for they extol Virtue so much , as begets an Envy in those that have it not , and know they cannot attain unto that perfection ; and they beat Infirmities so cruelly , as it begets pity , and by that a kind of love . Besides , their Impossibilities makes them ridiculous to Reason ; and in Youth they beget Wanton Desires , and Amorous Affections .

What say you to Natural Philosophy , said she ?

She answered , They were meer Opinions ; and if there be any Truths , said she , they are so buried under Falshood , as they cannot be found out .

Will you have Moral Philosophy ?

No , said she ; for they divide the Passions so nicely , and command with such severity , as it is against Nature to follow them , and impossible to perform them .

What think you of Logick ?

She answered , It is nothing but Sophistry , making Factious Disputes , but concludes nothing .

Will you have History ?

No , said she ; for they are seldom writ in the time of Action , but a long time after , when Truth is forgotten ; but if they be writ at present , Partiality , Ambition , or Fear , bears too much sway ?

Will you have Divine Books ?

No , said she ; they raise up such Controversies that cannot be allayed again , tormenting the Mind about that , they cannot know whilst they live ; and frights their Consciences so , that it makes men afraid to dye . But , said the young Lady , Pray give me Play-Books , or Mathematical ones ; the first , said she , discovers and expresses the Humours and Manners of Men , by which I shall know my self and others the better , and in shorter time than Experience can teach me . And in the latter , said she , I shall learn to demonstrate Truth , by Reason ; and to measure out my Life by the Rule of good Actions ; to set Marks and Figures on those Persons to whom I ought to be grateful ; to number my days by Pious Devotions , that I may be found weighty when I am put in the Scales of God's Justice . Besides , said she , I may learn all Arts useful and pleasant for the Life of Man , as Musick , Architecture , Navigation , Fortification , Water-works , Fire-works ; all Engines , Instruments , Wheels , and many such like , which are useful : besides , I shall learn to measure the Earth , to reach the Heavens , to number the Starrs , to know the Motions of the Planets , to divide Time , and to compass the whole World . The Mathematicks is a Candle of Truth , whereby I may peep into the Works of Nature , to imitate her in little : It comprises all that Truth can challenge : All other Books disturb the Life of Man ; this only settles it , and composes it in sweet Delight .

The old Lady said , By your Beauty and Discourse , you seem to be of greater Birth , and better Breeding , than usually ordinary young Maids have ; and , if it may not be offensive to you , pray give me leave to ask you , From whence you came ? and , What you are ? and , How you came here ?

She ( sighing ) said , I was , by an unfortunate Warr , sent out of my Countrey , with my Mother , for safety , being very young , and the only Child my Parents had : My Father ( who was one of the Greatest and Noblest Subjects in the Kingdom , and being employed in the Chief Command in that Warr ) sent my Mother ( not knowing what the Issue would be ) to the Kingdom of Security . where he had been formerly sent Embassador . So my Mother and I went to remain there , until the troubles were over . But , my Father being killed in the Warrs , my Mother dyed for grief , and left me destitute of Friends , in a strange Countrey , only with some few Servants . I hearing a Peace was concluded in the Kingdom , was resolved to return to my own Native Soil , to seek after the Estate which my Father left me as his only Heir . When I embarked , I only took two Servants , a Maid and a Man ; but , by an unfortunate Storm , I was cast upon a Shore belonging to this Kingdom ; where , after I was landed , my two Servants most treacherously robb'd me of all my Jewels , and those Moneys I had , and then most barbarously left me alone ; where afterwards my Host sold me to an old Bawd , and she to one of her Customers , who sought to force me ; whereas I , to defend my self , shot him ; but whether he be dead , or alive , I know not : afterwards I was brought hither , but by whose directions , you ( I suppose ) can give a better account to your self , than I ; yet I cannot say , but that since I came hither , I have been civilly used , and courteously entertained by your self , who seem to be a Person of Worth , which makes my fears less ; for I hope you will secure me from Injuries , though not from Death . And since you are pleased to enquire what I am , and from whence I came , I shall entreat the same return , to instruct me in the knowledg of your self , and why I was brought hither , and by whose Order ?

The old Lady said , She was Sister to the Prince's Mother , and a tender lover of her Nephew ; and to comply with his desires , she was brought there to be kept until he should dispose of her . Then she told her what he was , but never mentioned the affection he had for her , but rather spoke as if her Life were in danger . So , taking her leave , she left her , telling her , She would send her such Books as she desired .

Thus passing some Weeks , in the mean time the Prince recovered , resolving to visit this young Lady , having heard by his Aunt the relation of what she was ; whose Birth made him doubt she would not be so easily corrupted as he hoped before : and she knowing his Birth , had more hopes of honourable usage : Yet sitting in a studious posture , with a sad Countenance , and heavy fixt Eyes , accompanied with melancholy Thoughts , contemplating of her Misfortunes past , with a serious consideration of the condition she stood in , advising with her Judgment for the future ; in comes the Prince , whom she no sooner saw , but she trembled for fear , remembring her past danger , and fore-seeing the trouble she was like to run through : But he , with an humble Behaviour , and civil Respect , craved pardon for his former Faults , promising her , That if she would be pleased to allow him her Conversation , he would never force that from her , which she was not willing to grant : for there was nothing in this World he held dearer than her Company ; and , sitting down by her , began to question her of Love ; as , Whether she had engaged her Affection to any person of her own Countrey , or any where else ?

She told him , No.

By which Answer ( he being jealous before , imagining she might be so valiant as to wound him more for the sake of her Lover , than out of a love to Honour or Reputation ) received great content and joy ; esteeming it the next happiness , that since she loved not him , she loved no other .

I wonder at your Courage , said he ; for usually your Sex are so tender and fearful , and so far from using Instruments of Death , as Swords , Guns , or the like , that they dare not look at them , but turn their Head aside .

She answered , That Necessity was a great Commandress .

And thus discoursing some time , at last he took his leave until the next day . But when he was gone , how glad she was .

O what a torment will this be , said she , to be affrighted every day with this ravenous Lyon ! But ( said she ) I must get a spell against his Fury , and not only against him , but against all such like ; and ( by her industry ) she got a subtil Poyson , which ( being put in a very small Bladder ) she fastned to her Arm , that when any occasion served , she might have it ready to put in her mouth , which in great extremity she might use , and crushing it but betwixt her teeth , she was sure it would expel Life suddenly .

The next Morning the Prince sent her a Present of all kinds of rich Persian Silks and Tissues , fine Linnen and Laces , and all manner of Toys , wherewith young Ladies use to make themselves fine and gay . But she returned them with great thanks , bidding the Bringer tell the Prince , That she did never receive a Present , but what she was able to return with advantage , unless it were from those to whom she had a near relation , as Parents and Kindred , or the like . But he , when he saw them returned , thought it was because they were not rich enough ; and sent her another Present of Jewels of great value : which when she had viewed , she said , They were very rich and costly : but returning them back , she said , I dare not trust my Youth with the Riches and Vanities of the World , lest they may prove Bribes to corrupt my free and honest Mind : wherefore tell the Prince , I am not to be catch'd with glorious Baits ; and so returned them back .

The Prince , when he saw he could fasten no Gifts on her , was much troubled ; yet hoped , that Time might work her to his desires : so went to visit her ; and when he saw her , he told her , He was very unfortunate , that not only Himself , but even his Presents , were hateful ; for he could guess at no other reason why she should refuse them , since they were neither unlawful , nor dishonourable to receive .

She answered , That the Principles that she was taught , were , That Gifts were both dangerous to give , and to take , from Designing or Covetous Persons .

He said , He was unhappy ; for by that he saw she would neither receive Love , nor give Love .

Thus he daily visited her , and hourly courted her , striving to insinuate himself into her favour , by his Person and Services ; used Powdering , Perfuming , and rich Clothing ; though he was so personable and well-favoured , and had such store of Eloquence , as might have perswaded both Ears and Eyes to have been Advocates to a young Heart , and an unexperienced Brain . His Service was , in observing her Humour ; his Courtship , in praising her Disposition , admiring her Beauty , applauding her Wit , and approving her Judgment ; insomuch that at the last she did not dislike his Company , and grew to that pass , as to be melancholy when he was gone , blush when he was named , start at his approaching ; sigh , weep , and grow pale and distempered , yet perceived not , nor knew her Disease . Besides , she would look often in the Glass , curl heir Hair finely , wash her Face cleanly , set her Clothes handsomely , mask her self from the Sun ; not considering why she did so : But he ( as all Lovers have watchful Eyes ) observed , she regarded her self more than she used to do ; which made him more earnest , for fear her Passion should cool ; protesting his Love , vowing his Fidelity and Secresie , and swearing his Constancy to death .

She said , That he might make all that good , but not the Lawfulness : Can you ( said she ) make it no sin to God , no dishonour to my Family , no infamy to my Sex , no breach to Virtue , no wrong to Honesty , no Immodesty to my self ?

He answered , It was lawful by Nature .

Sir , said she , It is as impossible to corrupt me , as to corrupt Heaven . But , were you free , I should willingly embrace your Love in lawful Marriage .

He told her , They were both young ; and his Wife old , almost ripe enough for Death , and a little time more would cut her down : Wherefore , said he , let us enjoy our selves in the mean time ; and when she is dead , we will marry .

No , said she , I will not buy a Husband at that deer rate ; nor am I so evil , as to wish the death of the living for any advantage , unless they were Enemies to Virtue , Innocency , or Religion .

But he was so importunate , as she seemed displeased ; which he perceiving , left off persisting , lest he might nip off the young and tender Buds of her Affection .

But it chanced , not long after , there was a Meeting of many Nobles at a Feast , where Healths to their Mistresses were drank round ; and the Prince ( who thought it a sin to Love , to neglect that Institution ) offered , with great Ceremony and Devotion , for his Mistress's Health , sprinkling the Altar of the Brain with Fume , and burning the Incense of Reason therein . After the Feast was ended , he went to see his Mistress , whose Beauty ( like Oyl ) set his Spirits in a flame ; which made his Affection grow to an intemperate Heat . Whereat she became so afraid , as she puts the Poyson into her Mouth ( the Antidote of all Evil , as she thought ) , and then told him her intention . But he , having more Passion then Doubt , would not believe her . Which she perceiving , broke the Bladder asunder betwixt her Teeth , and immediately fell down as dead . Whereat he was so amazed , as he had not power to stir for a time . But at last , calling for help , the old Lady came to them , he telling her what she had done , as well as his Fear would give him leave . The Lady having skill in Physick ( as most Ladies have , reading in Herbals , and such kind of Books ) gave her something to make her vomit up the Poyson , wherewith she weakly revived to life again . But she was so very sick , as almost cut off all hopes of keeping that Life . Whereat he lamented , tearing his Hair , beating his Breast , cursing himself , praying and imploring his Pardon , and her Forgiveness ; promising and protesting , Never to do the like again . She returning no answer , but Groans and Sighs . But he , being a diligent Servant , and much afflicted , watch'd by her , until she mended by the Lady's Care and Skill . When she was indifferently well recovered , she began to lament her ill condition , and the danger she was in , employing her Thoughts how she might escape the Snares of Spightful Fortune , and gain her Friendship ; where , soon after , finding opportunity to take Time by the fore-lock , the Prince being sent for to Court , and the old Lady being not well , whereby she had more liberty ; and searching about the Room , found a Suit of Clothes of the old Lady's Page ; which Suit she carried into her Chamber , and privately hid it ; then taking Pen and Ink , writ two Letters , the one to the Prince , the other to the old Lady : So , sealing the Letters up , and subscribing them , left them upon the Table . Then she straight stripped her self of her own Clothes , which she flung in a dark place , with her hair that she had cut off , and putting the Page's Clothes on , in this disguise she went towards the chief City , to which came up an Arm of the Sea , making a large Haven for many Ships to lye at Anchor in : But as soon as she came to the Sea-side , there was a Ship just going off ; which she seeing , got into it ; her Fears being so great , as not to consider nor examine , whither they were bound ; and they were so employed , hoisting their Sails , and fitting their Tacklings , that they took no notice when she came in . But being gone three or four Leagues from the Shore , and all quiet , and free from labour ; the Master , walking upon the Deck , seeing a handsome Youth stand there in Page's Clothes , ask'd him , Who he was ? and , How he came there ?

She said , I do suppose you are bound for the Kingdom of Riches , where I desire to go ; but coming late , seeing every one busily employed , I had no time to bargain for my Passage ; but I shall content you with what in reason you can require .

The Master said , We are not bound to that Kingdom , but are sent for new Discoveries towards the South ; neither have we Provision for any more than those that are appointed to go .

Which when she heard , the Tears flowed from her Eyes , becoming her so well , that they moved the Master to pity and affection .

Then asking him , What he was ?

She answered him , That she was a Gentleman's Son , who ( by the reason of Civil-Warrs ) was carried out of his own Countrey very young , by his Mother ; and so related the very truth of his being cast into that Kingdom ; only she feigned , that she was a Boy that had served a Lady as her Page ; but ( desiring to return into his own Countrey ) had mistaken , and put himself into a wrong Vessel ; but ( said she ) I perceive the Fates are not willing I should see my Native Countrey , and Friends , and ( being young ) Travel may better my knowledg ; and I shall not neglect any service I am able to do , or you are pleased to employ me in , if you will accept of it .

At last , her graceful and humble Demeanour , her modest Countenance , and her well-favoured Face , preferr'd her to this Master's Service , who was a grave and a discreet Man , and told her ( as supposing her a Boy ) , That , since he was there , he would not cast him out ; and although it will be hard for me to keep you , yet you shall parrake of what I have allowed for my self .

She giving him many thanks , said , She would strive to deserve it .

But after some Weeks , the Master fell very sick ; in which sickness she was so industrious to recover his health , by her diligent attendance and care , that it begot such affection in the old Man , that he adopted him his Son , having no Children of his own , nor none like to have , he being in years . They sailed five or six Months , without any tempestuous Winds , yet not without danger of Rocks and Shelves of Sand , which they avoided by their skill , and many times refreshed themselves in those Harbours they met with in their way ; which made them hope a pleasant and prosperous Voyage .

But Fortune playing her usual tricks , to set Men on high hopes , and then to cast them down to ruin ; irritated the Gods against them , for their Curiosity , in searching too far into their Works ; which caused them to raise a great Storm , making the Clouds and Seas to meet , Showers to beat them , Winds to toss them , Thunder to affright them , Lightning to amaze them ; insomuch as they had neither strength to help , nor sight to guide , nor memory to direct , nor courage to support themselves ; the Anchor was lost , the Rudder was broke , the Masts were split , the Sails all torn , the Ship did leak , their hopes were gone : Nothing was left but black Despair , And grim Death on their Face to stare : For every gust of Wind blew Death into their Face , And every Billow digg'd their burial place .

In this time of Confusion , the Traveller ( for so now she calleth her self ) followed close her old new Father , who had as many careful Thoughts , and as great a regard for her safety , as she of her self ; and giving order to the Pilate , that had lost his steerage , to cast over the Cock-Boat ; which no sooner done , but a gust of Wind drave them on a Rock that split the Ship ; and as soon as he perceived it , he took his beloved and supposed Boy , and put him ( with himself and the Pilate ) into the Boat , cutting the Cable , emploring the favour of the Gods , committing themselves to the Fates , and setting up a little Sail for the Wind to carry them which way it pleased . No sooner put off , but the Ship ( and all therein ) sunk : But the Gods , favouring the young Lady for her Virtue , tied up the strong Winds again into their several corners ; after which , sailing six days , at last they were thrust through a Point into a large River , which for the greatness might be called a large Sea : for , though it was fresh water , yet it was of that longitude and latitude , that they could not perceive Land for four days together : but at the last , they espied Land ; and coming nigh , they perceived a Multitude of People , which when they came to the shore , were affrighted , having never seen any Bark ( or the like ) swim upon the water , for they had themselves the propriety to swim naturally like Fishes : Nor had they in the Boat ever seen such Complexion'd Men ; for they were not Black , like Negroes ; nor Tauny , nor Olive , nor Ash-colour'd , as many are ; but of a deep Purple , their Hair as white as Milk , and like Wool ; their Lips thin , their Ears long , their Noses flat , yet sharp ; their Teeth and Nails as black as Jet , and as shining ; their Stature tall , and their Proportion big ; their Bodies were all naked , only they had somewhat from their Waste , down to their Twist , which was brought through their Legs , up to the Waste again , and tyed with a knot ; 't was a thin kind of Stuff , which was made of the Barks of Trees , yet looked as fine as Silk , and as soft : the Men carried long Darts in their hands , Spear-fashion , so hard and smooth , as it seemed like Metal , but made of Whale-bones . But when they landed , the People came so thick about them , as almost smuthered them ; and the Grave and Chief of them ( which seemed like their Priests ) sent them straight to the chief Governours of those parts , according to their Custom ( as it seemed to them afterwards ) ; All that was strange or rare , was usually presented to their Chiefs : but they staid not so long as to see the Ceremony of the Sacrifice they were then offering , only they perceived it was a Sacrifice of Fish to some Sea-God ; then they were set on a Creature half Fish , half Flesh ; for it was in shape like a Calf , but had a Tail like a Fish , a Horn like a Unicorn ; that lives in the River , but yet would lye upon the Sands in great Herds or Sholes , as Seils do ; so as they might take them for their use at any time , without the trouble of keeping them up , for they were tame and gentle of themselves .

Thus they rid along the Sands two or three Leagues , to the Governour 's House ; for all along those Sands only , upon a Bank , were Houses all in a row , built with Fishes Bones , which Bones were laid with great Art , and in fine Works , and as close as Stone or Brick ; the tops of these Houses were Scales of Fishes laid like Tile or Slat , which glistered so in the Sun , that they looked some ways like Silver , other ways like Rain-bows in all manner of Colours .

When the Governour had viewed them , he sent them ( with other Messengers , but on the same Beasts ) to the next Governour : And thus they rid upon the Sands for some days , their Food being Fish broiled upon the hot Sands ; for there was no other Food but Fish and Water-Fowl , whereof they had great store , but yet of strange Kinds to Strangers ; for there was no Pasture , nor any thing like green .

At last they came to a place which seemed like a Forest , for there were a number of Bodies of Trees ( if one may call them so , having no Branches ) which were so big , as to hold a Family of Twenty , or more , of the Governour 's House , as big as four other ; and the Bark of those Trees , or indeed the Wood of the Tree quite through , was of all manner of Flowers , both for Colour , Shape , and Scent ; painted , and set by Nature in the Wood : so that the Wood being cut one way , the Flowers were all perfect in shape ; but cut another way , and they seemed like Flowers shedded from the Stalks : and this Wood was so sweet , that all the Forest smelt thereof .

After the Governour of this place had viewed them , he set them on other Beasts , and sent them by other Messengers ; so leaving there their Fleshy-Fishy Beasts , they run back again to the place they were taken from . But those they rid after , were like a Stag in the Body ; which was as big as a Horse , black as a Coal , a Tail like a Dog , Horns like a Ram , tipt with green , like Buds of Trees , and as swift as a Roe . And thus they rid until they came to another Forest , where all the Trees were very high and broad , whose Leaves were shadowed with several Greens , lighter and darker , as if they were painted ; and many Birds there were of strange Colours and Shapes ; some Birds had Wings like Flyes , Beaks , Bodies , and Legs , like other Birds ; some the Bodies like Squirrels , but had Feather'd Wings : there was one ( a very fine kind of Bird in shape ) both for Beak , Head , Body , and Legs , like a Parrot ; but instead of Feathers , it was covered with Hair , like Beasts , which Hairs were of the colour of Parrots Feathers , and the like Batts Wings , streak'd like a Rain-bow ; the Eyes looked yellow , and sent forth a kind of a Light like to small Rays of the Sun : In the midst of the Forehead it had a small Horn , which grew winding , and sharp at the end , like a Needle . This Bird did mount like a Hawk , in Circle ; and after would flye down at other birds , as they do ; but instead of Talons , that Horn struck them dead ; for it would thrust its Horn into their bodies , and so bear their bodies upon their Horn , and flye some certain lengths , as in triumphs , and then would light , and eat them .

There were some Birds no bigger than the smallest Flyes , yet all feather'd ; besides , there were many sorts of Beasts , some had Beaks like Birds , and Feathers instead of Hair , but no Wings , and their Bodies like a Sheep . There was one kind of Beast in the shape of a Camel , and the Neck as white as a Swan , and all the Head and Face white ; only a lock of Hair on the top of his Crown , of all manner of Colours ; the Hair of his Body was of a perfect Gold-yellow , his Tail like his Fore-top , but it would often turn up like a Pea-cock's Tail , and spread abroad ; and the Hairs being of all several Colours , made a most glorious shew : the Legs and Feet of the colour of the Body , but the Hoofs as black as Jet .

At last they were carried to another Governour , who lived in a Town , whose House was built with Spices , the Roof and Beams as big as any House need to have , made of Cinnamon ; and the Walls were plaistered with the flakes of Mace , which flakes were a foot square ; the Planks were cut thick , like Bricks , or square Marble pieces , out of Nutmegs ; the long Planks out of Ginger ( for their Nutmegs and Races of Ginger , were as great as Men could carry ) : the Houses were covered on the top , some with Pomegranat-rines , others with Oranges and Citrons ; but the Pomegranats last the longer , and the other smelt the sweeter , and looked the pleasanter to the Eye . They never have Rain there , nor in any part of the Kingdom ; for the Air is always serene and clear : nor no higher Winds than what fanns the Heat : their exercise was Hunting ; the Women hunted the Females , and the Men the Males .

As they went to the Governour , all the People run about to see them , wondering at them , and viewing them round . But the Governour seemed to admire the Youth much ; yet durst not keep him , being against the Custom ; but sent them straight towards their chief City , where their King was . After some days riding , they came out of the Forest into great Plains and Champains , which were cover'd with a Sea-green and Willow-colour'd Grass ; and some Meadows were cover'd with perfect shadows of all manner of sorts of Greens . As they drew near the City , they saw great Quarries of Crystal , as we have of Stone ; and when they came up to the City , all about without the Walls were Orchards and Root-Gardens , where there grew Roots as sweet as if they were Preserved , and some all Juicy : most of their Fruits grew in Shells like Nuts , most declicious to the tast ; but their Shells were like a Net or Caul , that all the Fruit was seen through ; and some kind of Fruits were as big as one's Head ; but some were no bigger than ours ; others , very small . There never fell Rain , but Dews to refresh them , which fell upon the Earth every Night , like flakes of Snow , and being upon the Earth , they melted , and did look and tast like double-refined Sugar .

At last they entred the City , which was walled about with Crystal ; and so were the Houses , which were built both high and large , and before them were Arched Walks with great Pillars of Crystal ; through the midst of the Street ran a Stream of Golden Sands ; and cross the Stream were little Silver Bridges to pass and re pass over to each side of the Street ; on each side of this Stream grew rows of Trees , which were about the height of Cypress Trees ; but instead of green Leaves , upon every Stalk grew a particular Flower , which smelt so sweet , that when Zephyrus blew ( for they never had high Winds ) , they gave so strong a scent , that it did almost suffocate the Spirits of those that were not used to them .

The King's Palace stood in the midst of the City , higher than all the other Houses ; the outward Wall was Crystal , cut all in Triangles , which presented Millions of Forms from one Object ; and all the ridg of the Wall was all pointed Crystals , which Points cut and divided the beams of the Sun so small , that the Wall did not only look sparkling , but like a flaming Hoop , or Ring of Fire , by reason the Wall went round . To this Wall were four open Passages , Arched like Gates ; from those passages went Walks , and on each side of these Walks were Trees : the Barks thereof were shadowed with Hair-colour , and as smooth as Glass ; and the Leaves of a perfect Grass-green , which is very rare in that Countrey , because Nature hath every where intermix'd several Colours made by Light on several grounds or bodies of things ; and Birds do so delight on those Trees , that they are always full of Birds , every Tree having a several Quyer by it self , which sing such perfect Notes , and keep so just a time , that they do make a most ravishing Melody : besides , the variety of their Tunes are such , that one would think Nature did set them new every day . These Walks lead to another Court , which was walled about with Agats , carved with all sorts of Imagery ; and upon' the ridg of the Wall such were chose out as most resemble the Eyes ; for in some Agats their Colours are naturally mix'd , and lye in Circles , as Eyes ; these seem as if so many Centinels lay looking and watching round about . From this Wall went a Walk , where on each side were Beasts cut artificially , to the life , out of several-colour'd Stones , according as those Beasts which they were to resemble . This Walk leads to another Court which was not walled , but rather railed with white and red Cornelians , cut Spearfashion . From the Rails went only a plain Walk paved with Gold , which went straight to the Palace . this Palace stood on a little Mount , whereto went up a pair of Stairs ; the Stairs went round about the House , ascending by degrees on steps of Amber , leading up to a large and wide Door ; the Frontispiece thereof was Turky-stones curiously carved ; the Palace-Walls were all pure Porcelline , and very thick and strong , yet very clear : It was all roofed or covered with Jett , and also paved with the same ; so that the black Jett was set forth by the white Porcelline ; and the white Porcelline seemed whiter , by the blackness of the Jet . The Windows were only arched holes to let in Air. In the midst of the Palace was a large Room , like a little enclosed Meadow ; in the midst of which ran a Spring of clear Water , where the King bathed himself . Also , there were brave Gardens of all sorts of Flowers ; in the midst of which , was a Rock of Amethists ; and artificial Nymphs , cut out to the life , of Mother-Pearl ; and little Brooks , winding and streaming about , of Golden Sands : The wonder was , that although there were many Mines in that Kingdom , yet the Soil was very fertile .

At last they were brought to the King's Presence , who was laid upon a Carpet made of Thistle-down , with great attendance about him : He , and all those of the Royal Blood , were of a different colour from the rest of the people ; they were of a perfect Orange-colour , their Hair coal-black , their Teeth and Nails as white as Milk ; of a very great height , yet well shaped .

But when the King saw them , he wondred at them : first , at the old Man's Beard , for they have none : The next , at their Habit , which were Seamens Clothes ; but above all , at the Youth , who looked handsome in despight of his poor and dirty Garments . The King did command to have their Clothes pull'd off ; but no sooner did they come to execute that Command , but Travelia was so affrighted , that he fell down in a swound : those that touched him , started back when they saw him dead . But the old Man , bending him forward , brought him to life again . Whereupon they straight thought that their touching him , killed him ; and that the old Man had power to restore Life , which made them afraid to touch them any more ; for that Disease of swouning was not known to them . Then their Priests and Wizzards were called for , to know from whence they came , and what should be done with them . The Priests were only known from the rest of the people , by a Tuft of Hair growing just upon the Crown of the Head , and all the Head else had no Hair ; whereas other Priests are only bald upon the Crown . The King and they fell presently into great dispute .

The King pleaded hard to keep the Youth ; but at last the Priests had the better ( as most commonly they have in all Religions ) , and so carried them away , and kept them a Twelve-month ; but never dar'd to touch them , for fear they should dye , because Travelia swouned ; but they beckned and pointed to them . They gave them ease , not employing them to any labour ; and fed them daintily of what they could eat ; for some Meats they could not eat , as Man's Flesh : for , they had a Custom in that Countrey , to keep great store of Slaves , both Males and Females , to breed on , as we do breed Flocks of Sheep , and other Cattel ; the Children were eaten , as we do Lambs or Veal , for young and tender Meat ; the elder for Beef and Mutton , as stronger Meat . They kill five Males for one Female , for fear of destroying the Breed ; although they be so fruitful , that they never bear less than two at a birth , and many times three ; and they seldom leave Child-bearing , until they are Threescore years old ; for they usually live there until they are Eight score , and sometimes Two hundred years : but the ordinary Age is a Hundred , unless Plagues come ; not out of Sluttery , or evil or corrupt Air , but with too much nourishment , by reason of their delicious Diet , which breeds such a superfluity of Humours , that it corrupts their blood . As for their Houses , they are kept very cleanly , by reason they never eat in them ; for their custom was , to eat all together in common Halls , as the Lacedemonians did , only they had better Cheer , and more Liberty . Likewise , their Women were common to every one's use , unless it were those Women of the Royal Blood , which is a sort by themselves , as was described before , and therefore never mixt with the rest ; but if they did , and were known , it was death : These of the Royal Blood , had all their Skins wrought , like the Britans . As for their Government , it was Tyrannical ; for all the common People were slaves to the Royal Race .

But to return to the old Man , observing how careful and choice they were kept , he told his Son what he thought was their intention , which was , to sacrifice them ; and ( said he ) there is no way to escape , unless we had their Language , and could make them believe we came from the Gods ; and that the Gods would punish them if they put us to death ; and you are young ( said he ) , and apt to learn ; but I am old , and my Memory decayed ; wherefore , now or never , study for your Life .

Well , said he , since my Life lyes in my Learning , I will learn for my Life : Which he did so well , that he got ( in that Twelve-month ) their Language so perfect , as he understood , and could speak most of it : In which time he understood all that I have delivered in this Relation ; and besides , understood that they had many Gods and Goddesses .

The Sun was their chief God , and the Earth the chief Goddess ; their next God was the Sea , and their Goddess the Moon ; and they prayed to the Starrs ( as some do to Saints ) to speak in their behalf , and to present their Prayers to the Sun and Moon , which they thought to be as Man and Wife , and the Starrs their Children . To their Gods they offered none but the Males ; and those offerings were offered by Men : And the Men pray'd only to the Gods ; and to their Goddesses none but the Women ; nor none but Female-offering were offered unto them .

At last , by their Discourse and Preparation , they perceiv'd they were to be sacrificed to the Sun , as being both Males ( as they thought ) ; and with great Ceremony , as being Strangers , and such Rarities ; yet they did not touch Travelia , as supposing ( if they should ) ' he would dye before he was brought to the place of Sacrifices : In all this time , he never disclosed that he could speak their Language , nor understand them . But in this time the old Man had got some Salt-peeter and Brimstone , and burnt Wood into Charcoal , so made Gunpowder ( for they had the liberty to go where they would about their Temples ) : and after he had made the Gun-powder , he made two things like Pistols , although not so curious and neat , yet well enough to serve his turn ; and directed his Son what he should do and say . Against that day he made himself a Garment of a Grass , which was like to Green Silk ; which he had woven so finely , as it look'd like Sattin : He had also upon the Calfs of his Legs like Buskins of several-colour'd Flowers , and a Garland of Flowers on his Head ; the Soles of his Sandals were of that Green , but the stripes a-top was of Flowers like his Buskins ; in each hand he held the two Pistols ; his Hair ( which was grown in that time , for he never discovered it , keeping it tyed up ) untied , and let down , spread upon his back : But when the Priest ( which came to fetch him forth ) saw him thus drest , never seeing Hair before ( for they had none but Wool , and very short , as Negroes have ) , was amazed at the sight ; and not daring to touch him , went by him , guarding him ( as the chief Sacrifice ) to the place ; where the King and all his Tribe , and all his People , waited for their coming : the King being placed at the head of the Altas , with a Dart in his right hand , the Spear of the Dart being an entire Diamond , cut with a sharp Point , to signifie the piercing beams of the Sun ; which Spear he usually struck into the Heart of the Sacrificed ; which Heart the Priest used tb cut out , and give the King to eat raw ; the whilst the Priest sung Songs in the praise of the Sun , as the Father of all things .

Thus , after some expectation , the Priests came with their Sacrifices ; which when the King and People saw , they were all amazed , as well they might ; for the Youth appear'd most beautiful . But at last they all shouted , and cryed out , Their Gods had beautified and adorned their Sacrifices , as being well pleased therewith ; making great shouts and noises of Joy . But when he came to the Altar , he call'd to them in their own Language ; at which they grew mute with wonder : and , being silent , he thus spake :

OKING , and you Spectators ! Why do you offend the Gods , in destroying their Messengers which come to bring you life , and to make you happy ? Hed I brought you Plagues , then you might have sacrifieed me to your God of Lights , as coming from Death and Darkness , his Enemies : but for this your false Devotion , the great Sun ( saith he ) will destroy you with one of his small Thunder-bolts , killing first your Priests , and then the rest .

With that , shot off his Pistol into the breast of the Chief Priest , wherewith he straight fell down dead .

The noise of the Pistol , and the flash of the Fire , which they never saw before , and the effect of it upon the Priest , struck them with such a horror , and did so terrifie them , as they all kneeled down , imploring Mercy and Forgiveness , with trembling Limbs , and weeping Eyes .

Whereupon he told them , There was no way to avoid Punishment , but first , To fast two days from any kind of Nourishment : Next , Not to open their Lips to speak : And then , To obey whatsoever he shall teach them , as being sent from the Gods ; bidding them go home , until their time of Fasting were out , and then to return to the Temple again ; commanding none to remain there , but to leave it to the old Man , and himself .

The Temple was most rich and curiously built , having ( in that Countrey ) great Art and Skill in Architecuture .

After which , the King and all the People , rising up , bowed their Heads down low , as in humble obedience to the Commands he had receiv'd ; praying to him , as a God , to divert the Punishments intended to them ; and in sorrow lamenting their Fault , went home , each to his House , sealing up their Lips ( for such a time ) from receiving Meat , or sending forth Words : In the mean time , the old Man and he had leisure to bethink themselves what to do , having at that time the Temple , as a Palace , to live in ; none to disturb them , nor to hinder their Thoughts from working out their advantage ; and , sitting in Counsel a long time , disputing with each other what was best to do , at last resolved , That the old Man should go to the King , as sent from the Gods , to bid him send a Command to all his People , to eat such Herbs for Sallads , and drink their Water without mixture , just before they came : for else ( said the old Man ) their Hunger will make them impatient , or so dull , as it may stop their Ears by the faintness of their Spirits , caused by their empty Stomacks ; and too much ( said he ) makes them furious , sending up Malignant Vapours to their Brains , which may cause our Ruins .

But after he had been with the King , he returned back to the Temple again , and the King obeyed his Desire , as a Command from the Gods ; and brought the People all to the Temple : where , after they were all gathered together , Travelia advanced himself so much higher than rest , as they might hear him round about .

Then thus spake :

PIOUS Friends , for so I may call you , being willing to please the Gods ; though your Ignorance hath led you wrong ways : But the Gods seeing your Zeal , though through a false Devotion , pitying your Ignorance , have by their Wisdom found means to appease the Wrath of their Justice ; for every Attribute of the Gods must have a satisfaction : for , Right is their Kingdom , and Truth is their Scepter , wherewith they govern all their Works : but the Gods have strowed Lots amongst Mankind , of movable things , which Chance gathers up ; and Chance , being blind , mistakes both in the gathering and distributing . Now the Gods made this Chance by their Providence , when they made Man : for , Man hath no more knowledg of the transitory things of the World , than what Fortune gives them , who is an unjust Distributer : for , all External Gifts come from her hand ; and , for want of sight , she gives oft-times the Beggar 's Lot to the King , the Servants to the Master , the Master 's to the Servant : and for the Internal Gifts which the Gods have bestowed on Men , they are different , as the External are transitory ; for some are nearer to perfection , some farther off ; yet none have perfect knowledg : for , the Gods mix Man's nature with such an aspiring Ambition , that if they had a perfect knowledg of the glory of the Gods , and a perfect knowledg of the first Cause , and of the Effects produced therefrom , they would have warr'd with the Gods , and have strove to usurp their Authority : So busie and vain-glorious hath the Gods made the Minds of Men ! Wherefore , the Gods govern the World by Ignorance ; and though the goodness of the Gods is great , yet it is bound in with their Justice , which is attended with Terrors , to punish the Crimes of Men , and even to punish the innocent Errors that proceed from that Ignorance which they have muzled Man withall . But as their Power made the World , their Wisdom rules the World , their Justice punishes the World ; so their Mercy keeps the World from destruction ; and their Love not only saves Man , but preferrs Man to a glorious Happiness . And some of this Love the Gods have sent to you , although by your Ignorance you had almost cast it from you . And since the Gods have sent you Knowledg by us , take hold of it , and do not wilfully fall in your superstitious Errors ; although it is a difficult pains , even for the Gods themselves , to perswade Man , who is of a cross , suspitious , inquisitive , and murmuring nature , accusing the Gods of Partiality ; saying , They prefer or cast out whom they please , not as Man deserves . Thus they judg of the Gods by their own Passions ; but the Gods , by Variation , are pleased to continue the World ; and by Contradiction to govern it ; by Sympathy delight it : for , Delight lives not altogether in the power of Chance , being created in the Essence and Soul of Man : for , though Chance can present those things ( with Antipathies or Sympathies ) to the Senses , which present them to the Soul ; yet it hath not the power to rule it : for , the Soul is a kind of God in it self , to direct and guide those things that are inferior to it ; to perceive and descry into those things that are far above it ; to create by Invention , and to delight in Contemplations : and though it hath not an absolute power over it self , yet it is a harmonious and absolute thing in it self : and though it is not a God from all Eternity , yet it is a kind of Deity to all Eternity , for it shall never dye : and though the Body hath a relation to it , yet no otherwise than the Mansion of Jove hath unto Jove : The Body is only the residing-place , and the Sensitive Spirits are as the Soul's Angels or Messengers , and Intelligencers : So the Souls of Men are to the Gods , as the Sensitive Spirits to the Soul : And will you dislodg the Sensitive Spirits of the Gods , by destroying and unbuilding each other's Body by violent Deaths , before it be the Gods Pleasure to dissolve that Body , and so remove the Soul to a new Mansion ? And though it is not every Creature that hath that Soul , but only Man ( for Beasts have none , nor every Man , for most Men are Beasts ; only the Sensitive Spirits , and the Shape may be , but not the Soul ) ; yet none know when the Soul is out or in , but the Gods ; and not only other Bodies may not know it , but the same Body is ignorant thereof .

The Soul is as invisible to the Sensitive Spirits , as the Gods to men : for , though the Soul knows , and hath intelligence by the Sensitive Spirits , yet the Sensitive have none from the Soul : for , as Gods know Men , but Men know not Gods ; so the Soul knoweth the Senses , but the Senses know not the Soul : Wherefore , you must seek all the ways to preserve one another , as Temples of the Gods , not to destroy and pull them down ; for whosoever doth so , commits Sacriledg against the Gods : Wherefore , none must dye , but those that kill , or would kill others ; Death must be repaid with Death , saith Jove ; and only Death is in the power of Man to call when they please ; but Life is in the power of the Gods ; and those that displease the Gods , shall have a miserable Life , not only in the bodily part , which is sensible of pain , and may be tormented out of one shape into another , and be perpetually dying , or killing , with all manner of Torments , and yet never dye ; in the shape of a Man , feels stabs in the Sides ; in the shape of a Bull , knocks on his Head ; in the shape of a Hart , Arrows in the Haunch ; in the shape of a Fish , Hooks tearing the Jaws ; besides all manner of Diseases and Infirmities ; it may be , Burning , Hanging , Drowning , Smuthering , Pressing , Freezing , Rotting , and thousands of these kinds ; nay , more than can be reckoned . Thus several Bodies , though but one Mind , may be troubled in every Shape .

But those that please the Gods , live easie in every Shape , and dye quietly and peaceably ; or when the Gods do change their Shapes , or Mansions , 't is for the better , either for Ease or Newness .

Thus have the Gods sent us to instruct you , and to stay so long amongst you , as you can learn and know their Commands , and then to return unto them .

With that , the King and People bowed their Faces to the ground , adoring him as a God , and would have built Altars , and offered Sacrifices unto him : But he forbad them ; telling them , They must build Altars in their Hearts of Repenting , Humbling , and Amending-Thoughts , and offer Sacrifices of Prayer and Thanksgiving , to the great and incomprehensible Jove , and not Altars built with hands unto Men ; nor to offer Inhuman Sacrifices to Gods , of their own making .

Thus Preaching every day for some time , forbidding Vain and Barbarous Customs , and Inhuman Ceremonies ; teaching and perswading them to believe , The Gods were not to be known nor comprehended ; and , that all that they have discovered of themselves to their Creatures , was only by their Works , in which they should praise them . By which Doctrine they were brought to be a Civilized People , and approved of their Teacher so well , that they would do nothing concerning Religion , or any other Affairs of Government , without him : and being dismist for that time , departed , leaving them to themselves in the Temple ; where , at certain and set-times , the King and People repaired to hear him Preach ; who taught them according to his Belief : and whensoever they moved out of the Temple , all the People flocked about them with Acclamations of Joy ; and whensoever the King sent for them ( as he often did for their Counsels ) , all the Princes attended , and People waited upon them . And thus they lived with great Splendor , Love , and Admiration , amongst them ; their Persons were thought Divine , their Words were Laws , and their Actions Examples , which the People followed .

Thus for a while we leave them , and return to the old Lady , and the Prince .

The old Lady sending into Affectionata's Chamber ( as then called , for so she named her self there ) to entreat her Company , for therein she took great delight , she being witty in her Conversation , and pleasing in her Humour . But the Messenger miss'd of the Mark ; for looking about , and calling aloud , he could neither hear nor see her . So returning , told the old Lady , She was not to be found . Whereat she grew into a great Passion , not only for her loss ( which she thought great , since her love to her , and esteem of her , was not small ) ; but that she apprehended the Prince would think that she had neglected that Charge he had entrusted her with .

Whilst she was in this Passion , the Prince came in , who had been in the young Lady's Chamber , but missing her , thought she had been there ; but seeing her not , and the old Lady weeping , straight asked her for his Mistress ; but she through Tears and Sobs could not answer . Whereupon some about her answered , She was gone none could tell where . At whose Words the Prince's Countenance and Complexion exprest his grief , the one being sad , the other pale ; standing in a fix'd Posture , his Body seeming like a Statue without Soul , which was gone to seek after her . But at last , as if it had returned in despair , grew frantick with grief , tearing himself , cursing his Misfortunes ; at length , goeth into her Chamber again , looking in every corner , even where she could not be , as much as where she might be : for , Lovers leave no place nor means unsought , or untried . At last he espied a Letter upon the Table , directed to the Lady , which he opened , considering not the Incivility of breaking up the Seal without the Lady's leave ( for Jealous Lovers break all such Ceremonies ) : and thus read :

Madam ,

PRAY think me not ungrateful , after all your Noble Favours , that I go away without your leave or knowledg : for , could I have staid with security , nothing but your Commands could have forced me from you ; or could my Life have served you , I would have offered it as a Sacrifice to Obligation . But , Madam , it is too dangerous for a Lamb to live near a Lion : for , your Nephew is of so hungry an Appetite , that I dare not stay , which makes me seek safety in some other place . But when my Thoughts forget your Honourable Memory , let them cease to think . The Gods protect your Virtue , and send you Health . Fare you well .

Affectionata .

When he had read this Letter , and went to lay it on the Table again , he perceived another Letter directed to him , which he opened and read .

SIR ,

YOU cannot condemn me for going away , since my stay might prove my Ruin , you having not power over your Passions . But had my Life been only in danger , I should have ventured it : not that I am so fond of Death , as to give my Life willingly away ; but I am so true a Votress to Chastity , that I will never forsake her Order , but will carry her Habit to my Grave : Nor will I give Virtue an occasion to weep over my Follies , nor Truth to revile me with Falshood ; but Honour , as a Garland , shall crown my Hearse , whilst Innocency enshrines my Corps , that Fame may build me a Monument in Noble Minds . Had you been Master of your Passion , or bad the temperance of your Affections been equal to your other Virtues , I should have joyed to live near you , as Saints do to the Gods ; and though my hard Fortune have driven me into many Dangers ( and more I am like to run through , by the unknown ways you have forced me into ) yet the blessing of Jupiter fall upon you , whatsoever Chance befalls me . Farewell .

Affectionata .

When he had read his Letter , he sits down musing with himself a long time ; then rose , and without speaking any words , departed to his House in the City .

The old Lady , his Princess , seeing him so sad , asked him what was the Cause ?

He answered , He was sick , and went to bed .

The next day , calling his Steward , he setled his Estate , and ordered every thing according to his Mind , and bid him provide so much Moneys : which done , he sent for his Wife , telling her , She must not take it ill , if he left her for a short time , for he was resolved to travel : for , said he , I have a quarrel to one that is stoln out of the Kingdom , and I cannot 〈◊〉 at quiet until I have found the Party out , to be evenged for the Injury done me ; which he bid her to conceal .

She , with Tears , entreated his stay ; but no Perswasions could prevail to alter his intention , or rather resolution : for , Love is obstinate ; and if it finds not a like return , but a neglect , grows spightful , rather wishing evil to what they love , than another should enjoy what they would have ; and hate themselves , out of a displeasure , in not having what they desire : So did he , and was impatient until he was shipt and gone ; who steered his course towards the Kingdom of Riches , as believing she was sailed towards her own Countrey ; and resolved he was to find her out , or to end his days in the search ; his Life being a burthen to him without her company .

Thus Love , sailing in the Ship of Imagination , on the Ocean of the Mind , toss'd on the troubled Waves of discontented Thoughts , whilst his Body sailed in the Ship on the Sea , cutting the salt Waves , they were set on by Pyrates , and taken Prisoners ; so that he was doubly captivated , his Soul before , & now his Body . At first they used him but roughly , according to their barbarous natures ; but , by degrees , his noble Disposition , and affable Behaviour , got indifferent entertainment .

It chanced some time after , in the sharing of those Prizes they got with him , and some others they had got before , they fell out , and from rude words they fell to ruder blows : The Prince apprehending the danger that might befall to himself , strove to pacifie them ; giving them such Reasons in elegant words , that it charmed their Ears , and softned their Hearts , and ended the strife amongst them ; and begot from them such love and respect , that they made him their Albitrator , and Divider of the Spoils ; which he performed with that Justice and Discretion to each one , that they made him their Governour , and chief Ruler over them ; which Power he used with that Clemency and Wisdom , that he was 〈◊〉 father as their God , than their Captain , giving him all Ceremonious Obedience .

And thus reigning in his Watry Kingdom with his three-forked Trident , we leave him for a time , and visit the old Man and adopted Son , who now began to grow weary of their Divine Honours , and ( like wise Men , that seek a retired and secured life from the Pomp of dangerous Glories ) bethought themselves how they might get away , and to return into their own Countreys again : for , an humble and mean Cottage is better beloved by the Owner , than the bravest and stateliest Palace , if it be another's .

Thus , putting their Designs in execution , they invited the King and People to a solemn Meeting in the Temple ; where Travelia , standing in his usual place , thus spake :

THE Gods ( said he ) will have us to return from whence we came ; and to you ( Great King ) their Command is , To love your People , and to distribute Justice amongst them ; guarding the Innocent , punishing the Offendor ; and not to use any cruel Ceremony to destroy your own Kind ; but to instruct them in the Right , and to lead them into the ways of Truth , as being their High-Priest amongst them : Also , To make as Warrs against your Neighbouring Kingdoms , but as a defence and guard to your own : for , in Peace lives Happiness , when Warrs bring Ruin and Destruction ; and in doing this , Tranquillity shall be as a Bed of Ease for Life to sleep on ; and Length of Days as a Chariot for Life to ride in to Heaven , where your Souls shall dwell in the height of Bliss : And , in this World , Fame shall Crown your Deeds , and your Posterity shall glory in your Name .

And to you , beloved People , the Gods command Piety in your Devotion , Obedience to your King , Love to your Neighbour , Mercy to your Enemies , Constancy to your Friends , Liberty to your Slaves , Care and Industry for your Children , Duty to your Parents : and in doing this , Plenty shall flow in amongst you , Mirth shall dance about you , Pleasures shall invite you , Delight shall entertain you , Peace shall keep you safe , till the Gods call you to partake of the Glories of Heaven ; and my Prayers shall always be , That Jove may preserve you all .

Then going off from the place where he stood , they went to the King to take their leaves : whereat the King and People wept , and wish'd the Gods had given them leave to dwell amongst them . But since they could not have their desire therein , they travelled to the River-side in attendance on them , offering them great Riches to carry with them : But they desired , nor took they any more with them , than they thought would defray their charges in a time of necessity : Neither did they build a new Ship to sail in , but went in the same Boat they came , which had been kept , as a Relick , safe : for the old Man considered with himself , that a bigger Vessel would be more dangerous , without Sea-men , than the small Boat , which they could manage themselves . And so with great sorrow of either side , the one to lose their Angels ( as they thought them to be ) , the others for the dangers they were to run through .

And thus they parted from the Kingdom of Fancy , putting forth their Boat from the shore ; the old Man ( who was very skilful at Sea ) observing what Angle they came in , returned the same way : where , after six days , they were upon the Main Sea , the Winds being fair , and the Waters smooth , the Boat went as swift as an Arrow out of a Parthian's Bow ; and as even , as if it meant to hit a Mark ; but if by a fresh Gale the Waves did chance to rise , the Boat would as nimbly skip each ridg , as a young Kid over a green Hillock ; being as leight as Mercury's winged Heels : So Joy filled their Hearts with Hopes , as Winds filled their Sails .

But various Fortune , causing several changes in the World , did raise such Storms of Fears , as drowned all their Joys : for a Ship fraughted with Pyrates , like a great Whale , seized on them . Pyrates let nothing escape which they can get to make advantage of ; so ravenous is their covetous Appetite : But finding not such a Prize as they did expect , but such as might rather prove a burthen , consulted to put the old Man into the Boat again , and to keep only the young Youth , whom ( being very handsom ) they might sell for a Slave , and get a Sum of Money . But when the old Man was to depart , Travelia clasped about him so close , that his Tears , and the Tears of the old Man , mix'd and joined , and flowed as Waters through a Channel , swell'd with several Brooks . But when he was forced to leave his hold , down on his kness he fell , begging he might go , or keep his Father there : Pity , said he , my Father's Age : Cast him not out alone to sail on the wide and dangerous Sea ; for though my Help is weak , yet I am a Stay and Staff for his decayed Life to lean upon ; and I hope the Gods have destin'd me to that end ; but if no pity can move your Hearts for Him , O let it do it for Me : Cut me not from the Root , though old and dry ; For then , poor Branch , I wither shall , and dye .

Nay , said he , I will dye when I can no longer help him ; for Death is in my power , though Life is not .

But the Prince , who was their Commander , hearing a noise , came on the Deck ; who no sooner saw him , but was struck with Compassion , raised by a resemblance of his Mistress appearing in the Face of the Youth ; and going to him , bid him dry his Eyes , and cease his Sorrow , for they both should live together so long as he could keep them .

Heaven bless you , said he , and may you never part from that you most do love .

But when Travelia's Tears were stopped , and sight got a passage through her Eyes again , and looking up to view that Man from whom his Obligations came , no sooner saw his Face , but Terror struck his Heart , and trembling seized her Limbs , as if she had seen some hideous and prodigious thing .

The Prince observing her in that Agony , asking him ( as supposing her a Boy ) , What made him shake and tremble so ?

In quivering Words she answered , As Fear before had shrunk his Sinews short , so now Joy had extended them too far .

The Prince then stroaking his Head , promised they should both be well used ; and so returned into his Cabin .

Thus travelling on the Sea , as on a great Champain ; the Ship , like a Horse , went several paces , according as the Waves did rise and fall .

But at last this Ship became like a Horse diseased with Spavins , which broke out , and sprung a leak , which they stopt as well as they could for the time ; but doubting it could not long hold out , grew very sad , some weeping , some praying , some murmuring , some raving , according as their Fear and Hopes were . But the Prince , who was valiant by nature , expected Death with as much patience , as they with fear did apprehend it ; neither was he struck with terror , but yeelded to the Fates , and was willing to dye . But , in the midst of their Afflictions , at last they espied an Island ; at which sight they all shouted for joy .

Thus , in the life of Man , many several accidents pass about ; and it chances , many times , that out of the midst of Grief and Sorrow , rises up Objects of Comfort ; so was it here : and setting up all their Sails , made haste to it ; but before they could come close to it , although they were not far from it , the Leak broke out again , and likewise their Fears ; for the Ship grew sick of a lingring Disease , that it could swim no farther , but perished by little and little ; which perceiving , they hoist out their Boat , where the Prince gave order , That those which were most afraid , should go first ; he himself was the last that went therein , though the Boat did go and unload , and return'd many times ; insomuch , that not only the Passengers were saved , but all their Goods , which no sooner were out , but the Ship sunk , and dyed of that Incurable Dropsie .

But in these Dangers the Prince forgot not Travelia ; for why , the Prince was more fond of him , than Travelia was of himself ; for her fears of being known , gave her no rest . But being all safely arrived in the Island , they began to consider what to do ; the Prince counselled them to chuse out some of the Company to build up Hutts to lay their Goods in ; and also to cut down some Trees , there being great store of Wood , chusing that which was most proper and fit to build a new Ship ; whilst the rest of the Company went to seek Food , and to discover the place .

This being agreed upon , they divided themselves ; and those that travelled up into the Island , found it very small , as being not above thirty miles long , and twenty broad , and unpeopled ; but great store of Fish and Fowl ; few Beasts ; but those that were , were of a gentle Kind ; fine Meadows full of Grass and sweet Flowers ; refreshing and shady Woods , wherein ran clear Springs , and bubling Brooks . Thus , though it were little , it was very pleasant ; the greatest Inconvenience they found there , was want of Houses ; for they found the ground somewhat damp with Dews , which ( being an Island ) it was subject to : but the Air was ferene and clear , the Climate a little more than temperately hot . But the time that the Ship was a building , the Prince had a little House , or thing like an Arbour , built in the midst of the Island , to lodg in ; and the rest made Hutts for themselves ; and several Recreations they found to pass away the time .

Being in so solitary a place , the Prince ( who was melancholy for the loss of his Mistress ) grew full of Thoughts ; and having her Picture in his Mind drawn to the life , comparing it to Travelia's Face , which he often looked upon , began to reason with himself why that might not be she , considering her private escape , and the little acquaintance she had in that Countrey ; and seeming of a better breeding than a Ship-Master's Son could have , it did almost confirm his hopes . But discoursing one day with the old Man of several accidents , telling their Misfortunes and good hap of both sides , and being both of one Countrey ; the old Man , thinking no harm , discovered by his talking , that Travelia was none of his Son , begotten from his Loins , but adopted through Compassion and Affection ; and then telling the Story how he came into his Ship unknown , or without his leave ; by the circumstances of Time , Place , and Manner , found that it was she ; whereat , being transported with joy , he could scarce conceal his Passion , but dissembled his knowledg as well as he could for the present , yet after that time sought an occasion to get her alone ; where he did usually go a Birding , and did command Travelia to carry his Bags of Shot after him ( who loved the Service , though she feared the Lord ) ; and when they were gone some distance from the rest of the Company , and being in a shady Wood , the Prince feigned himself weary ; and setting down to rest , commanded him to do the like ; and at last discovered to him how he came to know her .

She finding her self discovered , turned as pale as Death ; and in that passion of Fear , prayed him to kill her , or otherwise she should find a way to do it her self .

But the Prince told her , He would satisfie himself first , unless she would consent to live with him as his Wife , in that Island , wherein ( said he ) we may live free and secure , without any Disturbance .

She musing with her self what to do , believing he was not grown the Chaster , with living amongst rude and barbarous People , thought it best to dissemble , and give a seeming-consent .

Whereat the Prince's Thoughts being more elevated , than if he had been Master of the whole World , they return'd to the rest of the Company ; the one with an over-joyed Mind , the other sad , and full of perplexed Thoughts . But when she came to a place where she might be alone , sitting down in a melancholy posture , without uttering Words , or shedding Tears ; for Grief and Amazement had congealed the one , and stopt the other : yet at last her smuthered sorrow broke out into Complaint .

You Gods ( said she ) ! Who will offer Sacrifice to your Deities , since you give Innocency no protection , nor let Chastity live undefiled ? Cruel Fates ! to spin my Thread of Life , to make me up a Web of Misery ! Accurst Fortune , that brake not that Thread with an untimely Death ! And you unjust Powers , to torment poor Virtue , making it a sin to free it self : for , bad I leave to dye , I would not live in shame : for to dwell bere , committing Acts dishonourable , although I am forced , yet shall I seem a Party guilty ; and though no outward Accusers , yet my Conscience will condemn me . But , O you Gods of Light ! Since you regard me not , nor will not hear me ; You Powers of Darkness , hearken unto me , and wrap me up in your dark Mantles of perpetual Night , that no Eye may see me ; and cast me into black Oblivion , where no remembrance is .

The old Man her Father ( who was come from the Water-side , where he had been for the directing and ordering the building of a new Ship ) came to her in the midst of her Complaints , and asked her , What she lacked ? or , If she were sick ?

I would I were , said she ; then might I hope Death would reprieve me : But I am worse ; for I am miserable , having Torment ( like to those of Hell ) within my Mind : My Thoughts are Vultures , eating on my Carrion-Infamy ; or like the restless Stone , that cannot get up to the Hill of Peace , but rolleth back with fear and sad remembrance . Then she told him what she was , which he did never know before ; and what had pass'd since the first of her Misfortunes , to that present ; and how he had ignorantly discovered her .

Which , when he heard , he cursed his Tongue for telling how , and where he found her .

Father , said she , What is past , cannot be recalled ; wherefore , I must strive to help my self in what 's to come : and since I have been dutiful , and you so loving and kind , as to save me from the Jaws of Death ; help me now to protect my Honour ; convey me hence ; let me not live here to please his Appetite , but cast me to some unknown place , where ( like an Anchoret ) I may live from all the World , and never more to see the face of Man ; for , in that Name , all Horror strikes my Senses , and makes my Soul like to some furious thing ; so much affrighted it hath been .

Her Father said , Heaven give you quiet , and me aid to help your Designs . But you must ( said he ) dissemble , to compass them : wherefore rise , and put on a smooth and pleasant face , and let your Discourse be so compliant , that you may have a free liberty ; for if a Doubt should cross his Thoughts , you may chance to be restrained and kept by force , which will break that assistance I may give you .

Whilst they were thus discoursing , the Prince came to them ( who had not patience to be long from her ; for her Absence was his Hell , and her Presence his Heaven ) , flattering the old Man : My Father , said he , ( for so I may call you now ) let me entreat you I may be your Son , and she your Daughter ; since she , you thought a Boy , is proved a Girl : and since Fortune hath brought us so happily to meet , let us not despise her Favours , but make the best use of them , to our advantage .

Then telling the old Man , how that Island might be made a Paradice , and in what felicity they might live there , if their peevish Humours did not overthrow . their Pleasures . The old Man seemed to approve of all the Prince said ; whereupon the Prince took him to be his dear Friend , and secret Councellor : for the old Man did not omit to give him Counsel concerning the setling and advancing of his new and small Monarchy ; because he thought , in doing so , he might the better work out his own Design , by taking away those suspitions that otherwise he thought might be had of him .

Then the Prince bid the old Man to have a care , and to order his Maritime Affairs , in over-seeing his Ships and Boats built ( for , said he , our chief Maintenance will be from the Sea ) ; the whilst I will perswade these Men I have here , to make this place the Staple and Port of their Prizes , and Dwelling .

Then taking Travelia along with him ( the old Man and he parted for that time ) , and going to the rest of the Company , he perswaded so well with his Rhetorick , that they resolved to stay , and build them Houses there to live , and also Ware-houses to lay their Prizes in , and from thence to traffick with them into safe and free places . Whereupon every one put himself in order thereunto ; some cut down Wood , others digg'd up Stones ; some carried Burthens , and some builded . Thus , like Bees , some gathered the Honey and Wax , whilst others made and wrought the Combs .

The mean time the old Man made himself busie , at the Coast side , about Ships and Boats , as being the chief Master employed in that Work . But oft-times he would go out a fishing in a Fisher-boat all alone , bringing several Draughts of Fish ; and when he thought he should be least mistrusted , conveyed Victuals therein , and then gave Travelia notice to steal to the Water-side ; who , watching her opportunity when the Prince was busie in surveying , and in drawing the Platforms of the City he would have built , stole away ; and as soon as she came , her old Father went as if he meant to go a fishing , carrying his Nets ( and the like ) with him to the Boat , his supposed Son busie in helping him ; and so both being put out to Sea , and not gone very far , were taken by the Sympathetical Merchants , who trafficking into the Kingdom of Amity , sold them there to other Merchants ; who carrying them to the chief City , the Queen of that Countrey ( who was an Absolute Princess in the Rule and Government thereof ) seeing Travelia , who was brought to her as a Rarity , took such a liking to him , that she received him into her Family , as also to attend near her Person ; wherein he behaved himself so well , that he became her Favourite , and the old Man was treated very well for his Son's sake .

In the mean time , the Prince was in a sad condition for the loss of his Mistress , who searched about all the Island for her ; but could hear nothing of her , until he sent to the Sea-side for the old Man , to enquire for her ; and had answer back , That the old Man and the Youth went out a fishing , but were not as yet returned . Which he no sooner heard , but guesled a-right that they were fled away . Whereupon he grew so enraged , that he lost all Patience ; swearing , tearing , stamping , as if he had been distracted .

But when his Fury was abated , his Melancholy encreased , walking solitary , accompanied only with his sad Thoughts , casting about which way to leave that hated place ( for all places seemed so to him where his Mistress was not ) : yet he knew not very well what to do , because he had perswaded the rest of the Company to abide there , and make it their home ; and in order thereunto he knew they had taken great pains : besides , he thought they might despise him , as seeming unconstant ; yet stay he could not : wherefore calling them together he spake in this manner :

My Friends , said he , We have here a pleasant Island , altogether unhabited , but what is possest by our selves ; and certainly , we might become a famous People , had we Women to get Posterity , and make a Commonwealth : but as we are all men , we can only build us Houses to live and dye in , but not have Children to survive us . Wherefore my Counsel is , That some of us that are most employed , may take the new Ship , and go a Pyracing for Women , making some adventure on the next Kingdom , which may be done by a sudden surprisal ; which Prizes , if we get any , will bring us more comfort , pleasure , and profit , than any other Goods : for , what contentment can Riches bring us , if we have not Posterity to leave it to ?

They all applauded so well of his Advice , that they were impatient of stay , striving who should go along with him ; and so pleased they were with the imagination of the Female Sex , that those whose Lot was to stay ( who seldom or never pray'd before ) prayed for the others good success . But the Prince's intention was , only to find that Female he lost ; caring not to seek for those he never saw . But setting out with great expedition , and hopes of a good return , sailed with a fair Wind three or four days , at last saw Land , part of the Kingdom of Amity . No sooner landed , but they were beset with Multitudes of Countrey-people , who flocked together , being affrighted with the arrival of strangers ; and being more in numbers than they were , over-power'd them , and took them Prisoners . They were examined , for what they came ? They answered , For fresh Water . But they believed them not : for , said they , it is not likely you would come in a Troop so armed , for fresh Water . So they bound them , and sent them to the King , to examine them farther : And being carried to the chief City , where the King was , who was advertised of all ; sent for them into his Presence to view them : And being brought unto them , the Prince , who was of a comely and graceful Presence , and a handsome man , bowing his Head down low , in a submissive stile thus spake :

Great King , We poor Watry-Pilgrims , travelling through the vast Ocean to search the Curiosities of Nature , that we may offer our Prayers of Admiration , on her Altar of New Discoveries ; have met with cruel Fortune , who always strives to persecute , and hath forced us to your Coast for the relief of fresh Water : for we came not here to rob , nor to surprise ; but to relieve our feeble Strength , that was almost lost with thirst ; not that we were afraid to dye , but loath to live in Pain : nor would we willingly yeeld up our Lives , unless great Honour lay at stake : but if the Fates decree our death , what way soever it comes , with patience we will submit .

But if , great King , your Generosity dares trust our Faiths , so far as to employ us in your Service , we may prove such by our Courage , that our Acts may beg a Pardon for those necessitated Faults we have committed ; and if we dye in Warrs , we dye like Gallant Men ; but to dye shackled Prisoners , we dye like Slaves , which all Noble Natures abhor .

The King , when he had heard him speak , thus answered the Prince ( as their accustomed manner was ) in Verse : Your Faith I 'le trust , and Courages will try : Then let us see how bravely you dare dye .

The Prince Poetically answered again , as he perceived it an usual Custom to speak : Our Lives , said he , wee 'l quit , before we yeeld : Wee 'l win your Battels , or dye in the field .

For the King , at that time , was newly entred into a Warr with the Queen of Amity ; the chief cause was , for denying him Marriage , he being a Batchelor , and she a Maid , and their Kingdoms joining both together ; but he nearer to her by his Affection , being much in Love with her : But she was averse and deaf to his Suit ; and besides , her People was loath , for fear of being made a subordinate Kingdom . Wherefore , he sought to get her by force . And the King , liking the Prince's Demeanour , demanded who he was , and from whence he came . The Prince told him truly , who he was , from whence he came ; how he was taken by the Pyrates ; and how long he had lived with them ( concealing the cause of his journey ) : But by his Discourse and Behaviour , he insinuated himself so far into the King's Favour , and got such Affections in his Court , that he became very powerful , insomuch as he was chosen the Chief Commander to lead out the Army ; believing him ( as he was ) nobly born , and observing him to be honourably bred ; and they ( being a People given to ease , and delighting in Effeminate Pleasures ) shunned the Warrs , sending out only the most Vulgar People , who were rather Slaves than Subjects : All meeting together , produced the chusing of the Prince , who ordered and directed their setting out , so well , and prudently , as gave them great hopes of a good Success .

In the mean while , the Queen was not ignorant of their Intentions , nor slack in her Preparations , sending forth an Army to meet them : But the Queen her self had a Warr in her Mind , as great as that in the Field ; where Love , as the General , lead her Thoughts ; but fear and doubt of Times , made great disorder , and especially at that time ; for Travelia , on whom she doted , was then sick ; in which Sickness , she took more care to recover him , than to guard her self and Kingdom . But the Army she sent out , was led by one of her Chief Noble Men , who marched on until he had a view of the other Army ; and , being both met , they set their Armies in Battel-array .

When they were ready to fight , the Prince thus spake in the most general Language :

Noble Friends ,

YOU being all Strangers to me , makes me ignorant both of your Natures and Customs ; and I , being a Stranger to you , may cause a mistrust both of my Fidelity and Conduct . As for my Experience , I am not altogether ignorant of the Discipline of Warr , having been a Commander in my own Countrey . Neither need you doubt of my Zeal and Loyalty to your King's Service , by reason I owe my Life to him ; for it was in his power to have taken it away : Neither can I have more Honour bestowed on me from any Nation , than from this , were I never so ambitious , or basely covetous , to bribe out my Fidelity : Wherefore , if I lose ( as I am perswaded I shall win the Day ) , yet it will not be out of my Neglect , Falshood , or want of Skill ; but either it must be through Fortune's Displeasure , or by your Distracted Fears ; which I cannot believe will possess any Spirit here , being so full of Alacrity , Chearfulness , and Readiness to meet the Enemy ; and may the Thoughts of Honour maintain that Heat and Fire , not only until it hath consumed this Army you see , but all that shall ever oppose you .

After he had thus spoke to them , they began the Onset : Long was the Dispute ; but at last , by the Prince's Courage , which animated the rest by his Example , and by his wise Conduct and diligent Care in rectifying the disordered Ranks , and supplying their broken Files by fresh Men , he got the day , and put the Enemy to a rout , killing many , and taking store of Prisoners .

The Prince , when he saw that Fortune was his Friend at that time , though at other times she had frown'd ; yet now he thought to make his advantage whilst she was in a good Humour : wherefore he called to the Soldiers to follow their pursuit ; but they were so busie in the dividing of the Spoils , as they were deaf to all Commands or Entreaties , giving their Enemies leave to rally their scattered Forces , and so to march away ; and by that means they got so far before them , as they had time to get up their Spirits , and strengthen their Towns by Fortification ; to Man their Forts , and to entrench themselves ; whereas , if they had followed their Victory , they might have taken a great part of the Countrey : for , all Towns , Forts , and the like , seldom stand out , but yeeld to a Victorious Army ; yet it must be whilst the terror and fright of their Losses , hath wholly possest their Minds , leaving no place for Hope . But when the Prince thought they had lost their opportunity , through the Covetousness of the Soldiers , he sent a Messenger to the King , of the Victory , and with the Reasons why he could not follow the same ; but , if his Majesty would give permission , he would march on , and try out his Fortune . In the mean time , the Queen hearing of the loss of her Army , was much perplexed ; Then musing with her self what way she were best to take , she straight went to Travelia , who was indifferently well recovered ; to him she related the sad News ; then asked his Counsel what she were best to do .

He told her , His Opinion was for her to call a Council of the Gravest and Noblest of her Subjects , and those whose Age had brought Experience : for , if Worldly Wisdom dwells any where , it is in Aged Brains , which have been ploughed by various Accidents , and sowed with the Seed of Observation , which Time hath ripened to a perfection ; these are most likely , said he , to produce a plentiful and good Crop of Advice ; but young Brains , said he , want both Manuring and Maturity , which makes their Counsels green and unwholsome . Whereupon they called a Council ; where , after they had disputed long , at last they all agree in one consent , That the best was , For her to go her self in Person , to animate her Soldiers , and to give a new Life to their dejected Spirits .

Whereat she was much troubled , by reason Travelia was not so well as to travel with her ; and to leave him , seemed worse to her than Death .

But after her Council was broken up , she returned to him , and told him what her Council had decreed . And this ( said she angerly to him ) was by your Advice : For , had I not called a Council , but had sent a General of my own choice , it would not have been put to a Vote for me to have gone in Person . But had you had that love for me , as I have for you , I should have had better Advice ; and with that wept . Heaven knows , said she , the greatest Blow Fortune can give me , is to go and leave you behind me .

He seeing her weep , thus spake :

BEAUTY of your Sex , and Nature's rarest Piece ; Why should you cast your Love so low upon a Slave so poor as I , when Kings hazzard their Kingdoms for your sake ? And if your People knew , or did suspect your Love to me , they would rebel , and turn unto your Enemy ; and besides , Conquerors are feared and followed ; whereas Losing is a way to be despised , and trod into the Earth with scorn . Alas ! I am a Creature mean and poor , not worthy such a Queen as you ; and 't were not wise to hazzard all for me . Wherefore , go on great Queen ; and may you shine as glorious in your Victories , as the brightest Starrs in Heaven : May Pallas be your Guide , and Mars the God of Warr fight your Battels out : May Cupid give you ease , and Venus give delight . May Hymen give such Nuptials as best befits your Dignity . May Fortune always smile , and Peace dwell in your Kingdom .

And in each Heart such Loyal Love may grow : No Disobedience may this Kingdom know : Age Crown your Life , and Honour close your Days : Fame's Trumpet loud may blow about your Praise .

She , weeping , said :

No Sound will pierce my Ear , or please my Mind , Like to those Words you utter , when they 're kind .

But at last by his Perswasions , more than by her Councellor's Advice , she consented to go , upon that condion he would take upon him the Government of her Kingdom , until such time as she returned again ; and , said she , if I dye , be you Heir to my Crown , and Ruler of my People . And may the Gods keep you from all Opposers .

The People knowing her Commands and Pleasure by her Proclamation , fell a murmuring , not only in that she left a Stranger , but a poor Slave , who was taken Prisoner and sold , and a Person who was of no higher Birth than a Ship-Master's Son , to govern the Kingdom , and rule the People . Whereupon they began to design his death , which was thought best to be put in execution when she was gone .

But he behaved himself with such an affable demeanour , accompanied with such smooth , civil , and pleasing words , expressing also the sweetness of his Nature by his Actions of Clemency ; distributing Justice with such even Weights ; ordering every thing with that Prudence ; governing with that Wisdom , that it begot such Love in every Heart , that their Mouths ran over with Praises , ringing out the Sound with the Clappers of their Tongues , into every Ear ; and by their Obedience shewed their Duty and Zeal to all his Commands , or rather to his Perswasions , so gently did he govern .

Thus whilst he ruled in Peace at home , the Armies met abroad ; and being set ready to fight , the Trumpets sounded to Charge , and every one prepared to encounter his Enemy , striving for the honour of Reputation , which is got by the ruin of one Side : So equally hath Nature distributed her Gifts , that every one would have a just Proportion , did not Fortune disorder and misplace her Works by its several Accidents .

But the terror of the former Blow was not quite extinguished in the Queen's Army , nor the insulting Spirits of the other Army laid , but rather a new Courage added to their old Victory , which did help them now to win that day , and with such victorious Fortune , that they took the Queen a Prisoner , and did destroy the whole Army .

The Prince thinking the Kingdom won , in having the Queen's Person , made him divide his Army into two parts ; the one half he sent to take possession of the Towns , Castles , and Forts ; the other part he led himself to conduct the Queen , being much pleased that he had such a Gift to present to the King ; which Present he knew his Royal Master would prize above all the World , which made him chuse to go with it : for had the Spoils been less , he had sent them with some Messengers ; but being so Rich , he durst trust none to guard it but himself .

The King hearing of their coming , made all the Preparations of State that could be , sending the Prince a Triumphant Chariot , and his own Robes to wear ; which Chariot coming as they were ready to enter the City , the Prince sets the Queen thereon , and walks on foot by the Chariot-side , as being Mistress to the King his Master .

And the King , being attended by all his Nobles of the Kingdom , met the Queen , and with great respect led her to his Palace ; where , when she came , the King kissed her Hand , and smiling , said ,

The Gods had brought her thither : for certainly , said he , the Gods by their Fates have decreed and destin'd you to be my Queen ; in which Gift the Gods have made me like themselves , to enjoy all Felicity .

She with a Face clothed in a sad Countenance , answered , Fortune was his Goddess ; and if he were like her , he might prove unconstant ; and then , said she , you may change from Love to Dislike ; if so , I may chance to have liberty , either by Death , or to be sent into my own Kingdom again .

If you will accept of me , said he , you shall not only have your own Kingdom , but mine , wherein you shall be adored and worshipped as the only She in the World .

She answered , I had rather have what I adore , than to be adored my self .

Then was she conducted to a strong and safe , but a pleasant place , to be kept in , where the King visited her often , treated her civilly , courted her earnestly , loving her with an extraordinary Passion .

The Prince , in the mean time , was in high favour with the King , who asked and took his Counsel in every thing : And sending for him one day , when he came , hung about his Neck , as was his Custom so to do ; saying to him ,

O my Friend ! ( for that was his usual Name he gave him ) my Cruel Prisoner ( said he ) you brought me , despises my Affection , slights my Addresses , condemns my Suit , scorns my Proffers , hates my Person : What shall I do to gain her Love ?

Alas ! said the Prince , I have had so ill success in Love , that what I doted on most , did hate me worst ; which is the cause I have left my Countrey , Friends , and Estate , and lost the peace of Mind , the joy of Mirth , the sweets of Pleasures , the comfort of Life , hating my self because she doth not like nor love me : Jealous I am of Light , Darkness , Heat , Cold , because they come so near as to touch her . I wish her dead , because none should enjoy her but my self : yet I cannot live without her , and loath I am to dye and leave her here behind . Thus hang I on a tortur'd Life , and bear my Hell about me .

Whilst they were thus lamenting their hard Fortunes in Love , a Messenger brought News that their Forces were beaten that were sent into Amity .

How can that be , said the Prince ? Most of the Nobles being here , and none but Peasants left behind , who have no skill in Warrs , and only fight like Beasts ?

But the Alarms came so thick one after another , to tell that they had not only beat their Forces , but were entred into their Kingdom .

With that the King in haste dispatched the Prince with a fresh Supply added to those Forces he brought the Queen with , so march'd out to meet the Enemy . For Travelia hearing the Queen was taken Prisoner , was highly enraged ; which Choler begot a Masculine and Couragious Spirit in her : for though she could not have those Affections in her for the Queen , as a Man ; yet she admired her Heroick Virtues , and loved her as a kind and gracious Princess to her ; which Obligations made her impatient of Revenge : Then calling all the chief of the Kingdom together , thus spake unto them :

Honourable , and most Noble ,

You have heard the sad News of the Queen's being taken Prisoner , which cannot chuse but strike your Hearts through your Ears , and make them burn in flames of high Revenge ; and may those Flames be never quenched , until you fetch her back , and set her in her Throne again . She went to keep you safe ; and nothing can be more ungrateful , than to let her live amongst her Enemies . Nor can you here be free , whilst she is made a Slave ; your Wives and Children will be bought and sold , and you be forced to do their Servile Work : What Goods you now possess , your Enemies will enjoy . Then let your Hands and Strength redeem your Countrey 's Loss ; or sacrifice your Lives in the Service .

After she had spoke , they proclaimed her with one Voice General ; raising new Forces , making Vows they would never forsake their Queen ; but dye , or be Conquerors .

Then sitting themselves in order thereunto , Travelia ( as their General and chief Governour ) caused a solemn Fast and Procession , sacrificing to the Gods for good Success .

After that , she took a view of her Arms and Ammunition , selecting out the ablest and youngest Men to fight , making the better sort Commanders , that Envy might not breed Disobedience : The Aged she chose for her Councellors , her old Father being made one ; the most Mechanicks , as Smiths , Farriers , Pioneers , Cannoneers , Sumpter-men , Wagoners , Cooks , Women , and the like , went with the Bag and Baggage . Neither did she omit to take good Chyrurgeons , Doctors , Apothecaries , and Druggists , to help the Sick and Wounded . At the Army 's going out , she caused a Proclamation to be read , That all the Women and Children , and infirm persons , which were left behind , not being fit to go , should pray incessantly to the Gods for Victory and safe return : for , said she , Women and Children , and the Infirm , are the best Advocates , even to the Gods themselves , being the most shiftless Creatures they have made , wherefore the most aptest to move Compassion .

Thus setling the Kingdom in a devout and orderly posture , they marched on , re-taking their Towns , Forts , and Castles , lost ; beating the Enemy out of every place ; insomuch as they did not only clear their own Kingdom of their Enemies , but entred into theirs : And being gone some days journey , their Scouts brought them word there was an Army coming to meet them ; and , after a short time , the Armies were in view of each other : Whereupon she drew up her Forces ; the right and left Wings she gave to be commanded by two of the Valiantest and Experienced Commanders ; the Rear unto another ; the Van she led her self ; the Reserve she gave her old Father in charge to bring in , as he saw occasion ; praying him he would not stand with it so far off , but that he might come soon enough to their aid ; nor yet to stand so near , as to be annoy'd with their present Fight : Father , said she , I give you this part to command , because I dare trust your Faith , as well as your Judgment , Courage , and Skill .

Then she commanded every Captain of a Company should place himself in the midst of their second Ranks ; for if the chief Commander ( said she ) in a Company , be kill'd , the Spirits of the common Soldiers soon dye , and their Nerves grow slack with fear ; and all their strength will fail , unless it be to run away .

The Lieutenants , she ordered them to place themselves in their last Ranks , to keep the Soldiers from flying : for , said she , shame will cause Obedience , to submit to Authority : wherefore , his Eyes will be as a Fort , and his Breast as a Bulwark , to keep them in . Then she gave order , that every Squadorn should be but five Ranks deep , and fifty on a breast ; which number , said she , is enough to knit into a proportionable Body ; more makes it unweildy , and is like a man over-grown with Fat , whose bulk makes him unactive either to assault , or to defend himself : and Rands of Ten deep , said she , are not only unuseful and troublesome , but so many men are lost as to employment ; for the hindermost Ranks come seldom or never to the Charge . In every Troop of Horse she placed some Foot , both Pikes and Muskets , to gall and hurt their Enemy's Horse when they came to encounter : for , if once the Horse fails , the Man is down . After that , she commanded her Army to marchin such a slow pace , as not to break or loosen their Ranks , but commanded them to join so close , as if there were no Vacuum in their Troops , and so to move as one entire Body or Piece . Lastly , She commanded all the Cuirasiers should stand in the fore-front , to bear the shock , or break the Ranks . And thus she set the Battalia in order , form , and figure , as the ground and places would permit to their best advantage .

The Prince ordered his Battalia as he was used to do , making it thick , as believing it to be the stronger ; which is questionless the best way , if it were only to stand still for a defence , but not to assault : for in Action , the half of those thick Bodies serve only as Cyphers without a Figure ; but never help to multiply the Numeration of Blows . But the Armies , being both ready to joyn , the young General thus spake to his Soldiers :

Noble Friends , Brave Soldiers , and Wise Councellors ,

WHO knows but this our meeting may produce good and great Effects , and bring Peace to your Countrey , which is molested with Warrs , and Ruin to your Enemies , that have almost ruined you ; Comfort to your sad Friends we have left behind , Liberty to your imprisoned Friends ? We fight for Fame hereafter , for Honour and Profit now presently : but if we let our Enemies become our Masters , they will give us restless Fears , unreasonable Taxes , unconscionable Oaths , whereby we shall lose the Peace of our Mind , the Conversation of our Friends , the Traffick with our Neighbours , the Plenty of our Land , the Form of our Customs , the Order of our Ceremonies , the Liberty of the Subjects , the Royalty of your Government , and the Company and Rule of our Gracious , Vertuous , and Beautiful Queen . And shall they have Courage to spoil , and we none to right our Wrongs ? Shall they live by our hard Labour ? And shall we live by their hard Laws ? All Noble Spirits hate Bondage , and will rather dye than endure Slavery . Wherefore , my Friends , be you constant to your just Resolutions , circumspect in your ways , patient in your Labours , Heroick in your Actions : for , What Man can remember such Injuries , and let their Courages be cold ? Wherefore , for your own sakes , your Countrey 's sake , your Royal Queen's sake , go on with valiant Hearts , and active Strengths ; and may Apollo be your Friend , shooting his Darts , dazling your Enemies Eyes . May Mars , the God of Warr , direct you in your fight . May Fortune give you aid , and Pallas give you victory .

After she had thus spoke , the Trumpets sounded to Charge , and the young General sent some flying Horse to give the onset , and then seem to run away ; which the other Army seeing , thought it was out of fear , and followed them as in pursuit , which disordered and broke all their Ranks : but the Queen's Army marched in good order to meet them ; at which the Enemy , viewing their unexpected posture , was so daunted , as they neither had Spirits to fight , nor power to run away ; and so a great number being killed and taken Prisoners , the Queen's Army became absolute Masters of the Field .

The Prince with much difficulty retreated back about a days march , with some few , but with the prime of his Horse ; where he heard of a fresh Army coming to assist them : for the King , fearing they were not strong enough , being forced suddenly away , caused new men to be raised to follow them . The news of this Army rejoiced the Prince much , being at that time very melancholy for the great loss he received , and for the disgrace , as he thought , by reason he despised the Enemies to the King ; and to be overcome by those he scorned , did wrack his Soul . But taking up fresh hopes with his new-come Army , returned back to the Queen's Army again ; who , when they heard of a new Supply , were much amazed and dejected , by reason they were weary and tired with three Fights , and disordered with gathering up , and carrying away their Spoils . But the young General , perceiving them to hang down their Heads , thus spake :

Noble Friends ,

I Perceive such a sadness in your Faces , as if fear had taken possession of your hearts ; which if it hath , except Courage beats it out , it will betray your Lives unto your Enemies ; and to be taken by a timorous thought , before your Strength hath grapled with your Foes , were base ; and if Right and Truth be on your side , as sure it is ; and Reason rules your Judgment , as I hope it doth ; you have no cause to doubt : but if you fear the Conduct of my Youth , as wanting Experience to judg or direct the best , then here are Aged men who with Ulysses and Nestor may compare ; their Counsel is your aid . Let no vain suspition therefore quench your hopes , but Courage set your Spirits on fire , and with their heat consume your Enemies to Ashes .

With that they all aloud did say , Go on , we will dye or conquer .

In the mean while the Prince was encouraging his new-come Army , who was struck with the news of the last Battel , hearing nothing of it until they met the Prince ; the sudden Report ( like Thunder ) shook their Spirits ; which to appease , the Prince thus spake :

Noble Friends ,

You that have Humility to obey , Love to unite , Charity to redress , have Hopes to obtain : for , Hope is the Ground on which Courage is built . Let not the Enemy of Mistrust , vanquish your Faith ; but perform your Loyalty through your Industry : for obedient Thoughts are not sufficient , without obedient Actions . Wherefore take Courage to fight . Let not your Enemies kill your Spirits . Weep not , nor condole at our Losses ; but let us regain our Honours either by Victory , or Death . And they that are sloathful or cowardly in this Army , may they neither enjoy the Lawrel , Olive , or Cypress ; but go to the Grave unregarded , or forgotten ; or live in shame , despised . But those that are industrious and valiant , may they sit high in Honour's Throne ; and Fame blow their Praises so loud , and far , that no time can stop the Sound .

Then the two Armies being set in Battel-array , the Prince ( to save the effusion of blood ) finding his Army not full of alacrity , sent the young Geral a Challenge ; who , although he knew himself unfit for a single Duel , accepted it , being afraid of the dishonour of denying it : but the two Armies would not consent to look on whilst they fought ; for , in the Encounter , both Armies joined in cruel fight .

But she having no skill in the art and use of the Sword , nor strength either to assault or resist , was wounded ; and her Wound bled so fast , that she fainted and fell down to the ground . But the Prince , who was of a Noble nature , perceiving by her shape that she was but a Stripling , run to unty her Head-piece ; and viewing her Face , straight knew her ; and was so astonished thereat , that he had not power to stir for the present ; but stopping the Wound as well as he could , brought life again ; yet so faint she was , that she could not speak ; neither had he power to go away , but sate by until he was found in that posture .

In the mean time , the Army being left to chance , having not their General to direct them , Fortune play'd a part of Civility and Courtship , giving victory to the Ladies ; so the Queen's Army had the day ; and some of the common Soldiers , seeking for Spoil , found them , he sitting by , holding her in his Arms ; from whence they took her , and put her in a Litter , and he also in the same , as a Prisoner , to carry them to the body of the Army ; and as she went , having recovered her Spirits again , thus complaining , she said :

I have heard of Pleasure , ne're could it obtain ; For what we Pleasure call , still lives in Pain : Then Life is Pain , and Pain is only Life , Which is a Motion , Motion all is strife ; As forward , backward , up or down , or so Side-ways , or in a Circle round doth go . Then who would live , or would not wish to dye , Since in the Grave there is no Misery ? O let me dye , strive not my Life to save ; Death happy is , and Peace lies in the Grave .

The Prince told her , She preached to her self a false Doctrine : for , said he ,

Life is a blessing which the Gods do give ; And nothing shews them Gods , but that they live : They 're the Original of Life , the Spring ; Life the beginning is of every thing : And Motion is from all Eternity ; Eternal Motions make the Gods to be . To wish no Life , we wish no Gods , and then No Resurrection to the Souls of Men : In Resurrection we as Gods become ; To be — none would refuse a Martyrdome : The very Being pleaseth Nature well , Were she to live always in pains of Hell . Nature , nothing is more horrid to her Than Annibilation , that quite undoes her . Thus Gods and Nature , you do wish to spoil , Because a little pain endures a while . Devils had rather Devils be , than nought at all ; But you like Angels that did never fall .

Thus they discoursed as they went ; but he strove to conceal himself from her knowledg , until such time as he thought he might make his peace with her , for fear she should run away again out of hate and dislike to him .

But the Army , when they miss'd their young General , grew so sad , that they took no pleasure in their Victory : for they were all as one dumb man , no noise was heard , all Eyes were full of Tears . But when they saw the Litter , as supposing she was dead , they raised a Cry that rent the Air , and made the thicker Clouds to move . Which when she heard , and saw them running to her , she shook her hand to shew them she did live .

Then sent they shouts of Joy to Heaven high ; And ev'ry Countenance sad , look'd merrily .

But when they came so near as to view her Face , and saw her pale and weak , they grew into such a rage , that they would have killed the Prince , hearing he wounded her : but she entreated for his life , and begg'd him for her Prisoner : No sooner ask'd , but granted ; and she gave the charge of him to her Father .

Being brought into her Tent , the Army watch'd by turns whilst she was under the Chirurgeons hands for cure : Nor would they take any of the Spoils , but what she did divide unto them ; nor any Direction but what she gave : Nor would they stir until her Health permitted her to travel : but , being indifferently well , she gave order to march on .

But the King had raised another Army in the time of her sickness , and sent it out to meet them . She , although weak , went about to order and encourage her Soldiers , who loved her better than their life ; which Affections made them fight so well , that they overcame their Enemies ; and before the King could raise another Army , they got unto the City . Where , as soon as she came near , she gave order to her Soldiers to entrench about it , and to cast at every corner of the City a Mount of Earth , on which she placed her Cannon to batter down the Walls : then she did build Forts about , to place her Men to shoot and cast Granadoes in ; and by their several assaults they battered the City , and killed many of their Men by sundry and sudden assaults : at last she resolved to storm it . But the King , perceiving his weakness , and that he could not hold out long , sent to the young General , desiring a Treaty , and withall a Cessation of Arms.

In the mean time , the Queen , being weary of her Imprisonment , longing for the coming of her Beloved , in a melancholy Humour thus spake :

O what a Hell is it to love , and not be loved again ! Nay , not only to love , but to love a Slave , and he regards me not : Do I say , Slave ? No , he is none , that hath no Slavish Passion : Then he is free ,

And I am only bound to Slavery , First to my Passions , then to his Tyranny . What shall I do , you Gods above ? You punish me , and yet you make me love . Do you delight still in a tortur'd Mind ? Make you no sympathy in Human Kind ? Must all your Works consist in contradiction ? Or do we all enjoy nothing but Fiction ? The Mind is nothing but meer Apprehension ; 'T is not a Thing , unless it hath Dimension . But O you Powerful Gods ! by your Decree , You can of Nothing , Something make to be : Then make me Something , grant me my Delight ; Give me my Lover , or destroy me quite .

Thus leaving her in a Melancholy Posture and Humour , we return to the Armies .

The Cessation being near expired , the young General called a Council , and thus spake to them :

Right Noble and Valiant Heroes ,

THE King hath sent to treat of Peace ; but in my opinion there can be no honourable Agreement ( next to the setting the Queen at liberty ) but the resigning of his Crown , and so his Kingdom , to her .

First , For raising Hostility , and disturbing the sweet Peace and happy Condition of a Kingdom that never molested them .

Then , for the dishonour , in taking the Queen Prisoner , the ruin and spoil of your Countrey , the death of your Friends , and the loss of your gallant Men , killed in this Dissention , making many Widows and Fatherless Children .

Besides , Who can rely upon the Faith of an unjust Prince , who made Warr upon his Neighbours without a just offence , but only through an ambitious attempt upon your Queen and Kingdom ? Have we not Victory ? And yet shall we return with Loss ? Shall we despise the Gift of the Gods , in making no use of what they give us ? And shall the Trumpet of loud Fame report the Queen was taken Prisoner , and resigned upon a low Agreement ? No , let Fame divulge unto the World , her Release came with the Ruin of his Kingdom .

After the General had spoken , one of the Council , who was like Nestor for Years and Experience , thus spake :

OUR General hath spoke a Speech so full of Courage and Honour , as shews him to be of so true an Heroick Spirit , that he hath left no room for Policy to play a part . But States cannot subsist with Valiant Hands alone , unless they have a Politick Head , which is the Guide to great Designs ; it burns more Cities than Granadoes do ; it undermines strong Towns , pulls down great Works , wins Forts , sets Battels , takes Prisoners , makes Slaves , and conquers Kings and Kingdoms ; and what we call Policy in a Publick State , is called Discretion in a private Family ; and it is not , as the Vulgar think it , a Cheat , or meer Deceit , but a wise Prudence , to prevent the worst of ills , and to keep Peace , or get Tranquillity . 'T is true , Valour is a daring Spirit , but Policy is the trusty Friend , and covers with skill all those Faults it cannot mend ; it guides the Bark in which Man's Life swims , and keeps them from the shipwrack of the World , pulls down the ambitious Sails when blown too full with Pride , lest it should overturn the Ship of Safety , to be drowned in Seas of Miseries : But Policy will rather chuse the Oars of Patience , and take the Tides of Time , than venture where the Doubts are more than Hopes , or Hazzards more than Gains . Then let us try to make a prudent Peace , not trusting to Fortune's Favour , unless she were more constant :

For in the Warrs such unknown Chance may fall , Instead of Victory , we may be ruin'd all .

I speak not this to cross my General ; for I shall be as ready to obey all his Commands , be they never so dangerous , as I have freely delivered my Opinion .

After he had spoke , the General rose up , and said , These Counsels are too solid to be contradicted by rash Youth .

Whereupon they all agreed to treat with the King , giving his Ambassadors Audience .

The King's Ambassadors coming into their Assembly , thus spake :

You great Victorious Amitenians ,

MY Master should not need to seek for Peace , before it sought for him , had not the God of Love proved his Enemy , perswading Mars to be his Foe : for those that are cross'd in Love , have seldom Victory ; for Mars doth take the part of Venus , Cupid's Mother . Thus our great King and Master is by Love undone . But since 't is the Gods that work his Fate , he humbly doth submit : Wherefore he sends these Proffers unto you :

First , He will build your broken Forts again , and raise those Walls his Soldiers have pulled down .

Secondly , He will repay your Charges and Expences in this Warr , although his own is great , and his Loss is more .

Thirdly , He will restore his Prisoners , if you will do the like to those you have taken : but for the Queen , she is no Prisoner :

For our Master is her Captive , and her Thrall , Both to command Him , and his Kingdoms all .

After the Amitenians had consulted , they told the King's Ambassadors , That Words were not Acts ; wherefore , they could conclude of nothing until the Queen was in her Army to make her atonement for her self ; and if she were no Prisoner , they desired to wait on her out of the City ; if not , they must use force . Whereupon the Ambassadors went back to their King to declare their Answer .

But to return to the Captive Prince , who was more fetter'd in his Mind , than in his Body ; for the old Father treated him civilly , and used him kindly : but , perceiving him to be very melancholy , thought it might proceed from the Overthrow he received ; which he strove to moderate , telling him , Nothing was more subject to Chance , than Warr ; and that the Valiantest and Wisest Men , might fall by Fortune's hand : for , said he , She on Wheels , not on firm Ground doth stand .

She seeks not Worth and Merit to advance ; Her Scepter , which she governs by , is Chance . Then said the Prince , O Fortune , most unkind ! I would she were as Powerless as Blind .

As he was speaking , in comes the young General ; whom when he saw , Love's Passion shook his Manly Strength , and made his Visage pale . But she , being of an affable and sweet disposition , wish'd all content of Mind to every person , although she had little her self .

Noble Sir , said she , It was not for want of respect , I have not visited you ; but my Engagements have so busily employed me , that till the Cessation of Arms , I have not had so much time as to examine your welfare . But I know my Father hath not omitted any Service he could help you in ; neither do believe , you ( being a Commander ) can be so ignorant , but to know , that Camps can afford but a rude Entertainment , having therein no necessary accommodations ; and since my Wishes cannot make it better , you will be pleased to accept of it as it is .

Worthy Sir ( answered the Prince ) , I am only a Prisoner to your Favours , but am free by your Noble Entertainments .

So , after some discourse , telling him of the Agreement which was like to be , left him , or rather carried him with her ; for his Soul went after her , although his Person stay'd behind .

But , to follow the Ambassadors , who were got to the King , and told him , the Demands of the Amitenian Army was , To have their Queen , before they would treat any farther . The King being very much troubled thereat ; for to keep her he durst not , knowing his own weakness , and their strength ; and to let her go , he could not ; for his Passion of Love would not give him leave : neither would he call a Council , knowing they would be for the departure of the Queen , for their own securities : then did he wish for his Friend and Servant , the Prince : but at last , being resolved , went to the Queen his Mistress , and taking the Crown from off his Head , laid it at her Feet :

Madam , said he , Here I deliver you my Crown , and with it my Kingdom ; and yeeld my self your Prisoner , dispose of it and me as you please : for it never shall be said , I make Conditions with her I do adore ; for since my Soul is yours , there is nothing I can own that is not so . And since you must and will go from this place , let me go with you , to set your Triumphs out ; and lead me as your Slave .

Sir , answered she , I have not been so ill treated , nor am I so ungrateful to go away , and leave no thanks behind me : Wherefore I will stay until there is such a Peace made , as you may receive as much Profit , and as little Losses thereby , as I. Wherefore , in order thereunto , I desire , that the General of my Forces , and some of my Council , may come hither , and so confer both with my self and you .

The King gave order , that the Gates of the City might be set open : but the Queen sent a Messenger to the Army , that none of the Forces should enter into it , but keep themselves where they were , without ; only the General and the Council , and some of the chiefest Commanders , to come unto her . But when they were ready to wait upon the Queen , the old Man fell very sick , and sent to his Son ( the young General ) to come unto him to take his leave of him before he dyed ; who went with a sorrowful heart , and sad countenance ; and when he came close to his Bed , the old Man spake :

Son , said he , My Lease of Life is expired ; and Death , the Landlord of my Body , knocks at my old and ruinated Cottage , sending out my Soul to seek another Habitation ; which Soul intends to travel through the Airy Skies , unto the Mansion of the Gods , where it shall pray for your success and happy days on Earth .

O Father , said Travelia , Must you go , and leave me here behind ?

Why will the Gods so cruelly oppress An innocent Youth , to leave it in distress ?

You were my good Angel , to guard me from those Evils that Fortune sets about me ; you were my Guide , which did direct my simple Youth to just and honest ways : What will become of me when you are gone ? Or who will rescue me from those that seek my ruin ?

The old Man said , The Gods , the Gods , my Son , they will reward your Virtue . Farewel , farewell ; then turned his head , and dyed .

After he had lamented and mourned over his lifeless Corps , he sent to the Queen to give him leave to interr his Father's ashes . The King hearing thereof , sent to the General , inviting him to bring his Father's Body into the City , and there to be interr'd in his chief Temple ; which Honour he accepted . Whereupon all the Army brought the Hearse unto the Gates , and then returned unto their Trenches . But the Chief Commanders did bear it unto the Grave ; the young General came into the Temple , being clad all in Mourning , only his Face seen ( which appeared like the Sun when it breaks through a dark and spungy Cloud , whose Beams did shine on those watry drops that fell upon her Cheeks , as Banks where Roses and Lillies grow ) and standing on a mounted Pillar , he said :

I come not here to flatter or be-lye the dead , but to speak the truth as far as my knowledg is informed : He was aged in years , not old ; for those are only old , whose Memories and Understanding are grown defective by the length of time . He was Wise by Experience , not led with Self-opinion . He was learned in the Art of Navigation , and not ignorant of Land-Service , or Command ; although few that dwell on Seas , and profess that Art , know more of Land , than the Ports where they take harbour to shelter themselves from furious storms , or to take fresh Victuals in , or to be deboist with Wine and Women . But he was most temperate , not only in moderating his Passions , but also his Appetites , with Reason , Honour , and Religion . In his Behaviour he was affable and free , not formal nor constrain'd , by vain and self-conceit . His Disposition gentle , sweet , and kind . He was in his Nature compassionate to all that were in distress . He was Industrious to all good Effects , and had a nimble and ingenious Wit , and 〈◊〉 a superfluity of Courage , as did not only banish fear in himself , but begot spirit in others . He was bred in the Schools of Honour , where he had learnt Vertuous Principles , and Heroick Actions . He had all the Ingredients that goeth to the making of an Honest and Gallant Man . And he was not only Morally Honest , but most Pious and Devout . He offered not Sacrifice to the Gods for Worldly Prosperity , but out of Pure Love and Adoration to the Gods . He was a Pattern for all others to take Example by . His Soul was as the Breath of the Gods ; and his Animal Part as the best of Nature's Extraction . But Nature makes nothing to last in one Form long ; for what she creates , she dissolves again .

With that her Tears fell so fast from her Eyes , as stopt her mouth for a time : but at last , she sighing , said :

Although my Tears are useless to him , since it is not in their power to alter the Decrees of Fate , nor can perswade the Gods to give perpetual Life here in this World ; yet Natural Affections are forced through my Eyes .

Then bowing down her Head over the Corps , which was placed underneath , said :

These , as satisfaction , may asswage my grief , to think my new-born Fears , the issues of my Love , shall be buried and lye intombed with his cold Ashes ; which is the only way to mingle Souls , when Death hath parted Bodies . But if Fate had had the power to twist the Thread of of my Life with his , then Death had struck me too , and so eased my grief . But since it is not so , his Memory shall lye entombed in my Heart until I dye .

After he had spoke this Funeral-speech , he descended from the Pillar ; and helping to lay the Corps upon the Funeral-Pile , did with a flaming-Torch set the Fuel on fire ; and gathering up the Ashes , put them in the Urn , and placed it in a Tomb. Having thus executed those Ceremonies belonging to the dead , he changed his Mourning-Robes , and clothed himself fit for the Court or Camp again . Then he and the Council , and the chief Commanders , went unto the Palace of the King ; where , after some discourse , he was brought to the Queen , who joyed more to see her Travelia , than for the Victories they had won : and after she had condoled with him for the loss of his Father , she congratulated with him for the good success he had in the Warrs ; aud withal told him , She must set at liberty his Prisoner the Prince , for she had given him back unto the King . Whereupon he presently gave order for the Prince to repair to the Court ; and after she had heard the relations of all their several Actions and Accidents , and pleased her self with the variety of other Discourses ; she told them , She would sit in Council to consider what was to be done as concerning the Peace ; and so dismist them for that time : only she stayed Travelia , loving his company so well , she could not so easily part with him . But the King perceiving her Affections , as being never pleased but when Travelia was with her , he grew so jealous , that had not Honour forbid him , having past his word unto her , they should all there be safe , he should not have let him live to have been his Rival .

In the mean time , the Messenger had caused the Prince to repair to the Court ; who was much troubled how to behave himself : for , said he in his thoughts , if I should make my self known unto my Mistress , she will straight convey away her self either by death , or stealth ; and if I go disguised , although I may make the reason known unto the King , yet the Court will talk , and think it is for some ill design against the State , so bring an aspersion upon my Loyalty .

Thus musing a long time with himself , at last he thought it best for to take counsel of the King ; and being come to him , the King with great joy embraced him , saying , O my Friend ! thy Company is a Kingdom to me . He humbly kissing his hand , said , He thought Fortune was so much his Enemy , as that she had shut him out of his Royal Favour . But Sir , said he , it was none of my fault I did not win ; for the Gods , Jupiter , Mars , and the rest , are such Lovers of the fair Mortal-Females , that they will never be against them ; for wheresoever they are , Victory is there also .

The King , thinking he meant it of the Queen , told him how unkindly she used him , and how he perceived she loved the young General even to a dotage ; and withall , asking his counsels what he should do , he smiling , yet sighing , said :

O Sir , said he , there is no cause to fear ; for that Person you do suspect , is a Woman , which I believe the Queen knows not . Then he told him all the story of his Love , and all the several accidents thereupon , and ask'd his advice what he should do ?

The King was overjoyed at his relations , discovering she was a Woman ; and his joy gave so many several Advices , that the number confused the Counsel , and confounded the Choice .

But while they were thus talking , a Messenger came to the Prince , which brought him Letters from his own Countrey , by Merchants that were lately come in , that his Wife was dead ( for although they knew not where he was , yet they sent Letters into several Countreys , in hope some might light into his hands ) : which when he heard , his Doubts were turned into Hopes . With that , the King and he embraced with joy , making no question now but Cupid was turned their Friend , and that he would shoot two Golden Arrows into their Mistresses Hearts from the Forts of their Affections .

The time being come when the King and Queen , and the Councellors of both , should meet about the Peace , they being all set ready to treat , the King entreated the Queen she would give him leave , that the Prince might be one of his Council ; which ( said he ) without your own consent , he shall not be , since he hath been your Prisoner .

She told the King , He was not bound to her , since she had given him a Release ; and your Councellors are to be chosen by your self , and not by me .

After her answer , he sent for him ; who came , being not disguised , but as he was himself ; and Travelia looking upon his face as he was coming in , and seeing the Man she most did fear , she fell into a swound : at which accident the Queen being extreamly afflicted , thinking it was done by some design wrought from the jealousie of the King , broke up the Juncto for that time , taking all the care she could for his recovery . But Travelia being recovered out of her swound , was still sick in Mind , though not in Body ; and kept her Bed as if she had been very ill .

Whereupon the Queen's suspition was more encreased , and fear'd some Poyson had been given him ; and with that conceit could not endure to see the King .

The King being much troubled that the Queen was more severe to him than she was used to be , and perceiving that it was Travelia that was the cause , complained unto the Prince , and ( with seeminganger ) said merrily , Dispose of your Mistress some way ; for I am jealous , said he , although she be a Woman .

Sir , said the Prince , I have as much reason to be jealous of the Queen , as you have of my Mistress , setting her Masculine Habit aside .

At last they did agree to discover her to the Queen . Whereupon the Prince went to the Queen , and desired her ( by a Messenger ) to grant him half an hours Conference .

She desired to be excused .

He sent her word , It was something concerning his own Affairs . Whereupon she gave him admittance .

When the Prince came to her , he said :

Madam , I should not press thus rudely on your thoughts , but that I think I am part of the cause that makes them melancholy .

Sir , said she , You take upon you to know much ; for it is hard to know the Mind or Thoughts of our selves , much less of others .

Madam , said he , I will be so presumptuous to guess at them , if you will give me leave .

Take it , said she .

Then , Madam , said he , I must tell you , You are in love ; and the Person you love , although most excellent , yet cannot return such love as you desire ; for you have placed your Affection upon a Woman , who hath concealed her Sex , in taking the Habit of a Man ; and hath more confirm'd your mistake , by the actions of a Soldier . I know not , said the Prince , how kind you have found her ; but I have found her cruel . Then told her the story from the first time he saw her , until that present .

When the Queen had heard his relation , her Colour came and went , moved by her mix'd Passions , Anger and Love ; angry that she was deceived , yet still did love , and wish'd she had been a Man .

Then the Prince began to move unto her the Suit of the King . But she was so impatient and troubled in her Mind , being crost in her Love , that she would hear nothing concerning Love more at that time . Which he perceiving , took his leave for the present . But as soon as he was gone ,

Tears from her Eyes flow'd out , as if they meant To make her there a Watry Monument . And her oppressed Heart such sighs sent forth , Like Gusts of Wind that blow from South or North. After this furious Storm , a Calm did rise , Her Spirits , like a still smooth Water , lyes . Then laying down her gentle Head to rest , Thus to the God of Love her Prayers addrest . Thou powerful God of Love , that shoots from high , One Leadden Arrow in my Breast let flye , To quench that scorching Heat thou mad'st to burn , Unless a Woman to a Man can turn . With that the God of Love did pity take , Quench'd out the first , and did a new Fire make ; Yet was it weak , as being made but new ; But being kindled , it much hotter grew . At last the Flame got hold upon the King , Which did much Joy unto each Kingdom bring .

After a sweet and refreshing sleep , she rose , and went to Travelia's Chamber , and told her how she was discovered . Then chiding her gently for not making her self known unto her , said , that she had caused her many unquiet rests .

But Travelia begged her pardon ; telling her , it was the cause of her misfortunes that concealed her , and not out of any evil design she had to deceive her . Then desired her assistance and help to secure her .

Whilst they were thus talking , the King and the Prince came to see the sick Person ; to whom the Queen with a smiling-countenance said , She was courting her hard-hearted Lover .

The King answered , That he hoped she would take pity on him , by what she had felt her self .

The Queen told him , She was likelier to love him now , than if she had never been a Lover before : for , said she , there is something pleasing in Lovers Thoughts , be their Fortunes never so adverse ; and I believe , said she , the Prince will say as much .

Madam , said he , It is a pleasing-pain , as being mix'd with Hopes and Fears ; but if our Hopes do cease , all Pleasure is gone , and nothing doth remain but Pains of Hell .

Then , said the Queen , your Mistress should be in a sad condition , if she loved you as you seem to love her , you being a Married-Man .

No , said the Prince , I am now a Widower ; but I doubt ( said he ) that doth not advantage me in my Mistress's affection .

But when Travelia heard he was a Widower , her Heart did beat , like a Feverish Pulse , being moved with several Passions , fearing it was not so , hoping it was so , joying if it were so , grieving that she ought not to wish it so .

But the Queen asked the Prince , How that he came to know of it .

Whereupon he told her .

She said , I have promised your Mistress to protect her against your outragious Assaults : but since your Suit is just , and your Treaty civil , I will yeeld her to you , upon that condition you carry her not out of my Kingdom : for , since I cannot marry her , and so make her my Husband , I will keep her , if I can , and so make her my Friend .

With that , Travelia rises up in her Bed , and bowed her self with a pleased countenance , giving the Queen thanks .

The Prince said , You have given me as much as the Gods could give , which is , Felicity .

Madam , said the King , You have given me nothing .

The Queen , with Blushes , answered , That if her Council would agree , she would give him her self .

The King , for joy , kneeled down , and kiss'd her Hand : Now , said he , I am like to the Gods , they can but have their wish .

Thus passing that day in pleasing-discourses , the next day they caused their Councils to meet , where they concluded the Marriage of the King and Queen ; and that the Queen should live with their King in the Kingdom of Amours ; and that her first Son should be Heir to the Crown , and her second should be Heir to the Kingdom of Amity : but in case there were no Sons , or but one , then Daughters should inherit .

In the mean time , the Prince , and his Princess that was to be , should be Vice-Roy ; or rather , that she should rule , who was so beloved of the People , as if she had not only been a Native born , but as if she had been born from the Royal Stock . But they thought it fit she should make her self known unto the Army by word of mouth , that she was a Woman , otherwise they might think she was made away by a violent Death ; and that the report of being a Woman , was only a trick to deceive them ; and from thence arise such a Mutiny as might bring a ruin to both Kingdoms .

When all was agreed , they prepared for the Marriages .

In the mean time , Travelia goeth to the Army , attended by the Prince ; where the King and Queen came soon after , that the Soldiers might see they were there , as Witnesses of what she told them . And , being all in a Circle round about her , she being upon a place raised for that purpose , thus spake :

Noble Friends , and Valiant Soldiers ,

I Am come here , at this present , to declare I am a Woman , although I am habited like a Man ; and perchance you may think it immodesty : but they that will judg charitably , will enquire the Reason , before they give their Censure : for Upright Judges never give Sentence before they examine . Wherefore I believe you will not condemn me because Necessity did enforce me to conceal my Sex , to protect my Honour : for , as the love of Soul and Body is inseparable , so should the love of Chastity , and the Feminine Sex ; and who can love , and not share in danger ? And since no danger ought to be avoided , nor Life considered , in respect of their Honours ; and to guard that safe from Enemies , no Habit is to be denied : for it is not the outward Garment that can corrupt the honest Mind ; for Modesty may clothe the Soul of a naked Body ; and a Sword becomes a Woman when it is used against the Enemies of her Honour : for though her strength be weak , yet she ought to shew her good will ; and to dye in the defence of Honour , is to live with Noble Fame : and therefore neither Camp , nor Court , nor City , nor Countrey , nor Danger , nor Habit , nor any worldly Felicity , must separate the love of Chastity , and our Sex : for , as Love is the sweetest , so it is the strongest of all Passions ; and true Love proceeds from Virtue , not from Vice : wherefore it is to be followed by Life , and to be maintained till Death : And if I have served my Queen honestly , condemn not my Modesty .

Then she bowed her Head down low , first to the King and Queen , then to the Army .

Whereupon the Army gave a shout , and cryed out , Heaven bless you , of what Sex soever you be .

After she had spoke this Speech , she went into her Tent , and drest her self in her Woman's Robes , and came out again ; and standing in the same place , thus spake :

Noble Friends ,

THUS with my Masculine Clothes I have laid by my Masculine Spirit ; yet not so , but I shall take it up again , if it be to serve the Queen and Kingdom , to whom I owe my Life for many Obligations .

First , To my Queen , who bought me as a Slave , yet used me as a Friend ; and loved me with that Affection , as if Nature had linked us in one Line ; for which , Heaven reward her with Glory and Renown . Besides , her Love did bestow upon me great Honour , made me Protector of her Kingdom in her absence ; and you her Subjects ( out of Loyalty ) obeyed all my Commands , although I am young and unexperienced . And 't is not only what your Loyalty enforces ; but I have found your Affections of Love to be such , as it shewed they came freely from your Souts , expressing it self in grieving for my Sickness , taking care for my Health , joying in my Company , mourning for my Absence , glorying in my Fame ; in so much , as you would lessen your own , to give it me . What shall I do to shew my Gratitude ? Alas ! my Life is too poor a Sacrifice : Had I the Mansion of the Gods , I would resign it for your Felicity . But these are only Words , not Acts , to shew you my thanks . Yet here I do offer all that the Gods or Nature gave me , Life , Health , or Beauty ; Peace , Pleasure , or Plenty ; and these shall stand upon the Altar of a Thankful Heart , ready to be sacrificed to your Service .

Whereupon all the Army cryed out , An Angel , an Angel , the Gods had sent unto them !

Then was there a Declaration read in the Army , of the Agreement of Peace : and when it was read , That the Prince should be Vice-Roy in the Kingdom of Amity , all the Soldiers ( as if they had but one Voice ) cryed out , Travelia shall be Vice-Regent ; which was granted to pacifie them .

Whereupon there were great Acclamations of Joy .

But the Prince told his Mistress , She should also govern him .

She answered , That he should govern her , and she would govern the Kingdom .

Then went the King and Queen , the Prince and Travelia , the Nobles and the chief Commanders , to celebrate their Nuptials ; and on the Wedding-day , though the Queen was adorned with a Crown of Diamonds , hung about with rich Jewels ; yet her Beauty did dim their Luster . But Travelia was only drest in a white Silk Garment , which hung loosly about her ; and yet

Her Face did seem like to a Glory bright , Where Gods and Goddesses did take delight : And in her Eyes , new Worlds you there might see , Love-flying Cupids there as Angels be : And on her Lips Venus enthroned is , Inviting duller Lovers there to kiss : Wing'd Mercury upon her Tongue did sit , Strewing out Flow'rs of Rhetorick and Wit : Pallas did circle-in each Temple round , Which she with Wisdom , as a Lawrel , crown'd : And in her Cheeks sweet Flowers for Love's Posies , There Fates spun Tbreads of Lillies and of Roses : And every loving Smile , as if each were A Palace for the Graces to dwell there : And chast Diana on her Snow-white Breast There lean'd her Head , with most pure thoughts to rest : When view'd her Neck great Jove turn'd all to wonder , In Love's soft Showers melting without Thunder . The lesser Gods on her white Hands did lie , Thinking each Vein to be their Azure Skie . Her charming circling Arms , made Mars to cease All his fierce Battels , for a Love 's soft Peace ; And on our World's Globe sate triumphing high , Heav'd there by Atlas up unto the Skie : And sweet-breath'd Zephyrus did blow her Name Into the glorious Trumpet of good Fame .

After they were married , to set out their Triumphs , they had Masques , Playes , Balls , Pageants , Shews , Processions , and the like .

And when they had kept the Festivals some days in the City , the Prince and Princess desired they might go and revel for some days with the Army that was without the City . The Queen being well pleased therewith , thither they went ; where they had Tiltings , Running at the Ring , Fencing , Wrastling , Vaulting , Jumping , Running Races of Horse and Foot , Baiting of Beasts , and many the like Warlike Pastimes ; and such Hospitality , that every Common Soldier was feasted : And after they were well satisfied with Sports and good Cheer , the Prince and Princess returned to the Court again : where , after they had remained some time , the King and Queen sent them with the Army into the Kingdom of Amity ; and the Soldiers returned home not only with all the Spoils they got in the Warr , but the King did present all the Chief Commanders with Presents ; and the two Kingdoms lived in Peace and Tranquillity during the life of the King and Queen ; and , for ought I can hear , do so to this day .

The Tale of a Traveller .

A Gentleman and his Wife being married some years , and having none but Daughters ; at last was born unto them a Son , of whom they were very fond , and did strive to give him the best Breeding they could .

In the first place , he was to learn the Horn-book , from that his Primmer , and so the Bible , by his Mother's Chamber-Maid . But after he came to ten years old , or thereabouts , he was sent to a Free-School , where the noise of each Scholar's reading aloud , did drown the sense of what they read , burying the Knowledg and Understanding in the consusion of many Words , and several Languages , yet were whipt ( for not learning ) by their Tutors , whose ill teaching broke and weakned their Memories with over-heavy burthens ; and striving to thrust in more Learning than could be digested , or kept in the Brain , dulled their Senses , and opprest their Understanding ; for , being afraid of whipping , they got their Lessions by rote , without understanding the sense . But this Youth , being ingenious by nature , learnt more by his own Capacity , than by his Tutor's dull Rules .

After some time , he was sent to the University ; where continuing from the years of Fourteen , to the years of Eighteen , did at last consider with himself , that he was buried to the World and its Delights , conversing more with the Dead , than with the Living , in reading old Authors ; for that little company he had , was only at Prayers and Meat ; the time of the one being taken up in Devotion , the other in Eating , or rather Fasting ; for their Prayers were so long , and their Commons so short , that it seemed rather an Humiliation and Fasting , than an Eating and a Thanksgiving . But their Conversation was yet a greater Penance then their spare Diet ; for their Disputations ( which are fed by Contradictions ) did more wrack the Brain , than the other did gripe the Belly ; the one with filling the Head with vain Opinions , and false Imaginations , for want of the light of Truth ; as the other with Wind and Crude Humours , for want of sufficient nourishment .

Upon which Considerations , he left the University , and fitted himself to travel into Forreign Countreys , to see their Varieties and Curiosities , and to learn the Customs and Laws thereof , going into all places and Companies of note and recourse : But when he had travelled some few years , he began to sum up his Journeys , that he might know what advantagious Experiences he had gained by his Observations . Whereupon he recounted the several Forms and Fashions in Architecture , both in Churches and Palaces , Cities , Towns , and Villages ; their Longitudes and Latitudes , their Height and Thickness ; their Forms , as Round , Square , Triangular , and the like ; their Materials , as Stones , and what sorts of them , Wood , Brick , Tiles , Slat , or the like : what Pillars and Pillasters of all fashions , Cuts , and Carvings ; the Doors and Frontispieces , which are for grace and ornament , as Bellviews ; or for Conveniency , to avoid the sharp Winds , shunning the Northern or Southern Points : And so for Windows ; placing them obliquely from the Sun , to avoid the extremity of Heat . Then likewise Granishing ; as Gilding , Fretting , and their Paintings , where the proportion of their Figures were made according to the distance of the Eyes . Then what Piles had been so built upon the least compass of Ground , that none was lost , but every foot employed , making no vacant corners , or useless places . Then their Situation and Accommodations for Water , and Fuel , and Healthsome Air. What Cities had Navigable Rivers , or conveniency of Ports and Havens for Traffick and Commerce . What Fortifications or Forts for its defence .

After he had recounted this to himself , and what those Sights had advantaged him ; If I were able , said he , I would pick out all the Curiosities of these several Buildings , by imitation , and create me a Palace . But , upon reflecting-thoughts , he said , Building was very chargeable ; for the very building of a mean House , will wasten an indifferent good Estate : so that I may build a House after mine own Humour , but I shall be so poor , as not be able to live in it when it is finished . No , said he , I will live in those House my Ancestors left me , who built by degrees , according as they were able , every Generation adding something ; and leave Great , Curious , and Rare Buildings , to great Princes and Monarches , who build with their Subjects Puises ; or to the Clergy , who build with Charity , raising great Colledges and Churches out of weak Consciences ; or to unjust Magistrates , who create Palaces from Brides . Then what good hath these Observations done me , said he , unless I meanto to be a Surveyor ? and then I would not study any other thing , because then I would make it my Living , and so learn the curiosity of it for my Trade . But , since I cannot build for my Humour , Fancy , nor Fame ; I will not trouble my self for the pleasure of others .

He recounted also to himself the several Courts of Judicature he had seen , and how Causes were determind ; where he observed , That Riches and Power decides all Causes ; and those that have neither , lose their Suits .

Afterward he considered what places of Societies he had frequented , and what he had gained by conversations at Ordinaries , where all Strangers and Travellers meet ; and that their Discourses were most commonly of News , many times false , being of what Designs one Prince hath against another ; and of their Peace and Agreements , their Warrs , their Victories , and Overthrows ; the Disadvantages and Advantages of their Polities , Governments , and Tyrannies ; their Favourites , their Luxuries , and Vanities ; but seldom in praise of their Wisdom or Justice . And what Advantages , said he , do I gain by this ? Their Losses hurt not me ; I gain nothing by their Victory : their Luxury draws nothing out of my Purse ; nor doth their Clemency nor their Bounty extend so far as my Miseries or Necessities : GOD send me Health , said he , and Fortune give me good Luck , and let Forreign Kingdoms do what they will ; for I cannot settle them when they are in disorder ; Mutinous Factions will not hear me ; nor will Tyrant Princes take my Counsel : why should I then fill my Head with their Actions , or busie my Thoughts with their Quarrels or Agreements ? Besides , the Reports are most commonly , or at least half of them , Lyes .

Then he took notice of his Recreations and Pastimes , as Playing at Cards and Dice , Mistresses , and the like : By this , said he , I do not only lose and waste time , idly sitting still , and only exercising my self in shuffling and throwing ; but I lose my Money : for , if I win once , I lose twice ; and the Box eats up all the Gains : which doth so torment my Mind , that it is never at rest : for , when I have won , I long to be at play again , to win more , with the hopes that I shall grow rich with it , and so fill my Head with such vain imaginations , build such Castles in the Air , do such Wonders with my imaginary Wealth , as Caesar and Alexander never did the like : and if I lose , I am never quiet until I am at play again , out of hopes to get what I have lost ; and am as sullen all the while , as a Hare that is got in restraint ; my Countenance so dejected and sad , as if I had newly buried my Father ; and my Humour so cross , that I contradict all Discourse , let it be never so Rational ; and am so cholerick , that I am ready to beat all I meet . Thus I disturb my Sleep , torment my Thoughts , vex my Mind , impair my Health in sitting up late , and all to no purpose .

If not at Play , then I go to a Bawdy-House , and there for a short Pleasure I get a lasting Disease : for the Pox is seldom got out of the Bones ; and when it is cured at the best , it leaves Pains and Aches to their dying-day .

Well , said he , by these courses I find I am absolutely a loser ; and therefore I leave them to Whores , Bawds , Cheats , and Pick-pockets .

And as for those Exercises and Qualities ( said he ) which we call Virtuous , I could never get them by travelling about to see Sights and Rarities , as they are accounted : so that Vaulting , Riding , Fencing , which should maintain Honour , and defend my Life , is lost in the search of Novelties , which whirls a Man about as Dust in a Whirlwind ; and his Thoughts are so scattered about ; that his Reason and Consideration can settle in no judicious place .

Well , said he , I will turn Courtier , and see what Preferment I can get at Court . Whereupon he made himself fine Clothes , taking many Pages , Lacqueys , and Grooms , giving Fantastical Liveries : and thus being accoutred for a great Prince his Court , he addressed himself there to ushering the Ladies , kissing their hands , admiring their Beauties , cringing and congying , creeping and crouching to the Favourites ; waiting and attending in the Privy-Chamber for the Presence of the King and Queen ; and if he could at any time get a word from the King or Queen ( although it were but to call such a one , or to speak to have a back-door ready opened to go into the Garden , or to take Coach privately ) , he thought himself raised from a Mole-hill to a Mountain . But after he found his Money was spent , and no Preferment was like to come , he considered with himself what Advantages he had got , or rather lost .

Here , said he , I waste my time in hopes of Preferment , which comes by Favour , not by Merit ; and , many times , those that deserve least , have the greatest Honours cast upon them . Here I spend my Estate to grace the Court , and my self to flatter Authority , to maintain Knavery ; siding in Factions , to rail against honest Men , to bely my Conscience ; and to what purpose is this ? for when I am a Bankrupt , I shall be despised and scorned , or be their Anvil to knock Jests upon .

No , said he , I will spend my Estate where I shall have something for my Money , and be flattered by them that shall live upon my Bounty or Vain-glory .

Besides , said he , this is an idle and cowardly life ; I will go to the Warrs , and there get me Honour and Reputation . So he fitted himself with Arms , Horses , Tents , Wagons , and the like ; and after he had been received by the General very kindly , and with great Civility , he marched with the rest of the Cavalry ; and having past two Summers in Marching , Besiedging , Fighting , Wintering , Quartering , and Purloining , he began to consider the course of life he lived in .

Here , said he , I adventure my Life , running through great Dangers , endure great Miseries by Colds and Heats , and extream Hunger and Thirst , breaking my natural Rest , lying upon the cold and hard Ground , killing those that never did me harm , and offering my self to be killed by those that never did me good ; and this I do to get an honourable Fame ; whenas , ten thousand to one , I am cast into the Grave of Oblivion , amongst the common Soldiers : for alas , Fame hath not many Puny-Clarks to record every several Action done by every particular person in a great and numerous Army .

Besides , all the Honour of a Victory redounds to the General , and the Losses reflect upon the Common-Soldier and Under-Commanders ; besides , Fortune gives the Triumph , and not Merit .

And what have I gained by all my Travels and Experience ? Nay , what have I not lost ? Have I not spent a great Sum of Money , endangered my Life both by Sea and Land , wasted my Youth , wearied my Limbs , exhausted my Spirits with tedious Journeys , my Senses almost choaked with Dust , or drowned with Wet , lying in Lowsie Inns , eating stinking Meat ; and suffered all the Inconveniences that go along with Travellers ; and when they return to their own Countrey , they are no wiser than when they went out ; but oft-times become more compleat and absolute Fools , bringing vain Fashions , fantastical Garbs , lying Reports , Infectious Diseases , rotten Bodies , Atheistical Opinions , feared Consciences , and spotted Souls .

Well , said he , I will now return to my Native Soil , leaving the flattering and dissembling Courts , the deboist Cities , the Cruel Warrs , and never take up Arms more , but when my King and Country calls me to it ; nor will I travel more , but when my King and Countrey sends me forth . But I will lead a Countrey-life , study Husbandry , follow my Plows , sell my Cattel and Corn , my Butter and Cheese , at Markets and Fayres , kiss the Countrey Wenches , and carry my Neighbour's Wife to a Tavern when Market is done ; live thriftily , and grow rich .

Then taking his leave of the General , he returned to his own Countrey , where after he had visited his Friends , who were joyed to see him , and did welcome him home ; he put himself into one of his Farm-houses , stocking his Grounds , taking Men-servants and Maid-servants to follow his Business ; and he himself ( clothed in a Frieze Jerkin , and a pair of Frieze Breeches , a Frieze pair of Mittins , and a Frieze Mountier-Cap , to keep out sharp-cold in Winter-mornings , when the Breath freezes between the Teeth ) would over-see and direct ; and was industrious to call up his Servants before day-light , and the last a-bed when their Work was done ; for in the Summer-time he would be up with the Lark , to mow down his Hay , to reap down his Harvest , and to see his Carts loaded , riding from Cart to Cart ; and at Noon would sit down on his Sheafs of Corn or Hay-cocks , eating Bread and Cheese , and young Onions , with his Regiment of Work-men , tossing the black-Leather Bottle , drinking the Healths of the Countrey-Lasses and Good-wives that dwelt thereabout ; and after his Harvest was brought into his Barns , and his Sheep-shearing-time done , make merry ( as the custom of the Countrey was ) with good Cheer , although Countrey-fare ; with Goose-Pyes , Pudding-Pyes , Furmity , Custards , Apples , and March-Beer ; dancing to the Horn-Pipe with the lusty Lasses , and merry Good-wives , who were drest in all their Bravery , in their Stammel Petticoats , and their gray Cloath-Wastcoats , or white wrought Wastcoats , with black Woolstead , and green Aprons ; and the Men with Cloath Breeches , and Leather Doublets with Pewter Buttons .

These and the like Recreations the Countrey-people hath mix'd with their hard Labours : When their Stomacks were full , and their Legs weary with dancing , or rather with running and leaping ( for their Dances have no nice and difficult Measures to tread ) , they disperse every one to their several Houses , which are thatch'd , and only Holes cut for Windows ; unless it be the rich Farmers , and they most commonly have a chief Room , which is glazed ; yet the poorer sort are seldom without Bacon , Cheese , and Butter , to entertain a Friend at any time .

Then giving thanks to the Gentleman for their good Cheer , and he shaking them every one by the hand , they took their leaves ; and the next day every one followed their own Labours , as they used to do ; nor did the Gentleman omit any pains , care , and industry in his Affairs , but plyed the Markets , selling his Corn , Straw , Hay , Cattle , Cheese , Butter , Honey , &c.

And after he had followed this way of Husbandry two or three years , casting up his Accounts , he found that he was rather behind than before-hand in his Estate , and that his Husbandry did not amount so high as the Rents he had from his Tenants , when he did let them .

Alas , said he , Have I taken all this pains , rising early , following my business hard all day , making my self a Slave to the Muck of the Earth , to become poorer than I was ! It 's hard , when those that take my Lands , pay me great Rents , and not only live themselves and their Families thereon , but grow rich into the bargain ; and I cannot make so much as my Rent , when I take as much pains , and am as industrious as they are . Then being in a cholerick Humour ( as they are most commonly that thrive not ) , and vexing at the Servants round his House for their carelesness and idleness , in a melancholy humour he would walk out into his Fields ; and going once by a Neighbour's Cottage , where only lived an old Man , and his old Wife ; he saw her standing at the door , fanning some Corn in a little Basket :

By your leave , Good-wife , said he ; You are fanning your Gleanings ?

God bless you , my good Master , said she , and all that belongs to you : Truly , said she , I am sifting a little Corn from the Husks , to boil for my good Man's Supper and mine , who will come home weary and hungry from his day's labour : We are old , Master , said she , and Labour goeth hard with us now ; but in our younger days it was like a Recreation , when our Bodies were young and strong , and our Spirits lively : but now , our Bodies being weak , and our Spirits faint , it is a toil and an affliction to us : but we must work whilst we live , for we have nothing but our Labours to feed us , and clothe us , God help us , said she .

Well , said he , I will be charitable , and see if that will make me thrive ; and told her , he would allow her a Weekly-stipend .

Why , the blessing of God ( said she ) rain down plentifully on your Life , and Eternal Joys in Heaven , after you are dead .

But I wonder , said he , you could not get so much by your Labour in your younger days , to serve to maintain you when you were old .

O Master , said she , some have too little to thrive on , and some have too much ; but those that have nothing but from hand to mouth , can never lay up , because they eat up what they get ; and there can be no store without some savings : They that have more than they can manage themselves , are destroyed by those that help them ; for many mouths eat them up , and many hands work them out : besides , they are ever cozened and cheated in every Office ; their Reapers steal sheaves of Corn ; for whilst the Masters watch one end of the Field , there are sheaves flung over the Hedg at the other end ; and their Sons , Daughters , Servants , Friends , or Partners , that help to share , convey it away ; and if they miss it in the Field , they will have it when it goeth home in the Cart ; for whilst the Master goeth home with one Cart , the other that goeth before , or cometh behind , is purloined : when he is in the Barn , they rob him in the Field ; when he is in the Field , they rob him in the Barn : besides , their Threshers carry home Corn in their Bottles and Bags , or hide it in some out-corner until they go home . They are cozened in their Garners : for though they do keep the Keys themselves , yet when it is fann'd , sifted , and turned , they must watch as a Cat doth a Mouse , or else they will lose it ; and if they grind their Corn , the Miller steals his share , and when they go to sow the seed in the ploughed up ground , if the Master doth not follow the Plough and Harrow , and watch the hand that flings in the Corn , they will throw handfuls in heaps , to gather it up when he is gone home ; and for their Kine and Sheep , their Maids will sell their Milk in the Fields ; and when their Masters and Mistresses are gone to Bed , although they saw them go before , they will rise in the middle of the night when they are asleep , and skim their Bowls of the first Cream . In their Meadows and Pastures , the Neighbours will put their Cattel to feed on their Grass in the night , and take them out before the day . Besides , the Servants they send to Markets , will drink out the gains , and then complain to their Masters , that Provisions came so thick , and Buyers so few , that they were forced to sell at under-rates ; and , that Plenty destroyed the Market ; so that Robbin and Dick , Jone and Gill , make merry with what their Master loses : and so the like in all other Commodities . The Shepherd steals the Twin-Lambs ; the Swineherd the tenth Pig ; the Net-herd will mix strange Steers in amongst his Master 's to grass , knowing his Master cannot have so much time as to count his own every day : and when the Barns , and the Ploughs , and the Carts want mending , and repairing , his Baylie cuts down two Trees , or more , when less than one will serve the turn ; and the Carpenter makes more and greater Chips than he needs to do ; or carries pieces of Wood home amongst his Tools : likewise , his Carters steal his Oats , and makes his Horses fast , and flings down more Trusses of Hay from the Lost , than they need to use : the Butchers steal the Tallow out of the Oxe's , the Sheep's , and Swine's Belly , whilst they rip them up , unless they be watch'd : Wherefore he that Husbands much , had need have Argus Eyes , to watch in every corner , and to spy into every action ; and Briareus hands , to help at every turn ; and more than one pair of Legs , to walk into every place , or else he shall never thrive .

But he that hath no more Ground than he can ride about every day , nor more Servants than what his two Eyes can observe , nor more Labourers than what he can diligently follow , nor more Cattel than what he can easily count , nor more Mouths than Business ; this Man shall thrive so , as to be able to pay his Landlord's Rent , to maintaintain his Family , and have Money in his Purse to lay out upon a good Bargain , when many a good Worshipful Gentleman is fain to borrow , and find more wants in his Abundance , than the other in his hired Farm ; and those are the happiest Masters ( said she ) that have not many nor high desires , and can be content with a little , and whose Wants are not above their Means .

The Gentleman said , I have travelled far , and have seen and heard much ; yet I have learnt more experience from you , than I have done in all my tedious and expensive Travels : wherefore ( said he ) I find we go far about to seek for that which is at home ; and for your Learned Discourse ( said he ) here is a Crown to make your Husband welcome when he comes home .

Heaven send you a good Wife , said she ; and may you live together as old as Methuselah , and as loving as Isaac and Rebecca .

So home he went , and by the way he considered what the old Woman had told him . I find , said he , her words true ; for I have taken more Business upon me than I can manage : wherefore I will sell off my Stock , and lett my Lands again , only keep so much as shall serve me for Provision for my private Expence ; and I will get me a Wife , who shall not be so handsome as to be proud of her Beauty , seeking ways to shew it to the World ; and whilst she strives to shew her self , out of a desire to have all Eyes gaze at her , and to incaptivate all Hearts , she may chance to be catch'd in Love's Net her self with some flattering Youth , or ignorant Coxcomb , who are only crafty to lay Lime-twigs to catch simple Women .

Neither will I have one with a great Portion , for she will so presume upon what she brought , and be so extravagant in her Expences and Vanities , ( which are like Hydra's heads , where if one be struck off , two will rise in the room ) and will not be contented to spend her own , but my Estate also .

Nor will I have one that is poor , for then her beggarly Kinred will lye upon my Estate like so many Caterpillars , and never leave until they have destroyed the Fruit , Tree , and all .

But I will have one that is Right Worshipful , born Honorably , bred Chast , and of a good Reputation , has a competent Portion , is young , and indifferently handsom ; and one that is cleanly , thrifty , and patient , with a sober behaviour , and a modest Countenance , has so much wit as to understand my Discourse , and so much Discourse as to answer pertinently to my Questions , is without self-conceit , and of so much ingenuity as to learn the rules of my will ; then I will live to my self , seeking all moderate Delights for my Senses , and not be as a Property to serve others , cramming a Company of idle People , as they do Capons , with the fat of my Estate , and I their Host to provide their Meat and Drink , and their Servant to place their Dishes before them , and their Drudg to make my House clean after they are gone ; and have nothing for my labour but their Satyrical Reports , saying I am vain-glorious and prodigal : and when my kind heart and courteous civility hath made me Bankrupt , they will laugh at my Person , condemn my Actions , scorn my Poverty , shun my Miseries , and will blot me out of their remembrance : for Ingratitude , or any other Vice or Wickedness , seldom hath , and hates returning-thoughts . Neither will I spend my time in deciding my Neighbours foolish Quarrels ; for Time is precious , being short , though it measures the full life of Man ; and I shall have in recompence , only the honourable Name of Justice of Peace in Quorum , which is nothing but a sound , and no real and substantial thing ; neither would I have the trouble for all the Poultry in the Countrey : wherefore , I will have nothing to do in Court , City , or Countrey ; but obey the Laws , though not to execute them as a subordinate Magistrate ; I will submit to Authority , but not sit in Authority .

At last , with these Contemplations and Discourses to himself , he arrived to his own House : so after Supper , with musing thoughts , he went to Bed .

The next day he sent to an intimate Friend to come to dine with him ; and after dinner he told him his intent of discharging himself of the trouble and loss of Husbandry : withall , he told him a design he had to marry , and desired him to seek him out a good Wife ; relating what manner of Woman he would have her to be .

His Friend said , I will do my best to search out such a one as may sympathize with your Humour . But I do wonder , said he , you should think of Marriage now ; for you should have wedded a Wife when you were in the prime and strength of your Age , about the years of four or five and twenty , and not stay until you are eight or nine and forty , when weakness and sickness is ready to seize on you .

He answered and said , That young Men , wanting the Experience of time , chose by Fancy , and not with judgment : besides , they knew not how to prize Chastity , nor honour the Virtues of their Wives , having no experience of the Falshood and Inconstancy which dwells in that Sex , or rather that was created with Women , as being the Essence of their Natural Dispositions ; so that Chastity is to be accounted as supernatural ; and if my Wife had been inclined to Honesty , yet the Vanities and Debaucheries of my Fantastical Youth , might have misled her Youth , and have corrupted her pure Mind , and innocent Life , by my ill Example .

Besides , If I had married whilst I was young , it is likely I should have been weary of my Wife before she had been old ; and my Children might have been weary of me before I had been old : but now I am old enough to govern a young Wife by my sober Example , and my solid Instructions , and gentle Perswasions ; and to prize her Chastity so , as to trust her without a jealous Spye , and to honour her Virtue , to love her Person , to maintain her Honour , to provide for her and her Family , to chuse her Delights , and to direct her Life : Thus I may be happy in my Age , by not marrying when I was young .

Well , said his Friend , I will travel all the Countrey over to chuse you a fit Wife .

Pray , said he , let me give you some certain Rules along with you .

First , I would not have her a meer Countrey-Gentlewoman ; for she seldom seeing any other Men but her Father's Steward , Butler , or Carters , with their Frieze Jerkins , and Leather Breeches ; if she should come to see a flanting young Gallant bedaub'd with Gold and Silver Lace ( or say it were Copper ) she will be so ravish'd in admiration , that she will yeeld upon the meanest condition he can make ; nay , a Gentleman-Usher , with a pair of Silk Stockins , will beset her hard . Wherefore , let me have one that dwells in the Countrey , that hath seen the City , that hath seen the Court , Plays , and Masques ; but not so well acquainted with them , as to know their enticing-Vanities , or tempting-Vices .

Then , I would have her such a one , whose Parents have bred her rather to a Superfluity , than in pinching-Necessity ; for Necessity teaches Youth to dissemble and shark ; and when they come to command Plenty , they have no stay of their Prodigality and Luxury ; but just like those that are almost starved for want of Meat and Drink , throw so much into the Stomach , that many times it causeth a sudden death , or else a dangerous sickness . But those whose breedings have known no want , have no mean nor base desires ; for plenty opens the door to generosity , and raises the mind to high and noble speculations , which produceth honourable actions , despiseth unnecessary vanities , loves magnanimity , and hates crouching flattery , or base dissembling actions , which Plenty seldom knows , having no use thereof .

Another thing , you must observe her humour , and have a care she be not of a peevish disposition , for they are pleased at no time , but fall out with every thing , even with themselves ; and not only make their own unhappiness , but of all those that live near them ; they will cross all discourse , be it never so rational ; oppose all actions , be they never so just ; delight in no place to live in , be it never so convenient ; but all their Life is made up with crosses , and their mind is insnared with unnecessary troubles .

Truly , said his Friend , your Rules by which I am to measure a Wife , are so strait , as all my industry will never fit you .

So his Friend left him to court his Contemplations , whilst he went to search for a Fruition . After a short time , he sent him word in a Letter , thus :

SIR ,

I Have found a young Lady , who has the Reputation of being Virtuous ; born from an Ancient Stock , and Honoured Race ; carefully bred , and well qualified ; her Portion is small , her Friends are not poor ; she has enough Beauty to delight a temperate Mind ; she seems to be of a cheerful Disposition , and makes me believe she can love an Ancient Man , if ( says she ) his Merit equals his years : but ( said she ) I will be wooed before I am wed . Wherefore , if you will marry , you must visit the Lady ; and as you do both like , you may agree : Howsoever , I durst not strike up the Bargain before you see her , for fear you should dislike my Market , being the first Commodity of this kind , and of this nature , I ever cheapned . So good Fortune direct you .

After he had received this Letter , he put himself into a Wooing-Equipage ; and so compleat he was in Apparel and Attendants , that the same Eyes that had seen him when he followed his Husbandry , and should view him now , would forswear they had ever seen him before . Such alterations fine Clothes and many Followers make .

The young Lady , who expects his company , makes her self fine to entertain him ; the whilst her Friends trim up the House , direct their Servants how to wait , and provide good Cheer to bid him welcome .

At last a Servant comes running in , to give notice the Noble Gentleman was come ; which as soon as the young Lady heard , the report gave her the Palpitation of the Heart , which caused a trembling over the whole Body , and fear and bashfulness made her Colour to rise and fall : but hemming up those Spirits that Fear had depress'd , setling her Countenance to the best advantage for her Face , she stood with as much resolution as her weak Confidence would give her leave , to receive his Addresses ; whom he no sooner saw , but loved ; liking her by report , before he came . After he had saluted her , he thus spake :

Lady , I come not to woo you as a wanton Lover ; for neither my Years , nor your Modesty , will allow it : neither do I come a Suiter to your Beauty , but your Virtue ; and I wish I were such a one as might merit your Affection : but since I cannot promise you to be such as I wish to be ; you will do a meritorious Action , to take me out of Charity , since I love you devoutly .

Sir , answered she , I wish I were worth a valuable Affection , such as I prize yours to be : I am not yet acquainted with your Merit by Experience , but by Report : and though the Ears are the Doors that let in the truest Affections , yet I will not bar my Eyes , but they shall stand as open , as free , though not the only passage to my Heart . And I wish Reason may rule the Objects of my Affections , that are gathered together : for it is not safe to love a Man for one good Quality ; but as many several Causes produce but one Effect ; so , many several good Qualities , produce one entire Affection .

When they had discoursed themselves ( after this manner ) out of breath , the Gentleman was directed to his Chamber , where he laid by his Riding-Cloak , shifted his Boots , brush'd his Hat , comb'd his Hair , and set himself in order , waited on by an old Servant , who was busie about him , and one that had been with him in all his Travels , and was his Favourite .

What think you , Jack , ( said he ) of a young Mistress to your old Master ?

In troth , answered he , I think my Master thinks well of a young Mistress .

The Master saith , The young Lady hath a modest Countenance , which is a sign she wil make a good Wife .

So is a Bush , said the Man , hung out of a Tavern , a Sign of good Wine , but it often deceives the Customers . But in troth , said he , I am like one that 's dry , with seeing another drink thirstily ; for I have a mind to a Wife , now I perceive your Worship resolves to marry .

Why , Jack , ( said he ) you may woo the Chamber-Maid .

He answered : But , Sir , the question is , Whether the Chamber-Maid is as discreet as her Mistress , to marry a Man in years ; for I am as old as your Worship : besides , if she be not young , I shall not like her ; for I would imitate your Worship in every thing : but the best of it is , if she be old , she will not like me ; for an old Woman desires to marry a young Man ; and when their Teeth are fallen out of their Head with Age , yet they will snicker upon a Beardless Boy .

Thus , whilst the Master was trimming himself up , his Man and he discoursed .

In the mean while , the young Lady was gone into her Chamber ; and called her Maid to bring her the Glass , and to view if the Curls of her Hair were in order .

O Lord , said she , Joan , how red my Face is ! I seem as if I were drunk , my Cheeks burn like fire ; you told me the other day , I was in the Green-sickness ; you cannot think so now .

She answered , By my troth , Mistress , the Gentleman's Discourse hath painted your Cheeks ; pray Mistress , saith she , doth he talk finely ?

He talks rationally , answered her Mistress ?

Is he a handsome Man , said she ?

The Mistress said , He has a Manly Garb , and a Wise Countenance , and then he cannot be ill-favoured .

I pray Mistress , said she , how doth he seem to like you ?

Truly , Joan , said she , I cannot tell ; he did not frown ; he seemed well pleased : yet I believe I behaved my self simply , for I was extreamly out of countenance ; and shame-fac'dness restrains the Words , and disorders the Behaviour , and many times makes one fall into such ridiculous Errors , that it is hard to get out of them .

O Mistress , said she , Youth can commit no Errors to be condemned , for all their follies are cast on their few years , and their simplicity are Graces in the eyes of their Lovers .

In the time while they were discoursing , her Servant had found out the way to her Chamber ; whom when she saw him , she flung away her Glass .

He told her , she did ill to lay aside that which did present her the best Object , her self .

She answered , His Civility might prove Bribes to Self-conceit , and perswade her Eyes to be Impartial Judges : but , said she , if I can make my Mind fair , I care not how my Face appears .

But , after a short time , growing more acquainted , they left their Complemental Wooing , and discours'd more seriously concerning the course of life they did intend to settle in .

He said , I have heard by the Writing of Wise Solomon , That the only happiness in this life , is , to eat , and drink , and sleep in peace ; and that all things else are wearisomness and vexation of spirit : and truly , said he , that little Experience I have , though I have travelled a great way , and into many places , proves if so to me : but , finding a good Wife must be added to compleat the happiness , I resolved to marry : but the danger is , if the Wife proves not according to the Man's desire , then his life is closed up in Misery ; yet I cannot believe my Fate so ill , since I saw you .

She said , I can only say this for my self , I shall be a very honest Woman : but for all other good qualities , which are the Ingredients to make up a good Wife , I cannot promise ; but what Errors my ignorant simplicity may be apt to commit , it may be rectified by your wise Admonitions .

Then he told her , The quicker they did dispatch their Marriage , the sooner they should be happy ; but , said he , I find your Friends desire a publick Wedding , great store of Company , Musick , and good Cheer .

I must confess , Company and Musick fits the Years of Youth ; but they are not seemly Companions for the Gravity of Age : and to see a Man in years dance , is as if his Head and his Heels were mis-match'd , the one is too light for the other ; and it is seldom known , that a wise Brain is propt with Dancing-Legs ; and if I put my self where such Pastimes are exercised , I must run the hazzard of being rude , in denying those that offer to take me out ; or render my self ridiculous , which I would not willingly do , especially before you .

Besides , it is more Comely , Noble , and Majestical , for Youth to follow the strict and severe Rules of Age , than for Age to follow the leight Measures , Fantastical Garbs , and vain Rules of Youth .

Sir , said she , As I chuse Age for the best to lead my life withall , so I shall chuse Aged Counsellors to direct all my Actions ; and though I am young , I do not approve of the ways of Youth ; neither do I find any solid Mirth , or lasting Contentment , in their Recreations or Pastimes .

He said , You speak according to my own Soul , and I hope Nature did create us for one another , and Destiny will link our Affections so fast , that neither change of Time nor Fortune can alter them ; and that our Loves will live in the Grave , when our Bodies be dead .

So in two or three days all Contracts were confirmed , and the Match was concluded with the approbation of all Friends of either side ; married they were , and in a short time after he carried her to his House , there made her Mistress of his Estate ; and whilst he governed his outward Affairs , she governed the Family at home , where they lived plentifully , pleasantly , and peaceably ; not extravagantly , vain-gloriously , and luxuriously ; they lived neat and cleanly , they loved passionately , thrived moderately ; and happily they lived , and piously dyed .

The She-Anchoret .

THERE was a Widower who had but one Child , and she a Daughter ; which Daughter he bred with Pious Devotions , Moral Instructions , and Wise Advertisements ; but he falling sick to death , called his Daugher unto him , and thus spake to her :

Farewell my dearest Child , for dye I must ; My Soul must flye , my Body turn to dust : My only care is , that I leave thee young , To wander in the World , Mankind among ; Few of them charitable are , or kind ; Nor bear they in their Breast a Noble Mind , To help the Fatherless , or pity Youth , Protect the Innocent , maintain the Truth : But all their time 's spent with laborious toil , For to pervert , to ruin , and to spoil . Flatter thy Beauty , and thy Youth betray , To give thy Heart , and Virgin-flower away . They will profess love , vow to be thy Friend , Marriage will promise ; yet they will pretend Their Friends will angry be , or else they 'l say , Their Land 's engag'd , they first their Debts must pay ; Or else that they during some time of life , Have made a Vow , Not yet to take a Wife : And twenty such Excuses they will find For to deceive the simple Female-Kind . And if you marry , Troubles you will find , Pains , Griefs , and Cares , to vex a quiet Mind . But here I charge you ( lying in Death's Arms ) That you do stop your Ears against their Charms : Live chast and holy , serve the Gods above , They will protect thee for thy zealous Love . Daughter . I will obey whatever you command : Although you dye , your will shall fixed stand . Father . Next , I do charge thee , Not to grieve nor mourn , Since no redress will from the Grave return . Daughter . O do not so , said she ; But give Grief leave to flow out of my Eyes ; For if it be supprest , the Body dyes : Whilst now you live , great wrong y'uld think you have , If I should sit and laugh upon your Grave ; Or with neglect should I your Grave pass by , And ne're take notice where your Ashes lye . Father . You cannot hinder Destiny's Decree . Daughter . O no! but Nature , Nature still will be : Nature created Love within the Mind ; The Object dead , the Passion still is kind . Had I as many Lives as Nature make , I 'de lay them on Death's Altar for your sake . That single one I have , O Heavens me hear ! Exchange it for my Father's Life so dear : But when her Father found that Death drew on , He bid her lay her Hand his Eyes upon . Father . Close up my Eyes , said he , and then receive Upon thy Lips my last Breath , let me breathe . When he was dead , sh' amaz'd , long time sate still ; At last bethought her of her Father's Will : Then up she rose , his Body did entomb ; And how she spent her Life , rehearse I 'le soon .

The Description of her Life in Prose .

AFTER she had interred her Father's Corps , although she had rich , honourable , and importunate Suiters ; yet she resolved to live like a kind of an Anchoret's Life , living encloistered by her self alone , vowing Chastity , and a Single-life ; but gave leave for any to speak to her through a Grate . When she went first into her solitary Habitation , she thus spake : Virtues are several Pathes which lead to Heaven ; And they which tread these Pathes , have Graces given : Repentant tears allay the Dust of Pride ; And pious Sighs doth blow vain Thoughts aside : Sorrow and Grief , which in the Heart doth lye , Doth cloud the Mind , as Thunder doth the Skie : But when in Thundring-groans it breaketh out , The Mind grows clear , the Sun of Joy peeps out . This pious Life I now resolve to lead , Will in my Soul both Joy and Comfort breed .

She had not been long enclosed , but she grew as famous as Diogenes in his Tub ; all sorts of people resorted to her , to hear her speak ; and not only to hear her speak , but to get knowledg , and to learn wisdom : for she argued rationally , instructed judiciously , admonished prudently , and perswaded piously ; applying and directing her Discourse according to the several Studies , Professions , Grandeurs , Ages , and Humours of her Auditory .

The first that came to her , were Natural Philosophers ; who asked her Opinion of Man's Soul : of which she discoursed in this manner :

She said , Man hath three different Natures or Faculties ; A Sensitive Body , Animal Spirits , and a Soul : This Soul is a kind of Deity in it self , to direct and guide those things that are far above it , and to create by Invention ; and though it hath not an absolute Power over it self , yet it is an harmonious and absolute thing in it self : and though the Sensitive Body hath a relation to it , yet no other ways than Jove's Mansion hath unto Jove ; for the Body is only the residing-place , and the Animal Spirits are as the Angels of the Soul , which are Messengers and Intelligencers : All Animal Creatures have not this Soul , but only Man ; for Beasts have none ; nor every Man : for most Men are Beasts , and have only a Sensitive Body , and Animal Spirits , as Beasts have : but none know when this Soul is out or in the Body , but the Gods : and not only other Bodies and Spirits cannot know ; but the Body where it resides , and the attending-spirits , are ignorant thereof : for this Soul is as invisible to the Body and the Animal Spirits , as the Gods to Men ; for , though this kind of Soul knows , and hath intelligence by the Senses , and by the Animal Spirits ; yet the Senses nor Animal Spirits have none from the Soul : for , as Gods know Men , but Men know not Gods ; so this Soul knows the Senses and Animal Spirits , but the Senses nor Animal Spirits know not this Soul .

Then they asked her , Whether Souls were Immortal ?

She answered , That only the Life was Immortal , from whence all Souls are derived .

Then they asked her , What Deities she thought there were ?

She answered , She thought but one , which was the Father of all Creatures , and Nature the Mother ; he being the Life , and Nature the only Matter ; which Life and Matter produceth Motion ; and Figure , various Successions , Creations , and Dissolutions .

Then they asked her , What she thought Time was ?

She said , Time was only the Variation and Alteration of Nature ; for Time is only in respect to Creations , Alterations , and Dissolutions .

Then they asked her , What Eternal was ?

She answered , An endless Succession .

Then they asked her , What Infinite was ?

She said , A Numberless Succession : but , said she , Eternal is in respect to Infinite , as Infinite to Eternal .

Then they asked her , Whether she thought there were fixt Decrees , or all were governed by Chance ?

She answered , That doubtless there were fixt Decrees , as Light , Darkness , Growth , Decay ; as Youth , Age , Pain , Pleasure , Life , Death , and so in every thing else , for ought my Reason can perceive . For , said she , as Nature creates by Dissolution , and dissolves by Creation ; so the Diattical Life ( says she ) decrees Rules , and ruleth by Decrees .

Then they asked her , What was Chance and Fortune ?

Chances ( said she ) are visible Effects from hidden Causes ; and Fortune , a conjunction of many sufficient Causes to produce such an Effect ; since that Effect could not be produced , did there want any one of those Causes , by reason all of them together were but sufficient to produce ; but that one Effect , many times , produces many Effects upon several Subjects ; and that one Effect , like the Sun , streams out into several rays , darting upon several Subjects : and again , as the Sun scorches and burns some things , and warms and comforts others ; so this Effect advances some , and casts down others ; cures some , and kills others ; and when the Causes vary , and the Effects alter , it is called Change of Fortune .

Then they asked her , Whether she thought Faith could naturally produce any Effect ?

She answered , That in her opinion it might : for , said she , why may not Faith , which is an undoubted Belief , joined to such a subject , produce or beget an Effect , as well as a Seed sown or set in the Earth , produceth a Flower , a Tree , or the like ; or as one Creature begets another ; especially if the Faith , and Subject whereon it is placed , have a sympathy ; but by reason ( said she ) Faith is not so customary a way of producing , as other ways are , it causeth many Doubts , which Doubts are like cold Northern Winds , or sharp biting Frosts , which nip and kill the Buds of Faith , which seldom or never lets the Effects come to perfection .

Then they asked , What the Sun was ?

She answered , A Body of Fire .

Then they askedher , What Light was ?

She answered , Light was enflamed Air.

They said , That if Light was enflamed Air , it would burn all things , and so consume the World .

She answered , That in thin Bodies Fire had but little power to burn ; for the thinness of the Matter weakens the power of the Strength , which causeth Flame ( said she ) to be of no great Heat : for , the hot Flames do rather sindg than burn ; and the thinner the substance is that is set on fire , the purer the Flame is ; and the purer the Flame is , the less Heat it gives ; as the Flame of Aqua-vitae , that may be eaten with Sops .

Then they asked her , What Air was ?

She answered , That Air was the Smoak produced from Heat and Moisture : For Air , said she , is a thin Oyl , which is set on fire by the fiery Sun ; or is like a fiery Substance , and fiery Motions , whose Flame is light .

Then they asked her what Darkness was ?

She answered , Darkness was the absence of Light .

And then they asked , why it was dark immediately , when the passage of Light was stopped , and that if it were inflamed Air , it would burn and give Light , as long as that inflamed Air lasted .

She answered , that when the fiery Rays that issued from the Sun were cut off , the flame went out ; for said she , it is not the Air , that feeds the Flame , but the fire that is in the Flame , and when that Fire is spent or taken away , the Flame dyes ; this is the reason , said she , that as soon as the Rays of the Fire is cut off , or shut out , or taken away , it is dark ; and when they are eclipsed , the Light is dull and dim : but , as I said before , Light is only Air , set on flame by the fiery Sun ; and the Blewest Sky , is the thinnest Flame , being the purest Air ; and just as if we should carry a Candle away , we carry the light also , which is the Flame ; so doth the Sun : and as we bring a Candle , or the like , into a Room , we bring in the light ; so doth the Sun : Where the Fire is , there is the greatest light ; and when a Screen is set before it , the light is eclipsed : and when kindled Fire ( as a Candle , or the like ) is carried quite from the place , it leaves as great a darkness as if it were put out : just so doth the Sun , ( which is the World's Candle ) when it goeth down , draweth away the light , which is the Flame ; and as it riseth , it bringeth in the Fire , which causeth the Flame ; and when it is high-Noon , then is the brightest light , as casting no shadows , if nought Eclipses it ; and when Clouds get before it , it is Eclipsed , as with a Screen ; and when it is quite removed to another part of the World , it doth as if it went into another Room or Chamber , leaving no light behind it : for twi-light is caused from the Rays of the Sun : for , though the Body of the Sun is gone from off such a part of the Earth , yet the Rays ( which are the spreading-part of Fire ) are not quite drawn away as soon as the Sun ; for as those Rays usher the Sun-rising , so they follow the Sun-setting : and though these Rays of Fire ( which are the Beams of the Sun ) enflame the Air ; yet not so bright as the Body of the Sun doth : and where the Sun is gone so far as the Beams cannot reach , that part of it becomes dark . It is not the gross Clouds ( as some think ) make twi-light ; for we see a cloudy day makes the twi-light seem shorter , though it be not ; and it is by reason they eclipse the enflamed Air ; for Clouds are rather Vapour than Air : and though Vapour and Air have some relation , the like hath Vapour and Water ; and Vapour , when it is gathered into the Clouds , doth rather eclipse than prolong light .

They said , That if the Light was Flame , the Vapoury Clouds might quench it out .

She answered , That although Vapour could eclipse the Light , it could not put out the light of the Sun : 't is true , said she , it may and doth often allay the fiery heat in the Rays ; for some days will be cooler than other days , although the Sun be higher ; and some will be cooler than others , although in the same degree of the Sun , by reason of low Marish Grounds , or near great Rivers , from whence Vapours arise . But though the Vapour may abate the heat in the Rays , as the enflamed Air , and eclipse the light either of Mists or Fogs , or when they are gathered into Clouds , yet they can neither put out the light , nor quench out the heat of the Sun , which is the Fountain of both , no more than a drop of Water can quench a House on fire . The Sun is a World of bright shining Fire , from which other Worlds receive both light and heat . 'T is true , if there could be such a quantity of Water as could equal the Sun's power , it might quench the Sun , unless the Sun be an eternal Fire . But as for Vapour , were there a greater quantity than what arises from the Earth , it could not change the natural property of the Sun : besides , Vapour is of a middle nature , as betwixt Water and Air ; for by the rarifaction it is not so gross nor so wet as Water ; nor rarified so much as to be as thin and dry as Air.

Then they asked her , What she thought of those that were of the opinion , That under the Line it was uninhabitable , through an extream heat .

She said , She thought they were like those that were blind of one eye , which saw perfectly on the one side , but not on the other : for their Reason discovered there was a great Heat , but it did not discover the refreshing-Winds and moistning-Dews which are constantly in that place ; which Winds and Dews quench the fiery heat , which makes it temperate ; for , Heat and Cold make an equal temper , when they are equal in degrees : and because there is twelve hours night , and twelve day ; there is as much Cold as Heat ; for the Dews and the Winds join'd with the Night , makes it temperate ; but if it were not for the equal hours , and those Dews and Winds , it would be , as they thought it was , insufferably hot ; but they wanted information concerning the Dews and the Wind , and did not throughly consider when they miss'd the Night .

Then they asked her the reason of the light of Clow-worms Tails ?

She answered , That it was probable the purest , thinnest , and oilest extracted parts of the Body , were in the Tail , which the radical Fire enflamed , which Flame was Light ; and ( said she ) the Worm having no solid Bones , tough Sinews , firm Flesh , gross Blood , or thick Skin in that part , to obstruct or eclipse the light , it visibly shines in the Night when the Sun is gone , whose greatest light drowns all other lesser lights : and the reason it shines some times , and not others , may be some outward cause that eclipses it from our sight , as a little Cloud will do the Sun ; whereas a much smaller Vapour , or the like cause , will serve to obscure the light of the Glow-worms Tail : and certainly , said she , if we could see through the Bodies of Animals , and likewise throught their Skull , as easily as the Glow-worms Tail , we should see ( said she ) a much brighter flame in the Heart and the Brain ; which flame is the light of Knowledg ; and the several Objects that the Senses bring in , are there visibly perceived ; these Lights Sickness eclipses , and Death puts out .

Then they asked her , What the Moon was ?

She answered , A Body of Water ; and the several Changes ( said she ) is the ebbing and flowing thereof , which makes it fuller sometimes in one part of the Circle , than in the other ; and when it is High-tide , we say it is Full Moon ; and when it is Low-tide , it is in the Wane ; and as it encreases , or decreases , we say it is in the First , Second , or Third Quarter .

Then they asked her , What made it give light ?

She said , The Sun's Reflexion thereon : for you may observe ( said she ) , that as the Water shines with the Reflexions or Beams of the Sun , so doth the Moon , as we say , with a Watrish light ; and ( said she ) it is more or less light , as that side next to the Sun is swelled fuller , or ebbed lower .

Then they asked her of the rest of the Planets ?

She said , She believed that Venus Starr was a Body of Water , as the Moon was ; but for the other Planets ( said she ) I take them to be Earthly Bodies ; but not such as our Globe is , but much finer , and of as great a difference ( said she ) as between Porceline and Clay ; which makes them shine so bright , the substance being so pure , that it is as it were transparent .

Then they asked , What the fix'd Starrs were ?

She answered , Suns .

Then they asked her , What was the reason that the Breath was hot and cold all at one time , as it were ? for when a Man breathed upon his hand , it would feel hot ; and when he blows upon it , it would feel cold .

She said , There was a reason for that : for , ( said she ) a Dilatation causeth heat , and a Contraction causeth cold ; and ( said she ) if one breathes on the hand , they open the Mouth and Lips wide , by which the Breath dilatates like a steam , or a vapour , which is hot ; and when one blows upon the hand , then the Mouth and Lips are drawn into a narrow compass , and that contracts the Breath into a cold wind . These several Motions make one and the same thing , from one and same manner or passages , to work two several effects ; and surely those Winds that are coldest , from whence soever they issue out , their passage is narrow ; and those Winds that feel warm , as many times Winds will do , their passage is wider , and are rather a breathing Vapour , than a perfect Wind. There is nothing shews that Wind is made cold by Contraction , so much as to blow upon the hand ; which shews , that Wind is contracted Air.

Then they asked her , What was the reason wind could blow out flame , and in a flame it could kindle , and put out fire ?

She said , That wind did strive to dissipate all things it did encounter ; and where it hath not so much power to dissipate , it only dilatates ; and when fire is set to any combustible Matter , as wood , or the like ; the wind having not a forcible power to dissipate it into dust or ashes , it beats the heat of the fire into it ; and fire having a nature to catch hold , and to dilatate , and so to feed it self upon all things , or at least upon most , when the Matter is too hard for the siery-points to enter , or at least to enter suddenly ; the wind , like a Hammer , strikes them in , and so lends the fire force ; and helping the fire to extend , by its dissipating-power , dilatates the Heat into the smoak or vapour of the Matter , and so into a flame : but when it puts out fire or flame , it is when it hath so much force , as to dissipate the Matter the fire works on ; and if the wind destroys or disperses the Matter , it must needs put out the fire , having nothing to work on ; for fire dyes when it hath no Fuel to work or feed on . This is the reason a Man with his Breath can blow out the flame of a Candle , and with his Breath blow the flame in again , if the snuff of the Candle be full , and throughly fired , or else he cannot ; but if it be full , and throughly fired , he may blow so hard as to dissipate the flame , yet not so hard as to dissipate the fiery snuff , or wieck of the Candle ; so that the flame , by the dissipating , goeth out , being dilatated to a dissipation ; and when the flame is out , and the fire remaining , with a gentle wind he may dilatate the fire into a flame again , and so many times , as long as the body of fire remains ; but if they should blow so hard or strongly , as to dissipate the body of fire , they put out both fire and flame .

Then they asked her , What Snow , Hail , Ice , and Frost , was ?

She answered , That Snow was curded Water , like curded Milk : for , saith she , cold doth curdle water as sower Vinegar doth Milk ; and as curded parts will lye in clods , so Water in flakes of Snow .

Hail ( said she ) is broken water , or rather crumbbled water : for as a hand which nips a piece of Bread , crumbles it by rubbing it between their fingers ; so doth some sort of cold Motions break and crumble water into a number of small parts ; and as many crumbs ' of Bread will stick together , through the moist clamminess , lying in little lumps ; so doth the broken parts of water , which is Hail-stones : and though the Body is divided into abundance of little parts ; yet every part is more compact , as being closer contracted , with being crusht and nipt together .

As for Frost , said she , that is candyed or crusted Vapour , which is rarified water : for as some sorts of hot Motions candy Sugar , so some sorts of cold Motions candy's Vapour . Likewise , said she , as Milk changes not the nature from being Milk , with curding ; nor Bread , with crumbling ; nor Sugar , with candying ; so Water changes not the nature with contractions or dividings into Snow , Hail , Ice , and Frost .

As for Ice , it is made by such a kind of cold Motion , as hot Motions make Glass : for , as fire in a hot Furnace calcines some sorts of Earth , and the purest to Glass : so doth the strongest of such sorts of cold Motions congeal Water into Ice . And as some hot Motions strive to convert Earth into Water ( as we may see , by making Earth into Glass ) ; so some sorts of cold Motions do turn Water into Earth , as by condensing into Ice , Hail , Snow , and Frost : and as Snow and Ice is nothing but condensed Water ; so Glass is nothing but calcined or rarified Earth : for , that fine Earth which makes Glass , is so rarified by the hot fire in a Furnace , which blows and spreads it as thin , and clarified it as clear as Water ; only it makes it not liquid and fluid ; yet whilst it is in the fire , it is in a degree of being fluid , for it is soft and clammy . Thus Fire makes Earth so near like Water , as it is transparent , shining , and smooth , and brings it into the mid-way ; but it wants the liquid , wet , and fluid Motions , which some will call Parts , to make it perfect Water . And I suppose , that Crystals , Diamonds , and the like , are only the purest part of Earth , turn'd ( by the heat in the Earth , or in the Sun ) to a Glassy substance , but stronger , as being wrought by a natural Heat , and not by an artificial Heat , or Fire ; but as Glass is a rarified Earth , so Air is a rarified Water , and Smoak a rarified Oyl , and Oyl is a fluid Sulphur , and Flame is a fluid Fire , and Quick-silver is a fluid Metal .

Then they asked her , Whether there were Natural Elements , not subject to be Metamorphosed ?

She answered , Yes .

They asked , How she would prove it ?

She said , She would prove there was a natural Fire , by the Sun , which never changes his heat , or ●●ffens his light , nor alters his natural Properties of attracting , contracting , and the like ; and to prove a metamorphosed Fire , is Lightning , Meteors , Fevours , and the like ; and to prove a natural Water , is the Sea ; and to prove a metamorphosed Water , is Vapour ; and to prove a natural Air , is the Serene ; and to prove a metamorphosed Air , is Wind : and ( said she ) the difference of natural Elements , and those that are called metamorphosed , is , that the natural Elements cannot lose their properties , as those that are metamorphosed do , by changing from one thing to another : For say the natural Elements be mixed , yet they quit not their natural properties ; as for example , mix Wine , or Aqua-vitae , or the like , and Water ; and though they are mixt , yet they lose not their natural properties , as the Water to cool , and Wine to heat ; for put a drop of wine to a pint of water , or to an ocean , and it will be so much more hotter , as the quantity of a drop can heat ; and so for a drop of water to so much wine , and it is so much colder , as the quantity of a drop can cool ; for though they mix , yet they lose not their properties , neither doth their mixture take from their pure nature .

Then they asked her , If a natural or metamorphosed Element , might not corrupt a pure Element ?

She said , No , being not subject to change , more than a gross and malignant Vapour can corrupt the Sun : but ( said she ) natural Elements can and do often-times purifie corruption , if they be not obstructed ; for though they cannot be changed , they may be obstructed ; as we see dark Clouds will obstruct the natural light of the Sun , and many times the natural heat ; yet they can neither quench out the one , nor put out the other : the like is the continuance of the natural Elements . But perchance you will say , that you talk of an Element , and I speak of a Planet : I say that for example : But though the Sun is a Planet , yet it is an Elementary Fire ; and though Earth may be called a Planet , yet it is an Elementary Earth ; and for all we can know , the Moon may be an Elementary Water : but howsoever , there may be a natural Fire , which is an unalterable Fire , which you may call the Elementary Fire , as the Sun , and so the rest of the Elements , for any thing that Reason can prove against it .

Then they asked her , If Nature did work always exactly ?

She answered , No : for , Nature doth seldom work so exactly , as to bring often to perfection , not the Bodies of all Animals , especially Mankind , either in the Body or Mind ; much less to make them both exactly answerable , or answerably exact .

As for their Bodies , for the most part they are neither in proportion nor lineaments answerable to each other : for , some have well-shap'd Hands , Legs , and Feet , and ill-shap'd Bodies : others well-shap'd Bodies , and ill-featured Faces , and ill-shap'd Legs and Feet : also , some have one Feature in the Face excellent , and all the rest ill-favour'd .

The like is the Mind : for , some have good Capacities and Understandings to some things ; and to others , are as dull , as sensless Blocks : some are witty upon some Subjects , and are meer fools to others ; so some will be good-natured to some things , and bad or cruel to others , without cause . Likewise , Nature seldom makes a Body and Mind answerable ; for some have an ill-favoured Body but a noble Soul , and rational Understanding : others , most beautiful Bodies , but base Souls , and depraved Understandings : which shews , as if Nature took so much pains and care in making the one , as she became weary before she began the other : and sometimes she seems lazy in the beginning of her Work , and sometimes as if she were idle in the midst of her Work , and sometimes as if she were quite tired at the finishing of her Work ; as when she makes ill-favoured and weak Bodies , imperfect Senses , and ill or foolish Minds , then she is lazy at the beginning ; and when she makes some parts exact , and some defective , then she is idle , working by halfs ; and when she makes all exact , but some little defect , then she is tired out before she hath quite made an end : But ( said she ) the most probable reason that I can give , why Nature ( for the most part ) works so imperfectly , is , She hath so much work to do , as we may say , that she hath not leisure to be exact ; for the insinite Matter takes up the infinite Time , so as she cannot stay about the curiosity of her Works ; and so we may say , that what was , or is wrought extraordinary , is rather done by Chance , than intended by Nature ; for it were a kind of Miracle , if any thing should be so exact , as somewhat might not be mended , either in Property , Quality , Quantity , Formality , Symmetry , or the like .

Then they asked her , If a Man could have an Idea of Jove ?

She said , She thought not : for ( said she ) if it were an Image printed or fixt to the Essence or Soul of Man , all Mankind would have one and the same Idea , which we find they have not : for , some have thought him a Corporeal Substance ; others , an Incorporeal Thing : which shews his Idea was not created with Man ; neither can we have an Idea from the Works of Jove , because we neither know the Matter he works on , nor the Motions he works with , nor to what End he works for .

Besides , the various Figures are not to be drawn , nor his subtil ways to be traced , nor to be guess'd at : we may have various thoughts ( said she ) concerning the various works of Jove , but never draw his Idea therefrom , or thereby .

Then they asked her , What was an Idea ?

She said , A Shadow : for , as all Shadows were Eclipsed-lights , so all Idea's were Eclipsed-thoughts ; for Thoughts are the light of Knowledg , and Knowledg is the Sun of the Animal World , which receives Aliment from outward Objects .

Then they asked her , Why Iron doth not move to Iron , being more like ; than Iron to a Load-stone , being less like ?

Because ( said she ) there is a sympathy in Contrarieties , and not always like unto like : for we see , those that are cold , seek heat ; and what is hot , seeks cold : so what is cold , is nourished by heat ; and what is hot , is refreshed by cold . The same sympathy hath Iron to the Load-stone , and the Load-stone to Iron .

Then they asked her , Why in Nature there are certain Principles of different kinds ?

Because ( said she ) there is but one principal Matter , from whence all Principles are derived ; and the variety is only made by Motion , not Matter ; but the Principle keeps in the Matter , which is not subject to change from such Principles .

Then they asked her Opinion of the World ?

She said , The World is like a Clock that is woun'd up to such a time as Ten , Twenty , or a Hundred thousand years ; and the Planets , as its Wheels , go their natural course , turning round .

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle's Opinion , Whether a Cat seeth in the Night , or no ?

SOME say , Cats do not see in the night , but only do hunt Mice by the smell , as Dogs do Deer : but I dare say , if Dogs were stark blind , they would hardly kill any Deer , or any thing else ; and how is it possible that a Cat ( by the smell ) should lay her foot so exactly upon a Mouse in the dark , and at the very first time , did she not see in the dark ? We will wave unnecessary disputes , and fall to the truth , without the vexation of our Readers .

First , We are to take into consideration what things ( besides fire ) shine , or give light in the darkest night : Rotten Wood shines in the night , and the more if it be a little greenish and mouldy : so doth Fish-bones that are a little greenish . But that which shines the most of all in the night , is a Glow-worm , and especially the tail of it , which is a kind of a Sea-water-green .

Now let us take into consideration the Eyes of all Cats , which being of what colour sover ( for my Curiosity in this point made me observe it with care ) , I find are thus :

That which we call the black of the Eye , which indeed is a round hole in most Animals , covered with a double Glass , which they call the Crystalline Humour , is convex , to draw all the Lines to a point , and the Glass double : for a single one would make every thing in appearance to us , to go upon their Heads ; and a double Glass sets them all on their Feet again , because the Lines cut cross in the hole of the Eye ; and because the Line that comes from the Head , cuts at the bottom of the hole ; and the Lines that come from the Feet , cut at the top of the hole ; so that all the species in a dark Chamber , coming in at a little hole , upon a white sheet of Paper , go on their Heads : but put another Glass over your former Glass , and then all the species are set right upon their Legs again , because the Lines are cut again cross in the hole , which sets them up right , though the species are weakned by their double journey . And this is the reason that the Crystalline Humour is double in all other Animals , but Cats ; which have white about the black of the Eye .

Now you must understand , that the Eyes of all Cats are just as I have told you of other Animals , saving the round black , which in a Cat is a slit downward , which she can contract and dilatate at her pleasure ; and that slit being extended to its uttermost , is a mighty Circle . Then you must conceive again , that the white that is about our Eyes , is a Sea-water-green about all Cats Eyes : so that in the day a Cat doth stretch and extend the narrow slits of her Eyes , which are dilatated to a mighty Circle , hiding her Sea-water green that is about them , almost all over . But in the night she contracts her Eyes to a very narrow long slit , which very much enlarges the Sea-water-green all about them ; which Sea-water-green gives the light . And thus she lights her Torches , or Flamboes , in the night , and carries them along with her to see by , as one doth a Candle in the hand ; and puts out her Candles in the day , as having no use of them .

That this is probable , remember the several greens that I told you of before , that do shine and give light in the night ; and besides , I have heard by a great many several credible Witnesses , that have seen the Eyes of Cats shine just like Candles in the dark night ; which is so often and commonly seen , that it suffers no dispute .

But if you will put a Cat in some dark place , and she is not pleased to light her Torches , because she would not have you find her , do not rashly condemn the Opinion for that ; for I do assure you , very many confirm it as no strange thing , or miraculous , and that never dream't of Philosophy .

If you do not like these Reasons , give better , or else pardon the meanness of the Subject , since the times give me leave to study the nature of all things , even from the Mouse to the Elephant .

The second sort that were to visit her , were PHYSICIANS .

And after a short time , they asked her what made a good Physician ?

She answered , Practise and Observation .

Then they asked her , What made the difference between Pain and Sickness ?

She said , Pain was caused by cross perturbed Motions ; and Sickness by distempered Matter , and the overflow of Humours .

Then they asked her , Whether the Mind could be in pain , or be sick ?

She answered , No ; but ( said she ) the Mind is like the fire , it can put the Body to pain , but can feel none it self : likewise , the Motion is like fire ; for the more Matter it hath to work on , the quicker it moves ; and when the Mind is ( as it were ) empty , it grows dull , and the Head is filled with nothing but smoaky Vapours .

Then they asked her , What difference there is between the Soul and the Mind ?

She answered , As much difference as there is betwixt Flame , and the grosser part of Fire : for , said she , the Soul is only the pure part of the Mind .

Then they asked her the difference ( if any was ) betwixt the Soul , the Mind , and the Thoughts ?

She answered , As the Mind was the Fire , the Soul the Flame ; so the Thoughts were as the Smoak that issues from the several Subjects that the Mind works on : and as Smoak , so the several Thoughts many times vanish away , and are no more remembred ; and sometimes they gather together as Clouds do ; and as one Cloud lies above another , so the Thoughts many times lye in rows one above another , as from the first , to the second and third Region .

Then they asked her , What was the best Medicine to prolong Life ?

She answered , Temperance and good Diet.

Then they asked her , What Diet ?

As for Diet , said she , to Healthful Bodies , Meats must be well and wisely matched : but to Diseased Bodies , such Diets must be prescribed as are proper to cure each several Disease . As for the mixing and matching Meats , said she , they must be after this description following : All Flesh-meats are apt to breed Salt Rheums ; and being roast , breeds Cholerick Humours ; which Salt Rheums , and Cholerick Humours , causeth ( many times ) Hectick Fevers , enflaming the Arterial Blood , and Vital Spirits , and drinking out the Radical Moisture ; and Salt Rheums penetrating into the Vital parts , cause excoriations and ulcerations .

As for white Meats , as Milk-meats , and the like , they are apt to breed sharp Humours : also , the gross parts cause many times obstructions of the Noble parts ; and the sharpness is apt to corrode , especially the Uretaries , Guts and Stomack ; producing Bloody-waters from the one , and Cholicks in the other . Also sharp Humours cause Cankers , Fistula's , and the like , eating through several parts of the Body , making several holes , passages , or wounds , to pass through ; and Obstructions cause ill digestion , ill digestion causes corruptions , corruptions cause several Diseases , as Feavers , Small-Pox , Imposthumes , Boils , Scabs , and Leprosies , if the Corruption is salt or sowr .

As for Fish , and also all sorts of Pults , they breed Slime ; and Slime in hot Bodies causeth the Stone , and Gout in cold Bodies ; and all sorts of white Swellings , as the Kings-Evil , Wens , and the like ; also the Brains , Feet , or any Sinewy part of any Meat , doth the like , as also Sweet-meats .

As for all sorts of Fruits , Roots , Herbs , they breed thin , crude Humours , which causes Wind ; Wind causes Cholicks , Cramps , and Convulsions , by griping and twisting the Guts , Nerves , and Veins ; as also , all swimming and dizzy Diseases in the Head ; likewise , Head-akes , caused by a Vapour arising from the crude and raw Humours ; also , in hot Bodies it causeth the Sciatica , the heat over-rarifying the sharp Humours , caused by Fruit , makes it so subtil and searching , that it doth not only extend to the outmost parts of the Body , as betwixt the skin and flesh ; but gets into the small Thread-Veins .

As for all Sweet-meats , and Comfits , they are in some Bodies very obstructive , and in all Bodies they breed both sharp and hot Rheums ; and I have heard , said she , that Sugar makes the most sharp and acid Vitriol .

As for the matching of several Meats :

Fish-meats do well agree with Roots , Herbs , and Fruits , if they be stewed , roasted , boiled , baked , or the like ; otherwise the rawness hinders the concoction of the Meat : but if they be drest as aforesaid , they temper the saltness , and quench out the heat which the over-nourishing strength doth produce .

Also , Fish may be mix'd with Flesh-meat , although all Physicians are against it : for certainly , the natural freshness and coldness of Fish , doth temper and allay the natural heat and saltness that is in Flesh-meat , mixing it into a good Chyle , and tempering it into a Juicy-Gravy , which encreases the radical moisture , and nourisheth the radical heat : also , it supplies the Arteries , fills the Veins , plumps the Flesh , smooths the skin : whenas strong drinks mix'd with strong meats , over-heats the Body , enflames the Spirits , evaporates the radical moisture , burns the radical heat , scorches the Arteries , drinks up the Blood , sears the Veins , shrinks up the Nerves , dries the Flesh , and shrivels the Skin .

White Meats and Pults agree best , as being of one and the same degree ( as it were ) of heat : for all strong Meats curdle all sorts of Milk , which causes obstructions and corruptions , and turns it sowr , being of a nature so to do ; which makes such sharpness in the blood and body , as causes Tertians , Quartans , Quotidians , and the like Diseases .

Pults , and all sorts of Milk-meat , being of a spungy substance , digest ( as it were ) together ; when Meats that are solid , mix'd with Meats that are more porous and spungy , do hinder each other .

Small drink is best with white Meat ; but when Pults is eaten without Milk , it may agree better with stronger Liquor .

Roots and Milk-meats agree , as being both easily dissolv'd from the first forms , into Chyle .

Nor do Fruits and Pults disagree ; for the sharpness of the Fruits , doth divide the clamming of the Pults ; and the sliminess of the Pults doth temper the sharpness of the Fruits : but Fruits and Milk-meats are enemies , which when they meet , they do exasperate one another .

So that Fruits and Pults , and Milk and Roots , do best together ; Roots having no sharpness in them : but there is of all sorts of Flesh , Fish , Milk , Roots , and Herbs ; some being hotter than others , and grosser ; as , the most watrish Fruits are the hottest , as having most Spirits in their acute Juices .

Likewise , all Roots or Herbs that bite , as it were , the tongue , or are bitter to the tast , are hot , although Druggists , Herbalists , and Physicians , are many times of the other opinion : but certainly all that is sharp , salt , or bitter , proceeds from a hot nature , and most commonly produces hot effects , having a fiery figure and motion : but because they find many things that are sharp or bitter , to qualifie Feavers , or the like hot Diseases , they think it is the natural temper of the Drugs , Herbs , Roots , Fruits , or the like ; but a hot Cause may produce a cold Effect : as for example , Obstructions cause heat in the Body ; but sharp things do divide and dissolve those gross and tough Humours , and open Obstructions .

Likewise , those that are salt and bitter , do purifie and cleanse the corruption in the Body ; and when the cause of the Disease is taken or removed away , the Body becomes equally temper'd ; for as the Disease doth waste , the Body doth cool . Thus it is the sharpness , saltness , and bitterness , that cures the Disease , and not a cold nature in the Simples ; for when the Disease , as I said , is gone , the Body is well-temper'd and cooled .

Then they asked her , which was the best way to make the best temperament for Health .

She said , that way that was best towards Mediocrity , as neither to eat too gross meats , nor too watrish ; nor to drink too strong drink , nor such as was very small ; that is , neither too hot , nor too cold , either virtually , or actually .

As for gross Meats , they fill the Body with too much Melancholy Humours , and the Head with Malignant Vapours .

Very fine and tender Meat , makes the Stomack weak , by reason the substance is not sufficiently solid : for , as very gross meat over-powers the Stomack , by the laborious working thereon ; so very fine and tender meat makes it lazy and weak for want of exercise .

Very small Drinks , being very watrish , quench the natural heat ; and those that are very strong , burn it out : but , said she , Meats and Drinks must be wisely match'd ; and not only Meats and Drinks , but the Nourishment , and the Nourished : for , although ( in general ) hot Constitutions should use cooling drinks and meats for their diets ; and cold , hot diets ; and moist , dry diets ; and dry , moist diets : yet , if the Body be any ways diseased or distempered , they must order such a Body according to the Cause , and not to the Effects of their Disease : As for example , To all Hydropical Bodies , must not be applied drying Medicines nor Diets : for if the Dropsie proceeds from a dry cause , dry Diets or Medicines are as bad as poyson ; for though the Effect be watrish in such Diseases , yet the Cause was dry : So for heat or cold . And this example may serve for all other Diseases : wherefore Physicians must search out , and know the original cause , before they can cure the Disease : for , those that prescribe according to the Effect , may cure by chance , but kill with ignorance .

Then they asked her , If the Spirits were always affected with the Distemper of the Body , or the Body with the Distemper of the Spirits ?

She answered , Not always : for sometimes the Spirits will be ill-affected , and the Body in health : other times the Body sick , and the Spirits lively and well-temper'd : But ( said she ) this is to be observed , that the Body may be cold , and the Spirits enflamed ; and the Body heated , and the Spirits quenchched or stupified ; for the Spirits are the thinnest and subtillest substances of the Creature : now this thinnest and subtillest substance in the Creature , may be enflamed , when the solid'st is be-numb'd with cold : for a cold melancholy Body may have enflamed and distracted Spirits .

Likewise , a cold diseased Body may have Hectick Spirits : and thus both the Animal and Vital Spirits may be hot , and the more solid Parts or Humours of the Body cold . Also , the heat of the Spirits may be quenched , and the Body burning-hot ; as the Stomack , Liver , or other parts , may be parched with heat , when both the Animal and Vital Spirits have not a sufficient heat to give them lively motions . And it is to be observed , said she , that the Animal and Vital Spirits , as they are the thinnest and subtilest part of a Creature , so they are nourished by the thinnest substances or parts of Food , which dilate to the Spirits : for , though the Spirits can and do work upon the solid'st parts of the Body , or Nourishment ; yet they only receive benefit by the thinnest . As also , the great annoyance : for it is the Vapour of Meats and Drinks that feeds the Spirits , and not the Substance : for , Vapour will choak , smuther , burn , or quench them out : But the Vapours from Liquors work more suddenly upon the Spirits ( either to good effect , or bad ) , than Vapours from a solid Substance , by reason all Liquors have a dilatating nature , which spreads it self amongst the Spirits with more facility . Also , the Vapour of Liquid Bodies is more facil than the Vapour of Solid Bodies : and , said she , some burn their Stomacks with Drugs , and some quench their Spirits with Julips ; others burn their Spirits with Cordials , and flat or dead the Stomack with Meats virtually cold : For it is to be observed , that there is a general Error amongst Mankind , about Rules concerning Health ; some practising with a belief , that Drinks virtually cooling , temper hot Meats ; and virtually cooling Meats , hot Drinks . In which they are deceived : for , though they may mix so , and temper ; yet , for the most part , it is only as Water and Meal makes Dough ; or as Earth and Water makes Mud ; or as Sugar and Water makes Syrrup ; but doth not temper that virtual heat or cold that works upon the substantial or the spiritual parts ; for that which works upon the Spirits , hath a more sudden operation than that which works upon the solid parts of the Body ; and that from the solider parts has a flower operation : so that the Stomack may be parched , and the heat of the Spirits quenched , and the Spirits burnt , and the Stomack weak by a heavy or dull coldness . But those Bodies that are in health , have not such defects as to fear such a sudden operation ; for as defects are easily inveterated , so Health is not suddenly annoyed : wherefore they may temper their Meat and Drink by cooling and heating , yet not to a high degree ; for all Extreams are naught .

Then they asked her , What was the reason that all Creatures look fuller and fatter in Summer than in Winter ?

She answered , The reason was , Because then the Blood extends to the extream parts , which swells out the flesh , and puffs out the skin ; and in the Winter the blood falls back , as the sap of Plants doth to the Roots , which causeth the flesh and skin to look withered and dry , as Branches and Leaves do , sear'd , faded , wither'd , and dry .

The like reason is , when Men have Pimples , Scabs , Swellings , Pocks , and the like , which is the fruit of corrupted blood .

Then they asked her opinion of Mineral Waters ; What Virtues and Vices they have , being drunk ?

She answered , That all Mineral-waters were of a kind of a Brine , but not so much a salt Brine , as a sharp Brine ( if I may call that which is sharp , Brine , said she ) ; but whether it hath the effects upon the body , as Brine hath upon dead flesh , as to preserve or keep it from putrefaction , I cannot say ; but certainly it drinks up the natural moisture in healthful bodies , more often than it purifies the corrupted Humours in diseased bodies . The Effects of Sharp and Salt , are oft-times alike , as a sharp Pickle will preserve from putrefaction , as well as Brine . But howsoever the Mineral-waters have much salt in them , the Effects are hot and dry , and have a corroding quality ; their corroding quality is caused by the sharpness ; and their heat , by their corroding ; and their driness , by their insipid nature : and though they are actually cold , they are virtually hot ; their virtues are only on cold and moist bodies , or diseases ; as those that have obstructions caused by raw cold flegm ; or swellings caused by cold clammy Humours ; or Ulcers caused by cold corrupted Humours ; or Rheums , or Dropsies , caused by too many cold moist Humours ; or the like Diseases , caused by cold Humours ; and in my opinion , said she , they would be excellently good for all outward Ulcers , or old Sores or Wounds , being washed and bathed therewith , by reason they have a cleansing , drying faculty , not only inwardly taken , but outwardly applied . Also , they may temper the inflamations that most commonly attend all Ulcers , Sores , or Wounds , not only by cleansing and drying up the putrefactions , but being actually cold , especially outwardly applied : for , though they are virtually hot , being inwardly taken , and digested into the blood ; or as I may say , the Mineral rubbed or wrought into the body ; yet they are actually cold , that is , cold to touch . But to return to the interior Maladies : All those Diseases that are produced from hot , dry , and sharp causes , are as bad as poysons .

They are so : for such obstructions that proceed from hard-baked , dry Humours , or Dropsies caused by hot dry Livers , Spleens , or other parts ; or Consumptions that proceed from salt sharp Rheums , or hot dry Lungs , Livers , Spleens , or the like parts : or all Swellings caused by hot , dry , or sharp Humours ; or interior Ulcers , caused by hot , dry , or sharp Humours ; or Apoplexies , caused by hard crusted flegm , or dry black melancholy , or burnt dry thick blood , which stops the natural passages of the spirits ; or Epilepsies , or Convulsions , caused by sharp Humours , which shrivel and knit up the Nerves or Veins , or Joints of the Body ; or hot Winds , which work and foam , and ( as I may say ) yeest the natural Humours in the body , distempering the body therewith . Likewise , it is an Enemy to all melancholy bodies , being full of sharp Humours , like Aqua-fortis , which are bred in the body ; or as a sharp green Humour , which is a poisonous Verdigrease bred in the body ; which Humour is the cause most commonly of the Disease called Epilepsis , or Falling-sickness ; and oft-times is the cause of Convulsions : but this Humour is a certain cause of the Stomack-Cholick , that is to say , a Wind in the Stomack and Sides . Also , they are Enemies to the Gout , by reason that the Gout proceeds from a hot-baked , dry , salt , or sharp Humour . It is a bitter or sulphureous Humour , or a limy chalky Humour , that causeth the Gout ; and indeed , it is a calcined Humour , which makes it incurable .

For the Stone , they may work good Effects , although my Reason cannot perceive , but that the Minerals may contract and confirm humours into stone , as well as dissolve stone : for , thought their acuteness is penetrating , and so may dissolve ; yet their driness is Contracting , Uniting , Combining ; and they are not only dry , by the insipidness of their nature , but by their sharpness ; for all sharpness is drying , more or less : and though sharpness is actually dissolving by corroding ; yet it is virtually drying , by heating : for corroding is the cause of heat . For whatsoever is rubb'd , or grated hard or swiftly , grows hot ; even Stones , or any Metal , which is the hardest Matter we know ; but looser Matter , as Wood , will be set on fire . Wherefore if Wood , Stone , and Metal , will become actually hot , by rubbing or grating actually thereon ; well may soft flesh , especially the inward parts , that are most tender . And as it is the nature of sharpness to corrode , and the nature of corroding or rubbing , to heat : so it is the nature of heat to drink up moisture , and make all things dry . And as sharp things may cleanse Ulcers , by eating the filth therein ; or may be good to take off superfluous flesh , call'd proud-flesh , in Sores ; or may dissolve some hard Humours , moderately taken or applied : so they may make Ulcers , Sores , and Wounds , and contract and confirm humours , if immoderately or unnecessarily , or wrongfully applied .

But , as I said , the Mineral-waters may as well cause the Stone in the Kidneys or Bladder , as dissolve it ; and may also ulcerate as soon as cleanse : but the Mineral-waters do rather make a passage , and send forth Gravel , by the quantity that is drunk , and passes through the Uretories , which like a stream doth wash and carry all loose Matter before it , and not so much by the virtue of dissolving .

But to conclude , concerning Mineral-waters ( said she ) ; I cannot perceive but they may breed more Diseases than they cure ; and those Bodies they are most proper for , must be purged and empty before they take them , lest the weight and quantity of the Waters , should carry obstructions to the parts open and free , by carrying too suddenly or forcibly , or pressing or thrusting too hard .

Then they asked her about the nature of Purging-Drugs ?

She said , All Purging-Drugs were full of Spirits , which was the cause they were so active and quick in operation : for , said she , whatsoever hath most Spirits , is most active ; which shews , saith she , that Birds have more Spirits ( which is innated Matter ) than any other sort of Animal-kind ; for they are always hopping and flying about ; also chirping , whistling , and singing ; which shews them not only to be more active , as having more vital or sensitive Spirits ; but also more rational , as being fuller of Animal Spirits .

But to return to Drugs ( said she ) ; they seem to have more of the Sensitive spirits ( vulgarly called Vital Spirits ) , which work upon the grossest Substance , than the Rational Spirits ( which are vulgarly called Animal spirits ) do ; with which spirits Cordials seem to be full , as working upon the finer parts ; for Cordials do cheer , and do revive the Soul or Mind , making the thoughts more cheerful and pleasing ; which alacrity doth help to abate and qualifie the disorders in the body .

Then they asked her , What was the best study for such as would practise Physick ?

She said , Natural Philosophy : for , said she , those can never be good Physicians , that are not good Natural Philosophers ; and if they would study Natural Philosophy more than they do , there would be more frequent Cures : for if they do not study Nature that makes the Body , they shall never know Remedies to cure the body ; for those that do not understand the Works of Nature , cannot mend a fault , or prevent a danger to come : but they must study Nature's Creations , Dissolutions , Sympathies , Antipathies , in Matter , Motion , and Figure : but , said she , it is a difficult study , and requires a subtil , moving-brain to find out the several motions , although they be the plainest , vulgar , and grossest , much more the subtil and intricate ones .

And had Aristotle , said she , studied the motions in Nature , or Natural motions , as he did the parts of Nature , or Natural parts , he would have been a far more learned Man than he was ; but his study was easie : for it is no great matter to conceive what the Senses present ; but it is difficult to present to the Senses what the Brain conceives , making the Senses the Servants or Scouts , to seek and search , by industry and experiments , and to find the truth of a Rational Opinion : but ( said she ) the studies of many Physicians in these later times , are mixt , as partly of one Science , and partly of another ; which makes them learned in neither .

As , if a Physician should study Theology , he will neither be a subtil Divine , or an Eloquent Preacher , nor a knowing Physician ; one Study confounding the other : for , though Natural Philosophy proves a God , yet it proves no particular Religion .

Then they asked , What was that which was called the Sensitive and Rational Spirits ?

She said , They were the highest Extracts of Nature , which are the Quintessence and Essence of Nature , and the innated parts of Nature , which in the knowledg and life , are Nature ; which are the Soul and Actions of Nature .

Then they asked her , Whether those Spirits had several Figures or small Bodies ? and , Whether they were from all Eternity ?

She answered , That their Degrees and innated Motions ; and their Figurings , Acuteness , and Subtilties , were from all Eternity .

As for the rational innated parts , said she , they change and re-change into any figures or forms , having no particular figure or form inherent , but the form of that degree of Matter it is of : but as it can put its self into parts , so it can unite its self ; and as it can divide and unite its self , so it can dilate and contract its self , and all by a self-motion , as moving innatedly , like Quick-silver , from an united body , into numbers of parts ; and from parts , to an united body again . The Sensitive innated part moves , said she , after another manner , as Aqua-fortis , or the like , on Metal ; for it moves , not figuring it self , but as it figures other parts of Matter that hath no innateness inherent therein , but ( only as a dull lump ) lies to be moved by the moving-part , which is the innated part , as Metal doth by Fire or Water , by Cold or Heat .

Thus this different way of moving , was from Eternity , as their degree was from Eternity ; for the Rational innated Matter , is a degree above the Sensitive innated Matter : and though they move not always after one manner , yet they move always after one nature .

Many , said they , could not conceive what those Spirits were ; some imagining them little Creatures .

No , said she , they are not Creatures , but Creators , which creating-brains may easily understand ; and those that cannot conceive , have a scarcity thereof . But , said she , because the Philosophy is new , therefore they do obstruct it with idle Questions , ignorant Objections : but ( said she ) the Philosophy is good , in despight of their ignorance . I desire very much to know ( said she ) how the Learned describe that which they name Vital and Animal Spirits ? Whether they think them little Creatures , or no ?

To which they made no answer .

Then they asked her , What caused sleep in Animal Figures ?

She said , The tiredness or weariness of the Sensitive innated Matter , called the Sensitive Spirits ; which weariness causeth them to retire from the outward parts of Animal Figures : for , though the Sensitive spirits do not desist from moving in any part , as to the consistence or dissolution of the Figure ; yet all the Sensitive spirits do not work one and the same way , or after the same manner ; nor the same part of Innated Matter , or Sensitive Spirits , work not always one and the same way , or after the same manner , nor in the same parts : but , as some of that Innated Matter , or Spirits , work in several parts of a Figure , on the dull part of Matter , to the consistence or dissolution of the Figure ; so others , and sometimes one and the same degree , work to the use , convenience , or necessity of the Figure ; and those that work to the use of the Figure in the several senses , although they do not desist from moving , as being against Nature , being a perpetual Motion ; yet they often desist from labouring ( as I may say ) : for it is a greater labour to take patterns ( as they do ) from outward Objects , than to work by roat , or as they please ( which they do ) , in sleep : But it is not always their labour , as being over-pow'rd with work ; but sometimes their want of work ; as many will sleep through idleness , having no outward objects presented to them , to print or paint : other times it is their appetite to freedom and liberty from those outward labours or employments : for , though they may , and are oft-times as active when they work , as in sleep ; yet it is easier , being voluntary : for the spirits work more easie , at least more freely , when they are not taskt , than when they are like Apprentices or Journey-men ; and will be many times more active when they take or have liberty to play , or to follow their own Appetites , than when they work ( as I said ) by constraint , and for necessity ; but many times the Sensitive spirits retire , when they work , not to sleep , as being perswaded or disswaded then from either , by the Rational innated Matter , which is called the Rational Spirits in the Figure ; or by the Rational Spirits in another Figure , to desist from the outward labour , as one would perswade another to rest ; and to retire , and shut up the Shop-windows and Doors of the Sensitive Houses : for the Eyes , Ears , Nostrils , Mouth , or the pores of the Skin , are but the Working-houses or Rooms of the Sensitive spirits .

To prove it : Doth not our Mind ( which is the Rational part ) perswade the Body ( which is the Sensitive part , and that wherein works the Sensitive Matter or Spirits ) to lye , to rest , or to withdraw from outward Employments , because it would not be disturbed with the labour of the Sensitive spirits ? For the Rational , which is the Mind ( said she ) , are not only the servants , to view and take notice of all the works and workings of the Sensitive ; but are oftentimes , in many things , the Directors , Advisers , and sometimes Rulers and Opposers ; as when the Mind forces the Body to danger or trouble . But this Rational part , or the Rational spirits , are ( for the most part ) busily employed in figuring themselves by the Sensitive prints , which is the knowledg they take of the works and workings ; being the more busie and exact , when the Sensitive spirits work outward works .

I will not say , they move always after the Sensitive prints , which is to view them ; for sometimes they move after their own inventions : for many times the Mind views not what the Body doth ; and many times they move partly after their own invention , and partly after the Sensitive prints . But when the Sensitive spirits do retire , or when the Rational spirits perswade them to retire , then the Rational spirits move after their own appetites or inventions , which are Conceptions , Imaginations , Opinions , Fancies , or the like : But ( said she ) it is to be taken notice , that as the Rational spirits , for the most part , move after the Sensitive prints , which is , to put their own Matter into such Figures as the Sensitive spirits print upon the dull and unmoving parts of Matter : so many times the Sensitive spirits do print or engrave those Conceptions , Imaginations , Fancies , or the like , upon the dull part of Matter , as Patterns of the Rational Figures : for , as I said , the Rational spirits do cast , work , or move their own part of Matter , into Figures ; and the Sensitive spirits do figure and print upon other parts of Matter , as that which is called the dull and unmoving part : but when the Rational Matter perswades , or causes the Sensitive Matter to work and print from their figurings ; or that the Sensitive spirits do it of their own free choice , they work ( for the most part ) irregularly ; I will not say , always ; for when the Rational spirits move to invention , the Sensitive spirits work those inventions regularly , if not at first , yet with a little practice ; but when the Rational spirits move to any passion , especially violent passions , the Sensitive spirits are apt to work irregularly , and to discompose the Animal Figure with Irregularities ; for oft-times , not only the irregular motions of the Rational spirits , but the violence of their motions , although regular , doth disorder the Sensitive spirits , causing them to work irregularly ; but violence is not always irregular or perturbed : also , the regularity of the Sensitive spirits , will cause a disorder amongst the Rational spirits ; as we shall see the Mind will distemper the Body , as the Body will disorder the Mind ; but where the Rational innated Matter , or Spirits , move so irregularly , as to make unusual imaginations , or imaginary fears , and other conceptions and passions , which are irregular ; as much as violence causeth the Sensitive spirits also to work both irregularly and violently ; whereby they print strange figures in the Animal Senses , as we may prove by those that are affrighted , or have imaginary fears , who see strange and unusual objects , which Men call Devils , Hobgoblins , Spirits , and the like ; and without question , they do see such things as are strange and unusual to them ; for such strange and unusual Figures , are printed by the irregularity of the Sensitive spirits , upon the Optick Nerve . And so for Hearing , Scent , Touch , and the like : for , when Men have such imaginary fears , they will say , they saw strange things , and that they heard strange noises , and smelt strange Scents , and that they were pinched and beaten black and blew , and that they were carried out of their way , and cast into Ditches , or the like ; and it is not to be doubted , but that they did see such Sights , hear such Sounds , smell such Scents , and feel such Pains ; for many times the black-and-blew marks will be seen in the flesh , and the flesh will be sore ; and how should it be otherwise , when the Sensitive innated Matter , or Spirits , by moving in such motions , work in each Sense those Objects , Sounds , Scents , Touches , and the like ? And I see no reason , but the whole Body may be carried violently from place to place by the strength of the Sensitive spirits : for certainly , the innated Matter , in every Animal Figure , doth not commonly use its full strength : for , the Body will be more actually strong at some times , than at other times ; and upon some occasion , more than when they have no occasion to use strength : for , though the several degrees of innated Matter cannot work beyond the strength of their degree , yet they can work in their strength , and not always work to their full power ; and as we may observe , the power of strength is seldom used in Animal Figures ; but certainly it is amongst the Sensitive and Rational spirits , in every Animal Creature , as it is with the Governours or Citizens of every Kingdom ; they know not their own power and strength , until they be put to it : for , every particular Part , knoweth not the strength of the Whole , until they join together as one Part. This is the reason , Man , or any other Creature , is ignorant , not only each of other , but of themselves : for , How is it possible , Man should know himself , since Nature cannot know her self , being divided into several Parts and Degrees ? But to return to the strength of the united-spirits of Mankind ; which united-spirits , working irregularly , carry the Body forcibly into unnecessary or dangerous places : for , the violence and irregularity , doth disorder the Rational spirits ( if they were not disordered before ) so much , that they cannot direct prudently , nor order methodically , not advise subtilly ; but are all , as I may say , in a hurly-burly : for the Rational spirits , making imaginary fears , do as those that begin an Uproar : so the Rational spirits are not only afraid of the Tumult amongst the Sensitive spirits , but are discomposed and hurried about themselves ; and their Society , which is their own Matter , is dispersed abroad ; that is , dis-united and disordered in their regular motions : so as the Rational innated Matter , or spirits , although they were the first Cause of the extravagant Commotions amongst the Sensitive spirits , yet they are discomposed therewith , by reflexion , their own disorders returning in double lines of strength from the Sensitive Body .

Then they asked her , Why the Animal Figure did not always dream in sleep , since the Sensitive and Rational spirits , or innated Matter , did never desist from moving .

She said , That although the innated Matter did never desist from moving , yet they did not always figure or print , for they dissolve as well as create .

Besides , said she , they may work to the preservation or consistence of the Figure , and of every particular sense , and yet not always make use of the senses . Besides , said she , the Rational Matter doth not always figure it self by the Sensitive Print ; and for proof , many times those that are in a serious Discourse , studious Contemplations , or violent Passions , will take no notice of the Sensitive motions : for , in a violent passion , many will receive a deadly wound , and never take notice of the touch ; and , many times , those in serious discourse receive a pinch on their Arm , or Finger , or any other part , and yet they at that time never take knowledg thereof ; and yet when their violent passion or discourse is ended , then their Rational knowledg takes notice that their Finger , Arm , or other parts , ake ; or their Wounds smart ; which shews the sense of Touch was sometimes in their Finger , or in that part wounded , before the Rational knowledg took notice of it . So in a deep Contemplation , when they view Objects , hear Sounds , smell Scents , tast and touch , the Rational knowledg takes no notice of it , because the Rational spirits move not to the Sensitive Works ; so that only the Eye sees , or the Ear hears , or the Nose smells , or the Tongue tasts , or any particular part feels , but the Rational takes no notice thereof : so that these are but particular knowledges in every particular sense , or part of the Figure , and not a general knowledg : for the Sensitive knowledg , which are the Sensitive spirits , are bound to parts ; but the Rational knowledg , which are the Rational spirits , is free to all , as being free to it self , the other bound to the dull part of Matter .

But to return to Dreams ; How shall we remember figurative Dreams , since Memory is not made by the Rational motions ? for , though the Sensitive innated Matter might print such figures ; yet the Rational innated Matter hath not figured those prints ; and then we say , we did not dream .

Then they asked , Why some Animal Creatures were almost dissolved for want of sleep ?

She said , Want of sleep was caused by distemper ; which distemper was a disorder and irregularity amongst the innated Matter , sometimes from the Sensitive spirits , sometimes from the Rational spirits , and sometimes from both . The irregularity of the Sensitive spirits , was , when the Body was pained , or sick , or over-power'd : the irregularity amongst the Rational was , when the Mind was troubled : these disorders hinder the Sensitive spirits from shutting up Shop orderly ; and when they sleep by halves , or unsoundly , those irregularities cause their windows and doors ( which are the senses ) to open and shut unnecessarily and untimely , as I may say ; and , many times , lack of sleep is caused , when the spirits are so tired , that they cannot use a sufficient force to shut up shop , at least , not to lock or barr the Windows and Doors close . Sometimes the Sensitive spirits are so earnest and ( as I may say ) greedy in working , that they labour both night and day , either for curiosity , or encrease , or pleasure : but , most commonly , the Rational spirits join or go halves with the Sensitive spirits , when they work for curiosity or pleasure , because they make a delight thereby .

Then they asked her , What was the reason that some sorts of Cordials or Drugs caused sleep ?

She said , That that part of innated Matter that was taken in Cordials , or such Drugs , did either help the innated Matter in the Animal Body or Figure ( by adding strength to them ) , to shut up their Shops and Windows ; or else helped to rectifie their disorders and irregularities .

But ( said she ) as some Drugs or Cordials do sympathize to the irregular part of innated Matter in the Figure ; so other Drugs and Cordials do work antipathetically to their regularity , and sympathetically to their irregularities ; and then the working to sleep is more hindred then helped .

Then they asked her , Whether one kind of Motion could give a perfect form at one instant ?

She said , No , unless the Creature formed be without the varieties of parts ; for every different part requires a different motion to the creating of each part , and a distance of time to form each part in ; for some parts require more work and labour than others .

Then they asked her , If all Creatures were created by degrees ?

She said , All Creatures that were composed of various parts , are : for , as there are degrees of innated Matter , which innated Matter is the Creator of all Figures ; so there are degrees of , and in Creation : for our senses ( said she ) shew us , that there is a season , a time , and a working in time , by degrees : and if we allow there be degrees of encreasing , as strengthning and enlarging , why should we think there are none in creating every particular Figure , and different parts in one and the same Creature ? For as we see , seed must be first sown , and then remain in the Earth for some time , before those seeds sprout up and encrease ; so there is time and degrees in forming of the formed : for if there be degrees that we call Time , why not in the working of each part of each Figure in time ? For in reason we cannot think , that the root , the blade , the stalk , the ears , the seed in the ears of Corn , are produced from one motion , made by the Seed sown , and the Earth , and so each different part to be created at one instant , into one created from or figure .

And as in Vegetables , so questionless in Animals , there are degrees in their creations : for it is against reason and sense , to think an Animal is formed at one instant , although the figure at first created , was no bigger than a hair , if the figure hath variety of parts , which require not only various motions , but degrees of motions , and distance of time to move in .

And thus as Vegetable require degrees and distance of time to create one figure ; so in Animals there is not only space in time , and degrees of motions , and several mixtures of temperaments , to enlarge and strengthen that figure ; but degrees in creating every particular part in one and the same figure , which is not formed at once : for common sense ( said she ) shews us , that there is nothing done but by degrees ; and whosoever thinks otherwise , their thoughts move irregularly , and against sense and reason : for Nature works by degrees , and in order , and orders her Works by degrees .

Then they asked her , Whether a Creature might not be created by the effects of motion , without partaking of the substance of the Parents .

She said , No : for , said she , the Earth , and the seed sown ( which are the Parents that produce an Off-spring ) , cannot produce any thing of its own nature , unless some part of the Producers goeth to the creating of the Produced : for it is not only such a motion made between the Producers , that creates the Produced ; but part of their innated Matter ( which are the Sensitive and Rational spirits ) , which goeth to the forming and creating of the Produced : for that innated Matter or Spirits that goeth from the Producers , meeting and intermixing together , creates or lays the foundation of the Produced , on which other innated Matter or Spirits ( brought by the way of nourishment ) do build : so that the foundation of every Creature , is of the Creator . But , said she , one and the same Matter doth not move always after one and the same manner ; for it is not meerly such a motion , but such kind of motions , that create ; and the variousness of the motions , or Creators , although of one and the same Matter , causeth a difference in the Created , in semblances , constitutions , humours , dispositions , qualities , faculties , and the like : for , though the Producers be the same , and not only the Produced of the same Kind , but of the same Natures , as coming from such Producers ; yet the Produced are not always alike , but some vary more than others , not only the Produced , but those produced from their Producers .

But , said she , to shew that the Produced partake of the Producers , of each party , more or less , not only in effects , but in substance , is , that such a Creature or Creatures could not be created , but by the same Creators ; otherwise the same motions , made by such a kind of Matter , would produce the same Creature : which cannot be ; for the same kind or degree of innated Matter which creates , hath the same kind of motions in general ; but every particular part is of it self : for that which is of one part , is not of another part , although it be of one and the same Kind , and hath one and the same Property . But the Rational spirits ( said she ) go to the creation of the Mind or Soul , the Sensitive to the Body . But , said she , Opinion creates one way , and Nature another way ; which Opinions , except there be sense and reason in them , are the false Conceptions in Nature . But the learned Students study so much the Parts , that they never consider the Parties that work therein .

The Authoress of these Opinions of the Rational and Sensitive spirits , says , she brings Sense and Reason to dispute for their truth , which no other Opinions do ; and they that will not believe Sense and Reason , will believe nothing ; but express , by their incredulity , that they have but a small quantity of that innated Matter in their Brains .

Whatsoever treats of innated Matter , as the Sensitive and Rational spirits , is to be compared to my Philosophical Opinions .

Then they asked her , Whether she thought there could be Repetitions in Nature ?

She said , Yes : for , said she , if anything in Nature cannot be so dissolved , as to be annihilated , it may be repeated . for if the same Matter and same Motions are in being , the same Figures may be repeated ; and if there can be in Creations , said she , a repetition , it is probable there are repetitions of one and the same Creature ; only the time , and changes of time , makes a difference and obscurity ; in which obscurity the Creature is ignorant of it self , and its former Being ; whereby one and the same Creature may come to envy his own Renown , which was kept alive by Records from Age to Age ; as if Homer should be created again , and envy his own Works , or at least strive to out-work them ; or that Alexander and Caesar should be created again , and should envy their own Actions , Victories , and Powers , or ( at least ) grieve and repine they cannot do the like : for if they were created again , they might miss of the same Occasions , Opportunities or Powers , Birth or Fortunes : for though the Body and Soul may be the same , as also the Appetites and the Desires ; yet the outward concurrence may not be the same that was in the former Being ; for though the Concurrents ( as well as the Creature ) may be repeated , yet perchance not repeated in one and the same Age or Time : but if they should fall out to be repeated in one Age , the same Actions would fall out to be as Caesar's or Alexander's were , to conquer the World again , as they did before ; and there would be the same Warr betwixt the Grecians and Trojans , if the same Occasions were ; but Homer would not write the same Poems , if they were on record : for , though it be an honour to conquer what was conquered ( although after the same manner ) ; yet it is no honour to Wit to write what was writ before upon the same Subject , nor indeed upon any other Subject : for , both the Wit and the Subject must be new ; at least the Wit , to gain as great and lasting Renown .

Then they asked her , What Fire was ?

She said , That Fire was not only the quickest motion , but it is a perpetual quick motion , that hath no intermission , by which it hath a strange power over every thing ; so that it hath a stronger power by the continuance , than by the quickness .

The Third sort that visited her , were Moral Philosophers .

The Moral Philosophers asked her , If it were possible to alter or abate the Passions ?

No , said she ; you may pacifie or imprison them , and enforce them to conceal themselves in the heart , not only from outward appearance , but from the very understanding in the head ; but never alter or change their natures , to weaken their natural strength , or abate their natural vigour : for Passions ( said she ) are like the Sun ; they may be eclipsed , or clouded , but never can be alter'd : and as the Sun ( saith she ) draws forth Vapour from the Earth ; so do the Imaginations draw forth Passions from the Heart ; and as a Bucket draws up Water from the bottom of a Well , so do outward Objects draw up Passions from the Heart .

Then they asked , What was the difference betwixt the Passions and the Appetites ?

She said , The Appetites were the Passions of the Body ; and the Passions , the Appetites of the Mind ; and the Mind is as apt to surfeit of the one , as the Body of the other .

Likewise , saith she , the Mind is as seldom pleased , as the Body is seldom at ease ; being both restless , and never satisfied : for the height of sensitive Pleasure , is the beginning of Pain ; and the height of Passion , is the beginning of Desire ; and Desire hath no Period , no Pleasure , no Center .

Then they asked her , What sort of Love was the perfectest ?

She said , That Love that descended : for Love that descends , is more solid than that which ascends ; and draws more towards perfection , as being most contracted : for that which ascends , is airy , and disperses soon , like smoak : but that which descends , is like falling showers of Rain , that join into a River or Sea of Love , running with force to perfection . This is the reason Parents love their Children better than Children can love their Parents . This is the reason Nature loves her Creatures better than the Creatures can love Nature . This is the reason , The Gods love Mankind better , and more perfectly , than Mankind loves the Gods . Thus the perfectest Love is from the Gods to Men ; for the greater the descent is , the more force there is .

The like ( said she ) is Hate : for , that Hate which descends , is more inveterate and malignant than that which ascends ; for we are easily perswaded to pardon the Injuries or Wrongs we receive from our Superiors ; but seldom are pacified , without a high revenge , for the Wrongs we have received from Inferiors ; I mean , not only the Inferiors of Birth , or Fortunes , but Merit . This is the reason Noah could not forgive his Son Cham for the disgrace which he received ; for no Hate is like to that of Dishonour . This is the reason that Heaven hates Hell more than Hell can hate Heaven .

Then they asked her , Why the Passions forced the Body to weep , to sigh , to groan , to laugh , to sing , to complain , to rail , to curse , to commend , to extoll , to implore , to profess , to protest , to look pale , to look red , to shake , to tremble , to strike , to embrace ?

She said , That the causes , in the mind , did work their Effects upon the Bodies , as the Causes , in Jove , did work their Effects upon Nature . Or , in a lower Comparison , said she , the Mind is as the Sun , and the Body like the Earth ; the Sun having several Faculties , as the Mind several Passions ; it gives life and light , strength and growth ; it comforts and warms , it weakens , corrupts , withers , and decays ; it burns and destroys , it dilatates and contracts ; it doth digest and expel ; it sucks , it draws , and confirms : so doth the Mind ; it gives the Light of Knowledg , and the Life of Understanding ; it comforteth and warmeth by Invention ; it strengthens by Judicious Advice ; it encreases by Temperance ; it weakens , withers and decayes by unsatiable Intemperance ; it drys and parches it by grief ; inflames it by anger ; burns it by rage ; confirms it by melancholy ; destroys it by desperate fury , as self-murther .

Likewise , as the Sun doth not only contract and dilatate it self , but contracts and dilatates the several Creatures on and in the Earth ; the same doth the Mind the several parts of the Body ; it dilatates the Body into several actions , postures , and behaviours ; to strike , to kick , to stretch out the Body , to spread out the Arms , to fling out the Legs ; to stare , to call , or cry out ; to hoop , to hollow ; and it will contract the Body into a silent musing , close the lips , shut up the eyes , fold in the arms , bow or bend in the legs , and ( as it were ) wind up the Body by fear , grief , anger , melancholy , joy , wonder , admiration , and the like : and as the Sun doth suck and draw from the Earth , and dissolve and expel the Creatures therein ; so do the Passions , the Humours of the Body : for , as some Sun-beams suck moisture from the several Springs that rise in the Earth ; so divers Passions suck out moisture from the several Veins that run in the Body ; or as such Beams which pierce the Earth , make the face thereof wither and pale ; so will some sorts of Passions : and as some other sorts of Sunny-beams ( for all work not the like effect ) draw Sulphureous Vapours from the Bowels of the Earth , towards the Middle-Region , which flash out in Lightning ; so do the Passions draw from the Heart a flushing-colour to the Face , which flushes in hot blushes . And as the Sun-beams draw Salt Vapours from the Sea , which fall in pouring showers ; so do the Passions draw Salt Vapours from the Bowels , which fall in trickling tears : for the Passions are the beams of the Mind , and have as great an influence and power over the Body , as the Sun-beams have upon the Earth ; and as the Sun 's bright Rays cause the Elements to appear clear and light ; so doth the Mind's tranquility cause the countenance to look cheerful and fair .

Then they asked her of the Four Cardinal Virtues ?

She said , That Prudence and Temperance were two Virtues , which belonged more to the Wise , than the Heroick Men : for Prudence barrs Generosity and Magnanimity ; and doth not only forewarn dangers , but restrains from dangerous actions : when Heroick Honour is got in Danger , more than Safety ; and Courage is made known thereby : likewise , Temperance forbids Magnificence ; but Fortitude and Justice belongs most to Heroick Men.

Then they asked her , If she thought Beasts had a Rational Soul ?

She answered , That if there could be no Sense without some Reason , nor Reason without the Sense , Beasts were as Rational as Men ; unless , said she , Reason be a particular Gift , either from Nature , or the God of Nature , to Man , and not to other Creatures : if so , said she , Nature , or the God of Nature , would prove partial or finite . As for Nature in her self , she seems unconfined ; and for the God of Nature , he can have no Biass , he ruling every thing by the straight Line of Justice ; and what Justice , nay what Injustice would it not be , for Mankind to be supream over all other Animal-Kind ; or some Animal-Kind over any other Kind ?

Then they asked her , Why no Creature was so shiftless at his birth , as Man ?

She answered , There were other Creatures as shiftless as Man ; as for example , Birds are as shiftless before their Wings are fledged .

For , as Infants want strength in Arms to feed themselves , and Legs to go ; so Birds want strength of Bills to feed themselves , and Feathers in Wings to flye .

Then they asked her , Whether she thought there were a Heaven and a Hell ?

She answered , That in Nature there was a Hell and a Heaven , a God and a Devil , good Angels and bad , Salvation and Damnation ; for , said she , Pain and Trouble is a Hell , the one to torment the Body , the other the Mind .

Likewise , said she , Health and Pleasure is a Heaven , which gives the body rest , and the mind Tranquility ; also , said she , the natural God is Truth ; the natural Devil , Falshood ; the one seeks to save , the other to deceive ; the good Angels are Peace and Plenty ; the evil are Warrs , and Famine ; Light is the Beatifical Vision , Darkness the natural Dungeon , Death is the Damnation , Life the Salvation ; and Moral Virtue is the natural Religion , and Moral Philosophers are Nature's Priests , which preach , and seem to practise a good life .

Then they asked , What Government for a Commonwealth was best ?

She answered , Monarchical . for , as one Sun is sufficient to give Light and Heat to all the several Creatures in the World ; so one Governour is sufficient to give Laws and Rules to the several Members of a Commonwealth . Besides , said she , no good Government can be without Union ; and Union is in Singularity , not in Plurality ; for Union is drawn to a Point , when Numbers make Division , Extraction , Substraction ; which often-times brings Distraction ; and Distraction , Confusions .

Then they asked her , Whether she was of that Opinion , That those that had good Understandings , had weak Imaginations ?

She said , She was not of that Opinion ; for , said she , from the pureness and cleerness of the Understanding , proceeds the subtilty and the variety of their Imaginations ; and the Understanding is the foundation of Imagination : for , as Faith is built upon Reason , so is Imagination upon Understanding .

Then they asked her , If the Faculties of the Mind or Soul had their uses , or proceeded from the temper of the Brain and Heart ?

She answered , That the uses and faculties of the Mind , proceeded from the Motions of the Vital and Animal Spirits , which I call ( said she ) the Sensitive and Rational Spirits , which is the Life and Soul ; and from the regular motions , and full quantity thereof , proceeds a perfect Memory , a clear Understanding , and a sound Judgment : from the quick motions proceed a ready Wit ; and from the various and regular motions , proceed probable Imaginations or Opinions : from the scarcity , proceeds dulness and stupidity , or insensibility ; from the irregularity , proceeds Extravagancies or Madness ; and where the Scarcity and Irregularity meets , it produceth a stupid , dull Madness .

The Fourth sort that visited her , were Scholars , that studied Theology ; and they asked her , Whether she was of opinion that Man hath Free will ?

She answered , That she was not so proud , nor so presumptuous , as to think that Man had Free-will : for , said she , if Jove had given Men Free-will , he had given the use of one of his Attributes to Man , as free Power ; which , said she , Jove cannot do ; for that were to lessen himself , To let any Creature have free power to do what he will : for , Free-will is an Absolute Power , although of the narrowest limits ; and to have an Absolute Power , is to be a God ; and to think Man had it only , and no other Creature , were to think Jove partial ; but , said she , Man's Ambition hath bred this , and the like Opinions .

But , said they , Jove might permit Man , or suffer Man to do some things .

She said , That was as ill , or a worse Opinion : for , to think Jove permits Man to cross his will , and let him do that which he would not have him do , were to make Jove less than a God , as if his Decrees were to be alter'd by Man's Humour and Will ; or , said she , to think that Jove requires of Man such things as his Nature suffers him not to do ; and so , as it were , to force him to disobey him : or to think Jove suffers Man to do evil , when he could prevent it ; or to think Jove permits Man to provoke his Justice , or to damn Man , when it is in Jove's power to save him , were to think Jove unjust and cruel ; or to think Jove made Man , yet knew he would be damned ; and might have saved him , in not making him ; were make a malignity in the nature of Jove : for to make , and take delight to punish , is to be malicious ; which cannot be , said she ; for Jove is a God in Goodness , as well as a God in Power ; and a God in Justice , as well as a God of Wisdom : for Justice and Knowledg is the Basis of Wisdom ; but , said she , the Opinions Men have of Jove , are according to their own natures , and not according to the nature of Jove , which makes such various Religions , and such rigorous Judgment in every Religion , as to condemn all but their own Opinion ; which Opinions are so many and different , as scarce any two agree ; and every Opinion judges all damned but their own : and most Opinions are , That the smallest Fault is able to damn ; but the most Vertuous Life , and innocent Thoughts , not sufficient to save them .

Then they asked her , If she did believe Predestination ?

She said , She believed that Jove did order all things by his Wisdom ; and that his Wisdom knew how to dispose to the best ; as also , that Jove's Will was the only fixt Decree ; and that his Power establishes all that his Will decrees .

Then they asked her , What she thought Jove required from Man ?

She answered , She thought Jove required nothing from man , but what he required from Nature ; as Love , Praises , Admiration , Adoration , and Worship ; to love his Goodness , praise his Justice , admire his Wisdom , adore his Power , and to worship all his Attributes ; and Jove ( said she ) requires not only this in man , but of all the Creatures in Nature ; for , said she , it were a sinful opinion to think none but man did love , praise , admire , adore , and worship Jove .

Then they asked her , If there were no Evil ?

She said , there was ; but , said she , all Evil lives in Nature , as all Good in Jove ; for in Nature , said she , is Discord , in Jove Concord ; by Nature Confusion , by Jove Method : and though , said she , Jove's Goodness and Power will not suffer Nature to run into a Confusion ; yet Nature , faith she , struggles and strives , like an untoward Jade that would break loose to run wildly about ; and her skittish tricks , said she , are the sins against Jove ; but ( said she ) all things in Nature are guilty , as much as Man , in one kind or other .

Then they asked her , What were the sins in Nature against Jove ?

She said , Many : but the greatest sins the Creatures in Nature commit against Jove , are , Not to believe he is above Nature ; or to think it is the Nature of Nature , and not the Knowledg and Power of Jove , that governs so wisely , that orders so prudently , that produceth so orderly , that composes so harmoniously ; and all with a free Will , a pure Goodness , and Infinite Bounty : likewise , as not to believe that Jove hath an infinite Generosity to forgive and pardon all the Evils and Defects in Nature : Also , to dislike or murmur at the Government of Jove . And the Submission in Nature , is , to repent , to be humble , to agree , to be content , and to think all that cannot be avoided , is for the best : And as Nature is apt ( said she ) to commit sins against Jove , so Nature is apt to disorder , cross , and vex it self , by Excess , Mischief , and Cruelty ; as , to strive to destroy to no use , to obstruct to no purpose , to hinder the Creations , to displace Creations , to oppose Right , to defend Falshood , to conceal Truth , to obstruct Knowledg , to delude Ignorance , to wrong Innocency , to hurt the Helpless , to destroy the Hurtless : likewise , to overcharge the Appetite , to exasperate the Passions , to deceive the Affections to abuse Time , to be unnecessarily busie , or lazy , or idle . And thus all the Creatures of every Kind , that are made in Nature , do , in one manner or other : but the Goodness and Power of Jove ( said she ) doth still hinder Nature from running into Confusions , and rectifies the Disorders therein : for Warr lives in Nature , said she , and Peace in Jove .

Then they asked her , What natural Evils there were ?

She said , Nature was an infinite Lump of Evil ; but the natural Evils to Animals ( said she ) are , Pain , Sickness , Sorrow , Fear , Famine , Warrs , Darkness , and Infamy .

Then they asked her , If there were no natural Good ?

She said , None in Nature : for all that is good , said she , is caused by Jove's wise ordering and composing harmoniously : for , said she , Health is an harmonious Composition ; Pleasure and Delight is an Harmonious Composition ; Rest , an harmonious Composition ; Peace , an harmonious Unity : As for Life , said she , it is an Evil , were it not ordered wisely by Jove ; and would be a perpetual torment , did not Jove by his Wisdom order Nature so , as to ease it with that we call Death ; which is only as a change of Notes in Musick , or Harmonious Measures : and the several Measures Life danceth , are several Transmigrations , which Jove orders as it moves ; and the Notes are the several Creatures that are made , which Jove's Wisdom sets ; and Health is the Cords that Jove's Wisdom tunes ; and the several Pleasures are the several Lessons that Jove's Wisdom causeth Nature to play ; and Peace is the Harmony that Jove's Wisdom makes . So that all that is thought Good in Nature , is but Good as it is ordered by Jove ; Jove measures the Matter , marks out the Figures , and appoints the Motions what Work to do . Likewise , Jove's Goodness and Wisdom qualifies and tempers , by several mixtures and temperaments , the vicious malignant Evil of Nature , or Natural Evil. Thus , said she , there would be a perpetual Warr in Nature , if Jove's Wisdom , Power , and Goodness , did not order Nature .

Then they asked her , If there were not Punishments and Rewards ordained by Jove ?

She answered , Yes : for , said she , Jove hath ordained , Virtue shall be a Reward to it self , and Vice a Punishment .

The Fifth sort that visited her , were the Fathers of the Church ; who desired her to speak : which she did as follows :

You Holy Fathers ( said she ) , you will pardon me for what I shall speak , since it is your desire I should speak .

The Preachers for Heaven , said she , ought not to preach Factions , nor to shew their Learning , nor to express their Wit ; but to teach their Flock to pray rightly : for hard it is to know , whether we pray , or prate ; since none can tell the purity of their own heart , or number the Follies thereof , or cleanse out the muddy Passions that by Nature are bred therein , or root out the Vices the World has sown thereon : for , if we do not leave out the World , the Flesh , and the Devil , in our humble Petitions , and earnest Desires , we offer to Heaven , it may be said , we rather talk than pray : for , it is not bended knees , or a sad countenance , can make our Prayers authentical or effectual ; nor words , nor groans , nor sighs , nor tears , that can pierce Heaven ; but a zealous Flame , raised from a holy Fire , kindled by a spark of Grace in a devout heart , which fills the soul with admiration and astonishment at Jove's incomprehensible Deity : for , nothing can enter Heaven , but Purity and Truth ; all the gross and drossie parts fall back with greater force upon our Lives , and , instead of Blessings , prove Curses to us ; and the Ignorant , not conceiving the difference , may be lost for want of instruction therein , being most commonly taught the varieties of Opinions , the Sayings and Sentences of the Fathers of the Church ; or exclaimed against natural Imperfections , or threatned for slight Vanities ; and many , by giving warning against Vices , raises those that have been dead and buried with former Ages , unaccustomed , and utterly unknown to the present Auditory . But one good Prayer that is directly sent to Heaven , buries a multitude of Errors and Imperfections , and blots out many a Sin . I speak not this to tax any one here ; for I believe you are all Holy Men , and Reverend and Grave Fathers of the Church , who are blessed Messengers and Eloquent Orators for Heaven , the true Guides to Souls , and the Example of a good Life .

Then they asked , How they ought to pray ?

Whereupon , in a Zealous Passion , thus she said :

O Gods ! O Gods ! Mankind is much too blame ; He commits faults when be but names his Name : This Name , saith she , that Deity hath none ; His Works sussicient are to make him known . His wondrous Glory is so great , how dare Man similize , but to himself compare ? Or , how durst Men their Tongues or Lips to move In argument , his mighty Power to prove ? As if Men's Words his Power could circle in , Or trace his ways , from whence he did begin His mighty Works to make , or to what end ; As proudly placing Man to be his Friend : Yet poor , proud , ign'rant Man , knows not the cause Of any Creature made , much less his Laws : Man's knowledg so obscure , not so much light As to perceive the glimmering of his Might . Strive not this Deity to comprehend ; He no beginning had , nor can have end : Nor can Mankind his Will or Pleasure know , It strives to draw Him to expression low . Let Words desist , let 's strive our Souls to raise : Let our Astonishments be Glory's praise : Let trembling thoughts of fear , as prayers , be sent ; And not leight words , which are by Men invent : Let Tongues be silent , Adoration pray : And Love and Justice lead us the right way .

The Sixth sort that visited her , were Judges ; who asked her about Justice .

I will divide Justice , said she , into three parts , Human , Moral , and Natural .

These three into six : Punishing , Deciding , Distributing ; Censuring , Trafficking , and Suffering .

In Punishing Justice , there is Divine Piety , and Human Pity ; and if a Judg leave out those two , it is no more Justice , but Cruelty : for , Temporal Judges ought to have as great a care of the Soul of the accused , as of executing Justice on the Body . For if a Judg threaten terribly a timorous nature , or cruelly torture a tender Body ; the fear of Pain may make them be lye , forswear , or falsly accuse themselves ; which endangers the Soul , not only by their Oaths , Lyes , and false Accusations , but by self-murther : for those that falsly accuse themselves , commit wilful-murther .

As for the punishing of the Body , they ought not to be condemned before they can positively prove them Criminals : for Probabilities , although they appear plain , yet are often-times deceitful .

The second is , Dividual Justice , or Common Justice , in deciding of Causes , and what is Right and Truth : as , put the case two Men claim equal right to one piece of ground , which piece of ground but one can have right to : The Judg , not knowing how to distinguish the truth from the falshood , divides the ground , giving one half to the one , and the other half to the other ; which is unjust : for he that hath right to all , hath as much injustice done unto him in that part that is given from him , as if he had lost all the whole : nay , one grain of dust wrongfully taken , or given away , makes the injustice the same ; for it is not the weight of the Cause makes Justice more or less , but the truth of the Cause .

But Judges will say , It is not to be helped , by reason Truth lyes many times so obscure , that neither Industry , Ingenuity , Subtilty , long Experience , nor solid Judgment , can find it out . So they think , that by dividing they do cut off some Branches of Injustice , although the Root will lye obscurely , do what they can . But I say , Injustice hath no Branches , but is all Root .

The last Act of Justice , is , in distributing Reward according to Worth or Merit ; wherein there may be as much Injustice to deal beyond or above Worth or Merit , as to fall short of Worth and Merit : and though the Actions are the visible Objects of Merit ; yet Merit is often-times buried for want of opportunity ; and many times good Fortune is mistaken , and taken for Merit . Now it is as great Injustice to give Rewards to Fortune , as unfortunate for Merit not to be made known by some act : for , though Merit dwells in the actions , yet it was born in the Soul , and bred in the Thoughts .

The fourth is , Censuring-Justice , which lives meerly in Opinion : for , Who knows the heart of another , since no Man can give a true or a right account of his own ? And though Misdemeanors ought to be punished in a Commonwealth , lest they should cause the ruin thereof ; yet , to judg the heart , and condemn it for faults , by the Actions , Words , or Countenance , were very unjust : for many evil Actions are done through a good Intention ; for the Design might be honest , though the Effect prove evil ; nay , the Design or Intention may not only be morally honest , but divinely pious , yet the Effect prove wicked .

Likewise , many evil actions are produced by Chance or Misfortune ; and it were an injustice to accuse the heart of dishonesty for Fortune's malice , and Chance's carelesness .

Again , there are many evil actions produced from some infirmity of Nature , or from the ignorance of Practice , or want of Experience ; not from a dishonest nature ; and though Infirmities ought to be corrected by Admonitions , and Ignorance rectified by Instruction ; yet it were an injustice to condemn Honesty for Infirmities , Faults , or ignorant Errors .

Also for Words ; although there is an old saying , The Mouth speaketh what the Heart thinketh ; yet Antiquity cannot verifie it for a truth : but , most commonly , the Tongue runs by rote and custom , without the consent of the Heart , or knowledg of the Thoughts : for , the Tongue doth oft-times like the Legs , which most commonly walk without the guidance of the sight , or the directions of the knowledg ; for few measure each stride , or count or look at every several step they take , nor think they how they go , nor ( many times ) where they go ; and the Mind , many times , is so deep in Contemplations , that the Thoughts are so fix'd upon some particular Object , or so busily employed on some Invention , or so delightfully taken with some Fantasm , that although the Legs walk themselves weary , yet the Mind and Thoughts do not consider or think whether the Body hath Legs or no.

How many , through extream fear , run into that they should shun , not considering whither they go ? And if the Legs move so often without the Mind's knowledg , or Heart's consent , well may the Tongue , which is the agilest Member of the Body .

And to judg by the Countenance , were more unjust : for , a Man may have a Knavish Face , and an Honest Heart ; a spightful Eye , yet a Generous Nature ; a Frowning Brow , yet a Quiet Spirit ; a Dull Cloudy Countenance , but a Bright Clear Mind .

The fifth is , a Chaffering or Trafficking Justice : for , though it is justice for a Man to buy and to fell in a Commonwealth , where all is not in common ; yet there may be great injustice in buying and selling .

As for example : A Man hath a Horse which he esteems , and hath a love or ( as it were ) an affection to ; which Horse he is forced to sell , either for want , or otherwise ; for which he asks a Price according to his Affection , not according as he is really worth : now this Man doth not cozen nor cheat , because he prizes him as he thinks he is worth ; yet he is unjust through his partiality , not judging the Horse uprightly , nor weighing the Scales of Justice evenly , between his Affection , and the Horse's worth .

The sixth , Suffering .

As for Buying , it comes into Self-Justice : for example ; A Man through perswasion buys a House , which House is no way convenient for him ; or stands unhealthy , being in an ill Air ; or unpleasantly , as in a dirty place ; or in some place where many Travellers pass , which puts the Dweller to great charges through Entertainments . Now this Man is unjust to himself through his facil nature , or courteous or kind disposition , in buying such a House as will impair his Health or Estate , or necessitate him through incommodiousness .

Or for a Man to keep a Servant that is no way ingenious or useful in his Offices ; the Master may be said to be a Bountiful or Charitable Man to his Servant , but unjust to himself , to be ill served when he may be better served .

Likewise , for to be bound or engaged for a Man unto whom he is no ways obliged , or hopes to be so , is an injustice to himself , but to hazzard , if he doth never suffer imprisonment for the Engagment , not being able to make a satisfaction for which he gives up his Liberty ; this Injustice is caused by a foolish pity .

Also , although it is Justice for a Man to adventure , offer , or lay down his Life for one that he knows by good proofs would do the like for him ; yet for a Man to offer or give up his Life for a Man condemned , or otherwise , from whom he never received such Favours as to deserve or merit his Life , or had proof of his Friendship ; although this Person was never so worthy , I say , it were a Heroick Act , and a huge Generosity , but a great injustice to himself , unless he had self-ends , in thinking he should get a Fame thereby : for , though there is a Human Justice , as well as a Grateful Justice , For Mankind to help and assist each other ; yet surely it is Justice for a Man to love himself best , next to his Creator , Producer , Preserver , and Protector ; as his God , his Parents , his Countrey , and his Friend ; and he ought to offer up his Goods , Life , Liberty , and Fame , to Him from whom he received them ; for it is an Injustice not to return ( if need require ) as much as he received .

Thus it is Justice to prefer a Man's own Fortunes , Life , and Fame , before all others but those before-mentioned ; and an Injustice if he do otherwise .

Thus , Noble Hearers , said she , you may observe and take notice , That although all dishonesty is Injustice , yet all Injustice is not Dishonest , because the Intent is not evil .

Likewise , although Justice is Honest , yet Honesty is not always Just ; by reason , many times , the Knowledg is not perfect , or the Understanding clear , or the Truth visible , or the Will free , or the Power strong enough to do Justice , or justly .

The Seventh sort that visited her , were Barresters and Orators ; to whom she thus spake .

The Root of Oratory is Logick , the Branches are Rhetorick , and the Fruit is Magick , which charms the Senses , and inchants the Soul : wherefore it ought to be banished from the Barr of Justice , lest it should incircle Justice-Seat , excluding Right and Truth that comes to plead .

For Oratory chiefly is employ'd For to prefer the Wrong , and Falshood hide .

They asked her , Whether an Orator or a Poet had most power over the Passions ?

She answered , An Orator had power to betray the Passions , but could not make an absolute Conquest of them .

As for Poetry , saith she , it hath a double power ; for all Poetry hath Oratory , but all Oratory hath not Poetry .

Wherefore , said she , Poetry hath an absolute power over the Passions ; for Poetry is like a powerful Monarch , can raise , rally , and imbattel them at his command ; and , like a skilful Musician , can set , tune , and play upon them as he pleases .

Poetry is Nature's Landskip , and Life's Prospect ; it is a Spring , where Noblest Souls do bathe themselves :

Their Thoughts , like wanton Boys , dabble therein .

But those that are to make Orations , said she , either at the Barr , in Pulpits , upon Theaters , or in the Field , must first consider the ground and matter whereon and whereof they would speak , and to what End they would drive their speech ; for when they have laid the ground , and have well considered the subject of their Discourse , Words will follow easily and freely , without meditating thereupon ; but those that consider only Words , and in what Phrases they shall speak , shall never speak well ; but be out at every turn , because the foundation is not laid whereupon their Discourse should be built : for the Materials ( which are Words ) will serve them in small stead , or to little purpose , when they want the Ground , or mistake the Ground whereon they should work . But a Learned Orator's Head , said she , is like a Garden , wherein are set divers sorts of Flowers , fetch'd from several Soils both far and near ; as some from Demosthenes , Thucydides , Tully , Seneca , Tacitus , and the like ; and many Slips from more Modern Orators , and Seeds from so many several Authors , which they strain about in their Orations , as is sans nombre . Or , said she , a Learned Orator is like a Crab tree-stock , whereon are grafted several sorts of sweet Fruits , but bears nothing of its own Fruit ; and if it doth ( said she ) , they will be but sowr Crabs : So their Speech would sound harsh to the Ear , as such sowr Fruit would be sharp to the Tast. Whereas a Natural Orator , said she , bears , nor brings forth any other Fruit but his own , which is sweet and pleasent , without pains-taking or ingrafting : but all things grow as Nature sets them , without the help of Art .

But I have observed , said she , that in Matches of Orations , the last hath ever the Victory ( or for the most part ) although not so Wise or Eloquent as the first ; which shews , that the digesting part of the Brain ( which is Judgment and Nutriment , and is Truth , which nourisheth the Rational Understanding ) is not like the Stomack , the digestingplace for Food , that is to nourish the sensitive Body ; for when the Stomack is full , the Tast dis-relishes all Meat presented thereunto , be it never so delicious ; it heaves against it , as being over-charged ; neither doth variety tempt it .

Whereas the Head , although it be stuft , or over-gorged , as I may say , still covets more ; and the Ears suck and draw in with an eager appetite , so it be variety ; otherwise it grows dull , flat , and drowsie : for , the Brain will feed on gross Matter , or unwholsome Trash , with more pleasure , and a greater gust , than on that which is fine or wholsome , if once received before .

Also , said she , I perceive all those that make Orations in the Field to their Soldiers , repeat their Victories from the first descent , of the foundation of their Cities , Kingdoms , and Commonwealths , and the Renown of their Ancestors ; but never their Losses , their Treacheries , or their Follies ; they strive to bury them in oblivion : for , though it be a good Policy , yet it is not a clear Honesty , to present a half-faced Glass for a whole . But this is not so great a fault , but it may be excused , when it is to a good End , as to defend what is rightly their own , or to gain back what unjustly they lost , or to revenge an unpardonable Wrong , or to punish a wicked Crime , or to take the part of the Helpless Innocent ; otherwise it is a Dishonesty not excusable , when it is used for Treason , Rapine , or the like .

But you Orators ( said she ) are like those that are skilful in playing on a Flute , or Cornet ; where the Ears of the Auditors are the holes ; and your Tongues , or Words , as the Fingers , do make the stops ; your Breath gives the sound , and your Wit and your Learning , are the Ayres and Musical Ditties that move their Passions , or rather their Passion : for indeed , there is but one Passion in Nature , or at least in an Animal Figure ; which Passion changes into several Forms , according to the several subjects or objects it is placed upon ; for upon some subjects , it is Love , upon others it is Hate , upon others it is Fear , upon others Anger ; and so the like of all the rest of those they call several Passions , which is but one natural Faculty , Property , Quality , or what you will name it , which is the Heart . That these severally alter and ( Camelion-like ) change , and sometimes seem all one colour , and sometimes of divers colours ; or as a Triangular-Glass , which makes a Million of various colours from one light ; so doth the Triangular-Heart ( from the light of Life ) seem to have many Passions : But ( said she ) lest Orators should be the cause of unlawful Passions , there ought to be a Law , That the publick Assemblies that are drawn about an Oracle , either such as are to declare the Command of the Gods , or for any other Instruction ; Informations or Exhortations , either in the Church , or on Theaters , should not be mixed of several Sexes ; but either the Assembly should be all Men , or all Women ; otherwise a Consecrated Place may be polluted with wanton Eyes , and enticing Countenances ; self-whisperings , and secret agreements to dangerous Meetings ; evil Intentions , and wicked Actions ; by which a Church would become a Bawdy-House , and the Priests the Pimps or Procurers to draw them together . And all Orations concerning the Commonwealth , or for any important matter , would be lost ; for the Ears of the Assembly would be stopt by their Eyes ; at least , the hearing of the Auditors would be imperfect , and their Understanding confounded , and their Memory dazled with the splendor of light glances and fair Faces of each Sex .

The Eighth sort of Visiters were States-men , who ask'd her , What Government was best ?

She answered , Monarchy : For ( said she ) a good King is the Center of a Commonwealth , as God is the Center of Nature , who orders and disposes all to the best , and unites and composes all differences , which otherwise would run into a confusion : and Unity , said she , is sooner found , and easier made by one , than by more , or many : Neither , said she , can one Man make so many Faults , as more or many may . Besides , said she , there is less Justice , and more Injustice in a Multitude , than in one .

Then they asked her , Whether it were lawful for a King to lay down his Scepter and Crown ?

She answered , That Princes that voluntarily lay down their Royal Dignity , do either express some infirmity in Power , or weakness of Understanding , or imperfect Health of Body , or Effeminacy of Spirits , or doting Affection , or Vain-glory : for Religion requires it not ; nay , said she , it seems rather an Impiety for Jove's Annointed , being his chief Deputy on Earth , to leave , or be weary in governing the people , by which , and in which he serves Jove . And it was accounted ( said she ) a Blessing as well as an Honour , in the Ancient Writ , to go out and in before the People , most being inspired by Jove to that Dignity of Prophesying ; and for the Great , Gallant , Heroick Heroes , as Alexander and Caesar , they left not their Crowns , nor parted with their Power , until Death uncrowned and divested them . Neither ( said she ) were there any that voluntarily laid down or yeelded up a Crown , but have had more Condemners and Dispraisers , than Commenders or Admirers . Thus , said she , neither the Laws of Honour or Religion allow it ; nor can I perceive Morality approves it .

Then they asked her , If a foolish King might not bring a Commonwealth to ruin sooner , than a Council of Many ?

She said , No : for , said she , the plurality breeds Faction ; which Faction causeth more evil than one foolish Head can make or bring about .

Then they asked , If a Tyrant-King were not worse than a Factious Assembly ?

She said , No : for , said she , a Tyrant-King may make good Laws , and keep Peace , and maintain Supreme Power and Authority ; but a Factious Assembly ( said she ) will break all Laws , do no Justice , keep no Peace , obstruct Authority , and overthrow Supreme Power ; and , said she , that Kingdom is happiest that lives under a Tyrant-Prince ; for when the People are afraid of their Prince , there is Peace ; but where the Prince is afraid of the People , there is Warr ; and there is no Misery like a Civil-Warr : Nor is there a greater sign that a King is afraid of his People , than when he advances those that are , or seem to be his Enemies . Thus Subjects in general live happiest under a Tyrant , but not particular Courtiers , or busie prating Fools , or Factious Knaves : and a facil King causeth more Trouble , Distraction , and Ruin , by his soft easie nature , than a Cruel Tyrant with Executions , severe Laws , or heavy Taxes : for the greatest Tyrant that ever was , will not destroy all his Subjects , or take away all Substance , for his own sake ; for if he did , he would destroy his Power , and ruin his Monarchy .

Then they asked her , What Men made the best Privy Councellors ?

She said , Those that had most Experience , such as had seen the several changes of Fortune , and observed the several Humours of Men. Likewise , those that are rich ; for those will be cautious in their Counsel , and careful for the Commonwealth for their own sakes ; not daring to adventure their Estates in a Factious Party , or a rash Advice . But , said she , Princes should not have more Councellors than Business , for fear they should make Troubles to have Employments .

Likewise , A State should not have too many Magistrates : for , many Magistrates in a Common-wealth , are like many Masters in Family : Nor too great a number of Officers , lest the many Officers should over-charge the State , spending more in ordering and commanding , than they would lose by some Disorders and Disobedience .

Then they asked her , What was apt to make Rebellion ?

She answered , Poor Nobility and Rich Citizens or Burgers , being both Factious , and apt to raise Rebellion through Covetousness and Ambition : for , the poor Nobility would have Wealth to maintain their Honour ; and rich Burgers and Yeomantry would have Honour to dignifie their Wealth .

Then they asked her , Why those Kings that had Favourites , were most commonly unfortunate ?

She said , One cause was , That the Subjects ( in general ) take it for a weakness in a Prince to beruled or perswaded by one particular Man .

Secondly , They hate that particular Person , as an Usurper , ingrossing wholly the King's Favour ; which makes them think their Prince unjust , to give to one Man that which ought to be distributed according to Merit and Worth .

Thirdly , The Favourite's Crimes are thought the King's Cruelty or Facility .

Fourthly , The Favourite's Vanity is thought to be their Taxes ; all which , makes them apt to murmur and rebel : but they never fail to rebel , when the King interposes himself as a Buckler betwixt the People and his Favourite ; by which he endangers himself , but helps not the Favourite .

But a King who would reign long and peaceably , if he will have a Favourite , must have a Favourite to be a Buckler between him and the rest of his Subjects : for he must not take his Favourite's Faults upon him , but lay his Faults on the Favourite ; for when a People judg their King to have Faults , they will withdraw their reverences ; for Princes must be thought as Gods that cannot err . But Favourites , said she , are very dangerous and insinuating Parasites : for , those Princes must needs be ignorant , that are much flattered ; for every flattering Tongue is as a Muffler , to blind the Eyes of the Understanding ; and Self-conceit is the Mouth , that sucks the Milk of Vain-glory , which putrifies the Reasori , and breeds a corrupted Judgment ; which causeth Crudities and Ulcers in the Stomack of the Commonwealth , and makes the Heart of the Kingdom sick ; which distempers the whole Body , and brings the Plague of Rebellion , every Member being infected therewith ; which is a certain and sudden death to Monarchical Government .

Then they asked her , How Great Monarchs should use Petty Princes ?

Great Monarchs or Princes should always keep lesser Princes in awe , lest in time they should go cheek-by-jowl , and may chance to thrust them out of their Power , either by Land , or Sea . Indeed , they should be kept like Spaniels , to crouch ; and not like Mastiffs , to bite ; otherwise they may chance to leap at their Throat , and tear out the Life of their Supremacy . Also , said she , Lesser Princes ought not to be suffered to encroach upon the Ceremonies of great Monarchs : for , if Ceremonies Deifie , those Ceremonies ought to be kept sacred . Nor upon their Orders or Dignifyings , as to make Nobility , or to give their Orders , or such as are like to them , as the George , the S. Esprit , or Golden Fleece , which Elective Princes are apt to do , if they be not kept in awe by the Hereditary Kings ; and those Hereditary Kings that give way to them to do it , ought to lose their Magnisicency .

Then they asked her , How Kings and Monarchs should use their Officers of State , and Commanders of Warr ?

She said , Kindly , whilst they were in Employments : for , their Employments either in the Civil Magistracy , or Martial Discipline , give them Power ; and a small Power ( said she ) oft-times ruin a greater , especially when Malice and Opportunity are joined together : for though Ambition , said she , perswades ; yet it is Opportunity and Malice which betrays and sets open the Gates to Rebellion ; for many Powerful Princes , and Potent Monarchs , have been unthrnned , and Kingdoms ruined , by mean Subjects , and small Beginnings . Wherefore , said she , Princes and States should have a care of lessening the Power of their Officers , and to remove them from a better Office , or higher Degree , to a worse Office , or lower Degree ; but if they will remove them , or must ( as being most convenient ) , then let them put them out of all Power and Authority , or advance them , either in Authority of Office or Honour , by which they will qualifie their Spleens , or prevent their Malice , or destroy their Abilities from doing any harm .

Then they asked her , If it were seemly or fit , that Kings should suffer any Subjects to be familiar in their Discourse or Actions , either to themselves privately , or in the presence of a publick Assembly ?

She said , No : for , said she , a familiarity makes a parity , for it advances a Subject to a greater respect ; and draws down a King to a less esteem ; but said she , Kings should be like Gods , obeyed with fear , and loved for Mercy .

Then they asked her , What Kings should do to such Subjects or Servants ?

She said , They shnuld be check'd with frowns , and banished from their presence ; for , that King that doth not keep strict orders , and rules severely , shall neither be obeyed nor loved , as being either fearful , that dares not check Offenders , and cut off Criminals ; or facil , to suffer boldness in his sight ; or hated , as being thought partial : and if you will observe ( said she ) , you shall find the more stern a Master , the better he shall be served : for , although his Servants complain , yet they dare not disobey : so a King , the more Tyrannical he is , the better he shall be obeyed ; when a gentle Master , and a facil King , shall lose his Power and Authority .

Then they asked her , Whether it were wise for a King to discover the secrets of his Heart to a chief Favourite Councellor ?

She said , The King that made known the secrets of his Heart , or would but make known his ordinary Intentions , until they were to be put in execution , although but to the most trusty of his Council , was fitter to be ruled , than to rule : but , said she , it is an ordinary Policy in Favourite-Councellors , to perswade their Prince to keep nothing of moment from their knowledg , or any Advice that others give ; for if they do , they cannot counsel as they should , because they know but part of the King's Affairs ; which credulous Princes believe , and so betray themselves . But wise Princes , said she , hear others , but counsel themselves ; and foolish Princes , said she , will hear nothing from any , but those they will entrust ; but if they do , they straight tell their Favourites ( as Children do their Nurses ) all that they hear or know .

The Ninth sort were Trades-men , or Citizens ; and they asked her , How they should grow rich ?

She said , Not to have their Pride above their Calling : for , they that think themselves too good , or too worthy , or too highly born for their Trade , will never thrive thereby ; for they neglect it through scorn , and so grow poor with Pride .

Likewise , said she , not to take too many Apprentices ; for , out of a covetousness of a little present Money they get when they are bound , they are forced for seven years to maintain a company of idle Boys , that can gain them nothing , by reason they must learn before they can work ; and by that time they come to be Shop-men , or Workmen , and skilful in their Trade , their Time is out ; so that the Masters lose the time in teaching them , spends Money in maintaining them , and receives no profit by them .

Likewise , Not to have more Journey-men than Trafficque : for Journey-men have great Wages ; and when they have more Servants than Employments , they spend more than they can get , giving more Wages out , than they have Profit coming in .

Likewise , Not to set too great prizes on their Ware ; for those that sell deer , will have but few Customers .

Likewise , Not to neglect their Shops ; for when there is no body to sell their Ware , it must needs lye unbought .

Also , Not to neglect their Customers ; for there are few will stay and pray for what they must deerly pay .

Likewise , Not to break their Promises , or day of Payments ; for that will make all afraid to trust them .

Likewise , Not to trust much , especially such as have not visible Estates ; for they that sell out their Wares for Bonds , may chance to break by their Customers : for , though Bonds may imprison their Persons , yet not always get their Money ; for , as the old Saying is , Where there is nothing to be had , the King must lose his Right .

Likewise , to shun all Law-suits : for , whilst they follow their Suit , they are forced to neglect their Trade , leaving all to their Servants , who are as idle and as careless in their Shops , as the Master is busie in Law . And whilst the Lawyers pick their Purse of their Gains , their Servants cozen and rob their Shops of their Wares , or lose their Customers by their Carelesness , or lazily neglect their Work . also not to be Drunkards , for Drink drowns all Industry ; and though it swells the Body , it shrinks the Purse ; and as it disorders the Brains , so it causes disorders in a Family , by abusing their Wives , Children , and Servants ; disturbing their Neighbours with their quarrels and unhandsome demeanours : besides , by their drunken humours , sometimes they spoil and destroy their Goods ; so that what with their spending more , or at least as much as they get , and spoiling what they have , and neglecting what they should have , a Drunkard is never rich , but on the contrary very poor .

Lastly , To marry Wives that are approved for good Huswifry , rather than for Riches : for an idle Gossip will spend more than she brings ; and will be maintained finer than her Husband's Quality , and above his Trade or Calling .

Then they asked her , What it was to be a good Citizen ? She said , Not to look after their particular Profit more than the publike Good ; and never to neglect their duty in discharging their Commissions or Offices of Authority .

Likewise , Not to prefer their own private Interest before the Publick , by ingrossing Trading , or heightning the Prizes .

Also , Not to be factious , murmuring at Authority , or repining through envy .

Likewise , To defend their Countrey with Courage , Wealth , and Love , against any Assault made against it .

Likewise , to observe the Laws punctually , to perform the Customs and Ceremonies strictly , to submit to Magistrates willingly , to dwell by their Neighbours peaceably , to govern their Family orderly , to breed their Children civilly , and to live honestly .

The Tenth sort that visited her , were House-keepers , and Masters of Families .

They asked her , What was the greatest ruin to an Estate ?

She answered , Great Estates were ruinated with gluttonous Hospitality , unnecessary Servants , negligences of Stewards , unprofitable Horses , drunken Cellars , careless Masters , and Vain-glory.

As for the first , said she , a Man is only praised so long as the Meat is tastable in their Mouths ; but when their Bellies are full , and their Stomacks sick , by being over-charged , they will curse not only the Meat they eat , and the Cook that drest it ; but the Master that gave it , when it is digested , is forgotten .

As for unnecessary Servants , said she , when there are more Servants than Work , they grow lazy and proud , thinking themselves Masters by their little Employment , forgetting at whose cost they live ; besides the Factions Idleness brings , by hearkning after Tales , and reporting them worse than they were meant ; so they rather serve to eat , than to work ; to command , than to obey .

Then they asked her , Whether it were not against Hospitality to quarrel with a Stranger in his House ?

She said , Yes .

Then they asked her , If it were not lawful to defend his Honour against a Stranger in his own House ?

She said , They might defend their Life in their own House ; but not assault the Life of their Guest or Stranger .

Likewise , said she , they may defend their Honour by reasoning , clearing , and telling the truth ' and by declaring the right ; but not to revenge their Quarrel in their own House ; but when they are departed from their House , they might do their pleasure .

Then they asked her , If a House-keeper might not in honour deny Strangers Entertainment ?

She said , Yes , when it was inconvenient to the Owner , and not very serviceable to the Guests .

Then they asked her , If an impertinent troublesome Guest might not be put out of one's House , if he would not go civilly of himself ?

She said , Yes ; for , said she , every Man's dwelling-House is , or ought to be his Earthly Paradice ; and if there be a Serpent , he ought to be banished out ; or evil Angel , to be thrown out .

Then they asked her , If it were against the Laws of Hospitality , if they should entertain their Guests only with a sufficiency , without a superfluity ?

She said , Honour did not bind or require any Man to ruin himself : wherefore , said she , every Man may , nay ought to entertain according to his Estate ?

Then they asked her , If they ought not to make a difference of Persons in their Entertainment ?

She said , Yes , if their Estates would allow it , or else not ; for every Man , said she , must entertain according to the Ability of his Fortunes , not according to the Quality of his Guests .

Then they asked her , What was the reason the Man looks finer in the Master 's old Clothes , than the Master did when he left them off .

She answered , The reason was , Because the Master seemed too Noble for his old Clothes ; but when the Man had them on , the Clothes seemed too Noble for him .

The Eleventh sort that visited her , were Married-Men and their Wives .

The Men asked her , What was the best course to keep their Wives honest ?

She said , Tender regard , civil respects , wise instructions , honourable examples , and virtuous employments .

For , said she , Idleness breeds vain thoughts , wild passions , and extravagant appetites ; and vain thoughts and wild passions have a sympathy to each other ; and as thoughts lye in the Brain , so passions dwell in the Heart , and various thoughts raise up several passions : But Reason , said she , should govern as King in the Brain ; and Temperance , as Queen in the Heart ; and when this King and Queen are contracted into a Matrimonial Bond , the Life lives orderly , the Mind peaceably , and the Body healthfully . Wherefore , said she , Women ought to be wisely employed ; for Business to the Mind , is as necessary as Exercise to the Body ; and Instructions to the Mind are as necessary as Food to the Body ; and let me warn you , said she , of Idleness ; for it is the great Bawd of the World .

Then the Men asked her , If Husbands might not in honour correct their Wives ?

Yes , said she , with timely Admonitions , seasonable Reproofs , and loving Perswasions ; but not with cruel Blows : for a Husband is a Wife's Guardian and Protector from all harms ; wherefore he ought not to hurt her , but to cherish and defend her : But , said she , a Husband may restrain a Wife , although not beat her ; for if she be an unsufferable Scold , or a Vixen , he may bind her Hands with kind Embraces , and stop her Mouth with Kisses .

If she be indiscreet , he may restrain her from going abroad , lest she should disgrace him with her Follies .

If she be a Slut , he must keep Servants that are cleanly , if he be able ; if not , he must do his work himself , or visit his Wife but seldom : but if he cannot do his work himself , through publick Employments , and yet he must be at home ; he must strive to make her better by Perswasions and Directions : for they that will not mend with good Counsel , will grow worse and worse , and more perverse with blows .

If she be wanton , she must be kept to a spare dry Diet ; she must be purged much , and eat little ; she must study much , and sleep little ; and she must have Moral Lectures preached to her very often : likewise , she must be maintained thriftily , not vainly ; she must not be suffered to be superfluous or costly , but only to be allowed Necessaries or Conveniences , which will keep her from wandring or gadding abroad , having no Vanities to shew her Neighbours : as for a Man to lock up his Wife , it is no secure Remedy ; for Women will find a thousand inventions to get liberty .

Wherefore , if the Cure cannot be wrought upon the Body and Mind , they may despair : for restraint of liberty will do them small good .

But the only way in this condition , is for a Man to part from his Wife ; for then the World may only pity him as being a Cuckold , but cannot scorn him as being a Wittal .

Then they asked her , If a Husband might not be lawfully Complemental to other Women in their Wives company ?

She answered , It was unworthy for any Man rudely to neglect a Civility to any Woman ; and he was no ways worthy the name of a Gentleman , that used not respect to the meanest of that Sex : but , said she , a Husband ought to have respect to his Wife , and to do no action , nor speak no words that may justly offend or disgrace her , or to put her out of countenance : for , though Men ought to be civil to that Sex , yet a Husband ought not to make Courthsips to any , neither in jest or earnest ; for foolish toying , though harmless meaning and honest intentions , may cause great discontent bet wixt a Married Pair , and breed such Quarrels as cannot be reconciled .

Then they asked her , How they should breed their Children , especially Sons ?

She said , Children should be bred according to their condition of Birth or Fortune : yet , said she , there is a general Breeding , as well as a particular Breeding ; that is , to be bred on honest Grounds , and honourable Principles : to do as they would be done by , that is Justice ; to suffer an Evil patiently , when they cannot avoid , that is Fortitude ; to be industrious to prevent Evils that may come , is Prudence ; to abstain from tempting-Evils , that is Temperance ; and to instruct them of the benefit that will accrew thereby , shewing them that it is the greatest wisdom for a Man's self , to be honest ; and to have Honourable Principles , is to do good when they have power to do hurt ; to prefer their Neighbour's good before their own pleasure ; to maintain Right , to defend the Truth , to assist the Helpless , to incite them to Noble Endeavors , and Civil Demeanours .

For particular Breeding : If they be nobly born , they should be respectfully bred ; their Tutors should instruct them submissively and humbly , and not commandingly ; they should rather be perswaded by Reason , than forced to learn by Terrifying ; otherwise a Noble Person may have a Slavish Spirit : Their Learning must be , To know Men and Manners ; to be instructed of times past ; to be advertised of the times present .

Likewise , they must be bred to handle the Pen more than the Pencil , the Sword more than the Pen , the Horse's Bridle more than the Fiddle-string , the Cannot-Bullet more than the Racket-Ball , the Valuting-Horse more than Dancing ; to encounter Strengths , more than running Lengths ; to Wrastle , more than shuffle Cards ; and throwing the Barr , more than throwing the Dice : The actions of Cards are too soft and effeminate for Masculine Spirits . Also , they must rather be taught to speak well , than sing well .

Likewise , they must rather study Fortification than Logick ; to defend Towns , rather than dispute Arguments ; to decide Quarrels , rather than to make Quarrels .

Likewise , they must study how to return Obligations gratefully , to reward Merit nobly , to supply Necessity generously .

Likewise , they should be bred more with the Muses , than the Sciences : for the Poetick Flame doth fire the Spirits with a Noble Ambition .

Likewise , they must be bred to know the Laws , Customs , and Priviledges of their Native Countrey , lest their Ignorance should commit faults in breaking the Laws , or commit errors in omitting the Customs , or do themselves wrong in not claiming their Priviledges .

Also , they should have some insight of the Laws of other Nations , that they may know how to behave themselves , if they should be sent Embassadors ; or to advise , if they should be called to Councils .

Also , they should be instructed in the Maps of their own Nation , as also of Forreign Nations ; that they may know how to order their Commands , to take their Advantages , and to avoid Dangers , in case they should be employed as Commanders and Officers of Warr for their King and Countrey . In short , They must be instructed by Truth , advised by Honour , and encouraged by Fame .

As for the breeding them in common Schools , I do utterly disapprove , although some say it gives them Confidence , and quickens their Courage ; but my opinion is , It rather makes them rudely bold , than manly confident .

It learns them rather to quarrel , than to fight : for a company of Boys make a wrangling-noise , and scolding-quarrels ; but seldom fight or cuff with alacrity .

It makes them factious and unconstant ; for having not experience to understand truly , and judg rightly , they one while take this Boy 's part , another while another Boys part ; and there is a faction between the little Boys and the great Boys , and amongst the lesser Boys too .

A Free-School is apt to make Lyars , Sharks , and Thieves ; for Boys will not only be apt to lye to save their Breech , denying the truth of a fault ; but to get a Point , or rather for fear to lose a Point or a Farthing at play .

They learn to shark , being necessitous , either by the thriftiness of their Parents , or Tutor , or both ; or being cozened by other Boys , whose Parents have not much to give them ; and they , rather than want , will do any base thing to get : and Boys , being active and stirring , young and strong , causeth sharp Appetites , and quick Stomacks , which quick Stomacks and short Commons do not agree ; and their Hunger out-running their Meat , makes their Wit out-run their Honesty ; for they will be strangely subtil , and most ingenious to cozen or get from those Boys that have more than the rest : it learns them to flatter and dissemble , to get it by fair means ; or to quarrel and lye , to get it by force ; or to watch or design , to get it by theft ; and when they cannot compass their Designs , they will make other Boys sharers , to help them to steal , or at least to cheat .

It makes them envious at the praises of those that are most apt to learn ; also malicious , by being whipt ; and makes them ill-natured , to wish , or be glad when any other Boys are whipt , because they shall not be laughed at , or twitted , for being whipt .

It makes them base Informers , and many times false Accusers ; for rather than they will suffer the disgrace ( as they take it ) to be whipt alone , they will betray , be-lye , or accuse any , that they may make them have the same punishment .

Besides , in common Schools much beastly wickedness is learnt : but it were a wonder if Vices should not be catch'd in a common School , being so many Boys in a company , of several natures and dispositions , qualities , births , and fortunes ; and vicious qualities , being malignant , like the Plague ; for one sick body is able to infect a whole Town , when the best Cordial-Counsels and Advices cannot save life .

A company of Boys are like a company of Colts before they are back't , which kick , and fling , and run about ; and are so impatient at the Bridle , Spurr , and Rod , that they strive with all their strength , and use all their skittish tricks to fling their Rider off , striking all that come near them ; so do Boys their Tutors : and unless a Tutor be a discreet Man , and a Wise Governour , his Scholars grow resty , and become unuseful , stubborn , malicious , and ill-natur'd .

But by reason it is proved , that common Schools breed confidence , or rather boldness , it is good for the breeding of such Youth whose Parents intend them for Lawyers and Divines , Embassadors , and the like , who are to present themselves , and to speak in a full Assembly , where bashfulness may perchance disturb and obstruct their Oratory . And it is the best Breeding to get Experience , and to be acquainted with the nature of Mankind : for in Youth the nature lies open and plain to the view ; and the rest of the Senses are not arrived to the Art of concealing them under counterfeit Veils , or disguising them in various Dresses , which Time learns Men to do .

Likewise , these common Schools may be good for Physician , s and Chirurgeons , and Soldiers : for Chirurgeons , because it makes them bold and adventurous : for Soldiers , because it makes them hardy , venturous , and resolute : for Physicians , because it gives them experience of several Appetites , Diets , and Constitutions : for Prints strike deeper in Youth than Age ; and Men in Age remember best the observations of their Youth ; and Youth observe more than Age doth ; and like a Jack-an-apes , imitate what they observe .

As for the particular Breeding of the Common-sort , they are to be bred according to the Profession their Parents intend them to practice : as , Clerks must be bred to the use of the Pen , and to learn several Hand-writings .

All Merchants , either trading , trafficking , or adventuring , must learn Arithmetick , and to keep Accounts .

Apothecaries must learn the difference and properties of Simples .

Doctors , to apply them .

Lawyers must learn the Laws , Customs , and Priviledges of the Kingdom ; also , the Records , Fees , and Offices of several Courts ; likewise , all sorts of Warrants , Grants , Leases , and Wills .

Heralds must be good Antiquaries , and learned in the Fashious , Ceremonies , and Orders of Dignities .

Surveyors , Architectors , and Musicians , must be learned in the Mathematicks and Geometry .

Picture-drawers , in History and Geography ; as also in the Mathematicks , by reason of Symmetry .

As for Handicrafts-Trades , Practice makes them Masters ; and Trades-men of all sorts , the lesser speculative Learning they have , the better Work-men they most commonly be , busying their heads with nothing but their Trade .

As for Secretaries of State , they must be bred to several Languages , and to understand the Laws , Customs , Humours , and Potencies of Forreign Nations , for which they should be bred with several Embassadors , whose Employments are Travelling-Schools , and Experienced-Tutors .

As for States-men , they must be bred to a general Learning , but no particular study ; they must learn the Humours of Men , as well as the laws of the Kingdom ; they must learn the Discipline of Warr , as well as the Rules of Peace ; they must learn the Weakness and Strength , the Infirmities and Advantages of the Kingdom , as well as the Traffick and Commerce . They must learn Morality as well as Rhetorick ; they must learn to do well , as well as to speak well : for he will be but a corrupt States-man , who hath more Eloquence than Justice , more Policy than Honesty .

But in Youth , saith she , the Understanding is like their Age and Bodies , little and young ; their Eyes must first be fed with Action , their Ears with Relation ; without which Objects and Subjects , the Understanding would become lean or starved : for several Objects and Discourses , put to the sight and hearing , pass through the Eyes and Ears , into the Head , to feed the Brain , which maintains the life of the Understanding ; as several sorts of Meats put by the Hands into the Mouth , pass through the Throat into the Stomack , to feed the Body , to maintain the life thereof ; and the natural Capacities digest those several Objects and Subjects into Knowledg and Understanding , as the natural heat into Flesh and Blood .

And the Brain is like the Body , sometimes more strong , and sometimes more weak ; which makes the Understanding sometimes more sick , and sometimes more healthy : and sometimes also the Brain will be stuft with Fancy , as the Body with Humours . But some Brains are like an unhealthy Body , that will never thrive ; and others , like Stomacks that are nourish'd but with some particular sort of Meat , when Variety will corrupt , but never digest .

And others are like Stomacks , that the more Varieties are received , the better Concoction , where particulars would cause a Surfeit .

Likewise , said she , young Brains are like tender Slips , not grown to bear Fruit ; but length of time brings them to maturity .

And some Brains are like barren Grounds , that will not bring Seed or Fruit forth , unless it be well manured with the Wit which is rak'd from other Writers or Speakers .

Others are like unplowed ground ; for the Senses , which are as the Husband-man , either neglect through laziness , or are so poor that they have not a sufficient stock of Objects or Subjects , or Matter or Form , to work with , or sow in the Brain .

Others are like foolish Husband-men , that either sow or reap too soon or too late ; that know not how to sett and graft , to prune or to cherish ; which makes the Brain unprofitable .

Others , like ill Husbands , run wandring about unconstantly , and never regard their Affairs , but let the Brain run to Weeds , which with good Husbandry might bear fruitful Corps .

And some are so rich and fertil , that if they be not plowed nor sett , yet they will be fat Meadows , and rich Pasture , wherein grow wild Cowslips , Prim-roses , Violets , Dazies , and sweet Thyme , Marjoram , Succory , and the like .

Then they asked her , How they should govern their Servants ?

She answered , With Employment : for , said she , idle Servants , like idle Subjects , grow factious , and so rebellious , for want of good Employments to busie their heads with .

Then they asked her , How Masters ought to use Servants ?

She answered , As good Princes do their Subjects , with a Fatherly care for their well-being , well-doing , and subsisting : they must have a Protector 's regard , for their safety ; be just Judges , for their Rights and Priviledges , for their Condemnations and Punishments ; honest Friends , to advise them ; wise Tutors , to instruct them ; prudent Governours , to order them ; powerful Generals , to command them ; bountiful Gods , to reward their painful Labours , their dutiful Obediences , their honest Services , their faithful Trust , and their constant Fidelity .

Then the Wives asked her , If it might not be as lawful for Wives to receive and entertain Love's Courtships , as for Husbands to make Love-Courtships ?

She said , No : for , said she , unconstant Women are the ruin of a Commonwealth .

For first , It decays Breed : for , though many be barren by Nature , yet there are more become barren through Wildness .

Secondly , It corrupts Breed , mingling the Issues of several Men.

Thirdly , It decays Industry : for , a Man that doubts the Children be none of his , will never take pains to provide for them , or at least not to enrich them .

Fourthly , It makes dangerous and deadly quarrels : for the Cuckold and the Cuckold-maker can never agree .

Then they asked her , What they should do in case their Husbands did kiss their Maids , or their Neighbour's Maids , Daughters , or Wives ?

She said , To take as little notice of it as they could ; to give them as much liberty as they would have ; to praise their Mistresses more than they deserved ; and to cause them to be as jealous of them as they could be .

First ( said she ) , To take no notice , makes them to live quiet , and makes their Husbands to be more shye , lest they should perceive it ; otherwise , said she , there will not only be quarrels , but she will receive often affronts and disgraces by himself and Whores .

Secondly ( said she ) , To give them liberty , will glut their Appetites , surfeit the Humour , and quench their Affections .

Thirdly ( said she ) , A superlative Praise will abate the Truth , and out-reach the Admiration .

Lastly ( said she ) , To make them jealous by discoursing , That no Woman is to be trusted or relied upon , for their constancies in Love , when they have forsaken their own Honour , their Modest Nature , their Honest Birth , their Lawful Rites , their Civil Customs , and their Pious Zeal to Heaven : for Jealousie , saith , she , turns Love into Hate .

Then they asked her , What they should do if their Husbands Whores did enslave them by being as Mistresses to command , and they as Drudges and Slaves to obey , making them as Bawds or Witnesses to their Lascivious Acts ?

She said , There was nothing for that , but parting : for , said she , a Noble Mind cannot play the Bawd , nor live with impudent Vices .

But , said they , if the Wife have Children , how shall they part then ?

'T is better , said she , to part with the Goods of the Body , than the Goods of the Soul ; wherefore it were better to part from Children or Life , than with Honour and Virtue : for , though Virtue , said she , may wink at an Infirmity , and Honour may excuse a Fault , yet not be made as a Party , or brought to the publick view , or be made a Slave thereto .

Then they asked her , What was the best way to keep their Husband's Love , and cause them to be constant ?

She said , The best way to keep their Husband's love , was , to be honestly modest , cleanly , patient , prudent , and discreet : but , said she , a man may love dearly and tenderly his Wife , and yet desire to kiss his Maid : wherefore , to keep him constant , said she , a Wife must act the Arts of a Courtizan to him , which is very lawful , since it is to an honest End : for the Arts honest and lawful , but the Design and End is wicked : but , said she , to learn those Arts , you must be instructed by such as have practised or seen them ; for I have not , nor cannot guess or devise Arts.

The Twelfth sort were Nurses with their Nurse-Children .

And they asked her , How Children should be ordered ?

She said , Young Children should be handled gently , watched carefully , used kindly , and attended prudently .

The gentle handling , said she , is most requisite : for Children have rather Grissles than Bones , more Jelly than Flesh ; whereby the least oppression , or wrenching , or turning , may deform them , causing some Members to be deformed , that otherwise would be in perfection ; and by reason Nurses handle not Children tenderly , there is so many lame and crooked as they are .

Likewise , Nurses should give their Limbs liberty , not swaddle nor tye them too hard , or to suffer their Coats to be too little , or their Shooes or Stockings too short , nor to pin too many Pins about them , lest they should prick them .

Likewise , not to toss nor tumble them , nor to dance nor rock them too violently ; for a weak motion may displace an unknit Grissle-Joint ; and what Pains soever they feel , or Hurts they get , they cannot complain or tell their Grievance by their Speech , having not learnt a Language ; and though their Tears supply their Speech , yet Nurses most commonly take their Tears to be shed out of a froward passion , rather than a mournful complaining , or a craving redress ; which makes them only to sing , or prate , or whistle , or rattle to them , to please them ; but not to search about them , or observe them , to find out their Malady , to ease them ; but rather , by the dancing and rocking them , they put them to more pain .

Secondly , To watch them carefully : for many Children are killed , or cripled , or blinded , or scarified ( which is worse ) by the negligence of the Nurses . And some are over-laid by the Nurses in their sleep ; some choak't by giving them Meat too hard , or too big to pass through their little tender throats . Some fall into the fire and burn themselves , or put out their Eyes , or disfigure their Face ; some fall from Tables , Stools , Beds , Stairs , or the like , whereby they become oft-times Cripples all their life-time ; and many the like accidents befall through the carelesness of the Nurses : wherefore , Children should rather lye and play upon the ground , laying some soft Blanket under them , then be set upon Tables , Stools , or Beds : besides , it is both healthful and strengthning , for Children to lye stretching and rolling themselves ; for their weak strength cannot disorder their tender Limbs , but rather gives them liberty to grow ; whereas to be carried much in arms , or to set much in Chairs , or to lye much in Cradles , cramps up their Limbs , and doth ( as it were ) rivet their Joints , causing them to grow , as we say , double-jointed .

Thirdly , To be fed sparingly , or rather discreetly : for there is nothing that destroys Children , or causeth more Diseases , than too full Diet ; or Nurses are of an opinion , That a Child cannot live and be in health , unless they be always eating ; through which opinion the Nurses feed them so long , as they puke it up again ; and the Nurse is so desirous they should eat , that they will return the Meat they spue up , into their Mouths again , forcing them to eat against their Appetite or Stomack ; which must needs be very unwholesome : First , In over-charging their Stomacks . Next , In not giving their Stomack time to digest . Lastly , In giving a Child Milk and Flesh-meat , which no ways agree ; for it curdles the one , and corrupts the other . Thus an overcharged Stomack causeth Surfeits , which Surfeits breed a superflous moisture , which causeth the Rickets ; or else it breeds tough matter , which matter breeds obstructions , which obstructions causeth swellings . Likewise , an ill digestion breeds Crudities , which Crudities cause the Cholick and Convulsions . Also , Milk and Meat together , the corruption of the one doth cause Burning-Fevers , or Scabs on their Heads and Faces ; and the sharpness of the other causes Agues or sharp Rheums , making sore Eyes , or the like Rheumatick Diseases . And Children being weak of nature , and sickly in breeding of teeth , which makes them more weak ; yet they feed them so much , that if a Man at his full strength should eat as often , and as great a quantity for his growth , as Children for theirs , he would become as weak as a Child , and there would be as great a Mortality of Men , as there is most commonly of Children ; for more dyes in Infancy than in Age ; and the reason is , that they are killed with over-feeding , although Nurses and Parents impute it to the Teeth ; for a Child , as I said , cannot tell its grievances , which makes them mistake , by reason they can only guess at the cause . Wherefore , said she , Children must be both orderly and temperately fed , have a Breakfast , Dinner , and Supper , until such time as they are so strong as to run about , and then they may eat four times a day : for by reason a Child is active , and always stirring , and likewise growing , they may eat the oftner , if they exercise much ; but whilst they are weak , having not strength to run about , they must be fed with leighter Meat , and a less quantity : for , though some are of opinion , That a Child's Stomack is extraordinary hot , which heat they think causeth a quick digestion ; yet I am of opinion , That the heat is according to their years , which is like a new-kindled fire , which is rather a smuthering heat , than a hot dissolving heat ; and as heat is weak in a Child , as being not throughly kindled ; so it becomes weak by Age , as being burnt out : wherefore , Infancy and Old-age should feed most temperately , lest the quantity of the Fuel should quench out the strength of the Heat ; but howsoever , Nurses feed Children as if they had Ostritch's Stomacks , which is able to digest Iron .

Lastly , Children should be kindly used , and prudently bred : wherefore they must be humoured in all things that are not hurtful ; otherwise to be crossed , makes them of a froward and crossing nature ; for the ill custom of being crossed , makes them take the habit or custom of crossing , and to strike , or beat , or whip them , is worse ; for stripes create a Spaniel's disposition ; and timorous spirits are hard and cruel natures .

Likewise , Not to scold , rail , or to give Children ill language , for that only teaches them the rudest part of language , and to be foul-mouthed , as we say .

Likewise , Children must not be deceived with Lyes , lest they learn to deceive with lying : also , they must not be frighted with telling them of Hobgoblins , or the like ; for what is printed in Infancy , doth not easily wear out with Age ; and certainly the terrors of Youth are a great cause of cowardly Age : for surely , frighting-tales to Children work the same effect on the Mind , as unwholsome Food on the Body ; for as the Body becomes weak , so the Mind fearful .

Likewise , Children should be taught the purest and perfectest parts of their Language , and the most significant Words and eloquent Speech ; and the Tongue get the habit of a good pronunciation , as well as the Understanding the right and clear sense thereof ; otherwise they will be like those that have learned Musick of an ill Master , that though they can play a Tune perfectly , and keep just time , and set a true Note , yet they play not sweetly , but rough and rudely , making a jarring-scraping , or squeaking-noise .

Wherefore , Children must hear Truth , and not Lyes ; be instructed with Reason , not beaten with Rods ; advised with Kindness , not threatned with Words ; presented with Gifts , not crost in Toys ; used with Respect , not sleighted with Neglect .

Likewise , They must be taught to speak perfectly , sensibly , and seasonably , not impertinently ; civilly , not rudely ; truly , not falsly .

To conclude , Those that attend Children , should behave themselves well before them , lest they should give an ill example .

Wherefore the better sort , that have Estates to maintain it , should have their Children attended by none but such as are well fashioned , well spoken , and well qualified .

The Thirteenth sort were Widowers and Widows .

The Widowers asked her , If it were not allowable for a Widower ( in the Laws of Honour ) to Marry ?

She said , Yes , in six cases .

The first was , If he had a good Estate , and had no Children to be Heir to it ; or that there were none left of his Family to keep alive the lovely memory of his Ancestors .

The second was , If he had many young Children , and his Employments or Affairs required him often from home .

Thirdly , If he had many Servants , and much Houshold-Employments .

Fourthly , If he were a Melancholy Man , and lived solitarily alone .

Fifthly , If he were infirm or sickly .

And lastly , If he were consciously honest , or honestly amorous .

Yet , said she , he must be wise , in chusing such a Woman as his Affairs require , or his Humour desires : for a Man that marries for Children , must chuse a Woman well born , well bred , of a good Reputation , and who comes from a fruitful Stock ; likewise , she must be beautiful and well shap't , lest she gives his Breed an ill dye , or an ill-favoured mark .

Secondly , If a Man marry a Wife to take care to bring up his Children , he must chuse a discreet , sober , and well-natured Woman , and one that is honourably born , and well bred ; for those that are honourably born and bred , have good Natures , noble Qualities , and sweet Dispositions ; also , it breeds Children to respect , it humbles them to obedience , it subjects them to corrections , and begets in them a love .

Thirdly , If a Man marries a Wife to follow his Servants , and govern his Houshold-affairs ; she must be such a one as hath been bred thriftily , and to good Huswifry , and one that hath had some experience in the World : otherwise he may chance to have a busie Wife , but not a prudent Wife ; she may take pains , but he get but small gains .

Fourthly , If a Man marries because he would not live solitarily , he must use his endeavour to get a cheerful Wife , and of a pleasant Humour , or rather a pleasing Humour ; she must be conversible , and of a ready Wit , and a good Understanding : also of a healthful Constitution : otherwise he will have a Disease instead of a Wife ; a Trouble instead of a Companion ; a Grave instead of a Bed .

If a Man marries a Wife to attend and nurse him , she must be a neat , cleanly , ingenious , and handsome-handed Woman ; also skilful in Chirurgery and Physick , and the applying of Medicines : likewise , she must be careful , watchful , and industrious ; also patient , silent , chast , and good-natur'd ; otherwise his Wife , instead of a Nurse , may prove his Plague , his Hell , his Tormenter ; his Plague , with her Sluttery ; his Hell , with her Dishonesty ; his Tormenter , with her froward nature , and scolding tongue .

And lastly , If a Man marry out of a Consciencious Honesty , as being Honestly Amorous ; he must endeavour to get a Chast , Healthful , Beautiful , Cleanly Woman .

Likewise , she must be of a free Disposition , a merry Humour , and a kind Nature ; also , she must rather be modestly kind , than boldly wanton .

For if she be dishonest , his Jealousie will disturb his Love . If sickly , his Kindness will disturb her Health . If ill-favoured , it will tempt his Constancy . If sluttish , he will loathe her Bed . If peevish or coy , it will cross his Desires ; and if bold , it will surfeit his Appetite .

But , said she , Equal Matches and Happy Marriages , are not common ; by reason Fortune , Covetousness , or Lust , makes more Marriages , than prudent Judgment of Love ; and oft-times Men and Women are deceived in each other ; by reason the nature of Man is so obscure , as it can hardly be found out : besides , Woers do strive to conceal their Faults , and veil their defects ; or pretend to be vertuous , because they would be gracious in the opinion of their Mistresses , or the Mistress in the opinion of the Suitor ; whenas Marriage will discover them to be but Counterfeits , gilded with deceit ; which Golden outside is rubbed off with acquaintance ; and then their base drossie Nature appears , and Repentance is dearly bought .

Then they asked her , If it were not lawful for a Man to keep a Mistress , in case he was unwilling to marry ?

She said , The Laws of Nature and Custom would allow it ; but not the Laws of Morality or Divinity : Wherefore if they could not live a chast single life , she said they ought to marry .

Besides , said she , although those Men that have Mistresses instead of a Wife , have liberty to change their Mistresses , which they cannot do their Wives ; yet it is a far worse condition of life to keep a Mistress , than marry a Wife : for the best natur'd Mistress is harder and more difficult to please , than the worst humour'd Wife : for a Mistress is a Tyrant , prouder than a mean foolish Favourite ; more commanding than a strict General ; more Tyrannical than any Tyrant ; more false than a Traitor : Proud , because sued to ; Commanding , because served with obedience ; Cruel , because jealous ; False , because unconstant . Wherefore , she must be flattered , obeyed , observed , and watch'd . Likewise , they will be more prodigal than a Gamester ; for what they get by Vice , they spend in vanity ; and yet more covetous than an Usurer ; for if she lend her Lover her Person , she will have the Interest of his Estate .

This ruins his Family , and impoverishes his Estate : Also , she is more froward than a Child , if she hath not what she desires ; or as melancholy as a Stoick , when she hath so much she knows not what to desire ; more furious than a desperate Mad-man , when she is crost . Wherefore , she must be humour'd and pleas'd , to keep her quiet .

Likewise , when is merry , she is more mischievous than a Jack-an-apes , more skittish than a Colt , skips more than a Frog , chatters more than a Pye : when she is angry , she is more furious than a Bull , and more fierce than a Mastiff .

When she hath Designs , she is craftier than a Fox , more subtil than a Serpent ; when Covetous , more ravenous than a Wolf ; when Jealous , more cruel than a Tiger ; when Kind , they are worse than Beasts ; for Whores are seldom harmlesly merry , or vertuously melancholy , or honourably angry , or innocently wise , or prudently thrifty , or lovingly jealous , or modestly kind . The Gifts of Nature , Youth , Wit , and Beauty , they set as snares to intangle Virtue , or to intrap Vice ; Youth fits , Beauty draws , and Wit catches hold .

To conclude , A Whore and good Fortune leaves a Man at once ; and a Whore many times makes the Fortune ill ; when a chast Wife is constant to a Man all her life , and many times makes an ill Fortune good .

Then the Women asked her , If it were not allow'd in Honour's Laws , for Widows to marry ?

She said , By no means : for Widows do both Cuckold their dead Husbands , and their living Husbands .

The Fourteenth sort were Virgins .

They asked her , How they ought to behave themselves ?

She said , Soberly , Modestly , Silently , Civilly , Temperately , and Dutifully .

Soberly : Behaving themselves with reservedness ; not to dance , skip , jump , or toy wildly about , or to wander or gad abroad without their Parents or Governesses .

Modestly : Not to keep lewd or ill-famed Company , or to entertain all sorts of Visiters , or to suffer Men to embrace , kiss , or whisper to them .

Silently : Not to talk much , or loud ; or to laugh or sing much before Company , unless they have excellent Voices ; nor then , except they are civilly entreated ; and if they can sing , and are entreated thereto , not to be foolishly nice , nor confidently forward ; also , to leave the Hearers with a relish or appetite , and not to sing so long as to tire them , or surfeit their ears .

Civilly : To give every one their due respect .

Temperately : Not to drink too much Wine , or eat too high or luxurious Meats .

Dutifully : To obey their Parents , Governesses , Tutors , or Mistresses , with all humility , care , diligence , willingness , and love .

Then they asked her , If they might not lawfully entertain Suiters ?

She said , Yes ; but so , as to have some Friend by , as Witness , that they may not give them cause to brag of their received-favours , or to challenge Promises , or to receive disgrace by their Inconstancies ; but to hear their Suit with attention , to return them an Answer with discretion ; to entertain modestly , or deny them civilly .

Then they asked her , What Age was best to marry in ?

She said , At the years of Twenty : for at that Age ( said she ) Time doth both usher and follow you : and at those years a WOman is like the Sun at high-noon , being then in full strength , glory , and splendor , as being past the dawning-day of Infancy , and hath enlightned the dark Clouds of Ignorance , and is fill'd with the sweet Morning-dew of good Education : and at this height you give a full light of Beauty , without shadows ; a clear day of Wit , without Misty Errors , or Foggy Follies ; a comfortable Warmth , by an assured setled Love ; a nourishing Life , by a fruitful Womb : for Marriage , in Childish Years , is like unseasonable Weather , wherein nothing is brought forth kindly : it dries the sap of Youth , shrinks up the Body of growth ; it nips the Buds of Beauty , blasts the Blossoms of Modesty , withers the Leaves of Pleasure , spoils the Fruits of Birth , and kills the Root of Love . If Women marry before they come to full growth , their Children are most commonly weak and infirm ; for when a young and tender Slip bears Fruit , the Fruit is most commonly little , or insipid , or very watrish ; and those forward Trees last not so long , nor are so strong nor large , nor flourish so much , as those that bear more late .

Likewise , when Women marry before they are experienced in Knowledg , or have solid Judgment , they most commonly repent , having been deceived , and despising the Acts of their Youth , or condemning their Childish Affections , or rather Fondness : for Youth is rather fond , than truly loving , by reason they have not judgment to distinguish Merit and Worth from Vanities and Trifles ; for they will be catch'd with sweet Banquets , perswaded with kind Words , enticed with gay Clothes , and won with pedling Toys ; nay , many young Maids will marry for no other reason , but to wear a Wedding-Ring ; for they never enquire after the Birth , Fortunes , Breeding , or Disposition of their Suiters , but observe whether they be brave or no ; a Silver and Gold-laced Suit they prize more than Lands and Livings ; gay Ribbans , and flanting Feathers , they esteem more than Titles or Birth ; to dance , and make a Courtly Congey , they account exact Breeding ; their flattering Courtship they believe is good nature , and gentle disposition : they think them very wise if they talk much , and very valiant if they swear or rant highly ; very noble if they brag ; very handsome if they be fine ; and very fine , if they be gay .

Three or four Lacqueys they take to be most honourable Attendance , and more than forty other Servants ; and the Master of a Race-horse sooner wins a Mistress , and with more facility , than the Wager for which he runs .

But let me warn you ( said she ) of Bawds , for they are more crafty , and have more Devices and Policies to deceive young Virgins , Wives , or Widows , than Machiavel , or the wisest States-men , to cozen the People . Of which Bawds there are four sorts : A Procuring Bawd , a Protecting Bawd , a Conniving Bawd , and a Flattering Bawd .

A Procuring Bawd , is to make Love-Matches , and contrive Love-Meetings .

A Protecting Bawd , is to help Lovers in distress , as to entertain , or hide , or conceal Lovers .

A Conniving Bawd , is to wink , or to take no notice of Lovers Designs , hindring not their Meetings , nor obstructing their Desires , but leave them both to Time and Opportunity .

A Flattering Bawd , is to palliate Lovers Faults , excuse Lovers Follies , to maintain Lovers Arguments , and to plead Lovers Freedoms .

But many one , said she , are Bawds to corrupt their own Virtue ; and are as ingenious and industrious to cozen themselves , as those that get a Fee or Bribe to cozen another .

Wherefore , said she , Women should guard their Chastity with Temperance and Prudence , with Courage and Constancy , with Innocence and Modesty , with Honour and Piety .

Then they asked her , Whether it was a disgrace and dishonour to live to be an old Maid ?

She said , No : for Virginity , said she , may be compared to Angels for Purity and Innocency ; and to be like Angels , is no dishonour to any Age , Sex , or Quality : but if a Woman cannot be free from Scandals , or safe from Injuries , she ought to marry : for a Husband is a Tower , and a Champion , to keep and defend a Woman's Chastity and Reputation .

Then they asked her , Why old Maids were most commonly scorned and despised ?

She answered , It was out of a corrupt nature in Mankind , which strives to scandalize Virtue ; and a spightful Reproach from the Masculine Sex , that would corrupt all the Female Kind .

Besides , said she , the generality of Mankind think it a disgrace to be ignorant in any thing in Nature , although it be in Vice ; for they had rather be Criminals than ignorant . But Virtue , said she , desires to know no more than for Vertue 's use .

The Fifteenth sort were Lovers .

And they asked her , What made Love so painful ?

She said , That a Lover was as if he were tied to a post , his Mind being firmly fixed upon one Object : but when the Mind is stretch'd , said she , with admiration , then is a Lover nailed with Thoughts , as it were , upon a Cross ; for admiration is extension , and yet is fixed ; and when the Mind , said she , is extendedly fixed , the Spirits grow faint , the Senses dull , the Complexion pale , the Body sick , the Flesh withers , and the Strength decays : whereas if the Thoughts , said she , were loose , the Mind would be at liberty , and free from Love's tormenting-pains .

Then they asked her , Why Lovers were apt to weep ?

She said , That when the Mind was crucified , it was a hundred to one but it would bleed : for , said she , Tears are the Blood of the Mind , although they flow in the Body ; for the Head and the Heart , said she , are the Cisterns that are fill'd with this Blood ; and the Eyes are the Veins or Artery-Pipes , through which it runs ; and when the Mind is wounded , it bleeds ; which Blood is dropping-tears , that fall upon the Cheeks , and sometimes gush out in a full stream .

Then they asked her , Why they were apt to sigh ?

She said , Sighs were the Minds Pulse ; and when the Mind was sick , the Pulse beats strong , fast , and unevenly ; which made Lovers sigh softly , smutheringly , and sometimes deeply and strongly .

Then they asked her , What made Lovers groan ?

She said , Groans were the Mind's Voice ; and when it felt pains , it complained , as finding no ease .

Then they asked her , What made Lovers extravagant ?

She said , That Extravagantness was a distemper in the Mind ; which distemper was caused by the Pain it felt .

Then they asked her , If there were no Cure ?

She said , Yes ; Time was a good Physician ; and Change , the only Remedy : unless ( said she ) the Object of Love be unalterable , and then it is dangerous . But ( said she ) the Mind would be well and free from such pains , if it were not for the Appetites , which are never pleased , but are restless , run after Excess , and hunt after Variety ; for they are always in pain , either in desiring and not enjoying , or else with surfeiting of what they have fed upon : for the period of the Appetites , is Excess ; and Excess is Surfeit ; and Surfeit is Sickness ; and Desire is Travelling , and Travelling is Restless , and Restlesness is Wearisome , and Wearisomness is Painful ; insomuch as before we get to our desired End , we are tired or dead .

Seldom do Lovers weep , sigh , groan , or tremble , But to make love , or rather to dissemble : For some can forge those Passions by the dozen , And act them all , poor Women for to cozen .

The sixteenth sort of Visiters , were Poets .

Who asked her , Why Poets were most commonly Poor ?

She said , Poets are employed with Contemplations , that they have no time for Fruition ; for Poets , said she , had rather have Fancies in their Heads , than Money in their Purse ; and take more pleasure in expressing the one , than in spending the other ; which makes their Imaginations their chiefest Possessions ; being careless of Fortune's Goods , despising her Service , regarding neither her Frowns nor her Favours ; being entertained by Nature , whom they most industriously serve , and diligently attend .

Then they asked her , Who were most in Nature's favour , Poets or Philosophers ?

She answered , There was no doubt to be made , but that she esteemed and loved Poets the best : for ( said she ) Natural Philosophers tire Nature with Enquiries , trouble her with searching and seeking about , anger her with their Erroneous Opinions , tedious Disputations , and sensless Arguments , and make her outragious with their cruel Extractions , Substractions , and Dissections .

As for Moral Philosophers , said she , they restrain , enclose , and tye Nature , as one that is mad , tormenting her beyond all reason : but sometimes , said she , with strugling and striving , she breaks out ; but cannot get so far , but they straight get hold of her again ; which makes them always at variance .

But Poets , saith she , never cross nor anger her , nor torment her ; they please her all they can , and humour her every way ; they sooth her Passions , feed her Appetites , delight her Senses , praise her Wit , admire her Beauty , adorn her Person , and advance her Fame .

Then they asked her , What the Muses were ?

She said , That the Muses were Nature's Dressers , and Poet's Mistresses ; to whom they made Love , and several Courtships .

Then they asked her , What Poets were ?

She said , Poets were Nature's Painters , which drew her to the life ; yet some do flatter her , said she , and some do her wrong ; but those that flatter her , she favours most ( as all great Ladies do ) .

Then they asked her , What was the ground of Poetry ?

She said , Distinguishing and Similizing , which is , said she , Judgment and Fancy : as for Numbers , Rhyme , and Rhetorick , they are but the several Accoutrements , but no part of the Body of Poetry .

Then they asked her , What was the Effect of Poetry ?

She said , To move Passions , to describe Humours , to express Actions , to correct Errors , to condemn Follies , to persecute Vice , to crown Virtue , to adorn the Graces , to entertain Time , to animate Youth , to refresh Age , to encourage Noble Endeavours , to quicken the Spirits , to please the Senses , to delight the Mind , to recreate the Thoughts , to encrease Knowledg , to instruct the Understanding , to preserve the Memory , to refine Language , to praise Heaven , to enflame Zeal , to register Life , to in-urn Death , to pencil Nature , and raise Fame .

Then the Poets asked her , If Wit might not be gotten by Industry ?

She said , Yes : for , though it is Nature's Work to make a Brain strong , and well-temper'd , or put it in tune ; yet it is Learned Practice and Skill , that must play therewith ; like a Lute , although it should be well strung , and justly tuned , yet if there were no hands , or other things , to set it in motion , it would become useless ; and unless it were tried , it would not be known whether it could sound or no ; and one that was not practised and learnt in the Art of that Instrument , might jangle , but hardly play a composed Tune , or make any Harmony therewith . So a Brain becomes dull for want of use , stupid for want of subject , and barren for want of learning ; unless Nature doth play on the Instruments she makes , without the help of Art : which she can do , and doth sometimes ; but so seldom , that it is a wonder .

But although she doth not always make use of Art , she never but doth make use of Time ; for Time is her chief Instrument , with which she works , and produceth all things .

I perceive , said she , that few profit by reading over or repeating of their own Wit ; for it is like the Breath of Water-Divers , who have two Bags , one filled with Air , the other to put in Breath that issues out ; and that Breath that goes out , can never be drawn back for use ; for the life of the Body must be fed with fresh Air , or else it is smuthered out : so the life of Wit must be fed with new Subjects ; or else it becomes idle , or ( panting ) dyes .

The Seventh sort that visited her , were Aged Persons .

They asked her , What made Age so dull ?

She said , That most commonly Aged Bodies had Melancholy Minds ; their Thoughts , as their Bodies , were always travelling towards death ; unless ( said she ) it be the Irrational sort , who live only to their Appetites , and dye like Beasts : for although old Father Time preches Death to them every minute , they sensually ( or being accustomed to his Doctrine ) regard him not , but follow their Senses as long as they can , until they become as insensible , as before irrational .

Then they asked her , What made Mankind afraid to dye ?

She said , Pain , and Oblivion : but , said she , all Creatures are afraid of the one ; but none but Mankind are afraid of the other .

Then they asked her , What Age endured the most violent Pangs of Death ?

She said , Middle-age , and perfect growth , as being strongest Bodies : for perfect growth , with middle-age , is like a well-built House , throughly seasoned , and strongly setled ; which makes Death take the greater pains to pull it down . But Infacy and Age , said she , are like to Houses newly wrought , or rotten with long time , which the least puff of Wind lays level with the ground .

Then they asked her , What course of life was best for Age to live ?

She said , Piously , temperately , soberly , easily , peaceably , pleasantly , and sagely : to be Pious in serving the Gods duly ; and to be Compassionate and Charitable : for the Aged many times seem as if they were tired in the Service of the Gods , making their Age a lazy excuse for their omissions . And Age having the Experience of the changes of Fortune , the accidents of Chance , the Miseries and Cruelties in Nature , and the Havocks and Spoils Death makes , grow hard-hearted : for , as Time hardens a tender Plant with the growth ; so Custom hardens a tender Heart with frequency . As also , having observed the false Natures , the malicious Dispositions , the subtil Designs , the Self-ends , the cruel Actions in the generality of Mankind , they are apt to censure , mistrust , and condemn all ; which makes their Charity cold , and Assistance slow .

They should be Bountiful ; for Age seeing the many Miseries that Poverty brings , and the Power that Riches hath , become oft-times so covetous , and so sparing , that they become miserable , making their Stores their Prisons , their Gold their Shackles , lashing themselves with the Rods of Scarcity and Inconveniency ; and though their Blood streams not through a porous skin , yet are their Veins shrunk up , and dry within ; they feed on Thoughts , as Lovers do ; and their Gold is their Mistress , admiring it as the fairest of Nature's Works , worship it as a Deity , believe all happiness lives therein , and good is produced thereby . But those that have a generous Soul by Nature , and have been accustomed to relieve by Practice , encrease in Humanity , Compassion , Charity , and Liberality , as in years : also , their Love and Piety is fuller of Fervencies ; and though the Lamp of their Life is blinking , yet the Flames of their Zeal are more clear ; for as their Oil of Life wasts , their Oil of Devotions encreases continually , pouring in Glory , Praises , and Thanksgiving .

Likewise , said she , Age should live soberly and temperately : As for Temperance , said she , Age is a Distemper in it self ; and therefore they should have a greater care in ordering themselves ; but some are so far from patching the Ruins of Time , or propping , or upholding a sagging , sinking Life , that they make the rents greater , and pull down the Building sooner than Nature intended , disturbing their bodily rest , and peaceable mind , by their unseasonable Hours , and unnecessary Cares ; as also , by their unwholsome Diets , and disordered Appetites , which weakens Nature , and disturbs Health , more than otherwise they would be . But those that are prudently wise , survey themselves , and industriously maintain Life in as good Repairations as they can , placing shelters before it , or laying covers upon it , to defend and keep it from boisterous Storms , and nipping Colds .

Likewise , they repair it with nourishing Food , comfortable Cordials , and quiet Rest ; which makes them appear like a famous Monument , or an ancient Palace , whose stately Structure cannot be buried in the Ruins .

They should also live soberly , gravely , and reservedly : for an aged Body , with a vain Mind , fantastical Humours , extravagant Actions , apish Behaviours , and idle Discourses , suit not well together ; they appear both uncomely , undecently , and unnaturally . for , Can there be any thing vainer , than for Age to rant and swagger , brag and boast , or to be vain-glorious ? or , Can there be any thing more phantastical , than for Age to be inconstant and various , pining and spightful , gossipping and thwarting , amorous and wanton ? And can there be more phantasticalness , than for Age to be fooling and toying , sporting and playing , dancing and singing , flanting and revelling , posting and travelling , searching and seeking , sharking and fawning , crouching and creeping ? Or , Can there be more apishness , than to see Age full of imitation , as to affect a dancing , jetting , strutting , stragling gait ; a pruning , jointing , wreathing , rowling posture ; a simpring , fleering , jeering , mopping , mewing Countenance ; or leering , fleering , winking , gloting Eyes ?

And what can be idler , than to hear Age talk lasciviously , buffoonly , impertinently , falsly , amorously , vain-gloriously , maliciously , factiously , and wickedly ? But sober Age hath a setled Mind , quiet Thoughts , well governed Passions , temperate Appetites , noble Resolutions , honest Designs , prudent Actions , rational Discourses , and Majestical Behaviours .

For an easie life , said she , Age should shun all troublesome Offices , painful Employments , tedious Travellings , long Speeches , impertinent Talkers , hard Couches , uneasie Garments , sharp Colds , burning Heats ; also Surfeits , or unpleasant or loathsome Meats or Drinks ; for it were better to dye , than live in pain ; and the infirmities of Age is pain enough , without any addition to encrease them .

Likewise , Age should strive to live a peaceable life , as neither to hear Quarrels , or make Quarrels , or be a Party in Quarrels , or quarrelsome business ; should abate all turbulent Passions , restless Cares , endless Desires , vexing Thoughts .

It should also avoid all Clamours or mournful Noises ; cruel , dreadful , or pitiful Objects : they should forgive Injuries freely , suffer Injuries patiently , submit to Power willingly , or at least readily : for Life is a torment when Peace is banished ; and to have an unquiet Life , a troubled Mind , joined with a weak Body , would be as bad as Hell's torments .

The last is , To have a pleasant Life : for Age being apt to be melancholy , it ought to please it self , to divert its saddest Thoughts , and raise its drooping Spirits . Besides , Age hath most reason to please it self , having by nature the shortest while to live ; and they are most unwise , that make not the best use , or take not the most profit of Time .

But some may say , That Age cannot take pleasure , by reason that Pleasure lives in the Senses ; and the Senses , which are the Strings , Organs , or Pipes of Pleasure , are broke , or out of tune ; and the Mind , they will say , is subject to ruinous Time , as much as the Body and Senses : for Knowledg , which is the Foundation thereof ; and Understanding , the Building thereon ; and Memory , the Doors thereto ; and Remembrance , the Windows therein , is apt to decay ; which forceth the Inhabitant , which is Delight , to forsake its Mansion : But I speak not to those that are so old , or so infirm , as to be past thinking , as it were ; for those are but breathing-Carcasses , not living-Men : but I speak to such , whose Knowledg is more , and Understanding clearet , by Time's Experience : for , though the Body hath a fixt time to arrive to a perfect growth and perfection , yet the Mind hath not ; for the Mind can never know nor understand so much , that it might not know and understand more ; neither hath Time such a Tyrannical Power over the Mind , as over the Body .

Wherefore , said she , the Mind may have delight when the Body is past Pleasures ; and the Thoughts , which are the Children of the Mind , may have more various Pastimes and Recreations to delight them , than the Senses can have Varieties of Substance to work Pleasures out of ; for they can create Delight in themselves , which the Senses cannot ; for they become dull , and grow as dead , when they have nothing to work on .

When the Thoughts are like Spiders , or Silk-worms , that can spin out of their own Bowels , which is the Mind ; for the Mind is the Bowels or Womb of Thoughts : and though some think the Mind would be like an empty House , if it were not furnished by the Senses , and outward Objects ; yet some Minds are so largely , curiously , and sumptuously built by Nature , and with such excellent , rich , and strong Materials , that they need not the Senses .

The several Objects that the Senses bring in , do but incumber it , and lumber it , hiding the curious Architecture , and shadowing the light thereof ; but howsoever , to please or delight the Mind by the Senses , Age must hear sweet charming Musick , view delightful Objects , smell comfortable Scents , taste savoury Meats , drink delicious Drinks , be lapt in soft Silks , or warm Furr .

Likewise , they must converse with and pleasant Company , and so recreate themselves in what they most delight : for Wise and Noble Age cannot delight in any thing but what is Honourable , Allowable , and Commendable ; and whosoever lives temperately , prudently , soberly , easily , peaceably , and pleasantly , lives sagely ; but , said she , Wise Age Majestick seems , like Gods above ; Their Countenance is Mercy join'd with Love : Their Silver Hairs are like to glorious Rays ; Their Eyes , like Monarch's Scepter , Power sways . Their Life is Justice Seat , where Judgment 's set ; Their Tongue is the sharp Sword , which Truth doth whet . Their grave Behaviour the Balance , which poise The Scales of Thoughts and Actions , without noise : Merit 's the Grains , which makes them even weight ; Honesty the steddy hand that holds them streight .

The Eighteenth sort were Soldiers .

And they asked , What sort of Men were fit to be Generals ?

She said , Those that could command themselves , were wise enough to command others .

Then they asked her , What sort of Men were best for other Commanders and Military Officers ?

She said , Those that had learnt to obey ; for from their Obedience they could well Command .

Then they asked her , Of what age Men should be chosen for Soldiers ?

She said , That Men of Twenty were desperate , and Men of Thirty were couragious , and from Thirty they were valiant : for Courage ( said she ) is not so furious as Desperateness ; nor Valour so rash as Courage : and Beasts ( said she ) are furious and couragious ; but none but Men are Valiant : but ( said she ) of necessity there must be Men of all ages , that are able to bear arms ; or else there will not be Men enough to make up a Number : for , though ( said she ) Fury is soon spent by violent Force , and Courage is weaker by rash Follies ; yet if none should be chosen but those that are rightly Valiant , there would not be a Troop where there should be an Army : for true Valour ( said she ) is such an equal temper and mixture of Capacities , Qualities , and Virtues compounded , as Justice , Prudence , Temperance , Patience , Judgment , Understanding , Resolution , Audacity , Circumspection , and the like , to make Valour , that there are few Valiant Men to be found ; whenas of Men of Courage , whole Armies are full : for , Courage is only a Passion , without any mixture of Fear ; or rather , it is an Appetite to Adventures .

Then they asked her , What Assaulting-arms were best ?

She said , The Sword : for , said she , Cannons , Muskets , Carbines , Pistols , or the like , are fitter to fight with Walls , than Men : Besides , said she , there is no assaulting-arms that stands at a distance , but seem cowardly , as Bows , Slings , Pistols , Guns , and the like ; which make Men seem as if they were afraid to meet and encounter Body to Body , when a Sword , or the like Weapon , seems ( as it is ) Heroick and Manly .

Then they asked her , Whether an Army were better to intrench , or lye in Garrison Towns ?

She said , To intrench : for , said she , the Soldiers will be careful to defend their Walls of Mudd , which are Trenches ; but when they lye in Garrisons , they become negligent , as thinking the Walls of Stone Should defend them .

Then they asked her , How they should begin the Onset of a Battel ?

She said , Closely , Coldly , and Temperately , lest their force should waste in their fury , and disorders should grow by the violence thereof .

Then they asked her , How they should behave themselves in a Victory ? She said , Humbly and Mercifully .

Then they asked her , How they should behave themselves when they lost ?

She said , Patiently and Cheerfully ; to shew their Spirits were not dejected with their ill fortune .

The last sort that visited her , were Historians .

They asked her , Whether it were worth the taking pains , to write an History ?

She said , There was no pains worth the taking , but for the cause of Truth , for Right sake , and for the advancement of Good .

As for an History , said she , it cannot be exactly true , because there are so many several Intentions interwoven with several Accidents ; and several Actions divided into so many several Parties and several Places ; and so many several Reporters of several Opinions , Partialities , Understandings , Judgments , and Memorials , which give such various relations of one and the same Action , that an Historian ( being but one Man ) cannot possibly know the truth ; which makes them write so falsly , whereby Right is injured and degraded of that Honour which is due unto its Merit ; or else that Honour is given where there is not Merits to deserve it . Neither doth History add Good to an Human Life , or Peace to a Disordered State , or Zeal to a Pious Soul : for it instructs the present Life with the Vices , Follies , and Ambitions , Rapines , Cruelties , Craft , Subtilties , and Factions , of former Ages ; which makes the present Age more bold to do the like , and desirous to follow their fore-fathers steps ; which rather inflames the Distempers , than gives Peace to a Commonwealth ; indeed it distempers a peaceable Commonwealth , and oft-times brings it to ruin , over-heating the Youth , and hardning the Aged : neither doth it add Zeal ; for reading in History the several Religions , and many Gods , that Wise Men held and prayed to , in every Age , weakens their Faith with doubt of the right , not knowing what to chuse .

Also Historians are , for the most part , Detractors ; for they oftner blurr Men's Reputations , than glorifie them ; and the World is apt to believe the worst part : for , one Pen may blurr a Reputation , but one Pen will hardly glorifie a Reputation ; for Glory requireth many Pens , many Witnesses , or else the World will not believe it ; when one Accusing-Pen shall serve to condem the most Noble Persons , and Heroick Actions ; so unjust the World is .

They are also contrary one to another , writing according to their Opinions , Judgment , and Belief , not often to the Truth ; for some praise those Men and Actions that others dispraise ; causing doubts to the Readers , who know not which to believe : besides , they are so partial to Sides and Factions , that to the adverse Party they note things to their disadvantage ; or aggravate their Errors or Imperfections , and leave out some things that are of high worth , and worthy the remembrance ; or else lessen them in their Relations . But to those they adhere to , they do the contrary ; they either obscure or excuse their Errors , Imperfections , and Crimes ; and illustrate , with false lights , their dim Virtues ; or give them such Praises they never deserved .

Wherefore , no History should be esteemed , but what was written by the Authors themselves ; as , such as write the History of their own Lives , Actions , and Fortunes , and the several Accidents that befell in their time , and to their knowledg : yet , ( said she ) I wish I might out-live the Historians of these times , that I might write a History of the Historians , there to describe their Birth and Breeding , their Life , their Actions , their Fortunes , their Interest ; and let the World judg , whether they writ Truth , and without Partiality .

But to draw towards an end of my Tale : All sorts of People resorting to hear her speak , she became so famous , as that a great Monarch ( whose Kingdom was neighbouring to the Countrey she was born , bred , and lived in ) had a great curiosity to see and hear her ; for the fame of her Beauty was equal to the fame of her Wit ; and putting himself into a disguise , left his Kingdom and Wife , to visit this Lady ; whom when he saw , and had heard speak , her Wit , Beauty , and graceful Behaviour did so ravish him , that he became a deseperate Lover : Whereupon he secretly revealed himself unto her , perswading ( all he could ) to leave that inclosed life , proffering her to be divorced from his Wife , and to marry her : But she refused his Offers , despised his Love , forbid his Suit , and absented her Person ; which caused him to return in a rage and fury , sending Ambassadors to proclaim Warrs , unless the State would deliver the Lady into his Power . But they absolutely denied to deliver her , thinking it both a wicked and dishonourable disgrace to their Countrey , although they perceived an utter ruin was like to fall upon them , by reason the Kingdom was in a weak condition , caused by former Warrs . But it came no sooner to her hearing , but she desired to meet the Ambassadors in a publike audience , which they granted ; where multitudes of People came thronging to see her ; and when they were met , she thus spake :

I come not here to make Eloquent Orations to divulge my Wit , or to present my Beauty to the view of many Eyes : for , though I may thank Nature for her bounteous Gifts ,

Yet I have not that Vanity or Pride , For to allure or draw from Virtue 's side .

But I come to answer these Threatning-Ambassadors ; for I cannot call them Noble , or Honourable , since they come upon a base Design , and to an unjust End : But let me tell them , That the Gods would hate me , should I break my holy Vow . Next , I should grieve my Father's sleeping-Ashes , should I disobey his dyingcommand . Thirdly , I should be a dishonour to my Birth and Sex , should I live incontinently . Lastly , I should curse my Birth , hate my Life , blast my Fame , should I be the cause of my Countrey 's Ruin ; and my Countrey had cause to do the same , should it beruined for me : But since it will prove a Mischief , Sin , and Shame , to live ; Honour , Prudence , Love , and Justice , bids me dye : Wherefore I have sacrificed my Life for my Countrey 's Peace and Safety ; my unspotted Chastity , holy Vows , and dutiful Obedience , and to quench the raging Lust of a wicked Tyrant .

And growing very sick , she became so weak , that she could stand no longer ; but gently sinking to the ground , she fell : whereupon all that could get near , run unto her to help her : but she told them it was in vain ; for Poyson ( saith she ) hath been the Engine that hath broken open the Gate of Life , to let Death in ; and so immediately dyed . Which the People no sooner understood , but made such outcries , lamentations , and mournings , as if there had been an utter desolation of the whole World . Then after some time of Preparations , they buried her with great solemnity , and intombed her costly ; the State setting up her Statue of Brass , for her Courage and Love to her Countrey : the Church Deified her a Saint , for her Virtue and Piety ; and the Clergy raised Altars , where all the Kingdom twice a year did offer unto her solemn Sacrifices : and the Poets built several Pyramides of Praise of her Beauty , Wit , Virtue , and sweet Graces ; which Pyramides reach'd to Fame's highest Tower : and the Historians writ her Life and Death in Golden Letters , and recorded them in Fame's Brazen Tower , that all the World might know and follow the Example of her Heroick Spirit , Generous Soul , Chast Body , Pious Life , and Voluntary Death .

HEAVEN's Library , which is FAME's Palace , purged from Errors and Vices .

JOVE , and some of the other Gods , being set in Council , Pallas being one , rose up , and bowing to Jove , thus spake :

Great Jove , said she , I ought in duty and love to inform you , not only of the Vices and Errors , which are numerous in the World , and in time may bring it to confusion ; but of those Errors and Vices which are crept into your great Library ( Fame's Palace ) , and if order be not taken to destroy them , they will devour all your best and noblest Records .

Jove answers , That Vices were as Serpents , and Errors as Worms , bred in the Bowels of Nature , of which she could never be cured , for the Gods had no Medicine strong enough to purge them out ; and by reason they were from all Eternity , they could not be destroyed : for , if any thing could be destroyed that is from all Eternity , then we our selves might be destroy'd : but , said Jove , we can cast them out of our own Mansions , though we cannot cast them out of Nature's Bowels ; also , we can hinder them from coming in : wherefore Fame is to be reproved for suffering the Library to be so foul , and full of filthy Vermin .

Whereupon Mercury was sent to call Fame to appear before Jove and his Council ; so when Fame came , Jove told her , That Gods and Goddesses ought to be just and upright , and to have their Palaces pure , and full of Truth ; which ( said he ) you nor your Palace hath not been ; for you are Partial , and your Court full of Faction , and my Library ( your Palace ) foul , and full of Wormy Errors ; which if it had been kept pure and clean , they would never have entred ; or if they had entred , you might have caused them to have been swept out by Old Father TIME .

Fame answered , That it was not her fault ; for Mars , Venus , and Fortune , had sent them in ; and it is not for me to oppose so great a God as Mars , or so great a Goddess as Venus ; or to sit as Judg , to determine what was best to be flung out , or what to be placed therein ; for none is fit to judg those Causes , but you ( great Jove ) and your Council .

Jove approving what Fame said , told his Council , That after they had taken some repast , they would sit in Council again , and their only Business should be , to purge and cleanse their Library . So after they had feasted with Ambrosia and Nectar , they returned to Council ; where they did first decree :

That all those Records that were to be cast forth , should be heapt up together , and then they would decree how to dispose of them . After that , they did decree , That all those Records that were of Usurpers and Invaders , should be cast forth .

Next , All Fabulous and Profitless Records .

Thirdly , All Wanton and Amorous Records .

Fourthly , All Records of Useless Laws , and Inhuman Sacrifices .

Fifthly , All Records of tedious Speeches , or vain or factious Oratory .

Sixthly , All obstructive Controversie , as being destructive to Truth , should be cast out : Also , tedious Disputes and Sophistry .

But Mars , Cupid , and Mercury , opposed it as much as they could , saying ,

That if all these Records should be cast forth , the famous Library would be very empty .

Jove said , It was an Infamous Library 〈◊〉 they were kept therein ; and that no Records ought to be in Fame's Library , but of such Acts as suppress'd Vice , and advanc'd Virtue , and were prositable for the Life of Man ; and those of necessary Inventions ; but chiefly , those that glorified the Gods , and sung their Praises , declaring their Power , Wisdom , Justice , and Love ; whose Authors ought to have their memory recorded to everlasting time . As for the Works of the Poets by Nature , said Jove , the Fates have decreed them several places in the Library ; wherefore it is not in our power to remove them : but those that are like false Coyn , that have only got , by unjust means , the stamp of the true Figure , and not the worth of the Metal ; such as are dross , or basely mixt , not pure and perfect pieces , we shall find out by their trial .

After they had decreed the Generalities , they fate in Council on the Particularities ; as , which were unworthy to be kept , or worthy to be cast out .

First , they began with Moral and Natural Philsophers , Physicians , and Chymists ; where Jove said , All but some few ought to be cast forth ; for , to what purpose should we stuff the Library with the Repetitions and false Commentaries , of which all Modern Records are ( for the most part ) full , being only alter'd in language .

As for the Philosophers , the first shall be Plato , and his Works shall be all kept , but his Commonwealth ; and that shall be put out , by reason it was so strict it could never be put in use , nor come into practise : The rest that were nam'd , were Pythagoras , Epicurus , Socrates , and Aristotle . As for Physicians , only Hippocrates , and Galen ; and Paracelsus for his Medicines ; and Reymund Lully for the Philosoper's-stone : for although their Records be lost in the Rubbish of the Library , yet old Father Time shall be employed to find them out , and other Records that are buried in the dust , which are worthy of perspicuous places . Also Aristotle's Logick and Rhetorick was kept ; and for Gramar , Lilly .

The next they came to consider , were Mathematical Records ; whereof none was to be kept but Archimedes and Euclid . As for the Records of Invention , all that are either necessary , profitable , or pleasant , shall be inrolled : but all such Invention as is hurtful , distrustful , obstructful , vain and useless , shall be cast forth .

Then said one of the Gods , Archimedes must be cast out , for he invented many Engines of Warr.

'T is true , said Jove ; but by reason it was in the defence of the City he lived in , and was a Native thereof , he shall be spared .

The next were Astronomers ; whereof four were kept ; Copernicus , Tichobrache , Ptolomy , and Gallileo . The next sort were Orators and Law-makers : As for Law-makers , there were Moses , Licurgus , and Solon kept : for Orators , only Thucydides and Demosthenes : as for Tully , he was a vain Boasting Fellow , and Seneca a meer Pedant , and a dissembling , pretending Philosopher ; and therefore they shall out . For Politicks , only Achitophel and Machiavel .

Then they came to Heroick Records . Jove said , That all the Records that were of the Actions of those they call the Heroes , ought most of them to be cast out , being violaters of Peace , and destroyers of Righteous Laws , and Divine Ceremony ; Prophaners of our Temples , breaking down our Altars and Images , robbing us of our Treasures , to maintain their ill-gotten Power therein ; or to get that Power they have no right to ; having no Justice but Strength to make their Titles good : Besides , they are the greatest Troublers of Mankind , Robbers , and Thieves , disposing the Right of Ancient Possessions , and defacing the Truth of ancient times .

With that Mars rose up , and bowing to Jove , said , May it please your great God-head , There are Priests of yours that have made it good by Divine Laws , and many Lawyers that justifie it by the Laws of every Kingdom , and by the Laws of Nations ; and will you cast down that which your Priests and Lawyers preach and plead up ?

With that Pallas rose up , and spoke :

Great Jove , said she , Wisdom knows , that Force makes the Gown stoop ; and Mercury knows , that Orators Tongues are as often brib'd for Fear , as Reward ; and those two Professions plead always for the stronger side , and falsifies your Text for Interest , and turns Right to Wrong , and makes the Text and Laws a Nose of Wax , which will take any Print ; or else , How should various disputes arise in that we hold Sacred , as divinity ; and every Cause disputed pro and con , in all Courts , by opposite Counsels ? Wherefore ( All-seeing Jove ) your Power will rectifie it , and it will be Justice to throw them out . Wherefore , let all the Records of all those of the Heroick Acts and Heroes both of Greeks and Romans , that were Invaders or Usurpers , with their Heroes ( as Alexander , Hannibal , Scipio , Caesar ) , and all the rest ; and all other Records and Heroes , of what Nation soever , which is of that in jurious , turbulent , ambitious , and vain-glorious Nature , whereof there be Thousands , which ought to be cast into Hell's Dungeon , the place of Infamy , there let their Actions be recorded ; and not usurp Heaven's great and glorious Library , as they did Earth's .

Then ( said Mars ) you must cast all the Heroick Actions and Worthies , in Homer's Works , into that Dungeon .

That must not be , said Jove : for Homer was Heaven's Chronologer ; and the Records of the Gods of Heaven must not be cast into Hell . Besides , there was a just pretence for that Warr ; for the Grecians had received a palpable Injury , and the Trojans did but defend themselves ; and though the Injury done , and the Wrong received , were but by Two single Men ; and the Quarrel but for a leight inconstant Woman ; yet it was a Riot : and the more faulty , and less pardonable , because it was a Riot of our Deputies on Earth . for Kings are the Gods Deputies and Vicegerents , and therefore Sacred , and ought not to be injured ; but when they are , their Injuries are to be severely punished ; and Heaven forbid we should be so unjust , as to cast out all Heroick Actions , and Warring Heroes ; no , we cast out only those that make warr unjustly , vain-gloriously , or covetously .

Then Mars ask'd , If Tamberlain should be cast out ?

Jove said , Yes ; for he had no right to the Turks Empire .

Then he ask'd , If Scanderbeg should be thrown out ?

Jove said , No : for it is lawful for any to get their own , and to maintain their Right by what force soever : and that Scanderbeg had reason to fight for , and to maintain by force his own Inheritance .

Then he asked , If the Records of the Jews Heroes , and their Heroick Actions in the Land of Canaan , should be cast out ?

Jove said , No : for that Land was given them by the Gods .

Then they came to Romances ; where Jove said , All Romances should be cast out , but Don Quixot , by reason he hath wittily abused all other Romances ; wherefore he shall be kept , and also have his Books writ in Golden Letters .

Then Cupid spoke in their behalf , and entreated Jove , that they might not be cast out : for , said Cupid , Romances work as great effects upon the hearts of Mortals , as my Arrows ( tipt with Gold ) do : besides , they are my Mother Venus Looking-glasses .

Jove said , They did corrupt Mortals thoughts , and made them neglect their Divine Worship , causing them to spend their time vainly , idly , and sinfully .

Then Cupid desired Jove to spare Amadis de Gaul .

But Jove said , That should be the first that should be cast out , by reason it was the original of all the rest .

Likewise , said Jove , all Fables shall be cast out , but Esop's Fables , which profit Mankind by his Morals . Also , Lucian and Rabelais shall be kept , both for their huge Wit and Judgment , rectifying Scholars Understandings ; and though some that are spiteful at their Wit , call them Scoffers , yet they are not so , but Teachers of Truth in a pleasant stile ; and those that say they are Prophane , judg presumptuously and maliciously of them . At this Sentence Mercury joyed .

At last they came to judg of Poets ; where Homer , Pindar , and Anacreus , were preferr'd as the three first .

Then one of the Gods , named Virgil as the fourth .

Jove said , It was a question whether Virgil was a true Poet by Nature , or no , by reason he was rather an Imitator of Homer , than of Nature ; and his praise was more for his Language , than either for Fancy or Natural Description : Wherefore , said Jove , he might be questioned for a true-born Poet ; and since it may be doubted he is of a Bastard-kind , I will prefer Horace before him , who certainly is a true-begotten Poetical Son of Nature .

Another of the Gods said , I should judg Ovid to be plac'd before either of them both , for the sweetness of his Verse , and fineness of his Fancy ; the curious intermixing , and the subtil interweaving of his several Discourses , Theams , Arguments , or his Transitions .

Jove said , For his part he was no Friend to Ovid for divulging his several Amours ; and if it were in my power ( said Jove ) to alter the Decrees of Fate , I would cast him forth ; but by reason he is a right Poet by Nature , I cannot ; but yet I can place him in Heaven's Library as I will ; and therefore he shall not be before either Horace or Virgil , but he shall stand in the sixth place ; and in the seventh place shall stand Martial .

Cupid said , Your God-head hath forgot Tibullus and his Son .

No , said Jove ; they ought to be put out , because their Verses were wanton .

Cupid said , Your God-head cannot put them out , because they are Poets by Nature .

Then let them ( said Jove ) be placed in some out-corner of the Library . At which Sentence Cupid srown'd , knowing his Mother Venus would grieve to have them dis-respected . After them were placed the Comedians , Terence and Plautus ; and the Tragedian , Seneca . And having given their Judgments of all the Ancient Poets , which were more than could be numbred in this place ; they tried the Moderns , whereof they could not find one true Poet by Nature , amongst Five hundred : for though there is an infinite company of them , yet hardly one true one amongst them all ; for most of the Moderns have been like a company of Ravens , that live upon dead Carkasses , so they upon old Authors ; and some have been like Maggots , that have been bred in their dead Flesh , which is the living Works of dead Authors ; and some like Hornets , and some like Bees : but very few rightly begotten from Nature ; indeed so few , as I am loath to set them down : so most of the Moderns were cast out . Then after they had divided the Records , what to be put out , and what to be kept in , there rose a great dispute amongst the Gods , How those that were cast out should be disposed of ? At last Jove decided the case : Those that were wicked , mischievous , and base , should be put into Hell ; and those that were idle , vain , useless , and foolish , should be drown'd in the River of Styx ; but they were forc'd to make new Boats to waft some to Hell , and to drown others in the River ; for there was such an infinite company , that Charon had not leisure , neither could one Boat serve their turn . But then there rose another dispute about those that go to Hell ; for , said some of the Gods , the Records must not be in Paper , nor Parchment , nor in Metal , nor Stone , by reason there is a continual and eternal Fire in Hell , which will burn the one , and melt and moulder away the other . Whereupon Jove ordered , That those that were to go into Hell , should be recorded in Salamander-stone , on which the Fire hath no force ; for the more it is burnt , the more it is purified . After they had decreed this , all the Records of Tyrants , Usurpers , Invaders , Murderers , Thieves , Ravishers , Extortioners , Detractors , Licentious Mutiniers , Factious , Prophane , and Rebellious Records , with Evil Inventions , were cast into Hell , a Room being provided as a Library , and one of the Furies with a fiery Trumpet to sound out their reproach : And all those Records that were Vain , Useless , Idle , Amorous , and Wanton ; with all those that were full of Sophistry , Tedious , Obscure , Pedantical ; and those that were only Repetitions and false Commentaries ; also , those of useless Inventions , and that were meer Rhymers , were cast into the River of Styx , and so drown'd in Oblivion .

FINIS .