Virtus rediviva a panegyrick on our late King Charles the I. &c. of ever blessed memory. Attended, with severall other pieces from the same pen. Viz. [brace] I. A theatre of wits: being a collection of apothegms. II. Fœnestra in pectore: or a century of familiar letters. III. Loves labyrinth: a tragi-comedy. IV. Fragmenta poetica: or poeticall diversions. Concluding, with a panegyrick on his sacred Majesties most happy return. / By T.F.

Virtus Rediviva A Panegyrick On our late King CHARLES the I. &c. of ever blessed Memory . ATTENDED , With severall other Pieces from the same PEN . Viz. I. A Theatre of Wits : Being a Collection of APOTHEGMS . II. Foenestra in Pectore : or a Century of Familiar LETTERS . III. Loves Labyrinth : A Tragi-comedy . IV. Fragmenta Poetica : Or Poeticall Diversions . Concluding , with A PANEGYRICK on His Sacred Majesties most happy Return . By T. F.

Varietas delectat .

Printed by R. & W. Leybourn , for William Grantham , at the Sign of the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard neer the little North door ; and Thomas Basset , in St. Dunstans Church-yard in Fleet-street . 1660.

VIRTVS REDIVIVA : OR , A PANEGYRICK On the late K. Charls the I. Second Monarch OF GREAT BRITAIN . By THO. FORDE .

Honoris , Amoris , Doloris ergo .

Propositum est mihi Principem Laudare non Principis facta , nam laudabilia multa etiam mali faciunt .

Plin. Panegyric ▪ in Trajan .

Emblems of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

LONDON , Printed by R. and W. Leybourn , for William Grantham at the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard , neer the little North Door . 1660.

The Preface .

XEnophon charactered his Cyrus , not as he was but as he ought to have been : making him rather the subject of a brave Romance , than a true History .

But such is the advantage of our Charls his Virtue , that when I have said all I can say , it will be infinitely beneath what I should say , I shall doe truth no injury to confesse the weaknesse of Art to represent a person so admirable , without diminishing his glories , whose Fame surmounts the most daring Hyperbolies of Rhetorick ; and to praise faintly ( in Seneca's opinion ) is a piece of slander .

I must be forced to imitate the Cosmographers , who describe a large Kingdome by a little point , and confine the whole world in a small circle : whereto when I have done all , I must subscribe this Motto , Intelligitur , plus quam pingitur .

Alexander the Great gave straight commands , that no Painter should dare to make his Picture , but Apelles : I know no Pensill fit to draw great Charls , his Picture , but his own , Ipse , ipse quem loquar , loquatur . And well it is he hath done it in his divine Portrayture , that Aureum flumen orationis : a piece wherein Learning and Language , Reason and Religion , speak him at once a Solomon for knowledge , and a David for piety and devotion .

Timanthes that rare and ingenious Artist ( as Pliny tells the Story ) divising in a little Table to represent a Cy●lop●s sleeping , because he would seem in that little Compasse to shew his Gyant-like bignesse , he painted little Satyres hard by , taking measure of one of his thumbs with long perches . Our insufficiency to represent his sacred Majesty to the full , may perhaps be none of the least Arguments to evince the greatnesse of his merit , who ( as Pindar said Elegantly of Heiro ) cropt the tops and summities of all virtues , which dispersed among all others , met in Him , as in their proper Center .

The Coloss at Rhodes , one of the wonders of the World , was no lesse admired being beaten down , than when it stood , when as they saw that with one of the fingers they might make many great Statues : Nor can Great Charls his Fall , lessen our Admiration of Him , when it shall be considered that from His incomparable Actions may be drawn perfect Images , and assured Examples of the greatest and most noble Virtues .

It is the priviledge of Virtue to give a new Life after Death .

Chi Semina virtu , racoglie fame , e vera Fama supera la morte ,

Sayes the Italian Proverb ; He that sows virtuous Deeds , reaps Renown , and true Fame out-lives death .

How many have we read of who have been buried with ignominy and obscurity ; yet in a short time , the Sun of their virtue hath risen out of the dark grave of prejudice and slander , and shined with more luster than before ! Benedet●o Alberti was banished by the Florentines , and yet after his death , they confessed their errour , and fetcht home his bones , burying him with solemn pomp and honour , whom being alive they had persecuted with slanders and reproaches .

It is said of our English Edward the 2d , that they who despised him being alive , so much honored him being dead , that they could have found in their hearts to make him a Saint .

The grave which buries a man should also bury all his enemies , it being unnaturall to hate the dead ▪ whom we cannot hurt , for the utmost that malice can doe is to kill ; and therefore it is noted a prodigious and unexampled hatred between the two brothers of Thebes , E●ocles and Polinices , as Statius tells us ,

Nec furiis post fa●a modus , flammaeque rebelles Seditione rogi , &c. Their furies were not bounded by their fate , One's Funeral flame the others flame did hate .

Solon made a Law that none should speak evill of the dead , and his reason was , for fear of immortal enemies .

Livor post fata quiescit . Envy sleeps after death ; says the Poet , as confidently as if it were not to be questioned . Onely our Charls hath found it false , and the men of our Age alone have made an exception to this generall rule of charity . There have been found those who have persecuted his Ghost , and committed Treason against his Memory ; like those chief Priests in the Gospel , who consulted to put Lazarus to death , after his resurrection . But his Virtue hath survived their malice , and he Lives in spight of Fate or envy .

Haec est CAROLI gloria , ut nullius laudibus crescat , nullius vituperatione minuatur ; as Macrobius sayes of Virgil. This is CHARLS his Glory , that as the prayses of his friends can adde nothing to him , so the slanders of his enemies can detract nothing from Him . His Virtue needethnot our Encomiums , His Memory contemneth their scandals , and his Merits Surpasse all Discourses .

Vivit post funera Virtus .

VIRTVS REDIVIVA : OR , A PANEGYRICK On the late K. CharlstheI . Second Monarch of Great BRITAIN .

TO praise the living , although never so deserving , is not seldome suspected of flattery , and design : Therefore say the wise Italians , La lode nascer deve quando è morto chi s● h● da lodar ; Praises ought not to be born , till the party praised be dead : when both envy in the Reader , and flattery in the Writer are useless : when the Writers Pen is neither brib'd by favours to a mercenary , and sordid ▪ adulation ▪ nor frighted by the frownes of greatnesse into a Paral●●ick and shaking cowardice .

I have undertaken a Subject which will 〈◊〉 me from the guilt of fawning flattery , as being so far above all praises that I fear not to be guilty of saying too mu●h , but too little in his commendation . The richest colours of Rhetorick are too dark to represent a life so transparent , so full of worth , so full of wonder . The brightest language will prove but a dark shadow , to that shining merit ▪ which exceeds all apprehension , much less expression ; well it is if it do not spoil , what I confess I am not able to adorn . Materies tamen ipsa juvat . Charls the First , whom but to name is to cast a cloud upon all former Ages , and to benight Posterity ; In taking of whose Picture , I shall not need to doe as that Painter did , who drew Antigonus ▪ imagine luscâ , hal● faced , that so he might hide his want of an eye from the view of the beholder . There is nothing in Charls , but what is lovely ▪ and admirable ▪ no deformity , or imperfection . I shall rather choose to imitate the famous Apelles ; who to express his art to the full in the picture of Venus rising naked out of the Sea , assembled together all the most beautifull women of the Island of Coos ( his native place ) uniting in that piece all their divided perfections . There is nothing eminent , or excellent in all the deservedly admired antients , that is not only met , but out-done in Charls . It is affirmed by the learned Raleigh , that if all the pictures and patterns of a merciless Prince were lost in the world , they might all again be painted to the life out of the Story of Hen. 8. But I shall with as much truth ▪ and perhaps more Charity , maintain , that if all the Pictures , and Patterns of a mercifull Prince , of a couragious and constant King , of a vertuous , and brave Man , were lost ▪ they might be repaired , if not infinitely excell'd in the Story of Charls the First whose life needs no Advocate , whom detraction it self cannot mention without commendation . I find not any man in all the Records of the antients , or the Writings of the more modern authors , over whom he hath not some advantage ; nor any ones life , taken altogether , so admirable as His : nor any thing admirable in any , that was not in Him : Qu● simul omnia uno isto nomine continentur . In Him alone are to be found all the vertuous qualities of the best Princes in the world , without the vices of any of them : for he only hath made it appear , that great vertues may be without the attendance of great vices .

It was said of our Hen. the 5th . that he had something in him of C●sar , which Alexander the Great had not , that he would not be drunk , and something of Alexander the Great , which Caesar had not , that he would not be flattered . But Charls had the vertues of all ; without the vices of any , tam extra vici● , quam cum summis virtutibus . He as much exceeded all other Kings , as other Kings doe all other men . In a word , he was what ever a good Prince ought to be , and what others should be , yet was this Lilly born in the land of thorns and briers , this Rose sprang up amidst a field of thistles ; I presume the description hath prevented me saying it was Scotland .

A Land that calls in question , and suspence Gods Omni-presence , but that Charls came thence .

In quo ▪ nihil praeter unum Carolum est , quod commendemus . A Nation famous for the birth of Charls , but infamous for their treachery and disloyalty to so brave a Prince . But the happiness of a brave and incomparable Father , did sufficiently recompence for the place of his birth : So that I may say of him what is said of Lewis the 8th of France , father to St. Lewis , that he was Son to an excellent Father , and Father to an excellent Son ; a Son only worthy of such a Father , a Father only worthy of such a Son . A Father so admirable that Sir W. Raleigh hath left it upon Record to all Posterity , that if all the malice of the world were infused into one eye , yet could it not discern in his life , any one of those foul spots , by which the consciences of all forreign Princes ( in effect ) have been defiled ; nor any drop of that innocent bloud on the Sword of his justice , with which the most that fore-went him have stained both their hands and fame . This Encomium of the Father , may justly descend to the Son as Heir apparant to his virtues , as well as his Crowns .

In his Childhood , the weaknesse of his lower parts which made him unapt for exercises and feats of activity , rendred him more retired , and studious , and more intent upon his Book then perhaps he had been otherwise . So great a Student was he in his younger dayes , that his Father would say , he must make him a Bishop : Providence then seeming to design him , rather to the Crosier then the Crown . By his great study he became a great Historian , an excellent Poet , a great lover and Master of Musick , and indeed a generall Scholar . This rare Cien was not grafted upon a wilding or crab-stock , but an innocent and studious youth , was the prologue to a more active and vigorous manhood . For being grown in years , and state , he shook off his former retiredness , and betook himself to all manner of man-like exercises , as vaulting , riding the great Horse , running at the Ring , shooting in Cross-bowes , Muskets , and great Ordinance , in which he became so expert , that he was said to be the best Marks-man , and the most comely Manager of a great Horse , of any one in his three Kingdoms . Nor were these excellencies ill-housed , but his fair Soul was tenant to a lovely and well proportioned body . His stature of a just proportion , his body erect and active , of a delicate constitution , yet so strong withall , as if nature had design'd him to be the strife of Mars , and Venus . His countenance amiable and beautiful , wherein the White Rose of York , and the Red of Lancaster were united : his hair inclining to a brown , till cares and grief changed them into a white , at once the Embleme of his innocence , and his fortune ; clear and shining eyes , a brow proclaiming fidelity , his whole frame of face and favour , a most perfect mixture and composition of Majesty , and Sweetness .

Thus long have we beheld him as a Man : Let us now view him as a Husband , as a Father , as a King ; and we shall find him alike admirable in all relations .

As an Husband ▪ he is a rare Example of love and chastity ; at his first receiving of his Queen , he professed ▪ that he would be no longer Master of himself ▪ then whilst he was a Servant to her ; and so well did he make his words good , that on the day before his death he commanded his Daughter , the excellent Princess Elizabeth , to tell her Mother that his thoughts had never strayed from her , and that his love should be the same to the last . And indeed no man more loved , or less do●●●d upon a wife .

As a father , how tender was he of his children , without a too remiss indulgence ! how carefull of their education in the true Protestant Religion , which he alwayes professed , and learnedly defended , advising the Lady Elizabeth ( and in her the rest ) to read Bishop Andrews Sermons , Hookers Ecclesiaistcall Politie , and Bishop Laud's book against ●isher , to ground them against Popery .

Let us now view him as a King , and we shall see him as the Soul of the Common-wealth , acting vigourously , and regularly every particular member in its several place and office . Behold him in his royall Throne , and thence dispencing his sacred Oracles of Law and Justice , to the admiration of all that had the happiness to see and hear him . Witness Mr. Speaker● Speech to his Majesty on the 5th of Novem. 1640. I see before my eyes with admiration ( sayes that then eloquent Orator , as the mouth of all the Commons of England ) the Majesty of Great Britain , the glory of times , the history of honour , Charls the First , in his forefront placed by descent of antiquity , King , setled by a long succession , and continued unto us by a pious & peaceful government ; concluding with this serious and loyal promise ; And all our Votes shall pass , that your sacred Majesty may Long , Long , Long reign over us . To which , no doubt , all that heard him said , Amen . Such was his pious and paternall care over his people , that the most ●ullen ingratitude could not but acknowledge him the Father of his Country : teaching his people obedience to his Laws , not so much by Proclamation , as Example ; as he was Imperio Maximus , so he was Exemplo Major , as Paterculus sayes of Tyberius : or as it is said of Lycurgus , that famous Law-giver , he never ordained any thing to others , which he did not first exactly observe himself .

So chast was he in his embraces , so pious in his devotions , so just in all his actions , that the Law-maxime of Rex non peccat , was never more true of any King , than of Him . Behold him at the Councill Table , and there we shall find him ( by the testimony of one of his greatest enemies ) principall in all transactions of State , and the wisest about him but Accessaries : for he never acted by any implicit faith in State matters ; He had more learning and dexterity in State affairs , undoubtedly ( sayes that Cook russian ) than all the Kings in Christendom . And herein , if ever , the good words of an enemy are true .

It is reported of our Henry 4th . that he stood more upon his own legs than any of his Predecessors had done , in cases of difficulty ; not refusing , but not needing the advice of others , which might confirm , but not better his own judgement . But this is far greater and truer commendation in Charls , who succeeded so wise a Prince as James the first , the greatest Master of King-craft ( as he used to call it ) that ever swayd the English Scepter .

But as our Charls his wisdome was great , in that he was able to advise , yet was it greater in that he was willing to be advised : being never so wedded to his own opinions but that on good grounds he might be divorced from them ; for though some of his enemies have reported him wilfull , and too tenacious to his own resolves ; one who knew him bettet then all of them ( though perhaps their malice was greater than their ignorance ) affirms , and that without suspition of falshood , that though in his childhood he was noted to be very wilfull , which might proceed from that retiredness , which the imperfection of his Speech , not fitting him for publick discourse , and the weakness of his limbs and joints ( as unfit for action ) made him most delight in ; yet afterwards , as he shaked off his retiredness , so he corrected in himself the peccancy of that humour , which had grown up with it , there being no man to be found ( sayes my Author , and it is verbum Sacerdotis ) of an evener temper , more pliant to good counsel , or less wedded than he was to his own opinion . Indeed as he was long and serious in deliberating , so was he just and true to his resolves , and resolute in the execution of them .

Let us attend him to the Chappell , and there we shall see him , so pious and devout in prayer , so reverend and attentive in hearing , that we may justly conclude his piety to be as a rich Diamond in the Ring of his royall virtues . Constantine alwayes heard Sermons standing , acknowledging thereby what reverence is due to the Word of God , the irreverence that hath since crept into our Churches , may well make us bewail the loss of that laudable Example of our English Constantine , who alwayes bare a great regard to the Church and Church men ; whom he reverenced for their function , and loved for their fi●●l●●y ; so much a friend was he to all Church men , that had any thing in them beseeming that sacred Function , that he hazarded ( as he says himself ) his own interest , chiefly upon conscience & constancy to maintain their rights , whom the more he looked upon as Orphans , & under the sacrilegious eyes of many cruel & rapacious reformers , so he thought it his duty the more to appear as a father , and patron for them and the Church .

He was at once a dutifull Son , and an indulgent father of the Church , esteeming it ( with that good Emperor ) a greater honour to be a member of the Church , than Head of an Empire . Nor was he onely a gracious Patron of the Church , but also a resolute Champion in behalf of the Hierarchy , as well remembring that Prophetick Apothegm of the King his father , No Bishop , no King ; his own experience being too great a Comment upon that truth to be by him neglected , or by us forgotten .

Bassianus the Emperor refusing the name of Pius , would be called Foelix : on the contrary our Charls chose rather to be informiatly Pious , than irreligiously prosperous , well knowing that piety shall not want its reward in a better place . A King so religious , so devout , that if all his subjects had been like the King , we might then indeed have had a Kingdom of Saints .

If we enter his Courts of Judicature , there shall we behold Justice with her sword and ballance , equally dividing , and impartially weighing out the rewards of virtue , and punishments of vice : poverty never excluding the Innocent , nor power absolving the nocent ; and though the Asylum of his mercy was never shut to the meanest supplicant , whom the rigour of the Law had cast , yet was he alwayes inexorable to the supplications of the greatest offender , if found guilty of willfull murther . Agesilaus wrote to a Judge in behalf of his Favourite , Si causa bona , pro justitia , sin mala pro amicitia absolve . But hath not our Charls delivered up the greatest of his favourites to the sentence of the Law ? did his power ever shield the most powerfull offenders from the stroke of justice , though himself were wounded through their sides ? As his justice was blind to all relations , his hands were continually open to receive the Petitions of his meanest subject : not like Demetrius who threw the Petitions of his people into the water ; He was always ready and expectant to receive them , and never better pleased than when he took them from the hands of the poorest Petitioner ; justly meriting the style of James the fifth of Scotland , who was called , The poor mans King .

Worthy was the Speech of that Goth , a King of Italy , who speaking of his Subjects , said , Messis n●stra , cunctorum quies : Our harvest is their rest . Such was the vigilancy of Charls , whose waking eyes secured all his flock from being a prey to any subtle Mercury : No forreign invasion daring to land upon our coasts ; no home-bred broyles frighting the Husbandman from his Plough , or the Tradesman from his Shop : but peace and plenty crowned all their endeavours , they being married in our Kingdome , as nearly as in the French Proverb . Every man sate under his own Vine and Fig-tree , eating the fruit of his own labours . No loading taxes made their trade move slowly , or clogged the wheels of their honest industry . No polings , no plundrings , no spies to catch at every whisper , and make a man an offendour for a word ; but Law was duly administred , Religion mainteined , Learning encouraged , the arts liberally professed and rewarded . Our Merchants traffickt with safety and honour wheresoever the necessity of their employments lead them ; and no corner of the world so barbarous , but the name of an Englishman was welcome and pleasant .

It is reported that Henry the 8th confessed on his death bed , that he had never spared man in his wrath , nor woman in his lust : But of Charles let me ask , whose house did he plunder ? whose wife did he abuse ? whose right did he wrong ? may it not be more truly affirmed of him , what the Historian flatteringly spake of Livia , the wife of Augustus , Ejus potentiam nemo sensit , nisi aut levatione periculi , aut accessione dignitatis ? No man felt his hand ▪ unless in raising the oppressed from the pit of misery , or advancing the deserving to the hill of honour . To such a pitch of felicity were we then arrived , by the virtues and indulgence of a gracious Soveraign , that nothing could render us more happy , but a continuance of our happinesse . Never was Prince more beloved , or better obeyed by loyall Subjects . Nothing but the want of him could render him more glorious , or desired .

But the greatest felicities are shortest lived , and the most glorious summer is followed by the sharpest winter ; the clearest skie is not without its clouds , the longest day must have a night . The sunne of our glory was arrived to the Meridian and Verticall point , it must now decline , labour under a sad and almost total Ecclipse ; and at last set in a cloud of bloud , darkness , and confusion . O nulla longi temporis foelicit as ! But as the sun is no less glorious in it self , when labouring under the darkest Ecclipse , nor leaves his wonted course , for all the clouds and vapours that flie in his face : So neither was our Charls less great and admirable under the most fatall Ecclipses of his glory , nor less constant , and unwearied in all the royall Offices of a King , when the clouds and vapours of calumny and sedition endeavored most to obscure and darken his brightnesse .

As he was a lover of Peace , he was no lesse valiant in War , if we confesse at least valour consists not onely in doing , but also in suffering . As he was moderate in prosperity , so was he couragious and patient in adversity : his virtue , courage and Christian patience having carried him with an unwearied course through both the Hemisph●res of prosperity and adversity , compassing ( as I may say ) the whole globe of both fortunes , and rendring him an unparalleld pattern of such vertues , as were formerly undiscovered to the world , and had still remained as a Terra incognita to all other Princes , had not his admirable example taught them , and all others , that no Cross is too heavy for a Christian resolution , nor any difficulty too hard for vertue to conquer .

On the Sepulcher of Possenius Niger was placed this Epitaph , Here lieth Poss . Niger , an antient Roman , who in merit was equal with the virtuous , but in misfortune exceeded the most unfortunate . We may affix the same with very little alteration to the Statue of Charles the first , second Monarch of Great Britain , That he was equal in merit with the most virtuous , but in misfortunes exceeding the most unfortunate : yet did the brightness of his virtue shine through , and his piety gild and enamel the darkest clouds of his afflictions , baffling all the daring mists of malice and envy , and converting them into well-placed shadows , which rendred his Picture more lively and admirable .

Naturalists write of a precious stone called Caraunias , that it is found onely in a day of thunder , glistering when the Sky is overcast with darkness : such are the virtues of faith , hope , charity , patience , and magnanimity of Charles , which perhaps had never so gloriously appeared , had not the darkness of his fortune brought them to light : and being like winter flowers produced between storms and tempests , and grown up like the noble Palm under the pressures of weights and burthens .

Prolixum est enumerare omnes , cognoscite aliquas , as St ▪ Ambrose said of Judiths virtues ; I shall only cull out some few of those many rich jewells , to adorn his Panegyrick , and leave the rest to be collected by his Historians , and thredded by their more diligent hands upon the string of their more lasting stories .

The eye of mine observation fixeth first upon the orient gem of his Patience in affliction , which made him so ductile and plyant to the will of Heaven , that he willingly exchanged his Crown for the Crosse , and made his Scepter stoop to the Rod of affliction .

In his March after Essex to the West , it hapned that one of the carriages brake in a long narrow Lane , which they were to pass , and gave his Majesty a stop , at a time of an intolerable showre of rain which fell upon him , some of his Courtiers and others which were near about him , offered to hew him out a way through the hedges with their Swords , that he might get shelter in some of the villages adjoyning ; but he resolved not to forsake his Canon upon any occasion : At which when some about him seemed to admire and marvail at the patience which he shewed in that extremity ; his Majesty lifting up his Hat made answer , That as God had given him afflictions to exercise his patience , so he had given him patience to bear his afflictions . A Speech so heavenly and divine ( says my Author ) that it is hardly to be parallel'd by any of the men of God in all the Scripture . We may observe him in his divine Meditations , like the industrious Bee , sucking the Hony of comfort and consolation , out of the bitter flowers of his unequall fortune .

An Ancient said , he that can bear an injury , is worthy an Empire ; But if we consider with how even and equall a temper , with how constant and Christian a fortitude his Majesty bore all the injurious insolencies , and insolent injuries which the tongues and pens of his malitious adversaries continually loaded him withall , we must be forced to confesse , that if merit herein might have won , or justice have been Elector , he had not been King of an inconsiderable Island , but Emperor of the whole world . So far was He from repining at his afflictions , or being angry at the injuries of his ignorant and insolent enemies , that he never esteemed himself more glorious , than when dressed up in the robe o● their scorn and mockery : alwayes fencing himself with that royall Maxime as with a shield , Bona agere , & mala patiregium est . Nor could the injuries and affronts of some , force him to a retaliation , being often angry at , but never pleased with those satyricall invectives against his enemies which a just indignation sometimes forced from the sharper Pens of some of his friends .

As his losses could not make him despond , his victories never made him insolent ; though the one rendred him more humble , the other could not make him proud ; He was rather like Fenugreek , which ( sayes Pliny ) the worse it is handled the better it proves .

It is said of that mother in the Maccabees , who saw her seven children slain before her eyes , and last of all was her self slain ; Octies passus est Martyries , that she suffered Eight times over : and can we think that so indulgent a Father of his people , did not suffer as many several martyrdomes , as his subjects sufferd miseries and destructions .

Non placet vindicta , sed victoria , was the applauded speech of the conquering Caesar ; but we may hear our victorious Charls professe , He never had any victory which was without his sorrow , because it was on his own subjects , who like Absalom , died many of them in their sin : and yet ( sayes he ) ● never sufferd any defeat which made me desp●●r of Gods mercy and defence . And that he might convince the world that he loved not war ▪ nor delighted in the ruine of his subjects , he ever sought for peace , after his greatest victories ; The highest tide of successe ( as he saith himself , who could best tell ) set him not above a Treaty , nor did any successe he had , ever enhance with him the price of peace , though he was like to pay dearer for it than any man .

It is Recorded to the honour of the Roman Scipio Africanus , and will be to the glory of our English Charls , that he had rather save one friend , than kill a thousand enemies . But to such a height were our sins , and the guilty malice of some particular men amounted , that rendred all his Royal endeavours and tenders of Peace unfortunate and fruitlesse ; So true is that observation of the grave Tacitus , Inviso semel principe , seu malè , seu benè facta praemiunt : A Prince once distasted is ever suspected , and his actions misconstrued ; it then appearing plainly , that whatever pretentions palliated the designs of some , yet their intentions terminated in a Nolumus hunc regnare ; nor was it hard to prophecie that such Recusants then would in time appear Ravilliac's : and some there were , who though they could not but admire ●harles , yet they hated the King .

Others there were who too well knew the Maxime of their Countryman Machiavel , that a succession of two or three virtuous Princes worketh strange effects , and therefore feared to be at the cost of the experiment , lest it might have proved to have been at no cheaper ra●e than the ruine of their design , the erecting of their Babèl of confusion , thereby to make way for their Catholick Monarch . But to their wonder and their envy , when all his forces were defeated , and his sword faln out of his hands , Charles alone maintains the Combat , and singly duels ( like another Athanasius ) the whole world , in defence of his Conscience and Religion , which were all the wealth his shipwrackt fortune had left him , and which , ma●gre the malice of his fate , he carried safe to shore .

The victories he then gained will remain as Eternal Trophies of his honour , and undeniable arguments of his vast abilities in matters of Controversie : Let his Conference with the Marquess of Worcester , the papers which passed betwixt his S. Majesty and Mr. Henderson , and those other with the Ministers in the Isle of Wight , testifie how great a Master he was of reason , how well read in the Fathers , the Councils , Ecclesiastical History , and the customs of the Church in all Ages . By all which it will plainly appear that he was as well the scholar , as the Son of K. James , by whom he was so well instructed in the controversies of Religion , that when he was in Spain , D. Maw , and D. Wren , two of his Chaplains being appointed to follow after , came to K. James to know his pleasure and commands : the King advised them not to put themselves upon any unnecessary Disputations , but to be onely on the defensive part , if they should be challenged ; and when it was answered that there could be no reason to engage in such disputations , where there could be no Moderator , the King replied , that Charles should moderate between them and the opposite party . At which , when one of them seemed to smile on the other , the King proceeded , and told them , that Charls should manage a point in Controversie with the best Studied Divine of them all . He was without question Master of an Imperial pen ; His Eagles feathers ( upon all occasions ) devoured his adversaries goose-quils , and infinitely recompenced the impediment of his speech , with the advantage of an inimitable style .

Spartianus reports of Trajan , that after his death he triumphed openly in the City of Rome , In imagine , in a lively Statue , or Representation , invented by Adrian for that purpose . But Charles triumphs more nobly in his Royal Portraicture , drawn by himself , with such curious lines , and lively colours , as no hand but his own could draw . There is he seated more gloriously than ever he was on his Royal Throne , or in his Royal Robes ; there shall he live and reign , and be as immortal as his enemies malice . Never was devotion clad in a more rich , or more modest dress . There doth he make it appear that his soul was free and unconfin'd , though his body were a prisoner , and that he could exercise the office of a Priest , when he was deprived of that of a King . Such was the power of his noble and commanding Soul , even then , that he made his Conquerors his captives , and subdued the hearts of those to love him , who had deprived him of all other weapons .

Such was the Princely carriage of Francis the First , King of France , that he thereby so won upon the hearts of Burbon , and the rest of his enemies , to whom he was a prisoner , that they honoured him with no lesse observancy , than if he had been on the top of his prosperity : and Homer much commends his Ulysses , that when by shipwrack he was cast on shore , he had nothing to commend him but his carriage . Had Homer had Charls for his subject , or Charls Homer for his Historian , what an admirable strife would there have been betwixt the workman and the matter , and yet the matter would have exceeded the workmans art .

Paterculus saith of Tyberius , Quod visus praetul●rit principem , his Countenance proclamed him King : So Majestick was the Countenance , and so winning the carriage of Charls , that his enemies became his converts , and his very Gaolers his Confessors : some of them having ever since exchanged their former Masters and Estates , for a prison , and banishment , to expiate their former injuries to so good a King .

And now we have brought him to the last , and most glorious act of his life , wherein we shall see him out-do himself , as he had done all others in his former actions ; God fitting him with a Couragious and Christian patience , as much above all other men , as his case and condition was transcending all former examples .

Trees that grow on the tops of rocks ( they say ) have stronger roots than other trees , because they are more exposed to the boisterousness of the winds and weather . His Sacred Majesty was now to act a part beyond all president , and God fitted him with a virtue and constancy beyond all parallel .

En horret animus , & pavor membra excutit . — refugit loqui mens ▪ ●gra , tantis at que inhorrescit malis .

My thoughts are distracted , and my pen falls out of my hand with amazement , I must there-therefore draw a veil of silence over , and Comment upon this Tragical Scene with tears instead of words . I will onely adventure to draw the curtain so far , as may let in the Readers eye to discover the King singly maintaining his own Innocence , his Successors Rights , and his peoples Liberty , against a Legion of his adversaries , who were at once his Judges and Accusers . Scipio being one day accused before the Roman people of a capital offence , instead of excusing himself , or flattering the Judges , turning to them , he said , It will well beseem you to ▪ judge of his head by whose means you have authority to judge of all the world . Private persons have many Judges , Kings none but God , said M. Antonius . But our King had to do with people of another principle , who too well knew that politick maxime of Monsieur de Foy , That a man must not trust a reconciled enemy , especially his King , against whom , when he draws his sword , he must throw the scabbard into the river .

It was not enough that he had granted whatever they desired , which his conscience and the safety of his subjects would permit , or that his Royal Concessions went beyond the foremost of their hopes and wishes , or that his reasons were unanswerable , and that they had no greater plea against him , but that of the rapacious wolf to the innocent lamb , Thou hast the better cause , but I have the better teeth . Though Charls was innocent , it was crime enough that he was King , and stood in the place that ambition aimed at .

Semiramis ( as Aelian tells the Story ) was an humble Petitioner to the King of the Assyrians , whose Concubine she was , that she might take upon her the government of A●sia , and command the Kings servants , but for the transitory space of five dayes ; it was granted , she came forth wit●● a Princely robe , and her first words were ( ingrateful wretch ! ) Go take the King , and kill him : and so by one venturous step climbed up to a setled state of Imperial Government . I leave the parallel to the readers thoughts , and go on to observe what is truly observable , that notwithstanding the natural impediment of the Kings Speech , God at this time of his extremity so loosed his tongue , that he delivered his thoughts without the least stammering or haesitation ; enough to have convinced any but a Pilat , and a Jurie of Jewes , that by that miracle God seemed to say to them , in the language of that dumb man , Rex est , ne occide . But it was argument enough to them to cut off that head , that it wore three Ctowns . A thing so strange and unheard of before our times , that though they made a President , they could never find an Example for it in all the Histories of the world . So sacred and inviolable was the Person of the Prince amongst the Romans , that when Nero ( made valiant by his own fear ) ran himself through , Epaphroditus his Secretary , at his request , helping to dispatch him the sooner , for that service was afterwards put to death by Domitian , who thought it not meet to suffer any man to live , who had in any sort lent his hand to the death of a Prince .

The Kings of Peru were so reverenced by their subjects ▪ and so faithfully served , that never any of their subjects were found guilty of Treason . Indeed the people of Nicer a gua in America , had no law for the killer of a King , but it was for the same reason that Solon appointed none for a mans killing of his Father ; both of them conceiting that men were not so unnatural , as to commit such crimes . But such is the miserable condition of Princes , as the Emperor Domitian complained , that they cannot be credited touching a Conspiracy , plainly detected , until they be first slain . More strange and sad it is , that men should commit murther with the sword of Justice , and treason execute justice as a malefactor . Such actions seldome want their reward , and many times receive it from the Actors own hands .

It is the observation of Causabon in his Annotations upon Suetonius , that all they who conspired against Caesar , slew themselves with the same poniards wherewith they had stabbed the Emperor . Such a death ( saith he ) may all have who so wickedly and disloyally enterprize upon the lives of Princes . For a man to attempt upon the life of a forreign or neighbour Prince , may perhaps passe with the guilt of simple murther ; but for a subject to assassinate his own native King , is no less than Paracide in the superlative degree .

At the Solemn Coronation of the Prince , every Peer of the Realm hath his station about the Throne , and with the touch of his hand upon the Royal Crown , declareth the personal duty of that honour which he is called unto , namely , to hold on the Crown on the Head of his Soveraign , to make it the main end of his greatnesse , to endeavour the establishment of his Princes Throne . Justly may those branches ▪ wither ▪ that contrive the ruine of the Stock that feeds them : and well may they prove falling stars , who endeavour the ecclipsing of that Sun from whom they have received their light and lustre .

Rodolphus D. of Suevia , having usurped the Empire of the Romans , in a Conflict with Henry the right Emperor , his right hand was struck off in battel , which being brought to him lying upon his death-bed , in the horrour of his guilt he cryed out , This is the hand wherewith I confirmed my promised loyalty to the Emperor . Such as repay hatred where they owe love , and return disloyalty where they owe allegiance , may expect a payment in their own coin from the hand of Divine Justice .

But to disguise Majesty into an habit of treason , and to dress up treason ▪ in a robe of justice ; to place guilt on the bench , and set innocence at the bar , and by a mockery of Law to condemn the Fountain of Law , is like the Italian Physician , who boasted he had kill'd a man with the fairest method in the world , è mort● ( said he ) canonicamente , è con tutti gli ordini ; He is dead ( says he ) regularly , and with all the rules of art .

To dwell no longer on this unpleasant subject , we had sinned , and Charls must suffer . Dilirant Archivi , plectun●ur Reges . He who had worn a Crown of Gold , must now admit a crown of thornes , that might fit him for the Crown of Glory .

They had promised to make him a glorious King , and now was the time come ; Sit divus , modo non sit vivus , say they . His Kingdom was not to be any longer of this world , and therefore he prepares himself with humility , piety , charity , and magnanimity , to bear this earthly cross ; that he might attein his heavenly crown : His enemies curse him , he prays for them ; they slander him , he forgives them ; they load him with affronts , he carries them with patience . And now his pious soul is on the wing , and makes many a sally to the place where she longed to be at rest : and in the fire of an ardent devotion , he offers up himself an Holocaust , being kindled with the flames of Divine Love , and is fill'd with a large measure of celestial joy , and holy confidence ; witnesse that admirable Anagram made by himself on the day before his death ,

Carolus Rex ▪ Cras ero Lux.

Hermigildus Son of Levigildus King of the V●sogoths , forsaking the Arrian Heresie , which his Father maintain'd , and embracing the Catholick truth , was threatned by his Father with death , unless he returned to his former errors : To whom the pious Son , Poteris ( saith he ) in me statuere pater quod lubet ; regno privas ? sed peritura tantum : immortale illud eripere non potes . In vincula me rapis ? ad coelum certè patet via ; ibimus , illuc ibimus . Vitam eripit●s ? restat melior & aeterna . Such were the pious resolves of the most Christian Charls : You may doe with me what you will , ye may deprive me of my Kingdomes , alas ! these are perishing things ; but mine immortal Crown ye cannot reach . If ye confine me to the narrow walls of a prison , my soul vvill mount to Heaven ; thither , thither vvill vve ▪ goe . If ye take avvay this life , I shall but exchange it for a better and eternal one .

Thus prepared , he vvith all humility and Christan resignation , offers up himself the peoples Martyr ; to the grief of his friends , the shame of his enemies , and the amazement of all the world .

Quis talia fando temperet à la●hrymis !

Many wiped up his blood with their handkercheifs , which experience proved afterwards an admirable Collirium to restore the sight even to those ( I could name some of the recovered patients ; from whom I received the relation ) who were almost blind : this wants not truth so much as a Roman pen , to make it a miracle ▪ Sure I am his death opened thousands of eyes , which passion and prejudice had blinded : and those who whilst he lived , wish'd him dead , now he was dead wish'd him alive again .

That so great a Prince ( who yet chose rather to be good than great , to be holy rather than happy ) might not die unattended , many loyal subjects left this life with the very news of His death : as it is reported of Hugh Scrimiger , servant to S. W. Spotswood , beheaded by the Covenanters of Scotland , passing by the Scaffold before it was taken down , fell into a swound , and being carried home , died at his own door . The truth of this Relation I leave to the credit of the Historian ; the former I attest upon mine own knowledge , my self being assistant at the Funeral of a Kinsman , who ( with divers others ) died of no other disease than the newes of the Kings death ; on whom , as I then bestowed , I here deposite this Epitaph .

Here lies a loyal member dead , Who scorned to survive his Head .

Thus died Charls , Aliorum majori damno , quam suo : It being hard to determine , whether the Church and State were more happy to have had , or more miserable to lose so incomparable a King ; who wanted nothing but to have lived in an Age when it was in fashion to Deifie their Worthies , or in a Country where it is a trade to be Sainted . But alas ! He lived in an Age when vices were in fashion , and virtues accounted vices . Of whom , his worst enemies ( sayes one who was none of his best friends ) cannot but give this civil , yet true Character , That he was a Prince of most excellent natural parts , an universal Gentleman , very few men of any rank or quality exceeding him in his natural endowments , and the most accomplished King this Nation had ever since the Conquest .

FINIS Doloris nullus .

Oweni Epigr. in Regicidas .

Si manus offendat te dextra , abscindito dextram ,

Offendat si pes , abjice , Christus ait .

Corpus in errorem dexter si ducat ocellus ,

Ipse oculus peccans , effodiendus erit .

Quaelibet abscindi pars corporis aegra jubetur ,

Excipiunt medici , Theologique Caput .

An Elegie on Charls the First , &c. COme saddest Muse , tragick Melpomine , Help me to weep , or sigh an Elegie ; And from dumb grief recover so much breath , As may serve to express my Sovereigns death . But that 's not all ; had Natures oil been spent , And all the treasury of life she lent Exhausted : had his latest sand been run , And the three fatal Sisters thred been spun ; Or laden with yeares , and mellow had he dropt Into our mothers bosome ; not thus lopt , We could have born it . But thus hew'd from life B'an Axe , more hasty than the cruel knife Of grisly Atropos ; thus to be torn From us , whom loyal death would have ●orborn , This strikes us dead . Hence Nero shall be kind Accounted , he but wished , and that wish confin'd Within the walls of Rome ; but here we see Three Kingdoms at one blow beheaded be : And instead of the one head of a King , Hundreds of Hydra-headed Monsters spring . Scarce can I think of this , and not engage My Muse to muster her Poetick rage , To scourge those Gyan●s , whose bold hands have rent This glorious Sun from out our Firmament , Put out the light of Israel , that they might Act their black deeds securely in the nigh● : When none but new and foolish lights appear , Not to direct , but cheat the traveller . But biting births are monstrous , Ours must be ( My Midwife Muse ) a weeping Elegie . Well may we , like some of whom Stories write , From this Sun-set in mourning spend our night : Until we see a second Sun arise , That may exhale those vapours from our eyes . Since the breath of our nostrils we have lost , We are but moaning statues at the most , Our wisedome , reason , justice , all are dead , As parts that liv'd , and died with our Head . How can we speak him praise , or our loss , when Our tongue of language silenc'd is with him . Or can our fainter pensils hope to paint Those rayes of Majesty , which spake him Saint ? In mortal weeds , not man ; As great a King Of virtues , as of men ; A sacred thing , To such an heighth of eminency rais'd , Easier by far to be admir'd than prais'd . 'T would puzzle the sage Plutarch now to tell , Or finde on earth our Charls's parallel . Let Rome and Greece of Heroes boast no more , To make our One , would beggar all their store . Weep ye three Orphan Kingdoms , weep , for He ▪ To you was truly Pater Patriae . Mourn too Religion , Liberty , and Lawes , He was your Martyr , and died in your cause . Levy a tax of grief , for who'll deny , For this so general loss , a general cry . Though to bear arms be , yet I know no reason That loyal tears should be accounted treason . Let not thy grief be small , I thee intreat , Britain , for him who onely made thee Great .

An Anniversary on Charls the First , &c. 1657. PArdon , great Soul , the slowness of my verse , Who after eight years sing thine Anniverse : Since he who well would write thine Elegie , Must take an Ages time to study thee . Nay must be you , for none but you can tell , Or measure the just height from whence you fell . We know not how to estimate thy loss , Nor can we feel the weight of thy sad cross . If we should rack our fancies , to invent Mischiefs , & plots far worse than hell e're meant To best of men ( when men with hell combine ) They all would prove faint Metaphors of thine . He who once ●old his Kingdom for a draught Of running water , and then perish't strait , Had much the better bargain ; thou didst lose All men could wish , for miseries and woes . Saints ( like their Saviour ) when for drink they call , The world presents them vinegar & gall . What monstrous sins of ours made Heaven to frown , When Virtue met an Axe , and Vice a Crown ! Thrones , Scepters , Crowns , and all the gaudy things , That use to deck and load the heads of Kings ; Who now will value you , since you have bin Rewards of vice , and recompence of sin ! Thou better knew'st ( blest Martyr● ) to slight those And leave them as revenges to thy foes . These , like the Prophets mantle fell from thee , When thou , like him , didst climb t'Eternity . Poor Princes thus to others leave their own Small states , when called to a richer Crown . As when a jewel 's taken out the case , Attoms and air usurp'd the jewels place ; Or as the Sun leaving one Hemisphere , Darkness and night presume to revel there . So is thy place supply'd , the Sphere which thou Wert wont to fill , we see invaded now By a wild Comet , whose blaze doth portend , If not a sudden , yet a certain end . Though dead , thou still upon our hearts dost gain , And so more nobly and more truly reign . Those blessings which we prize not , whilst possest , Their worth our want of them d●scovers best . Night makes the day , & darkness gilds the Sun , Thus things grow greater by comparison . We envy not thy glory , nor bemoan With tears thy sad misfortunes , but our own . Whilst thou with an immortal Crown dost shine , The woe is ours , the happiness is thine . Thou hast attaind'd the Haven , we are tost Upon a sea of woes ; our Pilot lost ; Driven by th' winds and waves , distrest , forlorn , Our lading shipwrackt , and our tackling torn . Cloath'd with a long white robe of innocence , Thou walk'st ; in blackest mourning ever since Our hearts are clad . To rid us of our pain , Wee 'l die , so be thy subjects once again .

Second Anniversary on Charls the First , 1658. THe year 's return'd , and with the year my task , Which to perform no other aid I ask , No Muse invoke , but what my grief affords , Grief that would fill a dumb mans mouth with words . A King 's my subject , and a King whose name Alone , speaks more than all the tongues of fame . Charls , good as great , whose virtues were his crimes , The best of men duell'd the worst of times . But by his sad example we may know , Excess of goodness is not safe below . T' was too much worth just Aristides sent , ( By a wild ostracism ) to 's banishment . Oh! hadst thou liv'd when virtue was in fashion , And men were rul'd by reason , not by passion , How had'st thou been ador'd ! Thy actions had Been the just Standard of what 's good or bad . Thy life had pass'd for law , and the whole Nation Might have been virtuous by imitation . To have been good , and in the best degree , Had been no more but to be like to thee . Thou art all wonder , and thy brighter Story , Casts an Ecclipse upon the blazing glory Of former ages ; all their Worthies , now ( By thee out-done ) do blush , and wonder how They lost the day , beclouded with a night Of silence , rising from thy greater light . Their moral deeds are of too faint a dye , If once compared with thy piety . Be dumb ye lying Legends , here 's a Reign , Full of more miracles than ye can feign . Here is a saint , more great , more true than e're Came from the triple crown , or holy chair . We need no farther for Example look , Than unto thee , thou art the onely book ; Thou art the best of Texts , hereafter we Expect no more , but Comments upon thee : Thou art the great Original , and he Who will be famous now , must transcribe thee ; Spight of the Sword and Axe , you found a way To win the field , although you lost the day . In thy rare Portraicture thou livest still , And triumphst more by thine all-conquering quill ; There shalt thou reign , and as immortal be , As was the malice of thine enemie . Thou hast out-witted all thy foes , and by Thy Book thou gain'st the greatest victory . That hath enlarg'd thine Empire , and all men Stoop to the Scepter of thy Royal Pen. Thy Virtues crowd so fast , I cannot tell How to speak all , or which doth most excell . All I can say is but Epitomie , A life 's too little for thy History . I can but write thee in Stenographie , The whole of others is but part of thee . But thou hast spoke thy self in such a strain , Our wits are useless , and endeavours vain . Silence and admiration fit me best , Let others try to write , I 'll weep the rest . FINIS . T. F.

A THEATRE OF WITS , Ancient and Modern . Represented in a Collection of Apothegmes . Pleasant and Profitable . By THO. FORDE .

Omne tulit punctum , qui miscuit utile dulci.

Habent enim Apothegmata peculiarem quandam rationem , & indolem suam , ut breviter , argutè , salsè , & urbanè cujusque ingenium exprimant .

Erasmus .

LONDON , Printed by R. and W. Leybourn , for William Grantham at the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard , neer the little North Door . 1660.

To the Reader . Reader ,

I Here present thee with a dish of Apothegmes , pull'd from the leaves of many Authours ; if they please thee in the tasting , but as much as they did me in the gathering , I shall not doubt their entertainment . Amongst those swarms of books which our age is daily glutted with , there is not one Author hath travelled in this road , nor any one book of this nature ( that I know ) in our Language , except a Manual of that great Advancer of Learning , Sir Francis Bacon , which hath long since been out of print . I had therefore some temptation to have added mine as a Supplement to his ; but upon second thoughts , considering none ever attempted to add a line to that peece Apelles left imperfect , I have chosen rather to erect a new frame by his model , than to build upon anothers foundation .

That the Volume is small , my diligence hath been the greater , for I have laboured to substract , rather than multiply them ; not putting in every one I met with , but what was best , at least in my opinion . These are but the fi●st fruits , your acceptance may ripen them into a larger harvest , if God shall lend me time and opportunity .

I have waved any particular Dedication , as not willing to entitle any man to the Patronage of my weaknesses ; nor am I of that vain humour of Appian the Grammarian , who promised immortality to those to whom he dedicated any of his Works .

And they who write to Lords rewards to get . Donnes Sat. Are they not like singers at doors for meat ?

There is a Vine in Asia , that brings forth Burnt-wine , so excellent ( saith Johnston Hist. Nat. mine Author ) that none exceeds it . Such is the nature of these short sentences , they are ready dress'd and dish'd out to thy hand ; like some Diamonds , which grow smoothand polished , and need no farther labour to fit them for use , but using . As it is said of Isidore the Philosopher , that he spake not words , but the very substance and essence of things . They contain magnum in parvo , much matter in a few words . Significant potius quam exprimunt . You have here much gold in a little ore , easie for carriage , ready for use . We have many things to learn , and but little time to live ; I know not therefore any kind of Learning more pleasant , or more profitable than this , which teacheth us many lessons in a few lines . But I will not waste thy time ( Reader ) whilst I study to improve it , and to approve my self

Thy servant , T. F.

Apothegmes :

AN old Mass-Priest in the dayes of Hen. 8. reading in English after the Translation of the Bible , the mircale of the five loaves and two fishes , when he came to the verse that reckoneth the number of the guests , he paused a little , and at last said , they were about 500 ; the Clerk whispered into the Priests eares , that it was 5000 ; but the Priest turned back , and replied with indignation , Hold your peace , sirrah , we shall never make them believe they were 500.

Aristides said , concerning the Elegance of the City of Smyrna , that no man , except he which shall see it , will be drawn to believe it .

The Savages , an English Family , held Ardes ( in Ireland ) long in possession , amongst whom there goeth a great name of Him , who said no less stoutly than pleasantly , when he was moved to o build a Castle for his defence , that he would not trust to a castle of stones , but rather to a castle of bones . Meaning his own body .

Columbane , a Monk of Ireland , when Sigebert King of the Frankners , dealt very earnstly with him , and that by way of many fair and large promises , that he should not depart out of his Kingdom : Answered him , That it became not them to embrace other mens riches , who for Christs sake had forsaken their own .

Porpherie , in regard of the many tyrants rising up in his dayes in Britain , cried out in these terms , Britain a foolish Province of tyrants .

St. Ambrose in his Funeral Sermon of Theodosius , cryeth out in these terms : that Eugenius and Maximus ( who had five years usurped the Empire ) by their woful example , doe testifie in hell what a heavy thing it is to bear arms against their Natural Prince .

Of this Maximus it is said , that he was a valiant man , victorious , and worthy the title of Augustus , but that against his allegiance he had by way of tyranny and usurpation attained the place .

Homer saith of one that had a misfortune , It was because he did not honour his Parents .

Upon a triumph , all the Emperor Severus's Souldiers , for the greater pomp , were to put on Crowns of Bayes ; but one Christian there was amongst them which wore it on his arm ; and being demanded the reason , boldly answered : It becomes not a Christian to be crowned in this life .

Arnobius was wont to say , that persecution brings death in one hand , and life in the other ; for while it kills the body , it crowns the soul .

The Empress Eudoxia , sending a threatning message to Chrysostom , ( for boldly reproving her ) He answered , Go tell her I fear nothing but sin .

Justus Jonas said of Luther , that he could have of God what he pleased .

Epaminondas being asked what was the greatest joy he ever had in the world , He said Leutrica Victoria , the Battel of Leutrick .

Rocardus , King of Frisland , being by Wolfranius perswaded to be Baptized , having one foot in the Font , the other out , asked Wolfranius where went the most part of his Predecessors that were not Baptized ? To hell , said Wolfranius ; then Rocardus drew his foot out of the Font , saying , It was best following of the greatest company .

The Devil meeting with a devout Hermit , asked him three questions : First , what should be the strangest thing that God made in a little frame ? He answered , a mans face . The second , Where was the Earth higher than all the Heavens ? Where Christs body , born of the Virgin Mary , was adored of Angels and Archangels . The third , what space was between Heaven and Earth ? Thou knowest best ( said the Hermit ) which wast from Heaven thrown down to the Earth .

L. Silla finding his souldiers timerous , and fearful to fight with Archelaus , M●●hridates General , drew out his sword , and said , You souldiers that mean to fly to Rome , tell them at Rome , that you left Silla your General , fighting in the midst of the Battel , with the enemies in Boetia .

Philipides the Poet , refused to be of King Lysimachus Counsel , that when the King said to him , What wilt thou that I give unto thee ? Nothing ( said the poor Poet ) but onely this , that I may not be of thy Council .

In a publick meeting with all the Princes of Germany , at Wormatia ; where the Duke of Saxon first preferring his mettals , and rich veins of earth : the Duke of Bavaria much commending his strong and brave Cities and Towns : and the Duke Palatine of his wines , and fertility of his lands : the Duke of Wittenbergh said , I can lay my head , and sleep upon the lap of any of my subjects I have abroad in the field , every where . Huic facile concedite palmam ( said Maximilian the Emperor ) Give him the palm .

Themistocles being asked whose Oration he would hear ? Even him ( said Themistocles ) that can best set forth my praise , and advance my fame .

Isocrates repeating an Oration of Demosthenes his adversary , at Rhodes , they of Rhodes much delighting therein , and much commending the Oration that Isocrates made , though he was enemy to Demosthenes , was forced against his will to say to the people , What if you had heard the beast himself pronouncing his own Oration ?

Julius Caesar seeing certain men of Apulia , in Rome , carrying Apes upon their arms , playing , asked the men , If they had no women in Apulia to get children to play withal .

Diogenes , when he saw mice creeping for some crums to his table , would say , Behold , Diogenes also hath his parasites .

Lewis the 10th . was wont to brag of his own Kingdom of France , that it far exceeded all other Kingdoms , wanting but one thing ; and being requested to know what that was , he answered , Truth .

The great Antiochus brought Hannibal to his treasures , and shewed him his gold , his silver , his wealth and treasures , and asked him if all that would not please the Romans ? Yea , said Hannibal , it would please the Romans , but not satisfie the Romans .

A Councellor of State , said to his Master the King of Spain , that now is , upon occasion : Sir , I will tell your Majesty thus much for your comfort , your Majesty hath but two enemies ; whereof the one is all the World , and the other is your own Ministers .

Domitian perceiving many of his Predecessors in the Empire to be hated , asked one , how he might so rule , as not to be hated ? the party answered , Tu fac contra : By not doing what they did .

When M. Cicero stood for the Consulship of Rome , Q. Cicero wished him to meditate on this , Novus sum , Consulatam peto , Roma est .

Alexander having a souldier of his name ▪ that was a coward , He bad him either leave off the name of Alexander , or be a souldier .

A brave Roman Captain told his souldiers , That if they could not conquer Britain , yet they would get possession of it , by laying their bones in it .

It was a smart answer which Mr. Durant , a witty and learned Minister of the Reformed Church of Paris , gave a Lady of suspected chastity , ( and since revolted ) when she pretended the hadness of the Scripture : Why , said he , Madam , What can be more plain , then , Thou shalt not commit adultery .

It was the saying of the dying Emperor Julian , He that would not die when he must , and he that would die when he must not , are both of them cowards alike .

Aristippus told the Sailers , that wondred why he was not , as well as they , afraid in the storms , that the odds was much ▪ For they feared the torments due to a wicked life , and he expected the rewards of a good one .

It was cold comfort Diogenes gave a lewd liver , that banished , complained he should die in a forreign soil . Be of good cheer man , wheresoever thou art , the way to hell is the same .

It was the admonition of dying Otho to Cocceius , Neither too much to remember , nor altogether to forget , that Caesar was his Vncle .

Isocrates , of a Scholar full of words , asked a double Fee , One , he said , to learn him to speak well , another to teach him to hold his peace .

Euripides , when he brings in any woman in his tragedies , makes them alwayes bad : Sophocles in his tragedies maketh them alwayes good : whereof when Sophocles was asked the reason ; he made this answer , Euripides , saith he , represents women as they be , I represent them as they ought to be .

Sir Henry Wotton was wont to say of Sir Philip Sydneys wit , that it was the very measure of congruity .

Having in Italy acquaintance with a pleasant Priest , who invited him one evening to hear their Vesper musick at Church ; the Priest seeing Sir Henry standing obscurely in a corner , sends to him by a boy this question writ in a small piece of paper : Where was your Religion to be found before Luther ? To which Sir Henry Wotton presently under-writ , My Religion was to be found then , where yours is not to be found now , in the written word of God .

To another that asked him whether a Papist may be saved ? He replied , You may be saved without knowing that ; look to your self .

To another that was still railing against the Papists , he gave this advice , Pray Sir forbear , till you have studied the points better : for the wise Italians have this Proverb , He that understands amiss ▪ concludes worse .

To one being designed for the office of an Embassador , requesting from him some experimental rules for his prudent and safe carriage in his Negotiation , Sir Henry Wotton gave this for an infallible Aphorisme ; That to be in safety himself , and serviceable to his Country , he should alwayes , and upon all occasions speak the truth ; for , said he , you shall never be believed , and by this meanes your truth will secure your self , if you shall ever be called to any account , and it will also put your adversaries ( who will still hunt counter ) to a loss , in all their disquisitions and undertakings .

He directed this sentence onely to be inscribed on his Tomb-stone ; Hic jacet hujus sententiae Author . Disputandi pruritus fit Ecclesiarum scabies .

Bolislaus the 4th . King of Poland , who bearing the picture of his Father , hanged about his neck in a plate of gold , when he was to speak , or doe any thing of importance , he took his picture , and kissing it , said , Dear Father , I wish I may not doe any thing remissly , unworthy of thy name .

A gentile spirit said to an old man , who caused his grisly hairs to be painted with the lustre of green youth : Poor fool , although thou couldst deceive the whole world with thy hair , yet death well knoweth they are grey . Sit te Proserpina canem .

It is said , a French King enquiring one day of a Wise-man , after divers instructions to govern himself , and guide his Kingdome , this Wise-man took a fair large sheet of paper , and for an infinite number of precepts , which others use to produce upon this subject , he onely wrote this word : Modus , measure , or mean .

One who having lived free from the bonds of mariage , caused to be set on his Tomb , Vixit sine impedimento , He lived without hinderance .

A mother grieving for the death of her son , said , That all her evil came from loving too much what she might lose . Amabam miser a periturum , &c.

An old humourist vapouring once that women had no souls , was answered by a modest Lady : Sure , Sir , you are deceived , for I can produce a good text to the contrary , My soul doth magnifie the Lord : and it was a woman that spoke it .

Isocrates had an excellent wit , notwithstanding finding himself destitute of countenance , gesture , and confidence , he never durst to speak in publique , contenting himself to teach , even to his decrepit dayes , and commonly saying , He taught Rhetorick for a 1000 Rials , but would give more than 10000 to him who would teach him confidence .

It was the saying of Lewis the French King , to Henry the third of England , who asking him ( in those times of implicit faith ) whether he would goe sooner , to the Eucharist , or to a Sermon ? He answered , I had rather see my friend , than hear him onely spoken of .

One said that Aristotles School was a great Scold .

It was not said improperly of him , who having passed his grand Climacterique , That he was got loose from his unruly passions , as from so many lyons and wolves .

A French Baron , not long since , meeting two Capuchins going bare-foot in cold frosty weather , with their scrips upon their backs a begging , and knowing them to be Gentlemen of a good Family , he said , How grossly are these men cozen'd if there be no heaven .

An Italian Prince being upon his death-bed , and comforted by his friends , touching the joys of the other world , whereunto he was going , he fetched a deep sigh , and said , Oh! I know what 's past , but I know not what 's to come .

There is a saying fathered upon Paul 3d. when he lay upon his death-bed , that shortly he should be resolved of two things , Whether there be a God and Devil , or whether there be a heaven and hell ?

When a rare Italian Statuary offered Rh. 2d . of Spain , that without expence to the King , he would set up his Majesties arms and portraicture over the gates of every City in Lombardy , the King commending the mans good will , answered , He had rather have a workman , that with any expence whatsoever , could set up his image in Heaven .

When the souldiers demanded a donative of Galba , he answered , That he used to choose , not to buy souldiers .

Vespasian was not moved with the scoffs of Demetrius Cynicus , but slighted them , saying , I use not to kill barking dogs .

Domitian punished Informers , saying , That not to punish such , was to encourage them .

Trajan delivered his sword to the Captain of the Guard , willing him to use it for him , if he did well , but against him , if otherwise .

Antonius Pius , Emperor , comming to see Omulus his house , he enquired whence he had his marble pillars ? Omulus answered , that in another mans house he should be both deaf and dumb .

When Julia , Mother-in-law to Caracalla ( whom he married ) told him he was too prodigal , he laid his hand on his sword , saying , I shall never lack money , so long as this is with me .

Julian robbed the Church of her Revenues , telling the Clergy that they should be the fitter for Heaven , because it is written , Blessed be the poor .

Tyberius Constantinus , Co-Emperor with Justin , when Sophia the Empress reproved him , as being too prodigal in his bounty to the poor : He answered , that he should never want wealth on earth , as long as he had laid up treasures on earth , by relieving the poor .

Maximilian the Emperor , was wont to say , to compel the conscience , is to force heaven .

It was not ill answered of Merope , to King Polyphontes , who therefore kill'd his brother , because he had entertained a purpose to have killed him : You should only have done the same injury to him , which he did to you ; you should still have had a purpose to kill him .

Aquinas was once asked , with what compendium a man might best become learned ? He answered , By reading one Book .

A great Italian General , seeing the sudden death of Alphonsus Duke of Ferrara , kneeled down instantly , saying , And shall not this sight make me religious ?

When the Duke of Candia had voluntarily entred into the incommodities of a Religious life , and poverty , he was one day spied , and pitied by a Lord of Italy , who , out of tenderness , wish'd him to be more careful , and nutritive of his person . The good Duke answered , Sir , be not troubled , and think not that I am ill provided of conveniencies ; for I send a harbinger before , who makes my lodgings ready , and takes care that I be royally entertained : The Lord asked him , who was his harbinger ? He answered , the knowledge of my self , and the consideration of what I deserve for my sins , which is eternal torments ; and when with this knowledge I arrive at my lodging , how unprovided soever I find it , me thinks it is ever better than I deserve .

'T was a reasonable answer of Pericles to one that asked him , Why he being a severe and Philosophical person , came to a Wedding trimmed and adorned like a Paranymph ▪ I come adorned to an adorned person , trim'd to a Bridegroom .

The Emperor Ferdinand the 2d . had wont to say to those that brought him any ill newes , 't is good , 't is Gods pleasure , I am contented .

Sir Thomas Moore , somewhat before he was made Lord Chancellor , built a Chappel in his Parish at Chelsey , where the Parish had all ornaments belonging thereunto abundantly supplied at his charge ; and he bestowed thereon much plate , often using these words , Good men give it , and bad men take it away .

The King of Sweden , to the Dutch Embassador , perswading him to a care of his person , answered , that his hour was written in heaven , and could not be altered on earth .

Sir Jervis Ellwis , when executed on Tower-hill for Overburies death , left these two Items to Posterity : 1. Not to vow any thing but to perform it . 2. Not to take a pride in any parts , though never so excellent .

A Lord Mayor of London ( in K. James his time ) stopping the Kings carriages as they were going through the streets with a great noise in time of Divine Service , and the King being told of it , he , in a rage , swore he thought there had been no more Kings in England but himself , & sent a warrant to the Lord Mayor to let them pass , which he then obeyed with this answer , While it was in my power , I did my duty ; but that being taken away by a higher power , it is my duty to obey .

Demodocus said of the Milesians , they were no fools , but they did the same things that fools did .

Vincentius Lyrenensis saith of St. Cyprian , who had before the Council of Carthage defended re-baptizing , the Author of this errour ( saith he ) is , no doubt , in heaven , the followers and practisers of it now goe to hell .

A Gentleman having by fatherly indulgence tolerated the humour of gaming and wen●hing in his son , dis-inherited him for drinking , saying of the first , If he had wit , he would not lose much by it ; and of the second , that in time for his own case he would leave it ; but of the third , he said , he would prove , the elder , the viler , and hardly ever amend it .

A certain man comming to Athens , meeting one of his friends in the street , desired him to shew him the rarities of the City : His friend carried him to Solon ; but the man having viewed him some time , would have gone farther : no , said his friend , You have seen all . Vidisti Solon , vidisti omnia .

It is said of the Germans , that they understand more than they can utter , and drink more than they can carry .

A certain old man , being asked why he wore his beard so large and long ? that beholding those grey hairs ( said he ) I may doe nothing unbeseeming them .

Cyrus was wont to say , that a good Prince was like a good Shepherd , who can by no other means grow rich , than by making his flock to thrive under him .

A maid ( in Plutarch ) being to be sold in the Market , when a Chapman asked her , Wilt thou be faithful if I buy thee ? Yes ( said she ) ●tiamsi non emeris , whether you buy me or no.

Demosthenes said to him that objected that his Speech smelt of the candle ; I know my candle stands in your light : The man being suspected for a thief .

Melancthon was used to say , He that dealeth with some men , had need to bring a Divine , a Lawyer , and a Souldier with him to get his right .

St. Bernard comming to the great Church of Spire in Germany , he was no sooner come into the Church , but the Image of the Virgin saluted him , and bad him , Good morrow Bernard : whereat , he well knowing the jugling of the Friers , made answer again out of St. Paul , Oh ( said he ) your Ladiship hath forgot your self , it is not lawful for women to speak in the Church .

John King of England , being wished by a Courtier to untomb the bones of one , who whilst he was living , had been his great enemy : Oh no ( said the King ) would all mine enemies were as honourably buried .

The Egyptian Calyph , offering an English Embassador his hand in his glove , the Embassador answered , Sir , we come not to treat with your glove , but your self .

When a Pyrate said to one of his fellows , Woe to us if we be known : an honest man in the same ship replyed : And woe to me if I be not known .

Luther was wont to say , He would be unwilling to be a souldier in that army where Priests were Captains , because the Church , not the Camp , was their proper place .

Plato being demanded how he knew a wiseman , answered , When being rebuked he would not be angry , and being praised , he would not be proud .

Marquess Pawlet , there being divers factions at Court in his time , yet was he beloved of all parties ; and being asked , how he stood so right in the judgment of all ? He answered , By being a willow , and not an oak .

Diogenes was wont to say , when the people mock't him , They deride me , yet I am not derided : I am not the man they take me for .

Rather than want exercise of his patience , he would crave alms of dead mens Statues ; and being demanded why he did so ? He answered , That I may learn to take denial from others the more patiently .

Marius was never offended with any report went of him , because he said , If it were true , it would sound to his praise ; if false , his life and manners should prove it contrary .

A Steward once replyed to his passionate Lord , when he called him knave , &c. Your Honour may speak as you please , but I believe not a word that you say , for I know my self an honest man .

Philip of Macedon professed himself much beholden to his enemies ( the Athenians ) for speaking evil of him ; For ( said he ) they made me an honest man , to prove them lyars .

When Diogenes was told by a base fellow , that he once had been a Coiner of money , He answered , 'T is true , such as thou art now , I once was , but such as I am now , thou wilt never be .

Socrates , when one asked him why he took such a ones bitter railing so patiently ? Answered , It is enough for one to be angry at a time .

Dion of Syracuse , being banished , came to Theodorus Court suppliant , where not presently admitted , he turned to his companion , with these words , I remember I did the like , when I was in like dignity .

Socrates , being perswaded to revenge himself of a fellow that kick'd him , answered , If an ass had kick'd me , should I have set my wit to his , and kick'd him again ?

Another time , being told that one spake evil of him ▪ He replyed , Alas ! the man hath not as yet learned to speak well , but I have learned to contemn what he speaks .

Diogenes , being told that many despised him , answered , It is the wise mans portion to suffer of fools .

When Dionysius the Tyrant had plotted the death of his Master Plato , and was defeated by Plato's escape out of his Dominions ; when the Tyrant desired him in writing not to speak evil of him , the Philosopher replyed , That he had not so much idle time as once to think of him , knowing there was a just God would one day call him to a reckoning .

When once an hot-spur was perswaded to be patient as Job was , He replyed , What do ye tell me of Job ? Job never had any suits in the Chancery .

Mr. Bradford was wont to say , that in Christs cause to suffer death , was the way to heaven on horsback .

Jugo , an ancient King , set all his Nobles , being Pagans , in his Hall below , and certain poor Christians in his Presence-chamber with himself ; at which all wondring , he told them , this he did , not as King of the Drones , but as King of another world , wherein these were his fellow-Princes .

It was the saying of a merry fellow , That in Christendom there were neither Scholars enough , Gentlemen enough , nor Jewes enough : because if there were Scholars enough , so many would not be double and treble beneficed ; if Gentlemen enough , so many peasants would not be ranked among the Gentry ; and if Jewes enough , so many Christians would not profess usury .

Socrates was wont to say to Alcibiades , when he met him among gallants like himself , I fear not thee , but thy company .

Alexander , when a Commander of his in the Wars , spake loudly , but did little , told him , I entertained you into my service , not to rail , but to fight .

Illyricus , when one asked him why the old Translations ( of the Bible ) had no vowels ? I think ( saith he ) that they had no consonants , for they could not agree among themselves .

Doctor Reynolds his Lecture in Oxford ceasing , by reason of his sickness , some desired him to read ▪ before he was well recovered ▪ The Doctor said , He desired so to serve God , that he might serve him long .

Erasmus was wont to say in his time , That to Preach , with many Ministers , was but Perfricare frontem , & linguam voluere .

Epiphanius , having stayd long at Constantinople , and being to take ship to return home again , said , He was leaving three great things , a great City , a great Palace , and great Hypocrisie .

Charls the Great , when he was shewed by a Duke a Royal Palace , and all the rings , and sumptuous ornaments and jewels , said , Has sunt qui nos invitos faciunt mori . These are the things that make us unwilling to die .

Erasmus was used to say , That the dunsery and idleness of the Monks of his time , made him a Student .

The Athenian Commander , being asked what God was , said , He was neither bow-man , nor pike-man , nor hors-man , nor footman , but one that did know , istis omnibus imperare .

A noble Commander , in the Wars having taken great spoils , said to a souldier behind him , Tolle istos , Ego Christianus .

When Cajetan told Luther he should be banished , Luther answered , Si non capiat terra , capiat coelum ,

A great man comming to Aquinas , and offering him a Bishoprick , he leaning on his elbow in his Study , replyed , Mallem Chrysostomum in Matthaeum .

The ●ame Aquinas , when he was entreated to take a Cardinals place , answered , Sepulchrum cogito , non gradum sublimiorem .

Luther and his Wife , with four children , were in a boat , and being in a great storm , were like to be cast away , Luther laughing aloud , said , Oh how the Devil would rejoyce , if we were all drowned .

Plato , discoursing unto one of the contempt of death , and speaking strangely upon it , was answered , That he spake more couragiously than he lived : To whom Plato replyed , that he spake not as he lived ; but as he should live .

Caesar Borgia , being sick to death , said , When I lived , I provided for every thing but death ; now I must die , I am unprovided to die .

Gerson brings in an Englishman , asking a Frenchman , Quot annos habes ? His answer was , Annos non habeo , I am of no years at all , but death hath forborn me this 50 years .

A man ( said Luther ) lives forty years before he knows himself to be a fool ; and by that time he sees his folly , his life is finished .

Anaxamander said of the Athenians , That they had good Laws , but used ill .

Augustus lamented for Varus death ; being asked why ? He said , Now I have none in my Country to tell me truth .

A certain King of Tartaria writ to the Polonians , then wanting a King , that if they would choose him their King , he would accept of it upon these terms , Vester Pontifex , meus Pontifex esto , vester Lutherus meus Lutherus esto . But the Polonians rejected him with this wise answer , Ecce hominem paratum omni à sacra , & deos deserere regnandi causa .

Marius , being accused by the Senate of treason , tears open his garments , and in the sight of them all shews them his wounds received in the service and defence of his Country , saying , Quid opus est verbis , ●bi vulner a clamant ?

Sir William Stanly , railing against his native Country , a Spanish Verdugo gave him this answer , Though you have offended your Country ▪ your Country never offended you .

It is storied of a wicked City , which fearing the invasion of a potent enemy , sought relief of a neighbouring Prince , charging their Embassadors to relate unto him what forces they were able to levy of their own : The Prince replying to the Message , demanded of them what coverture they had to defend their heads from the wrath of heaven ? telling them withal , That unless they could award Gods anger , he durst not joyn with them , God being against them .

The Mother of Peter Lombard , when having transgressed her vow of Continency , she told her Confessor plainly , that when she saw what a Son she had brought forth , she could not repent that she had sinned in having him : But her Confessor sadly answered her , Dole saltem , quod dolere non possis .

Caracalla said to them that desired that some honours might be spent upon his brother Geta , now dead out of his way ; Sit divus ( saith he ) modo non sit vivus .

Edward the Third of England , having sent to France , to demand the Crown by Maternal Right , the Council there sent him word , That the Crown of France was not tied to a distaff : which scoffing answer he replyed , That then he would tie it to his sword .

Scaliger said , He had rather have been the Author and Composer of one Ode in Horace , than King of all Arragon .

Cato would say , He wondred how one of their aruspices could forbear to laugh , when he met with any of his fellows , to see how they deceived men , and made a great number of simple ones in the City .

King Lewis the 11th . looking upon a Tapistry , wherein a certain Nobleman ( who from a mean Clerk of the Exchequer , was advanced to be Lord Treasurer of France ) had pourtray'd the steps and degrees whereby he had ascended , himself represented sitting on the top of Fortunes wheel : Whereupon King Lewis told him , He might do well to fasten it with a good strong nail , for fear lest turning about , it brought him to his former estate again . Which proved a true Prophecie of him .

One who before he was Pope , was the most crouching submiss Cardinal that ever was : His manner was to eat upon a net , as it were in a way of devout humility ; but after he had obtein'd the Popedom , he commanded them to take away the net , saying , He had caught that which he fish'd for .

When a French King , seeing the Persian pomp of the Popes Court , and pride of the Cardinals , asked a Cardinal of Avinion , Whether the Apostles ever went with such a Train after them ? He answered , No verily : but you must consider , Sir , that they were Apostles the same time that Kings were shepherds .

It was the saying of Rabbi Gamaliel , He that multiplies servants , multiplies thieves .

Melancthon said , when he furthered the Edition of the Alchoran , that he would have it printed , Vt videamus quale poema sit : That the World might see what a piece of poetry the Alchoran was .

Artabazus , a Courtier , received from King Cyrus a cup of gold : At the same time Chrysantas , the beloved Favourite , received a kiss from him ; which the other observing , said , The cup which you gave me , was not so good gold as the kiss you gave Chrysantes .

It was the Speech of an ancient Rabbi ; I learned much of my Rabbies , or Masters , more of my companions , most of my Scholars .

The Emperor Sigismond , demanding of The●doricus , Arch-Bishop of Collen , the directest course to happiness : Perform ( saith he ) when thou art well , what thou promisedst when thou wert sick .

A certain King of the Lacedemonians being one day private in his garden , was teaching one of his children , of five years old , to ride on a stick ; and unawares a great Embassador came to speak with him in that manner , at which , both the King , and the Embassador in the Kings behalf , began to blush at first ; but soon after , the King putting away the blush and the hobby-horse together , and with a pretty smile , asked the Embassador , if he had any children of his own ? He answered , No. Then ( said he ) I pray you tell not what you found me doing , till you have some little ones of your own , and then tell it , and spare not .

The Scouts of Antigonus , relating unto him the multitude of his enemies , and advising by way of information the danger of a Conflict that should be undertaken with so great an inequality , He replyed , And at how many do ye value me ?

A West-Indian King , having been well wrought upon towards his conversion to the Christian Religion ; and having digested the former Articles , when he came to that , He was crucified , dead , and buried , had no longer patience , but said , If your God be dead and buried , leave me to my old god the Sun , for the Sun will not die .

Pythagoras said , He that knoweth not what he ought to know , is a brute beast among men ; he that knoweth no more than he hath need of , is a man among brute beasts ; he that knoweth all that is to be known , is a god among men .

The Lord Treasurer Burleigh was wont to say , That he used to overcome envy and ill will more by patience than pert●nacy .

The Embassadors of the Council of Constance , being sent to Pope Benedict the 11th . when he , laying his hand upon his heart , said , Hic est arca Noae , they tartly and truly replyed , In Noahs ark were few men , but many beasts .

When one seemed to pity an one-ey'd man , He told him he had lost one of his enemies , a very thief , that would have stolen away his heart .

The King of Navarre told Beza , He would launch no farther into the Sea , than he might be sure to return safe to the Haven .

A clown said to the Bishop of Collen , praying in the Church like a Bishop , but as he was Duke , going guarded like a Tyrant , Whither thinkest thou the Bishop shall go , when the Duke shall be damned ?

King Edward the 3d. having the King of France prisoner here in England , and feasting him one time most sumptuously , pressed him to be merry . The French King answered , How can we sing songs in a strange Land ?

Calvin answered his friends with some indignation , when they admonished him , for his healths sake , to forbear studying so hard . What ? said he , would you that my Master , when he comes , should find me idle ?

Spiridion , a godly Bishop in Cyprus , having not what else to set before a guest that came to him in Leut , set him a piece of pork to feed on ; and when the stranger made a scruple of eating flesh in Lent , saying , I am a Christian , and may not do it : Nay , therefore thou mayst do it , said he , because to the pure all things are pure .

Dr. Preston on his death-bed , said , He should change his place , not his company .

A certain stranger comming on Embassage to Rome , and colouring his hair and pale cheeks with vermilion hue , a grave Senator espying the deceit , stood up , and said , What sincerity are we to expect at this mans hands , whose lo●ks , and looks , and lips do lye .

Sir Horatio Vere , when in the Palatinate a Council of War was called , and debated whether they should fight or not ? Some Dutch Lords said , That the enemy had many peeces of Ordnance in such a place , and therefore it was dangerous to fight : That Nobleman replyed , My Lords , if you fear the mouth of the Cannon , you must never come into the field .

Sir John Burroughs , receiving a mortal wound in the Island of Rhees , and being advised not to fear death ▪ but to provide for another world . He answered , I thank God I fear not death , and these thirty years together , I never arose in the morning , that ever I made account to live while night .

A learned Frier , at a Council , complaining of the abuse of the Clergy , Preaching before the Emperor , wished him to begin a reformation of the Clergy à minoribus : The Emperor thanked him for his Sermon , and said , He had rather begin à majoribus , from the better sort of the Clergy .

Aristippus being told that Lais loved him not ; No more ( saith he ) doth wine , nor fish , yet I cannot be without them .

The Lord Burleigh being at Cambridge with Queen Elizabeth , viewing the several Schools , said , Here I find one School wanting , and that is the School of Discretion .

Henry the 4th . told the Prince his Son , Getting is a chance , but keeping is a wit .

A Philosopher , that hearing his creditor was dead , kept the money which he had borrowed without witnesses , a night or two ; but after some strugling with his conscience , he carried it to his Executor , saying , Mihi vivit , qui aliis mortuus est ; though he be ded to others , he 's still alive to me .

Severus the Emperor , having passed through many adventures , at last died in our land , overladen with troubles : weighing with himself what his life had been , he brake forth into these speeches , I have been all that might be , and now am nothing the better .

Scipio viewing his army , said , There was not one who would not throw himself from the top of a tower , for love of him .

Hildebert , Bishop of Mentz , said of the Roman Courtiers , Employ them not , and they hinder you : Employ them in your causes , and they delay them ; if you sollicite them , they scorn you ; if you enrich them , they forget you .

When Antonius had made away his brother Geta , after the first year of their joynt Empire , he entreated Papinianus ( a famous Lawyer ) to plead his excuses : Who answered , It is easier Paricidium facere , quam excusare ; thou mayst ( said he ) command my neck to the block , but not my tongue to the bar ; I prize not my life , to the pleading of an evil cause .

Simonides , being asked what did soonest grow old among men ? Made answer , A benefit .

Apollonius Thianaeus , having travelled over all Asia , Africk , and Europe , said , There were two things whereat he marvelled most in all the world : the first was , that he always saw the proud man command the humble , the quarrellous the quiet , the tyrant the just , the cruel the pitiful , the coward the hardy , the ignorant the skilful , and the greatest thieves hang the innocent .

A Philosopher being asked , how he could endure so ill a Wife as he had ? The answer which he gave , was , I have hereby a School of Philosophy in my house , and learning daily to suffer patiently , I am made the more milder with others .

Alexander seeing Diogenes tumbling among dead bones , he asked him what he sought ? To whom the other answered , That which I cannot find , the difference between the rich and the poor .

Demonax asked one a question , who answered him in old obsolete affected words . Prethee fellow , said he , where are thy wits ? I ask thee a question now , and thou answerest 400 years ago .

Albertus Duke of Saxony , was wont to say , that he had three wonders in one City , viz. three Monasteries : For the Fries of the first had children , and yet no wives ; the Friers of the second had a great deal of corn , and yet no land ; the Friers of the third abounded with moneys , and yet had no rents .

A Captain sent from Cesar unto the Senators of Rome , to sue for the prolonging of his government abroad , understanding ( as he stood at the Council-chamber-door ) that they would not condiscend to his desire , clapping his hand upon the pummel of his sword : Well , said he , seeing you will not grant it him , this shall give it him .

When Anne Bolen , that vertuous Lady , had received a message from Henry the 8th . that she must instantly prepare her self for death , answered , That she gave him humble thanks for all his favours bestowed upon her ; as for making her of a mean woman a Marchioness , of a Marchioness a Queen , but especially , seeing he could not on earth advance her to any greater dignity , that he would now send her to rest , and reign upon Gods high and holy throne .

When Tully was asked , which Oration of Demosthenes he liked best ? He answered , The longest .

Diogenes said of one , That he cast his house so long out at the window , that at last his house cast him out of the door , having left nothing rich , except a nose .

There are two saying fathered on two great Counsellors , Secretary Walsingham , and Secretary Ce●il , one used to say at the Council-Table , My Lords , stay a little , and we shall make an end the sooner . The other would oft-times speak of himself , It shall never be said of me , that I will defer till to morrow , what I can do to day .

Adrian the Sixt said , A Physician is very necessary to a populous Country ; for were it not for the Physician , men would live so long , and grow so thick , that one could not live for the other .

It was a bold answer Captain Talbot returned Henry the 8th . from Calais , who having received special command from the King to erect a new work at the Water-gate , and to see the Town well fortified , sent him word , That he could neither fortifie , nor fiftifie without money .

An Italian Vineyard-man , after a long drougth , and an extream hot Summer , which had parch't up all his grapes , complained , For want of water , I am forced to drink water ; if I had had water , I would drink wine .

Andrea Doria , being asked by Philip the 2d . which were his best harbours ? He answered , June , July , and Carthagena ; meaning , that any Port is good in those two moneths , but Carthagena was good any time of the year .

A Gallego in Spain , in the Civil Wars of Arragon , being in the Field , he was shot in the forehead , and being carried away to a Tent , the Surgeon search'd his wound , and found it mortal ; so he advised him to send for his Confessor , for he was no man for this world , in regard the brain was touched ; the Souldiers wished him to search it again , which he did , and told him , that he found he was hurt in the brain , and could not possibly escape ; whereupon the Gallego fell into a chafe , and said , he lyed , for he had no brain at all : If J had had any brain , J would never have come to this war.

A Spaniard having got a fall by a stumble , and broke his nose , rise up , and in a disdainful manner , said , This 't is to walk upon earth .

Alexander quintus , Pope of Rome , said of himself , That when he was a Bishop , he was rich ; when he was a Cardinal , he was poor ; and when he was a Pope , he was a beggar .

King Darius , by chance opening a great pomegranate , and being demanded , of what he would wish to have as many as there were grains in that pomegranate ? answered in one word , Of Zopiruses .

It was the answer of an undaunted captive , who slighting the insulting braves of him who took him : Thou holdest thy conquest great in overcoming me , but mine is far greater in overcoming my self .

It was the saying of a judicious States-man , he that knoweth to speak well , knoweth also where he must hold his peace : Wisely concluding , think an hour before you speak , and a day before you promise .

It was an excellent speech of a famous Historian , who being demanded by one who had reduced his Empire to a meer Tyranny , why he remembred not him in his Writings ? Because ( said he ) I read nothing in you worth remembring . Why dost thou not then ( reply'd he ) record my vices ? Lest others ( said he ) should erre by your example , and so imitate you .

It was the saying of a famous Orator , I never knew any Poet ( yet was I well acquainted with many ) who did not think his own doings better than all others .

Zeno's servant Bruson , being taken in theft , and alledging for himself , that it was his destiny to steal . His Master answered , and thy destiny to be beaten .

Antigonus observing a sickly souldier to be very valiant , procured his Physician to heal him ▪ who afterwards began to keep himself out of danger , not venturing as formerly ; which Antigonus noting , demanded the reason : The souldier answered , O Antigonus , thou art the reason ; before I ventured nothing but a diseased corps , and then I chose rather to die quickly , than to live sickly : I invited death to do me a courtesie , now it is otherwise with me , for now I have somewhat to lose .

The Lydian Croesus , enthroned in his Chair of State , asked a wise Sage , if ever he beheld a more beautiful , or graceful Spectacle ? Yes , said he , dunghil-cocks , pheasants , and peacocks ; for those are cloathed with native beauty , but yours is but borrowed glory .

Carfitides being asked his opinion ▪ what he thought of the Sea , and Sea-men ? Answered , That there was nothing more treacherous than the first , and that the others were it's comrades .

It was a wise answer , that is reported of the best and last Cardinal of this Island , who , when a skilful Astrologer , upon the Calculation of his Nativity , had told him some specialties concerning his future estate , answered , Such perhaps I was born ; but since that time I have been born again , and my second Nativity hath cross'd my first .

Valentinian , when his souldiers had chosen him to be Emperor , they were consulting to have another joyned with him : No ( said ●● ) It was in your power to give me the Empire while I had it not ; but now when I have it , it is not in your power to give me a partner .

Epaminondas , the Theban Ruler , when the people made merry with banquets and dances on a Solemn Feast-day , went up and down the City in his worst array , and sadly ( as it were ) mourning : And being demanded why he did so ? His answer was , That therefore was he sad , because they should with more security be merry .

The grave Cato , when one asked counsel of him in sober earnest , what harm he thought aboded him , because rats had gnawn his hose ? He merrily answered , That it was a strange thing to see that , but it had been much more strange if his hose had devoured the rats .

Tully likewise , when one to enforce the verity of Divination , said , that a Victory which ●ell to the Thebans ▪ was fore-shewed by an extraordinary crowing of cocks : He replyed , that it was no miracle cocks should crow ; but if fishes had so done , that had been wonderful indeed .

Apollonius being very early at Vespasian's gate , and finding him stirring , from thence he conjectured that he was worthy to govern an Empire ; and said to his companion , this man surely will be Emperor , he is so early .

One being demanded what Caesar whispered in his ear ? Made answer , That Caesar told him he would invent a very strange punishment for such as pried into his words and actions .

Ferdinand the Emperor , making a Speech in a publique Assembly , by chance gave Priscian a fillip or two , which a Bishop hearing , started up , and said , Caesar , You have forgotten your Grammar : To whom Caesar , and you have forgotten your Ethicks , Bishop .

Aexander , being desired to see Darius daughters , who were fair and young , made answer , I will have a care not to be vanquished by women , seeing I have vanquished men .

Some entreated Cyrus to see Panthea , which he refused to do ; and being told that she was very fair , It is for that reason ( said he ) I may not see her ; for if I do visit her now that I have leisure , she will bind me another time , when I shall be full of affairs .

Priscus Helvidius was advised not to come unto the Senate : He answered , It is in the Emperors power not to make me of the Senate , but while I am a Senator , he shall not let me from going to the palace . You shall be suffer'd to go , said the other , so you speak not : Helvidius answers , I will not speak a word , if they demand nothing of me ; but if they ask me , I will answer what I think fit . If you speak , said the other , they will put you to death . He replies , And when did I brag that I was immortal ? You shall do your duty , and I mine ; it is in you to kill me , and in me to die without fear ; it is in you to banish me , and in me to go to it cheerfully .

When Athanasius was banished by the Emperor Julian , he said unto his friends that came to sorrow with him in his disgrace : Courage● my children , this is but a little cloud , which will vanish presently .

Fabius Maximus having spoiled Tarentum , and made it desolate , with all kinds of cruelties ; when his Secretary came to ask him , What shall we do with the enemies gods ? He answered , Let us leave the angry gods unto the Tarentines .

Scanderbeg had it in particular in all his encounters and military actions , always to begin his first Stratagems of Victory with the death of the head , saying , That the head should be first cut off , and the rest of the body will fall alone ; and that he knew no kind of living creature that could survive , the head being taken off .

It was a witty speech of him that said , That mens actions were like notes of musick , sometimes in spaces , and sometimes in lines , sometimes above , and sometimes beneath , and never or seldom straight for any long continuance .

Rubrius Flavius , being condemned by Nero●o ●o lose his head ; when as the Executioner said unto him , that he should stretch forth his neck boldly , he answered , Thou shalt not strike more boldly , than I will present my head .

Croesus , King of Lydia , seeing Cyrus's souldiers running up and down the Town of Sardis , he demanded whither they did run ? They go to the spoil of the Town , answered Cyrus . They take nothing from me ( replyed Croesus , all they carry away is thine , and not mine . Signifying , that the spoils of souldiers are the losses of the Conqueror , rather than the conquered .

One demanded of Sym●nides , why he was so sparing in the extremity of his age ? For that , said he , I had rather leave my goods after my death to my enemies , than in my life-time to have need of my friends .

When Antisthenes the Philosopher was in extream pain , he cryed out , Who shall deliver me from these miseries ? Diogenes presenting a knife unto him , said , This , if thou wilt , and that soon . I do not say of my life ( replyed the Philosopher ) but of my pain .

One demanded of Cercidas the Megalapolitane , if he died willingly ? Why not ( said he ) for after my death I shall see those great men , Pythagoras among the Philosophers , Hecateus among the Historians , Homer among the Poets , and Olympus among the Musicians .

A Babler demanding of Aristole , if his discourse were not strange ? No , answered he , but yet a man having feet , should not give himself so long patience to hear thee .

The Embassadors of Lacedemon being come to the King Lygdomnus , he making difficulty to hear them , and feigning himself sick , the Embassadors said , We are not come to wrestle with him , but to speak with him .

Lewis the 11th . of France , one day went into the kitchin , whereas he found a young lad turning the spit , he demanded his name , of whence he was , and what he did earn ? This turn-spit , who knew him not , told his name , and that though he were in the Kings service , yet he got as much as the King : For the King ( said he ) hath but his life , and so have I ; God feeds the King , and the King feeds me .

The Emperor Maximilian answered a Merchant , who besought him to make him a Gentleman : I can make thee much richer than thou art , but it is not in my power to make thee a Gentleman .

Pope Julius the 2d ▪ having had a long feud with the Emperor Frederick ( against whom he had fought 12 Battels ) being one day gently admonished by the Arch-Bishop of Ostia , how St. Peter his Predecessor was commanded to put up his sword . 'T is true said Julius , our Saviour gave the prime Apostle such a comand , but 't was after he had given the blow , and cut off Malchus ear .

Diogenes said , That Troy was lost by horses , and the Common-wealth of Athens by asses .

Alva●o de Luna , whom John King of Castile advanced , and loved above all men of his Realm , said to them that admired his fortunes : Judge not of the building before it be finished . He died by the hands of Justice .

Lewis the 1●th . King of France , being but a child when crowned , tired with being so long ( eight hours ) in the Church , and bearing the Crown on his head , with divers other heavy vests upon his body , was asked , what he would take to take the like pains again ? He answered ▪ For another Crown I would take double the pains .

Those of the Religion , petitioning Lewis ▪ 13. for a continuance of holding their cautionary Townes , as Hen. 3. and Hen. the great had done : He told them , What grace the first did shew you , was out of fear ; what my Father did , was out of love ; but I would have you know that I neither fear you no● love you .

The Marshal de Saint Geran , comming to Sir Edward Herbert ( then Embassador from the King of England for the Rochellers ) after a counter-buff with Luynes the Constable , and told him in a friendly manner , you have offended the Constable , and you are not in a place of security here : Whereunto he answered , That he held himself to be in a place of security wheresoever he had his sword by him .

The Duke of Suilli was a Favourite to Henry the 4th . whom he had reduced from a Roman , to be a Reformist , when he was King of Navar onely ; and perswading him to become Roman again , the Duke bluntly answered , Sir , you have given me one turn already , you have good luck if you give me any more .

Lewis the 13th . when but a youth , he went to the Coutry of Bearn , at his entrance to Pan , the Inhabitants bringing a Canopy to carry over his Head , He asked , whether there was ever a Church in the Town ? And being answered , No : He said , he would receive no honour in that place , where God himself had no house to be honoured in .

William , Prince of Orange , to content those that reproved his too much humanity , said , That man is well bought , who costs but a salutation .

A President of a Parliament in France , whose friends came to see him at his new house , began exceedingly to commend it for the rareness of the Workmanship , and the goodness of the stone , timber , marble , and such like : You mistake ( said he ) the stuff whereof it is made ; the house is onely built de testes les fols , of foolsheads .

Bias , one of the seven wise men of Greece , sailing in a ship where some fellows were that had given themselves over to lewdness , and yet in a storm were calling unto their gods for help , He said unto them , Hold your peace , for fear left the gods should know you be here .

Alexander Severus was wont to say , That a Souldier is never afraid , but when he seeth himself well apparelled , and his Belt furnished with money .

Dionysius the Tyrant , said , We should deceive children with dice and cock-alls , and men with Oaths .

Alexander the Great , when one wondred , why he not onely not kill'd his enemies , but took them to be his friends : It seems ( says he ) to thee profitable to kill an enemy , and I kill an enemy while I spare him , and make him my friend while I advance him .

The Philosopher Anacharsis , said of Solons Common-wealth , That in the Consultations and Deliberations of the Greeks , Wise-men propounded the matters , and fools decided them .

Darius was wont to say of himself , In a pinch and extremity of peril he was always wisest .

Favorinus told Adrian the Emperor , who had censured him in his own profession of Grammar , That he durst not be learneder than he , who commanded 30. Legions .

Thou art an Heretick , said Woodrofe the Sheriff to Mr. Rogers the Proto-Martyr in Queen Maries dayes : That shall be known ( quoth he ) at the day of Judgment .

General Vere told the King of Denmark , that Kings cared not for souldiers , until such time as their Crowns hung on one side of their heads .

Tamberlain having overthrown Bajazet , asked him , Whether ever he had given God thanks for making him so great an Emperor ; who confessing he never thought of it ; Tamberlain replyed , that it was no wonder so ingrateful a man should be made a spectacle of misery : For you ( saith he ) being blind of one eye , and I lame of one leg , was there any worth in us , why God should set us over two such great Empires ?

Luther was wont to say , that three things make a Preacher , reading , prayer , and temptation ; reading a full man , prayer an holy man , temptation an experienced man .

One having made a long , tedious , and idle discouse before Aristotle , concluded it thus , Sir , I doubt , I have been too tedious to you with my many words : In good sooth , said Aristotle , you have not been tedious to me , for I gave no heed to any thing you said .

Aigoland King of Arragon , comming to the French Court to be Baptized , and asking who those lazers and poor people were , that waited for alms from the Emperor Charlemain's table ? When one answered him , that they were the servants of God : I will never serve that God said he , that keeps his servants no better .

One being ready to die , clapt a 20 s. peece into his mouth , and said , Some wiser than some , if I must leave all the rest , yet this I' ll take with me .

Sabina , a Roman Martyr , crying out in her travail , and being asked by her Keeper , how she would endure the fire the next day ? Oh well enough , said she ; for now I suffer in child-birth for my sin ; but then Christ shall suffer in me , and support me .

Cardinal Columnus , when the Pope threatned to take away his Cardinals Hat , That then he would put on an Helmet to pull him out of his throne .

King James , after he had moderated as Dr. of the Chair at Oxford in all Faculties ; when in the publique Library there , he beheld the little chaines wherewith the several Books were fastned to their places : I could wish ( saith he ) ( if ever it be my lot to be carried captive ) to be shut up in this prison , to be bound with these chains , and to spend my life with these fellow-captives that stand here chained .

Aesop being set to sale with two other slaves , a Chapman enquired of the first , what he could do ? He , to endear himself , answered , mountaines , and wonders , and what not ? For he knew , and could do all things . The second answered even so for himself , and more too . But when he came to Aesop , and demanded of him what he could do ? Nothing , said he , for these two have fore-stalled all , and have left nothing for me .

The Philosopher Byon , when a certain King for grief tore his hair : Doth this man ( said he ) think that baldness will asswage his grief ?

One being demanded what his studies would stead him in his decrepit age ? answered , That he might the better , and with more ease leave the world .

The Embassadors of Samos , being come to King Cleomenes of Sparta , prepared with a long prolix Oration , to stir him up to war against the tyrant Polycrates , after he had listned a good while unto them , his Answer was : Touching your Exordium , I have forgotten it , the middle I remember not , and for the conclusion , I will do nothing in it .

Scipio being one day accused before the Roman people of an urgent and capital offence , in stead of excusing himself , or flattering the Judges , turning to them , he said , It will well beseem you to judge of his head , by whose means you have authority to judge of all the world .

Atisthenes was wont to say to his disciples ; Come on my Masters , let you and me go to hear Socrates , there shall I be fellow-disciple with you .

Julius Drusius , to those Workmen which for 3000 crowns offered so to reform his house , that his neighbours should no more over-look into it : I will give you 6000 ( said he ) and contrive it so , that on all sides every man may look into it .

The Stanhop said merrily , That not he , but his stately house was guilty of high treason .

Eleazer , a Jew , being demanded when it would be time to repent & amend ? Answered , One day before death . And when the other replyed , that no man knew the day of his death : He said , Begin then even to day , for fear of failing .

Apollidorus was wont to say of Chrysippus his Books , That if other mens sentences were left out , the pages would be void .

Cato said , He had rather men should ask why he had no Statues erected for him , than why he had .

A certain Souldan , who died at the Siege of Zigetum , being perswaded by the Muphti not to suffer so many Religions as were in his Dominions : He answered , That a nosegay of many flowers smelled far more sweet than one flower onely .

Pope Sixtus said , That a Pope could never want money , while he held a pen in his hand .

One said of Erasmus his Enchyridion , That there was more devotion in the Book , than in the Writer .

A Frenchman being asked by one of his Neighbours , if the Sermon were done ? No , saith he , it is said , but it is not done , neither will be , I fear , in haste .

When one asked the Duke of Alva , whether he had not observed the great Ecclipse of the Sun ? No truly , said he , I have so much business on earth , that I have no time to look up to heaven .

A Physician was wont to say pleasantly to delicate Dames , when they complained they were they could not tell how , but yet they could not endure to take any Physick : Your onely way is to be sick indeed , and then you will be glad to take any medicine .

Diogenes being asked what time is best for meals ? He answered , For the rich man when he had a stomack , and for a poor man when he could get meat .

Jovinian said to the Orthodox and Arrian Bishops , contending about Faith : Of your learning I cannot so well judge , nor of your subtle disoutations ; but I can observe which of you have the better behaviour .

An Arrian Bishop entreating the Emperor ▪ Constantine to give them a Church : He answered , If your cause be good , one is too few ; but if bad , one is too many .

The Philosopher Theodorus was wont to say , That he gave his scholars instructions and lessons with the right hand , but that they received them with the left .

Luther would often say , That if he thought the reading of his Books would hinder the reading of the Scriptures , he would burn them all before he died .

When one accused a Comical Poet , that he brought a lewd debauched Ruffian on the Stage , and so gave bad example to young men . True , said he , I brought such a man on ▪ but I hanged him before he went off , and so I gave them a good example .

One being asked what exploits he had done in the Low-countries ? Answered , That he had cut off a Spaniards legs : Reply being made , that it had been something if he had cut off his head : Oh , said he , you must consider his head was off before .

A gallant sometime said to a reverend Prelate , If there be no judgment to come , are not you a very fool to bar your self from the pleasures of this life ? To whom the Prelate : And what if there be a judgment to come , are not you then a very fool , for the short pleasures of this present life , to bar your self from those eternal joyes of your life to come ?

Charls the 5th . Emperor was wont to say , That the King of Spain ruled over asses , doing nothing without violence or blows ; the King of France over men ; and the Emperor over Kings . And when one of the standers by said , that the Polonians also had their King : I grant , said he , that he is ▪ their King . Meaning , that his power was limited by them .

When Marshal Biron bid Sir Roger Williams bring up his Companies faster , taxing the slow march of the English . Sir , saith he , with this march our Fore-fathers conquered your Countrey of France , and I mean not to alter it .

The same Sir Roger Williams , to an idle Spaniard , boasting of his Country-citrons , Oranges , Olives , and such like : Why , saith he , we , in England , have good Surloyns of Beef , fat Muttons , and dainty Capons , to eat your sawee withal .

One demanding of an Italian , why their Muttons and Cattel were so small and lean ? Because ( quoth he ) we Italians eat the grass in sallets , and by robbing the pastures , deceive the cattel .

A Portugal Captain once told King Sebastian , providing for his journey into Barbary , That wars should be accompanied with three streams , the first , of men ; the second , of victuals ; the third , of silver .

Another being demanded how many things were necessary hereunto , answered , Money , money , money .

Sigismond , the first King of Poland , moved by Leo the 10th . to war against the Turk , answered , Few words shall serve , first , make firm peace among the Christian Princes , then will I be not behind the forwardest .

When Ferdinando Cortez had conquered Mexico , the King of Mexico drawing his dagger , gave it to him , saying , Hitherto I have done the best for the defence of my people ; now I am no farther bound , but to give thee this dagger to kill me with .

Hannibal having sent his Brother Mago to discover the Romans Camp , and returning , he asked him , What newes , and what work they were like to have with the enemies ? Work enough ( answered Mago ) for they are an horrible many . As horrible a many as they are ( replyed Hannibal ) I tell thee brother , that among them all , search them never so diligently , thou shalt not finde one man whose name is Mago .

Captain Gam , before the Battel of Agincourt , being sent to make the like Discovery , told King Henry the 5th . That of the Frenchmen , there were enough to be kill'd , enough to be taken prisoners , and enough to run away .

At a Solemn Convention of many Philosophers , before the Embassadors of a Forreign Prince , and that every one , according to his several abilities , made demonstration of their wisedom , that so the Embassador might have matter to report of the admired wisedom of the Grecians ▪ Amongst those , one there was that stood still , and uttered nothing in the Assembly , insomuch that the Embassador turning to him , said . And what is your gift , that I may report it ? To whom the Philosopher , Report unto your King , that you found one amongst the Grecians , that knew how to hold his peace .

A Barber going to the Court , and being at his return asked what he saw ? He answered , the King was neatly trimm'd .

Themistocles , being invited to touch a Lute , said arrogantly , He could not fiddle , but he knew how to make a small town a great City .

Plutarch tells of two men that were hired at Athens for some publick work , whereof the one was full of tongue , but slow at hand , but the other , blunt in speech , yet an excellent Workman : Being called upon by the Magistrates to express themselves , and to declare at large how they would proceed ; when the first had made a long harrange , and described it from point to point , the other seconded him with this short speech : Ye men of Athens , what this man hath said in words , that will I make good true performance .

King Porus , when Alexander ask'd him how he would be used ? answered in one word , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Like a King . Alexander replying , do you desire nothing else ? No , said he , all things are in 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Solon being demanded how a Common-wealth might best be preserved in peace ? Answered , that the Common-wealth is in good estate , where the people obey the Magistrates , and the Magistrates obey the Law .

Pelican , a German Divine , said , concerning his Learning , When I appear before God , I shall not appear as a Doctor , but as an ordinary Christian .

When Plato saw one indulgent to his flesh in high diet , he asked him , What do ye mean to make your prison so strong ?

Augustus said , that Petitions should not be given to Princes , as meat to an Elephant , that one is afraid of .

Vespasian asked Apollonius , what was Nero's overthrow ? He answered , Nero could touch and tune the harp well ; but in Government , he used sometimes to winde the p●ns too high , and sometimes to let them down too low .

A fat man in Rome , riding always upon a very lean horse , being asked the reason thereof ? Answered . That he fed himself , but trusted others to feed his horse .

Philip of Macedon was wont to say , That an ass laden with gold would enter the gates of any City .

At the Treaty between the English , and the King of Spain , the Commissioners being met in a French Town , the first question was , what Tongue they should Treat in ? One of the Spaniards , thinking to give our English a sore gird , said , In French , and these Gentlemen cannot be ignorant of the language of their fellow-subjects : No , faith my Masters ( said Doctor Dale , Master of the Requests ) French is too common , especially in a French Town , We 'l treat in the Mother-tongue , Hebrew , the language of Hierusalem , of which your Master is King .

One being exiled his native Country , and one day asked why he looked so heavily ? replyed , I bear the Embleme of this place in my front .

When Ennius sought his friend at his house , and asked his servant where his Master was ? Who hearing , said to his servant , Tell him I am not at home ; which Ennius over-heard , but took the answer from the servant . The next day the same man , comming to Ennius his house , and demanded of his servant where his Master was ? Ennius spake aloud , Tell him I am not at home . What , said he , will you deny your self with your own tongue ? Why , said Ennius , I believed when but your man told me you were at home , and will you not believe me which say so my self ?

Erasmus being asked by Frederick Duke of Saxony , what he thought of Luther , so much earnestly seeking Reformation ? Erasmus answered , Luther had committed two great errours : One was , that he touch'd too near the Crown of the Pope ; another , too much the bellies of the Monks .

A certain bold-fac'd fellow , came one day to an Emperor , and desired his Majesty to bestow some reward upon a poor kinsman of his : I am your kinsman , quoth he , both by father and mother , for we come all of Adam and Eve . Indeed , thou sayest true ( quoth the Emperor ) and gave him a penny . A penny ( quoth the other ) shall I have no more but a penny ? A simple reward for an Emperor . Hold thy self content , said the Emperor , If I should give to every one of my kinsmen a penny , I should soon become a poor Emperor .

Alphonsus King of Arragon , answered an Orator , who had cited a long Panegerycal Oration of his praises : If that thou hast said , consenteth with truth , I thank God for it ; if not , I pray God grant me grace , that I may do it .

A Painter being blamed by a Cardinal for colouring the vi●ages of Peter and Paul too red , tartly replyed , That he painted them so , as ●lushing at the lives of those men who style themselves their successors .

When Alexander received any Letters from any of his Commanders in Greece , of some small Skirmish , or taking some Fort ( He being used to great Victories ) was wont to say , They seemed to him but as the battels of frogs and mice in Homer .

Some saying it was a strange resolution in L. Scilla to resigne his Dictatorship . Caesar scoffing at him , said , That Silla could not skill of Letters , and therefore knew not how to Dictate .

Aristippus , having a Petition to Dionysius , and no ear given him , he fell down at his feet , in manner of a worshipper : Whereupon Dionysius stay'd , and gave him the hearing , and granted it . And being reproved , that he would offer that indignity to Philosophy , as for a private suit to fall at a Tyrants feet ; He replyed , That it was not his fault , but it was the fault of Dionysius , who had his ears in his feet .

It is a notable speech reported of one Nemon , that was General of Darius his Army , when he was fighting against Alexander , one of his Souldiers reproached Alexander : The General came to him , and smote him , saying , I did not hire you to reproach Alexander , but to fight against him .

A great man , who himself was very plain in apparel , checkt a Gentleman for being over-fine : Who modestly answered , Your Lordship hath better cloaths at home , and I have worse .

Themistocles , when an Embassador in a set Speech boasted great matters of a small Village , took him up thus : Friend , your words require a City .

It was the saying of a noble Venetian Duke That it is sufficient for a discreet Prince to have power to revenge , that his enemies may have cause to fear him .

An Embassador of Athens , answered King Philip of Macedon , threatning that he would cause his head to be cut off : If thou take this head from me , my Country will give me another that shall be immortal . Statuam pro capite , pro morte immortalitatem .

Diogenes seeing a certain man dressing and decking himself for a festival day , said unto him thus : Why dost thou take such pains to trim thy self to day , seeing that every day is a festival day to a virtuous man ?

There was a certain rich wretch who had in his house great store of wine , but was so niggardly , that he sold the best , and kept the worst for his own use . A servant of his , observing the pinching and preposterous niggardliness o● his Master , fled away from him ; and being asked afterwards why he had left his Lord ? answered thus : Because I could not endure to stay with a man , who having that which was good , made choise of that which was evil .

The Philosopher Aristippus , having lost one of his three Farms , said thus unto his freinds ; That it was babishness to be sorry for one Farm los● , and not to be merry for the other two that did rest in his hands , seeing that all of them had lien open to the same adventure .

Secundus the Philosopher being demanded , What is a wife ? Replyed , She is contrary to an husband .

Richard Nevil , Earl of Warwick , when the people would have made him King , refused it , saying , That he had rather make Kings , than be one .

Pompey , when his souldiers , would needs leave the Camp , threw himself down at a narrow passage , and bid them go , But they should first trample on their General .

Diogenes said to one that had perfumed his lo●ks : Be careful your odoriferous head procure you not a stinking life .

Themistocles to Symmachus , to whom , being desirous to teach him the art of memory ; He answered , He had rather learn the art of forgetfulness .

Vespasian seeing at once two fatal presages of his end , a blazing Comet , and a gaping Sepulcher , turned them both from himself , with this pleasant scoff ; saying , The Sepulcher gaped for the old Empress Julia ; and the blazing Star portended the death of the King of Persia , who at that time wore long hair .

When Mr. Sam. Hieron lay on his death-bed ( rich onely in goodness and children ) his wife made much womanish lamentation , what should become of her little ones . Peace Sweet-heart ( said he ) that God who feedeth the Ravens , will not starve the Herns .

Mr. Fox ( the Author of the Martyrology ) being once asked at a friends table , what dish he desired to be set up to him to begin his meal with ? He answered , The last . Which word was pleasantly taken , as if he had meant a choiser dish , such as usually are brought at the second Course ; whereas he rather signified the desire he had to see dinner ended , that he might depart home .

Going abroad ( by chance ) he met a woman that he knew , who pulling a book from under her arm , and saying , See you not that I am going to a Sermon ? Mr. Fox replyed , But if you will be ruled by me , go home rather ; for to day you will do little good at Church . And when she asked , at what time therefore he would counsel her to go ? Then ( answered he ) when you tell no body before-hand .

When a young man , a little too forward , had , in presence of many , said , that he could not conceive any reason in the reading of old Authors , why men should so greatly admire them . No manuel , indeed , ( quoth Mr. Fox ) for if you could conceive the reason , you would then admire them your self .

One told a Grecian Statist , who had excellently deserved of the City he lived in , that the City had chosen 24 Officers , and yet left him out . I am glad , saith he , the City affords 24 abler ●han my self .

When one of Antipaters friends ( who was an imperious and tyrannous Governor ) commended him to Alexander for his moderation , that he did not degenerate into the Persian pride in the use of Purple , but kept the ancient habit of Macedon , of black . True , ( saith Alexander ) but Antipater is all purple within .

Alexander , when he gave large gifts to his friends and servants , and one asked him what he did reserve for himself ? He answered , Hope .

One asked a grave Gentlewoman how her maids came by so good husbands , and yet seldome went abroad ? Oh ( said she ) good husbands come home to them .

One having a shrewd wife , yet loth to use her hardly , awed her by telling her , That he would beat her when he was dead . Meaning , that he would leave her no maintenance .

One complaining that never had father so undutiful a child as he had . Yes , said his son , ( with less grace than truth ) my Grand-father had .

A Farmer rented a grange , generally reported to be haunted with Fairies , and paid a shrewd rent for the same at each half-years end . Now a Gentleman asked him how he durst be so hardy as to live in the house ? and whether no Spirits did trouble him ? Truth ( said the farmer ) there be two Saints in heaven , vex me more than all the Devils in hell ; namely , the Virgin Mary , and Michael the Arch-angel ; on which days he paid his rent .

When a Professor pressed an Answerer ( a better Christian than a Clerk ) with an hard argument : Reverende Professor , said he , ingenuè confiteor , me non posse respondere huic argumente . To whom the Professor , Rectè respondes .

When one told Latimer that the Cutler had cozend him , in making him pay two pence for a knife not ( in those dayes ) worth a penny : No , quoth Latimer , he cozened not me , but his own Conscience .

When Buchanan lay on his death-bed , King James sent to know how he did ? He returned this answer , That he was going whither few Kings came .

Q. Metellus Pius , to one wondring at what he intended to do , and demanding of him what he meant ? Let alone , saith he , farther to enquire ; for if my shirt knew what I meant to doe , I would burn it .

Pericles being requested by his souldiers to fight , and that with vile reproachful terms , replyed thus : That if he could repair losses , and recover life , he would as gladly adventure as they . But you see ( said he ) trees being cut , they grow again ; but men once slain , revive no more .

Henry the 4th . King of France , seeing the Chappel which the family of Bassom Pierre had builded , and reading this verse of the Psalm , which was set down for an Embleme : Quid retribuam Domino , pro omnibus quae retribuit mihi ? He said , Bassom Pierre as a German should have added , Calicem accipiam .

To one , telling him that there is nothing doth sooner make those who are out of their wits to become temperate , than the punishment which is inflicted upon them , the King interrupted his speech , and told him , Mercy pardoneth those who have not deserved it ; and the juster that wrath is , the more commendable is mercy .

When men spake of the insolencies and ryots of the City , during the troubles , &c. He said , The people of Paris are good , it goeth as it is led ; mischief commeth from those which go before , and not from their simplicity which follow after , and grow bad by infection .

Considering on a time that Taxes were excessive in sundry places of the Kingdome : He said , My people are made to pay a double tax , one to me , and another to my Officers . The second makes the first insupportable ; for the expence of the Officers amount to more than the tax : It is a hard matter to keep my self unrob'd , and almost impossible but that my people should be so .

He was wont to say , That he would not see them suffer harm , which were not in case to doe any .

Some one besought him to give him leave to carry the Cannon against some that held his house : The King demanded of him what he would do when he had forced them ? His choller made him answer , That he would hang them all : Whereupon the King sent him away with this mild reply , I have no Cannon to that use .

A maker of Anagrams , presenting something unto him upon his name , and telling him that he was very poor : I believe it , said the King , for they that use this trade , cannot grow very rich .

He was wont to say , That it was an offence to God , to give credit to those Prognosticks : and that , having God for his guard , He feared no man .

The same Henry , being at the Siege of Amiens , amongst others of the Nobles which he summoned for that service , he sent also to the Count Soissons , a Prince of the Blood to whom the King gives 5000 crowns pension . The Count , at that time discontented , returned the King answer , That he was a poor Gentleman , and wanted meanes to come to that service , as became one of his birth and place , being a Prince of the Blood , and Peer of France : He therefore most humbly craved pardon , and ●●at he would most humbly pray for his Majesties prosperous successe , which was all he could do . Well ( saith the King ) seeing prayer is not acceptable without fasting , my Cousin shall hereafter fast from his pension of 5000 crowns .

He used much this noble Speceh , when I was born , there were a thousand other souls more born ; what have I done unto God , to be more than they ? It is his meer grace and mercy which doth often bind me more unto his justice ; for the faults of great men are never small .

When certain Romans practised by secret counsel to kill the Emperor Domitian , and gave part thereof to Trajane : He did answer ; I do well see that Domitian deserved not to be elected Emperor , and much less to be susteined in the same ; yet never the more shall I consent unto his death , for that I will rather endure a tyrant , than procure the renown of a traytor .

The Emperor Adrian said , That he remembred not since the age of ten yeares , whether he stood still , or walked by the way , that he had not either a book to read in , or some weapon to fight with .

Being demanded why he was so bountiful unto his Ministers of Justice ? He answered , I make the Ministers of Justice rich , because by robbery of Justice they shall no● make other men poor .

When Favorinus , having an old house , at the entry thereof he had raised a stately porch , painted with whi●e : The Emperor said unto him , This house of thine seemeth a gilded pill , which outwardly giveth pleasure , but within is full of bitterness .

Another friend of Adrians , named Silvius , very black of face , and of evil shape of body , comming one day unto the Palace , all clad in white , Adrian said unto those that were present , That black face , with that white garment , seemeth no other , but a flie drowned in a spoonfull of milk .

There was in Rome a certain man named Enatius , somewhat entred in age , and of natural condition mutinous , ambitious , importune , intermedling , quarrellous , and full of garboyl . The Emperor Adrian being advertised that Enatius was dead , He fell into a great laughter , and sware , That he could not a little marvel how he could intend to die , considering his great business both night and day .

There was a Senator named Fabius Cat● , a man of a small stature , which would soon be offended , and as soon be pleased ; unto whom Adrian said , Since your chimney is so small , you must beware to lay much wood upon the fire , for otherwise it will be always smokie .

When a certain cunning man made offer to the Emperour Antonius Pius , to place him teeth wherewith to eat or speak ; Antonius made answer : Since never from my heart proceeded feigned or double words , there shall never enter into my mouth feigned teeth .

Antonius alwayes , for the most part , went bare-headed ; and one advising him the air of Rome to be very hurtful , and therefore necessary to have his head covered , answered , assure me from troubles of men on earth , and I am assured that nothing shall trouble me which the gods shall send me from heaven .

He sent Fulvius Tusculanus as Praetor into the Province of Mauritania , whom within half a year he deprived of his Office , for that he was both impatient and covetous ; who complaining of the injury , said , that in times past he had been a friend unto Antonius , but now it was forgotten : Whereunto Antonius answered , Thou hast no reason thus unjustly to blame me , because the office was given thee by the Emperor , and not by Antonius ; and since , thou didst not offend as Fulvius , but as Praetor ; so I discharge thee of thy Office , not as Antonius thy old friend , but as Emperor of the Roman Empire .

Some speaking in his presence of Wars and Battels , that Julius Caesar , Scipio & Hannibal had fought and overcame in the field : Antonius Pius answered , Let every man hold opinion what he thinketh good , and praise what it pleaseth him ; but for my own part , I do more glory in conserving peace many yeares , than with wars to conquer many battels .

Before he gave any government unto Praetors , Censors , or Questors , he caused them to give an Inventory of their own proper goods , that when their charges were finished , the increase of their wealth might be considered : Saying unto them , That he sent them to administer Justice , and not by fraud to rob Countries .

The Emperour Pertinax used to say , That , of Princes charging their Kingdomes with unjust tribute , there succeedeth a wilful denial of due and most just payments .

He had a Son whom the Romans would have Created Augustus ; which he would never like of , or consent unto ; saying , The gods never grant that , with the hopes of the Empire , my son should be nourished unto vice and idleness .

The Emperor Bassianus would often say , I know not what man , having bread to eat , or garments to wear , and cover himself on land , would ( to become an Emperor ) go to Sea .

The Emperor Alexander Severus was wont to say , Princes are not to be known by their vassals by their rich robes , but by their good works performed in their Common-wealths .

Lewis the 12th . King of France , when he heard that the Pope had extreamly cursed him ; He said , That this was a Pope made to curse , but not to pray .

He had in King Charls his time been evilly used by divers , of whom he was advised to take revenge at his comming to the Crown : Whereunto he answered , That it became not a King of France to revenge the injuries done to a Duke of Orleans .

Looking upon the Roll of King Charls his servants , he found two that had been his dead enemies , upon each of whose names he made a cross ; wherewith they being in great perplexity , supposed the gallows to be prepared for them : Which their fear being discovered to the King . He sent them word ▪ To be of good cheer , for he had crossed all their evil deeds out of his remembrance .

When a certain Courtier complained grievously of his wives unchastness , The King bad him be of good cheer , for he that respected his wives incontinencie , or the Popes curse , should never sleep quiet night .

Charls of Bourbon had often in his mouth the Apothegme of a Gascoigne Gentleman , who being demanded by Charls the 7th . what reward might win him to break his faith with him , whereof he had made trial in so many important affairs ? I could not be drawn thereunto ( answered he ) though I might have your Kingdom given me , or the Empire of the Earth , and all the treasures of the world ; but I might be moved to doe it by an outrage that might be offered me , and for some injury that might touch mine Honour .

Plancus being told that Asinius Pollio had written certain Invective Orations against him , which should not be published till after Plancus his death , to the end they might not be answered by him . There is none ( saith he ) but Ghosts and Goblius that fight with the dead .

Peter Earl of Savoy , who to do his Liegehomage to the Emperor Otho the 4th . came before him in a two-fold attire ; for he had on the one half of his body , on the right side , from the top downward , set out with cloth of gold : and the other half on the left side , covered with shining armour . The Emperor asking him what such a divers furniture meant ? Sir , answered he , the attire of the right side is to honour your Imperial Majesty ; this of the left , sheweth me ready to fight until the last gasp , against those that wish you ill , and speak ill of you .

Pope John the third , being asked what thing was farthest from the truth ? The opinion of the common people ( answered he ) for all that they praise deserve blame ; all that they think is nothing but vanity , all that they say is nothing but lying ; they condemn the good , they approve the evil , they magnifie nothing but infamy .

Lewis the 11th . used this Apothegme , Where pride and presumption goe before ▪ shame and loss follow after .

Dionysius having taken the City Reggio , and in it the Captain Phyton , he told him , how the day before he had caused his son and his kinsfolks to be drowned : To whom Phyton answered nothing , But that they were more happy than himself by the space of one day .

Thales being asked how a man might be cheerful , and bear up in afflictions : Answered , If he can see his enemies in worse case than himself .

A souldier being demanded by Nero , why he hated him : Answered him thus : I loved thee whilst thou nere worthy of love ; but since thou becamest a paracide , a jugler , a player , and a coach-man , I hate thee as thou deservest .

Another being asked why he sought to kill him ? answered , Because I find no other course to hinder thy uncessant outrages , and impious deeds .

Francis Duke of Britanny , Son to John the 5th , when he was spoken unto for a marriage between him and Isabel a Daughter of Scotland , and some told him she was but meanly brought up , and without any instruction of learning , answered , He loved her the better for it ; and that a woman was wise enough , if she could but make difference between the shirt and doublet of her husband .

Demosthenes companions in their Embassage to Philip , praised their Prince to be fair , eloquent , and a good quaffer : Demosthenes said , They were commendations rather fitting a woman , an advocate , and a spunge , than a King .

Theodorus answered Lysimachus , who threatned to kill him : Thou shalt do a great exploit to come to the strength of a cantharides .

Aristotle being upbraided by some of his friends , that he had been over-merciful to a wicked man : I have indeed ( quoth he ) been merciful towards the man , but not towards his wickedness .

When an Epigramatist read his Epigrams in an Auditory , one of the hearers stopt him , and said , Did not I hear an Epigram to this purpose from you last year ? Yes , says he , it 's like you did : But is not that vice still in you this year , which last years Epigram reprehended ?

Some came and told Philopoemen , the enemies are with us : To whom he answered , and why say you not that we are with them ?

When Sicily did curse Dionysius , by reason of his cruelty , there was onely one old woman that pray'd God to lengthen his life : Whereat Dionysius wondering ▪ asked her for what good turn she should do that ? She Answered , That it was not love , but fear ; for ( said she ) I knew your Grandfather a great tyrant , and the people desired his death ; then succeeded your Father , more cruel than he , and now your self worse far than them both ; so that I think if you die , the Devil must come next .

Pompey being in Sicily , pressing the Mammertines to acknowledge his authority , they sought to avoid it , pretending that they had Priviledges and ancient Decrees of the people of Rome . To whom Pompey answered in choler , Will you plead Law unto us , who have our swords by our sides ?

When Lewis the 11th . demanded of Brezay ▪ Senescall of Normandy , the reason why he said that his horse was great and strong , being but little , and of a weak stature : For that , answered Brezay , he carries you and all your counsel .

He said , That if he had entred his Reign otherwise than with fear and severity , he had serv'd for an example in the last Chapter of Boccace his book of unfortunate Noblemen .

Considering that Secrecy was the Soul and Spirit of all Designes : He said sometimes , I would burn my Hat , if it knew what was in my Head .

He remembring to have heard King Charls his Father say , that Truth was sick : He added , I believe that since she is dead , and hath not found any Confessor .

Mocking at one that had many Books , and little learning : He said , That he was like unto a crook-back't man , who carries a great bunch at his back ▪ and never sees it .

Seeing a Gentleman which carried a goodly chain of gold , He said unto him that did accompany him ; You must not touch it , for it is Holy : Shewing that it came from the spoil of Churches .

On a time seeing the Bishop of Chartre mounted on a Mule , with a golden bridle , He said unto him , that in times past Bishops were contented with an Ass , and a plain halter : The Bishop answered him , That it was at such times as Kings were shepherds , and did keep shee● .

Abdolominus , a poor man , rich in plenty except plenty of riches ; to whom Alexander of Macedon proffering the Kingdom of Sydon , who before was but a gardiner , was by him refused , saying , That he would take no care to lose that which he cared not to enjoy .

When one told a Reverend Bishop of a young man that Preached twice every Lords day , besides some Exercising in the week-days : It may be ( said he ) he doth talk so often , but I doubt he doth not Preach .

To the like effect Queen Elizabeth said to the same Bishop , when She had on the Friday heard one of those talking Preachers , much commended by some-body ; and the Sunday after heard a well ▪ labour'd Sermon , that smel● of the candle : I pray ( said she ) let me have your bosome-Sermons , rather than your lip-Sermons ; for when the Preacher takes paines , the auditory takes profit .

When Dr. Day was Dean of Windsor , there was a Singing-man in the Quire , one Wolner , a pleasant fellow , famous for his eating , rather than his singing : Mr. Dean sent a man to him to reprove him , for not singing with his fellows ; the messenger ( that thought all worshipful that wore white Surplices ) told him Mr. Dean would pray his worship to sing : Thank Mr. Dean ( quoth Wolner ) and tell him , I am as merry as they that sing .

A Husbandman dwelling near a Judge that was a great builder , and comming one day among divers of other neighbours , some of stone , some of tinn , the Steward , as the manner of the Country was , provided two tables for their dinners ; for those that came upon request , powder'd beef , and perhaps venison ; for those that came for hire , poor-John and apple-pyes : And having invited them in his Lordships name to sit down , telling them one board was for them that came in love , the other was for those that came for money ; this husbandman and his hind sate down at neither , the which the Steward imputing to simplicity , repeated his former words again , praying them to sit down accordingly : But he answered , He saw no table for him , for he came neither for love nor money , but for very fear .

Scipio being made General of the Roman Army , was to name his Quaestor , or Treasurer for the Wars , whom he thought fit , being a place in those dayes ( as is now ) of great importance . One that took himself to have a special interest in Scipio's favour , was an earnest suitor for it ; but by the delay , mistrusting he should have a denial , he importuned him one day for an answer . Think not unkindness in me , ( said Scipio ) that I delay you thus ; for I have been as earnest with a friend of mine to take it , and yet cannot prevail with him .

A pleasant Courtier and Servitor of King Henry the 8ths . to whom the King had promised some good turn , came , and pray'd the King to bestow a living on him , that he had found our , worth 100 l. by the year , more than enough : Why , said the King , we have no such in England . Yes Sir ( said he ) the Provostship of Eaton ; for , said he , he is allowed his diet , his lodging , his hors-meat , his servants wages , his riding-charge , and 100 l. per annum besides .

Ellmar Bishop of London dealing with one Maddox , about some matters concerning Puritanisme , and he had answered the Bishop somewhat untowardly and thwartly , the Bishop said to him , Thy very name expresseth thy nature ; for Maddox is thy name , and thou art as mad a beast as ever I talked with . The other not long to seek of an answer : By your favour , Sir , said he , your deeds answer your name righter than mine ; for your name is Elmar , and you have marred all the Elms in Fulham , by lopping them .

In the dayes of Edward the 6th . the Lord Protector march't with a powerful Army into Scotland to demand their young Queen Mary in marriage to our King , according to their promises . The Scots refusing to do it , were beaten by the English in Musleborough-fight . One demanding of a Scotch Lord , taken prisoner , Now Sir , how do you like our Kings mariage with your Queen ? I alwayes ( quoth he ) did like the marriage , but I do not like the wooing , that you should fetch a Bride with fire and sword .

Theocritus , to an ill Poet , repeating many of his verses , and asking which he liked best ? Answered , Those which he had omitted .

Castruccio of Luca , saying to one that profest himself a Philosopher , You are of the condition of dogs , that alwayes goe about those who can best give them meat . No ( sayes the party ) we are like Physicians , who visit their houses that have most need of them .

Castruccio going from Pisa to Ligorn by water , and a dangerous storm there arising , and thereupon being much perplex'd , was reprehended by one of his followers as pusillanimous , saying himself was not afraid of any thing : To whom Castruccio reply'd , That he nothing marvel'd thereat ; for every one valu'd his life according to it's worth .

Being asked by one , what he should doe to gain a good esteem ? He answered him : See when thou goest to a Feast , that a block sit not upon a block .

When one boasted that he had read many things : Said Castruccio , It were better thou couldst brag thou hast remembred much .

Another bragging , Though he had tippled much , he was not drunk : Reply'd , An Oxe doe the same .

Castruccio kept a young Lass , which he lay with ordinarily ; and thereupon being reprov'd by a friend , telling him that it was a great wrong to him , that he had suffer'd himself to be so taken by a wench : Thou art mistaken , said he , I took her , not she me .

Being one night in a house of one of his Gentlemen , where there were divers Ladies invited to a Feast ; and he dancing and sporting with them , more than befitted his condition , was reproved by a friend : Answered , He that is held a wise man in the day-time , will never be thought a fool in the night .

When one ask'd him a favour with many and superfluous words ; Castruccio said to him , Hereafter , when thou wouldst any thing with me , send another .

Having caus'd a Citizen of Luca to die , who had help'd him in his rising to his greatnesse ; when it was said to him , he had ill done to put to death one of his old friends : He reply'd , You are deceiv'd , I have put to death a new enemy .

He said , He wondred much at men , that when they bought any vessel of earth or glass , they sound it first whether it be good ; but in taking a wife , they are content onely to see her .

Seeing that one had written upon his house in latine , God keep the wicked hence ; Said , The Master then must not enter here .

Treating with an Embassador of the King of Naples , touching some goods of the Borderers , whereat he was somewhat angry , when then the Embassador said , Fear you not the King then ? Castruccio said , Is this your King good or bad ? And he answering , That he was good , Castruccio replyed , Wherefore then should I be afraid of those that are good ?

The Lord Tinteville said to a great Personage of France , that none could write the life of his deceased Master ( Lewis the 11th . ) so well as he . To whom he answered wisely : I am too much bound to him to speak the truth .

King James , being invited in a hunting journey , to dine with Sir Tho. J. of Barkshire ; turning short at the corner of a Common , hapned near to a Country man , sitting by the heels in the stocks , who cryed Hosanna unto his Majesty , which invited him to ask the reason of his restraint ? Sir Tho. said , It was for stealing a goose from the Common . The fellow reply'd , I beseech your Majesty be Judge who is the greater thief , I for stealing geese from the Common , or his Worship for robbing the Common from the geese ? By my sale , Sir ( said the King to Sir ●ho . ) I se not dine to day on your dishes , till you restore the Common for the poor to feed their flocks . Which was forthwith granted to them , and the witty fellow set free .

Prince Henry was never heard to swear an oath : And it was remembred at his Funeral-Sermon by the Arch-Bishop ; That he being commended by one , for not replying with passion in play , or swearing to the truth : He should answer , That he knew no game or value to be won or lost , could be worth an Oath .

There was a Duel between two eminent Persons of the Turks , and one slain : The Council of Bashaws reprehended the other thus : How durst you undertake to fight one with the other ? Are there not Christians enough to kill ? Did you not know , that whether of you were slain , the loss would be the Great Seigniors .

King James having made a large and learned Speech to the Parliament , the Lord Keeper , as Speaker to the Peers , whose place there usually adds to the Kings mind and meaning , thus excuses himself : After the Kings Eloquence to be silent ; not to enamel a gold ring with studs of iron . As one sayes of Nerva , That having adopted Trajane , he was immediately taken away : Ne post divinum & immortale factum , aliquid mortale saceret ; So he durst not after his Majesties divinum & immortale dictum , mortale aliquid addere .

Alphonsus King of Arragon , seeing a young Lady dance with a Gentleman who made love to her , said to him , Comfort your self , this Sybil will quickly render the Oracle you ask : Because the Sybils gave no answers but in motion .

The Monk , who ambitious of martyrdom , told the Souldan , That he was was come into his Court , to die for Preaching of the Truth ; was answered , He needed not to have rambled so far for death , for he might easily find it among his Princes at home .

Antigonus being asked by his own son , what time he would remove his Camp ? He said , The sound of the trumpet should give them notice .

The Conspirator had learn'd the lesson of silence well ; who being asked his knowledge , answered , If I had known it , you had never known it .

Pyrrhus King of the E●irotes , having in two set Battels , with great loss of men , put the Romans to the worst , and hearing by a Favourite of his , this his so great good fortune smoothingly congratulated : He said unto him , That two Victories indeed he had gotten of them , but them so dear , that should he at the same rate buy a third , the purchase would no less than undo him .

A souldier of Augustus , when his enemies throat was in his power , hearing the Retreat sounded , gave over his violence , with these words ; Malo obedire Duci , quàm occidere hostem .

The Janizaries are very true to a man that trusts himself with them , and patient in bearing abuses . One of them being strucken by an Englishman , as they travelled through Morea , did not onely not revenge it , nor abandon him to the pillage and outrage of others , but conducted him unto Zant in safety : Saying , God forbid , that the villany of another should make him betray the charge that was committed to his trust .

A great Courtier of the great Moguls , noted to be a great neglecter of God , a souldier of approved valour ; but being in dalliance with one of his women , she pluckt an hair from his brest , which grew about his nipple , which presently began to fester , and in short time after became a canker incurable : Seeing he must die , he uttered these words : Who would have thought but that I , who have been so long bred a Souldier , should have died in the face of my enemy , by some instrument of war , & c ? But now ( though too late ) I am forced to confess , that there is a great God above , whose Majesty I have ever despised , that needs no bigger lance than an hair to kill an Atheist , or a despiser of his Majesty .

King Henry the 7th . having pressed Doctor Fisher to the Bishoprick of Rochester , all men thinking it to proceed from the request of the Lady Margaret , the Kings Mother , and his Mistris : The King said ; Indeed the modesty of the man , together with my Mothers silence , spake in his behalf .

He refused the Bishopricks of Lincoln and Ely , proffered him by Henry the 8th . contenting himself with his former , though less : Saying , Others have larger pastures , but I have lesser charge of souls ; so that when I shall be called to an account for both , I shall be the better able to give an account of either .

Bishop Fisher , having all his plate stolne in one night , his servant pursuing the thieves , found some pieces that they had let fall by the way ; the Bishop observing the next day the sad countenances of his servants , when knowing the cause , said : If this be all , we have more cause to rejoyce , that God hath restor'd us to some , than to be discontented that wicked men have taken away any ; for the least favour of God Almighty , is more to be esteemed , than all the evil ( which the Devil and all his wicked instruments can do unto us ) therefore let us sit down and be merry , thank God it is no worse , and look ye better to the rest .

Sir Thomas Moore , meeting the Bishop going before the Kings Commissioners at Lambeth , saluted him in these terms : Well met my Lord , I hope we shall meet in heaven . To which the Bishop reply'd : This should be the way , Sir Thomas , for it is a very streight gate we are in . They both suffer'd for refusing the Oath of Supremacy .

The Bishop would alwayes say , That the remembrance of death came never out of season .

The Bishops man being clapt up a close prisoner , and threatned to be hanged ( for carrying letters from his Master to Sir Thomas Moore ) they then being both prisoners in the Tower ) asked the Keeper , If there were another Act of Parliament come forth , whereby a man should be hang'd for serving his Master .

When Henry the 8th . was told the Bishops resolve , to accept of the Cardinals Hat , if the Pope sent it to him : The King said ; Yea , is he yet so lusty ? Well , let the Pope send him a Hat when he will , Mother of God , he shall wear it on his shoulders then , for I will leave him never a head to set it on .

Cardinal Poole saith of Bishop Fisher ( in an Epistle Dedicatory to Henry the 8th . ) That if an Embassador had been to be sent from earth to heaven , there could not among all the Bishops and Clergy so fit a man be chosen as he .

A foreign Embassador , some 200 years since , comming to Durham , addressed himself first to the high and sumptuous Shrine of St. Cuthbert , If thou beest a Saint , pray for me . Then comming to the plain , low , and little Tomb of St. Bede , Because , said he , thou art a Saint , good Bede pray for me .

Richard the ●d . said no less spightfully than falsly of the Woodvills ( brethren to the Wife of his brother King Edward the 4th . by whom they were advanced ) That many were made noble , who formerly were not worth a noble .

One asked which was the best Edition of St. Augustine ? To whom this answer was given ( generally true of all ancient Authors ) Even that Augustine which is least corrected .

There is a tradition of King Henry the 8ths . fool , comming into the Court , and finding the King transported with an unusual joy , boldly asked of him the cause thereof : To whom the King answered ; It was because the Pope had honoured him with a style more eminent than any of his Ancestors . O good Harry ( quoth the fool ) let thou and I defend one another , and let the faith alone to defend it self .

The Lady Katherine , King Henry the 8ths . divorced Wife , was wont to say , She accounted no time lost , but what was laid out in dressing of her .

Once an Eloquent Orator , free only of words , being otherwise extreamly covetous , made a large and elegant Oration in Latine ▪ to perswade others bountifully to contribute to a proper object of charity , whilst he himself would not part with one penny to that purpose . To whom one of his Audience ( though far his inferiour in Eloquence ) made this sharp but short return : Qui suadet ; sua det . Let him who seeks to perswade others , give something of his own .

Henry the 5th . having born away the Crown , supposing his Father had been dead ; when his Father used these words , How I came by it , and what right I have unto it , God knows : He said , I am to receive it from you , as your next heir ; and howsoever you came by it , I will keep the possession of it by the sword , against all mine enemies .

When Gowry was led to the Tower , a friend of his told him , Ah , my Lord , I am sorry you had no more wit . Tush ( quoth he ) thou know'st not what thou sayest , when sawest thou a fool come hither ?

When the Romans had nominated Titus Manlius Torquatus to be Consul , he alledging the infirmity of his eyes , refused the honour , and said ▪ He should bring in a very ill and pernitious example , if he should undertake to govern the Common-wealth with other mens eyes .

Charls the 9th . King of France , offered to the Prince of Conde his choise , whether he would go to Masse , or choose perpetual banishment , or imprisonment ? What , replyed he ? to goe to Masse , is simply a sin , therefore I will never choose that ; but to choose either perpetual banishment , or imprisonment , that I cannot doe , for then I should imply a certain guiltiness in my self ; but it is in your power , O King , to inflict which you please , and I am ready to suffer .

When Dionysius presented three whores before Aristippus , bidding him make choise of them : He said , That Paris had such bad success for choosing one of that kind , that he would never make choise of one of the three .

A certain Scholar amongst the Jews , asked one of the Rabbies , his Master , Whether he might read any of the humane Writers , or not ? He gave him this Answer : You may read them , provided you read them neither day nor night .

Apelles , when his boy shew'd him a painted Table , and told him that it was done in haste : He answered , He might have spared to tell him so , for the work sufficiently shew'd it .

Luther said , The Cardinals were like Foxes , sweeping the house with their tails , raising more dust than they cleansed .

Mr. Greenham answered one that spake somewhat in his own disparagement : Oh ( said he ) why do you praise your self so much ?

Espenceus saith of the Bishops in the Council of Trent ; They were learned in their assistants .

Du Mouline said of Roniface his Extravagants , They will doe well with a sword in hand .

The Roman General said of a recruited Army of Enemies , That those African Nations , muster'd under several names , were but the same men whom they had formerly beaten under the notion of Carthaginians .

When a Roman Senator asked the Carthaginian Embassador , How long the Peace should last ? That ( saith he ) will depend on the Conditions you give us , If Just and Honourable , they will hold for ever ; but if otherwise , no longer than till we have power to break them .

Batton Desidiale , who moved the people of Dalmatia to rebel against the Romans ( seeing them opprest too much with tributes and exactions ) making such sharp war against them , as Tyberius the Emperor asked him on a time , why he had caused the people to take Arms ? To whom he answered b●dly , That the Romans were the cause thereof ; for they , in sending them shepherds with good dogs to preserve them , they had sent them wolves which devoured them .

The Emperor Maximilian the 2d . could not endure that War should be made for Religion ; and was wont to say , That it was a deadly sin to seek to force mens consciences , the which belongs to God only .

At the Treaty for delivery of the Town of Antwerp , the Hollanders insisting upon explaining the word , scandal , &c. the Duke of Parma said : Can you not do as the Countryman did at Rome , who passing along the streets before an Ecce homo ( which is the figure of the representation which Pilate made of our Saviour Jesus Christ unto the people ) having made reverence , and passing on , he bethought himself that Pilate might attribute this honour unto himself ; wherefore turning and putting off his hat again , He said , It is to the Christ , not to the Pilate .

Pieresk us , the famous Frenchman , was wont to say , That whosoever seeks after the uncertain good things of this world , should think and resolve , that he gathers as well for thieves , as for himself .

Plato saith , That the Lawes of Necessity are so inevitable , that the gods themselves cannot alter them .

Caracalla having miserably impoverished the people , his Mother reproved him : To whom he shewing his naked sword , replyed , As long as I have this , I will not want .

Aurelian demanding how he might govern well ? Was answered by a great Personage : You must be provided with iron and gold ; iron to use against your enemies , and gold to reward your friends .

The Caliph of Babylon demurring to give the Embassador of Almerick ( King of Jerusalem ) his hand bare , but gave it him in his glove . To whom the resolute Earl of Caesarea said : Sir , truth seeks no holes to hide it self ; Princes that will hold Covenants , must deal openly and nakedly ; give us therefore your bare hand , we will make no bargain with your glove .

Lewis King of France , going the second time to the Holy Land , passing by Avignon , some of the City wronged his Souldiers ; wherefore his Nobles desired him to besiege the City , the rather , because it was suspected that therein his Father was poysoned . To whom Lewis most Christianly : I come not out of France to revenge my own quarrels , or those of my Father or Mother , but injuries offer'd to Jesus Christ .

Lewis severely punished blasphemies , searing their lips with an hot iron . And because by his command it was executed upon a great rich Citizen of Paris , some said , He was a Tyrant . He hearing it , said before many : I would to God , that with searing my own lips , I could banish out of my Realm all abuse of Oaths .

It was the Speech of Gustavus Adolphus , but three dayes before his death : Our affairs ( saith he ) answer our desires ; but I doubt God will punish me for the folly of the people , who attribute too much unto me , and esteem me as it were their God ; and therefore he will make them shortly know and see I am but a man . He be my witness , it is a thing distasteful unto me : And whatever befall me , I receive it as from his divine will ; onely in this I rest fully satisfied , that he will not leave this great enterprize of mine imperfect .

Hormisda being asked what he thought of Rome ? Said , He took contentment in this onely , that he had now learned , how even there also men are mortal .

Socrates , appointed to suffer death , would learn to sing : And being asked what good it would do him , seeing he was to die the next day ? He answered thus : Even that I may depart out of this life , learning more than I knew before .

Themistocles , after a Battel fought with the Persians , espying a pair of bracelets , and a collar of gold , lying on the ground , Take up those things ( quoth he , speaking to one of his company that stood near unto him ) thou art not Themistocles .

A Jew being turned Turk , soon after , buying of grapes of another Turk , fell at variance with him about weighing the grapes ; from words they fell to blows , and the Jew-Turk beat the other , which he endured very patiently , to encourage him ( as it seem'd ) in his new Religion . Soon after another Jew came to the Turk who had been beaten , and demanded of him why he suffered himself to be so abused ? Who answered , You shall beat me as much , if you will turn Musulman . So zealous are they to win Proselytes .

Philip the 2d . King of Spain was devoted to his Religion in so intense a degree , that he would often say , If the Prince his Son were an Heretick , or Schismatick , he would himself find fuel to burn him .

The Chyrurgeons being lancing his knee one day , the Prince his Son ask'd him , Whether it did not pain him much ? He answered , My sins pain me much more .

Reading a letter that brought him the newes of the loss of his Fleet in 88. He said ( without the least motion , or change of countenance ) Welcome be the will of God ; I sent my Cousin , the Duke of Medina , to fight with men , not with the Elements .

He used to have a saying often in his mouth : Time and I will challenge any two in the world .

Bias being demanded by a wicked man , what was piety ? He was silent : The other asking the reason of his silence : I answer not ( saith he ) because you enquire after that which nothing concerns you .

It was the sentence of Cleobolus : Do good to your friend , that he may be more your friend ; to your enemy , that he may become your friend .

To one who reproved Anaxagoras , for not taking care of his Country : Wrong me not , said he , my greatest care is my Country . Pointing to the Heavens .

Portugal being revolted , the Conde D' Olivares came smiling to the King ( Philip the 4th . ) saying , Sir , I pray you give me las albricias to hansel the good newes ; for now you are more absolute King of Portugal than ever , for the people have forfeited all their priviledges by this Rebellion : ●esides , the Estate of the Duke of Briganza , with all his Complices , are yours by right of Confiscation ; so that you have enough to distribute among your old loyal servants by way of reward .

Attabali●a , a wild Pagan King ▪ when he heard that his Kingdom was given by the Pope to the King of Spain : Surely ( said he ) that Pope must be an egregious fool , or some unjust and impudent tyrant , that will undertake to bestow other mens possessions so freely .

An Indian being to die , was perswaded by a Franciscan Frier to turn Christian , and then he should go to heaven . He asked , Whether there were any Spaniards in heaven ? Yes , said the Frier , 't is full of them . Nay , then ( said he ) I had rather go to hell , than have their company .

It was an excellent saying of Herod the Sophist , when he was pained with the Gout in his hands and feet : When I would eat ( said he ) I have no hands ; when I would go , I have no feet ; but when I must be pained , I have both hands and feet .

John , King of Hungary , used oftentimes to say , That the favour and love of valiant men , gotten by bounty and courtesie , was the best treasures of a Prince , for that courteous and thankeful men did oftentimes , in some one worthy piece of service , plentifully repay whatsoever had been bestow'd upon them ; as for such as were unthankeful , they did , to their shame , bear the testimony of another mans virtue .

After the Victory of Lepanto , one of the chief of the Turkish prisoners , hearing it compared to the loss of Cyprus , said : That the Battel lost , was unto Selymus , as if a man should shave his beard , which would ere long grow again ; but the loss of Cyprus was unto the Venetians as the loss of an arm , which once cut off , could never be again recovered .

A Countryman in Spain , comming to an Image inshrin'd , the extraction and first making whereof he could well remember ; and not finding from the same that respectful usage which he expected : You need not ( quoth he ) be so proud , for I have known you from a Plum-tree .

A Persian in England attending on the Embassador , anno 1626. who perceiving wealthy people in London , in the time of the plague , tumultuously posting to their Country-houses : What ( saith he ) have the Englishmen two Gods , the one for the City , and the other for the Country ?

Frederick , Burgrave of Noremberg ( which he obtained of the Emperor Sigismond , for his many good Services ) making his Will , he intended to give that charge to his second Son Frederick ; and acquainting his eldest Son John , ( who was a contemplative man ) answered : I did always think that Frederick had been more dear to you than my self , which did somewhat grieve me ; but now , dear Father , I will change my opinion , and love and honour you , who by your last Will bequeath rest to me , and cares to him .

Caesar was counselled to have a guard alwayes about him . Whereto he answered : That he would have none ; for he would rather die once , than live continually in jealousie and fear .

After his Victory in Spain , against Pompey's Sons ( considering the danger he had been in ) he used to say , That only that day he fought for his life , and in all other Battels , ever for honour and victory .

When the Captaines and Souldiers would have given Valentinian a companion and equal in the Empire , He told them : It was in your hands , and in your pleasure , when I was not Emperor , to give me the government and command of the Empire ; but now , that I have the government , and am in possession thereof , it is no part of your charge , neither ought you to intermeddle therein , for that it is my charge onely .

Valentinian the 2d . caused Ecius his General against Atila to be slain , having some suspition of him ; but demanding of Proximus , a discreet and noble Roman , Whether he had not followed the best and most profitable Counsel , by putting Ecius to death ? He answered : Whether the Emperor hath put Ecius to death with , or without reason , I dare not determine ; but this I dare affirm , that by killing him , thou hast with thy own left hand cut off thy right .

The Emperor Henry the 4th . having slain his Competitor Rodulph , whose servants going about to bury the body of their deceased Lord , with the Ensignes and Ornaments of the Emperor , some asked of the Emperor Henry , Wherefore he suffered Rodulph to be buried with such honour , seeing he was a Tyrant , and his enemy ? Whereto he answered : I would to God that all mine enemies were like Rodulph , buried with the Ornaments and Ensigns of Emperors .

David Game , one of the bravest and most judicious Souldier of his time , being sent by Henry the 5th . to make an estimate of the number of the French Army ( which infinitely exceeded the number of the English ) went to the top of an hill , and seeing all the Champion covered with Tents , and blazing with fires , brought word back , That there were enough of them to be slain , enough to be taken prisoners , and enough to be made run away .

A Kentish Knight , having spent a great Estate at Court , and brought himself to one Park , and a fine house in it , was yet ambitious to entertain the Queen at it ; and to that purpose had new painted his gates , with a Coat of Arms , and Motto , over-written thus , OIA VANITAS in great golden letters , the Treasurer Burleigh offering to read it , desired to know of the Knight what he meant by OIA ? who told him it stood for Omnia : The Lord replyed : Sir , I wonder , having made your Omnia so little as you have , you notwithstanding make your Vanitas so large .

The Philospher , when he saw a vain proud Gull , He wished ( he said ) that all his friends were but such as that man thought himself , and all his enemies such as he was .

Epiphanius having stay'd long at Constantinople , and being to take ship to return home again , he said : He was leaving three great things , a great City , a great Palace , and great Hypocrisie .

Bishop Andrews , whom no man will envy the reputation of one of the greatest Clerks in his Age , when a plain man came seriously to him , and asked his opinion concerning an obscure passage in the Revelation : Answered : My friend , I am not come so far .

Henry the 4th . King of France , used to say ; That in his Kingdome he observed there was a double tribute used to be paid : One to the King , the other to his Officers ; but the first was made intollerable by the second .

Tierceline , a Knight of very ancient Extraction , observing in his time , the sale of Honours and Offices , nay , the highest Dignitie of all , which is St. Michaels Order , was prostant for money : He said ; The Order of St. Michael was become a Collar now for every Asse .

Robert , Duke of Normandy , when he was going to the Holy Sepulcher , being met by one of his own Subjects , as he was mounted upon a great Saracens back ; and being much tyr'd , he said : Commend me to all in Normandy , and tell them , I am going to heaven upon the Devils back .

It was a witty saying of King James , when he was onely King of Scotland , when he received a Caveat from his Godmother Queen Elizabeth of England , to take heed of the Spanish Fleet ; He answered : For his part he desired but one request of the Spaniard , such a one as that Polyphemus had promised Ulysses , that when he had devour'd others , he would swallow him last of all .

After the loss of Calais , an English Captain , having truss'd up his bag and baggage , to goe for England , as he was going out of the gates , in a jeering way , was ask'd , O Englishmen , when will ye back again to France ? The Captain , with a sad and serious countenance , answered : When the sins of France are greater than the sins of England , then will the English return to France .

When one told Tyberius the Emperor , of some aspersions that were cast abroad upon him ; He answered : We are not angry that there are some who speak ill of us ; it is enough that we are in such a condition , that no body can do us any ill .

Two Persian Embassadors were imploy'd to Pope Vrban the 5th . who being admitted , and desired to deliver their Embassage as succinctly as they could , in regard of the Popes indisposition ; yet they made a long tedious Oration , which did disquiet his Holiness , as it was observed by the Auditors ; the first Embassador having at last concluded , the second subjoyned very wittily , saying : We have this moreover given to us in charge , that if you will not condescend to our demands , this my Colleague must repeat his Speech again , and make some additions to it . The Pope was so much taken with this , that he presently dismissed both of them very well satisfied for the business they came about .

A Gentleman , who in a Duel was rather scratcht than wounded , sent for a Chyrurgeon , who having opened the wound , charged his man with all speed to fetch such a salve from such a place in his Study . Why ( said the Gentleman ) is the hurt so dangerous ? Oh yes ( answered the Chyrurgeon ) if he returns not in post-haste , the wound will cure it self , and so I shall lose my Fee .

A notable fellow , and a souldier to Alexander , finding his first admission to be the greatest difficulty , put feathers into his nose and eares , and danced about the Court in an Antique fashion , till the strangeness of the Show brought the King himself to be a Spectator . Then this mimick throwing off his disguise ; Sir ( said he to the King ) thus I first arrive at your Majesties notice in the fashion of a Fool , but can do you service in the place of a wise man , if you please to employ me .

A man full of words , who took himself to be a grand wit , made his brag that he was the leader of the discourse in what company soever he came ; and none , said he , dare speak in my presence , if I hold my peace . No wonder , answered one , for they are all struck dumb at the miracle of your silence .

When once a Gentleman admired how so pithy , learned , and witty a Dedication was match'd to a flat , dull , foolish Book : In truth , said another , they may be well match'd together , for I profess they are nothing a kin .

A Gentleman travelling in a mysty morning , ask'd of a shepherd what weather it would be ? It will be ( saith the shepherd ) what weather shall please me : And being requested to express his meaning : Sir , saith he , it shall be what weather pleaseth God , and what weather pleaseth God , pleaseth me .

A rich man told a poor man , that he walked to get a stomach for his meat : And I , ( said the poor man ) walk to get meat for my stomach .

A rich landed Fool , whom a Courtier had begg'd , and carried about to wait on him , comming with his Master to a Gentlemans house , where the picture of a fool was wrought in a fair suit of Arras , cut the picture out with a pen-knife ; and being chidden for so doing . You have more cause , said he , to thank me ; for if my Master had seen the picture of the fool , he would have begg'd the hangings of the King , as he did my lands .

When the standers by comforted a natural which lay on his death-bed , and told him that four proper fellows should carry his body to the Church : Yea ( quoth he ) but I had rather by half go thither my self .

One braved a Gentleman to his face , that in skill and valour he came far behind him : 'T is true ( said the other ) for when I fought with you , you ran away before me .

Sir Francis Drake , riding within the Road of Port-Rico , a shot from the Castle enter'd the Steerage of the Ship , took away the stool from under him as he sate at supper , wounded Sir Nicholas Clifford and Brute Brown to death . Ah! dear Brute ( said Drake ) I could grieve for thee , but now is no time for me to let down my spirits .

One walking in London-streets , met a gallant , who cry'd to him a pretty distance before-hand , I will have the wall . Yea ( answer'd he ) and take the house too , if you can but agree with the Land-lord .

It was a mannerly answer which a young Gentleman gave to King James , when he asked him what kin he was to such a Lord of his name ? Please your Majesty , said he , my elder brother is his Cousin-german .

When one , being an Husbandman , challenged kindred of Robert Grosthead Bishop of Lincoln , and thereupon requested the favour of him to bestow an Office on him . Cousin , ( quoth the Bishop ) if your Cart be broken , i 'le mend it , if your Plough old , i 'le give you a new one , and Seed to sow your Land ; but an Husbandman I found you , and an Husbandman I 'le leave you .

Arminius meeting Baudius one day disguised with drink , he told him , Tu Baudi dedecoras nostram Academiam : Et tu Armini ( answered he ) nostram Religionem : Thou Baudius disgracest our Universitie ; and thou Arminius our Religion .

Henry the 4th . of France , being troubled with a fit of the Gout , and the Spanish Embassador comming then to visit him , and saying he was sorry to see his Majesty so lame , He answered : As lame as I am , if there were occasion , your Master the King of Spain , should no sooner have his foot in the stirrup , but he should find me on horsback .

King James asking the Lord Keeper Bacon , what he thought of a French Embassador , who had then lately had his Audience ? He answered , That he was a tall proper man . His Majesty reply'd , but what think you of his head-piece ? Is he a proper man for the Office of an Embassador ? Sir , said Bacon : Tall men are like high houses of four or five stories , wherein commonly the uppermost room is worst furnished .

Lewis the 9th . who , in the Catalogue of the French Kings , is call'd St. Lewis , was Baptized in the little Town of Poyssy ; and after his return from Aegypt , and other places against the Saracens , being asked by what Title he would be distinguished from the rest of his Predecessors after his death ? He answered , That he desired to be called Lewis of Poyssy . Reply being made , That there were divers other places and Cities of Renown , where he had performed brave Exploits , and obteined famous Victories , therefore it was more fitting that some of those places should denominate him . No , said he , I desire to be called Lewis of Poyssy , because there I got the most glorious Victory that ever I had ; for there I overcame the Devil : Meaning that he was Christned there .

Don Beltran de Rosa , being to marry a rich Labradors ( a Yeomans ) daughter , which was much importun'd by her Parents to the match , because their Family should be thereby ennobled , he being a Cavalier of St. Jag● : The young Maid having understood that Don Beltran had been in Naples , and had that disease about him , answered wittily : Truly , Sir , To better my blood , I will not hurt my flesh .

It was the answer of Vespasian to Apollonius , desiring entrance and access for Dion and Euphrates , two Philosophers : My gates are always open to Philosophers , but my very breast is open unto thee .

It is reported of Cosmo de Medici , that having built a goodly Church , with a Monastery thereunto annex'd , and two Hospitals , with other monuments of Piety , and endow'd them with large Revenues , as one did much magnifie him for these extraordinary works ; he answer'd : 'T is true , I imploy'd much treasure that way ; yet when I look over my Leiger-book of accounts , I do not find that God Almighty is indebted to me one penny , but I am still in the arrear to him .

It was a brave generous saying of a great Armenian-Merchant , who having understood how a vessel of his was cast away , wherein there was laden a rich Cargazon upon his sole account , he strook his hand upon his breast , and said : My heart , I thank God , is still afloat , my spirits shall not sink with my ship , nor go an inch lower .

Sir Edward Herbert being Embassador in France , there hapned some classings between him and the great French Favourite Luynes ; whereupon he was told that Luynes was his enemy , and that he was not in a place of security there : Sir Edward gallantly answered , That he held himself to be in a place of Security wheresoever he had his sword by him .

FINIS .

Faenestra in Pectore . OR , FAMILIAR LETTERS . By THO. FORDE .

Quid melius desidiosus agam ! —

LONDON , Printed by R. and W. Leybourn , for William Grantham at the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard , neer the little North Door , 1660.

To the Reader . Reader ,

THe witty Lucian brings in Momus , quarrelling at the Master-pieces which the gods had made ; and the onely fault he found with Man , was , That he had not a window to look into his breast . For this reason , I call this Packet of Letters Fenestra in Pectore ; Letters being the best Casements , whereby men disclose themselves . Judicium fit per Brachium , say the Physicians ; and I know no better Interpreter of the Heart , than the hand ; especially in Familiar Letters , whereby friends mingle souls , and make mutual discoveries of , and to one another . The pen , like the pulse , discovers our inward condition ; if it become faint , or intermitting , like the passing-bell , it gives notice of the decay , if not the departure of friendship ; which is the soul of humane Societie .

For these , I have no better Apology than their publication their impudence ( if it be so ) bespeaking their innocence . They desire to please all , to injure none . If you find some things in them that appear not calculated for the Meridian of the present times , know , that they are left but to shew what the whole piece might have been , had my time and the times accorded ; they might then perhaps have given you some remarks of the miracles of our age , But the Dutch Proverb tels me , Who bringeth himself into needless dangers , dieth the Devils martyr .

Nulli tacuisse nocet , nocet esse loquutum .

And I very well remember that notable Apothegme of the famous ( though unfortunate ) Sir W. ●●leigh : Whosoever shall tell any great man , or Magistrate , that he is not just ; the General of an Army , that he is not valiant ; and great Ladies , that they are not fair ; shall never be made a Counsellour , a Captain , or a Courtier .

Thou wilt say , it may be , I had little to do to publish my follies to the world , and I am contented thou shouldst think so , if it may pass for my Apologie , That I had little else to do . If it be a crime , the number of offenders in this kind , is enough to authorize the fact , and turn the guilt into a pardon , if not a pass-port .

For they who write , because all write , have still ,

That excuse for writing , and for writing ill .

At this time I shall use no other , nor trouble thee any farther ( Reader ) when I have subscribed the Author ,

Thy Friend and Servant , T. F.

Familiar Letters .

To Mr. T. C. Sir ,

AT my arrival here , I finde all out of order , though abounding with orders . The King and Queen are departed , which makes us all dead ▪ for what cause I cannot tell you , unless it were for fear of the arrival of a stranger to this Kingdom , and one that hath been long since banished from hence : Nor durst shee appear now , but that 't is Parliament-time . She was landed at Westminster by the rout of Water-men , when they frighted away the Bishops commig to the House of Commons door , it was put to the Vote , Whether she should come in or no ? The better part suspecting by ●●r habit it was Rebellion ( they having seen her before in forreign parts ) would not admit her : But the Major part carried it in the Affirmative , and the five Members were appointed to entertain her ; which they , did , and some say , she was placed in the Speakers Chair . She came not in the Lords House , they could not Brook it ; but I dare Say she had a Conference with some of them in the Painted Chamber . Her Lodgings are provided in the City , where she goes attired ( as necessary ) with a fair new cloak of Religion , a Scotch Bonnet , a French Doublet , and Coats like Dutchmens Slops ; her hair red , like an Irishmans ; neither Bands nor Cuffs , for she indures no Linnen for spight of Lawn Sleeves , unless a two or three Night-caps , because they are of Holland . You would wonder to see in what droves our Citizens flock after her , did you not know it is their nature , after strangers . But I 'll follow her no farther , lest you suspect me for one of her followers , who am , Sir ,

Your Loyal Friend .

To Mr. T. C. Sir .

THe Fire is now broken out of the House , and the sparks of sedition fly about the City , being blown by the long-winded lungs of some Pulpeteers . Here want not seditious Sheba's to blow the Trumpet , and as a Preludium , here is an hot skirmish of Pens , but the Kings seems to excel them , as much as an Eagles wing a Goose quill . The Women and Maids to espouse the quarrel , bring in their Thimbles , Rings , and Bodkins , with as much zeal as the Israelites did their Jewels to making of their Golden Calf . Such a tyde of Plate every day ebbs and flows at Guild-Hall , that the Roman Emperour who swam in wine , had he enjoyed this , might have sailed in an Ocean of Gold and Silver . They have exercised their hands and Pens so long , till their Arms begin to be engaged , and 't is thought it may prove a Generall Engagement . I can go no farther for the Press , but must here remain , Sir ,

Wholly at your disposal ,

To Mr. R. R. My worthy friend ,

I Received your Letter , wherein Love and Friendship seem to our-vie each other ; and which is predominant , were not easie to determine . Whereat , how I was transported with joy , you may easier guess than I express . For those unmerited Encomiums you so liberally put upon me , I conceive you rather thereby instruct me what I should be , than tell me what I am . Or else , you look'd on those poor m●tes with the Multiplying-glass of friendship . Your offer to continue this Literal correspondence , I willingly accept , and was never so ill bred as to neglect such a benefit , when profered . Willingly shall I exchange my glass for your Gold : yet how mean soever my expressions may be ; you shall find them richly quilted with Love , which hath long since knit my affections to your vertues ▪

Nec si surgat c●ntimanus Gygas , — divellet unquam . The Gyant with his hundred hands , Shall not untie those silken bands , VVhich bind me fast to your commands ,

Concerning the Books you wrote for , I cannot but admire you should not have received them , since I delivered them to the same Carrier that brought you my Letter . They set out together , however my letter out-strip't them in speed , but I wonder not , that being wing'd with love and desire to visit that breast , which the Muses and Graces emulate to make their Habitation . I may not forget to remember my respects to your Brother , and Mr. P. and to assure you , that a letter from either of them would be very acceptable ; and the rather , though you tell me my friends are all lame , that they are not ●ame friends . This is the desire of

Sir , your and their Friend and Servant , T. F ▪

To Mr. J. A. Sir ,

I know you will much wonder at this seeming Solecisme , and I wonder as much at the cause thereof . Having found the truth of the former part of the verse , that vox audita perit — I am bold to make an experiment of the latter , and try — Si litera scripta manebit . Since words , like running messengers , have the fate to have their errand forgot as soon as they are gone , may this serve as a more constant Leiger , to whisper in your ears , that he who was so bold to request that small courtesie of you , was emboldned thereto by a consideration , that he was still , as you were once pleased to style him , your Friend . I protest , Sir , in that confidence I so long importun'd you , that I was ashamed to appear to you again with the like request . And yet , desirous to see that poor brat of my own brain , I resolv'd to make use of this Proxie , the rather , because ( you know ) Literae non erubescunt . Sir , I readily believe that your occasions are great ; yet , if you please to make truce with your time , but so long as you may look that poor paper , I will engage the utmost of my abilities to make you a requital ; and if you doubt of my ability , 't will be a work of charity in you to forgive me .

In Solomons Temple there was an outer Court , into which strangers were admitted ; and an inner Court , where onely Jewes were to assemble ; and the Sanctum Sanctorum , where onely the High Priest might enter . Give me leave to tell you , that though you shut me out of the Sanctum Sanctorum of your Friendship , nor will admit me into the inner Court of your Familiars , you shall not exclude me from the outward Court of your acquaintance . And in this resolve he rests , that is Sir ,

What , or how you please to call him beside T. F.

To Mr. C. F. My Real Friend ,

I Received your welcome Letter , and as welcome Token : For the one I send you an Answer , though not answerable ; but to the other , I forbear to retaliate , lest I should thereby turn your Gift into a Bargain .

Sir , I am very glad to hear that you receive your due money for your spiritual bread , although , I fear , it is not the Tenth of your desert , knowing that you cannot feed them but with fine Flour . And although I would not rob your Family of their Dimensum , yet shall I hope you will not deny me a continuance of those witty crums that fall from their Table . Nor can I be so far mine own enemy , as not to think of yours , as Tully did of Atticus his Epistles , that the longest are the best . And assure your self , as Cato said , He never knew an old man forget where his gold was . My Fancy often turns Forrester , and walks the round , till I meet with you , when I am infinitely transported with that but imaginary enjoyment of that person I so much delight in ; the conceit of which , has driven me into a serious consideration and search , after the wonderful force of the Imagination . And I find , some have been kill'd , others preserv'd , meerly by the strength of their imagination . Here could I be tediously copious in as facetious as strange stories to this purpose ; but I will not , with Phormio , read a Lecture to Hannibal . It shall suffice me , to hope that such Imagies of the brain , are no breach of the second Commandement : Nor yet am I of the belief of that Priest , that was fully perswaded , That nothing was false that was printed . Whatever be , I am sure this is not , that I am

Sir , your affectionate Friend , T. F.

To Mrs. B. Mistris ,

ALthough unknown ( but by your courtesie ) I am bold hereby to salute you , and have sent this poor paper to kiss your hands , who have so kindly provided for mine ; not doubting but you will as much admire at these rude lines , as I did at your kinder token . I call it yours , and therefore hold my self obliged by the laws of Gratitude , to return you thanks . And , lest that should be too poor a requital for so great a favour , be pleas'd to accept of this small token ; for I hate to be ingrateful , and am loth to be in debt , either i●●oyn or courtesie . And , that I may not part those whom God hath united , I must not forget to return like thanks to your loving Companion , as knowing it was from your Conjunction this Influence proceeded . May your Lives be as Lines parallal , knowing no date till they both meet in our common Centre of happiness . But I fear to be tedious , time and opportunity may so propitiously befriend me , as in some kind or other , at least , to endeavour you a larger requital : In the interim acknowledge me

Your ready , though unknown Servant , T. F.

To Mr. B. R. Sir ,

BEing informed by our common friend N. H. that your intentions are for — next week , I thought it un mannerly , or rather unfriendly , not to bid you Farewel : And I know not better how , than in the words of the Lyrick Poet to his Florus ,

I bone quo virtus tua te vocat , I pede Fausto .

And this not being present in person , I am forc'd to do by Proxie , and with ●o in the Poet , Litera pro verbis . I dare believe , though you go farther off , yet your affection will be never the less ; for I may justly confer on you , what one once did on Augustus ,

Rarus tu quidem ad recipiendas amicitias , ad retinendas verò constantissimus .

Story tells us of two Palm-trees , growing on the two opposite banks of a River , which notwithstanding the distance of the roots , and despight of the intervening water , did lovingly infoliate and twine their branches ▪ So , notwithstanding the distance of place , our bodies are planted in , maugre all opposition , we may entwine our branches ( Letters I mean ) neither ( I hope ) shall any envious Catterpiller ( or false friend ) eat away those leaves , so long as life remains in the root of

Sir , your unfeigned Friend , T. F.

To M. A. E. Worthy Sir ,

THe opportunity of this Bearer is sufficient importunity to me of troubling you at this time , and your wonted ingenuity , I hope , will be my sufficient warrant : Nay ▪ I should be very much wanting to myself , and that respect I owe you , if I should not . To let you know , that you have not sown the seed of your favours in an altogether barren soyl , as doth he that confers a benefit on an ingrateful person . But it is my grief , that the crop of my abilities falls so much short of your desert , and my desire . To tell you any Newes , were but to put you in mind of those miseries which you are already too sensible of ; yet , lest you should expect it , be pleas'd to understand , there was another message came lately from the K. to the H. H. who have voted an answer to it ; God grant it may ●● for Peace , the onely Aqua-vitae to restore ●is fainting Kingdome . I hope it is not yet with us , as it was once in Persia , when there was a Law made against Peace ; though I know subjects seldome draw the sword against their Sovereign , but they throw away the scabbard . I forbear to say more , because I know not whose hands my letter may go through ; such is the misery of our Times ▪ that Burglary in this kind was never more practis'd ▪ nor less punish'd : Nay , Lyes are more tolerable now in Print , than loyal Truth in Writing : Yet fear I not who sees and knows that I profess my self ( as I am )

Sir , your devoted Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. F. Sir ,

NOt having had the happiness to see you of late , and hearing that you intend to let the Country ingross your company , I thought good to visit you by this silent , yet ( to make it a Paradox ) speaking messenger , and I had rather you should imagine the cause ; yet , if you will not , I must be bold to tell you , that I much wonder I should all this while hear no noise of my Viol. Seriously , Sir , I had such a confidence of your reality to your friends ( in which number I esteem my self one ) that I could not believe the contrary , though it were strongly instigated to ●e . And Sir , whether your usage of me hath been answerable to my expectation of you , I leave your self to judge . I cannot imagine that you should think I would sell my — for the mending or lend it , with an intention to lose it . I should be very sorry , that that which was made for Harmony , should be an Instrument of Discord between friends ; it lies in your power to prevent it : I am willing to believe you will ; give not , I pray , my good opinion of you the lye , because I desire to remain ,

Sir , your Friend , T. F.

To Mr. J. A. Sir ,

SInce your departure , the cruel Fates , intending thereby to make me truly miserable , have robb'd me of a very friend , and that by the irrecoverable hand of Death ; and , as if they intended me the sole object of their envy , have protracted , if not put off the performance of your promis'd courtesie ; so that now I am left alone , solitarily pondering the complaint of old Erasmus : Anicorum meorum , alii moriuntur , alii mutant animum . Me thinks I am depriv'd of all my Senses , since I can neither see you , nor hear , either of , or from you . Knowing not the reason , I am ready to believe the best , and have Charity ( which Erasmus in his time compar'd to a Friers Cowle , because it covers a multitude of sins ) enough to hide all surmises , till Time , the son of Truth , shall discover all things in their perfect colours . Me thinks I have the fortune of some children , who having lost one arrow , shoot another after it , hoping thereby to find it , and not seldome lose both : However you shall not Him , that will resolve to continue

Your entire Friend , T. F.

To Mr. N. C. Sir ,

I Have sent you as many Letters , as there are Graces , and now , I hope , I may lawfully desist , and I have the old rule for my warrant : Si ter pulsanti nemo respondit , abito . I have long look'd , and attentively listned for that happy word , which should at once put a period to your silence , and mine expectation . Happily you may thereby tacitly instruct me of the unwelcomness of my too forward scribling ; but I shall end with this , lest I fall under the lash of the Italian Proverb : Chi scrive à chi non risponde , ò è matto , ò hà di bisognia : He that writes to one that answers not , either he is a fool , or has need of him . Your silent action makes me remember the conceit of one , that going in the street , and seeing the Signe of the Golden Cross , would lay a wager with him that went with him , that he would make the Master of the shop ( whom I very well know ) to pull down his Signe without speaking a word to him : The wager being laid , he pulls off his his hat , and drops half a dozen legs to the Signe ; first , on one side , and then on the other ; which the Master of the shop seeing , thinking to prevent his future Superstition , suddenly pulls down his Signe , which is now supplied with the badge of the Gilded Trumpet . Enough this time , when I have subscribed

Yours , T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Sir ,

I Am so ambitious of continuing our ancient friendship , almost as old as our selves , that I cannot omit the least occasion , that may ei increase or preserve it . And although , me thinks , I hear you tell me , that my sounding on so slight a knock , doth but argue me the empter vessel , whilst you who are more full fraught , give no answer , though with much importunity ; I have no other excuse , but to tell you , that I do it , to let you see , I had rather seem to be a troublesome , than a forgetful friend . Truly sayes our English Proverb : He loves not at all , that knows when to make an end . And the Italians are not amiss , who say , L'amore senza fine , non ha fine . Love that has no by-end , will know no end .

For my part , I profess no other end in my affections , but your service , for which I once gave you my Heart , and now my Hand , that the World may see whose servant is

T. F.

To Mr. C. H. Mr. Ch.

AS I was going to Church , to keep the Fast , your Letter encounter'd me , and ( as good reason ) turn'd my Fast into a Feast ; but such a one , as my Senses were more employ'd on , than my Palat : It rejoyc'd me exceedingly to hear of that ingenious Fl. though I expected to have heard from him before this : But I see

Non factis sequimur omnia qu● loquimur , I am sure , Non passibus aequis .

To those Poesies you tell me of , I shall only answer them with expectation , since the Instructer of the Art of Poetry tells me ;

Nec verbum verbo , curabis reddere .

And to return you something for your Newes , I can only tell you this , that our streets abound with Grashoppers silenc'd by our great Hercules ; and others , that look like horses thrown into a certain River in Italy , which are consumed to the bare bones . For your desire to be made merry , I must confess , Laeta decet laetis pascere cor●a jocis . But for you to desire it of me , seems to be a jest it self . I doubt to be tedious , and well know Seneca's rule , That an Epistle should not Manum legentis implere . I onely take time to subscribe my self ▪

Your true Friend , T. F.

To Mr. S. M. at Barbados . Friend ,

I Received your as welcome , as unexpected Letter ; of which I will say , in the words of Seneca that famous Moralist , in an Epistle to his friend Lucilius , Exulto quoties lego Epistolam tuam , implet me bonâ spe : jam non promittit de te , sed spondet . And God forbid that I should be so uncharitable , as not to believe it : Yet , let me tell you , that without the reality of the actions , it is but a dead letter ; nay , 't will prove a deadly , for , should you neglect to do , what you there promise , or speak there , more than you do , that very letter will one day rise up in judgment against you . Pardon my plainness , and think never the worse of the Truth for my bad language ; Truth may many times have bad cloaths , yet has she alwayes a good face . It is a good mark of the moral Philosopher , that sheep do not come to their shepherd , and shew him how much they eat , but make it appear by the fleece that they wear on their backs , and the milk which they give . I will not wrong the sharpness of your judgment by applying the Moral . I have read of two famous Painters , who , to shew their skill , the one drew a bunch of grapes so lively , that he cozened the Birds ; the other drew a veil so perfectly over his grapes , that he deceiv'd the Artificer himself : Could we draw the colour of our good works never so lively , as to cozen every mortal eye , and draw so fine a veil over our evil deeds , as to conceit our selves into a conceit we had none , yet is there an All-seeing eye , to whom the darkest secret is most appar●nt . Did we but truly consider this , it could not chuse but hinder us from committing those things we would be ashamed to do in the sight of Man , which we daily doe in the sight of an Omniscient God . Therefore the advice of the Heathen Philosopher , may be made good Christian practice , who advised to set the conceit of Cato , or like Grave man , alwayes before us , to keep us from doing what might mis-befit their presence . It is a Character of the wicked man , drawn by the Divine hand , that in all his wayes he sets not God before his eyes : There is also another witness within us , that can neither be brib'd , not blinded . O te miserum , si contemnis hunc testem ! O have a care to offend that Bird in the breast , that must one day sing , either your joyful Elogie , or more doleful Dirge . Camd●n our English Historiographer , tells us of a place in Stafordshire , call'd Wotton , in so doleful a place , under the barren Hill Weaver , that it is a common Proverb of the neighbours ,

Wotton under Weaver , Where God came never .

But alas ! there 's no such place on Earth to be found ; yet can I tell a place where his pure Spirit abhors to enter , namely , into a person contaminated and defiled with sin , and thereby made the harbour of Satan , and hatred of the most High .

Whereas you tell me you are faln to labour , let me comfort you with this , that it is as universal as unavoidable a Fate laid on us by the mouth of Truth . Man is born to labour , as the sparks to fly upward : As if Man and Labour were Termini Convertibiles . But that you take more pleasure now in Labour , than you did before in your Pleasure , it much comforts me , assuring me that you are now sensible of that which the Romans taught by placing Angina , the goddess of sorrow and pain , in the Temple of Volupeia , the goddess of Pleasure ; as if that pain and sorrow , were the necessary consequences of pleasure : Whereas on the contrary , Goodness is like the Image of Diana , Pliny speaks of : Intrantes , tristem ; Euntes , exhilerantem . How wretched therefore is their condition , that have their portion in this life ! Well may we be strangers in this worldly Aegypt , so we may be inhabitants hereafter of the Heavenly Canaan . And you , and I may say in the words of Seneca , Satis multam temporis sparsimus , incipiamus nunc in vasa colliger● : We have spent time enough already , and 't is high time now to save the rest and to make the best of the remnant of our life , because we know not how short it is . It was a wise caution of Eleazer , a Jew , who being demanded , When it would be time to repent , and amend ? Answered , One day before death . And when the other replied , That no man knew the day of his death . Begin then ( said he ) even to day , for fear of failing . Hoc proprium inter caetera mala , hoc quoque habet , stultitia proprium , semper incipit vivere , quid est enim turpius , quam senex vivere insipie●s . Give me leave , not to instruct you , but to tell you what counsel I desire to practise ; for it was an envious disposition of that Musician , that would play so softly on his Harp , that none could hear but himself . First , 'T is my care not too much to indulge my body , as knowing that those things the body inclines to most , are of the world , which is enmity with God ; and what the Spirit prompts to most , must needs be best , because the Spirit is heavenly , and more of kin to the Deity . Honestum ei vile est , cui corpus nimis charum est ; said one , that knew well what he said : 'T is not for nothing that our inward spirit is alwayes most sad , when our outward man is most merry . In the second place , 'T is my desie to avoid ill company , because , as 't is said of the Tyrant Mezantius , Corpora corporibus jungebat mortua vivis . In that the Living rather putrefied by reason of the Dead , but the Dead did not revive by the Living . Such is the nature of man saith St. Gregory , Vt quoties bonus malo conjungitur , non ex bono malus meliocriter , sed ex malo bono contaminetur . It is a good caution therefore St. Bernard gives ( in his 48th . Serm. in Cantic . ) writing upon these words , As the Lilly among thorns , &c. Vide ( saith he ) quomodo cautè ambulas inter spinas . I speak this the rather , because I presume you walk there among thorns , and I know not whether there be a place there like the street in Rome , that was called vicus sobrius , because there was never an Ale-house in 't . And , as Socrates said of Alcibiades ( that miracle of his time ) when he saw him among Gallants , I fear not Him , but his Company . Now the number of this Company , should not be a meanes to make us run with them , but rather to run from them . And to this end , 't is necessary for a man to be ever resident on his Calling , lest he be turn'd out of his Living , or at least of his well living , for non-residency . Out of a mans Calling , out of Gods Protection . 'T is an Apothegme of a late Wit , That he who counts his Calling a Prison , shall at length make a Prison his Calling . But whither do I straggle ? Me thinks I hear you say , as Queen Elizabeth once did to an Embassador , who made a long Oration before her in high terms , She answer'd him , Expectavi Legatum , Inveni Heraldum ; I expected an Embassador , but find an Herald : So , me thinks , I hear you say , Expectavi Epistolam , Inveni concionem . I must confess , I might have learn'd so much modesty from Roscius the Roman Orator , who was ever mute when he din'd with Cato ; and the Thrush never sings , if the Nightingal be by . I might very well have spar'd this labour , it being perform'd so well by — yet if I have done amiss , it shall satisfie me , that I did it to satisfie mine own conscience . Now might I relaxare animum , recreate your mind , by making you some mirth with the discords of our Times ; but truly they appear to me a fitter subject for our tears of sorrow , than of mirth . Assure your self , I had not thus far transgrest upon your patience , did you not know me to be

Perfectly your Friend , T. F.

To Mr. A. E. Sir ,

THough I have not had the happiness of late to be so propitiously be-friended by occasion as to write to you , ; yet am I so confident of your wonted ingenuitie , that you will not attribute it to any neglect of mine ; which if I were conscious to my self were so , I should judge it a crime so great , that I should not forgive my self . But the truth is , I find more danger in the conveying of Newes , than in the hearing of it : Nay , my misery is , I cannot , or dare not at least , inform you of more than every Pamphlet can ; to such a height of suspition are we now arrived . Besides so barren is each day of Newes , that 't is not worth doing penance in a sheet : yet , because you are desirous to know ( and I as willing to satisfie your desire ) what 's done in the Assembly and P. I will venture to tell you in an old story . 'T is this : Mr. Popham , when he was Speaker , and the lower House had sate long , and done , in effect , nothing , comming one day to Queen Elizabeth , She said to him , Now , Mr. Speaker , what hath pass'd in the lower House ? He answered , If it please your Majesty , seven weeks . You need fear no danger in this , for 't is Nothing ; and the Treaty is come to as much , both Parties being not like to meet , standing still at their former distance . This was prettily Emblem'd by two Sphaerical bodies , touching onely in Puncto with this Motto , Pungere possunt , pacificari non possunt .

Thus , Sir , you see , amidst these dusky clouds , Friendship dares mingle flames in a Convex , though not in a direct line . Ascertain your self of this , That as it shall ever rejoyce me to hear of your health ; so it shall be my endeavour alwayes to be

Your unfeigned Friend , T. F.

To my Father . Sir ,

AFter the remembrance of my duty , which at all times wants not in my will , though sometimes in my power . I lately saw Mr. M. but cannot tell you whether with greater joy , or grief . It rejoyc'd me exceedingly to hear of your health , but grieved me more to hear of my Mothers grief , for a false information , that I was a Sectary , and a Malignant . Give me leave therefore to say something , whereby I may at once recover her right opinion , and my reputation . And first for the Sectary , Should I say nothing , my practice were enough to testifie , that I do as much shun their Companies , as hate their Tenents . I count them as moles and warts , nay , wens in the face of the Body Politick , which , if not timely lanced , will in time not onely deface , but destroy our Common Mother the Church : Neither do I love to run into those by-wayes of Sects and Schismes , but rather keep the safer road of the Churches practice . There is but one Way , one Truth ; and I account all those ( not one better than another , but ) all out of that one Way , all opposites to that one Truth . I esteem them but as wilde beasts broken into the Vineyard of the Church , the hedge of our Government being pull'd up ; but as nettles and weeds , ( sown and water'd by that envious man ) grown up to such an height , that will in time , not onely o're-top , but o'return the good corn . They are true vipers , a beast , whereof Naturalists report , that first the she-viper biteth off the he-vipers head , and so she conceives with young , and those young g●aw a passage through their dams belly ; so that their life is the death of both Father and Mother , as I may so speak . This story I onely relate , not apply , the Time and Times will not permit me . But that these Vermin do daily encrease , is as true as lamentable ; and they go on with that impudence , that they dare to quote Authority for their false actions . If this be not enough to evince my integritie in this particular , I here protest , that I am so far from falling , or leaning after any of these wayes , that I utterly abhor and detest them . I come now , to wipe off that other aspersion of a Malignant ; a term that hath as much simplicity as malice in 't : For indeed , it is a name fitter for the Devil , than a Christian ; nay , the Devil , in French , is call'd The Malignant Spirit : And , according to the true signification of the word in our language , it signifies one that bears malice , or grudge to another . Now , if this be the thing is meant , I thank God , I bear no man in the world the least grudge or spight ; therefore , in that regard , I am no Malignant : But , if this be not their meaning , for my part , I doubt of knowing it , whilst they are ignorant of it themselves . Well , I see I must , like children , frame a Baby of clouts to shoot at , fancie a conceit in my brain , which I must confute . If then , by a Malignant , is meant one that opposeth the Parliament ; be it known , that I never , in the least word or action , did , or will do any thing to adopt me to be a Malignant : Or , if by it is intended such a one , as will not run with the giddy multitude , that run before they are sent , and are for that ( with less simplicity , though as much malice , term'd Round-heads ) that is , one that in ever turning , is never setled . And , indeed , I know not how they should otherwise but wander in the Labyrinth of Errors , not following the Cloud of the Churches practice : whereas , it is the Character of a good man , to be like the Timber of Noah's Ark , which was ( not round , but ) four-square , and would , therefore , not turn , but abide firm : If to be so , be to be a Malignant , I care not to profess my self one . It is with men in these Times , as I have observ'd in a Company of Souldiers , upon any motion , those that are skilful and tried Souldiers , it is but taking a step with one foot , whilst the other stand● fast , and the motion is performed ; whereas such as are ignorant , run to and fro , perplexing themselves , and putting the whole company out of order , before they get into theirs . So it is with us , we move not without the word of Command , and then we shall , without molestation , face about , if our Leaders think fit : Holding in this particular , the Politicians rule ; However we admire what 's past , to submit to what 's present . It were easie to be infinite in this discourse . To shut up all , when I know better what it is to be a Malignant , I shall be ready to give an account of my judgment and practice . In the mean time , I beseech you to believe , that I am neither Sectary , nor Malignant : But

Sir , your dutiful Son , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Ned ,

GIve me leave to tell thee a truth in the words of that witty Martial , to his Friend Priscus .

Cum te non nossem , dominum , regemque vocabam , Cum bene te novi , tam mihi Priscus eris .

I will not venture at a Translation , lest it should lose by 't . But let me tell thee , I suppose more friendship in that Monosyllable , than all the swelling colours of abused Rhetorick . 'T were a needless Tautologie , to tell thee thy Letter was welcome to me ; Diu desiderata dulcius veniunt . Thou dost enhance my value of them by their scarcity . But , for mine , alas , poor ex tempore things ! I make them as common , as they are easie ; and yet am careless of my credit , that I may not seem careless of my friend . Thou needst not beg such a trouble , that is as certain as the Moons course . I am glad thou hast got a witty Companion there , for 't was long since ( here ) turn'd out of the Line of Communication . Commend me to L C. L. and tell him , his name should speak him my friend ; for , really , I am more beholding to that name , than any one I know . But I need not goe so far about , 't is sufficient he is thy friend , and then he cannot chuse but be mine ; for , among friends , all things are common , and why not friends too ? Really , I am so taken with that witty companion ( and I know thou wilt not be-lye him ) that if he will honour me with his name in a piece of paper , I will keep it as a Relick . And if I have run into an absurdity , let my fault be excusable , in that it is in relation to that thou callest Wit ; and

If Cloris do at upon her face , The fault is in her Looking-glass .

But for Newes , I know your eyes out-strip my pen , and , me thinks , I see thee first look for the Newes at the latter end ; that thou readst my Letters , like Hebrew , backward . Yet , this time , thou wilt onely finde , what 's no Newes , that I am

Thine , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

REsolving , not alwayes to act the Eccho onely in single Answers , to your welcome Letters . No longer ago than the last night ( my thoughts were wholly imploy'd upon a more pleasing object than sleep it self ) in a serious contemplation of you , my Second-self : The result of my thought , after a full consultation , were , to visit you by a more real Proxie than my rambling fancie : For , though I have read of a Gentleman , who , going to the Spittle , to hear one of those annual Sermons , it seemes his slownesse had shut him out of all hope of hearing , and almost seeing the Preacher ; till , remembring he had a Perspective glass in his pocket , thereby drawing the Preacher nearer to his sight ( to prove a communitie of the Senses ) the story tells me , he heard him audibly . I never tryed the experiment , but I dare affirm , that by the Perspective-glass of Fancy , I have both visibly and audibly enjoy'd your wished presence . You know the old maxime is , Ubi amat , ibi animat : 'T is therefore no Paradox to affirm , that I have often been in the New Forrest , ( which your sweet presence converts into a Paradise ) although I was never there . But I fear , this is no better than Crambe bis co●ta , and so nauseous , I quit it therefore , and return to my first purpose , which was to tell you , that your last letter really prevented my resolved intentions , which yet I am ( and ever shall be ) glad of , to be thus intercepted , as professing it to be more proper to my weak pen to be Respondent ; which you will not doubt of , if you consider , that Trumpeters love to sound near Fordy places , where the Eccho uses to be most solvibly Respondent : But I talk of an Answer , and return none .

In brief then , thus : I begin where you end , and here desire to erect an Altar of thanks to the protecting providence , that shielded you ( and in you my self ) from that first imminent , then eminent danger ; as knowing the truth of that saying , That Blessings often ravel out , for want of h●●iming by thankefulness . I cannot speak my mind fuller , than he has done to my hand : Now , to your desire , I cannot yet return you other answer , than that the utmost of my endeavours were long since devoted to your commands : And for — I expect him daily in Town ; when he is , I shall acquaint him with your intentions to him . I hear that he is already turn'd Predicant ; me thinks 't is something too soon , to spend his small stock of parts , which , I fear , will make him Mendicant . But I had forgot to tell you , that I cannot but apprehend , that Providence in your late delivery , hath plainly given you a Caveat , that you , at least your Credit , will be most safe in your own house . Prethee pardon me ▪ if my affection make me thus ( if not too ) bold , to tell th●● , that you betray that precious jewel of your credit to the rape of every felonious tongue , which would be far more safe in your own House . I could say more , but verbum sat , &c. Take it as the counsel of

Your really endeared Friend , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Honest Ned ,

IF there be one , whom the necessitie of my Stars compel me to love , 't is thee : But besides this , I find my self entangl'd with a double tye ; first , of thine unparallel'd Love , as the tree ; and now a gift , as the fruit of that : And , how willingly am I imprisoned with these fetters ! which , certainly if I could , I would not break ; a three-fold cord is not easily crack't . Well , I acknowledge my self , not onely thy Debtor , but thy Prisoner , and count it my onely Liberty . Expect no such golden-mouthed Letter from me as yours was , nor any silver-tongu'd Complements ▪ Believe me , where I see most complement , I suppose least friendship . Let me onely affirm , that though our bodies are severed , our souls still meet ; though we are divided , we are not divorced ; but like this Virgin-widow , still flourish , though in the All deflowring Winter . Take it therefore , not as a Token ▪ but an Embleme of our Love . I presume it cannot be unwelcome ; if not for the Senders , yet for the Author , and the Subjects sake : And for the other , if there be a Sympathy in Friendship ( as I believe there is ) then cannot that be unpleasing to you , which was so superlative pleasing unto me . However , I have aimed onely at a supplying you with what ( I conceive ) your Countrey is defective in . Sure I am , the offence cannot be great ( if it be so ) the gift it sell being so small ; especially from

Your fast Friend , T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Worthy Friend ,

WIth how much joy I received your exquisite Epistle , is easier for you to imagine , than me to relate . You know me too well to expect the like Return from me ; yet shall I desire to follow you ,

Tamen non passibus aequis .

And to pay you your Golden Royals ( if the comparison be not too mean ) with my farthing language : Yet , hoping it may be Current among friends ; for , I dare assure you , they carry the stamp of the Heart .

My Tongue 's not tip't with Complements , which be But like green leaves to skreen Hypocrisie , With words as false as fair . Who Fucus layes Vpon her face , It 's homeliness betrayes . Nor skill I of the powerful charms of Art , But I can speak the Language of the Heart .

I admire others Neatness , but practice Reality , which I esteem so much the more , as I find it less used . I think the Publique ▪ Faith has devoured all fidelity , and the Sword cut that ( supposed ) indissoluble knot of friendship , cancell'd the Bond of all Obligations . Henceforth , shall they be onely Names , and succeedings Ages not know what they meant . But to your Letter , and my Answer ; which when I consider I cannot but apply that proper Speech of the deep Putean to his Friend ; Scribere ego poenè impudentiam , silere tu delictum censeas . Yet know I not of any letter that lies by me unanswer'd ; for , I hold it a breach of the Articles of Friendship , not to be punctual in Returns of this Nature . If you accuse me of breach of promise , I cannot but tax you of delay in yours ; though I count this but Billingsgate policie . Proceed , then , my Friend , and let our friendship be a Particular Exception from the General Rule of the worlds falshood . Our sweet Flower is transplanted to a remote soyl , near the Isle of Wight . Pardon me , if I be covetous of your learned lines , to supply the vacuum of his absence : Nor is this covetousness unlawful ; for I dare pronounce it ( in Seneca's style ) Avaritia Honesta . And , hoping your fair Cham will not disdain the silent whispers of a shallow Forde ▪ assure your self , you shall not hereafter complain for want of this kind of trouble : Although , to deal ingeniously with you ( as I would have my friends to deal with me ) I have so long discontinued this practice , that my pen is grown blunt , and my ink thick : But some of your Academick Flames , may contribute much to the sublimating of my setled fancy , which shall wholly run in Channels of your commands : For I am

Sir , your ready Servitor , T. F.

To L. C. L Sir ,

YOu are pleased to style me your Honoured Friend , which I must confess to be too high a style for my low deserts to climbe , did I not consider , that my Honour consists onely in your Honouring me with so unmerited a Title . 'T is a Maxime , Honor non est in honoranti , non in h●●●rato . Sir , I protest I intended nothing that might occasion a blush ; if it were , it was more proper for my self : yet , having such a mirrour , I was bold , against the rules of Maiden-modesty , to look a stranger in the face . And truly , though I have no skill in Palmistry , yet , by those fair lines of your Hand , I dare , without fear of flatterie , tell you , that Ned nothing wronged you ; for , I assure you , I discover in them a great deal of ingenuitie . But , to cast off all terms of distance , that we may meet in a closer conjunction , believe it , Sir , in plain English , that I love you with an implicite love ; and shall count my self not a little happy , if those seeds of friendship , sown in Winter , may flourish in the Spring , and out-date time it self . This shall not be wanting , either in the desires , or endeavours of

Sir , your as real as unknown Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Dear Ned ,

I Should scarce believe there were such a thing in rerum naturâ , as what we call a Friend , did not you come in , and convince me that you are one ; and , what 's more , Mine . Goe on ▪ and let the world see , there is yet living that flame of antique friendship , which the Ancients boast , and we despair of . I heartily thank thee for thy last letter , though by the hand of a left-handed man-midwife it mis-carried in the delivery ; and ( as bearing the fate of the Author ) is gone on Pilgrimage as far as Exeter . I much lament the loss , and should more did I not think the kinder Fates did it out of love to me , lest I should have perished with too much joy . Hast thou not heard ? I am sure I have read of many , that have been smothered with too much Happiness . Alexander , when hearing that he was at once made Father of a Son , and Conquerour of his Enemies , desired the gods to qualifie it with some cross . It were easie to be copious in this subject , did I not write to one , that may read to me in History : And , truly , my last letter had the fate to be out-dated long before I could get conveyance for it ; wherein it much resembled the worm ( in Pliny ) called Multipoda , or many feet , and yet hath a very slow ▪ pace . Ned , I wish thee often here , yet am I never absent from thee : For , since that friendship incorporated us , it is no Paradox to affirm , Hoc memorabile est , ego tu sum , tu es ego , unanimi sumus . Neither mayst thou think , that distance , or cold can sunder me , but I shall burn in friendship by an Anteperistesis . Things are now at the Height , that we expect a sudden crack : I will not make my paper guilty of relating any of it , you will see it in Print . What effects 't will produce , I will not Prophesie : But you know , The Philosopher that looked too high , fell into the ditch . Farewel , and continue to Love

Thy constant Friend , T. F.

To M. C. F. My Alter Ego ,

MY last was in answer to yours of the 18th of September ; since when , I have been forced to recreate my fancie , with thoughts of thee my second self , as Dido , in the Poet , did her ▪ Aeneas :

Illum absens absentem auditque , viditque .

Which I find well paraphrased to my hand , thus :

Whilst absence sever'd them apart , She saw , and heard him in her heart .

If my thoughts were so satiated with a meer what would your real Letters doe ? which I know to be fraught with profitable pleasure , the perquisites of a true Epistle : And though mine be not equal to ballance yours , yet I shall endeavour to recompence in number , what they want in weight .

Yours are rich wares , mine poor baggatels , Yours Orient Gems , mine rugged oyster-shels . Yet Tokens , with the true stamp , may Be currant , though of base allay .

Sir , flattery is no part of friendship ; Non amo quemquam nisi offendam , said a wise Heathen . Give me therefore leave to tell you , that you are too careless of your credit : I hear you have thereby lost much ground in your P. affections , which I could wish by Mr. E's ▪ example , you would be careful of ; for I can assure you , in these times , the peoples affections are but a fickle foundation to build ones hopes on : 'T is a thousand pities , that the best ground should be the dirtiest , and the best work-men the worst husbands ; especially one of your colour , who ought to walk not onely castè , but cau●è . You know who sayes , A Ministers Doctrine is like a candle , if not guarded by the lanthorn of a cautious life , will soon be blown out by the wind of detraction . The Egyptians Hierogliphick God by an open eye : He is totus oculus ; and I am perswaded , there is no colour so much in his eye as black ▪ Enough of this : I am not willing to run into the common errour of the Times , to usurp Moses Chair . If my zeal to your welfare has already committed a trespass , let it be sufficient , that it was out of perfect friendship . It is said of Gerson ( that famous Frenchman ) that he took not content in any thing so much , as in a plain and faithful reproof of his friend : And , it is the note of that venerable Bede , that Semper optimos sapientum ut dictum majorum auscultent , aliquando minorum . And I will not onely suffer , but thank you , to deal so with me . Concerning Newes , I am of the Italians mind , That nulla nuova , is bona nuova ; the least newes is the best newes . Take it briefly thus : His Majestie doth lay aside his own Interest wholly , that He may ( if possible ) comply with his Conquerors ; that I may truly apply to him that saying of an undaunted Captain , slighting the insulting braves of him that took him , thus : Thou holdest thy Conquest great , in overcomming me , but mine is far greater , in overcomming my self . 2. Death is grown as insatiable a Country C. M. for he hath of late swallow'd all the living creatures , men , women , dogs , cats , &c. in a whole Citie in Spain , not leaving one alive to relate it . But I forgot your business . I mention'd it to Sir Ch. who is no Orderly man , nor willing to receive it : I have mention'd it to others , with as much earnestness as you can imagine , but the great distance of place , makes them not meet my desires . Though I have used this ( as I thought perswasive ) argument , The farther out of sight , the more safe : For I am confident , many a mans Good Living , and not his bad life , has entitl'd him to a Prison . Therefore count I you wise , in sequestring your self , to avoid a Sequestration . Sir , I hope you will judge of my endeavours by the success , but believe me to be

Yours as real as obliged Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Bad , wicked warr . Anagr. Honesty , NOw must my wearied fancy undertake A tedious task : to seek I know not where , Whom I shall find , alas ! I know not when : Yet on I must , bound by a thred of love , Which happily may prove a clew to guide Me in this wide Maeandring Labyrinth . So have I seen ( as groping in the dark ) An arrow shot at randome , hit the mark . On then , my Pilgrim-pen , mask'd in the weeds Of blackest sorrow ; and with big swoln eyes , Seek him thou canst not see : make hils & dales Resound with thy loud voicing of that name , Whose Eccho stands in competition with , And far out-vies the musick of the Spheres : At whose sole sound my duller senses dance A Galliard ; but that failing , lifeless stand . Like that strange Lake , that whilst the musick sounds , Doth flow in measures ; and then ebb as fast , When that doth cease : Or like the stones & trees That danc'd attendance on Orpheus Harp . Strike thou blest Lyre , and with thy musick call My sorrow-fetter'd senses from the grave Of lumpish grief ; which Resurrection must Only be wrought by thine all-charming pen : Or else , as great Augustus , in a kiss , Surrender'd up his latest breath unto His dearest Livia ; thereby making her Sole Heir to that surviving part , which long , By transmigration , lived in her breast . So must my starved Hopes surrender to Those long and fierce assailants , which besiege Me , with their troops of fears , and pale despair , If not relieved by thy timely quill . But fear , like to a cunning enemy , Doth labour to perswade my jealous thoughts , That thou art not in a capacitie . Now , therefore quickly , my Terpander , come With thy Harmonious layes , allay these stirs , And civil broyls , in my perplexed thoughts , For fear they mutinie , and me betray . Delay not , now , to give my fears the lye : For , spinning out the thred of time , will make But a sad woof to cloath my sorrows with , And turn my Tragick verse to Elegies . And thus my many feet have almost run My fancie out of breath : Here I must rest , And Tantalize with weary expectation , Till mother-time ( that 's gravidated with A dubious issue ) be deliver'd of A masculine , white boy of mirth , or with A female Negro of grief ; which will be Strange welcome to Your Servant , Allégre .

To Mr. S. M. Sir ,

IT is reported by Pliny , that Apelles , that famous Painter , was wont , when he had finished any piece of work , or painted table , to set it forth in some open place , or thorow-fare , to be seen of Passengers ; and himself would lie close behind it ▪ to hearken what faults were found in it ; in that , preferring the judgment of the vulgar ▪ before his own , imagining they would spie more narrowly , and censure his faults more severely than himself could . Having exposed this homely piece to publick view , I have , with Apelles , li●n unseen , and to that purpose , unknown , that thereby I might the better learn what others opinions were thereof : Not trusting to my own , as knowing that Ely was not the onely indulgent Father to his own Off-spring . And , as it was his aym to relie upon the judgment of the most judicious ( of which number , I esteem your self none of the least ) it had been presented to you in the first place , had I not been deterred , as not daring to approach the scorching rayes of your severer censure : Like him , that being in the presence of Augustus ▪ the Roman Emperor ( who had a piercing Eagle-eye ) turn'd away his face ; the Emperour demanding the reason why he did so ? He replied , Quia fulmen oculorum tuorum ferre non possum . The like may I affirm : Ter limen tetigi , terque recedi . Oft have I been about it , and as oft repulsed by the consciousness of mine own unworthiness : Yet have I , at length , adventured , in confidence that you have , as well charity to pardon , as judgment to find out errours . With such a hope therefore , that you will skreen your severer censure with a veil of charitie , I have , at length , presumed this into your presence : The rather , because I do hereby but return you the Hony , made from the various flowers of your own garden ; where , I hope , I have not ( as some that do , Spinas libroru● colligere ) weeded books ; but crop't their blossomes , and yet left never the less behind me . Naturalists ( those Clerks of Natures closet ) report of the Peach-tree , that it receives the qualitie of the soyl where it is planted . In Persia it is poysonous , elsewhere nutrimental : Such is the condition of our nature , that it ever reteines the savour of that liquor wherewith it was seasoned in its youth . It hath been my care , and is my hope , that I may one day affirm that of the Philosophers scholar , Me mihi melior reddidit , quàm accepit . Another obligation there is also , which hath occasioned in me this present boldnesse , and to you this present trouble : Tha● you are one that do not scaenam servire , but are truly sensible of the irregular actions of those , who would be thought the line of Truth . I think the Poet Prophesied of our age , when he complain'd ,

Victa jacet pietas , & cedit viribus aequum . Non metuunt leges , stat pro ratione voluntas . Omnia pro tempore , nihil pro veritate .

Comines complaines , that many mens Offices and Lands were taken from them for running away ( in the Battle between Lewis the 11th . and the Burgundians ) and given to those that ran nine miles farther . But I have made too long a Parenthesis in your more serious occasions ; and , me thinks , I hear Apelles his Ne sutor ultra crepidam , rounded in my ear . I here cease , though not from being

Your faithful Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

YOur Letter of the 2d . of November , came safe ; and though late , yet at last I return you an answer : For , though the Apostle saith , it is the duty of a good servant 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 not answering again : yet I think , it is no part of a good friend . Whereas you tell me , it is no Newes to hear of the theft of felonious tongues , but that it were a greater wonder , if they should turn honest , it puts me in mind of a facetious speech of the grave Cato : When one asked counsel of him soberly , what harm he thought boaded him , because Rats had gnawn his Hose ? He answered with this jest : That it was a strange thing to see that ; but it had been much more strange , If his Hose had devoured the Rats . Now , to be serious . If you will needs know from whence that smoak came , I must tell you , it arose from the New Forrest , but I discover'd it at London ; and finding it might fore-run a storm , I was bold to fore-warn you of it , because , you know , Praemonitus , praemunitus . Neither ought you ( I suppose ) to despise it , ( especially comming from a hand aimed only at your safety . Great ships have been cast away by a little leak unlook'd to . I remember the Fable that the Butterfly asked the Owle , How she should deal with the fire that had scorched her wings ? Who counselled her , not to behold so much as its smoak And , because you will know of me where this vapour did beat in ; Truly , I was informed , you were like to ruine your fortune , and that by one whom I know you esteem your friend . Therefore was I bold to advise you to provide an Ark against the Deluge : Not like the merry Scholar in Chaucer , that he might lie with the Carpenters wife . But I talk idle . Really , I had not said any thing , had I not been confident , you would take it with the right hand , as I gave it ; and the rather , that I might thereby engage you to deal with me in the same manner : For , Hoc officium ( as I take it ) is Maximum beneficium . And now , would not my very excuse increase my fault , I would Apologize for my ( I fear ) too tedious prolixitie . I will onely add , that I shall be very glad your more urgent businesse would permit you to punish me in the same kind : Who am , not queint , nor quick now , but still

Your entire Friend , T. F. Poste .

The Fratres Gladiferi are still predominant . People were never so poor , nor never so brave , as if they would be proud by an Antiperistasis .

To Mr. J. W. Sir ,

THat you accost me with the name of Friend , I am not a little joyful , but more to be yours . It is a term used by all , understood by few , but practised by none , that I can find . But I will not build my credit upon the ruines of others : It is sufficient , that I can boast of this , that I am yours ; and I hope you will still deign to be mine . And now Sir , I shall return an answer to the several particulars of my Letter , Ordine quisque suo . First , You tell me you are solitary and Hermetical . I could hardly forbear envying of your Happinesse : 'T is a life I as much desire , as I little hope for . But , Sive pluit Jupiter , aut non pluit , non omnibus placet . And so I quit that , and am arrived at your desire , which to me is a sufficient command . 'T is Newes you desire , and it would have been Newes indeed , if you had not . In brief then , Kent is , for the general , quiet , onely some excepted places : But , to make you laugh , Prophet , Hunt , the other day , at a full Exchange , came crowding into the middle , with a joynt-stool upon his head ; which , when he had set down , he stood up on , and cried , O yes , if any man in the Town , or Country , can tell me what good the Parliament hath done these eight yeares , let him come , and speak , and I 'll sit down and hear him : and , that you may know the truth of it , he is in Bridewell for his labour . And now I meet with your Cordial , which is Cordiality , well may we invent new terms to signifie realitie by ; for I think , hereafter the old will not be understood . I have remembred you to as many as I suppose your friends , and have only in return , Mr. Th. E's service . The rest , not concluding you aymed at them in particular , since you onely shot at Rovers in the general . The second part of your commands , I have performed onely upon your welcome Letter , and have sent this to kiss your hands . If this may contribute any thing to the delivery of your expectation , I shall count your acceptance a sufficient reward . But I will not add feathers to the wings of time , which I know you put to lawful usury . Here then I take my Rest , and resolve to remain ,

Sir , yours ready to serve you , T. F.

To Mr. W. L. Will .

LEt my Hand now speak for my Heart , and know ▪ that the lines of the one , is the language of the other . But I will not tire thee with a preamble , lest it might be suspected for a piece of Rhetorical insinuation ; but abruptly tell my errand , without respect so much as to a civil Complement . Will . How really I am obliged to thee in my affections , my engagements thereto , by thy many multiplyed courtesies , may sufficiently testifie : And for that reason ( to make short work ) I am resolved to give thee that , for which , from another I should have expected , and happily have had a price . You cannot imagine me so little Man , or that to cost me so little paines , but that I must conceive it worth as much as every puny Pamphlet ; or ( grant it were not ) think me so simple , as to run the Gantelope of the worlds censure ▪ for Nothing . Yet is not any , or all of these strong enough to draw me from dispensing with mine own profit , or credit , when they stand in competition with a friend . In brief therefore , if you can imagine it worth your acceptance , or but enough to strike off the least notch from the tally of mine engagements , 't is yours . I refer it , and my self , wholly to your dispose . Some ( you cannot but think ) I must bestow on some friends ; and I should be loth to buy , what I did not sell , or have and must give away . My short stay here , will not admit any long delay . Let thy answer be like my time , and my departure , short and shortly . I am still

Your long-lasting Friend , T. F.

To Mr. J. W. My friend ,

FOr so I presume to call you , because , if your Tongue and Heart were Relatives when you wrote your last kind Letter , you were pleased to dishonour your self with that Title . To lay aside all terms of distance , that we may close , and mingle soules in the flame of friendship , pardon me hereafter , if I lay aside the name of Mr. as incompatible with that of friendship . But let me tell you , that I can scarce think your invective against Complements to be real , since you cannot compleat your Letter without them . Tully once told a Lawyer , pleading a bad cause : Tu nisi fingeres ne sic ageres . For your Complements you bestow on me and mine , I shall onely assure you , you struck the ball to an ill hand , if you look for a rebound . Your quibble upon my name , would have pleas'd me exceedingly , had you not married ( and so marr'd ) it with so dis-agreeing an Epethite , as to call that deep , whose very name speaks it but shallow : So that by styling me deep , you have taken away my name of Forde . But if you will have my Etymologie , it is this ; Vadum à vadendo , from going ; and so it tells you , that I shall never be wearie of travelling in your service . Or , if you will , it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , trajicere , to pass over , and so I pass it by . That that poor draught has satisfied your thirst , I am not a little glad ; but it seems , it was of the nature of salt water , which makes the drinker but the drier . And , truly , I question not but you are , if you keep your promise , and not drink till the return of this , which I wish may be answerable to your expectation . For your complaint of want of Books , I conceive it needless in you , who are a walking Library . Now will I relate what they here tell for truth . One Rolph , ( something near Ravillac ) a Shoomaker , had plotted to have brought his Majestie to his Last ; but ( as Heaven would have it ) he prov'd but a Cobler at it , and so was discovered . Your Letter which mine was big with , is safely delivered , by

Your Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. My best of Friends ,

FInding friendship to be as cold as the weather , we thought to repel it , by celebrating this present time with the remembrance of thee ; when we turned thy Aurum Palpabile into Aurum Potabile ; and I dare affirm it was Cordial . We did remember thee Pleui● poculis ; and because two make no musick , we engaged two or three other Consorts , to compleat our Harmony . And that thou mayst see , we did not only drink like irrational animals , I will tell thee ( if my memory fail me not ) the Original of Healths . When the Danes Lorded it over our Kingdome , ( whence by corruption they were termed Lurdanes ) they were quartered in several Houses , ( a word , I must confess , I understood not when I read it first ; but since , the Times have instructed me with a witness . ) They were so imperious , that no man thought himself secure in their presence : and knowing the advantage men have of one that is lifting his hand to his mouth in drinking , they used ( which after was a custome ) to drink to one at the Table , who was thereby engaged to be their pledge , or surety for their safety , whilst they were drinking ▪ and some of our Countries do still retein the original , in answering Sir , I pledge for you . To this I doubt not but the witty Waller alludes in his Poems , where he sings ,

Wine fills the veins , and Healths are understood , To give our friends a title to our blood : Who naming me , doth warm his courage so , Shews for my sake what his bold hand would do .

Newes is so confused , that I know not where to begin ; yet where should I , but at home : and that 's in the Church-yard , that you may know ▪ In nomine Domini incipit omne malum . Our yard is a place of Rendezvouz , a Bridewel , an Execution-place , &c. Here the gallant Pitcher went to Pot : I mean , was broken , by the merciless blind bullets ; or ( if thou wilt have it in plain terms ) was shot to death . I could not name him without an Elegie , but that I think my Muse is run away , to seek a better Master in these hard times . And indeed , the Muses may well be Maids , for they are commonly farthest off , when most intreated . Mary was once the hate and burthen of the City , and the name 's but Anagrammatiz'd ; but they are as weary of their Physicians , as they were before of their disease . I cannot resemble our rich Citizens better , than to some Hogs I have read of , that were so fat , that Mice made nests in their buttocks , and they felt them not . But now they have pretty well eaten through their fat , and are come to the quick , and now they begin to be sensible of them . Here are some desperate Members , that gape wide to devour their Head , and there is nothing can rescue him but a miracle . And now , I hope , the largeness of my Letter will excuse me from adding any more ▪ No wonder my Letters are so big , being so old before they come to hand . Let me onely add that I am still

Dear Ned , Thine , usque ad aras , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Friend , or Brother , chuse you whether , Natures bonds are strong in either .

THough I never knew the happiness of a Brother , I count that want infinitely supplyed , if not out-gone , by the adoption of some friends : of which number , I need not now tell you , you hold a chief place . You may easily imagine how welcome your last was to me , the rather , because it assured me of your , not onely receiving , but accepting mine ; which ( seriously ) I doubted , when afterward I read Seneca's Caveat : Vide , non tantum an verumsit quod dicis , sed an ille cui dicitur veri patiens sit . But , believe me , it was pure friendship that praecipitated my pen ; and in friendship , those are great faults , that are not venial . And now it lies in your power only , to make those poor papers a true glass ( as you are pleased to call them ) in a reflection of my own face , without partiality ; and indeed , this was the chief intent of my designe at first : and you cannot think how I will ●ug it , nay , out-dote Narcissus himself . I hope , though you have entertained the Graces , you have not quite cashier'd the Muses : For , though the Times be hard , yet they are no chargeable retinue . But , I know you expect some Newes : and truly , here is Nova , & ina●dita rerum facies . Here , they that count Stables as good as Churches , have made our Churches Stables . But enough of this , and for this time , when I have styled my self

Your diligent Observer , T. F.

To Mr. L. C. L. Noble Sir ,

THe last clause of your last ingenious Letter , has proved a Prophesie : For , you are pleas'd to tell me , that you long for my answer , and truly I have made it a long answer , though a short letter : and that , till it come , every day 's a moneth ; and I am sure , it will be a moneth every day e're you have it : yet be confident , it was not for want of love , but want of leisure . You know , Parvus amor loquitur , ingens stupet . Great love ( like great grief ) must move gradatim . Sir , that you tell me , since you saw my lines , you are grown womanish , and long for a view . I dare not think it flatterie , because from a friend ; yet am I not a little proud on 't . Thus have we the happiness ( like Princes ) to wooe by Picture , and wed by Proxie . For though I have hitherto been an Atheist to female love , yet have I thus often wooed , and as often won a second-self ; for so 's a friend , as well as a wife , and the marriage of the minds , is no less firm and honourable , than that of the body . And I will assure you , Sir , I am more ambitious of that happy visit you are pleased to promise me , than some Amorett● would be of his Mistris . In the mean-time , I shall hope to see you in those lively Images of your ingenious self . To those unmerited Encomiums you are pleased to bestow on my unworthy Poeme , I will answer nothing , save that I will make it an argument of your love to me ; for 't is a Symptome .

Quae minimè pulchra sunt , e● Pulchra videntur Amanti .

If now you expect any Newes , I must deceive your expectation ; for here is none , save what you will see by the Printed Papers : and truly , I am afraid this cold weather will usher in a hotter Summer . You 'l spell my meaning , though in a mysterie ; because , Plura literis committere , nec vacat , nec tutum est . But that I am

Your most affectionate Friend . T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

I Received your late ( I think last ) Letter , fraught with Flowers : and , credit me , with as welcome a countenance , as we behold those early violets , the first fruits of the Spring , after a long and tedious Winter . I heartily congratulate your entrance into the Bond of Wedlock , for 't is a bond , though a sweet one , and question not but you have a fit yoke-fellow . Now are you a Compleat Man , which the Rabbins say no man is , till he have his female Rib restor'd him , which before he wanted . That you have match'd one of my name , I cannot account any other than an act of the Divine Providence , to make our Friendship grow up into a Brotherhood : So that now it shall be no longer as you say ,

Friend and Brother , chuse you whether , But Friend and Brother both together .

Hereafter shall I be not a little proud of my name , that it may be serviceable to the production of such sweet Flowers as your self . Wonder not now , that in stead of greeting you with an Epithalamium , I grace you with an Elegie . Indeed , I must acknowledge , that mourning is not fit for a Wedding garment , yet most fit for me at this present , being really sensible of the death of the general Father of our Country , and fearful of the death of my own dear Father in particular . And to express my self in the words of the Poet ,

Hei mihi difficile est imitari gaudia falsa , Difficile est tristi fingere mente jocum .

Give me leave onely to present your Wife , my Sister , with my as hearty , as invisible salutes ; and so I take my leave of you both , with that of the witty Catullus :

— Boni Conjuges bone vivite , & munere assiduo valentem exercite juventam .

This is the hearty wish of him that is proud to be accounted

Your glad ( though sorrowful Friend and Brother , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Ned , dear N. my N.

AS I was going to write a Letter to thee , came thine to me ; and , believe me , with no little welcome . I thank thee for thy Letter , more for thy Verses , but most of all , for thy constant perseverance in friendship . Goe on , and let us ( if possible ) draw the knot of our love yet faster . I dare presume thou wilt , and for me , may the Muses , or what 's more , the Graces hate me , when I cease to love thee : For thy superlative wishes , may they rebound a thousand , times multiplied upon thine own head . But for the particular of Trading , truly , I shall chuse ( in these ( times ) to sit down , rather than set up ; not daring to put to Sea , while this Tempest lasts . Me thinks , we wander still as in a night of miseries , and yet see no Hesperus of any comfort appear , that might be the welcome Harbinger of a more wish'd for ▪ than expected Sun : We still like ( the Andabates ) fight blindfolded . No sooner has two Parties conquer'd one , but they oppose each other : and yet , as if the Tragedie were ended , the Souldiers have routed the Players . They have beaten them out of their Cock-pit , baited them at the Bull , and overthrown their Fortune . For these exploits , the Alderman ( the Anagram of whose name makes A Stink ) moved in the House , that the Souldiers might have the Players cloaths given them . H. M. stood up , and told the Speaker , that he liked the Gentlemans motion very well , but that he feared they would fall out for the Fools Coat . But you know who has Acted that part , and may very well merit that , among the rest of his gifts . Ask me no more for Newes , for now I am careless how things pass , as setting down this resolution , that nothing can happen well , nor worse than has . Being stun'd with that fatal blow , I am not sensible of any thing else : only that I am still

Really thine , T. F.

To L. C. L. Sir ,

LEaving the inclosed to speak for it self , and indeed the muteness of grief is Eloquence . I am sorry that our infant-friendship should finde so sudden a grave of forgetfulness ; but I hope it is not dead , though sleeping : Let this be as the Trump to awaken it to a Resurrection : For , assure your self , it will be as welcome to me , as a dead debt to an Usurer . We are faln into Times ( like those the Father spake of ) In quibus non erat quandum vivere . And truly , these speaking pictures of my friends , are the onely Scaene of mirth to me in this deep Tragoedy . Pardon me Sir , if I now claim a debt of you ; for a promise is a debt , I mean an Elegie : I 'll assure you I have expected it long , and I know it will not come short of mine expectation : I know you have delay'd it all this while but to inhance its value ; but there needs no art to make me prize a wel-writ Poeme , and such I dare not but think yours to be , Fortes creantur fortibus , &c. I dare not flatter my self into so high a presumption , as to merit it by any thing of mine , yet may this serve as a challenge ▪ and though I lose my credit , I shall account my self a gainer by the bargain .

The last , though not the least of those that honour you , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

SO willingly could I have born the Bearer company , in so pleasant a Pilgrimage , that I cannot but at once complain of my hard hap , and envy this papers Happiness .

But though my body be confin'd To time and place , so 's not my mind .

For with my nimble fancie I out-run both this and them , and salute you , as the Food Nessus did Pythagoras , and called him by his name , as one admired for his flood of wisdome , if we credit the faith of Aelian . And I dare not suspect but you feed your friendship with equal flames , that it may be like the Vestal fire , perpetual . Nor can I think your pleasant Forde will prove a Lethe of forgetfulness , to drench the remembrance of our friendship . I have read of a mountain so high , that what was written in the ashes of one years Sacrifice , was found legible in the next : So , hope I , the Characters of our friendship indelible by ought but Death . I am now changing the air , but not my mind of being

The admirer of your worth , T. F.

To Mr. J. P. Sir ,

I Received your Letter , and that with as much welcome as Penelope did her Vlysses , after an Ages absence . Seriously , that I have not hitherto writ to you , was not either for want of Love or Leisure , but blind-folded by ignorance of the place you make happy with your presence , I knew not how to find you out . Believe me , Sir , you , with my honest Lightfoot , are so deeply fixed in the fastest of my affections , that I shall sooner forget my self to be , than you to be my friends , or my self your servant : And think not this a complement , but a lively Image of my thoughts ; which , though I want your Art to give it colours , yet is as really decypher'd in this poor black and white , as in the richest tincture . Sir , I pray let the shortness of my time ( at present ) excuse the shortness of my Letter , and be confident , that my next Answer shall be more answerable to your desert , and my desire ; the height of whose ambition is but to continue

Your Th. Forde .

To L. C. L. True Philanax ,

NOw have I found a way to try thy yet unquestion'd friendship ; 't is this . See here a poor Pamphlet shrowding it self under the patronizing wings of all that dare style themselves the Authors friends . My absence from the Press , has fill'd it with an innumerable company of unpardonable Errata's : So that , besides the principal of pardoning the irregularitie of the thing it self , there arises an unexpected score , for unlook'd for Errata's . Well , it cannot now be help't : 'T is the Image of thine unknown friend ; and , though much disfigur'd in the limning , if thou canst but discern a Real Heart , 't is all I wish for . Read it over , tell the errours , and tell me of them , so shalt thou truly approve thy self , what I would be loth not to believe thee . You know , Caecus amor proli . Parents eyes are blind to their own , they read with the multiplying glass of self-love , which sees a spark of fire through an heap of ashes . Do me therefore that real part of friendship , as to send thy most rigid censure of it : And in so doing , thou shalt ( if possible ) yet farther oblige

Thy T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Ned ,

BEing now reduced to my primitive condition , I have for the present shaken hands with the world , and retired my self into my Cell : there will I lie perdu , and laugh at the madness of the Times , without envying their State . May they have as much as I contemn ; 't is riches enough for me , to lose as little as I can , which whatsoever it be , I am able to make up with thoughts of you my real friends . Excuse my present shortness , and measure not my love by my lines ; but ascertain thy self I honour thee as an unparallel'd piece of real friendship . I cannot question my farther distance will any whit turn the edge of thy quondam constancie , for what need words among friends . Ned , This unworthy piece will adventure upon thy charitie , seriously , not without the shame of the Sender ; For , besides the Errours of the thing , the Printer has filled it so full of gross Errata's , that I cannot give one without an Apologie ; and I cannot devise one good enough to equal the badness of the Press . However , draw the veil of thy friendship over the errours , and where thou findest them , pardon them . But one thing more , send me thy severest judgment of it ; lay friendship aside , and tell me truth , without respect of person : Then shall I boast to have been

Thine Eternal Friend , T. F.

To M. C. F. My double Flower ,

AT length have I found a way , whereby this poor brat may bless the Author with the happiness of kissing your hands . 'T is Freeborn , though begot in servitude . But I dare not venture upon your more judicious brow , without an Apologie ; not so much for the Printing , as the mis-printing . I must needs say , whilst I was at the press to overlook it , I durst own it ; but as soon as I was gone , the Printers so dis-figured it , that I knew it not again , when I saw it . Had I been with them , I should have serv'd them as the Philosopher did the Potter , reading and mis-reading his verses , he brake all his earthen ware : The Potter demanding his reason , he answered ; You break my head , and I break your Pots . Seriously , I think I should break their pates as miserably as ever was poor Prisscians by any Pedantick . But , prethee exercise thy friendship so far , as to send me a perfect Anatomy of it : I mean , thy judgment , without hands or eyes . Shut out the name of friend , whilst thou censurest it , and send me that censure , as to one that is no whit indulgent to his own . Then shall I boast to have vowed my self

Thine absolute Friend , T. F.

One thing I forgot to tell thee , the Printer has rob'd it of its Letters of Credence : But you must put that upon his score .

To Mr. J. W. Grace .

ANd now I dare promise my Letter a welcome , marching under , and with so good a Grace . But I long to hear whether thou hast given thy Grace a Sirname yet , for I cannot find it among all the Catalogue of Virtues . Perhaps I mistook the Index , and should have looked for W. but I could not so readily hear of my Gloves . Thou seest I have found a way to whisper my yet unparched friendship , though at a distance . I have read of a place called the Hall of Gyants , in Mantua , which hath this strange and unusual Art , that how low soever one speak , at the Corners 't is intelligible to be heard , whilst those in the Midst hear nothing . Me thinks , it fitly resembles our intercourse by Letters : Hereby shall we be able to conquer distance , and live together , though far asunder : Friendship hereby works like weapon-salve , at a distance , and undiscernable . But I intended a Letter , not a Character of Letters . Now , having in part paid my debt promised , it will not be unmannerly to demand yours ; for promises are debts : and I love as little to be indebted in courtesie , as in coyn . If thou searchest the File of thy promises , among other particulars , thou wilt find this , Item , A Letter to

The expecter of that Happiness , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Dear Ned ,

WIth thy Letter I received an Answer to my Search . 'T is too long , and my time too short , and my wit too weak to return a Reply . Be contented onely with an acquittance for the receit of it ; the rather , because I would not fail your expectation ; for I hate abortives of that nature . But before I give you a discharge , I must quarrel with you , for some bad coyn . Tell me of History , Quotations , and Comments ! What Galilaean-glass didst thou use for Spectacles , when thou read'st my letter ? Your Comment has bely'd my Text : And what argument hast thou to prove me a Poet , except poverty ; and perhaps , an ill face , with Hipponax , who was no Painter , as you make him , but a Poet , with so ugly a face , that two Gravers in stone set out his Statue to the world , and him to the derision of the beholders : At which he was so inraged , that whetting his Pen with anger , he did so thick discharge his Porcupine-quils , and his Badger - Jambicks so bit , that ( as the Stories say ) for very anger made the two Gravers hang themselves . Newes I can tell thee none , but that Trading , which before was wounded , is now dead . That the Army have now done what the King all this while fought for , namely , put a point , if not a period to the perpetual Parliament . And having seized the King in Hurst-Castle , have possest themselves of the major part of their Masters , and thrown them into Hell . But now I begin to grow as tedious to thee , as the time of thy absence will be to me : In deteining thee too long from that name

So much obliged to you , T. F.

To Mr. W. L. Honest Will.

THe Romans had a custome , that after any one was dead , one hollowed three times in their ear , and after the third call , pronounced , Conclamatum est , He 's past recovery . I have called three times without an answer , yet I dare not pronounce a conclamatum est of our friendship , I know it is not dead . Thy last was in answer but to a part of mine . Dost thou mean to Comment upon my Letters in Tomes and Volumes ? Certainly we shall make excellent Harmony with the several notes of Musick , in Longs , Briefs , Sem-briefs , Minims , Quavers , and Crotchets . But J. H. acts a part , ( or rather no part ) , which , I think , is beyond the Musicians Ela : I find no name for it ; but let not them over-hear me , and I 'll call it a Pause . Well , this conceit is neither Meane nor Base , but , if you will , Treble , because we are three . Send me word what fortune my poor brat finds in the world . how it goes off , and is relished : And do it as forgetting me to be the Author , or

Thy Friend , T. F.

To Mr. J. H. My best of friends ,

LIttle less than infinite will number mine engagements to thee ; and when I shall quit scores with thee , I know not ; yet may it shew a willingness to pay , in him that confesses the debt . I am glad of such an argument of something good in that worthless piece , as the dislike of the world will draw for a Conclusion . Really , I never intended they should like it , and should have suspected it , if they had : For he that will please the Times , must go attired in a Fools coat , not a Scholars habit . Didst thou never hear of the Philosopher , that when ( in an Oration ) the people applauded him , turn'd about to some of his friends , and asked , amiss● Thy Newes of the Hangmans so untimely death , when he was at the full ga●● of one and thirty , drew this ex tempore Epitaph from me .

Here lies the Royal Headsman , who in 's time , Of the Court-cards hath cut & drawn the Prime : But oh sad fate ! death thus should Trump about , And now at one and thirty put him out .

But I haste to subscribe my self

Thy much engaged Friend , T. F.

To Mr. T. P. Sir ,

I Had hitherto fully resolved , that the name of Mecoenas now lived onely in Horace lines ; but your late Largess has made me recant my humour , and believe that there are yetsome that dare patronize the Muses when grown poor : But as the scarcitie increases your honour , so would it my shame , if I should be so ingrateful as not to acknowledge it ; though I must confess , my retribution will be as bad , as my mind is good , to erect a Pyramid to your singular example in this Age. Not that I intend any Panygerick of your praises , that were fitter for the Pen of Pliny , or the Mouth of Cicero , Give me leave only ( without a blush ) to acknowledge my many engagements to your merit , lest I should meet with the obloquie of the French , who ( the Historian sayes ) remember good turns no longer than they are in doing . Sir , when I seriously consider your large reward of so short a desert , me thinks ( had I Plutarchs art ) I could parallel it with the bounty of Artaxerxes , who return'd precious gifts to poor Sinaetas for his handful of water : Or , if that be too small , to Alexander the Great , who returned doubly to Anaxar●hus , for a small gift he received of him . Thus rich grounds yeild double flowers , for single seeds . Or yet , if these be too low , to Streton , who studied to excel all other men in Liberalitie . And might it not be thought flattery ( to praise a man to his face ) I would tell others , that your Generous disposition is a miracle in this Age ) equal'd , if not excel'd one , of whom the Ancients boast , that was readier to give , than others to receive . But I fear to offend your modesty , & will therefore silently admire , what I cannot safely speak , knowing there is also an eloquence in silence . Yet would I not altogether have my thankfulness ( like men near the River Ganges ) without a Tongue . Alas Sir ! what worth was there in that plain piece , that should cause so rich a recompence ! Truly , Sir , besides the reverence ( which as a dictate to natures law ) I alwayes bare you , your many favours , but especially the last , will exact from me ( without a complement ) the speech of Furnius to Caesar , Efficisti ut viverem & morer ingratus . Excuse the relating it in it's proper Idiom : For , though it be said , that the Tuscane Speech sounds better in the mouth of Sirangers , than of the Natives , I think not so of the Latine . You have so obliged me , that ( to use the expression of a Father to his friend ) I owe you , Et quae possum , & quae non possum . So that , did I not hope to meet with a merciful Creditor , I must break without hope of compounding : However , though you have cast your gift into a shallow Forde , yet it is so transparent , that you may see it , without fear of being covered with any Lethe of forgetfulness . Nor have you cast your coyn on so soft a nature , that you should not hear it gingle , at least in an Eccho of Thanks : Although , when I have done all , my Thankfulness must be like Timantes his Pictures , wherein was more to be understood , than there was exprest . Thus , Sir , assuring you here is nothing , but what is the immediate Transcript of my Heart , I crave leave to boast my self ,

Sir , your solely engaged Servant , T. F.

To Mr. J. H. Honesty ,

THy Letter was as welcome to me , as ever was rain to the parched earth . I thank thee thee infinitely , but that 's no payment . Well , set all upon the Tally , and 't is possible we may one day cross scores . Excuse my shortness at this time , and let this Country Newes supply the defect . 'T is this : That Phoebus ( now ) courts the Lady Flora as rudely as he did his Mother , that bit off her ear , when he should have kiss'd her .

That the Quadrupled Animals fare deliciously , for they feed on Roast-meat every day .

That the Sun hath saved the Husbandmen a labour of mowing and making their Hay ; for it now grows Hay , like him that sowed Malt , to avoid the charge & trouble of making it of Barly .

That the world being turn'd Round , our Climate is exchang'd for Spain , or some more sweating Country : That we here know no reason of this unparallel'd Heat , unless it be because we have now so many ruling Suns in the Sphere where there used to be but One.

That , if this weather hold , we are like to have no raw fish , but all ready boyl'd before taken , and all our drink burnt-wine , or vinegar .

That the poor Ephemeris suffer Martyrdome every day .

That , at night , when Sol is with our Antipodes , we feel his heat through the cracks of the earth .

That this extream heat makes the Heavens sweat a little sometimes , in stead of rain .

Item , That my Ink is converted to Jet .

Item , That there 's no more Newes .

For 't is none that I am

Your T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Sir ,

I Dare not pretend to so much Philologie , as to criticize upon your term of Infinitiores gratias ; your adopting ( by your using ) it , is sufficient to patronize it , and pass it through the guards of the strictest enquiry . Here could I well cease , and , in stead of answering ( which I shall never ) admire at your Elegant Letter you were pleased to honour me with : wherein , what streams of Eloquence ! what flames of Love ! what Rhetorick ! what Realitie ! nay , what not ! So that , were all Epistles like yours , I would not wonder that Learning and Letters are terms convertible . I honour the presence of my friends ; but may it ever be supplyed by such Letters , and I shall never complain of their absence . Before , I loved you as a friend , but now , I honour you as a Wit. But how easily doe passions exalted transport us ! And how willingly do we yield the cloak of our resolutions to the flatttering Sun of praise ! But I am too conscious of mine own unworthiness , to admit those large Encomiums your flourishing pen hath adorned me with . 'T is a Pos●e of rare beauty ; but I dare not accept it , lest there should lie a snake of flattery , under those fairer Flowers : And I wish you have not shown your Wit , and hazarded your Judgment . When I read your neat lines , really I cannot but love them for their gallantness , and pitie them that , they had no better a Subject . Me thinks , they seem like rich cloaths upon a poor man ( that do not sute ) or like the Kings Saddle upon the Millers horse . Who will not suspect your eyes blindfolded with love , that have made Paris choise , and extoll'd a homely face , for an Heavenly beauty . Well , since my deserts are too short to scale them , I shall ( I 'll assure you ) keep it by me , as too rich a cloth for my meanness , and shall lay it before me , as a pattern of what would I be , rather than a picture of what I am . Now , to your Why , let me return a Wherefore I have ( to use your expression , and who can use better ) masked my self under the single letters of T. F. that being unknown , I might more freely hear the worlds censure . I remember a facetious tale of a Frenchman , that had printed much , concealing his own name : One asking a man that brought his Copies to the press , Who the Author was ? He said , 'T was one that desired to serve God invisibly . My humbler ambition flies no such pitch ; 't is enough for me , if it may but reach to the service of my friends , of which number , I know you to be so intensely one , that , as 't is said , that Plutarch once being named , the Eccho answer'd , Philosophy ; so , should I call R. ( I doubt not but ) it would return friendship . This is the Happiness of him that cares not to sacrifice his credit to your worth ,

T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Sir ,

THat my late lines have produced your later Letter , I am not a little glad ; but that they should occasion a quarrel , I should be more sorry . If the exception be my fear of flatterie , know , that it was not the Height of your expressions , but my own lowness , that frighted me into such a fear . Would not a little David think himself mock't , to be proffer'd a Goliah's armour ? But , for my part , your merits are caveat sufficient to keep my words from the least suspition : And the construction of my words will be best made by the Grammar-rule of friendship ; for I was never guilty of so much Rhetorick , as to tell a learned lye . My tongue and my pen ( if I deceive not my self ) are alwayes Relatives : Because Favorinus praised the Feaver , should not we praise Health ? And because some Romans sacrifice to that , might not others to Aesculapius ? 'T were more shame to d●ny praises where they are due , than to admit them where they are not . Why therefore are you so bashful ? as if those parts ( something above the degree of admiration ) had erept into your bosome unawares ? And though your modesty is such , ( as may silently shame my forwardness ) that you will not shew your self to the world , like that plant in Pliny , which buds inwardly , and shooteth out no bud , blossome , or leaf outwardly ; yet give us leave to admire it , though you bury your worth in the ore of obscuritie . We count him a rich man , that has his wealth in his chest , not on his back ; yet excuse me , if I think it an envious disposition , in him , that would play so softly on his Lute , that none should hear but himself . But whether is my pen stragled ? Surely as far from the matter of my first intentions , as the answers of the two deaf persons were from one another , that pleaded before a deaf Judge in the Greek Epigram . To return therefore from my digression to your Letter . How shall I interpret those expressions , of exact , ingenious , and learned Comment ? rare , transcendent , and incomparable Answer , not to say of flatterie , but of very large Hyperbolies !

But you have made me amends for them , when in the next sentence you handsomely call me fool under the name of the Indians : where you tell me , I look on my self afar off , through a perspective , and upon you near hand , &c. Me thinks , I cannot obtein of my self to believe , that I am farther from my self , than I am from you ; and therefore the multiplying glass must go with the greater distance : But I am afraid I have turn'd the wrong end , and rather overseen than over-valu'd your crescent parts . To your desire of seeing some other pieces of mine , I must onely answer , that I am very much unprovided of any , for my store lies in a Chaos , as yet unformed , in mold unmelted , or unminted ; but such as I have will be proud of your Sight and Censure . And for a continuance of this literal correspondencie , know that I cannot be so much an enemy to my self , as not to desire it ; and with as much affection as I am

Your humble Admirer , T. F.

To M. J. H. Honest Jack ,

THe ancient Romans , who made a Deity of every thing , yet sacrificed not to death , because from death are no Returns . For the same reason , should I not write to London , and by consequence , not to your self . Trumpeters love to sound where there is an Eccho , and I love to write whence I can hear an answer . Seeing once a Weaver at work , I observed , that by casting his shuttle from one side to the other , he finish'd his web : Therein I saw a lively Embleme of friends correspondencie by letters ; if either fail , the web's imperfect . I make it now my imployment , that the ball should not fall on my side . I must confess I have been from home of late , but now I am returned to that , and to my custome . Letters unanswered , like meat undigested , breed no sweet breath . Well , I shall expect an answer as long as the time I have waited for one , till when I shall resolve to be

Your most assured Friend , T. F.

To Mr. S. M. Sir ,

OBliged by your courtesies , your command , and my duty , that ingratitude must be more than Herculean , that could break this three-fold tie . I have resolved therefore now , to be rather presumptuous , than ingrateful ; that I may tender you thanks for the engagements you have laid upon me , though the very act increase them ; and to assure you , that I am nothing of the nature of that beast , that is so forgetful , that though he be feeding never so hard and hungrily , if he cast but back his head , forgets immediately the meat he was eating , and runs to look after new . And if my silence seems to accuse me , believe me , Sir , it was meerly out to self-consciousness of my own unworthiness to present you with any thing worth the reading ; yet also remembring , that the great Alexander would admit a return of Epistles between himself and Publius his Bit-maker . I am a little encouraged you will at least pardon my poor scribling ; if not for it self , or the sender , yet because it carries thanks in the front , and they are currant coyn , and in which the poorest may be rich , without ●ear of a Sequestration . That word that ham-strings all industry , and makes men embrace the Stoical saying for a Maxime , Benè qui latuit , benè vixit . And truly , for my part , I think we are faln into Nero's age , in which Tacitus saith ( Inertia , sapientia fuit . ) Sloth was a virtue . When the Ship of the Common-wealth is steer'd by a Tempest , 't is best lying still in the Harbour : But I intend an Epistle , no Satyre . I am

Sir ( without a complement ) your very humble servant T. F.

To Mr. J. A. James ,

PArdon the familiarity of the Title , I use no complements to my friends ; not do I think them my friends that use them to me . The Italians speak out of experience , The more tongue , the less heart ; and you know their Proverb , La penna della Lingua si dove tingere nel inchiostro del cuore . I could wish that all the letters of friends were like Tullies , Epistolae Familiares ; and the Polite Polititian tells me , that the greatest ornament of all Epistles is to be without any . James . I love thee , I honour thee , and that sine fuco , sine fallaciis . I would have my letters like the Herb Persica , which the Egyptians offer'd to their god Isis , whose fruit was like an heart , and the leaf like a tongue . Hereby do I talk with thee , now absent , and if thou wilt vouchsafe me the like , thereby shall I see thee . Pardon me , if I challenge , nay , expect your your promise , which if you perform not , I shall suspect your humour something of kin to that of an excellent Archer , that would rather lose his life , than shew a trial of his skill . Letters are like those mutual pawns the Grecians gave as Symbols of their friendship ; like Dido's little Aeneas , to supply their absence . Hereby are they present in England , Spain , or France , all in an instant , and at once . Let it not be thought a Paradox , for Love goes beyond Art . But what do I talk of love and friendship in this Age , wherein fast friends are gone on pilgrimage , and their returns uncertain . But I grow tedious : 'T is the fault of parting friends ; and now , like one in that extasie . I know not what to say next : whether to commend thy diligence , in outvying Vlysses , in that which the Poet sayes made him wise . Whilest I am like the silly Grashopper , that lives and dies in the same ground : Or shall I fear thy danger , and with Charonidas , wonder not at those that go to Sea once , but at those that go again : Or shall I dare to assume the presumption , for me , who am no Traveller , to counsel thee , that art ; no , I dare not . Yet let me remember thee of the Speech of one that was ; That a Traveller must have Eagles eyes , Asses ears ▪ the tongue of a Merchant , a Camels feet , a Hogs mouth , and an Asses back . In a word , mayst thou measure , thy happiness by the Ell of thine own desires , which shall not exceed the wishes of

T. F.

To Mr. J. H. Sir ,

YOur Letter was as welcome to me , as your absence is tedious . Complements suit not the reality of my intentions ; but imagine all the meer complemental expressions of flattering Courtship put into truth , and all fall short of my affections . To obey your command , if your patience will pardon the tediousness , I will give you as brief an account as I can of my present estate . I have read , that one Philostratus lived seven yeares in his Tomb , to acquaint himself with Death . Truly , I have conversed above two seven years among the Dead , for so are our Authors esteemed ; and indeed , our Shops may not unfitly be resembled to a Charnel-house : and there , and thus , have I gotten such a familiaritie with those faithful and unflattering Counsellours , that I rather chose to lie in the valley of obscurity , than to climb the dangerous Alps of aspiring greatness , so long as the wind blows so high , and the stream runs so swift . Rather had I sit still ( by their perswasion ) than rise to fall ; or to fare hardly , than feed on others bread : And , me thinks , I find my self very well decypher'd by the Embleme , which represented certain Grashoppers , that suck the dew , and pass their time singing , with this Motto ; Di questo mi contento , è megilio spero . With this I am content , and hope better , when God shall so order the tide of occasions , and the blasts of my friends favour , to lanch me from the poor harbour , where I now lie wind-bound . Thus , Sir , I hope I have made you reparation for my late silence , not doubting but you will make it but a Parenthesis , which shall break no sence in our friendship : And this I shall esteem a very great addition to your former Engagements ; to all which , I shall without scruple Subscribe

T. F.

To E. W. Esquire . Sir ,

COuld my messenger have delivered his errand in but intelligible non-sense , I should willingly have spared you this trouble : But since it must be so , I shall endeavour to make a virtue of necessity , and from hence take occasion to tell you , that so many have been your favours , and so few the returns of my thanks hitherto , that they have rendred mine ingratitude as superlative as your goodness . Though you write your courtesies in running water ( to which a Forde is of very near kin ) I desire to write my thanks in marble ; and had I so advantagious an occasion , I would make the whole world the Witness of mine Obligations . To this purpose , I could wish this poor paper immortal , that my gratitude , at least , might rival your bounty . But , Sir , you have endeavoured to make me live and die in your debt , which I shall rather resolve to suffer , than to slander your nobleness with a thought of my slender requital . Now , Sir , if you please to honour me with the additional courtesie of your Cambden , you shall hereby infinitely add ( if they surmount not that piece of Arithmetick already ) to your former favours and my engagements . And may this serve for my Surety , that I will keep it carefully , use it warily , and return it speedily . Thus , Sir , kissing the hands of your fair Venus , and her three Graces , I humbly take my leave , who am proud to wear the livery of

Sir , your and their most obliged Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. H. Sir ,

HAving armed my self cap à pe , with patience to receive as you promised , your most rigid censure , I finde , in stead of arms , you encounter me with flowers , and , like Paris , make me stoop to your golden ball . Nor do I less wonder at it , than the poor Norvegian did , the first time he saw roses , who durst not touch them for fear of burning his fingers , being much amazed to see ( as he supposed ) trees to bear ●ire . With little less wonder , do I behold your learned lines , nor with less amazement , to see flames of love , and streams of eloquence so Homogenial .

To your Letter , I shall return nothing , but onely tell you , that what I understand is excellent , and so I believe , and admire the rest . Your Allegory of the Cook is neatly dress'd , but except you be pleased to tinde one of his lights , I shall fear to remain in darkness , and discover no farther than his superficies . The censures of those blind-minded Jewes you speak of , I shall account my greatest commendations : Like Crates the Philosopher , who , having received a blow on the face by one Nicodromus , a man full of base condition ( and as base conditions ) was contented , for revenge , to set these words on his wound , Nicodromus faciebat . To those large Encomiasticks you bestow on my poor Pamphlets , I shall onely say I am sorry they had no fitter subjects ; yet am I glad I was so happy to afford you any ground for your nimble fancy to work on , and shall here promise you , that if you please to continue this literal commerce , you shall not want a whetstone to sharpen your sythe , as you are pleased to desire ; and this property I may have ( like the whetstone ) though blunt my self to sharpen another . Nor need you fear that you can use too much ingenuity to me ; for I am no whit affected with the heresie of the Times , which count learning and wit ( as you say ) the scum of the bottomless pit ; but know how to honour it as much as I want it . In a word , Sir , I thank you for your Letter , more for your Verses , but most that you please to style me

Sir , your very Friend , T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Sir ,

I Return you your New-Forrest , with as many thanks as it merits , and that 's infinite ; which submission to your better judgment ( from which I would no sooner dissent , than from truth it self ) I conceive this not at all behind the first part , but in time ; it appearing to me of as fine a thred , and no less curious workmanship . Happily the others , being chequer'd with forreign flowers , may render it more delectable . But why should we think a forreign garden of flowers , and perhaps some weeds , better than an English Forrest ? Well may it be more sightly , but , I 'm sure , 't is not so serviceable . Scarce can I hold my pen from glutting in his praises , who is far above it's highest flight , did not the Italian proverb check me , and tell me truly , La Lode nascer deve , quando è morto chi si ha da Lodar : That praises should not be born , till the praised be dead . I will therefore content my seff to say , that I hope such pleasant groves are not superstitious ; and could wish , that the whole Kingdome were so turned to a Forrest , and the Author the Ranger General .

That 's body might not be confin'd , Who 's a free Monarch in his mind ; One who with 's Majestick Pen , May give the Law to other men .

Sir , I have sent you a Clavis to it , not that I think you need any , but that , if you invite any friend to those pleasant walks , they may have an entry of understanding , without picking the lock by a false construction . It was done at a heat , and I have not time to file it over , but such as it is , 't is yours . If you please to send me the last Edition of the Kings learned pieces , I shall keep it carefully , return it speedily , and remain continually

Sir , yours to command , T. F.

To Mr. W. L. Sir ,

I Must esteem it an happinesse to hear of you , though I cannot hear from you : and that I heard nothing of your sickness , till I heard also of your recovery ; so that now to tell you I am sad or sorrowful for your sicknesse , were as preposterous , as to grieve for your death after your resurrection , or to bid you good-night in the morning when you are risen . But like the trembling needle between two equally attractive Loadstones , so am I between the two different passions of joy and sorrow : Joy for a friends recovery , and sorrow for a friends restraint . Not to be joyful for your recovery , were to envy a publick good , and I might justly be accused for an enemy to the State , in not rejoycing at a happinesse so common , that deserves a day of Publick Thanksgiving . Then , not to be affected with the sorrows and sufferings of a friend , and such a friend as E. B. were as great a crime as his whom the Romans condemned to death , For wearing a Crown of Roses in a time of common calamity . I long to hear how our honest friend stands , since the High Court sits ; which if I do not now from thee , I shall think , that whilst thy body suffer'd under the fire of a Feaver , thy friendship was sick of an Ague ; that though the Dog-star reigned in thy blood , thy affections laboured under Capricorn . But , since thy sickness is in it's Declension , I shall expect thy friendship to be again Ascendant , that before did Culminate . And for my part , think not that thirty miles distance , cold raines , or your silence , can make me forget you , or that I am

As much as ever Sir , your Friend , T. F.

To Mr. J. H. Sir ,

HAving hitherto waited with silence , to hear of your receit of my Letter , and finding none , makes me fearful that it miscarried in the delivery ; and I am not ignorant , or insensible of the many abortives of the Carriers Midwifery . But I hope your candor is sufficient to dispel all clouds of suspition that might seem to ecclipse my realitie , or to think that I am so much foe to my self , as not to desire , or at least not to endeavour the gainful commerce of your letters . I am not ignorant that all kind of Learning hath been wrapt up in Letters : And I assure you , Sir , I shall , in the enjoyment of yours , think my self little less honoured , than I do Lucillius by Seneca's . Nor shall I be a little proud , that I may be any wayes ( though but occasionally ) instrumental to you , to exercise your excellencie in this way : Neither do I altogether doubt of the pardon of my rude scribling , because I am

Sir ( without Complement ) your very humble Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. H. Sir ,

THough I have paid the Principal , in returning your books , I am still indebted for the Interest you were pleased to lay on them , in giving you my account of them . For your Caussin , I return you thanks , in stead of censures , wishing that he were now alive , that our late Tragedies might be acted over again by his high-flying quill , and be thereby committed to incredulous posteritie . The Novum Lumen Chymicum , I understand , is lately Translated ; and indeed it were a wonder , if there were any New Lights , that we should not have in English in these Times . But , because you told me you lent me that onely to laugh at , I shall only tell you , it no whit failed your intention , or my expectation . Now for your Vaughan , be pleased to take notice , that he is since answered by one Moore learned and better famed than He ; and therefore I shall let that Answer be mine : Yet withal , that I serve such Books as the good Bishop serv'd Persius , when he threw him on the ground with a Si no●vis intelligi , debes negligi . Thus , as the Hollanders sometime made money of past-board , I make my payment in Paper , and in this coyn I shall pay you liberally for your Arithmetick . Believe me , Sir , 't is Homers Iliads in a Nut-shell , and so handsomely compacted , that the doggedest Critick cannot fasten on it ; onely let me tell you , it is deficient in one thing , and that is , that it is not able to help me to number the Engagements you have lain upon

Sir , your unmeriting Friend , T. F.

To Mr. R. R. Sir ,

HE 's a bad debtor that payes by halfs ; but he 's a worse that never payes . That I may not be guilty of that superlative ingratitude , I have sent you two Books of your three . And for Bacon , I pray think it not long , if I should keep it till Lent ; for I mean , to all his Experiments , to add one more of your friendship . If you expect an account of your I●●● B●● : know , it is far above my censure , as my praise ; I go to that , as to my Bible , yet something in Allegiance . Certainly , that Portraiture was drawn by a Divine hand , and wrote with a pen pull'd from some Angels wing . If there be one that wrote by divine inspiration since the Apostles times , 't was He , when He pen'd those Meditations . Henceforth his Pen shall be his Scepter , His Book his Throne , and the whole World his Empire : There shall he live and reign , and be as immortal , as some of his enemies malice .

Take a more particular account of your Balzack thus : I undertook the reading of him , rather for penance , than profit ; but having read him once , that induced me to read him again , and the second time drew on a third , and the third a fourth ; and now I send it you home , lest if I should keep it a little longer , I should transcribe the whole Book . A better Character cannot be given of him , than he gives of himself , take it therefore in his own words , That his Writings smell more of musk and amber , than of oil and sweat . But to save time , I have sent you a Pamphlet , that may serve as a foyl to set off Balzack the better : Wherein expect neither Cicero nor Seneca ; neither Howel nor Balzack ; neither Learning nor Language ; nor any Letters beginning with the ambitious title of My Lord , or Madam , they are more proud of the name of Friend , and , carrying that stamp , they presume to be currant , though they be but brass . Not that I intend to make my private Letters publique , but onely to advance a communitie in friendship , and to fulfil a command of yours in a letter ( in that particular ) yet unanswered , of seeing some pieces of mine . And truly , these are no other than pieces ; yet , as in the several pieces of a broken Looking-glass , you shall in every one see the perfect reflection of

Sir , yours in all Offices of Friendship , T. F.

To Mr. E. B. Honest Ned ,

RAther had I accuse the Carrier with negligence , than thee with forgetfulnesse : Nor can I think the requesting of a friendly courtesie , could scare thee into an unfriendly silence . Sure ye are all struck dumb at London , or your ink , if not your affections , is frozen . The serious thought of which , hath made me almost believe , that the name of friend is but the fabulous birth of some Philosophical Poets , or Poetical Philosophers , and fitted for Sir Thomas Moore 's Vtopia , or Plato's Common-wealth ; not for an Iron Age , or the dregs of Time . If thou art silent because thou hast no Newes to write , write that thou hast none : However , let the world see there is one dares call himself a friend , though in such an Age as this . And believe it , that the all-self-devouring teeth of time shall never eradicate the name of B. from out the heart of him , whose onely pride is to tell the world who is

Ned , thine inseparable Friend , T. F. Postscript .

You may , if you please , communicate this to all those that call themselves my friends , and tell them , that till I hear the contrary , I shall suppose their practice of silence intended for my pattern .

Vale.

To Mr. W. L. Will .

NOr will I accuse your silence , nor excuse my own ; 't is sufficient I have broken the Ice , and adventured to tell thee , 't is possible to be a friend , and silent ; nor do I despair to hear the same from you : In confidence of which , I say no more now , but tell you , I expect it . To your Father thus much . Concerning the re-printing of my Characters , and augmenting them , I have had some serious thoughts , and the result is this . I find them , upon perusal , not suitable to the present State , being Calculated for the Meridian of a Kingdome , not a Common-wealth , they are now like old Almanacks out of date . And to go to them with the Arithmetick of Addition and Substraction , with the Pensil and the Spunge , were to make my self guilty of what I there condemn . Besides , they were then my resolved ( and not yet retracted ) thoughts : So that I hold it not safe for you to print , or me to enlarge them , nor this , farther than to tell thee , I long to hear from thee , and of our dearest Ned. I have a Letter hath been designed for him a long time , did I but hope there were a crevise in his close prison , that I might peep through to assure him that I am his ( as thine )

Still constant Friend , T. F.

To Mr. E. H. Sir ,

YOur last Letter I met on the way , as drawn thither perhaps by Sympathy , like the Magnetick steel , to meet her loved Loadstone ▪ I know love and friendship work miracles , and act in Paradoxes : It makes the enjoyers thereof flame without consuming , present and distant ( if that word may be admitted in friendship ) all at once . By this I see my friend , when invisible , and hear him , though silent . Like the Philosophers Stone , of which the Chymists so much boast , Contraria operatur , sed semper in beneficium naturae . This is ( if any thing ) the true Sympathetick powder , that works truer , and at a greater distance , than weapon-salve . Willingly could I lose my self in this pleasing Maeander ; but I will rather commend the Theory to your more active Pen , and resolve to act the practick part my self . For your Verses , I will rather remain in your debt , than pay you with bad coyn . I assure you Sir ,

I have no vein in verse ; but if I could , Inclose each word a Mine , believe 't I would : I onely Court her that drops ▪ Elegies , Whilst others Musessing , mine onely cries .

Yet shall I not refuse what your injunction shall lay upon me , because I am

As really your Friend , T. F.

To Mr. T. P. Sir ,

FOr me to attempt an Answer to your Letter , were to venture at the flights of an Eagle , with a Sparrows wing . The Italians tell me in a Proverb , The higher the Ape climbs , the more he shews his nakedness . And truly , should I endeavour to reach the pitch you have set me for a pattern , I should rather imitate Icarus in his fall , than you in your flight . It is enough for me to admire and applaud the happiness of your undertakings , that can at once captive Apollo and the Muses , and make the Triumphs of former Ages , the Trophies of your Pen's victories . Where you profess your self Davus , I must confess my self no Oedipus : Giving you therefore the libertie the Civil Law allows ( and I should be uncivil if I should not ) to interpret your own words , I will guesse at your meaning , and return you , not onely an Answer to your Riddle , but the reason of it . Sir , if my lesse comprehensive Genius deceive me not , you like not Latine lace to an English suit ; and herein you have light upon an humour , that I have long since retracted , and esteem now as too pedantical . But you may perceive they savour of the ferula , and imagine my then regnant humour ; like young stomacks , that like raw fruit , better than reasted food : Yet must I farther confess , I have been so conscious of mine own inabilities , and so confident of the Ancients worth , that I have preferred to use their more refined lines , than my unfiled language : So that I discover in my self the fancie of the Painters boy , who thinking to supply the defect of his skill , by the richness of his colours , had loaden Venus picture with gold and silver , in stead of native beauty : For which he met with this censure from his Master , that he had made her rich , whom he could not make fair . So have I embroidered my courser cloth with others ends of gold and silver . It onely remains that I tell you , that I cannot tell you how much you have won me by that one act of dealing freely with me ; and to assure you , that you could not have studied a way to oblige me more . And that you may believe my realitie herein , be pleased to inform me of the Author of your Utinam nescire Literas ; and if it prove the speecch of that Negro-black Tyrant , you shall find my submission as humble , as your conquest noble . If you think the Frontispiece discrepant to the following leaves , I shall conform the printed Title to the written Book , not the written Book to the printed Title ▪ For I resolve not to change their name , nor alter their propertie of Familiar Letters , for my private friends . But I hinder you too long , from what I onely intended , to acknowledge my self

Sir , your conquer'd Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. P. Sir ,

THat that poor grain of mine hath produced me so sudden , and yet so large a return , argues the fruitfulnesse of the Soyl wherein 't was cast , not the goodnesse of the seed , or of the Sowers less skilful hand . Hereafter shall I believe , what before I took for a fable , That there is some ground so fruitful , that the husbandman reaps at night , what he sowed in the morning . Your Christning my fancie with the name of a Thrush , might very well teach me the modestie of that volatile , who is said to be silent , whilest the Nightingale ( chief Chaunter of the aiery quire ) produceth her more clear and tuneful note , did I not hope by my plain Song to gain your more artificial descant . Your proclaming my attempt rather Pheatontick than Icarian , is no more ( pardon the boldnesse of my ignorance ) than for a man to be killed with a silver sword , rather than an iron dagger , the only preheminence being in this , that he perished like the other , but with this addition of honour ( if it be so ) of falling under the burthen of more bold attempts . Where before I but confess'd , I now profess my self no Oedipus , nor made I any riddles , but guess'd onely at the meaning of yours , and therefore am not apprehensive of your Analogie of the Cobler ( whom I leave to maintein his more ambitious title of a Translator ) unlesse you intended your picture of your friend , like Horace's monster , which begins with a fair womans face , and ends in a foul fishes tail at last . But it was your Phaetons fate , to meet with so dangerous a fall , from the Chariot of the Sun to a Shop-window . Nor need we any Sphin● , to unriddle this repugnancie in terms , whose part it was to make them . At what words of mine you admire , I know not , 't is my endeavour to avoid that Selecisme Augustus found fault with in M. Antony , of writing such things as men should rather wonder at , than understand . I applaud the happiness of your Genius , who can coyn words with your own stamp ; onely I suppose , that of unoepodize , would be no whit lesse currant , were it shorter by the first syllable . Of that Socratick vice you speak of , I have not so much in me , as to defend it : Far be it from me , to adopt the quarrel of those great Clerks ; it is enough for me , if I may boast my self their , and Learnings unworthiest servant . To your confirmation of Nero's Vtinam , I now yield my full belief , and should do so , you affirming it , though all Historians denied it , and withal , my promised submission : Only give me leave to cleave the hair , and tell you , that it was the speech of Nero , though not then a barbarous tyrant , having then but newly entred his Quinquennium , so much by all extoll'd , whilest reteining his Master Seneca's more than Philosophical instructions . And so I leave him , when I have told you , I shall accept those unmerited Encomiums you impose upon me ( with that then good Emperors speech to the Senate giving him thanks ) Cum meruero . Sir , I do , and shall ( I think ) persist in confining those poor papers from the eye of the world , not daring to let them goe abroad in this super-fine Age , in so homely a dress ; nor herein can I apprehend my self guilty of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , you Prophesie me guiltie of , unless it be , in that I have answered your letter before I had returned you the due thanks & praises the worth of that would justly exact from the most sullen ingratitude . Believe me , Sir , you are Master of an Imperial pen , and would you once break through the veil of derogating silence , your beams would be sufficient to create a day , even in the nightie Chaos of my duller intellect , to cast a cloud upon all former names , and be night posteritie . But I shall rather chuse an admiring silence , than an undervaluing commendation , because I desire to make good to a tittle the title of

Sir , your faithful Servant , and not unfaithful friend , T. F.

To Mr. T. L. Sir ,

THat you may see how willing I am to comply with every occasion that may put me in a capacitie of serving you , I shall now answer your command , with my opinion of Speed , and his History . For the History , it is a work of deserved commendations , and without any exception . For the Author , I cannot so well assure you ; but if Speed be not too much wronged in the relation , he was but the Journeyman-Taylor in the business : It was ( say some ) cut out by abler workmen , he onely made it up , and in that hath merited the commendations of a very good workman , besides what we are indebted to him for the fashion , the lining , facing , and pressing ; but for the last , I believe we are more beholden to the Printers press , than to his goose . This presents me with a fair occasion of presenting you with a Copie of Verses , not unworthy your reading , upon Speeds Chronicle , sent from a Son to his Father .

God be my Speed , so I began , 't is true , And now 't is time to wish a Speed to you : Then briefly thus , as long as life endures , God be my Speed , and let my Speed be yours . If great books be great evils , loe a shift , To turn this Speed into a lesser gift .

Take but some vowels out , and then 't will be but an Epistles Preface , S. P. D.

Excuse me , for once , if I make it the Epilogue , and with it conclude my self

Sir , your real , though remote Friend , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir , Parvus amor loquitur , ingens stupet .

WOuld you measure my love by my silence , you could not pronounce it short . Oft hath my pen been on the paper to write to you , and as oft been taken off , with a consideration of the rudeness of my rustick scribling , which is now worn into such an habit , that you will willingly retract whatever suspition you have formerly had of any ingenuity in me . However , lest a continued silence should cast me in ( and out of ) your affection I am resolved to say something , though it be but to confess my self guilty of that most unpardonable offence in friendship , Ingratitude . Yet am I not without some excuses , which would be ready to plead in my behalf , did I not rather wish to receive a new life , of happiness by your pronouncing my pardon . I am your prisoner , deal with me as you please , onely grant me my liberty , without which , I cannot make good , as I desire , the title of

Sir , your though rude , yet real Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. D. P. Sir ,

PResuming your goodness will pardon the rudeness of the address , I have sent a brace of Pamphlets to kiss your hands . Being conscient to themselves of their own unworthinesse , like trewant Scholars , they durst not appear without an Apologie ; neither should they , or this , but that I know you daily meet with such Exercises of your patience , and that I know you have indulgent charitie enough to cover the faults of those you love . Please you to suspend your severer thoughts , and to make a small truce with your nobler employments , I shall humbly beg their pardon in a very few words . That they came no sooner , was out of necessity ; that I shall crave you will vouchsafe to indulge ; that they come now , is out of duty , and that I shall promise my self , you will deign to accept . Sir , I hate to be officiously injurious to my friends ▪ and therefore I will not increase my fault ▪ in excusing theirs : only let me impetrate one thing more , which , I conceive , will deceive your expectation . It is not that you will correct their faults , that the world knows you can do ; nor that you will forgive them , that your wonted candor flatters me you will doe ; but , that having atteined your hands ( which are the bounds of their ambition ) they believe they have obteined their end , and they desire not to out-live that happinesse ; but that you will condescend , as I have made them an offering , to make them a sacrifice , be you the Priest , your harth the Altar , and their Urne ; and besides the courtesie you shall do your self , in saving the reading of such nugacities , you shall thereby answer their desert , and my desire , who am so far from craving their reprieve , I would my self be the hastener of their punishment . Here would I cease , but I am loth to lessen the noble office of your mercie ; by what impulse of spirit I know not , but such is the tendencie of my desires , to expresse the realitie of their professions to your service , that to say I love you , is beneath the ardor of my affection : I am ready to professe , with that old Roman , who proclamed , he was not onely in love with Cato , but inchanted with him . Onely here is the defect , that , as the Italians say , He that paints the flower , cannot paint the smell : So , in professing my service to you , I cannot discover the realitie farther than you will please to give me credit , and believe that I am

Sir , your most real Friend , and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. J. Sir ,

WHat in Superiors is counted gift and bounty , in Inferiors amounts to no more than homage and gratitude : And well it is , if , in stead of abating , it increase not the audit of their Obligations . Such is the nature of the present ; and though it pretend not to acquit the least part of that debt your civilitie hath involved me in , yet shall I hope it may arrive at the tender of a grateful acknowledgment ; and I wish my thanks may prove but as large , as you were liberal . Think it not strange that I have been thus long silent , nor account me an unclean beak , if I still chew the chud in a thankful remembrance . Sir , the noble entertainment you vouchsafed to me , a stranger hath cherished the inclosed pamphlets into a confidence , that you will deign them not onely a favourable acceptance , but that your goodnesse will also grant them the benefit of the late Act of Pardon , without which , they will seem as much strangers to our Common-wealth , as their Author was to your self , who should now too much wrong your noble nature , if he should not professe himself ,

Sir , your most indebted Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. A. Sir ,

I Being of late arrested at the suit of some importunate occasions , which would willingly be called necessary , I have been so much their prisoner , that till I had satisfied the utmost minute , I was so far from a possibilitie of being your servant , that I was not my own Master . Now must I compound with you , and intreat , that if my so long silence deserve not to be answered with a repeated act of that dormant pardon you long since pleased to grant me , yet , that you will at least , accept of this as Interest , till opportunitie shall enable me to discharge the whole . I shall now begin to turn the weekly hour-glasse of our Commerce , and hereafter measure my life by my letters : For , though I have intermitted my constant course ▪ you are in no more likelyhood to be rid of this trouble , than you have hopes of losing your Ague by the alteration of the fits . If friendship be the incorporating of two bodies , by an union of souls making but one of two : Me thinks , this constant correspondence fitly answers to that deservedly applauded notion of the Circulation of the Blood . It shall be my care , that no stop be made on my side , that we may preserve the life of our Friendship , during the life of

Sir , your Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. P. Sir ,

BEsides the natural Antipathy of my Genius to Controversies , I have been of late so divorced from my self and my own thoughts ▪ by the motion of an higher wheel than my own occasions , that I am altogether discouraged to give you any account of this piece , upon so transient a view , that I fear I shall give you as ill an account of it , as he did of Venice to King James , that told him , He knew nothing of it , for he rode post through it : Yet , to satisfie your command , against all these discouragements , I shall adventure a few hasty lines to your more setled judgment . Sir , did not the Authors worth out-poize those petty exceptions that might be taken in advantage , as the scarce sense of the title , and some other inconsiderate expressions in the whole , that seem to clash one against another , I shall onely commend to your consideration these few thoughts . The Proverb is common ( wherein wit and experience club , to say much in a little ) That marriages are made on Earth , but matches are made in Heaven . I am easily induced to believe , that the omniscient providence , which descends to take care of the falling of a sparrow , and the number of our hairs , should much more take care of that grand Climacterical Action of a mans life , the restoraration of his lost rib : I shall therefore not fear to affirm , that a man hits not upon his mate by chance or casualty , but by the undeclinable ●ate of Gods prae-determination : And having laid down this for a ground , I shall adventure this Superstructure , that it is not in the power of a man to dis-joyn himself from the companion which providence hath joyned him to , in so indissoluble a link of amitie , that one member is not more truly a part of a mans body than his Wife ; and therefore he ought rather to undergoe with patience what God hath ordained him , perhaps for other reasons than he can understand , than to forgoe it with wilfulnesse . I remember it was the resolution of a compleat man , That he took the untowardness of his wife as a School of patience . Yet , to pursue the Allegory , though I would not have a man to cut off a limb for a curable disease , yet if it out-face art and nature in a remedy , then Ense rescidendumest . And having done so , I cannot suppose it lawful ( though I should grant all his assertions for indisputable truth ) that such a man should admit another member , like a wooden leg ; and , if I mistake not ( to help him a little ) the weight of our Saviours argument , lies in the last clause , that whosoever puts away his wife for other cause than adultery , commits fornication , If he marry another . To come as near therefore as I can , to comply with your Author , I shall lay down this Position , that it is altogether unlawful for a man or wife to divorce , If both parties be not equally agreeing to it , and if either of them marry again . And to this I shall add this inconvenience , that being parted , they must not expect that the Devil , who is the Father and Factor of divisions , will be less active in so wide a breach , that is so ready to widen the least cranny of discontent into his advantage : He that will creep in when the doors are shut , shall we imagine him to be lesse willing to enter when they are wide open ? This farther , I must confess , there are some natures so Hetrogenious , that the streightest , and most gordion knot of Wedlock is not able to twist , of which the Epigrammatist speaks my mind better than I can my self :

Non amo te Sabide , nec possum dicere quare , Ho● tantum possum dicere , non amo te .

Take the English , is the words of a Gentleman to his wife .

I love thee not Nel , But why , I can't tell : But this I can tell , I love thee not Nel.

So that I must confesse I cannot but afford them my pitie , that are thus joyned in you know whose phrase , like a Spread-Eagle , with one body ▪ but two heads : But whether this division ought to make a Divorce , I had rather subscribe to your judgment than tell you my own , who am

Sir , wholly at your dispose , T. F.

To Dr. S. Sir ,

NOt to confess your favours , were a sullenness beyond the sin of ingratitude ; they were too late to be forgotten , and too large to be requited ▪ Civilities , that might very well constitute a Turkish Paradise : A debt beyond my meannesse to discharge , so that you have paid me before-hand for all the services I shall ever be able to do you : And it shall be my endeavour , that my performances of your commands , may be as swift as Lightning ; or the flights of that Bird , which is happy to make his nest in your Arms. My thanks will bear the better weight ( for they are too light of themselves ) if you please to tender them to Mr. L. whom it were a Solecisme to put last : To your self varyed , and your self multiplied : And give me leave to kisse your hands , as I give you mine , that I am

Sir , your much obliged Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. A. Sir ,

IT was once my miserie , and your good fortune , that I have had , of late , no leisure to discharge my weekly tribute , which indeed amounts to no more , upon your audit , than the product of a constant trouble . Assure your self , I take no pleasure in being my own enemie : For how many rare fi●h might my course bait happily have taken ! But truly , I have been so crampt , or rather crippled with some not unnecessary diversions , that my pen hath been forced to wander from the direct road of your service . Now , having retrived an opportunitie of in happying my self , by this literal exchange , I shall take leave to tell you , that I will not forgive my self , till you pronounce my pardon . And I cannot but indulge my hopes , with confidence that you will once more exercise that noble virtue , from the many repeated acts of which goodnesse , I am apt to plead pr●scription . Though , having dealt so unworthily with you , I am something suspitious you will retract that title of worth , your friendship hath formerly fastned on my unworthiness , and no longer vote those lines for jewels , which in the midst of Summer , present you with conceits as cold as ice , or our modern charity . However , in obedience to the Sovereignty of your Judgment' I shall resolve to estimate my self by your valuation of me , and make your opinion the Standard , whereby to measure my abilities to your Service . And , as we measure our hours by minutes , and those by the minuter attoms of sand , may my several Letters but run into Syllables , by which together you may read me ( though imperfectly )

Sir , your very faithful Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

PArdon the bashfulnesse of my Pen , that hath been hardly drawn to the presumption of endeavouring an answer to your ingenious lines . Had my fancie been better , or yours worse , you had long before this time received an Answer . But such is the unequal fate of the greatest merits , that they alwayes meet with the least returns ; stupendious worth exacting from our surprized senses , but admiration ( at best ) in stead of praise ; and admiration is never so well dress'd , as when 't is cloathed in silence . Sorry I am that you should waste your so great respects upon one that deserves so little , and that hath nothing to return you , but the protests of a most real affection . The Gentleman you speak of , I have not yet seen , nor heard of , but in your relation : Whenever he comes , assure your self he shall be as welcome as his own worth and your commends can render him : But he shall pardon me , if I wish rather it had been your self . It is an Age , me thinks , since I enjoyed you , and I grow old in my unhappinesse : 'T is in your power to create a Spring in my soul , and to make those faculties live again , that have hitherto been buried in a silent grave of negligence . One li●e of yours will be strong enough to draw me from that depth of dulnesse into which some late melancholly thoughts have thrown me , though it were as profound as the pit wherein Truth lieth hidden . The fire that shines in your expressions is onely able to call forth that quondam ingenuitie you accuse me of : If ever I enjoyed any such thing , 't was when I enjoyed you ; and that left me , when I left London : Like insects in Winter , retired to their first nothing , as resolving to enjoy no life , in the absence of the Sun their Father . Since I cannot encircle you in person , let me embrace your picture , and let your pen supply the silence of your tongue . If you will sometimes vouchsafe me this happiness , I shall quit scores with my wishes , and resolve to be no happier in this unhappy Age. Thus , because you have expected it long , I have at length returned you a long Letter , to assure you that I am , and most sincerely

Sir , your Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. A. Sir ,

THis Letter must begin , where yours ended ' because , what you commend to me as an object of my pitie , hath been the subject of my thoughts ; for it is impossible my friends should suffer any loss , and my self not be sensible of , and sorrowful for it . If the stream of your grief may be substracted by division , I refuse not , and that willingly , to take my part , that yours may be the less . The cause that challengeth our grief ( for now 't is mine as well as yours ) speaks it self in the loss of a Friend , of a Mother . To begin with that ends all , Death , me thinks , I can find as little cause to lament , as to wonder at it , it being so general a necessitie , that none ever did , or ever shall avoid it . We were born to live , and live to die . It is the onely thing we can here expect , without a fortass● , the onely certainty of which we cannot be deprived . Epictetus wondred no more to see a mortal man dead , than to see an earthen pitcher broken . And as wise a Philosopher as the former , entertained the newes of his Sons deaths , with no more but a Scivi eos mortales esse natos : As being a greater wonder that they should have so long , than that they died so soon . Why should we wonder , or grieve , to see one goe before us , the same way that we our selves must follow . Vale , vale , nos t● sequemur , was the solemn leave the Ancients took of their deceased friends ; and , if we believe the Grammarians , from thence we call a Funeral Exequiae , the same being noted not without a silent lesson in our common custome , of the Coarse's going before , and the attendants following after . It is Seneca's observation , Nature hath ordained that to be common , which we account so heavy , that the cruelty of the fate may be lessened by the equality . But 't is the death of a Mother , and here nature and affection will put in a plea , and plead prescription for our grief ; yet may we entertain our fortune with dry eys . We know she was mortal , and so liable to the common ●ate ; a mother , and so by the order of nature to goe before her children : She was before them , that they might be after her . It was thought ominous among the Jewes , and not without the re-mark of a punishment , for the Father to burie the Son , as if it were an inversion of the course of nature , and not to be seen without a Prodigie . But I remember what the Schools teach : That an Angel of an inferiour , cannot enlighten a superiour Hierarchy : Yet I presume you will excuse the rashness of the attempt , since it proceeds from the affection of one devoted to be in all relations

Sir , your ready servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. A. Sir ,

THat a discourse of death from a sick person , and firm arguments from an infirm and shaking brain , should have the good hap to rout , or , at least , to prevent the triumph of your sorrows , was certainly to be ascribed to the benevolent Planet that co-operated in their production ; or rather , to your own more favourable Aspect . I shall not pursue a flying enemy , nor torture that argument to a martyrdome , that is already a willing Confessor . Your quoted Author hath expressed himself Fuller , than the smalness of my reserve pretends to . That the death of one , breaks anothers heart , is not safe to contradict , since it hath obteined the general vote of a Proverb . But I shall humbly adventure to lay the Scene at a greater distance , and date it from that Golden Age ▪ when hearts were so entwined , they could not part without breaking , when that Gordian knot of amitie was not to be united , till it were cut by the Sythe of him that out-conquers Alexanders sword . Were it not to upbraid the present Age by the comparison , I could willingly venture at a Character or Encomium of that venerable Friendship , the Imitation of former , and Despiar of later Ages . But I shall do the subject more right to commend it to your more commanding Pen , and study always to make good the precise value you are pleased to put upon

Sir , the meanest of your servants , T. F.

To Mr. D. P. Sir ,

WHether this should be an Apologie for my former , perhaps too frequent visits , or my later , as uncivil forbearance , I know not , since both have been equally liable to the piquant censures of detracting tongues ; and in so loud an accent , that I question not but they have long since arrived your eares . It is not my intention to make this paper guilty , by relating those stories which would be tedious for me to write , and troublesome for you to read . Had they been vented with as much innocence as falshood ▪ I could have looked upon them as some pretty Romances , and at once both laugh'd at the Relation , and pitied the Relator . But finding them so loaded with the over-weight of scandal , as well as slander , I should belye my own thoughts , if I should not say they have touched the most sensible part of my soul . That I have hitherto been silent , and contented my self to be an auditor onely , was , that so , if it had been possible , they might have found a grave in their birth ▪ And it is a common saying among the Jewes , That lyes have their feet cut off ; they cannot stand long to what they say . But since I see ( by what designe I know not ) that they have already out-lived the common age of a wonder , though I know you are too wise to take up any ware upon trust from such walking-pedlers ( for so I am informed the original speaks a Tale-bearer ) I am not altogether diffident of your pardon if I shall enter my protests ( which is all the re-action I shall endeavour ) that whatever some have fancied , or others reported , I never propounded any other end to my self ( either in a direct or collateral line ) in my approches , than to make my self happy by the enjoyment of your societie . This was the cause that inducted me into your acquaintance , and I am not conscient to my self of any Apostacy from my first resolutions , or that those real intentions have suffered any dilapidations . I must confess , 't was my ambition to rival your goodness , and to make my respects ( i● it had been possible ) as infinite as your merit ; and I have read , that excesses in friendship are not onely tolerable , but laudable . But that what I thought obedience , should be interpreted impudence , is a false construction of the Syntaxis of my intentions . 'T was not your fortune , but your favour ▪ that I have courted ; were you as poor as Codrus , I should love you no less than I do ; and were you as rich as Croesus , I could love you no more . I conceived my self obliged by my Profession to wait upon you as a Scholar , and by your courtesies , engaged to love you as a friend ; and if this be a crime , I blush not to confess my self guilty in a very high measure : But if any of my words have been wrack'd by others , to make them depose any thing contrary to what I here profess , believe them not . I list not to enter the pitch'd field of a dispute ; nor will I retreat to the common intrenchments of excuses , I lay down my Arms at your feet : And , as I can have no other witness , I will have no other Judge but your self ; resolving to be either innocent , or guilty , as you shall pronounce me . It was no small commendation Paterculus gives of Pompey the Great , where he affirms , that he was Amicitiarum tenax , in offensis exorabilis , in recipiendâ satisfactione facilimus : Of this I believe your continual practice an exact Translation . What though the Comical Speech of Florence be Canonical , Mulier aut amat , aut odit nihil est tertium ; it would be as falsly applied to you , as truly to the Sex 't is spoken of . And for my part you shall do me but right to believe that I ever was , am , and will be

Sir , your Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. Sir ,

NOt out of any uncivil dis-respect to your commands , nor any unwillingness to serve you ( so far as the too short line of my abilities will stretch ) have I hitherto been silent . Could I have wrought my self to that height of presumption , as to think any thing of mine of merit enough to arrest your sight , you had long since had an answer , and perhaps as long as your expectation . It was not that I thought a letter lost to me , but because I knew it would be loss to you ; and hereof this is too sufficient a witness . Yet , Sir , lest you should think I am either too full of business , that I cannot , or of idleness , that I will not write to you , I have sent these lines to kiss your hands , and to assure you , that you have infinitely obliged me by your late letters you vouchsafed to honour me with : So full fraught were they of your wonted ingenuitie , that ( to tell you the truth ) I could spare no time from reading of them , to return any answer to them . But now , since you are pleased to descend so far below your self , as to entreat for what you might command , I shall no longer dispute , but obey : Yet will I not tire my self with troubling you , farther than to re-assure you that I am

Sir , your very humble Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. Noble Sir ,

HAving already confess'd the debt , your late ingenious Letters have engaged me in , I shall take leave to pay you ( since you are pleased to grant me that favour ) as unsolvent debtors do their patient creditors , by small sums weekly . I would willingly speak my gratitude in as loud an accent as you have done your goodness : But , as you have honoured me beyond the utmost of my wishes , and placed my meanness on so high a pinacle of happiness , as my most ambitious thoughts durst never aspire to ; so you have onely left me modestie enough to blush at my own unworthiness , and to promise you , that I shall hereafter lay hold on every handle of time , and court all opportunities to serve you . But , Sir , I wish you have not undervalued your judgment , by over-valuing those loose lines you undertake to call most choise jewels ; which ( 't is my fear ) will prove but pebbles , or Bristow-stones at best : If they carrie any thing of jewels in them , it is onely this , that they have nothing of worth , but what your valuation puts upon them . However , since it cannot be admitted as History of what I am , may it prove a Prophecie of what I may be , and that my endeavours may overtake the mark your charitie hath already anticipated , that you may not repent that you have owned me for

Sir , your very Servant , T. F.

To Mr. J. S. Sir ,

SO long it is since I received your Letter , that I should be ashamed to confess it , did I not believe that I have hitherto done you a courtesie , by not troubling you with my rude lines : yet dare I no longer maintein that opinion , lest you should vote that for a neglect , which I have thought a favour . You would pardon , if not pitie me , did you know how I have been rack'd with diversions , neither pleasant , nor profitable , but as vexatious as the tediousness of the law , and the much business of the Lawyers could render them ▪ But , I am now in hope that my Cause will hang in suspence no longer than till the next Assizes . The old rule was , Inter arma silent leges : I shall alter it , and say as truly , Inter leges silent literae ▪ I must hope my friends will forgive me the Lawyers faults , since they have rob'd me of the most necessarie functions of my life : nay , I am in doubt whether I may put this last year into the account of my life , since I have not had time to tender you the services and respects due from

Sir , your humble servant T. F.

To Mr. C. M. Sir ,

YOur civil reception of the tender of my endeavours to your service , hath made me presume , that your goodnesse will maintein your first favour with a second ; and , if occasion serve , to mention my desires to those noble Gentlemen in conjunction with you ; from whom I cannot despair of a favourable Aspect , being represented by so happie a Medium ▪ as your self . But I should be too injurious to the publick good , to detein you longer from your more noble employments . I shall onely beg the happinesse of a room in your memorie , in qualitie of

Sir , your most humble Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. P. Sir ,

HAving long since received your Letter and not receiving any answer , you might justly think I either not received , or slighted your command . But , when you have read this , you will believe that my silence was neither out of sloth , nor slighting ; it being much against my will that I have deprived my self of the pleasure I take in serving you . The reasons that obliged me this delay , were more just than I wish they had been : For , this vagrant Pamphlet that now attends you , was stragled from me , and much time pass'd before I could procure a Pass to send it home to the place of its birth . Since when , I understood that your occasions called you to a greater distance , which rendred me uncapable of serving you . Thus , Sir , you see it was not out of any covetous or envious humour , or a fear of the expence of a few lines ; which when you have them , are so worthless , that I might have done you a greater courtesie to have forborn them now . Onely this rudeness may serve to let you see how much I esteem you my friend , in that I have taken no more care to entertain you with that studied respect which I should , to any but my Familiar . I shall not Apologize for the rudeness of this undrest Pamphlet , which now waits upon you in obedience to your call ; nor tell you , that I desire you would read it to your own ears onely ; nor that I shall long to see it again : But onely desire you to remember what place you hold in the number of his first friends , who is

Sir , your old Friend and Servant , T. F.

To M. C. F. Sir ,

I Have heard of those men-moles , that Ner●like , rip up the entrails of their Mother Earth , to plunder her of her hidden Excrements ( who many times dig so long under ground , that they meet with their own graves before they are willing ) though none of the best men , yet have they this good qualitie , that they are continually calling and talking to one another , that if a sudden damp should surprize any of them , the rest may speedilie be readie to help and assist them . It is no shame for the best to learn what 's good , though from the worst of men . Considering therefore the many clouds and vapours that continually are readie to overwhelm and stifle us in this vault of earth ( where we are but day-labourers ) it is a necessarie dutie of friends to be frequent in these Offices of friendship . How unhappie had I been , had that boisterous wind blown down your earthlie tabernacle , and deprived me of a friend without any warning ! And though my eyes and ears were lately the happie witnesse of your recoverie : Yet , me thinks , I know not how to credit them , till you vouchsafe to give it me under your hand and seal , and confirm to me the continuance of my health and happiness in yours . Certainly , there is more intended in these visits , than common custome and complement . Letters are the lawful Spies and Intelligencers of amitie ; the honourable Leigers to continue a good correspondencie amongst friends . And , if , as our late Physicians hold , most diseases and distempers of the bodie are occasioned by the stopping of the bloods circulation , surely , the omitting of these correspondencies , breed no good blood , but , like the intermitting pulse , proclame the decay , if not the death of friendship . It is not enough that you are alive and well , unless you tell me so , and communicate your happiness to me , by the information . I cannot safely say I am well , unless I know my friends are so , who are my self . Let your Letters sometimes tell me how I do , and be at once my physick and Physician ; and I shall duly pay you the Fee of being

Sir , your officious servant , T. F.

To Mr. S. S. Sir ,

HAving sounded a retreat to my self from my former , perhaps too familiar converse with the world ; being able by experience to confirm the wise mans censure , that it is not only vanity , but vexation of spirit . I have confined my self to my own home : Yet , because man is Animal sociale , and God himself thought it not fit for Him to be alone , I have undertaken ( that lawful Negromancie ) to converse with the dead ; the best and most impartial instructors . I shall make bold ( in obedience to your command ) from your well-furnished Market , to borrow some supply : For knowledge is truly pabulum Animae , and Books the best Caterers of that entertainment . Had I time , I would venture at an Encomium of those best of Companions . But the messenger stayes , and I cannot . Let me therefore ( without a Preface ) crave the priviledge of your Fuller ; from whose Pisgath , I am ambitious to take a view of that Holy Land ▪ for which , and your many former favours , I must subscribe my self

Sir , yours obliged , T. F.

To Mr. T. L. Sir ,

AMongst the ill turns of my cross fortune , it was not the least , that I could not attein the happiness of seeing you , when last in London ; though your goodness often endeavoured it , and I was not idle in the like returns . If you will pardon me my City-misfortune , in recompence , I will enjoyn my self the penance , or rather the happiness of a twelve miles pilgrimage , to kiss your hands , at your own home , when the weather and the way shall so far be-friend me . In pursuance of that service I owe you , I have now sent , &c. — I suppose you expect , and I presume , as good and as cheap as you could have bought them : For I would willingly obtein your belief , that my service to my friends is not mercenary ; and that I look not to be paid again for those acts of dutie which your courtesies have paid me for before-hand . This is no complement , but the real , though ex tempore dictates of my Heart .

Sir , your humble servant , T. F.

To Dr. S. Noble Dr.

THe ingenious Italians have three significant phrases whereby they character a work exactly done . They say , it was performed , Con diligenza , con studio , & con amore . Without any ambition , I must crave leave to tell you , that in order to the content I take in serving my friends , and especially your self ( to whom I am bound by so many repeated acts of friendship ) I have not failed in any of those particulars in my search for — . For , to have enjoy'd the pleasure of satisfying your expectations , I used all the diligence and care that could be thought on : For I think I left not a shop unvisited , though yours were my onely errand , and , but for one place , I must have returned with a non est inventus . Sir , your goodness makes me apt to believe , that you will not censure the Act by the Issue ; and I shall live in hope , that some other command may render me more happy in the performance ▪ Let the shortness of my time and paper excuse this abrupt tender of my thanks and service to your self , your good bedfellow , and the rest of your happie Familie ; and do me the favour , or rather the justice , to believe me to be

Sir , your very ready and real servant , T. F.

To Mr. S. S. Sir ,

AS needie debtors pay one sum , but with an intent to borrow a bigger ; so I send you home three Books , with a request to borrow a fourth . Thus doe I link your courtesies , and my engagements together ; and knowing the undoubted fertilitie of your friendship , I shall make every former favour the Parent of another . So that , if it be a fable that Pliny tells of some Mice in Caria , that are so fruitful , that the young ones are with young in their Dams belly : The pregnant acts of your Friendship may be the Moral . I shall therefore request the use of your Plutarch's Morals , which ( I doubt not ) will instruct me how to return you due thanks for your many courtesies , whereby you have so many times bound me to be

Sir , your thankeful Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. C. F. Sir ,

OF all pleasures , reading is the best : of all readings , those Antelucanas Lectiones are to me the most pleasant and profitable . And surely there is something in it , that Lectus and Lectio are of near affinitie . These are the onely Curtain-Lectures . Not long since I fastened upon Sir Richard Bakers Soliloquie , or , as he calls it , Pillar of thoughts ; deservedly so styled , for the solidity of the composition , the rareness of the materials , and height of the fancie . There , amongst other choise notions , he falls upon the immortality of the Soul , and hath so well discharged himself in it , that he hath left no place for a Sceptick to rest in : Onely I could not see ( for indeed my candle is not of the largest size ) how he doth clearly evince the Original of the rational soul , but ( with St. Augustine ) refuseth to determine whether it be propagated , or infused . I dare not resolve , where so great men doubt , and wherein the soul it self is ignorant , or silent ; as if it had drank of Virgils Lethe , before it came into the bodie , forgetting how it came there . Weighing the arguments of both sides , my reason holding the ballance with an equal hand , the arguments for the Traduction , in my eye seem to be most weightie . Perhaps because I know not how to answer them . When I consider the births of bastards , and other such like irregular productions ( the Anomalies of nature ) I cannot ( me thinks ) salve Gods justice , who , if the soul be not ex traduce , must favour those irregularities , so much against his Holiness : And what hath the poor innocent soul done , to be imprisoned in a sinful polluting bodie ? For , if the soul be not propagated , then the bodies of Infants onely have sinned , and are onely liable to the punishment of Original sin . Now certainly , it cannot be properly said that the bodie sinneth , for the bodie is but the souls instrument , and what evil hath the soul of a young dying Infant committed , if his soul were not derived from Adam ? And if the soul be infused , who doubts but that it comes pure and unspotted from the hands of God ? It was an errour reckoned upon the score of the Arrians , that our Saviour took onely flesh of the Virgin , but not the soule : But it is the opinion of the Church of England , that Christ took mans nature upon him in the Virgins womb ; whence it must necessarily follow , that he took both body and soul , since either , without the other , make not perfect man . Yet , if this be evaded , as extraordinary , in the Historie of the Creation , when God took Eve out of Adams side , it is not said , that He breathed into her the breath of life , as before He did to Adam : Perhaps ( and if silence may be interpreted consent ) to intimate that her soul was derived with her body from the man . But , that the soul , which Philosophers call Anima , composed of the vegetative and sensitive faculties , is ex traduce , is yielded ; the onely question being about the Spiritus , which , they say , is the breath of God , infused in the third , or four th' or sixth moneth ; or , to say truth , they know not when . Now , if this Spirit be infused before the birth , why see we not the effects and workings of this Spirit ? But it seems as dull as the body is feeble ; whereas , experience tels us , Chickens as soon as hatch'd , fall to pecking , ducklings to padling , the colt fals to sucking as soon as foald , the lamb as soon as faln ; whereas this Spirit in man is not seen , till almost the third part of his life be spent , and perhaps not at all ▪ Let a child be brought up in a wood , or a wilderness , what difference will appear between him and a beast ? So that this Spirit seems to be encreased by , if not derived from civil societie , and liberal education ; whereas , if the soul be infused by God , that it must come perfect from his hands , who makes a question ? These things my faith can easily leap over , and turn these mountains into mole-hils ; but my reason is at a stand , and craves the favourable assistance of your courteous hand , because I know you will doe it , and that dexterously . If you have the good fortune to rout these light arguments , which I send out as my forlorn hope , I have yet a reserve left , which may tell you , that a man may be victus in praelio , and yet victor in bello . But I leave you to your good fortune , with assurance that your enemy is no other than

Sir , your Friend and Servant , T. F.

D. P. B.

INfandum ( Philippe ) jubis renovare dolorem ▪ Dolorem sub sigillo silentis signandum esse , vel lachrymis potius quam verbis exprimendum ▪ Nefandâ illâ nocte , flagranti amicitiâ , fluenti eloquentiâ , medio de fonte leporum , surgit amari aliquid . A Cacumine montium sum dejectus , è Paradiso ejectus ; in orbem iturus , rediturus nunquam : foemininae linguae gladius versatilis regressum prohibet .

Heu ! quae nunc tellus , quae me aequora possunt accipere , aut quid jam misero mihi denique restat ? Silentium olim pendidit Amyclas , jam vana loquacitas perdidit Amicos . Nunc seriò , ah nimis sera ! illud C●mici , Mulier aut amat , aut odit , nihil est tertium . Tu tamen vale & constanter Ama.

Constantissimum tuum Amicum , T. F.

To Mr. S. S. Sir ,

CHristian moderation is the best reconciler of all controversies ; for it hath been too often found by sad experience , that in the heats of disputations , men have sought victory , rather than verity , Truth being often lost by an over-hot and hasty search : Witness the many , and too eager Disputes concerning Admission to the Lords Supper ; to which some men , by a too hasty , and less charitable zeal , have excluded all , though never so worthy , lest they should lose the authoritie of Examination , which the Scripture no where commands , no● hardly anywhere allowes ; it being not possible for any man to know what is in man , but the Spirit of man which is within him . The Apostle St. Paul therefore layes the injunction upon every man to examine himself , not sending him to another to usurp the power of Auricular Confession , which they condemn in the Papists , yet would exercise themselves . I denie ( under submission ) that any man can shew any one direct place of Scripture that commands or enjoynes the Minister to examine his Parishioners ; it being his Office to teach them their duties , to reprove them for , and convince them of their errours , and it is left to the people to examine and reform themselves by that glasse which the Minister holds out unto them . We accuse the Romanists ( and justly ) of grand Sacriledge , for denying the Cup unto the people , whilest we are deprived not onely of part , but of all . How justly , let the Scripture , and the practice of all Ages ( till ours ) shew . It is denied that Judas received the Sacrament with the other disciples , though three Evangelists absolutely relate it , and the fourth doth not denie it . It is also denied , that the Sacrament is a converting Ordinance , because the Scripture doth not say so in expresse terms : By better reason we say it is , because the Scripture no where denies it , and reason it self speaks the use of it to be verbum visibile , it setting forth Christ and his Passion to our eyes , as the Word preached doth to our eares ; and we have alwayes been taught , that the Eye is the aptest Scholar If it be not a Preaching action now , it is because we have it not to see ; else to what purpose did our Saviour command us to use it in remembrance of him ? That all should receive the Sacrament of the Supper , because all have been Baptized , is an argument framed onely by the Con●uters thereof ; for none ( that I know ) who plead for a free admission , but make some exception from this general rule , as infants , fools , and excommunicate persons ; for that all have a right to eat , is an argument never maintein'd , the onely question being who have this right , and who have not ? That Infidels , Ideots , and Children have not , all agree , for reasons too plain to be questioned . That scandalous persons have no right , we denie not neither , onely say , they are not to be accounted so , till excommunicated : Nor can that man be lawfully accounted guilty in the sence of the Law , till proofs have convicted , and sentence determined him to be so : For to denie a man the priviledges his birth allowes him till the Law determine that he hath forfeited them , is an injustice , and no command of Christ or Scripture . Sure I am , the Master in the Parable reproved not his servant for admitting him without the wedding garment , it was their part to invite all , and if any would presume to come unfitted , it lay upon himself to bear the sentence of their Lord ; the Apostle telling us , as it is a dutie upon every one to examine himself , so he comes upon his own peril , to eat and drink his own damnation . And because he that eats and drinks unworthily , eats and drinks his own damnation ; yet it followeth not that the Sacrament should be denied them : For who knows not , that though a man have been loose and careless in his conversation , yet God may work a change in him in an instant , even in the very act of Administration : And certainly , no meanes ought to be denied any man , that may conduce to , if happily not produce that good end for which all the Ordinances of the Gospel are ordained . But I forget , I intended a Letter , not a Dispute , since without controversie I am

Sir , your Friend and Servant , T. F.

To Mr. S. S. Sir ,

I Am not at all infected with that itch of Disputation ; how contrary it is to my more peaceable temper , all that know me can witnesse . But having routed the main body of your arguments , I shall now scatter your reserve . It is said the Church of Ephesus is commended for trying and judging of men : But it is clear by the next words , that this trial was of their doctrine , not of their lives ; and that they were found false Apostles . Neither can this ( if it were as is pretended ) authorize a particular Minister to that , which may be lawful to the Church , it being too tender a thing to be trusted with one man alone to determine ; for what inconveniences would thence follow , may easily be imagined . The Priests indeed ( as you say ) ▪ were commanded to make a separation between the clean and the unclean , but it was of beasts for the sacrifices , as the Texts express themselves . And St. Peter saith God had shewn him , that he should not call any man common and unclean : And St. Paul tells the Corinthians , that he had no power to judge them without . That Christ gave the Supper onely to his Apostles , is plain , but it is as plain that one of them was a Judas ; and what select company was ever in this world , wherein was not some close hypocri●e ? and no Devil to the white Devil . I have done with your arguments , and shall now sound a retreat to my self , and resolve to draw my pen no more in this quarrel : For I know not whether this kind of duelling be not forbidden by the late Act ; if it be not , I wish it were , for I love not to contend with my friends with any other weapons than love and service . When you conquer me at those weapons , I must forget your merit , or that I am

Sir , your friend and servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. F. Sir ,

HAving lately ( not without pleasure and profit ) read your Church-History ; by which , you have not only indebted our Church in particular , but the whole Common-wealth of Learning in general ; my memory continually upbraided me with ingratitude , till I found out this way to convey my resentments . For , though our Returns of thanks ought to be large and universal , as your merit , yet your goodness ( I hope ) will not refuse the single gratitude of private persons . In that number ( though the last , and the least ) I am bold to tender my mite . A task indeed better befitting a more equal pen , since none is able to do it but your own . But I know your modesty is as great as your merit , the highest worths being always accompanied with the lowest humiltie . May your name ever live , who have rais'd so many to life , and rescued their memories from the tyranny of oblivion . Amongst many others , I am particularly obliged to your courtesie , in the remembrance of that good man Mr. Udal , whom by kindred I am something related . One , of whom we have this tradition , that he was the first man King James asked for when he came into England ; and being answered , that he was dead , the King ( whose judgment was an exact standard of learning & learned men ) reply'd , By my sal , then the greatest Scholar in Europe's dead . And certainly , by his own party ( if they may be admitted for competent Judges ) it is not yet resolv'd , whether his Learning or his Zeal were greatest ; and they think they justly boast him a Confessor , if not a Martyr for that Cause , which since hath paid those scores with Interest . Now , though I am no heir to his opinions , yet a small affinity to his Person , makes me embrace the opportunitie of proffering you that Intelligence you complain to want , the rather , because ( perhaps ) no man can now do it but my self ; and I have a Relation of all his Trials , Censures , and Sentence , written by himself ; which ( I doubt not ) may give you a satisfactorie account in what you desire . If you please to command it , I shall be ambitious to serve you , and the truth therewith . But I could wish you would review that passage in the 31 Sect. After the Execution of Udal , &c. for he died at the White-Lyon ( just as his pardon was procured ) and was buried at St. Georges Southwark . And so I leave him to his Rest , wishing his good name and doctrines may survive his discipline . Sir ▪ you have not onely engaged Learning , but Religion , to perpetuate your labours . Fame is much in arrears to your Desert , and therefore cannot in justice but continue that veneration in length to your memorie , which it yet wants in breadth . Those Religious Houses , erected by a better devotion , than that which destroy'd them , are more beholding ●o your Pen , than to their Founders , or Materials ; you having made them a task for the remembrance and admiration of future Ages , so long as Time shall hold a Sythe , or Fame a Trumpet . I would say more , if the universal applause of all knowing men had not saved me a labour . And ( to pay you in some of your own coyn ) It is no flattery to affirm , what envy cannot deny . Did I not fore-see that the relation would swell my discourse beyond the limits of a Letter , or the length of your patience , I should assume the libertie to inform you , that my neighbourhood to the place , acquaints me with some Relicts of Religious Houses , at and near Ma●don , bearing still the name of an Abbey , a Friery , and a Nunnery . And , if we may judge of Hercules by his foot , of the whole piece by the remnant , and of them by their Remaines , I should suppose them not behind many in England . As yet , I know little of them , but their ruines ; but , if you vote it convenient , I shall endeavour to improve my present ignorance into a discoverie of them ▪ I suppose it will be no hard task ; I am sure it shall not , when in relation to your command . I must now take pitie of your patience , which had not run this hazard of abuse , did I not know I have to do with so great a Candor , from which I can expect no less than pardon . And in that presumption I crave your leave to be , as I subscribe my self

Sir , your most assured servant , T. F.

To M. — Madam ,

WEre I sure of the cause of your malady , I could easily hope the Cure ; but , being to guess at the one , it will be no wonder , if I miss the other . Of all diseases , those of the mind are worst , of those , that of melancholy : of melancholies , the religious . I know not by what unhappy wit , the the badge of melancholy hath been fastned upon the spirit of Calvin , that Patriarch of Presbytery . This I know , since that unhappy Planet hath reigned over us , we have too sensibly felt all those unlucky effects that an ill-boading Comet could produce . What wars , what blood-shed , what ruines have we seen in the State ? What factions , what fractions in the Church ? What envy , what hatred , what divisions amongst private persons ? What doubts , what feares , what distractions in all mens minds ? In a word , what not ?

Gladly doe I remember those happy dayes ( now happy onely in the remembrance ) that Golden Age , wherein we had but one Truth , but one Way , wherein men walked lovingly together , without contentious justling one another . When those Silver Trumpets of the Sanctuary gave no uncertain sound ; when the way to Heaven was , though a narrow , yet a plain and direct path ; not block'd up by envious censures , by distracting clamours . But now I sadly see , and sigh to say , our Rents are like to prove our Ruine , and our distractions our destruction . I remember a Storie of a knavish Painter ( so my Author calls him ) who , being to make the Picture of some goddess for a Citie to worship , drew the Counterfeit of his own Mistris , and so caused her to be courted ▪ that ( perhaps ) better deserved to be carted . I wish this tale were not too true of our times . It is too obvious to conceal the Parallel . Do we not daily see Religion drest up in the several shapes of every ones fancie , and obtruded upon the easie multitude , as the onely Deitie for their adoration and observance ? our faith made as changeable as our fashions ? And , what 's the miserie of our miseries , none are so easily deluded , as the well-meaning , simple-hearted , honest Christians ; who , out of an excesse of Charitie , are ready to believe all men mean truly , because they doe so themselves .

If this be your case ( and I am to seek if it be not ) let me give you this Caution , Beware of that evil which commeth near to the shew-of good ; none can so easily deceive you , as those Hyaena's , who have learn'd your voice , to draw you out of the way . Take heed of those serpents of the colour of the ground . Let St. Paul beseech you to mark them which cause divisions and offences : Contrary to the Doctrine which you have learned , and avoid them . I am mis-inform'd , if the same word which we read Contrary , doth not also import near . There are no opinions so dangerously contrary to the truth , as they that seem very near it .

Let me assure you , it is the old way , which is the good way , wherein you shall find rest . There shall you find a direct road , without any turnings and windings of private interest or faction : No briars and thorns of quarrelling disputes ; no soul-destroying doctrines , under the ostentious titles of soul-saving truths . It is no such long and melancholy way , as we see now chalk'd out by those who have found out new paths to heaven , that our Fathers never dream't of . There shall you find gravity without morosity ▪ and mirth without madness ; Christian cheerfulnesse as well commanded , as commended . Religion is no such frowning fury : Psalms and Hymns ar her daily practice , as well as prayers and teares . The same Holy Spirit that commands us to pray alwayes , enjoyns us also to rejoyce evermore . We sin , if we rejoyce not : There is not more errour in false mirth , than in unjust heaviness . Can they be sad , who have a God to defend , a Christ to save , and an Holy Ghost to comfort them . It is for those that know not God , or know him displeas'd , to droop , as men without hope .

An humble practice of those Common truths , alone necessary to salvation , is far more safe , more happy , than all the towring and lofty speculations of unquiet Heads , and too busie Brains . There is some reason in the old Scotch Rithme .

Rob. Will . and Davy , Keep well thy Pater noster , and Ave , And if thou wilt the better speed , Gang no farther than thy Creed : Say well , and do none ill , And keep thy self in safety still .

Our way is not tedious , nor our burthen heavy ; why then should we add length to the one , and weight to the other , by an un-necessarie sadness ? Whilest hypocrisie lies under the clouded brow of a Pharisee ; a cheerful countenance is the badge of innocence . It is a disparagement to our Master , and his service , to follow him sighing , I have done . Pardon me this ( perhaps un-necessary ) length , and believe me , however the Physick chance to work , it is tender'd with an hand ayming onely at your happinesse ; and that would gladly wish no better employment , than to strew your way to heaven with Roses . This is the height of his ambition , who is

Madam , your most humble Servant , T. F.

To M. D. P. Sir ,

THe Italians say in a Proverb , That words are but females , deeds are males . I can allow them to be females , so they be fruitful in these masculine productions , and not subject to miscarry of those fruits , with which they often seem so big . I have endeavoured my promises should not prove abortive ; but it hath staid so long by the Carriers Midwifry , that what you expected as a gift , will amount to a purchase ; for , a courtesie delay'd , is dearly bought . Besides , I cannot expect it should arise to the merit of a gift , since it will hardly amount to the least mite that I owe you . Your courtesies have been so many , your favours so large , and the continuance so long , that I despair of discharging the Interest , should your goodness abate me the Principal . But if a thousand thanks , and ten thousand good wishes may pass for pay , you shall never have cause to call me ingrateful ; for herein I can be as liberal as your self . I remember the Dutch History tells us , that at the Siege of Alcmar , the souldiers within , being without pay , the Magistrates caused dollers of tin to be coyned , of three shillings a piece , with promise , that the Town being delivered , they would redeem them for good silver at the rate . I will wrap up this poor present with a faithful promise , that when propitious Heaven shall transmute my tin and copper into gold and silver , payments shall be more proportionate to your merits , and my obligations , by which I stand firmly bound to profess my self

Sir , your Servant , T. F.

To M. J. W. Madam ,

NEither out of sloth , nor slighting ; not out of forgetfulness , nor unwillingness , have I hitherto delay'd this debt of duty , which you may justly have expected sooner . Believe me , I have not yet forgot those many , many favours whereby you have perpetually bound me to serve you . My silence thus long , hath been not out of negligence , but designe . I was not willing to meet your sorrow in its full careere , resolving rather to await the turning of the tide , and expect an ebb of your passion ; lest in stead of a lenitive , I had brought a corrosive ; and in stead of abating , encreased your grief . By this time , I hope , your Reason hath subdued your Passion , and natural affection given place to Religion ; which , as it allows a moderate sorrow for the death of our friends and relations , so it appoints bounds to our tears , and commands us , Not to weep as those without hope . When my thoughts reflect upon your losse of so dutiful a daughter , so good a wife , so pleasant a companion , so true a friend , in the fair flower of her youth , in the pleasant Spring of her age ; me thinks , I could mingle my tears with yours , and forget what I intended . But when agen I consider the miseries of this life , the troubles of this world , the losses and crosses , the corroding cares , the doubtful fears that attend us here : when I ballance our loss with her gains , the miseries she is past , with the happinesses she enjoyes , I can find so little cause to mourn , that I must confess we have infinitely more reason to rejoyce . Alas ! what is our life but a sea of troubles , a pilgrimage of dangers , a race , a warfare , a banishment ; the world a prisonfull of chaines and captives , at best an Inn , no habitation ? Death is our quiet harbour , an end of our journey , a conclusion of our warfare ; that brings us from exile to our native home ; that gives us a Kingdome for a prison , crowns for chains , and for this poor baiting-place of earth , an everlasting habitation in Heaven . Shall we then grieve for those are gone before us , who are released from the evils present , and secured against those to come , who are taken from labour to rest , from expectation to fruition , from death to life . Is it not unjust ? Is it not envious ? The Philosopher , who was asked , Which was the best ship ? wisely answered , That which is safely arrived . Shall we weep for those , who have already made their voyage , or rather for our selves , who are still tossed upon the waters of strife , who are still subject to those storms and tempests , which they have happily past ? They are not lost , but gone before ; not perished , but perfected ; not dead , but departed . A long-sick man commanded this Epitaph to be written upon his grave , Here I am well . Fortune ( they say ) most hurts , whom she seems to favour ; Death most favours those he seems to hurt . Nor may we account an early death untimely : The fruit which to our apprehension is blown down green and untimely , is gathered full ripe in Gods providence . The fairest flowers soonest fade . The Sun and Moon , the most bright and glorious of these heavenly bodies , fulfill their courses in a short season , whilest the dimmer and duller Planets are longer time wheeling about . It is sometimes the happiness of young John , to out-run old Peter to the Sepulchre . This is Gods will , and therefore not to be resisted , not to be repined at . It is their happiness , therefore not to be lamented . Can our feares profit them where they are , or bring them back to us ? I could allow you to be lavish of your sighs , to be prodigal of your tears , were they not unfruitful , were they not unlawful . I can easily believe your loss of her , to be as great as your love to her ; but your meeting again will be more joyous , than your parting was grievous . But what do I do ? I forget that I write to one , whose Christian carriage hath ( I doubt not ) already prevented me this office ; and whose excellent parts are able to anticipate whatsoever I am able to say . Give me leave onely to kisse your hands , and once more to assure you , that I am still as much as ever ,

Madam , the most humble , and the most real of your Friends and Servants , T. F.

To Mr. T. C. Sir ,

IT is informed from several parts , that the Butchers have knock't down the Excise-men , and cut the throat of the Excise upon meat : And they have so generally thrown off that yoke , that it is believed they will hardly be brought to admit the putting of it on again . Whither do these confusions tend ! Where will they end ! We are like the poor Ass in the Fable , who often changed his Master , but alwayes for the worse . Will not all these miseries yet open the eyes of the blinded multitude ! I would be-speak them in the words of Ananus , one of the Jewish Priests , inciting the people against the factious Zealots ; amongst other passages ( which you may find in Josephus ) he thus questions them , — But why should I exclame against the tyrants ? Did not you your selves make them great , and nourish their power and authority by your patience ? Did not you , by despising those who before were in authority , being but a few , make all these , who are many in number , tyrants over your selves ?

When Consuls succeeded the Roman Kings , the Historian sayes , they changed gold for brass , and loathing one King , suffered many tyrants , scourging their folly with their fall , and curing a fester'd sore with a poysoned plaister . Do we not plainly see the Fable moralized by our selves ? The Serpents Tail would needs one day fall a quarrelling with the Head , saying , that she would by turns goe before , and not alwayes come lagging behind ; which the Head having yielded unto , was the first that repented it , not knowing how , or whither she should goe ; and besides , was all rent and bruised , being forced , against nature , to follow a member that had neither seeing nor hearing to conduct it . Our factions , fractions , and lawless liberty , render us like the poor Bactrans , of whom it is said , that they are Sine Fide , sine Rege , sine Lege . But whither is my pen running ? Since I began with the Excise in England , I will waft you over into Holland , where it first began , and was invented ; there you shall see how ill the Dutchmen at first relished this Tax upon their drink : It occasioned this Libel in Dutch , which you shall read in English :

I wish long life may him befall , And not one good day there withal ; And Hell-fire after this life here , Who first did raise this Tax on Beer .

With this Postscript , The Word of God , and the Tax on Beer , last for ever and ever .

But it is no wonder the Dutchman should be so angry with this charge upon his drink , since you know it is said , Germanorum vivere , est bibere . And they account the turning of water into wine , the greatest Miracle that ever Christ did ; which miracle onely made one of them wish that Christ had lived in their Country . No more now , but that I am still as always ,

Sir , your Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. C. Sir ,

WE have now ( thanks to our Preserver ) lived to see those men confuted to their faces , who would needs determine the end of the world , before the end of the year ; and upon no better ground , that I could hear from any of them , than this , because ( say they ) the old world was drowned in the year from the Creation , 1657. And I find the Learned Alstedius fathering of this fancie , because he found the same number of yeares in the Chronogram of Conflagratio Mundi . How miserably , and yet how often have the too credulous vulgar been deluded by the vain Predictions of such idle Astrologasters ! I remember Hollingshed tells a storie of the Prior of St. Bartholomews London , who built him an house on Harrow-hill , to secure himself from a supposed flood foretold by an Astrologer : But at last , he , with the rest of his seduced company , came down again as wise as they went up . Such is the fate and folly of those false prophets , that they often live to see themselves confuted . It is a witty jeer the Cambro-Britannian Epigrammatist puts upon the Scotch Napier , who more wisely had determined the end of the world at a farther distance .

Cor mundi finem propiorem non facis ? ut ne ant● obitum mendax arguerere : Sapis .

Thus , as is well observed , by a late and Learned Author , Astrologers have told of a sad and discontented day , which would weep it's eyes out in showers , which when 't was born proved a Democritus , and did nothing but laugh at their ignorance and folly .

Infinite are the Stories upon Record of the madness of those men , and the vanitie and credulity of the easie multitude : Strange , that they should be so grossely , and yet so often cheated with the same bait ! But I conclude with a more serious observation of Ludolphus , of the two destructions of the world : As the first , sayes he , was by water , for the heat of their lust ; so the second shall be by fire , for the coldnesse of their love . In hopes that ours is not yet grown cold , I subscribe my self ,

Sir , your loving Friend , T. F.

To Mr. E. M. Sir ,

BOdin the Frenchman , in his Method of History , accounts Englishmen barbarous for their Civil Wars : But his Countrymen , at this time , have no great reason to cast dirt in our faces , till they have wash'd their own . They who have hitherto set us on fire , and warm'd their hands by it , are now in the like flames themselves . It hath been one of their Cardinal Policies to divide us , lest our union should prove their ruine . It was the saying of the D. of Rohan , a great States-man , That England was a mighty Animal , and could never die , unless it kill'd it self . Certainly we have no worse enemies than our selves , as if we had conspired our own ruine : For Plutarch calls the ardent desire of the Graecians to make Civil Wars in Greece , a Conspiracie against themselves . But well may the winds and waves be Pilots to that ship whose inferiour Mariners have thrown their Pylot over-board . Dum ille regnabat , tranquillè vivebamus , & neminem metuebamus , said the people of the Emperour Pertinax . We remember the time when we lived in peace and plenty , till we surfeited of our happiness ; and as our peace begat plenty , so our plenty begat pride , and pride brought forth animosities and factions , and they , if not prevented , will be delivered of our ruine and destruction .

In times past ( sayes Cornelius Tacitus of our Countrymen ) they lived under a Monarchy ; now , that they are subject to divers Masters , one can see nothing but faction and divisions amongst them . This was spoken of our forefathers ; and our Posteritie will think it meant onely of us . The God of union re-unite us , and out of this Chaos of confusion , create an happy concord amongst us , before our rents prove our ruine , and our distractions our destruction . This is the constant and hearty prayer of

Sir , your assured Servant , T. F.

To Mr. T. C. Sir ,

I Must tell you , you are not justly troubled at the injustice of our new Judges , since they have thereby rendred those brave men Martyrs , which otherwise had died as Criminals . Socrates his wife exasperated her grief by this circumstance , Good Lord , said she , how unjustly doe these bad Judges put him to death ! What , wouldst thou rather they should execute me justly ? replyed he to her . The injustice of the Judges sentence , declare the justness of the condemned's cause . It is not the being a Judge that makes his sentence just , or the prisoner guilty : There have been those , and we have seen them , who have committed murther with the Sword of Justice , and executed Justice as a malefactor . Nor have the friends of those happy Martyrs any cause to be ashamed of , or grieved for their death , or manner of it : Damnari , dissecari , suspendi , decolari , piis cum impiis sunt communia : ( sayes Erasmus ) Varia sunt hominum judicia , Ille foelix qui judice Deo absolvitur . The old Martyrs have accounted martyrdom the way to heaven on hors-back . The first man that died went to heaven , but the first man that went to heaven died a Martyr , suffered a violent death by the hands of a cruel and unmerciful brother . We have lived to see that politick principle of Periander put in practice , who being consulted with how to preserve a tyranny , bid the messenger stand still , whilest he , walking in a garden , topt all the highest flowers , thereby signifying the cutting off , and bringing low of the Nobility . Yet will not this do with us ; it is but like Cadmus his sowing of serpents teeth , which will raise up armed men to revenge the quarrel of those brave spirits : For though our Curfeu-bell hath been rung out , and the fire of our zeal rak'd up in the ashes of Acts and Orders , yet it is not extinguished : Witness those Sparks who have revenged the death of their Sovereign with the hazard of their own lives .

By this time , I doubt not , but they who most endeavoured his Majesties death , have seen cause enough to wish him alive again , and are ready to engrave that Motto upon his Statue ( which they threw down with contempt ) which was set upon the Statue of the Roman Brutus , Vtinam viveres . It is yet some comfort that we can mingle sighs , and assist one another with mutual counsels and courtesies , which shall never be wanting from

Sir , your assured Friend , T. F.

To Mr. T. L. Sir ,

BEing lately at our New Court , there I saw his Highnose , so environed with his guard , as if he had been their prisoner , and wondred how he durst venture himself amongst so many dangerous weapons . I was ready to have said unto him , as Plato did to D●onysius the tyrant , when he saw him compassed about with many souldiers of his guard , What , hast thou committed so many evils , that thou standest in need of such a guard of armed fellows ? To see the difference betwixt fearlesse innocence , and fearful guilt ! M. Aurelius , that good Prince , never had any guard ; for ( sayes my Author ) he stood not in fear of his subjects . Innocence is the surest guard , as Pliny told Trajan the Emperour : Haec arx inaccessa , hoc inexpugnabile munimentum , munimento non egere . Frustra se terrore succinxeret , qui septus charitate non fuerit . Armis enim arma irritantur .

White-hall is now become Black-hall , with the smoak of coals and matches : But it would make one sad and sigh to see what havock is made of his Majesties goods and houshold-stuff , and to whose using his house & furniture is faln . It minded me of a story in Q. Curtius , who says , Alexander ( that great robber , as the petty Pyrat call'd him ) sitting in Darius Seat , which was not fit for him , but higher than served for his stature , his feet could not touch the ground ; one of his Pages put a board underneath for him to tread upon ; whereat one of the Eunuchs that belonged to Darius , looked heavily , and fetch'd a deep sigh , whose sadnesse when Alexander perceived , he enquired of him the cause ? He answered : That when he beheld the board whereon Darius was wont to eat , employed to so base an use , he could not behold it without grief . Who can see those brave horses which used to draw his Majestics Coach , now drag in enemies cart , without pity & indignation ? But enough of this , and for this time I am ,

Sir , your very Friend , Servant , T. F.

To Mr. E. H. Sir ,

HAving now retrived my rude draught of that excellent , but lost virtue of friendship , I send the picture to you the pattern , that it may be corrected by the comparison . It cannot be expected that it should be an exact piece , or that I should draw it to the life , which hath been dead to us poor mortals ; especially having had so little light , and at so great a distance as we are removed from that golden age wherein friendship flourished . I cannot but admire , that so noble a subject hath found so few friends : For , except that Triumvirate of Eloquence , the Roman Cicero , our English Seneca , and that great Dictator of Learning Sir Fra. Bacon . I have found few or none , who have written any just discourse of it : From their trine Aspect hath my discourse received some light and augmentation . Yet have I not altogether trod in their steps , nor made any better use of them , than admire those I could not imitate ; neither have I used any gay or painted language , but plain and simple , like the subject I handle . I have laboured to make it like , rather than handsome . An Embassador comming to Treat with the Roman Senate , having his head powdered , and his face painted , Cato told them , they could not expect any truth from him , whose very locks and looks did lye . I have therefore studied to represent this Lady , sine fuco , sine fallaciis , without the dressings of any artificial handsomness , or auxiliary beauty . If you like it , love it ; if not , draw the curtain of your charity over it , and let it lie , till some abler workman shall take the pensil in hand . It is enough for me , if it can but speak the Author

Sir , your true Friend , T. F.

To Mr. J. A. Sir ,

DId not the same peremptory businesse that pressed me down , still keep me here , I shoud ( at least ) have prevented the Office of this Paper , and not been beholding to a mute proxie for the delivery of a message I should rather , if not better , have done in person . Since fate will have it thus , let me crave your credence , that what you shall here read , is not so much the dictate , as the transcript of my heart . Sir , I left not my careful thoughts with your line of Communication ; they have been , and will be my constant companions . Haeret lateri lethalis arundo ; and I despair of any other cure , than the dictamen of your friendly counsel . I am confident your goodness will doe me not onely the courtesie , but the justice to believe that my recesse was rather retreat , than a flight from the negotiation we had in hand , A businesse ( if my thoughts deceive me not ) too weighty to be carried to the end without a rest . Pardon me , if I am willing to look before I leap . — But after the verdict of my most considerate and serious thoughts , I must professe I have a large and long experience of the skill and fidelity of you my leader : Nor doe I fear a miscarriage where you are pleas'd to be my guide . To say nothing of other circumstances I am not forgetful of , though silent in , allow me the liberty to tell you , Spem de futuris foveo : principium liquet ; and it shall not only be my wish , but the most earnest of my endeavours , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I have hitherto but tythed my thoughts , which should I allow my pen the liberty to write , would be too tedious for you to read . In a word therefore ( to doe you the courtesie of concluding ) I shall promise , that one line from — ( if he please to maintein his first favour with a second ) will easily and quickly draw me from the most earnest of my engagements to tell him Vis à vis , that I am what I ever was , and still hope to be accounted

Sir , your very very Friend , T. F.

To Mr. R. H. Sir ,

IN my addreresses to my friends , I do always intend too much reality , to be beholding to a Complement , in this to you , if an excess of affection should unawares transport my pen to an extravagant flight , your merits to me , and my obliged respects to you , may sufficiently secure me from the guilt of a suspitious hyperbole . When I have said all I can , I shall be so far from thinking it too much , that I must confesse it to be too little . I could rather have contented my self to have been still your silent debtor , than by the adventure of a few hasty lines to stand in need of your pardon . To think to quit scores with you , by any thing I can say or doe , is beyond the most confident of my hopes ; and had not your command exacted it , I should not now have put you upon a new exercise of that goodnesse , to which I am already so much indebted . In the large Catalogue of those whom your repeated civilities , and constant courtesies have purchased to be your friends , I dare affirm , you have none more seriously sensible of your favours , or that doth more really wish your welfare , than my self . May success and prosperitie wait upon all your undertakings ; may health and happiness be your constant attendants ; and may the same good Angel that carries you from us , guide you in your journeys , and return you in safety .

Let not your dear Consort ( the best of wives and women ) think that I have all this while forgotten Her : She is too much your self to be divided from you in our good wishes . Sir , I am equally , and at once her and your

Most obliged Friend , T. F.

FINIS .

LOVE'S LABYRINTH ; OR , The Royal Shepherdess : A TRAGI-COMEDIE . By THO. FORDE , Philothal .

Quid Melius desidiosus agam ? Fata viam invenient . Comica festina gaudet sermone Thalia .

LONDON , Printed by R. and W. Leybourn , for William Grantham , and are to sold at the Signe of the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1660.

To his Worthy Friend Mr. Thomas Forde on his LOVES LABYRINTH . TRue Friend , while others me out-vie , and grace the ● ( As thou dost them far more ) I scarce can trace thee I many thousand miles do wander Of Pilgrimage in thy Maeander , Till by the golden thred , Of Love I 'm safe through led . Thy Wit is far beyond the Serpentine ; Thy wreathings chequer-work and warp divine ; Thy curious inter-woven Plots , Rich twine , ●y'd all in Lovers-knots : Thy Skill is exquisite , To untie and unite . Thy Tent-works in-let pleases me so well , I 'de have none out-let : I 'de rather dwell . I love thy labyrinth , and approve , That thou shouldst labyrinth my love : There I poor well-hous'd elf Might safely lose my self . I see , work-women a'n't above workmen ▪ How far short comes the needle of the pen ! Those Damosels , who are so devouts In pricking little holes in clouts , Thy lively Tapestry-story Out-strips their painted glory ▪ Let spleen it self judge eithers manu tract : Their female works can't speak , thy male-words Act. A drop of this your art ( Sr. ) passes Beyond an Ocean of † † allusiv● ad gr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . the Lasses Their by as-stitch doth squint , But thine 's down-right in print . Nay all thou do'st would be such ne'retheless , Though it ne're saw the light , nor felt the press . Thy last impression comes behind , The first and chief is in thy mind : Thou art beyond the rest , Thy first Edition's best . None living can ( I probably conjecture ) No not thy self ) repair this Architecture . Each line 's right perpendicular , Reason thy Pium , and Truth thy Square : Each full-point may be sead , A nail driv'n to the Head . But I could wish there were no period , That ( though all 's even ) yet something still were od ; That after all Exits might begin Still more fresh Intrats to come in . The whole frame so divine is , Nought vexes me but FINIS . N. C.

To my ingenious Friend , Mr. Thomas Forde , on His LOVES LABYRINTH . WHo truly will thy Labyrinth commend , Shall find it hard , both to begin , and end : Yet thou hast spun a thred , with which t' untwine The wandring Lover , though all things combine To stop his passage : Such a flowing Style Thou usest too , as did my sense beguile : For whilest I read , I neither Scaene nor Stage , " Could think were feign'd : I saw an Active Rage " Appear in Damocles , which to my eye " Not Acted seem'd , but real Tyranny . " Sephestia's love and doom ; the better fate " Of Pleusidippus , not more fortunate : " For he Loves Labyrinth did also tread , " And Court incestuously his Mothers Bed . " And so her father , husband too ( none known ) " Yet he by sympathy did claim his own , " And had a grant , which mov'd the Tyrants spleen , " ( Since he could not enjoy her for his Queen ) " To kill e'm both ; their destinies prevent , " As loth to have destroy'd the innocent . " Yet at the last each thing succeeds with good : " Though the foundation seem'd t' be laid in blood . " And then the harmless shepherds rural sport , " Whose innocence makes every place a Court . And all things in so consonanat a dress , Makes more the seeming , not the being less . That ( credit me ) there is not in 't a line , ( 'T is all so rare ) but I could wish were mine . And as before , so I say now of this , Thou hast thy skill by Metempsychosi● ▪ Proceed then Worthy Friend , and may thy Fame , Like Laureat Johnson , ever speak thy Name . Edw. Barwick ▪

Persons Personated .

DAmocles , King of Arcadia . Father of Sephestia . Agenor , King of Thessaly . Father of Euriphyla . Maximus or Melecertus , Prince of Cyprus , who married Sephestia . Plusidippus , Son of Sephestia and Maximus . Menaphon , the Kings Shepherd . Doron , a silly Shepherd . Lamedon , Brother to King Damocles . 2 Lords of Arcadia . Romanio , Eurilochus , 2 Pyrats of Thessaly , who found Plusidippus . Artaxia , Queen of Arcadia , mother of Sephestia . Sephestia , or Samela , wife to Maximus , and mother of Plusidippus . Euriphyla , daughter to Agenor , who loved Plusidippus . Pesana , sister to Doron , in love with Menaphon . Carmila , sister to Menaphon , in love with Doron .

The Scaene Arcadia ▪

Loves Labyrinth .

Act. 1.

Scaene 1 ▪ Enter King Damocles with two Lords , and Lamedon . King .

CAn this be true ?

1 Lo.

My Liege , as truth it self .

King . And will neither the power of a King , Nor precepts of a father over-sway Her fond affections ; but that thus she will Run head-long to her ruine ? Let her go . 1 Lo. Yet shot she not at rovers , but a Prince He is , young and deserving ; therefore since Sh' has hit the mark , it will now be in vain To give her aym , or make her shoot again . Kin. Was she so hasty , that she could not stay To take our Fatherly advice with her ? No wonder if she wander in the Labyrinth Of love , without the clew of our counsel . La. Come brother ▪ come , she 's not the first has done A miss ; her own affections were the surest guide Unto her own content : she chose to please Her self , not you , come , let this anger cease . 1 Lo. 'T is now too late for to recal what 's past , The match is made , and that so surely fast , 'T is past dissolving now ; a Grandfather You are alreay : From their conjunction hath This in●●●ence proceeded , a fair boy Hath given them earnest of succeeding joy . Kin. How ! a boy ! and shall that base brat enjoy My crown ? no , no , I 'll take a course for that . La. Why brother , 't is a Prince by birth , & why Not born to Reign ? Kin. Ay , mischief 's on my head , But I 'll prevent the plot and storm , we 'l send Them far enough ▪ from troubling of our state : Distance and danger shall they first subdue , Before they gain our Crown ; the slavish waves Shall be their subjects : l●t them go and and win The trydent of great Neptune , waters King . I mean to set them forth . 1 Lo.

What means my Liege ?

Kin. Nay , I 'm resolv'd , since that they do no more Regard my favour , they shall feel my frowns . O ye Coelestial Deities ! where are Your power and wonted justice now become ? All things run head-long , and the feet forget Their duty to their Head , and traitors turn , Breaking the bonds of government ; that now A Princes power , or Fathers care's contemn'd , And only recompenc'd with slight and scorn . La● But ▪ Sir , though she her duty do forget To you , yet is she still your child , and may Be easily reclaimed . Shall one misdeed Forfeit all former loyalty ? She us'd To be more ready to give , than you Could be to ask . Come , let the weight of that O're-poize your anger , and this light offence . Kin. I 'll hear no more , all pity now is gone , And anger hath the castle of my breast So strongly fortified , whole valleys of Requests can never move : cease then your suit , To which my ears are deaf , and tongue is mute . 1 Lo. Heaven is not so impregnable , but that Entreaties may both siege and conquer it : If that your daughter hath run on the score Of one offence , will nothing cancel it ? Kin.

My resolution 's writ in Adamant .

1 Lo.

Dread Sir , and may not tears then blot it out ?

Kin. Nor all the liquid drop the sea contains Shall quench my rage ; for now I have forgot All pitie of a father , and that wretch Shall feel what 't is to lose a fathers love . — Since she will needs slight and contemn our care , I 'll have a Bark provided , without oar , Or sail , or pilot , but the wilful wind , And waves , true emblemes of their giddy act , And therein with her brat , and mate imbarqu'd , Shall seek their fortunes : And see you it done Without delay , our Will admits no time , T' expostulate no more than alteration ▪ 1 Lo. O good my Lord command my service in Some nobler act than this and do not try My faith in that , for which ●'de rather die , Than do 't . What heir shall succ●ed your self In the Arcadian Diadem , if thus you drown The Sun of all our hopes , which must Supply your place , when as your Sun shall set In darkest clouds of death , must night ensue , And seize upon our Horizon ? — O let Some pity of our drooping state prevail . Kin. All will not do . I 'll have it done ; then go Or stay and pull my vengeance on thy head . Will you turn traytor too , to our commands ? As you tender our favour , or your safety , Go execute my will without delay . 1 Lo. And must my safety prove their ruin ? can They not live , but I must die ? I 'll do 't . Perhaps the tyrant-waves may prove more kind Than is their King My Liege I 'l ease your mind . Lam. And must they , & they only prove ( poor hearts ) A sacrifice to fury for their love ? I 'll be companion of their fortune . We Will leave this cursed land , which is nought else But a dry sea of miseries , in which We dayly float ; the sea can never be More merciless . O what a maze of woe Do lovers tread ( dire fate ) that for their love , Are recompenc'd with hatred . Farewel world , Thou ball of fortune banded to and fro , And never quiet ; we will try what fate Awaits us in the sea , it can't be worse Than here we suffer by our dearest friends . Kin. Well brother , since you are so weary of The world , pray take your share with them , and care Of her : I leave her unto you , and to The mercies of the waves , and so adieu . Exit .

Scaen. 2. 2 Lo. Was ever man so resolute to undo , What an whole age can't recompence again ? To cast away a Lady of that worth , That bankrupt nature cannot furnish forth Her Parallel : A beauty that would tempt The gods to lust : But guarded with an eye So modestly severe , it would strike dead All lustful hopes of the hot ravisher . See where she comes , like Phoebus newly rose From Thetis bed : Little doth she suppose The cruelty of her once happy Father , In having such a daughter , now no● fit T' enjoy a blessing which he values not . Seph . What news my Lord ? Is the ice of my fathers Anger broken ? Hath the sun of counsel Thaw'd his frozen breast ? 1 Lo.

Ay , into a flood —

Seph . What meanes this passion ? Speak man , for I am Prepar'd ; it can't be worse than I expect . 1 Lo. Why then it is — Let me first drown my self In mine own tears , and vent my mind in sighs : Madam , you may guess sooner than I can tell . Seph . Prethee torment me not thus with delays , More tedious than the thing can be , what e're It is . Come , I am armed with the shield Of patience , my breast is mischief-proof . 1 Lo. 'T is easier far to tell than execute : I wish my task were done with telling it . Madam , He hath made me the sad Over-seer Of that dire act , which he so fears to speak . Silence will not relieve , it may protract The doing of that horrid fact , which who Shall hear , will loath the name of father , for Your fathers sake , who when perhaps y' are gone By 's want will prize your worth the more , and , love You better than he ever did before . Thus are we taught to value of the light , By the dull silence of the darker night . Sep. But to your story , and my doom , which sure Must needs be great , that it can find no vent . Come ease your shoulders of this burthen , lay It on mine , who have deserved it . 1 Lo. Lady , wonder not at our unwillingness To tell what we had rather wish our tongues Out , than to be th' unhappy messengers Of such sad news , the truth whereof must rob Arcadia of it's richest , choisest Gem , That doth adorn her Princely Diadem : By venturing all our hopes to the mercy Of the cruel waves , He hath prest to be Your only Pilot ; being ship't alone , With your dear babe and husband , without sail , Or oar , to contradict the lawless seas , In their unbounded raging tyranny : Whose heedless rigour yet may hap to prove More kind unto you than your fathers love . Sep. Heavens will be done : But had another hand Inflicted this , it would have lighter seem'd : — Yet is there comfort in his cruelty , That hath not parted me from him , for whom All this will be but light ; his company Will sweeten all my sorrows , and convert My mourning into mirth : Can I be sad , Enjoying him will only make me glad ? Enter Lamedon . Lam. I cannot win my brother to reverse His cruel sentence , but it must be done . — Dear Neece , I 'm thy companion ; misery Shall never make my friendship to turn edge , But at the lowest ebb of fortune shall My love still flow : the sea shall never quench That flame which virtue once hath kindled in My breast , nor shall it meet , or be put out With any cold extinguisher but death . If many shoulders make griefs burthen light , Then so shall ours : and may mine cease to be , When they shall cease to bear their equal part , And sympathize with thee , as doth my heart . Seph . Uncle , my thanks . How rare it is to find A friend in misery ! Men run from such , Like Deer from him is hunted with the dogs , As if that misery infectious were . Men fly with Eagles wings away , But creep like snails , when they should succour lend . I cannot therefore chuse but prize your love , Who dare be true unto your friend ; a name Nearer than that of kindred , or of blood : This is th' effect of noblest virtue , which Ties firmer knots than age can e're undo : Such is the knot my Maximus and I Have tied , spight of my fathers anger , it Shall hold , when envy 's tired to invent Mischiefs , in vain , to cut the knot in two , Which heaven hath knit too fast to loose again . Alas fond man ! who thinks to unravel what The gods have wove together . — 'T is in vain .

Scaen. 3. 1 Lo. Lady , time cals upon you not to stay , Lest by a fond delay you call upon His fury to convert into some worse , And sudden punishment , which may deny All hopes of future safety ; of all ills The least is always wisely to be chosen . Seph . Go and prepare that floting grave , which must Devour's alive , I will attend you here . Before when will my dearest find his grief , In finding me thus lost without relief . Exeunt . Manet Sephestia . Why doth my Love thus tarry ? surely he Forgotten hath the place , or time , or else He would not stay thus long ; but can I blame Him , to be slow to meet his ruine ? I Could wish he would not come at all , that so He yet might live , although I perish ; but How fondly do I wish to be without Him , without whom alas ! I cannot live . 'T were as impossible as without air : He 't is for whom I suffer , and with him , All places are alike to me . — See where He comes , who is sole keeper of my heart . Enter Maximus . Max.

My dear !

Seph . Ah , dear indeed , for whom thy life Must pay the shot of cruelty enrag'd . — Max. What meanes my love ? is 't she , or do I dream ? Sure this cannot be she , whose words were wont To be more sweet than honey , soft as oil : These words , more sharp than daggers points , n●'re came From her I know — What sayst thou my sweet ? Seph . The same — truth will not suffer me to speak Other , lest I should injure her ▪ — O that 'T were possible so to dispense with truth , Not to betray our selves — I know not what to say . — Max. Heavens bless us , what a sudden change is here ! Love , who hath wrong'd thee ? tell me , that I may Thrid their lives upon my sword , & make their Dead trunks float in their own blood , till they blush At their own shame : Tell me my heart , who is 't ? Seph . Alas poor soul ! thou little dreamst what sad News do's await thine ears ; my tongue doth fail , Not daring once to name the thing must be Our loves sad end , and dire Catastrophe . My fathers fury — Oh that that name I once delighted in , should odious be To mine affrighted senses ! — But for thee Alone , it is I grieve , not for my self . — Max. Be 't what it will , so that it be but in Relation to thy love , I will embrace , And hug , and thank that malice too , that so Invented hath a means whereby I may But testifie my loyalty to thee : For whose sweet sake I would encounter with Legions of armed furies ; sacrifice My dearest blood unto thy service , which I more esteem , than all the wealth the world Can boast of : 'T is thee alone I value , Above whatever mens ambitious thoughts Can fathom with their boundless appetites . Seph . This flame of love must now be quenched in T●● foaming sea ; we are design'd a prey Unto the fury of winds and waves . — The deadly Barque's providing , which must be Our moving habitation ; the sea Must be our Kingdom , and the scaly frie Our subjects : — This , this , the portion is Of fortunes frowns , and fathers fiercer hate . Fly , fly , my dearest Maximus , and save My life in thine ; oh stay no longer here . weeps Max. Why dost thou torment thy self before Thy time ? wilt thou anticipate the sea ? And drown thy self in ●ears ? Deny me not To share with thee in suffering , as well As I have done in pleasure ; 't is for me This storm is rais'd , were I once cast away , His rage would cease . I , I have wrong'd thee , And I 'll be just to thee and to my word . draws I 'll ope the sluces of my fullest veins , And set them running , till they make a flood , Wherein I 'll drown my self — He offers to kill himself . She stays his hand . Seph . Thine heart lies here ; 'T is here , lock't up securely in my brest : First open that , and take it out ; for death Shall ne're divorce me from thy company : I will attend thee through those shady vaults Of death , or thou shalt live with me . — Dost think This body possible to live without A soul ? or without thee ? Have pitie on Thy tender babe , whose life depends on thine , And make not me widow , and him orphan , With unadvised rashness — Sheath thy sword . Max. Mine eyes will ne're endure it , to behold , Thee miserable , no , no , death first shall draw A sable veil of darkness over them — — Pardon my rashuess , I will live with thee , And tire thy fathers rage with suffering , So he 'l but suffer thee to live in mirth , The greatest sorrow shall not make me sad . Seph . Here comes my father , cerainly his rage Will know no bounds : I fear it will Break forth into some desperate act on me . Max. Although he be a King , which sacred name I reverence , and as a mortal god Adore ; he shall not dare to injure you Before my face : first shall he wear my life Upon his sword , if he but dare to touch Thy sacred self . — —

S●●n . 4. Enter Damocles . Kin. How now light-skirts ? have you got your Champion To shield you from our anger ? know I have Not yet forgot the name of father , though You thus have slighted it ; but as a King , We must be just to punish your contempt . Did you so well know your beauty to be Proud of it , and yet so little value it , As thus to throw it all away at once ? Well , get you gone . — Since that you have esteem'd A strangers love before your lovalty To me , or my care to you , a stranger shall Inherit what you were born to , had not Your fond affections forc'd this vile exchange . Max. Sir — for your fury will not suffer me To call you father ; think not your daughter Undervalued by her love to me : Her love ran not so low , as to be sto●p'd To meet with crime , who am a Prince n● less Than is your self : Cyprus my Kingdome is . Kin. What drew you hither then ? you must needs know It is no less than treason for to steal An heir to our crown : what drew you hither ? Max. Hither I came , drawn by that forcible Attractive , for to offer up my self A sacrifice at th' altar of her love . Tost with a sea of miseries , I came To anchor in the haven of her heart : And if this be treason , I shall not blush To be esteem'd a traytor . But if not , Then pardon me , if bolder innocence Doth force me tell you , 't is not just in you Thus to oppose what Heavens have decreed . Believe me , Sir , it 's neither safe nor just , For you to violate the lawes of fate . Kin. Let not your pride so far transport you , that You tax our justice . I shall scourge your haste th' wind Into a leisurely repentance , when The sea shall teach you that your teares , and That sighs become your headlong rash attempts . Max. Great Sir , lay what you will on me , I scorn To crave your favour for my self ; but yet Let Nature prompt you to be merciful To her who is a chief part of your self . Kin. No , as ye have joyn'd your selves in mirth , so Will I joyn ye too in mourning ; and because Two no good consort make , my brother shall Bear a third part in your grave harmonie . Seph . Father , let me the heavy burthen bear Of this sad song alone : let all your fierce Justice center in my breast . — — Kin. No more , Our sentence is irrevocable , nought Shall satisfie me else : I 'll have it done . 1 Lo. My Liege , the barque is ready , and attends Your pleasure ; the commands of Kings are not To be gain-said , or broken ; for the will Of heaven is obey'd in doing them . Seph . We do obey it then , and willingly , Father , for yet I can't forget that name , Although these injuries would raze it out My memorie ; I will not now dispute , But readily obey your will : and know The pleasures of your Court should not entice Me shun this comming terrour , which will be , More welcome to me by my companie . And thus I take my leave . Here may you find She kneels . That happiness you wish , and we shall want Whilest that we prove our selves loves Confessors , If not his Martyrs . — — Kin. I will hear no more . Away with them , my Lord , you know the place , Our sentence and the time , I long to see Me , and my Kingdom from these monsters free . Max. Arcadia adieu ! Thou hast before Been famous for the happiness of loves : Now mischief hath usurp't the seat , and may It be the object of the gods hatred , Since Love 's the subject of their crueltie . Come dearest , let us winde our selves so close , That envie may admire , and so despair To enter here , where love possession keeps . Exe●nt .

Scaen. 5. Kin. Now shall I live secure , for now there is None left , whose nearness to our blood might edge Their hopes , by killing us to gain our Crown . Kings lives are never safe from those that wish Their ends , which must initiate them into Th' enjoyment of a Kingdom ; this same crown Is such a bait unto ambitious spirits , 'T is never safe upon the wearers head . Enter Artaxia weeping . Why weeps my dear ? Art . Ask why I do not weep . ( Poor Artaxia ) are my tears denied me ! Ask why I do not rave , tear my hair thus , Why such a weight of sorrow doth not rob So much of woman from me , as complaints ! Or rather , why do I not cloud the skie With sighs ; till at the last with one bold stab My own hand take from insulting fortune , This miserable object of her sport . Ask why I do not this , not why I weep ! Kin. Or stint thy teares , or mingle mine with them , By a relation of their cause ; these eyes Trust me Artaxia , are not yet drawn dry , Nor hath strong sorrow e're exhausted them , To make them bankrupt of a friendly tear , But not a fond one . Why Artaxia ! Why dost thou hasten those that come too fast , Sorrow and age , clear up thy clouded brow . Art . Ah Damocles ! how hast thou lost thy self ! And art become a monster , not a man , Thus to deprive me of my onely joy , The onely stay and comfort of mine age , Which now must fall . Break heart , and give My sorrows vent . Ah! my Sephestia's gone , For ever lost unto the world and me . Kin. Content thy self , not I , but justice hath Depriv'd us of her : Justice , that is blind To all relations , and deaf to intreats Of fond nature , or fonder affection . Art . Ah cruel justice ! Justice ! no tyranny , This is : Death , be my friend , & joyn once more My dear Sephestia and me — I come Stabs her self ! Sephestia I come ; curs'd world farewel . Kin. Help , help , Artaxia , my dear , help , help , Sephestia doth live , she is not dead . Art .

Oh , 't is too late — oh-oh-oh —

She dies . Enter 2 Lords . 2 Lor. Heavens ! what a sight is here ? The Queen , she 's dead , stark dead , what shal we do ? This wretched land is fruitful grown of late , Of nothing else but miseries and wo●s ▪ Jove sends his darts like hail-shot , no place free : Kin. Ah miserable man I am , a wretch , Who thus have lost two jewels that the world Can't recompence : I know not what to do . — Now could I tear my self in pieces , that I have Thus parted friends , & left my self alone . Offers to kill himself I am resolv'd , I will no longer live . 2 Lo. Stay , good my Liege , live , & repent of what Y' have done , you have killd enough already . Kin. If I should kill my self , and lose my crown , I were better live . — Call us a Council quickly . But my wife , my dearest Artaxia ! That I could breath life into thee again , Or else were with thee ! 2 Lo.

He 's not yet so mad .

Kin. O ye powers above ! what mean ye thus To wrack us mortals with such blacker deeds Than hell it self ! or remove them , or take All senses from us . Bear the bodie in , And summon all our Lords with speed t' attend Upon us , that we may find out from whence It is we suffer this sad influence . Exit . 2 Lo. Unhappy King ! he hath undone himself , And all the Land . His sublimated rage Hath sowne a crop of mischiefs , which no age Can parallel ; great-belly'd time is big With sorrows ; and our next succeeding times , Must reap the harvest of his bloody crimes . Exit .

Finis Actus primi .

Act. 2.

Scaen. 1. Enter Menaphon , and Doron . Men ▪ HOw mad a thing is Love ? It makes us lose Our senses ; whilest we wander in a maze O● endless torments : sometime with his smiles The cunning thief doth flatter us with hopes And tantalize our expectations , when Strait our winged joyes are gone , and we Do wrack our selves with future coming fears : A mistris frowns doth cloud our clearer skie . 1. Fond love no more , Will I adore Thy feigned Deity . Go throw thy darts , At simple hearts , And prove thy victory . 2. Whilst I do keep My harmless sheep , Love hath no power on me : 'T is idle soules , Which he controules , The busie man is free . Enter Doron . Dor. Ah Menaphon , my Sister Pesana , a pies On her , I had almost forgot her name , with come . Thinking on her business . Men.

VVhy what 's thy business , Doron ? tell me ,

Dor. My business , 't is none of my businesse , I tell you , 'T is my sister Pesana's business . Men.

VVell , what 's her business then ? I prethee tell .

Dor.

Ah Sir ! she 's sick .

Men.

VVhat is she sick of Doron ? let me know .

Dor.

VVhy ▪ truly Sir , she 's sick of you .

Men.

She sick of me ? why , am I a disease ?

Dor.

I mean — I mean — she is sick for you .

Men. That 's kindly done of her , Doron , that she Will be sick for me : I 'll make her amends . Dor. Will you make her amend , said you ? I am Afraid you 'l make her end first ; but truly Menaphon I have a suit for you . Men.

Hast thou a suit for me ? Is it a new one ?

Dor.

I say I have a suit to you .

Men.

To me ? well , and what is your suit made of ?

Dor. In good sooth , Sir , I must intreat you will Love my sister as well as you have done . Men. No , Doron , love and I are faln out , and he Will not let me love thy sister or thee either . Dor. No● my sister , nor me neither . Out thou Caterpiller , thou weasel , thou hedg-hog , I will make you love me , and my sister too . Men , You are out of your suit now Doron , and I fear you will catch cold , now you are hot . Exeunt .

Scaen. 2. Enter Maximus shipwrack't . Max. Where am I now ? Sure 't is Arcadia . A land happy in giving birth to my Sephestia ▪ Ah my Sephestia ! — But now no● my Sephestia , since the waves Have ravish'd her from me , and all my hopes Are prov'd abortive ; why do I now live ! Since she is gone , whose life & mine were both Twisted on one thred ! Ye fatal Sisters ! Why did not your cruel knife cut my life In twain , when hers was broken off by the Rude waves & blustring wind , who strove which should Gain her from each ? But both from me have robd Her ▪ ● now may the sea well boast , and out-vie The begger'd earth ; since it hath her who was The earth's whole sum of riches . O ye gods ● Why did ye once make me so happy To enjoy her , and now snatch'd her again To make me thereby the more miserable ? Yet is she not quite drowned ; for her heart Is here : 't is mine the sea doth prey upon . Well , my Sephestia , oh that name doth ravish Me : This body shall a monument be , And my whole life a continued Elegie , Both consecrated to thy memorie . I 'll drown thee once more in my tears , Which I will daily pay , as tribute to thee . Cyprus adieu , greatness also farewel . I see , those who are lifted highest on The hill of honour , are nearest to the Blasts of envious fortune , whilst the low And valley fortunes are far more secure . Humble valleys thrive with their bosoms full Of flowers , when hills melt with lightning , and rough Anger of the clouds . I will retire from The front of honour , to the rear of a Shepherds life : where whilst I do daily tend The harmless sheep , will I sing forth sad notes Of their blest happiness , and my misfortune . I will no longer keep this miserable name Of Maximus ▪ but clad in sorrows weeds , Will I wear the name of Melecertus . No more Maximus Prince of Cyprus , but A poor shepherd will I be : when you see Those weeds , and hear Melecertus name , I am that wretched he , who , like the snake , Have cast my former coat by creeping through The hole of miserie , and got a new . Exit .

Scaen. 3. Enter Doron . Dor. My Carmela is comming , and I 'm provided to cast A sheeps eye at her . He flings at her . Enter Carmela . Car. Now I see how Love came blind , he flung His eyes at me in stead of a love-dart . Dor.

Ha , my Carmela , let me kiss thy hony-suckle lips ▪

Car.

You kiss so hard , you 'l leave your beard behind .

Dor. By my troth , Carmela , swains cannot swear , But — I do love thee — by our great god Pan I love thee . Car.

You said you could not swear , and yet you Swear you love me .

Dor.

Love , I have stared so long at thee , that I Am now grown blind .

Car. Then shall you be led , like blind beggars With a dog and a bell , or else be beholding To the glasier for a new pair of eyes . Dor. I know not what you mean eyes , but I am Sure that I am off the hooks . You tell me of Eyes , eyes , but 't is your no's that torments me . This blind god , that the Poets call Cupid , has seen To hit me with his dart , I know not how , But as the blind man kil'd the crow . Car. Then you are one of the wanderers in Loves Labyrinth , I prethee let me lead thee . Dor. Ay , so we may both fall ; but no matter , For if you fall first , I 'll fall on thee . Car.

Fie , Doron , fie , are you not asham'd ?

Dor. Asham'd ? of what ? marry better falling Falling out . Car.

You 'r very merry Doron , where 's your in , than musick ?

Dor. Let me play on thee , my pretty bag-pipe , And I know thou wilt sing , loth to depart . — Car.

And I 'll try that , now follow me .

Ex●● ▪ Dor. Nay , when you came to the snuff once , I thought You would quickly go out .

Scaen. 4. Enter Menaphon . Oh Menaphon , hark , I am undone , as a man Should undo an oyster . Men.

Why Doron , what 's to do with thee now ▪

Dor. Why man , thy sister Carmela is grown proud , And is just such another as thy self , she slights And scorns poor Doron ; and yet because I love her ▪ As my sister doth thee , she laughs at me . Well , I will be even with her ▪ for if she won't love Me with a good will ▪ I 'll love her against her Will ; and I think I shall be even with her there ▪ Men. Come , Doron , come , count love a toy , As I do , who take far more joy to view My flocks ; here 's my content ; when heavens frown , I think upon my faults ; and a clear skie Puts me in mind of the gods gracious love : Envie o're-looketh me , nor do I gaze So high as tall ambition ; and for love , I feed my self with fancies , such as these . Venus ( the Poets say ) sprang from the sea , Which notes to me th' inconstancie of love , Changing each day with various ebbs & tides ▪ Sometimes o're-flowing the banks of fortune With a gracious look from a lovers eyes , Ebbing at other times to th' dangerous shelf Of cold despair , from a Mistris frowns . Your Cupid must be young ▪ to shew He is a boy , his wings inconstance tell ▪ He 's blind , to note his aym is without rule , Or reasons guide ; such is the god ye serve . Dor. Treason , treason against the god of love ▪ Menaphon , though you be my friend , I will Have you articl'd against at the next meeting well Of the Shepherds . Men. Lovers sorrows be like to the restless Labours of Sisyphus . Dor.

Like thy tongue then .

Men. Your Mistris favour's honey mixt with gall A bitter sweet , a folly worst of all , That forceth reason to be fancies thrall . Then love who list for me , if beauty be So sowr , then give me labour still . Exit . Dor. How I would laugh to see Menaphon once Manacl'd with loves fetters , that he might repent His blasphemy against the shepherds deitie . Exit .

Scaen. 3. Enter Sephestia shipwrack't , with her Vncle Lamedon . Seph . Ah cruel fortune , but more cruel father , Most wretched I , who thus am rob'd of all My pregnant hopes , my springing joyes blasted With winter frowns . Jove send a flaming dart Into my breast , to melt my frozen heart Into a flood of tears , that I may drown My self in them ▪ since that the waves have prov'd Unkindly courteous to preserve my life , But to prolong my miserie , and he Is drownd who was my lifes preserver . Ah ye enraged deities ! could ye Be so unkind to draw my life's thred out Thus long , to survive him who was my life ? Why did ye not , or save his life with mine , Or destroy mine with his , that so I might Enjoy his companie in life or death ? Lam.

Ay , in the gods time , Neece , but not before .

Seph . And oh ▪ my dearest Plusidippus ! could The waves be so hard-hearted , as to crop Thy blooming youth , to send thee to thy grave Before thou wert a man ? Had they but left Me thee , it would have eas'd thy fathers loss , If I had had his transcript to have view'd In thee , who wert his perfect Image . Now In stead of heir to the Cyprus crown , The cypress grove shall be Joynter , where I 'll sadly spend the remnant of my life , To weep my losses , and my own sad fate , Which thus I will revenge ; my Maximus Shall live still fresh within my memorie , There fixt too sure for all the briny waves To wash away . Nor shall I e're forget My son , my Plusidippus . I could feed , My self unto eternitie with these Sweet names , which do as far out-vie The Nectar and Ambrosia of the gods , As pearls do pebbles . I can hold no more ▪ My heart's so full , 't will break , or over-run The sluces of mine eyes . — ●'ll weep the rest . Lam. Why dost thou thus torment thy self in vain ? Thy tears wil not recover them again . Fates dart is shot , and cannot be recall'd , Nor is there any salve for fortunes wounds , But patience ; therefore seeing me Partaker of thy sorrows , now lean all Thy cares on me , it is some relief , In sorrow to have fellows of our grief . Seph . My husband and my son are gone , and I Survive alone un●o their miserie . Lam. Chance is like Janus , double-fac'd ; sometimes With smiles she comforts us , sometimes With frowns she casts us down again : A calm Succeeds a storm , and a sharp winter doth Precede a pleasant spring . Seph . Oft turnings tire The weary traveller ; and love doth lose His followers , in a wild Labyrinth Of woes . How am I faln from all my hopes ! ( An exile in my native Country : ) and The crown hope seem'd to place upon my head : Banished from the pleasures of the Court , Parted for love from him I could not chuse But love , from Maximus , who hath for me Suffer'd as many mischiefs as malice Could invent , and now all sum'd up in death . Lam. What of all this ? after the storm that rent Our ship , we found a calm that brought us safe To th' shore , whilst Neptunes mercie was beyond The envious blasts of Aeolus ; and thus The gods do recompense us with their favour , For the dis-courtesies of your father . Seph . Sweet Lamedon , once partner of my joyes , Though now partaker of my wants ; I see You are as constant in my sad distress , As you were faithful in my richer fortunes : Though friends seldom prove friends in poverty Misfortune hath not chang'd your mind , but you Temper my exile with your banishment : Your aged years shall be my sole directors , Your will the ruler of my actions . If you perswade me to content , Portia Shall not exceed Sephestia's patience : If you will have me strike my sails , I will , And steer my course by th' compass of your care . Lam. Since hope is all the portion we have left , Let 's thank the gods that sav'd our lives , and rest Our cares on them , they can return us more Than we have lost , or fit our minds to bear Our present state . Contentment gives a crown , Where fortune hath denied it : patience Makes all things easie to an humble mind . Cares are companions of the Crown , the Court Is full of busie thoughts , and envious strife , Whilst peaceful sleeps attend a Countrey life . Seph . Then Lamedon will I disguise my self , And with my cloaths will change my former thoughts , Measure my actions by my present state , Not by my former fortunes . Sephestia No more : Alas ! I know not where , or how VVe shall bestow our selves : Surely this is Some un-frequented place , no harmless sheep Do feed , nor shepherds tend their thriving flocks . Enter to th●●● Menaphon

Scaen. 6. Sephestia , Lamedon , Menaphon . Men. Heavens ! what a sight is here ! Such stars appear But rarely in our Country Hemisphere , I am so Planet-struck with one short glance , I neither can retire nor yet advance . VVhat resolution is of proof against Such charms as these ! Some goddess hath assum'd An humane shape to tempt us weaker mortals . Cupid , I cry thee mercie now , although I were an Atheist unto thee before , Thou art the Deitie I will adore . ▪ Sure they are in distress , those pearly tears Furrow her cheeks with cruel strife Which shall run fastest , are no sooner dried , New sighs , like the warm southern wind proclame A fresh approaching showre . I fear they are Some passengers late shipwrack't , for I saw , ( When walking by the shore ) some floting parts Of a torn ship , contending with the waves . Lam. Courteous shepherd , if distressed persons Fortune hath rob'd , and the sea favoured ( If it be a favour to live and want ) May crave your aid so far , as to direct Us to some place may rest our wearied bones , Our charges shall be paid , and you shall have For recompence , such blessings as the gods Use to bestow on hospitable men . Men. Strangers , your qualitie I know not , nor Shall now dispute ; but if a country cell May not too disparage you , here is Hard by my cottage , and your home . Seph . Kind Sir , your courtesie is much beyond Our merit , and our present hopes below A suitable return ; please you accept Our thanks , as earnest of that larger debt Future abilitie may see discharg'd . Men. Lady , I have no curious hangings to Adorn my walls , nor plate to shew my wealth : Yet do I live content ; and you shall find Such welcome as a cottage can afford . Lam. Sir , blame not our wills , but present want , which now Makes us thus plentiful only in thanks . Exeunt .

Scaen. 7. Enter Doron , Carmela . Dor. Carmela , by my great bel-weather , Carmela , I 'm over the tops of my high-shooes in love , And there shall I stick and starve , if thou dost Not pull me out . — Where hast thou been This live-long hour ? Car.

What , does the mouth of your affections water ?

Dor. Water ? No , it fires . I 'm so all a-fire , that I dare Not go amongst my flocks for fear , lest I should burn up all their pasture , if thou Dost not showre down some dew of Comfort to cool me . Car. I shall soon cool your courage ▪ Doron ; for I cannot , may not , will not love thee . Dor. Out you gossip , not love me ? go , get You spin on Ixions wheel . Car.

No , Lovers spin on that , and so must you .

Exeunt .

Scaen. 8. Enter Menaphon . Men. How fond was I , when I as vainly strove To keep my heart against the god of Love ! I little thought his power ; when I resolv'd To live , and not to love : Nature I see Cannot subsist without loves harmonie . In vain I shut the door , and bolted it With resolution ; strait the thief , Thorough the casements of mine eyes got in , And stole away my heart ; as once of old He serv'd the merry Greek Anacreon ; Whose fancie fits my fortune : Here it is ▪ Loves Duel . Cupid all his Arts did prove , To invite my heart to love ; But I alwayes did delay , His mild summons to obey ; Being deaf to all his charms . Strait the god assumes his Ar●● . With his how and quiver , he Takes the field to Duel me . Armed like Achilles , I , With my shield alone defie His bold challenge , as he cast His golden darts , I as fast Catch'd his Arrows in my shield , Till I made him leave the field . Fretting , and disarmed then , The angry god returns agen , All in flames ; ▪ stead of a dart , Throws himself into my heart . Useless , I my shield require , When the Fort is all on fire . I in v●●● the field did win , Now the Enemy's within . Thus betray'd , at last I cry , Love thou hast the victory . Alas ! what heart 's so fortify'd , to prove The sev'ral batteries of the god of love ! What ear 's not charm'd with th' rethorick of a voice , Whose single note would silence all the Quire Of the Aërial feather'd Choristers ! What eye would not be blinded to behold Those eyes which cast a cloud upon the Sun , And bring his light under disparagement . Enter Sephestia . Witness that face , whose Shrine hath made me blind . How fares my fairest guest ? Seph . The better for Your courteous entertainment , may the gods Be favourable to your flocks , as you Have friendly been to us . Men. May I presume To crave your name , and to enquire how Hard-hearted fortune could be so unjust , To injure innocence ? Signe she is blind . Seph . My name is Samela , my parentage But mean , the wife of a poor Gentleman Of Cyprus , now deceas'd : How arriv'd here ▪ Pray do not now enquire ; time may reveal , What present sorrows force me to conceal . Men. I will not press your yet fresh bleeding wounds , With a rude hand ; 't is time and patience Must work the cure ; the gods allow a salve For ev'ry sore , but we must wait on them : Their time is best ; for when we strive to heal Our wounds too fast , they do but fester more . Rest here content ; a Country life is safe , Fortune o're-looks our humble cottages We are not pain'd with wealth , nor pin'd with want , Our sheep do yield us milk for food , and wooll To make us cloaths ; hunger & cold we slight : Envie hath here no place , we 'l friendship keep , Free from all jars , and harmless as our sheep . Sam. O happy life ! would I had never known Other than this , which by comparison , Renders mine odious to my memorie . Exit weeping . Men. Sorrow sits heavy on her heart , but shews More lovely in her face ; those tears appear Like chrystal dew upon the blushing rose . Beauty thus veil'd , is more inviting , than Shining out in it's unclouded splendor . Fortune , I hate thee , for thy spight to her , But thank thee for thy courtesie to me , In sending her for shelter to my house . Kind love assist me now , and I will be Her constant servant , and thy votarie . Exit .

Finis Act. 2.

Act. 3.

Scaen. 1. Romanio and Eurilochus , with Plusidippus . Rom. THis present to the King of Thessaly Will gain us both reward and pardon too For all our former Pyracies upon His seas and ships . Eur. Ay , he hath ne're a son , For to inherit the Thessalian Crown : Hereby this lad may gain a Kingdom , whilst We seek but our liberties and lives , For time to come , and pardon for what 's past . This is the place the King doth oft frequent , When publick cares oppress his Royal head , Here he unloads the burthen of his thoughts , And changes cares for recreation . — See where he comes ! God save your Majestie . Rom.

Long live Agenor , King of Thessaly .

Enter King . Kin. What meanes this bold intrusion ? who are ye ? That dare presume into our private walks ? Eur. Pardon , great Sir , we come not to offend Your sacred Majestie , but to present Shews Plusidippus to the King . You with this living gift . Kin. This is a gift Indeed ; where had ye him , or what 's his birth ? Rom. Please you , dread Sir , grant us your pardon then , We shall declare unto you what we know . Kin.

Take it , we freely pardon ye . Now speak .

Eur. Then be it known unto your Majestie , VVe the two famous Pyrats are , you have So long laid wait to take , but all in vain . Roving upon the coasts of Arcady , VVe found this beauteous youth upon the shore , VVhom ( we suppose ) the seas had wrack't , but sav'd His life , which we have nourish'd ever since , And now bequeath unto your Majestie : For which we beg no recompence , but this , To seal our pardons for our former faults . Kin. Look that for time to come ye honest be , And for what 's past we freely pardon ye . Rom. Thanks , Royal Sir , the remnant of our lives VVill we spend in your service , and so give Again , our lives which you have given us , VVhen they were forfeit to your laws and you . Exeunt . Kin. This is a welcome gift . VVhat a divine Beautie doth sparkle in his countenance ! Surely he cannot be of mortal race Descended , but Jove himself hath sent him , To be the happy heir of my Kingdom . Immortal Jove ! I thank thee for this gift . Thou couldest not have sent a welcomer . My pretty lad , where wer 't thou born ? canst tell ? Plu.

I know not , Sir , — my name is Plusidippus .

Kin. Come , follow me , now have I found at once An husband for my daughter , & an heir For the Thessalian Crown . Thrones are supplied forth , By Jove , who , when the root is withered , Can make more heav'nly branches to sprout Which may in time grow mighty trees to shade , And shelter all their liege-subjects under . Exeunt .

Scaen. 2. Menaphon solus . Strike home , great Cupid , with thy flaming dart , As yet thou dost but dally with my heart : 'T is rather scratch'd than wounded ; I do hate A luke-warm love : give me a love flames high , As it would reach the element of fire , From whence it came ; a low and creeping flame Befits ● chimney , not a lovers breast . Give me a love dare undertake a task VVould fright an Hercules into an ague . A love dare tempt the boldest fate , and die An honour'd captive , or bold conquerour . Give me a daring , not a whining love , A love grows great with opposition : A love that scorns an easie task , things great And noble always are most difficult ▪ This is the love ( blind Cupid ) I would have , A love that brings home trophies , or a grave . I 'll tempt his god-ship with a song , and see If verse , not sighs , will gain the victorie . 1. No more , no more , Fond Love give ●'re , Dally no more with me ; Strike home and bold , Be hot , or cold , Or leave thy deitie . 2. In love , luke-warm , Will do more harm , Than can feavers heat : Cold cannot kill So soon as will A fainting , dying sweat . 3. I cannot tell , When sick , or well , Physick , or poyson give ; Still in anguish , I do languish , Or let me die , or live . 4. If I must be , Thy Votarie , Be thou my friend or foe : If thou wilt have Me be thy slave , Hold fast , or let me goe . Sure Cupid hath resign'd his place , and giv'n His god-head unto Carmela , whose eyes Wound more than ever did his darts . But what is that , if she have power to hurt , And wanteth mercie for to heal those hurts . I fear whilst I make her my deitie , I do but thereby make her proud , And with my own hands place her out of reach . Yet she is in distress , and that should make Enter Doron . Listens and laughs . Her humble : I relieve her , therefore she Hath the more reason thus to relieve me ; And certain , she will rather love than want . Dor. Ha ha , ha , &c. are you catch'd , Menaphon ? I'faith , I think y' are fetter'd now , you 'r hang'd I th' brambles of love , as well as I. You laugh'd At me before , but now I 'll laugh at you . Men. Ah Doron ! now I crave thy pitie , for I never thought an earthly beautie could So soon have fetter'd me ; what did I say ? An earthly ? No , Doron , she is heavenly , Brighter than Phoebus in his glittring pride : Venus her self was not so fair a Bride . Do. How now Menaphon ! I 'm afraid thou wilt Be a beggar shortly , thou art a Poet already . One of the thred-bare crew , that ragged regiment . Enter Samela . Men. See Doron , see , see where she comes , who with Her brighter lustre can create a day At mid-night , when the Sun is gone to sleep ; Eclipse his noon-tide glory with her light : Her absence would benight the world ▪ & cloath't In blackest darkness , for to mourn it's loss . Sam.

Good-morrow Host , how thrive your well-fed flocks ?

Men. My flocks do thrive ( Lady ) and can't do less , Blest with the auspicious sun-shine of your eyes ; And I were too ingrateful , if I should Deny to give you back again , what I Enjoy but by your beauteous influence . Sam. Y' are merry , Menaphon , if not prophane , To rob the gods of what is due to them , To give it to the object of their scorn . Could I dispense good fortunes , I should not Forget my self , & chuse the meanest lot . Exeunt . Menaphon Dor. This 't is to be in love , how spruce is Become of late , as he were always going To a feast ? and talks as if he were some Citie Orator . Why can I not do so ? I 'm Sure I am in love as well as he . But I 'll go hire some journey-man Poet , or other , And he shall make me some verses For my Carmela : And that will do as Well , as if I made them my self ; I 'll Set my brand upon them , and then no Body will question them to be mine , no More than they do my sheep that are mark'd . Enter Melecertus .

Scaen. 3. Ay , ay , it shall be so . Oh Melecertus , Yonder is the finest shepherdess that ever The moon held the candle of her light to ; the Shepherd Menaphon has got her to him , as If because he is the Kings shepherd , he Must have the Queen of Shepherdesses . Mel.

Hast seen her , Doron ? and dost know her name ?

Dor. Seen her ? ay , and sigh to see her too ; her name , I Think , is Stamela — no , no , — Samela , Samela , Ay , ay , that 's her name , I have it now , I would I had her too . Mel.

What kind of woman is she , canst thou tell ?

Dor.

Ay , or else I were naught to keep sheep .

Mel.

Can thy tongue paint her forth to mine ●ar ?

Dor. Ay , ay , legible , I warrant you . Her eyes are like two diamonds , I think , for I never saw any before ; and her locks are All gold , like the golden fleece our shepherds Tell of . Mel. It were good vent'ring for that golden fleece , Doron , as Jason long since did for his . Dor. Her hands are all ivory , like the bone-haft Of my best knife , her alablaster , and her Eyes black as my blackest lamb , her cheeks Like roses red and white that grow together . What think you of her now ? have I not made A fair picture on her ? Mel. Ay Doron , were this picture painted to The life , as thou hast here described it , It could not chuse but make an absolute , Rare , and compleat piece of deformitie . Dor. Nay , nay , if you don 't like it , I don't Care , but I had it out of an old book of My brother Mor●●'s , they call 'm Rogue-mances , I think : my brother Ha's a whole tumbrel full on 'm , he 's Such a Bookish block-head — Mel. Nay , be not angry , Doron , I believe Thou mean'st a beautie beyond expression ▪ And such an one I had , till envious fate Rob'd me of her , and all my joyes at once , Heavens envying at my happiness , Sent death to fetch her from me , and she 's dead , Dead , Doron , dead , — she's dead to me , and to The world , and all but to my memorie . weeps . Dor. Fie , Melecertus , what dost mean to Weep ? what , wilt thou make dirt of Her ashes with thy teares ? Mel. Well , Doron , we forget our flocks , and we Shall miss the shepherds merry meeting . Dor. That 's true , and there will be the shepherdesses Too , and Menaphon will bring his fine Mistris thither ; there shalt thou see her , But first mask thine eyes , lest thou lose Them , and become love-blind , as I am . Good Melecertus take the pains to lead me . Exeunt .

Sc●n . 4. Enter King Damocles melancholy , 2 Lords . Kin. How wretched am I grown , I hate my self , And care not now for my own company : I loath thee light , and fain would hide my self From mine own eyes ; I 'm wearie of my life . — Where shall I hide my self , that there I may ▪ Deceive th' approaches of discov'ring day ? I 'll seek some gloomy cave , where I may lie , Entomb'd alive in shades of secrecie . Exit . 1 Lo. His thoughts are much perplex't , & black despair , May push him on unto some desp'rate act , If not prevented by our vigilance . 2 Lo ▪ This is th' effect of rash resolves , when hast And passion hurry men to do those things Reason would wish undone , at least delay'd . Our wills spur'd on by rage , ne're stop , till we ( Blinded with anger ) headlong throw our selves From dangers praecipice , into a gulf Of black despairing thoughts ; and then too late Repentance lends us so much light as may Shew us our madness , and our miserie . 1 Lo. Ill actions never go unpunished ; They are their own tormentors , and do prove At last , furies to lash the guilty soul . 2 Lo. When reason is depos'd , & passion reigns , Nothing but lawless actions do appear : When passion hath usurp't the helm , And steers a wild uncertain course , not by The card and compass of advice , the ship Will never make good voyage , but be tost Upon the waves , and all her lading lost . He by his wilful rage hath cast away Himself , and floats upon the waves of ruine : Let 's try if we can waft him safe to shore , Lend him our helping hands , lest he do sink Into that deep and black gulf of despair . 1 Lo. Let 's after him , and try what we can do , In saving him , we save our Kingdom too . Exeunt .

Scaen. 5. Enter Menaphon , with Samela , and Pesana after them , Melecertus leading Doron . Pes .

Hey day , what 's here , my brother Doron ?

Mel.

Doron conceits himself that he is blind .

Dor. Ay , Doron's as blind as any door : what Creep I here upon ? Carmila , oh Carmila , The very sight of thee hath recovered mine Eyes again . He stumbles on Samela in Carmila's cloaths . Men. Nay , now I see , Doron , th' art blind indeed , That dost not know Carmila from her cloaths . No , no , 't is Samela , not Carmila . Dor. Which is my Carmila ? good Melecertus . Shew me where she is . Mel.

It seems , Doron , Carmila is not here .

Dor. Why , what do I do here then ? I thought It was something I miss'd , onely I Mistook ; for I had thought it had Been my eyes were lost , but now I See it is my Carmila is missing , whom I had rather see than my own eyes . Pes .

This is my corrival in Menaphon's love .

Mel. She is a beautie indeed ; and since my Sephestia is drown'd , without compare . I cannot blame Menaphon , but envie Him rather , for his so happy choise . O happy ! yet to me unhappy beautie ! That doth ( as in a glass ) present unto My frighted senses the remembrance of My loss , which , unless by this fair piece , Cannot be recompenced by the world . — Mistris , y' are welcome to our company . Dor. By my troth , Mistris , you are very welcome , As I may say , unto our meeting . Sam. Thanks shepherds : I am a bold intruder Into your company ; but that I am Brought by your friend , and my host Menaphon . Mel. Mistris , your presence is Apologie Sufficient ; yet do we owe him thanks , That by his means we have the happiness T' enjoy your sweet societie in this Our rural meeting , when shepherds use To cheer themselves with mirth & pleasant tales . Sam. I hope my company shall not forbid The Banes between your meeting & your mirth . Mel. Then by your leave , fair shepherdess , I will Begin with you . If the gods should decree To change your form , what shape would you desire ? Sam. I would be careful how to sail between The two rocks , of immodest boldness , or Of peevish coyness ; therefore to answer Unto your question , I would be a sheep . Men.

A sheep ? Mistris , why would you be a sheep ?

Sam. Because that then my life should harmless be , My food the pleasant Plains of Arcadie , My drink the curious streams , my walks Spacious , and my thoughts as free as innocent . Dor.

I would I were your Keeper .

Mel. But many times the fairest sheep are drawn Soonest unto the shambles to be kill'd . Sam. And sure a sheep would not repine at that , To feed them then , who fed her long before . Pes . Then there 's more love in beasts , than constancie In men , for they will die for love , but when ? When they can live no longer , not before . Men. If they 'r so wise , it is their mother-wit , For men have their inconstancies but from You women , as the sea it's ebbs and tides Hath from the moon . — Your embleme to an hair . Dor. Menaphon , if you hate my sister , I 'll — Love yours for 't in spight of your teeth ▪ Pes . Your mother surely was a weather ▪ cock , That brought forth such a changeling ; for your love Is like the lightning , vanished as soon As it appears ; a minute is an age In your affections . You once loved me ▪ — Dor.

Ay , I would you lov'd him no better .

Men. If that I be so changing in my love , It is because mine eye 's so weak a Judge , It cannot please my heart upon trial . Pes . If that your eye 's so weak , then let your eares Be open to your loves appeals and plaints , Sam. Come , for to end this strife , pray let us hear Th' opinion of good Doren , who 's so mute , As if h' had lost his tongue too , with his eyes . Dor. By my ●ay , fair Mistris , I was thinking All this while with my self , whether in being A sheep , you would be a ram , or an ewe ? Sam. An ewe , no doubt ; if I should change my , shape I would not change my Sex ; and horns are held The heaviest burthen that the head can bear . Dor. I think then I were best be an ewe too , So I might be sure to have no horns : But I would not greatly care to wear horns , Were I a ram , were it but where you were and gives An ewe . — Men. VVell , shepherds , come , the day declines , Us timely warning for to fold our flocks . Exeunt .

Scaen. 6. Manet Melecertus . VVere my Sephestia living , I should think This sheperdess were she : Such was her shape , Such was her countenance ; her very voice Doth speak her my Sephestia . But alas ! How fondly do I dream ! I do embrace A cloud in stead of Juno . Yet I love , And like her , 'cause she is so like my Love . VVe love the pictures of our absent friends : And she 's the living picture of my dear , My dear Sephestia . Me thinks I feel A kind of sympathy within my brest ▪ To like and love her of all women best . Forgive me , my Sephestia , if thou livest , If I do love another for thy sake : Thy likeness is the loadstone which doth draw My heart to her , that nothing else could move . Exit .

Scaen. 7. Enter Pesana . Thou most impartial deitie of Love ! Can there be two Suns in Loves Hemisphere ? Or more loves in one heart than one that 's true ▪ Or can the stream of true love run in more Channels than one ? Shall I be thus paid For my love to false Menaphon ? Hereafter , Venus , never will I adore thee , nor Will I offer up so many Evening Prayers unto Cupid , as I have done . — Was ever poor maid so rewarded with An inconstant lover , as I daily am With this same fickle-headed Menaphon ! Enter Doron . How now Pesana ! what 's the newes with thee ? Pes . News ! marry 't is the news I complain of ; Were Menaphon the old Menaphon , that He was wont to be , I should not complain ▪ Dor. Come — plain Pesana must not grutch to give Way unto fine Samela ▪ that hath turn'd his ▪ Heart , and if he do not turn again Quickly , he 'l be burnt on that side ; well , Be content a while , by that time he hath loved Her , as long as he did thee , he 'l be as Weary of her , as he is now of thee . Pes . But in the mean time ▪ Doron , I must be A stale to her usurps my right in him . Dor. Ay , that 's the reason he doth not care For thee , because thou art stale . Thus do poor lovers run through The briars and the brambles of difficulties , And sometimes fall into the ditch of undoing . Pes . Good Doren , be my friend to Menaphon . And mind him of his former love to me , Or I shall learn at last to slight him too . Dor. Ay , ay , he has a sister , just such another As himself , I 'm zure she has e'en broken My poor heart in twain ; and if it be Piec'd again , it will never be handsom . Exeunt .

Scaen. 8. Enter Lamedon . How happy are these shepherds ! here they live Content , and know no other cares , but how To tend their flocks , and please their Mistris best . They know no strife , but that of love , they spend Their days in mirth ; and when they end , sweet sleeps Repay , and ease the labours of the day ▪ They need no Lawyers to decide their jars , Good herbs , and wholsom diet , is to them The onely Aesculapius ; their skill Is how to save , not how with art to kill . Pride and ambition are such strangers here , They are not known so much as by their names ▪ Their sheep and they contend in innocence , Which shall excell , the Master or his flocks . With honest mirth , and merry tales , they pass Their time , and sweeten all their cares : Whilst Courts are fill'd with waking thoughtful strife , Peace and content do crown the shepherds life .

Finis Act. 3.

Act. 4.

Scaene 1. Enter King of Thessaly , and his daughter Euriphila . Kin. DAughter , it is enough , we will it , see You shew your dutie in obeying us ; Since I have made choise of him for my Son , Accept him for your husband : He 's a man Ancient in virtues , although young in yeares : He 's one whose worth is far beyond his age . Eur. Father , it grieves me that the cross Fates have Forc'd me to hate the man you so much love ▪ Cupid hath struck me with his leaden dart , I cannot force my own affections . Kin. How 's this ? you hate him whom I love ! can he Be th' object of your hate , who is alone The subject of my love and reverence ? He whom the gods in mercie have design'd The happy Successor unto my crown , And to your love ? Bethink your self again . Eur. Great Sir , the gods themselves are subject to That little deitie of love ▪ can I Withstand his power , or love against his will ? Force cannot work on love , which must be free , And uncompell'd , else can it not be true , Nor lasting . Sir , urge me no more in vain . Kin. What a strange change is here ! Your will was wont Freely to stoop to all my just desires ; Is it now grown so stiff ▪ 't will not be bent By my commands ? I know thou dost but feign . Eur.

I would obey your will , could I command Mine own affections , or chuse my love .

Kin , Do it , or else by Jove , whom I present ▪ ▪ ll punish thy neglect . — I cannot think Thy words and thoughts agree . Surely to love , Is natural , why then not to love him , Whom nature made to be belov'd ? He hath Artillery enough about him to take in The stoutest heart at the first summons . — Well , Think on 't Euriphila , when I am gone , I 'll leave thee here , Lovers are best alone . Exit .

Scaen. 2. Eur. How rarely have I play'd this part , & hid My love under a mask of hate ! — but now , Me thinks , I feel the fi●e of love to rage More fiercely in my breast ; for being kept So close , it will break out too soon : I must Invert the course of love , and woo him first . Enter Plusidippus . He comes , and fitly : Cupid , instruct me now , To war and conquer in this bloodless fight , That wins the field by flight , and not by force . Yet must I veil my love still , and seem coy , Till by a false retreat I make him fall Into those snares I set , and wish him in . — What means this bold intrusion ? do'st befit ▪ You to intrude into my privacies ? Plu. Lady , the fault 's not mine , fortune hath led Me to this place : mine ignorance ( I hope ) Will plead mine innocence . As I have found Your Royal Fathers noble favours far Exceed my hopes , or my requital , let Not your frownes strike dead whom he hath rais'd To life ; crueltie cannot lodge within That tender breast was onely made for Love . Eur. Dare you presume to talk of love to me ? Am I a mate ▪ fit for your choice ? Be gone , And seek some shrub may fit your lowness best . Plu. Madam , this storm becomes you not . It is Degenerate from your noble Fathers strain . I cannot think this should proceed from one , That is the Heir to his name and worth . Eur. My fathers ears shall ring with this , that he Hath warm'd a viper , which would bite him now , And entertain'd a guest would rob his host . Plu. Lady , my spirit tels me that my birth Is not so base as you conceit . I mean To try my spirit , and my fortunes in Mars his Camp , but not in Venus Courts . Since nature's so unkind , as not to let Me know ▪ what honour I was born unto , I 'll win some to my name , by actions , which Shal speak me noble ; I had thought t' have made You the fair goddess at whose shrine I meant T' have offer'd up , and sacrific'd my self , And all my services ; but cause you prove So rough , I will not harbour here ▪ but seek The world through , for an altar worthy of My labours . So , fair proud , farewel . Exit . Eur. Art gone ! I did not well to tempt a part I knew not how to act , to hide a flame I could not well conceal : for hereby have I drove him quite away . — Euriphila , Thou wer 't too blame . — Well , I will after him , And try if I can fetter him with gifts , Whom love cannot entangle : Mars is his god , Not Venus ; once more will I try , and shew Him plainly how I love him : Juno help , And thou , O little deitie of Love ▪ Besiege the castle of his stubborn breast , Bend all thy batteries unto his heart , Make it the mark of all thy golden darts . Let him no more resist , but know thy power , That Mars with all his armour , nor his forts , Castles , or coats of mail , can fence him from Thy little piercing shafts , which wound unseen . And I will try what work a womans arts Can make against these stubborn warriors hearts . Exit ▪

Scaen. 3. Enter Samela . I have but one heart to bestow , and that Must not be Menaphon's ; mine eyes do fix On Melecertus , the best counterfeit Of my lost Maximus : I cannot yet Think on that name , but it doth seem to chide My hasty choise , and drown my love in tears . She weeps ▪ Enter Menaphon . Men. What mean these sudden passions , Samela ? Hast thou not here all thou canst wish ? what dost Thou want can make one happy , but content ? Sam. 'T is true , I nothing want , that a poor wretch Can wish for ; but this happiness doth mind Me of my fore-past happiness that 's lost . Is 't possible the vein of true love can Be broken , and the wound not bleed afresh At every thought ! Alas ! my heart 's so full Of tears and grief , that some will over-flow . Men. Had thy tears power to raise the dead again , Then were they lawful and commendable : But since that tears are fruitless , and your friends ( Like water spilt ) now past recoverie , It is but folly to weep for the dead . Pursue no more fled joyes , turn and receive Those comming pleasures which do court your hand To take them . If thou wilt listen to my love — Sam.

I like my grief much better than thy love .

Men. Why so nice and coy fair Lady Prethee why so coy ? If you deny your hand and lip Can I your heart enjoy ? Prethee why so coy ? For thy flitting joyes are past , I will give thee joyes at last . Joyes that shall create each other , Make thee both a wife and mother . Sam. Y 're merry , Menaphon , but I can't joyn In consort with you . Seek some other mate ; I have no heart to give , nor hand to take Your gift . Another reaps what you have sown , And like t' enjoy what you have hop'd in vain . Men. Another reap what I have sown ! Is this Your gratitude you so much boasted of ? Have I supplied your wants with plenty , and With scorn do you repay my charitie ? Did I relieve you in distress for this ? — By Pan , the god of shepherds , or return Love for my love , or be turn'd out of doors . Sa. My heart ne're knew what baseness meant , Of thankful thoughts for your civilities ; ( it 's full If those will satisfie , I 'll employ all Th' exchequer of my breast ; bu● as for love , Alas ! that is not in my power to give ▪ Men. I saw your loose eyes at the shepherds feast , Rov'd every where , but Melecertus was The mark they aym'd at most . Well , get you gone , Expect no more from me , but slight and scorn . Exit . Sam. My grief was ominous , and did presage This sad mishaps was I not cross'd enough Before ? when will my suff'rings have an end ! Well , I 'll go seek my uncle Lamedon , The comfort and companion of my woes . Exit .

Scaen. 4. Enter Euriphila . Love bids me go , but reason bids me stay ; Reason ! thou hast no share in love ; I 'll on ▪ Love is a passion ▪ passions know no lawes , The gods themselves cannot be wise and love . Enter Plusidippus passing by . Friend Plusidippus , hark , who would have thought You so faint-hearted , that a maidens frowns , Could turn the edge of your affections ? Plu. No , madam , but your scorn hath whet the edge Of my resolves , to seek some other clime May prove more temperate : Arcadia is The place I aym at , where , I 'm told , there dwels A Lady of that beautie , that the world Can't shew her second ; thither am I bound . Eur. You do but jest , I hope , I 'm sure I did ▪ No other ; for I love thee with my heart , Offers him gifts . And may these signs confirm it that I do . Plu. I must not dwell at these signs , well I may Bait for a while , but cannot make a stay . Arcadia is the place I visit must , That is the center whereunto I tend , And where my labours hope to find an end . Eur. What , must a Lady wooe you to accept Her favours ? Come , what need hast thou to seek Offers him her gifts again . Dangers , and love abroad , who hast at home The onely daughter of a King , who courts Thee for thy love ? what mean those silent looks ? Hear me , my Plusidippus : what , still mute ? Plu. Th' attractive of that beautie I have seen But in a picture . will not let me rest , Until I see that creature so divine , Arcadia is blest withal , to be The happy casket of so rich a jewel . Eur. By all the love thou ow'st my fathers care , I do adjure thee to stay here with me , And in mine arms I 'll lodge thee until time ▪ Shall make thee King of Thessaly ; mean-while Let me be happy in th' enjoyment of Thy companie , and seek not toils and care , When thou mayst live more happy here , than Canst wish , or find in any other place . Plu. My Genius prompts me , that I must not rest thou Here , for the gods do seem to call me hence ▪ And their decrees I may not break , nor will . Exit . Eur. This scorn tormenth me , yet can I not Repay his hate with hate ; but I do love Him more . Love , this is tyrannie in thee . Enter Agenor King . Here comes my Father , may his newes be good . Kin. Now forward girle , did I for this provide An husband for you ? do you thus reward My love to you , to slight him whom I love ? Your scornes will force him from our Court to flie . And now I hear , he 'l to Arcadia . Eur. Believe it , Sir , 't is far from me to wish , Or be the cause of his departure hence . Kin. Yes , yes , your peevishness I hear's the cause , Nay , I my self have heard , with shame to think You so much scorn'd a man , I so much lov'd . Did I grace him , that you should disgrace him ? Eur. Great Sir , the greatest loss is mine ; & none Can tell with what an heavy heart ● shall Be forc'd to part with him . And therefore , if You please to use your power to stay him here , You may so be my father the second Time ▪ by preserving the life you gave me , Which , without his presence , is nothing worth . As you tender the life of a daughter , Or the welfare of a maid , endeavour His stay , or I shall follow him to death . — Kin. I 'll find him out and try what power I have Upon him : I suppose my kindnesses To him , may well deserve his acceptance , They have not been such as should wearie him , Nor is a Crown a thing to be slighted , Nor easily obteined ; yet his stay ▪ May purchase mine , and 't is an easie rate . Exeunt .

Scaen. 5. Enter Lamedon , Samela . Lam. What , Neece , still weeping ! cannot curing time Invent a plaister for thy wounds , but that They still thus bleed afresh ? what is the cause ? Sam. Dearest Uncle ! who hitherto have been The onely Partner and Physician Of all my griefs ; unless your skill can fit A cure unto my present cares , I must Yeild to their strength , for with continued Batteries they so assault me now , that I must be forc'd to sink under their weight . Lam. Why , what new cross hath hapned unto thee ? That thus renews thy grief ? Come , tell it me ; And doubt not of my readiness to trie All means for thy relief ; but first 't is fit I know the cause , the first step to the cure . Unbosome then thy grief , and give it vent ; Is Menaphon as kind as he was wont ? Sam. That name it is that is my sorrows spring From whence these tears do flow , 't is he alone — Unkind and false , base-minded Menaphon . — Lam. Out with it all , and tell me how he hath Abused thee , and I will try to right Thee , and requite him for his injuries . Sam. When as he saw I would not satisfie His foolish fancie , for which cause alone He hitherto hath entertained us , And not for to relieve our wants ; he sees His hopes are frustrated , and I despise His clownish love , he turn'd me out of 's doors : Where shall we lie ? we are expos'd unto The mercie of the kinder elements ; The heavens must be our canopie , and th' earth Our bed , the poor flocks our companions . Lam. Well , fear not , S●●●la , already I Have found a way to case thy mind ; I have A little money left , and there withal Soon shall I purchase a small flock for thee : Where thou shalt live secure , and free from fear , Enjoy thy little with content ; there is A shepherd lately dead , whose flock I 'll buy , And thou shalt be it's Mistris , Samela . Sam. Uncle , my thanks shall ever ready be For you , as always is your care for me . But let your haste prevent my comming griefs , For griefs have wings , wherewith they flie to us , Comforts are leaden heel'd , and move but slow . Lam. Fear not , I will dispatch it suddenly , The shepherd Doron's brother's lately dead , And he hath the disposal of the flock , As soon as I can find him , we will try If reasonable price will make them ours , Enter Doron . See where he comes preventing me ; Doron , The merry shepherd ! whither away so fast ▪ Dor I 'm running for my life , Sir , my brother 's Lately dead , and I 'm afraid death will catch Me too , if I don't make haste . I 'm sure Carmela has half cut the thred of my Life in twain , with the hook of her crueltie : Besides , Moron's sheep are roving to find Their master , and they I go till they lose Themselves , if I find them not the sooner . Lam.

Moron ! what was he a kin to a fool ?

Dor.

Why he was my own brother , Sir .

Lam.

I thought so . Dor. I must be gone .

Lam. Nay , stay Doron , what wil● thou take , and we Will ease thee of the trouble of thy sheep . Dor. By my troth Sir , and you shall have them , but What will you give me , and you shall have His flock , — ay and me too , if you will , for I think Carmela won't . Gives him gold . Lam.

Will these content thee for thy sheep ?

Dor. Ay marry , this is something lik — you Shall have them Sir , were there as many Of them as there are hairs on their Backs . — They talk of a golden fleece But I think I have made their fleeces Gold now . Come Sir , I 'll deliver you the sheep . Exeunt .

Scaen. 6. Enter Menaphon . Forlorn , forsaken , and the object made Of all the shepherds storms ! what shall I do ▪ Love is no god , Fortune is blind , and can Not help ; sleep flies , and cares possess my head . Mirth makes me melancholy , company Yields me no comfort : when I am alone , A thousand fancies do distract my thoughts : And when I try to drown my cares in wine , They swim aloft , and will be uppermost . I 'll try if I can sing my cares asleep . Ye restless cares , companions of the night , That wrap my joyes in clouds of endless woes , Spare not my heart , but wound it with your ●●ight , Since love and fortune prove my equal fo●s . Enter Pesana . Farewel my hopes , farewel my happy dayes , Welcom sweet grief , the subject of my layes . Pes . Now will I take time by the fore-lock , and Creep into Menaphon's breast , through the cracks His minion S●●●l● has made in it . Aside . Friend Menaphon , what ▪ is your courage cool'd ? Men.

Cold entertainment hath my courage cool'd .

Pes . You know where you might have been let in , long E're this , without assault or batterie . But you 'r serv'd in your kind , for being coy : Now you have met with your mate ( friend ) I hope . Men. She set my heart on fire by her presence , That will not be put out by her absence . Pes . Then I see you mean to follow her with Your suit and service still , for all her scorn . Men. No , she hath wounded me too deep , to make Pursuit after her , therefore let her go . Pes . Now then you know what 't is to be slighted ; So once you slighted me , now I 'll slight you . Exit . Men. Ah cruel love ! whose musick is compos'd Of Lovers jars an discords , mixt with sighs ! If I turn traytor once more unto love , I 'll rob him of his deitie , and pull His little Kingdom down ; I 'll pull his wings , And with the quils made into pens , and dipt In saddest lovers tears , in stead of ink , I 'll Satyres write against his tyrannie . Exit .

Scaen. 7. Enter King Agenor , Plusidippus , and Euriphila . Kin. Why then , my Plusidippus , will you leave Us , and your fortunes ? It is my resolve To make you heir to my crown , my Son And Successor . Plu. Great Sir , I would not be Fondly injurious to my self , or you , Or so prophane unto the gods , to slight Their and your gifts , when proffer'd me so fair : I must obey their dictates , and my vowes , Which call me to Arcadia , till when , I cannot rest . Give me your Royal leave To go , I will engage my hopes , and all My future happinesses , to return In so short a time as you shall limit me . Kin. Then daughter , since it must be so , I can Not tell how to denie his just request : But see you part with him in friendship . And The like Sir , I require of you to her . Exit . Plu. Far b● it from me to denie so fair Requests ▪ Lady , in signe hereof , I take This parting kiss , and may it cancel all Miscarriages ▪ and seal Loves covenants . And thus I take my leave but for a while . Eur. Then take thee this my dearest heart , and bear It with thee ; may it be a charm to keep Thy chaste affections from a Strangers love : May your return shorten my tedious hours , Since I neglect mine own content for yours . Exeunt .

Scaen. 8. Enter 2 Lords . 1 Lo. It seems our Kink hath pretty well out-grown His griefs ; and now he meditates new Loves . 2 Lo. The fire of love hath thaw'd his frozen breast , And turn'd his cold December into May : His Scepter 's chang'd into a sheep-hook , He Is gone on pilgrimage to seek a wife Amongst the shepherdesses ; there is one Whom I have seen , and he is gone to see , May vie with Juno for precedencie : Who in the habit of a Country lass , Carries a Prince-like countenance and grace . In th' Arcadian Plains she keeps a flock Of sheep , whose innocence and whiteness she Surpasseth , whilst the shepherds daily strive VVho shall bid fairest for this fairer prize . 1 Lo. And he 'l out-bid them all , if that will do . But what a motley mixture will it be , To see his grey hairs joyned with her green And springing youth ? The strange effects of love ▪ VVell may she be his nurse , but not his wife : VVhat 's love in young , is dotage in old men . 2 Lo. Love can create an Autumn Spring , in●u●● New spirits in the old , and make them young Besides , Honour 's a bait frail women know Not to resist : who would not be a Queen ? Exeunt .

Scaen. 9. Enter Samela . Once more doth Fortune flatter me , with hopes Of a contented life : now am I free From jealous Menaphon's suspitions , And without fear enjoy my wished love . Enter Melecertus . See where he comes , the picture drawn to th' life Of my dead Maximus , my former joy . Mel. All hail unto the fairest Samela , And to her happy flock : I envie them She is their Mistris , I her servant am . Long since my heart was hers , may she but please To take that kindly , which I freely give . Sam. But , Melecertus , can I hope to find You real unto me , whose worth I know Cannot but be engag'd already to Some more deserving creature than poor I. Mel. Lady , my services were never due To any , but to one , which bond harsh death Hath cancelled to make me yours alone . Sam. You call death harsh for freeing you from them , And would you be in the like bonds again ? Mel. Your heavenly likeness doth compel me to 't You are the same , but in another dress . Let me no longer therefore strive to win That fort , I so much covet to be in . Sam.

Then Melecertus take thy Samela .

Mel. Oh happy word ! oh happy fate ! the gods If they would change with me , should give me odds .

Finis Act. 4.

Act. 5.

Scaen. 1. Enter King Damocles , like a Shepherd . THus ▪ Jove chang'd shapes to satisfie his love , He laid his god-head by ; my Kingdome I Have for a time forsaken , and exchang'd My royal robes for shepherds weeds . How light ( Me thinks ) I feel my self ! having laid by My crown , with its companions heavy cares ! Enter Plusidippus . But who comes here ? His paces to me tend . Plu. Shepherd , well met , but why without a flock ? What , hath the rot consum'd thy sheep ? or are They gone astray ? Kin. No , not my sheep , but I , Aside . So far , I almost know not where , or what I am ▪ — to seek , as yet I know ▪ not whom . Plu. This old man dotes , and knows not what he sayes ; Where is thy bag-pipe , and thy merry layes , That shepherds use to have in readiness ? Surely thou art no shepherd , but some goat Crept lately into a sheeps habit . — Dost Thou know the field of the fair Samela ? Kin. This boy will be my Rival , for that name Aside . Sounds like the creatures that I seek for . — No , Go seek your Stamela , I know no such . Plu. This is intolerable , — I will scourge Enter Samela passing by . Draws . Thee into better manners . — But that divine Appearance makes my spirits calm , and strikes An awful reverence into my breast . This is the beautie of th' Arcadian Plains , Sh' has shot her rayes so home into my heart , But partial fame was niggardly and base , In giving but a glimpse of this rare beautie . Sam.

D' you know me , Sir , or have you lost your way ?

Plu. I cannot likely lose my way , where I Do find such glistring goddesses as you . Indeed the force of such a light , may rob Me of the office of mine eyes , and make Them dark with too much brightness ; can I chuse But gaze upon the Sun , when first I see 't . Sam. I think you lost your wits , or else your eys , That you mistake a glo-worm for the sun , And make a goddess of a shepherdess . Plu. Lady , if I have lost my wits or eyes , It was with seeking you , whose beautie drew Me hither ; for your sake alone have I Shook hands with Thessaly , and all my friends , Onely to joyn my hands and heart with you . Sam. I should be loth to give my hand unto So sudden a conclusion , and my heart Is neither in my power or possession . Plu. Fair Shepherdess , my errand is in love , To yield my heart into your hands ; 't is yours , By gift and conquest ; I 'm at your command . Sam. If that you are at my command , be gone , I cannot , will not listen to your words . Exit . Plu. And have I left my dear Euriphila For this ! I see beautie makes women proud , I would I were at Thessaly again , There should I welcome be unto Euriphila , Whose heart I know's my fellow-traveller , Her salt rears , by this time , would make a sea , Wherein I might swim back again with ease . Exit .

Scaen. 2. Kin. I see this youth 's repul'st , and he is young And stout , and well deserving , how shall I Hope to prevail with her ? if lively youth She do despise , then much more cripling age : Nor do I know what arguments to use , Unless to tell her that I am a King , And lay my Crown and Scepter at her feet , Which she will scarce believe : my shepherds hook Will not be taken for a scepter , nor This poor cap for th' usurper of a crown . — I have a way whereby to work my will , And this young man shall be my instrument : There stands a castle hard by , whither he Perforce shall carry her . I 'll work my will Upon her , when I have her there confin'd . Enter Plusidippus . Plu. I will revenge this scorn , if force or wit Will do , I 'll make her pride come down . Kin. Be wise , Young man , and valiant , and I will tell Thee how thou shalt obtein thy full desire . Plu.

But tell me how , and then let me alone To act , what e're it be .

Kin. A Castle stands Near by , guarded with crows and negligence , Thither thou mayst by force convey her , and Then force her unto what entreaties can't . Plu. Old man , if I do gain her by thy means , Thou shalt not want reward : I know the place Where she doth tend her flock , and I 'l watch her , As she doth them ; and when I see my time , I will convey her where you shall direct . Exit . Kin. I will attend you here . — Now must I plot To get her in my power , and then I shall Advance her to a crown against her will . But yet , I cannot think Honour should need An Advocate ; womens ambitious thoughts Do swim aloft , they love to be above Their neighbours , envying ev'ry one whose height Doth over-look , and seemeth to upbraid Their lowness by comparison ; their minds Are always climbing up to honours hill , And pride , and self-conceit , are the two wings Which elevate their thoughs to flie aloft . Enter Plusidippus , with Samela . Plu. Now , Mistris Coy , y' are not in your own power , But mine . Old shepherd , take thee charge of her . Exit . Kin. Lady , you see what folly 't is for you To denie men what they can take without Your leave . Now must you yield unto the Of Thessaly . — But if you will be wise , And see a good when proffer'd , you may be Knight A Queen ▪ by granting of my suit , who am King of Arcadia , although thus disguis'd . Sam. My father Damocles ! 't is he now sues aside . To me his dauughter : He 's incestuous grown . Kin. This is too woman-like , to turn away From your own happiness . — And it is strange , That honour doth not tempt her ; thou shalt have A Crown and Kingdom at thy sole command , And change these rural weeds for princely robes , If thou wilt be my wife , pleasure for pain , And plenty for thy povertie . What sayst ? Sam. Your potent batteries , and golden baits Might win ( perhaps ) on some ambitious soul : They nothing move me , to remove my love Already plac'd on Melecertus , He , He onely doth , and shall possess my heart . Kin. A shepherd . Shall a shepherds basnesse stand In competition , and out-weigh a King ? A subject be before his Sovereign Prefer'd ? Oh how prepostrous are the minds Of these fond women ! Come , be well advis'd , And change that pettie pebble for a pearl . 'T is in my power to make thee happy , or With one breath to blast the flower of thy hopes . And to repay thy folly with thy shame . Do not go on to kindle such a fire Within my breast , as shall consume both thee , And all that cross the current of my will . Sam. I have already sad experience of The wilde effects of his enraged will , aside . Yet such the crosness of my fortune is , I must again be made the subject of His furious tyrannie ; but I 'm resolv'd . Know Sir , I value more my minds content , Than all the gawdie shows Courts can present : I am too well confirmed in the bliss , And sweet content attends a Country life , To leave it for the giddy-headed Court. Besides , my true affections are so riveted Unto my Melecertus , that nor frowns , Nor flatteries shall part my heart from him . Cease therefore farther to commence a suit Nature forbids me grant , and you to ask . Kin. And have I with my Kingly robes laid by My Kingly mind ? No , it shall ne're be said A womans will hath contradicted mine . But 't is by policie that I must work , Since I have laid my Kingly power aside , I 'll set my brains o'th'tenterhooks , and stretch Them to their uttermost abilities , To win this scornful beautie to my wife , Or else revenge it with her dearest life . Exit .

Scaen. 3. Sam. My life hath hitherto been chequer'd with Varietie of fortunes ; sometimes with A white of happiness , and then a black Of miserie ; thus loves bright day of mirth , Is follow'd with a darker night of woe . How fair of late my fortune seem'd to be , And now , alas ! o're-cast with blackest clouds Of discontents , wherein I labour with Important suits , I cannot , may not grant . No , no , my Melecertus , I am firm To thee , nor shall the rain of tears , Or winds of threats remove me from thy love . Be thou but constant , nay , I know thou art , I will not wrong thee with so foul a thought , As once to doubt thou canst be otherwise . Enter Plusidippus . Plu. You 're from your shepherds now , or their defence , Presume not they can rescue you , 't is past Their skill or power , to force you from mine arms . Sam. Alas , fond boy ! I scorn thy threats , as much As I hate thee , or slight thy boasted strength . Were but my Melecertus here , he would Whip thy rudeness into better manners . Plu. 'T is well you are a woman ( not a man , ) And have no other weapon but your tongue , Which you are priviledg'd to use , and we To laugh at . But in short , if you 'l accept My love and service , then shall you be safe , And happy : Souldiers cannot talk , but with Their swords , and then they strike gain-sayers dumb . Sam. All this is nothing ; for your words , nor swords Shall not remove me from my dearest friend , He hath my heart , and I have nothing left But hate , if you 'l accept of that , 't is all That I can give , or you receive from me . Plu. You must be dealt with as we use to do With sullen birds , I 'll shut you up , and then Perhaps you 'l sing another note , you are Not yet in tune , you are too high for me , But I will take you lower . I will plough Your heart with grief , and then ( perhaps ) it will Better receive the seed of my true love . Sam. Sooner the turtle shall forget her mate , Than I my Melecertus ; and when I Can't see him with mine eys , my mind shall rove , Wing'd with desire , throughout the spacious world , And find no rest , until it meet with him . And though our bodies never meet , our souls Shall joyn , and love each other after death . Thus is true love immortal , and shall never Die , but with our souls shall live for ever . Plu. Shepherd , who e're thou art , I cannot chuse But envie thee thy happiness , who hast So true a love : I cannot but admire This noble soul and love her , though she hate Me for 't ; I 'll treat her civilly , and if I can't obtain her for a wife , she shall My goddess be , and I 'll adore her name , Though at a distance . Lady , will you walk ? Exeunt .

Scaen. 4. Enter King Damocles . It is an ill wind that blows no man good ; Though the Thessalian lad have got the prize In his possession , it shall not be long , But I will have them both in mine , I have Dispatch'd a letter to my Lords , to send Me suddenly some servants to assist Enter Menaphon . My plot . Now Menaphon , what is the newes ? Men. Great Sir , the messenger 's return'd , and brought The men you sent for , they are here at hand . Kin. 'T is well ; direct them to the castle that I told you of , and give them charge to seize Upon the buzzard and his prey , and bring Them both to me : mean-time go you , and find Out Melecertus , that I may be sure Of him , for he 's my rival in my love . Men.

My Liege , all shall be done to your desire .

Exit . Kin. Blest policie , thou far exceed'st dull strength , That wanders in the dark of ignorance , Wanting the eye of wisedome , both to guide , And to defend it from approaching harms . Thus art with ease doth move the pondrous load , Which strength could never master , or remove . The Foxes tail must piece the Lions skin . Little Ulysses with his wit did more Against the foe , than Ajax with his strength . Exit

Scaen. 5. Enter Samela . It is some comfort yet that I can change My prison , though I am a pris'ner still , Would I could change my companie as soon . But ah ! most wretched Samela , who wert Born to misfortunes , and to nothing else : As if that I alone were fortunes mark , At which she onely ayms her angry darts . The morning of mine age was clouded with Mishaps , and now my noon is like to be The fatal night unto my miserie . — My Gaoler is so kind , as if he meant To bribe my love ; but these are gilded pills I cannot swallow . Should my Father get Me into his possession once again , I were as bad , or worse : I know too well His passion , to hope any help from him . I 'll tell him plainly who I am , and trie If time have dull'd the edge of 's crueltie : Perhaps the kinder gods may move his heart To pitie , and convert his rage to love . He is my father still , and though unkind To me , yet can I not forget I am His child , and owe a dutie to his name . He is my King , and so I must obey His will ; if I must suffer , let it be From his , rather than from a strangers hands . Exit .

Scaen. 6. Enter Doron , reading . I think I am provided now , if Poetrie Will do 't , my Carmila is mine ; these Wittie knaves , what fine devices they Have got to fetter maidens hearts ? The Poet Orpheus made the Thracian Dames dance after his pipe , and Ovid Charm'd the Emperours daughter with His Poetrie ; there are some secret Enter Carmila . Charms in these same verses sure . Let me see here what I have got . Ha Carmila , look here , I think You 'l love me now . Reads .

Carmila — A Miracle .

Car.

A miracle , for what , Doron ?

Dor. Why , a miracle of beautie , and I think You 'l be a miracle of folly , if you Don't love me now . Car. What small Poet have you hired To make a miracle of my name . Dor. Nay , I have more yet , and better , That I found in the Nichodemus Of Complements , that 's a sweet book , 'T is a very magazine of Poetrie , a Store-house of wit ; do but hear Them Carmila . Car. Let 's hear them , Doron , are they Worth a laughing at ? Let 's hear . Dor. Well , well , it is no laughing matter ; but I 'm Sure your laughing ha's made me crie . Now Carmila , you must imagine that 't is I , and only I , say this to you , and none but you : For the unhappy wag ha's so fitted my Fancie , as if 't were made for no bodie but me . Excellent Mistris , brighter than the Moon , Than scowred pewter ▪ or the silver spoon : Fairer than Phoebus , or the morning Star , Dainty fine Mistris , by my troth you are . Thine eyes like Diamonds shine most clearly , As I 'm an honest man , I love thee dearly . What think you now , Carmila , is not this Admirable ? if these strong lines will Not draw your love , I know not what will . Car. Had it been your own mother-wit , Doron , I could have like't it well : But for you to father the brat of Another's brain , is too ridiculous . I like your love much better than your Hackney lines : but bought wit's best . Dor. If you like not my lines , because they are None of mine , you will not love my Heart neither , for that 's not mine , but yours . Car. Yes , Doron , if you have given me your Heart , I will not die in your debt , but Give you mine in exchange for yours . Dor. Than welcome to me my new found heart , We 'l live , and love , and never part . Exeunt .

Scaen. 7. Enter Melecertus . Revenge shall soon o're-take this proud boy , who Committed hath so bold a rape upon My Samela : He had been better to Have lodged snakes in his breast , than to steal This spark , that shall consume him and his nest . Samela ! Samela ! that name alone Infuseth spirits into me , inflames My soul with vengeance , till I recover My dearest love . Enter Menaphon . Men. Now shall I be reveng'd on Samela , And on her Melecertus both at once : I 'll make her know neglected love may turn To hate , and vengeance take the place of scorn . Well met friend Melecertus , what , alone ? Mel.

I 'm solitarie since my mate is gone .

Men. Your mate has taken flight , she 's on the wing , But I can tell thee where she nests , and bring Thee guickly where thou shalt retrive the game . Mel. If thou wilt do this , Menaphon , I shall Be studious to requite thy love with mine : I pay thee sterling thanks and services . Men. I will not sell my favours to my friends , My work is all the wages I expect . Come , follow me , I 'll lead thee to the place , Where the fresh gamesters have thy love in chase . Exeunt .

Scaen. 8. Enter King Damocles in his Royal robes , Plusidippus and Samela , prisoners . Kin. Now Sir , you see the shepherd is become A King ; and though you have deserved death , Yet since you have but acted our commands , We here release you , and not onely so , But entertain you with all due respect , At once belonging to our neighbour-Prince , And near Allie , the King of Thessaly . — Some secret power doth force me love him so , That if I had a daughter to bestow , I 'de wish no other Son-in-law , but him . Now my Sephestia , what would I give , Thou wert alive , I had thee , and thou him . Sam. He little thinks I am so near , or that It is his daughter he would make his wife . Kin. Thus , Gentlewoman , you are once more faln Into my hands , I am th' Arcadian King : Be sudden therefore to give me your love , Or else forseit your life for your contempt ; Think on 't , and chuse which you 'l rather do . Sam. Sir , I am still the same I was before : My love , like to a mighty rock , stands fast , Disdaining the proud billows of your threats . Crowns cannot tempt , nor Kings command my love , My love is free , and cannot be compell'd . True love admits no partners , is content With one , and Cupids statute law forbids Pluralities of loves . Kin. Since y' are so stiff , You will not bow , I 'll make you bend , or break . Enter Menaphon with Melecertus . Mel.

I am betray'd by this base Menaphon .

Kin. Here comes my Rival ; when I have dispatch'd Him to the other world , your plea is spoil'd : My sword shall cut your gordian knot in two ; Your ghosts may wed , your bodies never shall . I 'll be his Executioner my self , I 'll trust no other eyes to see it done . Sam. Now is it time t' unmask , and let him know He wounds his daughter through her Lovers sides . She kneels . Father , your furie once expos'd me to The greedie jaws of death , which yet more kind , In pitie sav'd my life , you sought to lose . I 'm your Sephestia , Father , know your child . Mel. And is it possible , Sephestia lives , Once more t' enjoy her truest Maximus ? Sam. My Maximus , I 'm thy Sephestia : Oh that our Plusidippus too were here ! Plu.

And I am he , my name is Plusidippus .

Seph . My dearest son ! 't is he ; now were my joys Compleat indeed , were but my Uncle here . Mel. I am so wrapt with joy , I scarce can get Breath , to express my thanks unto the gods . Men. What will become of me ? I shall be hang'd , Or lose my place at least ; I 'll get me home , Amidst their mirth they will not think on me . Exit . Kin. My onely daughter ! Dear Sephestia , And you , kind Maximus , I ask Both of you pardon for your injuries , And for requital , thus I do create Thee King of Arcadie ; and may the gods Requite your sufferings , and forgive my crimes . Long may ye live , and happy ; may your dayes Be sun-shine all , and know no clouds nor night . Enter Lamedon . And that we may not leave one string untun'd , My brother comes to make our consort full ; The best of brothers , and the best of friends , Thanks for your care of her , whom you have made Your daughter by a better claim than mine . Now let the whole land swim in mirth , and load The altars with their thankful sacrifice Unto the kinder deities , who through A sea of woes , have sent us happiness . Let 's in , and hear the strange adventures have Befaln your heaven-protected persons ; griefs Grow less by telling , joyes are multiplied . Although against them all things seem to strive , At last just men and lovers alwayes thrive .

FINIS .

Fragmenta Poetica : OR , Poetical Diversions . WITH A PANEGYRICK UPON HIS SACRED MAJESTIE'S Most happy Return , on the 29. May , 1660. By THO. FORDE , Philothal .

LONDON , Printed by R. and W. Leybourn , for William Grantham , and are to sold at the Signe of the Black Bear in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1660.

Poetical Diversions .

For Christmass-day . 1 Shepherd . WHat , have we slept ! or doth the hastie Sun Bring back the day , before the night be done ? 2 Shep. What melodie is this that charms our ears ? Is it the musick of th' harmonious Sphears ? Angels . Peace shepherds , peace ; glad tidings we ye bring , Your God hath got a Son , and ye a King : And he hath sent us with this newes to tell , Who late was Ours , is your Immanuel . Up , up to B●thlehem , there shall you see An Human shape enclose the Deitie . Behold , a cratch imprisons him , whose hands Have fram'd the earth , and curbs the sea with bands . He now begins to be , that no beginning knew , He now begins to live , who being gave to you . Go see th' Eternal God a child 's become , The ever-speaking Word himself lies dumb , Who by his word feeds all is fed by meat , Th' Almighty King of Heaven hath left his seat , And now keeps Court on earth : haste ye and see The cratch his throne , beasts his attendance be . And all to be your Saviour , and to free Ye men from sin , and Satans slaverie . Chorus of Angels . Glory to God on high , and peace on earth , Good will to men by this our God-mans birth . Shepherds . Come , let 's go see these wonders which are told , Let what our ears have heard , our eyes behold . Soliloquie . Croud in , my soul , and see amongst the rest , And by thy sight , oh be for ever blest ! Hark how the Angels sing , the heavens rebound , And earth with th' eccho of th' Angeli●k sound . Never till now were the well-tuned Sphears Heard to make melodie to mortal ears . Now every pretty bird with 's warbling throat , To 's new-born Maker elevates a note . See how the earth , being big with pride to be Out-gone by heaven , puts on her liverie Of mirth , and laughs with joy to hear Her Maker now will please to dwell on her . The whole world was agreed to entertain The King of peace , who now began his reign : Mars shrunk for fear , Bellona hid her head , When peace was born , all discords lay for dead . Then why should bloody characters descrie The blessed day of his Nativitie ? O let the purest white note out that morn From all the rest , when Innocence was born .

On the Nativitie . 1. Hail holy tide , Wherein a Bride , A Virgin , and a Mother , Brought forth a Son , The like was done , Except her , by no other . 2. A Virgin pure , She did endure After her Son , or rather . It may be said , She was a maid , And this Son was her Father . 3. Here riddles vex , And do perplex The eye of humane reason ; Heaven did combine , With earth to joyn , To consecrate this season . 4. Hail blessed Maid , For by thine aid , Eternal life is Ours , Thou didst lie in , And without sin , The son of God was yours . 5. Hail happy birth , Wonder of Earth And heaven ; the Angels sing Anthems to thee , As glad to see Their new-born heavenly King . 6. Though thou art poore , Kings thee adore , And precious presents bring , They kneel to you , And humbly bow , As to some sacred thing . 7. Thou that art able To turn a stable Into a Temple , come , Possess my heart , Cleanse every part , And take it for thy home .

For Christmass-day , LEnd me a pen pull'd from an Angels wing , That I the news of this blest day may sing ; Or reach a feather of that holy Dove , Wherewith to shew this miracle of love . Darkness is turn'd to light , mid-night to morn ; Who can be silent when the Word is born ! Hark how the Angels sing , they bow , and more Than Persians they this rising Sun adore . The Court 's remov'd , and the attendants flie To wait upon this humane Deitie . He , who was cloath'd with glorious Majesty , Is veil'd with flesh , the better to comply With mortal eyes ; dis-robes himself of light , Lays by his beams , stoops to our weaker sight : And with his other favours this doth give That man may see the face of God , and live . The Son of God becomes the son of man , That men may be the sons of God again ! Here God is man , and man is God , he takes Our nature to him , not his own forsakes . A mortal God , Immortal man in one , Thus heaven and earth are in conjunction . See how the shepherds flock , and Kings ( as proud To be his subjects ) to his presence croud . Haste , haste my soul , there 's danger in delay , Since thou hast nothing else to offer ▪ lay Thy self down at his feet ; pray him to make His lodging in thee , as he deign'd to take Thy nature on himself . — But stay fond soul , He 's puritie it self , thou art too foul To lodge so bright a guest , in whose pure eyes , Heavens and Angels are deformities . Yet see , he smiles , and beckens thee to come , As if he meant to take thee for his home , To wash thee with his blood ; do not repine , The sins are His , His righteousness is thine . Hark , he invites himself to be thy guest , Whose presence is thy physick and thy feast . Behold he bowes the heavens , and comes down , Takes up thy Cross , that thou mayst wear his Crown . And in exchange assumes thy povertie , Pays all thy debts , sets thee at libertie . He sues to serve thee , and expects no more , Thou shouldst give him ▪ than he gave thee before . His work is all his wages , and his will Is all his hire ; be thou obedient still : Love him ▪ as he loves thee , and 'cause th' art poor , Give him thy self , thy all , He asks no more . Lord 't is not fitting thou shouldst come Into so base a room First , with thy spirit cleanse my heart , And by thy powerful art , Thine and my enemies expel , Make an Heaven of my Hell , Then for ever in me dwell . But , Lord , if thou vouchsafe to dwell Within so dark a cell , Take thou charge of the familie , And let me dwell with thee . Thine is the cost , be thine the care , That Satan have no share , For thou wilt find no room to spare .

For Christmas-day . Invocat. The Day , thy day is come , O thou most glorious Sun , When thou didst veil thy self , that we Mortals might thy glory see . Lend me a ray of light , That I may see to write , And Carol forth thy praise , In ever-living layes . Thyrsis . WHat made the Sun poste hence away So fast , and make so short a day ? Damon . Seeing a brighter Sun appear , He ran and hid himself for fear : Asham'd to see himself out-shin'd , ( Leaving us , and night behind ) He sneak'd away to take a nap , And hide himself in Thetis lap . When , loe , a brighter night succeeds , A night none of his lustre needs : A night so splendent , we may say , The day was night , and night was day . Thyrsis . See , Damon , see , how he doth shroud His baffl'd glory in a cloud ; From whence he peeps to see the Sun , That hath his lusters all out-done . Damon . But ventring on he spies a star , More glorious than his Hesper far ; Which with a fair and speaking ray , Told plainly where his Master lay . Ambitious then to steal a sight , He saw it was the God of light ; Then strait he whips away his team , The well lost minutes to redeem ; And flies through all the world , to tell The newes of this great miracle ▪ It was not long before he came Unto the lofty house of fame , Where every whisper , every sound Is taken at the first rebound , And like an aiëry bubble blown By vainer breath , till it be grown Too big to be conceal'd , it flies About a while , gaz'd at , then dies , Something he tells , and hasts away ▪ He could not , and fame would not stay , To near the rest ; for she well knew , By mixing of false tales with true , To make it more . To Rome she plyes , Her greatest Mart of truths and lyes ; The gods ( says she ) will dwell on earth , And give themselves a mortal birth . But they of fame had got the ods , For they themselves made their own gods ; And car'd not to encrease their store , For they had gods enough before . To Solyma she takes her flight , And puts the Citie in a fright : Unwelcome newes fills Herods ears , And then his head , with thoughts and fears . The King of whom the Sages told , And all the Prophecies of old , Is born , sayes fame ; a King who shall Deliver Judah out of thrall : Kings shall his subjects be , and lay Their scepters at his feet ; his sway Shall know no bounds , nor end , but he Beyond all time , so fates decree . By this the Sun had cross'd the seas , And told the newes to th' Antipodes . The aiëry spirits pack'd hence away , Chas'd by the beams of this bright day . The fiends were in an uproar , hell Trembl'd with the dismal yell . The Prince of darkness was in doubt The Lord of light would find him out ; And that the word of truth being come , His oracles must all be dumb . Pale death foresaw he was betray'd , That King of terrors was afraid . Glory be to God above , For this miracle of love : Ever blessed be the morn , When the God of Love was born . Love so charming that it can Contract a God into a Man . And by the magick of his birth , Make an Heaven of the Earth . Ever , ever sing we thus , Till Angels come and joyn with us . They rejoyce with all their powers , Yet the Benefit is Ours . They with joy the tydings bring , Shall We be silint when They sing ?

The 25. Cap. of Job Paraphras'd . Then Bildad answers , dominion and fear ( Which rule us mortals ) loe his In-mates are . Can numbers shallow bounds confine his hoasts ? Or does his light baulk any unknown coasts ? Can man be Gods Corrival to be just ? Can he be clean that is defiled dust ? The Moon in th' ocean of his light is drown'd , The stars impure in his bright eyes are found . Then what is man ? ( alas ! ) poor worthless span , Or what 's his son ? a worm ▪ less than a man .

35. Cap. of Job . Then 'gan Elihu speak , vileness dost dare Thy righteousness with Gods thus to compare ? Thou sayst , what gain will righteousness bring in ? Or shall I thrive by that more than by sin ? I 'll answer thee . Behold , the clouds that stand His surer guard against thy sinning hand . Legions of doubled sins cannot assault Thy God , or pierce his starry-guarded vault . Nor can thy stock of good encrease his store , Thy hand may hurt , or help ( like thee ) the poor . &c.

On the Widows 2 Mites . How comes it that the widows mites are more Than the abundance the rich gave the poor ? Whilst they their worldly goods lib'rally hurl'd She gave her heart , more worth than all the ▪ world .

On Christs Cross . As from a Tree at first came all our woe , So on a tree our remedie did grow . One bare the fruit of death , the other life ; This was a well of Salem , that of strife .

On Christs Death and Resurrection . What , can God die , or man live , being slain ? He dy'd as man , as God he rose again .

Gen. 2. 18. When man was made , God sent an helper to him , And so she prov'd , for she help'd to undoe him .

On the miracle of the Loaves . This was a miracle indeed , when bread Was by substraction multiplied : Why wonder we at this strange feast , When Gods's both giver , and a guest ?

On Christ's Resurrection . The Lord of life lay in a tomb , as in the womb , His Resurrection was a second birth , from th' womb of th' earth .

On M. M. weeping at Christs death . What , weep to see thy Saviour die , Whereby thou liv'st eternally ? But now I know , 't was cause thy sins Were the sharp spears that wounded him .

Mark 12. Give to God , &c. And to Caesar , &c ▪ Give God and Caesar both , how shall I do ? Give Gods receiver , and thou giv'st him too .

On the world . That the worlds goods are so inconstant found , No wonder is , for that it self is Round .

Similis simili gaudet . Wherefore doth Dives love his Money so ? That 's earth , So 's Hee ▪ Like will to like we know .

On Calvus . Calvus of late extream long locks doth wear : The reason is Calvus hath lost his Hair .

On Mal●ido . Mal●ido on his neighbour looks so grim , Proximus is Postremus sure with him .

On Will : who had run through all trades and was now a Cobler . I prethee Will whither wilt thou so fast ? Thou canst not farther , for th' art at thy Last .

Better fortune . Whilst that the Huntsman stared , he became Unto his dogs their banquet and their game : But from Acteons fortune I am free , Because whilst I saw her , she could not me .

On Cornuto . Cornuto cries Hee 's weary of his life , He cannot bear the Lightness of his wife , She wants so many Grains , she 'l go with loss ; Yet a Light Woman is an Heavie Cross .

Mart. Ep. 24. lib. 2. If unjust fortune hale thee to the bar , In rags , paler than guilty prisoners are , I 'll stick to thee ; banîshd thy native soyl , Through Seas and Rocks I will divide thy toyl .

On one who fell in love with Julia , throwing Snow-balls at him . I 'me all on fire ; strange miracle of Love , These Watry Snow-bals Hand-Granadoes prove ? If from cold clouds thou dost thy lightnings dart , Julia , what Element will ●ence my heart ?

J. Cesaris Epigram . A Thracian lad on Ice-bound Heber playes , The glassie Pavement with his waight decayes . Whilsts with his lower parts the river fled , The meeting Ice cut off his tender head , Which having found , the Son-less mother urnd , Those to be drownd were born , this to be burnd .

Hensii Epitaph . Trina mihi juncta est variis aetatibus vxor , Haec Juveni , illa viro , tertia nupta seni est : Prima est propter Opus , teneris sociata sub annis , Altera propter Opes , tertia propter Opem . Englished . Three wives I had in severall ages Past , A Youth , a Man , an old man had the last ; The first was for the Work , a tender maid , The second was for VVealth , the third for Ayd .

Out of Italian . My Mistris hath my heart in hold , But yet 't is under locks of gold , In which the wind doth freely play , But my poor heart doth prisoner stay : What happier prison can there be ? Confinement is my libertie .

H. Grotius , S. Pet●i Querela . Quae me recondet , recondet regio ? quâ moestum diem Fallam latebrâ ? quaero nigrantem specum Quâ me sepeliem vivus : ubi nullum videns Nulli videndus , lachrymas foveam meas . Englished . What place will hide my guilt ? that there I may Deceive th' approaches of discovering day . I 'll seek some gloomy cave , where I may lie Entomb'd alive in shades of secrecie : There seeing none , nor any seeing me , I will indulge my tears with libertie .

Out of Italian . I am a child , and cannot love , Ah me ! that I my death must prove . Wilt thou that I thee adore , Cruel thou must be no more . Torments my heart cannot bear , Nor must any grief come there .

To Henry the 4th . out of Bahusius . O mighty King ! glory of Princely race , Thy Kingdoms safety , and it 's chiefest grace : We wish our Muse worthy thy worth t' adorn , She nothing more desires , can nothing less perform . Thou grace of arms , mak'st war a sport to be , To labour's rest , to wake is sleep to thee ▪ Thy call makes souldiers , whom th' hast so in awe , Thy word is a decree , thy beck a law . Thou lead'st them on , thy deeds serve for commands , They learn their dutie from thy feet and hands . Thou conquer'st e're thou fight'st , fortune's decree Assures thee triumph , 'fore the victorie . Thy helmet lawrel , fights all trophies be , To fight and conquer is all one with thee . Thy mercie strives thy sword for to reprieve , And when thou strik'st thy foe , thy self doth grieve . Though forc'd to fight , to expiate their deed , Thine eyes do weep , fast as thy foes do bleed . Pardons are thy revenges , whilst thy sword Doth wounds dispence , thy hand doth help afford . Like dreadful lightning to the war thou com'st , Conquerour , than conquer'd milder thou return'st . To conquer others were too small , but thou A nobler triumph o're thy self dost show .

Loves Duel , out of Anacreon . CUpid all his arts did prove , To invite my heart to love : But I alwayes did delay , His mild summons to obey : Being deaf to all his charms , Strait the god assumes his arms . With his bow and quiver , he Takes the field to duel me . Armed like Achilles , I With my shield and spear defie His bold challenge : as he cast His golden darts , I as fast Catch'd his arrows in my shield , Till I made him leave the field . Fretting and dis-armed , then Th' angry god returns agen , All in flames ; 'stead of a dart , Throws himself into my heart , Useless , I my shield require , When the fort is all on fire ; I in vain the field did win , Now the enemy 's within . Thus betray'd , at last I cry , Love ! th' hast got the victory .

With a Letter to Aglaia . Goe happy paper , view those eyes , Where beauties richest treasure lies ; The quiver whence he takes his darts , Wherewith he wound 's poor mortalis hearts . But yet , fond paper , come not near Those all-consuming flames , for fear Thou perish by their cruell art , That have inflam'd thy masters heart . Yet if thou wil't so hardy be , To venture on a batterie , On that presuming Castle , say , Wonder not I have found the way ; For ( fairest Lady ) hereby know , The dart came first from your own Bow .

Excuse for absence . You need inflict no other banishment , The fault it selfe's my greatest punishment . Oft would I pardon crave ; but still my Muse Prompts me , foul weather is a fair excuse . If that will not suffice ; then let this be , That I have none , my best apologie . Convict me of my crime , and as 't is meet , I 'le do you daily Penance in a sheet . But , prove me absent first , and then , I 'le write apologies , or burn my Pen. Planets are where they worke , not where they move , I am not where I live , but where I Love .

With Herberts Poeme . The Poet 's now become a Priest , and layes His Poem at your feet , expects no Bayes , But your acceptance ; kind'le it with your eyes , And make this Offering prove a Sacrifice . The Vestal fire that 's in your breast , will burn Up all his drosse , and make it Incense turne ; And then your smile a second life will give , Hee 'l fear no death , if you but bid him live . Pardon this bold ambition , t is his drift , To make the Altar sanctifie the Gift . Visit this Temple , at your vacant houres , T was Herberts Poem once , but now t is Yours .

On the death of M. A. S. Fain would I pay my tribute to thy Herse , And sigh thy death , in never dying verse . But I in vain invoke my Muse , for she ( Alas ! ) is dead with him for company . Like to those Indian wives who count the thred Of their life ended when their Mate is dead . When souls thus linck'd divorce , one cannot part , Without the breaking of the others heart . To vent my sorrowes yeelds me no relief , He grieves but little that can tell his grief . Let others less concern'd this truth approve , And strive to shew their Wit , more than their Love My grief confutes the Laws of Numbers , I Whilst others Write , will Weep thine Elegie . Each line my tears a Colons charge defray , Verses have Periods , but no Period they . Reader since He my better half is gone , My heart is but his Monumentall Stone , On which this Epitaph inscrib'd shall be : I di'd in him , and yet he lives in me .

Laus & votum vitae Beatae . Out of Lipsius . EQuall unto the Gods is he , And much above what Mortalls be , Who the uncertain day of fate , Nor wisheth nor repineth at : T' whom impotent Ambition , nor The hope of gaine 's Solicitor . Whom Princes thundring threats can't move , No , nor the darts of angry Jove . But seated in Securitie , Laughs at the vulgars vanitie . Whose life 's thread 's spun so ev'n , that there Can not be seen th' least knot of care . O might I but thus far aspire , To shape my life to my desire : Nor Offices , nor Wealth I 'de crave , Nor with white Stee'ds in triumph brave , To lead along poor Captiv'd Slaves . I in vast Solitude should dwell , A neighbour to the Muses Well : Orchards , and Gardens to frequent , There would I seat my sole content ; So that when as full ripened Death , Shall put a period to my breath , Tedious to none , and without strife , Calmely to end my aged life .

On T. Bastard , and his Epigrams . That thy names Bastard , friend , is thy hard fate , Thy Births I 'm sure are Legitimate . Well may'st a Bastard be , all Common race To thy diviner wit must need give place : No , Jove himself begat thee , and thy Birth , Gets in us Wonderment as well as mirth . Momus to Bastard . The proverb sayes , Bastards ( remember it ) Must fling no stones ; least they their father hi● ▪ Answer . Momus stand off gald backs will winch , t is true , Here 's Salt , or we should never hear of you . Again to Bastard . Bastard , that is of best wit , say the Dutch , Then as thy name is so 's thy nature such : What if the multitude laugh at thy Name , Know , their disprayses do advance thy fame .

To the Reader , Out of Faius . Who will read these ? None . Why ? nor mock , nor jeere . Nor Baudry ( wishd by many ) comes not here , But one or other hap'ly they may finde , Preferring good ▪ before Jests , he will minde . But if none read , griefe doth not me assault , For if none read , then none can find a fault .

Upon His Sacred Majesties most happy Return , on the 29th . of May 1660. AVVake dull Muse , the Sun appeares , Open thine eyes , and dry thy teares : The clouds disperse , and Sable night ▪ Resignes to Charles his conquering light Batts , Owles , and Night-birds flie away , Chac'd by the beames of this bright day . A day design'd by Destinie , Famous to all Posteritie . First for the birth of Charles , and now 'T is His Three Kingdoms Birth-day too . VVee mov'd before , but knew not how , We could not say we liv'd , till now . Like Flies in VVinter , so lay we , In a dull , senceless Lethargie . Toucht by his healing beames , we live , His Presence a new life doth give . Each loyall heart strook by his Rayes , Is fill'd with gratitude and praise . Those Phaëtons who had got the Raine , And needs would guide great Charles his Waine ; Have found their Folly in their Fate ; And Phoebus now assumes his State . The Trees who chose a woodden King , To be their shade and covering : Whilst they injuriously decline The fruitfull Olive and the Vine Consuming fire from the Bramble came ; They read their Folly by the Flame . True Emblems of our giddy age , Not rul'd by Reason , but by Rage : The tayle would quarrell with the Head , And no longer would be Led : Th' inferiour Members soon give way , And the Tayle must bear the sway , Blind as it was ▪ ( 'to ur misery ) With many a Sting , but never an Eye . Then were we drag'd through mire & stones , Which bruisd our flesh , and brake our bones , Our Feet and Legs foundred and lame , We saw our Folly in our Shame . We praid , but no releif could find , The Tayle was Deaf , as well as Blind : Drums , Trumpets , Pulpits with their sound , All our intreaties did confound ; Till pittying Heaven heard our cry , And God vouchsafes , what men deny . After a twelve years suffering , Just Heaven Proclaims Great Charles our King : Free ( like Ulisses ) from the harms Of Forreign Syrens tempting charmes . And now our Joyfull Land doth ring , With ●ö Paean's to our King : All England seemd One bonfire , Night Seem'd to contend with Day for light . For Bells our Kingdome hath been fam'd , And the Ringing-Island nam'd : More truly now , when every Bell Aloud the joyful news doth tell . That Charles is landed once again , With Peace , and Plenty , in his Train . No more shall brother brother kill , Nor sonnes the blood of fathers spill : No more shall Mars & Madness rage , Peace shall bring back the Golden-age . No more shall Loyalty be Treason , Errour truth , and non-sence reason ; Nor will we sell our Liberty , For a too-dear bought Slavery . No more shall Sacriledge invade The Church , nor Faction make a trade Of Holy things ; nor Gospel be Lost in a law-less liberty . No more hope we to see the time When to be innocent's a crime . No more , no more shall armed might Though Wrong'd , o'recome the weaker Right . Now shall all jar●ing discords be Drown'd in the pleasing Harmony Of peacefull lawes , whose stiller voice Shall charme the Drum & Trumpets noise , The Church shall be Triumphant , more Than it was Militant before . The withered Lawrell , and the Bayes Revive to crown our happy dayes These , and all other blessings we Great and Good Charles , Expect from thee ▪ VVhose Vertues were enough alone , To give Thee Title to the Crown . You Conquerd without Arms , Your Words VVin hearts , better than others Swords . Pardons are Your revenges , we Jov in Your Boundless Victory . What others use to do with blowes , You by Forgiving kill your foes : Your mercy doth your Sword reprieve , And for their faults , You most do grieve . Your Martyr'd Fathers charity ( His last and greatest Legacy ) You most do prize . Could we but tread That pace of virtue which you lead , How quickly should we all agree , To live in Love and Loyalty ! VVhilst others their rich Presents bring , All I can give 's , GOD SAVE THE KING .

FINIS .

Errata .

In the Panegyrric .

Page 9 ▪ Line ●● Read infortunately , In the first Elegy on K. C. ● . p , ●● ▪ ●● , moving ● 11 ▪ ●● , his ,

In Apothegms p , 40 ● , 20 r , Lord Stanhop , p , 49 l , penul● , r , the contrary , p , 50 l , 12 r , one , p , 50 l , 2 r , deadly , p 64 l , 17 ▪ r , neighbours with carriages .

In the Letters . p , 4 l , last r , lame , it may appear , p ▪ 3 l , 9 r , to the p , 24 ● , clew , p , 44 l , 15 r , your , p , 54 l , 17 r or , l , 23 r ▪ grate , p , 55 l , 11 r , bene , p , ●7 l 10 r , jucundum , p , 69 l , 21 dele thee , p , 82 l , 12 dele full , p. 90 l , 13 r , else , p , 94 l , 19 dele Negro , p , 102 l , 11 r ▪ beast , p , 111 l , 18 r , live , p , 115 l , 31 r , Terence , p , 130 l , 12 r , perdidit , p , 130 l , 14 r , Comici Cogito , p , 154 l , 12 r , in his p , 155 l , ● r , than to , p , 156 l 13 r , rather a , p , 156 l. 28 r , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

In Loves Labyrinth , on the title , for festina r , festiva , in the first coppy of verses , after out-let r , there , p , 3 l , 4 r , ready in ▪ p ▪ 3 l ● r , volleys l , 18 r , drops , p , 8 l , 30 r , thou now p , 10 l , 9 r , thou thus , l 15 r , wronged , p , 11 , l , 1 r , rashness , l , the last , r , mine , p , 23 l , 12 r , be my , p , 26 l , 20 r , too much , p , 40 l 4 r , shine , p , 32 l , 27 r , grown , p , 33 l , 9 r , can a , p ▪ 36 l , 9 r , her neck , p , 48 l , last r , empty , p , 54 l , 9 r , scornes , p , 55 , l , ●2 r , and , ● 56 l , 16 r , King .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A84701-e10090

Notes for div A84701-e68810