Plotinus.

PLotinus was a Philosopher of Plotinus. In Probus and Tacitus tyme, sub­iect to the falling sick­nesse. Egipt, and because I name the Countrie. I wil adde also the Citty, where he was borne, which they call Lycopolis, Al­though diuine Porphyrius did not wright it, affir­ming he was his Scholler, and spent either all or the Plotinus an interpre­tor of Plato, and Marsi­lius Ficinus, of him in. 54 books, with Coments vpon. 18. of them. moste part of his life with him. The Alters of Plo­tinus be yet warme, and his bookes, in the hands of the learned, more then Plato, and the common forte though they reade not his precepts, yet they forme their liues according to the same.

Porphyrius did expresse euery part of his life so, as no man can say more. Yea it seemeth he did interpret many of his bookes.

But the life of Porphyrius, no man, that I know, hath hithertoo written. Therefore as much as I can gather by tokens according to my knowledge, thus much haue I learned of him.

Porphyrius.

TYrus was the Countrey of Tyros. Porphyrius, an interpre­tor of Plato, in Aurelia­nus tyme, an extreme aduersarye to the Chri­stians. Longinus. Cassius. Porphyrius, the theife City of the aunci­ent Phenitians. His parentes were of good estate. He being brought vp in lear­ning, proceeded and continued, till he was Longinus Scholler, and in short time, was an ornament to his Maister.

Longinus was at that time a liuely library, and a florishing studye, to whom authoritie was giuen to iudge of the former learned mē, as before him diuerse Dionisius. others, and Dionisius of Caria, most notable of all. Porphyrius was fyrst named Malcus, after the Sirian Malcus. tongue, which, signifying a Prince, Longinus called him Prophirius, turning the name of a Kinge into the purple colour that kinges did weare. With him he was trayned with singuler learning, not inferi­our to him, neither in humanity nor eloquence, yet he passed not of that, but gaue his whole study to Phi­losophie.

Longinus was accompted with the moste extellent Longinus. men of his time, and his bookes were so plentifull, as they brought an admiration to him. If other men did reprooue any of the auncients, his sentence was not approoued, tyll Longinus confirmed it.

Porphirius being thus instructed; and in great ex­pectation of all men, had a great desire to see Rome, that was Ladye of the worlde, that he might winne that Cittie to the study of Sapience, beyng come, and entred into societie with y^e great Plotinus, he refused [Page 4] all other, and gaue himselfe wholy to him: of whose doctrine being greedy with out sarietie, as himselfe saide, he spent the time in hearing of those deuine les­sous, that issewed from that flowing Fountaine. At length being ouercome with the vehemencie of those speeches, it greeued him he had a body, and was mortall: he sayled into Cicilia, by the rocke, Carybdis, where, they say, Vilisses passed, but he could abide to see no Cittie, nor here mens voyces. So dyd he leaue delight and dis [...]se and went to Lelibae­uin, Lelibaeuin. one of the three Forelands of Cicilia, towarde Affrica. There he lay in paine and passions, refusing all meate, and forsaking all men.

The great Plotinus was not deceyued herein, but eyther by following his steppes, or seeking for him, Plotinus, recouereth. Porphyrius. found him out, where he was layde, and by good words, so comforted him, as he called againe the life, that was going from the body, and made it able to retaine the same. So as he recouered and was safe, and after, wrote the talke that was between them.

But the secretes of Philosophie, being hydden, as Poetry in Fables, Porphyrius, finding the remedy to make them manifest: with praise of his experience, dyd write a Treatise of them, and gaue lyght vnto them. Then he returned to Rome, and renewed his study, shewing proofe of it publiquely. The glory of Porphyrius, redounded to Plorinus, by whome, both the Senate and the people knew, he was enstructed.

Plotinus seemed harde & darke, for the diuine and obscure subtiltie of his wordes and workes. But Porphyrius, as a Cheane of Mercury, ful of variety of learning, sent amōg men, declared euery thing, firm­ly and plainly. For he sayth in a place, which, parad­venture) [Page] he wrote when he was young, that he had Philosophy by Oracles reuelation of more diuine knowledge, then the com­mon sort. And in the same booke he wryteth howe a man should apply his diligence vpon such matter. He saith further, that he droue a deuil out of a Bathe, whome the inhabitaunts called Causanthan. His Causanthan chiefe Scholefelowes, as himselfe writeth, were O­rigenes, Amelius, and Aquilinus, and that they wrote Origenes. Amelius. Aquilinus. some Bookes, but their style was barren, though their precepts were good, & aptly set forth in words. Yet Porphyrius prayseth them for their grauitie, he receyuing all the thanks, and onely celebrating and setting forth his Maister, being endued with al kind of knowledge. A man may doubt and maruayle wherin he dyd most excell. Whether in the Arte of Rethorike, or exact knowledge of the groundes of Grammer, in the science of numbring, or in Geometry or Musicke. For Philosophie, neyther left he any thing vnknowen, neyther coulde he well expresse what he knew. For natural and diuine knowledge, I leaue them to Religion and Misteries. Such a generall knowledge had he in all manner of vertue, that a man may doubt, whether the pleasantnes of his Orations, or the pithinesse of his precepts, or the vehemencie of his speaches, deserueth more prayse.

It seemeth he was maried to Marcella, for there is a Booke directed to Marcella his wife: whome he sayth, he maryed, being mother to liue Children, not to haue Chyldren by her, but to teach her Chyldren which she had by a friend of his. It seemeth also he lyued tyll he was olde, wherby he left some workes contrary to his former wrytings. Of the which I can not iudge the cause, but that in tyme he thought [Page 5] otherwyse. They say he dyed at Rome, at which tyme, Paulus and Andromacus of Syria, were rectors Paulus. of Rethorike in Athens. And it is very lyke it was Androma­cus. about the tyme of Galienus, Claudius, Tacitus, Aure­lianus, and Probus. In whose dayes, Dexippus lyued, Dexippus. that wrote a story of that tyme, a man fulfylled with all learning and good vertues.

Jamblicus.

NExt these, Iamblicus was the Philosopher of most fame. He was of Iamblicus in Constan­tinus Mag­nus tyme. good byrth, from wealthy and fortunate Parents. His Countrey was Calcide, He aunswe­red marue­lously to many harde questions of Porphyrius. which is a Citie of the hollow part of Syria. He was familiar with Anatolius, who, after Porphyrius, was most esteemed, and passed him farre, and atteyned to the heyght of Philosophy. After him he ioygned Anattolius. with Porphyrius, to whome he was not inferior, but in purity and pyth of style. For he dyd not vse his speach with sweetnes & delyght, nor had any cleare­nes, nor ioyed in neate phrases. Yet was he not vt­terly obscure, nor faulty in his style, but as Plato sayth of Xenocrates, he dyd not sacrifice to the graces of Mercurie. Therfore he doth not deteyne his Au­ditor, X. nor allure him to reade, but rather affray him, and turneth him from it. For his keeping of Iu­stice he was so fauord of the Gods, as multitudes resorted vnto him from euery place, to be partakers of his doctrine: of whome, who was the best, it is harde to tell.

For there was Sopater of Syria, who was most e­loquent in worde and wryting. Sopater.

[Page] Aedesius and Eustathius of Cappadocia. Theodorus and Euphrasius of Grecia, which excelled in vertue, Eustathius. [...]up [...]rasius. and many other not much inferiour in eloquence. It is a wonder how he could please all. He was sree to euery of them. He dyd lytle for him selfe without his Disciples and fellowes, and that for a respect to God. He accompanied much with his friendes. His dyet was symple and alter the olde manner. He cheered his guests, and fylled them with his sweete talkes. They that were not wery, nor full of his dis­courses, were his common guests. They that durst best speake, would come foorth and saye. O most diuine Maister, why art thou so alone? Why doest thou not imparte thy rare Sapience to vs? A talke is tolde vs by thy seruaunts, that when thou art at thy prayers, thou art taken vp ten cubytes hygh, and that thy body and garment, is turned into colour of fayre golde. And when thy prayers are done, thy body returneth to his old estate, as it was before thou dyddest pray, and commeth to the groūd againe, and than thou l [...]ttest vs haue thy company. At these wordes Iamblicus laugh [...]d, not being very prone to laughter, and sayd. He was no foole that hath deceyued you thus But from henceforth I wyl do nothing without you. Thus he shewed himselfe, and it came to the wryters knowledge by Chry­santhius, Chrysanthi­us Schoole­maister to [...]. his Scholemaister that was of Sardis, and he was very samiliar Scholler with Aedesius, and Aedesius one of the chefe with Iamblicus, and of them that vsed the aboue written wordes to him.

Furthermore, he shewed great demonstration of his diuine knowledge, after this sorte. The Sunne dyd shew vpon the extreme partes of the Orizon, when he entreth into the sygne of the Dogge, at which tyme [Page 6] a Sacrifice was woont to be made in one of the Suburbs. And when all was well fynished, they returned into the Cittie, going leysurely, for they had a talke of God, a­greeing with the Sacrifice.

Than the voyce fayled, and he fyxing his eyes on the ground for a tyme: looked vpon his friends, and cry­ed to them. Let vs go another way: for a dead body is caryed not farre of. When he had thus sayde, he tooke another way, as he thought, more pure. Some followed him, thynking it a shame to leaue their Maister. But the more part, and youthfull sort, among whome was Aedesius, thought it a su­perstitious poynt, and lyke Houndes that hunted after their game, went on their way.

They had not gone farre, but they met with the buriers of the dead Corps, & dyd not leaue it so, but asked them if they went that way, they sayde, they must needes, for there was none other. This dyd y^e more testify his diuine knowledge, as there was no vse of syght, but a secrete knowledge by odour. They would haue tryed it in a greater matter, but Iambli­cus tolde them it was not in his power, but at tyme of opportunity.

Not long after, it seemed good to them to go to Ga­dara, the season seruing, to y^e Bathe of Syria, in good­nes Gadara. next the Romaines Bathe of Baia, with y^e which, Baia. no hote Bathe can compare. They vse to go to Ga­dara yearely. And so being in the Bathe, & they with him, reasoning of y^e same, Iamblicus smiling, sayd. Al­though I am forbiddē by God, to opē this vnto you, yet for your sakes I wyll vtter it. He wylled his cō ­panions to learne of the dwellers, what the auncient name was of y^e two litle Baths y^t were of most price. [Page] They did as he required them, and vnderstood that the one was called Loue, and the other Loues Con­trary, [...]. Anteros. without any further knowledge of the origi­nall. He by and by styrring the water, for he sate in the mouthe of the Bathe, where the water runneth out, & hauing spoken few words, he raysed a Childe from the bottom of the Fowntaine. The Childe was whyte and of meane stature, his heare yelow, his shoulders very whyte, and altogether like one that washed, and had beene washed. His compa­nions being amased, let vs go sayde he to the other Bathe. He arose and went afore, as in a muse. And doing there as he did before, hee raysed the other Loue, like to the fyrst in all respectes, sauing his heares were black and red, hanging ouer his shoul­ders. He embrased bothe the Boyes, and they cloue to him, as to a gentill naturall father, whom he re­stored to their former places. Whē he was washed, he went his waye, his frends maruailing much, from that time, left asking of questions. And being drawne with the euident signes, as with a brydle that cannot breake, gaue him credite in all thinges. There is other matter more strainge and mon­strous, told of him, of the which, I will put none to wrighting. Thinking it to men, to be hurtful, and to God hatefull, to commit to syrme and stable history, vaine and strainge tromperie: yea, I wright thys fearefully, only following such men, as not beleuing others, were compelled to these by plaine sence. None of his friends wrote these, that I doo know. Aedesius telling it modestlye, neyther he wrighting it, nor any other being bolde to doo it.

In Iamblicus his time, liued Alypius, most persite in Alypius. [Page 7] the arte of Logicke, whose body was most small and little bigger then a Pigmey? The body apparant might be thought a soule and a spirite, the corrupti­ble part not growing great, was distributed into diuine matter. For as the great Plato sayth. Diuine bodyes haue a contrarie being, to them that be mixed with mindes: so may a man say, that he was transformed into a soule, of the which he was pos­sessed as of a God. Alypius had many followers, but his manner of teaching was onely by familier spech. No mā brought a booke. Therfore they glad­ly made recourse to Iamblicus, as to draw and drinke of a flowing Fowntaine, not containing it self with­in the brinke. The same of them bothe encreasing, it hapned that they met together as two Starres, & being beset with an audience as in a great Schole, and Iamblicus, staying to be asked rather thē to aske, Alypius, beyond al expectation, leauing Philosophi­call matter, in the mydest of the audience, sayd vnto him. Tell me, O Philosopher, whether a ritch man be vniust, or y^e heire of an vniust person, for in these, there is no meane? He, not liking the subtiltie of the question, sayd: O rare man, it is not the trade of our teaching, what is superfluous in outward things, but if a man doe followe inwardlye, with vertues meete for a Philosopher. And thus said, he departed and all the audience with him, as he wente, merue­ling at the subtility of the question, he procured talke with him, priuately at sundry times, and so loued him for his witte and learning, as when he depar­ted, he wrote his life. For he that wrote this treatise had that booke, which was very obscurely written, and ouerlaide with deepe clowdes, not so much, for [Page] the hardnes of speeche, as sor that it contained tedi­ous matter of Alypius doctrine, whereof there is no memorie, how the disputations were vsed. That booke spake of a going to Rome, of the which there was no cause shewed, nor no great qualitie of the minde, but that many had the man in admyration, but what he sayde or dyd, there is no mention. This singuler man Iamblicus seemeth to haue that fault that Painters haue, who when they painte them of florishing yeares, and wil set foorth the pic­ture with somewhat of them selues, they do marre the forme they would expresse, and swarue from the plat and be auty of their example. So he, propoun­ding to praise the trueth, falleth into the sharpenes of punishmentes and misfortunes, exercised in his time: but the causes and occasions he neyther dyd particularly expresse, nor went about it, and did con­founde the patterne of his whole life.

Hardly, this he left to be perceyued, of them that can, with great cunning, gather, that he did wonder at the man, and allowed his constancie in aduersitie, and the finenesse & deapth of his Oration. He was of Alexandria. And thus much of Alipius, who dy­ed in his Country, when he was old, and after him Iamblicus, leauing many Fountaines and foundati­ons Death of Alipius and Iamblicus. of Philosophie. He that wrote this, was of their company, and other of their rehearsed Schollers, were dispersed thoroughout the whole Romaine Empire: and Aedesius abode at Pergamo in Asia. Aedesius.

Aedesius.

Aedesius of Cappadotia, tooke Iamblicus office, and taught his Schol­lers. A woman also of this name of rare vertue and chastitie. He came of a good house, but of no great substance. Therefore his Father sent him to Athens to learne some Art of profyte, be­ing returned, and his father thinking to haue gotten gaine by him, and perceyuing he had spent his time in Philosophy, he put him out of his house as vnpro­fitable, and pursued him, saying. What doth Philo­sophie profit thee? Very much father, saide he, tur­ning and kneeling downe: which, when his father saw, he called him home againe; and marueiled at his constancie, and minding to be ruled by him sent him againe to his study, which he had discontinued. Hee sent him afore and followed with reioycing, as a father rather of a Diuine creature, then a mortall man. He going before all other that then were fa­mous, or of whom he had bin Auditor, and hauing gottē knowledge of Philosophy, went to y^e singular Iamblicus, no long way, from Cappadocia to Sytia. Whom when he did see, and hard him speake, he did depend vpon him, and coulde not be satisfyed with his words, so as in the end, Aedesius was not much inferiour to Iamblicus, except in Diuination, of the which I can write nothing, for that Aedesius kept it secret for the time: Constantine being Emperour, and in euery place destroying goodly Temples, and erecting Christian Churches: wherfore, it may be, y^t the best Disciples keeping those misteries in secret, did incline to the sacred taciturnitie of that circuit [...]. [Page] For he that wrote this being a Childe, & Disciple to Crysanthius, could scarcely learne the trueth in twē ­ty yeares. So great a labour it was to bring Iam­blicus Philosophy to our vnderstanding, & to frame it to our tyme. When Iamblicus was dead, some went one waye and some another, and there was none without fame and estimation.

So pater, the eloquentest of the rest, of his lusty na­ture and corage, coulde not abyde to lyue among o­ther Sopater. men, but went to y^t Emperours Court: that he might represse and mitigate the vehemencie & tierce­nes of Constantine by reason. And he came to such dignity & power, as the Emperour was wonne by him, and in publique assemblies, would haue him set on his right hand: a thing incredible to be heard or seene. The great men repyned that the Court should learne Phylosophy: And as Cercopes, fought time not onely to take Hercules sleeping, but also the wa­king Fortune voyde of reason: Euen so they, in se­crete Cercopes, crafty men. counsels & meetings, omitted no part of deuil­lysh deuice, to bring their purpose to passe.

In Athens, there was none, though it were a po­pular state, that durst accuse the auncient and great Socrates, whome all the Cittie thought a perfyt man of Sapience: tyll by dronkennes and intemperance, and feasts of Bacchus all night, they were led with laughter and tryfles, and staynd with vaine and cor­rupted affections.

Whome Aristophanes dyd fyrst infect, drawing Aristopha­nes. their mindes to scoffing, and leaping songes, and brought the whole audience to behold the skipping of Flees, and dauncing of Clowdes, and such other toyes in the steede of instructiō, which Commedy is [Page 9] woont to deuice for pastime. Whē they saw y^• people so enclined to pleasure, they framed an accusation, and durst bring a wicked Oration against him: for the which, all the people was plagued, when he was dead. For he that wyll consider the tymes: shall fynd The death of Socrates, cause of ca­lamitie to Gretia. that after Socrates was violently put to death, the Athenians neuer dyd any notable feate, but the Citie decayed, and through it, all Gretia was destroyed.

The lyke maye be seene, by the mallice that was borne to Sopater. For Constantinople that before was called Byzance, dyd serue Athens of Corne, and Byzance. it is vnneth to be beleeued, how much was brought thyther. But now all the Shyppes of Egipt, Asia, Syria, and Phaenitia, and other Nations that bryn­geth abundance of Corne by euery winde, can not serue nor satisfye the droonken people that Con­stantine haue brought thyther, by destroying of o­ther Constanti­nople po­pulous. Citties, to make shoutes and surfettes in the Theatre about him, seeking praise of the rude sort, and a memory of his name, of them that can scarcely soūd it, but by vse.

It chaunced so, that Byzance being so scituate, as no Nauie can well enter the Port, vnlesse a vehemēt southwinde bloweth, which hapneth oft by reason of the scite of the Mountaynes. The Commons, being styrred by famine, a rare prayse of a dronken people: assembled in the Theatre, wherof the Empe­rour was abashed. Then the olde enuiours hauing got a very good occasion, sayd: Sopater, whome thou honourest, hath tyed the wyndes, by his exceeding wisdome, which thou doest so prayse, and for the which, thou settest him in royall place.

Constantine hearing this, and mooued at it, com­maunded [Page] Sopater to be put to death: which, by his euyl willers, was sooner done then spoken. Ablabius, Sopater iudged to dye. Ablabius. great maister of the Court, was Author of all this mischiefe: because Sopater grew in more credite then he.

I, minding to shew the lyues of notable men, as I said before, which I could learn by Fame, may not o­myt to shew the hard haps & mifortunes y^t they had. Ablabius, that wrought y^e murder, was of very base lynage, & touching his Father, one of the lower sort.

There is a tale in mens mindes, and no man doth reproue it, that an Aegiptiā, comming from that part of Egipt, that is called Mendesio, to Constantinople: and as all Aegiptians are learned to be impudent in their iourneys, in common wayes, and he had lear­ned to play that part at home: He entred into one of the Iunes, & being very hungry & thyrsty, with his long way, commaunded sweete Wine to be brought him, and shewed syluer. The Hostesse of the house, being glad of gaines, went for it speedely. The wife was one of them that bringeth Chyldwomen a bed. Whyle she brought that Cuppe to the Aegiptian full A Myd­wyfe. of sweete Wine, one of her neighbours came rūning to her, saying: Your friend and kynswoman is now in daunger of her thyrd byrth, except you come and helpe her. When she heard this, she left the Aegiptian, tyll she had done her office, with the labouring wo­man: whome, when she had brought a bed, and wa­shed hir handes, she came to her stranger, who was very angry with her, for her tarying.

But when she had tolde him wherabout she was, he d [...]syred ratherto heare of y^• Chylds byrth, then to aslak [...] his thyrst, that he might tell the Fortune of it. [Page 10] When he had learned the instant, he cried alowde, go & tell the woman, that her chyld shalbe lytle inferiour to a King: when he had sayd this, he dranke vp his drinke, and tolde his name to the woman.

The Chyld was called Ablabius, and proued a ball of Fortune: for he might rule the Emperour, & caused Sopater to dye for a matter of lesse waight thē Socra­tes dyd, as one y^t ruled an vnruly people. This Con­stantius honored Ablabius, & was plagued for it: how he died, it is written in his life. He left his sonne Con­stantius to be gouerned of Ablabius, and he raigned in his Fathers kingdom, with Constans & Constantine his Brethren, which is more plainly set forth in y^e life of diuine Iulianus. Constantinus, entring his raygne and receyuing such portion, which was from Ellyria to Nisibe, put Ablabius from his authority. He lyued in Bithynia, at a place, which he had princely builded for rest & quietnesse, men marueling that he had ge­uen ouer his authority. Constantius sent certaine souldiours from the Cittie that beareth his Fathers name, commaunding the former, to delyuer his Let­ters with reuerence, which is to kneele after the Ro­maine manner, when they speake to the Emperour. He receyuing the Letters with great pryde, desyred Ablabius looking styll for honour is kylled. the Purple Robe of y^e souldiours, with seuere counte­nance, and terrible looke. They aunswered, they had it not, and that the bringers of it, stoode without. He, with hauty minde, and proude behauiour, did bid they should be brought in. They came in, & in steede of a red Robe, gaue him a red bloody death, cuttyng him in peeces, as an Oxe that is kylled to be eaten publiquely. Thus this happy Ablabius was puni­shed for the wrong he dyd to Sopater.

[Page] This comming to passe, and diuine prouidence not forsaking men, only Aedesius was left of great name. He trusted to a diuination, which he had by prayer, which was after this sort by dr [...]ame.

A God came downe to his prayers, and vttred his diuine sentence by verse of syxe feete: at the which he being amased, and his syght fayling him, studyed to remember the wordes. But the obscure and heauen­ly matter was out of his memory, therfore he called his Chylde, minding to wash his face and eyes with water. The Boy tolde him that his left hand was full of Letters. He saw and vnderstoode it was a di­uine thing: And so worshypping his hand, he did see wryting, which was an Oracle after this sort.

He choosing to follow the better way, found out a lytle house, and followed Shepheards trade. Schol­lers that were desyrous of his learning, vnderstan­ding where he lay, came thyther with an vnpleasant noyse, lyke the howling of Dogges, and besette the same house with threatnings, that they would teare him a peeces, if he would not impart his knowledge to them, but suffer it to be hydden among Moun­taines and Forrestes, as though he neyther was a man, nor had the shape of a man. By this violence he came abrode among men, & tooke the worst way. [Page 11] He left Cappadocia, delyuering his charge to Eusta­thius, Eustathius. a man no way alyed to him, & went into Asia, the Countrey requiring him, and making his abode at Pergamo, whether the Gretians and borderers re­sorted to him, his fame was so great.

Touching Eustathius, it were a sinne, not to tell the trueth. Euery man confessed that he was of good conditions, and of great eloquence. For in his tongue and lyppes, was such a pleasantnes, as it seemed to be a poynet of wytchery, such a sweetnes was in his wordes, and wrought so much, as they that hearde Lotos, a Tree, whose sweet fruite ma­keth men forget theyr Countrey. him, forgot them selues. Euen as men that eate Lo­tos, and were caryed away with his speeches, as Saylers be with Syrenes songes.

Wherfore the Emperour, albeit he was geuen to reade the Christians workes, sent for him. He was lyke now to haue busynes, for that the King of Persia moued warre, and besieged Antiochia, and at a soden Antioche besieged of the Persians. assault, had gotten the Tower of the Theatre, and with shotte, kylled an infynite number of the behol­ders. In this case there was no Gretian, but com­mended Eustathius to the Emperour.

Notwithstanding, the former Emperours were w [...]nt to send of their great Coūsellours for Embas­sadours, or some of the mighty Capitaines, or other of authority. But in this extreme necessitie, in all mens iudgements, Eustathius was thought most meete. Wherfore being sent for of the Emperour, he obeyed. And such an eloquence proceeded from him, as the Emperour rewarded all them with great ho­nours, that moued him first to call him, and them he vsed with more good wyll. Some, voluntarily ac­companied him with their presence, in the Embas­sadge, [Page] to haue more experience of him: or to see the ef­fect of his eloquence, among the Barbarians. Being come into Persia, the acc [...]sse to the King was as dan­gerous Sapores King of Persia. & fearfull, as it was reported. Yet at length when audience was geuen, as commonly is woont to Embassadours: the King marueled at y^e sobernes of his vsage, and the sweetnes of his language. And though he wrought al waies to affray him, hearing his tempred & pleasant voyce, and seeing his sober & modest looke, he wylled him to proceede. He dyd so. The Tyran being moued with his eloquence, & go­ing to meate, caused Eustathius to be called by some of his Chamber, whervnto he obeyed. And as he was by nature, created to expresse the force of vertue, he was admitted a guest at the Table. And did worke so with his perswason, as it lacked but lytle, that the Persian King dyd not leaue his Diademe & purpose, his precious Stones & Iuels, and put on the symple Cloke of Eustathius. So great a fall had it made of the pleasures of the body: as he thought them vnhappy, that vsed them. But they y^t were allyed with y^• king, dyd stoppe it. Saying, he was a Mytch, and that he should answer the Romain Emperour: he maruelled, he would send men that differed nothing from rytch slaues, hauing so many worthy men about him.

But this Embassadour was beyond all hope. For this I know well, y^t all Gretia desired to see him, and prayed God for his returne. The Oracles did agree with these misfortunes, whē their prayers fayled, for he dyd not returne. The Gretians sent vnto him, and chose most wyse men to be the messengers. Their minde was to talke with the great Eustathius, which thing came not to passe, according to the tokens.

[Page 12] He hearing so shylfull and learned men, consydered deepely of the matter, & did examine the magnitude, the tyme, and forme of the Stars. Then smyling, he came among them, and when he had heard them, to whom he would not fayne, neither by conference, nor cloquence, he sayd. But these dyd not promise my re­turne. Yet I thinke God answereth contrary to mēs request. For he sheweth that the tokens were lesse and slower, than could do any good. This Eustathius so notable a man, dyd marry Sosipatra, who excelled Sosipatr [...] an excellent learned wo­man. her husband so farre in knowledge of Sapience, that she made him obscure and of no name. It is meete to speake of her in the lyfe of learned men, so great was the glory of this woman. She was of Asia, about E­phesus where the flood Cayster floweth along, and geueth a name to the Region. She was come of rych Cayster, a flood ful of Swannes in Lydia. and wealthy Parents, the which she augmented from hir chyldhood: So great beuty and fauour had she in her tender yeares.

When she was fiue yeares olde, two auncient men, being past all the termes of youth, and the one elder then the other, came into the Manour of Sosypatras Father, with their skryppes and bagges. And ob­tayned of the Farmour to haue the ouersyght of the Vineyard, which was easily graunted them. The en­crease growing aboue all hope, and the owner being come with his Daughter, he wondred at the abun­dance, thinking it to be done by myracle. Therfore he cōmaunded the Farmour to bring them to y^• Table, where he made them good cheere, and rebuked his seruants, y^t they could not do the lyke. The two olde men being so well vsed at a Gretians Table, & marue­lously delighted with the beuty of his daughter, said. [Page] Other things we keepe in secrete: and this prayse, of goodwyll, as a tryfle and iest, with a contempt of the things that we haue encreased. But if thou wylt be rewarded of vs for this cheere and hospitality, not with mony, nor thanks that may quaile and corrupt, but with a celestiall gyfte that shall flowe from the starres, vpon thee and thy lyfe, geue vs this Hosipa­tra, as Nurses and Fathers indeede. And for fyue yeares, feare nothing for thy chylde, touching death, but be quiet and at rest. Care not for the tylling of the grounde these fyue yeares, by the course of the Sunne. For of it selfe, ryches shall growe of this grounde and encrease. And thy Daughter shall not be as an humaine woman, but thou shalt conceyue a greater opinion of her. Therfore, if thou hast good wyll, receyue with both hands, that we haue offred. But if thou hast any suspition, we haue sayd nothing. The Father in feare & sylence, delyuered his daugh­ter to them, and calling his Farmor, sayde. What­soeuer these olde men require, let them haue it, and medle no further.

When he had thus sayd, he departed before day, as forsaking both his house and his Daughter. They receyuing the chylde, whether they were wyse men, or Spyrites of rare diuine kinde, with what myste­ries they brought vp the young Mayde, no man can tell, and it is in certaine, though the search be great, with what diuination they inspyred the Chylde.

The tyme appoynted was come, and euery thing prooued of the ground, as was spoken. The Father was come, and knew not his Daughter. Neyther for the growth of her person, nor for the encrease of her beautie. And she knewe not her Father, he sa­luting [Page 13] her so reuerently, as though he had saluted a Straunger. When the Teachers were come, and the table couered, they sayde. Aske the Virgin what you wyll. Aske, O Father what hath chaunced all your iourney. He geuing her leaue to speake, she tolde him all the happes that he had had in his Chariot, The diui­nation of Sosepatra, to her Fa­ther. the woordes, the rebukes, the feares, as though she had bene in Chariot with them, and brought her Father into such a wonder, as at the fyrst he was in a maze, more then in a maruayle, and beleeued the Mayde to be a Goddesse. Then kneeling to the men, prayed them to tell who they were. They hardly, and at length, (for so it might be Goddes pleasure,) sayde. They were of the Sapience called Caldaicall, not prophane. And not without some misterie looked downe. Then he kneeled againe, and prayed them to be Lordes of the ground, and to keepe his Chylde with them, to instruct her further in diuinity. They nodded, that so they would doo: saying nothing. And he, as hauing a promise and an Oracle, had good comfort in himselfe, yet knew not the secretes, and with him selfe praysed Homer, that hath shewed of such diuine deedes, that cannot be vnderstanded, for the straunge and diuine matter.

For he thought that Goddes woulde be turned to straunge men. And being rauished with the thing, he fel a sleepe. They going from Supper, and taking [Page] the Child with them, deliuered vnto her very gently, the Robe wherwith she was inuested with know­ledge, to y^e which they added diuerse other ornamēts. They wylled her to locke y^e Casket, wherin all these things were put, & gaue her certaine bookes besyde. She honoured them no lesse then her Father.

Day being come, and the doores opened, and men gone to their worke, they also went out as they were woont. The Chyld ranne to her father, carying her Casket, and good newes. He hauing learned of his seruaunts what increase he had, and what was to be done, called for the men: But they were gone, and no more seene. Then he sayde to Sosipatra: what meaneth this, O Daughter? She staying a whyle, sayd. Now I remember what they sayd at their de­lyuering of me these things, weeping. Looke daugh­ter, for we must go to the west Oceane, and shortly returne againe. The which doth manifestly declare that they be Spirits. And whether soeuer they be gone, thus they went from me.

The father esteeming his chyld to be sacred with diuine modesty, suffred her to lyue as she would, not, much moued with her, but for her sylence. When she was come to rype yeares, she had without booke, the bookes of Poets, hauing none other Teachers, & of Philosophers, and Oratours. And that, which others can hardly get with labour and trauayle of minde: she, without study, did expresse with pleasure. Mynding to marry, she thought Eustathius only fyt for her. Therfore, thus she spake to Eustathius, and them that were present. Heare me Eustathius, and be you wytnesse that be here.

I shall haue three Chyldren by thee: and as tou­ching Diuination of Sosipatra. [Page 14] the world, they shalbe all infortunate. Against God, no man can be. Thou shalt haue before me, a fayre and a worthy seate. And I, peraduenture, shall haue a fayrer. Thyne shalbe about the Moone.

Thou shalt not teach, nor play y^e Philosopher, fully fiue yeares, for so thy Phisnognomy telleth me. But vnder the Moone thou shalt haue place with good and quiet motion. I would say somewhat of my selfe, but that I see the tyme would be to short for my speech: and my destiny doth forbyd me.

When she had thus spoken, fate so forcing, she was Sosipatra marryed to Eustathius. ioygned to Eustathius. The successe dyd differ no­thing from her wordes, so certaine was her diuina­tion, as all had bene done before. This is to be ad­ded to the other things, that after the death of Eusta­thius, she came to her owne in Asia, and remayned at old Pergamo.

Aedesius for good wyll, taught her chyldren Phi­losophy, Sosipatra returneth to Pergamo. albeit she had instructed them in her owne house. And after Aedesius resorted to her, no man esteemed his learning so as they dyd, but euery man honoured the diuine knowledge of the woman.

Philometer her Nephew, being ouercome with her Philometer in loue with Sosipatra. beuty, and also with her learning, fell in loue with her. Her rare gysts so surprised him, that he could do nothing for that. Likewise she was in loue with him Wherfore she went to Maximus, who was most fa­milyar with Aedesius, and of his kyndred. Maximus (sayd she) take order for my griefe, that I be not mo­lested. Maximus. He asked what y^e matter was? She answered. What if it be Philometer? Then it is he in deede, who differeth not from any of you. Yet when I see him depart, my hart burneth, & turneth at his departure. [Page] Therfore deale friendly with me, and tell me what is best for me.

Maximus was not a lytle proude, as being spoken to from a Goddesse, that such a one should committe such a matter to him. Philometer continued in his purpose. Maximus sought out the matter by Sacri­fice, and tooke great paines in a trifling cause. When he had done, he went to Sosipatra, and asked her, if she were styll troubled. She sayde no: And tolde his in­uocation, his Sacrifice, and all the doing, and tyme, as if she had bene present at the appearing of all the visions. Then he fell to the ground astonished, and sayde she was a Goddesse. Arise, Sonne (sayd she) for the Gods loue thee, because thou honourest them, and doest not esteeme the worldly and vaine ryches. When he heard this, he went forth with great opi­nion of him selfe, that he had the praise of so diuine a person. Philometer with his companions gladsome, met him at the gate. Maximus a far off spake to him. O friende Philometer: leaue to burne wood in vaine, as though he knew what Sorcery he went about. He thinking he heard God speake, honoured Maxi­mus, and left his practise, despising the purpose he had taken in hande. From henceforth, Sosipatra loued him purely, and so dyd he, her.

And chauncing, that they being all with her, ex­cept Philometer, who was at his pastime: they fell into a disputation of the soule, of the which, diuerse argumentes were made. When Sosipatra spake, she confuted the former opinions, with euident demon­strations. Then she entreated of the soule generally. What part was punishable, & what, immortall, like one that had bene rapt with a diuine furie. And as [Page 15] she had sayde, sodenly she held her peace, lyke one in a traunce. And staying a lytle, she cryed: Alack, my co­syn Philometer, ryding in his Chariot, is ouerthro­wen, in a very slippery and vnequall place. He was in daunger of breaking his legges, but his seruants were diligent & saued him: yet is he hurt in his hāds, and his shoulders, but without daunger, he is set vp againe, and calleth on the Gods. This she sayd, and it was so. All men thought, Sosipatra was in euery place, and knew euery thing, as Philosophers affyr­meth of the Gods.

She dyed, leauing three chyldren. Of two of their Death of Sosipatra. names I shall not neede to wryte. The thyrd named Antoninus, was worthy of his Parentes, and lay a­bout Canobus, one of the mouthes, of the flood Nilus, Canobus. and applyed the trade of that place to be as his mo­ther had pronosticated of him. Young men that desy­red to purge their soules with Philosophy, resorted to him. The Temple being full of persons, and he oc­cupied about the holy things, as a man that serued God, yet no God: tolde them, that after his death, there should be no more Temple. All the goodly holy things of Serapis, should be defaced, & turned to con­fusion and deformity. And that the rude darknesse, which had bene thought a Fable, should haue great power vpon earth. All the which sayings, tyme dyd confirme: and the effect shewed the violence of the prophesie to be true. Of this sort, some haue bene left, (for I wyll not wryte, the morning moouinges of Morning influence of Hesiodus. Hesiodus,) as certaine influences of Stars, and dyd enter into another kinde of Philosophers, and there remained. To whom that study was a profyt, being alwayes at the barre, as Socrates in Athens, at the [Page] Porch royall, and by that meanes contemned mony, He seemeth [...]o [...] of [...]. and lost rytches. The plaine Roabe of Philosophy, was to remember Sosipatra, and often speake of Eu­stathius. Men might see so many Chests of Books, [...]ull and st [...]ff [...]d, as might ouerlade Camels, all the which they had learned, and not written of the aun­cient Philosophers, but Testaments, Copies, and notes of their actions, & all things which are woont to be praysed by this lyfe, full of error, frailty, and misery. And of them, the prediction of Sosipatra, was not vaine. Whose names I mynd not to recyte, for this Booke is to speake of good men, and not of euyl.

Yet one of her Chyldren, Antoninus by name, of whom I spake before, remaining at Alexandria, was Antonirus sonne to Sosipatra. so delighted with Canobus, that he gaue himself who­ly to the Ceremonies of secrete sanctity, and the wor­shipping of y^e Goddes, neglecting his body, and the pleasures of the same, embrasing Philosophy, that was hyd to the people. Of whom we might wryte at large. But he, touching matter of Religion, vt­tred nothing straunge to the common sence of men: paraduenture, suspecting and fearing the procee­dings of the Emperour, tending to other matter. His conscience, patience, and stability, euery man re­uerenced: and they that came to traffyke at Alexan­dria, came to him by Sea.

Alexandria, was a populous Citty, & for the Tem­ple of Scrapis, an holy habitation, vnto the which they Alexandria. flowed by multitudes, from all places of the world: and when they had done their deuotion, they repay­red as fast to Antoninus, taking recreation by water, to go to a man of worthinesse: They that were ad­mitted to his company, propounded some question, [Page 16] and were freely and fully instructed with the Sapi­ence of Plato. They that propounded problemes of diuine matter, spake to a picture, for nothing was aunswered them. But, with stable and vnmouing eyes he looked vp to heauen, not easily to be brought to such disputations.

It was seene not long after, that there was a di­uine knowledge in him. For he was no sooner dead, but the deuotion of Alexandria, and the Temple of Serapis was destroyed. And not only the Religion, but the houses and all things was fordoone. As in Poeticall Fables, of the force of Gyants. And the Temples at Canopus, suffred the lyke. For Theodosi­us, Theodosius Theophilus being Emperour, and Theophilus his Lieftenant, as Eurimedon.

And Venereus, ciuill gouernour, hauing the charge of the Romaine army in Egipt, wreaked their te [...]ne vpon stones, and workers of stones: destroyed the Temple of Serapis, and spoyled holy things, ma­king warre without warning, and getting victory without resystance. Thus they warred against pyc­tures and paintings, not onely beating them down, but ransaking them, making it a discipline of warre, to hyde euery stolne thing. Only the pauement of the Temples remayned, which they could not carry a­way for heap [...]s of stones. Thus these valiant war­riours, kept their hands without bloud, but not without Gold. Glorying, they had ouercome Gods, and boasting in committing of sacriledge & imp [...]ety. They brought into these holy places, them that they call Monks, in shape, men: but in lyfe, beasts.

[Page] Openly committing and doing wicked euylles, not to be spoken. And it is a poynct of their holynesse, to destroy holy places. Euery man now, had tyran­nicall power, that would weare a blacke garment, and be seene abroade in vnseemely array. To such an opinion of vertue were men brought, of the which we speake in the most part of our Historie. They did place Monks at Canobus, that mortall slaues, should be honoured in steede of immortall Gods, and mens mynds be entangled with vngodly matter. Some of their heads y^t were punished for their great offen­ces, were saltyd, & shewed as Gods to be honoured: although as theeues, they had bene punished.

Men thought them selues the better, when they erred in going to the Sepulchres. They were called Martyrs, Deacons, and Legates of the prayers that were made to God, being vyle slaues, and branded for their faultes, carying the scarres of their whyp­pings, as markes of their lewdnesse. Yet the earth bringeth forth such Gods. This dyd confyrme the great diuinatiō of Antoninus, saying: that Temples should be made Sepulchres.

The great Iamblicus, as we wrote in his lyfe, whē one had raysed Apollo, and euery man afrayde that saw him, he came among them and sayde, maruayle no more good friendes, for this is the Image of a Sword player. So diuerse is it to see a thing with the minde, and with the deceyptfull eyes of the body. Iamblicus told the present euyll. But Antoninus, the things that were to come. Which thing onely was cause of his griefe. For he came to a quiet ende in olde age, without any sicknesse: but it was greeuous and heauy to good men, for the ruines of the Temples.

Maximus.

WE haue made mention of Maximus before, & the wryter hereof did see him: and came to his company when he was olde, and heard his voyce, which was, as if one had heard Homers, Minerua, or Apol­lo. The balles of his eyes were rollyng. His beard was long. His looke declared the vehemency of his minde. It was a ioy to heare him, or see him. With both sences dyd he pearce his cōpany, that could not abyde the sharpnesse of his eyes, nor the swiftnesse of his tongue. There was none so well learned or elo­quent in his company, that durst speake against him. But being sylent, they depended vpon his wordes, as an Oracle. So great a sweetnesse sate in his lyps. He was come of good house and wealthy. He had Brethren, whome he would not suffer to go before him, he being the fyrst: Claudianus, who taught at Alexandria, and Nymphidianus, who professed with prayse at Smyrna. This man was taught by Aede­sius, Claudianus Nymphidi­anus. by whose Sapience he was caught. And when Iulianus raygned, chosen to be Schoolemaister only, all the other being sequestred by Constantius: as we Maximus Schoole­maister to Iulianus. wyll shew plainly in Iulianus lyfe.

Constantinus house decaying, only Iulianus was left, who for his tender age and weaknesse, was de­spysed. The Kings Vncles dyd keepe him, and ob­serued that he should be a good Christian. After the which tyme, he shewed the docility of his nature. Docilitie of Iuli [...]n the Emperour. For he had in memory euery booke, so as they coulde [Page] not beare with the swyftnes of his wytte, not ha­uing what to teach him. When they had no more to teach him, nor he to learne of them, they desyred his Cosyn Constantius, to let him study Rhetorique, and Philosophy. Which, by the wyll of God, he dyd per­myt. Minding to haue him wander, and to be ydle in bookes, rather then to haue any minde of king­domes. When this was graunted, and a great re­uenew, and princely trayne appointed to him, he wēt whether he would. And came to Pergamo, being mooued with the fame of Aedesius, who was nowe waxen olde, and weake in body. His chiefe familiars, was Maximus, of whome we now wryte: Chrysan­thius Chrysan­thius. Priscus. Eusebius. of Sardis, Priscus of Thesprotis or Molossus, and Eusebius of Caria, of the Cittie of Mindo. Iulianus, in whome was a sage youth, was admitted to fa­miliaritie with Aedesius, being rauished with the sharpnes and excellencie of his minde, and would not depart. Being lyke to them that be stong with the Serpent Dypsas, with vnsatiable thyrst and desyre, Stynginge of the Ser­pent Dyp­sas, brea­deth thyrst vn [...]uench­ [...]l [...]e. he would receyue the doctrine. He sent princely gifts vnto him, which he would not receyue, but calling for him, sayde. Thou knowest my minde, thou hast heard me talke. Thou seest the dispositiō of it, if thou wylt do any thing, being a louing chyld of Sapience, for so do I gather by the tokens of the minde, go a­mong my gentle schollers, of whom thou shalt be fyl­led with all kinde of learning and knowledge. Thou knowest y^e misteries, that shall make thee wysh thou haddest not bene a mortall man. I would Maximus were here, but he is sent to Ephesus. The lyke I might say of Priscus, but he is gone into Grecia. The rest of my good Schollers, be Eusebius and Chrysanthius: whom if thou wilt heare, y^• shalt not neede to come to [Page 18] me. Whē Iulianus had heard this, he did not therfore leaue him, though he meant to spend his time with Maximus & Chrysanthius. Chrysanthius was lynked with Maximus, in the works of maruelous science by inspiration, leauing lyberal arts. And Eusebius, when Maximus was presēt, would not medle, w^t the finenes of Logike, and Rhetorike. Whē he was absent, he did shine like a glittering Star, such pleasantnes & grace was in his words. Chrysanthius praised him, and a­greed with him, and Iulianus honored him. Eusebius made this conclusion, y^t those things had being, that were in deede. But they that deceyue their sences, be works of Sorc [...]rers, & of them y^t dally with matters of the earth, with mad perswasions. When Iulianus had heard this determination, he called Chrysanthius asyde, & sayd. If thou louest the truth, tell me the effect of this conclusion. He cōsidering the matter deepely, said. You shall do best, not to learne this of me, but of the Author himselfe. Which when he heard, he did so, & made great accoumpt of Chrysanthius for this aun­swer. When they met againe, Iulianus spared not to delyuer y^e matter, & boldly asked him, what he meant by y^t conclusion: Then Eusebius with sweete words, sayd. Maximus, one of the most aunciēt & best learned Auditors, for the sharpnes of his nature, contemned these lessons, and gaue himselfe to a certaine Magike. And sodenly called vs to Hecates Tēple, where many Hecates was hono­red with Sacrifice of. 100. of vs were witnes of his fondnesse. When we were come & had made reuerence to the Gods. Sit downe good friends, sayd he, & marke what you shall see, & if I passe the cōmon sort of men. When he had said this, we sat downe. He made a peece of Insence cleane, and whisperīg a certain praier to himself, wrought such a feat, as y^• goddesse smiled, as if it wer a smilīg indeed. [Page] We being troubled with the syght, he sayd. Let none of you be afrayde of this, for by and by, the Lampes shall burne that she had in her handes. He had no sooner spoken, but the flames flushed from her fyn­gers. We maruayled at this cunning, and went our way. Do not you maruayle at this, no more then I, that by puritie of reason, thinke it no great matter.

When diuine Iulian had heard this, he sayd. Fare­well, and apply thy booke, for thou hast tolde mee what I thought. Hauing thus sayd, and kyssed Chri­santhius, he went to Ephesus. Where he accompanied with Maximus, and earnestly studied his doctrine. But Maximus called to him the learned Chrysanthi­us, being scarcely able to teach the young man suffici­ently in the knowledge of Sapience. Who being in­structed of them, and vnderstanding that there was The God­desses were Ceres and Proserpina. more to be learned in Grecia, of y^• Goddesses Priests, went thyther with speede. What name the Priests had at this tyme, it is not meete sor me to tell. For he gaue the wrighter orders, and brought him into the [...]umolpidaes [...] kinde of Priest [...], bearing name of their king Eumolpus. fellowshyp of the Eumolpidaes.

He foresaw the destruction of Grecia, and the defa­sing of Temples, in the presence of this writers hea­ring, and affyrmed he should be a Priest after him, although it shoulde not be lawfull for him to vse his office, because he was sacred to strange Goddes, and should sweare solemnly not to serue them: yet he sayd he should be a chiefe in the Cleargy, though he were not an Athenian borne. And so much dyd he foresee, that in his tyme, he sayde, Temples and holy things should be destroyed, and he see it, and be contemned for his obstinacy, though he vsed his duety to the Goddesses, and should be depriued of his honour: and [Page 19] neyther be Priest, nor dye an olde man. These Ce­remonyes were called, Mithriaaes, of Mithra, whome the Persians, calleth A­pollo.

When the father of Apollos Ceremonies, had thus sayd, and vnspeakeable troubles followed: some are tolde in other histories, and some shalbe shewed in this Volume: When as Alarichus passed y^e streyghts, as an open and plaine fyeld, with Barbarians. The secte that weare blacke apparell, which came with him, breaking all duety of obedience, opened the Alarichus Kyng of Gothes. strayghts of Grecia to him. This happened after: though for occasion, the matter is touched before.

Iulianus had bene conuersaunt with this diuine Priest, and greedily learned his doctrine, and with speede went to Constantius, a partner of the Empire. Maximus was thē in Asia, & Aedesius was dead. And Maximus encreased in learning abundantly. Iulianus got, not what he would, but what he could, for the Iulianus A­postata. necessity, for he was sent into France, not to lyue lyke a Prince, but to be cut off, and so perysh. Yet he pre­uailed by the prouidence of God, not being knowen that he honoured the Goddes.

He passed the Rhene, and subdued all the Barbarous Nations there, and escaped many trappes & traynes that were layde for him, as is tolde in his lyfe. He sent for the Priest out of Grecia, and after secrete con­ference betweene them. They conspyred to destroy the tyranny of Constantius. To this was priuy Ori­basius Oribasius. of Pergamo, and Euemerius of Lybia, which the Romaines calleth Affrica, and is more plainly writ­ten Euemerius. in the lyfe of Iulianus. When he had put downe Constantius, he sent the Priest into Grecia, appearing as God, and doing what he would. And with him he sent royall gyfts, to renew the Temples of Grecia.

Then he sent for Maximus and Crysanthius, making [Page] one calling for both. It seemed good to them to learn of the Goddes. And they being men of great experi­ence and learning: conferring together, and prouing all their knowledge and cunning, found euyll and vn­happy tokens. Which when they both dyd see, Chry­santhius was afrayde, and with he auy countenaunce dyd byte his tongue, and sayde. Here is no abyding for me, friend Maximus, but must rather seeke to flee. The other with a better corage, sayde: It seemeth Chrysanthius thou hast forgotten what we learned, when we were chyldren. That it is the part of wyse men, endewed with that doctrine, not to be afrayde of the fyrst shew, but to recyte and vse the helpe of di­uine nature, tyl thou mayst finde helpe for thy selfe.

Then sayd Chrysanthius. You p [...]raduenture are bold and haue hart so to do, but I wil not striue withthese tokens. Maximus making continual practise, came to his purpose. Chrysanthius remayned as an Image vnmoueable, not intending to be drawen from his sentence, taken at the beginning.

Nowe in Asia, all men resorted to Maximus, aswell they that were in authority, as they that were not: the noble Senators and vulgar people, repayred to Maximus, and made noyse with shoutes, which the people is woont to do, when they wyll honour any man. Yea, y^e women at another gate, went to Maxi­mus wyfe, and gratulated her felicity, that she might be good to them: and she seemed so well learned, as Maximus was not of any learning. Thus Maximus with this great honour in Asia, went to the Empe­rour. Chrysanthius remayned at home, to whome God had sygnified that verse of Homer in his sleepe.

When Maximus with his pompe, was come to Constantinople, in short tyme he was notable there. For the Emperour and the Princes, were with him both day and night. Such a felicitie thought they to be sent of God. It came to passe that Maximus be­gan Maximu [...] insolent. to be insolent in the Court, vsing more fyne ap­parell then became a Philosopher, and waxed more harde to be spoken to.

The Emperour not knowing of it, commaunded that Priscus should be sent for. And Maximus requy­red that Chrysanthius might be called also. So they were both sent for, Priscus from Grecia, and Chrysan­thius from Lydia. So much dyd diuine Iulian depend vpon Maximus, as he wrote gently to them both, de­syring them as friends, & praying them as Goddes. And hearing that Chrysanthius had a wyfe, called Melyta, Cosyn to this wryter, whome he loued deere­ly, Melyta wyfe of Chrysan­thius. he withdrew himselfe, and wrote to the woman with his owne hande, no man being priuy to it, vsing all the fayre wordes he coulds, that she shoulde per­swade her husbande not to deny to come. And re­quyring the Letter that was sent to Chrysanthius, hee put in the other, and sealed bothe, sending it by the messenger, as one, adding to it further by wordes, what hee thought good to bring the matter to effect.

[Page] Priscus came and behaued himselfe modestly. And although there were inowe that would haue puffed him vp: yet he remayned after one sort, not proude of the Court, but seeking to bring it to more Philoso­phicall forme.

Chrysanthius would not be allured, with all the de­uises, but trusting in the Goddes, and that their de­termination was vnremoueable, he mynded to obey them. He wrote againe to the Emperour, that for his cause he taryed styll in Lydia, and that he dyd it by the counsell of the Goddes. The which thing the Emperour consydering, he made him chiefe Byshop of Lydia, with his wyfe, and gaue them authority to place other.

The Emperour went to the warre of Persia: Pris­cus and Maximus following him. Other dyd the lyke, fylling the number, and boasting their vertues, be­cause the Emperour affyrmed, he honoured the o­ther, they would haue it thought, he esteemed them also. But when that glorious expedition came to a dolorous ende, (as we wyll shew in Iulianus lyfe:) Iouinianus that folowed, honoured them: but he had Iouinianus, raigned on­lye eyght monthes. but a short raigne, as many more haue had.

Than Valentinianus and Valens ruled, and Maxi­mus and Priscus, taken to a farre contrary vocation: Valentinia­nus & Va­lens, Em­perours. then Iulian called them. For that was for honour and euident ioye. Thus from honour to dishonour, such disgraces dyd appeare, in the things that were apparant. Priscus had no hurt, being well reported of all men, and returned into Grecia. At the which Priscus escapeth. tyme, this wryter was a childe, and went to schoole. But Maximus, of whome so many exclamatiōs were Maximus [...]ormented. made abroade in the Theatres, and priuately to the [Page 21] Emperour, was yet marueyled at, for patience in his troubles. For grieuous torments were put to him: and such a penall paine, as a man geuen to Phi­losophy neuer heard of the lyke somme, they thyn­king he had had the goods of all men. But after­warde a lesse paine was put, and he sent into Asia to pay the money, in the which he was condempned. The paines that he suffred passeth all Tragedy. It wyll be harde to finde one of so good a voyce, or so reioysyng of others euyll, as can expresse the infy­nite The punish­ment of th [...] boates, [...] to teare a man a pee [...] ­ces, betwee [...] two boates: it is called Scaphismus Maximus, his wyfe dyeth of a drynke, that he wylled her to buye, to dispatch him selfe. Clearchus. Thesprotis. tortures of this man. For the punishment of the Boates vsed in Persia, was nothing to his tor­mentes, besyde the scolding scorninges of the tor­mentors, when they wrested his body. His Wife so syngular a woman, being present to lament his case. And when there was none ende of these afflictions, he prayed his wife to buy him an exequisyte potion, that it might rydde him of his paynes. She dyd so, and brought it to him, and dranke it before him, wherof she dyeth presently, and her friends buryed her. Than Maximus would not drinke it.

Now all eloquence, nor all the rowt of Poets, wyll not suffice to shew the acte of Clearchus. He was of Thesprotis of wealthy and famous house. When the fate was chaunged, and the Emperour Valentinian had the rule in the West, and the Emperour Valens in much daunger, not only of losse of his state, but al­so of his lyfe. For Procopius rose against him, & with mighty forces pursued him in euery place: Clearch­us Procopius Tyranne of Constanti­nople. at that tyme was president of Asia, that reaches from Lydia and Phisidia to Pamphilia. He gouerned well, and offred among the fyrst, his body to p [...]ryll, against the Lieftenant of the warre, the which strife [Page] was not vnknowne to the Emperour.

The Capitaines name was Salutius, who floryshed in Iulianus tyme. Clearchus blamed his babling, a Salutius. fault of age, and called him Nicias, saying: at those Nicias. y [...]ares he ought to instructe his minde with know­ledge and Hystories.

Things comming well to passe, Valens aduaunced Clearchus: not only, not taking from him, but enc [...]ea­sing his office in Asia, making him President from Pergamo to Caria, the hyll Tmolo, determining the Tmolus, [...] an hyl [...] a flood i [...] [...] Lydia. bounds to Lydia. And it is a fayre and a rytch coun­trey: not subiect to the President of the Court, but that now all things being in confusion, the same is also disturbed. Clearchus hauing Asia in good or­der, he sound Maximus in torments.

Now must I speake a worke of God. For such an incredible chaunce cannot be ascribed but to God. He made all the souldiors that thus misused him to flee, he brought him out of prison, he cured his body, and set him at his table. So great a security had he in the Emperour, whose minde was so bent, as he al­lowed all thing [...]s that Clearchus dyd. So was Salu­tius deposed, and Exonius put in his place. Clearchus punished all those seuldiors of torments, or that had Exonius. taken any thing frō others, by payment, or by death. And he was in euery mans mouth, as an other Iuli­anus to Maximus. He shewed publique beneuolence vnto him, although he was not geuen to the Theatre, nor greedy of glory. He sayd [...] no more but he bare him vpon his shoulders. Much of his possessions he did recouer, that we are taken away by other, so that he was soone made ryt [...], as if h [...] had bene called to Iulianus Court. So he went to Constantinople with [Page 22] great honour of them, that saw his Fortune changed to the better.

Than was he tryed in matter of diuination, which dyd verye much increase his fame. Of the which glorie, griefe dyd growe. They of the Court con­spyring together, to know a secrete mistery, that eue­rie man coulde not tell, came with it to Maximus, and because they could not agree among themselues: they woulde haue Maximus declare the Prophesie, for it was thought that he knewe the counsell of the Goddes, and could vtter all their secretes to others.

He perceyuing their minde, and waying the words, dyd perceyue where the difficultie laye, and tolde it as surely and truly, as the mistery was true: She­wing also, that the shewing of it, woulde vndoo him, and all that shoulde heare it.

❧ And that many by it, shoulde be put to death, that deserued not. And so tolde by the Prophesie, that the Emperour after great slaughters of others, Valens w [...]s bur­ned in a house. shoulde straungely dye him selfe, and not be buryed: And so it came to passe, as wee declare in our Hysto­rie.

The conspyratours were apprehended, and kyl­led in euery place, as pullen for a feast or banquette, and among them Maximus was taken, and caryed to Antioche, where the Emperour was.

Yet they were ashamed to kyll him, because he re­prooued in Iudgement, them that accused him: and that he had sayde nothing but trueth, so as they beleeued there was a God in Maximus body. Therfore they sent one Festus, a man of cruell nature, with him into Asia, thynking that place worthy for such a man.

[Page] Who being come thether, dyd execute his Commissi­on, and some what more of himselfe, following the brunt of his cruell nature.

When he had executed many guilty, and not guilty: Cruell Fe­stus, execu­teth Maxi­mus. at last he dispatched the great Maximus. This ende had that diuination. But the rest came to passe.

For the Emperour in a fyght in Scithia, dyed so straunge a way, that a bone was not found to be bu­ryed Valens dyeth myse­rably.: And fortune shewed another great thing. For Festus, as the wryter hereof dyd know, and was present at the example, being put from his office, and Festus. going to Theodosius, who was chosen Emperour, maryed a ritch and princely wife. And that he might Theodosius shew his pompe, and put away his fame of euyll do­ing: proclaymed his feast to the best and noble sort. It was the thyrde day of the Calends, that the Ro­maines call Ianuary. At which tyme, all came to the feast, to honour Festus.

He went into the Temple of Eumenides, not woont to serue the Goddes. Hauing put all that he kylled to death for that cause. Being there, he tolde his dreame, and in talking, the teares fell from his eyes: which was thus. He thought that Maximus drew him with an haulter to hell, to aunswer before Pluto.

They that were present, remembring his former lyfe, wept euery one, and wylled him to praye the Goddes for himselfe. He obeyed, and prayde. But going forth, he fell to the grounde, and two chyldren lay vpon his backe. His voyce forsooke him: and be­ing Wycked Festus dieth sodenly. caryed away, dyed by and by. This seemed to be a very great acte, and of diuine prouidence.

Priscus.

OF Priscus, much is sayde be­fore, by reason of occasion offered. To speake of his conditions particularly: he was a deepe dissembler, keeping things hyd in his minde, and of a great memory. And had all auncient opinions collected and ready. He was fayre and great of body, and might seeme ignoraunt of learning, because he would syldome come to talke, but kept his doctrine as a treasute, calling them pro­digall, that would talke at euery motion. He sayde, he that was ouercome in disputation, was no more quiet, then he that resysteth against the trueth: by waxing wyse with pleasures, and delyght of the bo­dy, and becommeth an hater of learning, and a despi­ser of Sapience. For this cause he refused company, and was rude and rusticall in behauiour. And this manner he dyd not only vse among his companions of learning, but from a chylde continued thus, to his olde age.

Chrysantius tolde the wryter of this worke, that Aedesius was most familiar and populous. And when he had done his Lectors and disputations: he would walke in Pergamo, with the rest of his audy­tours. And as a good teacher, would engraft asmuch by gentle words & dillygence, in his Schollers, that were hard of capacity, as could be done by man. But whom he perceyued haughty for their straunge doc­trine, and spreading their feathers, greater and wea­ker than Icarus: he would throw them downe, not [Page] into the Sea, but to the earth, the place of men.

In the trade of teaching, he met a woman sellyng hearbes, whome he with gentle manner beheld, and spake to her, of her going about, and what gayne she got to waxe wealthy, and also tolde her how hearbs were to be sowen. The lyke he dyd with a Weauer, Smyth, and Carpenter: and by this, they that were gentle and dilligent, dyd learne, and especially Chry­santhius, and some other that were lyke vnto him. Onely Priscus would not forbeare openly, but called him a bewrayer of Philosophy, and a man cunning Priscus poeuish. in wordes, which serueth to drawe the minde, but be not obserued in workes.

Being of this sort, after Iulianus death, he refrained frō bytternes, & suffred many rebukes of young men, They were called Corybants. that ran a­bout lyke mad men. that were fond of their knowledge, lyke Cybels Prie­stes; yet in all things he kept the grauity of his na­ture, laughing at mans infyrmity. In the Temples of Grecia in his last yeares, for he lacked but ten yeares of an hundred, when he dyed: at the which tyme many dyed for very griese. Being persecuted of the Barbarians, among the which was Proterius of Proterius of Cepha­lenia. the Isle of Cephalenia, who was reported to bee a man of much vertue and goodnes.

Lykewise Ilarius, whom this wryter knew, and of Ilarius of Bithynia. Bythinia, lyuing tyll he was olde in Athens. And to to them that were voyde of other learning, he playde the Philosopher by painting. So that Euphranor Of Euphranor, an ex­cellent painter. Pli. 35. 11. seemeth not to be dead in his handes. And for this cause the wryter hereof had him in great reuerence and estimation.

But Ilarius could not escape the publique calami­tie, for being taken without Athens, hauing an house Ilarius kyl­led. [Page 24] nye Corinthe, he was slaine of the Barbarians, with all his familie. These things by the helpe of God shal be shewed in our Histories, in the which we wyll declare, not onely the lyues of particular men, but al­so the publique actions. Now what euery priuate man dyd, is tolde sufficiently in this Treatise.

Iulianus.

I Ʋlianus, an Orator of Capa­docia, florished, in Aedesius tyme, and had Iuliane the Orator. the place at Athens. For thyther resorted to him all the youth from euery Lande, honouring him for his eloquence and syngular wyt. There were diuerse desyrous of vertue, that aspyred to his glory. As Apsines of Lacedemonia, hauing a name of lyberall science: Epagatus, and a company of Apsines. Epagatus. other parsons. But he passed them all in excellencie. And the other were much inferiour. His Disciples were many, and whether soeuer they went (as I may saye) and whersoeuer they were dispersed, they were had in admiration. The chiefe was, diuine Proaeresius, Hephestion, Epiphanius of Syria, and Dio­phantus Proaeresius. Hephestion. Epiphanius Diophātus. Tuscianus. of Arabia. Tuscianus, for his worthynes, is not to be forgotten: for he was familiar with him, all the which be declared in Iulianus the Emperours lyfe. This wryter dyd see Iulianus house at Athens, which was lytle and plaine. Yet so expressing Mercu­rie and the Muses, that it dyffered nothing from a Temple. He left it to Proaeresius.

[Page] There was the pictures of his friendes, such as he loued. He had a Theatre of Marble, lyke the com­mō Theatre, but lesse, as proporcionate to his house. There was at Athens at that tyme, such a faction be­tweene the Schollers and the Cittizens, as in a Cit­tie, that within their walles, nourished the peryls of their auncient warres. No Studient durst go a­broade to heare the Lessons, but kept in priuate auditories, whether Schollers were brought to heare wordes, not contending for lyfe, but for praise? Many keeping sylence, it is requisite to take and bring this of Iulianus, for a wytnesse and testimony of all his learning and conuersation.

It chaunced the bolde Disciples of Apsines, to mo­dest Iulianus in this ciuile tumult, with cruell and It seemeth, he meaneth the whyp­pings of the Lacedemo­nians. Lacedemoniall handes vsing them, that were in daū ­ger of their bodies. They were accused as euyll doo­ers, and the cause was brought before the Vice Con­sull. He seeming seuere and terrible, commaunded the Maister to be apprehended, and all the accused to be tyed, as they that were noted of murther. The Romaine seemed not to be vnlearned, nor brought vp in rude and ignoraunt manner. Iulianus appea­red thus vexed. And so dyd Apsines, not by comman­dement, but to helpe the accusers. The matter pro­ceeded, and the complayntiues entred. In these dis­ordred Prouince, or charge. Lacedemonia, one Themistocles of Athens go­uerned, cause of all this euyll. For by his name, he was the more proue, and bolde to despight. The Proconsull looked grimly vpon Apsines, saying: who commaunded thee to come? He aunswered, the care of his Disciples was cause of it. The Presydent stayed his nature with sylence: the accused entred in [Page 25] bandes, and their Maister with them. Hauing long heayre and bodies, euyl handled, as the stripes might appeare to the Iudge. Whenleaue was geuen to the accusers to speake, Apsines beganne. Then spake the President. The Romaines alloweth not this. For he that speaketh the fyrst accusation, is in daun­ger of the second. All the preparation being thus dashed by the present sharpnes of the Iudge, Themi­stocles the accuser, was compelled to speake. He chan­ged collour, and bytte his lyppe full of doubt, and looked towarde friendes, and asked what she should do. For they were come to make a noyse and crye, onely when their Maister should speake. There was great scilence & trouble. Scilence ouer all the iudge­ment place, and trouble for the part of the accusers. Iulianus, with a lamentable voyce, desyred he might be heard.

Than the Proconsull sayd: None of you Teachers prepared, shall take the matter in hand, nor any of you Disciples, shall make noyse to the speaker: and then shall you know, how pure and syncere the Ro­maines iudgement is. Therfore, let Themistocles make an ende of his accusation, and let him aunswer whome you thinke best: after this no more accused, and Themistocles name was obscured.

Iulianus, as the President commaunded, to answer the fyrst accusation, sayd thus. Thou, O Presydent, by thine exquisite Iustice, hast caused Apsines, as a Pythagoream, to hold his peace, though it were late, which he ought to haue learned chiefly before. Be­cause he taught others to followe Pythagoras doc­trine, which is, scilence. If thou geuest me leaue to aunswere, commaund Proaeresius, one of my friendes [Page] to be vntied. And iudge thou, whether he hath bet­ter learned the eloquence of Athens, or scilence of Py­thagoras. When the President had graunted, and that very gently: as Tuscianus, who was present, tolde this wryter, Proaeresius entred among the accused, without bondes. The maister crying to him with lowde and high voyce, as they that encourage them that go to fyght. So speaking shryll vnto him, sayde. Now is it tyme to speake. Than he made a Proeme, which Tuscianus dyd not tell, but onely the sence. That it tended to moue pitie, of that they had suffred: and that it was mixed with a praise of their teacher. And that there was added in the Proeme, a reproofe of one purpose, declaring the swift maner of the Pro­consulles power. That it was not lawfull that they that had bene iudged, should be so vsed againe.

The President helde downe his head, and was a­mazed in his minde, at the words & pithe of the mat­ter, the myid countenance and good iesture. All were ready to haue showted, but fearing the commaunde­ment, as a thundring, and vsing a misticall scilence: Proaeresius began another Proeme, the substaunce wherof, Tuscianus tolde, was thus. If it be lawfull to do all iniurie in accusing, and the accuser to be bele­ued, before aunswer be made, be it so, let this be The­mistocles Cittie.

Then the Proconsull leapt out of his seate, casting of his Purple garment, which the Romaines call a Trabeall Roabe, and as a young man, of so seuere, Nothing more violēt then neces­ [...]ie. and inexorable a Iudge, clapped his hands at Proae­resius. Apsines clapped also, not willingly, but what is more violent then necessitie?

Iulianus the teacher, commaunding part to go forth, [Page 26] and the accuser, willing the maister to remaine alone: Than taking Themistocles and the Lacedemonians, he repeated the whypping of Lacedemonia, and ad­ded them of Athens. Thus continuing in fame, he dyed at Athens, among his acquaintance, ministring great contencion to his friendes, to celebrate his Fu­nerall.

Proaeresius.

OF Proaeresius, is spoken part in Proaeresius of Cesarea, of Capado­cia. the abouesayde, and in our Hystoricall Treatise, is declared aboundantly. But nowe we wyll speake more exquisitely of him, knowing him throughly, and being admytted to his talke and samiliarity. His eloquence was great and celestiall. I wyll not speake parcially, though he were my Maister, and his curtesies, which cannot be expressed, had bounde this wryter with long and great friendshyp.

He that made this Treatise, came out of Asia, into The Au­thour spea­keth of him selfe. Europe, to Athens, at syxteene yeares of his age, ha­uing a curled and thicke heayre, and for the multy­tude, of many whyte heayres, lyke the foming Sea, or the whyte syluer.

Proaeresius was then (as he sayde himselfe) lxxxvii. yeares of age. In eloquence he was passing. His a­ged body was susteyned with the youth of his mind. So as the wryter hereof, thought him voyde of age, and as it were immortall.

He repayred to him, as called of one that seemed [Page] a God, without any busynesse. He came to Piraeo at the fyrst watche, hauing gotte a feruent agewe Pi [...]aeo, the Port of Athens. by the Sea. And many other of his kynne, were come with him.

At this howre when no thing was to be done, the maister of the Shyppe, which was a man of Athens, went straight to the Citie, and many that lyked bet­ter that kinde of study then the other, stoode at the Port, where the going downe is at the pyllour, and other passengers went also. But this wryter was not able to go, therfore he was borne into the Cittie. It was mydnight, when the Sunne maketh equall night, being northwarde, and entred the Ballance, at which tyme the night watches be long. The Shyp­maister being of olde acquaintance with Proaeresius, knocked at his gate, and brought all the company with him, as it hapneth when contention, falleth be­tweene two young men, that, that Schoole woulde be fylled with audience. Some of these, sought strength of body, some rytches, and some a meane be­tweene.

This wryter being weake, had only many bookes of auncient wryters in his youth. The house was full of myrthe, men and women running about, some laughing, and some prouooking laughter. Proaeresius that tyme, wylled his cosyn Anatolius, for whome he sent, to entertaine the Straungers. For he was of Armenia, which is next the Persians: and they recey­ued the Guests, wherof some were their countrey men. The youth in the Bathes, shewed all pastime and myrth: and when they were washed, they went their way.

This wryter, for his great sycknes consumed, and [Page 27] neyther coulde enioy the syght of Athons, nor of Proae­resius? Onely seeing the things which he [...]esyred, as it were by vision. His countreymen of Lydia tooke it greeuously: and as one young man wyll helpe ano­ther, they spake of him many great things, more than trueth. Conferring together maruelous straungely, there was a sorrow in the Cittle, as of a great cala­mity.

There was one Aeschines, not of Athens, but of Aschines. Chio, that had kylled many, in praetising with the sicke and the whole. He, (as appeared afterwarde) being earnest with them that lamented, sayde. Let me come to geue the dead man a medicine. They were content that Aeschines should make an ende of him, that was already well nyedead. He opened his mouth with certaine instruments: and than he spake, which, by the wyll of God, was many yeares after verified. When he had receyued the medicine, his bo­dy was thorowly losed, and he saw the ayre, & knew his friends.

Thus Aeschines cleared his former faultes, by this one fact, & was honoured of the Patient, and of them that were his friends. When he had done this, being honoured of all men: he went to Chio, and taryed so long there, tyll by the vertue of the medicine, he had gotten health, after the which tyme, the Patient kept company with the Phisitian.

Diuine Proaeresius had not yet seene this wryter, but lamented his case: and when he heard, he had gotten health beyonde all hope, he called the chiefe of his Disciples, and praysed to them the efficacie of that arte. I am glad (sayth he) of this young mans recouery, whome I haue not yet seene, being greatly [Page] grieued with his infirmity. If you wyll doo me a pleasure, take him to the publique Bathe, and leauing your wanton toyes, vse him as mine owne chylde. Thus this matter went, of which shalbe sayde more in our History. Notwithstanding, the wryter thyn­keth that all the benefyte he got by Proaeresius, came by the wyll of God. Yet in the declaration of his lyfe, he wyll not swarue one whytte from the trueth. A diuine saying was it of Plato.

The goodlinesse of Proaeresius body (for now I come Plot. 5. of his Lawes. to speake of him) was such, though that he were olde, that I doubt, if any other were of that bewty, being of those yeares. And it might be maruayled, that the perfectnes of beuty, did suffice such a body, that had a iust proportion with y^e greatest. For his stature was bygger then a man would beleeue, yea, coniecture, for he was hygher then all other, by a foote, as he see­med a Gyant amongst the tallest men. When he was yong, Fortune droue him from Armenia to Antiochia, for he went not strayght to Athens, for he wanted money, and that way, he was infortunate, though he come of honest parentage.

In Antioche, he followed Vlpianus, who was chiefe teacher of eloquence there, and prospered with the Vlp [...]anus of Autioche. best. From thence he went to Athens, after he had taryed a good tyme, with great desyre to heare Iulia­nus, where also he proued with the best. Hephestion went with him, for they two loued deerely, conten­ding aswell in pouerty, as in eloquence.

Both of them had but one Cloake, and three or [Page 28] fowre Mantelles, which being dyed at home, shewed their coursenes for age. Further, being two men, they seemed but one, as the Poets wryght of Gerion. Gerion. 3. bodies. So they were two and one.

When Proaeresius went abroade, Hephestion taryed at home, wrapped in his C [...]uerlet, exercising himself Ambitious pouertie of Proaeresius & Hephesti­on. in Rhetorique. The lyke did Proaeresius, when Hephe­stion was abroade. So great was their want. Iulianus lyked well of Proaeresius, and gaue eare vnto him, wondring at the excellencie of his nature.

When Iulianus was dead, Athens coue [...]ed to haue Death of Iuliane the Oratour. a fytte successour in the art of Rhetorique. Many were desyrous of the office, which to name were a trouble. Therfore by voyce were chosen Proaeresius and Hephestion, Epiphanius, and Diophantus, Sopolis Sopolis. Parnasius. of the obscute sort, and Parnasius of the vyler sort, to make vp the number. For in [...] the Ro­maines manner, s [...]me must be teachers, and some au­ditours.

These being appointed, one part was called of the lesser company, and more symple, whose power con­systed in the seate and teaching place. To the hygher sort, the Cittie was deuided, and not onely the Cit­tie, out all the Nations of the Romaines.

And they contended, not for cunning, but for con­tries, which should be most cunning. All the last, as an honour, was appointed to Epiphanius. Diophan­tus had Arabia, Hephestion reuerensing Proaeresius, let Athens and dyed. To Proaeresius, all Pontus, and Hephestion. the Confynes sent auditors, honouring him, as a doniesticall God. Bithynia, and Hellespontus dyd the lyke.

[Page] Lydia now called Asia, reaching to Caria and Lycia, and ending at Pamphilia, & Taurus, and Egipt, for the excellency of learning, was to him a peculiar portion, and all that is aboue Egipt, streatching to Lydia, and the vnknowen partes inhabited.

I haue told this at large, that men may see euident­ly, the Natiōs that fyrst saw them selues deceyued by youth, turned to seeke other. The excellency of Proae­resius made a great faction, which grew to so great contention with the young sort, that he was forced to leaue Athens: they corrupting the Proconsull, wherby they got the vpperhande. Yet Proaeresius after great penury in his exyle, returned lyke vnto Pisistratus. Other men lyued by their rytches, but Proaeresius by his eloquence. As Homers Mercury, Iliad. a. conueyed Priamus to Achilles Tent, through the eni­mies. He had good fortune that a new Officer was come, who hearing what was done, dyd not alow it. So by the Emperours permission, and alteration of voyces, he returned to Athens.

His enimies, againe assembling, rose against him, lyke stynging Serpents: but being preuented of his friendes, he was restored to Athens, as Tuscianus, who was present at euery thing, tolde me, who had Tuscianus of Lydia. bene Proaeresius, if Proaeresius had not bene. When he was come, as Vlysses, after a long absence, he founde some of his friends in good case: among whome, was Tuscianus, they could not leaue beholding of him, nor he embracing of them. And determyned to tarry the comming of the Proconsull, which was at hande. Who being come, called the Orators, and disgraced all their doings. They had no wyll to come before him, but necessity compelling, he propounded questi­ons [Page 29] vnto them: to the which, they aunswered euery man according to his capacitie, as they were called and instructed, and departed reioysing.

Then were Proaeresius Schollers sodenly called in: who came, not knowing what was meant. Then sayd the President with a lowde voyce, I wyll haue you all, this day, aunswer to a question, which, when you haue done, then, shall Proaeresius, or at his plea­sure, say what he wyll. They effectually desiring this thing, and declaring with great consideration, spee­ches of Aristides: not as things vomitted but well digested, the President sayd againe. Now say Proae­resius. He, from his seate, spake somewhat, as a Proeme with great grace, and when he had ended that speache, which he spake of the sodaine, he applied his matter to the chiefe poynt. For the which, the President was ready to make an ende. Than he loo­ked about the audience, and espyed of his aduersaries a great number, and of his friends very few: whera [...] he was afrayde, as he might well be. Yet Fortune fauouring him, and seeing in the furthest part of the Schoole, the men that were great talkers, and wor­kers of much euyll, sayde, alowde. O God, yonder be the best Oratours.

Commaunde them, O President, to come foorth, paraduenture they wyll tell, they haue done naught. When they heard this, they hydde them selues a­mong the people, coueiting to be close.

The President, sending some of his Sergeaunts, brought them foorth, and with an exhortation, ap­poynted them to speake, in that forme, that is called, Conclusiue. When they had looked a lytle and spoken together: They propounded a base matter, rude and [Page] harde, and voyde of all Rhetoricall ornament.

He looked grimly vpon them, and sayde to the Pro­consull. I beseech thee let me haue the right that was graunted me before the action. He sayde, he should not be denied right. I requyre (quoth he) swyft No­taries.

That this daye, they maye noate Themis tongue, and attend vpon my wordes. He wylling Themis, the goddesse of true peti­tions. the best Notaries to come, they stoode about him, to noate his woordes: but wherefore, it was not knowen.

Than I (sayd he) would aske a greater thing: which he was bidden to doo. Let no man, sayd he, clappe his handes, at the ende of Sentences. Which being graunted with great feare to the other: Proaeresius beganne to speake with flowing Oration, clapping his owne hands, at euery sentence ende.

The Auditours that were compelled to keepe Py­thagoras scilence, were grieued with sighing and gro­ning.

He increasing in cloquence, and speaking aboue mans opinion, came to the second part of his matter, and as a man rapt in a futie: he left that he thought coulde not be aunswered, and turned his speach to the enimies argument.

The Notaries coulde scarcely follow him, and the Auditours, hardly holde their peace. Such was the plenty of the wordes, turning his face to the No­taries.

Marke dillygently, sayde he, if I doo not remember all. Than he rehearsed all againe, when neyther The woon­derfull me­morie of Proaeresius. the President kept his owne Lawe, nor the audy­ence [Page 30] feared the threatninges, but extolled the Ora­tour as a God, and all that were present, dyd him honour, and sayde he was a God of Mercuries elo­quence.

His aduersaries freating for anger, yet some of them coulde doo no lesse then prayse him. The Pre­sident, with all his Guarde and power, brought him out of the Theatre. And after that tyme no man durst mute against him. But as they had all bene stroken with a lightning, they acknowledged him for the better.

In processes of tyme reuiuing againe, as the heads of Hidra, they returned to their nature, alluring some of the best sort with great feastes, & fayre Damisels. As Princes that be ouercome in iust and sette bat­tell, and by desperation brought to extremitie, they are glad of shotte and lyght Horsemen, which at the fyrste they dyd not esteeme, but nowe for necessitie, accept them: So these being feared from ordinarie helpe, layde traynes, that were lewde and vyle. Which were voyde of enuye, vnlesse a man can hate himselfe.

They had many fellowes, and theyr crafte came to good passe. Proaeresius was in greate credyte, and his vertue in floryshing estate. All wyse men loued him, and they that went to him, attayned to knowledge.

At this tyme, the Emperours Courte brought foorth a man, that loued both eloquence and glo­rye. Beritos, in Phaenitia, now [...]aruto.

He was of y^• City of Beritos, & his name was Anatoli­us, whom his euil willers surnamed Azutriona. What Anatolius, surnamed Azutrion. [Page] this name doth sygnify, let the madde company of stage players tell. This Anatolius, obtayned both eloquence and glory, and came to perfite knowledge of the law, which his countrey Berytos vsed, being a mother of that study. He sayled to Rome, and for his pythy wisdom and eloquence, was called to Courts, and in short tyme came to great power.

He had all Princely offices geuen him, with such e­stimation, as his very enimies wondred at him, and in tyme was made great Maister of the Court. This Great mai­ster of the Court. is a Princely office, without Purple. Fortune folo­wing his ambition, he was made Lieftenant of Il­lyria. And where he was very superstitious, & geuen to Greeke facions, albeit, study of publique state drew him from it: he appointed to go to the chiefe places of the Empyre, and visyte all, euen as he would.

Being mooued with a feruent desyre to see Grecia, and the Images of the Oratours, with his owne eyes: he made great haste into Grecia, and came thy­ther with much authority. Where he propounded a question to the Oratours, wylling euery one to say his minde of it. Grecia maruayling at his wisdome, learning, and indyfferency. Hee commaunded them to speake of this question, they dayly sought to be guile one another. But when there was no reme­dy, they determyned the state of the matter, as they call it: vpon the which, was such a contention, as the wryter hereof, neuer heard a more foolysh thing. They were deuided by difference in opinion, euery man being bent to please his audience, and prayse his eloquence. And after the comming of Anatolius, more fearefull then the army of Xerxes, and the peryll re­dounding, not to the Greacians, but to the studients: [Page 31] all other, among whome, was Himerius of Bythinia, Himerius of Bythinia. an Oratour, tooke great paines to exercise their wyttes, in the state of this matter. This Himerius was not knowne to the wryter, but by his Bookes. Proaeresius trusting to his witte and knowledge, was straunge among them, and tolde no man his opini­on.

When Anatolius had done his Ceremonies in A­thens, he commaunded the Oratours to begyn their disputation. Then euery man sought to preuent o­ther in the ostentation of their wytte. So ambitious a creature is man. Anatolius laughed at them, that sought to please their Schollars, and pitied their Pa­rents, that had put them to such Teachers.

Then he called Proaeresius which was onely left. He got familiaritie of Anatolius men, and learned the meaning of all the purpose. The which thing (as the wryter sayde before) was to be laughted at) being of no moment, nor any rewarde of victory propoun­ded, yet Proaeresius obeyed, as soone as he was called. And spake so aptly and eloquently to the thing, that Anatolius leapt out of his seate, and the audience was caried to cries, and there was none but thought him a God in speache. So as Anatolius esteemed him very much, and as for the rest, scarcely thought them worthy his table. For he was pleasaunt, and fine in talke at Feasts, and there was no meale with out some purpose and learning. These happened long before, and the wryter had the better tyme to heare of them.

Anatolius esteemed much Nilesius borne in Smyrna, Milesius of Smyrna. a Cittie of Ionia, a man of great wytte, and geuen to a solytary lyfe. He ministred in holy things, and was [Page] without a wyfe: and in verse and meter, of passing knowledge: so delighting Anatolius, as he iudged him one of the Musies. He called the Rhetoricall questions of Epiphanius: Breakings, reprouing the barrennes, and lost busines in such tryfles. He illuded all the inuentions of such Oratours, saying: if there were aboue thyrteene, the problemes shoulde be infinite.

Not long before, he was called of the Emperour into France, who had him in such admyration, as Constance. he admitted him to his table among his Nobillitie. And where the men of that countrey, coulde not at­tayne to the inwards doctrine of his minde: they gaue their eyes to the wonder of his body, maruay­ling at the highnes and goodlines therof: As an high Picture, vnto the which, they could scarcely looke. For in all thinges he was beyonde a man. They that marked his temperaunce, iudged him without affec­tion, Proaeresius, more then a man. lyke yron, symple clad without shoes, marueling he coulde abyde the colde of the countrey, and drinke the frosen water of the Rhene. For in all his lyfe, he neuer dranke hotte drinke.

The Emperour sent him to the great Cittie of Rome, for a glory, that they shoulde see, what men were subiect to the Emperour. They could not tell at what to maruayle most, all thinges dyd so passe mans nature.

Than, for many causes louing him, and lykewyse praysing him: they made a Picture of Brasse, of his iust stature, and dedicated it to him, with this in­scription.

[Page 32] The Emperour gaue him leaue to returne to A­thens, and to aske what gyfte he woulde. He asked a thing woorthy his nature: Ilandes, not fewe, nor lyttle, trybutarie to Athens, in paying of Corne. The Emperour gaue them to him, adding the grea­test honour, making him Lieftenaunt Generall, that no man shoulde enuie that he had so great a publique reuenew. The Presydent had authority to establysh these offices, who was lately come out of France.

And after these dysputations, he went to Anatoli­us, to haue his office confyrmed, calling to Athens, all his friendes that myght congratulate with him, in his dygnitie, who resorted without number.

When the Theatre was full, and he requyred his acquaintaunce might speake. The President pre­uenting him, to knowe what he coulde doo of the so­daine, sayd. Speake Proaeresius. For it is not conue­nient that other king, then he that is present should praise the Emperour.

Than Proaeresius, as an Horse called to the race, spake of the gyft, and rehearsed Celeo, Triptolemus Celeus, Father to Triptole­mus, to whome Ce­res shewed the way of [...]yl [...]he. and the comming of Ceres with the gyfte of Corne, applying the Emperours benefite, to these examples.

Than strayght hee passed to the auncient Mannor of munisycence, confirmed all things by examples, and declared the glory of Fame by eloquence.

He tooke a wife of the Cittie of Trallis in Asia. Her name was Amphiclea. They had a Daughter that lyued so long as there is tyme betweene the concep­tion and the byrth. After the which tyme, he had a fayre Sonne. That made the Father glad for the tyme, but shortly after, fylled both Father and Mo­ther, with heauines by death.

[Page] As at the griefe therof, Proaeresius seemed to loose all his Sap [...]ence. But Nilesius, with his musyke and sweete harmony, restored his minde againe.

The Romaines required him to send his chiefe Dis­ciple to them. And he sent Eusebius of Alexandria, who agreeing well with the Cittie, for he could well Eusebius of Alexandria. flatter, and please the great men, being thought sedi­tious at Athens, despised others, and magnifyed him selfe. Therfore he sent him thyther, as not ig­noraunt of that Citties subtilties. For as touching his eloquence, it is inough to say, he was an Aegipti­an. For that Nation is giuen to Poetry, insomuch as Mercurie, when he had earnest businesse to do, would not dwell with them.

Musonius his Disciple, succeeded him in Rhetorique, Musonius. of whome we haue sayd aboundantly, for other cau­ses, in our Histories. He being appointed to aun­swere, and perceyuing with whome he had to doo, leapt into ciuile causes. He was put from teaching in Iulianus reigne, because he was a Christian, per­ceyuing that Ieraphantus, as the God of Delphos, Ieraphātus, a teacher of holy things dyd foresee things to come, and tell them to the requi­rers, that with great skyll and sleyght, dyd intercept his knowledge.

The Emperour dyd affygne Landes to learned To the G [...]ecians that follow­ed Gentil­litic. men, that they should be exempt from trybute. Proae­resius, required him to shew by Oracle, whether this lyberality shoulde be of continuaunce, he denyed it. The other, by oth [...]r meane, learning what would follow, lyued more at quiet.

At this tyme, the wryter being syxteene yeares of age, entred Athens, and was admitted his Scholler, and loued, as his sonne. The fyfthe yeare he would [Page 33] haue gone into Aegipt, but his friendes called him a­gaine, and set him to the study of Eloquence, to the which euery man exhorted him. Proaeresius dyed shortly after, a man of such quality, as all the worlde was fylled with his eloquence, and inhabited of his Disciples.

Epiphanius.

HE was of Syria, most wyttie in iudginge questions of controuersie, Epiphanius of quicke iudgement. but in Rhetorique not vehement. He was one of Proaeresius tyme, and attay­ned to great Fame. Mans nature can­not abyde one to be praysed alone, but for malice and enuie, wherto they be enclined: they set vp another, against them that haue Fame and glory. Making principles of contraries, as they do in naturall Phi­losophy.

He dyed not very olde, of bloody disease, and his wife, a very fayre woman, suffred the lyke. They had no chylde. This wryter knew him not, being long be­fore his trauaile.

Diophantus.

DIophantus, was of Arabia, fol­lowing Diophātus. against Proaeresius▪ Sciences. The same opinion of men, obiected him against Proaeresius, as if a man woulde set Callimachus against Callimach. a Poete of Cyrene. Homer. But Proaeresius laughed at these thinges, [Page] and at the men that sought estimation, in this behalf. This wryter knew him, and heard him many times openly declame: which to put to the writinges afore­said, & remember, it seemeth not good. For the memo­ry is of worthy men, not a wryting to be laughed at. He made the funerall Oration of Proaeresius, who dy­ed before him, and thus they say he spake to Selamine Marathon. where Mil­ciades slew 10000. Per­sians. and the Medians.

O Marathon and Salamine, nowe you shalbe in sy­lence. What a trompe haue you lost of your prayses? He left two sonnes, geuen to pleasure and rytches. Salamis, where The­mistocles ouerthrew the Nauy of Xerxes.

Sopolis.

THis wryter dyd many tymes heare Sopolis. He was a follower of y^• old Sopolis, an Antiquarie. speeche: desyrous to attayne to a sounde doctrine. He knocked at the doore oft y­nough, but it was open but syldome. A soft & weake sound dyd cracke from thence. A lytle diuine breath issewed, which pleased the audience. But dyd not beare a way the flowing streame of the fountayne at Delphos. He had a sonne, who they say, dyd ascend to the chayre of learning.

Himerius.

Blthyria brought forth this mā. This wryter knew him not. Yet he was [...]imerius. of his tyme, but was gone to the Empe­rour Iulianus, to shew himself, not to hin­der Iulianus Emperour. Proaeresius, & was wel receyued of the Emperour. Who being dead, he continued his trauayle, & when [Page 34] Proaeresius was dead, he came to Athens. He was sweete and pleasant in his Orations. He had a per­swading way, probable to the people, and sometime, not vnlyke to diuine Aristldes. After his daughter, he dyed in his age, of the falling syeknesse.

Parnasius.

IN this tyme was Parnasius in the chayre and teaching. Hauing scholers Parnasius. that might be well numbred, yet of great name.

Libanius.

ANtioche brought forth Liba­nius, the chiefe Citie of that part of Syria, This part is called Coelesyria. Antioche. Libanius, in Iulianus tyme, of whose praise he wrote a booke. that is called Holow. The worke of the noble Seleucus Nicator. He was of a good house, and taken with the best: when he was young & ruler of him selfe, his Parents being dead, he came to Athens: neyther to Epiphanius, nor Proaeresius, that were of greatest name, that he should not be obscure in such a nūber of scholers, & great glory of maisters.

Being caught with them of Diophantus, he cloue Diophātus. to him, but as they that knew him very well, affirme among the scholers, and familiars, he was lytle con­uersaunt, neyther tedious to his maister. But of him selfe, followed y^e forme of auncient Rhetorique, which he expressed both in tongue & minde. As they that oft do shoote, somtyme do hyt the marke. Diligence con­tinuall in instruments, bringeth an arte, not a science. [Page] So Libanius by zeale, and imitation, forcing him selfe to follow the olde Oratours that were accoumpted best, made good steppes, and passed thorough the most of the way. Trusting in his eloquence, and per­swading him selfe to be equall with them that were in estimation: he would not be hydden in a lytle Cit­tie, but went to Constantinople, a Cittie most famous and wealthy, hauing neede of their wordes & works, that could set the same forth. He quickly became no­table there. And after a tyme returned to his Coun­trey. Where he continued all his lyfe, which was long. Wherfore the memory, worthy his lyfe, is she­wed in our Chronicle, of Iulianus actes. Now his priuate doings are rehearsed.

None of his friendes or familiars, went away without a taunt. What euery mans maner was, he well marked, and vnderstoode his minde, whether he enclined to vertue or vice. Such a one he was, in describing and vttering the condition of men, all the which he dyd with a nyppe. His familiars suppo­sed to be in him, an other him selfe. Therfore his ac­quaintaunce sayd, he was a table and Image, of sun­dry facions.

Neyther coulde he be perceyued of his Scholers, (were they neuer so many) to what part he enclined. But to contrary nature, of contrary maners, he was lyked, euen of them that were contrary to his profes­sion. So euery man dyd thinke to beholde their con­ditions, alone in him, not without admiration, so di­uers formes of sundry qualities were found in him at ones. He also despised mariage, yet he had a woman as his wyfe, but not of lyke worthynesse. His Orati­ons were colde and barraine, without lyfe, so as in [Page 35] this poynt, it seemed he was without a teacher. For the common rules woont to be knowen to chyldren, he knew not. But in Epistles and such other lyke fa­miliar talke, he rose sufficiently to the auncient forme. His wrytinges are full of grace and pleasantnesse of Comedy, and acumlynes is to be founde, scattered Syrophoeni­tia, the coast of Phoenitia thorough his workes. All the Syrophaenitians hath that manner of speech, which may be taken of him by learning.

They of Attica, calleth it sensyble and sharpe: He laboured this as the chiefe poynt of learning, all ge­uen to draw what he coulde, out of the olde Come­die, and to expresse it: and as it were, made of nature from the beginning, to that pleasantnes & delighting of eares. A man may finde in his Orations, excee­ding learning and knowledge, full of sweete speeche, so as he would not haue passed the trees of Eupolidis, Eupolis, a wryter of the old Cō ­medy. Desphosia, and Damasia, if he had knowen the names of them, by the which men call them now a dayes. Yet he found a straunge and auncient style that was hydden, as a gyft taken from the olde time, & brought it abroade, cleansing it, and making it fayre, framing an whole argument to it, with apt sentences, as ser­uaunts and handmayds, to a new growen maistres, and of olde made young.

Diuine Iulianus maruayled at it: And all men mar­uayled at his grace in speeche. Many bookes there be of his, which maye be vnderstanded of them that haue wytte and seeke them. He was sufficient for ciuile causes and busynes, and besyde his Orations, to be bolde to performe other things touching sights in Theatres. The Princes that followed, gaue him great offices. For they wylled him to haue the great [Page] maistership of the Court, and so saluted him. He refu­sed it, saying. A Philosopher is aboue it. And this is no smal praise, that being inferiour, in glory, he would be superiour in study. Thinking the other to be a com­mon and ordinary office. He dyed very olde, leauing to all men, great admiration of him.

Acacius.

CAesarea of Palaestina, brought forth Acacius, who was of Libanius time. Full of Scolasticall contention, and spirit, as euer was man. His speeche was lyke the olde manner with clapping of handes. Rysing with Libanius, he got a prayse and helde it. A booke written of Libanius, of the aptnesse of nature, was dedicate to Acacius, in the which, he confesseth to be ouercome of him, by reason of his syngular hptnesse. He wytnesseth to him selfe, of the placing, and quicke setting of wordes, as a man ignoraunt.

And that Homer was not alwayes carefull of me­ter, but of good, sound, and sweetnes. And that Phi­dias Phidias, maker of the Picture of Pallas, of Iuorie, xxv [...]. c [...]bits hye. dyd not alwayes, bring with him a fynger, or a foote to set foorth the Goddesses. The eare being al­wayes woont to rule, & the cause eyther vnknown, or harde to be knowen. As in fayre & goodly bodies, all men do not lyke one thing. And he that is moued, knoweth not why he is moued.

Acacius, thus remaining for the best, hauing great glory and passing Lybanius, died in his youth. Whom men, for his learning, honoured as he had bene a very olde man.

Nymphidianus.

NYmphidianus was of Smyrna. Nymphidi­an us. Maximus. Claudianus, Brethren. Maximus the Philosopher, was his bro­ther, and Claudianus also, who was a good Philosopher lykewise. Yet was not trayned at Athens. He was borne to Eloquence, and worthy the name of an Orator. Iulianus made him his Secretarie, chiefly for the Greeke tongue. Yet Secretarie to Iulianus. he was better in declamations, and disputations: in the beginning and proceeding, not lyke himselfe. He dyed being an olde man, and after the death of his brother Maximus.

Zenon.

AT this tyme many Phisitions florished: among the which, was Zenon of Cyprus, ataining to great knowledge. Phisitians florishing. And he was in y^• tyme of Iulian the Ora­tour. And after him, in Proaeresius tyme, y^e successour of Zeno, who excelled both in teaching, and practising of Phisicke. His Disciples that were famous, some followed the one part, and some the other, and some both qualities of him. And were accept for their fol­lowing, both in practising and teaching.

Magnus.

HE was borne at Antiochia, be­yond Nisibis, where Alexander ouer­threw Da­rius. Euphratis, which now they cal Ni­sibis. He was Zenos scholer. And might prouoke Aristotle to dispute of bodyes [Page] elect by nature, and of them selues susteyned. In tea­ching It seemeth he signifieth that he was corpulent, and so had the name of Magnus. hee made the Phisitians to holde their peace, but in curing, he seemed not so good.

As they saye, they of the olde tyme asked Archida­mus, if he were stronger then Pericles, he aunswered. When I haue geuen Pericles a fall, he wyll proue he Archida­mus. gaue me a fall. Euen so, Magnus would prooue that Pericles. they that were healed of other Phisitians, were styll Magnus most skylful in arguing. syeke. And when they that were whole and recoue­red, would geue thanks to their Doctours: he would diswade them with obiections and arguments.

Alexandria was appointed his Schoolehouse, to whome men went both by water and lande. Eyther onely to woonder at him, or to take some profite by him. Wherin they were not deceyued. Some, lear­ning to speake, and some, to doo, according to their study.

Oribasius.

PErgamo brought forth Oriba­sius. Who straight came to glory by that Oribasius, of Pergamo the more e­steemed for his con̄trey. Muse of A­thens. meane, as they doo that be borne at A­thens. If they proue good Oratours, the place maketh them the more notable, as a Muse of A­thens, and domesticall ornament. He being wel borne both wayes, was famous from a Chylde, endued with all science that auayleth to vertue. As he grewe in age, he was Auditor to great Zenon, and compa­nion with Magnus. Whome he left behinde him in mouing of affections, wherin he was excellent.

He came to the height of Phisicke, following his [Page 37] countrey God, or was possible for a man to do. Being young and notable: Iulianus aspyring to the king­dome, Oribasius Phisitian to Iulianus. tooke him for his science. He excelled so in other vertues, that he aduanced Iulianus to the state.

The which is more plainly shewed in his lyfe. But as the Prouerbe sayth. There is no Larke without a Creaste.

So Oribasius was not without enuie. For not­withstanding, his excellencie, the officers of Iulianus spoyled him of his substaunce, and minded to haue done the lyke with his lyfe, but they restrayned from the mischiefe. Otherwise, committing as euyll, for they appointed him to be kylled of the Barbarians, as the Athenians do them that be excellent in vertue. Yet such in Athens, suffred as the law was, and no more. But Emperours added somewhat more to banish­ment, That lawe was called Ostrasismus being deliuered to most cruell Barbarians, ma­king them Lordes of their sentence.

Oribasius, being brought to the place of his enimies, dyd shew great prayse of vertue, not limited by space, nor bounded by termes, but declaring constancie and stedfastnesse, according to her nature: working alike, whersoeuer she becommeth. Euen as they say, num­bers, and such science doth.

He got forthwith a great name of the Barbarians, and their Kinges. He was taken with the best. And hauing regarde to the Romaine kingdome, he was honoured among them, as a God. Hea [...]ing some of long diseases, delyuering some from the gate of death. This sayd calamity, was occasion of all his felicitie. Wherfore the Emperour doubting to striue with such a mans vertue, in all places, suffred him to returne. In his iourn [...]y he had, for all his rytches, [Page] himselfe, shewing the rytches of vertue. He had a wyse, noble and wealthy, and fowre chyldren, which be a lyue, and himselfe was lyuing, when this was written, and so may he long be.

He recouered his former substance, restored by the Emperours publique decree, which he had vniustly lost by the former sentence. And in this case was he. To be conuersant with Oribasius: he must be a gentle Philosopher, that he may knowe what to esteeme, a­boue al other. Such an armony and grace, was shed and ioyned with al men in his samiliar acquaintance.

Ionicus.

IOnicus was of Sardis, whose fa­ther was a singular Phisitian being Ze­nos Disciple. He came to the lyght of knowledge. In somuch, as Oribasius had him in admiration. He was most skylfull in the symples and compositions of Phisicke, and best in particular practi [...]. He had perfit knowledge in mans Ionicus, per [...]te in the Sunples. body and a thorough searcher of nature. There was no medicine, nor iudgement that was vnknowen to him: no not p [...]isters, that the most cunning laye to sores, to [...]bate the superfluitie, and auoyde the en­combraunce. The best deuisor and practised man, to close the corrupted partes, and not to let other cut them. All the actes and names, he knew, insomuch as they that had greatest name in Phisicke, woon­dred at his dilligence: and plainly confessed, that be­ing holpen by him, they knew indeede, what the [Page 38] auncients had wrytten, and brought it into vse, as names hyd with the wrytings.

Besyde this, hee had great knowledge in other thinges of learning and Sapience. And in diuina­tion that appertayned to foresee the cure of men, by arte of Phisicke: and of the other, that dependeth of Philosophy, and endeth there, for them that maye be holpen, by secrete wayes.

He had also great knowledge in Rhetorique, and other sciences. And was not ignoraunt o [...] Poetrie. He dyed a lytle before this was written, hauing two chyldren woorthy of prayse and fame. At this tyme Theon. one Theon of Galatia, was of great fame. Nowe let vs returne to Philosophers, from whome we haue digressed.

Chrysanthius.

CHrysanthius was the cause that Chrysāthiu [...] Scholema­ster to this wryter. this Treatise was wrytten, teaching the wryter from a Chylde, and sustey­ning him to the ende, as a lawe of bene­uolence towarde him.

Yet for all that, nothing shall be spoken partially of him, for he loued trueth aboue all thinges, and fyrst taught it chiefly. We wyll not augment the benefyte receyued, cut rather speake most moderatly of him, for so it was agreed betweene vs. Chrysanthius was of the Senate, and for Nobilitie, accoumpted with Inocentius, a Lawyer grādfather to Chrysan. the best.

[Page] One Inocentius was his Grandfather, a man of great rytches and estimation, being appointed by the Em­perours to make Lawes. There be bookes of his, extant, written both in Greeke and Latine. Which testifieth his deepe and stayed iudgement, and con­tayne knowledge of these thinges, for such as be desy­rous of them.

Chrysanthius being left young of his Father, and geuen to Philosophy, by his diuine nature, went to Pergamo, to the great Aedesius. And growing in yeares, had such a desyre and thyrst of Philosophy, as chancing on such a Teacher, as dyd geue him inough to aslake his thyrst, he lost no lesson, nor gaue place to any in dilligence. For he was of a sounde and strong body, acquaynted with labour.

He got full knowledge in Aristotle, and Plato, and gaue all his minde to Philosophy. And hauing vn­derstanded all the sormes of the same, he was of in­clination to obtayne eloquence, and in good way of exercise and doctrine. He ouercame euery enterprise that he tooke in hande, and had boidnes to make de­claration of his proofe: apt to speake, and to be sylent also. And when he spake, to get the maistry, he would vse high prayse and pompe. After this, he went to the study of knowledge of the Goddes, and followed the Sapience that Pythagoras taught, and other that followed him. Parentinus Architas, Philoso­pher. Apolonius, was of A­lexandria. borne at Tyana in Cappadocia

Besyde olde Architas and Tyaneus Apolonius, and them that honoured Apolonius, surely diuine men, yet mortall. After this study, Chrysanthius going the strayght way, taking the fyrst occasion, by these prin­ciples and guides, he prospered and attayned to such a perfection of the minde, which Plato calleth a pur­gation, [Page 39] as he gotte the full of all that science to the vt­termost, and was perfyte in all foresyght.

Men sayde, he dyd better see, than speake of things to come, as one that euer had bene present with the Goddes. After he had bestowed a good tyme this waye, and coferred with Maximus very much, he Conditions of Maximus. left his society. For being contentious and obstinate of nature, striuing against the tokens that God sent, he searched and wrestled for others. But Chry­santhius by induction, when he had seene the fyrst, stayde with the sygnifications that were geuen, and eyther had the victory, or if he were wroong, supply­ed it by polecie.

And when Iulianus the Emperour, sent for them both by one calling, appoynting souldiours for their honour, bringing a perswasion from Thessalie, ioyg­ned with a ne [...]ssitie: that it seemed he dyd communi­cate with God, and manifestly wrought with him, as a priuate and dayly workman of the lower sort, to iudge the tokens of God: forbydding his going. But Maximus continued fast in the Ceremonies, and deuoutly vsing the Sacrifyces, with cryes: he would aske of God other tokens, to differ the destiny.

And where he had styll contrary tokens, and therby caused Chrysanthius to trye it againe: yet at length the wyll of the Goddes was manifested by sygnes, and their determination many times shewed by Sa­crifice, although the thing that appeared, was not by him, approued. So as Maximus tooke that iour­ney, which was cause of all calamitie: Euen so Chry­santhius taryed at home.

At the fyrst, the Emperour consydered the cause, and coniectured, why Chrysanthius would not come, be­cause [Page] he sawe difficulty in the matter. Notwithstan­ding, Iulianus wrote againe for him: and not onely exhorted him, but also moued his wyle to perswade him to come.

Chrysanthius againe, resorted to diuine know­ledge. And the Goddes shewed him continually, all one tokens. The which comming oft to passe, and the Emperour hauing great opinion of him, gaue him the chiefe Byshoprike of that countrey. And he knowing certainly what woulde followe, was not grieuous in his dignitie, nor oppressed the younger, as all in this age, were woont to do, hotly and fer­uently, neyther was he very extreme to the Christi­ans.

So great lenitie was in his behauiour, that in all Lydia it was scarcely knowen, that there was any alteration of Religion. Wherof followed, when the chaunge came, that no new thing seemed to be done: Nothing sodenly appeared to be altred, but al things stayed quietly, and vniformly, and without motion. And where all other were tossed, as with the Sea, he onely was in quietnesse, some of the sodaine thro­wen downe, other rysing againe, from their former myseries.

He was in admiration, for that he dyd not onely foresee thinges to come, but also vsed well the things he knewe. This was his behauiour alwayes. So as it might be seene, that Socrates was reuiued againe: or that from his youth, he had immita­ted and followed him, and was transformed into him.

A plaine and symple manner of grace appeared in [Page 40] his speeche: yet the sweetnesse of his wordes, dyd moue his audience. He was gentle to all in conuer­sation. Insomuch that they that went srom him, were thought ambitious. And as gentle and mylde versies, do easily and readily enter and passe into eue­ry mans eares, and moue thinges voyde of reason, as they say of Orpheus. So Chrysanthius speeche was harmonious to all men, as it agreed and was fytte for such a diuersitye of manners. Yet was hee styffe and stable in his sentence and opinion, for the which he sawe most men at controuerly. Sel­dome shoulde any man heare him boast of his lear­ning, or bee thereby the more insolent to others: what they sayde, he praysed, though it were not well sayde.

Hee allowed an opinion, though it were not of the [...]est, as though he hearde it not throughly, see­ming to bee borne to please, and not to offende. If there were any motion, by the presence of some learned men: and hee mynd [...]ug to saye any thing of the coutrouersie, all was full or scilence, as though there had bene noman.

So neyther int [...]rogations, diuisions, nor repe­tions, were requyred of him, but refrayned from dis­putation and contradiction, least they should seeme to fall into manifest fault.

Many that dyd but meanely knowe him, and coulde not conceyue the depthe of his minde, blamed his symple speeche, and onelye praysed his myldnesse of mynde. But when they hearde him dyspute, and wrapping himselfe, with reasons into pr [...]cepres, they thought him to be another manner man, than they supposed.

[Page] So vnlyke dyd he seeme vnto him selfe, in matters of controuersie. His heayres stoode ryght vp as in a feare, and his eyes testified, that his minde was rapt, about his doctrine. Lyuing to great yeares, he spent his dayes, without the cares of mans causes: but onely for prouision of familie, mayntenance of the Plowe, and gayne that was iust.

He better dyd beare penury, than others plenty. His dyet was such, as might be easily gotten. He neuer eate Porke, and syldome any other flesh. Alwayes worshipping God, he applyed the reading of olde Authors, diligently. He differed neyther in age, nor in youth. For being fowre score yeares olde: he wrote so many Bookes with his owne hand, as few young men can reade ouer: wherby his fyn­gers endes, for the continuall vse, waxed crooked. When he rose from study, he recreated his mynde by walking softly abroade, taking this wryter with him.

He would walke a good way, but fayre and easily. So as it might be thought, he had paine in his feete, so much was hee caryed, with declaration of the trueth. Bathes he seldome vsed, yet alwayes see­med as he had bene washed. As touching the com­pany of great men, hee refused not for arrogancie or pride, but as it may be iudged for simplicitie, as a man ignoraunt of power, yet he talked with them openly, and plainly.

He taught the wryter hereof, being young, who came to him to Athens. And continued his loue to­warde him, as his Childe, encreasing it with dayly beneuolence. And so much encreased in learning this wryter, as in the morning, he taught others, [Page 41] and read Rhetorique to them that woulde heare it. And after noone resorted to his chiefe master to learn more diuine and Philosophicall matter, which was not painefull, because he bestowed it vpon his deere beloued: and to him, so readily taking it, the worke was a pastime.

Than the Christian state preuayling, and ruling Iustus ruler of Asia. ouer all: One Iustus came to gouerne Asia, from Rome, which was a long iourney. He being olde and of gentle behauiour, not hauing lest the auncient rites of his countrey, but followed that blessed and hap­py manner of life, euer in prayer, and depending vpon the aunsweres of God, being the more bolde, that he prospered so well therby.

He came dyrectly from Constantinople to Asia, and appoynted Hilarius an officer, who was of his owne Hilarius. opinion: And on the sodaine set vp Altares at Sardis, (where was none,) and repayred the Temples that were decayed, and making publique Sacrifyce: By his letters, sent to euery place, called all such as had opinion, and fame of learning, who came to him out of hande, maruayling at him, thynking nowe the tyme to be come, that euerie man might vtter his knowledge.

Some of these put their trust in flattering, lyke chyldren, hoping that way, to get honour, glorie, or gayne. There was a publique Feast proclaymed, at the which all we [...] present, and among others, the wryter hereof.

Iustus marking well, and beholding the Sacrifice which lay out of order, asked of them that were pre­sent, what the forme of that manner of falling of the Host, meant. Here the flatterers were styrred with [Page] a great maruayle, that he coulde diuine by Fygure, and affyrmed that he onely knew it.

The grauer sort, stryking their beardes with their fyngers endes, staying their countenaunces, and shaking their heads, slowly and leysurely, behelde the thing as it laye, and sayde some one thing, and some another.

Iustus scarcely refrayning from laughter, turned to Chrysanthius, speaking a lowde, what saye you olde man? Chrysanthius being nothing abashed, sayde: he disallowed all. And if you (sayde he) wyll haue me speake, what way there is of diuination: say you first what kindes you know, and of what forme, of what question, and what prefixed manner, it proceedeth. And if you tell this, I wyll shew, what the apparance sygnifyeth to come, before you declare this, it were a rude parte of mee to aunswere to your interroga­tion, and to shewe of thinges to come, seeing the Goddes wyll sygnifie sufficiently, what shall be, and ioygne that, that is, with that which must be here­after.

By this reason, there shoulde be two interroga­tions, and no man is asked at ones, of two or more, for in thinges defynite, controuersies hath not one consyderation.

Than Iustus cryed, that he learned that he neuer knew before, and ceassed not from that tyme to learne that he knewe not, by conferrin [...] with him priuate­lye, to knowe from the foun [...]ayne, that of which he was ignoraunt.

At this tyme, many that had names of learning, came to talke with Chrysanthius, moued by the fame of his excellent knowledge. But when they percey­ued [Page 42] that they were farre inferiour to that Maiestie that was in him, they went their wayes.

The lyke happened to Hellespontius of Galatia, a Hellespon­tius. verie syngular man, and except Chrysanthius, the chiefe of all. He was so desyrous of learning, that he went to places vnknowen, to seeke better learned than him selfe. And being furnished with goodlye trauayle, and great learning, he came to Sardis, the olde Cittie of Lydia, to speake with Chrysanthius.

Chrysanthius had a sonne, of the name of his Mai­ster, Aedesius at Pergamo, of whome we haue spoken before, who from a chylde, enclyned to vertue, as Plato, in Phaedro, re­sembleth two partes of the mind, to Horses, and the thyrd, to the Carte [...]s. one that with wynges was created to flie to it. Not hauing but one of the Horses that Plato speaketh of, neyther a puffed minde, but quicke & swyft to know­ledge, whollye bent to the honour of God, and so much aboue the affections of the body, as he seemed almost to be created of the mindeonely.

His body in mouing, was so delyuer, as is to be scarcelye credyted, as one (according to the Poets) that was caryed in the ayre. He had such familia­ritie with diuine matter, and that so easily, and so readily, that it was superfluous to set a Garlande on his head, but looking onely against the Sunne, hee vttred true Oracles, and conformable to that kinde that commeth from a pure diuination. Yet he knew no verse, nor was sufficiently learned in Grammer. So God wrought all thinges in him. Neuerthelesse, at the determined ende of his lyfe, he dyed: at the twentie yeare of his age.

Than his father declared himselfe to be a Philoso­pher. For eyther the rauishment of his sences made him voyde of affections, or the patience of his minde, [Page] made him beare the losse of his sonne. And the mo­ther, hauing regarde to her husbande, passed the na­ture of a woman, refrayning from all lamentation, though the passion were most grieuous. After these matters, Chrysanthius returned to his studies. And many great & publique causes chauncing, that droue mennes mindes to feare, he onely remayned without trouble, that it might seeme, he was not of the earth.

At this time Hellespontius came to him, but seldome entred disputation. But when they were at it, Hel­lespontius was so rapte, as he lest all to abyde with Chrysanthius, and learned lyke a young man, and re­pented he had lost so much tyme, and was so olde, be­fore he had tasted of so healthfull doctrine. So whol­ly dyd he geue his minde to him.

Chrysanthius would be let blood, as he was woont: when this wryter was present, as he commaunded. When the Phisitians agreed that he shoulde stryke a vaine, he attended to see it done accordingly. And affyrmed that it was rashly and vnaduisedly done, to take so much blood, and commaunded him to be stop­ped. For this wryter was not ignoraunt of Phisicke. Hellespontius hearing of it, came in great anger, and chyding, as in a great offence, that so much blood shoulde be taken from so olde a man. But when he sawe him safe, and heard him speake, he turned to this wryter, saying: The Cittie accused you of a great fault, but now they wyll be styll, when they see the olde man safe, and voyde of daunger.

This man comming after to Chrysanthius in a pub­lique cause, fell sicke by the way of a flyxe, and at Apa­mea in Bythinia, dyed. Commaunding his fellowe Procopius, onelye to honour Chrysanthius. Which [Page 43] thing Procopius tolde, when he was come to Sardis.

Chrysanthius in the sommer, the yeare following, v­sed the same Phisicke. And where this wryter wyl­led the Phisitians that they shoulde tarry for him, as the maner was, because he was President. Yet they preuented him, and let him blood, and whylest he bled, he put his hand to his chyn, and a sodaine weak­nes followed, with a shrynking of the synewes. Ori­basius was called forthwith for his conning. And he with noriture and hotte things, restored strength againe, and made him in good case. But age preuay­led, which the next yeare dispatched him, naturall heate being extinct, by the much vse of fomentations. And so being sicke, he dyed after the common course of man.

Epigonus and Beronitianus.

EPigonus of Lacedemonia, and Be­ronitianus of Sardis, succeeded him in tea­ching. Men worthy the name of Philoso­phy. Beronitianus was more full of sweete grace, and fytte to lyue with the multitude.