CORNELIVS GEMMA, a Physick rea­der at Louvain, in the ende of the fourth Chapter, of his second booke, of a worke intitled, de diuinis Na [...]urae Caracterismis, settes downe an admi­rable History at large; the which I will relate as briefly as I may. A yong Maiden remai­ning (saith he) neere vnto mee, whose Father was a Cooper: beeing fifteene yeares old, of a good consti­tution of Body, fayre and of a good spirit, of a melan­choly complexion mixt with sanguin: her Name was KATHERINE GAVLTHIER, fell sicke and weake, through diuers accidents. About the month of Ianuary in the yeare 1571. her monethly termes aduanced twise or thrise: but being staid, presently through the vyolence of her infirmity, they caused a great wearinesse ouer all her body. It was suspected she had beene poy­soned by a certaine Woman of an ill fame, who had gi­uen her a peece of a Cake. Eating it, shee felt it painfull to swallow. After the which, she began to feele strange paines at her stomacke; shee grew leane, vomited some­times, her stomacke fayled her, and she felt a dysinesse in her Head, with other accidents which torment Wo­men [Page 2] with Child, especially in the 4. and 7. month, For about mid Iune she was subiect to Feauers & some kind of Convulsions. Her paines did in like sort increase; so as like a mad Woman shee tormented her selfe, growing bigge, pale & short-winded, and in the end, she was so opprest with paine, as she grewe blacke in the Face, like one that had beene strangled. She was so tormented as foure men could scarse hold her, for casting her selfe from her bed to the ground, there was no kind of Con­vulsion, but did afflict her. These panges hauing conti­nued by fits vnto the 9. month, her Parents, began to flie vnto the Phisitians. I was first called, because I dwelt neerest. But being from home, they repayred to Mai­ster BEAVSARD, who considering of this disease thought she had beene troubled with VVormes. It hap­pened after many grieuous pangues, that Nature wor­king by her force, made her to voyde a quicke Eele at her seege, the which was presently brought vnto mee. It was a very Eele, great as a mans thombe, and a foote and a halfe long, with a good proportion, and all parts perfect. Three dayes before it came forth, both the Mayde and those that were about her, heard a great noyse, and as it were a hissing in her belly. And beeing come forth, the Maide sayd: That she had felt the Eele put forth her head before, and drawe it backe againe, and then to thrust forth sodainly and with violence. This Eele remayning among the excrements, seemed for a great space dead, but beeing put into a pot of water, it did stirre very strongly. After the voyding thereof, the extreme pangues which had so much tormented her, be­gan to ceasse. But the Eele which they had ript and clensed, being hanged vp whereas neither Cat not any [Page 3] other beast could reach it, vanished in an instant. Soone after the Maide began to cast vp great abundance of wa­ter, the which I came to see beeing like vnto vrine, and of a strange taste, as the Patient sayde▪ This vomiting continued 15. dayes, in euery one of the which, she voy­ded about 24. pounds waight of water at the mouth. I report not these things by heare-say, but for that I did see and toucht them with my hands. I was no lesse amazed to see, that besides this great abundance of water which she voyded at her mouth, she made water in great abun­dance, twise or thrise a daie, without any swelling of her bellie, or any other part of her bodie: neither did shee drinke aboue one cup of VVine, Beere or other liquor in a daie. I asked her, if she felt no payne in one of the Mi­seraicall veines? She answered me, that her left side had alwayes troubled her much, since the voyding of the Eele, and that before, she had felt some heauinesse in that place: but since she was troubled with great gnaw­ing and pricking, which made her to crie out, when I did but touch it with my finger. After shee had vomited so much water, she began to cast forth lumps of haire at her mouth, some as long as a mans finger, some more, some lesse, such as wee see fall from olde Dogges, in great quantitie for certaine daies, enough to haue stust whole dozens of Tennice Balles. She cast them vp with great heauing at the heart and much paine, falling one night into wonderful transies. Hauing found her in a manner, like vnto one that was readie to giue vp the Ghost, and carefully obseruing all things, beeing layd vpon her belly, I did see her cast her selfe so so dain­layd from one side vnto the other, as if she had not beene presently stai'd, she had beat her head against the wall, [Page 4] oragainst the bed post. She held her hands so strongly together, as it was impossible to open them. Sometimes she beat her breast so violently, as she was like to kill her selfe. This fit continued from seuen of the clock at night vntill nine, and then shee knew not any one. Oftentimes (as in the suffocation of the Matrix) she grewe wonder­fully red, and seemed very weary and toyled, with some beginning of a Feauer. Once or twise she fomed about the mouth. And an other time, beeing in the extremity of her fit, shee fell sodainly into a great laughter, and then presently wept bitterly. Being come vnto her selfe, and falling presently into a long extasie, she began in an instant to speake, as if she had addressed her selfe vnto GOD, holding her hands vp to Heaueh, shee spake these words in effect. ‘O great GOD; seeing thy beau­ty is so great, and incredible, how long shal we remaine here? when wilt thou take mee out of this World, that I may inioye thee?’ hauing said thus, as it were awa­king and looking on them that were about her, she said: ‘Which of you hath done mee this wrong to call mee backe into this valley of misery, and into the prison of darkenesse, when as I did rest so sweetly, and did sport my selfe in the goodliest Gardens that could be immagi­ned?’ I do not thinke that a simple and ignorant Maide, (as this was) could vtter such words but in extasie. In the meane time she cast vp great lumpes of hayre mixt with much white matter, and very thicke: and somtimes like vnto the dung of Pigions or Geese. In this abun­dance of filth appeared little peeces of wood and shreds of Parchment. A little after she had an other vomiting of a matter as black as coles; you would haue said pro­perly it had beene Inke, or rather coles beaten to pouder [Page 5] and mixt with water, the which continued a good while, two or three pounds euery day, sometimes with such store of white haire, long & hard, as it would haue made a good Ball. After two dayes, she did vomit about two pounds of pure bloud, as if a veyne had bene opened. This monstrous casting continued a whole weeke, com­ming still at a certaine houre: and then the fits of the E­pilepsie wherewith she was dayly tormented ceased, the which notwithstanding continued sometime, once in three dayes, and in the end euery seuenth day. In the meane time she did still cast haire, but not so aboundant­lie as before: but blacker and shorter, as if they had beene cut small, and with it a slimie humour, like vnto thick matter.

About the middest of September, she did vomit great peeces of parchment, halfe a spanne long, like vnto the thicke and fleshie skinne of a mans body. Afterwards she cast vp others, that were thinner, but all black. In the end shee did vomit some that were very thinne, but strong, amongst the which there were three a foote long made in fashion of lozenges, with strange markes and figures. After these skinnes, followed an infinite num­ber of stones, which shee did cast vp at a certaine houre euery night, with great noise and sounding, such as is heard in walles that are pulled downe: some were thick, others pointed, vnequall in forme, and of a darke coul­lour: they were all small, and yet such as they did still feare the maide would haue beene strangled: some were couered with Chalke, and cymented together, in such sort, as they might be sayd to haue beene pulled out of a wall. Once in my presence she did vomit a pointed stone, as big as two Chest-nuts. This stone remained aboue a [Page 6] quarrer of an houre in her throate, during the which she had no pulce nor respiration, so as laying a light feather vpon her mouth, it did not moue: her hands and feete grew colde, and her body stiffe, as if it had beene an Image. Thinking that she had finished her course, and that paine had ended all her miseries. I went out of the chamber, saying that she was dead: when as the Mother called me sodenly back againe, saying, that her daughter did stirre, and opened her eyes. As soone as I was retur­ned, she did cast vp this stone with great violence: I did see it come forth, and heard the noise thereof falling in­to a bason, the which did amaze both my selfe, and all that were in the Chamber. At the same instant she did spit out a peece of wood as bigge as ones thombe, but with lesse difficultie then the stone: and withall some black haires, but few. There followed after an other ac­cident almost incredible, where-with the maide had al­most beene choakt, for shee did vomit vp a bone of a Triangle forme, sollide without, and hollow and spun­gious within. The next day shee cast vp little boanes of diuers formes and proportions. Amongst all these were seene stones and haire, and then peeces of Glasse and Copper. CORNELIVS GEMMA sets downe the re­medies which he did apply, and maintaines, that part of her infirmitie grew by naturall causes, and part by the Impostures and illusions of the Diuill, who was a chiefe Agent in these accidents which wee haue reported. This Historie is written by MARCELLVS DONATVS in his second Booke of his Admirable Histories of Phisicke, the first Chapter.

MAister IVLIAN TABOVE the Kings Atturney generall in the Parliament of Chambery, being incensed for some ad­monitions that were made vnto him by the Court, goes into the Countrie, and ingageth his honor, by an accusa­tion which he framed against Maister RAYMOND PELISON President, IOHN BOISONNE Priest, LEWIS GAVSLERANT called ROZET, GRAF­FINS and other councellors of the said Court, charging them with many corruptions and false-hoods vnder his hand, both before the great Councell, and the Parlia­ment of Grenoble, vpon thirteene Acts proceeding from the foresaid President PELISSON, and the aboue named Councellors. The first was a sentence giuen in the sayd Parliament of Chambery for the Count de la Chambre, the 11. of May 1539. The second a decree for Maister ANDREVV PILLET, the 13. of Iune the same yeare. Other two decrees for the Bishop of Morienne, the 19. of March, and 20. of December, in the yeare 1540. The 5. the admonitions dated the 11. 13. and 18. of Ianu­ary 1541. made and deliuered to the said TABOVE, the 1. of February 1542. The 6. a Commission giuen by the said Court of Chambery to the said BOISSONNE, the 6. of February 1542. The 7. the Articles sent to the said BOISSONNE the 25. of February 1542. The eight, other admonitions made to the sayd TABOVE, and a sentence giuen the 23. of February, the same yeare. The 9. a sentence pronounced in the sayd Court, the 23. of [Page 8] December, the same yeare. The 10. a Commission gi­uen to Maister NICHOLAS de la CHESNAY, Councel­lor in the same Court. The 11. a Letter deliuered vnto vnto him, and written in the name of the sayd Court, to the Chancellor of France, the 1. of Aprill 1545.

The 12. an Answer made by the Iudges of the sayde Parliament of Chambery the 17. of December 1541. to the aduertisments sent vnto the King by the sayde TA­BOVE, termed in the Processe, the fiue points. The 13. and last, a sentence giuen in the sayde Court, the 23. of Iune, in the yeare 1540. touching a sute be­twixt the Kings Atturney generall and the Lord of Es­chelle. This matter beeing deliuered vnto the King, and found hard and of importance, for the grauity of the cause and of the persons: it was committed to the Par­liament of Bourgondy at Dijon, where the said President & Councellors yeelded themselues prisoners, TABOVE beeing their accuser. After that their cryminall and ex­traordinary Processe had beene made, many sentences were giuen. The first was the second of Maie against GRAFFINS Councellor, whome they found to be least charged, who notwithstanding was condemned in a fine of three score pounds vnto the King, and twentie pounds vnto TABOVE, and suspended from his place for a yeare. TABOVE pleaded then with great shewe, than­king GOD, after the manner of MOYSES, IOSVA, and others, for the victory which hee did see comming to­wards him, euen as (sayd hee) the ancient Fathers had done, for the victories which GOD had sent them: hee beganne and concluded his oration with a verse of DA­VID. Hic est dies quem fecit dominus. &c. But herein the poore man did singe like vnto the swanne. The said [Page 9] GRAFFINS yeelded to this sentence, and sought no re­dresse. The second sentence was the 28. of Iuly in the said yeare 1552. against the President PELISSON: by the which it was sayd, that the decrees contained there­in, and impugned by TABOVE made by the said Presi­dent, were false and falsly framed: declaring the said Pre­sident, for euer incapable to hold any royall Office, con­demning him to aske mercie of GOD, the King and of Iustice, and to paie a thousand pounds fine to the King and two hundred to TABOVE, his goods to bee forfited, and to passe the remaynder of his life where it should please the King. The solemnity of the pronouncing and execution thereof was: that the sayd President, hauing one halfe of his bodie be-nummed with the palsey, olde and broken with age, diseases and cares, was brought in­to the open Court, the doores beeing open, and the Iud­ges sitting in the Castell of Dijon, where he was prisoner, by two Archers in a chaier, attired in blake taffata pinckt, with a roabe of blacke satten, a little night-cappe of silke, and his square cappe in his hand. At this spectacle and in his presence, TABOVE made a speech. The sentence was afterwards pronounced, & the poore old man was con­strained with much a doe, and through the helpe of his gards (that had brought him) to kneele downe, holding in his hands a burning torch of wax weighing 4. pounds and asked pardon of GOD: the King: of Iustice; and of TABOVE. The saied decrees and other peeces that were impugned were torne in his presence, which done he intreated the Court that hee might bee freed out of the Castell for the weakenesse and great infirmity of his person. Answere was made him, that the Court would consider of it. The third sentence was the fourth [Page 10] of August, against the aboue named BOISSONNE a Preest and Councellor, by the which hee was found guil­tie of fals-hood and other crimes mentioned in his pro­cesse, and the decrees, declarations, and other pe [...]ces de­clared false; depriued of his Councellors place, and con­demned in a hundred pounds fine to the King, and fortie pounds to TABOVE, and his charges: and to remaine a prisoner, and for the common offence, he was sent vnto his Ordinary. The fourth sentence was the same daie against ROZET an other Councellor, all one with the former.

After all this, the sayd President, BOISSONNE and ROZET Councellors, hauing a firme confidence in thē ­selues that they had not offended, notwithstanding these punishments, they go vnto the King and shewe him, that if the crimes, whereof they are condemned bee proued true, it were a monstrous thing to see them liue in a com­mon-weale. But if through the slander of their accuser, they haue beene reduced vnto that extremity; there is no reason, (for the dignity where-with his Maiesty had honored them in the Soueraignty of Sauoie,) that the cause should be referred to one Parliament aloane, con­sisting of a small number, to degrade and depriue them in that sort, of their good names, fortunes, and honours, leauing them nothing but their soules, which is onely a remainder of greefe and perpetuall sorrowe. They be­seech him to allowe of a reuision, the which is g [...]aunted, and the cause committed to the Parliament of Paris: whereas all being wel viewed and examined, it was said and iudged by a sentence of the sixteene of May 155 [...] that the former decres of the 28. of Iuly and the fourth of August, were voide and that the cryminall processe, [Page 11] by the which they had beene giuen, should be viewed and Iudged a newe, without any respect to bee taken of the said decrees, & TABOVE condemned in costs, domage and interests. The Court at Dijon, aduertised of this de­cree, at the instance of TABOVE, beeing much troubled in the beginning, come vnto the King, debate the reasons, and maintaine their decrees, she wing that it would cause impunity of crimes of importance, and blemish the pre­rogatiue of his Parliaments. They had good audience, with the sayd TABOVE, who pretended new matter, and concealed nothing which hee thought might auaile him: alledging that this accusation framed by him, was alwaies with the quality of the Kings Atturney general, being so receiued and neuer reproued, and therefore hee ought not to bee condemned in costs, domages and in­terests, like vnto a priuate party, although the accusation were not so well grounded as this was. Some of the Court Parliament of Paris, which had assisted at the resolution of the said decree of nullity, were sent for; they come, and are heard with them of Dijon.

All being duly examined, it was decreed by the Pri­uy Councell the 7. day of March. 1555. that the sen­tence giuen the 16. of May, vpon the said Nullities, should take effect, and touching the principall cause, the parties should be sent to the Court of Paris, to bee iudged in the presence of a President, and two Councel­lors of the Court, named in the decree, and three other Councellors hauing assisted at the iudgement of the said Nullities; three Councellors of the Parlament of Dijon, named by the said decree, aud three others of the sayde Court of Dijon which had assisted at the iudgement gi­uen against the parties accused, and by sixe Masters of [Page 12] Requests. The Processe beeing in question, TABOVE, (fearing that which after happened to fortifie his accu­sation, or rather to hinder the decision) frames newe crimes, whereof no mention had beene made in the former Processe: whervnto the parties accused oppose. Wherevpon the King by his Letters Pattents of the 15. of September the same yeare, made a declaration, that sending them to the Parliament of Paris, his mea­ning was not that the Court should take knowledge of any other cause or crimes, then those for the which the parties had been condemned in the Court of Parlament at Dijon, and whereof they had complayned vnto the King: the Kings Atturney generall excepted, who vpon view of the sayd Processe, finding the accused to bee guilty of other crimes, might make pursute against them at his pleasure. Moreouer they were charged by the said Letters to do right vpon the repetition of money, adiud­ged to the said TABOVE, for the pursute of the Processe. The said letters were allowed and regestred the 18. of September. The Parties accused are againe examined and heard by the Court, vpon the crimes wherewith they were charged. TABOVE is allowed to make newe productions, and the accused to contradict them. In the ende this cause being examined in so goodly an Assem­bly, a definite sentence was giuen in these termes that follow.

The Court doing right to all, and without respect to the quality of the Atturney general in the court of Cham­bery, taken by the said TABOVE in the sayd Processe: but so farre as it doth touch the corruptions and falseties pretended by TABOVE against the sayd PELISSON BOISSONNE and ROZET, had absolued and did ab­solue [Page 13] the sayd PELISSON, BOISSONNE and ROZET respectiuely, of the sayd pretended false-hoods, and did condemne the sayd TABOVE, for that respect, in the charges of the same sute and in domages and interest of the sayd PELISSON, BOISSONNE and ROZET: which domages and Interests, the Court for some causes them mouing, hauing taxed and moderated, that is to say to the sayd PELISSON two hundred pounds; to BOISSONNE foure score pounds; and to ROZET the like some of 80. pounds: and that, besids all other ex­pences, domages and Interestes, which were adiudged vnto them by a sentence of the 16. of May 1555. for the paiement of which domages and interestes the said TA­BOVE should remaine in prison. And as for all other accusations and crimes obiected by the sayd TABOVE against PELISSON, BOISSONNET and ROZET, (the knowledge whereof was referred to the sayd Court) both they & the parties were discharged by the Court, and freed from farther sute, without any charges, do­mage, or interest of eyther party: reseruing notwith­standing power for the Kings Attorney generall, to pro­ceed against the sayde decrees of the 11. of May 1539. the 9. of March, the 20. of September, made in fauour of the sayd Earles of La Chambery, and Bishop of Mo­rienne, by way of Nullitie, and for them to make their defences to the contrary.

And for reparation of the false and slanderous accusa tion, framed by the sayd TABOVE, against PELISSON, BOISSONNE, and ROZET, and for other misd [...]mea­nors, appearing as wel by the ancient as the later produ­ctions, made in the sayde processe, the Court had con­demned the sayde TABOVE to doe penance in open [Page 14] Court, on a day of pleading, the doores being open, bare-headed, and bare-foote, on his knees, in his shert, and a halter about his neck, holding in his hands a burn­ing Torche of two pound waight: and then to say and declare openly with a lowd and intelligeble voyce, that falsely, maliciously, slanderously, wrongfully, and a­gainst the truth, hee had charged and accused the saide PELISSON, BOISSONNE and ROZET of the sayde pretended falseties, crimes and offences, for the which he was sorry, and desired pardon & mercy of GOD, the King, the Iustice, and of the said PELISSON, BOISSONNE and ROZET.

And moreouer the Court did ordaine, that the petitions and complaints exhibited vnto the King by the sayd TABOVE, together with the suggestions of falshood made by him against the said parties, should be defaced and rent in his presence. And this done, to bee led in the same sort by the Vshers of the Court, and set vpon the marble Stone, being at the end of the Great Stayres of the Pallace, there to do the like penance, and so to be carted from the same place vnto the Pillorie at the Halles in the Cittie of Paris, and there being set by the Hang-man to bee turned thrice about, and then to be carryed backe to the Concergery or prison of the Pallace. And moreouer the Court did condemne the said TABOVE to do penance in the open Court of the said Parlament of Chambery, whether he should be safe­ly conducted, and to pay two hundred pounds for a fine vnto the King, and to continue in prison at Chambe­ry, vntill the full payment of the fines, charges, domage and interest adiudged, as well to the King; as to the said parties: after which payment made, to bee perpetually [Page 15] confined to the said Country of Sauoy, or to any other place within this Realme that should please the King. And moreouer the Court did declare his other goods confiscate to whom they did belong, the said fines, char­ges, domage and interests being first payed and dischar­ged. And for certaine causes and considerations then mouing the said Court, did ordaine, that the saide PE­LISSON should be sent backe, to receiue those admoni­tions that were appointed to bee giuen him, inioyning him to keepe and cause to bee kept the Kings royall or­dynances in the said Court of Chambery, and not to in­fringe them vpon paine of an arbitrary punishment. Gi­uen in the Parlament at Paris, the eleuenth of October. 1556.

No Reader of iudgement, ought to taxe the Iudges, who haue censur'd this cause with so great contrarietie, as the like hath not beene heard. The Court of Dijon as­sured themselues in their conceits to doe well without fraud or malice. Those of Paris according to their cu­stome, shewed their authority, which is supreme; des­couering (it may be) some thing that was newe, and not before knowne. It is not for mee, beeing a simple Collector, and who feares to speake of such assemblies, to giue any reasons of the said contrarieties. It sufficeth to set downe the fact, and to compare the greatnesse of the Parlament of Paris with the rest, yet I may not conceale, what I heard a Councellour of one of the aboue named Parliaments say, that (in the question of Iustice of such contrary decrees, vpon a crime pleaded before the King, who desired to vnderstand the truth) those of Dijon had iudged according to their conscien­ces, and those of Paris iustly and according vnto Lawe. [Page 16] Before I leaue this matter which is so exemplary and of such consequence, in regard of many the like accidents which do dayly happen, I will aduise the Reader to ob­serue the ende of this accusation, where the Hunts-man is taken in his owne snare.

This poore ACTEON, relying vpon his quality, and gouerned by his passions, came to this ende, hauing drawne many great personages into danger: for seeking reuenge onely, hee ruined himselfe. The which may serue for any one that shall attempt to accuse an other. He was the Kings Attorney Generall, in a soueraigne Court, and therfore a publike Accusor; and in this qua­lity, he had power to informe against all such as he knew to be Offendors, without feare of the like punishment. (L. omnes de dela [...]oribus lib. 10. c.) But he was found vnfur­nished of parts required in that place, beeing transpor­ted by his passions and surprized in slander. In which case, without respect of his quality and place, hee was subiect to the punishment of a Slanderer. (L. si cautiones C. de ijs qui accu. non pos.) Whereas doing his duty accor­ding to the necessity of his place, and no otherwise, he needed not to haue feared any thing. And as it is most profitable (as it appeares by the continuall complaints against all sorts of Offendors) to haue speciall men for the defence and preseruation of the common-weale, of Lawes and good manners, and to accuse Malefactors: so it is necessary they be Diligent, Constant, Iust, of a good life and singular integrity. For he that will take vp­on him the charge to accuse, must first examine exactly, and make proofe of his owne life, before hee shall exa­mine and search anothers: and must thinke, that in the end hee shall reape shame and disgrace, in seeking to [Page 17] cause an other to yeeld an accoumpt of his life, when as he himselfe is subiect to the like triall. In this case the accusers simplicitie imports much: who ought to bee free from hatred, reuenge and other passions, which are contrary to the sinceritie required in those places: for that it is hard to haue a sound iudgement with such pas­sions, the which do hinder the true office of an accuser, which is, that in accusing any one hee should no lesse feare the touch of his owne honor and good name, then the partie accused the preseruation of his life and goods: and the accuser (if he be an honest man) must thinke and beleeue, that in beginning to accuse, he brings his owne honour in question, which should make him carefull not to propound any thing, whereof he is not assured. To this end the (l. criminis C. de ijs qui accus. non pos.) is not able and worthy to bee often read, the which comprehends the said parties. It is likely that the Iudges at Chambery were linkt together in many things, and that TABOVE being froward, and reiecting some admonitions that were giuen him, framed this accusation against his head and President, who had power to command him, and vnder whom he did exercise his place of Kings Atturney generall, of whom he should haue endured some-thing, considering that the dissimulation of iniuries, which he pretended to haue suffered in his owne particular of the said president, would haue done him more honour, and giuen him greater content, then the reuenge which hee got by a sentence at Dijon, although it had taken ef­fect. The conflict of men of that sort is vniust and in­humaine: and hath been in old time reproued at Rome in many iudgements. L. PHILO seeking to accuse C. SER­VILIVS his Pretor and commander, whose Trea­surer [Page 18] he had beene, was not admitted. The like was ad­iudged against M. AVRELIVS for L. FLACCVS his Generall. T. ALBVTIVS had gouerned the Sardes a yeare, vnder whome POMPEY was Treasurer. They had carried themselues after different manners: ALBVTIVS like a Theefe, and POMPEY like an honest man. The Sardes made their complaints to I. CAESAR, accusing ALBVTIVS, POMPEY hindred, saying, that hee was best reformed of his life, for that he had beene alwayes with him, and serued him as his Trea­surer, demanding the charge to accuse him from the which hee was reiected. CICERO in his first accusati­on against VERRES, to obtaine the place of an Accu­ser, and to keepe Q. CECILIVS, (who presented him­selfe) from audience, he obiected the three principall reasons before mentioned. The first, that hee was not free from blame himselfe, and namely in the gouern­ment of VERRES, vnder whom hee had had charge in Sicilia. The second, that he professed himselfe his ene­mie, and therefore transported with affection, which is alwayes to bee suspected. The third, that VERRES is his Commander and Pretor, and therefore cannot bee accused by him, without violating all publike respect of honestie. In the Processe made by NONIVS the black Prouost of Rome against CATELYNS confederates, it was taken ill, that the sayd NONIVS in his Interroga­tories, had examined the prisoners: if IVLIVS CAESAR (being then Pretor) were not of the conspiracie: for the Pretoriall dignitie which hee then held, the which was one of the highest, and equall with the Consull: for the which the Prouost was blamed and committed to prison, although that one of the prisoners had named [Page 19] CAESAR, and that he was presently to prouide for the preseruation of the common-weale, the which might well allowe the accusation of a Magistrate during his time, especially by one of his familie, who had beene commanded. The which the Lawe hath declared intol­lerable, and worthy of punishment, as it appeares in L. si quis ex familiaribus, (and in the last law.) C. de ijs qui accus. non pos: whereas the Emperours declare such ab­solutions abhominable, excepting no crime but treason. To conclude, Vocem familiarium funestam amputari po­tius volunt quam audiri, I haue set downe this Historie at large, for that it is famous. I. Papon lib. 19. of his col­lection of Decrees and sentences. arr. 9.

I Haue seene in a Towne of Breslaw, a Midwiues Daughter lying in Child­bed, who had such aboundance of Milke in her brests: as in two or three dayes shee filled a pale, contayning twelue quartes. They scummed off the Creame, with the which they made Butter and Cheese that was very sweete and sa­uorie: neither durst this Cowe with two legges eate in a manner any thing, for else shee did yeeld great aboun­dance of Milke. N. MARTIN VVENIRICH, in his Commentarie of Monsters.

IAMES the fourth of that name King of Scotts, hauing in the yeare 1500. or thereabout, defied HENRY the eight King of England: as hee was riding to­wards his army, being at Euening praier in a Church at Limnuch, there came in an olde man, his hayre somewhat reddish and hanging downe on his shoulders, bald before and without an hat, apparelled in a long blew roabe, and girded with a Lin­nen girdle, bearing a graue and reuerent presence: who desiring to speake with the King, made way through the prease, and without any other ceremony, went and lea­ned on the Chaire where the King sate: saying vnto him. Sir, I am sent vnto you, to admonish you to desist from your enterprise, and to proceede no farther. If you dispise my aduertisement, ill will come to you and to all your followers. Furthermore I am enioyned to tell you, that if you haunt women too familiarly, and follow their counsell, it will turne to your shame and ouerthrowe. Hauing said thus, hee presently thrust himselfe into the presse. Euen-song done, the king made this old-man to be sought for, who could not bee found: and that which is yet worthier obseruation, diuers that had heard him vse those speaches, and desired to vnderstand the particula­rities, could not perceiue what became of him. Amongst others there presēt, DAVID LINDSEY was one, a lear­ned and a wise man, and of a sound life, who reported this vnto me. Not long after, the King contemning the good aduise of the principal Lords of his Counsel, prosecuting [Page 21] his deseigne gaue battaile to the English, in the which he was slaine with al the flower of the Nobility of Scotland. G. BVCHANAN, in the 13. booke of the Historie of Scotland.

NInty yeares since or there abouts, a No­ [...]leman of Piedmont, found that his wife (issued from a meane parentage, whome hee had married for his plea­sure,) forgetting the honour of GOD, the honour which her husband had done her, and her owne honour, had execrably polu­ted the house, chamber, and bed of her Lord and hus­band, by continual adultery with a Gentleman his neigh­bour whom shee had wickedly allured to her will. The Lord meaning to take thē in the fact, & that they might pretend no excuse, hee laied many plots, and among the rest, he caused a packet of letters to be broght vnto him, by the which his Prince called him to Court, meaning to send him into France, where hee should remaine some time. He imparts these letters vnto his wife, continues a whole day with her; makes very much of her: acquaints her familiarly with the whole estate of his affaires: leaues her meanes, Iewells & all that was precious in his house; and after a louing faire-wel, he departs with al his traine. At night he staies with one that kept a Castell of his, and descouers vnto him his misfortune and his deseigne. In the meane time this wicked woman had sent for her A­dulterer, who being shut vp in one chamber, continued their filthy life. The Lord being followed onely by this keeper of his Castell and a grome of his Chamber, well armed, and furnished of all things necessary, in a darke night they came vnto the Castell, where the Chastelane made himselfe knowne vnto the Porter, saying that hee had letters of importance from his Lord, the which he [Page 23] must deliuer presently to his Lady. The Porter opes the gate presently to one so well knowne, & sodenly al enter. The Lord forbids the Porter to make any noise, & com­manding him to light a torch, hee goes directly to the Lords Chamber, where the Chastelane did knocke. At this noise, an old woman (who had bin their baude,) as­ked who was their? It is I answered the Chastelane, who bring a letter vnto my Lady from my Lord, who passing hastely by my house, cōmanded me to bring it with speed. This woman, dronke with her vilany, cōmanded the old womā to receiue the letter at the dore, without entring, and she would performe the contents. The olde woman opening the doore a little, was sodenly ouerthrowne. Thē the Lord and the two others enter armed, and seize vpon the Adulterers being naked, & confused in their shame. The seruants of the house being sodenly called, the Lord hauing giuen a graue and seuere sentence vpon his detes­table Wife, condemned her to hang vp her vilanous A­dulterer with her owne hands in the presence of them all, hauing bound him hand and foote with halters. This sen­tance being pronounced, the Lord sent for great Cart­nales, the which he caused to be knockt vpon a beame in the Chamber, and calling for a ladder, hee forced this wicked woman to tie the halter about her Adulterers necke. And for that she had neede of helpe in this execu­tion, her Baude was condemned to second her. These two togither did hange vp this wretch, after whose death, the Lord caused the bed to be burnt, and all that did participate of their Adulteries, and commanding all the other mouables of the Chamber to be carried away, he left nothing but a little strawe for these two Mastiues to lie on, appointing that the bodie that was hanged, [Page 24] should remaine there, and that the two women should keepe it, vntill the stinke of it had choakt them: he cau­sed the windowes and the dore to be walled vp, leauing onely a little hole, by the which they might giue them bread and water. Hauing past some fewe daies in the stench, without consolation, opprest with griefe and dis­paire they ended their miserable liues. Written in the Histories of our times.

In our time an Aduocate of Grasse in Prouence, called TOLONIO, married a vertuous young Gentlewoman, he managed the affayres of the Signior of Chabrie. A Gentleman liuing in a Castle not farre from thence, comming one day among many vnto this Gentlemans house, who was then absent. Hauing familiar ac­cesse to him and to the Lady (who was about fortye yeares old, and the Mother of foure children, where­of two were with her, young Gentlemen well bred) he went vp into the Chamber, and found this Lady in bed: beeing set downe by her, after hee had acquainted her with some businesse for the which hee was come vnto the Castle, they entred into strange and detestable dis­courses, against the honour of GOD, and all respect of honour and vertue. The end was that from that time they poluted themselues with a horrible and infamous Adultery.

Being plonged into this Gulfe, Satan and their filthy lusts did th [...]ust them head-long into others, that were more horrible and fearefull, fo [...] hauing made many pra­ctises together, the first attempt of their cruell wicked­nesse, was against the Signior of Chabrie, who was mas­sacred, walking alone in his warren, by two murtherers subordned by the Aduocate. After this paracide, the [Page 25] Adulterers returne to their accustomed filthye course▪ without all shame or remorce, giuing scope to theyr execrable lusts: the which the eldest son [...]e could not disgest: and seeing his mother could not liue any where without the Aduocate, hee gaue her a graue admoniti­on, adding many reasons to excuse his boldnesse. This cursed mother dissembling her rage against her Sonne, complaynes of his conceit, iustifies her selfe impudent­ly: and these drops of water of good and necessary ad­uice, did more inflame the fire of their vnbridled lust. After shee had bitterly reprehended the indiscretion of her Sonne, and highly extolled the Adulterous and Murtherous Aduocate, she forced her sonne to make a submissiue speech vnto him full of excuses. But not content herewith she resolued to kill him. There was a Gallery in the Castle, whereas the yong Gentleman did vsually walke, to behold the Gardin and pleasant coun­trie about. It was high aduanced, and hung ouer a steepe Rocke, at the foote whereof lay this Garden. The Ad­uocate by the aduice of this cursed Mother, did cunning­ly loosen certaine boards in the Gallery, so as the young Gentleman comming soone after in the morning (accor­ding to his custome) to take the aire of this prospect, set­ting his foote vpon these disioynted boards, hee fell down head-long where his brains were beaten out. This was the second murther.

A yonger sonne was yet remayning in the house, who doubting nothing that his Mother had beene the cause of these two Parricides, was yet greeued to see the Ad­uocates carriage: In the ende hee descouered so much villany in their familiarity, as he held them to bee the cruell murtherers of that noble Familye, making some [Page 26] shew of his discontent, to see their brutish conuersation. Hee speakes roughly to the Aduocate, and lookes but sowerly of his Mother. These wicked wretches resol­ued to preuent him, fearing that he would attempt some­thing against them. The Aduocate corrupts one in the house with money to murther him, who obserued this young Gentleman so diligently, as one day being a hun­ting, whilest his Hunts-men rewarded his Hounds, hee staying vpon the side of a Rocke, which ouer-looked a lowe champian, the descent whereof was very dan­gerous towards the valey, by reason of the steepnesse. This murtherer, who had all the day watcht for an ad­uantage, did runne behinde him, and thrust him downe so forceably, as this poore Gentleman was sooner at the bottome slaine, then hee felt the murtherer, who had so outragiously murthered him. These murtherers after all this (finding that the seruants of the house, did marke and obserue them,) did practise to mar [...]ie together: but there was one betwixt them, the Aduocates wife. They conspire her death, and the Aduocate (hauing many imaginations) lying one night by her, he strangled her with a Napkin, and shee being ready to giue vp the ghost, he began to crie out aloud, and to call for his ser­uants and neighbours to helpe him. They come from all parts, and he cryes and laments, saying, that a violent Catarre had suffocated his wife. The simple and vulgar sort beleeued this report. But the father of this honest Gentlewoman, looking neerely into it, and seeing her face extraordinarily swelled, and her throate black and pale, with other signes of a violent death, seemed to al­low of their opinions: and hauing perswaded his Sonne in lawe to prouide for his Wiues funerall, hee went [Page 27] speedily to the criminall Iudge, and brought him with his officers and some friends, to visit this poore carcase, and to demand Iustice. The Sonne in Lawe being ac­cused, and charged by the Magistrate to answer directly, is mute, and by his silence confesseth the crime: the Phi­sitions and Surgions hauing giuen their opinion, that the Gentlewoman had been strangled. The Iudge sends this execrable Parricide to prison, who without any torture confesseth the fact. The Parliament of Aix aduertised of this fact, sends for him to see him. As for his detestable associate, hauing some notice thereof, she packs vp the greatest wealth she had, and flyes speedily into Sauoy, & from thence to Genoa, where she changed her name. The Aduocate, being brought to Aix, (besides his last Parri­cide) confesseth the detestable crimes before mentioned with all the circumstances. He was condemned by a sen­tence of the Court of Parliament, to bee sent backe to Grasse, there to bee quartered aliue in the Market-place, where he was executed, to the great content of his father in Law, and of the whole country. As for that cruell La­die of Chabrie, shee was condemned by contempt, and executed in picture. In her voyage to Genoa she was ac­companied by a base fellow, called IAMES PALLIER, who being some-what iealous of the cause of her flight, a moneth after her cōming to Genoa, in a morning when she was gone into the Towne, he tooke away all she had but the apparrell shee wore, and was neuer more heard of. At her returne, finding her selfe bare and naked, after many discourses, opprest with care and des­paire, in the end shee went to serue a Widow woman, whose Daughters she did teach, liuing yet some yeares, confounded in her conscience with shame, and dying [Page 28] in the hands of GODS Iustice, hauing escaped that of worldly Iudges. The Historie of our times.

About fiftie yeares since a Milanois hauing notice gi­uen him in France, that his wife carried her selfe but loosely, who beeing wel informed thereof (as it seemed) tooke post, to come the sooner to Milan, where being ar­riued, without going vp into his house, he caused his wife to bee called for, who comming downe speedely to im­brace him, counterfetting great ioye at her husbands▪ arriuall, she receiued a stabbe with a dagger in exchange of her imbracing, calling her villanous, wicked, disloy­all and treacherous. After which blowe, leauing his wife in that estate as hee should no more neede to feare any such lewde dealing, hee tooke his horse and sa­ued himselfe. The histony of Italie.

Many yeares before, a rich Gentleman of Sienna, called NELLO, beeing well aduanced in yeares, mar­ried a yong Gentlewoman, who suffred her selfe to bee corrupted by a young Gentleman, vsing a Chamber­maide for the close conuaying of their filthy trade, NELLO hauing discouered (by the meanes of a seruant of his) the wrong that was done him, and not able to sur­prise the yong gentleman that had so vilanous [...]y poluted his house, hee reuenged himselfe vpon his Wife and her Chamber-maide, the which he caused to be strangled in a Countrie house of his, whether he had retired himselfe for the better effecting of his purpose, where he past the rest of his dayes like a man confined. The Historie of Italie.

A French Gentleman, whome I will not name nor the place where it happened (for some good respects) beeing married, fell in loue with one of his Tennants [Page 29] daughters, coming thether oftener then he was accusto­med, and shewing more familiarity then he ought. This maide had a Brother who was a Priest, but a man of a good spirit. He presently discouered whereto this Gen­tleman tended, yet for a time hee dissembled it. In the ende, seeing that this Gentleman did not ceasse to court his Sister (whom he had corrupted) and meeting him one day as hee came forth, hee sayde vnto him. Sir pardon mee, excepting the respect and duty which I owe you, I see that your intent of comming hether is nei­ther good nor honest, and therefore I intreat you to for­beare to come, else I sweare vnto you, if I find you there any more, I will make you repent it. At these words the Gentleman did onely shake his head, and laught at the Priest. Some fou [...]e dayes after he returned according to his custome, and hauing satisfied his villanous lust, hee went forth. The Priest who had almost surprised him in the fact, moued with a iust disdaine, met him vpon a Bridge in the midd'st of his seruants, and stab'd him with a Dagger, in despight of them all. The Priest was pre­sently slaine by the seruants of this miserable Adulterer, who carrying the Dagger in his breast, went and dyed in his wiues armes. An heroycall and worthy act, not of a Priest, but of a BRVTVS, or of any one more generous and valiant. VRB. CHAVETON in his discourses the 19. Chapter of the first Booke of the History of the newe VVorld. Whereas BENZO the Author thereof reports, that the Spaniards going to seeke Gold neere vnto the gulfe of Vraba their Captaine carried away the daughter of the Ca [...]ique or Lord of the place prisoner, who soone after came vnto this Captaine accompanied with some of his friends, making shew that he came to redeeme her, [Page 30] and to giue what ransome he would demand. But when he was come into his presence▪ he not only spake proud­ly vnto him, reproching him with iniurious words, but also offered him violence, shooting a poisoned arrow at him, with an intent to kill him, but he wounded him on­ly in the thigh, whereof he was in some sort cured by the application of a burning iron, the which was the reward of his wickednes. The Spaniards hearing the noise, came in sodenly with their swords drawne, and slue the Cacy­que, his wife, and all his company. As for this villanous Captaine called HOIEDA: BENZO saieth, that hauing endured all extremities in his retreate out of the Country in the end he came to Hispaniola, where finding himselfe ill of his wound, hee died within fewe daies after, with extreame paines. Hee lost almost all his men vpon the Sea in the voiage. And Gomara in the 2. Booke of the generall history of the Indies Ch. 57. saieth, that growing desperate for that hee could not continue his Conquests begonne, he left all, and became a Friat with his thighe ill cured, and died in this newe profefesson▪ The rest remayning in Vraba, to the number of seuentie only, vn­der the command of FRANCIS PIZARRE, expelled by famine frō the land, they did imbarke in two Briāgtines, but the windes & waues made strange war against thē. Being gathered together at Sea by one called ANCISO, they returned againe by land, where after infinite toiles, some were slaine by the Indians, & the rest died misera­bly of diuers diseases, as BENZO & GOMARA confesse.

In our time a Bourgesse of Vlmes, an Imperiall Citty, finding that his wife began to grow disordered, hee did aduertise her seriously to carrye her selfe in a more ciuill and honest sort: but seeing that shee made no [Page 31] accompt of his admonitions, on a time he made a shewe to go into the Country, and sodainely slipt backe into his house without discouery, hiding himselfe in a fit place, whereas he perceiued that the seruants were bu­sied in preparing a Feast: hee did see the Adulterer en­ter, and his wicked wife imbrace him, yet he retayned himselfe vntill that Supper was ended, then seeing them to enter the Chamber to go to bed, vsing filthy speeches the witnesses of their wickednesse, partly executed, and that they ment to continue it. Hee comes out off his Ambush, and first kills the Adulterer, and then his wife, and hauing iustified his proceeding before the Iustice, he obtained pardon for this punishment, which procee­ded from a iust indignation.

Whilest that our Kings of France held the Duchie of Milan it happened that a Frenchman came to Milan, and being lodged in the house of a Gentleman of respect and reputation, he began to looke laciuiously on his Hosts wife, to make much of her, and to solicit her to adultery. The wife discouers this vnworthy attempt vnto her hus­band, and they resolued to punish this vilanous seducer. She prepares him a banket, seeming to yeeld to his intre­ties: insteed of dain [...]y wine, she giues him a drinke, which casts him presently into a deadly sleepe; and the Mila­nois comes and cuts the throat of this vngratefull guest.

In the yeare, 1506▪ about Christmas, an Aduocate in the Citty of Constance, corrupted an Attorneyes Wife. Who hauing some notice of their detestable crime, feigned that he had some speciall businesse which drew him into the Country for certaine dayes: hee parts and returnes at night, hearing that they were together in a Whot-house at an old womans that dwelt by him: hee [Page 32] goes thither with three of his friends, whome hee left in the streete, to hinder any that should come to helpe them then hee enters into the house, with a strong Cur­ry-combe of iron, made for the purpose. Hee falls vp­on the Aduocate being naked, and curries him so rudely as he puls the eies out off his head, teares off his stones, and almost all the skin of his body: hee did the like vnto his Wife, although shee was with childe. The Aduo­cate dyed within three dayes in great torment: the At­torney transported himselfe to an other place, and his Wife spent the remainder of her dayes there, confoun­ded with shame and infamy.

Some yeares before a certaine man making profession to teach chastety to others, did wonderfully importune an honest woman, to depriue her of her honour, & made her to wauer: the husband discontented at this wrong, threatens the other to punish him if hee found him in his house: yet he continues his olde course: so as one daie passing before the doore, the wife (hauing giuen a watch word vnto her husband) began to looke familiarly on him, the which mooued him to followe her euen into her chamber, where the husband enters, who with a naked dagger in his hand, sayd that nowe his time was come for to be gelt, the other changing his feare into fury, fell vpon the husband, takes the dagger from him, and for­ceth him to promise that he shall suffer him depart free­ly. Hauing extorted this promise, he leaues his hold, and is so depriued of vnderstanding, as hee laies the dagger, vpon the table. The husband beeing freed, regards not this forced promise, but seazeth sodenly vpon his dagger, and then with a new fury, with the helpe of his wife, laies hold vpon his enemy, binds him fast, and presently [Page 33] gelds him, and so sends him home bleeding to his lod­ging, where hauing continued long sicke, in the end hee was cured, but he left running after women.

A Germains wife of Voitland, was so vnchast and im­pudent as (of many that did entertaine her) to call three to a banket which shee had prepared for them. But the husband (who had not beene sommoned) came to make it a bloudie feast, for hauing a Pertuisan in his hand, hee entred into the Stoue, kills him that was set neerest vnto his wife: runnes after the two other, who being seized on with feare, leape out at the windoes and so kill them­selues. He returnes to his wife, and perceth her through. A Germaine Gentleman hauing dishonestly allured the Wife of a certaine Cittizen, the husband desirous to bee reuenged of this insupportable affront, hid himselfe in a secret corner of his house, and sees his enemy come who continues his insolencies. Night beeing come, these two wretches retier themselues into a chamber, where they sup and lie. The husband comes out of his hole, goes into the kitchin, and being desirous to drinke, he made a noise, in setting the water pot in his place. The wife would haue called vp her seruants, but hearing no more noise, she returned to her Adulterer. In the meane time the husband was entred into the Stoue, to take a Caske and his Curirasse. The wife awakes at this noise; she riseth, comes into the Stoue, and demands who is there. The husband saieth nothing, but followes her so neere, as he enters sodenly into the Chamber, and at the first kills the Gentleman, notwithstanding any resistance he could make with a Pertuisan, which stood neere vnto his bed. His wife had cast her selfe on the other side of the bed, to whom the husband, (discerning her through [Page 34] the light of a candle) cryed, come out you strumpet, else I will thrust thee through. Shee hauing often cryed him mercy comes forth, and not able to pacifie him, she beseecheth him to suffer her to bee confest and to com­municate before she died. Why then, saith he, dost thou repent thee withal thy heart for thy offence. Alas, I: an­swered she. At that word he thrust her through with his sword: then laying the one by the other, hee shuts the chamber. The next day all was published, and the hus­band (charged for this execution) by the aduise of his friends, absented himselfe, least hee should fall into the hands of the Gentlemans friends.

A Gentleman of Hungary, hauing taken one in his chamber that came to commit Adultery with his wife, cast him into a prison, resoluing there to famish him. And to torment him the more, hee caused a rosted Hen to be somtimes presented vnto him, that the smell therof might sharpen his appetit, & make his hunger the more violent: to the end this punishment might hasten his mi­serable death. Hauing continued sixe dayes in this tor­ment, the seuenth he was visited, where they found that he had eaten the brawnes of both his armes.

We read the like historie of a Germaine Nobleman in Thuringe, who vsed a Gentleman that had cōmitted adultery in the like sort, who liued 11. daies with the smel of delicate meats that were presented vnto him: his foule offence being punished by this cruell torment. The like is reported by three famous writers, of a man who vnder colour of deuotion did corrupt many women who were before reputed honest: as in old times TYRANNVS SA­TVRNS Priest did in Alexandria. Beeing discouered and conuicted he was put to death. An other learned man [Page 35] and of great reputation, (being taken in Adultery) was stab'd and left dead in the Chāber. Among other guifts which he did wickedly abuse, he spake French, Italian, Spanish, Germaine, Polonian and Latine perfectly, & was much fauoured by the Emperor and the Princes, it was about 80. yeares since. About the same time an other fa­mous man seeking to rauish the honour of a Woman, in steed of a Bedde he fell into a Caue, where hee brake his neck.

A Surgion disdayning his honest wife, had abandoned himselfe to a strumpet. Going on a time to horse-backe and asked by his wife, whether he went, hee answered skornefully. To the Stewes. Going presently to his A­dulteresse: after a while hee returnes to Horse, and offring to manage his round, the Horse leapes and bounds, and casts this wretched Man out off the sad­dle in such sort, as one of his feete hung in the Bridle: The Horse being hot, beganne to runne so furiously vpon the stones as hee beat out his braines, and neuer stayed vntill he came before the Stewes, where this mi­serable man remained dead vpon the place.

In the yeare 1533. a certaine man in the towne of Cla­uenne in the Grisons Country, hauing lookt vpon a faire yong Maide with an vnchast eye, he tryed often to cor­rupt her. Hauing no meanes to obtaine his desire, vnder the colour of apparitions and reuelations, abusing the sacred name of GOD, and of the blessed Virgin, after an execrable manner (the which I will forbeare to re­port, for that I will not offend the eye nor eare of any honest and deuout Reader) he seduced this poore maide who hauing too late descouered the Imposture, the wretch was committed to prison, notwithstanding the [Page 36] allegation of his order, immunities and freedome, and beheaded publikely, and his body burnt to Ashes.

IT is put in the number of the wonders of Nature, the flying and ballancing of those which runne and guide themselues vpon a rope. Some few yeares since, there was one well knowne throughout all Italy, called the little Venetian, as well for that he was borne at Venice, as for his small stature, but so nimble and expert to runne vpon a rope without any difficulty, as some-times hee tyed himselfe vp in a Sack, hauing nothing but his hands free, to manage his counterpeize. Some times he put a round Basin vnder eyther foote, or Balls vnder his heeles, and so did runne with an incredible swiftnesse vpon a long rope tyde to the top of a house. Moreouer he was so strong, as with his knee he would b [...]eake the thigh bone of an Oxe, how bigge soeuer. With his hands hee would wrest in sunder three great Nayles as big as a mans little finger, as if they had beene soft and plyable. Hee would take vpon his shoulders a beame of aboue twenty foote long, and a foote thick, supporting it long, without any helpe of hands, and then would hee remoue it from one shoulder to an other. THEODORE a Doctor of the Lawe, who had seene these feates of agilitie and force, with many other witnesses, haue reported it vnto mee. A Physition of our time makes mention of the same, or of the like, whom he saith he had seene at Ausbourg. And of an other in Silesia, who with his teeth would take [Page 37] vp a great Pipe, like vnto the Tunnes in Germanie full of Beere, without any helpe, and cast it ouer his head.

FERDINAND D' AVALOS Marquis of Pescara, Lieutenant to the Emperour CHARLES the 5. in the Duchie of Milan, had a Spaniard in his troupes called LVPON, who was so strong and so light of foote, as hee would with a sheepe vpon his shoulders, out-runne any man; he was valiant and hardie to attempt and execute any thing, for the confidence he had in his nimble force. The Marquis desiring to be truly informed of the estate of the French Armie, lying then neere vnto him, giues charge vnto LVPON to runne vnto their Campe, to discouer some thing. LVPON bethinking himselfe, takes an Harguebuzier on foote with him, in whome he trusted: and being approched neere vnto the Campe a little before day, hee viewed the scituation thereof, and then comming neere vnto a French Souldior that stood Sentinell, who was not well awake, hee sodenly leapes vpon him: and although the Souldier were strong and of a bigge stature, yet LVPON takes him vp vpon his shoulders, notwithstanding any resistance hee could make, or his crying out for helpe, and carryes him vpon his neeke like a Calue, and so returnes with speed, being supported by his Harguebuzer, who short at them that would approche neare them. Being come vnto the Spanish Campe, hee layde his burthen at the Marquis his feete, who hauing laught his fill at this Stratage [...]e, and learned from the Prisoners owne mouth (so pleasantly carryed vpon a Gennet with two legges) the estate of their Campe, hee presently char­ged the French, giuing them so whotte an Alarum, [...]s hee preuented the execution of that which they had [Page 38] pretended against him and his. PAVLVS IOVIVS in the life of the Marquis of Pescara.

A Spaniard called PETER, came to Naples in the yeare 1555. where hee made tryall of his force, as followeth. A man that was strong and heauie, satte striding on his right shoulder, and another on his left: on his right arme he carryed a man, and on his left another: Hee had two men vpon his feete, and walked vp and downe with all this burthen, as if hee had not carried any thing. Then b [...]nding downe his hands, hee caused a man to stand vpon eyther of them: which done, hee stood vp, and raised his hands as high as his head. After this, they bound his hands with a strong corde, the which ten men layde hold off, and standing as firmely as they could, they sought to shake him, but he on the other-side, drawing his hands vnto him, layde them crosse vpon his brest with such violence, as many of the ten fell downe. With his fore-head (as if it had beene with a hammer of Yron) hee did beate a Naile halfe in into a wall, true it is, that he did hurt himselfe a little with that blowe. Stretching forth his arme, hee did shutte his hand so fast, as those ten men together could not force him to open it, nor to bend his arme. Two theeues finding him alone would haue stayed him: but hee tooke them both by the necks, and beats their heads so violently together, as their braines flew out, and they were found dead in that sort vpon the place. Hee had a pleasing aspect, a quicke eye, and a gratious seuere countenance, not too tall, but well proportioned, and his flesh was so firme and synewie, that when hee did stretch forth his arme, and shutte his hand, it was impossible to pinche him. His voyce [Page 39] was strong and cleere, and hee did sing very well. Hee was no great feeder.

ANTHONIE of Nebrisse affirmeth, that he had seene a man at Siuille, borne in one of the Ilands of the Cana­ries, who without retiring his left foote out of a Circle where he did set it, did offer himselfe as a marke to any one that would cast a stone at him eight paces of, and was neuer hitte, for that he did shift and turne himselfe in such sundry sorts and fashions, as it was impossible to touch him, & for a farthing he would shew any mā this sport. Nebris in the 2. Decad of the Hist. of Spaine lib. 2. c. 1.

We haue seene a man in Italy, marching and dancing on a rope, which was strained in the ayre, holding two long swords, hauing his thighes armed, so as hee was forced to open his legges. He did go firmly and boldly thereon: Then would hee tye Basins to his feete, and with them would run vpon the rope, shewing such nim­ble tricks, as they seemed impossible to them that had not seene them. SIMON MAYOLVS an Italian Bishop, in his Canicular dayes. Colloq. 4.

In the yeare 1582. at the sollemnity of the circumcisi­on of Mahomet, the 3. sonne to AMVRATH Emperour of the Turkes, among many other sports, there appeared 50. men on hors-back wel armed, with Cymiters by their sides, their Targets about their necks, bowes in their left hands, and in the right staues like halfe pikes, after the Arabian manner. In the Parke appointed for Iusts at Con­stantinople, they had raised vp eight hils of sand, of equall heigth and distance, 4. of the one side, & 4. of the other. In the midst there was a narow passage, but wel couered with fine sand, that if any one should chance to fall in run­ning, it might be lesse dangerous: vpon these hils of sand [Page 40] there were posts set▪ the foure of the one side hauing round blankes at the end, and the other foure had Ouals, all made of Lether and Paper very artificially. These were the markes where at these fifty horsemen did aime, who began to march easily by this way, first in troupe, and then in rankes, as it were in Battell. Sodenly they dis-band, and begin to runne with a full carrier, one after another, so neere and so iustly, as one was at anothers heeles. In running they tooke their Arrowes out of their quiuers, and shot with such dexteritie, as they did hit the markes so swiftly, as the beholders eyes could not dis­cerne the shotte nor the blowes. At the second course, whereas they had shotte but at the round blankes, they now deliuered their Arrowes against both, with a won­derfull dexteritie, some-times vsing the left hand, some­times the right-hand, with one motion: for the third charge, in shooting off their Arrowes, they some-times discouered the right shoulder, som-times the left, with their Targets, & that with an incredible swiftnes. More­ouer, in running a full carrier, they drew out their Cymi­ters, and cut these round markes, and carried away the walls, the which was done in one course. Then turning head sodenly, they shott against the markes, & with their Cymiters, which they drew out againe, they beate them downe, and sodenly they bend their bowes againe, and shoote into the ayre. They did wonders with their halfe pikes, in diuers kinds of Combates, and in the end they made euen these hills with their Cymiters, pulling away those stakes that were set vpon the hills of Sand; they cast them into the ayre, and in running, they receiued them againe, and held them in their hands. Then standing vpon their feete in the Saddle, they began to [Page 41] runne, and to handle their Cymiters, bowes and staues as before, without any further repetition of these parti­cularities, I will noate one notable Act, the which perchance wilbe held a fiction: but I did see it. Of these fifty there were two goodly yong men which with­drewe themselues from the rest. The one stood vp­right in his saddle, and bare his companion standing vp­on his armes. Beeing in this posture, they runne the horse a full carrier, and yet stood fast, yea the vppermost shot certaine arrowes at a peele of wood which he that carried him held in his right hand. Moreouer these two hauing tied two horses togither by the bridle, one of them set one foote vpon one saddle and an other vpon the other, standing as firmely vpon both as if they had beene glued togither, and carrying his Companion vp­right vpon his armes, and holding in his hand that peele of woode, against the which the other standing aloft, shot without missing, whilest that the two horses did r [...]nne most swiftly.

There were others which hauing sixe naked Cymi­ters tied the points vpward, vnto their saddles, set their heads into the saddle, and their heeles vpward and in this sort did runne their horses so swiftly, as you would say they had flowē Besides their were two that did sit in one saddle, and as the horse did runne in his full speed, they would leape downe and vp againe presently. Others did turne in their saddles, their horses running swiftly sometimes behinde, sometimes before, doing admirable trickes. This done the [...] did all runne in troupe and stan­ding vpright in their saddles they shot many arrowes. To end the sport, standing thus vpright, they did run one at an other with their halfe pikes, doing many exercises, [Page 42] which Lanciers are accustomed to do in their Courses on hors-backe. To conclude, whatsoeuer is done in skirmishes, Courses, Combats; Duells, Battailes, Re­treats, and other militarie Acts, was there practised by these fiftie Caualiers. GEORG LEBELSKI a Polonian in the discription of things done at Constantinople, at the Circumcision of AMVRATHS Sonne in the yeare. 1582.

At this feast of the Turkish Circumcision, many dan­cers vpon the roape made goodly proofes of their dex­terity▪ but there was one which wonne the spurres from all the rest. I knowe no man but was rauished, seeing him runne so swiftly, with so good a grace, and without stay. An ancient Poet said in one of his Commedies, that the vulgar sort were amazed to see one that went vpon a Roape. But if this Poet had seene one like vnto this, hee would haue beene amazed for he mounted vpon Roapes tied vnto Piramides, to the heighest that might be seene, with such celerity as any one would haue thought they had beene steppes or degrees: then hee came downe back-wards, or vpon his belly, hauing no other support but a small staffe which serued him as a Counterpeze. Sometimes hee leaped vpon the Roape with both feete, sometimes with one, then imbracing the Roape with both his feete, he hung downe-ward, and turning about, raised himselfe againe. Hee did slide with a strange resolution, from the toppe vnto the bottome, and that which I esteeme most in this agilety, at night he would tie sixe naked Cymiters to either foote, and continued his sport by torch-light with such admiration and applause of all the world, as if happely any of the Spectators had desire to sleepe, this man by his admirable agility did [Page 43] presently awake him. So as by the generall consent of great and small in this sollemne Assembly, he was called the chiefe maister of his art.

I haue often seene with amazement, in the Court of the Prince of Bamberg, a Germaine peasant, norrished & bred vp (as he himselfe did aduowe) among the beasts in the neere Mountaines, who was so actiue and nimble of his body, as all that did see him in his motions and tum­bling, were amazed, & thought that he vsed some inchāt­ment: the which hee neuer drempt of. That which was most to be admired in him, he shewed his nimblenes, not standing vpon his feete, but going vpō feete & hands, like a Dog or a Cat. In the same Court there was a Duarfe which [...]id vpon the peasant as if hee had bin a horse, ma­king him to turne and bound, in diuers manners, as a ri­der would do a Genet of Spaine: but when the Peasant list, he would ouerthrowe the Dwarfe do what he could. Sometimes he would fight with mastiues & great English dogs which his Prince had, and by a certaine counterfet barking and a furious doggish snarling, he would make them runne away. This done he would bound vpon his hands and his feete, with a wonderfull agility clyming vp, at the Corners and on the wainscot of the hall more nimbly then an Ape although otherwise hee was rude, big, and of a heauy moulde. I did twise see (being at the Princes table) after that he had cast downe the Dwarfe, and chased away the dogges he leaped vpon one of the guests shoulders, and from thence to the Table, without ouerthrowing of dish or goblet, and then hee leaped so sodenly downe, as you would haue iudged him to haue beene a squirrell or a wild-cat; Hee would vsually [Page 44] runne as fast vpon the toppes of houses built pointed and sloape, as our house Catts would do. Hee did so many other Apish trickes, as in diuers places they tal­ked of him, as of an extraordinary thing and not heard of I would not haue set any thing downe in this booke, if I had not seene his trickes with mine eyes, and that there were not many credible persones yet lyuing that had seene them. When I collected my Historical discourses, he was then lyuing and married. PH. CAMERARIVS a learned germaine LAVVIER, in his Historicall medita­tions. Chap. 75.

When as a certaine Turke danced vpon a roape in the Citty of Paris, his feete being in a basin, many see­ing him in danger to breake his necke, trembled for feare, and durst not well looke on him. AMBR. PARE. in his 13. booke. Chap. 11. The Lord of Montaigne saieth, that hee had seene his Father (being aboue three score yeares olde) laugh at their actiuities; hee would leape into the saddle, with a furred night-gowne aboute him: he would turne about the table vpon his thombe and did seldome go to his chamber, but he would leape three or foure steppes at once. Montaigne in his Essaies. lib. 2. Chap. 2.

THis tale displeased me, the which a great person tould of a kins-man of mine, a man well knowne both in peace and warre. That dying very olde in his Court tormented with ex­treame paine of the stoane, he spent all [Page 45] his latter houres in great care, to dispose of the honor and ceremonie of his Interment: and did coniure all Noblemen that did visit him, to assist at his funeralls: yea hee made an instant sute vnto this Prince, who went to see him when [...]ee was drawing on, that his seruants might bee commanded to accompany him, alledging many examples and reasons, to proue that it was a thing which belonged to a man of his sort: hee seemed to de­part content, hauing obteined this promisse, disposing according to his owne minde of the order of his shew. I haue not often seene a vanitie more permanent. It is an other contrary curiositie (whereof I want no fami­liar examples) which seeme cousin-germaine vnto this, to goe studying with passion, of this last act, to dispose of his funeralls after a priuate and vnaccustomed kinde of thrift, with one seruant and a Lanthorne. Montaigne in his Essaies. Chap. 3.

A Personage worthy of credit, that had trauailed in diuers parts of Asia and Egipt, affirmed to many, that hee had seene more then once in a certaine place neere vnto Caire (whether a number of people resort on a certaine day in the moneth of March, for to be spectators of the resurrection of the flesh, as they say) of bodyes decea­sed, shewing and thrusting themselues as it were by lit­tle and little out of the ground: not that they see them altogether, but now the hand, then the feete, some­times halfe the body: which done, they in like manner [Page 46] hide themselues by little and little againe in the ground. The rest not giuing credit to such a meruaile, and I for my part desiring to vnderstand the truth of it, enquired of a Kins-man and singular friend of mine, a Gentle­man as thoroughly accomplished in all vertues as may be: one that hath beene brought vp in great honours, and that is almost ignorant of nothing. Hee hauing tra­uailed in the aforesaid countries with another Gentle­man, a great and familiar friend also of mine, named the Lord ALEXANDER of Schullembourg, tolde mee hee had heard of many, that this apparition was most certaine: and that in Cairo and other places of Egipt, there was no question made of it. And the more to assure mee, hee shewed mee an Italian booke, Imprinted at Venice, contayning diuers descriptions of voyages, made by the Embassadors of Venice into many parts of Asia and Affrica: among the which one is entituled, Viaggio de Messer Aluigi di Giouanni di Alessandria nelle Indie. Towards the ende where­of I haue extracted certaine lines Translated out of Italian into Latin (and now into English) as hereafter followeth.

On the 25. of March, in the yeare 1540. diuers Christians, accompanyed with certaine Ianissaries, went from Cairo to a little barren mountaine, some halfe a mile off, designed in times past for buriall of the dead: in the which place euery yeare there vsually as­sembles an incredible multitude of people, for to see the dead bodyes there interred, as it were issuing out of their Graues and Sepulchers. This begins on Thursday, and continues till Satterday, when they vanish all away. Then may you see bodyes wound in [Page 47] their sheetes, after the ancient manner, but they are not seene standing vpright, nor going, but onely the armes or thighes, or some other part of the body, which you may touch. If you go a little way off, and come by and by againe, you shall finde that those armes, or other members, appeare farther out of the ground. And the more you change place, the more do those motions ap­peare diuers and greater. At that time there are a num­ber of pauilions pitched about the mountaine, for both sick and whole, which repaire thither in great troupes firmely beleeue that whosoeuer washeth himselfe on the Thursday night, with a certaine water that runnes in a marish hard by, it is a sure remedy to recouer and main­taine health. But I haue not seene that miracle. It is the report of the Venetian. Besides the which we haue a Iaco­bin of Vlmes, named FELIX, who hath trauailed in those parts of the Leuant, and hath published a Booke in Dutch touching all that hee hath seene in Palestina and Egipt. He makes the very same recitall. As I haue not vnder­taken to maintaine this apparition to be miraculous, for to confound these superstitious idolaters of Egipt, and to shew them that there is a resurrection and life to come: neither will I refute it, nor maintaine it to be a Satanicall illusion, as many thinke, but will also leaue it to the iudgement of the Reader, for to determine thereof as he shall thinke good. PH. CAMERARIVS, Councellor of the Common-wealth of Nuremberg, in the 73. Chap. of his Historicall Meditations.

I will adde somewhat herevnto, for the content of the Reader: STEVEN DVPLAIS a cunning Goldsmith, and a man of an honest and pleasing conuersation, being now some 45. yeares old, or thereabout, hauing trauailed [Page 48] diuers Countries of Turkey and Aegipt, made me an am­ple discourse of the apparition before mentioned, some fifteene yeares since, affyrming hee had beene spectator of it with CLAVDE ROCARD, an Apothecary of Chab­ly in Champagne, and twelue other Christians, hauing for their truchman and guvde a gold-smith of Ottranto in A­pulia, called ALEXANDER MANIOTTI.

He told mee moreouer, that he (as the rest) had tou­ched diuers members of those ress [...]stitants. And as hee was taking hold on the heare of a Childes head, a man of Cairo cryed out, Kali, Kali, antè matarasdè: that is to say; let it alone, let it alone, thou knowest not what thou doest: Now for-asmuch as I could not well perswade my selfe that there was any such matter as he told me of, though in diuers other reports, conferred with that which is to be read in our moderne Authors, I had al­waies found him simple and true, wee continued a long time in this opposition of my eares to his eyes, vntill the yeare 1591. that hauing shewed him the aboue-sayd ob­seruations of Doctor CAMERARIVS: Now you may see (sayd he) that I haue told you no fables. And many times since, we haue talked of it with wonder and reue­rence of the diuyne wisdome. Furthermore he told mee therevpon that a Christian dwelling in Aegipt, had diuers times recouted vnto him, vpon talke of this apparitiō or resurrection, that he had learned of his grand-father & Father, which their ancestors had reported, hauing re­ceiued it from hand to hand time out of minde, that cer­tayne hundreth yeares agoe, diuers Christians, Men, wo­men, and Children, being assembled in that mountayne, for to do some exercise of their Religion, were enuiron­ned and compassed about by a great number of their [Page 49] enemies, the little Mountaines being but of a small cir­cuite) who cut them all in peeces: and hauing couered their bodies with earth, returned to Cairo. Euer since the which, this resurrection hath appeared the space of certaine dayes before and after that of the massacre. Behold a summary of STEVEN DVPLAIS discours [...], by him confirmed and renewed in the end of Aprill 1600. when I wrote this History, where-vnto that can be nothing preiudiciall which is recited by MARTIN BAVMGARTEN in his voyage to Egipt, made the yeare 1507. published by his successors, and imprinted at Nu­remberg, in the yeare 1594. For in the 18. Chapter of the first Booke, he saith, that these apparitions are made in a Mosquee of the Turkes hard by Cairo. There is a fault in the coppy: and it should say Hillock or little Moun­taine, not on the banke of Nilus, as BAVMGARTEN writes, but halfe a mile of, as we haue declared.

WHen I studied the lawe in the Vniuer­sitie of Wittenberge. I heard my Tutors often tell, that on a time, one being attyred after a strange manner, came and knocked at the dore of a great Di­uine, which then read in the same Vni­uersitie, and dyed in the yeare 1546. the seruant opened the doore, and asked him what he would haue? Speake with thy Maister quoth hee. The Diuine willed him to come in: and then this stranger propounded certaine questions touching the controuersies which were at that instant about matters of Religion: wherevnto the Diuine hauing giuen a ready solution, the stranger put forth [Page 50] harder, thou dost somewhat trouble me, said the Diuine, for I had other things in hand: and there-with rising out off his chaire, shewed him in a booke the exposition of a certaine place where-about they contended. In this strife he perceiued that the stranger in steede of fingers had clawes and tallents, like a bird of prey. Wherevpon hee began to say vnto him. Is it thou then? Hearken to the sentence pronounced against thee: (shewing him that place of the third of Genesis) The Seede of the woman shall breake the Serpents head. He added moreouer. Thou shalt not swallow vs all vp. The euill spirit mightely confoun­ded & enraged, vanished away with an exceeding great noyse, leauing such a stinke behind him in the Stoue, that it stunke of it a long time after. IOHN GEORGE GO­DELMAN, Doctor of Lawe at Rostoch, in the treatise, De Magis, Veneficis, Lamijs, &c. booke 1. chap. 3.

In the towne of Friburg in Misnia, the Diuel presented himselfe in a humane forme, to a certain sick-man, shew­ing him a booke, & exhorting him to recon vp all his sins he could remember, because he would note them down in that booke. At the first the sick-man was some-what amazed, but recouering his spirits, he answered: Thou saist well, I will set thee downe all my sins in order: but first write these words on the top in great Letters, The Seede of the Woman shall breake the Serpents head. The Di­uell hearing this condemnation of his, fled away, lea­uing ths house full of an extreame stinke. The same Author.

In the yeare 1534. Maist. LAVRENCE TONER Mi­nister of a certaine Towne in Saxony, imploying some time about Easter to conferre with some of his parishio­ners, according to the custome, touching scrupels of cō ­science, [Page 51] the Diuell appeared vnto him in the shape of a Man, and intreated him to giue him leaue to confer with him: whervpon he began to poure out horrible blasphe­mies against the Sauiour of the World. TONER resists and confutes him so coragiously by authorities out of the holy Scripture, as this wicked Spirit confounded, (leauing an intollerable stinke in the place) vanished a­way. IOB FINCEL in his first booke of miracles.

IN the yeare a thousand fiue hundred, there was seene in Alsatia, neare to Sa­uerne, a Bulls head, and betwixt the hornes shined a very great star. In the same yeare, on the 21 of May, there was seene ouer the Towne of Lucerne in Suisserland, a fierie Dragon, horrible to behold, as big as a Calfe and twelue foote long, the which did fly towards the bridge of the riuer of Russe which passeth there. In the yeare 1503. in the Duchy of Bauiere, ouer a little towne called Visoc, was seene a Dragon crowned, casting f [...]rth flames of fire at his mouth. Ouer the Cit­ty of M [...]lan, in the day time, the Heauens beeing cleare, were seene many stars shining very brightly.

In the beginning of Ianuary in the yeare 1514. about eight of the clocke in the morning, in the Duchy of Wi­temberg were seene 3. Suns in the firmament: that in the middest was much bigger then the rest. All three caried the forme of a long sword, of a shining colour & markt with bloud, the points whereof d [...]d stretch out far. This happened the 12 day of the month. The next day ouer the towne of Rotuil, there was seene a Sunne shewing a [Page 52] terrible face, enuironed with circles of diuers coulours. Two dayes before, and the 17. of March following were seene three Sunnes: and three Moones also the 11. of Ianuary, and the 17. of March. IAMES STOSEL a Phi­sition of Memming made an ample discourse, prog­nosticating vppon these apparitions, which were fol­lowed by great troubles, namely in Swaube. In the yeare 1517. on Christmas day, about the Abbey of Vinaire in Saxony, at midnight, the Heauens beeing cleere and bright, there was seene a Crosse of a reddish coulour.

In September, in the yeare 1520. at Vienna in Austria, there were seene many prodigious signes in the hea­uen. The first day from three of the clock afternoone, vntill fiue, the Sunne was seene enuironed with two great circles. Three dayes after about noone, there was seene a burning Forke. The fift day in the morning there appeared three Sunnes, with many Rayn-bowes of diuers fashions. The sixt daye about nine of the clocke at night, the Moone appeared full, trauersed with a Crosse, compassed in with a Circle, and aboue it a halfe Circle. On the seauenth, at the breake of day, were seene three Sunnes againe: and from sixe of the clock vntill seauen a Rain-bowe with three Moones. PAMPHILVS GENGENBACH caused these prodigi­ous Meteors to bee cu [...]te, and published a discourse, the which hee sent to the Emperour CHARLES the fift. The same yeare the inhabitants of Wissenbourge, a Towne seated vpon the Riuer of Rhine, heard at noone day, such a strange and horrible rushing of armes in the ayre, and such a noyse of men fighting and crying as in a set battell, that it strooke snch a terror and amazement in [Page 53] them, as all runne to Armes, thinking the Towne had beene beseeged, and that the enemies were at theyr Gates.

When as the Emperor CHARLES the 5. was crowned in the Citty of Aix la Chapelle, the Sunne was seene en­uironed with a great Circle, and a Raine bowe in the Heauens. In the Town of Erfor'd there were three Suns seene. Moreouer a burning Cheuron, the which was terrible, by reason of the greatnesse and length. This Cheuron declining to the earth, made a great spoile, then mounting into the ayre, it was conuerted into a cercular forme, IOB FINCET in his Collection of the maruells of our Time, notes, that in the yeare 1523. a Peasant of Hungary, going a iourney with his Wa­gon, was be-nighted and forced to lie in the fields atten­ding the breake of day. Hauing slept a while, he awaked, and goes out off his Wagon to walke, looking vp into the ayre he did see the resemblance of two Princes figh­ting, with their swords drawn one against an other. One was of a tall stature and big: the other was lesse and car­ried a Crowne vpon his head. The greater ouer-threwe and slue the lesse, then hauing taken away the Crowne he threwe it as it were against the earth, so as it was dis­persed in diuers peeces. Three years after LADISLAVS King of Hungary was slaine in battell by the Turkes. The same yeare in the month of May, there were three Suns intermixt with diuers circles seene at Zurich in Suisser­land. Two yeares after, a little before the defeate of the King of Hungary▪ three other Sunnes were seene in Hun­gary, which some did interpret that FERDINAND (after wards King of the Romaines,) the Vaiuode IOHN and the Turke, should be at war for the Kingdome. [Page 54] In the yeare 1525. there was seene in Saxony, about the death of the Elector FREDER [...]C, surnamed the Wise, the Sunne enuironed with a great perfect round Circle, like in coulour to a Rain-bow. In August the same yeare, the Sunne shewed it selfe for certaine dayes like vnto a great Bowle of fire, and of many strange coulours: Soone after followed the sedition of the peasants in Germanie.

In the yeare 1526. neere vnto Kauffburen, a famous Towne in Swaube, there were three Sunnes seene, enui­roned with many Circles. And for that there hath beene often mention made, and shall be againe of the appariti­on of three Sunnes, which they call Paralies. I will tell you what it is, with their generation and signification. About the true S [...]nne created by GOD, and making his limitted course in the midest of Heauen, there ap­peare in the clouds certaine lights, the which in bright­nesse and forme resemble the Sunne in such sort; as one would say they were very Sunnes, so as you can hardly discerne the true from these imaginarie ones, called Pa­ralies, Para Helios, as one would say, neere or right a­gainst the Sunne. For such shining Images, and fashio­ned like the Sunne, seeme to be right against it, although they bee many thousand miles vnder it: for the Sunne is in the middest of the Heauens, and the Paralies are in the ayre. Some-times by this name they vnderstand the likenesse of the Moone. And when they appeare, PLINIE sayes they are called night-Sunnes. It is most certaine, that they are made in the clouds, and not in the firmament, which can receiue no such impressions, by reason of their thinnesse, and continuall transparent brightnesse which hath no bounds. There is no figure [Page 55] but must bee receiued in a body that is limited by some meanes whatsoeuer. Those things which are made in the Heauens, last and continue: but contrariwise the Parelies vanish soone. Neither are they in the very ayre, which is transparent and not limitted, yet they seeme to be in the ayre, the which is the receptacle of exhalati­ons and clouds: so as the Pareleis are fashioned in the clouds. Besides the cloud where they are made, must be some-what thick, equall and moist, to make a body, wherein the forme of the Sunne or Moone must be gra­uen, and of a meane thicknesse, for if it did abound, it could not receiue this impression. It must also be vni­ted like vnto a Looking-glasse, else there can be no re­presentation. And moyst, that the brightnesse and re­semblance may pierce into it, to make a reflexion. Such Images cannot bee receiued but in transparent bodies.

Moreouer, this clowd must bee opposite to the Sunne, to receiue and represent the whole face of it, the which should appeare but by halues, if it were on the one side, or not at all, if the Sunne should shine di­rectly aboue the clowd. The reflexion also of the beames is necessary: for if they did pierce through the clowde, there would no Image appeare. The ayre must also bee calme and without agitation. For if the windes did blowe, the clowde would bee sha­ken, and so nothing disposed to receiue any such im­pression. As you cannot see your face in the waues of a floud, but easily in a cleere and calme Water, the which is limitted in a Basin or other vessell. If the Sunne shines in such sort, as there is any reflection of the beams you shall see the resemblance of the Sunne in this water, [Page 56] euen as in a Looking-glasse. The like is seene in a cloud compounded of water, as hath beene sayd naturally, these like or seeming Moones, are signes of Raine: for that they are not conge [...]led but in cloudes that are of a reasonable thicknesse. Such clouds are matter for raine. Supernaturally, they are forerunners of the iudg­ments of GOD, punishing the World with Plague, Warre and Famine: As we haue seene in our Times.

In the same yeare 1527. There was a great noise heard in the ayre, as of Armed men, that gaue Battaile. Soone after the Sunne shining in a cleare skie, it was so­dainely enuironed with a great cloudie Circle. In the yeare 1528. about mid-May ouer the towne of Zurich, there were 4. seeming-Moones seene, enuironed with 2. whole Circles, and the Sunne compassed in with fower small Circles. The same yeare the Towne of Vtrecht, being straightly beseeged, and in the ende taken by the Bourg [...]ignons, there appeared in the ayre a fore-telling of their misery, wherewith the Inhabitants were won­derfully amazed, which was a great S. Andrewes Crosse of a pale colour, and hideous to behold.

The ninth of Ianuary 1529. about ten of the clocke at night, there was seene in Germanie an opening of the Heauen, described by IOVIANVS PONTANVS in his Meteors. Two yeares after ouer Lisbone in Portugall, were seene fiery and bloudy apparitions in the Heauens, and soone after there fell many droppes of bloud out off the Clouds vpon the Earth. The eleuenth of Aprill 1542. about seuen of the clocke in the morning, there were seene three Sunnes distinctly shining at Venice, with two rain-bowes opposite to the Sunne. The first did not continuel ong. The second being lesse, remained vntill [Page 57] nine of the clocke▪ the one was very round like vnto a Crowne; the true Sunne was in the midst, and the two seeming at the ends: the other Raine-bowe aboue this Crowne was very large, the two endes beeing equally distant from the Earth. Those seeming were so resplen­dent, as Mans eye could not endure to looke on them, no more then of the brightnesse of the true Sunne, but that of the left hand towards the South, did shine more then the other looking towards the North, the which continued longer, and was more resplendent in the de­clyning. They were of a reddish colour, extending their beames verye farre in the Ayre, euen vnto the Earth. About the ende of the same month of Aprill in the same yeare, there was seene in Suisserland a great white circle shining like cristall. In many Prouinces of Europe there were Dragons seene flying in the Ayre in great troupes, sometimes to the number of foure hun­dred, hauing all royall Crownes vpon their heads: and their heads were like vnto those of Swine, especially the groine. Those of Munster in West phalia, did see in the day time, the skie being cleare and bright, an armed Knight running in the ayre.

The great commander of Malta, caused to be publi­shed in the yeare 1532. Throughout al Europe a strange apparition which happened in Assiria that yeare, which was this. About the seuenth of March a Woman na­med RACHIENNE was brought in bed of a goodly Sonne, which had the Eyes sparkling, and the Teeth shining. At the same instant that he was borne, Heauen and Earth were strangely moued, the Sunne did shine as bright at midnight as at noone-daye, and in the day time it was so darke, as from morning vntill night they could [Page 58] not see any thing in all that country. Then afterwards he shewed himselfe, but of an vnaccustomed forme, with diuers newe starres wandring vp and downe. Ouer the house where this infant was borne, besides other prodi­gies, fier fell from heauen, which slue some persones. Af­ter the eclipse of the Sunne there happened a horrible tempest in the Aire: then there fell pearles from heauen. The next day they might see a fiery dragon flie through­out all that Clymat. Moreouer there appeared a newe Moūtaine, higher then any other, the which did presētly diuide it selfe into two parts, and in the midest of them appeared a colomne or piller, where there was a certaine writing in Greeke, shewing that the end of the world ap­proched, then was there a voice herd in the aire, exhor­ting, euery one to prepare himselfe. The Child hauing li­ued two moneths, began to speake like one of yeares, & by diuers delusions, growes into such credit, as hee was adored & worshiped as a GOD, discouering it selfe to be an euill spirit, the which had a great force of error in al those Countries. Neere vnto Iuban a Towne of Lusatia, was seene in calme & cleere skie, the day after Whitsō ­day, in the yeare 1535. about two of the clocke in the af­ternoone troupes of armed mē, aduācing frō the North, to the part opposite, & there were cries heard in the aier, like to men that were in battaile. Ouer the towne of Vanaire in Saxony, were seene three Cheurons of fire in the aire. And the day before the taking of Munster, there appeered ouer the towne in a cleere skie, a Crosse & a na­ked sword. About the end of Iuly the same yeare, in the Confins of Zurich in Suisserland, there fell a furious and neuer herd of torment in the aire, being all on fier, with most horrible thunders. There fell out of the aire great flames of fire the which did quite consume 5. houses nere [Page 59] vnto Adelsinge. The same moneth as the Inhabitants of Smelwi [...] were in the Church, at their mornings deuotiō, there sodenly appeered a wonderful light in the aire, then fell lightning which slue two men, & with the force of his exhalation, ouerthrew thirty others to the ground, halfe dead: hauing burnt all their clothes: but their bo­dies were preserued, being more affrayed then hurt.

The 7. of February 1536 about two of the clocke, after mid-night, there was seene in the Element, ouer one quarter of Spaine, two armed men, running one at an o­ther with their swords drawne the one carried on his left arme a target, on the which was painted an Eagle, with this Motto about it Regnabo, that is to say I will raigne. The other had a great target with a starre & a Cressant, and this inscriptiō Regnaui. I haue raigned. He that Car­ried the Eagle ouerthrew the other. The like Combate was seene in Hongary 20. yeares after, the which we will note in order. In the yeare 1537. the first of February there was seene in Italy an Eagle flying in the aire, carry­ing in the right foote a bottle, & in the left a serpent wre­thed vp: being followed by an infinit number of others. At the same time also there was a Bourguignon crosse of diuers collours seene in the aire. 15. daies before there was seene in Franconia, betwixt Bamberg & the forest of Turinge, a star of huge greatnesse, the which declyning by degrees, turned into a great white circle, out of the which soone after proceeded great gusts of winde & flas­shes of fire, which falling to the ground, did melt the heads of pikes and the bitts of horses, without hurting of man or house. In the yeare 1538. there were seene in the aire, ouer diuers parts of Germany, armed men figh­ting, and as it were killing one an other.

Towardes the East there did shine a Starre of an [Page 60] vnaccustomed bignesse, hauing beames as red as bloud, and neere vnto it a bloudie crosse and a flying Standard. Two yeares after was seene an other starre in the clouds, very bright, as at the breake of day, it appeared the 25. of December. The next day there came out of the Moone two twinckling Starres shyning very bright.

There was seene in the yeare 1541. three Sunnes, cō ­passed in with a Rainbowe. The yeare following, there were seene in Saxony, Rodds and Torches of fire. In the yeare 1544. the 7. of April at eight of the clocke at night, the skie being very cleere, there were seene ouer a little Towne in Suissarland, called Wilen Turgau, in the face of the Moone, a white crosse shyning very bright, the foure ends whereof (especially the nethermost) did farre passe beyond the face of the moone. Two daies after there was seene ouer Golaries in Suissarland, an houre before Noone, the skie beeing very cleere, a great white circle shyning, wherof the Center from the right part vnto the left, was enuironed with a Rainbowe, as it doth vsually appeere. This circle turned at foure of the clocke right before the midest of the rondell of the Sunne. The 29. of March 1545. about eight of the clock in the morning, there fell about Cracouia a flash of lightning after a horri­ble thunder, so as al Poland was troubled thereat. Present­ly after there appeared three red crosses in the Element, betwixt the which there was a man armed at all parts, who with a burning sword did fight with an army, the which he defeated, and therevpon came a horrible drag­gō which swallowed vp this victorious man: presētly the heauens did open as they had beene all on fire, & so con­tinued for an houres space. Then there appeered three Rain-bowes in their accustomed collours, vpon the [Page 61] highest of which there was the forme of an Angell, as they do represent them in the shape of a yong man, that hath wings at his shoulders, holding a Sunne in one of his hands and a Moone in the other. This second specta­cle hauing continued halfe an houre in the viewe of all those that would behold it, certaine cloudes did rise which did couer these apparitions.

In base Hongary, there was seene in the yeare 1546. for the space of a whole houre, the heauens open, from the which did fall great aboundance of fire, vpon this fier there appeered a blacke Oxe, the which seemed to pisse fire. Aboue Belgeen a Towne in Misnia, and the Country about was seene an other opening of Heauen, the which continued two houres in the night the 10. of February, and cast forth beames euen vnto the earth. At the same time were seene three burning Cheurons, and of diuers collours, flying in the Aire. In the yeare 1547. there was seene aboue Halberstad in Saxony, a blacke boule comming out of the midest of the Moone, and running violently towards the North. The 15. day of December the same yeare, the Mariners of Hambourg, did see in the element at mid-night, a burning globe and shyning as the Sunne, rowling towards the South, whose beames were so hot, as the passengers could not abide vpon the hatches, but were forced to hide themselues thinking the shippes would bee set on fier. They did also see in Suisserland, two armies in the Aire, fighting togither. And two ramping Lions fighting, whereof the one pul­led of the others head with his teeth. Aboue them ap­peered a white Crosse stretched out in length, hauing the lower end fashioned like a whippe. The same yeare the twelfeth of Aprill and the two following, presently after [Page 63] noone the Sunne was seene in his Spheare, like vnto a globe of fire, and at Noone-day the Starres appeered. Ten daies after, which was the 24. in Saxony, Turin, Suis­serland, France and England, the Sunne appeared with a cloudie and bloudie Countenance, for the space of foure houres, to the great amazement of many. It continued in this sort some other daies following. The first daies of October following, about seauen of the clocke in the morning, there was seene in Saxony, the forme of a dead mans Beere, couered with a blacke cloth and a Crosse vpon it of a reddish collour, accompanied both before and behinde with many figures of men in mourning weeds, either of them carrying a Trumpet wherewith they began to sound so loude as the Inhabitants of the Country did easily vnderstand the noise. In the meane time there appeared a man all armed, and of a terrible aspect, who drawing out his sword cut off part of the cloath and then with his hands he tare in peeces the rest which done, both hee and all the rest vanished. In December the same yeare, about Rome there appeared in the aire, three daies togither, about three of clocke in the afternoone, a beesome as it were dipt in bloud, and a red Crosse, ouer the which did houer an Eagle. In the moneth of May precedent: about Saxony and the Mar­quisate of Brandebourg, were seene two Globes of fire, leaping about the Sunne, the greatest of them did so co­uer the Sunne, as at Noone-day, it seemed as it were rus­tie. They did also see the same yeare a furious Com­bate of two armies in the aire ouer the Towne of Quen­delbourg.

The yeare 1548. the 23. day of Iulie, the Moone be­ing at the full, it appeared of the collour of bloud, oue [...] [Page 62] Rosensel a Towne of the Duchie of Wirtemberg: and in this Moone was seene an arme of a blackish collour, with a hand stretched out: soone after the Moone hauing recouered her vsuall light, it was againe seene with three Cheurons or large barres of the same collour that the arme was, which did crosse it distinctly. These barres be­ing vanished, there appeered a Bourguignon crosse, black, vnderneth the Moone, at the two sides there appee­red two other smal rondells. The yeare following, which was 1549. in the morning, the Sunne being very bright, in the moneth of May, vpon a quarter of Germany, there was seene in the aire the figure of a man, attired like a Germaine Prince, aboue the which, there appeered on the other side a Lion and a Sheepe, which seemed to im­brace one an other willingly: before this Prince was a great garland of flowers, the which he would haue taken in his hand, but not being able, he tooke vp a sword, the which was vnder his feete from the beginning, where­with he florished twise or thrise about his head, and then all vanished into the cloudes. In the yeare 1550. were seene in the night, ouer the Towne of Lipsick in Misnia three Globes of fire. And in August the same yeare, a­bout Nuremberg, the skie being very cleere, the Sunne was seene of diuers collours, and ouer it a vessell, the which leaning on the one side, there came forth bloud, where-with the Sunne was made redde. On the other side there appeered an Eagle with his wings spred a­broad of diuers collours, but without any feete. A little beneath the Sunne and the Eagle, was a Raine-bowe, and directly vnderneth it was a Man, holding a horse by the bridle with his left hand, and with his right [...] white hound.

[Page 64]The 19. of Iuly before, neere vnto Wittenberg in Sax­ony, there was seene in the element the forme of a good­ly Hart and vnder it armies which did fight with great noise and feare-full cries. During this conflict there fell a shower of bloud vpon the Earth, the Sonne appeared ve­rie hiddeous and as it were out of his course, diuided in two and in shewe approching neere the Earth. Some weekes before, there was seene almost in the same place, a bloudy sword in the Aire, and a peece of Ordinance, mounted vpon wheeles. The 24. of Iune betwixt sixe and nine in the morning, the time being very cleere, there was seene in the Element, a blacke Crosse with a Iauelin, hauing a fish-hooke at one of the ends, and at the other three small barres like vnto rests. Ouer Lisbone in Portugall, there appeered the 28. of Ianuary 1551. a great handfull of bloudie roddes, with fearefull fiers: it rayned bloud, and there followed Earth-quakes, so as two hundred houses were shaken and ouerthrowne, whereby aboue a thousand persons were slaine. The 21. day of March, about 7. of the clocke in the morning, there were seene at Magdebourg seauen Rain-bowes and three Sunnes; and at night three Moones, whereof that in the midest, which was the right, kept her ordinary col­lour, the other two were of the collour of bloud. These three Sunnes were also seene at Witenberg in Saxony, with ten or twelue Circles that did inuiron them, some round, others but halfe and very spatious, others lesse, and some very smal, almost all of the collour of the Rain­bowe. The last daie of February, which was three weekes before, those of Antwerp in Brabant had also seene three Sunnes, inclosed in diuers Circles and Rain­bowes.

[Page 65]In the yeare 1552. the 19. of February, about three of the clock in the afternoone, those of Maclin in Brabant, did see the Sunne first of a blew coulour, then red, enui­roned with a great circle and a Rain-bowe. About ele­uen moneths after, the 23. of Ianuary 1553▪ about eight of the clock at night, there was seene at Basil, the Moone enuironed with a great & cleere circle, of the coulour of the Rainbow, the which continued three whole houres. In Iune following, there were seene in the ayre, being cleere and bright, ouer the Towne of Cobourg, betwixt fiue and sixe at night, diuers sorts of men, then armies which gaue battaile, & an Eagle houering with her wings abroad. In Iuly were seene two Serpents ioyned together one eating of an other, and betwixt them a fierie crosse. The same yeare the Citty of Magdebourg was straightly besieged, & among other maruailes, the day after Easter the Sunne appeared very bright at the rising, and enuiro­ned with a great circle as white as milke, the which were crost with foure Rain-bowes, the goodliest that euer was seene. Ten dayes before, betwixt seauen and eight of the clock in the morning, were seene ouer the same Towne, three Sunnes: the right had his ordinary brightnesse, the other two had a bloudy colour. Hauing continued al­most the whole day, at night there appeared 3. Moones, whereat all the Inhabitants of the place were much a­mazed, they were of diuers colours: and after they had continued some houres, the two apparant Moones or Paralies, became red as bloud, then dispersing them­selues into long streames, in the end they vanished: the right Moone which was in the middest, retained her ac­customed brightnes. The same yere died Duke GEORGE Prince of Anhalt, an excellent Diuine. The day of his [Page 66] death, there appeared in the night ouer the Towne of Wittenberg a blew Crosse. A few dayes before the bat­taile, giuen betwixt MAVRICE Duke of Saxonie, and ALBERT Marquis of Brandebourg, there appeared the image of a great man in a place of Saxonie: from the bo­dy of this man, which appeared naked, first there began bloud to fall from him, drop after drop: then they did see sparkes of fire come from him, and in the end he va­nished by little and little. In Ianuary 1554. there appea­red three Sunnes twise in Saxony. The 1. of February fol­lowing, about Chalons in Champagne, was seene a great flame of fire, which went from the East to West, like to a burning Torche, bending as a Cressent, the fire did crack, and [...]ast out sparkes of all sides, like vnto a barre of Yron comming out of the Furnaise, which the Smiths did worke with their Hammers. Some adde that this Torche appeared about the Moone, and shewed the point of a Lance at one end. The 19. of February. were seene at Nebre, two Crosses of a blew coulour. And the same day at Greisen in Turinge, they did see in the Sunne which shined brightly, a blew Crosse, so great as it couered all the face of the Sunne: on either side it had a great Cheuron of fire, with diuers Circles. The 9. day of Aprill, aboue Sultzfield, halfe a dayes iourney neere vnto Schuinfort, an Imperiall Towne, there appeared two Moones in the night. In Marche before, were seene Sunnes of diuers greatnesse, with some Circles in Bauaria and the Countrie about. First the 6. of Marche betwixt eyght and nine of the clock in the morning, were seene two Sunnes with a Raine­bowe. The 23. of the same moneth, about an houre after-noone, those of Nuremberg did see as much: and [Page 67] moreouer a Raine-bowe towards the West, and the Sunnes enuironed with white Circles, continued three houres together, with a long burning Cheuron. The eight day following, there were three Sunnes seene at Reinsbourg. Their beginning was about an houre after noone: betwixt two and three they did shine brightly, and ended at foure of the clocke. They did cast out beames of the one side like vnto a Commet: that in the middest towards the North, and the other two to­wards the East and West.

In Marche the same yeare, were seene ouer diuers Townes in Germanie, betwixt foure and fiue of the clock at night, diuers Bourguignon Crosses, but most white, and in a manner touching one another. The 23. day of the same moneth, a little before Sunne sett, were seene two Parelies enuironed with the Sunne by a great Circle ouer the Village of Blech. Not farre from No­remberg the eleuenth of Iune, there appeared a Rodde of a bloudie colour through the Sunne, with Starres or Boules of Azure. Presently after there were seene two Squadrons of armed men, the which had blew Cornets, who for the space of two houres, incountred together furiously, to the great amazement of many which did see the beginning, the continuance and end of this apparition. The 13. of Iune, about fiue of the clocke in the after-noone, ouer the Towne of Iene, the Sunne was seene of a bloudie colour, to whom there ap­proched presently from the South and West, great and many boules of fire, the which did darken the light of it. And then appeared two Cheurons of a very red colour, crossing through the Sunne. The 24. day of Iuly, about ten of the clock at night, there appeared in the [Page 68] ayre, in that quarter of the Country which is called the high Palatinat of Rhine. Towards the forrest of Bohemia, two men armed with all peeces, the one being of a farre taller stature then the other, hauing on his brest a bright shining starre, and a flaming sword in his hand, as also the lesser had. They began a furious combate, bu [...]in in the end the lesser was beaten downe, and could not stirre: wher­vpon a chaire was brought vnto the Victor, in the which being set and remained some time, still menacing with his sword in his hand him that lay at his feete, as if he would strike him. In the end they both vanished away.

The 5. of August following, at 9. of the clock at night, neere vnto Stolpen, in the South part of Heauen, there appeared troupes of warlike men, who with great cryes and noise of armes, charged one another furiously, when the first charge was ended, there came aboundance of fire out of the clouds, which hindred the sight of these troupes. This fire vanishing, they returned to the second charge: then the fire kindling againe, you would haue said it had beene a kind of retreat, to rally themselues againe together on either part: which ended, they returne againe to a third charge, the which being done, they all vanished. The same yere at Fribourg in Misnia, was seene in the open day, the representation of our Lord IESVS CHRIST, as many Painters are accustomed to represent him, sitting in a Rain-bow, the colours whereof were ex­ceeding liuely. And about another towne called Zopodee, the Sun rising appeared as red as bloud, hauing about it a stately Pallace, the which was all on fire. On either side of the Sunne was seene a high columne, very artificiall fashioned and of the coulour that the Raine-bowe. It seemed that their foundations did touch the ground, [Page 69] and were very large. The next day the Sunne did rise with a pale coulour, and this Pallace was aboue it shi­ning very brightly. The columnes or pillers also appea­red, but not so faire and long as the day before. The 10. of February 1555. there were three Sunnes seene at Vi­naire in Saxonie. And the 13. of March, there appeared in the ayre about Turinge a fl [...]ming sword. The ele­uenth of Ianuary 1556. towards the Mountaines which compasse in the Citty of Ausbourg of the one side, the element did open, and seemed to riue, whereat all were wonderfully amazed: especially by reason of the pitti­full accidents which followed▪ for the same day the mes­senger of Ausbourg slue a Captaine at the Citty gates with a Pistoll. The next day, the wife of one that made sword blades, thinking to get a great booty, slue a Mar­chant in her house: and presently after her seruant killed her selfe with a Knife. A day after, a Butcher was slaine in a quarrell: and two villages were quite burnt. The 15. day of the same moneth, the Keeper of S. Katherins forrest was found dead, being shotte through with an Harguebuse. The 17. a Gold-smiths man falling into dispaire, drowned himselfe. The night following many were wounded to the death in the streete. I had forgot to note, that the same eleuenth day of Ianuary, when the Heauens did open about Ausbourg, there happened such a change in the aire about Mickhuse in Bauicre, and so great a light appeared in the night, as it did obscure the light of Candles in their shops and houses, so as for three houres space, those which would worke, had no need of any other light then that of Heauen. Some moneths af­ter, the Heauens began to open in another part of Swau­ [...]e, out of the which there proceeded such aboundance [Page 70] of fire, as many were striken dombe with feare: there were some villages and small Townes burnt and quite ruined. They did also see in the ayre certaine resem­blances of Camels▪ the which deuoured armed men.

In diuers dayes and moneths of the same yeare 1556. were obserued other apparitions: as in February in the County of Bats, there were seene in the ayre armies of foote and horse, the which did incounter together furiously. In September, ouer a little Towne in the Marquisate of Branaebourg, called Custerin, about nine of the clocke at night, they did see infinite flames of fire comming out of the ayre, and in the middest two great burning Cheurons. In the ende there was a voice heard crying, Miserie, Miserie vnto the Church. Wee haue sayd before that in the yeare 1536. there had beene seene in the ayre in Spaine a Combate of two young men. VVLFGANG STRANCH of Nuremberg writes, that in the yeare 1556. ouer a Towne in Hungarie, the which he calles Babatcha, there was seene the 6. of Octo­ber, a little before Sunne rising, the resemblance of two naked boyes fighting in the ayre, with Cymiters in their hands, and Targets vpon their armes. Hee which carry­ed a spred Eagle vpon his shield, did charge the other which carryed a Cressant so furiously, as it seemed the body being wounded in many places, did fall from the Heauen to the Earth.

At the same time, and in the same place, was seene a Raine-bow with his accustomed colours, and at the end thereof two Sunnes. Not farre from Ausbourg, there was seene in the ayre a Combate betwixt a Beare and a Lion, in December the same yeare: And at Witten­berg in Saxony the 6. of the same moneth, three Sunnes, [Page 71] and a crooked clowd, marked with blew and red, stretcht forth like vnto a bowe, the Sunne shewing pale and sad, betwixt the Paralies or seeming Sunnes: foure mo­neths before three Sunnes had beene seene betwixt Eus­choin and Basill.

Touching the significations of all these apparitions▪ I will not meddle with them. Since that yeare, many are obserued in diuerse climates of the world, especially in Europe, other wonders in the ayre, euen vnto this pre­sent age: whereof wee may make mention in other Bookes. At this time we doe onely represent that which CONRADVS LICOSTHENE: hath collected. IOB. FINCET. MARC FRYTSCH, and many others, in his great volume, De Prodigijs et Ostentis. As for Comets, showers of bloud, prodigious hayle, and other won­ders of Heauen, we will speake of them in their proper places.

WE haue seene in some diseases, the pa­tients haue lost all appetite of eating and drinking, in such sort as they tooke in a manner no sustenance. Of this number was a Nunne in the couent of Saint Barbe at Delft, who being falne sick of the Iaundise, in the yeare 1562 continued in her bed six weekes together, without eating or drinking. All this time shee receiued no nourish­ment, but some Kernells of Lymons, the which she held in her mouth, and did some-times suck. The Father of this Couent led me thether, not to minister Phisicke [Page 72] vnto her, but to see her as a miracle, by reason of her long abstinence: but the next day after I had visited her, she dyed: That which I will adde is more worthy of admi­ration. In the same Towne of Delft, being accompanied by a Surgian, I did visit a certaine sicke maide, of seauen & twenty yeares old & a halfe, it was in May 1556. after the age of sixteene yeares, she had neuer come out of her bed, hauing eaten euery day since that time but a lit­tle morcell of dried Cheese (as her keeper had protested) neither was it possible to make her swallow any liquor, and yet she pist sufficiently: she went not to the stoole but once in eight dayes. More-ouer she was borne blind, she fell to be full of the dropsie at the age of twenty yeares, but this water vanished away, and then shee had a sound in her belly like the noise of liue Frogges, in great abon­dance, accompanied with a strange rising and falling of her bellie, so as do I what I could, laying my hand vpon her belly, it was heaued vp. This motion did increase at the full Moone with great paines, as also at the flowing of the Sea: but at the wane of the Moone, and the eb­bing of the Sea, shee found some ease. This motion continued with her seauen yeares: and euery tenth weeke shee had her Termes, as her keeper did confesse vnto me.

THere is no man almost liuing, which know­eth not some particular Histories of the extraordinary appetites of certaine wo­men with child, for the which the learned Phisitions giue a reason. We will report [Page 73] some Examples, to incite the reader, entring into the cō ­sideration of them and others that he shall call to minde, to honor GOD in so many wonders, without naming in particular the diuers sorts of these Appetites, which are as variable as the countenances, & conditions of women that be with child. I haue seene one who longing to bite a yong man by the nape of the necke, and for that she had forborne a little to satisfie her furious desire, she begā to feele gripings and exteame paine in her belly. She ther­fore like a desperate woman leapes vpon this yong man, gets hold of the nape of his necke, and bites him so sore, as he thought to haue died of it. L. Viues, in his Comment vpon the 7. Chap. de Cituit. dei. Chap. 25.

My Mother bearing mee in her wombe: an Appetit tooke her to eate Creueses. She sent sodenly to seeke some, and being impatient to haue them washt and made cleane, she began to eate them rawe and aliue, vntil that she had satisfied her desire. Trincauelle. lib. 7. Chap. 5. Of the meanes to cure diseases in mans body. A Wo­man of Nisues, beeing with Child, and seeing a young man, a Fuller of cloth bare legged, shee came so neere him, as with her teeth she laies hold of one of his Legges and carries away a peece of it. He was content shee should vse him twise in this sort, but seeking to returne the third time, hee refused her and went his way. This poore woman a while after was brought in bedde of three children whereof two were aliue and lusty, and the third dead. An other woman with Child longing for a Bakers shoulder, which carried her bread vnto the Ouen, she reiected all other meate and drempt onely of that. Her husband desiring to content her, wrought so with the Baker, as for a certaine some of money, he was [Page 74] content his wife should tast of that shoulder shee had so much desired. Hee had endured her teeth twise but she had bitten him of sore, as he would not endure a third charge. The woman Longing still, sell in Labour of three Sonnes, two aliue and the third dead.

In a village not farre from Andernac a Towne seated vpon the Rhine, belonging to the Bishop of Colleyn, a Country woman being with Child and distasted, did long to eate of her husbands flesh. Her desire was so fu­rious, as she killed him, eate halfe his body, and pouldred vp the rest: soone after the rage of her appetite being gon, she confessed the fact willingly vnto her husbands friends, that sought for him. At Lymbourg in Silesia, the Towne where I was borne, a man coming out of a Bathe bare Legged, with his pantofles, hee was followed by a woman with Child, who desirous to tast of such meate, gets hold of one of his thighes and with her teeth pulled of a peece of his heele, the man crying out murther, yet would she not leaue her hold vntill she had done. I can­not passe ouer with silence what happened to a Noble­mans Concubine, who diuers mornings did eate whole handfulls of fl [...]xe or towe, being redie to spinne. Beeing falne sicke through this disordred appetite, an olde wo­man brought me her water; hauing vnderstood that she was distasted, and being demanded of the olde woman what I thought of the Vrine, I answered her that the gen­tlewoman did winde more flaxe with her mouth then with her spindle. The olde woman thinking that the in­spection of the Vrine made me to diuine this, gaue it out that I was an excellent diuiner, the which purchased mee such credit, as afterwards euery man regarded me with admiration.

[Page 75]EVE SIBYLLE my wife, had a sister called GENE­VIEFVE, sometimes married to PETER le FEVRE of Heidelberg, who being with Child in the yeare 1562. and very bigge, went to the Bouchery to buy some peece of flesh. Hauing attended long and not able to stay any lon­ger, she snatcht vp a peece of flesh, intreating the But­cher to wey it. This rude vnciuill fellow pulls it out of her hand, weyes it, and giues it to an other woman that was by: where-with she was so mooned, as her nose be­gan presently to bleed. The which she wiping aboue the vpper lip, the Child where-with she went, receiued such an impression, as after some weekes, her time being ex­pired, she was deliuered of a Son, who had only the ne­ther lip, and so liued thus deformed a whole yeare, & then died of the plague, N. IAMES FVTER in his Obseruations of Physick. I haue knowne women with Child which haue deuoured quicke Eeles, not leauing any part. In Delft there was one which did eate a whole sheepes skin with the woole. An other in the Towne of Alcmar, did swal­lowe downe whole ladles full of Tarre, where with mar­riners vse to calke their ships▪ as if it had bin sauory pot­tage. Such furious longings do not only torment women with child, but euen men & children. MARY daughter to PETER SASBOT, being with Child did eate great aboun­dance of chalke. We may produce diuers examples of women who during their being with Child, insteede of bread & good meate, haue eate nothing but earth, ashes and coales of the harth, plaster pulled out of the walles, salt-peter in sellers, Snailes, Frogges, Peares, Apples, and Plummes not halfe ripe, and when their desire hath not beene fully satisfied, their Children haue suffred for it. And as for signes and markes, scarse shall you finde ten [Page 76] among a hundred, that haue not some token of this vio­lent passion of their Mothers.

Some-times, if in these appetits in women with Child do not sodenly get what they long for, they feele of it long time after they are deliuered. In a village called Schuueden, in the Bishoprike of Fulde, there was a wo­man with Childe, who passing by the way met with a fisher-man, whom she intreated to sell her all the fish he had taken, but this rude fisher-man refused her, not ca­ring for her earnest request. Being returned very sad to her house she began to weepe bitterly, for that shee had beene so frustrated of her desire. There-vpon shee fell sodenly to haue an extreame desire to drinke water: but the more she dronke, the more her desire encreased: so as in one day she did drinke aboue thirty pound waight of water, the which she voided presently by Vrine. She continued sixe monethes after her deliuery to drinke daylie, without interruption foureteene pounds of water: In the end she came to aske aduice of me, and to seeke some remedy for this passion, being accompanied by o­ther women her kins-folkes and friends, who with othes did confirme this extraordynarie drinking to be true, and that during her lying in, she did drinke euery daie twenty pounds waight of water. The wife of FRAN­CISCO BARBARIN a magnifico of Venice, during the time of her being with Child, did eate at diuers times, a­bout 20. pounds waight of Pepper and not miscarried. After her deliuery she had a menstruos fluxe the which was cholerike and thinne, the which caused an vlcer in the Matrix, whereof she died M. N. of Florence. Cha. 30. of the 4. treaty, sermon. 5. I haue seene a woman which hath continued with this extraordinary and disordred [Page 77] appetite, a yeare after her deliuery, the which made her pale, flegmatike and very leane. Her Child, did not liue long.

MArc S [...]hutigius a Cittizen of Misnia, hauing a quarrell with an other of the same Towne, and meeting him vnar­med he began to prouoke him with in­iu [...]ious speeches, the other approching neere him pulls his sword from him, & there-with giues him eight wounds, whereof he died presently, the 25. day of August 1564. In many Combats allowed in our time, especially in France, it hath often happened that the Challengers haue bin slaine vpon the place by the defendants. There is not any one but may remember diuers examples of this kinde: GOD doth Iudge and is to be feared.

Not long since a French gentleman much giuen to quarrell presuming vpon the skill he had of his weapon, he caused a dagger to be made, and these words to bee grauen vpon it. I respect not any man. He did vsually carry this dagger, and playing one day, it fell out of the sheath and he vpon it, where-with he was so wounded in the thigh as hee had almost died. I knowe not whether this made him any wiser, but euery one may see that his poinard respected not him. Neither had he made any ex­ception in the writing. At the least he should haue re­serued his owne person, and caused to be grauen. I res­pect none, but my master. In the warres of our times, in­finit number haue beene surprised and slaine by there [Page 78] owne armes, where-with Martiall men may fill whole volumes if they will spend the time.

I Haue seene a man who for a farthing, did swallowe peeces of glasse, nailes and such like things in great quantity, then presently pinching in his belly, hee did cast it vp all againe at his mouth. The same man at one time did eate foure score rawe Leekes. To such men the bellie is a sacke, and they bee of the nature of Diue-doppers. Wee haue a stranger at Ferrara, who did swollowe and dis­gest peeces of Leather, pot-shards and broken glasses, in such sort as euerie man called him the Ostrige, the which doth disgest iron, as we haue made proofe of one that was in Antwerp. I remember that in my youth I had seene a Germaine Captaine in the French Ar­mie who did swallowe his wine without anie mo­tion of the throate. We haue seene manie Commedieus and such like in our time, swallowe wine and meate, as if it were cast into a sacke. Others which did cast vp as speedely as out of a sacke whatsoeuer they had eaten, without any strayning. I haue knowne some men, that for a peece of money would swallowe many flint stones, and then voide them out with the [Page 79] excrements.

Some fewe yeares past a young begging boye, went vp and downe BASIL, getting something to liue by after a miserable manner: for two deniers hee would swal­lowe many stones and whole nuts, where-with he so fil­led his bellie, as touching it you might heare them rat­tle, as if they were in a sacke. Then casting them all vp at his mouth, and washing them, hee would swallowe them againe, or others, as it should please them that gaue him any Almes. After some monethes I found him at Fribourg, where he vsed the same trade. But I could not learne since what became of him. In our time a Spaniard did swallowe in a short space foure goodly great Pearles, with a Crosse of Gold, garnished with fiue pretious stones, and the string whereat they did hang; all which did belong to a Curtisane of Venie [...]. Hauing sollicited her to lie with her, shee mea­ning to sell this vnlawfull pleasure at a great rate, de­mandes of him fiftie Crownes for a night. The Spa­niard agrees, and promiseth to paie her before hand. Shee thinking to ouer reache him, intreated a Ve­netian gentleman (that entertained her) to fit her with some of his Wiues Iewells, that shee might seeme the more braue and pleasing to the Castillian: who see­ing this preye, tells her out fiftie Crownes. Then hauing her in his power all the night, finding her fast a sleepe, hee tooke the Coller from her Breast, and swallowed vp the Pearles, Crosse and stringe and in the morning hee retyred himselfe leauing the Cour­ty [...]an to compownd after-wardes with the Veneti­an for her Pearles. A. VESALIVS in the fift booke of [Page 80] his Ana [...]omy Chap. 3. It was tould me that a certaine man had swallowed the broken point of a knife, and then did voide it againe in his Seege.

Mounsier de ROHAN had a foole called GVYON, who did swallowe a rapiers pointe, about three fingers long, and twelue daies after cast it out againe by the seege, the which was not without many strange Accidents: yet he escaped. Many Gentlemen of Brittaine made him to do it M. AM [...]ROS PARE. lib. 24. Chap. 16. He re­ports an o [...]her History which I wil adde vnto this; CA [...] ­ROL Surgion to the Mar [...]shall Danuille did assure me that FRANCIS GVILLEMET, a Surgion at Sommieres, a little Towne foure Leag [...]es from Monpellier had cu­red a Sheperd, whom certaine theeues had made to swal­lowe a knife halfe a foote longe, the handle beeing of horne as bigge as ones thombe, the which continued the space of sixe monethes in his Bodie, complayning much by reason of his paine, which made him drie and very leane. In the ende, an Impostume brake vnder his arme pit, casting forth aboundance of verie stinking, in­fectious matter. By this I [...]postame, in presence of the Officers of Iustice, the knife was drawne forth, the which Mounsier IOV [...]ERT a famous Physition at Mont­pellier kept in his Cabinet, as an admirable, memorable and monstrous thing. The which IAMES GVILLE­ [...] a sworne Surgion at Paris, did assure one hee had seene in the Cabinet of the sayed IOVBERT.

We wil adde out of the same Booke and Chapter two other Histories of things that were swallowed downe vnwittingly, no lesse memorable then the precedent: M. ANTHONIE, B [...]NIVENIVS a Physition at Florence, writes that a certaine woman did swallow a needle of, [Page 81] brasse, feeling no paine for the space of a yeare. After which time shee felt a great paine in her belly, for the which she had the aduise of many Phisitions, making no mention of the needle which shee had swallowed. No man being able to giue her any ease, shee liued in this sort for the space of ten yeares. In the end this needle came out at a little hoale nee [...]e vnto her nauill, and she was soone cured of it. The other History is of a Schol­ler named CHAMBELLANT, borne at Bourges, and stu­dying at Paris in the Colledge of Plessis. He swallowed the eare of an herbe called Gramen, the which a while after came out whole at his side, whereof he had like to haue dyed, and was cured by FERNELIVS and HV­GVET, Doctors of Phisick.

Wee haue by fit potions, sometimes lenetiue and sometimes strong, cured a seruant of the Lady of la VALS, who had swallowed a Key. And a foole in the Cittie of Tours, when as Fencers plaied before the King, gathered vp a swords point, the which he sodenly swal­lowed, being almost halfe a foote long. A certaine man (the reason thereof is vnknowne) hauing swallowed a stick of the length and bignesse of ones middle finger, he kept it in his body for the space of a yeare, in the end being in a certaine place among many others, he was troubled with a violent Collicke, the which forced him to returne vnto his house, where he voyded this sticke by the siege. There was at Zurich a Preacher well knowne, who hauing one day voluntarily swallowed a quicke Eele, voyded it whole and aliue by the siege. Gezner speaking of Eeles lib. 4. of his Historie of beasts.

In the Emperour CHARLES the fifts Court, there was a gluttonous fellow, who with a draft of Beere [Page 82] swallowed a great Herring whole. And in the Towne of Alcmar in Holland, an other at one draft, did swallow three Dollers of Siluer, in a Potte of Beere, and three dayes after voided them by the seege. The same PETER FOREST in the aboue named Booke and Chapter.

A Country-woman in Holland, of the age of fifty yeares and more, feeding one day with a good stomack: she put into her mouth a great peece of flesh, dry­ed and hardened in the smoake, and hauing swallowed it without chawing, it stuck in her throate, and there continued three dayes without any helpe. She could receiue no nourishment whatsoeuer, the passage for meate and drinke being quite stopt. In the end calling me, I found that the mor­cell was gone farre, applying diuers remedies, but shee expected nothing but death. At the end of the fourth day, as she was sipping of Whey, this morcell fell vio­lently into the stomacke, by meanes whereof shee recouered her health. A Mans Daughter of Delft, be­ing three and twenty yeares old, hauing eaten a Cowes tripe greedily, being hard and gluie, some morcels stopt her throate, so as for three dayes space shee could not possibly swallow any thing. I caused a strong supposi­tarie to bee giuen her, and after that I had caused her [Page 83] necke to bee anointed with Oyle of Lillies, and sweete Almonds, and then bound it about with a Cataplasme fitte for the griefe, when as all that were about her at­tended nothing but death, she was cured. An other maide eight and twentie yeares old, hauing in September in the yeare 1582. swallowed a peece of flesh that was hard and sinewie, was in the like danger for the space of 24▪ houres, and in the end eased, the peece falling in­to her stomack.

A certaine man hauing eaten a Peach, would also swallow the stone, the which stuck in his throate, where hauing stayed a little, the party drunke a great draft, which thrust it into the stomacke, and passing from thence into the guttes, it stayed at the great gutte neere the fundement, so as for three dayes together hee could not goe to the stoole, in the end it past forth with the ex­crements with such a noyse, as if a Pistoll had beene discharged. But after that time he was alwayes tormen­ted with the Emeroydes, by reason of the excoriation of that part, caused by the roughnesse of the stone. A young maide hauing eaten much of a sheepes lights, and finding her stomack charged, had a desire to cast, but the morcell stayed in the vpper part of her throate, so as they were forced to vse Yrons to get this morcell which was swolne, and had stopt the passage, of the which shee had like to haue dyed. Maister I. HOVLIER. The like did happen to an other, who had eaten the Lights of an Oxe, hee had continually a Hickotte, and could not swallowe any thing. Shee was [...]ased without the application of Y [...]ons, but by the meanes of Ventoses and other meanes, in the end shee cast vp the morcell, which from the stomack was mounted [Page 84] into her throate. The Scheliographes vpon the 1. Booke of M. I. HOVLER of inward diseases.

A yong boy of eight yeares of age, hauing swallowed one of his fathers Counters, which hee vsed to cast his accoumpt withall, felt nothing for the present of this excesse: onely hee began by little and little to loose his flesh and to growe thinne. After a yeare, he voided this Counter with the excrements, but so consumed by the naturall heate, as euery man did wonder at it: Aneat. Port. cent. 2: cur. 69.

An honest mother of a familie at Dusseldrop, being about to dresse a young child in March 1564. hauing two pinnes, the one great, the other lesser in her mouth, it chanced that her child was in danger to fall into the fire. This feare made the mother forget her pinnes, the which shee did swallow vpon this apprehension, ha­uing no other care but to saue her little one. The pinnes remained some houres in her throate with great paine. Being called to succour her, I commanded they should forbeare to giue her any meate or drinke, before I had tryed with an engin to draw out the pinnes. Being retur­ned, I vnderstood they had made her drinke some broth, which did force the pins downeward a little aboue the orifice of the stomack: this caused a new pricking paine: to remedy it, I caused her to drinke a great draft of Beere with Butter, and some big peeces of Rie bread mingled with it, hoping that the waight of the bread with the drinke would driue downe the pins into the stomacke, seeing it was not possible to get them out aboue. The which tooke effect some few houres after▪ the next day I made her to bee fed with good brothes, and Buttered Beere, then to rest on her right side, without any waight, [Page 85] vpon her belly, hauing Cushions vnder her armes, and vnder her thighes, to giue more scope, for the pinnes to descend into the guttes. After noone they tooke her vp, but I did forbid them that they should not shake her in turning her from one side to the other, but without ben­ding her forward or backward, she should walke vp and downe easily, that the pinnes might passe into the guttes: the which they did, and then she voided them, the grea­test was some-what bowed. Shee was exceeding sicke vpon this accident, but soone after shee was cured: A Venetian maide lying with a Needle in her mouth, that was foure fingers long, fell a sleepe, and swallowed it: at the end of ten moneths, hauing beene grieuously tor­mented, she voided it in her Vrine, but in a meruailous forme, for a stone of the bignesse of a Hens Egge, was growne about this needle Alex. Benoist. lib. 2. of his Ana­tomie, Chap. 9.

A certaine Gentlewoman of the Duchesse of Iuillers Chamber, co [...]fing her selfe, and holding her pinnes in her mouth, was struck behinde by a certaine Gentle­man, where with she did start, and with feare swallowed the said pinnes, the which she voyded with her Vrine two dayes after, without any harme. At Nieumegh [...]n, a certaine dissolute man meaning at one of the feasts of Easter to shew some sport to others, offered to swallow a Hens Egge whole, but the Egge being too big it staied in his throate, and so stopt the passage, as this dissolute man was presently choakt. In the yeare 1588. an other dissolute fellow in the Cittie of Rouan, saying that there was no boane in a Cowes foote, la [...]de a wager that hee would swallow one at a morcell. They bring him one, he takes it and thrusts it into his mouth: but hauing it in his [Page 86] throate, there it stuck. Notwithstanding all the care and applications of Phisitions, he continued in this sort nine dayes, and in the end dyed without speaking, hauing his face monstrously swelled. Euery man went to see him, seruing as a spectacle of Gods iudgement. Histories of our time.

BERNARD de NOIRS, a Mantuan Gentleman, of the age of three score and seuen yeares, a spare man, but lustie, hauing in his mouth a peece of flesh that was full of sinewes, the which he had not chewed well, he swal­lowed it. This morcell sticking to the orifice of the throate, did so stop the passage, as it was not possible for him to swallow any thing, no not cleere water. Hee could scarce breath, the slimie flesh did stick so fast, as the Surgions could not possibly drawe it vp, nor thrust it downe. After seuen dayes, being rotten and dissolued, it fell into the stomack: so as the patient was freed from suffocation. But for all this hee escaped not; for his throate being inflamed with paine, and the application of yrons, besides his weakenesse growing through the want of nourishment by the space of seauen dayes, had subdued all the forces and faculties of his life, so as the foureteenth day he dyed. MARCEL. DONAT. lib, 2. of his Admirable Historics, Chap. 8. An other learned Phi­sition doth iustifie, that hee had seene one, who being tormented with a pointed bone, which stucke in his throate, after two moneths it came forth through the skinne.

A Barber being to Tent a woman in the bottome of her mouth, hee vnaduisedly let it slippe, so as it went by her throate into her stomacke, which caused such an indisposition in the poore woman, as being wasted and [Page 87] dryed vp, after shee had languished many yeares, shee dyed. I remember that a young man of Harlem, who had swallowed Guernettes aliue (they be little Fishes of the Sea, which some call Squilles, or Primotheres) hee felt so great paine in his stomack, as in the end he dyed of a consumption. An other hauing swallowed three Gogions aliue, was choaked with the third, and dyed. A certaine woman hauing vnaduisedly swallowed a nee­dle, could not be cured, but in despight of all remedics, hauing languished sometime, in the end shee dyed, all wasted and consumed. CHARLES SODERIN was some-times troubled with an ague, without any appa­rent cause, whereof in the end he dyed, being 35. yeares old. Being opened, they found a steele Needle sticking in his liuer, BAZANCE a Surgion drew it forth, all eaten and wasted with age, and shewed it me. CHARLES be­ing but three yeares old, had swallowed it by chance. NERVEE a Phisition of Florence in his obseruations.

ROBERT of Saint Seuerin a very vali­ant Captaine in his time, making a voyage into Syria, and going towards Mont Sina, (to accomplish a certaine vowe made by him, according to the deuotion of those times) hauing des­couered certaine troupes of horse, which came towards him, he demanded of them which did conduct him from the Sultā, what people they were. Whē they had answered him trembling, that they were Arrabians, the most dāgerous theeues in the world, with [Page 88] out any shewe of amazement, but incorraging his com­panie hee said vnto them, that they must vnlade their car­riages, to the ende that those which came might finde dinner readie as soone as they were arriued, whereof they had great neede, considering that they had beene much tormented with heat and dust. And whilest his people did what he had commanded, he went to meete them, and saluted them after a gratious manner, (being by nature a goodly personage, both for his stature and countenance) making much of them and seeming to haue no distrust of them, but with a smiling counte­nance he tould them by his truch-man, that they were wel-come. Which words beeing pleasing to these Ar­rahian theeues: they did willingly accept the offer which he made them, so as they dined cheerefully with him: and after they had receiued some small presents, they went their way, hauing forgotten all their barbarous crueltie, and giuing him many thankes for his good cheere. In this report wee see of the one part an act of great Iudge­ment, hee falling sodenly and vnawares into the hands of men without mercie: and on the other side an act of great humanity of men which seemed to haue nothing humaine but the face, and in crueltie receyuing the na­ture of Lions, Tigers and other sauage Beastes. So as in my iudgement the Poets would not haue giuen much lesse commendations to this Captaine, then they gaue to ORPHEVS, for that with the sweete sound of his harpe, hee had mollefied the hearts of cruell and sauage Beastes. Conformitie of ancient wonders with moderne.

A Brother of mine called Captaine Saint Martin being three and twenty yeares old, who had made sufficient proofe of his valour, playing at Tenis, hee recei­ued a blowe with a ball, which did hit him a little aboue the right eare, with­out any shewe of contusion or hurt. He did neyther set downe, nor tooke any rest for it: but fiue or sixe houres after he died of an Apoplexie, which this blowe did cause. A quarrell beeing betwixt two young men, the one gaue the other a boxe vnder the eare, wherevp­on hee fell into an Apoplexie and died within fewe houres after. He that strooke him was presently put in prison, and the Physitions were called for, to knowe their opinions vpon the cause of this yong mans death. Some did attribute it to the blowe it selfe, saying that the mat­ter had beene mooued there-with: others imputed it to repletion and superfluity of humors, caused through ex­cesse of eating and drinking: others to the humi­dity of the place, whereas death had before long slept. This diuersity of opinions stayed the Iudge from pro­nouncing of a definitiue sentence. We haue also knowne a fuller of cloth, called PETER, who slue a young man with his fist, hitting him on the stomacke ANT. BENI­VENIVS in the 110. Chap. of his Physicall examples.

ARDOVIN du FERRIER, a yong youth of 13. yeares age was lightly hurt with a [...]allowe staffe on the head, be­ing cast by chance out at a garret windoe. There was no fracture nor breach to bee seene at all, but the sixt [Page 90] day, there grewe an inflamation in the wound: the next, day a Convulsion and a palsey in the right thigh and left arme, with a feuer and a fenzie, and the eleuenth day hee died. FR. VALLERIOLA in the. 1. obseruation of his 3. booke.

FRANCIS of Lorraine Earle of Aumale and after-wards Duke of Guise, s [...]aine before Orleance, was sore wounded be­fore Boulleyne with a Lance, the which entred vnder the right eye declyning towards the nose, & past throgh betwixt the nape of the necke & the eare with such violēce, as the head with a peece of the Lance was broken, and stucke in his head so fast, as they could by no meanes drawe it out, but with a Smithes pincers. Notwithstanding all this great violence which was not without some fracture of bones, sinewes, Veines, Artieres, & other parts, yet he was cured and liued many yeares after, hee was after­wards slaine at the seege of Orleance, in the end of the first ciuill warres in our time in France. The Historie of our time.

HENRY of Lorraine his Sonne, in an incounter nere vnto Dormans, in the yeare 1575. hauing had the better and pursuing some that fled, receiued a shot with a pistoll in the cheeke; some sayd it was with a harguebuse, with the which he fell downe halfe dead vpon the place, yet he was cured, and afterwards slaine at Blois in the yeare 1588. History of HENRY the 3. The Seigneur of Saint Iean. One of the stable to King HENRY 2. at a Turney before the house of Guise, receiued a blow with [Page 91] the splinter of a Lance within his viser, of the length and bignes of ones finger, vnder the eye, which ranne three fingers into his head. I had him in cure, being assisted by many Learned Physitions and Surgions, and although the wound through the violence of the blow, were very dangerous, yet he was cured, with the helpe of GOD. M. AMB. PARE, lib. 9. Chap. 9.

A seruant of the Seigneur of Champagnes, a gentleman of Aniou, was wounded in the throate with a sword, so as one of the ingular vaines was cut, with the Artier of the winde-pipe by meanes whereof hee had a great flux of bloud, neither could hee speake at all, vntill his wound were sowed vp and drest. Whilest that the medicaments were liquid, he drewe them through the stitches, and put them out at his mouth. So as considering the greatnesse of the wounde, and the nature of the parties that were wounded, especially of the Artier of the winde-pipe and of the ingular vaine, the which are spermatike, cold and drie, and there hard to ioyne togither againe, besides also that the Artier is subiect vnto motion, which is made in the swalloing, by reason of the inward filme, the which holds to that of the asophage (which is the passage for eating and drinking) the one obeying the other by a reciprocall motion con [...]idering also the vse of the sayd parties, which is that the Artier serues for respiration, the which is necessary for the symmetry and vital heat of the hart: & that the ingular veine is very necessary for the nor­rishment of the superior part. Moreouer hauing regard vnto the great quantity of bloud which hee had lost by his wounde (the bloud being the Treasure of nature, the preseruer of naturall heate and of the vitall spirits) and other accidents: I did conclude that hee was but a dead [Page 92] man: yet I can assure you that he escaped: the which I beleeue happened rather through the grace of GOD, then by any helpe of man or medicaments. M. Amb. Pare. lib. 9. c. 31.

Being at Thurin, in seruice with the deceased Lord of Montiean, I was called to dresse a souldier called L'E­VESQVE, borne at Paris, who being then vnder the command of Captaine Renouart, had three great wounds giuen him with a sword, whereof the one was on his right side vnder his pappe, running into the emptinesse of his brest, from whence there had falne great aboun­dance of bloud vpon the Mydriffe, which stopt his respiration, neither could he speake but with great diffi­cultie, hauing a very violent feauer, and with a cough he cast bloud at the mouth, saying, that he felt an extreame paine on that side that was hurt. The Surgion who had drest him first, stitcht vp his wound in such sort, as no­thing could come forth, the next day I was called to visit the patient, where being come, seeing the Accidents, and death approching. I was of opinion to vnsowe the wound in the Orifice, whereof I found congealed bloud, so as I caused the patient to be lift vp often by the legs, his head downward, leauing a part of his body vpon the bed, leaning with one hand vpon a stoole that was lower then the bed. Being planted thus, I caused him to shutt his mouth and his nose, that his lights might swell, and the Mydriffe rise, and the muscles betwixt the ribbes, & of the vpper part of the belly together, should retyre themselues, that the bloud fallen into the stomack, might be cast out by the wound: and the better to effect it, I thrust my finger deepe into the wound, to dissolue this congeled bloud, so as there came forth nere seauen or [Page 93] eight ounces, alreadie stinking and corrupted. Then I caused him to be set in his bed, making iniections into the wounde, with barley water, in the which I had cau­sed Melrosarum & sugarcandie to be boyled, then I cau­sed him to be turned from one side vnto an other, and a­gaine I made him to be lifted vp by the Legs as before. Then they might see come forth with the said Iniection little gobbets of bloud. This done the accidents decrea­sed, and by little & little did cease. The next day I made him, an other Iniection, to the which I added Cen­tory, worme-wood and Aloes, to clense it the better, but the patient hauing tould mee soone after, that hee felt a great bitternes in his mouth & had desire to cast, I found that these bitter Iniections profiting one way, did hurt an other, so as I did not continue them, but intreating the wound more mildly, the patient was cured beyond my hope. The same Author. lib. 9. Chap. 32.

M. PETER SOLERY a famous Physition of Aurillac, being pursued during the first troubles by certaine hors­men, which sought his life, and ouer-taken a quarter of a league from Argentat in Limosin, as hee thought to saue him selfe with others, hee receiued many dangerous wounds and yet was myraculously cured: as it was vere­fied by such as did visit & dresse his wounds, first he had a shot with a Harguebuse, hitting him aboue the thigh boane and passing to the other side, then he had an other shot vnder the left arme foure fingers from the shoulder which carried away a peece: he had a pistoll shot vpon the same shoulder sloping downe-ward. and an other in the face, taking him vnder the eye, and passing vnder his chappe▪ He had foure wounds with a sword vpon the left arme, from the elboe downe-ward, he was stabd with [Page 94] a dagger vnder the left pappe, the which meeting with a rib past no farther: hee had an other shot with a pistoll almost in the same place running betwixt the skinne and the ribbes, & comming forth behind, and a great wound with a sword aboue the eye, and an other vpon the head.

Being thus wounded and left as it were for dead, these murtherers hauing taken away his purse and three gold rings, hauing cōtinued about two houres vpō the place, in the end he did rise: and as he labored to creepe he es­pied a soldiar cōming towards him with a naked sword, of whom hauing demanded helpe in GODS name, it mooued the soldiar to do him no harme, but seeing him in this estate, hee fled as if an enemy had beene behinde him. Herevpon, creeping forward a little, as well as hee could, hee meetes with a young Sonne of his owne bee­ing but eight yeares old, who flying also had strayed in the fields, who supporting him of the one side as well as hee could, hee conducted him vnto a village, where all the releefe that hee could get was that they did not make an ende to kill him, although that hee were in this pittifull Estate, and that this poore Infant with teares and lamentations, did offer them his clothes, and would haue stript himselfe before them, to the end they should succor his poore Father, Passing on farther, sometimes standing, sometimes lying downe, GOD presented vn­to him an other of his Sonnes, about ten yeares olde, and beeing supported by him on the other side, GOD gaue him strength ynough to come vnto an other vil­lage, where with some difficulty he recouered two eggs with some hurds, the which were applyed to his grea­test wounds: then giuing him a little wine, and setting him (as well as they could) vpon a Mare, they con­ducted [Page 95] him to an other village, where his Wife (who remayned with a gentleman that was neighbour to that place) came presently vnto him: and was assisted by the singular and extraordinary grace of GOD so as hee recouered his life and helth. History of France vnder CHARLES the 9.

During the sayd first troubles, among other batta [...]les that were giuen, that of Saint Gilles in Prouence is noted beeing the 27. of September 1562. In the which certaine Spanish Captaines with their companies, who striuing to make it good vpon the dis-route, got nothing but blowes, and were in a manner all cut in peeces and slaine vpon the place. Those which suruiued laie still and did counterfet themselues dead. Of this number there were two Captaines, the one called ALPHONSO, the other MANRIC, both were Castillians. AL­PHONSO had seauen wounds with a Courtelas vpon the head, his caske hauing beene beaten of and hee ouer­thrown: foure of them had entred into his head, the other three had but cut the flesh vnto the boane: on either arme hee had foure great cutts, two about one of his Elbowes and his wrist, besides hee had sixe thrustes in his thighes. Hee and MANRIC with 260. others that were wounded did saue themselues as they could and were carried to Arles a neere Towne, where they were drest. MANRIC, had manie wounds in the head, armes, brest, sides and face, contynuing two daies without speech or pulce. In flying hee had cast himselfe into the Riuer of Rohan, where hee had remayned in the Water vppe to the chyne, for the space of 4. houres, sometimes lifting vp his head, some­times playing the Diue-dopper, vntill the night was [Page 69] come, and the victors being retyred, he swamme ouer the riuer. Aboue a hundred others that were wonded did striue to passe the riuer, desyring rather to hazard themselues in that sort, then to fall into the hands of the French, who were iustly incensed against them. But ma­ny of them were drowned, their strength fayling them in the midest of the waues. Those which escaped halfe dead, died in a manner all in the Hospitall at Arles. The two aboue named Captaines, after they had endured newe deathes in the hands of Surgions and Physitions, were after some weekes set on foote againe, but well marked in diuers places to serue for a remembrance and an example to their Countrymen, who notwithstanding haue not well considered of it. MANRIC had receiued two thrusts with a Halbard betwixt the ribbes, but there came not much matter out of his wounds: but at the ende of three weekes hee voided aboundance of rotten filthe by his fondement, to the great amazement of the Physitions, for that from the brest vnto the gutts there is no common passage, for any corrupt matter that is in the sayd brest. In the same Battayle a foote-man had a shot with a Harguebuse, the which peerst the lest Temple, and came out on the other side a little vnder the right Temple, hauing shattered his head in two: yet he was miraculously cured. He had beene drest at Nismes, but finding himselfe not well cured, he came to mee, and I did succor him with my best skill. Yet he contynued blinde and deafe of this wounde. Neither the braine nor the filme of it had not beene toucht, but the boullet hauing broken the head had past close by it vnto the other side. Moreouer, by reason of the blowe and the contusion, some little bloud dispersing it selfe into the [Page 97] sinnews of the sight and hearing, it caused an obstructi­on, whereof followed a blindnesse and deafnesse. An other borne at Marseilles, being Ancient to a company, had a Harquebuse shot in the brest, so as the Bullet came forth at his back, and yet he was cured.

Another of Arles, had his head halfe cut off with a Courtelas, so as it had neede to be propt vp, the blowe being giuen betwixt the first and second Vertebre (a ioint in the body, where the ioynts so meete, that they may turne as in the hucle-bone) so deepe and so large, as they might lay their hand in it, yet hee was cured, and liued foure yeares after this wonderfull wound. Another cal­led CLAVDE of Sauoy, hauing his head almost cleft in two with a Courtelas, he neuer had feuer nor any other accident (the which are vsuall in such like wounds) but the broken bones being taken out according vnto Arte, in two moneths he was cured. Two others, the one ha­uing his thigh all broken in peeces with a Faucon shott, (the bullet whereof was drawne out of it,) and the other wounded in the Ancle, after they had suffered much, were cured, without cutting of thigh or leg. FR. VAL­LERIOLA, in the 4. Booke of his Phisicall obseruations, sets downe these Histories at large, and the remedies that were applyed, and the meanes that were vsed to cure these hurt men, the which we describe not, it belonging to learned Phisitions and Surgions, who besides the me­dicaments, haue respect to many necessary circumstan­ces, which are to be considered of in such accidents. In an incounter neere vnto Cisteron, a Gentleman called the Cadet of Monstier, was shot with a Harguebuse, be­twixt the fift and sixt rib: the Bullet crost his brest, and came forth within two fingers of the back bone. There [Page 98] were drawne forth with the Bullet; twelue ringles of a shirt of Mayle which this Gentleman did weare: ma­nie others ringles of the same side, remained among the Muscles, betwixt the ribbes and the backe, and some others driuen into the body came forth with the cor­ruption of the wound, whereof hee was cured within a yeare. But hee had a difficultie in breathing, the which continued the remainder of his dayes, by reason of this wound. A seruant belonging to the Seigneur of Meianes a Gentleman of Arles, being shot in the right arme, in the same incounter, betwixt the elbow and the shoulder, and ill handled by the Surgions that were in the Armie, he came to Arles, hauing his Arme putrified and stink­ing so strongly, as no man could endure him, it was all black, soft, and extreamly colde, the patient falling som­times into a swound. The Surgions being assembled with me, wee resolued to cut off his Arme speedily, to saue the rest of the body. Hauing therefore with a Rai­sor cut his Arme aboue the dead flesh, they cut the bone in sunder with a Sawe, and stopt the Flux of bloud with Canters fitte for it: so as within one moneth the man was cured. VALLERIOLA in the same Obseruation. At the same incounter, a Prouencall Souldier was shott into the arme with a Musket, the which brake the bones and did so teare all the rest, as the Arme did not hold by the thicknesse of ones finger, from falling. All the Surgi­ons were of opinion to cutt it off, except one called Mai­ster DIDIER TESTE, a man very expert in his Arte, who in one moneth cured this Souldier, who had in a manner all the motions of this Arme thus tattered, whole and sound. An other Souldiar stroken with an Harguebuse shotte in the face, the Bullet entring at the [Page 99] mouth, and comming forth at the left side, towards the left Temple, hauing broken the vpper Iawe-bone, yet he was well cured.

A certaine Porter in the Towne of Arles, falling to be a Souldiar in an incounter, he receiued a thrust three fin­gers vnder the Nauell, on the left side, giuen with such force, as it pierced vnto the backe, betwixt the third and forth ribbe neere vnto the bone: yet hee was cured by the aboue named Surgion. Wee haue (saith VALLE­RIOLA) held these aboue-named cures worthy the re­port, that none should despaire of difficult things, nor be too confident of those which seeme light. For that sometimes wee see him dye, whome the Physitions as­sured to see soone recouered, and him to escape, of whome they had lost all hope. And that both Physi­tions (and all others that shall read these Accidents) may remember that wonders do fall out in such wounds and cures, as in other workes of Nature, to the praise of Almighty GOD.

In the warre of Sauoy 1589. and following: a young Souldier had a Harguebuse shotte in the fore-head, and the Bullet remained in his head. Hee was had in cure by an expert Surgion, so as within few moneths hee retur­ded againe to Armes. And in a certaine Scallado, being falne from a high wall into a ditch, hee did so bruze his head, as hee dyed. The Bullet which remained of the precedent wound, was found in the hinder part of his head, without hurting of any part about it. Memo­ries of our time.

An other in the same warre, hauing a Bullet pas­sing betwixt the great gutte, the bladder, and the stones, was not hurt in any part of them, but after hee [Page 100] had beene carefully drest and lookt vnto, hee was euer after well, and so continues at this daye. In the same Author.

I haue drest many which haue beene thrust through the bodies with Rapiers, and shott through with Pistols, and haue beene cured. For example, I had the Clarke of the Kitchin to the Ambassador of Portugall in cure at Melun, who had beene thrust through the body, where­by the bowels were so hurt, as in dressing him there came out at his wound a great quantitie of filthy mat­ter: and yet he was cured. I was an other time called by a Gentleman of Paris, whose name was GILES le MAI­STRE, Seigneur of Belle Iambe, remaining in the streete of Saint Andrew des Ars, in the presence of Mounsier BOTAL, ordinary Phisition to the King and Queene, and RICHARD HVBERT his ordinary Surgion, and IAMES GVILLEMEAV the Kings sworne Surgi­on at Paris, men well practised in Surgery, who had bin thrust through the body with a Rapier, so as for many dayes he voided bloud by the mouth, and by the siege in great aboundance, which shewed that his bowels and inward parts were perished: yet in fifteene or twentie dayes hee was cured. Maister AMBROSE PARE, lib. 10. chap. 4.

A Shoomaker of Auignon, hauing beene sore woun­ded in the night vpon the head with a sword, which had cutte him euen to the first Membrana or Filme, there followed many fearefull accidents, so as after his first dressing and letting bloud, hee fell into a sounding or swonding, and was seuen dayes without speaking, yet in the end hee was cured. The same Author in the 9. ob­seruation of his 5. Booke.

[Page 101]ANTHONIE my fathers seruant, a Fleming by nation, being ouer-laden with Wine at Shrouetide, and being mounted vp into one of the highest chambers of the house, he leaned at a window that was open, when being opprest with the fume of Wine, his head carried away his body, so as hee fell vpon the stones in the streete, whereas his head was in a manner all beaten to peeces, and he held for dead: for he moued no member, had no feeling nor speech but like a stock: and as it were giuing vp the ghost, hee continued seuen dayes together in his bed in that estate: notwithstanding three of the Phisiti­ans at that time in Montpellier, that is, GRIFON the el­der, TRAMPLET and FAVCON, accompanied by PE­TER ALZINE, ANTONIE BARELIER, and NI­CHOLAS le BLOIS Surgions, did warrant his life with the helpe of GOD. True it is, that he continued almost blinde and quite deafe of this fall, all the rest of his life. The same in the 4. obseruation of the 6. Booke.

A Learned Diuine of our time, reports a Historie almost like to that of IBICVS, for he saith that a Germaine being in a voyage, fell into the hands of certaine theeues, who being ready to cutte his throate, the poore man discouering a a flight of Crowes, sayd. O Crowes, I call you to witnesses and reuengers of my death. Hee was presently murthered by these theeues: who three dayes after being drinking in an Inne, behold a flight of Crowes come and fall vpon the top of the house. [Page 102] Then the theeues began to laugh, and to say one vnto another. Hoe, behold those which will bee reuenged for his death, whome wee dispatcht the other day. The seruant vnderstanding this speech, discouers it vnto his Maister, who makes report vnto the Magistrate, and hee apprehends the theeues, vpon their varications and diuerse answers, hee doth so presse them, as they confesse the trueth, for the which they were executed. In the collection of Memorable speeches made by this Diuine.

CONRAD de la ROSE, Secretarie to MAXIMILI­AN, the first Emperour of that name, a valiant and wise Gentleman, hauing crost through a long Forrest, and forced by reason of the approching night to lodge as hee could, hee entred into an Inne, where as the hoste was a Theefe. Being in his Chamber, and reasonably well entertained, hee perceiued the seruant to weepe, and did secretly vnderstand from her, in what danger hee was. She told him among other things that the Hoasts custome was to ring a little Bell, at which sound many theeues entred into the lodging, and present­lie one among them entred into the Chamber, whereas the passengers were lodged, who making a shew to snuffe the Candle, should put it out: then the theeues entred, and falling vpon the passengers, slew them. CONRAD bethinking himselfe, caused a Lanthorne to bee brought him by the seruant, and a Candle light in it, the which he hid vnder a bench, held his wepons rea­dy and attended his enemies. He was scarse set at the Table, but a peasant enters, who counterfetting the varlet, puts out the Candle. But CONRAD causing the Lantherne with the light to bee presently drawne [Page 103] forth, and hauing his armes and his seruants ready, hee valiantly resists these theeues, slue some, put the rest to flight, layes hold vpon his Host, and deliuers him vnto the Magistrate, who caused him to bee executed. The same Author. Some yeares past, I did see broken vpon the wheele by the iudgement and sentence of the Bayliffe of Morges (vnder the gouernment of the Seigneurie of Berne) a young man, about the age of twenty yeares, who counterfetting himselfe dumbe, and asking almes of passengers, vnder colour of passing on his way with a little Bell in his hand, which was as a watch-word to his companions (the number of the stroakes making them to discerne the number of the persons and their qualities) was found to haue beene at two and twenty murthers, and with his owne hand, had cut many mens throates. He dyed miserably, roaring like a Bull when they brake his bones. The Emperout CHARLES the fift beeing in Germanie, whereas af­fayres of warre kept him, hee was constrained to send one of the cheefe of his Court into Spaine, to haue a care of affaires and difficulties that should arise. This Viceroy, a young Prince, much giuen to hunting, was one day in the kingdome of Granado, and being in pur­sute of a wilde Beast, hee strayed so farre from his peo­ple, as following his game through a great wood with­out respect of time or waye, hee found himselfe in a desolate place and be-nighted. By meanes whereof hee began to looke all about him, to see if hee could discouer some house or other place where hee might shrowde himselfe. Therevpon he sees a little Cottage, and riding thether, hee intreates the Peasant that dwelt there, to lodge him that night. The which the peasant [Page 104] granted, and receiued him into his Cottage, where at that time there were sixe personnes, that is, the Peasant, his Wife, his Sunne of twenty yeares of age, his Daugh­ter in Lawe, newely married, a seruant which kept his Cattell, a rough fellowe and of an ill aspect, and then a little Daughter. The Prince beeing lighted from his horse recommends him vnto this vallet, and then he en­ters into the Peasants house and drawes neere the fire, whilest they make ready supper, not dreaming of any harme. These people not knowing the Prince, nor he dis­couering himselfe to any; they seeing him so richly ap­pareled, and of a goodly presence they held him to bee some great rich-man, and thinking it not fit to let go so fat a preye, they beganne to deuise some meanes to kill him, and to get his spoyles. After supper they prepare him a bedde in a certaine Chamber, which had but a weake doore, easie to force. In going vp and downe, the Daughter in Lawe newly married (who had an Inckling of this cruell plot) taking pittie of this young Prince, whome shee did see of so goodly a stature, and of an honourable port and carriage, called him aside: hauing drawne him a part and intreated him to keepe secret what shee should tell him, shee discouers the en­terprise breefely vnto him, whilest the Father, Sonne and vallet were complotting againe a newe in the stable. The Prince mooued at this report, and inclyning to be­leeue some thing was readie to discouer what hee was. But doubting presently that it would but hazard his life, in committing it to the fayth of such barbarous people, which did so wickedly violate all the rights of huma­nitie and hospitality, to conspire against any man, whome they did see in so braue equipage, well mounted, [Page 105] and courteously receiued by them: hee chose rather (vnder GOD) to trust vnto his owne valour, then vnto the worde of men that had no faith, and whose hearts were couered with dissimulation and bloud. Hee suffers himselfe then to bee conducted by the Peasant into this little chamber, and hauing shut the doore vnto him hee drewe a great heauy Chestvnto it, to serue as a Barrica­doe, and then hee held his rapier ready, and by him was a long pistoll bended and primde, watching and attending what would become of the report of the Daughter in Lawe: Presently the Peasant (who thought he had beene a sleepe by reason of his trauell of hunting) came softly to the doore, thinking to enter it without any difficultie. But being frustrate of his expectation, he beganne to in­treate his guest to open him the doore, for that he would take a couering for a bed out of the Cofer, of the which hee had great neede. The Prince (who slept not) an­swered. Retyre importunate man, I am nowe at rest, and will not open the dore at this time. Then the Pea­sant beganne to exclaime, crie out and say, that hee was vndone and that there was one would braue him in his owne house wherevpon hee falls to his armes, and threa­tens to breake all, yea to kill him that was in that little chamber if he did not presently open, and yeeld vnto his mercy. The Peasant & his man cōming to breake downe the doore, the Sonne sought to enter the Chamber by a windowe, and all togither made a marueilous attempt. The Prince seeing himself reduced to extremity, dischar­geth his pistoll at the doore, peerceth it easily, and kills the Peasant, then drawing backe the Chest, hee issues forth with his rapier in hand, dispatcheth the Sonne, and runnes after the seruant, who saues himselfe by [Page 106] flight. But all was not yet done, for the cryes of the hostesse, and the extraordynarie noyse that shee made, did awake the other neighbour shepards, who came run­ning with their Armes, enuironed the house, and cried out murther. The Prince standing vpon his gard, had patience vntill it was day, and seeing this troupe of mu­tiners to encrease, he beganne to let them as then vnder­stand what hee was, threatning to cause them all to bee hanged, if they did refuse to assist him and to conduct him. If they would not beleeue him, they should fetch the Magistrate of the next place: and if they did not ac­cept of that condition, their ruine and confusion was at hand. Being mooued with the speech and presence of a personage so farre different from their condition, they beganne to growe some-what milde: yet in such sort as they lay hold of him, binde him, and are leading him to the Gouernor of a Towne, which was some leagues frō rhence. The Princes gardes arryuing in the meane time, seeing him in this equipage were readie to cut all this troupe of Peasants in peeces: but the Prince did expresly forbid them. All the former being discouered and exa­mined, the Peasants confederates were punished accor­ding to their merits, the seruant was broken vpon the wheele, the theeues house burnt, and the Daughter in Lawe was richely recompenced for her faith-full aduer­tisement.

An Italian called FRANCISQVINO, hauing cōtinued some-time at Bolonia the fatte, one of the best Gentle­mens houses of the Cittie, and had beene held for some honest gentleman, and of a good house, considering his stately carriage▪ In the end hee was discouered to leade this life which followeth, vnder collour of keeping the [Page 107] ordynarie house for play at dice and cardes, and seeming also to bee verie desirous to haue still newe Companie, and to shewe him selfe stately, hee made himselfe to bee visited by them that were newely arriued in the Cittie. And as soone as they were entred, after that hee had per­formed the vsuall complements of the place, hee would set him downe to plaie with them, commanding in the meane time that they should make readie dinner, supper or a banket, according to the hower of the daie. But in steede of preparing it. FRANCISQVINO had a theefe or murtherer, who stood hidden behinde and pre­pared to beate him downe that drempt not of it, when as FRANCISQVINO should giue him a signe. Hee continued this traine so long, as they say when they were taken and had confessed all, there were found in Priuies foureteene or fifteene bodies of such as had bin thus slaine, by FRANCISQVINO and his murtherer. In the end this was their punishment. After they had beene pincht with hot burning pincers, their brests were ope­ned, and their hearts sodenly pulled out, the which were shewed vnto them. Conformitie of ancient merueills with Moderne. lib. 1. An other theefe in our time called VILLEVINEVF, of the Coūty of Tonerre, had with him a seruant which serued him for a murtherer & a Laquay. Al three were taken in the end and punished at Paris, the Laquay was whipt, the murtherer burnt aliue and the maister broken vpon the wheele. In the same booke. A certaine Hermit lyuing in a mountaine of Suisserland, where for certaine yeares he had liued austerly, and with reputation of holinesse among them of the Countrie came one day to Lucerne, and lodged with a certaine wi­dow, whom he approched nere vnto, either to depriue [Page 108] her of her honour, or to take her purse: shee crying out, a seruant of hers came, whom the Hermit slue presently with a Dagger. The widow running speedily out of the house, cryed out for helpe. A countryman comes in to succour her, and is slaine as her seruant was: then a Bourges of the Towne, and after him his seruant. Some others running thether, (but better aduised by the exam­ple of the former,) surprised this theefe, who falling to the ground, spake no other words, but Ictz hav ichs offder teaschen▪ that is to say: Now I haue past the game.

A Weauer borne at Basil, giuen to ryot and gourman­dise, and not able by reason of his small meanes to con­tinue this wicked course of life, hee practised a notable villanie. Remaining in the territories of Soleure, he resol­ued to go visit a Kinsman of his at Basil, called ANDREW AGER a Binder of bookes, a very honestman, who had beene Tutor, and as it were a Father to this lewd young man called PAVL, who determined to kill his Kinsman and Tutor, and to spoile his house. The 15. of Februa­rie 1563. he came early in the morning and knockt at his Kinsmans doore: the maide (who knew him well, and suspected no harme) opened him the doore. Hee enters into ANDREVVS Chamber, who was yet in bed, being an aged and a sickly man. After the manner of the country, ANDREVV asked him courteously the cause of his voyage, and how his wife and children did. For an­swer, this Theefe takes vp a Binders Hammer, and kils the good old man. The seruant which had opened the doore, being an honest young maide, called SARA FALCKISE, allyed to ANDREVV, and which gouerned his house, who the day before had beene promised in [Page 109] Carriage, and made sure to IOHN HOSPINIAN, a pro­fessor in Philosophie at Basill. Shee running vp at the noyse, was beaten downe by the theefe with the same hammers, and then he cut her throate with a knife which booke-binders doe commonly vse. Then he opens the Chests, & findes some goblets of siluer, with little coine the which he carries away. To hide this horrible fact, he setts fier of the Stoue, hoping that the house being fi­red, both these bodies should be consumed to ashes. But the fier beeing soone quenched by the neighbors, they found these two bodies thus miserably murthered. This wicked wretch was so tormented with the reuenging fu­ries, and prickt with remorse of Conscience, as hee could not flie away that day, but was taken in a village nere vn­to Basil, and brought backe vnto the Cittie, where by reason of his theft, murther and burning the house, hee was executed aliue by three punishments, by the wheele, the gibet, and by fire, the last day of the same moneth. THOMAS RODOLPHE of Schafouse, one of those who vnder the name of students giue themselues more liberty then they ought, hauing descouered that IOHN SCHVAN­FELDER and his Wife, (in whose house hee had former­ly frequented) were gone to Francfort, he went present­ly to Sprendeling a nere village, whereas the aboue na­med remayned, and giues them to vnderstand that they were returning and neere at hand, with good companie with them, and that hee was come before to make readie dinner. He therefore sent the seruant to fetch some fish▪ and then hee beganne to intreate the Daughter of the house called AMELIE, to drawe him some wine. Shee saying that they must stay for her Fathers comming hee growes into choller, and demands a knife to pill an aple, [Page 110] with this knife he kills a yong Child of foure yeares old, grand-chid to IOHN SCHVANFELDER, and then AMELY, who would haue defended her Nephew. Hee then flies away, and the Peasants runne after him, ouertake him, & bring him to the Castell of Ofenbach, where hee confesseth the fact. But one night following, by an extraordinary meanes, he vnchaines himselfe, getts out of a Dongeon, and enters cunningly into the Earles Chamber, beeing then absent: there he remaines hidden two daies, pickes a Cofer, and takes out a bag with fiue hundred florins of the Rhine, and castes it vpon the banke of the Riuer of Min, which runnes along that Castell, then hee slides downe by a windowe that was grated, with the helpe of the roape of a boate which hee found tied there: and so flies to Francfort, where being descouered by the Coun­trymen vnto the Magistrate, the two and twenty of Fe­bruary 1570. hee was pincht and broken vpon the wheele.

Not long since there were two English men lodged to­gether, nere to Saint Marceaux gate at Paris: whereof the one had good stoore of Crownes and a great Chaine of gold, with some other rich Iewells which hee common­ly carried about him. His Companion intending to bee Master of these Iewells, drewe him out to walke towards Bois de Vincennes, and beeing in the vygnes, hee fell vpon him, and cut the wind-pipe & the mouth of the stomack giuing him cer [...]aine stabbes with his dagger, and thin­king that hee had slaine him, he left him in a manner na­ked. Hauing committed this trecherous Act, he retur­ned presently to the Cittie. He that was wounded, ma­king shewe to haue beene dead, rises vp afterward, and creeps to peasants house, who for pitty caused him to be [Page 111] drest. He was carried to Paris, where soone after one of his Companions sent for me to haue him in cure: and I found that he had the Artere in the wind pipe and the mouth of the stomake (which is the passage for meate & drinke) quite cut. I did sodenly stitch vp the wound ta­king the Artere, and drawing the two extremites as nere as I could possibly one vnto an other, but not of the mouth of the stomacke, for that it was retired towardes the stomacke, then I applyed remedies vnto his wounde, with astringents and fit Ligatures. As soone as euer he was thus drest, he began to speake, and to name him that had committed this excesse. The murtherer was taken soone after in the Suburbes of Saint Marceau, and was found seized of the patients goods wherevpon hee was put in prison, & the fact verified after the patients death, the which was the fourth day after his wounding. The murtherer was broken soone after and laied vpon a wheele neere vnto Saint Catherine du Valdes Escholiers. M. AMB. PARE. lib. 9. Chap. 31.

In the first troubles a gentleman hauing ioyned with the troupes that did beseege Moulins in Bourbonois, was so surprized with sicknesse, as hee could hardly followe the Companie which dislodged; and being lodged at a Bakers, called IOHN MON, who seemed to be his friend and seruant, hee had such a confidence in him, as hee had rather staie behinde then goe anie farther, hauing made his host acquainted with his monie, who pro­mised to keepe it safe for him (contrarie to the common course of such men) with an other younger Brother of his of thirteene or foureteene yeares of age. But they wretch kept no promise with them, but contrariwise as soone as night was come, hee led them out of the [Page 112] house vnto the ditch, where hee did but halfe kill them so as they remayned there Languishing a wholedaie, and could neither liue nor die: Yet no man had compas­sion of them: But GOD tooke reuenge a while after: for it happened, that this murtherer beeing in gard, a Companion of his shot him by chance through the arme, whereof hee languished for three monethes, and then died madde. Historie of France vnder CHARLES the ninth.

The Citty of Bourges hauing beene yeelded by the Seignieur of Iuoy during the first troubles, those which had held it before were forbidden to talke within the Cittie nor without, norto meete aboue two togither. Among those which made a pastime, vnder collour of this decree to murther such as they mette talking toge­ther, there was one called GARGET, Captaine of the Quarter of Bourbonne, who made a practise of it. Who falling soone after into a burning feuer, did runne vp and downe the streete, blaspheming the name of GOD, cal­ling vpon the Diuill, and saying vnto all, that if any one would go with him into hell, hee would pay his charges, and so he died madde, whereat his Companions did but laugh. In the same History.

PETER MARTIN, a rider in the Kings stable, holding the post in a place called Liege, towards Poitou, a man without reproch, vpon a simple accusation, without any other forme of processe, was condemned by a great No­bleman, during the furie of the first troubles to be drow­ned. This Nobleman commanded a faulconer of his presently to execute the sentence, vpon paine to bee drowned himselfe if he did it not. The which was done. But GOD stayed not long to take reuenge: for three [Page 113] dayes after, this Faulconer and a Laquay, being fallen out for the spoiles of this man, they slew one another. The which being reported vnto the Lord, (a most vn­iust Iudge) it forced him to haue some remorse, and to say openly, that he would it had cost him fiue hundred Crownes, so as this poore Rider had not beene drow­ned. But it was a small esteeme he made of an innocent mans life. In the same Historie lib. 7.

Some troupes of Peasants of Couleurs, Cerisiers, and other places in Champagne, hauing committed many murthers and spoiles in diuers places, were defeated here and there, and did in a manner all perish of violent deaths, during the first troubles. I will note here two notable particularities concerning two of those troupes. The one seeking to set fire to a house, fell downe starke dead, being casually shotte with a Harguebuse by one of his companions. The other dragging a poore man and his wife to a post to haue them shotte, receiued a shotte with a Harguebuze, which depriued him of his life, and his prisoners escaped by that meanes. In the same Booke. It hath beene obserued in the last peace, that of a thousand murtherers which haue remained vnpunished in regarde of man, there are not ten which haue not felt the reuenging hand of GOD, and haue not made most wretched ends.

IN our time, a Countryman of Beause, who was rea­sonably well to liue, binding vp sheaues in the field, sent his Sonne home to fetch him some-what, with [Page 114] whom (being returned) hee was so angry (because hee had stayed longer then he would haue had him) that he flung a great clod of earth at his head, wherewith the boy fell downe dead to the ground. The Father seeing it, couered him with sheaues, and in great dispaire gotte him home to his house, where his wife was bathing her selfe, and giuing suck to a little childe, whereof she was newly deliuered: and went into his barne and hangd himselfe. Which being reported to the poore woman, by one that by chance had beene in the Barne and seene him, with the feare she was in, and hast that she made to runne thither, she let her childe fall into the bath, where it was drowned. Presently therevpon, the poore woman almost beside her selfe with the wofull spectacle which she had seene, finding at her returne the infant drowned, entred likewise into such dispaire, that she went back to the Barne, and there shutting the doore to her, hung her selfe by her husband. What strange and horrible effects of the choller of an ill aduised Father? and how great cause haue Fathers, Mothers, and Children, to recom­mend themselues humbly and incessantly to GOD. Conformitie of ancient meruailes with moderne.

In the yeare 1578. a woman in the towne of Bochne, bathing her little child, heard a pretty bigge boy of hers crye very pittifully without doores. Wherevpon she ranne out in all hast, and found him wounded to the death with a knife that he had in his hand, whereon by mischance he was fallen. The Mother exceeding hea­u [...]e, returned to the little one in the Bathe, and found it drowned. Therewith the husband came in, and being in a mighty rage at such a spectacle, fell on his wife and killed her with beating. Seeing those three so strangely [Page 115] dead, vrged by his conscience, and with compassion of such a sight, hee sought about for a corde, wherewith hee strangled himselfe. ANDREVV DVDITIVS in the Treatise of Comets.

In the Marquisate of Brandebourg, a certaine Mo­ther transported with a wonderfull fury, killed her hus­band and two of her Children, and then hauing tyed great stones about their neckes, tooke them and cast them all three into the bottome of the Riuer Odera▪ Maister ANDREVV HONDORFF in his Theater of Examples.

The yeare 1536. in a village of Silesia, named Kukendorff, another woman killed three of her Chil­dren, in the absence of her husband, and then killed her selfe. In the same Theater.

The yeare 1540. in a Village by Anneberg, a cer­taine Countrey-man killed and flayed a Calfe, in the presence of some little Children hee had. And being gone abroad not long after about businesse, and his wife forth of doores, the children which were left at home, with a little one lying in the Cradle, went & committed an horrible Acte. They tooke a Knife, and cut the little ones throate: singing, Wee will kill the Calfe. But see­ing the bloud, and the little one dead, they began to be affrayde, and went and hidde them in the Furnace of the Stoue. The Mother suspecting nothing, came home, and before she went into the Stoue, kindled a great arme­full of Hempe shailes, and threw them into the Furnaces then shee went into the Stoue, and seeing her little one killed and lye bathing in his bloud, shee ranne out into the streete, crying for helpe. The neighbours came to her, and asked her what she ayled: she carried them into [Page 116] the Stoue, and shewed them the murther. As they were b [...]sie looking on the childe, the mother asked for the rest. They were called and sought for vp and downe: at length with the noyse which the last made giuing vp the Ghost, they were found smothered in the Furnace. One of the neighbours had heard them sing, Wee will kill the Calfe. IOB. FINCEL. in the 2. Booke of the Meruailes of his time.

The twentith day of Nouember 1551. in a Vil­lage of Hesse, named Weidenhausen, a woman strangely desperate, hauing shut all the doores of her house, tooke a sharpe Axe, and ran after her eldest Sonne, being some eight yeares of age. Hee perceiuing his Mothers bad minde, ranne away into the Cellar, and hid himselfe be­hinde a barrell. She lighted a Candle, and sought him vp and downe in euery corner of the Cellar. The Boye seeing her come, held vp both his hands, and with teares be [...]ought her to pardon him. But shee neither regard­ing his teares nor prayers, cloue his head in two, and then cutte his armes in peeces. That done, shee went out of the Cellar, and ranne after a Daughter shee had of fiue yeares olde, whome shee cloue downe to the middle. Behinde the doore stood a pritty ladde of three yeares olde, whome this furie caught by the hayre of the head, and dragged him into a little yarde, where she cut his throate. There lay an Infant of sixe moneths, crying in the Cradle, him shee drew from his rest, and hurled him into the yarde, and at the last chopped off his head. Which done, and no body left, shee stabbed her-selfe with a Knife into the throate: where-with not-with-standing she died not presently. The neighbors that too late had heard the Children crye, after they [Page 117] had knocked a good while at the doore, in the end brake it open, and finding that pitious spectacle, ranne to the mother, who come to her selfe, and remaining a pritty while after aliue, declared all that had past, and with great acknowledgment of her sinnes, and hope of GODS mercy, yeelded vp the Ghost. IOB. FINCEL in the 2. booke. Maister ANDREVV HONDORF in his Theater.

The yeare 1550. in a certaine village of the countrie of Alsace, one ADAM STECKMAN a labouring man, that gotte his liuing by dressing of Vines, hauing re­ceiued wages of a maister of his that had set him on worke, went to the Tauerne and lost his money at Cardes. Being exceedingly griued, and therevpon ta­ken with a paine in his head, hee fell into desperation. Easter come, his wife, constrained by necessity, tooke her eldest sonne with her, & went to worke in the Vines: desiring her husband to looke to the house & children til she came againe. Being alone, he fell into such thoughts, that ouercome with despaire by reason of his pouerty, he determined to make himselfe away. Wherevpon he tooke an Hammer and sought vp and downe for a place where he might knock in a nayle to fasten a corde on, and hang himselfe. But finding none to his minde, a girle he had of seuen yeares old, came vnto him & asked him what he sought: without answering her, he went into the Stoue, where a little boy som-what yonger followed him and asked him for bread: bring me a knife, said he, and I will giue thee some. The girle ran and fet him one: wher­with he cut both their throates, and another little ones in the cradle. The mother at her returne seeing that pitious spectacle, swouned, and died with griefe. The murtherer was apprehended, & executed as he deserued. The same.

[Page 118]In the yeare 1555. a countryman hard by Aldendor [...] in Hesse, asking his wife for his dinner, & she otherwaies bu­sied, not making such hast as he would haue had her, the wretch went & cut off one of the thighes of a little child he had lying in the Cradle, and carried it to the Mother, saying: Hold thee, take this giggot, and go rost it. GAS­PAR GOLET VVRM, in the Treatise of Meruailes.

The same yeare, a woman great with child, in the Di­ocesse of the County of Isenberg, gently intreated her hus­band to inuite certaine women to dinner, whō she ment to haue at her labour. Hee surprised with strange fury, spurned and kicked her with his feet, then stabbed her in diuers places with his dagger, & killed her togither with her fruite. The same. It is 40▪ yeares agoe, or thereabout, that a certaine Italian named BARTHOLMEVV, being ouerthrowne in a certaine sute he had at Venice, which concerned his whole estate, so much forgot the power and mercy of GOD, that hee concluded with himselfe, that his three daughters when they came to age, insteed of being honorably maried, were of necessitie to be pro­stituted. To preuent the which he found no other meane (in his shop of whom he then tooke counsell, & that had put such a conclusiō in his head) then to cut their throats while they were yong: which he executed one night, ha­uing to that end borrowed a Barbers Rasor, the euening before. The next day, euery one ranne to see that pitious spectacle, and found that one of his daughters had her hand almost halfe cut off, wherewith it is to be presumed she had thought to haue resisted the fathers rage. The re­port went afterward that this wretch had throwne him­selfe downe headlong from the top of a certaine moun­taine, towards the County of Tirol, whither he was fled. [Page 119] In the treatise of the [...] conformity of ancient meruailes with moderne. A Switzer hauing taken his wife in adultery, & pardoned her for the time, a little while after bethought himselfe, and reuoking that pardon, killed her: alledging he could not endure a woman that had plaied him such a pranke. Afterward, he dispatched his children likewise, saying, he would not haue children, that should be called the children of a whore. And it is said, that when he had murthered his wife and children, he also murthered him­selfe, falling downe headlong from the top of a high Tower, hauing first written in a paper, which he pinned about him, the fact he had committed, and the reasons which had induced him therevnto, and that knowing he should die for the said fact, hee chose rather to execute himselfe, then to suffer a shamfull death. In the same trea­tise. A Millanois about the yeare 1560▪ vnderstanding in France that his wife plaid false with him, and (as it is to be supposed) being thereof thorowly informed, tooke post horse, and rode home to Milan. where alighting, he went not in, but sent for his wife to the dore, who comming to him, and seeming to be very ioyfull of his returne, he shot her thorow with his Pistoll, which done, he suddenly mounted againe on his horse, and saued himselfe. In the same treatise. About the same time, or a little after, a wo­man of Switzerland hauing receiued another into her bed in steed of her husband, & perceiuing afterward that she had beene deceiued, and that it was not her husband that had line with her, was so ouercome with anger and griefe, that she went and drowned her selfe. In the same.

IOVIAN PONTANVS recounts, that an Italian Lord hauing killed one whom he suspected with his wife, was so straightly besieged by his brother, that out of all hope to escape, he killed her first, & his children after, and then [Page 120] threw himselfe downe headlong from the highest towre of his Castle. Wherevpon the brother of him that was killed, most cruelly murthered all such as he could meet withall, and knew to be any way of kinne to that Italian Lord. In the same Treatise.

A yong Spanish Maide, hauing abandoned her selfe to a Gentleman, vpon promise of marriage, which he had made her, though she were but meanly descended, vn­derstanding that he was married to another, conceiued such hatred against him, that she conspired his death by all the meanes possible she could deuise. And at last vsed this same: shee perswaded him by her flattering letters to come againe and see her. The time appointed, she at­tended him, hauing made all things ready, with the ayde of an old woman confederat with her, for to intreate him as her wicked minde, prouoked with an extreame desire of reuenge, counselled her vnto. Wherfore the better to accomplish her designe, although at first she had recei­ued him with teares & complaints, yet seeming at length to be satisfied with reasons that he alledged, and to bee som-what appeased, she permitted him to vse the same priuitie with her as before. Wherevpon the Gentleman got him to bed, and she with him, staying but till he was a sleepe for to execute her furious enterprise: which she performed, & not contented with many mortall wounds that she had giuen him (for awaking at the first, he found himselfe so pestered with a corde, which the old woman drew ouer him, that he was not able to stirre either hand or foote) she vsed diuerse cruelties against the dead bo­die, before the furie of her rage could be extinguished. And for this strange murther she was beheaded, hauing voluntarily accused her selfe. In the same Treatise.

[Page 120]The Wife of GEORGE WEDERING of Halberstad, of the age of 24. yeares, modest and vertuous, beeing brought in bed the 15. of Nouember 1557. of a Daugh­ter baptised the next day, was not found in her bed. The seruant hearing the Childe crie, came to the bed, thin­king to finde her Misters, and to awake her. Being ama­zed at her absence, shee runnes to her Master, who being wonderfully perplexed, takes the Childe in his armes, and seekes the Mother in euery corner of the house. The streetes were couered with snowe, so as there was no shewe that she had past out of the house. In the end the husband and the seruant with others, went into the seller, but they here some trampling in the wel which was neere vnto it. The husband much perplexed calls to his neighbours, and tells them his misery, wherevpon they heard one in a gardine which knocked at the doore, and hauing opened it, they see the poore woman almost dead with colde, complayning that she had beene long in the well, as her apparell did witnesse. Being deman­ded howe shee came into this well beeing closse, and which had but a verie little entrance, shee could giue no reason, neither was there any one that could conceiue howe it came. Beeing afterwards very sicke for some daies shee beganne to recouer her helth, so as the 24. of December shee did rise, swadled her Child and set her downe to dinner. The maide going into the Celler to drawe beere, she goes to bed and falls a sleepe. The ser­uant being returned findes her mistresse a sleepe, and the Cradle emptie. Being amazed shee runnes to the well, comming vnto her minde, and sees the Infant vpon the water, the which was taken out by two of the Senators of the Towne, in the presence of CONRADE de la PERCH, [Page 122] Minister of the Church. The Mother slept soundly. Af­ter they had praied at her beds feete, shee opened her eyes, and began to say vnto the assistants, why haue you awaked me? I did enioye an vnspeakable content. I haue seene my the Sauiour, and I haue heard the Angells, fal­ling a sleepe againe, after foure houres she did awake, re­members her child and calls for it, and finding it not, she afflicts and torments her selfe after a pittifull manner. A certaine man named IOHN GVY, Sonne to EME GVY a Capper in the towe of Chastillon vpon Lion, had bin very disordred all his life, caused for the most part by the in­dulgence of his parents. It happened one Sater day in September 1565. that the Sonne was debauched accor­ding to this custome, and returned home very late, wher­at the Father was much displeased, saying, that seeing he continued this wicked course, he should be in the end constrayned to chase him out of his companie. To whome the Sonne (beeing full of pride,) answered pre­somptuously, that he was ready to depart, euen presētly, so as they would giue him his clothes: vpon this dispute the Father went to bed, beeing forced to threaten his Sonne, if he would not be silent. In the ende, seeing that hee preuailed not, and not able any longer to beare the proude replies of his Sonne, hee rise out of his bedde in chollor to punnish his vndutifullnesse: who seeing his Father approche in choller to beate him, hee sodenly layed his hand vpon his sword, and rebelling against his Father, thrust him through the Bodie. wherevpon hee fell sodenly to the ground, crying out with a loude voice that hee was dead. The neighbours amazed at this crie, came in presently, and soone after the Iustice: who found the olde man layed all along readie to giue [Page 123] vp the Ghost, dying presently after. The bloudie sword was also found by his Sonne, who warmed himselfe, to whome the Father (mooued with compassion, and for­getting the crueltie hee had vsed against him,) had of­ten saied. Sonne saue thy selfe. I pardon thee my death: the Mother had also giuen him the like councell to escape: but GOD by his power did so staie him, as hee had no power to flie. Beeing carried to prison and examined, at the first hee couered his parricyde, ac­cusing his Father that hee had slaine himselfe. But his excuses beeing found friuolous, hee was condemned to haue his right hand cut off, then to bee pinched with hot pincers, and in the ende hanged by the feete vpon a gibet, and strangled with a stone of sixe score pound which should bee hanged at his necke. A wicked coun­terfet beeing prisoner with him, aduised him to ap­peale vnto Paris. But hauing freely confessed the Par­ricide, hee reuoked his appeale and was executed. The History of our times.

HAuing perced an Impostume grown of a long time vpon the seauenth tur­ning ioynt, where through the venom of his corruption, it had made a great ouerture, and gnawne the innermost membrane of the heart▪ those which were present beheld one part of the heart which I did [Page 124] shewe them A. BENIVENIVS, in his booke de abditis, causis Chap. 42.

Two Bretheren gentlemen falling out at tables, the one of them gaue the other a wound with his knife, iust on the seege of the heart: the hurt gentleman bleeding exceedingly, was carried and layed on a bed: whereas all signes of death appeered. Beeing sent for I applied that to the heart which I thought [...]it to strengthen it. The pa­tient hauing beene as it were at deathes doore vntil mid­night, beganne to come to himselfe; and hauing vsed all the meanes possible I could deuise for his preseruation, at length I sawe him cured: whereby I knewe the heart had not beene perished, as at the first I doubted, but the filme or Capsula thereof (called PERICALDION by the Greekes) was lightly tainted. The same Author Chap. 65.

We haue seene ANTHONY AL [...]IAT hurt, and ha­uing his Pericordian vntoucht. True it is that hee did sigh very much and lowd. The internall parts beeing hurt, bring death foure waies; either through necessity of their function and office, as the Lunges: or by reason of the excellency of their nature, as the Hart: or through much losse of bloud as the Liuer, the great arteries, and veines: or through the malignity of Symptomes and ac­cidents, as the neruie parts, the ventricle, and bladder. Although some parts be incurable, yet are they not mor­tall of absolute necessity: otherwise, death would ensue vpon the incurable hurts of boanes, gristles, and lyga­ments. The Pericordion then is not mortall of it selfe▪ but because it is impossible to attaine it, without offending many other noble parts. CARDAN in his Commentarie on the Aphorismes of Hipocrates, booke. 6. apb. 18.

Anatomizing a Scholler of mine, dead in the Vniuer­sitie [Page 125] of Rome, I found that this yong man had no Pericar­dion: by meanes whereof in his life-time hee swounded very often, and seemed as one dead▪ through which de­fect at length hee died. COLVMBVS, booke 15. of his A­natomy.

A certaine Theefe, being taken downe from the gal­lowes, where he had bene hanged, and not quite strang­led, was carefully looked vnto and recouered. But like an vngratious wretch as he was, returning to his old trade againe, hee was apprehended and throughly hanged. Wherevpon we would needes Anatomize him, and wee found that his heart was all heary. Which is likewise re­ported among the Grecians of Aristomenes, of Hermo­genes the Rhetorician, of Leonydas, of Lysander, and o­thers, namely of a dog that ALEXANDER the great had. This haire denotes not onely promptitude of Courage, and peruerse obstinacy: but many times valour contem­ning all danger. BENIVENIVS in Chap. 83. de Abditis causis. Vpon a certaine time making the Anatomy of a man at Ferrara, wee found his heart cleane couered o­uer with haire, and indeede he had beene all his life time a desperate ruffian, and a notable theefe. AMATVS the Portingale, in Centur. 6 Cur. 65.

Being at Venice and present at the execution of a very notorious theefe, the hangman that quartered his bodie, found his heart meruailous hairye. M. A. Muret booke. 12. of his dyuers readings, Chap. 10. I haue see [...]e the sep­ [...]um, that distinguisheth the ventrycles of the heart, to be a gristle in some mens Bodies: in others the left ventri­cle wanting, or so little as it could hardly bee discerned. Columb. booke. 15. of his Anatomy. I found in two mens bodies that I opened, a boane in the rootes of the great [Page 126] artery, and of the arteryall vaine. CORN. GEMMA in the 2. booke of his Cyclognomia, pag 75. In another I found a little boane betweene the gristly circles of the heart, & the chiefe artery and arteriall veine, like to the boane which is commonly found in the heart of a stagge. CORN. GEMMA in the 1. booke Chap. 6. of his Cosmocritif.

Doctor MELANCHTHON in his first booke of the Soule, testifies of CASIMIR Marquise of Brandebourg, a Prince greatly afflicted in his life time with sundry griefes, and consumed with long watchings, that beeing opened after his decease, the humor enclosed in the fylme of the heart was [...]ound quite dried vp, and the heart so scor­ched that it was like a peare burnt in the fire. TH. IORDAN. in the 1. booke of signes of the plague, Chap. 16.

Not long since a Romaine gentleman died, after hee had languished along time. Being opened, no heart ap­peared, neither was there any part of it but the fylme left: the vnmeasurable heate of his long sicknesse hauing who­ly consumed it. BERN. IELASIVS in the 28. Chap. of the 5. booke, of the nature of things.

A young Prince, being sickly, and very much troubled with a payne at the heart, assembled a great many Phy­sitions togither for to consult of his dissease. Among o­thers there was a young practitioner, who declared how he had read in certaine notes, that the vse of garlick eue­rie morning expells a kinde of worme that feedes vpon the heart. But both the remedy and the young man that propounded it were despised. Not long after this Prince died, and his body was opened by the commandement of his Father, for to see the cause of his sicknesse & death. The dissection made, they found a white worme, hauing a sharpe bill of horne like a p [...]llets, gnawing the heart. [Page 127] The Physitions tooke it aliue and layd it on a table, in a circle made of the iuyce of garlick. The worme began to writh and wriggle euery way, still eschuing the iuyce that compassed it about. Finally surmounted by the strength and sauor of the garlick, it died within the circle: to the astonishment of those that had despised so easie a reme­die. I. HEBANSTEIF in his treatise of the plague.

It is not long agoe that in the great Duke of Tuscans Court, a certaine Florentine beeing assistant at the merry conceites of a pleasant iester, was suddainly seized with vnexpected death: whereat the company and his friends being much abashed, for their better satisfaction, after he was knowne to bee starke dead, they had him opened: and there was no cause discerned of such a death but on­ly a liue worme, which the A [...]atomists found in the cap­sula or filme of the heart. P. SPHARER Physition: in his Obseruations.

A certaine woman hauing voyded for the space of many da [...]es together a thick and purulent vrine, at length died, and beeing opened, was found interressed in the heart with certaine impostumes and two stones. I. HOVLIER, Comment 1. on the 6. booke sect. 2. aphoris. 4. of HIPPOCRAT. and the Comment. on the 75. aph. of the 4. booke. The Emperour MAXIMILIAN the second had three little stones found in his heart of the bignes of a pease, but not of equall quantity and weight. In his life time hee was very much afflicted with a panting of the heart. I. WIER in the 4. booke Chap. 16. of the impostures of euill spirits. In the heart of IEROME SCHEIBER that died at Paris in the yeare 1547. & was opened in the presence of SYLVIVS, HOVLIER & FERNEL, professors in Physick, there was foūd an hard, blackish roūd stone as big as a nutmeg [Page 128] and weyghing Certaine drammes, to the great wonder of all men. AER MVRGEL Physition.

In diuers mens hearts there are found Cornes or hard things, like vnto stoanes of the bignes of a nut: in others fat in the ventricles, or verie thicke Carnosities, some­times of two pounde weight: or other substance like the marrowe of sodden beefe. Also tumors & impostumes of the bignes of an hens egge, which in some haue cau­sed co [...]ruption of the membrane of the heart, in others wasting of the heart it selfe, in others mattory and long congealed vlcers. The History of them are described by the Doctors of Physick. BENIVENIVS, IACOT, VESALIVS, ERASTVS, COLVMBVS, FERNELIVS, HOVLIER, IOVBERT, and others in their obseruations, Commentaries, and disputations. Which it shall suffise to haue touched in a worde.

Touching the hurts of the heart, FERNELIVS in the fi [...]t booke of his Panthologia, Chap. 12. holds that if they bee not deepe, and penetrated farre into the ventricles of the heart, the person hurt dies not presently. To which ef­fect IOHN SCHENCK, of Grafenberg, Doctor of Phisick at Fribourg recounts in the 2. booke of his Physickall Ob­seruations, Obserue 209. that hee had heard a learned Physition tell, how a certaine scholler studying at Ingol­stad, beaing stabbed with a poygnard into the heart, the two ventricles wherof were found pearced through and through, ranne a good way bleeding, and liued a full houre after, speaking and cōmending himselfe to GOD.

I protest I haue seene a gentleman at Thurin, which fought with another, that gaue him a thrust vnder the left pappe penetrating euen into the substance of the heart, and yet for all that he struck diuers blowes at his enemy [Page 129] that ranne away from him, pursuing him the length of two hundred pace, and then fell downe dead to the ground. After which I opened him, and found a wound in the very substance of the heart, so bigge, that one might haue laid his finger in it, and a great quantity of bloud falne vpon the Diaphragma. AMER. PARE in the 9. Booke, Chap. 32.

IN this Section I will briefly represent the Comets seene in Europe for these hundred yeares or thereabouts, adding that which GARCEVS in his Meteoro­logie, LICHOSTENES and others haue obserued vpon this point. In the yeare 1500. in the moneth of Aprill, a Comet appeared in the North, vnder the signe of Capricorne. The same yeare Prince CHARLES was borne, afterwards Emperor, the 5. of that name: and SOLYMAN Sultan of the Turkes. Soone after folowed the spoile, which the Tartares made in Polonia, the famine in Swabe; a plague throughout all Germanie; the taking of Naples by the French; A rising of the peasants in the Bishop rike of Spire, against the Bishop and the Canons: the taking of Modon and some other places in Morea by the Turkes: ISMAEL Sophie expel­led out of the kingdome of Persia by the Turkes, whereof they ceazed. The second yeare after the plague, made a horrible spoile, almost throughout all the whole world, the which had for fore-runners, figures of crosses falling out of the ayre vpon mens clothes. A warre followed in Bauaria two yeares after this plague. after the which ma­ny great men, both spirituall & temporal died. The Em­peror [Page 130] MAXIMILIAN the 1. vanquished the Guelders; and then the Hongariens, whom he reduced vnder his o­bedience. In the yeare 1506. a Comet appeared in Au­gust towards the North, couering the signes of Leo and Virgo, hauing neere vnto the Chariot a thick and shining taile, stretched out betwixt the wheeles of this Chariot, for which cause some Astronomers called it the Pea­cocks taile. In September after, died PHILIP the 1. king of Spaine, father to CHARLES and FERDINAND Em­perors. The same yeare the Turkes were defeated in bat­taile by the Persians, and on the other side, they tooke Modon in Morea from the Christians, and defeated their fleete. Then followed a ciuill warre betwixt BAIAZET and his sonne SELIM: and FRANCIS SPORCE Duke of Milan, was taken in Italy by the French. As for that which happened in the following yeares, the History of our time doth shew it, as well in respect of warres, Inun­dations, death of famous men, and merueilous alterati­ons in Europe, the causes whereof we will attribute to the iust iudgements of GOD, punishing the sinnes of the world: we say only that Comets seeme oftentimes to be fore-runners and Trumpets of the wonderfull iudge­ments of the Lord, as a French Poet speaking of a Comet seene in the yeare 1577. said in the 2. day of his weeke.

But let vs consider the other Comets, according to the [Page 131] order of the yeares. In Nouember 1523. there was seene a Comet, and soone after, the heauens seemed all on fire, casting forth infinite flames of lightning vpon the earth, the which did tremble: afterwards there hapned strange Inundations of water in the realme of Naples. Soone af­ter followed the taking & captiuity of Francis 1. King of France: Germanie was troubled with horrible seditions. LEVVIS King of Hungary was slaine in battaile against the Turkes. There were wonderfull stirres throughout all Europe, and Rome was taken and spoiled by the imperiall Armie. In the same yeare of the taking and sack of Rome, which was 1527. there was seene another more fearefull Comet then the precedent: there followed after it the great spoiles which the Turkes made in Hungary: a fa­mine in Swabe, Lombardie, and at Venice: warre in Zuit­zerland: the siege of Vienna in Austria: the Sweat▪ in England: the ouer-flowing of the Sea in Holland and Ze­land, where it drowned a great Country, and an Earth­quake in Portugall▪ which continued eight dayes.

In the yeare 1531. from the 6. of August vnto the 3. of September, there appeared a Comet, marching slowly by the signes of Cancer, Leo, Virgo, & Libra, the which was followed by many troubles & great changes in Germany, in Denmarke and else-where: and another Comet was seene the yeare following greater then it. Soone after in the yeare 1533. appeared an other Comet in the end of Iuly. Historians write the wonderfull changes which followed it. Those of the yeare 1538. 1556. 1558. and in the following yeares vnto this age, [...]aue bin wonderfull, hauing Ecclipses of the Sunne most commonly going before them. And as for that which hath happened since in Europe, no man is ignorant thereof, if hee bee not [Page 132] exceeding ignorant. The most fearfull of all the Comets in our time, was that in the yeare 1527▪ for the sight of it strooke such a terror into many, as some died, others fell sick. It was seene of many thousands of people, seeming very long and of a bloudy colour. On the top therof was seene the representation of a crooked arme holding a great sword in his hand, as if he would strike. At the point of this sword were three starres▪ but that which toucht the point directly, was more cleere and shining then the rest. On either side of the beames of this Comet were seene many battle-axes, daggers, bloudy swords, among the which they did marke a great number of mens heads cut off, hauing their beards & haire horribly curled. And haue we not seene for the space of 3 [...]. yeares, throughout all Europe, the terrible effects vpon the earth of this pre­sage in Heauen. But we may not forget the new starre, as great as the day starre, the which appeared among the fixed Starres, neere vnto Cassiopeia the 9. of Nouember 1572. hauing the forme of a Lozenge. CORNELIVS GEMMA and other learned Astronomers, which haue written Bookes thereof, say that it continued still in one place for the space of three weekes, and they hold that it resembled the starre the which appeared to the Wise­men comming to adore IESVS CHRIST in Bethlehem, presently after his birth. It continued in the firmament 9. moneths or there abouts. Others say that it lasted vntill the beginning of March 1574. fading by little and little. GEMMA speakes wonders in the 2. Booke of the Cosmo­critique. Chap. 3. But for that he doth discourse & dispute thereof at large, it shall suffice vs to note this wonder, the which he esteemes merueilous (as in deed it was) among all the extraordinary wonders of Heauen, since the nati­uitie of our Sauiour.

HVSSAN AGA one of SVLTAN SO­LIMANS Chamberlins, sent by his Maister to treat a Peace, with the Per­sian, according to the commision that was giuen him, hee seazed vpon BA­IAZET sonne to SOLIMAN, beeing prisoner in Persia, and by the fathers commandment strangled him with a bow-string. His foure sonnes past the same way. Flying out of Amasia hee had left one newely borne, the which SOLIMAN had caused to bee carried to Prusse in Bithinia, where it was brought vp. But newes being come, that BAIAZET was dispatcht, SOLIMAN sent a grome of his Chamber (in whom he trusted much,) to Prusse, to put this little Infant to death. This Eunuch or Grome of his Chamber, being a man of a milde disposition, had carryed with him one of the Vshers of the Chamber (a man fit to execute all desperate and bloudy Commissions) to vse him for the strangling of BAIAZETS little sonne. He enters into the Chamber, and putting the cord about the childes neck to strangle him, the Infant began to smile on him, and rising vp, stretcheth forth his little armes to im­brace him, striuing to kisse him. This countenance did so moue the heart of this Barbarian, as not able to passe any further, hee fell downe dead in a swone.

The Eunuch amazed at his long stay, goes vp, and offring to enter, he found the Vsher lying all along at the Chamber dore, but not daring to fayle in his Com­mission, hee strangled this poore Infant with his owne [Page 134] hands. Which shews that the Grand-father SOLIMAN had not spared his little grand-child a while, for any pi­ty that he had; but delayed it according to the opinion of the Turkes, who say that GOD is the author of all things that are done, so as the euent bee to their liking. And therefore so long as BAIAZETS affaires were in any doubt or suspence▪ SOLIMAN would not haue the little Infant toucht: least that if hee did prosper, they would say, that SOLIMAN had resisted the will of GOD. But after the death of BAIAZET (held as it were condemned by a diuine decree, seeing had beene disapointed of his disseignes, and then rooted out) SO­LIMAN resolued that the child was no longer to bee kept. The Seignior of Busbeque in the discourse of his voy­ages into Turkey. Epist. 4.

FERRAND of S. Seuerin, the worthy Prince of Salerne, last deceassed, hath told me in the Towne of Alais, where he was marryed; that for certaine, in his Country of Salerne, a yong Maide had borne a child, beeing but 9. yeares old, the which liued, I haue heard speake of an other at Paris, who was deliuered of a child at ten yeares of age. It is very credibly reported, that at Lectore a Town in Gascony one had a child at 9. yeares of age. Shee is yet li­uing, called IOAN DE PEIRIE who was married to VIDAV BEGHE, beeing in his life time Receiuer of the Fines for the King of Nauarre in that place: she miscar­ried [Page 135] of a Sonne at the age of 9. yeares, then at 11. she had a Daughter which liued, and hath had children: at 14. she had a sonne called LAVRENCE, yet liuing: at 16. an other also liuing, called PETER. Fiue yeares af­ter, which was the 21. yeare of her age she had a daugh­ter, at this day Widow to an Apoticary: And then she left being with child: although her husband liued: shee was a little Woman nor very corpulent, who in Aprill 1577. was 44. yeares old. I haue seene her and talked with her fully of these matters. She told mee among o­ther things, that after her first child, whereof shee mis­carried being but 9. years old, she had alwaies her cour­ses very orderly. Hauing left bearing of children at the age of 21. yeares, she continued still with her husband the space of 19. yeares. Maist. LAVRENCE IOVBERT lib; 2. of popular errors. ca. 2.

Monsieur CHAPPELAIN Physition to King FRAN­CIS the 1. protested vnto me, that he had seene a maid that at nine yeares of age was with child, went out her time, and was deliuered. SILVIVS in his Comentary of Womens termes. I. FOXIVS hath written the like of a maid of 9 yeares old.

LVCHIN VIVALDE a rich Gentle­man of Genoa, yong, goodly and of a good fashion, fell extreamely in in loue with a poore yong Maid, that was exceeding fayre, called IANI­QVETTE, and tryed all meanes possible to winne her for his Concu­bine. But it was in vaine; this Virgins chastetye [Page 126] was inuincible, who in the ende was married to a Ban­kerour, with whom although shee liued by the labour of her hands with paine, yet shee carried her selfe virtu­ously, and had many children in this loyall marriage. LVCHIN, who had married a fayre and rich Gentle­woman, by the aduice of his kins-folkes, did not leaue to loue IANIQVETTE still, and vnder pretext of fa­uour and good will to the Bankerout, hee laboured to corrupt his Wife, who was constant and immoueable, to the great amazement of LVCHIN, who admired this singular virtue; and in the end seemed to su [...]ceasse, yet not all-togeather renouncing his pursute and vitious hopes. It happened (during this time) that the Banke­rout was taken prisoner by Pyrats, and carryed away, so as his wife at one instant seemed to bee opprest with extreame want and dispayre. The dearth was great at Genoa, shee was charged with fowre or fiue small chil­dren, crying for bread which shee wanted, and all hu­mane meanes to helpe them. Motherly charity driues her to a resolution of dispayre. Shee goes directly to LVCHINS house, whom shee mette all alone: hee be­ing rauished to see her, was more amazed at her coun­tenance, then at the words she vsed. Beeing prostrate at his feete, shee said, shee was come to yeeld her selfe vnto him, that she was ready to submit her selfe wholly vnto his will, without any resistance, as shee had for­merly done: beseeching him to releeue her poore chil­dren opprest with hunger. LVCHIN surprised by con­trary motions, was in the end vanquished by reason, and poslest with a good spirit, hee sayd vnto the poore woman kneeling at his feete. I will nowe vanquish my selfe; I will preserue your honour, which I haue con­trary [Page 137] to my dutye so much sought to spoyle, and will assist you with a sincere affection, as mine owne Sister▪ In saying so, he led her to his Wife, reporting all that was, and recommending poore IANIQVETTE vnto her, who was releeued with all her family, and LV­CHINS continency was presently published, to the great amazement of all men. History of Italy.

IN the yeare, 1596. Monsieur BIL­LIOCTI, an honourable person of the Towne of Aix in Prouence, being at Lions, he reported to the Lord & Lady of Botheon, (many others bee­ing present) and then set it down vn­der his owne hand, that which fol­loweth. In the yeare 1583. a Cittizen of Aix in Pro­uence, hauing a place planted with Oliues a Harguebuse shot from the Gates of the Towne, he resolued one day to cause a certaine little rocke to be broken which was in this Orchard. Hauing well aduanced the work, there was found in the middest of the Rocke, the body of a Man whole, of a small stature, incorporated within the Rocke, in such sort as the stone of the rocke did fill vp the voide places that were betwixt one member and another. And that which was yet more admirable, al­though the bones were very much hardened, yet in scraping them with your nayle, they went to powder. But the marrow of them was so hard as no stone was more, neither was it possible to pull any awaye. His [Page 138] Brayne was so hardened and stony, as with an iron (such as the strike fire with) the sparkles would flye, as out of a flint. All these things of the braine & marrow remayned in the custody of Maister BALTHAZER de la Barle dwelling at Aix, and first Audiencer in the Chancery of Prouence. All this aboue written I haue seene with mine eyes said BILLIOCTI, being a good witnesse, hauing held in my hands the Braine of this body couered with a skull of one side. The which I attest to bee true. In witnesse whereof I haue signed this present, the 22. of Nouember 1596. BILLIOCTI. Memoires of Lions.

THere is no ramper to a good conscience, nor a crueller torment thē an euill. Exam­ples of the one and the other are infinite. As for the terrors of conscience caused by the remembrance of misdeedes, especially in regard of innocent bloud, behold some histories. A certaine Host being a man of good reckoning in a town of Germany had one only daughter, well qualified and of good meanes. The seruant of the house, an honest & a proper man, sued to haue her in mariage: but was de­nyed, by reason he was a stranger and a poore seruant. Neuerthelesse because he had alwayes shewed himselfe faithfull, the goodman going to the Bath with his wife and daughter, left him the charge of his house. During their absence, a Merchant came to this Inne, where the night following he had his throate cut by this seruant, who buried him in the stable, and the next day sold his horse & apparell. This murtherer remained vnknowne. [Page 139] The Host returned frō the bath, & thinking his seruant had gouerned his house as he ought, began to loue & e­steeme him more then euer he had done before. Not long after the Murtherer bethought him of a wile. Hee counterfetted letters, in certain of his kins folkes names, which aduertised him of his fathers death, and therfore councelled him to come downe into the Country. Re­turning frō market, he shewed these letters, & 80 pee­ces of Gold to his Maister: adding that though his friends had willed him to buy a horse, he would not be at such charge, but was minded to go a foote; and that he vndertooke this iourney very vnwillingly as desiring nothing more then to continue still with his said maister To whō hauing giuen the most part of his gold to keep, with promise to returne again, he went his way. Though it were some-what discommodious at that time for the Good-man to let him goe, yet thinking those letters to be true, he gaue him leaue. Within a while after hee came againe, and committed a greater summe vnto his Maister, giuing him to vnderstand that his father had left him very much, and played his part so well that the Host gaue him his daughter to wife, and finally hee be­came heyre to his father in-lawe: and in time because he carried himselfe exceeding honestly, he was elected into the number of the Magistrates of the towne: wher­in hee so well discharged his duty, that there was noe fault to bee found in him. But his Conscience so tor­mented him, that condemned by it, hee chose ra­ther to accuse himselfe and di [...], then to languish any lon­ger. Beeing one day called by his fellowe Magistrates to sit vppon a certaine Murtherer, hee rose betimes in the morning, and going to heare Masse, desired his [Page 130] Wife, with whom he had alwayes liued very quietly & louingly, to make him ready some good bit or other, alleadging hee was not very well, and was to bee that daye at an Araignment. Beeing returned home from Masse, hee was told that there was a Calues head pro­uided for his Break-fast, a meate which hee loued maruaylous well. Desirous to see it, hee opened the Cupbord where it was: but seized with horrour and feare, hee asked who had locked vp a mans head into the Cupbord? his Wife shewed him that hee was de­ceiued: where-vpon comming to himselfe, he made a light breakfast, and going to the Councell Chamber, sate downe in his accustomed place. When it came to him to deliuer his opinion, hauing declared that by the Lawes the Murtherer vpon whom they sat was to loose his head, he stood vp, and sayd, that hee had also deserued the like punishment. Where vpon hee declared in order the circumstances of the murther by him perpetrated in his late Maisters house, and all that had insued thereof▪ earnestly desiring them, that hee might bee beheaded. Some thinking that some melan­choly humour made him talke so, counselled him to go home, and get Physitions about him. Where-vnto he answered saying, I knowe you haue a good opinion of mee: and indeede I am not culpable of any Cryme punishable by mans Lawe, but this same. Notwith­standing I instantly beseech you to take my head from my shoulders, and so deliuer mee from the horrible tor­ment I haue indured & that iustly, euer since the time of my offence. Therwith the Iudges caused the place to be digged, which he had told of, where the bones of the murtherd Merchāt according to his saying were found [Page 141] wherevpon he was lead of his owne accord to the place of execution, and beheaded with the other murtherer. IOHN IAMES GRYNEVS, a learned diuine, in his Commen­tary on the Proghet IONAS, Chap. 1. pag. 123. &c.

I haue heard that not many yeares since a certaine man in the towne of Lipsic went of his owne accord to the Iudge of the place, vnto whome he voluntarily con­fessed that hee was one of them which had robbed the Electors waggons of Saxony, adding that he had rather die, then endure the torment of his conscience any lon­ger. The same Author

Some forty sixe yeares agoe or thereabout two bro­thers dwelling at Lausanna, and hewing wood in the mount Iura, the younger fell out vpon some slight occa­sion with the elder, and gaue him such a blowe with his axe on the head, that hee ouerthewe him to the ground, where he made an end of him, and then buried him. Re­turning home, hee told their Mother that his sayd Bro­ther had willed him to excuse him vnto her, and was gon into Germanie, for to see the Country, hoping to bee at home againe by such a time. Their Mother being there­with satisfied, the murtherer went vp euery day to the mountaine, and kneeling downe on his brothers graue, wept very bitterly and asked GOD forgiuenesse. Ha­uing continued thus certaine monethes, and neuer sus­pected of any such matter, comming one day from the mountaine, as hee was almost at home, hee looked be­hinde him, and spied the Burgomaister, (which is the chiefest magistrate of that place vnder the protection of the Canton of Berne) followed by an Officer in his liuery, he ranne away as fast as he could to the other end of the towne. The Burgomaister meruayling at it, commanded [Page 142] his officer to runne after him. The Officer followed him, and cryed stoppe him, stoppe him. Wherevpon diuers came running into the streete and staied him. The Burgomaister, a wise man, committed him to prison, where hauing examined him, hee confessed the whole matter vnto him, and was executed as he deserued, go­ing to his death with such constancie and penitent sor­rowe for his offence, that all that beheld him melted into teares. I receiued this discourse from an excellent personage, that was present at his arraignement, and sawe his end.

One called N. LAINE, borne at Tholouse, hauing at­tempted his Fathers death, escaped away, and got to Geneua, where hee continued a certaine time vn­knowne. Vpon a day walking along by the Towne ditch, and espying some of the Magistrates with their Officers afarre off, hee ranne as fast hee could towards the bridge of Arua, which was hard by, for to saue himselfe in an­other Seignorie. The Officers ranne after him, and with the aide of those that met him on the way, appre­hended him: who presently in his owne talke bewray­ed himselfe. Beeing caryed to pryson and kept verie close, at last hee confessed his detestable attempt. The Magistrates of Geneua sent an Herauld to Tholouse, and by a Coppy of his indictment, which was sent them, vn­derstood the truth of LAINES confessions, who was exe­cuted, and euen to the very last gaspe shewed a liuely and notable repentance of his faults. Memorialls of the Historie of Geneua.

THe yeare 1514. happened the horri­ble sedition & butchery of the Croysa­does in Hungary. There was a generall discōtent amongst the people against the King and the chiefest of the realme, because they went not about to con­quer those places againe from the Turke (then very much entangled elswhere) which hee held in Hungary. But King LADISLAVS louing his ease, little regarded it, and his Nobles ruled him in such sort that he commanded them in nothing. Therevpon the Popes Legat publyshed pardons for all those that would Crosse themselues to go warre against the Turke. Suddainely there gathered togither a wonderfull Company of theeues and rob­bers, from euerie corner of Hungarie. And therewith all great multitudes of the Commons (not able any lon­ger to beare the insolencies of the Nobility, much lesse of the Bishops) flocked from all partes to the Campe. The Kings negligence had giuen liberty to the intoller­able dissolutnes and Cruel [...]ie of the Lords ouer their subiects. This army of Commons hauing created them a generall, in an instant dispersed themselues & cōmitted a most horrible spoile almost all ouer Hungarie: mur­thering al the Gentlemen and Bishops they could meete with all. The richest & those that were noblyest descen­ded were empaled aliue. This cruell rage contynuing, the King began to stir, & by his cōmand certaine townes ioyning their forces to a number of the Nobilitie vn­der the conduct of a Lord named BORNEMISSE, had [Page 144] some Conficts with those Croysadoes, wherein a great sort of them were slaine, & many taken which were exe­cuted in the Capitall Citty of the Realme. Finally IOHN the Sonne of VAIVODE STEVEN▪ (that afterwards possessed himselfe of the kingdome) defeated them in a set Battaile, and hauing cut the most part of them in peeces, hee tooke their Leaders, whome hee put to death with such strange torments as I haue horror to remember it, for he caused the Generall of these Peasants called GEORGE, to be stript naked, vpon whose head the executioner set a Crowne of hot burning iron: then he opened some of his veines, and made LVCATIVS his Brother drinke the bloud which issued from them. After that the cheefest of the Peasants (who had beene kept three dayes with­out meate were brought forth, and forced to fall vpon the bodie of GEORGE (yet breathing) with their teeth, and euery one to teare away and eate a peece of it. In the midest of these horrible torments, GEORGE neuer cryed; but onelie bee-sought them to take pittie of his Brother LVCATIVS, whome hee had forciblie drawne into that warre. GEORGE beeing torne in peeces, his bowells were pulled out and cut into mor­cells, and some beeing boyled and the rest roasted, the Prisoners were constrained to feede on them: which done all that remayned with LVCATIVS were put to most horrible and Languishing deathes. An example of greater crueltie can hardly be-founde since the world was a world. And no meruaile if GOD hath punished the King and the Realme of Hungary for such strange and extraordinarie Cruelties, suffring the cruelest peo­ple of the North, namely the Turkes, to make that spoile which they haue and continually yet doe there. Cruell [Page 145] chastisments are prepared for them that bee cruell and inhumaine. The following Bookes shall represent a great number of other Histories of strange accidents and cruelties. IOACH: CVREVS in his Annales of Si­lesia, pag. 233.

During the Peasants warre in Germanie, in the yeare 1525. both before and since, a Gentleman their enemy, not content to haue massacred a great number, euen of those which had humbly craued pardon of him, confes­sing that they had beene ill aduised, hee gloryed in all companies of his braue exploites, adding therevnto a commendation of his thefts, hauing cut many good purses, and slaine great store of Cattell. Some mo­neths after this furie, he fell sicke, and languished many dayes of an extreame paine in the Reines of his backe, the which thrust him into such despaire, as hee did not cease to curse and denie his Creator, (who is pa­tient, iust, and fearefull in reuenge,) vntill that both speech and life failed him. The seueritie of GODS Iustice doth yet pursue his house: for soone after, his eldest Sonne seeking to exalt the prowesse and valour of his Father, who in the Peasants warre had done wonders aboue mentioned, and excelled all his com­panions: and vanting much of these valiant exploites in an open assembly at a Banquet, a Country-man, mooued at this brauerie, drawes out his Dagger, and strikes him dead vpon the place. Some fewe dayes af­ter, the plague falles into this cruell mans house, and kills all that remained.

In the yeare 1577. in the beginning of Septem­ber, the fire of the second troubles being kindled in France: the President of Birague, (afterwards Chan­cellor [Page 146] and Cardinall) being at that time Gouernor of Lion, there were then in Lion, two Bretheren called BOVRGATS, Gold-smiths by their professions, but very much disordered. As the liberty of those times did giue meanes to many to glutte their passions vpon them whome they did mallice: the BOVRGATS laide hands vpon a companion of theirs a Dyer, vpon pre­text that hee was of a contrarye religion: but it was to reuenge them-selues for a quarrell which they had formerly against him, and not ended to their liking. They take him and lead him to their dwelling house, towardes the Abbey of Esnay, beeing out of the way, farre from resort of people. They binde him fast hand and foote▪ and then tye him by the neck vnto the Chim­ney, so as hee did hang vpright, not being able to sitte nor leane any way. They leaue him in this sort a whole day, threatning him with present death. At night they bring in men of their owne sorte and liuing to Supper, to bee spectators of this Tragedie: they are merry and make good cheere, and after Supper they spend the time, some in playing at Cardes, others in pinch­ing, pricking, and burning the nose of this poore pri­soner, being bond hand and foote, and tyed in the corner of the Chimney. This continued vntill eleuen of the clocke at night, when their companions went a­way and retyred. As for the BOVRGATS, with-out proceeding any further, they cast themselues clothed, with their Swordes by their sides, vpon a Bedde, where they both fell presently a sleepe. Their Laquay (who was in the corner of the Chimney,) doth as the Mai­sters. The prisoner perceiuing them all a sleepe, and [Page 147] remembring how they had threatned him, begins to thinke how hee might escape, and hauing recommen­ded himselfe to GOD, from whome onely hee atten­ded helpe, hee did st [...]iue in such sort, as hee vntyed one hand, and then the other, afterwardes his necke, and lastly his feete. Being thus loose, hee was mightily per­plexed what hee should doe. For if these people did awake, hee was but a dead man, hauing no meanes to defend himselfe, they being armed, and hee disa [...]med, and hee alone against three: for the Laqueye was growne great. If he had had a Table cloath, a Sheete or a Couering, hee might haue slipt downe by the win­dowe: but in opening it, the noyse might awake them, so as they might followe him and ouer take him, the wayes beeing strongly and very straightly garded: In this greeuous perplexitie, hee discouers, that the La­quay (who slept in the other corner of the Chim­ney) had a Dagger at his Girdle. Hee therefore re­solues to kill those two brothers his enemies with this Dagger.

But there was some difficultie and hazard in the taking of it, for that the Laquaye awaking would giue the Alarum, yet by the light of the fire, hee comes softely vnto him, and drawes out his Dagger, so quickly, and in such sorte as the Laquay stirred not. Hauing it, hee sodenly went vp into the Chamber, and leaped vpon the BOVRGATS, and stabbes eyther of them in the brest with this Dagger. As hee would haue doubled his stroake, one of them leapes vp and layes hold of an Halbard which stood hard by, he runs after the Dyer, who flyes downe the staires apace to [Page 148] saue himselfe, at the foote whereof this BOVRGAT fell, and presently dyed. The Dyer mounts againe, and findes the other dead in the Chamber. Hee begins to threaten the Laquaye to kill him presently, if he made any noise: hee tooke a Candle, lead the Laquey into the Seller, and forceth him to eate, and to drinke a Glasse of Wine, then hee bindes him surely, dooing him no other harme, barres the Sellar doore, comes vp and takes that which was easiest to bee transported, out of his enemies Chamber. And at the breake of daye, the Gardes beeing raysed, hee leaues the house lockt, and so gettes out at Saint SEBASTIANS gate, without any hinderance or staye, the which was to bee admired, seeing they suffered none to goe out but with a Pasporte. The friends and companions of BOVRGATS, seeing them neyther in the morning nor after Dinner, grewe into some doubt, and after no­tice giuen to the Captaine of the Quarter, vnder whome these BOVRGATS had charge and command, with his consent, they brake open the doore, and then drewe forth the Laquay, who cryed for helpe in the Sellar, and found the rest as wee haue sayde. The Dyer liued some time after, and reported this Historie to many, and dyed else-where. Memoires of Lion.

SYMON GRINEVS a learned personage, among ma­ny of our time, being gone from Heidelberg to Spire, in [Page 149] the yeare 1529. where there was an Imperiall Dyet held, was desirous to heare a certaine Preacher much estee­men for his eloquence. But hearing many propositions come from him against the Maiestie and trueth of the Sonne of GOD. At the end of the Sermon: he followed the Preacher, saluted him courteously, and intreated him to heare him with patience. They enter mildly into dis­course. GRINEVS shewes him his errors grauely and plainely, and puts him in minde what POLICARPVS (a Disciple to the Apostles) was accustomed to doe: if he chanced to heare any vntrueth or blasphemy in the Church: exhorting him in the name of GOD to thinke of his conscience, and to leaue his erronious opinions. The Preacher cuts him off short, seeming to haue a de­sire to conferre more priuatly, as hauing hast to goe home to his house: He demands GRINEVS name, and surname, and his lodging, in [...]iting him to see him the next day, to discourse more amply together, and makes great shew to affect GRINEVS friendship: adding, that the publicke should receiue great profit by this their conference. Moreouer he shewes GRINEVS his house, who resolued to visit him at the houre appoin­ted, and so retires to his Inne. But the Preacher distem­pered with his censure, deuised in his thoughts, a pri­son, a Scaffold, and death, for GRINEVS: who dining with many worthy men, reported vnto them, what speeches hee had had with this Preacher. Therevpon one calls for Doctor PHILIP, beeing set at the Table neere vnto GRINEVS, who goes out of the Stoue, and findes a graue olde man, of a louely countenance, well apparelled, and vnknowne, who with a graue and [Page 150] pleasing speech began to say: That within one houre there would Officers come into the Inne, sent from the King of the Romaines, to carrie GRINEVS to prison. The old man addes there-with-all a commandement to GRYNEVS to dislodge speedily out of Spire, exhor­ting PHILIP not to deferre it▪ And then the olde man vanished away. Doctor PHILIP, who hath reported this History, In his Comentarie vpon the Prophet Daniel, Chap. 10. addes these wordes: I came vnto the compa­nie, and deliuered what the olde man had sayd vnto me, willing them to rise from the Table. Presently we crost the Market place, hauing GRINEVS in the middest of vs, and went directly to the Rhine, which GRINEVS past speedily with his seruant, in a Boate. Seeing him in safety we returned to the Inne, where it was told vs, that presently after our departure, the Sergeants were come to seeke for GRINEVS. GOD be praised, who hath giuen vs his Angels for Gardiens, that with more peace­full thoughts wee may doe our duties in the vocation where-vnto he hath called vs.

In the yeare 1539. in the beginning of Iune, an honest widow-woman, charged with two Sonnes in Saxony, hauing not where-with-all to liue in a time of great fa­mine, attyred her selfe and her Sonnes in their best clothes, going towards a certaine Fountaine to pray vnto GOD, to haue pittie of them and to releeue them. Comming forth, shee meetes with a graue man, who salutes her courteously, and after some speech, hee demands of her, if shee thought to finde any thing to eate at that Fountaine? The woman answered; No­thing is impossible to GOD. If it were not difficult for [Page 151] him to feed the Children of Israell forty yeares in the desert, should it bee troublesome to nourish mee and mine with water? Speaking these words with a great courage, this man (whome I holde to haue beene an Angell) sayd vnto her. Seeing thy faith is so constant, returne to thy house, and thou shalt finde three laden with meale, shee rerurned, and did see the effect of this promise. Doctor ANDREVV HONDORF, in his Thea­ter of Examples.

In the yeare 1553. the 18. of Nouember, it hapned at Sehilde, a little Towne in the Diocesse of Torge, that VRBAIN ERMTRAVT, an inhabitant of that place, ha­uing a deepe Well, but halfe drie, by reason of certaine stones that were falne out of the wall, did bargaine with a Mason called VRBAIN HEMBERG, to put those stones into their places. Hauing fitted himselfe with pee­ces of wood, and a scaffold in the Well, he goes downe lower with a Ladder, to take vp a Hammer which hee had left among the stones. Hee was scarce gone downe, but the earth and stones shake, and fill vp the Well, and couer the Mason who was at the foote of the Ladder. All runne thether, and hold the man to bee smothered, ad­ding that they must fill vp the Well, and that should be his graue. The Iustice resolued, that they should pull out all this rubbish, and ordaines, that the Masons body should be buried among other Christians in the com­mon Church-yard. According to this decree, they be­gin to worke the 11. of the same moneth. About two of the clocke after noone, the worke-men labour to drawe out a great stone, and finding that it was hol­low vnderneth, they put downe a long pole to sound the depth. They pricke the poore Mason on the [Page 142] nose with the end of this pole, who beganne to crie and to intreate them to drawe him out. The workemen hearing this confused sound labour with more cour­rage then before, and about ten of the clocke at night they espie him standing right vp behinde the Ladder, beeing vp to the knees in the myer. Beeing all glad, they prepare to drawe him forth. But behold an o­ther fall of Earth which couers him aboue the head. Then euery man thinking that hee was dead, was rea­die to leaue the worke: but by the aduice and comman­dement of the Bourguemaster called IAMES le FEVRE, they returne to their worke, and hauing ta­ken awaie the Earth, about mid-night they finde him aliue and without anie hurt, and drawe him out of the well Where hee had beene almost foure daies and foure nights without meate or drinke. IOB. FINCEL. lib. 2. of the collection of wonders of our time. In the yeare 1552. FRANCIS PELVSIEN a maker of Wels, of the age of 60. years, digging the 5. of February a Well at Liōs in a farme of LEVVIS d'HEXE, on the side of S^t Sebas­tians mount towards the red Crosse; this wel being made fortie foote deepe, the earth falls and fills it vp. The poore man beeing in the botome shrowds himselfe vn­der aplanke, by meanes whereof he was preserued from this heauy waight of earth, which else would haue smo­thered him; hauing some meanes to breath, thrusting his fist into the Earth some-times, to haue the more aire. He continued thus couered in the botome seauen daies, without eating, satisfying his stomake with his vrine, and hoping onely in GOD for his deliuery. He cryed out sometimes for helpe, but they heard him not; yet hee heard them that walked, and the noyse they made aboue, [Page 143] yea the speaking of Men, the striking of the clocke, and the sound of Bels. The seuenth day, when they thought to finde him dead, and that they prepared his graue, they that wrought, heard his voice in the botome of the well, which made them to hasten their worke, hea­ring him to crie for helpe. In the ende they descouer him, and hauing made him to take a glasse of wine, they drewe him out with a rope, the which hee held lustely▪ without bynding or the helpe of any person. Beeing out, and sound of Bodie and minde, after that hee had giuen thankes vnto GOD, hee opened his purse, in the presence of manie, and after hee had counted his monie, hee sayed merilie, that hee had beene with a verie good Hostes, seeing that in seauen daies hee had not spent anie thing. Memoires de Lion.

There be many that escaping out of dangers are com­pelled by the consideration of strange euents, to confesse that GOD hath deliuered them without the aide of any second cause. Of many examples I will choose and re­cite one which is worthy of note. The Dukes of Saxony FREDERICK the Elector and IOHN his brother went one day by bote along the riuer of Elba from Torque to Wittenberg. The water was all couered [...]uer with great pieces of Ice newly broken. Those pieces so ran against the boate and bruised it in such sort, that assoone as the Princes were landed, it split in two and sanke. The Prin­ces with great astonishment (considering such a specta­cle from the shoare, and in what danger they had bin by reason of the greatnesse, depth, and fury of the riuer) ac­knowledged, that GOD had preserued the bote, vntill such time as they were landed. And hauing bin a long time in this consideration, without speaking a word, the [Page 154] Elector say to his Brother. Let vs confesse that GOD hath preserued vs, and therfore let vs giue him thanks for his assistance in this & many other dangers. But whereas you sawe the boate fall in peeces assoone as we were out of it, verily I am affraied that our house of Saxony will go to ruine after the death of vs two. PEVCER in his Commen­tary of the principall sortes of Diuinations, book. 1. Chap. 13. The yeare 1558. a meruailous thing happened at Mech [...] ­rode in Almaigne, confirmed by the testemony of diuers credible persons. About 9. of the clocke at night, a per­sonage attyred in white, and followed by a white dogge, came and knocked at an honest poore womans dore, and called her by her name. She thinking it had bin her hus­band, who had beene a long time in a farre Country, ran presently to the dore. This personage taking her by the hand, asked her in whom she put all the hope of her sal­uation? In Iesus CHRIST, answered she. Then he com­manded her to followe him: which she refusing to do, he exhorted her to be of good courage, & to feare nothing; that done, he led her all night through a forrest. The next day about noone hee set her vpon an exceeding high mountaine, and shewed her things which she was neuer able to expresse. Hee enioyned her to returne home, and to exhort euery one to turne from their wicked waies: adding that an horrible destruction was at hand: and hee commanded her also to rest her selfe eight daies in her house, at the end whereof he would come to her againe. The day following in the morning, the womā was found at the townes end, and carried home to her house, where she continued eight whole daies without eating or drin­king. When her neighbors and friends perswaded her to take some sustenance, her answere was that being ex­treame [Page 155] weary, nothing was so agreable to her as rest: & how within eight daies the man that had carried her forth would come againe, and then she would eate. As indeede it came to passe▪ but afterward, this woman stir­red but little out of her bed, sighing from the bottome of her heart, and crying out very often: O how great are the ioyes of that life! and how miserable is this life! Beeing demmanded whether shee thought the personage attired in white, which appeared so vnto her, to bee a good An­gell, or rather some euill spirit that had transformed him­selfe into an Angell of light? She answered, It is not an euill spirit: it is an holy Angell, who hath commanded mee to pray incessantlie to GOD, and to exhort both great and small vnto amendment of life. If any one questi­oned with her concerning her beliefe: I confesse (sayd shee) that I am a poore sinner▪ but I beleeue that Iesus CHRIST hath obtayned me remission for all my sinnes through the benefit of his death and passion: The Mini­ster of the place testified the singular piety and humble deuotion of this woman, adding that she was wel instruc­ted, and could yeeld very good reason for her religion. IOB. FINCEL in his 8. booke of Myracles▪ &c.

In the yeare 1546. a great personage of Germanie, hauing beene stayed three daies at Hale in Swabe by the furie and roughnesse of the Waters, finally vr­ged by necessitie to passe ouer, hee embarked himselfe in a small bote for to crosse the Riuer, accompanyed with three of his Sonnes and a learned Diuyne his friend. And seeing his bote readie to bee ouerwhelmed, and himselfe and the rest drowned, without any apparance of rescue, full of faith and hope in GOD, he sayd to his friend: What triumph would Satan make thinke [Page 146] you, and how glad would he be, if we two, and my three sonnes should bee drowned in this floud? But hauing escaped the danger, they came safe to land, and that per­sonage hauing taken order for certaine great affaires, dyed within a while after very peaceably, in the inuocati­on of the name of GOD. Maister ANDDEVV HONS­DORFF in his Theater of Examples. pag. 296.

The yeare 1535. in a village of Silesia, named Olst, ha­pened the strangest and most furious tempest in the ayre that euer was seene: for it made euen the strongest hou­ses that were built of hewed stone to shake, and ouer­threwe diuers. One of the inhabitants of the Village, named LAVVRENCE THOPHAROSKE, hauing his house ioyning to the market place, and being verily per­swaded that the end of the world was come, by reason the Element was all of a flame, and that great flakes of of fire flew about, shutte himselfe vp in his house, and falling on his knees with his wife and children, began to pray very earnestly vnto GOD, and to sing Hymnes and Psalmes of repentance. During these holy exerci­ses, a great clap of Tempest, with a wonderfull violence, tore away the vpper part of the house, that was all of hewed Stone, together with the roofe, and flung it all to the ground, without hurting either the Father, the Mo­ther or the Children. But in another place this tempest did great harme: for hauing ouer-throwne a Pinnacle of the Towne-house, made all of great foure squared stone cimented and fastned together with Clampornes and barres of Yron, fiue persons were slaine with the fall of the houses, wherevpon this ruine lighted. Whereas con­trariwise three others, and a Child lying in a little bed, were preserued in another house vnder the same ruine: [Page 157] and it being demanded of the Child, that began to prat­tle, who had holpen him in that danger, hee lifted vp his little hand, and pointed to Heauen. M. AMBROSA MOI [...]AN in his exposition of the 19. Psalm.

No-lesse horrible and dreadfull was another tempest that ranne ouer all the Country of Misnia vpon the 13. day of August 1559. Which thundring very strangely in the aire, and ouerthrowing all that it encountred: a cer­taine woman got her selfe with all speede into her Stoue with foure Sonnes shee had and her maide. And then turning her selfe vnto them shee sayd, wee haue often heard tell of the last day, but wee neuer regarded it till now we see it come: which sayd, they all fell downe on their knees, calling vnto GOD for mercie. Therevpon a furious gust of winde tore away the roofe of the house, and tearing downe the walles, brake the posts, seelings and bords of the Stoue all to fitters. But in the middest of this feareful tempest, the Mother, Children & Maide remained safe and vnhurt, although the timber & stones flew as thick as hayle about their eares. Satan seeming to bee in the middest of this storme, and confounded by the feruent praier of the little flock, darted a great beame of twelue foote long, as though it had beene an arrowe flying in the aire, with the ayde of a violent whirle-winde, iust through the windowe of the Stoue at this poore com­pany kneeling against a bench. But the holie Angells turned it another way, so that it lighted with terrible fury in a corner right against the fornace of the Stoue. The same tempest ouerthrewe a Country-mans house, vpon his wife and some of their neigbors which were in it at that time, and yet they were neuer hurt with the ru­ine. FINCEL in his 3. booke of the meruayles of our time.

[Page 158]IOHN SPAVGEMBERG, Minister of Northuse, going to an hot house according to the manner of the Germains, and remayning there a good while with his Children ba­thing themselues, assoone as euer they were gone out of it, the place sanke and fell downe without hurting any body. I MANLIVS in the first booke of his Collections.

Vpon Easter eue 1565. after horrible whirle-winds, thunder, lightning, hayle and signes of fire in the aire, a violent inundation of waters, disgorged it selfe vpon a great village named Groesse in the dioces of Friberg in Mi­snia: the torrents and streames wherof swelled with such fury in an instant, that they ouer whelmed forty houses in that village, without the losse of any creature saue one Childe. There were many preserued as it were by mi­racle: two Children with their mother were sound vn­touched of the water vnder the ruines of a house in a heape of strawe also two others in a Cellar: a nurse with her Childe leaning against a Ladder, a blinde man in his entry, and diuers others both great and small in high places which with-stood the fury of the water. PH▪ LO­NICER in his Theater of examples in the example of the 3. Commandement pag. 198.

I knewe an honorable woman of singular pietie and modestie, that some twenty yeares since, through an ex­traordinary and long suppression of her tearmes was a great while and at times very sorely troubled in minde▪ so that she was often determined to haue killed her hus­band sleeping, and her selfe after. One day her keeper being gone forth about some businesse, shee rose out of her bed, and in her smock ranne into a garden behinde her house, where by a rope of the well, which was seauen or eight fathom, she let herselfe downe to the bottom, [Page 159] and then by the same rope got vp againe, and returned all wet to her Chamber, hauing beene vp to the Chin in water. Not long after, seeming to be some-what better, she walked abroad, and carryed along with her a Son of hers, that is now of very great hope, but was then some 4. or 5. yeares old, with full entent to drowne him and her selfe in a riuer that was thereby: vnto the bridge where­of she made many iournies, being still entertained with the Childes comfortable prattle. Returning home a­gaine, within a while after shee was easily recouered, namely, by letting of bloud in the Saphena, and taking of a gentle purgation. After which she had 4. or 5. sweete Children. She hath many times told me that in those ac­cidents a man attired in white, and of a very pleasing coū ­tenance appeared vnto her, who tooke her by the hand, and kindly exhorted her to trust in GOD. Being in the Wel (& som-what that was very heauy lying on her head and laboring to make her let go the rope, for to plunge her ouer head and eares in the water & so drowne her,) this same personage came vnto her, tooke her by the arme, & holpe her to get vp againe, which she could ne­uer haue done of her selfe. He also comforted her in the garden, and led her very gently to her Chamber, where hee vanished away. In like manner hee met her as shee was going towardes the bridge: and followed her a loofe of vntill such time as she returned home. Beeing thorough well, shee desired nothing so much as leaue this world, and her praiers da [...]ely tended to that effect. At length GOD heard her, and about a moneth before her sicknesse whereof shee dyed, going into the kitchen for to wash her handes and her face, one of her eye teeth on the right side fell out [Page 160] of her head, without any precedent or ensuing paine. Wherevpon she went vnto her husband being in bed, & shewing him the tooth sayd vnto him, husband the Lord calls me: and it is the accomplishment of my desires. O what an happy creature am I! Her husband some what mooued there with, endeuored notwithstanding to com­fort her, and falling of purpose into other talke, arose, & went and prayed. After that, this honorable dame she­wed her selfe alwaies merier to her husband and friends then before, being graue and seuere to her children, and was fairer and lustier then euer she had bin in seauentene yeares that she had liued a wife. Towards the end of the moneth, there being no apparance of any such matter, as she was going to rise betimes in the morning, according to her custome, for to looke to a young child she had, and to tend the affaires of her house, shee was constrained to keepe her bed. Wherevpon her husband comming in, she put him in minde of her tooth and the speeches shee had vsed to him about it, and therefore exhorted him to submit himselfe vnto the will of GOD. He being gon vp for to commend his deare moitie vnto him that neuer reiecteth the praiers of his seruants, she tooke al her iew­ells and putting them vp in her purse sent them by her el­dest Daughter to him, and desired him to keepe them for her sake. Hee came downe, and gently rebuked her for this apprehension. Oh husband, sayd shee, I haue no neede of any thing in this world, for I am going to my GOD. O how blessed am I! during her sicknesse, which lasted twenty daies, I was for the most part present with her, beeing tied there vnto for diuers reasons. Shee put mee in remembrance againe of that I haue declared be­fore, and from so many excellent deliuerances drewe an [Page 161] assured argument of her saluation. The day of her de­cease approching, she began to smile, and being deman­ded the cause thereof by mee; shee answered softly in mine eare, I see my man. O how beautifull he is! then crying out shee said; Stay for mee, stay for me. All the while she was sick, she made no account neither of chil­dren, kinsfolkes, friends, nor of any other thing in the world. And when her husband many times brought their children vnto her, she sayd nothing, but, God blesse you, God be your Father and Mother▪ and to the yongest of them; Hah, little Souldiar! She neuer commended them but once vnto her husband. And after that, shee beheld them with a regardlesse eye. A quarter of an houre be­fore her departure, she called for her Petti-coate to rise, and as she was about to go out of her bed, she desired to be made vnready, and being laid downe againe, she sent for her husband and vsed these words vnto him. Behold the end of my desire, and the beginning of my felicitie. IESVS CHRIST is my hope: Good husband, I desire but one thing of you. Pray vnto GOD for me. Her husband and chil­dren being prostrated on their knees, after an earnest praier vnto GOD, she closed her eyes as if she had been going to sleepe, & died with a sweeter countenance then euer she had had in al her life before. Extracted out of my Memorials.

ALthough there be many times some naturall causes of phrensie or madnesse: yet is it without question, that the Diuill entreth into certaine persons, and in them [Page 162] causeth furies & torments, either with naturall causes or without them: seeing such as are so diseased be often cu­red by remedies which are not naturall. Many times also such spectacles are so many prodigies and predictions of things to come. Some do [...]en yeares since, a woman in the country of Saxony, which could neither write nor read, being tormented of the Diuill, and her fit being past, she talked both in Greeke and Latin, of the warre of Saxony that happened afterward, and pronounced words in Greeke and Latin, the sence whereof was, that there would be great trouble vpon earth, and sedition among the people. PH. MELANCHTHON in one of his Epistles.

Foure yeares before that, there was a Maide in the Marquisate of Brandebourg, who pulling away the haires from the Furre of any ones garment that came before her, those hayres were presently turned into peeces of the country money, which this maid gnawed on with an horrible grating of her teeth. There were diuerse that hauing snatched some of those peeces out of her hand, found them to be very money indeed, and do keepe them still. This maide was very much tormented at times: but within a while after she was thoroughly cured, and euer since liued in good health. She was often-times prayed for, and neuer any other ceremonie was vsed. The same.

I haue heard, that in Italy there was a woman a very idiot, possessed of the Diuell, who being demanded of LAZARVS BONAMI a very learned personage, accom­panied with his Schollers, which was the best verse in VIRGIL, suddenly answered.

This sayd shee, is the best and worthiest verse that euer [Page 163] VIRGIL made, get thee gone, and come no more to tempt me. PH. MELANCHTHON in his epistles. G. PRV­CER, in the 1. booke of his Comentary of Diuinations, Chap. 9. P. BOVISTAV, in 26. Chap. of his Prodigious Histories.

ANTHONY BENIVENIVS in the 8. Chap. of his booke of the hidden causes of diseases, writeth, that hee sawe a young woman of the age of 1 [...]. yeares, whose hands bowed very strangely backwards, assoone as a certaine paine tooke her in the bottom of her belly. At her feare­full cryes, her belly swelled so big, that one would haue thought shee had beene gone 8. moneths with child: fi­nally she lost her breath, and not able to continue in a place, shetumbled from one side of the bed to the other, putting her head many times betweene her legges, as if she would haue plaid some tumbling trick. Then being questioned concerning that which had be falne her, she neuer remembred any such matter. But searching, saith he, the causes of this disease, we were of opinion that it proceeded from a suffocation of the Matrix, and from malignant vapours fuming vpward, to the detriment of the heart and braine. Whervpon we endeuoured to ease her with medicines, but that seruing to no purpose, she became more outragious then before, and at last began to vomit long crooked Yron nailes, tagges of points, fil­led within with waxe, and wound all about with hayres, and so great a portion of her breakfast, that it was not possible for any man whatsoeuer to swallowe it whole. Hauing sundry times began such manner of vomitings in my presence, I mistrusted that shee was possessed of an euill spirit, which charmed the eyes of the assistants, whilst he cast those things abroad. As presently there­vpon it was verified by more apparent signes & proofes: [Page 164] for afterward we heard her making predictions & doing other things, which surpassed all vehemencie of sick­nesse, yea all humaine vnderstanding. I▪ WIER in the 4. Booke of diabolical impostures, Chap. 6.

MEINOR CLATH, a Gentleman dwelling at Bouten­brouck, a Castle in the Duchie of Iuilliers, had a seruant named WILLIAM, who 14. yeares together was tor­mented of the Diuill. One day swelling mightily about the throate, and looking very pale, so that they were af­fraid he would haue falne downe: IVDITH his Mistresse a very honest Gentlewoman, gathering her folkes toge­ther, began to call vpon GOD: where-vpon there sud­dainly issued out of this WILLIAMS mouth, amongst other trash, all the fore-part of a Shepheards breeches, Flint-stones, some whole & some broken, little bottoms of thred, a false head of haire, needles, a peece of a boyes silke doublet, and a Peacocks feather. Being demanded concerning the cause of his sicknesse, hee answered that he met with a woman hard by Camphuse, which blowed in his face from whence he thought it proceeded. But afterward when he was well, he confessed that this accu­sation was not true, and that he was induced by the diuill to say so. Furthermore, he added, that all those prodigi­ous things came not out of his body, but were throwne against his mouth by the Diuell whilst they saw him vo­mit. One day being more carefully looked vnto, by reasō they were afraid he would haue done himselfe some mis­chiefe, his eyes remained so fast closed together, that it was impossible to open thē. At length GERTRVDE, CLATHS eldest daughter, of some 12. yeares of age, comming vnto him, exhorted him to pray to GOD, that it would please him to restore his sight againe: wherevpon WILLIAM [Page 165] desired her to pray, which she did, and her eies were im­mediatly opened, to the great amazement of all that were present. The Diuil often perswaded him not to giue eare eyther to his Mistresse or any other that troubled his head, with talking to him of GOD, who could not helpe him, seeing hee was once dead, as hee had heard it publickly preached. Another time striuing to put his hand vnder the Kitchin-maides clothes, and shee rating him for it by his name, hee answered in a big voice; My name is not WILLIAM but BEELZEEVB: wherevnto his Mistresse replied; Thinkest thou therefore that wee feare thee? He in whom wee trust, is of farre more infi­nite power and strength then thou art. Then CLATH in­cited with a holy zeale in the presence of all his house, commanded Sathan, in the name of IESVS CHRIST, to come forth of him, reading the 11. Chapter of the Gos­pell of S^t. Luke, where mention is made of a dumbe Di­uill cast out by the power of our Sauiour, as also of BEEL­ZEBVB Prince of Diuils. In the end WILLIAM began to take some rest, and slept till morning, like a man in a traunce: then taking a little broth, and feeling himselfe through well, hee was carried home to his friends, ha­uing first thanked his master and mistresse, and desired GOD to recompence them for the paines they had ta­ken with him during his affliction. After that he maried, and had children, and was neuer tormented more of the Diuill. I. WIER, in the booke &c. before mentioned.

Vpon the 18. day of March 1566. a very memorable matter happened in the towne of Amsterdam in Holland, whereof Maister ADRIAN NICHOLAS Chancellor of Gueldres, makes a publicke discourse, containing this which ensueth. Some two moneths agoe, or there­about [Page 166] (saith he) thirty children in this Towne began to bee tormented after a strange manner, as though they had beene lunatick or madde. By fitts they threw them­selues against the ground, and this torment lasted halfe an houre or an houre at the most. When they rose a­gaine, they neuer remembred any paine they had felt, nor any other thing they had done in their fitte, but thought they had slept. The Phisitions to whom they had recourse, did them no good, because they were of opinion that their disease proceeded not from naturall causes. Wherevpon their Parents imagining they were bewitched, resorted vnto Witches: but they preuailed as little with all their sorcery. Finally they repaired vn­to Exorcists, by reason they were perswaded their chil­dren were possessed, because vpon the suddaine they said many things which surpast their capacitie and age. These Exorcists emploied all their cunning, and lost their labour. During their exorcismes, the children vomited a great sort of Needles, Pinnes, Thimbles, lumpes of Cloath, pieces of broken Pottes, Glasse, Haire, and other such things: for all which not-with-standing, they were neuer the better, but at times fell into the same ex­tremitie againe, to the great astonishment of all men for the rarenesse of so strange a spectacle. I. WIER in his 4. Booke, chap. 8.

The like happened at Rome, the yeare 1553. for in the Hospitall of the Orphans, about seuenty Girles were possessed in one night, and continued in that estate aboue two yeares. CARDAN, in the 4. Booke de varia­tate, Chap. 176.

IOHN LANGIVS a very learned Physition writeth in the first Booke of his Epistles, that in the yeare 1539. [Page 167] this which followeth happened at Fungestall, a Village in the Bishoprick of Eysteten, verified by a number of good witnesses. VLRIC NEVSESSAR a labouring man dwelling in that Village, was miserably tormented with a paine in his hips. One day the Chirurgion hauing made an incision in the skinne, drew out a great Yron Nayle: the paine abated not for all that, but contrarily so encreased, that the poore man became desperate, and with a sharpe knife cut his owne throate. As hee was carrying forth to be buried, two Chirurgions in the pre­sence of a great many people, opened his stomack, and there found some round pieces of wood, foure Steele Kniues, some very keene, and some dented like a Sawe, also two Yron barres of 9. inches long a peece: and a great lumpe of hayre. I wonder how that Yron could be contained within the capacity of his stomach: but no question, it was a deuise of the Diuill, who cunningly supposed all those things for to make himselfe be feared. I. WIER in his 4. Booke, Chap. 9.

The torments where with the Diuill afflicted certaine Nunnes at Wertet in the County of Horne, are meruai­lous and horrible. Which came first (as it is reported) by the meanes of a poore woman, who in the Lent time borrowed a Quarte of Salte of the Nunnes, weyghing three pounds or there-about, and payde them twise asmuch againe, a little before Easter. Af­ter that they found little white Pellets in their Dor­tor, like to round Sugar Plummes, and Salte in taste, whereof not-with-standing none of them did eate, nor knew not from whence they came. Shortlye there-vp­on they heard a thing, which seemed to grone like a sicke man: they likewise vnderstood a voyce, willing [Page 168] certaine of the Nunnes to come to one of their Sisters that was sick: but there was no such matter when they came. If at any time they chaunced to make water in their Chamber-pot, it was suddainely snatched away, so that they all berayed their beddes. They were often drawne about the house by the heeles, and so tickled in the soles of their feete, that they swouned with laughing. Some had pieces of their flesh plucked away, and others had their legges, armes and face turned back-ward. Di­uers of them beeing thus tormented, vomited a great quantity of black licor, like vnto incke, although they had eaten nothing in seauen weekes before, but a little i [...]yce of rapes, without bread, some were hoisted vp in the aire to the highth of a man, and presently throwne downe a­gainst the ground. As certaine of their friends came to the Couent for to make merry with them who seemed to be almost well, on a suddaine some of them fell back­ward as they sate at table, quite depriued of speach and sence: the rest lay all along as though they had bin dead, with their armes and legges bowed back-ward. One a­mongst them was hoisted vp in the aire, and albeit those that were present stroue with all their might to hinder it, yet was shee snatched vp spight of their teethes, and then so throwne against the ground, that shee seemed to be dead: but rysing vp againe within a while after as if it had beene out of a sound sleepe, she went out of the re­fectory hauing no hurt. Some went vpon their knees, as if they had no feete. Others climbed vp to the toppes of trees, and came downe againe as lightly, as if they had beene Catts. This torment of the Nunnes continued three yeares openly knowne: but afterward it was kept close. I. WIER. lib. 4. Chap. 10.

[Page 169]With this same agrees that which happened to Saint Brigitts Nunnes, in their Couent hard by Xante. Sometimes they skipped and bleated like sheepe, or ro­red in most horrible manner. Sometimes they were thrust out of their pues in the Church, or had their vailes pulled of their heads: and many times their throtes was so stopped, that they were not able to swallowe any meate. This strange calamitie endured the space of ten yeares in some of them. And it is reported that a young Nunne surprised with the loue of a young man was cause thereof: for her parents hauing denyed her him in mariage, the Diuell taking the forme of that young man vpon him appeered vnto her in her greatest flames, and counselled her to become a Nunne, as incon­tinently shee did. Beeing shut vp in the Couent shee grewe as it were furious, and shewed euery one strange and horrible sights. This inconuenient like a plague infected diuers other Nunnes. The first beeing seques­tred, abandoned herselfe to him that kept her, and had two Children by him. Thus Satan within and without the Couent wrought his detestable effects. In the same booke and Chapter.

I haue heard that the Diuell for certaine yeares togi­ther tormented the Nunnes of Hessymont at Nieumeghen. One day he entred with a whirle winde into their Dor­tor, where he began to play so melodiously on the Lute and Harpe, that the Nunnes feete tickled to dance. Then he tooke the forme of a dog, and leaped into one of their bedds, it was suspected of incontinency. Other strange things happened there, as also in another Couent hard by Colen about the yeare 1560. Where the Diuill wal­ked in the likenesse of a dog, and hyding himselfe vnder [Page 170] the Nunnes Cloathes, played most filthy and shamefull trickes. The like he did at Hensberg in the Duchy of Cle­ues, vnder the figure of Catts. In the same booke and Chap.

ANTHONY SVCQVET, Kinght of the order of the golden fleece, a personage of great reputation ouer all Flanders, and Counsellor in the priuy Counsell of Bra­bant beside three legitimate Children had a bastard, that tooke a wife at Bruges: Who a little after her marriage began to be pittifully tormented of the euill spirit, inso­much that where-souer shee was, euen in the middest of Ladies and gentlewomen, she was suddainly carried a­way & drawne vp and downe the roome, & many times, cast now into one corner, now into another, albeit those that were with her labored to hold her and keepe her from it. But in these agitations she tooke but little harme in her body. Euery one thought that this inconuenient was procured vnto her by a wench whom her husband, (that was a proper gallant yong man) had somtimes kept. Amidst these accidents she became with Child, but cea­sed not for all that to bee tormented of the spirit. The time of her deliuery come, there chanced to be but one woman in her company, who was presently sent to the mid-wife and other women for to come to her labor. In the meane time it seemed vnto her that the wench (of whom I spake) came into the Chamber, and serued her in stead of a mid-wife: where with the poore gentle woman was so exceedingly frighted, that she fell into a swound. Being come to herselfe againe she felt that she was dis­charged of her b [...]rthen: & yet no Child appeared, wher­at euery body was greatly amazed. The next day when she awaked shee found a Child made vp and layd by her in the bed: to the which shee gaue suck at two seuerall [Page 171] times. Falling a sleepe againe within a little while after, the Child was taken from her side, & neuer seene more. The report went that certaine scrolles and▪ magical Cha­racters were found about the lock of the Chamber dore. This history was recounted vnto mee, by my brother in Lawe a learned and vertuous gentleman who had recei­ued it from the gentlewomans husband and brother, & from diuers others that had visited her in her Child bed. I. WIER in his 3. booke Chap. 34.

Here we might report the monstrous and innumera­ble convulsions which happened to the Nunnes of Ken­torp in the Country of March not farre from Hammone. A little before their fit and during the same, they cast forth a stynking breath out of their mouthes, which at times continued certaine houres. In the middest of their paine some of thē were of good memory, & both heard and knew those that were about them, although by reasō of the convulsion of their toungs & partes, seruing to re­spiration, they could not speake in their sit. Now some were tormented more then others, and some lesse. But this was common to them all, that assoone as one was tormented, at the onely noise of that one the rest, sepera­ted in diuers Chambers, were also tormented. One of the ancientest of the Couēt, & of the first that was afflic­ted, named ANNE LENGON, discoursed the whole history vnto me. When first of all she felt a paine in her left side, & that it was thought she was taken with the falling sick­nesse, she was sent to the Monastery of Monherric: where­vnto she consented through a certaine deuotion, and af­ter she had drunke there in Saint Cornelius head, the re­port went, that she was much better then she had beene: which was found cleane otherwise. For both she & the [Page 172] rest, being in worse estate then before, sent to a cunning­man, who certified them that they were all poysoned by their Cooke, named ELSE CAMENSE. The Diuill tak­ing hold on this occasion, began to torment them more then before, and which was worse, induced them to bite and beate one another, and to throw one another to the ground, which they did without any harme, and as easi­lie as if they had beene feathers, insomuch that they ve­ry well perceiued their will was not in their owne pow­er. When they were kept from fighting and doing any other violence, then they tormented themselues in most grieuous maner, and assoone as they were let alone, they fell to biting of one another, and yet neuer felt any hurt. If ANNE spake in her fit, it seemed to be done by meanes of some other that drew her breath in and out. Shee vn­derstood her selfe speake: but the speech ended, she re­membred not a word of that shee had spoken, vnlesse it were repeated vnto her againe: for then she remembred that she had pronounced it. At any time when she set her selfe to pray, incontinently shee was molested by the euill spirit: fo that she could not, as willingly she would, either attentiuely prosecute her purpose, or moue her tongue. But if shee chanced, without thinking on it, to mutter a Pater noster, or an Aue Maria on her Beads, shee was so farre from being hindered, that then she felt ease. Otherwaies, shee was altogether dull, and destitute of sence, discretion and iudgement: so that she could neuer thinke a suisedly on any thing what-so euer. If any good deuo [...]te man that feared GOD, fortuned to conferre with her, then it seemed the Diuill would punish her for it. But contrary wise, if other women talked with her about trifling and ordinary matters, therein shee tooke [Page 173] pleasure, and was eased by it. Nowe all these Nunnes thus tormented felt a paine, that got vp ward by little and little from the soles of their feete, which seemed to them to bee skalded with hot seething water. And though they were all thus strangely afflicted, yet lost they not their appetite, but still receiued sustenance. The Diuell spake very often and much by the mouthes of the yon­gest which had their spirits troubled; vnto whom he pre­sented himselfe in the forme of a black Catte, and in the likenesse of Else Kamense, or of her Mother, or Brother: so as euery one thought, (but falsely) that those persones were the cause of such torments. ANNE being resolued to returne no more to the Couent, from whence her pa­rents had taken her, but to serue GOD deuoutly, so as (with as more setled iudgement), this calamity left her: notwithstanding if she receiued but letters from the Ab­lesse, shee felt a shwering through-out all her Body, as if shee should presently haue fallen againe into her former inconuenience. Not long after she maried, and was ne­uer troubled with that calamity more. She told me al­so that ELSE KAMENSE was afflicted in the same manner as the rest were, namely with the falling sicknesse, & that many times she talked idely too wherevpon the Nunnes were perswaded that shee had bewitched her selfe, to the end she might not be suspected of that she had done, in­somuch that they all set vpon this maide, whom the cun­ning man had told them was a witch. The poore wench beeing carryed before the Iustice, at the first confessed that shee was cause of that heauy spectacle, wrought by meanes of the mixture of certaine poysons: being at the place of execution, and ready to die, she protested that shee had neuer vsed any poyson, but onely at times [Page 174] pronounced certaine curses.

After that Else and her mother were burned, some of the inhabitants of Hammone, a towne there by, began to bee tormented of the euill spirit. The minister of the place got foure or fiue of them into his house, for to instruct and fortifie them against the impostures of the enemy. But when hee had recited some articles of a Christans beliefe, they beganne to mocke the Mi­nister, and to name certaine women of the Towne, to whome they sayd they would go, mounted vpon Bucks, which should carry them thither. Incontinently one of them got him a stride vpon a forme, crying out that hee was ryding away. Another stepping vp behinde him, fell back-ward quite ouer and ouer, and lighted against the Chamber dore, which flying open, hee tumbled from the toppe of the stayres downe to the bottome, and had no hurt. About the same time, in a village named Houel, hard by the same Towne, diuers men were cruelly tormented of the euil spirit. I. WIER in booke 4. Chap. 11.

The Nunnes of the Couent of Nazareth at Cologne were tormented almost like those of Kantorp. Hauing beene a long time diuersly vexed by the Diuell, much more in the yeare 1564. For they were layd along vpon the ground as if it had beene to haue had the company of man: during which indignity their eies remained closed, which afterwards they opened very shame fastly, & as if they had endured some grieuous paine. A young wench named GERTRVDE, of 14. yeares of age, gaue way to all this mischiefe. She had beene often abused with those wantō apparitions in her bed, wherof her laughter made proofe, although she had tried diuers meanes to remedy [Page 175] it, but all in vaine. For as a fellowe of hers lay on a pallet by her, only for to keepe her from such apparitions, the poore wench grewe affraied hearing the noise that was made in Gertrudes bedde, of whome at length the Diuell tooke possession, and beganne to afflict her with sundry sorts of Convulsions. In her fit, she was like a blind body, vttering strange and inconstant speeches tending to dis­paire. The like did diuers others: and so this plague pre­uailed by little & little, & augmented much more, when these poore afflicted soules began to haue recourse vnto vnlawfull remedies. Now whilest the Diuell tormented them thus, some of them were taken with the plague, and as long as they had it, the euil spirit neuer troubles them, through a singular goodnesse of GOD, who lymiteth vn­to Satan certaine boūds, which he cannot passe (witnesse IOB) in afflicting those whō GOD hath deliuered vp vn­to him for a time in this world. The beginning of all this calamity proceeded from certaine lewd youthes, who hauing gotten acquaintance, by playing at stoole-ball thereby with one two of those Nunnes, climbed ouer the walles, & enioyed their loues. But afterwards leauing of that course, by reason they were depriued of the meanes to continewe it, the Diuell corrupted the phantasie of those miserable creatures, and entreated them as hath beene declared. I. WIER booke 1. Chap. 12.

To these may be added another Nunne of the Couent of Bosledue, hard by Saint Iohns Church, named IVDITH, whom I haue seene tormented of the Diuill with strange convulsions for hee so stopt her throate that shee could not swallowe any meate, and many times held her toung in such sorte, that hee kept her from speaking: likewise I haue heard her vtter ridiculous and horrible speaches. [Page 176] With her I will ioyne another maide seruant to a Nunne of a great and noble house. A Country fellowe had pro­mised her marriage▪ but hee fell in loue with another: whereat she was so grieued, that being gone some halfe a mile from the Couent, she met the Diuell in the likenes of a proper yong man, who began to talke very familiar­ly with her, discouering vnto her all the Country fel­lowes secrets, with the speech hee had vsed to his newe loue: and that to the end he might haue made the wench fall into dispaire, and so drawne her to haue made her self away. Being come to a little brooke, he tooke the bottle of oile, which she carried, that she might the better passe ouer the bridge: and enticed her to go with him to a place that hee named, which shee refused, saying what would you haue me do going along those mar­shes? Wherevpon he vanished away, which so affrigh­ted the poore maide that she fell into a swound: her Mis­tres being aduertised of it, sent a litter to fetch her to the Couent. Where she lay a long time sick, and as it were depriued of sense being troubled in spirit after a strange manner, and diuers times complayned that she was mi­serably tormented of the Diuell, who would haue her & carry her away through the windowe. Afterward she was married to that Country-fellowe, and recouered her for­mer health: The same.

At Leuensteet, a village belonging to the Duke of Bruns­wick, there was a maide named MARGARET ACHILS about twenty yeares old, dwelling with her Sisters. Vpon the second day of Iune, going to make cleane a paire of showes, she tooke one of her kniues, that was some halfe a foote long: and as shee was beginning to scrape them being set in a corner of the Chamber, and very weake [Page 177] with an ague, that had held her a long time, suddenly an old woman came in, who asked her whether she had her ague still, and how she felt her-selfe in her sicknesse; and so without any farther talke departed. After the shooes were made cleane, this maide let the Knife fall into her lap, which she could not finde againe, although she had sought very diligently for it: whereat she was some-what afraide, but farre more, when she perceiued a black Dog lying vnder the Table, whom she droue away, hoping to finde her Knife. The Dog being [...] began to shew his teeth, and grinning at her, got into the street and ran away. Presently wherevpon this maide thought she felt I know not what, running downe on the one side of her back, as it were some cold humor, and immediatly shee swounded, continuing so till the third day after, when she began to find a little ease, & to receiue some sustenance. Now being demanded cōcerning the cause of her griefe, she answered, that she was well assured the Knife which fell into her lappe was entred into her left side, in which place she felt a paine. And although her friends contra­dicted her, because they attributed this indisposition to a melancholy humor, and that she talked idlely by reason of her sicknesse, long abstinence, and other accidents: yet ceased shee not to persist in her continuall plaints and teares, so that her head became very light, & some-times shee remained two dayes togither without taking any thing, although they vsed both faire meanes & foule to draw her therevnto. Her fits were worse at some-times then at other some, insomuch that shee tooke but little rest, because of the continuall paines that tormented her: whereby shee was constrained to go euen double on a staffe. And that which more augmented her griefe and [Page 178] diminished her ease, was that shee verily beleeued the knife was in her body, and yet euery one obstinatly con­tradicted her in it, and propounded the impossibilitie therof, imagining that her braine was distempred, consi­dering nothing was seene that might induce thē to such an opinion, saue her incessant teares and complaints, wherin she continued the space of certaine moneths, & to such time as there appeared on her left side a tumor of the bignes of an Egge, like to an halfe Moone, which encreased or decreased according as the swelling waxed more or lesse. Then the poore wench began to say: You would not beleeue the knife was in my body till now: but ere long you shall see how it is fixed in my side. And indeed on the thirtith day of Iune, namely about thir­teene moneths after, she had first suffered this affliction, there issued such an abundance of matter out of the vlcer which was growne on that side, that the swelling began to asswage, & then the point of the knife appered, which the maid would haue pulled out, had she not bin staid by her friends, who sent for Duke HENRIES Chirurgian, be­ing at that time resident in the Castle of Wolffbutel. The Chirurgian comming thither on the 4. day of Iuly, desi­red the Minister, to comfort, instruct, and incourage the maide, as also to obserue her answers, because euery one thought she was possessed. She consented to be ruled by the Chirurgiā, although she was perswaded that present death would ensue. The Chirurgian perceiuing the point of the knife which appeared in her left side, with his in­struments drew it forth: and it was found in all respects like to the other that was in her sheath, and very much vsed about the middest of the blade. Afterwards the vl­cer was healed by the Chirurgian. In the same booke, ch. 14.

[Page 179]CARDAN writeth that a certaine labourer a friend of his and an honest man, declared vnto him, how for many yeares together he was sick of an vnknowne disease: du­ring the which, by meanes of certaine charmes, he had often-times vomited glasse, nailes, & haite: and although he was afterwards recouered by that meanes, yet he felt a great quantity of broken glasse in his belly, which made a noyse like a great many pieces of broken glasse tyed vp together in a bag. Moreouer he added how that noise ve­ry much troubled him, and that euery eighteenth night, about seauen of the clock, for eighteene yeares space, af­ter he was well, he felt as many blowes on his heart, as the Clock strooke houres: which hee endured not with­out great torment. In the same booke, Chap. 7.

But yet farther to shew the sleights and subtilties of Sathan, who with efficacie of error turmoiles such as the diuine iustice deliuers vp vnto him, I will adde another history touching a child Demoniack, written by D. HENRY COLEN of Bosledue, to AVGVSTINE HVN [...]VS a Doctor of Lovaine the 3. day of March 1574. as followeth. A child of our towne foretels, that the wicked & tyrranicall com­plot of the rebels of the Low-countries shal now take an end. We feare notwithstanding least it be some deuise of the euill spirit: albeit no man can discouer any such mat­ter yet. This child cries out & bids euery one pray hearti­ly and incessantly vnto GOD: he himselfe with hands heaued vp, prayes 3. times a day. Hee hath foretold mer­ueilous things of our time, & all that he hath foretold is come to passe, not failing in any circumstance. Also hee saith, that the Angell GABRYEL hath reuealed vnto him, how all these Tragedies of Flanders shall end, before next Summer be halfe past: and how the King of Spaine [Page 180] shall come into the low-countries, & appease all by most happy meanes. He hath likewise foretold the very mo­ment of time of the taking of Middelborough, and infinite other things come to passe according to his predictions. I (most vnworthy) was also called to examine this child, and was wonderfully amazed to see so simple a thing, which can neither write nor read, answer so readily to all demands, and resolue the greatest difficulties could bee propounded. And because Sathan transfigures himselfe into an Angell of light, I obiected many and sundry que­stions vnto him: but so farre is it from an Angell that ab­hors the crosse of our Lord, or the name of IESVS: that contrariwise it hath taught the child a praier, in substance containing these words: O IESVS of Nazareth, which was crucified for vs, haue mercy vpon vs: helpe vs poore sinners that we may returne againe vnto the faith. I. WIER, in 1. Booke, chap. 10. where he addeth this censure. The contra­ry euent hath manifested, that this child was possessed of the diuill, who spake and prognosticated by his mouth. For the troubles of Flanders ended not the Summer fol­lowing, nor three yeares (we may say, nor fiue and twen­tie yeares) after, neither was, nor is there any newes of the K [...]ng of Spaines comming into the Lowe-Coun­tries. Now the spirit of GOD cannot faile nor erre in the least point that is. Therefore one may perceiue who that GABRIEL was, that could declare the very moment of time, of the taking of Middelborough in Zea­land: to wit, the Diuill, who being a spirit, transports himselfe in an instant from one place to another, by rea­son of his incomprehensible swiftnesse. Hee it was that moued this childe to the prayers before mentioned, the better to colour his impostures and lyes. For so hee hath [Page 181] accustomed to mingle truth with falsehood. As Doctor COLEN may acknowledge, if he be still aliue, in the be­ginning of this new age 1600. If hee be departed this world, I leaue the decision thereof to his companions.

The yeare 1594. in the Marquisate of Brandebourg, there were seene aboue eight score persons together Demoniacks, which vttered meruailous things, and both knew and named such as they had neuer seene▪ amongst those persons they noted some which were dead long before, that walked crying out vnto euery one to repent, to leaue off all dissolutenesse in apparell, &c. and de­nounced GODS iudgments, affirming that they were commanded by the Lord to preach amendment of life, whereby sinners might bee brought againe to the right way. These Demoniacks raged exceedingly where-so­euer they came, and belched forth infinite out-rages against the Ministers of the Church, talking of nothing but of apparitions of good and euill Angels. The Diuill shewed himselfe in diuers shapes, and in the Sermon time flew ouer the Church with a terrible noyse and crie: strawing points and peeces of gold and siluer all along as hee went. IAQVES HORST Doctor of Phy­sick, in his History of the Silesian Childes golden tooth. Let vs adde that which a certaine Frislander presents, in his collection of Histories, intituled Mercurius Gallobelgicus, the yeare 1594. in this manner. I will shut vp this dis­course with the words of IAQVES COLER a Doctor and Preacher in the Marquisate of Brandebourg, who hath published a Booke of it in Dutch. After hee had exhorted the Almaignes to giue ouer all dissolutenesse, excesse and disorder, principally in apparell: then all oathes, execrations and imprecations: finally he con­demnes [Page 182] the wicked custome of his country, where when any one will maintaine this or that to bee true, presently he saith. If it be not so, such, and such a Diuill take mee. Or when one will wish another ill, he prayes that an hun­dreth tun of Diuils may enter into his belly, and there remaine so well closed, that not one of them may get ou [...] againe. From thence proceedeth it (saith hee) that now at Spandaw, Friberg, and other townes in the Mar­quisate of Brand [...]bourg wee heard the Diuils crie: You haue called for vs a long time, wherefore we were forced to come, and loe here we are.: you haue made no ac­count of your Superiors, but wee will obey you, whe­ther you will or no. We preach amendment of life vnto you, although it be against our willes. As the euill spirit was about to make a maide of Spandaw whom hee pos­sessed, to drowne her selfe, and certaine good folkes la­boured to hinder it, alledging the History of the Gada­rens, into whose Swine the Diuils could not enter, but by the permission of IESVS CHRIST: the Diuill stret­ching forth the [...]and began to say: You are those Swine, and because there is nothing but gluttony and drunken­nesse amongst you, you are all in my power. Others be­ing demanded, why they tormented GODS creatures, answered: The Lord commands vs to doe it, you will neither heare, beleeue, nor pray: therefore we are your tormentors. Doctor Horst shewes diuers reasons, how that resurrection of the dead aboue mentioned, was dia­bolicall, and such another as the apparition of a false SA­MVBL raised by the witch, mentioned in holy writte, and in all the rest doth proue, that in all these accidents they discouer the imposture and furie o [...] S [...]than, the fearefull executioner of GODS iust iudgement.

A Country-man called IHON MVLLER, a Carpenter by his trade, dwelling at Weigdeldorff a Village of Silesia, belong­ing to a Gentleman called FREDERICK de GETHORNE, vnder the Soueraign­tie of the Emperour, tooke to wife one named HEDVVIGK of Endesdorff, a Village in the Duchie of Bres [...]aw, in the same Country. These two marryed folkes, liuing very honestly and without reproach in their meane condition, had be­tweene them a Sonne, borne the 22. day of December 1585. foure dayes after he was Christened and named CHRISTOPHER, carefully brought vp, and in the yeare 1593. sent to the Schoole of the Village a­mongst other Children. A little before Easter, a cer­taine Girle discouers that this Chlde hath the last great Tooth of the left side appearing all of cleane Golde: diuers others therevpon finde it to be so. Suddenly the report of it is dispersed all about, so that the Dukes of Silesia, Lignits, Brige, Munsterberg, &c. and diuerse Gentlemen and Cittizens of credit, cause the Childe to bee brought vnto them, that they might see him. Amongst others, Monsieur ANDRE, Bishop of Nisse, and chiefe Gouernour of Silesia, made him to be ex­presly brought vnto him to Nisse, where in his pre­sence certaine Chirurgians very diligently and atten­tiuely considered the force, matter, forme, & disposition [Page 184] of this tooth. In the yeare 1594. about the moneth of September going into Silesia for to sell a certaine house that I had at Sueidniz, and staying at Reichenbach a towne distant some houres iourney from Weigeldorff, I easily obtayned of FREDERICK de GELHORNE (vnto whose Sonne beeing at that time sicke, I minystred phisick,) to haue this Childe brought vnto mee, by his Mother to a kinsmans house of mine, named MELCHIOR HORST where [...] with the principall men of the place, in the fore-noone a little before dinner, I very diligētly be­held at two seuerall times this golden tooth of CHRIS­TOPHERMVLLERS, I tooke hold of it with my fingers, and wagging it in and out, I found it firme and inmo­ueable: hauing made him open his mouth, I saw the gold of the said tooth, shyning very bright: it was the last great tooth of the lower [...]awe on the left side, being a lit­tle thicker then the other great teeth, but of the same forme and higth, hauing the gumme very sound, soft, red, and in euery point as it should bee. I obserued also that at that time the Childe being about eight yeares old had all his teeth except the great tooth next to that of gold, which by meanes thereof thorough a speciall pro­uidence of GOD appeared much the better! Herevp­on being in doubt whither hee chawed with that tooth aswell as with the rest, I desired mine host to make the Mother and the Childe to stay dinner. Wee were no sooner risen from table, but I sen [...] againe for the chiefest persons of the towne, and in their presence I opened the Childes mouth, where I found the meate yet remayning chawed vpon this tooth of gold. Then causing his mouth to be washed very cleane with faire water, with a touch-stone I touched the tooth, and found that the [Page 185] gold approched to the carat of that of Hungarie. This Childe is of complexion hot anddrie, prettily in flesh, of a good stature and a liuely spirit, peaceable and meruailous studious, insomuch that I was faine to giue him a couple of bookes that hee begged of mee. I. HORST Doctor of Phisicke in his Historycall and Philosophicall doscourse of the Silesian Childes golden tooth.

A Desperate man in our time dying (a­mong manie other horrible speeches) sayd that hee wished to bee alreadie in hell. And beeing demanded the cause of so wicked a desire: for that (sayd hee) the apprehension of tor­ments which doe attend me, cause me presently to feele a double hell: when I shall feele it at the full, I shall not expect any more.

I haue heard an other desperate man, who beeing ex­horted to turne from the two vehement apprehen­tion of GODS Iustice, vnto his mercie, which was open vnto him, hee answered very coldly, you saie true, GOD is GOD; but of his Children, not for me: his mercie is certaine: for his elect, but I am a reprobate, a vessell of wrath and cursing, and I doe alreadie feele the to [...]ments of hell: When they did exhort him to call GOD his Father, and IESVS CHRIST his Sonne. My mouth (sayd hee) doth speake it but my heart hath horror of it. I beeleeue that hee is the Father of others, but not of mee. When they did laie before [Page 186] him that hee had knowne GOD, heard his worde, and receiued his Sacraments. I but (hee added) that I was an hipocryte, and guilty of many blasphemies a­gainst GOD. And then he returned to his ordinary dis­courses, I am a vessell prepared to wrath and damnation, I am damned. I burne. H. BELON in the treasor of a Christian soule.

A learned man at Louvain called M. GERLACH, hauing profited so well in his studies, as hee was one of the first among the Learned of our time, bee­ing toucht with a greeuous sickenesse, hee sighed con­tinualy, and feeling himselfe to drawe neere his ende, hee beganne to descouer the grounde of his sighes, spea­king such fearefull wordes as desperate men are ac­customed to proferre: crying out and lamenting that hee had liued verie wickedly, and that hee could not en­dure the Iudgement of GOD: for that hee knewe his sinnes were so great, as he should neuer obtaine pardon: so as in this distresse hee died, opprest with greeui­ous and horrible despaire. The Historie of our Times.

M. ARNOVL BOMEL, a learned man of the same place, receyuing an impression in his braine from a Sophister, of strange opynions touching our Saluation, hee beganne to growe wilde. One daie going out of Louvaine with three Schollers to walke: Vpon his re­turne vnto the Towne, hee did sit downe neere a foun­tayne, fayning to rest him. The Schollers went a little before, not doubting any thing. In the meane time BOMEL doth secretly drawe forth a little knife, and stabbes himselfe in the brest. The Schollers retur­ning towardes him, espied him to fall, and running to [Page 187] him, they did see the fountaine red, with bloud. They came to him all amazed, and find [...]ng the wounde, they carried him as well as they could to the neerest house; and doubting that it might bee deadly, they exhorted him to aske GOD mercie, for that hee had done vio­lence vnto himselfe. Hee seemed vnto them to haue some remorse, as well by his outward countenance as by some wordes which hee deliuered with a languishing voice. But in the meane time, seeing a knife hang at one of the Schollers girdels, hee seized thereon sodenly and strikes himselfe to the heart, whereof hee died presently. In the same Historie.

M^r. IAMES LATOMVS, one of the chiefe Doctors in the Vniuersitie of Louvain, beeing one daie out of countenance in a Sermon before the Emperour CHARLES the fifte returning ashamed and confounded from Br [...]xelles to Louvaine, so as after hee did so appre­hend this dishonour, as hee fell sodenlie into despaire, whereof hee gaue manie testymonies in publike: the which did mooue his friendes to keepe him close in his house, from that time vnto his last gaspe, poore LATO­MVS had no other speech, but that hee was reiected of GOD, that hee was damned, and that he hoped for no mercy nor saluation, as hauing maliciously made warre against the grace and truth of GOD. Hee died in this despaire, neither was it possible for any friendes nor Physitions to make him change this opinion. The same author.

In the end of the yeare 1545. in a smal towne of the ter­ritory of Padoua, called Ciuitelle there was a learned Lawier and Aduocate, a wise and verie Rich man, and an honourable Father of a famelie, called FRANCIS [Page 188] SPIERA, who hauing said and done diuers things against his conscience, to maintaine himselfe and his charge, be­ing returned to his house, he could neuer rest an houre, no not a minute, nor feele any ease of his continuall an­guish. And euen from that night he was so terrified and had such horror of his actions, as hee held himselfe for lost. For (as he himselfe did afterwards confesse) he did see plainly before his eies, all the torments, all the paines of hell, and of the damned, and in his soule did heare the fearefull sentences being drawne before the iudgement seate of IESVS CHRIST. The next day and so fol­lowing, it was impossible to see him resume any cou­rage: but his spirits were strangely troubled, and the terror tooke from him all rest and appetite. This Acci­dent was so grieuous to his friends and familiars, as some repented them much, that they had beene the cause of so great an inconuenient by their prayers and intreaties. Others, thinking it did proceed from some cholerick or melancholy humor (the effects whereof are often-times strange in those braines which are violently toucht) were of opinion to send him to Padoua, to be Physicked by the learned Physitions, reuiued by honourable com­panie, and setled by the conference of learned men that were there, to some of the which he was well knowne. His wife and children, with some of his familiar friends did accompany him, and hee was lodged in one of the chiefe houses. FRISIMILEGA, BELLOCAT and CRAS­SVS (famous and excellent Physitions) did visit him, and giue him Physicke with a singular affection: and found soone that he was little sicke in body, but grieuous­ly in minde: for in all other things he discoursed graue­ly and constantly, so as none of his familiar friends could [Page 189] decerne that the quickenesse of his discourse and rea­son was any thing impaired or weakened, continnuing still in this continuall anguish, manie were much troub­led, and daylie his Chamber was full of people; some curious to see and to heare; others (but very fewe) were desirous to drawe him to hope in the mercies of GOD. I was present at many of his speeches, with some men of honour and learning. To deliuer that which I could obserue. I beganne first to note his age and his fashion. He was about fifty yeares old, free from the violent pas­sions of youth, and from the coldnesse of old age. No­thing came out of his mouth that was lighly or foolish­ly spoken, or that might discouer any doting in him; al­though hee did day lie discours of graue and impor­tant matters with the learned, and that some did pro­pound vnto him high questions, especially in di [...]inity. I will briefely relate some speeches they had with him, during his aboad at Padoua, and I will not forget that hee declared with a setled Iudgement, that hee did see the eternall vengeance of GOD prepared against the sinne which hee had committed. For that he did finde in him selfe, that those things which GOD had giuen to others, to reioyce their spirits and to liue well and happely, had all conspired against him in despight of his horrible for­fet. For although (said hee) that GOD for a great blessing had promised to many holie men, a goodly issue and a great number of Children, in whose loue and obe­dience they may repose their age, and that there was no­thing more pleasing in this present life, yet in the mid­dest of his miseries, the hands and faces of his Children were as horrible vnto him as the hang-mans. It cannot well be exprest, what greefe and vexation hee seemed to [Page 190] receiue, when his Children brought him meate, forcing him to eate, and threatning him when hee refused it. Hee confessed his Children did their duties, & yet he tooke al in ill part (saying) that he did not acknowledge GOD a­ny more for his Father, but did feare him as an aduersary, armed with iudgement. For he had bin three weekes in this apprehension, when hee spake these things, without eating or drinking, but what they forced him vnto, the which he receiued with great difficulty, the which hee re­sisted withall his power, spitting out that which they for­ced him to take. Some of the Assistants were of opinion to make him a fraied, to make him the more apt, to re­ceiue foode, first for the Soule, then for the bodie: asking him if hee did not feare greater and sharper torments after this life, then those heethen felt? Hee confessed that hee did expect farre more sharpe, and had alreadie horror of them: yet hee desired nothing more then to bee cast head-long into them, that hee might not feare other more greeuious torments. They asked him a­gaine, if hee thought his sinne to bee so fowle, as it could not bee pardoned through the bountie and infinite mer­cie of GOD? His answere was, that hee sayd sinned a­gainst the Holie Ghost, which was so great a sinne, as it is called a sinne vnto death, that is to say, subiect to the eternall vengeance of GOD, and to the paines of hell. Whereof this poore wretch discoursed amplie, learned­ly and to subtilie against himselfe. Learned and Godly men, which did assist him, omitted no testymonies that might assure a wounded conscience, that GOD is mer­cifull, gentle and readie to pardon. But all this could not diuert him from his opinion, neither could they drawe any other thing from him, but that hee desired [Page 191] much that hee might returne to some hope of pardon. But it fares with mee (sayth hee) as with Cryminall persons, shut vp in close prisons and fettered hand and foote. Sometimes they are saluted by their friends pas­sing by, who aduise them to breake prison and to deceiue their gards if they can. Such prisoners would gladly followe their counsell, but it is a vaine desire. Euen so is mine saied hee. As for the scriptures which were cited vnto him, touching the loue and affection of GOD the Father by reason of his Sonne IESVS CHRIST, hee did aduowe them, adding, that they did belong onelie to them whome IESVS CHRIST did repute his Bre­theren and his members: but as for him hee had re­nounced that loue, and willingly reiected all Brotherly allyance: neither was hee ignorant in howe great tran­quillity of minde they might bee, who had once im­braced the promises of saluation, and did rest them­selues continually therein. For confirmation whereof this his sad desaster (sayd hee,) was propounded for an example before all mens eyes: that if they were wise they should not hold it light, nor happened by any chance: but to learne by his ruine, howe dangerous it is to fall anie thing from that which beelongs to the great glorie of the Sonne of GOD. Adding that it was a slipperie and a very dangerous passage, yea most fearefull to him that stood not carefully vpon his gard: Moreouer forasmuch as such euident examples of the vengeance of almightie GOD, did seldome appeere to the eyes of men, they deserued to bee the more care­fullie regarded. That amongest a great multitude and number of reprobates in the worlde, his calamitie was not singular; but his onely punnishment and ruyne [Page 192] did satisfie GOD, a iust Iudge to admonish all others to haue a care of themselues. He added with all, that therein hee did acknowledge the seuerity of GODS iudgement, who had chosen him to make him a specta­cle rather then any other: and to admonish all by one mans mouth, to abstaine from all impietie: confessing moreouer that there was no reproch nor punnishment which hee had not deserued, by reason of his fowle offence. After that hee had discoursed sincerely and grauely of the diuine Iustice; hee sayd that they should not take it strange this his long speech touching the true reason of the will of GOD: for that oftentimes GOD doth wrest out of the mouth of reprobates most assured testymonies of his Maiestie, his Iustice, and his fearefull vengance: as wee see in IVDAS confessing his owne sinne and iustefying his Master. Vsing a long discours vpon this sentence, and desirous to shewe the greatnesse of GODS Iudgements: there are some (sayd hee,) who haue all things so wishfully, as they liue in all delights, without feare or apprehension of any harme, as hauing attained the higth of all felycitie: who notwithstanding are registred for perdition, where­of IESVS CHRIST propounds an example in the rich man, enioying all the pleasures of the world with a full gorge, beeing after his death tormented in hell: where­of mention is made in the sixteenth Chapter of the Gos­pell after Saint Luke. That GOD doth often pro­pound vnto makinde a hope of reward to drawe him to the right beleefe of His holy will; and oftimes hee doth withdrawe them from their Impieties by prodigious and fearefull signes. And yet as Impietie is naturall to Men, they make not their profit of such instructions, [Page 193] and thinke not that it concernes them: but contrary­wise impute it to any other thing, rather then to the wisedome of GOD, to feare and reuerence him. Here­vpon he made a bitter inuectiue against a certaine Phi­losopher, whom hee had knowne aboue twenty yeares before, for that this MOROSOPHE had beene so impu­dent, to deliuer in his lessons, yea to write it, and to pub­lish it in Print, that all the miracles that IESVS CHRIST had done vpon the earth, might well be done by a man, that were skilfull in the knowledge of Naturall things. It were hard to represent the admiration where-with they were surprised, and with what compassion they were moued that came to visit him, for the discourses which they heard from his mouth. Euery man laboured earnestly to reduce this poore man to some hope of his saluation. Among others, there was one, a reuerend man for his holynesse of life, who departed not from the patients bed: It was the Bishop of Capo d' Istria, in the Venetians territories. Hee ceased not to exhorte SPIERA, and laboured by many testimonies of the holy Scriptures to diuert him from that apprehensi­on: beseeching him by their friendship, by his loue to his Wife and Children, and for that his health should bee precious vnto him, that hee should haue a care of himselfe, and print in his heart a hope and trust of saluation by IESVS CHRIST. Adding that hee did not thinke that his spirit was altogether voide and de­stitute, of some good and heauenly inspiration, seeing hee spake so holylye and deuoutly of the excellencie of Christian religion.

Although the sicke man knew well that these admo­nitions proceeded from a sincere and true heart: yet for [Page 194] that hee had diuerse times reiected them, hee began to frowne, saying vnto the Bishop. You beleeue as I thinke, that I doe willingly nourish this obstinacie in my minde, and that I take delight in this vehement passion of de­spaire. If you bee of that opinion, you are deceiued. I will tell you (to the ende you may knowe my resoluti­on) that if I could bee perswaded that the iudgement of GOD might by any meanes bee changed or miti­gated for mee, it should not greeue me to bee tormen­ted ten thousand yeares with the sharpest paines of Hell, so as I might haue any hope of rest after this long suffe­rance. But euen in that whereby you doe exhorte me to gather some hope: I see all meanes of health, and par­don taken from mee. For if the testimonies of holye Scripture haue any authoritie (as they haue) doe you thinke that IESVS CHRIST hath sayd in vaine. That he which hath renounced him before men, hee will re­nounce him before his heauenly Father? doe you not see that it concernes mee, and that it is as it were parti­cularly verified in my person? what shall become of him whom the Sonne hath disauowed before his Fa­ther? when as you say that wee must hope for no salua­tion but in IESVS CHRIST. Therevpon hee did ex­pound certaine passages of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and of the second Catholike Epistle of Saint Peter, out of the which hee drewe terrible conclusions against himselfe.

Wee cannot beleeue with what grauitie and vehe­mencie his wordes were deliuered, neyther was there euer man heard pleading better for himselfe, then SPI­ERA did then against himselfe. Hee did alledge nota­ble things of GODS Iustice, detesting his fore-passed [Page 195] life: admonishing all that were about him very earnest­lie: not to thinke that a Christians life was a light thing, and easily discharged. That it doth not consist onely in hauing the head Baptized, in reading certaine verses and Texts of the Gospell, and to bee termed an honest man: but it was needfull he should liue as the doctrine of trueth doth command him. Therevpon hee repea­ted a Text out of Saint Peter, exhorting vs to shewe through holynesse of life, certaine signes of the loue of GOD towards vs, and of the confidence wee should haue in him. Hee sayde moreouer, that hee had knowne many, who after they had tasted the sweetnesse of true felicitie, they suffered them-selues to bee so carryed away, as they had no longer care to performe that which belonged to a Childe of GOD. Hee protested that hee had some-times imagined that his sinnes had beene hidden, and that hee could not bee punished, for that CHRIST had made satisfaction for them: but then hee knew too late, that those things belonged onely to the elect and chosen of GOD, betwixt whose sinnes, and the heauenly and celestiall Throne, IESVS CHRIST setts his precious bloud, and the dignitie of his obedience, as a vale and shadowe to couer them: and doth plant them against the diuine vengeance, as a high and strong Rampar, that sinners repenting them, might not bee opprest nor drowned with the deluge and ouer-flowings of their offences and sinnes. As for himselfe, seeing that hee had re­nounced our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST, hee had as one should say, ouerthrowne this strong Rampar with his owne hands, so as after this ruine and ouer-flowing, [Page 196] the deluge of waters of this vengeance, had couered and swallowed vp his soule. One of his most familiars said vnto him, that he did hold the cause of this his great torment to proceed from aboundance of melancholie humours, which did so trouble his braine. SPIERA re­membring, that hee had many times refuted that opini­on, and seeing they were to begin againe, sayd vnto the other, you may thinke what you please: but GOD in trueth hath troubled my spirit, and depriued mee of iudgement, seeing it is impossible for mee to haue any hope of my saluation. Hauing continued in such and the like speeches, during his aboad at Padoua, they carryed him backe to his house at Ciuitelle, where hee dyed in this despaire. This which is worthy of consi­deration among the Histories of our time, is drawne out of a discourse published by Maister HENRIE SCRINGER, a learned Lawyer, who was then at Pa­doua, did see and many times talke with this poore SPIERA.

About twenty yeares before, a very famous Doctor throughout all Germanie called KRAVS, remaining at Halle in Swabe, hauing often-times turned his consci­ence, sometimes towards GOD, sometimes towards the worlde, hauing inclined in the end to the worser part, sayd and confest publikely, that hee was vndone, and fell so deepe into despaire, as hee could neyther receiue nor take any comfort nor consolation, so as in this miserable and wretched estate of his soule, hee slew him-selfe most miserably. In the Historie of Ger­manie.

Cardinall CRESCENCE, being at Verona, to passe on [Page 197] farther about some matters of importance, was much troubled the 25. of March with writing, and hauing la­boured very late at night, rising a little out of his chaire to take breath, he imagined that he did see a black Dog, of an exceeding greatnesse, hauing fiery eyes, and his eares hanging to the ground, which came directly to­wards him, and then hid himselfe vnder the Table. Hee was presently like one in a sowne, but beeing come a­gaine to himselfe, hee cryed out alowd, calling his ser­uants that were in the former Chamber, and comman­ded them to seeke this Dogge with a light. But not find­ing him there, nor in the anti-chamber, a Feauer seized on him, and encreased in such sort, as hee dyed. To­wards the ende of his life, hee cryed often to his ser­uants: Driue away this Dogge which comes vp to my bed. It was not possible to resolue nor to comfort him. But hee died in great despaire at Verona. Historie of our time. SLEIDAN, lib. 23. of his Comentaries

Vnder the raigne of King FRANCIS the second, the Kings Aduocate in the Parliament of Daulphiné, called PONSENAS, after that he had sold his patrimo­nie, his wiues, and borrowed much money of his friends to buie this office, hee consumed what remained in keeping of open house, hoping to be soone recompen­ced to the double. But beeing falne sicke of a disease vnknowne to the Physitions, hee fell into despaire of GODS helpe and mercy: and representing daylye vnto himselfe the death of some innocent persons exe­cuted at Romans and at Valence, whome hee had pur­sued. Hee denyed GOD, called vpon the Diuill, and made all the horrible curses and Imprecations that might bee imagined. His Clarke, seeing him in this [Page 198] despaire, spake to him of the mercies of GOD, alledg­ing certaine passages of the Scripture to that purpose. But insteed of turning vnto GOD, and asking pardon for his offences, he sayd vnto him; O STEPHEN how black thou art? the young man who was redish hayrd, excused himselfe: the Aduocate replyed againe, how black thou art? but it is with thy sinnes. That is true answered the Clarke, but I hope in the bounty and mer­cies of GOD: then expounding his saying at large, PONSENAS began to cry out like a desperate man, de­testing his seruant, as one of the wickedest and most mi­serable men in the world. At this crie some of his friends came running, whom hee commanded that STEPHEN should be had to prison, and his processe made. Herevp­on despaire did so increase in him, as with sigthes and howling he gaue vp the ghost, after a fearefull manner. His Creditors did scarce giue them leasure to draw the body out of the bed: for euery man sent to seize vpon the moueables which PONSENAS had left, and of all his goods, the which was farre short of their due. The which all men did finde very strange: for that before he entred into that office, he was held to be as riche as any one of his profession. Yet there was neuer so great mi­sery seene, for there was nothing but the strawe left for his Wife and Children, who were taken away in pit­tie to bee broughtvp, else they must haue beene glad to haue begd their bread, or dyed for hunger, so bare this house was made. The Historie of France, vnder FRANCIS the second.

I Knew a young man who dreaming in the night that he was to ride forth about some businesse, rose vp being fast a sleep out of his bed, made himselfe ready, put on his Bootes and Spurres, and getting vpon a Pole that serued to hang clothes at a Garret window, hee set a-stride on it, and began to Spurre with his heeles, as if he had beene on horseback. But awaking presently, he was so terrified with this acci­dent, as he came vnto me for remedy. P. SALIVS DI­VERSVS Physition, Chap. 18. in his Treatie of the affected parts.

I did helpe another, who being of a chollerick and quarrelling disposition, vsed commonly to dreame that he was fighting with one or other, and therevpon rising out of his bed, ran to his weapons, drew out his sword, and fencing it after a strange manner, struck and foyned at the Chamber walles, insomuch that they were faine to take away euery thing out of this Chamber that might either hurt himselfe or others. In the same.

Besides these two I knew an Artificer that in his sleepe rose out of his bed, and going out of the Cham­ber went vp and downe the staires, and all about the house without any harme. Vpon a time he went starke naked in his sleepe to his shop, and with his Keyes vn­locked the dores of it: where-vpon beeing awaked by some of his friends that mette with him, hee became so ashamed, that hee neuer fell into the like againe. In the same.

Lying in an high chamber in the Colledge of Francfort [Page 200] vpon Odera with maister MARTIN GVTTENBER­GER, student in Phisick, a young man of a liuely spirit, small stature, and slender body, but of a moyst braine: and chancing to awake, I sawe him walke starke naked vp and downe the Chamber being fast a sleepe, and then get vp into a great windowe that was wide open, and there stand. Suddainly I ranne to him and caught him in mine armes, fearing lest hee would haue tipled out of the windowe, and hauing carryed him to bedde, I asked him what hee did? Nothing sayd hee: and when hee a­waked hee neuer remembred any thing hee had done. I. HORST. Phisition, in his learned treatise of the nature of night-walkers.

Before I went to study Phisick at Francfort, desiryng to see other vniuersities, I was sent for to bee Tutor to three young gentlemen of Misnia, whose Father named GEORGE de SCHLINITZ, Councellor to diuers Prin­ces, and a graue and vnreproueable personage, told mee that he and two of his Bretheren had walked many times in their sleepe whilst they were students at Lipsic, yea and gotten vp into garrets and climbed vp on the toppes of houses: so that one of his brothers chanced to fall and breake his thigh. At length their Tutor looking narrowly vnto them, whipped them wel-fauoredly, assoone as they got out of their bed: which hauing continued twise or thrise vntill such time as they awaked, by that meanes they were helped. The same.

Three young gentlemen bretheren, lying to gither in one Chamber, one of them rose vp naked and sound a sleepe, carrying his shirt in his hand, & went to the win­dowe, where he caught hold of a corde hanging at a cer­taine pulley, and winding vp himselfe to the toppe of the [Page 201] ouse, met with a Pies neast, got out the young ones, wrapped them vp in his shirt, let himselfe downe againe, re-entred into the Chamber window, layd himself down in his bed, and slept as before. Awaking in the morning, he began to say to his brothers. Wot you what I dreamt to night? mee thought I rose out of my bed, went to the windowe, & got vp to the house top, where I foūd a Pies neast and brought away the young ones. His brothers laughed at it: and after other talke, going to rise, hee sought vp and downe for his shirte, which at last hee found with the young Pies wrapped vp in it. They ranne presently and looked vp to the toppe of the house, and sawe where the Pies neast had beene pulled out. The same.

A young Scholler at Blackenbourg did many things sleeping. Assoone as hee had suppt he would haue fal­len into so dead a sleepe, that for any noise could bee made he neuer waked. After that with pinching & pul­ling of him they had made him looke vp, if they carried him to bed, he slept as before: but the next morning hee neuer remembred any thing had bin done ouer night. Moreouer, whatsoeuer he held, being so a sleepe, were it the end of a table, a naile in the wall, a napkin or any gar­ment, they were faine to haue two or three men to open his fingers, and make him let goe his hold: insomuch that many times holding his clothes in his hand, they were forced to carrie him to bedde, and let him lie so with them till hee awaked of himselfe the next morning. The same.

It is not long since that the Duke of Holst Cooke rysing in his sleepe went downe out of his Chamber, and ha­uing past through a great wide-court, entred into the kit­chen, [Page 202] and got into the Well stradling with his feete, and with his fingers clinging so hard to the sides of it, that in this sort he descended with nothing but his shirte on till he came to the water, which wetting the skirte of his shirte it struck so cold on his heeles that hee awaked, and began to cry out in his language, O mein bein helffe mir that is to say. O my legs, helpe me. The folkes of the house wakened with the cry, & somewhat vnderstanding the voice, sought for him, & finding him hanging by the hands & feete against the sides of the Well they reached him downe a ladder with a candle and a lanthorne. But not able to get him vp that way, they let downe a great bucket willing him to put his right foote in it, and with his hands to hold fast by the chaine of the Well. By which meanes he was drawne vp hauing beene as it were frozen in the Well, they carried him to bedde, where he lost his speech and opened his eyes very seldome and that with paine. Being sent for to visit him, I spent all that daie in fighting with the apoplexy. At length hee began to stirre a little, and to mutter forth some words, but vomyting exceedingly. The next daie I found him come to himselfe againe and talking: hee tould mee howe that night that hee was so in the well hee dreamt that hee was walking, and with stumbling had like to haue fallen, and that him thought hee had beene ouer head and eares in water. Finally after afewe daies hee was thoroughly recouered againe. The same.

A Spanish gentleman, surnamed TAPIA, rose often­times in his sleepe, and did many things about the house, going from one place to another without awaking▪ but to the end no mischance should come vnto him, he had [Page 203] alwaies a basen of water set by his bedde side. Nowe one night in the Sommer-time he arose in his shirt, put a cloake about him, got him forth a dores, beeing all this while fast asleepe, and met (as him thought) with ano­ther man who demanded of him whither hee went so late. It is so hot, answered TAPIA that, I meane to go & wash my selfe. And so will I quoth the other, come lets go along togither. Withal my heart▪ sayth TAPIA. Ther­vpon they got them to the riuer, where TAPIA putting of his cloake and shirte, was going into the water: but the other ieasting beeganne to say, you cannot swimme I am sure: marrie but I can, replyed the gen­tleman, and it may bee better then you.

Well (quoth the other) then followe mee. And saying so, hee gotte him vp on a bridge that was thereby, and leaping downe into one of the deepest places of the Riuer, swamme vppe and downe and called to the Gentleman, since you bragge so much, doe as I haue donne. TAPIA followes him, and leapes into the Ri­uer as all this was donne in his sleepe, so assoone as his feete touched the water hee awaked and laboring all that possiblie hee could, hee beganne to call that other who was not to bee seene. Wherevpon fearing it was some euill Spirit that had drawne him into that danger, after hee had recommended himselfe vnto GOD, hee swamme ouer the Riuer, tooke vp his cloake and shirte, and returned home, recounting that which had happened vnto him: and afterwardes vsed meanes not to fall into the like perrill, againe. A▪ de TORQVEMADOE in the ende of the third date of his Hexameron.

There haue bin many found, who rysing thus sleeping, [Page 188] and going vp into windowes that haue beene open, haue falne downe to the ground, breaking their Armes and legges: others haue beene found starke dead: and some so grieuously wounded, as they haue soone after giuen vp the ghost. But it sufficeth vs to propound such as haue escaped (the which are set downe in Bookes that wee haue seene) vntill that time may discouer the rest, by some man more diligent then my selfe, who may note all if it please him.

I haue heard of a young Maiden at Paris, which did vsually euery night goe to bathe her selfe in the Riuer, being a sleepe: The which shee continued long, vntill that her Father being aduertised thereof, watched her in the Streete, and whipt her well, to make her leaue this custome: whereat the Maide awaked, and was much a­shamed to see her selfe naked in the streete. Maister L. IOVBERT lib. 3. chap. 10.

It is also reported, that a Scholler, hauing had a quar­rell the night before with one of his companions, rise vp in his sleepe, and went and slue his enemie lying in his bed in another Chamber, and then hee returned to his owne bed without waking, as it was supposed: for the next day the Iustice being called by the Host, found him a sleepe, and his Dagger bloudie, confessing that hee had dreampt that he had sl [...]ine him, who they sayd was murthered. In the same Author. There are (said he vpon this report) many such examples, by the which we may conclude, that besides the naturall and vitall faculties of the soule, (the which he affirmes to be very powerfull in sleepers) these also that are dedicated and subiect to our willes, do labour, caused by the meanes of the Muscles: as to go, to imbrace, to speake.

MAster THEODORE Sonne to COR­NELIVS some-times Consull of Gou­de in Holland, reported this History vnto mee that followeth, auouching it to bee verie true. In a village called Ostbrouch neere vnto Vtrech there dwelt a widowe, who had a seruant whome shee imployed about necessary affaires of the house. He hauing obserued, (as seruants are often cu­rious) that this widowe went late in the night, when all were at rest, into one certaine place in the stable, stret­ching forth her hands vpon the racke, whereas they vsu­ally put haie for their Cattell. Hee wondring what it ment, resolued to do as much without the priuity of his Mistresse, and to trie the effect of this ceremonie. Soone after, following his Mistresse who was gone into the sta­ble, hee goes and takes hold of the racke. Sodenly hee feeles himselfe to be lifted vp into the aire, and to be car­ried into a Caue vnder grownd in a little Towne called Vuich, whereas hee found a Synagoge of Sorcerers, de­uising togither of their witch-crafts. His Mistresse a­mazed at this vnexpected presence, asked him howe hee came into that companie: to whome hee reported what had happened. She beganne to bee in a great rage a­gainst him, fearing least those mighty assemblies should be descouered by that meanes, yet shee consulted with her companions what was to be done in that difficultie. In the ende they concluded to entertaine this new guest [Page 206] friendly, forcing a promise from him to keepe silence, and to sweare not to descouer the secrets which then had beene made knowne vnto him, beyond his hope or merit. This poore man promiseth wonders, and flat­ters euery one: and least hee should bee more toughly handled, he makes a shew to bee admitted of that Sina­gogue, if it pleased them. In these Consultations the time was spent, and the houre of departure approched. Then they make an other consultation at the instance of the Mistresse; whether for the preseruation of many, it were not expedient to cut the seruants throte, or to car­rie him backe. By a common consent they inclyned to the milder course, to carry him backe againe, seeing hee had taken his oath not to reueale any thing. The Mis­tresse vndertakes this charge, who (after protestations made) takes him vpon her backe, promising to carrie him backe vnto her house. But hauing made part of the way, they discouered a Lake full of reedes. The Mistresse meeting with this occasion, and fearing still that this young man (repenting himselfe that hee had beene admitted to these hellish feastes) would desco­uer what hee had seene: shakes him violently from her shoulders, hoping (as it was likely) that hee should loose his life, as well through the violence of his high fall, as that hee should bee buried in the mudde of the Lake.

But as GOD is infynitly mercifull, desiring not the death of a sinner; but that hee should conuert and liue: hee did limmit the furious desseins of this Sorceresse, and would not suffer this young man to bee drowned, so as his fall was not mortall, for tumbling downe, hee met with a thicke tufte of reedes, which did abate the [Page 207] violence of his fall: yet he was verie sore hurt, hauing no meanes to helpe himselfe but with [...]is tongue, beeing all the rest of the night in extreame paine in this muddie couch. Daie being come, in lamenting and crying out, it was the will of GOD that some passengers beeing a­mazed at this extraordinary Clamor, after they had sought dilligently, found this poore Bodie halfe dead, hauing both his knees out of ioynt. They inquire whence hee was, and how hee came in that case: and hearing the whole discourse, after they had drawne him out of that miserable place they caused him to bee trans­ported in a Cart to Vtrecht. The Bourgemaster, called IOHN of Colombourg (a vertuous Gentleman) rauished with admiration for so strange an accident, made a dil­ligent inquirie of the matter, and caused the Sorceresse to bee apprehended and committed to prison, where shee confessed all that had past voluntarilie and with­out torture, beseeching him to take some pittie of her. But by a generall consent this woman was condem­ned and publickly burnt. The seruant laie long bee­fore hee was cured of his hurtes, especially of his thighes, beeing punnished for his detestable curiositie. Maister BAVDOVIN de ROVSEY in his medicinall Epistles. Epist. 50.

ERASMVS in his Epistles vpon the report of HENRY of GLARIS a learned man in our time, writes that the 10. of Aprill 1533. in an Inne at Sciltac a Towne in Suis­serland, distant some eight good Leagues from Fri­bourg, as night approched they heard a certaine hissing, which seemed to come out of one of the Chambers. The master of the house suspecting there were some theeues did runne to that place. Whereas hee found not any [Page 208] man, but hee still herd the same voice in the garret, and from thence on the toppe of the Chimney. Then pre­suming it should bee some euill spirit, hee sent for two Preestes to coniure it, who hauing begunne their exorcis­mes, the spirit answered them, that hee cared not for thē, for the one was a whore-hunter, and both were theeues, so as in despight of all they could doe, hee would burne the Towne, as he had vndertaken. Some thought it was for Ielousie which hee had conceiued against the hostes Sonne and the maide of the house, of whome hee had had carnall knowledge, by the space of foureteene years, as she confessed afterwards at her death. Hauing ther­fore raised this creature in an instant, to the toppe of the Chimney, he deliuered fire into her hand, commanding her to fire the Towne, the which shee did, so as in lesse then an houre all was consumed to ashes, neither could water or vineger quench this fire. This was a reall thing, and the fire also which the Diuell brought, was reall and materiall, but of an other nature then the com­mon fire, or any artificiall that can bee made. And yet it came not from aboue, as the fire of lightning, the which burneth little, if it fall not by chance among gon­powlder, as in the yeare 1500. it happened at Paris in the Tower of Billy: and sence at Macklin in Brabant and at Venise. Blaise Viginere in his treaty of Comets.

I will adde vnto this history what PHILIP CAMERA­RIVS reports, who sayth that the fire fell here and there vpon houses like vnto fiery boullets, and when that anie one did runne to helpe to quench his neighbours house being on fire, they called him backe presently to saue his owne. They had great difficultie to saue a Castell of free stone, seated a good waie from the Towne. I haue [Page 209] heard the particularities of this terrible visitation, from the mouth of the Curate of the place, and other Inha­bitants of good credit, who had beene spectators of all. The Curate told mee, that this euill and cruell spirit, did counterfeit the singing and melodious tunes of diuerse birds, and many that were in my company did wonder with mee, to see the Curate haue as it were a Crowne about his long haire, which hee carried after the ancient manner, all of diuers colours: saying, that it had beene done by this spirit, which had cast the hoope of a Hogs­head at his head. Hee added moreouer, that the same spirit did aske him one day with some others, if they had neuer heard a Rauen croake? That therevpon this enemie, made so horrible a noyse, as all that were pre­sent were so amazed, as if it had continued any longer, they would haue dyed for feare. Moreouer, this olde man did affirme, (but not without blushing) that often­times this enemie of mans saluation, laide open to him­selfe and to others, that did accompany him, the secret sinnes they had committed, so exactly, as all were fore­ced to leaue the place, and retire themselues to their houses ashamed. In his Historicall meditations, Cha. 75.

I Doe not enter at this present into the consideration of fiers growing through the furie of the Warre, hauing reser­ued the description thereof among the incredible miseries, caused by the warres in our [...]. In this Section we will one­ly treate of fires proceeding from other meanes. The [Page 210] last of Iune about a hundred yeares since, towardes night: Cracouia the capitall Cittie of Poland was sett on fire, the which was in a manner all burnt. It was a wonderfull ruine, by reason of many thousands of hou­ses that were consumed to Ashes. Maister Cromer, lib. 30. of the Historie of Poland.

In the yeare 1514. the 11. of Ianuary at night, fire tooke the Realte at Venice, and first consumed the riche shoppes, which were very many. A Northerly winde blowing very vehemently, carryed this fire to the next houses: in an instant all was on fire: so as infinite buil­dings were ruined. Saint IOHNS Temple, the Meale Market, and al the buildings about it. The shoppes of Gold-smiths and changers were consumed. This fire continued all night, and could not bee quenched, but in making place by the ruine of houses, and whole streetes. Most part of the Cittie was defaced by this accident. Since it hath beene so reedefied, beautified, and inlarged, as this losse, hath not beene seene these many yeares. P. IOVIVS, lib. 12. of his Histories.

The yeare 1518. in Iune, after a horrible Ecclipse of the Sunne, there followed at the same houre a terrible fire at Vienna in Austria, the which burnt a quarter of the Cittie. The Emperour MAXIMILIAN the first be­ing with his Court at Inspruch, fell sicke hearing of this newes, and dyed of a continuall feauer. CVSPINIAN in the life of the Emperours.

In the yeare 1536. the 2. of May, a gust of winde ha­uing scattered sparkles here and there, fire tooke in many houses at Delft, a great, fayre, and famous Towne in Holland, so as in fewe houres the greatest part thereof was ruined, and had like to haue beene all consumed [Page 211] by this fire. But it hath beene so repayred since, as at this day it is one of the pleasingest and most delightfull Townes that can be seene. In this fire there happened a memorable accident. Men of credit did see that time a Stroke (whereof there are great numbers in Holland) which comming from her prey, discouered, that the fire had taken the nest, where her young ones were. She be­gan to fall vpon it, to see if shee could preserue them from the fire: but for that they were yet vnfethered, and that there was no meanes to drawe them forth, shee fell vpon them with her wings spred abroad, and couering her young ones, was so consumed to Ashes with them. What a reproch is this charitable Bird vnto some fathers and Mothers, which haue no feeling of nature, nor of hu­manitie, but onely the face. ANDR. IVNIVS in his de­scription of Holland.

In the yeare 1539. betwixt Iune and Iuly, vpon a Thursday at night, fire tooke at Constantinople, neere vnto the prison appointed for criminall persons, in the shops of such as sold Tallow, Rosin, Oyle, and such like stuffe, so as it tooke hold of the prison which was barred very close, and there smothered seauen hundred men. From thence it dispersed it selfe on euery side through the Citty, & comming to another prison, they were con­strained to let them forth, else they had all perished: for in a moment this prison was consumed to Ashes. Then the fire aduanced towards the wodden gate, where as the Smithes forges be, & such as deale in Yron works: from thence it tooke hold of the Captaine of the Ianisaries house, & consumes all it meetes in that quarter. Then it gets into the Tauerners street, & that being consumed, it doth seize vpon a great place called Tachral Cala, then it [Page 212] turned towards the Copper-smiths, and the Glasse­houses▪ enuironing all that quarter that is about the pain­ted Stoues. Then going on, it came to the place where the Iewes dwelt, where it made a wonderfull spoile, for that the houses stand very close. The slames flew to the gate of the Fish-market, and consumed all that it in­countred betwixt that and the Iewes Streete, whose houses were burnt to Ashes. Neither was it possible by any meanes to quench this fire, so as it continued all night, and the next day, euen vnto the euening, haue­ing wasted and consumed the best part of the Cittie, and Suburbes thereof, vnto the Sea-shoare. The An­nales of Turkie.

In the yeare 1546. on Saterday the seuenth of Au­gust, fire fell from Heauen, vpon Macklin in Brabant, and fiered a Tower, where was a hundred Barrels of poulder. This Towre was quite ouer-throwne, with a peece of the Towne wall, of two hundred paces, neere vnto the sayd Towre. Then the fire of this poulder tooke hold of the neere places, and did so fire all the Towne, as if a great shower of raine had not falne, this great Cittie had beene consumed to Ashes. The next day they found so many dead carcases, and so stinking, as they were for­ced with all speed to make great holes, and to burie them by dozens at a time. All the Sunday was spent in such burials. The number of the hurt exceeded a hun­dred and fiftie. They found a Woman with Childe smoothered vnder certaine ruines, who beeing speedi­lye opened, her Childe was found breathing, and was Baptised. A Gentle-woman leaping out of her bedde to open a windowe in her Chamber, her head was cutt off with a Thunder-boult, so as it hung with-out life [Page 213] by a peece of the skinne. In a corner of a streete, neere vnto BERNARDS Pallace, a Tauerner called CROES, being gone into the Seller to drawe Beere for his guests, whereof some played at Cardes: the house in a mo­ment was ouer-throwne, the players among others were crusht in peeces, hauing the Cardes yet in their hands, when they drew them from vnder the ruines. No one in the house escaped but onely the hoast, preserued by meanes of the valted Caue into the which hee was gone. Three dayes after this pittifull Accident, there were many found in Caues dead for hunger, others smothered, or fainted away, with the terror and insup­portable stinke of the lightning. They found a man and a woman that were carryed away, and as it were tyed fast betwixt the branches of a Tree. The suburbes of Neckecspsis were in a maner all ruined. This Cittie so pleasant and fayre before, was all disfigured, and as it were torne in peeces: her stately buildings spoiled and ouerthrowne: among others, the Emperors Pallace, the Lady MARGVERITS, and that of Berque, were strooke with lightning, and ouer-throwne. The house of the Italian Bankers was quite ruined: the Poste lodging spoyled, and the Stable carryed away with the Horses. A part of the Augustines Couent, and of other Tem­ples in the Cittie were broken. The Count of Hoc­strats house endured, and brake the shocke of this storme, the which ceased when it had ouer-throwne it. With out it nothing had beene left standing, neyther within the Towne nor about it. There were found huge quarters of free Stone cast by the Tempest, aboue sixe hundred paces from the Wall, to the great hurt of those places where they fell. It was a fearefull Tempest, [Page 214] a presage of the warre of Germanie, whether the Empe­rour CHARLES the fift then marched.

THE yeare 1551. in the moneth of August, a certaine Germaine woman of Misnia, was brought in bed of a Daughter, which dyed within six mo­neths after of the small Poxe, fiue dayes before she came into the world, shee was heard very intelligibly to cry in the Mothers belly. I did present it to bee Baptised, with the Wife of Maister IOHN KENTMAN, a Doctor of Physicke. G. le FEVRE, Lib. 3. of the Annales of Misnia.

In the beginning of Ianuary 1558. an other woman of the same Towne. beeing at a Sermon, the Childe which shee carryed in her belly, did cry thrice so lowde, that such as were about the Mother, did vnderstand it plainely. A moneth after shee was happily deliuered. The same Author.

I Will represent heere some Histories of former ages, by reason of the rarenesse, hoping the discourse will be pleasing: pro­testing in the meane time to conteine my [Page 215] selfe in other things with-in my intention, which is not to exceed the wonders of late dayes, whereof I will pro­duce some examples.

In the Country of Agenois is the famous house of BEAV▪VILLE, some-times very riche, and of great pos­sessions, from the which the Marshall of Monlucs wife was descended. It is held for a true History, that the Grand-mother of the sayd Lady had nine Daughters at one birthe, that were all married and had Children. The Mother and the sayd Daughters successiuely were interred at Saint Crepasi, the Collegiall Church of Agen, built and founded by the sayd house of BEAV-VILLE: the Mother hauing made her Tombe in the Church vp­on a portall, betwixt nine others which she had also cau­sed to bee made for her Daughters, in memory thereof. I haue seene some of them being at Agen in the yeare 1577. in the said Church. The others haue beene ruined during the ciuill warres: And this was the History. The Lady of BEAV-VILLE had a Chamber-maid that was faire and louely, with whom her husband seemed to be in loue, so as she to be honestly rid of her, married her. This Maide at her first lying in, had three children, which made the Gentlewoman suspect that her husband had a share in them, imagining it not possible that one wo­man could conceiue by one man such a number of chil­dren. The which increased her iealousie, and not-with­standing any perswasions, shee began to defame and hate this poore Maide more and more.

It happened a while after that the Gentlewoman was with child, & so big, as she was deliuered of nine daugh­ters. The which they did interpret to bee a punishment sent frō GOD, that she might be ashamed of her slander [Page 216] seeing they might obiect vnto her a greater fault, as if she had beene familiar with many, for shee did alwaies obstinately maintayne, that a woman could not con­ceiue aboue two Children by one man. Beeing much ashamed, fearing to be diffamed, and condemned by her owne sentence, she was so tempted by the euill spirit, as shee resolued to cause eight of her Daughters to bee drowned, and to keepe one: keeping the matter secreat betwixt the Mid-wife and her Chamber-maide, to whome this cursed Commission was giuen. But it was GODS will that the husband comming from hunting met with the Chamber-maide, & descouering the prac­tise preserued his innocent Daughters from death, cau­sed them to bee nursed vnknowne to the Mother, and at their Christening called them all BORGVE, by one name, and so hee did the ninth which the Mother had reserued. When they were some-what growne, he caused them all to be brought into his house appareled in one liuery, ha­uing also attired that with in the house of the same sort. Being altogither in one Chamber, hee caused his wife to come in, accompained with their Parents and familyar friends: and bidde her to call BOVRGVE. At this call euery one of the nine answered, where at the Mother was much amazed, and the more for that they were all of the like stature, face, countenance and voice, and in the like apparell, which made her heart to giue that they were her nine Daughters: and that GOD had preser­ued the eight, which shee had exposed, and held to bee dead whereof her husband did satisfie her, reproching vnto her her inhumanity before all the companie, and shewing her that this might chance to confound her in the bad opinion which she had alwaies held of him con­cerning [Page 217] her Chamber-maide. M. L. IOVBERT. lib. 3. Chap. 2. of his popular errors.

I haue heard that in the house of ESTOVRNEAV in Perigort there chanced the like Accident about 300. years ago. The Lady had 9. Sons at on birth, and would haue exposed eight of them, the which were happely preserued (through the grace of GOD) by the Fathers meeting them. All nine liued, and were aduanced to great places: foure were of the Church, and fiue of the world. Of the Clergie men one was Bishoppe of Pe­rigueux and Abbot of Branlaume. The second was Bishoppe of Paniez. The third Abbot of Grand-Selue, and the fourth of the house of GOD. Of the secular men, one was the Kings Lieutenant at Reole against the English. The second had a gouernment in Bour­gongne, and the other three were in great credit about the King. All this is to bee seene at this daie painted in a great Hall, in the Castell of Estourneue, as the Seigneour of Estourneau hath tould mee, bee­ing issued from that famous and verie ancient house, and nowe Steward of the King of Nauarres house, which is now King of France. The same Author liber. 4. Chapter 2.

That of the Pourcelets of Arles in Prouence, is almost like vnto this, out of the which is issued the Noble house of the Conuertis: who were so called, for that the Cham­ber-maide which carried the eight to drowne, beeing met by the husband, sayd that they were Pigges which shee went to drowne for that the Sowe could not keepe them. Some say it came by the curse of a poore wo­man, who begged an almes of the gentlewoman of the house: the sayd poore woman hauing many little [Page 218] Children about her. The which the gentlewoman re­proched vnto her, as proceeding of wantonesse, and that shee was too much giuen to men. The poore woman, (who was honest) did then praie, that the gentlewoman might conceiue with as many Children, as a Sowe hath Pigges. It so fell out by the will of GOD, to let the La­die vnderstand, that wee must not impute that to vice which is a great blessing.

They report as much of the Noble famelie of Scroua at Padoua, which carries a Sowe in their Armes, in Ita­lien called SCROFA, and in corrupt Langage Scroua, which is the surname of that famelie. In the Annales of Lombardie it is written, that in the time of ALGI­MONT the first King of the Lombards, there was a strum­pet brought in bedde of seauen Sonnes, and that the one of them succeeded the sayd ALGIMONT. IOHN PICVS Prince of Mirandola writes in his Commen­taries vpon the second Psalme, that in Italie a Germaine woman was brought in bedde at twise of twentie Chil­dren, at the first birth shee had twelue, and that the bur­then was so heauie, as shee was faine to keepe it vp with a towell. ALBVCACIS a great Physition, and an Arrabian Surgion, is a witnesse of a woman that had seauen Children, and of an other that miscarried of fiueteene well proportioned. PLINIE makes mention of one that miscarried of twelue. MARTIN CRO­MER in his Historie of Poland writes that the wife of the Earle VIRBOSLAS in Cracouia was deliuered of sixe and thirtie Children aliue, in the yeare 1269. But that which exceedes all other examples and which is extra­ordynarie, supernaturall and miraculous, is that which is written of a Countesse of Holland, the which LEVVIS [Page 219] GVICHARDIN doth set downe in his description of the Lowe Countries, as it is testified in an Abbey neere to the Hage. MARGVERITE Daughter to the Noble Lord, Plorent Earle of Holland and of Mathilde Daugh­ter to HENRY Duke of Brabant, Sister to WILLIAM King of Germany, being about two and fortie yeares old, was brought in bed on friday before Easter, in the yeare 1313. (as Histories do write) of 365. Children, males and females, the which (in the presence of many Noble­men and Gentlemen) beeing layed orderly in a great basin, were Baptized by a Bishoppe: the males were all called by one name IOHN, & the females ELIZABETH. All died soone after, and so did the Mother, and were buried togither in one graue. L. VIVES; ERASMVS and others which report this Historie, say, that it was for-asmuch as the sayd Ladie had mockt a verie poore woman as shee was a begginge some releefe of her, for that shee carried two Twinnes. Shee did blame her verie much (saying it was impossible that a woman should haue two Children beegotten at one time of one Father. Here-vpon the poore woman made her earnest praier vnto almightie GOD, that (for proofe of her innocencie, beeing wrong-fully accused) that the Countesse might carrie as manie Children at one birth as there were number of seuerall daies in the whole yeare.

To returne to our Histories of fewer Children at a burthen, wee haue seene a woman at Aubenas in Vi­uares, who at her first burthen had two Children, at her second three, and at the third foure. At Orillac in Auvergne the Wife of one called SABATIER, had three Sons at a birth. The first & the last liued 24 houres the [Page 220] middle (who therefore was called IOHN of three) came to mans estate; was marryed at Paris, and liued long. The Wife of a Capper in Rouan, crooked and little, had fiue Sonnes at one birthe, in the yeare 1550. All this is extracted out of Maister L. IOVBERT. lib. 3. chap. 1. of his popular errors. Let vs adde herevnto some other Histories.

In the yeare 1554. at Perme in Suitzerland, the wife of IHON GELINGER a Doctor, was deliuered of fiue Children at one birthe, three males and two females. PLINIE talkes of a Greeke, who at foure burthens had twenty Children, whereof the most part liued. DALE­CHAMPS in his French Chirurgerie writes, that a Gen­tle-man of Sienna, called BONAVENTVRE SAVELLI, had assured him, that a slaue and Concubine of his, had seuen Children at one birthe, whereof foure were bap­tized. And in our time betwixt Sarte and Maine, in the parish of Seaux neere vnto Chambellay, there is a Gentle­mans house called Maldemette, whose wife had the first yeare shee was married two Children, the second yeare three, the third foure, the fourth fiue, and the fift yeare sixe children, whereof she dyed: one of these sixe chil­dren is yet liuing, Seigneor of that place of Maldemette Maister AMB. PARE lib. 24. chap. 5.

They haue seene often in Spaine, a woman deliuered of three Children: and not long since, a woman had foure at a burthen. It was generally reported a good while since, that a great Lady was brought in bedde at Medina del Campo of seauen Children. And they say that a Stationers Wife at Salamanca had nine. Seeing wee treate of those Admirable Histories, of many Children deliuered at one birthe, I will report what AVICENNE [Page 221] doth witnesse in the ninth booke of Creatures, of a wo­man who at one birth brought forth 70. Children well proportioned. And ALBERT the Great writes that he hath heard for certaine of a Physition, which beeing cal­led in a certaine Towne in Germanie, to visit a sicke Lady, found that she had beene deliuered at one birth of 150. Children, all wrapt togither in a little filme, as bigge as a mans little finger, all which came forth aliue with their iust proportion. A. TORQVEMADO in the first daies worke of his hexameron. It is admirable, that a woman should haue so many Children, so small, and yet pro­portioned and aliue, as wee haue seene of the Countesse of Holland, and other women aboue mentioned by AVI­CENNE and ALBERT. For the explayning of the whole. I will adde that which CONSTANTIVS VAROLIVS a learned Physition at Bolonia the fatte doth write in the 4. booke of his anatomie. I haue seene (saith hee) an a­bortiue frute of three weekes, confusedly proportioned of the bignesse of a barley curnell, where I did note the head and the brest, but no armes nor thighes. Moreo­uer I haue seene an other of sixe weekes old, hauing a distinct forme of the bignes of a Bee, where did appeere the eyes, the nose, the mouth, the heart, the lights, the ribbes, the backe, the liuer, the Midriffe, the stomacke, the reines, the bowells, the yard & other parts: the which I shewed vnto many. The armes and thighes beganne to bud forth, beeing very small in proportion to the rest of this little Bodie, for the thighes were no bigger then a graine of mill, and the armes twise as bigge. I haue seene many other such aboriue fruits, of the bignesse of a beane, a snaile or a frog. Whereas I haue alwaies found all the parts, and did euer obserue that the extremities [Page 222] were lesse in proportion then the rest: in such sort not­withstanding, as the spirit quickning this masse, doth fas­shon and shape all the partes thereof togither: but hee doth bring in successiuely the fall and perfect fynishing of the forme. This our Bodie is a rich and admirable web, a peece of tapistrie of high price, the which should mooue vs thinke often, of the contentes of the 139. Psalme.

CONRAD LICOSTHENES in his collection of pro­digies, reporting the historie of a Germaine, who at two deliueries had twenty Children, addes that in the terri­torie of MODENA, an Italian called ANTONIA, about forty yeares old, who had beene alwaies accustomed to haue foure Children at a time, or three at the least, had then forty as the Bishop of Como doth testefie, who writ the Historie.

Leauing these ancient Histories, whereof wee could produce a great number, wee will report some of our time. A Country woman in Suisserland in the yeare. 1535. had foure Sonnes at one birth the which liued some houres. An other woman about Zurich had also foure Sonnes at one time the which were Christened. STVMPSVIS and LICOSTHENES. A Sicilian named PAMIQVE, married to BERNARD BELLOVARD of Agrigentum, was so fertill, as at thirty birthes shee had seauentie three Children. A woman of Misnia beeing foure and twentie yeares olde, had nine Children at one birth whereof beeing deliuered, both shee and all her Children died. TH. FAZEL. lib. 6. of the 1. decade of the Historie of Sicilia.

In the yeare 1579. there liued a woman called SA­LVST [...], fat and low, the which at two lyings in, had eigh­teene [Page 223] Children. I. MICHEL PASCAL. in his Annota­tions vpon the 1. booke of P. PAVL PEREDA of the cure of diseases. Chapter 59. At Bolognia the fat IVLIVS SCATINARE, a man that had many Children was the seauenth Childe of birth. His mother was sister to the Seigneour FLORIAN de DV [...]PHE my kinsman, and I haue seene a woman in the Towne of Carpi haue fiue Sonnes at one birth. CARPVS in the Anotomie. Wee reade in the Annales of GENOA, written by AVGVS­TIN IVSTINIAN in his 5. booke, that in the memorie of our Fathers BARTHOLOME the wife of IOHN BOCCANE had at one Child-birth nineteene Children, euery one as big as a date, hauing but a confused forme. A Coun­cellors wife at Bolognia, had at her first deliuery two twinnes, at the second three Children, whereof one had life: and foure at the third, which died incontinent­lie. TRINCAVELLE liber 11. Chap 17. of cure of diseases. In the time of the Emperor MAXIMLIAN a Suisse had three Sons at one birth, & they alliued to the age of marriage. I. RVEF. lib. 5. of the conception & generation of man. ch. 4.

Some fewe yeares past, the wife of an Artificer cal­led BRANDIMART 26. yeares olde, beeing eight monethes gone with Childe, not able to beare her burthen anie longer, was deliuered of foure Children well propor­tioned, two Sonnes and two Daughters, the which soone after they were Baptized died, and the Mother lyuing. All the people of Mantoua did ru [...]ne to see this woman and her foure Children. The Dutchesse her selfe did honour this poore woman with her pre­sence, and gaue her great [...]eleefe. MARCEL DONAT lib. 4 of his Physicall Histories▪ Chapter 24. A woman in the Towne of Leyden in Holland, lyuing yet in the [Page 224] yeare 1597. and then about 38. yeares old, had had eigh­teene Children at foure birthes, wherof foure then liued. Memories of our Time.

NOt long since in the Coūtry of Agenois, there were three Childrē at one birth, and one deliuered eight daies after an other. They write of a woman of A­LEXANDRIA, which was seene at Rome in ADRIANS time, with fiue Sonnes, whereof the fift was borne forty daies after the other foure, borne at one time. M. L. IOVBERT. lib. 3. of popu­lar errors Chap. 1.

At Beaufort in Vallee a Countrie in Aniou, a young Wife Daughter to MACE CHAVMERE was brought in bedde of a Child, and eight or ten daies after, shee fell in labour of an other, which they were forced to pull out, of her Bodie, whereof shee died. M. AMB. PARE. lib. 24. Chapter 5.

A great Ladie of Spaine, beeing in trauell of Childe, deliuered one, the newes whereof beeing carried to her Lord and husband, his answere was to them which made the report: returne all is not done she will haue more. He spake the truth: for some houres after by fitts, shee was deliuered of fiue Children more. A. TORGVEMADO in the first Iourne of his Hexameron.

The Wise of ZACHARIE of Scarparia, being brought in bedde of a Sonne, three monethes after was deliuered [Page 225] of another, and both liued: the one being a G [...]ocer at Florence in Saint Lawrence streete, NICHOLAS in the 6. discourse. tr. 1. chap. 22. A certaine woman was first deli­uered of a goodly Sonne, and the next day of a very [...]oule one. It was thought she had trespassed against her honour. GORDOINVS in his booke intituled Lilium sect. 7. cap. 2. Although the birthe of Monsters bee rare, yet supertation is more, yea so rare, as some hold it impossi­ble: yet not-with▪standing wee haue had one example in an honest mans wife, shee was brought in bed of a Sonne at her full time, the 7. of December 1570. at ten of the clocke at night, with the deliuery of all that which is accustomed to come after a happy birthe: the next day at the same houre, contrary to any apprehen­sion of her selfe or of the Mid-wife, shee was deliue­red of an other Sonne, the which had not gone halfe the time, for that the eyes, nostrils and mouth, had no vents or opening. DODONEVS in his Obseruations vp­on the 3. chap of Anth. Beniucnius.

The wife of Monsier GAILLART, President in the Chancerie of Valence, foure moneths after the death of her husband, was brought in bed of one Sonne and fiue moneths after of another. PE. PAVL PEREDE. I haue seene a Gentlewoman with childe with two Twinnes, whereof the first came forth dead, the first day of the ninth moneth: the seuenth daye following shee was brought in bed of the other, which was liuing. A. LAV­RENT. lib. 2. of his Anotomie. quest. 32.

The Lady MARIE of Neufchastell, hauing had nine Children by the Baron of Cremaille: in her second marriage with the Seigneour of Malortie, shee was with Childe of three Sonnes, with which number being but [Page 226] small of stature) shee was so ouercharged, as about the 5. moneth shee was deliuered of one onely. And shee thin­king, (as M. THIBAVT, a famous Physition at Chasteau­tierry did also) that they were but burthens; he prescri­bed her a strong purgation, to make her voide those things, the which brought down the other two children, so whole and liuely, as the Physition him selfe (repenting him) said, that without doubt they would haue gone out their full time, notwithstanding the miscarrying of the o­ther, if the purgation had not done them wrong. After­wards, shee was oft with childe, and almost alwaies with Twins; some-times with sonnes, some-times with daugh­ters: in the one of them shee was so hurt with a dogge, as finding her selfe presently ill, shee feared that her fruit was dead; so as fifteene daies after, shee was brought in bed of two children, whereof the one was dead, beeing very apparent that it had beene long before suffocated: the other was aliue, but so weake, by the communicati­on of his brothers harme, that for 3. daies he could not sucke; yet he was so carefully tended, as he recouered, & was since a Page of the Kings Stable. M. FRANCIS ROVSSET in his Commentarie of Children that are cut out of the mothers wombe, cap. 7. sect. 6. As for naturall superfetations, it is certaine that two children conceiued at seuerall times, one after another, proue it sufficiently: the which I did once obserue at Pithuiers, in a woman that was deliuered of a second child three weekes after the first. The same Author.

The wife of IOHN PLIE [...]E, of a village called Rix­heim, two houres iourney from Basil, hauing carried two Twins her full terme, the first liued a yeare: the second came into the world sixe weekes after his brother; hee [Page 227] liued long, was married, and had eight children. Master GASPAR BAVHIN in his Obseruations.

CHRISTIAN SCHLECHTIN hauing had tenne children by her first husband, shee married againe with MICHAEL VOGEL Prouost of Bollickhein, a village three houres iourney from Basil, and beeing with childe about the fiftieth yeare of her age, and the thirtieth of her marriage, in the yeare of our Lord 1575. one Sonday in Aprill shee fell in labour, and was deliuered of a daugh­ter named MARIE, which died within fifteene daies. Beeing vp and labouring about the house fiue weekes and fiue daies after this first deliuerie, shee had had newe throaes, so as shee was deliuered of a sonne called PHI­LIP, by his fathers name, who liues yet: after that she had not any more children. The same Author.

In the yeare 1584. there died at Hirshorn, a little town of the Pallatinate, neere to Heildelberge, a gentleman Lord of that place, called PHILIP LODOVIC of Hir­shorn, leauing no heires of his body, but a widowe with childe; those which pretended to be his heires (if the wi­dow miscarried, or that the fruit of her wombe did not liue) began presently to molest and trouble her, pulling the keyes of chambers, coffers, cabinets, caues, and gre­niers from her by force; the which did so much afflict her, as laying her hands vpon her heade, shee began to crie out amaine, and within fewe daies after shee was deliuered of a sonne, but dead, hauing no head. The heires runne presently and seize vpon his successi­on that was dead: but they did not long enioy it. The wi­dow being risen out of child-bed, felt her selfe very hea­uy, thinking it had beene the swelling of some humors [Page 228] gathered together in her body by reason of her heaui­nesse. Some Physitians (whose aduise shee did aske) were of the same opinion, not once dreaming of that which followed soone after. And therefore they adui­sed her to goe to certaine bathes and minerall waters along the Rhine, whether shee went, accompanied with one maide, where she arriued in Iuly. At that time the Elector of Saxonie was there with his Wife, and many other Princes and Princesses, so as the poore widowe being destitute of a lodging, was forced to repaire to the Prouost or Mayor of the place, acquainting him with her condition. In the end shee obtained with great in­treatie to lodge in the Prouosts house for that night: This night (being ten weekes after her first birthe) shee was brought in bedde of a goodly Sonne: whereof the Princes being aduertised the next day, and of the whole History, did honour her, for the Elector of Menzt made her a stately feast according to the custome of Germany. Hee of Saxonie gaue her a thousand Dollers, and they forced them that had seized vpon the inheri­tance, to leaue it to the lawfull heire new borne, who was left in the garde and keeping of his Mother. The same.

LOVYSE POVPARD, wife to Maister NICHOLAS SEVIN, called Champ­gaste of Orleans, thinking that her termes were not stopt, but by reason of a quarten ague (for then they doe commonly cease) was conceiued with Child: but not beleeuing it, shee vsed [Page 229] such Phisicke, letting of bloud, and other applications, as they do vsually, as well for the quarten ague, as for the hardnesse of the splene, the which they tooke then for the childe that was in her belly, not conceiuing what it was, but rather some masse gathered together, by the pretended retention of the menstruall bloud. In the end the child being dead, and the parts growne more soft, being rotten, without any shew of deliuery, in time the bones disioyned within her, and did pierce the Matrix behinde towards the great gutte, so as she then began to voide them by little and little by the seege, and among others a whole bone of the legge. Hauing languished thus a long time, shee dyed, and was opened the sixt day of February 1565. by FLORENT PHILIP, and MI­CHEL PICHARD, who found nothing within her but rotten bones, and especially those of the head, with ad­miration how shee could so long sub-sist. This woman seemed to haue beene curable, by the Gastrotomia, or section of hir belly, if her greefe had beene knowne in time, and the remedy that is vsed in Caesarien birthes, practised discreetly. FR. ROVSSET in his Histero­tomotie.

CATHERINE des FIEFS, Lady of Oucy neere vnto Milly, in her second marriage fell sicke, and with Childe at one instant, not imagining that shee was conceiued, and was Phisicked at Paris being sicke, as the other had beene at Orleans, with many helpes, yea entring into a sweating diet, notwith-standing that one of the Queenes Mid-wiues did iudge her to be with Childe, by all the accidents of a woman in that case, orderly obserued by her, from the staying of her termes, vnto milke in her brests, and so to the ninth moneth: at which time all did [Page 230] cease with the free motion of the childe, hauing then paines of child-bearing without effect, and presently after there followed all the signes of a dead childe: whereof they yet tooke no heed. So returning from Paris to her house, she euer after carried this child suffo­cated, euen vnto her dying day, which was fifteene mo­neths after the ninth precedent, that it was aliue. The soft parts rotting and falling away beneath, were held with good reason, by N. PONET a learned Phisition of Melun, for filthe comming out of the Matricall vlcer, and the bones remaining for a tumor of the spleene. In the end being dead and opened, the 3. of October 1570. by LVC CHAMPENAIS, and IAMES DAZIER, Barbers at Milly, in the presence of the Seigneiors of Verran and la Gainiere, with many others, there was yet found in her much corruption, no matrix, and all the bones of a child, some rotten, others whole, and among others one of the two that ioyne vnto the shoulder vpon the brest, hauing already pierced the skin that couereth the bowels, and the Muscles of the belly, nothing remai­ning but the skin which did appeare without on the left side all blacke, the which had long before beene taken for a tumor of the spleene. If her griefe had beene well looked into, by the concurrence and continuance of signes in her greatnesse, the child being dead, and other co-incidences wel obserued by order, and knowne what it was: there had beene hope, when as she could not be deliuered, to haue saued both her and her fruite by the Gastrotomia, or Caesarien section: or else the child being dead, to haue preserued the Mother, by the meanes of this section, beeing then the onely and most necessarie remedie. In the same Treatie.

[Page 231]The like mournfull effect followeth the like cause, in the Wife of a Chirurgion at Montpellier called AV­SME, assisted (as it is to be presaged) by the most fa­mous Phisitions of that reuerend Colledge: who as Mai­ster RONDELET reports in the 65, Chap. of his Method of Curing) hauing a childe rotten in the Matrix, cast out a part by morcels, the great bone remaining be­hinde, so as within a while after she dyed. In the same Treatie.

Maister I. ALIBOVX a learned Physition at Sens in Bourgongne, writes in a Letter of his to FR. ROVSSET these wordes. Here neere vnto my lodging hath fallen out an accident, as strangely as your Caesarien section. A woman with childe, being aged, or otherwise, could not be deliuered but by morcels: shee had eyther side of the bottome of her belley very much swelled, by reason of the violence of their Instruments, with all signes of an Impostume, the which did also commu­nicate with the passages of Nature, from that part of the belly (beeing layde open by corosey) came a great aboundance of filthe, and as much more of the like substance and coulour by the neather parts, shee would not suffer mee to sound it with the Instrument, to de­scerne precisely and aduisedly the bottome of the Sy­nuositie: but without it, it appeared plainely, that the Impostume and the ouer-ture thereof did pierce into the Matrix, by the common accidents obserued and kept, according to the order of times, and by the like excrements, the one and the other beeing cured by the same meanes, and at the same time. In the same Treatie. [Page 232] A dead Childe, hauing beene violently drawne with [...] from a bakers wife called COLETTE SIMON, without hurting the skin that lapt the Child in the belly; shee happened in 5. daies to haue a great swelling of ei­ther side in the bottome of her belly, with apparēt signes of an Impostume, so as an opening was made by Coro­siue, on the one side, from whence the Surgion did drawe with his hand a quantitie of congealed bloud, rotten and stinking, the other side abating nothing, neyther could the Surgion bring away any of the skinne that lapt the Child being forced to make a new opening on the other side, frō whence he did draw the skin that lapt the child, not without extreame paine in this danger and despaire: for shee remained as one halfe dead, and kept her bedde three yeares, two yeares after shee went with Cruches, then with a Staffe, and in the ende shee recouered her helth in such sort, as shee had many Children and among others, one named SEBASTIEN, who liued long. In the same treatie. M. N. de VILLENEVFVE an ancient Physition in Prouence, writs to the same FR. ROVSSET these words. I confesse in this long time that I haue liued (he was then sixtie yeares olde and liued aboue fiue and twentie yeares after in great vigour of bodie and minde) I did neuer see this practise whereof you write vnto mee, of a woman deliuered of her Childe by the side, and yet to liue. I do well remember that MADAME de PILES NONIES hauing the lower part of her belly much swelled, I caused Maister MAVRACE a Surgion of this Towne of Vaureas to make an opening in the bel­lie by an actuall Corosiue, peercing into the hol­lowes of the matrix, from whence there issued as well by the neither partes as by the place so opened aboue [Page 233] seauen pounds of filthie matter, the one like vnto the o­ther, and to bee the better assured of the place, wee did open the nether part with an instrument where wee did see the greatnesse of the matricall vlcer, the which wee cured in sixe monethes, since which time shee had a Daughter, this was in the yeare 1552. VILLENEVFVE seemes to desseine a conception, and the fruite wholie putrefied, and reduced into this merueilous quantity of corruption, although that M. ROVSSET thinkes it was onely an Impostume in the matrixe. The same VIL­LENEVFVE reports in an other letter to the sayd ROVSSET, that he had caused the like cauterisation to be made vpon that which is vpon the belly of a woman married to BRISSET an Apothicary at Mont-limar, in the yeare 1558. peercing it euen into the inward part of the matrix, so as the corruption sprong out to the beddes feete, and at the same instant a great quantitie of the like filth came forth by the lower partes. Shee was cured in 3. monethes, and soone after conceiued, and since shee hath had three Sonnes and one Daughter. In the same treatie.

M. MATHIAS CORNAX Phylosopher and Physiti­on to the Emperour at Vienna in Austria reports (in a Treatie written in Latin, and often printed,) some admi­rable and memorable Histories, like vnto the former. I will ommit many circumstances of places, yeares and daies, personages and witnesses produced to auoyde te­diousnesse: the summe is this. MARGV [...]RITE wife to the host of the red Creuise at Vienna about 25. yeare old, who before had had some Children, shee was conceiued for the third or forth time, in the yeare 1545. hauing felt (as of custome) the Childe to stirre, and the time of [Page 234] her deliuerie come, shee could bring forth nothing: so as for the space of foure whole yeares shee carried her Childe dead, the same beeing past (as it appeered) from the hollownes of the Matrix being rotten, through the bodie, vlcered there-with towardes the bowells, and there causing a great swelling, an opening was made by the aduise of CORNAX in the middest of that which is vpon the bellie to voide the corruption. The Physitions and Surgions could not thinke there was anie Childe, considering the lapse of time, during the which the poore woman had beene afflicted with verie strange paines. Yet a Childe was drawne from her which was not so rotten, (the which was admi­rable) but it might well bee discerned for a male. There happened an other wonderfull strange thing, that this honest young woman which had liued with death for so manie yeares, was in a manner miraculously drawne out of the graue, and recouered her perfect helth. Let vs adde a third meruaile: at a yeares ende shee conceiued, and bare an other Sonne his full time. The time of her deliuerie beeing come, beeing in some great difficultie, and almost without any possible meanes to bee deliuered like vnto other women. COR­NAX was called the second time, who aduised the Mo­ther and other women there present, that they should suffer her to bee opened, as at the former time: giuing verie manie reasons for his Counsell wherevnto the young woman yeelded. But the Mother and the o­ther women that were there opposed mightely against it, saying that they must referre all to the almightie GOD, and let nature worke, in easing her by some o­ther meanes lesse dangerous. CORNAX beeing thus [Page 235] gaine sayed, retired with the Surgion who had made the former section. But presently after the young woman dyed and could not bee deliuered. Soone after they cald them back, and being dead there was drawne from her by section a goodly boy, likely to haue liued if hee had beene helpt with his Mother, as this learned Physiti­on did pretend.

In the same worke there is a letter written to the same CORNAX by M. ACHILLES GASSAR a learned Physition of Ausbourg, conteyning the like history in the same circū ­stances of a woman, to whom a yeare being past that she could not bee deliuered of a Child at the due time, the Child (like vnto that of the woman of Vienna) was gone frō the hollownes of the Matrix being vlcered, towards the kidneis, as it did appeere plainly, for that it had made a shewe of an Impostume in the bellie, and principally on the left side, the Surgion drewe from her boane, after boane, who beeing cured had a Childe since.

Hee reportes in the same booke the Historie sent vnto him by Maister GILLES HERTOGE a famous Physition at Bruxelles, of a woman, who not able to bee deliuered of her Childe, the flesh and softe partes of the Child being voided belowe in rotten corruption, they did feele the bones to grate together, and did marke them with the hand vnder that which couers the bellie and yet this accident which was so strangely troublesome and insupportable to a fine and delicate woman, did not much hinder the actions of this cour­ragious woman: who carried this Crosse thirteene whole yeares. This could not bee without peer­cing of the Matrix, the which notwithstanding was cured, as needes it must, for that no filth nor corruption [Page 236] distilled downe by the lower parts, 'as else it would haue done. More-ouer she had her termes orderly: and desi­red nothing so much, as to finde Physitions and Chirur­gions that would vnder-take to make a conuenient secti­on, to draw forth those cracking bones.

Maister FRANCIS ROVSSET, (representing in his Treatie of the Caesariens deliuery (the third History aboue mentioned by CORNAX) confirmes them by another very admirable of ALBVCASIS a Physition and Chi­rurgion, the which I will discribe here, although it bee ancient, hoping that this digression shall not be vnplea­sing. I haue seene sayd hee (in the second booke of his Surgerie) a woman (in whose wombe a Childe being dead) conceiued of another, the which also dyed there: long after there did rise a swelling at her Nauell, the which was opened, and yeelded corrupt matter. I was called, and did looke to her long, yet could I not streng­then it, although I did apply strong attractiues, and ma­nie bones came forth, one after another: the which did amaze me, knowing that there are no bones in the bel­lie: Making therefore a search of all, I found they were the little bones of a dead Child, so as after I had drawne forth many, I cured her, yet the Vlcer did alwayes sweat forth some-thing. ALEXANDER BENOIST a Physiti­on of our time, in his practise, in the Treatie of the difficul­tie of Child-bearing, reportes the like History to that of ALEVCASIS.

In the Suburbes of Sully vpon Loire, MARGVERITE PREVOST, wife to PETER DORET a Milner, being apparantly with Childe, and come to her time, not able to be deliuered, not-with-standing any helpe of her wo­men, she grew by little and little so extreamely sicke, and [Page 237] so great, by reason of the Childe and other things that were putrefied, that besides the generall swelling of all the bellie, about the eight or ninth moneth, shee had a particular swelling about her Nauell, seeming to be a soft Impostume, red and readie to breake, the which Maister ITIER GALLEMENT a Surgion did open with an ac­tuall Corosiue, on New-yeares daie, in the yeare 1550. The next day at her second dressing, beeing desirous to knowe the reason of certaine haires which shewed them selues at the Orifice; I found that it was the head of a Childe rotting, which hee drew out at the opening, with the rest of the bodie, which was knowne to bee a female. Shee was soone cured, and after the death of the sayd DORET, shee married againe, and liued helth-fully 27. yeares after and then died of a flux in the yeare 1577. Shee had no Children neither before nor after. FR▪ ROVSSET in his Treatie of the Caesarien section.

M. I. HOVLIER, in the ende of the first Tome of his Booke intitled. Of inward diseases, sayeth that a wo­man at Paris had a Child, who for fifteene daies before that it was borne, had an arme sticking out at her Nauell, and yet she remained aliue and so did the Child, she did not set downe howe shee was deliuered nor by what part, neither whether shee had any Childe after­wards, the which would haue deserued a relation; as well for the theorike as the practise. Without doubt it could not be without some great vlcer in the matrix, although the Childe were not afterwards drawne forth belowe. On the otherside it is a verie strange thing, that a Childe could be so liuely in that estate, hauing made such worke in the matrix, and in that which wrapt him in, the which hee had past through aboue with his arme: for other­wise [Page 238] it could not be. In the same treatie. I haue learned of Mounsieur BVNOT, a learned Physition to the most famous Princes, ANTOINETTE of Bourbon Doua­ger of Guise, that shee had often told him, that some time before her marriage, beeing twentie yeares of age, and yet bred vp vnder her Mother, she did see, (beeing in a Church at la Fere in Picardie) that they presented vnto her Mother a young sick creature, pale, weake, swelled, and so strangely tormented with paine, as they knew not what to say to it, nor what to hope of it. The Princesse hauing caused her to bee visited by certaine Midwiues, descouered what it was: that this greeuious sicke crea­ture, whome they held to bee a very pure Virgin, had a Childe conceiued in her, and shee beeing great, it had beene long dead and rotten in her bodie, whereof not withstanding shee was soone cured, and liued very long after in good and perfect helth. In the same Treatie.

BARBARA FHIRER remayning at Zupfring in the Bayle-wike of Bremgarten in Suisserland, beeing concei­ued of her third Childe, and readie to bee deliuered, was in labour eight daies together with great greefe and paine, and not deliuered. In the ende, not able to endure anie more, shee remayned altogither in her bedde. then there appeered vnto her vpon her bellie, aboue the Nauell a bladder, of the bignesse of a hazell nut, the which had put her to exceeding great paine for three daies together, and in the ende at her instant request, it was peerced and opened by a certaine neigh­bour of hers, vsing an aule to that ende. The bladder being opened and growne large by reason of the swel­ling of the bellie, presently that which inclosed the [Page 239] Childe appeered. They called IOHN BOVRGOIS a Surgion, who hauing consulted with the Midwiues, with their common consents, made such an incision with his rasor, as one of the Childes elboes came forth and she­wed it selfe: the Surgion takes hold of it with pincers for the nonce, and drawes the Childe out whole by this breach, but dead and halfe rotten. The Mother ha­uing suffred no greater harme, then some light fayn­tings during the operation. The wound beeing cu­red, according to the precepts of Surgerie, so that with­in three-weekes shee was set on foote, not without great discommodity, for that shee was forced to vse a great rowle continually, and not able to stand vp but with meruelious great paine, so as after two yeares shee died. GASPAR BAVHIN in the addition to the History of the Caesarien deliuery.

A Country woman being with Childe, and come to the 8. moneth, beeing vpon the waie to goe to the mar­ket at Sancerre, was cast by her horse and fell against a stone: of this fall she continued 24. houres without spea­king or moouing. The next day she had a sharpe feuer ac­cōpanied with very violent accidents, as ordynary fayn­ting, vomyting and idlenesse of the braine. They did purge her, let her bloud, and applyed what they could to temper the heate of this great feauer. After a moneth shee had a swelling neeere vnto the Nauell, as bigge as ones fist. That beeing opened there came forth a great quantitie of corruption, and then prittie bigge peeces of rotten flesh, and in the ende the bones of the Infant which shee bare. Hauing had this wound ten monethes, in the end shee was cured, but yet shee continued barren. Some thinke that if shee had [Page 240] beene helpt by a dissection in the bellie, the Child might haue beene saued. N. NAVRICE in the comment vpon the 1. booke of Hippocrates of womens diseases Text. 3.

A fleming hauing her Childe dead in her bodie, could not be deliuered, so as it did rotte within her, notwithstan­ding any remedies that were applied to make her voide the peeces. In the ende she her selfe borrowed a Surgi­ons instrument, called a Cranes Bill, with the which shee her selfe pulled out the bones of this Child being rotten. Then hauing eased herselfe by Lotions, Fomentations, Bathes, and other fit helpes, shee recouered her perfect health. R. SOLENANDRE in the 5. booke of his Coun­cells. Chap. 15. art 40.

THe yeare 1546. in the Towne of Mis­nia in Saxony a seruant of THOMAS le FEVREs hauing a little Childe in her armes, and looking out at a windowe three stories high, by mischance let it fal into the streete, whence it was ta­ken vp, not beeing hurt nor bruzed in any part of the bo­die. GEORGE la FEVRE in his Annales of Misnia. lib. 3. pag. 200.

In the moneth of Iune 1552. a girle of PETER PELI­CES, a Cooke in the same Towne and the same streete, fell out of the garret windowe of a house, and had no harme. The same Author pag. 207.

The Sonne of SIMON CRAMES a Councellor of the same Towne, and dwelling in the same streete, fel from [Page 241] an high window downe on the pauement, which was of hard stone, and yet not hurt in any part of his body, it happened in the yeare 1559. In the same Booke. pag. 214. Of these three deliuerances, GEORGE le FEVRE makes mention in these verses:

In the moneth of September, the yeare 1566. a Maide of SIMON RICHTERS, a Citizen of Misna, dwelling by Wolfgang Ber, let a little Boy (which shee held in her armes) fall from a very high window. Hee lighted first on the end of a Waggon, and then on the pauement, but was not any way hurt. In the same Booke, pag 227. 228. The yeare 1568. in the moneth of Iune- ERASMVS the sonne of WOLFGANG BEME, being but foure yeares old, fell out of a window of his fathers house into the street, & had no harme. In the same pa. 229

In a Village hard by Cygne, a certaine Countri-woman willed a little boy shee had to go and fetch home their Oxen that were feeding by a woods side. Whilst the child was away, there fell so much Snowe, that vpon a suddaine all the wayes were couered, & the night came on so fast, that the boy was enclosed in the mountaines, and could not get out. The father & mother taking more care for their child then Oxen, rose betimes in the mor­ning to go seeke him: but the snow was so great that they knew not where to looke him. The next day they traced the forrest to finde the body, which they were verily per­swaded [Page 242] was voide of life, but at last they found him sit­ting on a banke, which the Snowe had neither couered nor touched. They asked him, why he came not home all that while: The child answered (hauing felt no colde nor harme at all) that he staied till it was euening. Then they asked him whether hee had eaten any thing or no. A man that I knew not, said he, came hether & gaue me Bread & Cheese: wherat exceeding ioyfull, they carried him home. I. MANLIVS in the first booke of his Collections.

The yeare 1565. about the end of September, a maide in the towne of Misna, that was an Ideot, lead a little girle of three yeares old out of the Towne (vnpercei­ued of any) and hauing carryed her to a riuer called Trebisa, which was risen some-what high with raine that was falne, stripped the girle, & tooke her vpon her shoul­der, and waded ouer the riuer, then returned and made the child ready againe: but being weary of her carriage, she left the poore infant in the winde & the raine, which was then very sharpe and bleake. The girle remained all the whole night, and halfe the next day on the bare ground, where she was found (as GOD would) by a Countrie wench, who tooke her vp in her armes, & car­ried her to a farme there by. From whence she was con­ueyed to her Father and Mother, that were in great per­plexitie for the losse of their child. GEORGE FEVRE in the 3. booke of his Annales of Misna.

The yeare 1558. there fell such an horrible raine and tempest in Thuringe, that in an instant it ouer-threw di­uers houses, and the torrent was so furious, that it carri­ed away a great number of persons of all ages. Amongst the rest a vyolent inundation of waters ouerwhelmed a poore labourers house of Burcktonne, where his wife [Page 243] lay newly deliuered of a Sonne, and swallowing vp the wretched Mother, carryed away the young infant, that a little before had beene laide in a Trough made like a kneeding-tub, which was stayed by the bough of an Apple-tree, where the childe remained, and was found safe and sound after the rage of the waters was alayed: euery one acknowledging the truth of this notable sen­tence: that GODS assistance doth appeare, when mans doth faile. PH. LONICER in the Theater of Examples, pag. 196. H. HVSANVS a Lawyer, describes in excel­lent Latin verse, such a like miracle, which happened about that time, in a certaine place of the same Coun­trie, on the behalfe of a little Childe lying in a Cra­dle, which was carryed away very farre by the furie of the waters, and then layde gently in a safe shore, where it was found aliue.

ANDREVV MERCKTER recites in a certaine fune­rall Oration by him written, touching afflictions, that being a little boy, he had beene miraculously preserued from waters, & from manifest danger of drowning three seuerall times: first at Sechouse, next at Wittenberg, and lastly at Perleberg, where this which ensueth hapned vnto him. As hee was standing on the bridge of that place which was very high, certaine Roysters, thronging along in great number and hast, pushed him ouer the bridge in­to the middest of the streame. It was in Winter, and the Ice couered him, so that carried from the top of the wa­ter vnder the Ice, hee was driuen to a Mill that stood in the riuer, where the water not being frosen, by reason of the continuall motion which the wheeles of the Mill made, he was taken vp and saued. PH. LONICER in the same Theater, in the examples of the third commandent, pag. 198.

[Page 244]In a Village called Zum Heni [...]hen, hard by Friberg in Misna, a little Boy, sonne to a certaine Weauer, playing about the house fide, fell into a great channell of water that serued to driue a Mill, and was suddainly carried by the streame which ran very stiffe vnder his fathers house, standing ouer the channell, and then vnder a bridge, so farre that it was enough to haue drowned him a dosen times, without the protection of Heauen, which would haue the childe carried to the Mill, where he tooke hold with his little hands on the barre which serued to shutte the water-gate, and cryed out as lowd as he could. An old woman heard him, who ran thither, and called the Miller, so that the Boy was taken vp safe out of the furi­ous waters. The same.

In the yeare 1565. the 10. day of March, about seuen of the clock in the morning the Treasurer of Rofenbourg, a towne situate on the riuer Sala, going from the towne to the Castle, went (as of necessity he was to do) ouer the bridge, followed by a pritty little boy his sonne, who ga­zing on the swiftnes of the streame, & going to take away some durt that stuck on his shooes, slid in such maner in an open slippery place of the bridge, that he fell into the bottom of the riuer. A fisher-man being in a garden not far of, hearing the noyse of his fall, ran thither, and with great danger of his life leaped in after the poore childe, whom the waues had carried all along the Castle walls. He tooke hold on a piece of his coate, which tearing, the body fell againe into the water, he caught him the secōd time by one of his feet, & carried him to his mother, that almost dead with feare staid for him on the banke: within two houres after he came to himlsefe, & two daies after that, was as well as euer hee was, to the no little ioy of [Page 245] all his friends that praised GOD for his miraculous as­sistance. The same.

On Easter eue the same yeare, about euening, a furi­ous inundation of waters rushing on the towne of Islebe in Saxonie, did especially and as it were with an agree­ment made betweene the waters, beate vpon the house of an honest Citizen named BARTHOLMEVV VOGT. Incontinently the fore-part of the house, and a piece of the Stoue fell downe, within the Stoue was a little childe in a Cradle. The Father and Mother astonished with so suddaine a visitation, and hearing the noyse of the cradle tost with the waues, got out the childe, and carryed it to one MICHAEL FEARES a neighbor of theirs. There remained foure other children lying in an high chamber of the house. The Father more carefull for their liues then his owne, entred againe into present death, and ha­uing past many dangers, got into the Chamber & tooke vp two of those children in his armes. Therevpon the floore sanke vnderneath his feete, so that he fell into the water, which carryed him to a great stacke of wood, whereon hee caught hold, and with much paine stayed himselfe by it some halfe an houre, loden with his two sonnes, and crying out for helpe. But no body could get to him by reason of the wonderfull furye of the raging waters. Seeing himselfe destitute of all humane assistance and as it were dispairing of his owne life & his childrens, he humbly commended both himselfe and them to the mercy of GOD, calling the Prophet IONAS to mind, that was preserued amidst the seas, and in the belly of a Fish. As he was praying vnto the Lord, a great beame, driuen along by the waues, carried away one of his sonnes: an­other greater then that, comming vpon him with great [Page 246] violence, made him let go the stake by the which he had held so long, & whether he would or no caried him with his other sonne into a garden behind his house. Being there with their heads scarce aboue water, and remem­bring his other sonne, he began to call him: the child an­swered him from a beame, wheron the father espied him sitting astride. Thether he swam, and setting them both on his shoulders, he got to a great pile of wood, & clam­mering vp on it, there rested himself with his two sonnes some fiue houres. The next morning betimes, the waters being falne, he carried them to Feures Stoue, where they began to come to themselues. As for the other two chil­dren lying a bed in the high chamber, the goodnesse of GOD preserued them after a meruailous manner. The Father because he could not go to them by the accusto­med staires, got his neighbour to breake open a way through the wall that parted their houses, and entring into the chamber found them in their bed fast a sleepe, the diuine prouidence hauing with his hand held vp that part of the chamber, as it were in the ayre, all the rest of the house being ouer whelmed and carried away by the waters: assoone as euer he was returned againe through the wall with his children, the chamber and the bed fell presently downe. Thus were these fiue children miracu­lously preserued, contrary to all hope or expectation. The same.

A Certaine man become rich, seeing his father beg, was some-what ashamed at it, and tooke him into his house. One day hauing an exquisite dishe of meate [Page 247] brought to his table, & hearing his father comming into the roome, he made it to be locked vp: but when his fa­ther was gone, hauing willed it to be brought in againe, the seruant found the dish full of Snakes: where-with hauing acquainted his Maister, hee would needs go and see what it was. And approching neere vnto them, one of the greatest of those Snakes leaped in his face, ioyning his mouth in such sorte to the mans, that he could neuer eate any meate after but the Snake had his part of it: and hee continued in that estate all the rest of his life. MANLIVS in his Collections: PH. LONICER in his Theater of examples, pag. 283.

A certaine father being old and poore, went and de­sired his sonne to relieue him. The sonne thinking it a great dishonor for him to acknowledge such a Father, made as though he knew him not, and hauing rayled at him, bad him get him away. The poore father with teares in his eyes departed: but his backe was scarce turned, when the ingratefull sonne fell madde, and dyed in that miserable estate. MANLIVS in his Collections. PH. LONICER in his Theater, pag. 283.

The yeare 1550. in the capitall Cittie of the Duchie of Prussia, called Conisprug, a Lock-smith being a very lewd fellow, killed his father and mother with an Yron Pestle, in hope to haue their money. Presently where­vpon he went to a Shoomakers shop, and bought him a new paire of shooes, leauing his old behind him, which the Shoomakers sonne threw vnder a bench. Two or three houres after, the fathers shop hauing bene opened by the commandement of the Magistrate, who had vn­derstood that the neighbors had heard some great stirre in it, they found the two old folkes murthered, wherwith [Page 248] the Sonne seemed to bee so exceeding grieued, that no man euer mistrusted him to bee the author of so exe­crable a deede. Nowe it fortuned that the shoomaker looking for som what els vnder his bench, found the old shoes which the young smith had left behinde him all be sprinkled with bloud. And it was also noted by others that the wretch had his purse better lined then it was wont to bee, which beeing reported to the Magistrate, hee was straight-way aapprehended. Wherevpon without any torture hee confessed the fact, and was exe­cuted as hee deserued. They say that the pestle which was set vp ouer the iudgement place doth continuallie shake yet. PH. LONICER in his Theater, page. 284. Vpon the report of one of the greatest Diuynes of our time.

The yeare 1560▪ a wicked wretch in the Towne of Basill poysened his owne Father, beeing a wealthy man and of an honest conuersation. Which being afterwards discouered and proued against him, hee was first of all laied starke naked on a bare planke, & so drawne through the chiefest streetes of the towne, then hee had his flesh plucked away in foure principall places of his body with hot burning pincers, lastly hee had his bones broken, and was left so a liue on a cart wheele, where hauing langui­shed in grieuous torments the space of nine houres, with great acknowledgement and detestation of his damna­ble fact, he gaue vp the ghost. GASPAR HEDIO in the 4. part of his Chronicles.

On Sattarday the last sauing one of September 1565. it happened that IOHN GVY the Sonne of EME GVY, an Haberdasher of hattes and cappes in the Towne of Chastillon vpon Loire, being a very lewd & vnruly youth, [Page 249] stayed forth according to his custome, and came not home till it was very late in the night. Whereat his Fa­ther being much offended, told him that if he continued in those fashions, he should be constrained to turne him out of dores. Wherevnto the Sonne answered very saw­cily, that it should not neede, for hee would goe of him­selfe, and that forth-with if hee might haue his clothes. Therevpon the Father went to his Chamber, and being a bedde was faine to threaten his Sonne for to make him hold his peace, he was so lusty with his tongue. At length, seeing hee, but lost his labour, and not able any longer to endure his proud and sawcy answeres hee rose in an anger out of his bedde for to go and Chastice the arro­gancie and disobedience of this vnruly youth: who see­ing his Father comming to beate him, caught a sworde which hunge in his Chamber and rebelling against his Father ranne him quite through the bodie. Where­withall he fell presently downe, crying out he was slaine. The neighbors flighted with his crie came running in, and found the poore Father, lying all along on the floore ready to giue vp the Ghost, as within a little while after he did: and his Sonne standing by him with the sword all bloudie in his hands: who notwithstanding that his Fa­ther mooued with compassion and forgetting his vnna­turall cruelty towards him had willed him to saue him­selfe, and that his Mother had also perswaded him there­vnto, yet had not the power to stirre a foote. So that apprehended and examined, at first he excused himselfe; saying that his Father ranne vpon the sword himselfe. But his excuses found friuolous, hee was condemned to haue his right hand cut of, then to haue his flesh plucked away in foure places of his body with burning pincers, [Page 250] and finally to bee hanged by the feete on a gibbet, and there strangled with a stone of a hundreth and twentie pounds weight which should be tyed about his neck. All which (hauing confessed his fault) hee patiently endured, calling vpon GOD for mercy euen to the verie last gasp. In the Historie of our time.

A friend of mine a man of a great spirit and worthie of credit, beeing one night at Naples with a kins-man of his, heard the voice of a man crying out for helpe in the streete. Whereat he arose, lighted a candle, and ranne out to see what it was, and comming into the streete hee sawe an horrible fantosme of a dreadfull and furious as­pect, which would haue carried away a young youth, that cried out and struggled with him aswell as he could: but seeing him comming, hee ranne suddainely vnto him, and caught him fast about the middle, and after his feare was some-what past, hee beganne to call vpon GOD, whereat the fantosme vanished presently away. My friend carried this young man to his lodging, and after hee had comforted him, hee would haue sent him home: but hee could not get him to go by any meanes, for the youth was so frighted that hee shaked euery ioynt of him through the apprehension of so hideous an encounter. At last being some-what come to himselfe, hee confessed that till then hee had lead a very wicked life, that hee had beene a contemner of GOD, and dis­obedient to his Father and Mother, whom he had so in­tollerably misused that they had cursed him. Where­vpon hee went forth of dores and was presently encoun­tred by that fiend. ALEXANDER of Alexandria, in the 4. booke of his geniall daies. Chap. 19.

A young man borne at Gabies, not farre from Rome, [Page 251] being of a wilde and vnruely nature, and verie lewdly giuen, hauing abused his Father diuers and sundry waies, got him in a rage out of dores, and went towardes Rome, entending to plot some newe villany there against his sayd Father. Vpon the way hee met the Diuell, in the likenesse of a desperate ruffian, with long haire, and rag­ged apparel, who comming to him, demanded the cause of his discontent. The young man answered that hee had beene at some wordes with his Father, and deter­mined to be meete with him some way or other. Wher­vnto the Diuell replyed that such an inconuenient had befallen him, and therefore desired him they might keepe company togither, for to deuise some meanes to bee reuenged of the wrongs they had sustained. Night approching they went into an Inne, and lay togither in one bedde. But the wicked fiend, when the young man was a sleepe caught him by the throate, and had strang­led him, if hee had not awaked and called to GOD for helpe. Wherevpon the Diuell vanished away, and in his departure so shaked the Chamber, that both the roofe and walles crackt in sunder. Whereat this young man was greeuiously terrified with such a soddaine spectacle, and almost dead with feare, repented him of his wicked life, and guided from thence forward by a better spirit, became an enemy to vice, past the rest of his life farre from the rumors of people, and serued for a good example to his neighbors. In the same booke and Chapter.

GOD repented that he had made man, saith MOYSES, Gen. 6. And Philoso­phers Bookes are full of complaints touching the malice of mans heart. PLATO in the 7. Booke of his lawes, saith, That a child is the wildest beast, the vnruliest and hardest to bee tamed of all other: and that it cannot be too neerely looked vnto. ARISTOTLE also in the first Bookes of his Politickes confirmes the same. Lyons, Beares, and other sauage beasts are vntrac­table: but yet not so much as children left to themselues, and destitute of good direction. It is reported, that a childe of a village in the Landgrauiat of Hesse, was lost through the rechlesnesse of his Father and Mother, who sought him a long time after, but could not finde him. This Village was full of Trees and Gardens, hard by a Forrests side wherein were a great number of Wolues. Certaine yeares after, there was perceiued among the Wolues which came into the Gardens to seeke their prey, a creature not altogether like a Wolfe, nor nothing so nimble as they: which seene many and sundry times with great meruaile, by the Country-folkes, and think­ing it was a beast of some other kinde, they went and re­ported it to the Gouernor of the place, who there-with acquainted the Landgraue. He hauing commanded that it should be hunted, and by some way or other taken a­liue: the Country-men vsed such meanes that they caught it, and lead it to the Landgraues Court, going on foure feete like a beast, and of a grim and terrible looke. [Page 253] Beeing in the Princes hall, it went and hidde it vnder a bench, where it beganne to houle and crie like a Wolfe. But some lyniaments (though disfigured) of a humane face beeing discouered in it, the Prince commanded it to bee brought vp among men: vntill such time as it might bee more exactly knowne what it was. Those which had it in charge so diligently imployed them­selues that the creature beganne to growe tame, to stand vpright, and to goe like other men, finally to speake distinctly: and then (as farre forth as euer his memory would permit him) hee declared that hee had liued in a Caue among Wolues, which vsed him verie gently, and alwaies gaue him the better parte of their prey. M. DRESSERVS, in his booke of newe and ancient discipline.

Diuers French Gentlemen can testifie that they haue seene a man, which was taken in the forrest of Com­piegne, and brought to the late King, CHARLES the 9. Who went vpon foure feete like a beast, and ranne swif­ter then anie horse. Hee could not stand vpright, had a verie hard skinne, was heary almost all ouer, and in stead of speech vsed a feare-full crie accompanied with so hiddeous a looke and countenance, that there is no beast so ill-fauored to see-to as that poore creature was, which had liued amongest the rauenous Wolues, and learned of them to howle. Moreouer with his teeth he strangled Dogges, & dealt no better with men when­soeuer hee met them. I could neuer knowe what be­come of him afterward. EXTRACTED out of the Memo­rialls of our time.

Touching the first History extracted out of DRES­SERVS, I knowe not whither it bee the same, which is [Page 254] presented by the D. PHILIP CAMERARIVS in his ex­cellent Historicall meditations, Chap. 75.

The repeticion being but short wil not be offensiue, I hope. It is a meruaylous thing (sayth he) if true, which is read in the additions to the History of LAMBERT of SCHAFNABOVRG▪ as followeth. The yeare 1544. a Child was taken in the Country of Hesse, who (as hee himselfe hath since declared and was so verified) being but three yeares olde was carried away & brought vp by Wolues. When they got any prey, they alwaies brought the bet­ter parte of it to the Child which fed vpon it. In winter when it was cold, they scraped a hole, which they trim­med with grasse and leaues of trees, whereon they layed the Childe, and compassing him about, defended him from the iniury of the time: afterwards they made him goe vpon his handes and feete, and runne along with them whither soeuer they went, so that at length and through vse hee could leape and runne aswell as they. Being taken, he was taught by little and little to go onely vpon his feete. He oftentimes sayd, that if it had beene in his choice, hee would rather haue liued among Wolues, then men. Hee was brought to the Court of HENRY LANDGRAVE of Hesse for to be seene. In the same yeare befell the like case in the farme of Echtzel: for a Childe of twelue yeares olde, running amongest the Wolues in the Forrest adioyning, was taken in the winter time by certaine Gentlemen that hunted the Wolues.

THis Inuention hath beene found out by some barren women (some drawne therevnto of their owne motion, to please their husbands, and to bring an heire into the house vnder their charge, to the preiudice of the right heire: others (consenting to the Impostures of their owne husbands, pretending to aduance their estates by such Diuelish practises) haue stuft vp their bellies with cloth & little cushions, but in such sort as they swelling should growe by degrees, counterfetting themselues to bee distasted, way-ward, melancholie and heauie: and at the end of 9. monethes to suppose some Child, brought se­cretly from the house of some poore neighbour, or for want of one, from the hospitall. Som-times bought for money, or supposed by the husbād, hauing had it of some Concubine. This is not all, for as some that haue beene barren haue vsed the meanes of such suppositions: so others haue made vse of it, when as they had a great desire to haue a Sonne, for the greater contentment of their husbands, they see that GOD had sent them a Daughter.

It is well knowne that about fiftie yeares since, a Ladie of Daulphine seeing her selfe in disgrace with her husband, for that shee had brought him none but Daughters, forged such a tricke to giue him satisfacti­on; shee corrupted a woman of base condition in the beginning of this womans conception, and drewe [Page 256] a promise from her to giue her her Childe presently vp­on her deliuerie. After which practise, the Ladie ha­uing counterfetted all the signes of a woman with Childe, in the ende to plaie the last and chiefe part, as soone as euer shee herd that the poore woman was in labour, and that shee was deliuered of a Sonne, shee goes to her bedde, feyning to bee in the same paine, ex­pecting the little Boy that was promised her. The which was done and brought her so secretly by cer­taine Midwiues, as it was receiued of the husband, as issued from his Wiues wombe: and so generally re­puted. Wherein I will not ommit a notable example of the almightie GODS iust iudgement: for this La­die, who could not bee induced by nature to beare any loue, nor to giue any countenance in the house to this Childe (although that by meanes of the sayd supposi­tion, hee had beene left heire by him who thought him­selfe to bee his Father) disdayning him daylie more and more, in the ende shee forced him to bandie himselfe a­gainst her, and to haue recourse vnto Iustice, challenging his rights as Sonne and heire, and offring to force her to an account, Ths which did so incense the sayd Ladie, as shee conspired his death: at the least it was supposed that the murther committed vpon him, was by her solliciting. Booke first of the conference of ancient wonders with mo­derne.

A Woman of the Towne of Sens in Bourgondie, cal­led COLOMBE CHATRY, married to LEVVIS [Page 257] CHARITE a Taylor, hauing liued long with him with­out any children, in the end shee conceiued: and during the time of her being great, she had all the accidents of a womā with child. But the time of lying in being come, all the endeuours of poore COLOMBE, and the helpe of Midwiues were in vaine, so as her fruit died, and she laye three whole yeares languishing in her bed. In the end being some-what eased, shee liued in paine 25. yeares more, carrying this dead fruite in her body, whereof in the end she dyed, hauing carryed it 28. whole yeares in her belly. Her Husband caused her to be opened, and the childe was found conuerted into a hard stone, then drawne out of her wombe, and kept for a great mer­ueyle, as many haue seene it well fashioned, as if some excellent worke-man had cutte it in this Caue, hauing the members whole and proportionable, like vnto a childe of nine moneths old, being opened, they found the heart, the liuer, the braine, and other parts, very hard, but not like vnto the exterior parts. It is a female: the body is not subiect to rottennesse, nor to rust, no more then one of the hardest stones, which the best Statuaries can worke in. Maister IHON d' ALIBOVX, and SIMON of Prouuancheres, learned Physitions of our time, which haue seene this Childe of Stone, and haue had this wonder in their hands, haue written the History at large, and published an ample discourse thereon.

I will adde here vnto an other memorable Historie, written by Maister IHON SCHENCK of Grasenberg, a Physition at Fribourg in Brisgart, from whom I haue drawne a great part of the reports of the wonderfull accidents of mans body; mentioned in his Collection [Page 258] of the Histories of our times. CLAVDE of Saint MAV­RICE, a famous Physition and professor at Dole, did write vnto Monsieur QVENZ, Senator and the chiefe Physition at Fribourg, that the 25. day of Ianuary 1595. causing a woman that was dead to bee opened, of the age of 37. yeares, they found her wombe to be of stone, waying seuen pounds, the Liuer with one onely griesly lumpe, the substance of which was round, the bladder of stone, the skinne that couers the bowels so hard, as the Surgions Razor could hardly enter it. These things (said he) did amaze vs much, how the spirits were car­ryed throughout all the body: and how it was possible for this woman to liue so long without some apparent disease. I caused this wombe of Stone to bee opened, hoping to finde some fruite of the same sort, like to that of the women of Sens in Bourgongne, but I found that it was onely stone within, as without.

THE Caesarien deliuery is an extrac­tion artificially made of the childe by the mothers side, who could not otherwise bee deliuered but by a sufficient incision, as well of that which is on the belly, or exterior part of the belly, as of the matricall body: without preiudicing not-with▪ standing, the life of the one or the other (so as there happens no other accident) or hindering the Mother from bearing of [Page 259] more Children. The which is to bee vnderstood of the Childe that is aliue yet in the Mothers wombe. Vnder this also is comprehended an other like extracti­on of a Childe dead in the Mothers wombe, when as by some other helpe of the Mid-wife, Physition or Chiru [...]gion, that is more easie, more safe, and more common, there is no meanes to haue it, and that else they finde the Mother must dye with it: as it doth day­lye happen in women of all sorts, after that they haue beene miserably broken.

It is not long that I sufficiently discouered (by the report of certaine ancient graue men of Milly in Gaste­nois) that it is true, whereof they make no doubt in that place, that the wife of one named GODART, re­maining then at Mesnill a Parish of Milly, had some certaine yeares before had sixe Children, after this manner, that is to saye: The Childe hauing beene drawne by an incision made in the Mothers side, and neuer other-wise, the Children still liuing. The worke­man was NICHOLAS GVILLET a Barber at Milly, after whose death, for want of her accustomed helpe, this woman dyed, not being by any meanes able to bee deliuered as shee was in times past. A probable Argument that it was a deepe Physome, or a naturall straightnesse, capable to receiue the Instruments of generation or procreation, but not to deliuer forth the Childe. FRANCIS ROVSSET in his Treatie of the Caesarian deliuery.

I haue vnderstood for certaine by Maister AMEROS le NOIR, a very expert Surgion of Pithuiers, and by GIL­LES le BRVN, that they together had at diuers times drawne by the side three liuing Children from a poore [Page 260] woman neere to Merenuille in Beausse, and meaning to lead me to her, to see the place of the Incision, I vnder­stood that shee was dead a little before of the plague, which was then very violent in that Countrie, I haue a learned Epistle of Mounsier ALIBOVS Physition of Sens, setting downe orderly and at large, how that IHON de MARAIS, a Chirurgion at La Chastre in Ber­ry, sonne to LEVVIS de MARAIS, ordinary Chirurgion to the Arch▪ bishop of Sens, drew from his owne wiues side, a Sonne called SIMON de MARAIS, afterwards Chirurgion and Grome of the Chamber to the Queene Mother. After the which shee was brought in bedde againe well and orderly of a Daughter called RENEE. Of that SIMON (whome they surnamed without a Mother) and of ROSE GALLARDEL, came CLAVDE married to Maister FRANCIS ARTVS of Yssondun: & FRANCIS married to OLIVER GARINER: both suf­ficient witnesses of their fathers birthe, as well by the common report, as by their fathers often telling▪ The same Author.

Monsieur PELION a famous Phisition at Angers, hauing heretofore reported to Maister LAVRENCE COLLOT a Chirurgion of Paris, a like worke in Aniou, hath since confirmed it by a Letter which he gaue me, testifying that it was done by MATHVRIN DEBO­NAIRE Chirurgion.

Maister DENIS ARMENANT a Physition at Gien, and my selfe haue seene a little before the troubles, in the Hospitall of Chastillon vpon Loire, a woman bee­ing sicke of a continuall feuer, hauing a great swelling on the left side of her belly, and therein a long Cicatrise, with apparant signes of needlesse points, remaining [Page 261] of the opening of the said parts that were sowed vp, by the which both her selfe and her husband did witnesse that a while before there had beene a Sonne drawne, the which was some seuen yeares before we speake vnto them, and could not be borne otherwise. This was done in Bourgundy by an old Barber of the same Village, verie expert as they said in such operations. The woman did not conceiue nor beare any child after that time, al­though they were both yong. The same Author.

BERNARDE ARNOVT the Wife of STEPHEN MASICAVLE of Nangeuille, betwixt Estampes, Puise­aux and Pithuires, after an extreame and fruitlesse labour of foure dayes, sending her husband vnto mee, despay­ring in a manner of all helpe, she had the heart (against the will of her said husband) to haue her bodye by my aduice opened, yea, shee did so hasten it, after that shee had heard my resolution, as she would not staie for Mai­ster AMBROS LE NOIR aboue mentioned, whome I promised to send her, as a Man experienced in such o­perations, for that I could not be there present, beeing then very sicke: but she imployed the first she could find which was IOHN LVCAS, a yong Barber, remaining then at Bunou, a little Village thereby who performed this worke (which was new to him) very artificially, in the presence of many: some of them with himselfe, are yet liuing to witnesse this acte. This was on Easter-day 1556. The Incision began on the right side of the belly, a finger lower then the Nauill, and aboue foure fingers distant from it, and so descending directly vnto the pri­uy parts, without touching the Muscles on the right side, from the which it was distant aboue, about three fingers, and beneath some-what lesse.

[Page 262]The incision beeing made with-out much bleeding, the wombe appeared plainely, the which hee also cut some-what largely, that the wound might be sufficient to drawe forth the child (beeing yet aliue) with his skin that wrapt him in the wombe more easilye. Then hee stitcth it vp after the vsuall manner of wounds, not the Matrix, but the Muscles and the skinne ouer the bowels with fiue stitches, as I did well obserue, going thether to visit her presently after my recouery. The which I haue oftentimes noted in her since, to cure a rupture which she hath had euer since, eyther for that it was not well stitcth vp, or for that she did rise so soone. And you must note, that this Barber was ignorant both of the Muscles and skinne that couereth the bowels. Proceeding in this action as if hee had launced an Impostume, or cut out some peece of flesh with a sharpe knife, as Maist. MAV­RICE CORDE doth obserue in his Commentary vpon Hipocrates, treating of womens diseases, lib. 1. text 11. About a yeare and a halfe after, her husband beeing dead, and she married againe to PETER CHANCLOV, she conceiued, and was deliuered of a daughter natural­ly, liuing nowe at Nangeuille, where there are yet many witnesses of this strange Spectacle. The same Author.

At Vri in Biere, neere vnto Fontainbleau, two leagues from Nemours. COLLETTE BERANGER, wife to SI­ [...]ON [...] GARDE, passing the 10. month after her conception, and carrying her fruite long in her bodye dead, the lower parts neuer opening to deliuer it forth, in the ende she sent for VINCENT VALLEAVA Surgi­on of Nemours, who hauing no other apparent meanes to helpe her, in the end of Ianuary hee cut her, in the [Page 263] yeare 1542. not on the right side, but on the left, a litle higher then the womā of Nangeuille, first cutting the Ab­domen or outward part of the belly, and then the Ma­trix, from whence he drew the dead child, swelled and stincking, with the skinne that wrapt him already rotten. Then without sowing the Matrix, by chance or catele­sly, he gaue fiue stitches in the skinne, and some small part of the Muscles, as it appeared plainely long after, hauing nothing but a very skin cicatrized vpon her bely. Her lying in was but a month and a halfe. Two yeares after the which time she had a daughter naturally, and two yeares after that a son called PETER DE LA GAR­DE, afterwards a Smith by his profession. Shee became afterwards a Mid-wife at Vri seruing other women aud receiuing their children. The same.

AGNES BOYER, wife to IOHN COMPAN a Labo­rer at Villereau nere vnto Neufuille in Beause, after shee had beene for the space of foure dayes broken with the importunity of Mid-wiues, and nothing eased, she was opened on the right side, by PHILIP MIGNEAV a Barber of Neufuille, in the yeare 1544, and then the Muscles and the skinne were grosly sticht vp, as hee could. Of which incision shee was soone cured: but the contusions which the Mid-wiues made in the priuy parts, troubled the Surgion aboue seuen months to cure them; shee had also a fayre Daughter, which liued healthfully aboue seuen moneths: but on the eyght shee fell sicke beeing at nurse in the same Vil­lage, whereof shee died. A while after shee grewe great and bigge againe, carrying the child hanging alwayes towards the rupture which remained as in o­thers but without any paine. [Page 264] But shee could not be deliuered no more then before, for one of the aboue named causes, as it is to be presumed. And therefore she did voluntarily desire to haue an in­cision made as before, the which shee could not obtaine (by any intreaty) of two yong Surgions sent thither ex­presly from Neuffuille, wheras they kept, after PHILIP, who died of the plague: which was the cause that both she and her fruite dyed pitifully together through theyr faintnesse, if the weakenesse of the Woman or some o­ther pittifull accident, did not stay them from doing it. The same.

In the yeare 1576, the 22, of Iuly at Ambedoye nere to S. Brisson, in the territorie of Gien, ANTO INETTE ANDRE, Wife to LEVVIS GARNIER a Handi-crafts man, was also opened by Maister ADAM AVBRY borne at Pithuiers, a Surgion remaining at Aubigny, who made the report vnto mee. Afterwardes hauing conceiued a­gaine, shee was naturally deliuered of an other liue child. The same.

And of latter dayes in the yeare 1578. the first of Fe­bruary, IONE MICHEL, borne at Argent, Wife to GEORGE RENAVLD, liuing in the sub-vrbes of Au­bigny, hauing beene big with child aboue ten moneths, she carryed her fruite along time dead, not leauing not­withstanding to follow her businesse, till in the ende she was forced to betake her selfe to her bed, where after shee had beene long tormented in vaine by Mid-wiues, in the end she sent for the aboue named ADAM AVBRY and for WILLIAM COLLAS a learned Surgion, who hauing cut of the childs arme beeing al blacke and dead, which came forth long before by the Mothers nature, but not able to take hold of the rest of the body, they [Page 265] made an incision on the right side, something bending and with a small Orifice, to spare the mother, which caused her to feele great paynes in the extraction of the child, for that the Matrix could not deliuer the child for the straitnesse of the ouerture, which paynes notwith­standing ceassed presently when as the child and that which followes were deliuered. So after the ordinary dis­charges of a woman in child-bed (which came as well as if she had bin naturally brought in bed) within a while after shee did rise, and had her termes accustomed at the ende of fiue weekes: and presently after shee conceiued againe in the ende of May, beeing somewhat troubled with the fresh remembrance of that was past, taking care what might happen of her beeing nowe with child; at which time she was deliuered naturally. And although the child did at the first present but one of the legges, (which was a bad beginning) yet the same beeing put backe by the Mid-wife, all succeeded happely. Since which time beeing with child againe, shee had a happy deliuery, and was afterwards very healthfull. The same.

About the yeare 1582. IOHN IAOOT a Surgion dwelling in a Village neere to Auxerre, called Tirouaille meeting with Maister IOHN ALIBOVX a Phisition of Sens going to practise, desired him to turne a little out of his way, to a nere village called Marry, to ease a poore woman, from whom some fewe houres before hee had drawne a child by section of the Bellye, ALIBOVX amazed at the boldnes of this Surgion, called the Seig­neor of Vaux Bailiffe of Auxerre and his wife to visite this woman lying in Child-bed, their Castle beeing neere the Village; they found the child in the cradle crying and calling for meate, but the poore Mother [Page 266] (beeing opprest with payne, a Feauer and with watch­ing) neither thought of her selfe nor of her little one. The Phisition layes open the woman, sees the section grosly sowed vp with ten or twelue stitches: and proui­ded so well for the mother and child, as both liued long after. Extract out of Maist. d' AL [...]EOVX letter written the 20. of December. 1585,

About the yeare 1550. ELIZABETH ALESPACHIN wife to IAMES NVFER, a Surgion remaining in a Vil­lage called Sigers in Suisserland, beeing great of her first child, at the time of her deliuery beeing prest with ex­treame paines she called many Mid-wiues and Surgions to helpe her, but all was in vaine. The husband seeing his wife in that extremity, tells her his minde in her care. She alloweth it, he goes to the Baylife of Frauven­fele, acquaints him with the estate of his family, and his resolution to ease his wife, and craues leaue to execute what hee had determined. In the ende the Bayliffe knowing his Industry, and the loue hee bare vnto his Wife, grants his request. Hee returnes speedily to his house, speakes to the Mid-wiues, exhortes the most couragious to assist him, and intreats the most feare­full to depart, least they should faint and trouble the company: for that hee did vndertake a thing which indeede was dangerous, but hee hoped for a happy issue, with the fauorable assistance of Almighty GOD. These women amazed at his resolution, went out all except two which remayned with the Surgions to a­ssist the Patient. Her Husband hauing first called vp­on GOD with an earnest prayer, and shutte the Stoue carefully hee takes his Wife and layes her vpon a Ta­ble, and with a sharpe Rasor makes an Incission in [Page 267] her belly, so happily, as presently the Child was ta­ken forth, without hurt to the Mother or to the little one. The Mid-wiues which did hearken at the doore, hearing the Child crye did knocke to enter but they for­ced them to stay, vntill the little one was clensed and drest, and the wound stitcht vp, the which was closed in few dayes, without any feauer or any troublesome accident to the mother, who afterwardes had two Sonnes at a burthen, one of the which was called IOHN NVFVR, hee liued in the yeare 1583. three­score yeares olde, Prouost of Sigers-Hausem. Shee was brought in bedde afterwards of foure other Chil­dren. As for the Sonne which was cut out of her belly he liued vnto the yeare 1577. They do yet at this day in those Quarters see the children of this Woman vnto the third and fourth generation. GASPAR. BAV [...]IN a learned Phisition at Basill, in his histories of the Caesarian deliuery.

I did thinke to finde in other histories which I haue among my papers, that which I promised you of a Cae­sarian deliuery, but it is among my other remem­brances at my house in France, I will cause it to bee brought to Montbelliard, where I nowe am, to send it vnto you. I remember the Name of the place and of the Surgion, and the yeare and month when it hap­pened: but I haue forgotten the names both of the Father and Mother. The Village is in the Duchye of Bourgundy, called Marsillie, neere vnto Mont S. Iohn. The Surgion, ANTONIE ROBIN, borne at Beaune and liuing at Renele Duke, a man verye expert in his profession. It was in Aprill in the yeare of our Lord GOD 1582. [Page 268] The Woman being yong and strong, had beene in sore trauell two whole dayes together, and yet did couragi­ously endure an incision, the which succeeded happily. The Child liued not long. The mother recouered, and continued long after, The same.

IN the yeare 1548. the Commons of Guy­enne, Santonge, and Angoulemois fell into a rebellion by reason of the extorsions of the Customers and Farmers of Salt; In a fewe weekes they grew to the number of fortye thousand men, armed with clubbes and staues, ioyning with the Ilanders. By a generall consent they ran vpon the Customers and Farmers of salt (although the King of Nauarre sought to appease them) executing their de­seigne with extreame furye against all that they could take: The Commons of Gascoigne rise in diuers places (the killing of certaine Officers of the Kings that had a­bused their places being the cause.) The Maior, Iurates and others that bare office in Bourdeaux, and the Lord of Monneins (in place of the Kings Lieutenant there) in­steed of remedying these tumults at the beginning tem­porised to much, especially the L. of Monneins, for that he gaue way to the insolence of one of the cheefe of these Rebells called La VERGNE, who grewe so bold that shortly after hee raised all the common people by the Tocsaine, (or larum bell) Beeing shut vp in the Castle of Ha, now & then he sent forth certaine Harguebuziers to [Page 269] make the people affraide. But this deuise tooke not effect for such issuings did so heate the Cittizens that hauing found la VERGNE, ESTONNAC, MAQVANAN and o­thers (men according to their desire) they presently to armes, the Customers or Exactors beeing they they sought for, vnder which collour (pretending they sought for the Exactors) many honorable houses were spoiled: vpon this the Commons being receiued into the Towne they rung the Alarum Bell, no man daring to bee seene but armed and in company of some of these rebelles, for otherwise they kild all they met. The Counsellers of the Court of Parliament were constrained to leaue their Gownes, and betake them to their Dublet and hose, and Capt after the fashion of Marriners to carry a pike and march amongest the rude multitude. They constrained the Lords of Saulx brethren, the one Captaine of the Towne the other of the Castle called Trompette to bee chiefe and assist at the spoile of certaine of their fellowe Cittizens & friends houses, massacring thē before their faces. The Towne-house furnished with an innume­rable quantity of armes was spoiled. MONEINS Lieutenant for the King verie vnaduisedly left his forte to come and make an oration to this inraged multitude, where hee was by them slaine, and the Carmelites in danger to haue their house spoiled for that they had buried him in their Church: shortly after these spoilers beeing charged beganne to retier and the Parliament began to take courage executing some of the principall of this commotion and amongest the rest La VERGNE who was drawne in peeces by foure horses. The King aduertised of this disorder writ to the Commons [Page 270] assuring them with speede hee would prouide for their greeuance. Commanding them to cease their armes, by meanes whereof euery one retired. L' ESTONNAC was happely chaced out of the Castle called Trompette: During this, FRANCIS of Lorraine Earle of Aumale followed by foure thousand Suisses and the force of the French horse entred into Saintonges pacifying it without resistance or punnishment. ANNE of Mommoran [...]ie heigh Constable of France with all the forces of both armies ioyned togither in one, entred by an vnaccustommed way into Bourdeaux, and bee­ing possest of all without blowe stroken, tooke from the Citizens (by vertue of his commission) all there tittles, recordes and documents of their rightes and priuiledges: depriued them of all their honours, burnt all their priueleges, caused the Court Parliament to cease, disarmed all the Inhabitantes, tooke downe their Belles, depriued them of all their Immunities and Free­domes, constrayning the principalls of the Towne to the number of a hundred and fortie, to goe seeke the Bo­die of the Lord of Monneins at the Carmelites, and to remooue it with mourning to Saint Andrewes, where it is Interred, hauing first with a wax Candle lighted in their handes asked mercie of almightie GOD, the King and Iustice, before the lodging of the Con­stable: L'ESTONNAC, the two Brothers of SAVLX, and others had their heads cut off; The Marshalles Prouost with a stronge troupe ranne through the Country of Burdelois, BAZADOIS and AGENOIS, ex­ecuting them that had caused the larum Bell to bee rung. In the ende the two Colonells of the commons called [Page 271] TAILEMAIGNE and GALAFFRE were taken, who were broken vpon the wheele, beeing first crowned with a Crowne of burning Iron, as a punnishment of the so­uerainty they had vsurpt: Certaine monethes after Bur­deaux was established in her former estate, and after the leauying some summes of money the exactiōs that were cause of these troubles were abolished. History and An­nales of France vnder HENRY the second.

Diuers remarkable commotions happened with in this hundred yeares in diuers parts of the world you shall read (GOD willing) in the following volumes; for this time wee present you with the precedent History as an essay of the rest.

IT is not long since there died one CON­STANTIA who counterfeited most sorts of voices, some-times hee would singe like an Nightingale who cold not chant diuision better then hee, some-time brey like an Asse, some-times grumble and barke like three or foure Dogges fighting togither, coun­terfecting him that beeing bitten by the other went crying away; with a Combe in his mouth hee would counterfeit the winding of a Cornet; all these things hee did so excellent well as neither the Asse, nor the Dogges, nor the Man that winded the Cornet had any aduantage of him: I haue seene and spoken with such a one oftentimes at my owne house, but aboue all that which is most admirable is, that hee would speake som­times [Page 272] with a voice, as it were inclosed in his stomacke without opening his lippes or very little at all, in such manner as if hee were neere you and called, you would haue thought the voice had come from a farre, and so as diuers of my friends haue beene often deceiued by him. Maister PASQVIER in the fift booke of his Recherches of France.

There is also there recited two other examples of prodigeous Spirits which I will adde to the other: The first is of one MOVLINET an ancient French Poet, who reports that hee hath seene a man that sunge both the note and ditty of a songe very readily at one time. The other is of a young man that came to Paris in the yeare 1445. Not aboue twentie yeares olde who knewe (these are the wordes of a Notary of that time.) all the seauen liberall Artes, by the Testimonie of all the learned Clerkes of the Vniuersitie of Paris, and could play on all kinde of Instrumentes, singe and sett better then any other; exceeding all in Paris and there abouts in painting and limming, a very expert Souldiar, play­ing with a two hand sworde so wonderfully as none might compare with him, for when hee perceiued his enemie comming hee would leape twentie or foure and twentie footes vpon him. Hee was also a Maister in Artes, a Doctor in Phisick, a Doctor of the Ciuill and Cannon Lawe, a Doctor in Diuinity: And for certaine hee hath disputed with vs of the Colledge of Nauar, bee­ing fiftie in number of the best Schollers in Paris, and with more then three thousand other Schollers, to all which questions asked him hee hath answered so bold­ly, as it is a wonder for them that haue not seene him to beleeue it. Hee spake Latin, Greeke, Hebrewe, [Page 273] Caldey, Arabique, and many other tongues. Hee was a Knight at armes; and verily if it were possible for a man to liue an hundreth yeares, without eating, drink­ing, or sleeping, and continually studying, yet should he not attaine to that knowledge that he had done, certain­lie it was a great astonishment to vs, for hee knew more then in humaine reason might be comprehended. Hee vnderstood the foure Doctors of the Church, and to conclude, not to bee parareld in the world for wise­dome. Behold then this prodigious spirit with some others that we haue seene in our Time, amongst whom was IOHN PICVS, and IOHN FRANCIS PICVS his Nephew, Princes of Mirandola. IVLIVS CAESAR SCALIGER, and others for the most part dead, & some other yet liuing, whom I will forbeare to name.

IT hath happened in my time to a Car­melite Friar, that alwayes, and as oft as hee put back his hood, one might see certaine sparkles of fire come from the haire of his head, which continued in him for the space of thir­teene yeares together.

Madam of Caumont if she combed her haire in the darke, seemed to cast forth certaine sparkles of fire from her head: SCALIGER in his excersitations against CARDAN.

It happened vpon a time to a certaine Preacher in Spaine, that from the crowne of his head, downe to his shoulders, one might see a flame of fire issue, which [Page 274] was held for a great miracle. HERMOLAVS BAREA­RVS, in the fourth Booke of his Phisickes. Chap. 5.

THere are some Nations, that when they are eating, they couer them­selues. I know a Lady (yea one of the greatest) who is of opinion, that to chew is an vnseemly thing, which much impaireth their grace and beau­tie, and therefore by her will she neuer comes abroad with an appetite. And a man that cannot endure one should see him eate, and shunneth all com­pany, more when he filleth then when he emptieth. In the Turkish Empire there are many, who to excell the rest, will not be seene when they are a feeding, and who make but one meale in a weeke; who mangle their fa­ces, and cutt their limmes: and who neuer speake to any body; who thinke to honour their nature, by disna­turing themselues. O fanaticall people! that prize them selues by their contempt, & mend by their empayring; what monstrous beast is this that makes himselfe a hor­ror to himselfe? whom his delights displease, who tyes himselfe vnto misfortune. MONTAIGNE in his third booke of Essayes. Chap. 5.

I cannot keepe any Register of my actions; Fortune hath set them so lowe: I keepe them in my fantasie: I haue seene a Gentleman, that did not communicate his life but by the operation of his belly. One might see by him at his rising a roe of close stooles, to serue for seuen or eight dayes. The same MONTAIGNE.

IN a place called Esquirie, nine leagues from Coymbra in Portugall, dwelt a Knight, the Father of a Damsell called MARY PA­CHECO, who being come to the age that Maidens are accustomed to haue their Flowers, insteed of them issued a virill member, which had laine hidden within vntill then, so as of a woman she became a man, went apparreld like a man, changing name aswell as Sex, and was called EMANVEL PACHE­CO. This new man went into the East Indies, and retur­ned very rich with the reputation of a braue Caualiero, marrying afterwards a Noble Dame.

That which I haue read in HYPOCRATES in his sixt Booke of the popular diseases of PITHVLIA the wife of PYTHEVS, (and in PLYNIE 7. Booke. 4. Chap.) hath im­bouldned mee to set before you a History that I would neuer tell any body of, thinking it had beene a tale made for pleasure. A friend of mine (of good authority, and worthy of beleefe) hath told me, that in a certaine place of Spaine, a young woman being married to a poore la­bourer, entred into some difference with him, eyther through iealousie, or some other cause. This diuision grew so hotte, that the wife finding one night the clothes of a young man that lay there, apparrelled her selfe in them, and away shee went to gette her liuing as a man. In this case, whether it were the powerfull working of Nature in her, or the burning and excessiue ima­gination, shee had to see her selfe so well and or­derly fitted like a man, was the cause of this effect, [Page 276] but she became a man and married another wife, keep­ing it secret, vntill it chanced that a certaine man that before had knowne her, comming to the place where shee was, and comparing the resemblance of this man with the woman he had knowne before: Hee said vnto her; Am not I your brother? Then this woman made man, putting her trust in him, discouered vnto him what had happened, praying him to keepe it secret.

IOVIANVS PONTANVS writes of a woman of Gai­ette in the kingdome of Naples, who after that shee had liued forty yeares married to a poore Fisher-man, was changed into a man, who because he was mockt with it, entred into a Monastery of Monkes (where he reports to haue knowne him) and dying, he was buried at Rome, in the Church of our Lady called Minerua: Hee addes moreouer, that another called AEMELY, hauing beene married to one called ANTHONY SPENSE for the space of 12 yeares, was in the end changed into a man, & married a wife, hauing first by the commandement of FERDINAND King of Scicilia, restored her dowry. In our time there hath beene one seene at Bruxels in Brabant called PETER, that before was called ELIZABETH, for that before she had beene a woman. The French forces passing at Vitry, I saw a mā, whom the Bishop of Soysons at confirmation called GERMAINE, whom all the Inha­bitants had knowne to haue bin a woman for 22. yeares space, & was called MARY; making (saith he) some extra­ordinary leape, the virill members came forth: & there is yet a Song in vse among the Maidens of that place, that warneth them that they make no extraordinarie leapes, least they become boyes, as MARY GERMAINE did: MONTAIGNE in the first booke of his Essayes.

THere hath beene in our time, in the kingdome of Galitia one called, the Marshall PETER PARDO of Riba­badineira, who was at deadly enmity with a certaine Bishop, the reason could not be knowne, yet at the me­diation of certaine friends, who sought to take vp the matter, and make them friends, hee consented to an enter-view: As they drew neere together, this Marshall feigning that he had forgot all that was past, and that he would be friends with the Bi­shop hereafter, ranne to imbrace him: But it was a deadly imbrace to the Bishop, for it was so rude locking him so fast in his armes, as hee brused his sides, crusht his Heart and Intrailes, so as hee left him dead in the place: I haue seene a man in the Towne of Ast, who in the presence of the Marquis of P [...]scara handed a Piller of Marble three foote long, and one foote in Di­ameter, the which he cast high into the ayre, then recei­ued it againe in his armes, then lasht it vp againe, some­time after one fashion, some time after another, as easi­lye as if he had beene playing with a Ball, or some such little thing. Hee brought from the Shambles certaine Oxe feete newly cut off, set a Knife vpon one of them, and with a blow of his fist cut it a crosse in two pecces: he tooke another Oxe-foote, and brake it against his fore-head, as if it had beene against a peece of Marble, without hurting him-selfe at all. In my presence he tooke another, and with his fist broke it into diuerse small [Page 278] peeces. There was at Mantoa one named RODAMAS, a man of a little stature, but so strong, as hee wreathed and broke with his hands a Horse-shooe, and a Cable as big as a mans arme, as easily as if they had beene small twine threds: mounted vpon a great horse, and leading another by the bridle, hee would runne a full Carire, and stop in middest of his course, or when it liked him best. SIMON MAIOLVS an Italian Bishop, in his Cani­cular dayes. Col. 4.

In the yeare 1582. in the months of May and Iune, at a solemne feast of the circumcision of MAHVMETT, the sonne of AMVRATH Emperor of the Turkes, was seene amongst many other actiue men, one among the rest most memorable: a lusty man, and wonderfull strong, worthy to bee compared with that most famous MILO of Crotonne, who for proofe of his prodigious strength, lifted vp a peece of wood that twelue men had much a doe to raise from the earth, which he tooke and put vpon his shoulders, where hee caried it without any helpe of his hands: and afterwards lying downe flat, his shoulder and his thigh tyed together, he bore vpon his brest a great & waighty stone, that ten men had rowled thether, making but a iest of it. And which is a thing yet more wonderfull, foure men stood leaping with long peeces of wood vpon his belly: Besides this hee brake with his teeth and hands a Horse-shoe, with such force, that one part remained betweene his teeth, and the rest in two peeces, in either hand one. At the third blow with his fist, he brake a Plow-share: hee lickt the Plow-share with his tongue, being taken red hotte out of the fire: he was couered with a great pile of stones, but he neuer sturd one iot, but remained firme and inuiolable, as if he [Page 279] had beene planted there. The same man, with his teeth onely, sadled, bridled, and harnest a Horse, with many other wonders, which got him much money, and praise of all, by reason of his extraordinary force. GEORGE LEBELSKI a Polander, in his Description of things done at Constantinople, at the Circumsition of the Sonne of A­MVRATH, 1582.

Amongst the Germaines of our time, there are two re­corded for strength: GEORGE Baron of Fronsberg, and IOHN Baron of Schuartzbourg: they easily broke hors­shooes with their hands: Fronsperg neuer found man so strong, but he would remooue him out of his place with the little finger of his right hand, he would stay a Horse (how strong so euer) in his swiftest course with one hand. And would remooue with his shoulder a Cannon whether hee list: Schuartzbourg would wreath Horse­shooes, as if hee had beene some plyable substance. POTOCOVA, Captaine of the Casiques of Poland (be­headed by the commandement of the late King STER­VEN) would breake Horse-shooes, as easily as a man would teare a peece of Paper.

GEORGE le FEVRE (a learned Germaine) writes, that in his time, in the yeare 1529. liued at Misnia in Thuringe, one called NICHOLAS KLVNHER, Prouost of the great Church, that was so strong, as without Ca­ble or Pully, or any other helpe, hee fetcht vp out of a Cellar a Pipe of Wine, caried it out of doores, and laid it vpon a Cart. A Chanoin of the same Church called ERNEST, of the house of the Earles of Mansfelt, a strong and tall man, would needs one day wrestle with him: NI­COLAS tooke him vp and lifted him into the ayre, and afterwards cast him against a doore, with such force, [Page 280] that he broke it, not-with-standing that it was fast lockt.

King CHARLES the ninth taking pleasure in exerci­ses of the body, being at Blois, caused a Breton (a man of little stature, but well set) to be sent for to the Court, to wrestle body to body against all comers, many both great and small tryed their strength with him, but hee foyld them all, casting one ouer his head, another into the ayre, with his heeles vpwards, some a if they had bin Fethers, others like little stones he cast into the ayre, and so against the ground, it being vnpossible for any to cast him to the ground: Some-times he would lye flatt vpon the ground, but who so-euer came neere him, was forced to make one leape or other, to the great content­ment of the beholders. To conclude, another braue wrestler, would needes buckle with him, but in the end the Breton hauing his aduersary vpon his knee, first lift him vp into the ayre, and afterwards lockt him so fast in his armes, as hee crusht him sore: and to end his con­quest, he cast him with such violence against the earth, as he was lifted vp, and caried halfe dead to his lodging, whereof he dyed shortly after. In the Histories of our Times.

IN the yeare 1562, beeing in Cham­patgne, and passing by a little Village called Villeneufe, not farre off from Sens the Arch-bishopricke: certaine Gentle­men and honourable personages, tolde mee a strange chance that happened to two young Priests by Thunder, who in Haruest time [Page 281] comming from singing of masse for a ritch man dead, after dinner retiring themselues, were incountred with a torment of the aire accompanied with thunder and strange lightning. These two young men, recouering a little wood sat them downe togither vnder the Trees: But they were kild by thunder, where the next day after dilligent search for them, their kins-folkes found them. They thought at first they had but slept, but it proued a perpetuall sleepe: stripping and searching them they could finde neither hurt nor marke on their bodies but either of their hatts a little singed and in the middest their was a spot of the bignesse of a Carolus which is a­bout the breadth of a groate: Their poore bodies stunck so wonderfully that none could indure about them. M. D. BEAVLIEV in his treatise of thunder and lightning.

About the yeare 1536. vpon a Sunday in summer was kept an excessiue and dissolute marriage in a village halfe a daies iorney from Poitiers the which hath but one streight and long streete. In this day and place a­bout noone happened a strange and fearefull thunder, a Globe of fire of the greatnesse of a bowle fell in one of the corners of the Towne, and ranne along the streete without hurting any bodie, to Saint Georges Church, where it beeing entred it made a strange spoile taking a­way the Tombes of the dead, ranne to the grear Altar and spoiled a faire Image of our Ladie holding her little Childe in her armes, besides it tore away the pauement in diuers places of this Church, and brake a chaine of iron that held vp the Crucifix, cast it downe & brake one arme of it; and afterwards grazing along the walles on the left hand, without hurting them that were tolling the bells, (more then for feare to runne away) it mounted [Page 282] vp into the Steeple (a very faire building) the which it burnt in sutch sorte that all the Belles both great and smal were melted, the mettall falling vpon the pauement of the Church. The same.

Traualing through Italie not farre from Eugubio, I sawe thunder light vpon two peasants, riding vpon As­ses, killing both men and beastes vpon the place: they had a third man in their companie who had the bones of one of his armes so broken, as one could not see whether their were any bone at all, this blowe, caused such pittifull greefes in this poore man and did so tor­ment him as he desired not to liue.

I haue seene two men, (the Father and the Sonne) haue their bodies so amazed and deaded with thunder, that I thought verily they had beene falne into an Apo­plexy: They remained seauen daies togither without ea­ting, drinking, speaking or moouing: In the ende I cau­sed them to bee let bloud, giuing them sharpe glisters, rubbing and norishing their bodies, so as in short time they recouered their former healths. Certaine months before the death of HIPOLITO of Este, Cardinall of Ferrara thunder fell vpon his Pallace and entred into my Chamber, light vpon one of my seruants swordes han­ging at the bedde-side melted the point of it making a little bullet of it, and neither broke nor hurt the sheath: MVRETVS in his Annotations vpon the 31. Chap. of the 2. booke, of Senecas naturall questions.

About the yeare 1560. Neere to Beneuida a Towne of Spaine, as two men walked togither in the open fildes, a strange tempest arose, to the great astonishment of them both, they seeking by flight to get some couert, and perceiuing the tempest to encrease cast themselues [Page 283] flat to the ground; where they felt the tempest readie to lift them from the ground. In the ende one of them perceiuyng the noise to cease, lifted himselfe vp, the whirl-winde hauing much amazed him, those which perceiued him comming, & the other lying still, went to­wards him, but him they found dead hauing his bones so broken, as one might haue writhed his armes & legs like a gloue, all his Bodie seeming nothing but flesh: likewise his tongue was taken away and could not bee found, notwithstanding that they made dilligent search for it: Their were diuers Iudgements vpon this accident, one sayd hee was an ordinary swearer and blasphemer of the holie name of GOD, and therefore was perticu­larlie chasticed in that parte that had most dishonored his creator: By such a fore named whirl-winde a Towne of Spaine called Algadefie was wholie ruined, the hou­ses and buildings beeing layd flat with the ground. The fiue and twenty of May 1566. about three a clocke in the afternoone, a clap fell vpon the Castle of Misnia, burnt a floore of a Chamber, melted kettles and Pannes spoiling all the Chambers, entring and going out at the windowes, then downe into the cellars to the great a­mazement of all, but hurt not any person: Three yeares after, the nineteeneth of Iulie the thunder hauing rored from eight a clocke in the morning till foure in the af­ternoone the boult about one a clock light vpon the Colledge Church of the Towne-house. Much Cattell, and some men were found dead in the ficildes: amongest other memorable accidents, the lightning ceized vpon a Country fellowe, who burnt all his Bodie ouer three daies after, and then died.

[Page 248]The Mother of IEROME FRACASTORIVS, an ex­cellent Philosopher, admirable Poet and happy Physiti­on of our time, hauing him in her armes giuing him suck was strooke with a thunder-clap and kild without any touch or hutt to the little Childe: which was a presage of the glory that this excellent personage (who liued long after and then died of an Apoplexie) should bee crow­ned with.

IN the memory of our Ancestors a Carpen­tar of Wilsmarse (a famous towne in Saxony) some-times possest with a Phrensie, traue­ling one day with some of his owne condi­tion, with out saying a worde tooke his hat­chet and went towards his house, where being entred he cloue in two two of his Children, his Wife (being great with childe) hearing the noise ran to saue the third, which hee left falling vpon his Wife and cut her and the fruite she bare in peeces. And so being couered with bloud he returned to his companions & being askt how he came so, he came to his senses. And then remembring what he had done, he went againe to his house snatcht a knife and gaue himselfe a blow on the brest, and fell downe dead vpon the ground. CRANTZIVS in his 10. booke of Vandalia.

IN the yeare 1511. the Emperor M [...]XIMI­LIAN 1. being at Aus [...]ourg, at an Assembly of the States, they presented a man vnto him, of an vnreasonable height & greatnesse, who [Page 285] at a fewe month-fulls and without any stay did eate a whole Sheep or a Calfe, not caring whether it were rost or raw: saying that it did but sharpen his appetite. SVRI­VS in his Commentary of the memorable things of our time.

IOACHIM the 2. of that name Elector of Brande­bourg, had a peasant in his Court called Little MICHEL by ANTIPHRASIS, for he was eight foot high, which is a great stature of a man in our time, but little and small in comparison of great men in old time, namely of Goliath and others about Iudea. MATHEVV HORST in his col­lection of the combate betwixt DAVID and GOLIATH.

I haue seene a young mayden of a Giant-like stature, whom they did carry from Towne to Towne, to shewe her as a prodigious thing for the sight of whome euery man gaue some thing, wherewith her Mother that conducted her and she were entertained. She was in a hired Chamber by her selfe, and there suffred her selfe to be seene with admiration. Going as others did, I inquired carefully of euery point, and did learne both from her­selfe and her Mother (who was a woman of a meane sta­ture) that the maidens Father was not tall, that in all their stocke, there was not any one that exceeded the height of other persones: that her Daughter vntill shee was twelue yeares olde was very little, but falling at the same time into a quarten ague, which had held her some monethes, comming to leaue her, shee beganne then to growe, all her members beeing proportionable to that height: so as when I did see her shee was about fiue and twenty yeares olde, neither could I note from the head vnto the sole of the foote any disproportion in any of her members: but a fit measure in euery one of them. At this age of 25. yeares, shee had not yet had her monethly [Page 286] Termes: nature seeming to haue required and restray­ned this excrementall bloud, for the norrishment and preseruation of so great a body. Shee was helth-full, ill faced, black, simple and grosse writted, and heauy of all her Body, for the vitall vertue infused at the beginning into this body, according vnto the measure due to the greatnesse of an ordinary person, dispersed afterwards into so great a Masse, could not with equall power shew the efficacie of his worke, as in a meane bodie: and experience doth shewe that vertue restrained shewes it selfe more vigorous then when it is two much dispersed, for the regard of naturall causes of this extraordinary greatnesse, by the meanes of the quarten ague; wee will leaue the decision vnto Physitions, and will not dis­pute with them: but in a word, if a person that is about the age of twelue or twentie yeares comes to growe through a sicknesse, so as in proportion of Bodie shee comes to bee twise as heigh as anie other, wee must confesse that this force of nature is extraordinarie and admirable.

We haue drawne this Historie out of MARCELLVS DO­NATVS a learned Physition. Lib. 3. Chap. 14. Where­as he treats amply of the causes of the Giant-like height, as his profession did require.

After the victorie which King LEVVIS the twelfth obtained at the Battaile of Lode, beeing gone to Milan, I found a young man in the hospitall, so great as hee could not stand right vp, hauing not suffycient norrish­ment of nature, for the thicknesse of his Bodie, and the proportion of his forces. Hee was therefore layd vpon two beddes, the one ioyned long waies vnto the other, the which hee did fill with his length.

[Page 287]The Samogitiens which inhabite betwixt Prusia and Liuonia, are verie talle, and yet some-times they ingender Children which (come to age) are of a ve­rie small stature, and some-times others which growe wonderfull great. SCALIGER in the 63. exercitation against CARDAN.

There was in our time in Bourdelois, a man of an vn­measurable heigth and greatnesse, by reason whereof he was called the Giant of Bourdeaux. King FRANCIS a­mazed to see so long a body, commanded hee should be one of his Guarde. Hee was a peasant of a grose spirit, so as not able to applye himselfe to a Courtiers life, after some dayes, hee gaue ouer his Halbard, and retur­ned to his Village. An honourable person who had seene him Archer of the Guarde, did assure mee, that hee was of such a heigth, as any other man of an ordi­narie stature might goe right vp betwixt his legges, when hee did stride. I. CHASSAGNON in his Treatise of Giants. Chap. 6.

In the yeare 1571 there was a Gyant seene at Paris, whome euery man did runne to see. Hee kept himselfe very close in an Inne, and no man could haue the sight of him, but in paying to see him. Entring into the Chamber where hee was kept, they did see with admi­ration, a man of a strange height, sitting in a Chaire: but their wondring increased when as they did see him rising from his Chaire, for then he toucht the plancher of the Chamber with his head, the which was very high, after the manner of the French floores. They sayd hee was a Polonian or a Transiluanian. This Gyant had a Wife of a wonderfull large body, and verye fatte with-all, but verye lowe in comparison of him: of [Page 288] whom they had a young Sonne borne, who was in shew to proue one daie almost as tall as his Father. At the West-Indies (descouered some hundred yeares since) ma­nie Giants haue beene seene, as they witnesse that haue written their Histories. Neere vnto the Antartike Pole, there are some found, of ten or twelue foote of height: as also in the Iland of Sumatra (or Taprobane) which is to­ward the East-Indies. The same Author.

MELCHIOR NVNEZ in his letters where hee dis­courseth of the affaires of CHINA, reports that in the chiefe Cittie called Paguin, the Porters are fiueteene foote heigh. In other letters written in the yeare 1555. hee doth auerre that the King of CHINA, entertaines and feedes fiue hundred such men for Archers of his gard. SIMON MAIOLVS in his Canicular daies, Col. 2.

LODOVICVS VIVES a learned Spaniard, in his An­notations vpon the 15. booke of S. AVGVSTIN de Ci­uitate DEI. Chap. 9. Saith that he had seene in the great Temple at Valencia, a mans eye-tooth bigger then his fist. IOSEPH ACOSTA in his Historie of the Indies, sayth that hee had seene one bigger, and the rest answerable vnto it. But for that it is to be presumed, that such teeth were of Men that had beene dead many ages before, we will not insist any more vpon them. In our time we haue seene among the Archers of the deceased King of Na­uarre, a Biarnois of so tall a stature, as hee did equall his Maister being mounted vpon a great horse, so as he did exceede the tallest men in all the Country by the head & the shoulders. Hee was a goodly man, actiue and plea­sant. And contrarie-wise there was seene at Paris, one called the great Smithe, a man of an ill fashion, but ex­ceeding tal, in comparison of many of meane stature.

[Page 289]ANTONIE PIGAFET a great traueller in his time, affirmes that he had seene towards the Antarticke pole, so tall a gyant, as other tall men did not reach with their heads aboue his nauill: and others beyond the straight of Magellan, which had their necks a cubit long, and the rest of their bodies answerable.

A Certaine Italian hauing had a quarrell with another, fell so grieuously sicke, as they did not hope for life of him. His enemie hearing thereof, came to his lodging, and inquires of his seruant, where his master was. The seruant an­swered him, hee is at the point of death, and will not e­scape this day. The other grumbling to himselfe, replied, he shall die by my hands: whereupon he enters into the sicke mans chamber, giues him certaine stabbes with his dagger, and then flies. They binde vp this poore sicke mans wounds, who by the meanes of so great a losse of blood, recouered his health. So hee recouered his health and life by his meanes who sought his death. R. SOLE­NANDER, lib. 5. of his Counsels. 15. Cons. 9. sect.

Hee makes mention in the same place of a woman which did commonly purge her selfe of her termes, by the nose, for thirteene moneths together: during the which, beeing let blood in the Saphena vaine, and purged, shee was cured. And of a man who in the space of twen­tie and foure howres, voyded at the mouth twentie and sixe pounds of blood, congealed, and very blacke, and was cured by diet, rest, and glisters, without any in­ward [Page 290] medicines. A peasant falling into a burning feauer, was carryed to the hospitall, and being carefully tended, fell into extremitie. The Physition being a learned man, sayd vnto him, what wilt thou haue my friend? how diddest thou gouerne thy selfe here to-fore? I was not accust [...]med answered the sicke man, to eate and drinke as I doe now heere; I knew not what sirrops, drugges nor Phisicke meant, I cannot sleepe vpon feathers. It is almost twentie yeares since I did lye in a bed: my fee­ding is Onions, hard Cheese, and such like delicates, my bed was vpon Strawe at the signe of the Starre, and co­uered with my clothes, that is to say, lying in them. The Physition suffred him to lye one night vpon the Strawe, and gaue him Onions, Salt, and colde water: holding it good to please him in this extremitie. But the next day he found his sicke man halfe cured, warming himselfe against the fire. We haue obserued (saith the same SO­LINANDER) some sick men, who hauing ease in their torments, haue chewed and swallowed the receits writ­ten by their Physitions, and haue beene cared by that meanes. A certaine man hauing the Dropsie, and little looked vnto, by the benefit of nature, had an ouerture in his body vnder the pappe, betwixt the Peritoyne and the Muscles of the belly, by the which we drue aboue 200. bladders like vnto Hens Egges, the which were soft and full of stinking water. In the 15. Councell of the 5. booke.

IN the yeare 1589. WILLIAM de MICHES an anci­ent man, being crooked and lame of the Goute, had a desire to go and visit an Abbay of Monkes, aboue Lions, [Page 291] called L'Isle Barbe, where there was company that day. In the morning he takes a boate, with his Daughter, his sonne in lawe, and some neighbours. Hauing visited the Abbay, done his deuotion, and made good cheere, hee and his companie imbarke againe. The woman that gui­ded the Boate, hauing drunke more wine then water, when they should passe vnder the bridge of Sarne, in­steed of gouerning her boate vnder the Arche (the which was great and large) she ranne against a pyle, so as the Boate was ouer-whelmed, and all within it drowned, except the poore man that was lame of the Gowt, who not able to stirre, was carryed by the streame vnto the shore, where he was taken vp and carryed to his house, and after liued some yeares. Memoires of Lion.

I Haue knowne a man in Spaine, who after some yeares, became a Friar of the or­der of Saint FRANCIS, and remained in the Couent of our Lady of Val, then in that of Soto, and afterwards in the Citty zamore, he is so little of stature, as with­out wronging him, one may call him Dwarffe: though otherwise hee bee of a good fashion, and hath a well proportioned body. Euery man knowes it, and many Monkes of his order haue assured mee for certaine, that hee was borne in a Village called Saint Tiso, and that comming into the worlde hee had all his Teeth, which hee had at the age of fiue and twentie yeares, and hath had euer since without changing them, or any falling out, and hee suckt a very little while. Comming out of his Mothers wombe, hee had his priuie partes [Page 292] as hairie, as a man that is come to his perfect age, at sea­uen yeares olde: his chinne was couered with a beard, and at ten yeares he begot a sonne: hauing at that age all the naturall and vitall faculties, as perfect as a man at thirtie yeares, TORQVEMADO in the first iourney of his Hexameron.

I haue seene in a towne in Italie, called Prato, about two leagues and a halfe from Florence, a child new borne, which had the face couered with thicke haire, halfe a foote long, very white, soft and fine as flaxe: beeing two moneths olde, this beard fell off, as if the face had pield by some disease. The same.

A certaine man went throughout all Spaine, shewing a sonne of his for money. The childe being ten or eleuen years old, had so much haire of his face (which was long, thicke, and curled) as they could not see any thing but his eies and mouth. The same.

A young boy beeing but nine yeares olde, got a nurce with child. So saith IOHN FOXIVS. L. DANEVS. lib. 2. of his morrall Philosophy Chap. 14.

ABout the yeare 1517. a yong Cittizen of Modena, very rich and not married, called FRANCIS TOTTE, abando­ning himselfe to the pleasures of the world, began to frequent the house of a Gentlewoman that was married, who was named CALORE, she kept open house, through her husbands suffrance, for dancing, playing at cardes & dise, & other entertaynments for all commers, from whome [Page 293] she still drew some commoditie, being of her selfe allu­ring, and stately in apparrell, stuffe, feasts and all that be­longs thereto. This young Modenois, who had good meanes, began to frequent this entrie to hell, and within a while was so drunke with the intising baites of this Curtizan, as he did not cease to pursue her in that sort, as from that time they concluded a mutuall and cordiall loue betwixt them. They liued in this estate about three yeares, that the Modenois did enioy, and was enioyed of this CALORE, to whom hee gaue his person and his goods, more freely then hee would haue done to a law­full wife. Shee did handle him cunningly, but one day as shee plaied at Chesse with a certaine gentleman, it chan­ced that smiling, shee tooke this gamester by the hand, and griped it, like vnto a woman of her trade. FRANCIS­CO growes iealous at this countenance, and from that time seemed discontented. CALORE a licentious wo­man, and not accustomed to be restrained, began to con­test and to braue him. In the end, disdaine growes tho­rough words, so as shee hauing told him that shee cared not for his humors, nor choller: this wretched man did shut himselfe into a chamber, where hauing made some notes containing a disposition of his goods, and that hee would not haue any one accused for his death, but him­selfe, hee did put them in his shooes, in such sort as they must presently see them: then with his girdle and his gar­ters he made a kind of halter, and leaping from a great coffer, he strangled himselfe presently. It was in the very house of CALORE, who afterwards liued more retired. At that time FRANCIS GVICHARDINE, an excellent Historian of our age, was Gouernor of Modena for the Pope. The Historie of Italie.

[Page 294]About the yeare 1528. there chanced at Rimini a towne in Romagnia, a notable Historie. A certaine yong gentle-woman, married to an old gentle-man, forgetting her honour, did prostitute her selfe villanously to a yong gentle-man of the place, caled PANDOLPHO, continuing their infamous course by the means of a chamber-maid that was their bawde, for the space of two yeares. There was in the chamber of this wretched woman, a great coffer, where shee did put some part of her iewels and money, in the which her adulterer did hide himselfe, if at any time hee were in danger to bee surprised, and could not escape. This coffer had a vent for aire in a secret place, so as PANDOLFO continued sometimes long there. It happened at the ende of this time, that GODS di­uine iustice began to call this Adulteresse to an account, by a grieuous and incurable sickenes, who finding her selfe abandoned of the Physitions, was yet more in re­gard of her soule. Her husband comming about mid­night vnlooked for, PANDOLFO casts himselfe into the cof­fer, shutting it easily of himselfe. Then this woman tran­sported with some horrible spirit, began (after some speech) to make an humble request vnto her husband, making him to promise with an oath, that he should not refuse her. Which was, that he should put into her tomb in the caue, neere vnto her coffin, that coffer which shee shewed him, without looking himselfe, or suffering a­ny one to looke into it, hauing certaine stuffe in it, which shee would not haue any one to vse after her. The which request the husband did graunt her. Mi­serable PANDOLFO vnderstood these terrible words, which made him to curse his owne wickednesse a thou­sand times, and his adulteresse withall, who within two [Page 295] houres after died, without repentance or confession of her wicked sinnes, beeing desirous to drawe him with her vnto death, that had beene the companion of her wicked life.

After her death, as they gaue order for her Inter­ment, some seruants and kinsfolkes would haue him leaue this coffer in the house, or at the least, that they should open and visit it. But the husband holding the solemne promise made by him, hindered the opening thereof, and caused it to bee carried out shut, the which after the Obsequies were made, was let downe with the coffin into the Caue, and a great Tombe-stone laied vp­on it without morter, for that it was now night, and that they meant to finish all the next day. Miserable PAN­DOLFO, hearing them sing in Saint Cataldes Church, made his account then to die in the coffer, and in tum­bling vp and downe, he felt certaine bagges full of ie­wels, but hauing no minde of golde nor siluer, hee di­sposed himselfe to other thoughts, when as GOD would giue him newe respight, to haue a better care of his conscience and life than hee had formerly had.

A young man of the house who knewe that the de­ceassed had good stuffe in the Coffer, and beeing co­uetous of such a booty found meanes to enter about ten or eleuen a clocke at night into Saint Cataldes Tem­ple, whereas the Caue and Sepulcher of the deceassed was. With the help of two of his companions, he lifts vp the stone and beginnes to get open the Coffer, pre­tending to carry away a good prey. PANDOLFO (taking a sodaine resolution in so strange an accident) doth rise, and gets out of the coffer, with such a noise, as the rest [Page 296] thinking it had beene some Diuell, fled away speedily. PANDOLFO being come to himselfe, lights a Torche, and visiting the Cofer, lodes himselfe with Iewels, and money which hee found there: and going out of the Church, past by the Couent gardens vnto his owne house. I leaue it to the Reader to iudge, if hee had not reason to thinke of GODS helpe, and to amend his life. Hist of Italie.

IN the yeare 1505. a certaine Curat of one of the Parishes of Misnia in Thuring, looking one day ouer the bridge of Elbe (which is a large and a deepe riuer) how the boates did passe: no man touching him, nor his braine any way altered, but by a secret Iudge­ment of GOD, he fell of the bridge into the water, and was presently drowned. He was accustomed (whenso­euer they did present any women Children vnto him to be baptized, after that hee had administred Baptisme vnto them, in contempt of the feminine sexe, & without any regard to the dignity of Christian soules) to say, that they should not carry them backe vnto the house, but cast them into the riuer. GEORGE le FEVRE. Lib. 3. of his Annales of Misnia.

A Printer of Transiluania, hauing beene so miserable as to presume to print Bookes & execrable pictures, made by certaine Heretikes, enemies of the holie Trynitie, died desperate and made. IOSIAS SIMLER in the pre­face of his Bookes touching the eternall Sonne of GOD. [Page 297] The newe Arriens Samosateniens and Tritheites of our Time, as MICHEL SERVET, VALENTIN GENTIL and their disciples in Poland, Transiluania and there a­boutes, haue al perished miserablie, first in regard of their soules, and most of them in regard of their bodies. SER­VET was burnt aliue, and would neuer acknowledge IESVS CHRIST to bee the Son of the eternall GOD: VALENTIN was beheaded, the rest died mad and despe­rate, either slaine by their owne hands, or executed by Iustice, without abiuration or detestation of their detes­table Impieties, the which wee must burie with the names of their Authors.

About the yeare 1550. a certaine Companion, who had long made profession to mocke at all relligion, and at deuout persons, entred into a Church where there was a Sermon then made by the Minister of the place. This wretch doing contrarie to all those that were there present, beganne to gromble, and to shewe by diuers countenances that he was a profane man: to whom the Pastor (beeing attentiue to his preaching) spake not a word, but onely sigthed, praying vnto GOD, that this mocker might be suppressed: who seeing that the Prea­cher did not contest against him, but contemned his vn­worthie behauiour, hee goes out of the Church, but pre­sently a tile fell from the house vpon his head, and slue him vpon the place. This happened in Denmarke, as I do assure. N. HEMMING, a learned Diuine in his expositi­on vpon the 1. Chap. of Saint IOHNS Gospell.

CHRISTOPHER TVRC a Councellor of State to a great Nobleman in Germany, going one daie to horse, and mocking at an excellent Prince who was then pri­soner in his enemies hands, began to say, what is became [Page 298] of those gallants which song so much one with an other. When any one doth wrong vs, GOD is our succor and desence. But hee had scarce ended his words, when as a sodaine gree [...]e tooke him, so as hee was forced to alight from his horse and to bee caried to bedde, where in steede of singing, hee died in despaire, drawing forth his tongue as blacke as a coale, and hanging out of his mouth, the ninth of Iune 1547. At the same time certaine other skorners, preparing themselues for a great feast, when as they should haue trembled vnder the mightie hand of GOD, who did strike all Germanie: beeing assem­bled in troupe, they were scattered and dispersed with strange thunder and lightning, so as they were forced to bee quiet. MARTIN LIDIVS a learned Diuine in his booke intitled Celebratio Dextrae Excelsae &c.

FERNELIVS, a very learned Physi­tion of our time, derides their opinion that say, there are three distinct ven­tricles in the braine: one for the Ima­gination an other for the vnderstan­ding, and the third for the memorie: and he thinkes that these common functions of the spi­rit, namely the Imaginatiue, the Indicatiue and the me­moratiue are cōfused in it, each of them working their o­perations by turnes accordingly, as each of vs doth bend the powers of his spirit either to the imagination, iudge­ment or memory. In fewe words hee meant to say that our spirit laboreth no where els but there whereas our heart is fixed. I will speake of it as a blinde man doth of colours: but if you permit me to comment this great personage: beleeue that if his opinion be not good, yet [Page 299] is it assisted with three great pretexts: for if there bee three seperated ventricles in the braine there ought to bee as many distinct Celles in the imaginatiue, as there be diuers effects. Wee haue seene one TVLENVS full of learning and knowledge, who fayled in no part of his imagination, but onely in two points: that is to say in the loue of a great Princesse, which was deceased long be­fore, and in the opinion that hee was Bishop of Cambray. In all other things full of Doctrine and sound iudgment. But as soone as he fell into one of these two points, you should haue seene him range quite beside himselfe. In such sorte that he was perswaded the first Gentlewoman hee met withall was shee for whom hee had endured so much. And before him, vnder the raigne of the great K. FRANCIS, we had one VILLEMANOCHE, who neuer er­red in any function of his vnderstanding, but when hee entred into the hopes of his marriage: thinking there was no Princesse how great soeuer, but was in loue with him. E. PASQVIER in the 6. booke. des Recherches de la France, Chap. 8. A Iew returning home by night out of the Coū ­try fell a sleepe on the Asse that carried him. The beast that knew the way went ouer a broad deepe ditch vpon a very narrow bridge. The next day this Iewe through­ly imagining the danger he had past, and by the force of his imagination, representing it to his eyes, was strucken with such horror that he died of it. L. VIVES in the 3. book of the soule, speaking of the feare, proceeding frō too excessiue an imagination. An Apothecary, seruant to my late Fa­ther, told mee how hee had knowne a merchant of Tho­louse a long time, that was sickely and subiect to the stone who had oftentimes neede of glisters, and had them diuerslie ordayned by all the Physitions, [Page 300] according to the occurrence of his paine. When they were brought there was nothing ommitted of the accus­omed forme: and many times he felt whether they were not too hot: then was hee layd along on his belly, and all other things performed, sauing there was no iniection made. The Apothecary beeing gone after this ceremo­ny, and the patient accommodated as if hee had taken the glister, hee felt the like effect of it as those that take it indeede. And if the Physition found not the operation sufficient, hee gaue him two or three more, after the same manner. My wittnesse swore, that to saue Charges (for he payd for them aswell as if he had taken them) this merchants wife hauing diuers times caused them to bee made of nothing but of warme water, the effect disco­uered the deceite, and because they found those vnprofi­table, they were faine to haue recourse againe to the for­mer. The Lord of Montaigne in the 1. booke of his Essayes, Chapter 21.

Not long agoe, a certaine woman thinking shee had swallowed a pinne in her meate, cryed and tormented herselfe, as hauing an intollerable paine in her throate, where she thought she felt it stick: but because no swel­ling nor alteration appeared on the out-side, a witty fel­lowe iudging that it was but fantasie & opynion, taken frō some morcell that had pricked her throate in going downe, made her vomit, and priuily threwe a crooked pinne into that shee vomited. This woman thinking she had cast it vp, felt her selfe presently ridde of her paine. The same.

I knew a gentleman that hauing feasted a sorte of his friends, bragged three or foure daies after in ieasting manner (for it was nothing so) that hee had made them [Page 301] eate a cat baked in a pie: whereat a gentlewoman of the company conceiued such horror, that thereby falling in­to a weakenesse of the stomach and a feauer, it was im­possible to saue her. The same.

I do not thinke that euer I haue reade a more admy­rable matter in any history then that which is written by that learned personage, LEVVIS VIVES. Commentary on the 25. Chap. of the 12. booke of the Cittie of GOD.

The bookes of Naturalistes (sayth hee) are full, how things seene in conceiuing, haue great efficacy in the wo­man with Childe and in her fruite. By reason whereof they command women to haue faire images and pour­traytures aboute their beddes.

There is a towne in Fland [...]rs, called BOSLEDVC, where euery yeare, as in other places of those Countries, on the day of the dedication of the great Church of their towne, they set forth diuers plaies and pageants, disguy­sing themselues some like Angells, and other some like Diuells. One of them inflamed with the regard of a certaine young gentlewoman, went leaping and daun­cing home, where meeting his wife, all disfigured and masked as he was, he threwe her downe on a pallet, say­ing hee would make a little Diuell in her. By this ap­proch the woman conceiued: but assone as shee was deliuered beganne to skip and daunce like one of these same painted Diuells. MARGARET of AVSTRICH the Daughter of MAXIMILIAN, & Aunt to CHARLES after-ward Emperor, the fifth of that name recounted this History to IOHN LAMVS Embassador for FERDI­NAND King of Romanes. M. MARTIN WEINRICH Physition in his Commentary treating of Monsters, Chapter 17.

[Page 302]AMBROSE PARE, an expert and famous Chirurgion, re­ports how a certaine woman of Beausse, had a liue Frog tied in the paulme of her hand, where she held it till such time as it was stif [...]ed, and that for to helpe her of a cer­taine feauer. The night following this woman conceiued by her husband, and at length was deliuered of a Childe, which had a face like the muzzell of a Frog. In the same Commentary and Chap.

A learned Diuine declares in a certaine Commentary of his vpon Genesis, how hee had seene a woman, honest, faire & chast, that was deliuered of a Bat. Which happe­ned through one of the neighbors, that hauing caught a Bat tied a little bell about him, to the end he should fray away others. This woman with Childe meeting the Bat conceiued such feare, that her fruite receiued the whole forme of it, through a strange and exceeding vehement imagination. He relates also how he had seene a man wel stroken in years at Witteberg, who had a face like death: because his mother beeing with Childe of him, was af­fraid of a deaths head, and through her imagination had imprinted the forme of it in her Child. The same.

Wee haue seene a woman in the towne of Breslaw in Silesia, that beholding a Child newely borne without an hole in the fūdament, not long after was deliuered of the like. Likewise a Cuntry-woman with Child, who retur­ning home alone frō the Citty, did eate a snake in steede of an eele, which her husband when he came home was so ill-aduised to tell her of, where at she conceiued such horror, that suddainly shee died of it. There haue bin ma­ny imprisoned for offences, & apprehending the losse of their liues, as in one night of black or yellow which they were (as in the floure of their age) haue become all white [Page 303] like old men. It is reported that a certaine man being in doubt that one layd waite for his life, although this ap­prehensiō was false, yet chancing to meete the party, and the other stabbing him in ieast on the stomach with a great turnep, imagined that it was a stab with a poyg­nard, and fell downe dead in the place. The like is sayd of a Ieaster who being condemned only in shew to be bee­headed, for putting a great Prince his Maister in danger of his life, as things were in a readinesse for his executiō insteed of striking him with the axe, the hang man threw a bole of cold water on his neck: but cōming to vnbinde him, he found him starke dead, in such sort as if his head had beene cleane cut off frō his shoulders. The same. Not long since one of our Princes whose naturall beauty and liuely disposition the goute had very much impaired: suf­fered himselfe to bee so carried away by the report that went of the meruailous operations of a Priest, who with certaine words, healed all disseases, that he vndertooke a long iourney for to finde him out, & by the powre of his apprehēsion so perswaded his leggs for certaine houres togither, that he drewe the seruice from thē, which they had forgot to do him a long time before. There was so much simplicity, & so little art found afterward in the ar­chitect of such workes, that hee was thought vnworthy of any punishment. MONTAIGNE in the 3. booke of his Essayes.

About 25. years agoe, a gentleman in Bassigni ha­uing bin at a great feast among other honorable com­pany, within 3. weekes after meeting some of the guesse, one of them said merrily, how at that feast insteed of a quarter of Kid, they had bin serued with the leg of a Dog very well seasoned and drest, and that she, aswell as the l [...]st, had eaten her part of it. Whether it were true or no [Page 304] I knowe not, but immediately this Gentlewoman con­ceiued such horror at it, that rysing from table she fell in­to swounings, continuall vomytings, sincopes and so vy­olent a feauer, that it was impossible to saue her. Extrac­ted out of mine owne notes.

IN the towne of Artigules, part of the dioces of Rieux, and vnder the iurisdic­tion of the Parliament of Tholouse, it happened that one MARTIN GVERRE, hauing beene maried the space of ten or eleauen years to BERTRAND ROS­LI, afterward vpon what discontent I knowe not be­tweene him and his Father, for-sooke his house, & went and serued vnder the Emperor CHARES the fifth, and King PHILIP his Sonne, where he continued some do­sen yeares, till at the taking of the towne of Saint Quin­tins he lost a legge.

Now his wife hauing heard no tydings of him in eight yeares before, one named ARNOLD TYLLIER some call him ARNOLD of TILL) borne in the Country of FOIX, who as many thinke was brought vp in magick, tooke vpon him to play the person of MARTIN GVERRE, furthered therein, aswell with his long absence, as also that in the lineaments of his face hee some-what resem­bled him. Presenting himselfe vnto the woman, at the first shee would not acknowledge him for her hus-band: but besides the conformity of bodie, hee discouered so many secretts vnto her that had past betweene them two, especially in the night after their marriage, yea [Page 305] euen to the very apparell hee had left behinde him in a Chest, at the time of his departure: Things which could not bee knowne but by the right husband: that at length not onely she, but the most part of his kins-folkes and friends acknowledged him for MARTIN GVERRE: & in this opinion 4. years past without any contradiction. At the end whereof a soldier trauelling that way told that MAR­TIN GVERRE had lost a leg. Not long before this woman was entred into some suspition of her supposed husband: by means wherof she tooke wittnesse vnder hand before two Notaries of the soldiers report. Which to say truly, was but onely vpon heare-say: neuertheles it was the first foundation of this wretched TILLIERS misfortune. For as it is hard for a lier not to vary, so the woman gathe­red diuers speeches frō him, that made her to misdoubt him: and indeed solly cited by PETER GVERRE, MARTINS Vnckle, she not onely abandoned him, but sued him ex­traordinarily before the Seneschall of Rieux, where hee was condemned to death by sentence, from the which he appealed to the Parliament of Tholouse, which was infini­tely trobled about the strangnesse of the case. For on the one side, TILLIER discouered all the particularities from point to point that had past betweene him & BERTRAND before his going away, and the talke they had had the first night they lay togither. As also how after they had beene married some 7. or 8. years going into the Coūtry to one of their kins-folkes wedding, because they lacked roome, & that therfore his wife was to lie with another womā, it was deuised betweene them, that when the rest were a sleepe, he shold come & lie with his wife. likewise howe they had had a Child, naming the Priest that baptized it, & the God-fathers that were [...] to it at the Font: [Page 306] all with such a resolution and boldnesse that the woman could not tel what to say: adding the motiues of his depar­ture, & the trauells he had sustained both in Spaine and France. Which perticularities were foūd afterward to be true, by the report of MARTIN GVERRE himselfe. That which makes this History more meruaylous, was that this supposed hus-band had neuer conuersed with the o­ther. The presumptions that yet made for him were a double tooth, a naile growing into the flesh on the right hand, certaine moles, and a red spot in one eye, euen as MARTIN GVERRE had & further in that he some-what re­sembled his sisters, who were so besotted, that they auou­ched him for their brother. On the other side that which made against him was that a soldier hauing called him ARNOLD by his name, hee praied him in his eare not to cal him so but MARTIN GVERRE. Besides the which she brought proofe of an Vnckle of his, who seeing him in the way of perdition, came lamenting vnto him, desiring him not to cast himself vtterly away. But these proofes were not sufficient to disannull the former, for to all ob­iections that were made against him, he answered confi­dently, laying all the cause & plotting of his troble on PE­TER GVERRE his Vnckle, whō he had threatned a little be­fore, to make him yeeld an account of the gardianship that he had sometimes had of him. And for to giue some collour to his saying, hee desired that his wife might bee sworne, to see whither shee would acknowledge him for her right husband or no: declaring that he would put his life or death vpon her oth. Which so amazed her that she would not accept it. These circumstances so mooued the Iudges that they cōmitted the Vnckle and the Niepce to seuerall prisons, to the end one should not prompt the [Page 307] other. Thinking the woman was drawne to make this ac­cusation by the Vnckle, who was in danger of his person.

As the Iudges were in this suspence, it fortuned that the right MARTIN GVERRE came home; where at the first sight al his neighbors knew him, & therewithall being aduer­tised of the pranke the other had playd him he went di­rectly to Tholousa, where he made petitiō to be admitted as a party in the cause. Then were the Iudges more ama­zed then before: because that ARNOLD with an impudent boldnes maintained that this was a Cōnicatching knaue suborned by his aduersaries. In this difference, the Iud­ges, for to be assured of the truth, sent for the Vnckle out of prison, & set MAR. GVERRE among a great many others apparelled in the same apparel as the counterfet was, to see whither he would know him or no: but presently he went and picked him out from the rest and with great to­kens of ioy & gladnesse welcomed him home. The like did BERTRAN, crauing pardon for the wrong she had vn­wittingly done him. Neuertheles her husband not taking her words in good paiment, with a frouning countenāce began to accuse her. How is it possible (sayd hee) that thou shouldst lend consent to this abuse? for in mine Vn­ckle, & sisters, there may be some excuse. But none in the priuity that is betweene the man & his wife. And in this anger hee perseuered a long time, notwithstanding any perswasion could be vsed to the contrary. Which drewe the Iudges to thinke that it was a very pregnant presūp­tion to approue him for the right husband. But yet that which held thē in some doubt, was that they of the court examyning MAR. GVERRE, whither euer he had receiued the Sacrament of Cōfirmation, he answered that he had, in the towne of Pamieres, & named the time, the Bishop, his God-fathers and God-mothers. Whervnto ARNOLD [Page 308] seperately made the like answere. Notwithstanding the which at last, by sentence in the month of September 1560. he was declared, attainted & conuicted of the mat­ter wherof he was was accused, and therfore condemned to do penance in his shirte with a torch in his hand, first in open Court, & afterward before the dore of the chiefest Church in Artiguls, and lastly to be hanged, and then his body to bee burned til it were consumed to ashes. This Iudgement was giuen at Tholouse in the middest of Sep­tember, and afterward executed: this wretched man ha­uing before he died acknowledged the truth of this histo­ry, which was written since and published by M. IOHN CORRAS, a great lawier, with certaine Commentaries for to adorne and beautifie it with points of Lawe. E. PAS­QVIER in the 5. booke, des Recherches de la France, Chap. 19.

The yeare 1560. M AVRIAN TVRNE [...]VS, then Greeke reader at Paris, Impostor a Comedy of ARISTO­PHANES, intituled the Waspes, where mention is made of Euricles a notable engastrinyth he affirmed in one of his publick lectures (where my 2. Sons THEODOR the Lawier and HENRY Doctor of Physick were present) that once in Paris he had seene such another impostor as EVRYCLES, who was called PETER the BRABANÇON. This fellow when he listed spake out of his belly, holding his mouth open, but neuer wagged his lippes: & by such dexterity, or the working of the Diuil he connicatched diuers folkes. He fel in loue with a faire yong Parisian, whose Father was dead: and not able to induce the Mother to let him haue her. As they were in talke togither about it, hee began to send forth a voice out of his body, as if the deceased hus­band cōplained that he was tomented in Purgatory, be­cause his widow did not giue her Daughter to Brabanson, [Page 309] who had so often demanded her, & was so honest a man. The woman terrified with such complaynts, and hauing compassion of her husband, consented to this Connicat­chers desire, who togither with the maide sought also for a certaine great summe of money that was left her by her Fathers will, as it appeared shortly after. For within halfe a yeare after he was married to her, & that hee had spēt all her portion, he left her with his Mother in law, & ranne away to Lions. There hee learnt that a rich Banker died not long before, who in his life time had had a very bad name by reason of his vsurie and extortions. Where­vpon he went and found out this Bankers onely Son and heire, that was walking in a gallery fast by the Church­yard, and told him he was sent vnto him, to acquaint him with a matter of great importance which very much cō ­cerned him. There-withall as he was exhorting him, to haue more regard to his late Fathers credit and soule, then to his death, suddainly was heard a voice coūterfet­ting the Father, which BRABANÇON sent out of his belly, and in the meane time with a singular dexterity made as though he were wonderfully amazed at it. By this voice the Sonne was admonyshed of the estate wherevnto the Father was reduced by his wickednesse, and with what paine hee was tormented in the fire of purgatory, aswell for himselfe as for his Sonne whom hee had left heire of all his goods gotten with an euill conscience: declaring that hee could not bee deliuered, vnles his Sonne made dewe satisfaction, bestowing almes on those that were then in most neede of them: which were the Christians prisoners with the Turke: and that therefore he should rely on him that talked with him, who was sent to Con­stantinople by diuers other good folkes: and was also very [Page 310] opportunely directed by GOD vnto him for the same effect. The Sonne, who was none of the wisest in the world, although hee suspected no deceite, yet not very well digesting this word of furnishing money, answered he would thinke vpon it, and appointed BRABANÇON to meete him againe the next day in the same place. In the meane while he was in a meruailous perplexity, mistrus­ting the place where hee had heard the voice, because it was close, & fit for knauery. Wherfore the next day hee carried BRABANĈON into an open place, where was neither bush nor any other Couert. Notwithstanding talking to­gither the Son heard the old song with this new addissi­on, that without any delay he should giue BRABANĈON 6000. franks & should cause 3. Masses to be sung euery day for the saluation of his Fathers soule, who otherwise was damned for euer. The Son being conscionable, & as­tonished, without any more deliberation (il-gotten goods hauing wings) deliuered the Impostor the sum of 200. pound neuer taking any receipt, or wittnesse of matters how they past: the father came no more to importune his Son, but remained quiet. As for the Son, after he had bid BRABANĈON adiew (& got him out of Lyons with his prey) shewing himselfe some what merier then he had vsed to be, & the other Bankers wondring at it, he told them the occasiō, whervpō they laughed him to skorn, for that he had so foolishly suffered himself, to be Connicatched, & discouered the imposture vnto him: which so strock him to the heart that within a little after he died with griefe, & went to his Father for to know the truth of the matter. I. WIER in his 2. booke of Witches, Chap. 14. In the raigne of King CHARLES the 9. a certaine fellow, got him to Ge­neua, naming himself IOHN ALLARD, beeing but little [Page 311] knowne, because he liued by the trade of a gardiner. Ha­uing endured much, by reason of the small profit and great labor of so poore a vocation, he went after a while into Almaigne, finally into Sweath-land, where heevsed such means that he came to bee the Kings gardiner. By his deuises he aduanced himself by little & little, so farre forth that he cūningly obtained to be agent for the King to the Seignory of Venice, where remayning, hee made a voiage to Milan visited the Duke of Sessa, who comman­ded there for the King of Spaine, & played his part so wel, that the Duke lent him sum eight thousand Crownes. Not content with this purchase, hee labored to make an­other, and returning to Venice, he propounded a certaine sale of artillery vnto the Lords, and sung so sweete a note, that he drewe from them in way of a lone the summe of foureteene thousand Crownes. Herevpon he dislodged, for to returne (sayd hee vnto some of his friends) into Sweath-land. And passing by Milan he went to do his dutie to the Duke, and payd him his 8000. Crownes. Being at table in his lodging, and his head some-what in­toxicated, he spake so rudely of the Pope and his Cere­monies, that he was arrested prisoner & frō Milan cōuei­ed to Naples. Pope GREGORY the 13. vnderstanding that a prisoner qualifing himselfe Embassador for the King of Sweath-land, was in the hands of the Inquisition cōman­ded him to be brought frō Naples to Rome. Where being arriued he wold needes see & heare him, whence sprung at length so great a familiarity betweene them, that the Pope promised him a certaine kins-womā of his to wife. Thē he set him at liberty, & appointing him lodging gaue him leaue to visit his Mistres, who like-wise went of­ten to see him: where-vpon ensued such priuitie [Page 312] betweene them, that her belly beganne to swell: which was couered with a report of indisposition, that required the Signora should change the aire.

ALLARD fore-seeing that he should be called in ques­tion for this pranke of his, practised in such sorte with an Englishman (seruant to a certaine French Cardinall so­iouring for that time at Rome) that by his meanes he was carryed along the riuer of Tyber, and so escaped away; then he got him with all speede into Prouence, where bee­ing arriued at the Port of Antibo, hee went to the Baron of Alemagne, and there continued a certaine time with his Englishman. The Baron dispatched his hands of them, and sent them with two or three seruants of their retiniew to the Lords of Dediguieres in Daulphine. He desiring to do some seruice to the King of Nauarre, as also to auoide the charge that ALLARD and his put him to, aduertised the King, that beside the quality of Embassador, ALLARD maintayned he had assured meanes to come by fiue mil­lions of gold and vpward.

ALLARD beeing come beefore the King of Nauarre, and hauing presented him with letters from the Lord of Dediguieres, and confirmed the contents therof by word of mouth, he was reasonable wel accoūted of for a time. In the meane whyle the King of Nauarre going to Rochell, and ALLARD in his trayne, certaine shippes of Sweath land chanced to arriue in the Hauen at Rochell. The Capitaines, merchants and Maisters whereof hea­ring of ALLARD, with whom they had spoken, told some of their acquaintance that ALLARD was a Cōnicatching knaue which had seduced the king of Sweath-lād, & with a companion of his a Gascoigne borne, was cause of the deuision that happened betweene the King of Sweath­land [Page 313] & his brother: which had set al the realme on an vp­roare. The impostor perceiuing hee was discouered got him presently away with his followers to the late King HENRY the 3: & to the Queene mother, vnto whom he declared at large what meanes hee had to serue them, by putting them in possession of those fiue millions of gold before mentioned, and a farre greater summe. As also how hauing beene very much vrged by the King of Na­uarre, to shewe him the place where such great treasures lay, and the meanes to come by them, because hee would not be constrained so to do, he had retired him-selfe as it were euen out of the closet of the Court and seruice of the sayd King of Nauarre. The King and his Mother glad of such newes gaue good entertainmēt to ALLARD, whose comming being published in the Court, amongest many others he insinuated himselfe into the company of Monsi­eur de CLERVAN, & gaue him to vnderstād that he had pa­pers of great importance at Rome, which hee could not well come by but by meanes of the Suissers, who if they would but write vnto the Pope about them, he should be sure to haue them restored againe for their sakes. Wher­fore he promised if they wold procure him those papers, to giue thē 60000. Dollers which the towne of Nurem­berg ought him with the interest of it for twelues yeares, after 5. in the hundreth by the yeare, so that in all it amoū ­ted to the sum of 96. thousand Dollars. CLERVAN ther­vpon went to his Baronny of Coppet, where hauing taken order for certaine priuate affaires of his owne, he rode to Berne, some two daies iourney and an halfe from thence: there he acquainted diuers Lords of that Canton with the whole matter, desiring thē that they would take vpō them to write vnto the Pope for to haue those papers [Page 314] againe, and draw that profit into their Cofers. They an­swered it was to be feared least ALLARD were some Cun­nicatcher and that hauing accesse vnto the Queene Mo­ther, who was greatly fauoured of the Pope, that loued not them, he needed not to employ any other but her in the matter. Or if ALLARD desired any other course, that he should repaire to the fiue small Cantons their allyes.

Here-with CLERVAN returned to Coppet which was fast by Geneua, where hee talked with a great Merchant called IOHN TERNAVLT, about the matter, & reque­sted him to communicate it to Coronell PSIFFER of Lu­cerne: AMMAN LVCY of Vnderwald, and other Lords of the 5▪ Cantons, being at that instant in those quarters: which was executed, & they harkned vnto it, reseruing the con­clusion vntill such time as they bad conferred in person with ALLARD and CLERVAN, who being aduertised that these Switzer Lords were come into France (which was about Nouember and December 1582.) they went vnto them to Paris, where hauing made some entry into the matter, it was resolued they should meet at S^t. Iames his Hospitall to conclude this affaire. All was agreed, on condition that ALLARD should forth-with assigne ouer the lords of Nurembergs specialties, touching th [...] princi­pall & interest a [...]ore said, amoūting to the sum of 96000. Dollors, whereof the Lords of the fiue Cantons should haue three fift parts, amounting to 57600. And CLERVAN & TERNAVLT the rest equally deuided betwixt thē, which was 19200. Dollars to each of them. Besides ALLARD was to furnish 6500. Crownes in ready money, for the voyage to Rome, wherin TERNAVLT was to be emploied.

In these agreements PSIFFER a man of [...]ound iudge­ment, stood stiffe in his first opinion, that ALLARD was [Page 315] a notorious Impostor. Neuertheles he so oiled his tōgue, hauing the French, Dutch, and Italian naturally, that in a new assembly with these Lords, he declared vnto thē af­ter a demure and graue manner, as his custome was, that he was about to contract with the King, vnto whom hee was to lend 2. millions of gold▪ 15. daies after the agree­ment made; that is to say, 160000. crownes in ready mo­ney, and 400000 crownes to be raised on the late Lord Constables goods, whose Bill he said he had; & had pro­mised to deliuer it vnto the King; who was there withall well pleased, as ALLARD affirmed. Only he had stood vpon securitie for so notable a summe of money, & that there­fore the Councel promised to assure him the Salt ▪ pits of Brouage, and the reuene w [...]thereof▪ where with ALLARD said he was contented, onely he feared lest such assurance would be reuoked. Wherfore he intreated the Embassa­dors of the Canton of Lucern that they would deale in such sort with their Lords, that he might be receiued into the nūber of their Burgesses: offering in [...] compence of such fauour, the summe of 20000. crownes to the Seignorie of Lucern, & to each of those Embassadors 2500. crowns a piece. Therupon he posted to Lucerne, tooke his oath, & returned into France with 12. Switzers for his guard: neuer furnishing a penny all this while, but l [...]lling the world a­sleep with his golden promises, and plucking round sums of money both from great & small in euery place, wher­by he maintained himself in his practises. All of thē were cousened by him, except the Caronel Ps [...]ffer, who beeing rich, regarded no promises, & laughed at their credulity.

As affaires past in this manner, my Lady had intelli­gence of the speech. ALLARD had vsed, touching the late L. Constables Bill: whereupon shee wrote that they should take heede of this pratler; affirming her Lord was [Page 316] not so bad an husband, as to be indebted in such a summe to a stranger, who at length would proue to be a Cunny­catching k [...]aue. There came a Rocheller also that warned diuers to beware of ALLARD, which moued TARNAVLT to write by a trusty messenger to Monsieur GARGO­VILAR, the Mayor of Rochell, who returned answer that ALLARD was a notable deceiuer. The Suizter Embas­sadors hauing sworne the league with the King, left TER­NAVLT in the Court for the expedition of certaine af­faires they had there: going to take horse, ALLARD ac­companied with honourable personages, participants in the businesse: promised them, that at TERNAVLTS de­parture he would send a couple of men along with him, with the 6500. crownes appointed for the voyage to Rome▪ when TERNAVLT was ready to set forth on his iourney his men were not: but promised to be at Lyons assoone as hee: offring notwithstanding to deliuer him this summe of 6500. Crownes, if he would stand to the venture, which he refused to doesince ALLARD and his associates were to send after him.

Not long after the Suitzers departure, the Pope ad­uertised of ALLARDS being in the Court of France, complained to the King of him, who committed him to prison, where hee found a certaine Gentleman naming himselfe the Earle of Sanssy, a man of a quick spirit, and father to three or foure sonnes, whereof one had beene brought vp with the Elector Palatine, as also to one Daughter, whom during this imprisonment he promi­sed to one DV VAL by ALLARDS meanes, that said he was DV VALS Vnckle, and promised to giue him two hundreth thousand crownes to his marriage. But all this practise remained vnperfected, by reason of this which [Page 317] ensueth. Within a while after was enlarged, whereupon he desired TERNAVLT by letters to come to him to Pa­ris▪ wherein TERNAVLT excused himselfe, certifying the other, that if he would come into Switzerland, Sau [...]y, or to Lausanne, Geper, Morges, & other places adioyning, TERNAVLT would meete him.

Vpon these letters, ALLARD set forth, accompanied with two of the Earles sonnes, and his traine, and came into the countrey of Burg [...]ngny, where he intruded him­selfe into the acquaintaince of a gentleman of the coun­trey, whom with great promises hee carried along with him to Morges, and there lodged at the signe of the white Crosse. From thence he sent to Geneua for TERNAVLT, who beeing arriued, ALLARD would haue induced him to haue lent him a thousand crowns; adding that he desi­red that TERNAVLT would take the paines to goe into Sweathland, to receiue eighteene hundred thousand dol­lars for him, and he should haue an hundred thousand of them for his labour. And further, hee promised a very great gift to an honest gentleman, brother in law to the said TERNAVLT, who refusing to meddle in the matter, all contracts were broken off, except it were touching three thousand crownes, which ALLARD was to pay him out of hand: but they are yet to paie.

This promiser renewed another practise with the Bay liffe of Lausanne and Morges, who conducted him to Berne, where hee contracted with certaine Lords, vnto whom (among other things) hee promised to deliuer an Obligation of the summe of fiue hundred thousand crownes to him due by EMANVEL PHILIBERT Duke of Sauoy, which Obligation he said hee had left at Paris. Departing from Berne with promise to be honoured and [Page 318] recompenced, he drew towards Neuf-chastel. In the mean time his impostures were discouered on euery hand. It was known that the Duke of Sauoyes Obligation, was of the same nature as the Constables Bill, and that all the negotiation with the Embassadors of the small Cantons was but meere knauery on ALLARDS part. Therefore order was giuen that he should be attached at Neufcha­stel: where fearing it would not bee long ere he should haue terrible articles framed against him, and gathering by some questions which had bin asked him, that part of his impostures were discouered, his traine beeing vani­shed away euen in an instant, hee resolued with himselfe to inuent all the wayes possibly hee could to escape. But meeting with no certaine meane, one night going to let himselfe down at an high window of the prison, where he was inclosed, that which held him chancing to break, his fall was so high, that he dashed himselfe all to pieces, so giuing an end to his life and impostures both at once.

The Burguignian gentleman whom hee had carried with him to Morges, was laid vp in prison and compelled to sell his land for to satisfie the Hoste of the white crosse for ALLARDS expences whilst he lay there. Infinit were the tricks where-with this M. GARDYNER cunnicatched all sorts of persons wheresoeuer he came. It shall suffice for a conclusion, to note the knauish pranke hee plaied the Host of the Stork at Basil, where he had lien a long time, and was deepely run in arrereages. When he was going away, in stead of paying, he borrowed a newe summe of money of this honest Switzer, and for a pawne left him a Portmanteau made faste with three lockes and strong chaines, affirming it was full of golde, iewels of excee­ding value, and papers of great importance, promising if [Page 319] it were well kept till his returne, to giue his said Hoste thirtie thousand Dollars besides his due. The newes of his death comming to Bafil, the poore Hoste in a marue­lous pitteous taking, went with the leaue of the Magi­strate, and got this Portmanteau to bee opened, which was found full of nothing but brickes and stones finely packed vp together. I had this Discourse from Monsieur TERNAVLT, in whose hands I haue seene diuers contracts, acts and writings, approouing some part of the History of this notable Impostor.

WHen we would obtaine any thing that we greatly desire, we care not what we promise, and many in this case happen to make imprecations, either against themselues, or others, the fruit where­of, they oftentimes reape to their own destruction. Wee haue a notable example of it in CHARLES Duke of Burbon; who as it is recited by BEL­LAY in his 8. Booke, and FR. GVICHARD IN in his 17. Booke of the warres of Italie, labouring to draw some mo­ney from the Millanois for to pay his souldiers: and be­cause he could not get so great a summe as hee required, by reason of the exceeding charge the Citie was at du­ring the warre; hee promised them, that if they would but furnish him with so much money for that once, hee would neuer do them the least extortion in the world a­gaine, if he did, he prared GOD that at the first skirmish or assault he were in, he might be shot through & killed. [Page 302] Or as GVICHARDIN saith, If the Citty of Millan would furnish him with thirty thousand Duckets for a moneths pay, that the armie should depart out of Milan, and lodge some other where: assuring them that though at other times they had beene deceiued with the like pro­mises, they should not be so then, because he would ne­uer go against his word and faith, on which they might safely relie: adding, that he prayed GOD, if he brake his promise with them, his head might bee taken from his shoulders with the first shott of the enemies artillerie. Vpon this promise the Millanois strained themselues, and paide him the summe. But they were so oppressed af­terward, that many through dispaire hung themselues, others threw themselues downe head-long from the tops of their houses, and brake their owne necks. Shortly wher-vpon, the Duke of Bourbon marched forth with his armie, and drew towards Rome for to surprise it, but hee was slaine with an Harguebuse shott in the assault, which many (saith BELLAY) attribute to the diuine venge­ance, because hee kept not the promise which hee made with such an imprecation to the Millanois. His death [...]ell on the 6. of May 1527.

To this purpose I will adde another Historie, though it be ancient, reported by ALBERT CRANT in his 6. Booke of the affaires of Saxony, Chap. 45. where hee writes that the Emperor FREDERICK the first, being in Saint PETERS Monastery at Erford, the floore whereon hee went, suddenly sanke vnder him, and if he had not caught hold on an Yron barre of a window, hee had fallen into the Iakes of the Monasterie: wherein certaine Gentle­men fell and were drowned, amongst the which was HENRY Earle of Schuartzbourg, who carried the presage [Page 321] of his death in an vsuall imprecation, If I do this or that: I would (said he) I might be drowned in the Iakes.

But omitting other ancient Histories, it being no part of our purpose to touch them in these collections, but reseruing them for some other hand and worke. I will present the examples of our time, concerning impreca­tions and despightfull speaches eyther against GOD or our neighbours. A Soldiar trauelling through the Mar­quisate of Brandebourg, feeling him-selfe not well, staied in an Inne, & gaue his [...] his money to keepe. Not long after, being recouered, he asked it againe of the wo­man, who had agreed before with her husband to de­taine it. Wherefore she denyed that she had any of him, and rayled at him, as if he had done her wrong to aske it: whereat the traueller was so enraged, that he accu­sed her of disloyaltie and theft: which the Host hearing, he tooke his wiues part, and thrust the other out of dores, who iustly incensed with such dealing, drew his sworde and ranne against the gate. The Host began to crie out that hee went about to breake into his house and robbe him. For which cause the Souldier was apprehended, carryed to prison, and arraigned before the Magistrate, ready to be condemned to death. The day came where­in sentence was to bee giuen and executed, the Diuill entred into the prison, and tolde the prisoner that hee should bee condemned to dye: neuerthelesse he promi­sed him if so bee hee would giue himselfe vnto him, to keepe him from all harme. The prisoner answered, that he would rather dye innocent as he was, then be deliue­red by such means. The Diuil hauing shewed him againe the danger wherein hee stood, and receiuing the re­pulse, promised not-withstanding, to helpe him for [Page 322] nothing, and worke in such sort that he should be re­uenged on his enemies. Hee councelled him then when he should be brought to his tryall, to maintaine that hee was innocent: and to desire the Iudge to let him haue him for his aduocate, whom he should see standing there in a blew Cap, which should plead for him. The priso­ner accepted the offer: and the next day being brought to the Barre; hearing his aduersaries accusation, and the Iudges opinion, required (according to the custome of the place) that he might haue an Aduocate to plead his cause: which was granted him. This craftye Lawyer stood forth, and very subtilly began to defend his client, alledging that hee was falselie accused, and by conse­quence wrongfully condemned: for the Hoste kept a­way his money, and had misused him besides: There­vpon hee vp and tolde how the whole matter had past, and declared the place where the money was locked vp. The Host on the other side defended himselfe, and the more impudently denyed it, giuing himselfe to the Di­uill both body and soule, if so be he had it. Where-vpon this Lawyer in the blew Cappe, leauing his cause, layde hold on the Host, carried him out of the hall, and hoy­sted him vp so high in the ayre, that it was neuer knowne what became of him afterward. I. WIER in his 4. booke of Diuelish deuises, Chap. 20. PAVL EITZEN in the 6. Booke of his Morales, Chap. 18. saith, that this happened in the yeare 1541. and that this Souldier came out of Hungarie.

In the Towne of Rutlingen, a certaine traueller com­ming into an Inne, gaue his Hoste a budget to keepe, wherein there was a great summe of money. At his de­parture asking it againe, the Hoste denyed hee had [Page 323] any, and rayled at him for charging him with it. The traueller sued him in the lawe, and because there was no witnesse of the matter, hee was going to put the Host to his oath, who was ready and most desirous to take it, and gaue himselfe to the diuill, if euer he receiued or kept away the Budget that was in question. The plain­tiffe required some respite, to take aduise whether hee should put the defender to his oth or no: and going out of the Court, he met two men, that asked him the occa­ston of his comming thither.

He vp and told them the matter. Well (sayde they) wilt thou bee contented that we shall helpe thee in the cause. He answred them I, not knowing what they were. Ther-vpon they returned all three into the Court, where the two that came last, began to maintaine against the Hoste, that the Budget was deliuered vnto him, and that he receiued it, and locked it vp in such a place, which they named. The periured wretch could not tell what to reply: and as the Iudge was about to send him to prison, the two witnesses began to say, it shall not need, for wee are sent to punish his wickednesse. Saying so, they caught him vp into the ayre, where he vanished away with thē, and was neuer seene more. IOHN le GAST of Brisae, in the 2. volume of his Table-talke, pag. 131. GILBERT COVSIN of Nosereth, in his Narrations.

PETER ALVARADO a Spanish Captaine, making warre on the Indians of Peru, receiued a grieuous hurt in a skirmish, whereof he dyed two dayes after. Lying in his death-bed, & being asked where he felt his paine? In my soule (said he) it torments me: when the newes of his death came to his wife BEATRICE, a very proud woman, then resident at Guattimall, she began to rage, to make [Page 324] imprecations, and to fall out with GOD, euen to say; That hee could not deale worse with her then to take a­way her husband. There-vpon shee hung all her house with black, and began to mourne in such sort that shee could not be drawne to receiue any sustenance or com­fort. She did nothing but weepe, lye along on the ground teare her hayre, and demeane her-selfe like a madde wo­man. Amidst her husbands pompous obsequies (of whom GOMARA writes, that he maried two sisters and was a long time polluted with foule incest) and all this despightfull mourning, shee forgot not to assemble the chiefest of the towne together, and there to make them declare her for Gouernesse of the Country, and to sweare fealtie and obedience vnto her. But now let vs heere what came to passe vpon these imprecations and de­spightfull speeches. The 8. of September 1541. it rai­ned so mightely for 24. houres together, that the next day about nine or ten of the clock at night, two Indians came, and aduertised the Bishop of Guattimall, how they had heard a meruailous strange noyse at the foote of the Mountaine adioyning to the Cittie. The Bishop sent them away, and told them it was nothing but illusions. But an houre after midnight, an inundation of waters began to rush out at the bottom of the mountaine and to disgorge it selfe on the plaine with such fury: that it ca­ried away whole rocks of an incredible thicknesse. These waters rouling along, cast downe all that they encoun­tred. Amidst the which nothing was heard but fearfull cries in the ayre: & there were some that marked a black Cow amōg the waues, which went in & out doing much mischiefe. The first house ouer-whelmed by this deluge was ALVARADOES, where perished BEATRICE his widdow, [Page 325] with all such as accompanied her in an Oratory, where she was at her deuotions▪ Instantly after the Towne was buried in the waters. Some sixe score persons men and women were drowned. They which gott away at the beginning of the noyse escaped. When the waters were fallen, the Spaniards were found hauing their armes and legges all cut and mangled. I will adde this one worde, How a little girle which ALVARADO had begotten on an Indian, carryed away with the rest by the floud, was found a good way from the Towne, safe and vn-hurt in any part of her body. I. BENZO in his History of the new world, Booke. 2. Chap. 17.

For to returne againe into Europe, it is not long agoe (saith Doct. PHILIP CAMERARIVS) that my brother called IOACHIM comming out of Hesse, tolde me this which ensueth. I sawe a Boy, said he, in the Landgraue WILLIAMS Court, that was both dumbe and deafe, but so witty, that I could not meruaile sufficiently at his dexteri [...]ie, to performe all that hee was willed to doe: for by the onely twinckling of an eye, hee vnderstood what-so-euer the Prince and others meant: the Land­graue seeing mee to wonder so at it, sayd vnto mee: See you this dumbe boy? all that euer happens eyther here in my Court, or in the Towne, if hee can come to haue neuer so little inckling of it, he presently acquaints mee very cunningly with it by his signes. But I will tell you further for a notable History of GODS iustice. His Mother accused of theft, seeing no other meane to escape had recourse to imprecations: and because she was then big with this child, for to adde more credit to her words, shee made this imprecation; That if the matter were true which shee was charged with, shee prayed GOD [Page 326] that the Childe where-with-all shee went, might neuer speake, but continue dumbe as long as it liued. Her im­precations discouered her, hauing ioyned periurie to theft. PH. CAMERARIVS in the 86. Chap. of his Histo­ricall meditations.

Not long since it happened, that a certaine Gentle­man our neighbour, vexing his poore tenants with im­precations and curses, constrained them to build his Ca­stle. In driuing them to worke, he ordinarily called them his Dogges. Before the building was finished, hee fell sick: and continuing his imprecations and curses, GOD so repressed him, that he became speechlesse: and when I wrote this History, hee could not pronounce any one word distinctly, but barked like a Dog. The same.

Another example no lesse memorable, happened not long agoe in a Princes Court here-by, where a certaine Gentleman being charged with many iniurious wordes spoken at randon: for to couer the matter, and to per­swade that the accusation was false, hee began to protest and sweare: adding that he desired of GOD if hee had vsed any such speeches, to shew some token on him, euen at that very instant: or if GOD would not, that then the Diuill would. Presently vpon these words, and other such like imprecations, hee fell downe flatte on his face, being so grieuously taken with the falling siknesse (which hee had neuer felt before) that after hee had▪ tormented and beaten himselfe against the ground, where hee laye foming at the mouth like one halfe dead, he was carried to a Chamber, & there continued very sick, in the yeare 1591. when I collected this Historie, being iustly puni­shed for his rashnesse & impious imprecation. The same.

IOHN WIER, in his workes of the Diuels impostures, [Page 327] recites a memorable History, which happened at Gucl­ders about the yeare 1575. A Captaine bearing Armes for the King of Spaine, being marryed to an honest Gen­tlewoman, whom he entreated most vnworthily, vnder­standing that she was with child, began to make impre­cations against her, and to say, I will stab this little Diuell which thou hast in thy belly▪ Not long after, shee was deliuered of a Sonne, which from the hipps downeward was very well shaped, but the vpper part was all coue­red ouer with redde and blacke spottes, the eyes stood in the fore-head, it had a round and black hideous mouth, and long eares like a bloud-hound, with two little croo­ked hornes on the crowne of the head, which became as redde as bloud, assoone as they were touched. PLATO writes in his 7. Booke of Lawes, that there is nothing more to be feared then the Fathers cursses against the Childe. The contrary is to be wished of all good children. It is a singular testimony of GODS fauour to such, as law­fully desire and purchase their Father and Mothers [...] ­sing. The same.

Maister ANDREVV HONSDORF in his Theater of examples, on the 4. commandement, propoundeth cer­taine Histories to the purpose, wherof we entreat, which I will briefly touch. Another dwelling in the Duchie of Saxony, carried a Daughter of hers that was possessed of the Diuell to Wittenberg, for to receiue some reliefe, and to commend her to the prayers of the Church. She con­fessed that this affliction came vpon her Daughter one day, when being in an anger, she had made an imprecati­on, wishing the Diuel would possesse her: as incontinent­ly he did. Being caried on a time into the Church, as the congregatiō were in praier for her, a learned personage [Page 328] hearing certaine fu [...]ies of the euill spirit, sayd vnto him. O Satan the Lord rebuke thee. The spirit imediatly an­swered, let him rebuke me, let him rebuke me: and then held his peace.

At Friburg in Misnia it fortuned that a Father being in a mighty rage with a Sonne he had, that dispatched not some-thing so soone as he would haue had him, began to say, would to GOD thou mightst neuer stirre frō the place where thou art. It was no sooner sayd, then done: for suddainly the Sonne remained, as it were fastned and nailed to the place where as he stood, and could not bee remooued by any strength or deuise whatsoeuer. And because he could neither bowe nor bend his body for to sit, they set a stay behinde his back, to ease him. Hauing continued in this estate three whole yeares togither, GOD hearing the prayers which were made for this poore Child, permitted that he could sit and stoupe, and th [...]n rise againe. In this manner he continued foure o­ther yeares more, leane of face, eating very little, and speaking but seldome. Being asked at any time how he felt himselfe, his vsuall answere was, that GOD did chastice him, and that his mercy knew what issue his af­flictions should haue, which nothing hindered the assu­rance that he had of his eternal saluation through IESVS CHRIST. At 7. yeares end, he died peaceably full of the spirit of repentance, faith and hope in the grace of his Sauiour, on the eleuenth day of September, in the yeare a thousand, fiue hundreth, fifty and two.

Not long ago sayth M. ANDREVVE HONDSDORFE, we sawe an Almaigne very poore and sickly, and as wret­ched and miserable as might be, by reason of the impre­cations which his Father had made against him a little [Page 329] before his death: wyshing that all kinde of misfortune might accompany him, as long as he liued.

A Mother hauing a very disobedient Sonne, fell downe▪ on her knees, and prayed GOD that her wic­ked Childe might bee burnt with a secret fire. This im­precation fell not to the ground: for the Sonne beeing suddainly seized with that fire ouer all his body, beganne to cry, Mother, Mother, your praiers are heard, and lan­guished three dayes in vnspeakeable torments hee was consumed therewith.

A disobedient Sonne in the Cittie of Milan, moc­ked his mother and made mouthes at her. The Mother iustly ince [...]sed with so vyllanous a pranke, sayd: would thou mightst make such mouthes at the gallowes. It fell out not long after, that this rogue beeing apprehen­ded for theeuing was condemned to bee hanged: and being on the ladder at the place of execution ready to be turned of by the hangman euery one sawe him make such mouthes as hee had made before to his Mother. These Histories and infinite others such like warne Pa­rents to shun such speeches and to reclaime their Chil­dren with good admonitions or conuenient corrections. They likewise exhort Children to shew themselues hum­ble, tractable and obedient, to the end they bee not con­founded by the iust iudgement of GOD, maintayning the rights of those which are his liuely images vpō earth.

In Silesia happened two memorable Histories, which shew the dangerous fruite of imprecations, & the fauour of GOD assisting vs by the ministery of his Holy Angells, against the fury of euil spirits. A gentleman hauing inuy­ted certa [...]ne of his friends, & prepared a sumptuous feast, seeing his expectation frustrated by their excuses, entred [Page 330] into some cholor, & sayd, since none of them will vouch­safe to come would al the Diuills in hell were here. Ther­vpon hee got him forth of dores, and went to Church, where the minister was preaching, vnto whō he gaue ve­ry dilligent eare: and continuing so, behold certaine men came riding into his yard, of tall stature, and all in black, which willed the gentlemans man to go and tell his mai­ster, that his guests were come. They fellow exceedingly affraied ran to Church & aduertised his M^r of it, who ve­ry much dismayd asked Coūsell of the minister what he shold do. He hauing finished his sermon willed that eue­ry body shold voide the house. It was no sooner cōman­ded then performed: but with hast that they made to get out, they left a little Child behinde them sleeping in the Cradle. Those guesse, that is to say the Diuils beganne to fling the tables & other things about the house, to roare, & to looke out at the windowes in the likenes of Beares, Wolues, Cats, & terrible men, holding glasses of wine, & dishes of meate in their pawes. As the gentleman to gi­ther with the minister and neighbors were in great feare beholding such a sight, the poore Father began to cry, a­las, where is my Child? Scarce was the word out of his mouth when one of those black guests brought the Child to the windowe in his armes, and shewed it to all that were in the streete. The gentleman almost beside himselfe, sayd to one of his men whom he made most ac­count of, alack what shal I do? Sir answered his seruant, I wil cōmend my life vnto GOD, in whose name I wil en­ter the house, & through his fauor & assistance bring you your Child. Wilt thou, sayd his M^r, GOD be with thee & strengthen thee. The fellow hauing receiued the Minis­ters blessing, went into the house, & cōming to the Stoue [Page 331] where those dreadfull guests were, he fell downe on his knees, commended himselfe to GOD, then opened the dore, & sawe the Diuills in horrible formes, some sitting, some standing, others walking, some ramping against the walles, but al of thē assoone as they beheld him ran vnto him, crying, Hoh Hoh, what makest thou here? The ser­uant sweating with feare, and yet strengthned by GOD, went to the fiend that held the Child, and sayd vnto him, Come, giue me this Child. No marry wil I not answered the other: he is mine. Go bid thy Maister come and fetch him. The fellow insisting sayd, I will execute the charge which GOD hath cōmitted vnto me, for I know that all that I doe according there-vnto is acceptable vnto him. Therfore, in regard of mine office, and in the name, assi­stance & vertue of IESVS CHRIST, I will take this Child from thee▪ and carry it to the father. Saying so, he caught hold on the Child, and held it fast in his armes. The black guests returned no answere, but roared and cryed out, Hoh sirra let alone the Child, or we will teare thee all to peeces. But he not respecting their menaces went safely away, and presently restored the Child to the gentleman his Maister. Certaine daies after all those guests vani­shed away, and the gentleman become wiser and a bet­ter Christian, returned to his house. IOHN GEORGE GODELMAN, Doctor of Lawe at Rostoch, in his treatise of Witches and Witchcraft booke 1. Chap. 1.

Another gentleman vsing to giue himselfe vnto the Di­uell, trauelling by night but with one man, was set vp­on by a companie of fiendes, which would haue car­ryed him away. The seruant beeing desirous to saue his Maister held him fast about the middle. The Diuills be­ganne to crie, Sirra let goe your hold▪ but the fellowe [Page 332] persisting in his determination, his Maister escaped. The same.

In Saxony a young maid that was very riche, promi­sed mariage to a proper young man, but poore. He fore­seeing that wealth and inconstancie of sexe might easily alter this maidens resolution, freely opened his minde vnto her about it. Wherevpon she made a thou [...]and im­precations to the contrary, and amongst others, this which ensueth. If euer I marry any other, let the Diuill take me and carry me away on the wedding day. What followed there-vpon? A certaine time after, the fickle wenche was betrothed to another, hauing vtterly forgot the former, who gently admonished her more then once of her promise and horrible imprecation. She nothing regarding him, made her ready to be marryed to the se­cond: but the wedding day come, when euery body else was merry, the bride being wakened by her conscience, seemed sadder then shee vsed to bee. Where-vpon two men on Horse back, came and lighted at the house where the feast was kept, who were presently caried vp, and after dinner, when they fell to dancing, one of them (as the manner of the Country is to honour strangers which happen to bee at such feast▪) was desired to lead the Bride a dance. He tooke her by the hand, and walked her a turne or two: then in the presence of all her kins­folkes and friends, he caught her vp, crying out for helpe and went out at the gate, where hee hoysed her vp in the ayre, and vanished away with his companion and their Horses. Her sorrowfull friends hauing sought her all that day, and continuing so the next morning, hoping to finde her where she was fallen some where or other, to the end they might haue buryed her body; met the two [Page 333] Cheualliers which restored them the maidens wedding apparell, and al her Iewells: saying that GOD had giuen them poure ouer her, but not ouer her apparell: and so vanished away. The same.

THE yeare 1550. it happened that a certaine merchant in the Duchie of Saxony ryding forth of Towne, left his Wife with one Daughter and a maide at home. Hard by him dwelt the hang-man of the place, who ha­uing espied this opportunitie, found meanes to get into the house and hid himselfe in the Cellar, where when the maide came at night to drawe wine hee cut her throate. The Daughter being sent to call the mayde was also killed. Finally the Mother going to see why they both stayed so long receiued the like en­tertainement: which done he threwe their bodies into a Chest, ryfled the house, and went his way. Not long af­ter the merchant returning home, and the author of such an execrable fact vnknowne, the hang-man accused the poore merchant to the Iudges, and deposed that the day before his departure hee had beene at great debate with his wife. The merchant was apprehended and tortured in such sorte, that he confessed (although hee were inno­cent) that hee had committed those three murthers, and therefore was condemned and put to death. But short­ly after the murtherer discouered himselfe by a siluer bole which he offered to a gold-smith to sell, who know­ing the merchants marke, gaue him money for it, and [Page 334] after hee was gone, carried it to the Magistrate, vnto whom hee declared whose marke it had, and of whom he had bought it. Presently the hang-man was apprehended and being examined denied it at the first, but at length confessed the whole matter. Thus was the merchants innocency approued though too late before men, and the damnable murtherer executed with such punnish­ments as his horrible wickednesse deserued. PAVL EI­TZEN in the 3. booke of his Morales, Chap. 15. M. AN­DREVVE HONSDORFF in his theater of examples. In another towne of Saxony it fortuned that at a certaine wedding a theefe stole a siluer goblet, & being narrow­ly pursewed by some of the watch, he went and hid it in a fellowes bosome that had ouer-drunke himselfe and was layd a sleepe in the way as hee ran along. The watch ha­uing wakened this sleeper, found the goblet about him, & carryed him to prison, where by tortures he confessed the theft, whervpon ensued sentence of death and execu­tion. Within a while after the theefe apprehended for a­nother robbery, confessed this former, and was hanged. PAVL EITZEN in the same booke and Chapter.

Two theeues in the towne of Erford went and hidde themselues in a widdowes house with entent to cut her throate and carry away that shee had. For to drawe her out of her Chamber where shee lay, they got into the stable, and beganne to pinch a kidde which they found there, to the ende they might make the maide come downe: as indeede she did. For going to see what the kidde ailed, they caught her by the throate and killed her. The widdowe (which had no other maide but that one) hearing the kidde cry and the wench not returning went downe out of her Chamber and had her throate [Page 335] cut by these murtherers, who rifled the house, and went their waies before day. The next morning, the neigh­bours hearing a little Dogge barke in the house, and see­ing neither mistres nor made styrring abroade, at the length brake open the dores, and found those two per­sons murthered. Immediatly they began to charge and accuse a certaine man, that had the keeping of a Church thereby, because hee had vsed much to the sayd wid­dowes house. The Magistrates buylding on reports and coniectures, commanded the man to be apprehended, & so extreamely tortured, that hee confessed he had cōmit­ted that which neuer came in his thought. Wher-vpon followed his condemnation and execution. The theeues not long after being taken & imprisoned for other offen­ces, confessed this murther of the mistres and maide: and were executed according to their merits. M. ANDREVVE HONSDORFF in his theater of examples. A certaine man in the towne of Basil fell out vpon some occasion with his Wife, who vnable any longer to endure his hard vsage, left her house and went to some of her friendes in the Countrie, and desired them to bee a meane of reconci­liation betweene her husband and her. It chanced that about the time of her departure, another woman ha­uing drowned her selfe in the Rhine was cast vp on the shoare. All the towne ranne to see her, and because she was apparelled like the absent Wife, & that her face was so disfigured as no man could not discerne her, in conti­nently the people (there gathered togither) began to cry out and say that this cruell husband had killed his Wife, and then cast her so into the water. The Magistrates gi­uing more credit to this report then they should, cōmit­ted the husband to prison, where hee was put to such [Page 336] torture as he confessed that which was not: namely that he had killed his Wife, and then throwne her body into the Rhine: vpon which confession hee was condemned and put to death, like a parracide. Three da [...]es after, his fugitiue Wife returned for to reconcile herselfe to her husband: but hearing the piteous newes of his death, melting into teares, and running like a madde woman to the Towne-house, she presented her selfe be­fore the Lords, proued her husbands innocency, and ac­cused them of iniustice. They hanging downe their heads and condemning their rash iudgement, tooke as good order as possibly they could for the poore Wid­dowe. The same.

A woman dwelling in a certaine Castle of the Arch­bishoprick of Breme, with her Sonne that was married, suffered herselfe to be abused by one of her men. Which discouered by the Sonne, and not able to beare it, hee besought his Mother to abstaine from such wickednesse. One day hauing beene abroad, and comming home, the fellowe that was with the Mother in her Chamber espying him a farre off ranne away. The Sonne follo­wed after him, and with a wand that hee had in his hand strooke of his hat. This seruant got away and went into the seruice of a new maister, some two dayes iour­ney from thence. His friends sought for him and deman­ded him of the Sonne, who told them how matters had past, adding that he had his hat, but knewe not what was become of him, they taking this answere in euill parte, accused the young man for killing their kins-man. Pre sently the Iudge committed the innocent Sonne to pri­son, where the intollerable torment of the torture made him confesse that hee had killed the seruant and throwne [Page 337] his body into a riuer thereby. Where-vpon he was con­demned to loose his head. Being lead to the place of ex­ecution, he was admonished to tell the truth: he answe­red, I am innocent: but will it auaile me to tell the truth? I haue killed him. To conclude, he was executed & yeel­ded vp the ghost in the inuocation of the name of GOD. Shortly after, the seruant and the widow were found out where they were, and being apprehended, suffered such punishment as they rightly merited. I GEORGE GODEL­MAN in the Treatise of Witches & witchcrafts. Book. 3. Ch. 10.

Two young Artificers dwelling in a towne of Germa­nie, went out together for to trauell the Country, shortly after, one of them returned againe in his companions ap­parell, with whom he had changed clothes. The others friends coniecturing by this change of apparell, that hee had made away their kinsman, accused him of murther to the Iudge of the place, who immediatly committed him to prison: where denying the fact, and put to tor­ture, by force of torment he confessed, that he had mur­thered his companion, and got on his apparell, hauing eaten out his owne in an Ale-house. Where-vpon hee was condemned to death, & executed, dying like a good Christian. Not long after, his companion returned safe and well. In perpetuall remembrance of this proceed­ing and vniust sentence pronounced against this inno­cent, in the Church of the place is the figure of a man laid vpon a wheele cut out in stone. For indeed one ought not proceede vnto torture, if the party accused bee not charged with many likely signes, and (as V [...]PIAN saith,) li. 1. §. 2. l. 18. sect. 1. l. 20. l. fin. D. de quaestio. almost conuin­ced by euident testimonies: for in criminall processes it is requisite, that proofes should bee apparant and cleerer [Page 338] then the day. L. Sciant cuncti. 25. C. de proba. The same.

LADISLAVS King of Hungary, hauing established, IOHN CAPISTRAN Lord Marshall of his house: it happened that a certaine Count was accused of treason, and being laid on the Rack, confessed that where-withall he was charged: insomuch that CAPISTRAN condem­ned the Count to be beheaded, together with his sonne: but vnder a secret reseruatiō, that the father only should be executed first, and the sonne spared, if it were neuer so so little perceiued that hee were innocent: but yet com­manded that he should be lead to the place of [...]xecution. The sonne seeing his father loose his head, & being fully perswaded that his should be chopped off too, strucken with a vehement feare, hee fell downe starke dead where he stood. CAPISTRAN very much troubled with such an accident, gaue ouer his estate, and became a Friar. ANDREVV HONSDORFF in his Theater of examples.

BAPTIST FVLGOSA reports, that HERMOLAVS DONAT, one of the ten Lords at Venice, a personage of great authority, hauing in charge to examine a certaine young man, accused of an infamous crime, caused him diuers times to be tortured, for to draw out the truth of him: which not able to do, a cōfederate of the prisoners, desiring to bee reuenged on him for it, and to procure some ease to the other, watched him one night as he was returning homeward very late from the Pallace, accom­panied but with one man, carrying a Torche, which sud­dainly put out, HERMOLAVS receiued a stab with a Poinard and fell downe dead in the place. The Lords of Venice meruailouslie incensed and offended with the haynous­nesse of the fact, and not able to discouer the murtherer, purposed to search out diligently all circumstances that [Page 339] might serue there-vnto. They called to minde, how be­fore-times there had beene great variance betweene HERMOLAVS and IACQVES sonne to FRANCISCO FOSCATI Duke of Venice: Imagining there-vpon that IACQVES relying on the dignitie of his father, might well haue enterprised this murther, they committed him to prison, and tortured him extreamly. But he would ne­uer confesse that where-of hee was guiltlesse, not-with­standing they confined him into Candy, where hee dyed. The murtherer vrged by his conscience, became a Monke, and certaine yeares after in his death-bed, ope­ned this murther to his Confessor: which after his de­cease was signified to the Seignorie. In the 8. Booke of his Examples, Chap. 4.

AN Italian Gentleman very rich, & well fauored of ALEXANDER de MEDICIS the first Duke of Florence, falling in loue with a very honest & faire yong maide, but very poore, and of base parentage, (being a Milners daughter, who liued in the Country not farre from Florence,) tryed many meanes to corrupt her, but all in vaine, the Virgin hauing her honor in great recommendation. In the end trans­ported with this violent passion, and followed by men which did second him in his humour, hee goes in the night towards this Mill, takes the Maide violently from her father, and carries her to a house of his in the Coun­try, where shee was rauished. This poore father goes to Florence, and attends the Duke at his returne from Masse, [Page 340] makes his complaint vnto him, and demands Iustice. The Duke concealing his thoughts, sends him backe to his house, promising to take order for it. Presently after dinner, hee goes to horse, making a shew hee would goe Hunte, and goes towards this Gentlemans house, stay­ing thereby in a place of pleasure. The Gentleman ad­uertised that the Duke was so neere, and drunke with his passion, thinking the Milner would not haue presu­med to complaine of him, and trusting in his owne cre­dit, he shuts the Maide vp in a secret place of his house, out of the way, and then goes to doe his dutie vnto the Duke, offering him his Pallace for his lodging, the which the Duke doth accept, and seemes to take great delight in the building of this house of pleasure: hee doth visit and view euery part, member, and corner thereof, very curiously, with their ornaments, and causeth all the chambers and Cabynes to be opened: finally he enters into a faire and long gallerie, at the end where-of was a close doore, but painted and inriched with rare de­uises. The Duke seemes to haue more delight in that, then in all the rest, and smiling, hee sayde, That hee thought that it was the Store-house of all his Eui­dences, Treasure, and most precious Iewels. It was the prison of this honest Mayden, that had beene raui­shed. And for that the Gentleman made some delaye to open it, the Duke did presently doubt, that what he sought was there, and therefore hee commands them to open it: but the Gentleman pretended, that a seruant of his was gone to Florence, and had carryed the Keye with him. But finding the Duke (at these wordes) to bee the more earnest to enter, hee came to him, and after a great reuerence, he tolde him softly in his eare, [Page 341] that there was a wench within, the which he was loath to haue seene, vnlesse it were his Highnes pleasure to see her I, I, answered the Duke, it is that I looke for. The gentleman thinking it would prooue but a iest (for that the Duke himselfe was much giuen to such excesse, the which was afterwards the cause of his death) hee opened the doore. Then the poore maide with her haire about her eares, weeping, and vndrest, doeth prostrate her selfe at the Dukes feete, and demaunds iustice for the wrong which had beene done her. Hereupon the Duke doth send presently for the Milner, and doth greatly blame the gentleman, and two of his chiefe confederates. Hee propounds two conditions to the gentlemā, either death without remission, or to marry the maide whom he had rauished. The gentleman who did not thinke to escape, seeing his Lord in such choller, accepts of the marriage: and by the Dukes sentence is condemned to giue vnto his wife, three thousand Ducats for her dowrie. Which beeing done in the presence of the Duke, of his traine, and of the Milner, the maide beeing honourably attired, he married her, held her for his lawfull wife, and she was so esteemed, beloued of him, and reuerenced through­out all Tuscanie, and the Duke was much honoured of all men, for so good an act of iustice. Histo. of Florence.

There was a citizen of Como kept prisoner by a Spanish Captaine, and accused to haue committed a murther, for the which he was in great daunger of his life, in the yeare 1547. The wife of this prisoner beeing faire and of a good grace, but chaste, and very carefull for her husbāds deliuerie, went and came solliciting for him, by all the meanes shee could deuise. Presenting her selfe vpon her knees, shee beseeched him to saue his prisoners life. [Page 342] This wretch taking her apart, said vnto her, there is one meanes to preserue your husbands life, without the which he must needs die. After some speeches thereup­on, he discouers in the end his villanous heart, solliciting her to yield vnto him, with promise that soone after hee would restore her that which shee so much desired. The poore woman beeing fallen into a new affliction, after a long conflict in her thoughts, and an extreame griefe of heart, shee declares vnto her husband the cruell and vil­lanous desire of the Captaine. The husband desirous to saue his life, perswades his wife to yield vnto the Spani­ards bruitish appetite: who hauing enioyed the body of this desolate woman, would also haue her satisfie his coueteousnesse, paying him two hundred crownes. He added to these two horrible crimes, a third, which was most detestable; for hauing caused the husband to bee drawne out of prison, as it were to send him home to his house, and to deliuer him to his wife, who hoped for no lesse. This disloyall Captaine made the poore man to be presently carried backe into prison, and afterwards cau­sed his head to bee cut off. The woman opprest with griefe, reports all this historie vnto her friends, and by their aduise complaines to the Duke of Ferrara, who be­ing extreamely mooued at these crimes, sends presently for the Captaine, who beeing examined and found guil­tie, he demands pardon: he is first condemned to restore presently the two hundred ducats, and to adde seauen hundred more. Secondly, hee causeth a Priest to come, and forceth the Captain to marry the widow in presence of them all. Thirdly, and at the same instant, instead of a nuptiall bedde, going out of the Church, hee caused a Gybbet to be set vp, whereas the Spanish Captaine was [Page 343] hanged, and the widow honourably sent home to her house. History of Italie.

IN a certaine place of Germanie, which I name not for some considerations. It happened in the yeare 1537. for Iud­ges to apprehend a certaine souldier in passing, who had committed some insolencie that was punishable, but not corporally, beeing but a light offence. Some say, that hauing a good purse, it made them condemne him to die. When as they pronounced this sentence against him, hee sayed vnto them with an assured countenance, You are vniust Iudges, who to please your Soueraignes, or to haue my purse, send me to execution: but if you bee so greedy of siluer, take all that I haue, and let me goe; I neither can, nor would if I might, reuenge mee of the wrong you haue done me, and doe promise you neuer to set my foote more in this place. Beware how you shedde innocent blood, to please two or three: feare that Iudge from whom nothing is hidden, who will reward euery man according to his merits, be they good or euill. But preuailing nothing with all his complaints and admoni­tions, hee added, Seeing that you stoppe your cares to my cryes, I adiourne you before the Iudgement seate of the Almightie GOD, you are most wicked Iud­ges, and corrupted for money. But hee was executed. [Page 344] Before the yeare was expyred, foure of these vniust Iudges did perish miserably. One was slaine with light­ning, another stabd at a Banket; the third was hanged for theft, and the fourth being tormented with a burning feuer, and other grieuous paines, died in despaire, and be­fore hee gaue vp the ghost, hee cryed out saying; Sathan why doest thou stay? why doest thou not teare out, and carry my soule out of this body. I haue serued thee till now, I am therefore thine. I will not appeare before GOD with the Souldier. IHON le GAST of Brissac, in the 2. volume of his Table-talke, pag. 125.

The following History is yet more strange. A Sonne doth so much forget the name and duty of a Sonne, as he accuseth his owne Father to haue had carnall knowledge with a Beast. The Father is imprisoned and put to the rack, where hee confesseth that hee had committed the act. Being from the rack, he denies it, and then confes­seth it againe, being brought vnto it, his body being so weake, as it was not possible for him to endure such tor­ments saying, that he had rather dye then be so pulled in peeces. Being brought before the Iudges, and deman­ded againe according to the custome: if he had not done this foule fact? he denies it constantly, and addes that the rack had forced from him that confession. That he neuer had any thought to pollute himselfe so villanously, much lesse committed the Acte. He is confronted with seuen witnesses, who maintaine that they had heard him con­fesse the fact in prison: where-vpon hee is condemned to bee burned aliue. As they lead him to execution, he still cryed out vnto the people which looked on him as hee past, that he was innocent of this accusation which had beene practised against him by his owne Sonne, [Page 345] who sought his death to be maister of his goods to waste them. He was burnt aliue, died constantly, and his soule went peaceably vnto GOD. But within one moneth the Iudges and the witnesses did all perish miserably, and this execrable Parricide, falling into dispaire hanged himselfe. The same Author, vol. 2. pag. 126.

These Histories of some Iudges, not Iudges, but Iud­ged before GOD, before themselues, and before men, as most vniust and detestable Iudges, are not produced to fauour in any sort the furies of some phantasticall and humerous persons, who for the faults of some few pri­uate men, haue dared to condemne the lawfull calling of them that administer iustice. Let the vniust learne of them that loue true honor, the peace of their conscien­ces, the glorie of GOD, and the preseruation of euery mans right, to discharge them-selues honourably and faithfully of their charges. I continue to touch the vn­iust carriage of some, which may serue the reader as a patterne to put him in minde of many other examples. In our time they haue not beene content to take presents of meate and drinke, for the dispatch of mens sutes: they haue not been contented to see riche stuffes brought in for Mounsieur and my Lady, nor to suffer my Lady and her Daughter, to haue Bracelets, Chaines or Iewels gi­uen them, without seeming to knowe what it is, or to see any thing: they haue not beene content to aske and take by their house-hold seruants, by their friends and Brokers cunningly set on: They haue not beene con­tent to traffique Iustice with all kindes of trades, to drawe all necessarie implements into their houses: find­ing nothing too whotte, too heauie, nor too base: To conclude, they haue solde Orphelins, Innocents, [Page 346] widows, and poore persons, for bootes, shooes, and hats, &c. But they are come now to say, What will you giue mee? and presently to hold forth the hand: yea (without offence to the Prouerbe, which forbids to looke a giuen horse in the mouth) they are now come to handle it, sometimes behinde the backe, seeming to walke with the Merchant, then to looke on it, to sound it, and to peize it, before they once will say, Well, assure your selfe of me. And yet they haue not bin contented with all this; [...]ay they haue caused the poore Plaintife to giue his Vine-ground of tenne acres, to doe him iustice of fiue or sixe acres of Vine: to demaund a Horse of a hundred crownes, to get fiftie: to cause himselfe and his wife to be apparrelled from top to toe, to giue a fauourable voyce in a bad cause. And oftentimes if he that hath the right, hath giuen lesse than the other that is in the wrong, it prooues vnprofitable. And as one said, the foure horses behind, drawe backe the Coach which the first come had giuen. Nay they haue exceeded farther, asking that, which neither by GODS lawes nor mans can bee lent, sold, nor engaged: the losse whereof is greater, and no lesse irreparable then life. They would haue them buy iustice with a paiement, which is not onely contrary to all honestie and iustice, but whose infamie redounds vp­on them that are yet vnborne. And to speake in plainer tearmes, in our time there was a President which died an Abbot, who saied vnto an honourable gentlewo­man, that if shee would lend him her fore-part, he would giue her audience.

They report a Historie of one who did yet worse. It was the Prouost la Vouste, who plaied a wicked part with a certaine honest woman. Shee comming vnto him to [Page 347] make sure for her husband, whom this Prouost kept in prison, was required to graunt him one nights pleasure, and he would yield to whatsoeuer shee her selfe deman­ded.

This woman finding her selfe much perplexed, loo­king on the one side to her breach of faith plighted to her husband, and on the other side, his life which she should saue, shee was very desirous to acquaint her husband there-with; who hauing dispenced there-withall, shee then yields vnto the Prouosts brutish desire, resting assu­red that he would certainly keepe promise with her, con­cerning her husband. But in the morning this most vilde wretch, (after he had caused her husband to be hanged) said thus vnto her, I did promise indeede to restore you your husband, I keepe him not, but I yield him vnto you.

The same Prouost beeing ready to haue one hanged, the man beeing vpon the ladder, one came and tolde him in his eare, that if hee would deliuer him, and set him free, he should haue a hundred crownes. Where at hee taking some taste, made a signe to the hangman to stay; then studying of some deuise or tricke to make him escape, hee drewe neere, and cried out alowde in his language: Behold my masters, into what danger this wretch had brought me, for hee hath a crowne (hee did equiuocate vpon that word, which signifies a crown of gold, and the crowne of such as begin to bee in Sacris (as they speake) and in the first degree to be a Priest) and ne­uer tolde mee of it. But come downe with a vengeance, thou shalt be led before the Officiall thy Iudge.

Another Prouost being desirous to saue a thiefes life, which had fallen into his hands, vpon condition that hee [Page 348] should haue a share in the bootie, as they had agreed. But considering on the other side, that the murmure would bee great if he did not iustice, and that hee should bring himselfe into great danger, hee vsed this meanes. Hee caused a poore honest man to be taken, to whom he said, that hee had beene long sought for, and that hee had committed such and such an act. The man denies it con­fidently, as hauing his conscience cleere from any such crime. But this Prouost beeing resolute, let him vnder­stand that he should get more by confessing it, seeing that howsoeuer, he must loose his life: and if he did confesse it, the Prouost did binde himselfe by oath, to cause so ma­ny Masses to bee sung for him, as hee should goe directly into Paradise: whereas not confessing it, he should bee hanged notwithstanding, and goe to the diuell; for that there was not any man would sing a Masse for him. This poore man, hearing him talke of death and hell, desired rather to be hanged, and so goe into Paradise. So as in the ende he came to say, that hee did not remember that hee had done that where-with they charged him, yet if they did remember it better than he, and were assured therof, hee would take his death in good part: but hee intreated them to keepe promise with him, touching the Masses. He had no sooner spoken the word, but they led him in to the others place that had deserued death. But when he was at the ladder, hee entred into some speech, whereby he gaue them to vnderstand, that he repented him, not­withstanding all that which they had promised him: for the preuenting whereof, the Prouost made a signe vnto the hangman to dispatch him: and so he was. Lib. 1. Of the conference of Ancient Wonders with Moderne.

A Liuetenant for Ciuill causes, desirous to gratifie [Page 349] some one, whereas he should haue shewed himselfe a seuere Protector of Iustice, was not content to haue in­gaged his owne conscience, but hee vsed such Rethorike to many others, as he perswaded them to vndoe them selues, as he had done, for hee was so earnest in the pur­sute of a cause against the Countesse of Surrigan (whom they did falsly accuse to haue caused the Duke of Arscot to escape, beeing prisoner at Bois de Vincennes) as hee su­borned many witnesses against her, vsing in this practise, a Comissary called Bouvot, but eyther of them escaped good cheape, being condemned of false-hood, commit­ted in the instruction of the processe against the Coun­tesse: they did open penance, thē standing on the pillory at the Haules, they were banished. In the history of France vnder HENRY the 2.

GVY of Seruilles terming himselfe Lieutenant to the Prouost of Marshalls in the Seneshalcie of Xaintonge, hauing apprehended two young men, he caused them to bee hanged vpon a Sonday, without finishing of their processe, by the which they were found in a manner in­nocent. He is made a partie, as they are accustomed to do against Iudges which proceed Ex officio, without a­ny partie playntiue that doth accuse; for in that case they hold the place of an accuser. After viewe of the processe, he is committed to prison, by a decree of the Court, and carried to the Concergery or prison at Bourdeaux: there he was examined, and by his answeres mayntaines that the sayd yong-men had deserued death, for many causes which hee obiects, where-vpon the Court at Bourdeaux were in some doubt, whether they should admit him to make his proofes. Some great Lawiers holding, that a Iudge after execution may at neede iustifie his Iudge­ment [Page 350] by proofes and productions, especially against va­gabondes and picking rouges, of whome the Prouost Marshalls doe iudge definitiuely: Besides a Iudge may interpret, declare and maintayne his sentence. The Ne­gatiue is more common; for all that is aboue spoken hath place where imminent daunger is, and in time of Warre: else no man ought without reason to striue so much from Lawe and Iustice: and a Iudge is not to bee admitted to the iustification of his Iudgement by other meanes, then these which are in the processe, and which are written before him, for he that is condemned might haue defended and iustified himselfe, or els haue repro­ched the witnesses, so as al might haue prooued his inno­cency. But the means of al this was taken from him with his life, which ought not to be. Yet notwithstanding by a decree made at Bourdeaux; Seruille was allowed to make his proofes by acts or witnesses of these crimes where­with he charged the deceased. And for that afterwards he did nothing, and the two yong men were found inno­cent by an other sentence giuen the 14. of August 1528. he was condemned and executed. I. PAPON ltb. 4. of his collection of sentences giuen in Soueraigne. arrest 5.

One terming him falsely Prouost of Marshalls in the Seneshalsie of Landes, hauing caused seauen women to be executed, being falsely accused and without proofe, of witchcraft, was beheadded by a sentence giuen at Bour­deaux the 3. of Ianuary 1525. He had cōmitted three of­fences. The one of Iurisdiction, the fact being not to be­tried before the Prouost. The second that they were not found guilty: the third, that falsely hee termed himselfe a Prouost, and vnder collour of a publike charge had cō ­mitted so many murthers. The same PAPON, in the same [Page 351] booke arrest 7. The Consull of a Towne in Suisserland. (I will spare his name for the present) a rich man, caused a stately house to bee built, in the yeare 1559. Among o­ther excellent workemen which he sought for, he caused a rare cutter and Architect called IOHN, to come from Trente, who for some iust reasons refused to come. In the end hauing receiued a promise of all safety and good vsage, he came and wrought long for the other. About the end of the worke, the Architect comming to demand his wages, they fell to some words. Whereof the ende was, that by the Consulls cōmandement, IOHN was put in prison, and by the same Consull (against his faith and promise) accused to haue spoken against some Ceremo­nies. The Consull beeing Iudge and party, pursued his purpose so furiously, as IOHN was condemned to loose his head. As they led him to execution, he marched with a cheerefull countenance, and died very constantly. Ad ding therevnto, after a long speech testyfiyng his con­stancy and sincere affection, that the Consull (who was the Author of his death) should die also within 3. daies, and appeere before the Iudicial seate of GOD, to giue an Account of his sentence. It happened as this man had fore-told: for the Consull (although he were in the flower of his age, and very helthfull) began the same day to bee tormented; sometimes, with a violent heat, sometimes with a vehement cold: to conclude he was stroken with a new disease, so as the third day hee went to answere to the Innocent against whom hee had beene a most vniust partie, and accuser and a Iudge, beeing cast out of the Land of the liuing by a t [...]rriblle Iudgement of GOD. M. IOSIAS SIMLERVS of zurich in the life of HENRY BVLLING [...]R.

HENRY of Hasfeld being gone out of the Lowe Countries to Berg in Nor­waie, where he did traffick, liued there vnmarried without blame, he was ve­ry charitable vnto the poore, whome hee did clothe liberally, imploying some of his clothes to that vse: One day hauing heard a certaine Preacher speaking (indiscreetly) of myraculous fastes, as if it were no more in the power of GOD to maintayne any one lyuing without the helpe of meate and drinke, and displeased that this preacher was a disso­lute man, which poluted holie things, hee tryed to fast, and to abstaine altogither from eating and drinking. Ha­uing absteyned three daies, he began to be very hungry. He therefore tooke a bitte of bread, meaning to swal­lowe it with a glasse of beere. But all that stucke so in his throate, as hee remayned forty daies and forty nights without eating or drinking. At the end of this time, he cast out at his mouth the bread and drinke which had re­mayned in his throate. This long abstinence made him so weake, as they were faine to restore him with milke. The Gouernor of the Country hearing of this wonder, calles for HENRY, and enquiers the truth of him: who giuing no credit to HENRYES confession, would see a newe tryall thereof. He therefore caused him to be shut vp, and carefully watcht and kept in a Chamber for the space of fortie daies and forty nights, without any thing to norrish him. The which he did endure without any noyse, and with lesse difficulty then the first, attributing [Page 353] nothing vnto himselfe, but all to the power and honor of GOD. By reason of so rare and supernaturall an Ab­stinence, and for that his life was without reproche, hee was surnamed of many, the Saint of Norway. A while after, being come about his businesse to Bruxelles in Bra­bant, a debtor of his (hauing neither good money to pay him, nor any good conscience,) accused him of he­resie, so as he was imprisoned, where he remained ma­nie dayes without eating or drinking: in the end hee was condemned to be burned aliue, without making the peo­ple acquainted with his processe, who did see him goe to execution with his accustomed countenance. Hee was tyed to a great stake with a long chaine, and they did fire many fagots round about him, a pretty distance off, sup­posing that hee would runne about this stake, euen vnto the last gaspe. But contrarywise falling vpon his knees and lifting vp his eyes to Heauen, hee made a feruent prayer vnto GOD▪ then rising vp, he went couragious­ly o the fire, enters into the flames, and sits downe so quietly, as no man could see him moue hand or legge, or any other part of his body, but with-out any stirre or tormenting of himselfe, hee ended his life in the fire. They could not finde any peece of his bones: and many since passing by the place where hee had beene burnt, held it for a place of deuotion. This happened about the yeare 1545. the which I haue learned from the mouth of many men, worthy of credit, good friends to this man, with whome they had conuersed familiar­ly. IOHN WIER in his Treatise of extraordinary ab­stinence.

It is not long since that a Chanoine of Leege, desi­rous to trie his force in fasting, hauing continued vnto [Page 354] the seuenteenth day, hee found himselfe so faint and weake, as if hee had not beene sodenly helpt with good restoratiues, he had dyed. The same Author.

A young Maide of Buchold in the territorie of Mun­ster in Westphalia, being oppress with melancholie, and keeping the house, was for that cause beaten by her Mo­ther. The which did so increase her greefe, as taking no rest, she was foure moneths without eating or drink­ing, vnlesse that some times shee did chewe a peece of a roasted apple, and washt her mouth with a little Tisane. She grew exceeding leane, but in the end GOD resto­red her, lyuing long after very modestly, and indued with singular piety. The same.

In October in the yeare 1600. Monsieur RAPIN, whome I name with respect, beeing a man worthie of credit, did assure mee that hee had seene (as manie o­thers had done) at Conflent in Poitou, about the ende of August before, the Daughter of IOHN BALAN a Smith called IOANE, of foureteene yeares of age, who had then liued eighteene monethes without eating or drin­king any thing what-so-euer. Her tongue was much shronke, and her teeth white and cleane, her bellie was shronke, and shee was a little fleshie behinde. When she riseth in the morning, shee opens the windowe and stands looking into the a [...]er, spending the rest of her time in doing some little worke about the house. Drawne out of our Memorialls.

IHON de MARESTS hauing beene mur­thered by the Scignior of TALLART, of a great and ancient house, and a Gentleman well suported by many great allyances, namely by Cardinall IHON of BELLAY, who made it his owne fact, it seemed that the execution of Iustice was not so speedie as the cause required. The Grand-mother of the deceased, hauing her onely refuge vnto King FRANCIS the first, cast her selfe vpon her knees, weeping before him at Fontainbleau: whereat the King being amazed, asked what she would haue of him? Iustice (answered she) if it shall please your Maiestic. At which word he commands her to rise speedily, and tur­ning to all that did attend him, hee said: By the faith of a Gentle-man, it is no reason that this Gentle-woman should prostrate her-selfe before me, demanding a thing which for the due of my estate I owe her, but it is their duties that importune mee for remissions and pardons, the which I owe them not but of my especiall grace and royall prerogatiue. And after that hee had giuen her a long audience vpon the discourse of her request, which which was onely to haue speedy Iustice, and hauing pro­mised it vnto her, he shewed that the word of such a King was fully accomplished, by the euent which followed. So as not able to be moued by any sute of his fauorites, nor of forraine Ambassadors, he would haue punish­ment inflicted, as the greatnesse of the offence required. And so TALLART was beheaded at the Hales at Paris, in the yeare 1546. Maister E. PASQVIER in the 5. booke of his Collections of France, Chap. 7.

ABout the yeare 1503. there liued at Geneua a notable theefe called MOR­TAC, and in French MORTEL. He did inchant men in such sort, as no man could preuent his theeuing, nor punish him after the deed. Euery one knew he was a theefe, and were as warie of him as they could. It was a common watch-word in all the houses of the Towne, when as night came, for Maisters and Mistres­ses to warne their seruants to shutte the doores for feare of MORTAC, which grew to be an ordinary Prouerbe, when as they doubted any one that had filching fingers. But there was neither doore, lock, nor barre, that could keepe him out, where hee had a will to enter: yet hee went not to all places, but only to those that lookt sower­ly on him, and seemed to distrust him, for he tooke a de­light to steale, to be admired for his abilitie and cunning: neither did hee care to gather much together, but con­tented himselfe with a little, taking no more then would serue him for some 40. or 50. meales, with some compa­nions which he carried vp and downe, feasting them at his charge. And there was no meanes to preuent his wil: for he did so inchant them of the house, as they lost their speech, & all meanes to resist him, making them like im­moueable stocks, when he entred into their houses. Be­fore he would seize vpon that which he pretended, hee would first feed himself at his [...]ase. The first thing he euer did was to light a candle, thē to take the keys of the house yea from vnder the maister & mistresses pillow, although they were awake: not that he wanted keies, for his fingers [Page 357] serued him for his Pick-locks: but in thus proceeding he would shew his theeuish authority. Then would he open the Larder & the Seller, from whence hee fetcht meate and wine, couered the Table, and eate and drunke at his leasure and pleasure, and yet not any one of the house did stirre, eyther to hinder him, or to accompany him, neither to crye out, nor yet to speake vnto him, eyther good or bad. This done, he went and opened the good­mans cofers, and tooke what money hee thought good, to make good cheere with his Mignions, for 3. weekes or a moneths space in some Tauerne. The next day hee and his band would campe where was best wine: and the Tauerne keepers entertained this rable very gratiously. For this MORTAC did no harme in those places where he vsually frequented, and where the maisters did make much of him. After they had made many good meales, when they came to reckon, he neuer brought any money but sayd vnto the Hoste: Goe and fetch thy due in the corner of such a Chamber of thy house, the which per­chance had not beene frequented a moneth before. The which the Host doing, hee found the iust summe, and not a farthing more or lesse. It was very strange, that the Iudges did not punish him. He was often put in prison, but the Iudges durst not exceed the lawe, the which did forbid them to condemne any one accused, before he had confessed the fact. And this MORTAC was so constant in denying the trueth, as it was impossible to draw any thing from his owne mouth, whether it were that he felt no torments, or that hee did contemne them. for he apprehended no more to be strained with a corde, then to dance, If they gaue him a sharpe strapadoe, hee seemed to endure much, and would crye out: Let mee [Page 358] downe, and I will tell the trueth. Being let downe and vntied, he would say vnto the Gouernors, what will you haue mee say? There-vpon they asked him, who hath done this, or that: and he mocking them, would repeate this question, saying: Doest thou know who hath done this or that? and then he would adde in scoffing manner, giue me once more the Strappadoe, for the loue of the Ladies, so as they were forced to let him alone. He com­mitted infinite thefts, after the manner before mentio­ned: but hee dyed not so shamefully as he deserued, yet most cruelly, for the plague hauing so seized vpon his throate, as he could not speake, his Mother (who tended him) fearing he would scape and be hanged afterwards, buried him aliue. And so liued and dyed MORTAC▪ Ex­tracted out of the Annales of Geneua.

THE Emperor MAXIMILIAN the first, committed the managing of a great summe of mony to a Gentle­man that was exceeding prodigall, and a very bad husband: whereof being aduertised, he called for him, and demanded an account of a re­mainder, amounting to 2000. crownes and vpward. The other required some respite to make perfect his account, which was granted him. Hauing considered throughly of the matter, the next day hee went and presented him­selfe vnto the Emperour, who wondring at his sodaine returne, referred him to the time prefixed the day before. Sacred Maiestie (then said the Gentleman) I will briefly shew you the trueth of the case, to the end you may not [Page 359] be troubled long about it. You are good to all men I con­fesse I haue imployed the most part of your money, in the entertainment of whores, buying of Horses, gaming and bankets: and without farther excusing of my selfe: I haue done ill: I haue deserued to bee punished by the lawe: But I besecch you to beare with my youth, and for my friends sake to pardon me: if it may please your Ma­iestie to vse me, I will be wiser here after. The Emperor hearing this free and open confession, began to smile, & presently commanded his Barber to be sent for, to whom he said, cut me this Gentlemans hayre, and with thy Ra­sor make him a faire large crowne on the top of his head, for I will presently make an Abbot of him. At the same instant the Emperor was aduertised of the vacancie of an Abbey, by the death of the Abbot, & they were deuising in MAXIMILIANS presence, vpon whom it should be conferred? marry vpon him yonder, quoth the Empe­ror, pointing to the Gentleman that was in the Barbars hands. Then calling him vnto him, he sayd: I giue thee such an Abbey; If thou continuest as thou hast begun, thou wilt consume both Monkes and Couent. The Gen­tleman vnto whom good fortune came sleeping (like vn­to a C [...]anoine of LEVVIS the 11.) hauing accepted this Collation with great reuerence and thankes, hee tooke possession of the Abbey, became a good husband, and gouerned his Monkes to their content. I. le GAST of Frissac. Tom. 2. of his Table-talke.

GEORGE of Amboise, Cardinall, a chiefe Councel­lor to the good King LEVVIS the twelfth, did enioye Gaillion, depending of his Arche-bishopricke of Ro­uan, the which hee did in-large and beautifie all hee could, as a house of pleasure, to delight him after his [Page 360] serious occupations. There was a gentleman, a neigh­bor of his some-what distressed; who to free himselfe, spake to one of the Cardinalls followers, to be a meanes vnto his Maister to buy his land, the which laie very con­ueniently for Gaillion. As the disposition of all Courti­ars is readie for such negotiations, he presently aduerti­sed his Maister, perswading him that he might buie this Land good cheape. To whom the Cardinall answered, with a smyling and cheere-full countenance, that he de­sired nothing more then to conferre with the gentleman, about that purchase: commanding him to inuite him to dinner. This commandement was presently put in prac­tise by the Courtiar. Some fewe daies after the gentle­man hauing dyned with the Cardinall the table being ta­ken vp and euery one retired to giue them place for their priuate talke. The Cardinal began to fall into discourse vpon this Land, aduising him as a neighbour & a friend not to sell that place which was his ancient inheritance: the other insisted to the Contrary, alledging for his rea­sons, that hee did hope to reape three commodities by this sale: the one was in getting his fauor by this meanes: the other was that with a part of the money hee should marry a Daughter of his: and the last that he should im­ploy the rest of his money in rentes, which should profit him as much as the reuenewes of his whole Lands: And therefore my Lord (sayd he) for that it lies more conue­niently for you then any other, I haue addrest my selfe vnto you, to make you what price you please. But neighbour (answered the Cardinall) if you might bor­rowe money to marrie your Daughter well, would you not be much better pleased to keepe your Lande? wher­vnto the gentleman replyed, that it would bee an other [Page 361] difficultie to pay the money at the prefixed day. But if you might haue such a time giuen you (sayd the Lord) as without strayning of your selfe, you might free your debt, what would you say? O my Lord replyed the other, you say well, but where are such lenders? And so being fallen into a still discourse of selling and lending, in the ende this good Legat sayd, truelie I wilbe the Man, and no other, that will performe what I haue said. The which hee did, for hee lent him money for so long a Terme, as this gentleman married his Daughter to his owne minde, and yet saued his Lande. As all Courtiers are carefull of their Maisters profit, though it be to an others hurt: comming from their secret con­ference, this Mediator comes, who demandes in pri­uate of his Maister, if hee had agreed vpon the price. I sayd hee, and I thinke I haue gayned more then you will beleeue. For insteede of the Lordshippe, whereof you did speake. I haue purchased a friend, desiring ra­ther to haue a good neighbour then all the Lands in the world. The poore Courtier being confounded, did no more dreame of any such bargaines. I would to GOD that all Noblemen would consider well of this Historie. And yet this Cardinall dying, did Lament with teares the time which hee had spent ra­ther in following of a Kings Court then in teaching of his flock. M. E. PASQVIER liber 5. de ses recerches. Chapter 5.

CAptaine BAYARD in the time of King FRANCIS the first feeling himselfe verie sore wounded to the [Page 362] death with a shot, beeing aduised to retier himselfe out of the fight, hee answered, that hee would not be­ginue in his latter daies to turne his backe to the ene­mie: and hauing fought as long as his his force would giue him leaue, finding himselfe to faint and readie to fall from his horse, he commanded his Steward to lay him at the foote of a tree, but in such sort, as hee might die with his face to the enemy, as he did. MONTAIG­NE in his Essaies Chapter 3.

Many other examples shalbe seene in the following volumes.

A Nobleman of Spaine, falling in Loue with a maide exceeding faire, whose Father had beene a Gold-smith in the Cittie of Valencia, hauing sought by many meanes the vse of her, was still reiected. Beeing vanquished by his affections, hee demanded her for his Wife, hee marries her in a Chamber, in the presence of her Mo­ther and Brethren. Hauing entertayned her about a yeare and a halfe, vnder this pretext, in the ende trans­ported with a newe desire, hee marries a Ladie of a great house publickely. The maide whome hee had so wretchedly seduced, findes meanes by Letters and messages to drawe him againe vnto her, and shee per­swades him that shee is content hee shall vse her as his Concubine, comming twise a weeke vnto her house. Shee flatters him in such sort; as hee promiseth to [Page 363] come to her the next day: where hee is receiued with kinde imbracings, and spends the daie in sundrie discour­ses. Night beeing come, he lies with her, who findes so many excuses, as this Nobleman is put of till after his first sleepe. Beeing soundly a sleepe, this maide trans­ported with greefe and furie, and assisted by a bond­woman of hers, who had made prouision of two great sharpe kniues, and of a strong corde tied to one of the bedde-postes, shee straines this corde ouer his bo­die beeing a sleepe, then sodenly shee takes one of these kniues, and strikes him in the throate with all her force. He startes, but with little life. But on the other side the slaue drewe the corde with all her strength, where-with his armes and body were so intangled, that before hee could free himselfe, shee had giuen him many stabbes in the body, taking frō him at one instant both his speech and life. The candle being light, this maide transported with her greeuious fury, proceeding from a iust disdaine, pulles out the dead mans eyes, cutts out his tongue, and then his heart, the which she teares in peeces, & mangles him in diuers parts of his body, the which with the helpe of her slaue she casts out at a windowe into a streete that was much frequented. Day being come euery man runs to beholde this bloudie spectacle. They speake diuer­sly of the fact, for that they could not knowe the bodie being so much disfigured, hauing nothing on but a bloudie shirt torne with blowes. As euery man gaue his Censure, the maide comes downe in the streete and deliuers the whole fact, with a constant and an assured countenance, the which is verefied (besides her confes­sion) by the deposition of this Noblemans seruant, of the Preest that had married them and of the Mother and [Page 364] Brethren that had assisted. Assoone as the body was cast into the streete, the Maide giues vnto her slaue a good summe of mony, aduising her to saue her selfe, the which she did in the morning. As for the Maide being satisfied with so extraordinary a reuenge, she doth freely and of­ten aduow before the Iudges all that shee had done, and being condemned to loose her head, she went constant­lie and cheerfully to execution, suffring death willingly, to the great amazement of all the Inhabitants of Valen­cia. Historie of Spaine,

A while after the Battaile of Rauenna, giuen in the yeare 1512. a Neopolitaine Gentleman called ANTHO­NIE BOLOGNE, hauing beene Steward to FREDERIC of Arragon King of Naples, who being despoyled of his estate, retired into France, was called by the Duchesse of Malfy, a great Lady, issued from the house of Arragon, sister to a Cardinall, one of the greatest in his time, wi­dow to a great Noble-man, and Mother to one onely Sonne, to be her Steward. The which he hauing accep­ted, a while after this widowe being young and fayre, ha­uing regarded him with a lasciuious eye, she desired him: but to couer her fault, shee sought the colour of marri­age: and after many vaine discourses in her thoughts, in­steed of flying to the councell and good aduise of her Bretheren, and honorable Kinsfolkes, (whereof she had many) and to accept a partie fitte for her qualitie, the which might easily haue beene found neere or farre off: transported with her desire, she discouers her thoughts vnto this Gentleman, who drunke with his owne con­ceite, and forgetting the respect which hee ought vnto his Ladye and to her house, neither yet remembring his owne meane estate, would not excuse him-selfe, nor giue [Page 365] her such Councell as he ought in this occurrent, but be­ing presumptuous and lust-full, he yeelded to ioyne (vn­der the vaile of a secret marriage) with her who had long before cast vnchast lookes at him, and with whome he had rashly and against all dutie fallen in loue. These two vnaduised creatures then lying together, in the pre­sence of a Chamber-maide onely, vnder the collour of marriage, so behaued themselues, as after some monthes the Duchesse was with Childe, and brought in bedde of a Sonne, the which was conuaied secretly into the Coun­try. This first delyuerie remayned secret: but beeing againe with Child and deliuered of a Daughter, the newes were presently spred ouer all, and came to the eares of the Cardynall, and of an other Brother at Rome, Being about to inquier who it might bee that had beene so famyliar with their sister, BOLOGNE seeing that it was generally noted, tooke his leaue of her, she beeing with Child, meaning to retier to Naples, and then to An­cona, there to attend some other euent of their affaires. Hauing carried his two Children with him, and hyred a conuenient house, the Duchesse sent her richest stuffe thether, and soone after vnder collour of a Pilgrimage to Lauretto, at her returne shee goes to Ancona with all her trame, where the next day after her arriuall, hauing cal­led all her gentlemen and hous-hold seruants, shee gaue them to vnderstand that BOLOGNE was her hus-band, and that she was resolued to continue with him, suffring them that would go and serue the yong Duke her Sonne to depart, and promising good recompences to them that should remaine with her, shewing them their two Children. Her seruants amazed at this discours left the Duchesse and BOLOGNE: and beeing parted from her [Page 366] presence, they sent one among them to Rome, to aduer­tise the Cardinall and the Prince, of all their Sisters fact. The first attempt of these two Brethren against BO­LOGNE and his pretended Wife, was to haue them cha­sed out of Ancona, by the credit which they had with SI­GISMOND of Gonzague the Popes Legat in that place. They retired speedely then to Sienna, but they must needes depart from thence, being expelled by ALPHONSO CASTRACIO Cardinal of Sienna, and by the Iustice of Sien­na. After diuers consultations, they resolued to retier to Venise, and to that ende to take the way of Romagnia; but beeing vpon the territory of Furlie they descouer a farre off a troupe of horses galloping towards them. The Duchesse was presently of an opynion that BO­LOGNE should saue himselfe with his Sonne, who was nowe growne bigge, the which they did, beeing both well mounted, and retired to Milan. These Horse-men, hauing fayled of part of their preye, spake gratiously vnto the Duchesse, and conducted her with her other two Children into the Realme of Naples, into one of the Castells of the young Duke her Sonne, where shee was presently imprisoned, with the two Children shee had by BOLOGNE, and her Chamber-maide. Some fewe daies after, three of them which had taken her in the plaine of Furli, came into her Chamber, and de­nounce her death vnto her, suffring her to recommende her selfe vnto GOD, then they tied a corde about her necke and strangled her, which done, they lay hold on the Chamber maide, who cryed out with open throate, and strangle her also, and in the ende they seize vpon the two young Children, and send them after the Mo­ther and the maide.

[Page 367]The two Brethren contynuing their course caused BOLOGNES goods at Naples to bee confisked, and hauing descouered that hee was at Milan they suborne certaine men to feede him with hope that in time they will make his peace, making him beleeue that his Wife and Children were yet aliue, who although he were ad­uertised by a gentleman of Milan of the Duchesse death, & of an ambush that was layed for him, yet wold he not beleue any thing, nor retier himself out of Milan, where there were murtherers suborned to kill him: of which number there was a certaine Lombard a Captaine of a companie of foote: so as soone after, BOLOGNE go­ing out of the Friars where hee had beene to heare Masse hee was compassed aboute by a troupe of Soldi­ars, and their Captaine, who slue him presently beeing about two yeares after the Duchesse death. As for his Sonne who was not then with him, hee was forced to slie out of Milan, to change his name, and to retier himselfe farre off, where he died vnknowne. Historie of Italie.

At what time Pope IVLIO the second, made warre in Italie all the Townes in a manner beeing troubled with the factions, a young Romaine Gentleman cal­led FABIO fell in Loue with a Gentlwoman named AE­MILIA, Daughter to one of his Fathers mortall ene­mies. Shee beeing inflamed with the like affection, by the meanes of her Gouernesse, they did write Let­ters one vnto an other, and then spake togither, and in the ende they made a mutuall promise of marriage, vp­on a vaine hope that it should be a meanes to vnite their houses that were enemies. The worst was, they did consumate this marriage. [Page 368] After some daies FABIOS Father feeling himselfe old, commanded his Sonne to take a partie, and to tell him what maiden he desired to haue to Wife. FABIO ha­uing delayed to giue him any answere, in the ende hee names AEMILIA whereof hee was with great chollour refused by his Father, to whose will in the end hee yeel­ded, abandoning AEMILIA after that hee had excused himselfe as well as hee could vnto her. This sorrowfull Virgin growne madde to see her-self so abused, seemed to disgest this pill quietly, intreating her Gouernesse to ob­taine so much of FABIO that he would bee pleased to come some-times in the weeke to see and comfort her, and so by little and little to burie their passed friend­ship. FABIO yeelding to that passion came to see her. She gaue him kinde well-come, deuising very familiarly all the euening togither, and then to lie with her, as hee had done beefore. But hauing intreated him in any case not to touch her, but to staie vntill the morning, pretending her fore-passed greefe, as soone as this mise­rable wretch was fallen a sleepe, shee takes his dagger and killes him, then hauing called her gouernesse, shee stabbes her selfe in her presence with the same poy­nard, and died presently. The next day this pittifull ac­cident did much amaze and afflict the two Fathers and their families, for that remedie was past. History of Italie.

THere was a certaine learned and reuerent man in Spaine had two Sonnes: the one beeing thirteene yeares olde or there aboutes did some malitious acte, [Page 369] wher-with the Mother was so incensed with choller, as she began to curse him, and to giue him to the Diuell, wishing that he might carry him away. This was about ten of the clock at night, and when as the Mother conti­nued her cursing, the childe being amazed, went downe into the Court, where he vanished away, so as it was im­possible to finde him, not-with-standing any search they could make. All were troubled at this accident, seeing there was no doore nor windowe open, whereby hee might get out. After two houres, the Father and the Mo­ther being much discomforted, they heard a great noyse in a chamber ouer theirs and the child which groned pittifully. They goe vp, and opening the chamber dore with the key, they finde this child in so poore estate as it was a pitty to behold him: for besides that his garments were all torne, he had his face, hands and almost all his body so brused and scratched as it were with thornes, and so disfigured, as all the night hee could scarse come to him-selfe. The Father and the Mother did all they could deuise to ease him, and then the next daye seeing that he was come something to himselfe, they inquired of him the reason of his aduenture the night past. Hee answered that beeing in the Court, certaine men won­derfully great, vggly and fearefull, approching neere vn­to him, without speaking any word, had lifted him vp into the ayre, with an incredible swiftnesse, then set­ting him downe in certaine Mountaines full of thorns had drawne him through them, and left him in the same estate, they had now found him in. That final­ly they had slaine him, if he had not recōmended him­selfe vnto GOD: these executioners then brought him backe againe, and made him to enter by a little [Page 370] window of the Chamber, and so vanished away. The boy remained deafe and in verye bad case by this Vi­sitation, beeing ashamed and greeued if any one did question with him or put him in minde of it A. TOR­QVEMADOE in the thirdiourney of his Hexameron.

I Meddle not with the controuer­sies of learned Physitions touch­ing the differences of these disea­ses, according to the humour most predominant, either in the braine, or in the Hypocondres, or throughout all the body: neither will I enter into consideration of the remedies which they bring. And without subiecting my selfe to any exact order for this beginning, I will en­deauour to quicken the readers spirits, by this variety, to dispose him to higher considerations, and vppon euery history draw him to the reuerence of almighty GOD, who is iust and mercifull.

As for those sicke persons that are strooke with a Melancholike humour, whereof I represent many histo­ries in this section, we haue seene and heard spoke of di­uers kindes. All beeing hurt, especially in the imagina­tiue facultie, haue strong and very strange apprehen­sions. Some imagining that they are become pots of Earth or of Glasse through-out all their bodies, or part of it, flye all company for feare of breaking. Others thinking that they are become Woolues or Cockes, [Page 371] howling and crowing, and beating their armes, as if they had wings. Some haue feared infinitely least the ground vnder them should open; others that haue represented vnto them-selues nothing but hideous fan­tasies and death. Some that haue imagined them-selues dead, and would no more eate nor drinke. Some haue thought they haue had Stagges-hornes on theyr heads. Some haue cast them-selues into Pondes and Riuers, where they haue perished, or else haue beene found in extreame danger, and haue beene drawne out hap­pely for them.

There was an Italian Monke, possest with such a me­lancholike humour, as hee cast himselfe into the Gulfe of Venice, and there was lost. An other confessed that the Euill-spirits had often awaked him in the night, and perswaded him to cast him-selfe head-long into a Well, They do all in a manner feare things of nothing, and do not apprehend those that are hurtfull. They are afraide of a Foxes tayle where-with they would whippe them, of strawe where-with they would shakle them: and if you tye them by the legges but with a rush vnto a bed post, they will moue no more then Images: and contra­riwise they will some-times break Cordes and Chaines of Iron where-with you shall thinke to holde them. Sometimes they sing and talke incessantly, other times they weepe and are mute. the humour comming to alter more, the furye increaseth, and they fall into despayre, and perpetuall desire of death; the seeke for nothing but for Kniues to murder themselues, for win­dowes to cast themselues downe head-long, for dores to flye out at, and commit some excesse, that they might auoide this feare which doth torment them.

[Page 372]And therefore we doe alwayes see them sad, amazed terrified like vnto little children which goe in the darke, the fume of this black and melancholike humour, mar­ueylously troubling the seat of the vnderstanding, whence proceedes this amazement. So wise men doe hold, that the humours of the body doe alter our com­plexion, whence after doth proceede the change of the actions of the minde: so as the faculties of the mind, do follow the disposition of the body. There hath beene found a melancholike man which hath supposed him­selfe to be without a head; to cure him whereof, they haue charged his head with a hat of lead which was such a continuall burthen vnto him, as in the end he was helpt of that imagination. Hee that thought himselfe to bee all of Glasse, was recouered by the approch of a friend of his, who said that hee was yet more brittle, and iesting politikely with him, freede him from his Ima­gination with good wordes. Some haue beene seene who imagining themselues condemned to die, could not bee diuerted from that apprehension, but in seeing of a Pardon counterfetted to that ende, taking the paynes to reade it himselfe for his better assurance. An other saying that hee was dead and in his graue, was rety­red from that humour, by the dexteritie of his Com­panion who shut himselfe vp with him and eating, per­swaded him to eate, saying that it was vsuall among the dead.

Some hold their eyes still fixt vppon the ground, and are wonderfully offended to heare any one laugh, finde nothing that is good, fayre nor well done, bee it neere or farre of, imagining still, that they will put them into prison, beate or kill them: they [Page 373] crye him mercy whom they first met, they kneele down for feare to an Infant, or to a little Dogge: they seeke holes & obscure places: they make Men beleeue that they are bewitched, inchaunted and poysoned. To con­clude, this disease is a Tree, whereof we cannot number the branches nor the leaues. I had forgotten to say that there are some which feare and hate their most familier and greatest friends: others that cannot indure any man, and feare nothing so much as to bee seene. Some haue feare of all creatures whatsoeuer; or of some in particu­cular: those which haue beene bitten by madde-Dogges are wonderfully afraid of Water. To conclude howe many particular fantasies and diseases soeuer there be of melancholicke humours, so many sorts of frensies there bee. But it is a generall thing almost in all persons, toucht with any melancholike humour, troubling the braine simplie moued with strange fumes, which proceed from this venemous humour, or augmented by some newe accident as the biting of madde-Dogges, by extraordi­nary illusions, or otherwise, to grow fearefull, especially of things which are in no sort to befeared.

Nowe it remaines, that wee produce some notable Histories of our Times, touching these passions. My in­tention in the report of them, is to shewe how much wee ought to feare our owne miseries, to remember ourva­nities, and to thinke that GOD needes not to seeke far for any rods to scourge vs, seeing that wee carry them in our own bowels, that death is in this vessell of our bo­dies and that our soules are in miserable captiuitie, if the light of grace & heauenly truth doth not shine incessant­ly vpon them.

In our time a Gentleman fell into such an humour of [Page 374] melancholie, as it was not possible in the extremity of his sicknesse to change an opinion he had, that hee was dead: so as if his friends and seruants came to flatter, intreate or presse him to take some nourishment or phi­sicke, he reiected all, [...]aying that the dead had no neede of such things. Sixe dayes past without receiuing of any foode, and the seuenth being come (which is mortall to hungry bodyes) his friends deuised a policie to free him of this fantasie. His Chamber beeing artificially made darke, they caused certaine men to enter into it, beeing masked and clothed in white sheetes, tyed vp like vn­to them that are buryed.

The table was couered with meate; wher-with these masked Men began to fill them-selues, making little noise but with their chappes and drinking hard. The sicke man seeing this sport, demanded what they were, and what they did there? They answered him that they were dead-men, which made good cheere. Howe then saith the sicke Man, doe dead men eate? I, saide they and with a good stomacke. If you will bee of the com­pany, you shall see that we speake the truth. Presently the sicke man shakes his eares, leapes out of his bed, and begins to feede with these dead-men with a good sto­macke. Hauing dronke well sleepe takes him, with the helpe of a drinke which they had prepared for him and giuen him in this banket of dead men. This was the meanes to purge him of his Melancholie. LEVINVS LEMNINVS. cap. 6. lib. 2. of the complexions of mans bo­dy. The like Historye is read in IOVIANVS PON­TANVS, lib. 4. cap. 2. Of Wisdome.

Another supposing that he had a nose not onely a foot but many feete, yea many fadome long, and that hee [Page 375] carried an Elephants trounke, the which was very hea­uy, and hindered him much as hee saide, beleeuing constantly that his nose toucht the Sauce and Dishes that came to the Table: a Wise-man beeing called to assist him, and fitting himselfe vnto his humour, hee cunningly held a gut of bloud to the Patients nose and laying hold of his nose with-all, hee cut this gu [...]te with a rasor, then sodainely giuing a sleeping drinke vnto the sicke man, when he awaked he made him be­leeue that this great increase of his nose had bin cut off, and hauing prescribed him a good rule for his dyet, hee cured him of his melancholie. LEVIN. LEM. in the same booke and chapter.

An other troubled with an Hypocondriacke Melan­choly, perswaded thimselfe that Toades and Frogges did eate his belly: and there was no meanes to take from him this opinion. In the ende his Physition saide vnto him, that hee did verily beleeue, that there was some such vermine in his body. There-vpon hee giues him a purgation: and causeth some Frogges and to ades to bee cunningly conueyed into his close stoole, The Physicke hauing wrought they presently shew the Patient his excrements, and these little beasts swim­ming aboue it, the which purged the Melancholie, that did possesse him. LEVINVS LEMNIVS in the aboue named Treatise.

An other supposing that his buttocks were of Glasse, could not bee perswaded to sitte downe for any busi­nesse whatsoeuer, fearing that if hee did sitte downe vppon any Chayre or stoole, his buttockes would breake, and that the peeces would flye here and there. In the same Treatise.

[Page 376]I haue seene a Melancholike Man, which did imagine that all the superficies of the world was very fine glasse, that the part vnder it was all full of Serpents, and that his bed was as it were in an Iland, from whence if hee did stirre, hee should breake the glasse and fall among the serpents: and therefore it was not possible to drawe him from thence. IOHN BAPTISTA MONTANVS in his Councells of Phisicke.

A Bourguignon beeing sicke of a burning feauer at Pa­ris, did affirme that he was dead, and then his fantasie comming to change, he intreated the Physitions not to hinder his soule (which was in Purgatory) from flying into paradise. Sometimes he did counterfet one that was dying and giuing vp the ghost: then he would say, looke howe I die: then afterwards he was surprized with dis­paire, and with a wonderfull strange feare. They caused him to haue the Emoroydes and with other fit remedies they recouered him his health. Comment: vpon the 17. chap. of the 2. booke of M. I. HOVLIER, of inward diseases.

It is an ordinary thing in melancholike men and such as are troubled in the braine, not to sleepe and to conti­nue in that estate many dayes and nights: as it happened to one, who was 14. whole months without sleepe. FER­NELIVS. lib. 5. of his Panthologia. cap. 2.

Two Italian Gentlemen, tormented with a melan­cholike humour, and sometimes with a falling sicknesse, so as they could not rest, the one for some dayes, the o­ther for sixe months together, alwayes crying, and without any feauer, were soone cured by mee in eight dayes, by sleeping lotions, distilled vpon the head, and drinke made of Crisolite, beaten to powder and infused [Page 377] in wine, that afterwards they were neuer troubled with these infirmities. CARDAN in his booke of admirable Cu­res. Cure the 3.

A melancholike man running in the night through the streets, was by chance hurt in the thigh, and hauing lost much of his bloud, was eased and cured by that meanes, HOVLIER in his Commentary vpon the 6. booke of HIPOCRATES Aphorismes. Apho. 21.

A Gold-smiths widow at Lions opprest with extreame melancholie, by reason of sundry griefes after her hus­bands death, did trouble them much to keepe her in her sicknesse. And yet they could not watch her so nar­rowly, but one day in the turning of a hand she cast her selfe out of a high Chamber windowe vpon the paue­ment in the street Rasin, where shee was sore hurt in the head, so as shee lost great aboundance of bloud, and by this meanes recouered her right wits, and within fewe dayes was cured of this fall. The which happened within these fiue and twenty or thirty yeares. Extra­cted out of my memorialls.

A Germaine remayning at Paris in the streete of Noy­ers, seized with a melancholike humour and transpor­ted with madnesse, in the night hee cut his owne throat with a knife, and stab'd himselfe in manye places of the brest and belly, whereof some entred, and the other were but superficiall. The next day some of his compa­nions going to see him in the house of a Banker called PEROT where he was in pension, they found him thus drest, with a great aboundance of bloud lying about him. Seeing this spectacle, they thought his seruant had thus hurt him, for that he laye in his Chamber. Hee is taken and carried prisoner to the Chastelet, [Page 378] charging him to haue thus murthered his Maister I was sent for to visit & to dresse him, and seing the winde-pipe and the mouth of the stomacke cut, with many other wounds I had no hope of his life. And therfore I aduised them to send for STEPHEN RIVIERE, the Kings or­dinary Surgion, and GERMAIN CHEVAL a sworne Surgion at Paris, where we concluded amongest vs, to sowe vp the wound of his throat, the which being done and bound vp, the Germaine began presently to speake confessing that he himselfe had committed that excesse and discharging his poore seruant of the fact in our pre­sence, and of many others, especially of twoe Notaries, and a Comissarie of the Chastelet: by this meanes the seruant was set at liberty and freely discharged by his maisters confession, who liued foure daies, but could ne­uer swalloe any sustenance, being some-what norrished by nutritiue glisters, and oderiferous things that did nor­rish, as the cromes of a whot loafe steept in wine, and o­thers like. M. AM [...]. PARE. lib. 9. Cap. 31.

A maker of Serges called STEPHEN, a quiet man and a good workeman in his trade, hauing suffered a melancholike humor to ceaze vpon him, breeding feare and distrust in him, in the daie time he gaue himselfe cer­ten thursts in the belly with a knife, going to that end to a garden of his Being thus hurt, he returned to his cham­ber causinge him-selfe to be layde in his bed and think­ing of his conscience he humbles him-selfe before God, craues pardon for all his sinnes, but especially for that, preseuers in his repentance and confession, in the presence of many, which did visit him for some daies that he did Languishe I was one of them, and did see him wonder-fully mooued with the words that were [Page 379] vsed vnto him, as well in regard of his sinnes as of Gods mercies, in the apprehension whereof hee did quietly yeeld vp his soule, in a Towne where hee had long continued and remayned. Drawn out off my Memorialls.

IOHN CRAVEQVIN an Aduocate in the Presidiall Court at Bourges, a man of a good spirit and a great pra­ctitioner, but very ignorant of the written Lawe, and of all good learning, hauing in the yeare 1533. beene imployed in the pursute of some causes to please the appetite of a most wicked man, which abused him, hee fell sicke of a Melancholike humour, and a wonderfull strange Frenzie, imagining all that was brought vnto him to bee crawling Serpents: so as after they had tryed all remedies in vaine, and brought Witches and Sorcerers vnto him, in the ende hee became starke madde and dyed in that estate. Histories of our Time vnder FRANCIS the 1.

An other learned man, making profession of the Ciuill Lawe, hauing done some acte vnworthy of his learning and iudgement, was so possest with a Me­lancholike humour and with a frenzie, that beeing falne sicke, with-out any great affliction in his bodye, for his nourishment hee did eate his owne excre­ments, and hauing languished in this misery some time, hee died without any repentance. Histories of our Times.

A Gentleman very aged and temperate fell into a con­tinuall feuer, in the month of Iuly, 1574. & thē into a frē ­zy, casting himselfe ou [...] of a window of the second Story of his house, and fel vpon the necke of Mons. VATERRE ordinary phisition to the Duke of Alen [...]on & then to the ground, where he hurt his [...]ibs, & made a great con [...]usion [Page 380] vpon the bone Ischion: Being carried backe vnto his bed he recouered his right wits, by a transport of the matter which caused the frenzie, Euen so of late a Gascon bee­sicke of a burning Feauer fell into a frenzie beeing lodged in the street called Pauee at Paris, in the night hee cast himselfe out at a windoe into the street, and was hurt in many places of his body, to whome I was called to dresse him, soddenly being laid in his bed, he began to talke sensibly, and to loose his mad fits, so as within a while after he was quite cured. Mons. d'Ortoman a Doc­tor and the Kings professor in the vniuersitie of Mont pel­lier did assuer me that a Miller remaining of Broquiers in Albigeois grown franticke, threw himselfe out at a windo into the water, from whence being drawne, he presently lost his frenzie. Maister AMB. PARE, the last Chapter, of his introduction to Surgerie.

ANNE, Nurse to PETER, Son to Maister FRANCIS BIORD, Lieutenaxnt to the Prouost of Air, a young woeman of a whot and drie constitution, being toucht in the sharpest time of winter with a frenzie on the left side, and a sharpe feuer, her breath being short hauing stiches in her side, and spitting nothing, almost but bloud, fell into a madnesse the seuenth day, where-vpon she riseth out of her bed, opens her cofer, where by mis­chance there was summe Mercury, and swaloes downe a bout halfe a dramme, and then she giues her selfe many wounds with a knife in the belly and the thighes. The same day about mid-night, she runs all naked vnto a win­doe and cast her selfe downe into a Court paued with very hard stone: and there remaines with out any fee­ling, with out speech, and with out Pulce, stiffe with cold (for it was in the winter time) vntill that the [Page 381] seruants of the house, desirous to knowe what she did, came vnto her bed, where finding her not they cryed out; In the end they found her in that miserable estate, the carrie her into her chamber and call for me▪ for that I then dwelt neere. I ranne thether with her mistresse, a vertuous gentlewoman, who intreats me to doe what possibly I could. Although I had little hope yet more to make a tryall then otherwise, I vsed all diligence and applyed diuers remedies, so as she came againe to her selfe and by little and little I got heate in her: I prouided both outwardly and inwardly for the Sublymate, the which had vlcered both her mouth and her throat▪ and to staie a fluxe which this poisone had caused, finally at the end of 6. weekes she was wholy cured of al her griefe by the speciall fauour of GOD, and was after wardes more helthfull then euer shee had bene before. FR. VALLERIOLA in the eight obseruation of the first booke.

A Romaine woman growne melancolike for that she had bene married against her will to one whom shee loued not, and smothering her furie with a sad silence, M. ANTHONIE BRASAVOLE a Ferrarois, an excel­lent Phisition of our time, tryed to diuert this humor by many remedies, which preuailed nothing. And there­fore he aduised himselfe of a phisicall pollicie, where­of he gaue notice vnto the husband, who yeelded vn­to it, her parents and kinsfolks comming to visit her on a festiuall daie, BRVSAVOLE enters into the Cham­ber salutes her louingly as if shee had beene his wife and approcheth to kisse her, she being young and strong thrusts him backe: hee contynues it with vehemencie, and shee pulls of his Cappe, and all that BRASAVOLE carried on his head, fitting for his age and the fashion [Page 384] of that time and casts it to the ground. All the company breaks out into a great Laughter at this spectacle. The yong woman thinking that this Phisition (being an old man,) had bene dronke, began also to laugh with open throate. After which time her melancholy began to leaue her. THOMAS ZVINGER in the seuenth volume of his theater. li. 2. A man of some worth about forty yeares old, haunted with a spirit, felt it comming, the blood be ginning to boyle in his breast, his sight grew dimme and presently a dizines tooke him, then would he begine to crie out, and to beat and torment himselfe, so as they had great trouble to hold him. Although they had let him bloud on the right arme, and drawne much blood from him, yet this frenzie decreased not. He repeated many verses by harte, song, cryed out amaine, danced, and sought to cast him-selfe downe head▪long: so as they were constrained to tye him fast, and to keepe a good gard ouer him. Hauing giuen him fit and conuenient phisicke in the ende he recouered his health. But after some weekes he fell into the same disease, finally for that the thicke fumes of blood did not ascend any more in quantitie to the head, the frenzie ceased: but he fell to spitt blood with a vehement [...]oughe, and then to spit out his lungs: so as his first disease ended with a consump­tion, whereof he died. M. RREM [...]ERT DO [...]ONEVS in his Phisicall obseruations. obser. 10.

I was called to visit a young man a Iewe, called RA­PHAEL, about the euening. He was couered with swellings or kinds of Anthracs in diuers parts of his bodie: amonge others he had a great one in his necke, the which grew presently little againe, and then RA­PHAEL begane to laugh, and would open a veyne [Page 381] to them of the Company, with a keye which hee held in his hand, but this folly turned sodenly into fury: for hee would haue beaten vs all, running vp and downe, and tearing all that came in his hands, being so strong in this fit, as sixe able and lusty men could hardly hold him: hauing applied some remedies, I retyred my selfe and came the next daye to visite him, beeing the last of Aprill. 1538. I found him reasonable quyet: but after dinner hee had so great a desire to sleepe, that such as did assist him could by no meanes keepe him from it. First the whot matter caused the frenzie, and then the cold had his turne. Beeing freed from this sound sleepe, hee hegan by fits to beate his sides, and conti­nued foure houres in an extasie, running like one that were possest with an euill spirit.

During this time he counterfetted the voyces of birds and of foure-footed beasts, hee spake betwixt his teeth and had extraordinary motions▪ so as it rather seemed a miracle, then any thing proceeding of a naturall cause. Hee was thus tormented twise a daye, and the entry of this motion came from the flanks, his greefe [...]aking him at the fayling of the body; which past, you would haue sayde, that the young man had suffered no paine. Hee would not vse any more Physicke, his seruants saying that hee had beene bewitched, and causing him to vse preseruatiues against witch craft, the which did him no good. Then they changed their opinions, giuing it out that he had the Diuell in his body, causing him to bee exercised, but in vayne: for it was a disease, which is expelled by good remedies, or through continu­ance of time. As it happened, that after eyght months hee recouered his health, and so hath continued since. [Page 384] BRASAVOLE in his coment vpon the 65. Aphorisme of the 5. booke of HIPPOCRATES.

I did lately see a man who might serue for a patterne to any one that would paint Melancholie it selfe. Ha­uing marryed about the beginning of Iuly a lusty young Woman, hee abandoned himselfe with such vehemen­cy to the acte of Venerie, as after some dayes hee fell mad. I caused him to bee chayned, vsing many lotions for his head to refresh his braine and to prouoke him to sleepe, and with the helpe of a good dyet, I restored him but not in such sort, as I would haue trusted him much, for his heauy eyes presaged nothing but furye. IACCHIN in his Coment vppon the ninth Booke of Rasis cap. 15.

There are three kindes of sharpe rauings: the one is when as in the extremity of a Feauer the sicke person doth raue, and speake strange things. The other called frenzie, is alwayes accompanied with folly: for although the sicke body, hath respites lesse troublesome at one time then at any other, yet hee hath alwayes his vnder­standing carried away by fantasies. The third is more dangerous, when as the folly hath no respittes: but doth all things furiously and with violence. A young Gentle-woman beeing fallen into this third kinde of rauing, I was called about mid-night to visite her, and found her in that same fury, so as shee leaped vio­lently sometimes of one side, sometimes of another, and all that shee could lay holde of, shee pulled in peeces, or tare it with her teeth: were it the hayre, the armes or hands of her selfe, or of any other, or what-soeuer she laid hold on shee carried awaye the peece, so as they were faine to chayne her, that [Page 385] she might doe no more harme to her selfe, nor to any other. After some houres, this tempest being some-what appeased, shee fell into a sound sleepe. In the ende through diuerse remedies, the which shee did take with great difficultie, she recouered her former health. But after the manner of women (especially of Gentlewo­men) not caring to follow those directions that were prescribed her, for the preseruation of her health, but li­uing at pleasure, a moneth after shee fell into the same disease, and within 24. houres after dyed, not-with-stand­ing any meanes that could be vsed. BENIVENIVS chap. 99. of his booke Intituled, The hidden causes of things.

A man being some-what aboue thirty yeares old, in the day time was very well, hauing his vnderstanding good, and his Iudgement perfect: but night being come, if hee went to bed and slept, presently hee entred into a frenzie, some-times he cryed out with all the force he could, he flourished with his armes and his legges, some­times hee did rise, leape, and runne vp and downe the house, if he were not stayed. Being awake, and day come, he returned to his perfect sence, managed his affaires dis­creetly: of a setled spirit, hating solitarinesse, and louing to discourse with his friends and familiers. DODONEVS in his obseruations.

DANIEL FREDERICK a maker of Kettles, dwel­ling at Fribourg in Brisgaw, of the age of 27. yeares, was dangerously possest, being carried ouer tops of houses, where hee did clime vp and runne without any appre­hension of the hazard of his life. They were forced to tye him with chaines. After some moneths, GOD did ease him mercifully, by the helpe of the great veynes, which did appeare in his thighes, the which being wonderfully [Page 386] swelled, and in the end opened, he was eased. And since euery yeare vnto the 50. of his age, which was in the yeare 1581. vsing a fit incision in the said veines, he hath peuented a relapse, without the which remedy he could not haue con [...]inued in health. SCHEN [...]IVS in the 240. obseruation of the first booke of his learned and dili­gent Annotations.

To the former Histories, we will ioyne some, touch­ing the Licanthropes and mad-men, the which wee will consider of two sorts. For there be Licanthropes in whom the melancholike humor doth so rule, as they imagine themselues to be transformed into Wolues. This disease as AETIVS doth witnesse lib. 6. Chap. 11. and PAVLVS lib. 3. Chap. 16 with other late writers, is a kinde of me­lancholic, but very black and vehement: for such as are toucht there-with, goe out of their houses in Februarie, counterfet Wolues in a manner in all things, and all night doe nothing but runne into Church-yardes, and about graues, so as you shall presently discouer in them a wonderfull alteration of the braine, especially in the imagination and thought, which is miserably corrupted, in such sort, as the memorie hath some force: as I haue obserued in one of these melancholike Licanthropes, whom we call Wolues: for he that knew mee well, be­ing one day troubled with his disease, and meeting me, I r [...]tired my selfe a part, fearing that he should hurt me. Hauing eyed me a little, hee passed on, being followed by a troupe of people. Hee carried then vpon his shoul­ders the whole thigh and the legge of a dead man. Beeing carefully looked vnto, hee was cured of this dis­ease. Meeting mee another time, hee asked mee if I had not beene afeard, when as hee incountred mee in [Page 387] such a place, which makes mee to thinke that his me­morie was not hurt nor impayred, in the vehemencie of his disease, although his imagination were much. DONAT de HAVTEMER, Chap. 9. of his Treatise of the cure of Diseases.

WILLIAM of BRABANT writes in his Historie, that a man of a setled iudgement, was some-times so tormented with an euill spirit, that at a certaine season of the yeare, hee imagined himselfe to bee a rauening Wolfe, running vp and downe the Woods, Caues and Deserts, especially after young Children. More-ouer hee saith, that this man was often found running in the Desarts, like a man out of his wittes, and that in the end by the grace of GOD, hee came to himselfe againe, and was cured.

There was also as IOB FINCEL reports, in his 2. Booke of Miracles, a Countri-man neere vnto Pauia, in the yeare 1541. who thought himselfe to bee a Wolfe, set­ting vpon diuers men in the fields, and slew some. In the end being with great difficultie taken, hee did constant­lye affirme that hee was a Wolfe, and that there was no other difference, but that Wolues were common­lie hayrie without, and hee was betwixt the skinne and the flesh. Some (too barbarous and cruell Wolues in effect) desiring to trie the truth thereof, gaue him ma­nie wounds vpon the armes and legges: but knowing their owne error, and the innocencie of the poore me­lancholie man, they committed him to the Surgions to cure, in whose hands hee dyed within fewe dayes after. Such as are afflicted with that disease, are pale, their eyes are hollow, and they see ill, their tongue is drye, they are much altered, and are without much spittle in [Page 388] the mouth. PLINIE and others write, that the braine of a Beare prouokes brutish imaginations. And he saith, that in our time some made a Spanish Gentleman eate thereof, whose phantasie was so troubled, as he imagi­ned that he was transformed it to a Beare, flying into the Mountaines and desarts. I. WIER, lib. 4. Chap. 13. Of Diuelish deuises.

As for those Licanthropes, which haue the imaginati­on so impayred and hurt, that besides by some particu­lar power of Sathan, they seeme Wolues and not Men, to them that see them runne, doing great spoile. BODIN disputes very amply in his Demonomania. lib. 2. Chap. 3. where he maintaines, that the Diuell may change the figure of one body into another, considering the great power which GOD hath giuen him in this elementarie world. Hee maintaines that there be Licanthropes trans­formed really from Men into Wolues, alledging diuers examples and Histories to that purpose. In the end, after many arguments, hee maintaines the one and the other sort of Licanthropia. And as for this represented in the end of this Chapter, the conclusion of his discourse was, that men are some-times changed into Beasts, the hu­maine reason remaining: whether it bee done by the power of GOD immediatly, or that this power is giuen to Sathan, the executioner of his will, or rather of his fearefull iudgements▪ And if we confesse (saith he) the truth of the holy writte in DANIEL, touching the trans­formation of NABVCHODONOSER, and of the Histo­rie of LOTS wife, changed into an immouable Piller, it is certaine, that the change of a Man into an Oxe, or into a Stone is possible, and by consequence possible into all other creatures. But for that BODIN cites PEVCER [Page 389] touching the transformation of the Pilappiens, and doth not relate plainly that which he doth obserue worthy of consideration vpon that subiect, I will transcribe it as it is conteined in his learned worke, intituled. A Commen­tarie of the principall sorts of diuinations. lib. 4. Cap. 9. ac­cording to the French edition. In the ranke and number of Ecstatiques, are put those which they call Licaons and Licanthropes, which imagine themselues to bee changed into Wolues, and in their forme runne vp and downe the fields, falling vpon troopes of great and small Cat­tell, teare in peeces what they incounter, and goe ror­ing vp and downe Church-yardes and Sepulchers. In the forth booke of HERODOTVS, there is a passage tou­ching the Neuriens, a people of Scythia, who transfor­med them-selues into Wolues, the which hee saith, hee could not beleeue, not with-standing any report that was made vnto him. For my part, I haue held it fabulous and rediculous, that which hath beene often reported of this transformation of men into Wolues. But I haue learned by certaine and tryed signes, and by witnesses worthy of credit, that they be not things altogether in­uented, and incredible, which are spoken of such trans­formations, which happen euery yeare twelue dayes after Christmas in Liuonia and the Countries there­about: as they haue learned by their confessions which haue beene imprisoned and tormented for such crimes. Behold how they report it to be done. Presently after that Christmas day is past, a lame Boye goes through the Countrie, and calles the Diuels slaues together, be­ing in great numbers, and inioynes them to follow him. If they staye any thing, then presently comes a great man, holding a whippe made of little chaines of Yron, [Page 390] where-with he makes them to aduance, and some-times he handles these wretches so roughly, as the markes of his whippe sticke long by them, and puts them that haue beene beaten to great paine. Being vpon the way, behold they are all (as it seemes to them) changed and transformed into Wolues. They are thousands of them together, hauing for their conductor and guide this Whippe-carrier, after whom they marche, imagining that they are become Wolues. Beeing in the open champian Countryes, they fall vppon such troupes of Cattell as they finde, teare them in peeces, and carrye away what they can, committing many other spoiles: but they are not suffered to touche nor to hurt any rea­sonable creature. When they approche neere vnto any Riuer, their guide, (say they) deuides the water with his whippe, so as they seeme to open, and to leaue a drye path betwixt both to passe through. At the end of twelue dayes, all the troupe is dispersed, and euery one returnes vnto his house, hauing layde away his Wolues forme, and taken that of Man againe. This transformation (say they) is done after this manner. Those which are transformed fall sodenly to the ground, like vnto them that haue the Falling-sicknesse, and re­maine like dead men, voyde of all feeling. They stirre not from thence, neither goe into any other place, nei­ther are they transformed into Wolues, but are like vn­to dead carcasses: for although you shake them and rowle them vp and downe, yet they make no shewe of life. From thence is sprung an opinion, that the soules taken out the bodyes, enter into these fantosmes or vi­sions, running with the shapes of Wolues: then when the worke enterprized by the Diuell is finished, they [Page 391] returne into their bodyes which then recouer life. The Licanthropes them-selues confirme this opinion, con­fessing that the bodyes doe not leaue their humaine forme, neyther yet receiue that of a Wolfe: but one­lie that the soules are thrust out of their prisons, and flye into Wolues bodyes, by whom they are carryed for a time. Others haue maintained, that lying in Yrons in a Dungeon, they haue taken the forme of a Wolfe, and haue gone to finde out their companions many dayes iourney off. Beeing examined how they could gette out off a strong and close prison? Why they haue returned, and how they could passe ouer Riuers that were large and deepe? They answered, that no Yrons, walles, nor doores, could hinder their getting out: that they returned by constraint, and that they did flye ouer Riuers, and runne by land.

Hetherto I haue set downe the wordes of Doctor PEVCER, the which shew, that this transformation of Licanthropes, nor that of Sorcerers mentioned by BO­DIN, haue no affinitie with the transmutation of the King of Babilon, nor with that of LOTS wife: and that in this Licanthropia, there are manifest illusions of Sa­than, the which ought not to bee confounded with apparent testimonies of GODS visitation vpon some persons: as the Diuines which haue expounded these Histories, doe shewe more at large. Moreouer, IOHN WIER is of a contrary opinion vnto BODIN touch­ing the Licanthropes whereof wee speake, and disputes at large thereof, in the sixt Booke of Diuelish Deuises, Chapter thirteenth and foureteenth: where hee manifest­lie denyes BODINS reall transformation, and doth [Page 392] maintayne that it is onely in the fantasie troubled by the indisposition of the person, and by the ill [...]sion of Sa­than. But wee will leaue their controuersie to such as will looke into it, and will propound some examples touching mad-men. There are two kindes. Some growe so by the poyson of the melancholike humour, as well throughout all the bodie, as principally in the braine, the which beeing not redrest in time, simple mel­ancholie becomes frenzie, that fu [...]y, and in the end rage, which is fearefull and not to bee cured, whereof M. PH­TER SALIVS and MARCELLVS DONATVS lear­ned Physitions do intreate, and propound some histories. Let vs speake after them, and serue them as an Interpre­ter to our French-men. It is a question if the venimous humor called Rage, the which breeds in so many sortes of creatures, which impart it vnto man, as we knowe, may beginne by man himselfe, and haue inward beginnings, without any accidentall contagion without. Reason makes vs to yeeld to this opinion, seeing that by the con­sent of all men, mortall poisons may be engendred with­in man: that rage should not bee excluded out of this ranke, man differing from a Serpent, which spitts poy­son, no more then from other beastes, which are subiect vnto madnesse. But for that the Ancients for the most part haue held, that no man could growe madde, if hee had not beene toucht without by some other person or Beast that was madde it seemes wee should not lightly stray from their opinions, notwithstanding seeing that experience may resolue this difficulty, I will relate what mine eyes haue seene. A woman sixe and thirty yeares old, troubled with a continuall feuer, called me to helpe her. I found her seized of a pestilent ague, I gaue her [Page 393] Physick, so as eleauen daies after shee was cured. E­leauen daies after that she was troubled with a greeuious flixe and an ague. I was called, and began to incounter this disease, the which I surmounted within seauen daies after. There remained yet some relikes of a feuer, the which seeking to take away, this woman fell so to ab­horre all Liquors, as not onelie shee lothed all Physi­call potions and all drinkes for her refection, but shee could not endure that anie one should drinke in her presence. I knewe by this accident alone that shee was toucht with rage, the which did so increase as shee could not endure they should bring any light in­to her Chamber: in regard of her feeding, detesting all drinkes and all liquid Physicke. And for that her fe­uer and the tediousnesse of her disease, would not suf­fer her to maintayne her selfe well with solide meates shee became exceeding feeble; but shee languished seauen dayes after that shee had begunne to reiect all drinke and Liquide notrishment. I found in her no other cause of defect, but onelie this disdaine of drinking and taking that which was Liquid. Neither did shee complaine of any thing, but when they presen­ted it vnto her; then should you see her mooue her selfe, after a strange manner. Except this, it was a verie quiet infirmitie: and asking her if shee had euer beene toucht with the teeth of any madde Dogge, her answere was, that no Dogge had euer toucht her, hauing had none in her house, nor beene in com­panie where anie was. Hauing enquired of her Mo­ther, if neuer Dogge had toucht her Daughter at anie time in all her life: shee assured mee no. This made mee to doubt, whether one by internall principles, [Page 394] and of their owne corruption) might not become madde. For hauing in this infirmity no coniecture of Contagion without, and this feare of drinke and li­quide things, beeing not conioyned with the accidents which are accustomed to accompanie them that are bitten with madde Beastes: I did coniecture that this disease grewe from some internall cause, which was not so violent, comming not by the outwards partes, through the byting of some enraged Beaste: if wee will not say that the force therof was quenched by the coun­terpoysons that were giuen her in the cure of her pestilent feuer: and by reason of her apparent and great euacuation of badde humours in the Dissenterie or fluxe. Besides this experience, I was confirmed by the authoritie of CAELIVS AVRELIANVS, writing that some-times one growes madde with out anie apparent cause: and by the Historie which SORANVS reports, saying that hee had seene an Infant which did abhorre the Nurces brests, without any precedent Con­tagion. PETRVS SALIVS in his Booke of particuler diseases.

It happened in the yeare 1573. In September, that GABRIEL NOVARE, a man of fiftie yeares of age and a widower, lyuing in the Duke of Mantouas Coun­trie, beeing at dinner, hee felt some-thing, hee knewe not what to grate his winde-pipe. Hee beganne to take the glasse to [...]ase him of this paine, but hee coulde by no meanes possible swallowe that which troubled him within. Beeing angrie with him-selfe, hee runnes to a paile of Water to drinke with his hande; but ap­proching to it with his mouth hee fell back-ward: hee riseth speedely, goes his way, and doth not suppe that [Page 395] night. The next daie, both at dinner and at supper, hee feeles the like accident. The third daie hee came to mee on horse backe; and by the waie as hee rode hee did eate some store of grapes at his pleasure. Ha­uing vnderstood all from him, to knowe his greefe ex­actly, I offer to his mouth at two or three seuerall times, a glasse full of Water. I call my friendes to see and beholde this spectacle; at euery time his heart pantes and swells, hee trembles, hee faintes, and seemes like one that were strangled. When I drawe backe the glasse, hee recouers his spirrites, vnderstands and dis­courseth: shewes himselfe vigorous: hath no feuer: is without paine, all his functions are whole and per­fect: onelie hee cannot drinke. I prescribed him coun­terpoysons; but within three daies hee dies, I serche, I sound, I consider all, yet finde no apparent cause of this Accident. MARCELLVS DONATVS lib. 6. Chap. 1. of the admirable Histories in Physick.

In the yeare 1574. in the moneth of May, the Wife of BLAIS [...] de VOLD, named MAGDELEINE, felt one day a paine in her necke, and then in her right arme. The next daie shee kept her bed, for that her arme besides the paine did beginne to shake. This paine ceased the third daie, but shee fell to haue a shaking ouer all the partes of her bodie, then she had a desire to vomit with­out any effect, she sweate and seemed as if she had beene smothered. When they presented vnto her any Wine, Water or any Coullis, then shee had Convulsions and fayntings: shee would eate egges and bread well. Her alteration was great; her principall faculties were whole and verie perfect, and so were her exterior [Page 396] sences: her spirit was calme, and her speech milde. You would haue sayd she had had no feauer at all. The Surgi­on of the place made many diuulsions, yet she dyed the fift day. The same Author.

In February 1575. DOMINIQVE PANCAVLD, a young maiden of 16. yeares of age, hauing seene some with their swords drawne ready to fight, was terrified, so as in the night shee fell into a vyolent feauer: presently shee had blisters about her lippes. Twelue houres after her fi [...], she grew amazed, and twelue houres after that it seemed vnto her that her feauer was gone. She did rise, being lame of her left arme: when any one did touche her, shee felt a paine in her side, as if one had stabd her to the heart with a Poynard, so as she would faint away. There was nothing omitted to ease her. The fourth day, a shaking doth force her to goe to bed: her paine encrea­seth, she hath a desire to cast, shee turnes on euery side without staye, shee fomes at the mouth, shee can endure no light, shee weepes, cryes out, is amazed, and driues away all them of the house. They offer her drinke, she puls her head back, she abhorres drinke, falls into soundings, and yet some-times shee talkes sensibly, then afterwards shee begins to make a noyse with her teeth, failes of her speech, and giues vp the ghost the 5. day. The same Author.

In the yeare 1576. in Iune, DOMINIKE BERET, a Country-man, married, and a lustie able man 37 yeares old, felt for eight dayes together a paine in his arme, not knowing how this griefe came, yet he did not forbeate to worke, hauing no feauer. A day after (being the ninth) being desirous to haue a messe of Pottage to his supper, a shaking seized on him, so as hee went to bed without [Page 397] any supper, about mid-night a feare seized on him, so as hee could not conteine himselfe, but amazed and star­ting vp, he cried out, and beganne to intreate them that were about him to hold him, and he for his part thought himselfe glued vnto them. Earely in the morning they go for Councell to a Physition that was neereby; who prescribed him to take a decoction of wilde Chichoree the which he vomited vp soone after that hee had taken it, with some cloddes of bloud as they sayd: comming to see him after dinner, I drewe them of the house apart, the Curate of the place, and others that were there assem­bled. I sayd vnto them, you shall presently see strange things; which is, that this patient will not drinke al­though you presse him, and if hee tries to do it, hee shall fall into a swone, and die presently. They brought him a glasse and offred him drinke; the which he refused with horror, and offring to force him, his heart fainted: wher­at all were wonderfully amazed, and much more, when as they did see him foure houres after giuing vp the Ghost, after that hee had beene disquieted with an vne­quall and inconstant trembling, hauing cried without ceasing, beene much distempered, and sweate all ouer great droppes but on the extremities which were colde, moreouer in a strange rauing, accompanied with diui­lish apparitions, as he sayd. The same Author.

The eight of Aprill 1579. IAMES PIVE Laborer, a young man married, sound and stronge, comming out of the field to his house, without any apparent cause go­ing before, beganne to sweate at night, and felt his heart, as it were pincht and full of paine. In the night hee did shake and tremble by fi [...]ts, casting himselfe out of his bed, crying out continually and sweating. The Surgion [Page 398] of the place gaue him earely in the morning a counter­poyson. Beeing called at night to see him, I knewe that it was a sharpe disease, and againe I did aduertise them which did assist him, that hee would abhor [...]e all kinde of drinke, and that vndoubtedly hee would soone die. The which was soone verified, for hauing drinke offred him, hee beganne to torment him-selfe and to faint away: the drinke being carried away, hee presently came againe to him-selfe. He couldnot endure any one to touch him, and if any one approched neere him, hee would crie out. They durst not (howe softly soeuer) wipe his face that sweate. Night being come hee would make his will, but the sweates and Convulsions which encreased, hindred him. Some houres after hee died in good sence. The same Author.

There is an other kinde of rage proceeding of an ex­ternall cause, that is to say, of the byting of madde Beastes, whereof wee must speake some thing, and pro­duce Histories according to our intention: to descouer our miseries more and more, and to induce vs to flie de­uoutly to the mercifull protection of almightie GOD. Beholde what learned FERNELIVS saies, namely in respect of madde-dogges which bite men; a madde­dogge in byting doth cast forth some spittle or venimous humor, the which peercing by the part that is toucht, doth sodenly corrupt the spirits, the bloud and the hu­mors, then doth it slide by little and little into the prin­cipall partes, but so slowely as the disease is not desco­uered till three weekes after, some-times after a yeare, and that but doubtfully. During this respite of time, the patient feeles no feuer, nor any paine, hee feares not death at all, the which hee carries in his bowells. [Page 399] But when the vennom by succession of time is come vn­to the heart, all the other Noble partes are as is were tickled; the sicke man growes way-ward, he can neither stand nor sit; hee behaues himselfe like a madde-man▪ scratcheth his face, and bytes euery man, the foame comes out at his mouth, hee lookes wildly, is tormen­ted with a great feuer, hee is extreamely altered and dry, yet hee doth so abhorre Water and all other Liquor, as hee had rather die then drinke or bee plonged in anie Riuer. These miseries in the ende oppresse him, and dep [...]iue him of life. Booke the 2 of the hidden causes of things.

This vennom is extreamely hot in the forth degree, as experience doth witnesse: for hauing one daie caused the bodie of a certaine man to bee opened, bee­ing dead of such an accident, they founde three re­markeble things. First there was no moysture at all in the mouth of the stomack to refresh the heart with all, but it had beene all consumed by this burning poy­son. Secondly the ventricles of the heart were drie and without bloud. Thirdly they did obserue, that a peece of the mouth of the stomack was almost burnt and reduced to poulder. IEROSME CAPIVACCIVS lib. 7. of his practise Chap. 12.

I haue seene a young Child, which neuer felt the hurt, nor complayned till eight monethes after the biting, but as soone as it descouered it selfe the Child died. FRA­CASTOR. lib. 2. of contagious diseases Chap. 10. Some­times the biting is so sharpe and violent, togither with the apprehension of the parties offended, as death fol­lowes soone after, as I haue seene in many, name­ly in a Mint-man, called MARTIN BVTIN, and a [Page 400] scholemaster named ROBERT. On a winter day a­bout ten yeares since, going early in the morning from their houses, the one to worke at the Minte, the other to teach certaine schollers, they were one after an other bitten by a madde Dogge, and had much adoe to free them-selues from him. The same day they went to their bedds, and died within a while after in good sence, ha­uing had many trouble-some and pittifull fitts. The one was my Neighbour, and I did often visit him: hee tooke delight to heare talke of his Saluation, and died most Christian-like, and so did the other. But my Neighbour at my comming in vnto him cryed out that I should not come neere him, if I would not haue him bite mee. Once not thinking of it, for the compassion I had of his tor­ment, (for some-times hee did houle like vnto a Dogge,) approching neerer vnto him then I was accustomed, he sodenly reacht out to get holde of mine arme with his teeth: whereof he fayled, for that his motion was not so quicke as mine. Hepresently acknowledged his error, and asked me forgiuenesse, imputing it to the vehemen­cie of his paine. As often as I thinke of that which I did see in the sicknesse of these two good men, so often doth my Soule tremble, crying out. Lord thou hast beene our refuge from one generation to another. &c.

And that which followes in the 91. Psalme, not mea­ning notwithstanding to condemne those, whome the wisdome of GOD (who is iust and mercifull) will visite thus in this world, for with what rods soeuer he meanes to chastise those that belong vnto his Sonne, his eternall grace fayles them not, but they enter by all gates, (howe hideous soeuer they seeme to humaine sence) into the Pallace of happie life and assured glory. Extracted [Page 401] out of my Memorials. I was called early in a morning in the yeare 1543. to goe see a Gentleman called ALEX­ANDER BRASQVE, with some other Phisitions. Hee would by no meanes drinke: and as wee did enquire of the cause of his sicknesse, those which did tend him did confesse, that hee had kist a certaine Dogge of his, which hee loued verye well, before hee sent him to be drowned, for that hee was madde. Hee dyed the next day, as I had fore-told. CARDAN in the first Treatise, lib. 2. contradict. 9.

A Peasant become madde, and hearing that hee had not long to liue in the world, made great instance to them that kept him, and held him straightly bound (for hee had some quiet seasons, during the which hee spake sencibly) that hee might bee suffered once to kisse his children for his last farewell. This beeing granted him, he kissed his children, and so dyed: but the seuenth day following, his children became madde, and after sundry torments, they dyed as their Father had done. Maister PAVMIER in his Treatise of contagious diseases, pag. 266. I haue seene yet more Horses, Oxen, Sheepe, and other Cattle, haue become madde and dyed so, hauing eaten a little Strawe, whereon madde Swine had line. In the same Treatise, 267.

ADAM SCHVEIDTLIN a Surgion, did assure mee for certaine, that about thirtie yeare since, at Hassuelsel in Bauaria, a Knight going to Horse-backe was bitten by the foote by a madde Dogge, whereof hee made no accoumpt, but a yeare and a halfe after hee began to growe madde: so as hee bitte the flesh of his owne armes, and was not apparantly sicke but two dayes. [...]OHN BAVHIN Doctor of Phisicke at Basill, in his learned [Page 402] Historie of madde Wolues running about Montbeliard, in the yeare 1590.

In the yeare 1535. a certaine Hoste in the Duchie of Wirtemberg, serued his guests at the Table with Swines flesh, the which a mad Dogge had bitten▪ after they had eaten of this flesh, they all fell mad. Historie of Germanie. Certaine Hunts-men hauing slaine a Wolfe, made sun­drie dishes of meate of the flesh, but all that did eate of it became mad, and dyed miserably. FERNEL lib. 2. Of the hidden causes of things. Chap. 14. I haue obserued that the biting of mad Wolues causeth Beasts to die present­lie, that are toucht with their teeth, Maister PAVMIER in his Treatise of Contagious Diseases. Many haue noted that Wolues although they bee not madde, yet (by reason of their furie and ordynarie vyolence, which appeares by their sparkling eyes, and their insatiable de­uouring) they make the flesh of Beasts, which they bite or kill, to be very dangerous, if it bee kept any time▪ A famous Prince did sweare vnto mee, that one of his Pages hauing found at a certaine Gentlemans house, a Rapier hidden vnder a bed, where-with some yeares before they had slaine a madde Dogge, hee intreated him to giue it him: which done, going about to make it cleane, and to scowre it, beeing rustie in diuers pla­ces, by mischance hee hurte himselfe a little in one of his fingers, where-of hee fell madde, and dyed before they could fore-see and preuent the danger. ESAYE MEICHNER Physition, in his Obseruations. There was seene in Portugall a Man bitten with a mad Dogge, the which lay hidden three yeares, at the end whereof it appeared, and hee dyed thereof. AMATVS A Portugall Physition in his seuenth Centurie, Cure. 41. [Page 403] BALDVS a famous Lawyer playing with a little Dogge of his that was madde, not knowing it, was sleightly bitten on the lippe, the which hee regarded not. But after foure moneths, hee dyed furious and madde, and there was no meanes to helpe him, for that he dyed, not seeking to preuent it in time. Maister AMBROSE PARE lib. 20. Chap. 21.

In the same place hee propounds diuerse remedies against the biting of a mad Dogge, the which he thinks auaileable, if any one of them be vsed presently: and hee saith, that hee hath cured many that haue beene so bit­ten. Among others, he specifieth this example follow­ing. One of the Daughters of Mistresse GRONBORNE at Paris, was bitten with a madde Dogge, in the middest of her right legge, where the Dogge set his teeth very deepe into the flesh, the which was cured. Among all remedies, Treacle (saith he) is singular, causing it to be dissolued in Aqua-vite, or in Wine, and then rubbing the place therewith hard, vntill it bleed: then you must leaue within it Linte dipte in the sayd mixture, and vp­on the wound apply Garlike or Onions, stampt or bea­ten with ordinarie Honie and Turpentine. This reme­die is excellent aboue all those that I haue seene by ex­perience: and I vsed it in the cur [...] of the aboue named Maide.

ANDREVV BACCIVS, in his Preface to the Booke of Poisons and Counter-poysons, describes the Epitaphe of a Romaine which dyed madde, for that shee was not presently and speedily helpt, beeing bitten in the finger by a Catte, which shee puld by the tayle. FRANCIS VALLERIOLA in his Commentarie vpon the Booke of HYPPOCRATES of the substance of the Arte of Physicke, [Page 404] Chapter 20. makes mention of a Moyle of his that was madde. And MATHIOLVS vpon the 36. Chapter of the sixt Booke of Discordes, saith; That hee had seene a madde Horse, the which hauing broken all that held him, hee did runne violently a certaine way, where find­ing an old woman, he tooke her vp with his teeth by her head-geare, and carryed her aboue tenne paces, hang­ing in the ayre, without making of any wound. In the same Chapter hee recites the Historie of BALDVS the Lawyer aboue mentioned. A Portugall Marchant and foure of his houshold, were hurt in one day with the Teeth and clawes of a Catte that was madde, Whereof there followed terrible and pittifull accidents, and in the end death. AMATVS a Portugal, Centur. 7. [...]ur. 65.

These yeares past, an Italian Gardiner, was at vn­awares sette vpon by an olde Cocke of his, hauing a sharpe Bill, and his Fethers reddish, the which did strike him so hard vpon the left hand, as there came forth cer­taine droppes of bloud. The same day I was called to see him, and comming to him, I found him writhing of his mouth, there was not any helpe by Scarrificati­ons, Incisions, Corseys, or Applications, within or with­out, that could serue: All the neighbours about him were amazed to see this poore man in his bedde, hauing his face redde, and his eyes sparkling and inflamed like vnto a Cocke, that is hotte in fight, so as the third day of his hurte, the patient dyed. This made mee to thinke that the Basiliscke, so famous among the Anci­ent, is our Cocke, the which gaue mee occasion, and manie others, to make diuerse Epigrammes, the sence [Page 405] whereof is comprehended in these two verses.

ANDREVV BACIVS in the Preface of the Booke of Poi­sons and Counter-poisons.

A young man an Italian, happened to be bitten with a mad Dogge, whereof hee made no account: but after foure moneths, hee began to growe amazed, and to bee wonderfully afraide of all meate and drinke, though otherwise hee had his wittes perfect: so as after some dayes he dyed of hunger and thirst. VIDIVS in the 2. part of his Phisicke, Sect. 2. Chap. 6. There are many wit­nesses worthy of credit, which do test fie, that they haue seene in the Vrine of men, that haue beene bitten with madde Dogges, representations of Dogges, and as it were gobbets of Dogges-flesh. THOMAS [...] VIEGA, in his Commentarie vpon the 84. Chap. of the Arte of Phi­sicke▪ MATHIOLVS, vpon the sixt booke of DIOSCO­RIDES, Chap. 36. writes these words. AVICENNE saith, that it happens some-times, that those which are bitten by mad Dogs, voyde with their Vrine gobbits of flesh, not without great paine, the which are like vnto little Dogges: the which I haue also heard of some of late, yea of them that said they pist of these little Dogges: the which is not likely, &c. yet hee that will vnderstand the reasons, and the witnesses that do affirme it, let him read GENTILIS coment. vpon AVICENNE, and PETER d' APONE in the 179. Difference. There shall he vnderstand how that some-times such things doe happen against the course of nature. The same Author saith; that hee had seene a neighbor of his a Cloth-worker, who hauing bin [Page 406] preserued from the biting of a mad Dog: for that he had beaten his woll with rods of a Tree called a Ceruice tree, he grew madde, and died. This Tree hath some sympa­thi [...] in his wood with madnesse, by the report of many Physitions. There remaines yet many Histories of men afflicted with this strange scourge, and of the wonderfull accidents of their infirmities, the which wee will reserue for another volume: this pittifull Chapter of the mise­ries of man, beeing but too long, and by consequence troublesome to the reader.

MAister THEODORE ZVINGER in the [...]. booke of the [...]. volume of his great Thea­ter of mans life-hath gathered together the names of many, both of ancient times, and of ours, which haue had ex­cellent memories. Among others wee must not forget a yong Scholler, borne in the Isle of Corsica, who repeated readily thirtie sixe thousand words of diuers sorts, of diuers languages, & of diuers affaires, strangely intermixt and confounded, pre­sently, or a while after hee had heard them pronounced, and did say them as easily backward, or by the middest, as by the beginning, without stopping or studdying, with a cheerefull countenance, and as little moued as if hee had read in a Booke. Hee sayd that hee had lear­ned it of a Frenchman his Schoole-maister, and in fewe dayes hee made FRANCIS de MOVLIN a Venetian Gentleman, to learne his skill, who before had the wea­kest memorie that might bee found.

[Page 407]The Author of the life of CHRISTOPHER LONG­VEIL, an eloquent man in our time, reports that he had so firme and ample a memory, that no time could de­face that which hee had read or heard. When hee was demanded by many, of diuerse things, whereof he had not read any thing many yeares before, yet hee answe­red directly to euery thing, as if at that instant hee had read the words and sentences in a Booke. If at any time they spake vnto him of the same thing: but handled by diuers Authors, he spake plainely, but in such sort as hee did propound distinctly, and worde by worde, all that the Greeke and Latin Authors, Philosophers, Orators, Poets, and Historians doe say, with-out equiuocating, coating the Bookes, passages, Chapters and Sections of euery one, to the great amazement of all them that heard him.

SABELLICVS lib. 10. of his Examples. Chap. 9. makes mention of one ANTHONIE of Rauenna, who appro­ched neere vnto the aboue named Corscican. CVSPINIAN saith, that the Emperour MAXIMILIAN the first, had [...]o excellent a memory, as if a man had once talkt vnto him, seeing him againe after many yeares, hee would know him, and remember what hee had sayd vnto him. IHON FRANCISCO reportes of his Vncle IHON PI­CVS Prince of Mirandola, that if he heard a great num­ber of Verses pronounced, with-out any more repetiti­on, hee would say them forward and backward, as they pleased. There are at this day many learned men, Di­uines, Physitions, Lawyers, Philosophers, Mathemati­cians, Professors in Eloquence, and in the Liberall and Humaine Sciences, whom I could name in great numbers, which are not wanting or ignorant of any [Page 408] thing that is in light, who discourse so redelie of ancient Authors, as you would say they haue an infinite num­ber of bookes, lying open before them, to whome wee cannot say nor cite any thing that is newe or strange vn­to them. I knowe one whom I doe not name, for great considerations: who besides the admirable knowledge hee hath of diuers Languages and sciences, remem­bers the meanest things that hee hath seene in diuers Countries, euen the names of Men, Citties, Townes, Villages and Hamlets, marking the circumstances of infinit things: so as if anie one did put him into dis­course of any Towne, where hee had not beene these fiue and twentie or thirtie yeares, hee will speake of all the particularities thereof more exactlie, then hee that had continued there for the space of fiftie yeares to­gither, and neuer come forth. I will not speake of many great and excellent memories in France, Italie and else where, contenting my selfe with this for the present, whereof some other time will shew other admirable ob­seruations.

A Siennois named ANTHONY, being re­couered of a great sicknesse, found his memorie to faile him in such sort, as he could not remēber any thing. Being at Florence hee thought himselfe to be at Sienna, neither could he discerne his friendes from his enemies. Beeing abandoned of the Physitions as a madde-man after three weekes he had a great fl [...]x, whereby hee purged himselfe of strange [Page 409] humors, the infectious vapors whereof had toucht the fa­culties of the spirit. By meanes of which euacuation, he recouered his vnderstanding and memorie, so as hee re­membred not what had chanced vnto him, nor what hee had done during those three weekes. A. BENIVENIVS Chapter 47.

I haue seene a Friar, who cured of a violent ague which had tormented him, lost his memorie; so as hee who be­fore was a great Diuine, did not now knowe A nor B. Hauing continued foure monthes in this estate, he went to the Childrens Schole, learning to knowe his letters. This began to applie diuers remedies vnto him, by the helpe whereof, hee sodenly recouered his memorie, so as hee shewed himselfe as learned as before his sick­nesse. CHRISTOPHER de VEGA Booke 3. of the arte of Physick. Chap. 10.

FRANCISQVO BARBARO, a learned Venetian, did in his old age forget the Greeke tongue, in the which hee was very learned: yet notwithstanding his Iudgement was good, and his spirit perfect to write or dictate. BAS­SIAN LANDVS lib. 1. of the History of man.

The same man beeing to make an oration before the Duke of Milan, was at a non-plus, hauing for-gotten what he intended to say. RAPHAEL VOLATERRANVS Book. 21. of his Anthropologia.

GEORGE TRAPEZONCE a very learned Greeke, beeing growne olde, hee forgot all that hee had knowne before. The same Author.

Monsieur RONDELET a learned Physition in our time, did report that a young man studying at Montpellier, go­ing throught the streetes in the night, met with disor­dred fellowes which liued by spoile, who thrust with a [Page 410] rapier at his bodie, and hurt him very sore in the eye. By the care of the Physitions and Surgions he was cured but hee fell into so great a forgetfullnesse of artes and sciences, and especially of the facultie of Physicke, in the which hee was well aduanced, as hee remembred not any thing whatsoeuer, so as they were faine to vse him like a Child of seauen yeares old, setting him againe to his A B C. THOMAS IOVRDAN Chap. 2. of the 2. treatise of Signes of the plague.

I haue knowne an ancient man in France, which spake good French and Latin, plaied excellently well of the Lute, and that was verie actiue at all exercises of the bo­die, and handled his weapon well, through a sicknesse he was so depriued of all these things, as hee did not remem­ber the names of them, neither yet had any habilitie in him, no more then a yong Child, and so were they faine to vse him, and to set him to Schole againe, as one that knewe nothing. T. DAMIAN Chap. 13. of his Theorie of Physick.

GONSALVE GILLES of Bourgos, a learned Diuine a Spaniard, had in his time one of the happiest memories in the world, the which notwithstanding hee lost wholie by a greeuious sicknesse, into the which hee fell at his re­turne from Paris into Spaine. ALVAR. GOMECIO Booke 4. of the Historie of Cardinall XIMINES. A cer­taine man beeing sore hurt in the head, and with some difficultie cured at the ende of three monethes, lost the remembrance of all that had happened vnto him. FER­NELIVS Booke 2. of his Panthologia Chap. 5.

IN the memory of our Fathers there was seene a village in Spaine of about a hun­dred houses, whereof all the Inhabi­tants were issued from one certaine olde man, which then did liue, when as that village was so peopled: so as the name of consanguinitie (ascending and descending, as well in the direct as the collaterall line) fayled to shewe and distinguish howe the little Children should call him. L. VIVES in his comentarie vpon the 8. Chap. of the 15. Booke of the Citty of GOD.

IN Saint Innocents Church-yard in the Cittie of Paris, is to bee seene the Epitaph of YOLAND BALLY, wid­dowe to M. DENIS CAPEL, a Proc­tor at the Chastelet, which doth shewe that shee had liued foure score and eight yeares, and might haue seene, 288. of her Children and Childrens Children, shee dy­ed the 17. of Aprill 1514. Imagine howe much she had beene troubled, to call them by a proper denomy­nation that were distant from her in the fourth, and fift degree. E. PASQVIER Booke 6. of his Recerches of France Chap. 46.

[Page 412]In our time there was a Lady of the noble family of the DALBOVRGS, who saw of her race euen to the 6. degree. The Germains haue made a Latin Distichon of it, thus.

That is to say. The Mother said to her Daughter, Daughter bid thy Daughter, tell her Daughter, that her Daughters Daughter cryes.

This is recited and written by Maister THEODORE ZVINGGER a Physition at Basil, in the 3. volume of his Theater of Mans life. lib. 11.

A Woman hauing had a continuall vo­miting of bloud for the space of seauen whole moneths, conceiued not-with­standing, and was deliuered of a good­ly Boye and a lustie. A certaine other woman beeing with Childe, had her Termes orderly and in greater aboundance then before her conception: they continued vntill her lying in, and yet they were no hinderance to her happye deliuerie. More-ouer, I haue seene one neere vnto GREVEN­BROVCH, who beeing neere to her deliuerie, had her Termes extraordinarilye, voyding congealed bloud, in great cloddes; yet shee escaped well with her fruite. [Page 413] R. SOLENANDER lib. 5. of his Councells. Chap. 15. art. 36. 38. 39.

IN the yeare 1564. about tenne or twelue daies after Easter, diuers per­sons of the Towne of Ast did crosse the Riuer which passeth along the Towne in a boate, the Water beeing very deepe and broade: the boate be­ing in the middest of the Riuer, it be­ganne to leane on the one side and sunke: so as both fe­rie-men and passengers were all drowned. There was among them a poore woman, who had put her selfe in­to the boate to go to gather wood, and so to releeue both her selfe, and her two little Children, the one shee held with her left hand to the brest, and the other with the right hand beeing three yeares olde. Shee was car­ried safe vpon the Water with her two Children to the banke. Without anie helpe of her armes beeing o­therwise occupied, and all the rest in the boate peri­shed but onelie these three. Shee hauing more care of her little-ones, then of her selfe, was thus mira­culouslie preserued with them. SYMON MAYOLVS an Italian Bishoppe in the 13. Deuise of his Canicular daies.

APproching neere vnto Buda, the BAS­SA sent to meete vs by some of his hous-hold, with many Heralds and Officers: but among the rest a goodly troupe of young men on horse-backe, remarkable by reason of the Noueltie of their equipage. They had their heads bare and sha­uen, vpon the which they had made a long incision that was bloudie, and in the wound they had stuck diuers fethers, so as the bloud ranne forth, but insteede of any shewe of smarting, they marched with a cheerefull coun­tenance, and their heads a loft. Before mee went cer­taine footemen, whereof one had his armes and his sides bare, either of which armes vnder the elboe was peer­ced through with a knife which stucke there: And other was naked from the head vnto the nauell, hauing the skinne of his backe cut in two places right downe, through which they had put a battle axe, the which hee carried as wee doe a sworde in a scarfe. I did see an o­ther which had a horse-showe fastened to the crowne of his head with many nailes, the which had continued so long as the nailes had taken such hold in the flesh, as they mooued not. Wee entred into Buda with this pompe, and were conducted to the BASSAS lodging with whome I treated of my affaires. All these young men being little carefull of their hurts, remayned in the Base Court of the lodging; and I was actentiue to behold them, the BASSA asked mee what I thought of it? All well, sayd I, but that I thinke these men haue [Page 415] lesse care of their skinnes then I would haue of my gowne for I would labour to keepe it whole. The BASSA laught, and so dismist vs. GISLENIVS BVS­ [...]EQVIVS in the discours of his Ambassage into Turquie Epist. 4.

MAister EMERY BIGOT the Kings Attor­ney in the Parliament of Roan, recoun­ted the history following vnto me, with the names and sur-nmes of the persons, which I haue altogither forgotten, only the substance of the matter remaines in my head. There was a Lucquois merchant, who hauing lien in England a long time, and desiring to end his daies amongst his friends, requested them by letters to pro­uide him a house, for that hee meant to see them within six moneths at the farthest. About the same time he parts from England, followed by a seruant of his a French-man, with al his papers & obligations, and comes to the Citty of Roan, where after he had made a little stay, he takes his way for Paris: but being on the mountaine neere to Ar­gentueil, his man, fauored by the raine & foule weather that was at that time, murthered him, and threwe his bo­dy into the vignes. As this was a doing, a blind man came by, led by his dogge, and hearing one grone, asked who it was? whervnto the murtherer answered, that it was a sick man going to ease himself. The blinde man went his way and the seruant with his Maisters money and papers gets him to Paris where he takes vp a good round sum vpon [Page 416] his Maisters billes & obligations: this merchant is expec­ted at Luca a whole yeare togither, and seeing that hee came not, a fellow was dispatched away expresly to seeke him out; comming to London he vnderstood the time of his departure, & that he was boūd for Roan; there also in one of the Innes hee was told that about 6. moneths be­fore a Lucquois merchant had lien there, & was gone to Paris. After that what enquiry soeuer hee made, hee was neuer the neerer, nor by any meanes could heare any ti­dings of that he sought. Wherepon he cōplained to the Court of Parliament at Roan, which began to embrace this affaire, commanding the Lieutenant cryminall to make diligent search within the Citty & Monsieur BIGOT without. The first thing the Iustice did, was to will one of his officers to enquire vp and downe the towne whither there were any man that within 7. or 8. monthes before had set vp a new shop. The fellow failes not in his charg, but returning saies he met with one, of whō hauing lear­ned the name, the iustice supposeth an obligatiō, wherby this new merchāt binds himself body & goods to pay the sum of 200. crownes within a certaine time, & by vertue thereof, being wild to pay the money, hee answered that the bond was forged, for he owed no such debt. The Ser­geant taking this answere for a refusall, arrested him. and as they went along togither, the merchant happened to tel him that hee would answere this well enough: but is there no other matter sayd hee? The Sergeant goes and reportes how all had past to the Iustice, who taking hold of those words, whither there were no other matter, cō ­manded the prisoner to be brought before him: beeing come, he made the roome to be voided, and with gentle speech told him, that hee had sent away the rest, because [Page 417] he meant to deale kindly with him: that in truth he had caused him to bee arrested vpon a supposed obligation, but that there was another matter in the winde. For hee knew for certaine, that the murther of the Luequois was committed by him, and thereof good proofe was to bee made, how-be-it hee desired not to take any rigorous course: that the dead man was a stranger, altogether without friends, and therefore it was an easie matter to bury all things in obliuion, so that the prisoner would be wise, and do that which was fitting for him-selfe. All this was spoken in such a fashion, as if the Iustice had gone a­bout to draw mony from him. Herewith the prisoner so­licited partly by the remorse of his conscience, partly by the hope he had to cleere himselfe by a bride, answered the Iudge, that herein appeared the very hand of GOD, seeing there was no other witnesse but himselfe, and yet the matter was come to light, and that vpon the promise which had been made him, he would freely confesse the truth. Thervpō the Iudge thinking he had got his desire, sent one for the Register. In the meane time the prisoner perceiuing he had plaid the foole, when the Iudge would haue had him confesse the murther, he began to change his coppy, and maintaine that all this proceeding was ful of slander and falshood. The Iustice being som-what fru­strated of his hope, sends the Merchant to prison, in ex­pectation of more ample proofe. But hauing had confe­rence with other prisoners, who are craft masters in such affaires, he appeales from his imprisonment, & s [...]es both the Sargiant & the Iustice. I leaue you to thinke whether the cause were without apparance of reason. Forgery is obiected against the obligatiō, & there needs no proofe, for it is confessed. And indeed the Iustice went directly [Page 418] to the Parliament, where he discoursed at large how all things had beene carried. The Court being well assured of the honesty of the Iustice, suspended the course of this sute for a time. In the meane space Monsieur BIGOT had incharge, to make enquirie all the way betweene Rouan and Paris, to see if he could come by any notice of the matter: which hee executed with all diligence. At length passing by Argentueil, the Bayliffe tolde him, how not long before, they had found a dead carcasse in the Vines, halfe eaten with Dogs and Crowes. Ther-withall came the blind man a begging to the Inne where BIGOT lay, and vnderstanding the perplexitie they were in, told them all that hee had heard about the same time on the Mountaine. BIGOT asked him, whither he could know the voyce againe? The other answered him, that hee thought he should. Whervpon he set him vp on an horse behind another, & rode away with him to Rouan, where being alighted, and hauing giuen an accompt of his cō ­mission, the Court determined to heare what the blinde man could say, and after to confront him with the priso­ner. Hee hauing then discoursed at full all that past in his hearing on the Mountaine, & the answer that was retur­ned him, being demanded, whether hee could know the voyce againe? he replied that he did not thinke but hee could. Therwith they shewed him a far of to the prisoner, & asked him, when the blind man was gone, whither he could take any exception against him. GOD knows what a case he was in then. For he said, that there had neuer bin such deuises practised to impeach the innocency of an honest man, as there had bin against him. First the Iustice by vertue of a false obligation to lay him in prison: then to make him beleeue how hee had confessed that which [Page 419] neuer did: and last of all, to bring in a blind man for a wit­nes against him, why it was pastal rules of cōmon sence.

Notwithstanding that, the Court seeing he had nothing els to say against him, caused 20. men & aboue to speake one after another, & still as they spake, the blind man was asked whither he knew their voices, whervnto he replied that it was none of them. At last when the prisoner had spoken, the blind man said, that that was he which answe­red him on the Mountaine. The same confusion of voy­ces hauing been two or three times reiterated, the blind man hit alwaies on the right, and neuer missed. Take all the accidents of this processe seuerally, and you shall find many that make for the prisoner. But when you haue thoroughly considered the contrary, there are a number of circumstances which make against him: a new Citti­zē which had set vp a new shop a little after the Lucquois disapearing, the honesty of the Lieutenant knowne to all men, the deposition by him and the Sergeant made: but especially the miraculous encounter of the blind man, who was both at the murther, as afterward in the Inne where BIGOT lay: & finally that without any fraud he had discerned the murtherers voyce from many others. All these things duely weighed, were cause of the wretched mans condemnation: who before he was executed, con­fessed all, to the discharge of the Iudges consciences. E. PASQVIER in 5. booke des Recerches of France. Chap. 20.

On Christmas eue 1551. a certaine fellow brained a yong woman with an Hammer, hard by Saint Oportunes Church in Paris, as she was going to mid-night Masse, & tooke away her rings. The Hammer was stolne the same euening from a poore Smith there-by, who therefore suspected of the murther, was very cruelly handled, and [Page 420] put to an extraordinary kinde of torture, by reason of the violent presumptions that made against him. In such sort that he was quite lamed, & depriued of the meanes to get his liuing, where-by reduced into extreame pouerty, hee made a miserable end. The murtherer remained almost 20. yeares vnknowne, and the memory of the murther seemed to be buried with the poore woman in her graue. Now marke how it came out at length, though it were long first. IOHN FLAMENG Sergeant of the subsidies at Paris, that was afterward chiefe Vsher in the Court of Aydes, being one day in the Summer at Saint Leups, a vil­lage by Montmorency, whether he was sent to sit vpon a Cōmission, chanced among other talke at supper, to say before certaine of the place, how hee had left his wife at home sick, and no body with her but a little boye. There was an old mā then present named MOVSTIER, & a sonne in-law of his: who immediately vpon this speach went away that night, with each of them a basket of Cherries, and a greene Goose, and came about ten of the clock the next morning to FLAMENGS house: where knocking, the woman looked out at the window, and asked who it was. They answered that her husband had sent her a greene Goose, and a basket or two of Cherries, wherevpon the dore being opened to them by the boye, they clapped it too againe, and cut his throat. The poore childe strugling with them, the woman heard the noyse, and stept out in­to a gallery ioyning to her Chamber, to see what it was, where perceiuing a streame of bloud in the yarde, one of them told her that it was the bloud of the Goose: In the meane time the other ranne vp the stayres thinking to surprise her. She mistrusting the truth of the matter, got back againe into her Chamber, bolted the doore within [Page 421] and cryed out of the windoe for helpe saying there were theeues in her house. The two wretches, seeing they had fayled of there purpose, would haue got away, but going to vnclocke the gate, they brake the key in the locke. So that hauing no meanes to scape, they went to hide them selues. The youngest climbed vp into the funnell of a chimney, the old man cōueied himselfe into the bottom of a celler. There-with the neighbors came running to the house, & breaking open the dore, found the boy lying dead in the yard, where-vpon they sought vp and downe euery corner for the murtherers; he in the chimney was taken first, and the other after long search was found in the well of the cellar with nothing but his nose aboue water. They were straight way caried to prison, and shortly after arraigned and condemned to death. Being on the scaffold at the place of execution, the old man desired to speake with the Smiths widdowe, of whom mention was made at the beginning. When she came he asked her forgiuenes, and told her it was he that killed the young woman by S. Oportunes Church. This con­fession of his being committed to record, they were ex­ecuted as they deserued. E. PASQVIER in the same booke and Chapter.

Eleven or twelue Danysh gentlemen being in talke to­gither one euening in a stoue, fel to some hot words a­mong themselues, which at length grew to such termes, that the candles sudenly were put out, & one of thē was stabbed with a poygnard & killed. Amongst those gen­tlemen was a Pursiuant of the Kings. Now the murthe­rer was vnknowne, by reason of the nomber, although the gentlemen accused the pursiuant for it, but the King would not beleeue them, saying they had conspyred a­gainst [Page 422] his seruant. In this perplexitie the King caused them to come altogether into the stoue, and standing round about the dead corps, he commanded that they shold one after another lay there right hand on the slaine gentlemans naked brest, swearing they had not killed him. The Gentlemen did soe, and no signe apeared to witnes against them. The Pursiuant onely remayned who condemned before in his owne conscience, went first of all and kissed the dead Mans feete: but assone as he layd his hand on his brest the blood gushed forth in great abundance, both out of his wound and nosthrills: so that vrged by this euident accusation, he confessed the murther, and by the Kings owne sentence was in­continently beheadded. HENRY RANSOVIVS Liue­tenant for the King of Denmarke in the duchy of Holsace makes this relation in a letter of his that is now in print: & farther addeth, that the King his maister reported this history to him, and to VLRIC his sonne in lawe Duke of MECKELEOVRG with these words: Some of the gen­tlemen accused of this murther are still liuing, this first day of Iuly. 1591. And how that euer since the execu­tion of the Pursiuant, King CHRISTIERNVS 2. Permit­ted that ouer al his Kingdome vnknowne murthers shold be sought out after that manner.

I will ad another example (saith he) in the same letter written to DAVID CHYTREVS which happened at ITZEHOVV in Demnarke in my Fathers time. A Tra­ueller was murthered by the high way side and be-cause the Murtherer could not bee found out, the magis­trates of Itzehow made the body to be taken vp, and an hand to be cut of, which was caryed into the prison of the towne, and hung vp by a string in one of the cham­bers. About ten yeares after, the murtherer comming [Page 423] vpon some occasion into the prison, the hand which had bene a long time dry began to droppe blood on the ta­ble that stood vnderneath it. The laylor beholding so extradinary a thing stayed the fellowe, and aduerty sed the magistrates of it, who examining him in the presence of my Father, the murtherer giuing glory to God, con­fessed the murther which hee had commited so many yeares before, and submitted himselfe to the rigor of the lawe which was inflicted on him as he well deserued.

HIEROME MAGIVS a learned Philosopher, dis­puting of such accidents in. 3. of his Complaints. Chap. 6. after hee hath quoted the ancyent and moderne authors which haue handled this subiect, and propoun­ded all that hee thought was requisite for this disputa­tion, finally concludes, that such discoueryes of murthers are miraculous. The Authors he alledgeth are HOMER in the 17. booke of his ILIAD [...]S, speaking of the dead body of EVPHORBAS in the presence of MENELARS which had killed him: The Poet LVCRECIVS in the booke. 4. in these verses. Nan (que) homines ploerun (que) cadunt in vulnus. &c. THADDVS the Florentine in his explications on IOANNITI­VS ISAGOGE, HENRY de GAND in his Quodlibets: Giles of Rome in the qaest. 25 of 5. quodlibet. IOHN MVIIOR vpon the. 4. booke of Sentences, dist. 25. quaest. 14. The author of the booke intitu [...]ed Peregrinarum quaestionum, in the quae. 6 of the. 3. decade: MARSILIVS FICIN in the. 16. booke of the immortalatie of soules, Chap. 5. GALE OF MARTIVS in the. 22. chap. of his booke De doctrina promiscua: IOHN LANGIVS Phisition in his 40. Epistle; and LEVIN LEMNIVS in the 2. booke of the miracles of Nature, chap. 7. GAVDENCE ME [...]VLA in the 4. books of Memorable things, chap. 18. PARIS DE PV­TEO, in the treatise of Iudges, vpon the word Tortura: HIPPOLITO MARSILLO in his practise, in the paragraffe Di­ligenter, [Page 424] num. 81. MARK ANTHONIE BLANC in the Commentarie on the Law, FYNAL num. 408. F. de questionibus: LVDOVIC CARERA in the beginning of his practise, num. 140. & FRANCIS IASON, in the treatise of Iudgements and tortures.

In the town o [...] Tubingue, a certain traueller cōming into an Inne, & talking at table of the iourney hee had to go, asked the Host of the house if he knewe of any that went his way, because hee was affrayd hee should not hit it: where-vpon another ghest that sate at table with him, said, how he was going to the place he spake of, & knew all the wayes of the forrest through which they were to passe. Trauailing together in the wood the latter thin­king to make some great purchase fell vpon the other & killed him. But finding little about him, hee returned heauy and sighing to the same Inne from whence they parted. Presently after, the bruit went of a man that was found murthered in the Forrest. And because the Murtherer discouered himselfe sufficiently by his sighes, hee was apprehended and beeing examined, confessed the fact, for the which he was put to death. PH. LO­NICER in his [...]heater of Examples.

A Murtherer that had killed diuers men and certaine women with child, going on Easter-Eue to the Towne of Winshein in Almaigne, bought three calues heads of a Butcher in the shambles, which hee put into a net made like a bagge, and laying them on his shoulder went his way home-ward. Where-vpon it seemed to all that met him in the streete that they were mens heads which hee carried in the net, so that diuers ranne and aduertised the Magistrates of it, who straight way sent some of their Sergeants, and commanded them to apprehend him [Page 425] and bring him before them. Be [...]ing come and examined where he had those mens heads? hee answered that hee had bought them of a Butcher in the open Shambles. The Butcher was sent for, who affirmed that those which he sold him were Calues heads & no other. The Magistrates amazed with this prodegie sent the buyer to prison: where going to bee tortured, hee confessed his murthers: which was no sooner done but presently the three heads taken out of the net returned to their for­mer shape, and the murtherer was executed according to his demerits. The same.

A learned Diuine of our time recytes such another History as that of IBICVS. For he saith that an Almaign trauelling a iourney fell among Theeues, who going to cut his throat, the poore man espied a flight of Crowes and said, O Crowes I take you for witnesses and reuengers of my death. Hee had no sooner said so but he was mur­thered by the theeues; who drinking two or three daies after in an Inne, a company of Crowes came and ligh­ted on the top of the house. Where-vpon the theeues began to laugh and saye one to an other, looke yonder are they that must reuenge his death whom wee dispat­ched the other daye. The Tapster ouer-hearing them told his Maister, who reported it to the Magistrate. He presently commanded them to bee apprehended, and vpon their disagreeing in speeches and contrary answers vrged them so farre that the confessed the truth, where­vpon ensued their execution. In the collection of the me­morable speeches of this diuine.

A Gentleman of Chalence in Fossigry b [...]ing in h [...] Duke of Sauoyes arm [...]e in September the [...] 158 [...]. and g [...]ee­uing to behold the cruelties which w [...]re [...] [...] the [Page 426] poore inhabitants of the Bayliwicke of Ge [...], resolued to depart from the said army. Now because there was no safer nor nearer way for him then to crosse the lake to Bonne, which might very well bee performed in three houres at the most (whereas he should haue beene a day and a halfe going by the bridge of Chancy and that with danger) hee went to one of his acquaintance named IOHN VILLAIN of the Village of Thaney in the Bayli­wicke of Nyon, hard by the towne of Coppet, and desired him to helpe him to some that would carry him ouer the lake. VILLAIN went along with him to Coppet, where one of the best of the Towne had the Gentleman to a Tauerne, and there it was agreed that two water-men of the place, which were present, should carry him ouer. Wher-vpon he went back to Thaney for his horse, appa­rell and other things. Being returned & in the boat cros­sing the lake, the said water-men, whereof the cheefest was called MARTIN BOVRRY, fell vpon him and cut his throat. VILLAIN vnderstanding it & cōplaining of so cruell a treachery, was answered, that it was an enemy whō they had dispatched. The murtherer fearing to bee called in question about it, to preuent the matter made a present of the Gentlemās horse which was of great value to a certaine Maister and kept the rest to himselfe. inso­much that the murther was neuer spoken afterward, nei­ther durst VILLAIN vse many words about it, for feare of him-self. But God would not leaue it so vnpunished. For about the 15. of Iuly 1591. this BOVRRY going with diuers others of Coppet to shoot for a wager, as he was charging the harguebuze which he had robbed the Gentleman of when he murthered him, it sodainly discharged of it selfe & shot the murtherer through the heart, so that hee fell [Page 427] downe starke dead, and neuer stirred nor spake a word. This relation I receiued from VILLAINS owne mouth.

In the first troubles a Gentleman of the troups which beseeged Moulins in Burbonnois was taken sicke in such sort that he could not follow his cōpany when they dis­lodged: and lying at a Bakers house called IOHN MON which professed much friendship and kindnes vnto him, he put such confidence in him, that he stayed behind the rest, hauing shewed his host the money that he had, who promised to defend him from all men, together with a little brother of his some 13. or 14. yeares old. But so far was this wretch from keeping his promise, that contrarily as soone as it was night, he trayned them forth of dores, and most wickedly murthered them. Now marke howe God reuenged it: it happened not long after that the murtherer being in sentinell, one of his fellowes not thin­king of it, shott him through the arme with an Hargue­buze wherof he languished the space of 3. months, & thē died stark mad. Historie of France vnder CHARLES the 9.

The towne of Bourges beeing yeelded by Mons. d'Tuoy during the first troubles, those that held it before were in­hibited frō talking together either within or without the towne, or from beeing aboue two together at a time. A­mongst them that tooke pleasure (vnder colour of this ordinance) to murther such as they met talking together, there was one named GARGET captaine of the Bourbonne quarter, which made a cōmon practise of it, who shortly after taken with a burning feauer ranne vp & downe the streets, blaspheming the name of God, calling vpon the Diuel, & crying out, if any one would go along with him to hell, he would pay his charges, & so dyed in desperate and frantike manner. In the same History.

[Page 428]PETER MARTIN, one of the Queries of the Kings stable, and Post-maister at a place called Liege in the way towards Poictou, vpon a slight accusation, without either forme or māner of processe was condemned by a Lord to be drowned. This Lord commanded one of his Faul­coners to go and execute this sentence vpon payne to bee drowned himselfe. Where-vpon hee performed it: but GOD deferred not the reuenge there-of long, for within three dayes after, this Falconer & a Lackey fal­ling out about the good mans apparel went into the field & slew one another. Which being reported to the Lord (a most vnrighteous iudge) it compelled him to haue some remorse, and to say openly, that he would it had cost him fiue hundred crownes, the poore Querie had not beene drowned. But it was too little, for to value the life of an innocent man at. In the same historie, book. 7.

Certaine troupes of Peasants of Coulours, Ceresiers, and other places in Champagne, hauing committed many murthers and spoyles in sundrye places, were heere and there defeated and came very neere al of them to violent ends during the first troubles. I will note two nota­ble particularities here touching two of those troupes One going to set fire on an house, fel down starke dead, beeing killed with the shot of an Harguebuze vnaduised­ly discharged by one of his fellowes. Another dragging a poore Man and his Wife to a post for to haue them shot to death, receiued also a shot from an Harguebuze which tooke away his life and so his prisoners escaped. In the same booke. It hath beene obserued in the history of France since the yeare of our Lord GOD 1560. Till the last peace, that of a thousand murtherers which remayned vnpunished in regard of men, not tenne of [Page 429] them escaped the hands of GOD, but made most wret­ched ends: as shalbe seene in the bookes following.

MAister GERARD de BVCOLD Physition to FERDINAND afterwards Emperor, tes­tifieth in a booke imprinted both in Latin and Dutch, that the yeare 1539. in a village by Spyre there was one na­maed MARGARET the Daughter of SO­FREY VVEIS & BARBARA his wife, which at 18. years of age beeing taken about the ende of Sep­tember with a little paine in her head and belly, began to lose all appetite to meate, wherein she continued till the end of the yeare: when hauing recouered some stomack, she made a meale or two: but euer after ceased altogi­ther from eating, and drunke very little. After Easter the yeare following she refused to drinke, insomuch that in the greatest heate of summer shee neuer dranke: where­vpon it ensued that shee neither voided vrine nor other excrement. FERDINAND then King of Romains desired to see her, & to preuent all fraude made her to be carefully kept and looked vnto by the sayd de BVCOLD, who hath made this relation confirmed by diuers other wittnesses. A Nunne of Saint BARBARAS couent at Delft, falling sick of the yellow Iaundise, the yeare 1562. kept her bed sixe weekes togither without eating or drinking. Al that time she neuer touched any sustenance what-soeuer, vnlesse it were a fewe kernells of a limond, which shee held in her mouth & now & then sucked them a little. The confessor [Page 430] of the Covent, carried me thether, not to giue her any Physick but to see her as a miracle, by reasō of so long an abstinence. The day after I had seene her, she departed this world. Now this which I will ad is worthy of grea­ter meruaile. In the same Towne of Delft about Maie 1566. being accompanied with a Chirurgion, I visited a certaine sick maide, of 27. yeares of age or thereabout. She had kept her bed euer since she was sixteene yeares old, eating nothing all that time as her keeper affirmed, but once a day a little morcell of drie Cheese: Neither was it possible to make her take any kinde of drinke, and yet she made Water reasonable well, although she went to the stoole but once in eight daies. Moreouer she was borne blinde, and at 20. years of age had the dropsie, but that Water vanishing away, insteed thereof, shee had a noise in her belly like the croaking of a number of liue Frogs, accompanied with a wonderfull heauing and set­ting of her belly, insomuch that doe what I could, my hand layd vpon it was lifted vp a good height. This mo­tion encreased with grieuous paines at the full of the moone and flowing of the sea: but at the wane of the moone & ebbing of the sea she felt some ease: & so it cō ­tinued with her 7. years, hauing her sicknesse euery tenth weeke as her keeper confessed. P. FORREST Physition in the 18. booke of his Obseruations, Obser. 8.

A gentleman, that hath worthely acquited himselfe in sundry charges, said in a place where I was, that he had gone frō Madril to Lisbon, in the hottest of sūmer, with­out drinking. He beares himselfe passing well for one of his age, & hath nothing extraordinary in the vsage of his life, but this, to be 2. or 3. moneths, nay a yeare, as he hath told mee, without drinke. Hee feeleth thirst, but lets it [Page 431] passe, and hee thinkes it is an appetite that easily goes a­way of it selfe & drinks more for company, then necessi­ty or pleasure. MICHAEL de MONTAGNE, in the 3. booke of his Essaies, the last Chap. Asmuch is reported of a great Lord in France, who hath gone Embassador to Rome, and is stil liuing in other honorable emploiments. There haue beene many persons both before and in our time which haue fasted very long: but hauing no example more remarkeable amongst many others then that which by & by I purpose to propound, we wil leaue the Reader to the remembrance of such as hee hath either seene or heard it of himselfe. In the meane time wee will present this which ensueth. On Tuesday the 24 day of Nouember 1584. by the cōmandement of the most il­lustrious Prince IOHN CASIMIR County Palatine of Rine, the gouernor and superintendant of Caiserlanter, accom­panied with HENRY SMETIVS and IOHN IAMES Theodore, Doctors of Physick, made enquiry in the village of Schi­nidweiler in the iurisdiction of Colberberg, touching the Maide whose history we relate.

KVN TONNELIER borne at Spisheim, an honest husband­man, being examined by those cōmissaries, among other articles affirmed that KATHERINE, at that instant some 27. years of age, Daughter to him and to his Wife like­wise named KATHERIN, hauing alwaies had her health, til such time as she began to haue her monethly purgatiōs, at her returne from a certaine wedding caught an ague, which tooke away all appetite from her to hot meats for the space of fiue years togither, during which time shee felt her selfe well and lusty, did her worke, was very obe­dient to her parents, deuout in praier vnto GOD, well affected to the hearing of his word and throughlie [Page 432] instructed therein. Now to bring her to hot meates a­gaine, her father and mother (besides other ordinary me­dicines) put her into the hands of an Empyrike, who in steed of helping her with a certaine drinke, quite tooke a­way her stomach from al meates both hot and cold: inso­much that till then, namely for the full terme of seauen yeares, no meate nor drinke whatsoeuer went downe the throate of this maide: who for six moneths after the dis­gust onely sucked the Iuice of a fewe peares and apples. But not able to vse this remedy any longer, shee washed her mouth with aqua-uitae, but could not swollow a drop of it. This lauing some-what refreshed her: but being to sharpe, she allaied it with a little faire Water. Her fa­ther added, that all this time he could neuer perceiue any euacuation of vrine or other excrement in the said maide, or swete, or vermine in any parte of her bodie: but alwaies found her bedde cleane, and her body with­out spot or speck of filth: vnlesse it were that some-times shee seemed to bee troubled with a distillation of the braine, which nowe and then made her to spit a little. And many times a certaine vapor rose in her side which fumed vp to the heart, and caused a paine in her head, that made her very faint for the time, but it lasted not long, and that onely against foule weather. The sight or sauor of meates neuer offended her, though shee had no appetite nor desire at all to them. If at any time shee chanced to faint, shee rubbed her temples and stomach with a little sweete Water: which very much comfor­ted her. The deposition of the mother and neighbors a­greed in all pointes heere-with.

The same KATHERINE visited by the Princes foure Commissaries, was found faire of face, well colloured, [Page 433] full of life and good disposition, her eyes cleare, and quick sighted, like one in perfect health, saue that they were some-what sunke into her head, and that vnder­neath them some times rose a tumor which continued not long. Neither had shee any defect in her sences of smelling, hearing, and tasting. Her speach was sweete, significant and intelligible. Only her mouth was growne so straight by reason of her cheekes which very much pained her (as she said her selfe) that she could not put so much as her little finger into it: but yet without appa­rance of swelling. Her haire was all falne off of her head and began to come againe. In this sicknesse or infirmity, she had scarce had any speach or sence for three yeares together. But the Thursday before Easter 1583. she reco­uered her speech and sences, much better then euer she had had them at any time in her health before, and that after an admirable manner, as followeth.

Her Father being gone about that time to a Forrest hard by the village for to fell Timber, and her Mother hauing shut all the dores for to go to him, and left their Daughter in the house alone by her selfe: a Man in the habit of a Minister, entred into the Stoue, went to the beds side, tooke the Maide by the left arme, lifted her vp, and staying her, made her walke a turne or two: and then asked her if she could pray. KATHERINE some­what amazed with this demand, could not answer him, being speachlesse. Hee began then to rehearse the ten commandements in the vulgar tongue, the Articles of our faith, the Lords Prayer, the institution of Baptisme, and of the holy Supper: exhorting her besides to pati­ence, comforting and assuring her, that her speach should shortly be restored to her againe. Wherevpon he [Page 434] suddenly departed from her▪ and immediatly her speach came to her againe, so that her Mother being returned home, the Maide talked plainly and intelligibly with her, and afterwards with her Father, whereat they were both merueilously abashed. After that time, her speach and sences neuer failed her.

The report of the Physitions yet farther conteineth this ensuing, which I adde for the content of the Reader. Touching that which concerneth her brest or stomach, she hath a very sweete breath, her pulce is temperate, and as it should be, but before & behind her arme-pits, both aboue and below, she is some-what faint. Her brests are longer, softer, and hanging downe more then commonly Maidens doe. She many times feeles a paine in both her sides, which brings her into such a case, that she can hard­ly fetch her breath, but it is quickly gone by the applica­tion of a little water. One cannot touch the pit of her sto­mach, but it greeues her. As for her belly it hangs some▪ what lanke like an empty body: but on the out-side it is in pritty good plight, and is reasonable fat and fleshy: she is neuer troubled with any wind or collick, nor feeles any hickock, stitch, or other paine in her stomach. And al­though she hath often-times of her owne accord, with­out constraint or necessitie, endeuoured to take and swal­low downe meate, yet could she neuer doe it, albeit she can abide the sent of meates, and endure that one should eate and drinke by her, but more at some-times then at other-some. For she hath been and still is, as if her throat­boll were quite closed vp, & altogether stopped she goes not to the stoole, nor hath vrine or monethly purgations, which she hath had for a certaine time together perfectly and duely before her infirmity, but now they are cleane [Page 435] gone. In like manner, she is neuer a thirst, yet some-times she takes a little faire water & Aqua vitae mingled toge­ther, for to wash her mouth, and spets it out againe pre­sently. The which she was wont to doe with Aqua vitae alone, but now she cannot endure it, being too sharpe & strong in her mouth which is very tender, & this she does only for the recreation and comfort of her head & heart. Touching her armes and legs, her armes are sound and fleshy: especially her left arme is nimble & in good case, without any defect. But as for her right arme, it is lame from the elbow to the fingers ends, whereby her hand is growne crooked, so that shee cannot stirre it. Not-with­standing shee can moue the said right arme a little vp to­ward the shoulder, but cannot lift it to her head, nor put it from one side to the other, with-out helpe. Her legges and thighes are some-what full and fleshy, but are so shrunke, that she cannot stretch them forth at length, & yet she can moue her toes and her feet a little. Her sayd arme became lame so, & her legs crooked by lying in her bed three yeares together, without eating any thing. Throughout all her body is a temperate and kindly heat. The nailes of her feete and hands are well formed, long, and in good disposition, like one in perfect health.

The Physitions hauing made this report, & euery thing well examined and considered: the Commissaries were of opinion for diuers reasons, that 4. women of good dis­cretion, and fit for such a businesse, should be chosen and sent to Schimdweiler to keepe this Maide by turnes, two by day, and two by night, for the space of a fortnight, to the end no meate nor drinke what-so-euer might be mi­nistred to her by any person: & that the bed whereon she lay, should be changed, and another put in the place of it, [Page 436] and that diligent search should bee made ouer all the Stoue. The Maide her-selfe had declared, that diuers men and women had resorted to her out of the Bishoprick of Treues, and questioned her about reuelations and pre­dictions. More-ouer there were letters found written to her, as it had beene to an holy Virgin, the intent of the writers being to make an Idoll of her, and to erect a pil­grimage vnto her. Wherefore the Commissaries made report of all before mentioned, to the Gouernor of Neu­stad and the Princes Councell, who shortly after gaue Commission to the Gouernor of Caiserlauter, to take or­der for this affaire, where-vnto hee obeyed with all dili­gence, and thereof made his report, which I copied ouer being translated out of Dutch, in the termes ensuing.

Following your Commission of the 24. of December 1584. directed vnto vs, touching the affaires of the Mai­den of the village of Schmidweiler, we haue made diligent inquisition for foure honest women, & it was a long time ere wee could finde any that would employ them-selues in such an affaire, vntill at length we haue therevnto in­duced and perswaded ANNE BRENNING, the widow of ANDREVV ZILS late of this towne, other-wise called the old ioyner: ANASTASIA widdow to IOHN EBERARD, in his life time Minister of Walhalben. AGNES the Mi­nisters wife of Steinwerden: and MARGARET the wid­dow of IOHN GAVFFEN whilst hee liued Burgesse of this Towne. And after they were thoroughly instructed and informed of their charge, according to the tenor of the aduise which at the beginning was sent to his High­nesse, and that they had all foure taken their oath, wee sent them on the 16. daye of Ianuary last past, to the sayd place of Schimdweiler, with Maister LOLEMAN the [Page 437] superintendant, where they remained with the sayde Maide vntill the 8. day of the same moneth: being re­turned back againe, the next day they discoursed at large vnto vs, all that they had learned, discouered and experi­mented touching this affaire as followeth.

The said Superintendant being arriued about euening the first day, with the foure women afore mentioned at Kolberberg, there they rested that night, and the next day went by Waggon to Schimdwailer, where going to the Father and Mother, they gaue them to vnderstand, how by the commandement of the Gouernours they were come thither, with charge to keepe their Daughter for a fortnight together. And that to no other end, but to stop the mouthes of such as on euery side spake ill of their Daughter, and of the Prince likewise, because hee gaue credit to their said Daughters speeches, to wit, that in so long a time she had neither eaten nor drunke▪ briefly it was to no other purpose, but that once for all, the world might be assured of the truth. There-vnto the Father and Mother gladly submitted themselues, and with kinde en­tertaine carried thē to their Daughters chamber, where the Superintendant spake in the same manner to the Maide, as they had done before to her Father & Mother, and shewed her at large the occasion of their comming. Where-vpon the Maide began to complaine & demand for what cause they would molest and trouble her so. Es­pecially she seemed to be very much grieued, for that her Father and her Mother should not lye in her Chamber by her as they had accustomed to doe: but incontinent­ly after the departure of the Superintendant, ANNE BREN­NING dealt in such sort with the said Maide, that she wil­lingly agreed to what-soeuer they would, and not onely [Page 438] permitted them to carry away the bed where vpon her Father and Mother lay: but also suffered them to visit her owne bed, nay to take it quite away, and make her another in a little Stoue, where was no roome for her Fa­ther and Mother to lye. And when in the day time they entred into the Chamber, they came not neere their Daughter, nor talked with her in secret. Now during this fortnight, the foure womē vnderstood of them how this Maides sicknesse first began, and how many yeares she had p [...]st without eating or drinking, which agreed in all points with that which had beene declared before to the Commissa [...]ies. Likewise the said women found that the said Maide is at some-times weaker and fainter then at other some, and they haue alwayes watched with her, two by day, and two by night. And for a more exact as­surance of the truth, one of the foure lay euery night with the said Maide in her bed, so that by no meanes any fraud could happen, where vnto they alwaies tooke very dili­gent heed, and watched very carefully both day & night, but neuer could finde any other thing, then as the saide Maide had still before very truely affirmed of her selfe. Furthermore, all the said foure women, especially ANNE BRENNING, haue confessed before vs, and sollemnly affir­med and assured vpon the saluation of their soules, and therein will dye, that the saide Maide hath not eaten nor drunke, either morcell or drop of any thing what-soeuer. Neither hath vo [...]ded any Vrine or other execrement, nor slept a whit in all that time. And that who-so-euer makes any doubt of these things, doth the Maiden great wrong.

This report was sent to Caiserlauter the 19. of Februa­ry 1585. signed by the Go [...]ernor & his Secretary, to the Princes Councell at Neusted. And within a while after, [Page 439] the History of it was Printed in Dutch, then turned into French, and published the yeare 1587. The Translator, a man of quality, hauing added to the end of his Booke, Dedicated to the Baron of Pardaillan, then Embassador for the King of Nau [...]r in Germanie, these words ensuing. The Readers shall be aduertised that the said KATHERINE is still liuing in the same estate and disposition as this re­lation imports: and hath continued and liued so without eating, drinking and sleeping, the space of nine yeares ful­ly compleat and ended, and liueth yet miraculously, through a singular and incomprehensible grace of Al­mighty GOD. Extracted out of the whole History o [...] this matter, Imprinted at Francfor [...], by IOHN WECHE [...], the yeare 1587.

I vnderstand that at this present there is a man at Auignon of 60. yeares of age, that eates very sildome, as once in fiue, six, ten weeke [...] or more. Here-with agrees that which ALBERT writes, how there was a womā which some-times went 20. nay many times 30. daies together without eating. He saith likewise, that he had seene a me­lancholy man which liued seuen weekes without eating or drinking any thing, but euery other day a little water. It is reported by graue and reuerent persons, that a Maid was seene in Spaine, which neuer eate any thing, and en­tertained her life onely with drinking water, being two and twenty yeares old. Diuers haue seene a girle in Lan­guedo [...] which continued three yeares together without eating. And we know by that which certaine good and learned personages haue written of it, that there was an­other at Spyre in Germanie which liued as many yeares with-out any other meate or drinke then the ayre. WILLIAM RONDOLETIVS affirmes the like, and saith, [Page 440] that he hath seene another which in the same manner at­tained to the age of ten yeares: who afterwards was ma­ried and had Children. IOHN BOCCACE writes of a Dutch-woman that liued thirty yeares without meate. PETER ALBANO tells of a Norman, that eate nothing in eighteene yeares, and of another that went sixe and thirty yeares without meate. It is held for certaine that a Priest at Rome liued fortie yeares with the onely inspi­ration of the aire: it being well obserued vnder the cus­tody of LEO the tenth, and of diuers Princes, and faith­fully testified by HERMALAO BARBARO. ALLEXAN­DER BENIVENIVS reports of an Italian, that he fasted forty daies togither in the Citty of Venice. L. IOVBERT in the 2. paradoxe of his first Decade: and in the 2. booke of his popular errors aboute the ende. Where hee addeth a notable discourse which I thought good to offer vnto the Reader.

I well fore-see (sayth he) that two sorts of people may be mooued, either with the only subiect of these discour­ses (touching such as haue liued without eating) or of the proofes thereof. The one is ignorant of naturall Phylo­sophy and Physick, persons to bee reuerenced for their simplicity and piety, as the common people, and al those that apply not their studie to examine the causes of each thing. The other is diabolicall, persecuting that with most impudent stander which they knowe to bee well spoken. I will not stand vpon these, because they attend not the explication of my speech but with their poyson infect and depraue all that is receiued by their impure thoughts: As for the rest, mee thinkes it is conuenient I should satisfie them with all sincerity. I see then this obiection readie to be vrged against me.

[Page 441]The fasts of forty daies, which IESVS CHRIST, E­LIAS, and MOYSES haue sustayned, as the holy Scrip­tures do testifie, should no longer be held for miracles, if by any naturall reason one could endure to fast many moneths and yeares tog [...]ther. Certainely it were true if we did not acknowledge that it was so giuen against the Lawes of nature to men in perfect health, through a certaine priuiledge, as wee religiously beleeue. For ex­emption from the infirmity of the flesh was Diuinely granted to them for a time: insomuch that their con­dition at this time was other then the condition of man­kinde. But those which as wee learne out of prophane Histories haue liued certaine yeares without eating, if their report bee true, it must needes bee that those per­sons were all vnhealthy and full of much cold iuce, wher­with the bodie might be nourished a long time. For by that which dayly happens wee see that many sick folkes haue no appetite, by reason their ventricle is stuft with euill humors, and they receiue lesse meate in a weeke, then they did in a day when they were well. But when a man of a sound bodie can but passe one or two daies without meate: and not bee an hungred, that exceedes the rules of nature, and is a Diuine miracle. Howe much more admirable is it, that such a man should fast fortie daies togither in such manner that hee feeles no hunger, hath no neede to resist the desire of eating, nor hath any more appetite to meate or drinke, then an Angell? Wee beleeue that IESVS CHRIST had a bodie exceeding temperate and pure, though hee were subiect to our infirmities according to the con­dition of his humaine natu [...]e, sinne excepted. Wee acknowledge like-wise that MOYSES and ELIAS, [Page 442] when they abstayned, fortie da [...]e togither, from meate and drinke, were in perfect health at that time, and by a certaine prerogatiue exempted from the common life of men. Wherevpon it ensueth that they are iustly es­teemed for excellent miracles, whereby the authority of those Prophets and of IESVS CHRIST were establi­shed. Nowe it is no nouelty that the like effects should happen by the order of things which our most good and mighty GOD hath prescribed to nature, and by an eui­dent miracle against the lawes of the same nature. For feauers and diuers other disseases, which the Saints haue healed, the Physitions doe also cure. But the meanes which they vse, make great difference in the case. For the Saints by their worde or touch alone, through the grace of GOD, tooke away the causes of such effects with the necessity imposed vpon nature. The Physitions do nothing but oppose vnto naturall things other like wise naturall, whereby if the vertue of the remedies giuen by the Creator bee of greatest strength, and that it be his will it should not bee in vaine at that time, the cause which doth offend is defaced. IESVS CHRIST throughly healed the inueterate course of menstruall bloud with the onely touch of the hem [...]e of his gar­ment, and sayd hee felt that vertue was gone out of him for that effect: but the womā touched that in faith which presented it selfe to her hand, embracing the power of our Sauiour in her thought. Wee by the art of Physick (whereof he himselfe, a mercyfull Father, hauing pittie on mans condition is the true author & institutor) helpe our s [...]lues in the like disseasses with certaine medicines. So no question may an abundant phlegmatique hu­mor naturally induce fasting, as appeared in those be­fore [Page 443] named which felt themselues well through the good pleasure of GOD. But besides these there are infi [...]ite miracles, that exceede our vnderstanding, which neither humane Art nor Nature it selfe can any waie im­mitate. Such is the curing of naturall blindnesse: ex­pelling of vncleane spirits out of humaine bodies; ray­sing of the dead halfe rotten, and such like, which con­firme the authority of the Almightie GOD. By this I thinke it appeares, that things which are sayd to hap­pen by a certaine Lawe of nature (although but sel­dome) reproue not true miracles, nor dimynish their credit: and that hee no way contradicteth the Chisti­an fai [...]h which diligently examineth the causes of such euentes. But rather is not the verity of vnfained mira­cles thereby confirmed the better, in taking away the occasion of impostures therewithall, to the ende they should not easily abuse the vnexperienced people? For if any of those which liue without eating, by reason of their cold intemperature, and abundance of flegme, should counterfeit the Prophet inspired of the euer ly­uing GOD, howe many thousands might hee drawe head-long into error and distruction? Verily hee is im­pio [...]s and ignorant of true (nay dyuine) Phylosophy which thinking of these things, and considering them, shall affirme it to bee wicked and irreligious to go aboute to distinguish with vnpainted reasons betweene the workes (and as wee vse to say) the miracles of nature and the miracles of GOD▪ Which all good and Godly persons will freely confesse do belong to an honest reli­gious, & charitable man. These are Doctor IOVBERTS owne wordes whose booke was Printed at Paris the yeare 1579.

[Page 444]It hath beene told me of a certaintie, that there was a Chanon at Salamanca, which went to Toledo, and backe againe, hauing remained there fifteene or twenty dayes, without drinking any drop of Wine or Water, from the time of his setting forth, till his returne. But that which puts me into a greater meruaile, is that written by PON­TANVS in his Booke of Meteors. Of a man, that in all his life neuer drunke a drop of any thing: which LADIS­LAVS King of Naples vnderstanding, made him drinke a little Water, that greatly pained him at his stomack. I haue also heard of diuers credible persons, that in the Towne of Mansill, not farre from the Cittie of Leon, was a man liuing, that vsed to be two or three moneths without drinking▪ and neuer felt any harme or displea­sure by it. A. de TORQVEMADO in the first day of his Hexameron, Imprinted the yeare 1582.

THere are few men to be found, especi­ally among them that are called lear­ned, which doe not highly esteeme their owne workes, and endure repre­hensions impatiently. If there be any such found, they deserue to be admi­red and imitated. MARCILLIVS FICINVS a most learned Philosopher, and renowmed Desciple of PLATO in our time, hauing vndertaken PLATOES workes to Translate them out of Greeke into Latin, cartyed his Translation vnto a very learned Man called MARCVS MVSVRVS CANDIOT, to haue hi [...] aduise. MVSVRVS [Page 445] seeing that this translation was done hastely, and that it would not satesfie the expectation of many, which did greatly affect it. Beeing loth to haue his friend derided, and to discharge himselfe of his promise, hee takes a sponge and puts it into an Inck pot, and so blots out all the first page of FICINVS translatiō, then turning towards him (hee sayd) thou seest howe I haue corrected the first page: if thou wilt I will do as much to the rest. FICI­NVS without any choller, answered him. It is no rea­son that PLATO should be disgraced through my fault: then he retired himselfe, and hauing his second concep­tions better refined, he made a newe translation worthie both of the maister and the disciple. ZVINGER in the 1. tome of his Theater.

A Certaine man remayning at Onzain neere to Amboisse being perswaded by an hostesse (who committed the infa­mous crime of Adulterie with him) to make shewe (for the freeing of her hus­band of all future Iealousie) that hee would be gelt by one called M. PETER des SERPENS Surgion at Villantrois in Berry: he sent for his kins-folks, and after that hee had tould them that hee neuer durst discouer his griefe vnto them hee was in the ende brought to that extremity, as he was forced to take that course wherevpon he made his will. And to make the better shewe of it, after that he had sayd vnto M. PETER (to whome he had giuen a watch-word, that hee should but seeme to do it, and to that ende had giuen him foure Crownes) that he pardoned him his death, if hee should [Page 446] chance to die, hee put himselfe into his handes, and suf­fred him selfe to be bounde and trimmed, like vnto one that should bee cut indeede. But you must knowe that as the Adulterer had giuen M^r. PETER a watch-word to make but a shewe of doing it, so the husband after that he had notice of this [...]est, had hired him to do it in­deede promising to giue him the doble of that which hee had receiued of the Adulterer. So as beeing perswa­ded by the husband, and hauing the Adulterer in his power beeing well and surely bound, hee did execute his Office really: then hee paied him with this reason, that hee was not accustomed to dallie with his trade. Behold howe the Adulterer was drest through the Inuention of his vnchast Adulteresse: and where­as with this pollecie hee sought to circumuent the hus­band more then before, hee him-selfe was ouer reacht with a deceit much more preiudiciall to his owne person. Conformitie of ancient wonders with the mo­derne.

A Wollen-draper in one of the chiefe frontier townes of France, hauing forgotten GOD, his honour, and the respect of his honest and vertuous Wife, seeking to cor­rupt a seruant of hers, beeing fi [...]nced, and neece to his sayd Wife; deuising of some meanes to couer his shame, hee inuen [...]ed one that was verie dishonest and infamous. Hee had a young man to his seruant, that was twentie yeares olde, verie bashe-full, who as yet knewe no follie. The Maister hauing promised him recompence for his [...]: and [...], perswaded him to goe and take his [...] [...] his bedde, when his wife should bee a sleepe, [...] [...] shee should beginne to slumber, hee [...] [...] [...] to bidde her softly good-night, laying [Page 447] his hand vpon her brest, and then turning his backe to her, hee should approch no more. Hee in the meane time goes vnto his maide a little before her marriage. The yong man much amazed at his Commission which was giuen him, obeyd notwithstanding the dishonest wi [...]l of his Maister, and obserued dilligently what hee had commanded. But the wife thinking it had beene her husband, imbraced him, and mooued him in such sort, as that night hee knewe her often, and yet shee knewe not him. Earlie in the morning the Maister and the ser­uant retier themselues. The VVife casting out some iest vnto her husband of his last nights sport, thinking that hee and none other had come there, hee descoue­red, but too late, his owne misfortune. Where-with in­censed against the young man, hee inforced him through his ill vsage to flie, and to descouer what had happe­ned: yea hee procured that sarre and neere his shame was knowne, and hee disgraced. The woman hearing the wicked part her husband had plaied her, in the ende dies for greefe. The miserable husband was a skorne to all the world, yea to the basest, hauing lost all repu­tation and respect with good men. Memorialls of our time.

WILLIAM NESENVS a man excellent in the knowledg & feare of GOD, going into a fisher-boate, in the Summer-time for to Crosse the riuer of Elba, which [Page 448] passeth from Witteberg to Saxony, as it was many times his manner to rowe ouer himselfe for his pleasure, ranne against the body of a tree lying vnder Water, which o­uer whelmed the boate, and NESENVS in it, who could not swimme and three was drowned. This happened in the euening. The same day a little after dinner being a sleepe, him thought hee entred into a fisher-boate, and fell ouer boorde into the Water. Therevpon came PHILIP MELANCHTHON, his very familiar friend, vn­to whome laughing he declared his dreame, accounting it but as a toy. A great personage, seeing him lie dead on the shoare, cryed out with teares in his eyes, ONE­SENVS, if I had the gift of miracles, how willingly would I raise thee. Hee was infinitely bewayled both of great and small. MELANCHTHON and CAMERARIVs tal­king togither of this dreame and heauy accident called to minde that which had befallen them and NESENVS not many daies before. They three ryding togither in­to Hesse, and hauing lien all night at a little towne called Trese, in the morning they past through a brooke for to Water their houses. Beeing in the Water, NESENVS espied three Crowes sit beating their wings and croa­king on a little hill hard-by: Wherevpon hee asked of MELANCHTHON what hee thought of it: MELANCH­THON presently answered that it signified one of them three should die ere long. CAMERARIVS confesseth that this answere touched him to the quick, and verie much troubled him: NESENVS did nothing but nod [...]e his head, and went merily on his way. CAMERARIVS addeth that hee was about to aske MELANCHTHON the reason of his Coniecture: and that within a while after MELANCHTHON told him, that feeling himselfe [Page 449] weake and sickly, hee was perswaded he should not liue very long. I do not rehearse these things (saith he) as if I attributed any vertue to the flight and motion of Birds, nor do I make any science of coniectures which would be grounded there-vpon: no more did MELANCTHON I am sure. But I haue declared them, to shew that diuers times we see merueilous things happen, which after the euents driue many thoughts into their heads, that either behold them, or heare them spoken of. IOHN CAME­RARIVS in the life of PHILIP MELANCTHON. And ABRAHAM BVCOLCERVS in his Chronicall Index of the yeare 1524.

This History shall make me step one step back, for to propound another no lesse meruailous of the age before this: in hope that this digression will bee no offence to the Readers. AMBROSE GRIMANI a Genowaie, lying in garrison in the Ile and Cittie of Chio, the yeare 1431. where he carried himselfe very faithfully and valiantly, and being sound a sleepe, one night had this vision fol­lowing. Hee thought that an exceeding huge and migh­tie Serpent with fiery eyes and open throate to deuoure him. Being terrified with this spectacle, he awaked so­denly, and with great trouble of minde he examined his dreame, whereof the next day he makes report to some, who aduised him not to goe any more to any skirmishes, and to giue ouer the warres: thinking that that was the Monster which threatned him with a vyolent end. Where-vpon hee resolued to bee ruled by them. Not long after, the Souldiers and Inhabitants of the place, prouoked by the enemy, made a sallie. GRIMANI remembring his vision, followed them faire and softly aloofe off, onely to behold the fight, and because hee [Page 450] would not be in any danger, he hid himselfe behinde a thick wall. But hearing the cryes of the combatants, hee could not choose but lift vp his head, and looke through a creuise of the wall. At which very instant a Cannon shotte lighted iust on that place, and tooke GRIMANIES head cleane from his shoulders, the bo­dy sincking downe where hee stood. P. BIZERRE▪ in the History and Annales of the Common-wealth of Gen [...] ­way, pag. 787. 788.

IT chanced in our time at Breslaw in Si­lesia, that a certaine young Maide, ha­uing beene present with many others at the execution of a Theefe, which was beheaded, shee was so troubled there-with, as shee fell to haue the fal­ling sicknesse. They applyed many re­medies which did her no good. A certaine Gossip, (ac­cording to the vsuall custome) gaue her aduise, saying; If they gaue this Maide Cattes bloud to drinke, the paine would cease. Those which gouerned her, follow­ing this foolish councell, made her to swallow some. But soone after the poore Mayde changed her natu­rall disposition, and some-times tooke vpon her the nature of a Catte, wauling, leaping, and running, as those Beasts doe, and watching softlie for Rattes and Mise, in euery corner of the house: trying by all meanes to catch them. Shee continued in these Cattish ex­ercises, vntill the vehemencie of her fitte was past. [Page 451] Maister MARTIN VEINRICH, in his Commentarie of the beginning of Monsters.

THere was a certaine Gentle man that could not endure an olde wo­man should looke vpon him: and as it happened once, that at a ban­quet there were certaine that had beene inuited, vnknowne to him, the which could not but looke vp­on him, his apprehension was so great, as hee dyed so­denly. In the same Commentarie of Monsters.

Cattes offend many with looking on them: so as some hearing or seeing a Catte, tremble, and are much afraide: the which I beleeue doth not proceed alone from the venome of Cattes, but also from their dispo­sition that doe see or heare them, for they haue by Na­ture this influence from Heauen, the which is neuer moued to doe her proper action, vnlesse the contra­rie obiect present it selfe. I haue seene many of this minde and disposition in Germanie, and some remai­ning in Goritzia. If this proceeds onely of a naturall quallitie which is in fewe, they that are subiect vnto it, shewe it plainlie: For beeing in Germanie, and sup­ping in the Winter time in a Stoue) with very good company, one of the troupe was much subiect vnto that humour. The Hostesse knowing the disposition of the Man, shutte a little Kitlin which shee had bred vp, into a Cofer with-in the Stoue, least this man [Page 452] seeing it should be offended. But although hee did nei­ther see it nor heare it, yet a while after, hauing smelt the ayre of a Catte, his disposition (enemie vnto Cats) beeing stirred, hee began to sweate, growe pale, and trembling to crye out, not without amazement to all the companie, that there was a Catte hidden in some cor­ner of the Stoue. MATHIOLVS vpon the 6. Booke of DIOSCORIDES, Chap. 25.

I haue knowne a Princesse, adorned with all vertues of the minde and body, that could not endure the sight of a Catte, beeing other-wise of an actiue spirit, and armed against all the difficulties of the world. Shee imputed the cause of this feare, to that which happe­ned to her Mother, beeing with Childe with her: for on a time a Catte did so terrifie her, as shee sounded, and was long sicke of this accident. Cattes did not feare her before that time, when as shee did see them: but this falling sodenly, as it were in her lappe, shee was much amazed. THOMAS ERASTVS in his Dispu­tations. HIPPOLITVS LANZON, a Mantouan Gen­tleman, did so abhorre to see a Hedge-hog, as if hee were not sodenly drawne away, hee would sweate and faint. MARCELLVS D [...]NATVS in his Admirall Phy­sicall Histories, lib. 6. Chap. 4.

I haue knowne a Peasant in Normandie, that had neuer eate Bread, Flesh, Fishe, nor Cheese: Egges were his onely foode and cheefest nourishment. BRV­GEMIN in his first Booke of Meate, Chapt. 24. Wee haue also seene IHON de la CHESMAYE a Parrisien, Secretarie to King FRANCIS the first, who did so detest and abhorre the smell of fruit or Apples: as hee [Page 453] was forced to rise from the Table, when any one was brought. And if they came but neere vnto his nose, hee presently bled. If hee did see any by chance, and could not retire himselfe, he sodenly stopt his nostrils with pee­ces of bread. Wee haue heard that many, issued out of the noble familie of CANDALES in Guienne, haue bin of that disposition, not to endure the smell of Apples. The same Author.

IAMES of FARLI an excellent Phisition in his time, doth testifie of him-selfe, that it troubled him as much the eating of Garlike, as if he had drunke poyson, and he added, that the same fittes which appeared in them that had drunke poyson, came vnto him hauing eating Gar­like. Some learned men hold, that this hatred proceeds of an opinion which wee haue conceiued, that those things which we detest are bad, eyther to all in gene­rall, or to vs in particular. The same.

There was at Chauny in Picardie, a Maide of an honest house, about sixteene yeares olde, the which vnto that age had neuer fed of any thing but of Milke. She could not endure the sent of bread, and if they had cast neuer so little of the crumme into her Milke, shee smelt it a farre off, the which I haue seene with mine eyes, and carefully obserued. The same BRVGERIN lib. 2. chap. 6. I haue knowne a man hating Cheese so much, as if they did put neuer so little in his meate, hee presently smelt it, and did cast vp his gorge after a strange manner. MARCELLVS DONATVS li [...]er 4. of his Physicall ob­seruations.

There was an Italian Earle had a foote-man, who if hee had eaten an Egge, his lippes began presently to [Page 454] swell, his face lookt of a purple hew, markt with blacke spottes in diuers places, foming at the mouth, as if he had taken poyson. The same Author.

An Italian Lady, faire and vertuous, named FRAN­CISQVINE, wife to Count MATHEVV FRANGEPAN, a Noble-man, of great power and worth, was foureteene yeares old, before she could euer be drawne to eate any flesh. A certaine Cardinall did abhorre the smell of Roses. Late Physitions say, that there was a whole fami­lie at Milan, to whom the vse of Cassia was so contrary, as if any one of them tooke it, hee dyed. The number of those that cannot taste, nor drinke any kinde of Wine, with-out offence, is infinite. I haue a Sonne which doth abhorre Colewortes. I my selfe, if I see Pourslaine I lothe it. Euery man hath some particular affection. SCALIGER in the 153. Exercitation against Cardan. Sect. 10.

I haue knowne an olde woman that did flye the vse of Melons, in a whote Countrie, hosding that meate very agreeable to others of the same place, but for them of her age the worst in the world. My Father could neuer swallow any parte of a Hare, nor of any Fowle. Not long since a Noble-man of accoumpt dyed, who could neuer eate nor swallow any meate, if it were not some-what Salted. MARANTA, lib. 3. of the Methode to know Simples.

The youngest Daughter to FREDERIKE King of Naples, a worthy Princesse, whome I had some-times in cure for that cause, that shee could not eate any flesh, no not taste it. If shee did but put any into her mouthe, she fell into most strange fits, howling and [Page 455] making horrible cryes, falling to the ground, and bea­ting her selfe most pittifully. The which fittes continued halfe an houre, and then she came to her selfe. BRASA­VOL. in his Comment. 34. vpon the 2. Booke of Hippocrates, how to liue in sharpe diseases.

Wee haue knowne many, that could not by any meanes eate any flesh. Others that had rather haue tasted of poyson, then to haue put any Cheese in their mouth. I remember a Spaniard, that had neuer eaten in all his life before, any Fish what-so-euer. Being one daye inuited to Supper by a friend of his, they presented a Dishe of Egges, in the which there was a little Fishe cunningly minced. But hee felt it present­lye, and had such a paine at his heart, as hee present­lie fell to cast, and to haue a Fluxe so vehementlie, as all thought hee would haue dyed. AMATVS a Por­tugall in his first Centurie. Cure. 36.

I haue seene a Man in my time, that could not a­bide neyther to eate, see, nor smell Ecles, and if hee by chance came into any place, where as any were hidden aliue, hee could not possibly abide to bee there, but was presently in exceeding great paine and greefe. Maister WEINRICH in his Commentarie of Monsters, Chapter. 8. Maister AMBROSE PARE makes mention of a Noble-man in France, which d [...]d sound as hee was sitting at the Table, seeing an Ecle brought in.

A Learned man a very friend of mine did assare mee, that hee had seene in the Cittie of Andwerp a certaine man which did fall into extreame fittes, if at any place where hee was inuited eyther to Dinner or Supper, they had brought in a Pigge stufte: if hee [Page 456] discouered it a farre off, hee presently changed coun­tenance, and his heart beganne to faint. IAMES HOS­TVIS in his annotations vpon LEVINVS LEMNIVS.

A great Ladie beeing at dinner with an Earle, hauing eaten a peece of a Cowes-vdder (a meate which is verie delicate to many) her lippes beganne presently to swell, and to growe wonderfully great: Shee confessed that she loued that meate, but presently after shee had tasted it, her lippes did swell in that manner, whereof shee knewe no reason. The same Author. I haue obserued the Earle of Arnstad, who did so much abhorre sallet oyle, as they were forced to carry all meate out of the Chamber that was in any sort drest with it, else he fell sodenly into very dangerous fits. The same Author. Many of our time haue not eaten any bread beeing loth-some vnto them. I knowe a fam [...]lie, wherof the Sonnes can eate no cheese, and the Daughters will eate it with a good ap­petite. Their Father did not eate any, but hated it, and their Mother did eate it. P. FOREST in the annotations vpon 5. obseruation of the 4. bookes where hee treates of feauers.

A Peasant of a certaine village neere vnto Al [...]mar in Holland, neuer receiued any meate not drinke what-soe­uer, but onelie Cowes milke, and yet was as lustie and helthfull as any man in those parts. The same Author.

CONRAD HVOER, a Country man in Suisserland of the village of Tornac in Turgou, a good plaier of the fife as most in his time, from his infancy vnto the age of three-score yeares that he died, neuer tooke any other norrish­ment, but porrige made with flower, milke and Water. And if to trie him, they did mingle the least crumme of bread with it vnknowne to him, or any other thing what­soeuer, [Page 457] hee did presently vomit vp all againe: neither could hee swallowe any rawe milke. As for other meates hee could not endure the smell of them, yet hee could not possibly tast of them. And for wine hee did some-times tast of it, yet seldome and very little. ZVINGER in the 6. booke of the 2. volume of his Theater.

There haue beene many that could not endure the smell of Roses. Beeing at Rome, I did see the Cardinall CARAFFA, a famous man in his time, who euery yeare in the time of Roses, was forced to retier himselfe, and to liue priuatly in a Pallace of his out of the way, whereas he caused the gates to be shut, and gards to keepe them, to giue warning that his friends, seruants and others that came to visit him and to receiue his commandements, should not vnaduisedly carrie any Roses in their hands. Among the Romaine Gentlemen there was one called PETER MELIN, both learned and wise, who was much impayred of his helth by the smell of Roses. PIE­RIVS VALERIANVS liber 8. of Hierogliphiques, treating of the Snayle. I haue knowne a lacobine monke, of a Noble house in the Citty of Venise, who smelling a Rose, or seeing one a farre of, felt presently a fainting at his heart, and would fall downe in a sowne, where he re­mained as one dead. And therefore the Physitions adui­sed him not to go out of his house in time of Roses, for the preseruation of his helth. AMATVS a Portugall, Centurie 2. cure. 36.

Don HENRY de CARDONA, Cardinall, fell into a fe­uer when as any one presented Roses vnto him. PHILIP INGRASSE a Pysition vpon the question of the di [...]t. And in our time there was a Princesse which could not [Page 458] by any meanes endure the smell of a Rose, but did sound alwaie if any were brought into her Chamber. MAR­TIN CROMER liber 8. of the History of Poland doth wit­nesse, that a Bishop of Bres [...]awe named LAVRENCE, was smothered with the smell of Roses. Doctor IOHN ECHT a Physition, at the least smell of any sweete parfume, felt a great alteration at the heart, and as soone as euer he did smell a read Rose, he did neeze wonderfully. CRONEN­BOVRG lib. 10. of the method of Physick.

A certaine man hauing felt an alteration at his heart seeing the iuice drawne out of a sticke of Cassia, beeing sicke he intreated his Phisition not to mingle the iuice in any Physick for him. The Physition hauing forgotten this aduertisement, prescribed him a potion, in the which there was some of this Cassia. The sicke man hauing ta­ken it began to cry out, I am a dead man, the Cassia hath killed me ALEXANDER BENEDICT. in the preface of his booke of pestilent feuers.

There is a whole famelie in the Towne where I dwel, of the which neither Man nor Woman, great nor small can endure any Diaphinicon in their Physick, but all doe cast it vp againe as I haue seene by experience often­times. MARCELLIVS DONATVS in his booke of Mechoacan.

BERNARD BONY of the Noble famelie of Ragouses, a young gentleman of twenty yeares of age, and of a col­lericke constitution, comming vnto me to haue mee see his vrine, and to be helpt by my a duice, if I found any In­disposition in his bodie: I found him to haue a paine in the reines of his backe & a beginning of the french-poxe. I therefore beganne to write, and to prescribe him some Sirops to send for to the Apothecarie. But hee willed me that I should make no hast, for that hee did abhorre [Page 459] all sweete things, as I did finde afterwardes: as honie, sugar, or any thing that was compounded there-with, all which was poyson vnto him, and would soone kill him, if he did but tast of it. He could eate no grapes, figges, peares, plummes, quinces, poungranets or apples, saying that they were sweete: but hee could well disgest, nuts, almonds and pignors. Vineger was his sauce and hee tasted salt things well. He could drinke no white wine nor malmsey. His drinke was water. This disposition considered, I prescribed remedies fit for his disease, where-with he was eased. AMATVS a Portugal, in the 6. Centur. cure 6.

There are some bodies, whome milde and gentle Phi­sicke doth as much offend as that which is violent: the which the Physitions haue often obserued in a great La­die in our time, giuing her a little Manna to purge her gently: for after that shee had taken it, shee complayned of her bellie, she had a desire to cast, cried out and grewe weake, shee sweat after an extraordynarie manner, and was tormented with sundrie other Accidents: and yet shee hath beene often purged with other stronger poti­ons without any offences. A Nephewe of hers, a No­bleman that was war-like, and learned in all sciences, of a cholerick constitution, could neuer bee purged by Man­na: so as this family seemed to haue that peculiar, that Manna was contrary to their dispositions. MARAN­TA Booke 3. of the methode to knowe simples. Chap. 4.

ANTHONIE PERILLE a Neapolitaine, a riche yong man, but wanting coun­cell, hauing spent almost all his estate, at Cardes and Dyce, sodenly he fell in loue with the Daughter of a notable Marchant, and hauing sounded her minde, he demanded her in Marriage. The Father called PETER MINIO, refused him by reason of his ill hus­bandry, so generally knowne. PERILLVS stong with shame and loue, began to reuiue himselfe, and gathering together the remainder, hee resolued to make a voyage to Alexandria in Egypt, to begin some trafficke. To this end he imbarkes with certaine Marchants, but hauing past a good part of the way, they are surprised with a great storme, and after three dayes the ship which carri­ed him was taken by a Pirate. Being a Captiue and in great miserie, MINIO a rich Marchant and charitable, (a custome which he had long vsed) sent certaine fac­tors of his vpon the Coast of Barbarie to redeeme tenne Neapolitain prisoners out of the hands of the Turkish Pi­rats: of whome (if they had any goods in their Countrie) hee would seeke satisfaction in time. And as for the poore he did gratefie them with their ransome. PERIL­LVS was of the number of these ten, and at his returne to Naples hauing conferred secretly with MINIOS. Daughter, who promised him marriage, hee found meanes to paie his ransome, and to make a newe voiage into the East, where he made a happie trafficke, so as in short time he found him-selfe in better estate th [...]n his [Page 461] Father had left him: carrying himselfe moreouer so ver­tuously, as he purchased the loue of al men, especially of MINIO, of whome hauing the second time demanded his Daughter in marriage, shee was graunted him, to the great content of all his kins-folkes and friends. The mar­riage was celebrated in Iune with great ioye▪ & as these two young copple were in bedde deuising of strange things that were past, behold a violent storme ariseth, with strange thunder and terrible lightning, and in the ende there came a clappe, which slue them both, imbra­cing one an other, ending the pleasure of their marriage sollemnized that day, with the greefe and sigthes of their life. They were very honorably interred both together, being followed by all the Cittie with great pompe. His­tory of Italie.

WHen as LEVVIS the 12. made warre against the Venetians, and that all Ita­lie was sore shaken by the fury of this long warre: a certaine gentleman of Milan being tired with so many mise­ries, retired himselfe to a [...] of his, to liue there more priuately. He was a Widower, about threescore yeares olde, hauing one Sonne of twentie yeares of age, and an other much yonger. His age, the misery of the time, and his qualitie should haue retay­ned him in the way of honour: but forgetting the dutie of a gentleman, hee fell in loue with a poore farmers Daughter of his, whom hee bought for readie money of the execrable Father, who sold her and deliuered her. [Page 462] This strumpet being full of lust and desperatly impudent, hauing serued for a time the Fathers villenie, fell strangely in loue with the eldest Sonne, whome hauing sought with diuers trickes and deuises, in the ende, on a certaine day, (taking a Cousin of [...]ers that was her Ba [...]de to helpe her) shee comes vnto him, and after the accus­tomed prefaces of such impudent Creatures, shee dis­couers her brest and her heart vnto him, seeking with teares and sig [...]hes to drawe him to commit Incest. The honest young man amazed at this speech, is so fortefied by GOD, as not content with a modest and simple re­pulse he did sharpely apprehend both her that tempted him, and the other that did second her, threatning them with big words.

The furious lust of this bitch was presently turned in­to horrible hatred, which makes her to take the way of confusion. As soone as the Father was returned, this strumpet complaines vnto him, saying, that his Sonne had sought three or foure times to corrupt her: and in the ende would haue forced her, if her seruant had not come to helpe her. He giuing credit to this wicked re­port, confirmed by the Baude, beganne to murmure to him-selfe▪ wher-vpon his Son comes in, against whome, (without speaking any other words, but ha wicked Trai­tor, it is against mee that thou darest presume to plaie these partes) hee goes with his sword drawne. The young Gentleman turning away to auoide the blowe, and not remembring that hee was vpon a straite not sup­ported, which answered vnto two lodgings, hee fell back­ward downe to the grounde and was all bruzed, so as hauing fallen vpon a stone in the botome of the ditch, hee died presently. The Parricide (thinking that hee [Page 463] had leapt downe of his owne accord) did runne after him, vsing newe threates. But beeing come downe and seeing his Sonne in that estate, after cries of [...]urie and despaire, with a detestation of his former life and of the wickednesse of his strumpet, hee thrust himselfe through with his sword, falling vpon the bodie of his Sonne, which was yet hot and trembling, and wallowing in their common bloud, went the same way. As for the strumpet hearing by the fearefull cries of the seruantes what had happened, thrust on by the reuenging furies, or rather pursued by the fearefull iudgement of almighty GOD, the reuenger of innocent bloud, shee flies to­wards a well in the house, and leapes into it; where shee was drowned. The Iustice of Milan, beeing called to see this accident, apprehends the seruant, and makes her confesse al vpon the racke: where-vpon she was hanged. Her bodie with the strumpets and the olde mans, were cast vpon the dunghill, as a preie for Birds and Wolues. But the young Gentleman was carried to the earth with great pompe, and lamented of all men for his vertues as much as the others were & are yet detested of posterity. Historie of Italie.

A Fleming borne at Gand, of so base a parentage, as it was not knowne, hauing runne through France and other Countries, learned to bee hardie both in his wordes and actions: beeing growne cunning, spea­king diuers languages, and well appointed, hee came to Bruges, where hee get to bee admitted into the house of a [...] honest and rich merchant, the Father of a ve­rie honest maide, of sixteene yeares of age. This gallant makes them beleeue that hee is of a very good house in Germanie, & for that he would not bee forced to marry a [Page 464] maide that was not pleasing vnto him, hee absented him-selfe for a time from his Fathers house. Herevpon hee carries himselfe so cunningly, as vnder a promise of marriage, hee corrupts his hostes Daughter and gets her with Child. The Mother after some weekes, hauing des­couered this foule trade, takes her Daughter a part, who in the presence of the Father confesseth her fault. The Father a man of courrage not able to endure this affront, laies hold of that Cosener, and pursues him cryminally. Being straightly examined by the Iudges, hee confesseth that hee knewe not who was his Father, and his Mother had died of pouerty, hauing neither kinred nor any per­son that did avowe him at Gand, where hee thought hee was borne, nor in any other place. The Iudges seeing the Impudencie of this roage, who had so vnworthly polu ted an honorable house, condemned him to be publikely executed. Histories of our time.

NICHOLAS Prince of Opolia in Silesia, was in his time strangely giuen to corrupt Wiues and Maidens, so as the cha [...]est were not assured neere him, hauing continued this wretched course for some time the Iudgement of GOD laied hold of him in the yeare 1498. as followeth. Hee and Prince IOHN his Brother beeing at Nisse at an Assemblie of the States of Silesia, beeing called by CA­SIMIR Prince and gouernor of the Countrie. It happe­ned that in open assembly, one brought a packet vnto CASSIMIR, the which being opened, he gaue the let­ters to the Bishop of Nisse, being then present, to read them. NICHOLAS, a turbulent and violent man, imagi­ning it was some party made against him, to seize vpon his person, layes hold on his Dagger, and suddenly runns against CASSIMIR and the Bishop, whom he hurt, but [Page 465] lightly, for that many Noble-men and Gentlemen, thrust them selues presently betwixt them. NICHOLAS ha­uing failed of his attempts, saues himselfe in the Sanctu­arie of the Temple, from whence he was drawne by the Bishops commandement, who alledged, that in such ca­ses they should not respect the Ecclesiasticall lawes, and that hee would easily consecrate the place againe. NI­CHOLAS being brought backe vnto the assembly, and greatly blamed, was committed to prison, and the next day the 27. of Iune, by a sentence giuen by the Magi­strate, he was publikely beheaded. The custome of those times was, that they weare no breeches when they came to that place: when as the body of NICHOLAS fell, it was seene in that estate, that Nature so much corrupted by him, seemed to reproche him with his former filthi­nesse before all the world, IOACH, CVREVS, in his An­nales of Silesia, pag. 218.

IN the time that CAESAR B [...]RGIA Duke of Valentinois, and sonne to Pope ALEX­ANDER the sixt did rule in Rom [...]gnia, as FRANCIS GVIC [...]HARDINE doth shew in his History of the warres of Italy, there was in the Towne of CESENA, a young man called LIVIO, who being in loue with his neigh­bors Daughter, named CAMILLA, and repulst at the first, fell so sick, as he was euer at deaths dore. CAMILLA hearing thereof, changed her opinion: and going to see LIVIOS Sister, who was also grieuously sick in a chamber [Page 466] neere vnto him, her voyce being knowne by LIVIO, he was surprised with so vehement a passion, as after some noyse, his speech and strength failed him. His Sister and CAMILLA running vnto him, (for there was none but a thinne partition of wood,) CAMILLA not able to dis­semble any longer, began to ioyne her face to his, so as hee came againe vnto him selfe, and heard her say, that if her Father would like of the marriage, she would not contradict it. LIVIO being recouered, demands CAMILLA, according to the accustomed course among Men of honor. The Father referres all to the returne of his eldest Sonne from Rome: CAMILLA expecting this returne, grew so familiar with LIVIO, as without any longer stay, they contract marriage, by a present pro­mise. This Brother named CLAVDIO, diuerted the Father from this marriage, so as LIVIO was dismist, and CAMILLA grew so sorrowfull, that after many faintings, shee be-tooke her to her bedde. LIVIO on the other side did presse her by Letters and secret mes­sages, to the accomplishment of their marriage. They finde meanes to talke together, and appoint an houre [...] night for their secret marriage. The which hauing performed and lie [...] together, the young man transpor­ [...] with ioye, and the violence of his desire, dyed, lying [...] CAMILLA, who feeling him starke colde and with­ [...] [...], gaue also vp the ghost. The seruant who had [...] [...] Instrument to carry messages, began to crye [...] ▪ [...] Brother came running and seeing this desaster, [...] her a mortall wound: Shee declares all, and dyes two dayes after. CLAVDIO had his head cut off for this murther. Historie of Italie.

In the warre which King FERDINAND made against [Page 467] the widow of IHON King of Hungarie, about Buda: a Man at Armes was especially noted, for that he carryed him-selfe very valiantly in a certaine charge▪ and being vnknowne, was wonderfully commended and lamen­ted, being slaine there: but of none so much as of RAIS­CIAT, a Germaine Noble-man, who admired his rare vertue. The body being brought backe, and hee appro­ching to see it, after a common curiositie: his Armes being taken off, hee descouered that it was his Sonne. This did moue more compassion in the assistants, but hee alone, with-out speaking any worde, or shutting his eyes, but standing right vp, and stedfastly beholding the body of his Sonne, vntill that the violence of his griefe, had so vanquished his vitall spirites, as hee fell downe dead to the ground. PAVL IOVIVS in his Histories. MONTAIGNE, lib. 1. of his Essaies. Chap. 2.

In the yeare 1501. when as the French did conquer the realme of Naples the second time, vnder the com­mand of the Lord of Aubigny, Lieutenant to King LEVVIS the twelfth. One of the Sonnes of GILBERT Duke of Montpenzier, going to Pouzzol to see his Fa­thers Tombe (being dead in the former warres of Ita­lie, and there interred) was so opprest with griese, as after the shedding of many teares, hee fell doowne dead vpon the Sepulchre. FRA. GVIC [...]HARDINE Lib. 5. of the warres of Italie. Sect. 5.

About the end of the yeare 1505. the Cardinall HIPPOLTTO of Este, louing a young Maide his kins­woman verye vehementlye, and shee affecting Don IVLIO the Cardinalls Bastard-Brother with no lesse good wil, confessed freely vnto the Cardinall, that aboue all things that which made her so amyable, was the [Page 468] beautie of Don IVLIOS eyes: the Cardinall full of fu­rie, watching a time when as IVLIO went out of Fer­rara a Hunting, compassed him about in the field, and taking him from his Horse, hee caused certaine Ruffians of his to pull out his eyes, for that they were compani­ons of his loue: Hauing the heart to behold this wic­ked acte, the which was afterwards the cause of great scandalls among the Bretheren. FRRNCIS GVIC­CHARDINE in the end of the sixt Booke of the warre of Italie. FERDINAND Brother to ALPHONSO Duke of Ferrara, and of IVLIO aboue named, whose eyes Car­dinall HIPPOLITO of Este had caused to bee pulled out, yet by the speedy helpe of the Physitions, they were put in againe, without losse of his sight, conspired the Dukes death with the sayd IVLIO. FERDINAND, who was second brother vnto the Duke, was moued there-vnto through couetousnesse, to seize vpon the Du­chie, and IVLIO for that it seemed vnto him that ALPHON­SO did not apprehend the wrong that had bin done him, being out of hope to be reuenged of the Cardinall by any other meanes. Count ALBERTVS BOSCHET, a Gentleman of Modena, was acquainted with their councels and practise: and hauing wone & corrupted some men of base condi­tion, which were continually neere to ALPHONSO, to giue him delight, they had often-times great meanes to kill him: but restrained by a fatall feare, they alwayes let slip the occasion, so as the matter being discouered (as it hap­pens almost alwaies, when the execution of a conspiracy is deferred) FERDINAND and his confederats were impriso­ned, & IVLIO, who (the conspiracie being discouered) was fled to Mantoua to his sister: was by the Marquis decree sent prisoner to ALPHONSO, after a promise made that [Page 469] he would not put him to death. Count ALBERTIN with his consederates were quartered, and the two Bre­theren condemned to perpetuall prison, in the new Ca­stell of Ferrara. GVICCHARDINE lib. 7. sect. 3.

The Cardinall of Pauia, the Popes Legate, being fled out of Bolonia, besieged by the French in the yeare 1511. and was the cause of the losse of it, and of many other great disorders which ensued, being accused by some of Infidelitie, and by others of cowardise and indiscretion. Being retired to Rauenna, to purge himselfe of that which had happened, hee gaue notice of his comming to the Pope, and demanded audience: whereof the Pope who loued him exceedingly, was very ioyfull, and inuited him to dine with him. But as hee went, being accompanied with GVY of Vaine his Brother in lawe, and of his guard of Horse-men. The Duke of Vrbin Generall of the Popes Armie, an ancient enemie to the Cardinall, beeing yet madde with disdaine and despight, for that hee had sayd, that the rebellion and losse of Bolonia, had come through his fault, and by that meanes the Armie put to route, whereof hee was Generall, hee went towards him, and being entred among the Horse-men of his guard, (who to doe him honor, made him place) hee slue this Car­dinall with his Poynard, it may▪ bee vnworthy for the de­gree which he held, the which ought not to haue any vi­olence nor out-rage offered vnto it, but otherwise most worthy of any cruell punishment, for his infinite and odious vices. GVICCHARDINE lib. 9. sect. 18.

The Lord YVES of Alegre, Captaine of a compa­nie of men at Armes, at the Battaile of Rauenna, in the yeare 1512. seeing a Bataylion of Italian foote to make [Page 470] head against the Gascoyne, hee gaue them so furious a charge, as hee forced them to retire, but with more va­lour then good hap, in regarde of the successe: for the Seigneor of Viuaraiz his owne Sonne, hauing beene slaine before his eyes, hee being loth to suruiue so great an affliction, rides into the thickest of his enemies, where hee was slaine, (after the death of many of his enemies) fighting as it did become a valiant Captaine. GVIC­CHARDINE, lib. 12. Sect. 14.

PHILIP Father to PETER STROSSH, cheefe of the banisht men of Florence, against Duke COSMO of Me­dicis, hauing beene taken prisoner in fight, fearing to be put to death by the hands of Iustice, hee resolued to kill himselfe: Wherevpon a Spaniard that kept him came vnto him, & going out of the Chamber where-as PHI­LIP was, he vnaduisedly left his sword there. Being a little gone, PHILIP barres the doore vnto him, and so­denly takes the sworde, setting the point against his throate, he falles on it with all his force▪ and so kils him­selfe vpon the Table. They found vpon the table a little note written with his owne hand, shewing, that seeing he could not liue as his estate required: he had shortned his daies, for that he would no longer remaine in the world. P. IOVIVS in his Histories: Supplement of Sabellic.

ANTHONY VRIE, surnamed CODRVS, a learned man in our time, as his written workes doe witnesse, had his Chamber and his Studie behinde the Pallace of FOR­LI, but so darke from day light, vntill nine of the clocke as of necessitie he was inforced to haue a Candle. He v­sed a Lampe of earth, very faire and artificially made, on the top whereof was grauen a deuise in Latin, conteining, [Page 471] That those studies which smelt of the Lampe, smelt well. Hauing left it light in his Chamber, going one morning into the Towne about his businesse. In his absence (no man knowes how) fire tooke hold of his Papers, and in a short time of all the corners of his studie, where as all was consumed, both Papers, Bookes, and moueables. Among other writings of his hand, there was a Booke burnt, intituled, Pastor, with all the rest of his estate, in regarde of worldly goods. They say, that at the first brute of this fire, hee entred into such a rage against him-selfe, as crying out like a mad-man, and running vp and downe the streetes towards the Pallace, bee­ing neere vnto his Chamber, where-at hee durst not enter for feare of the fire: hee began to say, addressing his speech to the Sonne of GOD: What haue I done to thee, O CHRIST? or how haue I offended thine, that thou shouldest strike mee, and displaye vpon mee a testimonie of thine inexpiable hatred. Then turning to an Image of the Virgin MARY. Hearken Virgin what I saye vnto thee with a setled Iudgement, and as I beleeue. If happely at the houre of my death I recommend my selfe vnto thee, heare mee not, neyther accept mee in the number of thine, for I make ac­coumpt to bee damned. His friends there present did what they could to temper this furie: but the boyling choller, causing a fire in this miserable mans heart, more flaming and violent then any worldly fire, would not suf­fer him to heare any thing that might comfort him. Hee was so opprest with his passion, as hauing threatned all his friends, if they continued to follow him, he went out of the Towne, and not able to bee stayed, hee gotte into a thicke Forrest neere vnto Forly: where as hee [Page 472] past all that day in terrible discourses, and agitations of the minde, as euery one may coniecture. Returning late, and finding the doores shut, he lay vpon a dunghill vntill daie-light. In the morning hee enters, goes and hides him-selfe in a Carpenters house, where he continued sixe whole monethes. Without any bookes, or conference with any man. He liued a good while after, quite chan­ged from what he was, carelesse of the true or false reli­gion, and died miserably. BARTHELM [...]VVE of Bo­lognia in his life.

In the yeare 1552. ALDANA a Spaniard Lieutenant to King FERDINAND in the warre of Hongarie, going to the seege of Segedin, he committed FIGVEROA a Spanish Captaine to the gards of boates at the passage of a Ri­uer named Tisse, who hauing newes of ALDANAS shame­full flight vpon a vaine feare, did as his Commander, and hauing left the passage, he studied howe to make his retreat. Soone afterwardes beeing in rage against him­selfe, for his error, hee resolued to kill him-selfe, the which his rider did hinder all hee could: but FIGVE­ROA beeing determined to doe the deede, hee in­treated his ryder to staie for him vnder a tree, whilest that hee went to vntrusse a pointe. His man who had taken his armes from him, obeyed him in the rest. But beeing at his ease vnder the tree, hee fell a sleepe, attending his Maister; FIGVEROA, approching softly vnto him, stoole awaie a pistoll, where-with hee slue him-selfe vpon the place. ASCANIVS CEN­TVRIVS Booke 4. of his Hi [...]torie of the warre of Tran­siluania.

The Venetians hauing beene defeated at Guiaraddade by King LEVVIS the twelfth the foureteene daie of [Page 473] May 1509 and then spoyled of most of that which they held vpon the maine land, being amazed at their Losses, and fearing least the King should proceede with his vic­tories, their affaires in their owne opinions beeing redu­ced to the extremity: the feare which they had concei­ued was so violent, as without any good consideration of them-selues or aduice, their companies being retired to a place called Mestre, lyuing at discretion, without a­nie military discipline: they resolued to quit the Seig­neurie of the firme Lande, that they might haue no more the Emperor, King, nor Pope for their enemies, as before they had: as also to take all occasion from the King of approching to Venise. They feared some tu­mult also in the Cittie by the people, or by the great multitude of Strangers that did inhabit there: these for the desire of spoile, and those because▪ they would not endure, seeing they were borne in the same C [...]ttie, and many of the same bloud and famely, to see themselues depriued of honors and publicke charges, and to be in a manner subiect to the Gentlemen in all things. To in­crease their despaier and want of courrage, this reason was yet alledged in the Senat, that if they did willingly a­bandon and quit the Seigneury, to flie the present dan­gers, good fortune returning they should recouer it the more easily: for that the people which had bin volunta­rily seperated from them, would make no so great resis­tance not to returne vnder the obedience of their ancient Lords, as if they had beene deuided by a manifest rebel­lion. By these reasons, the Venetian generositie was layed vnder foote, with the greatnesse of that glorious Common-weale, beeing content to retaine onelie the salt Waters, they sent Commissions to their Magistrates [Page 474] and officers that were in Padoua, Verona and other Townes, appointed by the atticles of the League, to the Emperour MAXIMILIAN; commanding them to de­part presently, and to leaue them in the peoples power. Moreouer, to the ende they might obtaine a peace of MAXIMILIAN, at what price and with what conditi­ons soeuer: they sent vnto him with great speede AN­THONY IVSTINIAN for Ambassador, who hauing a publicke audience, hee made a pittifull oration, and with great submission: but it was in vaine, for the Emperor refused to make any accord without the King with whome the Venetians would not by anie meanes treate. This Oration you may reade at large in GVICIHAR­DIN, the which doth shewe (as appeeres by the Anno­tations in the margent) the basenesse of man-kinde, which aduersitie doth laie open, and shewe what it is, that is to say wretched in euery sort: and that when as mans eloquence is amazed, his discouses are Childish, and full of importunate and insupportable fllaterie. To conclude, in all the Venetians submissions, who yeelded themselues as it were with halters about their neckes, to one that could not greatly releeue them, wee see daiely the fruites of feare, which subiects all polliticke States as well as priuate persons, to base actions, and the soueraig [...]e Iudge abating the power of their seates, and confounding the greatest and wisest wittes of this worlde. FR. GVICHIARDIN Booke 8. Sect. 7. 8. 9.

In that famous Battaile of Pauia, in the yeare 1524. IOHN DIESPACH, Colonell of the Suisses, seeing his Battay lion charged and put to route, by the Marquis of Guast, generall of the Imperiall foote, hauing made no [Page 475] fight, and that neither with words, nor with his sword he could make their enseignes turne againe hee was so op­prest with greefe, as hee resolued to haue no share in this infamous retreate. Where-vpon hee runnes desperat­lie among the enemies, and their fighting valiantly, dyed like a worthie Commaunder in the Warre. P. IO­VIVS in the life of the Marquis of Pescara liber 16.

POMPERANT, a French Gentleman, seeing Auerse taken by the troupes of the Emperor CHARLES the 5. being amazed at this inconuenience, lifting vp his eyes to Heauen, and oppressed with extreame sorrowe, he fell downe to the Earth, and so died with his eyes open, not­withstanding any remedies that could bee applied vnto him. P. IOVIVS lib▪ 26. of his Histories.

ZEANGER Sonne to SVLTAN SOLYMAN, seeing vpon the ground, the body of his Brother MVSTAPHA who had beene strangled with a bowe-string, by the Fathers commandement: in the presence of this Parricide, [...]ee pulled out his poynard, and after some reproches, slue himselfe. ASCANIVS CENTORIVS Booke 6. of the warres of Transiluania. ALPHONSO ALBVGVERGVE, Lieutenant for the King of Portugal at the East-Indies, hauing about the yeare 1514. setled Gouernors in Malaca, to administer Iustice to merchants, being two noblemen of the Coun­try, the one called NINACHETVEN, the other VTERIMVTA­ [...]AIA; a while after he changed his opinion, and intreated NINACHETVEN to resigne his dignity, to giue it to an other Noble-man, that was King of Campar, which is a little kingdom in those Coūtries towards the South. NINACHE­TVEN vnderstanding that they were gone tofetch this pet­ty King, to install him in his place, resolued with him­selfe not to endure to bee so degraded. Hee therefore [Page 476] caused a high Scaffold to be built, supported by certaine Pillers, hung with Tapistry, and beautified with Flowers, and store of Persumes. This done, hee put on a roabe of cloth of gold, all couered with precious Stones▪ being thus appointed, he came into the streete, and went vp the staires vnto the Scaffold. There was belowe a pile of sweete Wood, orderly laide and kindled. This extraor­dinarie pompe of NINACHETVEN, caused all men to open their eyes and eares, being ignorant what this pre­paration meant. Then began NINACHETVEN to make a pittifull speech, and first of all hee remembred the ser­uices which he had done to the Portugals before the tak­ing of Malaca: what he had done since in fauour of their King: and how constant and faithfull hee had shewed him-selfe in his dutie, with what resolution hee had ha­zarded his life in many places, for proofe of his loyal­tie. That for recompence of so many good seruices, the Portugals would defame his old age in that sort, as it was impossible to finde a man that had his honor in any recommendation, that could disgest such a disgrace: for they dispoyled him of the cha [...]ge which they them­selues had giuen him: they degraded him of his honors, making so small an account of him, as to haue him end his dayes ignominiously, and to be a fable and scorne to all the world. That for his part hee had euer valued his life lesse then his honor, and had resolued to dye, to pre­serue his reputation: and therefore at that instant he did willingly change his life with death, rather then to en­dure the aff [...]ont which they meant to doe him. Ending his speech, he cast himselfe into the fire, where he ended his life. Eu [...]ry one lamented and wept for this man thus dead, considering what hee had done for the Portugals, [Page 477] his fidelity in all Accidents, and the pittifull ende of his age: so as manie were much amazed at this spectacle. OSORIVS lib. 9. of his History of Portugal Chap. 27.

A rich merchant falling in loue with a certaine maide yeelded so much vnto his passion, as hee was transported beyond the bounds of reason, so as hee became madde, and seized with a strange melancho like humor, so as hee was tormented with horrible visions both by daie and night: some times crying out and storming, some-times laughing with open throate: He sware that his best bee­loued was continually before his eyes, hee flattred and made much of her: as if she had beene present: then so­denly he would blame her, and outrage her in euery sort, for that she refused to loue him. Hee spake not but of her, all the day he did nothing but sigth and complaine: the night hee had his eyes still open with sorrowing, and had often killed himselfe, if his kins-folkes and friendes had not kept him. Hauing continued seauen monethes in this estate, I was called to helpe him, and with great difficulties by the grace of GOD, I did Physicke him so happely, as hee recouered his former wittes againe FR. VALERIOLA in his Pysicall obseruations booke 2. Obserua. 7.

A Councellor of the Parliament at Grenoble beeing taken with the loue of a Gentlewoman, was so wonder­fully passioned, as hee left his place and all honestie, to followe her where-soeuershee went. Being contemned by her, hee grewe so carelesse of his owne person, as hee was full of Lice, which got such an habit in him, as hee could neuer be freed of them, for they grewe vpon him, and came out of all partes of his bodie, as wee see wormes come out of rotten Carion. Fynally some [Page 478] daies before his death, seeing himselfe toucht with the hand of GOD, he began to despaier of his mercies▪ and to shorten his daies, hee resolued to star [...]e himselfe: be­sides the Lice had taken such hould vpon his throate, as if they would choake him. They that saw this pittifull spectacle were much amazed, and for pitty concluded to force him to eate: and to make him take some coulisses, and for that he resisted thē with all his force, they bound his armes, and kept his mouth open with a staffe, whilest they put in the meate. Beeing thus vsed, hee died like a madde beast, through the aboudance of Lice, which en­tred into his throat. This happened in the yeare 1559. The second History of France.

Pope LEO the 10. beeing aduertised of the taking of Milan, which he had extreamely desired, fell into such an excesse of ioye, as a feuer tooke him and he died. MON­TAIGNE liher 1. of his Essaies. Chap. 2. PAVL. IOVIVS in the life of LEO the tenth. lib. 4. SINAN generall of the Turkes Galleies, hauing recouered his onelie Sonne, whom hee held to bee lost, died sodenly for ioye of. IOVIVS in his Histories. Some woman haue died for ioye, sorrowe and other violent passions. But we will speake thereof in an other Booke. At the battaile of Serisoles, Mounsieur D' ANGVIEN offred once or twise to kill himselfe, despayring of the daie, for that it was not succesfull whereas hee did fight, thinking by his rashnesse to depriue him-selfe of the Glorie of so goodly a victory. The Isle of Gaza beeing forced by the Turkes some yeares since, a Sicilian that had two faire Daughters readie to marrie, slue them with his owne hand, and their Mother who came running to their death. This done hee went into the streete with a Cros-bowe and a Harguebuze, and with two shot slue [Page 479] two of the first Turkes that approched neere his doore and taking his sword in his hand, hee went furiously a­mong them, where hee was sodenly cut in peeces, and so hee freede him-selfe from bondage, after that hee had deliuered his Children. MONTAIGNE Booke 2. of his Essaies Chap. 3.

It was told me that a prisoner of qualetie, being in the Concergerie at Paris, his friends beeing aduertised that hee should bee vndoubtedly condemned; to auoyde the infamie of such a death, they suborned a Preest to tell him, that the Souueraigne meanes for his deliue­rie, was to recommend himselfe to a certaine Saint with such a vowe, and that hee should remaine eight daies without taking of anie norrishment, notwithstan­ding anie weakenesse or faynting that hee should feele. Hee beleeued him, and by this meanes was the cause of his owne death, without thinking of it. The same Author.

Some yeares since, two Leagues from my house there was a Country man, who liued long since, hauing his head long troubled, with iealousie of his Wife, com­ming one daie from his worke, and shee welcomming him home with her accustomed cryes, hee entred into such furie, as presently with his hooke which hee held in his hand, hee cut off those peeces which put him into this great feuer, and threwe them sodenly at her face. And it is sayd, that a young Gentleman of our owne Nation, hauing by his importunitie sedu­ced a Gentlewoman: growing desperate that beeing readie to enioye her, hee could not performe any thing, hee presently cut of his owne priuie partes in his Lodging, and sent this cruell and bloudie sacrifice, for a [Page 480] purgation of his offence. MONTAIGNE liber 2. of his Essaies Chap. 29.

ANDREVV CONTAREN a Venetian Gentleman, be­ing sickly and by reason of his Indisposition some-what weake of braine, made sute to haue some charge of im­portance. Beeing refused in open Councell, and com­ming soone after into the companie of diuers young Gentlemen. Who thinking to iest with him said that FRANCIS FOSCARIN Duke of Venise had beene the cause of his repulse, and that during his life, CONTAREN must neuer hope to be aduanced. Being possest with a violent passion of choller and despight, hee watcht a time when as the Duke came downe into the golden Chappell to heare Masse. Hee staies vpon the staires, makes shewe to haue some businesse of importance to impart vnto him. Those did accompanie the Duke went aside, that CON­TAREN might haue the more libertie to speake vnto him. Then hee drewe forth a poinard from vnder his cloake with the which hee had slaine the Duke, if the Ambassa­dor of Sienna had not staied CONTARENOS arme, so as insteede of striking him into the bodie, hee did hit him in the cheeke neere the nose. Presently manie Senators runne thether, they saue the Duke and seize vpon CONTAREN who sought by all meanes for to saue himselfe. Afterwardes hee had his hand cut off vpon the same staiers, and then was hanged in the accustomed place. Such was the rewarde of his violent passion. SABELLICVS Booke 1. of his 3. Decade.

The violence of despaire was strange in LAVRENCE LEVRENTINIAN a learned Physition at Florence. Hauing bought a house, and paied a third part of the price; [Page 481] with a condition, that if hee payd not the rest with▪in sixe months, it should be lost: The time beeing come, hauing no money to satisfie, he was so troubled, as with­out any further aduice he cast himselfe head-long into a deepe Well, at what time PETER SODERIN, great Gonfalonier of Florence, gouerned the Common-weale before the Rule of the Medicis. P. IOVIVS in the Life of famous men.

I haue seene a man which grewe fearefull and ama­zed of him-selfe, crying out some-times like a Child; though otherwise he had as much Force and courage as any man could haue. It is reported also of a No­ble-man of Spaine, that hee was so full of feare, that if they did but shutte any doore of the house where-in hee was at a certaine howre in the night, hee con­ceyued such a feare and was so troubled, as of­ten-times hee would cast himselfe out at the Win­dowes. ANT. TORQVEMADO in the third iourney of his discourses.

I haue seene a woman my neere K [...]ns-woman tro­bled with a certaine Melancholike humour, which some terme Mirrachie, (the which doth some-times cause frenzie and madnesse in them that are toucht with it) so to helpe her selfe with discretion and reason as it could neuer vanquish her. It was strange to see the combate betwixt Reason and Melancholie in this Woman, which cast her-selfe groueling vppon the ground in the extremity of her fitte, tare her clothes, cast stones at them that lookt on her, fought with them that met her, and committed many such other follies: but through reason shee continued so con­stant, as in the end this humour left her, remayning [Page 482] as sound and perfect of iudgement as before. In the same Author.

In the yeare 1558. the Curate of Curpre in Scotland, seeing that his Parishoners (to the contempt of the authoritie which hee thought to haue ouer them) were in despight of him entred into his Parish Church, and beaten downe all the Images, hee fell into such a choller, melanchollie, and despayre, by reason of this acte, as hee slew him-selfe with his owne hands. BV­CHANAN, liber 6. of his Historie of Scotland. A cer­taine man did so abhorre all Phisicke, as the verye smell of a potion did so mooue him, as hee was for­ced to goe seuen times to the stoole instantly, whereas hee that had taken the same po [...]ion should goe but thrice. Maister AMBROSE PARE in his Introduction to Surgerie. Chap. 22.

A Groome of the Lord of Lansacs Chamber repor­ted, that a French Gentleman beeing in Poland, had a quarten Ague, and walking along the Riuer of Vistula, in the beginning of his fitte, hee was thrust by a friend of his in iest into the Riuer: where-with hee was so terrified, that although hee could swimme very well, and the other also that thrust him, yet hee neuer after had any feuer. The same Author. Chap. 23. At the Campe at Amiens, King HENRIE the second com­manded mee to goe to Dourlan, to dresse many Cap­taines and Souldiars which had beene hurt by the Spa­niards at a sallie. Captaine Saint AVEIN, lying neere to Amiens, as valiant a Gentleman, as any was in his time in France, although hee had when the Alarum was giuen a fitte of a quarten Ague, risse out of his bed and went to Horse, to command a parte of his com­pany, [Page 483] where hee was shot through the necke with a Harguebuze, the which made him to apprehend death so much, as hee presently lost his Ague, and was after­wardes cured of his wound, and liued long after. The same Author.

FRANCIS VALLERIOLA a most famous Physi­tion at Arles, writes in the 4. obseruation of the 2. booke of his obseruations, of an Inhabitant of the said Towne of Arles, called IOHN BERLE, who had lyne manye yeares bed-ridde, by reason of a palsey. It happened that the chamber whereas hee did lye was on fire, bur­ning the bordes and some stuffe neere vnto his Bedde. Hee seeing him selfe in danger to bee burnt, with much payne got vnto a Window, out at the which hee cast him-selfe, and beganne presently to walke, and was cured of his palsey. The same VALERIOLA writes in the same Obseruation, a strange History of a Kins-man of his called IO [...]N SOBIRAT, who laye at Auignon, lame of both his Legges, hauing had his Hammes shronke vp with a Convulsion about sixe yeares. One day he grewe into so great a choller against his seruant, as reaching at him to strike him, the Sinewes stretcht forth presently and grewe supple, so as his Legges re­couered their strength, and he went right vp, & so cō ­tinued euer after, The same Author.

The Arch-Bishop of Bourges, a verye olde Man, who had not gone of fowre yeares before, hearing that a certaine troupe of horse (which the Earle of Mont­gommery had brought from Orleans) had surprized Bourges; and knowing howe much hee had wronged and offended them that were then at that instant [Page 484] the strongest, carried away with this apprehension, he found his legges so well, as he went on foote from his Chamber into the street, and so to the great Towre causing all his money and plate to bee carryed with him. The History of the first troubles of France vnder CHARLES the 9. lib. 7.

At the same time neere to Issoudun in Berry, the Seig­neor of Condray (whose Castle was beseeged by the Lord of Yuoys troupes) hauing a little before taken cer­taine poore men, and deliuered them to the Seigneor of Sarzay, then commanding in Yssoudun, who had commanded them to bee hanged: hee fearing to bee taken saued himselfe in a farme house of his, called Ro­ueziers, where he dyed of Feare. In the same Historie, and in the same booke.

In a Towne in Italy called Eugubio, there was a Man much tormented with Iealousie, who seeing that hee could not descouer if his Wife abandoned her selfe to any other, hauing threatned to doe her a shrewd turne, hee gelded himselfe, that if afterwards shee should happen to bee with child, shee should presently be found guilty of Adultery. Lib. 1. Of the conference of Antient wonders with moderne.

I haue seene with mine eyes, a Gentle-man sitting by a Gentle-woman, an honest Widdow, whom hee sought to marrye, as afterwards hee did. Discour­sing with her one day at Dinner, a Veyne of the Tem­ple neere vnto his Eare, opened of it selfe from the which there issued and came very much blood, the which he thought to stoppe with his Hand-kercher. I was sitting at the table with them in a Castle whether [Page 485] I was called to cure a Gentleman that was sicke. MAT. CORNAX, lib. 1. Of his consultations of Physicke. chap. 3.

A yong mayden being kept from marriage grewe so sad as shee wept continually, and would admit no com­fort, whereof followed an extreame paine in her head, which bread a falling sicknes whereof soone after she di­ed. The same Author.

A certain Knight an Albanois, hauing after great su [...]e obtayned an honest Italian Widowe to his wife, beeing one of the fairest women of her time, after some months he grew iealous of her without any cause, with a won­derfull strang passion. For he had no opinion of her that shee eyther had or would wrong her honor: but only he was trobled what should become of her after his death, fearing least any other should enioye so rare a beauty. Vpon this passion which did torment him continually he takes a furious resolution. One night which was the last, hauing shewed all the loue he could deuise vnto his wife, who loued him sincerely: in the ende he drew a naked Dagger from vnder his beds head, and imbracing his wife with the one hand, hee stabbed her with the o­ther. Which done he strikes himselfe to the heart, and dies presently. The wife not quite dead, reports the whole history to such as came running [...]n at the crie of her chamber-maide, and that the Knight had discoue­red his strange and cruell Iealousie, a little before hee strooke her, and then she died quietly. Hist. of Italy.

A young Gentleman in the Emperor CHARLES the fift his Court, beeing in loue with a Gentle-woman wrought so, as partly by loue, partly by force he had her maiden-head, the which beeing knowne, and hauing cōmitted this act in the Emperors Court, he was com­mitted [Page 486] to prison and condemned to loose his head: and hauing notice giuen him ouer night, that the next day should ende his life, that night was so terrible vnto him, and wrought such an impression, as the next day com­ming out off prison, to go before the seate of Iustice, & heare the sentence of death, no man did know him, no not the Emperor him-selfe. For feare had so chaunged him, that whereas the day before hee had a Vermillion hewe, of a flaxen hayre, and of a pleasing aspect: hee was now like vnto a bodye taken out off the Graue, ha­uing the hayre of his head and beard, like to one of seuentye yeares olde, and hee had the resemblance more of one that had beene hanged, then of a ly­uing man.

The Emperor thinking there had bin some fraud vsed, and that some other offender had beene foysted into this Gentlemans place, who was not yet 28. yeares old, hee caused a search to bee made, whence this wonderfull and sodaine change should come. and then beholding wistly this poore offender thus terrefied, the desire of iust vengeance was conuerted and turned into mercye: and as it were reuiued out of a deepe amazement, hee said vnto him. I pardon thy offence; commanding that they should let him goe, adding withall that hee had beene punished sufficiently for his fault, without the losse of his head. LEVINVS LEMNIVS lib. 2. chap. 2. Of the complexion of mans body. Where-vnto hee dooth adde certaine reasons of this strange alteration. The which I heere set downe adding some words for the bet­ter explaning thereof.

Beeing demanded of a great personage the cause of this prodigious change; I answered that wee must im­pute [Page 487] it to the deepe apprehension and attentiue thought of approching death, peercing through the heart: for the affection and passion of the minde, beeing amazed was so violent and so bitter to the young Gentleman, as the vitall spirits were almost quencht and suffocated in him, all the parts of the bodye loosing their liuely and pleasing colour, did wither and fade sodainely; so as the rootes of the hayre, nourished and watred by the fuming vapour that is betwivt the skinne and the flesh, as the herbes in the ground, that are toucht with a cold and drie quality, they did wither, and present­ly loose their naturall beautye: for euen as the leaues of Trees and Vines in the heate of Sommer growe some times y [...]alow and pale, by any excesse of heate, hayle, rayne or a cold Northerly wind: euen so the vi­gour of the bodye, the colour, the outwarde shewe, the hayre which is no part, but simply a dependance of the bodye, takes the colour of gray or white, because that which did maintayne them is quencht. The which wee doe see happen to most men that haue beene in dangers in the Warres, or in hazard at Sea, or that haue beene toucht with dangerous diseases: for then they thinke but of one thing, which is, that Death hath taken them by the throat, if not perchance (through long custome, solide instruction and good resolution by the precepts of true Philosophie, and by the as­sistance of more then a humane spirit) they bee not accustomed nor vsed to feare so much. The which wee see is ordinary and common in manye olde Souldiars and Martiners in regard of their long and continuall practise.

When as the horrour of Death surpriseth anye [Page 488] one, or that the imagination thereof, more bitter then death it selfe is framed in the thought, they die some­times before they are dying, as it hath happened vnto many, or else the Senses are dulled and mortefied, so as the offenders feele not the stroakes, as we haue seene in many that haue beene be-headed, and broken vppon the Wheele, resembling men that haue Apoplexies, Le­thargies, falling-Sicknes, Sowndings; or like to others which open their eyes, yet neither see nor knowe any man. The dangers incident to Sea and Land, whereas the Image of Death appeares before their eyes, and doth fixe it selfe more strongely in the thought, make them that are in them to tremble and looke pale: the blood retires it selfe and flies from all parts towards the fortresse of the heart: all the parts of the body in an in­stant want their norishment, not any one doth discharge his due function, but the feete stagger, the sight growes dymme, the force fayles, the vnderstanding becomes blunt, the spirit dull, the cheekes leane and withered, the tongue fumbling, and the teeth shaking in the head. To conclude there is no man, how strong and confident so euer, that is not amazed when any mortall danger sur­priseth him sodainely.

True it is that a Christian fixing his hope in the grace of GOD, recouers his spirits by little and little, shakes of feare, assures himselfe, and becomes inuincible, op­posing him-selfe with a cheereful and vndaunted cour­rage to any danger that hee sees ineuitable: except that that for death is horrible and fearefull to al Nature which hath breathing of life: for that it destroyes this nature. We see some that are dull, some furious and madde, and others that are altered by decrepit age, by bodely indis­position, [Page 489] by erronious precepts and doctrine, by vio­lent and disordered passions more then feare, which ap­prehend nothing, but perish in danger and are extinct before they doubt any thing.

An other yong Gentleman a Spaniard, called IAMES OSCRIO, borne of a Noble familie, growne in loue with a Gentle-woman of the Court, hauing made an appointment with her, hee climes vp into a thicke tree in the Kings Garden, and hid himselfe there, expecting his oportunity. Therevpon a little Dogge comes, who by his baying discouers him whom they cause to come downe, to commit to prison, that he might answer with the hazard of his head, this crime which was helde capi­tall in those places, for diuers reasons. Sentence of death being giuen against him, he was so terrified as the next day he was growne all white, like a man of fower-score yeares old, and was no more knowne then the other. In like sort the King of Spaine Grand father to CHARLES the fift, gaue him his pardon. HADR. IVNIVS in his Co­mentarie of the haire of the head. ca. 10. LO: VIVES in his preface vpon SCIPIOS dreame.

Reason doth teach and examples doe confirme that blacke hayre or any other colour growe white through feare, If that which nourisheth the hayre fayles, wee grow bald: if it bee corrupted, they growe white, for that an vnkind and an vnnaturall humour succeedes that which is growne could, wee haue a history in our time vnder FRANCIS GONZAGVE: hee hauing suspected one that was allyed vnto him of treason, caused him to be imprisoned in a strong Tower, resoluing to giue him the racke, and to put him to death. The next day mor­ning his keeper came to tell him that the prisoner was [Page 490] growne all white. This accident did mollefie the Prin­ces heart, causing him to pardon and giue the prisoner his life. IVLIVS CAESAR SCALIGER in the 312. ex­ercitation against CARDAN.

A Falconer seeking on the toppe of a high Rocke for an Eyrie of Sparrow-hawkes, feeling the Rope, which hee went downe by to breake, conceiued such a feare, as sodainely his hayre grew white. CAEL. RHO­DIGINVS, lib. 13. chap. 27. Of his antient lessons. I haue knowne some, which beeing escaped beyond all hope from ship-wrake, haue in a moment growne all graie. HADR. IVNIVS in his Comentary of the haire of the head, chap. 10.

I am no good Naturalist (as they terme them) ney­ther doe I know well how Feare doth worke in vs; but vndoubtedly it is a strange passion, and the Physitions saye, that there is not any one doth sooner trans-port the iudgement out off her due place. I haue seene ma­ny that haue growne madde through feare, and it is certaine in them that are most setled, whilest the fitte continues, it doth cause terrible amazements. I leaue to speake of the vulger sort, to whome it doth some times represent their great Grand-father comming out of the Graue in a sheete, some-times wild-Woolues, Hobgoblins, and Bug-beares. But euen among War­riors them-selues, where it should finde least place, howe often hath it changed a flocke of Sheepe into a squadron of Corseletts? Reedes and Canes, for Men at Armes and Lances: our Friendes for our Enemies? and a White Crosse for a Redde? When as the Duke of Bourbon tooke Rome, an Antient that was in gard in Saint PETERS Bourg, was so amazed at [Page 491] the first Alarum, as he went out at a hole in the Wall made with a great shotte, with his Colours in his hand out off the Towne, going directly towardes the ene­mye, thinking that hee had retyred into the Cittye: but seeing Monsieur de Bourbons Troupes prepare them-selues to incounter him, supposing it had beene a Salley which they of the Towne had made, hee came to him-selfe, and turning head re-entered by the same hole, hauing gonne three hundred paces before the Company.

The Antient to Captaine IVILLE was not so for­tunate, when as S. POL was taken from vs, by the Earle of Bure and Monsteur de Reu. For beeing so transported with feare, as hee cast him-selfe with his Colours out off the Towne, by a Canonier hee was taken and cut in peeces by the Assaylants. And at the same seege the Feare of a Gentleman was Admirable and Memorable, the which did so nippe and congeale his Heart, as hee fell starke dead at the breach, with­out any wound. M. MONTAIGNE. lib. 1. Of his Es­sayes. chap. 18.

Pope PAVLVS the third, hauing in the yeare of our LORD GOD 1536. exhorted the Emperor CHARLES the 5. and the great King FRANCIS to parle together at Nice, the Emperors Fleete came to anchor in the port of Ville franche, where they stayed a daye. About Noone, as some Imperiallists, did walke beholding the Sea and the high Alpes, they discouered a thicke cloud, which did rise like the smoake of a Pallace standing on the side of a Hill not farre from them. And for that this Cloud did increase and growe by lit­tle and little, some beganne to maintaine and say, that it [Page 492] was a mournfull signe, and that BARBAROSSA Ge­nerall of the Turkes fleet did approch, to surprise both the Pope and the Emperour. Vpon this feare they giue an Alarum. All the whole Fleete is so terified, as the Marquis of Guast Collonel of the foote, perswaded the Emperour to get to the toppe of the Appenin hills, and ANDREVV DORIA who commanded as Admirall, caused them to weigh their Anchors and to turne their Galleyes, yet the Emperor would not stirre, saying it was a false brute. as it appeared soone after, that a con­tri-man fanning beanes in the open Ayre to draw them from their chaffe, had caused much dust, and at sixe and thirty seuerall times had raised this smoake, which many did hold to be sixe and thirty Gallies, yet some Matri­ners did affirme that it was the Turkish Fleete. But the deceit beeing discouered, this feare (which had made most of them to looke pale and tremble) was now tur­ned into mirth and laughing. P. IOVIVS. lib. 17. of his Histories. I do not here make mention of the feare the Armies were in, in the Realme of Naples, and at the bat­tle of Montlhery; in the one of them they tooke a Heard of Srags, and Hindes for a troupe of men at armes; and in the other Thistles for a squadron of Pike-men: as IO­VIANVS PONTANVS lib. 2. of the warre of Naples. PHI. COMINES in the History of LEWIS the 9. and PAVL AE­MELIVS. lib. 10. make mention: for that I doe chiefe­ly busie my selfe about Histories that are lately past.

In the third Ciuill-warre of France vnder CHARLES the ninth in the yeare 1568. the Armies being in Poitou, neere vnto Iasenueil, it happened that the Prince of Con­dé hauing fa [...]led of an Enterprise, and retyring in the night, all the baggage of his foote-men stayed by a [Page 493] wood side, in the Reere of his Men at Armes: where the Gun-carts and seruants made all things ready thin­king they should haue camped there, making aboue 4000 Fyres, not seeing the Prince retyre by reason of the night. Some of the Duke of Anious Army, set to in­counter the Prince, seeing this great number of fires, thought certainely that it was the Princes Army, and that they should haue battle the next day: which made them the more carefull to fortefie their Campe, Cap­taine GARIES offered to go and descouer what it was: but they wold not hazard any thing against these braue souldiers, who talked, song, and made great cheare a­bout their Fires, without any apprehension at all: they left feare to the others, who imagined that which was not. History of our Time.

About six and twenty yeares since there was a false brute of the comming of the Turkes Armie to inuade Austria: so as both Cittizens and Country men (with­out knowing the Author) tooke a strange alarum, saying one vnto another that the Turke approched with so ma­ny thousand men, and had no more to doe, but to en­ter into the Country. The feare was so great as all aban­doning their Houses, Villages and Townes, began to dislodge in great troupes, with their Wiues and childrē, some on horse-backe, others in Cartes, and the most part on foote running as fast as the could to Townes and places of strength, in such great hast, as many children falling to the ground were there miserably slaine vnder the Horse feete, and the Cart-wheeles running with all speed. The Barronesse of Rosestin, an honourable La­dy and of singular piety, hath tolde mee, that her hus­band beeing then at Lints, the Captaine of the Castle [Page 494] of Schallenbourg, seated vpon the side of a rocke where as shee then was, aduertised her that manie troupes of Men, Women and Children came running thether ward. Shee putting her head out at a windowe, and seeing these poore people runne like scattered sheepe, sent one of her seruants on horse-backe vnto them, to knowe the cause of this amazement. Beeing retur­ned hee sayd that all these poore people did assure him that the Turkish squadrons were verie neere at their heeles. Vpon this report, the Baronesse receiued all them that fled: so as the Castell, the base Court and the ditches were all verie full with them. This sodaine feare did runne from Vienna vnto Lints, which is about some thirtie howers iorney. The trumpet of Lints that stoode in a watch Tower, which descouered a farre of, gaue the Alarum, as if the Turkes had beene hard euen at hand so as all they of the Towne ranne presently vn­to their armes. But beeing soone after knowne that it was a troupe of Hungarian Oxen, which had raysed a great dust, euery man retired: and those that had fled beeing dispersed in diuers places recouering their spirits by little and little, returned home to their houses. M. IAMES HOST a Physition, in his History of the golden tooth of a Child in Silesia.

In the yeare 1592. an other feare did shake all the Cittie of Labac, the chee [...]e Cittie of Carnia, some one hauing reported that a mightie Turkish armie ap­proched so neere as without anie worde speaking, all both young and olde, great and small, beganne to take an alarume, and to trusse vp their baggage: making vp their packes, and lading of Cartes with the best stuffe they had, the poorer sort carried what they could vpon [Page 495] their shoulders, and Women bare theyr yong chil­dren in theyr armes, and the bigger they ledde in their handes. The streetes did eccho againe with sighes, lamentations and miserable cries, mingled with a strange confused noyse through-out all the Cittye: To conclude it was a pittifull spectacle. So as the newes continuing and remayning still that the Turkes approched and drewe nere, there was nothing to bee expected but a horrible flight of all in generall, with such blinde disorder and tumultuous violence, as in the presse of the people, of Horses and Carts, ma­ny Children and some Women lost their liues, beeing smothered, this feare continued 3. daies being impossible to assure and bring backe them that fled, who in the end otherwise perswaded by diuers Aduertisements and Messages, returned to their howses. The same Author.

ALDANA a Spanish Captaine, Lieutenant to King FERDINAND in Transiluania, fearing least MAHO­MET BASSA of BVDA, should come and beseege him in Lippe, was so surprised with this Feare, as he resolued to ruine both the Towne and the Castle. Two Men at Armes beeing sent to descouer, hauing heard noe newes of the BASSA, comming neere the place, be­gan to runne their Horses, to g [...]ue him notice that there was no cause of Feare. They were followed by a great Troope of Cattle.

ALDANA imagining and thinking that it was the Turkish Armye, before the which the two Men at Armes did flie, hauing not the patience to attend and staye for theyr comming, transported with great feare hee set fire to a trayne of Gun-powder which did o­uerthrowe the Castle, the Towers, and brake the [Page 496] Cannon, to the great griefe of his souldiars, condemning his basenes: which done hee fled into Transiluania. The BASSA seazed presently vpon the ruines, and of a Ca­stle that was inexpugnable, called Soliman, abandoned by these amazed Christians, whome hee followed with such speede, as he ouertooke them and cut them in pee­ces. Then hauing seised vpon Transiluania, hee made it subiect to the yoake. ALDANA beeing imprisoned, and conuicted of base cowardise, was condemned to loose his head, but by the intercession of MARY Queene of Bohemia Daughter to CHARLES the 5. & wife to MAX­IMILIAN the 2. his life was saued. ASCANIVS CEN­TORIVS lib. 5. & 6. of his Commentary of the Warres of Transiluania.

SOLIMAN the Turke hauing beseeged Vienna in Au­stria, the 26, day of September in the yeare 1529. the be­seeged made a salley of 8000. Men the sixt of October, with an intent to chase the Enemy out of the sub-urbes, and to blowe vp their Mynes. They chased awaye the Turkes that were towards the Castle-gate, and cut ma­ny in peeces that were neere the Towre of Carinthia. Beeing ready to proceed further, aduancing couragious­ly, one cryed with a loud voice that the should retire & put them-selues in battle. This crie did put the souldiers into such a sodaine feare, as they beganne to leaue theyr rankes and to flye towardes the Citty, in such disorder as some thrust violently by the rest, fell into the Ditches and Trenches, where-as many were hurt and slaine with their owne Armes. Captaine WOLFGANG HAG, seeking to rally his Souldiers againe together, and put them in minde of the valour of the ancient Germaines, was compassed in by the Turkes, and abandoned by his [Page 497] owne men, died fighting. Historie of the siege of Vienna.

AVSVN, a Gentleman of Gaseonie, valiant and of great experience in Warre, of whome they had made such esteeme in Piedmont, as his prowesse was com­mended of all men, being at the Battaile of Dreux, in the first ciuill Warres, in the yeare 1561. was so terrifi­ed at the first charge, as for feare he was chased euen vn­to Paris, where remembring himselfe of his error, hee dyed for greefe. Historie of France vnder CHARLES the uinth.

IOHN DESGORRIS, a learned Physition of our time, as his Booke of Physicall definitions doth testifie, hauing beene called by the Bishop of Melun, to cure him of a certaine disease: to the end that hee might re­turne safely to Paris, where he dwelt, and that they of the Cittie, being then in Armes (for it was during the first troubles) should doe him no harme by reason of his re­ligion, the Bishop put him into his Coache, and caused him to bee carryed close. Certaine Marchants, to whom the Bishop was much indebted, yet would not paye them any thing: hauing some intelligence of the comming of this Coache, caused it to bee arrested by Sargeants, with an intent to seize vpon all the goods that might bee in it. This seazure did so trouble DES­GORRIS, and put him into such a fitte, thinking that hee had beene fallen into the hands of cut-throates, as for a time his braines were troubled, and had much adoe to recouer him-selfe. THOMAS ZVINGER, lib. 1. of his first volume, by the reporte of HVBERT LAN­GVET.

CHARLES du MOVLIN, a learned Lawyer, borne at Paris, being in the Vniuersitie of Tubingue, to read a [Page 498] lawe Lecture, at the Duke of Wirtembergs charge, hee was lodged as it were by force in the house of a certaine Germaine borne there, who taking no pleasure to haue such a guest, whom he called a stranger, to molest him, he sought out many Rattes and Mice, and let them goe in euery corner of his house. The which Du MOVLIN seeing (who hated such Beasts wonderfully,) beeing much amazed, he dislodged instantly, and went to seeke an other aboade. THOMAS ZVINGER in the same Booke.

A Spaniard surnamed VILLADARE, beeing in the presence of Cardinall XIMINES, among others that as­pired to bee graduates in Diuinitie, and seeing that they had named fiue or sixe before him, hee fell into such a rage and trouble of minde, seeing himselfe set behinde others, as he was surprized with a conuulsion, so as his members did tremble, and beeing the eight man that was called, rising from the place where hee was to goe and sitt among the Graduates, this place was seene all wette with his Vrine, which had gone from him in this extremitie. ALVARES GOMES lib. 4. of the Historie of Cardinall XIMINES.

In the yeare 1536. NICHOLAS GROVPE, being in the Towne of Anneberg, where hee had long expec­ted the first good Prebend that should bee voyde, which the Bishop of Misne had promised him, hauing recei­ued Letters from him, by the which hee made him his Suffragan and Vicar generall, hee was so transported and ouer-come with ioye, that before hee could finish the reading of the Letter, hee gaue vp the ghost. G. le F [...]VRE liber 3. of his Annales of Misne.

[Page 499]In our time, the Iudges Wife of Vi [...]-fezensac in the Countie of Armaignac, about three-score yeares olde, beeing tolde (to drawe her out of companie) that her Daughter was dying, beeing arriued, and so finding her merry and well, shee dyed sodenly. IOVBERT lib. 1. of Laughter, Chap. 11.

After the Battaile of Montconter, an honest Gentle­woman thinking her selfe to haue lost her husband, a braue Gentleman, to whome it was reported that hee had beene slaine, seeing him returne vnlooked for, after some moneths, shee was seazed with such ioye, as shee dyed sodenly in his armes. In the Historie of our time.

During the League, an other Gentle-woman hauing after much care, sute, charge, and trouble, retyred her husband, a learned Man, who had beene prisoner many moneths among cruell people, where hee had beene as it were wonderfully and miraculouslye preserued, like vnto DANIELL in the Lions denne, seeing him re­turne safe and well, shee was rauished and ouer-come with such content, as presently after his arriuall, shee yeelded her soule to GOD. The Historie of our time.

An Honorable Woman, thinking that her husband had beene slaine at Paris, the foure and twentith of Au­gust 1572. for that hee came not home at his prefixed time, which was in the beginning of September, stay­ing three weekes longer, and comming home safe to his owne house, seeing him, shee lost her speech, and could not speake one worde to him, but onely did beholde him, like one that had lost her right sences. Hauing powred forth many bitter teares, shee recoue­red her former speech a little, as comming to her [Page 500] selfe out of a trance, for fifteene nights after shee could not possiblie sleepe aboue, three quarters of an houre in a night, some-times touching her husband when he slept, and in the day time looking on him with admiration, as if shee did not beleeue her sences. In the ende shee recouered her selfe, confessing vnto mee aboue tenne yeares after, that this passion had won­derfully troubled her. Yea I haue heard her say for cer­taine, that beeing with Childe aboue eleuen yeares af­ter this accident, shee had felt a new charge in her fantasie, of that which had happened vnto her, belee­uing confidently, that her fruite should feele of it here­after: where-in shee was not deceiued. But the respect I beare to that familie, makes mee forbeare to tell the rest. The former belonging to my purpose, to shewe the vehemencie of passions. Drawne out of my memo­rials. I haue heard some credible speake of a young man, whome two Maydens in tickling had moued to laughe so much, as hee neuer laught more, nor spake more words. They thought hee had beene in a sowne, but they were mukh amazed and sore afrayde, when they see him dead. IOVBERT liber 1. of Laughter, Chap. 27.

Mounsier BOISSONNADE Phisition of Agen, a ve­rye learned expert, carefull and honest man, hath wit­nessed vnto mee, that the Mistresse of the Tennis Court in Agen, an ancient Woman, dyed with ex­treame laughing, hearing a strange and ridiculous tale. lib. 3. Chap. 16. In the same third Booke, Chap. 14. Doctor IOVBERT reportes three pleasant Histories of certaine sick folkes, that were abandoned of the Phisi­tions, and cured strangely by extreame laughing, seeing [Page 501] some pleasant trickes of certaine Apes playing in their Chambers, these meanes stirring vp and reuiuing na­ture, which was opprest, and as it were choakt with their infirmities.

I Will report wonders of a Tur­kish Pilgrim. Hee went attyred in a long Cassacke and a white Cloake downe to his heeles, with a long Beard: as our Painters do represent vnto vs most of the Apostles, vnder a graue shewe he hid a craftie spirit. The Turkes did admire him, and honour him as a Saint, and a doer of myracles: perswading my Interpreters to lead mee vnto him, that I might see him. Hee dined at my Table soberly and modestly. Then going downe into the Court, he returned soone againe: hauing taken vp a great Stone, hee strooke him selfe such blowes vpon the naked brest, as they had beene able to haue killed an Oxe. This done, he laid hold vpon a peece of Yron, which they had express [...]e put into the fire, so as it was red whotte, hee put it into his mouth, and turned it vp and downe, the Spittle hissing as wa­ter doth, when as a Smith quencheth a fier [...]e hotte Yron in it. This Yron was reasonablie long, and great, and square at the end, the which entred so whotte into his mouth, as it was like vnto a burning coale. This done, hee puts the Yron againe into the fire, then [Page 502] hauing made an obeysance vnto mee, and receiued a re­ward, hee departed. My seruants beeing amazed at this sight, one of them thinking him-selfe more suffi­cient then his companions, began to saye vnto them. Poore fooles why doe you wonder? doe you thinke that this counterfet hath put the fire in his mouth indeed? They bee Impostures and iugling trickes. And in say­ing so, hee layde holde of the Yron by the verye ende which was out of the fire, to shew that it might be han­dled without any hurt or burning. But hee had no sooner gript it in his hand, but hee shakt it off as spee­dily: but not with such ease: for the space of many dayes, hee had the palme of his hand and fingers so pittifully burnt with the fire, as hee had much paine to heale it.

His companions could not conteine them-selues from laughing, asking him, if hee did not beleeue that a flaming fire was whotte? adding, That hee might if hee pleased, make a second tryall to confound them whome hee had so mocked: But hee would no more meddle with it. At dinner, this Turke who sayde he was a Monke, reported vnto mee, that his Abbot, a holy and famous man for his miracles, was accustomed to cast his cloake vpon a Lake neere vnto the Couent, and then did sit vpon it, and did sport himselfe as easily vpon the water in this sort, as if hee had beene rowing in a faire and calme day in a Boate. That when as they did flea a Sheepe, the manner was to sowe vp this Abbot in the skinne, so as the fore-feete were fitted to his armes, and the hinder to his thighes: and in this equipage they did cast him into a burning Ouen, where hee remained vntill the Sheepe was roasted, then they drew him out of the [Page 503] Furnaise whole and sound, to eate his part of the Mutton merely with his Monkes. If you will say vnto mee, that such miracles of Sathan, are Impostures where-vnto you giue no credit, no more doe I. I tell you but what the Monke reported: but as for the burning Yron, I did see it with mine owne eyes: the which is not so admira­ble, as you would thinke at the first: for I doubt not but this counterfet worker of miracles, going to seeke a stone in the Court-yard to beate his brest withall, might an­noint his mouth with some-thing that was fitte to resist the violence of the fire, as you know there is. I remem­ber to haue seene in Saint Markes at Venice a Monte­bancke, which did willingly handle molten Lead, and washt his hands there-with, with-out any burning. The Seignior of Busbeque Ambassador to FERDINAND and MAXIMILIAN Emperors, in his discourse of his voyage into Turkie, Epist. 4.

IN the Towne of Rutlinquen, a certaine passenger came into an Inne, and gaue a Budget to keepe vnto his Hoste, in the which there was a great summe of mo­ney. Asking it againe at his departure, the hoste denies it, giues him iniurious words and mockes him. The passenger calles him in question before the Iudge, and for that all was done with-out wit­nesses hee was ready to offer his Hoste an othe, who de­sired nothing more, giuing himselfe vnto the Diuell, if hee had receiued or concealed the Bouget of mo­ney that was in question. The Plaintiue demanded [Page 504] respight to consider if he should offer him this oth, & go­ing out of of the pleading place, hee meetes with two men, who inquire the cause of his comming thether. He reportes the whole fact vnto them. Well say they, wilt thou that we shall helpe thee in this cause. Hee yeelded not knowing what they were. Therevpon they returne all three before the Iudge: where the two last come, be­ginne to iustefie vnto the host, (who was not yet gone) that the bouget had beene deliuered him; that hee had receiued it and hidden it in such a place. This periu­red wretch knewe not what to answer. And as the Iudge resolued to send him to prison, the two witnesses beganne to say: you shall not neede: Wee are sent to punnish his wickednesse: Saying so, they tooke and lift him vp in the aier, where he vanished with them, and was neuer after found. I. le GAST de BRISAC in the 2. volume of his table talke. GILLYBERT COVSI [...] in his narrations.

IN the yeare 1502. the 22. of Iune all the Countrie about Berne, Soleurre and Biennie, of a great compasse, was beaten with a thicke hayle, the stones beeing as bigge as Hens eggs. Seauen daies after, an other greater storme of hayle spoiled all the Countrie of zurich, slue manie peasants and others that went into the fields, with much Cattell, foule and wilde Beastes.

Eight yeares after, in the yeare 1510. in Lombardie [Page 505] there fell from Heauen aboue twelue hundred stones, among the which as CARDAN reports in his Booke De­rerum Varietate, was found one of sixe-score pounds waight, and an other of three-score; many were brought to diuers French Noblemen, commanding then in those places for the King. These stones were of a rustie col­lour, very hard and smelt of sulphur. Two houres be­fore this shower, the Heauens seemed all on fire: what the miserable estate of Milan and the Neighbour Coun­tries were afterwards. GVICHARDIN doth shewe in his His­torie of the warres of Italie.

The 19. of Iuly 1528. the Countrie lying about Ausbourg, was wonderfully spoiled with hayle stones, greater then a bigge mans fiste, falling from Heauen for the space of some houres. Three yeares after there fell such a violent hayle about Basil, as all the vignes were spoyled. At Lisbonne in Portugall it rayned bloud in great aboundance. In the yeare 1542. it rayned bloud in the Diocesse of Munster, aboute Sassenbourg, not farre from Warendorfe.

In the yeare 1544. there fell great store of haile a­bout Silesia, the stones whereof were as bigge as Estri­ges egges, and in them there appeered plainely the fi­gures of long partie colloured breeches after the Lans­quenet fashion. And in manie of them beeing broken, there were found stones made like vnto Turkish Tur­bans. In the vpper Alsacia, about Colmar an Imperiall Towne, there fel from heauen a great shower of Froggs and Toades in the yeare 1549. The peasants were troubled for some daies to kill this Vermine with staues: and then least the aire should bee infected, the Magi­strate caused them to bee gathered togither vpon [Page 506] heapes, and then filled great ditches with them. In the yeare 1550. some dates before Easter in the moneth of March, two houres together there f [...]ll from Heauen about Clagenfurt and Villa [...] Townes of Carinthia, good wheate in great aboundance, which the Inhabitantes of those places did gather togither, & made good bread a long time of it.

A yeare after, which was 1551. it rayned bloud ouer Lisbonne in Portugall; the same yeare a little before Whitsontide, the cloudes opening, there fell such streames of Water about Kittengen in Franconia, as the flouds vpon the Land drowned manie men, and much Cattell almost in an instant. A great farme con­sisting of manie houses, was ouerthrowne and almost all that dwelt in it drowned. The Bridge at Kittengen was beaten downe and carried awaie; and if they had not sodenly giuen passage to the Waters, percing the Towne walles, all had beene lost. There were fiue houses quite ouerthrowne▪ fiue others in a village, cal­led Rotolsee: and fiue in an other place: fiueteene men were drowned at Speckfurt, and manie houses beaten quite downe to the grownd, as also at Pabemberg, where­as the vignes and corne-ground was spoyled after a very strange manner. At the same-time betwixt Gethe and Ise [...]ac in Turinge, the continuall raine did make the Ri­uers to rise and swell in such sort, as in the village of Theutlebe fiue houses were carried away with a Farmer, and his fiue Children.

In an other village the Waters did drowne the Cat­tell that were in the field, and the young boyes that kept them. Towardes SchlakenVuals, where the mines are, these deluges did inestymable harme. The Riuer of [Page 507] Elbe beeing rissen with the raine Water, did much harme in the Countrie, and so did other Riuers at the same-time. The foureteene of August 1552. a great tempest rysing in the aire ouer Holland, there fell aboun­dance of hayle, euerie stone waying aboue one pound, beeing all of diuers formes. Some were verie like the Sonne, others were like vnto a Crowne of thorne, some resembled Wheeles, and other things. The Sonne ha­uing caused them to melt, there came forth a stinking smoke, the which infected the aire, whereof followed a great mortality of Cattell. Some monethes before, the Riuers of Sal and Mein, famous in Germanie, did ouer­flowe and ruined manie buildings, and drowne manie Men and much Cattell. It rayned bloud in France. And neere vnto Marpurg there was a poole seene manie times bloudie.

Budissine a Towne seated at the foote of the moun­taines (which PTOLOME [...] calles Suderes) at the entrie of the vpper Lusatia, a League from the spring of the Ri­uer Sueuue, did feele the thirteeneth of August in the same yeare 1552. the misery which followeth. At night a thicke cloud breaking and falling violently in the vallees, where there are manie pooles, the same bee­ing full and the causies broken, the Water finding a passage, it beganne to runne towardes this Riuer which was neere, and made it swell heigher then euer had beene seene, hauing of it selfe a swift and sodaine course, falling from the mountaines. Beeing then accompa­nied with these violent Waters, it did breake, ouerthrow and pull vp all the foundations of bridges, gardines and buildings that were a mile about, so as there were no signes of them to be seene.

[Page 508]This violent floud did drowne two and thirtie persons, which could not recouer the Towne in time. Many without saued them-selues in the neere Mountaines. It was thought that in this deluge there were aboue a hun­dred persons drowned.

In the yeare 1553. the extraordinary raine made the riuer of Rhine to swell and ouer-flowe, the which was the spoile of a great Countrie neere vnto the bankes. The Towne of Ruffach among others, was in danger to be drowned by this floud, the which was runne out in a short time, leauing in recompence of the spoile it had made, great abundance of Fishe vpon the land, in the Medowes and Marishes, yea euen in the Towne vautes. At Erford it rained bloud, the fift of Iune the same yeare: and at Lipsic the 8. of Iuly. In the same mo­neth some dayes before the Batraile betweene MAVRICE Elector of Saxonie, and ALBERT Marquis of Brande­bourg towards Held [...]sheim, there were many Trees and Herbes seene couered with bloud, which had fallen from Heauen. In the yeare 1554. the 26. of May, it rained bloud, neere to Dunke a Towne in Germanie. The yeare following, it did also raine bloud at Fribourg in Misnia. And on the sixt of Iune there was seene in the Castell Di [...]che of Vinaire in Saxonie, a Fountaine of bloud. There was an other betwixt Erford and Vinaire, and a third at Erford, which before was cleere and faire wa­ter. In the yeare 1556. about the twelfe and thirteenth of Maye, there fell a dewe from Heauen about Bresle and neere to Don, in the Canton of Bearne, the which had a taste sweeter then Honie. Two dayes after it raigned bloud neere to Schafouze. The second of September the raine fell in such aboundance at Locarne, as the [Page 509] towne was almost spoiled and in daunger to be ruined. These Histories are gathered out of the Collection of Prodi­gies made by L. LYCOSTHENES.

In Iune in the yeare 1586. there did rise ouer the Cittie of Constantinople, a darke cloude the which being dispersed, there followed a shower of Grasse-hoppers, which did nippe the fruits and the Leaues of Trees. The yeare following in December there happened a thing no lesse strange on the frontiers of Croatia neere to Vit­hitz, a Castell belonging vnto CHARLES Arch-duke of Austria. They did see [...] cloud of Ducks and Geese by thousands, which falling into a lake neere by: the night following they made so furious a fight, as all the neighbour Countries heard it▪ In the morning the Soldiars and Country-men ran [...]e thether, where they found a great number of Ducks and Geese that had kil­led one an other whereof they gathered great numbers: some a hundred, some two hundred, they drest them af­ter their manner, and liued thereof a long time. Those which remayned of this great armie of Combatants, be­ing seene in a medowe they tooke their flight and went else where. I. LEONCLAVIVS, in the supplement of the Annales of Turki [...].

THE tenth of September in the yeare 1513. IAMES the 4. King of Scotland, hauing imbraced the partie of France, tooke armes against England, and grewe so vehement in the quarell, as there was a battaile giuen, whereas [Page 510] King IAMES, and all the flower of the S [...]cotish Nobilitie were slaine in the field. At that time there was a Scot­tish Gentleman verie straightly imprisoned at London, who sayd openly, in the hearing of manie, some houres before the Battaile. If the two armies, English and Scot [...]ish) fight this daie, I knowe for certaine that the King my Maister wilbe to weake: for I doe obserue in this conflict of windes in the ayre, that the windes are verie opposite vnto Scotland. This speech was neither without reason nor without euent: for it is most cer­taine that the Angells, bee the preseruers of pub­like States, and of the holy order appointed by the al­mightie GOD, fight constantly against wicked and euill spirits which take pleasure in murthers and the o­uerthrowe of all good order, which the Lorde allowes, as wee reade in the Historie of Persia, whereas the An­gell tells the Prophit DANIEL that for a long time hee had supprest the euill spirit the which did mooue the Greekes to ruine the Persian Monarchie. IOACHIM CV [...]ABVS a learned Phylosopher and Physition of our time, in his Annales of Silesia.

Some yeares before, the Emperor MAXIMILIAN the first had made Warre against the Suisses, and ha­uing beene defeated in diuers Incounters certaine Astrologiens and D [...]uines aduised him to assayle that nation by some other waie, and with newe troupes, alleadging that a certaine starre which fauored the Suis­ses was nowe set, and that other starres fauorable to Princes and Monarkes did appeere. It succeeded ill with him, for that hee beleeued these Diuiners: for at the verie first Incounter not farre from Basil, the Suis­ses were victors, and wonne all his baggage. H. [Page 511] MVTIVS Booke 30. of his Chronicle of Germanie.

In the following Bookes wee will propounde manie other Histories of Predictions.

A Gentleman of Lombardie, named P [...]C­CHIO, valiant and wise, but full of the gout, beeing in disgrace with a great Noble-man, going one daie vnaduised­ly vpon his moyle some fewe Leagues from his house: hee was pursued and set vpon by this Noble-man, who was followed by some Soldiars, and then carried prisoner to a stronge Cas­tell out of the waie and shut vp in an heigh Tower, and committed to one of his confident seruantes to keepe. Hee was fed with bread and water, like a crimynall per­son condemned to perpetuall prison, and no man knewe who hee was. In the meane time they sought vp and downe for PECCHIO, but hearing no newes, of him, the Iustice of that place where he dwelt, thought that hee had beene slayne: for they had found his moile and some droppes of bloud vpon him. They make dilligent information, and two men are charged, with whome in times past hee had had a quarrell, vppon this presumption, they are miserablie imprisoned and greeuiously tortured in such sort as they were forst to confesse that they had slaine PECCHIO so as the one was hanged and the other beheaded. But PECCHIO was in prison, where hee continued nyneteene whole yeares, neuer changing nor putting of the clothes hee [Page 512] had. When they tooke him: yet full of hope that GOD would one day deliuer him. His Sonnes, accor­ding to the custome, made his funerall, and the deuided his goods. Hee was taken in the yeare 1540. and was deliuered in the yeare 1559. in this manner. The Lord who vsed him in that sort, beeing dead they intreated PECCHIO after his accustomed manner, neither did anie one euer see him, or speake to him in all this time. It chanced that this Lords heire had an humor to builde neere vnto this Tower, and as they pulled downe the Walles which did compasse in PECCHIO who had no light but by a narrowe clifte, by the which hee re­ceiued his meate and drinke, they spied this man with his clothes tottered, his beard long to his knees, and his haire hanging vpon his shoulders. Euery man runnes to this newe sight. Some persons well aduised did wish that hee should not bee brought too sodenly into the light, least it should dazell him, and that to much aire should make him fainte. By little and little hee re­couered his sight and strength. Then hee lettes them vnderstand what hee was, and of all his aduenture: in the end hee was knowne, reenters into his goods that were sold by his Sonnes, and beeing cleerely cured of his gout hee liued the remainder of his daies helthfully. The which I haue heard from his owne mouth in Milan, where I intreated him to set mee downe this discours, the which hee did at large in the yeare 1566. SYMON MAYOL an Italian Bishoppe in his Canicular daies. Disc. 4.

DVring the time that GREGORIE the 13. was Pope, there was a quarrell and sute for matter of religion, against IHON CASIER, great Maister of Malta. The Iudges appointed; the Re­gisters, Proctors, and witnesses had done all at Malta that might concerne this fact. ROMEGAS a Knight of Malta was his princi­pall accuser, and as it were a partie. All were adiorned to appeare before Pope GREGORIE at Rome in the yeare 1591. where I was, and did see ROMEGAS, and the great Maister arriue in Nouember. In December following ROMEGAS died, and presently after the great Maister, and they were both interred in the Trinitie Church. As for the Iudges, Registers, Proctors, and witnesses, being all imbarked in one ship, with the Infor­mations and proceedings of the Processe, they perished all vpon the Sea in the same moneth, and there remained not any leafe of the whole proceeding, whereby they might ground any sentence. SIMON MAYOL an Ita­lian Bishop in his Canicular dayes, Colloq. 4.

FRANCIS Marquis of Salusses, Lieu­tenant to King FRANCIS in his armie beyond the Alpes, wonderfully fauou­red in our Court, and bound to the King [Page 514] euen for his Marquisate, which had beene forfeited by his Brother: hauing no occasion offered him, and his af­fection contradicting it, suffred himselfe to be so surpri­zed with feare (as it hath beene iustified) by the good­ly Prognostications which were then spred abroad, to the benefit of the Emperor CHARLES the 5. and to our disaduantage (euen in Italie whereas these foolish pre­dictions had so great credit, as at Rome great summes of money were deliuered out by exchange vpon our ruine) that after he had often lamented with his priuate friends, the miseries which hee did see ineuitably prepared for the Crowne of France, and for his priuate friends, he re­uolted and changed his partie: to his great preiudice, not-with-standing all predictions. But he carryed him­selfe like a man encountred with diuers passions; for hauing both Townes and forces in his power, the ene­mies Armie vnder ANTHONIE de LEVA hard by him, and wee without any iealousie of him, it was in him to haue done worse then hee did, for by his treason we lost ney­ther man, nor Towne, but onely Fossan, and that after it had held out long. MONTAIGNE lib. 1. of his Essaies. Cha. 11.

THE Spanish Histories write at large of the ransome which ATABALIPA King of Peru, payed, to bee deliuered out of the bands of PIZARRE, valued at ma­nie Millions of golde: yet not-with­standing the Spaniards put him to death and spoiled infinite treasures, part where of was brought into Europe, where it was wretchedly wasted, & part with [Page 515] those robbers and their ships, was lost in the botom of the Sea. But in the warre made in our time by the Vaiuod of Valachia against the Turkes, in the yeare 1574. certaine Polonian Horsemen hauing defeated a great supply, and taken their Commander prisoner, who was a man of a tall and goodly stature, and so riche, as he offered almost an incredible ransom: although many did affirme that he had meanes to giue more. He offered vnto the Polonians if they would saue his life, and not carry him vnto the Vaiuod, to pay them twise as much gold, thrise as much siluer, and once as much in Pearle, as he should way. This sum was sufficient to winne the hearts of men of higher qualities: yet these Polonians (men which liue by carry­ing of armes, and seeke most commonly entertainement of them which will giue most,) chose rather to keepe the promise faithfully made by them vnto the Vaiuod, to bring vnto him all the prisoners they should take, then to lade them-selues with Golde, Siluer, or Pearles. They therefore carried him vnto the Vaiuod, who with-out demanding or accepting of any ransome, caused him to be cut in peeces with other prisoners: and soone after he himselfe was slaine by a Turkish Bassa, and the Polonians saued them-selues. LEONARD GORET in his History of the warre of IVONIE VAIVODE of Valachia.

AT such time as the French made warre in Italy, vnder the raigne of LEVVIS the twelfth, a riche Marchant of Milan, (hauing one onely Sonne called GA­LEAS, about tenne yeare olde) dyed, leauing his heire a verye great estate, [Page 516] whom the Mother (an honorable and vertuous Gentle­woman) caused to be carefully brought vp, and instruc­ted in all honest and decent exercises. Being come to the age of eighteene yeares, he began on the one part; to vnderstand the estate of his affayres, for that his Mother would not marry any more: and on the other, hee was perswaded by sundry exhortations to containe him-selfe in the way of vertue. There-vpon it happened, that there was a question for the recouerie of a great summe of money due by a Gentleman of Venice, who trafficked much into the leuant Seas. GALEAS who had not gone farre from his owne house, intreated his Mother to giue him leaue to make his voyage to Venice, to take some order for this businesse, hauing a ready witte fitt for any thing. The Mother consented, and after many goodly admonitions, hauing giuen him a seruant to ac­companie him, she suffered him to depart. Being come to Venice, the Gentleman that was his debtor, entertai­ned him courteously, and after some dayes, conducted him to Padoua, where his familie was, that hee might prouide for the paiment of his debt.

The Venetian had a Daughter called LVCRETIA, a­bout sixteene yeares olde, of whom at the first sight GA­LEAS fell in loue. The night following, hee had a feare­full dreame. It seemed vnto him that a Man vnknowne opened his brest and LVCRETIAS, and then fed vpon their hearts. Awaking sodenly all amazed, and crying out, hee tels vnto his seruant his passion, where-on hee had after-wards this dreame. The seruant who was a cunning Bawde, made him an exposition of this dreame, such as hee knew to bee fitte for his Maisters humor, and wrought so cunningly, that soone after the young [Page 517] Man and the young Maide talked secretly together, GA­LEAS promising LVCRETIA to take her away, and carry her to Milan, where when as they should come to riper age, they would marry. Their disordred desires did so blinde and transport them, as contemning all ho­nest and lawfull meanes, which were easie, they ranne head-long into the miseries which followed. GALEAS vsing diuerse treacherous practises, fained to send his ser­uant backe to Milan, with diuers Letters of affaires, and hee himselfe returned to Venice with the Gentle-man, where hee receiued money, and tooke order for all that for the which hee had beene sent by his Mother. After three dayes, newes were brought vnto this poore Gen­tleman of Venice, that they knew not what was become of his Daughter LVCRETIA. But GALEAS seruant lurking at Milan, had stolne her away, and carryed her to Milan, where hee had hyred a house, and left her in the guarde of an olde woman, who was some-times GALE­AS Nurce, who seemed to weepe with the VENETIAN: who vnderstanding that his Wise remaining at Padoua, grew desperate for the losse of her Daughter, went thether to comfort her: leauing GALEAS, who presently takes another way, saying, that hee went to his Mother, who had called him home.

Being come to Milan, after that hee had giuen an ac­coumpt of their common affaires, he goes to LVCRECR whom hee entertaines in his house so cunninglye, as for three yeares together nothing was discouered. In the end GALEAS had two crosse incounters. The one by LV­CRETIA, who desired the performance of his promise, and the other by his Mother, who did solicite him to marrie. He was wholy inclined to keepe his word, and to marrie [Page 518] LVCRETIA, but yet they were much troubled to disco­uer it vnto his Mother, who seeing a great alteration in him since his returne from Venice, did long muse vpon her Sonnes excuses: who being growne strong, riche, and in the flower of his age, was desired of the best fami­lies of Milan, who would not haue disdained his ally­ance. In the ende shee wrought so, as shee blew vp this Mine, and discouered that her Sonne entertained a very faire young Maide, in that lodging, where his Nurce had beene placed: but where-as shee should haue procee­ded freely, shee tooke a wrong course, which brought forth terrible effects, GODS Iustice vsing such meanes for the execution of his fearefull decrees. Watching a fitte oportunitie, shee sent certaine men disguised into the house where-as LVCRETIA was: they put a gagge in her mouth, and threaten her with death, if shee cryed out, and then they carry her secretly into a Monasterie of women, where shee is committed to safe keeping. GA­LEAS returning late to this lodging, and not finding her: vnderstood from his Nurse what had chanced: where­with hee entred into a strange furie, and continued all the next day without eating any thing. His Mother aduerti­sed thereof, went vnto him; and seeing him in the way to despaire, she began to assure him that LVCRETIA was whereas she would giue a good account of her, wishing him to take courage and be of good cheere. There-vpon he came some-what to him-selfe, hauing a promise that they would restore LVCRETIA againe vnto him that night. In the meane time he imagines, that these disgui­sed men had abused her: with other strange furies where­with choller had possest him: so as toward night LV­CRETIA being restored vnto him, he gaue her but a cold [Page 519] reception, then comming neerer vnto her, he sayd, there is no reason they should seperate vs any more, but that wee should concurre together in one death: at which wordes hee drewe out his Poynard, and stabbes her in such sort, as shee fell downe dead at his feete: with the same Poynard smoaking with LVCRETIAS bloud, hee strikes him-selfe vnto the heart, and after some wordes he dyed. The same night they were both interred, vpon a brute that they were dead of the plague, whom the con­tagion had presently chokt. History of Italy.

THE Citty of Genoa being taken by the Armie of the Emperour CHARLES the 5. the streetes, places, and houses, were full of the pittifull Lamentati­ons of Wiues and Maides, crying out for mercie and helpe. More-ouer it was a strange and horrible noyse which the Souldiers made, breaking doores and windowes, and spoyling the rich pallaces with a strange violence, others rauishing of Maides and Wiues, which they found in the houses. In this horrible confusion, ALFONSO d' AVALOS Marquis of Pescara, Colonell of the Imperiall foote­men, running vp and downe the streetes to preuent the wrong which they went about to offer to the honour of Women. A Gentleman of Genoa, taking him for some Captaine, begā to intreate him to suppresse the insolency of two Spanish soldiars that would rauish his Wife, a ver­tuous & honorable Gentlewomā, which cried for helpe. [Page 520] Sodenly the Marquis lights from his horse goes vp to the Chamber, and thrusts through one of these wretches who held the poore Gentle-woman by the haire, and striued to ouerthrowe her. One being slaine he followes the other, who fled downe the staires, and gaue him such a blowe, as he cleft his head in two. Then hauing cau­sed their dead bodies to bee cast out at the Chamber windowe into the streete, hee made a proclamation vp­on paine of death, that no man should presume to wrong (either in worde or deede) any honest maide or Wife. This execution restrayned the loosenesse of the Soldi­ars, and the Maquis for this worthie act, was honored of all good men. P. IOVIVS Booke 3. of his Historie of our time.

THE prouidence and care which the Creator of all things hath giuen to nature is admirable: for by a dai­lie custome shee doth furnish crea­tures with such force and dexterity, which haue the members crooked, defectiue or weake, or that haue none at all, or hauing, do more then is prescribed them: as we may wel say, that the perfection of a Creature con­sists, not in the distinction of members, but in the conti­nuall vse thereof. I haue often considered thereon. When we were at Cobourg, in the Lodging of ERASMVS NEVSTETER, a wise & vertuous Gentleman of Germa­nie: hauing giuen vs the best entertainement hee could deuise, hee sent to a certaine place not farre of for a yong [Page 521] man about thirtie yeares old, the which was borne with­out armes, who could do as much with his feete as a ve­ry able man could do with his hands, so as he him-selfe did afferme, that nature had recompenced one guift with an other. Being set vpon a seate equalling the heigth of the table whereon they set the meate, hee tooke a knife with his feete, and began to cut both bread and meate, carrying it vnto his mouth, and a goblet also, as easilie with his feete as an other doth with his handes. Af­ter dinner hee beganne to write both Italien hand and Dutch, so right and so well, as euerie one of vs desired to haue of it, to keepe for a singularity. At my request hee tooke a pen-knife and made good pennes to write, and presented them to mee and to others. Beeing thus busied, I did carefully consider the fashion of his feete and did finde this toes were sum-thing long, fit to laie hold of anything, and a farre off, they resembled the fin­gers of a mans hand: as for his legges hee kept them couered with his cloake. PH. CAMERARIVS a Ger­maine Lawier, in his learned Historicall Meditations. Chap. 37.

I haue seene at my house a little man borne at Nantes, without armes, who hath so well fashioned his feete to the seruice which his handes doe owe him, as in truth they haue halfe forgotten their owne naturall dutie. Fi­nally hee calls them his handes, hee cuttes, hee chargeth a pistoll, and dischargeth it, hee threads a needle, hee sowes, hee writes, hee pulles of his hat, hee combes his head, hee plaies at Cardes and Dice, and shakes them with as great dexteritie as any other, the money which I gaue him, hee carried away in his foote, as wee doe [Page 522] in our hand. I did see an other when I was a Childe, who handled a two-hand sword, and a halberd, helping him. selfe with the bending of his necke for want of hands, he would cast them vp in the aire and catch them againe, throwe a dagger, and make a whippe lash as well as any Carter in France. MONTAIGNE liber 1. of his Essaies. Chap. 22.

Of this last in my opinion, or of an other no lesse ad­mirable, Maister AMB. PARE makes mention in these tearmes. Not long since there was a man seene at Paris, without armes, beeing fortie yeares olde, stronge and lustie, who did in a manner all the actions that an other might doe with his hands: with the stumpe of his shoul­der and his head, hee would strike a hatchet as strongely, as an other man could do with his armes. More-ouer hee would lash a Carters whippe, and did manie other actions with his feete: hee did eate, drinke, plaied at cardes and dice: in the ende hee was a theefe and a mur­therer, and was put to death in Gelderland. Booke 24. trea­ting of monsters. Chap. 8.

Of late daies wee haue seene at Paris a woman without armes which did cut, sowe, and doe manie other actions. The same Author. I haue often-times spo­ken with the Brother of one, called N. MADAME, who hauing both handes eaten of with hogges, lying in the Cradle, beeing but a yeare and halfe olde, or there aboutes did helpe her selfe as well with the stumpes bee­ing growne great, as wee do with our fingers. Shee did worke excellently well in tapistrie, did threed her needle very arteficially, and did sowe well in lynnen. Memorials of our time.

[Page 523]Wee haue at Nuremberg a young man and a young maide borne of one Father and Mother, of a honest house, which are dombe and deafe by nature, yet both of them Reade verie well, Write, Cifer, and cast an ac­count. The yong man conceiues at the first by the signes that are made him, what they demand of him, and if hee wants a penne, by his countenance hee deliuers his thoughtes, beeing the cunningest player at all games of cardes and d [...]ce, that is to bee found among the Ger­maines. His Sister exceedes all other maides in wor­king with the needle, in all workes of Linnen, Tapistry, imbroydrie &c. But amongest the wonderfull recom­pences of Nature, this is remarkable, that commonlie seeing anie to mooue their lippes, they seeme to vn­derstand what is sayd. They doe verie often assist at Sermons, and you would saie, that they vnderstand with their eyes what the Preacher saies, as others are accustomed to doe by hearing: for as often as they will, and without anie teaching, or examples, they write the Lordes prayer and other Holie praiers: they can repeate the Texts of the Gospells that are Preacht on Hollie daies, and write them readelie. When as the Preacher in his Sermon makes mention of our Saui­our IESVS CHRIST, the young man before anie other puts his hand to his hat, and bends his knee with great reuerence. Inthetime of our Fathers, there was seene in Flanders, IOHN FERDINAND who was borne starke blinde and poore, surmounting these two dif­ficulties which are great enemies to learned men in such sort, as hee became a learned Poet and Phylosopher, as besides hee was so good a musitien, as hee plaied verie excelentlie well of diuers sortes of Instrumentes, [Page 524] to the great content of them that heard him: and besides did set songs of foure or fiue parts. Not much aboue a 100. yeares since, there were wonders seene in NICASIVS de VVERDE borne at Maklin in Brabant. Being falne blind before hee was three yeares old, yet he proficed so in all Diuinitie and humanitie (although he had neuer learned A. nor B.) as all men did admire him. Hee was Maister of Arte at Louaine. Regent of the Schooles at Maklyn, afterwards created Licentiate in Diuinitie, and read the Gospels publikely. After-wards being made Doctor in the Vniuersitie of Colen, of the Ciuill and Canon lawe, hee read publikely in the Schooles, in the one and the o­ther lawe, rehearsing the Texts by heart, and continuing a long time in this profession. PH. CAMERARIVS in his Historicall Meditations. Chap. 37.

Not long since was LEVVIS GROTTO in Italie, commonly called the blind man of Hadria, who beeing blinde from his birthe, shewed in his Ora [...]ions and Poe­sies that are in Print, a spirit as actiue and quick, as if he had turned ouer all the learned writings of ancient and moderne Authors. I haue read in his Poesies, Epi­grames as sharpe and as wittie, as any what-so-euer. In France also wee haue seene blind ROMIGLEVS, who in our time was a great Philosopher, a learned Gramarien, a subtill disputer, an excellent Preacher, of a quick iudge­ment, and a readie memorie, I haue spoke twise vnto him, and haue profited by his graue discourses. Drawne out of my Memorialls.

THE Rhosne is one of the swiftest flouds in Europ, and yet by a wonderfull se­cret, we haue seene it mount vp in such sort as the bedde of it hath lien drie, whereof I will produce two Histories. Comming out of the Coūtry of Valais, it enters very full into the long spacious Lake Leman, from Villeneufue where it remaines mingled the space of twelue howers easie sailing vnto Geneua, where leauing the Lake, it runs with a swift course by Lions. A quarter of a league from Geneua, the riuer of Arua (which is deepe) comming from Forsignie runs into the Rosne. I haue heard from men of credit (so sa [...]eth maister NICHOLAS de Gallars in his comentarie vppon the 14. chapter of Exodus) that in our time some 70. yeares sence, that at the same place whereas the riuer of Rhosne goes out of the Lake of Gene­ua, to enter into her owne chanell, it was so driuen back­ward through the violence of a South-wind as the waters going together vpon an heape in the Lake, the chanell remained drie for the space of an houre▪ and was so seene of manie, which haue liued longafter. In the yeare 1600. there was an other of the same Riuer at 3. or 4. reprises, beginning earely in the morning, and continuing vntill eleauen of the clocke, hauing great thundering going before. The boates lay drie. That which seemed admi­rable, was, that this flowing was but one side of the cha­nel, towards the towne, in the beginning of winter, & vn­der-neath a part of the great bridge, whereas the Cut­lers seruants went to gather vp nailes and olde iron. It [Page 526] is one of the armes of Rhosne, being then aboue fiue foote deepe. The other greater arme towardes the moun­taines retired halfe the water. This flowing lasted lit­tle; if it had continued but a quarter of an houre, it would haue drowned Saint Geruais Bourg. This ad­uertisment did amaze some and soone after the French King did seize vpon Bresse and all Sauoie, without stri­king anie stroake: but hee restored Sauoie againe to the Duke by the Treatie of Peace. Memoires of our time.

LADISLAVS King of Hungarie, hauing beene defeated & slaine by the Turkes at the battaile of Varne, amongest o­ther prisoners led to Constantinople, there were twelue yong Polonian gen­tlemen, who were put a part, to be cir­cumcised and to serue SVLTAN AMVRATH his infa­mous abomination, to whose Serrail they were conduc­ted for that horrible effect. They being resolued neuer to endure so foule an indignity, conspired generously to­gither, to kill this vilanous Tirant. But their intent being descouered by a certaine Traitor, they purposing to free themselues once for al, of the Turkish brutality and cruel­tie, hauing shut the dores of their Serrail fast vpon them, they tooke their rapiers and daggers and slue one an o­ther, in fencing: so as afterwardes the dores beeing bro­ken open, comming in, they found them lying here and and there sta [...]ke dead vpon the plancher, one excepted, [Page 527] who yet breathed, but hauing reported all aboue writ­ten, he died soone after [...]oyfully and content. CROMER liber 21. of the History of Poland. IOACHIN CVRAEVS in the Annales of Siles [...]a.

LVDOVICVS VIVES, a learned Spa­niard, reportes that hee had seene in Maklin, two yong Children Brethren, the one called PETER, the other IOHN, Sonnes to a Councellor of the Towne, faire and well proportioned but so like one an other as not onelie strangers, but euen the Father and the Mother were commonly mistaken, taking IOHN for PETER, and PETER for IOHN. In his annotations Booke 21. Chap. 3. in the Cit [...]y of GOD.

Don RODRIGVE GIRON, and the Earle of Vruegue were so like, as euen they which did serue them and conuerse daylie with them, could not distinguish them, but by their apparrell and carriage of their persones. A. TORQVE­MADE in his Hexameron Iourney 1.

The Earle of Beneuent had a foote-man, to whome a certaine man came, saying that hee was his Brother, and that being young, hee had left his parents. They were so like, as no man could well descerne them, but that hee which came last, seemed to bee some-what elder then the other. And although the foote-man were called by him to goe and receiue his part of a certaine inheri­tance, yet he sayd alwaies to the other, I knowe you not, I am not of your Countrie: swearing that hee was no­thing a kinne to him. Yet the other continued to loue [Page 528] him as his Brother: so as in the ende the Earle comman­ded them to goe togither to a certaine ancient Woman who sayd shee was their mother. The footeman went thether, beeing there, notwithstanding anie thing that he could alleage, hee could not put it out of this Womans head, but he was her owne Sonne. More-ouer to moue him the more, shee sayd vnto him, if you bee my Sonne, you should haue a marke on such a foote, and in such a place, which was burnt when you were young. The foote-man wondring thereat, confessed it to bee true. Yet he denied it still that hee was her Sonne: protesting that hee had neuer beene in that place, as it was true: for it was iustefied that he differed in nature from those peo­ple, and it was certainely knowne who were his parents. The same Author.

Beeing a boye, I did see an other strange thing in a place neere vnto Segouia, hauing staied foure or fiue daies in a mans house, whose Wife liued also. There were two Daughters so like, as turning but the eye you could not distinguish the one from the other. These young maidens were thirteene or foureteene yeares old: and hauing demanded of the Mother which of them was the elder, shee shewed me the one, saying that shee was halfe an houre elder then the other, for that they were both of one birth, and that with them there came a Son also into the world, who liued with an vncle of his in SE­GOVIA. And as I wondred at her speech, shee saied vn­to me. The Brother is so like to his two Sisters, as com­ming to see vs and to be merrie at Easter last, one day he and his eldest Sister changed their apparell, and deceiued both Father and me all the daie long, making great sport that wee did not knowe them, and that we tooke the one [Page 529] for the other, vntill night, that they made themselues knowne, and yet wee could hardlye beleeue it. In the same Author.

In our time there were in Auignon two Gentlemen Brethren, one resembling an other, both borne at one birth, sonnes to an Audienc [...]er of the Popes Court. They liued long, well limbd and strong, flaxen haired, both short sighted, of a sweete speech, gentle spirits, and plea­sing aspects. They were both learned, affecting to follow great men, and to deale in affaires. They playde both of the Lute, Song their parts, and did write one like vnto another, the sound of their voyce, words gesture, going and all their actions were so like, as their Father, Mother, and Brethren were deceiued to shewe the difference. IHON WILLEMIN, a learned man, hath confest vnto me, that liuing vsually with these two Bretheren, and talking in a manner hourely vnto them, yet he could not distinguish them, so as thinking to impart some secret vnto the one, hee found afterwards that it was the other: so as it was a reuiuing of SOSIAS in PLAVTVS AM­PHITRIO. More-ouer, these two Bretheren haue beene surprised at one instant, and seperated one from ano­ther, they haue beene toucht with one desire, and thought vpon the like desseine. Besides one being sicke, the other did likewise feele the apprehension, and did suf­fer some part of his Brothers greefe. More-ouer, the one not knowing any thing of the other, being both af­fected to one great woman, shee made them the like an­swers, but seuerally, and at diuerse houres, vnknowne one vnto an other, to whome the Gentle-woman an­swered, some-times to the one, thinking it had beene the other, then to the second, whome shee made much of, [Page 530] vnder this vaile which deceiued her by the report of his countenance with his Brothers. To conclude, the diffe­rence could neuer bee knowne but by them­selues: the one hauing a certaine marke on his necke, which hee brought from his Mothers wombe, by the impression whereof Nature would make some difference, thereby to take away that perfect resemblance, and to holde her propriety, which is to reioyce in the diuersitie of things; In the 2. Tome of Prodigious Histories, parte. 2. hist. 1.

In the time of FRANCIS SFORZA Duke of Milan, there was a B [...]uffon or Iester in his Court called MARQVESIN, who in face, iesture, and countenance, did so resemble SIGISMOND MALATESTE, Lord of Riminy, who had married SFORZAS Daughter, as if MALATESTE came to Milan, SFORZA knowing that it did offend him to haue a Bouffon taken for him of euery man, was forced to send MARQVESIN to some other place, whilest that SIGISMOND staied at Milan. B. FVLGOSE, in his Ex­amples. lib. 9▪

IHON REVLHIN, being sent by EVE­RARD Duke of Wirtemberg, in Ambas­sage to the Emperor, after he had faith­fully executed his Commission: The Emperor giuing to euery one riche pre­sents. REVCLIN refused all that was offered him: beseeching the Emperor, (seeing there was no reason to refuse any thing from the liberalitie of so great a Prince) that hee would bee pleased to giue him a certaine coppie of an Hebrew Bible, written with [Page 531] the hand many ages before, the which he obteined. IOHN BRASSICAN in his Preface vpon SALVIAN, Of the Pro­uidence of GOD.

IN the yeare 1540. three Bourguignon Gen­tlemen, of the first houses in France, the Ba­ron of Sen [...]se, the Baron of Corberon: and the Baron of Sarry, all three young, great Noble­men, French-men, and good friends, came together to Lions to buie Iewels, and Silkes for those whom they should marry: They lodged in an Inne called the Hogg, in Flanders streete, a famous lodging, but an olde build­ing, and very ruinous. For the loue that was betwixt them, they would lodge in one Chamber, and after they had spent the day together merrily, they would lye to­gether, that they might haue the more commoditie to talke. It happened as they were in bed, the one reading on a Booke, and the other two striuing who should be in the middest, sodenly the vpper plancher of the Chamber fell vpon them, so as all three were smothered vnder the burthen of this ruine. They were much lamented: and vpon this pittifull and fearefull accident, were made these verses following. Memorials of Lions.

I Giue this Title to the following Histo­rie, which is euery way admirable, writ­ten by a Marchant of the Lowe Coun­tries, in a discourse of his Voyage to Muscouia, not yet Printed that I knowe, the which I will set downe as briefly as possibly I can. Moscow the chiefe Cittie of all the Duke of Muscouies Countries, is a great Cittie, but ill com­pact, beeing three G [...]rmaine Leagues and a halfe in com­passe, comprehending the Suburbes, as much inhabited as the Cittie, the which hath not aboue a good French League about. The Streetes and Causeys are planted with great Trees, set very neere togethe [...], and boarded along the houses; beeing so durtie there in time of raine, as it is impossible to goe through the Cittie but on Horse-backe, according to the custome of the Coun­trie, where-as Horses are verye cheape, and of small charge, beeing vnshod, how long so euer the iourney bee, but when the Y [...]e lyes. The Houses are but of one storie, or two at the most, all built of Wood, pla­ced one vpon another. There are in the Cittie, Sub­urbes and Castell, fiue thousand fiue hundred Tem­ples, all in a manner like vnto Chappels: many beeing made with great Trees, one layde vpon the toppe of another. And they had high Towers with-out eyther Yron or Stone, very fine and artificially made. The great Dukes lodging is also of Wood: the which hee holds farre more healthfull, then if it were of harde Stone. The Castell is reasonably strong of Walles and [Page 533] deepe Ditches. It containes as much ground as the rest of the Citty. On the one side of it remaine the Sins, on the other side the Oprissins, which are as it were ouet­seers of the great Dukes treasure. These dispatch all Marchant strange [...]s, and assoone as you arriue there, you must deliuer into one of their hands all your goods. Be­ing gone from the Narue, about the 10. of Iuly 1570. I arriued at Moscow about the beginning of August, where I found the great Duke and his people busied to search out some 30. persons, all which dyed by the Hangmans Sword, onely one was cast aliue into boyling water, for that they had receiued presents and money. Most of them were great Noble-men, and very familiar with the Duke. The rest were Marchants of Nowgart, with their Wiues, Children and Families, beeing accused of trea­son in fauour of the King of Poland. Within fewe dayes after, a horrible plague entred the Cittie of Moscow, and the Countrie about it, with such vyolence, as in lesse then foure moneths there dyed aboue two hundred and fiftie thousand persons. And it was particularly obser­ued, that in eyght dayes, from the tenth to the eigh­teenth of August, there dyed 2703. Priests, and this Plague continued so strangely, as in the ende euery man did wonder, if hee mette with any one of his acquain­tance as then aliue.

This extreame misery was followed the yeare after with a strange ruine, the 15. of May. The occasion was, that the Emperour of the Tartares beeing malcontent, that the Muscouite payd him no more a certaine annuall Tribute, and hearing on the other-side, that the great Duke by his tyrannies and murthers, had so wasted his Countries, as they could make no great resistance on [Page 534] that side, hee did sommon him to paye his Tribute. But the great Duke answered him with reprochefull spee­ches and scornes. Where-vpon the Tartar left his Coun­trie about the end of February, hauing an Armie of a hundred thousand Horse, who in two moneths and a halfe, marched almost fiue hundred Germaine Leagues. Being within two dayes iourney of the Dukes frontiers, hee resolued to meete them, giuing them Battaile, but he lost it, with a horrible route and slaughter of his men. The Duke knowing that the Tartar would seeke after him, fledde with great speed as farre off as hee could. Hee was but nine Leagues from Moscow, when as the Tartares came to inuest the Towne, thinking him to bee there. They fiered all the Villages about, and seeing that the Warre would prooue too long for them, they resolued to burne this great Cittie, or at the least the Suburbes thereof. Hauing to that end disposed of their troupes round about, they set fire of all parts, so as it see­med a circle on fire. Then did there rise so vyolent a winde, as in an instant the Towne was fired. This fire was so sodaine, as no man had any leisure to saue him­selfe, but where hee was at that very instant. The num­ber of them that were burnt in this fire, came to aboue two hundred thousand: the which happened for that their Houses were all of Wood, and the pauementin the Streetes was of great Sappin Trees, the which be­ing Oylie, made the fire the more violent, so as in foure houres space, the Towne and Suburbes were quite con­sumed. I and a young-man of Rochell, my Interpretor, were in the middest of the fire, in a ware-house all vaul­ted of Stone, wonderfully strong, the Walles beeing three foote and a halfe thicke, and had vent but of two [Page 535] sides: one by the which they went in and out, the which was a good long entrie, and had three Yron doores, distant some sixe foote one from an other. On the o­ther side, there was a window, hauing three Yron dores one halfe a foote from an other, which vents wee did stoppe on the in-side, as well as wee could ▪ yet there came in so great a smoake, as it had beene sufficient to haue smothered vs, if wee had not had a little Beere, where-with wee did some-times refresh our selues. Ma­nie Noble-men and Gentle-men were smothered in Caues, whether they retyred them-selues, for their hou­ses beeing made of great Trees, comming to sincke so­denly, smothered them all. Others beeing consumed to Ashes, stopt all vent: so as for want of ayre, those that were shutte in perished. The poore Country-men twentye miles about, who had saued them-selues there with their Cattell, seeing the fire, retyred them-selues into a great voyde place in the Cittie, which was not paued with Wood as the rest were, yet they were all so roasted there, as one of the tallest men seemed but a Childe, the heate of the fire had so shrunke them vp: and that by reason of great houses that were about it. They were the most hideous and fearefull things to see that could bee imagined. In many parts of that place, men lay vpon heapes aboue halfe a Pike thick: the which did wonderfully amaze mee, not beeing able to com­prehend how they should bee heapt so one vppon an other.

This horrible fire made most part of the battlements of the walles to fall, and splitted all the ordinance that lay vpon the walles, which were made of Bricke after the Anticke fashion, with-out any Rampars or Ditche [Page 536] about it. Many hauing saued themselues about the walles, were notwithstanding roasted among others; there were manie Italiens and Wallons of my acquain­tance. Whilest the fire continued, it seemed to vs that a Million of Cannons thundred togither, and we drempt of nothing but of death, thinking that the fire would con­tinue some daies: by reason of the great circuit of the Cittie, Cas [...]ell and Suburbes: But all this was consumed in lesse then foure houres: at the ende whereof the noise ceasing, wee had a desire to see if the Tartares were en­tred, of whome wee had no lesse feare then of the fire. They bee people made for the Warre, and yet they eate nothing but rootes or some such substance, and drinke nothing but water; and the greatest Lords among them liue vpon no thing but vpon flesh that is sodden betwixt the horse-backe and the saddle wherein hee rides; yet they are stronge men, apt to endure paine and so are their horses, which runne wonderfull swiftly, and goe more ground in one daie feeding but vpon grasse, then ours will doe in three, though they haue store of oates. And therefore the Tartares come easily from farre to as­sayle the Muscouits. but they come onelie in Sommer, for the commoditie of their horses. Their Countrie is temperate, from whence they depart in the ende of Fe­bruary to bee in Moscouie in the beginning of Iune, and they returne in the ende of it into their Countrie, least they should bee surprized with Winter in Russia: the which happening, they should all die of hunger, by rea­son of the desartes conteyning aboue 300. Germaine Leagues not inhabited, and therefore without all releefe of victuells, and their horses also hauing no grasse; so as they are forced to make this voiage. Which is aboue [Page 537] 1200. Germaine Leagues, in foure or fiue monethes with­all their armie, the which doth commonly consist of a 150. or 200. thousand horse: but their horse-men are ill armed, carrying no other armes but a shirt of maile, with a Iauelin, and a bowe and a [...]rowes: they knowe not what artillery nor Harguebuzes meanes: hauing but two Cit­ties whereas their Emperor keepes his Court, without any other Townes, villages or houses: but they content them-selues to liue in Tentes which they remooue from place to place.

To returne to our miserie, hauing listened a little, we might heare some Muscouits running vp and downe through the smoake, who talked of muring vp the portes to keepe out the Tartares, who staied vntil the fire were al quencht. I and my Interpreter, going out of the ware­house, found the ashes so hot, as we durst scarse goe, but necessitie forcing vs, wee did runne to the cheefe port, where wee found fiue and twenty or thirtie men that had escaped the fire: with whome in a short time wee did mure vp that port and the rest, and kept watch all night with some hargubuzes that were preserued in the fire. In the morning seeing that the Cittie was not to be held by so fewe men as we were, wee sought some meanes to enter into the Castell, the entrie whereof was then in a manner inaccessible. Hee that commanded there was very glad to heare our Intentiō, & called vnto vs that we should be very welcome. But there was great difficulty to enter by reason of the Bridges that were burnt, so as wee were forced to climbe ouer Walles, hauing heigh Sappin Trees for Ladders which they had cast out vnto vs, in the which they had cut notches to keepe vs from slyding, Wee did climbe vp with great difficultie, for [Page 538] besides the apparent danger of those vneasie Ladders, wee carried about vs the summe of 4000. Dallers, and some pretious stones: the which did trouble vs much to climbe vp theese trees, and that which did increase our feare was, that before our eyes wee did see some of our companions, (hauing nothing but their bodies to pre­serue,) rowle downe from the top of these trees into the ditch full of bodies that were burnt: and wee could not goe but vpon dead bodies, the heapes whereof were so thick in euery place as we were forced to go ouer them, as if they had beene hills to mount vpon: and that which did much trouble vs, going vpon them, armes and legges did breake, the members of these poore Creatures, bee­ing calcined and dried vp through the heate of fire. Sin­king thus into these miserable carcases, the bloud and filth did bound vpon vs. The which caused such a stench through out the whole Cittie, as it was impossible to remaine there.

The 25. of May at night, as wee did attend in great perplexity what the Tartares would attempt against vs, who were 400. or there abouts within the Castell, the Tartares (whom we had saluted with our shot, and ouer­throwne some of them that had approched to neere one of the Castell gates) beganne to turne head the way by the which they came, with such speede as the next mor­ning all this storme was past for the which hauing prai­sed GOD, and giuen order for our affaires, as the pre­sent calamity would permit, wee departed from this de­solate Countrie.

I Was called to the suburbes of Saint Ger­maine, to the house of IOHN MATIAV dwelling at the signe of Saint Michell, to visit and dresse a young man about 28. yeares olde, of a sanguin complexion bee­ing seruant to one of the Admirall Birons Stewardes. Hee had fal [...]e forward with his head vpon a stone, and had hurt himselfe on the left side in the boane towardes the fore▪ head, by meanes of which blowe it had made a contused or bruzed wounde, without any fracture of the boane, so the seauenth daie he fell into a continuall feuer with a rauing, and a great inflamation, for that the hairy scalpe was hurt, and with all he had a great swelling ouer all his head and necke, hauing his face wonderfully disfi­gured beeing vnable to see or speake, neither yet to swal­lowe any thing, but that which was verie Liquide. See­ing these accidents, although the daie beefore (which was the eight after his hurt) hee had beene let bloud by GERMAIN AGACE a Maister Barber, who had drawne from him foure pallettes of bloud, and seeing the Accidents so great, and the patient stronge, I let him bloud againe, and drewe from him foureteene pallets of bloud at that one time: then the next daie seeing that neither his feuer, nor anie of the other Accidents were anie whit asswaged, but rather increased, I did let him bloude againe, and drewe from him foure pallets more. The next daie following, these strange Accidents, beeing nothing decreased, I was of an [Page 540] opinion to let him bloud againe, yet I durst not doeit alone, considering the great quantitie had beene drawne from him. I therefore intreated Monsier VIOLAINE, a Doctor of Phisick, a learned Man, and of a good iudge­ment, to visit the patient. Hauing felt his pulce, and find­ing it very strong, seeing also the great swelling, and the vehemencie of the inflamation, hee was of opinion that he should be speedily let bloud, and being told that they had drawne 22. pallets from him, hee sayd vnto mee, al­though they had drawne more, yet must they let him bloud againe? seeing that the two cheefe reasons that in­duce vs to let him bloud are apparent, that is, the great­nesse of the disease, and the strength of the patient. Being glad to heare his opinion, I drew from him three pallets more in his presence, and would haue drawne more, but he put it off vntill the after-noone, and then I drew two pallets more, which in all made seuen and twenty pal­lets (euery pallet of Paris conteining three ounces and more) the which were drawne from the patient in foure dayes. The night following he rested very well, and the next day I found him with out any feauer, the swelling was greatly fallen, and his inflamation almost gone, ex­cept his vpper eye-lids, and the soft grisle of his eares, which places did impostume and cast forth great abon­dance of filthe: So hee was fully cured, with the helpe of GOD, by those remedies, the which with-out his blessing had beene invaine. Maister AMBROSE PARE lib. 9. Chap. 14.

BABTISTA FVLGOSE, in the 1. Booke of his Exam­ples, Chap. 6. reports, that an Italian Priest called GER­MAIN, hauing beene let bloud, lost all remembrance of Letters, and not of ordinary and common things: so as [Page 541] he could neither reade nor write, no more then if hee had neuer learned it: and continued a whole yeare in that e­state. At the ende of the yeare, at the same time, and in the same place being let bloud, hee recouered his know­ledge of reading and writing, which he had before. TH. ZVINGER in the 1. volume of his Theater. Booke. 1.

I haue added this History, although it were of an age before ours, because it shewes of a strange letting of bloud.

IN the time of a great plague afflicting that part of the Countrie where I dwell, I did obserue a wonderfull reso­lution in all the simple people: and for that all of one house died, in one moneth. Infants, young and olde, they were no more amazed, they wept no more. I did see some that were afraied to remaine be­hinde, as in a horrible sollitarines: neither did I note a­nie other care in them but of their graues. They gree­ued to see dead carcases lying in the fields, exposed to the mercie of wilde beasts. A graue alone was held a great happinesse amongest them. Some made their owne graues beeing in good helth: others lay downe in them being yet a liue. And a worke man of mine with his hands and his feete drewe the earth vpon him in dying. Was not this an enterprise some-what like vnto the Romaine soldiars, whome they found after the bat­taile of Cannas, with their heads thrust into the holes, which they had made and filled vp with their handes, in [Page 542] smothering of themselues. MONTAIGNE Booke 3. of his Essaies. Chap. 12.

THere are some Iudges who to desco­uer Witches, and to make them con­fesse vpon the racke, the horrible crimes which they haue committed, are accustomed to shaue the haire in e­uery part of their bodies, & to change their apparell, with this perswasion that the will sooner confesse. BODIN in his Demonomania, seemeth to al­lowe of this, aboue all other expedients. And so doth SPRANGER. About a hundred yeares since an Inqui­sitor called CVMAN, held this course with one and forty Witches whome he caused to bee burnt. The like hath beene obserued by Maister IOSSE DAMHOVDERE, a learned Lawier in Flanders. Whoin his cryminall practise. Chap. 36. number 21. Reportes a memorable Historie to this purpose. It is not vndiscreetly done (sayth hee) to shaue all the haire of the bodies of certaine persons, and then to torture them; for by that meanes you shall hin­der the force of such remedies as they vse to make them­selues impassible, and without feeling in their torments: the which they are accustomed to practise by Magick Artes, Sorceries, Inchantments, and execrable charmes: as I my selfe haue seene, during the time that I was a Councellor in the Citty of Bruges: especially in an olde woman, who in her carriage, apparell, kinde of life, man­ners (which in shewe were irreprehensible) did so carry [Page 543] her selfe, as all did reuerence, respect and esteeme her, no lesse then one of the Apostells of our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST, for that shee did as it were miraculously cure the Children of many honorable families, making crooke-backes straight, setting legges and thighes that were broken sodenly, not by art nor by any medycines: but by words, inioyning some particular deuotion as a fast of three daies with bread and water: to say the Lordes praier thrice: to goe in pilgrimage to our Ladie of Ardembourg, or to Saint ARNOVL of Audenbourg, or to Saint IOSSE: or to Saint HVBERT in the Forest of Ardennes: or to cause a Masse or two to be song eue­rie daie, and to assist at them deuoute'y, or to cause some praiers or smal suffrages to be sayd at their charge. These deuotions dulie performed, with in fewe daies after the diseased were cured, through the hope which they and their friends had in this woman. Her carriage & miracles being published through the Country: the Councellors and Iudges (whose Iudgements were perfect, and did see more cleerely then the popular) caused this woman to be apprehended in the night, & carried to prison, but not very straightly kept, where the next day she was exami­ned, how, by what means, by vertue of what alliance, & with what cōfidency, she did those cuers? She alwaies an­swered confidently, that she had done all with a good in­tent and deuotion, for holie respects, and therefore they ought not to imprison her so ignominiously. Yet the Councel mooued by certaine & apparent presumptions, appointed that she shold be tortured: being brought vn­to the rack and mildly exhorted to confesse the truth; she persisted still in the negatiue, with an assured counte­nance: mayntayning, that shee had done nothing [Page 544] but by Lawefull meanes, and without conference with any euil spirit. There was present at her examination the Bourgomaster of Bruges, a man much afflicted with the goute, by reason whereof during her examination, he did some-times groone and crie out like a man that had beene rackt. The olde woman turning to him, sayd, Maister Bourgomaster will you be quite freed from this torment of the goute. If you please, I will cure you, and that soone. Is it possible (sayd the Bourgomaster). I would willingly giue two thousand Crownes to haue ease, I will giue it thee if thou canst performe what thou saiest. Then the Councellors and Officers that were present sayd vnto him. Sir beware what you say and promise. Beleeue vs (and sending this Witch into her Chamber) and heare quietly what we will say vnto you. The woman beeing carried away, they added. See in­to what daunger you are brought, through a vaine per­swasion, that this woman, like vnto the Apostles, can by Lawfull meanes cure your goute. In outward shewe, all that she doth seemeth holie and diuine, but if you looke narrolie into her actions, there is a great difference. Let her be called againe, and demanded howe she pretends to cure you: if she promiseth to helpe you miraculously as the Apostles did diseases in their time, and that shee followeth the course which they did, we will not contra­dict her, knowing that GODS arme is not shortned. If she vseth vnlawfull meanes, and relies vpon them, both shee and all her inuentions ought rightly to be suspected. Being therefore called backe againe, one of these Coun­cellors askt her: If thou presumest to cure the Bourgo­master of his gout, what meanes and remedies will thou applie, no other (sayth shee) but that the Bourgomaster [Page 545] beleeue for certaine, that I haue power to cure him: hee shall then be whole and sound of his feete. Hauing spo­ken these words, shee was sent back vnto her Chamber. Then the Councellors with one voyce and consent said vnto the Bourgomaister and to the Assistance. You may vnderstand by the answer of this Woman, that she doth nothing but by the power of Sathan, & that she doth vn­der-take to cure the Bourgomaster by vnlawfull meanes: for in her healing she doth not imitate the holy Apostles, who did cure diseases by faith and the power of GOD. saying vnto the Lame; In the name of our Lord IESVS CHRIST rise vp and walke. And to the blinde; In the name of our Lord IESVS CHRIST receiue thy sight: the one recouered his legges, and the other his sight, not by any humaine helpe, but by the Diuine power, in the name and faith of IESVS CHRIST. But this Witch doth brag to cure him, so as the patient trust in her, and beleeue that she can do it. This faith (or misbeleefe) is di­rectly contrary to the Apostles faith. This answer duly waighed and considered of; the Bourgomaister being sorry for that which he had said, would not commit him­selfe to the olde Woman, but was ashamed of his light­nesse. To returne vnto the Witch, for that she did persist in the negatiue of the offences where-with she was char­ged with apparent presumptions of truth: it was decreed againe, that she should be put to the Racke: where being roughly handled, shee made confession of some light faults. As for Sorcerie and Witch-craft, shee denied it confidently. Shee was therefore let loose and shutte in­to her Chamber. A while after beeing charged againe vpon new presumptions, shee was drawne to the Rack, where shee confessed certaine light faults, as shee had [Page 546] done before. But feeling her selfe tormented, shee be­ganne to crye out and say; Take mee from hence, else I shall poyson you all with the stincke of my excre­ments, the which I can no longer holde. There were harde by certaine Vaultes or Priuies, whether some of the assistance were of opinion they should suffer her to goe. Others that were better aduised, would by no meanes haue her let loose, least there should fall out some new difficultie worse then the former. But by the pluralitie of voyces shee was vnbound, and ledde where shee pretended to goe, where shee stayed aboue halfe an houre, without returning, not-with standing that shee had beene called twise or thrise: In the ende shee was forced to come from thence, to bee layde a­gaine vpon the Racke, the which they began to straine more then before. Shee with-out any lamenting or crying out as shee did before, began to laugh, and knoc­king with her fingers, shee began at the Iustice, saying. You my Maisters, and thou wicked Hang-man, doe what you will, your crueltie cannot preuaile against mee. Most of the assistants thought that the Diuell had made her impassible. For that shee would not aduowe any thing of that where-with shee was charged by new informations: but beeing stretcht out vppon the Rack, shee did eyther laughe or sleepe. So as beeing vnbound, shee was carryed againe to her accustomed place. Afterward some other witnesses were heard, and newe proofes allowed: Wherevpon it was ordeyned, that shee should bee the third time tortured. But before shee was layde vpon the Racke, wee caused her to bee powled, and all her hayre to bee shauen: then was shee layde vppn the Racke againe, and tortured verye [Page 547] sore. Continuing still thus obstinate, some of the com­panie remembred, that they had not shauen the hayre vnder her Arme-pittes, and in some other places which I name not. They called certaine Women, who laying hand on her, found little scrowles of Parchment thrust into her priuie partes, conteyning certaine names of euill spirites, and some Crosses betwixt both. These scrowles beeing deliuered vnto the Iustice, were the cause that shee was stretcht againe vppon the Racke, where-as then shee beganne to crye at the first pull, and to confesse euery pointe of that where-with shee was charged by three Informations.

Beeing demanded the cause of her obstinate perse­uerance in her former denialls, shee sayde, that if they had not shauen away all her hayre, and depriued her of those breuets, the trueth had neuer come out of her mouth, for that the force of the euill spirit was such, as with the helpe of her haire, and those billets shee was impassible, as it appeared. Some condemned her to bee burnt aliue, others for the most part to doe a rigorous penance publicklye, and then to bee banished for euer, vppon paine of burning. According to this last ad­uise and counsell, shee was set vppon a Scaffolde, and a false Periwigge made for her, the which was taken from her head by the Hang-man, and cast into a great fire made to that ende: and shee was ledde by two Se­nators and the Aduocate of Bruges, out of the Terri­torie. So shee retyred out of the Countrie of Flan­ders into Zeland, remaining some certaine weekes at Middelbourgh, where shee returned presentlye to her first trade. FLORENT DAM, Iudge of the Towne was aduertised presently by vs, of all the cause that had [Page 548] past in the processe of this woman; and in fauour of Iu­stice, there was sent vnto him a coppie of the Informati­ons, of her confession vpon the Racke and of the sen­tence that was giuen against her. By meanes whereof he had a watche ouer her, and discouering by diuerse ap­parent presumptions, that shee did continue in her diui­lish sorceries, caused her to bee apprehended and put in prison, who hauing straightly examined her by her vo­luntary confession, and according to the former Iudge­ment, he condemned her to be burnt, the which was exe­cuted. Then he sent Letters of aduice to the Councell of Bruges, of all that had past, & by mouth made a large dis­course to DAMHOVDERE, from whom we had this relation. I GEORGE GODELMAN in his Treatise of Witches and Witch­craft. lib. 3. Chap. 10. sect. 38.

About the yeare 1545. there was discouered at Cor­doa, a very famous and renowmed Towne in Anda­lousia in Spaine, that which followeth. A Childe of a poore familye called MAGDELINE de la Croix, of the age of fiue yeares, was put by the Parents or Tutors into a Couent of Nunnes. It is not knowne whether it were for deuotion or for pouertie. Beeing thus young, and ignorant as yet what euill was, they say not-with­standing (so inscrutable are the Iudgements of GOD) that the Diuell appeared vnto her, in the forme of a blacke and hideous Moore. Although at the first sight shee were greatly terrified, yet this enemie did so flat­ter her, and did promise her so many pretty workes where-in Children take delight, as shee did accustome her selfe to talke familiarly with him, but alwaies inioyn­ing her, that she (who was fearefull) should discouer no­thing of this association. In this time the child seemed to [Page 549] haue a wonderfull witte, quicke, and differing in disposi­tion from others: so as shee was much esteemed of the ancient Nunnes, and of other young Maides. Beeing come to the age of 12. yeares or there-abouts, shee was sollicited by the Diuell to marry her-selfe vnto him: and for her dowrie he promised her to worke so, as for thirty yeares or there abouts, shee should liue in such opinion of Holynesse through-out all Spaine, as there had neuer beene the like. Whilest that MAGDELEINE (vnder the opinion of this contract) spent the time in her Chamber with this vncleane spirit, who entertained her by his illusions: An other Diuell tooke the forme and resemblance of MAGDELEINE, & was in the Church, in the Cloyster, and in all the assemblies of Nunnes, with great shew of deuotion. Besides after that hee had done MAGDELEINS seruice in the Church, he let her vnderstand all that was done in the world, whereof gi­uing aduertisment to those that had her already in great reputation, shee was esteemed to bee a Holy Virgin, and began to haue the name of a Prophetesse. By reason whereof, (although shee were not yet of full age) shee was chosen Abbesse by a general consent of the Monkes and all the Nunnes. When as the Nunnes receiued the Sacrament on dayes accustomed among them, the Priest did alwayes cry out, that they had taken away one of his Ostes, the which was carryed by the aboue-named Angell to MAGDELEINE, who was in the middest of her Sisters, the which she put into her mouth, & shewed as a great miracle. They say moreouer, that if by chance MAGDELINE was not present when Masse was sayde, although there were a Wall betwixt them, yet when the Priest did lift vp the Corpus Domini, this Wall did [Page 550] riue in two, that MAGDELINE might see it, and eate it afterwards. It is also a notorious thing, that if in any sollemne Feast-day, the Nunnes did lead her in processi­on, to make the acte more reuerent by some extraordi­narie wonder, shee was raised from the ground in the presence of them all, aboue three Cubittes high. Some­times shee carryed a little Image of IESVS CHRIST, new borne and naked, and in weeping (for shee could powre out aboundance of teares when shee pleased) her haire grewe downe to her heeles, where-with shee couered the Image: then sodenly her haire appeared in their first length. Shee did many such other illusions, e­specially on sollemne dayes, to make all more admira­ble: These were her principall miracles.

In the meane time, the Pope, the Emperour, and the great men of Spaine did write vnto her: and by their Let­ters did beseeche her, to haue them and their affaires in recommendation in her prayers: yea they asked her aduise in matters of very great importance: as it appea­red by Letters that were found afterwards in her Clos­set. More-ouer, there were many Ladyes and Gentle­women which did not swadle their Children new borne, before the Abbesse MAGDELINE had with her holye hands toucht and blest the swadling bands: in like sort, all the Nunnes of Spaine were wonderfully well pleased to haue such a Mother, to whome they did attribute a good part of the holynesse of their Orders. In the end GOD would haue this fraude of Sathan layde open. For MAGDELINE after that shee had spent about thirtie yeares in this acquaintance with the Diuell, and beene Abbesse twelue yeares, shee began to growe wearie of her passed life. There-fore after that she had detested [Page 551] these Diuilish Artes, and the horrible society of Sathan, shee discouered freely (and when as they least dreamt of it) this notable wickednesse, vnto the Visiters of the Order. Some Spaniards of credit and very learned, haue reported vnto mee, that MAGDELINE knowing that the Nunnes had discouered her fraude: and that (fea­ring to bee accused,) shee had preuented them, con­fessing her offence first: for that the custome of Spaine is, that if any one did freely confesse an offence, which deserued a gr [...]euous punishment, hee was pardoned. Euery one was amazed at this confession, the newes thereof was so strange, and they were of opinion to in­quire more curiously of this matter. To proceede more lawfully therein, and with better order: MAGDELINE was imprisoned in the Couent where she was Abbesse: where beeing examined, shee confest all: and yet the Moore continued his illusions still, for whilest shee was in prison watcht narrowly by men that were at the dore of the prison, and that they did examine her cause: the Nunnes beeing gone into the Church at midnight to sing Mattins; MAGDELINES fantosme came and sat in the Chaire in the Quier, after the accustomed man­ner, and was seene vppon her knees, as it were pray­ing, and attending the other Nunnes: so as euery one thought verely it had beene their Abbesse, and that the Visiters had suffered her to come vnto the mid-night Mattins, for the great testimonies shee gaue of her re­pentance. But the next daye following, the Nunnes vn­derstanding that MAGDELINE came not out of pri­son, reported vnto the Visitors what they had seene the night before. They hauing well examined the matter, found that MAGDELINE went not out of prison. [Page 552] Her processe was in the ende sent to Rome, and for that shee had voluntarily confest her offence, shee was absol­ued. CASSIODORE RENEY in his Relations: ZVIN­GER in the Theater of mans life. volum 5. lib. 4. BODIN lib. 2. of his Demonomania. Chap. 7.

I will tell you what I haue seene, beeing at Calaris a Towne in the Iland of Sardinia, whereas then they tal­ked of the arraignment of certaine Witches, who (they sayd) had had conference with them of France and of Nauarre, which had beene sought out and punnished not long before. A very faire Gentlewoman, about seauen­teene or eighteene yeares of age, being inticed by one of these Witches, came to haue conference with a Diuill, who came some-time to see her, in the shape of a good­ly man: by meanes whereof he deceiued her, and had his pleasure on her, shee beeing fallen greatly in Loue with him. Hauing entertayned her some-time, they desco­uer that she was a Witch: and although shee were con­uicted, yet could they not get her to confesse her faults, but contynuing obstinate, she beleeued confidently that the Diuill would saue her, as he had promised, and trans­ported with the affection which she bare him, she spake many things which did terrefie them that heard her, To conclude, shee suffred her-selfe to bee put aliue into the fire, calling still vpon this Diuill, and so perished misera­bly. ANT de TORQVEMADO in the 3. iourney of his Hexam.

An other Gentlewoman, rich, faire and of a very great quality, seeing a knight her neighbour, who was rich and a goodly Gentleman, shee fell in Loue with him, loo­king on him with great affection, but not descouering her passion. Some-time after, the Diuill, espying this [Page 553] Gentlewoman, tooke vpon him the shape of this knight, and proceedes in such sort, as hee winnes the Gen­tlewoman, vpon condition that hee should marry with her. Shee who thought it had beene her knight, accep­ted of him, and receiued him manie nights into her Chamber where hee late with her. In this sort they spent some monethes, during the which the Diuill per­swaded her not to send any message vnto him▪ for that their businesse must continue secret: and when hee should see her, hee would not seeme to knowe her: and therefore although shee were some-times before the true Knight, shee made no shewe of her affection, as al­so shee imputed it to dissimulation that hee spake not vnto her, and gaue no signe of that which concerned their Allyance. Some-times after, the Gentlewomans Mother gaue her Daughter a certaine relick to weare about her. Whereat the fayned knight counter fetting an amazement, came no more, and so some monethes were spent: during the which the Gentlewoman know­ing that the true Knight made Loue to another, shee grewe into an extreame iealousie: and not able to en­dure this distemperature in her braine, shee sent one daie to intreate him to come and speake with her, hauing some-thing to say vnto him. The Knight ignorant of the cause, but other-wise a courteous Gentleman, went pre­sently vnto her, found her alone, and sayd that hee was come to heare and receiue her commandements. The Gentlewoman seeing him, and hearing him speake, like one that did scarce knowe her, shee beganne to com­plaine of him, for that so longtime hee had not cared to see her nor speake to her. The Knight much amazed as one that did not conceiue the meaning of this woman, [Page 554] answered her in such sort as shee thought he dissembled to much. Growing therefore into choller, she beganne to chide him, saying, that seeing hee had enioyed her so long, there were no reason hee should nowe thinke to for-sake her, but he must performe the promise which he had made to marry her: and if he would do other-wise, besides that shee would make her complaintes to al­mightie GOD & the world, she would force him to the execution of his promise, seeing that hee would not wil­lingly performe it. The Knight grewe more amazed then before, and made her answere, that hee vnderstood nothing of her Language, and that she mistooke herself, for that hee had neuer had any secret conference with her: had promised her nothing, neither could shee de­mande any thing at his hands. The Gentlewoman mad with this answere, in replying sayd. Do you not remem­ber that you did this and this with mee, repeating euery thing that had happened vnto her with the Imposter in the Knights shape: adding withall, you cannot auoide it to bee my husband and I your wife. The Knight beeing much amazed, beganne to protest that shee was much deceiued to thinke it to be true, and contending thereon, the Gentlewoman did note vnto him the day of the pro­mise, which was vpon a sollemne feast daie. Then the Knight sware vnto her that vpon that daie, nor three weekes before, nor three weekes after he had not beene in the Towne, neither in his house, nor in hers: the which I will prooue vnto you so plainely, as you shall rest satisfied, and if any one hath deceiued you in my name, I am not to bee blamed. But to the ende you should not doubt of the truth of my saying, I will pre­sently verefie it. Then (not departing from her,) hee [Page 555] caused seauen or eight of his house-hold seruants and others to come, who vnacquainted with the cause, did sweare that the Knight had spoken the truth, and that all that time hee had beene aboue fiftie Leagues from thence. The Gentlewoman much troubled with this deposition, beganne to remember some particularities, and to apprehend that no mortall man could haue done them: but that they were Imposturs of Satan: so as soone after the retreate of the true Knight, shee beganne to finde the cause of this abuse: and detesting her foolish concupiscence, humbling her-selfe, shee resolued not to thinke anie more of marriage, but ended the remainder of her daies in a Monasterie. In the same Booke.

THE Plague beeing in the Towne of Misnia in Saxony, there died a great nūber of people, in the yeare 1542. in the moneth of Iuly. It happened that an honest woman [...] AGATHE ATERMAN fell sicke, and for the space of foure daies swete great droppes of bloud at her for-head, so as, as soone as euer they had wipt her, others came presently: shee died aboute the twenteth of September. GEORGE le FEVRE in the Annales of Misnia. Booke 3.

CLAVDE, Bastard Daughter to SINE­BALD FIESQVE Earle of Lauagne, be­ing married to a Gentleman of Chiaua­ri, neere vnto Genoa, called RAVAS­CHIER, was much courted to her dis­honour, by a Gentleman of the same place, named IHON de la TOVR, who abusing the loue RAVASCHIER did beare him, did seeke to robbe him of his Wife. But this vertuous Gentle-woman hauing of­ten-times reiected him, hee was so blinde as to imagine that her denials were but allurements, and setling this vn­worthy conceit in his braine, finding his friend to be one day absent, hee went and lay vnder the Gentle-womans bed, hoping that night being come, and she lying alone, he might easily inioy her. Being retyred, and layd to her rest, before her Chamber-maide went away into a neere Closet, shee commanded her to looke about if there were not any thing that might disquiet her rest in the night. The [...] auing searcht euery where, in the end she cast downe her eyes, and spyed vnder her Mistresse bed a black thing, She cryed out, and both fled out of that Chamber into another ouer it, where-as the Gentle-wo­mans Father in lawe was. LA TOVR seeing him-selfe discouered, opens the Chamber windowes speedily, and casts himselfe into the streete, where hee was pittifully broken and bruized, and by the helpe of a friend of his that came by chance, hee was carryed home to his owne house. Some houres after this Tragedie is knowne, for that Chiauary is but a small place. The Father in lawe [Page 557] sends letters to RAVASCHIER, and to LEVVIS of Fies­que Brother to the Gentlewoman, who sent CORNELI­VS their Brother with RAVASCHIER and some Soldi­ars, who come secretly in boates being strong and well garded by the Geneuois, they presently force IOHN de la TOVRS house, and finding him very lame in his bedde of his fall, they cut his throate, hewe him in peeces, and then flie. Such was the ende of his rashnesse. History of Italie.

ABout the yeare 1550. neere vnto Deue a Towne in Transiluania, the raine and ruines of water hauing beene very great, and the we [...]her growne faire, some peasants going forth to worke, descouer by the reuerberation of the Sun, a great Treasor which did shine, vnder a rotten tree which lookt red through age. There was first of a la ser­pent all of gold, the which after the death of a Monke called GEORGE, (who had seized thereon, and was slaine) came to the hands of the Emperor FERDINAND. There was also found a great number of Medailles of gold, of the waight of three Crownes a peece, hauing the figure of LYSIMACHVS King of Thrace of the one side, and on the other side a victory. The peasants had the value of twenty thousand Crownes for their shares. The rest was sent to FERDINAND then King of Bohe­mia by IOHN BAPTISTA CASTALDE his Lieutenant, [Page 558] with two Medailles of gold, of NINVS and SEMIRA­MIS, giuen to the Emperor CHARLES the 5. This trea­sor was valued at aboue a hundred thousand Crownes. ACS. CENTORIVS. Booke 4. of the war of Transiluania.

A poore fisherman remayning at Bresse, called BARTLE­MEVVE, Grandfather to ANTHONY CODRE VRCE a learned Gramarien in our time, digging in the ground, found a great vessell, full of siluer, with the which he pur­chased lande sufficient to entertaine his family (which was great) honestly: and moreouer he did set vp a goodly shoppe of spices, and became one of the richest men in the Country. BARTHE LMEVVE of Bologne in the life of AN­THONY CODRE VRCE.

The Marquis of Pescara hauing taken Tunis from BAREAROVSSE, and being brought into the Cittadel by the Christiā [...] that were prisoners there, one of thē being a Ge­neuois borne, descouered vnto him a treasor that was put into sackes and cast into a Cisterne, where they found a­boue thirty thousand ducats in gold, the which the Em­peror CHARLES the 5. gaue vnto the Marquis. P. IOVIVS Booke 34. of his Histories of our time. The treasor of CHARLES Duke of Bourgondy wonne by the Suisses, in the battailes which they gaue him neere to Gransoa & Morest amounted to great sums of gold and siluer, both coined and vncoyned: the true value whereof was not iustly known, for that at that time the Suisses did more esteeme the heads of their pikes, halberds and their swords, then the gold or siluer of forren Princes. About the yeare 1520. a yong man simple in all his behauior called LEO­NARD LIRNIMAN, Sonne to a Tailer of Basill, being entred (they knew not how) into a Grotte or Caue, which is not far from the towne, where hee had past farther then anie [Page 559] other, he tolde wonders at his returne. Hauing carried with him a great waxe-candle that was blest and light when as he entred. Going farre into the Caue, hee first past an iron dore: then hee went on from Chamber to Chamber vntill he found greene and stately gardins. In the midest of it was a hall richely furnished: and in it a verie faire Maide, carrying on her head a Crowne of gold, with her haire hanging downe, but from the Nauel downe-ward it was an horrible Serpent. Shee tooke LEONARD by the hand, & led him to a Cofet of iron, a­bout the which did lye two great black dogges, which beganne to barke horribly against him. But the Maide beganne to threaten them, and causing them to bee still, shee takes a great bundell of keyes which hunge about her necke, opens the Cofer and drawes forth all sortes of Medaills, of gold, siluer and copper: most of the which shee presented to this young man, who she­wed them after-wards to manie in Basill. Hee added that this Maide sayd vnto him, that shee was issued from a Royall stocke: and that shee had beene mon­strously transformed in that sort long since by horri­ble Imprecations: neither did shee hope for any de­liuery, vntill that a chast young man, who had beene neuer poluted in anie sort, had kist her thrice. Then shee should recouer her first forme, and for a recompence shee would giue vnto the young man that should free her, the Treasure conteyned in that Cofer. Hee did affirme, that there-vpon hee came verie neere vnto her, and had kist her twise, but at either of them shee made such greeuious and horrible faces, as hee thought shee would deuower him or teare him in a thousand peeces. [Page 560] Being carried by some disordred people into a Tauerne, hee could neuer afterwards finde the entry, nor the des­cent into the Caue: for the which the poore wretch did often lament and weepe bitterly. Euery one may see that this Maide was a Satanicall illusion. And on the other side the ancient Romaine Medayles which hee brought out of this Caue, and sold to diuers Bourgeses of Basill, shewe that there might bee some hidden Treasure in that Caue, kept by some couetous Companion of Satan: as in the mines of gold, the worke-men doe some-times incounter with euill spirits which torment them strange­ly. After this young man, an other borne at Basill, prest with extreame necessitie in a deere yeare went in­to the Caue, hoping to finde this Treasure for the releefe of his famelie. But hauing gonne but a little way, and found nothing but dead mens boanes, hee was so terre­fied, as without looking behinde him, hee speedely reco­uered the entrie of the Caue, and returned all amazed to his house being emptie handed. STVMPFIVS in the History of Suisserland.

In the yeare 1530. the Diuill did shewe vnto a Preest through a Cristall glasse, certaine Treasures neere vnto the Citty of Nuremberg. But as the Preest sought for them in a hollow place without the Citty, hauing taken a friend with him to be a spectator, and beginning to see a Cofer in the bottome of the Caue by the which there laie a black dogge, hee entred into it, where presently hee was smothred with the earth that fell on him and filled vp all the Caue. I. WIER, Booke 2. of Impostures. Chap. 5. About eight Leagues and a halfe from the Citty of Le­on in newe Spaine, there is a mountaine, in the toppe whereof there is a wonderfull great breach or mouth, [Page 561] from the which it doth some-times cast such great flames of fire, as in the night it may be plainly seene 25. leagues off. Many haue imagined, that it was some vaine of gold that was molten, and entertained this fire. For this cause a IACOBIN would make tryall of it: causing a Chaine of Yron to bee forged, with an Yron Bucket at the end of it, and went to the place with foure other Spaniards. Beeing there, they let downe the Chaine with the Buc­ket, the which was molten with some part of the Chaine. The Iacobin returned very angrie to Leon, complaines to the Smith that hee had made the Chaine much slen­derer then hee had commanded. The Smith makes an other much greater then the first. The same being done with a Bucket proportionable vnto it: the Iacobin goes the second time to the Mountaine with his companions, and lets downe the Chaine and Bucket as at the first: But it succeeded as before, and almost worse: for soden­ly there came out of this hollow place, a Ball of fire so great, as the Iacobin and his companions thought to haue dyed there: at the least they were so amazed, as they had no more list to meddle with that fire, but returned much terrified vnto the Towne, without euer speaking more of the Mountaine, or of the Treasure. I haue knowne a Priest in the same Towne, who hauing ac­quaintance with a Spanish Treasurer, had oportunitie by his meanes to send a Letter to the King of Spaine, in the which hee beseeched his Maiestie to furnish him with 200. slaues to worke in this Mountaine, promising to drawe forth wonderfull great Treasures. The King sent him word, that he should worke at his owne charge if he would: as for him, hee had no slaues to send him. So the Mountaine remained still in that place, with-out stirring [Page 562] or any more visiting of the Priest, or of any other after him. IEROSME BENZO a Milanois. lib. 2. of the Historie of the New found world. Chap. 16.

ENCISO a Spaniard, hauing with his company defea­ted certaine Indians which kept him from forraging of their country, he entred into their chiefe Village, & there found store of bread, fruits, rootes, & other things to eat, where-with he refresht him-selfe and his men. Then they went to search along the bankes of the riuer which was neere, where they found great store of stuffe, Couerlets, and vessell of earth and wood, which they had hidden in the Reeds, with about 120000. crowns in gold wrought, the which COMACCO Lord of the Village had hiddē there thinking to saue it from the Spaniards hands. And if cer­taine Indians had not discouered this treasure vnto them, they had neuer found it, & yet they were faine to torture them, to make them confesse where it was. BENZO lib. 2. Chap. 2. But this treasure, and all others discouered here or there in our time, are but a handfull of siluer in respect of those of the Kings of Peru, as well in their stately Gar­den, where all was of gold, as in their Cabinet, where euery thing created or artificiall, was to be seene of pure gold. The ransome of ATABALIPPA, amounting to aboue sixty two Millions of gold, and would haue beene aboue a hundred Millions. If PIZARRE had had the patience & in the end the Treasures of the Temple of the Sunne, the which were greater, and were spoyled by the Spaniards, who afterwards slue one another, & spoiled the Land to enrich the Sea, as their owne Histories do confesse.

When as the Emperor made warre against the Prin­ces of Germaine, a rich Gentleman turned the chanell of a Riuer which past by his Castle, and in a deepe ditch [Page 563] in the sayd chanell, hid all that he had of any value, and then brought the Riuer to his accustomed course: yet the Spaniards discouered this Treasure of them-selues, they turned the water and found out all, then digging farther, they found other goods, but almost all was consumed in processe of time. PHILIP CAMERARIVS. Chap. 63. of his Meditations.

King PHILIP the last deceased, being (after a peace made with HENRY the 2. King of France) imbarked in the lowe Countries with a great number of ships, to be the soo­ner in Spaine, and with him all the riche Iewels that the Emperor CHARLES the 5. his Father, had gathered toge­ther in Italy and Germany, during his prosperous victo­ries, with the rich hangings, and other stately things made with great charge in Flanders: euen as hee arriued in the Port of Saint Iames in Galicia, there did [...]ise so great a storme, that of all that stately furniture, gathered toge­ther with so great toyle and time, nothing came to a safe port; but the Sea was heire to all this riche Treasure, in sight of the Spaniards, who were in great heauinesse. And as for King Philip, this torment spared him as little, for he had scarse put his foote into an other barke, when as the ship in which he went, sunke into the Sea, so great was the furie of the windes. Historie of FRANCIS the 2.

The Treasures brought from the Indies, in golde, sil­uer, Pearles, Precious stones, and riche Marchandise, with-in these hundred yeares, are almost innumerable. What the fruites haue beene, I referre my selfe vnto the Reader. It is a subiect for a whole Booke, where-of the conclusion shall be. All is made vanitie, and pernicious in many kindes.

AMong other strong places which the Turkes haue taken in Hungary from the Christians, we may name Alba Iulia, the which was yeelded vp by that Traitor LADISLAVS LEREZIN, who com­manded there in the name of MAXI­MILIAN the Emperour in the beginning of Iune, in the yeare 1566. although he had beene aduertised, that with­in two dayes he should bee releeued. The place beeing yeelded by composition, first the Turkes cut all the Sol­diers throates, except some few which saued them-selues pollitikely. As for LADISLAVS, he was carryed bound hand and foote to SELIM, and accused that hee had cru­elly slaine some Turkish prisoners, for the which hee was condemned by SELIM, and deliuered to his accusers, to vse as they pleased. They therefore put him into a great Pipe, stickt full of long Nailes, and then rowled him downe from a high Mountaine, so as the Nailes ranne through him, and hee dyed in horrible Torments. His Sonne partaker of his Treason dyed miserably, with­out meanes, and abandoned of all men, hauing sold all his lands and his goods, and wickedly consumed what he had. I. LEONCLAIVS, in the supply of the Annales of Turky. SOLYMAN father to SELIM, did cruelly put to death the sol­diers of the garrison of Buda, who had forced their Cap­taine to yeeld that impregnable Fort vnto the Turkes. As for the Captaine, he was preserued & honored. A traytor in the Towne of Rhodes, did many seruices vnto SOLIMAN, vpon a promise to haue one of SOLIMANS daughters in ma­riage. The Iland & Towne being wone, he presented him selfe to SOLIMAN, who caused him to be fleid aliue, saying, [Page 565] that he was a Christian, and that he pretended to marry a Turkish wife, they must therefore take off his old skinne. Being thus flayed, they laide him vpon a bed all couered with Salt, where he dyed in vnspeakable torments. CA­MERARIVS in his Historicall Meditations, Chap. 7.

THE yeare one thousand fiue hundreth and eight, at two of the clock on a wed­nesday morning, the earth began to quake in such manner at Constantinople, that diuers Steeples fell downe, the Chimneys tumbled to the ground, the walles crackt in sunder, and many stately buildings were ouer-throwne, with the ruines whereof a great number of persons were slaine. No Man knew where to saue him-selfe. The people running out of their houses, gotte into large voide places and Gardens, so to escape all dan­ger. For the Earth-quake lasted all that morning, without intermission, and continued forty dayes after, in such sort that one might easily feele and discerne it euery houre. Annales of Turkie, published by I. LEONCLAIVS. Doctor GARCEVS in his Meteorologie, briefly describes 163. Earth-quakes, mentioned in Histories before & after the comming of our Sauiour vnto the yeare 1564. We will present that which he speaketh of those of our time, following the scope of this our collection of Histories.

Vpon the 14. day of September 1509. an horrible Earth-quake so shooke the Cittie of Constantinople, for the space of eighteene dayes, that all the walles towards the Sea, and all the houses adioyning, were quite ouer­throwne, [Page 566] & Ditches filled vp with the ruines. The Castle was throwne downe where the Turke layes his treasure, together with his fiue Towers, and the Palace where-as the Lyons are kept. In like manner all the conduits that conuey water from Danubius to Constantinople were sha­ken and spoiled. The straight of the Sea betweene the Cittie and the Towne of Pera, moued in such manner, that the water flashed ouer the walles on eyther side. The Custome-house was cleane ouer-turned into the Water. Thirteene thousand persons were slaine with ruines in Earthquake.

The yeare following, almost all Italy was shaken with diuerse reiterated Earth-quakes. The yeare 1517. an Earth-quake in Germanie ouer-threwe two thousand houses and Granges at Nordlingen and there-about. All Portugall was shaken the yeare 1531. Fifteene hundreth fayre great Houses were ouer-throwne in the Cittie of Lisbon: and almost all the Churches fell downe. This Earth-quake endured eight dayes, and seauen or eyght times a day shooke the Cittie exceedingly. Also the ground opened in many places, whence issued a conta­gious ayre that engendred a Plague, which carryed a­waye an exceeding multitude of people. Two yeares after, there was an Earth-quake at Tergow in Zwitzer­land, which turned a pritty bigge Riuer from his course, where-into it entred not againe, till it had vnder-mi­ned and ouer throwne a little Hill that hemmed it in. Presently there-vpon the Towne of Basill was shaken very sore with three seuerall Earth quakes, in lesse then a moneth.

In the yeare 1537. the Country of Pouzol was so forely shaken with Earth-quakes, for the space of twenty [Page 567] moneths and aboue that not an edifice remained whole and entire. But toward the end of September, in the yeare following, this Earth-quake began againe with such vehemencie, and with-out discontinuing eyther night or day, that the Sea reculed two hundreth paces backe, where-vpon ensued the taking of a huge quantity of Fish. The 30. day of the same moneth, a great conti­nent of land betweene the foote of the Mountaine cal­led Barbaro, and the Sea by the Lake Auerna, seemed to rise vp, and suddenly to take the forme of a Mountaine. The next morning about two of the clocke, this Moun­taine of earth cleauing in sunder, began to vomit forth flames of fire, with a wonderfull noyse. Amidest those flames it cast out Pumyce stones and Flints, with such a company of stinking Ashes, that they couered all the ru­ines of Pouzol, and the fields adioyning: the Trees were borne downe, and the Vines a quarter of a mile about were reduced to powder, The Foules and Beasts of the fields had their share of it. As for the inhabitants of Pouzel, they saued them-selues in Naples. These stink­ing Ashes blewe aboue eyght miles abroad, beeing very drye close to the ouer-ture, but sulpharous and moyste a farre off. More-ouer, a great and mightie Mountaine of those Pumyce-stones and Flint-stones, and Ashes, grewe vp by the ouer-ture in one night, a thousand paces high and more, hauing many euents, whereof two continued a long time after. The flames endured diuers moneths.

The twentith day of Ianuary 1538. Basil was shaken againe with an Earth-quake, and two yeares after in the moneth of December all Germanie had experience of it, with the ruines and spoiles of many buildings. The [Page 568] yeare 1541. a valley in Suisserland was shaken, and neere to the Apenine a torrent of meruailous stinking sulphure was seene running along the fields. The yeare 1551. vpon the 28. day of Ianuary Lisbon in Portugall was shaken with a newe earth-quake, which ouerthrewe two hun­dreth houses, & killed aboue a thousand persons. In Sep­tember the yeare following, there was another earth­quake at Basil, as also in diuers townes of Misnia, & sun­dry places thereabout, whereof ensued many ruines, plagues & violent death. The next yeare after, about the moneth of August, the Country all along the riuer of El­ba in Saxony had a part of the like visitation. GARCA [...]VS addeth another strange earth-quake in a quarter of Ger­manie, where certaine townes and villages were swallo­wed vp with a great number of folkes: and he sayth that this earth-quake lasted 15. daies. Asmuch happened two moueths before to Cattaro a towne of Sclauonia, belong­ing to the Venetians, wherein perished a great multitude of people, swallowed vp by an ouerture of the earth. The yeare 1570. the Citty of Ferrara was shaken by an earth­quake for the space of many daies togither, with the ru­ine of diuers faire places & other goodly buildings. The wars, plagues, famines, inundations of seas and riuers, happening after such signes from heauē, are noted in the histories of our time: as wee also purpose to present the histories of them in their fit place. On Sūday the first day of March 1584. in the Countries of Lyonnois, Masconnois Dauphine, Sauoy, Piemont, Valais, Suisserland & Bourgondy, betweene a 11. & 12. a clock at noone, the skie cleare & bright and the Sun shyning, happened a suddaine earth­quake, which lasted not aboue ten or eleuen minutes at that time. It was chiefly perceiued by the crackling of [Page 569] windowes, clapping of dores, shaking of houses, beames, and trees togither, with a great noise and roaring in the aire. Many chimneis fell downe, diuers walles crackt in sunder, and the foundations of certaine houses shooke, namely about the lake of Lausanne, especially in the Countries of Vaut, Fossigny, Chablais & places adioyning. Three or foure chimneis, and the wall of an old house fel down at Geneua, without any other harme. The next day, this earth-quake redoubled about the vpper end of the Lake of Lausanne, and on Tuesday both in the morning and at night it waxed greater with winde and sleete, but on Wedensday betweene 9. and 10. of the clock in the morning this which followeth happened in a certaine place of the Coūtry being some two houres iourney frō this vpper end of the Lake, and foure Harguebuze shot or there about from the towne of Aille, appertayning to the Canton of Berne. A great quantity of earth tumbling from the top of the mountaines (like an impetuous floud of waters rushing downe the rocks) lanched it selfe forth, as some haue affirmed, the length of a mile, not so much by it owne naturall motion, which tended downe-ward, as pushed forward by winds and exhalations mingled a­mong. This earth ran so violently along, that in an instant it couered the places which were next belowe it, vpon the which it disgorged it selfe, and carried all the ground that it met withall before it: which rouled along as furi­ously as the first: & it was like to a rough sea, where one waue driues on another. The plaines were not only carri­ed away, but the hills that ouerlooked the bottoms were likewise remooued. Now it is to be noted that the place of this first motion of the earth was at the mouth of a straite caused by diuers hillocks which are cōmonly soūd [Page 570] in the nookes of mountaines. At the mouth and issue of this straite was Corberi a small village or hamlet of some 8. houses, and 10. or 11. granges with certaine mills, that were driuen by the water of a little brooke. The earth rushed so furiously on this village, that suddainly it was al couered ouer, except one house, where it chanced that the good-man astonished with the noise hee heard, told his wife that he was perswaded the end of the world was come, & therefore willed her ioyne with him in praier vnto GOD, that it might please him to haue mercy on them. Whervpon falling on their knees in their house they rea­ped such fruite of their praiers, that the earth which rou­led along, past like a raging waue ouer their house with­out any hurt, saue the good-man himself, that was a little hurt in the head. As for the other houses & granges they were all cast downe, and almost quite couered ouer. An­other notable thing happened in this very place, namely a Child of 12. or 13. weekes old was found safe & sound in his Cradle, hauing his poore mother dead by him, who laying her armes ouer the Cradle for to saue her Child had her braines beaten out with the fal of the house. The like befell a little girle of a yeare old found safe and well vnder the ruines of another house. As for the milles they were broken all to peeces. A meruailous matter happe­ned in one of thē. For standing in a lowe place the beame of the wheele, and the wheele it selfe were found whole and entier on the top of a little hill 500. paces higher then the scituation of the Mill. Moreouer the further this deluge of earth ran downe-ward, the more the desolati­on augmented. For shooting it selfe against the village of Yuorne, which lay vnderneath Corberi, it buried an hun­dreth persons aliue (some say more) two hundreth & 40. [Page 571] milch-kine, and a number of Horse and Oxen. It coue­red three score & nine houses, an hundeth & six granges, and 4. vaults, with a great quantity of corne, wine, moue­ables & pasture. For in truth this village was meruaylous well fitted with all things, and accounted one of the best of al the Country of the Cantons. The scituation of it was on the side of a hill lying East and West, in so fertile a place, that they had continually 3. crops in a yeare of one peece of groūd. There was not any poore or beggar amongst them, but euery one euen to the meanest liued honestly by that that he had and his owne labor, beeing simple people, industrious, and estranged from the euill practises of vsury & strifes in Law, according to the testi­mony of al their neighbors. It is reported the ruine was so suddaine, that no Canon can sooner discharge a shot, thē al this was executed. Diuers haue testified that a farre off they sawe some 20. persons the most parte women and Children, that running downe the hill for to saue them­selues, were in a moment ouertaken, beaten downe, and couered ouer with earth. There were some among them, but the greater part women and children: because the men were most of them at worke in the field. Amidst this visitation, GOD vsed such mercy that there was not any house wherin remained not some one man or child aliue. Besides the terrible noise which the earth made, rouling along with a mixture of haile & stones flying in the aire, a great sort of sparks of fire were seene, & a grosse thick Cloude, whence issued an exceeding filthy smell of sul­phure. At last this inundation of earth stayed it selfe a­gainst 2. houses that ioyned togither, which were coue­red vp halfe way the walles, without any further harme, besides the which there remaines 7. or 8. other houses [Page 572] with as many Granges, and a few barnes. Extractedout of the Annotations and Obseruations vpon I. du CHESNES great Mirror of the world.

On the fift day of September beeing Saterday 1590. according to the ancient computation, and an houre be­fore Sunne set, the earth began to shake in Austria, Mora­uia, Bohemia, Misnia, Silesia and Lusatia. But a little after, to witte, betweene twelue and one of the clock at mid­night, this Earth-quake began againe thorow all the Prouinces aforesaid, with a meruailous shaking, and most of all in Vienna, the capitall Cittie of the Arch­dutchy of Austria: where the toppe of the great steeple of Saint Stephens Church, was so shaken that a number of mighty huge stones fell downe from it vpon the roofe of the Church: and the whole frame of the said steeple was moued with such vehemencie, that they were faine to new repaire it. Another steeple by it, wherein hangs one of the greatest Bels in Europe, was like-wise shaken. Not farre from the Scottish gate, the Steeple of a Church was ouer-throwne, and the Church it selfe was so cleft in sunder, that they were forced to take it downe. It hap­pened at the same time, that a certaine Butcher, which vsed to lye a nights in his stall fast by that Scottish gate, vpon a suddaine felt his stall beaten downe with the stones that tumbled on it in very great aboundance, with­out receiuing any hurt, or so much as once touched with those stones in any part of his body. Contrarilye the Sunne an Inne in the Citty, was dashed all to peeces with the fall of a steeple that stood by it. And diuers persons were brained, namely the Mistresse of the house, her Daughter and Mother, two rich Merchants, that had fiue thousand Crownes in gold found about them, the Poste [Page 573] of Lintz and three other men: whose bodies at length were drawne forth from vnder the ruines. Besides this Saint Michels steeple, a Church of the Iesuits, and the pi­nacles of Saint Laurence and Saint Iohns Churches fell downe. There was neither building, bulwarke, Church nor house within the walles of Vienna which was not sha­ken, crakt, broken, or in some sort damnified by this earth-quake. All the inhabitants got them out of the Citty with all speede, and went into gardens and other voyde open places.

In a village not farre from Vienna, called Hernalsi, the Church and diuers houses fell downe. Asmuch happe­ned in the towne of Oula, another village named Siegeitz­kirchen had the Church, the parsonage house, and the walles of the Church-yard ouerthowen: Pixendorf, ano­ther village was quite and cleane cast downe. In like manner Pfasfensted, & the Castle of Iudenow, newe buil­ded from the ground but three yeares before: and ano­ther called Sitzberg were so shaken, that no body durst dwell in them a long time after. In other places diuers persons were hurt and killed with the ruines of houses. Two miles from Vienna, a Mill that stood on the water, was hoisted vp and throwne a good way of vpon the dry Land: and a great sorte of fish were cast vp on the banks of the same riuer. A little beneath Vienna, the ground o­pened, whence issued such a stinking pestilent vapor, that the inhabitants about it were not able to endure it. The ouerture was foure foote broade, very long, and so deepe that it could not bee sounded. In Morauia, Bohemia, and other Countries adioyning this earth-quake continued many daies, but not altogither so violent. I. HEDERY, in his oration of the earth-quake in Austria.

[Page 574]It is obserued that this terrible earth-quake, which killed well neere all the garrison in the Castle of Canisium in Hungary, fell vpon the verie same day that Pope VREAN the seauenth was elected, who held the Romaine Sea but ten dayes. D. CHYTREVS in his Chronicle of Sax­ony. pag. 872.

THE number of valiant men in our time, and of their braue explots, is ve­rie greate. The following volumes shall [...]urnish diuers examples, here we will note some, with an intent not to forget the rest, for the present we offer a medley of histories. A Portugall La­die, being imbarked in the yeare 1520. with two of her Brethren, called IOHN and ARIAS COCILLO, and a fisherman, named ANTHONY GRIMALDI, conducted in a Caruel by certaine marriners, being at sea they were set vpon by a fregat of Pirats, eight whereof (hauing grappeled with the Caruell) leaped into them. But IOHN, ARIAS and ANTHONY, runne and defend them­selues in such sort, as they kill foure of the Assaylants, and force the rest to retire with more speede then they had entred. In the meane time the Marriners goe on their course, and leaue the fregate farre behinde them. The Pirats vnderstanding by them that were escaped, that there were but three Combatants in the Caruell, and that the rest were but women and Marryners, they beganne to rowe vp withall their force and graple a­gaine with the Caruell, then sixeteene of them well ar­med [Page 575] leape in by the prowe: the two Brethren make head against them with great resolution. ANTHONY ioynes with them, hauing no other armes, but a hatchet in his right hand, and a Marriners wasecoate about his left arme. The incounter was very sharpe, and had beene greater if their number had beene equall. In the end the Pirats hauing lost most of their men retire with the re­mainder into their frigate. Whilest they were thus in fight, some of the Pirats leaped in by the Poupe: but they were repulsed by the Marriners. ANTHONY ranne vnto the hatch of the Caruell, and tooke the coales and cenders which hee found there, and cast them into the F [...]igate, wher-with some were burnt. He was wounded in diuers places, but not mortally. The Carauell arriued safe at her pretended Port, in despight of the Pyrats, who after this second fight, durst no more approche. OSORIVS, lib. 12. Chap. 2. Of the History of Portugall.

MANVEL PACHE CO, a Portugall Captaine, being sent by the Gouernor of Malaca to the East Indies, to an­noye them of Pacem, who had slaine 25. Portugals, freede himselfe carefully of that charge. And being desirous to drinke some fresh water, he sent IOHN ALMEIDE, ANTHONY PAZEGNE, ANTHONY DEVERE, and FRANCIS GAMAXE reso­lute soldiers in a skiffe, to land neere vnto Pacean, to dig for fresh water. These soldiars being followed by a Por­tugall Surgion, a valient man entred into the riuer with their Marriners and watered. But as they returned to­wards their shippe, behold the enemies came swarming downe on either banke, who with a shower of stones and arrowes thought to beate downe the soldiars and to sinke the boate. But the soldiars couered themselues so well with their Targetts, and the Marriners did their duties so [Page 576] well in rowing, as they got out of the riuer into the open Sea. But for that the flud cast them backe hauing no winde, three great vessells manned with all that was ne­cessary for the warre, and which carried many Gentle­men of the Country, came to inuest them. The Com­mander called ZVDAMEC, was of IAVA, who appro­ched with a chiefe barke, which carried a hundred and fifty men. As for the Portugalls, they resolued to die, ra­ther then to yeeld to become slaues: and after they had recommended themselues to GOD, they prepared corragiously to the combate. The Barber beganne, and layed hold of the prowe of their chiefe vessell with such force, as his foure Companions had meanes to enter into it, and hee had meanes to leape in after them. Then they fell vpon their enemies with such fury as ma­ny of them troubled with feare, cast themselues ouer­borde. ZVDAMEC was hehinde his men, whome hee thrust on to the combate, holding his sword in his hand, and threatning to kill him that should recoyle: but see­ing that his words preuailed nothing, he slue foure: The rest knewe not which way to turne them: for those that made head against the Portugalls felt the waight of their armes: and those which recoyled could expect nothing but death from their Captaine. Hauing fought some­time they were all [...]laine or drowned, being so transpor­ted with feare, as they cast themselues head-long into the Sea, namely ZVDAMEC, who after that he had beene wounded in many places, leaped into the waues. The o­ther two vessells, seeing what had happened, durst come no neerer, although the fiue Portugalls were so ti­red, and wounded in so many places, as they could not stirre arme nor legge. The vessell taken from ZVDAMEC [Page 577] was drawne neere vnto PACHECOS fleete, and then carried to Malaca, and there layed vp and couered, to serue for a memoriall of that maraculous fight. The King of Pacem amazed at this strange accident, deman­ded and bought a peace, which was granted him. In the same booke Chap. 4.

In the same yeare 1520. Captaine VASQVES FER­NAND CAESAR, running with a shippe of war along the straight of Gibraltar was inuested by six foysts of Moores. They desired nothing more, then this prey, and thinking it impossible for him to escape them, they beganne to shoute for ioye, then with their Arrowes, Harguebuzes and Muskets, they sought to oppresse him. CAESAR plaied with his Artillery, to keepe them from bording him, auoyding their blowes, with his rowing, and still killing some one of them: by meanes whereof their choller was some-what cooled which hee descouering, he ranne vpon three of these foysts that were togither, the winde hauing driuen away the three others and kept them aloofe. The enemies came also to incounter him wherevpon he set fire to a great peece of Ordynance, so; as the boullet passing from prowe to poupe of one of these three foysts, brake all the owers. The Moores drewe this may med foyst betwixt the two others, and re­payred it as well as the time would giue them leaue. Then they ioyne againe and charge CAESAR, who running vp and downe with a braue resolution, and incorraging his soldiars with a loude voice, hee did so batter these foysts with his great shot, as the Assaylants found a harder par­tie then they expected, final'y a great shot carried away most of the slaues in one of the foysts: so as the Moores hauing lost many soldiars slaine with the Cannon, seeing [Page 578] two of their foysts broken, and that the taking of CAESAR would cost them deere, they left the fight. This Captaine being alwayes of a valiant spirit, followed the foysts: but for that they went with oares and hee sailed, the winde being scant hee could not ouer-take them: so as hee put into the Port of Malaga, to burye such men as had beene slaine, and to cure the wounded. In the same Booke, Chap. 2.

TRISTAN VASQVES de VEGA, a Portugall Cap­taine, a Debaucht and dissolute man, but so couragious as neuer any danger did amaze him: so as many held him to be madde and desperate: seeing the Cittadell of Or­mus in danger to be lost for King EMANVELL, without any more question, he imbarked himselfe in his ship of warre with thirty souldiers onely, and directs his course to Ormus, where he approcheth, and seeing the passage shut vp, hee chargeth through the enemies fleete, and fights so valiantly with their whole power, as in despight of their Canon, Harguebuzes, wilde fire, Darts and Ar­rowes, after that he had done wondrous actes, surpassing all humaine force, hee past through, and came into the Cittadell. This valiant exploite did greatly amaze the enemies, and filled the besieged with great hope: the Commander of them intreated VEGA to returne and to ioyne with Captaine SOVSA, who had some ves­sels to indomage this fleete the more easily: where-vnto VEGA yeelded, although hee had a priuate quarrell with SOVSA, and that hee was hurt. Hee therefore with as great hazard as at the first time, forced through the enemies fleete againe, aduertised SOVSA of the estate of the besieged: and when it began to flowe, they two with their Souldiers entred fight with them, the which [Page 579] continued long, and was very furious. The enemies lost tenne vessels that were sunck, a great number slaine, and many hurt. Of the Portugals there was but one Soul­dier slaine, and foure score hurte: but maugre all the re­sistance of the Ormusians. SOVSA and VEGA arri­ued safe in the Port of the Cittadell. In the same Booke Chap. 29.

GALEAS of Saint Seuerin▪ an Italian Lord, carrying armes for the King of France at the Battaile of Pauia, in the yeare 1524. did as much as valour could performe, running among the thickest of the enemies, and doing goodly exploits of armes. In the end fighting neere the King, his Horse being slaine vnder him, and hee ouer­throwne, calling vnto the Lord of Langey (who fought neere him, and would haue succoured him) hee sayde vnto him. My Sonne heere it is that I must dye, with my Armes in my hand: trouble your selfe no more for mee, but goe speedily and succour the King our Lord and if you es­cape remember mee, and that I am dead in the bed of honour. P. IOVIVS, lib. 6. of the life of the Marquis of PES­CARA.

In the Battaile of Varne, where as Ladi slaus King of Hungarie was slaine, and his Armie defeated, a French Gentleman, exceeding valiant, past through all the Tur­kish squadrons, and charged into AMVRATHS gardes, a­gainst whom hee coucht his Launce, and struck at him with his Cimyter. But not able (by reason of many thousands of enemies which stopt the passage) to returne backe, after that hee had slaine a great number of Turkes, hee was beaten downe vpon the heapes of them, where hee dyed gloriously. CVSPINIAN in his Emperours. GALEAS BARDASSIN, a Sicilian Knight, beeing one [Page 580] day at the seege of Plombin, some-what farre from the Campe, to vewe the Towne there went forth three hors­men to take him. Hee marcht towardes them in steede o [...] [...]lying: and gaue so great a blowe with the pomell of his sword vnto the first that was armed, as hee ouer­threwe him from his Horse: hee takes the second by both the armes, lifted him out of the sadle, and threw him downe, running after the other euen vnto the Towne gates. FVLGOSIVS Booke 3. Chap. 2.

The Emperour MAXIMILIAN the first hauing assay­led the Grisons, about the ende of the yeare 1499. in the first incounter which was neere vnto Vuerdenberg, a Suisse of Glaris, called IOHN du VAL, in a straight made head against twenty men at armes, and kept them from passing, with his pike in his hand, whereof he ouerthrewe three. The enemies amazed at the valour of this braue Suisse, promised him faire warres, and led him safe vnto their Campe, from whence they sent him without ran­some, with an ample testimony of his valour. STVMPHIVS in his History of Suisserland.

In the yeare 1552. SOLIMAN caused MAHVMET BASSA to beseege a strong place in Transiluania called Themesuar, defended by the Earle of Losana for FERDI­NAND King of Hungary, after-wards Emperor. This Earle seeing a mighty army round about him, debarred of succors, and betrayed by two Spaniards which had a­bandoned him, to yeeld vnto the Turkes, hee beganne to parle, and obtained a composition to depart with all his soldiars, with their liues and goods. The Bassa against his promised faith, caused all the soldiars to be slaine, & cutts off the Earles head. A Spanish Knight called ALPHONSO PEREZ de SAIAVEDRE, making way with his sword, and [Page 581] ouerthrowing them that would haue stayed him, hee sought to saue him-selfe through the swiftnesse of his horse in the neerest place of retreate, being pursued by fiue hundred Turkish horse-men, which could not ouer­take him. Being almost out of danger, hee fell into a Quagmire, where both hee and his horse perished. The Turkes seeing him downe, pursue, and cut off the head of this valiant man, the which beeing carried to Mahumet, and hearing that it was a Spaniard: I beleeue it sayd hee, for hee was valiant. ASC. CENTORIVS lib. 4. Of the warre of TRANSILVANIA.

When as the Turkes besieged Belgrade in Hungary, one of their soldiers desirous to plant his ensigne in an eminent place, went vp into an high Tower. Hee was presently followed by a Hungarian or a Bohemian, who seeing that he could hardly dislodge him from thence, layes fast hold of him, and then casts himselfe with him from the top of the Tower, where both were slaine with the fall. BONFIN, lib. 8. Decad. 3. DVBRAVIVS, lib. 29. saith, that the Christian cryed out alowde to the Popes Legate, looking downe from the Towre: If I cast my selfe head-long with this Dog Turke, whether shall my soule goe? And that the Legate hauing assured him that it should bee carried presently into Paradise, he cast him­selfe downe with the Turke: and was the cause that the place did yet hold good. An other Hungarian did the like at the siege of Iayza, BONFIN, lib. 10. Decad. 3.

They say that when as the Spaniards surprized Con­stance, a frontier Towne of the Suisses, in the yeare 1548. one of the Inhabitants, seeing one of the Com­manders aduance, and incourage the other Spaniards to pursue their point, and that the Towne was like to bee [Page 582] lost; he sodenly went towards him, imbraced him, and cast him-selfe with him of the bridge into the Riuer, where both were drowned. Memorials of our time.

FVLGOSIVS reports that at the first seege of Rhodes. the great Maister named PETER D'AVBVSSON, a French man, tooke vpon him to defend the most dange­rous breache, being seconded by two of his Nephewes and foure other souldiers, who fought so valiantly with him, as although they had slaine at diuers charges the Soldiers that came to releeue one another, and that hee had beene wounded in fiue places, and his armor broken, yet the Turkes could get no ground of him, but were for­ced to rayse the seege. In the same Booke Chap. 2.

In the yeare 1501. the King of Fez being in field with mighty troupes to assayle Tingi a strong Towne vpon the coast of Barbarie, held by the Portugalls, the Gouer­nor made a sallie vpon the Moores: but finding them too strong, hee retired with great difficultie, into the towne ditches. The fight had continued two houres before hee could get thether, in the which the Gouer­nors sonne was slaine, and eight valiant Horse-men: the Gouernor himselfe beeing sore hurt in the face with a Iauelyn. The Moores followe their point presse the Portugalls, and doe all they can to enter pel-mel with them into the Towne. The which the Gouernor see­ing, hee careth the Moores so furiously with a troupe of Horse, as in the meane-time the rest retire easily into the Towne. The last was called LOVP MARTIN, a va­liant man who beeing entred, did shutte the gate but halfe and when as many cried vnto him that hee should shutte and make fast the gate; I will neuer doe that [Page 583] dishonor sayd hee, vnto the Portugalls in making the world to thinke that they are afraied. Adding that hee was readie to fight vnto the last gaspe, to keepe anie from entring by that halfe gate. His wordes and deedes were all one: for the Moores running to enter, hee main­tayned the first shocke valiantly, vntill that many came to succor him, so as the Moores were forced to retire vn­to their Campe. OSORIVS Booke 2. Chap. 12. of the History of Portugal.

The extraordinary valour of a Suisse in the time of our Ancestors, shalbe heere-vnto added, with the leaue of the courteous reader, as most worthie to bee often remembred. The Suisses to the number of a 1800. or there-bouts (hauing broken the great and mightie for­ces brought by the Daulphin of France neere vnto Basil) were all slaine vpon the place, fighting with a wonder­full great force and valiant resolution, for the helth of their owne Country. It happened after the Battaile that a Monke a Suisse, called BVRCARD: who had made a voyage into France with the Emperours consent, to bring in this armie, going forth on Horse-backe, as it were to triumph for this defeate of his Countrie­men, and marching with his Caske on, but his beuer was vp, and his face was vncouered, that hee might with more ease behold the dead bodies, among the which he marched, he began to cry out, O pleasant spec­tacle, what a goodly thing it is to marche in this medow bedeckt with Roses: at those words a Suisse lying vpon the place, and breathing more for the libertie of his country, then for his owne life, being so neere his death, hee awakes, and rising as well as hee could vpon his [Page 584] knees, with an extraordinary vigour, and taking vp a stone, hee threwe it with such dexterity and force at BVR­CARD as hee hit him in the midest of the fore-head, and o­uerthrewe him from his horse, where hee died, receiuing the reward of his cruell ingratitude and treason. STVM­PHIVS in the History of Suisserland.

In the yeare 1514. the Suisses going to succor MAXI­MILIAN SFORZA Duke of Milan, had the gard of No­uare, the which they defended with such resolution, as notwithstanding that the French made a furious battery against the walles, yet the Suisses shewed to haue so little feare of them, as they would neuer suffer the Towne gate, which lookt into the campe to be shut. A breach being made, they endured an assault courragiously, and repulst the Assaylants. And which is more, the night following, beeing led by Captaine MOTIN, they went (without attending the succors that came vnto them) to charge the French armie, marching directly to the Artil­lery, the which they wonne valiantly, beeing two and twentie peeces, and carryed them the next daie in try­umph to Nouare, hauing slaine a great part of the French armie, and put the rest in rout: the which we will describe more amply in the following discourse, where wee will write of great battailes giuen in diuers partes of the worlde, since a hundred and fiftie yeares. FR. GVICHARDIN Booke 2. Chap. 14. of his Historie of the warres of Italie.

The valour of the same Suisses appeered in the yeare. 1515. at Saint Dona in the Duchie of Milan, of whome GVICHARDIN yeeldes this testymonie. Although the Suisses did fight still with great courrage and resolution, yet seeing them-selues charged in front and in flanke, and [Page 585] that the Venetian armie approched to assault them be­hinde, they despayred of victory (which they held for certaine the daie before) so as it growing late, they did sound a retreate, and taking their Artillery, vpon their shoulders, they turned their squadrons, and holding still their accustomed discipline, they marched softly to­wards Milan, with such amazement to the French, as not any one of foote or horse-backe durst followe them. There were onelie two Companies of theirs, which be­ing fled into a farme house, were burnt by the Venetian light horse men. The rest of the armie returned to Mi­lan without disorder, shewing the same countenance and resolution: and some say they buried in the ground fiueteene peeces of great ordinance, which they had got­ten at the first Incounter, for that they had no meanes to carrie them away. All men say, that for a long time there had not beene seene a more furious and fearefull battaile in Italie. TRIVVLCE (an ancient Captaine which had seene much) sayd, that this battaile had beene performed by Giants, not by men: and that eighteene battailes in which hee had beene, were but combats of little children in respect of that: and some hold that with­out the Canon the Suisses had gotten the victory, who being entred at the first charge into the fortifications of the French, and hauing taken from them the most of their peeces, had alwaies wonne ground. GVICHARDIN. Booke 12. Chap. 13.

About the yeare 1514. the French being beseeged in a fort called the lanterne of Genoa, beseeched King LEVVIS the twelfth to succor them with vittells. A Sclauonian Captaine entertained by the King, carried him-selfe so well, as in despight of all the Galleis which stopt the [Page 586] passage, hee entred with his galleis laden with victuells, and releeued the place in sight of all the Geneuois. There­vpon EMANVEL CAVAL, a Captaine at se [...] (very ex­pert among those of his time) hauing commande of a galley with 300 yong men, vnder ANDREVV DORIA, and going from the place where hee was set in gard, hee beganne to go into the open sea, to haue the more winde that he might vse both his owers and sayles, and then he sayles directly against the Sclauonians galley, not fearing the Cannon which did shoote at him continually from the Lanterne, he graples with the sayd galley, and leapes first into it him-selfe, then hauing cut the cables where­with the galley was tied vnto the fort, commanding the Citty of Genoa: in an instant hee drawes this galley after him, turning the prowe of his owne, and conducting it with such dexterity betwixt the shelfes and the conque­red galley, as mauger all letts hee arriued safe, and was receiued with applause of all the people, and honored with fiue hundred Crownes, for a testymonie of his va­lour: the spoyle of the conquered galley was diuided a­mongst the soldiars. As for the Selauonian Captaine, he cast himselfe into the sea, meaning to swimme vnto the shelfes neere vnto the fort, where hee pretended to saue himselfe. But a young gentleman called IVSTINIAN, casting himselfe into the sea, followed him so swiftly as he ouertooke him, and laying hold of his haire, drewe him to the shore. The Geneuois beeing Masters of the Lanterne (which kept them in great awe and subiection) did ruine it. P. IOVIVS Booke 12. of his History.

I Did see a man some yeares since (whose name I haue in singular recommendati­on) in the midest of our greatest miseries, when as neither Lawe, Iustice, nor Ma­gistrate did Office, no more then at this instant, went and published certaine idle reformations vpon Apparell, Diet and Lawe practise. These are baits to deceiue an ill gouerned people with: to saie that they are not wholie forgotten. They are of the same sort, which busie themselues to for-bidde with all vehemency, talke, dancing and pla [...]es, to a people a­bandoned to all kindes of execrable vices. MONTAIGNE Booke 3. Chap 9. of his Essaies.

PHILIP called the good Duke of Bour­gondy, in the memory of our ancestors, being at Brux [...]lls with his Court and walking one night after supper throgh the streets, accompanied with some of his fauorits▪ he found lying vpon the stones a certaine Artisan that was very dronke, and that slept soundly. It pleased the Prince in this Artisan to make triall of the vanity of our life, wherof he had before discoursed with his familiar friends. Hee therfore caused this sleeper to be taken vp and carried in­to his Pallace: hee commands him to bee layed in one [Page 588] of the richest beds, a riche Night-cap to bee giuen him, his foule shirt to bee taken off, and to haue an other put on him of fine Holland: when as this Dronkard had dis­gested his Wine, and began to awake: behold there comes about his bed, Pages and Groomes of the Dukes Chamber, who drawe the Curteines, make many cour­tesies, and being bare-headed, aske him if it please him to rise, and what apparell it would please him to put on that day. They bring him rich apparrell. This new Mon­sieur amazed at such curtesie, and doubting whether hee dreampt or waked, suffered himselfe to be drest, and led out of the Chamber. There came Noble-men which saluted him with all honour, and conduct him to the Masse, where with great ceremonie they giue him the Booke of the Gospell, and the Pixe to kisse, as they did vsually vnto the Duke▪ from the Masse they bring him backe vnto the Pallace: hee washes his hands, and sittes downe at the Table well furnished. After dinner, the great Chamberlaine commandes Cardes, to be brought with a great summe of money. This Duke in Imagina­tion playes with the chiefe of the Court. Then they car­rie him to walke in the Gardein, and to hunt the Hare and to Hawke. They bring him back vnto the Pallace, where hee sups in state. Candles beeing light, the Musi­tions begin to play, and the Tables taken away, the Gen­tlemen and Gentle-women fell to dancing, then they played a pleasant Comedie, after which followed a Banket, whereas they had presently store of Ipocras and pretious Wine, with all sorts of confitures, to this Prince of the new Impression, so as he was drunke, & fell sound­lie a sleepe. Here-vpon the Duke commanded that hee should bee disrobed of all his riche attire. Hee was put [Page 589] into his olde ragges and carried into the same place, where he had beene found, the night before, where hee spent that night. Being awake in the morning, hee be­ganne to remember what had happened before, hee knewe not whether it were true in deede, or a dreame that had troubled his braine. But in the end, after many discourses, hee concluds that all was but a dreame that had happened vnto him, and so entertained his wife, his Children and his neighbors, without any other appre­hension. This Historie put mee in minde of that which SENECA sayth in the ende of his 59. letter to LVCILIVS. No man saies he, can reioyce and content himselfe, if he be not nobly minded, iust and temperate. What then? Are the wicked depriued of all ioye? they are glad as the Lions that haue found their prey. Being full of wine and Luxury, hauing spent the night in gourmandise, when as pleasures poored into this vessell of the bodie (beeing to little to conteine so much) beganne to foame out, these miserable wretches crie with him of whome VIRGILL speakes.

The dissolute spend the night, yea the last night in false ioyes. O man, this stately vsage of the aboue named ARTISAN, is like vnto a dreame that passeth. And his goodly day, and the years of a wicked life differ nothing, but in more and lesse. He slept foure and twenty houres, other wicked men some-times foure and twenty thou­sands of houres. It is a little or a great dreame: and no­thing more.

BERNARD SCARDEON in the 3. booke of his Historie of Padoua, reportes that two Brethren of an honorable familie, being one daie in Sommer at a certaine Countrie house of theirs: after supper they went downe to the dore of their lodging, and deuising of many things, they beganne to contemplate the shyning starres, being then very many, as in a cleere season. Then one of them beganne to say merrely, I would I had as many Oxen as I see starres. The other answered after the same man­ner, and I would haue a Medowe as bigge as all the com­passe of Heauen, then turning to his Brother he added, where would you then feede your Oxen? In your Me­dowe replied the Brother: yea if I would answered the other. I, in despight of you sayd he of the Oxen. In spight of mee sayd the other. I replied his Brother. So con­testing togither, their I est fell to earnest, and from bit­ter wordes they fel to blowes, and drawing their swords, they thrust one an▪other through, and fell downe in the place. The seruants who had heard them lowde in wordes, came running at the noyse of their swordes, and carried them into the house, whereas they died present­ly. TH. ZVINGER Booke 2. of the first volume of his great Theater of mans life.

Wee haue an other Historie of our time related by P. IVSTINIAN in the foure and twenty Booke of his Histo­rie of Venise, no lesse tragicall then the former. COS­MO Duke of Florence, amongest other Children, had one, a [Page 591] Cardynall, called IOHN, a Prince of great hope. Go­ing one daie a hunting with two other of his Bretheren. FERDINAND and GARTIA, beeing followed by some gentlemen, their dogges start a Hare, the which they hunt in a Champian field and take. Herevpon the Bro­thers fell to some debate, euery one maintayning that his Dogges had first found the Hare and then taken it. From wordes they fell to iniurious tearmes. The Car­dynall not able to endure anie worde of disgrace gaue GARCIA a blowe of the eare: who transported with choller, drewe his sworde, and wounded the Cardy­nall so sore, as hee died soone after. One of the Car­dinalls Seruants fell vpon GARCIA, and hurt him so greeuiously, as hee followed his Brother within verie fewe daies after. So for a matter of little or nothing Duke COSMO lost two of his Sonnes in fewe houres. CAMERARIVS in his Historicall meditations. Chap. 92.

Some turbulent Spirits, vnworthy to be named, bread a quarrell betwixt GEORG and ALBERT Marquises of Brandeberg, the which they did entertaine so cunningly, as these two Princes, Cousin-germains, became open enemies one vnto an other, and diuided their estates, which before they had held in common, making authen­ticall contracts. GEORGE, the more ancient, hauing of long time obserued, that ALBERT suffred himselfe to be gouerned by men that in the end would thrust him into great troubles, tooke a resolution such as chol­ler did sugiest, for hearing that ALBERT was come to Neubourg, without imparting it to anie one, hee writ vnto him with his owne hand; that seeing ALBERT did both say and doe him manie indignities hee would not therefore make warre against him, nor suffer [Page 592] that their poore innocent subiects who were not ac­quainted with such quarrells, should smart for it. That they must ende this quarrell betwixt themselues. And therefore although hee were much elder, he presented the Combate to Marquis Albert, wishing him (if hee lo­ued his honor) to come alone on horse-backe armed like a Prince and Knight, in a certaine place out of the way, the which hee appointed neere vnto a forest, whether he would come in the like equipage. There they two with­out any witnesses, would ende all their controuersies. That with his white beard hee would incounter the red haire of ALBERT. He seales vp his letters, calles a Page of his, a Polonian borne, commands him expresly to carrie them to Marquis ALBERT, and not to deliuer them to any other then to him-selfe. The Page desirous to execute his Princes commande, prouides for his de­parture. But as hee would haue gone to horse-backe, an other page playing with him, and handling his Pis­toll, shot it of vnaduisedly, and slue the Polonian Page. He was sercht, and the letters which hee had about him carried backe, by the which the Princes intention was descouered to his Councellers: they let him vnderstand what had happened, and the stay which it seemed GOD had sent. Wherevpon he changed his opynion, and fol­lowed other expedients, pardoning the ill aduised Page, who had killed the other vnawares. This happened in the yeare 1541. CAMERARIVS. Chap. 92. of his Historicall meditations.

THE sonne of a Butcher called LAVV­RENCE, seuen yeares olde, being sicke of Wormes which tormented him, continued three dayes as one dead, re­ceiuing no sustenance but drinke made with Grasse, Water with Vinegar and Sugar. The fourth day they made him to take a potion of Aloes, Mirrhe, and Saffron, which made him to voide by the siege, an hundred fortye and eight Wormes, which done, hee recouered his health. BENIVENIVS Chap. 85. Of hidden causes.

I haue knowne a woman aboue forty yeares old, who who was oft troubled with great paine in her stomacke, with-all, shee had no appetite, but had a great desire to cast; hauing vsed the confection called Hierapigra, shee voided about forty great Wormes, DODONEVS in his Obseruations vpon the 85. Chap. I had a sick olde man in cure, being about 82. yeares old, and not knowing at the first sight his infirmitie, comming neere vnto him, I found his breath to bee very vnsauorie, like vnto young Children that are troubled with Wormes. I resolued therefore to Phisicke him, as one that was full of such filthe. Then hee seemed as one dead, and the Duke of Ferrarares Steward had commanded, that they should prepare all that was necessary for the funerals of that man. I caused him to take a drinke fitte for that disease, in the which there was Scordium, and Sea Mosse, by meanes whereof hee discharged him-selfe of aboue fiue hundred Wormes, and was cured. This was a casuall [Page 594] cure: for I should neuer haue thought that a decrepit olde man should haue beene toucht with that disease. BRASAVOLE in his Coment. vpon the 26. Aphorisme of the 3. Booke of HIPPOCRATES.

A young Maide a Candiot, continued eight dayes with­out speaking, and her eyes open, who hauing voided two and forty wormes, with out any excrements, was cured. ALEXANDER BENEDICTVS. In the yeare 1545. I did see a certaine Gentlewoman, who in few dayes put forth a thousand wormes, and in the space of foure houres foure hundred, some dead, some aliue, after the which she was well. P. PAVL PEREDA, in the 1. Booke of the cure of diseases. Chap. 5. I haue seene a sicke body, which at one time did voyde by the siege a hundred seuentie and seuen Wormes. GABVCIN Chap. 13. in his Commentarie of the Lungs.

Doctor MANVEL BETVLEIVS had a little boye foure yeares old, called SIXTVS, the which was trou­bled with a great and extraordinary [...]euer, with a paine in his head, a cough, a great alteration, a shaking in his sleepe, and a crying out, which made me say, that he was full of Wormes. So as hauing made him drinke a De­coction of Tanecete, three mornings together, hee cast aboue a hundred Wormes a foote long a peece, and was sodenly cured of his feuer, and all other accidents, WEC­KER in his Obseruations. A young Maiden hauing cast a great round Worme, her Father ript it, and found it full of other Wormes. The Maide being full of this Ver­mine, dyed within few dayes. AMATVS a Portugall in the 5. Centurie, Cure 46.

A young Boye foure yeares olde, much tormented with wormes, after many remedies, voyded by the seege [Page 595] a round bladder like a Ball. The Mother opening it in the presence of others, found inclosed in it many thousands of little wormes. The Childe being carefully lookt vn­to, was soone after recouered. In the 2. Centurie. Cure. 40. I haue seene a Ball full of Wormes, tyed one vnto an­other, so as at the first sight you would haue thought they had beene but one. The same.

It is wonderfull what ERASMVS reports in a cer­taine Oration of his, made in the praise of Phisicke. Hee saith, that hee had seene an Italian, who had neuer beene in Germanie, nor seene any Booke or man of that Nation, or any one that vnderstood it, and yet hee spake the Germaine tongue well, so as they thought hee had a spirit. Hauing beene Phisicked by a learned Phisition, and by the meanes of a drinke discharged of a great number of Wormes, hee was cured of his infirmitie, but hee neyther spake nor vnderstood any more the Germaine tongue. CARDAN liber 8. Chap. 43. Of the Diuersitie of Things.

I haue seene Children so tormented with Wormes, as they suffered strange convulsions, and so violent, as they held them almost from the heele to the head. TRINCAVEL. lib. 9. Chap. 11. Of the reason of curing the affected parts of mans body IHON BAPTISTA CA­VALAIRE, a learned Physition, hath protested vnto me, that hee had seene Wormes come out of the Nauell of a Childe of three yeare olde. OMNIBONVS liber 4. Chap. 13. In the Treatise of the cure of children. Maister PE­TER BARQVE a Surgion of the French bands, and CLAVDE le GRANDE a Surgion, remaining at Verdun, haue assu­red me, that they had a woman in cure called GRAS BON­NET, dwelling in the same place, who had an Impostume [Page 596] in her belly, out of the which there came with the mat­ter a great number of Wormes, as biggeas a mans fin­ger, with sharpe heads, the which had eate her intrailes, so as for many dayes shee voyded f [...]cale matter by the vlcer, and in the end was cured. Maister AMB. PARH. lib. 19. Cap. 3.

A Woman of Delft, forty yeares olde, being gone seuen moneths with childe, fell into a Feuer, with other troublesome accidents: so as in the end she had an ouer­ture in her belly, out of the which there came, namely by her Nauill, a yealow and stinking matter, like to the ordi­narie excrementes. In the ende the 19 of September 1579. a Worme being a foote and a halfe long, came forth at her Nauill. Two dayes after shee cast forth an­other that was greater. Her Feuer encreased the first of October: so as I feared shee would bee deliuered before her time. The third of the same moneth came forth a third Worme by the Nauill, the which was lesse then the former. The 15. of October shee was brought in bedde of a Sonne, and seuen dayes after shee voyded a fourth Worme at her Nauill: and the 24 of October, a fi [...]t as great as the first. And for that shee was not care­fully look [...] vnto by reason of her pouerty and base con­dition, shee languished some moneths before she could recouer her health. PETER FOREST, liber 7. Obserua­tion Chap. 35.

Doctor HOVLIER, lib. 1. Chap. 54. of inward Diseases, writes, That others haue had Wormes come forth of their bodies at their Nauils, and at their Groynes. THOMAS VEGA in his Commentarie vppon the 5. Chapter of the 1. Booke of GALEN, of affected places, saith, that he had seene two men tormented with wormes, which felt them in an [Page 597] instant come out by the groine, hauing pierced the bowels, and the filme which couers them. The wound was closed vp for the one, but the other had it open all his life, by the which he voyded his excrements. TRIN­CAVEL. lib. 19. Chap. 11. sayth. That he had seene a child fiue yeares old, whose belly the wormes had pierst, and came out at his Nauill. I haue seene come out of a mans body, a worme fifteene foote long, and of the breadth of a Gourd seed. ALEX. BENEDICTVS in the preface of the 21. Booke of his practise. In the territorie of Sienna, a certaine woman hauing drunke the water of the Bathes that are there, and continued it seauen dayes, voyded Wormes of that length. They were so tyed one to an other, as they were foure Cubits long, and seeing them a farre off, you would haue sayd it had beene but one Worme. BENIVENIVS, Chap. 87. I did cure an honest man, who did drawe out by the siege a Worme almost three yeards long: and after-wards although he seemed to be some-what better, yet hee was full of Wormes, which some-times procured him a wonderfull appetite to eate, and other-whiles againe, it gaue mee a wonder­full distaste. DODONEVS in his Annotations vpon the 87. Chapt. I haue seene such large Wormes, and almost of an incredible length, at Mirandola, to the amazement of all those that were with mee. MAINARD in the E­pistle of the third Booke. An other Physition, famous among the Germaines, called IAMES CORNARIVS, saith, that hee had driuen out of a certaine mans body dwelling at Northuse, a worme that was very broad, like vnto those which the Greekes call Taeniae, for that they are long and large like vnto bandes, the which was ten Cubites long, and hee thinkes that it was but halfe a [Page 598] worme, the other halfe hauing beene pulled from him before.

A young child, two yeares and foure moneths old, at Recine in Italy, in the yeare 1538. voyded one of these broad Wormes whole, of a prodigious length, to the sight where-of almost all the Towne came running: for this Worme being many ells long, was preserued aliue almost a day in a Basin full of water, where it did mooue like a Worme creeping vpon the earth. GABVCIN Chap. 13. of his Commentarie of the Lungs. I haue seene a Sclauonian Woman, which in coughing did cast vp one of these wormes, fashioned like a Serpent, the which was foure Cubits long. AMATVS a Portugal. Century. 16. Cure. 74. We might produce a dozen Histories of such other Wormes, which were at the least an ell long: but for that a great number of other remaine to be obserued, I will busie my selfe about the principall. A Suisses wife of the Canton of zurich, young and fertill, was sick three yeares together, by reason of one of these large and long wormes that was growne within her Bowels, shee sent me a peece to zurich, that I might see it, deliuer my opi­nion, and ease her. This peece was aboue fiue ells long, without tayle or head, couered with scales like a Serpent, broad as ones little finger, and of the coulour of Ashes. In the yeare 1571. when she dyed, shee cast vp an other of an incredible length: for it was aboue twenty ells, the which her seruants had dryed in the smoake, to pre­serue it. During her infirmity, this Woman was concei­ued and deliuered twise of Childe. Being fasting, these Wormes did gnawe her cruelly: and when shee had eaten and drunke, shee had some ease. This disease was accompanyed and followed by other gre [...]uous infir­mities, [Page 599] as a Constipation, a Chollick and the Dropsy, wherof shee dyed. THEOD. DYNVS. Chap. 15. Of his mixtures of Phisicke.

I remember that I haue caused diuers persons to voide Wormes being thirteene Cubites long. C. G [...]SNER lib. 3. of his Epistles. pag. 90. A Suisses wife brought me a Worme which shee had voyded, rowled vp of it selfe, as it had beene a bottome of thred, as bigge as an Egge, the which shee had voyded at her mouth. It stirred yet, and beeing stretcht out in my presence, it was found to bee three ells long, with scales of an Ashie coulour like a Serpent. A Kins-woman of mine two and twentie yeares old, tormented with such Wormes, fell to haue an insatiable hunger, and a stopping of her monthly courses. In the end, Nature helping her, shee drew forth with her hands by the lower parts, peece after peece, a Worme many ells long: and then shee was soone cu­red. I. SCHENKIVS in his Physicall Obseruations, lib. 3. Sect. 208.

In the yeare 1561. the sixteenth of February, a Vine­trimmer of Arles, did voide such a large and long worme by peeces, whereof the one was twentye hand bredths long, and another eight. It was like vnto thinne skins, wrinckled, of the coulour of Ashes and soft. After that the Patient had beene discharged of such filthe, he soun­ded, and remained with-out strength or pulce, but in the end hee was recouered. VALERIOLA lib. 1. Obseru. 9. The long and large, or fatte Wormes, lye some-times along the Bowels, and are of a slimie substance, with the which one named LVCAS FAREL, the Arche-Duke MATHIAS Cooke, was tormented euery three moneths very sore, and did voyde such rotten filthe by [Page 600] peeces, of sixe, twelue and fiueteene foote long. Thus sayth CAROLOVS CLVSIVS in his Annotations vpon the 3. Booke of Monardus simples.

I haue seene one which came forth of a woman, and was like vnto a serpent, aboue a fadome long. Where as wee must not wonder seeing that the Ancients write that they had seene some as long as the gutts, the which are seauen times as long as our body, for that the Bowels of euery man are of that length: the which I haue seene and shewed in the Physick schooles at Paris, making the dissection of an Anotomy. Moreouer IOHN WIER a learned Physition to the Duke of Cleues, writes in his worke of the Imposture of Diuills, that a Country-man did cast vp a worme eight foote and a halfe long, the which had the throat almost like vnto a Duckes-bill. M. AMB. PARE. Booke 19. Chap. 4.

There is a dangerous kinde of wormes, breeding of a melancholike humor, which receiue their norrishment of the remedies they vse to kill wormes. There hath beene one seene in our time at ZVRICH, the which was about nineteene foote long. BARTLEM [...]VVE CAR­RITCHTER in his Obseruations. Hauing giuen a purgation to a certaine Germaine woman that was much troub­led with the wormes, she cast one that was brought vnto me of a prodigious length: for it was fiue and forty foote long. Afterwards she voided two others, which were no­thing so long as the first. IAMES OETHAEAV in his Obser­uations. I haue seene a yong girle of foure yeares of age, voide wormes aliue that were twenty ells long. G. HAM­BERGER professor in Physicke at Tubinge, in certaine ques­tions that were disputed of in the yeare 1574. A young Countrie-Maide foureteene yeares olde, being in good [Page 601] helth, voided a worme 14. foote long. WECKERVS in his Oberseruations. An other Country-woman of the age of 35. yeares, being greatly troubled with wormes, voided one eighteene foote long. The same Author. A certaine poore Coūtry-maide voided a worme at twice, long and large, the which was neere fiue ells long. GAS­PAR WOLF. in his Obseruations.

I haue some-times seene sicke persons voide of these large wormes, that were forty foote long, with such vio­lence, as one would haue thought, they would cast vp their gutts. These wormes haue no hollownes, but are compounded of a kinde of white skinne, thicke and sly­mie, markt with blacke spotts, and without motion. They are like vnto points or bands, and are ingendred in the Bowells of a rotten Iuice. FELIX PLATER in his Ob­seruations. A Padouan Barber remayning at Mantoua, a­bout Automne in the yeare 1556, after some fitts of an Ague, did cast off these wormes a finger broad, and seuen cubits long, such as Doctor PLATER hath described. MAR. DONATVS Booke 4. of his Admirable Histories. Chap. 26. Doctor SCHENCK and QVENTS in their obseruations note two Histories of the like wormes, of six, seauen and eight Cubits long. FERNELIVS Booke 6. Chap 10. of his Patho­logia, speakes of an other kinde of wormes, called ASCA­RIDES, which he sa [...]es come out of the fundement, & then fasten themselues to the buttocks and thighes. And Doc­ter IOHN de IESSEN in his obseruations, affirmes the same, reporting that a little child of one of the chiese Councel­lors to the Emperor RODOIPHVS the 2. being troubled with the falling sicknesse, many Phisitions being assembled to­gither to consult of the causes of this violent & ordinary Infirmity, they were much troubled to resolue. IRSSEN [Page 602] caused it to be vnswadled & visited the fundemēt, where he found Ascarides. Then with one common consent they applied a Corsey, & the cause of the disease being taken away by little and little the Child grewe to perfect helth. But we must yet propound other Histories of monstrous wormes, quite different from the common forme: that the reader may see more and more vnto what miseries wee are all subiect through sinne: and by these relations learne to humble our selues before our GOD and so­ueraigne Iudge. A Chanoin tormented with the chol­licke, tooke of the confection called HIERA PIGRA, and cast forth a worme like vnto a Lizard, but greater, hairy, hauing foure feete, the which was kept aliue in a violl of glasse. MONTVVS Booke 4. Chap 19. In the memory of our Fathers a woman with-child at Craco [...]ia in Poland, was deliuered of one still borne, the which had vpon the backe of it a great worme of the forme of a serpent, the which did g [...]awe this little creature. LICOSTHENES in his Histories of Prodigies.

A young maiden of Louvain in Brabant 15. years old, after that shee had endured much, shee did voide both from aboue and beneath strange things: amongst o­thers by the seege with the excrements a worme a foote and a halfe long, greater then a mans Thombe very like vnto an eele: the difference was that the taile was verie hairy. C. GEMMA Booke 2. Chap. 2. A. BENIVENIVS 2 Physition of Florence, writes that a Carpenter called IOHN, 40. yeares of age, was continually troubled with a paine at his heart without any ease, BENIVENIVS hauing giuen him some potion, with a great quantity of matter which hee voided, he cast vp a good long worme, hauing a redde head, round, and of the bignesse of a great pease, [Page 603] hauing the bodie all couered with soft haire, a forked taile like a halfe Moone, and foure feete as a Lizard. AMB. PARE Booke 19. Chap. 3.

A Spanish Gentlewoman returning from Peru, did as­sure that she had beene sick many years there and could finde no helpe. In the end an Indian held for a great her­balist came to see her, & made her drink the iuice of Ver­uein well purified, by means wherof soone after she cast vp a worme (which shee called a snake) all hairy, a foote long besides the taile, which done shee recouered her helth. MONARDVS Booke 3. of the simples of the newe found world, in the Chap. of Verueine. ANTHONY CAPTAINE, a Phi­sition of Mantoua, hath often told mee that a gentleman of that place called LAVRENCE ZAFFARD, hauing bin trob­led with a melancholike ague & a loathing of meate, with a paine at his heart which made him to shrike out, he did vomit vp a worme, the which liued seauen houres, it was a foote-long, hauing hornes on the head, and a 100. feete on either side, with the which he crept strangly, it was of a reddish collour and flat. MACEL DONATVS Booke 4. Chap. 26. of his Histories. BONIFACE COCK of Padoua had a little Sonne, which remained in a trance as one dead for the space of sixe houres. FALLOPIVS a learned Physition pres­cribed som-thing vnto him, with the helpe whereof hee recouered his spirrits, and one houre after voided aboute fortie wormes▪ amongst the which there was one blacke, hairy, with two heads a Cubit long, which liued three daies. SCHENCH Booke 3. Obseruation 21. A young girle about some nine yeares olde, hauing taken the powlder of wormes did cast vp, little Caterpillers a liue. DODONEVS in his annotation vpon the 58. Chapter of BENIVENIVS.

[Page 604]Hauing an old woman that was sick of a Pluresie in cure, shee cast forth a black Snaile, hauing blacke feete, long and soft hornes, markt, being full of filthie matter, and two fingers long. GESNER lib. 3. of his Epistles. pag. 94. I haue seene a Worme which was no longer then the bredth of foure fingers, but hauing the backe couered with a reddish haire. This Worme had tormented a certaine young man, so as there was no hope of life in him: but in the end by meanes of a fit drinke, hee did vo­mit vp the Worme, and so escaped. GABVCIN in his Comentarie of the Lungs, Chap. 13.

A Tayler in Languedoc not farre from Montpellier, be­ing cured of a strange Feuer, in the end hee did cast vp a Worme three quarters long, the which was round, thick and aliue, and with it much melancholike and black mat­ter. GASP. WOLFIN in his obseruations. A Suisse of the Canton of zug, a strong man, feeling commonly some thing that did pricke him at the orifice of the stomacke, being eased by some potions, he did cast vp a great num­ber of Wormes, of two and three foote long. The same. A Maide of Briele in Holland, did vomit vp a great number of Wormes, and which is more, a yeare after she voyded Snailes, which her Mother did shew mee, assuring me that shee had kept one which had liued two dayes. P. FOREST, lib. 18. Obseruat. 19. In the yeare 1578. THIENETE CARTIER, dwelling at Saint Maur, a widow-woman fortie yeares olde, did cast in the be­ginning of her fitt great abundance of cholerick humor, with the which shee voyded three Wormes, the which were wolley, and like in forme, colour, length, and great­nesse to Catter-pillers, but that they were blacke, the which afterwards laye eight dayes and more with-out [Page 605] any norrishment. They were brought by the Barber of Saint Maur to Mounsier MILOT Doctor and reader in the Physick schooles, who then had the sayd CHARTIER in cure, and shewed them to me & to many others. AMB. PARE Booke 24. Chap. 16.

Let vs adde some Histories of wormes, comming forth in diuers partes of mans bodie, to shewevs more plainly our miserable vanity. Hauing a soldiar in cure in Piedmont, who had beene foote-man to Mounsier de Goulaines deceased, and had beene hurt with a sword vp­on the parietall boane, after some weekes dressing him, I did see a number of wormes come from vnder this rot­ten boane, by certaine hoales in the rottenes, which made me vse the more speede to drawe out and raise the sayd boane, the which did shake long before: and vpon the Duramater I found where nature had ingendred 3. hollowe places in the flesh to put in ones Thombe, full of moouing and crawling wormes, euery one of the which was about the bignesse of a points tagge, hauing blacke heads. [...]MB. PARE Booke 9. Chap. 22.

Manie learned Physitions of our time, and amongest the rest. I. HOVLIER in the first booke of inward diseases. Chap. 1. L. IOVBERT Cap. 9▪ in his treatise of wounds in the head. MONTVVS and VEGA hold that many times wormes are seene in the braine of diuers men, as also in other partes of the bodie. BALTHAZAR CONRADIN Chap. 10. Of his booke of the Pestylent feuer in Hungary writes, that hee had seene wormes comming out of diuers partes of bo­dies, toucht with the sayd feuer, and some of a good length which tooke their issue by the eares, the which of necessity bred in the Ventricles of the braine. And there­fore the Hungarians in diuers places did tearme this [Page 606] feuer the worme of the braine. COR. GEMMA in the Apendix of his Cosmocritia, makes mention of a wo­man in the Lowe Countries, who being dead of a pesti­lent Ague, they opened her head, where there was found a great quantity of stinking matter about the substance of the braine, with an incredible number of little wormes and punaises. I. HOVLIER writes in his practise that hee had giuen Physicke to an Italian that was tormen­ted with an extreame paine in his head, whereof hee died. And hauing caused him to be opened, there was found in the substance of the braine, a beast like vnto a Scorpion, the which (as HOVLIER thinkes) was ingendred for that this Italian had continually carried and smelt of the herbe called Baselisk.

A young girle about eight yeares of age, beeing fal­len into a very great trance, remained seauen daies with­out speaking, feeling or with any moouing, breathing stronglie, and taking no norrishment but some broth or decoction of pourpie. The Mother seeing her Daughter so violently toucht in the head, gaue her a suppositarie, which drewe from her by the seege two and fortie wormes, wrethed togither like to a bowle, whereby the Childe was cured. ALEX BENEDICT Booke 1. Chap. 26. of the cure of diseases.

A little Sonne of mine, three yeares olde, called IOHN CONRARD, beeing fallen into a verie troublesome trance, and presently helpt with Treacle and Vinager applyed to his mouth and nostrills, being a sleepe and afterwards awake, wee found in the sheete wherein hee was wrapt a worme which had a sharpe mussell markt with redde, hairie and crawling in the clothes. I. SCHENCK in his Obseruation Booke 1. section 242.

[Page 607]It happened to a young Childe of three yeares olde which was very well, this wonderfull and memorable al­teration which followes. As she was playing by certaine women, there beganne sodenly to appeere in the great corner of the eye within it, the head of a worme, whose bodie almost couered the eye. The woman being ama­zed, drewe neere, and one of them did gently drawe out this worme, which was aliue, and long as an ordyna­rie point, and some-what bigge, without any hurt to the string, or that the comming of it forth had any way offen­ded the eye. AMATVS a Portugall Centur. 5. Cure. 63. I haue seene come forth at a young mans eares that was tormented with a violent feuer, three wormes like to the kirnells of Pyne-aples and some-what bigger. VELASQVE Booke 4. Chap. 30.

FERNELIVS Booke 5. Chap. 7. of his Pathologia writes of a soldiar, who was so flat nozed, as hee could not blowe it: so as of the excrement which was retained and putre­fied, there ingendred two wormes, which were wolley and had hornes, of the bignesse of halfe a finger, the which were the cause of his death, after that hee had beene madde for the space of twentie daies. AMB. PARE Booke 19. Chap. 3.

In the yeare 1561. the fifth of Maie, a young woman giuing suck to her boye but sixe monthes olde, stooping to tie her shoe, shee voided belowe a little beast as bigge as a Caterpiller, and hideous to behold. It liued three daies beeing fedde with milke. Beeing dead, it was found full of cholericke matter, greene and venimous, especially about the head. The young woman felt no discommodity after this voyding. The Sonne of one named IOHN MICHELLACH dwelling at Metz did [Page 608] voide at his fundement very haire. I did see one of thir­tie and three yeares of age, Sonne to N. ROCKELFINGER, who in pissing voyded little wormes which did crawle, like vnto those that breede in rotten cheese, but they had blacke heads. I haue seene others that had wormes comming out at their eares. A certaine Gentleman named CAPELLE, hauing beene so wretched and wicked as to beate his Father, fell sicke, and had wormes come out at his eyes. A woman of Dusseldorp, hauing beene very sicke for a long time, in the ende a certaine Impos­tume growing vpon her bellie aboue her flanke, it brake by wormes which were ingendred therein, out of the which there came a great number, black and reddish. R. SOLENANDER in the 5. section of his Physicall Councells, in the 15. Councell. art. 2. 3. 4. 24.

In burning feuers, especially in those that be contagi­ous and pestilent, we see that diseases cast forth wormes by the taile, and other beasts of horrible and strange shapes. Of late a poore woman a widowe of Reinspourg, hauing beene long tormented with a cough, a shortnesse of breath and a paine at her heart and head, in the ende af­ter diuers remedies, shee tooke the quintessence of Tur­bithe which I gaue her, by meanes whereof after that she had beene discharged of certaine vicious excrements, she voided by the seege a liue Lizard, and then shee was cured. I doe not speake of a number of frogges which PAVL FISCHER studying in the Colledge of the Abbaye of Saint Esmeran did voide, hauing beene long tormented with strange paine at his stomake. But after this dis­charge, hee was very well. MARTIN RVLAND a Physition, in his opinion touching the golden tooth of the Childin Silesia.

[Page 609]Sometimes there happens sharpe and dangerous paines in the head, which cause a dimnesse of the sight, a decay of vnderstanding, a suppression of the voyce, a vomiting, and a want of naturall heate through-out all the body. A friend of mine named PHILIP, was troubled with all these infirmities, so as all men expected his death the se­uenth day, no Phisicke helping him: in the ende by the helpe of Nature, which was strong in him, hee cast forth a Worme at his right nostrill, the length of foure or fiue fingers breadth, where-by hee was cured. BENIVE­NIVS Chap. 100.

I did see one of the Seigneurs of Venice tormented with a feuer, but much more in the night then in the day, in the end he cast out at his nostrils a Grayish Worme, about foure fingers long, the which had feete proportio­able to the body, and being put into a Glasse full of wa­ter, it did mooue swiftly. It came out at the nose wrapt in the snot with thick and black bloud. TRINCAVEL. lib. 9. Chap. 11. A young Maiden being sick at the signe of the Lanterne at Saint Iames Port in Paris, thrust forth at one of her nostrils a Worme that was bigge and large, that was foure fingers long, without any Coughe or Vomi­ting going before. This was the 9. of Aprill 1553. Anno­tations vpon the first Booke of Maister HOVLIER of in­ward diseases. Chap. 54. I haue knowne a certaine man hauing an Vlcer in his nostrils, from whence did distill poysoned corruption. By my aduice hee dropt in the Iuyce of Tobacco leaues. At the second time there came forth of his nostrils a great number of Wormes, and afterwards lesse: in the end after some dayes the Vl­cer was cured. MONARDVS in his collection of Simples beyond the Sea.

[Page 610]MONTVVS in his worke of growing diseases, Chap. 4. reports after VELASQVES, that there are Wormes which breed vnder the tongue. I. SCHENCK in his Ob­seruations. liber 1. Sect. 387. Many other learned Phisi­tions agree and maintaine with AVICENNE and other Ancients, that Wormes breed in the teeth, the which they drawe forth with diuers perfumes. ALEX. BENE­DICTVS. lib. 6. Chap. 13. Of the cure of diseases. BENIV­VENIVS Chap. 100. DO DONEVS in his Scholiast. RON­DELET in his Historie of Fishes, in his Chapter of Creuises. TH. de VEGA in his Comentar▪ vpon the [...]. Booke, Chap. 5. Of affected places of GALLEN. HOVLIER in his Anno­tations vpon the fift Booke of GALLEN, Of compounded Medicines.

I haue made mention else-where, of a young Prince, after his death, being opened, there was found a white Worme, fastened vnto the heart, which had the beake pointed and hard like vnto that of a Chicken. Others in their Annotations vppon Mounsieur HOVLIENS worke of inward diseases, obserue vpon the 29. Chapter of the 1. Booke, that some times it happens, that wormes tickling not onely the orifice of the stomack, but also the heart it selfe, death doth presently ensue. I haue also spoken of a Florentine, who beeing dead of an A­poplexie, was opened, where there was a Worme found in the filme of the heart. RONDELET speaking of the Riuer Creuisse, in his History of Fishes, saieth, That hee had seene a Worme breeding in one of the brests of an Honorable Gentlewoman. BALDVVIN ROVSETVS a Phisition of Holland, in the 10. Chapter of his Miscellania, reportes the like of another Woman. H. MONTVVS a learned Physition, doth maintaine, [Page 611] that there are wormes breed in the Veines of mans body. PLINIE doth also write it, lib 26. Chap. 13. I. SCHENCK lib. 3. of his Obseruations, Sect. 52.

One demanded councell of a Spaniard by Letters, and helpe for one that was troubled with grauell, who hauing voyded some stones, and much sand, did also put forth at his yarde two little Wormes, hauing poin­ted beakes, two hornes vpon the head, as a Snaile, the backe and belly was as it were couered with scales, black like a Tottoise, but vnder the belly, which was redde. Annotations vpon the 50. Chapter of the 1. Booke of Mai­ster HOVLIER Of inward diseases.

I haue wondred to see in mine owne Vrine, a great great number of Wormes, short and little, like to small Lice. CARDAN in his Coment. vpon the 76. Aphoris­me of the fourth Booke of HIPPOCRATES. GILBERT GRIFEON an excellent Physition, and some-times my Schoole-maister, hath some-times shewed mee Wormes in Vrines as small as haires, the which wee could not see but in looking very neere. RONDELET in his History of Fishes, in the Chapter of the Riuer Creuish. I haue seene in an Vrine Wormes as large as Gourd seedes, flatte and aline. MONTVVS liber 4. Chap. 19. ARGENTERIVS a most learned Physition, doth af­firme, that hee had seene the forme of a winged Dra­gon comming forth with the Vrine. RONDELET in his Treatise of the Knowledge of Diseases. Mounsieur DV­RET a Physition hath assured mee, that hee did voyde at his yarde after a long and greeuous sicknesse, a little Beast aliue, very strange and wonderfull to behold, which was of a reddish coulour. CHARLES Earle of Mansfield beeing very sore sicke of a continuall Feuer, [Page 612] cast forth at his yarde a Worme, of the very forme of a blacke Pye. AMBROSE PARE. lib. 19. Chap. 3. I haue seene in the Vrines of diuers that haue beene sicke of the great Poxe, Wormes like vnto Antes. LEMNIVS lib. 2. Chap. 40. Of the secret miracles of Nature. One be­ing troubled with difficultie of making water, voyded by his yarde a little liue Scorpion. I. SCHENCK lib. 3. of his Obseruations, Sect. 312. In the Bladder of some persons Wormes doe breede, and little Beasts like to Cockles of the Sea. ALEX. BENEDICT. lib. 2. Chap. 22. of his Anotomie.

I attribute much credit in Phisicke and Surgerie, to experience applyed to reason. An honorable Woman did voyde by the neck of the Matrix, a great number of Wormes called Ascarides, & soone after recouered her health. GARSIAS LOPES in his diuers Lessons of Phi­sick, Chap. 13. Visiting one FREDERIC, seruant to FRANCIS BOVRSAT a Lawyer, beeing full of paine with an Impostume that was growne at the ende of his middle finger, the which beeing ripe, I caused to bee lansht, out of the which there came presently a white Worme, wolly, hauing a black head, as bigge as those Maggots that are found in Cheeses, after the which FREDERIC was cured. MARCELLVS DONATVS lib. 4. of his Historie, Chap. 26.

A certaine Man hauing a swelling or Wenne on his necke as bigge as an Egge, by chance being in a quar­rell, hee was wounded very sore in the same place, the which was found to bee full of quicke Lice, and the patient was cured of his hurt, of his Wenne, and of his Vermie. PETER FOREST in his Obseruations. Maister CORNELIVS HEYDIVS a Physition at Delft [Page 613] hath told me, that practising in the Franche Countie, hee had a Maide in cure, which had a crooke back, who fee­ling a great itching on that part, hee thought it was some Impostume, applying things fit to make it ripe. Being o­pened, there came out of it matter as cleere as water, with a great aboundance of Lice. The same. I haue seene an Impostume in a Maidens flanke, the which beeing o­pened by the Surgion, it was found full of Wormes. FAL­LOPIVS in the 4. Chap. of swellings that be not Naturall. Visiting the body of a Souldiar of Modena, that was dead in the Hospitall of the Carmelites, I found it full of Impo­stumes both within and without, all which were full of Wormes like vnto Lice. The same. A Germaine Gentle­woman troubled with diuerse diseases, among others did vomit vp at diuerse times, aboue twelue hundred lit­tle wormes, not aboue six yeares since, some as long as a Mans finger, others longer: whereof we will speake more amply in another place. I. SCHENCK recites this Hi­story, in the last Section of the seuenth Booke of his Ob­seruations.

It remaines to speake a worde of such Vermine as comes forth from betwixt the skinne and the fl [...]sh, a disease called Ptiriasis. Many both great and small, an­cient and moderne, haue beene strucken with it, and car­ried out of the world. In some they haue onely obserued some naturall indisposition, whereof the Phisitions yeeld pertinent reasons: in others, some speciall visitati­on of GOD. I haue before made mention of some wher­vnto I will adde this that followeth. AMATVS a Portu­gall, in the 3. Century, cure. 58. saith, that he had cured one that had Ptiriasis ot the Lousie disease, with an Oint­ment, letting him bloud, and purging him well before. [Page 614] Hee writes also, that a Portugall of Lisbone called TA­BORA, was so tormented with such Vermine, as two slaues of his being Moores, did nothing but carry away Baskets full of this Vermine breeding in his bodie, and emptied them in the Sea, which was neere vnto the sicke mans lodging. A young Painter being troubled with an itching, was aduised to stand naked neere vnto the fire, which caused Blisters to rise on his back, out of the which there came aboundance of Lyce. P. FOREST lib. 8. Obseru. 15.

As for those wretches whome the hand of GOD hath toucht in all ages, and which haue beene deuou­red aliue with Lice. I will leaue the search and consi­deration there-of vnto the Reader. I could name some aduanced to great dignities according to the worlde, and riche, who within these fiue and twenty yeares, name­lye in our France, for that they were not punished by men according to their merites, haue not yet escaped the iust vengeance of the Almightie. Some haue dyed with-out sence, others haue felt some Worme in their conscience, but destitute of the true knowledge of GOD, and of them-selues, haue dyed most miserably. There is no Prouince in the realme, but may furnish store of examples. Such punishments doe put both great and small in minde of these two verses.

CAptaine LAVDONNIERE chiefe of three Ships well appointed, sayled in the yeare 1564. towards Florida, where being arriued, the Seignior of Ottigny his Lieutenant was lead by a Paraousty or Lord of the Country, to his Fathers lodging, one of the oldest men that was then liuing vp­on the earth. The French-men respecting the age of this Floridien, began to gratifie him by the common terme of friend, whereat the olde man did seeme to reioyce much. Then they asked him of the course of his age: where-vnto hee made answer, shewing that from him were come fiue generations. More-ouer hee shewed them an other olde man set right against him, the which did exceed him much in age. It was his Father, who did more resemble a carcase of boanes, then a liuing man: for he had the sinewes, the veines, the artiers, the boanes, and other parts appearing so plainly aboue the skinne, as you might number and distinguish one from an other. And hee was so old, as the poore man had lost his sight, and could speake little and with very great paine. The Seignior of Ottigny hauing seene so strange a thing, went to the young olde man, intreated him to answer vnto that which hee had demanded touching his age. Then the old Man called a troupe of Indiens: and stri­king twise vppon his thigh, and laying his hand vp­on two of them, hee gaue him to vnderstand by signes and tokens, that these two were his Children: then striking vppon his thighes, hee shewed him others that were not so olde, which issued from the two first, [Page 616] the which he continued in that manner vnto the fifte ge­neration. Although this olde man had a Father, and that both had white and exceeding long haire, yet it seemed by their naturall constitution they might liue thirtie or fortie yeares longer: and yet the youngest of them was not lesse then two hundred and fiftie yeares olde. His­torie of Florida by Mounsier BASANNIER a French Gen­tleman.

VELASQVES of Tarentum makes menti­ion in his Filone of an Abbesse that was in the Monastery of Monuiedre, the which in his time was almost a hundred yeares old, and as she seemed very old, nature which declined in her recouered so great force and vertue, as her monthly courses which she had lost for manie yeares, beganne to come againe as if shee had beene yong: moreouer all her teeth came againe, her haire began to shew black, and to expell the white, so as recouering her best estate, the wrinkles of her face ware away, her brests grewe fat & plompe, & in the end she grewe as faire and fresh as when she was but thirty years old: so as many went to see her, as the most admirable thing which they had euer seene. She hid her selfe and would not bee seene, beeing ashamed of this strange alteration, which she found in her selfe. And al­though that VELASQVES did forget to note the number of yeares which shee liued afterwardes, yet it is to bee presumed that they were reasonably long: seeing that nature in the declyning, had shewed so goodly and [Page 617] extraordinary a worke. A. TORQVEMADO in the first iorney of his discourse.

Beeing at Rome about the yeare 1531. it was bruted throughout all Italie, that at Tarentum there liued an old man who at the age of a hundred yeares was growne young againe, like vnto the Abbesse. Hee had changed his skinne like vnto the snake, and had recouered a newe, beeing growne so young and fresh, as those which had seene him and knowne him beefore, could then scarse beleeue their owne eyes. Hauing continued aboue fif­tie yeares in this estate, hee grewe to bee so olde, as hee seemed to bee made of barkes of trees. The same.

The Admirall Don FADRIGVE, passing in his youth by a place called Rioya, hee see a man that was fiftie yeares olde in his opynion, who tould him that hee had beene foote-man to his grand-father. And when as the Admirall would not beleeue it, for that it was long since his grand-father was dead: this man sayd vnto him that hee had no reason to doubt thereof, for that hee was a hundred yeares olde: and that being old hee was growne young againe: so as nature was changed in him and had renewed all that which was the cause of age, the which made him to seeme younger then hee was. The Ad­mirall was desirous to knowe the truth, and found that the was as it old man had sayd. The same Author.

That aboue written is not impossible (addes TOR­QVEMADO) seeing that in our time wee knowe a verie admirable thing of a man mentioned by FERNAND LO­PES of Castagneda, Historiographer to the King of Portu­gall, in the eight booke of his Chronicle where he sayth that NONNIO de CVGNE being Viceroye at the Indies in the yeare 1536. there was a man brought vnto him [Page 618] as a thing worthie of admiration: for that it was auer­red by great proofes and sufficient testimony, that hee was three hundred and fortie yeares old. Hee remem­bred that hee had seene that Cittie wherein he dwelt vn­peopled being then when he spake one of the chiefe of all the East-Indies. Hee had growne young againe foure­times, leauing his white haire and hauing newe teeth. When the Viceroy did see him, hee had his haire and his beard black, although hee had not much. And as by chance there was a Physition present, the Viceroy would haue him feele this olde mans pulce, the which he found as good and as strong, as a young mans in the prime of his age. This man was borne in the Realme of Benga­la, and did affirme that hee had at times neere seauen hundred wi [...]es, whereof some were dead and some hee had put away. The King of Portugall aduertised of this wonder, did often inquier, and had yeerely newes by the fleete which came. Hee liued aboue three hundred and seauentie yeares. The same Castagnede addes, that in the time of the same Viceroy, there was also found in the Cittie of Bengala an other man, a Moore or MAHV­METAN called. XEQVEPIR, borne in a Prouince na­med XEQVE, who was three hundred yeares olde as hee sayd: all those which did knowe him did also certefie it, for that they had great presumptions and testimonies. This Moore was reputed amongst them for a holie man, by reason of his austernes and abstinence. The Por­tugals did conuerse famyliarly with him▪ and besides that the Histories of Portugall are faithfully collected and certefied by verie autenticall witnesses: there were in my time both in Portugall and in Castille many wit­nesses which had seene these old men. The same.

[Page 619]ALEX. BENEDICTVS reports in his practise that hee had seene a woman called VICTORIA, who had lost all her teeth, and beeing growne bald other teeth came againe at the age of eighteene yeares. AMB. PARE Booke 24. Chap. 17.

I haue heard Mistris DESBECK saie, that shee had knowne a woman seauentie yeares olde, the which in certaine monethes for some yeares, had her monethly courses verie orderly. In the ende comming downe in­to great abondance, shee died. Shee reported vnto mee an other memorable Historie, that shee had seene and knowne an honorable woman, being then a hundred and three yeares olde, and soone after died: who beeing a hundred and one had her monthly courses very orderly, where-with shee felt her selfe wonderfully eased, and as it were restored: the which continued from the hundred and one yeare vntill her death, which was at the age of a hundred and three. The Marshalls wife of Pleatenbourck a gentlewoman of the noble famelie of Ketlercks in Wes­phalia, hauing past seauentie yeares returned to haue her monthly purgations very orderly, and was as lustie as shee had beene long before. These orderly courses continued foure yeares, but in the ende they came in greater abundance then before: and yet shee was helth­full vntill the age of eightie foure. Shee liued yet sixe yeares, and died in the ninetie yeare of her age. R. SOLE­NANDER. Booke 5. of his Physicall Obseruations. Cons. 15. sect. 41. 42. 43.

IN the liues of DION and BRVTVS in PLVTARKE, wee read of horrible apparitions which appeared vnto them a little before their deaths: and wee read in the Histories of Scotland, in the life of King ALEXANDER the third, a strange cause of a fantosme which appeared vnto him the day of his third marriage, presaging his death the same yeare. But omitting anci­ent Histories, besides those that wee haue represented in the first Booke, wee will adde some in this.

There is a Noble and ancient familie at Parma, called TORTELLES, hauing a Castell, in the which there is a great Hall, vnder the Chimney wher-of there doth some­times appeare an ancient Woman, seeming to be a 100. yeares old. This signifieth that some one of the familie shall dye soone after. I haue heard PAVLA BARBIANO a worthy Lady of that family report (supping one night together at Belioyeuse) that a young Maide of that house being sick, the old Woman appeared, which made all to thinke that the Maide should soone dye: but the contra­rie happened: for the sicke Maide escaped, but an other of the same family which before was in very good health dyed sodenly. They say this old woman whose shadow appeares, was some-times a riche Lady, who for her mo­ney was slaine by her Nephews, which cutte her body in peeces, and cast it into the Priuies. CARDAN liber. 16. Chap. 93. of the diuersitie of things.

[Page 621]ANTHONY [...] (of whose despaier I haue spoken else-where) the lastnight of his life, being layed, he ima­gined to see, a very tall man, whose head was shauen, his beard hanging downe to the earth, his eyes sparkling, and two torches in his hands, whome ANTHONY de­manded what art thou, who alone like a furie doest walke thus out of season when euery one doth rest? Tell mee, what seekest thou? What doest thou pretend? In saying so ANTHONY cast himselfe out of his bedde to hide him-selfe from this vision, and died miserably the next day. BARTLEMEVV of Bolonia in his life.

IAMES DONAT a rich gentleman of Venice, beeing in bedde with his Wife, hauing a waxe candle light in the Chamber, & two nurses sleeping by in a pallet with a little Childe, hee did see one open the Chamber doore verie softly, and an vnknowne man putting his head in at the dore. DONAT riseth, takes his sword, causeth two great Lamps to be light, & goes with his Nurses into the hall, where hee findes all shut▪ where-vpon hee retiers backe to his Chamber much amazed. The next daie this little Childe not full a yeare olde, and who then was well, died. CARDAN in the same Booke and Chapter.

Two Italian Marchants, being vpon the way to passe out of Piedmont into France, did incounter a man of a far heigher stature then any other, who calling them vnto him vsed this speech, returne to my Brother LODOVVIK and giue him these letters which I send him: They being much amazed, aske, what are you? I am, sayd he, GALE­AS SFORZA, and so vanished sodenly. They turned head towards Milan, and from thence to Vigeneue, where LO­DOVVIK was at that time. They desire to speake with the Duke, saying that they had letters to deliuer him [Page 622] from his Brother. The Courtiers laugh at them, and for that they were still importunate they were put in prison, and the racke was offred vnto them: but they did constantly maintaine their first wordes. Therevp­on the Dukes Councell was in doubt what they should doe with these letters, not knowing what to answere, they were so much amazed: one of them called the Vi­conte GALEAS, takes these letters written in a paper folded like vnto the breefes that come from Rome, the contents whereof were, LODOVVIK, LODOVVIK looke to thy selfe, the Venetians, and the French will allie themselues togither to ruine thee, and to ouerthrowe thine estate: but if thou doest furnish mee with three thousand Crownes, I will giue order that their heartes shalbe mollefied, and that the mischiefe which doth threaten thee shalbe auoyded, hoping to preuaile if thou wilt trust mee. Happinesse come to thee. And beneath: the spirit of thy Brother GALEAS. Some were amazed at this strange accident, and others mocking at it: yet manie aduised him to consigne three thousand Crownes as neere as hee could to GALEAS intention. But GALEAS thinking they would laugh at him if hee should disburse the money, and deliuer it into stran­gers handes, would not doe anie thing, but sent the Merchantes euerie one home to their owne houses. But a little while after hee was cast out from his Duchie of Milan, and carried awaie prisoner. ARLVNO in the first section of the Historie of Mi­lan.

A certaine Italian hauing caused a friend of his that was dead, to bee honestly interred: and as hee returned to Rome, beeing surprized by the night, hee was forced [Page 623] to staie in an Inne vpon the waie; where beeing wearie of his bodie and afflicted in minde he went to his bedde to rest himselfe. Beeing alone and awake, hee thought that his dead friende, pale and without flesh appeered vnto him, as hee was in his last sicknesse, and came neere vnto him, who lifting vp his head to behold him, and shaking with feare, hee demanded of him, what hee was. The dead bodie answering nothing, vndrest him-selfe, goes to bedde, and approched neere to him that was ly­uing as hee imagined. The other not knowing which waie to turne him, lies closse to the beddes-side, and as the dead man approched, still hee thrust him backe. Seeing him-selfe thus repulst, hee frowned on him that was liuing, then hee riseth out of the bedde, and clothes him-selfe, puttes on his shooes, and goes out of the Chamber and appeeres no more. The lyuing man was so affrighted with this courtesie as hee had almost dyed. Hee sayed that when the dead man approched neere vnto him in the bedde, hee toucht one of his feete the which he found so cold, as no Ice was colder in com­parison thereof. ALEXANDER of Alexandria Booke 2. of his Genial daies. Chapter. 9.

TIRAQVELL in his Annotations vpon this Chap­ter, puttes all such visions amongst dreames. But I will neither maintaine the one nor the other at this present.

A friend of mine called GORDIAN, a man worthie of credit: hath reported vnto mee that going towardes Arezzo with an other of his acquaintance, beeing straied out of the way, they entred into a forest, where they did see nothing but snowe, inaccessible places, and a feare­full sollitarinesse. The Sonne beeing lowe, they set [Page 624] downe vpon the ground all tired. Herevpon they ima­gined to heare a mans voice nere vnto them. They ap­proch and see vnder the earth there lay three Giantlike and fearefull figures of men, attired in long blacke gownes like moorners, with long haire & beards, which did call them. As the two passengers came neerer, the three visions shewed farre greater then at the first, and one of them appeering naked danced and shewed very dishonest motions and countenances. These two being much amazed at this spectacle; beganne to flie away as fast as they could, and hauing runne ouer hills and dales, with much toile they came to a Country-mans Cottage, where they spent the night. In the same booke and Chap. I will adde that which I haue of mine owne knowledge, and whereof I am well assured. Beeing sicke at Rome, and in bedde, where I laie awake, there appeered vnto mee a vision of a faire woman, the which I did long be­hold, being very pensiue, and not speaking a worde, dis­coursing with my selfe whether I did dreame or were awake. And knowing that all my sinces were in their full vigour, and that this fantosme was still before mee, I asked what she was. She laughing repeated the same verie wordes as it were in mocking wise: and hauing long behelde mee, shee went her waie. In the same Booke and Chapter.

A Monke called THOMAS, a man worthie of credit, and whose wisdome and iudgement I haue tried in ma­nie affaires, hath reported vnto mee for truth, confirming it with an oth, that there had past some bitter wordes be­twixt certaine other monkes and him, and after they had one iniured an other in wordes, he went all boyling with choller from among them, and walking alone in a great [Page 625] Wood, hee mette with an ill fauoured Man, and of a ter­rible aspect, hauing a blacke beard and a long gowne, THOMAS asked him whether hee went? I haue lost an­swered hee, my horse, and go to seeke him in these neere fields. Here-vpon they goe together to finde this beast, and come neere vnto a little Riuer that was deepe. The Monke begins to put off his hoase to wade through: but the other doth presse him to hang vpon his shoul­ders, promising to passe him easily. THOMAS beleeues him, and being vpon his backe, he imbraceth him about the necke: but casting downe his eyes to see the passage, hee found that his Porter had strange and monsterous feete: where-with beeing much amazed, hee began to call vpon GOD for ayde. At that voyce, the enemie being confounded, cast downe his burthen, and gromb­ling after a horrible manner, vanished away, with such a noyse, and so extraordinary a violence, as he pulled vp a great Oake that was neere, and brake all the bowes, A­LEXANDER of Alexandria. lib. 4. Chap. 19.

The Lord of a little Towne in the Principalitie of Sul­mona in the Realme of Naples, shewed himselfe coue­tous and proud in his gouernement: so as his poore sub­iects could not subsist, but were strangely opprest by him. An honest man, but very poore and contemned, did for some occasion hurt a Hound belonging to this Lord very sore: Who greatly mooued for the death of his Dogge, caused this poore Man to bee layde holde on, and imprisoned in a hoale. After some dayes, the garde which kept all the doores carefully shutte, comming to open them according to their custome, to giue him a little bread, they found not their prisoner in his hoale. Hauing sought all places for him, and found [Page 626] no markes nor shew of his escape, in the end they ac­quainted their Lord with this wonder, who at the first mockt and threatned them, but vnderstanding the trueth after-wards, hee was no lesse amazed then the rest. Three dayes after this Alarum, all the doores of the prison and of the Dungeon beeing shutte as be­fore, the same Prisoner with-out the knowledge of any, was found shutte vp fast in the former Dunge­on, hauing the face and countenance of a man distrac­ted: who required them that they should lead him pre­sently vnto their Lord, to whome hee had some-things of great and waighty importance to impart. Beeing brought before him, hee tolde him that hee was come from Hell. The occasion was, that beeing no longer able to endure the rigour of the prison, vanquished with despaire, fearing death, and voyde of good coun­sell, hee had called the Diuell to his ayde, that hee would drawe him out of that captiuitie. That soone after the euill spirit had appeared vnto him in the Dungeon, in a hideous and terrible forme, where they had made an agreement, according to the which hee had beene drawne and carryed from thence, not with­out greeuous torments, then cast head-long into pla­ces vnder-ground, that were wonderfull hollow, as in the bottome of the earth, where hee had seene the pri­sons of the wicked, their punishments, darkenesse, and horrible miseries, seates that were stincking and feare­full: Kings, Princes, and great men plunged in darke­nesse, where they burnt in flaming fire, with vnspeake­able torments; that he had seene Popes, Cardinals and other Prelates attired in state, and other sorts of men in diuers equipages, afflicted with distinct punishments in [Page 627] very deepe gulphes, where they were tormented inces­santly. Adding, that hee had knowne there many of his acquaintance, namely one of his greatest friends, who knew him and inquired of his estate: the prisoner ha­uing tolde him that their Country was in the hands of a cruell Lord: hee then inioyned him, that beeing retur­ned, he should command this rough Maister to leaue his tyranous vsage: and to tell him, that if hee continued, his place was markt in a certaine seate thereby, which he shewed vnto the prisoner. And to the end (sayd this spirit vnto the prisoner) that the Lord of whome wee speake, may giue credit vnto thy report: bid him re­member the secret counsell, and the speech wee had to­gether, when as we carryed armes together in a certaine warre, and vnder Commanders that hee named vnto him. Then he told him in particular this secret, their ac­cord, the wordes and mutuall promises: the which the prisoner deliuered distinctly, one after another in order, vnto this Lord, who was wonderfully amazed at this message, wondering how it could bee, that things com­mitted by him alone, the which hee had neuer discoue­red to any, should bee decifred vnto him so boldly by a poore subiect of his, who did represent them, as if hee had read them in a Booke.

They adde, that the prisoner hauing inquired of the other with whom hee deuised in Hell, if it were possible and true, that so many Men whom hee did see stately ap­parrelled, should feele any torments: the other an­swered, that they were burnt with continuall fire, and tortured with greeuous and vnspeakeable punishments, and that all those ornaments of Golde and Scarlate, were nothing else but burning fire so couloured.

[Page 628]That being desirous to feele if it were so, hee went neere to touch this Scarlate; which the other perswaded him to forbeare: but the heate of the fire had scorcht all the palme of his hand, the which hee shewed as it were roasted in the embers of a great fire. The poore pri­soner beeing set at libertie, seemed to those that came vnto him at his returne to his house, as a man distracted and growne dull, which doth neither heare nor see, al­wayes pensiue, speaking little, and scarce answering the questions that were demanded him. His face was be­come so hideous, and his countenance so foule and wilde after this voyage, as his Wife and Children did scarce know him: and when they knew him, there was nothing but crying and weeping, seeing him so chan­ged. Hee liued but fewe dayes after his returne, and could hardly settle his poore etate, hee was so trans­ported and changed. AEEXANDER of Alexandria, liber 6. Chap. 21.

Neere vnto Torge in Saxonie, a certaine Gentleman walking in the fie [...]d, mette wi [...]h a Man which saluted him and offered him his seruice. Hee made him his Horse-keeper. The Maister was not very good, but the seruant was wickednesse it selfe. One daye the Maister beeing to goe forthe, recommended his Horses vnto his seruant, especially one aboue the rest, which was of some price: this seruant was so expert as hee drewe this horse vp into a very high Tower. When the Mai­ster returned, his Horse (which had his head at the win­dow) knew him, and began to neigh. The Maister being amazed, demanded who had placed his Horse in so high a Stable. This good seruant answered, that it was [Page 629] with an intent to keepe him safe, that hee might not bee lost, and that hee had carefully executed his Maisters commandement. They had much a doe to shackle this poore beast, and to let him downe with Ropes from the top of the Tower. Soone after, some whome this Gen­tleman had robd, resoluing to pursue him in Iustice, his Horse-keeper sayde vnto him. Maister saue your selfe, shewing him a Sack, out of the which hee drew many horse-shoes puld by him from horse-feete to staye their course in the voyage which they vnder-tooke against his Maister, who in the end being taken, and put in prison, inrreated his Horse-keeper to helpe him. You are too fast bound there, answered the seruant, I cannot free you. But the Maister making great instance, in the end his seruant sayde: I will drawe you out of captiuitie, so as you make no signe with your hands thinking to saue your selfe. Which agreed vppon, hee takes him with his shackles and Bolttes, and carryes him through the ayre. This miserable Maister beeing amazed to see himselfe in such a strange field, began to crye out. Oh eternall GOD, whether doe they carrye mee? Sodenlye his seruant (that is to say the Diuell) let him fall in a Marish: then comming home to the house, lettes the Gentle-woman his Wife to vnderstand, in what estate and where her Husband was, that they might goe and deliuer him.

A riche man of Halberstad a famous Towne in Ger­manie, did vsually keepe a good Table, giuing vnto him­selfe all the pleasures in this world hee could deuise, so little carefull of his soules health, as one day hee presu­med to powre forth this blasphemie among his riotous companions, that if hee might alwayes spend his dayes [Page 630] in delights, hee would desire no other life. But after some dayes, and beyond his expectation, hee must needs dye.

After his death, there were dayly seene at night in his house (which was stately built) visions which appeared, so as the seruants were forced to seeke an other aboade. This riche man appeared with a troupe of other Banket­makers, in a Hall, which in his life-time serued onely to make seasts in. Hee was compassed in by seruants which held Torches in their hands, and serued at a Table that was couered with Cuppes and Goblets guilt, carrying many Dishes, and then taking them away. More-ouer, they heard the noyse of Flutes, Luthes, Virginals, and other Instruments of Musicke. To conclude, all world­ly pompe, where-in this riche-man had taken delight in his life time. GOD did suffer Sathan to represent such illusions to the eyes of many, that hee might roote out impietie from the hearts of Epicures. IO [...] ▪ FINCEL. lib. 2. Of the wonders of our Time.

In the yeare 1532. a Germaine Gentleman, cruell to his subiects, commanded a certaine peasant to fetch him a great Oake out of the next forrest, and to bring it to his house, or else hee should bee cruelly intreated: the Country-man holding it impossible, goes away sighing and weeping. Being entred into the Forrest, hee meetes a man (which was the Diuell) who inquires of him the cause of his heauinesse: whome the Country-man ha­uing satisfied, the other hauing commanded him to re­turne, promiseth to giue order the Gentle man should haue an Oake quickly. The peasant was scarce retur­ned to the Village, but his man in the Forrest had cast [Page 631] athwart the Gentlemans doore one of the greatest Oakes that hee could choose, with-all his bowes, and branches. And which is more, this Tree became hard as Yron, so as it was impossible to cut it in peeces▪ and the Gentle-man was constrained to his shame, trou­ble, and charge, to peece his house on the other side, and to make new doores and windowes. IOB. FIN­CELI. lib. 2.

There is a Village in the Dutchie of Brunswick, cal­led Gehern, two Leagues from Blommenaw. In the yeare 1555. a Country-man going out from that place in the morning with his Carte and Horses to fetch Woode in the Forrest, he discouered at the entrie there-of certaine troupes of Reisters wearing black armes. Being amazed at this incounter, hee returned to carry newes vnto the Village. The most ancient of the place accompanied with their Curate or Pastor, went presently into field, being followed by a hundred persons, as well men as women, and they number foure-teene bands or dis­tinct troopes, the which in an instant put them-selues into two great Battaylons, one right against an other, as it were ready to fight. Then afterwards they did see com­ming out of eyther squadron, a great man, of a fierce a­spect, and verry terrible to behold. These two of eyther side light from their Horses, seeming to make a care­full and diligent reuiew of their troupes: which done, they goe to Horse againe. Presently the troopes began to aduance themselues, and to runne ouer a great champian field, without any charge or shocke: the which held and continued vntill it was darke night, in the view of all the Country-men. At that present time there was no speech in all the Dutchie of Brunswike, [Page 632] nor there aboutes, of any enterprise of warre, nor of any leuie of Reitres: which made them to thinke that this vi­sion was a prediction of the miseries which did after­wardes happen by the iust Iudgementes of GOD. IOB. FINCEL. Booke 1.

In the yeare 1567. STEPHEN HVBENET remayning at Trautenaw, a Towne in Bohemia, did so prosper, in ga­thering of riches, & in stately buildings, as euery one did admire and respect him, as one of the greatest mignons of worldly felicity. In the ende he fell sick, died, and was carried to his graue with great pompe. Soone after hee appeered to be lyuing againe, and making much of ma­ny, hee imbruced some so strongly, as some died, others were greeuiously sicke: all affirming that rich HVBENET had so handled them: and that he was in the same sort, as he was in his life time. The Magistrates of the place des­couering that it was a diuilish illusion, decreed that HV­BENETS bodie should be taken vp againe. Although hee had beene layed fiue monethes before in the ground, yet was hee not any thing toucht with rotttennesse, but as fresh as before his sicknesse, and as bodies that are lus­tie and in their perfect helth. The hangman d [...]aged it to the galloes, where they doe execute malefactors, hee cut off his head, and the bloud gusht out as if HV­BENET had beene aliue, and from out of his brest hee drewe a bloudy heart. The head beeingset betwixt his feete, was burnt with the whole dead bodie, in the presence of a great multitude and number of people: after which time the power of Sathan ceased. The Histo­rie of Bohemia.

ANTHONY COSTILLE a Spanish Gentleman, remayning at Fontaines of Ropell, went one daie from his house well [Page 633] mounted, for the dispatch of some affaires, some Leagues of, the which done and night approching, hee resolued to returne vnto his house. Going forth of the village where hee had beene, hee found a little Hermitage and Chapell with certaine lattise windowes of woode, and a Lampe burning within it. Beeing alighted from his Horse, hee did his deuotion, then casting his eye into the Hermitage, hee did see to his thinking, comming from vnder the ground three persones which came towardes him with their heads couered, and then to stand still. Ha­uing be held them a little, seeing their haire shine and sparkle, although hee were held to bee verie valiant, yet hee was affraied, and going to Horse-backe hee beganne to flie. But lifting vp his eyes, hee descouers these per­sons which went a little before him and seemed to ac­companie him. Recommending him-selfe continually vnto almightie GOD, hee turned first one waie then an other waie, but this troupe was alwaies aboute him. In the ende hee coucht a short Lance which hee carried, and spurd for-warde to strike them: but these vi­sions went as fast as the Horse, so as ANTHONIE was forced to take them in his company, vnto the gate of his lodging, where there was a great Court.

Beeing alighted, hee enters, and findes these fantos­mes; hee goes vp to a Chamber dore where his Wife was, who opened it at his voice: and as hee entered the visions vanished awaie. But hee seemed to bee so a­mazed and troubled, as his Wife thought that hee had beene verie ill vsed by his enemies in that voyage. Bee­ing demanded, and not able to drawe anie thing from him, shee sent for a verie friend of his, a Learned man, who came presently: and finding him as pale as a dead [Page 634] man, intreated him verie earnestly to discouer his ad­uenture. COSTILLE hauing made the who discours vnto him, this friend labored to resolue him, then made him suppe, conducted him to his Chamber, left him vp­on his bead with a candle light on the table, and departed to leaue him to his rest. He was scarce out of the Cham­ber, but COSTILLE beganne to crie out helpe, helpe, suc­cor me. Then all his seruants entred into the Chamber, to whome hee sayd that the three visions were come to him beeing alone, and that hauing scracht vp the earth with their handes, they had cast it vpon his eyes, so as hee did not see an [...]e thing. His seruants therefore did neuer abandon him, but hee was still well accompanied: but their assistance and care could not keepe him, but that hee died the seauenth daie after, without anie other infirmitie. TORQVEMADO in the 3. iorney of his Hex­meron.

IOHN VELASQVES de AYOLLA & two other yong Spaniards going out of their Country to studie the Lawe at Bolognia the fat, not finding a conuenient lodging to liue sparingly in: they were aduertised that in the same streete where their Inne was, there was a house left de­sert and abandoned, by reason of certaine visions which appeered there, the which they might haue to dwell in without anie rent, as long as they should please to staie in it.

They accept of the condition, fit them-selues with stuffe, and passe the time merilie for a monethes space. At the ende whereof, AYOLAS two companions go­ing to bedde earlie, and hee late in his studie, hearing a great noise as it had beene of manie iron chaines, sha­ken togither, hee went out of his studie, with his sword, [Page 635] and in his other hand his candle-light, then hee plan­ted him-selfe in the midest of the Hall, without a wa­king his companions, expecting what should beecome of this noise, the which in his opynion came from be­neath the staires, answering to a great Court, right bee­fore the Hall. Beeing in this expectation hee desco­uers at the staires dore a verie greeuious and fearefull vi­sion, of a Carcasse that had nothing at all but bare boanes, drawing about his feete and the middle of his bodie, these chaines which made such a noyse. This vision stayed, and AYOLA resuming courrage, be­ganne to coniure it, that hee should let him vnderstand in some conuenient manner what hee would haue. The vision beganne to crosse his armes, to hold downe his head, and to becken him with one hand to followe him downe the staires. AYOLA answered, goe before and I will followe thee: where-vpon the vision begannne to go downe softly, like vnto one that were [...]ettered: beeing followed by AYOLA, whose candell went out on the mi­dest of the staires.

This renewed his feare, yet incorraging him-selfe againe, hee sayd vnto the vision, thou seest that my candle is out, I will goe and light it againe: if thou wilt tarrie for mee heere in this same place, I will returne presently vnto thee againe. Hee ranne to the harth where the fire was, and lighted his candell, and came to the staires, where he found the vision standing there and then hee followed it. Hauing crost the Court of the lodging, they enter into a great gardin, in the midest whereof was a well: the which made AYOLA thinke that this vision would doe him some harme: and therefore hee stayed. But the vision then made a [Page 636] signe vnto him to goe to another place in the Garden, and as hee went thether, the vision sodenly vanished away. AYOLA being alone, began to call him, protesting that he would do any thing that was in his power, and stayed there awhile: But the vision appeared no more, and the Spaniard returned to his Chamber, and awaked his com­panions, who seeing him so pale, gaue him a little Wine and some comfitures, inquiring of his aduenture, the which hee reported vnto them. Soone after this accident being bruted throughout all the Citty, the Gouernor in­quired carefully of the manner of it, and vnderstanding all circumstances by the relation of AYOLA, hee caused some to digge where-as the vision vanished away. There they found a carcase in Chaines as AYOLA had seene it, in a deepe Sepulchre, from whence being drawne and interred in an other place with others, all the noise which had beene before in this great lodging ceased. The Spa­niards returning into Spaine, AYOLA was made a Iudge, and had a Sonne who was a President in a Towne of Spaine, in the time of TORQVEMADO, who made this discourse in the third Iourney of his Hexameron. The which agrees with the relation which PLINIVS SECVNDVS makes of the Philosopher ATHENODORVS, in his Epistle to SVRE. liber 7.

THEODORE GAZA, a learned man in our time, had ob­tained a certaine Farme in gift from the Pope. His Far­mer digging on a time in a certaine place, found a vessell in the which were bones. Here-vpon a vision appeared vnto him, & commanded him to put that Vessell againe into the earth, else his Sonne should dye. And for that the Farmer made no accoumpt of it, soone after his Sonne was slaine. Some dayes after the vision returned, [Page 637] threatning the Famer to kill his other Sonne, if hee did not put the vessell and the boanes in the place where hee had found them. The Farmer bethink [...]ng himself, & see­ing his other Sonne fallen sicke, reported all vnto THEO­DORE, who going vnto his farme, and in the same place where the Farmer had drawne out the vessell, he caused a pit to be made: where they did hide the vessell with the boanes: the which beeing done, the Farmers Sonne did presently recouer his helth. MANLIVS in his common pla­ces. LAVATER Booke 1. Chap. 11 of the apparition of Spirits.

MELANCHON in his treatise of the Soule, writes that he himselfe had many apparitions, and had knowne ma­ny credible persons, which did affirme that they had talkt with spirits. In his booke intitled ordinary examinati­ons, hee sayth, that hee had an Aunte, his Fathers Sister, who being with-childe after her Husbands death, being set nere the fite, two men entred into her house, one of thē was like vnto her deceased husbād, & so carried him­selfe, the other of a very tall stature was attired like a Fri­ar. He that was like vnto her husband, came neere vnto the Chimney, salutes his Wife, and intreates her not to bee amazed▪ saying that hee was come to charge her to doe some thing. Here-vpon hee commaundes the Friar to retier into the Stoue. And hauing discoursed long with his Wife, talking of Preestes and Masses, bee­in readie to depart, hee sayd vnto her, stretching forth his hand. Touch here: but for that she was amazed, hee did assure her shee should haue no harme. Where-vp on shee toucht it: and although her hand grewe not impotent yet it was so petiously burnt as it was euer af­ter blacke. LAVATER Booke 1. Chapter 14. of the ap­parition of Spirits.

[Page 638]PETER MAMER writes that at Constant vpon Vienne there appeered aboue a 140. years since, in the house of one named CAPLAND, an euill spirit, saying it was the soule of a woman that was dead, the which did sigth and crie out, complayning verie much, admonishing them to make many praiers, and pilgrymages, and reuealing ma­nie things that were true. But some one saving vnto it, if thou wilt haue vs beleeue thee say. LORD remember mee according to thy great mercies. His answere was, I can not. Then the assistants laught at him, and hee fled with a noise. The like happened to NICHOLAS AV­BERY of Veruin whereof [...] BARTLEMEVVE FAY a Councellor of the Parliament hath written the Histo­rie, where hee sayth that Sathan appeered vnto her, praying vnto her Fathers graue as if hee had come out of it, and sayd vnto her that shee must say manie masses; and certaine pilgymages, to drawe him out of Purga­torie, yet after all this, hee did still torment this poore woman: and although in the beginning hee sayd hee was her grand-father: yet in the ende hee sayd hee was Beelzebub. There is a later Historie, well knowne to the Parisiens, but not printed, the which happened in Paris, in Saint Honores streete, at the signe of the redde Horse. A Weauer of Lace had taken his Niece home to him beeing an Orphelin. One a time the maide praying vp­on her Fathers graue where hee was buried at Saint Geruais, Sathan presented him-selfe vnto her, in the shape of a tall blacke man: taking her by the hand and saying, my friend feare nothing, thy Father and thy Mo­ther are well. But thou must saie certaine Masses, and goe in pilgrymage to our Ladie of Vertus, and they shall goestraight into Paradice. The maide demandes [Page 639] of this spirit, who was so carefull of mans helth, what hee was? Hee answered that hee was Sathan, and that shee should not bee amazed. The mayde did what was commanded her. Which done hee sayd she must goe in pilgrymage to Saint Iames. Shee answered, I cannot goe so farre. After that Sathan did not cease to importune her, talking famyiiarly to her beeing a­lone, and doing her worke, saying these wordes vnto her. Thou art cruell, thou wilt not put thy sizers in thy bosome for my sake: the which shee did to content him and to bee ridde of him. But this done, hee de­maunded some guifte of her, yea, some of her haire, whereof shee gaue him a locke. Some daies after hee perswaded her to cast her-selfe into the water, and some­times to hang her-selfe, putting the rope of a well a­bout her necke: but shee cryed out in such sort as hee did no more vrge her. And yet her Vncle seeking one daie to bee reuenged of him, was so well beaten, as hee continued aboue fiueteene daies sicke in his bedde. An other time Sathan would haue forced her and knowne her carnally and for the resistance which shee made, shee was beaten vntill shee bled. Amongst many that did see this maide, there was one called CHO­ININ. Secretarie to the Bishoppe of Valence, who tould her that there was no better meanes to driue awaie this euill spirit, then in answering nothing to that which hee should say: although hee should commande to praie vnto GOD, the which he neuer did but in balspheming, and ioyning him alwaies with his Creatures in derision: Sathan seeing that the maide answered him nothing, nor did anie thing for him, tooke her and cast her against the grounde, after which time shee see him no more. [Page 640] Mounsier ANNOT Bishop of Auxerra, nor the Curate where the Maiden dwelt, could not helpe her. I. BO­DIN lib. 3. Chap. 6. of his Demonomania.

ANTHONIE dela CVEVA, a Spanish Knight, for some reasons vnknowne to vs, and by the permission of GOD, was in his life time much troubled and tempted with vi­sions, so as through custome, hee had in the end lost all feare, and yet hee had euer light in his Chamber where he did lye. One night being in his bed, and reading in a Booke, he heard a noyse vnder his bed, as if it had beene a Man, and not knowing what it might be, hee see come forth of one side of the bed, a naked arme, as if it had beene of a Moore, the which laying hold of the Candel, threw it downe with the Candle-stick, and put it out. Then the Knight felt this Moore come vp, and goe to bed to him, hauing imbraced one another, they began to wrestle with all their force, making such a noyse, as those of the house did awake, and comming to see what it was, they found none but the Knight, who was in a great heat, and was wet, as if he had come out of a Bathe. Hee told them his aduenture, and that this Moore hearing them come, had freed himselfe from him, and hee knew not what was become of him. The same Author.

IN the yeare 1532. neere vnto Inspruke, these Images were seene in the ayre. An Eagle vpon the side of an hill, very wilde, against the which came three other Ima­ges, as it were to teare it in peeces. The first was a Camell stretching forth his [Page 643] necke, and enuironed about with fire. The second was a Wolse, casting fire out at his throate, and aboute him a circle of fire. The third was a Lion, whose haire a man, armed at all partes, and standing vp right, at the entrie of the mountaines, did gently handle, and it seemed that this Lion reioyced at the man, holding forth his pawe to him, in signe of salutation. GASPAR PEVCER Booke 15. Chap. 5. of his Diuinations. Alittle before the death of IOHN Elector & Duke of Saxony, there was seene in the aire ouer Isenac these visions following, first an old drie Tree ouerthrowne. Secondly a man on hors-back which carried the tree, but all the boughs puld of: thirdly there was seene a hound: Forthly a great blacke Crosse, in a thicke Cloude: Fiftly the lightning was seene comming out of this Cloud, with so horrible and violent a cracke of thunder, and so full of sparkes of fire, as they thought it would haue consumed a Village, ouer which it was likely to fall: and there was a maide so terrefied, as with a violent crie to her Mother for helpe, shee intreated that shee might bee couered. Although I will not en­ter into the exposition of this vision, yet I gather by that which hath since followed, that such Images haue represented the changes which haue happened in the house of Saxony togither with the calamities and ruines of Churches. The same Author.

At the same time when as the League in Germanie was made, called of SCHMALCAIDE, therewere seene shyning in the aire Images, which did seeme to fore-tell the issue of all that assosiation. First were seene certaine horse-men, followed by peasantes that were armed with battes and leuers; then there appeered a heigh Tower neere vnto a riuer and not farre from that Tower, a man [Page 642] which digged for water, after whome came a great dra­gon. The two first figures vanished presently, but the two others continued, a good long time. The same Author.

In the yeare 1534. the third of Iuly after Noone, the skie beeing cleere and bright, the Inhabitantes of a lit­tle Towne called Scheswitz, did see in the aire Lyons running from diuers parts to fight; and by them a man on horse-backe armed, shaking of a Iauelin. Not farre from this man laie a mans head, without a bodie, wea­ring an Imperiall diademe. Neere vnto it there was a wilde boares head with his tuskes, and two Dragons vomyting forth fire. Then there appeered an Image of a good bigge Towne alone, neere vnto a Lake, beseeged by Water and Lande, and ouer it a Crosse of the col­lour of bloud, the which by little and little grewe blacke. An other horse-man all flaming, and carrying on his head an Emperors Crowne, presented him-selfe pre­sently, beeing followed by a horse without a guide: then in the midest of a spacious plaine, there appeered two Castles on fire, neere vnto a heigh Mountaine, vpon the which was a great Eagle, hyding halfe his bodie bee­hinde the Mountaine, and there appeered also certaine little Eagles, hauing white fethers and verie bright, and with all a Lyons head Crowned, and a Cocke pecking at this head, so long vntill it was parted from the bodie, and so vanished away. There were other Lions and neere vnto the wild Boars head, an Vnicorne the which by lit­tle & little did change into the forme of a Dragon: with a great number other beasts of vnaccustomed formes and greatnesse. Moreouer vpon an heigh rocke there appee­red a fortresse enuitoned with two Campes, and all the [Page 643] Heauens seemed to be ful of Townes, Villages and Cas­tells: but all was presently consumed by fire, and all the ruines of this great circuit, seemed to be lightning, and to fall into a great poole, nothing remaining but Towers whereas the great Cittie had appeered, vpon the banke of the Lake, was seene a mighty Camell, seeming to staie therefore to drinke. The same.

In the yeare 1538. before the first expedition of the Landgraues warre, the Consull of the Towne of Schmal­calde, a man of good worth did see in night as it were be­fore him, these following shapes. There was an olde man at a table sleeping, with his head hanging downe, vpon a forme by, did lie a Lion. In the same Cham­ber were manie men in long robbes which seemed to consult about this Lion, the which in the ende did leape from the forme, as it were to flie vppon them with his great pawes. They ioyning close togither oppose them-selues against the Lion, and giue him manie stabbes with a dagger, finally hauing compassed him in, by the meanes of a Chaier which they cast vppon him, they cut of his tayle: but soone after beeing got­ten from vnder the Chaire, hee returnes to his place, and leapes vppon the forme. As these men had bee­gonne againe to goe in and out, as it were to conspier the Lions death, hee enters into a rage and flies violent­lie vpon them, who beganne to crie out, and to hold open their armes to the olde man that slept, who awa­king verie sodenlie and lifting vp his head, shaking his right hande hee threatned the Lion, who perceyuing it, retyred him-selfe, and looking some-times vppon the olde man, hee lept vppon the forme, where hee was transformed to IESVS CHRIST standing vp-right [Page 646] and preaching, before whom these men falling prostrate, as it were to demand pardon, and hauing obtained it, all these Images vanished. The same.

In the yeare 1545. the day after Whitsunday, there were seene in Silesia these shapes. A Beare came frō the East, leading an Armie in good order: against whome marched a Lion from the West with other troupes. Betwixt the two Armies did shine a very bright starre. Presently they began a fierce charge, so as it seemed the bloud did gushe from those bodies that were wounded, and that many fell downe dead vpon the place. During this Combate, an Eagle parting from a certaine high Rocke, did houer ouer the Lions troupes. After a long fight, and when as it seemed to bee ended, the Lion ap­peared againe, shining in the middest of his bands: but they could not discerne the Beare, the body of his Ar­mie beeing broken and disperst: about the which there were many olde men, with white beards, and reuerent countenauces. The fight being ended, the Lion led back his Armie towards the West, and beeing aduanced a good way, one mounted vpon a braue White Horse, lest the Armie, and came to the place of Battaile, moun­ting vpon this Horse a young man that was all armed, who was standing vpright, and hauing accompanied him towards the East, all these figures vanished. The same.

In the yeare 1549. some of the best Citizens of Brunswike, traueling by night about some necessarie businesse, they did see the Moone enuironed with a very bright Circle, and neere vnto it two other Moones. This Circle went foure times about it: and neere the two other Moones, there appeared a Lion all on fire: an [Page 645] Eagle which pierst her brest: then the figure of the most famous Prince IHON FREDERICK Duke of Saxony: and another figure of the Creation of EVE, drawne out of ADAMS side: them GOD sitting, and at his knees ADAM and EVE, whom hee intreated louingly, as the Father doth often-times his Children. After that there appeared a horrible sight of Townes all on fire, about the which there was a Camell, the figure of IE­SVS CHRIST hanging vpon the Crosse, and about it his Apostles. The last figure was most fearefull of them all. There was a man standing vpright, of a cruell as­pect, holding in his hand a naked sword, with the which hee made shew to strike a young Maiden that was knee­ling before him, and who with teares in her eyes intrea­ted him to spare her. Other shapes were seene in some other places. The same.

Here-vnto Doctor PEVCER addes that which fol­loweth. Although it hath beene euer demanded, by what vertue such figures were fashioned in the ayre, see­ing that the regions of the ayre are neuer with-out ex­halations: whether these exhalations by incounter, or being scattered, after some distance, come to ioyne toge­ther, and to cause those figures, so as the light of heauen giuing them a coulour, some are white, others redde and fiery, according to the qualitie of vapours: or else, whe­ther the naturall intelligences, which fore-see things to come, doe cause these figures, eyther by the helpe of va­pours and exhalations, or of some apparent brightnesse. For my part, I thinke that most of these figures and sights are made and framed by the LORD GOD himselfe, or by his holy Angels, who for the loue of man-kinde, whom they see beloued of GOD, set before our eyes [Page 646] by the meanes of these formes, a plaine representation and continuance of euents: not that wee should foresee that which wee cannot auoyde: but beeing admonished by such aduertisements, we should thinke of our sinnes: sound the depth of dangers, and remember in our hearts the admonitions and consolations which are propoun­ded vnto vs in the holy Scriptures; so as in the middest of the darts which are cast against vs, when as there is no hope but of vtter confusion, without rising, we may pro­strate our selues humbly at his feete, and neuer cease with cleane hands and pure conscienses, to pray and in­treate him, that not respecting the merites of the worlds iniquities, hee will receiue vs into his protection, main­taine and defend vs from the violence of the enemies of our saluation, and turne away all the miseries that hang ouer our heads. It is also likely, that some-times the Diuels are busied about such workes. But to conclude, the wandring and inconstant incounter of exhalations, cannot make such goodly signes and formes, so well or­dered, and of things subiect to the prouidence of GOD, if we will not foolishly and wickedly maintaine with Epicures, that the world consists and is managed and gouerned by ha­zard and fortune.