IN the year 1652. by the pe­culiar and tender care of a most loving and indul­gent Father, 'twas thought convenient (Rodolphus's years then making him capable of Scholastick impressions) to place him abroad, not under an illite­ral and raw-pated fellow, (of which sort the world is too too full) but by a most prudential and paternal care, he was sent to a grave and reverend old Gentle­man, a Doctor of Divinity, whose life and learning speaks him suf­ficiently eminent: of this old [Page 8] Gentleman, I may say as Alexan­der once spake of his Tutor Ari­stotle, that he owed more to him than to his natural Father; the one giving him a life only, the other learning and reason how to govern and preserve that life: the time was more, than in such like cases is usual, that he spent under the grave tuition of this discreet Schoolmaster: and these advan­tages for a generous improve­ment, was likewise very great, and (especially in those depraved times) hardly to be parallel'd; for then was the time when Re­bellion and Treason were counted Piety and Loyalty; then was the time when the glory of these three Nations lay buried and trampled under-foot; when the Nobility and Gentry were hunted by so many Wolves, and enforced to fly to Rocks and Mountains, to unfrequented places and dark [Page 9] Cells, for their securities; I say, in the midst of these horrible transa­ctions, Rodolphus sound a priviledg­ed place for an advantageous edu­cation; a place which by its then calmness, peaceable, and loving neighborhood, seem'd to represent a felicity far above earthly enjoy­ments; or a pleasant spring, where for its tranquillity the innocent birds fly as to their sanctuary: such was the harmonious government and conduct of this wise Captain, that the flourishing youth more delighted in a submissive obedi­ence under his commands, than the rebellious rout did in all their tyrannizing cruelties: here was the Loadstone that drew so many lesser Luminaries to be its diligent attendants; nay I may boldly say, that England in those times could scarcely afford such a clustre of young Gentry as then lay at Anchor in that calm and smooth [Page 10] Harbour: 'tis a sufficient proof that the Pilot was rarely skilful, otherwise the loss of so many in­nocent Passengers had been inevi­table, being forced to sail through so perillous an Ocean: but thanks be to the Gods for the safe arrival of these Passengers into their de­sired Port, and for our dearest Guidesman's safe arrival into his everlasting Port; the former at­taining to theirs by our ever hap­py Kings return; the other at his by that signeo canteo, or sweet re­signation of his life to a better place. But to proceed, Rodolphus had not been happy in the great enjoyment of this good society above a year or two, but the youthful exorbitances of himself, and two or three more among them, invited them to such extra­vagancies, that had not the seaso­nable perswasions of some of their Relations interposed, they had [Page 11] been made uncapable of conser­ving themselves as members of that Society, by the just resent­ments of their incensed Master; for the daily complaints of the Country people, some lamenting the loss of their Geese, others of their Turkeys and Hens, some of their fat Pigs, but most, of their Orchards being robb'd, did so per­plex that good old Gentleman, that when he perceived private chastisements (which they seldom wanted) would not prevail, he took a course less painful, but far more disgraceful to them; for in his very Sermons he would take the opportunities of publick checks; nay, their crimes (and partly his age) would so highly provoke him, that he would of­ten particularize their names in the open Congregation; which was so insufferable, that two or three among them, most guilty, [Page 12] could not endure to be thus gal­led, but in revenge must needs be gone, every one to their particu­lar friends, with protestations ne­ver to return, pretending some great injury received: They had no sooner taken this resolution, but they as soon put it in execu­tion, and without giving the least notice either to Master or School-fellows, they stole away to their several homes; and every one found alike entertainment, for as if their Relations had foreknown of their arrivals, and within them­selves concluded of their recep­tion, though they lived many miles asunder; yet thus went the humour, that no sooner came they home, but as soon were they sent back again, with their Parents servants with them, and Letters to the old Fox, who smilingly con­gratulated their return; but the next morning he taught them the [Page 13] difference between words and blows, & made every one of them know, that stolen Geese must have whipping Sauce: thus are they re­turned and reinstated in so good a condition, that others more wise would think it a happiness not to be parallel'd; but the School and the Rod were alwaies enemies to liberty and ease, and so thought they; yet necessity has no Law, for to their studies they must, and indeed they might acknowledge a thanks, rather than discontent, for such supposed severities: for should not youth be bridled from those unsatiable and boundless ex­travagancies they are usually guil­ty of, they might (Phaëton-like) with their unadvised ambitions, hurl themselves, and perhaps their relations, into many inconveni­ences, sooner to be sorrowed than quitted. History and experience daily tells us of many woful ex­amples [Page 14] that giddy-headed young men run themselves into: had Ica­rus been advised by the discreet foresight of his wise Father Dedalus, (who too truly feared the success of his ingenious Arts) perhaps to to this day we might have wanted a name for the Icarian Seas, or at least have found one less ominous: but what need I dilate on that which a whole Cart-load of Books are full of, my intent is otherwise; therefore ad rem. By the stay'd and aweful authority of Rodolphus respected Tutor, he kept within bounds for two or three years af­ter this first lashing out, and in­deed was never guilty of any no­torious non-compliance (unless his selling some Books now and then, and losing his cloaths at gaming, or the like) till from that Nursery he found a removal into a more spacious Plantation, where he had a larger liberty to exer­cise [Page 15] his youthful inclinations than was heretofore allowed him; for no sooner was he thought fit (per­haps more by favour than learn­ing) for Oxford, but immediately with all possible care had he a Chamber, Tutor, and Servitour provided for him in that ancient and famous Colledge of Christ-Church; where he had not long continued, till he quickly found the want of that true and Ortho­dox Principle he was all along brought up in: A fine moderate methodical way of teaching was used by his Reverend Master, with such a staid gravity and piety, that his influence was very great upon the most stubborn Lad among them; but now the case is altered, Quot capita tot sententiae, and as Ovid saith in relation to the first Chaos, 'twas a rudis indigestaque moles, and so certainly did it ap­pear here; for every body would [Page 16] be something, and yet no body was any thing, especially his little Tutor, who like a second Protaeus could ingeniously disguise himself into the most safe shape; some­times one of Goodwins Disciples, then a Presbyterian Zealist; some­times a Yea and Nay must be the burden of the Song; then were they all Hobby-horses without a second Dip: thus ran he his divi­sions, now a lesson in Philosophy, then in Divinity; sometimes in Metaphysicks, then in Mathema­ticks; sure I am he had as many tricks as a dancing Bear, but they had quickly trick for trick with him: for whilest he was beating his addle brains about new inno­vations, they were still inventing new recreations; so that Billiards, Tennice, Bowls, Cards, Dice, each were as wel acquainted with them as all Phantastick Principles with him. Time runs apace, which [Page 17] makes Rodolphus quickly pass the months of a Freshman, and soon understand that more honour lay under a ragged Gown than a new one; he quickly learned how to take things upon faith, and for half the worth to sell them for ready money; he thought it a very good shift, for I am sure among their rattle-headed pates, they rattled all away from poor young Gentlemen, who had no­thing to help them but their mo­ney, and a very little of that too; for Rodolphus could never learn the art of turning his eyes topsy turvy, nor their long yaunings, nor false spittings, with their coun­terfeited smiles nor Crocodile tears; he could never do any thing of it, therefore must suffer for it: however in the midst of these ex­tremities he had comfort in ha­ving some Companions in his mi­series; for doubtless they had a [Page 18] knot that could be as merry as they, and perhaps as drunk too, but not altogether soe private: they had not got the right way of the Presbyterian drinking, and I hope never will. Thus after this mazed rate rubb'd he out, till the desires of some of his Relations incited him to manly improve­ments, which quickly took so good effect, that he soon became a good Proficient in the art of Fencing; which surly exercise in­animated him so much, that he began to think himself a man; and indeed his age being then be­tween 15 and 16 inabled him to execute that which gained him some applause with his Military Master, and likewise so good a sort of acquaintance, that after a little time they dared so much confide in one another, that no secret or design whatever, but what was common among them. [Page 19] There were three besides Rodol­phus, who were fully resolved to hazzard their fortunes in a year or two's Travel, and notwithstand­ing two of them were elder Bro­thers, and now men of great E­states; yet their Credits were then so indifferent, that for the furthe­rance of this design they were not able to raise above thirty pounds, and that too by selling their Books, Bedding, and other Fur­niture of their Chambers. Rodol­phu's own stock was but small, yet for the prosecution of such He­roick Intentions, his endeavours were very earnest; for what with his Bedding, Books, and Gown, and likewise his Credit, he made a shift to raise above twenty pounds: so that among them they had at least fifty pounds. This great sum, with the fear of a dis­covery made them almost mad; but to be quickly free from those [Page 20] doubts, they hired each of them a Hackney Horse, (but never in­tended the owners should see them again till their return:) be­ing thus accoutred, and every thing secure, I know not what unhappy Planet discovered it, or what Argus's eyes discern'd it; but certain I am, they were all discovered, and this hopeful de­sign nipt in the very bud, and I fear me by the too too great in­dustry of one of Rodolphus's Re­lations, who having no inconside­rable Authority in Oxford, and having had some hint in the busi­ness (would the tongue were out that told it) immediately took half a dozen of the Officers of the Town with him, and made a ge­neral search, but could hear no­thing of them till eleven or twelve a clock at night, when they were all Booted and Spur'd, just going to take Horse, the Officers met [Page 21] our young Scholars full butt in the Streets, who immediately bid them stand, and they as immedi­ately bid them follow them, for they all took heels and run for't, their Consciences frighting them more then their Followers; but Boots and Spurs, and other lum­ber about them, prevented their desires, and slackned that expedi­tion which they highly wanted in such a case; so that they became preys to their enemies, but on ve­ry honourable terms; for when our young Scholars saw them­selves in the net, they were resol­ved to run out of it, or break it, which made them draw, with a re­solution far exceeding their years, or cause, and commanded their pursuers at their perils to stand, which was obeyed, and a parley proposed; which being accepted, they made their conditions ac­cording to their desires, only were [Page 22] forc'd to lay down their Weapons & retake themselves again to their Gowns, but with a solemn engage­ment, that their Parents should not be acquainted with this extra­vagancy, but should return Statu quo prius. This being granted, they returned their monies to re­deem their Beds, and satisfie other Creditors, which grieved them most of all; for certainly so great a sum of Money was never seen among them: but according to promise all was husht, and no no­tice taken of this frolick for a great while; but at last some ma­licious tongues began to whisper so loud, that all the Town rang of it, so that Prayers and thanks were offered up by many of their poor Creditors for this fair deliver­ance, and the owners of the Hor­ses could not be backward in ac­knowledging their escape. Whe­ther this were politickly divulged [Page 23] by any of their Relations, that others should not trust them any more, I will not now question; but this I am sure of, that their cre­dits were grown so small upon it, that they could keep open Shop no longer, but were forc'd to part, some one way and some another, till a more favourable day might bring them together again; which came to pass according to their wishes, as in the process of this discourse you shall understand. In the midst of these transactions, and some other little frolicks which are too inconsiderable to particularize, the Saint-like Tu­tor of our young Rodolphus began to be troublesome, and thunder out his furious threats, which a­mounted to little less then excom­munications; for he solemnly pro­tested the very next extravagancy committed by our late criminal should be punished by no less a [Page 24] chastisement then an expelling; notwithstanding all this Rodolphus was not yet satisfied, nor dreaded these severe pronunciations so much, but that he must have an­other fling; and a little while af­ter a convenient opportunity pre­sented it self; for the great fame of the Funeral solemnization of the late Usurper began to grow so eminent, that he was no Gentle­man that would not see such a Ce­remony: Our young Gallant was spurr'd on to this enterprize with earnestness, for he never saw the famous City of London till then; his desires therefore not to be satis­fied, but by an accomplishment, made him the more diligent in the prosecution thereof: but what inconveniences and shifts must he still run into that has nei­ther Money nor Credit to assist his designs? This certainly would discourage any but our Author, [Page 25] who was resolved by hook or by crook for London: There were in the Colledge two or three of his associates well principled young men, who had the same desires; but that which was most to be la­mented, the same purses and cre­dits likewise as himself; but Labor omnia vincit improbus, for the per­petual industry of our young Gentlemen amounted to so good an effect, that against the time Rodolphus had gotten not only two good Hackney-Horses for himself and Servitor, but likewise a very rich embroiodred Coat, with Boots, Sword, and Belt, which the credulity of one of his Bro­thers Servants entrusted him with; his Companions were likewise successful in every thing but Mo­nies, for there was not twenty shillings among four of them and their Servants, at their leaving of Oxford; but gone they are, [Page 26] Friends nor Tutors know not whi­ther; they fear'd their flight to be beyond the Seas, and too late shut the Stable door; but they were all mistaken, for London was the farthest place for their design­ed Travels. They were forc'd to lie one night upon the Road, which made such a deep impressi­on into their little stock, that af­ter their Reckoning paid, they had but two shillings left to carry them to London, & in what part to go to in that huge place they could not imagine; for to be near the Temple they dar'd not, some of their Relations being there resi­dent; to be near the Court they likewise were afraid, having seve­ral of their Kindred interessed too too much in that rebellious Compliance. This consideration put our young Travellers into a great non-plus; but after a serious consultation it was proposed by [Page 27] one of them, that Tuttle-street would be most convenient to receive them, by reason that his Taylor dwelt there, who would be very necessary among them, being all strangers in London: This propo­sition was generally lik'd of, which made them steer their course di­rectly thither, where in few hours after they safely arrived, and at the two neck't Swan took up their quarters, but could hear no news of the Taylor: they had no Mo­ney left, but spared not calling plentifully, their Horses being good pledges for an honest pay­ment. Well you see we have brought these young Scholars to London, where for a while we will leave them, and look back a little from whence they came, and how all things go there: Our young Gentlemens Tutors quickly found that the Birds were flown, and as quickly gave the Alarm to Rodol­phus's [Page 28] Relations, who lived not far from Oxford; they all proclaimed him the ring-leader of these Con­trivances, and made him the chief­est criminal, when indeed they were all equals: they were so sur­prized at the suddenness of their flight, that had not the Credit of Rodolphus his Relations prevented it, they had sent Hues and Cryes after them and their Horses; but they look'd before they leapt, and wisely considered that a better plaister could not be applied to this wound, then a discreet con­cealment; which being agreed a­mongst them, they patiently wait­ed the event, and daily put up their Orizons for a speedy return of their supposed lost Pupils: but whilst the careful Tutors live in suspence at Oxford, their jolly Pu­pils merrily divert themselves at London; but their guilty fears of­ten caused their jealous discon­tents, [Page 29] and put them into many dangerous frights; amongst the rest this is worthy the taking no­tice of: One day they must needs walk down to the Water-side, and being come neer the Thames in Westminster-Yard, the Water­men (as they thought) came strangely up towards them, cry­ing, Sculler or Oars, Sculler or Oars? which confused noise our young Gentlemen not being ac­quainted with, verily believed them to be men set there on pur­pose to apprehend them, and really thought they had cry­ed Scholars and Rogues, Scho­lars and Rogues! which made them all return, but faster than they came thither, never look­ing back till they had got to their quarters, and verily be­lieved their escape proceeded from the swiftness of their flight: they no sooner came in but imme­diately [Page 30] they consulted their secu­rities; and after a long and seri­ous debate, 'twas resolved among them, that their best way would be to avoid this verily believed search by changing their Lodg­ings; they could not effect their desires by reason of a Reckoning not satisfied in their Inn, which put them almost to their wits end, and made Rodolphus try once more how to get their necks out of this confinement: he had a Si­ster lived at Hammersmith, which put him in hopes that if he should go to see her, his credit, or her love would contribute to a supply suitable to their deliverance; he went accordingly and found her at home, but withal he likewise found at her house his Brother and other Relations, which for the reason aforesaid, being clad and furnish'd with his Brothers finery, he had as leave seen old [Page 31] Nick as his face at that present: he no sooner understood of his Bro­thers being there, but as soon he made his escape, and returned as empty as he went thither of mo­ney, though fuller of fear; his necessities notwithstanding daily encreasing, and his credit decrea­sing at his Quarters, he was infor­ced to send his Servitor within two or three days after, with a Letter to his Sister, full of ear­nestness for the lending of money; when he came to her she made him alight (though contrary to the commands his Master gave him) and after she had got him into her house, she brought him to the Brother then so much fear­ed by our young Rodolphus, who immediately took this puisne Ser­vitor to task, and after some great words made him confess where his Master lay; this being under­stood, th [...] immediately caused [Page 32] his Coach to be made ready, and with himself, Wife, and two or three of Rodolphus's Sisters, put themselves abord this Leather Bark, and by the assistance of the silly Guidesman, steared their course directly to his Masters Har­bour, and arrived within a very little time there, at the very in­stant when Rodolphus was selling one of his hired Horses; but their coming changed the Scene, and as Fortune would have it, much for the better; for the great compla­sance of Rodolphus's Brother plain­ly testified his contentment rather than resentments of his youthful frolicks. And after some little repast given by Rodolphus to these new come Guests, he calls for a Bill or Reckoning, which his Bro­ther liberally paid, and redeemed these young Pawns from their un­thrifty engagements; and gave order, that (the next da [...] being the [Page 33] great show of the ambitious for­mality of Olivers Funeral) Rodol­pbus should wait on his Sister-in-Law, to see what he so far came for; which he did accordingly, and had a conveniency far exceed­ing his expectations, and among persons of so good a repute, and such brave young Ladies, that our young Gentleman quite forgot his late extremities, and by this sudden alteration did begin to believe that he was born to live a Courtier; but the very next day by the or­der of his grave and careful Fa­ther, who was then at the Temple, and had heard of his Sons lashing out, he sent one of his men with a command to see him safe home at his Colledge again, otherwise he should certainly incur his Fa­thers displeasure: these summons at first surprized Rodolphus, being just warm in the enjoyment of gallant company, and brave en­tertainments; [Page 34] but the sensibility of his late crimes made him wisely consider, that it would not be safe to incense an already provoked Father too much; but since he he had so fair an opportunity, and on such good terms to return, he presently obeyed, and gave a fare­wel (though unwillingly) to his late acquaintance; and with his Servitor, and Fathers Man took Horse that very afternoon, having lest his Fellow-Scholars two or three dayes before, and tends his course for Oxford, where the next day he arrived, without any considerable adventure on the Road; and coming to his Cham­ber, he accidentally met with his Tutor in the Quadrangle, and af­ter some complements passed, this little puppet must needs begin to charm his harsh Pipe, and take the liberty to check his Pupil for his late extravagancy; but the Lon­don [Page 35] Air had so much altered our young Gentleman, that no such Oxford breath was pleasing to him, which made him roughly quit his Tutors Company, and tell him, that if he found no better wel­comes from others then from him, he would return from whence he came, where (as he said) he should be free from such taunts. This is the second time of Rodolphus's re­setlement in his Colledge-life, af­ter two considerable flyings out, and had not the musical tempta­tions of the warlike Instruments invited him abroad, perhaps at this day we might have found him in Christ-Church; but what cer­tainty can be expected from Wo­men and young Men, the one re­presenting the Winde, the other the Weather, for their uncon­stancy? One day Rodolphus with two or three of his accustomed companions, being drinking a glass [Page 36] of Wine together at the Mermaid-Tavern in Oxford, accidentally saw marching up the high Street, a gallant Party of Horse, bravely accoutred, and well mounted, ad­vancing with their Officers at the head of them, and their naked Swords in their hands in so noble a posture, that it hugely delighted our young Gentlemen, but especi­ally Rodolphus; who being ravisht with a martial resolution, imme­diately began to incite and encou­rage the mindes of his Associates, with a desire of compleating that gallant company with their own persons and endeavours; he need not strike fire twice, the tinder re­ceiving the first spark without de­nial; for no sooner had they con­triv'd a conveniency, but as soon they executed it, and without fur­ther delay immediately pawned their Gowns in the Tavern, and merrily drank the Health of their [Page 37] new Admirers, as far as the worth of their Gowns would permit them; and afterwards solemnly protested, that in exchange of such a Monkish Habit, they would put on the Buff-Coat, with the iron Hat and Doublet, and never wear Gown more in Oxford. This resolution, by most of them was quickly put in execution, but par­ticularly by our Rodolphus, who by the interest of some acquain­tance in those Troops (when per­swasions of Friends could not pre­vent it) got himself mustred a­mong them; and his delight in that military employment gave him no cause to repent of his change of life; for favour liberti­zed him so much, that he was sel­dom sensible of any hardship or Duty; but riding about and exer­cising among them when he plea­sed was grown a custom to him, till one of his Relations (a Colo­nel [Page 38] of that Army) resolving to make him a Souldier, began to have a strict eye over him, and kept him at last so close to his Du­ty, that as often as it came to his turn, he was forc'd to watch with his Comrades; which then made him perceive the difference be­tween a hard Board-Bed at Pauls, and a soft Feather-Bed at Christ-Church. Notwithstanding this rough usage, our young Souldier's resolutions were too great to ad­mit of the least discouragements in his Martial Proceedings; for so much was his delight in this new kinde of life, that he neglected not only fair opportunities of more considerable advantages then he at that time enjoyed, but likewise by no perswasions what­ever could he be invited from that rambling and loose kinde of life, to a noble and gentile education at the Temple, which his Friends [Page 39] would then most willingly have bestowed on him. This intended perseverance continued not so long, but perhaps the too too se­vere checks and Commands of a Brother, which was then his Co­lonel, urgeth a Vale from such in­franchisements by our young Souldier: A disobedience to his Superior Officer he well knew was not to be tollerated, nor proper for a Souldier to be guilty of; but a neglect of a Brothers com­mands he thought pardonable, or at least would make it so; there being ever a natural antipathy, in such cases; for equals in birth and nature could never yet subject themselves to a willing compli­ance of each others humours: this being then the case of Rodolphus, he fully determined to venture his fortunes in one year or two's Tra­vel, rather then submit himself to a Brothers Commands, having at [Page 40] that time a most convenient en­couragement to execute his in­tended designs; for two of of those young Scholars which, as you have heretofore heard, part­ed with him at Christ-Church, came and found out their old Associate, which they so long wanted, and after a mutual congratulation gi­ven and received among them, they soon resolved what was to be done, and being pretty well provided for their Voyage, they all parted from Tanton-Dean (where Rodolphus then quartered) and with what privacy possible got to Plymouth, where they in­tended to take shipping: and be­ing there safely arrived, their first business was to enquire what Vessels were bound outward, and whither; which being asked, 'twas known that two were then ready for France, and stayed for nothing but the advantage of a fair wind: [Page 41] which news was not a little wel­come to these young Gentlemen, France being the stage coveted by them all to act their first parts in. They quartered at the Three Cranes, where they began to dis­cover that a person of more than ordinary quality lay there wind-bound, and afterwards under­stood his imbarking to be in the same Vessel which they intended to venture in: this person of qua­lity took great delight in our young Travellers, and gave them such large and generous proffers of his civilities, that this unex­pected good fortune hugely ani­mated Rodolphus and his compa­nions, who began to think them­selves the happiest young men living; they wanted nothing but a wind to waft them over that un­certain Element, nor desired no­thing more; they lived gentilely where they lodged, and made but [Page 42] few meals, which was not in the company of the supposed Noble­man: but who must I complain of; or what Destiny directs things so severely, that our poor Rodol­phus can never rightly accomplish his generous inclinations? we see him here safe at Plymouth, and in a company which his very soul de­lighted in; yet we must sound a a retreat, and resign a contented enjoyment for an uncertain disap­pointment: but we hourly see the fairest day has some showers, and the most serene skie in the morning, often clouded with dark vapours by noon; thus we find Rodolphus his unparallel'd con­tentment soon eclipsed by the too curious search of his brothers Soldiers, who no sooner found him wanting, but he sent a Party after him with a full Commission to bring him back again: this de­sign of his brothers was discover­ed [Page 43] to Rodolphus by one of his Si­sters, before 'twas altogether put in execution, which inforced him to sell his Horse, which he intend­ed to transport, but worst of all, to leave that dear company he so entirely loved; and that very night the Soldiers came into Ply­mouth in search of him, he private­ly took Post-Horses, and by the next morning got to Exeter, where he met with very kind Letters from his brother, with notice that he had got him a Commission for Cornet of Horse: this news at first startled Rodolphus, but at last he considered that this might be only a trap to ensnare him in, and a decoy to invite him to his own Net, which made him take no no­tice of these Letters, but made what haste he could to Englands Metropolis, where he assured him­self of a privacy sutable to his ne­cessitated security; he took fresh [Page 44] Post-Horses at Exon, and rid with all Expedition till he came to Salisbury; but there he met with so infallible assurances of his brothers reality, and likewise some seasonable advice and per­swasions to return and comply with his brothers humours, that from Salisbury he went directly to his brothers, who lay but eight miles from thence, and found a very civil reception from him, with a Cornets Commission in his brothers Pocket, according as his Letters signified: but these fair Proposals could not invite our Rodolphus to put his neck a­gain under the disaffected yoke of his brothers Priviledges, which as his superior Officer, he had over him; but instead of his Com­mission he desired to ride in Gene­ral Monks Life-Guard (who was then lately come out of Scotland:) his brother seeing him thus averse [Page 45] in a second re-engagement, and perceiving his neglect of such fair proffers, gave way to his own in­clinations, and with Letters of recommendation to Sir Philip Howard sent him going, who be­ing glad of such an Errand, with Horse and Arms, and other ac­commodations sutable for such employments, he gets to Lon­don, where he soon found out Sir Philip, and received the satisfaction of a very civil reception from that ever Honourable person, with a promise of an admittance into the Guard the very next Muster; which afterwards was accordingly per­formed, with a civility and respect far exceeding his expectations: but Rodolphus being yet very young, not exceeding 18. or 19. at most, began to lash out there more then ever; for he soon per­ceived that his years had not yet made him capable of such experi­mented [Page 46] Companions as Life-Guard Men; his money whilst it lasted fled merrily about, and in les [...] then a twelve-month his Hor­ses head was swoln so big, that he could not get him out of the Sta­ble door; a disease very incident and almost infectious among those Gentlemens Horses. This acci­dent hapning in a very bad time, made Rodolphus almost mad, and put him to his wits end for new shifts how to rub out; which he endeavoured so long, that he rub'd every thing bare he had to do withal, and at last rub'd himself out of the Guard: Rub, rub, and a good cast, the Proverb goes; I am sure here were rubs enough, and yet the cast bad. This one years extravagancy did not only cost his Relations several sums of Money, besides his pay, but like­wise contracted debts, not inconsi­derable to him: notwithstanding [Page 47] which, upon a serious promise of reformation, our Rodolphus was a­gain received into his Fathers af­fection, who paid all his debts, and plac'd him in the Temple, with so great a care and conveniency, that he liv'd amongst, and convers'd with the best of that Honourable Society: but having not yet sow­ed his wilde Oats, and finding the Law-French, very crabid in comparison of the smooth stile of Pembrokes Arcadia, or a Scuda­mores Cassandra, he was not able to endure such harsh Lectures, de­spairing of ever attaining to that knowledge of the Law, which some of his Predecessors has been very eminent in; which conside­ration made him once more de­sign to see some other then the English world; which his Relati­ons perceiving, and seeing that no­thing would tame this unbridled youth but champing on the bit, [Page 48] they freely gave way to his desi­sired Travels; but withal cun­ningly contrived his transporta­tion to a place far different to his expectations, and in a condition befitting the worst of Criminals; for instead of a plausible voyage to see the world, and benefit an accomplishment by it, he was fairly shipt for Virginia, and as fairly sold as any Slave that ever went thither. Now Rodolphus has brought his Hogs to a fair Mar­ket, and has solitary Woods e­nough in that unfrequented place, to moan his unexpected and into­lerable misery: I verily believe the worst of his lives in England would then have been as welcome to him, as liberty is to those whose strict confinement forbids their seeing the Sun for some years; but 'tis too late to repent, too late to wish, or almost hope, he sees him­self bought and sold like a Nag in [Page 49] Smithfield, and he that gave most for him had him: Is this the suc­cess Rodolphus of all thy enterpri­zes, and are thy generous under­takings but a breeding qualm of this prodigious birth? is this the prize of thy alwayes large endea­vours? surely, surely, thy designs were never so mechanick to pur­chase such mean successes; but thou art not the first thus horribly plunged, for at this day the Tur­kish Gallies afford too many pre­sidents of like, or worse effects to noble and generous souls. Had our Rodolphus enjoyed but a com­panion in these extremities, I have often heard him say, that his bur­den would then have been but light; for his charity was then so little, that he did not only be­moan his Associates felicities in their French Travels, but with re­ality wisht them at his dirty em­ployments: The Mattock and [Page 50] the Axe must be the only compa­ny for Rodolphus diversions, which at first seemed most severe, the beginning of enterprizes being usually more hard then the effect­ing them; but use makes perfect­ness; so that our young Virginian passeth his slavery with a better performance, and far better con­tent then at his first arrival; he daily improves himself in those strange exercises, and quickly learnt to be so good a Cooper, that he may never despair of an ordinary livelihood from his late gotten skill: His usual exercise was felling down Trees, hooping of Hogsheads; and his task would be often so severe, that grim de­spair would sometimes present himself in those Woods, which are fitting for nothing more then such hellish Executioners; but provi­dence protected him with pati­ence, and at last gave him an op­portunity of a fair deliverance: [Page 51] for by the sudden fancy and opi­nion of a generous soul (for whose sake Rodolphus continues a Vassal to her Sex) he found his liberty from his tyrannizing Master, and a fair priviledge for his safe re­turn: he meets with this Chari­table Woman by accident, who came into a Barn where he was working, and being very inqui­sitive about several particulars, she immediately grew so concern'd for him, that she told him he was his own man; for she had already bought him as her own Slave, therefore he was at her dispose, and might go or come when and where he pleased: This unheard of generosity surprized our young Captive so much, that had he found the least correspondency either in Birth, Parts, or person with himself, or indeed had he found either Youth or Beauty in her, I am perswaded his soul was then so full of gratitude, that he [Page 52] would have thought of no other requital then himself to give her; but where all such invitations are wanting, and only the relicks of a rough Planter to be courted, he thought the return of her immense kindnesses could not be better ac­knowledged then by present thanks, and future profit, as he plentifully promised; for indeed had there been all that belongs to the accomplishment of a woman in this Virginian Widow, his youthful Inclinations were already prepossest, and the intire affecti­ons which he then owed to a young Lady in England, made him altogether incapable of a second passion: seeing therefore he could not possibly satisfie the expecta­tion of his Benefactress (who cer­tainly had more then an ordinary respect for him) he began wisely to consider the promising danger he was liable unto in a long stay [Page 53] there; for as women are the best things living, if pleased, so once being incensed, are they the worst things breathing. History is so full of diabolical designs, and ex­ecutions of these sort of Furies, that he fully resolved to shun the event, and not allow opportuni­ty a conveniency to make him the subject of such transactions: but since fortune had been so fa­vourable to open the Prison Door, and unlock'd his Fetters, he thought it high time to rouze him­self, and not to abuse that uncon­stant Deities civility, fearing her frowns, as well as rejoicing at her smiles: he therefore with all pri­vacy and expedition prepares for a farewel from those wild Barba­rians, who had so often made his heart to bleed by their Turkish usages; and after some little time spent in the observance of that pleasantly made Country, he left [Page 54] those parts with as much joy, as with grief he came to them. I have often heard him speak with so great a delight, and so much favour of the Country it self; that the pleasantness thereof was the only cause of his patient suf­ferings; for in the midst of his slavery he would divert himself with the several objects of wild beasts, and the natural order of a pleasant Wilderness; he ob­served it to be scituated in a mo­derate Clime, and a commonly serene skie; he found the whole Country a Grove full of Oaks, Pines, Cedars, Cypress, Lawrel, Sassafras, Mulberries, Plum-trees, Peaches, and Vines, all of so di­lectable an aspect, that the me­lancholiest eye in the world could not look upon it without content­ment, nor content himself with­out admiration: there are no shrubs or underwoods to choak up [Page 55] the passage; and in its season your foot can hardly direct it self, where it will not be died in the blood of large and delicious Strawberries; the plenty of Fish, Fowl, and Beasts, fitting for the sustenance of man, are innumera­ble: And indeed there is nothing wanting in this fruitful and plenti­ful Country, that can be desired for the satisfaction of the most vo­luptuous wishes. But 'tis time to follow our Rodolphus, who is now tumbling over mountains of Seas, and in so rough a season, that the memory of man never afforded such a stormy passage; 'twas the great Hurricane, that blew so ma­ny Trees from their mother Earth, which by providence brought home our young Traveller, though hundred others steept their bodies in Neptunes brine; no Sun appeared in many weeks to direct the Sea­man's observation; nothing but [Page 56] showers and blustring storms; the Porpoises skipping and swarming about the Ships, plainly told them of their present dangers; and the hourly spectacles of most sad and lamentable Shipwracks portend­ed their own destructions, with­out an Almighty Providence: in this horrible condition sailed they through the turbulent Element, and at last upon the English Coast, in Bristol Channel they were cast away, and amongst 36 Passengers and Seamen, five only escaped this furious violence, among which Rodolphus was one, who could not swim, nor assist himself in a­ny thing more than desiring the help of the Almighty Assistor, who miraculously preserved his life, and pulled him out of Neptunes jaws, whilest others were swal­lowed up by that greedy Devou­rer: but after a tedious and in­sensible tumbling in the Seas, their [Page 57] cruelty at last ceased, being ap­peased with the Victim of 30 of them at least; the rest being cast on the neighbouring Rocks, where they made a shift to scram­ble from that unkind entertain­ment they lately received; and after the warm Sun and fixt foun­dation had a little comforted them, they began to revive like those which newly came forth of a deadly Trance; and when their frozen tongues began to melt, they first exprest their joy for the great mercy of this admirable deliverance, and with the same tongues lamented the loss of all their poor acquaintances, with so great a sorrow, that the very Rocks they then sate on seemed to accompany their complaints; they saw the Bodies, Goods, and Vessel of their loving friends tost on the Seas, with so angry a moti­on, as if they resolved to revenge [Page 58] poor Rodolphus's escape on those already inanimates; they were not able to endure this pitiful spectacle, but with what hast their feeble limbs would permit, they got away, hunger and cold forcing a march; the best furnisht among them was so poorly clad, that Ro­dolphus was best provided, having only a Shirt, Wastcoat, and Li­nings; but his charity would not permit him to wear them, for the Captain of the Vessel, who was likewise saved from this miserable shipwrack, had not so much as a Shirt to his back, which forced Rodolphus to lend him his, leaving himself only Linings and Wastcoat. In this poor habit march they along, being neer twenty miles from Bristol, and being forced to live on the charitable contribu­tion of the better sort of Hous­holders till they got thither, Ro­dolphus was the Speaker where­ever [Page 59] they came, and plaid the part of a Beggar so well, that had they been for a considerable time to endure this kind of life, they perceived this begging Oratory would keep them from a hun­gry belly, or at least a starving; but they were not the right sort of Ramblers, who destine their lives to such theevish and lazy exerci­ses; for their bare feet, and al­most bare backs, gave them ma­ny bitter remembrances, and sharply advised their speedy deli­verance out of those necessities: they often found taunts and threts, as well as compassion and relief; which made them of an opinion, that none has those pri­viledges in the discovery of mens affections and conditions, as these State Caterpillers: They went still to the better sort of Houses, and if any of them proved to be Gentlemen, they could give so [Page 60] civil a satisfaction of any demand proposed, that most were apt to believe they were not born wan­derers. One day they all addres­sed themselves towards a house, which by its largeness and scitua­tion, promised the owner to be a man of repute, and to them a plentiful relief; being come thi­ther they received but a surly an­swer from a kind of Porter, who was at the Gate; but poverty enforcing patience, made them bear his uncivil language without retort, and continue for some while in an open Hovel, to repose their weary limbs, and refresh their coming stomacks with those Provisions the charity of some had bestowed on them; it chan­ced whilest they were thus em­ployed, that a maid-servant be­longing to this Gentlemans house, accidentally came to the Hovel, and finding these poor Travellers [Page 61] sitting on pieces of old Carts and other lumber, and in such a strange guise, her tender heart began to take compassion at this unexpected sight, which made her courteously ask what they were, and whether they expected relief from that House? this emboldned the heart-broken Paupers, to let her know their conditions, and desire her if she were a Christian, and had any consideration of goodness (which was not possible, as Rodolphus told her, that one of her aspect could want) that she would do them the kindness to let the Master of the house know that some poor shipwrackt Travellers were without, and to desire him to consider their condition: this well-disposed Maid was so glad of the Errand, as if she believed the exe­cution thereof to be meritorious, and delivered her message with so good a success, that orders were [Page 62] presently given to these newly-be­gun Beggars to come to the Hall door, where (out of curiosity) stood the Mistress of the House, with several other Gentlewomen, expecting their coming; they had not waited long ere they saw our Travellers, whose extremities put wings to their feet, and made them advance with a motion well testifying their wants: the Ladies first demands were, from whence they came, and what they were, with many other questions; which being answered by Rodol­phus, they began more curiously to observe these Wanderers, and finding something in them more than in the common sort of such Vagabonds, the young Ladies then began to be more inquisitive in knowing their names, birth, and Country; all which Rodol­phus gave them so plentiful an ac­count of, and so true a one, their [Page 63] names only excepted, (for 'twas pre-agreed among them, to go un­der the notion and assume other names, by reason of their poverty) that they were not only highly sa­tisfied in the reality of that free declare, but the Lady of the House with a strong passion flies out in the admiration of provi­dence, who she verily believed had brought to her a neer and deer Relation in the person of Ro­dolphus; she runs to him with o­pen arms, and embraceth him with such earnestness, that it hugely surprized the standers by: by this we may see, that if the suppo­sed belief of consanguinity has power to create so great a kind­ness, what then must be the force of blood not mistaken; if Rodol­phus found himself from a beggar wrapt in the sweet embraces of a worthy Lady, by an abused opi­nion, what had been his reception [Page 64] or rather his happiness, if truth would have allowed a sympathy in these affections? but as his case then stood, he thought it not con­venient to undeceive this well-minded Lady, but let her run on in this kind error, till by her assi­stance he might do himself and Companions some service in their necessities; he therefore re­turns her chast caresses, with an expression as zealous as her own, and admired his better Fortune in guiding him to so deer a Kins­woman, as he call'd her. The name he took on him chanced to be her maiden name, and his pre­tended Father her own Uncle; he did it not unadvisedly, for he pickt out a Family which was gentle and ancient; and such a Family, that if by accident he should meet with any that knew them, he could give as good an account of them as of his own; [Page 65] 'tis not convenient to give the name he then owned, let it there­fore suffice, that by it he got this good Kinswoman, who spent no longer time in an airy congratula­tion; for being sensible of their wants, she presently commands a good Fire to be made in the Hall, and what dry clothes the house afforded, to shift their wet and thin Garments; the assisting hands of every one of those pretty Ladies to this charitable work made all things insensibly ready; and when they saw the scarcity of mens ap­parel, Smocks and Petticoats were immediately brought in, and so comfortably aired and warmed, that our drooping and benummed Travellers found a sweet refresh­ment and alteration by this sea­sonable relief: The next conve­niency provided, was good Liquor and Meat to nourish and cherish them within; and that nothing [Page 66] might be wanting to the compleat­ing of these unparallel'd kindnes­ses, the Ladies (as soon as they were shifted) came in to them, and by their presence made them far more happy then by all their o­ther bountiful provisions. Rodol­phus was quite at a stand for words suitable for a grateful return; yet he exprest himself so convenient­ly, that they were all assured their kindnesses were not bestowed on those that wanted thankful souls. Now begins the Lady once more to be earnest with her new found Kinsman, to give her a true and impartial account of all his Tra­vels and successes, and likewise of his Relations, she being almost a stranger among them, by the great distance of place Marriage had confined her unto. Rodolphus was as free in obeying as she in de­siring; so that she soon understood what she requested, and not with [Page 67] so small a satisfaction, but that the best things in this good Gentlewo­mans house were all too bad for the accommodation of her ship­wrackt Cousin. Rodolphus's com­panions were no losers by his good success, for whatever he en­joyed was freely distributed among them; he would not ac­cept of the least particular assi­stance, which might any wayes capacitate his condition better then theirs. Time runs and it grows late, which made them think of a farewel that night; so that they all parted to their seve­ral lodgings, where (especially our weary Travellers) did soundly repose their weary Limbs: they arose the next morning with an intent to go on in their pilgri­mage; they waited some hours to see the Ladies, and to give them an adieu: at last they left their night Quarters, and came among [Page 68] their Guests, with a new addition of their yesterdayes gallantry; and indeed in so noble a garb were the young Ladies, and in so ad­vantageous a dress, as if they de­signed to make a conquest of Love as well as Courtesie to their alrea­dy Prisoners. Rodolphus and the Captain of the lost Vessel, though in their ordinary Habit, yet were very pleasant and merry among them, and without offence took a freedom befitting such company. The Lady of the house would needs have obliged Rodolphus in the acceptance of a very noble suit of clothes, which were lately made for her Husband, but never on his back, he being at London when they came home; he could not out of civility but put them on, the importunities of the Lady commanding it; but proving much too big for him, he gladly returned them with thanks, for [Page 69] he had a real desire to see his own Relations in the condition he was then in, believing to move some of them to a sorrow, especially those whom he thought the cause of this mechanick Voy­age. In this time Dinner was pro­viding, which being brought in, they broke up other discourses, and exercised themselves one hour at least, at that which no less than their lives were concerned in. Ro­dolphus took this opportunity, be­ing altogether, to declare his own and Companions thanks for all their generous obligations, and then in his own behalf more par­ticularly he made his application to his Kinswoman, concluding with an earnest request that he might without disobedience leave her; for notwithstanding no per­sons or company whatever could be more satisfactory or deer to him than her self and the other [Page 70] Ladies, yet the necessity of his parting was so extreme, that no perswasion whatever could invite his l [...]nger stay; which the La­dies perceiving, they would not longer load him with importuni­ties, but after mutual and loving Embraces they parted, our Tra­vellers towards Bristol, and I ve­rily believe the Gentlewoman to her Closet, where with freedom she might vent her charitable sor­rows for thus parting with her poor Kinsman; but she was some­thing satisfied with the Captains assurance that he gave her at part­ing, which was, that he doubted not of supplies sufficient to ac­commodate all their necessities when they arrived at Bristol; for notwithstanding he was a stran­ger in that City, yet he believed to meet with a Confident, who would answer his expectations, were it for hundreds: this be­lief [Page 71] purchased the discontented Ladies satisfaction, thinking her Cousin would find a better accom­modation by the Captains assi­stance, than by her neglected prof­fers; yet this mirror of goodness could not be at quiet after Rodol­phus was gone, but she must needs send a trusty Messenger after them to observe those inconveniencies she was jealous they would engage in; and likewise gave orders, that if her Servant perceived they were disappointed in their Bristol expectations, he should immedi­ately proffer to furnish Rodolphus with forty pounds to be at his dispose: thus marched our Tra­vellers being fourteen miles from Bristol, with the Ladies Servant following them unperceived, and by their willingness they got to their journeys end that night; they took up their quarters at a mean Ale-house, places of greater [Page 72] repute refusing the entertainment of such naked Guests; the honest Servant comes to the same house, took a room next to theirs, and diligently observed and listened to their discourse, which he per­ceived full of admration and thanks for his Mistresses civilities, and likewise full of sorrow and complaint for their present mise­ries, being frustrated of all hopes of supplies in that unacquainted City, by the late death of the Captains friend: this being un­derstood by the faithful Messen­ger, the next morning for our sor­rowful Travellers Breakfasts he gave them the comfortable news of his Mistresses commands, and told Rodolphus, that if he refused her desired courtesie, she should then have great cause of unkind­ness for him: this unheard of ge­nerosity strangely obliged Rodol­phus, and put him almost to his [Page 73] wits end, whether 'twere best or not to receive this sum, doubting his disability of a punctual pay­ment, and so made guilty of the horriblest unhandsomness in the world, by abusing the best of women; but now being absent from her, and necessity speaking aloud for an acceptance, he thanked the Messenger, and told him, since his Cousins com­mands were so, he dared not diso­bey her, especially being utterly unprovided for any thing neces­sary towards his long Travels: this made the Servant go with ex­pedition where he was ordered to receive the money; he no sooner demanded it but had it, and no sooner received it, but paid it to Rodolphus, who liberally rewar­ded his honesty, and with a Let­ter full of acknowledgments sent him back to his Mistress; and out of hand provided himself of [Page 74] a very handsome suit of Clothes, and some good Linnen, and fur­nisht the Captain with twenty pound, who accommodated the wants of his Seamen, and so they parted, Rodolphus to his Fa­thers in Oxfordshire, the Seamen to their homes at London. What a redemption providence has be­stowed on our lately miserable wanderers, let the reader judge; and if he thinks on't, and not ad­mire it, I am deceived; for from a wretched and distressed Beggar, in a place as uncapable and desti­tute of acquaintance as Virginia it self; from a poor and miserable slave in the Indies, to be thus resto­red, not only to his former liber­ty and native Country, but like­wise delivered from such a horrid and dangerous shipwrack, and from a naked and despicable po­verty to a gallant and gentile equi­page: I say this is not only unpa­rallel'd [Page 75] but miraculous. Rodolphus is on his march for Oxfordshire, where he soon arrived; but 'twas in vain to aver his sufferings, nor yet his losses; none admitting a belief by reason of his then gallan­try, for he made himself as fine as possible, and took Sir Walter Ra­leighs advice as authentick, that all young men should rather en­deavour an equipage above then below their qualities; he needed not such a spur to prompt him to that which his own inclinations alwayes invited him unto, but more particularly at this time; for extreams being commonly the Scenes and Parts of such Actors, he thought he could not better quit the opinion of his late poverty, then by a glorious and splendid shew of gallantry, let the world see, that he could become such a garb as well as his late rags: His Relations were full of hopes [Page 76] and expectations of some conside­rable return from his long voyage: but they soon understood his chiefest Riches and Merchandize to be on his back. About this time our Queen Katharine arrived at Portsmoutb, and an Army was designed for Portugal, the Lord Inchequeen being their General. This design was cried up to the Skies, and extoll'd with such high Encomiums, that he had not the spirit of a Gentleman, who would not testifie his Loyalty by this for­reign service. Rodolphus had scarce rested his toss'd and wearied Body at his Fathers house, but he must once more expose himself to the mercy of that rugged Ocean which lately had been so discour­teous to him; and having a Rela­tion that went a Commander in this expedition, he got the consent (by perpetual importunities) of his Parents, and listed himself in [Page 77] a Western Gentlemans Troop, which then lay at Plymouth ready to take Shipping; and by the fa­vour of his new Captain, mustred a man: Being thus provided with a couple of able Geldings, and good Clothes, and Money, he took Shipping with the rest of the Souldiers: and by the favour of a fresh and moderate Gale they soon arrived at Lisbon, where they found a plausible reception at their first landing, with Bonfires and ringing of Bells, and many other tokens of outward Joy: some of the Officers and a few young Gentlemen, at their first arrival landed at Lisbon, the resi­due of the Army being transport­ed farther in the Countrey. A­mong those that stayed behind to have the advantage of seeing that famous City, was Rodolphus, whose curiosity made him earnest for that liberty which easily was [Page 78] granted by his Superiors; they drest themselves at their first en­trance into the City, with all the advantages imaginable, and had the honour of kissing King Alphon­soes hand; who seeing such a gal­lant Company, he pleasantly told them, that his desires to his Bro­ther, were (meaning the King of England) to accommodate him with Souldiers to fight with the Spaniard, but he believed he had sent him his Courtiers to kiss his Country-women. I verily be­lieve, there was never a more gal­lant party went out of England upon any design whatever, than were that Regiment of Horse which Inchequeen commanded; of six hundred, there were at least four hundred of them Gentle­mens Sons; they came into the Country full of money and gal­lantry, and those which survived left it as full of poverty and neces­sity: [Page 79] But they startled the Portu­guees, and made that proud people confess, that few Princes in Chri­stendom, but must vail their Bon­net to Britains King. I shall not in­sist upon any thing which is not directly to Rodolphus's concerns; I shall wave therefore the giving any account of that Brigado, or of their several marches and sepa­rations, with many eminent ad­ventures and transactions which hapned among them, and prose­cute our mark with a diligent endeavour, not leaving him an hour without a strict obser­vance of his actions in this relation. Rodolphus was highly taken with Lisbon, he admired the scituation of it, with the noble Harbour and gallant appearance of shiping, which was constantly riding un­der their very windows; he liked extremly the several orders of the Religioses, both men and women, [Page 78] and was not dissatisfied with their contraries the Temporals, whose Fashions and Customs, with their plausible civilities, made them much esteemed by our young Traveller: his chiefest exercise (whilest he continued at Lisbon) was the hunting of the wild Bore; which heroick sport was much advanced by the Kings presence, who seldome mist on Mondays and Thursdays those pleasant di­versions: his stay was not long there, because of that obligation all Soldiers are bound unto by an unavoided residence; he there­fore with two or three more of his Comrades, makes what haste he can after the already march'd Sol­diers, but withal took the advan­tage of seeing those Cities and other places of greatest repute, which lay in or near their way: this caused their journey to be hugely pleasant, never wanting [Page 81] variety of delightful objects to satisfie their greediest curiosities; sometimes the religious Hermit, in his dark and unfrequented Cell, would invite their going astray a mile or two, the tops of Moun­tains or desolate Wildernesses be­ing their usual places of abode; their severe and rigid life, with a strange sequestration from the worlds concerns, was not a little to be admired; their Diet and Lodging was as strange, feeding on nothing but wild Fruits, and drinking nothing but spring-wa­ter, wearing nothing but a hairy Gown (and that next to their skins) nor lying on any thing but green Turfs and withered leaves: thus the Hermit: Then their riding through large and spacious Vine­yards, thronged with stately Fig-trees and Mulberries, with several other delicious Fruits, made them wish themselves perpetual Pil­grims [Page 82] in these Elizian Fields. Some­times would they go through brave and sumptuous Groves of Olive-Trees, so close and shady for many miles together, that they proved great friends in so near a neighbor­hood, by keeping off the scorching Sun from the melting Passenger: Then would they be extreamly de­lighted in the Orange and Lemon Groves, which pretty fruit seemed to out-vie one another in their a­mity, by nodding & bowing their yellow and sappy heads to the gen­tle Traveller to pull and eat his fill; next would present to their views the Citron and Pomgranet, who with a more surley and swar­thy countenance would tell them, that notwithstanding their sullen looks, yet their in-side exceeded the rest of their neighbouring Kinsfolk both in taste and colour; and those that would not believe might try: Then the prickle Pares [Page 83] humility was worth the taking no­tice of, spreading it self on the the ground, and subject to the trample of every Asse; yet his goodness perhaps not inferior to those who grow more proudly and loftier: what should I say, but in few words let you know that our mother Earth seems to be delighted in nothing more then a plentiful production of every thing which may contribute to the benefit and satisfaction of her commonly ingrate children? the very mountains, the most desolate and barbarous places of that Land, this generous mother clads them in a noble Mantle, and attires them in no worse an equipage then the best of our English Gardens; for there is no riding over any of those places, but of necessity their Horses Feet must tred on, and bruise the tender Herbs and choice Flowers, which grow so abundant­ly, [Page 84] that 'twould puzzle the best Herbalist or Flowerist to give their names, and [...]aze them in their variety: The plenty likewise of Herds of Goats, and other Cattle was considerable, the Shep­herd of every Flock being their proper owners, and attending them in such a careful, but musical manner, that none could see them without a particular observation; they all plaid on the Guittar and Cittern, and the irrational A­nimals prettily kept time to their musical Notes: There was no Pas­senger, but with civility might be welcome to a draught of Milk, which the Shepherd liberally be­stowed on any that desired it, ha­ving a little Cork Bucket fitting for such a purpose. Through these delightful Objects pass our amazed Travellers, till they came to the Frontiers of Portugal; which pro­ved much more barren to that [Page 85] already known Countrey which their late Travels had acquainted them with. The contin [...]l Wars between them and the Spaniard is the only cause of a scarcity in those parts, the Soil and Clime being as good as in any other place of the Kingdom; but who knows not what an enemy War is to Plen­ty? After Rodolphus's first arrival at a considerable Frontier-Town called Estr [...]moss, he took up his Quarters, the residue of that Troop he belonged to being there disposed of. As he went up the Streets, it chanced that a Portu­guez Nobleman took notice of him, and immediately fancied him to resemble a Brother of his which died not long before his coming thither; this Brother be­ing very much beloved by Don Juan de Silva, who is this Noble­man, caused him to give Rodolphus an invitation to his House, and [Page 86] courteously told him, that if he pleased to accept the accommoda­tion he there found, the best which his house afforded, should freely be at his service: this proved a ci­vility very rare among those Countrey Gentlemen, whose pri­viledges exempt them from quar­tering Souldiers, and whose jea­lousie seldom admits of hardly their relational Acquaintances to come to their houses. Rodolphus therefore finding such an earn­est Invitation, embrac'd it with thanks, and with his Servant and Portmanteau, went to Don Juan's; where they first found good Sta­bling for their Horses, and after­wards as good Provision for them­selves: He found many conveni­encies (by Don Juan's continued kindnesses) which the best of his Countrey-men wanted; for there his Dyet was incomparably drest, and alwayes seasonable hours ob­served, [Page 87] and a Table so plentifully spread, that Inchequeen himself would have envied the entertain­ment of our young Traveller, could he have imagined his varie­ties to exceed so much his own: but Rodolphus could not be satis­fied with the uncivil custom which they use to their Wives and Si­sters, nay to their Mothers them­selves; for they never admit them to sit down at Table with them, nor never so much as drink with them; they keep them at so strange a distance, that their Wives must not lie with them but when they send for them, and then not a­bove an hour or two; a stranger must not look on them, nor speak to them: which made Rodolphus at first commit many errors, being ignorant of their mode: he was often in Don Juan's House so mi­staken with talking and drinking, and other familiarities among the [Page 88] Gentlewomen, that had it not been Rodolphus, he had found a chastisement far exceeding his crimes, yet answerable to the Portuguees jealousies; but the great love his noble Patron had for him, made him take no no­tice of his actions, or at least past them by with a prudent careless­ness; yet not so unconcerned, but that Rodolphus soon found his mi­stake, and by degrees weaned himself so much from his English Fashions, that he became almost a Portuguez; which made him en­joy with the greater freedom the advantages that his noble quar­ters afforded him: he never had a Napkin twice, nor a Towel two daies together; he never lay in Sheets above a week, nor never wanted the best conveniencies that the curiosity of the better sort of that Country enjoyed: he continued six months at least [Page 89] at Don Juans House, and lived in so great a plenty and gallantry, that the best of the English Bri­gade came far short in their ac­commodations, although they paid dear for it. But the time of action draws on, and a summons given for a speedy preparation to a Campaigne life: the Spaniard is already in the field, and doing considerable mischiefs, which makes the greater haste for a ge­neral Muster; Rodolphus takes leave of his beloved Landlord, and tenders with earnestness a re­taliation of his kindness; he would willingly have satisfied Don Juan for the great charge himself, Servant, and Horses had put him unto; but he could fix nothing on him with all his Rhe­torick, but found a free-Quarters for that long residence; and at his farewel this noble person be­stowed several conveniencies and [Page 90] provisions on Rodolphus, suitable for a Campaignes want; he ac­cepted only of an English Ra­pier, and that by perpetual im­portunities. But time calls away, which enforceth Rodolphus's march, for by this time the Spa­niard had possest himself of one of the most considerable Cities in Portugal, called by the name of Ebora; whether the success of that bold atchievement was by the Spanish valour or Portuguez trea­chery, I will not now question; but certain I am, that the loss of this City did not only surprize, but likewise startle and discou­rage the whole Army at the news of it: but Don Zancho a Portugal, and Conde Chombergh a French­man, being both wise and reso­lute men, and Generalissimos of the Portugal Forces, did by their discreet conduct quickly regain their lost City, and in a great and [Page 91] bloudy fight overthrew the Spa­nish Army with such a general rout, that the whole plunder of the field, with all their bag and baggage, and thousands of their lives paid for their late bold at­tempt: the resolutions and va­lour of the English Brigade, was not a little instrumental in this great Victory, although the in­grate Portugal would not acknow­ledge it. I shall however wave their continued and treacherous baseness which they always shew­ed to the English Army, which deservedly merited their best esteem; and only let you know, that in the fight there were lost no less than four hundred of the En­glish Cavalry, the whole number being but six hundred; which miserable rack caused the poor Englishmen to return with hoarse Trumpets & dead-beating Drums, notwithstanding a certain and ab­solute [Page 92] Victory: Rodolphus at that time was Cornet of Horse, but after the fight there were left more Officers than private Sol­diers, the number of that gallant Regiment being reduced to one small Troop: this caused a ge­neral endeavour by those that survived, to bestow themselves in other capacities, [...]nd list among the English Infantry; some got commands by vacancies which the engagement caused; among which by the favour of Colonel James Apsly, Rodolphus got a Com­mission for Captain of Foot, in which he continued for some months, till the fortune of War made him Prisoner to the Spani­ard; whose noble and heroick ci­vilities obliged Rodolphus so much, that he fully determined at his releasement to quit his command, and never engage himself more against a Nation which proved [Page 93] so far exceeding in all worth and honour, to those he before haz­zarded his life for: he with three or four more English-men were taken by a party of Spanish Horse, when they least thought on't, and in the midst of their recreations, being merrily flinging Oranges at one another in a pleasant Grove near Estremos, a Frontier Town in Portugal: Whilst they were thus diverting themselves, the Spaniards came ratling in amongst them, and immediately disarm them, and carry them all away to a City called Batajos in Castile, where as Enemies they were ho­nourably entertained; and during their confinement, they found all the curtesies and respect that could be imagined from their great­est friends; they had their li­berty to walk where they pleased on their paroll, only a Keeper with them; and after six weeks imprisonment, by way of Ex­change [Page 94] they were restored to their former liberty; and after their arrival among their former Associates, Rodolphus immediate­ly resign'd his command, and took shipping at Lisbon, with a fair and prosperous Gale, which soon brought them to Dover, where he took Post-Horses for London; but at his arrival there, he found all his Relations gone, which made him make what haste possi­ble to his Fathers in Oxfordshire, his stock being then but very small. His Friends were a little surprized at his first coming home, his return being so sudden, and his equipage so mean; but they soon considered his former adven­tures to be much after the same manner, and where ever he went (though never so well provided) yet the best account of his profit was alwayes mean and poor: they all very well knew, that when he [Page 95] left England, his accoutrements for Habit, and Horses, with money in his pocket, stood his Father in little less then 200 l. yet they soon perceived all the clothes on his back not to be worth two pence, and all the money in his pocket not amounting to 6 pence; but in health and in wealth, in pover­ty and in sickness, Rodolphus still found a most loving and indulgent Father: he now returns like the true Prodigal, especially in one sense, having eat and fed on Acrons in his Portuguez hard­ships. After some months resi­dence among his Friends, he be­gins once more to work at the rough and hard Anvil of the Law, he keeps the Terms, is call'd to the Bar, and for a time goes on with delight; but he now meets with a rub, which usually overturns more serious and fixt intents then his own; he is by Friends advised to [Page 96] a Mistress, and his own inclinati­ons invite him to another; here is a Scilly and Carybdis, which cer­tainly Rodolphus can never escape without a miserable shipwrack: This takes him off from all his new begun studies; now he begins once more to lash out, and designs his courtship braveries so high, that he quickly found the inconvenien­cy of such excesses; he cares not for the party whom his Friends re­commend him unto, nor she which his own fancy leads him to, cares not for him. Thus we see poor Rodolphus miserably tost in Loves Blanket: he knows not how to flie or get out of this new confinment, but by travelling once more; he tries that way, and takes the op­portunity of seeing Ireland, where yet he had never been; he traver­ses all parts of that Country, and hop'd his absence would have de­fac'd or at least diminished the in­tent [Page 97] of Relations or his own Af­fections; he returns after a twelve-months travel in that naked, yet plentiful Country; but finds his Mistress still continues in his e­steem, and his friends still in their resolves: He flies obedience to pursue love, but begins to wish he had fled love to pursue obedience; he lives in a timerous suspence for some months, till a continued disregard from his Admiress, be­gan first to cool his amorous flame, and at last clearly quench'd it. Being free from the very worst of captivities, he once more resolves to follow his Studies, and in obe­dience to his Fathers commands, he repairs to London; where at his Chamber in the Inner-Temple he continued with an unconcern­ed industry, till going to see a re­lation of his at Hammersmith, he there finds another Devota; his fancy began to work Chimaeras, [Page 98] and in the midst of his most seri­ous thoughts, such idle Ideas would present themselves before him, that it hugely disquietted his then contentment: he knew the danger of that malady he so lately to his hurt underwent, and he was very sensible that a re­lapse was more dangerous than the first infection; he therefore endeavours to disengage himself from that growing inconvenien­cy, and in time to nip that inevi­table evil in the bud; his desires were not in vain executed; for he liv'd with a very great indiffe­rency, and his actions and demea­nours clearly testified his dis­esteem of any thing but his Book: he could see his quondam Mistress without concern, and could be in her company without the least appearance of Loves discovery: this made Rodolphus live hugely c [...]ntented at his Sisters House in [Page 99] Hammersmith; till a Gentlewo­man, which the Heavens had de­creed to be his, came thither; the first sight of her assured him she was born to be his, and his real affections to her confirmed him in the belief of it: he misseth no time in prosecuting his suit, nor from the beginning will never admit of a denial; his endeavours are with success, for in less than two months he proved to be her Admirer, her Servant, and her Husband. Now 'tis time to sing a Requiem, not on­ly to Rodolphus's Travels and un­certain ramblings, but to this Di­scourse, which notwithstanding it be illiterate and imperfect, yet the Truth and Reality of it I hope will find an acceptance from those who bestow the perusal on Youth's Ʋnconstancy.