Triana, or, A threefold romanza of Mariana. Paduana. Sabina

Triana, or, A threefold romanza of Mariana. Paduana. Sabina

Table of contents

Title page

To the Reader.

MARIANA.

TRIANA And PADVANA.

TRIANA AND SABINA.

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TRIANA, Or a Threefold ROMANZA

Of Mariana.

Of Paduana.

Of Sabina.

‘Omne tulit Punctum qui miscuit vtile dulci.’

LONDON, Printed for John Stafford, and are to be sold at his House, at the George at Fleet-bridge. 1655.

To the Reader.

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IT is hard to say whether it is worst, to be Idle or ill imploy'd; whilst I have eschewed the former, I have fallen on the latter; and shall by the severer sort be censured for mispending my time.

Let such I pray heare my Plea, and I dare make my accusers my Judges herein, that is not lost time which aimes at a good end; Sauce is as lawfull as meat, recreation as Labour, it hath pleased me in composing it, I hope it may delight others in perusing it.

I present not a Translation out of the Spanish, or from the Italian Originall; this is the common Pander to mens fancy, hoping to vent them under that title with the more applause. These my play-labours never appeared before, and is an essay of [Page] what hereafter may be a greater volume.

Things herein are composed in a generall proportion to truth, and we may justly affirme,

Vera si non scribimus, scribimus veri similia, I will not be deposed for the exact variety of the gravest passages: in the greatest historian a Liberty hath ever been allowed to fancies of this nature, alwaies provided, that they confine themselves within the bounds of probability.

Thus wishing every faithfull Lover Feliciano's happinesse, every good wife Facundo's Love; every true servant, servant, Gervia's fortune, every Maiden-Lady, Fidelio's constant affection, every faithfull friend Vejetto's successe, every clownish foole, Insuls his mishap, and every cruell wanton, Nicholayo's deserved punishment: I leave thee to the perusall hereof, censure not so rigidly, lest you blast a budding Writer in the blossoming of his endeavours.

TRIANA

MARIANA.

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IN the City of Valentia, Metropolis of the Kingdome so named, which with many other Dominions are the tributary [...]ooks discharging themselves into [...]e Ocean of the Spanish Monarchy, [...]welt one Don Durio a Merchant of [...]eat repute. For as yet the envious [...]nds had not (as at this day) ob [...]ructed the Haven in the Valentia, but [...]at it was the principall port in [...]ose parts.

This Don Durio had advanced an [...]tate much by Parcimony, more by [...]apine, being halfe a Jew by his extraction; and more then three quarters thereof by his Conditions, being [Page] a notorious oppressor. But growne very aged, and carrying his Eyes in his pockett, Teeth in his Sheath, and Feete in his Hands, he began with remorse to reflect on the former part of his Life with some thoughts of restitution, to such whom he had most injured.

This his intention he communicated to one Francisco a Frier, and his Confessor: Francisco was glad to see such a qualme of Religion come over his heart, and resolved to improve it to the uttermost. Hee perswades him that restitution was a thing difficult and almost impossible for one in his condition, so many were the particular persons by him wronged; the shortest and sures [...] way was for him to consigne his only Daughter Mariana to be a Nun in the Priory of St. Brigett, and to endow that Covent with all hi [...] Lands: which exemplary piece o [...] his liberality, would not only wit [...] [Page] the lustre thereof out-shine all his former faults: but also be a direction to posterity how to regulate their estates on the like occasion. Don Durio, though flinty of himself, yet lately softned with Age and sicknesse, entertaines the motion, not onely with contentment, but with delight, and will not be a day older before the same be effected.

But there was a materiall person, whose consent herein must be cōsulted with, even Mariana his Daughter, who had not one ounce of Nuns flesh about her, as whom nature had intended not as a dead stake in a hedge to stand singly in the place▪ but as a plant to fructifie for posterity. Besides, she had assured her self to one Fidelio, a Gentlemā of such merit, that though his vertues started with great disadvantage, clogg'd with the waite of a necessitous fortune: yet such the strength and swiftnes thereof, that he very speedily came (not [Page] being above the years of two and twenty) to the marke of a publique reputation; but these things were carried so closely between them, and all leakes of superstition were so cunningly made up, that neither friend nor foe, had gained the least glimps of their intentions.

Don Durio, Francisco being in his presencc, importunes his Daughter (a hard taske) to bury her beauty under a vaile, and become a Frigittine. What he propounded with a fatherly bluntnesse, Francisco sharpens with the edge of his wit, heightning the happinesse of a recluded Life to the Skie, and above it; A discourse very unwelcome to Marianaes Eares, racketted between two dangers on either side If she surrender her selfe herein to her Fathers will, she is undone, and wha [...] she values above herselfe, Fidelio i [...] ruined: If she deny, she exposeth he [...] selfe to the just censure of disobedience: [Page] yea it puts a light into the hand of her suspitious Fathers therby to discover her intentions, that her affections being preingaged, obstructed the acceptance of this Motion. No time is allowed her to advise, in a moment (almost) she must consult and conclude, and resolved at last to comply with her Fathers desires for the present, not despairing, but that courteous time, in the processe thereof, would tender unto her some advantage, whereby hereafter she might make a faire evasion.

But her Father hurries her in her present attire, (as good enough for a mortified mind, without allowing her respit of of exchanging) unto the Covent. Francisco leades the way, Don Durio followes, and Mariana comes last; her countenance was neither so sad, as to betray any discontent, nor so blith and cheerefull as to proclaime any likenesse therein: [Page] but so reduced, and moderately composed, as of one that well understood both what she was leaving off, and what she was entring into. And if the falling of a few teares moistened her cheekes, it was excusable in one now taking her farewell of her former friends: and her Father beheld the same as the Argument of good nature in her.

Ringing the Bell at the Covent Gate, the watchfull Porter takes the Alarum and presently opens: for though it was something difficult for strangers to have excesse into the Covent, yet the presence of Frier Francisco, was as strong as any Petar, to make the sturdiest gate in the Covent pliable to his admission. Out comes the Lady Abbesse, who had now passed Sixty winters, and carried the repute of a grave and Sanctimonious Matron: A strict discipliner she was of the least wantonnesse of any committed to her charge, reputed [Page] by most to her virtuous dispositiō, but ascribed by others to her envy, driving away those delights from others which formerly had flowne away from her selfe.

Francisco with a short speech acquaints her with the cause of their comming▪ surrenders Mariana to be a Probationer in their house; whom the Abbesse welcommeth with the largest expressions of love to her, and thankefulnesse to her Father, highly commending Don Durio his Devotion, that whereas many Parents blessed with a numerous issue grudge to bestow the tythe thereof on a Monasticall Life: such is his forward zeale as to part with all his stock, and store, not repining to conferre his sole daughter and heire to a religious retirement; Then taking their leaves each of other, they depart, leaving Mariana with the Abbesse.

Millescent a Nun of good esteeme [Page] and great credit, is assigned by the Abbesse to goe along with Mariana, and shew her all the roomes, walkes and rich untensills of the house; especially she is very carefull to reade unto her a large Inventory of all the reliques therein, with their severall miraculous operations. The points of St. Rumballs Breeches (among other things) were there showen, the touching whereof would make barren women fruitfull: and many other seeming toyes of soveraigne influence. Passing through by the Southeast corner of the Cloyster Mariana cast her eye on an arched vault, enquiring the use thereof, and whether the same did conduct; Millescent answered, that in due time her curiosity therein should be satisfied to her owne contentment, but as yet she was not capable of any intelligence therein, which was one of the mysteries of the house not communicated to novices at their first admission, but reserved for such, who [Page] after some convenient time of abode there, had given undoubted testimony of their fidelity to that Order. And here we leave Mariana having more musick and lesse mirth then she had at home.

The newes hereof was no sooner brought to Fidelio, but it moved a strange impression upon him. Were I assured that the Reader hereof was ever sound in love, and that his brest was ever through warned with chast fires of a constāt mistress, it would spare me some pains to character Fidelio his sad condition. For then my worke is easily done, onely by appealing to the Readers experience, who out of sympathy is able to make more then a conjecture of Fidelio's sad estate, daily languishing for the losse of his Love, as dead (whilst living) unto him.

His Pensive postures, sad looks, silent sighs, affected solitariness, sequestring himself from his most familiar friends, was observed by Ardalio, by whom he was intirelv beloved, Ardadalio [Page] using the boldnesse becomming a friend, examines Fidelio of the cause of his suddaine change. Fidelio for a time fences himselfe with his owne retirednesse, and fortifies his soule with resolutions of secrecy. The other plants the Artillery of his importunity against him, by the force thereof Fidelio is beaten out of his hold, & won at last to unbosome his grievance to Ardalio, who had promised, that Midnight sooner should be found a Tel-tale, & Trust it selfe become a Traytor, rather then he would discover any thing prejudiciall unto him. Imboldned wherewith, Fidelio confesseth that Marianas restraint in a Nunnery into which she was lately thrust, by her parents power (as he verily beleeved) against her own will, and without his knowledge.

Had shee been taken prisoner by the Turke, some hope would have been to procure her Liberty [Page] by ransome, had Pirates surprised her, mony might have purchased her freedome, whereas now no hope of enlargement, it being no lesse then Sacriledge accounted by force or fraud to practice her delivery from that Religious slavery.

Be content (saith Ardalio) and I will make you master of a project, which without any danger shall bring your Mistresse into your possession; turne therfore all your Soule into eares & listen to my discourse, wch though seemingly tedious in the relating, the same will make your attention, not only a saver, but a gainer by the rich conclusion thereof.

Some twelve yeares since, when a Frier was buried in the Benedictine Covent all the Schooleboyes in Valentia (among whom I assure you I was none of the meanest) invited themselves to bee[Page]present at the solemnity, now whilst others were crowded into the Chappell to see the performance of the Obsequies, I know not what conceit made me a separatist from the rest of my companions. And as I was walking in a Corner between the Conduit and the Hall, I happened into an old Roome which led me into a Vault lighted onely with one squint-eyed Window, going somewhat further therein, my heart began to faile me with the fresh remembrance of those Tales of Bugbears wherewith my Nurse had affrighted my infancy from ponds and places of danger; however taking heart I resolved to discover the issue of that winding Vault.[Page]And here you must forgive me, if I have forgotten some circumstances herein, my memory which never was very loyall may be pardoned for betraying some passages after twelve yeares past: let it suffice that I remember so much as will make you happy it wisely prosecuted, this was the result of my adventure, that as our River Anas is reported to run some miles under ground, and afterwards spring up againe. So I drowned under dry earth, (if you will allow the expression) was boyled up againe in the Nunnery of the Bridgitines, you will hardly beleeve with what amazement the Nunns beheld me, who had entred[Page]their Cloyster that unusuall way never as yet (as it seemes) traced with boyes feet, but by those of more maturity, whose company might bee more acceptable unto them: They loaded me with kisses and sweet meates, for beleeve mee (Fidelio) how meane opinion soever you may now have of my handsomnesse, if my picture then taken, and the report of my Mother may be beleeved, I was not unhandsome. In fine, they flattered and threatned me not to discover which way I came thither, which if once I made knowne, thousand of Devills would torment. From which day to this it never came into my head; my memory[Page]having now made some amends for its former forgetfulnesse by this seasonable suggestion thereof unto mee, when it may befriend your occasions. If therefore you can convey your selfe by this passage into the Nunnery, I leave the rest to bee stewarded by your owne Ingenuity.

But which way said (Fidelio) shall I contrive my undiscovered comming thither, shew me but a way presenting but halfe the face, yea but a quarter face of probability, and I shall kisse that, and thanke you for the same.

I will furnish you with all requisites for the Adventure: I have an uncle living at Lisborne provinciall of the Benedictines in[Page]Spain; his hand when a boy I have often ceunterfeited for harmlesse cheats levell with my age, so livelily, that I have perswaded him to confess it his own, and great the familiarity between my Vncle and Francisco, who here is the Benedictine Abbot. I will provide all things for you, and fit you with the habit of their Order, leaving the rest still to be improved by your own Art and Industry. For where a friend tenders one hand to draw you out of the Mire, if you assist not to make up the rest by your own Endeavours, even lie there still to your own shame and with no pity of mine.

[Page]They depart, resolving next morrow to meet, when all necessaries should be provided. In the meane time, Fidelio goes to the Covent of the Bridgittines, and walkes under a Window thereof, the which (as he was informed and his intelligence therein not untrue) belonged to the Chamber of Mariana. She discovers him there, and presently rends out of her legend the first white leafe which had not blushed (as the rest) for the lies and impudencies which were written therein; which Paper she imployes for a Let [...]er, and looking out of the window, casts the letter down unto him who stood ready beneath to receive the same, and surely had the Letter been but ballanc'd, with any competent waight put therein, it had not missed his hands for whom it was intended.

What a pity was it, that Aeolus was never in love, or that the Winds are too boisterous, or to cold to be melted [Page] Affection. Except any will say that a Gale of wind ambition, to kiss the letter of so fair a hand, and overacted its part therein.

Sure it is that a small blast thereof blew this Letter over into the Garden of Albesse, where shee was viewing of her Bees. Her Ladyship betakes her selfe to her glasseyes, and peruseth the following contents thereof.

Fidelio,

HElp me with thy imaginations, and know me here more miserable then I can express, here is nothing lesse then that which is pretended, a chast mistriss which in due time may be a chast wife, may stock a hundred Nuns with Virginity; work my deliverance[Page]if thy affections be unfeigned; or I am undone

Mariana.

Short and sweet said the Abbesse, the least Toades have the greatest Poison, and then up she flies winged with anger, (which otherwise could scarce crawle) to Marianaes Chamber where she so railes on her, that a Purgatory hereafter might have been spared for having one here.

And because she had defamed the whole Covent, the heaviest pēnance must be enjoyed unto her, to be stript naked to the middle in the Hall at dinner time, where she was onely to be feasted with lashes, each Nun inflicting one upon her, and then the Abbesse to conclude sans number: as many as her own discretion was pleased to lay on her.

But Mariana partly with grief, and partly with fear, fell so terrible sick [Page] that night that her life came into despair, the onely reason (as I take it) why her pennance was put off to another time: till she might be the more able object of their cruelty. For the Abbesse resolved, that what was deferred should not be taken away, being so far from abating the principall, She intended Mariana should pay it with interest, and give satisfaction for the forbearance of this Discipline, when in any tolerable strength to undergo it.

By this time Ardalio had compleated Fidelio with all necessaries in the habit of a Frier, who thus accoutred, advanceth in his formality to the Covent, where he is presently brought to Francisco, to whom hee delivered this ensuing Letter.

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Dear Brother,

I Send you here my selfe in my friend, who was he as well known to you as to me, his vertues would command your affections, if not admiration; Our Covent hath this last hundred years, (since the first foundation therof) been essaying and endeavouring to make up a compleat man, which now in some measure it had effected in the bearer hereof; when behold envious death repining at our happinesse, had laboured to frustrate the same; so that this pearlesse peece of devotion, was scarce bestowed on us, when almost[Page]taken away from us by a violent sicknesse, whose abated fury terminated at last, in a long and languishing quartain ague, which his hollow eyes and thin cheekes do too plainly expresse; exchange of Aire is commended unto us, for the best if not onely Physick: let him want nothing I pray your house can afford, and burthen him with as few questions as may be, it being tedious to him to talk, and his infirmity hath much disinabled his intellectualls, and know that your meritorious kindnesse therein, shall not onely oblige me to a requitall, but an engagement on all Lovers of vertue, to whom this our Brother Festucaes [Page] worth is or hereafter may be known.

Your loving Friend PEDRO di RONCA.

Francisco embraceth him with all dearnesse, the viands of the house are set before him, whereof Fidelio took a moderate repast; all the Monks of the house severally salute him, and demanded of him severall particulars of their Covent at Lisborn, as of the Scituation, Indowment, Number, Names, and punctuall observances therein.

To all these Fidelio returned generall answers, under the coverts whereof he might the easier conceal his own ignorance; as for the indowment of the house, hee professed himself a meere stranger thereunto, and that hee affected ignorance therein, as conceiving [Page] it resented too much of worldly imployment, wheras his desire was, that better things should engrosse his soule. This excuse was heard with admiration, increasing the opinion they had preconceived of his holinesse: when they ask him such questions, to which he could returne no answer at all, he would fall into a seeming trance, darting his eyes, and moving his lips, as in pious ejaculations, as not listning to what was said unto him, whilst the others out of manerly devotion, let fall their questions, and would presse them no farther, as loath to interrupt his soule in more serious and sacred employment; besids Francisco gave a strict command that none should disturb him with needlesse questions, but leave him to the full imployment of his own meditations.

Some six daies after, Fidelio observing the directions of Ardalio his [Page] friend, finds out the foresaid vault, and accordingly went forward therein, till at last he came to a great Iron Gate, which was shut and obstructed the way: This Gate was either not set up, or not shut up, when Ardalio made his passage this way. Fidelio falls a musing, finds all his hopes prove abortive, with no possibility of further proceeding, when looking seriously on the Gate, which was enlightned through a small hole, presenting but twilight at noon day, he discovered an inscription thereon, which he read to himself, with a voice one degree above whispering.

Fair Portresse of this privy Gate,

If any Sister want a Mate,

Lift up the Barre and let me in,

It shall be but a veniall sin.

Instantly the Gate flew open, and Fidelio is left to wonder, what secret [Page] Spell, and hidden Magick, were contained in those verses, that so immediatly they should procure his admittance. But presently the Riddle is unfolded, finding a Nun behind the dore, where she kept her constant attendance, and to whom these verses were the wonted watch-word to open the Gate: recollecting his Spirit, he accosted the Sister, desiring to be conducted to Mariana, whom he understood (for the fame thereof had gotten out of the Covent) was very sick, and he sent from Father Francisco to provide some Ghostly counsell for her, and what els her present condition should require.

He is carried unto her Chamber, who being at the present asleep, hee entertained himself in the next room by looking on a Picture. Herein Saint Dennis was set forth, beheaded by Pagan Tyrants, and afterwards carrying his head under his [Page] arm seven miles from Paris to Saint Dennis. Fidelio smiling thereat to himself, thought that Saint Dennis in that posture had an excellent opportunity to pick his teeth.

Mariana is awaked, Fidelio called in, who claiming the priviledge of privacy, as proper for a Confessor, all avoid the room, then putting off his disguise, he briefly telleth her what dangers hee had undergone for her deliverance, informeth her that next morning hee would be ready with horses and servants, at such a corner of the Garden, where without any danger, they had contrived a way for her escape. Fidelio's presence is better then any Cordiall, Mariana recovereth her spirits, is apprehensive of the motion, promiseth to observe time and place, they are thrifty in their language, speak much in little lavish, no minuts in complements: but are perfectly instructed in each others designes.

[Page]Presently in comes the Abbesse: Fidelio (having first recovered his coole) proceeds in a set discourse of the praise of patience, commending it to Mariana as the most necessary vertue in her condition; and after some generall salutes to the Abbesse, recommendeth his Patient to her care, and takes his own opportunity to depart, returning to the Covent of the Benedictines as undiscovered as he came thence.

That night, befriended with the dark, under the mantle thereof, Fidelio gets out of the Covent, repairs to his friend Ardalio, reports all the particulars of his successe, triumphs in the hopes of his approaching happinesse, counts the time which we generally complain doth fly, a Cripple, that crawles, so long each minuit seems unto him, untill ten of the clock next morning should be accomplished.

Next day Mariana riseth from her [Page] bed, craves leave of the Abbesse to go into the Garden, which is granted her; So that Millescent a prime Nun were to attend her. Millescent adviseth her to wrap her selfe warm for fear of a relapse, for the Air (saith she) is piercing, and your body weak.

Indeed (quoth Mariana)I am sensible of much strength in a short time, and believe my selfe able, to run a race with you, who shall first come to yonder Corner; done said Millescent, and let the lagg that comes last to the place, say over her Beades for us both. They start together.

Have you ever heard the Poets fiction of Atlanta's running, when only her covetousnesse to get the golden Ball made her lose the race. Alas her swiftnesse was nothing in comparison of Marianaes; It seems that Cupid, who had shot the piles of his arrowes into her heart, had tied the feathers [Page] or wings thereof unto her feet.

The wall of the Nunnery was on the one side filled up with Earth, on the out-side there was a descent of some four yards; Fidelio stood ready to entertain her. What will not fright and love do? Mariana consults not any danger, nor did she carry a scale in her eye to measure the depth of the wall: but crossing the Proverb, she leapes before she looks, Fidelio saveth her almost halfe the way of her journey by catching of her in his armes, and before the succeeding minut had supplanted its Predecessor, she is mounted by his servant behind Fidelio, and all speed they make to a Chappell, wch might serve for an Hospitall, for it was blind, and the Priest dumb, yet had tongue enough to tie that knot which none of them was able to undoe.

But tired Millescent with much [Page] panting had recovered the corner, & seeing Marianaes escape, cryed out, she is gone, she is gone; this gave an Alarum to the Abbess, who instantly conceived her in a sound; It is, said she, the just reward of her adventure, that contrary to my Counsell went abroad. Out comes the whole Regiment of Nunnes with hot waters and Cordialls, to tempt her soul, if not too far departed, to return to her body, they are soon sensible of their mistake, and behold her almost got out of sight, so that the longer they looked, the less they saw her, till distance at last made her vanish away. Many a Nun a Spectator hereof, wisht themselves an Actor upon the same termes, commending her adventure in their hearts, who condemned her most in their discourse.

Fidelio with Mariana his wife returned to a private house in Lisborn prepared for this purpose; but [Page] oh the quick intelligence that Friers have, sure their soules all scent, all Eyes and Ears, that discover things so soon, so far off. They were just ready to sit down at Supper, onely expecting the comming of his dear friend Ardalio, when in comes a man or a Tiger (shall I say) Nature might seeme to intend him for the latter, such his fierce aspect and hairy face, the terriblenesse whereof was increased with his affected antique attire, by his place he was the Jaylor of the house of Inquisition, and presently he shewed a cast of his office, by seizing them both his Prisoners. Yet might they have had the happinesse to have been sent to the same Prison, it would have afforded some mitigation of their misery; this would not be granted, though Mariana with importunate tears requested it; but they were disposed into severall Jayles, where neither of them was sensible of their own [Page] condition, being totally taken up with the mutuall bemoaning the one of the other

This is one commendable quality in the Spaniards, Prisoners are not long delayed to rot in the Jayle, where is life worse then death it self, but are brought to a speedy tryall, either to be condemned or acquitted. Next day they both are brought before the Judges, and condemned ot die; He for Sacriledge, for soliciting a Votary out of the house, she for carrying away a golden Medall wherein was the Picture of Saint Bridget, which she casually borrowed, having no felonious intention, as meaning to restore it, but surprised on a suddain, had no leisure to make restitution. All conceived that the rigor of rigors was extended unto them, & by Francisco the Fryer, though not visibly appearing.

Don Durio hearing that his Daughter was to be executed, his Paternal [Page] affections retreated to his heart, and there made a Stand, projecting with himselfe how to prevent this mischief. And here I must trouble the Reader, to go back in reporting an acccident that happened twenty years agoe.

It chanced that Philip the second (alwaies wealthie and alwaies wanting) was forced on a suddaine to send forth a great Fleet against the Turk, he borrowed a considerable sum of money of Don Durio, for the payment whereof Don Durio was a daily suppliant to the Court, as constant at the gate as the Porter, plying the King with importunate Petitions, all which ended in delaies, which Don Durio rightly expounded to be denialls. Once the Treasurer told him, that it was honor enough for the greatest Monarch in Christendom to borrow money of him, though he never receive it again. Don Durio to make a vertue of [Page] necessity turned his despair into a frollick, and being admitted by friends into the Kings presence in a Winter morning, cast into the fire his Obligations which were parcelled up in a pretty bundle, desiring the King to heat his hands thereat. His Majesty was highly pleased with the conceit, and the rather because it was more then a conceit, saying, it was the best Faggot he ever saw, and wished the State of Senua would make him the like Bonefire, swearing by Saint James (his usuall Oath) that if ever Don Durio had need of a Court-favour at a dead lift, he should not faile in his expectation.

The dead lift, or at least the dying lift was now come, Don Durio posts to the Madrid, where the Spanish Court was kept, and findeth the King hunting of a Stag The old man attends the sport for a time. The Stag wearied with long hunting took soyl, and ran into a great Pond [Page] or dwarff-Lake, hee recruited his strength as old Aeson did in the Bath of Medea, and come forth as fair and as fresh as when roused in the morning, then setting his Haunces against the Parke pale, (Reader if a Forrester pardon my language if improper) hee dared the Doggs to set upon him whilst the hounds stood disputing with themselves (for the Kings doggs we know can make syllogisms) whether the honor or the danger were the greater to adventure on their Foe, & whilst they stood declining the hazard one to the other, out steps a cowardly keeper, & with a brace of bullets killeth the Stag dead in the place: who could he have borrowed a tongue from the standers by, first he would have cursed that Frier of Mentz for first finding out the hellish invention of Gunpowder, and then hee would have bequeathed himselfe to have been coffined in paste, whilst the [Page] King and his Courtiers should be merry the solemnizing of his Funerall.

The sport being ended, the King returned and retired to his Chamber; Don Durio makes his addresse to his Majesty, who at the first had forgotten him, till his memory was quickned with the effectuall token of the Bonds he burnt; welcome Woodmonger said the King, thy suite is granted in the asking of it, and presently a large pardon was signed and sealed, which with all possible speed, he carried along with him to Lisborn.

But so short the day, so long the way, so bad the weather, that he could not make such speed as he desired, and his friends expected.

The day of execution being come, Fidelio is brought to act his part on deaths The aier. Mariana, though disjoyned from him in Prison to her great grief, [...] now to her greater [Page] grief conjoyned with him at the Scaffold. Fidelio begins with a long speech, which seems no whit tedious to the Auditors, because done out of a design to gain time, in expectation of a pardon, which all understood was procured, all Lovers there present could have wished each vowell long in his speech, the effect whereof was to advise young persons to confine their affections within some probable compass of their deserts, not to wander with their extravagant love above the proportion of their merits: he bemoaneth himself much, Mariana more, taking on himself the guilt of the whole Action, and protested that she died Loves true Martyr.

Mariana seconded him in this sad discourse, the purport whereof was, to teach obedience to Children, that they should take heed how they concealed their love from their Parents, [Page] in whose meer disposall they were, and not to conceive that Age superannuated them, or gave them an acquittance from that debt to which nature engaged them.

A Post winds his horn, all hear it and welcome, conceiving what indeed it was, the preface to a pardon. Don Durio followes the Post all in a sweat, it being almost a wonder that his dried corpes could contribute so much moisture. The pardon is presented to the Supream Officer, with much joy and acclamation of the beholders.

Who would think that Heraclitus could be so soon turned into Democritus? who could suppose that so great an Army of people could in an instant, Faces about, it was hard before to find one merry, now impossible to find one sad, as if by sympathy they had been, condemned with Fidelio, and accordingly [Page] pardoned with him.

The pardon is read, it was large parchment, in character, but apprehended too narrow in expression, as only for the life of Mariana, whose Father, Don Durio, neither desired nor endeavoured the life of the other whom he perfectly hated, as conceiving his love a disparagement.

Writers were in a sad condition, if sometimes they might not take upon trust from their readers more then they are able to pay themselves; how short would he fall; who would undertake in language to expresse the generall sadnesse of the Company, but especially of Mariana for this unexpected accident. The Executioner proceeds to his work, a handkercher being tyed about Fidelio's Face, as one better prepared to feel then see death, he is readily provided for the fatall stroke.

[Page]In vain did Mariana with much Rhetorick (grief making her eloquent) plead, that the pardons of Princes are not to be taken in restrictive sences, that in all things which are doubtfull, men are rather to enlarge it with favour then contract it with cruelty, that though her pardon alone was exprest doubtlesse both were intended, that man and wife were but one, the guilt but one committed by both, and appeales to the judges present, if any spark of mercy were alive in their breasts (Judges alway for the greater solemnity being present at Executions) to improve the same on so just, so conscientious, so honorable an occasion, but as soon might a Child have perswaded the Tide at full Sea to retreat, when inraged also with the wind, as her request find any entertainment.

Ardalio was present thereat, standing close to Father Francisco [Page] the great Actor herein, who spurr'd on the Judges (whom charity otherwise believed inclined to mercy, to the greatest & speediest extremity) and he desired a private work with Francisco what was whispered between them, was unknown, and mens Fancies variously commented on their discourse, but the truth was he spake to this effect.

Sir, you have been the grand Ingeneir of this mans death, whose blood you have sought, being your self guilty of greater offences. A word from your mouth may respit the execution, and reprieve the Prisoner; I protest reveng of my friends blood, if you do not quickly improve your utmost, three minutes is all the time I allow you to thinke or do after I have ended my speech; know you Sir a Vault and a Door between your Covent and the Nuns, contrary to Canons and Laws Ecclesiasticall and Civill? these [Page] things shal be heightned against you with as much earnestnesse as my wit and wealth can improve it, intending to bury my estate in the prosecution of the death of my friend. These things he uttered with that seriousnes which protosted no passion but a calme soul, and such people are truest to their resolutions.

Francisco went to the prime Officer, and requested him (Fryers requests in such cases being commands) to put off the execution for one month, untill his Majesties pleasure therein was more perfectly known; for Ardalio had given him private information, that the intention of the King was larger then his expression in the pardon, and the Officer complyeth with him in his desire, and all the company were dissolved, none being sad at so strange but unexpected an alteration.

All matters were husht and stopped; [Page] Ardalio imbraced and feasted by Francisco, who bribed his tongue to silence, which the other as ingenuously professed & faithfully performed. The reprieve of Fidelio ended in a full pardon, & old Don Durio seeing it to be in vain to forbid that match which providence had made, was contented that his Daughter was injointred in a true affection, consented unto their Marriage. Both which lived long, and were blessed with an happy posterity.

FINIS.

TRIANA And PADVANA.

[Page]

IN the City of Venice, there flourished a Marchant as large in estate, as narrow in heart, Mellito Bondi by name, of a Family more ancient then numerous, and yet more numerous then rich; untill Mellito gave the luster thereunto with the vastnesse of his estate. One daughter alone he had; Paduana (from the neighbouring place of her birth and breeding) courted by all the Illustrissimo's and Clarissimo's of that State, as well she might, having the portion of a Princesse in expectation. Yet her wealth was the meanest thing about her, [Page] whose vertues and beauty was such, that fame commonly a Lier in the excesse, was here a lier in the defect, her large report falling short of the Ladies due deserts.

Paduana solicited to marriage denied all suiters, charging all upon the account of her stedfast resolutions on virginity; whereas this was but a blind, more covertly to conceal her affections, and that exchange of hearts which had passed between her and Feliciano, a sojourner in the house of her Father.

This Feliciano was a proper Gentleman, compleatly educated, whose enemies allowed this to be his worst fault, that he had a prodigall to his Father, who had wasted the large estate of his Ancestors: yet let not old Andrea (for so was his Father termed) be wholy condemned for an unthrift (the partiall cause of his ruine) seeing losses at Sea, and ill debters at land contributed [Page] to his speedier undoing; besides our foresaid Bondi if strictly examined, could not denie his concurrence thereunto, who by usurious contracts, and sinister advantages spurred him on to destruction, who was running too fast of himselfe; hereupon in some commiseration he kept Feliciano his sonne, as a gentle-Alms-man, exhibiting dyet and some slender accommodations unto him.

The best was, the scant measure of Bondi his allowance, was inlarged by his daughters bounty, maintaining him in a fashionable equipage: Thus for a time we leave them to their embraces, so much the sweeter because the secreter, waiting the leasure of every opportunity, and warily stealing the same.

It happened about this time, that the President of Dalmatia, languished on a desperate sicknesse, his death being daily expected: This [Page] was an office of great honour and expence, which could not be discharged creditably without the annuall expending of so many duckets, which amounts to three thousand pounds sterling of our English money: for though the foresaid President had a pension from the State, and a certain Intrado from the Gallyes and Garrisons, with some considerable revenues from the demeanes annexed to the place, yet all his perquisits and emoluments audited, the foresaid summe was requisite to carry it forth with any reputation, except some sordid soule was carelesse of his credit, and would sacrifice the same to publique obloquy.

M [...]l [...]ito Bondi was designed by the Duke and Senate of Venice successor in this Presidentship of Dalmatia: Indeed in Seniority it belonged unto him, and as it was accounted an injury to baulk so good ground, and [Page] passe over a man of merit, should the State decline his election; So on the other side it would have left an indeleble shame to Melli [...]o, if shee should have waved the acceptance thereof.

Mellito quakes for feare to be advanced downward to so chargeable a preferment, his covetousnesse is above his ambition, and he almost dies for feare to heare that the President of Dalmatia is dying. The newes of the arriving of a wealthy Ship from Caro, or Constantinople, would be farre more acceptable unto him, then such burthensome honour.

Now hee had a confident, part Friend, part servant, Gervatio by name, whose secresie hee had balkt, and whose tongue he had lockt up with many favours bestowed upon him. To him he presumes to impart his grievance in manner following.

[Page] Gervatio, I ranck my servants in a threefold Order, of Slaves; Servants and friends; of the former I have many fit for servile labour, no ingenious imployment: of the middle sort, I want none, but these love mine rather then me: of friends servants thou art the chiefe, I make thy owne ingenuity my judge, whether my carriage unto thee hath not rather spoke mee a Father to a Child, rather then a Master to Servant. Thankefull natures (among whom I shall account you till discerning the contrary) will study to deserve favours bestowed upon them, which begetteth in me a confidence that I may not ōly safely trust the with an important secret, but also crave thy[Page]advice therein for my further direction.

Gervatio made a short, but serious protest of his fidelity herein, professing himselfe highly advanced in this trust committed unto him, withall much commending Bondies ability to advise himselfe, bemoaning withall his owne insufficiency, who could not harbour so presumptuous a thought, as if the scant measure of his weake judgement could supply any thing wanting in the rich Treasure of his Masters experience: how ever he promised that his heart should make recompence for his head, and the sincerity of his endeavours make some amends for his other failings and infirmities.

From complements, I fall to the matter in hand, Bon [...]i tells him his great desire to decline the costly Presidentship of Dalmatia, which by succession when vacant, was certain to descend upon him, he voweth that [Page] he accompted it ill husbandry to sell rich Lands therewith to buy empty Ayre & honorable titles which vanish with the wearer thereof; whilst his lasting wealth might probably descend to his posterity, & desireth Gervatio to mind him of some faire contrivance which might not leave the blur of any suspition behind it, (much lesse come within the reach of probable detection) whereby he might wave that expensive place, though but for a time, untill some other should bee setled in the same.

Presently Gervatio his better genius prompted him, that if any person how rich soever, if totally deprived of any of his senses, was by the fundamentall Lawes of that State rendered uncapable of the foresaid Presidentship. On this undoubted foundation, being a most certaine and well known truth, he bottomed his designe, perswading Bondi to counterfeit himselfe stark blind, [Page] that this infirmity cunningly dissembled and generally beleeved, would secure him out of the distance of the danger he feared, being not eligible to the place, while visited with so great a defect.

The plot takes with Bondi, who puts it in present execution. On the Morrow an entertainment is made, some friends invited to celebrate the anniversary of his birth-day, and Bondi proves himselfe a perfect Miser, by his ouer plentifull cheer: In the midst of their mirth, he complains the Roome is dark, commands the windowes to be opened, which was done accordingly. Bondi perseveres in his complaint, that he sees no more then hee did before. (which in some sence was not untrue) at last all meanes used to recover light unto him prove in vaine, So that Justice is not phancied more blind by the Philosophers, nor Cupid feined more eyelesse by the Poets [Page] then Bondi was then believed to be.

This accident produced different effects as men stood variously affected unto him, narrow the number of such who truly loved him, and those few did really pitty and bemone him; more his foes who rejoyced thereat, and made uncharitable cōstructiōs thereof, as if some secret wanton intemperance had deprived him of his sight, none suspected any fraud or collusion therein. And to make all the surer Bondi confessed that this was a just punishment inflicted upon him for his pride and ambition, because he so greedily had desired the Presidentship of Dalmatia. He acknowledged that he had been no better then a murtherer in his own heart, having often killed the old President of Dalmatia in his wishes and desire, the sooner to pave the way to his owne preferment, and enoble his posterity with addition of so honorable imployment.

[Page]Hitherto, Feliciano and Paduana, had managed their affections with all secresy suffering none to be privy thereunto; But henceforward being ignorant of her Fathers dissimulation, they abstaine not in his presence to passe kisses and courtesies as confident that hee perceived nothing. Whereat the other was enraged above measure: should his daughter being a fit match for a Prince, for Parts, Portion and Pedegree, be cast away on the sonne of a Bankrupt, all whose maintenance proceeded out of his owne purse? hee resolv'd rather to disinherit Paduana, then endure this affront, though for the present in silence he digested the same.

The long languishing President of Dalmatia puts an end of peoples expectations by his death, and made roome for one to exceed him in his office. The election leaves over Bondi by his blindnesse unqualified for [Page] that place, the concernement wherof required one who should bee an Argos both for body and minde, such is the neede of his constant warinesse and circumspection. Martino Cárnatio is by generall suffrages reputed for the place, legally chosen and solemnely setled therein; and conducted to Spolato by the Gallies of the State, where he began his residence, and we meet with no further mention of him.

Soone after the Duke of Venice comes to give Bondi a visit, bringing along with him a Chirurgion, whose skill as it was diffused over all sores, so his master-piece was in being an expert oculist. Indeed the eye is a small volume, but many the leaves (I meane the tunicles) thereof, and much written therein, the eye alone being subject to more distempers and diseases, then any other part of the Body, so many and so small the contrivances therein, and no wonder [Page] if little Watches be quickly out of order.

This Oculist (being indeed one of more fame then skill, of more skill then honesty) at the Dukes desire made an accurate inspection on Bondi's eyes, and pretended that he discovered in both of them a little speck hindering the sight thereof▪ which with a small Instrument, might easily be cut out, with very little pain: and here he scattered a multitude of hard and long Latin words, which would serve for the titles of the Gally-pots of an Apothecaries shop, which much amused his hearers therewith: I spare the pains to relate them, because questioning the readers skill in understanding thereof, the rather because I question the Oculist whether he understood himself in them.

Bondi was now put to it, fearing some violence should be offered to his eyes, where a touch is a wound, [Page] such the tendernesse thereof, he thanks the Chirurgeon much, and the D [...]ke more, for their care and kindnesse unto him, but is resolved patiently to bear the affliction laid upon him, which he confesses himself did justly deserve for his pride and ambition, he hoped his soul should be the better for the blindnesse of his body, and in no case would consent that any experiment should be tryed on him for his recovery.

Here the Duke interposed his power and flat command, Signior Bondi said he, you are not so in your owne full and free dispose, but you may and must be over-ruled by others for your owne good; we take notice of that worth in you which your modesty will not owne in your selfe, and therefore will not lose the benefit of so usefull a patriot; you are a selfe murtherer, if refusing those lawfull means whereby Art may befriend Nature, against [Page] your infirmity: As your friend therefore I desire you, as your Prince I command you, as both I enjoyne you without further dispute, to submit your selfe to this Artist, not doubting but that his learned endeavours, will be crowned with welcome successe.

Wit works in extremity, now or never Bondi play thy prizes, with a composed countenance he returns.

My Lord, I am ready with all thankfulnesse to embrace your counsell, and much admire the extensivenesse of your goodnesse, and largnesse of your spirit, that amidst the multiplicity of your State-imployments, your ability is such, and your goodnesse so great, as you will reflect on so inconsiderable a thing as my selfe: But give me[Page]leave to acquaint your grace, I have lately made a vow to my perticular Saint, whose aid I have implored (and whose name for some reasons I crave leave as yet to conceal) and have received some assurance from him in a dream, that shortly I shall be bettered by his goodnesse. I call it a Dream, but surely it was not such, wherein Fancy commands in the absence of reason; but certainly my Lord, such was the impression thereof in my soule, that it carrieth with it the presage of somewhat more then ordinary; favour me then only to expect the issue thereof, and if my dream be but a dream, I shall yield my selfe wholly up to be ordered by your graces[Page]pleasure, and thankfully accept what course soever shall be prescribed unto me. Hereat the Duke was contented, & aftar the exchange of some complements, the company departed.

Next day Bondi calls Feliciano, and sends him to the shrine of Saint Silvester in Anchona, desring that such as attended thereon, would intrust him with any parcell of that Saints reliques, (and if Beggers might be permitted to be chusers) with his hair-girdle which he did wear next his skin, giving commission to Feliciano to be bound to what proportion should be required, or to procure security in the City for the restitution of the said reliques in ten daies, and to send along with it some Priest eminent for his devotion, upon assured confidence, that [Page] the vertue of the relique meeting with his prayer, should produce some strange effects toward his recovery.

Feliciano is proud of the imployment, hoping hereby to ingratiate himselfe, he makes all possible speed he can to his journey, but first a Saint of his must be saluted, and the fair hand of Paduana kist, which done, he sets forth with such alacrity, as resolved, that expedition and faithfulnesse should contend in him, which of them two should share the greatest part, in performance of Bondi's commands.

The day after his departure, Mounsier Insuls a French-man arrives at Venice, sonne and heir to Mounsier Opulent, the rich Merchant of Marsel [...]es, he had purchased three French Counts out of their Lands, besides a vast bank of money in Venice, and els-where: The old men some months since, by letters had [Page] concluded the match, between the two sole children and heires.

Insuls then comes now, not so much to woe as to wed, Portion and Dowry are both agreed on, and nothing wanting (save that without which all was nothing) the affections of Paduana. This Insuls was a Poeticall fool, an admirer of his owne rhimes, rather then verses, being but one degree above Ballads.

Yet to give him his due, sometimes he would stumble upon expressions which might have become a wiser and learneder Man. And although herein he was generally condemned for a Theefe, that he had stolen them from others, (his memory being better, then his fancy) and than confidently vented them for for his owne; yet others were so charitable, that he wore not the Perriwigg of other mens witts, but was the true Author of his verses, for he that shoots often at random, [Page] may sometimes unawares hitt the marke, and it is impossible that in a million of blanks, one prize should not happen at last. Besides who knowes not, that the veriest of fooles have not their wise intervalls; sometimes hee would utter himselfe in convenient language, and quick conceit.

To be briefe, it was a great question whether Paduana more perfectly hated him, or more entirely loved Feliciano; but her Tyrannicall Father driving that affection which he should draw, and forcing what he should perswade, vowed by Saint Silvester his usuall oath, that he would disinherit her of all his estate, and leave the same tO Georgio Bondi his Nephew, in case she made the least refusall herein.

In this distresse Paduana makes her addresses to Gervatio in this manner.

[Page]Gervatio, you cannot but be sensible of reciprocall love, between me and Feliciano, for though my Father be blind, you enjoy the benefit of your eyes, nor can we pretend to so much secresy, but that one as your selfe constantly with us, will observe smoak in a sigh, and sparkles in an eye which have passed between us; my humble request to you is (and do not Mistresses command when they request) that you would invent some way to free me from the torture of this Clowne, foole Insuls, and promote my affections where they are bestowed and deserved.

Who would worship the setting Sunne, when the rising Sunne doth court him? my Fathers decaying [Page]age carries in it a despair of long life, whilst my tender years promise a longer continuance; build not therefore but on that foundation which in probability appears the firmest; however I would not disoblige thee from my father, make your own ends upon him, gain of him what you can, & I will confirm it: and over and above I will assure thee (so farre as my condition is capable to give assurance) to gratifie your endeavours to a higher proportion, then you can expect. Is not the house, in the suburbs of Padua, where I was born, a pretty pile of building? do not forty acres of ground impartially embrace it on every side? Is not the Oile in Lombardy known to grow [Page]there? Know Gervatio, that all these are thine to the reward of thy fidelity; besides I conceal something to my selfe, intending to surprize thee with that, which in my judgment will be considerable in it self, and worthy of thy acceptance.

Gervatio hereby is made a perfect Convert, he will hold with Bondi, but run with Paduana, he will look towards the Father, but will row with the Daughter, and profest his future fidelity unto her with such oaths and imprecations, as commanded her belief.

It happened at this time, a sourrilous, scandalous Libell, made in verse, was cast in the Piazza in Venice, other copies scattered in Saint Marks, and other publick places of the Citty; herein the Duke and Senate were basely abused, and some [Page] lines, some small witt shewed in the close thereof, (as who cannot be ingenious to abuse) spies are set to apprehend the person, with promises of two hundred Ducketts for his service.

Gervatio, whose brains now beat about nothing but Paduana's happinesse, accosteth Mounsier Insuls, who ever was inquisitive of newes, asking him what was the tydings of the day: Strange news, saith Gervatio, an admirable piece of Poetry (but a little salt and bitter) is found scattered before the Dukes Palace, and strange it is, that he who had the witt to make it, had not the wisdome to affix his name to it.

That is no strange thing (saith Insuls) for generally the most witty are the most modest, how many hundred namelesse copies of mine fly about in France, and Italy, [Page] and others perchance claime the credit thereof, it is a passage wherein I have taken speciall contentment, to see the impudency and ignorance of those, who will father the issues of another mans brain.

Gervatio returned, that some hundred Duckets were promised to the Author, and he believed that he should be Poet Laureat for the State of Venice, and wishing that he any way might be instrumentall in discovering the composer thereof: And Mounsier Insuls give me leave to be plain with you, I have a great suspicion (but to recall the word, for suspicion is only for things that are bad, and therefore improper at present) I have a strong surmise that you are the Author thereof. Insuls laughed with an affected guiltinesse, and said nothing.

[Page] And Sir, (returned the other,) I know you, and none else could do the same: First, I compare the stile and language is like that wherein last night you courted my Mistresse, alwaies full, but not swelling, sometimes humble, but not flat, the rhime good, but not affected, teaching it the true distance thereof, that it must be the vassall not the Master of the Poet, it is neither Virgils strain, nor Ovids, but both; it comes off with a spring in the close, and commonly the two last verses of the Stanza, containes the totall summe of the particulars going before; certainly a vast summe of money would be bestowed on him who was the composer thereof.

[Page] What talkest thou to me of money (replyed Insuls) my Father hath the three best seats in all Provence, Crassus and Cressus were both of them beggers unto him, I only take up this vein of Poetry for my recreation, and to confute the common observation, that all Poets are Beggers. I am a rich Poet.

After the exchange of some discourse, Insuls shewed himselfe to brook his name, and barely confessed himself to be the Author of the Poem, adding withall, that he had made five hundred better in his daies: But seeing no one drinks alike of Helicon at all times, a constant tenure cannot be expected in witts: I was saith he at the penning thereof, not ascending but declining Parnassus, and good Gervatio [Page] make not conjecture of my parts on such disadvantages, but that I am able to exceed it on the least occasion: I confesse, Mustard is nothing worth unlesse it bite; I put in little sharpenesse to give it a hogo to the pallate of the Men of these times.

Out springs two invisible witnesse whom Gervatio had planted within the reach of their words) and presently seize Insuls condemned by his own witnesse. These Informers, the necessary evills in a State, were incouraged in Venice by the greatest politicians, conforming themselves to all companies, having a patent to be knaves that they might discover f [...]oles; seeing no wise men, though dissenting from the present power, will lie at so open a Guard, as to carry their hearts in their tongues.

Insuls is presently hurried to prison; and it is strange to see the suddaine alteration this accident made [Page] upon him: hee who at best was but halfe a man, was now less considerable then a beast, senceless & stupid, scarse able to write his condition to his Father, so that had not some Frenchmen by accident visited him, hee had certainly died in prison.

Mounsier Opulent hearing of his sonnes restraint, posts from France to Venice, the depth of whose judgement could onely fathom profit; he was Sapiens quoad hoc, wise onely in the point of wealth: So that by long living and great sparing hee had accumulated much wealth, but take him out of his own Element of bargaining, he was so simple, that hee seemed the true originall of his son, as his son the true transcript of his Father.

To Venice hee comes, and with large gifts buyes his sonnes inlargement: the truth was, his sonnes simplenes best befriended him, who upon examination appeared uncapable [Page] to be author of the Libell, and in the judgement of all deserved rather to be whipt for a lier (assuming to himselfe what was none of her owne) then to have any severer punishment inflicted upon him.

Young Insuls now at liberty backt with his Fathers presence renewes his suite to Paduana; Joynture, and a good estate are the invincible arguments which Mellito Bondi cannot resist; he engageth so farre at the matter, that onely three dayes respit is allowed to his daugther, in which time she must be Insuls his wife, or else no heire to her Father.

In this juncture of time home comes Feliciano, bringing with him the Girdle of St Silvester, antick for the shape and fashion thereof, as having steele buckles, and a rowell at the end thereof; it was generally beleeved that this was used by Silvester in the way of disciplining himselfe, and Father Adrian exemplary [Page] in that Covent for sanctity was sent along with same, seeing so rich a treasure was not to be trusted in any lay-hand

A solemne entertainment is made in Mellito's house, and most of the Magnificoes of the State invited thereunto; but this feast had beene ushered with three foregoing Fasts kept in the family of Bondi and his allies for the better successe, and more effectuall working of their intended designe. After dinner Father Adrian mumbles many prayers (it being well if hee understood them himselfe, as confident that none else did in the roome) and then ceremoniously the Girdle is applied to Mellito, but especially the rowell thereof (wherein most sacrednesse was conceived to consist) severall times rubbed upon his eyes to so good purpose, that within three howers he so recovered his sight, as to discerne and distinguish the faces of all present.

[Page]Some of the beholders began to suspect some fraud in the matter, only on this account, because the miracle was not instantly done, but successively and by degrees. Let Drugs, and Herbs, and Minerals, which have a naturall vertue placed in them, proceed softly and slowly to effect cures; whereas miracles ride Post, and the same moment which begins, doth perfect extraordinary operations: this I say put jealousie in the heads of some present, to doubt the reality of the cure, and suspect some deceit in the matter.

But they being but few in themselves, were quickly overpowred by the number and gravity of those on the contrary opinion; for some of them argued, that the rule is not universally true, that all miracles spring in a moment, seeing some of them have been of slower growth, and the same pace hath not alwaies [Page] been observed in miraculous motions; and seeing the effects conduced much to the honour of Saint Silvester, every one was suspected for an Infidell, that did not presently believe: yea to doubt the truth thereof, was to discover a little Heretick in his bosome that owned the suspicion. Presently Bells and Bonefires proclaime the cure all over the City; persons flocking from all places to behold this girdle, the making and fashion whereof, being out of the rode of common Girdles, catcht and kept the fancies of fond people, some admiring at the matter of it, being they said of a Seal-skine; others at the forme, as at the weight & greatness thereof, being almost as big as one could well lift; hence some inferred Saint Silvester to be of a Giant-like proportion, above the standard of other men; others collected the generall greatnesse of men in former ages, complaining of the decay [Page] of nature, and diminution of men in these daies; but the more wiser sort resolved it upon a point of religion, that the foresaid girdle was worn by way of pennance, not so much to strengthen and adorne, as to lead and mortifie the wearer thereof.

As for Bondi in a large oration, he expressed his thankfulnesse before the company to his titular St. whose speech is here too large to insert, only this by the way, to elaborate, not flowing from him freely on the present emergency, but wrought, studied, and premeditated, which again brought new fewell to their jealousie, which suspected some fraud, as if this had been composed of purpose, and conned by heart before hand, and so the scene of the designe solemnly laid; however their budding suspicion was quickly blasted, and beaten down with the generall congratulation [Page] of all people, so that now his recovery was universally believed, so that this miracle gave a super-sedeas to all other discourses in Italy for a month, and commonly was the third course at all great Tables, whereon the persons present took their repast.

Next day was the Nuptials of Insuls and Paduana to be solemnized, had not the seasonable enterposing of Gervatio prevented the matter presently, by his appointment, in comes two Confidents of Feliciano's, (both disguised in the habits of Friers) and boldly presse into the Parlour, and chambers of Bondi, looking so scornfully on all accosting them▪ as if they carried written in their faces a Patent for their own presumption, and knew themselvs to be impowred with an authority above controule. Bondi no sooner recovered himselfe out of his amazement which seized him at first, [Page] but that he resolutely demanded of them the cause of their comming, and intrusion at so unseasonable an houre (it being late at night) They seemed carelesse to satisfie his demands, as a thing beneath them, being imploid in matters of higher concernment; and proceed without any interruption, to draw up an Inventory of the severall goods and utensills in his house.

Imprimis, in double guilt plate 500. ounces. Item, in white plate 1200. ounces. Item. in &c.

Then command they him without delay, to surrender the keyes of his Chests and Coffers, which the other refused to doe, summoning Gervatio, Feliciano, and all his servants to his assistance, which presently repaired unto him; and though the two former were privy to the plot, yet they so cunningly concealed it in their carriage, that no tel-Tale smile, or blab-lock of mirth, betrayed the least suspicion [Page] of their privity thereunto, but composed their faces, with reduced countenances, speaking much anxiety and suspence, to attend the issue and event of so strange an accident. Then the elder Frier began, dismiss your servants presenty, and let them attend in an outward room, it is a favour we have afforded out of the respect to your place, though not deserved by your person, that hitherto we have been tender of your reputation (so farre as a crime of this nature was capable thereof) and would not willingly have you sacrifice the small remaines of your credit to ignominie and disgrace; we honour the silver crowne of age on your head, though it deserved to be placed on better Temples. Bondi is surprised with horrour and palsie-strook with fear, being guilty to himselfe of deceit, causeth the room to be voided of all company, and meekly and calmly requesteth them to impart unto him his offence, and their commission.

[Page]The other proceedeth. Crimes though the same in themselves, are not the same when committed by severall oftendors, but they commence, and take degrees of hainousnesse from the circumstances of time, place, and person; a concurrence of all these have conspired to aggravate and inflame your guilt; you have a large and plentifull estate, and cannot pretend poverty to your selfe (that engine which forceth ingenious natures to disingenious actions) prompted you to so unworthy a practice: the Duke and State have reflected on you in a great proportion, so that no neglect or discontent received from them could sparre you forward to so dishonest a designe; Charity it selfe must turn just against you, and the best rhetorick so farre from defending, that it cannot excuse your offence. What, to counterfeit your selfe blind, and at the same time to give a lye both to Heaven, and Earth, abusing both in one act by an offence, that as former ages will not find an example, so future will scarce afford belief thereof.[Page]But how hard is it to commit one fault, and but one fault, as vertues are not single Stars, but constellations, so vices straggle not alone, but go in companies, and grow in clusters: This ground-platform of your dissembling, must have outward outworks, sconces, and redoubts, to flank, fortifie and defend the same: This mother lye how fruitfull hath it been in a numerous issue of Oaths, and perjuries, as if you intended to scale the Throne of justice, with a series of sin, and draw down revenge on your selfe: At last to close and conclude your villany, you have father'd the same on miraculuos recovery, and have abused your titulary Saint, by pretending his reliques the immediate cause of your restored sight: but that Saint being rich enough in himselfe in reall miracles, disdaineth the addition of your sophisticated actions, and will not be dishonoured with false honour, which you hypocritically have fastned upon him; yet in detestation of your dissimulation, and to manifest how zealously he disavowethth all[Page]falshood, and forgery, he hath been heard at severall times in the night in his shrine with a shrill voice to make discovery of your falshood; and now we expect to obtain from his Holinesse, and this State, a confiscation of your goods, in order whereunto we are employed by our superiours to take an exact list and account of your estate, both in Lands and moveables, till we shall be further informed how the same shall be disposed of.

Bondi looked as pale as ashes, having scarse life enough left to act his limbs with motion, his guilty conscience was not at leisure to enquire into the particulars, but took all for granted, and now expected nothing lesse but losse of goods, and perpetuall imprisonment: For that night the Friers are contented to repose themselves, and deferre the rest of their work till the next morning.

Mean time Bondi and Gervatio passed a sleeplesse night, and it would swell a volume, to inventory [Page] the particulars of their discourse.

Bondi sometimes is silent, and his tears drown his tongue, Gervatio desires to make his countenance to attend his Masters in all motions, first readeth and writeth in his face sorrow and silence alternatly, as directed by his patern: At last Bondi breaketh forth into the following expressions.

Listen faithfull Gervatio to the Testament of thy dying Master, for I am resolved not to outlive the funerall of my owne credit, and estate; I behold my selfe only as a shaddow, stript out of all estate, whereof already I have made the forfeiture, yet it grieveth me not for my selfe, whose decayed age hath rendred me uncapable of much worldly pleasure; it is not considerable with a solvable man who hath it by him to pay a due debt, which will be required a month or two before the exact date wherein it is due: I behold long life as the playing out of a desperate game at Tables lost, at the sirsi remove only, it[Page]grieveth me for my daughter Paduana, whose youth might intitle her to much happinesse, and her vertues deserve no lesse, poor heart, she must now become the scorn and shame of the Citty, and as an over-grown flower, wither on the stalk whereon she grew, for want of a hand to gather a Husband to marry her.

G [...]rvatio rejoyned, I am utterly unable to give Physick to your other maladies, but possibly may apply a remedy to this, if servants may take the boldnesse to teach their Masters, and to reprove them too, wherein they conceive them faulty: refuse not an humble reprehension from him, whose good intention and heart may make out what is wanting in his tongue and expression; I concieve all this misfortune justly befallen you, for undervaluing the merits of Feliciano, and crossing the affections of your duaghter; true it is, his wealth is not considerable, but his extraction, education, abilities, and accomplishment, doth recompence all his other defects, besides, what loving Parent[Page]would stop the affections of his daughter in the full speed and carreere thereof; except she had be stowed them so unworthily, as to intaile shame and disgrace on his Family: Now Sir make a vertue of necessity, and before the matter be publickly known of the confiscation of your fortunes; comply with her affections, and please him in seeing the marriage between them consummated: you may also by my hands derive unto your daughter so much of your invisible estate, as is contrivable in a small room, and may escape the hands of these Harpies: It will be safe in all tempests to have a secure place for anchorage, nor can you have any assurance of a better, then with your dear and dutifull daughter. For suppose (and would it were but a suppsition, for the case is too plain and pittifull) that all your estate become a prey to their hands, who never let go what once they lay hold upon: Yet I presume your wealth will be a ransome for your life and liberty, and that you may be permitted freely to breath the Venetian aire, the[Page]short remainder of your daies.

Bondi consented to all, as no wonder, for grief had so mollified his heart, it was capable of any impression which bare with it the least probability of comfort, and as a sinking man, made an Oke of an Osier, catcht at any thing to support him from present sinking: The Priest was sent for that night, and though the hower was uncanonicall for marriage (long after sun-set) yet the sun of golden chicqueenes will make the other sun rise at pleasure; and Feliciano with a largesse to the Priest, bought off all irregularity.

Then Gervatio took the boldnesse to make another motion. Sir, I humbly conceive that as yet you are not legally convicted, and that there is still inherent in you a power to make over your estate, for the world as yet takes notice of these clandestine transactions, you are innocent till such time as you are made to be otherwise by publick conviction; I confesse my selfe[Page]as un-skild in any science as ignorant in Law; but Law being founded upon reason, me thinks I speak proportionable thereunto besid [...], my former Master was a chief Advcoate, and if my memory, or misapplication thereof faile not, such fragments of his co [...]nsell still remain in my braines, which he often gave to guilty persons in this case, before their publick condemnation.

Gervatio's counsell passed for Oracles with Bondi, who in this extasie of feare suspected all his owne actions, & relied on any mās advice, who would favour him so farre as to bestow it on one so despicable and forlorne as he conceived himself to be; A Notary is sent for to make a deed of gift of his estate as fast and firme as his skill would give him leave, and now the same is setled on Feliciano.

Feliciano next morning repaires to the two pretended Friers, bringing Bondi along with him, and desires to [Page] know, whether or no it were possible to sopite and suppresse the infamy of this Action, and to buy off the slander with a round summe of money instantly deposited. The Friers confessed the fault great; but because their Covent had been formerly beholding to the bounty of Bondi, and because they beheld the fact as of humane frailty and infirmity, to which all men are subject, it was hitherto their desire and designe to conceale the same, so that their Prior and subprior excepted, none beside themselves were privy thereunto, who gave their attendance when the foresaid voice made the discovery: they would, therefore endeavour their utmost, and nothing should be wanting in them to stop the further proceedings thereof, and doubted not but their paines would take the desired effect, which accordingly in few daies was performed.

A Banquet is made, to which many [Page] of the Venetian Magnificoes were invited, but Mounsier Opulent and Mounsier Insuls his sonne, because strangers, were by the courtesie of Italy preferred to have a prime place among them. There leave we them feasting themselves with such variety of dainties, that the appetite of many stood long time neuter, not knowing where to fix it selfe, courted with equality of variety.

As for Paduana, it is pitty to disturbe her any more with our tedious discourse, leaving her in the imbraces of her deare and vertuous Feliciano, whose name as it hath in it some tincture of happinesse, so took it not its true effect till this time, who now was possessed of a large and rich estate. And Bondi, who formerly starved in wealth through the narrownesse of his heart, fed better a Boarder then a houskeeper, having a son and daughter to provide plentifully for him, what his covetousnesse denied [Page] to himselfe, who formerly possest, but now began to enjoy his estate. Let Insuls then returne into France and court the Madams there, whilst Paduana rejoyceth in her choyce, and is so farre from measuring her promises to Gervatio with a restrictive hand, that she out-did his expectations.

FINIS.

TRIANA AND SABINA.

[Page]

IN the City of Barcellona in Spaine, lived a civill Lawyer of great repute, with a name, fitting his profession, Don Facundo Osorio, whose Office was paralell to a City Recorder in England. He had a wife whom he highly affected, and well might she have merited the same, had the Jewell answered the Casket, and her conditions bore proportion to the rest of her corporall perfections; but there being some disparity in their ages, (earth rather then heaven making the marriage between them for wordly respects) her gree [...] youth [Page] answered not his gray haires with a suitable return of affection.

The truth was, she was rather cunning then chast, and the same was discovered by the friends of her husband, whereof some took the boldnesse to advertise him, that hereafter he might order her with a stricter hand. But I know not by what fate it commeth to passe, that oftentimes their eares and eyes who have least cause are open to jealousie, whilst those are shut thereunto who have just cause to enter came it: His friends reap nothing but frowns for their faithfull counsell, Facundo will not believe his wife was otherwise then she should be, measuring her honesty by his owne; yet some score this his good opinion rather on his policy then charity, knowing what he would not acknowledg, left it should be a disparagement to his reputation; he saw, but was pleased to winke at his wifes miscarriages; [Page] and because he made the match against the advice of his friends, of his owne wilfull inclination, he would maintain the ground work, and owne no error therein, left thereby he should bring his own discretion into question.

One principall friend Vejeto, had his house looking into the garden of Don Nicholayo, a great Lord of that City, who bare unto him no goodwill, because his window hindred his privacy, and was able to tell tales of such passages which he would have transacted in darknesse, without any witnesse. He informes Facundo that he had seen some gestures more bold then civill between the Lord and his wife, but Facundo still persists in his infidelity, and either believes his wife to be honest, or els acteth the belief thereof so lively, that none could perceive in him, the least suspicion of her loyalty.

[Page] Sabina, Facundo's wife, falls now seemingly sick, and personateth a dying woman to the life; her old Nurse who conveyed intelligence between her and the Lord, had instructed her for her behaviour in a design; strange it is how she dissembled herein: so that had Esculapius himselfe beheld her (provided he neither felt her pulse, nor consulted with her urine) he might have mistook this his patient to be sick; indeed her husband plies her with Physitians and Physick, all to no purpose, her malady rather increasing, and the fire of her distemper growing the hotter for those cooling jewlips which were tendred unto her.

Don Nicholayo repaires unto her to give her a visit, many good counsels he lavisheth upon her in a long and tedious discourse, and the more tedious, because her husband was in the presence, and they two not alone [Page] by themselves; but at last he recommendeth unto her a noted Mountebank, who had commenced Doctor in the mouthes of the vulgar, and had gained to himselfe much esteem, for severall palliated cures performed by him; avowing, that if she ever expected health, that, must be the happy hand to reach it unto her.

This Quacksalver had reaped the credit of many learned mens labours, and leapt into esteem by the advantage of their endeavours; for when by their learned receipts, some able Physicians in Barcelona had brought their patients to the point of amendement, and reduced their diseases to tearms of easie composition, this fellow would interpose, and insinuating himselfe into the sick mens acquaintance, would prescribe unto them some of his owne medicines, more remarkable for their hard and strange names, then any [Page] other vertue therein: thus carried he away the credit of many cures, and was cried up by the credulous people for eminency in his art; and although the Spaniards generally are admirers of themselves, and sleighters of strangers, yet this Mountebank being an Italian by nation, had gained among them a great reputation, beholding therein, not so much to his owne learning, as the others ignorance.

Seignior Giovanni was his name, who is presently sent for, he comes, views his patient, and after some short discourse, affirmes her disease mortall, except one herb could be procured for her, which grew but in one place of Italy, and must be ceremoniously gathered by his & her hand, which bare the truest or deepest affection to the sick body.

Don Facundo her husband desires the Mountebank to enlarge himselfe, concerning the name and nature of [Page] the foresaid herb, protesting he would expend the halfe of his Estate for his wifes whole recovery.

The other putting on the vizard of a starcht countenance by pretended gravity, to procure the greater respect to himselfe, and credit to his words, proceedeth as followeth.

Many men are infected with this singular error, that they will believe no vertue in drugs, further then they themselves are able to render the reason thereof: whereas nature is rich in many secret qualities, which produce occult effects, the herb Lunaria may be an instance, which is the greatest pick-lock in the world, for let it be gathered on Midsummer eve, just at one of the clock, by one looking south-eastward, and some other[Page]essentiall circumstances lockt up in the breasts of artists, it will make any Iron bolt to fly open. The herb Stellaria commeth not short thereof in vertue, as usefull for those diseases which proceed from hott and dry causes; this groweth but in one part of Italy, some leagues from Lucca, and I can give infallible directions for the finding thereof: If therefore the Gentlewoman (feigning himselfe ignorant that she had a husband) had any confiding friend, which will follow my signature, in finding and gathering the same (right just at this instant of the year) this, and this alone will restore her to her former health, and I will pawne my credit on the same.

[Page]Know by the way, that this Mountebank was secretly bribed by Don Nicolayo, by this design to put her husband to run on one of these two rocks, either to be censured for want of true affection to his wife, if denying to doe any thing in order to her recovery, or els with great hazard to undertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea and Land, to seek for a new nothing, whilst his wife all the while intended to prostitute her selfe to the amorous imbraces of this Lord, who had made a mine in her heart, and had supplanted her husband in her affections.

Facundo, that he might be exemplary to all husbands, and that her kindred who were many and rich, might the more favourably reflect upon him, from whom he had a fair expectancy of a further fortune, willingly undertakes the voyage, desiring to be furnished with perfect instructions from Giovanni, for the [Page] finding of the herb, who delivers him a parchment becharactered with barbarous figures (Nets first to raise, and then to catch the fancy of fooles) and some other informations, which should be as so many signs and tokens, whereby he should make the hue and cry to attach and apprehend that guilty herb, which having so much worth and vertue in it selfe, would rather peevishly wither in a private cave, then spend it selfe for the publick good.

Facundo was some miles forward on his journey, when Vejeto his former friend privately posted after him, and perswaded him to return, for he had urged such unanswerable arguments, and infallible demonstrations drawn from what he himselfe had seen out of his own window, that at last he prevailed on the belief of Facundo, that all was not faire between his wife and Nicolayo; indeed when many scattered [Page] circumstances were carefully put together, and seriously perused, there needed no Oedipus to read this riddle, which did interpret it selfe; that Facundo must be sent a Pilgrimage into Italy, to the shrine of an unknown herb (the man in the Moon having eaten Stella [...]ia long before) that so in the vacancy of his Bed, the other might be made the incumbent thereof.

At last Vej [...]to adviseth Facundo to returne home in a disguise, and pretend himselfe to be a Brother of his, long since employed in the Low-Country warres, and now at last loaden with wounds and wants, returned to bequeath his aged body to his native Country. Facundo consents, hoping by the well management of this project, either to prevent, or els to discover his wifes unfaithfulnesse.

Now whilst Vejeto is accommodating his friend Facundo, with all [Page] necessaries (the badges of an old Souldier) all essentialls thereunto could not be so conveniently procured, but that Infido, Vejeto's servant was employed in compleating his provisions: a crafty fellow, who could steal light from a smal cranny, and light a candle at a little spark, knowing how thriftily to improve a small discovery to the grea [...]est advantage. Don Nicholayo paid a yearly pension to this Infido, to furnish him with intelligence against his Master, who now revealed all the design unto him, for which he received a considerable reward, and Sabina is throughly instructed to behave her selfe in the prosecution of the matter.

Facundo comes to his owne house, metamorphosed to a Reformac [...]o, his clothes having so māy rents in them, as presumed to cover more wounds under them; a sword by his side which had contracted rust, since the [Page] last truce; knocking at the door, his wife sends forth a lamentable shreek, to evidence the continuance of her sicknesse not dissembled, and Facundo (a man of more eloquence then valour) begins to quake, and condemns his own return; but now he was engaged so farre, past hope of retreating, that he must either march forward with confidence, or return with shame: being entered into the house, where he acquaints the servant that he was Strenuo the Brother of Facundo, and is conducted by his wifes command to her Bed-side.

I understand (said she) by my Maid, that you are my Brother Strenuo, whom fame long since had reported dead, but we will pardon her that good lie which is better then a truth: I am hartily sorry at your brothers absence, [Page]and more, that my indisposition is the cause thereof; never was poor woman more rich in the affections of a loving husband, though hitherto I have lived his wife, I shall hereafter demean my selfe as his servant, to deserve some part of his pains in my behalfe: no dangers at Land, no tempests at Sea, have deterred him from undertaking a long journey into Italy, thence to fetch necessaries for my recovery; but assure your selfe and here she gave so great a groan, as brake off the intirenesse of her discourse, till after the taking of a Cordiall, shee began again.

Pardon good brother my unmannerlinesse in my abrupt discourse,[Page]sicknesse carrieth with it its owne dispensatory for such incivilities, I have almost forgotten what I said last, but shall never forget the lasting love of my husband unto me, nor have I any better way to expresse my affection in his absence, then by using you with all the respect my present condition can afford: you are too noble to measure your welcome by your entertainment, and know full well servants will not be found, where the Mistresse is sick; if they faile of my desire, their duty, or your deserts, in their attendance on you, it is in your power either to pardon or punish them, to whose sole disposall I commit the family and command the keyes of all the[Page]roomes to be tendred unto you; and now indeed Sir, the more I look on you, the more I like you, the more I love you: your mother never wronged your father I dare boldly affirm, so like you are in stature and complexion unto my husband, that were it not for the difference of your hablt, I should believe you to be the same.

Alas Sister (said he) I am two years older then your husband by age, ten years by infirmity: read the difference between a gown-man and a sword-man, your husband sat wrapt in his furrs in his study, I exposed to wind and weather in the field, he hath heard the braules at the barre, I have born the brunts in the fight; how often lay I perdue [Page]in the three yeares siege of Ostend? how many ounces of blood lost I at the fight at Newport? On my faith I am not able to count them: no wonder then if my face be pinkt, where my Brothers is plain, and if mine be furrowed with age, where his lyeth smooth and whole: howsoever I confess there were formerly great resemblances in our features, the ruins whereof are not so wholly defaced, but that some still remain.

Night came on, his entertainment was harty, his chamber fully furnished with nightly accommodations, and nothing out of order therein save himselfe desperately pensive at his returne, accurses Vejeto with causelesse suspicion, and condemnes his owne credulity, he railes in his thoughts at the colour of yellow, [Page] which never was admitted into the Rain-bow, as too earthly and base a dye, and verily believes, men create causlesse fears to themselves, undeserved by their wives; nor can he sleep being troubled with his own unworthinesse, to wrong so chast, s;o spotlesse so vertuous a wife, with his undeserved suspicion.

Next day Don Nicholayo, comes on a civill visit to Sabina, brings with him a Spanish Colonell, who had long been an officer in the low-countrey wars, and sometimes under-Governour of Dunkirk therein; he hearing of Don Strenuo's coming out of the country, desires to converse with him, requesting him to give the character of the present state of the Infanta's Court at Bruxels: I desire also saith the Collonell, to rub over and renew my old Dutch language, whereof I have made no use these last seven years, and am afraid I have partly forgotten it, and thereupon [Page] he enters upon a large Dutch discourse, though Facundo was so farre from answering, that he understood not one word thereof.

Facundo answered in his own tongue. Don Olanzo (for that I understand is your name) you must excuse me for making any return in the Dutch tongue, whereof I will give you this particular account: When first I entered into those warrs, I made a solemn vow with my selfe never to learn or speak a word of that language, for I conceive it a degrading of my tongue to bow to their low expressions, and I admire that any Spaniard will offer to dishonour himself by condescending thereunto; Conquerors ought to impose a language[Page]on a countrey and not to receive it thence: the valiant Romans never learnt the Gaules tongue, or the punick language, this consideration hardned me in my resolution, that my tongue should be dumb in Dutch, a tongue wherein there is such confluence of consonants, so long, so hard, and so harsh, that it seenreth to me rather made for conjuring then converse, and fitter for Devills then men to discourse therein.

Don Olanzo civilly declined more Dutch, and proceeded in his owne tongue to sift Facundo, desiring him to proceed in the present character of the country.

For Ostend saith Facundo, [Page] the only matter of moment, the siege still continueth, we have built three halfe Moons, and a Redoubt, between the windmill and the Key, but the trench from Saint Dominicks to the counter gate is not yet perfected; the English out of the town exerciseth us with daily sallies, and behave themselves very valiantly, the worst can be said of them they are our enemies: Meat beginneth to faile them much, and Munition, as we are credibly informed by the fugitives which daily repair to us out of the Town; the Count of Aremberg is daily expected with a recruit of two thousand foot, the Pioneeres out of Luckland are daily expected, and then have at a new mine for [Page]the Castle, when all our forces are compleated, we shall put it to a desperate assault.

Don Olanzo not contented with these general heads, wherewith a mā might furnish himselfe out of the weekly news-bookes, began to press him to the particular description of some places in Brabent, and Flanders. Now though Facundo was well book-learned, so farre as Mapps could instruct him, yet was it impossible that they could inform him in all particulars of places and buildings: Facundo begins to faulter, the other prosecuted him with the cruelty of a prevailing coward, and at length breaking into some Choller and passion, caught hold of his beard, which having no better title to his face then glue could afford it, presently fell off, and discovered him to be what he was.

[Page] Sabina all this while lay in her bed listening to their discourse, which sometimes she disturbs with her groans and sighs, but now her husbands deceit being laid open, Facundo loaden with grief and guiltinesse, falleth down on his knees, & craves pardon of his wife.

Strange it is to see how poor spirits descend beneath themselves? but upon his submission and acknowledgment of his fault, a pardon is signed and sealed unto him, upon condition he should reassume his journey, which next day with all possible speed he undertook, and we leave him making what speed he might to the place for which he was bound.

The next day Sabina falleth truly and really sick, it is ill jesting with edg-tooles, that which we play with in sport, may wound us in earnest: Don Nicholayo repaires unto her, with full intent to enjoy his pleasure, and [Page] that nothing but his owne moderation should set bounds thereunto, when he meets with an unexpected repulse, Sabina complaining of the intolerable torture, which disposed her rather for a Coffin then amarous embraces.

I confesse, saith Don Nicholayo, were I not privy unto this dissembling, yea the prime procurer and contriver thereof, I should my selfe verily beleeve thee really sick: O how farre your sex transcend ours in dissimulation? we do it so dully, so improperly, that we are lyable to discovery, you exceed your selves in what you please.

But Sir, returnes Sabina, mistake me not (I cannot say by the[Page]faith of a loyall wife, having to my shame and grief, forfeited that title) but by whatever can be true and dear unto me, I vow and protest my selfe so sick, that nature scarce affordeth me ability to expresse my owne sicknesse.

You will alwaies be a woman, saith Nicholayo, who generally over do or under-do what they undertake, hardly hitting on a mean, whose soules are either empty or over-flow; it is high time now to put off your vizard, and be what you are: And with that he offered a familiar violence unto her, as supposing she expected some acceptable force, to bee seemingly pressed to what she desired.

[Page] Content your selfe said Sabina, or my shreeches shall given an Alarum to the Family: Know Sir, I never loved you so much, as now I loath your looks, and detest the sight of you, too much to my shame and grief hath formerly passed between us, but now I am resolved not to proceed in that vitious course, but asmuch as penitency can make a harlot honest, to unstaine my soul from my former offences; my time is short, depart the room, and prevent my sending you away.

Don Nicholayo standeth amazed, who could expect that the wind could blow at such a point of the compasse? a cold wind indeed to nip the heat of his lust; yet he seeth [Page] no remedie but to comply with the present occasion, & goes home with a soule divided between griefe, anger and wonder, though the latter may seeme to claime the greatest share in him at so strange and unexpected an accident. Sabina presently dispatcheth a Servant to overtake her husband, requesting him by all Loves to returne with all possible speede, for she had some important secrets to unbosome to him, nor could quietly depart this world before the imparting thereof unto him.

Facundo feares some fraud in the matter, refuseth to returne: Indeed the servant accosted him with his Message in that very minut wherein he was taking Ship; the wind serving faire, and most of his goods shipt already. At last the servant gave such assurance of his Mistresses sicknesse, and so impotunately pressed him with those arguments [Page] borrowed from her, that Facundo returnes that night home; the roome is voided, when Sabina begins with tears in her eyes, moistening her words as she uttered them.

What tearm shall I call you by? husband I am ashamed to stile you, the mention whereof woundeth my own heart with the memory of my unworthinesse; friend is too familiar a title; Lord and Master too terrible to me, a false deceitfull servant; stile your selfe Sir what you please, I am your wretched vassal, and want words to expresse the foulnesse of my offence against you: I am ashamed to speak what I blushed not to do, who have lived in a course of inconstancy for many years with Don [Page] Nicholayo: and with my dissembling have put you to much trouble and paines Pardon is too great for me to ask, but not for you to give. I confesse they that once have bankrupt their owne credit, can give no security for the future, that they will be responsible to such as trust them; however Sir know, I place more hope of speeding in in my request, in your goodnesse then the Equity of my Petition. If life be lent me, which in my owne apprehension (and every one is best sensible of their own condition) is utterly unlikely, I shall utterly deserve some part of your kindnesse; Sir, can you not see through the chinkes of my broken body, my very heart inditing my[Page]words assure your self— and there she fainted. Servants were called in, and much adoe with Aqua vitae they courted and wooed her soul not to depart her body, which was so sullen that it would hardly be perswaded to stay, though at last prevailed upon

Although the Passages betweene Facundo and Sabina, were transacted with all possible secrecy; yet could they not be so privately carried, but that some in the house overhearing it, it crept through the Family, and went thorough the City of Barcellona, and at last through the whole Province of Catalonia. And now Vejeto is found a true friend, and begins to flourish, being formerly so deprest by the greatnesse of Nicholayo, that he took no comfort in himself, [Page] and had abandoned his City house, and retired into the Country; but now he returnes to B [...]rcellona again, falls a building and repairing his house, to outface his neighbour Nicholayo, making the same both larger beneath with Vaults, and higher above with Magnificent superstructures.

Don Nicholayo inraged in his mind with the discovery which Sabina had made, and seeing himselfe slighted in his reputation: and fearing lest the King of Spain (the Court having gotten intelligence thereof) should disseize him of his Governors place of Barcellona, which his Ancestors had for three descents possessed, almost to make the honour hereditary) resolves on a designe, which present passion prompted unto him, and thus he effected it. Facundo was late at night, drawing up some conveyances for Land (which the City exchanged with [Page] the Crown in the Town house) and the imployment was certain to ingrosse him untill the next morning, which was the last day of the terme, assigned for the compleating thereof; All Sabinas servants were by her Nurse (that Pandoras to her former wantonnesse, and still an active instrument for Don Nicholayo) sent upon severall errands to places of some distance, and she alone left to attend her Mistress. In springs Nicholayo with two robustuous servants, and with violence carries away Sabina muffled in carpets (threatning her with present death, at the least resistance or noise) to the house of Nicholayo: yet had he now no design of lust upon her, whose revenge had banished his wantonness; And bringing her into his Hall about midnight, a stone there is taken up and she tumbled down into a Vault which I know not whether to call a Dungeon or a Charnell-house (many [Page] innocents having formerly been dispatched in the same place) Nicholayo conceiving that either she would be killed with the fall, or else starved to death in the place.

Now there was in Barcellona an Abbot of a Church, Jago Domingo preferred to that place by Nicholayo; rather by the others favour then his deserts; for guilt had made Patron and Chaplain mutually great together; they being both often complicated in the same act of basenesse, wherein they served each the turn of the other; they were nailed together with necessary secresie: so that what friendship did act in others, fear acted in them, to contribute their reciprocall assistance in all designes, seeing the lender to day was the borrower to morrow; These two plot together, and lay the scene of the ensuing project. At Matten-service when their Covent was singing together in the Abbots [Page] Church, suddenly their harmony was disturbed by an obstreperous voice which seemed to proceed from a wall above the Quire: the voice spake horror and griefe, and pain, shreeking out shrill, and then the noise of ratling of chaines and the chinking of Irons were alternately heard. Which indeed was nothing else but an instructed Novice placed there by the Abbot in a concealed concavity to play his part, according to his received directions. The Fryers for fear shorten their service and betake themselves to their Cells in amazement, as utterly ignorant of the fraud; The Abbot his Novice and Don Nicholayo being onely privy thereunto.

Next day, the Fryers meeting at Mattens, the same noise was heard again, but lowder then before, with a clashing and gnashing, speaking a mixture of pain and indignation; the Fryers hardly held out their service, [Page] wherein wonder so spoil'd their devotion, that as at other times the lay People knew not what they said; so now for fear they scarce, understood themselves.

The next day was a publique Festivall, wherein all the Gentry of Barcellona met there (save Facundo who went not out of his house, being transported with griefe, and amazement; what should be become of his invisible wife,) the spirit proceeding as formerly in shriekes; an Exorcist was provided, who by the vertue of holy water and other trinkets took upon him to catechise and examine the spirit what he was, conjuring it by the power of his spells to answer the truth, and all the truth at its own perill, if concealing any part thereof.

I am sorry (said the voice in the wall) the soule of Sabina, [Page] justly tormented in Purgatory, as for my many faults, so chiefly for raising a damnable and notorious lye on Don Nicholayo, as if he had conversed dishonestly with me. I had been burried to a worse place, as having nothing to plead in my mine own behalfe; but that I alledged that this scandall was never raised by my own invention, but put into my mouth by Vejetto, and he the Parent, shee onely the Nurse thereof. And here I am condemned to intollerable torment without al possibility of release, untill first some signall punishment be laid on Vejetto; it being the method of this Court, that the accessary cannot be released, until the principall first be punished. I am also[Page]enjoined to make publique confession of my fault, and to request Don Nicholayo freely to forgive me, without which my enlargement cannot be procured. And therefore I humbly request this Covent for sanctity most highly prized, to join with me in my Petition; that that honorable and worthy Lord would be pleased freely to remit my fault herein; I am also to desire you to intreat my husband Facundo that he would be pleased to confer on this Covent his Vineyard, lying on the East side of the City between the gate and the River Riodulce, that so by the dayly intercession of their suffrages, I may be freed from my torture.

[Page]The Exorcist prest this shee Spirit to more particulars, as to know whether her husband Facundo did not concurre with Vejetto to advance the defamation.

The Spirit answered, that never woman was happier in a better husband, and that she would not adde to her fault and paines to belie him, he was utterly ignorant thereof, and had ever retained a true opinion of her faithfulnesse, had not Vejettoes malice rooted it out, with constant and causeless suggestions.

The Exorcist proceeded to demand what was become of her body, seeing the report had filled the City that it was no where to be found, and a suspition was raised, that her husband or her servants were guilty of conveying it away, after they had offer'd some violence to her person.

[Page] Let me not (said she) wilfully heap punishments on my self, I must acquit my husband as altogether innocent, nor can I charge my servants (all whose prayers I humbly desire for the assoiling of my soul) for the least wrong offered unto me, the truth is, an evill spirit violently tooke me away, both soul and body, thou my punishment might be exemplary and unusuall, as my fault was above the proportion of common offenders.

The Exorcist demanded of her, whether any other besides Vejetto had with him joined in that bad advise?

To which she returned that the [Page]time allotted for her imprisoned liberty was now expired, being assigned but three hours for the begging of the votes of three severall daies of mankind to help her in her extremity; that now she must return as Prisoner, carrying fetters about her to the place of her restraint; never more to appear or be heard more in this world▪ and with that giving a hideous screek, and ratling her fetters, she took a sad farewell of the place, leaving all that heard it to admiration.

It is strange to conceive how the female sex of Barcellona were affected hereat; all conclude that Facundo was bound in honour and conscience, to satisfie her request. And [Page] some of her kindred brought Abbot Jago Domingo unto his house, to move him in conformity to his wives desire, to settle the Vineyard on their Covent as a reward of their meritorious prayers for his wives enlargement.

Long had the Abbot cast a covetous eye upon this Vineyard as a little Paradice; for the pleasure and scituation thereof; it might for the distance from Barcellona be termed the City in the Country, or the Country in the City. It lay on the side of a Hill which new it own distance to ascend above the levell, yet was not overproud to aspire to a barren heighth. It beheld the rising Sun which is apprehended the most cordiall, when the Virgin beams thereof, uninfected with the vapours of the Earth, first enters on our hemispheare. A wood was in the middle thereof, whereon Facundo had bestowed much cost, making may [Page] Labyrinths and artificiall mazes: An Aviary also hee made therein stocking it with Birds from all Countries, So that some thought (abating onely the Phoenix) that the whole kind of Birds, if decayed, might have been recruited hence. A Rivolet, called Riodulca, slided through the midst thereof, and seemed to pleased with the same, that loath to depart from so delicious a place, it purposely lengthned its own journey, by fetching [...]any needlesse [...], bendings, and windings therein, as if it intended to show that water could be more wanton then the wood under which it was pussed; A banqueting house also was made in the middle thereof, with a Fountain and Statues of Marble; where stones were taught to speak by water works brought by a device into them.

True it is, many questioned the discretion of Fac [...]ndo in expending so much cost on that which severer [Page] folke accounted but a chargeable toy, paying many pieces of eight for every pint of wine that grew therein; others excused him, that being childlesse, and having a plentifull estate, this was not onely harmlesse, but a usefull evacuation of his wealth; many poor people being used in the making, as also in the keeping of this Vineyard. But that which most pleaded for his expensivenesse herein and justly indeered him to the place, and the place to him, was, that it had been in the name of the Osorio's three hundred years and upwards; and he had an Evidence in his house not exceeding a span of Parchment in length, and three inches in breadth (so concise was Antiquity in conveying of lands) wherein John King of Castile bestowed this Land on Andrea Osorio for defending the high Tower in Barcellona once against the French, and twice against the Moores. Pardon [Page] Facundo therefore if hee loved this place, or was found thereon, seeing doting on it, (the premises considered) was excusable; desiring to trasmit this Land to his Brothers Son whom he intended his heir.

Oh what a brave sweet place would this make for Abot Jago, his Covent did ever micebite bad cheese, or were ever Fryers such fools as to affect base or barren ground: they will be assured of profit or pleasure, or both, wheresoever they fix themselves. The Abbot is earnestly set on this place, and will either be possessed thereof, or els the soul of Facundo's wife should be left tormented in the place where it was.

Her Kindred assault Facundo with much importunity to estate this Land on the Covent, which he utterly refused to do; not denying to disburse a competent sum of money: but pardon him if he will not part with his inheritance; But this or nothing [Page] else will please Iago, so that they parted in some discontent; yet Sabinaes friends despair not, but in processe of time to mould him to the Abbots desire.

Meane time it would make any honest heart to grieve, though nothing related unto him, either in Kindred or Country, to see the harsh usage of Vejeto how hee was hurried to the Jaile in most ignominious manner: scarce any in the City so young or so old, but would adventure to behold so vitious, so wicked a slanderer (for so he was believed to be) brought to punishment, though his imprisonment was conceived but a preface and preamble to a greater penalty (if escaping with death) which would be imposed upon him; Vejeto made all the beholders to wonder, who did read in his face so much spirit and livelinesse, as if he triumphed in his sufferings, and rather pittied others then [Page] himself in this his condition, yea, his eyes and cheeks had as well mocks as smiles in them; which made the beholders to conceive, that besides his own innocence he had some further security, not onely to acquit himself, but that his Enemies should come off with shame & disgrace wch made the Jaylor to demean himself unto him with the better respect.

Within three daies the Visitor Generall of the Order was to come to the Covent, and there in all pomp and solemnity to hear the whole Narration of the matter.

Now let us look a little backward, to acquaint you with the true cause of Vejeto his mirth in these troubles, who indeed had sufficient ground therof. We formerly told how Vejeto after his return out of the Country, began to beautifie and enlarge his his house; In sinking a Cellar, he stood by the workmen, partly to encourage them with his presence, [Page] partly to behold the effects of their discovery, the place being concavous, the ruines of some great structure, formerly levell with the ground, though now sunk some yards beneath the same. But the generall report was that it had been a Castle in the time of Julius Caesar, when Barcellona was a Roman Colonie, and priviledged with municipall immunities. Vejeto had a great fancy in Roman Coines, and would give any thing to such as could produce him any variety herein; yet his fancy was not above his judgement, but hee was very criticall therein, and had an exact and true eye to discover between true and counterfeits, Casts, and Originalls; But oh for a Galba, whose short raigne made his Coines the greatest rarity; and Vejeto had a set of Coines with a continuall succession of all the Roman Emperors, Galba onely excepted. The workmen find two or thre Coines of Antoninus, [Page] the forerunners as Vejeto hoped and expected of more to ensue; but these poor soules beheld them as Aesops Cock did the pearl, not knowing how to valew them; when Vejeto conceiving these the Vancurriers of an Army, and the earnest of a greater payment; though truly not so much out of covetousnesse as curiosity, dismissed them that night, the night indeed dismissing them (it being late enough to leave work) and enjoining them to return next morning.

All his servants being asleep, he alone with his eldest Son Speano, turn Pioneers to dig somewhat deep, and to sift the rubbish therein. It happens that pierced a hollow place (& hollewnesse being a great friend to the conveying of a sound) they hear a strang noise, too big for a Child, too small for a man; this noise was seconded with some light, but so doubtfull and glimmering, that it [Page] conquered darknesse but one degree, Vejeto with his son enter the Vault, (what should innocence be afraid of? The Father was ashamed to betray fear in the presence of his Son, as having more experience, the Sonne scorned to bewray fear in the presence of his Father, having his youthfull blood and spirit to support him; together they both so order the matter, that they went into the Vault, putting out their candle which led them, and resolved in darknesse and silence to expect the Event of the matter.

Down somthing tumbled, and presently all light vanished, and they for a time, set still to concoct with themselves, the rawnesse of so strange an accident.

Presently they hear a groan, such as speak the Soul, neither friend nor foe to the Body, but such a distance between both, as if willing to depart. Vejeto enjoines his Son as [Page] younger and abler to adventure to bring forth whatever it was, and up it is carried (not knowing as yet how to stile it, Him, or Her.) On the lighting of a Candle this bulk appears a woman, but much maimed, her right arme and left legge being broken.

What difference is there between the same Body in health, and in sicknesse, between the same cloathed and naked, when ornaments of Art are used unto it, or when it is left to the dressing of nature? Vejeto knowes no more hereof then Woman, and never remembers that hee had seen the face before; yet they omit not what art could do, to restore her to life, which succeeded according to their desire, she is conveyed to a Bed, and no accommodations are wanting which might tend to the speeding of her recovery. At last he knoweth her for Sabina, before shee knew her selfe; wonder not at her [Page] Ignorance, who had pass'd through so many worlds, it being a greater wonder that she was alive, then that she did not know where she was or what was become of her selfe, no Physick nor surgery is wanting to restore her to her former health.

True it is, Vejeto would not make use of any out of his own dores, for the better concealing of the matter, but his own wife Oliva, being excellent above her sex at such perforformances, indeed shee had never read Hippocrates, or Galen, in Greek; yet was she one who by kitchen Physick did many and cheap cures to poor people, taking onely their thanks, (and that onely if they were willingly pleased to give it for the reward) from Physick shee proceeded to surgery, & was no lesse successeful therein, this made many to hate her, who were of that profession; whilst she cared the lesse for their hatred, as over-ballanced with the love and [Page] respect with others, but the poor especially did bear unto her.

Sabina is privately concealed here for some daies, whilst Vejeto as we have formerly mentioned was carried to Prison, where Oliva daily visited him, and it was the generall expectation of the people, that forfeiture of his estate was all the mercy justice could afford him.

And now Abbot Iago is busie in preparing entertainment for Padre Antonio, Bishop of Lerma, and Visitor Generall of his order, but especially of this Covent, in Barcellona, which three hundred years since was founded by a Bishop of Lerma, leaving to his Successors the hereditary power of inspection over the same; to adde, alter, translate Orders and persons therein, as advised by their own discretion. Padre Antonio was generally hated by the Friers for his severity and austerity of life, being over rigorous in the observation [Page] of the conformity thereof, hee would not abate them any point, but confined them to the height of observances: onely this preserved his reputation with Religious men, that he used others no worse then himself, practizing in his own person what he prescribed in others, leaving an example of abstinence to all the Country.

No wonder if the Trewants shake when the Schoolmaster cometh among them; Abbot Iago is jealous that some flaw will be found in him, to out him of his place, being conscious to himself of many Enormities: for though he walked by that rule, if not chastly, yet cautiously, he managed his matters with all possible privacie; yet hee suspected that Gold smiths would not receive that false Coine wherewith common people are deluded, and the sharpe judgement of Antonio quickly discover that which was invisible to common eyes; [Page] wherefore to mollifie him in his visitation, by two Fryers he sent him a present of rich plate to the value of five hundred Crusadoes. Antonio refuseth the acceptance, charging the Friers to return it, adding withall that it Iago had observed the vow of poverty, according to his order, hee could not have atchieved so great an estate.

Three daies after the Visitor comes to Barc [...]llona on foot, unattended save with one servant alone; forth rode the Abbot to meet him on his Mule, and most of their Covent in like maner together with the Officers of their house, and all Dependents of the same, to the number of sixty persons; These expected to have met the Visitor in so solemn an Equipage, as had been observed by his Predecessors, and finding their expectation confused, Iago was much discomposed thereat, and so disturbed in his mind, that he forgot that [Page] premeditated Oration which he had artificially pen'd for the Visitors entertainment.

Here Iago profered the Visitor the conveniencie of his Mule, which he refused, adding with a sterne countenance, that so much pomp and state became not men of his profession; conducted hee was into the Covent, where such a supper was provided for him, as had made provisions dear in the Town; The Visitor commanded the poor people to be called thither, on whom he bestowed all the cheer, betaking himself to some mean Viands which hee brought with him, and thereon took a sparing refection.

Next day the Court was kept, and severall misdemeanors were presented unto him. Don Nicholayo complained to the Visitor of the high offence of Vejeto. For although the power of the Visitor extended only to the Covent, yet lately he was impoured [Page] with a Commission from the Conclave, to take into consideration all businesse in the City, which any way related to the late wonder of the spirit in the wall, and to proceed against all persons concerned therein, as he should see cause for the same.

Vejeto is sent for out of prison, and his fault iuflamed to the height by the Rhetorick of a young Advocate, retained by Don Nicholayo, to set forth the hainousnesse of the offence; being demanded what hee could say for himself, he requested that one witnesse might be produced, and her testimony solemnly taken, which seemed so equall a motion, that it could not any waies be denyed.

Presently he bringeth forth Sabina by the hand (who stood by but disguised and concealed) tendring her there to the Visitor, to make a Narration of the whole story.

[Page]The Visitor is for a while so taken up with wonder, that his soul was at leisure to do nothing else but admire, to see one reported dead and carried away soul and body, alive and in good health; Facundo standing by, requested the Visitor to favour him, if hee transgressed the gravity of that Court, by bestowing a salutation on his dear wife; being confident that the strangeness of the accident would sufficiently plead for his presumption therein. Next day the Visitor proceeds to censure. First Abbot Iago was expell'd his Covent, and condemned to perpetuall imprisonment: it is thought it had cost him his life, had not some reverence and respect to his order mitigated the censure. The Novice in the wall as yet was but a probationer, & not entred in the orders; was condemned to be publiquely whipt in the market place of Barcellona, being all the blood that was shed in this Comicall [Page] story. The Exorcist pleaded his own innocence, as not privy to the cheat, and that he onely proceeded according to the rules of his owne Art, whose plea was accepted. Don Nicholayo, because a person of great honor, highly descended and allied, was remitted by the Visitor to the Kings disposall, and sent Prisoner to Madrid, where he was ordered to lose his Office, and fined ten thousand Crusa [...]oes to the King, and five thousand Crusadoes to Facundo; Vej [...]to was deputed to succeed Nicholayo in the Governors place of Ba [...]cellona; Facundo something to compensate her patience, was promoted to be Advocate Generall of Catalonia. The Nurse of Sabina privy to the plot pleaded the age of seventy, and under the protection thereof, at Sabina's humble in treaty was pardoned; Infido a cheating servant of Vejeto, who had oftentimes betrayed his Master secrets, wsa branded in the face [Page] with F. S. false servant. Facundo and Sabina lived many years together in Love and Credit, and whereas formerly she was issuelesse, made her husband afterward happy with a numerous posterity.

FINIS.

I S

Information about this book

Title statement

Triana, or, A threefold romanza of Mariana. Paduana. Sabina

Fuller, Thomas, 1608-1661.

Edition statement

1655

Publication

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Text Creation Partnership,

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Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A40691

ID [STC]

Wing F2470A

ID [STC]

ESTC R221237

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99832575

ID [PROQUEST]

99832575

ID [VID]

37049

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A40691)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 37049)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2146:4)

Source

— Triana, or, A threefold romanza of Mariana. Paduana. Sabina, Fuller, Thomas, 1608-1661..

Extent

[4], 151, [1] p.

printed for John Stafford, and are to be sold at his House, at the George at Fleet-bridge,. London :: 1655.. (By Thomas Fuller.) (Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.)

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