Tryer Robert infermeth a Gentle­woman, how the Angel Gabriel had fallen in Love with her; under which disguise, he often accompanies her; at last for fear of her Parents, throws himself out of the Window, and retires into a poor Bodies House. Who the next day after, carries him to the Market place, in the shape of a wild man; where the Fryer being discovered, was [Page 2]taken by the Monks of his Or­der, and Imprisoned.

AT Imola in Italy there was a man of a very leud and vicious Life and Conversation; Whose blame worthy deeds, ma­ny of Imola thorowly knew, and because of that, they so much despised him, and made him so in­famous, that none of them would give credit not only to his Lyes, but to the very Truth spoken by him. He perceiving that stage not to be proper for the acting up­on any longer; a person of his dis­position, half desperate, betook himself to Venice, (a gulf and a receiver of all dissolutness) to act there the remaining part of his Comedy. And as if he had [Page 3]been touch't in his Conscience with a remorse for his former loose way of living, appeared humble beyond apprehension, and seemed to every body, to be a holy and a Catholick man, and become a Franciscan Fryer, call­ing himself, Fryer Robert of I­m [...]a. Being in this habit, he outwardly began to lead a sharp and a strict life, commending very much repentance and ab­stinence, he would neither eat Flesh, nor drink Wine, when he h [...]d not such as pleas'd him. No living Soul could perceive at the least that out of a Thief, a a Ruffian, a Cheat, and a Mur­der [...]r, he so suddenly had been turn'd into a great and famous Preacher, without having aban­doned his former vices, when [Page 4]he secretly could put them into effect. Moreover always after the celebration of the Mass, standing at the Altar, being seen by many, Sung with Tears the Passion of our Saviour, according to the Custom of them to whom Tears doth not cost much, when they have a mind to cry. In short, he by his Tears and Preaching knew how in this disguise to feed up the Venetians, in so much that he was an Exe­cutor almost of all the peoples Wills, and had in his hands and custody the moneys of many: He was a Confessor to the bigger part of Men and Women. So go­ing out of a Wolf he became to be a Shepherd, and the same of his sanctity in those parts, was greater than ever it was of St. Francis at Ascesia.

It hapned once, that one young Gentlewom [...]n, vain and foolish, called Lisetta, Wife to a great and rich Merchant, who was gone with Goods into Flan­ders, went with the rest of the Gentlewomen to confess to this holy Fryer. She standing upon her Feet, after the Venetian fa­shion, where they are all deli­cate, and having confessed a part of her sins, was demanded by Fryer Robert, if she had not a Gallant. To whom she with a sow­er Face, replyed; How Master Fryer, have you got no Eyes in your Head? Will you compare my beauty with others? I should have Lo­vers and Gallants enough, if I but listed, but my beauty is not bent that way, to love either one or the other. How many have you seen of [Page 6]that beauty as mine is? Which should be admired in the very Pa­radise it self. Above that she spoke so many things about her Beauty, that it was tedious to hear her, Fryer Robert immedi­ately perceived she was light headed, and seeing her to be of his own currant Co [...]n was suddenly and above measure taken in love with her. But to shew himself at that instant, a pious and a holy M [...]n, did put off his flatteries, till a more conveni­ent time, and beg [...]to reprove her, saying that this was a vain Glory, and a Pride and the like. Wherewith the Gentle wo­man being moved [...]d him he was a Be [...]st, and did [...] know the difference betwixt one Beauty and another. Fryer Robert not [Page 7]willing, either to trouble her, or to put her out of conceit: The confession being done, he let her go with the rest. Some days af­ter, he took with him a trusty Friend of his own, and went to the House of Madam Lisetta, and having retir'd into a secret place, not being seen by any, fell down upon his knees, saying; Madam I desire you, for Gods sake, to par­don me my fault, which I last Sunday committed in speaking against your beauty, for which I was so severely chastiz'd, that I could not rise from bed till this very same day. The foolish Dame replyed: And who was it pray, that chastized you after this rate? Fryer Robert answered; I'll tell you that; I being, that night in my prayers, (as I am always [Page 8]used to do) suddenly perceived a great light in my Chamber, and no sooner I turned the about to see what it was, or what it mean'd, but I saw above me, a very beautiful young man, with a great stick in his hand, who catching me by my habit, threw me down upon the ground, and gave me such mer­ciless blows, that he almost brui­zed all the bones within me. I at last took hold of him, demand­ing why he had done so by me, and received this answer; Be­cause you presumed to day to reprove the Celestial beauty of Madam Lisetta, which, after God, I love above all other things of the World. And I pre­sently ask'd him, what are you? To which he answered; [Page 9]That he was the Angel Gabriel. O Stenior (quoth I) I crave mercy I crave mercy: And he presently answered: Pardon shall he granted to thee, but upon such terms, that you go to her by the first opportunity you can, and beg mercy at her hands, and if she would not sorgive you your fault, I'll [...]eturn hither, and beat you so cruelly that you shall feel the smart of it all the days of your life! But what he said to me after this, I will not tell you, before I have obtained forgiveness. She hearing this, was for joy almost out of her wits, believing all he said to be true, and a little after said, Did not I tell you so, Father Robert, that my beauty was a heaven­ly beauty? But for all that, I take heaven to witness, I am ve­ry [Page 10]sorry for you, and to the end he should do you no more harm; I heartily forgive you, provi­ded you give a faithful report to me of all, what the Angel spoke afterwards to you; Fryer Robert answered, Madam, since you have been pleased to pardon me, I'll willingly and franckly tell you all the matter; only I beg one thing of you, that you should take heed, lest you should open the matter to any living Soul in the world, and in so do­ing you shall be the most hap­py Gentlewoman under the Sun. This Angel, Gabriel, order­ed me to tell you, how you pleas'd him above measure, and that he had very often desired to come, and stay all the Night with you, but he did it not for fear of frigh­ting [Page 11]you. At this present he sends word by me, that he will come to you one of these nights, and tar­ry a while with you. But he being an Angel, if he should come in the shape of an Angel, you could not touch him, he acquaints you with it, that he will come in the sh [...]pe of a man, and therefore desires you to appoint him a time, when he should come, and in whose shape, and as then he will not fail to be here; whereof you may count your self blessed above all the living Women at this day. This antick Madam answered how she was greatly af­fected with joy and pleasure, for being loved by the Angel Gabri­el, and therefore she loved him also, neither should she see an I­mage of him, where she should [Page 12]not light a wax Candle before it, and he might choose what hour he pleas'd himself to come, and should be very welcome, and find her all alone in her Chamber, provided he should not leave her because of the Vir­gin Mary, whom as she thought he wished well, and was so obe­dient to her, that every where, wheresoever she saw the Virgin, she also saw him kneeling before her, and as then, she left it to himself to come in what shape he pleas'd, because she was not at all affraid of him. Fryer Robert presently answered; Madam, you speak very wisely, and I shall order with him the business, you spoke of, very well; but you could do me a great kindness, and it should cost you nothing; [Page 13]and it is this, that you may be willing to permit he should come in this my body. And herein you will shew me a great kindness; He entring into my Body, will take my Soul out of it, and send it into Paradise, and as long as he stays with you my Soul shall stay there. This good Madam immediately an­swers: I am content, and will that you may have this consolation, in recompence of those stripes which you suffered for my sake. Fryer Robert, thus again, You will order it so, that this very same night, he may find the Gates [...] your house opened, that he may c [...]me in; for he being in a humane body, in which he will come shall not be able to enter but by the door. The Gentlewo­man [Page 14]answered, she would do it. So the Fryer Roberto departed, and she that was left behind, was so proud and so glorious, that she thought not her shift good enough to touch her back: That short time, in which she was to stay for the Angel, seemed to her a thousand years. Fryer Robert had got permission to go with a Commerad to one of his Friends at night. Where he was very well known. From thence, the time being short, he did go to the Gentlewomans house, and in the very entring, with those Trincket he had about him, trans­form'd himself into an Angel, and without being perceived by any, very easily did go to the Cham­ber of Lisetta. Who percei­ving him going in all in white, [Page 15]presently fell down upon her knees before him, and the Angel gave her a blessing, and ha­ving boar her up by her hand, made a sign she should go to Bed: She being willing to obey, did it presently, and the Angel instantly accompanied his devout Lady. Lying with her, he many things related to her about mat­ters Coelestial. At last the en­croaching light of the then rising Sun, invited him to depart, and he taking his Trumperies, and the rest of the Apparel with him, bid her farewell. The Gentle­woman after she had Dined with one of her Companions, went directly to Fryer Robert, and told him all the news about the Angel Gabriel, as likewise, what she had heard of him about the [Page 16]glory of the life everlasting, and how he was made, adding to it of her own other wonderful Fa­bles. To which Fryer, Robert replyed. Madam, I do not know how you have housed with him; that I know well, that he com­ing to me that same night, and I having delivered your Embassy to him, suddenly carried my Soul a­mongst so many sweet Flowers and Roses, as I never saw before, and set me in one of the most delight­full places of the World, where it was, till this very morning, what in the mean time hapned to my Body, I do not know: I will not tell you, said the Gentlewoman; Your body was all night long with the Angel Gabriel in my Arms. And after many such stories as these she returned home again, [Page 17]whither Fryer Alberto in the apparent form of an Angel, very often repaired, without recei­ving the least hurt, or impedi­ment. It fell out once that Ma­dam Lisetta being with her Gos­sip; and reasoning amongst them about beauty, for that she might put hers before all others (as be­ing of a mean wit) said: If you knew whom my beauty pleases, in verity, you would hold your Tongue [...]f the rest. Her Gossip knowing what she was, desirous to hear the matter, said: Madam you may speak truth; but because I do not know who your Gallant may be, there is no need I should be so [...]asie of believing you. She presently replyed: Gossip, it [...]ould not be necessary to tell you of him, but my Gallant is the Angel [Page 18]Grabriel, who loves me above himself, as a Gentlewoman (as he tells me) surpassing in beauty [...] the rest of the world. The Gossing was ready to fall a laughing, bu [...] restrained her self from it, t [...] make her talk more, and said God bless me, Madam, is Ange [...] Gabriel your Gallant indeed? And if ye say so, it is very well for you [...] but I did not believe the Angel [...] did any such thing. Oyes (answer­ed L [...]setta,) and because I seeme [...] in his eyes fairer then any Lady in Heaven, he, enchanted by m [...] beauty, comes very often to diver [...] himself with me. The Gossip be­ing departed from Lisetta thought that time to be a hun­dred years long, wherein she ha [...] not the opportunity of rehear­sing the whole matter. At las [...] [Page 19]being invited to a feast, in the [...]ompany of many Gentlewoman [...]ery orderly recited the History. [...]hese Gentlewomen told it to [...]heir Husbands, and to some o­ [...]her Dames, and they again to [...]thers, so that in less then two [...]ays all the City of Venice was [...]ill of it. But amongst the rest, [...]nto whose Ears this History [...]ad been brought, were the [...]riends of Lisetta, which with­ [...]ut saying any thing to her, de­ [...]ermined to find out this An­ [...]el, and to know whether he [...]ould fly or no, and in order to [...]hat, they many nights stood at [...]er Dore, holding watch. It [...]apned that this same came to [...]ryer Robert's Ears, who one [...]ight to reprove the Gentle­woman, went to her, and after [Page 20]he had put off all his Clothe, Lisetta's Relations that had see [...] him going in, shut the Doors o [...] her Chamber after him, for tha [...] they might catch him. Which Fryer Alberto perceiving and see­ing who they were, run out o [...] that Chamber into another, an [...] having no other means whereby to escape, opened a Windo [...] right over against the grea [...] Channel (all the City of Veni [...] standing upon Water) and from thence threw himself down into the River. Which being ver [...] deep, and he knowing how t [...] swim, received no hurt at all and having swum, but on th [...] other side of the Channel, pre­sently retired to a House, which at that time was open; desiring the Landlord of the House, th [...] [Page 21] [...]e for the love of God would have his Life, telling him in the [...]ean time some story or other, why he came there, about that [...]our, and naked. The good Man being moved with compassi­on, and having an occasion to go out about his business, put him into his own Bed, telling him, he should be there till his com­ing again, and after he had lock­ed him up, he went his ways a­bout his affairs. The Friends of the Gentlewoman entring the Chamber found, that the An­gel Gabriel, having left his wings behind him, was flown away. Whereby they thinking them­selves scorned and affronted, gave to the Gentlewoman the basest Language they ever could think on, or invent, and at last hav­ing [Page 22]left her comfortless, return­ed to their own house, with th [...] apparel of the Angel. In th [...] mean time the break of the day appeared, and his good Land Lord, being in the Market heard saying how that the Angel Ga­briel, had been gon the nigh [...] past to lye with Madam Lisetta [...] and being surpriz'd by her Rela­tions, out of fear flung himsel [...] into the Channel, and no body knew what was become of him, and thereby concluded immedi­ately, that it was the same Per­son, he had in his House. Com­ing home, and having told him all the story, after many other propositions, said; That if the Fryer would not have him to tell to her Relations he was there, he should make fifty Ducats to [Page 23]come immediately, which was [...]one. After this Fryer Robert desiring to depart thence, had this answer from his Landlord, I have no other means to bring you out but one, which if you will not admit of, I do not know what to do. To day we are ma­king a great Feast, in which some will bring a Man divised in a sh [...]pe of a Bear, and another will b [...]i [...]g one diguised as a Wild Man, so one will do one thing, ano­ther another, and in the Piaz­za of S. Marco we will make a Chase, which being finished, the Feast will be done, and after that every one goeth with him, whom he brought thither, whi­ther he pleaseth. If you will, be­before they spie out that you are here, that I conduct and car­ry [Page 24]you to that place in one of the disguises, I'll afterwards carry you whether you please. Other­wise I do not see how you can go out without being known, especially the friends of the Gen­tlewoman, being for certain per­swaded, you are hereabouts, have all over sent out Guards to catch you. This though it ap­peared very hard to the Fryer, as to go out in that fashion, yet for fear which he had of Lysetta's Friends, condescended to it, say­ing he would be led where it should please the other, and he might lead him as he thought best himself. He having anoint­ed the Fryer all over with Hony, put some down upon him, and a Chain about his Neck, and a Mask upon his Head, and gave [Page 25]him a great stick into one of his Hands, and two great Doggs which he had brought from the Shambles into the other, and sending some Man he had be­spoke into the Market, made him cry if any one had a de­sire to see the Angel Gabriel he should repair to the Piazza of S. Marco: This was a Venetian Loyalty. This having been done, alter he had brought him forth, he made him to go before him, and so holding him fast by the Chain followed him, and not without a great noise of many; who asked, Who is this? Who is this? Conducted him to the Piazza. Where, when they were, some stood from behind, and some from be­fore of them, that having heard [Page 26]the cry upon the streets, were come thither, a multitude with­out number. At last the Land­lord carried this Fryer to a place higher then the rest, and bound this his Wildman to a Post, fain­ing that as he would stay for the time of chase, in the mean time the Flyes and Wasps, he being all anointed with Hony, made him feel the greatest smart immagi­nable. Afterwards seeing the Pi­azza to be very full, making as if he would have unchained his Wild man, took the Mask down from Fryer Robert, and said; be­cause the Wild Boar doth not come, the chase cannot be run, that you may not loose your labour, by comming hither in vain, I do desire you to see this [...] Gabriel, who to com­fort [Page 27]the Venetian Gentlewomen, descended from Heaven upon Earth. When ever the mask of was took down, Fryer Robert was kown by all, against whom all lifted up their voyces, call­ing him the most horrible names th [...]t ever any Knave deserved, throwing moreover at his Face one foul thing or another. And they kept him along time in this [...]nner, till at last the noise of this Trigedy coming to the Ears of his Brethren the Monks, they being moved by it came thither, and having thrown a Fryars Cap upon his back, and unchained him, carried him not without a great noyse of people behind their backs into a House; and af­terwards put him into prison, where (if it may belived) after a [Page 28]miserable life departed this World.

Master Capelletto, deceiveth a Holy Father by a false confession and dieth, and having been a most dissolute Man in his Life, was after his death reputed for a Saint, and called S. Capelletto.

ONE Muscato a French­man, from a rich and a great Merchant, being become a Knight, was bound by the in­vitation of Pope Bonifacius, and his own promises, to go for Tuscany in the company of Don Carlo, Brother to the King of France, and knowing his affairs, (as often times those of Met­chants [Page 29]are) to be here and there extreamly intricated, and that he could not extricate himself by lew, or suddenly, he determin­mined to commit the whole mat­ter to some more Persons. And he found out means for all his Debtors; onely he still remain­ed doubtful; unto whom to give a Plenipotence for the receiving of those Monies, some few Bur­gundians owed him. The reason of this his musing was, for that the Burgundians are very cunning ill conditioned, and faithless peo­ple, and because of this, none could fall into his mind, whom he thought fit enough to intrust with his mony, and to oppose to the cunning malice of the Burgan­dians. Examining and overweigh­ing [Page 30]the matter for a long time at last fell into his mind Siur [...]ap­paletto, who often times repair­ed into his House, at Paris. This Capp letto was of a very bad life. For being a publick Notary, he was extreamly ashamed, if any of his Indentures, or Law Instru­ments were found otherwise then false. To bear false witness was his greatest delight; whether he was desired to it, or not, and at that time the French-men gave great credit to Oaths, not regarding whether they were false or no, he unjustly won as many Tryals as upon Oath he was desired to declare the Truth, he delighted above measure, yea, studied to breed betwixt friends, relations, or any other people, Mischief, Envy, Ma­lice, [Page 31]and scandall, and in how much the consequence was the worser, in so much he took a greater pleasure in it. Being in­vited to a murder, or any other criminal exploit; he without de­nial and willingly went thither, and very often to strike at a man, and to kill him also, was almost his mean besiness. He was the greatest blasphemer of God, and for the smallest matter, on Earth, who was it but he that was out­raged beyond measure. He ne­ver went to Church, but with despising and scorning at the Sacraments of the same as things [...]il, and of no Efficency. And as well as he abominably railed a­g [...]inst them, so on the other side, he usu [...]lly frequented Taverns, and visited the most dishonest [Page 32]and unlawfull places. To in vade on goods, and to rob me [...] of all they had, was done by him with a Conscience as free as ever an honest and a godly Man distributed some thing to the poor. He was a great Glut­ton, and an excessive Drinker, so that he never eat, or drink, but his Stomach turn'd within him. A Gamester very expert, and a very famous Hocuspocus, at throwing of false Dice. But not to use so many digressions he was in short, the basest Wretch that ever was born. Whose Knavery and wickedness, was for a long time supported by the riches and the estate of Sir Mus­cato, for whose sake, as well as by some private persons with whom he too often plaid in jurious tricks, [Page 33]as also by the Court, where he always acted a Knave, was some­what respected. This same Mr. Capelleto came into Sir Muscatos mind, who intirely knowing his manner of Life, thought him the fittest Person, that ever could be [...]ound, for his purpose, and such a one as the malice of the Bur­gundians required.

And so having made him to be cal'd, spoke to him thus, Mr. Capelleto; you know that I am going wholly to depart from hence, and having amongst the rest to do with some Burgundi­ans, a People much addicted to currynning, I do not know unto whem I may so cenveniently give plenipotence of receiving my own from them, as to you. And since you at present, have [Page 34]nothing at all to do, if you wil [...] attend this my concern, Il'e make you to have the Favour of the Court, and give you a part of what you recover, ac­cording as I shall deem it expe­dient. Mr. Capelleto, who see himself in streights, being con­strained by necessity, without deliberation, answered, he would willingly obey his Command. So they went together, and Mr. Capelleto having received his orders, and Favourable Let­ters from the King, departed from Mr. Muscato in his way for Burgundy where he was known by no Body. There, contrary to his Nature, he with great Modesty and a deal of Ci­vility began to recover the mo­neys, and to do that which he [Page 35]was sent for thither. So doing, he repaired to a House of two Brothers of Florence, to Lodge there; these were Usurers, and for the Love of Sir Muscate, they Honoured him very much; be­ing there, it hapned he fell Sick, to whom these two Brothers caused presently some Physicians to come, and Nurses to serve him, there was nothing wan­ting whatsoever was requisit for the recovery of his Health. But all this help availed nothing; for the good Gentleman, who was already old, and had lived very disorderly, grew (according to the saying of the Physicians.) every day worse and worse, and was already combating with Death, which these two Bro­thers were exceeding sorry for [Page 36]And one day being very near to the Chamber, where Mr. Case­lleto lay Sick, began to talk between themselves, saying one to another, what shall we do with this Man? We have a ve­ry bad business under our hands. For if we put him out of Dores, as he is now Sick and Weak, a great murmuring of People will arise, neither will it be an Argu­mient of great wisdom in us, but a manifest sign of folly, if after we have first received him cur­teously, and then made him to be attended, and carefully to be cured, should now without ha­ving received any displeasure at his hands, so suddenly throw him out of our House, in this weak and deadly condition. On the otherside, he is a Man so [Page 37]wicked, that he will not yield to go to confession, neither can be perswaded to receive any of the Sacraments of the Church, and if he dies without confesion there is not one Church will bury him, so that he must be thrown into some hole after the manner of a Dog. And if he should confess, his Sins are so great and horrible that there is none like to be found, for which sake the Priest that will hear him if he would, shall not be able to absolue him, and he not be­ing absolved shall nevertheless be thrown into some Dunghil. And if this should fall out, the People of this Country seeing this, either because of our cal­ling, which they judge to be un­lawful, and every day speak a­gainst [Page 38]it, or else for desire of rob­bing, should make a rumour, say­ing, regard not these Lombar­dian Dogs which could not be Buried in the Church, and how can we, or how should we tolerate them any longer, and consequent­ly should storm, not only at our Houses for to rob them, but al­so should assasinate our Persons, wherefore at every side we are in a sad and pidkeled condition, in case he should dye. Mr. Ca­pelleto, who (as we told you,) did lye next to that place where they thus discoursed, having a very sharp hearing, (as we com­monly see the Sick have,) did hear all they said of him. Whom he made to be called, and said to them. I desire you heartily not to doubt any thing about [Page 39]me. nor to have any fear of re­ceiving any Damage by me. I have understood what you have spoke together of me, and am assured that things will not run so as you conceived they should, but they shall run quite contrary ways. I have done so many injuries to the Almighty in my Life, that if I doe one more in the Hour of my Death, I do not think there shall be one more or less. Therefore procure the God­liest and the most understanding Fryer you can find to come to me, (if any such can be found.) And leave the rest to me, for I will so heatly accommodate your business and mine, that your self shall judge it to be well done, and shall be abundantly satisfied. The two Brothers who had no hopes of [Page 40]the good snccess of the business, went nevertheless to some Re­ligious Fryers, and asked for a Holy and understanding Man, that should hear a confession o [...] a dying Lombard; and they appointed to them a Godly old Man, who was respected as well for his Holy Life as for his great Learning in the Holy Scrip­tures, for which all the Citizens had a great devotion for him, and him they brought; He com­ming into the Chamber where Mr. Capelleto lay Sick, and ha­ving sit down at his side; at the first began to comfort him with a great deal of kindness, and af­terwards asked of him, how long it was since the last time he con­fessed. To which Mr. Captlleto (who had never been at a confessi­on.) [Page 41]thus Answered, Father, my [...]nly custom is to confess at least [...]nce a Week, excepting those [...]easons, in which I confess in a Week more then once, but true [...] is that since I fell Sick, I have [...]ot confessed this eight days, so great was the tediousness which [...]he infirmity had caused within [...]e. The Fryer presently replyed My Son you have done very well, [...]nd so do for the future, and be­ [...]ng you have confessed so lately, [...] shall have little Labour either [...]o hear you, or [...]o ask you Que­ [...]tions. Mr. Capelleto answered Master Fryer, do not say so, I [...]ave not Confessed so often, but [...]hat I always had a desire to Con­ [...]ess all my sins again in general, which I could call to memory [...]rom the first till the last day of [Page 42]my Confession. Therefore I de­sire you my good Father, that you may be pleas'd to ask me pun­tually of all things, as if I had never Confessed. Neither doe you regard that I am so weak for I have a greater desire to dis­please this sinful Flesh of mine, then by flattering of it, com­mit such a thing as might cause the perdition and ruine of my Soul, which was redeemed by the precious blood of our Savour. These words pleased much the good old man, and gave him reason to think he was pritty well in himself, and after he had greatly praised, this his cus­tom he began to ask him; if he had not committed a Sin of lux­ury. To which Mr. Capelleto sighing Answered; As to this [Page 43]good Father I am ashamed to [...]ell you the truth, fearing less I [...]hould become guilty of vain Glory. To which this Holy Fa­ [...]her Answered: Tell securely, [...]or speaking the truth we neither [...]in in, nor without the time of Confession. Presently Mr. Capel­leto replyed, since you make me [...]ure of it, I also will tell you; I [...]m as pure a Virgin as I came from my Mothers Belly; O Bles­sed be thou from the Almighty, quoth the Fryer, how well have you done, and doing so, you have Merited by so much the more, by how much you had a greater Liberty to do the con­trary, which we cannot have, [...]r any one else that is bound to the Obedience of one Rule or other. Then he asked him, if he [Page 44]had not displeased God in Glutto­ny. To which Mr. Capelleto sigh­ing vehemently replyed, I, and often too. For saith he, besides the Lent Fast and other Fasts vov­ed to the Saints, I at least Fasting three days every Week in Bread and Water, did drink the Water with great delight and at petite, es­pecially after I had undergon some Travel, and was made weary ei­ther by long Prayers, or else by Pil­grimage to some Holy Place, and oftentimes I got a Stomack to have a Sallet of sour herbs to this my Chear. To whom Answered the [...]ryer; my Son, these sins are Na­tural, and so small, that I would [...]ot have you to aggravate your Con­science with them, it happens to e­very Body, let him be never so Ho­ly, that he thinks it it good after [Page 45]a long fast to eat and to drink after wearyness. O! quoth Mr. Capel­leto Sir, doe not speak thus because for my comfort, for you must un­derstand, that I know that all our actions belonging to the Service of God, ought to be done neatly, and without defiling the Soul with the least of oversight, and whosoever doth it otherwise, he committeth a Sin. The Fryer being very well satisfied, said; And I also am con­tented with your good conceit in those matters, and thy pure Conscience pleaseth me mightily. But tell me, have you sinned in Co­vetuousness, desireing to have more then you had need of, or keep­ing that from another which you should not have kept. Mr. Capel­leto Answered to this. Father I would not have you to take notice [Page 46]of it, that I do lye hear in the House of these Usurers, I have nothing to do with them, but that I cam [...] hither to admonish and to correct them, and to draw them away, from this abominable gain; and believe me I had done the business, if God had not thus visited me, for you must know my Father left me a Rich Man, out of whose goods af­ter his Death, I gave the best part of them for the Glory of God, and afterwards to maintain my self and be helpful to the Poor Mem­bers of Christ, I bought some Mar­chandizes, and by these to gain some profit, and whatsoever I gat­ed I always did go halvs with the Poo, converting my moyety for my own necessary uses, and the other giving to them, for which the Al­mighty helped me so far, that I al­ways [Page 47]advanced in my things bet­ter and better. You have done well, said the Fryer, but how of­ten have you been angry. O! quoth Mr. Capelleto, this I say tru­ly, I was very often angry. Nei­ther could I withold my self see­ing the vicious actions of all Peo­ple in general, which neither did observe the Commandements of God, nor feared his Judgments. There hapned many Hours in a day, in which I wish my self more dead then alive, seeing the youth to go after vanity, to swear and forswear, to go to the Taverns, and never enter the Church, and to follow the ways of this World, more then the ways of the Lord. The Fryer again said, my Son this is a good anger, and as for me I cannot lay upon thee pe­nalty; [Page 48]but did not sometimes this anger bring you to the commit­ting of a Murder, or to the Slan­dering of a Person, or to the do­ing of some other injuries to him. To whom Mr. Capelleto said; O Lord, Master Fryer! You appear to me a Man of God, and how do you speak such things, if I had had the least thoughts of com­mitting any of these Villanies you speak of, do you think I should believe, that the Almigh­ty had kept me thus long? Such doings belongs to the wicked and doleful wretches, of which when I espyed one, I always said to him, God convert you. The Fyer said immediately. Now my Son, God lend thee his Bles­sing, tell me have not you born false witness against your Neigh­bour, [Page 49]or spoak any bad thing of him, or took away something from him without his consent? Answers Capelleto, never did I speak bad of any, but I had once a Neighbour, who without any reason of the World did nothing else but beat his Wife, and of him I spoke ill to her Relations, so great compassion I had for this poore Gentlewoman, when ever he was fuddled did abuse her God knows how. The Fryer said to him again, just now you told me you had been a Merchant, dist not thou cheat any Person according to the custom of Mar­chants? By my Faith Answered Mr. Capelleto, Mr. Fryer I doe not know who it was, but there was one had payed me my mony he ow'd me for some Cloath he [Page 48] [...] [Page 49] [...] [Page 50]had of me, and I put it into a Chest without having counted the same, a month after I found there was four pence above my due, and I not finding the man, af­ter I had kept them a whole year for to give them again to him, di­stributed the same to the Poor. The Fryer Answered, that's a small matter, and in doing so, you did well. And after this the Holy Fryer did ask him many other Questions; he upon them all, An­swering at the same rate as be­fore: He was proceeding to the absolution, to whom Mr. Capel­letto, said, Master Fryer, I have yet one sin, which I have not dis­covered to you, The Fryer ask­ing what it was, he Answered, I remember I made once a Servant of mine to sweep the room on the [Page 51]Lords day and so did not pay that due reverence I ought to that day, Oh said the Fryer that's but a small thing. No, replyeth Mr. Capelletto, do not say it is a small matter, for the Lords day ought to be very much honoured, for on that day did our Blessed Saviour rise from the dead. The Fryer said again, did you commit any thing else? Master, Answers Capelletto, I once un [...]wars did spit in the Church. The Fryer smiling a little said, my Son, this thing is not to be heeded, we that are Religious spit there all day long. where­upon Capelletto imediately said; And thereby you commit a great Villanie, for nothing ought to be kept so neat, as the Holy Church in which we render Sa­crifices unto the Lord. In short, [Page 52]such [...]ryes as these he told ma­ny; at last he began to sigh, and afterwards to cry stoutly, as one which could do it very well, when he pleased. The holy Father said. My Son, what doth all you? Cappelletto answered: Ah me, Master Fryer, because one sin is resting, which I never con­fest but have the greatest shame imaginable to disclose it, and whensoever I think upon It I al­ways cry, as you see now at this present, and as for me, I am perswaded, God will never par­don me this my exorbitance.

The simple Fryer presently re­plyed; Out upon you my Son, what do you say? If all the sins that were committed by all Men, or that shall be committed for the future, as long as the world stands, should be in one sin [...]le man, and he [...] [Page 53]be sorry, for them, and repent, as I see you do, so great is the bounty and mercy of the Almighty, that he should freely forgive them to the Confitent, and therefore speak frankly and without fear; Mr. Capelletto answered again, all the while crying most bitterly. O [...] my Father, my sin is too great and I can hardly believe, I shall obtain pardon for it, from the Al­mighty, unless you help me with your Prayers. The Fryer said: Tell it freely, for I faithfully promise, to interceed for thee. Mr. Cap­pelletto wept further, and said nothing, and the Priest comfor­ted him, and desired him to tell. Afterwards, Mr. Cappelletto ha­ving held the Fryer a long while in amaze, made a great sight and said: Good Father, since you have [Page 54]promis'd to pray to God for me, I am reso [...]ve [...] to tell you: Know then, when I was a very little B [...]y, I gave bad language to m [...] M [...]th [...]r; and having said this beg [...] to [...] again most cruelly. The Fryer [...]n [...]cred [...] O my Son, [...] this to be [...] great [...]s [...] not some people [...]lasphem [...] [...] days, and [...] they but truly repent, the freely forgives them, and do not believe but he will for [...] you this: Do not cry, be comforted, for truly if you had been of them that crucified our Saviour, and had such a penitent heart as I see you have, you should be pardoned. Mr, Cappelletto, sayed again; Oh me! My Fa­ther, what do you say, my sweet Mamma, that boar me nine months in her womb, night and [Page 55]day, and carried me about her neck, more then a hundred times, should she be abused by me, it is a very great sin, and if you do not pray God for me, it shall not be forgiven to me. The Fry­er seeing there was nothing else left for Mr. Cappelleoto to say, did immediately absolve him, and gave him his blessing, counting him the holiest man in the World, as being intirely per­swaded it was all truth, Mr. Cappelletto had confessed; And who should not believe it was so, hearing a Man upon his death bed speaking so as he did: And after all this the Fryer spoke to him: Mr. Cappelletto, with the help of God, you shall shortly recover. But if it should hap­pen that God should call your [Page 56]blessed, and well-disposed So [...] to himself, will you be pleas'd, that your body may be buried in our Cloister? To which Mr. Cappelletto answered: Sir, I would not have it be any where else, after I received a promise, you should pray God for me, for to pass by that, I always had a particular devotion for your Or­der. Wherefore I desire you, that as soon as you come to your Monastery, you may cause to be brought to me the real body of Christ, such as you do consecrate every morning upon the Altar for that, (though I be unworthy I may with your good will re­ceive it, and afterwards the holy extream unction, that so I who have lived as a sinner should at the least die like a Christian. [Page 57]This holy man replyed, that he was very well pleased with it, and he said, Well, and should I make that it should be brought present­ly, and it was done accordingly. The two Brothers doubting Mr. Cappelletto should cozzen the Fry­er posted themselves at the parti­tion of that Chamber, in which he lay and very easily hearkning, did hear, and understand, what Mr. Cappelletto spoke to the Fry­er, and had many a time so good a mind to laugh, hearing his con­fession, that they almost bursted, and betwixt themselves talked thus; what a man is this, whom neither his old age, nor weak­ness, neither the fear of death, which he is near unto, nor the fear of God, before whose Judg­ment seat, he in few hours must [Page 58]appear, could remove from [...] base tricks, neither effect h [...] should be unwilling to die so [...] he had lived. But seeing that a [...] ­cording as the Fryer had said he should be buried in th [...] Church, they heeded nothin [...] else. Mr. Cappelletto, after h [...] had received the Communion and grew worse and worse, ha [...] also the extream unction adm [...] ­nistred unto him, and some tim [...] being past, after his brave con­fession, he died. After this, thes [...] two Brothers being ordered by himself, did consult how to bu [...] ­ry him honourably, and imme­diately sent to the Fryers Cloi­ster, desiring them to come tha [...] evening, and to watch at hi [...] dead Corps, according to th [...] Custom, and as for the buria [...] [Page 59]they should order all things con­ [...]venient for to morrow. The [...]holy Fryer that had heard his con­fession, hearing he was departed this life, was at the Priors of the House, and made the Bell [...]ring to the Chapter, where the Fryers crowding in, he opened how that Mr. Cappelletto had been a holy and Godly man, ac­cording to what he had appre­hended out of his confession. And hoping that the Almighty would by his means shew many Miracles, perswaded them, to receive his body with great reve­rence and devotion. Which the Prior and the rest of the Fryers be [...]ieving agreed too, and at night went all thither, where the body of Mr. Cappelletto did [...]ly, where they made a great and [Page 60]a solemn Vigil, and the mo [...] ­ing after, all in their Surplice [...] and Robes, with Books in the hands, and a cross before them went for the Corps, and with [...] great Feast and solemnity, c [...] ­ried it to their Church, bein [...] followed almost by all the [...] ­tizens, as well Men as Wome [...] And after they had set it in th [...] midst of the Church, the ho [...] Fryer, that had been his Co [...] ­fessor, went to the Pulpit, an [...] began to preach marvello [...] things, about his Life, fasting about his Virginity, simplieit [...] innocency, and holiness. A mongst the rest, telling the [...] what Mr. Capelletto h [...] confessed before him to [...] his greatest sin, and that wi [...] Tears, and how he scarce [Page 61] [...]uid perswade him of it, that [...]od thould forgive him the same; [...]ok an occasion to reprove his [...]arers, saying, And you accursed [...]ople, for the least bit of a [...]aw under you feet, do blas­ [...]eme God, his Mother, and [...] the Court of Heaven. And [...] spoke many other things of [...] loyalty, faithfulness, purity, [...] so much, that with these [...]ords (unto which they [...]at were from the Country, gave [...]tire credit) he put into the [...]eads of the Auditors a great evotion for the dead man, and [...] [...]oon as the Office was finished, [...] of them with the greatest [...]rong in the world, went to [...]s his hands and feet, and [...]ut all the Cloath about him [...]inking themselves happy if [Page 62]they could have a little piece of it, and the Fryers thought it convenient, to let it stand openly all that day, for that he might be seen and visited by all. The next night after, he was laid into a Coffin of marble, and honoura­bly buried in a Chappel. The next morning after, as well as the rest following the people began to repair thither, and to set up lighted Candles before him, to adore him, and consequently to vow unto him, and to hang at his Grave waxen Images accor­ding to their promise. And so much did this fame of his Sanctity increase, and of peoples devotion at his grave, that there was al­most never a one, who being in adversity did vow to any o­ther Saint besides to him, and [Page 63] [...]ey call'd him S. Cappellet­ [...], affirming that God had [...]ewed many Miracles by his [...]eans, and sheweth every day [...] any that devoutly recommends [...]mself to this Saint. So lived [...]ddied Mr. Cappelletto, and be­ [...]me a Saint, as you have been [...]formed.

A Certain Prior and a great Re­former of Nunns, under the Cloak of Hypocrisy trieth all possible means to beguil and in­tice a Religious Nunn, but at length his Wickedness is made manifest.

THere was in the City of Pa­ris a Prior of of St. Mar­ [...] in the Fields, whose Life e­ [...]n unto the fiftieth year of his [...]ge, was so very austere, that [Page 64]the fame of his Sanctity, over­spread the whole Kingdom of France, in so much that there was neither Prince nor Princess, who did not entertain him with singular respect and Honour, when ever he came to visit them: Neither was there any Reforma­tion made in any Religion, Mo­nastery or Abby; but he had al­ways the chief hand in it, for he was commonly called the Father of true Religion, he was Elected Visiter of the great Abby of the Nunns, of Frontinaux the which did so extreamly dread them, that whensoever he came into any of their Monasteries all the Nunns did even tremble for fear, and to the end that they might induce him to mitigate some what of his Severities he imposed upon them, [Page 65] [...]hey did Treat and Entertain him [...]s nobly and splendidly as if he [...]ad been the King himself, which [...]umptuous Entertainment he at [...]rst did seem absolutely to refuse, [...]ut at last being come to the fif­ [...] fifth year of his Age, he be­ [...]an very well to relish the Regals [...]nd Magnifick Treatments, which [...]e had formerly despised, so that [...]e thinking that the publick good [...]f all Religious Order did depend [...]n his Person, he resolved to be [...]ore careful of his Health, than [...]eretofore he had been, so that [...]though according to the Di­ [...]ates of his Order, he was to ab­ [...]ain from all Flesh Meat, he fairly [...]nd freely gave himself a Dis­ [...]ensation, the which he never [...]ranted to any other Person, say­ [...]g that the whole burden of the [Page 66]Regular Order did rely upon him So that he feasted his Carkass [...] well, that from a lean Monk, h [...] in a little time became as fat as [...] Frier, and having changed h [...] manner of Livning, he soo [...] changed his manners, and bega [...] to look and fix his Eyes upon such Faces which his Conscienc [...] did not formerly permit him t [...] look upon, in so much that ca­sting his Eyes upon such Beau­ties which through Vails a [...] magnified and become more de­sirable, he began to lust after them, and in order thereunt [...] to satisfie his base lust, he con­trived and used the most craft [...] ways which lust and malice ca [...] suggest, and so disrobing himsel [...] of the nature of a true Pastour, h [...] putteth on the nature of a Rave­nous [Page 67]Wolf, in so much that in [...]any considerable Abbys if he [...]und any Nunn simplish, and [...] a pliant nature, he would not [...]il to invegle her, and catch [...]er by the Busk. But after that [...]e had long continued in this de­ [...]stable course of Life, Gods in­ [...]ite bounty Compassionating [...]ese poor wandring Sheep, did [...]t permit him to raign and glo­ [...] in wickedness, as shall appear [...] this following Narration. [...]nce as he was going to visit a [...]onvent hard by Paris called [...]if, it came to pass, that as he [...]as hearing all the Nunns in [...]onfession, he observed one a­ [...]ongst them, whose name was [...]ary Herauvet, whose Speech [...]as so sweet and so agreeable, [...]at he did not question but that [Page 68]her Face and Heart would corre [...] pond to it, wherefore by only ha­ving heard her, he was seize, with a violent lustful passion, f [...] ­exceeding any he had had to­wards the other Nunns, so that in speaking to her he stoope [...] himself very low to look o [...] her, and having perceived he Coral Lips, he could not contain himself from lifting up her Vai [...] that he might see whether he Eyes did answer proportionably the fair Symmetry of her Face and having found them so, he wa [...] presently possessed with such a su­rious Passion, that he could nei­ther eat nor drink, and his Coun­tenance was greatly altered, an [...] being returned to his Priory, [...] could find no rest, but passe. Night and Day restless and fu [...] [Page 69] [...]f eare how he might compass his desire, and deal with her as [...]e had done with many others, [...]he which he knew right well was a hard thing to effect, because [...]he was a Person of a singular Wisdom and acute Wit, and on [...]he other side knowing himself so difform'd and so old, he resolved with himself not to sollicit her to it, but rather to make her yield by fear, wherefore he soon after went again to the said Monaste­ry of Gif, at which time and place he shewed himself more se­vere than ever, being angry at all the Nunns, reproving this be­cause her Vail was not low enough, and chiding that be­cause she lifted her head up too high, and checking the other be­cause she did not make her cour­tesies [Page 70]as became a Religiou [...] Nunn, and in all these P [...]ncti­lioes, he did shew himself so sti [...] and severe, that all the Nunn [...] dreaded him as much as Chil­dren do their Bug-bears. And he who was troubled with the Gout, did toil so much in visi­ting all the places of the Mona­stery, that about the time of Evening Prayers (a time appoin­ted by him) he came to the Dormitory. The Abbess told him, Reverend Father, it is time to sing Evening Song, to whom he replied and said, goe Mo­ther, go to Church and sing it, for my part I am so weary, that I must stay here, not so much to rest my self as for to give a Check to Sister Mary Herovet, concern­ing whom I have heard a very ill [Page 71]fame, for I have been told that [...]he tattles and prattles like any [...]ain worldling. The Prioress who was Aunt to the said Nunns Mother, prayed him to check [...]ersmartly, and left her all alone with him, excepting a young Monk who was come with him, [...]s soon as he perceived himself all alone with Sister Mary, he be­ [...]g [...]n to lift up her Vail, and to command her she should look upon him, she did answer that according to the Rules of her Or­der she was prohibited casting her Eyes upon any Man. Well said Daughter, replied he, but you must not repute us Religious Persons as Men. Wherefore the said Sister Mary fearing to Sin against the vow of her Obedi­ence, did look him in the Face, [Page 72]but she perceived him so ugly and deform'd; that she thought she had undergone a greater Penance, than committed Sin, in looking him in the Face this Holy Father after that he had displayed the best Flowers of his Rhetorick in declaring his great respects and Cordial Affections towards her, he presently clapt his hand upon her Breast, but she according to her duty thrusted him back, and he being in a great fume Exclaim­ed against her saying, What? must a Religious Nunn know that she hath Teats, she forth­with replyed, Yea I know that I have them, and also that you, and such as you are ought not to lay hands on them, for I am not so young nor ignorant, but that I know right well what is a sin, [Page 73]and what is not; but he well perceiving that he could not win the place by such Stratagems, he resolved to turn over a new leaf, in telling her, Alas, dear Sister, I must needs declare to you my great extremity; and the case is this, I am troubled with a Di­stemper which all Physicians do judge incurable, unless I take some pastime with a Woman that I love very well; as for me I do not esteem my life so much but that I would rather chuse to dye than to commit a mortal sin, but if the business did proceed so far, it is well known that the simple sin of Fornication is no way to be parallell'd with the sin of Murder; wherefore if you love my life it is in your power to save it, and together to free [Page 74]your Conscience from an ex­treme Cruelty. But she, reply­ing, asked him what kind of Pa­stime he meant to take; he an­swered her, that she might very well repose her Conscience upon his, and that he would do no­thing that could any way turn to the prejudice of either of them, and to shew her a prelude of that pastime he required, he pre­sently embracing her, did endea­vour with all his strength to cast her upon the Bed; but she by this time perceiving his wicked intent, what by words and what by deeds did defend her self so well, that notwithstanding all his bustle and chafing he had power to touch nothing but her Cloaths. Now when he saw that all his endeavours and in­ventions [Page 75]were but in vain, as an enraged man, and one that had put off all sense of Conscience and of Natural Reason, clapt his hand under her Coats, and so f [...]r as he could touch, scratch­ed her so cruelly, that the poor N [...]n shrieking out fell down her full height on the ground in a swoon. Now the Abbess having heard her out-cry, forthwith en­tred the Dormitory where she was, and remembring that she had left her Neece all alone with that good Father, and smitten in her Conscience, did thrust the door which the young Monk held fast. Now this holy Prior hearing that the Abbess her self was at the door, caused it to be opened, and shewing her her Neece on the ground in a swoon, told her; Certainly, Madam, [Page 76]you are very much to blame that you never informed me of the dispositions of Sister Mary, for I being altogether ignorant of the weak disposition of her bo­dy, caused her to stand all the while I was checking of her, and so as you see she is fallen into a swoon. They did with Vine­gar, and other fit things, at last recover her out of her swoon, and found that by her fall she had got a hurt in her head. Now being come to her self, the Prior fearing lest she should declare to the Abbess, who was her Aunt, the Cause of her illness, told her secretly by her self, Daughter I forbid you upon pain of Disobe­dience and of eternal Damnati­on, from ever speaking or re­vealing any thing that I have [Page 77]done to you in this place; for you must know that the extreme affection I have towards you hath constrained me to it, but [...]eeing I perceive you are unwil­ [...]ing to grant your consent, I will never mention it any more but this time. I assure you that in case you be pleased to correspond with my love I shall cause you to be elected Abbess of one of the most famous Abbies of this King­dom. But she answered him, that she would rather chuse to dye in a stinking Dungeon, ra­ther than take any other Lover besides him who suffered death for her upon the Cross, with whom she would rather suffer all the indignities and torments which the World and the Devil could inflict on her, than with­out [Page 78]him enjoy all worldly plea­sure and treasure: And withall she desired him to forbear men­tioning such discourse any more, or else the would declare all to the Abbess; but if he did so, she promised she would be silent.

After this manner was this wicked Pastour, or rather rave­nous Woolf, defeated of his prey who notwithstanding that he might longer enjoy the sight of her whom he lusted after, he in an Hypocri [...]ical manner went to the Abbets and prayed her to command her Nanns to sing a Salve Regina, to the honour of that Virgin, on whom he relyed all his h [...]pes, which was done accordingly, but all the time of their singing this crafty Ruffian, shed abundance of tears, not out [Page 79]of any devotion towards the blessed Virgin Mary, but out of regreat and sorrow that he had conceived, in not having en­joyed his sweet Mary the Nun; as for the Religious Nuns, think­ing he did it for the Love he had for the blessed Virgin Mary, they had him in great Veneration and esteemed him as a very holy Person, but as for Sister Mary, who knew his abominable hypo­crisy, prayed to GOd in her heart that he would confound him who made so light of the Pearl of Chastity. So this execrable Hypocrite, went his way to his Pr [...]ry of Saint Martins, in which place the fire of his base Lust was not extinct, but rather kind­led every day more, and more and he left no stone unturned, [Page 80]that he might compass his wic­ked enterprize, and because he chiefly feared the Abbess who was a vertuous Lady; he con­trived a way how he might remove her from that Monastery, and for that purpose he went to­wards Madam of Vendosme, who then did live at a place called La [...]fere, where she had Erected and founded a Convent of Nuns, by the name of Mount Olivet, And he as he was the chief Refor­mer made her understand that the Abbess of the said Mount O­livet, was not sufficient to Go­vern so great a Congregation, upon which words, the good Lady prayed him to name her one who was more able and more worthy of that Office, but he who required nothing else, [Page 81]Counselled her to take, and make [...]hoice of the Abbess of Gif, she being the most vertuous and the [...]est able in all the Kingdom of France. Madam de Vendosme, [...]id forth with send for her, and [...]ommitted to her the Govern­ment of her Monastery of Mount Olivet. This Prior of St. Mar­ [...]ins, who could command the [...]otes of all the Convent of Gif, [...]aused her to be elected Abbess whom he liked best. Now af­ [...]er this Election, he again went [...]o the said Monastery to try once more, whether he by intreaty could gain the Love of Sister Mary Herovet, but seeing that [...]here was no hope, returned desperate to his priory of St. Mar­ [...]in, in which place, partly [...]o compass his end, and partly [Page 82]to revenge himself of her cruel­ty, and also least his filthiness should be detected, he c [...]used the Relicks of the said Convent to be stollen in the night, and char'd the Confessour of Gist, a very honest old man, as if he had stole them, and for that sent him to Prison, to S. Mar­tins; in the while he had kept him Prisoner, he did subourn two Witnesses which ignorant­ly subscribed to all the Dictates of the Prior of S. Martins which were these: That in a certain Garden they had seen the said Confessour with Sister Mary, in an obscene act, the which he en­deavoured to make the old Monk to confess: But he who knew right well all the mad pranks of his Prior, intreaded him he [Page 83]might have the liberty to plead his cause before a Congregation of all the Monks, and that in the presence of them all he would declare the long and the short of all he knew, but the Prior well knowing that the justificati­on of the said Confessour would prove his Condemnation would by no means condescend to his request; but finding him firm and stiff in his purpose, did use him so severely and barbariously in Prison, that some say he died there, others that he forced him to abandon his order, and to­transport himself out of the King­dom of France; however it be, he never was seen any more. When this Prior thought he had got such an advantage over Si­ster Mary he went to the Mo­nastery, [Page 84]where the Abbess be­ing at his beck, durst con­tradict him in no kind of thing, and then he began to exercise his Authority of Visitour, he there­fore caused all the Nunns to be brought before him one after an­other, that he might hear their depositions and confessions, but the turn of Sister Mary being come, who had lost her good Aunt, he began to tell her, Sister Mary, you know the crime whereof you are accused, and that your fair pretences, as i [...] you was a singular model o [...] Chastity, did avail you nothing, for it is evident enough, you are far from being that you would be reputed to be, but Sister Mary, with an undaunted courage answered him, let him that hath accused [Page 85]me be brought before me, and you shall see whither he shall dare to persist in his accusation, but he presenely replying, said: That there was no need of any more Testimonies, seeing the Con­fessour himself had already been convicted. Sister Mary answer­ed him: I do repute him to be so honest a man, that I think he would not wrong his Consci­ence, and the truth so far as to confess such a wickedness, and lye against me, but suppose the Case it was so, let him be brought before me, and I do un­dertake to prove the contraty to his Face. The Prior perceiving he could no way fright her, told her: I am your Father, and for this cause I desire to save, your reputation; wherefore I remit [Page 86]the whole business to your Con­science; but one thing I will ask you, and I conjure you upon pain of a mortal sin, to tell me ingeniously the truth, my questi­on is whither you was a Virgin, when you was brought hither at first, she answered him again Father, when I came hither first, I was but five years of age, that age is a sufficient Testimony of my Virginity.

Well said Daughter, said he, since that time have you not lost that pretious Jewel? She pro­tested she had not and that she ne­ver had any enticement but by him, but he said that he could not believe her, and that the bu­siness must be put to Tryal. What Tryal said she are you pleased to make of it? Even the same Try­all [Page 87]that I used upon others said [...]he, for I am not constituted a [...]isitour of the Souls only, but of the Bodies also, most of your Abbesses and Prioresses did fall in­to my hands, if you be a Virgin indeed, you need not be asham­ed of the Tryal of your Virgini­ty, the Tryal of the Pudding is by the cut, and therefore lay your self upon the Bed, and turn all your Cloaths over your Face, but Sister Mary full of pas­sion answered him, yov have en­tertained me with so many filthy talks concerning the foolish af­fection you had for me, that I have reason to believe you rather intend to snatch away the Flow­er of my Virginity than to try it; wherefore I will have you know that I will never consent to your [Page 88]Tryal, he then told her, that sh [...] was really excommunicated for refusing such obedience, which she was bound to yeeld accor­ding to the Rules of her Order, and that unless she would con­sent, he would disgrace her o­penly before the whole Congre­gation, and declare all the wick­ed filthiness which had been committed between her and the Confessor- but she with an un­daunted countenance answered him, He that tryeth the Reins and and the hearts of his Servants, will render me more honour be­fore him than you can take away from me before Men, wherefore seeing your wickedness is come s [...] far, I will rather chuse you should satiate your malice against me, than you should fulfill your wicked intent [Page 89]upon me. For I know full well that God is a just judge, and tha [...] he will avenge the cause of the op­pressed in his blessed time. He [...]t that very time caused the Bell to be rung in order to gather together all the Congregation of the Religious Nuns, and ci­ted her to appear before him, and Sister Mary being come, was commanded to kneel down be­fore him, to whom he in a won­derful rage and spight said. Si­ster Mary, you grieved me in my beart, that all the good admoniti­ons I have hitherto given you, pro­ved fruitless and to no purpose, so that against my Nature I am forced to impose a penance upon you, for having carefully exami­ned your Confessor about some crimes whereof he was lawfully [Page 90]accused, he hath plainly confes [...] before me that he had carnally a­bused your Person in the same place mentioned by the witnesses, who testified they saw the crime com­mitted there. Wherefore from that honourable degree wherein I had out of my good esteem consti­tuted you, from the overseer and Mristress of the Novices, I ordain that you shall be removed the last of them all, and moreover, that you shall be fed with Bread and Water on the bare ground before all the Nunns, untill that time your Crimes be expiated by true Repentance, your contrition may call for favour and mercy.

Now Sister Mary had been forewarned by one of the Nuns, who was her intimate Friend, and one who understood all the [Page 91]Intrigue, that in case she plead­ed for her self, and should cast out any word that should distaste the said Prior, that he would pre­sently cause her to be thrown in pace, that is to say, into a perpe­tual Dungeon, she therefore pa­tiently suffered this sentence, and lifting up her hands and eyes to Heaven, earnestly prayed to God the avenger of the innocent, be­seeching him that as he had been her safeguard, and had hitherto afforded her grace to resist all the allurements unto sin, so he would be pleased to arm her with a Christian patience in her great tribulation. Moreover this Wor­shipful Prior commanded, that she within the term of three years ensuing, should not be per­mitted to speak to any of her [Page 92]Parents or Kindred, if at any time they came to visit her, and that she should write no Letters but before the whole Congrega­tion of Nuns: So that after this wicked wretch had fulfilled his rage against this innocent Maid, he went his way, and never came more there. This poor Nun was left a very long time in the disgrace and distress above mentioned; but her Mother, who loved her even above all her other Children, seeing she heard no more of her, was in a great perplexity, and told one of her Sons, who was a wise and discreet Gentleman, that she be­lieved her Daughter was dead, and that the Nuns, to the end they might still receive her year­ly Pension, did conceal her death; [Page 93]and withall intreated and com­manded him to try all possible means whereby he might know what was become of his Sister, who forthwith repaired to the said Convent, and having que­stioned some of the Nuns con­cerning her, he was answered that his Sister was sick, and had kept her Bed three years, but he being a young man of an acute wit and quick parts, did not take their excuses for currant money, but swore presently, that if he did not see her, he would forthwith scale the Walls and force his passage through the Convent, at which words they were much affrighted, and in a peck of troubles, and therefore thought it their best way to bring her to the Grate, but the Abbess [Page 94]did accompany her, and stood so near that she could reveal no­thing of her mind to her Brother, but she being wise and discreet had well foreseen that, and there­fore had secretly committed to writing all the passages before mentioned, and a thousand other stratatagems which the said Pri­or had used on purpose to inveigle her, the which because they would be too long and too tedi­dious to rehearse, for brevity sake I will omit; but I must not forget mentioning that whilest her Aunt was yet Abbess, he thinking he had suffered a repulse because of his deformity, he caus­ed a young and beautiful Monk to intice this chast Nunn to wick­edness, hoping, that if by Love she should yield to that young [Page 95]Monk, he could afterwards win her by fear: This young Monk, entertained her with so vile dis­courses, and so obscene actions, in a Garden where he was with her, that I think my self obliged to spare chast Ears, seeing I can­not relate them without a blush, insomuch, that this honest poor Nun was forced to jump and run but of the Garden to the Abbess, who was then speaking with that Prior, and with a great out­cry, told her, Dear Mother, they that come to visit our Con­vent are Devils under Religious Monks Couls. But then the Prior fearing lest his Roguery should be discovered, began a [...]ew Tale, and smiling, told the Abbess, Certainly, dear Mother, Sister Marie's complaint is very [Page 96]just and reasonable, and taking Sister Mary by the hand, told her before the Abbess: I have long ago been informed that Si­ster Maries Clapper was hung exceedingly well, and that she had her neat speech so much at command, that she was reputed [...]ain and worldly; wherefore, for that very reason, I forced my self against my natural inclinati­on to entertain her with such vain discourses, wherewith worldlings are wont to intice their Peramours (which discour­ses I have read in Books, for by experience I am as igno­rant of them, as I was in my Cradle,) and thinking that my old age together with my defor­mity did extort from her those vertuous expressions of hers, I [Page 97]did command my young Monk; he should entertain her with the same idle and vain discourses; the which notwithstanding she hath as you see, vigorously withstood, and therefore reputing her a ve­ry vertuous and discreet person, it is my will and desire, that henceforth she may enjoy the first place of Honour after you, and be constituted Mistress over all the younger Nuns; to the end, that by this encouragment her vertuous disposition may increase more and more, until it grow­eth to a perfect habit of Vertue. This act and many other pranks, did that reverend Ghostly Father play, during the space of three [...]ears in which he lusted after his chast Virgin, the which (as [...]s mentioned before) gave her [Page 98]Brother through the Grate, the whole content of this doleful Narration, but her Brother ha­ving delivered it to her Mother, she being almost distracted, and almost desperate, came to Paris, and went presently to the Queen of Navar, the Kings only Sister, to whom she shewed this Tragi­cal Narrative, and told her, Ma­dam, repose no more your Trust upon such vile Hypocrites, I did believe I had plac'd my Daugh­ter in the way to Heaven, but now I think I had brought her to the pit of Hell, in the hands of them that are worse than the worst of Devils that can be there, for the Devils can do no more than to tempt and intice us into sin, but these will draw us by force, if peradventure they by [Page 99]allurements cannot Captivate [...]ur affections. The Queen of Navarre was exceedingly trou­bled, for she reposed her whole trust upon that Prior of Saint Martins, to whom she had com­mitted the whole charge and o­versight of the Abbesses of Mon­ [...]ivillier and of Caules, who were [...]isters in Law. On the other [...]de she detested the vileness of [...]he fact with such aversion, that [...]he undertook to vindicate the [...]nnocency of that poor distres­ed Maid, and upon that account [...]eclared the whole business to [...]he Kings Chancellour (who was [...]t that time Legate in France) who sent for the said Prior, who [...]eing come could plead nothing [...]or himself, but that he was [...]hreescore and ten years of age, [Page 100]and addressing himself to the Queen of Navarre, he earnest­ly intreated by all the Love she e­ver had for him, and for a recom­pence of all his former services to her, she would be pleased to stop all the proceedings in Law against him, and that he was ready to confess openly that Si­ster Mary Herovet was a pearl of honour, and a singular pattern of Heroick Chastity. The Queen having heard him, was so ama­zed that it was not in her Power to speak a word with him, but went her way and left him, but the wicked wretch confounded and covered with shame withdrew himself to his Monastery, where he would be seen of no body, and survived this shame but one year after.

A Fryer fraudulently marrieth another Fryer, his Compani­on, to a pretty Young Gentle­woman, and a while after they were both punished.

A French Gentlewoman was once at Padua, in Italy, [...] whom was reported, that in [...]he Bishops, or Chapter-Goal, [...]as a Fryer imprisoned; and [...]quiring after the reason (for she [...]e that every body talk'd of it, [...]r jests and laughings sake) was [...]ld that this Fryer being an el­ [...]erly man, was a Confessour to very honest Gentlewoman, and [...]ous. She was a Widow, and [...]d but one Daughter, whom [...]e loved so well, that no pains [...]ere so hard, but she did take [Page 102]them, for that she might give her a Portion, and get her a good honest Husband: She see­ing her Daughter to grow up in years and body, was always de­sirous to get her a Husband, who might live with them both, in peace, and quietness, that is, that he might be a man of a good Conscience, as she deemed her self to be. And because she heard some sottish Preacher saying: That it was a great deal better to do bad by the advice of the Do­ctours, than good against the inspiration of the holy Ghost, she addresses her self to her Father Confessour, a man very ancient, and a Doctor in Divinity, for his Life and Conversation esteem­ed by all the people of the City, assuring her self, that by his ad­vice [Page 103]and fervent prayers, she [...]uld not fail of obtaining a re­ble for her, and her Daughter. [...]nd when she very much pressed [...]pon him, desiring him to choose [...]ch a Husband for her Daugh­ [...]r, as was known to love God [...]ove all, and to support his [...]onour and good Name, with [...]ertuous actions; he answered [...]er; that for the first he will be­ [...]ke himself to implore the [...]race and assistance of the Holy [...]irit, by prayers and fastings. [...]nd after the Lord would give [...] to his prayers, he hoped to [...]nd that out which she desired. [...]fter this the Fryer repaired to place for to contrive the mat­ [...]r. And because he had heard [...]f the Dame, that she had five [...]undred Ducats in a lump ready [Page 104]to be given to her Daughter Husband, and that she would take upon her self the Charge of their Victuals, of the furni­ture of the House of all house­hold stuff, and of paying Cu­stoms, he bethought himself; how that he had a young fellow-Fryer, of a handsom shape, and loving looks, and concluded to give unto him the pretty Maid, the House, Goods, he being sure of Victuals, and other ne­cessaries, and to take the five hundred Ducats to himself, for to comfort and quench a little ar­dent Covetousness. And after he had spoke to his Companion, and found they were both of a mind, he returned to the Gentle­woman, and said: I believe without any doubt that God hath [Page 105]sent to me his Angel Raphael, as [...] did to Tobias, for that I might [...]nd as accomplished Husband for [...]ur Daughter: For I'll assure you [...]hat I have on my side, the honest­ [...] young Gentleman that ever [...]as in Italy, who hath several [...]m [...]s seen your Daughter, and is [...] highly taken with her, that to [...] when I was in prayers, God [...]nt him to me, and he declared [...] me that desire he had of being [...]arried with your Daughter: I [...]ow his Family, and his Parents [...]nd Relations, as likewise that he [...] of a notable good life, I have [...]omised him to speak to you. 'Tis [...]ue he hath one inconveniency, [...]hich only I know of him; which [...]. That he willingly to rescue one [...] his Friends, whom another [...]ould have run throw, drew his [Page 106]Sword, intending to part them but fortune ordered it so that he kill'd the other: Therefore he lest he might be taken and impri­soned escap'd from thence, being he was present at his being killed and by the advise of his Friends, and near Relations, he is retire [...] into this City, in a dress of [...] Schollar, where he keeps himself incognito, untill his Friends have compounded the matter, which he hopes will be shortly done, be­cause of this, it will be most conveni­ent the Marriage should be done privately, and that you should be contented, that at day times he may go to the publick Lectures, and as for night he will Sup and lie every night at your House.

Presently the good Woman answered him thus; Sir, I find [Page 107]a great advantage in what you [...] me, for at least I shall have [...]t near me which I desire above [...] things in the world. Which [...]e Fryer did, and conducted him [...] her in good order, in a brave [...]it of Crimson Sattin, wherein [...] appeared very gallant; after [...]ey were come she made some [...]ort Complements. A minute as scarcely over, but the anci­ [...]t Fryer began to say the Mass, [...]d that being done, he Married [...]em; the young Couple went [...] Bed together, and lay till the [...]ry break of day, when the [...]usband said to his Wise, that [...]r fear of being known, he must [...]e forced to go into the College. [...]aving taken his Crimson Suite, [...]d his long Gown, not forget­ing his black Cap, came to take [Page 108]his leave of his Wife, who w [...] yet in her Bed, assuring her th [...] he would come every night [...] sup with her, but as for Di [...] ­ners she should not stay for him so he departed leaving his Wif [...] who esteemed her self the happ [...] est Woman in the world, becau [...] she had lighted on such a Hus­band. The young married Fry­er returned to his old Father, t [...] whom he brought the five hu [...] ­dred Ducats, there where the had met together at the first when they were agreeing up [...] the terms of the marriage, an [...] in the Evening did not fail t [...] come to sup with her wh [...] thought him to be her husband and he could insinuate himse [...] so well in her and in his Mothe [...] kindness, that they would n [...] [Page 109] [...]ve given him for the best [...]ince in the world. This life [...]ntinued for a while; but being [...] goodness of God taketh pity [...] them that are trapanned be­ [...]use of their credulity, it hap­ [...]d that one morning both Mo­ [...]er and Daughter took a great [...]sire to go to Mass at Saint Pran­ [...], and to visit their Father [...]onfessor, by the means of whom [...]ey thought themselvs extreme, [...] well provided, one of a beau­ [...]ul Son, the other of a loving [...]usband. And by chance not [...]ding their Confessor, nor any [...]dy else of their acquaintance, [...]ere resolved to hear high Mass, [...]hich was just beginning, to see [...] in the mean time he might not [...]ome: And amidst that the [...]ung Dame, very earnestly at­tended [Page 110]the Service, and ove [...] weighed the mystery of it, th [...] Priest turning about to say [...] Dominus Vobiscum, she was qui [...] surprized and astonished, [...] it seemed unto her that it was [...] ­ther her Husband or one ve [...] like him; but for all this [...] would not make a great bustle but stayd till he should turn abo [...] once more, and then she too a fuller view of him, and d [...] not doubt but that it was he Therefore she draws her Moth [...] to her, that was in a deep co [...] ­templation, and says: Alas, M [...] ­dam, what is that I see? Th [...] Mother asked her, what it wa [...] It is my Husband, quoth sh [...] that says the Mass, or a perso [...] that is the likest to him above [...] ­ny man in the World.

The Mother that had not ta­ [...]en great notice of him, said, beseech you, good Daughter, [...]t not such an opinion take place [...] your head. For it is a thing together impossible, that they [...]ho are Men, so holy should [...]mmit so great a trumpery. You'l [...]n greatly against God by giving [...]edit to such an opinion as this. [...]owever, she resolved to observe [...] features and when he came to [...]y Ita missa est, she verily did see, [...]at never two Brethren of one [...]d the same Mother could be li­ [...] yet she was so simple still, that [...] freely said, God forbid I should [...]eve what I see; but being ve­ [...] much touched with the love [...] her Daughter, would not let [...]e business be unknown, there­fore she resolved to find out the [Page 112]truth. Evening being com [...] when the Husband was to return who had no way perceived them the Mother said to her Daughte [...]. If you will we shall know th [...] truth about your Husband pre­sently; for when he shall be [...] Bed, I'll come to the Chambe [...] and stand behind him very easily without making him to hear i [...] you in the mean time shall tak [...] off his Night-Cap, and so w [...] shall see if he hath such a shave [...] Crown as he had that said th [...] Mass: And as she said, so the [...] did: For as soon as the rogui [...] Husband went to bed, the ol [...] Gentlewoman came in, an [...] took hold of both his hands her Daughter in the mean tim [...] pulling off his Cap, discovere [...] his pretty shaven pate. At whic [...] [Page 113] [...]he Mother and Daughter being extremely astonished, insomuch [...]hat they were not able to ex­press it, immediately called their Servants, making them to take [...]nd bind him till morning, not [...]egarding his excuses and fair words. The day being come, [...]he Gentlewoman sent for her Father Confessor, feigning as if [...]he had to impart to him some secret matters of great impor­ [...]ance. The Father came pre­sently, whom she made to be [...]aken as well as the young one, [...]eproaching him for cozening [...]er so basely. And after this, [...]he sent for some Justices, into [...]he hands of whom she deliver­ed them both, being of that o­pinion, that if they had any Con­science, they would not let them [Page 114]escape unpunished. And accord­ing to their deserts the young est was condem'd to a perpetua [...] Prison, and the Eldest suspend­ed of his Office.

A Dean of Fiesola, is in Love wit [...] an handsom Widdow, and is no [...] beloved of her, and believing himself to lye with her, lyet [...] with one of her Servant-Maid [...] and the Bretheren make him [...] be cacht by the Bishop.

A At Fiesola neere Florence next to the Cathedral, li­ved a Gentlewoman that was [...] Widdow, called Madam Picca [...] ­da, in a pretty House, but no [...] very large, she was a Gentle woman very active, and stay [...] [Page 115] [...]here the greatest part of the year, and with her two young Gentlemen her Brothers, very Gallant and Courteous. It hap­ped, that the Gentlewoman fre­quenting the Cathedral Church, [...]nd being yet very young, [...]eautiful and pleasant, was e­ [...]pyed by the Dean, who imme­ [...]iately fell in love with her, in [...]o much that she was alwayes be­fore his Eyes. Afterwards, he was at a time in such a burning [...]ire, that he himself discovered [...]nd opened his desires to her, be­ [...]eeching her that she would be [...]ontent of his good inclinations. [...]nd love him as well as he did [...]er. This Dean was old in years, [...]ut very young in wit and un­derstanding, graceless and high-spirited, he presumed very much [Page 116]of himself, with his ways an [...] customes, full of dislike and ted [...] ­ousness, and so importunate a [...] brutish he was, that there wa [...] not one Person that wish'd hi [...] well, and if there was any tha [...] wished him well, this Gentle­woman was such, that she no [...] only meant him not one jo [...] o [...] good will, but also hated him above the very head ake. There­fore She being a wise Gennlewo­man, answered him thus. Sir be­cause you do love me, I do tak [...] it very kindly, and am bound to love you also, and frankly profess I do like you, provided that no dishonesty may pass be­twixt us. You are my Ghostly Father, and a Priest, and ar [...] drawing very near to old age▪ wherefore you ought to follow [Page 117]things honest and chast; and [...]n the other side, I am not a Childe, and therefore these harms of love do not very well [...]gree with my condition, I be­ [...]ng a Widdow, as you know, [...]ther are you ignorant what [...]onesty is required in a Wid­ [...]ow, therefore I desire you t [...] [...]xcuse me, for at that rate as you [...]esire me to love you, I will [...]ever doe it, neither doe I de­sire to be loved by you. The [...]ean not being able at that time [...] draw any thing more besides [...]hat out of her, did not shew himself as a forlorne man, or cast [...]t the first Tryal, but set in acti­ [...]n his usual pretence, Sollici­ing her both by Letters and Messengers, and moreover did [...]he same when he see her com­ming [Page 118]into the Church. These Darts seeming to the Gentle woman very hard, and ted [...] ous to the be endured, she thought to free her self from them by such means as the D [...]an deserved (since she could not do otherwise.) But she would put nothing to work, before she had spoke of it to her Brothers, and to to tell them as well what the Dean did about her, as what she had determined to do. And ha­ving obtained from them a full Licence of the same, after few days she went to the Church ac­cording to her custom. WHich the Dean seeing, presently did go towards her, and as he had been used, after the manner of a neer Friend or relation, did en­ter with her into some talk. The [Page 119]Gentlewoman seeing him com [...]ing, and looking at him, shew'd him a very pleasant counte­ [...]ance, and having retired to a place, after the Dean had spoke [...]o her a great many things ac­cording to his fashion, the Gen­tlewoman, having made a great sigh, said; Master Dean, I have very often heard there is no Castle so strong, which being besieged and stoutly affualted should not sometimes be taken, which I see accomplished in my self, for now by your sweet words, then with your pleasant Countenance, sometimes with one change, sometimes with a­nother, you have so environ'd me, that you made me to break [...]y former resolution, so that I am at this present disposed [Page 120]to be yours according to your own will and pleasure. The Dean lifted up with joy beyond his seare, said, madam I rende [...] hearty thanks to you, but whe [...] and where can we be together To which the Gentlewoman re­plyed; my sweet Sir, it may be when you have a mind to, and what hour you will be pleas'd to appoint, for I having no Hus­band, I have no occasion to give an account of my night­ly seasons, but I cannot best think where it may be done. The Dean said, how now, why may it not be in your House? The Gentlewoman answered, Sir, you know, that I have two young Brothers, which both day and night come to my House with their Comrades, [Page 121]moreover my House is but ve­ry little, and therefore I do not [...]now how you may be there, [...]nless you will be there as one [...]hat's dumb, without moving or [...]irring, and be in the dark af­ [...]er the fashion of blind Men, if [...]ou will do that you may. For [...] cannot place you in my Cham­ [...]er, but they (their Cham­ [...]er being next to mine) may [...]ear the least word we speak, [...]r stirring we make. The Dean presently answered, Ma­ [...]am, notwithstanding all this [...]et us not leave the sport for a [...]ight or two, until I may be­ [...]hink my self, where and in what part we may be with a greater Liberty. The Gentlewo­man answered, this I leave to you, but I beg one thing at your [Page 122]hands, that all this may be secret, and that no body should know what we speak together. The Dean answered again, Madam do not doubt of that, and if it be possible agree, that we may be together this same Evening. The Gentlewoman said; I am satisfied, and she gave him or­ders, when and in what man­ner he should come; so she depar­ted from him and went home. This Gentlewoman had one of her servants which was not ve­young already, and had a very ugly look with her, and so dis­figured as any Woman in the World; for she had a Nose as an Eagle and a wrye mouth, broad Lips, the Teeth quite out of order, and as well big, as black, and her Breath stunk most a­bominably, [Page 123]moreover her Eyes were always dropping, and her [...]ace was all yellow and green, and above all this she was crook­ed, and somewhat lame on her right side, and her Name was Porca. And as well as she was disfigured as to her Person, so she was somewhat maliceful, whom the Gentlewoman call'd to her self and said, heark you Porca. if you will do me one Service to night, I'le give thee a brave new Smock, Porca hear­ing mention made of the Smock, answered, Madam if you give me a Smock, I will throw my self into the fire, besides any thing else you will be pleas'd to command me. Well, saith the Gentlewoman, I will have you to lye this night with a man in [Page 124]my own Bed, and I desire you to coaks him up, but take heed least you make any stir for fear you should be heard by my Bretheren, for you know they lye next to my room, and then I will give you the Smock. The Porca answered, What matter is it if I lye with six, not only with one. The Evening being come, Master Dean came according as he had been appointed, and the two young Gentlemen accord­ing to what they agreed to, were in their own Chamber, and made a noyse, for that they might be heard. Wherefore the Dean very easily in the dark en­tred the Gentlewomans Cham­ber, and as she had told him went to Bed, and on the other side laid Madam Porca, who was well [Page 125]informed by her Mistris how to act her Part. Mr. Dean be­lieving he had the Gentlewo­man at his side, kindly embra­ced Madam Porca. This the Gentlewoman having perform­ed, she charged her Brothers, to do the Remnant of this Comedy. Who going very quietly out of their Chamber, went towards the Market, and fortune, in what they had under hands favoured them above their Desires, for it being very hot Weather, the Bishop had asked for them two young Gentlemen, that so he might go to their House, and drink with them. But he seeing them come, having obtained his desire, went directly with them, and entred into a cold Vault of theirs, where there was a great [Page 126]many Candles burning, and there he drunk a Glass of their good Wine, with very great fa­tisfaction. After he had drunk it, the young Gentlemen said, My Lord, since you have been pleased to shew us this kindness, as to dignifie us with your Pre­sence in this our small Cottage, into which we was coming to in­vite you. We desire you, that it may please you, to go to a little Chamber of ours. which we are ambitious to shew you. The Bishop answered, he would willingly consent to it. Present­ly one of the young Gentlemen, taking a lighted Torch into his Hand, and going before him, the Bishop and all the rest following him, did directly go towards the Chamber, where Master Dean [Page 127]did lie with Madam Porca. So the young Gentleman entred in­to the Chamber, the Bishop after him, and after the Bishop all the Train; to whom Master Dean with Madam Porca in his Arms was exhibited. Master Dean be­ing discovered in that nature, and seeing the Candle and all the People about him, being extream­ly ashamed, and not less afraid, did put his Head under the Sheets. To whom the Bishop spoke extream angrily, calling him a Villain and a Rogue, and made him to put out his Head from under the Sheets, for that he might see who he lay withal. The Dean seeing himself to be cozen­ed by the Gentlewoman; either for that, or else for shame of be­ing chidden (as he thought it [Page 128]would happen) suddenly grew as sad as can be imagined; and ha­ving put his Cloaths on, by the Commandment of the Bishop, was sent to Prison, for to suffer there a Punishment answerable to his deserts. Afterwards the Bishop defired to know, how this business came about, that he went to lye with Madam Porca. The young Gentlemen told him all the circumstances of the Matter. Which the Bishop having heard, praised much the Gentlewoman, and the Gentlemen also, that without being desirous to defile their Hands in the Blood of the Fryer, had treated him accord­ing to what he deserved.

Fryer Rinaldo, lyeth with his Gos­sip, whom her Husband finds together in the Chamber, they making him believe, that the Fryer had Conjured some Worms out of their Childs Belley.

AT Siena, there was a young Gentleman, very gallant, and of a good Family, whose Name was Rinaldo, that fell in Love with a Neighbour of his, a Gentlewoman of a great Beauty, and a Wife to a very rich Man; Who hoping to find out a way, to speak to her without any Sus­pition; and thereby to obtain his desire, did not see any other, besides that he might come to be her Gossip, the Gentlewoman being at that time big with Child, so he made himself ac­quainted [Page 130]with her Husband after the best manner he could, and in a very honest way he told him his Ambition, and the business was doue. Now Rinaldo being Gossip of Madam Agnetta, and having under this colour got a very good occasion of talking with her, resolved to make her know his Intention by words, which she a long time ago had perceived out of the motion of his Eyes. But he effected very little, though it was not unpleasant to the Gentlewoman to hear him thus talking. Not long af­ter it happened that Rinaldo (whatsoever the occasion was) became a Fryer. And it fell out, that he for some time put his love a side, which he bore to his Gossip, as likewise some other of his Vanities; but in process of [Page 131]time, reassumed that same Habit which he never had put off be­fore, and began to delight in out­ward Apparel, and to make him­self Suits of the best Cloath, and to be gallant and handsome in all his things, and to make Songs, Ballads and Sonnets, and to sing the same, with other things of the like nature, which he was full of. So that at last, his former Ape­tites being come again to him, he began oftentimes to visit his Gos­sip, and his boldness very much increasing above the first, he also began to Sollicit her for that which he was desirous to obtain from her. The good Gentlewo­man being so much and so often Sollicited, and Fryer Rinaldo ap­pearing a great deal handso­mer than before, was, above the rest, one day so much saluted by [Page 132]that it came to pass, she be came willing to do all those things which he demanded of her, and said; How now Father Rinaldo, does the Eryers do also such things. To which he Repli­ed, Madam, as soon as ever I pull this Cap down my Back, which I can do very easily, I l'evappear before you a Man as well as the rest, and no Fryer. The Gentlewoman began to Smile, and said; O sadness! You are my Gossip, how can you do this? You'l Commit a great Wick­edness by it, and I have heard it is a great Sin, and indeed if that would not be, I would do whatsoe­ver you should desire. Whereun­to Fryer Rinaldn answered; You are a Sot, if you leave it because of that. I do not say it is no Sin, but God forgives greater than this to them that Repent. But tell me [Page 133]which of us is more a Father to your Son. I that held him at the Bap­ [...]sm, for your. Husband, that be­got him: The Gentlewoman an­swered of My Husband is more a Father to him. You say well, quoth the Fryer, and doth not your Hus­ [...]and lie with you. Sare enough, [...]nsmers the Gentleivoman. Then the Fryer saith again, And I that [...]m the lesser Father of your Son, which your Husband is not, I may [...] with you as well as he. The Gentlewoman that understood no Logick, and had but small Dif­ficulties against it, she either be­lieved or seemed to believe that the Fryer spoke truth, and answe­red; Who is able to give an auswer to your wise discourse? And after that, notwithstanding their Gos­sipship, she gave him leave to do what he pleased. Neither was it [Page 134]done at the first time, but under a cover of Gossipping having a better opportunity, the Suspicion being less, they very often me [...] together. Amongst the next it hapned once that Fryer Rinald [...] being come to the Gentlewo­mans House, and seeing no bo­dy there, besides a Maid of hers very Pretty and Complaisant, he sent his Companion with the Maid above Stairs, he going with the Gentlewoman that had her Child in her Arms, into a Cham­ber, and having lock't themselves up thus within, set down upon a Bed standing there, and began to talk one with another. They sitting there in that manner, it fell out the Gossip came home, and without being perceived or hear­ed by any, goeth to the Cham­ber Door, and knocking at it, [Page 135]calls his Wife, Madam Agnetta ( [...]or that was the Name of the Gentlewoman) hearing this, said; Now I am gon, for here is my Husband, now he shall see what the reason is of this our Famili­ar Housing. Fryer Rinaldo was all undressed, without his Coul and Scapular, only in his wast­cote, who hearing this, said; you say well, if I were drest we might find out some way or other to clear the matter, but if you should open to him now, and he find me thus, we shall have no excuse for it. The Gentlewo­man, being supported by a sud­den Invention, said; Dress your self quickly, and after that, take the Child upon your Arms, and take good heed of what I will say to him, that so your words may a­gree with mine, and then leadve the [Page 136]business to me. The good Ma [...] had scarcely left of to knock, but the Woman answered; I am [...] comming, and having risen, with a good Countenance, runs to the Chamber Door, and having ope­ned the same, said; Dear Husband I do tell you how our Gossip Rinaldo is come hither, and I think Go [...] sent him hither, for surely if he had not come hither, we had lost our dear Child this very same day.

When this Jack Adams had heard all this, he all amazed, said, and why so pray? O Hus­band, answers the Woman, a sudden fit did fall upon him so extremely, that I thought he would have dyed; not know­ing either what to say or do, in the mean time comes Father Ri­naldo, our Gossip, and having taken him about the neck, said, [Page 137]Gossip it is Worms he is troubled with all, which coming near the heart, make him so weak and ill [...]uposed, but be not afraid, for I will conjure them, and make them all to dye, and before I depart from hence you'll see the Child as well as ever you saw him in your life; and because we were to say some certain Prayers, and our Servant could not find you, I made his Com­panion to say them in our Garret, and I with him went in here, and because no body but the Childs Mother was to be pre­sent, for fear others should spoil the business, we lockt our selves in, and as yet he hath the Child in his arms, and I believe he stays for nothing else but that his Companion should finish his Prayers, and so the business [Page 138]should be at an end, for the Child is quite recovered again. The good Tom Toast believed all this, the love of the Child constrain­ing him so, that he did not per­ceive his Wifes deceitful tricks, but having made a great sigh, said I will go and see. The Gentle­woman answered; Do not go, for may be you will spoil what's done; stay here, I'll go and see if you can come there, and I'll call you. Fryer Rinaldo, that had heard all the matter, and had drest himself, and was in good posture, having re-taken the Boy into his arms, and set all things in order, calls; O Gos­sip, do not I hear our Gossip talk­ing there? The Simpleton an­swers, I Sir, I. Presently Father Rinaldo said, Come in Sir. So the Husband enters; to whom [Page 139] Rinaldo thus said, Take here your Son, by the grace and mercy of God, fresh and sound; for a lit­tle ago I thought you should not have seen him alive till Evening, and caus'd to be made a Statue of Wax about his bigness, for the honour of God, and set it by the Image of S. Ambrosius, for the merits of whom God hath shew­ed you that mercy. The Infant seeing his Father, ran towards him, and played merrily about him, as little Infants commonly [...]se to do. Who taking him into his arms, cryed no less than [...]s if he had newly drawn him out of the Grave, began to em­brace and kiss him, and to ren­der many thanks to his Gossip who had cured him. The Com­ [...]ade of Fryar Rinaldo, who in [...]he mean time had taught the [Page 140]young Maid more than four Pa­ter-nosters, and given her a white Purse of Net-work, which a Nun had given him, and by this same made her to be devoted to him, hearing this good Coxcomb talking in the Gentlewomans Chamber, came down very easi­ly to a Corner, where he could see and hear what they were do­ing there; and seeing the mat­ter to stand at very good terms, came quickly in, and entring in­to the Chamber said Father Ri­naldo, the four Prayers you laid upon me I have said them all. To whom Fryer Rinaldo answer­ed, Brother, you have a very good wind, and have done it well. As for me, when my Gos­sip was come, I had not said a­bove two. But it hath pleased God as well for thine as my pains [Page 141] [...]o grant that mercy, as to restore [...]he Child to his former health. The good Simpleton made good Wines and Comseits to be brought, and shewed a deal of respect to his Gossip and to his Comrade, who had more need of them things than the other. Afterwards they departed, and commended him to the protecti­on of God, who without any de­ [...]y made an Image of Wax, and sent it to the Church, for that it might be hung up by the Picture of Saint Ambrosius, but not of him of Milan.

A Boat-Woman wittily escapeth from the hands of two Monks which went about to ravish her and how their wickedness came to be known to all.

IN port of Coullon, near the City of Nyort, in France, [Page 142]there was a Boat-woman, wh [...] by day, and sometimes by Nigh [...] used to carry folks over the Ri­ver. Now it came to pass, that two Monks of the said City of Nyort, did pass the River, all a­lone, but she and them; and be­cause the passage is one of the longest that be in France, that they might take off the tedious­ness of the way, they began to Court her, to whom she returned such an honest answer as her Duty and good Conscience required; but they neither tired with their d [...]y, travelling, nor cooled by the coldness of the Water, and be­ing also ashamed of the repulse the woman had given them, re­solved both to get her by force, and in case she repined, to throw her over board into the River: But she being as wise and witty, [Page 143]as they were foolish and wicked, told them. Sirs, before we pro­ceed farther, I intreat you to grant me two things, and then you shall perceive that I have a greater desire to grant your de­sire than you have to crave it, the Fryers swore by their good Saint Francis, that if she would answer their request, there was nothing that they were not rea­dy to grant. First and formost, said she, I require that you pro­mise and swear that you shall reveal the matter to no man living, and that they very wil­lingly granted; my other request (said she) is, that when we en­joy our amorous imbraces, there may be but one of you with me, for I should be too much ashamed if both of you saw me together in the act; agree therefore betwix [...] [Page 144]your selves, which of you must enjoy me the first, they both thought this also very reasonable and just, and therefore the youngest being very mannerly gave the right of precedency to to his Elder, whereupon she be taking her self to her Oars, made towards a little Island, where being come, she landed the youngest there, and told him, say your prayers, here untill I carry your Companion yonder, into that little Island over against us, and in case I have well plea­sed him, when we come back you and I will Solace our selves in the same place he therefore was contented to tarry there, expecting the return of his fel­low Fryer, wh [...]m the Ferry wo­man carried to the other little Island; and when they were come [Page 145]to Land the Ferry Woman making [...]s if she had been tying her Boat, Dear Sir, go first to Land and said [...]o [...]k for a commodious place, where we may seal our mutual affections. This reverend Ghostly Father jumpt merrily out, that he might sacrifice to his Goddess Venus, but as soon as she saw him landed, she with her foot kickt against a Tree, an so in her Boat made twards the River, leaving these two holy Fathers in the two Islands to cool their heels, to whom also she with as loud a voice as she could cried out, Gentlemen pray tarry there till some Angel come down to comfort you, but from me you are not like to receive any more solace. Now these two wretch­es perceiving themselves to be so basely gulled, fell on their knees [Page 146]upon the water side earnestly be seeching her, that she woul [...] take them again, and carry then to the other side of the River they would trouble her no mor [...] with their requests; but she row­ed away, telling them that the scalded Cat dreadeth the cold Water; and she being come to her Town, informed her Hus­band of all their mad pranks who having made his compalints to the Magistrate, who sent his Offi­cers to the pursuit of these two greedy Wolves, out of whose ra­venous jaws this harmless sheep was by the great goodness of the Almighty, happily escaped. The Officers went away exceeding well acompanied, which these Ruffians seeing, hid themselves each of them in his own I­sland, even as Adam did, when [Page 147]he heard the voice of God his ma­ [...]er. So that for shame of being [...]uilty of so foul an act, but chief­ [...] for fear of condigne punish­ [...]ent, they were above half [...]ead, but notwithstanding they [...]ere taken and let to prison, the [...]eople all the way deriding and [...]ssing at them: Men said, these [...]ypocrites make Conscience of [...]uching Silver or Gold Coin, [...]ut they make no scruple of fin­ [...]ering our Wives middle pieces, [...]thers said, they are painted [...]epulchers without, but with­ [...] are full of rottenness and pu­ [...]efaction; and another cryed [...]ut, by their fruits one may know [...]hem: In short all the places of [...]he holy Scripture, commonly [...]uoted against dissembling Hy­ [...]ocrites were applied to these [...]iserable Prisoners, the which [Page 148]by the procurement and intre [...]t of their Prior were delivered out of prison, for he coming to the Magistrate in great haste, did assure him upon his Parole that he would severely punish them ac­cording to the enormity of their Crime, and also that he might give some satisfaction to the wronged party, he protested that he and his Fryers would say as many prayers and dirges as should be imposed upon them. Wherefore the Judge granted his request and granted the Priso­ners should be delivered to him, and indeed the Prior being a ma [...] of some honesty chect and pun­isht them so severely, that from that time forth thay never durs [...] cross the River before they had blessed themselves with the Sig [...] of the Cross, and commende [...] themselves to God.

A Fryer falls into a Sin deserving great punishment, and wittily intangling his Abbot into the same Fault, was asquitted.

AT Lunigiana, near Florence, there was a Monastery of Fryers, amongst whom was a young Monk, whose Vigour and Courage neither Fasting could appease, nor Vigils extinguish. This young Fryer once in the midst of the day, when the rest were all asleep, had a mind to take a walk by himself to his Church, which stood in a place very solitary. Going thither, by chance he espied a very fair young Maid (perhaps a Daughter to one of the Labourers in that place) going up and down the [Page 150]Fields, gathering some certai [...] Flowers. At the very first sigh [...] of her he was presently assaulte [...] by the Concupiscence of the flesh and therefore approaching near­er to her, he entred into discourse with her; and falling out of on [...] matter into another, he at las [...] agreed with her, and without be­ing perceived by any, carried he into his own Cell. In the mea [...] time, being transported with ex­ceeding joy, he did not use tha [...] quietness which such matters re­quire. The Abbot being wake­ned by his noise, and going softly to the Cell, perceived by hearing them discourse that there was some body with him; and tha [...] that he might the better hea [...] what they said, he approached very quietly to the Door to [Page 151]hearken, where he plainly per­ceived a Woman to be within the Chamber. At the first he had a Design to make the Fryer open the Door; but afterwards thinking he could order him o­therwise, he resolved to return to his own Chamber, and watch when the Fryer should come forth: Who being entertained with the greatest pleasures and delights by his young Mistress, suspected nothing: But presently hearing a kind of a rushing in the Dormitory, he peep'd thorow a little hole, and did plainly see the Abbot stand and hearken. He could not but conclude for cer­tain, that the Abbot did know the young Maid to be in his Chamber; and therefore fore­tasting the ensuing penance for [Page 152]his misdemeanour, was sorry a bove measure; yet still he would not alter his countenance before the Maid, but revolving many things in his mind, if perhap [...] one of them might serve hi [...] turn, he at last found out a ne [...] trick, which he immediately pu [...] into execution; for dissembling as if he had staid too long with this young Woman, he spoke to her in this manner: I will g [...] now and see how you may ge [...] out of this place without being seen; therefore hold your peace until my coming again. So go­ing out, he shut the door after him, and lock'd it with his Key, and going directly to the Abbots Chambers, presented the same to him, according to the custom of the Monks when they went [Page 153]broad: Which having done, he [...]id thus to the Abbot; Mon­ [...]ur, I could not make all the Wood (as I had ordered) to be rought in this Morning; and herefore, with your leave, I'le [...] my ways and cause the rest to [...]e brought. The Abbot, that [...]e might be better satisfied about [...]e Fryer's committed Fault, whom he thought not to have [...]erceived any thing that he [...]new of the matter, was very glad of this occasion; and wil­ingly receiving the Key, gave him leave to go. Seeing him gone forth, he began to consider what was best to do, whether to open the Fryer's Chamber in the presence of all the Monks, and to make them see his default, so to escape the danger of being [Page 154]murmur'd against, in case he should put a condign puni [...]hmen [...] upon the Fryer; or else to get first out of her the circumstances of the whole business: And be­thinking himself, that she might be a Gentlewoman, or a Virgin [...] of that Degree, Quality, or Fa­mily, as he would not willingly put such an affront upon, as to expose her shamelesly to the view of all the Fryers, he determined with himself to see first what she was, and then to let her go. So he quietly went to the Cell, o­pened it, entered, and shut the door after him. The young Maid, seeing the Abbot coming in, all astonished, and trembling for shame, began to cry. Mon­sieur Abbot casting his eyes upon her, and seeing her fair and brisk, [Page 155]notwithstanding his old age, sud­ [...]only felt the same Inchantments [...]f the Flesh within him, which [...]e thought his young Fryer had [...]een subject to; and approching [...]ear to the young Maid, he began [...] plain terms to comfort her, [...]nd to beseech her she should not [...]ry; and so falling out of one Discourse into another, he at last [...]rrived to the opening of his ar­dent Desires.

The young Woman, who had a Heart not of Steel or Diamond, was willing by all means to please the Abbot. The Monk, who had seign'd himself to have been gone for Wood, being in the Dormitory, when he saw the Abbot entring into his Chamber by himself, altogether ravished for joy, judged that his contri­vance [Page 156]would take good effecty whereof he the rather assured himself, because he saw the Ab­bot lock the Chamber door on the inside; and leaping out of his hidden place, he went softly to the Key hole, through which he both saw and heard what the Abbot did and said. The Abbot thinking at last he had staid long enough with his young Lady, opened the Cell door, and retur­ned to his Chamber: And by chance seeing the Fryer, and sup­posing he had been returned from the Wood, concluded within himself to reprove him sharply, and to send him to Prison, for that he by that means might on­ly himself be possessor of this newly-gotten prey. In order to this, he caused him to be called, [Page 157]and having reproved him severe­ [...], with a sowr look commanded [...] to be carried to Prison. The Fryer very readily gave him this A [...]er; Mons [...]ignior, I have not been so long in the Order of St. B [...]nnet, as to know all the particular Rules belonging to it; but as soon as you will be pleas'd to shew me the same, I promise (provided you pardon me this Fault) never to trespass any thing against it but rather to do always what I have seen you doing. The Abbot, who was a witty Man, did presently see, that he had not onely perceived something more of him than was expedient, but that he likewise had seen what he had done: Therefore feeling a remorse in his own conscience, he would not condemn the Monk [Page 158]for that fault which he was guil­ty of himself. So he granted him a pardon, and charged him to keep Silence, having honestly conveyed the young Maid out of the Cloyster, whom they made often to return again.

An Abbess riseth in haste, and go­eth to surprize a Nun (accu­sed before her) in Bed with her Lover; and her self being with a Priest, thinking to have put on her head a Vail, did put on the Breeches of the Priest, which the Arraigned Gentle­woman seeing, and bidding to unloose them, was acquitted, and granted the liberty to accompany her Gallant.

THere is in Lombardy, a ve­ry Famous Monastery, [Page 159]where amongst other Religious Gentlewomen, was one not less esteemed for her admirable Beau­ty, as for her Noble Parentage. This Isabella (so was the Gen­tlewomans Name,) came once to one of her Parents to the Grate, and seeing there a pretty and well shap'd Gentleman with him, in­stantly fell in Love with him. On the other side she seeming a most Accomplished and Peerless Dame in his Mind, did convey that Face into his Heart, which by her Looks, was kindled in his Eyes. These Sparks of Mutual Inclina­tion, as fruitless, were for a long time on both sides smothered in their Bosoms. At last, both be­ing extreamly sollicitous, how to accomplish their Desires, it fell out the young Gentleman [Page 160]found out a way, whereby to give a secret Visit to his Lady. This was very often Practised, with the greatest satisfaction ima­ginable on both sides. In pur­suance of those their Visits it hapned one Night, that a Nun of that same House did espy him, without taking any notice of ei­ther of them, both how he en­tred into and departed out of Isa­bella's Chamber, which she made many others privy to, and was the first that gave counsel of Ac­cusing Isabella before the Abbess. This Madamusinbalda (so was the Abbesses Name) was a good and a holy Virgin, as well in the Opi­nion of the Nuns, as of all her acquaintance. Moreover these aforesaid Nuns, (to the end ne­denial should have any place, [Page 161]concluded to bring them both to the view of the Abbess. And in order to that, they secretly past by the Watches and Guards, for to surprize these Lovers. Now Isabella being innocent of their Devices, nor having any Infor­mation of their Plot, it hapned one Night, that she appointed him to come, and her Lover not knowing of any Plot against him, did submit to what they had a­greed to. These two Lovers ha­ving been a small while together, and the Night having past over the greatest part of her silence, the aforesaid watching Dames, were divided into two parts, one of them betaking themselves to guard the Door of Madam Isa­bella's Chamber, the other run­ning to the Cell of the Abbess, [Page 162]knockt at her Door, (which the Abbess heard) saying; Quickly Madam, Rise quickly for we have found Isabella, to have a young, Gentleman in her Cell.

That same Night the Abbess had been accompanied by a Priest, whom as often as she pleased, made him to be brought to her in a Chest. The Abbess hearing that, and fearing lest the Nuns, either because of her delay, or by their continual and hard knocking should break open the Door, riseth immediately, and at the best advantage dres­seth her self rashly, and believing she had taken a foulded Vail; which they use to wear on their Heads, and commonly call it a Psalter, chanced to take the Priests Breeches, and so great [Page 163]was the fear, that without any heed or earnest attention, in­stead of a Psalter, she put them on her Head, and so rush'd out of Doors, which she immediate­ly shutting after her, said; Where is this Wretch, I pray, where is she? The Nuns being accended with an earnest desire of making the Abbess to find Isabella in her fault, did take no notice of what she had on her Head, but run to the door of Isabella's Chamber, and with the help of their Compani­ons forced it open, and entring further, found these two Lovers in their Naked Bed. They be­ing so suddenly surprized, were astonished beyond measure, and not knowing what to begin in that case, resolved to continue stedfast. The young Gentle­woman, [Page 164]was by other Nuns immediately apprehended, and by the order and command of my Lady Abbess, carried to the Chap­ter. The young Gentleman staid there, and having put on his Cloaths, was desirous to see what an end this same business might have, with an intention [...] to play the basest sport with them that ever was done, in case they should do any mischief to his Beloved, and then to carry her a­way.

The Abbess afterwards set down in the Chapter, in the pre­sence of all the Nuns, (which had only bent their Eyes upon the Guilty,) and in the mean time began to lay to Isabella's Charge, such kind of Villanies, as she said, were never done be­fore, [Page 165]by a Woman of her profes­ [...]on and Quality. As namely, [...]ow she by her fordid and blame­forthy Deed, had Desiled, and [...]e [...]lined the Sanctity, Honesty, [...]nd the creditable Name of the Monastery: And that the matter should appear more [...]ainous, these Exprobrations were attended, by many great and weighty Threatnings. The young Gentlewoman not less Shameful than fearful, after the rate of the guilty, bereaved al­most of all her Sences, did not know what to answer, but being silent, gave her self over to the Mercy and Compassion of her Sisters the Nuns. But the Ab­bess Upbraiding and Amplifying the matter, it chanced the Gen­tlewoman lifted up her Eyes, and [Page 166]espied what the Abbess had upon her Head, as also the Kneestrings of the Breeches hanging down on both the sides of her Neck, which she well perceiving what they were, all in a kind of fury, said, God help you Madam, un­loose your Vail, and as then talk to me whatsoever you please. The Abbess which did not understand her meaning, said; What Vail, you guilty Wretch, what Vail? have you a mind to Jeast? You are not at present upon such a Stage, as to act the Merry Andrew! Your filthy Actions admit no Joak­ings! The young Gentlewoman did nevertheless repeat her for­mer Tale, saying; Madam, I be­seech you, you may be pleased to unloose your Vail, and then say what you list.

Hence many of the Nuns, [...]eing envited to turn their Eyes [...]owards the Head of the Abbess, [...]nd her self also by putting her [...]ands to her Head perceived why [...]abella had spoke thus. The Ab­bess now seeing as well her self to be in the very same fault, as [...]hat all the Nuns had taken no­tice of it, did not know whi­ther to turn, or what to say, but with an exceeding low Voice, and quite in another manner as be­fore, spoke modestly to them, concluding, that it was impossi­ble to avoid the Darts of the Flesh. Therefore with a grave and peace­able Countenance, she said; that every one of them (as heretofore had been Practised,) should take advantage of the time when they could. So having freed the young [Page 168]Gentlewoman, she returned to Bed to her Priest, and Isabella to her Darling.

A strange and a new way of Pe­nitence, which was to be Infli­cled by a Father Confessour upon a young Gentlewoman.

THat Year when Lady Mar­garet of Austria went to Cambray, in the behalf of her Nephew the Emperour, for to capitulate a Peace betwixt him and the Most Christian King, on whose side was Madam Lovisa of Savoy, there was in the Compa­ny of the said Lady Margaret, the Countess of Aquemont, who brought in her Company the most Beautiful Damsels of Flan­ders. [Page 169]The Countess retired for a while with all her Train, into her own House, and the time of Advent being come, she sent to a Covent of Fryers, demanding a sufficient Preacher, and one that was of a good Life; as well for Preaching as for Confessing her and all her Train. The Guardian search'd for the best and the most worthy of that Office, because of the great good they received from the House of Aquemont, and of Pienne, out of which she was come. They, who amongst all other Religious, desire to gain a good name, and affection of great Families, sent a Preacher very much esteemed for Learn­ing above the rest of the Fry­ers, who all the time of the Ad­vent discharg'd his duty very [Page 170]well, so that the Countess was very well satisfied with him. The Night before Christmas, where the Countess would have re­ceived her Creator, she made he [...] Confessor come to her, and after she had Confessed in a Chappe [...] very well shut, by reason the Con­fession was very secret, she gave place to her Lady of Honour, who after she had done, sends he [...] Daughter, to the merciful Abso­lution of her Father Confessor. And after she had told him all she knew, the good Father, having heard some of her Secrets, took a heart and a Courage to appoin [...] her such a Penitence which was not usual, and said to her, My Daughter your Sins are so great, that for the satisfaction of them I'll inflict upon you that Penauce, [Page 171]viz. That you must bear my Cords all Night long upon your Naked Body. The Gentlewoman, that would not be disobedient, said to him; Give it me Father, and I will not refuse to wear it. Not so my Daughter, said the good Fa­ther, it will be of no efficacy, if it [...]e done by you. 'Tis necessary that my own hands, before you receive any absolution, bind it about you, and afterwards you shall be absol­ved of all your Sins. The Gen­tlewoman beginning to crie, said; That she would do it by no means. How now, saith the Fryer? Are you a Heretick, for that you refuse the Penance which God and our Mother the Holy Church, have or­dained? I use the Confession; an­swereth the young Gentlewoman, as the Church hath commanded, [Page 172]and would with all my heart, re­ceive the absolution, and underg the Penance, but I will permit [...] no means, you should lay your han [...] there, and in that manner I refu [...] your Penance. And before that, done, says the Confessour, I ca [...] grant you no absolution. The Ge [...] ­tlewoman riseth from before him, having a Conscience ver [...] much troubled, for she was [...] young, that she was afraid [...] have Committed a great fault [...] refusing to do that the good F [...] ­ther had imposed her. After sh [...] came to the Mass, and the Cou [...] ­tess of Egmont had received Co [...] ­pus Domini, the Gentlewoman [...] Honour going after her, asked h [...] Daughter, if she was ready; T [...] which the Daughter crying, R [...] ­plied, She was not as yet Co [...] ­fessed? [Page 173]And what have you done so long with the Priest, quoth the Mother. Nothing at all, answers the Daughter, because I refused to take the Penance which he laid up­on me, he also refused to give me absolution. The Mother did not so narrowly inquire after the matter, perceiving it was some strange kind of Penance which the Fryer would have Inflicted upon her, but made her presently Confess to another, and so went to the Sacrament both together. And as soon as the Countest was returned from the Church, the Gentlwoman of Honour, made her Complaints about this Fryer, whereat she marvelled, and was very much astonished, being she had had so good an Opinion of him. But all her Astonishment [Page 174]could not keep her from Laugh­ing at the hearing of that News about the Penance. Neither could her Laughing with-hold from Commanding him to be Apprehended, and to be beater in the Kitchen: And by the Vertue of Rods to Confess the Truth, and after that she sen [...] him, tyed Hands and Feet, to the Guardian, desiring him, that he another time should give Commission to Men of a better Life than he was to preack the Gospel.

The vile wickedness of a Monk, together with the shallowness and simplicity of a Nun.

IN one of the most famous Cities of France, Paris onely excepted, there is an Hospital richly endowed, consisting in a Priory of fifteen or sixteen Nuns, and in an Appartment before it there is a Priory with seven or eight Monks, which did every day attend Divine Service; but as for the Nuns, they were onely to say their Pater-nosters and Ave-Maries, because they were bound to attend the poor sick Folks of the Hospital. Now it came to pass that one of the poor men of the said Hospital fell very dangerously sick, and the Nuns [Page 176]gathering themselves together, did administer all possible Reme­dies in order to his Recovery; but seeing him very ill, they sent for the Confessor, and perceiving him to grow weaker and weak­er, they gave him the Extreme Unction, after which he presently became speechless. Now because it was a long while before he could give up the ghost, and it seemed that he still understood what was said they did strive to suggest to him the best words and expressions they were capable of; but it being already very late, and the dead time of the night, they grew weary, and went one after another to Bed, so that no body remained to bury the dead Corps but one of the young­est Nuns, together with the [Page 177]Confessor, whom, because of his austerity and strictness of Life, she feared even more than the Prior himself. These two having used great Exclamations, and Repeti­tions of the Name of Jesus in the ears of the poor man, and at last perceiving he was quite gone, they both assisted to bury him; and because they were em­ployed in a good work of Mercy, this holy Monk began a Di­scourse about Mercy, the Frailty of this Life, and the Happiness of the Life to come; so that they passed the best part of the night entertaining themselves with such Discourses. The poor Nun did attentively hearken to his Divine Expressions, and looked upon him with tears in her eyes, in which this holy Father took [Page 178]so much delight, that as he was speaking of the Life to come, he embraced her as straitly as if he had a mind to carry her presently to Heaven in his Arms. The poor silly Nun hearkning to his Di­scourse, durst not put him by, nor refuse his Embraces. This damnable Hypocrite perceiving her simplicity, did proceed fur­ther; and as he was still speak­ing to her concerning God, and other spiritual things did commit with her the most obscene Act of the Flesh; and withal told her, that a secret sin was not punish­ed before God, and that two single Persons cannot sin in that case, if there arise no scandal of it; and to avoid that, she should beware of confessing her self to any but himself. So they parted; [Page 179]but she going her way the first, and passing by a Chappel dedica­ted to the Virgin Mary, she went to give her the Angels Salutati­on, as she used to do; but look­ing upon the Image of the Vir­gin Mary, and knowing that she had now forfeited the Honour of that Title and excellent Dignity, and that without any great Al­lurements, and less Love, but onely by a silly fear and compli­ance; she then began to weep as bitterly as if her Heart had been ready to break. The Monk, who though afar off, heard her deep sighs and groans, suspecting her repentance, and fearing the loss of his future Pleasure in the en­joyment of her, that he might divert her, came presently to her, whom he found prostrate at the [Page 180]feet of the said Image; but he check'd her smartly, and told her, That if she was so silly and scrupulous as to think she had committed a sin in so doing, that then she should do so no more un­less she would, and that he was ready to give her Absolution. This silly Soul thinking to make satisfaction to God for her sin, went presently to confess her sin to him, who enjoyned her no other Penance, but onely told her, That she had contracted no guilt of sin in loving him, and that a drop or two of Holy-water would easily wash away so insig­nificant a Pecadillo. And she putting more confidence in him than in God himself, did a while after yield again to his brutal desire, who paid her so home, [Page 181]that her Belly began to swell; which the took so to heart, that making her Condition known to the Abbess, she besought her to expel that Monk out of the Mo­nastery, telling her, That she knew him to be so full of wiles, and so crafty, that she feared she should not be able to withstand his temptation, who would leave no stone unturn'd to inveagle her again. The Abbess and the Pri­our (who understood one ano­ther, as being partners perhaps in the same guilt) did but laugh at her, telling her, That she was of an age sufficient to defend her self from the attempts of one man, and that he whom she ac­cused had always had the repute of a very sober honest man: At length she being exceedingly tor­mented [Page 182]with a violent remorse of a guilty Conscience, craved their leave to go to Rome, think­ing that if she did but confess her sins at the Popes Feet, and kiss his Toe, she should become as pure a Virgin as ever she had been: And that both the Priour and the Abbess very willingly granted, and furnished her with Money for her Journey; for they rather chose she should become a Pilgrim, although it was against the Rules of her Order, than that she should be a Recluse Nun, and be so scrupulous; and besides, they were afraid that in detaining her, in a despairing Passion she should reveal their vile and s [...] ­nish manner of life.

The Canning of a Jesuit, and the Simplicity of a Pryer.

WE have been long e­nough Expatiaring in the Gardens of several Coun­tries, and Collected many Flow­ers (though not altogether well smelling) for our Pastime and Diversion; now leaving off to transport them any more at pre­sent out of Forreign parts, will see if there be none of our own Plantation here in England, which may be as delightful as the rest. And indeed it should tend to the prejudice of Jesuits and Fryers, if they should exempt only En­g [...]and from their deluding Tricks, a Country so plentiful, and ha­ving store of all, to the very Su­perfluity. [Page 184]Therefore to free them from such a Scandalous Aspersi­on, I'le relate to the kind Reader, a History, which not long since hapned here in England, and a­bove the rest, in the Famous Ci­ty of London. And it is about two Priests, the one being a Je­suit, and the other a Carmelitan Fryer.

It is not unknown to many, how that a Minister named Tra­vers had two Sons, which he edu­cated after the best method a Fa­ther could bethink himself for the benefit of his Children. Af­terwards they not being conten­ted with that Education they had at home, resolved to go be­yond Seas, there to learn Fashi­ons Languages, as well as to polish their Minds in Arts and [Page 185]Sciences. Amongst the rest of the Countries they intended to see, Italy was one, where being, and getting into Familiar Ac­quaintance of some Fryers and Jesuits, at last turned Roman-Ca­tholicks. And so crafty was this Priestly Perswasion, that they not only accepted their Religion, but also would needs be Religi­ous. So both of them became to be Ghostly Fathers, one a Je­suit, the other a Fryer, com­monly call'd a Carmelite. Being in Orders, and by their Learning and Carriage very much appro­ving themselves to both the Or­ders, they gained Credit and Ho­nour amongst all of their Com­panies. And since they were Englishmen bred and born, wer [...] judged fit to be sent into Englan [...] [Page 186]to be Emissionaries of the Holy Father, in order to the Conver­sion of the Souls of Poor, For­lorn Hereticks. The Carmelit was more simple than witty, and his natural Integrity was term'd Ho­liness. The Jesuit more Cun­ning, as commonly that sort of Cattel are, but an Atheist. Yet bearing an outward show of San­ctity, he was counted a very Pi­ous Man, and for his Prudence and Dexterity in performing of secular matters, was chosen to be the Procurer General of all the Jesuits Goods in England. Whatsoever Moneys they had, it was in his Custody, or whom he appointed for it. Many Lands and Goods he bought for them for to augment their Estates, under his own Name. In a Word, he was [Page 187]the Totum Fac of all the English Jesuits. Afterwards he once be­thought him to beguile all the rest of his Brethren, and what he had done for their general good, to draw it to his own particular ends and profit, especially seeing they had not for a long time ta­ken any account of their Money and Lands in his Custody, as trusting to his Integrity and Goddness. So he began to spend freely, and to dispose of Goods and Moneys, and was cried up for the bravest and the most gene­rous Gentleman of the Town. The Jesuits hearing this, and knowling he had nothing of his own, concluded he must needs waste their Estates and Moneys: Therefore they met together, calls this P [...]ter Travers, and de­mands [Page 188]mands he should give an account of his Stewardship. He seeing the business should not smell well if it should be stir'd from the ve­ry bottom, answers them (which he all along thought to do, if so be they should call him to an account) he had no reason to give them any account, for whatsoe­ver Money he had, it was his own and not theirs, and as to the Lands they were his by Law, by reason they were all bought under his Name, and no Bodies else (for the Jesuits for fear of being discovered, make always their Lands to be bought under one Gentlemans Name.) The Je­suits Astonished and Surprized at this his talking, knew not what to say, especially living amongst Protestants (whom they call He­reticks) [Page 189]where if they should go to Law under the name of Priests, they should not onely forfeit their Estates, but (according to the Statute) lose their Lives also, for receiving Orders beyond Sea. After they had long debated the matter among them, at last they resolved to go to Law, rather than lose all; and that they might not be discovered as Jesuits, to plead as Persons Secular, wrong'd by this now Esquire Travers.

When they had Indicted this holy Father, and came to the Bar, the Pleadings were so ob­scure and nonsensical, that the Judges knew not what to say, for want of clear Evidence in the matter: till at last, as wise and prudent Men, (especially some of them knowing what Travers [Page 190]was) they perceived they were all Priests; and so, not without laughter and admiration, throw­ing the controverted Bone among them, desired them to agree a­mong themselves, for that the matter was so obscure, as that it could not be (the things being as they were) decided at the Bench. The Jesuits were now in a worse condition than before, and knew not what to do, or what to think in this matter; all the Tenants of the Lands taking this Travers for their lawful Landlord, and the Moneys being in his hands and command; so they desired him to come to a Composition. He not designing to defraud them of all, did agree to it, but still reserving the greatest part of the Moneys and Lands to his [Page 191]own use, made the rest over to the Jesuits.

Being now so well furnished with Goods and Lands, he in­tended to marry, that so he might have Heirs to whom to leave his Estate: And yet neither would he turn Protestant, for fear of losing his Reputation; neither could he take a Wife, be­ing a Roman-Catholick in Orders. But at last he found out a way whereby he might still continue of that Religion, and be no more a Priest, and by that means have freedom to take a Wife, nemine contradicente.

He therefore comes to his Bro­ther the Carmelite Fryer, and with a great complaint and hea­viness of heart tells him, that he was persuaded he was never [Page 192]baptized: For, saith be, in all the Register books of many Pa­rishes, and particularly in that where I was born, I do not find my Name; whether it was by the negligence of my Father, or how it hapned, I do not know: but sure I am, I am not baptized.

The good old Frier was ex­tremely amazed at it; and though he could not at the first be persuaded of any such thing, yet at last, by the great assurance of the Jesuit, and his forged Reasons and Arguments tending to that purpose, he believed him. The Jesuit seeing his Business went on so well, desired at last his Brother would be pleased to do him that charitable deed as to baptise him; for he was afraid to be damn'd for ever, because [Page 193]he was not as yet inserted into the true Church, out of whose Bosom there is no hopes of Sal­vation. The old Carmelite did it willingly, and accordingly he was baptised. Now he being put in Orders, and having made the profession of a Religious Per­son, emitted his Vows, and done all the rest of those Trumperies belonging to a Regular Priest's Life, without being baptised, was not onely not bound to continue as he was, but ipso facto he was counted as Irregular; and if he would be a Person Ecclesiastick, he was to take Ordes anew upon him, and to make a second Pro­fession. But so wise he was, that he never returned to the Jesuits, but continued a Person Secular, living in that same Religion (that [Page 194]they should not think him to be an Apostate, or to have done that Trick to the Jesuits because he intended to turn Protestant;) and so married a Wife, which was the only reason of his rebap­tization, and hath begot several Children on her. How he now liveth, and what his Condition is, I was not so curious as to in­quire. As far as his Cunning, and his Brothers Simplicity did reach, I have here deposed, be­ing neither willing to offend the parties, nor to have their Exam­ples imitated.