great sums of his. Whereupon one that was amongst them said; I perceive now that though a man cannot carry any of his own with him into the next world, yet he may carry away that which is another man's, 108. Francis Carvajal, that was the great captain of the rebels of Peru, had often given the chace to Diego Centeno, a principal commander of the emperor's party: he was afterwards taken by the emperor's lieutenant Gasca, and committed to the custody of Diego Centeno, who used him with all possible courtesy; insomuch as Carvajal asked him; I pray, sir, who are you that use me with this courtesy; Centeno said; do not you know Diego Centeno? Carvajal answered; truly, sir, I have been so used to see your back, as I knew not your face. 109. Bresquet, jester to Francis the first of France, did keep a calendar of fools, wherewith he did use to make the king sport; telling him ever the reason, why he put any one into his calendar. When Charles the fifth emperor, upon confidence of the noble nature of Francis, passed through France, for the appeasing of the rebellion of Gaunt, Bresquet put him into his calendar. The king asked him the cause. He answered; because you having suffered at the hands of Charles the greatest bitterness that ever prince did from another, never the less he would trust his person into your hands. Why, Bresquet, said the king, what wilt thou say, if thou seest him pass back in as great safety, as if be marched through the midst of Spain? saith Bresquet; why then I will put him out, and put in you. 110. When my lord president of the council came first to be lord treasurer, he complained to my lord chancellor of the troublesomeness of the place, for that the exchequer was so empty. The lord chancellor answered; my lord, be of good cheer, for now you shall see the bottom of your business at the first. 111. When his lordship was newly advanced to the great seal, Gondomar came to visit him. My lord said; that he was to thank God and the *king for that honour; but yet, so he might be rid of the burden, he could very willingly forbear the honour; and that he formerly had a desire, and the same continued with him still, to lead a private life. Gondomar answered, that he would tell him a tale, of an old rat that would needs leave the world and acquainted the young rats, that he would retire into his hole, and spend his days solitarily and would enjoy no more comfort; and commanded them upon his high displeasure, not to offer to come in unto him. They forebore two or three days; at last, one that was more hardy than the rest, incited some of his fellows to go in with him, and he would venture to see how his father did for he might be dead. They went in, and found the old rat sitting in the midst of a rich Parmezan cheese. So he applied the fable after his witty manner. His son 112. Rabelais tells a tale of one that was very fortunate in compounding differences. undertook the said course, but could never compound any. Whereupon he came to his father, and asked him; what art he had to reconcile differences? He answered; he had no other but this; to watch when the two parties were much wearied, and their hearts were too great to seek reconcilement at one another's hand; then to be a means betwixt them, and upon no other terms. After which the son went home, and prospered in the same undertakings. The 113. Alonso Cartilio was informed by his steward of the greatness of his expence, being such as he could not hold out therewith. The bishop asked him, wherein it chiefly arose? His steward told him, in the multitude of his servants. bishop bad him to make him a note of those that › were necessary, and those that might be spared. Which he did. And the bishop taking occasion to > read it before most of his servants, said to his stew ard; well, let these remain, because I have need of them; and these other also because they have need of me. 114. Mr. Bettenham, reader of Gray's-Inn, used to say, that riches were like muck; when it lay upon a heap, it gave but a stench and ill odour; but when it was spread upon the ground, then it was cause of much fruit. 115. Cicero married his daughter to Dolabella, that held Cæsar's party: Pompey had married Julia, that was Casar's daughter. After, when Cæsar and Pompey took arms one against the other; and Pompey had passed the seas, and Cæsar possessed Italy; Cicero stayed somewhat long in Italy but at last sailed over to join with Pompey; who when he came to him, Pompey said, you are welcome, but where left you your sonin-law? Cicero answered, with your father-in-law. 116. Galba succeeded Nero, and his age being despised, there was much licence and confusion in Rome during his empire; whereupon a senator said in full senate; it were better to live where nothing is lawful, than where all things are lawful. 117. Chilon said, that kings friends, and favourites, were like casting counters; that sometimes stood for one, sometimes for ten, sometimes for an hundred. 118. Diogenes begging, as divers philosophers. then used, did beg more of a prodigal man, than of the rest which were present. Whereupon one said to him; see your baseness, that when you find. a liberal mind, you will take most of him. No, said Diogenes, but I mean to beg of the rest again. 119. Themistocles, when an ambassador from a mean estate did speak great matters; said to him, friend, thy words would require a city. 120. They would say of the Duke of Guise, Henry; that he was the greatest usurer in France, for that he had turned all his estate into obligations. Meaning, that he had sold and oppignerated all his patrimony, to give large donatives to other men. 121. Cæsar Borgia, after long division between him and the lords of Romagna, fell to accord with them. In this accord there was an article, that he should not call them at any time all together in person. The meaning was, that knowing his dangerous nature, if he meant them treason, he might have opportunity to oppress them altogether at once. Nevertheless, he used such fine art, and fair carriage, that he won their confidence to meet all together in counsel at Cinigaglia; where he murdered them all. This act, when it was related unto Pope Alexander, his father, by a cardinal, as a thing happy, but very perfidious; the pope D |