The Dead Yet Speaking, Biography 6

The Dead Yet Speaking · Biography 6

p. 57ERASMVS ROTERDAMVS.

The life and Death of Desiderius Erasmu….

HIs Sirnam… implyes the place of his birth, Roterdam is a City of Holland; Holland the seat of the ancient Batavi: but now illustrious by the production of one pen, then by all her former harvests of pykes. Seaven Cit…es, no co… temptible portion of witty and work-like Greece, accou… ted the Nativitie of Homer, so great an access to their other glories, that they seriously contested about it. Although Homer (because Antiquity will have it so) be greater then Erasmus; yet litle Roterdam hath more to boast of in him, then great Athens, Smyrna, Rhodes, Colophon, Chios, Salamis or Argos, in the other. For it is certaine, Erasmus was born at Roterdam, but pitch upon what City of those p. 58seven you please, it is six to one, whether Homer was born there or not. But what talke we of Roterdam? Rhenamus sticks not to impute his Nativity to the fortune of Emperors, and felicity of the whole German Empire: within the limits whereof he was born, upon the vigil or Eve of Simon and Iude, under Frederick the third: But in what yeer of our Lord, or that Emporors raigne, is not remembred; this is certaine in the yeer of grace 1519. he was either 50. or 52. his mothers name was Margaret, daughter to one Peter, a physitian of Zavenberg; his father Gerard. These accompanied together secretly (but not without promise of marriage) untill the young woman proved with childe. Gerards father was named Helias, & his wife Catherine: each of them lived till past 95. They had ten Sonnes, without any daughters, all married except Gerard, who was the youngest save one. All of them much resented this Clandestine combination and commixture betwixt Gerard and Margaret; wherefore to prevent their marriage, to gaine his portion to themselves, and yet not loose a brother, able in time, to feast them at his owne cost; they resolve out of ten, to give Gerard, as the Tieth, unto God: that is to dedicate him to the Church; whereby perceiving himselfe excluded from marriage, and not yet resolved to enter into holy Orders, he fled to Rome. By the way he wrot back to his friends; the reason of his journey he intimated by the impresse of his seal, which had one hand infolded in another. In the meane time Margaret was brought to bed, and the child (the subject of this discourse) cheerfully received, and carefully nourished by his grand…mother. Gerard after his arrivall at Rome, maintained himselfe by his Pen; for he wrote an exellent hand, and Printing was not then found out, or but in the infancy: In processe of time the Copying out of learned bookes begate in him a love to learning it selfe: so that besides his knowledge in the Tongues both Greek and Latin, he became a considerable proficient in the Lawes, which he might the more easily doe, Rome then abounding with many learned and able Schollers, and he himselfe p. 59having the happinesse to be an Hearer of Guarinus.

His father and brethren having certaine intilligence, both of his being and well being at Rome, fraudulently advertise him by letters, that she was dead, whom he intended to marry, and therefore advise him to dispose of himselfe to his best advantage; w^ch he rashly beleeving, out of meer griefe, became a Priest: applyed himselfe wholly to those studies which he judged most instrumentall to his function: after his returne into Holland (whereby the Popes favour he obtained a Benefice) though he plainly saw how he had been deluded, yet would he never thereafter keep her company, or she marry any other. Notwithstanding he tooke speciall care for the liberall education of the childe, whom he put to Schoole when he was yet scarce foure yeeres of age.

From Vtrecht, where for the sweetnesse of his voyce he had been chosen Querister; and after some yeers spent (but without any notable proficiency) in reading, writing, Musick, and the elements of Grammer, he removed him to D… ventry. That his tender yeers must not want a nurse, his mother (impatient of his absence) accompanied him: what learning that semibarbarus schoole afforded was formerly raked out of Ebrardus, and Iohannes de Garl…dia; this was also in the fate of Erasmus, to finde there before him, Alexander Hegius skilfull in Latin, and not ignorant in Greek: having had Rodolphus Agricola, and Guarinus Veronersis, the one for his Companion, the other for his schoolmaster: together with Zi…thius, a man not unlettered, considering the times; who perceiving in Erasmus an admirable wit, joyned with an incomparable memory, promoted him to the third Class, and dismissing him with a kiss, foretold he should become the envie and wonder of all Germany … And indeed the event came nothing short of his prophesie.

At Daventry, in the thirteenth yeer of his age, his mother died of the Plague; and with her most of the family where she lodged: those sad and sudden newes, so affected Gerard that within few dayes after, he followed her to the next p. 60world whom he was not permitted to, enjoy in this. Which caused Erasmus (now an Orphane) to returne into his own Country; where he found three Curators or Gardians assigned him by h…s Father (the cheiefe was one Peter Winkell a schoolmaster) these three trusty Trojans in hope to make a bootie of his Patrimony, in sted of an Vniversity, for which he was ripe, resolve to s…rve him into a Monastery: From Daventry therefore they committed him to a convent of Friers regular at Boslednt in Brabar… ; Here he lived, that is (as himselfe expou…ds it) almost lost three yeers, Romboldus their reader, partly out of affection, and partly prompted thereto by Winkell, did what he could to draw him to their Order, but in vaine; he had already seen enough to disswade him from that, or any other Fraternity of that kinde. Whilst he remained a Recluse at Bosleduc, he became intimatly acquainted with Hermannus Gaudensis, a learned young man, and a notable student, by whose perswasion, and help, he most accurately red over almost all the Classicall Authors extant in the Latin tongue; whether in prose or verse. But whilst, for bettering his minde, he overcharged and neglected his tender body, he fell into a tertian Ague: His Guardians lay hold on the occasion, presse him againe & againe to a Regular profession, to blandishments adde threats leaving no stone unroled, in prosecution of their perfidious designe: He excuseth himselfe modestly, and by many arguments defendeth his diniall; but they pricked on by avarice, resolve not to be satisfied with reason.

Wherefore from Bosleduc, they hurry him to Sion, a Monastery neer Delfe: At Emaus a nighbouring Convent, it was his fortune to meet with Cornelius his Companion and Chamberfellow at Daventry; by whose importunity rather then arguments, he was perswaded to spin out his Probasion yeer at Emaus; which almost finished, through poverty, which hindered his present removall, and shame to seem averse from Religion, though he persisted in his opinion, he made a shift for some few dayes longer, to dissemble his resolution. In the meane time Henricus a Birgis, a p. 61noble man by extraction, and Bishop of Cambray, preparing for Rome, in hope of a Gardinals Cap, wanted nothing so much as ready money, and a young man skilfull in the Latin tongue, to accompanie him; this fell out pat for Erasmus, whose great abilities in that kind, being reported to the Bishop, he thought it needles to go further and speed worse. And Erasmus (now in Sacred orders) to avoid the profession he so much disaffected, readily under…ook the journey. The Bishop of Vtrecht with the consent of the Prior and Generall of the Order, was easily perswaded to licence his departure; but Cambray, in whom avarice counterpoysed ambition, choosing rather to keep his old Mitre with his money, then purchase a new Hat at so vast a summe as was demanded, upon b…tter consideration stay'd at home: this made Erasmus, fearing his inconstancy in other things, beg leave to prosecute his Studies at Paris; which he obtained, with promise of a yeerly pension for his better incouragement, and many other good-morrows, which like other great men in like cases, he never performed. At Paris in the Colledge (named) of the Mount, he studied Schoole divinity, applying himselfe therein according to the custom of the pla…e, to the precepts and principles of Sco…us, who for his great wit, and inextricable distinctions, was there chiefely followed, and in greatest admiration: but these conimbrums, whether Reall or Nominall, went downe with Erasmus like chopt hay, having some shew indeed of soliditie, but scarce the substance of a meer shaddow. He was a sworne enemy to whatsoever savord of barbaritie, and heer he found nothing, whether for food or physick, but Rabarbarum, unlesse you will needs reckon rotten egges, and a stinking infectious chamber into the bargaine; which in processe of time so poysoned his dainty and amiable complexion, as inforced him to quit the place, & return to his old Patron the Bishop of Cambray: with whom he not only advanced his private studies, but s…rued himselfe into the familiar acquaintance of many famous and learned men, amongst whom the principall were Antonius Abbas, and Iacobus Battus Recorder of Be…gen.

p. 62Having recovered his health, he returned into Holland, with a full purpose to settle himselfe in his owne Countrey: from whence notwithstanding, whether by advise of friends, or upon some emergent discouragement, he went immediatly back again to Paris. Where the Pestilence raging for a long time without intermission, & benevolences coming either short, or but slowly from the Bishop, for his private supply he was forced to make a journey once everie yeere into Holland, to the great interruption of his other imployments; this made him lend a more willing eare to the motion of young Montjoy, who being at that time a Traveller in France, made choise of him for his Tutor: and thereafter invited him into England, where his civilities far exceeded his munificence. Howsoever upon this occasion, he began here first to be taken notice of; at his returne, there befell him a very shrewd misfortune in Dover, where all the gold he brought with him, or was given him by way of viaticum here, (no inconsiderable summe in a poore Scollers purse) except five pounds, was seazed and taken from him by the Customers; he was not ignorant of the danger, but Sir Thomas Moore perswaded him that no forreigne coyne was liable to such forfeiture: it is strange a man so well seene in the Lawes could be so foully mistaken; but more strange that neither he, nor the Lord Mountjoy at any time thereaftter, interposed with the King, in his behalfe: perhaps being a lavish and indigent Prince, they knew him inexorable in such cases. All men expected some bitter invective, and not without reflexion upon the whole Nation, should have followed this barbarous plunder executed upon so poore, and yet so conspicuous a stranger: but he patiently swallowed the gudgion, whereby he infinitly gained upon the affection of the English; and was so far from any thought of revenge, that not onelyonly in a treatise written of purpose immediatly therafter, he made honorable mention both of the King and Kingdom. But having recruted in Holland, he forthwith returned into England, drawn thither by his affection to p. 63Groci…us, Linacer, More, Pacaeus, Cole…, Latimer, and Tonstall, Stars of prime magnitude in the British orbe: who because they honored learning, strove which of them should most honor Erasmus: in England he did read publickly at Cambridge; in Germany (after his returne) at Lovane; being thereto invited, and accommodated with lodgings by Iohannes Paludanus the Rhetorician? from Lovane he visited France, and wa… from thence the third time drawne over into Englaud, by many large promises, which proving in the performance, but Timpanous clouds, or not with child of so much moisture as he expected, made him re…olve for Italie; perhaps out of desire, both to know, and be knowne in that Country; then which Europe affords none, whether for Armes or Arts, more accomplished. To itch out his travelling charges he agreed with Bap…ista Boeria Phy…itian to King Henry the 8. to accompany his two sonnes to Bononia: By the way as he past the Cottian Alpes, he was created Doctor of Divinity at Taurinum: thereby importing into Italie, what others usally exported, learning and Honor. At Bononia (be…ides other Professors) he gained the acquaintance of Paulus Bombasius: Beroaldus died before his arrivall, and his death was the more lamented, because his successor Baptista Pius, a bad Critick, but no better Antiquary, vomited up …thing in his Chaire, but Oscos & Volscos: Here he dismissed …ia's sons, not so much for their owne petulancy, as the morosity of their Father; finished his Adages or Proverbs whereof he had given the world an essay or taste formerly at Paris: and layed a side his Monasticall Habit assumed at Emaus, where he was a Probationer, and untill that time constantly retained, upon this occa…ion. At Bononia, Chirurgians appointed Triers of the Plague weare white linnen Napkins hanging transuerse their shoulders, and tyed with a knot to their girdle, as Friers doe Scapulars; that others fearfull of infection, may (if they please, avoid them in the streets. Er…smus going abroad somewhat early one morning, was met in a narrow lane by a company of madde shavers, who perceiving his white Scapular, and thereby p. 64mistaking him for a Tryer, after insinuation by signes, (but by him not understood) to get him out of their way, they tooke up stones, wherewith they had undoubtedly pelted him, if others invited by the noyse into their Balconies, whence they beheld both the mistake and danger, had not speedily runne downe and puld off his Scapular: To prevent such morning salutations for the future, by a Dispensation from Iulius 2. confirmed by Leo 10. he changed his Regular Habit of Frier, into that of a Secular Priest. I see no great reason he had to usurp the Habit, since he despised the Profession, or why he troubled two Popes, about such a trifle; but he is past twice one and twenty, let him answer for himselfe.

After a yeer and three mounths stay at Bononia, he saluted Venice; where he printed his Adages, gave us a new edition of Plautus and Terence, with the distinction and structure of their verses, reprinted his Hecuba and Iphigenia two Tragedies of Euripides, and added to his numerous acquaintance Ambrosius Nolanus, Baptista Egnatius, Paulus Canalis a Patrician, and Hieronymus Aleander Mottensis, who for his skill in the Tongues, was afterwards promoted to a Cardinalship: he lodged at the house of Andraeas Asulanus and was supplyed with all things necessary by Aldus Manutius, who likwise supplyed him with divers Greek Manuscri… but extreamly corrupted, all which, at his better leasure …e red over and corrected at Padua: the principal were Pausanius, Eustathius, the Interpreters of Licophron, Euripides, Pindarus, Sophocles, and Theocritus; being therein assisted by Marcus Musurus Cretensis, and Scipio Carteromachus; the one incomparable for his skill in History and Mythology, the other for his ingenuity: His spare houres he bestowed upon his pupil Alexander the young Archbishop of Saint Andrews, and Brother to Iames King of Scots whom he accompanied, to Senae, in Hetruria, and there leaving him for a short time, went to Rome: where fame as his Harbinger had already taken up his lodging in the affection of most of the Inhabitants. It is incredible with how great applause of p. 65all sorts of people, he was received into the City: the Pope off…red him a room amongst his Peni…entiaries, a place both of profit and credit, and a step to the highest preferments in that Court. Raphael Cardinall S. George, Iohn Medices afterwards Leo 10. and Aegidius Viterpiensis outvy'd one another as much in their gifts, as complements; but he, haveing seen Phaedra famous for extemporarie eloquence, and reputed an Actor nothing inferior to old Roscius, returned according to promi…e, to his late and Royall charge, in whose retinue, he took a generall view of most parts of Italie as far as Cumae, where (not without some Religion and horror) amongst other monuments of Antiquitie, he beheld the Cave of Sibilla.

Here the Archbishop was recalled into Scotland, and soon after unfortunately slaine by his Fathers side, in a battaile fought against the English, at what time King Henry the eight besiedged Tourney by the procurement of Iulius the 2. And Erasmus, rather satiated then satisfied with Italian delights, and rarities; began likewise to turne his face homward, shaping his course by the Rhetian Alpes, he past first …o Curia, thence to Constance, and so through the Martian Forrest by Brisgoia, to Argentoratum or Strasbury, and from thence by the Rhene into Holland: where had no sooner saluted his friends at Antwerp and Lovane, but he immediatly tooke shipping for England. Upon his arrivall William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury collated him to the Rectory of Aldington in Kent, whereof he accepted somwhat unwil…lingly, alleadging how inconvenient it was to abridge tho…e of any part of the Benefice, who discharged the whole Office. But, replyed the Archbishop, who ought more to be maintained by Church benefices, then those by whom the Church is most benefited? Curates are indeed instructers within their particular Charge, but Erasmus instructeth the Instructers; to expresse his thankfulnesse for this, and many other favours received in this Kingdom, he honored Doct…r Cole… Deane of Pauls, and founder of the Schoole caled Catechizatiquis, with the Inscription of his Bookes De Copia p. 66Verborum et Rerum; whereupon he said merrilie that he was turn'd Bankrupt, and had no more to part with. His Adages the thi…d t…me revised and inlarged with divers Treatises translated out of Plutarch, he dedicated to his old M…caoenas the Lord Mon…joy: his Emendations and Censures upon S. Hieroms Epistles, an unparalled work to his unparralleld benefactor the Lord Archbishop of Canterburie. Longer he intended to have stayed, but hearing that Frobenius, at the request of many French and Germane Universities, had undertaken to reprint his Adages at Basil, and having both them and S. Hieroms Epistles ready for the Presse, at which he was desirous to be present, setting all other businesse aside, he took the most compendious way thither. Frobenius he found in his grave, yet was not disappointed of his welcome, that was abundantly supplyed by his Sons Bruno and Basilius, and Iohn Frobenius his kinsman, in whom the old man still survived, both for his skill and honestie; they quartered him under the same rooff with Amerbachius; whom after S. Ambrose, and S. Augustin, he found wholly imployed in the restitution of S. Hierom; wherin at first he vsed the help of Iohn Reuclin a civilian, but afterwards fell upon a more happie Critick Iohannus Con…n Norimbergensis the Dominican; who out of worm-eaten Manuscrips supplied what he found wanting; corrected many places depraved; and replaced not a few formerly disioynted. Th… worke was brought to such perfection before his arrivall, that leaving the rest to Amerbachius (except when his judgement was required in the variation of Manuscripts) he appropriation unto himselfe the only volumn of his Epistles; whereunto he prefixed Arguments, and added briefe, but judicious …llustrations: many are of opinion that it cost Erasmus more oyle and want of sleep, in repairing such breaches, as time and ignorance had made in them, then it did the Author in penning them. To this great worke succeeded a greater, and much more profitable; his Edition of, and Annotations upon the whole new Testament, which as the chiefe instrument of our Salvation, he dedicated to the p. 67chiefe Bishop (as he supposed) Leo the 10. From Basil his private affairs drew him into the Low Countries, he arrived at Aquisgrane, at what time Charles the fift was inaugurated Emperor; and was present at the Diet of Worm…s as one of his Councell, being thereto admitted before the death of Silvagius the Chancellor. The Diet ended, and Tourney surrendred to the Emperor, he made what hast he could back againe unto Basil; from whence the world first saw, and admired his Paraphrase upon the foure Evangelists, and Saint Pauls Epistles? a work uncertaine, whether undertaken, or received with greater alacrity: in composing whereof, he applyed himselfe, amongst the Latines, to Ambrosse, Augustin, Hierom, and Hilary; amongst the Greekes, to Saint Chrisostom, and his follower Theophylact; the contexture and style were his owne. The whole, he dedicated by parts, to Charles the 5. and Ferdinand his Brother; by both he was highly esteemed, and might (if he pleased) have been as richly rewarded. But since preferment and he ran on (not by chance but choise) like Parallels, some may wonder how he supported so vast a charge, as the setting forth of so many Bookes of his owne, the Emendation of so many written by others: And, (which was an antecedent to both) the purchase or transcription of so many Manuscipts (to say nothing of his frequent and expensive travels) must needs draw upon him: There is no better way to cleer this doubt, then (before we go any further) to measure his great esteem, with the greatest of his Contemporaries, by the Correspondence he held with them, and their munificence towards him.

When he was scarce crept out of the shell, he pronounced a Panegirick of his owne Composure, before Philip father to Charles 5. as he came out of Spaine into Germany, for which he honored him with a yeerly pension during Life. King Henry the 8. of England, wrot to him with his o…ne hand, offered him a goodly house (belike some dissol…ed Abbey) worth six hundred Florenes yeerly: and besid…s, gave him severall tastes, rather then surfeits of his pr…cely p. 68bounty. Francis the French King wrote likewise unto him after the same manner, (as appears by his letter yet extant) offered him a Bishoprick, and one thousand Florenes pre annum to set up his rest in France. Charles the 5. offered him a Bishoprick in Sicily, made him of his Councell, and (besides many of his expressions of his liberality) bestowed upon him a yeerly pension of two hundred Florenes; Ferdinand his brother King of Hungary made him a tender of four hundred Florenes yeerly, with promise to make them up five hundred, to professe at Vienna. Sigismond as much to come into Poland, and further with a Royall and liberall hand supplyed his present necessities: Mary Queene of Hungary wrote to him often, and ever with her owne Hand; her bounty (without question) eq…alled her exceeding Humanity. Anne Princess Veriana gave him a yeerly pension of one hundred Florenes. Frederick Duke of Saxony presented him with two Medals, the one Gold, the other silver, which in a letter to Spalatinus, he prefers before two Attick Talents: George Duke of Saxony, with diverse Ingots of silver digged out of his owne Mines, and a great drinking Bole of the same: William Duke of Gulick imitated him in the latter, but outstript him in the Capacity: Adrian the 6. to whom he consecrateth Arnobius, wrot to him thrice, which grand respects from the Pope, much abated the fury of the Friers his enemies: and there is no doubt, but he largly contributed towards the charge of that worke, undertaken especially for his owne honor; He congratulated the Papacie to Clement the 7. who in requitall sent him five hundred Florenes, and by his Apostoticall letters invited him to Rome: Paul the 3. had brought him into the Colledge of Cardinals, but that he was prevented by death: in the interim he sent him a Collation to the Prepositure of Daventry, which he refused, saying he was now neer the end of his journey, and hoped to get thither without it: William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury changed his Prebend into a pension, and scarce ever wrote to him, but in letters of Gold; his last token was a Gelding, of whom he used to p. 69say, that though he wanted originall sin, he was guilty of two mortall ones, Sloath and Gluttony. Cardinall Wolsey a stately Prelate, and not easie of accesse, yet wrot unto him letters full of singular humanity; and besides other remembrances, bestowed on him a Pension out of a Prebend in York? The Bishop of Lincolne, and Rochester, bountifully supplyed him upon all occasiones; Hammond and Vrswick sent him a brase of Geldings; Polidore Virgil money …o buy a third. Cromwell the first, out of his sacrilegious broak-age, at twise, 30. Angels: Montjoy, More, Tonstal, and Colet, were his continuall supporters; to say nothing of many others within this kingdome: Cardinall Matthaeus offered him a yeerly pension of five hundred Ducats to live at Rome, and sent him a Cup of beaten Gold: he received another of the same mettle, but greater and more curiously engraven with sundry poeticall fancies, from Albert Archbishop and Cardinall of Mentz; Cardinall Gampegius amongst other tokens, sent him a Diamond Ring of no meane value: Stanislaus Olmucensis, a silver bole double gilt, with four peeces of Gold, the coyne of ancient Emperors? the Bishop of Basil offered him for his society halfe his Bishoprick, which alluding to the name he termed half his Kingdome. Thurzo Bishop of Vratislavia went ten dayes journey out of his way to behold him; and you must not imagine that when they parted, he gave him nothing. Another of the same name sent him foure Watches, foure ingots of pure gold, and a Muntiro lined with rich Sables. Christopher Shcidlovitz Chancellour of Poland, a Clocke, Spoone, and Forke all of pure gold. Peter Bishop of Cracovia thirty Duck…ts. Iohannes Paungarnerus a good quantity of gold uncoyned, with a silver Bole of no meane capacitie; Rinkius another; Fuggerus a third; all gifts (as himselfe jested) not unbefitting a Hollander. Iacobus Piso two peeces of ancient Coyne, the one Gold, the other Silver, resembling Gratian and Hercules. Vigilius Zuichemus a gold Ring, which explicated, became an exact celestiall sphere. And William Earle of Eysenburg a Dagger, which by the inscription p. 70he wished in the heart of his enemies. Besides these he held intercourse by Letters, and was often supplyed by Erastus Duke of Bavaria, Croyus Cardinall of Toledo, and Alphonsus Fonseca Archbishop of the same, Dominicus Cardinall Crimanus, Iohn Cardinall of Bernard Cardinall of Trent, Iohn Sylvagius Chancellour of Burgundie, the Bishop of Paris and Baion, Erardus Leodiensis, Philippus Trajectensis, Christopherus Augustanus, Iacobus Sadoletus, Ennius Verulanus, Hugo Constantiensis, Aloisius Marlianus, Conradus Wircemburgensis, and Antonius a Bergis Abbot of Saint Bertines. This may seeme a large Nomenclature of Friends, Patrons and Acquaintance; and yet a farre larger might easily be gathered out of his owne Epistles and Prefaces. This (whatsoever it is) I am sure without wrong to posterity, could neither be omitted nor contracted, seeing thereby we should either deprive him of the honor of so great friends, or them of the glory of so great Munificence.

What a To…quot of Archbishopricks, Bishopri…ks, Prebends and fat Parsonages might not this so Patroned a Clerke (had he had but the conscience to digest them) have accumulated under one red Hat: …ut he declined civill preferments as not so sutable to his Priesthood, and had he accepted Ecclesiasticall, he foresaw (having already so much spent himselfe to inlighten others) that he should either ruine his body by discharging, or his more precious soule, by neglecting them; and therefore chose rather to cast himselfe upon the benevolence of his friends, though with disparagement to himselfe, then with scandall upon the Church, which like a genuine Apostle he laboured to benefit, whether gra…is or ingratiis. Learning wa… never at a greater losse or lower ebbe, either in France or Germanie, then he found it: within few yeeres after the publication of his Adages and Bookes de copia, soloecisme (in both) began to be whooted at; Presses to sweat under the Institutions of Theodorus the Grammarian, and other Greeke Authors newly translated into Latine; and all men, who either were or desired to seeme, whether learned or promoters of learning p. 71to blow the coale that was already kindled. To this onelyonly end and purpose H…eronymus Buslid…us bequeathed the greatest part of a very great Estate; and Erasmus so prevailed with his Executors, that putting the money into one Purse, they therewith founded & endowed a Colledge in Lovaine, wherin the three learned Tongues are exactly taught by as many exquisite Professours, he himselfe inlivened it with Statutes. In emulation of the Spaniard, the French King shortly after erected just such another at Paris; and because he would have it in nothing inferiour to that at Lovane, sent a Commission under his great Seal to Erasmus to prescribe it Statutes, and furnish it with Professors; but he accepted not thereof, perhaps hindered by sicknesse, or some other imployment. The Trojane Horse was never more pregnant with armed men, then those two Colledges have beene ever …ince, with men learned in all those, and many other languages.

His judgement was much questioned, especially beyond the Alpes, for prostituting in his Chiliades, so vast and in…valuable a treasure of humain Learning to every purblinde eye and vulgar capacity; in which winde Aldus Manutius suffered before him, for his Commentaries upon Sophocles and Euripides, as though it were an essentiall of learning to be acquired onelyonly in Italie. But of all Monopolies he abhorred that of Learning most, accounting nothing too good to be communicated; nor any thing below him, that might bring others to the same height of knowledge wherunto he himselfe had already ascended; we cannot have a better proofe of the one then his Adages, or witnesse of the other, then his Commentaries upon Cato de Morib…s.

France (I confesse) may with great reason glory in Budaeus; No man hath hitherto better discovered whatsoever belongeth unto Money, whether you respect the Greek or Roman standard; His Commentaries of the Greek tongue, and Anno…ations on the Pandects, are two usefull and excellent Peeces. But Erasmus was nothing his inferior in humanity, when first he applyed himselfe to Theologie; a study, by p. 72Budaeus, either not attempted, or persecuted onelyonly upon the bye. The next who with best reason can be brought into this Competition, is Ludovicus Vives, who can hardly extend his Paralell as far as Budaeus, and therefore all I will say of him, is, that he was borne in Spaine, bred in Italie; Erasmus brought with him more learning out of Germany, then he found in both; who but Erasmus, durst ever have attempted to bring a generation of supercilious, and yet ignorant Friers, bred up in meer Sophistry, and barbarisme, to a true relish of Divinity, as it is delivered to us by the Fathers? most of whose Workes miserably corrupted, he restored to their genuine and native splendor; others undertook what he was not able to overtake, provoked by his letters, or aminated by his example: So that directly or indirectly, he was the true cause of the Restitution of all of them. And yet this was but halfe his taske, he found the Discipline of the Church in no better case then the Doctrine, this turned into Sophistry, that into Ceremonies; which he labored to abridge, not to abolish; being as inseperable and proper unto Religion, as shadowes are unto Substances. Although we may truely account her farre past the M…ridian, in that Church, where she can hardly be seene, for the length of her owne shadow: But how great soever his desire was, to see Church discipline purged, and restored to its primitive simplicity and integrity, he attempted nothing (with our late Reformers) by way of tumult, or Schismatically: And yet this very attempt, though it never exceeded an unwearied and legall application to those in authority, bred him as many Enemies, as there were then waspes and hornets, who had wanted food, if they had wanted Corruption in that kinde to have fed upon: of these some accused him of a Correspondency; others, of a confederacy with Martin Luther? the first he never denyed, the second they were never able to prove. As for the suspicion of Arianism…, whereof envy it selfe durst not accuse him whilst he lived, I hold it a Calumnie scarce worth the answering. All that can be said against p. 73him is onelyonly this, that he seemes to extenuate, (and it were to be wished, he had imployed his wit better) some Testimonies alledged by the Fathers against Arius; as not so Convincing and ponderous as they imagined: But in all the nine great volumes of his owne Workes, there is not one Apex positively for him, innumerable against him; He was the first man (I may not except Martin Luther) who with sobriety brought us from Hales & Holcot to St. Ciprian and Augustin, from …he Fathers, to the Scriptures themselves; if he had intended to promote Herisie, his most compendious way had been, to have lef… both in the same obscurity he found them. But (which I am often necessitated to remember) by his Annotations, he illustrated the one, and by his piercing censures removed such ignoble and spur…ous Brats, as after age…, out of intrest or ignoranc…, would needs have fastened upon the other: Some, not able themselves to judge betwext …mitating and Api…g, are bold to censure his stile (though by their owne confession, pure, Copius, flexible, and ex…emporary) as not every where Elevated to the true light of the Cicer…ni…m pole: He can run but goingly, who ties hims…lfe to another m…s foo…steps. Erasmus had his owne G…nius as well as Cicero; held a Bull as compleat a creature as a Baboon, and that most comely, which was most genuine and masculine; not so much taken with the Cadency and Chym…ng of words, as the sententious density of the matter. And therefore rather chose with Saint Augustine to retaine some few words in common use, though lesse Ciceronian, then by changing them into more eloquent, but lesse intelligible, tortur… his simple Readers upon the continuall racke of their Di…ionaries.

Many of his noblest Workes he elucubr…ted at Basil, the rest at Friburge, whether he was (in a manner) compelled to retreat by Bernard Cardinal of Trent, doubt…ull what might befall him in the Reformation of Religion at Basil. I commend the Cardinals providence, but in that Reformation there was no indignity offered to any Clergie mans person, whether p. 74Regular or Secular: they had all free liberty to dispose of their Persons, and Personall estates, as they pleased; At his first Comming to Friburdge, he dwelt in a house sometimes inhabited by Ferdinand Vnckle to Charles the fift, and built for a retreats to his old age, by Villingerus his Treasurer: which proving as much to big for Erasmus, at it was to little for Ferdinand, he purchased one of his owne, and sold it within seaven yeeres after: at what teme he was recalled into the Low-Countries by Mary Queene of Hungary, who succeeded her Aunt in the Government of those Provinces: by the way he visited Basil, where he published his Ecclesiastes, and intended to finish severall other of his Workes yet imperfect, before he past into Holland. But he must passe no further, being arrested by a more violent fit of the Gout, then at any time formerly. His convulsions were so thick and vehement, that oftentimes he was forced to goe upon all foure: he thought himselfe in a jumping condition, when Crutches served his turne. In the intervals of his disease he resumed and renewed the great volume of his owne Epistles, perhaps intending to set them forth more fully: as many of them fell into his hands, he would say, Et hic mortus est: but upon just account, when he found the number of his dead Correspondents exceed the living, he burst forth into these words, Nec ego diutius vivere Cupio si Christo Domino placeat. Nor desire I (if so it would please the Lord Iesus) to live any longer. About the beginning of Autumne, from the Gout, he dropt into an Hepaticall flux: so that for a whole monethmonth toge…her, he came seldome out of bed, and but once over the threshold of his Chamber: yet whilst his body lay tortured upon this double rack, he wrote a Treatise De puritate Ecclesiae, and made a hard shift to finish his Recognitions upon Origen: These were the two last Songs of this dying Swan, whose patience ever increased with his torments, and in the end surmounted them. He retained his speech to the last gasp, and breathed out his Soule in these Ejaculations; Mercy sweet Iesus: Lord loose these hands: How long Lord Iesus? How p. 75long? Iesus fountaine of mercy, have mercy upon me, and the like. He changed this mortall life into an immortall, the twelfe day of July about midnight, in the yeer of grace 1536. and 71. or 73. yeeres of his age: he foretold both the yeer and houre of his dissolution, the first many months, the other three dayes before; multitudes of people flocked to see, and touch his dead body. The Consull and Senators of Basil accompanied it to the grave, few of the chiefe Burgers were absent, none of the University. He lyeth buried in the Cathedrall Church, in a Chappell Consecrated to the blessed Virgin, and Monument of Parian marble? frequently visited both by the Citizens, and Srangers. He was of a middle Stature, well compacted body, and of a sweet, but tender Complexion, which easily yeelded to every little alteration, whether of aire, or dyet: His haire inclined to yellow, his eyes were gray, his countinance amiable and cheerfull, but some what of the palest, and his voice shrill, though none of the strongest. His apprehension was invincible, his judgement exact, and for Memory, he knew not what it was, to forget any thing except injuries: Terence and Horace he could have intirely repeated without booke, when he was but a Schoole-boy; He was charitable to the poore in generall, bountifull to poor Schollers, and Travellers; so farre from craft that he inclined rather to simplicity, and so free from suspition that he often unbosomed himselfe to his friends (though but seeming) further then stood with his owne safety: Such was his bashfulness, that though he had a good face, his picture was hardly extorted from him by extreame importunity: in the point of friendship he was of an unremoveable Constancy; easily placable being offended: onelyonly he had such an antipathy with lying, that from his youth, he would usually tremble at the very sight of a noted Lyer; His habit neither garish, nor sordid, spake him at the same time, a Priest to God, and Councellor to Caesar; His conversation was an exact mixture of sweetnesse and severity, without any the least admixture of pride, ambition or avarice: p. 76which rendred him inflexible to imbarque in any thing interruptive of his Studies, or destructive of his liberty. And though few hath written, either more, or better; none, whose Bookes have been further, or more frequently exported; yet upon all occasions, he used no lesse rigidity in the Censure of his owne workes, then Candor, in giving judgement upon other mens: He seldome injoyed perfect health, for any Considerable time together: abundance of rhume (the bane of a sedeutary, and cellish life) inclined him to the stone, wherewith he was often, and sometimes above measure tormented; Eating of fish, the very smell whereof he abominated, drove him into many and dangerous Agues, especially every Lent? And the Gout was no stranger to his elder yeeres. The Monkes and Friers were generally his enemies, the greater by how much the more illiterate; and yet their successors by his painfull labours, and example, are since become exqui…itely learned. Before the fiftieth yeere of his age, no man wrote against him, he against none; resolved (if possible) not to imbrue his stile in any mans reputation; The flame betwixt him & Dorpius, was quickly quenched; Faber was the first, who put him to a just Apology: By his last will and Testament, (confirmed both by the Emperor and Pope) he declared Bonifacius Amerbachius his heir: Hieronymus Frobenius and Nicholaus Episcopius, Overseeres of his Will: wherin to severall friends he bequeathed severall Legacies; as a Clock of gold to Ludovicus Berus, a Spoon and fork of the same to Beatus Rhenanus; to Petrus Vetere…s 150. Crowns, as much to Philippus Montanus. To his servant Lambert 200. Florenes: To Brischius a Silver Tankerd: To Faulus Volfius 100. Florenes: To Sigismundus Tilenius 150. Duckats: To Erasmius Frobenius his God-son two Rings: To Hieronimus Frobenius, his wearing cloathes, bedding and houshold stuffs. To his wife a ring wherein was set a pretious stone having therein ingraven, a woman looking over her left shoulder. To Episcopius a faire silver Bole with a cover; to his wife a Diamond Ring. To Goclenius a silver Bole; His p. 77Library he sold upon his death bed to Iohannes a Lasco: His medals, antient Coyne, ready money and debpts, with the remain'der of his Watches, Clockes, Rings, Plate, Jewels, and other curiosities of no small value, to his Heir Amerbachius, not for his owne use, but to be sold, and the money by advice of the forenamed Overseers, to be distributed: first to the poor infirim Persons, whether through age or sicknesse; Secondly to Portionlesse Virgins to procure them husbands; and thirdly to poor, but hopefull young Schollers, for advancement of their studies. His heir he restrayned meerly to his Lagacy, whith was none of the greatest. Concerning his owne worke, he left nothing in charge, at his death; as modestly doubtfull of their Genius, or how they might take with ensuing, and more learned times; whereof notwithstanding Frobenius was so confident, that immeadiatly after his death, he reprinted them (to his as infinit cost, as Commendation) in nine great Tomes in folio: wi…h promise of a Tenth (which never came forth) Contaying onelyonly his Animaduersions, Castigations and Censures upon the Fathers, and other Authors: whereof thou mayest behold both the names and number, in this Ensuing Catalogue.

Librorum Erasmicorum Classis prima quae Grammeticen & Ethicen Spectant.

DE copia verborum ac rerum, libri duo. Syntaxis in usum Scholae coletanae. Declamatio Tyrannicidae Luciani respondens. De ratione conscribendi Epistolas. De pueris statim ac liberaliter instituendi…. De Ratione Studii. La… Medicinae. Similium lib. unus. Colloquiorum lib. unus. De recta Latini Graetique Sermonis pronuntiatione. Ciceronianus, sive de optimo dicendi genere. De civilitate morum puerilium. Epitome in Elegantias Laurentii vallae. Carminum diversi gener…s, lib. unus. A…agiorum Chiliades. Epistolarum, lib. 3…. Apot…egmatum, lib. 8. Moriae Eucomium sive laus stul…itiae. Panagyricus ad Philippum Burgundionum p. 78principem. Ad eundem carmen Gra…ulatorium. Institutio Principis Chr…iani. De Morte Declamatio. Declamatiuncula Gra…ulatoria. Pacis Querimonia. Lingua. De senectute Carmen.

Libri secundae Classis, qui pietatem spectant.

Euchiridion Christiani Militis. Oratio de virtute amplect…nda. Ratio verae Theologiae. Paraclesis. Modus confitendi. Enarratio Psalmi, Beatus vir. Enarratio Psalmi, Quare fremuerunt Gentes. Paraphrasis in Psal. Domine quid mul…iplica…ti. Concio in Psal. Cum invocarem. Enarratio in Psal. Dominus regit me. Enarratio in Psal. Benedicam Domino in omnitempore. Enarratio in Psalm. Dixi Custodiam vias. Concio in Psalm. 85. De puritate Ecclesiae Christi. De Bello Turcis inferendo consult…tio. De Amabili Ecclesiae concordia. De Misericordia Domini coucio. Virginis & Marcyris comparatio. Concio de Puero Iesu. Epistola consolatoria ad Virgines sacras. Christiani Matrimonii Institutio. Vidua Christiana. Ecclesiastes sine de Ratione concionandi. Modus Orandi Deum. Symbolum sive Catechismus. Precationum, lib. 1. Poean Virgini Matri dicendus. Oratio ad Mariam in Rebus adversis. De contemptu mundi. De taedio & pavore Christi Disputatio. De praeparatione ad Mortem, lib. 1. Ode de casa natalicia Iesu. Expostulatio Iesu cum Homine pereunt. Hymni varii. Liturgia Virginis Lauretanae. Carmen votiuum Genovefae. Commentarius in duos Hymnos prudentii de Natali & Epiphania pueri Iesu. Christiani Hominis Institutum. Epitaphia in Odiliam.

Libri tertiae Classis.

Nouum Testamentum cum Annotationibus.

Paraphrases in

S. Matthaeum.

S. Marcum.

S. Lucam.

S. Iohannem.

Acta Apostolorum.

p. 79Paraphrases in D. Paulum Epistolas ad

Romanos.

Corinthios 1.

Corinthios 2.

Galatas.

Ephesios.

Philippenses.

Collocenses.

Thessalonicenses 1.

Thessalonicenses 2.

Timotheum 1.

Timotheum 2.

Titum.

Philemonem.

Paraphrases in Epistolas SS.

Petri 1.

Petri 2.

Iudae.

Iacobi.

Iohannis 1.

Iohannis 2.

Iohannis 3.

Ad Hebraeos.

Libri quartae Classis, sive Polemica.

Epistola Apologetica ad Dorpium. Epist. Apolog. ad Iacobum Fabrum Stapulensem. Epist. Apologetica ad… Iacobum Latomum. Ad Atonsem pro Declamatione Matrimonii. Adversus sanctium Caranzam. Apologia; de in principio erat Sermo. Apologiae tres ad Notationes Edvardi Lei. Apologia adversus ea quae in Nono Testam. ab Erasmo Recognito & Annotato, taxaverat Iacobus Lopez. In Natalem Beddam de loco. Omnes quidem re…urgemus. Adversus Petrum sutorem Carthusianum. Appendix de Scriptis Clithovei. Declamationes adversus Theologos Parienses. Ad Phimosthomum de Divortio. Ad suvenem Geron…odidascalum. Ad Monachos quosdam Hispanos. Apologia contra Albertum Pium Carporum Principem. De Esu carnium. De libero Arb…rio collatio. Hyperaspistae Diatribes, libri duo. Purgatio adversus Epistolam p. 80Lutheri. Detectio Praestigiarum libelli cujusdam. Adversus Pseudoruaengelicos. Ad Ele…therium. Ad Grunnium. Ad Fratres Germaniae inferioris. Spongia adversus aspergines Hutteni. Pantalabus, sine adversus f…bricitantem. Adversus Mendacium & obtrectationem. Antibarbarorum, liber 1. Ad quosdam Gracculos Epistola. Responsio ad Petri cur…ii defensionem. De Termino. De vita, phrasi & Operibus Originis.

Besides these you have in the University Library at Oxford; not set forth by Frobenius.

De novo Evangelio novisque Evangelistis judicium. Auris Batana… Vita Coleti. Duo Diplomata Papae Adriani …um responsionibus. Detestatio Belli. Precatio ad Iesum cum aliis Ejaculationibus. De Hollandis.

Translated out of Greeke.

Classis 5.

Ex S. Chrysostomo.

Adversus Iudaeos. Homiliae 5.

De Lazaro & Divite, Hom. 4.

De Vis…one, Hom. 5.

De Philogone Martyre, Hom. 1.

De Orando Deum, Libri 2.

De Davide et Saul, lib. 3.

Quam Presbyter esset designatus Hom. 1

In psalm Cantate Domino.

Quam Sarionius et Aureliamus acti essent in exilium, Hom. 1.

De fide Annae, Hom. 2.

Commentariorum in Acta Apost. Hom. 4

Commentariorum in 2. dam ad Cor. Hom. 7.

In Epistolam ad Galatas.

In Epistol. ad Philipp. Hom. 2.

Ex S. Athanasio.

De Spiritu Sancto Epistolae, 2.

Contra Eusebium de Nicaena Sinod Ep. 2

Apologetici Duo adversus eos qui Calumniabanter quod in Persequutio nefugisset.

p. 81Ex S. Athanasio.

De Passione Domini, Hom. 1.

De hoc quod Scriptum est in Evangelio. Vicum q. Contra vos est.

De Virginitate.

De peccato in Spiritum.

De Spiritu Sancto.

Ex S. Basilio.

Principium Esaiae.

De Spiritu Sancto, lib. 1.

De laudibus Iejunii, lib. 2.

Fragmentum Originis in Evang. S. Matth.

Euripidis.

Hecuba.

Iphigenia.

Theodori Gazae Grammatices, lib. 2.

Declamatio & alia quaedam ex Libanio.

Ex Plutarcho.

De discrimine Adulatoris & Amici.

Quo pacto capi possit utilitas ex inimico.

De Tuenda bona valetudine.

Principi maxime Philosophandum.

An graviores sint Animi morbi, quam Corporis.

De Cupiditate divitiarum.

An recte dictum sit ab Epicuro.

foreign

De cohibenda iracundia.

De Curiositate.

De vitiosa verecundia.

Galeni exhortatio ad bonas litera… Isocrates de Regno administrando, ad Nicodem Regem. Tyrannus Zenophonius.

p. 82Luciani.

Saturnalia.

Cronosolon, sive leges Saturnaliciae.

Epistolae Saturnales.

De Luctu.

Icoromenippus.

Toxaris.

Pseudomantis.

Somnium sive Gallus.

Timon.

Abdicatus.

Tyrannicida.

De mercede conductus.

Dialogus Cnemonis & Damippi.

Dialogus Zenophantae & Callidemi.

Dialogus Menippi & Mercurii.

Dialogus Menippi Amphilochi & Triphonie.

Dial. Charontis & Menippi.

Dial. Cratetis ac Diogenis.

Dial. Mirei ac Thersitae.

Dial. Diogenis ac Mausoli.

Dial. simyli ac Polystrati.

Dial. Veneris ac Cupidinis.

Dial. Doridis ac Galateae.

Dial. Martis ac Mercurii.

Dial. Mercurii ac Maiae.

Dial. Diogenis ac Alexandri.

Dial. Menippi & Chironis.

Dial. Menippi & Cerberi.

Hercules Gallicus.

Eunuchus.

De Sacrificiis.

De Astrologia.

Lapithae sive convivium.

p. 83Fathers and other Authors set forth, Corrected and Commented upon by Erasmus. Classis 6.

Augustini opera omnia, 10. Tomis. Hieronymi opera omnia, 9. Tomis. Cypriani opera omnia. Irenaei opera. Arnobius.

Ciceronis.

Officia.

De Amici…ia.

De Senectute.

Paradoxa.

Quintus Curtius. Suetoni…s. Aelius Spartia…us. Iulius Capitolinus. Aelius Lampridius. Vulc…tius Galli…s. Trebellius Pollio. Flavius Vopiscus. In Nucem O…idii Commentarii. In Catonem de Moribus Commentarii. Notae in Plautum. Notae in Terentium. Notae in Quintilianum. Notae in utrumque Senecam.

Two Bookes of his Antibarbarus was lost in England; many of his most elabo…te Declamations at Rome: two Books de Eucharistia he finished, but supprest. He left imperfect at his death, a just Commentary upon S. Pauls Epistle to the Romans; with many other Treatises, since crept into other Mens Workes. And it is to be noted that the Index Expurgatorius hath made more bold with no Mans Bookes then with his; so that the first Impression are infinitely the best.

This famous and renowned Writer,

Erasmus, Author and Inditer

Of many learned Workes of Worth,

Which, in his life time he set forth;

p. 84Was (for his Learning) and rare Parts;

His Wit, his Wisedome, skill in Arts

And Languages, and Uertues rare,

Wherein, he justly might compare

With his Contemporaries best,

In such esteeme and high request,

With all the Princes, Potentates,

And learned Clerkes of all the States

In Christendome, which knew or saw him;

That they contended who should draw him

To live with them, Him to enjoy,

And with them, his rare Parts t'employ:

Sending him many Gifts most great,

His presence with them to entreat.

But, crown'd (at last) with honours Bayes,

In Basil He did end his dayes,

As full of yéeres, as fragrant fame;

Leaving behinde, an honoured Name.