hych vertue, what
shall I neede to remember straunge and prophane Histories? as of
Symon of Athens, who was so famous in the same, as the tyrant
Crytias, when he wished for the ryches of Scopades and the
victories of Agesilaus, forgat not also to craue the liberality
of Cimon. Pacuuius also, the Prynce of Campania, so friendly
entertained Annibal, as when his sonne to do the Romanes a good
turne, would haue killed him as he sat at supper, was staied by
his fathers request (whom he made priuy of his intent before
they sate downe.) Pacuuius had he not more regarded the office
of hospitality, than the safety of his countrey, might ful wel
by that murder, haue defended the same from the destruction
whereunto afterwards it fel. Homere reporteth, that Menelaus
fighting a combat with Paris of Troy made inuocation and prayer
vnto the Gods, that he might be reuenged vpon him for the rape
of his wife Helena, to the intent the posterity hearing of his
punishmente, mighte feare to polute friendly housholde
interteynment. Wherefore, sith hospitality hath bene thus put in
vse in elder tyme, practysed in all ages, and the poluters of
the same detested and accurssed, and hath notorious commodities
incident vnto it, I deeme it so worthy to be frequented in noble
men and all degrees, as theyr Palaces and great houses should
swarme wyth guests, and their gates lustring with whole
multitudes of the poore to be satisfied with relief. Sutch hath
ben the sacred vse and reuerent care of auncient tyme. Sutch
hath bene the zealous loue of those whose fieldes and barnes,
closets, and chestes haue bene stored and stuffed with worldely
wealth, that comparing that golden age, glistering with piety
and vertue, to these our worsse than copper days, cancred with
all corruption, we shal find the match so like, as darke and
light, durt and Aungell golde. Ceasing then of further discourse
hereof, this history folowing shall elucidate and displaye the
mutuall beneuolence of two noble personages, the one a mighty
Souldan, an enimy of God, but yet a fryende to those that
fauored good entertainment and housekepyng: the other a
Gentleman of Pauie, a rich and liberall marchaunt, and a
friendly welcomer of straungers. The Souldan demaunding the way
to Pauie, somewhat digressing from the same, is not onely
honourably conueyed to Pauie, and feasted there, but also
sumptuously cheryshed, banketted, and rewarded by the sayd
Marchant before his commyng thyther. Th