A14461:224
The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wiseThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise
The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wise: set out with such grace, that it cannot be, but that a man shall take great pleasure in the reading thereof. Translated out of French into English, by John Brooke of AsheThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise: set out with such grace, that it cannot be, but that a man shall take greate pleasure in the reading thereoff. Translated out of French into English, by Iohn Brooke of Ashe
London: printed by Thomas East, 1579
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Hillarius. If you think that to be unworthy for a heathen Emperor, what may you judge of the Pope and his officers, if they do the like, yea, or rather worse? You have already heard how that there is neither poor man nor rich, of whom they have not gotten money every way and daily. And if you will know what tribute they receive of the victuals they sell, you must ask the Italians, 1who can tell by experience. I do believe that Caligula never used such cruelty as Pope Clement used, ⟨p. 43⟩altogether contrary to his name, who in the time of dearth 2and famine, seeing that the poor people had not any other thing to eat then herbs, of which they made salads for to nourish and feed them, the better to show forth his clemency, pity & compassion that he had of the poor people of Italy being much oppressed with hunger, caused to make their salt dearer, and set a talent upon it, to the end that they could not eat a sallet but that they must pay tribute. But 3do we not daily see the money that they get unto them, for to dispense with those that would eat flesh & all such meats as are made of milk, against their decrees? These are marvellous sellers of victuals and Butchers, that receive money of flesh, eggs, milk, butter and cheese, and do never distribute any thing. And of their plaints and process, doth there come unto them small gain? And at Rome, Boulong•e and other Cities subject unto the Pope, hath he not officers 4and other Cities subject unto the Pope, hath he not officers and magistrates that receive monthly tribute of whores and of those women that are forsaken? which are commonly called the Popes pardoners.
Hillarius. If you thincke that to be vnworthy for a heathen Emperour, what maye you iudge of the Pope and his officers, if they doe the lyke, yea, or rather worse? You haue already hearde howe that there is neither poore man nor rich, of whom they haue not gotten money euery way and dayly. And if you will knowe what tribute they receyue of the victualles they sell, you must aske the Italins,