[70] _Tramontanes,_] i. e. _strangers_, _barbarians_: so the Italians called, and still call, all who live beyond the Alps, _ultra montes_. In a subsequent speech, the author does not forget to satirize the acknowledged propensity of his countrymen to drinking: "Your _Dane_, your German, and your swag-bellied _Hollander_, are nothing to your Englishman." If Caponi, as well as Iago, be not, however, too severe upon us, it must be confessed that our ancestors were apt scholars, and soon bettered the instructions which they received. Sir Richard Baker (as Mr. Gilchrist observes), treating of the wars in the Low-Countries about the end of the sixteenth century, says, "Here it must not be omitted, that the English (who, of all the dwellers in the northern parts of the world, were hitherto the least drinkers, and deservedly praised for their sobriety) in these Dutch wars learned to be drunkards, and brought the vice so far to overspread the kingdom, that laws were fain to be enacted for repressing it." _Chron._ fol. p. 382.--GIFFORD. SCENE III. _A Gallery in the same._ _Enter_ SANAZARRO. _Sanaz._ I cannot apprehend, yet I have argued All ways I can imagine, for what reasons The great duke does employ me hither; and, What does increase the miracle, I must render A strict and true account, at my return, Of Lidia, this lord's daughter, and describe In what she's excellent, and where defective. 'Tis a hard task: he that will undergo To make a judgment of a woman's beauty, And see through all her plasterings and paintings, Had need of Lynceus' eyes, and with more ease May look, like him, through nine mud walls, than make A true discovery of her. But the intents And secrets of my prince's heart must be Served, and not search'd into. _Enter_ CHAROMONTE. _Char._ Most noble sir, Excuse my age, subject to ease and sloth, That with no greater speed I have presented My service with your welcome. _Sanaz._ 'Tis more fit That I should ask your pardon, for disturbing Your rest at this unseasonable hour. But my occasions carrying me so near Your hospitable house, my stay being short too, Your goodness, and the name of friend, which you Are pleased to grace me with, gave me assurance A visit would not offend. _Char._ Offend, my lord! I feel myself much younger for the favour. How is it with our gracious master? _Sanaz._ He, sir, Holds still his wonted greatness, and confesses Himself your debtor, for your love and care To the prince Giovanni; and had sent Particular thanks by me, had his grace known The quick despatch of what I was design'd to Would have licensed me to see you. _Char._ I am rich In his acknowledgment. _Sanaz._ I have heard Your happiness in a daughter. _Char._ Sits the wind there? [_Aside._