the compleat gentleman fashioning him absolute in the most necessary & commendable qualities concerning minde or bodie that may be required in a noble gentleman. by henry peacham, mr. of arts sometime of trinity coll: in cambridge. peacham, henry, ?- ? approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the compleat gentleman fashioning him absolute in the most necessary & commendable qualities concerning minde or bodie that may be required in a noble gentleman. by henry peacham, mr. of arts sometime of trinity coll: in cambridge. peacham, henry, ?- ? delaram, francis, or - , engraver. [ ], , - , - , [ ], - , [ ] p. : ill. (woodcuts) anno imprinted at london [by john legat] for francis constable, and are to bee sold at his shop at the white lio[n] in paules churchyard, [london] : [ ] the title page is engraved and signed "fr. delaram. sculp. anno ". printer's name from stc. the first leaf is blank. the page after the first is numbered . x is replaced by cancel fold x . ; another fold ² y . inserted after ¹y . variant: with cancellandum x . reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng education -- early works to . courtesy -- early works to . heraldry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the compleat gentleman fashioning him absolute in the most necessary commendable qualities concerning minde or bodie that may be required in a noble gentlema● . by henry peacham . mr. of arts sometime of trinity coll : in cambridge . — inutilis olim ne videar vixisse — anno imprinted at london for francis constable and are to bee sold at his shop at the white liō in paules churchyard the compleat gentleman , whose titles are contained in these chapters following . chap. . of nobilitie in generall . chap. . of the dignitie and necessity of learning in princes and nobilitie . chap. . the time of learning , &c. chap. . the dutie of parents in their childrens education . chap. . of a gentlemans carriage in the vniuersity . chap. . of stile in speaking , writing , and reading historie . chap. . of cosmography . chap. . of memorable obseruation in suruey of the earth . chap. . of geometry . chap. . of poetry . chap. . of musicke . chap. . of drawing and painting in oyle . chap. . of armory or blazing armes . chap. . of exercise of the body . chap. . of reputation and carriage . chap. . of trauaile . ad optimae spei , generosissimaeque indolis adolescentem , d. gulielmum howard , illustriss . ac vere honoratiss . thomae comitis arundeliae , summi totius angliae mareschalli , &c. filium tertiogenitum . ingenio , genio , dum vis generosus haberi , ingenua haec discas , ingeniose puer . stemma nihil , cultis animum nisi moribus ornes , et studeas studijs nobilitare genus . to the trvly noble and most hopefvll mr. william hovvard , third and youngest sonne to the right honorable thomas earle of arundell and surrey , earle marshall of england , &c. what motiue ( noble sir ) may induce others in their dedications , i know not : sure i am none other hath incited me , then the regard of your owne worth , and that natiue ingenuitie and goodnesse of spirit , i haue euer perceiued in you , since it was my good hap to enioy your acquaintance , and to spend some houres with you at your booke in norwich ; where at this present you haue your education vnder the reuerend , religious , and my honorable good lord , the now lord bishop of norwich . and indeed , to whom rather of right should appertaine these my instructions , in regard of their subiect , which is the fashioning of nobilitie after the best presidents , then to your selfe euery way so nobly descended . beside , it is affirmed , that there are certaine sparkes and secret seeds of vertue innate in princes , and the children of noble personages ; which ( if cherished , and carefully attended in the blossome ) will yeild the fruit of industry and glorious action , not onely aboue the strength of the vulgar , but euen in the scient , and before the time nature hath appointed . so achilles , while hee was yet very young , vndertooke to shoote the fiercest lions and boares , and was so nimble on foote , that he was able to take a wilde beast without either ●oyle or dogge . alexander also , when an egyptian priest saluted him , being very young , by the names of son and child , replyed ; but you shall finde me a man before the walls of athens . but to omit heathenish examples , salomon wee reade , when he was but euen a child , begged wisdome of god , and grace to gouerne well : and ignatius , that holy martyr writeth , salomon was scarce . years of age , when he decided that hard controuersie betweene the two harlots : so iosias was but eight years old , when he walked religiously before god. and mee thinkes ( sir ) as in that cornelian stemme ( whereof scipio was said to be the top , and in quo ( vt plura genera in vnam arborem ) videtur infita multorum illuminata sapientia : ) already you grow apace , reflecting as from a faire glasse , that princely moderation and honesty of heart , of the good duke your great grand-father , the honourably disposed mind of my lord , your noble father , together with his loue and admiration , of whatsoeuer is honest or excellent : so that verily you need no other patterne to the absolute shaping of your selfe , then the images of your fore-fathers . but as aristotle saith of the vine , by how much it is laden with clusters , by so much it hath need of props : so say i of greatnesse and nobilitie , euer fruitfull , and apt to abundance , it hath hourely need of support and helpe , by all timely aduice and instruction , to guide and vphold it from lying along . wherefore , since the fountaine of all counsell and instruction , next to the feare of god , is the knowledge of good learning , whereby our affections are perswaded , and our ill manners mollified , i heere present you with the first and plainest directions ( though but as so many keies to leade you into far fairer roomes ) and the readiest method i know for your studies in general , and to the attaining of the most commendable qualities that are requisite in euery noble or gentle-man . nothing doubting , but that after you haue herein seene the worth and excellence of learning , how much it addeth to nobilitie ; what errors are hourely comitted through ignorance ; how sweet a thing it is to conuerse with the wisest of all ages by historie ; to haue in-sight into the most pleasing and admirable sciences of the mathematiques , poetrie , picture , heraldrie , &c. ( whereof i heere intreat , together with the most commendable exercise of the body , with other generall directions for carriage , trauaile , &c. ) you will entertaine this discourse , as vlysses did minerua at his elbow● your guide to knowledge ; the ground , not onely of the sweetest , but the happiest life . and though i am assured there are numbers , who ( notwithstanding all the bookes and rules in the world ) had rather then behold the face of heauen , burie themselues in earthly sloath , and basest idlenesse ; yet mr. william howard at the least , let vs recouer you from the tyrannie of these ignorant times , and from the common education ; which is , to weare the best cloathes , eate , sleepe , drinke much , and to know nothing . i take leaue , from my house at hogsd●n by london , may . who is , and shall be euer yours , henry peacham . to my reader . i am not ignorant ( iudicious reader ) how many peeces of the most curious masters haue beene vttered to the world of this subiect , as plutarch , erasmus , viues , sadolet , sturmius , osorius , sir thomas eliot , m. askham , with sundry others ; so that my small taper among so many torches , were as good out , as seeming to giue no light at all . i confesse it true . but as rare and curious stamps vpon coynes , for their varietie and strangenesse , are daily enquired after , and bought vp , though the siluer be all one and common w●th ours : so fares it with bookes , which ( as meddailes ) beare the pictures and deuices of our various inuention , though the matter be the same , yet for variety sake they shall bee read , yea ( and as the same dishes drest af●er a new fashion ) perhaps please the tastes of many better . but this regard neither mooued me . when i was beyond the seas , and in a part of france , adiorning vpon artoise , i was inu●●ed oftentimes to the house of a noble personage , who was both a great sould●er and an excellent scholler ; and one day aboue the rest , as we sate in an open and goodly gallerie at dinner , a young english gentleman , who desirous to trauaile , had beene in italy , and many other places , fortuned to come to his house ; and ( not so well furnished for his returne home as was sitting ) desired entertainement into his seruice . my lord , who could speake as little english , as my country-man french , bad him welcome , and demaunded by me of him , what hee could doe : for i keepe none ( quoth he ) but such as are commended for some good qualitie or other , and i giue them good allowance ; some an hundred , some sixtie , some fiftie crownes by the yeare : and calling some about him , ( very gentleman● like , as well in their behauiour , as apparell ) this ( saith he ) rideth and breaketh my great horses , this is an excellent lutenist , this a good painter and surueyer of land , this a passing linguist and scholler , who instructeth my sonnes , &c. sir ( quoth this young man ) i am a gentleman borne , and can onely attend you in your chamber , or waite vpon your lordship abroad . see ( quoth monsieur de ligny , for so was his name ) how your gentry of england are bred : that when they are distressed , or want means in a strange countrey , they are brought vp neither to any qualitie to preferre them , nor haue they so much as the latine tongue to helpe themselues withall . i knew it generally to be true , but for the time , and vpon occasion excused it as i could ; yet he was receiued , and after returned to his friends in good fashion . hereby i onely giue to know , that there is nothing more deplorable , then the breeding in generall of our gentlemen , none any more miserable then one of them , if he fall into miserie in a strange country . which i can impute to no other thing , then the remisnesse of parents , and negligence of masters in their youth . wherefore at my comming ouer , considering the great forwardnesse and proficience of children in other countries , the backwardnesse and rawnesse of ours ; the industry of masters there , the ignorance a●d idlenesse of most of ours ; the exceeding care of parents in their childrens education , the negligence of ours : being taken through change of ayre with a quartane feuer , that leasure i had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as i may truly say , by fits i employed vpon this discourse for the priuate vse of a noble young gentleman my friend , not intending it should euer see light , as you may perceiue by the plaine and shallow current of the discourse , fitted to a young and tender capacitie . howsoeuer i haue done it , and if thou shalt find herein any thing that may content , at the least , not distaste thee , i shall be glad and encouraged to a more serious peece : if neither , but out of a malignant humour , disdaine what i haue done , i care not ; i haue pleased my selfe : and long since learned , enuie , together with her sister ignorance , to harbour onely in the basest and most degenerate breast . chap. i. of nobilitie in generall : that it is a plant from heauen ; the roote , branches , fruit. if we consider arightly the frame of the whole vniuerse and method of the all-excellent wisedome in her worke ; as creating the formes of things infinitely diuers , so according to dignity of essence or vertue in effect , wee must acknowledge the same to hold a soueraigntie , and transcendent praedominance , as well of rule as place each ouer either . among the heauenly bodies wee see the nobler orbes , and of greatest influence to be raised aloft , the lesse effectuall , depressed . of elements , the fire the most pure and operatiue to hold the highest place ; in compounded bodies , of things as well sensible as insensible , there runneth a veine of excellence proceeding from the forme , ennobling ( in the same kind ) some other aboue the rest . the lyon we say is king of beasts , the eagle chiefe of birds ; the whale and whirle-poole among fishes , iupiters oake the forrests king. among flowers , wee most admire and esteeme the rose : among fruite , the pom-roy and queene-apple ; among stones , we value aboue all the diamond ; mettals , gold and siluer : and since we know these to transferre their inward excellence and vertues to their species successiuely , shall we not acknowledge a nobilitie in man of greater perfection , of nobler forme , and prince of these ? can we be curious in discerning a counterfait from the true pearle ; to choose our siens of the best fruit , buy our flowers at twenty pounds the roote or slip : and not regard or make difference of linage , nor be carefull into what stocke we match our selues , or of what parents we choose a seruant ? surely , to beleeue that nature ( rather the god of nature ) produceth not the same among our selues , is to question the rarest worke-mistris of ignorance or partialitie , and to abase our selues beneath the beast . nobilitie then ( taken in the generall sence ) is nothing else then a certaine eminency , or notice taken of some one aboue the rest , for some notable act performed , bee it good or ill ; and in that sence are nobilis and ignobilis vsually among the latine poets taken . more particularly , and in the genuine sence , nobilitie is the honour of blood in a race or linage , conferred formerly vpon some one or more of that family , either by the prince , the lawes , customes of that land or place , whereby either out of knowledge , culture of the mind , or by some glorious action performed , they haue beene vsefull and beneficiall to the common-wealths and places where they liue . for since all vertue consisteth in action , and no man is borne for himselfe , we adde , beneficiall and vsefull to his country ; for hardly they are to be admitted for noble , who ( though of neuer so excellent parts ) consume their light , as in a dark la●thorne in contemplation , and a stoicall retirednesse . and since honor is the reward of vertue and glorious action onely , vice and basenesse must not expect her fauours : as the people of rome created c. fla●ius from a tribune , senator and aedil● for stealing of a book of records . eushicrates , euph●rbas , and phylagrus , were ennobled for treason : and c●ttier by lewis the eleuenth , the french king , vnworthily aduanced from a mender of stockings , to be lord chancellor of france . neither must we honor or esteeme those ennobled , or made gentle in blood , who by mechanicke and base meanes , haue raked vp a masse of wealth , or because they follow some great man , weare the cloath of a noble personage , or haue purchased an ill coat at a good rate ; no more then a player vpon the stage , for wearing a lords cast suit : since nobilitie hangeth not vpon the aicry esteeme of vulgar opinion , but is indeed of it selfe essentiall and absolute . beside , nobilitie being inherent and naturall , can haue ( as the diamond ) the lustre but only from it selfe : honors and titles externally conferred , are but attendant vpon desert , and are but as apparell , and the drapery to a beautifull body . memorable , as making to our purpose , is that speech of sig●smund the empero●r , to a doctor of the ciuill law , who when he had receiued knighthood at the emperours hands , left forthwith the societie of his fellow doctors , & kept company altogether with the knights : which the emperour well obseruing , smilingly ( before the open assembly ) saide vnto him ; foole , who preferest knighthood before learning and thy degree ; i can make a thousand knights in one day , but cannot make a doctor in a thousand yeares . now for as much as the weale publique of euery estate , is preserued armi● & consilio , this faire tree by two maine branches disspreddeth her selfe into the militarie & ciuil discipline ; vnder the first i place valor and greatnesse of spirit : vnder the other , iustice , knowledge of the lawes , which ● consilij fons ; magnificence , and eloquence . for true fortitude and greatnesse of spirit were ennobled ( we reade ) iphicrates , that braue athenian , who ouerthrew in a set battaile the lacedaemonians , stopt the furie of epaminondas , and became lieutenant generall to artaxerxes king of persia , yet but the sonne of a poore cobler . eumenes , one of the best captaines for valour and aduice alexander had , was the sonne of an ordinarie carter . dioclesian was the sonne of scriuener , or book-binder : valentinian , of a rope-maker ; maximinus , of a smith ; a pertinax , of a wood-monger ; seruius tullus , sonne of a bond-woman , thence his name seruius : tarquinius priscus , of a poore merchant , or rather pedler in corinth : hugh capet , the first of that name , king of france , the sonne of a butcher in paris ; who when lewis the sixth , sonne of lothary , was poisoned by blanch his wife for adulterie , being a stout fellow , and of a resolute spirit , hauing gathered a company like himselfe , and taking his aduantage of the time , and distempered humour of the state , carried himselfe and his businesse so , that he got the crowne from the true heire , charles the vnckle of lewis . lamusius , the third king of the lombards , was the sonne of a common strumpet , found laid and couered with leaues in a ditch by king agelmond , who by chance riding that way , and espying a thing stirre in the ditch , touched it with the point of his lance , to see what it was : which the infant with the hand taking fast hold of , the king amazed , and imagining it as a presage of some good fortune toward the child , caused it to be taken out of the ditch , and to bee brought vp , which after ( nursed in the lap of fortune ) by many degrees of honor , got the crowne of lombardy . neither are the truly valorous , or any way vertuous , ashamed of their so meane parentage , but rather glorie in themselues that their merit hath aduanced them aboue so many thousands farre better descended . and hence you shall many times heare them freely discourse of their beginning , and plainely relate their bringing vp , & what their parents were . i remember when i was in the low-countries , and liued with sir iohn ogle at virecht , the reply of that valiant gentleman colonell edmondes , to a countrey-man of his newly come out of scotland , went currant : who desiring entertainment of him , told him ; my lord his father , and such knights and gentle-men , his couzins and kinsmen , were in good health . quoth colonell edmondes , gentlemen ( to his friends by ) beleeue not one word hee sayes ; my father is but a poore baker of edenbourgh , and workes hard for his liuing , whom this knaue would make a lord , to currie fauour with me , and make ye beleeue i am a great man borne , &c. so that the valiant souldier you see , measureth out of the whole cloath his honour with his sword : and hence in ancient times came rome , athens , carthage , and of late the ottoman empire to their greatnesse . honor being then highly prized , euery one aymed at nobilitie , and none refused the most desperate attempts for the good of his countrey . thus the decij , cato , marcellus , with infinite others , became ennobled , and had their altars , statues , columnes , &c. and were welnigh adored with as great respect , as their gods themselues . from no lesse meanesse of birth and beginning , we find many great and famous bishops , ciuilians , orators , poets , &c. to haue attained to the greatest dignities , both of church and common-wealth , and to haue checked with their fortunes , euen glorie her selfe . pope iohn the two and twentieth , was a poore shooe-makers sonne ; nicholas the fifth was sonne of a poulter ; sixt●● the fift , of a hog-heard : alphenus but a tailors apprentice , who running from his master , went to rome , and there studied the ciuill law , and so profited , that for his learning and wisedome , he was after created consull . vlpian but meanely borne , yet tutor to alexander the emperour . cicero was borne and brought vp at arpinum , a poore and obscure village : virgil , the sonne of a potter ; horace , of a trumpeter ; theophrastus of a botcher , with infinite others , i might alledge as well of ancient as moderne times . for doing iustice , the romanes of a priuate man and a stranger , chose numa for their king : and on the contrary , ( as plutarch writeth , comparing them together ) lycurgus of a king , for iustice sake , made himselfe a priuate man : for , a goodly thing ( saith plutarch ) it is by doing iustly to obtaine a kingdome , and as glorious to prefer iustice before a kingdome ; for the vertue of the one ( numa ) made him so esteemed and honoured , that he was of all thought worthy of it ; of the other , so great , that he scorned it . in like manner , for their good lawes and doing iustice , were aduanced to their thrones and goodly tribunals , minos , rhadamantus ( though subiects of poets fables . ) aratus , solon , &c. and how fairely ( beyond their lawrels ) the name of iust , became aristides , traiant , agesilaus , with many others , i leaue to historie to report . for magnificence , and obliging the places wherein they liued , by great benefits , were ennobled , tarquinius priscus , a stranger , and a banished man : and of later times , cosmo di medici in florence , vpon whose vertues , as vpon a faire prospect , or some princely palace , giue me leaue a little , as a traueller to breathe my selfe , and shew you afarre off the faire tutrets of his more then royall magnificence , being but a priuate man , as i finde it recorded in his historie by machiauell . this cosmo ( saith he ) was the most esteemed , and most famous citizen ( being no man of warre ) that euer had beene in the memorie of man , either in florence , or any other citie ; because he did not onely excell all others ( of his time ) in authoritis and riches , but also in liberalitie and wisedoms . for among other qualities which aduanced him to be chiefe of his countrey , he was more then other men liberall and magnificent , which liberalitie appeared much more after his death then before . for his sonne piero found by his fathers records , that there was not any citizen of estimation , to whom cosmo had not lent great summes of money : and many times also he did lend to those gentlemen , whom he knew to haue need . his magnificence appeared by diuers his building : for within the citie of florence hee builded the abbaits and temples of s. marco , s. lorenzo , and the monastery of s. verdiana , & in the mountains of fiesole , s. girolamo , with the abbey thereto belonging . also in mugello he did not only repaire the church for the friers , but tooke it downe , and built it anew . besides those magnificent buildings in s. croce , in s. agnoli , and s. miniato , he made altars , and sumptu●●● chappels . all which temples and chappels , besides the buildings of them , were by him paued , and furnished throughly with all things necessarie . with these publique buildings , wee may number his priuate houses , whereof one within the citie mee●e for so great a personage , and foure other without , at carriaggi , at fiesole , at casaggiuolo , and at trebio , all palaces fitter for princes , then priuate persons . and because his magnificent houses in italy , did not in his opinion make him famous enough , he builded in ierusalem an hospitall to receiue poore and diseased pilgrims . in which worke he consumed great summes of money . and albeit these buildings , and euery other his actions were princely , and that in florence he liued like a prince ; yet so gouerned by wisedome , as he neuer exceeded the bounds of ciuill modestie . for in his conuersation , in riding , in marrying his children and kinsfolkes , he was like vnto all other modest and discree●e citizens : because he well kn●w , that extraordinarie things , which are of all men with admiration beheld , do● procure more enuy , then those which without ostentation be honestly couered . i omit , as followeth shortly after , his great and excessiue charge in entertaining of learned men of all professions , to instruct the youth of florence : his bountie to argiropolo a gracian , and marsilio fi●ins , ( whom he maintained for the exercise of his owne studies in his house , and gaue him goodly lands neere his house of carreggi , ) men in that time of singular learning , because vertue reares him rather to wonder then imitation . to proceed , no lesse respect and honour is to be attributed to eloquence , whereby so many haue raised their esteeme and fortunes , as able to draw ciuilitie out of barbarisme , and sway whole kingdomes by leading with a celticke hercules , the rude multitude by the eares . marke anthony contending against augustus for the romane empire , assured himselfe he could neuer obtaine his purpose while cicero liued , therefore he procured his death . the like did antipater , a successor to alexander , by demosthenes , aspiring to the monarchy of greece . and not long since a poore mahumetan priest , by his smooth tongue , got the crowne of morocco from the right heire , being of the house of giuseph or ioseph . and much hurt it may doe , if like a mad mans sword , it be vsed by a turbulent and mutinous orator ; otherwise we must hold it a principall meanes of correcting ill manners , reforming lawes , humbling aspiring minds , and vpholding all vertue . for as serpents are charmed with words , so the most sauage and cruell natures by eloquence : which some interpret , to be the meaning of mercuries golden rod , with those serpents wreathed about it . much therefore it concerneth princes , not onely to countenance honest and eloquent orators , but to maintaine such neere about them , as no meane props ( if occasion serue ) to vphold a state , and the onely keies to bring in tune a discordant common-wealth . but it shall not be amisse ere i proceede further , to remoue certaine doubts , which as rubs clog the cleere passage of our discourse : and the first concerning bastardie , whether bastards may be said to be nobly borne or not : i answere with iustinian , sordes inter praecipuos nominarinon merentur . yet it is the custome with vs , and in france , to allow them for noble , by giuing them sometimes their fathers proper coate , with a bend sinister , as reignald earle of cornewall , base sonne to the conquerour , bare his fathers two leopards passant gardant , or in a field gules , with a bend sinister azure : the like hamlin , base sonne to geoffrey plantagenet , earle of surrey● some their fathers whole coate , or part of the same in bend dexter ; as iohn beauford , a bastard of somerset , bare partie per pale argent and azure , a bend of england , with a labell of france . sir roger de clarendon , base son to the blacke prince , his fathers three feathers , on a bend sable , the field or. i willingly produce these examples , to confirme our custome of ennobling them ; and though the law leaneth not on their side , yet stand they in the head of the troope , with the most deseruing : yea , and many times ( according to euripides ) proue a better ●hen the legitimate . who are more famous then remus and romulus , who laid the first stone of rome ; more couragious and truly valiant , then hercules , alexander , our king arthur of britaine , and william the first ? more critically learned then christopher longolius , iacobus faber ; more modest , and of better life , then coelius calgaguinus , the delight of his ferrara , with infinite others ? and where decretals and schoolemen may beare the bell , those two grandes , gratian and lombard ? a second question ariseth , whether he that is noble descended , may by his vice and basenesse lose his nobilitie or no. it is answered , that if he that is ignoble and inglorious , may acquire nobilitie by vertue ; the other may very well lose it by his vice. but such are the miserable corruptions of our times , that vices go for prime vertues ; and to be drunke , sweare , wench , follow the fashion , & to do iust nothing , are the attributes and marks now adaies of a great part of our gentry . hence the agrigentines expelled their phalaris : the romanes extinguished the memorie of the whole race of the tarquines , with those monsters of nature , nero , heliogabalus , &c. the sicilians dionysins the later , with others . thirdly , whether pouertie impeacheth or staineth nobilitie . i answere , riches are an ornament , not the cause of nobilitie ; and many times wee see there lyeth more worth vnder a thrid-bare cloake , and within , a thatched cottage , then the richest robe , or stateliest palace . witnesse the noble curij and fabritij , taken from a poore dinner of turneps and water-cresses in an earthen dish , to leade the romane army , and conquer the most potent kings of the world . fourthly , concerning aduocates and physitians , whether we may rancke them with the ennobled or no. aduocates or counsellors being interpreters of the law , their place is commendable , and themselues most necessarie instruments in a common-wealth ; wherefore , saith the ciuill law , their calling is honorable , they ought to be freed of mulcts , publike charges , and all impositions ; and to be written or sent vnto , as vnto persons of especiall worth and dignitie . touching physitians , though the profession by some hath beene thought seruile , and in times past was practised by seruants , as domitian ( saith seneca ) imper auit medico seruo , vt venenum sibi daret ; and that slouenly epithite of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be by aristophanes bestowed vpon aesculapius : yet it is an art nothing seruile and base , but noble and free , since we know not onely emperors and kings , but saints , yea , our blessed sauiour to haue cured the sicke ; as constantine , adrian , edward the confessor king of england , mithridates king of pontus , ( whose antidote yet beareth his name , ) artemisia queene of caria , who first found the vertue of mugwort , bearing her name in latine ; gentius king of illyricum ( now sclauonia ) who immortally liueth in the herbe gentiana : as also lysimachus in his lysimachia , achilles in achillea , or the yarrow : apollo , podalirius , moses , esay , salomon , ezechias . honor the phisitian , saith ecclesiasticus : then againe , all phisicke or medicine is from god , and he shall receiue a reward from the king : the skill of the physitian shall exalt his head , &c. and as ptolomy sometime obiected against zoilus concerning homer , so may i vnto our lordly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or physicke-haters : which of them all , trebble their reuenewes , can maintaine so many as one poore galen or hippocrates , who though dead many hundreds of yeares since , feed many thousands of families , euen at this present ? i heere intend no common chyrurgians , mountebancks , vnlettered empericks , and women doctors ( of whom for the most part there is more danger , then of the worst disease it selfe ) whose practise is infamous , mechanique and base . fiftly , concerning merchants ; the exercise of merchandise hath beene ( i confesse ) accounted base , and much derogating from nobilitie , except it be exercised & vndertaken by a generall estate , or the deputies thereof . aristotle therefore saith , that the thebanes and lacedaemonians had a law , that none should bee esteemed and held capable of honor in their common-wealth , except they had ten yeares before giuen ouer trading and merchandise : and valerius maximus reporteth , that among other things the romanes had to disparage tarquinius priscus withall , and make him odious to the people , was that he was a merchants sonne . saint chrysostome vpon that place of mathew , hee cast out the buyers and sellers out of the temple : gathereth , that merchants hardly and seldome please god. and certaine it is , that the ancient romans neuer preferred any that exercised merchandise , to any eminent place or office in their commonwealthe perhaps agreeing in one with aristotle , who speaking of merchants and mechanickes , saith ; vilis est huiusmodi vita , & virtuti aduersa , the kind of life is base , and contrary to vertue . but some may obiect vnto me the great estates of venice , genoa , florence , luca , &c. where their nobilitie is nothing disparaged by the exercise of merchandise . i answer ; as their coines at home they may raise themselues high or lower at their pleasure : but abroad ( like citie maiors ) in other countries they fall vnder value , and a great deale short of their reckoning . but if the owner of the earth , and all that therein is , hath so bestowed and disposed of his blessings , that no one countrey affordeth all things , but must be beholden not onely to her neighbours , but euen the most remote regions , and common-wealths cannot stand without trade and commerce , buying and selling : i cannot ( by the leaue of so reuerend iudgements ) but account the honest merchant among the number of benefactors to his countrey , while he exposeth as well his life as goods , to the hazzard of infinite dangers , sometime for medicinall drugges and preseruatiues of our liues in extremitie of sicknesse ; another , for our food or cloathing in t●mes of scarsitie and want , haply for vsefull necessaries for our vocations , and callings : or lastly , for those , sensus & animi oblectamenta , which the almightie prouidence hath purposely , for our solace and recreation , and for no other end else created , as apes , parrots , peacockes , canarie , and all singing birds ; rarest flowers for colour and smell , pretious stones of all sorts , pearle , amber , corall , cristall , all manner of sweete odou●s , fruites , infinitely differing in forme and taste : colours of all sorts , for painting , dying , &c. but i proceed . sixt and lastly , touching mechanicall arts and artists , whosoeuer labour for their liuelihood and gaine , haue no share at all in nobilitie or gentry : as painters , stage-players● tamblers , ordinary fidlers , inne-keepers , fencers , iuglers , dancers , mountebancks , bearewards , and the like ; ( except the custome of the place determine the contrary ) as her●d●tus and xenophon witnesse to haue beene obserued , both among the aegyptians , scythians , and corinthians . the reason is , because their bodies are spent with labour and trauaile , and men that are at their worke , assidui & accibui vmbratiles esse cogumur . yea , if a noble man borne in captiuitie , or constrained through any other necessitie , shall exercise any manuall occupation or art , hee by the opinion of some , loseth his nobilitie ciuill , but not christian , and shall at his returne bee restored . where i said the custome of the country , i intend thus : by the law of mahomet the grand signior , or great turke himselfe , is bound to exercise some manuall trade or occupation ( for none must be idle : ) as solyman the magnificent , that so threatned vienna , his trade was making of arrow-heads ; achmat the last , horne rings for archers , and the like . from the roote and branches , let vs taste the fruite , which fall not ( like the apples of sodoms ) with a light touch into nothing , but are as those of hesperides , golden , and out of the vulgar reach . first , noble or gentlemen ought to bee preferred in fees , honors , offices , and other dignities of command and gouernment before the common people . they are to be admitted neere , and about the person of the prince , to be of his counsel in warre , and to beare his standard . we ought to giue credit to a noble or gentleman , before any of the inferior sort . he must not be arrested , or pleaded against vpon cosenage . we must attend him , and come to his house , and not ●e to ours . his punishment ought to be more fauourable , & honorable vpon his tryall , and that to bee by his peeres of the same noble ranke . he ought in all sittings , meetings , and salutations , to haue the vpper hand , and greatest respect . they must be cited by bill or writing , to make their appearance . in criminall causes , noblemen may appeare by their arturney , or procurator . they ought to take their recreations of hunting , hawking , &c. freely , without controule in all places . their imprisonment ought not to bee in base manner , or so strict as others . they may eate the best and daintiest meate that the place affordeth ; to weare at their pleasure gold , iewels , the best apparell , and of what fashion they please , &c. beside , nobilitie stirreth vp emulation in great spirits , not onely of equalling others , but excelling them ; as in cimon , the elder scipio africanus , decius the sonne , alexander , edward our blacke prince , and many others . it many times procureth a good marriage , as in germany , where a faire coate and a crest , is often preferred before a good reuenew . it is a spurre in braue and good spirits , to beare in mind those things which their ancestors haue nobly atchieued . it transferreth it selfe vnto posteritie ; and as for the most part wee see the children of noble personages , to beare the lincaments and resemblance of their parents : so in like manner , for the most part they possesse their vertues and noble dispositions , which euen in their tenderest yeares , will but forth and discouer it selfe . hauing discoursed of nobilitie in generall , the diuision , and vse thereof : giue me leaue in a word , to in●eigh against the pittifull abuse thereof , which like a plague , i think , hath infected the whole world . euery vndeseruing and base peasant ayming at nobilitie : which miserable ambition hath so furnished both towne & country with coates of a new list ; that were democritus liuing , hee might haue laughing matter for his life . in naples , such is the pride of euery base groome , that though he be distalla , he must be termed signore , and scarce will ●e open a note from a poore calz●lai● , to whom he hath beene a twelue month indebted for his bootes , if d●n be not in the superscription . in venice likewise , euery mechanique is a magnifice , though his magnificenza walketh the market but with a chequin . in france , euery peasant and common lacquay , is saluted by name of mounsieur , or sire , the king himselfe hauing no other title . the word sire immediatly proceeding from cyrus , the persian word for a lord or great prince , as h. stephanus well noteth ; or as it pleaseth some , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 authoritie , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a lord or gouernor , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . goe but from paris to anjo● , and see if you find not all , from the count to the esculiers , allyed either to the king , some prince of the blood , noble peere , or other . in the low countries , mine old host at arnhem in gildrerland , changed his coate and crest thrice in a fortnight , because it did not please his young wife . for there ye must vnderstand , they are all gentlemen by a grant , ( they say ) from charles the fift , in consideration of a great summe of money they lent him in time of his warres . come into what house soeuer , though miju heer weert , be but a gardiner , ropemaker , or aqua●ita seller , you shal be sure to haue his armes , with the beauer full faced ( allowed to none but kings and princes ) in his glasse-window , with some ingenious motto or other of his owne deuice . i remember one t●link there , gaue for his coate a wilde goose in the water , with this witty one ; volans , natans . another , three hogs falling vpon a dog , who was lugging one of their fellowes ; with this , a endracht mackt macht . another , three great drinking bowles , orbiquiers , with this truly dutch , and more tollerable then the rest , vnderneath , quem non f●●●re disertum ? with infinite others of like nature : yet the ancient nobilitie ( whereof there are many honorable families ; as hohenlo , egment , horne , brede●ode , waggen●●r , betsolaër , with sundry others ) keepe themselues entire , and maintaining their ancient houses and reputation , free from scandall of dishonour , as well as wee laugh at these their boorish deuices . some againe , by altering letters or syllables , or adding to their names , will insinuate themselues into noble houses , and not sticke many times to beare their coates . but the most common and worst of all , is in all places the ordinary purchasing of armes and honors for money , very preiudiciall to true nobilitie and politique gouernment : for who will hazzard his person and estate to infinite dangers for honour , when others at home may haue it si●e sudore & sanguin● , onely by bleeding in the vena c●n● , called marsupium ? the pure oyle cannot mingle with the water , no more this extracted quintessence and spirit of vertue , with the dregges and subsistence of vnworthinesse . euripides , when his father told him he was knighted , made him this reply ; good father , you haue that which euery man may haue for his money . and certainely , vertue dum petis ar du● , will not stoope to take vp her reward in the streete . the french man is so bold , as to terme such intruders gentil-villaines ; but i dare not vse that word , lest some that challenge the first part of it , should returne me the latter . lastly , to conclude , most pittifull is the pride of many , who when they are nobly borne , not onely staine their stocke with vice , and all base behauiour , relying and vaunting of their long pedigrees , and exploits of their fathers , ( themselues liuing in sloath and idlenesse ) disparage and disgrace those , who by their vertuous endeuours are rising . to these and such , i oppose marius , and that stout reply of his in salust : they contemne me● as an vpstart , i scorn● their sloath and basenesse . againe , what they idlely heave and reade at home , my selfe hath either acted or seene ; if they scorne me , let them scorne their ancestors , who came by their nobilitie as i haue done : if they 〈◊〉 mine honor , let them also enuy my labours , mine innocence , my perils , &c. now see how equally they deale : that which they arrogate to themselues from the vertue of others , that they deny me from mine owne , because i haue no images , and my nobilitie is new , &c. shortly after : i cannot , to prooue my descent , bring forth the images of my ancestors , their triumphs , their consulships ; but if neede be , i can shew launces , my ensigne , caparisons , and other such warlike implements , beside a number of scarres vpon my breast : these are my images , my nobilitie , not left me by descent and inheritance , &c. and as resolute of late yeares , was the answer of verdugo a spaniard , commander in friseland , to certaine of the spanish nobilitie , who murmured at a great feast , the sonne of a hang-man should take place aboue them , ( for so he was , and his name importeth : ) gentlemen ( quoth he ) question not my birth , or who my father was , i am the sonne of mine owne desert and fortune ; if any man dares as much as i haue done , let him come and take the tables ●nd with all my heart . chap. . of the dignitie and necessity of learning in princes and nobilitie . since learning then is an essentiall part of nobilitie , as vnto which we are beholden , for whatsoeuer dependeth on the culture of the mind ; it followeth , that who is nobly borne , and a scholler withall , deserueth double honour , being both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : for hereby as an ensigne of the fairest colours , hee is a farre discerned , and winneth to himselfe both loue and admiration , heigthing with skill his image to the life , making it pretious , and lasting to posteritie . it was the reply of that learned king of arragon to a courtier of his , who affirmed , that learning was not requisite in princes and nobilitie , questa è voce d'un but , non d'un huom● . for if a prince be the image of god , gouerning and adorning all things , and the end of all gouernment the obseruation of lawes , that thereby might appeare the goodnesse of god in protecting the good , and punishing the bad , that the people might bee fashioned in their liues and manners , and come neere in the light of knowledge vnto him , who must protect and defend them , by establishing religion , ordaining lawes ; by so much ( as the sunne from his orbe of empire ) ought he to out-runne the rest in a vertuous race , and out-shine them in knowledge , by how much he is mounted neerer to heauen , and so in view of all , that his least eclipse is taken to a minute . what ( tell me ) can be more glorious or worthy the scepter , then to know god aright ; the mysteries of our saluation in iesus christ , to conuerse with god in soule , and oftner then the meere naturall man , to aduance him in his creatures ; to bee able with salomon to dispute , from the loftiest cedar on libanus , to the lowest hysop vpon the wall ; to bee the co●duit pipe and instrument , whereby ( as in a goodly garden ) the sweete streames of heauens , blessings are conueied in pietie , peace and plentie , to the nourishing of thousands , and the flourishing of the most ingenious arts and sciences . wherefore , saith the kingly prophet , erudimini reges , &c. as if he should say ; how can you kings & iudges of the earth vnderstand the grounds of your religion , the foundation and beginnings of your lawes , the ends of your duties and callings ; much lesse determine of such controuersies , as daily arise within your realmes and circuits , define in matters of faith publique iustice , your priuate and oeconomicke affaires , if from your cradles yee haue beene nursed ( as solomons foole ) with ignorance , brutish ignorance , mother of all miserie , that infecteth your best actions with folly , ranketh you next to the beast , maketh your talke and discourse loathsome and heauy to the hearer , as a burthen vpon the way , your selues to be abused by your vassals , as blinde men by their boyes , and to bee led vp and downe at the will and pleasure of them , whose eyes and eares you borrow . hence the royall salomon , aboue all riches of god , desired wisedome and vnderstanding , that hee might gouerne , and go before so mighty a people . and the ancient romanes , when their voyces were demaunded at the election of their emperor , cryed with one consent , quis melior quam● literatus ? hence the persians would elect none for their king , except he were a great philosopher : and great alexander acknowledged his , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from his master aristotle . rome saw her best daies vnder her most learned kings and emperours ; as num● , augustus , titus , antoninus , constantino , theodosius , and some others . plutarch giueth the reason , learning ( saith hee ) reformeth the life and ma●●ers , and affoordeth the wholesomest aduice for the gouernment of a common-wealth . i am not ignorant , but that ( as all goodnesse else ) shee hath met with her mortall enemies , the champions of ignorance , as licinius gaue for his mot or poesie : postes reipublica literae ; and lewis the eleuenth , king of france , would euer charge his sonne to learne no more latine then this , qui nescit dissimulare , nescit regnare : but these are the fancies of a few , and those of ignorant and corrupted iudgements . since learning then ioyned with the feare of god , is so faithfull a guide , that without it princes vndergoe but lamely ( as chrysostome saith ) their greatest affaires ; they are blinde in discretion , ignorant in knowledge , rude and barbarous in manners and liuing : the necessitie of it in princes and nobilitie , may easily be gathered , who howsoeuer they slatter themselues , with the fauourable sun-shine of their great estates and fortunes , are indeede of no other account and reckoning with men of wisedome and vnderstanding , then glowormes that onely shine in the darke of ignorance , and are admired of ideots and the vulgar for the out-side ; statues or huge colossos full of lead and rubbish within , or the aegyptian asse , that thought himselfe worshipfull for bearing golden isis vpon his backe . sigismund king of the romanes , and sonne to charles the fourth emperour , greatly complained at the councell of constance , of his princes and nobilitie , whereof there was no one that could answer an embassadour , who made a speech in latine ; whereat lodouicke , the elector palatine tooke such a deepe disdaine in himselfe , that with teares ashamed , he much lamented his want of learning ; and presently hereupon returning home , beganne ( albeit hee was very old ) to learne his latine tongue . eberhard also , the first duke of wirtenberge , at an assembly of many princes in italy ( who discoursed excellently in latine , while he stood still and could say nothing ) in a rage strook his tutor or gouernor there present , for not applying him to his booke when he was young . i gladly alledge these examples , as by a publike councell to condemne opinion of heresie , beleeuing to teach , and teaching to beleeue , the vnnecessitie of learning in nobilitie ; an error as preiudiciall to our land , as sometime was that rotten chest to aethiopia , whose corrupted ayre vented after many hundreds of yeares , brought a plague not onely vpon that country , but ouer the whole world . i ceasse to vrge further , the necessitie and dignitie of learning , hauing ( as octaui●s said to decius , a captaine of anthonies , ) to the vnderstanding spoken sufficient ; but to the ignorant too much , had i said lesse . chap. . of the time of learning , dutie of masters , and what the fittest method to be obserued . as the spring is the onely fitting seede time for graine , setting and planting in garden and orchard : so youth , the aprill of mans life , is the most naturall and conuenient season to scatter the seeds of knowledge vpon the ground of the mind , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , saith plato , it behooueth in youth out of hand , to desire and bend our minds to learning : neither as good husbands , while time serueth , let slip one houre ; for , saith he , elsewhere , our ground is hard , and our horses be wild ; withall , if we meane to reape a plentifull haruest , take we the counsell of adrastus in euripides , to looke that the seed be good . for , in the foundation of youth , well ordered and taught , consists ( saith plato againe ) the flourishing of the common-wealth . this tender age is like water spilt vpon a table , which with a finger wee may draw and direct which way we list ; or like the young hop , which , if wanting a pole , taketh hold of the next hedge : so that now is the time ( as waxe ) to worke it plyant to any forme . how many excellent wits haue we in this land , that smell of the caske , by neglecting their young time when they should haue learned ! horace his quo semel , once fit for the best wine , since too bad for the best vineger , who growne to yeares of discretion , and solid vnderstanding , deepely bewaile their misspent , or misguided youth , with too late wishing ( as i haue heard many ) that they had lost a ioynt , halte their estates , so that they had beene held to their bookes when they were young . the most ( and without cause ) lay the fault vpon bad masters ; to say truth , it is a generall plague and complaint of the whole land ; for , for'one discreete and able teacher , you shall finde twenty ignorant and carelesse , who ( among so many fertile and delicate wits as england affoordeth ) whereas they make one scholler , they marre ten . the first and maine error of masters , is want of discretion , when in such varietie of natures as different as their countenances , the master neuer laboureth to try the strength of euery capacitie by it selfe , which ( as that lesbian stone aristotle speaketh of ) must haue the rule fitted to it , not that brought to the rule : for as the selfe same medicines haue seuerall operations , according to the complexions they worke vpon ; so one and the selfe-same method agreeth not with all alike : some are quick of capacitie , and most apprehensiue , others of as dull ; some of a strong memorie , others of as weake ; yet may that dullard , or bad memorie , ( if he be obserued ) proue as good , yea ( in aristotles opinion ) better then of the other . but we see on the contrary , out of the masters carterly iudgment , like horses in a teame , they are set to draw al alike , when some one or two prime and able wits in the schoole , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( which he culs out to admiration if strangers come , as a costardmonger his fairest pippins ) like fleete hounds goe away with the game , when the rest need helping ouer a stile a mile behind : hence being either quite discouraged in themselues , or taken away by their friends ( who for the most part measure their learning by the forme they fit it ) they take leaue of their bookes while they liue . a second ouer-sight nigh a kin to the former , is indiscretion in correction , in vsing all natures alike , and that with immoderation , or rather plaine crueltie : true it is , quo quisque est solertior & ingeniosior , hoc docet iracundior . but these fellowes beleeue with chrysippus in quintilian , that there is no other method of making a scholler , then by beating him , for that he vnderstandeth not through their owne fault ; wherein they shew themselues egregious tyrants , for , correction without instruction is plaine tyrannis . the noble , generous , and best natures , are won by commendation , enkindled by glory , which is fax mentis honestae , to whom conquest and shame are a thousand tortures . of which disposition for the most part , are most of our young nobilitie and gentlemen , well borne , inheriting with their being , they vertue of their ancestors , which euen in this tender greennesse of year wil bewary it selfe , as well in the schoole as abroad at their play and childish recreations . quintilian aboue all others , desireth this disposition to make his orator of , and whom chiding greeueth , to be tenderly dealt withall ; yet haue i knowne these good and towardly natures , as roughly handled by our plagosi orbilij , as by dionysius himselfe taking reuenge vpon the buttockes of poore boyes for the losse of his kingdome , and railed vpon by the vnmannerly names of block-heads ( oft by farre worse then block-heads ) asses , dolts , &c. which deepely pierceth the free and generous spirit ; for , ingenuitas ( saith soneca ) non recipit contemptum ; ingenuitie or the generous minde , cannot brooke contempt ; and which is more vngentlemanly , nay barbarous and inhumane , pulled by the eares , lashed ouer the face , beaten about the head with the great end of the rod , smitten vpon the lippes for euery slight offence with the ferula , ( not offered to their fathers scullions at home ) by these aiaces flagelliferi ; fitter far to keep beares , ( for they thriue and are the fatter for beating , saith pliny ) then to haue the charge of noble and gentlemen . in germanie the schoole is , and as the name importeth , it ought to be meerely ludus literarius , a very pastime of learning , where it is a rare thing to see a rodde stirring : yet i heartily wish that our children of england were but halfe so ready in writing and speaking latine , which boyes of tenne and twelue yeares old will doe so roundly , and with so neate a phrase and stile , that many of our masters would hardly mend them ; hauing onely for their punishment shame , and for their reward praise . cauendum à plagis ( saith quintilian ) sed potiùs laude aut aliorum praelatione vrgendus est puer : that is , wee must hold our hands , and rather bring a child forward with praise , and preferring of others . beside , there ought to bee a reciprocall and a mutuall affection betwixt the master and scholler , which iudicious erasmus and lodouicus viues , ( sometimes teacher to queene marie , and a spaniard , who came into england with queene katherine her mother ) doe principally require , patris in illum in duendo affectum , by putting on a fathers affection toward him : and as pliny saith , amore , non artifice docente , qui optimus magister est : to win his heart and affection by loue , which is the best master , the scholler againe the contrary . so may a discrect master , with as much or more case , both to himselfe & his scholler , teach him to play at tennise , or shoot at rouers in the field , and profit him more in one moneth , beside his encouragement , then in halfe a yeare with his strict and seuere vsage . but in stead heereof , many of our masters for the most part so behaue themselues , that their very name is hatefull to the scholler , who trembleth at their comming in , reioyceth at their absence , and looketh his master ( returned ) in the face , as his deadly enemy . some affect , and seuerer schooles enfore , a precise and tedious strictnesse , in long keeping the schollers by the walls ; as from before sixe in the morning , till twelue , or past : so likewise in the afternoone ; which beside the dulling of the wit , and deiecting the spirit , ( for , otij non minùs quam negotij ratio extare debes ) breedeth in him afterward , a kinde of hate and carelesnesse , of studie when hee commeth to bee sui i●ris , at his owne libertie , ( as experience prooueth by many , who are sent from senere schooles vnto the vniuersities : ) withall , ouer-loading his memorie , and taking off the edge of his inuention , with ouer heauy taskes in themes , verses , &c. to be continually poring on the booke ( saith socra●●s ) hurteth and weakeneth the memorie very much ; affirming learning to bee sooner attained vnto by the eare in discourse and hearing , then by the eye in continuall reading . i verily beleeue the same , if we had instructors and masters at hand , as readie as bookes . for wee see by experience , those who haue beene blinde from their birth , to retaine more by hearing , then others by their eyes , let them reade neuer so much : wherefore fabius would haue , istud ediscendi taedium protinùs à pueris deuorari , this same toyle or tediousnesse of learning by heart , to bee presently swallowed or passed ouer by children . wherefore i cannot but commend the custome of their schooles in the low countries , where for the auoyding of this tedious sitting still , & irksome poring on the booke all day long ; after the scholler hath receiued his lecture , he leaueth the schoole for an houre , and walketh abroad with one or two of his fellowes , either into the field , or vp among the trees vpon the rampire ; as in andwerpe , breda , vtrechs , &c. where they conferre and recreate themselues till time calls them in to repeate , where perhaps they stay an houre ; so abroad again , and thus at their pleasure the whole day . for true it is , that lipsius saith , ingenia vegeta , must haue suos re●essus , strong and liuely wits must haue their retrait or intermission of exercise , and as rammes ( engines of warre in old time ) recoyle backe to returne with the greater force ; which the mind doth vnto study after pause and rest , not vnlike a field , which by lying fallow , becommeth farre more fat and fruitfull . a fourth error , is the contrary ( for , stulti in contraria currunt , ) too much carelesnesse and remissenesse in not holding them in at all , or not giuing them in the schoole that due attendance they ought : so that euery day is play-day with them , bestowing the summer in seeking birds-nests , or haunting orchards ; the winter , in keeping at home for cold , or abroad all day with the bow , or the birding-peece : they making as little conscience in taking , as their master in giuing their learning , who forgetreth belike , that rumour layeth each fault of the scholler vpon his necks . plato remembreth one protagoras , a bird of the same feather , who when hee had liued threescore yeares , made his boast , he had spent fortie of those threescore , in corrupting and vndoing youth . we haue , i feare , a race of those protager-asses euen yet among our common schoole-masters in england . but the diseases whereunto some of them are very subiect , are humour and folly ( that i may say nothing of the grosse ignorance and in-sufficiency of many ) whereby they become ridiculous and contemptible both in the schoole and abroad . hence it comes to passe , that in many places , especially in italy , of all professions that of peda●eria is held in basest repute ; the schoole-master almost in euery comedy being brought vpon the stage , to paralell the zani , or pantaloun . he made vs good sport in that excellent comedy of pedantius , acted in our trinitie colledge in cambridge : and if i bee not deceiued , in priscianus vapulans , and many of our english playes . i knew one , who in winter would ordinarily in a cold morning , whip his boyes ouer for no other purpose then to get himselfe a heat : another beat them for swearing , and all the while sweares himselfe with horrible oathes , he would forgiue any fault sauing that . i had i remember my selfe ( neere s. albanes in hertforshir● where i was borne ) a master , who by no entreatie would teach any scholler he had , farther then his father had learned before him ; as if he had onely learned but to reade english , the sonne , though he went with him seauen yeares , should go no further ; his reason was , they would then prooue saucy rogues , and controule their fathers ; yet these are they that oftentimes haue our hopefull gentry vnder their charge and tuition , to bring them vp in science and ciuilitie . beside , most of them want that good and direct method , whereby in shortest time and with least labour , the scholler may attaine vnto perfection ; some teaching priuately , vse a grammer of their owne making ; some againe , none at a●● : the most lillies , but praeposterously posted ouer , that the boy is in his quantitie of syllables , before hee knoweth the qualitie of any one part of speech ; for he profiteth no more then he mastereth by his vnderstanding . nor is it my meaning that i would all masters to be tyed to one methode , no more then all the shires of england to come vp to london by one high way ; there be many equally alike good . and since method , as one saith , is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , let euery master if he can , by pulling vp stiles and hedges , make a more neere and priuate way to himselfe , and in gods name say with the diuinest of poets : — deserta per avia dulcis , raptat amer , invat ire iugi● , quà nulla priorum cast aliam molli diuertitur orbita clive . with sweet loue rapt , i now by desart's passe , and ouer hilles , where neuer track of yore : descending easily , yet remembred was , that led the way to castalie before . but in stead of many good they haue infinite bad , and go stumbling from the right as if they went blindfold for a wager : hence commeth the shifting of the scholler from master to master , who poore boy ( like a hound among a companie of ignorant hunters hollowing euery decre they see ) misseth the right , begetteth himselfe new labour , and at last by one of skill , but well rated or beaten for his paines . they cannot commonly erre , if they shall imitate the builder , first to prouide the scholler with matter , then cast to lay a good foundation , i meane a sollide vnderstanding of the grammar , euery rule made familiar and fast , by short and pleasant examples , let him bring his matter into forme , and by little and little raise the frame of a strong and well knit stile both in writing and speaking ; and what doth harme in all other building , is heere most profitable and needfull , that is , translation . for i know nothing that benefiteth a scholler more then that ; first by translating out of latine into english , which laid by for some time , let him translate out of english into latine againe varying as oft as he can both his words and phrases . dosetus who hath gathered all the phrases of tullie into one volume , manutius , erasmus his cop●a , and drax his callipo●a with others , will helpe him much at the first ; let him after by his owne reading enrich his vnderstanding , and learne haurire ex ipsis fontibus , next exercise himselfe in theames and declamation if he be able . the old method of teaching grammar , saith suetonius , was disputation in the fore-noone , and declamation in the after-noone ; but this i leaue to the discretion of the iudicious master . i passe ouer the insufficiencie of many of them ( with ill example of life ( which plato wisheth aboue all things to be respected and looked into ) whereof as of physicke and ill physitians , there is many times more danger then of the disease it selfe ; many of them being no grammarians at all , much lesse ( as quintilian requireth in a schoolemaster ) rhetoricians to expound with proper and purest english , an eloquent latine or greeke author , vnfold his inuention : and handling of the subiect , shew the forme and fluencie of the style , the apt disposition of figures , the proprietie of words , the weight of graue and deepe sentences which are nerui orationis , the sinewes of discourse . musitians , without which grammar is imperfect in that part of prosodia , that dealeth onely with meter and rhithmicall proportions . astronomers to vnderstand authors who haue written of the heauens and their motions , the seuerall constellations , setting and rising of the planets , with the sundry names of circles and points ; as manilius and pontanus . and lastly , naturall and morall philosophers , without which they canot as they ought , vnderstand tullies offices , or aesops fables , as familiar as they seeme . farre be it that i may bee thought to question the worth and dignitie of the painfull and discreete teacher , who , if learning be needfull , must be as necessarie : besides , i am not ignorant , that euen the a greatest princes , with the most reuerend bishops , and most profound schollers of the world , haue not beene ashamed of tea●ching the grammer : or that i inueigh in the least , against the learned and worthy masters of our publike schooles , many of whom may be ranked with the most sufficient schollers of europe . i inueigh against the pittifull abuse of our nation by such , who by their ignorance and negligence deceiue the church and common-wealth of seruiceable members , parents of their money , poore children of their time , esteeme in the world , and perhaps meanes of liuing all their liues after . chap. . of the dutie of parents in their childrens education . neither must all the blame lye vpon the schoolemaster , fond and foolish parents haue oft as deep a share in this pretious spoile ; as he whose cockering and apish indulgence ( to the corrupting of the minds of their children , disabling their wits , effeminating their bodies ) how bitterly doth plato taxe and abhorre ? for auoiding of which , the law of lycurgus commaunded children to be brought vp , and to learne in the country , farre from the delicacie of the citie ; and the brutij in italy , a people bordering vpon lucania , following the custome of the spartans , sent their children after the age of foureteene away , to be brought vp in fields and forrests among shepheards and heardsmen ; without any to looke vnto them , or to waite vpon them : without apparell , or bed to lye on , hauing nothing else then milke or water for their drinke , and their meate such as they could kill or catch . and heare the aduice of horace : angustam , amice , pauperiem pati robustus acri militia puer condiscat , & parthos feroces vexet eques metuendus hasta , vitamque sub die , & trepidis agas in rebus , &c. friend , let thy child hard pouerty endure , and growne to strength , to warre himselfe inure ; learne brauely mounted , sterne caualeir , to charge the fiercest parthian with his speare : let him in fields without doores leade his life , and exercise him where are dangers rife , &c. if many of our young youths and gallants were dieted in this manner , mercers might saue some paper , and cittie laundresses goe make candles with their saffron and egges ; dicing houses and ten shillings ordinaries , let their large roomes to fencers and puppit-players , and many a painted peece betake her selfe to a wheele , or the next hospitall . but now adaies , parents either giue their children no education at all , ( thinking their birth or estate will beare out that : ) or if any , it leaueth so slender an impression in them , that like their names cut vpon a tree , it is ouer-growne with the old barke by the next summer . beside , such is the most base and ridiculous parsimony of many of our gentlemen , ( if i may so terme them ) that if they can procure some poore batcheler of art from the vniuersitie to teach their children , say grace , and serue the cure of an impropriation , who wanting meanes and friends , will be content vpon the promise of ten pounds a yeare at his first comming , to be pleased with fiue ; the rest to be set off in hope of the next aduouson , ( which perhaps was sold before the young man was borne : ) or if it chance to fall in his time , his ladie or master tels him ; indeed sir wee are beholden vnto you for your paines , such a liuing is lately fallen , but i had before made a promise of it to my butler or bailiffe , for his true and extraordinarie seruice : when the truth is , he hath bestowed it vpon him himselfe , for fourescore or an hundred peeces , which indeede his man two daies before had fast hold of , but could not keepe . it is not commonly seene , that the most gentlemen will giue better wages , and deale more bountifully with a fellow who can but teach a dogge , or reclaime an hawke , then vpon an honest , learned , and well qualified man to bring vp their children ? it may be , hence it is that dogges are able to make syllogismes in the fields , when their young masters can conclude nothing at home , if occasion of argument or discourse be offered at the table . looke vpon our nebilitie and gentry now adaies ( saith a wise and graue historian ) and you shall see them bred , as if they were made for mother end then pastime and idlenes ; they obserue moderation neither in talke nor apparell : good men , and such as are learned , are not admitted amongst them ; the affaires of their estates they impose vpon others , &c. but to view one of them rightly , ( saith sen●ca ) looke vpon him naked , lay-by his estate , his honors , et aliae fortunae mendacia , his other false disguisements of fortune , and behold his mind , what and how great he is , whether of himselfe , or by some borrowed greatnesse . but touching parents , a great blame and imputation ( how iustly i know not ) is commonly laid vpon the mother ; not onely for her ouer tendernesse , but in winking at their lewd courses ; yea , more in seconding , and giuing them encouragement to doe wrong , though it wore , as terence saith , against their owne fathers . i dare not say it was long of the mother , that the son told his father , he was a better man , and better descended then he . nor will i affirme that it is her pleasure , the chamber-maid should be more curious in fitting his tuffe , then his master in refining his manners . nor that it is she that filleth the cisterne of his lauish expence , at the vniuersitie , or innes of court ; that after foure or fiue yearesspent , hee returnes home as wise as ammonius his asse , that went with his master euery day to the schoole , to heare origen and porphyrie reade philosophy . but albeit , many parents haue beene diligent enough this way , and good masters haue likewise done their parts , and neither want of will or abilitie of wit in their children to become schollers , yet ( whether out of an ouer-weening conceipt of their towardnesse , a pride to haue their sonnes out-goe their neighbours , or to make them men before their times ) they take them from schoole , as birds out of the nest ere they be slidge , and send them so young to the vniuersitie , that scarce one among twentie proueth ought . for as tender plants , too soone or often remooued , beginne to decay and die at the roote ; so these young things of twelue , thirteene , or foureteene , that haue no more care then to expect the next carrier , and where to sup on fridaies and fasting nights : no further thought of studie , then to trimme vp their studies with pictures , and place the fairest bookes in openest view , which poore lads , they scarce euery opened or vnderstand not ; that when they come to logicke , and the crabbed grounds of arts , there is such a disproportion betweene aristotles categories , and their childish capacities , that what together with the sweetnesse of libertie , varietie of companie , and so many kinds of recreation in towne and fields abroad , ( being like young lapwings apt to be snatched vp by euery buzzard , they prooue with homers willow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and as good goe gather cockles with calignlas people on the sand , as yet to attempt the difficulties of so rough and terrible a passage . others againe , if they perceiue any wildnesse or vnstaiednesse in their children , are presently in despaire , and out of all hope of them for euer prouing schollers , or fit for any thing else ; neither consider the nature of youth , nor the effect of time , the phisition of all . but to mend the matter , send them either to the court to serue as pages , or into france and italy to see fashions , and mend their manners , where they become ten times worse . these of all other , if they bee well tempered , prooue the best mettall ; yea tulli● as of necessitie desireth some aboundant ranknesse , or superfluitie of wit in that yong-man , he would choose to make his orator of . vellem ( saith he ) in adolescente aliquod redundans & quod amputem : i wish in a yong man something to spare , and which i might cut off . this taken away ere degenerate with luxurious abundance , like that same ranke vine the prophet ieremie speaketh of , you shall finde the heart divino sain editum : and sound timber within to make mercurie of , qui non fit ex quouis lign● , as the prouerbe saith . and some of a different humour will determine , euen from the a , b , c. what calling their children shall take vpon them , and force them euen in despight of nature , like lycurgus his whelpes , to runne contrarie courses , and to vndertake professions altogether contrarie to their dispositions : this , saith erasmus , is , peccare in genium . and certainly it is a principall point of discretion in parents to be throughly acquainted with , and obserue the disposition and inclination of their children , and indeed for euery man to search into the addiction of his genius and not to wrest nature as musitians say , out of her key , or ( as tullie saith ) to contend with her , making the spaniel to carrie the asses loade ; which was well obserued by the lacedamonians and ancient romanes , in laying forth instruments of sundry occupations , before their children at a certaine age , they to choose what liked them best , and euer after to take vpon them that profession whereunto they belonged . how many are put by worldly and couetous fathers inuita minerua , to the studie of the lawes ( which studie i confesse to be honourable and most deseruing , ) who notwithstanding spend most of their time euen in diuinitie at the innes of he court ? and how many divines haue we , ( i appeale to the courts , ) heires of their fathers , friends , ( or purchased ) advousons , whom the buckram bagge would not better beseeme then the bible ? being neuer out of law with their parishioners , following their suites and causes from court to court , terme to terme , no atturney more . in like manner i haue knowne many commanders and worthy gentlemen , aswell of our owne nation as strangers , who following the warres , in the field and in their armes , haue confessed vnto me , nature neuer ordained them for that profession , had they not fallen accidentally vpon it , either through death of friends , harshnesse of masters and tutors , thereby driuen from the vniuersitie ( as an honorable friend of mine in the low countries hath many times cōplained vnto me : ) or the most common mischiefe , miserablenesse of greedie parents , the ouerthrow and vndoing of many excellent and prime wits ; who to saue charges , marrie a daughter , or preferre a yonger brother , turne them out into the wide world with a little money in their purses ( or perhaps none at all ) to seeke their fortunes , where necessitie deiects and besots their spirits , not knowing what calling or course to take ; enforceth them desperate to begge , borrow , or to worse and baser shiftes ( which in their owne natures they detest as hell ) to goe on foote , lodge in ale-houses , and fort themselues with the basest companie , till what with want and wandring so long in the circle , at last they are ( vpon the center of some hill ) constrained to say ( as hercules between his two pillars ) non vlterius . much lesse haue parents now a daies that care to take the paines to instruct , and reade to their children themselues , which the greatest princes and noblest personages haue not beene ashamed to doe . octauius augusins caesar , read the workes of cicero and virgil , to his children and nephewes himselfe . anna the daughter of alexi● the grecian emperour , was by her father so instructed , that while shee was yet a yong and goodly ladie , shee wrote of her selfe a very learned and authentique historie of the church . aemilius paulus the sonne ( who so brauely ended his daies at cannas when his colleague forsooke him ) seeing the fauour of the state not inclineable towards him , left the citie , and onely spent his time in the countrey , in teaching his owne children their latine and greeke ; notwithstanding he daily maintained grammarians , logicians , rhetoricians , painters , caruers , riders of great horses , and the skilfullest huntsmen he could get , to instruct and teach them in their seuerall professions and qualities . the three daughters of euer-famous sr. thomas moore , were by their father so diligently held to their booke ( notwithstanding he was so daily emploied being l. chauncelor of england ) that erasmus saith , he found them so readie and perfect in liuie , that the worst scholler of them , was able to expound him quite through without any stop , except some extraordinarie and difficult place . quod me ( saith he ) aut mei similem esset remoraturum . i shall not neede to remember , within memorie those foure sisters , the learned daughters of sr. anthonie cooke , and rare poetresses , so skilfull in latine and greeke , beside many other their excellent qualities , eternized alreadie by the golden pen of the prince of poets of our time ; with many other incomparable ladies and gentlewoman in our land , some yet liuing , from before whose faire faces time i trust will draw the curtaine . lastly , the fault may be in the scholler himselfe , whom nature hath not so much befriended with the gift of vnderstanding , as to make him capable of knowledge ; or else more vniust , disposed him to sloath , or some other worse inbred vice . marcus cicero , albeit hee was the sonne of so wise , so eloquent , and so sober a father ( whose very counsell and companie had beene enough , to haue put learning and regard of well liuing into the most barbarous gete : ) and had crattippus , so excellent a philosopher to his reader at athens : yet by the testimony of pliny , he proued so notorious a drunkard , that he would ordinarily drinke off two gallons of wine at a time , and became so debauched euery way , that few of that age exceeded him . sundry the like examples might be produced in our times , but one of this nature is too many . others on the contrary , are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and haue no other helpes saue god , and their owne industry ; wee neuer reade of any master virgil euer had . s. augustine likewise saith of himselfe : se didicisse aristotelis categorias nemine traden●● : that he learned aristotles categories , or praedicaments , no man instructing him ; which , how hard they bee at the first to wade thorough without a guide , let the best wit of them all try . and beda our countrey-man , ( for his profound learning in all sciences ) sir-named venerabilis , attained to the same within the limits of his cell in northumberland , though it is said he was once at rome . ioseph scaliger taught priuatly many yeares in a noblemans house , and neuer made abode in any vniuersitie , that euer i heard of , till called in his latter yeares to leyden in holland : and many admirable schollers and famous men , our age can produce , who neuer came at any vniuersitie , except to view the colledges , or visit their friends , that are inferiour to few doctors of the chaire , either for learning or iudgment , if i may so say , pace matris academiae . chap. . of a gentlemans carriage in the vniuersity . hauing hitherto spoken of the dignitie of learning in generall , the dutie and qualitie of the master , of a readie method for vnderstanding the grammar , of the parent , of the child : i turne the head of my discourse , with my schollers horse , ( whom mee thinkes i see stand ready brideled ) for the vniuersitie . and now , m. william howard , giue me leaue ( hauing passed that , i imagine , limbus puerorum , & those perillous pikes of the grammar rules ) as a well willer vnto you and your studies , to beare you company part of the way , and to direct henceforth my discourse wholly to your selfe . since the vniuersitie whereinto you are embodied , is not vntruly called the light and eye of the land , in regard from hence , as from the center of the sunne , the glorious beames of knowledge disperse thēselues ouer al , without which a chaos of blindnesse would repo●●esse vs againe : think now that you are in publike view , and nucibus reliclis , with your gowne you haue put on the man , that from hence the reputation of your whole life taketh her first growth and beginning . for as no glorie crowneth with more abundant praise , then that which is heere won by diligence and wit : so there is no infamie abaseth the value and esteeme of a gentleman all his life after , more then that procured by sloath and error in the vniuersities ; yea , though in those yeares whose innocencie haue euer pleaded their pardon ; whereat i haue not a little meruailed , considering the freedome and priuiledge of greater places . but as in a delicate garden kept by a cunning hand , and ouerlooked with a curious eye , the least disorder or rankness● of any one flower , putteth a beautifull bed or well contriued knot out of square , when rudenesse and deformitie is borne withall , in rough and vndressed places : so , beleeue it , in this paradise of the muses , the least neglect and impression of errors foot , is so much the more apparant and censured , by how much the sacred arts haue greater interest in the culture of the mind , and correction of manners . wherefore , your first care , euen with pulling off your boots , let be the choice of your acquaintance and company . for as infection in cities in a time of sicknesse , is taken by concourse , and negligent running abroad , when those that keepe within , and are warie of themselues , escape with more safetie : so it falleth out here in the vniuersitie ; for this eye hath also her diseases as wel as any other part of the body , ( i will not say with the physitians more ) with those , whose priuate houses and studies being not able to containe them , are so cheape of themselues , and so plyable to good fellowship abroad ; that in mind and manners ( the tokens plainly appearing ) they are past recouerie ere any friend could heare they were sicke . entertaine therefore the acquaintance of men of the soundest reputation for religion , life , and learning , whose conference and company may bee vnto you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a liuing and a mouing library . for conference and conuerse was the first mother of all arts and science , as being the greatest discouerer of our ignorance , and increaser of knowledge , teaching , and making vs wise by the iudgements and examples of many : and you must learne herein of plato , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , to be a louer of knowledge , desirous to heare much ; and lastly , to inquire and aske often . for the companions of your recreation , consort your selfe with gentlemen of your owne ranke and qualitie ; for that friendship is best contenting and lasting . to be ouer free and familiar with inferiors , argues a basenesse of spirit , and begetteth contempt : for as one shall here at the first priz : himselfe , so let him look at the same rate for euer after to be valued of others . carry your selfe eeuen and fairely , tanquam in statêra , with that moderation in your speech and action , ( that you seemed with vl●sses , to haue minerua alwaies at your elbow : ) which should they be weighed by enuy her selfe , the might passe them for currant ; that you bee thought rather leauing the vniuersitie , then lately come thither . but hereto the regard of your worth , the dignitie of the place , and abundance of so many faire presidents , will be sufficient motiues to stirre you vp . husband your time to the best , for , the greedy desire of gaining time , is a couetousnesse onely honest . and if you follow the aduice of erasmus , and the practise of plinius secundus , diem in operas partire , to deuide the day into seuerall taskes of studie , you shall finde a great case and furtherance hereby ; remembring euer to referre your most serious and important studies vnto the morning , which sin sheth alone ( say the learned ) three parts of the worke . iulius caesar hauing spent the whole day in the field about his militarie affaires , diuided the night also , for three seuerall vses ; one part for his sleepe ; a second , for the common-wealth and publique businesse ; the third , for his booke and studies . so carefull and thriftie were they then of this precious treasure , which we as prodigall lauish out , either vainely or viciously , by whole moneths and yeares , vntill we be called toan account by our great creditor , who will not abate vs the vaine expence of a minute . but for as much as the knowledge of god , is the true end of all knowledge , wherein as in the boundlesse & immense ocean , all our studies and endeuours ought to embosome th●selues : remēber to lay the foundation of your studies , the feare and seruice of god , by oft frequenting prayer and sermons , reading the scriptures , and other tractates of pietie and deuotion : which howsoeuer prophane and irreligious spirits condemne , and contemne , as politian a canon of florence , being vpon occasion asked if hee euer read the bible ouer ; yes once ( quoth he ) i read it quite thorough , but neuer bestowed my time worse in all my life . beleeue you with chrysostome , that the ignorance of the scriptures , is the beginning and fountaine of all euill : that the word of god is ( as our sauiour calleth it ) the key of knowledge ; which giuen by inspiration of god , is profitable to teach , to conuince , to correct and to instruct in righteousnesse . and rather let the pious and good king alphonsi●s , be a president vnto you , and to all nobilitie , who read ouer the bible nor once , nor twice , but foureteene times , with the postils of lyra and burgensis , containing thrice or foure times as much in quantitie , and would cause it to be caried ordinarily with his scepter before him , whereon was engrauen , pro lege & grege . and that worthy emp. & great champion of christendome , charlemaigne , who spent his daies of rest ( after so mnay glorious victories obtained of the saracens in spain , the hunnes , saxens , gothes and vandals in lumbardie and italy , with many other barbarous nations , whereof milions fell vnder his sword ) in reading the holy scriptures , and the workes of the fathers , especially s. augustine , and his bookes de ciuitate dei , in which hee tooke much delight : whom besides , it is recorded , to haue beene so studious , that euen in bed , he would haue his pen and inke , with parchment at his pillow readie , that nothing in his meditation , nothing might ouer-slip his memorie : and if any thing came into his mind , the light being taken away , a place vpon the wall next him , was thinly ouer-laid with●waxe , whereon with a brasen pin he would write in the darke . and we reade , as oft as a new king was created in israel , he had with the ornaments of his kingly dignitie , the booke of the law deliuered vnto him ; signifying his regall authoritie , was lame and defectiue , except swaied by piety and wisedome , contained in that booke . whereunto alludeth that deuice of paradine , an image vpon a globe , with a sword in one hand , and a booke in the other , with , ex vtroque caesar ; and to the same purpose , another of our owne in my minerua britann● , which is a serpent wreathed about a sword , placed vpright vpon a bible , with the word , initium sapiemia . chap. . of stile in speaking and writing , and of historie . since speech is the character of a man , and the interpreter of his mind , and writing , the image of that ; that so often as we speak or write , so oft we vndergoe censure and iudgement of our selues : labour first by all meanes to get the habit of a good stile in speaking and writing , as well english as latine . i call with tully , that a good and eloquent stile of speaking . where there is a iudicious fitting of choise words , apt and graue sentences vnto matter well disposed , the same being vttered with a comely moderation of the voyce , countenance and gesture . not that same ampullous and scenical pompe , with emptie furniture of phrase , wherewith the stage , and our pettie poeticke pamphlets sound so big , which like a net in the water , though it feeleth weightie , yet it yeeldeth nothing ; since our speech ought to resemble , wherin neither the curiousnesse of the picture , or faire proportion of letters , but the weight is to be regarded : and as plu●arch saith , when our thirst is quenched with the drinke , then we looke vpon the ennameling and workmanship of the boule ; so first your hearer coueteth to haue his desire satisfied with matter , ere hee looketh vpon the forme or vinetrie of words , which many times fall in of themselues to matter well contriued , according to horace : rembe●● dispositam vel verba invita feq●untur . to matter well dispos'd , words of themselues do fall . let your stile therefore bee furnished with solid matter , and compact of the best , choise , and most familiar words ; taking heed of speaking , or writing such words , as men shall rather admire then vnderstand . herein were tiberiu● , m. ante●ie , and m●cenas , much blamed and iested at by augustus , himselfe vsing euer a plaine and most familiar stile : and as it is said of him , verbum insolens tanquam scopulum effugiens . then sententious , yea better furnished with sentences then words , and ( as tully willeth ) without affectation : for as a king said , dum tersiari studemus eloquendi formula , subterfugit nos clanculùm , apertus ille & familiaris dicendi modus . flowing at one and the selfe same height , neither taken in and knit vp too short , that like rich hangings of arras or tapistry , thereby lose their grace and beautie , as themistocles was wont to say : not suffered to spred so farre like soft musicke in an open field , whose delicious sweetnesse vanisheth , and is lost in the ayre , not being contained within the walles of a roome . in speaking , rather lay downe your words one by one , then powre them forth together ; this hath made many men naturally slow of speech , to seem wisely iudicious , and be iudiciously wise ; for , beside the grace it giueth to the speaker , it much helpeth the memorie of the hearer , and is a good remedie against impediment of speech . sir nicholas bacon , sometime lord chancellor of england , and father to my lord of s. alb●n●s , a most eloquent man , and of as sound learning and wisedome , as england bred in many ages : with the old lord william burgbley , lord treasurer of england , haue aboue others herein beene admired , and commended in their publique speeches in the parliament house and starre-chamber : for nothing drawes our attention more then good matter , eloquently digested , and vttered with a gracefull , cleere , and distinct pronuntiation . but to be sure your stile may passe for currant , as of the richest alloy , imitate the best authors as well in oratorie as historie ; beside the exercise of your owne inuention , with much conference with those who can speak well : nor bee so foolish precise as a number are , who make it religion to speake otherwise then this or that author . as longolius was laughed at by the learned , for his so apish and superstitious imitation of tully , in so much as hee would haue thought a whole volume quite matred , if the word possibile had passed his pen ; because it is not to be found in all tullie : or euery sentence had not sunke with , esse posse videatur , like a peale ending with a chime , or an amen vpon the organes in paules . for as the young virgin to make her fairest garlands , gathereth not altogether one kind of flower ; and the cunning painter , to make a delicate beautie , is forced to mixe his complexion , and compound it of many colours ; the arras-worker , to please the eyes of princes , to be acquainted with many histories : so are you to gather this hony of eloquence a , a gift of heauen , out of many fields ; making it your owne by diligence in collection , care in expression , and skill in digestion . but let me leade you forth into these all-flowrie and verdant fields , where so much sweete varietie will amaze , and make you doubtfull where to gather first . first , tullie ( in whose bosome the treasure of eloquence seemeth to haue beene locked vp , and with him to haue perished ) offereth himselfe as pater romani eloquij : whose words and stile ( that you may not bee held an heretique of all the world ) you must preferre aboue all other , as well for the sweetnesse , grauitie , richnesse , and vnimitable texture thereof ; as that his workes are throughout seasoned with all kind of learning , and relish of a singular and christianlike honesty . there wanted not in him ( saith tacitus ) knowledge of geometry , of musicke , of no manner of art that was commendable and honest ; he knew the subtiltie of logicke , each part of morall philosophy , and so forth . how well he was seene in the ciuill lawes , his bookes de legibus , and his actions in verrem , will shew you : which are the rather worthy your reading , because you shall there see the grounds of many of our lawes heere in england . for the integrity of his mind , though his offices had lien suppressed , let this one saying ( among many thousands ) perswade you to a charitable opinion of the same : arecta conscientia transuerfum vnguem , non oportet quenquam in omni sua vita discedere . whereto i might adde that tale of gyges ring in his offices , which booke let it not seeme contemptible vnto you , because it lyeth tossed and torne in euery schoole ; but be precious , as it was sometime vnto the old lord burghley , lord high treasurer of england , before named ; who , to his dying day , would alwaies carry it about him , either in his bosome or pocket , being sufficient ( as one said of aristotles rhetoriques ) to make both a scholler and an honest man. imitate tullie for his phrase and stile , especially in his epistles ad atticum ; his bookes de oratore : among his orations , those pro m. marcello , pro archia poeta , t. annie milone , sext. rose . amerino , pub. quinctio : the first two against catiline ; and the third action against verres . these in my opinion are fullest of life , but you may vse your discretion , you cannot make your choice amisse . after cicero , i must need● bring you caesar , whom tullie himselfe confesseth of all orators , to haue spoken the most eloquent and purest latine ; et haue bene loquendi laude●● ( saith he ) 〈◊〉 uteris , & ijs quidem reconditis & exquisith , summoque studio & diligentia est consequ●tus . and , in qūo ( saith quintilian ) ●anta vis , id acumen , ea concitatio , vt illum codem animo dixisse appareat quo bellauit . in whom there was so great vehe mency , that fine iudement , that courage and motion , that it seemes hee wrote with the same spirit hee fought . to reade him as you ought , you must bring with you an able iudgement , beside your dictionarie ; by reason of the diuersitie of countries . tracts , places , riuers , people , names of ancient cities and townes , to be sought out , in moderne , strange , and vnknowne names : of materials in buildings ( as in his bridge ouer the rhine framed , ex tignis , trab●bus , fibulis , sublicis , longurijs , &c. ) which , except you were seene in architecture , you would hardly vnderstand : then strange names and formes of warlike engines and weapons then in vse : sundry formes of fortification , water-workes , and the like ; which notwithstanding , since haue beene made knowne and familiar vnto vs , by the painefull labours of those all-searching wits , lipsius , ramus , gionanni de ramellis , and others : and may be read in english excellently translated and illustrated , by that learned and truly honourable gentleman , sr clement edmondes knight , clearke of his maiesties most honorable priuie counsell , my worthy friend : though many excellent workes of caesars , as his epistles , his astronomy , &c. through the iniquitie of enuious time , are vtterly lost and perished . now offereth himselfe cornelius tacitus , the prince of historians ; of whō i may not vntruly say ( as scaliger of virgil ) & euius ore nil tomere excidit , as well for his diligence as grauitie ; so copious in pleasing breuitie , each sentence carrying with it a kind of loftic state and maiestie , such as should ( me think ) proceed from the mouth of greatnesse and command ; in sense retired , deepe , and not fordable to the ordinarie reader . hee doth in part speake most pure and excellent english , by the industry of that most learned and iudicious gentleman ; whose long labour and infinite charge in a farre greater worke , haue wonne him the loue of the most learned , and drawn not onely the eye of greece , but all europe to his admiration . but there being , as lipsius saith , suus cuique lingua genius : let me aduise you of this by the way , that no translation whatsoeuer will affect you , like the authors owne and proper language : for to reade him as hee spake , it confirmeth our iudgments with an assured boldnesse and confidence of his intent and meaning ; remouing that scruple of iealousie we haue commonly of ignorant and vnfaithfull pens , which deale many times herein , sublesta fide . besides , it is an iniurie to the author , who heereby loseth somewhat of his value : like a peece of rich stuffe in a brokers shop , onely for that it is there at a second hand , though neuer worne , or newly translated but yesterday . the next titus liuius , whom like a milky fountaine , you shall euery where finde flowing , with such an elegant sweetnesse , such banquetlike varietie , that you would imagine other authors did but bring your mouth out of taste . in his first decade , you haue the comming of aeneas into italy , the building of rome , the first choise of the senate , the religious rites of numa , the braue combate of the horatij and curiatij , the tyranny of tarquine , the rape of lucrece by sextus his sonne , and first consuls created . in the third , the historie of the second punicke warre , hannibals passage against the league ouer the riuer iberus , who after eight moneths siedge ; tooke saguntum ; his passage ouer the pyrenean hills , his forraging of france : after ascending the alpes , with his ouerthrow of the romanes , with his horse troop●s at the riuer t●cin● , where scipi● ( after a●ricanus ) rescued his father , beeing verie grieuously wounded . his second ouerthrow of the romanes , at the riuer trebia , his hard passage in cruell weather and tempests , ouer the apponin● , &c. in the fourth , is recorded the occasion of the warre , against philip king of macedonia ( concerning the comming in of two young men of acarnania , into the temple of ceres at athens : ) against whom sulpitius was sent , by whom the macedonians were ouerthrowne in a● horse battaile : how l. furius subdued the rebellio●s gaules , ouerthrew hamilcar with thirtie fiue thousand carthaginians ; with many other expeditions of philip of macedon , and sulpitius . in the fift , the going out of the fire in the temple of vesta ; how titus s●mpronius gracch●● , subdued the celtiberian spaniards , and built a towne in spaine called gracchuris , after his name ; posthumius albinius triumphed ouer the portugals : the number of the citizens of rome reckoned by the poll , with the law of volu●●●ius saxa , by which no woman was to inherit , &c. be then acquainted with quintus curtius , who passing eloquently with a faithfull penne and sound iudgement , writeth the life and acts of alexander ; in whom you shall see the patterne of a braue prince , for wisedome , courage , magnanimitie , bountie , courtesie , agilitie of body , and whatsoeuer else were to be wished in maiestie ; till surfeiting ( in the best of his age ) on his excessiue fortunes , and euen burthensome to himselfe : by his ouer-greatnesse , he became 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , an vnprofitable burthen of the earth , and from the darling of heauen , to be the disdaine of all the world . after him ( whom indeed i should haue preferred before , as being honoured with the title of historia● 〈◊〉 ) followeth salust , commended most for breuitie ; as also for the richnesse of his speech and phrase ; but wherein his breuitie consisteth , the most are ignorant . our grammarians imagine , because his discourses ( as they say ) are only of the matter and persons barely and nakedly described , without circumstance and preparation , counsels and deliberations had before , effects and euents after : which is quite contrarie ; as may be seene by the conspiracie of catilin● , which hee might in a manner haue set downe in three words . but how amply , and with what adoe doth he describe it ? what circumstances more open , more abundant , then where he saith ; the romane souldiers being amazed with an vnwonted vprore , betooke them to their weapons : some hid themselues , others aduised their companions to stand st●●tly to it : they were afraid in euery place , the multitude of enemies was so great . the heauen was obscured with night , and thicke cloudes , the perill wis doubtfull : and lastly , no man knew whether it were safest for him to flye , or to stay by it ? and let them now see their error , who affirme his discourse to be vnfurnished of counsels , deliberations , consultations , &c. is not the reason set downe , why iugurth assaulted cirtha at the arriuall of the embassadours ? the intent and preparation of the warre by metellus the consull , laid open in an ample manner , wherein consisteth the richnesse of his discourse ? his breuitie indeed , worthy your obseruation and imitation , consisteth in shutting vp whole and weightie sentences in three words , fetching nothing afarre , or putting in more then needs ; but in quicke and stirring asyndeta's after his manner : as the most learned haue out of him obserued . and since it is tullies aduice , as was his owne vse ( as himselfe testifieth ) non in philosophia solum , sed etiam in dicendi exercitatione , cum gracis latin● con●●ngere : by this time acquaint your selfe with that golden cyri p●dia of xenophon , whom heere you shall see a couragious and braue commander , marshalling an army : there a most graue and eloquent philosopher , in the person of cyrus , shaping out vnto vs with inke of nectar , a perfect and absolute prince , ( to the example of all princes and nobilitie ) for his studies , his dyet , his exercise , his carriage , and euery way manner of liuing : insomuch , as the noble scipio africanus , as well in his warres abroad , as in peace at home , aboue all other held xenophon in highest regard , euer saying , he could neuer commend him sufficiently , or reade him ouer often enough . hitherto haue i giuen you a taste ( at your own choice ) as well for vniuersall historie , as your imitation in writing and speaking . that i account vniuersall , which entreateth of the beginning , increase , gouernment , and alterations of monarchies , kingdomes , and common-wealths : and to further you herein , you may reade iustine , diodorus siculus , zonaras , oresius ; of more later times , sabellicus , carion , with some others . for speciall historie , that reporteth the affaires and gouernment of particular estates ; you haue the most ancient herodotus , the noble and eloquent thucydides , arrianus , halicarnassaeus , polybius , suetonius , and others . all historie diuideth it selfe into foure branches : the first spreadeth it selfe into , and ouer all place , as geographie : the second , groweth and gathereth strength with tract of time , as chronologie : the third , is laden with descents , as genealogie : the fourth and last ( like the golden bow proserpins gaue aeneas ) is that , truly called by cicero , lux veritatis , which telleth vs of things as they were done , and of all other most properly is called historie . for all historie in times past , saith tullie , was none other then annalium confectio , the making of annales , that is , recording of what was done from yeere to yeere . but while i wander in forraigne historie , let me warne you , nefis peregrinus domi : that you be not a stranger in the historie of your owne countrey , which is a common fault impoted to our english trauellers in forreine countries ; who curious in the obseruation and search of the most memorable things and monuments of other places , can say ( as a great peere of france told me ) nothing of their owne our countrey of england , being no whit inferior to any other in the world , for matter of antiquitie , and rarities of euery kinde worthy remarke and admiration . herein i must worthily and onely preferre vnto you the glorie of our nation , m. camden , aswell for his iudgement and diligence , as the puritie and sweet fluence of his latine style ; and with him the rising starre of good letters and antiquitie , m. iohn selden of the inner temple . as for giraldus , geoffrey , higden , ranulph of chester , walsingham a monke of s. athanes with the rest , they did cum saculo caecutire , and tooke vpon credite many a time more then they could well answer ; that i may omit polydore virgil and italian , who did our nation that deplorable iniurie , in the time of k. henrie the eight , for that his owne historie might passe for currant , he burned and embezeled the best and most ancient records and monuments of our abbeies , priories , and cathedrall churches , vnder colour ( hauing a large commission vnder the great seale ) of making search for all such monuments , manuse . records , legier bookes , &c. as might make for his purpose ; yet for all this he hath the ill lucke to write nothing wel , saue the life of henrie the seuenth , wherein he had reason to take a little more paines then ordinarie , the booke being dedicated to henrie the eight his sonne . no subiect affecteth vs with more delight then historie , imprinting a thousand formes vpon our imaginations , from the circumstances of place , person , time , matter , manner , and the like . and , what can be more profitable ( saith an ancient historian ) then sitting on the stage of humane life , to be made wise by their example , who haue trod the path of error and danger before vs ? bodin tels vs of some , who haue recouered their healthes by reading of historie ; and it is credibly affirmed of king alphonsus , that the onely reading of qui●● . curtius , cured him of a very dangerous feuer . if i could haue beene so rid of my late quartane ague , i would haue said with the same good king : valeat avicenna , vi●at curtius ; and haue done him as much honour , as euer the chians their hippocrates , or the sun-burnd aegyptians their aesculapius . for moralitie and rules of well liuing , deliuered with such sententious grauitie , weight of reason , so sweetened with liuely & apt similitudes , entertaine plutarch ; whom according to the opinion of gaza the world would preserue ( should it be put to the choice to receiue one onely authour ( the sacred scriptures excepted ) and to burne all the rest ) especially his li●es and morals . after him , the vertuous and diuine seneca , who for that he liued so neere the times of the apostles , and had familiar acquaintance with s. paul ( as it is supposed by those epistles that passe vnder either their names ) is thought in heart to haue beene a christian ; and certes so it seemeth to me , by that spirit , wherewith so many rules of patience , humilitie , contempt of the world , are refined and exempt from the dregges of paganisme . some say that about the beginning of neroes raigne , he came ouer hither into brittaine ; but most certaine it is , he had diuers lands bestowed on him here in england , and those supposed to haue laine in essex neere to camalodunum , now maldon . againe , while you are intent to forreine authors and languages , forget not to speake and write your owne properly and eloquently : whereof ( to say truth ) you shall haue the greatest vse , ( since you are like to liue an eminent person in your countrey , and meane to make no profession of schollership . ) i haue knowne euen excellent schollers so defectiue this way , that when they had beene beating their braines twentie , or foure and twentie yeeres about greeke etymologies , or the hebrew roots and rabbines , could neither write true english , nor true orthographi● : and to haue heard them discourse in publike , or priuately at a table , you would haue thought you had heard loy talking to his pigges , or iohn de indagine , declaiming in the praise of wild geese ; otherwise for their iudgement in the arts and other tongues very sufficient . to helpe your selfe herein , make choice of those authors in prose , who speake the best and purest english. i would commend vnto you ( though from more antiquitie ) the life of richard the third written by sir thomas moore , the arcadia of the noble sir philip sidney , whome du bartas makes one of the foure columnes of our language ; the essayes and other peoces of the excellent master of eloquence , my lord of s. albanes , who possesseth not onely eloquence , but all good learning , as hereditarie both by father and mother . you haue then m. hooker his politie ; henrie the fourth well written by sir iohn hayward ; that first part of our english kings by m. samuel daniel . there are many others i know , but these will tast you best , as proceeding from no vulgar iudgments : the last earle of northampton in his ordinary stile of writing was not to be mended . procure then , if you may , the speeches made in parliaments frequent learned sermons , in terme time resort to the starre-chamber , and be present at the pleadings in other publique courts , whereby you shall better your speech , enrich your vnderstanding , and get more experience in one moneth , then in other foure by keeping your melancholy studie , and by solitarie meditation . imagine not that hereby i would binde you from reading all other bookes , since there is no booke so bad , euen sir be●is himselfe , owleglasse , or nashes herring , but some commoditie may be gotten by it . for as in the same pasture , the oxe findeth fodder , the hound a hare , the stork a lizard , the faire maide flowers ; so we cannot , except we list our selues ( saith seneca ) but depart the better from any booke whatsoeuer . and ere you begin a booke , forget not to reade the epistle ; for commonly they are best laboured and penned . for as in a garment , whatsoeuer the stuffe be , the owner ( for the most part ) affecteth a costly and extraordinarie facing ; and in the house of a countrey gentleman , the porch of a citizen , the carued gate and painted postes carrie away the glorie from the rest : so is it with our common authors● if they haue any 〈◊〉 at all , they set it like veluet before , though the backe , like ( a bankerupts doublet ) be but of poldauie or buckram . affect not as some doe , that bookish ambition , to be stored with bookes and haue well furnished libraries , yet keepe their heads emptie of knowledge : to desire to haue many bookes , and neuer to vse them , is like a childe that will haue a candle burning by him , all the while he is sleeping . lastly , haue a care of keeping your bookes handsome , and well bound , not cas●ing away ouermuch in their gilding or stringing for ostentation sake , like the prayer bookes of girles and gallants , which are carried to church but for their outsides . yet for your owne vse spare them not for noting or interlining ( if they be printed ) for it is not likely you meane to be a gainer by them , when you haue done with them ; neither suffer them through negligence to mold & be moath-eaten , or want their strings and couers . king alphonsus about to lay the 〈…〉 at naples , called for vitr●vius his book of architecture ; the booke was brought in very bad case , all dustie and without couers : which the king obseruing said , he that must couer vs all , must not goe vncouered himselfe : then commanded the booke to be fairely bound and brought vnto him . so say i , suffer them not to lie neglected , who must make you regarded ; and goe in torne coates , who must apparell your minde with the ornaments of knowledge , aboue the roabes and riches of the most magnificent princes . to auoide the inconuenience of moathes and moldinesse , let your studie be placed , and your windowes open if it may be , towards the east , for where it looketh south or west , the aire being euer subie●t to moisture , moathes are bred and darkishnesse encreased , whereby your mappes and pictures will quickly become pale , loosing their life and colours , or rotting vpon their ●loath , or paper , decay past all helpe and recouerie . chap. . of cosmographic . that like a stranger in a forraine land , yee may not wander without a guide , ignorant of those places by which you are to passe , and sticke amused , amazed in the labyrinth of historie : cosmography a second ariadne , bringing a lines enough is come to your deliuery , whom imagine standing on a faire hill , and with one hand , pointing and discoursing vnto you of the coelestiall sphaere , the names , vses , and distinctions of euery circle , whereof it consisteth , the scituation of regions according to the same , the reason of climates , length and shortnesse of dayes and nights , motion , rising and setting as well of fixed stars , as erratique , eleuation of the pole , paralells , meridians , and whatsoeuer els respecteth that coelestiall body . with the other hand downeward , she sheweth you the globe of the earth , ( distinguished by seas , mountaines , riuers , rockes , lakes and the like , ) the subiect of geographie , which defined according to ptolomey and others , is an imitation of the face ( by draught and picture ) of the whole earth , and all the principall and knowne parts thereof , with the most remarkeable things 〈◊〉 belonging . a science at once both feceding the eye and minde with such incredible varietie , and profitable pleasure , that euen the greatest kings and philosophers , haue not onely bestowed the best part of their time in the contemplation hereof at home , but to their infinite charge and perill of their persons , haue themselues trauailed to vnderstand the scituation of farre countries , bounds of seas , qualities of regions , manners of people and the like . so necessary for the vnderstanding of historie ( as i haue said ) and the fables of poets , ( wherein no small part of the treasure of humane learning lyeth hid ) that without it we know not how the most memorable enterprises of the world haue bin carryed and performed ; we are ignorant of the growth , flourish and fall of the first monarchies , whereat historie taketh her head and beginning : we conceiue nothing of the gouernment , and commodities of other nations , wee cannot iudge of the strength of our enemies , distinguish the limits betweene kingdome and kingdome , names of places from names of people : nay ( with mounsier gaular● ) we doubt at paris whether wee see there the same moone wee haue at london or not : on the contrary , we know this and much more , without exposing ( as in old time ) our bodies to a tedious trauaile , but with much more ease , hauing the world at will , or ( as the saying is ) the world in a string , in our owne chamber . how praeiudiciall the ignorance of geography hath beene vnto princes in forraine expeditions against their enemies , vnfortunate cyrus will tell you , ●h● beeing ignorant of oaxis and the streights , was ouerthro●ne by thomiris the scythian queene ; and of two 〈◊〉 thousand persi●ns in his armie , not one escaped through his vnskilfulnesse herein , as iustine reporteth . and at another time what a memorable victorie to his perpetuall glorie carryed l●onidas from the persians , onely for that they 〈◊〉 vnacquainted with the streights of * thermopylae ? and the foule ouerthrow that crassus receiued by the parthians , was imputed to nothing else , ●hen his ignorance of that countrie , and the passages thereof . alexander , therefore taking any enterprise in hand , would first cause an exact mappe of the country to bee drawne in collours , to consider where were the safest entrance , where he might passe this riuer , how to auoide that rocke , and in what place most commodiously giue his enemie battaile . such is the pleasure , such is the profite of this admirable knowledge , which account rather in the member of your recreations then seuerer studies , it beeing beside quickly , and with much ease attained vnto . prince henry of eternall memory , was herein very studious , hauing for his instructour that excellent mathematician , and ( while hee liued ) my louing friend master edward wright . to the attaining of perfection herein , as it were your first entrance , you are to learne and vnderstand certaine geometricall definitions , which are first punctum , or a pricke ; a line , a superficies either plaine , convexe or concave , your angels right , blunt and sharpe , figures , circles , semicircles , the diameter , triangles , squares of all sorts , paralells and the like , as master blundevile in his first booke of the sphaere will shew you ; for you shall haue vse of many of these , to the vnderstanding thereof . cosmography containeth astronomie , astrologie , geography and chorography . astronomie considereth the magnitude and motions of the coelestiall bodies . the coelestiall bodies are the eleuen heauens and sphaeres . the eleuenth heauen is the habitation of god and his angels . the tenth the first mooouer . the ninth the christall●ne heauen , the eight the starry firmament . then the seuen planets in their order , which you may remember in their order by this verse . post sim svm sequitur , vltima lvn asub●st : would you count the planets soo●e , remember sim svm and the moone . the first letter s for saturne , i for iupiter , m for mars , s for the sunne , v venus , m mercurie ; lastly the moone . the imperiall heauen is immoueable , most pure , immense in quantitie , and cleere in qualitie . the tenth heauen or first moouer , is also most pure and cleare , and maketh his reuolution in foure and twentie houres , carrying with the swiftnesse the other heauens violently from east to west , from their proper reuolutions , which is from west to east . the ninth , or christalline heauen , moueth by force of the first mouer , first from east to west , then frō west to east vpon his owne poles , and accomplisheth his reuolution in . yeares . and this reuolution being finished , plato was of opinion , that the world should be in the same state it was before ; i should liue and print such a book againe , and you reade it in the same apparell , and the same age you are now in . two schollers in germany hauing laine so long in an inne , that they had not onely spent all their money , but also ran into debt some two hundred dollers ; told their host of plat●s great yeare , and how that time sixe and thirtie thousand yeares the world should be againe as it was , and they should be in the same inne and chamber againe , and desired him to trust them till then : quoth mine host , i beleeue it to be true ; and i remember sixe and thirty thousand yeares agoe you were here , and left iust such a reckoning behind to pay , i pray you gentlemen discharge that first , and i will trust you for the next . the eight heauen or glorious starry firmament , hath a threefold motion , ( viz : ) from east to west in foure and twenty houres , secundism primum mobile ; then from west to east , according to the motion of the ninth heauen ; then sometimes to the south , and somtime towards the north , called motus trepidationis . touching the motions of the planets , since you may haue them in euery almanacke , i willingly omit them . the spheare of the world consisteth of ten circles , the aequinoctiall , the zodiacke , the two colures , the horizon , the meridian , the two tropiques , and the two polar circles . the aequinoctiall , is a circle diuiding the world , as in the midst equally distant from the two poles : it containeth three hundred and sixtie degrees , which being multiplyed by sixtie , ( the number of miles in a degree ) make one and twentie thousand and sixe hundred miles , which is the compasse of the whole earth . the third part of which ( being the diameter ) about seuen thousand and odde miles , is the thicknesse of the same . those who dwell vnder the aequinoctiall , hauing no latitude either to the north or south , but their daies and nights alwaies of an equall length . the zodiacke is an oblick circle , diuiding the spheare athwart the aequinoctiall into points , ( viz : ) the beginning of aries and libra : in the midst whereof is the eclipticke line ; the vtmost limits thereof are the two tropiques , cancer and capricorne : the length thereof is three hundred and sixtie degrees , the bredth sixteene . it is diuided into twelue signes , sixe northerly , and sixe southerly : the northerne are , aries , taurus , cancer , gemini , leo , virgo ; southerne , libra , scorpio , sagittarius , capricornus , aquarius , pisces : he turneth vpon his owne poles from west to east . the two colures , are two great moueable circles , passing through both the poles of the world , crossing one another with right sphearicall angles : so that like an apple cut into foure quarters , they diuide into equall parts the whole spheare : the one passeth thorough the aequinoctiall points and poles of the world , and is called the aequinoctiall colure : the other passeth through the solstitiall points , and is called the solstitiall colure . the horizon , is a circle immoueable , which diuideth the vpper hemispheare , or halfe part of the world from the neather : it hath the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is termin● , or to bound or limit ; because , imagine you stood vpon high-gate , or the towre hill at greenewich , so farre as you can see round about as in a circle , where the heauen seemeth to touch the earth , that is called the horizon : the poles whereof , are the point iust ouer your head , calleth zenith in arabian ; and the other vnder your feete , passing by the center of the world , called nadir . the meridian is an immoueable circle , passing through the poles of the world : it is called the meridian of meridies noonetide , because when the sun rising frō the east , toucheth this line with the center of his body , then it is noone to those ouer whose zenith that circle passeth , and midnight to their antipodes , or those who are iust vnder them in the other world . the number of meridians , are . ( allowing two to euery degree in the aequinoctiall ) which all concenter in either pole , and are the vtmost bounds of longitude . by the meridian , the longitude of all places is gathered , and what places lye more easterly or westerly from either . the longitude of any place , is that distance you find vpon the aequinoctiall , betweene the meridian of the place , whose longitude you desire ; and the first meridian which directly passeth ouer the canarie , or fortunate ilands : which distance or space you must account by the degrees , purposely set vpon the brazen circle ; or if you please by miles , allowing sixtie to euery degree . longitude is onely taken east and west . latitude is the distance of the meridian , betweene the verticall point ( or pole of the horizon ) and the aequinoctiall , being euer equall to the height , or eleuation of the pole aboue the horizon : or more plainly , the distance of any place , either north or south from the aequinoctiall , which you are to take ( vpon the standing globe ) by the degrees of the brazen meridian , that countrey or place in the globe , whose latitude you desire , being turned directly vnder it . the tropicke of cancer is an imaginary circle , betwixt the aequinoctiall and the arcticke circle ; which circle the sunne maketh about the thirteenth day of iune , declining at his farthest from the aequinoctiall , and comming northerly to vs-ward ; then are our daies at the longest , and nights shortest . capricorne the like to the antarcticke circle , making our daies the shortest about the twelfth of december . the arcticke circle ( anciently accounted the horizon of greece ) is a small circle : the center whereof is the north pole of the world , which is inuisible ; it is so called from arctes the beare , or charles w●ine , the northerne starre , being in the tip of the taile of the said beare . the antarctike , which is neere to the south pole , and answering the other vnder vs. but i had rather you learnd these principles of the sphere by demonstration , and your owne diligence ( being the labour but of a few houres ) then by meere verball description , which profiteth not so much in mathematicall demonstrations . wee will therefore descend to geographi● , which is more easie and familiar , ( the definition i gaue you before . ) i come to the subiect , the terrestrial globe , which is composed of sea and land. the sea is a mightie water , ebbing and flowing continually about the whole earth , whose parts are diuersly named according to the places whereupon they bound . in the east it is called the indian sea ; in the west the atlanticks , so named from the mount atlas in mauritania : in the north , the hyperborean ; in the south , the meridionall , or south sea , commonly called mar del zur . the mediterranean sea , is that which stretcheth it selfe by the middest of the earth from west to east , diuiding europe , asia , and africa . sinus ( or a gulfe ) is a part of the sea , insinuating and embosoming it selfe within the land , or betweene two seuerall landes : as the gulfe of venice , the persian gulfe , the red sea , sinus mexicanus , vermilius , gangeticus . fretum ( or a streight ) is a narrow passage betweene two lands , as the streight of magellan , anian , gibralterre , &c. an hauen , is the entrance of the sea within the land , at the mouth of some riuer or creeke , where shippes may ride at anchor . a lake , is a great and wide receptacle of water , euer standing still , and not mouing out of the place ; as the lake asphal●i●es , lacus larius , or lago di como , lansann● by geneva , &c. the earth , is either continent or iland . a continent is the land , continued without any diuision of sea , as the low countries to germany , that to austria , austria to hungary , &c. an iland , called insula , quasi in sale , is a land encompassed round with the sea , as great britaine , ireland , corsica , candia , &c. an isthmus , or chersonesus , is a streight or necke of land betweene two seas , as cimbri●a , chersonesus , taurica , aurea , and achaica . peninsula ( quasi penè insula ) is a land enuironed with the sea , except at some narrow place or entrance ; as that vaste continent of peru and brasil in america , were an iland , but for that streight or necke of land , betweene panama and nombre de dies : which philip the second , king of spaine , was once minded to haue cut for a shorter passage for ships into the south sea , but vpon better deliberation he gaue ouer his proiect . a cape or head of land , is the vtmost end of a promontorie , or high land , standing out into the sea , as the cape de bu●na speranza , cape mendozi●● , s. vincene , cape verde , the great cape s. augustine in america , &c. proceeding now to vnderstand the seuerall parts and regions of the world , with their scituation ( as it is meet , dwelling in an house , you should know all the roomes thereof ) you may if you please , obserue ptolomi●s method , beginning first with europe ; and herein with our northerne ilands of great britains , ireland , the orchades , and thule , which are the contents of his first table , and so forth into europe : but he was erronious in his descriptions , obscure by reason of his antiquitie , the names of places since changed ; nauigation by the benefit of the load-stone , perfected ; the want whereof heretofore hath beene occasion of infinite errors among the ancients , as well diuines as historiographers and geographers : as lactantius and s. augustine , could neuer bee perswaded , that there were antipodes , or people going feete to feet vnder vs ; the contrary whereof experience hath taught vs. arrianus , that much esteemed greeke authour , affirmed the scituation of germany to be very neere to the ionique sea. stephanus also , another countrey-man of his , saith that vienna was a citie of galilie . strabo saith , that danubius hath his head neere to the adriatique sea , which indeed ( being the greatest riuer of europe ) riseth out of the hill arnoba in germany , and by hungaria , and many other countries , runneth into sclauonia , receiuing threescore other riuers into his channell : it is therefore farre more safe to follow our later writers . in euery countrey ( to giue one instance for all ) in your obseruation you are to follow this method ; first to know the latitude , then the longitude of the place , the temperature of the climate , the goodnesse or barrennesse of the ground , the limits of the countrey , how it is bounded by sea or land , or both ; by east , west , north , or south : into what prouinces it is diuided within it selfe , the commodities it affoordeth , as what mines , woods or forrests ; what beasts , fowles , fishes , fruits , herbs , plants ; what mountaines , riuers , fountaines and cities : what notable matter of wonder or antiquitie : the manners , shape , and attire of the people ; their building , what ports and hauens ; what rockes , sands , and such like places of danger , are about the place : and last of all , the religion and gouernment of the inhabitants . you shall haue drawne vpon your globe or mappe , vpon the vastest seas ( where most roome is to bee spared ) a round figure , representing the mariners compasse , with the two and thirtie winds ; from euery of which there runneth a line to the land , to some famous citie , hauen , or either ; to shew you , in that sea and place what course you are to keepe to goe thither , whether full north , north-east , south , or south-west , and so forth . these winds , of the spaniards are called rombes : and for that , columbus and vesputius , italians , with others , first discouered the east and west indies ; the eight principall winds , are commonly expressed in the italian . this compasse hath the needle in manner of a flowre-deluce , which pointeth still to the north , i could wish you now and then , to exercise your pen in drawing , and imitating cards and mappes ; as also your pensill in washing and colouring small tables of countries and places , which at your leasure you may in one fortnight easily learne to doe : for the practise of the hand , doth speedily instruct the mind , and strongly confirme the memorie beyond any thing else ; nor thinke it any disgrace vnto you , since in other countries it is the practise of princes , as i haue shewed heretofore ; also many of our young nobilitie in england exercise the same with great felicitie . i haue seene french cards to play withall , the foure suites changed into maps of seuerall countries , of the foure parts of the world , and exactly coloured for their numbers , the figures . . . . . and so forth , set ouer the heads ; for the kings , queenes , and knaues , the pourtrai●s of their kings and queenes , in their seuerall countrey habits ; for the knaues , their peasants or slaues ; which ingenious deuice , cannot be but a great furtherance to a young capacitie , and some comfort to the infortunate gamester ; when , what he hath lost in money , he shall haue dealt him in land or wit. chap. . obseruations in suruey of the earth . first , how almightie god by his diuine prouidence so disposed the earth in the first creation ( not falling out by chance , as some haue thought ) that one countrey , in one place or other , is so neerely ioyned to the next ; that if after it might happen to be ouer peopled , as wel man as beast , by some smal streight or passage might easily bee prouided of a new habitation : which acosta hath well obserued , resoluing vs that doubt , how wilde beasts , as wolues , foxes , beares , and other harmfull beasts , should swim ouer so vaste seas , and breede in ilands . secondly , how the wit , disposition , yea , deuotion and strength of man , followeth the qualitie and temperature of the climate ; and many times the nature of the soyle wherein he liues : as wee see the easterne people of the world , very quicke in their inuentions , superstitious vnto idolatry , as in chin● , calecut , ia●a , and other places . on the contrary , those as farre north in lapla●d , ●●eland , and other places , as dull , and in a manner senc●lesse of religion , whereupon they are held the most notorious witches of the world . we see those that inhabit mountaines , and mountainous places , to be farre more barbarous and vnciuill , then those that liue in the plaines : witnesse the inhabitants of the huge hils sierras , and the andes in america , the mountainous north part of n●ua franci● , the nararrois in spaine , and the highland men in scotland . we see and finde it by experience , that where the soile is dry and sandy , the ayre is most pure ; and consequently , the spirits of the inhabitants actiue and subtile , aboue those who inhabite the fens and marishes . thirdly , consider the wonder of wonders , how the ocean so farre distant , holdeth motion with the moone , filling our shoares to the brim from the time of her appearing aboue the horizon , vntill she hath ascended the meridian : then decreasing as much vntill she toucheth the line of midnight , making his tide twice in foure and twentie houres and odde minutes : how the atlantick or westerne ocean is most rough and dangerfull , the south sea , or del zur , albeit of infinite vastnesse , on the contrary so calme and quiet , that you seemed rather to saile vpon dry land then water . how in the sea of cal●cut it is high water , but at euery full moone : in the sea by the shore of indus , but at euery new moone : how in the maine ocean the currant runnes from east to west , toward the streight of magellan , but from west to east in the med●erranean . fourthly , how in one place the north-wind , as vpon the coast of scythia , neere the mouth of the great riuer duin● , bloweth in a manner perpetually , so that the west or south-west winds are scarce knowne . in another , the east : in the indian sea the winds keep their turnes , obseruing the course of the sunne , which being in aries and libra , the westerne winds blow perpetually . neither lesse admirable are the in-land stoods , and fresh waters for their properties , as nilus , who onely by his ouerflowing , maketh aegypt fertile ( where it neuer raineth . ) eur●pus an arme of the sea by eub●●● ( an iland of the sporades in the aegean sea ) which ●bbeth and floweth seauen times in a day . likewise , much may bee said of our lakes and fountaines in england , scotland , and ireland , of turning wood into stone , iron , and the like . fiftly , it is worthy the consideration , how the diuine wisedome for the behoofe of mankind , hath set an enmitie betweene birds and beasts , of prey and rapine , who accompany not by heards : as lyons , beares , dogges , wolues , foxes , eagles , kites , and the like ; which if they should doe , they would vndoe a whole countrey : whereas on the contrary , those which are necessary and vsefull for mankind , liue gregatim , in heards and flockes , as kin● , sheepe , deere , pigeons , partridges , geese , &c. sixtly , how nature hath prouided for the creatures of the northerne parts of the world , as beares , dogs , foxes , &c. not onely thicke skinnes , but great store of haire or feathers , to defend them from the extremitie of the cold there : on the other side , to those in guiena , by reason of the extreame heate , none at all ; as you may see by the guiney dogges , which are daily brought ouer . seuenthly , how god hath so disposed the riuers , that by their crookednesse and winding , they might serue many places . let vs then consider , how the most fruitfull places and beautifull cities , haue become the dwellings and homes of the most slaues , as spaine ouer-runne by the moor●s , italy by the gothes and vandals ; and at this day , a great part of europe by the turke . how the earth like an aged mother , is become lesse fruitfull , as we see by the barrennesse sometime of the most fertile places , the decay of the stature and strength of men within these few yeares . it is also worthy obseruation , to see how the earth hath beene increased by the accesse of ilands , and againe beene diminished by inundation and gulfes breaking againe into the same . the ilands of the echinades , were cast vp by the riuer achelous , and the greatest part of aegypt by nilus , so were the rhodes and delos . of lesser ilands beyond melon anaphe , betweene lemnos and the hellesp●nt nea , ( as one would say new-come ) and else-where alône , thera , therasia , and hiera , which also from the euent was called automate . and that sundry goodly countries on the contrary , haue beene eaten vp by the sea , our neighbour zeland , and many other places will giue lamentable testimonie : beside the face of the earth hath since the creation , bene much altered by avulsion or diuision of the sea , as sicily was diuided and seuered from italy ; cyprus , from syria ; eub●● from boetia , atlas and macris from eub●●● , barbycus from bythinia , lencosia from the promontorie of the syrenes : and as some suppose , le●bos from ida , prochyta and p●th●●usa from misena ; and which is more , spaine , from barbarie , as strabo is of opinion . againe , it is affirmed by volseus , that our great britaine hath beene one continent with france , and that tract betweene douer and calais , hath beene gained by the sea , there called mare gess●riacum . excellent is that contemplation , to consider how nature ( rather the almightie wisedome ) by an vnsearchable and stupendious worke , sheweth vs in the sea , the likenesse and shapes , not onely of land creatures , as elephants , horses , dogges , hogges , calues , hares , snailes , &c. but of fowles in the ayre , as hawks , swallowes , vultures , and numbers the like ; yea , it affordeth vs men and women , and among men , euen the monke : but hereof see iu●tius in his batania , and if you please alex : ab alexandris with some others . moreouer what inestimable wealth it affoordeth in pearles , corall , amber , and the like . by reading you shall also finde what strange earthquakes , remoouing of whole townes , hilles , &c. haue beene vpon the face of the earth , raising of it in one place , leauing gulfes , and vastitie in another : and lucius marcius , and sextus iulius being consuls in rome , in the country of mutinum , two mountaines met and ioyned themselues together . in the raigne of nero , vectins marcellus being ouerseer of nero's affaires , and steward of his court , medowes and oliue trees were remooued from a common high way side , and placed a good way off on the contrary side ; so whereas they stood before on the right hand , as one trauelled , they were now on the right hand . the like happened within these few yeeres to pl●●rs a towne of the grisons among the alpes . lastly , let vs take a view of the earth it selfe , which because it was diuided with the sea , riuers , marshes , &c. yet making one absolute circle , homer calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and for this cause numa pompilius dedicated a temple to vesta in a round forme : the roundnesse of it is prooued of mathematicians by shadowes of dials , and the eclipses ; also by descent of all heauie things to the center , it selfe being the center of the vniuerse , as aristotle and ptolomey affirme . now in respect of heauen , it is so small a point , that the least starre is not darkened with the shaddow thereof : for if the smallest starre , albeit in iudgement of our sence , seemeth but a pricke or point , yet farre exceedeth the bodie of the earth in greatnesse , it followeth in respect of heauen , that the earth must seeme as little . beside , if the earth were of any quantitie in respect of the higher orbes , the starres should seeme bigger or lesse in regard of those hypsomata ( altitudes ) or the climes : but it is certaine that at the selfe same time , sundrie astronomers finde the same bignesse and eleuation of the selfe same starre obserued by their calculation , to differ no whit at all ; whereby we may see if that distance of place which is on the earth ( in respect of the heauenly orbes ) exceedeth all sence , it followes that the earth ( poore little point as it is ) seemes the like , if it be compared with heauen : yet this is that point , which with fire and sword , is diuided among so many nations , the matter of our glorie , our seate ; heere we haue our honours , our armies , our commands ; heere we heape vp riches , at perpetuall warre and strife among our selues , who ( like the toad ) shal fall asleepe with most earth in his pawes : neuer thinking how of a moment of time well spent vpon this poore plot or dung-hill common to beasts as well as our selues , dependeth eternitie , and the fruition of our true happinesse in the presence of heauen , and court of the king of kings for euer and euer . now i must take leaue of our common mother the earth , so worthily called in respect of her great merits , of v●i for shee receiueth vs being borne , shee feedes and cloatheth vs brought forth , and lastly as forsaken wholly of nature , shee receiueth vs into her ●●p , and couers vs vntill the dissolution of all , and the last iudgement . thus haue i onely pointed at the principles of cosmographie , hauing as it were giuen you a taste , and stopped vp the vessell againe , referring the rest to your owne diligence and search . and herein you shall haue your helpes , m. blund●●ile in his treatise of cosmographie and the sphaere , d. deo , m. cooke in his principles of geometrie , astronomie and geographie : ge●●● frisins , ortelius , copernicus , cl●nius the iesuite , ioannes de monte regis , mercator , munster , hunter , and many others ; of ancient writes ptolomey , dionisius halicar nasseus . for mappes i referre you wholly vnto ortelius and those set last forth by hondius being later then plancius , and more perfect by reason of the late discouerie , made by scho●ten , vnto the . and . degrees of southerly latitude beyond the streight of magellan ; and of late m. henrie hudson , to the . or . to the north-west , beyond terra de labrador : to omit that terrible voyage of barentson and his companie , for the discouerie of the north-east passage , by the backe-side of noua z●mla , which out of a dutch translation you may reade in english . chap. . of geometrie . since plato would not suffer any to enter his schoole , which was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or not entred into geometrie ; and xenocrates turned away his auditors , if vnfurnished with geometrie , musicke and astronomie , affirming they were the helpes of philosophie : i am also bound by the loue i beare to the best arts and your studies , to giue it you also in charge . philo the iew calleth it the princesse and mother of all sciences , and excellently was it said of plato , that god did alwaies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; but more diuinely of salomon : that god did dispose all his creatures according to measure , number and weight ; that is , by giuing the heauens their constant and perpetuall motion , the elements their places and praedominance according to lightnesse or grauitie , and euery creature its number and weight , without which , it were neither able to stand vpright or mooue . to the cōsideration of which depth of wisedome let vs vse the helpe of this most ingenious and vsefull art , worthy the contemplation , and practise of the greatest princes , a science of such importance , that without it , we can hardly care our bread , lie drie in our beds , buy , sell , or vse any commerce else whatsoeuer . the subiect of geometrie is the length , breadth , and height of all things , comprised vnder the figures of triangles , squares , circles , and magnitudes of all sorts , with their termes or bounds . it hath properly the name from measuring the earth , being first found out in aegypt ; for when nilus with his ouer-flowing drowned and confounded the limits of their fields , certaine of the inhabitants more ingenious then the rest , necessitie compelling , found out the rules of geometry , by the benefit whereof , after the fall of the water , euery man had his owne portion of ground lotted and laide out to him : so that from a few poore and weake principles at the first , it grew to that height that from earth it reached vp to the heauens , where it found out their quantities , as also of the elements and the whole world beside . out of aegypt , thales , brought it into greece , where it receiued that perfection we see it now hath . for by meanes hereof are found out the formes and draughts of all figures , greatnesse of all bodies , all manner of measures and weights , the cunning working of all tooles , with all artificiall instruments whatsoeuer . all engines of warre , for many whereof ( being antiquated ) we haue no proper names ; as exosters , sambukes , catapultes , testudo's , scorpions , &c. petardes grenades , great ordnance of all sorts . by the benefit likewise of geometrie , we haue our goodly shippes , galleies , bridges , milles , charriots and coaches ( which were inuented in hungarie and there called cotzki ) some with two wheeles , some with more , pulleies and cranes of all sorts . shee also with her ingenious hand reares all curious roofes , and arches , stately theaters , the columnes simple and compound , pendant galleries , stately windowes , turrets , &c. and first brought to light our clockes and curious watches ( vnknowne to the ancients : ) lastly our kitchin iackes , euen to the wheele-barrow . beside whatsoeuer hath artificiall motion either by ayre , water , winde , sinewes or chords , as all manner of musicall instruments , water workes and the like . yea , moreouer such is the infinite subtiltie , and immense depth of this admirable art , that it dares contend euen with natures selfe , in infusing life as it were , into the sencelesse bodies of wood , stone , or mettall : witnesse the wooden doue of archytas , so famoused not onely by agellim , but many other authors beyond exception , which by reason of weights equally peized within the bodie , and a certaine proportion of ayre ( as the spirit of life enclosed ) flew cheerefully forth as if it had beene a liuing doue . albeit iul. cals . scaliger accounteth this doue no great peece of workemanship , when he saith , he is able to make of his owne inuention with no great labour , a ship which shall swimme , and steere it selfe , and by the same reason that architas his doue was made , that is , by taking the pith of rushes couered ouer with bladders , or those thinne skinnes , wherein gold-beaters beate their leaues , and wrapped about with little strings of sinewes , where when a semicircle shal set one wheele on going ; it mooning others , the wings shall stirre and mooue forward . this archytas was a most skilfull mathematician , as it may be gathered out of horact , who calleth him mensorem , a measurer et marie & terra , numeroque carentis arena , of sea and land , and number-wanting sand . and not inferiour to the aforesaid doue of archytas was that woodden eagle , which mounted vp into the aire , and flew before the emperour to the gates of norimberg of which , as also of that yron flie , that flew about a table , salust lord of bartas maketh mention . ramus attributeth the inuention of either of these , in the preface of his . booke of his mathematicall obseruations , to ioannes regiom●ntanus . callicrates , if we may credite plinie , made antes and other such like small creatures of iuorie , that their parts and ioynts of their legges could not be discerned . myrmecides milesius also among other monuments of his skill , made a coach or waggon with foure wheeles , which together with the driuer thereof , a flie could easily hide and couer with her wings : besides a ship with her sailes , which a little bee could ouerspread . varr● teacheth how small peeces of this nature and subtilest workmanship , may be discerned , that is , saith he , by laying close about them , blacke horse haires . of later times , hadrian iunius tels vs that he saw with great delight and admiration , at mechlin in brabans , a cherrie stone cut in the forme of a basket , wherein were fifteene paire of dice , distinct each with their spots and number , very easily of a good eye to be discerned . and that the ilias of homer written , was enclosed within a nut , cicere tels vs he saw it with his eyes , though alexander thought it worthy of a farre better case , the rich cabinet of darius . by the statue of homer the ancients vsually set a nightingale ( as by orpheus a swanne ) for the manifold varietie and sweetnesse of his voice , or the continuance or holding out to the last the same sweetnesse : for some are of opinion , that the perfection of musicall sounds are to be discerned in the nightingales notes . plinie reckoneth vp sixteene seuerall tunes shee hath , and fitteth them to latine words very properly as vnto ditties , which the translator of plinie hath nothing neere so well fitted in the english which might surely haue beene as wel done , as i haue obserued in their notes . but to returne , scaliger ( whether in iest or earnest i know not ) tels cardanus of a flea he saw with a long chaine of gold about his necke , kept very daintily in a boxe , and being taken forth , could skip with his chaine , and sometime sucke his mistresses white hand , and his belly being ful , get him to his lodging againe , but this same 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 alexander wittily scoffed , when he gaue a fellow onely a bushell of pease , for his paines of throwing euery time a pease vpon a needles point standing a pretty way off . archimedes to the wonder of all the world , framed a brasen heauen , wherein were the seauen planets with their motions . hereof claudian wrote a wittle epigram . sap●r king of persia ( as du bartas in the sixt day of his diuine weeke mentioneth ) had an heauen of glasse , which , proudly sitting in his estate , he trod vpon with his feete , contemplating ouer the same , as if he had beene iupiter , and vpon this occasion calling himselfe brother to the sunne and moone , and partner with the starres ; for in his letter to the emperour constantius he beginneth thus : rex regum sap●r , particeps syderum , frater soli● & luna , &c. nor must i forget that heauen of siluer sent by ferdinand the emperour , to solyman the great turke , wherein the motions kept their true courses with those of the heauens , the starres arising and setting , the planets keeping their oblique motion , the sunne eclipsed at his iust time , and the moone duely changing euery moneth with the same in the heauen . by these see the effects of this diuine knowledge , able to worke wonders beyond all beleefe , in so much as archimedes affirmed , hee would moue the whole earth , might a place bee giuen him whereon to stand . but i rather beleeue him , who saith , the foundation thereof shall neuer be mooued . much was it , that with his left hand only , he could by his skil draw after him the weight of fiue thousand bushels of graine , and deuise ( at the cost of hier● ) those rare engines , which shot small stones at hand , but great ones a farre of ; by benefit of which deuice onely , while the stones fell as thicke as haile from heauen among the enemies , syracusa was preferred from the furie of marcellus ready to enter with a resolute and most powerfull armie . the oracle of apollo being demanded when the warre and miserie of greece should haue an end , replyed : if they would double the altar in delos , which was of a cubique forme ; which they tryed by adding another cube vnto it , but that auailed nothing . plato then taking vpon him to expound this riddle , affirmed the greekes , were reproued by apollo because they were ignorance of geometry . nor heerein can i blame them , since the doubling of the cube in solides , and quadrature of the circle in plaine , hath euer since so troubled our greatest geometricians , that i feare except apollo himselfe ascend from hell to resolue his owne probleme , we shall not see it among our ordinarie stone-cutters effected . but in briefe , the vse you shall haue of geometry , will be in suruaying your lands , affoording your opinion in building anew , or translating ; making your milles aswell for grinding of corne as throwing foorth water from your lower grounds , bringing water farre off for sundry vses . seeing the measure of timber , stone and the like ( wherein gentlemen many times are egregiously abused and cheated by such as they trust ) to contriue much with small charge and in lesse roome . againe , should you follow the warres ( as who knowes the bent of his fate ) you cannot without geometry fortifie your selfe , take the aduantage of hill or leuell , fight , order your battaglia in square , triangle , crosse ( which forme the prince of orange hath now alate taken vp ) cres●entwise ( and many other formes iovius sheweth ) leuell and plant your ordinance , vndermine , raise your halfe moones , bulwarkes , casamates , rampires , rauesins , with many other meanes as of offence and defence , by fortification . so that i cannot see how a gentleman , especially a souldier and commander may be accomplished without geometrie , though not to the heighth of perfection , yet at the least to be grounded and furnished with the principles and priuie rules heereof . the authors i would commend vnto you for entrance hereinto are in english. cookes principles , and the elements of geometry , written in latin by p. ramus , and translated by m. doctor hood , sometime mathematicall lecturer in london . m. blundeuile , euclide translated into english. in latine you may haue the learned iesuite clauius , melancthon , frisius , valearius his geometry military . albert durer hath excellently written heereof in high dutch , and in french fercadell vpon euclide , with sundry others . chap. . of poetrie . to sweeten your seuerer studies , by this time vouchsafe poetry your respect : which howsoeuer censured and seemeth fallen from the higest stage of honour , to the lowest staire of disgrace , let not your iudgement be infected with that pestilent ayre of the common breath , to be an infidell ; in whose beleefe , and doer of their contrary actions , is to be religious in the right , and to merit if it were possible by good workers . the poet , as that laurell m●i● dreamed of , is made by miracle from his mothers wombe , and like the diamond onely polished and pointed of himselfe , disdaining the file and midwifery of sorraine helpe . hence tullie was long ere he could be deliuered of a few verses , and those poore ones too : and ovid , so backeward in prose , that he could almost speake nothing but verse . and experience daily affordeth vs many excellent yong and growing wits , as well from plow as the pallace , endued naturally with this diuine and heauenly guift , yet not knowing ( if you should aske the question ) whether a metaph●re be flesh or fish . if bare saying poetrie is an heauenly gift , be too weake a proppe to vphold her credite with those buzzardly poore ones , who hauing their feathers moulted can creepe no farther then their owne puddle , able onely to enuie this imperi●ll eagle for sight and flight ; let them if they can looke backe to all antiquitie , and they shall finde all learning by diuine instinct to breathe from her bosome , as both plato and tullie in his tusculanes affirme . str●●● saith , poetrie was the first philosophie that euer was taught , nor were there euer any writers thereof knowne before musaus , hesiod and homer : by whose authoritie plato , aristotle and gale● , determine their weightiest controuersies , and confirme their reasons in philosophie . and what were the songs of linus , orphens , amphi●● , olympus , and that dittie i●pa● sang to his harpe at did●'s banquet , but naturall and morall philosophie , sweetened with the pleasaunce of numbers , that rudenesse and barbarisme might the better taste and digest the lessons of ciuilitie ? according to lucretius ( italianized by ariosto ) and englished by sir iohn harrington , sed veluti putri● 〈◊〉 hia tetra medentes , cum dare conantur , priùs or as pocula circum contingunt mellis , dulci flavoque liqu●re , vt puerorum at as impr●vida iudificetur , &c. as leaches when for children they appoint , their bitter worme-wood potions , first the cup about the brimme with honnie sweete they noint , that so the childe , beguild may drinke it vp , &c. neither hath humane knowledge beene the onely subiect of this diuine art , but euen the highest mysteries of diuinitie . what are the psalmes of dauid ( which s. hillari● so aptly compareth to a bunch of keies , in regard of the seuerall doores , whereby they giue the soule entrance , either to prayer , reioycing , repentance , thanksgiuing , &c. ) but a diuine poeme , going sometime in one measure , sometime in another ? what liuely descriptions are there of the maiestie of god , the estate and securitie of gods children , the miserable condition of the wicked ? what liuely similitudes & comparisons , as the righteous man to a bai● tree , the soule to a thirstie hart , v●itie to oyntment , and the dew of hermon ? what excellent allegories , as the vine planted in aegypt ; what epiphonema's , prosopopoca's and whatsoeuer else may be required , to the texture of so rich and glorious a peece ? and the song of salomon ( which is onely left vs of a thousand ) is it not a continued allegorie of the mysticall loue betwixt christ and his church ? moreouer the apostles themselues haue not disdained to alledge the authoritie of the heathen poets , aratus , me●ander and epimenides ; as also the fathers of the church , nazianzen , s. augustine , bernard , pr●demius , with many others , beside the allowance they haue giuen of poetrie , they teach vs the true vse and end thereof , which is to compose the songs of sion , and addresse the fruite of our inuention to his glorie who is the author of so goodly a gift , which we abuse to our loues , light fancies , and basest affections . and if mechanicall arts hold their estimation by their effects in base subiects , how much more deserueth this to be esteemed , that holdeth so soueraigne a power ouer the minde , can turne brutishnesse into ciuilitie , make the lewd honest ( which is scaligers opinion of virgils poeme ) turne hatred to loue , cowardise into valour , and in briese , like a queene command ouer all affections ? moreouer the muse , mirth , graces , and perfect health , haue euer an affinitie each with either . i remember plutarch telleth vs of telesilla , a noble and braue ladie , who being dangerously sicke , and imagined past recouerie , was by the oracle , aduised to apply her minde to the muse and poetrie ; which shee diligently obseruing recouered in a short space , and withall grew so sprightly couragious , that hauing well fortified argos with diuers companies of women onely , her selfe with her cōpanions sallying out , entertained cleomenes k. of the lacedamoniās with such a camisade , that he was faine to shew his back , leauing a good part of his people behinde , to fill ditches ; and then by plaine force of armes draue out demaratus another king , who lay very strong in garrison within . alexander by the reading of homer , was especially mooued to goe thorough with his conquests . leonidas also that braue king of the spartanes , being asked how ti●taus ( who wrote of warre in verse ) was esteemed among poets , replied excellently● for my souldiers , quoth he , mooued onely with his verses , runne with a resolute courage to the battaile , fearing no perill at all . what other thing gaue an edge to the valour of our ancient britons , but their bard●s ( remembred by athenaus , lucan and sundry other , ) recording in verse the braue exploits of their nation , and singing the same vnto their harpea at their publike ●easts and meetings ? amongst whom taliessi● a learned bard , and master to merlin , sung the life and actes of king arthur . hence hath poetry neuer wanted her patrones , and euen the greatest monarches and princes , as well christian as heathen , haue exercised their inuention herein● as that great glorie of christendome charlemaine , who among many other things , wrote his nephew roulands epitaphe , after he was slaine in a battell against the sarracens , among the * pyrenaan hills : alphonsiu king of naples , whose onely delight was the reading of virgil : robert king of sicilie ; and that thrice renowned and learned french king , who finding petrarchs toombe without any inscription or epitaphe , wrote one himselfe , ( which yet remaineth ) saying ; shame it was , that he who sung his mistresse praise seauen yeares before her death , and twelue yeares should want an epitaphe . among the heathen are eternized for their skill in poesie , augustus caesar , octanius , adrian , germanicus . euery child knoweth how deare the workes of homer were vnto alexander , euripides to a●yntas king of macedon , virgil to augustus , theocr●us to ptolomey and ●●v●nic● , king and queene of aegyp● : the stately pindar to hiere king of sicilie , ennius to scipie , ausonius to gratian , ( who made him pro-consull : ) in our owne countrey , a chaucer to richard the second , gower to henrie the fourth , with others i might alledge . the lady anne of bretaign● , who was twice french queene , passing through the presence in the court of france , espying chartier the kings secretarie , and a famous poet , leaning vpon his elbow at a tables end fast asleepe , shee stooping downe , and openly kissing him , said ; we must honour with our kisse , the mouth from whence so many sweete verses and golden poems haue proceeded . but some may aske me , how it falleth out , that poets now adaies are of no such esteeme , as they haue beene in former times ? i answere , because vertue in our declining and worser daies , generally findeth no regard : or rather more truly with aretin● ( being demaunded why princes were not so liberall to poesie , and other good arts , as in former times ) because their conscience telleth them , how vnworthy they are of the praises giuen them by poets ; as for other arts , they make no account of that they know not . but since we are heere ( hauing before ouer-runne the champaigne and large field of historie ) let vs a while rest our selues in the garden of the muses , and admire the bountie of heauen , in the seuerall beauties of so many diuine and fertile wits . we must beginne with the king of latin● poets , whom nature hath reared beyond imitation , and who aboue all other onely , deserueth the name of a poet ; i meane virgil . in him you shall at once finde ( not else-where ) that prudence , efficacie , varietie , and sweetnesse , which scaliger requireth in a poet , and maketh his prime vertues . vnder prudence is comprehended out of generall learning and iudgement , that discreete , apt suting and disposing , as well of actions as words in their due place , time and manner ; which in virgil is not obserued by one among twentie of our ordinary grammarians , who ( to vse the words of the prince of learning hereupon ) onely in shallow and small boates , glide ouer the face of the virgilian sea. how diuinely , according to the platonickes , doth he discourse of the soule ? how properly of the nature , number of winds , seasons of the yeare , qualities of beasts , nature of hearbs ? what in-sight into ancient chronologie and historie ? in briefe , what not worthy the knowledge of a diuine wit ? to make his aentas a man of extraordinary aspect , and comlinesse of personage , he makes venus both his mother and ladie of his horoscope . and forasmuch as griefe and perpetuall care , are inseparable companions of all great and noble atchieuements , he giues him achates quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , his faithfull companion ? what immooued constancy , when no teares or entreaty of eliza could cause him stay ? what piety , pitty , fortitude , beyond his companions . see how the diuine poet gaue him leaue to be wounded , lest his valour in so many skirmishes might bee questioned , and that a farre off , not at hand , that rather it might be imputed to his fortune , then his rashnesse or weaknesse ; then by one who could not be knowne , to giue the enemie occasion rather of feare , then of challenging the glorie . and whereas he bringeth in camilla , a couragious lady , and inuincible at the swords point in encountring other ; yet he neuer bringeth her to try her valour with aeneas . againe , that tarchon and she might shew their braue deeds he makes aeneas absent : as also when turnus so resolutely brake into his tents . lastly , what excellent iudgment sheweth he in appropriating the accidents and histories of his owne times , to those of the ancient , as where he bringeth in venulus plucked by force from his horse , and carried away with full speed ? the like caesar confesseth to haue happened to himselfe . aene as with his right arme naked , commaunds his souldiers to abstaine frō slaughter . the like did caesar at the battaile of pharsalie , and with the same words . but thus much out of the heape and most iudicious obseruations of the most learned scaliger . efficacie is a power of speech , which representeth a thing after an excellent manner , neither by bare words onely , but by presenting to our minds the liuely idea's or formes of things so truly , as if wee saw them with our eyes ; as the places in hell , the fierie arrow of acesta , the description of fame , the flame about the temples of ascanius : but of actions more open , and with greater spirit , as in that passage and passion of dido , preparing to kill herselfe . at trepida & coeptis immanibus effera dido , sanguineam voluens ac●em , m●●ulisque trementes interfusa genas , & pallida marte futura , interior a domus irrumpit limin● , & altos conscendit furibunda rogos , ensemque recludie dardanium , &c. which for my english readers sake , i haue after my manner translated , though assured all the translations in the world must come short of the sweetnesse and maiesty of the latine . but she amazd and fierce by cruell plots , rouling about her bloody eye , her cheekes all-trembling and arising , full of spots , and pale with death at hand , perforce she breakes into the in-most roomes . — enraged then she climbes the loftie pile , and out of sheath the dardane sword doth draw : ne're for such end ordained ; when a while the troian garments , and knowne couch she saw , with trickling teares her selfe thereon she cast , and hauing paus'd a little , spake her last . sweete spoiles , while fates and heauens did permit , receiue this soule , and rid me of my cares ; what race my fortune gaue i finish'd it , &c. moreouer , that liuely combat betweene nisus and volscens , with many other of most excellent life . a sweete verse is that , which like a dish with a delicate sauce , inuites the reader to taste euen against his will ; the contrarie is harshnesse : hereof i giue you an example in the description of young pallas ( whom imagine you see laid forth newly slaine vpon a biere of crabtree and oken rods , couered with straw , and arched ouer with greene boughes ) then which no nectar can be more delicious . qualem virgine● demessum pollice florem , seu mollis viola , seu languent is hyacinthi , cui nec sulger adhuc , nec dum sua ferma r●cessit , non iam mater alit tellus viresque ministrat , &c. euen as the flower by maidens finger mowne , of th'drooping hy'cinth , or soft violet , whose beautie's fading , yet not fully gone ; now mother earth no more doth nourish it , &c. the like of faire eurialus breathing his last . purpureus veluti cum flos succisus aratro , languescit moriens , lassove papauera collo demisere caput , pluvia cum fortè gravantur . looke how the purple flower , which the plow hath shorne in sunder , languishing doth die ; or poppies downe their wearie neckes do bow , and hang the head , with raine when laden lie , &c. this kind , plutarch tearmeth flowery , as hauing in it a beautie and sweete grace to delight , as a flower . varistie , is various , and the rules of it so difficult , that to define or describe it , were as to draw one picture which should resemble all the faces in the world , changing it selfe like pr●tens into all shapes : which our diuine poet so much , and with such excellent art affecteth , that seldome or neuer he vttereth words , or describeth actions spoken or done after the same manner , though they be in effect the same ; yea , though the conclusion of all the bookes of his aeneides bee tragicall , saue the first ; yet are they so tempered and disposed with such varietie of accidents , that they bring admiration to the most diuine iudgements : among them all not one like another , saue the ends of turnus and mezentius . what varietie in his battailes , assailing the enemies campe , besieging cities , broyles among the common people , set battailes in fields , aides of horse and foot ? &c. neuer the same wounds , but giuen with diuers weapons , as heere one is wounded or slaine with a peece of a rock , a flint , fire-brand , club , halberd , long pole : there another with a drinking boule or pot , a rudder , dart , arrow , lance , sword , * bals of wildfire , &c. in diuers places , as the throat , head , thigh , breast , hip , hand , knee , before , behind , on the side , standing , lying , running , flying , talking , sleeping , crying out , entreating . of place , as in the field , in the tents , at sacrifice , vpon the guard , in the day time , in the night . to proceede further , were to translate virgil himselfe ; therefore hitherto of varietie . i forbeare his most liuely descriptions of persons , times , places , and manner ; his most sweete and proper similitudes , as where he resembleth aeneas , who could not be mooued by any entreatie or teares of dido , or her sister anna , to a stubborne oake after this manner . at veluti annosam valido cum robore quercum , alpini borea nunc hinc , nunc flatibus illinc , eruere inter so certant ; it strider , & altè consternunt terram concusso stipite frendes , &c. as when the alpine winds with each contend , now this , now that way , with their furious might , some aged oake vp by the rootes to rend , lowd whistling's heard , the earth bestrewed quite ( the body reeling ) all about with leaues : while it stands firme , and irremoued cleaues vnto the rocke ; for looke how high it heaues the loftie head to heauen-ward , so low the stubborne roote doth downe to hell-ward grow . againe , that elegant comparison of ar●●ns ( hauing cowardly slaine the braue ladie camilla , and retired himselfe for feare● into the body of the armie ) to a wolfe that had done a mischiefe , and durst not shew his head . at velut ille prius que●●tela inimica sequantur , continuò in montes sese anius abdidit altos occiso pastore lupus , magnove iuvenco conscius audacis facti , caudamque remulcens subiecit pauit antem vtero , sylvasque petiuit , &c. and as a wolfe that hath the shepheard slaine , or some great beast , before the countrey rise , knowing him guiltie , through by-waies amaine hath got the mountaines , lee●ing where he lies , or clapt his taile betwixt his legges , in feare tane the next coppise , till the coast be cleare . after virgil , i bring you ouid , as well because they liued in one time , ( yet ouid confesseth he saw virgil but once in all his life ) as that he deserueth to be second in imitation , for the sweetnesse and smooth current of his stile , euery where seasoned with profound and antique learning : among his workes , his epistles are most worthy your reading , being his neatest peece , euery where embellished with excellent and wise sentences ; the numbers smoothly falling in , and borrowing their lustre and beautie from imitation of natiue and antique simplicitie : that of acontius is somewhat too wanton ; those three , of vlysses , demophoon , and paris to o●none , are suspected for the weaknesse of conceit , in regard of the other , to be none of ouids . concerning his bookes , amorum and de arte amandi , the wit with the truly ingenuous and learned will beare out the wantonnesse : for with the weeds there are delicate flowers in those walkes of venus . for the argument of his metamorphosis , he is beholden to parthenius , and diuers others , and those who long before wrote of the same subiect . about the yeare . when the king of poland made warre in moscouia , certaine polonian embassadours trauailing into the in-most places of moscouia , as farre as podolia and kiouia : they passed the great riuer boristhenes , hauing in their company a certaine young gentleman , very well seene in the latine , greeke , and hebrew tongues ; withall , an excellent poet and historian : he perswaded the polonians to well horse themselues , and ride with him a little further ; for he would ( said he ) thew them ouids sepulcher ; which they did : and when they were gone six daies iourney beyond boristhenes , through most vaste and desolate places , at last they came into a most sweete and pleasant valley , wherein was a cleere running fountaine , about which the grasse growing very thicke and high , with their swords and fauchions they cut it downe , till at last they found a stone , chest , or coffin , couered ouer with stickes and shrubs , whereon , it being rubbed and cleansed from mosse and filth , they read ouids epitaph , which was this : hîc situs est vates , quem diui caesaris ira augusti , latia cedere iussit hume : sapè miser voluit patrijs occumbere terris , sed frustrà : hunc illi fata dedere locum . this his sepulcher ( saith mine authour ) remaineth vpon the borders of greece , neere to the euxine sea , and is yet to be seene . of lyricke poets , as well greeke as latine , hold horace in highest account , as the most acute and artificiall of them all , hauing attained to such height , that to the discreete iudgement , he hath cut off all hope of equalizing him : his stile is elegant , pure and sinewie , with most wittie and choice sentences , neither humili contentus stylo ( as quintilian saith of him ) sed grandil●quo & sublimi . yea and if we beleeue scaliger , more accurate and sententious then pindar . his odes are of most sweete and pleasant inuention , beyond all reprehension , euery where illustred with sundrie and rare figures , and ve●ses so sluent , that the same scaliger protesteth he had rather be a composer of the like , then be king of whole arragon . in his satyres he is quicke , round and pleasant , and as nothing so bitter , so not so good as iuvenal : his epistles are neare ; his poetica his worst peece , for while he teacheth the art , he goeth vnartificially to worke , euen in the verie beginning . iuvenal of satyrists is the best , for his satyres are far better then those of horace , and though he be sententiously tart , yet is his phrase cleare and open . persius , i know not why we should so much affect him , since with his obscuritie hee laboureth not to affect vs ; yet in our learned age he is now discouered to euery schoole-boie : his stile is broken , froward , vnpleasing and ha●sh . in martial you shall see a diuine wit , with a flowing puritie of the latine tongue , a true epigrammatist : his verse is cleare , full , and absolute good , some few too wanton and licentious , being winked at . lucane breathes with a great spirit , wherefore some of our shallow grammarians , haue attempted to equall him with virgil : but his errour is , while hee doth ampullare with bigge sounding words , and a conceipt vnbounded , furious and ranging , and cannot with virgil containe himselfe within that sweete , humble and vnaffected moderation ; he incurreth a secret enuie and ridiculous contempt , which a moderate and well tempered style auoideth . seneca , for maiestie and state yeeldeth not to any of the grecians whosoeuer , cultu & ni●ore , to vse scaligers words , farre excelling euripides : and albeit he borrowed the argument of his tragaedies from the graecians , yet the spirit , loftinesse of sound , and maiestie of stile is meerely his owne . claudian , is an excellent and sweete poet , onely ouerborne by the meannesse of his subiect , but what wanted to his matter he supplied by his wit and happie inuention . statius is a smooth and a sweete poet , comming neerest of any other to the state and maiestie of virgils verse , and virgil onely excepted , is the prince of poets aswell greekes as latine ; for he is more slowery in figures , and writeth better lines then homer . of his works his sylue are the best . propertius is an easie cleare and true elegiacke , following the tract of none saue his owne inuention . among comicke poets , how much antiquitie attributed to plautus for his pleasant veine ( to whom volcatius giueth the place next to cacilius , and varro would make the mouth of muses ) so much doe our times yeeld to terence , for the puritie of his stile : wherefore scaliger willeth vs to admire plautus as a comoedian , but terence as a pure and elegant speaker . thus haue i in briefe , comprised for your behoofe , the large censure of the best of latine poets , as it is copiously deliuered by the prince of all learning and iudge of iudgements , the diuine iul. cas. scaliger . but while we looke backe to antiquitie , let vs not forget our later and moderne times ( as imagining nature hath heretofore extracted her quintessence , and lest vs the dregges ) which produce as fertile wits , as perhaps the other , yea and in our brittaine . of latine poets of our times in the iudgement of beza and the best learned , buchanan is esteemed the cheife : who albeit in his person , behauiour , and fashion , he was rough hewen , slouenly and rude , seldome caring for a better out side then a rugge-gowne girt close about him , yet his inside and conceipt in poesie was most rich , and his sweetnesse , and facilitie in a verse , vnimitably excellent , as appeareth by that master peece his psalmes ; as farre beyond those of b. rhenanus , as the stanza's of petrarch the times of skelton : but deseruing more applause ( in my opinion ) if hee had fallen vpon another subiect ; for i say with one , mihi spiritus diuinus eiusmod● places quo scipsum ingessit a patre , & illorū piget qui dauid psalmos suis calamistris inustos sperarant efficere plausibiliores . and certaine in that boundlesse field of poeticall inuention , it cannot be auoided , but something must be distorted beside the intent of the diuine enditer . his tragedies are loftie , the stile pure , his epigrams not to be mended , saue heere and there ( according to his genius ) too broad and bitter . but let vs looke behinde vs , and wee shall finde one english-bred ( whose glorie and worth , although cineri suppôsta doloso ) is inferiour neither to buchanan , or any of the ancients , and so much the more to be valued , by how much the brighter he appeared out of the fogges of barbarisme and ignorance in his time ; that is , ioseph of exeter , who liued vnder henrie the . and richard the first , who wrote that singular and stately poeme of the troian warre , after the historie of dares phrygius , which the germanes haue printed vnder the name of cornelius nepos . he died at bourdeaux in france , where he was archbishop , where his monument is yet to bee seene . after him ( all that long tract of ignorance , vntill the daies of henrie the . ( which time erasmus calleth , the golden age of learning , in regard of so many famously learned men , it produced more then euer heretofore ) flourished sir thomas more , sometime lord chancellor of england : a man of most rich and pleasant inuention : his verse fluent , nothing harsh , constrained or obscure ; wholly composed of conceipt , and inoffensiue mirth , that he seemeth ad lepôres fuisse natum . how wittily doth hee play vpon the arch-cuckold sabinus , scoffe at frenchified lalus , and herney a french cowardly captaine , beaten at the sea by our english , and his shippe burned , yet his victorie and valour to the english disgrace , proclaimed by brixius a germane pot-aster ? what can be more loftie then his gratulatorie verse to king henrie vpon his coronation day ? more wittie then that epigramme vpon the name of nicolaus an ignorant phisitian , that had beene the death of thousands , and abyngdons epitaph ? more sweete then that nectar epistle of his , to his daughters margaret , elizabeth , and cicelie ? but as these ingenious exercises bewraied in him an extraordinary quicknesse of wit and learning , so his vtopia his depth of iudgment in state-affaires , then which , in the opinion of the most learned budaus in a preface , before it our age hath not seene a thing more deepe & accurate . in his yonger yeeres , there was euer a friendly and vertuous emulation , for the palme of inuention and poesie , betweene william lillie the author of our grammer , and him , as appeareth by their seuerall translations of many greeke epigrammes , and their inuention tried vpon one subiect ; notwithstanding they lou'd and liu'd together as deerest friends . lillie also was beside , an excellent latine poet , a singular graecian ; who after he trauelled all greece ouer , and many parts of europe beside , and liued some foure or fiue yeeres , in the i le of the rhodes : he returned home , and by iohn collet deane of paules , was elected master of pauls schoole , which he had newly founded . shortly after , began to grow eminent , aswell for poesie as all other generall learning , sir thomas challoner knight ( father to the truly honest , and sometime louer of all excellent parts , sir thomas challoner , who attended vpon the late prince ) borne in london , brought vp in cambridge ; who hauing left the vniuer sitie , and followed the court a good while , went ouer with sir henry knyuet , embassadour to charles the fift , as his friend and companion : what time the emperour being preparing a mightie fleete against the turkes in argier , the english embassadour , sir thomas challoner , henry knowles , m. henry isam , and others , went in that seruice as voluntaries with the emperour . but the galley wherein sir thomas challoner was , being cast away by foulenesse of weather , after he had laboured by swimming for his life as long as he was able , and the strength of his armes falling him , he caught hold vpon a cable throwne out from another galley , to the losse and breaking of many of his teeth , and by that meanes saued his life . after the death of king henry the . he was in the battaile of muskleborough , and knighted by the duke of s●mmerset . and in the beginning of the raigne of queene elizabeth , hee went ouer embassadour into spaine , where at his houres of leisure , he compiled ten elegant bookes in latine vers . de ropub . anglorum instauranda ; superuised after his death by malim , and dedicated to the old lord burghley , lord treasurer . being sent for home , by her maiestie , he shortly after died in london , and was buried in paules neere to the steppes of the quire , toward the south-doore , vnder a faire marble ; but the brasse and epitaphe written by doctor haddon , by sacrilegious hands is since torne away . but the muse and eternall fame haue reared him a monument more lasting and worthy the merit of so excellent a man. of english poets of our owne nation , esteeme sir geoffrey chaucer the father ; although the stile for the antiquitie , may distast you , yet as vnder a bitter and rough rinde , there lyeth a delicate kernell of conceit and sweete inuention . what examples , similitudes , times , places , and aboue all , persons , with their speeches , and attributes , doe as in his canterburie-tales ( like these threds of gold , the rich arras ) beautifie his worke quite thorough ? and albeit diuers of his workes , are but meerely translations out of latine and french , yet he hath handled them so artificially , that thereby he hath made them his owne , as his troilus and cresseid . the romant of the rose , was the inuention of ithan de mehunes , a french poet , whereof he translated but onely the one halfe : his canterburie-tales without question were his owne inuention , all circumstances being wholly english. hee was a good diuine , and saw in those times , without his spectacles , as may appeare by the plough-man , and the parsons tale : withall an excellent mathematician , as plainly appeareth by his discourse of the astrolabe to his little sonne lewes . in briefe , account him among the best of your english bookes in your librarie . gower being very gracious with king henrie the . in his time carried the name of the onely poet , but his verses to say truth , were poore and plaine , yet full of good and graue moralitie : but while he affected altogether the french phrase and words , made himself too obscure to his reader ; beside his inuention commeth farre short of the promise of his titles . he published onely ( that i know of ) three bookes , which at s. marie oueries in southwarke vpon his monument lately repaired by some good benefactor , lie vnder his head ; which are , vox clamantie , speculum meditantis , and confessio amantis . he was a knight , as also was chaucer . after him succeeded lydgate , a monke of burie , who wrote that bitter satyre of peirs plow-man . he spent most part of his time in translating the workes of others , hauing no great inuention of his owne . he wrote for those times a tollerable and smooth verse . then followed harding , and after him skelton , a poet laureate , for what desert i could neuer heare ; if you desire to see his veine and learning , an epitaph vpon king henry the seauenth , at west-minster will discouer it . in the latter end of king henrie the . for their excellent facultie in poesie were famous , the right noble henrie earle of surrey ( whose songs and sonnets yet extant , are of sweete conceipt : ) and the learned , but vnfortunate , sir thomas wyat. in the time of edward the sixth liued sternhold , whom king henry his father , a little before had made groome of his chamber , for turning certaine of dauids psalmes into verse : and merrie iohn heywood , who wrote his epigrammes , as also sir thomas more his vtopia , in the parish wherein i was borne ; where either of them dwelt , and had faire possessions . about queene maries time , flourished doctor phaer who in part translated virgils aeneids , after finished by arthur golding . in the time of our late queene elizabeth , which was truly a golden age ( for such a world of refined wits , and excellent spirits it produced , whose like are hardly to be hoped for , in any succeeding age ) aboue others , who honoured poesie with their pennes and practise ( to omit her maiestie , who had a singular gift herein ) were edward earle of oxford , the lord buckhurst , henry lord paget ; our phoenix , the noble sir philip sidney , m. edward dyer , m. edmund spencer , m. samuel daniel , with sundry others ; whom ( together with those admirable wits , yet liuing , and so well knowne ) not out of enuie , but to auoide tediousnesse i ouerpasse . thus much of poetrie . chap. xi . of musicke . mvsicke a sister to poetrie , next craueth your acquaintance ( if your genius be so disposed . ) i know there are many , who are adeo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and of such disproportioned spirits , that they auoide her companie ; as a great cardinall in rome , did roses at their first comming in , that to auoide their sent , he built him an house in the champaigne farre from any towne : or as with a rose not long since , a great ladies cheeke in england , their eares are readie to blister at the tendrest touch thereof . i dare not passe so rash a censure of these as pindar doth , or the italian , hauing fitted a prouerbe to the same effect , whom god loues not , that man loues not musicke : but i am verily perswaded , they are by nature very ill disposed , and of such a brutish stupiditie , that scarce any thing else that is good and sauoureth of vertue , is to be found in them . neuer wise man ( i thinke ) questioned the lawfull vse hereof , since it is an immediate gift of heauen , bestowed on man , whereby to praise and magnifie his creator ; to solace him in the midst of so many sorrowes and cares , wherewith life is hourely beset : and that by song , as by letters , the memorie of doctrine , and the benefits of god might be for euer preserued ( as we are taught by the song of moses , and those diuine psalmes of the sweete singer of israel , who with his * psalterie so lowdly resounded the mysteries and innumerable benefits of the almightie creator , ) and the seruice of god aduanced , as we may finde in . samuel . vers . . psalme . . . and . . . and in sundrie other places of scripture , which for breuitie i omit . but , say our sectaries , the seruice of god is nothing aduanced by singing and instruments , as we vse it in our cathedrall churches , that is , by “ antiphonie , restes , repetitions , varietis of moodes and proportions with the like . for the first , that it is not contrary , but consonant to the word of god , so in singing to answer either : the practise of m●riam the prophete●se , and sister of moses , when she answered the men in her song , will approue ; for repetition , nothing was more vsuall in the singing of the leuites , and among the psalmes of dauid , the . is wholly compounded of those two most gracefull and 〈◊〉 figures of repetition , symploce and anaphora . for resting and proportions , the nature of the hebrew verse , as the meanest hebrician knoweth , consisting many times of vneuen feete , going sometime in this number , sometimes in that ; one while ( as s. hierome saith ) in the numbers of sappho ; another while of alcaus , doth of neoessitie require it : and wherein doth our practise of singing and playing with instruments in his maiesties chappell , and our cathedrall churches , differ from the practise of dauid ; the priests and leuites . doe we not make one sound in praising and thanking god , with voyces and instruments of all sorts . d●●●e ( as s. hierome saith ) reboet laquear ●empli : the roofe of the church ecchoeth againe , and which lest they should cauill at as a iewish ceremonie , we know to haue beene practised in the ancient puritie of the church ; but we returne where we left . the physitians will tell you , that the exercise of musicke is a great lengthner of the life , by stirring and reuiuing of the spiri●s , holding a secret sympathy with them ; besides , the exercise of singing , openeth the breast and pipes ; it is an enemy to melancholy and deiection of the mind , which s. chrysostome truly calleth , the deuils bath . yea , a curer of some diseases : in apugli● , in italy , and therea bouts , it is most certaine , that those who are stung with the taramula , are cured onely by musicke . beside , the aforesaid benefit of singing , it is a most ready helpe for a bad pronunciation , and distinct speaking , which i haue heard confirmed by many great diuines : yea , i my selfe haue knowne many children to haue bin holpen of their stammering in speech , onely by it . plato calleth it , a diuine and heauenly practise , profitable for the seeking out of that which is good and honest . homer saith , musitians are worthy of honor , and regard of the whole world ; and we know , alb●it ly●urgu● imposed most streight and sharpe lawes vpon the lacedaem●ni●ns , yet he euer allowed them the exercise of musicke . aristotle auerreth musicke to be the onely disposer of the mind to vertue and goodnesse ; wherefore he reckoneth it among those foure principall exercises , wherein he would haue children instructed . tulli● saith , there consisteth in the practise of singing , and playing vpon instruments , great knowledge , and the most excellent instruction of the mind : and for the effect it worketh in the mind , he termeth it , sta●ilem , thesaurum , qui moros instituit , componi●que , ac mo●tit ●rarum ardores , &c. a lasting treasure , which rectifieth and ordereth our manners , and allayeth the heate and furie of our anger , &c. i might runne into an infinite sea of the praise and vse of so excellent an art , but i onely shew it you with the finger , because i desire not that any noble or gentleman should ( saue his priuate recreation at leasurable houres ) prooue a master in the same , or neglect his more weightie imployments : though i auouch it a skill worthy the knowledge and exercise of the greatest prince . king henrie the eight could not onely sing his part sure , but of himselfe compose a seruice of foure , fiue , and sixe parts ; as erasmus in a certaine epistle , testifieth of his owne knowledge . the duke of venosa , an italian prince , in like manner , of late yeares , hath giuen excellent proofe of his knowledge and loue to musicke , hauing himselfe composed many rare songs , which i haue seene . but aboue others , who carryeth away the palme for excellency , not onely in musicke , but in whatsoeuer is to be wished in a braue prince , is the yet liuing maurice landgraue of hessen , of whose owne composition i haue seene eight or ten seuerall sets of morets , and solemne musicke , set purposely for his owne chappell ; where for the greater honour of some festiuall , and many times for his recreation onely , he is his own organist . besides , he readily speaketh ●en or twelue seueral languages : he is so vniuersall a scholler , that comming ( as he doth often ) to his vniuersitie of marpurge , what questions soeuer he meeteth with set vp , ( as the manner is in the germane and our vniuersities ) hee will extempore , dispute an houre or two ( euen in bootes and spurres ) vpon them , with their best professors . i passe ouer his rare skill in chirurgeri● , he being generally accounted the best bone-setter in the country . who haue seene his estate , his hospitalitie , his rich furnished armorie , his braue stable of great horses , his ●●tesie to all strangers , being men of qualitie and good parts , let them speake the rest . but since the naturall inclination of some men , driueth them ( as it were ) perforce to the top of excellencie : examples of this kind are very rare , yea great personages many times are more violently carried , then might well stand with their honours , and necessitie of their affaires : yet were it to these honest and commendable exercises sauouring of vertue , it were well : but many neglecting their duties and places , will addict themselues wholly to trifles , and the most ridiculous and childish practises . as eropus king of macedonia , tooke pleasure only in making of candles : domitian , his recreation was to catch & kill flyes , and could not be spoken with many times in so serious employment . p●olomans philadelphus was an excellent smith and a basket maker . alphonso atestino duke of ferra●ra , delighted himselfe onely in turning and playing the ioyner . rodolph the late emperour in setting of stones , and making watches . which , and the like , much eclipse state and maiestie , bringing familiaritie , and by consequence contempt with the meanest . i desire no more in you then to sing your part sure , and at the first sight , withall , to play the same vpon your violl , or the exercise of the lute , priuately to your selfe . to deliuer you my opinion , whom among other authors you should imitate and allow for the best , there being so many equally good , is somewhat difficult ; yet as in the rest herein you shall haue my opinion . for mo●●●s , and musicke of pietie and deuotion , as well for the honour of our nation , as the merit of the man , i preferre aboue all other our phoenix , m. william byrd , whom in that kind , i know not whether any may equall . i am sure , none excell , euen by the iudgement of france and italy , who are very sparing in the commendation of strangers , in regard of that conceipt they hold of themselues . his cantiones 〈◊〉 , as also his gradualia , are meere angelicall and diuine ; and being of himselfe naturally disposed to grauitie and pietie , his veine is not so much for light madrigals of canzonets , yet his virginella , and some others in his first set , cannot be mended by the best italian of them all . for composition , i preferre next ludouico de victoria , a most iudicious and a sweete composer : after him orlando di lasso , a very rare and excellent author , who liued some forty yeares since in the court of the duke of baueir . he hath published as well in latine as french many sets , his veine is graue and sweete : among his latine songs , his seuen poenitentiall psalmes are the best , and that french set of his wherein is susanna vn jour . vpon which dittie many others haue since exercised their inuention . for delicious aire and sweete inuention in madrigals , luca mar●●zio excelleth all other whosoeuer , hauing published more sets then any authour else whosoeuer ; and to say truth , hath not an ill song , though sometime an ouer-sight ( which might be the printers fault ) of two eights , or fifts escape him ; as betweene the tenor and base in the last close , of , i must depart all haplesse : ending according to the nature of the dittie most artificially , with a minim rest . his first , second , and third parts of thyrsis , veggo dolca 〈◊〉 ben chi fa hoggi mio sole cantava , or sweete singing amaryllie , are songs , the muses themselues might not haue beene ashamed to haue had composed . of stature and complexion , hee was a little and blacke man : he was organist in the popes chappell at rome a good while , afterward hee went into poland , being in displeasure with the pope for ouermuch familiaritie with a kinswoman of his , ( whom the queene of poland , sent for by luca marenzio afterward , she being one of the rarest women in europe , for her voyce and the lute : ) but returning , he found the affection of the pope so estranged from him , that hereupon hee tooke a conceipt and died . alphouse ferabosco the father , while he liued , for iudgment and depth of skill , ( as also his sonne yet liuing ) was inferior vnto none : what he did was most elaborate and profound , and pleasing enough in aire , though master thomas morley censureth him otherwise . that of his , i saw my ladie weeping , and the nightingale ( vpon which dittie master bird and he in a friendly aemulation , exercised their inuention ) cannot be bettered for sweetnesse of aire , or depth of iudgement . i bring you now mine owne master , horatio vecchi of modena ; beside goodnesse of aire most pleasing of all other for his conceipt and varietie , wherewith all his workes are singularly beautified , as well his madrigals of fiue and sixe , as those his canzonets , printed at norimberge : wherein for tryall , sing his viuo in fuoco amoroso lucretia mia , where vpon i● catenat● more , with excellent iudgement , hee driueth a crotchet thorough many minims , causing it to resemble a chaine with the linkes . againe , in s●is potessi raccor'i m●i sospiri , the breaking of the word sospiri with crotchet & crotchet , rest into sighes : and that , fa mi vn canzon● , &c. to make one sleepe at noone , with sundry other of like conceipt , and pleasant inuention . then that great master , and master not long since of s. markes chappell in venice ; second to none , for a full , loftie , and sprightly veine , following none saue his owne humour : who while he liued , was one of the most free and braue companions of the world . his poenitentiall psalmes are excellently composed , and for pietie are his best . nor must i here forget our rare countrey-man , peter phillips , organist to their altezza's at bruxels , now one of the greatest masters of musicke in europe . he hath sent vs ouer many excellent songs , as well motets as madrigals : he affecteth altogether the italian veine . there are many other authors very excellent , as boschett● , and clandie de monte verde , equall to any before named ; gimmoni ferreti , stephano felis , giulis rinaldi , phillipe de monte , andrea gabrieli , cyprian de rore , pallaui ceno , 〈◊〉 , with others yet liuing ; whose seuerall workes for me here to examine , would be ouer tedious and needlesse ; and for me , please your owne eare and fancie . those whom i haue before mentioned , haue bene euer ( within these thirtie or fortie yeares ) held for the best . i willingly , to auoide tediousnesse , forbeare to speake of the worth and excellency of the rest of our english composers , master doctor douland , tho : morley , m. alphonso , m. wilbie , m. kirbie , m. wilkes , michael east , m. bateson , m. deering , with sundry others , inferior to none in the world ( how much soeuer the italian attributes to himselfe ) for depth of skill and richnesse of conceipt . infinite is the sweete varietie that the theorique of musicke exerciseth the mind withall , as the contemplation of proportions , of concords and discords , diuersitie of moodes and tones , infinitenesse of inuention , &c. but i dare affirme , there is no one science in the world , that so affecteth the free and generous spirit , with a more delightfull and in-offensiue recreation , or better disposeth the minde to what is commendable and vertuous . the common-wealth of the cynethenses in arcadia , falling from the delight they formerly had in musicke , grew into seditious humours and ciuill warres , which polybius tooke especially note of : and i suppose , heereupon it was ordained in arcadia , that euery one should practise musicke by the space of thirty yeares . the ancient gaules in like manner ( whom iulian tearmed barbarous ) became most curteous and tractable by the practise of musicke . yea , in my opinion , no rhetoricke more perswadeth , or hath greater power ouer the mind ; nay , hath not musicke her figures , the same which rhetorique ? what is a reuert but her antistrophe ? her reports , but sweete anaphora's ? her counterchange of points , antimetabole's ? her passionate aires but prosopopoe's ? with infinite other of the same nature . how doth musicke amaze vs , when assures of discords she maketh the sweetest harmony ? and who can shew vs the reason why two basons , bowles , brasse pots , or the like of the same bignesse ; the one being full , the other emptie , shall , striken , be a iust diapason in sound one to the either ; or that there should bee such sympathy in sounds , that two lutes of equall size being laid vpon a table , and tuned vnison , or alike in the gamma , g sol re vt , or any other string ; the one stricken , the other vntouched shall answer it ? but to conclude , if all arts hold their esteeme and value according to their effects , account this goodly science not among the number of those which lucian placeth without the gates of hell , as vaine and vnprofitable : but of such which are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the fountaines of our liues good and happinesse : since it is a principall meanes of glorifying our mercifull creator , it heigthens our deuotion , it giues delight and ease to our trauailes , it expelleth sadnesse and heauinesse of spirit , preserueth people in concord and amitie , allaieth fiercenesse and anger ; and lastly , is the best phisicke for many melancholly diseases . chap. . of drawing , limning , and painting : with the liues of the famous italian painters . since aristotle numbreth graphice generally taken , for whatsoeuer is done with the pen or pencill ( as writing faire , drawing , limning and painting ) amongst those his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or generous practises of youth in a well gouerned common-wealth ; i am bound also to giue it you in charge for your exercise at leasure , it being a quality most commendable , and so many waies vsefull to a gentleman . for should you ( if necessitie required ) be employed for your countries seruice in following the warre , you can describe no plot , manner of fortification , forme of battaglia , situation of towne , castle , fort , hauen , iland , course of riuer , passage through wood , marish , ouer rocke , mountaine , &c. ( which a discreete generall doth not alwayes commit to the eye of another ) without the helpe of the same . in all mathematicall demonstrations nothing is more required in our trauaile in forraine regions . it bringeth home with vs from the farthest pa● of the world in our bosomes , whatsoeuer is rare and worthy the observance , as the generall mappe of the country , the riuers , harbours , hauens , promontories , &c. within the landscap , of faire hils , fruitfull vallies : the formes and colours of all fruites , seuerall beauties of their floures , of medicinable simples neuer before seene or heard of : the orient colours , and liuely pictures of their birdes , the shape of their beasts , fishes , wormes , flyes , &c. it presents our eyes with the complexion , manner , and their attire . it shewes vs the rites of their religion , their houses , their weapons , and manner of warre . beside , it preserueth the memory of a dearest friend , or fairest mistresse . and since it is onely the imitation of the surface of nature , by it as in a book● of golden and rare-limmed letters , the chiefe ende of it , wee reade a continuall lecture of the wisedome of the almightie creator , by beholding euen in the feather of the peacocke a * miracle , as aristotle saith . and that you should not esteeme basely of the practise thereof , let me tell you that in ancient times painting was admitted into the first place among the liberall arts , & throughout all greece taught only to the children of noble men in the schooles , and altogether forbidden to be taught to seruants or slaues . in no lesse honour and esteeme was it held among the romanes , as we finde in plinie and many others who euery where advance the professors ; and the dignity of the practise thereof nothing base or seruile , since one of the most noble families in rome , the fabij thought themselues much honoured by the addition of that sirname pictor . for the first of that name , although he was most honourably descended , honoured with many titles , consulships and triumphs , excellently learned in the lawes , and beside accounted in the number of the orators of his time ; yet he thought his skill in painting added to these honors , and his memory would heare the better of posteritie , for that he was endued with so excellent & quality : for after with his owne hand he had painted the temple of salus round about within , and finished his worke , he wrote in faire letters in an eminent place , quintus fabius pinxi . neither was it the exercise of nobilitie among the ancients onely , but of late dayes and in our times we see it practised by the greatest princes of europe , without praeiudice to their honors . francis the first , king of france , was very excellent with his pencill ; and the vertuous margaret queene of navarre beside her excellent veine in poesie could draw and limne excellently ; the like is reported of 〈◊〉 duke of savois . nor can i ouerpasse the ingenuitie and excellency of many noble and gentlemen of our owne nation herein , of whom i know many ; but none in my opinion , who deserueth more respect and admiration for his skill and practise herein then master nathaniel bacon of broome in suffolke ( younger sonne to the most honourable and bountifull minded sir nicholas bacon , knight , and eldest barronet , ) not inferiour in my iudgement to our skilfullest masters . but certainely i know not what fauourable aspect of heauen that right noble and ancient family , which produceth like delicate fruites from one stemme so many excellent in seuerall qualities , that no one name or family in england can say the like . painting is a quality i loue ( i confesse ) and admire in others , because euer naturally from a child , i haue beene addicted to the practise hereof ; yet when i was young , i haue beene cruelly beaten by ill and ignorant schoolemasters , when i haue beene taking , in white and blacke , the countenance of some one or other ( which i could do at thirteene and fourteene yeares of age : beside the mappe of any towne according to geometricall proportion , as i did of cambridge when i was of trinitie colledge , and a iunior sophister , ) yet could they neuer beate it out of me . i remember one master i had ( and yet liuing not farre from s. athanes ) took me one time drawing out with my pen that peare-tree and boyes throwing at it , at the end of the latine grammar● which he perceiuing , in a rage strooke mee with the great end of the rodde , and rent my paper , swearing it was the onely way to teach mee to robbe orchard as beside , that i was placed with him to bee made a scholler and not a painte● , which i was very likely to doe ; when i well remember he construed vnto me the beginning of the first ode in horace , edite , set ye forth , 〈◊〉 , the sportes , atavit r●gib●● , of our ancient kings ; but leauing my ingenious master , to our purpose . for your first beginning and entrance in draught , make your hand as ready as you can ( without the helpe of your compasses ) in those generall figures of the circle , ovall , square , triangle , cylinder , &c. for these are the foundation of all other proportions . as for example , your ovall directs you in giuing a iust proportion to the face . your square or cube for all manner of ground plots , formes of fortification , wherein you haue no vse of the circle at all . your circle againe directs you in all orbicular formes whatsoeuer , and so forth of the rest . hauing made your hand fit and ready in generall proportion , learne to giue all bodies their true shaddowes according to their eminence and concauity , and to heigthen or deepe as your body appeareth neerer or farther from the light ; which is a matter of great iudgment , and indeede the soule ( as i may say ) of a picture . then learne all manner of draperie , that is , to giue garments and all manner of stuffes , as cloth , silke , and linnen their naturall and proper soldes ; which at the first will seeme strange and difficult vnto you , but by imitating the choisest printes and peeces of the most iudicious masters , with your owne obseruance you will very easily attaine the skill . but since i haue already published a booke of drawing and limming ; wherein i haue discouered whatsoeuer i haue thought necessa●ie to perfection herein , i will referre you for farther instruction to it , and onely here giue you the principall authors for your imitation . since , as i said , proportion is the principall and chiefe thing you are first to learne , i commend vnto you that prince of painters and graund-master albert durer , who beside that his peeces for proportion and draperie are the best that are , hee hath written a very learned booke of symmetrie and proportions , which hath beene since translated out of high dutch into latine . and though his peeces haue beene long since worne out of presse , yet you may happen vpon them among our skilfull painters , which if you can get reasonably keep them as iewels , since i beleeue you shall neuer see their like : they seeme old , and commonly are marked with a great d in an a. for a bold touch , varietie of posture , curious and true shaddow : imitate goliziu● , his printes are commonly to be had in popes head alley . himselfe was liuing at my last being in the low countries at harl●● ; but by reason of the losse of one of his eyes , he hath giuen ouer a hinge in copper , and altogether exerciseth his pencill in oyle . the peeces of michael angelo are rare and very hard to be comeby . himselfe liued in rome , and was while hee liued esteemed the best painter in europe , as verily it seemeth by that his famous peece , of the last iudgment in the popes chappell , being accounted one of the best in the world . hans holben was likewise an excellent master , hee liued in the time of king henry the eight , and was emploied by him against the comming of the emperor charles the . into england . a i haue seene many peeces of his in oile , and once of his owne draught with a penne a most curious chimney-peece k. henry had bespoke for his new built pallace at bridewell . of later times and in our age the workes of shadan , witrix , and my honest louing friend crispin de pas of vtrecht are of most price ; these cut to the life , a thing practised but of late yeares : their pieces will best instruct you in the countenance , for the naturall and 〈◊〉 dowes therof , the cast and forme of the eie , the touch of the mouth , the true fall , turning & curling of the haire , for ruffes , armour , &c. when you are somewhat ready in your draught ( for which you must prouide pens made of rauens quils , black lead , dry pencils made of what color you please by grinding it with strong wort , & then rowling it vp pencilwise and so let it dry ) get my booke , entituled the gentlemans exercise , which will teach you the vse and ordering of all manner of colours for limning , as how to make any one colour what you please by the composition of many , as a scarlet , carnation , flame colour , all manner of greenes for leaues or banckes , purples for the breake of the morning , the violet , the hyacinth , &c. all manner of changeable colors in garments of silke ; brownes & blackes for haire colours , the colours of barks of trees , the sea , foūtains , rocks , flesh colours or carnations for the face & complexiō , with the manner of preparing your card , & inbriefe whatsoeuer is needfull to be knowne of a practitioner . now hauing your colors in their shels finely ground and washed , and varietie of pencills great and small , beginne first to wash ouer some plaine printes , then after to imitate to the life ( according vnto my directions in that booke : ) wherein by degrees you will take incredible delight , and furnish your conceipts and deuices of emblems , anagrams , and the like with bodies at your pleasure , without being beholden to some deare and nice professed artist . painting in oyle is done i confesse with greater iudgment , and is generall of more esteeme then working in water colours ; but then it is more mechanique and will robbe you of ouer much time from your more excellent studies , it being sometime a fortnight or a month ere you can finish an ordinary peece . i haue knowne michael lanss of delf in holland , the most excellent painter of all the low countries , to haue beene ( at times , ) a whole halfe yeare about a picture , yet in the end to haue blurred it out ( as it is his manner ) for some small disresemblance , eyther in the eye or mouth ; so curious is the workemanshippe to doe it well : beside oyle nor oyle colours , if they drop vpō apparell , will not out ; when water colours will with the least washing . but lest you should think me ignorant or enuious , i wil not conceale frō you the manner of working herein , and though it may bee you shall not practise it , it may profit others . first for your table whereupon to draw your picture , plane it very euen , and with size ( made of glue sodden long in faire water , till the glue be quite dissolued ) mingled and heat with spanish white finely ground , white it ouer ; then let it dry , then white it ouer againe , and so the third time , when being dry , scrape it very euen with a sharpe knife till it be smooth , then prime it with red lead or some other colour , which being drie , draw your picture out vpon it with a peece of chalke , pencill of coale , lastly , with black lead ; so lay on your colours . grind all your colours in linseede oyle , ●aue when you grinde your white for ruffes and linnen ; then vse the oyle of walnuts , for a linseede oyle will turne yeallowish . hauing all your colours ready ground , with your pallet on the thumbe of your left hand , & pencills for euery colour , in the same lay your colours vpon your pallet thus : first , your white lead , then lake , iuorie , blacke , seacoale blacke ( as you see the complexion ) lampe blacke , vmber for the haire , red lead , yealow oaker , verdigreace ; then your blewes , masticot and pinke , the rest at your pleasure , mixing them on the other side of the pallet at your pleasure . to begin a picture , first drawe the eye , the white thereof make of white lead with as little char-coale black ; hauing finished it , leaue from the other eye the distance of an eye , then draw the proportion of the nose , the compasse of the face , after that make the mouth , the eare , the haire , &c. after you haue made the white of the eyes and proportion of the nose , &c. lay your carnation or flesh colour ouer the face , casting in here and there some shadowes which worke in with the flesh colour by degrees . your flesh colour is commonly compounded of white lead , lake , and vermilion , but you may heighthen or decpen it at your pleasure . then shadow the face all ouer as you see cause , and finish the nose , compassing the tippe of it with some darke or light reddish shadow . the shaddowes for your face are compounded commonly , of iuory , blacke , white lead , vermilion , lake , sea-coale blacke , &c. then shaddow your cheekes and lippes ( with the mouth stroke , which make of lake onely ) with vermilion and lake as you list mixed together . now make the circles of the eyes . for the gray eye , take charcoale blacke and white lead heighthened or deepened at your pleasure . for the blacke circle of the eye , take vmber , sea-cole-blacke , and a little white , and mixe them as you thinke fit . for the round ball in the eye take lampe-blacke and verd-greace , for lampe-blacke will hardly dry without it . for the hands and the shaddowes betweene the fingers vse the same flesh-colours and shaddowes as in the face for heighthening or deepening . if you would make a flesh-colour of a swarthy complexion , mingle white lead , lake , and yealow oker together , and in the shadodwes , put in some vmber and sea-coale blacke . for blacke haire , take lampe● blacke onely , and when you will haue it brighter , mixe it with a little vmber , white , and red lead . for flaxen haire , take vmber , and white lead ; the browner you will haue it , put in the more vmber , the whiter more white ; but if darker , yet adde to a little sea-coale blacke . for yealow haire , take masticote , vmber , yealow oker , and a little red lead ; if you will haue it redder , put in the more red lead and vmber . for a white haire , take halfe iuorie blacke , and halfe of vmber , and with your knife temper them well vpon your pallet with white lead , with more white , or vmber , or i●ory , raising or deepening it at your pleasure . for the teeth , take white lead , and shaddow it with char-coale blacke . for ruffes , lawnes , and linnen . for linnen , take white lead mingled with char-coale black , so making it whiter or darker at your pleasure ; for your sine lawnes , put a little oyle smalt in amongst it , and with a fine little bagge of taffata stuffed with wooll or the like , take vp the colour and presse it hard downe where you would haue it . for veluets of all colours . for blacke-veluet , take lampe-blacke and verdigreace , for your first ground ; but when it is dry , lay it ouer with iuory blacke and verdigreace , ( to help it to dry ) and for the shaddow vse white lead , with a little lampe blacke . for greene veluet , take lamp blacke , and white lead , and worke it ouer like a russet veluet ; then being dry , draw it onely ouer with verdigreace , and a little pinke , and it will be a perfect greene veluet . for a sea-water greene veluet , lay on the aforesaid mingled russet verdigreace onely , if you will haue it more grassy , put to more pinke . for a yellowish greene , put a little masticot among your verdigreace at your pleasure : but note this , al your shaddowing must be in the russet , and these greens onely drawne lightly ouer . for red veluet , take vermilion , and shaddow it with browne of spaine , and where you will haue it darkest , take sea-cole blacke mingled with spanish browne , and shaddow where you will , letting it dry , then glaze it ouer with lake , and it will be a perfect red veluet . for a crimson or carnation veluet , put the more or lesse white lead to the vermilion , as you shall see cause . for blew veluet , take oyle smalt , and temper it with white lead ; ●he brighter you will haue it , put in the more white ; the sadder , the more smalt . for yellow veluet , take masticot and yellow oker , and deepen it for the shaddow with vmber . for tauny veluet , take browne of spaine , white lead , and lampe blacke , mixed with a little verdigreace to shaddow it , where you see occasion ; and when it is dry , glaze it ouer with a little lake , and red veluet added vnto it . for purple veluet , take oyle smalt , and temper it with lake , halfe lake , halfe smalt ; then take white lead and order it as bright or as sad as you list . for ash-coloured veluet , take char-cole blacke , and white lead , and make a perfect russet of the same , deepning it with the black , or heigthening it with your white at your pleasure . for haire-coloured veluet , grinde vmber by it selfe with oyle , and lay it on your picture , and heigthen with white lead and the same vmber . for sattens in oyle colours . for blacke satten , grinde lamp black with oyle , then mixe it with some white lead ; where you will haue it shine most , mingle some lake with your white lead . for white satten , take white lead ground with oyle , then grinde iuorie black by it selfe , and where you will haue it sad , adde more of the blacke . for greene satten , take verdigreace and grinde it by it selfe , then mixe some white lead with it ; and where you will haue it bright , adde some pinke : if more inclining to a popingiay , adde more pinke to your white lead ; and to deepen it more , adde more verdigreace . for yellow satten , grinde masticot by it selfe , yellow oker by it selfe , and vmber by it selfe ; where you will haue it lightest , let the masticot serue ; where a light shaddow , let the oker serue , where the darkest or saddest , vmber onely . for blew satten , take oyle , smalt , and white lead , ground by themselues ; white lead for the heigthening , and smalt for your deepening , or darkest shaddow . for purple satten , mixe oyle , smalt , with lake , and white lead : heigthening with white lead . for orenge tauny satten , take red lead and lake , where you will haue it brightest take red lead by it selfe , and where made sad , lake . for red satten , grinde browne of spaine by it selfe , mingling vermilion with the same ; where you would haue it light , put in a little white lead . for haire coloured satten , take vmber and white lead ; heigthen with your white lead , and for the darke shaddow of the cuts , adde to your vmber a little sea-cole blacke . for taffata's . make your taffata's all one as you doe your sattens , but you must obserue the shaddowing of taffata's ; for they fall more fine with the solds , and are thicker by much . for changeable taffata's take sundry colours , what you please , and lay them vpon your garment or picture one by another ; first casting out the solds , then with your pencill driuing and working them finely one into another . for cloth. cloth likewise is as your sattens , but that you must not giue so shining and suddaine a glosse vnto it . for l●●ther . as buffe , take yellow oker , and some white lead mixed with it : and where you will haue it darker by degrees , mixe vmber with it , and when you haue wrought it ouer , take a broad pencill and frieze it ouer with vmber and a little sea-coale blacke . for yellow leather , take masticot and yellow oker , shaddow it with vmber at your pleasure . for blacke leather for shooes , lampe blacke , shaddowed with white lead . for white leather , white lead , shaddowed with iuorie blacke . to expresse gold and siluer . to expresse gold vpon armour , or the hilt of a sword or rapier , take vmber , red lead , and masticot ; lay your ground onely red lead , if you please , mixed with a little pinke , and where you will haue the shaddow darke , vse vmber , where the light , masticot . for siluer , take char-coale blacke and white lead ; where you will haue it darke , vse more char-coale , and for the light , giue it a bold and suddaine stroke with your white . and thus you make your pearle . note , that you must grind your sea-coale and char-coale ( of a sallow , if you can get it ) in faire water first , and when it is dry , grind it in oyle . for skie and landscape . for a sky or landscaps , that seeme a great way off , take oyle smalt , or bice if you will , and with linseed oyle onely temper it on your pallet ( for in grinding smalt or bice , they vtterly lose their colour ) with white lead , and where it looketh redde as the morning , vse lake , &c. of wood colours , barkes of trees , &c. your wood colours are compounded either of vmber and white , char-coale and white , sea-coale and white , vmber blacke and white , or with some greene added . sometime adde a little lake or vermilion . of sundry greenes in oyle . for a deepe and sad greene , as in the in-most leaues of trees , mingle indico and pinke . for a light greene , pinke and masticot : for a middle and grasse-greene , verdigreace and pinke . remember euer to lay on your yellowes , blewes , reds , and greenes , vpon a white ground which giueth them their life . to make cleane your pencils , rub soape hard into them , and lay them by a while , after wash them in warme water . to make cleane your grinding stone and mullar , rub it ouer with crums of bread . to keepe your colours from drying in the heate of summer , set them in the bottome of a bason of water . if you would get farther experience , acquaint your selfe with some of our excellent masters about london , where there are many passing iudicious and skilfull . the onely and most esteemed peece in the world for iudgement and art , is the battaile ( commonly called , the battaile of doomes day ) fought in the night betweene s●lym the first , emperour of the turkes , and ishma●l sophi king of persia. it is a night peece done by bellino , the famous venetian painter , by the commandement of s●lym , after his victorie , and sent as a present to the duke and state of venice , where it yet hangeth in their counsell chamber . there is likewise a very rare and admirable peece in and warpe , done by a blacksmith vpon this occasion . this smith falling in loue with a painters daughter , ( who vowed neuer to marrie any , but of her fathers profession ) gaue ouer his trade of a smith , and sell to painting some foure or fiue yeares : in which time , the hope of gaining a faire maid guiding his hand , hee became so cunning , that he not onely obtained his wench , but a masse of wealth by his pencill ; there being offered for this one peece alone , seauen thousand crownes . it hangeth in one of the great churches there , s. georges or our ladies , i remember not well which . but thus much of drawing and painting in generall . now it shal not be amisse , for the aduancement of this excellent skill , which none can loue or admire more then my selfe ( that i may omit the liues of the ancient graecian and romane painters ) to come neerer our times , and acquaint you with the best masters italy alone hath affoorded . ioannes cimabus . italy being ouer-runne , and miserably wasted with warres , what time all good learning and arts lay neglected , about the yeare . painting and painters were there so rare , that they were faine to send into greece for men skilfull herein . of whom the italians learned the rudiments and principles of this art , in a manner quite lost amongst them . so that while certaine graecian painters , sent for by some of the nobilitie of florence , were painting a church in florence , one ioannes cimabus a young man , and naturally affecting this art , grew so farre into familiar acquaintance with them , that he learned the manner of their draught , and mingling colours , that in a short time he excelled the best masters among them ; and was the first that i can find among the italians , that brought painting into credit , and got a name by his skill herein . for some of his peeces for the raritie , were carried out of his house into the new church in florence , with musicall instruments of all sorts , and solemne procession● others being vttered at great rates ouer all france and italy ; in so much , as charles the french king moued with his fame , came to florence to see his worke. he died in the yeare . leauing behind him his scholler giotto , who by the opinion of dante 's in his purgatorie farre surpassed him : he was so humorous , saith the interpreter of dante 's , that if himselfe or any other espyed any fault in his work , he would ( like mishael ianss , now liuing at delft in holland ) deface and breake it in peeces , though he had bestowed a tweluemoneths paines thereon . andrea taffi . about this time also , the graecians brought the art of working in musiue , or mosaique to venice , where in s. markes church they wrought it ; with whom taffi falling acquainted , hee drew one of the best masters among them , named apoll●●●m , to florence , who taught him to bake mosaique glasses , and to temper the size for them : so they wrought together ; but the rudenesse of that age was such , that neither they nor their workes were in that esteeme as they deserued . gaddo gaddi . about this time also liued gadde gaddi , a very rare master , a florentine borne ( for the fine and subtile aire of florence , hath produced men of more sharpe and excellent spirits , then any other place of italy ) who excelled in mosaique , and wrought it with better iudgement then any before him ; insomuch as hee was sent for to rome , anno. the yeare after the great fire , and burning of the church of s. iohn lateran● , and the pallace of pope clement the fifth : whence well rewarded , he returned backe into tuscane , where he dyed anno . margaritene . margarit●n●● was borne in arezz● , a very skilfull master : he was the first that deuised laying gold or gilding vpon bole armoniacke to be burnished , as we see it in knops now adaies vpon the valences and canopics of beds ; and to make a glew for picture tables , that should neuer decay . giotto . giotto was not onely a rare painter , but also an excellent architect , for all manner of curious conceipt in building : and to say truth , was the first who of latter times in italy brought picture into admiration , and her true height . he was borne at vespign●●● , a village fourete●ne italian miles from florence : his father was an husbandman , and gi●tt● being a boy of some twelue yeares of age , was set by him to keepe sheepe : but nature hauing ordained him for another end ; the boy while hee was tending his sheepe , would be practising with a sticke vpon the sand , or dustie high-way , or vpon void places vpon walls with a coale , to draw whatsoeuer sorted with his fancie . it fortuned on a time , while he was drawing the picture of one of his sheepe , cimabus to passe by , who admiring such art in the boyes draught , ( who had neuer any other direction saue out of his naturall inclination ) demanded of him if he would dwell with him : who answered , yea , if his father were so contented . the father agreed , and placed him with cimabus , who in short time so excelled , that he farre surpassed the rusticke greeke manner of working , bringing forth a better moderne art , and the true working by the life , which had not beene knowne in two hundred yeares before . he was very inward and familiar with dante 's the poet , whose picture he drew : he was of all others famous for his skill and conceipt in expressing affections , and all manner of gesture , so that he might be truly called natures scholler . his workmanship is especially seene at acesi , a citie of vmbria , in the cloisters of s. francis , where the body of s. francis lyeth buried : where among other rare inuentions of his , is to be seene a monke kneeling before obedience , who putteth a yoake vpon his necke , he holding vp both his hands to heauen , and shee laying her forefinger vpon her mouth , casteth vp her eyes towards christ , from whose side the blood issueth in great abundance . on either hand of her stand wisedome and humility , to shew where true obedience is , there is wisedome and humility , which helpe to finish euery good worke : on the other side is an historie where chastity standeth vpon a strong and high rocke , as not to be won , or mooued by the force of kings , though they seeme to offer crownes , scepters , and palmes . at her feete lyeth purity , in the shape of a childe washing it selfe , and by chastity standeth pennance , hauing diuen away with her discipline winged loue : in a third place standeth pouerty barefooted , treading vpon thornes , a dogge barking at her ; at one side , a child throwing stones at her , on the other , another child with a sticke putting the thornes towards her legs . this pouerty is marryed to saint francis , whom christ giueth by ioying their hands : in a fourth place is saint francis , praying with such great deuotion , and inward affection expressed in his countenance , that it detaineth the beholder with singular admiration . from thence returning toward florence , he wrought in distemper ( as we call it ) or wet with size , sixe histories of patient i●b , wherein are many excellent figures : among others the positures and countenances of the messengers bringing the sorrowfull newes vnto him , which are not to be mended : withall a seruant , with one hand keeping off the slies from his sore master , and with the other stopping his nose : the countenances and draperies of the standers by done with such grace and iudgement , that the same hereof presently went ouer all italy . insomuch that pope benedict sent a messenger from rome into tuscany to know what manner of man giotto was , and what his workes were ; beeing purposed to beautifie saint peters church with sacred histories by the hand of some excellent master . this messenger or courtier from the pope , taking his iourney to florence , passed by siena , and still enquiring out the best masters , tooke a draught of something from euery one of them to carry back to the pope , to choose as he thought best : comming to florence in a morning betimes , he came to the shop of giotto , desiring ( as he had done of others ) to giue him a touch with his pencill , or some peece to show his holinesse . giotto being merily disposed , tooke a sheete of paper , vpon which , with a pencill ( setting one arme vnder his side ) hee drew so absolute a circle , that by no co●passe a truer could be drawne ; hauing done , smiling he gaue it to the cour●●ier , saying , there is my draught . the cour●ier imagining he had flouted him , said , is this all ? giotto replyed , it is all , and more then enough . when the pope with others of iudgement saw it , and heard the manner how carelesly he did it , he admired and confessed , he passed all men of his time in excellency it this being knowne , it grew a prouerbe in italy , m●re round then giotto's circle . the pope after this , did him much honour , and very liberally rewarded him . hee had painted vpon a certaine wall the picture of the virgin mary , and when this wall was to be mended , such care ( by reason of the excellency of his art ) was had of this picture , that it was cut square and taken downe whole out of the wall with a great deale of paine and cost . he made in mosai●●● , in the fore court of saint peter , the ship wherein peter and the apostles were in danger of drowning , their actions and gestures full of feare , the sailes full of wind , with the behauiour of fishermen in such extremitie . at avag●●● , hee wrought for pope cle●●●● the fift ; & in many other places of france his workes are yet remaining . anno . he was at last sent for by robert king of naples , for whom there ( in the church of the cloyster of saint clare ) he made many histories both of the old and new testament , with the whole historie of the reuelation : it is said that herein his invention was admirable , and that he was much holpen by his deare and ingenious friend dan●es the poet. the king was not onely pleased with the excellencie of his hand , but with his many witty answers and conceipts ; wherefore sometime he would sit by him halfe a day together to see him worke . once the king said vnto him , giotto i will make thee the foremost man of my court ; i beleeue it ( quoth giotto ) and that ( i thinke ) is the reason why i am lodged in the porters lodge at your court gate . another time also the king said thus vnto him , giotto , if i were as thou , the weather is so exceeding hot , i would giue ouer painting for a while ; whereunto giotto replyed , indeed sir , if i were as you , i would let it rest indeed . another time , being at worke in the great hall of the court , the king merily requested him , to paint him out his kingdome ; giotto made no more adoe , but presently painted an affe with a saddle on his backe , and smelling at another new saddle that lay before him at his feet , as if he had had a mind to that , rather then the other vpon his backe ; and vpon each saddle a crowne and a scepter : the king demanded what he meant thereby ; giotto replyed , such is your kingdome and subiects , for they desire new lords daily . in his returning to fl●rence , he made very many rare peeces by the way , deuised many excellent models for building ; beside other his workes in caruing , plaistique , &c. the citie of florence not onely roially rewarded him , but gaue him and his posteritie a pension of an hundred crownes a yeare , which was a great summe in those times . he died to the griefe of many , in the yeare . and was buried at florence , vpon whom angelus politianus wrote this epitaph worthy so excellent a man. ille ego sum per quem pictura extincta re●ixis , cui quam recta manu● , ●am fuit & facilis . natura decrat , nostra quad defuit arti , plus licuit nulli pingere necmeli●● . miraris * ●turri● egregiam sacre are sonantem , hac qu●que de module cre●it ad astra 〈◊〉 ; denique sum iottus , quid opus suit illareferre ? hoc nomen lengi carminis instar erit . stephano fiorentino . this stephano beeing giotto's scholler , what with his masters furtherance , and his owne industry , became not onely equall to his master , but in some respects excelled him , as many of his works doe manifest , namely the virgin mary in the church called camp● sante at pisa , which to say truth , excelled that of his masters in the cloister of sant● spirit● in florence . he painted the transfiguration of our blessed sauiour in the mount with moses and elias , where the light was seene to shine downe vpon the apostles , who with such a faire action lay so wrapped in their mantles that ye might perceiue all the foldings vpon the ioints , and made the nakednes to shine through their thinne cloathes , which was neuer seene before or vsedby giotto . in another chappell he made the fall of luci●er , wherein hee shewed many excellent foreshortnings of bodies , armes , and legges ; wherefore by the artists of his time . he was named occhi● di natura , the eye of nature , he wrought at rome , milane , and many other places : many excellent pieces of his are yet to bee seene in florence , which for breuity i omit the dyed anno . petro laurati of siena . petro laurati was famous in his time , especially for making of glories , wherein he surpassed all others before him . at arezze with excellent skill hee painted vpon a ●eeling angels dancing as in a ring about mary , seeming to sing and play on instruments ; where in their eyes and countenances you may see expressed a true godly ioy : another troope of angels with various and delicate action carrying her vp into heauen . he dyed , . b●namic● buffalmacco . buffalmacco was scholler to taffi , and as excellent in his profession , so was he merry and of pleasant conceit : wherefore hee was familiar with brun● and calandrin● , rare artists and of his owne humour , many of whose iestes are recorded by boccace . buffalmacco being a young youth while he dwelt with taffi , was called vp by his master by two or three of the clocke in winter mornings to his worke , grinding of colours or the like , which grieued him much ; and bethinking himselfe how to make his master keepe his bed , he got vp in the fields some thirty or forty dorres or beetles , and a little before his master should rise , fastning little waxe candles vpon their backs , puts them in lighted , one by one into his masters chamber ; who seeing the lights moouing vp and downe , began to quake for feare , committing himselfe to god with hattie prayer , and couered himselfe ouer head and eares in his bed , hauing no mind to worke or awake buffalmacco . in the morning ●ee asked buffalmacco if hee had not seene a thousand diuels as he had ; who answered no , for he was asleepe , and wondered he called him not : called ? saide taffi , i had other things to thinke of then to paint , i am fully resolued to goe dwell in another house . the night following though buffalmacco had put in but onely three lights into his chamber , yet could he not sleep for feare al that night : it was no sooner day but taffi , left his house with intēt neuer to come into it againe . buffalmacco hereupon went to the priest of the parish to desire his aduice , telling him that in his conscience the diuell next vnto god hated none more then painters , for that , said buffalmacco , we make him odious in the peoples eyes by painting him terrible and in the vgliest shape we can deuise ; and more to spight him , wee paint nothing but saints in churches to make the people more deuout then otherwise they would , wherefore the diuels are very angry with vs , and hauing more power by night then by day , they play these prankes , and i feare they will doe worse except we gine ouer this working by candle light . this he spake so confidently , and in so deniure a manner to the priest , that the priest anouched it to be true , and with great reasons perswaded taffi euer after to keepe his bed ; which beeing published about , working by candle-light was left through the towne euer after . the first proofe of his skill he shewed at a nunnery neere pisa now wholly ruined , being the birth of christ , where herod killed the children of bethlem ; where the affections and lookes of the murtherers , mothers , nurses resisting with biting , scratching , tearing , pulling , &c. are excellently expressed . moreouer , he drew the foure patriarkes , and the foure euangelists , where he expressed saint luke with great art , blowing the inke in his pen to make it runne . he was in his time one of the merriest and finest companions of the world : he died , anno . ambrosio lorenzetti of siena . this ambrosio was a painter of siena , he was chiefely commended for that grace he had in contrining postures and accidents of history : he was the first that most liuely could resemble tempests , stormes , raine , &c. he was very moderate , and went rather like a philosopher then a painter . he dyed at siena . petro cavallini of rome . this was scholler vnto gi●tt● , and wrought with him in the ship of mosaique in the front of saint peters in rome . there is yet a crucifixe of his yet to bee seene at arezzo , and another in the church of saint paul in rome , of admirable life and skill . he was wondrous deuout and religious . he dyed . and lyeth buryed at pauls without rome with this epitaph . quantum romana petrvs decus addidi● vibi , pictur● , tartum da● decus ipse p●l● . simon of siena . simon of siena was a rare artist , and liued in the time of the famous and laur●ate poet francis petrarch , in whose verses he liueth eternally , for his rare art & iudgement showne , in drawing his laura to the life . for invention and variety he was accounted the best of his time . andreas orgagna . andreas orgagna was a fl●rentine , and both a painter , poet , architect and caruer , though hee began first with caruing . one of his best peeces he wrought in pisa , which was all sorts of worldly and sensuall epicures , rioting and banquetting vnder the shaddow of an orenge tree , within the branches and bowes whereof , sly● little amorettos or cupids , shooting at sundry ladies lasciuiously dancing and dallying amongst them ; which ladies were then liuing , and all discerned by their seuerall countenances : as also many gallants and princes of that time drawne in the same table . on the other side of the table , he made an hard rocke , full of people , that had left the world , as being eremites , seruing of god , and doing diuers actions of pietie , with exceeding life ; as here one prayeth , there another readeth , some other are at worke to get their liuing , and among the rest , there is with admirable art and iudgment , an eremite milking of a goat . withall , saint macharius , who sheweth the miserable estate of man to three kings riding on , hunting in great state with their queenes , and sheweth the● a graue wherein lie three dead kings , whose bodies are almost rotten ; whereon they looke with a great feare , liuely expressed in their countenances , and one wishly looking downe into the graue , stoppeth his nose , &c. ouer this flyeth death in blacke with a sith in his hand : all about on the earth lye people along of all ages , sexe , and condition , slaine , and dying by sundry meanes . he also painted the iudgement , where hee placed in hell most of his foes that had molested him , and among the rest a scrivener , whose name was cecehode ascol● , and knowne for a notable knaue in his profession , and a coniurer beside , who had many wayes molested him : he was by children and boyes discerned to be the same man , so well had he exprest him to the life . he dyed aged . yeares , . and lyeth buryed at florence . thomas masaccio . this thomas , sirnamed masaccio or the slouen ( for that he neuer cared how hee went in his cloathes ) was borne in the castle of saint iohn de valderno ; and being a youth , so much addicted his mind vnto painting , that hee cared in a manner for nothing , not so much as to demand money of his debters where it was due , but when meere necessitie draue him thereunto ; yet was he curteous vnto all . he excelled in perspectiue , and aboue all other masters laboured in nakeds , and to get the perfection of foreshortning , and working ouer head to bee viewed standing vnder . amongst other his workes , that of saint peter taking a penny out of the fishes mouth , and when he payeth it for tole , is famous . in briefe , he brake the ice to all painters that succeeded for action in nakeds and foreshortnings , which before him were knowne but of few . for by his peeces and after his practise , wrought fryer iohn of ficsole , frier phillip phillipine , alessan : baldovinetti , andrea del caslagna , verochio dominico de grillandaio , di botticello , leonarde de vinci , pedro di perugia , frier bartholome ● of saint marks , mariotte , albertinell , the rare and euer admired michael angelo , bonarotti , raphael d' v●bine , and sundry others . he dyed it was suspected of poison in the . yeare of his age . his epitaph was written in italian by hannibal coro . leon baptista alberti . this alberti was an excellent linguist , hauing his latine tongue very exactly . he was borne in florence , and was both an excellent painter and architect ; hee wrote tenne bookes of architecture in latine , which he published in print , anno. . moreouer hee wrote three bookes of the art of painting , a treatise of measuring heigthes , besides certaine bookes of policy , with many other discourses . he was descended of a noble house , and was very inward with pope nicholas the fi●t . he was excellent for the descriptions of battailes , night workes , glittering of weapons , and the like . frier phillipo lippi . phillipo lippi borne in florence , was a poore childe , and left fatherlesse and motherlesse , was brought vp by an aunt ; at eight yeares of age , placed in a monasterie of the ●●cobines , where out of his naturall inclination , he practised drawing and painting ; and in short time grew to that excellence , that he was admired of all : making in his cloyster many histories in we● , after masaccio's manner . at seuenteene yeares of age he forsooke his order . being in la marcad ' ancona , he put himselfe with some friends to sea , but were in short time taken by the pirats of barbaris , and sold into the country for slaues , wearing heauie chaines about their legges . in this estate liued phillipo eighteene moneths , but growing familiar with his master , one day , when he saw his time and his master in a good humour , tooke a coale , and vpon a white wall drew him from head to foot : this being seene of his fellow slaues , and shewed vnto his master , who had neuer seene a picture before , was cause of his deliueance : for making his escape , or at least his master winking thereat , he made shift to come to naples , where hee wrought in colours a most curious altar-table for king alphonsus . hence hee went to florence , and made another altar-table , which pleased cosmo de medicis wondrous well ; whereupon hee was employed by cosmo in making many small pictures , whereof some were sent vnto eugenius the fourth , whereupon he grew in great fauour with the pope . he was so addicted vnto women , that what euer he got , hee bestowed and spent it among them : whereupon cosmo shut him vp into a chamber in his house , that he might follow his worke close ; but hauing beene thus mewed vp by the space of two daies , the humou● of gadding tooke him againe in the head ; and one euening cutting his sheets , made ropes of them , and so gat out at a window . but shortly after , found and brought to cosmo againe , he had libertie to go and come at his pleasure , and was better attended and serued then before . for said cosmo. the excellence of rare spirits are heauenly formes , and no burden-bearing mules . many excellent peeces he made in florence , admired and applauded by the best masters . at pr●t●o by florence , where hee was acquainted , the nunnes of sancta margarita procured him to make their high altar-table , where being at worke , hee espied a beautifull virgin , a citizens daughter of florence , whose name was francisco bati : this maid was there kept to be made a nunne ; she was most beautifull , her name was lucretia , & so he wrought with the nunnes , that he obtained leaue to draw her picture ; but by continuall gazing vpon her countenance , he became so enamoured of her , that what by close messengers and other meanes , he got her out of the nunnerie : he got her away and married her , and by her he had a sonne , named also phillip , who became an excellent painter . this frier phillips workes are to bee seene at prato . and amongst other s. bernard layed out dead , his brethren mourning about him , and many cripples and diseased persons , which ( as it was said ) with touching the herse and his body , were healed . then hee most excellently wrought the martyrdome of s. stephen , the beheading of s. iohn baptist , with many others . he died aged fiftie seuen , anno . hee had a stately monument of marble erected ouer him ; his epitaph was written by angelus politianus , which for the elegancy i will set downe . co●ditus his ego sum , picturae fama philippus , nulli ignota mea est , gratia mir a manus . artifices , potui digitis animare colores : sperataque animos fallere voce di● . ipsa mess stupuit natura expressa figuris , meque , suis fassa est artibus esse parem . marmorco tu●ulo medices laurentius hic me condidit ; antè humil● p●l●ere tectus eram . antonello de messino . antonello borne at messino , ought not to be forgotten , who was the first that brought painting in oyle into italy . for certaine oyle peeces being sent by the merchants out of flanders to alphonsus , the first king of naples , which the king had in great admiration , for that they could not be washed out with water : comming to the view of antonello , antonello could neuer be in quiet vntill he had found out the inuentor , whose name was iohn van eyck , who entertained antonello very curteously , and shewed him his art what he could ; but at last , iohn van eyck dying , antonello returned vnto venice , where his workes of the magnifici were much admired , and for that he brought the working in oyle the first into italy ; he was honored with this epitaph . d. o. m. antonius pict●r , pracipuum messan● & t●tius siciliae ornam●ntum , hac hum● contegitur , non sol●m suis picturis in quibus singulare artificium , & venustas fi●t , sed & quod coloribus el●● miscendis splendorem & perpetuitatem primus italica pictura con●ulit , summo semper artificum , ●●●di● celebratus . dominico ●irlandaio . this dominico was a florentine , by profession at the first a gold-smith , but falling to painting , hee became a great master therein . his first worke was a chappell for the family of the vespucci , wherein hee drew in his sea habit , and standing vpon an vnknowne shoare , americus vesputius , who gaue america her name . his best peeces are to be seene at s. maria n●vella in florence . he died anno . raphaell d'vrbine . i ouerpasse for breuitie sake , many other excellent and famous artists of italie , equalling the former , as bellino , pallaiuoli , botticello , verrocchio , andreas mantegna of mantua , so highly esteemed and honoured of duke luduvico gonzaga ; francesco francia , michael angelo : and will comprise them in the excellencie of one onely raphaell d'vrbine , who was borne at vrbine ; whose fathers name was gi●vanni de santi , a painter also . this raphaell was brought vp vnder petro perusini in perusia , where he so gaue his mind from a child vnto drawing and painting , that in short time hee contended for the palme with the greatest masters of europe , and was for his admirable inuention , sirnamed the wonderfull . there was a great aemulation betweene raphaell and the afore named francesco francia , who liued and wrought at b●logna , till at the last through meere admiration , by report of each others skill , they grew most louing friends , greeting each either by letters continually ; yet had francia neither seene raphaell vrbine , nor any of his workes ( by reason he was old and could not trauaile , abiding alwaies in bologna ) vntill it fortuned that raphaell vrbine hauing made a s. cicilia in a faire altar-table , for the cardinall de pucci santi quatro , which was to be set at bologna , at s. giovanni sopra monte ( or on the hill : ) which table he shut in a case , and sent it to francia , as vnto a deare friend , that if any thing were amisse , or it happened to be defaced or iniured in the carriage , hee would amend it : and beside , so much befriend him , as to set it vp in the place appointed , and to see it want nothing fitting . when he vnderstood thus much by raphaels letter , hee opened the case with great ioy , and set the peece in a good and faire light ; which when he had throughly viewed , he was so amazed , and grew so out of conceipt of himselfe and his owne worke , confessing his worke to be nothing , in respect of raphaell vrbines : which so strucke him to the heart , that he died ( presently after he had set the peece in his place ) anno . the fame of raphael vibine at this time was so great , that he was sought for and employed by the greatest princes of europe , as namely , the popes adrian and leo ; francis the first , king of france , henry the eight , king of england ; the dukes of florence , vrbane , mantu● , and diuers others . those stately hangings of arras , containing the historie of s. paul out of the acts ( than which , eye neuer beheld more absolute art , and which long since you might haue seene in the banquecting house at white-hall ) were wholly of his inuention , bought ( if i be not deceiued ) by king henrie the eight of the state of venice , where raphaell vrbine dyed . i haue no certainty , but sure i am , his memorie and immortall fame , are like to liue in the world for euer . if you would reade the 〈◊〉 at large of the most excellent painters , as well ancient as modern , i refer you vnto the two volumes of vasari , well written in italian ( which i haue not seene , as being hard to come by ; yet in the libraries of two my especiall and worthy friends , m. doctor mountford , late prebend of pauls , and m. inigo lones , surueyer of his maiesties workes for building ) and caluin mander in high dutch ; vnto whom i am beholden , for the greater part of what i haue heere written , of some of their liues . chap. . of armorie , or blazon of armes , with the antiquity and dignitie of heralds . it is meete that a noble or gentleman who beareth armes , and is well descended , bee not onely able to blazon his owne proper coate ; deriue by pedegree the descent of his family from the originall , know such matches and allies as are ioyned to him in blood : but also of his prince , the nobilitie , and gentry where he liueth , which is not of meere ornament , as the most suppose , but diuersly necessary and of great consequence : as had i fortuned to haue liued in those times , when that fatall difference of either rose was to be decided by the sword ; with which partie in aequitie and conscience could i haue sided , had i beene ignorant of the descent and pedegree royall , and where the right had beene by inheritance of blood , match , or alliance . how should we giue nobilitie her true value , respect , and title , without notice of her merit : and how may we guesse her merit , without these outward ensignes and badges of vertue , which anciently haue beene accounted sacred and precious ; withall , discerne and know an intruding vpstart , shot vp with the last nights mushrome , from an ancient descended and deseruing gentleman , whose grandsires haue had their share in euery foughten field by the english since edward the first ? or my selfe a gentleman know mine owne ranke ; there being at this instant the world ouer , such a medley ( i had almost said motley ) of coates , such intrusion by adding or diminishing into ancient families and houses ; that had there not beene within these few yeares , a iust and commendable course taken by the right honorable the earles marshals , for the redresse of this generall and vnsufferable abuse , we should i feare me within these few yeares , see yeomen as rare in england , as they are in france . besides , it is a contemplation full of pleasing varietie , and for the most part , sympathizing with euery noble and generous disposition , in substance the most refined part of naturall philosophie , while it taketh the principles from geometry , making vse almost of euery seuerall square and angle . for these and other reasons , i desire that you would bestow some houres in the studie of the same : for a gentleman honorably descended , to be vtterly ignorant herein , argueth in him either a disregard of his owne worth , a weaknesse of conceipt , or indisposition to armes and honorable action ; sometime meere ideotisme , as signeur gaulart , a great man of france ( and none of the wisest ) inuiting on a time many great personages and honourable friends to his table , at the last seruice a march-pane was brought in , which being almost quite eaten , hee bethought himselfe , and said ; it was told mee , that mine armes were brauely set out in gold and colours vpon this march-pane , but i haue looked round about it and cannot see them : your lordship ( said one of his men ) eate them vp your selfe but now . what a knaue ( quoth mounsieur gaulart ) art thou ? thou diddest not tell me before ieate them , i might haue seene what they had beene . the dignitie and place of an herald , among the ancient romans was very great ; that same lus feciale , or law of armes , being first instituted by ancus martius , as liuis testifieth , though some ascribe it to numa pompilius , who ordained a colledge of heralds . the office of an herald , was to see that the romanes made not warre iniustly with any of their confederates ; to determine of warre , peace , leagues , agreements , wrongs taken or offered by them or their enemies , and the like . now if the enemy had offered them wrong , or taken away any thing from them by violence , they first sent messengers to demaund their right , and the restoring of that they had taken away ; which was done in a soleanmne●sorme , and the words pronounced distinctly , and with a loud voyce : and this manner of deliuering their message , was called clarigatio . the forme was this , ioucn●●egotestem facio , siego impiè iniusletque , illas res dedier populo romano mibique exposco , ●unc patriae compotem nunquam sinas esse . if they refused their demaunds , or to make ●●stiitution : first all league and friendship ( if any were betwixt them ) being renounced and broken , after thirty daies , ( which they solemnly obserued ) they proclaimed open warre , and with fire and sword inuaded the enemies countrey , and by force recouered their owne . neither was it lawfull , for either consull or senate , or any of the common people , to take vp armes against an enemy , without the consent and approbation of the heralds . among the heralds , there was one the cheese and aboue the rest , whom they called pater patratus ; and hee was chosen one who was to haue children , and his owne father aliue : him one of the inferior heralds , crowning his head and temples with veruaine , made him the cheese or king , either in concluding peace , or denouncing warre . the most ancient forme of denouncing warre , is set downe at large by liuie . the tybarens are reported to haue beene so iust in their making warre , and defiance of their enemies , that they would neuer meete them , but first they would send them word of the day , place , yea , and very houre they meant to fight . moreouer , if any complaint by the enemy were made of breach of the league , the heralds examined the truth , and hauing found out the authours , they deliuered them vp to the enemy to doe with them as hee listed : or if any without the consent of the people , senate & heraldes , eyther fo●ght or made peace , entred league , &c. the romanes freede themselues again , by deliuering vp the authors to their enemies . so were the consuls t. veturi●s . & sp. postumius for their error at caudium , and making peace with the samnites contrary to the will of the people and senat , together with t. numicius and q. aemilius tribunes , deliuered to the enemy . the words of postumius himselfe , ( who made request that himselfe with the rest , who had offended , might be deliuered to the enemy ) are thus recorded by livie . dedamur per ficiales , nudi vinctique ex●lvamus religions populu● , fi qua obligavimns : ne quid divini bum●●ive obstet , quo minus instuns piun . qu● de integreine 〈◊〉 bellum . the forme and words on their deliuery to the enemies hands , were these : quandoquidem hice homines iniussu populi romani , quiritum soedus ictu● iri sposponderunt , atque ob ●am rem noxam nocuerunt : ob eam rem quo populus romanus seelere impio sit solutus , bos●e homines vobis dedo . and so , many yeares after was c. mancinus deliuered to the numantines , with whom hee had entred into league contrary to the will , and without the knowledge of the senate . heraldes also examined and determined of wrongs and iniuries done vnto embassadours , and punished them by deliuering vp in like manner , the parties offending , vnto the nation or state offended . they looked also to the strict obseruing of euery branch of the league , or truce ; in briefe their authority was comprised in these few words , ' belli , pacis , foederum , induciarum , oratorum feciales indices sunte . spurius fusius was the first herald that cuer was created among the romanes , and had the name of p●ter patratus in the warre which tullus hostitius made against old latines . their priuiledges were great and many , and too long for me here to reckon vp . and to conclude , for farther search of their institution , priuiledges , and office , i referre you to iehan le feron , a french authour . i purpose not heere to enter into a large field and absolute discourse of blazonry with all the lawes & termes thereof , hauing beene already preuented by bara , vpton , gerrard leigh , master ferns , master guillim ( late portculleis pursuiuant ) in his methodicall display of heraldry , with sundry others . so that , in a manner , more cannot bee saide then hath beene : my selfe besides hauing written something of this subiect heretofore , but onely to poynt vnto you as a stranger vpon the way , the fairest and shortest cut vnto your iournies end in this art. the word blazon is from the french e●blasonner ; and note that we in england vse herein the same tearmes of art with the french : because the ancients of our nobility for the greater part , acknowledge themselues to bee descended out of normandy , and to haue come in with the conquerour , many retaining their ancient french names , & charges vnto this day ; as beauchamp , beaumont , sacuill , neuill , with many others . your a. b. c. in this art , let be the knowledge of the sundry formes of shieldes or escotcheons which are , and haue beene ordinarily borne in ancient times . among all nations we of europe haue onely two kinds in vse ( the lozen●s excepted ) viz. that we vse in england , france , germany , &c. and the ouall they beare in italy : which forme they yet ( from the old romanes ) holde in vse . the word escotcheon is deriued from the french un esci● , that from the latine scutam , and that againe from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in greeke , which is leather ; because the ancients had their shieldes of tanned leather , the skinnes laid thicke one ouer another , as appeareth by that of vlysses , vpbraiding aiax : quae nisi fecissem , frustra telamone creatus , gestasset laeva taurorum tergora septem . and caesar ( saith cābrensis ) fighting hand to hand with nennius , a british king fast had his sword , nayled into nennius his shield ( being of hard leather , ) at which aduantage nennius had slaine him , had not labienns the tribune stepped in betweene , and rescued his master . now the ancient shields by reason that they were long , and in a manner of that forme as some of the knights templers had theirs , as appeareth vpon that their monument in the temple church , differed much from the buckler or target which was round , as it may appeare out of livie . clypeis a●tem romani vsi sunt ( saith he ) deinde postquam facti sunt stipendiarij , scuta pro clypeis fectre . and virgil compareth the great eye of cycl●ps to an argolican target , for who will deny but that an eye is round ? that their shieldes ( as i haue said ) were long , and in a manner couered the whole body , he saith else-where , scutis protecti corporalongis . hereupon scutum was called in greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because it resembled a dore , which is euer more long then broad . the carthaginians made their shieldes of gold . m. aufidius tels vs that his ancestours ( being romanes ) had theirs of siluer . alexander king of the iewes opposed against prolomy . fighting men , which hee tearmed h●catomachi , as much to say as , fighting each man against an hundred , because they vsed brasen shields . the numidians vsed shieldes made of elephants hides impenetrable to any dart , yet on the other side they had this discommoditie , that in rainy weather they would like a sponge so soake in the water , and become hereby so heauy , the souldiers could hardly beare them . the shield in times past was had in such honour , that he who lost or alienated the same , was accounted as basely of as he that with vs runnes from his colours , and was seuerely punished : and the graecians fined him at a greater rate who lost his shield , then he who lost his sword or speare . because that a souldier ought to take more care that he receiueth not a mischiefe , then he should doe it of himselfe . bitter was that iest of scipio , when hee saw a souldier bestow great cost in trimming and glazing his shield : i can not blame thee ( quoth he ) that thou bestewest so much cost vpon thy shield , because thou trustest more to that then to thy sword . the lacaeademonians of all other the most warlike , by the lawes of lycurgus , brought vp their children to the vse of shields from their infancy ; and famous is that lacaedemonian mother for that her speech to her son , when she deliuered him a shield going to the warre 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sonne either bring backe this shield , or bee thou brought backe thy selfe ( dead ) within it . but thus much of the shield or escotcheon . armes or ensignes at the first had their chiefe vse for distinction of tribe from tribe , armie from armie being composed of two or moe colours , whereof one was euer white or yealow , which we now tearme mettals , and that of necessitie ; for without the mixture of one of these , the other as too darke of themselues , could not bee discerned farre , neyther of white and yealow onely , as participating too much of the light . hence they say ( though not generally true ) where there is wanting colour or mettal , it is false armorie . i will not stand here to dispute ouer philosophically , as some haue done , of the praeeminence of one colour aboue another , or out of profound ignorance affirme blacke to be the most ancient colour , because darkenesse was vpon the face of the earth in the chaos ; as if colour were not qualitas visibilis luminis beneficio , and privati● were formarum susceptibilis ; and white the next , because god said fiat lux , as if light were a qualitie resulting of an lementarie composition , it beeing created before all mixed bodies : yea with aristotle i rather affirme blacke properly to be no colour at all , as partaking of the pure elements nothing at all , for he saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of the elements mingled together , as earth , water , aire , not yet reduced to their proper substance , as wee may see in charcoales , all bodies consuming but not consumed , whereupon it is called niger , of the greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifieth dead , as a colour proper to dead things . the colours , to say truth , immediately proceeding from the elements , are yellow and white : yellow beeing an effect of the fire . and all heate ( as we may see in gold ) begotten by the heate of the sunne , by the mixture of the clearest and most pure quicke-siluer , and the finest red brimstone , in fruite and corne ripened by the heate of the same , in choller , vrine , lie boyled , the bellies of hot venemous serpents and the like . the white is proper to the water and earth , as we way see in all watery bodies congealed , as ice , snowe , christall , glasse , pretious stones beaten into to powder : also the most rootes , the pulpe of apples , peares , and the like of watry substance , of earth in the ashes of wood and stones burned , all which turne white , being by the fire purged from water and aire . concerning the aire it selfe , it hath no colour at all . now after your two mettals , yealow and white , gold or siluer , which in armory we cal or & argent , you haue foure principall colours , viz. sable or blacke , azure or blew , gules or red , verd or greene. there are others , as purpure sanguine tenn● , which are in more vse with the french and other nations then with vs in england . from simple colours and diuision by bare lines , they came to giue their charges quicke and liuing things , such as sorted best with their fancies and humours , neyther without reason . the alani a warlike people , and extreame louers of their liberty , gaue in their ensigne a cat , a beast which of all other cannot brooke bo●●●ge . the gothes to expresse their crueltie with their ranging resolution , gaue a beare ; the romanes gaue the eagle , which euery legion seuerally bare . the reason whereof iosephus giueth , quòd & vniuersarum anium regnum habeat , & sit valentistima , so did the thebans and persians , as forcatulus reports ; beside , xenophon ( saith he , ) remembreth he saw in the armie of cyrus a golden eagle displayed , borne vpon a long speare , as his ensigne . yet generally plinie saith , the charges of their ensignes were of siluer , because that mettall was most sutable to the day light , and was to be discerned farther : so portius latro telleth catiline of his siluer eagle borne before him as the ensigne of his rebellion and furie . besides the eagle , the romanes vsed to beare in their banners the wolfe , in memorie of remus and romulus , fed by the milke of a shee-wolfe , as livie sheweth . when they vndertooke any expedition wherein great secrecy was to be vsed , then they aduanced the minotaure in their standards , to shew that the counsaile of commanders ought to be no lesse kept secret then the labyrinth which was the abode of the minotaure . withall they bare the horse , as the most martiall beast , and seruiceable in the warre , being full of furie , and desirous of victorie ; and in the ides of december , a horse was sacrificed to him who had broken the right wing of his enemies battaile : lastly , they bare a hogge in their ensignes , because the warre being finished , they vsed to make a truce by sacrificing a young swine ; which whosoeuer violated or went backe from , ought forth with as a hogge to be stoned to death : hereupon they had a forme of battaglia which they tearmed the hogges face . but all these ( the eagle onely excepted ) were by caius marius turned out of vse : but i shall haue elsewhere occasion to write more at large of these and the like imperiall badges . the kings of portugall bare in a field argent fiue escotcheons azure , each charged with as many plates ; on a bordure gules tenne castles , or , in remembrance of fiue kings , whom ( each seuerally leading a mightie army ) alphonsus the first , king of portugall ouerthrew neere to the city of scallabis in portugal now called trugill● ; there appearing at the same time ( saith osorius ) christ crucified in the heauen , whose fiue wounds those fiue plates represent . those castles are his holds in barbary which he wonne from the moores . the dukes of bavaria haue anciently borne their armes palie bendy arg . and azure , for that it resembled the party coloured cassocks of the ancient b●ij , who were those gaules that attempted the surprise of the capitol , whom virgil describing as by night , saith , virgatis lucens sagulis , which hee vnderstandeth by the white , as most easily to bee discerned in the night time . the towne of dort or dordrecht in holland , from a ciuill broile that long since occasioned much slaughter , staining the streetes ( being onely two aboue a mile in length , ( the riuer running in betweene ) with blood , bare in a field gules a pale argent . the city of collen , in regard it can shew the monuments of the three kings who offered to our sauiour , beareth argent , on a chiefe gules three crownes or. the city of andwarpe in brabant , for that sometime a tyrant prince was lord of that place , and punished offenders in cruell manner , by cutting off their hands ( whose pourtraiture cut in stone to the life , stands erected ouer one of the ports toward the sceld , with a sword in one hand , and a mans hand smitten off in the other ) beares foure hands , couptè in salteir , an eagle double necked , displaied in chiefe , to signifie that it is an imperiall citie ; and hence had it the name of antwerpe , as much to say as hand●werpen , which in dutch signifieth to cast or throw away the hand . the stoute and warlike henry spencer bishop of norwich , who supprest by his courage and valour , that dangerous rebellion , and about nerthwalsham , ouerthrew litster the captaine , hath ( as it is to bee seene vpon his monument in the body of the qui●e of christ-church in norwich ) ouer his proper coate of spencer , vpon an helmet , his episcopall miter , and vpon that michaell the arch-angell with a drawne sword . marie coates are conferred by the prince or state vpon merit and desert , for some honourable act performed to the common-wealth , or honour of the prince ; as that deuice vpon sir francis drake ( which was q. elizabeths owne ) now vsurped and borne ( the colour of the field changed siō sable into azure ) by oliuer à noert of vtrecht , who also of late yeares sailed about the earth . and at my last being in the low countries , was captaine of a foot company of dutch in huysden . the said coate fairely cut in stone , standeth ouer a porch at the entry of his house there . the mound or ball with the crosse , was by charles the fifth , added by way of augmentation , to the armories of the palsgraue of the r●ine , in regard of vienna , so brauely defended by phillip earle palatine , together with the count solmas , against the furie of solyman , who laid siedge to it with aboue . men ; yet glad ( at the rumour of the emperour charles his comming ) to shew his backe . for solyman , ( as himselfe was wont to say ) seared not charles as he was emperour of germany , but that good fortune which euer attended him in his greatest enterprises . and no doubt but the blessing of god was vpon him , as being one of the most religious , iust and worthiest princes that euer liued . the family of the haies in scotland , bare arg. three escotcheons gules , vpon this occasion . at what time the danes inuaded scotland , and in a set batraile had put the scots to the worst : one hay with his two sonnes being at plow not farre off , and seeing his countrey-men flying frō their enemies , to come vp a narrow lane walled with stone on both sides , towards him ; with their plowbeames in their hands , meeting them at the lanes end , in despite beate them backe to charge their enemies afresh , reuiling their cowardize , that now hazarded the whole kingdome : whereupon with a stout resolution they put themselues againe into array , and returning backe vpon the danes ( who were both disordered , and in a feare lest a new supply had come downe to the scots succour ) ouerthrew them vtterly , and regained a most memorable victory . he●eupon hay was by the king ennobled , and had giuen him for his bearing , in a field siluer , three escotcheons gules : the rest a plow-man with his plow-beame on his shoulder : and withall for his maintenance , as much land as a faulcon put off from hand could sly ouer erc she did alight , which land in scotland is to this day called hay his land ; and the faulcon alighting vpon a stone , about seuen miles off , gaue it the name of the falcons stone , euen to this day . armes againe are sometimes taken from professions , and those meanes by which the bearers haue raised themselues to honourable place ; as the dukes of florence , for that they are descended from the family di medic● , or phisitians , bare in a field azure , sixe lozenges . sometimes they are wonne in the field from infidels , ( for no christian may directly beare anothers coate by his sword ) as was the coate of millan from a sarace● ; it being an infant naisant , or issuing from the mouth of a serpent . and after the winning of granad● from the moores , in the times of ferdin 〈◊〉 and is●bell , kings of castile , the pomgranate the armes of that kingdome , was placed in the bast of the escotcheon royall ; and in regard it was gained principally by the meanes of archerie , the bow and quiuer of arrowes was stamped vpon the spanish sixpence , which remaineth at this day to be seene . coates sometimes are by stealth purchased , shuffled into records and monuments , by painters , glasiers , caruers , and such : but i trust so good an order hath beene lately established by the right honorable , the late cōmissioners for the office of the earle marshalship , & carefull respect of the heralds with vs , that all hope of sinister dealing in that kind , is quite cut off from such mercenary abusers of nobilitie . many times gained at a cheaper rate , by bearing , as the boores in germany , and the netherlands , what they list themselues ; neither can their owne inuentions content them , but into what land or place soeuer they trauaile , if they espy a fairer coate then their owne ( for they esteeme coates faire or good , as our naturals , according to the varietie of colours ) after their returne they set it vp in glasse for them and their heires , with the crest and open beauer , as if they were all princes ; as at wodrichom or worcom , hard by louestein , i found ouer a tradesman coate , no worse crest then the three feathers in the crown , and in many other places whole coates of the french nobilitie . heereof examples in those parts are so frequent , that i must say , inopem me copia fecit . now being acquainted with your colours , the points and euery place of the escotchcon , which the accidence of armorie of master guillims display , will at large instruct you in , begin to practise the blazon of those coats which consist of bare and simple lines , without charge , as that ancient coate of waldgra●● , who beareth onely party per pale arg. and gules ; and the citie of virecht partie per bend of the same . then your fields equally compounded of moe lines , as quarterly , b●ndey , barrey , gyronned , checkey , masculie , &c. withall , know the names and vse of all manner of your crooked lines , as endemed , embat●elled , nebulè , or vndeè , danncé●●●è , &c. know then those honorable and prime places , or ordinaries , with their species , as the cheese , so called of chef in french , that of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because it possesseth the head , or vpper third part of the escotcheon . the fesse holding the middle third part of the shield , containeth vnder it the barre , barrulet , coste , barresgemells , &c. the bend , the bendlet , single and double cotize . next know the furres , counterchangings , bordures , tressures , orles , frets ; all formes of crosses , differences of brothers , roundles of euery kind ; as beasan●s , pla●es , pommices , &c. then proceede to the blazon of all vegetable things , as flowers , trees , &c. then to all quicke and liuing things , as beasts , birds , fishes , serpents , and the like . when you haue done , know honorable additaments , whether they be by way of augmentation , or markes and differences of alliance . coates of augmentation , as those of queene katherine parre , queene katherine howard , and queene iane seymor , conferred by king henry the eight . by cantons , as ferdinand king of spaine , honoured sir henry guilford with a canton of granado : and king iames , molin● , the v●ne●ian embassadour , with a canton of the rose of england , and thistle of scotland empaled . then ensue differences of alliance , by bordures , labels , bends , quarterings , and the like . by the bordure , no where more frequent then in the soueraignes coate , when the blood roiall was deriued into so many veines , to the distemper of the whole body , vnder the dissention of yorke and lancaster . thomas of woodstocke , as also humphrey duke of glocester ( who lyeth buried in the abbey of s. albanes , vpon the south-side of the quire , and not in paules ) bare the soueraigne coate within a bordure argent . richard plantagenet ( sonne and heire of richard earle of cambridge ) duke of yorke , and father to edward the fourth , bare quarterly france and england , within a bordure argent , charged with lionceeaux purpure . edmund of hadham , sonne of owen tuder , by queene katherine , the soueraigne coat within a bordure azure , with martlets and flower-de-luces or. iohn beaufort , sonne of iohn of gaunt , and his posteritie , the same within a bordure componeè , argent and azure . charles the seuenth , king of france , in the yeare . gaue leaue vnto nicholas duke of ferrara , to beare the armes of france in a shield , within a bordure componeè or and gules , before the armes of ferrara , in recognisance of the league and fidelitie , wherein hee promised to stand bound to serue the king at his own charges . and for the like respect , lewis the eleuenth , in may , . allowed pietro de medici , to beare three flower-de-luces in his shield , which i haue seene borne in cheife , vpon one of his sixe lozenges . of difference by the labell . a second difference is by the labell , borne chieefely as the difference of the elder brother . as edward the blacke prince , and all our princes of wales , eldest sonnes to the king , beare their fathers soueraigne coate , with a labell of three points , siluer . iohn of gauns had his labell ermin . edmond of langley duke of yorke , on his labell siluer , nine torteauxes . edmond plantagenes , sonne and heire of richard duke of yorke , earle of ru●land , ( who being a child scarce twelue yeares of age , was stricken to the heart with a dagger by the lord clifford at the battaile of wakefield ) had vpon his labell of fiue points argent , two lionceaux gules , with nine torteauxes . the coate of vls●er and mortim●r being ●mpaled with his owne , as may be seene in the windowes of f●deringhay castle , the mansion house of the duke of yorke , where by his father richard duke of yorke , and cicely nevill his mother , hee lyeth buried ; whose bodies remoued out of f●deringhay church-yard , ( for the chancell , in the quire wherein they first were laid , in that fury of knocking churches and sacred monuments in the head , was also felled to the ground ) lapped in lead , were buried in the church by the commandement of queene elizabeth , and a meane monument of plaister wrought with the trowell , erected ouer them , very homely , and farre vnfitting so noble princes . i remember master creuse , a gentleman , and my w●rthy friend , who dwelt in the colledge at the same time , told me , that their coffins being opened , their bodies appeared very plainly to be discerned ; and withall , that the dutchesse cicely had about her necke , hanging in a silke riband , a pardon from rome , which penned in a very fine romane hand , was as faire and fresh to be read , as it had beene written but yesterday . of difference by the bend. a third difference , is by the bend baston , &c. as the house of bur●●● beareth fr●●●● , with a b●tune gules , though the proper and true coate of 〈◊〉 is of , a lyon gules , within an orle of escallops azure . lewis earle of eureux in normandy , brother to philip le b●ll , bare seme de france , with a batune componeè , argent and gules . iohn earle of l●●●aster , and brother to richard the first ( afterward king ) bare for his difference a batune azure . if the mother be of the ligne royall , many times her coate is preferred into the first quarter ; as h●nry earle of d●●●nshire , and marqu●sse of exeter , ●●re his mother k●tharines coate , who was daughter to king edward the fourth . and the like humphrey stafford , who was the first duke of buckingham by anne platag●n●● : his mother , ● the coate of thomas of woodstocke , whose daughter she was . this coate , i remember , standeth in the great chancell window in the church of kimbalt●n . in france it hath beene , and it yet a custome among the nobilitie , to 〈◊〉 their owne proper coates , and take others ; as perhaps their wi●es , or the armes of that srig●●●● , whereof they are lords : or whence they haue their titles , as mons. hugues , brother to king philip , marrying the daughter and heire of herbere earle of ver●●●d●●●s , forsooke his proper coate , and bare his wiues , which was checky , or , and azure , onely three flower-de-luces added in chiefe , to shew he was of the blood . and robert coun● de dreux , albeit he was brother to king lewis 〈◊〉 , bare checky , azure and or , with a bordure gules . robert duke of burgogne , brother to henry the first , tooke for his bearing , the ancient armes of the dukes of burgogne , which was bendy or and azure , within a bordure gules , giuen by charlemaigne to sanson duke of burgogne . and whereas we in england allow the base sonne his fathers coate , with the difference of a bend batune , sinister , or bordure engrailed , or the like : it was in france a long time forbidden ( i thinke vnder the capets ) to the princes of the blood ; as 〈◊〉 earle of m●mfort , base sonne to king robert , was forced to leaue his fathers coate , and beare gules , a lion à la queue fourcheè or , passeè per à lentour , argent ; for , le maison de france ●●●●tant les bastardes , no leur endurè son armeirè , &c. saith tillet . the last and least obseruation is of crests , the helmet , the mantle , and doubling thereof , which according to the manner of diuers countries , are diuersly borne . in germany they beare their beauers open with barres , which we allow in england to none vnder the degree of a baron : in some places they haue no crests at all . if you would farther proceed in nobilitie or heraldry , i would wi●h you to reade these bookes of 〈◊〉 ob●●itie in gener●●● : simon simonius de n●●ilit●●e , 〈…〉 at leipsig . . chassan●●●● , his catalogus gloria mun●● . hippolitus à collibus , his axumata nobilitatis . conclusiones de nobilitate & doctorain . published by one of meckleburg , who concealeth his name , printed . dedicated to the archbishop of breme . petrus eritzius , coun●●●●er to the elector of brandenburge , published conclusiones de nobilitate , in quarto . lionellus de pracedentia ●omi●um . of the spanish nobilitie these authors haue written . ioannes ab arce offalora , in folio . priuilegios y franquezas y libertades des bijos d●algos de senniorio de vizcaia , &c. in fol. ludovicus de moll●●a , de primog●nior●m hispanicorum iure , &c. in fol. iosephus de sesse , in decis . aragon . decis . . . . &c. gonzales de c●rte , his nobliza del andaluzia , in fol. of italy , sicily , naples , &c. scipie mazzella nelle neapoli illustrata , in quarto . paulus merula in cosmograph . lib. . pt . . in italian . of france . the workes of tillet , fer●● , charles l'ois●●● , choppin , theatre d'honneur . of germany , or the empire . fran. contzen , his politiques , in fol. the collections of goldastus , with some others . the practise of blazonrie . willeged the first abbot dyed the same yeare that off a did , of very griefe it was thought , for the death of his king and kinsman , whom he dearely loued . anno ● . after him succeeded these in order . eadricke . vulsigus . wul●●●us . eadfrithus . wulsinus , who built saint peters church , saint michaels and saint stephens , and made a faire market place in the towne . alfricke . aldredus , who digged vp and searched the ruines of verlam-cesire , which in his time were dens of theeues and whores ; saued all the tile and stone for the repaire of the church , and in digging vpon the north side in the vale found oaken plankes pitched , shelles peeces of oares , and a rusty anchor or two . eadmer , after his death ( being a religious and a good man ) imitating his predecessour , saued all the ancient coines , vrnes and other antiquities hee could finde there . leofricke , was sonne to the earle of kent , and after being chosen to be archbishop of canterburie , he refused it : this abbot in a time of dearth solde all the iewels of his church to buy bread for the poore . after him succeeded alfricke . leostan . fr●theric . paul. in this abbot were giuen to the monastery of saint albanes , the celles of wallingford , of tinnemuth , of bealvare , of hertford and binham . richard , who liued in the time of william rusus , when the cell of saint marie de wymonaham or windham in norfolke was giuen vnto this abbey , beeing sounded by william de albeney , father to william de albeney first earle of arundell . gaufridus , who founded the nunnery of sopwell therby on the other side of the riuer , founded and so called vpon this occasion : two poore women hauing built themselues a small cabben , liued in that place a very austere life , praying , and seruing god with great deuotion ; and for that they liued for the most part with no other sustenance , saue bread and the water of a well there , wherein they vsed to soppe or dippe their bread , it had ( saith mine author ( a monke sometime of that abbey ) the name of sopwell . then radulphus . robert. simon . garmus . iohn . william &c. off a gaue to this his abby of saint albans , these towns following , viz. thei l , edel●●●●● , wiclesfield , cages●o cum suis , berechund , rike●aresworth , bacheworth , crok●leie , michelfield , britchwell , watford , bilsey , merdell , * haldenham , spr●t , enefeild , st●●●●●● , h●●●●●ted , winelesham , biscopsco● , c●d●●●dune , and mild●●dune . egelsride his sonne and successour gaue a sandruge and penefield . alfrick● abbot of this church , ( after archbishop ) & leofrick his brother gaue kingesbury , c●ealdwich , westwic , flamsted , nort●●● , r●●●●hang w●●●●field , birstan , and vpton . aethelwold bish. of dorchester gaue girshuna , cuicumba , tyme , aegelwin , redburne , thuangnā , lingley , grenburga . one tholfe gaue estune and oxaw . one sexi gaue h●chamsted . one ha●dh gaue newha● and beandise . therefeld , a religious woman gaue a sceanl●a & bridel . aegelwina another gaue batesden , offal and standune . one aegelbert gaue craniford . a●●an , cutesham . winsimus gaue esenden . osulsus and his wife gaue st●dham and wilsin●● : others walden , cudicote , scephal , bethell , with sundry other celles , churches , and goodly possessions of me vnnamed . if i should set you downe the inestimable wealth consisting in plate , iewells , bookes , costly hangings , altar-cloathes , and the like , which by our english kings , nobilitie and others haue from the foundation vnto the dissolution , with the sundry priuiledges this abby had , i should weary my selfe with writing , and you with reading ; but i omit them , hauing onely proposed a mirrour to the eyes , not of the church pillars of ancient , but the church pillers of our times . the auncestors of this noble family were frenchmen borne , taking their surname of a towne in normandy called sackuill , whereof they were lords , and came into england , to the aide of duke william the conquerour , as appeareth by an auncient manuscript or chronicle of brittaine , now in the custody of mr. edward gwinn , where he is called a chiefetaine , and is the seauenth man ranked in a catalogue of names there ; for as it may be obserued out of mr. camdens remaines , that the better sort about the time of the conquest began to take vp surnames , so againe they were not setled amongst the common people vntill the raigne of king edward the second . he moreouer affirmeth , that the most ancient and of best account , were deriued from places , whereof this name of sackuill is one , and to adde yet more vnto it , ordericus vitalis the monke , in his normane story saith , that herbrann de sackuill , was liuing in the time of william the conquerour , being father of three noble knights , iordan , william , and robert de sackuill , and of a vertuous and beautifull ladie , named auice , who was married to walter lord of alfage & hugleuill , by whom shee had issue ; iordan l. of alfage & hugleuill , that married iulian the daughter of one gods●all , who came into england with q. adelize , of lo●●ine , the wife to king henry the first : after whose death , the said queene married to william de albency earle of arundell , from whom the now right honorable , thomas earle of arundell , and surry , and earle marshall of england is descended . s. iordan de sackuill knight , the eldest sonne , was sewer of england by the gift of the said conquerour , but liued and died in normandy . s. robert de sackuill knight , the yonger sonne liued in england , and gaue together with his body the mannor of wickham in suffolke● to the abbey of s● . iohn baptist in colchester , leauing issue a son named s● . iordan de sackuill , a very eminent man in the time of king richard the first , as appeareth by a charter of the said king , made to the monkes of bordes●ey in buckinghamshiere . s● . iordan de sackuill , that obtained of king iohn a friday market weekely , and a faire once a yeare in his towne of sackuill in normandy , as saith the kings publike records in the tower of l●●don . holiinshed , fol. . doth there ranke iordan de sackuill , as a baron , calling him one of the assistants to the . peeres of this realme , to see the liberties of magna charta confirmed . and for further proofe , that they were men of no meane ●anke , it is apparent in the red booke of the excheaquer in the . and . yeeres of the said kings raigne , in these words , hubertus de anestie tenes , . food . in anestie , & parua hornmcad , & dimid . 〈◊〉 . in anestie de honore richard● de sack●yle . agai●e , s● . iordan de sackuill knight , grand● childe to the said iordan de sackuill , was taken prisoner at the battaile of e●esham , for siding with the barons against king henry , the third , in the . yeare of his raigne , whose sonne and heire , named andrew sackuill , being vnder age at the time of his fathers death , and the kings wa●d , was like wise imprisoned in the castle of deuer , ann. . e●n . . and afterward by the speciall command of the said king , did marry ermyn●●de an honourable ladie , of the houshold to queene 〈◊〉 or , whereby he not onely gained the kings fauour , but the greatest part of his inheritance againe . from whom the aforesaid richard earle of dorset , with s● . edward sackuill knight of the bathe , his brother ( and others ) are descended ; one of whose auncestors , by marrying a daughter and co-heire of rase de denn , sonne of rodbert pincerna , that held the lordship of buckhurst , with diuers other mannors and lands in sussex , about the time of the normain conquest . in right of which marriage they haue euer since continued lords of the said mannor of buckhurst with diners other manors and l●nds in sussex , &c. which william earle of devonsh● was sonne of s● . william cavendish , of chattesworth in the said countie of derby knight , treasurer of the chamber to king henry the eight , edward the sixt , and queene marie ; by his wife elizabeth , daughter of lohn hardwick , of hardwick esquire . the auncestors of this noble familie , called themselues g●r●ms , whose issue in processe of time , assumed to themselues , the surname of cavendish , as being lords of the towne and mannor of cavendish in suffolke ; out of which familie disbranched that famous trauailer , mr. thomas cavendish , who was the third that trauailed about the world , whose voyage you shall finde , set downe at large in the english discouerers , written by mr. 〈◊〉 . it is borne by the name of hobart , and was the proper coate of sir iames hobart knight , atturney generall vnto king henry the seauenth ; a right good man , withall of great learning and wisedome : hee builded the church of lodd●n , and saint olaues , commonly called saint toolies bridge in the county of norfolke . this worthy knight lyeth buryed vnder a faire monument in the middle i le on the northside in christs church in norwich but it is now borne ( with the coate of vister by the gift of king iames vnto him as a barronet ) by the honourable and nobly minded sir henry hobart knight and baronet , lord chiefe iustice of the common pleas , of blickling in the county of norfolke ; whose vprightnesse in iustice , and loue to his country , hath ( like his owne starre communicatiue of it selfe ) dispersed the fairer beames into all places . r●x dilect● 〈◊〉 s●o roberto de woodhouse , archidiacone de richm●nd thesa●rario s●o salutem . negotia●os & statum regni contingentia , &c. vobis mandamus ●irmiter i●iungentes quod omnibus alijs prater●issis &c. beside i haue s●ene the will of king henry the fourth , and he●rie the fifth , where one was a gentleman of henry the fourth's chamber , and by his will made one of his executors ; as also he was to henry the fifth , who wrote his letter to the p●ior , and chapter of the church of the trinitie in norwich , to giue him leaue to build himselfe a chappell in their church . so that from time to time , they haue held an honourable place , and at this day are worthy stayes and pillars of iustice in their countries . nor must i heere let fall the worth of two sons of this gentleman , sir thomas woodhouse knight ( who marryed blanch sister to the right honourable henry now viscount rochf●rt ) and master roger woodhouse his brother , gentlemen , not onely learned , but accomplished in what euer may lend lustre to worth and true gentilitie . this was also the coate of sir thomas louell , knight of the garter , made by king henrie the seuenth , of whose ho●se hee was treasurer , and president of the counsell . this sir thomas louell was a fift sonne of sir ralphe louell of barton bendish , in the countie of norfolke . this his coate with the garter about it , standeth ouer lincolnes inne gate . he founded the nunnery of halliwell ( where was also his house ) on a wall of which not ma●y yeares since was to be read this inscription . all ye nuns of halliwell , pray ye both day and night : for the soule of sir thomas louell , whom harry the 〈◊〉 made knight . it appeareth also that sir william louell lord morley , was knight of the garter : for in morley * church the seate of his baronnie , is yet remaining in a glasse window ( which i haue seene ) this coate with the garter about it . this coate armour is verie ancient , as is proued by sundry bookes of armes , church windowes , and seuerall deeds , wherof i haue seene two bearing date anno . richard the . with seales of this very coate fixed thereunto , with this inscription about the same ( viz : ) sigillum robertide ashfield ; as also another deed bearing date , anno . henrie the fixt , made from robert the sonne of iohn ashfeild of stow-langton , esquire , to simon finchan● , and iohn whitlocke , with a faire seale of red waxe : whereupon was a griff●● s●iant , with his wings displayed , ouer whose body is this armes , with this inscription about the who●e seale ( viz : ) s. robertide ashfeild armig. the aboue named robert ashfeild builded the church of stow langton , in the quire whereof ( which i haue seene ) hee lyeth butied vnder a faire marble ; he was seruant vnto the blacke prince , whom he followed in his warres in france . this coate is thus borne by sir lohn ashfeild , knight , sole heire of that family , now gentleman of the bedde chamber to prince charles . this ancient name and family of crow , was anciently of suffolke ; for about the time of k. edward the . thomas crow of suffolke the elder , purchased bradsted in kent , whose sonne thomas crow the yo●ger married ioane the onely daughter and heire of nicholas boare , son of iohn , sonne of richard boare , that married lora the daughter of simon stocket of bradsted in kent . the aforesaid ioane brought to thomas her husband , his house called stockets with a chancell built by the aboue named simon stockets , as appeareth by a french deede tempore edw. . as also a house and certaine land called boars , by whom shee had issue iohn crow the elder , father of henry crow , father of william crow of bradsted esq. who married anne the second daughter and coheire of iohn sackuill of chiddingleigh in sussex esq. the said mannor of chiddingleigh hath beene in the possession of the sackuills aboue three hundred yeeres , and at this day is part of the inheritance of the right honorable richard sackuill earle of dorset and baron of buck●urst ; which william crow and ann● his wife , hath issue , sackuill crow their sonne and heire now liuing , with others . this coate of talbot belongeth vnto the right worshipfull master thomas talbot , doctour of the ciuill law of miliers hall in wim●ndham in the countie of norfolke , a very learned and honest gentleman . if you would proceede further in blazonry , and the true knowledge of the des●●●ts of our english nobility , i refer you to that exact , iust and elaborate worke of my singular and learned friend master augustine vincent , rouge-croix , very shortly to be published● which let it be vnto you ( of all that haue written in that kinde ) instar omnium . so i referre you henceforward to your priuate reading and obseruation . chap. . of exercise of the body . i now from your priuate studie and contemplation , bring you abroad into the open fields , for exercise of your body , by some honest recreation , since aristotle requireth the same in the education of nobilitie , and all youth . since the mind from the ability of the body gathereth her strength and vigor . anciently by the ciuill law these kinds of exercises were onely allowed of , that is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which are the exercise of armes by single combate , as running at tilt-barrians , &c. coiting , throwing the hammer , sledge , and such like . running , iumping , leaping , and lastly wrestling : for the first , it is the most noble , those epithites of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , haue beene the attributes of kings and princes , whose delight in auncient times was to ride and mannage great horses . hereby you are ennabled for command , and the seruice of your country . and what , saith tullis , can bee more glorious , then to bee able to preserue and succour our country , when she hath neede of our helpe ? it is the onely commendation that saluste giues to iugurth , who did not ( saith he ) giu● himselfe ouer to be corrupted by sloath and riot ( as many of our gallants now adayes doe ) but as it is the custome of that nation , exercised himselfe by riding , throwing the dart , and running with his equals : and though he excelled all other in the height of glorie , notwithstanding he was held deare and beloued of all men , &c. and casar vsed the exercise of ●iding so much , and hereby became so actiue and skilfull , that laying his hands behinde him , he would put his horse to his full carreer , make him on the suddaine take hedge or ditch , & stop him , put him into a ring , and the like . and marius after he had beene seauen time ● consul , and fourescore yeares of age , exercised himselfe daily in the field of mars with the romane youth , instructing them to handle their weapon , to ride , &c. the like also did pompey euen to his last expedition . and virgil speaking ( i take it ) of the spartan youth : saith , venat● invigilant pueri , sylva●que , fatigans . flect●r● ludis equos , & spicula tendere cornu , &c. and at this day it is the onely exercise of the italian nobility , especially in naples , as also of the french ; and great pitty of no more practised among our english gentry . running at the tilt is a generous and a martiall exercise , but hazardous and full of danger ; for many hereby ( euen in sport ) haue lost their liues , that i may omit henry the french king , with many other princes and noble personages of whom historie is full . tilting and torneaments were inuented by manuel comnenus emperour of constantinople , as saith nicetas , who wrote about the yeare . before his time wee reade not any where that this exercise was vsed vnder the romane empire . the same nicetas reporteth of a solemne iustes or torneaments which the saide manuel comnenus shewed vnto the latines at antioch , what time they went to make warre in the holy land : for the latines making a braue shew in their rich armour well horsed , with their lances , and presenting themselues before the emperor ; the emperour to shew them that the graecians were nothing inferiour vnto them in brauery or courage , appointed a day when they and the latines ( for the glory of either empire ) should so many to so many , and with lances without points , encounter eyther brauely moūted , and made one of the number with his graecians ; who , saith nicetas , so brauely carryed himselfe , that he vnhorsed two latine commanders , casting them from the saddle to the ground . in our launces now adayes ( of what wood soeuer they are made of ) there is nothing so much danger as hath beene in times past : neyther in our moderno practise of warre haue they almost any vse at all . the prince of orange hath abandoned them , hauing not a launce in his whole armie , but hath carbines in their roome . spinola hath some troopes of them , yet not many , as i obserued . those of shertogen-bosch vnder grobbendonckse , are esteemed the best horse spinola hath . for throwing and wrestling , i hold them exercises not so well beseeming nobilitie , but rather souldiers in a campe , or a princes guard : neither haue i read or heard of any prince or generall commended for wrestling , saue epaminondas achmat the last grand signeur and emperor of turkie , who tooke great delight in throwing the hammer , and was so strong that he ouerthrew his stoutest iauizaries , there being reared in constantinople for one extraordinary cast which none could come neere , two great pillars of marble . running and agility of body haue beene esteemed most commendable in the greatest princes and commanders that euer liued ; and the old romanes ( next after trial made of their strength , and view of their limmes and person ) chose their souldiers by running , for it was an old custome among them , to assault the enemy by running all close together in grosse to the charge . and casar tells vs that strokes are surer laid on , and the souldier made more nimble and ready in running and by motion . homer gaue achilles ( which perhaps some of our great feathered gallants would disdaine , yet haply better deserue ) the epithite of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or swiftfooted . and a alexander we reade excelled all his court in running . sertorius a braue commander vnder caesar , could nimbly runne vp the most steepe mountaines , leape broken and vnpasseable rockes , and like inuious places ; insomuch as metellus beeing sent with a powerfull armie against him , he knew neither where to finde him , nor how to come by him , by reason of his nimble footemanship . thereupon he sent his colleague pompey , who beeing by sextorius ouerthrowne at the first encounter , escaped very narrowly ; for beeing vnhorsed , and hauing receiued a great wound , while the souldiers were busied in striuing , some for his horse , others for the most rich furniture ( his caparison , bridle , saddle , stirrops , being in a manner all of gold , and shining with pretious stones of inestimable valew ) watching his opportunity , by swiftnes of foot escaped from them all , and returned safe to his quarter . leaping is an exercise very commendable , and healthfull for the body , especially if you vse it in the morning , as we reade alexander and epimanondas did . vpon a full stomacke or to bedward , it is very dangerous , and in no wise to be exercised . the skill and art of swimming is also very requisite in euery noble and gentleman , especially if he looketh for emploiment in the warres ; for hereby ( besides the preseruing of his owne life vpon infinite occasions , ) he may many waies annoy his enemie . horatius cocles onely by the benefit of swimming saued his country , for when himselfe alone had long defended , and made good the bridge ouer tyber against the hetruscans , the romanes brake it downe behind him , wherewith , in his armour , he casthimselfe into the riuer , & ( notwithstanding a shower of darts & arrowes were sent after him ) swam with safety into the city , which rewarded him with a statue erected in the market place , and as much land as he could encompasse with a plough in a day . and as desperate was the attempt of a number of romane gentlemen in the first carthaginian warre , who leaping in a night from the hatches of their ships into the sea , by maine force thrust and drew the carthaginian shippes into the hauen , and deliuered them to luctatius their generall . and as resolute was that attempt ( no whit inferiour to the former ) of gerrard and haruey , two gentlemen of our owne nation , who in eightie eight in the fight at sea , swam in the night time , and pierced with awgers , or such like instruments , the sides of the spanish gallions , and returned backe safe to the fleete . scauola , a man of inestimable courage , and who came with caesar in his expedition for brittaine , after hee had made good a whole day together , a mightie rocke or passage against the brittaines , in the night time loden with double armes and an heauy shield , cast himselfe into the deepe , and swam safe to caesar and his fleete . neither is it to be wondred at , that the romanes were so skilfull in swimming : for they were daily exercised in the same after their other exercises , and had a place in the riuer of tyber appointed vnto them for the same purpose , adioyning to the field of mars ; and another of great depth , rough and full of whirlpits on purpose , to exercise their horses in . shooting also is a very healthfull and commendable recreation for a gentleman ; neither doe i know any other comparable vnto it for stirring euery part of the body : for it openeth the breast and pipes , exerciseth the armes and feet , with lesse violence , then running , leaping , &c. herein was the emperour domitian so cunning , that let a boy a good distance off hold vp his hand , & stretch his fingers abroad , he would shoote through the spaces without touching the boyes hand , or any finger . and commodus ( saith herodian ) had so good an aime , that he would fixe on the brow of a deere two shafts as euenly , and spreading in distance , as if they had beene his owne hornes . but for the further excellence and vse of this exercise , i referre you to that excellent booke of m. aschams , intituled toxophilus , wherein you shall finde whatsoeuer is requisite to be knowne of a compleate archer . hawking and hunting are recreations very commendable and befitting a noble or gentleman to exercise ; hunting especially , which xenophon commendeth to his cyrus , calling it a gift of the gods , bestowed first vpon chiron for his vprightnesse in doing iustice , and by him taught vnto the old heroës and princes ; by whose vertue and prowesse ( as enabled by this exercise ) their countries were defended , their subiects and innocents preserued , iustice maintained . for there is no one exercise that enableth the body more for the warre , then hunting , by teaching you to endure heate , cold , hunger , thirst ; to rise early , watch late , lie and fare hardly : and eusebius is of opinion , that wilde beasts were of purpose created by god , that men by chasing and encountring them , might be fitted and enabled for warlike exercises . heereupon alexander , cyrus , and the old kings of persia , employed themselues exceeding much herein , not to purchase venison and purucy for the belly , but to maintaine their strength , and preserue their health , by encreasing and stirring vp the naturall heate within , which sloth and sitting still wasts and decaies : to harden the bodies by labour against the enemy ; and withall , to search out the natures of wilde beasts , which knowne , they might leaue the same recorded to their posteritie . and the famous phisitian quercetan , aboue all other exercises commendeth this as most healthfull , and keeping the bodie sound and free from diseases . the old lord gray ( our english achilles ) when hee was deputie of ireland , to inure his sonnes for the war , would vsually in the depth of winter , in frost , snow , raine , and what weather soeuer fell , cause them at midnight to be raised out of their beds , and carried abroad on hunting till the next morning ; then perhaps come wet and cold home , hauing for a breakfast a browne loase , and a mouldie cheese , or ( which is ten times worse ) a dish of irish butter : and in this manner the spartans and laconians dieted , and brought vp their children till they came vnto mans estate . hawking was a sport vtterly vnknowne to the ancients , as blondinus and p. iouius in the second booke of his historie , where he entreateth of the muscouitish affaires witnesseth ; but was inuented and first practised by fredericke barbarossa , when he besieged rome : yet it appeareth by firmicus , that it was knowne twelue hundred yeares since , where he speaketh of falconers , and teachers of other birds : and indeed beyond him , i thinke it can no where be found that falconrie was knowne . there haue beene many who haue written of falconrie , fredericke the second , emperour of germany ( whom melancthon worthily commendeth , and equalleth to the ancient heroës , for his many victories archieued by his valour : his skill in all learning , being able to speake foureteene seuerall languages : his libertie , magnificence , affabilitie , mil●nesse , &c. insomuch , that in him alone , saith he , ended and died the remainder of ancient maiestie ) wrote heereof two excellent bookes , which ioachi●● camerarius ( hauing by him the first coppie in a manuscript ) published together , with a treatise of albertus magnus , of the nature of hawkes , and printed it at norimberge . budaus hath also written a large discourse of hunting and hawking , part whereof is annexed to the latter end of henry estienn●s french and latine dictionarie : in english m. blundeuiles booke is the best that i know . by the canon law hawking was forbidden vnto clergie men , as afterward hunting , by reason the exercise and instruments wherewith beasts are slaine , are militarie , and not so well agreeing ( as they giue the reason ) with spirituall warfare : but i cannot see but that they ( many of them being great princes , and pillars of the church , daily employed and pressed with the weight of state affaires ) may haue their recreatiōs as well as others . but to preuent their pastime , there is such an order taken with their parkes , that many of our best bishopricks can now adaies scarce shew one of ten , or twentie . norwich had thirteene parkes , and of all other was most iniustly dealt withall . if they had taken away twelue and left the odde one , it had beene indifferent ; but to rob the church of all , was more then too much . but as allow not altogether that seuere education of the old spartan● in their children , hazzarding many times the healths of young and tender bodies , by some tedious ague ; yea , also their liues , by the mischance of a leape or stumbling of your horse : so as much doe i detest that effoeminacie of the most that burne out day and night in their beds and by the fire side , in trifles , gaming , or courting their yellow mistresses all the winter in a citie ; appearing but as cuckoes in the spring , one time in the yeare to the countrey and their tenants , leauing the care of keeping good houses at christmas , to the honest yeomen of the countrey . some againe are so intent to their pleasure , that they neuer care for keeping within , as sometime was mithridates , that it is reported of him ; for seauen yeares space together hee neuer came within house , neither in citie nor in the countrey . and barnaby viscount of millan , was so carried away with the loue of hunting , that hee made a law ; whosoeuer should kill any wilde boare , or had killed any in fiue yeares before that his statute was enacted ( contrary vnto an ancient edict ) or were priuy to the eating of any at any gentlemans table , should be imprisoned and tortured after a greeuous manner . beside , he afflicted the countrey marueilously , by dispersing many thousands of dogges to be kept and brought vp in villages and among the paisants , to their infinite trouble and charge . mahomet sonne to amurath , on the contrarie , when he made warre in caramania , turned out of seruice . of his fathers faulconers , and caused as many of olde huntsmen to follow armes , and his campe , in stead of the kennell . cap. . of reputation , and carriage in generall . there is no one thing that setteth a fairer stampe vpon nobilitie then euenesse of carriage and care of our reputation , without which our most gracefull gifts are dead and dull , as the diamond without his foile : for hereupon as one the frontispice of a magnificent pallace , are fixed the eies of all passengers , and hereby the heigth of our iudgements ( euen our selues ) is taken ; according to that of the wiseman , by gate , laughter , and apparrell , a man is knowne what he is . wherefore i call it the crowne of good parts , and loadstone of regard . the principall meanes to preserue it is temperance and that moderation of the minde , wherewith as a bridle wee curbe and breake our ranke and vnruly passions , keeping as the caspian sea , our selues euer at one heigth without ebbe or refluxe . and albeit true it is that galen saith , we are commonly beholden for the disposition of our minds , to the temperature of our bodies , yet much lyeth in our power to keepe that fount from empoisoning , by taking heede to our selues ; and as good cardinall poole once said , to correct the malignitie of our starres with a second birth . for certainly vnder grace it is the roote of our reputation and honest fame ; without the which , as one saith , we are dead long before we are buryed . ● . for moderation of the minde and affections , which is the ground of all honestie , i must giue you that prime receipt the kingly prophet doth to a yong man , teaching him wherewith to cleanse his way , that is ; by keeping , saith he ( oh lord ) thy statutes , meaning the feare of god in generall , without which ( hee euer first striking at the head ) our iudgements are depraued , and left to our selues we are not able to giue any thing his true esteeme and value . therefore first to be truly honest is to bee truly religious , for if the feare of men be a great motiue to keepe our selues within compasse , much more will the feare of god , recall vs from our lusts and intemperance . hereby the minde getteth the dominion and vpperhand , wisely gouerning that goodly kingdome nature hath allotted her . and if it was sometime said of fabiu● , citiùs solē è sua sphara diuelli , quam fabium ab honestate potuisse , how heedfully ought a christian who carrieth the lanterne in his hand , looke to his feete , when an heathen could goe so directly in the darke , onely by the glimpse of nature and without stumbling ? moreouer since the ciuill end of our life is , v● in honore cum dignitate v●vamus , you shall withall finde good learning and the artes to conferre a great helpe and furtherance hereunto , being a polisher of inbred rudenesse and our informitie , and a curer of many diseases our minds are subiect vnto : for we learne not to begge to ourselues admiration from other , or boastingly to lay to view so rich and pretious furniture of our minds , but that we may be vsefull to others , but first to our selues ; least ( as some pretious receipt ) while we keepe that in a boxe which can cure another ; our selues lie lame and diseased . the first vse then hereof ( i meane your learning ) as an antidote against the common plague of our times , let it confirme and perswade you , that as your vnderstanding is by it ennobled with the richest dowrie in the world , so hereby learne to know your owne worth and value , and in choice of your companions , to entertaine those who are religious and learned : for as i said heretofore , conuerse of old was the mother of skill and all vertuous endeauours , so say i now , of all vice and base●es if regard be not had . therefore hold friendship and acquaintance with few , and those i could wish your betters , at the least of your owne ranke , but endeare your selfe to none ; gaud●bis minùs , minies dolebis . the best natures i know delight in popularitie , and are pliable to company-keeping , but many times buy their acquaintance at ouer deare a rate , by being drawne either into base actions and places of which they are ashamed for euer after ; or to needlesse expence by laying out or lending to importunate base and shamelesse companions , gaining losse of their monies , time , sorrow and griefe of friends , disrepute of the better sort , and lastly contempt of the vilest among the common vulgar . anti●chus epiphanes , king of asia , for his popularity and delight in company , was sir-named the mad : and likewise for the same appius claudius was depriued of his office , and fearing beside shame the hatred of the senate , counterfeiting blindnesse , for euer after kept himselfe at home . we reade also of a certaine king of the gothes , who making his souldiers his drinking companions , was for his free and kind heart at the last drowned by them in a tub of ale. nor mistake me that i swerue so much on this side , that i would deny a prince or gentleman the benefit of discourse and conuerse with the meanest : for maiestie and greatnesse cannot alwaies stand so bent , but that it must haue the remission and relaxation sometime to descend from the court to the cottage , which cannot choose but giue it the better tast and rellish . adrian the emperour would most curteously conferre with the meanest , detesting those his high minded courtiers , who vnder a colour of preseruing his estate and honour , enuied him this sweetnesse of humilitie and priuacie . vespasian in like manner was woont not onely to salute the chiefe senators of rome , but euen priuate men , inuiting them many times to dine and suppe with him , himselfe againe going vnto their houses . philopoemen was so curteous and went so plaine , his hostesse in meg●ra tooke him for a s●ruing-man . and certainly this affabilitie and curtesie in greatnesse , draweth our eyes like flowers in the spring , to behold , and with admiration to loue it wheresoeuer we finde it . there is no better signe ( saith one ) in the world of a good and vertuous disposition , then when a prince or gentleman maketh choice of learned and vertuous men for his companions ; for presently he is imagined to bee such an one as those to whom he ioyneth himselfe : yea saith aristotle , it is a kinde of vertuous exercise to bee conuersant with good and vnderstanding men . whom then you shall entertaine into the closet of your brest , first sound their religion ; then looke into their liues and carriage , how they haue beene reckoned of others . lastly , to their qualitie how or wherein they may be vsefull vnto you , whether by aduice and counsell , direction , helpe in your studies , or seruiceablenesse in your exercise and recreations . there is nothing more miserable them to want the counsell of a friend , and an admonish●r in time of neede : which hath beene and is daily the bane of many of our yong gentlemen , euen to the vtter ruine of themselues and their posteritie for euer . who when like alciates fig-tree vpon the high and innacessible rocke , they are out of reach and cannot be come vnto by men who would dresse and preserue them ; espied a farre off are onely preyed vpon and haunted by vultures and dawes ; and while one addeth fewell to the fire of his expence , for the which he is like to pay twentie for two , at twentie and one ; another sootheth him in play ( knowing the best fishing is in troubled waters ) another tēdreth him a match of light stuffe : all at once preying for themselues , these greene things of sixteene or eighteene are quite deuoured before they were ripe . wherefore i must next commend vnto you frugality , the mother of vertues , a vertue which holdeth her owne , layeth out profitably , auoideth idle expences , superfluity , lauish bestowing or giuing , borrowing , building , and the like : yet when reason requireth can be royally bountifull , a vertue as requisite in a noble or gentleman , as the care of his whole estate , and preseruation of his name and posterity ; yet as greatly wanting in many , as they come short of the reputation and entire estates of their forefathers , who account thrift the obiect of the plow or shoppe , too base and vnworthy their consuleration , while they impose their faire estates and most important businesse , vpon a cheating steward , or craftie bailiffe , who in few yeares ( like the young cuckow ) are ready to deuoure their feeder ; and themselues like sleepie pilots , hauing no eye to the compasse , or sounding their estates , are runne on ground ere they be aware . first then assoone as you shall be able , looke into your estate , labouring not onely to conserue it entire , but to augment it either by a wise forethought , marriage , or by some other thriftie meanes : and thinke the more yee are laden with abundance , the more neede ( like a vine ) ye haue neede of props and your soundest friends to aduise you . neither doe i imagine you will be so rash as to giue no care to good counsell , to your ruine , as caesar did , when hee refused a booke of a poore scholler , wherein the intended plot against him was discouered . marcus ca●o , who was so victorious in warre , so prudent in peace , so eloquent in the oratorie , learned in the lawes , neglected not thereby his estate , but looked , as livi● saith of him , euen into his husbandry himselfe : and plutarch writeth of philopoemen , a great and famous commander , that notwithstanding his great affaires and employments , hee would euery morning bee stirring by breake of day , and eyther to dressing of his vines , digging or following his plough : and cicero to heighthen the honor of king d●iostar●s reporteth thus of him , in deiotaro sunt regia virtutes , quod i● ca●sar , ignorare non arbitror , sed pr●●cip●è singularis & admiranda frugali●as . and the romanes had a lawe that hee who could not looke into his owne estate , and imploy his land to the best , should forfeite the same , and be held for a foole or a mad man all his life after . aristid●s , albeir he was an excellent man otherwise , yet herein he was so carelesse that at his death he neither loft portion for his daughters , nor so much as would carry him to the ground , and defray the charge of his funerall . be thriftie also in your apparrell and clothing , least you incurre the censure of the most graue and wisest censor , cui magna corporis cultus cura , 〈◊〉 magna virtutis inturia : and henry the fourth , last king of france of eternall memory , would oftentimes merily say , by the outside onely , he could found the depth of a courtier : saying , who had least in them made the fairest shew without , inviting respect with gold lace and great feathers , which will not be wonne with toyes . neyther on the contrary , be so basely parsunonious or frugall , as is written of one of the kings of france , in whose accounts in the eschequer are yet remaining . item so much for red satten to sleeue the kings old doublet : item a halfe-penny for liquor for his bootes , and so foorth . or to bee knowne by a hat or doublet tenne or twenty yeares ; then with some miserable vsurer curse the maker for the slightnesse of his felt or sluffe , murmuring it will not last to see the reuolution of the first moouer . but vsing that moderate and middle garbe , which shall rather lessen then make you bigger then you are ; which h●th been● , and is yet obserued by our greatest princes , who in outside goe many times inferiour to their groomes and pages . that glory and champion of christendome , charles the fift , would goe ( except in times of warre ) as plaine as any ordinary gentleman , commonly in blacke or sadde stuffe , without lace or any other extraordinary cost ; onely his order of the golden fleece about his necke in a ribband : and was so naturally frugall , not out of parsimonie ( being the most bountifull minded prince that euer liued ) that as guicciardin● reporteth of him , if any one of his points had chanced to breake , he would tye it of a knot and make it serue againe . and i haue many times seene his excellence the prince of orange that now is , in the field , in his habite as plaine as any country gentleman , wearing commonly a suite of haire-coloured slight stuffe of silke , a plaine gray cloake and hat , with a greene feather , his hatband onely exceeding rich . and ambrose spin●la generall for the archduke , when he lay in weasell at the taking of it in , one would haue taken , but for an ordinary merchant in a plaine suite of black . and the plainnes of the late duke of norfolke derogated nothing from his esteeme . so that you see what a pitifull ambition it is , to striue to bee first in a fashion , and a poore pride to seeke your esteeme and regard , from wormes , shells , and tailors ; and buy the gaze of the staring multitude at a thousand , or fifteene hundred pounds , which would apparrell the duke and his whole ●rande consiglio of venice . but if to do your prince honour , at a tilting , employed in embassage , comming in of some great stranger , or you are to giue entertainment to princes or noble personages at your house , as did cosmo de medici , or haply ye command in the warres , spare not to be braue with the brauest . philopoemen caused his souldiours to beespare in apparrell and diet ( saith plutarch , ) and to come honourably armed into the field : wherefore hee commanded in goldsmiths shoppes to breake in peeces pots of gold and siluer , and to be imployed in the siluering of bittes , guilding of armours , inlaying of saddles , &c. for the sumptuo●s cost vpon warlike furniture , doth encourage and make great a noble heart : but inother sights it carryeth away mens minds to a womanish vanitie , and melting the courage of the mind , ( as homer saith it did achill●s , when his mother laid new armes and weapons at his feete . ) the spaniard when he is in the field , is glorious in his cassocke , and affecteth the wearing of the richest iewels ; the french huge feathers , scarlet , and gold lace : the english , his armes rich , and a good sword : the italians pride is in his neapolitan courser : the germanes and low dutch to be dawbed with gold and pearle , wherein ( say they ) there is no losse except they be lost . but herein i giue no prescripon . i now come to your diet , wherein be not onely frugall for the sauing of your purse , but moderate in regard of your health , which is empaired by nothing more then excesse in eating and drinking ( let me also adde tobacco taking . ) many dishes breede many diseases , dulleth the mind and vnderstanding , and not onely shorten , but take away life . we reade of augustus that he was neuer curious in his di●t , but content with ordinary and common viandes . and cato the censor , sayling into spaine , dranke of no other drinke then the rowers or slaues of his owne galley . and timotheus duke of athens was wont to say , ( whō plato invited home to him to supper , ) they found thēselues neuer distempered . contrary to our feastmakers , who suppose the glory of entertainment , and giuing the best welcome to consist in needelesse superfluities and profuse waste of the good creatures , as scylla made a banquet that lasted many dayes , where there was such excessiue abundance , that infinite plenty of victualls were throwne into the riuer , and excellent wine aboue forty yeares old spilt and made no account of ; but by surfetting and banquetting , at last he gat a most miserable disease and dyed full of lice . and ca●sar in regard of his lybian triumph , at one banquet filled two and twenty thousand roomes with ghests , and gaue to euery citizen in rome ten bushels of wheate , and as many pounds of oyle , and besides three hundred pence in mony . we reade of one smyndirides , who was so much giuen to feasting , and his ease , that hee saw not the sunne rising nor setting in twenty yeares ; and the sybarites forbad all smiths and knocking in the streetes , and what thing soeuer that made any noise , to bee within the city walls , that they might eate and sleepe : whereupon they banished cocks out of the city , and invented the vse of chamberpots , and bad women a yeare before to their feasts , that they might haue leisure enough to make themselues fine and braue with gold and iewels . aboue all , learne betimes to auoide excessiue drinking , then which there is no one vice more common and reigning , and ill beseeming a gentleman , which if growne to an habit , is hardly left ; remembring that hereby you become not fit for any thing , hauing your reason degraded , your body distempered , your soule hazarded , your esteeme and reputation abased , while you sit taking your vnwholesome healthes , — vt iam vertigine tectum ambulet , & geminis exsurgat mensa lucernis . — vntill the house about doth turne , and on the board two candles seeme to burne . by the leuiticall law , who had a glutton or a drunkard to their sonne , they were to bring him before the elders of the city , and see him stoned to death . and in spain● at this day they haue a law that the word of him that hath beene convicted of drunkennesse , shall not bee taken in any testimony . within these fiftie or threescore yeares it was a rare thing with vs in england , to see a drunken man , our nation carrying the name of the most sober and temperate of any other in the world . but since we had to doe in the quarrell of the netherlands , about the time of sir iohn norrice his first being there , the custome of drinking and pledging healthes was brought ouer into england : wherein let the dutch bee their owne iudges , it we equall them not ; yea i thinke rather excell them . tricongius and the old romanes had lawes and statutes concerning the art of drinking , which it seemes , are reuiued , and by our drunkards obserued to an haire . it being enacted , that he who after his drinks faltered not in his speech , vomited not , n●yther reeled , if he dranke off his cups clean●ly , seek not his wind in his draughs , spit not , left nothing in the pot , nor spilt any vpon the ground , he had the prize , & was accounted the brauest man. if they were contented herewith , it were well , but they daily inue●t new and damnable kinds of carrow●ing ( as that in north-holland and frizeland ( though among the baser sort ) of vpsi● monikedam , which is , after you haue drunke out the drinke to your friend or companion , you must breake the glasse full vpon his face , and if you misse , you must drinke againe , ) whence proceede quarrelling , re●iling , and many times execrable murthers , as alexander was slain in his drunkennesse ; and domitius , nero's father slew liberius out right , because he would not pledge him a whole carrowse , and hence arise most quarrells among our gallant drunkards : vnto whom if you reade a lecture of sobrietie , and how in former ages their forefathers dranke water , they sweare water is the frogges drinke , and ordained onely for the driuing of milles , and carrying of boates . neither desire i , you should be so abstemious , as not to remember a friend with an hearty draught , since wine was created to make the heart merry , for what is the life of man if it want wine ? moderately taken it preserueth health , comforteth and disperseth the naturall heate ouer all the whole body , allayes cholericke humours , expelling the same with the sweate , &c. tempereth melancholly . and as one saith , hath in it selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a drawing vertue to procure friendship . at your meate to be liberall and freely merry , is very healthy and comely , and many times the stranger or guest will take more content in the chearelinesse of your countenance , then in your meate . augustus the emperour had alwayes his mirth greater then his feasts . and suctonius saith of titus , vespasians sonne , he had euer his table furnished with mirth and good company . and the old lord treasurer of england , lord william burghley , how emploied soeuer in state affaires , at his table hee would lay all businesse by , and bee heartily merry . charles the great vsed at his meates to haue some history read , whereof hee would afterwards discourse . and francis the first , king of france , would commonly dispute of history , cosmography , poetry . his maiesty our soueraigne , altogether in points and profound questions of diuinity . when i was in virocht , and liued at the table of that honourable gentleman , sir iohn ogle , lord gouernour , whither resorted many great schollers and captaines , english , scottish , french , and dutch , it had beene enough to haue made a scholler or souldier , to haue obserued the seuerall disputations and discourses among many strangers , one while of sundry formes of battailes , sometime of fortification , of fireworkes , history , antiquities , heraldrie , pronunciation of languages , &c. that his table seemed many times a little academic . in your discourse be free and affable , giuing entertainment in a sweete and liberall manner , and with a cheerefull courtesie , seasoning your talke at the table among graue and serious discourses , with conceipts of wit and pleasant inuention , as ingenious epigrammes , emblemes , anagrammes , merry tales , wittie questions and answers , mistakings , as a melancholy gentleman sitting one day at a table , where i was , started vp vpon the suddaine , and meaning to say , i must goe buy a dagger , by transposition of the letters , said : sir , i must goe dye a begger . a plaine country man being called at an assize to bee a witnesse about a piece of land that was in controuersie , the iudge calling , said vnto him , sirrha , how call you that water that runnes on the south-side of this close ? my lord ( quoth the fellow ) our water comes without calling . a poore souldier with his musket and rest in breda , came one day in , and set him downe at the nether end of the prince of orange his table , as he was at dinner ( whit●●r none might bee priuiledged vnder the degree of a gentleman at the least to come : ) the gentleman-vsher of the prince demanded of him , if hee were a gentleman : yes quoth the souldier , my father was a goldsmith of andwarpe : but what can you doe in your fathers trade , ( quoth he ) i can set stones in mortar , for he was a bricklaier , and helped masons in their workes . for epigrammes , pasquine will afford you the best and quickest i know . you shall haue them all bound in two volumes . i remember hee tells vs once vpon a sunday morning , pasquine had a sowle shirt put on , and being asked the cause , pasquine made answer , because my laundresse is become a countesse . you shall haue a taste of some of my anagram● such as they are . vpon the prince . carolvs . ô clarus . charles prince of wales . all fraunce cries , ô helpe vs. of the queene of bohemia and princesse palatine of the rhene , my gracious ladie , elisabetha stevarta , has artes beata velit . being requested by a noble and religious ladie , who was sister to the old lord , de la ware , to try what her name would afford , it gaue me this : iane west . entua iesû . and vpon the name of a braue and beautifull ladie , wife to sr. robert mordaunt , sonne and heire to sr. le straunge mordaunt knight and barronet in the country of norfolke : amie mordaunt . tumore dianam . tumore dianam . minerua , domat . me induat amor . nuda , ó te miram . vi tandem amor . vpon the name of a faire gentlewoman this in italian : anna dvdlaeia . e●la nuda diana . vpon a sweete and modest young gentlewoman , mistris maria mevtas . tuame amaris to comfort my selfe liuing in a towne , where i found not a scholler to conuerse withall , nor the kindest respect as i thought : i gaue this my poesie , the same backward and forward svbi dvra arvdibvs . of m. doctor hall deane of worcester , this , added to the body of a glorie , wherein was written iehouah in hebrew , resembling the deitie . ioseph hall all his hope . of a vertuous and faire gentlewoman at the request of my friend who bar● her good will : francis barney . barres in fancy . and this , theod●sia dixon . a deo dixit honos : or o dea , dixit honos . of my good friend m. doct. dowland , in regard hee had slipt many opportunities in aduancing his fortunes , and a rare lut●nist as any of our nation , beside one of our greatest masters of musicke for composing : i gaue him an embleme with this ; ioannes dovlandvs . annos iudendo hausi . there were at one time in rome very wittie and vnhappy libels cast forth vpon the whole cōsistory of cardinals in the nature of emblemes . i remember cardinal farnesi had for his part a storke deuouring a frogge , with this , mordeo non morde●tes . bellarmine a tiger fast chained to a post , in a scroule proceeding from the beasts mouth in italian : da mi mia libertà , vederete chi io sono : that is , giue me my libertie , you shall see what i am , meaning perhaps he would be no longer , &c. and those were very knauish that were throwne vp and downe the court of france , the escotcheon or armes of the partie on the one side of a pastboard , and some ingenious deuice on the other ; as one had the armes of the house of di medici of florence , on the one side , on the other an inkhorne with the mouth turned downward , with this tart pasquil : elle faut d'encre : and so of the whole court. emblemes and impresa's if ingeniously conceipted , are of daintie deuice and much esteeme . the inuention of the italian herein is very singular , neither doe our english wits come much behind them , but rather equall them euery way . the best that i haue seene , haue beene the deuises of ti●tings , whereof many are reserued in the priuate gallery at white hall , of sr. phillip sidn●ie's , the earle of cumberland , sr. henry leigh , the late earle of essex , with many others , most of which i once collected with intent to publish them , but the charge disswaded me . but aboue all , in your talke and discourse haue a care euer to speake the truth , remembring there is nothing that can more preiudice your esteeme then to be lauishtongued in speaking that which is false , and disgracefully of others in their absence . the persians and indians had a law , that whosoeuer had beene thrice conuicted of speaking vntruth , should vpon paine of death neuer speake word all his life after . cato would suffer no man to bee praised or dispraised , but vsed alwaies such discourse as was profitable to the hearers ; for as one saith , dict●ria minuum maiestatem . iestes and scoffes doe lessen mai●stie and greatnesse , and should be farre from great personages , and men of wisedome . chap. . of trauaile . i will conclude with trauaile , which many disallow in gentlemen , yea and some great trauellers themselues ; but mee thinkes they are as one who hath filled his owne belly , and denieth the dish to his fellow . in my opinion nothing rectifieth and confirmeth more the iudgment of a gentleman in forteine affaires , teacheth him knowledge of himselfe , and setleth his affection more sure to his owne country , then trauaile doth : for if it be the common law of nature , that the learned should haue rule ouer and instruct the ignorant , the experienced , the vnexperienced , what concerneth more nobility , taking place aboue other , then to be learned and wise ? and where may wisedome be had , but from many men , and in many places ? hereupon we find the most eminent and wise men of the world to haue beene the greatest trauailers ( to omit the patriarches and apostles themselues in holy writ ) as plato , pythagoras , aristotle , theophrastus , osyris king of aegypt , who trauelled a great part of the world , and caused to be engrauen vpon his sepulcher , heere vnder i lie king osyris , eldest sonne of saturne , who haue left no part of the world vnsearched , whitherto i haue not come , teaching againe whatsoeuer i haue found , for the vse and commoditie of mankinde . and xenophon to intimate vnto vs the benefit and excellent vse of trauaile , saith that cambyses , by his trauaile learned many excellent things , which he taught cyrus his sonne : and hauing trauailed as farre as mero● ( as a perpetuall monument of his long voyage ) he built a citie in the forme of a persian shield . and it was the vsuall boast of alexander ( said archelaus a cosmographer ) that he had found out more with his eies , then other kings were able to comprehend in thought : and to no small commendation of himselfe , menelaus in homer , reporteth that hee had beene in aegypt , cyprus , phoenicia , and seene thebes hauing an hundred gates , and at euery gate two hundred horse-men for the guard . but say some , few of our gentlemen are bettered by their trauaile , but rather returne home worse then they went in manners , and many times in religion , therefore it were better they ●arried still at home , according to clandian : fulix qui patrijs avum transegit in agris , ipsa domus puerum quem vid●t ipsa senem : qui bacule nit●●s , in qua repta●it arena , vni●● numerat sacula longa casa . hee 's blest who in 's owne countrie ends his daies , whose homestead see 's his old age and his birth , &c. but this happinesse is but pu●rorum bea●●tude , as one saith ; and the greatest vnhappinesse to the truly generous and industrious minde . if therefore you intend to trauell , you must first propound vnto your selfe ; the end , which either is ad v●luptatem vel ad vtilitatem , pleasure or profit . for the first , euery one naturally affecteth , and the foole himselfe is tickled with the sight of strange townes , towers and habits of people . therefore you must hold you to the other which is profit , which againe hath two branches , your owne priuate , or the publique ; your priuate , as the recouery of your health , by some outlandish meanes , as the water of the spaw , some phisitian , famous for his cure in such & such kinds , change of aire , or gaining as a merchant by trasique , or some profession wherein you excell others . the publique is the generall good of your countrey , for which we are all borne , it challenging a third part of vs. but before you trauaile into a strange countrey , i wish you ( as i haue heretofore said ) to be well acquainted with your owne ; for i know it by experience , that many of our yong gallants , haue gone ouer with an intent to passe by nothing vnseene , or what might bee knowne in other places ; when they haue beene most ignorant here in their owne natiue countrey , and strangers to their iust reproofe could discourse , and say more of england then they . in your passage , i must giue you in either hand a light , preseruation , and obseruation . preseruation of your minde , from errors , and ill manners ; of your bodie from distemperature , either by ouer eating , drinking , violent or venereal exercise . for there is not any nation in the world more subiect vnto surfets then our english are , whether it proceedeth frō the constitution of our bodies , ill agreeing with the hotter climates , or the exchange of our wholsome diet and plentie , for little and ill drest ; or the greedinesse of their fruits and hotte wines , wherewith onely wee are sometime constrained to fill our bellies , i am not certaine . no lesse perill there is , ab istis callidis & calidis soli●●●liabus , which almost in euery place will offer themselues , or be put vpon you by others . keepe the fountaine of your minde from being empoisoned , especially by those serpents , error and atheisme , which you shall finde lurking vnder the fairest flowers : and though you heare the discourses of all , and listen to the charmes of some , discouer your religion or minde to none , but resembling the needle of the compasse , howsoeuer for a while mooued or shaken , looke northerly , and be constant to one . to be carried away with euery fancie and opinion , is to walke with c●i● in the land of * giddinesse , the greatest punishment that god laied vpon him . before you enter into obseruation , first seeke the language that you may be fit for conference , and where the language is best spoken there settle , and furnish your selfe with the discreetest and most able masters . for as heere in england , so in other places , the language is spoken with more elegancie and puritie in some places more then others . for the french , orleans and thereabouts is esteemed the best . florence for the italian , lipsick for the high dutch , and valledolid for the spanish . to helpe you in coniugating your verbes , you may vse the helpe a while of a grammer of that language , but in generall you must expect your perfection from conference ; for hereby the true accent , and the natiue grace of pronunciation ( which no booke can teach ) is onely attained . now aswell for neighbourhood sake , as that the french tongue is chiefely affected among our nobility , it being a copious and a sweete language , wherein so many famous workes by as great wits as any euer europe bred , haue beene published : i wish you first of all to see france , being seated vnder a temperate and most wholesome climate , and shall not endanger your health so much , as being sent vpon the suddaine from a colde countrey , into the scorching heate of another more remote . i will not stand to make any topographicall description of the countrey , i being herein both preuented long since by a faithfull pen ; beside i remember i am to write onely one chapter , not a volume . you shall finde the french , i meane of the noblest and better sort , generally free and curteous , vnto whom euen among their princes , state and maiesticque retirednesse are burthensome , so that sometime you shall see them familiar with the meanest . la nouë speaking of the french nobilitie , saith elle est tres vallere●se & courtoise : et ● y à estat en la chrestienté , on elle soit 〈◊〉 si grand ●●●brè . they are exceeding valiant and curteous , and there is no estate in christendome where they are in so great number . they delight for the most part in horsemanship , fencing , hunting , dancing , and little esteeme of learning and gifts of the minde ; contrary to the custome of the ancient roman●s , as cate the cens●r , c●sar , pa●lus aemylius and many others , no lesse famous for knowledge then action ; whereof themselues and their friends oftentimes complaine . commi●●s layeth the fault vpon the remissenesse of parents in their education . il● nourissent leur enfans seulement à faire les s●ts , en habillements et en par●lles : de nulle le●tre ils n'ont cognoissance , they breed their children to play the wa●ton fooles , both in apparell and words , but as for learning they know nothing . the french are full of discourse , quicke witted , sudden in action , and generally light and inconstant ; which c●sar found long since , writing of them , quod sunt in consilijs capiendis mobiles , & nouis plerumque rebus student , and else-where , he calles galloru● subita & repentina consilia , moreouer as among the spanish and dutch , one fashion of apparell still obserued amongst them , argueth a constancie of minde and humour , so their change and varietie , their vainnesse and leuitie ; for euery two yeere their fashion altereth . their exercises are for the most part tennise play , pallemaile , shooting in the crosse-bow or peece , and dancing . concerning their dyet , it is nothing so good or plentifull as ours , they contenting themselues many times with meane viandes● onely in the solemne feasts , and banquets of entertainment , they are bountifull enough , yea farre exceede vs : as for the poore paisant , he is faine oftentimes to make vp his meale with a mushrome , or his grenoilles ( in english frogs , ) the which are in paris and many other places commonly sold in the market . concerning their building , is it very magnificent and i know not whether in all europe , any buildings may for maiesty and state be compared with those of france , ( though they haue beene miserably spoiled by the last ciuill wars ) they being the best architects of the world ; vpon the view of some of which ( as breathing on a faire hill ) i will detaine you a while . and first wee will begin with the lovure in paris . the lovure is the royall seate of the kings of france , famous throughout all europe , situate neere to the towne walles on the west side : by which ru●neth the riuer of se●●e , which in old time serued rather for a fortresse then a kings house , and herein was a tower wherein were kept the king● reuenues and treasure . which after by king francis the first , was pulled downe , and in this place was begun the building of the front , which is of masonry , so enriched with pillars , frizes , architr●●es and all sort of architecture with such excellent symmetry and beauty , that throughout all europe , you shall hardly finde the like . it was begunne by francis the first , finished by henry his sonne , vnder the appointment of the lord of clagny , and afterwards encreased by francis the second , charles the . last of all made the wonder of all other workes by that beautifull gallery , the worke of henry the . the tuilleries sometime belonged to the suburbes of saint honorè in paris , by the side of the lovure , and was indeed a place wherein they made tiles , and by reason there were many faire gardens about it , the queene mother drawing the plot her selfe , seeing it a pleasant and fit place , began first to build here . it is a roiall worke all of free stone . the portall or entrance is very stately of marble pillars and iasper . fontaineblea● is scituate in the forrest of biere , in a plaine encompassed with great woods , and was in olde time a retiring place for the kings of france . francis the first , who loued to build , tooke great pleasure in this seate and builded here the house , as we see it at this present ; the base court hereof is esteemed the fairest of all franc●● in the second court there is the purest and fairest fountaine esteemed in the world , wherefore it was called bell●●au● , and so fontaine belle 〈◊〉 . r. francis loued this place so well , that he spent most of his time here , beautifying it while hee liued with all sorts of commodities , goodly galleries , sto●es , &c. and caused the r●rest masters of europ● in painting tobe sent for , for the beautifying it with all manner of histories . also heere he placed the rarest antiquities he could get . in briefe , whatsoeuer he could wrap or wring , he thought too little for this place ; it is about . . leagues from paris . bl●is is an ancient castle 〈◊〉 from the riuer of lo●●e vpon an hill . here the old kings of france were wont to reside , especially louis the twelfth tooke delight in this place , who was called pater patri● . it hath belonging vnto it two goodly forrests , one on this side the riner , the other on the other . going forth of the gardens of the house , you passe into the forrest vnder foure rowes of elmes , at the least . hundred paces : this is rather remarkeable for the antiquity then the beauty . the towne standeth beneath , about the which are these faire places within . or . leagues , bury , b●●●●●gard , ville-sansm , chind●ny , and some others . amboise is one of the principall buildings of france , it also standeth vpon the loire vpon a high sea●● ; at the foote hereof is the towne , and neere that a goodly forrest : this castle is seene a great way off both by the hill , and the valley yeelding so goodly a prospect , as i neuer beheld a better , for from the terrasses that enuiron the castle , you may easily discerne tours and the abbay of mar●●●stier seauen leagues off ; the castle standeth vpon a rocke , at the foote whereof there is a cloister . this house is in picardi● , vpon the way from paris to soissons , distant from paris . leagues , . from soiss●n● ; it standeth close vpon the forrest of ret●● it is of very great receipt , as may appeare by the enclosure of the par●e . here king francis ( whose onely delight was in building ) for many yeares together set mason● a work● , the rather because it adioyned vnto the greatest ●orrest of all france , himselfe louing hunting exceedingly . here are the goodliest walkes in europe , for the tre●s themselues are placed in curious knots , as we vse to set our her●●s in gardens . charleval is in normandy vpon the way from paris to r●v●n , neere to the village of fl●●ry . it was built by charles the . at the instance of the lord of 〈◊〉 it standeth in a valley enclosed with mountaines aboue , which is the forrest of lyons : among ●hose mountaines are many goodly prospects one within another , it is . leagues by a pleasant valley easily discerned to the riuer seime● had it beene quite finished it had been● the chiefe building of france . this castle or royal house is called b●is de vin●●●● it is scituate within one league of paris , and two of saint denuis the place of buriall of the french kings , so that these three stand in a manner in a triangle . it is a very sumptuous worke and of admirable art : it was begun by charles countie of valeis , brother to philiy the faire , and finished a good while after by charles the fift . this house hath many faire courts in it , withall about it a parke , containing in circuit , or . thousand pace● , which amount to two leagues and an halfe , stretching on the south , euen vnto the riuer of s●ine , and by north vnto the riuer of mar●● , which ioyning at the village of constuen●● ( so called of their meeting ) neere chare●●●●● fall downe vnto paris . this in ancient times was the vsuall court and abode of the french kings , but now little freequented , and falling in a manner to ruine . but i omit farther to speake as well of the royall houses , and those of the noblesse , being indeed the beauty of france . whereof there are many other , as s. ma●● , chen●ncean , chamb●●rg , boul●gu● , creil , coussie , folembray , montargis , s. germain and la mu●tl● , which are all the kings houses and worthy your view and regard , if you happen to finde them in your way . in briefe hold france for one of the most rich , fertilest , and brauest kingdomes of the world. and since spaine and france , are but one continent , let vs passe the pyrenean hils , and take some obseruations there . spaine lyeth southerly from france , in northerne latitude from . to . degrees or there about , in the same heigth and paralell with the azores ilands . it is farre hotter then fra●●e , a very dry country , yet abounding in sweet springs , riuers , and all sorts of fruites . pasture there is little or none in respect of the great heat , but infinitely furnished with vineyards , oliue trees , hauing corne sufficient saue onely in the skirts of the country , which are mountainous , hilly and barren , yet abounding in goates and other cattell . for victuals you shall finde it very scarce , not that the counttey affordeth not a sufficiency , but that the people beingby cōstitution , hot & dry , are not able to digest heauy and more solid meat , like vnto ours ; but rather chuse fruits , sallets and sweet meates , as mermalade , by them called membrillada ( for membrill● is a quince ) and conserues of all sorts , for coolenesse and lightnesse of digestion . the people are by nature generally proud and haughty , but withall very ciuill , faithfull to their friend , and aboue all to their prince , for seldome or neuer haue any of that nation bin known to haue bin traitors : their souldiers are infatigable , resolute , and obedient vnto their commanders , but withall lasciuiously giuen , and too cruell in victory . the gentry affect not the countrey , but desire to liue in walled townes altogether , where they dedicate themselues either to some imployment of state , or businesse of warre , saue such who are of the better sort , dedicated to the church , of whom there is at the least a third part . their habite in apparell is all one for colour and fashion , which hardly makes a distinction of parties ; onely they are discerned by their seruants ( in whom they obserue an excellent equipage ) their regelado horses , ca●oches and horselitters . the women are blacke , and little , but very well fauoured , and for discourse admirable : these haue a more eminent distinction of habit , and are all discerned by their apparell of what qualitie they are , they affect strangers much , and are liberall in their conuerse with them . the heart of the countrey is very scarce of fish , that which they haue , are either tons or pilchards , brought salted from biscay , on the one side , and from valencia on the other : yea , the church for want of fish is faine to giue a licence to cate the entrailes of beasts vpon fasting dayes . all their meate , fruits and bred are sold by the pound , and not except before an officer which they call alcalda , so that no stranger can be dec●iued either in waight or price . they treade their corne out with oxen in the fielde assoone as it is reaped , their mules and horses eating the straw with barley , for oates they are not so well acquainted with . it is a countrey for trauaile very combersome in respect of lodging and dyet , except when you come into the walled townes , where you shall according to their manner be accommodated well enough . they trauaile all on mules , keeping their horses for beautie and shew , putting them to no vse , saue onely to be led vp and downe . their coines are the best of europe , ●ince all their neighbours make a gaine of them , as a peece of eight reals ( or sixe pence of our money ) goeth in france for foure shillings & sixe pence : a doublon in gold , that which is a pistolet with them , being thirteene shillings , is in france and other places . reals , which is . s. . pence of our money . most of the coine that passeth for ordina●y and triuiall things , as wine , bread , melons , peaches , is of brasse , which they cal quartas and quartillias . of their marauedies , twenty make three pence . their buildings are faire and stately , and the king , though hee hath many goodly houses & palaces , as in siuill . granado , toledo , cordo●a , valladolid , &c. yet the esc●rial , seuen leagues from madrid , is the place where the king most resides , and this exceedes all the buildings of christendome , for beauty and curiosity in contriuing , to which i● adioyned one of the goodliest monasteries of the world , wherein are to be seene the rarest water-workes that men can deuise . spaine being diuided into many kingdomes or prouinces , you are allowed to carry about you , onely but an hundred reals ; what you haue aboue it is forfeited , and for that purpose , at euery bridge or passage where the countries part , you are to be searched . and i hope you haue heard so much of the inquisition and the danger thereof , that i shall not here need to giue you any caueat . na●arre affordeth , by reason of the mountaines , a very hard passage . whereof pampel●na is the chiefe citie , herein are the best muttons , and made the strongest wines : this countrey is so abundant in rosemary , that they make it their ordinary fewell in heating their ouens , and for their other vses . aragon aboundeth in wine and corne , which portugall so wanteth , that all the corne in that kingdome is not able to suffice lisbone onely , but they are faine to haue it of the bretaigners , hollanders , and from the azores ilands . last of all it is worthy the noting , how that in their vniuersities , as salamanca , alcala , c●nimbra , &c. and other of their colledges , they care little for the latine , but dispute and keepe their exercises in spanish or the portugueze tongue , yet haue they great schollers in all professions . thus haue i onely giuen you a taste how and what , especially to obserue in your trauaile . i willingly omit to speake of italie , germany , and other countries , by reason they haue beene so exactl● described by master sands and others , vnto whose ample discourses ( excepting your personall experience ) i referre you , it being here mine onely intent , but to giue you some few directions in generall : and so i conclude , wishing all happinesse to your selfe , and prosperous successe to your studies . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e pindar . in ne●sis , ode . io●●es monach . in vita alexandri . regum . cap. . ver . . ignatius lib. epist. cap. . cicero . arist. in e●●icis . notes for div a -e sy●●● in his fairy queene . nobilitie defined . aentas siluius lib. . de ge●●is alyhonsi . georg. f●s●●llus this happened at the councell of constance , where the doctors and knights were ( about some serious businesse ) diuided into two seueral assemblies . a pertinax , or stubborne , so sir-named , because he came from his father , who would haue made him a scholler , he choosing rather to be a wood-monger . capitolinus ● . see the treasure of times . ex historia lo●●●bard . the inge●●●ous reply of colonell edmonds . plutarch . in lycurgi & numa comp . machiauell . hist. floren●in . lib. . a described by lucian to be aged , b●ld , & wrinckled , browne coloured , clad with a lio●s skin , holding in his right hand a club , in his left a bow , with a q●●●er at his back , & long small chaines of gold and amber fastned through little holes to the tip of his tongue , drawing a multitude of people willing to ●ollow after him , onely shaddowing vnto vs the power of eloquence . plato in timaeo . pi●r . vak●●●● lib. . of bastardie . . question . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in andr●●eda . concerning vice and basenesse . concerning pouertie . . question . of aduocates and phisitians . . question . extat lex constantini , lib. . co●ici● . aristophanes in pluto . to whom was first giuen , being a deuoute and most religious king , the gift of curing the kings euill , whence it hath beene deriued to our kings of england his successors . of merchants . question . hippolitus à collibus , axiom , de nobilitate . chrysost , super mathaeum . francis. pa●●icium de repub. lib. . cap. . arist. politic . . cap. . of salomons merchants . see chronicles . cap. . verse . chron. . . verse . of mechanicall arts and artists . . question . xenophon in occ●●●mica . a faint and spent reason . ●ippolyt . à coll. in axiomat . nobilis atis . the fruit and vse of nobilitie . which was the office of a ba●on in ancient times . in lexic● . demost. oly●th . ● . a concord makes might hippolytu● à collibus . notes for div a -e si ad naturam eximiam eruditi● accesseris 〈…〉 singulare quoddam existere sole● , cit. ●te a●chia po●ta . nic●phorus , lib. . cap. . regum . . cap. . . psalm . ● . prou. . plato , lib. . de re●ub . ecclesiast . . vo●isc●i● taci● . plutarch in corialano . eutropiu●● plutarch . alcia● . in emblem . iacob . wimphe 〈◊〉 . appian . notes for div a -e plato p●litic . . in ph●●dre . the first and maine errors of masters . in e●bi● . cicero pro rose . comaedo . quintilian , lib. inst●ti● . . cap. . virgil. senec. de moribus . erasm. in epist. ad ( christianum iubece●sem . pl●● . epist. l●b . . clcero pr● plan● . conue●se with the learned better th● reading . iipsius in epist. plutarch . ad trasanum . phil●●●●● , physic●rum . see m. doctor webbe his appeale to truth . georgio . . a augustus and octa●●us caesar. d●●ny●ius . . armelius . 〈…〉 &c. notes for div a -e in gorgia . horac . lib. . ode . phili● de commines , lib. . seneca ad lucil. epist. . matres omnes silys in p●ccato & auxilio in paterna inu●ia e●se solem . terms . ● heaut●●● . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . de oratore . ier. . . shee is cited by b iewel in his apologie . in farragine episle larum . george buchanan . cicero offic. lib. . marcus cicero , cum pater abstin●●tis simus suiras , bi●os congros haurire ●olitus est ( test● plani● . ) temulen●●● impegis scyphum m. agrippa . valer. max. notes for div a -e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 euripides in andromache . seneca de breuitate vitae , cap. . & . d. pezel . post●ll . melan●●l on . preferring ● o● eouer wickedly and prophanely the odes of pindar , before the psalmes of dauid . chrysoft . in epist. ad celoss . cap. . luke . . . tim. . . in vita alphonsi . eginardue in vita caroli magni . notes for div a -e cicero . de orato●e . ci● . in prolog . r●●tor . an arte po●t . hen●icus oilauus angliae rex in cysstola quadam ad erasmum ro●crod . in farragi●● epist. a exod. . cicero . tacitus in oratore . ad atticum , lib. . caesar. cicero , lib. . de claris oratoribus . quintilian . lib. . a● filium . corn. tacitus . t. liuius . q. curtius . t●liad . salustius . scaliger pe●t . lib. cap. . xenophon . speciall history . history , how diuided . a●●●id . . cic. . de oratore . the old lord treasurer burleigh , if any one came to the i. i. of the counsell , for a licence to trauaile , he would first examine him of england ; if he found him ignorant , would bid him slay at home and know his own countrey first . his britannia with the life of queene elizabeth . his lanus angl. titles of honour . together with his ma●e clausum , though not yet printed . the iniurie polydore virgil , did to our nation . diodorus sicula . plutarch , how highly valewed among the learned . the iust praise of seneca . in vita seneca . the late published life of henrie the seauenth . seneca epist. . the epistles of bookes , oft times the best peece of them . how to keepe your bookes . the answer of king alphonsus , concerning vitru●ius . mappes and pictures . notes for div a -e a meridians , paralels , &c. the necessity of cosmography . * thermopylae that long hill of greece through which there is a straight & a narrow passage environed with a rough sea and deepe senne ; so called from the wels of who● waters which are there among the rocks . cosmography a sweet and pleasant study . the principles of geometry first to be learned . vide clerian . in sacr●bos●● , ed●t●●l● . the planets in their order . a merry tale of two poore schollers and their host. diuision of the spheare . the aequinoctiall line . the zodiack . the colures . the horizon the meridian longitude . latitude . of the tropickes . the arcticke circle . the antarcticke circle . the sea. a gulfe . a streight . a hauen . a lake . of the earth . a continent . an iland . an isthmus . peninsula . a cape . ptolo●i●s method best to be obserued . the sundry errors of historians and others , for want of skill in geography what to obserue in a strange countrey . of the mariners compasse . washing of mappes and globes in colours , very profitable to a learner . notes for div a -e countries had not their scituations by chance . the wit and constitution of men , according to the temper of the body . mountainers more barbarous , then those of the vallies . of the ocean , the diuers & wonderfull motions therof . and so swift , that from moabar to maedagascar ( or the i le of s. laurence ) they may come in twentie daies , but are not able to re●nne in . moneths . so from spain into america in thirty daies , but cannot returne in three monthes . iul. c. scaliger , excre . . the strange properties of floods and lakes . beasts & birds vseful to man , liue in heards and flocks . of the creatures in hot and cold countries . of riuers . of certaine ilands cast vp by seas and riuers . many countries againe lost by inundation . strabo lib. . great brittaine supposed to haue beene one continent with france . see olaus magnus his description of the northerne parts of the world . at swartwale neere brill in holland , is to be seene a mermaides dead body hanging vp . a●ist . lib. me●●or . . cap. . ptolom . cap. . alphrag 〈◊〉 disert . . augustine . m. hughes de vs● globiyr . at frankford , amsterdam , and turned into french. m. edward wright de vs● sphera . notes for div a -e lacrius lib. . wisedome chap. . petrach de regno lib. . ● . . protiu in eucl●d . lib. . c. . martianus capellain geem . precleses in euclid . lib. . c. . see the hungarian history . whence couch had the name agellius l. cap. . scaliger ●uercis . . ad cardanum . horat. lib. . c●rm . ode ● . bartas le 〈◊〉 du . semain . plin. l. . c. . & lib. . c. . varr● de ling● a latin. lib. . iunius lib. animad cap. . plin. lib. . cap. . pliny lib. . cap. . ex●rcitat . carl. rhodigin . lib. . cap. . p. ●onius & sabellicus is suppleme● : hist. lib. . this heauen was carried by . men before solyman , and taken to peeces and set vp againe by the maker . plutarch in marcello . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 psalm . . notes for div a -e plato in p●●dro . 〈…〉 hil. in prologo psalm . psal. . psal. . psal. . psalm . . * the place to this day is called rowlands vallie , and was in times past a great pilgrimage , there being a chappell built ouer the tombe , & dedicated to our ladie , called commonly but corruptly our ladie of rouceuall . panormitan , lib. . de geslis alphensi . a who gaue him , it is thought , his mannor of ewhilme in oxfordslhire . to charles the eight & lewis the twelfth . prudence . in poetie . lib. . qui & idea , ca. . aeneid , . par●ise ciuibus . aneid . . sweetnesse . aeneid . . aeneid . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pale scal. lib. . p●c● cap. . * phalari●a . aeneid . . aeneid . . ouid. virgilium 〈◊〉 v●di . vide surium , in commentari● retum in orbe gestarum . anne . fol. . horace . scaliger poet. lib. . totius t●●aco●●●usis rex . iuvenal . persius . martial . lucane . seneca . claudian , ignobili subiecte oppressus . statius . propertius . plautus . terence . buchanan . iul. cas. scaliger . ioseph of exeter . sir thomas more . william lillie . sir thomas challoner . sir geoffrey chaucer . gower . lydgate . harding , skelton . henrie batle of surrey . sir thomas wyat. northmimmes in herford-shire neere to s. albanes . notes for div a -e deut. . * it was an instrumēt three square , of . strings , of incomparable sweetnesse . “ answering one another in the quire. chron. . ca. . ver . . and . i● lib. de a●gore animi . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 odyll . . arist. politic. cicero t●sc . quast . lib. . erasm. in farragine epist. d. of venosa the iust praise of maurice lan●graue of hessen . 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 . m. william ●yrd . ludouice de victoria . luca mar●nzio . horatio 〈◊〉 . horatio vecchi . giou 〈◊〉 croce peter phillips . boschett● his motets of . parts , printed in rome . polyb. lib. . cap. . iulian imperat. in epist. ad antioch . rhetorique and musicke their affinitie . the strange effects and properties of musicall proportions . notes for div a -e the manifold vse of painting or l●●ning . iob : . . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lomazi●e alber● . durer . ●ub gol●●ius . michael angelo . ha●ns holben . a he painted the chappell at white hall , and s. iames ioseph of arimathia , lazarus rising from the dead , &c. were his . ioan. sha●●● , witrix . crispin de pas●e of painting in oyle . of preparing your table for an oyle picture . a the fi●●er for our yealow ruffes . * the modell of the steeple of the cheefe church in florence notes for div a -e lib. . dionysius halicarna● antiquit . rom. lib. bal●asar ayala de●nic & off●●s bell. lib. . i●n . lib. . & 〈◊〉 . lib. cap. . & dion . halicarn . lib. . antiquit . rom. livi●● l. ● . . cicero offic. lib. . flor. l. . cap. . vide no●●um marecellum . lib. . cicero lib. . delegitus . de laprimitive institution d●s ●●ys , herauldz et poursus vans d' armes . girald . camb. ●iv . lib. . iosephus . plutarch in vita pelop●●a . arist 〈◊〉 lib. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . iosephus lib. . xenophon . de cyri. paed . lib. . curtius lib. . martij pueri . porcina srons , pitrius lib. . hierog . 〈◊〉 . the corte of portugall . osorius de r●gis institutions . d. of bavaria . m freeherus in origine , palasina● . verslegan . 〈◊〉 . freherus . dr origine yala● . solymans opinion of the emperour charles . holinshead in the t●●le of scotland . the originall of the noble family of the ha●es in scotland . aluares de violla . fields of equall composition . the fesse . remaines . m. guillim in his display . of difference by the bordure . tillet . tillet . * alduham . a sandrige . a 〈…〉 so that iames was atturney generall vnto henry , & now henry vnto iames. m. iohn woodhouse . * in norfolk . master ●ug . vincent . notes for div a -e in l. sol●●● . ● . de alea lusu & ale●●● . of horsemanship . of tilting and torneaments . guide panci●llo . in lib de reb . no viter re●ertis , tit . . nicetas , lib. . of throwing , leaping , and wrestling . of running . c. casar in epistolis . a to cure the smalnes●e of his voice , he would vsually run vp a hil , a fit embleme for such as when they haue ascended the heigth of preferment , both looke and speak big . of leaping . of swimming . liv. lib. . decad. . the resolute aduenture of gerrard and haruey in . of shooting . langius , lib. . epist. . quercetan . in diatetico poly . hist. sect. . cap. . iul. firmicus lib. . , cap. . melancthon lib. . chron● . folio . budaus de venatione & aucup●o . concil au●el . cap. . agath●usi . . epanneusi . ● . ● . ex●● . de clerico ●enatore . volatteran , lib. . av●iq● . ionius in barnaba . 〈◊〉 lib. . notes for div a -e ecclesiastic . psal. ● . . athenaeus lib. . cap. . diodorus lib. . . magnus lib. . cap. . erasim lib. . apotheg . ca spartians . xi●hilinus . plutarch . in philo●●m . philip commines , c. . ludouis viues . in emblem . of frugalitie . iustine . plutarch in philopoemen . ci● pro deiotaro . iulia●us 〈◊〉 decura ●urio : plutarch in aristide . the modesty and humility of charles the fifth . the duke of norfol●● . machiauest● in host. florent . in philopoem . plutarch . of diet. seneca rhet. . cicero pro caetio . pluta●●h de sanitate tuenda . plutarch . in scylla . sab●ll . em●●ad . . su●toni●● . euery romane penny was about seuen pence halfe penny of our mony . c. rh●digi● . lib. . cap. . suidas & politian . lib. miscellan . drinking the destruction of wit , & plague of our english gentry . inv●nal . saty● . drunkennes not many yeares since very rare in england . plin lib . historia sub finem . prouerb . . ecclesiast . . vers . ● . athena●s . sleidan lib. affability in discourse . this hapned in norfolke . of a souldier of breda . pasqu●●e , a marble image in rome , on which they v●e to sixe libels . because an earle in rome had marryed a chamber-maide . plato saith , it is onely allowed , physitions to lie for the comfort of the sicke . notes for div a -e d●●●ys . halicarna●● . d●●●er . s●c . lib. . di●g l●ers . lib. . in vita arthel . lipsiu● . * nod. gene. . m. dallington . casar com. . the lovure . the tuilleries fontaineblea● . bl●is . amboise . villiers cos●ere●● . charleval . the castle of 〈◊〉 . of spaine . yet the finest wooll is of s●g●uia . counsellor manners, his last legacy to his son enriched and embellished with grave adviso's, pat histories, and ingenious proverbs, apologues, and apophthegms / by josiah dare. dare, josiah, th cent. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) counsellor manners, his last legacy to his son enriched and embellished with grave adviso's, pat histories, and ingenious proverbs, apologues, and apophthegms / by josiah dare. dare, josiah, th cent. [ ], , [ ] p. printed for edward gough and are to be sold by most booksellers in london, london : . "licensed, october , , r.l."--colophon. errata: p. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng conduct of life. courtesy. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion counsellor manners his last legacy to his son : enriched and embellished with grave adviso's , pat histories , and ingenious proverbs , apologues , and apophthegms . by josiah dare . sunt bona , sunt quaedam mediocria , sunt mala plu●a , quae legis hic : aliter non fit , avite , liber . mart. lib. . epig. xvii . london , printed for edward gough , and are to be sold by most booksellers in london . . the preface to the reader . courteous reader , i shall not according to the usual mode of those epistles which are prefixed to printed books , crave the patronage of any person whatsoever to this : for i hope that thou thy self , when thou hast perused it , wilt patronize it , considering the honesty and innocency of it ; neither shall i dedicate it to any right worshipful or right honourable person , because i think it incongruous to present a small book to a great personage : nor will i beg pardon of any man for this my scribble , since i might have prevented it , if i would have refrained from dipping my pen in mine inkhorn , and indeed i esteem them unworthy to be pardoned who consultedly commit a fault , and then desire to be excused for it . all that i desire of thee is that thou wouldst take in good part , what is here offered thee in good will : the design of all theologues in the pulpit is , to teach men grace ; and it is mine out of it , to teach them manners , and truly a moral life is a fair step to an holy one , and a good behaviour to a sanctified conversation . unmannerly clowns are , like bears cubs , meer lumps of flesh , till they be lickt into a more comely shape ; and ill tutored persons are like rough hewn statues you shall scarce perceive the lineaments of a man in them , till they be wrought smooth and polished . good manners make the man , quoth william of wickham . be a man never so brave in his apparel , if his deportment be not answerable , he is as ridiculous an object as a monkey or a baboon in a scarlet coat , with a tiffany ruff about his neck ; good manners adorn those very things that most adorn us , for what is a gold ring in a swines snout . since then i present thee here with such jewels as will set thee forth and gain thee honour and respect amongst all persons , with whom thou shalt converse ; i hope thou wilt in manners accept them kindly , as well for thine own sake , as for his who here subscribes himself thine affectionate friend and humble servant josiah dare . the grave counsellors last legacy to his son . there dwelt sometimes in this island of britain , an ancient gentleman , called counsellor manners , a man of a very fair estate , who being both aged , and sickly , found such weakness in himself , that he thought nature would yield unto death , and physick unto his diseases : this gentleman had one only son , who nothing resembled the qualities of his father ; which the old man perceiving , he caused him to be called to his bed side , and the chamber being voided , he brake with him in these terms . . my son thou art too young to die , and i am too old to live , and therefore as nature must of necessity pay her debt to death , so must she also pay her devotion to thee ; whom i alive , had to be the comfort of mine age , and whom alone i must leave behind me , to be the only monument of my name , and honour . if thou couldst as well conceive the care of a father , as i can level at the nature of a child , or were i as able to utter my affection towards thee , as thou oughtest to shew thy duty to me , then wouldst thou desire my life , to enjoy my counsel ; and i should correct thy life , to amend thy conditions : yet so tempered , as that neither rigour might detract any thing from affection in me , or fear any whit from thee in duty . but seeing my self so feeble , that i cannot live to be thy guide , i am resolved to give thee such counsel as may do thee good : wherein i shall shew my care , and discharge my duty . my good son , thou art to receive by my death wealth , and by my counsel wisdom ; and i would thou wert as willing to imprint the one in thy heart , as thou wilt be ready to bear the other in thy purse : to be rich is the gist of fortune , to be wise the grace of god. have more mind on thy books ▪ than on thy bags , more desire of godliness than gold , greater affection to die well , than live wantonly . ii. behave thy self as becomes one of thy birth , for if thou vauntest of thy linage , and titular dignity , and wantest the virtues of thy ancestors , thou art but as a base serving man , who carries on his sleeve the badge of some noble family , yet is himself but an ignoble person . in which respect aristotle discoursing of nobility , makes four parts thereof ; the first of riches , the second of blood , the third of learning , the fourth of vertue . and to the two last he ascribeth the first place of true gentry , because boors may be rich , and rakehels may be of ancient bloud , but vertue and knowledge cannot harbour , but where god and nature hath left their noble endowments . it was the saying of old english chaucer , that to do the gentle deeds , that makes the gentleman . have what thou wilt , without these thou art but a three-half-penny fellow : gentry without virtue is blood indeed , but blood without fat , blood without sinews ; blood is but the body of gentility , excellency of vertue is the soul : and as vertue is the high way to honour , so without it honour falls down in the dust : and therefore when hermodius a nobleman born , but of a deboist life , upbraided the valiant captain iphicrates , for that he was a shoomakers son , he knowing that it was more commendable , to be made honourable for vertue , than born noble by blood , replyed , in me my gentility begins , in thee thine ends . be the birth never so base , yet honesty and vertue is free from disgrace ; be the birth never so great , yet dishonesty and vice is subject to dishonour : therefore since thou art well descended by thy birth , prove not base , either by bad vices of thine own , or lewd devices of other men : take thy great birth , to be an obligation of great vertue ; suit thy behaviour unto it ; ennoble thy parentage with piety ; and since true honour must come of thy self , and not of others worth ▪ work out thine own glory by performing good deeds ; and stand not upon what thou dost borrow of thy predecessors , if thou reach not the goodness of those which gave thee outward glory , and dost not so much honour thy house , with the glory of thy vertues , as thy house hath honoured the with the title of thy degree ; but dost as a noisom weed grow the ranker because thou springest out from a rich soil , know thou art but a wooden dagger , put into a gaudy sheath , to help fill up the place , when that of good metal is lost , and can no more be found . if thou dost not learn patri●are , and let my vertue mix with thy blood ; know thou art but as a painted fire , which may become the wall , but gives no light to the beholder : and that the greater my honour and reputation was , the greater will thy blemish be , if thou come short of my merits : for thou art guilty of neglecting so good a president . remember what dionysius king of sicily said to his son , whom he knew to have committed adultery , didst thou ( saith he ) euer find such a thing in thy father ? the son ( as though he would make his height and grandeur , a priviledge of looseness , and as though it were no matter whether men were good , so they were great , ) answered , oh ( said he ) you had not a king to your father , neither ( said the father ) shall thy son , except thou turn over a new leaf , and take a better course , ever be king. and again remember what king edward the first said to john earl of athol , who was nobly descended , having committed a murther upon john cominaeus , the higher thy calling is , the greater must be thy fall , and as thou art of higher parentage , so shalt thou be the higher hanged : and so he was on a gallows . foot high . and as i would have thee remember the foregoing examples , so likewise this ensuing one , of boleslaus the fourth king of poland , who bore the picture of his father hanged about his neck in a plate of gold , and when he was to do any thing , he took this picture , and kissing it said , dear father , i wish i may not do any thing that is base , or unworthy of thy name . iii. be acquainted with good carriage , let thy behaviour be civil , and inoffensive , unto those in whose company thou art , to that end do nothing which may be unpleasant , and offensive to their senses . and first of the sence of hearing , offend not the ears of the company with talking loud like a clown , for it savours not of a gentleman so to do ; besides , it may draw upon thee , the aspersion of being a fool , according to that graecians saying , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the loudest talkers are none of the wisest men , forbear also singing , especially if thy voice be harsh , and untunable ; for who will be taken with the braying of an ass , or the notes of a cuckow ? if in company thou chance to gape , put thy hand before thy mouth , and continue not thy discourse while thou art gaping , for that is both ridiculous , and to many as offensive , as the gaping of a stinking oyster : neither when thou gapest , yawl , and roar , as some do , for that ill beseems a man ; briefly , as much as in the lies , refrain from gaping often in company , that those thou dost converse with , may not fancy that the oven is gotten into the parlour , or that one of the wide mouthed anticks over the church porch , is come amongst them . neither sneeze or cough too loud , and violently if thou canst help it , but ( if possible ) repress it , lest thou besprinkle with the dew of thy lungs , his face that stands by thee . iv. and as thou must not offend the sence of hearing , so likewise thou must neither offend that of seeing ; be not seen with a drop hanging at thy nose , like an iceicle on the eaves of an house ; neither pick thy teeth , or blow thy nostrils aloud , when thou sittest at the table , nor look into thine handkerchief , as if thou hadst blown out a pearl , or carbuncle ; neither when thou dost arise from thence , openly unbutton , or unhasp thy breeches , as if thou wert in hast to ease nature ; nor return to the company , from the necessary house in the garden , with thy hose untied ; for this carries with it a shew of immodesty in thy self , and of disrespect to others ; let not therefore the impudent dog that cares not before whom he exonerates his belly , be thy president , but rather let the modest cat be a pattern to thee of more civility , which , as soon as me hath eased her self , doth presently hide and bury her excrements . if thou art walking with any one , and shalt see any thing that 's filthy in the way , thou shalt not presently turn and shew it him ; neither shalt thou bring any odious or loathsom thing to others , that they may see it or smell to it . v. for thou must be careful that thou offend not this sence of smelling also ; never at the table smell to the meat that 's carved to thee ; for this is very offensive , to those that have invited thee , and seems to put an affront upon them , as if what they had provided for thine entertainment did stink : i remember how a lady returned the affront upon a gentleman that did so ; for when she espyed him to smell to the meat she had carved to him , she said aloud before all her guests , sir , if you smell any thing that is offensive , it is your own breath reflected from your trencher . vi. the next sence is that of tasting , which thou must take heed of offending ; never give him to whom thou drinkest , an empty cup or glass ; for that will argue to many an empty pericranium : neither give to any one a pear , an apple , a peach , or an apricock , which thou hast bitten ; let kings only have their tasters . smack not with thy lips in chewing thy meat , for so feeds the swine at his trough ; neither let thy fingers be knuckle deep in the sauce , for that is loathsom , and savours of slovenry , or that thou hast been better fed than taught . rub not thy bread between thine hands into crums and mammocks , as if thou wert rather to feed chickens than thy self ; but especially abstain from doing so , when thou art to put thy bread into a mess of broth , or cream , brought to the table , lest the sweating of thy hands may seem to make it bread and butter too . vii . let thy man that waits on the at the table , observe these instructions ; when he gives thee wine , beer , or ale , let him not clum the glass or cup , in his fist , but with an even and steady hand , present it to thee on a fair plate or trencher ; and be sure that he fills them not over-full , for that is called piss-pot measure : tell him that he must not cough , spit , or sneeze , when he presents thee that liquor which thou callest for , and that he must not be slippery fingered , for so he may sauce thy cloaths ; the first thing to be learned in falconry , is , to hold fast . when he takes a tost , or a rosted apple from the fire , he must not blow upon it to blow off the ashes , for men are wont to say , that there is never wind without some water : let him rather strike off , and brush off the ashes . let him be neat in his cloaths , let his hands and face be clean , for the slovenry of the servant , redounds to the shame and disgrace of the master ; and men will be apt to say , like master , like man. briefly , if thou wouldst have him to be a good serving man indeed , urge him to observe these four things , . speak when i speak to thee . . come when i call thee . . do what i bid thee . . shut the door after thee . but to return to thy self , and to the last sence , which is of touching , or feeling . viii . and this sence thou must as little offend as any of the other four : when thou art talking with another , stand not so near unto him , that thou maist touch him with thy breath , for thy breath may peradventure offend him , more than thy words may please him : neither in thy discourse sulch him , or punch him with thy elbows , as if thou wouldst rather beat it into his sides , than into his ears ; for this is prodigiously offensive to personages of quality ▪ besides these , there are also things done without any peculiar trouble to the sences , and yet they displease most men and therefore are to be avoided . ix . sleep not in that place where there is good company , which may delight , or teach thee by their discourses ; lest either thou maist seem to have taken a cup of nimis , or little regardest the present company ; or their talk ; besides it is often seen , that sweat runs down the faces , and spittle down the beards of such sleepers , which is no pleasant sight , and they commonly snort and rout which is no pleasant hearing . x. pull not out of thy pocket now this letter or epistle , now that , neither take a book by thy self in the window , and read it ; nor compose thy whole body to cut thy nails with thy scissers or thy knife , as if thou esteemest not those who are with thee , or their discourse ; and therefore to pass away the time , thou seekest for some other imployment or avocation . xi . when thou sittest down , turn not thy back to anothers face , neither rest or lean upon another , as on a prop , making him thy leaning stock , lest thou receive the like taunt , which a gentleman passed upon a clown , that leaned hard upon him , pray friend when you have done with my shoulder , let me have it again . xii . imitate as much as thou canst the custom of thy country , and people , in the adorning and attire of thy body , although the cloaths that are used are of less profit , or are not so fit unto the body as the old were , or did seem to be ; if all the country cut their hair short , i would not have thee wear thine long , and if they wear long hair , i would not have thee clip thine even to thy ears , which would make thee shew like a duckatoon , as mr. cleaveland doth express it . for that is to be singular and contrary unto others , which thou shouldst not be , unless it be by some necessity , for this will render the most ridiculous and contemptible unto others , and prove thee to be as humoursom as the cynick diogenes , who would always go against a crowd , because he would be contrary to all others : it is better in many things to swim with the stream , than crosly and perversly with the sturgeon , always swim against it : for thou wilt be accounted nothing , if thou opposest the publick customs of all . do thou therefore accommodate , or fashion thy self unto them , in a certain mediocrity , and be not thou the only he in thy country , who hast thy coat hanging down to thy ankles , when others have it scarce hanging down to their knees , neither wear it very short , when others wear it very long : let not thy beaver be made with a steeple crown , whilst the crowns of other mens hats are flat and couchant , lest they that meet thee take thee for a stalking antick , or an image broke loose from an old piece of arras . let thy cloaths be neat , fit , and fashionable , not over-gaudy , that the wiser sort of men may not take the for the kings jester . when one was at the printing house , busie to prepare a course treatise for the press , whose margin was all filled with citing of authors , a learned man came in , to whom he presented a sheet , desiring him to peruse it , and give him his true judgment of it , the gentleman having cast his eye over the paper , told him , that the lace was better than the cloth ; to apply this , i know that many gallants of the town , upon the coorsest cloth set the richest lace , which i take to be a great vanity , and therefore not sit for thy imitation ; rather let the cloth thou wearest be rich , and thou thy self the best triming to it . xiii . wear not clothes or jewells , which are not fit for thy place or degree ; there are some who wear chains of gold about their necks , rings upon their fingers , their garments being hung with jewells , who will be clothed in purple for ostentation , and fine linen for delectation , who will go beyond their degree and place , beyond the rate of their living , the state of their calling , and the rule of good laws , so that they seem to be great and noble men , when they are no better than a pitiful barber , or some finical french dancing master ; resembling the foxes and polecats , whose cases are more worth than their whole bodies besides : he never goes seemly , that cuts not his coat according to his cloth. xiv . love not thy self too much , and above measure , for if thou dost , there will be left no place in thine heart , to love others as thou shouldst : neither be scornful , nor disdainful ; for to live with scornful and disdainful men , whose friendship is as easily broken as a rotten thread , is not to live with them as friends , but as slaves . spernere mundum , spernere nullum , spernere sese , spernere se sperni , quatuor ista beant , if thou despise the world thy self , if thou none else despire , if thou despise , thou art despis'd , these four will make the wise . xv. i therefore advise thee to be humble , humility is of an excellent good nature , and hath a singular obligingness in its constitution , it will make thee acceptable to all men ; dost thou not see how intolerable the proud are , and what is the reason of it ? but because they scorn all that are not of their rank ; they cannot be obliged , because they think , that whatsoever thou dost is due to their merit ; they would be beloved by all , without loving any ; they will command in all companies , they will teach all , but learn of none ; they are incapable of gratitude , and think thou art honoured sufficiently for all thy services , if they do but receive them , and give thee a gracious nod ; but the humble man is the most agreeable person upon earth , thou obligest him by a good word , which he thinks he does not deserve ; he is thankful for the smallest courtesie , had rather obey than rule , he is desirous to learn of the meanest scholar , he despises none but himself ; he loves though he be not beloved , and thinks nothing too much to do for them that esteem him , and have shewed him any civilities ; of all vices pride is the worst , especially where it is not backt with worth and good parts : aristotle espying a rich young man , but altogether unlearned ; strutting along the streets , with a proud affected gate , and his eyes so elevated towards heaven , as if he would have snuft up the moon , came to him , and whispering him in the ear , said friend such as thou thinkest thy self to be , i wish i were ; but to be as thou art , i wish only to mine enemy . pride is like the precedency of funerals , he that puts himself foremost is likely the mourner : king lewis the eleventh was wont to say , when pride rides in the saddle , shame and confusion rides on the crupper . he that climbs high had need take heed to his sure footing , for the higher he mounts the greater will be his squelsh . xvi . thou mayst erre divers ways in thy discourse , to the end therefore that thou mayst avoid it , i will give thee these following instructions . let not thy talk be frivolous , but especially let it not be lewd , it is a deadly sign or symptom when a mans filthy excrements come forth at his mouth ; one observes , that the discourses of some are so foul and obscene , that some one or other as little acquainted with god , as themselves , will be apt to conclude , that nature spoiled them in the making , in setting their mouths at the wrong end of their bodies : and certainly it is a sign of a corrupted and putrisied soul within , whence there steems out so much odious and stinking breath . it becomes honest men to please others with civil and chast language . neither let thy talk by any means be against god or his saints , his word or his ministers either in jest or in earnest , for if thou talk so in earnest , thou wilt shew thy self atheistical , and if in jest , thou wilt thereby shew thy self profane : leave this , and domnation to boot , to the hectors of the times . i my self have many times observed , that some ( who i am perswaded truly feared and adored the majesty of the most high ) have often forsook the place , where there was as well talk of god as against him . neither do thou call the dreadful and omnipotent god for a witness to every frivolous matter , nor do thou in thy familiar discourse , swear vainly by his most sacred name ; he that usually swears to gain credit , will be sure to lose it . for as we say , shew me a lyer , and i will shew thee a thief ; so we may say , shew me a common swearer , and i will shew thee a common lyer : this horrid vice like a two edged sword will do thee mischief two ways ; for it will make thee odious first to god , and then also to all good men . begin no talk before thou hast considered the form of it in thy mind , true consideration is the tutor both to acting and speaking , and a great enemy both to untimely actions and narrations : consider therefore the matter of thy discourse , the manner of it , the end of it , the persons of whom , and to whom thou speakest . 't was sound and good counsel , that the lyrick poet gave us in one of his epistles , quod de quiq viro , & cui dicas saepè caveto . when thou dost talk of any man take care . of whom , to whom , and what thy speeches are . at merry meetings shun the relating of melancholy matters , but let thy discourse be genial and frolick fit for such times and places ; it were far better to be silent , than to relate such things as may contristate their minds , who are met only for the sake of mirth and jollity ; neither do thou at a feast preach temperance , or talk at the table of nauseous things , for these are as much the tricks and devices of a glutton , as it would be for a man to spit in his pottage , that he might eat them all by himself , and deter others from eating with him : briefly , when thou art in company observe these two things , first , hold no arguments . secondly , lay no wagers . for these have often been the breach of friendship . take heed that thou do not do as those , who have nothing else in their mouths but their children , their wise , their nurse , saying , o how my little boy did move me to laugh yesterday ▪ you never heard one of his age talk so wittily in your life , neither did you ever see a boy more amiable than my little tommy : but especially run not out in the commendations of thy wife , what a good huswife she is , what a wise and understanding woman , and how beautiful , and yet how chaste she is , that never man had her peer , this is as great a folly as to brag of thy gold amongst thieves and robbers : remember how it cost candaules dear , even his life , for shewing his beautiful wife to gyges . besides no body can be so idle , as to answer these things , or to give his mind to such trifles , and there is no one but must needs be affected with trouble to hear them . use not in thy discourse certain common places and themes wherein thou art good , but shalt want variety , which kind of poverty is for the most part tedious , and when once found out and observed ridiculous ; thou must talk of many matters not always harp upon one string , he that always sings one note without descant , breedeth no delight ; he that always plays one part bringeth loathsomness to the ear , it is variety that moveth the minds of all men ; vary therefore and intermingle thy speech with reasons , tales , asking of questions , telling of opinions , and mixing jest with earnest , for it is a dull thing to tire and as we say to jade any thing too far . recite not thy stories again and again , for this is as nauseous as it would be to feed a man , as a nurse doth her child with meat chewed over and over ; though the rose be sweet , yet being tyed with the violet the smell is more fragrant , though meat nourisheth , yet having good sauce it provoketh appetite , the fairest nosegay is made of many flowers , the finest picture of sundry colours , the wholesomest medicine of divers ingredients , and so the best discourse consists of various things . my son , as for jesting there are certain things , which ought to be priviledged from it ; namely religion ( of which i have already spoken ) matters of state , great persons , any mans present business of importance , and any case that deserveth pity : for to jeer at him that is miserable is inhumane , and as great a cruelty , as it would be to flea a man first , and afterwards to salt him . yet there are some that think their wits have been asleep , unless they dart out something that is piquant , and to the quick : this is an humour which should be bridled , and generally men ought to find the difference between saltness and bitterness ; certainly he that hath a satyrical vein , as he maketh others afraid of his wit , so hath he need to be afraid of others memory . to jest is tolerable , but to do hurt by jesting is insufferable ; yet many there are , that will lose their friend rather than their jest , or their quibble , pun , punnet , or pundigrion , fifteen of which will not make up one single jest . this like cursed cham , first lays open a mans nakedness , and then exposes it to the scorn and laughter of others . as there are some who cannot jest , so there are others who cannot bear a jest , of whom beware , lest whilst thou breakest thy jest they break thy pate : non tutum est scribere in eos , qui possunt proscribere ( said an old roman ) which is in effect ▪ as much as to say , meddle not with those that can avenge themselves upon thee , for thy drollery upon them ; they that will irritate such wasps , may smart by their stings , but shall never taste of their honey . qui mockat mockabitur , though it be but a piece of mock-latine , yet it is experimentally found to be a serious truth ; for those that will be always jeering and flouting at others , commonly meet with a match for their game cock : as amongst an hundred more will appear by this one instance ; three vniversity youngsters , who because they had run through the predicables and predicaments , thought themselves as wise as solomon , had gotten into the best room in an inn , where they were very merry , after them came riding into the same inn a grave country parson with a long white beard , and being alone , craved leave by mine host to be admitted into their company ; to which they gladly condescended , resolving within themselves to make themselves very merry with the old country rat , as they termed him ; whom coming into their room they thus accosted , the first with a low lout said , welcome father abraham , the second , welcome father isaac , the third , welcome father jacob , to whom the old stager replied , gentlemen , you are all mistaken ; for i am neither abraham , isaac , nor jacob , but my name is saul , who hath been seeking my fathers asses , and lo here i have found them . there are some that will answer others contrary to what they expect , and that without any wit at all ; as if one shall ask of a servant , where is thy master ? he should answer in his skin : how doth the wine taste ? as if it were moist : how camest thou hither ? upon my legs . these and many other like these avoid carefully ; it is better to say nothing than that which is nothing worth . when any one of thy company tells a story , take heed thou rejoyn not ( as some usually do ) saying now , sir , you have done telling your story , i will tell you another , and it is a true one ; for that is little better than to give him the lye : and may with some hot spurs give them a ground to quarrel with thee . when thou dost relate a tale or jest , omit the oaths that are sometimes mingled with it ; for he that would cleanly and safely feed , will first pare his apple , and then cut out the core , and what is worm-eaten . if thy merry tales , witty sayings , and pleasant jests are not approved of by the laughter of those that are with thee , thou shalt forthwith leave : briefly laugh not out at thy own jests , for this will sooner make thy self ridiculous , than thy company merry . be not impertinent as some , who when they relate a story , will say him of whom i speak , was the son of this or that man , who lives in such a place , do you not know the man ? he hath a wife and children , he is a tall man , and something ancient ; truly if you know him not , you know no body , i know such a man knows him very well : all this is but beating about the hedge , but no catching the bird. in thy discourse thou must use as much as thou canst words that are proper , and express a thing according to art ; that thou mayst not therefore talk like a clown in the company of gentlemen , i advise thee to be skilful in the terms of heraldry , hawking and hunting , lest thou make thy self as ridiculous by using improper terms , as the frenchman was , when he called to the maid to cleanse his chamber , saying , he had untrust a point there . never talk french , latine , or italian at the table , or in the company of those who understand neither of these languages ; for this will either argue ostentation in thy self , or make those with whom thou dost converse jealous , that thou talkest no good of them . i have heard of one that was fitted in his kind for this folly , who drinking to a grave matron , said , come , madam , here is an health omnibus nebulonibus , & nebulonibus nostris , to whom she replied , i thank you , sir , not forgetting your father and your mother . use not flat and mean expressions , when thou art talking of great and illustrious things , or such as require more full ones . when seneca heard a dull fellow describing a tempest at sea , after a very mean rate , he laught at him , and told him ; sir , i have seen a greater tempest in a pail of milk than you have described . of this fault also was that french man guilty , who styled christ the dauphin of heaven : and he who called the sun the lanthorn of the world , of the two he had been better to have said the moon ; for few men make use of a lanthorn by day , unless it be as diogenes did to seek for an honest man. another there is who tells us , that the body is the socket of the soul , which is but a greasie and stinking metaphor ; and a thousand more like these could i here reckon up to thee , but the following one shall serve for all , which is this , i remember that when i was a school-boy one of my fellows was well whipt , because in a copy of verses upon the gunpowder treason , he called guydo fawks for attempting to blow up the parliament ▪ house , a very knave . werefore remember i advise thee to adequate and adapt all thine expressions , as the grandeur of the matter that thou speakest of doth duely require . begin no talk , unless thou art able to continue it , lest thou do as that rump-parliament-man , who all the while he sate in the house , would start up at every thing proposed , and say , mr. speaker , i conceive , and so without speaking any more words would sit down again ; upon which another member of the house stood up , and said , mr. speaker , this gentleman doth still conceive , but hath never strength to bring forth . farther , be sure to know when to begin talk , and when to end it , that thou mayst avoid that vice , which songsters are guilty of , who being intreated will scarce sing sol fa , but not desired will strain above ela ; for which the satyrist doth thus stigmatize them , — they can't abide to sing a song , if they 're intreated , but they 'll ne're give o're , if not desired — be not thou either so morose as not to talk at all , or if thou hast once begun so tedious as never to make an end , but to keep a perpetual noise as crickets do in the chimney-corner ; a man had as good have a drum always beating in his ears , as be troubled with such impertinent coxcombs . the wisdom next to speaking well , is to know when to begin and when to end ; therefore keep measure in thy communication , if thou art too brief thou shalt not be understood , if too long thou wilt be tedious . xvii . neither do thou follow the example of those , who will prefer themselves in all things above others , who will put themselves in the best beds , in the best chambers , and in the highest places , & will like nothing but what they themselves invent or do , but will set aside and suspend others with a jest , and will have themselves accounted best in solemn feasts or banquets , in horsmanship , in plays , and in all refreshments of the body and exercises of the mind to excel all others , and boast much of what they have , and what they have done ; which things are odious , and therefore i advise thee to avoid them : and remember that nothing makes a mans breath stink worse than commendations of himself . speech of thy self ought to be seldom and well chosen . i knew one , saith sir francis bacon , who was wont to say in scorn ; he must needs be a wise man he speaks so much of himself : and there is but one case wherein thou mayst commend thy self with good grace , and that is in commending vertue in another , especially if it be such a vertue whereunto thou thy self pretendest . never speak well of thy self , unless thou be taxed for any dishonesty by a slanderous tongue ; for a man may tell his slanderer , that he is as honest a man as himself , or any of his generation ; and if a man shall say i am an honest man , he is not to be taxed of vain-glory ; but if he say i am a learned man , or i am a wise man , he will shew himself to be very vain ; so then a man may praise himself as to his morals , but not as to his intellectuals . xviii . resemble not those , who when a question is proposed unto them , are so long before they give their opinion , that they prove very troublesom in making a very long circumstance or excuse , saying , sirs , i am the unworthiest and the unlearnedest in the whole company , here are gentlemen who are far worthier and far more learned than i am , and are better able to answer the question propounded ( when indeed he is by the confession of all , the learnedest there , and best able to give a resolution ) yet for the sake of obedience i shall willingly submit my self to your commands , whilst these and many other vain preambles are made , they put a stop to the present business , and in that time the question might have been answered : when a fidler is long and tedious in tuning his fiddle , who will care for his musick ? xix . be not thou like those who are so heady , sharp , sullen , and rough , that nothing can please them , howsoever or by whomsoever it is done ; who , whatsoever is said unto them , do answer with a grim or sower countenance ; and in whosoevers company they are , chide their servants , nay sometimes beat them , so that they disturb the whole company , to whom all humours are odious , but what are debonaire : and to jar , scold , and ruffle with those about thee , just when thy guests are ready to sit down at thy table , is as if thou shouldst scrape thy trenchers to set their teeth on edge , before they begin to eat their meat : be not angry at thy table whatsoever happens , but rather contain thy self and dissemble it , lest there should a sign of trouble appear in thy countenance , and so thy guests be induced to believe , that some in the company are not so welcome as they should be : but rather be merry and facetious at thy meals , for this like poynant sauce will make thy meal the more savoury . xx. be not contrary to others desires , neither oppose the delights of others ; when they talk of what sports they most delight in , do not thou undervalue them , nor , if they desire thee to make one at their recreations , refuse their desires ; for that argues morosity ; complacency is hugely pleasing to all those , with whom we converse , and one jarring string spoils the harmony of a whole set of musick . xxi . be not rough or strange but rather pleasant and familiar , accustom thy self to salute every one very kindly , to talk with them and answer them very pleasantly and familiarly ; it is a true token of nobility and the certain mark of a gentleman to be courteous to all , and especially to strangers . themistocles was so full of courtesie , that he never entred the market-place , without saluting every citizen by his name , or some other friendly compellation ; as a bell is known by the sound , so is a mans gentility by his courteous affability . ferdinando king of spain was wont to say , that proud looks lose hearts , but courteous words win them . courtesie will drew unto thee the love of strangers , and the good liking of thine own country-men . xxii . avoid the custom of many , who will always be of a sad countenance , and will never be merry with their friends , but refuse all things that are offered to make them merry , and when any one sends commendations unto them , they will answer the messenger , what am i the better for his commendations ? and if any one tells them that such or such a friend of late asked for them , whether they were in good health or no , they will answer he may come and see if he please . xxiii . thou must not be melancholy , and thoughty in that place , where any one is , as if thou wert snatcht and placed without thy self ; yea although this may be born with in those , who have spent many years , in the consideration and contemplation of the liberal arts and sciences , yet i tell thee in others without doubt , it is not to be approved of , yea thou dost well at that time , in which thou thinkest to meditate , to go in from the company of others , either into thy study or some other solitary place , the solitary nightingale sings sweetest , when all other birds are fast asteep . xxiv . be not of too nice and delicate a mind , and too precise in thy discourse , for i say that talk with such men , as are so , is rather a bondage than an equal society : there are some who are so nice and curious in all their words and actions , that to live and converse with them , is no other than to be surrounded with brittle glasses , so that men greatly fear to touch them , they must handle and observe them very softly and gently , they must fitly and carefully salute them , visit them , and answer their questions , otherwise they will be very angry ; they are so delighted with their titles , that unless any one shall have them at his fingers ends , and use them at every word , they will be displeased , nay they will scarce answer him , or if they do it will be thus , i truly ( as thou knowest ) am called master , but thou dost forget to put a m under thy girdle . take heed of lying , for if thou usest this vice often , thou wilt lose thy credit amongst all men ; the persians and indians deprived him of all honour and further speech , that lyed . homer writeth of the great and valiant captain achilles , that he did more abhor lying than death : remember how that the cretans for lying became a by-word to the whole world ; much less do thou add to thy lying execrable wishes ; munster writeth of popiel the second , king of poland , who had ever this word in his mouth ▪ if it be not true , i would the rats might eat me , but shortly after being at a banquet , he was so fiercely assailed by rats , that neither his guard , fire , or water could preserve him from them . neither be thou like those jesters , who practice lying and telling strange inventions of their own , which are most false , to please for a time the hearers ; nor like those who devise and spread false news , and account it good sport to deceive the simple ; but be thou slow to tell news and tales ; whatsoever thou seest or hearest of others , either meddle not with it , but strive to be quiet and do thine own business ; or if it so concern thee , that thou must needs speak of it , take heed that thou do not mistake any part of it , many things are so spoken , that they may be taken well or ill , yea and what can be said but some one or other may turn it into an evil meaning ? as the spider that out of the best flowers will suck some poison : but be thou of the mind to take every thing the best way , and as it were by the right handle ; knowing that it is the devils property to make the worst of every thing . thou mayest be deceived in what thou hearest another speak ; because thou canst not see the heart and meaning of the person , much more in that which thou hast of him by hear-say , for reports are commonly very faulty , and seldom hold truth in all points ; and those that told it thee , are apt to deny it again , if thou hast not witness , and so thou mayest run thy self into great trouble : therefore imitate epimenides the painter , who after his return from asia , being enquired of news , answered , i stand here to sell pictures not to tell news . neither follow thou the example of vain travellers and praters , who meerly out of vanity , and because they would say something , set such things as they have seen or heard upon the tenter-hooks , stretching them most palpably beyond all credit , or coining incredible things out of their own mint , that never before saw any light , and have no more affinity with truth , than the opinion of copernicus of the motion of the earth ; or that relation of our country-man of the new world in the moon , or of domingo gonzales , and his flight thither upon the wings of his ganzas : i have read of a knight ( who shall be nameless ) that rendred himself ridiculous by this means ; for using to make multiplying glasses of what he in his long and great travels had observed , ▪ professed that he once conversed with a hermite who was ( in the opinion of all men ) able to commute any metal into gold with a stone he kept still hanging at his girdle : and being asked of what kind it was , and not readily answering , the witty lord of saint albans standing by said , he did verily believe it was a whet-stone . make not lies upon thy self as many do , boasting vain-gloriously of themselves , praising their knowledge and bragging of what great acts they have done , as if they only were wise , when alas it is well known they are otherwise ; such men may fitly be compared to the bell in the clock-house at westminster , which had this inscription about it , king edward made me , thirty thousand and three , take me down and weigh me , and more shall ye find me . but when this bell was taken down and weighed , this and two more , were found not to weigh twenty thousand : such vain-glory as this being like a window cushion specious without , but stuft with hay within , or some such trash ; wherefore when a souldier bragged of a wound in his forehead , augustus asked him , whether he did not get it , when he lookt back as he fled . xxvi . go not vauntingly and proudly as some , who go as if they were the only men of their country , and speak and look very high and losty when they have scarce any home to go to , or any thing to maintain their highness and lostiness , imitating the spaniards who are highly conceited of themselves , great braggers , and extreamly proud even in the lowest ebb of fortune , which appeareth by the tale of the poor cobler on his death bed , who commanded his eldest son coming to him for his last blessing , to endeavour to retain the honour worthy so noble a family ; also a woman of that country attended on by three of her brats , went a begging from door to door some french merchants travelling that way , and pitying her case , offered her to take into their service the bigger of her boys , but she proud , though poor , scorning ( as she said ) that any of her lineage should endure an apprentiship , returned this answer , that for ought she or any knew her son ( simple as he stood there ) might live to be king of spain ; such braggadocios as these , are like the peacock , who though he be hatched on a dunghill , yet is he the proudest of birds : nay some of these are so proud that they are ashamed of their parents , resembling those beasts who think themselves well hid , if they can but hide their heads : never remembring sir thomas moor who being lord chancellor in his time , and consequently in an office , next and immediately to the king himself , and having his own father living , and at that time but one of th● inferiour judges of the kings bench ( that then was ) never went to westminster hall , to sit in the chancery there , but he would go up to the kings bench , where his father then sate , and there on his knees would ask him blessing before a multitude of beholders ; so little was he ashamed of his father , though then in a far lower condition than himself . xxvii . take heed of being too ceremonious and complemental , lest thou give others an occasion to think , that thou art full of craft because thou art full of courtesie ; the bowings , bendings , and cringings of some resemble but such gestures as men use when they go about to catch ●otterils : yet there are some cere●●●●es in giving men their due titles of honour , according to their several degrees , either when we write to them , or talk with them , which we cannot omit , without the imputation of being ill-bred : thou must not write to a knight or an esquire thus , to mr. b. g. knight , or esquire , but must call the one right-worshipful , the other worshipful ; nor must thou stile a lord right worshipful , but right honourable , or a king or prince right honourable , but in discourse thou shalt say to a king , and it please your majesty , to a prince , and it like your highness , to a lord , and it like your honour , to a knight or an esquire , and it like your worship , to an arch-bishop , and it like your grace , to a bishop , and it please your lordship , and the one thou must stile the most reverend , the other the right reverend father in god : give therefore to every one his due title , which doth properly belong to him , for as we must not clip money nor embase it , so neither must we detract any thing from the honour of any person whatsoever : neither must we give to tradesmen and mechanicks , or other persons of low degre● such titles as are too big for them to ●●ar ; for that were to take a gyants cloaths , and put on upon the back of a pigmie . ( my son ) not to use ceremonies , or complements at all is to teach others not to use them again ; and so diminisheth respect unto thy self ; especially they must not be omitted to strangers , and formal natures : but the labouring too much to express them , doth lose their grace , for that must be natural and unaffected , and the dwelling upon them , and exalting them above the moon , is not only tedious , but will diminish thy faith and credit : for ( as one says ) men had need to beware , how they be too perfect in complements ; for be they never so sufficient otherwise , their enviers will be sure to give them that attribute , to the disadvantage of their greater virtues ; yet certainly , there is a kind of conveying of effectual and imprinting passages amongst complements , which is of singular use if a man can hit upon it . amongst thy peers thou shalt be sure of familiarity , and therefore it is good a little to keep state , amongst thy inseriours thou shalt be sure of reverence , and therefore it is good a little to be familiar : too much of either will breed contempt : briefly , let not thy behaviour be like a verse , wherein every syllable is measured , but like thine apparel , not too straight , or point device , but free for exercise and motion : using ceremonies and complements as a taylour doth clothes , which he doth so cut and join together , until at length he maketh them fit for the body ; so thou must cut off superfluous ceremonies and complements , and take only those that are decent for thee to use . xxviii . take heed of slandering another , or poisoning his reputation , or reporting evil things of him , or of carrying tales and false accusations , this will make thee most odious , if thou dost use it , for those to whom thou dost report slanderous tales of others , will think that thou wilt report slanderous tales of them unto others , and so they will abhor thee . xxix . oppose no man whilst he is talking or disputing , which many use to do ; there shall not a word drop from anothers tongue , but they presently will take it up , and oppose him , and contend with him , and say it is not true , or it is not so as he reports it , the man was not so and so , nor the things thus ; truly it is a sign of a man not well educated , nor well learned ; for every one loves victory and will hardly be overcome , as well in words as in deeds : besides it begets nothing but hatred and disdain : wherefore thou wert far better to yield to the opinion of others , especially in things of small moment , and which perhaps do not concern thee : the victory in this kind is loss , for the victor in any frivolous question doth in the mean while oft lose a loving friend , as ixion lost his juno to grasp an empty cloud . xxx . if thou art desired at any time to dispute of any thing , in whosoevers company it be , thou shalt do it after a pleasing manner ; thou must not desire the commendation of thy wit , in being able to hold all arguments , but of thy judgment , in discerning what is true ; thou must not think it praise enough to know what might be said , but what should be thought : neither in disputing do thou strive so much as if thou wert more greedy of obtaining the victory , than of discussing and sisting out the truth : neither suffer the heat of disputation to cool and extinguish that of charity and love . xxxi . be not thou like those , who that they may shew themselves subtle , intelligent , and wise men , will always be giving of counsel unto others , always reproving of others , and always disputing with others , and many times they come from words even to blows , and by this means render themselves odious unto all : by their counselling and rebuking of others , they shew that they account themselves wiser than other men , and so indeed such men ought truly to be , for as he is a wise man that will take good counsel , so he is the wiser man that can give it . xxxii . resemble not those , who will pluck up tares out of other mens fields , and all the while they will suffer their own to be overgrown with bryars and nettles : many are most severe to others in their slips and falls to which they themselves are most subject , as appears by johannes cremensis a priest cardinal the popes legate , who in a convocation at westminster called in the year of our lord . inveighed most bitterly against the marriage of priests , and was himself the next night taken in bed with a common harlot , for shame whereof , he got him away leaving all his business at six and seven , without taking leave of any . xxxiii . mock no body with their poverty , lateness or blindness , or any thing they cannot help ; neither do thou imitate either stammerers crook backed or cromp-footed men , neither make a laughing-stock of thy worst enemy , much iess of thy best friend ; thou oughtest not to laugh at one for the sake of recreation and pleasure , nor at the other for the sake of contempt and disdain . xxxiv . thou must not do any thing that is base , unhandsom , or scurrilous , to excite others to laughter , such as the writhing of the eyes , mouth , or face , or the imitating of fools in stage-plays , or puppet-plays ; for this is to make thy self a fool , that wiser men may laugh at thee . xxxv . give no man the lye , lest thou be answered with a stab , or compelled to answer for it by a duel ; for few there are who can pass by such an affront , as king henry the third did , who though simon mounford earl of leicester ( who was of a very testy and cholerick constitution ) gave him the lye to his face , yet he passed it over without revenge , shewing himself thereby to be a king over himself as well as over his subjects . xxxvi . it is not good to excuse another , in that which thou dost know him to have deserved blame ; and if he have erred , thou shalt make that error both yours , and when thou dost admonish him of it , or reprehend him for it , thou shalt say , we have greatly erred , we must remember how we did yesterday commit this or that error , although he alone be guilty of it , and not thou . by this civil and gentle method thou shalt the easier mould him like soft wax to take the impressions of good counsel for the future : a wild heifer is sooner to be tamed with gentle usage than rough handling . xxxvii . as thou respectest thy credit amongst men , be careful to perform thy promises , otherwise they will count thee but a whiffling-fellow , a right honest man will be as much obliged by his word as by his bond ; nothing makes a man more like god than these two things , holiness and truth . to promise and not to perform is to do a lye , and a true gentleman must abhor as well to do a lye as to speak one . it was a foul character which one gave of the neopolitans , who were wont to promise much , but to perform little , viz. that they had wi●emouths , but narrow hands ; promises are debts , and debts are sins if we never pay them . xxxviii . interrupt no one whilst he is talking , either by making of a noise , or by speaking out of thy turn , neither shalt thou cause his talk to be forsaken , or neglected , or slighted by the hearers , either by shewing some new thing , or by calling aside the attention of those that are present any other way ; but be attentive when others talk , lest thou shalt by and by be forced to ask what he said last : if he be slow in expression , thou shalt not run before him , & minister words unto him , as if thou wert rich , and he poor ; many take this in ill part , and especially those who think themselves better masters of their language than thy self . take heed therefore of taking a mans talk out of his mouth ; for as it is a shame for a man to eat his own words , so it is shameful also for a man to eat another mans words out of his mouth : this is as offensive to some as it would be to clap thy hand upon their mouth , when they are about to gape . xxxix . there are some , who though they know least , yet they talk most ; as the weakest wheel in the cart screeks loudest , and the emptiest hogshead gives the greatest sound . wise men refrain from too much talk , fearing lest in talking much , they should erre much : nature hath given us two ears , two eyes , and but one tongue , to the end we should see and hear more than we speak : the tongue is but a small member , yet many times doth more hurt than the whole body besides ; and many a man doth with his tongue cut his own throat . use therefore thine ears and eyes more than thy tongue ; those that are too full of words , render themselves odious ; for it carries in it a certain kind of pride in them , viz. that they esteem themselves more excellent , wiser men , and better learned than those that hear . xl. in talking it is better to further another mans desire , than to hinder it ; wherefore if another be about to tell any thing , thou shalt not say , i know that already , and so by that means break off his discourse ; for though thou dost know it , yet perhaps the rest that are then present do not : neither shalt thou , if thou think any thing that is reported by another , to be a lye , in any wise upbraid him with it , either in word or gesture , either by shaking thy head , or wresting aside thine eyes , or blaring out thy tongue , for this is next of kin to the giving a man the lye. xli . and as immoderate talk doth beget disdain , so too much silence and reservation is odious , and by most men hated . therefore as those who are wont to drink in their feasts and solemnities , an d make themselves merry , do remove those that do not , or will not comply and be merry with them , so those which are too silent and grave , no company will love ; for they seem to the rest to sit as judges and censurers of their words and actions : compliance begets complacency . take therefore thy turn to speak as well as thy turn to hold thy peace . xlii . in questioning much , thou shalt learn much , and content much , but especially if thou apply thy questions to the skill of the persons , whom thou askest , for thou shalt give them occasion to please themselves in speaking , and thou thy self shalt continually gather knowledge : but let not thy questions be troublesom , for that is fit for a poser . xliii . follow not the example of those , who when all are ready to sit down at table , the meat being brought in , will seem to have forgotten to write something , and therefore call for a pen and ink , or run out to make water , desiring the company to stay for him but a pissing while , which must needs give no small trouble or distaste to those who are sharp and hungry . xliv . avoid all kind of vice that may deform thee , and since thou art beautiful , do such things as become thy beauty : let the beauty of thy mind , which consists in chusing vertue , and avoiding vice , set forth that of thy whole body , which consists in favour , colour , and in decent gestures and motions ; beauty when it is not joyned with vertue , is like the feathers of a phoenix , placed on the carcass of a crow : and he or she who is fair without and foul within , may no more justly be thought or called beautiful than a stinking dunghil , because it is covered with snow . xlv . when thou art to go to any place , run not , nor make too much haste , for that is not the part of a gentleman , but of a foot-man . it is observed of the lyon , which is the noblest beast in the forest or desart , that he is never seen to run : as thou mayst know much of a mans disposition by his countenance or meen , so also by his gate ; for thou mayst many times discover a totty pate by the legs that bear it . to walk with thy nose erected , and thine arms always a kembow , like the ears of a pottage pot , will induce such as either meet or follow thee , to censure thee for a proud coxcomb . if thou tread mincingly with thick and short steps , as if thou wert walking upon eggs , they will be apt to believe that thou art a finical self conceited fool. let not thine arms as theirs do that are sowing corn , when thou goest , seem to walk as fast as thy legs , for this will make them account thee for a country-clown ; nor in thy going creep like a snail , or jump like a grashopper , or lift up thy feet too high like a blind mill-horse , neither take wide steps as if thou wert measuring of land , or straddle , lest thou make the ladies suspect that thou art shot between wind and water ; in fine , let thy manner of walking be grave , modest , and no way affected : for this is very decent and comely . my son , these animadversions which i have before mentioned , may seem to thee minute and trifling matters , yet i assure thee in our familiar converse with men , like the filings of gold , they have their weight and price as well as things of a greater mass or bulk ; but to proceed in my advice . xlvi . the next thing is i would not have thee force another man to drink more than he well can ; for this is so far from using him with civility , that it savours rather of such barbarity , as the dutch used at amboyna against our english , whom by putting the brim of an hat under their chins , and pouring water continually upon it , they forced to drink till their bellies were ready to break , and their eyes to start out of their sculls . 't is the noblest entertainment amongst sober and grave , wise and good men , to give every man his own freedom . xlvii . when any visitants of quality come to wait upon thee , withdraw not thy self from their society , but with the greatest civilities entertain them , and let them have all the freedom and the best accommodations thy house will afford ; yet when the bottles like hand-granado's fly about , reserve to thy self thine own liberty : so shalt thou the longer enjoy thy estate , because thy temperance and sobriety will prolong thy days : remember that thou art the master of the house , and not mine host , to drink with all comers as he doth . xlviii . take great care for the preservation of thy good name ; for as thy garment after it hath been once rent and torn is like so still more to be by every nail and tenterhook thou comest near , so will it fare with thy good name , if it be once tainted with just reproach ; nothing is more hardly to be found again , if once 't is lost , than a mans good name or reputation : which one prettily expresseth thus , by this apologue , it happened that upon a time , fire , water , and reputation went to travel together , but before they set forth they considered ( that if they lost one another ) how they might meet again ; fire said , where you see smoak there you shall find me ; water said , where you see flags growing in moorish grounds , there you shall find me ; but reputation said , take heed how you lose me , for if you do , you will run a great hazard never to meet with me again . xlix . to the end therefore that thou mayest keep thy good name , abandon the society of those , which are noted for evil living and lewd behaviour ; for by holding familiarity with such men , thou wilt incur two evils , for either thou shalt be thought such a one thy self , or in a little time shalt really be so , for it is commonly seen , that a man contracts a tincture upon himself , sutable to the conditions of those persons with whom he doth familiarly converse , as those that accompany a collier shall be black , and those who live with a miller shall be white ; it may be said of frequenting ill company , as they were wont to say in a common proverb here in england of going to rome , he that goes to rome once , seeth a wicked man ; he that goes twice , learneth to know him ; but he that goes thrice thither , brings him home with him ; so he that frequenteth wicked company , the first time that he comes amongst them , he sees their courses ; the second time he learns them ; and the third time he commonly brings them home with him . company is good , if it be good company , he that keeps company with lewd and infamous persons , shall be thought a bird of the same feather . it was seneca's observation upon canopus a town in aegypt so branded in old time for variety of all kinds of beastliness and luxury , that he who avoided the vitiousness and debauchery of it could not escape the infamy , the very place administring matter of suspicion : beware of these three b s back . belly . building . l. in reference to the first b the back , take heed how thou consumest thy estate by thy prodigious bravery , some men have been so vain , as to make their garments of a lordship , and have lined them with their farms , and laced them with all the gold and silver which their friends left them ; the barks of such vain fools , like that of the cinamon-tree , are more worth than their truncks : while their variety and several changes of apparel cover a thread bare purse . li. next , in reference to the belly , which is the second b , take heed thou be not like the epicures and belly-gods , velvet-mouth'd and sweet-tooth'd , who are not content with the choicest viands , unless their very sauce be sauced too ; and think they shall be starved , unless the third course be brought to table , and the sweet-meats after that : how many by such luxuries have drawn at length their goods through their guts . such men like cleopatra ( who drinking a health to her antony , swallowed a pearl dissolved in vinegar worth many millions ) gulch down their estates by gulps , till in the end they come to be glad of a dry crust ; and in conclusion , by keeping too great a house , they keep no house to cover their heads ; and their sat revenues like their rost-meat drips all away : the purses of such prodigals may be said to be poor by their great goings out , while their bellies may be said to be rich by their great comings in . lii . lastly , in reference to building , which is the third b , take heed thou ingage not too far in it , for this will pick a mans purse , as it did the foolish builders in the gospel , who began to build but could not make an end ; and leave their houses desolate , as the slothful mans vineyard , described thus by solomon , lo it was all grown over with thorns , and nettles had covered the face thereof , and the stone walls thereof were broken down . or if they be resident on their houses , it necessitates them to keep a table , which will starve twenty tall men , besides many a mouse : the house being the bigger for the smallness of the kitchin. they can keep but few fires in many chimnies , the smoak comes all out of one hole only : and though a man may see them a far off , yet he cannot smell them nigh at hand ; bread and beef are turned into stones ; the stately roof , the costly pavement , and the curious workmanship , hath pined away hospitality , and brought her into a consumption , not to be recovered : therefore , i advise thee in thy dyet , not to be too curious , nor yet too coorse ; in thy attire not to be too costly nor yet too clownish ; and finally as for thy buildings , let them be useful and commodious , not vain and over sumptuous ; it was a severe but just scoff which the lord treasurer burleigh past upon a knight , that shall not be named , who having built a very stately fabrick , to the great diminution of his estate and revenue , was yet ambitious to entertain the queen at his fine house ; and to that purpose new painted his gates , with his coat of arms and his motto in great golden letters , thus ōia vanitas . the lord treasurer offering to read it , desired to know of the knight , what he meant by ōia , who told him , it stood by contraction for omnia ; whereupon the lord treasurer replied , truly sir i very much wonder that having made your omnia so little as you have , you notwithstanding make your vanitas so large . therefore ( the premises considered ) content thy self ( my son ) with that house i shall leave thee , without any alteration , unless it be for thy convenience . the spaniards think that they cannot curse a man worse , than to say the plague of building light upon thee ; and we have here at home an english proverb , that he who often doth dip his fingers in mortar will lose his nails . liii . there is a fourth thing that is as great a waster , if not a greater , of a mans estate , than any of those three things we last spake of , and that is whoring ; this hath undone many ; the harlot is an horseleech , which if thou hast gold or silver about thee , will never out of thy bosom , till that be out of thy purse ; and hath brought thy hundred to six , as the vsurer adds six to his hundred . nor will she bereave thee of thy goods only , but of thy good name also ; a bad report is ever the whoremasters portion , and even whilst he lives he may be administrator to his own good name , for that dyes before him , and stinks above ground ; yea his reproach is such , as shall not only out-live himself but his posterity likewise : for it shall never be put out , the town and country shall ring of his baseness and dishonesty with the accent of shame . and as harlots will bereave a man of his goods and good name , so will they shorten his days , as ( according to the observation of herbalists ) those plants dye soonest which run most into seed : and so likewise the naturalists have observed , that the salacious sparrows of all birds are shortest lived , by reason of their immoderate and frequent copulation : and assuredly it was not without a mystery , that ( as plutarch informs us in his . rom. quaest . ) the things belonging to funerals were ordered by the roman magistrates , to be sold in the temple of venus . wherefore as the crasie emperour adrian said once inter turbam medicorum pereo , amongst many physitians i perish , so may many a gallant say of himself , by accompanying my self with many strumpets i have ruined my self . for such unclean beasts , like murrain cattle , infect those that herd with them , with such foul diseases as will stick by them , when their best friends give them over ; their very hairs having the falling-sickness , and whereas other men lose their lives , these cast them away ; not so much in hatred to themselves , as love to their mistresses . i have read that jovanni zecca the famous bolognian physician , openly professed by his bills to give a certain antidote against taking of the french pox , and when multitudes flockt to him , for his medecine ( believing that it consisted of pills , potions , diet ▪ drinks , diaphoreticks , salivations , oils , plaisters , electuaries , powders , and other such medicinal ingredients ) he only gave them the picture of a gallant drawn to the life , with his nose eaten off , telling them , that the way how to use this receipt , was , that just as they were about to lye with a lascivious woman , they should take this picture out of their bosoms , and seriously view and consider it , and if this did not preserve them from taking that foul disease , he believed nothing would do it : how much more may i hope , that exposing to thy view the shame and deadliness of this sin , causing the loss of the soul , which is more precious than that of the nose , to make thee loath and abhor those shameful and pernicious courses , and dead all carnal desires in thee of eating those dainty bits , which how savoury soever they seem in the chewing , are so mortiserous when swallowed down . for this sin of carnality not only ruines a mans estate , or impairs his health , but also like a cancer eats into the very soul ; for harlots are the high-way to the devil , when a man looks upon them with desire , he begins his journey , when he sits toying and pratling with them , he mends his pace , and when he lies with them , his journey is at an end . since therefore the exercise of venery is the high way to beggary , to the losing of thy credit and reputation , to he shortning of thy life here , and the eternal loss of it hereafter , avoid it carefully . it is very true what aristotle observes , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the concupiscence of the flesh is less boundless than the unruly sea : one woman is enough for a mans love , two too much for his estate , three too few for his lust . to avoid therefore the temptations of the flesh , i counsel thee not to frequent the company of handsom , but immodest women ; platonick love is but a meer chimaera : if a man sit down and say grace to it , he will soon fall to the flesh that is set before him : to rely then upon the strength of thine own chastity is more rash than wise , and therefore if thou makest profession of not staining thy reputation with the spots of lasciviousness , thou must shun all those that may entice or allure thee thereunto . for as one ingeniously speaks , 't is not only a great piece of folly , but an infinite rashness , to make gun-powder in a smiths shop , and hope to make people believe that there is no danger in it . in the next place . liv. if thou desire to be rich , and continue so , shun high play ; the way to keep what is thine own , is not to covet what is another mans . the common gamester , who is never well at ease any longer than he is shuffling a pack of cards , will at last come to shuffle for his living ; and the dice he delights in will in the end waste his estate to the very bones ; for the palsie ( i mean the shaking of his elbow ) will be his overthrow : and when he hath played away his patrimony he may curse the bones , as well as the whore-master crys out upon the flesh . but some will say they pick out a pretty living by play , indeed they cannot use a fitter term ; for as vultures , they pick and prey upon others : but let them cast up their account , and in the end they shall find , that they put their winnings in a broken bag. make not an occupation of play and pastime , and though thou mayst sometimes recreate thy self ( for a bow too much bended may break ) yet make not an hahit o using generous delights , much less of bass ones . when thou art playing , look not pale for fear to lose , nor be transported with desire to win , lest thou fret , and sume , and disquiet thy self , and so at once lose thy patience together with thy money . therefore assure thy self , that the best cast at dice is to cast them quite away : for he that lays his estate upon the eyes of the dice , will leave a small estate for his own eyes to look upon in the end . lv. beware of flatterers , those that will commend in thee qualities which thou hast not , or too much extol those thou hast ; and will make thee believe , thou dost not know thy own worth , and bless themselves with both their hands , if any thing proceed from thee worthy but meer commendation : thou must not give ear to these claw-backs : but stop their passage , and bend thy brows upon excessive praise ; never courting it otherwise , than as it follows upon just and apparent merit : neither let the praises of others , no not of good men , be a syrup to insolency , but a whetstone to set an edge upon thy good actions , that if it be not so as is reported , yet thou wilt have it so , because men report it . neither let it be musick in thine ears to hear flatterers commend thee , but open thy mouth and reprove these kind of persons ; for some of them level at their own profit , their art is nothing but delightful cosenage : the fox in the fable commended the crow for his sweet notes , to see if he could make him open his mouth , and let fall his provant . these men will spend their tongues to maintain their teeth , they are moths , which will eat out a liberal mans coat , vines , which will cling to the stalks , not for any true love to them , but for their own sustentation and support ; they follow not thee , but thy fortunes , and will not leave thee till they wear thee thred-bare : therefore antisthenes was wont to say , it were better for a man to fall among ravens than among flatterers ; for ravens will eat none but the dead , but these will devour a man while he is alive . again , some of them intend mischief , they flatter thee , that they may circumvent thee , and the more easily effect their malicious projects ; they are like the bees sting , which pricketh deepest when it is fullest of honey . mark how the butcher claweth the ox , when he means to knock him on the head , how the basilisk poysons those on whom he seems to cast an eye of regard , how the crocodile intends to destroy those over whom she weeps and counterfeits compassion , and how the syrens sing when they intend the mariners shipwrack : and by these instances , guard thy self from all such as claw and flatter others ; their words being as soft as oyl , but are indeed very swords . these are those miry dogs that make a man dirty by their sawning upon him . this foul hypocrisie , court holy water , dishonest civility , and base merchandise of praises and commendations is nothing else but gilded treason , carrying thee up , as the devil did our saviour , to the top of a pinnacle only to throw thee down headlong to break thy neck it was an excellent answer ( and if we duly consider the weightiness of it , never a whit the more to be despised , because lycosthenes reports it ) which diogenes gave to his question , who asked him , what beast did bite the sorest , that of wild beasts it was the back ▪ biter , of tame beasts it was the flatterer . by such parasites ( my son ) many young gentlemen are drawn into debauchery either by wine or women , either to haunt the taverns , inns , and alehouses , or else the stews and brothel-houses , and to marry before they are wise . it is said of the bear , that she licks her cubs into form , but these by licking thee with a glozing tongue ( if thou take not the more heedful care ) will utterly spoil and desorm thee . lvi . next to the tame beast the flatterer , beware of the wild one the backbiter ; but because thou canst not hinder him from speaking ill of thee , for his tongue like a mill-clack will stil be waging , that he may grind to powder thy good name , learn therefore to make this good use of his clack as to make thy bread by it ; i mean to live so , that no credit shall be given to the slandering of his lips . let thy conversation be blameless and innocent , so shalt thou gag the teeth of malice it self , that it shall not be able to bite thee : and the consciousness of thine integrity will make thee to despise their calumnies , and to value them no more than a generous lyon doth the barking of a whifling cur. neither wilt thou any more be disturbed at them , than the moon or the sun is ever a whit the more troubled or molested at the noise of an ill favoured ass , when he erects his nose against the clouds , and brays against the bright firmament of heaven . indeed it is the part of a silly mouse , to bite every one , that does but touch him : they may cast a mist upon thy splendour , they cannot extinguish it , as the clouds that rise from moors and fens may take from the sun the aspect of mens eyes , but they cannot deprive it of its own proper light : and at length they all vanish away . and truly the best way to stop a lying slaunderous mouth , is to take no notice at all of such false reports as are cast upon thee ; if thou wilt father another mans bastard , it must pass for thine own child . wherefore please not thine enemies so much , as to make shew thou dost apprehend , that they have wronged thee ; omnis injuria est in sensu patientis . if malice shall see it hath wrought thy vexation , and made thee hurt thy self , it hath that it wished for : cast therefore a smiling contempt upon a false report , let it meet thee as if a glass did encounter a rock . contempt puts ill will out of countenance , makes it withdraw it self , and quickly find its own grave ; whereas to take it to heart is to owne the scandal , and crown the revenge of the author . and thus the back-biter by corroding thy reputation , shall reap no better advantage than the serpent in the fable did , who wore away his teeth by gnawing the file . however be sure to give no just occasion to ill reports of thee , and then thy credit will be impregnable . the forest in that other apologue , had never needed to have complained how she was cut and hackled , had she not lent out of her own self the wood that made the helve to the hatchet ; nor had the eagle felt the shaft sticking at her heart , had she not afforded some of her own plumes to the feathering of it : diamonds are not to be cut ▪ engraved , or pierced without some of their own powder concur to the work of the engraver . as arrows or bullets that are shot into the air higher than our sight , yet touch not heaven , and as they that overthrow temples do not any way hurt the godhead to whom they are consecrated ; so injuries affixed to a wise man return without effect ; and are to him but as cold or heat , rain or hail , the weather of the world . 't is womanish not to endure evil speaking , and therefore king david when he reprehended abishai who would have had him been revenged on shimei for his cursing , said , what have i to do with you o ye sons of zerviah : he calls them from the mother not the father , to shew , that they had too much of the mother in them who were too impatient of evil speeches . lvii . shun slothfulness and idleness , man is born to labour ; therefore nulla dies sine lineâ , follow thy books , look to thy grounds , yoke thine oxen , follow the plough , graft thy trees , behold thy cattel , and devise with thy self , how the increase of them may increase thy profit ; in autumn pull thine apples , in summer reap thy harvest , in the spring trim thy gardens , in winter thy woods : and if thou art desirous of profit , praise , pleasure , or knowledge take pains , study , leave nothing unattempted . no garland is given to the sluggard , thou canst not enter into the temple of glory and honour , but through the temple of virtue and labour : sloth loseth time , dulleth the understanding , nourisheth humours , choketh the brain , and hinders thrift ; exercise burnisheth the mind , without which it will eat it self out by its own rust ; and if the proud man be the devils chair of state , the idle man is his cushion : and as the ox that will not plough is brought to the slaughter-house , so lazy unprofitableness must look for its slaughter-house in the other world , if it take not a newgate in the way here . lviii . above all things ( my son ) make good use of thy time , it is a very slippery thing , and like an handful of fine sand will slip through thy fingers , though thou grasp it never so fast : and whereas a man may have many of the things of this world at once , 't is certain that he can have but one time , and that 's the present , the time past is no longer thine , and the time to come may never be thine , therefore make the best advantages that thou canst of the present moment of time for that only is thine ; the emblem will teach thee that time is bald behind , there 's no hold fast there , catch it therefore by the forelock , it is like a bird let fly at large out of the hand which returns not , or as a word babbled out which cannot be recalled : o what would the prodigal squanderers , and the abusive mispenders of their pretious time , give , when the final judgment of eternal death is passed upon them , for some few grains of that sand , which seemed too many whilst they were passing through their hour-glasses . before time therefore deliver thee up to eternity , imitate him who having a very short lease-hold , without impeachment of waste , takes all the advantage he can before the approaching expiration of it ; he rips up the ground , eats up the grass ; sells down the timber , cuts down the coppices : do thou the like , sithence thy time in this world is short , nay and what is more uncertain , match the velocity of it , with thy celerity in making all the beneficial uses of it , for ( as st. augustine speaks elegantly ) he only may be said to be master of time , who in the swiftest current of it lays such foundations as are not transitory . thus as time flyes over thy head , thou mayest plume her of some of her feathers , though thou canst not stop her flight : and though thou canst not recall time past , yet thou mayest redeem it , and therefore to that end let me once more put thee in mind to ponder seriously the shortness , slipperiness , and uncertainty of time , and withall the irrecoverableness of it , when thou hast let it pass : that thou mayest endeavour to make the best use of it , and not to slip occasion , it is a good admonition which seneca gave to the loiterer , neglecter , and mispender of his precious time , begin not then to live , when life begins to leave thee : or rather bear in thy mind the saying of that holy man who ( as i have read ) never heard the clock strike , but he would say , now i have one hour less to live in , and one hour more to give an account for . lix . go to bed with the lamb and rise with the lark ; late watching in the night breedeth ill humours in the body , and long sleeping in the morning ungodliness in the mind : to rise betimes will make a man rich , healthy , and holy : astronomers observe that the most propitious planets of all the seven sol and mercury leave us at night , and return to shine upon us in the morning , which mystically intimates unto us that then our wits and knowledge are quickest and clearest , and that it is the fittest time for the dispatch of all business , and humane affairs ; which tusser in his book of good husbandry thus plainly expresseth , some work in the morning may trimly be done , that all the day after may hardly be won . mounsieur villeroy the great french statesman wished his son , alway to dispatch business in the morning , as if he were sure to lose his opportunity in the afternoon . apollonius coming very early in the morning , to vespasians gate , and finding him stirring , conjectured thereupon that he was worthy to command an empire , and said unto one who accompanied him , undoubtedly this man will be an emperour , he is so early a stirrer : to be brief , imitate rather hercules in zenophon , than bonacius in poggius ; before the one contended dame virtue , and dame pleasure , both seeking to seize upon his will , but at last after some wavering and debate , he submitted unto virtue and rejected pleasure : before bonacius in the shape likewise of women , came carefulness and slothfulness , the former bade him to rise out of his lazy den , and betake himself to some work ; but dame slothfulness advised him to lye still at his ease , and to beware of the mornings cold , and so while they were contending , he like a slothful ideot remained neutral , continually looking when they would agree , until at length the greater part of the day was overpast to his loss and damage . 't is a true saying , that beds make beggars ; i would not have thee therefore follow the common custom of many of our gentry , who lye in bed , and rise not , till their meat be ready to be set on the table , to which after they are tirck'd and trimméd , have powdred and kembed their perruques , have patched their faces , and set themselves by their looking-glasses for all day , sit down to eat and drink , and then rise up to play , or take a coach to see a comedy or tragedy acted , and when that is done , to visit in a masquerado their mistresses , by which they ( as if god had put them into the world as he hath put the leviathan into the sea , only to take their pastime therein ) idly , vainly , and unprofitably spend their pretious time , for which they can neither give a good account to god or themselves . lx. hate wastfulness and vnthristiness , for they will bring thee into necessity , and then thou must live like a dron̄e , if not by wicked shifting , yet by base beggary . thrist is a great vertue , having diligence to provide things necessary truly and justly , and care to save and keep when gotten : yet be thristy without filthy niggardness and unmercifulness , but give thy need , thine honour , thy friend , the church , and the poor their dues ; never exceed thy income , nay i would not have thee live up to the height of it , 't is an old saw. if youth did know what age would crave , many a penny he would save . by no means run in debt , neither do thou break any thing of thy stock ; 't is related of the stone tirrhenus , how that being whole , it swimmeth , but never so little diminished , it sinketh to the bottom ; so he who keeps his stock full is ever afloat , but wasting of his store , by degrees becometh bankrupt ; neither let thy liberality exceed thine ability ; he that giveth beyond his power is prodigal , he that giveth in measure is liberal , he that giveth nothing at all is a niggard . follow the example of those young gentlemen , who coming to their wealth before they come to their wits , run beyond the constable , and live without compass , making their own hands their executors , their own eyes their overseers , and all their purchases with dedimus and concessimus . lxi . enter not into bonds , no not for thy best friends . king solomon , who in his time was the wisest man in the world , tells us , that he that hateth suretiship is sure . he that obliges himself to pay another mans debt , takes the shackles from his feet , and claps them on upon his own ; it is as rare to see a rich surety as a black swan : and he that endeth to all that will borrow , sheweth great good will , but little wit. if thou lend a round sum of money be sure to have either a lease or a mortgage of land made over , or two or three good sureties bound to thee for it : either of these , and especially the two first are good gages to borrow by . lxii . entertain such men as shall be trusty ; for if thou keep a wolf within thy doors to do mischief , or a fox to work craft and subtilty , thou shalt find it as perillous , as if in thy barn thou shouldst maintain rats , and in thy ground moles . let thy maidens be such as seem readier to take pains than follow pleasure , willinger to dress up their house than their heads , not so fine-fingered as to call for a lute , when they should use a distaff , not so dainty-mouth'd as that their silken throats should swallow no packthread . chuse such servants as shall be willing to learn whatsoever is necessary , faithful in performing whatsoever is their duty , careful in seeking all honest means to profit thee , and silent in tongue , in not revealing abroad what thou dost at home , and in not replying to , or contradicting of what thou commandest them to do ; never endure those that will answer again , when they are reproved by thee for the neglect of their duty ; especially take care that they be seasoned with the fear of god. he that entertains one addicted to lyes , entertains a thief ; and he that admits a common swearer or a debauch'd person into the bowels of his family , admits a jonah that may sink his ship. make not thy servants too familiar with thee , for that will in the end bring thee into contempt with them ; it hath been ever observed , that gentle and clement princes have more rebellious subjects than those that are rough and fierce , that loving and indulgent parents more ungracious children than those who are rigid and austere , and that soft and mild masters more disobedient servants than those that are harsh and severe . amongst other things ( my son ) if thou hast a regard to thrift , keep no more cats than will kill mice ; my meaning is , retain not more servants in thy family than are for thy profit or advantage ; a long retinue may make thy state the greater , but it will make thine estate the less ; the length of the peacocks train makes his wings the shorter . lxiii . there are some that will not tap their beer till it be sowre , nor cut their bread and cheese till it be mouldy , or their meat till it be soisty ; some again will cobble their shoos , till , like theseus his ship , none of the first materials of them remain ; some will drive into them so many hob-nails and sparabils , as they may be rather said to be - shod like horses than shooed like men ; some will burn only rush or pissing candles , and all this but to eke out their store , and others rather than they will be at the charge of a quarrel or pane of glass , will stop the hole in their windows with an old stockin or a wad of straw ; nay i have heard of an old woman , who would commonly sit bare-breech'd to save her petticoats : all which are to be abhorred , because they do not so much express any good husbandry and thrift as base sordidness and niggardize . these and the like petty arts leave to those covetous misers , who heap up riches for they know not whom . lxiv . be not hasty to marry , it is better to have one plow going than two cradles , and more profit to have a barn filled than a bed. we are told in holy writ , that it is better not to marry , but withal we are told there also , that it is better to marry than to burn . it is not unlikely that those persons that live and dye pure and unspotted virgins , shall sit in heaven next to the martyrs , and wear crowns as they do , whilst such as are married and live chastly in that state and condition of life , shall wear coronets only ; but a pure and unspotted virginity is very rarely attained among men and women , whose half of themselves consists of flesh and blood ; and therefore if thou canst not live chastly in a single life make use of the remedy , which god hath prescribed thee , and that is marriage , which is an honourable estate amongst all men : but yet if thou must needs marry , be sure to chuse such a wife as may bring with her such advantages to thee , as may at least counter-ballance all the inconveniences of a married life ; for many leap ▪ like the mouse in the fable , into the brass-pan , without considering at all such inconveniences , and afterwards would fain leap out again , but cannot . and truly ( my son ) if a man well ponder before-hand the continual cares and fears , and the frequent jars and discontents , which man and wife suffer under , he will discover , that marriage , like the medicine prescribed for the disease commonly called the squinzy , hath as much album graecum as honey in it : and thus thou mayst perceive my great love to thee , in preferring the peace and quietness of thy life before the propagating of my name and posterity ; nevertheless in this matter i leave thee to thine own liberty and discretion . but because by thy sanguine and debonaire complexion i forbode , that thine inclinations will tend to a married life , i would have thee observe these instructions in the choice of her whom thou art minded to make thy bed-fellow . chuse such a one as may be more commended for her vertues than her beauty ; a good huswife is a great patrimony , and she is most honourable who is most chast . in thy choice and election mark these four , p s piety , parentage , proportion , portion . the first p. is piety : see in the first place that she be piously brought up in the fear of god , well educated , of civil and modest deportment and behaviour , avoid her that is fantastical , for she will still be hurrying thee up to london ; or that is ambitious , to be taken for a wit , for it is more than an even lay but she will attempt to make thee a fool ; nor chuse her the rather , because like a pretty parakeeto , she can speak a little french or italian , for one tongue is enough in conscience for a woman , or because she is poetically given , and can make a good verse , for it would be much better that she were able to make thee a good pudding . but note this , that though i would have her whom thou wouldst mate with to be pious , i would not have her to be precise ; for it is commonly found , that those women are most heart hollow , who are most lip-holy , and such a one will nibble thine estate worse than the rats will thy holland or thy chedder cheese , by stealing out of it large contributions to the bartholomew martyrs . the second p. is parentage : see that she come of good and honest parentage , and such as are of a good repute in their country ; a good wise can hardly be chosen out of a wicked and irreligious family ; a man cannot expect to gather grapes from thorns , or figs from thistles . : if the spring-head be poysoned , so will the streams ; it is a rabbinical proverb , take not a wise out of that family wherein there is a publican , for such are all publicans . if thou desirest to be the sire of an happy son , or the father of a fortunate child , abstain from those women that are either base of birth , or bare of honesty . the third p. to be observed in the chusing of a wife , is proportion ; let the woman thou shalt pitch upon be built up with comely parts and features . love ever first enters in at the eye , and to keep it warm and alive , it is fit that member should be pleased . when one asked a very homely woman her name , she told him it was rebecca , upon which he replied , i thought your name had been asarabecca , for i can hardly behold you without ridding of my stomach : have a care therefore , notwithstanding all other advantages , that thou match not with such a one as will sooner make thee stomach-sick than love-sick ; and be not of nat. feeld , the players humour , who vowed , that if the old woman that crawled upon her tail at holborn-bridge , had a thousand pound for her portion , he would marry her and adorn her breech with a french velvet hood . neither for gain or lucre sake marry some rich but very old widow , lest when she kisses thee she drop her teeth ( if she have any ) into thy mouth ; but perhaps thou mayst hope that thou shalt outlive her , but this is just as if a man should hang himself , in hope that some body or other may come before he be dead , and cut the rope . the fourth and last p. is portion , and this thou must look after , that in tying thy self fast , thou dost not undo thy self ; in thy match thou must respect the mending of thine estate and fortunes ; other things may help and be an appendix , but 't is wealth must be the substance , without which never expect to eat thy bread without gravel in it , and if grist be wanting , the mill stones will quickly set the mill on fire . when thou art married , if thy wife in the first month chide and chafe , thou must hear without reply , and endure with patience ; for they that cannot suffer the wranglings of young married women , are not unlike to those , that tasting the grape to be sowre before it be ripe , leave to gather it , when it is ; or to those , who being stung with the bee forsake the honey ; or else to those , who will pull off the heads of their poultry , because they will sometimes cackle ; though for the sake of the eggs they lay , they should ( as socrates did with his zantippe ) bear the more with them . fair means will do more with crabbed natures than force , as the sun in the fable , by fairly shining on the traveller made him lay aside his cloak , whereas the ruffling wind made him gird it the faster about him . in like manner , if the husband thinks to make his woman the more tractable , and to bow to him by force , he shall find her joynts to be but the stiffer still ; but mild words , gentle perswasions , good counsel , and fair intreaties , like nerve oyl , will supple them . musical instruments , the softlier they are touched , the sweeter they sound . a wife , like a mettlesom horse , will be stark mad , if reined in too hard , but with a gentle curb she will bear a white mouth . if a husband will after an unmanly manner fight with his wife , and beat her ribs , if she have not the more grace , 't is the way to make her break his forehead . and further i must tell thee , that the fallings out of man and wife betwixt themselves , are like the breakings of each others bones , there is no rest or case till they be set and composed again . if the cross husband wrest one way , and the cross-grain'd wife another , they both together as it were twist a rope to hang themselves . indeed marriage is either an heaven or an hell upon earth ; where there is love and vnity , there it is an heaven ; where jars and discontents , there it is an hell. all therefore who desire in that estate and condition of life to make themselves happy , must mutually be good and kind to each other ▪ for as a good jack makes a good jill , so a good jill makes a good jack . be not too imperious over thy wise ▪ for that will make her to hate thee ; neither be too fond and uxorious , for that will make her to disdain thee : let her neither be thy slave nor thy soveraign , neither tread her under thy foot , nor set her upon thy head . god made woman at first of a rib , which is placed between both . in the government of thy houshold use her hands as well as thine own eyes ; for good husbandry and huswifry consists as well in setling of things , as in looking to them ; if thou rule in the hall or parlour , let her rule in the kitchin and bed-chamber . to be short , let the keys hang at her girdle , but the purse at thine own : so shalt thou know what thou dost spend , and how she can spare ; yet do not penuriously keep her too bare of money , but let thy hen peck at thy barn-door , though thou set her not to pick at the whole heap . above all things when thou art married , avoid jealousie ; a mans mistrust that his wife is dishonest , may but the sooner make her so : and truly it is either needless or bootless to do so ; it is not the italian lock , nor the close mewings of her up like a haggard that will secure her chastity , who is addicted to wantonness ; if pasiphae cannot have the company of a man , she will be bull'd and admit a bull ; and an ugly dwars , litt●e more than a cubit high , if she cannot have an handsom proper man , shall serve the turn of the lascivious queen ( quean i should have said ) of whom the poet ariosto makes mention : for if a woman be modest no gold will , like danae , corrupt her ; and if she be immodest , nor grief nor care will amend her . jealousie is a fire to which every thing adds fuel : if a jealous mans wife frown , he straight conjectures , either it is , because she hates him , or loves others better ; if she smile , it is because she hath had success in her love , or it is to entice another to love her ; if she turns aside her head from any man , he thinks that she only dissembles ; if she cast an eye upon him , he thinks she courts him , and then , like a man possest with a frenzy , he stamps and stares , and tears his hair from his head , and crys out , that neither fire in the straw , nor love in a womans looks can be hid . thus he watcheth over every gesture and behaviour of his consort , as a cat watcheth over a m●use , and seeks for that he would not find ; like him that goes to the house of office in the dark feeling about the seat , for that which he is afraid to meet with . lxv . eat not thine own heart , that is , do not vex thy self with thine own inward thoughts , neither lay the load of such things as grieve thee upon thine own self ; fire pent in burns the more furiously , and bottles too close cork't up , often fly all in pie es , by the strength of the spirits with which they are filled ; for as those wounds are most dangerous that bleed inward , so are those griefs which are too closely concealed : however keep thy mishaps secret from thine enemy , that he may not rejoyce at them , but reveal them to thy sincere friend , that he may pity , advise , and help thee , if he can , or at least may bear a part with thee : burdens divided are easily born . those that want true friends , to whom they may open themselves , tell their minds , and impart their vexations and troubles , are strange cannibals , for they eat their own hearts . lxvi . have therefore with pylades an orestes , with damon a pythias , some faithful friend to whom thou maist impart thy griefs and joys , thy fears and hopes , thy suspicions and counsels , thy intentions and affairs , and whatsoever lyeth hard upon thy heart . two fast friends are like mill-stones which are never singly made use of but by couples , and each standeth in need of the others help for the performance of the work whereunto they are ordained . yet take good heed with whom thou dost shake hands and contract friendship ; try the man thou meanest to trust , lest shining like the carbuncle , as if he had fire , he be found when he is proved to be as cold as ice . a wise souldier will try the proof of his armour before he gird it about him . learn out therefore ( before thou take a friend into thy bosom ) how he hath dealt with others with whom he hath contracted friendship ; for look how he hath served them , so will he likewise deal with thee : and try him before thou hast need of him , so shalt thou find what his readiness will be , to serve thee when necessity requires his help . when thou hast gotten a true friend , be sure to keep him , be faithful to him , and contented with him ; it is not a paradox to say , he that hath many friends hath none ; for true friends are like turtles , which go by pairs , not like starlings , which fly in flocks . lxvii . keep thy secrets , if they be of any great moment to thy self ; but be sure , if thou impart them , let it be to none but thy faithful friend ; remember that whatever three persons know , it commonly then ceaseth to be any longer a secret : imitate the reservation of that wise roman , who professed , that if he thought his shirt did know his secrets , he would burn it . he that tells his errand to every one he meets , is a babbling fool ; and he that discovers unto others his intentions before-hand , courts his own disappointment : and as i would not have thee to discover thine own secrets , so neither would i have thee to be curious and inquisitive into the secrets of others ; lest thou be put off with a slur , as the country-man in plutarch , put him off , who inquired what he carried so close in his basket , saying ; friend , if you might know what it is , i should not carry it so close covered as it is . or as that general slighted the curiosity of his lieutenant general , who came to know when and whither they should march , saying , sir , when the trumpet sounds you shall know . but above all , in this matter be cautious , that you trust not a womans breast with such secrets as thou wouldst have no man know ; for , like sieves , they are rimarum plenae , and can hold nothing that is poured into them ; and their mouths can no more hold long a secret , than they can a spoonful of scalding custard . all that may be said , to excuse a mans folly in this particular is , that we may venture to tell them our secrets , because no wise man will imagine , that he may find them there reposited , unless it be by some very fool. the story of papirius pretextatus will come in here very pat to our purpose , who being but a young boy , went along with his father into the senate-house , where many weighty matters were debated , from whence when he came home , his mother ( being very curious and inquisitive ) took him aside privately , and questioned him what was said and done there , the youth , ultra aetatem sapiens , being wise and discreet beyond his years , to elude her curiosity , and to keep from her the secrets of state , told her , that the senate had concluded , that every man should have two wives ; upon this she gathered the roman matrons together , and told them what her son had told her ; who all unanimously went presently to the senate , and petitioned them , that since they had decreed , that every man should have two wives , that they would also make a second decree , that every woman should have two husbands : the senate greatly marvelled at this sudden coming of the women and their words , till at length understanding how it was , they highly admired and commended the boy for his wit and secrecy ; and to honour him the more , admitted him ( though but a child ) to be a member of the house . it seems ( though he was but a green youth ) that he had imbibed this principle ( though i believe it was not from his mothers milk ) that there is neither safety nor wisdom in it , for a man to intrust a woman with those privacies , which are of any great importance , and require such secrecy , as is not to be found or expected amongst tatling gossips . lxviii . envy no mans purse or estate , because it is richer than thine ; the envious man doth murder himself ; for envy consumeth the heart wherein it is nourished , as the moth doth the garment whereof and wherein it was bred . not like the maid avicen speaks of , who feeding her self with poyson , was nevertheless very healthful , but yet infected others with her venemous breath : but the envious man may be compared to the poysonous amphisbaena , which instead of hurting others , bites and tears her self ; who suffers his indignation at other mens good , like the fox which the lacedemonian boy stole and hid under his coat , to gnaw out his own bowels . but it is enough to discountenance this vice , that in the gospel the devil himself is called the envious man. lxix . as i would have thee shun envy , so likewise be thou sure to avoid malice and hatred , he that hates another man is the patient , he that is hated is the agent , contrary to the sound of the words ; for the hater is in torment , the hated in ease : so that nothing in this world is so much to be hated as hate it self . lxx . take heed of being vindicative ; for this as an imposthume breaking forth , commonly strangles and choaks a man with his own blood : the bee might keep her sting still , and not live like a drone , did she not in her anger imploy it to envenom the flesh of him that puts her from him . it is safer to forget an injury or smother it , than to go about to avenge it , if it were for nothing but this , yet this were punishment enough , that when thou goest about to avenge thy self upon any man , all shall be sure to be laid open in choler that can be remembered , and his tongue shall cast all thy faults in thy teeth . if he were a friend that offended thee ( saith seneca ) he did that he meant not ; if an enemy , he did but what he well might be expected to have done . if a wise man wrong thee , endure him ; if a fool , forgive him . be not so foolish as to waste time in the pursuit of an ignis fatuus , which burns only to light thee to some bog or precipice : yet because thou mayst say that forbearance will make men presumptuous , and a second wrong is provoked by digesting the first , therefore i answer , thou mayst revenge wrong , but not by violence , but by law. lxxi . yet avoid going to law as much as possibly thou canst ; for be thy cause never so good , thou mayst nevertheless not only fear the packing and embracing of the jury , the suborning of false witnesses , the bribing of the judge , and those that are of counsel with thee , but also the quickness of the wit , the subtilty of the rhetorick , and the volubility of the tongue of those that are fee'd to plead against thee . there was a lawyer that injuriously kept a poor mans cow from him , wherefore he went immediately and complained to the king , who having heard his complaint , told him , that he would hear what the other could say to the matter , nay then , said the poor man , if you hear him speak , i shall surely lose my cow ; for he thought that the smooth speeches and eloquent rhetorick of his adversary would effascinate the kings ears , and lead him which way he pleased . to this our purpose , it is worthy the observation , which socrates said before the judges in his own defence , touching his accusers , my lords ( saith he ) i know not how you have been affected with mine accusers eloquence while you heard them speak ; for my own part i assure you , that i whom it toucheth most , was almost drawn to believe , that all they said , though against my self was true , when they scarcely uttered one word of truth . avoid therefore i say once more , the waging of law , especially i would not have thee go to the lawyer for every toy or trifle ; for that will be to make him rich , and thy self a beggar . an honest atturney gave an intimate friend of his that had commenced a suit at law against another , this counsel ( and truly he deserved a good fee for it ) make an end with the lawyers , before they make an end of thee . the courts of the law ( saith my lord verulam in his essays ) are like those bramble-bushes , whereunto while the sheep fly for defence and succour , they are sure to lose part of their fleeces . there is an old story , that a blind man and a lame man went to travel together by the sea side , the lime man who was carried on the blind mans shoulders espyed an oyster , which he claimed because he espyed it , the other claimed his share , because he carried him to the place where he found it , the case being doubtful , they referred it to the next man they met , who in the debating of the matter eat the oyster , and gave them the shells . thus it fareth with many who go to law , the lawyers eat the fish , and give them the shells , that is , they bleed their purses , and that in a little time cures the heat of their contentions as phlebotomy cures fevers and inflammations . yet i would not have thee lose thy right , nor suffer thy self to be fooled , wronged , and cheated , nor to let every carrion crow ride upon thy back and pick out thine eyes : and to the end thou thy self mayst not run into the lapse of the law , i advise thee to live honestly , to trespass no man wilfully , and to render every man his due carefully . lxxii . it well becomes a gentleman to make some inspection into the laws of the land , which i advise thee to do ; that if thou bee'st commissionated to be in thy country a justice of the peace , all thy wit to manage that office may not lye only in the skull of thy clark : for as one of our modern poets saith , it is the clark many times that makes the justice of the peace . many without skill in this particular , have run into very dangerous premunires ; but besides this will make thee know , how to secure thy estate against those who may endeavour to pick a hole in it ; he had need ( we say ) of a long spoon that eats with the devil . and yet further , this will discover to thee the knavery or honesty of thy lawyer in the managery of thy law-suits , in case thou be so unhappy as to be involved in ●…ny but i would not have thee to study the quirks of the law , for this may induce thee for thine advantage to be a knave ; unless thou study them meerly to secure and defend thy self from them . briefly , study to attain so much knowledge in the law as may sufficiently inform thee of thine own right , but not so much as to make thee quarrelsom and contentious with thy neighbour or parson ; for this were to put a sword into a mad-mans hand . it is great pity , that it is so true , which once i heard a wise man say , that a good lawyer is very seldom a good neighbour . lxxiii . avoid duels ; there are some whose fingers itch to be dipt in blood : and as among contentious men it is but a word and a writ , so among swaggering hectors it is but a word and a wound . but thou wilt say , i think it a stain to my credit , and a disgrace to my name , if i shall not answer him , who having abused me in words , hath sent me the length of his sword , and from whom i have received a proud challenge : to this i reply , wilt thou shew such a base esteem of thy self , and set so low a rate on thy life , as to stake it for a brawl and a few rash words of an enemy , and yet wouldst be highly esteemed of others ? in such a case be not troubled with a frivolous report of dishonour , rather be prodigal of thy reputation than thy life ; run not wilfully into an aceldama , into the grave , into hell to be counted valorous , care not so much for the shame of the world as the danger of thy body and soul . men of great valour have rejected challenges , which have proceeded from those who have had more heart than brain , more head than wit , and that without any blemish at all to their credit . when anthony challenged augustus , he answered , that if anthony were weary of life , there were ways enough to death besides duelling . but say , some will call thee a coward , yet fear not shame so much as sin : thou hast but one body , do not adventure it upon the sword of an enemy , but one soul , do not adventure it upon the sword of god. love a good name , but yet as an handmaid of vertue ; woo and court common fame no further than it follows upon honest courses and vertuous actions , and think thy self but base , if thou shouldst depend upon vulgar breath , which is commonly none of the sweetest . it is as great a symptom of a crazy reputation , as it is of a crazy body , to be too impatient upon every slight touch . and truly ( methinks ) it is strange ▪ that men should so eagerly pursue honour , and so hotly court her , as to vindicate her upon any man , who should but touch her , though never so slightly , with the hazard both of body and soul . whilst in their impious and inhumane duels they make themselves , if they survive their antagonists , either liable to be hanged by the laws of men , or to be damn'd by the laws of god : or finally liable to both , if god shew not more mercy to them , than they did to their brethren , whose blood they spilt in some vain , or perhaps drunken brabble . but let them pass as dangerous men to be conversed withal , only 't were good men would hearken to gonsalvo , that famous commander , who was wont to say , that a gentlemans honour should be de telâ crassiore , of a stronger warp or web , than that every slight thing should catch in it , and be thought able to break it . think besides the bloody fact being once committed , of those terrours which will ( if thou hast any grace left in thee ) dog thy conscience with the srightful vissions of thy murthered friend ; and think moreover , how together with him thou hast murdered ( unless thou canst procure a pardon ) thy poor children , and undone thy whole family ; and laid such a blemish upon thy posterity after thee , as peradventure shall never be blotted out again , the stain being laid so deep in blood . lxxiv . be not too ventrous in exposing thy self , like a knight errand , to needness dangers ; 't is an unhappy proverb , he that courts perils shall dye the devils martyr . i have heard that in our last civil wars , a young cavaliero being well mounted , started out to pickeer with another of the enemies side and killed him , and returning in a vain glorious manner to his company , prince rupert , who then commanded that party , and was a spectator of his bravery , asked him this question , sir , pray resolve me , whether you are an elder or a younger brother ? who replying , that he was an elder brother , the prince told him , that he had then that day shewed his younger brother fair play for it . and what got my gallant by this , but instead of the applause he expected , the estimation of being fool hardy , rather than truly valiant . as i would not have thee kneel with the camel to take up a burden , under which thou canst not rise again , so with the elephant , i would have thee , like a stout man , to bear a castle , if it be laid upon thy back ▪ there is a time for the tolerancy of a mans crosses ; and therefore neither like the wild beast bred in a cold climat , run from the fire , nor like a moth , flittering about the candle , run into it . lxxv . come not presumptuousty into places where some are contagiously sick , lest thou come untimely to thy grave : come not within the lists of destruction , he that would not fall into the pit , must not approach the brink . likewise bestow cost , as long as thou mayst , to continue thy life , by upholding and repairing thy cottage of clay . it is against the course of nature , and a way to tempt the very god of nature to destroy thee , wilfully to hinder thy health , or not to seek means to preserve it . god sendeth several diseases , and hath appointed several medicines as remedies to encounter them : therefore honour the physician , and with king hezekiah , lay a plaister upon the boil , say not mans life hath a period , as the sea hath its bounds , beyond which it cannot pass ; and therefore think not like a turk , that if thy time be not yet come , that though thou thrust thy head into a cannon , it cannot kill thee ; for though no man can live one minute beyond the set time god hath appointed him to live , yet by refusing the due means to preserve thy self , or by thy sins and deb nicheries , thou mayst cut thy days the shorter . god that predestines the end , doth as well predestine the means tending to the attainment thereof . this the psalmist makes evident , when he tells us , the wicked and blood-thirsty men shall not live out half their days . and we may observe by our daily experiences , that men in feavers , squinancies , and pleurisies are preserved many years longer by timely phlebotomy , who without such means would unavoidably and immediately perish . to this purpose i have read a remarkable spanish story , and it is this : there was in toledo a debauched young gentleman , scarce twenty years of age , who for robbery and murder was condemned to dye , and being hanged , on the day of execution , upon a gibbet , suddenly there grew out of his , a little before unflidged chin , a long beard , white as snow , which when the archbishop of the place , coming to the gallows , observed ; he gave the amazed people that stood by this conjecture of so strange an accident , that god by this wonderful thing had shewn , that if the young man had not cut himself off by his vitious and abominable courses , he might have lived to an extreme old age . say not when thy glass is run , do what thou wilt , thou canst stay no longer , and the clock will strike when the minutes be past , neither say , that that which must be shall be , and let death seek thee , yet it shall not find thee , till thy time be come , and therefore away with physick , what shall means do ? for then a rope upon thee , try every knife , eat coloquintida thy belly full , frequent places , where the air about thee doth infect , and where the breath of one body is poyson to another , and by the like reason thou mayst excuse thy wickedness , and be desperately and dissolutely careless : but in matters of hope , where the end is not known , use means with asa , though thou relye not upon them ; and though many times they avail not , yet take thou all the fairest ways , of all lawful remedies , since gods determinations are concealed from thee . and be not like those miserable minded men , who if they fall sick , had rather dye a thousand deaths than pay the apothecaries bills . upon the miser in the epigram , the quipp lay heavier than his grave stone , in which it was engraven , here lies father sparges , who dy'd to save charges . some others there be , who starve their bodies to make their purses fat , and put their bellies into their bags , as the epicures put their money into their bellies , resembling a dog in a wheel , who roasts meat for others , but never a good bit for himself . others warm themselves only with the sticks of a crows nest , and dare not take so much as a faggot-stick out of their stacks and piles , which they make to out-live all the woods in the country round about them : and hoard their corn , rather to feed rats and mice , than themselves ; so that they will not afford their own selves such necessaries as may keep them in good sort , and whereby they may preserve their lives . yet i would not have thee to be like those , who for every qualm take a receipt , and cannot make two meals , unless galen or hippocrates stand by their trenchers ; if thou dost so , thy purse will ever be without money , and thy body never without diseases . lxxvi . i would have thee to follow thy study , and those affairs in which thou art concerned ; yet not to seek so immoderately the wealth of thy brain or purse , as to lose the health of thy body ; neglect not thy body to accomplish thy mind : when thy weakness checks thee , and thy body controuls thee from assiduous , hard , and immoderate study , and from great cares and affairs of importance , affect not so much knowledge or wealth , as to debar thy self of those things , whereby thy health may be regained or retained . lxxvii . further , i advise thee to study men as well as books ; take heed of those that wink with one eye , and see with the other , it is a proverb worth observation , he that winks with one eye , and sees with t' other , i will not turst him , though he were my brother . likewise take heed of those , that have their beards of two colours , or their head of one colour , and their beard of another , for they are mark't ; and another proverb bids us beware of those , whom god hath marked . a mans disposition is never better known than when he is crossed , as proteus never changed shapes , till hercules griped him ; but what a man is inward , is best to be discovered by these three things , oculis , by his eyes , loculis ; purse , poculis , cups . to this we may add a forth , and that is anger ; for this passion will lay him open , as the fire burning in the chimney , discovers all the things that are in the room : and besides these four things , the very lineaments , colour , complexion , and habitude of the body may give us some light of the qualities and dispositions of men and women , as is signified by these rimes , in which the small poet speaking first of women , gives us this account . fair and foolish , little and loud , long and lazie , black and proud , fat and merry , lean and sad , pale and peevish , red and bad . then for men he gives us this account following . to a red man read thy read , to a brown man break thy bread , at a pale man draw thy knife , from a black man keep thy wise . lxxviii . if thou takest tobacco , which it matters not , whether thou dost , or no , yet if thou takest it moderately and physically , it may as lawfully be taken as well as other things ▪ which god hath afforded us , for our delight as well as our necessity : but to take it vainly as too many do , who are never well any longer than the pipe , like a turkey-cocks snout , hangs dangling under their noses , or to take it meerly to pass away thy pretious time , or as a salt bit to draw down thy liquor , or as an help to discourse , is both ridiculous and blame-worthy : but besides , this indian weed immoderately taken , is very prejudicial to the bodies health , it dries up the lungs , it putrifies the breath , and being of a narcotick quality , it stupifies the brain , and combines with the bottle , to make a man a very sot : which mischiefs and inconveniencies , are altogether summed up in these rimes , by another small poet. tobacco that outlandish weed , it dries the brain , and spoils the seed , it dulls the spirit , it dims the sight , it robs a woman of her right . lxxix . hate ingratitude above all things , for nothing is more hateful to god and man : no billings-gate scold can fix a worse name upon thee , than to call thee an ungrateful person : it is worthy of remark , that unthankfulness and unholiness in sacred writ , like an harl of hellish hounds , are coupled together : never therefore forget to be thankful to any one from whom thou hast received a courtesie or benefit ; in this thou wilt shew both grace and wit , for thankfulness for the present benefits received , makes way for future ones . in the whole course of nature , man may read a lecture of gratitude ; rivers return their floods into the ocean , from whence they derived their streams ; the clouds of heaven repay the exhalations and vapours , which the earth sent up to them , with fruitful flowers ; thy flocks and thy kine recompence the pasture and fodder thou affordest them , with their fleeces and their milk ; and thy bees , for thy kindness in hiving them in thy garden requite thy love , with their wax and honey : and as i would not have thee be ungrateful thy self , so i advise thee to guard thy self against such as are so ; for these like the savage bears will be apt to bite the water that quenches their thirst . save a thief from the gallows and he will cut thy throat : indeed there are not a few such villains to be sound in the world , who are apt to return evil for good , and are not ashamed to degenerate into such monsters ( monsters did i call them ? i might rather have termed them devils , who labour to damn them the deepest , that serve them the most ) as to hurt or betray those , to whom they are by nature , by blood , and by kindnesses most engaged and obliged . when king richard the third pursued the duke of buckingham , to put him to death ( for usurping tyrants use to cut down the stairs by which they climb up to their height ) the duke in his extremity did flye to one bannister his servant , upon whom he had bestowed great means to inrich him . bannister very carefully conveyed him into a coppice ▪ adjoining to his mansion house and there preserved him , but within a while there is a proclamation made , that whosoever could reveal where the duke was , if he were a bondslave , he should be enfranchised , and made free ; if a freeman , he should have a general pardon , and be rewarded with a thousand pounds , hereupon bannister either for fear of danger , if he did conceal him , or hope of gain , if he did reveal him , bewrayed where his master was , whereupon he was apprehended and carried to shrewsbury where king richard then lay , and there without arraignment or any legal proceeding , he was in the market place beheaded : whether bannister received the proclaimed reward , or no , is uncertain ; king richard ( loving the treason but hating the traytor ) said ( as it is reported ) that he that would be false to so good a master , would never be true to any , but certain it is , he received the reward of a villain , from divine justice ; for himself was after hanged for murther , his eldest daughter was deflowered by one of his carters , or ( as some say ) strucken with a foul leprosie , his eldest son in a desperate lunacy destroyed himself , and was found to have done so , by the coroners inquest , and his younger son was drowned in a shallow puddle . lxxx . be faithful to thy prince and country ; and hate rebellion and treason as thou wouldst the devil himself , for he was the first rebel and traytor that ever was : it is but just that his heart should be pulled out of his breast alive , who bears a false one to his prince . neither do thou grumble or repine at the taxes and impositions which are laid upon thee ; for this is all thou payest to thy soveraign , who , by his good government and just laws secures thy peace and safety , thy life and liberty , thy estate and religion . observe it well , that in all ages the sin of rebellion hath constantly been attended with one swinging vengeance or other . take one remarkable instance of this , in corah , dathan , and abiram , for whom the earth it self turned sexton , and made their graves . and as i would have thee according to christs injunction , give unto caesar the things which are caesars , so would i have thee , give unto god the things which are gods. lxxxi . wherefore be just in the payment of thy tithes , for he that robs the priest , robs god himself also . and it will in the end rather impoverish than increase thine estate : the rabbins have a proverb , and 't is a true one , pay thy tithes and be rich : the eagle which snatched the flesh from the altar , to carry it to his young ones , burnt them and his nest with a burning coal which stuck to it , had a due reward of his sacriledge : above all things , meddle not with the lands of the church , for that will bring a curse upon those lands which i shall leave thee ; to be sure ( according to sir henry spelman's observation ) the third heir seldom or never enjoys the sacriledge of his predecessors . lxxxii . take heed by all means that thou break not the peace of the church ; for schism is but the handmaid of rebellion : the better therefore to preserve that , keep thy private opinions in matters of religion to thy self , if they be contrary to the established discipline of the church . it is better thou didst never wear a shirt upon thy back , than thou shouldst quarrel at anothers decent wearing of a surplice ; this is but tithing of mint and cummin , and neglecting the weighty matters of gods laws : 't is a bad matter to break the kings peace , but 't is a worse to break the peace of god. lxxxiii . my son , since i by mine own industry , and god by his providence , has provided for thee a fair estate , forget not to be charitable to the poor , it is a goodlier sight to see the poor standing at a rich mans gate than the porter : and therefore as thou takest care to feed thy hounds without doors , and to cloath thy naked walls within with tapestry and cloth of arras , so much more would i have thee to be careful , to fill the bellies of the hungry , and clothe the backs of the naked , that they perish not with hunger and cold : for as thou takest notice of thy comings in , so god assuredly takes notice of thy layings out ; to whom thou must one day give a severe account , for every idle penny , that thou hast spent as well as for every idle word that thou hast spoken . lxxxiv . i have heard a story of a gentleman and his son , and the passages in it are very well worth thy observation ; and that thou mayest the better remember it , i will cut it as short as the things will bear : this gentleman had one only son , whom he called to him and told him , that he was going out of the world , and therefore desired him to remember these three precepts . first , to take a good proffer when it was offered . secondly , not to tarry at a friends house too long . thirdly , not to go too far for his wife . the young gentleman promised him , that he would carefully observe them ; but shortly after , there came a gentleman to his house , who saw in his stable a very good horse , unto whom he had a very great liking , and for which he proffered l. but he refused it , and would not part with him under an l. that night his horse was taken in the staggers and dyed ; then he remembred his fathers first admonition ; wherefore he calls one of his servants and commands him to skin his horse , and take the skin and hang up in his barn ▪ which accordingly was done . after this he rides abroad to visit a friend , who made him very welcome , but he stayed there so long ▪ that his friend was weary of him , and caused to be brought to table nothing but brown bread , whereupon seeing nothing but white bread before , he bethought himself that he had not observed his fathers second precept ; wherefore coming away , he begged one of the brown loaves , telling them , that he liked the bread so well , that his butler should make the like for him : so they gave him a loaf , which when he came home , he bid his man to hang in a rope by the horse skin . after this he bethinks himself of taking a wife , wished he was to a gentlemans daughter , which lived an hundred miles or more from him ; thither he goes , and woos the young lady , and all things were agreed upon for the conclusion of the match : but being upon some urgent occasion sent for home , he acquainted the old gentleman after supper with it , telling him , that his return should be short , and therefore craved that he might take his leave of his mistress over night ; but the old gentleman would by no means suffer him , but told him that he was a better husband , and his mistress a better huswife than so ; and that they would be up time enough in the morning to take their leave of him ; but the young genleman being up very betimes , and having ordered his horses to be made ready , and bethinking himself , that it would not be handsom to ride away without taking leave of his mistress , he went to her chamber-door , and knock't very softly ▪ but no body answering , and finding the key in the outside of the door , he unlock't it , peeped in towards the bed , where he espyed two in the bed , and who should they be but the old gentlemans clerk and his mistress asleep ? wherefore stepping into the chamber , he took away the young mans breeches , which lay upon a trunk , and put them into his mans port-mantle ; which after he came home , he caused to be hung by the horse-skin and the loaf , and never went more to visit his mistress . at this the old gentleman marvelled greatly , and therefore he would ride to see what the matter was , and especially to s●e his son-in-laws estate . and being come to the young gentlemans house , he was very richly entertained ; but being weary with his long and tedious journey , the young gentleman brought the old to his chamber , and there left him to take his repose . the next morning the old gentleman was up very early , and walked abroad to see what a good husband his son-in-law was , and saw all things very neat and handsom . as he was walking about , one of the servants went and told his master , that the old gentleman was risen and walk't abroad ; he hearing it , presently arose , and met him , and then carried him into his stable to see his horses , from thence he conducted him into his barn , where the old gentleman looking up ▪ espyed the horse-skin , the loaf , and the pair of breeches , of which he desired to know the meaning : oh sir , replied the other , those hang there to put me in mind of the three cautions my dying father gave me , and so he told him the same i have before mentioned . i understand well enough ; said the old gentleman , what the ●orse-skin and loaf means , but do not , what the breeches signifie , why , sir , said he , they signifie , that i had forgot that caution my father gave me , not to go too sar for a wife . now those breeches are your clerks , whom i found , when i was at your house , in bed with your daughter , and therefore she is a fitter wife for him , than she is for me : and thereupon he related the whole story , which when the old gentleman , to his great grief had heard , he discontentedly departed , with a flea in his ear , and the young gentleman stayed at home with more wit in his pate . lxxxv . go not , or send ( if thou hast lost any thing , or art not in health ) to cunning-men , sorcerers , south-sayers , conjurers , or witches , for the helping thee to what thou hast lost , or for the recovering of thy health ; for if thou once goest to them , thou shalt always have need of them : besides , thou makest thy self a servant to the devil . a neighbour of mine , whom i shall not name , for the respect i bear him , having lost some of his goods , went to a cunning-man or conjurer , for the helping him to what he had lost , who asking him whether he did believe , that he could help it to him ; for ( says he ) it is a principle amongst us , that the firm belief of the party that addresses himself to us , that we can help him , is of as much force , for the accomplishment of his desires , as all our schemes , figures , characters , and conjurations . my neighbour hearing this , told him that he now came to him with that firm belief : whereupon the cunning-man ( for so he was styled and accounted to be ) asked him what goods they were which he had lost , he told him , one of his best horses , having thus answered , the cunning-man withdrew himself into an inner room ; but my neighbour being very desirous to see what he did , or to hear what he said , went very softly to the door , where attentively listening , he heard him say to the devil , thy servant in the next room hath lost one of his best horses , which thou must help him to again ; which as soon as my neighbour heard , he answered , that he would not have his goods upon such terms , but said , rather than he would be the devils servant , he would lose his horse and saddle too , and so away he came , leaving the conjurer and the devil at a parley . lxxxvi . if thou walkest in the paths of policy , thou must be careful how to be reserved , not like the snail , leave a trace where thou hast gone , for that may betray thee ; he that lyes at too open a ward , may soon be hit . but thy way must be like that of an arrow or bullets through the air , quick for dispatch , and safe for secrecy : or rather thou must be like the river arar , which flows into rhodanus with such an incredible softness , that it is not to be discerned which way it ebbs or flows . he that taught us to be as innocent as doves , taught us also to be as wise as serpents . the changes and chances of a mans life , are as casts at dice , good and bad ; a good one may be marred with oversight , and a bad one may be mended by good play . fortune is like the market , where many times , if you can stay a little , the price will fall : and again it is like sybilla's offer , which at first offereth the commodity at full , then consumeth part and part , and still holdeth up the price . for occasion turneth a bald noddle , after she hath presented her locks in front , and no hold taken : or at least turneth the handle of the bottle , first to be received , and after the belly which is hard to clasp . there is certainly no greater wisdom than to time , and consider the beginnings and onsets of things . dangers are no more light , if they once seem so ; and more dangers have deceived men , than forced them . nay it were better to meet some dangers half way , though they come nothing near , than to keep too long a watch upon their approaches : for if a man watch too long , it is ten to one but he will fall asleep . on the other side , to be deceived with too long shadows ( as some have been , when the moon was low , and shone on their enemies back ) and so to shoot off before the time ; or to teach dangers to come on , by over early buckling towards them , is another extreme . the ripeness or unripeness of the occasion ( as we said ) must ever be well weighed ; and generally it is good to commit the beginnings of all great actions to argus with his hundred eyes ; and the ends to briareus with his hundred hands : first to watch , and then to speed . for the helmet of pluto , which maketh the politick man go invisible is , secrecy in the counsel , and celerity in the execution . for when things are once come to the execution , there is no secrecy comparable to celerity ▪ yet measure not dispatch by the time , but by the advancement of the business . for as in races , it is not the large stride or high lift that makes the speed : so in business , the keeping close to the matter , and not taking of it too much at once , procureth dispatch : and many times , and in many things it is better to make more use of the ballast than of the sail : and as we say in the schools , that it is easier to oppose than answer ; so 't is easier to prevent dangers than to tarry for them , and better to have a good buckler to keep off the blow , than a good plaister to heal the wound . but be sure thou dost not , like machiavel , in all thy politicks leave out the grace of god , or the principles of honesty and justice . in all thy actions be wise rather than crafty , and piece the fox skin with that of the lamb. for as our saviour doth advise us to be as wise as serpents , so doth he also advise us to be as innocent as doves . imitate those skilful and honest physicians , who mix all their deleterious prescriptions with due correctives . climb to preferment rather by thy vertues and merits than by thy politicks , if thou wouldst avoid the censure and fatal end of boniface the eighth , of whom it was said , that he entred into the popedom like a fox , lived like a lyon , and dyed like a dog. and as i would have all thine actions and designs mixt with honesty and simplicity , so i would those counsels , which thou imparts to others , to be no way pernicious , either to the life , estate , or honour of any man. wicked counsellors are but the devils agents , and they that hearken to them , and take up their ungodly propositions , are like those sponges that suck up aqua fortis , which will afterwards consume and confound them . never make god or religion thy stalking-horse , to gain those designs at which thou dost level thine eye . ( my son ) whether thou considerest the foul ways or satal ends of such achitophels , thou shalt find in the conclusion , that honesty is the best policy . lxxxvii . beware of those that pretend to religion and godliness , but have it not in them , who canonize themselves and call themselves the saints , but will not call those , whom we know to be glorious saints in heaven by that style ; which though they refuse to do for honours , yet so should they do if it were but for distinctions sake , to difference them from other men . and here i cannot but tell thee a pretty story . a presbyterian parson sent his man upon sunday morning ( his old ones being done ) for a pair of new shoos to his shoomaker , whose christian name was paul , but his servant stayed till he was in the midst of his sermon , in which just as his man step't into the church , his master with a loud voice said , but what saith paul , who replied as loud ( thinking that his master had spoken to him about his shoos ) marry , sir , he saith that you shall have no new shoos , till you have paid for the old ones . now had he said , but what saith saint paul , he had prevented so gross and ridiculous a mistake . these are the men , that seem to gape so wide after holiness , as if they would take it all into themselves , whereby they resemble the fishes of the sea , which by their wide mouths seem to suck in the whole ocean , whereas , if a man cuts them up , he shall not find so much as one drop of water within them . for if thou note their pride , vain-glory , and hypocrisie , their rash judgments and uncharitable censures of all other men , their covetousness , holy cheats , and false dealings with those with whom they commerce , their contumacies and rebellions against the king and his laws , together with their vnmercifulness and tyranny over those over whom they have gotten the power and dominion , as signally appeared by their plundring , sequestring , articling against their pastors , and thrusting themselves into their livings , and by their decimating , plundring , sequestring , shipping , imprisoning , and murthering their brethern , yea and their soveraign himself also , and what is worse than all these , their to this very day not repenting themselves of all these villanies , as is plainly manifest by their proneness and inclinations to relapse into the same , if they had the power so to do upon every overture , thou shalt find them only to be olivers saints , and not gods. these men make use of piety more to deceive men than to please god. they use religion as some men do glass-eyes , meerly to honest , the ill-favouredness of their faces , not that they may see , or be the more inlightned by them . they have learned that principle of machiavel , that a man seek not to attain vertue it self , but the appearance of it only , because the credit of it is a help , but the use of it is a cumber . they speak as if their tongues were tipt with religion , but their deeds are from it . they are as lillies , fair in shew , but foul in scent . they speak so fairly , and deal so foully , that a man would not believe they were made all of a piece ; but when the wind sings and whistles in the leaves , look after for a storm . take heed of these devils wrapt up in a samuels mantle , trust them not when they speak , as though nothing but gospel could drop from their lips , for in their hearts they mumble over the devils pater noster . lxxxviii . 't is no impolitick matter , when thou payest off thy bills to thy mercer , taylor , or any other tradesman with whom thou dealest , not to trust the crossing of their books , without a receipt under their hands , so thou shalt be sure never to pay for the same things twice : and so also , when thou receivest any letters of importance , be sure to put them upon the file , for thou knowest not of what importance they may be to thee for the time to come ; especially those that are sealed with a coat of arms. i knew an ancient knight , whom age and experience had made a very prudent and politick person , who when he received from any gentleman or person of quality a letter so sealed , would be very careful in the opening of it , to preserve the seal intire ; and he gave this reason , why he was so careful in this seemingly slight matter , because if any thing written in such letters , might hereafter be denied , or called in question , he might shew how the business stood , under the hands and seals of the parties . but if thou receivest letters that may import secrecy or any danger to thy self or friend , remember that as soon as ever thou hast read them to thy self , that thou commit them to vulcan ; remembring that as bellerophon came to a fatal end , by those letters which he himself carried and delivered , so many have done the like , by those letters they have received and kept by them : as by instances may be made appear , almost in all histories . lxxxix . shun neutrality ; alphonsus observed , that the senenses , neuters in the italian wars , became at length a prey to both sides , comparing them to such as dwell in the middle story of an house , annoyed by smoke from beneath , and dust from above . xc . when thou art weary of thy study , or any other employment , take some honest recreation , use hunting or hawking , either start the hare , or dislodge the buck , or unkennel the fox , or rowse the hart , or unpearch the pheasant ; recreations which are honest , are as necessary for the mind , which is employed in great affairs and cares of importance , as meat is for the body , which is exhausted with daily labour : but follow not thy sport with chafing , for it is a most improper thing to see men follow their p●…stimes with sretting and pelting , for thus , like a leaking ship , they suffer the water to sink them which should bear them up . i mean , they let that which should be their recreation and delight , be their vexation and disquiet . there are as well generous delights as ingenious studies , and the one must lend some sweetness to the other ; divers while they have been so precise , that they thought they might not delight in any sport , at last come to be so crest-fallen , as that they take no delight in any thing : nature made them sociable because she made them men , but they have sullenly strayed from the drove , and abandoning all mirth and jollity , carry always cloudy foreheads , which is no way commendable , no not in an horse : doubtless god loves a chearful man , as well as a chearful giver : and such assuredly deceive themselves , who think that they shall never look , like blessed angels in heaven , who look not like tormented divels here on earth ; or that they shall never sing there , unless after a most disconsolate and discontented manner , they whine and pule here , and speak as small as an hair : religion consists not in drawling tones , or making of faces , for a man may perform his duty more acceptably to god , without , than with dis-figuring his countenance ; otherwise our saviour himself would not have said be not of a sad ( or as another translation reads the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) be not of a sower countenance : do thou therefore use lawful recreations , and keep up an honest merry heart . xci . but above all recreations i recommend unto thee these two , good horsemanship and skill at thy weapon ; the one highly becomes a gentleman , and will make him serviceable to his prince and country , if any occasion be ; the other will teach him how to guard and defend himself : nevertheless i would not have thee suffer thy skill in that which i last mentioned , to make thee quarrelsom , or the more confident in thine own strength ; but rather use thy rapier as a defensive than an offensive weapon , and as a shield rather to ward the blow than give one . xcii . be not addicted to superstitious vanities ; some will look pale presently like death , if the saltseller fall towards their trenchers ; others will take it for an omen that they shall be crossed in those negotiations they go about , if a hare chance to cross them in their way , when the cross lies only in this , that they could not catch her ; others , if they do but stumble at the threshold , will not take their journey that same day , but defer it to another time ; others will by no means pare their nails on friday , because they say it is a cross day ; many of these make erra pater their old testament , and the shepherds kalendar their new ; and take all that they say , to be as true as gods oracles ; others if they but hear a crow croke from the roof of their neighbours house , they presently set their house in order , saying they shall dye and not live ; and were i disposed to recount all the roman superstitions of this kind , as their dies fasti , & nefasti , their unfortunate and fortunate days , their inspections into the entrails of beasts , and their augurations and soothsayings , upon the flight of birds and the noises they make : i might reckon up a thousand such like vanities as these . others there are who put their confidence in astrologers , and therefore when they fall sick , the stars are their counsellors , they take their almanack , if they find it an evil day when their sickness began , their soul is poured out upon them , they fear that they shall not only be weakned and sore broken , but that their health passing away as a cloud , they shall go the way of all the earth , that the grave shall be their house , and making their bed in the dark , the worms shall feel their sweetness , and therefore making their wills , they take their leave of all the world ; but if it be a good day , they doubt not , but all sickness shall be taken away from them , that health shall be unto their navel , and marrow to their bones , that their flesh shall be as fresh as a childs , and return as in the days of their youth . in the year of our lord . one bolton prior of st. bartholomews listening to the prognosticators , who then generally foretold , that upon the watry trigon , which should happen in the month of february that year , many thousands should perish by a deluge , caused an house to be builded upon harrow on the hill , whither he carried for himself and family , provision for two months ; so great a fear of an inundation possest him , and so great credence gave he to the almanack makers predictions , yet was there not a fairer season many years before . others there be who are very foolishly superstitious in reference to their dreams ; such a one was that knight in the reign of king henry the first , who dreaming that one was about to strangle him with his own hair , assoon as he was awake caused it all to be cut off , though he delighted much in it : to whom we may join those , who if they but dream forsooth of egs or fees , they presently conclude they shall hear of anger the next day ; or if they dream of flowers or a garden they shall hear of a funeral : now the reason of this vain superstition , is grounded upon this , because they take an exact notice when they hit , but not when they miss . i am not ignorant that artimedorus in his oneirocriticks gives us a large account of the signification of those dreams , which possess our brains in the night , but for mine own part i hold them to be of no signification at all , unless they come by divine immission : of which kind ( not to speak of those which we meet with in holy writ ) i take these two , which i shall now relate to be ; the first of which signifies , that god comprehends in himself all wisdom , and that all men in the world , are fools : and the second that divine justice will not suffer murther to go undiscovered . . a noble man of rome dreamt that he was sitting in the shop of an apothecary , into which a great rabble suddenly rusht , and catching up all the glasses and bottles that they found filled with syrups and distilled waters , they drunk up every one of them , except only one great bottle , out of which they sucked not up so much as one drop : after them he seemed to see a person of a very majestical and venerable aspect , who came likewise into the same shop , and as soon as he espied that bottle , which all the rest had refused , he set it to his mouth , and drank up every drop of that liquor with which it was filled ; and having done so , he likewise departed , at whose person and action the nobleman admiring , asked the apothecary who that reverend man was , to whom he replied , oh , sir , that person you saw was god , and the water in the great bottle which he drank up , and which all the other rout refused , was wisdom . upon which the noble-man awaked , highly pleased with his most excellent dream . . the other is this , two fellow travellers riding together , came by night , to a certain town , where they parted , the one to his friends house , the other to a common inn , he that lodged at his friends house , dreamt that he saw his companion that lodged at the inn stand at his bed-side , and desired him that he would arise and make haste to help him , or he should be murthered by his host , but being very drowsie and weary with his journey he arose not ; wherefore in a short time after his companion again appeared , and requested him more earnestly to arise and succour him ; but he making no account of all this slept again ; but he left him not so , but appeared unto him the third time , all bloody , telling him that it was now too late to implore his aid , but yet he requested him to avenge his blood upon the murtherer his host ; who ( as he told him ) had killed and buried him in his dung-mixon , where he should find his corps : at which the other started out of his sleep , and arose , and taking the officers with him ▪ secured mine host , and upon further search found the body of his fellow traveller , with his throat cut : and so by this means god disclosed the murther , and those that had an hand in it were brought to condign punishment . my son , if such foolish conceits and phansies as those which i have before mentioned , call at thy door , use them as vagrant passengers , with slight respect , let them not take up any lodging within thee . but though i would not have thee superstitious , yet i would have thee devout . xciii . wherefore forget not to begin and end with god , by thy morning and evening devotions ; so will every thing thou settest thine hand about fadge and prosper the better , yea the quicker shall be thy dispatch ; for as the dutch proverb hath it , stealing never makes a man rich , alms never make a man poor , and prayer never hinders a mans business . before thou dost compose thy self to take thy rest , make up thine accounts between god and thine own soul ; and consider what the day past thou hast thought , done , or spoken amiss ; short reckonings ( we say ) make long friends . and where thou hast found that thou hast failed in thy duty , resolve to amend the next day following : but be sure thou make good thy resolutions , that thou resemble not st. george on the sign post , always seeming to strike at , but never wounding the dragon : or that of the archer , always aiming at , but never hitting the mark : good intentions are but buds , but god requires we should bring forth fruit meet for repentance . but above all close not thine eyes , without begging pardon for what is past ; remembring that sleep is too much like death , to be trusted without a mans prayers . xciv . keep thy self to the true principles of piety , virtue , and honour ; for this will bring thee to a better inheritance than i shall leave thee : especially i would have thee well grounded and setled in religion ; the best profession of which i have ever esteemed that of the church of england , in which thou hast been educated , yet i would have thine own judgment and reason now seal to that sacred bond which education hath written , that it may be judiciously thine own religion which thou dost profess , and not other mens custom or tradition . xcv . my son , as for travelling it is very good , if it be used well ; homer highly exalts the wisdom and experience of vlisses , which he gained in his twenty years travels ; for as he tells us multorum mores hominum conspexit , & vrbes . he observed the citys and the manners of the people whithersoever he travelled ; and from thence drew such useful theories , as made him a most accomplished person . indeed he that travels with wit in his head as well as money in his purse , makes the whole world his library , and all men therein his books : but sill not up thy table-book with trivial slight observations , for that will call thy judgment and discretion in question ; as it did tom. coryats of odcomb , who gives us an account where he made water when he was in italy , what the mending of his stockings cost him there , and how he hardly escaped the losing of his testicles , with a thousand of as mean occurrences , as these . let thine observations in thy travels be weighty and material ; observe the humours and conditions of those nations amongst whom thou shalt come ; their customs , ceremonies and religion , that seeing their idolatry , thou mayest the more firmly stick to thine own religion , which thou dost prosess . next take notice of their churches and oratories , and whatsoever is notable in them , their government , laws , judicatures , and proceedings , against malefactors with their dealings in matters of traffick and commerce , their castles , magazines , and discipline in war , their ships , the commodiousness of their havens , their rivers , fish , birds , beasts , and mines of all sorts , their buildings , structures , and all those curious arts , which seem to be peculiar to the genius of the people , and every thing that justly claims a mans wonder and admiration : for by these thou shalt the better acquaint thy self with the wonderful operation of the handy-works of god , and shalt the clearer see his infinite wisdom in his government of this inferiour world. finally note the virtues of the people and imitate them ; their vices and vanities likewise , but to avoid and abhor them . there are many young sparks that travel abroad , who leave the english gentleman they carried out with them , and bring home again nothing , unless it be a formal spaniard , a drunken dutchman , or an airy frenchman : nay it is well if they bring not home a turk instead of a christian ; instead of returning like solomons ships fraught with gold , they return furnish't only with apes and peacocks ; my meaning is , they return learned only in the pride and vanity of those foreigners , amongst whom they conversed with in their travels ; instead of taking a due cognizance of those things which are of such worth and remark as might enrich their judgments and understandings . doubtless it cannot be worth a mans cost , pains , and perils to go so far ( as some do ) only to learn a new mode or a new oath , a politick shrug , or a mimical cringe , or a little gibberish pronounced with an ugly face : if this be all , it were better for my young gallant to be chained at home in the chimney corner , like a monkey , than to return such an ape . wherefore , if thou intendest to travel , and to avoid these rocks upon which others have dasht themselves to pieces , take along with thee a grave and wise companion or tutor , who by his own former travels hath acquainted himself with the things forementioned : for travels by land are like voyages by sea , unsafe without a skilful pilot. and furthermore take along with thee , these few advices and necessary cautions , which i shall give thee . first be grave , sober , and reserved ; momus found great fault , that the great creator had not made men with windows in their breasts , that men might have seen into their insides ; and a bold atheist he was , that thus durst impeach the wisdom of god : but sure i am , 't is a very grand folly for any man to make as it were such a window in his own breast , especially when he travels into foreign countries ; the way to put by those mischiefs which may befall thee in thy travels , is to lye at a close guard ; and not be like cristal , for every one to see through thee . if thou travellest into italy , munite thy self there from three things most especially , the men. the women . the inquisition . for the men there are very jealous and vindicative ; the women unchast and allective , and very much affected with the english above all men ; and the inquisition is like hell , from whence there is no redemption : to avoid which in all those countries where that is set up , take heed of raising disputes concerning matters of religion ; for this will make thee guilty of as rash a madness , and as huge an imprudence , as that of the quaker , who resolved to go from london to rome to confute and convert the pope . if thou thinkest him to be antichrist , let no man however hear thee call him so in his own territories and dominions : learn more wit of that collier , who durst not bid a fig for my lord mayor , till he had got beyond temple-bar , which is out of the limits of his jurisdiction . one of our countrymen intending in his travels to visit rome , was highly commended for his rare parts and abilities in all manner of learning to his holiness ; who was then by birth an englishman : who , upon his commendatory letters , the more to shew honour and respect due to the merits of the gentleman , went himself in person to shew him the vatican ; where after many discourses , and the turning over of many books , he took him aside into one of the criel windows and conjured him to tell him ingeniously his thoughts of the pope ; assuring him with many deep promises and protestations , that he should not be prejudiced by it in the least ; whereupon the gentleman freely told him , that he thought the pope to be a great wen , growing in the nape of the churches neck , which some foolish people mistook to be the head of it . this was a very bold , but withall a very dangerous resolution of the question , notwithstanding all ingagements passed for his security : since it is a maxim amongst all of the romish perswasion , nullam fidem tenendam esse cum haereticis . that no faith is to be kept with hereticks . my last advice in the point concerning travelling into other countries shall be this ; be sure before thou visit other nations and kingdoms , to acquaint thy self well , with the knowledge of that in which thou hast been born and bred : for it will be a great shame , to be inquisitive into what is done abroad in other countries , and to be wholly ignorant how things stand at home in thine own : for this were to do as the lamiae , who carried their eyes shut up in a box , when they were at home , and put them into their heads only , when they went abroad . xcvi . to conclude , be useful where thou dost live , that those who live about , by , and with thee , may both want and wish for thy presence still . be temperate and sober at thy meals and compotations ; and look to thy mouth , for there commonly most diseases enter ; and more graves are made with mens teeth than their hands , and the knife kills more than the sword. when thou art invited to an extraordinary etertainment , that thou mayest not be tempted to exceed the bounds of temperance , and sobriety , carve or discourse ; he who carves is kind to two , he that discourses is kind to all . scorn no mans love , though he be of never so mean degree , that person deserves to be bitten by that dog whom he will not stroak , when he kindly sawns upon him . much less make any one though never so much below thy self , justly thy enemy ; remembring that fleas can bite as well as lions , and that bees can sting as well as serpents . pitch thy behaviour low , thy projects high : be humble to thy superiours , gentle to thine equals , affable to thine inseriours , courteous to all . be not light to follow every mans opinion ; like a young spaniel , that quests at every bird that rises before him : etiam ab errore facilè discedere , levitatis est , saith scaliger , to discede over easily , even from an errour , argues too much levity : yet would i not have thee perversly obstinate in thy own courses or opinions : it is the character of a fool to abhor instruction ; hard wax will never take any impression , and wisdom will never commit burglary , to break in upon those who lock and bolt their doors against her ; though a man cast an empty bottle into the ocean , yet if it be close corkt , it will still be but an empty bottle . amongst all those treatises which may leave thee wiser than they found thee , i commend to thy frequent reading the proverbs of king solomon , and his ecclesiastes or the preacher . finally ( my son ) serve , love , and fear god ; to whose grace , mercy , and protection i leave thee : and so farewel , until we meet in another world. finis . errata . which together with some smaller literal faults the courteous reader is desired to excuse and with his pen to amend . page . line . read patrizare for patricare . p. . l. . r. quoque for quique p. . l. . r. not for no. l. . r. the hen had untr 〈…〉 there , for he had untrust a point there . p. . l. 〈…〉 ●onabus nostris , for nebulonibus nostris . other faults there may be , but they are not worth speaking of , and therefore i shall not speak much of them : but let the reader take this for good advice , and as a general rule , never to read any book whatsoever , until he has corrected the faults ( if they are collected in an errata ) for so he shall prevent the committing any himself . licensed , october . . r. l. times treasury, or, academy for gentry laying downe excellent grounds, both divine and humane, in relation to sexes of both kindes : for their accomplishment in arguments of discourse, habit, fashion and happy progresse in their spirituall conversation : revised, corrected and inlarged with a ladies love-lecture : and a supplement entituled the turtles triumph : summing up all in an exquisite character of honour / by r. brathwait, esq. brathwaite, richard, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) times treasury, or, academy for gentry laying downe excellent grounds, both divine and humane, in relation to sexes of both kindes : for their accomplishment in arguments of discourse, habit, fashion and happy progresse in their spirituall conversation : revised, corrected and inlarged with a ladies love-lecture : and a supplement entituled the turtles triumph : summing up all in an exquisite character of honour / by r. brathwait, esq. brathwaite, richard, ?- . [ ], [i.e. ], , [ ] p. printed for nath. brooke, london : . a ladies love-lecture has special t.p. with the imprint: london : printed by iohn dawson, . the turtles triumph has special t.p. with the imprint: london : printed by iohn dawson. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng conduct of life. courtesy. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion times treasury : or , academy for gentry . laying downe excellent grounds both divine and humane , in relation to sexes of both kindes : for their accomplishment in arguments of discourse , habit , fashion : and happy progresse in their spirituall conversation . revised , corrected , and inlarged , with a ladies love-lectvre ; and a supplement , entituled , the tvrtles trivmph : summing up all in an exquisite character of honour . by r i : brathwait esq. london , printed for nath : brooke , at the angel in cornhill . . to the right honourable , william , earle of strafford ; sonne and heire to that incomparable master-piece of wit , worth and wisdome , thomas , lord vventvvorth , viscount woodhouse . late lord deputy of ireland , my constantly memorized and perpetually indeared mecenas . all corresponding honour and happinesse suitable to a branch of such rising hopes ; lineally ennobled and enabled to all proficience . highly honovred ; piety , as it hath the promise , so it renders the best deblazon to the house of honour . in which highest ascent of heraldry , ( for all other titles or gradations appear irreall and shady ; ) vertue the greatest signall and symboll of gentry , is rather expressed by goodnesse of person , then greatness of place . for , howsoever the bleere-ey'd vulgar honour the purple more than the person , descent more then desert , title then merit : that adulterate gentility , which degenerates from the worth of her ancestors , derogates likewise from the birth of her ancestors . it is true indeed , that desert hath at all times had some sinister eye darting on it : especially , where malignant spirits held it a sufficient crime , to grow great . for these , forth of a restlesse ambition , were ever interposing a cloud betwixt deserving men and the sun-rising . but so strongly fenced were they with integrity : and so richly furnished in principles of theory , and humane phylosophy , as they accounted it too light an encounter to enter lists with such opponents ; whom they held so far unworthy of their hate , as they pittied their weaknesse . their spight fell infinitely below their spirit ; their spleane beneath their scorne . for such was their quicknesse and vivacity of spirit , as they could look death in the face with more cheerfulnesse , then those spungy puffins could brook competition : or idolize their adulterate greatnesse . now , for this attractive object of honour , as it has been gods goodnesse , lineall descendence , and your princes especiall observance , in relation to your incomparable father , to advance you to it ; so has it been hitherto your happinesse , in this your hopefull proficience and gracefull initiation to businesse , to entertaine humility and integrity for your reteiners , the better to preserve you in it . this is the way , as your genuine candor and noble experience hath found it , to make all good men , your friends : and to admit none to repine at your rising , but vertues foes . and such censorious pursuers of their eminentest actions , have our heroick'st spirits in all ages patiently suffered : making use of them as necessary monitors , to put them in minde how to compose and regulate the posture of their greatnesse . and these were such , whose infant effeminacy , youthfull delicacy , or native liberty had estrang'd them from the knowledge of morall or divine mysteries : so as , they might be well compared to the ostrich , who ( as the naturall historian reports ) hath the wings of an eagle , but never mounts : so these had the eagle-wings of contemplation , being indued with the intellectuall faculties of a reasonable soule ; yet either intangled with the light chesses of vanity , or trashed with the checker'd po●zes of selfe-conceipt and singulari●y , they never mounted above the verge of sensuall pleasure . but i am here to tender unto your honours judicious view , a gentleman , quite of an other garbe : a compleat academick , a civiliz'd scholler , and a scholastick courtier . one whose education hath made formall enough , without apish formality : and conceiving enough , without selfe admiring arrogancy . a good christian in devout practising , no lesse than zealous professing ; yet none of the forward'st in discoursing on religion . for he observes ( as long experience & select acquaintance have brought him to be a judicious observer ) that discourse of religion hath so occupied the world , as it hath well-neere driven the practise thereof out of the world. where most men have more of tongue than life : and more ready to dispute than live : seeking rather to be accompted . eloquent orators , then sincere christians : scholists than practists . he esteemes such onely happy , who are of that number whom the world accounts fooles , but god , wise men . he understands , that whatsoever is sought besides god , may so imploy the minde , as it may be occupied , but never satisfied . he observes the whole fabrike of humane power ; and he concludes with the preacher ; ecquid tam vanum ? he notes how the flesh becomming obedient , behaveth her selfe as a faithfull servant to the soule : this governeth , the other is governed ; this commandeth , the other obeyeth . finally , he summes up all his observations with this : he that sigheth not while he is a pilgrim , shall never rejoice when he is a citizen . this is the graduate in this academy for gentry , whom i have here againe presumed to recommend to your protection : and to you he makes recourse , not so much for shelter , as honour ; ( having sole interest in it by right from your father : ) for his title , it exempts him from servile bashfulnesse , being a person so freely indenized , so compleatly indowed . neither can he do lesse then ingenuously collect , how by your fathers gracefull patronage ; ( whose obliged servant i was in his life ; and faithfull remembrancer in his death : ) he has been cry'd up with a generall suffrage : attesting withall , that no prejudicate critick , whose use it is never to judge of the purity of a lampe , till it expire in the socket , durst assaile him ; since his honours improved command , arched with so integrious a protection , did secure him . nor is he changed from what he was , although improved by this new edition : nor hopes he to fi●de you otherwise , then your prudent fathers reflexions ever were ; ( whose imparalel'd parts and immerited favours to me , shall reteine a constant anniversary in me ; ) to the muses , and their refined fancies a profest guardian . now , if any of those corky censurers , qui mercurium in linguâ non in pectore gerunt , shall chance to accoast my gentleman : i resolve me , his education hath made him so accomplished at all assayes , and his conversing with the most piercing'st judgements , hath brought him to that pefection , as he can discerne of what mould or temper these criticks are ; concluding , voces sunt , praeterea nihil , as is said of the nighting all . this onely resteth ; if i limne him to the life , in spite of censure , he will merit the patronage of honour : if i faile in my art , ( as i dare not presume of my strength ) it is in your honour to impute the fault rather to the pen than the man ; whose intimate affection to your lordship , will quickly sweeten and attemper the rigidst censure : and signe an easy indulgence to such an obsequious errour . your honours in all devotion , lineally obliged , r i : brathwait . the english gentleman . youth . argument . the dangers that attend on youth ; the vanitie of youth , display'd in foure distinct subjects ; three violent passions incident to youth ; physicke prescribed , and receits applied to cure these maladies in youth . youth . howsoever some more curiously than needfully may seeme to reason , that there be diverse climactericall or dangerous yeeres in mans time ; sure i am , that in mans age there is a dangerous time , in respect of those sinne-spreading sores which soile and blemish the glorious image of the soule . and this time is youth , an affecter of all licentious liberty , a comicke introducer of all vanitie , and the onely 〈◊〉 apparent to carnall securitie . this it was which moved that princely prophet to pray , lord forgive me the sinnes of my youth . sinnes indeed ; because the youthfull sinner is ever committing , but never repenting ; usually provoking god , but rarely invoking god. this is he who snuffeth the wind , with the wild asse in the desart , being like the horse or mule which hath no understanding , by giving sense preeminence above reason : and walking in the fatnesse of his heart , as one wholly forgetfull of god. he may say with the psalmist , though in another sense , vt jumentum factus sum apud te : upon exposition of which sentence , it is laudable ( saith euthymius ) that in the sight of god we take our selves as beasts to shew our humility , but not to resemble beasts in ignorance or brutish sensuality . many are the dangerous shelfes which menace ruine and shipwrack to the inconsiderate and improvident soule , during her sojourning here in this tabernacle of clay : but no time more perilous than the heat of * youth , or more apt to give fuell to the fire of all inordinate desires ; being as ready to consent , as the devill is to tempt , and most willing to enter parley with her spirituall enemy upon the least assault . it is reported by eusebius , that s. iohn meeting a strong young-man , of good stature , amiable feature , sweet countenance , and great spirit , straightway looking upon the bishop of that place , he said thus unto him : christ being witnesse and before the church , i commend unto thee and thy care this young man , to be especially regarded and educated in all spirituall discipline . whom when the bishop had received into his tuition , and promised that he would performe whatsoever he ought , saint iohn againe and againe gives his charge , and contesteth his fidelity : and afterwards he returnes to ephesus . the bishop takes the young man home ; brings him up as his owne sonne , keepes him within the limits of his duty , intreats him gently , and at last baptizeth him , and confirmes him . afterwards , upon remitting something of his care , and giving freer reines to his liberty , the young man takes occasion to shake off the yoke of tuition , and fals into bad company , who corrupt him : diverting his course from the path of vertue by these meanes : first , they invite him to banquets , then they carry him abroad in the night , afterward to maintaine their profuser expence , they draw him to theevery , and so by degrees to greater wickednesse , being now made captaine in this theevish company . at last saint iohn returnes and saith ; goe to bishop , give me my depositum which i and christ committed unto thee in the church which thou gouernest . this bishop was astonied , thinking that he had deceitfully demanded some money which he never received , and yet durst scarce distrust the apostle . but as soone as saint iohn said , i demand the young man and soule of my brother : the old man hanging downe his head , sighing and weeping , said ; ille mortuus est , he is dead ; how and with what kind of death , said iohn ? deo mortuus est , he is dead unto god , answered the bishop : nam nequam & perditus , & uno verbo latro evasit : for he is wicked and lost , and in a word a theefe . much matter might be collected from this story , to inlarge the ground of our proposition , to wit , what imminent dangers are ever attending on youth , and how easie it is by the painted flag of vanity , and sensuall pleasure , to draw him to ruine . for doubtlesse , many excellent rules of instruction had this grave bishop delivered and imparted to his young pupill : many devout taskes and holy exercises had he commended to his practice : many prayers full of fervent zeale had he offered for his conversion : many sighes had he sent , many teares had he shed to reclaime him from his former conversation . yet see , how soone this youthfull libertine forgets those instructions which he had taught him , those holy taskes which were injoyned him , those zealous prayers which were offered for him , those unfained sighes and teares which were shed for him ! he leaves this aged father , to become a robber , he fl●es from the temple to the mountaine ; he puts off the robe of truth , and disguiseth himselfe with the vizard of theft . and no small theefe , but a leader . rachel was a theefe , for shee stole idols from her father ; iosuah was a theefe , seeing he stole grapes from canaan ; david was a theefe , seeing he stole the bottle of water from saul ; ionathan was a theefe , since he stole hony from the hive ; iosaba was a theefe , since he stole the infant ioash . but here was a theefe of another nature ; one , whose vocation was injury , profession theevery , and practice cruelty : one , whose ingratitude towards his reverend foster-father , merited sharpest censure : for bysias the grecian , osiges the lacedemonian , bracaras the theban , and scipio the roman , esteemed it lesse punishment to bee exiled , than to remaine at home with those that were ungratefull for their service . so as , it is not only griefe , but also a perillous thing , to have to doe with ungratefull men . and wherein might ingratitude bee more fully exemplified than in this young-man , whose disobedience to his tutor , sleighting his advice that had fostered him , deserved severest chastisement ? but to observe the cause of his fall ; wee shall finde how soone those good impressions , which he had formerly received , were quite razed and defaced in him , by reason of depraved company : whence we may gather , that youth being indeed the philosophers rasa tabula , is apt to receive any good impressure , but spotted with the pitch of vice , it hardly ever regaines her former puritie . whence we are taught , not to touch pitch ▪ lest we ●e defil●d● for as that divine father saith , occasiones faciunt latrones . truth is , the sweetest apples are the soonest corrupted , and the best natures quickliest depraved . how necessary therefore , the care and respect youth ought to have in the choyce and election of his company , may appeare by this one example , which sheweth that society is of such power , as by it saints are turned into serpents , doves into devils : for , with the wise we shall learne wisedome , and with the foole we shall learne foolishnesse . dangerous therefore it is , to leave illimited youth to it selfe : yea , to suffer youth so much as to converse with it selfe . so as , that greeke sage , seeing a young man privately retired all alone , demanded of him what he was doing ? who answered , he was talking to himselfe . take heed , quoth he , thou talke not with thine enemie . for the naturall pronenesse of youth to irregular liberty is such , as it is ever suggesting matter of innovation to the soveraingtie of reason . now to reduce these enormities incident to youth , to certaine principall heads , wee will display the vanity of youth in these foure distinct subjects : gate , looke , speech , habit : that by insisting and discoursing on each particular , wee may receive the feature of lady vanity portrayed to the life . it is strange to observe how the very body expresseth the secret fantasies of the minde : and how well the one sympathizeth with the other . i have seene even in this one motion , the gate , such especiall arguments of a proud heart , as if the body had beene transparent , it could not have represented him more fully . and i have wondered , how man endued with reason , could bee so farre estranged from that wherewith he was endued ; as to strut so proudly with feet of earth , as if hee were never to returne to earth . but especially , when youth is imployed in ushering his mistresse , hee walkes in the street as if hee were dancing a measure . hee verily imagines the eyes of the whole citie are fixed on him , as the very patterne which they esteeme worthy imitation : how neerely then concerns it him to stand upon his equipage . he walkes , as if he were an upright man , but his sincerity consist onely in dimension . he feares nothing so much as some rude encounter for the wall , and so bee discredited in the sight of his idoll . now i would be glad to weane this phantasticke from a veine of lightnesse , and habituate him to a more generous forme . first , he is to know , how that which is most native and least affective , deserves choisest acceptance . we were not borne to glory in our feet , the bases of mortality : but to walke as children of light , in holinesse and integritie . safer it were for us , to observe and make use of that , which the swan is reported to use , when at any time shee glories in the whitenesse of her colour , to wit , shee reflects her eye upon her blacke feet , which qualifies her proud spirit : making her so much the more dejected , as joying before in her owne beautie , she was erected . excellently was that embleme of humane frailty shadowed in the image of agathocles the syracusan tyrant , who commanded his statue to be composed after this fort : the head to bee of gold , signifying purenesse ; the armes of ivory , intimating smoothnesse ; the body of brasse , implying strongnesse ; but the feet of earth , importing weakenesse . be the head-peece never so pure ; bee it a diadem of gold we weare , it cannot promise to us perpetuitie ; we stand on earthen feet , how may wee then stand long , relying on such weake supporters ? though nebuchadnezzar strut never so proudly upon the turrets of his princely palace , saying , is not this great babel which i have builded ? he knowes not how soone he shall be deprived of his glory , and be enforced to feed with the beasts of the field , being as one estranged from his former magnificence . quid ergo ad nos consolatio mundi ? let us not glory in mundane vanity , nor repose too much confidence in these feet of frailty . si pes in terris , mens sit in coelis ; though our foot be on earth , let our minde bee in heaven : knowing , that ( as saint augustine saith ) three cubites of earth doe expect us ; and how little or much so ere we possesse , this is all that shall be left us . the next subject wee are to treat of in this display of youthfull vanity , is his looke : wherein hee is ever noted to shew a kinde of contempt , expressing by his eye , what he conceives in his heart . here is oculatus testis , an eye-witnesse to tax him of his pride ; disdaining to fix his eye upon the lower shrubs , as if a reflex on them should derogate from his glory . they that looked upon sylla's ring , could not choose but take notice both of sylla's seale and the treason of iugurth ; so hee , that should but eye a proud looke , could not choose but collect from what heart so disdainfull a looke proceeded . i have ever observed , the most generous to bee least affective in this kinde : for it is , and hath beene ever an inherent propriety in them , to expresse a generous affability as well in looke as speech . the eyes ( saith a good father ) are members of the flesh , but windowes of the minde ; which , eagle-like , should be ever erected to the beames of righteousnesse , and not depressed by any unworthy object of externall basenesse . the onely sight of god is the true food and refection of our minds : wee looke to be satisfied , but satisfaction wee cannot finde in any outward object ; much lesse in contempt of our poore brother , who many times exceeds us more in worth , than we him in birth . but tell me young gallant , what it is that moveth thee to this contempt of others ? is it thy descent ? alas , that is none of thine ; thou derivest that glory from thine ancestors , whose honour by thy ignoble life , dieth . yea , recall to minde how many glorious houses now lye buried in the grave of oblivion , by the vicious course of irregular successours : and againe , how many houses , whose names formerly were not so much as knowne , either raised from others ruine , or advanced by industrious merit , usurpe their glory . is it thy riches ? indeed , if the philosophers axiom be true ; riches is a signe of eternall glory , there were some reason to glory in them : but wee shall finde this glory meerely imaginary , yea a great darkener and blemisher of the internal glory & beauty of the mind . for as the moone doth never eclypse , but when she is at the full : so the minde is never so much obscured , as it is with the superfluitie of riches . and againe , as the moone is farthest off from the sunne which giveth it light , when it is at the full ; so a man , when he is the fullest of riches , is farthest off from that equity and justice , which ought to give him light in all his proceedings . and therefore , he might doe well herein to imitate the fly , which putteth not her feet in the great masse of honey , but onely taketh and tasteth with her tongue so much thereof as serveth her turne , and no more , lest by doing otherwise , she might remaine taken and drowned therein , yea , if we should but reflect and take a view of certaine ethnicks , whose admirable contempt of riches eternized them , wee should observe what inimitable continencie was in them , and what an hydropticke thirst of avarice remaineth as yet unquenched in us . and though wee must live according to lawes , and not to examples , yet cicero held that nought could be taught without example ; wherefore , to enforce this argument further , wee will here produce certaine heathens , who contemned riches so much , as being offered , yea obtruded , they would not accept them . anacharses refused the treasure sent him by croesus : anacreontes refused the treasure sent him by polycrates : and albionus refused the treasure sent him by antigonus . the like moderation wee read in fabius maximus , crates , mimus , and most of the greeke philosophers . this indifferencie towards fortune , is excellently described by the sententious seneca concluding , nihil eripit fortuna , nisi quod ipsa dedit . to insist on more examples , were to enlarge this branch too much ; we will therefore shut them all up with that divine observation of the wise simonides ; who being asked once , whether vertue or riches were of more reputation , made answer , that the vertuous did more frequent the doores of the rich , than the rich the vertuous : thence inferring , that wealth was a great nourisher of vice , and povertie of vertue ; or rather implying , how those who are richest are oft-times the retchlest , being ever with vices more infected , who are to highest fortunes advanced . wherefore i assure me , thou wilt not glory in riches for they deprave the soule , which should bee in the body , like a queene in her palace . whence then proceedeth this haughtie looke ? perchance thou wilt object , that thou art a man of place ; admit thou beest : is there nothing thou canst finde to expresse the eminence or greatnesse of thy place , to which thou art called , save a disdainefull of surly looke , a neglectfull or scornefull countenance , contemptuously throwne upon thy inferiour ? surely , if such an one thou bee , how great so-ere thou bee , i will admire rather thy seat than thy selfe : and conclude with aristippus , a stone sits upon a stone . these are they , at whom our moderne poet glanced pleasantly , when he saith ; they dare not smile beyond a point , for feare t' unstarch their looke , so punctuall and formall they are , as besides a kinde of formall and phantasticke humour they are nothing : or to expresse them better ; they thinke it a derogation to honour , to converse with basenesse ; they shew a great deale of peremptory command in an awfull looke , imagining it a sufficient argument of greatnesse , for midas asse to have minos countenance : for thus hath time drawne out their formes to me , they be and seeme not , seeme what least they be . since then neither descent , for that is derived from others ; nor riches , aptest to deprave us of all others ; nor place , being worst expressed in glorifying our selves and contemning others ; should move us to put on the countenance of disdaine to our inferiours : we are to conclude , that humilitie , as it opens the gate unto glory , so affability , a vertue right worthy every generous minde , cannot bee better planted than in the eyes , those centinels which guard us , those two lights which direct us , those adamantine orbes which attract affection to us . a face erected , first to man was given , t' erect his eyes unto the king of heaven . let not then any other object entertaine it , at least , not retaine it : if they be to be imployed in any worldly object , let them be imployed in contemplating his workes who made the world ; for all other objects are but meere vanitie and affliction of spirit . the third subject we are to discourse of , is speech ; a propriety wherein man is distinguished from other creatures : yea , the onely meanes to preserve societie among humane creatures . quanto melius est docere quàm loqui , tanto melior est quàm verba locutio , saith s. augustine : by how much better it is to teach than to speake , by so much better is speech than words . here this learned father maketh a maine difference betwixt speech and words : which distinction may bee properly applied to the argument whereof wee now treat . the rash young man , who useth no guard to his mouth , nor no gate of circumstance unto his lips , inureth himselfe to many words , but little speech . now to define speech , it is nothing else than an apt composing , and an opportunate uttering of words ; whence it is said , words spoken in season or opportunitie , are like apples of gold with pictures of silver . and herein is youth many times blame-worthy , who will professe himselfe a speaker , before hee know what to speake ; yea putting his oare in every mans boat , admits no conference , not treaty , no discourse , how transcendent soever , but he will bee a speaker : though it oft-times moves some wise phocion to say to this jangling pithias , good god , will this foole never leave his babling ? aristotle debating of the convenience and propriety of discourse before alexander , maintained that none were to be admitted to speake but either those that managed his warres , or his philosophers which governed his house . observe here what strictnesse was imposed even upon heathens , to restrain them from too much libertie of speech , onely such being admitted to speake , whose approved judgement in military or philosophicall discourse might worthily bee said to deserve attention . divers reasons of no small consequence might bee here produced , why young men were not to give their opinions in any matter of state in publike places ; but wee will reduce them to two . the first whereof may be imputed to their rashnesse in resolving ; the second to a passionate hotnesse in proceeding . for the first , to wit rashnesse in resolving : it is the property of youth without premeditation to resolve , and without counsell to execute . now is it possible any good effect should succeed from such unsteady grounds ? yes , you will say ; some are of that present and pregnant conceit , as a matter is no sooner imparted , than they apprehend it : and for speech , divers have had such excellent gifts , as they would shew more native eloquence in a speech presently composed , than upon longer preparation addressed . did not tiberius better in any oration ex tempore , than premeditate ? have not many in like sort , as if secretly * inspired , expressed and delivered abundance of profound learning upon the present ? it is true ; yet are we not hence to collect that premeditation is fruitlesse , that rash and inconsiderate resolves are to be admitted , or young mens advice , which is for most part grounded on opinionate arrogancie , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , secundum opinionem , non secundum veritatem , should be authenticke . for admit young men were eloquent , yet foolish eloquence ( which must needs bee in unseasoned youth ) is as a sword in a mad-mans hand , it cannot but hurt much ; being first , apt to perswade , and likewise by delivering dangerous matter , no lesse prompt to deprave the eare that is perswaded . the second reason which we observed , why youth was not to give his opinion in any publike place , was his hotnesse in proceeding . it is intolerable for these young-heads to be opposed : they are deafe to reason , as if opinion had possest them of purpose to oppose reason . this appeared in those violent attempts of catiline , cethegus , lentulus , and their factious adherents ; who , though privately cautioned and friendly advised by such , whose long experienced love and fidelity assured them of their unfained amity ; yet rather than they would lose the opportunity of their aimes , all counsell must be rejected , and their owne private opinions ( without ground of reason ) embraced . but to come nearer them in our discourse : these young-blouds use rather , catiline-like , to speake much and doe little , than iugurth-like , to speake little and doe much . of all innes , they love not that of harpocrates , with the signe of the finger on his mouth . they are unmeasurably passionate in any argument ; and so nailed to their owne opinion , as conceit transports them above reason , and leaves no place for contradiction . it is commonly said , that law , logicke , and the switzers may be hired to fight for any one ; and wee have found out one that will match them . now you have received the character of his speech , i would labour to reclaime him from his errour ; which to effect the better , he must know , that being a gentleman , ( for to such an one chiefly do i direct my discourse ) he can asperse no greater imputation on gentry , than in exercising his tongue in fruitlesse and frivolous discourse , or spending his breath in uselesse or needlesse contention . the tongue ( as one observes ) is a small member ; but very glibbery and prone to ruine : apt it is to rebell , if not restrained ; prompt to innovate , if not confined . but of all the fallies or excursions which are made by the tongue , none in my conceit lesse beseeming a gentleman , than in giving reines to passions , to slave himselfe to illimited fury : much more profit should he finde in expostulating with passion , recalling to minde that saying of archytas so much commended ; who being angry with one of his hindes , said , o how would i have beaten thee , had i not beene angry with thee ? where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith bernard ) is sweet and profitable ; where one man is meeke , it is profitable ; where neither , it proves pernicious . may your speech , ( gentlemen ) bee so seasoned , as it may relish of discretion : rather learne the art of silence , than to incurre the opinion of rashnesse : for the one seldome gives argument of offence , but the other ever . speake , but not with affectation , for that gives a better rellish to the eare , than to the conceit : speake , but not in assentation , for that is mercenarie , and seemes better in the mouth of a slavish sycophant , than a generous professant : speake freely , yet with reservation lest the comedians phrase have some allusion to your opennesse ; being so full of chinkes , as secrecie can have no hope to finde harbour in your bosome . as to speake all that we know ▪ sheweth weaknesse : so to impart nothing of that we know , inferres too much closenesse : to observe a meane in these extreames , choice respect is to bee had with whom we converse . if we finde him apt to conceale wee may more safely and freely deliver our minde ; but where suspicion of secrecie ministres argument of distrust , wee are to be more cautelous : for it is great folly to engage our thoughts to the secrecie of him whom we know not . worthy commendation was augustus in this respect , who was so choice in the election of a friend , to whom he might communicate his privatest thoughts , as he would imploy much time in searching and sifting him , ere he would retaine him . and hence i might take occasion to tax divers , who are too readie to open their bosomes unto all encounters ; and yet i must freely confesse , that this credulity of theirs , meerely proceeds from the goodnesse of their nature : for they imagine ( such is their easie simplicity ) that others are as secret , as they open . such is the affability of unexperienced youth , as they cannot reserve the secret'st of their thoughts , but must discover them upon the first view to their first acquaintance : whence plautus , benignitas eius vt adolescentuli est ; wherein he seemes to instance youth , as a patterne of ingenuous affability : no lesse ready to utter his thoughts , than his subtill applauder is to heare them . much more fruit should hee reape by observing that divine precept of ecclesiasticus : thou that art young speake , if need be , and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked . comprehend much in few words ; in many be as one that is ignorant : be as one that understandeth , and yet hold thy tongue . wherein he proposeth an exact rule to be observed by youth , even in circumstance , as well as substance of speech . now it may be expected , that i should propose a forme for words , as i have proposed a rule for discourse ; but my reply to him , who expects this , shall be the same which demosthenes made to aeschynes the orator ; who having found fault with demosthenes questioning him of certaine words which he had pronounced something rare and strange , was in this sort answered by him ; that the fortunes of greece depended not upon them . only thus much i will adde , to reclaime him , who more curiously than pertinently , insisteth rather on words than substance : that as there is no man but would esteeme him for an indiscreet builder , who preferreth the care of his frontispice before the maine foundation ; or such an one for a foolish painter , who bestoweth more art upon the varnish than the picture : so whosoever intendeth his care rather to finde out words than matter , may bee holden for a verball rhetorician , but no serious orator . to be short , if you will have my opinion touching the use of words ; i esteeme such to be most elegant , which are least affected ; for there is a native propriety of speech which best becomes us ; being adorned with such ornaments , as grace our discourse better than adulterate art , which many times bestowes so much time upon beautifying her selfe , as shee forgers whom shee should serve . vvee are now to descend briefly to the last , though not least vanitie incident to youth ; and it is habit or attire . wherein i have not a little wondered , falling now and then into more serious meditation with my selfe , how any man , having reflex , by the eye of his soule , to his first fall , should glory in these robes or raggs of shame , being purposely invented to cover his sinne . sin indeed ; for had not man sinned , his shame had never beene discovered . poore fig-leaues were then the onely shelter , to shroud from shame this miserable sinner . then was adam his owne taylour , and stood not much on fashion , so his nakednesse might finde a cover . come then and heare mee , thou perfumed gallant , whose sense chiefly consists in sent ; and observe how much thou derogat'st from thy owne worth , the covering a shell of corruption with such bravery . all gorgeous attire is the attire of sinne ; it declines from the use for which it was ordained , to wit , necessity , and dilates it selfe purposely to accomplish the desire of vanity . forraine nations , on whose flowry borders the glorious sun-shine of the gospell hath not as yet shined , though for their silkes and sables , none more plenteous or precious , yet with what indifferencie doe they use these riches ? it may be you will object , that art hath not as yet showne her cunning amongst them ; so as their neglect of fashion meerely proceedeth from want of skilfull artists , to introduce the forme or fashion of other countries ( by meanes of civill government , more curious and exquisite ) to their people . but i shall prove , & that by impregnable arguments , how this contempt of pride is naturally planted in them ; yea , with what scorne and derision they looke upon other countries , usually affected to this delicacie and effeminacie in apparell . such as have travelled , and upon exact survey of the natures of forraine countries , have brought the rich fraught of knowledge stored with choicest observations to their native home , have confirmed this : for they have found such contempt in other nations , touching these fruitlesse vanities , wherein wee idolatrize our owne formes , as it strucke admiration in them , as their records , to this day ext●nt , doe apparantly witnesse . to instance some whereof , as the ruffian , muscovian , ionian ; yea even the barbarous indian , it may appeare with what reservancie they continue their ancient habit ; loth , it seemes , to introduce any new custome , or to lose their antiquity for any vaine-glorious or affected novelty : with a joynt uniformity ( as it seemes ) resolved , tam in cultu numiuis , quàm apparatu corporis , moribus legibusque uti praesentibus , etiamsi deteriores sint . but leaving them , because we will a while insist upon prophane authorities ; let us reflect our dim eyes , bleared with the thicke scales of vanity , to those divine sages , whose excellent instructions no lesse imitable than admirable , merit our approbation and observation . it is reported by laertius , that on a time croesus , having adorned and beautified himselfe with the most exquisite ornaments of all kinds , that either art or cost could devise ; and sitting on a high throne , to give more grace or lustre to his person , demanded of solon if he ever saw a sight more beautifull ? yes ( quoth hee ) house-cockes , phesants , and peacokes ; for they are clothed with a naturall splendour or beauty bestowed on them by nature , without any borrowed elegancie . the like contempt appeared in eutrapelus ; who valued the internall beauty of his minde , more than the adulterate varnish of art. besides , hee was of this opinion , that hee could not doe his foe a greater injury , than bestow on him the preciousest garments he had , to make him forgetfull of himselfe and his owne frailtie ; whose nature the poet excellently describeth thus : the sage eutrapelus right wisely bad his foes should have the richest robes he had , thinking he did them harme , himselfe much good , " for given , they made him humble , them more proud . amongst many profitable lawes enacted by numa , the law * sumptuaria conferred no small benefit upon the state publique . for by that law was prohibited , not onely all profuse charge in funerall expences , but likewise the excessive use of apparell , whereby the roman state grew in short time to great wealth , labouring to suppresse those vices , which usually effeminate men the most , to wit , delicacie in fare , and sumptuousnesse in attire . now there be many , i know , who invent fashions meerely to cover their deformities , as iulius caesar wore a garland of laurell to cover his baldnesse withall ; and these seeme excusable , but they are not : for did not hee who made thee , bestow this forme on thee ? could not he have stamped thee to the most exquisite or absolute feature , if it had so pleased thy creator ? and wilt thou now controule thy maker , and by art supply the defects of nature ? beware of this evill : i can prescribe thee a better and safer course , how to rectifie these deformities . hast thou a crooked body ? repaire it with an upright soule . art thou outwardly deformed ? with spirituall graces be thou inwardly beautified . art thou blinde , or lame , or otherwise maimed ? be not therewith dejected , for the blinde and lame were invited . it is not the outward proportion , but the inward disposition ; not the feature of the face , but the power of grace which worketh to salvation . alcibiades , socrates scholar , was the best favoured boy in athens ; yet , ( to use the philosophers words ) looke but inwardly into his body , you will finde nothing more odious . so as one compared them aptly ( these faire ones i meane ) to faire and beautifull sepulchers ; exteriùs nitida , interiùs faetida ; outwardly hansome , inwardly noisome . notable was that observation of a learned philosopher , who professing himselfe a schoolmaster , to instruct youth , in the principles and grounds of philosophie , used to hang a looking-glasse in the schoole where he taught ; wherein he shewed to every scholar he had , his distinct feature or physnomy : which he thus applied . if any one were of a beautifull or amiable countenance , hee exhorted him to answere the beauty and comlinesse of his face , with the beauty of a well-disposed or tempered minde ; if otherwise he were deformed , or ill featured ; he wished him so to adorne and beautifie his minde , that the excellencie of the one , might supply the defects or deformities of the other . but thou objectest ; how should i expresse my descent , my place ; or how seeme worthy the company of eminent persons , with whom i consort , if i should sleight or disvalue this general-affected vanity fashion ? i will tell thee : thou canst not more generously , i will not say generally , expresse thy greatnesse of descent , place , or quality , nor seeme better worthy the company with whom thou consortest or frequentest , than by erecting the glorious beames of thy minde , above these inferiour things . for who are these with whom thou consortest ? meere triflers away of time , bastard slips , degenerate impes , consumers of their patrimony , and in the end , ( for what other end save misery may attend them ? ) heires to shame and infamy . these ( i say ) who offer their morning prayers to the glasse , eying themselves so long , till narcissus-like they fall in love with their owne shadowes : and many times like that wrethed lady , if any deformity chance to blemish their beauty , they no sooner eye their glasse , than the discovery of their deformity brings them to a fearefull frency . o england , what a height of pride art thou growne to ? yea , how much art thou growne unlike thy selfe ? when , disvaluing thy owne forme , thou deformest thy selfe by borrowing a plume of every country , to display thy pie-coloured flag of vanity . what painting , purfling , powdring and pargeting doe you use , ( yee idols of vanity ) to lure and allure men to breake their first faith , forsake their first love , and , yeeld to your immodesty ? how can you weepe for your sinnes , ( saith saint hierome ) when your teares will make furrowes in your face ? with what confidence do you lift up that countenance to heaven , which your maker acknowledges not ? doe not say that you have modest minds , when you have immodest eyes . death hath entred in at your windowes ; your eyes are those cranies , those hatefull portals , those fatall entrances , ( which tarpeia-like ) by betraying the glorious fortresse or citadell of your soules , have given easie way to your mortall enemie . vtinam miserrimus ego , &c. i would i poore wretch ( saith tertulian ) might see in that day of christian exaltation , an cum cerussa , & purpurisso , & croco , & cum illo ambitu capitis resurgatis : no , you staines to modesty , such a picture shall not rise in glory before her maker . there is no place for you ; but for such women as aray themselves in comely apparell , with shamefastnesse and modestie , not with broided ha●re , or gold , or pearles , or costly apparell . but , as becommeth women that professe the feare of god. for even after this manner in time past did the holy women , which trusted in god , tire themselves . reade , i say , reade yee proud ones , yee which are so haughty , and walke with stretched-out neckes , the prophet isaiah , and you shall finde your selves described , and the judgement of desolation pronounced upon you . because the daughters of sion are haughty , and walke with stretched-out neckes , and with wandring eyes , walking and minsing as they goe , and making a tinckling with their feet ; therefore shall the lord make the heads of the daughters of sion bald , and the lord shall discover their secret parts . and hee proceeds : in that day shall the lord take away the ornament of the slippers , and the calles , and the round tyres . the sweet balles , and the bracelets , and the bonnets ▪ the tyres of the head , and the sloppes , and the head-bands , and the tablets , and the eare-rings . the rings and the mufflers . the costly apparell , and the veiles , and the wimples , and the crisping-pins . and the glasses , and the fine linnen , and the hoods and the lawnes . now heare your reward : and in stead of sweet savour , there shall be stinke , and in stead of a girdle , a rent , and in stead of dressing of the haire , baldnesse , and in stead of a stomacher a girdling of sack-cloth , and burning in stead of beauty . now attend your finall destruction : thy men shall fall by the sword , and thy strength in the battell . then shall her gates mourne and lament , and shee being desolate shall sit upon the ground . see how you are described , and how you shall be rewarded ! enjoy then sinne for a season , and delight your selves in the vanities of youth : be your eyes the lures of lust , your eares the open receits of shame , your hands the polluted instruments of sinne : to be short , be your soules , which should be the temples of the holy ghost , cages of uncleane birds ; after all these things , what the prophet hath threatned shall come upon you , and what shall then deliver you ? not your beauty ; for to use that divine distich of innocentius , tell me thou earthen vessell made of clay , what 's beauty worth , when thou must dye to day ? nor honour ; for that shall lye in the dust , and sleepe in the bed of earth . nor riches ; for they shall not deliver in the day of wrath . perchance they may bring you , when you are dead , in a comely funerall sort to your graves , or bestow on you a few mourning garments , or erect in your memory some gorgeous monument , to shew your vaine-glory in death , as well as life ; but this is all : those riches which you got with such care , kept with such feare , lost with such griefe , shall not afford you one comfortable hope in the houre of your passage hence ; afflict they may , releeve they cannot . nor friends ; for all they can doe , is to attend you , and shed some friendly teares for you ; but ere the rosemary lose her colour , which stickt the coarse , or one worme enter the shroud , which covered the corps , you are many times forgotten , your former glory extinguished , your eminent esteeme obscured , your repute darkened , and with infamous aspersions often impeached . if a man ( saith seneca ) finde his friend sad , and so leave him sicke without ministring any comfort to him , and poore without releeving him ; we may thinke such an one goeth to jest , rather than visit or comfort : and such miserable comforters are these friends of yours . what then may deliver you in such gusts of affliction which assaile you ? conscience ; shee it is that must either comfort you , or how miserable is your condition ? she is that continuall feast which must refresh you ; those thousand witnesses that must answer for you ; that light which must direct you ; that familiar friend that must ever attend you ; that faithfull counsellour that must advise you ; that balme of gilead , that must renew you ; that palme of peace , which must crowne you . take heed therefore you wrong not this friend , for as you use her , you shall finde her . she is not to be corrupted , her sincerity scornes it ; shee is not to bee perswaded , for her resolution is grounded ; shee is not to bee threatned , for her spirit sleights it . she is aptly compared in one respect to the sea , she can endure no corruption to remaine in her , but foames , and frets , and chafes , till all filth bee removed from her . by ebbing and flowing is shee purged , nor is she at rest till shee be rinsed . fugit ab agro ad ciuitatem , à publico ad domum , à domo in cubiculum , &c. discontentedly shee flies from the field to the city , from publicke resort to her private house , from her house to her chamber ; shee can rest in no place ; furie dogs her behinde , and despaire goes before . for conscience being the inseparable glory or confusion of every one , according to the quality , disposition or dispensation of that talent which is given him , for to whom much is given , much shall be required : we are to make such fruitfull use of our talent that the conscience wee professe may remaine undefiled , the faith we have plighted may be inviolably preserved , the measure or omer of grace we have received , may be increased , and god in all glorified . which , the better to effect , wee are to thinke how god is ever present in all our actions ; and that ( to use the words of augustine ) whatsoever we doe , yea whatsoever it bee that wee doe , he better knowes it than we our selves doe . it was seneca's counsell to his friend lucilius , that whensoever he went about to do any thing , he should imagine cato , or scipio , or some other worthy roman to be in presence . in imitation of so divine a morall , let us in every action fix our eye upon our maker , whose eyes are upon the children of men ; so shall we in respect of his sacred presence , to which we owe all devout reverence , abstaine frome vill , doe good , seeke peace and ensue it . such as defil'd themselves with sinne , by giving themselves over unto pleasure , staining the nobility & splendour of their soules through wallowing in vice ; or otherwise fraudulently , by usurpation or base insinuation , creeping into soveraignty , or unjustly governing the common-weale ; such thought socrates , that they went a by-path separated from the counsell of the gods : but such , as while they lived in their bodies , imitated the life of the gods , such hee thought had an easie returne to the place from whence they first came . if the pagan had such a divine conceit of those , whose approved life represented a certaine similitude or resemblance of god , as he imagined , no glory could be wanting to them , in regard of their integrity : let us embrace the like opinion , and expresse such apparent demonstrations of sanctitie , that as wee exceed the pagan in regard of that precious light we enjoy , so wee may exceed him in the conversation of the life we lead . but how should these painted sepulchers , whose adulterate shape tastes of the shop , glorying in a borrowed beauty , ever meditate of these things ? how should their care extend to heaven , whose basiliske eyes are only fixed on the vanities of earth ? how should that painted blush ( that iewish confection ) blush for her sinne , whose impudent face hath out-faced shame ? two loves ( saith that learned bishop of hippo ) make two cities . hierusalem is made by the love of god , but babylon by the love of the world . and these are they , who engaged to wordly love , have forsaken their true love ; they have divided their hearts , and estranged their affections from that supreme or soveraigne good . o then ( young men ) come not neere the gate of this strange woman , whose feet goe downe to death , and whose steps take hold on hell . this is the woman with an harlots behaviour , and subtill in heart . this is shee , who hath d●ckt her bed with ornaments , carpets and laces of aegypts and perfuming her bed with myrrhe , aloes and cynamon . take heed thou sing not lysimachus song ; the pleasure of fornication is short , but the punishement of the fornicator eternall . but of this subject we are more amply to treat hereafter ; onely my exhortation is to youth , whose illimited desires tend ever to his ruine , that if at any time it bee your fortune to encounter with these infectious ulcers , these sin-soothing , and soule-soiling lepers ; and they like that whorish woman in the proverbs , invite you to their lothed daliance , saying , come , let us take our fill of love untill the morning : come , let us take our pleasure in daliance : that you shake off these vipers at the first assault , and prevent the occasion when it first offers it selfe . for know , that which a devout and learned . father saith concerning the dangerous habit of sinne , is most true ; prima est quasi titillatio delectationis in corde secunda consensio , tertium factum , quarta consuetudo . sinne begins with an ●ith , but ends with a skar . the first degree begins with delight , the second with consent , the third with act , and the fourth with custome . thus sinne by degrees in men of all degrees , like a broad-spreading tetter , runnes over the whole beauty of a precious soule , exposing the fruits of the spirit to be corrupted by the suggestion of the flesh . but too farre ( i feare me ) have i digressed from this last branch , whereof i was to discourse , to wit , of habit , or attire : albeit i have enlarged my selfe in nothing which may seeme altogether impertinent to our present purpose . for discoursing of the vanity of women ( whose phantasticke habits are daily theames in publicke theatres ) i imagined it a necessary point to insist upon : partly to disswade those shee-painters of this flourishing iland from so base and prostitute practice . base , for festus pompeius saith , that common and base whores , called schaenicolae , used dawbing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . partly to bring a loathing of them in the conceit of all yong gentlemen , whose best promising parts use often to be corrupted by their inchantmens . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. there is one flower to bee loved of women , a good red , which is shamefastnesse . saint hierome to marcella saith , that those women are matter of scandall to christian eyes , quae purpurisso & quibusdam fucis ora oculosque depingunt . i might here likewise justly tax such effeminate youths , whose womanish disposition hath begot in them a love to this hatefull profession ; but i will onely use diogenes speech , which hee made to one that had anointed his haires ; cave ne capitis suaveolentia vitae maleolentiam adducat . or that saying hee used to a youth too curiously and effeminately drest : if thou goest to men , all this is but in vaine ; if unto women , it is wicked . so as being asked a question of a young man , very neatly and finely apparelled , he said , hee would not answer him till he put off his apparell to see whether he were a man or a woman . there is another objection , which i imagine youth will alledge , to prove how expedient it is for him to bee choice or curious in respect of apparell . it gaines him more acceptance and esteeme with men of eminent place . but hearken how the apostle opposeth himselfe to this ; reproving such whose judgement consists in the eye rather than in the braine proceeding thus ; if there come into your company a man with a gold-ring , and in goodly apparell , and there come in also a poore man in vile raiment , and ye have a respect to him that weareth the gay cloathing , and say unto him , sit thou here in a goodly place ; and say unto the poore , stand thou there , or sit here under my foot-stoole : are yee not partiall in your selves , and are become judges of evill thoughts ? so as , howsoever these diffident wordlings , annulo maegis credunt quam animo ; it is not the habit , but the heart which god accepts : yet most acceptable is that habit which is not so sumptuous as seemely , not so costly as comely . true indeed it is , that the popular eye , which cannot distinguish of the inward beauty , but observeth rather what wee weare , than what wee are , admires nothing more than the outward habit ; as wee may reade how much herod , being arrayed in royall apparell , was applauded by the people , who gave a shout , saying , the voice of god , and not of man. but that all-seeing and all-scearching eare of the divine majesty seeth not as man seeth . hee prefers lazarus rags before dives robes . though the one bee clothed in purple and ●ine linnen , and the other seeme despicable in the eye of the world , in respect of his nakednesse ; yet , mortua necessitate , peribunt opera necessitatis : the one is translated to glory boundlesse , the other to misery endlesse ; for this sorrow which hee here felt , ended when he did end ; but the joy which he obtained , exceeded all end . thus farre have i laboured to answer all such objections as might bee proposed in defence of this generall-approved vanity , concluding ; quod peccata sericea , teterrima sunt vitia ; no sinnes like to silken sinnes , for they ever crave impunity , the foster-mother of all impiety . i intend yet to proceed in decyphering the lightnesse of youth , by expressing three grand maladies incident to youth ; whereof i purpose to dilate particularly , to move the young man to be more cautelous of his wayes , in the mazie labyrinth of this life . these three ( for all the rest may be reduced to them ) are comprehended under lust , ambition , revenge ; of which briefly , according to our former method , we purpose here to intreat . so exposed is youth to sense , and so much estranged from the government of reason ; as it prosecutes with eagernesse whatsoever is once entertained with affection . this might appeare in the ruines of troy , occasioned by the unlawfull love of paris ; where the violent intrusion and usurpation of anothers bed , brought an irreparable fall to the trojans . some have given two reasons ; why youth is more subiect to this illimited passion , than any other age . the first is , that naturall heat or vigour , which is most predominant in youth , provoking him to attempt the greatest of difficulties , rather than suffer the repulse where hee affects . the second is , want of imployment : which begets this distemperature ; whence the poet. take away idlenesse , and without doubt , cupids how breakes , and all his lampes goe out . this want of imployment was it , which moved aegistus to shew himselfe more familiar with clytemnestra , than stood well with his honour ; for had hee ranked himselfe with those valiant greekes , whose resolute adventures gain'd them generall esteeme , hee had prevented occasion and purchased himselfe equall renowne by his valour , as by vaine expence of time he incurred dishonour . witty and proper was that elegant invention of lucian , who faining cupid . to invite the gods to an amorous feast , prevailed with all of them to give way to love , till he came to pallas ; but she was found conversing with the muses , and would admit of no time to enter parly with cupid . true it is , that exercise draweth the minde from effeminacie : and remisnesse feeds the desire , and addes fuell to unlawfull heat . and no lesse occasion gives wanton discourse , or lascivious bookes to the enraged affections of distempered youth : so as , much more blessed were the state , if restraint were made of composing or publishing such subiects , where every leafe instructs youth in a new lesson of folly . alcaeus a man of good reputation and generall observance in the common-wealth ; what toyes wrote he of the love of young men ? all the writings of anacreon are onely of love . but most of all other , rheginus even burned with love , as appeareth by his writings . yea , even philosophers ( and that by the counsell and authority of plato , whom therefore dicearchus did worthily reprehend ) became the commenders and honourers of love . such discourses should , bee throwne to the darkest corner of our studies , as that of ovids was by augustus , which tend to corrupt youth , and divert his minde from the exercise of vertue . but alas ! to what height of licentious liberty are these corrupter times growne ? when that sex , where modesty should claime a native prerogative , gives way to foments of exposed loosenesse ; by not only attending to the wanton discourse of immodest lovers , but carrying about them ( even in their naked bosomes , where chastest desires should onely lodge ) the amorous toyes of venus and adonis : which poem , with others of like nature , they heare with such attention , peruse with such devotion , and retaine with such delectation , as no subject can equally relish their unseasoned palate , like those lighter discourses . yea ( which hath strucke me to more admiration ) i have knowen divers , whose unriper yeeres halfe assured mee , that their greene youth had never instructed them in the knowledge , nor brought them to conceit of such vanities , excellently well read in those immodest measures ; yea , and prompt enough to shew proofes of their reading in publike places . i will not insist upon them , but leave them to have their names registred amongst those infamous ladies ; sempronia , scribonia , clytemnestra , cleopatra , faustina , messalina , whose memories purchased by odious lust , shall survive the course of time ; as the memory of those famous matrons , octavia , porcia , caecilia , cornelia , shall transcend the period of time . to expresse what especiall motives tend most to increase of this passion , i thinke it not amisse : because i hold it necessary to propose the cause , before we come to cure the effect . for i thinke , according to the opinion of socrates , that then my instructions have brought forth good fruit , when by them any one shall be provoked to apply his disposition to the knowledge and practice of vertue . which , the better to effect , you shall know , that there is no one motive more generally moving , or enforcing to an eager pursuit of our immoderate affections , than curious or luscious fare , delicious liquors , which might appeare ( if we should have recourse to history ) in those prodigall feastings of antonius and cleopatra : where no cost was spared to give more free course to lascivious desires . to prevent this , ( as may be probably gathered ) greece in her flourishing estate , restrained women both publique and private accesse to banquets : and kinsmen kissed their kinswomen to know whether they drunke wine , or no , and if they had , to be punished by death , or banished into some iland . plutarch saith , that if the matrons had any necessity to drinke wine , either because they were sicke or weake , the senate was to give them licence ; and not then in rome neither , but out of the city . macrobius saith , that there were two senators in rome chiding , and the one called the others wife an adulteresse ; and the other his wife a drunkard : and it was judged that to bee a drunkard was more infamy . here we may collect what strictnesse , even the heathen used , to observe a morall course , and to represse such inordinate motions , as most commonly invade the eminent'st states , when long peace hath rockt her people asleepe , snorting in the downe-bed of security . sure i am , as there is nothing which brings eithera publike or private state to a remisnesse of government sooner than peace or plenty ; so nothing effatuates the understanding of man more than excesse in meat or drinke , subjecting the intellective part to the bondage of sense . for what may be the discourse of epicurists , but lascivious , begot on excesse of fare , curious and luscious ? these are dilating ever on the rape of ganimedes , lais in euripides . beauty is their object , and vanity their subject . white teeth , rolling eyes , a beautifull complexion ( an exteriour good ) being that which euryala praised , when shee washed the feet of vlysses , namely , gentle speech , and tender flesh . thus are their tongues tipt with vanity , their desires ayming at sensuality , and their delights engaged to fleshly liberty . amongst the romans ; venus or cous was the best chance at dice : and no chance , ( till some heavy mischance over-take them ) more happy in their opinion , than to receive a loving smile or cheerefull aspect from their terrestriall venus . some countries i have read of , whose naturall basenesse , being given to all avarice , induced them to disesteeme all respects in this kinde , and to make merchandize of their womens honour . such are the women of sio reported to be , who are reputed for the most beautifull dames of all the greekes in the world , and greatly given to venery . their husbands are their pandors , and when they see any stranger arrive , they will presently demand if he would have a mistresse : and so they make whores of their own wives , and are contented for a little gaine to weare hornes : such are the base minds of ignominious cuckolds . here is a dangerous i le for our amorous gallant , who makes his travell ( with griefe i speake it ) too oft the ruine of himselfe and his estate . happy are those ( but too few are those ) who with wise ithacus stop their eares to these soule-tainting and sinne-tempting syrens . yet some there are , and some there have beene ever ( i perswade me ) whose noble conquests over themselves and their owne desires , have seconded , if not surpassed those many conquests which they atchieved in forraine nations . as the admirable continencie of alexander the great , in sparing darius wife and his three daughters . the continency of scipio during the space of foure and twenty yeeres , wherein his prosperous exploits could purchase him no more glory , than in the besieging and taking of a city in spaine , he gained him renowne , by repressing his flame of lust , when a beautifull maid was brought him : restoring her with a great reward to allancius , a celtiberian lord , to whom shee was espoused . no lesse worthy was that part of marius , who having sylla's wife and sisters in his power , sent them nobly , unattempted . an example of like continencie might hee instanced in mahomet the great , towards the faire * greeke ; whom , albeit hee entirely loved , yet to shew unto his peeres , a princely command of himselfe and his affections ; as he had incensed them before by loving her , so hee regained their love by sleighting her ; whence the poet : with that he drew his turkish symeter , which he did brandish ore the damsels head ; demanding of such ianizers were there , if 't were not pity shee'sd be slaughtered ? pity indeed ; but i perforce must doe that which displeaseth me , to pleasure you . many such instances , ancient and moderne histories afford , but i must not insist on each particular , lest i should inlarge my selfe too much in this branch . my exhortation shall be to such , whose unmellow yeeres crave instruction , that they would betake themselves to imployment : for idlenesse maketh of men , women ; of women , beasts ; of beasts , monsters . and amongst imployments , ever mix such readings as may minister matter , either divine , or morall , to allay the heat of this distempered passion . we reade of the roman stilpho , that albeit he was naturally addicted to all incontinency , yet by reading certaine precepts of morall philosophy , he became an absolute commander of his owne affections . hate to consent to that , which so transformes man , as hee wholly loseth the true title of man , and becommeth meerely bestiall . nos qui accepimus rationis lucem communem cum angelis , non transeamus vitam in silentio cum pecoribus . thou art beautified with an angelicall feature ; let it not participate of any inferiour creature . to be short , art thou a gentleman ? beare that posture still : staine not a native glory with an infamous blemish . this vice of all others , derogates most from honour : for we commonly say , such , whose lightnesse incurres scandall , to have lost their honour . o let not the honour of a generous minde suffer eclipse , for a minutes pleasure ! lais asking of demosthenes so much for one nights-lodging , he presently replyed : i will not buy repentance at so deare a rate . dearer is the rate of shame , than of coine . prize honour at that estimate , as the height of pleasure may never have power to surprise it . canna , wife to synattus , whom one synoris , of greater authority than synattus , loved : making no small meanes to obtaine her love yet all in vaine ; supposed the readiest way for effecting his desire to bee the death of her husband , which he performed . this done , he renewed his suit ▪ to which shee seemingly consented . but being solemnly come into the temple of diana for celebrating the nuptials , she had a sweet potion ready , which shee drunke to synoris , where with they both were poisoned , to revenge her husbands death . here is a pagan patterne of inimitable continency ; who rather than she would consent to contract mariage with her husbands foe , dis-valued all future hope of preferment , yea embraced death , as a happy agent of her intended revenge . the wise ( saith that sententious philosopher ) may gather gold out of dung ; which may be thus applyed . the wise christian , may cull excellent flowers from an ethnicke garden : for the envious man he is the spider which sucks poison from the fragrant'st and freshest flowers . i will conclude this point ; and intreat the generous affected , whose glory should be vertues booty , and whose best beauty to be enriched by her bounty ; to make vertue their prize , being so praise-worthy of her selfe , as shee needs no outward praise . to purchase which incomparable blessing , i could wish , gentlemen , that your resort to eminent places bee more spare , till you finde in your selves an aptnesse to resist , if any unchaste motion make assault . yet good it were not to presume , upon one single triall ▪ for the disposition may bee more temperate ar one time than another ; and the assault also more perillous . to court beauty is an enterprize of danger : for some i have knowne , who upon their accesse to beauty , have beene free-men , who upon their returne , became slaves . but you will object ; to vanquish where there is no assault made , is a weake conquest ; true , but to play with the candle till we suffer our wings to bee cing'd , is a greater folly . i would not hazard my honour upon those termes , as by affronting temptation , to bee caught . to conclude this branch , as the substance of the soule is pure , so this masse of flesh is corrupt : staine not the purity of the former , by conversing with the latter : for to parley with so subtill an enemy , is to give way to his policy . observing these , you shall goe to your graves with honour ▪ not to the graves of lust , the sepulchres of shame , and receptacles of corrupted love . wee will now descend to the second maladie incident to youth ; that eagle-soaring passion , ambition . those who are affected to this , use to say with tiridates in tacitus : sua retinere privatae domus , de alienis certare regia laus● est . these can never confine themselves to their owne , raising their hopes above possibility : but are building airie castles , of purpose to confront greatnesse . we shall never heare them talke of any subject save soveraignty or dominion . one termed an empire , a monstrous and untamed beast ; and so may this passion be well defined : whose aime is onely to purchase glory , albeit her aymes be planted on indirectest termes . we reade how pausanias killed philip of macedon onely for fame or vaine-glory : so did herostratus burne the temple of diana at ephesus , with this resolution ; because hee could not by any act of renowne eternize his memory , he would gaine him fame , though by an act of infamy . how violent these ambitious heads are , and have beene ever , there is scarce any state which hath not felt : where civill warres have menaced no lesse danger to the state , than forraine powers ; private factions , than open hostilitie . in some likewise , so deepe impression hath ambition wrought , as the envie which they conceive at others greatnesse , deprives them of all rest : this appeared in themistocles , who walked in the night-time in the open street , because he could not sleepe : the cause whereof , when some men did enquire , hee answered , that the triumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest . the like height of ambition shewed alexander , weeping bitterly to see his father win so fast before him , fearing nothing should remaine for him to conquer . now , how naturally youth is affected to this illimited motion , may be observed even in usuall games ; where youth , rather than hee will endure the foile , exposeth himselfe to all encounters . it is glory which he aimes at , and before he lose it , he will hazard himselfe for it . his prize is his praise : hee values nothing more than to get him a name , which may brute his renowne , and gaine him respect with his dearest . his disquiet ( for what is ambition , but a distraction of the mind ? ) is to affect that best , which doth afflict him most . augustus had broken sleepes , and used to send for some to passe the night away , in telling tales , or holding him with talke . see the misery of ambitious spirits , whose ends are without end , limiting their desires to no other period than sole soveraigntie . their ayrie thoughts ( like icarus wings ) are ever mounting , till the sunne , which they threatned , dissolve them . inferiour taskes they as much sleight , as eagles doe flies : they love not to stoope to basenesse , when many times lowest fortunes entertaine them with no lesse discontent , than despaire can force them to . and in their lowest ebbe , when hope forsakes them , and their neerest ( like tiberius friends ) shrinke from them , and no comfort remaines , save expectance and sufferance of all extremities ; you shall heare them upraid prince or state , relating ( with much vain-glory ) what dangers they have undergone for them . instance whereof , even in these latter times , might be produced ; as in that ambitious french-man , the brave byron , who seeing no way but one , burst out into these violent extremes ; i have received three & thirtie wounds of my body , to preserve it for him , and for my reward , he takes my head from my shoulders : he now quencheth the torch in my bloud after hee hath used it . this is the condition of high spirits , whose aimes were transcendent , to close up their tragicall scene with a vain-glorious boast of what they have done : little considering , how their countrie might lawfully exact and expect as much as was in them to performe , and they still debrours to her , because they had their being from her . yet see ( though sometimes they stand upon termes of resolution , desiring to die standing ; ) when the sentence of death is pronounced , and all future hope extinguished , they will be ( as that great french-man was ) supple as a glove : presenting their heads as willingly to the sword , as agis did his unto the halter . it is strange to note , how these men walke in clouds , imagining themselves most secure , when imminencie of perill assures them nothing lesse . the reason whereof may seeme to be this ; they flatter themselves in their vanitie , as pygmalion with his image , or narcissus with his shadow ; reposing more confidence in their owne valour , and the aide , which ( themistocles or pausanias-like ) they contract abroad , linking and uniting themselves with forraine powers , than on all the information of friends , or the perswasions of a loyall and uncorrupted heart . but these ( as that heroick prince noted ) must bow or breake : be their persons never so hopefull , or directions behovefull to the state , they must be curbed , or the state endangered . their properties is ever to swim in troubled waters : nor can they endure to be mated . though their aimes bee to perpetuate their greatnesse , yet those beasts , which are bred about the river hypanis , and live but one day , may oft-times compare with them for continuance : whence the poet saith excellently , out of his owne observation ; much have i seene , yet seldome seene i have , ambition goe gray-headed to his grave . there is nothing which the ambitious man hates so much as a corrivall ; he hopes to possesse all , and without a sharer . but so indirect are his plots , and so insuccessive their end , as hee findes to his great griefe , that the promise of securitie had no firme foundation to ground on : nor his attempts that issue they expected . now gentlemen , you , whose better parts aime at more glorious ends , so consine your desires to an equall meane , that mounting too high bring you not to an irreparable fall . wee are borne indeed ( as that divine father saith ) to be eagles , and not iayes ; to fly aloft , and not to seek our food on the ground : but our eagle-eyes are to be fixed on the sunne of righteousnesse , not on temporall preferments . we are to soare to the tower from whence commeth our helpe . for it is not lifting up a mans selfe god likes , but lifting up of the spirit in prayer . here are wings for flying , without feare of falling : for other aymes , they are but as feathers in the aire ; they delude us , howsoever they seeme to secure us . but i heare some young gentleman object , that it is a brave thing to be observed in the eye of the world ; to have our persons admired , our selves in publike resorts noted , yea our names dispersed ! indeed i grant ; he who consists on nothing more than showes , thinkes it is brave to heare , loe there be goes ! but such , whose solid understandings have instructed them in higher studies , as much disvalue popular opinion , or the corckie conceits of the vulgar , as true nobilitie scornes to converse with any thing unworthy it selfe . their greatnesse hath correspondence with goodnesse : for esteeme of the world , as in respect of their owne worth they deserve it , so in contempt of all outward glory they disvalue it . come then ( yee nobly affected gentlemen ; ) would yee be heires of honour , and highly reputed by the highest ? resemble the nature of the highest : who humbled himselfe in the forme of man , to restore miserable man ; vilifying himselfe , to make man like himselfe . it is not , beleeve it , to shine in grace or esteeme of the court , which can innoble you : this glory is like glasse , bright but brittle ; and courtiers ( saith one ) are like counters , which sometime in account goe for a thousand pound , and presently before the count bee past , but for a single pennie . it is more glory to be in the courts of the lord , to purchase esteeme with him , whose judgement never erres , and whose countenance never alters . it is reported by comines in his french annals , that charles , whom he then served , was of this disposition , that he would make assay of the greatest matters , revolving in his mind how he might compasse them : yea perchance ( saith he ) assayes farre above the strength of man. see the picture of an ambitious spirit , loving ever to be interessed in affaires of greatest difficultie . caemelion-like on subtill ayre he feeds , and vies in colours with the checkerd meeds . let no such conceits transport you , lest repentance finde you . it is safer chusing the middle-path , than by walking or tracing uncouth wayes , to stray in your journey . more have fallen by presumption , than distrust of their owne strength . and reason good ; for such who dare not relie on themselves , give way to others direction ; whereas too much confidence , or selfe-opinionate boldnesse will rather chuse to erre , and consequently to fall , than submit themselves to others judgement . of this opinion seemed velleius the epicurean to bee , of whom it is said ; that in confidence of himselfe he was so farre from feare , as hee seemed not to doubt of any thing . a modest or shamefast feare becomes youth better : which indeed ever attends the best or affablest natures . such will attempt nothing without advice , nor assay ought without direction : so as their wayes are secured from many perills , which attend on inconsiderate youth . my conclusion of this point shal be in a word ; that neither the rich man is to glory in his riches , the wise man in his wisdome , nor the strong man in his strength : for should man consider the weaknesse and many infirmities whereto he is hourely subject , hee would finde innumerable things to move him to sorrowing , but few or none to glory in . againe , if he should reflect to the consideration of his dissolution , which , that it shall bee , is most certain , but when it shall be , most uncertaine : he would be forced to stand upon his guard with that continuall feare , as there would be no emptie place left in him for pride . this day one proud , as prouder none , may lye in earth ere day be gone . what confidence is there to be reposed in so weake a foundation ; where to remaine ever is impossible , but quickly to remove , most probable ? then ( to use petrarchs words ) be not afraid though the house , the bodie be shaken , so the soule , the guest of the body , fare well : for weakning of the one addeth for most part strength to the other . and so i come to the last passion or perturbation incident to youth . revenge is an intended resolve , arising from a conceived distaste , either justly or unjustly grounded . this revenge is ever violent'st in hot blouds , who stand so much upon termes of reputation , as rather than they will pocket up the least indignitie , they willingly oppose themselves to extremest hazard . now this unbounded fury may seeme to have a two-fold relation ; either as it is proper and personall , or popular and impersonall . revenge proper or personall , ariseth from a peculiar distaste or offence done or offered to our own person ; which indeed hath ever the deepest impression : which may be instanced in menelaus and paris ; where the honour of a nuptiall bed , the law of hospitalitie , the prosessed league of amitie , were joyntly infringed : or in antonie and octavius , whose intestine hate grew to that height , as antonies angell was afraid of octavius angell . which hatred , as it was fed and increased by fulvia , so was it allayed and tempered by octavia ; though in the end it grew irreconciliable ; ending in bloud , as it begun with lust . revenge popular or impersonall , proceedeth extrinsecally , as from factions in families , or some ancient grudge hereditarily descending , betwixt house and house , or nation and nation . when annibal was a childe , and at his fathers commandement , he was brought into the place where he made sacrifice ; and laying his hand upon the altar , swore , that so soone as he had any rule in the common-wealth , he would bee a prosessed enemie to the romans . whence may be observed , how the conceit of an injury or offence received , worketh such impression in that state or kingdome where the injury is offered , as hate lives , and survives the life of many ages , crying out with those incensed greekes ; the time will come when mightie troy must fall , where priams race must be extinguish'd all . but wee are principally to discourse of the former branch , to wit , of proper or personall revenge : wherein wee shall observe sundry occurrents right worthy our serious consideration . that terme ( as i said before ) usually called reputation , hath brought much generous bloud to effusion : especially amongst such , qui magis sunt soliciti vani nominis , quàm propriae salutis : prizing vain-glory above safetie , esteeme of valour above securitie of person . and amongst these , may i truly ranke our martial duellists , who many times upon a taverne quarrell are brought to shed their dearest bloud , which might have beene imployed better in defence of their countrey , or resistance of proud infidels . and what is it which moves them to these extremes ; but ( as they seeme to pretend ) their reputation is engaged , their opinion in the eye of the world called in question , if they should sit downe with such apparent disgrace ? but shall i answer them ? the opinion of their valour indeed is brought in question ; but by whom ? not by men of equall temper , or maturer judgement , who measure their censures , not by the last of rash opinion , but just consideration . for these cannot imagine how reputation should be brought in question , by any indiscreet crime uttered over a pot , whereof perchance the speaker is ignorant , at least what it meant : but of these distempered roisters , whose only judgement consists in taking offence , and valour in making a flourish ; of these i have seene one in the folly of my youth , but could not rightly observe till my riper age : whose braving condition ( having some young gooselin to worke on ) would have made you confident of his valour : instancing what dangerous exploits hee had attempted and atchieved , what single fields hee had pitched , and how bravely he came off : yet on my conscience , the battell of the pyg●●ies might have equall'd his , both for truth and resolution . yet i have noted such as these , to be the bellowes which blow the fire of all uncivill quarrells ; suggesting to young gentlemen ( whose want of experience makes them too credolous ) matter of revenge : by aggravating each circumstance to enrage their hot bloud the more . some others there are of this band , which i have like wise observed : and they are taken for grave censors or moderators , if any difference occurre amongst young gentlemen . and these have beene men in their time , ( at least accounted so ) but now their fortunes falling to an ebbe , having drawne out their time in expence above their meanes , they are enforced ( and well it were if misery forced them not to worse ) to erect a scence , whereto the roarers make recourse , as to their rendevous : and hereto also resorts the raw and unseasoned youth , whose late-fallen patrimonie makes him purchase acquaintance at what rate soever ; glorying much to be esteemed one of the fraternity . and he must now keep his quarter , maintaine his prodigall rout with what his parcimonious father long carked for ; prepare his rere-suppers , and all this , to get him a little knowledge in the art of roaring . and by this time , you may suppose him to have attained to some degree , so as he can looke bigge , erect his mouchatoes , stampe and stare , and call the drawer rogue , drinke to his venus in a venice-glasse , and to moralize her sex , throwes it over his head and breakes it . but for all this , he hath not fully learned his postures : for upon discourse of valour , he hath discovered his cowardize ; and this gives occasion to one of his cumrades to triumph ore his weaknesse . who entring upon termes of reputation , and finding himselfe wrong'd , he would gladly wipe off all aspersions , and gaine him opinion in the eye of the world : but recalling to mind , the dangers incident to quarrels , he thinkes it best to repaire to that grand moderator ( whose long experience hath made his opinion authenticke ) to receive satisfaction , whether hee may put up the injury offered him , without touch of disgrace . now he must be fee'd for his opinion , ( as if he were some grave legall professour : ) which done , his reply must tend to the definition of a wrong , and what the law of valour holds for satisfaction in actions of that nature . againe , ( for still he works on this young-gallants weaknesse ) how the world esteemes his opponent to be a brave sparke ; one whose spirit cannot be daunted , nor fury appea●ed with lesse than bloud : drawing him in the end by some rhetoricall perswasion ( as nothing more smooth than the oily tongue of an insinuating foist ) to some base composition , whereof he and his complices are made equall sharers . now gentlemen , i could likewise produce certaine wofull occurrents , which have befallen some of your ranke and qualitie , and that within these few yeares , by consorting with such grand c●tt●rs : who pres●ing them to offence , could not endure such affronts , but with resolution ( which ever attends a generous spirit ) encountring them , have been utterly overthrowne , either in doing or suffering . but you will aske me , how should this be prevented ? can any gentleman suffer with patience his reputation to be brought in question ? can he endure to be challenged in a publike place , and by that meanes incurre the opinion of coward ? can he put up disgrace without observance , or observing it , not revenge it , when his very honour ( the vitall bloud of a gentleman ) is impeached ? heare me , whosoever he be that frameth these objections ! i am not ignorant how many unjust and immerited aspersions shall be throwne upon men of eminent'st desert , by such , whose tongues are ever steeped in calumnie : but who are these , save such as the glory of greece ( the everliving homer ) displayeth in the contemptuous person of thersites ; whose character was , more deformed in minde than bodie ? their infamous and serpentine tongues inured to detraction , deserve no other revenge , ( next legall punishment ) save avoiding their company , and bruting their basenesse in all societies , where their names are knowne , to caution others of them . i am spoken evill of ( saith seneca ) but the evill speake it : i should be moved , if m. cato , if wise lelius , or the two scipio's should speake this of me ; but it is praise for mee , to have the evill displeased with mee . it is true ; for as no imputation can truly be said to staine a pure or undefiled soule , whose inward sinceritie ( like a brazen wall ) beats backe all darts of envie or calumnie ; so it is not in the power of the evill to detract from the glory of the good : for what then should remaine secure from aspersion of the vicious ? but i imagine , you will reply ; it is not only the report or scandall of these men of uncurbed tongues , ( for so pindarus termes them ) but of such , whose eminent esteeme in the world , gives approbation to what they speake , which awakes my revenge . if they be as you terme them , men of eminent esteeme , and that esteeme by merit purchased , ( for all other estimation i exclude it : ) i need little doubt , but the distaste which you conceive against them , hath proceeded in some part from your selfe ; and that upon maturer consideration , you should find your own bosome guilty to be the cause of these aspersions . if otherwise it happen , ( as i grant it may ) that upon private surmises , or suggestions derived from some factious heads , these men of more eminent note and esteeme have brought your name in question , because ( as they were informed ) you formerly aspersed a blemish upon their honour : i would not have you to erre so farre from your owne judgement , as without further discussing the cause , to fall into desperat extremes : for were it not much better for you to sift the cause , how you both are abused , whereby that base suggestour might be duely censured , and your wrongs mutually redressed , than to vow revenge ere an injury be offered ? yes sir , beleeve it , much better and safer , and in the opinion of discreet men , wiser : howsoever our hare-brain'd gallant , whose property is to act before hee resolve , esteeme it a derogation to expostulate on termes of disgrace , but to publish war ere the league be broken . we account him who can beare the most , to bee the strongest ; yet esteeme we him who can beare injuries most , to be the weakest ; so ill disposed is mans temper , as for an opinion of reputation , hee will incurre apparant errour . now there is another revenge , which proceedeth from a nature farre more inglorious than the former . and that is , when for some little distaste conceived against our inferiour , ( even in worldly respects ) wee labour his undoing : yea many times , because hee stands too resolutely for right , wee threaten his ruine : but true shall we finde it : as the high doe use the low , god will use the highest so . and this might appeare in poore naboth , who because he would not give the inheritance of his fathers , his vine-yard , he must be stoned . but of this revenge i am not to insist : for this is an evill more properly inherent to our rich oppressours , who grind the face of the poore , and raise them an house to their seldome thriving heires out of others ruine . only my wish shall be , that their dwelling may be with owles and ostridges in the wildernesse , and not in the flowry borders of this iland , lest shee be forced to vie sighes for their sinnes . i might now in this subject of revenge , inlarge my discourse by speaking of anger , from whence revenge may seeme to receive her originall being : which anger the poet termes a short fury : anger is madnesse , and as strong in force , but not in course so long . for what differs an angrie man from a mad-man , save onely in this ; his violence of passion continues not so long : for the time it is as vehement and as violent . excellent therefore was that precept of moderation given and observed by that renowned emperour theodosius , drawne ( as may appeare in the like example of augustus ) from a former patterne : of whom it is written , that he would never in his anger proceed to revenge , or so much as shew any argument of distaste , till hee had repeated over the foure and twentie greeke letters . but to conclude this last branch , my exhortation to all young gentlemen shall be , whose high spirits cannot endure affronts , that they would labour to expostulate with passion ; which if once protracted , will bee sooner tempered , meditating also of these divine places of scripture : which receits are indeed most powerfull and effectuall to allay this passion . wee that are by nature children of wrath , ought to give place unto wrath . for the wrath of man doth not accomplish the righteousnesse of god. yea , we ought to imitate god , which if wee will doe , we must not continue in wrath , knowing , god will not contend , nor bee wroth for ever . hee is slow to anger . yea , every man ought to bee slow to wrath : for it is wisedome . if we will joyne in the true lovers knot , we must not be angry , for , true love is not provoked to anger . and if wee will prevent the effect , wee are to avoid the occasion ; therefore are we taught to have no familiarity , neither strive with an angry man. would wee appease anger ? we must doe it by meekenesse . lastly , may we be angry ? yes , but how ? bee angry , but sinne not . let not the sunne goe downe upon your wrath . neither give place to the devill . thus have we runne over all those predominant humours , which beare most sway in distempered youth . let us now , according to our former purpose proceed in applying certaine receits to cure these dangerous maladies . which briefly ( to avoid all curious divisions ) may be reduced to these two : active and contemplative . the one in exercising and performing the offices of our calling : the other in practising workes of piety , exercises of devotion , meditation , contemplation . for the former , to wit , active , every action hath two handles ( to use the philosophers words ; ) the one whereof consists in plotting or contriving ; the other in effecting . without the former , the latter is precipitate ; and without the latter , the former is frustrate : both concurring , the action becomes absolute . but to speake generally of action , as it is the represser , so idlenesse is the producer of all vice . whence came that ancient edict amongst the romans , mentioned by cicero ; that no roman should goe thorow the streetes of the city , unlesse he carried with him the badge of that trade whereby he lived . insomuch that marcus aurelius speaking of the diligence of the romans writeth ; that all of them followed their labour . now gentlemen , i perswade my selfe , you will most of you object and say with the displaced steward in the gospell , we cannot dig : ( and i could wish that many of our eminent ones , would adde unto it , and to begge we are ashamed . ) it is true indeed ; i know your breeding hath beene otherwise : but admit you cannot digge , doe yee inferre hence that yee are exempted from all labour ? in no case are you so to argue . there are other taskes , other imployments besides manual and mechanicke labours , which require your furtherance . and these are forraine or domesticall : forraine , as to benefit your country by rare discoveries , re-conveying the rich freight of knowledge ( by conference with forraine nations ) to your native soile : or by personall adventure , to stand resolutely in defence of the faith , against those profest enemies of christendome , the turkes ; whose fury and hostile cruelty , the easterne parts ( to our great griefe be it spoken ) have already wofully sustained . domesticall ; as in studying the practice of lawes , or other humane studies ; in labouring to determine differences betwixt party and party ; in chastising and due censuring , ( as farre as their callings give leave ) of such factions or litigious sectists , as either in church or common-weale disturbe the quiet of the realme , and distract the state with frivolous or fruitlesse ambiguities . here are labours fit to entertaine gentlemen , and nought derogating from men of eminentest descent or quality . for in actions of this nature have the best and most renowned states and princes in christ●ndome beene trained and exercised : glorying no lesse in the happy and successive management thereof , than in subduing the potent'st and flourishing'st kingdomes . secondly , for the contemplative , which participates more of the minde : i could wish all gentlemen ( as they claime a prerogative in height of bloud ) so to erect their contemplations above the sphere of these lower and inferiour mortals , whose cogitations pressed downe with rubbish and refuse of earthly preferments , cannot distinguish light from darknesse : that they may imagine ( as in truth they ought ) that whatsoever is fought besides god , may possesse the minde , but cannot satisfie it . now , of all exercises of devotion , i must principally commend prayer ; being ( as one excellently noteth ) to be numbred amongst the chiefest and choisest workes of charity . for by prayer are digged forth those treasures , which faith beholdeth in the gospell : being goas sacrifice , mans solace , and the devils scourge . for the time & place of prayer , i will not insist much of it ; howsoever , divers more curiously than profitably , precisely than wisely , have quarrelled about the place : excluding withall , some places as unfit for prayer . but in a word , for the place of prayer or devotion , this shall be my conclusion ; as there is no place exempted from tempting , so there is no place exempted from praying : and for the time , as wee are continually assaulted , so are wee exhorted to pray continually , that wee may bee the better provided to resist those temptations which are usually suggested . amongst those many devout and divine prayers commended to youth , none more needfull or effectuall than that of the psalmist ; remember not the sinnes of my youth . nor any memoriall more powerfull , than that of the preacher ; remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth . for by the latter are we put in minde of him , whose grace is to preserve us from sinne ; and by the former to call on him , whose mercy it is to forgive sinne . now gentlemen , have i composed and perfected what i purposed touching my first observance , entituled youth . wherein i have inlarged my selfe so much the more for two principall respects : the one , lest by being unprovided you should fly away naked ( as the young-man in the gospell ) wanting sufficient instruction to informe your weaker understandings : which moved me to amplifie each particular subject with variety of morall reading ; because i knew how such discourse would relish more pleasantly to a young-mans palate , than graver or more serious matter . the other , lest wanting a convenient foundation to worke on , the maine building might shrinke . now , this i purposely framed for the basis or ground-worke , the rest as stories , which are made to beautifie the foundation : for in these observances ensuing i intend brevity , yet with such perspicuity , as the gentleman to whom i write , may the better understand himselfe , and direct his courses to that bent of honour whereto all generous actions are directed . the english gentleman . argument . of the diversity of dispositions ; the disposition is not to be forced ; what disposition is most generous . disposition . how different the dispositions of men be , our usuall converse & commerce with men may sufficiently instruct us . yea even in youth , where the first seeds of inclination are sowne , we shall observe such diversitie , as the grasse-piles of the earth may scarce vie with them for variety , the starres or sands for multiplicity . where you shall note some youths of such wel-affected or tempered dispositions , as they shew undoubted arguments of future good : and these are such , whose natures are rather to be cherished than chastised , cockered than curbed : for the least distaste which their guardian or tutor can shew , workes such impression in them , as they could willingly choose rather to suffer his correction than his distaste . others there be , whose perverse and refractory natures are not to bee dealt with all upon equall termes : and these are the very antipodes to those well-tempered dispositions which wee spake of before : for they ever walke in a contrary path , directly opposite to such , whose native affabilitie gains them love by an inbred courtesie . these ( diogenes-like ) are ever entring the temple , when others goe forth ; or repairing to the market , when others come from it . and these must taste of sharper censure ▪ for lenitie will not prevaile , therefore rigour must . the like may be observed even in their dispositions to learning : where wee shall finde some apt enough to get , and as apt to forget : others more solide ; though for the present ●low , yet more retentive . and these , as with hardnesse they get it , so hardly will they lose it ; for their difficultie in gaining , is supplied by a facilitie in retaining . likewise , as the principall workes or faculties of our understanding be three ; first to discourse ; secondly , to distinguish ; thirdly , to choose : we shall also observe an admirbale difference in these , in respect of their distinct qualities . where we shall finde one as apt to discourse , as unable to distinguish or choose ; and such an one hath all his judgement in his tongue . another of greater depth and maturer judgement than the former , more able to distinguish or choose , than apt to discourse : for though he want facilitie of utterance ( which want is generally supplyed by more excellent gifts ) yet so quick and subtill is the piercing eye of his judgement , as he is no lesse prompt in conceiving , than slow in uttering . now to treat of the dispositions of mens mindes ; it is strange to see what difference appeares in them , ( even by naturall and infusive motion . ) rome brought forth the pisoes for frugalitie , the metelli for pietie , the appij for austeritie , the manlij for affabilitie , the lelij for wisdome , and the publicolae for courtesie . which conditions appeared so lineally in their successours , as they seemed representers of their ancestours natures , as well as features . yet what reason can be given touching these distinct affections , save those prime seeds sowne in them by nature , which produce not onely these dispositions in themselves , but dilate or propagate their effects in others , to wit , those in whom they have stamped a likenesse both of image and condition . now to collect or gather , how men are affected , there is no course more direct , or in it selfe lesse erring , than to observe what delights they affect , or what company they frequent . augustus being at a combat , discerned the inclinations of his two daughters , iulia and livia , by the company which frequented them : for grave senators talke with livia , but riotous persons with iulia. truth is , we shall ever see persons of like condition love to consort together ; for their qualitie or equalitie rather of disposition moves a desire of familiaritie one with another . likewise for delights , wee shall ever observe such , whose lighter dispositions affect libertie , to be frequenters of publike meetings , agents in may-games , profest lovers of all sensuall pleasures . that roman curtezan sempronia , was noted for her singing , sporting and dancing , wherein shee laboured to shew more art than became a modest woman , with other motives of licentiousnesse . but in my opinion , there is no one meanes to sift out the disposition of man better , than by noting how he beares himselfe in passion , which is of that violence , as many times it discovers him though his purpose was to walke never so covertly from the eye of popular observance . should we have recourse to the lives of sundry tyrants , whose outward appearance or semblance promised much goodnesse : we might finde sufficient matter to confirme this argument . some whereof ( as tiberius ) so commonly carried and covered their plots , as none could dive into their thoughts , pretending ever most smoothnesse , when they intended a tempest . yet if at any time ( as it befell many times ) their spirits became netled or incensed ; so farre did passion transport them , as they apparantly expressed their natures , without further character . other discoveries may be made , and those are the manifestest of all , how men are affected or disposed when they are least themselves : and this is ( with griefe i speake it , for too highly doth albion labour of it ) when man , losing indeed that name , at least his nature , becomes estranged from the use of reason , by drowning his understanding with drunkennesse . in high germanie , the parents of such children as should be married , will see those which should be their sonnes in law to be drunke before them , to see what disposition they are of , before they marrie their children unto them . for they imagine , if they be subject to any especiall vice , they will then discover it , having no locke to keepe it secret . yet in this there are different humours which reigne and rage according to the disposition of the person subject unto it : as we shall see one lumpish without all conceit ; another jocund and merry , apt for any conceit : one weeping , as if some disastrous fortune had befallen him : another laughing , as if some merry scene were presented him . we reade of two distinct conditions in philip & alexander , when they were in drinke , for the one shewed his rage and furie towards his foes , the other to his friends : the one whereof participaes of more true generous spirit than the other . for as nothing can be imagined more ignoble , than to triumph over our friend ; so nothing relisheth of more resolution , than to shew our spirit ( so it be upon equall termes , and without braving ) upon our enemie . but would you indeed see the disposition of man truly discovered , and the veile which kept him from sight , cleare taken away ? then come to him when he is advanced to place of honour or esteeme ; ( for pr●motions declare what men be : ) and there you shall finde him pourtrayed to life . galba was esteemed in the opinion of all , fit to governe till he did governe . many have an excellent gift of concealing and shadowing ( which giveth grace to any picture ) so long as they are obscure and private : but bring them to a place of more eminent note , and give a lustre to their obscuritie , you shall view them as perfectly , as if their bodies were transparent , or windowes were in their bosomes . here you shall see one unmeasurably haughtie , scorning to converse with these groundlins ( for so it pleases him to tearme his inferiours ) and bearing such a state , as if he were altered no lesse in person than place . another , not so proud as he is covetous : for no passion ( as a learned schooleman affirmeth ) is better knowne unto us than the coveting or desiring passion , which he calls concupiscible : and such an one makes all his inferiours his sponges ; and ostridge-like can digest all metalls . another sort there are , whose well-tempered natures have brought them to that perfection , as the state which they presently enjoy makes them no more proud than the losse of that they possesse would cast them downe . these ( camillus-like ) are neither with the opinion of honour too highly erected , nor with the conceit of affliction too much dejected . as their conceits are not heightned by possessing it , so they lose nothing of their owne proper height by forgoing it . these are so evenly poized , so nobly tempered , as their opinion is not grounded on title , nor their glory on popular esteeme : they are knowne to themselves , and that knowledge hath instructed them so well in the vanitie of earth , as their thoughts have taken flight , vowing not to rest till they approach heaven . pompey being cumbred with his honour , exclaimed to see sylla's crueltie , being ignorant after what sort to behave himselfe in the dignitie he had ; and cried out , o perill and danger never like to have end ! such is the nature of noble spirits , as they admire not so much the dignitie of the place to which they are advanced , as they consider the burden which is on them imposed ; labouring rather how to behave themselves in their place , than arrogate glory to themselves , by reason of their place . neither are these sundrie dispositions naturally ingraffed in men , meerely produced from themselves , as the affections or dispositions of our mindes doe follow the temperature of our bodies ; where the melancholy produceth such , the cholericke , phlegmaticke , and sanguine such and such , according to humours predominant in that body , whence these affections are derived : but i say , these participate also of the clime wherein we are . for otherwise , how should our observations appeare good , which we usually collect in the survey of other countries ; noting certaine vices to be most entertained in some especiall provinces ? as pride among the babylonians , envie among the iewes , anger among the thebans , covetousnesse among the tyrians , gluttonie among the sidonians , pyracie among the cilicians , and sorcerie among the aegyptians , to whom caesar gave great attention , as alexander was delighted in the brachmans . so as i say , our dispositions how different or consonant soever , doe not only partake of us , but even of the aire or temperature of soile which bred us . thus we see what diversitie of dispositions there is , and how diversly they are affected : let us now take a view of the disposition it selfe , whether it may be forced or no , from what it naturally affecteth . the philosopher saith , that the disposition may be removed , but hardly the habit. but i say those first seeds of disposition , as they are primitives , can hardly be made privatives : being so inherent in the subject , as they may be moved , but not removed . not removed ( objectest thou ! ) why ? disposition can be of no stronger reluctance than nature ; & we see how much she may be altered , yea , cleare removed from what she formerly appeared . for doe we not ( in the view of humane frailty ) observe how many excellent wits drained from the very quintessence of nature , as apt in apprehending as expressing a conceit , strangely darkened or dulled , as if they had beene steeped in some lethaean slumber ? nay doe we not ( in this round circumference of man ) note divers honest and sincere dispositions , whose gaine seemed to bee godlinesse , and whose glory the profession of a good conscience , wonderfully altered , becoming so corrupted by the vaine pompe or trifling trash of the world , as they preferre the puddle before the pearle , forsaking christ for the world ? doe wee not see how uprightly some men have borne themselves all their time without staine or blemish : being all their youth vertuously affected , all their middle-age charitably disposed , yet in their old-age miserably depraved ? againe , doe we not behold , how many women , whose virgin-modesty and nuptiall-continency promised much glory to their age ; even then , when the flower of beauty seemed bloomelesse , so as their very age might make them blamelesse , when their skin was seere , and their flesh saplesse , their breath earthie , and their mouth toothlesse ; then , even then fell these unweldie beldames to embrace folly , promising longer continuance to pleasure , than they could by all likelyhood unto nature ? now tell me how happened this ? were not these at the first vertuously affected ; if disposition then could not be forced , how came they altered ? all these rivers of objections i can dry up with one beame , darting from the reflex of nature . thou producest divers instances to confirme this assertion , that dispositions are to bee forced from what they were naturally affected unto . whereto i answer , that dispositions in some are resembled ( and not improperly ) unto a beame cloathed or shadowed with a cloud ; which ( as we see ) sheweth his light sometimes sooner , sometimes later : or ( as by a more proper allusion may seem illustrated ) may be resembled to the first * flourish in trees , which according to the nature or quality of the internall pith , from whence life is diffused to the branches , send forth their bloomes and blossomes sooner or later . true it is you object , that to the outward appearance , such men shewed arguments of good dispositions , for they were esteemed men of approved sanctity , making conscience of what they did , and walking blamelesse and unreproveable before all men : but what collect you hence ? that their dispositions were sincerely good or pure , if society had not depraved them ! no , this induction will not hold : it is the evening crownes the day . what could be imagined better , or more royally promising , than nero's quinquennium ? what excellent tokens of future goodnesse ? what apparant testimonies of a vertuous government ? what infallible grounds of princely policy , mixed with notable precepts of piety ? yet who knowes not , how all the vices of his ancestours put together , seemed by a lineall descent to bee transferred on him : being the patterne and patron of all cruelty , the author and actor of all villany , the plotter and practiser of all impiety : so as , if all the titles of cruelty were lost , they might be found in this tyrant . how then doe you say , that his disposition was naturally good , but became afterwards depraved , and corrupted ? no , rather joyne with mee and say , that howsoever his disposition seemed good during those five yeares , wherein hee dissembled with vertue , and concealed those many vices which he professed and possessed afterwards : yet indeed he was the same though not in shew , yet in heart . only now the cloud being dispersed , his tyrannous and inhumane nature became more discovered , acting that in publike , which he had long before plotted in private . for howsoever our dispositions may seeme forced , from what they naturally or originally were ; it is but a deception , they remaine still the same , though advice and assistance may sometimes prevaile so much with them , as for the time they seeme to surcease and discontinue from their former bent ; but returning afresh , they will antaeus-like , redouble their strength and become more furious . for resolve me , and shew what may be the effectuallest or powerfullest meanes to remove disposition , or alter man most from what hee may seeme naturally inclined unto . can honour ? no ; for that man , whose inclination is subject to change for any exteriour title , is not to bee ranked amongst these generous spirits , with whom i am onely here to converse . for these admire titles , and assume a kinde of affected majesty , to make their persons more observed . but tell me , what are these whom honour hath thus transported , expressing state with winks and nods , as if the whole posture of state consisted in gesture , but meere popin-jayes , who glory more in the painting or varnish of honour , than the true substance of it ? and to speake truth ( as i had never fortune to dote much on an immerited title , nor gloze with counterfeit greatnesse ) their dispositions howsoever they seeme to the vulgar eye changed , they are nothing so : for their inclinations were ever arrogantly affected , so as they no sooner became great , than they deblazoned their owne thoughts . can riches ? neither ; for such , whose imaginations are erected above earth , scorne to entertaine discourse with ought that may make them worse : all in the world being either fumus or funus , a vanity or vexation , as the preacher saith . these conclude , that no object lesse than heaven , can satisfie their eye ; no treasure lesse than eternity , can answer their desire ; no pleasure save what hath concurrence with felicity , can gaine them true delight . now for these earthly moles , who are ever digging , till their graves be digged ; their dispositions are of baser temper : for they can taste nothing but earthly things . they measure not estate by competence , desiring only so much as may suffice nature , but by abundance ; which fares with them as liquor with an hydropticke man , who , the more he drinks , the more he thirsts : so the more they have , the more they crave ; making their desires as endlesse , as their aimes effectlesse ; their hopes as boundlesse , as their helpes fruitlesse . when their mouths shall bee filled with gravell , and corruption shall enter those houses of clay , for which so much provision was stored , and so small a share in the end contented . can acquaintance ? no ; for if company better me ( by an internall grace working secretly , yet effectually in me ) my disposition consented , before such good fruit was produced : if it makes me worse , my disposition , by consenting to suggestion , induced me that i should be thereto moved . yea generally , whosoever is wel-disposed , will keepe no man company , but either in hope to better him , or to be bettered by him : as he , whose inclination is vicious and corrupt , leaveth the company he frequents ever worse than when he found them . for as a * troubled fountaine yeelds impure water , so an infected soule vicious actions . can travell ? no ; for , give me a man that hath seen iudasses lanterne at s. deninis's ; the ephesian diana in the louvre ; the great vessell at heydleberge ; the amphitheatre at vlysmos ; the stables of the great mogol ; or the solemnities of mecha ; yea all the memorable monuments which the world can afford ; or places of delight to content his view ; or learned academies , to instruct and inrich his knowledge ; yet are not all these of power to alter the state or quality of his disposition : whence the sententious flaccus ; to passe the sea some are inclinde , to change their aire , but not their minde . no ; shouldst thou change aire , and soile , and all , it were not in thy power to change thy selfe : yet as soon thy selfe as thy disposition , which ever accompanies and attends thee , moving in thee a like or dislike , just as she is affected . having thus proved , that the disposition is not to bee forced ; we are now to descend to discourse of the noblest and most genorous disposition : which we intend to make knowne by certaine infallible markes , which seldom erre in their attendance , being vowed servants to such as are vertuously affected . the first is mildnesse ; the second munificence ; the third fortitude or stoutnesse . mildenesse is a quality so inherent , or more properly individuate to a gentleman , as his affability will expresse him , were there no other meanes to know him . hee is so farre from contemning the meanest , as his countenance is not so cheerefull , as his heart compassionate : though the one be no lesse gracious in promising , than the other generous in his performing . hee poizeth the wrongs of the weakest , as if they were his owne ; and vowes their redresse as his owne . hee is none of these surly sirs , whose aime is to be capp'd and congied ; for such gentility tastes too much of the mushrom . you shall never see one new stept into honour , but he expects more observance than an ancient : for though he be but new come from mint , he knowes how to looke bigge , and shew a storme in his brow. this meeknesse admits of humility to keepe her company ; in whose sweet familiarity she so much glories , as she cannot enjoy her selfe without her . and in very deede , there is no ornament which may adde more beauty or true lustre to a gentleman , than to be humbly minded ; being as low in conceit , as he is high in place ; with which vertue ( like two kinde turtles in one yoke ) is compassion ( as i noted before ) linked and coupled : which compassion hath many times appeared in the renownedst and most glorious princes . when pompeyes head was offered to caesar , as a most gratefull and acceptable present , it is reported that hee washed the head with teares of princely compassion , and inflicted due punishment upon his murderers . the like is written of titus , that love and darling of mankinde , in his taking and destroying of ierusalem , using these words ; i take god witnesse , i am not the cause of the destruction of this people , but their sinnes : mixing his words with teares , and tempering his victorious successe with royall moderation . the like is related of marcus marcellus , who having wonne the most flourishing city of syracusa , stood upon the walls , shedding plenty of teares before he shed any bloud . and this compassion attracts ever unto it a kinde of princely majesty , gaining more love than any other affection . for as proud spirits , whose boundlesse ambition keepes them ever a-float , till they sinke downe for altogether , use to triumph in others miseries , till misery in the end finde them out : so these , in a discreet moderation or noble temper , will never assume more glory to themselves for any exploit , how successively or prosperously soever managed . such is the native modesty , wherewith they are endued , as their victories are never so numerous or glorious , as to transport them above themselves . which modesty surely becommeth men of all degrees , but especially men of eminent and noble ranke , to the end they may understand and acknowledge in every action that there is a god , from whom all things proceed and are derived . now as there is no glory equall to the command or soveraingtie over our owne passions ; the conquest whereof makes man an absolute commander : so there is no ornament which confers more true or native grace to one ennobled by place or birth , than to put on the spirit of meekenesse , being expresly commanded , and so highly commended of god , as the goodnesse thereof is confirmed by a promise ; the meeke shall inherit the earth . so humility is said to purchase gods favour ; for by that one vertue wee become to have a resemblance of him , whose glory it was to disesteeme all glory to fashion us like unto himselfe . now how precious may that exquisite treasure appeare unto us , which conferres so much light on us , as by it we are brought to know our selves : being strangers , as it were , and aliens unto our selves , till humility tooke off the veile , & shewed man his anatomy . so rare was this divine vertue , and so few her professors in former time , especially amongst such whose titles had advanced them above inferiour ranke , as the place which they held made them forget the mould whereof they were made . an excellent historicall demonstration we have hereof , as we receive it from venerable bede , who reports it thus : aidan a religious bishop , weeping for king osvinus , and demanded by the kings chaplaine why he wept ; i know ( said he ) that the king shall not live long : for never before this time have i seene an humble king. which hapned accordingly , for hee was cruelly murdered by oswin . but ( thanks to him who became humble for us ) wee have in these declining dayes , among so many proud simeons , many humble iosephs , whose chiefest honour they make it to abase themselves on earth , to adde to their complement of glory in heaven ; so much sleighting the popular applause of men , as their onely aime is to have a sincere and blamelesse conscience in them , to witnesse in that judiciall day for them . these have not ( like those furies of revenge ) hearts full of wrath , but with all meekenesse and long-suffering will rather endure an injury , than inflict too violent revenge , though they have ready power to effect or performe it . it is reported of thomas linacres , a learned englishman , much commended for his sanctitie of life , that when hee heard it read in the fifth chapter of s. matt. diligite inimicos ; blesse them that curse you , &c. he brake forth into these words , o amici , aut haec vera non sunt , aut nos christiani non sumus ! o my friends , either these things are not true , or we are no christians ▪ true it is indeed , that so strangely are some men affected , as they tender revenge equally deare as their owne life : their plots are how to circumvent , their traines how to surprize , their whole consultations how to inflict due revenge , where they have alreadie conceived distaste . and these are those bulls of basan , who rome and rore , and when the prey falleth , they seaze on it , and teare it with their teeth . on these men may that of the poet be truly verified ; they feare no lawes , their wrath gives way to might , and what they plot they act , be 't wrong or right . but how farre the disposition of these men may seeme removed from the meeke and humble affected , whose only glory is to redresse wrong , and render right judgement unto all , there is none but may at the first sight apparently discerne . for these humble and mildly-affected spirits , stand so firme and irremoveable , as no adversitie can depresse them , no prosperitie raise them above themselves . for adversities , they account them with that excellent morall , nothing else than exercises to trie them , not to tire them . and for prosperities , they receive them as they come ; not so much admiring them , as making a profitable use of them ; and with a thankfull remembrance of divine bountie , blessing god for them . these are those impregnable rockes ( as one aptly compared them ) subject to no piercing ; those greenē bayes in midst of hoarie winter , never fading ; those fresh springs in the sandie desart , never drying . whos 's many eminent vertues , as they deserve your imitation , ( gentlemen ) so especially their meeknesse , being the first marke i tooke to distinguish true gentilitie . the second was munificence ; that is , to be of a bountifull disposition , open-handed , yet with some necessary caution , as to know what we give , and the worth of that person to whom we give . for without these considerations , bountie may incline to profusenesse , and liberalitie to indiscretion . this moved that mirror of roman princes , the emperour titus , to keep a booke of the names of such , whose deserts had purchased them esteeme , but had not as yet tasted of his bountie . so as , it is observed of him , that no day came over his head , wherein he exprest not his princely munificence to such , whose names he had recorded : which , if at any time through more urgent occasions he neglected , he would use these words to such as were about him : o my friends , i have lost this day ! no lesse was the bountie which cyrus expressed , first in words , but afterward in deeds , to such souldiers as tooke his part against his grand-father astyages ; that such as were footmen , he would make them horse-men , and such as were horse-men , hee would make them ride in their chariots . it is said of the house of the agrigentine gillia , that it seemed as if it had beene a certaine storehouse or repository of all bountie . such indeed was the hospitalitie ( esteemed in this iland formerly , one of the apparantest signals of gentrie ) which was showne to all such as made recourse to that mansion . and because i have accidentally fallen into this discourse , let me speake a word or two touching this neglect of hospitalitie , which may be observed in most places throughout this kingdome . what the reason may seeme to be i know not , unlesse riot and prodigalitie , the very gulfes which swallow up much gentrie : why so many sumptuous and goodly buildings , whose faire frontispice promise much comfort to the wearied traveller , should want their masters . but surely i thinke , as diogenes jested upon the mindians , for māking their gates larger than their citie ; bidding them take heed , lest the citie run out at the gates : so their store-house being made so strait , and their gates so broad , i much feare me , that provision ( the life of hospitalitie ) hath run out at their gates , leaving vast penurious houses apt enough to receive , but unprovided to releeve . but indeed , the reason why this defect of noble hospitalitie hath so generally possessed this realme , is their love to the court. this moved his highnesse of late , to declare his gracious pleasure to our gentry : that all persons of ranke and quality should retire from the citty , and returne to their countrey ; where they might bestowe that on hospitality , which the liberty of the time ; too much besotted with fashion and forraine imitation , useth to disgorge on vanity . their ancient predecessours , whose chiefest glory it was to releeve the hungrie , refresh the thirstie , and give quiet repose to the weary , are but accounted by these sweet-sented humorists , for men of rusticke condition , meere home-spun fellowes , whose rurall life might seeme to derogate from the true worth of a gentleman , whose onely humour is to be phantastically humorous . o the misery of errour ! how farre hath vanity carried you astray ( ye generous spirits ) that you should esteeme noble bountie , which consists not so much in bravery as hospitality , boorish rusticitie ? how much are you deluded by apish formalitie , as if the only qualitie of a gentleman were novell complement ? or as if there were no good in man besides some outlandish congie or salute ? alas gentlemen , is this all that can be expected at your hands ? must your countrey which bred you , your friends who love you , the poore , whose prayers or curses will attend you , be all deprived of their hopes in you ? no ; rather returne to your houses , where you may best expresse your bountie , by entertaining into your bosome , that which perchance hath beene long time estranged from you , charitie . for beleeve it ( as assuredly yee shall finde it ) that your sumptuous banquetting , your midnight revelling , your unseasonable rioting , your phantasticke attiring , your formall courting shall witnesse against you in the day of revenge . for behold the lord commandeth , and he will smite the great house with breache● , and the little house with clefts . returne therefore before the evill day come : distribute to the necessitie of the saints , become good dispensers of what you have received , that yee may gaine your selves grace in the high court of heaven . but as for yee that put farre away the evill day , and approach to the seat of iniquitie ; ye that sing to the sound of the vi●ll , and invent your selves instruments of musicke , yee shall goe captive with the first that goe captive . o miserie ! that man with so beauteous an image adorned , with such exquisite ornaments of art and nature accomplished , to so high a ranke above others advanced , should delude himselfe so with the shade of vanitie , as to become forgetfull of his chiefest glory ! but experience ( i doubt not ) will unseale those eyes which lightnesse and folly have blinded ; till which happie discovery of youthfull errour , i leave them , and returne to my former discourse . you may perceive now , how requisite bountie is for a gentleman , being an especiall marke ( as i observed before ) whereby we may discerne him . amongst sundrie other blessings conferred by god on solomon , this was not one of the least , in that he gave him a large heart : not onely abundance of substance and treasure to possesse , but a large heart to dispose . indeed this is a rare vertue : worldlings there are , who possesse much , but they enjoy little , becomming subject to that which they should command . the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and rich not using , is by these two expressed ; the one carendo , the other non fruendo . of which two , the greater misery is the latter ; for he slaves himselfe to the unworthiest servitude , being a servant to obey , where he should be a master to command . to conclude this point in a word ; if wee ought to shew such contempt to all earthly substance as hardly to entertaine it , much lesse affect it ; let us make it a benefit , let us shew humanitie in it , by making choice of the poore , on whom we may bestow it . this which we waste in rioting , might save many from famishing : let us bestow therefore lesse of our own backs , that we may cloth them ; lesse of our owne bellies , that we may feed them ; lesse of our owne palats , that we may refresh them . for that 's the best and noblest bountie , when our liberalitie is on such bestowed , by whom there is no hope that it should be required . the third and last marke whereby a true generous disposition is distinguished , is fortitude or sloutnesse : being indeed the argument of a prepared or composed minde , which is not to be dismayed or disturbed by any sharpe or adverse thing , how crosse or contrary soever it come . excellently is this fortitude defined by the stoicks , terming it a vertue which standeth ever in defence of equitie : not doing , but repelling an injurie . those heires of true honour , who are possest of this vertue , dare oppose themselves to all occurrents in defence of reputation ; preferring death before servitude and dishonour . if at any time ( as many times such immerited censures occurre ) they die for vertues cause , they meet death with a cheerefull countenance ; they put not on a childish feare , like that bandite in genoa , who , condemned to die , and carried to the place of execution , trembled so exceedingly , that he had two men to support him all the way , and yet he shivered extremely . or ( as maldonatu●● relates ) how he heard of those which saw a strongman at paris condemned to death , to sweat bloud for very feare : proving out of aristotle , that this effect may bee naturall . but these whose generous spirits scorne such basenesse , never saw that enterprise which they durst not attempt , nor that death which could amate them ; where honour grounded on vertue , without which there is no true honour , moved them either to attempt or suffer . but now to wipe off certaine aspersions laid on valour or fortitude : wee are not to admit of all daring spirits to be men of this ranke : for such , whose ambition excites them to attempt unlawfull things ; as to depose those whom they ought to serve , or lay violent hand on those whom loyall fidelitie bids them obey ; opposing themselves to all dangers to obtaine their purpose , are not to be termed valiant or resolute , but seditious and dissolute . for unlesse the enterprise be honest which they take in hand , be their spirits never so resolute , or their minds prepared , it is rashnesse , but not valour , having their actions ever suted by dishonour . sometimes likewise the enterprize may be good and honest ; the cause for which they encounter with danger , vertuous ; the agents in their enterprize couragious ; yet the issue taste more of despaire than valour . example hereof wee have in the macchabees , in the death of razis one of the elders of ierusalem , a lover of the city , and a man of very good report ; which for his love was called a father of the iewes . one , who did offer to spend his body and life with all constancie for the religion of the iewes ; yet being ready to be taken on every side , through the fury of nicanor , who so eagerly assaulted and hotly pursued him , he fell on his sword : yea , when his bloud was utterly gone , he tooke out his owne bowels with both his hands , and threw them upon the people , calling upon the lord of life and spirit , that he would restore them againe unto him ; and thus he died . whence augustine , that devout father and most excellent light of the church , concludeth , that this was done magnè , non benè , more resolutely than rightly : for hee was not to lay violent hand upon himselfe , though there were no hope of safetie , but imminent danger in respect of the furious and bloudy enemie . now this fortitude , whereof wee here discourse , as it is grounded upon a just foundation , so it never ends in basenesse or rashnesse : in basenesse , as in not daring ; in rashnesse , as in too inconsiderately attempting . it is so farre from any act of despaire , as it hopes so long as it breathes ; for to despaire , is to entertaine the extremest act of feare , which is farre from her condition . now to discourse of the aime or end whereto all her actions are directed : it is not any peculiar interest which moves true resolution so much as publike good . for such , whose aimes are glorious , are ever conversant in redressing wrongs , ministring comfort both by advice and assistance to such , whose weaknesse hath felt the power of greatnesse . for as in every good man there is naturally implanted a desire of goodnesse ; so in every valiant man there is a native desire to gaine honour by redressing injuries : yea , admit to honour were to accrue unto him by endevouring to right or releeve such as are distressed , yet for vertues sake ( which is a sufficient reward to her selfe ) he undertakes the taske . for charitie , being a good and a gracious effect of the soule , whereby mans heart hath no fancie to esteeme , value or prize any thing in this wide world beside or before the care and studie of god , so inflameth a well-disposed man , as his desire is only to doe good , whereby he might in so doing glorifie god , the beginner and accomplisher of all good . now there are many motives to excite men to valour , as may be collected from histories properly and profitably tending to this purpose . but the usuallest motive is anger , being indeed the whetstone of fortitude : or the princes presence ; as wee reade of the macedonians , who being once overcome in battell by their enemies , thought the only remedie to animate their souldiers , was to carry philip being then a childe in a cradle to the field ; thereby stirring up the zeale of loyall and faithfull subjects to defend their innocent prince : and this whetstone so sharpned their swords , that indeed they won the battell . or the renowne of ancestors ; as the people of tangia in america alwayes in their warres carried the bones & reliques of their memorable predecessors , to encourage their souldiers with the memory of them , to avoid and eschew all timiditie . so tacitus reports how the germans inflame their spirits to resolution & valour , by singing the memorable acts of hercules . or the sound of warlike alarmes ; as the nairians in india stirre up their people to battell , by hanging at the pummels of their swords certaine plates to make a noise , to animate & incense them to warre . so alexander the great hearing antigenida that excellent trumpetter sound his trumpet to battell , was stirred up in such sort to fight , that his very friends were not secure from blowes which stood about him . or the passionate effects of musicke ; as s. basil recounteth one timothie to be so excellent in musicke , that if he used a sharpe and severe harmony , he stirred up men to anger , and presently by changing his note to a more remisse and effeminate straine , he moved them to peace : both which effects he once produced in alexander the great at a banquet . or conceit of the generalls discipline and magnanimity ; as may appeare by the victorious swede , his late prosperous attempts , and numerous conquests : whose martiall discipline , and personall valour , hath ( no doubt ) begot in his souldiers an emulation of honour . or opinion of the enemies crueltie ; as in the yeere . appeared in agria a city in hungaria , engirt with long siege by mahomet bassa with an army of turkes amounting to threescore thousand , and battered with sixtie cannons ; in the citie were only two thousand hungarians , who with incredible valour repelled thirteene most terrible assaults : resolved to endure famine , or any extremitie soever , rather than yeeld to their truculent and insatiable desires . wherefore they never came to parley of truce , but to answer their enemies fury with cannons and calivers . at last , when the bassa had offered them many favours , they hung over the wall a coffin , covered with blacke , betwixt two speares , signifying thereby , that in that citie they would be buried . so the turkes despaired of successe , and the hungarians , to their eternall glory and renowne , prevailed : preserving themselves and their citie , whose libertie they defended from the turks slaverie . and hence i might take occasion to advance with due deserved praise the glorious memory of such , whose resolution hath had no other ayme , than defence of the truth against those profest foes of christendome ; who have alreadie taken possession of the holy land , making the keepers of that sacred sepulchre ( the most blessed monument that ere was erected on earth ) to pay them tribute , whose high-swelling pride is growne to that height , as their empire seemes to labour with her owne greatnesse . o what tender christian eye can behold these wofull distractions in christendome , and abstaine from teares ? to see christian armed against christian , while the common foe of christians laughs at these divisions , taking advantage of the time to enlarge his dominions . o who can endure to see pagans and infidels plant , where the blessed feet of our saviour once trod ? to heare mahomet called upon , where christ once taught ? to have them usurpe and prophane those temples , where he once preached ? to reare them altars for their false prophets , where those true prophets of god once prophesied ? to see mahomets oratorie erected , where the iewish temple was once seated ? to behold his palace in the cathedrall church of san sophia , now become his seraglia ; where stood once the high-altar or communion-table , and patriarchall throne , now made , and so used as a turkish moschie , with uncleane hands polluted , by unbeleeving hearts possessed ? alas for sorrow ! that soveraigntie should so much blind , or desire of command beare so much sway , that christ * enemie should get advantage by our discord . o thrice happie ( and may it be soone so happie ) were the state of christendom , if all civill and unnaturall broiles ( for unnaturall it is for christian to shed christians bloud ) were appeased and ended ! that they with one consent might assaile this common enemie , marching even to constantinople ( once the glorious seat of a victorious emperour ) crying with one voice , downe with it , downe with it even to the ground . and easily might this be atchieved , if christendom would joyne minde with might , that this vncircumcised philistine might bee discomfited , till which time christendome can never be secured . but to conclude this discourse , ( for i feare i have enlarged my selfe too much in my digression ; ) as fortitude is that noble marke which giveth a gentleman his true character , shewing resolution as well in suffering , as acting : my exhortation to our english gentrie shall bee , that they so demeane themselves , that their countrey may bee honoured by them , true worth expressed in them , and their predecessours vertues seconded , if not surpassed by them . the english gentleman . argument . what education is ; the effects of it . how a gentleman may be best enabled by it . edvcation . education is the seasoner or instructesse of youth , in principles of knowledge , discourse , and action . of all inferiour knowledges , none more behoovefull than the knowledge of mans-selfe ; of all superior , none more usefull nor divinely fruitfull than the knowledge of god , who for man gave himselfe . by view had of the one , man shall have a sight of his misery ; by view had to the other , man shall finde cause to admire gods mercy . hence that hony-tongued father desired that his knowledge might extend it selfe onely to these two : to know god ; to know himselfe ; now as the beauty and splendor of the sunne is best discerned by his beames ; so is the greatnesse of god best apprehended by his workes . whereof i may say , as simonides did of god , that when hee had required but one day to resolve what god was : when the day was expired , hee was more unable to answere , than at the first . so as hermes termes the sunne-beames of god to be his workes and miracles ; the sun-beames of the world to be the variety of formes and features ; and the sunne-beames of man , diversity of arts and sciences . touching knowledge , it is in god to know all things ; in man to know some things ; in beasts to know nothing . as we cannot extend to the distinct knowledge of the creator , so let us extend our knowledge above the reach of the inferiour'st of gods creatures . it is written of alcibiades , that he was skilfull in all things , in all exercises : so that he seemed in every nation to obtaine the conquest , in what prize or mastery soever hee tooke in hand . it is not for us to labour the attaining of such exactnesse : vnum est necessarium : one onely knowledge transcends all others , the attaining whereof makes the knower happy ; as the want of it makes man , how knowing soever in all other sciences , most unhappy . for what skills it to have knowledge in reasoning of high and deepe points concerning the blessed trinity , and want charity , whereby wee offend the trinity ? let us therefore esteeme it the crowne of our hope , to attaine to the excellent and incomparable knowledge of him who made us , whose bloud did save us , and whose holy spirit daily and hourely shields and shadowes us . next is to know himselfe ; an excellent knowledge grounded on true humility : where man shall finde how many things he is ignorant of ; and of these things which he knows , how far short he comes of that perfection which is required of him , it was a saying of a grave philosopher , by learning alwayes something , i grow old . now how fruitfully were our time from infancie to youth , from youth to man-hood , from man-hood to old-age imployed , if our aimes were so to direct our knowledge , that we might attaine the understanding and knowledge of our selves . then would not selfe-conceit transport us , nor opinion of our own knowledge entraunce us , but wee would divinely conclude ; wee have reaped more spirituall profit by dis-esteeme , than selfe-esteeme . alphonsus of arragon answered an orator , who had recited a long panegyricall oration in his praise : if that thou hast said consent with truth , i thanke god for it ; if not , i pray god grant me grace that i may doe it . the like temper i could wish in each gentleman , who in respect of meanes more than merit , shall many times heare himselfe approved and applauded by such tame-beasts or glozing sycophants , who feed on the prodigalls trencher . let not applause so much transport , or praise so farre remove man from himselfe , as to become ( by the vaine blast of others breath ) forgetfull of himselfe . humbly esteemed hee of his knowledge , who concluded : this i onely know , that i know nothing . nothing in respect of that i should know ; nothing in respect of that which is injoyned me to know ; nothing in respect of others who know farre more than ere i may know . for ( saith bernard ) how canst thou possibly be a proficient , if thou thinkest thy selfe already sufficient ? but alas , how farre hath selfe-opinion estranged man from knowledge of himselfe ; who rather than he will be found ignorant in any thing , will assume upon him a supposed knowledge in every thing ? hee will rather lye upon his knowledge , than seeme defective in any knowledge . whence one speaking of the knowledge of mans selfe , most divinely concludeth ; nosce teipsum first descended from heaven to earth , is now ascended from earth to heaven , leaving miserable man admiring his owne feature , as if he were his owne maker . and whence proceedeth this , but because he hath ascended unto that mountaine , to which the first angell ascended , and as a devill descended ? whereas , if he duely considered those many imperfections whereto he is engaged ; those many debts and bills of errours , which , as yet , are undischarged ; that naturall or originall sinne wherein he was conceived ; and that actuall sinne wherewith hee is daily polluted ; hee would questionlesse conclude ; what 's man whose first conception's misery , birth baine , life paine , and death necessity ? which divine meditation is of power to subdue the whole man of sinne , and bring him under the yoke of obedience , by an incessant consideration had of gods mercy , and mans misery ; which may produce in him a more blessed effect , by extenuating and humbling himselfe , both in respect of the substance or matter of his creation , and in respect of the irregenerate course of his conversation : as also in contemplating the ineffable mercie of the almighty ; whose grace it is , that directs miserable man , and reduceth him from erring ; whose compassion it is , that raiseth him from falling ; and whose tender mercy it is , that supporteth him in his rising . but in my conceit , there is no one motive more effectuall , or divinely powerfull , to bring us to a true and perfect knowledge of our selves , than to observe with what passions or perturbations we are encountred ; especially when through immoderate excesse , wee are in the cup of forgetfulnesse drowned . which saint basil confirmeth , saying : that passions rise up in a drunken man , like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . which passions are not such as are prevented by reason , and directed by vertue : for these are not altogether to bee extinguished , as the stoicks supposed , but to bee provoked as movers of vertue , as plutarch teacheth . but rather such distempered or indisposed affections as are suggested to man by his implacable enemies : labouring to undermine and ruine the glorious palace of his deare-bought soule . vpon which affections seriously to meditate , were to expell all selfe-conceited or opinionate arrogance ; to become humble in our owne thoughts : concluding , that our knowledge is ignornet , our strength weakenesse , and our wisedome folishnesse . being ( as one well observeth ) like a spring-locke , ready of our selves to shut , but not to open ; apter to shut grace from us , than to receive grace into us : or like stones upon the top of a hill , by reason of our heavie and earthy nature , ready enough to tumble downe , but without the helpe or motion of another , slow enough to mount up . saint anselme walking abroad in the field , and beholding a shepheards boy , who had caught a bird , and tied a stone to her leg with a threed ; and ever as the bird mounted , the stone haled her backe againe . the venerable old man moved with this sight , fell a weeping pitifully , lamenting the miserable condition of men , who endevouring to ascend up to heaven by contemplation , are detained by the passions of the flesh ; which enforce the soule to lye there like a beast , and not soare to heaven by that proper motion , which was first giveth her by her creator . now to conclude this first point , ( by making a fruitfull use or application of what hath beene already spoken ) i could wish young gentlemen , whose aimes , perchance , are addressed to purchase rather the light freight of forraine fashions , than the precious gemme of selfe-knowledge , to bee otherwise minded , by conforming themselves to his * patterne and example , who though he knew all things , boasted not of his knowledge , but abased himselfe to make us rich in all spirituall knowledge . as for such as are puft up and know nothing , but dote about questions and strife of words , whereof commeth envie , strife , railings , evill surmisings , perverse disputings of men of corrupt mindes , and destitute of the truth ; wee are taught to withdraw our selves from them , because their fellowship is not of light , but darkenesse ; their knowledge no perfect nor sincere knowledge , but palpable ignorance ; their wisedome no sound nor substantiall wisedome , but meere foolishnesse . their wayes are not by the flockes of the shepherds , but ragged and uneven wayes , leading their deluded followers head-long to all perdition . deare christians , though i know this point to have beene gravely and exactly handled by many solid and learned divines , whose holy oyle hath beene fruitfully imployed in unmasking and discovering these dangerous separatists , who have sowne the seed of pernicious doctrine in the eares of their weake auditory : yet i thinke it not amisse to presse this exhortation further , lest your speedy ruine prevent you of all hope hereafter . beware of these pharisaicall doctors , whose purity onely consists in semblance and outward appearance ; whose doctrine hath ever a taste of pride ; whose counsels ever tend to faction ; and wose wayes are ever antipodes to the truth . these are called prophets , but they are none : being humble teachers , but proud doctors . outwardly specious , but inwardly vicious : having faire rindes , but false hearts : having a shew of godlinesse , but denying the power thereof . come from among them and leave them , for their wayes lead to death , and their paths to destruction . saint iohn would not come in the bath where the hereticke cerinthus was . another holy man ( though most innocent ) could endure to be accounted a whoremaster , an uncleane person , and the like ; but when one called him heretike , hee could beare no longer . wee have here ( thankes to our maker ) more pleasant and delightfull springs to retire to , than these troubled and corrupted puddles , which taste of nothing but pollution . leave these , and love those . where can there be vnity , where there is no conformity , where a holy zeale or compassionate fervour , when nothing is spoke but by the sonnes of thunder ? bee ye wise unto salvation ; may godlinesse bee your best knowledge ; that , dissolved from this tabernacle of earth , yee may keepe consort with the angells in a blessed harmony , because ye resembled them on earth in mutual love and unity . and let this suffice for the first branch , to wit , knowledge . now we will descend to the second , to wit , discourse , with some necessary cautions very profitable , if put in use , to direct ( or rather limit ) such , whose too liberall and profuse speech oft-times brings them within the censure of indiscretion . democritus calls speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the image of life , because it represents to man the occurrents and passages of his life . now forasmuch as through the subtility of time , men use to shroud and conceale their thoughts , by expressing least what they intend most ; speech becomes a darke image , representing man not as he is , but as hee seemes . diogenes wondred that men would not buy earthen pots before they proved by the sound whether they were whole or broken : yet they would bee contented to buy men by their speech . the old proverbe used by socrates , and approved by ancient philosophers , was this : loquere ut te videam . subtill purposes were not then shadowed or gilded with faire pretences ; but so s●mple were their meanings , as they needed no words of art ( meerely invented to delude ) nor the gawdy ornaments of perswasive oratory to colour them . but to propose some necessary cautions worthy observation of the generous in their discourse ; i would have young gentlemen to beware especially of two errours , usually occurring in subjects of this nature ; affectation , and imitation : the one for the most part arising from our selves , the other from too ardent a desire of imitating others . the first sort generally , are so miserably enamoured of words , as they little care for substance . these are ever drawing a leaden sword out of a gilded sheath ; and will not lose a dram of rhetoricke for a pound of reason : having , as theocritus said of anaximenes , a floud of words , but a drop of reason . these are ever talking , till their mint of words faile them , and then of necessity they turne silent . these will lay themselves open to their professed'st enemie , so they may gaine applause , and get the opinion of good speakers , being the onely marke they shoot at . and indeed , these seldome hurt others , but many times themselves : for these are those fooles , which carry their hearts in their mouthes ; and farre from those wise men , which carry their mouthes in their hearts . though discretion of speech be more than eloquence , these preferre a little unseasoned eloquence before the best temper of discretion . and thus much of affectation . imitation tastes no lesse of barrennesse , than the other of phantasticknesse : though i must confesse , this draweth neerer true humility , in that it dis-values it selfe , to become a serious observer and imitator of others . but great men especially cannot want imitators , be the occasion never so unworthy imitation . if caesar have an use to hold his necke aside in his discourse or pleading , hee shall have one to affect and imitate that deformity . if vespasian draw in his face in a purse , ( as if it went hard with him ) hee shall have one to represent it , as it were naturally . and , which is of all others most intolerable , so habitually are these grounded on imitation , as they are conceited that nothing can so well beseeme them , as this uncomely fashion which they have observed ; and now imitate in others . whereas if they would consider , how nothing forced may appeare with that decencie , as when it is naturally descended , they would ingenuously confesse , that this apish or servile imitation detracts much from the worth of man , who should subsist on himselfe , and not relye on others postures . in briefe , that discourse is most generous , which is most genuine : nature may beseeme that , which imitation cannot ; but to addresse our selves to imitation of others , in that which even appeares ridiculous in the persons themselves , this inferreth grosse stupidity . it is an excellent lesson which a holy father giveth to all discoursers , that they should rather bee given to heare , than speake : and in matters of argument , to assoile a needlesse question with silence . so as cicero preferreth wisedome attired with ignorance , before speech attended by folly . now because the best of discourse tendeth to perswasion , which is the life and efficacie of speech ; and this perswasion consisteth on three parts ; life of the speaker ; truth of the subject ; and sobriety of speech ; of necessity these three must be observed , ere we can have our audience sufficiently perswaded . first , for the life of the speaker : if speech ( as wee have said ) be the image of life , why should not we conforme our life to our speech ? we would be loth to be taxed of indiscretion in our speech ; let us labour likewise to appeare blamelesse and unreproveable in our life . for he that forgetteth to conforme or fashion his life to his speech , his speech to his life is like unto a man beholding his naturall face in a glasse : for he beholdeth himselfe , and goeth his way , and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was . wherefore gentlemen , of all others , ought to be most respective of their conversation ; for a little soile is a great blemish in them , whose education promiseth more than inferiour men . such men , for most part , gaine best authority or approbation in discourse , who having beene ever observed to speake probably , and not of subjects above the reach or pitch of humane conceit . neither can any thing disparage or lay a deeper aspersion upon the face of gentry , than to be taxed for fabulous relations . especially therefore should they inure themselves to probable discourses , being such as may gaine them an opinion of reputation , and bee a meanes to conferre more authority on their discourse . the second is the truth of the subject , which must needs import much authority : for how should wee perswade , where the subject admits no probability of truth ? therefore were it meet , that wee make choice of what wee relate , not mainetaining whatsoever wee heare by report , for undoubted truth : for so should we be made * knights of post to all newes-mongers , being no lesse ready to sweare , than they to report . i have casually fallen into the company of some , whose onely relation was novelty : these would entertaine no discourse but forraine , speaking as familiarly of the states of princes , and their aimes , as if they had new crept from their bosomes . but alas , how ridiculous are these in the sight of judicious men , whose eyes are not so sealed , but they may easily discerne the arrogancy of these , who affect rather to be admired than beleeved ? excellent and proper for our present purpose , is that fable of the fowler and the bird : a fowler having taken a bird in his snare , was humbly intreated by the bird , that he would free her and give her liberty , and shee would requite this courtesie with three good lessons ; which ( if duly observed ) would profit him more than her small body . vpon these conditions , the fowler was contented to release the poore bird , provided , that the lessons were so profitable and usefull unto him , as shee pretended . which , in briefe , were these : not to lose a certainty for an incertainety : not to give credit to things beyond probability : nor to grieve for that which is past remedy . these lessons received , the bird was forth with released : who being now at liberty , and mounting aloft in the aire , and triumphing in so blest a freedome , chanted out this merry madrigall ; had'st thou knowne the wealth i had , thou would'st nere have let me gone , for it would have made thee glad to enjoy so rich a one . in my bladder there 's a stone , than which , never earth brought forth one of more unvalued worth . this the discontented fowler had no sooner heard , than presently he repented himselfe of so rare and inestimable a losse ; which the nimble bird perceiving , thus replied : how apt's man for to forget what might give him most content ? thou at liberty me set , when i taught thee to repent nothing how the world went ; nor what crosse ere fell on thee , if past hope of remedy . but thou griev'st thou canst not have what thou canst not get againe : thus thou mak'st thy selfe a slave to thy selfe , and mourn'st in vaine : and long may'st thou so complaine . for my lessons i was free , yet thou keep'st not one of three . the perplexed fowler inquisitive of knowing further pressed the bird againe ; asking her in what particular he had broken any of her lessons ? to whom the bird , flickring a little with her wings , as one that gloried in her unexpected liberty , answered ; the lessons which i gave thou sleight'st , and weig'st them but a rush , or else thou would'st not lose one bird in hand , for two in bush. the next was , things incredible nere credited should be , yet thou beleev'st a precious stone worth worlds is hid in me . the last , for things remedilesse thou never shouldst complaine , and now when i am flowne from thee , thou wishest me againe . many excellent morals are shadowed in these fables , which may deserve observation of the pregnant'st and maturest conceit ; not onely in the subject or substance of the admonition , but in the person which giveth this admonition . where the poets smoothly , but tartly , used to introduce beasts , birds , and such like creatures ; admonishing man , the noblest of all creatures , of his duty . yea of beasts , they made choice sometimes of the grossest and contemptiblest , as the asse , to expresse the want of consideration in man ; whose diviner parts drowned in the lees of sensuall corruption , or carnall security , become forgetfull of that , for which they were principally created . it were easie to enlarge this subject with much variety of examples ; but my purpose is , in digressions , rather to touch than treat . we have handled two particulars , effectually moving to perswasion ; the life of the speaker , that it bee unreprovable ; the nature of the subject whereof hee speakes , that it be probable . now wee are to descend to the third , which is sobriety of speech : an especiall motive to attention , being that which cicero much commendeth , and for which hortensius was much commended . albeit , arguing in syla's cause , he was taxed by l. torquatus , and called for his too much effeminacy in apparell , as also for his too much action of body , not onely a common actor , but even a dionysia , who was famous for her moving and wanton gesture . to whom hortensius answered , callest thou me dionysia ? sure i had rather be a dionysia than as thou art , torquatus : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : one without learning , barbarous and uncivill . now this sobriety consists not onely in the pronunciation of speech , but sober carriage or deportment of the body , which indeed addeth no little lustre to discourse . i have observed in some , a kinde of carelesnesse in their forme of speaking ; which , though it gaine approbation in men of eminent ranke , it would seeme harsh and contemptible in men of inferiour condition . others there are , who can never enter into any set or serious discourse , but they must play with a button ; or like some of our clodded elders , who for helps to discourse , milch their gloves , as if they drained their subject from such trifling action : and these , me thinks , resemble our common-fidlers , who cannot play a stroke , to gaine a world , without motion or wagging of their head , as if they had rare crochets in their braine : but this mimicke and apish action keepes small concurrence with the postures of a gentleman , whose speech as it should bee free , native and generous ; so should the action of his body admit of no phantasticke imitation or servile affectation , which expresseth little , save a degenerate quality or disposition . others i have likewise noted , to conclude their set speeches with winkes and nods , as if the understanding of the whole world were confined to the circumference of their braine : and these usually expresse more soliditie of conceit in the action of their bodies , than the motion of their tongues . for oft-times , through want of matter ( being gravell'd with an affected gravity ) they are forced to trifle time in impertinencies , and leave that matter untouched for which they came . i could wish that young gentlemen would principally observe this lesson , to be sober in arguments of discourse , but especially in reasoning : for there is nothing that darkeneth or obscureth the light of reason , more than the boundlesse effects of passion , which makes a man forgetful of that he should say , no lesse than indiscreet in that he doth say . but especially in publike assemblies , where difference of judgements oft-times racke our speeches to a higher pin , ought deliberation to be had : for there we cannot recall so soone what we have spoke amisse , as in private , where lesse premeditation may afford matter of satisfaction . i approve likewise of his opinion , who would have such , whose pleasant conceits minister content to the hearer , if they meane to jest publikely , & force their wits to stem the streame of the worlds judgements , ( which , i say , are different , and therefore more observant ) that they use pericles custome , who determining to speake any thing publikely , desired the immortall gods , that no improvident word , should passe his mouth . certainly , whosoever he bee that speakes and never meditates , may bee compared to the uncleane beast , who digests and never ruminates . neither is it hard to gather this , even by their discourse , which consists meerly on ventosity , digressive and impertinent , spending much wind to small purpose ▪ resembling pytheas that foolish orator , who would never leave his babbling . hee that meditates before hee bee prepared ( saith one ) builds his house before stones be gathered . but sure i am , he that discourseth before he bee provided , serves up his dishes before they be seasoned . albeit tiberius bee said to doe better in any oration ex tempore , than premeditate . now i could reduce these discursive motives of perswasion , to two generall heads : to wit , vehemencie of passion ; or instancie of demonstration : and first for vehemencie of passion , here may wee produce an apt and proper example . there came a man to demosthenes , desiring his help to defend his cause , and told him how one had beaten him : demosthenes answered him againe , saying , i doe not beleeve this to be true : the plaintiffe then thrusting out his voice aloud , said , what , hath he not beaten me ? yes indeed ( quoth demosthenes ) i beleeve it now , for i heare the voice of a man that was beaten indeed . whence appeareth , what effects vehemencie of passion produceth , expressing her wrongs so well in words , as they enforce beleefe to the hearer . likewise , because examples illustrate , though they doe not prove ; touching instancie of demonstration , we have an excellent one in that of cato : who determined to strike the senate and romans in feare , discoursed at large of the carthaginian warres , aggravating the danger by proper circumstances , which threatned the publike state ; and instancin● the ruine of many eminent and flourishing states occasioned by the securitie of their people . but they objecting againe , that carthage was farre from them ; he shewed them greene figs , implying thereby that carthage was not farre distant , for otherwise the figges would have beene dried and withered . these kindes of discourses , seconded by instance , are very moving and perswasive ; for as speech is called the object of the eare , so is such kinde of instance an object to the eye , which must needs be more perswading , because visibly appearing . but wee have inlarged this subject too much ; wherefore to draw in our sailes , and apply particularly , what in generall hath beene discoursed : i could wish young gentlemen considerate in what they speak , because speech is termed the index of the minde , and can best expresse him , whether he taste of rinde or pith . now because moderation of the tongue is such an absolute vertue , as it displayeth the wisdome of him that hath it ; whence the wisest of all princes , he that bridleth his tongue is most wise : i must needs preferre discreet silence before loquacitie , for in much speech there shall want no sinne ( saith solomon : ) whereas silence is exempted from all censure , so it bee mixed with discretion . it is said , that pythagoras would desire two things of god ( if the possibility thereof could stand with the conservation of humane society : ) that hee might not speake , that hee might not eat : for by the one , hee should prevent offence in discourse ; by the other , avoid surfet through excesse whence the poet ; silence is such a soule-entrauncing charme , it may doe good , but can doe little harme . albeit , that pythagorian silence i cannot approve of , being many times prejudiciall to the publike state : for by silence ( saith the orator ) is errour approved , the lustre of vertue darkned , good and wholesome precepts suppressed ; whereby youth might be instructed , private families directed , all inordinate motions corrected , and the whole structure of this little world , man , rectified and repaired . but especially in divine professors and dispencers of the sacred word , is silence most hurtfull : for these should bee shrill trumpets in sounding and delivering the sweet tidings of salvation , the tidings of peace and spirituall consolation . the pastor ( saith a blessed father ) by holding his peace , doubtlesly killeth sinners : that is , when he will not tell the house of iacob his sinnes , nor israel her transgressions ; but cries , peace , peace , when there can be no true peace : for what peace unto the wicked , saith the lord ? so as the word of the lord which came unto the prophet , rouzed him up with this fearfull caveat : if thou givest not the ungodly warning , he shall perish but his bloud will i require at thy hand . with whom the apostle harmoniously joyneth ; woe unto mee if i preach not the gospell . for in that cause wherein the faithfull and painfull pastor is to please god , he is to sleight the pleasure or displeasure of men . now gentlemen , yee whose education hath engaged you farre in the expectance and opinion of others ; yee whose more generous breeding promiseth more than others ; yee whose nobler parts should distinguish you from others ; let not those innate seeds of gentilitie first sowne in you , as in a hopefull seed-plot , be nipped in their rising : which , that yee may the better prevent , exercise your selves in noble discourses , not wanton or petulant , for these breed a dangerous corruption even in the life and conversation of man. quintilian would not have nurses to be of an immodest or uncomely speech , adding this cause ; lest ( saith hee ) such manners , precepts , and discourses as young children learns in their unriper yeeres , remaine so deeply rooted , as they shall scarce ever be relinquished . sure i am , that the first impressions , whether good or evill , are most continuate , and with least difficultie preserved . how necessary then is it , that an especiall care or respect be had herein , that choice be made of such , whose modest and blamelesse conversation may tender you their brests in your infancie , and furnish you with grave and serious precepts in your minoritie ? that your knowledge may be fruitfull ; your discourses usefull ; and your actions in the eyes of the almighty gratefull . of which action , we are now to speake ; being the third branch which we observed in our definition of education . that education is the seasoner of our actions , wee shall easily prove , if we observe the rare and incredible effects derived from it : which , that wee may the better doe , you are to know , that every action hath two handles ; the one whereof consists in contriving , the other in performing . in the former , we are to observe deliberation : whence the orator ; before wee take any thing in hand , wee are to use a diligent or serious preparation ; that we may effect what we intend , and more prosperously succeed in that we take in hand . in the latter , is diligence required ; for what is premeditation or preparation worth , if it be not by diligence seconded ? when annibal was a childe and at his fathers commandement , he was brought into the place where he made sacrifice , and laying his hand upon the altar , swore , that so soone as he had any rule in the common-wealth , he would be a professed enemie to the romans : nor did hee infringe the vow which his infancie had professed , but expressed when he came to be a man , what he had protested to performe being a childe . no device unassayed , no stratagem uncontrived , no labour neglected , no taske unattempted , which might conferre honour on carthage , or expresse his mortall and implacable hate to rome . in this one example , we shall see the strength of education : for though annibal had no cause personally given him , to vow all hostilitie rather on rome than any other place ; yet in respect he received his breeding from such as were professed foes to the romans , he seconds their hate , resolving to live and die romes enemy . the like may be observed in the demeanour & conversation of men : in which respect also , education discovereth her absolute power . for shall wee not see some , whose faire outsides promise assured arguments of singular worth , for want of breeding meere painted trunks , glorious features , yet shallow creatures ? and whence commeth this , but through want of that which makes man accomplished , seconding nature with such exquisite ornaments , as they enabled him for all managements publike or private ? licurgus brought two dogges , the one savage , wild , and cruell ; the other trayned ; to let the people see the difference betwixt men brought up well , and badly : and withall to let them understand the great good of keeping lawes . now what are these savage and wild dogges , but resemblances of such , whose untrained youth never received the first impressions of a generous education ? these , as they were bred in the mountaines , so their conversation is mountainous , their behaviour harsh and furious , their condition distempered and odious . yet see the misery of custome ! what delight these will take in actions of incivility ! nothing relisheth with them , save what they themselves affect ; nor can they affect ought worthy of approbation , for education ( which one cals an early custome ) hath so farre wrought with them , as they approve of nought freely , affect nought truly , nor intend ought purposely , save what the rudenesse of education hath inured them to . these mens aimes are so farre from attaining honour , as they partake of nothing which may so much as have the least share in the purchase of honour . their minds are depressed , and as it were earth-turned : for they aspire to nothing which may have being above them ; neither can they stoop any lower , for nothing can be under them . nor can their actions be noble , when their dispositions by a malevolent custome are grown so despicable . hence it is , that the philosopher saith ; the divine part in such m●n is drowned , because not accommodated to what it was first ordained . for how is it possible that their affections should mount above the verge of earth , whose breeding and being hath beene ever in earth ? they ( saith phavorinus ) who sucke sowes milke , will love wallowing in the mire : inferring that as our education hath formed us , so will we addresse our selves in the passage and current of our life . for as nature is too strong to bee forced , so education ( being a second nature ) hath kept too long possession to be removed . she it is , that in some sort mouldeth our actions and affections , framing us to her owne bent ; as if we received all our discipline from her , by whom we were first nourished , and since tutored . but you may object , if education expresse such power , as her first native impressions cannot be suppressed ; how did those men appeare educated , whose first breeding was in mountaines , and afterwards advanced to no lesse glory than a diadem ! such were romulus and remus ; that translator of the median empire to the persians , victorious cyrus ; and hee who from the plow-stiles was elected emperour , to wit , gordius . surely their education came farre short of that which is expected in the majesty of a prince ; yet what inimitable presidents of renown were these , shewing much resolution in conquering , and no lesse policie in retaining what they had conquered . to begin with the first , to wit , romulus ; truth is , he laid the first foundation of a glorious and flourishing state ; yet as his nurse was a wolfe , he plaid the wolfe to his brother . he planted his kingdome in blood , as his infancie received food from her , whose native disposition affecteth blood . neither can i be perswaded , that his carriage could be so civill , as that his first breeding left no relique nor relish of barbarisme ; especially , when i reade what injuries or indignities were offered the sabines by him , what cruelties were acted upon his owne vncle , what impieties were committed upon the neighbouring heards-men : the multitude whereof expressed how cruelly he was naturally addicted , and that the first seeds which his savage education had sowne in him , could hardly be suppressed . touching cyrus , no question his breeding was not altogether in the mountaines , for he had recourse or resort ( though unknown ) to astyages court , where he received no small bettering in the progresse of his reigne . neither ( as it may probably be collected ) would harpagus permit so great hopes , as were treasured in him , and by all auguries and predictions likely to be confirmed of him , to be destitute of instructions fit and accommodate for so high a person . for else , how should such excellent lawes have been devised ; such exquisite cautions for state government provided ; the empire of the medes , with whom it had so long continued , to the persians peaceably translated , and without faction established ? these ( i say ) might probably confirme , how well this victorious shepherd was furnished with all precepts apt to informe him ; stored with all princely habiliments fit to accomplish him ; and exercised in all regall discipline , the better to prepare him against all occurrents that should assaile him . for the last , as he was from obscurity raysed , so did hee little in all his time that could be worthily praysed , being more skilful in setting of a turnep , than setling of a state ; more experienced in correcting the luxurious growth of his vine , than rectifying those abuses raging and reigning in his time : so as , his small acquaintance in state-affaires , during his minority , made him lesse affected to those imployments in his riper yeares . whereas , if we reflect upon the noble and inimitable exployts of alexander the great , whose same hath given life to many volumes , we shal see that his princely education , gave him such rare impressions of glorious emulation in his father philip , as it raysed him to those hopes he afterwards attayned . for where was that enemy he encountred with , that he overcame not ? that citie he besieged and won not ? that nation he assailed and subdued not ? yet who more mildly affected , though a souldier ; or more humble-minded , though a conquerour ? which may appeare by that answer of this invincible chieftaine to his mother ; who desirous to execute an innocent harmlesse man , the better to prevaile with him , remembred him , that her selfe for the space of nine moneths had carried him in her wombe , and for that reason he must not say her nay . but what replyed he ? ask● ( saith he ) good mother some other gift of me : for the life of a man can be recompenced by no benefit . behold a princely disposition lively charactred , having an eye no lesse to saving than subduing ; to retaine mercy than to gaine a victory ; to preserve the conquered than become a conquerour ; to get a friend than to win a field i which , as it requires a noble and free disposition , not engaged to cruelty , boundlesse ambition , desire of tryumph without compassion ; so questionlesse it shewes a composed , civill , and generous education : for these exclaime not with the poet : omnis in ferro est salus : but esteeme it the most glorious conquest to be subduers of their owne wils , preferring the saving of a life before the gayning of an empire . yet doe i not conclude these men to be exquisite , as if they were freed from all such ins●lting affections as usually invade the brests of these high aspirers : for so should i renounce the credit and authority of all histories . themistocles ( as i have elsewhere noted ) walked in the open street because hee could not sleepe : the cause whereof when some did enquire , he answered , that the tryumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest : see the strength of ambition , how powerfully it subdued a man of approved resolution and exquisite temper ! pausanias killed philip of macedon only for fame and vaine-glory : see the weaknesse of a high spirit , whom the least blast of flickring fame could so transport , as to embrue his hands in blood to gaine him an infamous glory ! no , my aime is rather to expresse the noble acts & atchievements of such whose breeding had shewn them as wel by precept as example , what might best become such eminent personages . hippocrates recounteth of a certaine sort of men , who to be different from the vulgar ( being men more nobly descended ) chose for a token of their nobility , to have their head like a sugar-loafe : and to shape his figure by art , when the child was borne , the midwives tooke care to bind their heads with swathes and bands , untill they were fashioned to the forme . and this artificialnesse grew to such force , as it was converted into nature : for in processe of time , all the children that were borne of nobility , had their heads sharpe from their mothers wombe . for the truth of this relation i will not argue much , but sure i am , if art have such power on the outward forme , education which is termed a second nature , can produce no lesse effect from the inward man. for have we not read , how divers naturally addicted to all licentious motions , by reading morall precepts , and conversing with philosophers , became absolute commanders of their owne affections ? have they not ( some i meane , and those of place and esteeme ) even in the height of their desires , when opportunity was offered , an occasion ministred , and all motives to a sensuall banquet mustered , restrayned their desires , subjected sense to the obedience of reason , and became kings by not consenting , whereas they had become despicable slaves by yeelding ? yes , and in that more remarkable , that they were heathens , who had no knowledge of god , but directed by the light of nature only . what then may we imagine might be done by long education and continuall practice , during the time of infancy , which ( as the philosopher saith ) is that smooth and unwritten table , apt to receive any impression either of good or evill ? for which cause , as all times require instruction , so this time especially , because subject to correction ; which moved sundry peeres to send for certaine wise and discrect men to instruct their children during their greener yeares . achilles had his phoenix , * alexander his * callisthenes ; alcibiades his socrates ; cyrus his xenophon ; epaminondas his lycias ; themistocles his symmachus : to whom they ought more ( as they themselves confessed ) than to their owne naturall parents : for , from them ( their parents i say ) they received onely living , but from these they received meanes of living well . but me thinkes we decline rather to knowledge than action ; let us therefore presse this point a little further , and returne to where we left . during that prosperous and successive time of victorious sylla , pomp●y the great then a young man and serving under him , received such seasoning from his military discipline , as made him afterwards chosen amongst so many brave spirits , to try the hazards of fortune with the victorious caesar. nor was his judgement inferiour ( if we may build on the credit of history ) to his potent adversary , though fortune made him her slave , tryumphing no lesse in the quest of his death , than view of his conquest . themistocles ( whose name as wee have oft repeated , so in all records worthily renowned ) having been trained from his infancy in the discipline of warre , became so affected , and withall so opinionate in himselfe of martiall affaires , as being moved on a time at a publike feast to play upon the lute , answered ; i cannot fiddle , but i can make a small towne a great citie . see what long use in experiments of warre had brought a noble souldier to ! his actions were for the publike state ; his aimes not to delight himselfe or others with the effeminate sound of the lute , but to strike terrour in his foe with his sharp pointed launce . now what should we thinke of these , whose more erected minds are removed from the refuse and rubbish of earth , ( which our base groundlins so much toyle for ) but that their thoughts are sphered above the orbe of feare ? death cannot amate them , imminent peril deterre them , disadvantage of place or inequality of power discourage them ; this is their canto , and they sing it cheerfully : the onely health ( what 's ever doe befall ) that we expect , is for no health at all . this might be confirmed by sundry histories of serious consequence , especially in those memorable sieges of rhodes , belgrade , vienna , and many other ; where the resolution of their governours sleighted the affronts of that grand enemy of christendome , the turke , and by their valour purchased to themselves both safety and honour . thus farre have we proceeded in our discourse of education , which we have sufficiently proved to be a seasoner of action , as well as of speech or knowledge . neither in actions military onely , but in all manual arts practised in rome , during her glorious and flourishing state ; from which even many ancient families received their name , beginning and being . as the figuli from the potters ; the vitrei from the glaziars , the ligulae from the pointers ; the pictores from the painters ; the pistores from the bakers . all which ( as wee may reade in most of the roman authors ) had applyed themselves , even in the first grounds of their education to these arts , wherein they grew so excellent , as they inriched their posterity by their carefull industry . but to speake truly of action , as it is generally taken , neither speech , nor knowledge , of which wee have heretofore spoken , can well want it . wherefore demosthenes defining the principall part of an oration , said it was action : the second the same : the third no other than action . isocrates for lack of a good voyce , ( otherwise called the father of eloquence ) never pleaded publikely . and cicero saith , some men are diserti viri , but for lack of action , or rather untowardnesse , habiti sunt infantes . whence it is , that sextus philosophus saith , our body is , imago animi . for the mind is ever in action ; it resteth not , but is ever l●bouring , plotting or contriving , addressing it selfe ever to imployment . the like affinity hath action with knowledge which is not reduced to action . whence it is , that many ( too many , heaven knows ) bury their knowledge in the grave of obscurity , reaping content in being knowne to themselves without communicating their talent to others . but this is hiding of their talent in a napkin , putting their candle under a bushell ; resembling the envious spitefull man , who wil not open his mouth to direct the poore passenger in his way , or suffer his neighbour to light his candle at his : for both imply one thing , as the poet excellently singeth ; who sets the trav'ller in his journey right , doth with his candle give his neighbour light . yet shines his candle still , and doth bestow light on himselfe , and on his neighbour too . for this burying or suppressing of knowledge , it may be aptly compared to the rich miser , whose best of having is onely possessing ; for that communicative good hee knowes not , but admires so much the golden number , as he preferres it before the numbring of this dayes . yea , as it is much better not to have possessed , than to mis-imploy that whereof wee were possessed ; so is he in a happier case who never knew any thing , than such a man who knew much , yet never made a communicative or edifying use of his knowledge . as may appeare by the parable of the talents . the contemplative part indeed affords infinite content to the spirituall man , whose more erected thoughts are not engaged to the meditations of earth , but are spheared in a higher orbe . this mans minde , like archimedes ayme , should enemies invade him , death and danger threaten him , inevitable ruine surprize him , his desire is onely to preforme his taske , and that taske the highest pitch of a soule-solacing contemplation . and this kinde of rapsodie , or intrauncing of the soule ( as i may terme it ) ministers unspeakable delight to the minde of that man , who is usually affected to these divine aspirations , as a godly father termes them . yet these contemplative persons , whose retirednesse of estate , immunitie , or vacation from publike governement have drawne their affections wholly from the thought of earth or conversing with men ; as they relish more of the cloister , than society of nature ; more of the cell or frocke , than community which affords the most fruit ; so they never extend further than satisfying their owne disconsorting humor . i confesse indeed , their contemplations farre exceed the wordly mans , for his are to earth confined ; or the voluptuous mans , for his are to pleasures chained ; or the ambitious , for his are to honours gaged ; or the deluded alchymist ( whose knowledge is a palpable mist ) for his are to impossible hopes restrained ; yet as profit and pleasure make the sweetest musicke : so contemplation joyned with practice , make the fruitfullest knowledge . to conclude our discourse touching education , on which as the principall'st seasoner of youth , wee have long insisted ; may the first seeds of your more hopefull harvest ( worthy gentlemen ) be so sowne , as they may neither by extremity of winter , that is , by too awfull rigour , be nipped ; nor by the scorching heat of summer , that is , too much connivencie of your tutor , parched . so may your countrey reape what shee hath with long hope expected , and receive a plentifull croppe of that which shee her selfe , by hopefull education , hath long manured . the english gentleman . argument . of the necessity of a vocation ; no man is exempted from it ; of vocation in generall ; of the vocation of a gentleman in particular ; and how he is to imploy himselfe therein . vocation . vocation is a peculiar calling allotted to every one according to his degree . wherein wee are to consider ; first , a necessity of vocation ; secondly , no exemption from that vocation : and first of the first . in that originall or primitive purity of mans nature , i say before his fall , there was no such command exhibited , as was afterwards injoyned . for then he was created pure , and deputed soveraigne over a pleasant and flourishing empire , a delightfull eden , receiving no inhibition after so large and ample a commission , save this , that of the tree of good and evill , hee should not eat of it . but when adam had transgressed , this command was forthwith directed to him and his sin-stained posterity : in the sweat of his face should he eat bread . then , then , and not till then began adam to delve , eve to spin ; inferring that the sweat of their browes should earne them a living . there where none that did gallant it in the workes of a wormes . there were none that pierced the bowels of the b earth for precious stones to adorne them ; none that had minde of precious c odours and aromaticall sweets to perfume them . in briefe , none held it then a grace to have the out-cast d feathers of birds to plume them ; the very excrements of e beasts to sent them ; the bowels and intralls of f wormes to cloath them ; the white excretions of g shell-fish to decke them . those leathern coats were provided to cover mans shame , and to evince him of h sinne. they were provided likewise to repell the extremity of i heat and cold , to shelter him against the violence of all seasons . there were other vocations then intended and attended , other labours proposed and sustained , other fashions used and observed than the vanities of this age , where the devill that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that imitating and apish thing , as damascen cals him , peccati fomenta succendit , kindles those foments of sinne to traine wretched man to the lake of perdition . hence it is , that he sets up that vexillum superbiae , to which all the sonnes and daughters of vanitie repaire ; affecting incivilitie before modestie , inquiring after the fashion , not how neat it is , but how new it is . these imagine it a labour sufficient , a vocation for their state and degree equivalent , to spend the whole morne till the mid-day in tricking , trimming , painting and purfling , studying rather to die well , than l●ve well . these are they who beautifie themselves for the stage , to become deluding spectacles to the unbounded affections of youth . they make time only a stale for their vanities , and so prostitute their houres ( those swift coursers of mans pilgrimage ) to all enormous libertie . these are penelopes wooers , gilded gallants , whose best of discourse is complement , or apish formalitie ; whose best thoughts reach but to where they shall dine , or the choice of an ordinary ; and whose best actions are but ravishing of favours from the idolls of their fancie . but how farre short come these of that necessitie of vocation injoyned them ? they thinke it sufficient so to attire themselves , as they may become gracious in the eye of their mistresse : whereas that , wherein they seeme to themselves most gracious , to the eye of a grave and considerate man may seeme most odious : as in apparell , wee say that onely to be commendable which is comely , that laudable which is seemely : for it is an ornament which adorneth . now how deformed are many of our rayments drawne from forren nations , and as ill seeming our ilanders , as cockle-chaines agricola's souldiers ? certainly , this attire becommeth not a christian , but such as are prostitutes to the whore of babylon . the garment of a true follower of christ , is innocencie , which , because it cannot be simple or absolute , wee should endevour to lessen our imperfections daily , becomming conformable to his image , who being free from sinne , tooke upon him our sinne , to free us from the guilt of sinne , and punishement due unto sinne . let us therefore endevour our selves , i say , to attaine the reward of our high calling in christ : which that wee may the better obtaine and purchase at his hands , by whom wee expect reward , wee are in the meane time to serve him in our vocation here on earth , that we may reigne with him in heaven . now that there is a necessitie of vocation injoined all , of what ranke or degree soever , wee may prove by many pregnant places of scripture , inveighing against idlenesse , and commending imployment unto us . amongst which , that of the prophet ezechiel may be properly applied to our purpose . behold ( saith he , speaking of the sinnes of ierusalem ) this was the iniquitie of thy sister sodome ; pride , fulnesse of bread , and abundance of idlenesse was in her , and in her daughters : neither did shee strengthen the hand of the poore and needy . againe , in that of the proverbs : he that tilleth his land , shall be satisfied with bread : but he that followeth the idle , is destitute of understanding . againe ; hee that is sloathfull in his worke , is even the brother of him that is a great waster . againe , that of the sonne of sirach : if thou set thy servant to labour , thou shalt find rest : but if thou let him goe idle , hee shall seeke liberty . againe ; send him to labour , that he goe not idle : for idlenesse bringeth much evill . this likewise the blessed apostle admonisheth the thessalonians of , saying , for even when we were with you , this we warned you of , that if there were any which would not worke , that he should not eat . for we heare , that there are some which walke among you inordinately , and worke not at all , but are busie-bodies . therefore them that are such , we warn and exhort by our lord iesus christ , that they worke with quietnesse , and eat their owne bread . againe , that serious exhortation of the apostle to timothy , describing the natures of such factious and busie-bodies as intend themselves to no setled imployment : but being idle , they learne to goe about from house to house : yea , they are not only idle , but also pratlers and busie-bodies , speaking things which are not comely . againe , that expresse charge given by the apostle touching everyones distinct profession or vocation : let every man abide in the same vocation wherein he was called . see here how much idlenesse is condemned , & labour commended : the former being the mother of all vices ; the latter a cheerer , cherisher , and supporter of all vertues . for wherein may man better expresse himselfe than in the display and dispatch of such offices , to the management and execution whereof he was first created ? vertue , as it consists in action , time in revolution , so the maze of mans life in perpetuall motion : wherein non progredi est regredi , non procedere recedere est . it is given to man to labour , for life it selfe is a continuate labour . see then the necessity of a vocation , being a peculiar labour allotted or deputed to any one person in particular . whence sprung up first the diversity of trades and occupations , which now by processe of time have aspired to the name of companies , gained daily new prerogatives , the better to encourage them in their severall offices . it is a saying of cn. dentatus ; that he had rather be dead , than live dead : meaning that vacancie from affaires , and retiring from such actions as tend to the conservation of humane society , was rather to dye than to live . for life , that is compared to a * lampe or burning taper , so long as it is fed with oyle , giveth light ; being an embleme of mans life , which should not be obscured or darkned , but ever sending forth her rayes or beames both to light it selfe , and others . whence the poet : life is a lampe whose oyle yeelds light enough : but spent , it ends , and leaves a stinking snuffe . gellius compares mans life to iron : iron ( saith he ) if exercised , is in time consumed ; if not exercised , is with rust wasted . so as this rust ; which indeed is rest from imployment , doth no lesse consume the light or lampe of our life , than labour or exercise : for our life decayes no lesse when we are eating , drinking , or sleeping , than toyling or travelling about our worldly affaires . so much of our life is shortned , as we are even in these things , which preserve and sustaine nature , imployed : thus death creeps on us when we least think of it , suprizing us when we least expect it . some with amnon carousing , others with haman persecuting , or with senacherib blaspheming , or with belshazzar sacrilegiously profaning , ahitophel plotting , the children mocking , that incredulous prince of israel distrusting , or that rich man in the gospel presuming . few or none with iacob exhorting , with martyr-crowned steven blessing , with the apostles rejoycing , or with all those glorious martyrs , whose garments were deepe dyed in the blood of zeale , singing and tryumphing . and a good reason may be here produced , why many dye so wofully dejected : for how should they close their dayes cheerefully , who have spent all their dayes idly ? if they that disobey god , shall plant the vineyard , and others shall eat the fruit ; how may those expect to be partakers of the fruit of the vineyard , who neither obey god nor plant vineyard ? how long have many , whose exquisite endowments were at first addressed for better imployments , stood idling in the market-place , never making recourse to gods vineyard , either to dung or water it , refresh or cherish it ; labouring rather to breake downe her branches , than sustaine it ? how many bee there , who will rather employ whole yeares in contriving some curious banquetting-house , than one moneth in erecting one poore almes-house ? how choice and singular will the most be in their tabernacles of clay , while the inward temple goes to ruine ? as charles the emperour said of the duke of venice his building , when he had seene his princely palace like a paradise on earth : haec sunt , quae nos invitos faciunt mori . they draw us backe indeed , and hale us from meditation of a more glorious building , which needs not from the inhabitant any repairing . how necessary is it for us then , to addresse our selves to such imployments , as may conferre on the state publike a benefit ? for as we have insisted on the necessity of a vocation , so are wee to observe the conveniencies of a vocation . which that wee may the better doe , wee are to consider three especiall things , which as scales or greeses may bring us to the right use and exercise of our vocation . the first consideration is divine , or to god-ward ; the second civill , or to man-ward ; the third peculiar , and to our selves-ward . for the first , because indeed the rest have dependance on it , and could have no subsistance but from it ; we are to consider by whom we are deputed to such a place or office , and for what end . the person by whom wee are so deputed , is god , who in his goodnesse as he hath bestowed an image more noble and glorious on us than on any other creature , so hath he enabled us to execute our place under him with due feare and reverence to his name , ever observing the end for which we were to such places deputed ; which is , to honour him , and be helpefull unto others who resemble him : which is the second consideration we before observed , and termed civil , because in civil society requisite to be performed . by the love of god ( saith a good father ) is love to our neighbour ingendred , by the love of our neighbour is our love towards god increased . now if wee should communicate all that wee possesse unto our neighbours , and want this love , which only maketh the worke fruitfull and effectuall , we were but as tinkling cymbals ; we are therefore incessantly to crave of god by prayer , which ( as that godly divine saith ) is to be numbred amongst the greatest workes of charity ; that he would infuse into us the fervour of his love , by which only is granted us to attaine true neighbourly love , performing such workes of charity in our vocation , as we may preserve that union and communion , which members of one mysticall body have one with another . and this love thus planted , cannot bee so silenced or smothered , but it will be discovered , and that by such effects as are usually derived from charitie : for these will not grinde the face of the poore by extortion , or draw teares from the orphans eyes by oppression , or sow the seed of discord betwixt neighbour and neighbour by the spirit of contention . no , as they are placed in a vocation , they will shew themselves to all helpfull , to none hurtfull . they will be an eye to the blinde to direct them , a staffe to the lame to support them , a visitant to the sicke to comfort them , a samaritan to the wounded to heale them , a garment to the naked to cover them , meat to the hungry to releeve them , drinke to the thirstie to refresh them ▪ being all unto all , that by all meanes they might gaine some . these are the effects of this love , which with adamantine tyes becomes linked to the love of god , and to man for god. the third consideration is peculiar ; wherein we are principally to take heed of selfe-love , a vice no lesse fatall than universall . which selfe-love as it hath many branches , or siens , according , to the disposition of the owner , so it produceth no lesse variety of effects . the ambitious man being ever aiming , ever aspiring , thirsteth after honour , and never leaves hunting after it , till hee fall with his owne grandure . his pie-coloured flagge of vanity is displayed , and his thoughts ( so open hearted is he ) as if hee had windowes in his breast , discovered . his agents are weake and unsteady ; his aymes indirected and maligned by envie , concluding his comicke beginning with a tragicke catastrophe . yet see how selfe-conceit transports him , sycophancy deludes him , and an assured expectance of an impossibility detaines him . now see him uncased ; he useth rather with catiline to speake much and do little , than with iugurth to speake little and doe much . he entertaines all with broad-spread armes , and proclaimes liberty , but none will beleeve him . for how should he proclaime , or proclaiming conferre that on others , which he enjoyes not in himselfe ? or how should he enjoy that inestimable libertie , which the earthly-sainted or contented only enjoy ; when he is become a slave to his owne unbounded desires , and through selfe-conceit , is made a prey to his foes deceit , falling in that lowest , where his expectance raised him highest ? yet see whence these effects proceed ● surely from no other spring than that troubled well-spring of selfe-love , which leaves her distressed master engaged to sundry extremes . the like may be observed in the avaritious man ; ( for to these two instances is my present discourse restrained : ) whose misery it is to admire rather than imploy what he enjoyes . the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and the rich not using , is by these two expressed ; the one carendo , the other non fruendo . of these it may bee truly said , that their gaine is not godlinesse , but their godlinesse is to reape gaine . and though apparent a losse be to be preferred before filthy gaine : yet they wholly and onely embrace such b arts , trades , or sciences , from which a certaine gayne may bee procured . they know ( and that knowledge makes them more culpable ) that gaine cannot accrue to one , without losse to another : yet they will rather prejudice another in the greatest , than bee an inconvenience to themselves in the least . they have felt by experience , that wealth is a great nourisher of vice , and poverty of vertue ; yet will they erect an idoll to honour her by whom vice is nourished , but disesteeme her from whom many vertuous motions and affections are derived . true it is indeed , that when any d object of profit is tendred us , necessarily are we induced to condescend to the meanes of acquiring that profit . againe , we all seeke profit , and are ( as it were ) haled unto it : yet this is to be intended such profit , as holds concurrence with honesty . they know , ( and wofull it is that they make no better use of their knowledge ) how e gaine maketh men worse : and but for gaine no man had beene evill . for this filthy f gaine accuseth nature , and reproveth us that our life being so short , should have desires so long , labouring to joyne land to land , when so small a scantling will serve our turne at our departing . they know how truly that sententious poet sung ; g wealth disesteemes all learning , and all arts , faith , honesty , and all our better parts . there is a h native will or inclination to f●ining and lying in all such as seeke after wealth , and desire gaine . see how servile and ignoble their condition is , whose affections , slaved to private profit , embrace any course how indirect soever , for selfe-love , or selfe-gaine ! that are ever harping upon that of the poet ; i he shall be noble , valiant , wise , a prince , or what he will , that ha's but wealth , no matter how he got it , well or ill . but how farre short comes vulgar opinion of truth , whose judgement is in their eyes or eares , not measuring man , nor his worth , by those nobler parts within him , but by his wealth or habit , whose best of glory is without him ? little know these earth-worms how they shall bee uncased , and with what misery then inclosed . for if they did , they would preferre ( right sure i am ) the inestimable purchase of vertue , before this rust or r●bbish , which leaveth the possessor as full charged with care , as his chest stored with c●ine . vertue is of that noble and unconfined nature , as she k seeketh nothing that is without her ; there is her glory . againe , there can bee no vertue which is not l free and voluntary ; there is her liberty . againe , she m subdueth all things ; there is her soveraingty . againe , n fortune gives place to her ; there is her precedency . for o fortune can take nothing away but what she her selfe giveth . againe , they onely are p rich which are enriched with vertue ; there is her felicity . so as howsoever the philosophers axiome be , that riches is a signe of eternall glory ; sure i am , that vertue directeth man in this maze of misery , to the true sight and light of glory . this is that morning-starre sent from that sun of the morning to direct us ; that brazen wall reared by that brazen serpent to shield and protect us ; that faire lily of the valley cropt by that fairest of ten thousand to beautifie and adorne us ; that sweet oderiferous plant budding out of the root of iesse to sweeten and perfume us . what skils it then , if wee bee deprived of all , possessing vertue that includeth all ? * the levites who were chosen for the altar and for gods owne service , were to have no possessions : for the lord was their inheritance . againe , god chuseth the poore for an inheritance of his heavenly kingdome . againe , blessed are you that be poore , for yours is the kingdome of heaven . and againe , miserable are you rich men , who in your riches have all your consolation . againe , o death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee to that man , whose peace is in his substance ! hence wee see the difference betwixt the state and condition of the wordling , whose affections are wholly planted and placed upon earth , and his whose desires transcend the pitch of earth , having his feet below , but his faith above . the poet very covertly and wittily in decision of such , whose delights were wholly fixed on mould , satyrically concludeth ; not only vertue , winged fame , and honour too i say ; but things divine and humane too , must riches all obey , but to returne where we left , whence commeth this so avaricious and illimited desire , but only from a selfe-love which these men have to their owne private and peculiar profit ? which that wee may the beter prevent , being such a shelfe as it endangers the shippe that commeth neere it ; wee are daily to examine our selves , and observe what especiall affection wee are most prone unto : which found out , wee are to apply such remedies , or receits , as may best cure such enormities , as arise from the vicious and corrupted source of our affections . now to come to the cure ; because medicines provided and not applied , are fruitlesly imployed . are ye naturally subject to vaine-glory ? labour to suppresse those motions even in their rising , by becomming vile and contemptible in your owne sight . are yee affected to wantonnesse and effeminacie ? impose your selves a taske , inure your bodies to labour , reserve some houres for reading , as well those exquisite morall precepts of heathen writers , as those blessed patternes of continencie recorded in sacred writ . are ye slaved to the misery of a worldling ? wrastle with your affections , entertaine bounty , affect hospitality , so in time yee shall become weaned from base and servile parcimony . to be briefe , as vices are best cured by their contraries , ever oppose your selves to that which your natures affect most ; for this is the way to make you , that were slaves before , commanders of your owne affections : which soveraignty surpasseth all inferiour command , for by this meanes you command those , who have had the greatest monarchs in subjection . thus have wee proposed the necessity of a vocation , and what especiall rules were to bee observed in the undertaking of that vocation : which observed , yee shall conferre no lesse good on your countrey , who expects much good from you ; than yee shall minister content unto your selves , finding all depraved or distempered affections buried in you . and so wee descend from the necessity of a vocation , to inquire whether any from the highest to the lowest be exempted from it . no lesse authenticke than ancient is that position , the higher place the heavier charge . so as , howsoever that erring opinion which vulgar weakenesse hath introduced , seeme approved , that men whom fortune hath made great , may hold themselves exempted from all vocations , because either noblenesse of bloud may seeme too worthy to partake of them , or greatnesse of successe ( little subject to the feare of want ) hath made them too high to stope unto them : i may safely averre , that of all other degrees , none are lesse exempted from a calling than great men , who set like high peeres or mounts , should so over-view others , as their lives may bee lines of direction unto others . hee sinnes doubly , that sinnes exemplarily : whence is meant , that such , whose very persons should bee examples or patternes of vigilancy , providence and industry , must not sleepe out their time under the fruitlesse shadow of security . men in great place ( saith one ) are thrice servants ; servants of the soveraigne , or state ; servans of fame ; and servants of businesse . so as they have no freedome , neither in their persons , nor in their actions , nor in their times . first , they , are servants to their soveraigne or state , for as they are by place sett neere his person , so are they with due and tender respect ever to observe him , in affaires tending to the safety of his person , and generall good of the state. they are servants ( likewise ) of fame : for howsoever the actions of inferiour men may seeme sleighted with neglect , or clouded with contempt , they are sure to have their deeds bruted by fame , either to their glory or disgrace . yea , these are also eager hunters after fame , preferring opinion before all other inferiour respects , and wishing rather themselves to dye , than it should die . whence it was , that anaxagoras telling alexander that there were many worlds ; alexander wept , replying , that he had not wonne one : implying , that his fame , being that which he principally tendred , having scarce yet dispersed it selfe to the circumference of one world ; it would be long , ere it could diffuse or dilate it selfe to many worlds . lastly , they are servants of businesse ; being placed neere the helme of the state : and therefore like wise and vigilant pilots , must be carefull lest the rudder of the state be not shaken by their security . neither is their state so sure , that it should move them to be secure : for men in high places are for most part pursued by many enemies , whose eyes are ever prying into their actions , which they invert , by labouring to bring the state in distaste with their proceedings . now what meanes better to frustrate their practices , than by a serious and cautelous eye , to looke into their owne actions ? diogenes being asked , how one should bee revenged of his enemie , answered ; by being a vertuous and honest man. which badge ( i meane honesty ) as it should be the cognizance of every christian ; so should it shew her full lustre or splendour in these persons whom descent or place hath so ennobled . now these enemies of greatnesse , if right use be made of them , may conferre no small profit to such as they hate . nasica , when the roman common-weale was supposed to bee in most secure estate , because freed of their enemies , affirmed , that though the achaians and carthaginians were both brought under the yoke of bondage , yet they were in most danger , because none were left , whom they might either feare for danger , or who should keepe them in awe . this wee shall finde verified even in our selves : for tell me , are wee not most circumspect in all our actions , wherein wee have to deale with our enemie ? are wee not fearefull lest by some inconsiderate or prejudicate act , he take advantage of us , and consequently circumvent us ? so as our enemies may bee used as tutors or monitors to instruct us , warning us to bee advised what wee undertake , lest they take hold of us in our mistake . there is also another benefit redounding to us , of which it were likely we should be deprived , if wee wanted enemies , by whom this benefit is on us conferred . and it is this ; wanting enemies , wee many times make of our best friends , enemies . whence oenomademus in a faction in the i le of chios , counselled his fellowes that they should not expell all their enemies , but still leave some in the city , lest ( quoth he ) being void of all our enemies wee should begin to quarrell with our friends . thus you see , how men of place are of all others least exempted from a vocation ; for as idlenesse would give them occasion to sinne , so by their enemies should they be soone detected of shame : being more subject to detraction in those actions which are their best , than likely to plead a protection for such as are their worst . we may well then conclude this point , with that of a true and noble historian ; in the greatest fortune , there is the least liberty ; for by how much any man is higher placed , by so much is he more generally noted . wee say , that there is required the greatest care , where there is the greatest danger : now what danger more presently imminent , or more powerfully violent , than highnesse of place , threatning ruine daily to the possessour ? where honour feeds the fuell of envie , and enmity ever pursues in chace such as are advanced by fortune : whence our moderne poet excellently concludeth ; study thou vertue , honour's envies bait , so entring heav'n thou shalt be graduate . how necessary then even in private respects to themselves is circumspection ; not only in labouring to prevent occasions of feare , but the finall and fatall effects thereof ? so may those , whom either fortune hath raised , or noblenesse of birth advanced , say with majestike marius : they envy my honour : let them also envie my labour , innocencie , yea , those admirable dangers which i have passed , for by these was my honour purchased . now then , how should such whose height of place hath raised them above the lower ranke of men , imagine that their place may exempt them from their taske ? offices are peculiarly assigned to all men , and vocation to all rankes of men . whence came that ancient edict amongst the romaas , mentioned by cicero in lib. de leg. ( as wee have else-where noted ) that no roman should goe thorow the streets of the city , unlesse hee carried with him the badge of that trade whereby he lived : insomuch that marcus aurelius , speaking of the diligence of the romans , writeth , that all of them followed their labour . so as , there was no difference betwixt the patricians and plebeians ; inter faecem & florem civitatis ( as one well observeth ; ) but an expresse taske was imposed and exacted on every subject . whence it grew that the roman empire became absolute soveraignesse of many other ample dominious : whose flourishing estate ( as it was described to king pyrrhus ) appeared such ; that the city seemed a temple , the senate a parliament of kings . neither is it to be doubted , but even as god is no accepter of persons , so his command was generall , without exception of persons ; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eate bread albeit i doe not hence conclude , that all are to intend the plough , or betake themselves to manuall trades : for so i might seeme to presse that exposition which a frier once urged against latimer , touching reading of scripture in a vulgar tongue : if the rude people ( objected hee ) should heare the scripture read in english , the plow-man when hee heareth , hee that holdeth the plough and looketh backe , is not apt for the kingdome of god ; would there upon cease to plow any more : & the baker , when hee heareth it read , a little leaven corrupteth the whole lumpe ; might be moved not to use leaven at all : and when the scripture saith , if thine eye offend thee , plucke it out ; the ignorant might bee perswaded to pull out their eyes ; and therefore it was not good to have the scripture in english. to which objection latimer vouchafed no other answer than this : hee would wish the scriptures to be no longer in english , till thereby either the plow-man were perswaded not to plow ; or the baker not to bake . no , i am not so stupid , as not to apprehend how severall places or offices are deputed to sundry men : how some are appointed for guiding and guarding the state ; others for ranking and ranging powers in the field ; others for teaching and training of youth in the schoole ; others for propounding and expounding of the lawes of our realme at the barre ; others for caring and curing of malad●es in the body ; others for breaking the bread of life , and breathing the spirit of comfort to the afflicted . whence wee gather , that of all degrees none are exempted or excepted : a vocation is proposed and imposed , which , of necessity must be by one or other observed and intended . for as in the mutuall offices of our body , every member intends that peculiar function or office to which it is assigned or limited ; so in the body of the state ( being all members depending and subsisting of that state ) wee are all in our mutuall places or offices to discharge that taske which is injoyned us . wherein i should thinke it convenient , if we observed the selfe-same rule , which the members of our body use in the due performance of their offices . for wee see not one of them incroach or intrude into anothers place or imployment : the eye it sees , and handles not ; the hand it handles , and sees not ; the palat it tastes , and smels not ; the nose it smels , and tastes not ; the eare it heares , and walkes not ; the foot it walkes , and heares not . and so of the rest : but contrariwise , how itching are men after such imployments as least concerne them ? how officious in businesse which least touch them ? the dray-man hee will play the divine ; a dairy-woman the physician ; the collier the informer ; the farmer the lawyer . wherein surely , i have observed in the small progresse of this my pilgrimage , no small inconvenience redounding to the publike state. for say , whence sprung all these schismes in the church , these many rents in christs seamelesse-coat , but from those , who of mechanickes became divines , professing to teach , before they were taught ? whence are so many mens dayes abridged , their easie maladies without hope of being cured , but by meanes of these horse-leaches , who gaine experience by the death of their patients , professing themselves artists , before they know the definition of an art ? whence are so many unjustly vexed , so injuriously troubled , but by these base informers , who become disturbers rather than reformers ? whence arise these differences , betwixt party and party , but by meanes of some factious and seditious instruments , who like the serpent dipsas , sucke the moisture and verdure of every hopefull plant , building their foundation on the ruine of others ? surely , as wee have statutes enacted , of purpose to have such turbulent members duely curbed and censured ; so were it to bee wished that such lawes as are to this end provided , were likewise executed : for by this meanes the flourie borders of our realme should bee stored with grave divines , and learned professors , leading their flocks to the greene pastures of ghostly instruction , not to the by-paths of errour and confusion ; with judicious and expert physitians , who are not to learne experience by the death of their patients ; with sincere and uncorrupted officers whose ayme is not to gaine , but to redresse abuses ; with upright and con●cionable lawyers , whose desire is to purchase their clients peace , and not by frivolous delayes to cram their purses . o what a golden age were this ● when each performing a mutuall office unto other , might so support one another , as what one wanted , might be supplied by another . then should wee have no sectists or separatists divided from the unity of faith to disturbe us ; no artlesse quack-salvers or cheating mountebanks to delude us ; no factious brands to set a fire of debate amongst us ; no currupt or unconscionable lawyers , by practising upon our states , to make a prey of us . then should we heare no ignorant laicks familiarly disputing of the too high points of predestination , rejecting the ordinary meanes of attaining salvation : as may be seene in the synodals or conventicles of many seduced soules , even in these dayes , where some barbar is made a cathedrall doctor , to improve , rebuke , and exhort : but how is it possible that ought should bee hatched but errour , where singularity grounded on ignorance is made a teacher ? s. basil talking with the emperour valens of matters of religion , and the cooke comming in saucily and telling the holy man his opinion , that it was but a small matter to yeeld to his master the emperor in a word or two ; and that hee needed not to stand so precisely in divine matters which seemed indifferent , or of no moment . yea , sir cook ( quoth s. basil ) it is your part to tend to your pottage , and not to boyle and chop up divine matters : and then with great gravity ( turning to the emperour ) said , that those that were conversant in divine matters with conscience , would rather suffer death , than suffer one jot of holy scripture , much lesse an article of faith to be altered or corrupted . so carefull have former times beene of the reverence which ought to be had in dispensing the heavenly mysteries of gods word : admitting none to so holy and high a vocation , but such who had vrim and thummim , knowledge and holinesse : beautifying their knowledge , i say , with holinesse of conversation : being not onely speakers but doers ; for no word-men but work-men are fit for the lords vineyard . the like complaint might bee made touching these physitians of our bodies : where artlesse and ignorant handicrafts-men , who perchance upon reading of some old herball , wherein were prescribed certaine doubtfull cures for certaine maladies , will not sticke to professe themselves galenists the first houre : setting out a painted table of unknowne cures to raise them credit . to whom in my opinion , that tale may be properly applied , which is related of one alphonso an italian ; who professing physicke , wherein his fortune was to kill oftner than he did cure : one day as he and his man nicolao rode on the way , he might see a great multitude of people assembled upon a hill ; whereof being desirous to know the cause , he sent his man nicolao to inquire further : who , understanding that there was one to be executed for committing a murder , put spurres to his horse , and running with all speed to his master , wished him to flie : where-with alphonso not a little astonished , demanded the cause : why master ( quoth nicolao ) yonder is a poore wretch adjudged to die for killing one man , and you in your time have killed an hundred . neither are wee lesse to grieve for the pressures which burden our state by such , who sow the seed of discord betwixt neighbour , & neighbour supporting champertie & embracerie in buying of titles , maintaining suits out of a contentious or turbulent disposition . which enormities , as they are by apt and necessary lawes thereto provided , duly censured ; so were it to bee wished , that for example sake some one , whom the impunitie and indulgencie of this time hath made too presuming , were punished according to the extremitie of the law thereto provided : for then should wee enjoy those happy halcyon dayes , wherein basil the emperour of constantinople lived : who , whensoever hee came to his iudgement seat , found neither partie to accuse , nor defendant to answer . to this end then and purpose tendeth our present discourse , that as a peculiar vocation is deputed to every one in this pilgrimage of humane frailty ; so hee should not intermix himselfe in affaires or offices of different nature . a man may be excellent in one , who cannot be exquisite in many . let us then so addresse our selves , as we may be rather fruitfull in one , than fruitlesse in many . doe wee feare by being excellent in one to purchase hate of many ? let us sleight that hate which is procured by good means ; for so long as wee live here , sometimes adverse fortune will crosse us , oft times envie curbe us : but where the mind hath given way to the infirmities of nature , and beares with a prepared mind whatsoever may be inflicted on her , shee makes no account of detraction ; for that vertuous resolution which is in her , doth daily more and more rayse and advance her . neither are we to be strong in tongue and weake in act ; as those , whose only valour is vaunting , and honour verball glorying : for of all others , such men are the slothfullest , whose force and power is wholly seated in the tongue . no , rather let us know that vertue consists in action , which by long habit becomes more pleasant than the habit of vice , whose vaine delights tender no lesse bitternesse in the end , than they did promise sweetnesse in the beginning . agendo audendoque res romana crevit . let our eare , as it is a sense of instruction , become a light of direction : for then we heare with profit , when we reduce what we heare to practice . thus you have heard both of the necessity of a vocation , and how none is to be exempted from a vocation : wherein , gentlemen , i could wish , that as birth and breeding have advanced you above others , so you would shew such arguments of your birth and education , as may make you seeme worthy of a glorious vocation ; expressing such exemplary vertues in your life , as might gaine you love even in death . and so i descend to speake of vocation in generall ; wherein i will bee more briefe , because i have partly glanced at it in our former discourse . vocation may be taken equivocally or univocally ; when wee speak of vocation in generall , it is equivocall ; when of any speciall vocation in particular it is univocall . without vocations no civill state can subsist ; because idlenesse maketh of men women , of women beasts , of beasts monsters . it was one of the sinnes of sodome , as wee may reade in the prophet ezekiel . it was that which brought david the anoynted of the lord , nay the man after gods owne heart , to commit adultery . it was this which moved solomon to bid the sluggard goe to the pismire to learn good husbandry . to be short , it was this which moved the prophets to denounce judgement upon the flourishing'st cities , for their security . how necessary then is it for all estates to be carefull , lest they incurre a heavy and fearefull censure , to addresse themselves to especiall vocations , beneficiall to the state , and pleasing to god , whose glory should bee our aime , without any by-respect unto our selves ? wee shall see in most places both at home and abroad , how such trades or vocations are most used , as may best suit with the nature and condition of the place . as in our port-townes traffick and commerce , conferring no lesse benefit to the state by importance , than profit to other countries by exportance . againe , in our townes lying further within land , the inhabitants use some especiall trade to keepe their youth in labour ; whereby they become not only beneficiall to themselves , but usefull and helpefull unto others . amongst which , i cannot be unmindfull of the diligence of the towne of kendall , and worthy care which they have to see their very young children put to worke , being a labour which requires no great strength , to wit , woolworke . wherein , so approved hath their care and industry beene , as they have gained themselves no small esteeme in forraine places , who are made partakers of the fruit of their labours . for i have knowne a family , consisting of seven or eight persons , maintained by the worke of two or three stones of wooll , which amounted not above thirty shillings : and with this they maintained credit , living in an honest and decent manner . whose labours as they were laudable , so have they beene no lesse furthered , favoured , and encouraged by our late gracious soveraigne of renowned memory ; who of his princely clemency , hath damned all such impositions or heavy taxations as might any way impaire or impeach the free use of that trade . since which time , upon renuall of their charter , his sacred majesty hath beene lately pleased , not onely to enlarge their liberties , but likewise to dignifie their magistracy with a title of more eminence : which had it stood with his princely pleasure , might have received high improvement by creation of a burgesse . albeit now of late , the town of kendall , so famous for wool-work , by reason of a late decrease or decay of trade in those parts , is grown no less penurious than populous : so as ( with griefe i speake it ) such inhabitants as formerly by their paine & industry were able to give an alms at their door , are now forced to beg their almes from door to door . the redresse whereof , as it hath been by the prince and those prudent guides and guardians of our state , the lords of his privie councell , duely intended ; so no doubt , but by their wise care it shall be accordingly effected , and those poore people after so many miseries sustayned , wholly releeved ; to the advancement of gods glory , the supportance of many a needfull family , and the succeeding renowne of his majesty , to whom every subject oweth his life , love and loyalty . the like commendation i could give to the copperworkes used in the north ; more especially about keswicke , where divers dutchmen being planted , have for many yeares expressed no lesse judgement than industry in sundry excellent and choice experiments , which to their succeeding fame may perpetuate their memory . for these , like cunning and experienced artizans , have to doe in the bowels of the earth , whence they digge copper , which with incredible paines they bring to the hammer . for so steepe , ragged and cliffie are those mountaines , whence their copper is digged , as it might seeme a matter of impossibility to effect so intricate a worke ; but so infatigable are the labourers which they employ , as their patience in suffering is no lesse to be commended , than their skill in contriving to bee admired . but to speake in generall of all vocations , sciences , or mysteries : wee are ever to observe the place and convenience , hereof , that wee may the better appropriate some especiall vocation according to the necessity and convenience of the place . as ship-masters in places of trafficke and navigation ; shepherds , graziers , and farmers , in places of plantation : according to that ancient proverbe ; gardiners in theffalie , horse-coursers in barbary . now if you should object touching the difference of vocations , that some are more necessary than others : yea such as now seeme most necessary , have formerly ( as may appeare ) beene held trades of indifferency : my answer is , i grant it ; yet not so altogether as some might object against the necessity of a smiths trade , by alleaging that of the prophet samuel ; there was no smith found thorowout all the land of israel . for this did not inferre that smiths were of least use or imployment in israel , but rather the necessity of them made so few amongst them , as may appeare in the latter part of the verse : for the philistines said , lest the hebrewes make them swords or speares . here see the cause why there were so few in israel , because they would have beene most usefull and behoofefull to the people of israel . for this cause were they banished , slaughtered and deprived of all meanes to assist their distressed countrey , whose people hid themselves in caves , and in hold , and in rocks , and in towers , and in pits . for the first invention of trades , arts or sciences , as they were in time and by degrees brought to perfection , so had they proper and peculiar persons , from whom they received their beginning and foundation . for example , tillage from cain , pasturage from abel , vintage from noah , navigation from zebulun , brazery or smith-worke from tubal-cain , musick from iubal ; which by succession of time came to such perfection as they are now in . the satyre at the first sight of fire , would needs have kissed and imbraced it , but prometheus checked him . so highly admired were things unknown , and so familiarly employed being once knowne . the like we may imagine at the first rising of trades , what difficulties attended them , and what imperfections were incident to them ; being like the beares whelpe , ever in licking , before they came to perfecting , ever in renuing & furbushing , ere they came to such furnishing , as they now express . yea , if we should make recourse to all such scholastick sciences or vocations ( if i may so terme them ) as have the name of liberall sciences : wee shall find that in their infancy or minority , there were many defects and blemishes in them , having not as then attayned that heighth or growth , which they have acquired at this day . for then wee had not a quintilian to play the grammarian ; a subtill scotus to play the logician , an eloquent cicero for a rhetorician ; a learned euclid for a mathematician ; a studious archimedes for a geometrician ; a famous hippocrates to renowne a physician ; a sense-ravishing orpheus to eternize the musician . many conclusions were then to bee sought and explored , ere such perfection as wee now enjoy could bee attayned . for to instance grammar ; how long may wee imagine , and tedious might the taske be , ere so many rules could bee so aptly digested , and disposed ? how long before such rules could be by authority of so innumerable authors approved ? how long being approved , before they could so generally and without opposition be received ? the like may be spoke of logicke , which is rightly termed the locke of knowledge , opened by the key of art : what subtill and intricate sophismes ? what formall and effectuall conclusions ? what rules of art to direct them in the maine current of their proceedings ? those foure questions produced by arist. in his posteriors , how fit are they to be observed in the managing of every subject : quid nominis , quid rei , qualis sit , propter quid sit ? likewise his distinction or division of places ; topicall , or rhetoricall , called insita , being intrinsecally ingraffed or inserted in the nature of the thing : also places derived ab antecedentibus & consequentibus ; as the sunne hath showne , whence it followeth , that day hath appeared ; the sunne is set , whence it followeth that night is approached . also places derived à comparatione majorum minorum & aequalium . as if christ washed his disciples feet , much more ought wee to doe the same one to another . likewise in those locall circumstances , very necessary for searching and discussing the truth of any matter ; who , what , what time , and where , how , why , what helps were there ? why ; as the offence was more blame-worthy in iudas than if it had beene done by any other , being his disciple ; and so of the rest . all which , as they tend properly to the office of an orator ; so minister they no little elegancy even to our familiar discourse : wherein wee most commonly ( though wee observe not so much ) use some one of these places , to aggravate or extennate the subject whereof wee speake . the like also of rhetoricke ; what perswasive inductions , what powerfull arguments are there to be found ? the definition whereof , if wee should expresse in one word , it is , to make great things little , and little things great . after aeschines being banished athens , was come to rhodes , he declared in an oration the cause of his exile , the rhodians no lesse satisfied with the pregnancie of his reasons , than ravished with the elegancy of his phrase , wondred at the athenians who had banished him so undeservedly . o ( quoth he ) you heard not what demosthenes answered to my reasons ! this moved philip of macedon in a treaty of league betwixt him and the olynthians , to demand of them their orators : little doubting , but having once deprived them of the stayes and supporters of their state , by receiving them as hostages , hee might quickly receive the province into his subjection . it is above imagination to consider of the rare effects derived from moving or perswasive rhetoricians , resembling in some sort passionate actors ; who to move passion , such an order keepe , as they feigne teares to make their hearers weepe . now the difference betwixt actors and orators ( saith cicero ) is , that the one intermixeth levity in their action , to make their hearers laugh ; the other use all gravity , authority , and serious arguments ( with a gracefull insinuation ) to perswade . wherefore those are accounted ridiculous , these esteemed prudent . neither is this excellency of theirs onely in passion or efficacie of perswasion , but in a subject of more admiration : which is , they can make blacke seeme white , and cloath that which in the eye of the world seemes most deformed , in a beautifull habit which art polycrates that athenian rhetorician had , who praised the tyrant busyris ; the like had seneca , who praised the dissembling claudius ; favorinus , who commended the deformed thersites ; no lesse elegant was * maro in commending his gnat ; lucian a flie ; apuleius his asse ; also favorinus a quartan ague ; glauco , injustice ; synesius , baldnesse ; lucian , flattery ; erasmus , folly. which elegant paradoxes they have so wittily and perswasively handled , as they gained more approbation , than if they had been themes commonly received : for there is no discourse , of what nature soever , that can comparably delight the reader or hearer , like these which seeme opposite to opinion generally received , yet by strong and effectuall reasons use to be proved and maintained . neither was this rhetoricall art lesse required in the campe than in the court : for if wee should peruse histories both of ancient and succeeding times , wee should finde what rare effects were brought to passe by this smooth inducing art of rhetoricke . how souldiers became animated by hearing their leader play the orator , in extenuating the enemies power , in proposing assured hopes of victory , and putting them in mind of their ancestors glory ; againe , in shewing them the benefit of a rich booty , promising them much honour if they live , and no lesse memory of their valour if they should dye . the like ( to descend to all those arts whereof wee have formerly spoken ) may be said of the rare and admirable effects of the mathematicks : what singular conclusions have beene drawne from thence by the line of art ? what secrecies above humane conceit have beene drained and derived from that mysterious knowledge ? wherein many have offended rather by being too curious , than by being too little solicitous . whence it was , that euclid being demanded by one too inquisitive in the secrecies of heaven , touching a question , which ( as hee thought ) was more profound than profitable , hee answered ; surely , i know not this , but thus much i know , that god hateth such as are curious searchers after his secrets . i might here produce the basis on which the study of the mathematicks is grounded , as also the exquisite and admirable effects or conclusions from thence derived , but i hasten to the rest . the power of geometry was shewne sufficiently in that studious artist archimedes , who by his owne proper power repelled the whole force of marcellus and all his army , laying siege to syracusa : so as it was imagined that this one man did more good in the defence of the city by his art , than all the rest of the inhabitants did by the force of armes . neither had marcellus ( as it was generally thought ) in long time prevailed , although the city was in most places razed and ruined , if it had not beene by false and trecherous meanes privately yeelded and betrayed . where this mirror of his time , the famous archimedes , was suddenly in his study surprized , and by a common souldier ( much against marcellus will ) cruelly murdered . touching physike , what rare cures have beene wrought by such excellent and expert artists as have professed this knowledge ? it is wonderfull to read , what perfection mithridates attained in this profession , being the first that found and gave name to that knowne receit against all poison , mithridate : with which he so inured his body , to repell the force of poison ; as in his ebbe and decrease of fortune , when hee had lost in one houre what hee had in so many yeeres gained , being deprived of all meanes to cure his misery , he laboured to finde a way to end his misery , and that was to deprive himselfe of life ; which the better to effect , he drunke poison ; but so strongly had his former receits fortified his body against such baneful effects , as it would not worke , nor as hee expected , produce that tragicall issue with him . the rare cures of dioscorides ; the admirable experiments of hippocrates , to them that shall but peruse their workes , will confirme the excellency of this art : where the one concludeth , that art is long , life short , experience deceiving : implying , that so rare an art could not bee attained , but by much industry ; life being so short , and a very embleme of frailty , was to be used tenderly ; and experience being so deceiving , was to bee put in practice carefully . they give us this precept ; in sickenesse to respect health principally , and in health action . health , that we might might bee made for action ; action , that wee might the better preserve our health . lastly musicke , the first beginning or invention whereof , as it merits admiration ; so the perfection of it , at this day deserves applause : finding an open torteise on the ground , from it the art of musike first was found . so observeth du bartas ; which indeed may rather be limited to one kinde of instrument , whereto the torteise may seeme to have resemblance , that is , the lute . pythagoras chanced once into a company of drunkards , where a musitian ruled their lascivious banquet : hee presently commanded him to change his harmony with a dorion , ( or an heavier tone ) and so with this tragicke melody moved them to cast off their garlands , ashamed of whatsoever they had done , being brought by the accent of grave and solemne musicke to sobriety . whence it was , that aristotle forbiddeth in his common-wealth , certaine lascivious musicke , & alloweth the doricall , which is of another kinde . the arcadians by musicke were transformed from savage and barbarous people to civility , and transported ( as it were ) from the violent current of naturall cruelty , to affability and courtesie . shall wee descend to some diviner effects of musicke , confirmed by holy writ ? saul being vexed with an evill spirit , when david played upon his harpe , he was comforted , and the evill spirit departed . musick causeth mirth and moans ; divine mirth , as appeareth in solomons songs ; a holy turtle-like moane , as appeareth in ieremies lamentable threnes , davids penitentiall psalmes . elizeus prepared his spirit to receive the influence of prophecie by musicke . when israel had passed the red-sea , moses with the men , and miriam the prophetesse , sister of aaron , with the women , sung panegyries of praise to god , with hymnes and musicall instruments . the like did iudith , when shee had vanquished holofernes . so did deborah , when sisera was discomfited . augustine reports of himselfe , what comfort he conceived at the beginning of his conversion ; what teares hee shed , and how hee was inwardly moved with the harmony and melody which was used in churches : yet thought that holy father ( as hee rightly thought ) that he offended when he was delighted more with the note and melody of the song , than sense of the psalme : and therefore highly commendeth saint athanasius , who caused the reader of the psalme to sound out the words with so small a forcing of his voice , as it seemed rather like one that did pronounce it , than one that did sing it . but i feare me . i have strucke too long on this string ; wherefore , lest i should wrong your generous patience too much , for whom i addressed my selfe at first to this taske : i purpose now to descend from speaking of vocation in generall , to speake of the vocation of a gentleman in particular ; hoping to make amends by refreshing you in this , whose patience i have so much tired in the other . now are wee to addresse our selves in a more restrained and particular discourse , to propose a gentleman his vocation ; which , perchance , by our nicer and more curious gallants , whose sense consists in sent , will be distasted and dispalated : but to such , whose understanding consists not in perfumes , nor tye themselves , to the vaine garbe of complement , as the onely posture whereon gentry relyes , these ensuing observations will not ( i assure me ) seeme altogether unwelcome . saint bernard writing to one haimericus , chancellor of rome , in his very first salutation , without further insinuation , wisheth him to forget those things which are behind , and to follow the apostle to those things which are before . which no man can doe , that either stands still , or is idle . wherefore hermes saith generally , nothing in the whole world is altogether idle . the wiseman hath allowed a time for every thing else , but for idlenesse he hath allowed no time . moses arke had rings , and barres within the rings , to signifie that it was not made to stand still , but to be removed from place to place . iacobs ladder had staves , upon which he saw none standing still ; but all either ascending or else descending by it . ascend you likewise to the top of the ladder , to heaven , and there you shall heare one say , my father doth now worke , and i worke also . whereupon basil noteth , that king david having first said , lord , who shall dwell in thy tabernacle ? addes then , not hee that hath wrought righteousnesse heretofore , but hee that doth now worke righteousnesse ; even as christ saith , my father doth now worke , and i worke also . descend you likewise to the foot of the ladder , to the earth , and there you shall heare that figtree accursed , which did beare leaves and no fruit . whereupon theophylact noteth , that iohn baptist having first said , the axe is laid to the root of the tree ; addes then , not every tree that hath not brought forth good fruit heretofore : but , every tree that doth not now bring forth good fruit shall be cut downe , even as that fruitlesse fig-tree was cut downe , and cast into the fire . therefore we must so walke , as god seeing our continuall fruitfulnesse , may say of us , i see men walking like trees . men walke like trees , when men are never idle , but alwayes abounding in the worke of the lord : as the tree of life every moneth bringeth forth twelve manner of fruits . but that i may the better proceed in that which i have taken in hand ; you are to know , that the life of man is either active or contemplative , so as all our imployments have relation to the one , or to the other . which two were represented in mary and martha . the one whereof was very attentive , sitting at iesus feet , and heard his preaching : but martha was cumbred about much serving . the former sitting at iesus feet , hearing him preaching , may signifie likewise the spirituall man , whose actions , affections , motions and intentions , are wholly bent to the service of god , leaving all things to gaine him , who left his life upon the crosse to save him , the latter being cumbred about many things , signifies the naturall man , who betakes himselfe to the employments of this life , ministring to the necessity of his family , labouring with his owne hands to get him a competent living . neither are these to be divided one from the other , partaking indeed so neerly one of another . for as we are not altogether to imitate hermite or anchorite in being wholly retyred from the world ; so like the libertine or loose worldling are wee not too much to bee cumbred or intangled with the world . for the first , as it implyes a kind of hate to humane society ; so the latter infers our too much care to the things of the body . now to observe that golden meane , which may free us from being taxed by the one , or tainted with the other : i doe thinke it fitting , that gentlemen should be sociably affected , ever with a reservancie , with whom they keepe company ; likewise from worldly affections weaned , that being on earth they may have their minds seated above : being ( i meane ) so free in the inward man , as rather than they will slave the noblest motions of the soule to the unworthy bondage of the body , they will endure want , contempt , or whatsoever the blinde world can lay upon them . the vocation of a gentleman , without more curiositie of division , is either publike or private . publike , when imployed in affaires of state , either at home or abroad : at home , either in advising or acting ; abroad , as by way of embassage , or personall exploits in the field . private , when in domesticke businesse hee is detained , as in ordering his household ; or if not as yet attained to the name of housholder , in labouring to know such things as may ripen his understanding when he comes unto it . touching the first , to wit , publike affaires of state ; as all are not fit for such a charge or burden ; so there is a necessitie injoyned such , who are able to undertake so great and weightie a taske , to submit themselves willingly to the command of their soveraigne , whensoever his pleasure shall bee to make triall of their sufficiencie in affaires of state. in the carriage whereof , divers necessarie cautions have beene formerly observed by statesmen . as first , to avoid all occasions of distrust , never to shew too much inwardnesse with forraine states : for this may beget a suspect in your prince , that your aymes are neither faire nor loyall . it was this which broke byrons necke , being accused to have had conference with one picote , borne at orleans , and fled into flanders to have intelligence with the arch-duke , to which picote hee had given an hundred and fifty crowns for two voyages to that effect . likewise , it was objected against him , that he had treated with the duke of savoy three dayes after his comming to paris . likewise , the intelligence he had from the duke of savoy in the taking of bourges , giving him advice to attempt against the kings armie . likewise , that he should bring the king before s. katharines to be slaine there : and to that end had written to the governour , giving him some tokens to know his majestie . likewise , that he had sent la fin to treat with the duke of savoy , and the count of fuentes . to which , although hee replied , and in some sort purged himselfe , yet those treaties or parlies which were proved against him , shewed him guiltie of divers indirect proceedings against him . it is dangerous therfore to entertain conference with strangers in matters of state : for howsoever your aymes may be faithfull and honest , such treaties may bee so racked and misconstrued by such as maligne your greatnesse , as they will bring you in danger , if not to finall distresse . it is no lesse dangerous to one imployed in affaires of state , to bee too credulous ; and that in two respects : either by being too credulous in giving trust to the relations of others , or by being too credulous in imparting his thoughts to the secrecie of others . for the former , it detracts much from the worth and estimate of man , yea ( and if i may so say ) argues great indiscretion to have an eare open to all reports , seconding whatsoever is related , with an opinion of credulitie . for such as these , whom either greatnesse of place by descent , or some more noble and native characters of personall worth have advanced , need not want for relaters in this kinde , especially if they finde them apt to beleeve whatsoever they shall be readie to report . neither are any sort of men more subject to the garbe of strange and novell relations than travellers : who may arrogate to themselves a libertie of invention in this kinde , by authoritie . whence it is said , that travellers , poets and lyars , are three words al of one signification . now there is no meanes better to avoid the company of these fabulous relaters , than by interrupting them , or by requiting their tales ( to argue their incredibility ) telling stories farre more strange , and indeed beyond the compasse of common sense : whereof i have heard a merry conceited tale to this effect : a certaine traveller , or at least one who desired though hee never deserved that title , reporting wonderfull and incredible things which hee had seene in his travell , amongst the rest related this : vpon a time it befell ( said he ) that i travelled along a certaine desart in arabia felix , where i with others who then accompanied mee , were assayled by a violent showre , so as labouring to fly for shelter to some covert , wee might perceive a little coppice , wherein grew great store of cabbages of such huge proportion , as the very leaves thereof ( so largely extended were the spurges ) might by their greatnesse give shadow to five hundred men . this tale being told , one amongst the rest , to answer his tale , makes this reply by way of discourse upon such occurrents as had hapned him in his travell , proceeding thus ; it fortuned that i with some other gentlemen of eminent ranke and quality , travelled neere the riphean mountaines , in the clifts of which mountaines abundance of all metals , but especially of copper , is daily found : now as wee coasted along , wee might perceive some three leagues westward from those mountaines , a great number of people beating and knocking with incessant labour , but for what end we knew not : wherfore with one consent wee resolved to approach neerer them , and see about what they so eagerly laboured . where wee found five hundred braziers making of one caldron , which was of so huge proportion , as not any one of all those braziers , though they were all employed in one worke , could heare one another strike . good god ( quoth the former traveller ) for what use was so huge a caldron made ? surely ( replyed the second ) i cannot imagine for what use it should be , unlesse it were to boyle your cabbage in . this present and pregnant answer so daunted that fabulous traveller , as hee was ever after more sparing in discourse of his travels . a states-man ought likewise to beware of giving credit to all forrain relations : for divers there be who presuming of the distance of place , will invent and vent their inventions to curry favour : having so couched and digested their new-minted new●s , as they passe for currant , at least they seeme probable for the present . and herein certainely have many beene abused , giving approbation to what was spoken only by way of insinuation . the second respect , wherein a states-man ought not to be too credulous , is this ; hee must not be too open-brested in imparting his thoughts to the secrecy of others . for if wee say , that even a private man committing his secrecy to another , becomes his slave to whom hee committed it : much more a states-man , whose affaires have no other limit than the publike state , by imparting his thoughts , or rather laying himselfe open to the trust or secrecy of others , makes himselfe bound , where he was before free ; yea , hee endangers the body of the state , whereof hee is an especiall member , by commending or committing her private intendments to the hazard of rumour , which should not be so much as possessed of the least intelligence given in matters of such maine importance . to be full of chinks in affaires of ordinary consequence , implyes a great weaknesse : but especially , where the state is interrested , there is enjoyned that comicke impreza : if wise , seeme not to know that which thou knowest : at least , divulge not thy secret'st thoughts to the danger of discovery , whereby thou put'st thy head under anothers girdle . he is my dear friend ( saith one ) to whom i will impart my inferiour aimes ; but he shall be incorporated with me , to whom i will make knowne what may endanger me . the like is requisite to bee observed in affaires of state : where all counsels and consultations tending to the safety and security of the publike state , should be layd up as a secret treasure , and not discovered to every mans trust . this that prudent and politicke states-man , harpagus rightly understood , when in disclosing a secret of state unto cyrus that persian monarch , hee commanded such letters as included the summe of his directions , to be inclosed and sowed in the belly of a hare , and so dispatched the messenger towards that victorious commander . there is likewise required a noble and prepared resolution in every states-man : being so affected , as neither price can taunt him , nor power over-awe him : addressing his aymes wholly for the benefit of the state , preferring death before his countries prejudice . of this resolution or constancie of mind we have a notable example in lewis duke of bavaria commended for his constancie ; in so much as being threatned by albert the marquesse of brandenburgh , that if hee would not condescend to some reasonable ransome for his liberty , hee would deliver him over into the hands of his enemy , answered , aske that thing of me being prisoner , that thou wouldst aske of me at liberty . the like wee reade of pantaleon , who restrayned in most strait bondage , was never a whit dismayed , nor so much as sighed , when hee beheld his son paraxaspis thrust to the heart . this resolution or stoutnesse of mind , might be illustrated by divers examples of the like kind , but my purpose hath ever beene ( because these doe rather illustrate than prove or confirme ) to take them , as it were by the way , but in no case to dwell on them : wee will therefore descend to forraine imployments of state , as affaires of embassage or treaty with any prince or state. now it is expedient that such as be imployed in affaires of this nature , be choyce and select men both in gifts of nature , and state-experience . for in nature is the foundation layd , which by experience and continuall employment in state-busines , useth to be stored , furnished , and accomplished . so as i doe not altogether assent to his opinion , who thought that in choice of instruments to treat or negociate by way of embassie betwixt prince and prince ; it is better to chuse men of a plainer sort , who are like to doe that that is committed to them , and to report backe againe faithfully the successe , than those that are cunning to contrive out of other mens busines , somewhat to grace themselves , and will helpe the matter in report for satisfaction sake . for his conclusion agrees not with his premises ; for ( saith he ) if you would worke any man , you must either know his nature , and fashions , and so lead him ; or his ends , and so perswade him ; or his weaknesse and disadvantages , and so awe him ; or those that have interest in him , and so governe him . now how should a man , whom a simple plainnesse only possesseth , one whom no diving or penetrating reach enableth , one whom the outward semblance only instructeth , how should he ( i say ) by working any man , either know his nature or fashion , and so lead him ; since his eye can reach no farther than the outward seeming , which as oft deceives , as it receives diversity of habits which it weares ? or how should he ( i say ) know his ends with whom he treats , and so perswade him , since politicke men doe usually pretend that which they least intend : shewing a faire glosse , and putting on a false face to delude , and deluding to colour their designes more cunningly ? or how should he discover the weaknesse or disadvantages of the person with whom he deales , when his owne weaknesse so disables him , as hee oft-times lets opportunity slip , when the best advantage is for him ? or how discerne those which have interest in him , when his aymes are onely to conclude with him , with whom hee deales , without relation to any intercedent meanes to effect his busines ? neither is it to be doubted , but such whose understanding hath attained a higher pitch , will be as ready to doe that which is committed to them , as those on whom a more plainnesse hath naturally seized : for these will duly consider the great danger they are like to incurre , if they should exceed their commission either in doing too much , or detract from their commission in doing too little . for in affaires of this nature , especially parum agendum est de proprio , yea , though in the opinion of the party employed , it seeme that hee could goe more effectually to worke , than just as his commission directs him . manlius torquatus commanded his sonne to be put to death , for fighting ( albeit prosperously ) against his commandement . pub. crass. mutianus sending to his enginer to send him the bigger of his two ship-masts that he had seene in athens , to make a ram to batter downe the wals ; the enginer sent him the lesse , imagining it to be fitter : wherefore mutianus sent for the enginer , and caused him to bee so cruelly whipped with rods , that he dyed therewith . if disobedience in such affaires as these , being of lesser consequence , seemed among the heathen cause sufficient to pronounce sentence of death upon the offender ; what may they deserve , who in conceit of their owne wisedome , dare take upon them directions of their owne ; without tying themselves expresly to their commission ? and of these there bee two sorts : the one , even in greatest and most important matters , will presume to take upon them without direction of authority : wherein as they commonly erre , so they give advantage to him with whom they have to deale , of making his owne bargaine upon such termes as shall best please him : for how should one mans judgement equall a whole judicious councell ? so as in dealing with cunning persons , we must ever consider their ends , to interpret their speeches ; and it is good to say little to them , and that which they least looke for . the other sort tye themselves something more strictly or precisely to their commission ; for these will be loath to digresse from it in matters of weight and substance , but rather in some impertinent ceremony or circumstance : as wee reade in the generall history of spaine , that there came two embassadours out of france unto king alfonse the ninth , to demand one of his daughters in mariage for their soveraigne king philip one of which ladies was very faire , and named vrraca ; the other nothing so gracious , and called blanch. they both comming into the presence of the embassadours , all men held it a matter resolved , that their choyce would light upon vrraca , as the elder and fairer , and better adorned : but the embassadours enquiring each of their names , tooke offence at the name of vrraca , and made choyce of the lady blanch ; saying , that her name would be better received in france than the other . for matters of such indifferencie as these , it is not to be doubted but they are left to the discretion of the instruments : but for affaires of state , as they require due deliberation in discussing ; so require they the joynt assent and approbation of the state ere they come to concluding . there are likewise publike imployments , wherein gentlemen upon occasion may be interessed , which extend themselves to military affaires : in which , as it is not the death , but the cause of the death which makes a martyr , so it is not the action , but the ground of the action which merits the name of valour . that act of razis , in taking out his owne bowels , and throwing them upon the people , it was an act ( saith s. austin ) that tasted more of stoutnesse than goodnesse . for what could that act of his benefit his countrey ? wherein could it adde spirit to the distressed maccabees ? wherein allay the heavy burden of their affliction , or minister the least releefe in the time of their persecution ? that act of resolution by that noble bohemian , as it tasted more of true valour ; so it reared a columne of perpetuitie to his ever-living honour ; which exploit is thus recorded : when mahom●t the second of that name besieged belgrade in servia , one of his captains at length got up upon the wall of the city , with banner displayed . another bohemian espying this , ran to the captaine , and clasping him fast about the middle , asked one capistranus standing beneath , whether it would bee any danger of damnation to his soule , if hee should cast himselfe downe headlong with that dogge , ( so hee termed the turke ) to be slaine with him ? capistranus answering , that it was no danger at all to his soule , the bohemian forthwith tumbled himselfe down with the turke in his armes , and so ( by his owne death only ) saved the life of all the city . the like worthy exploits might bee instanced in those heires of fame , the rhodians , in the siege of their city : the knights of malta in their sundry defeats and discomsitures of the turks : the inhabitants of vienna , who being but a handful in comparison of their enemies , gave them not only the repulse , but wholly defeated their designes . this valour or fortitude , which indeed appeareth ever in the freest and noblest minds , is excellently defined by the stoicks , to be , a vertue ever fighting in defence of equitie . these who are professors of so peerelesse a vertue , are more ready to spare than to spill : their aimes are faire and honest , free from the least aspersion either of crueltie or vain-glory : for as they scorne to triumph over an afflicted foe , so they dislike that conquest ( unlesse necessitie enforce it ) which is purchased by too much bloud . the salmacian spoiles rellish better to their palate : for they are so full of noble compassion , as the death of their enemy enforceth in them teares of pitty . this appeared in those princely teares shed by caesar at the sight of pompeys head ; and in titus that darling of mankind , in those teares hee shed at the sight of those innumerable slaughters committed upon the iewes . now as my purpose is not to insist on the postures of warre ; so i intend not to dwell upon every circumstance remarkable in martiall affaires , but upon the maine scope of militarie discipline , whereto every generous and true bred souldier is to direct his course . let your aime bee therefore , gentlemen , to fight for the safetie and peace of your countrey , in the defence of a good conscience , which is to bee preferred before all the booties of warre : for as you have received your birth and breeding from your countrey ; so are you to stand for her , even to the sacrifice of your dearest lives ; provided , that the cause which you entertaine in her defence be honest , without purpose of intrusion into anothers right , or labouring to enlarge her boundiers by an unlawfull force . for howsoever the ancient heathens were in this respect faultie , being some of them truce breakers , others violent intruders or usurpers of what was little due unto them : wee for our parts have learned better things , being commanded not to take any thing from any man , but in all things learne to be contended . but of all enterprizes worthy the acceptance of a gentleman in this kinde , if i should instance any one in particular , none more noble or better deserving ( as i have else-where formerly touched ) than to warre against the turk that profest enemy of christendome ; the increase of whose empire may bee compared to the milt in mans body ; for the grandure of it threatens ruine and destruction to all christian states , drawing light to his halfe moone by darkening of others , and shewing even by the multitude of his insolent titles what his aimes be , if the lord put not a hooke in the nose of that leviathan . praise-worthy therefore are those glorious , and ( no doubt ) prosperous expeditions of such english and other christian voluntaries as have stood , and even at this day doe stand engaged in personall service against the great turke : for these , though they perish in the battell , shall survive time , and raise them a name out of the dust , which shall never be extinguished . these are they who fight the lords battell , and will rather die than it should quaile : these are those glorious champions , whose aime is to plant the blessed tidings of the gospell once againe in that holy land , which now remaines deprived of those heavenly prophets which she once enjoyed , of those godly apostles which she once possessed , of that sweet singer of israel with which her fruitfull coasts once resounded . o gentlemen , if you desire imployment in this kinde , what enterprize more glorious ? if you aime at profit , what assay to your soules more commodious ? if you seeke after fame , ( the aime of most souldiers ) what expedition more famous ? since by this meanes the practices of christs enemies shall be defeated , the borders of christendome enlarged , peace in sion established , and the tidings of peace every where preached . neither did ever time give fairer opportunity to effect it , than now , when the very guard of his person , his ianizaries begin to mutine and innovate , by interposing their suffrages in his government . besides , in assayes of this nature , being taken in hand for the peace and safety of christendome , assureth more securitie to the person engaged : for little need hee to feare a strong foe , that hath a stronger friend . admit therefore that you returne , as one that commeth with red garments from bozra , so as the devill and his angels like wilde bulls of basan run at you , you shall breake their hornes in his crosse for whom you fight . as wee have discoursed of imployments publike , which wee divided into two ranks , civill and military ; and of the manner how gentlemen are to demean themselves in court or campe ; so are we now to descend to imployments private , wherein wee purpose to set downe such necessary cautions or observances , as may seeme not altogether unprofitable or unusefull for the consideration of a gentleman . and first , i will speake of the imployment of a private iustice of peace , wherein he is appointed and made choice of , not only to redresse such annoyances as may seeme to prejudice the state of that countie wherein he lives , and is deputed iustice ; but likewise to mediate , attone and determine all such differences as arise betwixt partie & partie ; for to these also extends the office of iustice of peace . yea , wee are to wish him to be , as well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a compounder , as a commissioner of the peace . godlinesse should bee their chiefest gaine , and right and peace their greatest joy : for such are both pacidici , & pacifici , pleaders for peace , and leaders to peace : peace-lovers , and peaceable livers . as for the rest , they are deservedly blamed , that confine all their practice not within those ancient bounds usque ad aras , but with those usuall bounds , usque ad crumenas . the old position was was , iustice is to bee preferred before profit ; but now the termes are transposed in the proposition , and the avaritious desire of having never disputeth of the equity of the cause , but of the utilitie . kinde men such are but where they doe take , hardening their hearts against the crie of the poore . if a man come to demand justice , hee shall speed ill , having no money to give , no coine to present , no friends to speake , his cause is like to fall . suppose out of two mites hee give one : the rich adversaries horse eats up the poore clients oats ; there needs no oedipus to unfold this riddle : in the end the poore sheepe , that lost but a locke of his wooll in the countrey , loseth his whole fleece in the citie ; consumeth what he hath , spendeth his time , loseth his hope , and falleth his suit , be it never so good and honest . whereas such ( and of such we only speake ) as doe a right judgement to the fatherlesse and widow , beare a resemblance of god , who is a loving father to the orphane , and a gracious iudge to the widow . these will not for conscience sake pervert the right of strangers , fatherlesse , &c. for such as doe so , shall bee b cursed upon mount ebal : but these like pure lampes , diffuse those divine beames of unblemished justice , to all places where they reside , resembling david , who c executed judgement and justice to all his people : or like that propheticall dove , ieremiah , ever d exhorting to execute righteousnesse & judgement . or like that good patriarke abraham , ever e commanding his houshold to doe righteousnesse and judgement . for these know , how f all the wayes of god are judgements . and , that , g just & like a great deepe are gods judgements . and the wicked h tremble at gods judgements . and the wicked , i understand and not gods judgments . and therfore strive against k perverse judgements . because they know what l equitie is to bee required in judgements . having ever before their m eyes gods judgements . o how pretious are the lips of those who preserve judgement , being an honour to their countrey , a pillar to the state , leaving a memorable name to themselves , which as that princely prophet saith , shall never rot ! these are they , who have their faces n covered , lest they should have respect unto the person ; as godlinesse is their gaine , and the preservation of a good conscience their principall ayme ; so if there were neither reward here , nor else where , for such as executed justice and judgement ; yet for conscience sake , and a sincere love they bore to truth , would they continue in their zealous care to the profession and protection thereof . these are not of that leaven who turne iudgement to worme-wood , and leave off righteousnesse in the earth . for such in stead of judgment and equitie , execute crueltie and oppression . these are not of that sort , who preferre the purple before the person , the person before the cause ; never examining the cause how good it is , but observing the man how great he is . no , their counsells and counsultations tend to the publike peace , and the redresse of such enormities as arise from vicious humours , breeding and spreading in the state. now what imployment more fitting or accommodate for a gentleman of what degree soever than this , which inables him in affaires tending as well to himselfe in particular , as the sterne of the state publike in generall ? would you see errours and abuses in the state redressed ? you are seated where by your owne authoritie you may have them reformed . would you have officers execute their places under you honestly , being from corruption freed ? your prince , by especiall notice taken of you , hath so advanced you , that you may see all offices under you duely executed , and where default shall bee , have them punished . would you further the poore mans cause , and see his wrongs releeved ? it is in your hand to effect that which you have desired . would you purge your countrey of such superfluous humours , as from long peace and too much prosperitie have oft-times issued ? you are those physitians who may lance & cure those broad-spreading sores , with which the state hath beene so distempered . would you curbe factious and contentious members , who like samsons fire-brands tyed to foxes tailes , kindle the fire of all division , and labour to have them extinguished ? you have authoritie to see such censured , that publike peace ( as becommeth a civill state ) might bee maintained . now there are two extremes which ( like two dangerous rocks ) are carefully to bee avoided , lest the precious freight of iustice might thereby be endangered . the one is rigour , the other indulgence : i approve therefore of his opinion , who would have intus mel , foris oleum ; as well cordialls as corrasives : for as some men ( and those of the basest & servilest condition ) are onely to be deterred from doing evill by the censure or penalty of the law ; so there are others of a more generous and noble disposition , who are only to be reclaimed by faire and affable meanes ; & these are to bee brought in rather by love than awe . for as wormewood of it selfe , expels diseases , yet is to bee anoynted with honey , that the improvident age of childhood might bee deluded , and they from their nurses teats the sooner weaned : so though this wormewood of rigour and severity bee of force to cure and expell most diseases raging or reigning ; yet being allayed with the honey of mercy and indulgence , it will sooner weane children , that is to say , such whose soft and easie temper is best perswaded by courtesie , than wormewood untempered , that is , than the law to her highest pin wrested . indeed these boanerges , the sonnes of thunder , are powerfull in deterring such , whose braving and domineering natures use to oppose themselves to right : for perswasions are as little available to these , as to sow sand in the ayre ; wherefore as the law hath provided fit meanes to curbe and chastise such , whose obstinate and refractory natures will not by easie meanes be induced , so hath it qualified or attempered the rigour or bitternesse of such provisions , where there is assured hope , that the partie by easier perswasions will bee reclaimed . for if wee will resemble that absolutest patterne or abstract of all iustice , god himselfe , wee shall reade that he came as well in a still voyce , as in thunder , so as , albeit a god when he delivered the law , came downe in the sire ; and the b glory of god appeared on mount sinai , as a consuming fire ; and out of gods mouth went a c consuming fire ; and in gods wrath against d israel was kindled fire ; and e eliah was taken up into heaven by a chariot and horses of fire ; and the f angell appeared to moses in a flame of fire ; and g every mans worke shall be tryed by fire ; yet god , as he is to the wicked a h consuming fire ; so to the godly he is a i comfortable fire . bee not then ever cloathed with fire ; reprove the enormities of the state with the spirit of mildnesse , which if it will not prevaile , unsheath the sword of iustice , that such may bee severely curbed , who by gentlenesse would not bee cured . it is not to bee doubted , but you shall encounter with delinquents of severall natures : the chastizing of both which sorts is left wholly to your discretion : for many things , though expresly enacted , are in respect of the manner , referred to your discretion to see them executed . many there are , who will rather die for the act , than discover the act : like epicharia a libertine of rome , who made privie to a conspiracie against nero , would not disclose the plotters thereof , though tormented with cruell punishments : or leena , who conspiratour against the tyrant hyppeas , was not agast at the death of her friends , though torne with extreme torments , but resolute to the end would not reveale her partners , but bit in sunder her owne tongue , and spit in the tyrants face . there are others likewise , who will expose themselves to all extremities that law can inflict , onely to gaine themselves a name ; such was herostratus , who burned the temple of diana of ephesus , onely for vaine-glory : but to these you are not to use indulgence ; for they that brave it in sinne , esteeming mischievous practices to bee their chiefest glory , are fallen into that gall of bitternesse , as in them there is small hope of remedie . better it is that one perish , than that unitie perish , and in these ( sure i am ) that maxime is true ; he that spareth the evill , hurteth the good : for it is impossible that any state should flourish with increase of good men , where there is no difference made betwixt the good and evill . wherefore you are to deale in the state , as skilfull gardners or vine-dressers doe with their vines ; they cause the wild branches to bee pruned , that their naturall siens may bee better nourished . vnfruitfull members , and such as are more burdensome than behovefull to a state , are to bee purged and pruned , that such whose honest care and providence deserves due praise among you may bee the more encouraged , seeing these , who used to live on others labours , duly punished . yet in all your censures beware of this , that no personall distaste aggravate in you the qualitie of the crime : i meane , let no private hate or dislike to any person , cause you to punish him , for this is a partiall and indirect proceeding , relying rather upon the authority of your place , than equity of the cause . farre more generous is it to bury all hate towards your foes , especially when by meanes of your place , it rests in your power to spare or punish . when caesar commanded the demolished monuments of pompey to bee set up againe ; cicero told him that in erecting pompeyes trophies , hee established his owne . and no lesse generous was scaurus , domitius his enemy , who when a certaine servant of domitius came before the judgement seat to accuse his master , hee sent him home to his master . the like of cato and murena . be your censures likewise free from passion ; for there is nothing that so troubles the pure current of iustice , or so much transformes man from himselfe , as giving way to wrath . the saying of archytas is much commended , who being angry with one of his hindes , said ; o how would i have beaten thee , had i not beene angry with thee ! heare the poore mans cause with an equall and impartiall eare ; let not the greatnesse of his adversary bee any barre to his plea , or any hinderance to his cause : beare your selves sincerely with all singlenesse , uprightly without partiall connivence ; standing for your foe equally as your friend , if your foes cause bee as honest as your friends . it was bias saying , that hee had rather bee a iudge amongst his enemies , than amongst his friends : and this might probably bee his reason ; because his enemies would pry more narrowly into his actions than his friends ; and therefore his desire was to bee by them onely approved , by whom he was chiefly observed . yea , herein might you partake of a right noble revenge upon your enemies ; in shewing apparent testimonies of your care and zeale to the truth ; in preventing all occasions of scandall ; in preferring , iustice even in cases which neerely concerne your friend , before all termes of friendship ; having the testimonie of a good conscience within you , as a wall of brasse against all opponents : for hence it was that diogenes being asked how one should be revenged of his enemy , answered , by being a vertuous and honest man. for the whole life of every good man giveth testimony unto god of the integrity or uprightnesse of his conversation . but beware above all things ( as i formerly noted ) of accepting or respecting persons ; for this is the very bane of iustice. let not the rich man with all his presents tempt you , nor those many friends which hee hath laid up in store to speake for him , taint you . fie for shame ( saith innocentius ) now adayes man is esteemed according to his money , whereas rather the mony should bee esteemed according to the man. every one is reputed worthy , if hee bee wealthy ; and naught , if hee bee needy ; whereas rather every one should be reputed wealthy , if bee worthy ; and needy , if hee bee naught . marcus caelius was said to have a good right hand , but an ill left hand ; because hee could plead against a man , better than for him . bee you so equally handed , as poyzing the weight of the cause sincerely , you may minister right judgement to all parties , beeing as ready to defend the cause of the needy , as of the wealthy , giving him the best countenance ; who hath the best cause . it was romes fault , which presages romes fall , to bee facunda inimicitiis , facunda praemiis ; farre be it from our iland , who as she hath enjoyed a long peace , so ought she to become more thankfull to that god of peace , who in his mercy hath strengthned her bulwarkes , enclosed her as a hedged garden , fed her with the flower of wheat , making her feete like hindes feete to runne the wayes which hee hath appointed . and so i come to speake of such private affaires , as require the care and charge of a gentleman , even within the compasse of his owne family . if there bee any that provideth not for his owne , and namely for them of his houshould , hee denieth the faith , and is worse than an infidell , saith the apostle . now how carefull should wee be to remove from us , so hatefull a title as the name of infidell ? have wee not our appellation from christ ? but in vaine are wee named after christ , if we doe not follow christ. wee were not borne to passe our time in an improvident or carelesse sensualitie ; wee were not created onely to cramme our selves , and spend our daies in security ; man ( saith iob ) was borne to labour , as the sparkes to flie upward ; at least to provide for his owne family , over which hee is made a master , by releeving them outwardly with all necessaries , and inwardly with all good and wholesome instructions . now to propose you a forme , in what manner you are to demeane your selves towards all degrees within your family : i shall little neede , since the apostle himselfe hath so notably laid downe every ones office or duty : where he sheweth in what manner wives are to submit themselves unto their husbands ; and againe , how husbands should love their wives , even as christ loved the church , and gave himselfe for it . in the next ensuing chapter , hee declareth the duty of children in these words ; children obey your parents in the lord , for this is right . then hee descendeth to the duty of parents ; and yee fathers , provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in instruction and information of the lord. then touching servants ; servants bee obedient unto them that are your masters according to the flesh , with feare and trembling , in singlenesse of your hearts as unto christ. concluding the last duty with masters ; and yee masters doe the same thing unto them , putting away threatning ; and know that even your master also is in heaven , neither is there respect of person with him . thus have wee briefly and cursorily runne over those particular duties , deputed to every one from the highest to the lowest in their peculiar places and offices ; where wee can finde no exemption from the servant to the master , but that certaine particular duties are enjoyned either . as every mans house is his castle , so is his family a private common-wealth , wherein if due governement bee not observed , nothing but confusion is to bee expected . for the better prevention whereof , i have thought good to set downe sundry cautions , as well for direction in affaires temporall , as spirituall : which observed , it is not to be doubted , but that god will give you all good successe to your endevours . first therefore , in affaires temporall i could wish you to observe this course ; so to provide for the releefe and supportance of your familie , as you may not onely have sufficient for your selves , but also bee helpfull unto others ; sufficient for your selves in providing food and apparell , being all which iaakob desired of god ; and helpfull unto others , in giving food and rayment to the fatherlesse , in providing releefe for the desolate and comfortlesse , in harbouring the poore , needy and succourlesse , and briefly in ministring to the necessity of the saints , and all such as are of the family of faith. and because providence is the way by which releefe both to your selves and others , may bee sufficiently ministred , beware of prodigality , and excesse , lest you give your honour unto others , and your yeeres to the cruell . lest the strangers should bee filled with your strength , and your labours bee in the house of a stranger . goe rather to the pismire , who though shee have no guide , governour , nor ruler , provideth in summer her granary for winter . neither is it sufficient to gather , but frugally to dispose of that which is gathered : this providence admits of no vitellius break-fasts , nor cleopatra's bankets . the prodigals dainty tooth brought him to feede on huskes . esau's to sell his birth-right for a messe of pottage . ionathans for a honey-combe to endanger his life . the israelites to murmure against moses . babylons golden cup , to fill her full of abominations . i have observed , and no lesse admired than observed how some have , consumed their estates in satisfying their appetites , and that only in the choice of meats & drinks ; and was not this a great vanity ? that those whom meats , though lesse delightfull , yet more healthfull , might have sustained , and fewer diseases occasioned , could not content themselves with that which might have better satisfied nature , but to shew themselves epicures rather than christians , will bestow the revennues of a manour upon the superfluous charge of a supper . for these are they , who like the erycthons bowels , will disgorge as much upon the boundlesse expence of their own family , as might serve wel for releeving a whole countrey . these are they who like the endive or misselto , suck up al the natiue verdure and vigor of such plants as they inwreath : for by their excesse , though their owne luscious palats taste no want , the comonalty feeles it , when they goe to the markets , and finde the rate of all provision inhaunced by such , whose prodigality scarce extends a provident eye to themselves , much lesse to the behoofe of others . it is said of cambletes the gluttonous king of lydia , that hee dreamed hee devoured his wife , while they lay sleeping together in the same bed ; & finding her hand betweene his teeth when hee awaked , hee slew himselfe fearing dishonour . howsoever the history bee authenticke ; sure i am the morall taxeth such , whose epicureall mindes are only set upon prodigall expence , without respect either of present fortunes , or care to posterity , whose want is oft-times procured by their riot . to bee short , as parcimony is too late when it comes to the bottome ; so it may bee with discretion used , when it is at the top : for i approve of his opinion , who would have a gentleman neither to hoord up niggardly , nor lash out all lavishly . for as the former argueth a miserable and ignoble minde , so the latter sheweth a minde improvident and indiscreet ; both which are to bee so avoided , that a meane betwixt both may bee duely observed . for as i would have a gentleman , even in arguments of outward bounty , shew whence he was descended ; so would i have him keepe a hanke , lest his too free disposition bee through necessity restrained . so as in matters of expence , i hold his resolve authenticke , who said ; i will never spare where reputation bids me spend , nor spend where honest frugality bids me spare . it is a good rule , and worthy observation : for whosoever spares , when with credit and reputation hee should spend , is indiscreetly sparing : and whosoever spends , when with honest frugality he may spare , is prodigally spending . now in governement of a family , as i would not have you too remisse ; so i would not have you too severe , towards your servants ( i meane ) and those who have received their severall charge from you : this it was which moved the apostle to exhort masters to put away threatning ; adding this reason : for know that even your master also is in heaven , neither is there respect of person with him . therefore it was saint augustines prayer unto god , that hee would root out of him , all rashnesse , frowardnesse , roughnesse , unquietnesse , slownesse , slothfulnesse , sluggishnesse , dulnesse of minde , blindnesse of heart , obstinacie of sense , truculencie of manners , disobedience to goodnesse , repugnance of counsell , want of bridling the tongue , making a prey of the poore , shewing violence to the impotent , calumniating the innocent , negligence of subjects , * severity towards servants , harshnesse towards familiars , hardnesse towards neighbours . hence note , how in this holy fathers repetition and enumeration of many grievous and odious sins , hee toucheth severity towards servants , as a hainous and egregious offence : and not without great cause ; for if we bee taught not to muzzle the oxe that treadeth out the corne : and that , we are to spare the life of our beasts : much more ought wee to have mercy over such as partake with us in the same image , which wee have equally from him received , by whom wee live , move and have our being . i approve therefore of them , who put on the spirit of mildnesse towards such as are deputed or substituted under them , bearing with one anothers weakenesse , as those who have a compassionate feeling of humane infirmities , not laying such heavy burdens upon them , as they themselves will not touch with their finger , but will in some measure partake with them in all their labours . but of all other vices incident to masters , there is none more hateful in the sight of god and man , than the unthankefulnesse or disrespect of masters towards their servants , when they have spent their strength , and wasted themselves in their service . these like the greyhound in the fable , may well say , that they see nothing can please , but that which doth profit : when they were young , able and fit to endure labour , they were respected ; whereas now being old , infirme , and helplesse , either to themselves or others , they are sleightly regarded . whereas , if they were thankfull masters , these whom they once loved for profit-sake in youth , they would now love in age , in respect of the profit they reaped by their youth . but , alas , doe we not see how nothing is more contemptible than an old servingman ? hee may say hee was a man in his time , but that is all . there is no man that will know him , since his blew-coat knew no cognizance ; the losse of his crest , makes him hang downe his crest , as one crest-fallen : so as the poore larke may boast of more than he may ; for every larke hath his crest , saith simonides , but hee hath none . to redresse this , as in humanitie you ought , so i know such as are generously disposed , will : that those who have deserved well under you , being now growne aged , yet unpreferred , may by our care be so maintained , that their service of labour may be made a service of prayer , offering their sacrifice of devotion unto god , that great master of a houshold , that he in his mercy would give a happy successe unto all your endeavours . now as the labourer is worthy of his wages ; for , cursed is he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire : so there is an especiall care required in every seruant to looke unto that which is given him in charge . for the better discharge whereof , it is inioyned you that be masters , not to be too remisse in your care , and over-seeing thereof ; for much over-sight is usually committed for want of a good overseer . admonish your servants that they intend their charge ; suffer them not to idle , but in their peculiar places to doe that which they in dutie are to performe , and you in reason are to expect . wherein , as they proceed in diligence , so are you to requite their care with a cheerefull thankfulnesse . if it be your lot to have such an one as iaacob was , ( as rare it is to find such an one as he was ) reward him not with a bleare-eyed leah , for a beautifull and faire rachel : i meane , abridge not , nor scant not their wages ; for this is a discredit to your selfe , and a discouragement to your servants . if he say , these twenty yeares i have beene with thee : thine ewes , and thy goates have not cast their young , and the rams of thy flocke have i not eaten . whatsoever was torne of beasts i brought it not unto thee , but made it good my selfe : of mine hand diddest thou require it , were it stollen by day , or stollen by night . i was in the day consumed with heat , and with frost in the night , and my sleepe departed from mine eyes . thus have i beene twenty yeares in thine house , and served thee fourteene yeares for thy two daughters , and six yeares for thy sheepe , and thou hast changed my wages ten times . if ( i say ) he hath thus served you , and shewne faithfulnesse in that charge over which he was appointed , reward him with a bountifull hand , and encourage his care with your best countenance . whereas , contrariwise , if you meet with such a servant , that saith in his heart , my master doth deferre his comming ; and shall begin to smite the servants , and maidens , and to eat , and drinke , and to be drunken ; you are not to use remisnesse to such a servant , but to cut him off , lest you give example unto others , by your indulgence , to be of the like condition . in briefe , as a good servant is a precious jewell , tendring the profit and credit of him he serveth ; so an evill servant , whose service is onely to the eye , and not for conscience sake , is a scatterer of his substance whom he serveth ; aiming only at his owne private profit , without least respect had to his masters benefit . difference therefore you are to make of their care in cherishing the one , and chastising the other ; which can hardly be effected , unlesse you , who are to make this difference of your servants , have an eye to their imployments . neither would i have your care so extended , as to afflict and macerate your selves by your excessive care : a meane is the best , both in the preservation of health and wealth ▪ be diligent ( saith solomon ) to know the state of thy flocke , and take heed to thy herds . yet withall note his conclusion ; let the milke of thy goates be sufficient for thy food , for the food of thy family , and for the sustenance of thy maids . whence you may observe , that to gather is admitted , so the use or end for which we gather be not neglected . for such , whose hydrop●icke minds ever raking and reaping , yet know not how to imploy the blessings of god , by a communicative exhibition unto others , are become vassals unto their owne ; making their gold-adoring affection an infection , their reason treason , and the wealth which they have got them , a witnesse to condemne them . but i have insisted too long on this point , especially in framing my speech to you , whose more free-borne dispositions will ever scorne to bee tainted with such unworthy aspersions : wherefore i will descend briefly to such instructions , as you are to use touching spirituall affaires , being masters of housholds in your private families . wee reade that abraham commanded his sonnes , and his houshold , that they should keepe the way of the lord , to doe righteousnesse and judgement . and wee are taught what we must doe returning from gods house to our owne : and what we are to doe sitting in our houses , even to lay up gods word in our heart , and in our soule , and binde it for a signe upon our hand , that it may be as a frontlet betweene our eyes . and not onely to be thus instructed our selves , but to teach them our children , speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house , and when thou walkest by the way , and when thou lust downe , and when thou risest up . and not so onely , but thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house , and upon thy gates . whence you see , how no place , time , or occasion is to be exempted from meditating of god : but especially in housholds and families ought this exercise of devotion to he frequently and fervently practised ; for a blessing is pronounced upon the performance hereof , as appeareth in the foresaid place , and the nexet ensuing verse , where he saith ; you shall doe all that i have commanded you , that your dayes may be multiplyed , and the dayes of your children , in the land , which the lord sware unto your fathers to give them , as long as the heavens are above the earth . marke the extent of this blessing , for it promiseth not onely length of dayes to them that performe it , but even to the children of them that performe it ; and that in no unfruitfull or barren land , but in the land which the lord sware unto your fathers to give them ; and that for no short time , but so long as the heavens are above the earth . so as , this blessed promise , or promised blessing , is ( as one well observeth ) not restrained , but with an absolute grant extended : so that , even as the people that were in the gate , and the elders wished in the solemnizing of that mariage betwixt boaz and ruth , that their house might be like the house of pharez ; so doubtlesse , whosoever meditates of the law of the lord , making it in his family , as a familiar friend to direct him , a faithfull counsellor to instruct him , a sweet companion to delight him , a precious treasure to enrich him , shall find successe in his labours , and prosperitie in the worke of his hands . but amongst all , as it is the use of masters of housholds to call their servants to account for the day past ; so be sure , gentlemen , and you who are masters of houses , to enter into your owne hearts , by a serious examination had every night , what you have done , or how you have imployed your selves , and those talents which god hath bestowed on you , the day past ; in imitation of that blessed father , who every night examined himselfe , calling his soule to a strict account , after this manner ; o my soule , what hast thou done this day ? what good hast thou omitted ? what evill hast thou committed ? what good , which thou shouldst have done ? what evill , which thou shouldst not have done ? where are the poore thou hast releeved ? the sicke or captive thou hast visited ? the orphan or widow thou hast comforted ? where are the naked , whom thou hast cloathed ? the hungry , whom thou hast refreshed ? the afflicted and desolate , whom thou hast harboured ? o my soule , when it shall be demanded of thee , quid comedit pauper ? how poorely wilt thou looke , when there is not one poore man that will witnesse thy almes ? againe , when it shall be demanded of thee , vbi nudus quem amiti victi ? how naked wilt thou appeare , when there is not one naked soule that will speake for thee ? againe , when it shall be demanded of thee , vbi sitiens quem potasti ? esuriens quem pavisti ? vbi captivus quem visitasti ? vby moestus quem relevasti ? o my soule , how forlorne , wretched , and uncomfortable will thy condition be , when there shall not appeare so much as one witnesse for thee to expresse thy charity ? not one poore soule whom thou hast releeved ! one naked whom thou hast cloathed ! nor one thirstie whom thou hast refreshed ! nor one hungry whom thou hast harboured ! nor a captive whom thou hast visited ! nor one afflicted whom thou hast comforted ! thus to call your selves to account , by meditating ever with saint hierome of the judgement day , will be a meanes to rectifie your affections , mortifie all inordinate motions , purifie you throughout , that you may be examples of piety unto others in your life , and heires of glory after death : concluding most comfortably with the foresaid father ; if my mother should hang about me , my father lye in my way to stop me , my wife and children weepe about me , i would throw off my mother , neglect my father , contemne the lamentation of my wife and children , to meet my saviour christ iesus . for the furtherance of which holy resolution , let no day passe over your heads , wherein you addresse not your selves to some good action or imployment . wherefore apelles posie was this , let no day passe without a line . be sure every day you doe some good , then draw one line at the least : according to that , line upon line , line upon line . and phythagoras posie was this , sit not still upon the measure of corne . doe not looke to eat , except you sweat for it : according to that , hee which will not worke , let him not eat . in my fathers house ( saith christ ) are many mansions . so that no man may sing his soule a sweet requiem , saying with that cormorant in the gospel , soule take thy rest : for in heaven onely , which is our fathers house , there are many mansions to rest in . in this world , which is not of our fathers house , there are not many mansions to rest in , but onely vine-yards to worke in . wherein , because not to goe forward , is to goe backeward , we are to labour even to the day of our change . hereupon charles the fifth gave this embleme , stand not still , but goe on further ; vlterius : as god saith to his guest , superius : sit not still , but sit up higher , doing thus , and resolving to be no masters over that family , whose chiefest care is not the advancement of gods glory , you shall demeane your selves , being here worthy that vocation or calling , over which you are placed , and afterwards , by following hard toward the marke , obtaine the prize of the high calling of god in christ iesus . the english gentleman argument . of the difference of recreations ; of the moderate , and immoderate use of recreation ; of the benefits redounding from the one , and inconveniences arising from the other ; of recreations best sorting with the qualitie of a gentleman ; and how he is to bestow himselfe in them . recreation . recreation , being a refresher of the mind , and an enabler of the body to any office wherein it shall bee imployed ; brancheth it selfe into many kinds ; as hawking , which pleasure , one termed the object of a great mind , whose aymes were so farre above earth , as he resolves to retire a while from earth , and make an evening flight in the ayre . hunting , where the hounds at a losse shew themselves subtill sophisters , arguing by their silence , the game came not here ; againe , by being mute , it came not there ; ergo , by spending their mouthes it came here . fishing , which may be well called the embleme of this world , where miserable man , like the deluded fish , is ever nibbling at the bait of vanitie . swimming , an exercise more usuall than naturall , and may have resemblance to these diving heads , who are ever sounding the depths of others secrets ; or swimming against the streame , may glance at such whose only delight is opposition . running , a recreation famously ancient , solemnized by the continued succession , or revolution of many ages , upon the * olympiads in greece , so as the accompt or yearly computation came from races , and other solemne games used on olympus , wrastling , leaping , dancing , and many other recreations of like sort , as they were by the continuance of many yeares upon olympus kept , and with publike feasts duly celebrated : so in many places of this kingdome , both southward in their wakes , and northward in their summerings , the very same recreations are to this day continned . shooting amongst the scythians and parthians , was an exercise of especiall request , as afterward amongst the amazonites , being women expert above all people of the world in shooting , and practising the dart. bowling amongst the romans was much used , especially in lucullus time , whose garden-alleyes were ever stored with young gentlemen , who resorted thither to recreate themselves with this exercise . the greekes had a a cynosargus , to traine and exercise their youth in wrastling , and a cerostrotum to annoint their bodies in before they wrastled . the ancient romans had a b circus , to inure and practise their youth against military service , wherein they wrestled and contended . they used likewise , as the french doe to this day , the exercise of the c ball , which play is never sufficiently praised by galen : being an exercise wherein all the organs or faculties of mans body are to be imployed ; as the eye to be quick and sharpe in seeing , the hand ready in receiving , the body nimble in moving , the legs speedy in recovering . that fencing also was of much use and practice among the romans , even in their height of glory , and during the flourishing time of their empire , may appeare by that high commendation which cicero giveth it , terming it , d the strongest and soveraignest exercise against death and griefe . the iusts , turnaments and barriers ( likewise ) were amongst our ancient knights usually practised and observed , both for gaining the favour of such ladies as they loved , as also for the honour of their countrey , vanquishing such strangers with whom they contended ; may appeare in histories of all ages . or to descend to more soft and effeminate recreations : we shall find , of what great esteeme musicke was , even with some , who were in yeares as ripe , as they were for wisedome rare . socrates , when he was well strucke in yeares , learned to play upon the harpe . minerva and alcibiades disliked the loude musicke of dulcimers and shalmes , but admired the warbling straines of the harpe . plato and aristotle would have a man well brought up in musicke . lycurgus in his sharpe lawes allowes of musicke . chyron taught achilles in his tender yeares musicke . achasia , with diotima and hermione , taught pericles prince of troy ( or rather duke of athens ) musicke . epaminondas of leuctra , was experienced in musicke . themistocles was lesse esteemed , because not seene in musicke . alexander was so ravished with musicke , that when he heard a trumpet , he used to cry , ad arma , ad arma ; not able to containe himselfe : so highly were his spirits erected by the force of musicke . painting likewise among the ancient pagans , was for a recreation used , though at this day , through the dishonour our painted sepulchers doe to their maker , much abused . fabius surnamed pictor from whence the fabij tooke their names , was a painter , for he painted the walls of the temple of peace . metrodorus a philosopher , and painter of ath●ns , sent to by l. paulus to bring up his children , and to decke the roman triumphs . protogenos his table wherein bacchus was painted , moved king demetrius lying at the city rhodes , so much to admire his rare art and workmanship , that whereas he might have consumed the city with fire , he would not for the preciousnesse of that table : and therefore staying to bid them battell , wonne not th● city at all . so campaspe pictured out in her colours by by apelles ; and crotons five daughters , lively pourtrai'd by zeuxes , gained those famous artists no lesse honour . howsoever his art was in painting , i cannot chuse but commend his quicke wit in answering , being by them reproved whom he most distasted ; and thus it was . two cardinals reproving one raphael a painter , in that he made the pictures of peter and paul too red , answered , that saint peter and saint paul were even as red in heaven , as they saw them there , to see the church governed by such as they were . this device or invention of painting , was by the pagans generally , but especially those of the better sort , taken onely for a recreation , and no trade or profession ; labouring to shew their cunning in beautifying , garnishing and adoring the triumphs of their conquerours , or indecoring their temples dedicated to the gods . as the scythes used to erect obeliskes or square stones upon the hearse of the deceased , in number so many as he had slaine of his enemies : where he that had not slaine an enemy , could not drinke of the goblet , spiced with the ashes of some memorable ancestos , at solemne feasts and banquets . for other painting ( too much affected at this day ) it was not so much as used by any matron , wife , or virgin. whose best red was shamefastnesse , and choisest beauty maiden bashfulnesse : onely , as festus pompeius saith , common and base whores , called shaenicolae , used daubing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . but this may seeme an art , rather than a recreation ; wee will therefore descend to some others , whose use refresheth , and recreateth the minde , if imployed as they were first intended , being rather to beguile time , than to reape gaine . and first for the antiquity of dice-play , we have plenty of authorities every where occurring : being much used by all the roman emperours at banquets and solemne meetings , where they bestowed themselves and the time , at no grame so much as dice . so as , augustus was said to be a serious gamester at dice : affecting them much , when at any time he retired from court , or campe. whence it is , that suetonius bringeth in augustus caesar speaking thus ; si quas manus remisi cuique exegissem ; aut retinuissem quod cuique donavi , vicissem , &c. if i had exacted those chances which i remitted every one ; and kept that which i bestowed , i had gotten by play ; whereas now i am a loser by my bounty . though no game more ancient , or which indeed requireth a conceit more pregnant than the chesse ; which we read to have beene in great request amongst the ancient romans , whereof we have a history in the time of caius caligula , tending to this purpose . this emperour being naturally addicted to all cruelty , chanced one day amongst others , to send for one canius iulus , a philosopher of eminent esteeme at that time : with whom , after some conference , the emperour fell into such a rage , as he bade him depart thence , but expect within short time to receive due censure for his boldnesse : for ( quoth he ) flatter not thy selfe with a foolish hope of longer life , for i have doomed thee to be drawne by the officer unto death : but see with what resolution this noble canius bore himselfe ! i thanke you ( quoth he ) most gracious emperour , and so departed . within some few dayes after , the officer ( according to the emperours commandement ) repaired to the houses of such as were adjudged , not by any legall processe , but only by the emperours pleasure , to suffer death ; amongst which , he made repaire to canius house , whom he found playing at chesse with one of his companions . the officer without delay gave him summons to prepare himselfe , for it was the emperours pleasure he should dye : whereat , as one nothing amated or discouraged , he called the officer unto him , and * numbring the chesse-men before him and his companion with whom he played : see ( quoth he ) that after my death thou report not that thou hadst the better of the game : then calling upon the centurion or officer , bee you witnesse ( quoth he ) that i was before him one . thus laughed this noble philosopher at death , insulting as much over death , as he insulted over him , who adjudged him to death . this kinde of game , now of latter yeares is growne so familiar with most of our neighbouring countries , as no one play more affected , or more generally used . so as we have heard of an ape who plaid at chesse in portingall : which implyed , the daily use and practice of that game , brought the ape to that imitation , and certainly , there is no one game which may seeme to represent the state of mans life to the full , so well as the chesse . for there you shall find princes and beggars , and persons of all conditions , ranked in their proper and peculiar places ; yet when the game is done , they are all truss'd up in a bagge together : and where then appeares any difference betwixt the poorest beggar , and the potentest peere ? the like may be observed in this stage of humane frailtie : while we are here set to shew during the chesse-game of this life , wee are according to our severall rankes esteemed ; and fit it should be so , for else should all degrees be promiscuously confounded : but no sooner is the game done , the thred of our short life spunne , than we are throwne into a bagge , a poore shrowding sheet , for that is all that we must carry with us : where there shall be no difference betwixt the greatest and least , highest and lowest : for then it shall not be asked us how much we had , but how we disposed of that we had . thus farre have we discoursed of the first part , to wit , of the difference of recreations : thinking it sufficient to have touched onely such as are most usuall and knowne unto us . for some others , which we have purposely omitted , lest our mindian gate should grow greater than our city , we shall have occasion to speake of some of them , when wee are to discourse of such recreations , as are to be made choise of by gentlemen of best ranke and qualitie . in the meane time we will descend to the second part , to wit , the moderate and immoderate use of recreation . if wee eat too much honey , it will grow distastfull ; so in recreations , if we exceed , they must needs grow hurtfull . i approve therefore of his opinion , who adviseth us to doe with recreations , and such pleasures wherein we take delight , as nurses doe with their brests to weane young children from them : annoint them a little with aloes ; sprinkling our sweetest delights with some bitternesse , to weane us from them with more easinesse . neither is it my meaning , that gentlemen should be so from the pleasure of recreation weaned , as if from society wholly estranged : for this were like him , who became hermit because hee might not have her he loued . or like to him who immur'd himselfe to a rocke , as if he cared not a button for the world , having bestowed upon butters all the state he had in the world . but rather so to attemper , or allay the sweetnesse of such pleasures or delights as they betake themselves to , that they bee never too much besotted with them . this course that gentleman took , who , perceiving himselfe too much affected on hawking , resolved one day to weane his mind a little from it , by trying his patience with some inconveniences incident to it . wherefore hee set a lazie haggard on his fist , and goes to his sport : where hee finds store of game , but few flights ; for wheresoever the partridge flew , his hawke never made farther flight than from tree to tree , which drove the gentleman faulconer to such impatience , as hee lesse affected the pleasure for long time after . the like i have heard of a gentleman , who used much bowling , which recreation hee so continually practised , for the love hee bore it , as his occasions were much neglected by it ; which to prevent , as hee rode farre for his pleasure , so hee stayed late ere hee returned home , of purpose , so to become wearied , that his mind by that meanes might from his pleasure bee the sooner weaned . but these experiments as they are oft failing , where the mind is not come to settling : so , in my opinion , there is no meanes better or surer to weane man , endued with reason , from being too much captived or inchayned with these pleasures , than to consider what benefits redound from moderate recreation , and againe what inconveniences arise from immoderate delight therein . first then , let us consider the end for which recreations were ordained , and wee shall find that they were rather intended to beguile time , than to bestow our selves on them all our time . though many , too many there be , who will not stick to say with him who sported himselfe in the warme sunne , vtinam hoc esset vivere , would to god this were to live ; would to god this recreation were a vocation , this pleasure my trade for ever . no , as recreation was at first intended for refreshing the mind , and enabling the body to performe such offices as are requisite to be performed : so is it not to be made a trade or profession , as if we should there set up our rest , and intend nothing else . consider therefore the benefits which redound by a moderate or temperate use of recreation . first , it refresheth or cherisheth the mind , accommodating it to all studies : clearing the understanding which would be easily depressed , if either with worldly cares , or more noble and generous studies , wholly restrained . it is said of asinius pollio , that after the tenth houre he would be retained in no busines , neither after that houre would he reade so much as any letter . of cato likewise , that hee used to refresh his mind with wine : the like of solon and archesilaus , that they would usually cheere their spirits with wine : yet , whosoever should object drunkennesse to cato , might sooner prove that crime honest , than cato dishonest . so as , whether we beleeve the greeke poet , it is sometimes pleasing to be a little madding ; or plato , who in vaine expulsed poets the bounds of his common-weale ; or aristotle , that there can never be any great wit without some mixture of folly : we shall find , that even the gravest and most experienced statists have sometimes retyred themselves from more serious affaires , to refresh and solace their tired spirits with moderate recreations . the poet excellently describes a man buried in the deepe slumber of contemplation , after this manner ; he dies , pent up with study and with care . so were the anchorites and hermites in former time , being wholly divided from society ; yea so immured , as they seemed to be buried living . whose conversation , as ( questionlesse ) it argued a great mortification of all mundane desires ; so it ministred matter of admiration to such , who , given to carnall liberty , wondred how men made of earth , could bee so estranged from conversing with inhabitants of earth . but to leave these , and imagine their conversation to be in heaven , though their habitation was on earth : wee perceive hence , how beneficiall recreation is to the mind , in cheering , solacing , and refreshing her , if used with moderation . how it lessens those burdens of cares , wherewith shee is oppressed ; revives the spirits , as if from death restored ; cleares the understanding , as if her eyes , long time shut , were now unsealed ; and quickens the invention , by this sweet respiration , as if newly moulded . neither is this benefit so restrained , as if it extended only to the mind ; for it confers a benefit likewise to the body , by enabling it to performe such labours , taskes or offices , as it is to bee employed or exercised withall . there are two proverbs which may be properly applyed to this purpose ; once in the yeere apollo laughs ; this approves the use of moderate recreation . apollo's bow 's not alwayes bent ; this shewes that humane imployments are to bee seasoned by recreation : we are sometimes to unbend the bow , or it will lose his strength . continuall or incessant employment cannot be endured : there must be some intermission , or the body becomes enfeebled . as for example ; observe these men , who , either encombred with worldly affaires , so tye and tether themselves to their busines , as they intermit no time for effecting that which they goe about : or such as , wholly nayled to their deske , admit no time for recreation , lest they should thereby hinder the progresse of their studies : see how pale and meager they looke , how sickly and infirme in the state of their bodies , how weake and defective in their constitution ? so as to compare one of these weaklings with such an one as intermits occasions of busines , rather than he will prejudice his health ; reserving times as well for recreation and pleasure , as for imployment and labour , were to present a spectacle of inius dwarf , not two foot high , and weighing but seventeen pound , with iolaus the youthfull son of iphiclus , whose feature was free , complexion fresh , and youth renewing ; such difference in proportion , such ods in strength of constitution . for , observe one of these starved worldlings , whose aimes are only to gather and number , without doing either themselves or others good with that they gather ; with what a sallow and earthly complexion they looke , being turned all earth before they returne to earth ! and what may be the cause hereof , but their incessant care of getting , their continuall desire of gaining , being ever gaping till their mouthes be filled with gravell . so these who are wholly given , and solely devoted to a private or retired life , how unlike are they to such as use and frequent society ? for their bodies , as they are much weakned and enfeebled , so is the heat and vigour of their spirits lestened and resolved , yea their dayes for most part shortned and abridged ; the cause of all which proceedeth from a continuall secluding and dividing themselves from company , and use of such recreations , as all creatures in their kind require and observe . for if we would have recourse to creatures of all sorts , wee shall find every one , in his kind , observe a recreation or refreshment in their nature : as the beast in his chace , the bird in her choice , the snaile in her speckled case , the polypus in her change , yea the dolphin is said to sport and play in the water . for as * all things were created for gods pleasure , so hath he created all things to recreate and refresh themselves in their owne nature . thus farre have we discoursed of moderate recreation , and of the benefits which redound from it ; being equally commodious to the mind as well as the body , the body as well as the mind : to the mind in refreshing , cherishing and accommodating it to all studies ; to the understanding , in clearing it from the mists of sadnesse : to the body , in enabling it for the performance of such labours , taskes , o● offices , as it is to be imployed or interessed in . it now rests that wee speake something of her opposite , to wit , of immoderate recreation , and the inconveniences which arise from thence ; whereof wee shall but need to speake a word or two , and so descend to more usefull points touching this observation . as the wind caecias drawes unto it clouds , so doth immoderate recreation draw unto it divers and sundry maine inconveniences : for this immoderation is a loosener of the sinewes , and a lessener of the strength , as moderation is a combiner of the sinewes , and a refiner of the strength . so dangerous is the surfet which wee take of pleasure or recreation , as in this wee resemble chylo , who being taken with the apprehension of too much joy , instantly dyed . now who seeth not how the sweetest pleasures doe the soonest procure a surfet ? being such as most delight , and therefore aptest to cloy . how soone were the israelites cloyed with quailes , even while the flesh was yet betweene their teeth , and before it was chewed ? so apt are wee rather to dive than dip our hand in honey . most true shall every one by his owne experience find that saying of salomon to be , it is better to goe to the house of mourning , than to goe to the house of feaesting ; for there may we see the hand of god , and learne to examine our lives , making use of their mortality , by taking consideration of our owne frailty : whereas in the house of feasting , wee are apt to forget the day of our changing , saying with the epicure , eat , drinke , and play ; but never concluding with him , to morrow we shall die . so apt are we with messala corvinus to forget our owne name , man , who is said to be corruption ; and the sonne of man , wormes meat . for in this summer-parlour , or floury arbour of our prosperity , wee can find time to solace and recreate our selves : lye upon beds of ivory , and stretch our selves upon our beds , and eat of the lambes of the flocke , and the calves out of the stall . singing to the sound of the violl , and inventing to our selves instruments of musicke like david . drinking wine in bowles , and anointing our selves with the chiefe oyntments , but no man is sorry for the affliction of ioseph : so universall are we in our iubile , having once shaken off our former captivity . to prevent which forgetfulnesse , it were not amisse to imitate the romane princes , who ( as i have elsewhere noted ) when they were at any time in their conquests or victorious triumphs with acclamations received , and by the generall applause of the people extolled , there stood one alwayes behind them in their throne , to pull them by the sleeve , with memento te esse hominem : for the consideration of humane frailty is the soveraignest means to weane man from vaine glory . whence it was that themisto●les , when symachus told him , that he would teach him the art of memory , answered , he had rather learne the art of forgetfulnesse : saying , he could remember enough ; but many things he could not forget , which were necessary to be forgotten ; as the over-weening conceit of himselfe , the glory of his exploits , and merits of his actions , the memory whereof tended more to his prejudice than profit . but to descend to the particular inconveniences occasioned by immoderate recreation ; we shall find both the mind and body , as by moderation cheered and refreshed , so by immoderation annoyed and distempered . it was a good rule which those great men of rome observed in their feastings and cup-meetings ; wee will drinke not to drowne us , but to drowne care in us : not to reave sense , but revive sense : not as those who are ever carousing in the cup of nepenthe , steeping their senses in the lethe of forgetfulnesse . for these , like those base elyots slaved to ebriety , have buried that glory of man , the reasonable part , in the lees of sensuality . these are so farre from standing upon their guard , as the divell may safely enter , either upon the fore-ward or rere-ward , without resistance : for mans security is the divels opportunity , which he will not slip , though man sleep . i read of one leonides a captaine , who perceiving his souldiers left their watch , upon the citie wals , and did nothing all the day long but quaffe and tipple in ale-houses neere adjoyning , commanded that the ale-houses should be removed , being the cittadels wherein they resided , from that place where they stood , and set up close by the wals ; that , seeing the souldiers would never keepe out of them , at the least-wise that they might watch as well as drinke in them . these were souldiers fit for such a captaine , and a captaine worthy the training of such souldiers ; being one who could sort himselfe to the necessity of the time , and frame himselfe to their humour ; when hee could not bring them off with more honour , yet hee brought them to stand upon their guard , though they could hardly stand to their tackling ; so as i conclude , their march could not chuse but be lazie , when their heads were so heavie . generally , but irregularly is this broad-spreading vice of drunkennesse holden now a-dayes for a recreation ; so deepely rooted is the custome of impiety , being once strengthned by impunity . for what is our sabbath recreation in city and countrey , but drinking and carousing ; imagining ( belike ) that the sabbath cannot be profaned , if wee use not such workes or labours wherein our vocation is usually imployed ? if the iewes made the temple of god a den of theeves ; wee come neere them in making that our temple , which gives harbour unto theeves . for what are our city , or countrey ale-houses , for most part , but the divels booths , where all enormities are acted , all impieties hatched , all mischievous practises plotted and contrived ? these are those sinkes of sinne , where all pollution and uncleannesse raigneth , where fearfull oathes and profanation rageth , whence all sensuall liberty ariseth . o gentlemen ! let not this professed friend to security attend you : it wil make you unlike your selves , transforming that glorious image which you have received , like circes guests , who became swine , by being too sensually affected . it was sage cleobulus saying , that ones servant made merry with wine , was not to bee punished ; for ( saith hee ) in seeing him , thou shalt see thy folly of drunkennesse all the better . whence it was that some countries have formerly used ( though the custome seeme scarcely approved ) to make their slaves or vassals drunke , to shew unto their children the brutish condition of that vice ; whereby they might be the better weaned and deterred from that , which , through the liberty of youth , is usually affected . for if we should but observe the brain-sicke humours of these professed drunkards , wee would rather admire how reason should bee so strangely drenched and drowned in the lees of senselesse stupidity , than ever be drawne to become affecters of so loathsome a vice . yet see the misery of deluded man ; how many , and those of excellentest parts , have beene , and are besotted with this sinne ? for who ever lived , and shewed more absolute perfection in action and person , than that great conqueror and commander of the whole world , alexander the great ? yet what uncomely parts playd he in his drunkennesse ? how full of noble affability and princely courtesie being sober ? how passionately violent , once fallen to distemper ? witnesse the burning of persepolis , to which cruell attempt hee was perswaded by a common and profest strumpet , even thais , whom all greece had noted for a publike prostitute . likewise his killing of clitus , being one whom he so dearely affected , as he was never well , but when he enjoyed his company . of both which facts he so repented , as it was long ere hee would be comforted . neither only such as he , who was a souldier , and therefore might seeme rather to claime in some sort a liberty in this kind : ( for of all others , we observe such as these to be more addicted to these distempers , than others whose more civill and peaceable conversation have inur'd them to better temper : ) but even those ( i say ) whose sincerity of life , and severity of discipline had gained them all esteeme in their countrey , have beene likewise branded with this aspersion : as censorius cato , than whom none more strict or regular ; asinius pollio , than whom none more gracious or popular ; solon , than whom none more legall ; archesilaus , than whom none more formall . yet if we did but note how much this vice was by the pagans themselves abhorred , and how they laboured to prevent the very meanes , whereby this vice , might be either cherished or introduced , wee would wonder , that moderation in a heathen , should be so weakly seconded by a christian. amongst them , kinsmen kissed their kinswomen , to know whether they drunke wine or no ; and if they had , to be punished by death , or banished into some iland . plutarch saith , that if the matrons had any necessity to drinke wine , either because they were sicke or weake , the senate was to give them licence , and not then in rome neither , but out of the city . and how much it was hated , may appeare by the testimony of macrobius , who saith , that there were two senatours in rome chiding ; and the one called the others wife an adulteresse , and the other his wife a drunkard , and it was judged that to be a drunkard was more infamy . thus you see even in pagans , who had but onely the light of nature to direct them , how loath they were to drowne the light of reason through drunkennesse , being indeed ( as a good father well observeth ) an enemy to the knowledge of god. to conclude then this first point ; may it be farre from you , gentlemen , to deprive your selves of that which distinguisheth you from beasts : make not that an exercise or recreation , which refresheth not , but darkeneth the understanding . drinke you may , and drinke wine you may , for wee cannot allow the device of thracius , but wee must disallow saint pauls advice to timothy , vse a little wine for thy stomacks sake , and thine often infirmities . so as you are not enjoyned such a strict , or laconian abstinence , as if you were not to drinke wine at all : for , being commanded not to drinke , it is to bee implyed , not to use drunkennesse , wherein is excesse ; for in many places are wee allegorically and not literally to cleave to the text. as for origen , strange it is , that perverting so many other places by allegories , onely he should pervert one place , by not admitting an allegory . for our lord commanding to cut off the foot , or any part of the body which offendeth us , doth not meane wee should cut off our members with a knife , but our carnall affections with a holy and mortified life ; whence it is , that a origen was justly punished by using too little diligence , where there was great need , because hee used too great diligence where there was little need . no lesse worthy was b democritus errour of reproving , who was blinded before hee was blind : for a christian need not put out his eyes , for feare of seeing a woman , since howsoever his bodily eye see , yet still his heart is blind against all unlawfull desires . neither was crates thebanus well advised , who did cast his money into the sea , saying , c nay sure i will drowne you first in the sea , rather than you should drown me in covetousnesse and care . lastly , d thracius , of whom aulus gellius writeth , was for any thing that i can see , even at that time most of all drunken , when hee cut downe all his vines , lest hee should be drunken . no , i admit of no such strict stoicisme ; but rather ( as i formerly noted ) to use wine or any such strong drinke to strengthen and comfort nature , but not to impaire her strength or enfeeble her : for as by a little we are usually refreshed , so by too much are wee dulled and oppressed . there are some likewise , and these for most part of the higher sort , ( i could wish they were likewise of the better sort ) who repaire to the house of the strange woman , sleeping in the bed of sinne , thinking so to put from them the evill day : and these are such as make whoredome a recreation , sticking not to commit sinne even with greedinesse , so they may cover their shame with the curtaine of darkenesse . but that is a wofull recreation , which brings both soule and body to confusion ; singing lysimachus song , short is the pleasure of fornication , but eternall is the punishment due to the fornicator : so as , though hee enjoy pleasure for a time , hee shall be tormented for ever . but consider this , gentlemen ; you ( i say ) whose better breeding hath instructed you in the knowledge of better things , that if no future respect might move you ( as god forbid it should not move and remove you from these licentious delights ) yet respect to the place whence you descended , the tender of your credit which should be principally valued , the example which you give , and by which inferiours are directed , should be of force to weane you from all inordinate affections , the end whereof is bitternesse , though the beginning promise sweetnesse . it was demosthenes answer unto lais , upon setting a price of her body , non emam tauti poenitere : sure i am , howsoever this heathen orator prized his money above the pleasure of her body , and that it was too deare to buy repentance at so high a rate ; that it is an ill bargaine for a moments pleasure , to make shipwracke of the soules treasure ; exposing reputation and all ( being indeed the preciousest of all ) to the object of lightnesse , and subject of basenesse , paying the fraught of so short a daliance with a long repentance . wherefore my advice is unto such as have resorted to the house of the strange woman , esteeming it only a tricke of youth , to keepe their feet more warily from her wayes : for her house draweth neere unto death , and her paths unto hell. so as none that goe in unto her , shall returne , neither shall they understand the wayes of life . let such as have herein sinned , repent ; and such as have not herein sinned , rejoyce , giving thankes to god , who hath not given them up for a prey to the lusts of the flesh ; craving his assistance to prevent them hereafter , that the flesh might be ever brought in subjection to the spirit . for , as the lionesse having beene false to the lion , by going to a libard ; and the storke consorting with any other besides her owne mate , wash themselves before they dare to returne home ; and the hart after he hath satisfied his desire , retires to some private or desolate lawne , hanging downe his head , as one discontent , till he hath washed and rinsed himselfe , and then hee returnes cheerefully to his herd againe : so wee cannot be unto god truly reconciled , till wee be in the flood of repentance thorowly washed . thus shall you from the wayes of the strange woman be delivered ; thus shal your good name , which is aptly compared to a precious ointment , remaine unstained ; and a good report shal follow you , when you are hence departed . there is another recreation used by gentlemen , but especially in this citie ; which , used with moderation , is not altogether to be disallowed : and it is repairing to stage-playes ; where , as they shall see much lightnesse , so they may heare something worthy more serious attention . whence it is , that thomas aquinas giveth instance in stage-playes , as fittest for refreshing and recreating the mind ; which likewise philo iudaeus approveth . but for as much as divers objections have beene , and worthily may bee made against them , wee will here lay them downe , being such as are grounded on the sacred word of god ; and , with as much perspicuity and brevity as we may , cleare and resolve them . playes were set out on a time by the citizens for the more solemnity of a league concluded betwixt the cantons of berna and tiguris ; touching which playes , sundry differences arose amongst the ministers of geneva , which could not easily be determined , about a young boy , who represented a woman in apparell , habit , and person : in the end it was agreed of all parts , that they should submit the determination of this difference , with generall suffrage and consent , to the authenticke and approved judgement of their beza , holden for the very oracle both of vniversity and citie ; and who had sometimes beene vers'd in theatrall composures , to his glory . this controversie being unto him referred , hee constantly affirmed , that it was not onely lawfull for them to set forth and act those playes , but for boyes to put on womens apparell for the time . neither did hee only affirme this , but brought such divines as opposed themselves against it , to be of his opinion , with the whole assent and consent of all the ecclesiasticall synod of geneva . now in this first objection , we may observe the occasion , which moved these zealous and learned divines to make a doubt of the lawfulnesse of stage-playes ; because ( said they ) it is not lawfull for men to put on womens apparell , or women to put on mens : as we reade how stephanio , an actor of roman playes , was whipped , for having a mans wife waiting on him , shorne in manner of a boy . which doubt , being so soundly and sincerely cleared by so conspicuous a light of the church , wee will no longer insist upon , but descend to the next objection . we are therfore to come to another place of scripture , pressed likewise by such as oppose themselves to the lawfulnesse of stage-playes , as we find it written in the . psalme : turne away mine eyes that i see no vanity . which requireth of us a two-fold consideration ; generally , for the whole nature of things , as in that place of salomon , vanity of vanities , &c. in which sense i freely confesse that stage-playes may passe under the name of vanity . specially , for subjects vaine , light , foolish , frivolous , fruitlesse , being such as are to bee applyed or accommodated to no good use or profitable end ; in which sense or signification our stage-playes may in no sort be termed vanity . for we shall gather , by a right use and application of such things as we shall heare and see , many excellent precepts for instruction , sundry fearefull examples for caution , divers notable occurrents or passages which , well applyed ( as what may not be perverted ) may conferre no small profit to the judicious hearer . the third objection may probably ground it selfe upon the testimony of saint luke , chap. . . w●e unto those that laugh now , &c. whence it may be gathered , that , if the scripture condemne laughter , then consequently stage-playes also , whose speciall aime and intendment is to make men laugh . but it is to be understood , that christ directeth his speech to those perverse and malicious men , whose mourning is but a dissembled sorrowing , outwardly grieving , and inwardly laughing ; who speake one thing with their mouth , but professe another thing in their life : for this is not to be understood of the common society or conversation of men , as if christ should forbid any one to laugh at all ; but rather of immoderate laughter : whence is that of the poet ; woe unto thee whose spleene affecteth laughter , for thy short joy shall turne to sorrow after . for , as feare begetteth humility , so too much mirth procureth levity . much laughter corrupteth manners , and looseth the sinewes of their former strength , but a grave countenance is the preserver of knowledge : yet addeth ecclesiastes unto this ; there is nothing better than for man to rejoyce in his workes ; which david confirmeth , psalme penult . so as there is nothing by this objection proved , but what with all reason may be approved ; for immoderate mirth is that which is here condemned , being that which we have in this observation especially touched and taxed : whence wee may inferre , that moderate delight , tasting more of sobriety than levity , is not onely allowed , but commended . the fourth objection is taken from saint matthew , chap. . . but i say unto you , that for every idle word , &c. of which words , that we may use no other exposition , than what the ancient fathers themselves have used ; wee will shew in this place their severall expositions upon this parcell of holy scripture . tertullian in his booke of patience , understandeth by every idle word , whatsoever is vaine and superfluous . but theophylact by idle words understandeth lyes , calumnies , all inordinate and ridiculous speeches . chrysostome , almost after the same manner interpreteth it , saying , that by idle words are understood such as move uncomely and immodest laughter . gregory understandeth by these which want the profit ever redounding from modesty , and are seldome uttered upon any precedent necessity , things frivolous , fables , old-wives tales . all which severall expositions , as they agree in substance , so doe wee cloze with them in every circumstance . for such as these which corrupt youth by light and scurrilous jests , so little are they to be affected , as the very stages ▪ where these are used are to be hated . for the fifth , it is written cor. . . and exod . . the people sate downe to eate and drinke , and rose up to play : which argument is drawne from chrysostome , where he sheweth that by these words the apostle meant two maine inconveniences , being the effects of false worship , and endangering the soules shipwracke , to wit , the idolatry , or idolomany of the israelites done to the golden calfe in dan and bethel . but farre be this from the conceit of any , to imagine , that stage-playes , intended for modest delight and recreation , should ever move the spectatour to such abomination . for so much ought stage-playes to bee from introducing any to such impiety , as they should not so much as once present in their shewes or pageants , ought that might tend to the depraving of the hearer in matters of conversation , much lesse in drawing their minds to any profane or pagan opinion : which should not bee so much as once named , much lesse entertained amongst christians . for the sixth , it is grounded on the foundation of the same apostle , where in divers places he writeth expresly against fables ; as tim. . . give no heed to fables , &c. againe , tim. . . but cast away profane , and old wives fables , &c. againe , tim. . . taxing such as shall turne their eares from the truth , and shall be given unto fables . againe pet. . . the apostles in their doctrine were not directed by deceivable fables . but for these comedians , let them speake for themselves , being such as follow the steps of terence , menander , &c. or may be properly referred to the lesbian rule of menander , and the lydian stone of paul. for such as breed corruption in our manners ( that i may jumpe in opinion with plato ) let them saile to * anticyra , and undergoe due censure for their errour . but how worthy the works of some of the ancient comedians have bin , may appeare by the apostle's alleaging divers of their sentences in his epistle , and vouchsafing to use the name of their poets , by a generall title , to approve some things in them worthy reading . as that of luke . . a proverbe used by euripides in his tragedies ; that also of menander , made sacred by the mouth of the apostle paul , cor. . . as it is likewise manifest that the same apostle paul used the authority of aratus and epimenides , act. . . all which adde a reverend approbation to the authority of poets . the seventh objection which these stage-antagonists frame , is taken from ephes. . . where the apostle willeth and warneth that these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. that is , such things as become no man , and which our very eares should abhorre to heare , ought not to be so much as once named amongst christians . whereto i answer , that as these things tending to lightnesse were inveighed against by the apostle , that he might leave unto us a more excellent patterne or example of modesty , which is an ornament that suteth best with the children of god : so there is none , having the light of grace in him , or fearing the judgement that is to come , who will applaud these scurrilous jests , which are wont to deprave , but seldome to edifie the understanding : whereof the poet speaketh ; iests that unseasond are i cannot beare , for they distaste a modest bashfull eare . but it may be here againe objected , that every thing being ( as augustine testifieth , ) either a hinderance or a furtherance ; these stage-playes , which are properly called the bellowes of vice , may rather seeme a hinderance in the course and progresse of vertue , then any furtherance to him in his practice therein . besides , playes ( saith ambrose ) ought not to be known of christians , because there is no mention at all made of them in holy scripture . whereto we briefly answer thus with peter martyr , that sound and profound divine , that in holy scripture we have ( as it were ) a generall rule set downe unto us , touching all things mediate or indifferent , in the number whereof are playes necessarily included . yea , but augustine the prince of the latine fathers , seemes to affirme , that even those stages or theaters where their interludes were acted , were more abominable then those idolatrous sacrifices , which in honour of the pagan gods were offered . but hence is to be understood , that this holy father meant of such solemn playes or interludes , as were acted and usually celebrated by the heathen in honour of their father * liber , and other ethnicke gods for the yearely increase of their fruits : wherein many uncomely and immodest parts were played . yea , but where shal we find these stage-actors in former times so much as countenanced , being such as quintilian termeth expresly , hypocrites , from counterfeiting the manner , measure , motion , gesture , gate , grace , and feature of such persons as they represent ; whose fashion they often reteine when they have resumed their owne habit ? yes , and by the eminent'st and noblest personages . edward the sixt so much approved them , as he appointed one who was a witty courtier to be ( as it were ) the chiefe master or disposer of the playes , who by his office should take care to have them set forth in a princely and sumptuous sort ; which office to this day reteines the name of the master of the revels . likewise our late queene elizabeth of blessed memorie , rightly stiled the worlds phoebe ; among women a sybilla , among queenes a saba , how well shee approved of these recreations , being ( as shee termed them , ) harmelesse spenders of time , the large exhibitions which shee conferred on such as were esteemed notable in that kind may sufficiently witnesse . neither did shee hold it any derogation to that royall and princely majestie , which shee then in her regall person presented , to give some countenance to their endeavours , whereby they might be the better encouraged in their action . yea , if we would but peruse some books treating of this subject , wee should find poets in generall to have received such countenance and approbation from the most eminent'st princes , as their poems never wanted patrons , nor the authors themselves benefactors : which by instances i entend here to confirme , though the prosecution hereof may seeme digressive to our present discourse . wee read how much amyntas king of macedonia , made of the tragicall poet euripides , the athenians of sophocles ; in what price the noble and heroick poems of homer were holden by alexander , placing them in that curious cabinet which he got in the spoile of darius : and not onely homer the father of the poets , was so honoured by him , but for his sake all other meaner poets : in so much as cherilus no very good poet had for every verse well made , a philips noble of gold , amounting in value to an angell english , and so for every hundred verses ( which a cleanly hand could presently dispatch ) hee had an hundred angels . and since alexander the great , how theocritus the greeke poet was favoured by ptolomie king of egypt , and berenice his wife . ennius likewise by scipio , virgil and horace by augustus ; betwixt which two poets the emperour sitting one day , and one that might be bold asking what he did ; marrie ( said he ) i sit here betweene groanings and teares ; for the one was ever sighing , & the other seemed as if he were ever weeping . but to descend to our later times ; how much were iehan de mehune , and guillamn● de loris made of by the french king ? and ieffery chaucer , father of our english poets , by richard the second ; who , as it was supposed , gave him the mannor of newholme in oxfordshire ? and gower by henry the fourth ? harding by edward the fourth ? also how francis the french king made sangelais , salmonius , macrinus , and clemens marot of his privie chamber , for their excellent skill in latine and vulgar poesie ? and henry the eighth , for a few psalmes of david , translated and turned into english meeter by sternhold , made him groome of his privie chamber . also one gray , in what favour grew he with henry the eight , and after with the duke of somerset , protectour , for his hunt is up , hunt is up ? and queene marie , for one epithalamie , made by vargus a spanish poet , at her marriage with king philip , solemnized in winchester , gave him during his life two hundred crownes pension . nor were poets only eminent in this kind , but esteemed for their universality of knowledge , apt for any office publike ; as in the administration of common-weales affaires , conduct of armies , &c. for we find that iulius caesar was not onely the most eloquent orator of his time , but also a very good poet , though none of his doings therein be now extant . quintus catulus a good poet , and cornel. gallus treasurer of aegypt ; and horace the most delicate of all the roman lyricks , was importuned by many letters of great instance , to bee secretary of state to augustus the emperour ; which hee neverthelesse refused for his unhealthfulnesse sake ; and being a quiet man , and nothing ambitious of glory , retired himselfe from publike deportments . and ennius the latine poet , was with all respect entertained as a fellow and counsellor by african , for his amiable conversation . so antimenides , of whom aristotle reports in his politicks ; and tyrtaeus the poet , though a lame man , was chosen by the oracle of the gods from the athenians , to be generall of the lacedemonians army . nor may that noble and honourable memoriall of that worthy woman twice french queene , lady anne of britaine , wife first to charles the eighth , and after to lewis the twelfth , adde lesse glory to this exquisite art ; who passing one day from her lodging toward the kings side , saw in a gallerie m. allan● chartier the kings secretary , an excellent poet , leaning on a tables end asleepe , and stooped downe to kisse him , saying thus in all their hearings : wee may not of princely courtesie passe by and not honour with our kisse , the mouth from whence so many sweet ditties and golden poems have issued . yea plato himselfe , howsoever he may be said to exclude divers poets the bounds of his common-weale , for their obscene and immodest labours , which effeminated youth , training them rather to the carpet than the campe ; yet wrote he many epigrams and excellent poems in his younger yeeres , before hee intended himselfe to philosophy . for even in fables appeare seeds of vertues , as macrobius testifieth . yea , but our stage-stingers , or poet-scourgers , will againe object , that these theaters , which were at first erected for honest delight and harmelesse merriment , grow many times busie with states , laying aspersions on men of eminent rank and quality ; and in briefe , will spare none , so they may gaine themselves by disparaging others . but i must answer thus much for them , albeit , - non me tenet aura theatri ; that such as imploy their pens in taxing or tainting any noble or meriting person in this kind , deserve no better censure , then as they whipt , so to be whipt themselves for their labour : for they must know ( to use the words of one who was once an eminent statist ) that some things are priviledged from jest , namely religion , matters of state , great persons , any mans present businesse of importance , and any case that deserveth pity ; and generally , men ought to find the difference betweene saltnesse and bitternesse . certainely , he that hath a satyricall veine , as hee maketh others afraid of his wit , so hee had need be afraid of others memory . this was very straitly looked into by the ancient heathens , who ordained many strict lawes to punish such bitter satyrists as touched the good name of any citizen , either in publike stage , or any private worke . the ancient romans had a law enacted in their twelve tables , that whosoever should impeach any ones good name , or detract from the credit of his person , either in verse or action , should suffer death . so as tiberius slew scaurus , and not altogether undeservedly , for writing a spitefull tragedy against him . in like manner did augustus banish ovid , for writing too wantonly towards some that were neere him . so nero injoyned lucan silence , for his * smooth invection framed against him . so as stesichorus , writing bitterly against helen , aristophanes against clean , eupolis against alcibiades , callisthenes against alexander , suffered equall punishments according to their demerits . this eupolis is said to be one of the first comedians , and was drowned in hellespont , about the time of that famous sea-fight betweene the lacedemonians and athenians : but i can scarcely assent to his opinion ; for wee find it recorded , that hee was throwne into the sea by alcibiades , for presenting him on the publike stage , embracing timandra in a lascivious sort ; and that hee used these words : oft times , eupolis , hast thou drowned me upon the stage , i will once drowne thee in the sea . thespis likewise is said to be the first inventer of a tragicke scene , as * horace witnesseth : thespis , some , say inventing first the straine of tragicke scenes , grew famous in his veine ; whose actors that ye might the better note , with painted faces sung the lines he wrote , mounted in chariots ; which with greedy eares the people heard , and hearing sent forth teares . and in these did satyrus ( no doubt ) among the greekes shew an admirable art , being so highly extolled by demosthenes ( for unto him did this satyrus propose the first forme of speaking plainely and articulately ) as hee was no lesse praised by him , then the roman roscius was by cicero , or aesopus , to whom cicero useth many titles of love and familiarity in his epistles . for roscius and aesopus were held the choicest and chiefest orators , even at that time when the common-weale excelled not onely in eloquence , but also in wisedome . the like of pilades and hyla , master and scholler , who were such passionate actors , as they enforced admiration in the hearer . but to what end should i prosecute either comicke or tragicke subjects any further ? my opinion briefly is this ; as comedies should breath nothing but terenee's art , cecilius gravity , menanders sweetnesse , aristophanes conceit , and plautus wit : so tragedies should relish of nothing but of the royall and majestick measures of sophocles , the sententious fulnesse of euripides , and the sincere integrity of seneca . for these which tend to corrupt youth , making their stages stewes , or their scenes meere satyres , to detract from the credit or estimation of any person , either publike or private ; as their authors deserve due punishment , so should they be avoyded : the former sort , because they are in danger to deprave us ; the latter , because perhaps wee shall heare them touch the credit of such as are neere us . for such as enterludes ( gentlemen ) as participate with neither of these , but in a temperate and equall course mixe profit with honest delight ; you shall account the time you bestow in hearing them , not altogether fruitlesly spent . for albeit the italians are held worthy before all others to carry away the garland for poesie , being for number and measure fuller , and for weight and merit better , as may appeare in the happy labours of petrarch and boccace ; yet if wee looke home-ward , and observe the grace of our presentments , the curiosity of our properties , and propriety of our action , we may justly conclude , that no nation is , or hath beene so exquisite in that kind . but to draw in our sailes , touching this recreation : as i approve of the moderate use and recourse which our gentlemen make to playes ; so i wholly condemne the daily frequenting of them : as some there be ( especially in this citie ) who , for want of better imploymnet , make it their vocation . and these i now speake of , be our ordinary gentlemen , whose day-taske is this in a word : they leave their beds to put on their clothes formally , repaire to an ordinary , and see a play daily . these can find time enough for recreation , but not a minutes space for devotion . so as i much feare me , when they shall be strucke with sicknesse , and lie on their death-bed , it will fare with them as it fared with a young gentlewoman within these few yeares ; who being accustomed in her health every day to see one play or other , was at last strucke with a grievous sicknesse even unto death : during which time of her sicknesse , being exhorted by such divines as were there present , to call upon god , that he would in mercy look upon her , as one deafe to their exhortation , continued ever crying , oh hieronimo , hieronimo , me thinkes i see thee , brave hieronimo ! neither could she be drawne from this with all their perswasions ; but fixing her eyes intentively , as if she had seene hieronimo acted , sending out a deep sigh , shee suddenly dyed . and let this suffice to have beene spoken of the moderate use of this recreation : upon which i have the longer insisted , because i am not ignorant how divers and different opinions have been holden touching the law fulnesse of stage-playes , which i resolved to reconcile in as briefe and plaine a manner as i could , before i descended to the rest . for as much as wee have begun to treat of such recreations as require small use or exercise of the body , wee will first proceed with such as follow , being ranked in the same siedge , because recreations of the same nature : descending from them to exercises requiring more alacrity of spirit , and more ability of body . of these , which may be rather termed exercises of the mind , then exercises of the faculties of the body , are cards and dice , a speciall recreation : meerely invented and intended to passe tedious winter nights away , and not to hazard ones fortunes at them , as many inconsiderate gamesters now adayes will not sticke to doe : which done , what ensueth hence , but entertaining of some desperate course , which bringeth the undertaker many times to an end as infortunate , as his life was desolate ? which makes me thinke i never see one of these gamesters , who in a bravado will set their patrimonies at a throw , but i remember the answer of one minacius , who having on a time lost at dice not only his money , but his apparell too ( for hee was very poore ) fate weeping at the portall doore of a taverne : it chanced that a friend of his seeing him thus to weepe and lament , demanded of him , how it was with him ? nothing , ( quoth minacius ; ) why weepest thou then , ( said his friend ) if there be nothing ? for this cause doe i weepe ( replyed minacius ) because there is nothing . his friend still wondring ; why then ( quoth he ) dost thou weepe thus , when there is nothing ? for the very same cause ( quoth he ) because i have nothing . the one understood that there was no cause why he should weepe ; the other wept because hee had nothing left to play . how many be there who may sing lachrymae with minacius , going by weeping-crosse : being either by crosse fortune , as they ascribe it , or rather by flat cheating , as they may properly terme it , stript of their substance ? amongst the romans * venus or co●s was the best chance at dice : but indeed the best chance that any one can have , is not to throw at all . howsoever , i could wish young gentlemen to beware of frequenting these common gaming houses , where they must either have fortune with advantage , or else be sure to play like young gamesters to their owne-disadvantage . truth is , i would have none to play much , but those which have little to play . for these , as they have little to lose , so they cannot bee much poorer , if they lose all . whereas such , whose ancestors have left them faire revenues , by investing them as heires to their providence ; need little to raise or advance their fortunes by these indirect meanes . for tell me , gentlemen , doe ye game for gaine , or passing time ? if for gaine , it is needlesse , ye have sufficient . if for passing time , your stake should be lesse , and your care for winning , more indifferent . besides , doe ye not observe what foists yee have daily resorting and frequenting these houses ; whose purses are lined with cheats , and whose profession is only to sharke ? shun their companies then , left they prey upon you : whereby you shall make your selves subjects both of want and weaknesse . of want , by filling their purses with your coine : of weaknesse , by suffering your selves to bee made a prey of by their cheats . if you will game , make choice of such as you know to be square gamesters , scorning to bring their names in question with the least report of advantage . as for tricks frequently used in these dayes , learne rather to prevent them , then professe them : for i never knew gamester play upon advantage , but bring him to the square , and his fortune was ever seconded with disadvantage . but above all , use moderation in play , make not your recreation a distemper : and set up this as your rest , never to mount your stake so high , as the losse of it may move you to chol●r . and so i descend to recreations more virile , wherin i will be briefe , because i would hasten to the next branch . in this ranke may be numbred hunting and hawking , pleasures very free and generous , and such as the noblest dispositions have naturally affected . for what more admirable then the pleasure of the hare , if we observe the uses which may be made of it , as i have * else-where more amply discoursed ; purposing here rather to touch them , then treat of them ? in her doubles , note her cunning ; in the dogges , eagernesse in pursuing : where all the senses remaine for the time pleased , but when at default , how much are they grieved ? what an excellent melody , or naturall consort to delight the eare ? what choice objects to content the eye ? what odoriferous smels in the floury meads , to refesh the nose ? only the touch and taste must have their pleasures suspended , till the sport be ended . non sine lepôre , tanto labore , pro uno lepore homines torqueri video ; saith one very wittily and elegantly . i can never chuse but laugh , to see what labour men will take for a poore hare . what mountaines they will climbe , what marishes they will passe , what brakes and bryers they will runne through , and all for a hare ? which may be an embleme of humane vanity ; where men ( miserable deluded men ) will refuse no toyle or labour to gaine a trifling pleasure . what indirect courses they will take for a moments delight , which is no sooner showne them , then vanished from them ? these pleasures are most commonly affected by youth , because they have agility and ability of body to maintaine the pursuite of them : whence the poet ; the beardlesse youth , when 's guardians reines doe yeeld , sports him in horse , and dogges , and open field : the reason may be this ; hee cannot endure restraint : for the heat of youth must needs take aire , or it choakes it selfe with too much holding . it must be carried aloft on the wings of the wind , taking an icarian flight , but never fearing his fall . such dogges as were presented by the king of albanie unto alexander the great , who would not stirre at small beasts , but at lions and elephants , are the fittest for his kennell ; for youth is no sooner moving then mounting . whence ascanius in a youthfull bravery wisheth some boare or savage lion should descend the mount , and cope with him he would . so subject is youth to expose it selfe to all dangers , swimming ever with bladders of vaine-glory , till they receive water , and it sinke . there are some also of these youthfull hunts-men , who when they cannot speed in their sport , will rather buy it , then want it ; that having their game on their backe , they may proclaime to the world , how they are masters of their profession . and these are excellently displayed by the poet , in the person of gargilius . at once gargilius , who one morne betime sent out his servants forward to the chace , with hunting poles , and twisted nets of line , to buy a boare , which through the market place laid on a mule , as if his men had slaine him , would , as bee thought , eternall glory gaine him . so apt are many in inventing , and eager in pursuing ought which may raise them a name , though in things meerly indifferent . for as reputation is a common conceit of extraordinary vertue , so every one laboureth to acquire the end , albeit they misse the meanes of acquiring it . for how should any one imagine ( unlesse his conceit were wholly darkened ) that these things could be any meanes to perpetuate his name ? but so soon transported is youth with any phantasie suggested ( albeit upon no sufficient ground builded ) as whatsoever his conceit whispers to him , that may tend to his praise , hee entertaines it with a greedy and eager desire , laboring to effect what may gaine him popular esteeme . so as the lover is never more blinded with affection towards his beloved , than youth is in affecting that which may cause him to be praised . to speake much touching this recreation i will not addresse my discourse : onely this is my opinion , that as it is generous , so generally is it most harmelesse , so it be moderately used ; for otherwise it may weaken or enfeeble the body , impaire the health , and be occasion of many inconveniences : for in my discourse upon the particular branch of this observation , i am onely to approve of such recreations as are used with moderation : as hawking , which ( as i before observed ) is a pleasure for high and mounting spirits : such as will not stoope to inferiour lures ; having their minds so farre above , as they scorne to partake with them . it is rare to consider , how a wild bird should be so brought to hand , and so well managed as to make us such pleasure in the ayre : but most of all to forgoe her native liberty and feeding , and returne to her former servitude and diet . but in this , as in the rest , wee are taught to admire the great goodnesse and bounty of god , who hath not onely given us the birds of the ayre , with their flesh to feed us , with their voice to cheere us , but with their flight to delight us . the eagle , which is indeed the prince of birds , and the prime hawke , was observed much among the ancient romans in all their auguries : so as an eagle hovering in the aire , in the reigne of augustus , and at last settling upon the name agrippa , and just upon the first letter of that name , a. a lightning descending downe from heaven , struck the first letter of his owne name out , c. whence sooth-sayers , by conjecturall arguments gathered , that hee should but live an hundred dayes after , and be afterwards canonized for a god : because aesar , the residue of that name , in the tuscane language signified god. for the romanes , of all nations under the cope of heaven , relyed most upon the prophesying of birds : so as wee read , that they ever kept their oscines , or birds of augury , by which they collected what their successe should be , both in peace and warre . albeit , some there was among the heathen , who made small account of them : so as claudius pulcher , when in taking his auspicia , or the predictions of his successe before sicily , the pullets would not feed , he commanded they should be plunged in the sea , that they might drinke , seeing they would not eat . it is the saying of an ancient father . that the piercing eye of the eagle exceeds the sight of all other birds : being of such sharpe sight , as reflecting the beames of the sunne fixed upon her , she can looke upon the sunne without shutting her eyes , which are not to be dazled , shine the sunne never so brightly . so as it is said , shee makes a tryall of her brood when they are but young , by mounting up , and fixing their eyes against the sunne : of which , if any be so tender-eyed , as they cannot looke upon it , shee disclaimes them ; but such whose sharpe sight can look stedfastly upon it , shee tenders them as her selfe . whence many secret and sacred uses might be gathered ( for this is but the type of a divine morall ) if i should insist upon the exposition of that blessed father ; but i must briefly descend to speake of the moderate use of this recreation . this pleasure , as it is a princely delight , so it moveth many to be so dearely enamoured of it , as they will undergoe any charge , rather then forgoe it : which makes me recall to mind a merry tale which i have read , to this effect . divers men having entred into discourse , touching the superfluous care ( i will not say folly ) of such as kept dogs and hawkes for hawking ; one paulus a florentine stood up and spake : not without cause ( quoth hee ) did that foole of millan laugh at these ; and being entreated to tell the tale , hee thus proceeded ; vpon a time ( quoth hee ) there was a citizen of millan , a physician for such as were distracted of lunaticke ; who tooke upon him within a certaine time to cure such as were brought unto him . and hee cured them after this sort : he had a plat of ground neere his house , and in it a pit of corrupt and stinking water , wherein hee bound naked such as were mad to a stake , some of them knee-deepe , others to the groin , and some others deeper , according to the degree of their madnesse ; where he so long pined them with water and hunger , till they seemed sound . now amongst others , there was one brought , whom hee had put thigh-deepe in water : who after fifteene dayes began to recover , beseeching the physician that hee might be taken out of the water . the physician taking compassion of him , tooke him out , but with this condition , that hee should not goe out of the roome . having obeyed him certaine dayes , he gave him liberty to walke up and downe the house , but not to passe the out-gate ; while the rest of his companions , which were many , remaining in the water , diligently observed their physicians command . now it chanced , as on a time he stood at the gate , ( for out hee durst not goe , for feare he should returne to the pit ) hee beckned to a young gentleman to come unto him , who had a hawke and two spaniels , being moved with the novelty thereof ; for , to his remembrance , before hee fell mad , hee had never seene the like . the young gentleman being come unto him ; sir ( quoth he ) i pray you heare me a word or two , and answer me at your pleasure . what is this you ride on ( quoth hee ) and how doe you imploy him ? this is a horse ( replyed he ) and i keepe him for hawking . but what call you that , you carry on your fist , and how doe you use it ? this is a hawke ( said hee ) and i use to fly with it at pluver and partridge . but what ( quoth he ) are these which follow you , what doe they , or wherein doe they profit you ? these are dogges ( said he ) and necessary for hawking , to find and retrive my game . and what were these birds worth , for which you provide so many things , if you should reckon all you take for a whole yeere ? who answering , hee knew not well , but they were worth a very little , not above six crownes . the man replyed ; what then may be the charge you are at with your horse , dogges and hawke ? some fifty crownes , said hee . whereat , as one wondring at the folly of the young gentleman : away , away sir , i pray you quickly , and fly hence before our physician returne home : for if he find you here , as one that is maddest man alive , hee will throw you into his pit , there to be cured with others , that have lost their wits ; and more then all others , for hee will set you chin-deepe in the water . inferring hence , that the use or exercise of hawking , is the greatest folly , unlesse sometimes used by such as are of good estate , and for recreation sake . neither is this pleasure or recreation herein taxed , but the excessive and immoderate expence which many are at in maintaining this pleasure : who as they should be wary in the expence of their coine , so much more circumspect in their expence of time . so as in a word , i could wish young gentlemen never to be so taken with this pleasure , as to lay aside the dispatch of more serious occasions , for a flight of feathers in the ayre . the physician saith , that it is the best exercise which is , ad ruborem , non ad sudorem ; refreshing the spirits , and stirring up the blood a little , but not putting a man into any great sweat : for hee that makes his recreation a toyle , makes himselfe likewise pleasures thrall . refresh your spirits , stirre up your blood , and enable your bodies by moderate exercise : but avoid mixing of distemper with your pleasure , for that were not to refresh , but depresse the spirits ; not to stirre up , but stop the course of blood ; not to enable , but enfeeble the body . and so i descend to the next branch , treating of recreations best sorting with the quality of a gentleman . to propose what recreations may please best , i cannot , ( because i know not how to stand affected ) but i shall , as neere as i may , recount what especiall recreations best sort and sute with your quality . of all those which i have formerly touched and treated , there is none but may be approved and entertained with an equall indifferencie , being ( as i have said ) tempered and moderated with discretion . but some there are i have not touched , which may be so much the more admired , forasmuch as they are by our young gentlemen usually affected ; yea , and as especiall ornaments to grace and accomplish them , generally esteemed : as fencing and dancing ; the one to accommodate him for the court , the other for the campe. of which two recreations , to give my opinion freely , there is required a knowledge ; but respectively to such ( i meane ) as onely intend to court or gallant it : for these shall have occasion to make use of their knowledge , in the one to grace and beautifie them ; in the other to shield and defend them . yet in neither of these would i have them to imitate their masters : for so may they turne cowards , and so shew themselves true fencers . or in their dancing use those mimicke tricks which our apish professants use ; but with a reserved grace to come off bravely and sprightly , rather then with an affected curiosity . you shall see some of these come forth so punctually , as if they were made up in a fute of wainscot , treading the ground as if they were foundred . others you shall see , so supple and pliable in their joynts , as you would take them to be some tumblers ; but what are these but iacke-an-apes in gay clothes ? but others there are , and these onely praise-worthy , who with a gracefull presence gaine them respect . for in exercises of this kind ( sure i am ) those onely deserve most commendation , which are performed with least affectation . now i have heard of some who could doe all this ; shew an excellent grace in their carriage ; expresse themselves rare proficients in all school-tricks ; being so much admired as who but they : yet observe the cloze , and they spoile all with an english trick , they cannot leave it when it is well . it is said of apelles , that hee found fault with protogenes , in that hee could not hold his hands from his table : and right so fares it with these young cavalieroes , when they have shewne all that may be shewne to give content , striving to shew one tricke above ela , they halt in the conclusion . for fence-play , i have knowne some puffed up with a presumption of skill , to have beene too apt in giving offence ; so as of professors of worth , they became practisers of wrong . but see their unhappinesse ● this conceit or over-weening opinion of their surpassing skill , brings them many times to an unexpected end , by exposing themselves to inevitable dangers . and this they doe either for vaine glory , being ambitious after fame ; or else out of a quarrelling disposition , being no lesse apt to conceive or apprehend the smallest occasion of offence , then to prosecute revenge upon occasion offered . for the first , the bravest and noblest spirits have beene affected to it , i meane ambition , but their ends were more glorious . as themistocles , who walked in the night time in the open street , because hee could not sleepe : the cause whereof when some men did enquire , hee answered , that the triumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest . the like might be observed in alexander , who sighed that his father should winne so much , and leave him so little to winne . so as it is said that hee wept , hearing that there was another world , saying , he had not yet wonne one world. but with these it fareth many times , as it did with marius , who not contented with the glory hee got in the cimbrian warres , by seeking to augment it , did extenuate it . yet are these more noble in their aimes , then such whose ambition it is to commit all impieties , onely to gaine them a perpetuall infamy : as pausanias , who killed philip of macedon , onely for fame or vaine glory ; so did herostratus burne the temple of diana , to get him a name by an infamous act . for the latter sort , being such as are given to quarrels , i have ever noted their gaines to be small in all their adventures . for what are these but such as value blood at a low rate ? they pretend how their reputation stands engaged ; they cannot put up such disgraces but with touch of cowardise ; and what a blemish were it , for ones reputation to be brought in question , upon termes so neere concerning them , and not seeke revenge ? where the wide world would take notice of their disgrace , pointing at them in the streets , and saying , there goe such and such who were most grosly baffled ; preferring their blood before their honour , their safety before their reputation ! o gentlemen , how many of your ranke and quality have perished by standing upon these termes ! how many , and those of the choycest and selected'st ranke , have exposed themselves to extremest danger , whereby they might gaine themselves the stile of valiant ! how many even upon trifling occasions have gone into the field , and in their heat of blood have fallen ? sure i am , their deare countrey hath felt their losse , to whom in all due respect they should have tendered both love and life , and not have made prodigall expence of that , which might have beene a meanes to strengthen and support her state . yet doe i not speake this , as one insensible of wrong , or incapable of disgrace : for i know that in passages of this nature , publike imputations require publike satisfaction , so that howsoever the divine law , to which all humane actions ought to be squared , may seeme to conclude , that wee are to leave revenge to whom revenge belongeth ; yet so passionate is the nature of man , and through passion so much weakned , as hee forgets many times what the divine law bids him doe , and hastens to that which is owne violent and distempered passion pricks him to . now to propose my opinion , by way of direction , in a word it is this : as one may be a angry and sinne not , so one may revenge and offend not ; and this is by b heaping c●ales of fire upon our enemies head : for by this c meeknesse is anger appeased , and wee of our owne fury revenged . but the best meanes to prevent occasion of distaste in this kind , is to avoid the acquaintance or society of such as are given to offence : whence it is that the wisest of kings exhorteth us in these words ; d to have no familiarity with an angry man , neither goe with the furious man. and why ? lest thou learne his wayes , and receive destruction to thy soule . for indeed these , whose turbulent dispositions are ready to entertaine any occasion of offence , albeit the occasion perchance was never intended , are unfit for any company , or to passe time withall in any recreation . so as , of one of these it may be said , as was said of scava , who shewed apparent arguments of resolution , to slave himselfe to the servile yoke of tyrannous subjection ; infelix dominum quantâ virtute parasti ! how many courses , miserable man , hast thou tryed ; how many wayes hast thou traced ; how many adventures entertayned ; to get thee a master , fury , arch-traytor to that glorious fortresse of patience ? these are those blood-bounds who are ever in quest , and are never satisfied in pursuit , till their eyes become the s●d spectators of a fall : yea , rather then these men will be out of action , they will engage themselves in maintaining other quarrels ; so prompt they are to take offence , as a strangers engagements must be made their owne , rather then they will discontinue in their former profession . another sort there are , who albeit they find ability in themselves to subdue and moderate this passion of furie by the soveraignty of reason , yet it fares with them as it did with hannibal , who knew better how to conquer , then how to make use of his conquest : or as it is said of glendor , that hee was more able to get a victory , then skilfull to use it . so these , though reason like a discreet monitor advise them to moderate their passions , yet so ambitious are they of popular praise , as rather then they will lose the name of being esteemed resolute , they will oppose themselves to all perils , and entertaine a course in the eye of true valour most dissolute . yet respect to our good name , being indeed the choycest and sweetest perfume , must not be so sleighted , as to incurre apparent termes of disgrace , and not labour to wipe off that staine , by shewing some arguments , that wee have so much conceit as to apprehend what an injury is , and so much spirit as to take revenge on him , by whom the injury is offered . it is true ; neither am i so stupid , as not to conceive how insupportable the burden of those wrongs is , which touch our name . so as indeed , ( to speake as a man unto men ) these wrongs are above the nature of mortality to beare : for the naturall man tasting more of earth then heaven , whilest hee ponders the quality of his disgrace , and how farre hee stands engaged , in respect of the opinion of men , to beare himselfe like himselfe , and not to bury such wrongs in silence , as if senselesse of the nature of an injury ; hee never considers what the divine law injoynes , but casteth his eye upon the wrong hee sustaines . wherein , if passion will needs over-master reason , ( albeit i doe not hold it consonant to the divine law , morall or nationall , but to all generous spirits experimentally usefull ) i could wish him to come off faire at the first , for this either wins him the buckler , or loseth it : so shall hee ever gaine to himselfe an esteeme of conceit , in knowing the nature of a wrong ; and an opinion of spirit , in daring to wipe off the disgrace that shall be laid upon him . for this is my position , faile at the first , and faile ever : for as the first onset terrifies the enemy , so in actions of this nature , the onely meanes to gaine opinion is to come off bravely in the beginning . now perchance it may happen , that he from whom you have received wrong , will take no notice of your distaste , but will doe as hee did , who receiving a challenge upon some personall touch , whereby hee apprehended the occasion for his best advantage , of making choice ( as the challenged may ) of time , place , weapon , and second , returned this answere to the messenger ; for the time , i know not when ; for the place , when that time comes , it shall be the alpes ; for the weapon , it shall be guy's sword that slew the cow on dunmoth heath ; and for my second , it shall be your selfe , that i may bring you within the compasse of duelloes . if with such your fortune be to deale , ( as many there are more valiant in tongue then hand , more apt to offer wrong then tender satisfaction ; ) know thus much , that these alpes which hee hath named , and whereto he never meanes to come , is what place soever you shall meet him ; the time , whensoever you shall have fit opportunity to encounter him ; the weapon , though hee chuse it , you may refuse it , ( because it is too closely kept to come to ) and make choice of your own weapon , left by going to warwicke castle to procure a sword , you forget your wrong before you come there ; and the second , your only selfe ; that as you are particularly wronged , you may be particularly righted : for , as the wrong toucheth you and no second , so you are to right your selfe without a second . but the safest and surest course , ( as i said before ) not to partake with men of this condition , is to refraine their company and conversation : for these firy spirits , who have thersites tongue and ant aeus hand , are dangerous to consort with ; for they seldome resort to any meeting , but either they doe hurt , or receive it . so as , even in these tolerable recreations of horse-races , cockings , bowlings , &c. you shall ever see these throw one bone or other to make differences amongst men of quality and ranke , wherein they will be sure to be interested as seconds , if not as principall agents . my advice therefore is , that you avoid their company , as disturbers of the publike peace , interrupters of all honest recreations , and protest enemies to all civill society . for , as we read of the bird curuca , that she will rather hatch the egges of another , then hatch none at all ; so these will rather engage themselves in others differences , and like subtill spiders spin the webbe of dissention , then be without imployment : but they hatch the cockatrice egges , reaping the fruit of their labours to their shame . but wee have insisted too long upon them ; wherefore wee will returne to our former discourse . as wee have briefly touched some recreations well sorting with the quality of a gentleman , being such as tend especially to his accomplishment outwardly ; so are wee now to treat of such as may conferre no lesse benefit to the inward man , by enabling him for matters of discourse . of which ranke , reading of history , is to be accounted as one tending especially thereto ; and that not onely in respect of discourse , but in respect of discipline and civill society ; being there taught how to demeane or behave our selves in all our actions , how to moderate our affections , how to gaine worthy esteeme both in our managements publike and private . cicero entring into the commendation of histories , honours them with this rhetoricall definition : histories ( saith he ) are the witnesses of times , the light of truth , the life of memory , the mistresse of life , the messenger of antiquity : in which notable exemplification , hee shewes what excellent fruits may be gathered from the select flowers of histories . first , how the passages and events of former times are there recorded ; secondly , how the truth of things by the light of history is discovered ; thirdly , our memory is revived ; fourthly , our life is directed ; fifthly , antiquities successively transcribed . in tacitus are three notes which are required in a perfect history ; first , truth , in sincere relating , without having any thing haustum ex vano ; secondly , explanation not onely of the sequels of things , but also the causes and reasons ; thirdly , iudgement in distinguishing things , by approving the best , and disallowing the contrary . touching which three notes , we are to observe first , that there is necessarily required in every history a sincere relation of truth , foisting nothing in , which may seeme either fabulous or impertinent . likewise , it is not enough to lay downe or explaine the sequels or issues of things , but the causes and reasons from whence those sequels issued . thirdly , there is required judgement in distinguishing probabilities from improbabilities ; never setting ought downe for a grounded truth without approved authority . having thus proposed unto you the fruits redounding from history , as also what is required therein , to make it more generally affected ; it rests now that i shew my opinion touching your choice of histories : of which subject , because i have * heretofore copiously treated , i will only speake a word , and so descend to the last branch of this observation . augustine , in his fourth booke de civit. dei , cals salust a noble and true historian ; noble in respect of his descent ; true in respect of his discourse . neither doth hee indeed deserve any lesser title : for his phrase is elegant without affectation ; his discourse continuate without impertinent digression , and the series of his history stored with much sententious instruction . from the depth of a princely judgement , caesars commentaries have received most noble approbation . but if you would take view of a flourishing state , whose greatnesse never any attained to , being raised from such beginnings ; be acquainted with * tacitus or livie , where you shall observe the courses and passages of many eminent princes , how they bare themselves in their height , how in their hate . heare you shall see , those men who ( as cosmo saith ) carry their heart in their mouth , are more to be pitied then feared : for these judge men onely by the outward appearance : whereas tiberius gloried in nothing so much , as in cunningly cloaking his purposes with faire pretences , going invisible , and deluding his subjects resolutions with a seeming good . here you shall likewise observe others so obsequiously seeming , as they strove not onely to satisfie the * minds , but eyes of the citizens , understanding well enough , that the common sort of people were catcht sooner by a * cheerfull countenance , and a pleasing outward semblance , then any other respect whatsoever . some you shall see note much , yet will be seene to note little : therefore agrippina in tacitus , knowing her life to be attempted by nero , knew well that her onely remedy was to take no notice of the treason : so is scipio described by cicero , to be the most cunning searcher of mens minds ; and sylla by salust . others you shall observe so much dejected presently upon any losse sustained , as they entertaine affliction with a desperate sorrow , crying out with afranius sonne , alas mee wretched ! or philotas-like , receive such deepe impression or apprehension of their disgrace , as through it they are forced to lose the faculty of speech . whereas others , like furius camillus are neither puffed up with honour , nor cast downe with disgrace : as his dictator-ship could not make him too haughtily affected ; no more could exile from his countrey cause him to be dejected . such was the resolution of the ancient romans , who at the disaster of canna , when their utter ruine and overthrow was rung in every place , did nothing unworthy themselves . here you shall encounter with a iugurth , speaking little , but doing much : there with a catiline , speaking much , but doing little . here one , in all mens opinions worthy of an empire before hee had it , but most unworthy when hee hath it ; exemplified in a galba : there one much doubted before hee have it , but generally loved when he had it ; exemplified in b severus . againe , observe you may in the course of histories , how justly god hath shewne himselfe towards such as practised treason against their princes , though they were heathens : find out one of all those who conspired caesars death in the capitoll , who died in their bed . for no sooner had antony shewed in his funerall oration the thirty three wounds wherewith caesar was deprived of life by his conspirators , and erected a temple to caesar , and sung a mournefull hymne in memory of caesar ; then trebonius and decimus , were the first that were dispatched , being of the conspiracie . cassius likewise was killed on his birth-day : who , some say , killed himselfe with the same dagger wherewith caesar was killed : yea , observe the misery of these assasinates , being so unhappy , as they could hardly find one so friendly , as to lend a hand to end their misery . for , cassius offered his throat to pindarus his page : brutus to strato , who denying to doe it , was answered by a servant ; votis tuis nec decrit amicus nec servus . the like revenge was inflicted on septimius , for betraying his master pompey . the like on the magi , for their treacherous attempts , after the death of cambyses . the like on bessus for his disloyalty towards darius . and to descend to later times , even within the bounds of our owne nation , what just revenge seconded those perfidious complices ; alectus for conspiring against his deare soveraigne carausius ; and that arch-traytor edrike , for his treacherous practices with canutus the dane , and breach of allegeance towards king edmond ? for seldome hath any state in any age beene so happy , as it hath not bred a catiline with a catulus , a cet●egus with a curtius , a sertorius with a soranus , a quadratus and quintianus with an aemilius and coriolanus . besides , you shall observe what justice and integrity appeared in the heathen , chastising such as would bee bribed or corrupted , though they were their enemies . so as mitbridates tooke manius acilius , one of the chiefest embassadors of the romans , and set him contemptuously upon an asse , till he was come to pergamo , where he put molten gold in his mouth ; reproving the romans for taking gifts . the like reward had tarp●ia , being corrupted by t. tatius to deliver the capitoll : for having betrayed the gates of the capitoll to the enemy , onely upon promise , that they should throw her the bracelets , which they wore on their left armes ; this they accordingly performed , throwing also their targets upon her , with which she was pressed to death . you shall likewise find there , what reverence the pagans shewed to their idolatrous temples ; and how carefull they were to observe their countrey rites , which they esteemed sacred , and what successe ever followed the enterprises of such as committed sacriledge . the very heathen observed , that after such times as the grecians once offered violence to the temple of pallas , that they lost all their hope , and never thrived after . lactantius reporteth of divers who were grievously punished for their impiety and profanenesse towards the gods ; as namely fulvius the censor , who for taking away certaine marmoreas tegulas out of the temple of iuno lacinia , was distraught of his wits . appius claudius for translating and conveying those sacred reliques which were before consecrated to hercules , within a while after lost the use of his eyes . dionysius , who made a jest of sacriledge , taking a golden cloake from iupiter olympius his image , a woollen cloake being put in stead thereof , saying , that a golden cloake was too heavie in summer , and too cold in winter , but a linsie-woolsie cloake was fit for both ; cutting off also aesculapius golden-beard , saying , it was no reason that the son should have a beard , and apollo his father have none ; and taking away certaine cups of gold which they held in their hands , saying , it was a great madnesse , to refuse them offered ; was for these driven into banishment . pyrrhus for robbing proserpina's treasury , suffered shipwrack not farre from the shore . zerxes , who sent foure hundred of his souldiers to delphos , to spoyle the temple of apollo , had them all destroyed , and burnt with thunder and lightning . marcus crassus , for taking a great masse of money out of the temple , which pompey would not meddle withall , perished there with his whole army . and here in albion , wee reade of brennus , who in his expedition to delphos , was by a sudden hurly-burly , or immoderate feare , through a noise heard in the bowels of the earth , ( raised indeed by the lamentable shrikings and howlings of the distracted druids and ministers of apollo ) despairing of further successe , perished with all his armie . whence may bee observed , how justly such were punished , who contemned the religion of their countrey , robbing their temples , and enriching themselves with the spoyle of their gods : who albeit they were idols and no gods , or rather divels and no idols , yet so ill was their successe in all their affaires afterwards , as they attributed the cause of their miserable ends to the contempt of their gods . but howsoever this may seeme erroneously ascribed , sure i am , that thus it may be rightly applied : that where god is dishonoured , his temple profaned , and religion contemned , nothing can be succesfully or prosperously concluded . it is wonderfull to note in such evill times , so good men , as wee shall every where meet with in the course of histories . an aristides for iustice , a celopidas for temperance , a numa for prudence , a trajan for patience , an african for continence ; all which in this cleanthes table , history , shew admirable vertues in a corrupt government . againe , reflect your eye on those whose love to their countrey deserves eternall memory ; and you will no lesse wonder at the greatnesse of their minds , then the happinesse of those realmes that enjoyed them . king darius upon a time , by chance opening a great pomegranat , and being demanded of what hee would wish to have as many as there were graines in that pomegranat ? answered in one word , of zopyrus's . now this zopyrus was a right noble and valiant knight , who to reduce babylon to the subjection of his lord and master , and defeat the traiterous assyrians , suffered his body to be rent and mangled , and being thus disfigured , fled straight-wayes to babylon , where the assyrians were intrenched : whom hee made beleeve that darius had misused him in this sort , because hee had spoken in their behalfe , counselling him to breake up his siege , and to remove his armie from assaulting their citie . they hearing this tale , and the rather induced to thinke it true , because they saw him so shamefully disfigured in his body , were perswaded to make him their chiefe captaine : by which meanes hee betrayed them all , and surrendred both them and their citie into his masters hands . the like wee reade of codrus prince of athens , who according to the counsell of the oracle , sacrificed his life willingly , to preserve the libertie of his countrey . the like did gobrias , who offered his body to slaughter , to free his countrey of a tyrannous traytor . yet observe withall , the ingratitude of former ages to men of best deservings ; which caused aeschines say , that though the citie of thebes and athens were full of naughty men , yet not so full of any sort as of ungratefull men . this felt hannibal , this felt asdrubal , this felt african ; while asdrubal within , must be accused by asdrubal without : and noble african , then whom none ever deserved better of his countrey , may begge a resting place for his bones , but must not have it . againe , it will not bee amisse to note the sundry occasions of warres , proceeding from the sundry dispositions of men . some strove for soveraignty ; others for preservation of their liberty : where , so eager was the one of gaining glory , the other of defending their liberty , they were many times brought to such straights , as there was more roome for beholders , then fighters ; many bearing armes , but could not use them . no lesse remarkable is it , to note what incredile exploits have beene atchieved by a handfull of men under a valiant leader : whereby a more particular survey had of their actions , wee shall find that observation of plutarch to be most true : better is an armie of harts , with a lion to their leader , then an armie of lions with a hart to their leader : an army being said to derive her strength from her selfe , but her spirit from her captaine . in a word , gentlemen , to observe the revolution of times , the mutation of states , the natures and dispositions of persons , the issues and events of things , would be an imployment of no lesse delight then profit ; conferring the ebbings and flowings of forraine estates with our owne . but to draw homeward , lest , like messala corvinus , by remembring the name of a stranger , we forget our owne : there is no history more usefull , or relation more needfull for any gentleman , then our owne moderne chronicles , where hee shall observe many notable passages worthy his reading : as first , how his countrey was first planted ; how by degrees it became peopled ; how to civility reduced ; how by wholesome lawes restrained ; and how by the providence of the almighty , in so calme and peaceable manner established . here hee shall see a good king , but a bad man ; there a good man , but a bad king. againe , here hee shall see the state more weakned by civill broiles , then forraine warres ; securitie being no lesse hurtfull at home , then hostility abroad . scipio used to have this sentence in his mouth ; that easie , favourable and affable captaines , were profitable to the enemie , which though they were beloved of their souldiers , yet they set little by them . this shall you see verified in the too much indulgencie of many of our captaines , through which lenitie they made many hopefull souldiers absolute cowards . againe , to note the raising of many obscure persons to great honour ; as likewise the pulling downe of many eminent houses and families , would enforce no lesse admiration in us of gods divine providence , then of his secret iustice , who pulleth downe , and setteth up , as seemeth best to his wisdome . to observe likewise , in the corruption of blood , what noble families have beene tainted , which by the princes clemencie were againe restored . what dangerous attempts and practices have beene undertaken , not onely to shake , but supplant the glorious frame of this iland ; labouring to divide and remove all succession to this crowne , from the royall line of our princes , and to invest forraine princes therewith : where an english king was summoned to the french kings court , while normandie was yeelded by us , the welsh invaded us , lewis with a speedy arrivall accosted us , and iohn himselfe was forced to leave us . nay , which was more , one of the nurseries of our iland was displanted ; for at that time was oxford of her students forsaken and abandoned , ( which before , for the space of three hundred and nine yeares , had successefully flourished ) so as not onely the state , but learning , the sterne of state , became much weakned . yet observe , how happily this storme was calmed , when it was least expected ; for by the vicount of mellin his confession , lying then upon his death-bed , was the whole practice of the french , by a french-man discovered ; which was no lesse happily afterwards prevented . for king iohn , being to repentace moved , tooke an oath before his barons that all things should be reformed , which the barons likewise seconded with an oath to confirme his proceedings . so iohn was absolved , and that crowne which he had before resigned , he forthwith resumed ; being in this made more happy , in that being once so unhappy , hee came to defeat his foes , make sufficient triall of his friends , and recover that by submission , which hee had lost by his pride . againe , if wee should but reade , and reading consider , how peacefull the government , how quiet the sleepes , how cheerefull the delights were of such as came by lawfull and lineall succession to the crowne ; and the heavie nights , troubled thoughts , broken sleepes , and many tedious houres which those were owners of , who came by usurpation to enjoy ( with little joy ) a princely diadem ; wee should of necessity conclude with pompey ; who being combred with his honour , exclaimed to see sylla's cruelty , being ignorant after what sort to behave himselfe in the dignity hee had , and cryed out ; o perill and danger never like to have an end ! for to use one example for all ; who should but consider the practices which richard the third used to get a crowne , planting his kingdome on an indirect foundation , blood , and those many strange passages and overtures which happened in his reigne , with those fearefull visions which appeared to him before his death , would certainely set downe this for his rest ; that it is not what wee have without us , but what we have within us that procures us peace or disquiet . whence polydore virgil upon that terrible dreame of richard the third , the night before bosworth field , in which hee was s●aine , useth these words ; i doe not beleeve that these were the ghosts of men that did affright him , but the guilt of a troubled conscience that did torment him . certainely , discourses of this nature cannot chuse but minister profit with delight , and enable you that are gentlemen to entertaine the time with much content to them that heare you . for in this treasury or store-house of history , you shall find better meanes , then all the helpes of discourse which our weake pamphleters can publish , to enable you for discourse in all companies . for to restraine or tye your selves to a set forme of discourse , as if you were to doe nothing without rules , were too pedanticall : besides , you should be sometimes so scantled , for want of subjects , that unlesse the subject whereof you are to discourse fall happily within your owne element , your ship for want of sea-roome would runne a-ground . whereas history ( the sweetest recreation of the mind ) will afford variety , ( being not curtaild by epitome's , which are the moths of history ) both for table-talke to delight , and discourse of more serious consequence . which in my opinion would better seeme a gentleman , then to entertaine time in nothing but the cry of dogs , or flight of hawks ; which , as they are gentlemanly pleasures , and worthily approved ( as i formerly noted ) so are they to be used but onely as pleasures and recreations : of which to speake sparingly were much better , then onely to discourse of them , as if our whole reading were in them . neither doe i speake this without just cause ; for i have noted this fault in many of our younger brood of gentry ; who , either for want of education in learning , or their owne neglect of learning , have no sooner attained to the strength of making their fist a pearch for a hawke , but by the helpe of some bookes of faulconry , whereby they are instructed in the words of art , the will runne division upon discourse of this pleasure : whereas , if at any time they be interrupted by occasion of some other conference , these high-flyers are presently to be mewed up , for they are taken from their element . wherefore , gentlemen , let me advise you in a word , so to entertaine time in recreation , as the pleasure you take therein , draw not your minds from more serious and usefull employments . i have proposed to you , and made choice for you , of some recreations which may no lesse delight and benefit your minds , then these other active delights doe your bodies ; use them , and you shall find such pleasure in them , as you may perceive profit and pleasure so equally mixed , as if at first intended to make your delight perfect . and so i come to the last branch , shewing how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in them . as one said of love , that it should bee a toy and no toyle ; so say i of recreation ; the spirits should be cheered by it , not drowned in it ; refreshed , not depressed . i doe not like of this eagernesse after pleasure ; for it argues too much sensuality : the minde should be so tempred , as it may shew an indifferencie to the use of pleasure . which i have surely found , as a maine errour in most part of young gentlemen ; whose eager appetite so unmeasurably pursuing the quest of pleasure , cannot conteine it selfe from expressing outwardly , the love it conceives to such a pleasure inwardly . so as i have observed some intraunced ( as it were ) with joy in the chace of hare , or the flight of hawke ; which in my opinion argued much lightnesse : for no sooner was their pleasure at a stay or default , then all their former delight was turned to a contrary passion . i commend therefore his resolution who said ; hee was never so over-joyed with pleasure , but he thought it good to allay that surpassing joy , with the remembrance of the end of that pleasure . it is an excellent thing to moderate our joyes , by considering the shortnesse of them : and to allay the height of them , by observing what breaches or intermissions are incident to them . wherefore above all it becommeth a gentleman to be circumspect in this kinde , for even by his outward carriage may his weakenesse be discovered . sure i am there is nothing that tasteth more of true wisedome , then to temper our desires in effects of joy ▪ so as i cannot sufficiently wonder , how chylo being accounted one of the seven sages of greece , should be so overtaken with joy , as to die with excesse thereof . the like wee reade of argia the prophetesse , who being carried in a chariot of gold to the temple by her two sons , whereat shee conceived no lesse joy than if her two sonnes had beene invested with the title of emperours , through excessive joy immediately died . but these passions rather become women then men , who should bee themselves still , but especially when they feele any such conceit undermining them . it is written of polycrates , that meditating one day with himselfe , how hee had never any thing which crossed him all his life , but enjoyed all successe both at home and abroad , so as he became fearefull to his foes , and powerfull to his friends , resolved to try how he might crosse his good fortune , by a voluntary incurring of losing that he did exceedingly love . wherefore one day hee went unto the sea-side , where taking off a ring which he did especially tender , he threw it into the sea , intending thereby to crosse himselfe , whom fortune would not : but see how policrates was crossed in his crosses : for not long after a fisherman came and presented him the ring hee had lost , having found it in the belly of a fish ; which did not a little trouble the prince , saying ; i perceive the gods owe me a displeasure , which they will doe when i least expect it , and make me so much the more unfortunate , in that i never knew what misfortune meant . which he afterwards found true , being deprived both of crowne and dignitie . certainly , there is no meanes better to attemper and allay ones joy conceived in the pursuit of any pleasure , then to crosse himselfe in the quest thereof : for this tasteth of true manhood , when one can master his affections , and stay himselfe in that he loves . neither is this hard to doe being once assayed ; for wee shall finde more true content in the moderation of our pleasure , then in the pleasure it selfe . i have heard of some young gentlemen , who purposely crossing themselves in some one pleasure or recreation which they loved , and betaking themselves to their chamber , apprehended such a deepe impression of the fruition of their pleasure , as they visibly ( as it were ) enjoyed that pleasure in their chamber which others enjoyed in the field . that conceit is strong i will not deny ; but that it should worke so strange and strong an effect , i am doubtfull ; yet whosoe're they be ( if any such there bee ) sure i am , they may well crosse themselves in pleasures abroad ; having such pleasant conceits within themselves . now , as i would have young gentlemen to use moderation in the exercise it selfe ; so would i have them observe like moderation in their expence or charge requisite for that exercise or pleasure . it is deare bought pleasure that makes the posterity beggers . nero was taxed for his prodigalitie , because he would have his fishing-rods of gold , and his nets of purest silke ; vitellius for his embroderie , as well as his epicurisme ; lucullus for his gardens ; antoninus for his bathes ; caracalla for his robes ; commodus for prodigall expence in all recreations . now what madnesse is it to bestow that to delight mee , which i may wish one day i had to sustaine mee ? to bestow that on my pleasure , which i may chance need to releeve nature ? wee have heard of one within this citie , who like a prodigall heire to his fathers thriving providence , bestowed an incredible masse of money to satisfie his five senses : but sure i thinke he was distraught of his senses , and therefore quickly satisfied . it is no pleasure but a brutish affection , which gives it selfe so over to delight it selfe , as rather then it will be restrained or moderated , will engage credit , state and all to have her desires fulfilled . likewise in games at cards , dice , chesse , or such houre-beguiling recreatious , i would not have our gentlemen to play for that which may occasion in them the least base or unworthy feare . you shall see some of these peasantly gamesters , who partly for desire of winning , or else for feare of loosing , shew a perpetuall palsey in their joynts ; so full of troubled thoughts they are , or passionate feares , which apparantly discover a basenesse of disposition in them , whom either hope of gaine or feare of losse can drive to such extreames . i would have you therefore so to bestow your selves in these , as they may never force a change of colour in you : for there is nothing that may derogate more from the native character of a gentleman , then to expresse the least semblance of feare , for the losse of ought that hee shall play . neither is it any lesse touch to a gentleman , whose affections should be so composed as they may expresse his nature , without any other character , to fall into passion for ought that hee shall lose . albeit i have heard of one , who ( much subject to this imperfection ) chanced to be reproved by his friend , who in friendly and familiar sort wished him either to learne more patience in gaming , or else to surcease from game . what ( quoth hee to his friend ) dost thou thinke i am a stocke or stone , that i should have no sense of my losse ? surely i thinke there is no man that knowes how he comes by his money , but will bee moved for the losse of it . but i approve not of his maxime : you shall see an old gamester beare all crosse chances with an equall and undejected spirit , whereas our young gamesters ( for passion is most incident to novices ) upon a crosse throw , pull their haire , teare the cards , stampe and fret like gumm'd grogram : so far they are from patience for want of experience . their younger and unmellowed yeeres never felt the crosses of a gamester , and therefore can hardly digest them when they come . this the philosopher seemes to confirme , saying ; nothing can be violent , being once habituate , for use or custome as it makes perfectnesse , so it begets a composednesse of mind , to endure with patience whatsoever the extremity of fortune may inflict . but now in my discourse of passion , which makes men so much forget themselves as they will , rather then want a fit subject to revenge their ill fortunes on , minister occasion of offence to their dearest friends ; there is one thing which i would have our young gentlemen to take heed of , and that is , in their heate and height of passion to forsweare gaming at all , or with such an one , because they had never fortune to be savers at his hands ; yet as men carelesse of what they sweare , without respect to what they formerly protested , presently fall to game againe with the selfe-same company which they had so lately abjured . a dolefull and wofull example we had of this , within these few yeares , of one , whose more eminent parts interested him greatly in his countries hope ; yet having dipt his hand in blood , was , according to iustice and equity adjudged to die , which was afterwards accordingly executed . this gentleman , whose education had beene ever with the best , and in the most frequented places , used much gaming , at which hee had generally ill fortune ; so as feeling the smart of it , he resolved , binding his resolution with a solemne protestation , that if ever he gamed againe , he might be hanged : which imprecation was so usuall with him , as nothing more frequent . but see this gentlemans miserable end ! within few yeares after , hee suffered in himselfe what he had so often wished for himselfe . take example hence , you , i say , who are so prodigall in oathes , vowing , protesting and swearing , in your heat of passion , what you are no lesse apt to forget having cooled your passion : for though you little feare the effecting of that which you wish to your selves , yet time may come when you would wish you had not used those imprecations upon your selves . there is another thing likewise which i could wish young gentlemen to bee mindefull of , and it is to make distinction of times for their recreations : for as all times are not for all pleasures , no more are pleasures for all times . wee are therefore to reserve so much time for our more serious affaires , as not to give way to pleasure or delight , and so neglect what wee should principally intend . no expence is more precious then the expence of time ; which is rather imployed then wasted , when bestowed to the good and benefit of the imployer . so as , even in matters of pleasure or recreation , i could wish you to betake you to those games which may best benefit your understanding ; as in games at cards , the maw requires a quicke conceit or present pregnancy ; the gleeke ( because of variety ) requires a retentive memory ; the cribbage a recollected fancy ; the pinache quick and vn-enforced dexterity . these are good exercises of the minde , and such , as being made recreations onely , and no tricks to circumvent , may afford some helpe or benefit to the gamesters understanding . now therefore , doe not ( theotimus-like ) preferre lust before your eyes ; preferre not any profit you are to reape by gaming , before the inward benefit which you may reape by conceiving . it is a mercenary trade to frequent gaming houses for gaine , to alter the property of a recreation , and make that an anguish , which should be a solace ; a torture , which should bee a pleasure . for what pleasure can that gamester enjoy by play , whose heart is surprized with hope , feare , passion , despaire , and a thousand perturbations , which , like tiberius vision , are ever startling him ? surely , if there be any pleasure in these recreations , those onely enjoy it , whose mindes are neither cast downe with the feare of losse , nor over-joyed with the hope of gaine ; making this use of all adverse or crosse fortune : how miserable is that man , whose highest hopes rely on so light a mistresse ? how simple hee , whose conceit is grounded on the constancy of fortune , who is onely constant in inconstancle ? how pitifully pitilesse is his case , who puts finger in the eye , because he hath felt her frowne ? how forlorne is his hope , who having had experience of the extreamest affronts of fortune , is ever giving himselfe occasion of new sorrowing ? but contrariwise , how truly happy is he , who makes use of fortunes braves , and receives what chance soever comes , with a cheerefull brow ? how truely blessed hee , who cares as little for the insults of misfortune , as he prizeth all momentary successe which so blind a goddesse can afford him ? there is no griefe more base or unworthy , then that which taketh beginning from losse in game : for why will we make a voluntary hazard to procure us sorrow ? why should any one imagine himselfe to bee more dearely tendred by fortune then another ? if you play square , without intendment of advantage , then expect no more then another may looke for , being equally interested in the share of fortune . for in these recreations , as it is mercenary gaine which is got by game ; so it is an indiscreet griefe to sorrow in losse , or reioyce in gaine . recreations are not to be used as men use trades ; these are to maintaine us ; the other to refresh us . so as they greatly pervert the use of pleasure , which make it a daily taske , as many of our english gentlemen doe ; who , made heires of their fathers providence , esteeme it the onely generous qualitie , to make use of their fathers coine , without respect to his care. these are they who blemish their descent , and detract from the glory of their house , consuming the sun-shine of their dayes in works of darknes . i have read a conceited treatise composed by an italian , entituled a supplication to candle-light : discovering the abuses committed and curtained by the silence and secret shade of night . where it might be demanded , as god in esay did aske the divell our subtill watch-man , custos quid de nocte ? and there hee shewes how a great office is not so gainefull , as the principall-ship of a college of curtizans . for no merchant in riches may compare with these merchants of maiden-heads , if their female inmates were not so fleeting and uncertaine . too many , i feare me , there be of these licentious gamesters , who make sinne a recreation , wantoning in the lap of impudence , exposing their estate and name to a miserable hazard : whose youth , as it addes fuell to desire ; so age , the truest register of the follies of youth , will besprinkle those desires with the bitter teares of repentance : grieving to have committed , what may hardly be redeemed . for hee that surceaseth but then from sin when hee can sinne no more , forsaketh not his sinnes , but his sinnes forsake him . it is one thing to fall into light sinnes , through occasion onely , or humane frailty : and another thing to fall through affected negligence and security . farre be the latter from you , gentlemen , whose aymes ought to be so much the more glorious , as your descents are noble and generous . though humane frailty move you to offend , labour to redeeme that time wherein you did offend , by vying sinnes with sighes , those ungodly tares with uncessant teares ; for if you will live when you be dead , you must die to sinne while you be alive . and for as much as pardon cannot be procured , but where repentance is renewed : as wee are omnium notarum pe●catores , so should we be omnium horarum poenitentes ; as every houre sinning , so every houre sighing ; as every houre committing , so every houre bringing forth fruits of remission . thus , like hismenias the thebane , who would shew musicians of all sorts , to imitate the best , and reject the worst ; have i proposed and set downe recreations of all sorts , making choice withall of such especiall and select ones , as best sort with the quality of a gentleman ; concluding how , and after what manner he is to bestow himselfe in them . neither have i taxed any particular recreation , provided that it transgresse not the bounds of modesty , but admitted it as indifferent for the use of a gentleman . yea , such recreations as may seeme to undergoe the censure of lightnesse , have i not only not reproved , but worthily approved , being with decencie used . whereupon gregory saith , i admire king david a great deale more , when i see him in the quire , then when i see him in the campe : when i see him singing as the sweet singer of israel , then when i see him fighting as the worthy warrior of israel : when i see him leaping , then when i see him weeping : when i see him dancing before the arke , then when i see him drawing forth his armie to the field . when david fought with others , hee overcame others , hee wounded others , hee made others sicke : but when hee danced before the arke , and delighted himselfe , hee was overcome himselfe , hee was wounded himselfe , hee was sicke himselfe . but this sicknesse did rather affect him , then afflict him ; joy him , then annoy him . i will play still ( sayes hee ) that others may still play upon mee . for it is a good sport when god is delighted , though michol be displeased . whence you see , that it is not the recreation , but the circumstance tending to that recreation , which for most part giveth occasion of offence ; as the time when gods sabbath is not to be dishonoured , nor our serious occasions intermitted ; the place where the holy ground is not by the feet of lightnesse to be profaned , nor places where iustice is administred , to the exercise of such delights inured ; the persons who , wee must take such heed lest the weakest of our brethren bee scandaled , or offence to any by our sports occasioned . doing thus , wee shall glorifie god , not onely in this life , but in that best and blest life which is to come ; if wee fall not backe into the same sinnes , but bid a long fare-well to the illusions of the divell ; if with diligent attention to the word of god , earnest desire of conversion , and continuall confession of our sinnes , wee procure the carefull eye of the almighty to watch over us . for it sufficeth him in his great mercy that wee surcease from sinne , whereby we shall be more easily moved to the practice of all good workes . wherefore to conclude this observance with that exhortation of golden-mouthed chrysostome , to the end wee may render more honour to his sabbath : let not any one hence-forth be seene trying masteries on horse-backe , nor spending any part of the day in unlawfull meetings ; let not any one hence-forth consort himselfe in games at cards or dice , or the tumultuous noise which ariseth from thence . for i pray you answer me ( saith hee ) what profit is there in fasting , if all the day eating nothing , you game , sport , sweare and forsweare , and so spend the day in worse then nothing ? let us not , i beseech you , be so negligent in that weighty affaire of our salvation , but rather let our communication be of spirituall things . and let every one take in his hand a godly booke , and calling his neighbours together , water both is owne understanding and theirs who are assembled , with heavenly instructions , that so wee may avoid the deceits of the divell . performing this , gentlemen , your recreations shall be healthfull to your selves , helpfull to your countrey , delightfull to the vertuous , and beseeming men of your ranke , nobly generous . the english gentlman . argument . of acquaintance ; of the choice of acquaintance ; of constancy in the choice of acquaintance ; of reservancy towards acquaintance ; of the absolute end of acquaintance . acqvaintance . the comfort of an active life consists in society , as the content of a contemplative consists in privacie . intermission of action in the former , is a kind of death ; intention to devotion in the latter , is a pleasant life . for solitary places are the best for prayer ; but publike for practice . we read that christ went out into a solitary place , and there prayed : but he entred into the synagogue , and there preached ; that such libertines as were there trained might bee reclaimed . and wisedome cryeth without , and uttereth her voice in the streets , that her words might be practised . as there is no publike state which can subsist without commerce , trafficke , and mutuall society ; so there is no creature living , whose life would not be tedious , being debarred from all use of company . there are two birds which are noted both in divine and humane writ , to be lovers of solitarinesse ; the owle in the desart , and the pelicane in the wildernesse : which two , among divers other birds , were accounted uncleane , and therefore were not to be eaten by the iewes . as retirednesse from occasions abroad , makes us more serious in occasions at home : so this privacie or solitarinesse makes the memory more retentive in affaires usefull to our selves , but withdrawes our hand from affording helpe or assistance to others . but life should be communicative ; not only intending it selfe ; but labouring wherein it may doe good to any . for whereas saint bernard saith , that the a affinity is neere betweene the dwellers in a cell and in heaven : it is to bee understood , that such whose mortified affections , and regenerate , will have concluded all b worldly honours to be worldly tumours ; and all c secular honour to be the devils trafficke , have stepped neere unto heaven . neither are wee to conclude thence , that such who have to deale in the world , by commerce at home and abroad , are excluded from this affinity . for there are many ( as wee are to be charitably perswaded ) who live in the world , and have to doe with the world , yet are not of the world ; that is , are not so affected to the world , as they could not find in their hearts to forgoe all things they have in the world , for the love of him that created the world . yea , who would not say , and with much comfort affirme , wee will seeke one good wherein consisteth all good , and that sufficeth , wee will seeke one joy wherein consisteth all joy , and this onely joyes us . it is * grace and not the place , which saveth the soule . for , as there may bee a wolfe in sheeps cloathing , so there may bee a worldly mind in a hermits dwelling . mans security is the divels opportunity , which may bee found in the wildernesse as well as in the world , neither is the one place lesse subject to temptation then the other . the wildernesse is secret , yet christ was tempted in it . the night is silent , yet doth that princely prophet warne us , to lift up our hands in the night watches of temptation . for the life of man , as it is a continuall temptation , so is there neither time , place , sexe nor condition exempted from temptation . the monks cell and the monarchs court are equally subject to it . this , devout bernard seemes to confirme in his description of such as professed a monastick life , saying ; they were large promisers , but slow performers ; faire tongued flatterers , but snarling back-biters ; simple-seeming dissemblers , but malicious betrayers . againe , wee ( saith hee ) receive all in our monasteries , in hope to better them , whereas in the court it is more usuall to receive such as are good , then to make them good : for wee have found by experience , that more good men have decreased then profited in it . hence wee may conclude this point , that no place is priviledged from temptation , neither cell nor court ▪ but those places are , and have beene ever most subject to danger , where men were left to themselves to enter lists with temptation : which proceedeth either from the naturall frailty of man , in that hee falleth from best to worst ; or his want of judgement to discerne best from worst : whence the poet most divinely concludeth , when want of judgement reignes in humane brest , the best is ta'ne for worst , the worst for best . god in his sacred wisdome having created man , thought it not good that hee should be alone ; and therefore made him an helpe meet for him . it was an excellent saying of that sage cynicke , who seeing a young man all alone by himselfe , and demanding of him what hee was doing , i am talking ( quoth the young man ) with my selfe ; take heed ( saith he ) thou talke not with thine enemy . for howsoever cato might say , in respect of the inward delight he tooke in contemplation , i am never lesse alone , then when alone ; wee shall find this true , that man is never more ready to give way to temptation , then when hee is alone . how needfull then is acquaintance , being indeed the life of the living ; the particular benefits whereof extend to discourse , advice , and action ? it is experience hath begot wisdome , and memory as a mother , hath brought it forth . now , what experience could wee gaine , if we should onely be left to our selves , and have none to helpe us in treaties or matters of conference ? it is said of demosthenes , that hee recovered his speech only by direction ; long would it be ere wee attained to any perfection of speech , either in manner or matter , if we wanted these usuall helpes of conference , which enable us when , where and how we should speake . for as the satyre was affraid at the first sight of fire ; or that captaine , who looking himselfe in a glasse when hee was angry , was affrighted with his owne countenance ; so should we , having never consorted or conversed with men , stand amazed when wee approached their company . for what is it that ministers boldnesse and audacity to men , save their usuall frequenting of assemblies ? or what is it , that so much benefits their knowledge , but their acquaintance with such who are professants of knowledge ? plutarch reporteth , that plato came forth of asia into cilicia , for no other cause but onely to see his deare friend phocion the philosopher . see here the love of good men one to another ; for amongst evill men can be no true friendship . for it is the aime of acquaintance that makes it good or evill ; as to insinuate ones selfe into acquaintance for their owne ends , to wit , to profit by it , or worke on others weaknesse , this is acquaintance for machiavels schollers , whose principall aime is to undermine ; and under pretence of amity , shroud their villany . these hold concurrency with frier clement , ravilliae , iaurequy , baltazar gerard. they have an open gate , but a shut countenance ; or if an open countenance , a close shut heart . aristotle saith , that friendship is one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies , whereas these men , whose acquaintance hath relation to their owne peculiar ends , have a heart and a heart ; a heart outwardly professing , and a heart secretly practising ; a heart outward , and a heart inward ; outwardly pretending , and inwardly plotting . these are no acquaintance for you , gentlemen ; their hearts are too farre from their mouthes ; learning to prosper by others errours . yea , by often conversing and practising with others , no lesse cunning then themselves , they have so farre prevailed , as they are not onely able to match them , but out-strip them : serpens nisi serpentem comederit , non fit draco : these are they who hatch the cockatrice egges ; come not therefore neere them , for the poyson of aspes is under their lips. yea , they sucke the gall of aspes , and the vipers tongue shall slay them . yet , to leave you alone without company , would make your life as much loathed , as choice of acquaintance makes you love it . he is a weak prince that enjoyes an empire without people ; and no lesse desolate or disconsolate in his state ; who wants not for meanes , yet wants a friend to whom hee may impart his mind . lend me your hands therefore ( gentlemen ) and i will direct you in a way how to make choice of acquaintance in matters of advice , which is the second benefit redounding from the use of acquaintance . if a man ( saith seneca ) find his friend sad and so leave him ; sicke without ministring any comfort to him ; and poore without releeving him ▪ wee may thinke such an one goeth to jest rather then visit or comfort . whence we may observe the office or condition of a friend , who , if his friend be sicke , hee will visit him ; if ●ad , hee will cheare him ; if poore , hee will releeve him ; if afflicted in mind , hee will comfort him ; otherwise his friendship is but dissembling , his visiting him a meere mocking of him . iob called his friends miserable comforters , because their discourses were rather afflictions then comforts , their counsels rather corasives then cordials , their exhortations rather scourgings and scoffings , then soule-solacing refreshings . these doe not advise friends , but despise them ; miserable are such comforters . wherefore i may well distinguish acquaintance into two sorts ; the one halcion-like , come to us in a storme ; the other swallow-like , draw neere us in a calme . the former sort observe perianders precept , shew thy selfe still the same , whether thy friend be in prosperity or adversity : but the latter observe that sentence of optatus , all for the time , but nothing for the truth . all acquaintance may be either compared to pitch staining , or to balme curing . hee that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith , saith the sonne of sirach ; such is the nature of much acquaintance , especially in these latter dayes , where vanity is more affected , then the practice of vertue , which should bee onely loved . where many returne worse then when they went forth , confirming that sentence , sanabimur , si separ●mur à coetu . but balme , it refresheth , cheereth , and cureth ; such is that acquaintance , whose conceits are delightfull , discourse cheereful , and instructions fruitfull . these , if we be at any time doubtfull , will advise us ; if in necessity , will releeve us ; if in any affliction , either outward or inward , will beare a part with us , to allay griefe in us . a little stybium is too much , such are the first ; a great quantity of styrax is too little , such are the last . a * iuniper-tree maketh the hottest coale , and the coolest shadow of any tree : the coale is so hot , that if it be rak't up in ashes of the same , it continueth unextinguished by the space of a whole yeare : so doth true friendship or faithfull acquaintance ; it affordeth the coolest shadow to refresh us , and the hottest coales , implying fervour of affection , being once kindled , to warme us . when poore andr●mache craved vlysses advice , what hee thought best to be done in behalfe of her young sonne astyanax ; conceale him , ( said hee ) this is the onely meanes to save him . this shewed his faithfulnesse in advising , albeit her countries foe ; for otherwise hee would have perswaded her to submit her selfe and him to the hand of the mercilesse souldier ; or reape a benefit by their bondage , making them his owne captives : as it is in the fable of the crow , who comming to the eagle that had got a cockle , the fish wherof hee could not get out neither by force nor art , hee counselled him to mount up on high , and throw the cockle downe upon the stones , and so breake the shell : now all the while did the crafty crow stay below expecting the fall : the eagle throwes it downe , the shell is broken , the fish by the crow is taken , and the eagle deluded . many such counsellors there be , who advise not others for their good , but their own good . others there be , who make use of their friends or acquaintance meerely for their owne ends ; and rather then they will bee prevented of their aimes , they will expose the life and safety of their friend to imminent perill . and these resemble the fox , who seeing a chestnut in the fire , made use of the cats foot to take it out . but these are not those friends , whose advice is faithfull , as their friendship is firme and gratefull . their aimes are indirect , their advice tends to their owne benefit , their counsell tastes of profit , and their directions become as pitsals to their friends . those to whom i would have gentlemen knowne , are men of another ranke and quality , appearing like the canii , senecae , aruntii , and sorani ; whose admirable vertues were inimitable in so corrupt a government . neither would i have them to shake off these friendly monitors , if at any time their advice relish not halfe well to their palate ; but rather honour them for their vertuous sincerity , as epaminondas honoured lysias , agesilaus xenophon , scipio penetius , alcibiades socrates , achilles phoenix , sent him by his father peleus . for such as will not endure a friendly reproofe , i would have their acquaintance doe with them as plato did with dionysius , who perceiving him to be incorrigible , left him . the rebukes of a friend are better then the kisses of an enemy ; for the one , though at first displeasing , tend ( if rightly used ) to his conversion ; but the other , though pleasing , tend ( if not prevented ) to his confusion . had alexander understood this aright , hee would have preferred the faithfull advice of his affectionate clitus before all his conquests ; for by his instruction might hee , have learned humility , which lesson had beene worth his worlds monarchie . had nero , that president of tyrants , or monster of men , given eare to the wise advice of his loyall and learned seneca , he might have found a subject to love him , a scholler to live with him , a souldier to fight for him , and a mother to blesse him . for surely , as of all possessions friendship is most precious ; being suted with vertue , without which there is no true friendship ; so are wee to value the life of our friend , as the crowne of our glory . for tell me , are you sad ? your friends conceit , as a soveraigne receit , will cheere you . are you disposed to be merry ? mirth alone , is a single consort , your friend will partake with you . would you have one to passe the tedious night away , in telling tales , or holding you with talke ? your friend will invent a thousand pastimes to cheere you , and make the night seeme lesse tedious unto you . is the burden of your griefes too heavy to beare ? you have a friend to share with you in your burden . in briefe , want you comfort ? hee will supply it ; want you meanes to releeve your wants ? hee will afford it ; want you counsell ? hee will impart it ; want you all that man can want ? you want not a friend who will supply your wants with his want . and so i descend from the benefit redounding from advice , to the third and last , which is the profit or benefit which redounds from one friend to another in every peculiar action , exercise , or recreation . cicero , the glory of rome , and flower of orators , exemplifying the prowesse of themistocles and epaminondas , useth these words ; the sea shall sooner overwhelme the isle it selfe of salamine , then it shall drench the remembrance of the salamine triumph : and the towne of leuctra in boeotia shall sooner be razed , then the remembrance of the field there fought , forgotten . but howsoever these monuments may be razed or defaced by continuance of time , sure i am that the love which they shewed to their friends , even to the apparent danger of their owne lives , shall eternize their memory . pelopidas a noble grecian , skirmishing with the lacedemonians against the arcadians , untill such time as being hurt in seven places , hee fell downe at last for dead : then presently epaminondas , out of a princely resolution and noble affection to his distressed friend , stepping forth bestrid him , and fought to defend his body , hee alone against many ; till being sore cut on his arme with a sword , and thrust into the brest with a pike , hee was even ready to give over . but at that very instant , agesipolis king of the lacedemonians came with the other point of the battell in a hapyy houre , and saved both their lives when they were past all hope . here see apparent arguments of true love , mixed with a noble and heroick temper : for friends , are to be tryed in extremities , either in matters of state or life : in state , by releeving their wants ; in life , by engaging themselves to all extremes , rather then they will suffer their friend to perish . these are they who will latch the blow of affliction laid upon their friends , with the buckler of affection ; preferring death before their friends disgrace . marcus servilius a valiant roman , who had fought three and twenty combats of life and death in his owne person , and had alwayes slaine as many of his enemies as challenged him man to man ; when as the people of rome resisted paulus aemilius triumph , stood up and made an oration in his behalfe : in the midst whereof hee cast up his gowne , and shewed before them the infinite skars and cuts he had received upon his brest ; the sight of which so prevailed with the people , that they all agreed in one , and granted aemilius triumph . here observe the tender respect of one friend towards anothers honour : there is nothing unassayed , nothing unattempted , which may procure or further it . for this friendship or combination of minds , as there is nothing more precious , so there is nothing which doth comparably delight or solace the mind like unto it , being faithfully grounded . their discourse ( like some choice musicke ) delights our hearing ; their sight ( like some rare object ) contents our seeing ; their presence fully satisfies us in our touching ; their well-seasoned jests ( like some delicious banquet ) relish our tasting ; and their precepts ( like sweet flowers ) refresh our smelling . thus is every sense satisfied , by enjoying that which it loveth : as the senses wanting their proper objects , become uselesse ; so men , whether in prosperity or adversity wanting friends to relye on , are wretched and helpelesse : so as there is no greater wildernesse then to bee without true friends . for without friendship , society is but meeting ; acquaintance a formall or ceremoniall greeting . whereas it is friendship , when a man can say to himselfe , * i love this man without respect of utility : for ( as i formerly noted ) those are no friends but hirelings , who professe friendship onely to gaine by it . certainely , whosoever hath had the happinesse to enjoy a true and faithfull friend , to whom hee might freely impart the secrets of his brest , or open the cabinet of his counsels , hee ( i say ) and onely hee hath had the experience of so rare a benefit daily redounding from the use of friendship : where two hearts are so individually united , as neither from other can well be severed . and as it is certaine , that in bodies inanimate , union strengthneth any naturall motion , and weakneth any violent motion ; so amongst men , friendship multiplieth joyes , and divideth griefes . it multiplies joyes ; for it makes that joy communicative , which before was single ; it divideth griefes ; for it shares in them , and so makes them lesse . now perfection of friendship , is but speculation , if wee consider the many defects which are for most part subject to all worldly friendship : yea , and as the world increaseth in age , so it decreaseth most commonly in goodnesse : for in courts , are suits and actions of law ; in cities , tricks and devices to circumvent ; in the countrey , ingrossing and regrating , of purpose to oppresse . it is rare to see a faithfull damon or a pythias ; a pylades or orestes ; a bitias or a pandarus ; nisus or euryalus . and what may be the cause of this , but that the love of every one is so great to himselfe , as hee can find no corner in his heart to lodge his friend in ? in briefe , none can gaine friends , and make a saving bargaine of it , for now it is a rule commonly received , hee that to all will here be gratefull thought , must give , accept , demand , much , little , nought . so as it may seeme , it is not given to man to love and to be wise ; because the lover is ever blinded with affection towards his beloved ; so as , hee dis-esteemes honour , profit , yea life it selfe , so hee may gratifie his beloved . but my opinion is quite contrary ; for i hold this as a firme and undoubted maxime ; that hee who is not given to love , cannot be wise . for is hee wise , that reposeth such trust in his owne strength , as if hee stood in no need of friends ? is hee wise , who dependeth so much on his owne advice , as if all wit and wisedome were treasured in his braine ? is hee wise , who being sicke would not be visited ; poore , and would not bee succoured ; afflicted , and would not be comforted ; throwne downe , and would not be raised ? surely in the same case is hee , who fleights the purchase of a friend , preferring his owne profit before so inestimable a prize . there is none , whether hee be valiant , or a profest coward , but may stand in need of a friend in a corner . for be he valiant , hee stands in need of a friend to second him ; if a coward , hee needs one to support him : therefore , whosoever wanteth fortitude , whether it be in mind or body , let him embrace friendship ; for if his weaknesse proceed from the mind , hee shall find a choice receit in the brest of his friend , to strengthen and corroborate him , so as griefe may assaile or assault him , but it cannot dismay or amate him . againe , if his weaknesse proceed from the body , that weaknesse is supplied by the strength of his friend , who will be an eye to direct him , and a foot to sustaine him . telephus , when hee could find none amongst his friends to cure his wound , permitted his enemy to doe it : and hee who purposed to kill prometheus the thessalian , opened his impostume with his sword . if such effects have proceeded from enmity , what rare and incredible effects may be imagined to take their beginning from amity ? then which as nothing is stri●ter in respect of the bond , so nothing is more continuate in respect of the time : being so firme , as not to be dissolved ; so strict , as not to bee anulled ; so lasting , as never to be ended . neither is this benefit derived from friend to friend , onely restrained to matter of action or imployment ; but extendeth it selfe to exercises of pleasure and recreation . for tell me , what delight can any one reape in his pleasure ? wanting a friend to partake with him in his pleasure ? takes hee delight in hunting ? let him choose acquaintance that may suit him in it : not onely a hunter , but one whose conceit ( if occasion serve ) can reach further ; such an one i would have him as could make an embleme of the forrest where he raungeth , compose a sonnet on the objects which he seeth , and fit himselfe for ought hee undertaketh . of which ranke , was that merry epigrammatist , ( as it may be imagined ) who being taxed for wearing a horne , and could not wind it , made this replie ; my friend did taxe me seriously one morne , that i should weare , yet could not wind the horne : and i repli'd , that he for truth should finde it , many did weare the horne that nere could wind it : hows'ere of all , that man may weare it best , who makes claime to 't as his ancient crest . to intervene conceits or some pleasant jests in our recreations whether discursive or active , is no lesse delightfull then usefull : but these jests should bee so seasoned , as they may neither taste of lightnesse , nor too much saltness . iests festive are oft times offensive , they incline too much to levitie ; jests civill ( for into these two are all divided ) are better relishing , because mixed with more sobriety and discretion . catullus answer to philippus the atturney , was no lesse witty then bitter : for catullus and he being one day at high words together ; why barkest thou , quoth philippus ? because i see a theefe , answered catull●● . he shewed himselfe a quick anatomist , who branched man into three parts , saying , that man hath nothing but substance , soule , and body ; lawyers dispose of the substance , physicians of the body , and divines of the soule . present and pregnant was donato's answer to a young gentleman , who , beholding a brave company of amorous ladies and gentlewomen , meeting donato comming towards rome , as one admiring their number and feature , said , quot coelum stellas , tot habet tua roma puellas . by and by answered donato , pascua quot haedos , tot habet tua roma cinaedos phaedro being asked , why in the collects , where christian bishops , and pagans be prayed for , the cardinals were not remembred ? answered , they were included in that prayer , oremus pro haereticis et schismaticis . well requited was that young scholler , who giving his master this evening salute : domine magister , deus det tibi bonum serò ; was answered by his master : et tibi malum citò . witty but shrewd was that answer of a disputant in my time to his moderator in posterior : who demanding of him , what the cause should be , that he with whom he disputed , should have so great a head and so little wit ; replied , omne m●jus continet in se minus . a base minde was well displaid in that covetous man , who unwilling to sell his corne while it was at an high price , expecting ever when the market would rise higher ; when he saw it afterward fall , in despaire hanged himselfe upon a beame of his chamber ; which his man hearing , and making haste , cut the rope and preserved his life : afterwards , when he came to himselfe , hee would needes have his man to pay f●r the cord hee had cut . but i approve rather of such jests as are mixed with lesse extremes : pleasant was that answer of scipio nasica who going to ennius house in rome , and asking for ennius , ennius bade his maid tell him hee was not within . so ennius on a time comming to scipio's house , and asking whether hee was at hom● ? i am not at home , answered scipio : ennius wondering thereat ; doe i not know that voice ( quoth hee ) to be scipio's voice ? thou hast small civility in thee ( answered scipio ) that when i beleeved thy maid thou wert not at home , yet thou wilt not beleeve me . likewise to report a jest , is an argument of a quick wit , as leo emperour of bizantium answered one , who being crook-backt , jested at his bleared eies , saying , thou reproachest me with the defect of nature , and thou carriest nemesis upon thy shoulders . domitius reproaching crassus that he wept for a lamprey ; crassus answered , but thou hast buried three wives without one teare . alexander asking a pyrate , that was taken and brought before him , how he durst be so bold to infest the seas with his pyracy ? was answered with no lesse spirit , that he pl●ied the pyrate but with on ship , but his majesty with a huge navy : which saying so pleased alexander that hee pardoned him : reaping especiall delight in that similitude of action , by which was transported the current of the kings affection . other conceits there are more closely touched , covertly carried , and in silence uttered ; as that of bias , who , when an evill man asked him what goodnes was ? answered nothing : and being demanded the cause of his silence , i am silent , quoth he , because thou enquirest of that which nothing concerns thee . the same bias sailing on a time with some naughty men , by violence of a tempest , the ship wherin they were became so shaken & tossed with waves , as these naughty men began to call upon the gods ; hold your peace ( said bias ) lest these gods you cal upon , understand that you be here . but lest by dwelling too long upon jests , i forget the series of my discourse , i wil succinctly conclude this branch , with my judgment touching acquaintance in this kind . as i would have gentlemen to make choice of their acquaintance by their sound , so i would not have them all sound : musicke doth well with aires , but there is no musicke in that discourse which is all aire . my meaning is , i would not have these acquaintance which they make choice of , all words or flashes of wit : for i seldome see any of these who are so verball , much materiall ; or these who are all wit , but through height of a selfe-conceipt they fall to much weakenes . for these many times preferre their conceipt before the hearers appetite , and will not sticke to lose their friend rather then their jest ; which in my opinion is meere madnes : for he that values his jest above his friend , over-values his conceipt , and had need of few jests , or great store of friends . i have knowne some wits turne wittals ; by making themselves buffouns and stale jesters for all assemblies . which sort are fitter for gentlemen to make use of as occasion serves , then to entertaine them as bosome-acquaintance ▪ for as the benefit which redounds to one from another in action , exercise , and recreation , is mutually imparted ; so is the danger no lesse incident one to another , where the ends or uses are perverted . thus farre have wee proceeded in the discovery of those particular benefits which redound from discourse , advice , and action , by meanes of acquintance : being the cement which so firmely joyneth minds together as they may be encountred by extremes , but divided never . now for as much as the essential triall of acquaintance consists in matters of highest consequence , wee are now to addresse our selves to such a choice , as our choice may admit no change . the precept of that ancient sage is worth remembring , follow such friends as it may not shame thee to have chosen . certainly , there is no one argument to evince man of indiscretion , more holding then this ; that he makes no difference or distinction in the choice of his friends : in which respect no man can bee to warie or circumspect , because herein , for most part , consisteth his wel-fare or undoing . it were meet therefore that a gentleman made choice of such for his friends or acquaintance , as are neither timists nor timonists , fawners nor frowners . for the first sort , they are for all seasons , and all weathers ; so as they may be fitly compared to the hedge-hogge , who hath two holes in his fiedge ; one towards the south , another towards the north : now when the southerne wind blowes , hee stops up that hole , and turnes him northward ; when the north wind blowes , hee stops up that hole likewise , and turnes him againe southward . such vrchins are all temporizers : they turne as the winde blowes , and sute themselves for every occasion . these friends or acquaintance who follow not us but ours , will be seene in all liveries : princes have felt the inconveniency of them , and inferiour states have not beene free from them : but the highest states , generally , are most subject to these reteiners ; for princes by experience we have seene abused most where most their trust hath beene . now there are two kinds of princes ( saith comines ) ; the one are so cautelous and suspicious , as they are scarce to bee endured : for they are almost come to that passe , as they thinke themselves ever deluded and circumvented . such was dionysius the tyrant of syracusa , who grew so suspicious as he would not trust any barber to shave him , causing his own daughters to learne to shave . others there bee , who are so farre from harbouring suspicion , as being of a dull and lumpish wit , they scarce understand what is commodious for them , and what not . such was domitian , who cared more for catching of flies , then reteining of friends : being so farre from preventing danger , as he never fore-saw it till hee felt it . in these there is small constancy of mind ; for as they easily discontinue friendship , they as easily decline from hatred and embrace friendship . constantine the great , being a profest foe to all these timists , or temporizing sycophants , was wont to call them gnats and moths that pester a princes palace : so aspiring be their aimes , so base their meanes ; who like base beetles as they have begun , in every cowsheard nestle neare the sun. whence , as it may bee probably gathered , was that sentence derived , amici curiae , parasiti curiae ; fawning rather then friending , tendring onely love where they hope to receive gaine . th●se as they have ianus front , for they carry two faces under one hood : so have they s●m●ns heart professing love , but practising hate : of which sort the ever-living homer thus concludeth : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . there 's nought on earth i more detest , then sugred breath in serpents brest . whence it was that the great spi●ited byron , who shewed more passion then resolution at his death , howsoever during all his time none was ever held for a more brave or noble souldier ; perceiving his trust ( as he collected ) betrayed by la fin , with whom he had conspired , and by whom his practice was disclosed , he confessed that la fin had bewitched him , exhorting his hoast to be warie of him , le●● he should delude and circumvent him with his impostures . for certainly , as more expresly appeared , not only at the time of his execution , but in all the passages of his practice , as hee had reposed great trust in la fin , in the whole management of that busines ; so having seen his trust weakned , and those many protestations of amity infringed , ( though in practises of that nature there can be no true league of friendship ) it moved him no lesse to impatience , then the discovery of his teason . but these fawning friends or timists which wee have now in quest , as they are onely for the present time , so will they undertake many times the most enormous and indirect course , to raise their hopes , that can bee devised . when the rash aspiring catiline had promised to divulge those new tables , wherein were contained the proscription of the rich , magistracies , priest-hoods , rapines , and all other insolencies , which either the shocke of warre , or will of the conquerour gives way to : hee had followers enow upon the instant to second him in his hatefull courses ; being such as either his youth had made him acquainted with , or his dissolute course had consorted with : which unhappy followers made him , doubtlesse , more violent in his attempts , and lesse considerate in his directions . how needfull then is it , to prevent the occasion of so maine an inconvenience ? how expedient is it to avoid the frequent or society of such as will not sticke to be assistants in mischiefe ? how consequent a thing is it to weane ones selfe not onely from their familiarity and inward acquaintance , but even from so much as conversing with them or writing to them . themistocles was suspected to be knowne to pausanias treason , although most cleare of himselfe , because he wrote unto him . for as the nature of man is originally depraved , so by consorting with vicious men the arme of sinne becomes strengthned . the fuller ( as it is in the fable ) would by no meanes suffer the collier to dwell with him under one roofe , lest he should soile what he had rinsed . which fable hath a morall relation to the course of our life , and the nature of such as we usually confort with : for there is a traffique or commerce as well of manners as persons ; of vertues and vi●es , as other commodities . the babylonian had beene naturally said to bee arrogant , the theban passionate , the iew envious , the tyrian covetous , the 〈◊〉 rioter , the egyptian a sorcerer : neither did these nations keepe these vices to themselves , for they induced others likewise , to whom they had recourse and commerce , to be affected to the like : for the very egyptians had so bewitched caesar himselfe with their illusions , as hee gave great attention to them ; as alexander was delighted with the brachmanes . for vice is such an over-growing or wild spreading weed , as there is no soile wherein it likes not , no kinde of nature ( of what temper soever ) it invades not , and invading surprizeth not . to the body diseases are infectious , to the mind are vices no lesse obnoxious : for vices are the diseases of the minde , as infirmities breed distempers and diseases to the body . so as whether we observe the state of church or common-weale , we shall find vices to be of a nature no lesse spreading then diseases ; neither the state or symptome of the mind lesse endangered by the infusion of the one , then the body by the infection of the other . for as the state politicke is much weakned by the haunt of these vices , so is that mourning dove the church , many times afflicted to see her selfe torn with schismes and divisions : whereas * waspes make honey-combes , so marcionists make churches . how needfull then is it to divide our selves from the consorts of vice , without entertaining the least occasion that might induce us to give consent to her followers ? augustus wore ever about him , for preservative against thunder , a seales skinne , which plinie writes checketh lightning ; as tiberius wore alwayes about his necke a wreath of laurell . but let us carry about us that moli , or herbe of grace , whose precious juyce may repell the spels of so inchanting a syren . for as the vnicornes horne being dipt in water , cleares and purifies it , so shall this soveraigne receit cure all those maladies , which originally proceed from the poyson of vice . the mind so long as it is evill aff●cted , is miserably infected . for so many evils , so many divels , first tempting and tainting the soule with sinne , then tearing and tormenting her with the bitter sense of her guilt . saint basil saith , that passions rise up in a drunken man , like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side ; whatsoever that holy father saith of one vice , may be generally spoken of all : so as wee may truely conclude with that princely prophet ; they come about us like bees : though they have honey in their thighs , they have stings in their tailes , wounding our poore soules even unto death . requisite therefore is it to avoid the society of such whose lives are either touched or tainted with any especiall crime : these are dangerous patternes to imitate , yea , dangerous to consort with ; for , as the storke being taken in the company of the cranes , was to undergoe like punishment with them , although she had scarce ever consented to feed with them ; so be sure , if wee accompany them , we shall have a share of their shame , though not in their sinne . avoid the acquaintance of these heires of shame , whose affected liberty hath brought them to become slaves to all sensuality , and sure ere long to inherit misery . give no eare to the sycophant , whose sugred tongue and subtill traine are ever plotting your ruine ; hate the embraces of all insinuating sharkes , whose smoothnesse will worke on your weaknesse , and follow the poets advice ; avoide such friends as feigne and fawne on thee ; like scylla's rocke within sicilian sea. so dangerous are these sirenian friends , that , like the sicilian shelves , they menace shipwracke to the inconsiderate sailer . for these , as they professe love , and labour to purchase friends ; so their practices are but how to deceive and entrap those to whom they professe love . whence it is that salomon saith , a man that flattereth his neighbour , spreadeth a net for his steps . that is , hee that giveth eare to the flatterer , is in danger , as the bird is before the fowler . hee whistleth merrily , spreadeth his nets cunningly , and hunteth after his prey greedily . and let this suffice to be spoken for the timist , who professeth observance to his friend onely for his owne end . now , gentlemen , as i would not have you to entertaine time with fawns , so neither with frowns . the former , as they were too light , so the latter are too heavy : the one too supple , the other too surly . for these timonists ( for we have done with our timists ) as cicero said of galba's leaden and lumpish body , his wit had an ill lodging , are of too sullen and earthly a constitution . it is never fair weather with them , for they are ever louring , bearing a calender of ill weather in their brow . these for the most part are male-contents and affect nothing lesse then what is generally pleasing : appearing in the world naturalized demophons ; whose humour was to sweat still in the shadow , and shake in the sunne . so as , howsoever they seeme seated in another clime , for disposition they are like the antipodes unto us , opposing themselves directly against us in all our courses . they are of democritus mind , who said , that the truth of things lay hid in certaine deepe mines or caves ; and what are these but their owne braines ? for they imagine , there can be no truth , but what they professe . they proclaime defiance to the world , saying , thou miserable deluded world , thou embracest pleasure , wee restraine it : thou for pleasure doest all things , wee nothing . now who should not imagine these stoicks to be absolute men ? such as are rare to see on earth , in respect of their austerity of life , and singular command over their affections ? such as are divided ( as it were ) from the thought of any earthly busines , having their minds spheared in a higher orbe ? such as are so farre from intermedling in the world , as they dis-value him that intends himselfe to negotiate in the world ? such , as when they see a man given to pleasure , or some moderate recreation , whereby hee may be the better enabled for other imployments , sleight him as a spender of time , and one unfit for the society of men ? such , as say unto laughter , thou art mad ; and unto joy , what meanest thou ? such , as take up the words of that grave censor in the poet : tak'st thou delight to race those pathes , where worldlings walked have , which seldome doe refresh the mind , but often doe deceive ? yet behold , how many times these mens severity comes short of sinceritie ! they will lay heavy burdens on others shoulders , which they will be loath to touch with the tip of their finger . the taskes which they impose on others are insupportable , the pressures they lay on themselves very easie and tolerable . of this ranke was aglataidas , of whom that noble and faithfull historian comines writeth , saying : while he served in the campe hee was of a most harsh austere condition , doing many things perversly , and desiring rather to be feared then loved . such was this timon , from whose name wee entitle these frowning friends , who can hardly be true friends to any , being so opposite or repugnant to all , as they can scarcely hold concurrence with any . neither was this timon ( as plutarch reporteth of him ) onely harsh and uncivill towards men , but towards women also : so as going forth one day into his orchard , and finding a woman hanging upon a wild fig-tree : o god ( quoth he ) that all trees brought forth such fruit ! vnfit therefore was this timon for the acquaintance of man , who profest himselfe so mortall and irreconciliable an enemy to the sociablest and entirest acquaintance of man. so as , these timonists , are to be cashiered for two reasons ; first , for their owne harsh and rough condition ; secondly , for the unjust grounds of their opinion , which dissents so farre from society , as it disallowes of marriage , the ordinary meanes appointed to preserve society . so as , leaving them and their opinion , as already evinced , wee will descend to make choice of your neerest acquaintance , ( i meane ) the choice of your wife ; the first day of which solemnity promiseth either a succeeding iubile , or a continued scene of sorrow , where nought is sung but dolefull lachrymae . it was pleasantly spoken of him who said ; wives are young mens mistresses ; companions for middle age ; and old-mens nurses . the first sort , take as much content in wearing their mistresse favour , as winning it ; the second sort , in winning rather then wearing it ; the third neither in wearing nor winning it , but like children , to be cherished and cockered by it . the second sort are wee onely to speake of , where wives are to be made companions , and such entire ones , as they are bone of your bone , and flesh of your flesh . in the choice whereof , wee will propose such necessary cautions , as shall be no lesse usefull to your selves , if rightly observed , then motives of comfort , if duely and exactly considered . hee was reputed one of the wise men , that made answer to the question ; when a man should marry ? a young man not yet , an elder man not at all . of which opinion was arminius that ruler of carthage , whose harsh conceit of marriage proceeding either from personall disability , or some experience of womans levity , deserves small approbation . for had it beene arminius fortune to have matched with arminia , hee would doubtlesse , rather have fallen into admiration of so sacred a rite , then into distaste of it . for this noble lady being bidden to king cyrus wedding , went thither with her husband : at night when they were returned home , her husband asked of her , how shee liked the bride-groome , whether she thought him to bee a faire and beautifull prince or no ? truth ( saith she ) i know not : for all the while i was forth , i cast mine eyes upon none other , but upon thy selfe . or had calanus prevented hi●●o of his choice , hee would have fallen from his stoicall dreame to a nuptiall song ; for one of hiero●s enemies reproaching him with a stinking breath , hee went home and questioned his wife why she told him not thereof ; but what answer gave this continent lady ? surely ( said shee ) i thought all men had the same savour . or had claudian injoyed so inimitable a consort , as the no lesse beauteous then vertuous clara ; whose constant affection to her decrepit and diseased valdaure , in sh●wing most love when a loathsome bed might have ministred most dista●●e hath recommended her living memory to the succeeding annals of posterity . o● had timon attained the happinesse to joyn hands with theogena , wife to agathocles , hee had not inveighed so much against the state of marriage ; for this renowned lady shewed admirable constancy in her husbands greatest misery , showing her selfe most his owne , when hee was relinquisht and forsaken of his owne ; saying , that she was not given him to bee a sharer onely in his prosperity , but in what fortune so●ver should befall him . or had zenocrates enjoyed zenobia , hee would no lesse have admired his fortune , then beshrewed himselfe for depriving himselfe so long of so sweet a companion . for this princely lady , after the death of odonatus ( though a barbarian queene yet ) by her reading of both roman and greeke histories , so managed the state after the decease of her husband , as shee reteined those fierce and intractable people in her obedience ; being a woman no lesse absolute for learning , then discreet governing : for she abridged the alexandrian , and all the orientall histories , ( a taske of no lesse difficulty then utility ) whereby she attained the highest pitch of wisdome and authority . or had aristippus beene so happy as linked himselfe with artemisia , hee would have preferred so kind and constant a yoke-fellow before all exteriour contemplations : for this chaste and choice lady after the death of her beloved mansolus , thought it not sufficient to erect a glorious monument in his memory , but to enshrine him in her owne body , by drinking his ashes , and interring him in her selfe . many such eminent women may wee reade of in histories both divine and humane , whose vertues have equalled , if not surpassed most men . so as , howsoever it was the milesian thales his saying , that hee had cause to give fortune thankes for three things especially ; first , for that hee was a man , and not a beast : secondly , that hee was a man , and not a woman : thirdly , that hee was a greeke borne , and not a barbarian : women there be whos 's more noble endowments merit due admiration , because as in their sex weaker and inferiour , so in the gifts of the mind richer and superiour . but now to our choice : for it is to be received as already granted , being by the authority of an apostle confirmed , that mariage is honourable among all : and every honourable thing is more eligible , then that which is not honourable : so as hee that shunneth mariage , and avoideth society , is to be esteemed a foe to humanity , or more then a man ; as hee whom homer reprehendeth , saying : that hee was tribe-lesse , law-lesse , and house-lesse . i could wish every young gentleman to make that choice of his mistris , which seneca would have one observe in the choice of a master ; choose him for thy master ( saith he ) whom thou mayest more admire , seeing him , then hearing him : neither altogether , as egnatius in catullus is brought out shewing the whitenesse of his teeth : for all outward perfections , are but as fuell to feed desire , without that inward faire , which onely maketh woman worthy loving . for what is a beautifull complexion , being an exteriour good ; or that which euryclea his nurse praysed , when shee washed the feet of vlysses , namely , gentle speech , and tender flesh , wanting those inward graces , which truely adorne and beautifie women ? so as it is much better to follow his direction in the choice of a wife , who said , that they were to be chosen a modestiâ non formâ ; which modestie cannot admit of this ages vanity , where there is nothing lesse affected then what is comely . for , b these garish fashions agree well with none but prostitutes and shamelesse women . c neither can that face bee a good one , which stands in need of these helpes . for d what madnesse is it to change the forme of nature , and seeke beauty from a picture ? e which picture is vices posture , and the ages imposture . f neither doe these affected trumperies , nor exquisite vanities become a christian. g for what is more vaine , then dying of the haire , painting of the face , laying out of brests ? h doe not say that these can have shamefast minds , who have such wandring and immodest eyes . i for the habit of the mind is to be discerned by the carriage : so as even in motion , gesture , and pace , is modesty to be observed . how miserable then is the state of these phantastick idols , who can endure no fashion that is comely , because it would not bee observed ? how base is her shape , which must borrow complexion from the shop ? k how can she weepe for her sinnes ( saith s. hierome ) when her teares will make furrowes in her face ? with what confidence doth she lift up her countenance to heaven which her maker acknowledges not ? l i would , i poore wretch , ( saith tertullian ) might see in that day of christian exaltation , whether with cerusse , and vermillion , and saffron , and those tyres and toyes upon your head , you are to rise againe ! which if they doe , they shall certainely witnesse against them , m to receive the reward of their painting in a lake of tormenting . n for these are they who lay hands upon god , correcting with a hand of contempt the workemanship of god. these never carry a box of oyntment to bestow on the members of christ , but a o box of complexion they have in readinesse to bestow on a cheeke . which sort of wantons ( for how should i otherwise terme them ) are well displayed by one in their colours after this manner ; p she surely keeps her fault of sex and nation , and best alloweth still the last translation : much good time lost , shee rests her faces debter , sh' as made it worse , striving to make it better . this introduced vlcer , which is now esteemed no sore , because custome hath taken away the sense of a sore ; how much it was abhorred formerly , may appeare by that command or constitution purposely exhibited to restraine it . q doe not paint thy face which god hath made . but if our women would but consider how hatefull these abuses are in the sight of the almighty , yea , how much they were loathed even of all honest women in former ages , they would distaste them , sure i am , farre more then they affect them . for if wee will credit saint r hierome ; writing to marcella , who saith ; that those women are matters of scandall to christian eyes , which painted their faces and their eyes with vermillion , and such like adulterate complexions . yea hee writes , that maximilla montanus his prophetesse , a woman-divell , by command from him whom she served , did use to paint . so festus pompeius saith , that common and base whores , called schoenicolae , used dawbing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . so did the druids amongst the romans , expresly shadowed by the poet , s preserve what nature gave you , noughts more base , than belgian colour on a roman face . t so did our ancient brittaines , but not to make their faces more amiable , but to appeare more terrible to the enemy . thus much , gentlemen , i thought good to write , before you make your choice , that you may see who are worth loving before you make your choice . u there is one flower to be loved of women , a good red , which is shame fastnesse ? here make your choice , and you shall finde farre more content in a native then artificiall blush . for as diogenes said to one that had annointed his haire ; x take heed that thy smelling head bring thee not an ill-smelling life ; so beware lest these perfumed ones become not polluted ones . for whosoever shall use them , i cannot choose but suspect them : howsoever i have read of some that maintained the use of painting , grounded upon these ensuing respects : y such a cause there may be ( saith one ) that women may use painting , and without sinne : as for example , if it bee done of purpose to cover any blemish or deformity . likewise , if the husband command that his wife should doe it , to the end that among other women shee might appeare more amiable : which opinion seemes likewise confirmed by another , who affirmes . z that to receive more beauty by attire or painting , though it bee a counterfeit worke , yet it is no mortall sin . so as platina writeth , that paulus secundus , bishop of rome , used to paint himselfe : whom if diogenes had seene , he would doubtlesse have said to him , as he once said to a youth too curiously and effeminately drest : if thou goest to men , all this is but in vaine ; if unto women , it is wicked . wicked surely , it cannot choose , being ( as it were ) a reproving or reforming of the almighty , whose workmanship is so absolute , as it admits of no correction . take heed therefore that you be not taken with one of these idols , as pigmalion was with his image ; but so direct your affections , as she may be worthy your embrace , whom you shall chuse . which that you may the better effect , follow the sages advice in your choice : match with your equall , if not in fortunes , for so both may prove beggars , at least in descent : so will she the better content her selfe with your estate , and conforme her the better to your meanes . for i have seldome seene any difference greater , arising from marriage , than imparity of birth or descent , where the wife will not sticke to twit her husband with her parentage , and brave him with repetition of her descent . likewise , as i would not have you to entertaine so maine a businesse without mature advice , so i would not have you wholly rely upon a friends counsell : but as you are to have the greatest oare in the boat , so to make your selfe your owne carver : for hee that is enforced to his choice , makes a dangerous bargaine . wherefore ground your choice on love , so shall you not chuse but like ; making this your conclusion ; to her in hymens bands i 'le nere be tide , whom love hath not espous'd and made my bride . for what miseries have ensued on enforced marriages , there is no age but may record : where rites enforced , made the hands no sooner joyned then their minds divorced , bidding adieu to content , even at that instant when those unhappy rites were solemnized . the next observance in making your choice , is matter of portion ; a busines not altogether to be neglected ; for if she be a good wife , a good portion makes her no worse : and if an ill one , she had need of a portion to make her better . for he hath a hard bargaine that hath neither portion in a wife , nor out of a wife . we would account him a weake and simple man , that would enter bond without either consideration , or security to keepe him harmeles . you are sure to be bound , be not so far from consideration , as have nothing to shew for your self for your own security . i can cōmend his wit who having made choice of a proportion , moving enough to gain affection , was not content so , but he must know further touching her portion ; that as her proportion procured love , so her portion might enable him how to live : like a quicke epigrammatist he proceedeth thus ; i got a portion and proportion too , one got , the other i desir'd to know ; which knowne , though at this season i was free , a thousand pound cost me my liberty . o foole ( quoth my alexis ) to be bound , to thraldomes yoke , to gaine a thousand pound ! content thee friend ( said i ) for wot'st thou what , i have beene bound for a lesse summe then that , yet nere was banke-rupt ; but if so i doubt to lose by th' bargaine , i will banke her out . it is a true saying , something hath some savour ; whereas hee that neither gets good wife nor good portion , will make but a hard saver . for he that wants a wife to cherish him , had need of some money to cheere him . having now made choice of your wife , being so well disposed ( as it is to be intended , ) shee should not bee much restrained ; for shee hath already resolved to bee no gadder , but , in resemblance of the snaile , a good house-keeper . the egyptians , by an especiall decree ( as plutarch reports ) injoyned their women to weare no shooes , because they should abide at home . the grecians accustomed to burne , before the doore of the new married , the axletree of that coach wherein she was brought to her husbands house , letting her to understand , that shee was ever after to dwell there . which custome she approveth , having made her family her common weale , where she addresseth her selfe to govern without intermedling in others affaires . neither is shee onely to be freed from restraint of liberty in going abroad ( for her occasions call her , or else she could be contented to be housed for ever : ) but in her desire of apparrell , or any thing else that she affecteth . for whersoever christ is , there is a shamefastnes ; like as wheresoever antichrist is , there is b shamelesnes . and this chosen vessell well understands that all garish and gorgeous attire , is the attire of sin , which she will not so much as partake with , having learned how that modestie is the only ornament which beseemes a matron . wherefore , you should much wrong your choice to restraine her from the use of any pleasure which shee affecteth , for so well disposed is she , as she affecteth no pleasure than to converse with vertue , which she holdeth at a higher rate than to be purchased with a masse of treasure . but admit it were your fortune to bestow your selfe on one , whose licentious affection might second faustina's , whose pride sempronia's , and whose shrewd tongue zantippe's : you must make a vertue of a necessity , and so learne to inure you to patience , as you may be able by continuall exercise to encounter and subdue the violentest passions . how wisely did aurelius cover his faustina's shame , labouring to reclaime by mildnesse , when he could not prevaile by bitternesse ? how discreetly was sempronias proud humour curbed and with as little impatience as might bee reproved ? how resolutely did socrates forbeare his wife zantippe , though a froward woman , because hee thought he might better and with more patience converse with others ? for marriage is no such merchandize , as to promise returne with advantage to all factors . there is a ceremoniall custome used by the duke of venice upon the ascention day , to goe in a vessell called the bucentor , made galley-wise , with other nobles a mile or two into the sea : casting a ring into it , ( by which ceremony they wed the sea ) that it may never leave the citie upon dry land . certainely , whosoever he be that marrieth a wife , empledging his faith unto her by a ring , must not thinke that hee hath brought his ship to a perpetual harbour , but rather that hee is now putting off from land , and entring the maine ocean , where hee is to encounter with many violent blasts , contrary winds , surging waves , ebbes and flowes , which will not end till his journey end . it were wisdome therefore to beare what wee may not avoid : considering , that as the marriage state is subject to many occurrences , so it is endowed with sundry excellent priviledges , as the gravity of the state requireth : as in rome , the lex iulia gave precedency to him who had most children ; and in florence at this day , hee that is father of five children , straight-way upon the birth of the fifth , is exempted from all imposts , subsidies , and loanes . also here in england , a married man ( out of a tender respect to h●s posterity ) is not so soone prest into the warres as single men or batchelors . wherefore as the state is more honoured , so is more sobriety and government in it required ; bearing your selves patiently without bitternesse , and forbearing your wives for their sexes weaknesse . having thus farre discoursed of acquaintance , both at bed and boord ; it were not amisse , if wee set downe some especiall direction , which might better instruct you in the choice of them ; which , as protogenes seeing but a little line drawne in a table , knew straight-wayes it was apelles doing , whom hee had never seene ; shall upon first sight resolve you , that those friends , or acquaintance to which these instructions shall direct you , are worthy loving and knowing . there is no one note more infallible of true friendship , then to expresse a faithfulnesse in misery : which faithfulnesse is ever found in these noble and generous dispositions , who can say with chilo , that in all their life-time they were never guilty of ingratitude . so as nobility and affability hold for most part concurrency : whence the poet ; a disposition towardly and good , implies a generous and a noble blood . these keepe continuall records of courtesies received ; with a catalogue of such friends as have at their hands worthily deserved . it is reported of hen. the . that hee never promised any thing , but hee registred and set it downe with his owne hand . such noble sparkes are these , who , as they receive acceptably , so they render backe bountifully , making no other benefit of amity , then as of a mutuall or reciprocall courtesie . neither is it to bee wondered at , that i should here make choice of descent , or birth , as an especiall or infallible note of true and faithfull amity : for there is a naturall straine in all creatures , which they take from the parents that bred them . strong men from strong their native strength doe gather , both bull and horse take spirit from their father . it is a common saying amongst us , that a gentleman will doe like a gentleman ; hee scornes to doe unlike himselfe , for his word is his gage , and his promise such a tie as his reputation wil not suffer him to dispence with . men of this ranke , as they are ready to beare an equall share in their friends misery , so are they resolved with a spirit undanted , ( if such be their chance ) in their owne persons to sustaine misery ; for they esteem no man so unhappy , as hee that cannot beare unhappinesse . in sicilia there is a fountaine called fons solis , out of which at mid-day , when the sunne is neerest , floweth cold water ; at mid-night when the sun is farthest off , floweth hot water . such fountaines are these firme friends , who , when the sun shineth hottest upon you , with the raies of prosperity , will yeeld you cold water , no great comfort or succour , because you need it not : but when the sunne is farthest off , and the darkest clouds which fortune can contract , sit heaviest on you , then they send forth hot water ; they weepe with you , there is hot water ; they suffer with you , there is hot water ; they cheere you drooping , comfort you sorrowing , support you languishing ; and in your extreamest fortunes are ever sharing . these cry with theophrastus , what care we if this friend be rich , that friend poore , we are the same to either ? make choice therefore of these well bred ones , for though some degenerate , most of them hold . whereas , contrariwise , these who are of a base dung-hill descent , it is seldome seene but they have some base and unworthy condition ; being generally all for the time , but little for trust ; or as tops which alwayes run round , and never goe forward , unlesse they be whipt . such a neuter among the romans was tully , who could not resolve , whether hee should take caesars part or pompeyes part . among the grecians was tydides , who could not determine whether hee should joyne himselfe with achilles or hector . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . among the persians was nabarzanes , who seeing his masters fortunes decline , laboured to joyne himselfe to him whose fortunes , were in rising . such were tiberius friends , who shrunke from him , hearing with patience tiberium in tiberim . and such were our northerne borderers , who have beene alwayes uncertaine friends in extremities , and assured enemies upon advantage . of which it may be said , as was spoken of the philosophers cloake , pallium video , philosophum non video : i see the cover of a friend , but no friend . for as nothing is more hatefull then a doubtfull and uncertaine man , who now draweth his foot backe , and now putteth it forward ; so there is nothing more distastefull to any man , then these faire protesting friends , whose hollow and undermining hearts make a shew of faire weather abroad , when there is a tempest at home ; comming towards you with their feet , but going from you with their hearts . in briefe , they are danaus tubs , or running sieves that can hold no water . leave them therefore to themselves , if you desire in safety to enjoy your selves . now , to the end i may acquaint you likewise with the rest of such motives to love as are powerfully working in the affection of the mind ; as wee have touched the first motive or inducement to love , to wit , parentage or descent , which cannot so farre degenerate from it selfe , but it must of necessity shew it selfe : so it attracts other motives of love unto it , as benevolence in rewarding : excellency or admiration proceeding from the fame of such redoubted hero's , as have their names charact'red and engraven in leaves of brasse , to preserve their memory : as solomon for his wisdome , whom , no doubt , nicaula queene of saba had a desire to see and bee knowne to , through report of his wisdome ; so as her long journey seemed short , having understood that to be true with her owne eare , which shee had onely heard of before by report . how much likewise was david affected for his valour , in discomfiting the uncircumcised philistin ? so was alexander , whose report brought the amazon thalestris from her owne countrey , of purpose to be knowne to so invincible a spirit . so hercules , achilles , dardanus , diomedes , scipio , hannibal , constantine , &c. whose exploits purchased them love to such as were never acquainted with their persons . pardoning likewise of injuries , is an excellent motive of love. when chyle's brother was angry , that himselfe was not made ephorus as well as hee : o ( quoth hee ) i know how to suffer injuries , so doest not thou ! though diogenes the cynicke answered uncivilly to alexander , when he came to his poor mansion in synope , his philosophers barrell , yet hee replyed unto his satyricall speech with no indignation , but said to such of his attendants , as derided the boarish and exoticke speech of diogenes , if i were not alexander , i would wish to be diogenes . the like instance may be confirmed by holy writ : where miriam , for murmuring against moses , was stricken with a loathsome leprosie : hee could not suffer this condigne punishment to be inflicted on her , but demanded of god that hee would cure her . another motive to love , is hatred , where an ill occasion procureth among enemies a reconciliation . herod and pilate enemies before , were reconciled in combining their powers , together against christ. mastives , if set together , will fight till death , but in the presence of a bull will joyne together . sometimes mutuall affliction procureth mutuall affection . such resorted to david , as were persecuted by saul , being such as were amaro animo . where sauls enmity brought david to a triall of hushai's faithfull amity ; where hee found the words of ecclesiasticus to be true , a faithfull friend is a strong defence ; and hee that findeth such a one , findeth a treasure . for when wee are in the greatest straights , such an one sheweth the most strength : so as the apostles words may be verified , strength is made perfect in weakenesse ; where one afflicted friend supporteth another , by joyning their strenghts together . another motive there is , proceeding from some especiall delivery from danger : for who will not esteeme him for a friend , who will expose himselfe to danger , to deliver his friend ? iudith entred bethulia with holofernes head , and by that meanes preserved her countrey from ruine and desolation . esther procured the death of haman , repealed those severe and cruell lawes enacted , proclaimed , and even ready to be executed by hamans suggestions , in the kingdome of the medes and persians ; whereby shee purchased eternall honour , love and memory in her countrey . the same love gained moses for delivering the israelites from the thraldome of egypt . the like may be said of iosua , sampson , macchabeus , and many others frequent in holy writ . the romans so highly honoured and affected such as protected their countrey , and defended her liberty , as they bestowed no lesse style on them then patres patriae . another motive there is , drawing one enemy to love another , induced thereto in respect of compassion , or some other princely vertue which he seeth in him . when saul understood that david might have taken away his life , and would not , levavit vocem & flevit : his threats were changed into teares , and his passion into a teare-swolne admiration , to see his foe so full of compassion . wee are induced likewise to love them that tell and confesse sincerely their offences ; for an ingenuous acknowledgement of what is done , moves us to commiserate his case by whom it is done ; yea quencheth all hate , as if a small sparke were drenched in the sea. likewise in the toleration of wrongs , wee are enforced to love him who suffereth them , and having power to revenge , will not out of the noblenesse of his spirit , doe what hee may . to conclude , bountie is a motive to love ; for giving gifts gathereth friends : which bountie is most worthy acceptance , when done with cheerefulnesse : hilarem datorem diligit deus . thus have we traced over such motives as generally induce or procure love , friendship , or acquaintance ; wherein observe the lesson of the sonne of sirach : depart from thine enemies , and beware of thy friends : for some man is a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in the day of thy trouble . now if you would understand , how a man may know a friend , you shall find him described , and by certaine infallible markes discovered in the twelfth chapter of the same book . but alwayes , beware ( saith he ) of deceitfull friends , lest feeling the bitternesse of them , you find the saying of the prophet true : all the men of thy confederacie , have driven thee to the borders : the men that were at peace with thee , have deceived thee , and prevailed against thee : they that cat thy bread , have laid a wound under thee : there is none understanding in him . make choice then of him for your acquaintance , whom you may worthily esteeme of as a second-selfe : so may you communicate your counsels freely , acquaint him with your griefes friendly , and share in comforts and afflictions fully . thus much for the choice of acquaintance ; wherein i have the rather enlarged my discourse , because i know that as there is nothing more usefull to direction or instruction , then where good ones are elected ; so there is nothing more hurtfull in the maine matter of discipline or conversation , then where ill ones are affected and frequented . many and singular were the commendations attributed to augustus , amongst which none more absolute then this : as none was more slow in entertaining , so none more firme or constant in reteining : which agrees well with that of the sonne of sirach : if thou gettest a friend prove him first , and be not hasty to credit him . but having found him , we are to value him above great treasures : the reason is annexed : a faithfull friend is a strong defence , and hee that findeth such a one , findeth a treasure . this adviseth every one to be no lesse wary in his choice , then constant in the approvement of his choice ; so as it rests now , that wee presie this point by reasons and authorities , illustrating by the one , and confirming by the other , how consequent a thing it is to shew our selves constant in the choice of our acquaintance . there is no one thing more dangerous to the state of man , or more infallibly proving fatall , then lightnesse in entertaining many friends , and no lesse lightly cashiering those who are entertained . which error i have observed to have borne principall sway in our new-advanced heires , whose onely ambition it is to be seene numerously attended , phantastically attired , and in the height of their absurdities humoured . these are they who make choice of acquaintance onely by outward habit , or which is worse , by roisting or ruffian behaviour : with whom that false armory of yellow bands , nittie locks , and braving mouchato's , have ever had choice acceptance . and herein , observe the misery of these depraved ones , who having made choice of these mis-spenders of time , and abusers of good gifts , they will more constantly adhere to them , then with better affected consorts . oh that young gentlemen would but take heed of falling unwarily upon these shelves , who make shipwrack of their fortunes ( the remaines of their fathers providence ; ) yea not onely of their outward state , which were well to be prevented , lest misery or basenesse over-take them ; but even of their good names , those precious odours which sweeten and relish the pilgrimage of man ! for what more hatefull then to consort with these companions of death , whose honour consists meerely in protests of reputation , and whose onely military garbe is to tosse a pipe in stead of a pike , and to fly to the tinderbox to give charge to their smoakie ordnance , to blow up the shallow-laid foundation of that shaken fortresse of their decayed braine ? these hot liver'd salamanders are not for your company ( gentlemen ) nor worthy your acquaintance ; for of all companions , those are the worthiest acceptance , who are so humble-minded and well affected , as they consort with others purposely to be bettered by them ; or being knowing men , by their instructions to better them . that course which the ancient vestals observed , such usefull companions as these have ever seconded : they first learned what to doe ; secondly , they did what they had learned ; thirdly , they instructed others to doe as they had learned . such as these were good companions to pray with , to play with , to converse or commerce with . first , they are good to pray with ; for such as these only were they who assembled together in one place , imploying their time religiously in prayers , supplications , and giving of thankes , and honouring him , whom all powers and principalities doe honour with divine melodie : which was expressed not so much with the noise of the mouth , as with the joyfull note of the heart : nor with the sound of the lips , as with the soule-solacing motion of the spirit ; nor with the consonance of the voice , as with the concordance of the will : for , as the precious stone diacletes , though it have many rare and excellent soveraignties in it , yet it loseth them all , if it be put in a dead-mans mouth : so prayer , which is the onely pearle and jewell of a christian , though it have many rare and exquisite vertues in it , yet it loseth them every one , if it be put into a dead-mans mouth , or into a mans heart either , that is dead in sinne , and doth not knocke with a pure hand . so many rare presidents have former times afforded , all most inimitable in this kind , as to make repetition of them , would crave an ample volume ; wee will therefore onely touch some speciall ones , whose devotion hath deserved a reverence in us towards them , and an imitation in us after them . nazianzin in his epitaph for his sister gorgonia , writeth , that she was so given to prayer , that her knees seemed to cleave to the earth , and to grow to the very ground , by reason of incessancie or continuance in prayer ; so wholly was this saint of god dedicated to devotion . gregory in his dialogues writeth , that his aunt trasilla being dead was found to have her elbowes as hard as horne ; which hardnesse she got by leaning to a deske , at which shee used to pray ; so continued was the devotion of a zealous professor . eusebius in his history writeth , that iames the brother of our lord , had knees as hard as camels knees , benummed and bereaved of all sense and feeling , by reason of continuall kneeling in prayer ; so sweet was this taske , undertaken for gods honour , where practice made that an exercise or solace , which the sensuall man maketh a toyle or anguish . hierome in the life of paul the eremite writeth , that hee was found dead , kneeling upon his knees , holding up his hands , lifting up his eyes : * so that the very dead corps seemed yet to live , and by a kind of zealous and religious gesture to pray still unto god. so transported or rather intraunced was the spirit of this lovely dove , as even in death hee expressed the practice of his life : these followed augustines rule in their forme of prayer : seeke ( saith he ) what you seeke , but seeke not where you seeke . seeke christ , that 's a good what . seeke what you seeke ; but seeke him not in bed , that is an ill where . but seeke not where you seeke : moses found christ not in a soft bed , but in a bramble bush . for as wee cannot goe to heaven on beds of down , no more can these devotions pierce heaven which are made on beds of down . albeit , every place is good , for as no place is freed from occcasion of sinne , so no place should be free from prayer , which breaketh downe the partition wall of our sinne . but certainely those downie prayers taste too much of the flesh , to relish well of the spirit : for as he is a delicate master , who when his belly is full , disputeth of fasting ; so hee is a sensuall prayer , who in his bed onely , addresseth himselfe to devotion . neither are these onely good companions to pray with , but also to play with ; i meane to recreate and refresh our minds with , when at any time pressed or surcharged either with cares of this world , or in our discontinuance from more worthy and glorious meditations of the world to come ; for as in the former wee are usually plunged , so by the latter wee are commonly enfeebled , at least wearied , if by some recreations , to entertaine and allay the tediousnesse of more weary houres , we be not refreshed and solaced . now in our choice of acquaintance , as like requireth like , so are wee to sort our selves to an equality both in degree and condition . when some of alexanders companions demanded of him , if hee would runne a race with them ; willingly , ( said he ) if there were kings to runne withall . for this parity breeds affection , and an equality of minds in any recreation : while neither respect to an inferiour ranke begets contempt , nor an eye to superiority begetteth feare . besides , as there is an equality of degree , so is there an equality of mind concurring with that degree . there is no pleasure affected by one , which is not entertained with free approbation by another : for in all their jestings , sportings , and delightfull meetings , they are provided of a disposition , equally tempered to give a jest , and take a jest : having ever in mind that common english proverbe , play with me , but hurt me not ; jest with me , but shame me not . for their sports as they are harmelesse without guile , so their conceits are pleasant without gall : there is neither saltnesse in the one , nor harshnesse in the other . neither doe these make sport or pastime a vocation , as if they were borne to nothing else then play : for these delights of theirs , which are ever moderate , and therefore truly seasoned , they make use of , as physicians of suger-plates , which they minister to their patients , to take away the taste of a more bitter potion ▪ it is worth observing , to note the excellent use , which these men make of recreation . they can use it with such temperance , as they can command the pleasures which they use , and not bee commanded by it . their onely pleasure is to contemne pleasure , yea , " even to dis-esteeme it in their height of pleasure : neither , because pleasure delighteth , doth it please them ; but because it pleaseth , it doth delight them . it is the excellent'st office of some mens vertue to perswade the use of pleasure , recounting at their table creatures of all sorts , with which by how much more they are filled , by so much more their appetites remaine unsatisfied . briefly , whereas their discretion hath subjected appetite to reason , in gaming they play without desire of gaining ; in recreations of the body , their aime is to refresh and renue nature , without any desire of mastery ; in their solemne feasts , they feed without surfetting ; in their may-games , they are merry without exceeding ; in their flashes or encounters of wit , they are pregnant , present , and pleasant without offending . those are most fruitfull and fertile in rendering fruit ( saith the philosopher ) which partake most of cold and moist : which position intendeth the conceptive part ; but my assertion reacheth further ; for i conclude , such as these being equally tempered , to be most copious in the principle workes or faculties of the understanding , being three ; first to discourse , secondly to distinguish , third to choose . for the first whereof , it resteth that wee now proceed in proofe , concluding , these not to be onely the best companions to pray or play with ( as wee have formerly proved ; ) but to converse or commerce with , as wee shall hereafter make manifest . megabizes esteemed alexander as a prince , whiles hee stood in his schoole and said nothing ; but when hee began to talke of things which hee knew not , hee said unto him , that even his little children would laugh him to scorne . this speech of megabizes proceeded ( as may be imagined ) from some words utrered , or reasons alleaged by alexander , which relished little of philosophy , being a study to which a souldier is for most part a stranger . but these men , whom we now have in hand , and whom wee have made choice of , as fit companions to converse and commerce with , are men of such singular discretion , as they will preferre silence before discovery of their ignorance . these know for what end or purpose the bars and gates of the lips and teeth ( like a double ward ) were ordained to limit or restraine the tongue . these observe , how man hath two eyes to see with , two nostrils to breath with , two hands to labour with , two feet to walke with , but one tongue to talke with ; implying that one tongue requires as much government as any two members of all the body . neither onely is their speech wisely silenced , but when delivered , discreetly seasoned : seasoned with mildnesse and affability , without the least expression of roughnesse or austerity . where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith bernard ) is sweet and profitable ; where one man is meeke , it is profitable ; where neither , it proves pernicious . neither in mildnesse and affability onely , but in the highest pitch of wisdome , is their discourse seated . whence it was ( as i have heretofore noted ) that aristotle debating of the convenience and propriety of discourse before alexander ; maintained , that none where to bee admitted to speake , but either those that managed his warres , or his philosophers which governed his house . which wisdome of discourse hath beene formerly so much affected , as plutarch reporteth that plato came forth of asia into cilicia , for no other cause but onely to see his deare friend phocion the philosopher , and to converse with him . this caused nicaula , the queene of saba , to travell from her owne countrey to iudea , to heare the wisdome of salomon : yea , peruse those athenian nights in gellius , how , and in what excellent manner , with what variety of discourse , propriety of conference , strength of arguments those winter-nights were bestowed , and you shall find there fit companions for scholers , souldiers , and all generous professours . neither are they consorts onely fit to converse with , but to commerce with also ; for these are no bankrupt merchants , or desperate factors , who use to dispence with conscience and credit , rather then in a conscionable sort discharge their credit . so as , howsoever the sonne of sirach may seeme to conclude , there be two things , which mee thinke to be hard and perillous ; a merchant cannot lightly keepe him from wrong , and a victualler is not without sinne . so well and equally are the ships of these good merchants ballasted , as rather then they will make shipwrack of a good conscience , or runne their reputation upon the shelfe of disgrace , they will suffer the worst of extremes . these are none of those , who make sale of deceitfull commodities , to enrich their seldome thriving progenie with impostures . these are none of those tri●●ing mountebanks , who draw on customers with faire protests , and shew strange experiments upon their sophisticated oiles , to delude the ignorant . these are none of our inconsiderate factors , who make exchange of english money with indian trifles , enriching forraine countries with our treasures , and fooling our owne with their feathers . these are none of our sea-sharkes , who under pretence of merchandize , exercise pyracie ; bearing the world in hand that they befriend us , when they practise all hostility against us . these are none of our dangerous spies , who pretending they come to trade or commerce with us , arrive purposely to note what strength is amongst us . no , these are factors of better temper and more honesty , hating deceit , though that might enrich them ; scorning the mountebankes trade , though that might draw customers to them ; discarding all inconsiderate factors , who give money for feathers , though in fooling others , they might gaine by them ; casheering all sea-sharkes , who by pyraticall practices use to support them ; excluding all dangerous spies , who to discover others weaknesse , purposely embarke them . in briefe , would you have their character ? they can discourse of novelties without affectation , impart their minds freely without dissimulation , valuing no losse so great , as the hazard of their reputation . these are those friends which deserve your choice and acceptance ; these are they , who , as upon good grounds you have made choice of , so should you be constant in your choice . for you are not to be so light in the choice of your acquaintance , as in the choice of your fashion ; where every giddy head sorts himselfe to what is newest , not what is neatest ; for so should you be ever choosing , and farre from constancy in choosing . rather having got a friend and proved him , first in matters of small weight , and afterwards in affaires of greater consequence ; labour by all meanes to reteine him , for you have found a treasure : forsake not this old friend , for the new is not comparable unto him . you have got a friend , proved and tried him to be no ambitious man , for ambition is fearefull , and for the least crosse of fortune will forsake true friendship . you have got a friend , proved and tried him to be no covetous man , for covetousnesse selleth fellowship , faith and honesty ; to conclude , you have got a friend , who will not by glozing deceive you ; by aiming at his owne private ends , entrap you ; by hunting after popular prayse disvalue you ; or by consorting with politike heads , endanger you . keepe him then , and be constant in your choice , holding him so firmely knit unto you , as if hee were individually united to your selfe ; for a friend , ( provided that hee be such an one as wee have charactred him ) is a second-selfe , and therefore as impossible to be divided from you , as you from your selfe . and may this suffice to be spoken touching constancy in the choice of acquaintance , wherein as wee ought to be circumspect in our choice , so ought wee to be constant , having had proof of the faithfulness of our choice . there is nothing which argues more indiscretion , then an aptnesse of discovering our selves ; so as , wee are advised in getting a friend , to prove him first , and not to be hasty to credit him . for albeit the precept may seeme generall , the secrets of our friend wee may not discover ; which is confirmed by the sonne of sirach , who discovereth secrets , loseth his credit , and findeth no friend after his will : yet , how many are there , who either through weaknesse that they cannot conceale , or through unfaithfulnesse , as they will not , have brought their friends to extremest hazard ? yea , not onely our common friends , but even those who sleepe in our own bosome ; as dalilah plaid with samson , either simply or subtilly , will discover our secret'st counsels to our enemy : so as , wee may take up the complaint of samson , which hee made in the discovery of his riddle : if hee had not plowed with our heifer , hee had not found out our riddle . had not that woman by the river of soreke , that subtill dalilah , betrayed his trust , how invincible had samson remayned ; no lesse powerfull to his friends , then fearefull to his enemies ? whence we may gather , how dangerous it is to discover the secrets of our heart , even to those to whom we have engaged our heart : for wee ought not to give our friend power over us . this is seconded by a divine precept : give not thy sonne and wife , thy brother and friend , power over thee while thou livest ; and give not away thy substance to another , lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe . whence wee are advised to a two-fold reservancy ; first , in concealing our secrets ; secondly , in reteining our substance . for the first , hee explaines himselfe more fully in the ensuing verse ; as long as thou livest , and hast breath , give not thy selfe over to any person . for the second , hee gives a reason in the end of the former verse ; give not away thy substance to another , lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe . of which two parts , and the reservancy which we are to observe in either , my purpose is briefly and plainely to intreat ; and first of the first , to wit , reservancy of secrets , wherein i will be as briefe as the quality of the subject will suffer me . it is said of geese , that when at the change of seasons , they passe from cilicia over the mountaine taurus , which abounds with eagles , they carry stones in their bills , for feare their cry should discover them to their enemies . reason should teach us that which nature hath instructed them , lest by diverting from the rule of reason , we become inferiour to them , who never had the use of reason . for there is nothing which detracts more from the glory of man , than by too prodigall a discovery of himselfe , to lay himselfe open to the trust of another : so as it may bee positively averred , there is nothing that betrayeth a man so much to ruine , as his owne credulity . dionysius gave straight commandement the head of brias , one of the gentlemen of his chamber , should bee cut off , for telling plato , who had demanded of him what the tyrant did , that he had stripped himselfe by reason of the heat , and was painting in a table . so tender were princes of the discovery of their actions , even in affaires of indifferency . let us imitate therefore that grecian of former times , who being told that his breath did smell , answered , it was by reason of the many secrets , which had a long while lain rotting , and putrefying within him . let our bosome ( the recluse of secrets ) be like the lions den in the apologue ; towards the mouth whereof , the prints and prickings of sundry sorts of beasts , might easily be discerned , — sed nulla retrorsum , but from thence none at all . let us alwaies talke with harpocrates , at the signe of the finger on the mouth ; and learne of anacharsis , that the tongue hath need of more strong restraint than nature . let us not be too curious , with them of bethshemesh , in the search of other mens secrets , nor yet too carelesse with hezekiah , in the discovery of our owne . morality giveth us a prohibition for the one , and a precept for the other : seeke not to know that secrecie thy friend reserved hath , but keepe what 's tender'd to thy trust , though drunke with wine and wrath . and indeed it is a profanation of duty to publish any thing we should not ; and too much insinuation to wind our selves into the privacy of others secrets , which make knowne wee ought not . those things therefore , which are to bee concealed , let us conceale them , vt curia martis , athenis , as close as either silence or darknesse will afford us meanes to keepe them , both from eye and eare : for the better effecting whereof , there is necessarily required in every one a wise distrust , and slownesse of beleefe , wherewith the brest must so equally bee ballasted , that hee may suddenly runne on , without suffering shipwracke in such a doubtfull and dangerous course . it hath beene ever held a singular argument of policy , to have an open face , but a shut heart ; to give entertainment with a free and affable countenance , but with a wise and discreet reservancy of our counsels , to prevent the occasion of giving our friend power over us . yea , but it may be objected , it may sometimes fall out that a friend cannot performe the office of a friend , but by discovering the secret purpose or practice of another . for how could faithfull ionathan advertise david of sauls wicked purpose against him , but by discovering what saul in secret had imparted to him ? how could he ( i say ) have advertised david of his fathers fury , by shooting three arrowes , but by discovering what his father had secretly intended against him ? to which objection it may be thus answered ; that , as amongst evill men there can be no true friendship continued , so neither are the secrets of such men , tending ever to mischiefe and effusion of innocent bloud , to be concealed , but by all meanes should be discovered , that such tragicall issues might be prevented . yea , but it may be againe objected , that admit this were so , may wee not impart our griefes to a friend , or communicate our counsels to one , whom we have made triall of to be trusty and faithfull ? to which i answer , that we may , but with this provision , that we never unrip our bosome so farre , as to give our friend power over us , in matters which may either concerne life , state , or name . for though your experience of the trust of such a friend hath beene long , and those affaires wherein you have imploied him , of serious consequence : we have known many comicall beginnings , have a tragicall catastrophe ; many promising mornings turne to duskie after-noones ; many faire glozing friends recoile ( like the bat in the fable ) and become either neuters , or profest enemies . so as , it was wisely answered by that learned sage to one who demanded of him , what he thought to bee the hardest thing in the world ; to keepe counsell , quoth he . wee say it is good sleeping in a whole skin ; but how can our sleepes be quiet , our rest from terrours freed , when we have lost our liberty by committing our secrets , to others trust ? yea , but friendship , being one soule ruling two hearts , or one heart dwelling in two bodies , loseth her prerogative , if excluded from partaking in her friends griefes or comforts : for would you thinke it well , that your friends should finde you sad , and so leave you ; sicke without ministring any comfort to you ; or poore , without releeving you ? surely , you could not choose but thinke such an one commeth to jest , rather than to visit or comfort you . now , how should he comfort you , who is wholly ignorant of the cause of your discomfort ? or how minister any receits to you , when he knowes not what distempers you ? or how releeve you , when hee knowes not of any poverty that hath befallen you ? whereto i answer , that these are not to be numbred among those secrets which we hold unfitting to be imparted or discovered , by one friend to another ; for the discovery of these may profit , but cannot prejudice us : whereas , the disclosing of such secrets as concerne our name , may afterwards brand us with infamie ; or such as concerne our state , may bring us to poverty ; or such as concerne our life , may weave our unhappy webbe in a fearefull tragedy . therefore it is good counsell , not to give our friend power over us , but with a circumspect eye to take heed whom we entertaine as a friend ; and of what nature those secrets are , which we impart to that friend , when that unhappy emperour commodus had communicated his secret'st thoughts to martia , his best affected concubine ; and withall , how his purpose was , before many daies were ended , to dispatch latus and electus two of his senators : shee perceiving how the world went , and that the emperour was no lesse inconstant in his love , than illimited in his lust , discovered to the senators what the prince had intended against them ; which to prevent , with one consent they resolved to dispatch the emperour , and so rid them of all occasion of feare . farre more hatefull was that act of bessus and nabarzanes , in discovering the counsels of their vnfortunate prince darius ; which discovery , though it deposed their prince of crowne , and deprived him of life , rewarded those disloyall traitors with a deserved end . should we but take a view of the doublenesse and deceitfulnesse of friends , whose only aimes are , for most part , to take advantage of our o●pennesse , we should find , though there bee some hushai's or faithfull friends ; so there be some false brethren , who secretly ( under pretence of amity ) will labour to undermine us . for if wee bee great , wee shall have some to ply our veine , soothing us with the height of our place , the eminence of our state , our easie accesse to a higher step , if wee will take hold of occasion ; and with these are yong-men , whose unripened judgements never attained to the discovery of persons , chiefly pleased ; to these are their secret'st thoughts ever imparted ; on these are they wholly planted , and in these is their principall trust reposed : yet loe , they trust in broken staves of reed , on which if they leane , they will goe thorow their hand and pierce it . againe , are wee rising to greatnesse , and in the first spring of promotion ? wee shall find these chattering swallows ever flying about us , pertending friendship and secrecie in our counsels ; but misery attends us , if wee entertaine them . to be briefe , are we rich ? if wee have discovered any secret to them , which may prejudice us being revealed , wee shall be sure to have that secret vented , if our hollow counsellour be not rewarded . are wee poore ? though our state need not feare undoing , our secrets must be discovered , if the meanest may be gratified by the discovery . thus no ranke may be exempted , no degree freed from prejudice , where counsels are disclosed . indeed sometimes it hapneth , that a friend discovers the secrets of a friend ; because , out of the justnesse of himselfe , and the integrity of his owne conscience , which no respect will suffer him to violate , hee cannot endure the sinister or indirect practice of his friend , and therefore discovers it to give meanes of prevention to the innocent . which may be instanced in the vicount of melin his confession , who lying upon his death-bed here in england , disclosed the purpose of king lewis his master , to the chiefe peeres and barons of the realme ; who considering the inevitable danger into which they were falling , by giving free entrie to the french king , wisely in time ( and but in time ) expulsed him , receiving their unhappy deposed king , to avoid an ensuing mischiefe . now the occasion of this discovery , though it bee divers wayes conjectured , yet the probablest in my opinion is , to referre it to the compassion which count melin had of the english nation , whose state had beene , to the judgement of all men , grievously shaken , had lewis , as hee was already arrived , beene peaceably possessed of the same . now to conclude this point , i hold that english proverbe worthy our remembrance , in affaires of secrecie : one may keepe counsell , but two cannot : implying , that it is the safest and surest course to be a mans owne secretary , so shall hee not give his friend power over him , but sleepe quietly without feare of discovery , having none but his owne brest to betray him to his enemy . the second thing , which , as wee formerly noted , requireth a reservancie in us towards our acquaintance , is a respect to our substance ; which should neither be lashed out lavishly , nor hoorded up niggardly . and herein i have observed a great vanity in young gentlemen , who are no sooner mounted in their fathers saddle , or made hei●es of his providence , then upon purchase of acquaintance , ( which a young master cannot want ) hee begins to squander his revenues upon gifts , to feed his thirsty followers : but see the issue of these bountifull novices , they change their acres into peeces , and so peece-meale divide them , till they fall all into peeces , and have not one peece to cover them . so as , it is true which the poet hath observed ; the prodigall and foole gives what hee scornes and hates , and with his state makes other men to glory in their states . wherefore the lesson is good , and well deserveth our observation● which is given to us by the son of sirach ; that not onely to our friends , acquaintance , or the like , but even to our children , whose naturall respect to their parents , should bind them to be gratefull , wee should not bee too forward in distributing our substance , concluding thus : for better it is that thy children should pray unto thee , then that thou shouldest looke up to the hands of thy children . if we be advised to use this reservancie to our own , even those whose naturall affection will enforce bounty at the parents hand , much more to our acquaintance , whose pretended semblances , or outward protestations many times tend rather by fawning to feed on us , then by true profession of friendship to bestead us . oh gentlemen , how many through too easie a hold have exposed themselves , as a prey , to the avaritious desires of their followers : where many times it falleth out , that the servant is able to purchase his master , having enriched himselfe by feeding his humour ! yet see the unthankefulnesse of many of these ; having made them a garment of their masters shreads , and raised themselves to a great estate by his prodigality , they can learne to put on a scornefull countenance towards their landlesse master , entertaine him with contempt , forget his bounty , and ascribe all to their owne thriving providence , which proceed meerly from his profusenesse . so well can these thriving timists , who raise their fortunes from their masters ruines , shape themselves to all times , that they may profit by all meanes . there are acquaintance likewise , whose aimes as they extend onely to themselves , so they will use any indirect course , how irregular soever , to bring their purpose about . and of these , wee had a late example , even in our owne countrey , and within the wals of this flourishing citie : which example , that it might remaine to the memory of succeeding times , for the benefit whereof , as well as of these present , our labours should be addressed , i thought good here to set downe . there was a young gentleman , whose profuser course having consumed much of his meanes , was enforced upon some present extremities urging him , to make a morgage of a peece of land , which peece was the very last which hee had left him : the money being lent and spent , and now the un-foreseene day of payment approaching , the young gentleman driven to an exigent , made recourse by chance , to an ancient acquaintance of his , by trade a chandler , who was a monied man , and could find a friend in a corner , who upon a commodious bargaine would at any time bestead him of a good summe . hee , the chandler i meane , noting what benefit the morgage of the young gentlemans land might be unto him , if he redeemed his estate , which now lay a bleeding , and tooke the morgage into his owne hand , concluded with the gentleman , and releeved his present wants , proposing a certaine day for redemption of the said morgage : which was kindly accepted of by the gentleman , little thinking how he fell from the fire into the flame , and by avoyding charybdis , had fallen into scylla . the time now drewneer , which was limited the gentleman to redeeme the premisses : whence a double care or feare ensued ; a feare and provident care in the gentleman of procuring money to redeeme it ; a feare in the chandler , lest it should be redeemed , and so the hopes hee had of so beneficiall a bargaine frustrated . which to prevent ( marke the impiety of the age even in this one example ) the chandler against the day limited and prefixed , repaires to a consort of opportunate agents for his purpose ; assassinates fleshed in all mischiefe , and ready to embrace any motion , or engage themselves in any action , which might minister fuell to their riot . and these hee acquaints ( as it seemes their acquaintance was ancient ) how hee knew of a rich bootie for them , if they had hearts to attempt , and resolutions to effect , what their present wants enforced them to attempt . they desirous to heare of that booty , promising him reward if their purpose came to effect , pressed him ( as little pressing needed to such a base instrument ) that he would discover , where this booty might be purchased . hee imparted his mind freely , and told them that such a gentleman ( being the same who had made a morgage of his land unto him ) was to come provided of a great summe of money , upon such a day , and by such a place , as gave opportunity for the attempt , which they might easily obtaine , having none but himselfe and his man to resist them . they , at the first seemed jealous of him , imagining it was some fetch meerly to intrap and circumvent them ; but being more confident upon his protestations , that his purpose was to benefit them , not to betray them ; they generally consented to this plot , provided that they might have his company , not onely to direct them , but share and partake with them : whereto the chandler condescended , choosing rather to be an assistant in the practice , then prevented of his purpose . to be short , vizards and disguises were provided , and all things fitted , that such an attempt might be furthered : where , by direction of their leader , they tooke their stand , where the unfortunate gentlemen was to passe ; who , within some few houres after , came according to their expectance , provided of a summe purposely to redeeme his estate ( the last remainder of his fortunes ) out of the hands of the chandler but hee is intercepted and bid stand , whose present occasions admit no stay : and in briefe , stripped of all his money , and bound , hee and his man , and throwne into a gravell-pit , where we leave them ; and returne to this perfidious chandler , who expecting to be a sharer as well in the stake , as in the forfeiture of his estate , is by his witty copesmates used after another sort then hee looked for ; being bound hand and foot , and throwne into a ditch adjoyning ; where hee remayned , till a shepherds boy having occasion to come that way , hearing one pitiously mourning , drew neere to the place where hee heard the voice ; but seeing one lye there bound in an ugly vizard , and disguised after an uncouth manner , as one afraid , hee run from him , albeit the chandler humbly intreated him , to lend his helping hand to loose him . the noise which the chandler made , desiring aid from the shepherd , and the shepherd denying aid to the chandler , was now come to the eare of the afflicted gentleman , and his man : wherefore they sent out their complaint , as men pittifully distressed ; which the shepherd hearing came forthwith to the place where they lay bound , and seeing the gentleman , and his man , lent them his helping hand , and delivered them from their bands : directing them withall , to the pit where the chandler , his treacherous acquaintance , lay ; whom he knew by his disguise to be one of those , who had taken his money from him : but having pulled off his vizard , and perceived him to be none but the chandler , his professed friend , you may imagine what diversity of perplexed thoughts encountred him ; but suspecting the worst , which after proved the truest , hee caused him to be brought before a iustice , where he was examined touching the premisses , which , to his shame , he confessed , discovering himselfe to be both actor and authour of that persidious complot . for which , being committed , and legally tryed , hee was adjudged according to his desert , to receive the condigne punishment of death . whose goods being confiscate , our late prince of renowned memory , out of his royall compassion to the gentlemans estate , allotted him so much in his princely bounty , as redeemed his engaged lands , repossessing him therof to his great joy , & an example to succeeding ages , not to repose too much confidence in the profession of acquaintance . many examples of like sort ( though this may seeme imparallel ) might be here produced , but i cannot insist upon this point . what hath beene herein discoursed , principally tendeth to this end and purpose , to deterre young gentlemen from discovering themselves too openly to these glozing and temporizing acquaintance , whose onely ayme is to benefit themselves by their weaknesse , and make their prodigality the onely foundation of their providence ; whence it is that many times they become enrichers of their retinue , but beggerers of their posterity . and which is of all others most miserable , those whose sponges they were , and had squeased them of all their fortunes , will contemptuously demean● themselves towards them , and unthankfully sleight them , who by improverishing their owne meanes , have enriched them ; whose natures in the person of one especiall ungratefull man , are to life expressed by the poet ; ragg'd rockes him bred , brute beasts him sed , no thankefulnesse can enter his scared brest , or sealed chest , which is of flinty temper . and let this suffice to bee spoken of reservancie towards acquaintance , both in respect of our secrecie of counsell ; lest by discovering our selves either upon confidence of anothers trust , or transported with passion , ( the end whereof is the beginning of repentance ) wee give our friend power over us , and so by too credulous trust bewray our owne weaknesse : or in respect of our substance ; by a prodigall bounty to our friends and followers , without respect had of our meanes , and so make our followers our masters . so as , it is right wholesome counsell , which that wise son of sirach gave , and which wee formerly alleaged , but cannot be too often renewed ; give not away thy substance to another , lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe : concluding with this excellent precept ; be not excessive toward any , and without discretion doe nothing . now excuse mee gentlemen , if i have insisted longer on these two points , then the quality of the subject wee have in hand , might seeme to require : for i am not ignorant how many of your ranke have unfortunately fallen on these two dangerous shelves ; either , i meane , by too open a discovery of themselves , or by too prodigall a hand in giving , what they may afterwards stand in need of to releeve themselves . but of these wee shall have occasion to speake more amply in our discourse of moderation ; meane time , let this lesson be ever imprinted in the tablet of your memory : impart your mind , but not your secrets ; give where you see desert , but with such reservancie , as it may neither repent you to have given , having extended your bounty to such as are thankefull ; nor grieve you to have discovered your selves , having imparted your mind to such as are faithfull . it is a maxime in philosophy : whatsoever is , it is for some end : so as all our counsels and consultations , businesses and negotiations , have ever an eye or ayme to some speciall end , to which they are properly directed . for as wee see in elementary bodies , every one by naturall motion tendeth to their owne proper center , as light bodies upward , heavy ones downeward , being places wherein they are properly said to rest or repose ; even so in arts and sciences , or the proper objects to which they are directed , and wherein they are peculiarly said to be conversant , there is ever a certaine end proposed , to which , and in which their aimes are limited or confined . whence it is , that excellent morall saith , that every taske , labour , or imployment must have reference and respect to some end : which the poet confirmeth saying , all things which are , must have a proper end , to which by course of nature they doe tend . so as in my opinion , there is nothing which proceeds in a course more contrary to nature , then suits of law , whose object is end without end ; consuming time and substance in frivolous delayes , and multiplicity of orders , which like hidra's heads , by lopping off , or annulling one , gives way to decreeing of another . now to enter into discourse of the absolute end of acquaintance , wee are as well to reprove the indirect ends , which some make of it , as approve of those good and absolute ends for which it was ordained . wherefore to come unto the point , wee are to understand that acquaintance is nothing else but a familiar friendship , or friendly familiarity , which wee have one with another . now there is nothing which doth comparably delight the mind , like a faithfull friendship ; being , as the stagyrian philosopher well defineth it ; one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies . so as , of all possessions friendship is most precious , where wee are to make no other estimate of our friends life , then of our owne glory : a friend being nothing else then a second selfe , and therefore as individuate as man from himselfe . how much then is this sweet union or communion of minds abused , when friendship is onely made a state of , professing love and familiarity onely for our owne ends ? and where shall wee come , where this abuse of friendship and sociable acquaintance is not practised ? in the court wee shall find smooth and sweet-sented friends , who make friendship a complement , and vow themselves ours in protests , congies , and salutes : but whereto tend they , but to wind us in , and so become engaged for them ? for it stands with reason thinke they , as wee are familiar with them in complements of courtesie , so they should be familiar with us in the mercers booke . too precious are these mens acquaintance , and too heavy their engagements ; let us therefore turne from them , and travell towards the citie . and what shall wee find there , but many dangerous and subtill friends , who like politike tradesmen , having heard of our estates , and how we are come to yeeres to dispose of them , will professe themselves to be our countrey-men , in which respect wee cannot chuse , but make bold with them and their commodities rather then any stranger ? yet it is strange to see how strangely and unconscionably they will use us , making ever their commodities vendible with protestations , and binding them upon us with termes of courtesie . wee must then needs conclude , that these men tender friendship but onely for their owne ends . wee are therefore to seeke further , and descend to the countrey , where wee are likest to find them . yet see , the generall infection of this age ! wee shall find there , even where simplicity and plaine-dealing used ever to keepe home , great monied men , who to enrich their seldome prospering heirs , will offer us any courtesie , and to shew they love us , they will lend us to support our state , and maintaine our riot : but observe their aimes ; in feeding us , they feed on us ; in succouring us , they soake us ; for having made a prey of us , they leave us . likewise wee shall find there , many summer-swallowes , and find that sentence in them verified ; though one swallow make no summer , yet one mans summer makes many swallowes . where then shall we find them ? surely in all these places which wee have traced : for in the court , wee shall find friends no lesse compleat then complementall ; in the citie , frinds no lesse trusty then substantiall ; and in the countrey , friends no lesse faithfull then reall . notwithstanding , wee are taught to beware of our friends ; and the reason is this , for that some man is a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in the day of trouble . having now made choice of such friends and acquaintance , as may seeme to deserve both our knowledge and acceptance , wee are to respect the aime or end to which all friendship and acquaintance may truly and properly be referred . which ( as wee formerly observed ) is not only matter of gaine or worldly profit , as these brokers and sellers of amity esteeme it : for as much friendship may be found in cheape amongst the huxters , or in smith-field with the horse-coupers , as these professe . but rather , how we may benefit the inward man by a friendly conversation one with another . for which cause ( as wee have else-where noted ) came plato forth of asia into cilicia to see and converse with his deare friend phocion ; nicaula the rich saban queen , to visit salomon ; brutus the sincere roman , to converse with vtican . these , though pagans , so highly valued knowledge , as their aime was to entertaine friendship with knowing-men , purposely to increase , at least preserve their knowledge . for learning , which is the producer of knowledge , hath ever had such exquisite and admirable effects , as it hath gained due and deserved esteeme , not onely in respect of opinion , but title and honourable approbation . so as , nathan citraeus writeth , that in prage , an vniversity of bohemia , where iohn hus , and hierom of prage professed , that , they that have continued professours for the space of twenty yeers together , are created earles and dukes both together . and therefore their stile is to be called illustres , whereas they which are singly and simply but onely either earles or dukes , are called spectabiles . neither maketh it any matter that they have no revenews , to maintaine earledomes or dukedomes : for they have the title notwithstanding , even as suffragans have of bishops . this esteeme of learning was no lesse effectually expressed by one , who encountring with a scholer , who through necessity was enforced to turne begger , cryed out ; a scholer and a begger too ? the age is blind doth plainely show . yet how contemptible riches ( that worldlings idol ) hath ever beene to these , whose conceits were not engaged to pelse , nor their affections to desire of having , may appeare by the admirable contempt of divers pagans towards riches , preferring a voluntary poverty before all worldly possessions . this might bee instanced in anacharsis , who refused the treasure sent him by croesiis ; in anacreontes , who refused the treasure sent him by polycrates ; and albionus , who refused the treasure sent him by antigonus . the like indifferency towards riches , appeared in the admirable and inimitable patience of zeno , who hearing all his substance to bee drowned by shipwracke upon the sea ; fortune ( quoth hee ) bids mee to addresse my selfe to philosophy more speedily . the like in mimus , who threw his goods into the sea , saying ; packe hence , yee evils , for yee were hinderances to mee in my pursuit after better goods ; it is better for mee to drowne you , then be drowned by you . whence it was that demetrius was wont to say , that nothing could be more unhappy then that man , to whom no adversity ever hapned : for that opinion even amongst the ethnicks hath beene generally held for most authenticke , that nothing can be truly said to be good or evill , but a good or evill mind . now whereas we have sufficiently proved , that no true friendship can be but onely amongst good men , ( i meane morally or civilly good ) and that ayme in the profession of friendship or acquaintance , is either to better them , or be bettered by them : wee are in like sort to make this our aime or supreme end , that having made choice of such whose eminent parts deserve our respect and acceptance , wee are to imploy our time in conversing and conferring with them , the better to enable us in imployments publike or private . neither is this onely the absolute aime or end of friendship , for so we should inferre that our acceptation or intertainment of friends had reference onely to our owne private ends , without relation to him with whom wee have entred the lists of acquaintance . wee are therefore to have an eye to these especiall offices of friendship , being such as deserve our observation and imitation , if so be wee deserve the name or title of friends . first is , if wee see our friend doubtfull or unresolved , to advise him ; if afflicted , to comfort him ; if sick or restrained , to visit him ; if weake in estate or impoverished , to relieve him ; if injured , to labour by all means to right him , and in all things to be helpefull to him , supplying his necessity by apparent testimonies of our approved amity . it is reported , that on a time , duke godwin bringing up a service to edward the confessors table , he chanced to slip with one of his feete , but to recover himselfe with the other ; whereupon presently he used these words in the kings hearing ; one brother supports another . o ( quoth the king ) so might i have said too , if godwin had not beene ! meaning , that he was the cause of his brothers death , whose life was a staffe to his state , but his fall a weakning to his feet . certainly , every faithfull friend should be as a brother : or , as in a naturall body one member ministers aid and succour to another ; where the head cannot say to the foot , i have no need of thee , nor the foot to the hand , but every one in their distinct and mutuall offices are ready to execute their severall duties : so , i say , should friends and acquaintance be one to another ; not in preying or feeding one upon another , as if all were fish that came to net ; for this were to make no difference or distinction betwixt friend or foe , but for some intendment of private benefit to dissolve the strict bond of friendship . wheras a friend , being indeed a mans second selfe , or rather an individuate companion to himselfe , ( for there is one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies ) should be valued above the rate of any outward good , being such a happines , as he giveth a relish to the dayes of our pilgrimage , which otherwise would seeme like a wildernes : for the world , as it is both to bee loved and hated ; loved as it is the worke of the creator ; hated as the instrument of temptation unto sinne ; ministers some few houres of delight to the weary pilgrime , by the company and society of friends , recourse and concourse of acquaintance , without which comfort , how tedious and grievous would these few yeeres of our desolate pilgrimage appeare ? how highly then are we to value the possession of a good friend , who partakes with us in our comforts and discomforts , in the frownes and fawnes of fortune , shewing himselfe the same both in our weale and woe ? it is written of sylla , that never any did more good to his friends , or more harme to his enemies . which princely courtesie to his friends could not choose but increase them , howsoever his extreame courses towards his enemies might seeme rather to inrage than appease them . for as remembrance of benefits argues a noble nature , so forgetting of injuries ( having in the meane time power to revenge ) implies a bravely resolved temper . whence it was , that themistocles , when symmachus told him , he would teach him the art of memory , answered , hee had rather learne the art of forgetfulnesse ; saying , hee could remember enough ; but many things hee could not forget which were necessary to bee forgotten . as the over-weening conceit of himselfe , indignities done him by his foes , opposition in the quest of honour , and the like ; all which a great minde could hardly brooke , being so illimited as he can admit of no corrivall in his pursuit of honour . but to descend to the greatest benefit which proceeds from friendship , commerce and acquaintance : we shall find how miserable the state and condition of this flourishing iland had beene , whose halcyon dayes have attained that prerogative of peace , which most parts of christendome are at this day deprived of ; had not the friendly compassion , and devout zeale , of sundry learned and faithfull instruments of christ , delivered her from that palpable blindnesse and heathenish idolatry , under which she was long detained captive . * s. ierome , in the end of his dialogue against the pelagians , writeth thus : vntill the very comming of christ , ( saies he ) the province of britaine , which hath beene oftentimes governed by tyrants , and the scottish people , and all the nations round about the ocean sea , were utterly ignorant of moses and the prophets . so that then , by the testimony of s. ierome , all our religion was superstition , all our church-service was idolatry , all our priests were painims , all our gods were idols . and to appropriate to every nation their peculiar god , there was then in scotland the temple of mars ; in cornwall the temple of mercury ; in bangor in wales , the temple of minerva ; in b malden in essex , the temple of c vistoria ; in bath the temple of apollo ; in leycester , the temple of ianus ; in yorke , where peters is now , the temple of d bellona ; in london where pauls is now , the temple of e diana ▪ therefore it is very likely , that they esteemed as highly then of the goddesse diana in london , as they did in ephesus ; and that as they cried there , great is diana of the ephesians , so they cried here , being deluded with the same spirit , great is diana of the londoners . even no more than . yeeres before the incarnation of christ , when iulius caesar came out of france into england , so absurd , senselesse and stupid were the people of this land , that in stead of the true and ever-living lord , they served these heathenish and abominable idols , mars , mercury , minerva , victoria , apollo , ianus , bellona , diana , and such like . and not long after , anno christi . king lucius being first christened himselfe , forthwith established religion in this whole kingdome . but thanks , thankes be to god , in the time of the new testament , three and fifty yeares after the incarnation of christ , when ioseph of arimathea , came out of france into england , many in this realme of blind and ignorant pagans became very zealous and sincere christians . for saint philip the apostle , after hee had preached the gospel throughout all france , at length sent ioseph of arimathea hither into england : who , when he had converted very many to the faith , died in this land , and hee that buried the body of christ , was buried in f glastenbury himselfe . also simon zelotes , another apostle , after he had preached the gospel throughout all mauritania , at length came over into england : who when he had declared likewise to us the doctrine of christ crucified , was in the end crucified himselfe , and buried here in g britaine . about this time h aristobulus , one of the seventy disciples , whom saint paul mentioneth in his epistle to the romans , was a reverend and renowned bishop in this land. also claudia a noble english lady , whom st. paul mentioneth in his second epistle to timothy , was here amongst us a famous professor of the faith . since which time , though the civill state hath beene often turned up-side downe by the romans , by the saxons , by the danes , by the normans , yet the gospel of christ hath never utterly failed or beene taken from us . this the holy fathers of the church , which have lived in the ages next ensuing doe declare . tertullian , who lived anno . writeth thus ; i all the coasts of spaine and divers parts of france , and many places of britaine which the romans could never subdue with their sword , christ hath subdued with his word . origen who lived anno . writeth thus ; k did the i le of britaine , before the comming of christ , ever acknowledge the faith of one god ? no ; but yet now , all that countrey singeth joyfully unto the lord. constantine the great , the glory of all the emperours borne here in england , and of english bloud who lived anno . writeth in an epistle thus ; l whatsoever custome is of force in all the churches of egypt , spaine , france , and britaine , looke that the same bee likewise ratified among you . saint chrysostome who lived an. . writeth thus ; m in all places wheresoever you goe into any church , whether it bee of the moores , or of the persians , or even of the very iles of britaine , you may heare iohn baptist preaching . saint ierome , who lived anno . writeth thus ; n the french-men , the english-men , they of africa , they of persia , and all barbarous nations worship one christ , and observe one rule of religion . theodoret who lived anno . writeth thus ; o the blessed apostles have induced english-men , the danes , the saxons , in one word , all people and countries , to embrace the doctrine of christ. gregory the great , who lived anno . writeth thus ; p who can sufficiently expresse how glad all the faithfull are , for that the english-men have forsaken the darkenesse of their errours , and have againe received the light of the gospel ? beda , who lived anno . writeth thus ; q england at this present is inhabited by english-men , britaines , scots , picts , and romans ; all which though they speake severall tongues , yet they professe but one faith . thus you see , how the gospel of christ , having beene first planted in this land , by ios●ph of arimathea , and simon zelotes ( in whose time aristobulus and claudia , and not long after king lucius also lived ) hath ever since continued amongst us ; as testifieth tertullian , origen , constantine the great , athanasius , chrysostome , ie●ome , theodoret , gregory , beda , and many more , which might here have beene alleaged . now , how singular and exquisite a benefit have our progenitours received , by meanes of these faithfull professours of the gospel , and first planters of the christian faith here in this iland ? what a miserable famine of the word had the people of this land sustained , if these faithfull friends and sincere witnesses of the truth , had not loosed from the shore , and embarked themselves in danger , to deliver them from the danger of soules shipwracke ? in which danger , wee likewise had beene sharers , had not this so rich a fraught , so inestimable a prize rescued us from danger , and directed our feet in the way of peace . the story of theseus includes an excellent morall ; whose love to his deare friend perithous , the poet labouring to expresse , shewes how hee went downe to hell , of purpose to deliver his friend from the thraldome of pluto , under whom hee remained captive ; which without offence or derogation , may properly seeme to allude , ( next to that inimitable mirrour of divine amity ) to these noble and heavenly warriours , who descended ( as it were ) even to the jawes of hell , encountring with the insolent affronts of many barbarous assassinates , ready to practice all hostility upon them : yet see their undaunted spirits ! their godly care enflamed with the zeale of devotion , and their love to the members of christ , kindled with the coale of brotherly compassion , made them as ready to endure , as those hellish fiends and furies , the enemies of truth , were ready to inflict : choosing rather to perish in the body , then to suffer the poorest soule , bought with so high a price , to bee deprived of the hope of glory . these were good and kind friends , being such as would not sticke to lay downe their lives for their friends ; suffering all things with patience and puissance of mind , to free their distressed brethren from the servile yoke of hellish slavery , and bring them by meanes of gods spirit , by which they were directed , to the knowledge of the all-seeing verity . such as these professe not friendship under pretences or glozing semblances , making their heart a stranger to their tongue , or walking invisible , as if they had found the stone in the lapwings nest ; but as they are , so they appeare , affecting nothing but what is sincerely good ● , and by the best approved . their absolute ayme or end of friendship is to improve , reprove , correct , reforme , and conforme the whole image of that man with whom they converse , to his similitude whom all men present . if at any time they enter into discourse , it ever tends to fruitfull instruction ; if at any time they enter into serious meditation of the world , their meditation is not how to purchase estate , or fish after honour , or build a foundation on oppression , to enrich their posterity with the fruits of their injurious dealing . no , they have the testimony of a good conscience within them , which testifies for them , should the world and all her complices bandie against them . wherefore , admit they should bee put to all extremities , and suffer all the indignities , which envie or malice could dart upon them , the weight of every injury is to bee measured by the sense or feeling of the sufferer ; for the apprehension of the sufferer makes the injury offered , great or little ; if hee conceit it small or no injury , howsoever others esteeme it , the burden of the wrong is light , and therefore more easily sleights it . now , gentlemen , wee have traced over the whole progresse of acquaintance , wherein if happely it be thought , that we have sojourned too long , my answer is ; that in passages of greatest danger , there is required more circumspection , then rashly to goe on without due deliberation . and what occurrent in all the passage or pilgrimage of man , is beset with more danger then the choice of acquaintance ; especially to you , gentlemen , whose meanes is the adamant of acquaintance ? wee have therefore insisted the longer upon this subject , that you may be the lesse subject to such , who will winde them in with you , of purpose to feed and prey on you . to cure which maladie , no receit more soveraigne , then to imprint in your memory that golden rule or princely precept , recommended by that pious and puissant saint lewis to his sonne philip , in these words : have especiall care that those men , whose acquaintance and familiarity you shall use , be honest and sincere , whether they be religious or secular ; with whom you may converse friendly , and communicate your counsels freely ; but by all meanes avoide the company of naughty and wicked men : whose society ever tends to inordinate respects . take these cautions therefore as the last , but not least worthy your observation . be not too rash in the choice of your acquaintance , for that shewes weaknesse ; nor inconstant to those you have chosen , for that argues lightnesse ; nor too forward in the discovery of your counsels ; for so you might bee taxed of too much opennesse ; ever ayming at that absolute end of acquaintance , to profit more and more in the practice of goodnesse . so shall god bee your guide , good men your friends , and your countrey where you had education , receive much glory from your life , and conversation . the english gentleman . argument . moderation defined ; no vertue can subsist without it ; wherein it is to be used ; wherein to be limited ; of the accomplished end which attends it . moderation . in the whole progresse of mans life , which is nothing else , but a medley of desires and feares ; wee shall find , that there is no one vertue which doth better adorne or beautifie man , than temperance or moderation ; which indeed is given as an especiall attribute to man , purposely to distinguish him from brute beasts , whose onely delight is enjoying the benefit of sense , without any further ayme . this moderation therefore , being a note of distinction betwixt man and beast , let us draw neere to the knowledge of this so exquisite a vertue ; which , that wee may the better attaine , let us first see how she is defined : because every instruction grounded upon reason touching any subject , ought to proceed from a definition , that we may the better understand what that is , whereof wee dispute . moderation is a subduer of our desires to the obedience of reason , and a temperate conformer of all our affections , freeing them from the too much subjection either of desires or feares . first , it causeth our desires to be subject to the obedience of reason , pulling us alwayes by the sleeve , and remembring us how wee are men and partake of reason , and therefore ought not to subject our desires to the captivity of sense , as brute beasts which have no reason . secondly , it is a conformer of all our affections , freeing them from all unworthy subjection , either in respect of our desires or feares : of our desires , as having learned in all things to bee contented , whether that portion wherewith god hath blessed us , be little or great : of our feares , as suffering no worldly thing to be so neerely endeered to us , as to feare the losing of it , which wee so dearely tender . for the first , it is an excellent saying of a sage morall , there is no difference betweene having , and not desiring ; for hee that desires nothing , injoyes more then hee that possesseth the whole world ; for his desires are satisfied , which the worldling can never be , so long as his thoughts and desires are to the objects of earth engaged : so as , the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and rich not using , is by these two expressed , the one carendo , the other non fruendo : whereas , if the poore having little , desire no more then that little which they have , they become rich in desire ; and enjoy by desiring little , more above estimate then the dung-hill wretch ( whose eyes cannot enjoy themselves for coveting ) will ever be master of . for as men sicke of an atrophie , eat much , but thrive not ; so these , though they devoure widowes houses , feed upon the fat of the land , lay land unto land , and hoord up treasure to enrich a progeny of rioters , yet these seldome thrive with the fat of their oppressions , but make oft-times as fearefull ends , as their beginnings were calme and prosperous . it is a singular blessing , which the poet attributes to one , who was not onely rich , but could enjoy that hee had freely ; god gave thee wealth and power to use it too , which these earth-wormes of ours can never doe . neither onely in matters of desire , are wee to entertaine the choice company of moderation , but in our feares , where we many times feare to forgoe , what wee already with much content enjoy . so as the former direct their ayme to what they have not ; but the latter stand surprized with feare , lest they should leese what they already have : the former argues an avaritious mind , who can never confine his desires to what it hath ; the latter , a worldly besotted affection , that can never find heart to forgoe what it already enjoyes . a philosopher perceiving dionysius to sit merrily in the theater , after hee was expulsed his realme , condemned the people who banished him : certainely , this prince shewed an admirable moderation , both in respect of his desires and feares ; first , in his desires , extending not his thoughts above that low verge whereto his tyrannie had forced him ; nor fearing any succeeding losse , being above the reach of greater misery . this moderation appeared in furius camillus , whom neither honour could too much transport , nor disgrace cast downe ; bearing the former with no lesse temperance , then he did the latter with patience ; and esteeming it his onely conquest , to conquer passion in the height of affliction . it is likewise a great argument of moderation , when in extremity , wee stand prepared to encounter with the worst of danger , passing all inducements to feare , with a mind no lesse resolute than cheerefull , saluting affliction with a smile , and entertaining surmises of danger with a jest . this did crassus , who being willed by the arabian guides to make haste before the moone was past scorpio ; but i ( said hee ) feare more sagittarie , meaning the archers of persia. there is nothing which expresseth more true worth in any man , then his constancie and courage in the encounters of this life ; imitating , in this respect , vespasian , who upon the instant of his dissolution , when death had summoned him to make present surrender , by paying his debt to nature , of that short lease of life , which with many an unquiet houre he had traced , standing up upon his feet , used these words ; it became an emperour to take his leave of earth standing : implying , that the extremities , which either nature or fortune could inflict upon him , could not so much deject him , or by their assaults enforce him to doe ought unworthy himselfe . whence wee are taught ( and well may this lesson deserve our observation ) to entertaine this life with patience , expecting death with a desired assurance : for there is no better meanes to moderate the passions of desire and feare , then to enter into meditation of the world ; and withall to consider , how there is nothing of that esteeme in the world , that may seeme worthy our desires , coveting to have it ; or worthy our feare , inwardly doubting to lose it . this serious consideration will bee of force to move the greatest worldling to a moderation of his desires , subjecting them to the obedience of reason . whereas , if hee should give reines to his owne avarice , ericthous bowels could not containe more in proportion , then his in an illimited desire and affection : for the world , being like a city without a wall , a house without a doore , a ship without helme , a pot without a cover , and a horse without a bridle ; hath brought out people equally consorting with her in nature and temper ; of unbridled and uncorrigible dispositions , naturally affected to all sensuall liberty , preferring one minutes pleasure or profit before an eternity of succeeding pleasures and profits , reserved for those only whose lives are imployed in promoting their makers glory , being wholly addressed to please him ; and whose deaths , like the choicest odours , sent out a sweet smell , the perfume of a good and vertuous life , sending out a voice even in their last period to praise him . what admirable moderation divers ancient princes have shewen , especially in their contempt to the glory and pompe of this life , histories can afford sufficient examples ; but to omit forraigne instances , my purpose is to insert here one of our owne ; which , by how much more neere us , by so much deeper impression should it enforce in us . canutus that was absolute king almost of five kingdomes , somewhat before the conquest , upon a time in his progresse riding neere the thames , light and sate downe before the shore : then , as it were to try a conclusion , hee commanded the water being now ready to arise againe and to flow , not to come any neerer him : but the water keeping his naturall course , came up still higher and higher , till it began to wet him . whereupon to his nobles , which were about him , yee call mee ( sayes he ) your king and master , and so indeed i am ; and yet loe yee , i cannot command so much as this little streame ; but doe what i can that will doe still as it list . whereupon presently hee posted to westminster , and resigned his crowne to the crucifix there ; neither could hee ever after this be perswaded to weare it any more . the like indifferency to all princely , honours , shewed those memorable saxons , kingulfus , iva , ceodulphus , eadbertus , ethelredus , keredus , offa. sebbi , sigebertus . charles the fifth emperour of germany , gave up his empire into the hands of the princes electors , and with-drew himselfe in the yeere . into a monastery . the like of late yeeres did his sonne , king philip of spaine . neither need wee to exemplifie this subject , touching contempt of the world , onely in such as the glorious light of the gospel had shone upon , but such whose time of darkenesse had never attained to so blessed a sunne-shine : as it may be instanced in dioclesian , who voluntarily relinquished the flourishingest empire in the world . yea , to adde one example more , even amongst those whose best religion is policie , and whose onely aimes are to inlarge their own soveraignty : amurah the second , emperour of the turkes , after he had gotten infinite victories , became a monke of the straightest order amongst them , in the yeere of our lord . all which may seeme to confirme what sel●ucus being king was wont to say , that if a man knew with what care a diadem was clogged , hee would not take it up , though it lay in the street . so as , when the romans had despoiled antiochus of all asia , hee gave them great thankes , saying , they had rid him of many insupportable cares . now , as we have defined this vertue to be a subduer of our desires to the obedience of reason , and a temperate conformer of all our affections ; so are wee to direct our eye to the conclusion , to wit , a freer of the affections from the too much subjection , either of desires or feares . so as , we are here to observe , that hee is the man whom our definition only aimes at , whose well-tempered brest is neither transported with a desire of enjoying what it hath not , nor surprised with a feare of losing what it now enjoyes : having so much as may content him , the losse whereof should hee sustaine , could nere deject him . such an one the tragick poet entituleth a prince , as one too worthy to bee numbred amongst the inferiour ranke : who feares , desires , and flilling cares suppresse , are kings at least , they can be nothing lesse . for these are they who have absolute soveraignty over their passions , and in prosperity scorne as much to be proud , as in adversity to shew themselves base . yea , they will rather entertaine the extreamest encounters that misery can lay upon them , then lose the least of that liberty of mind , with which their noble temper hath endued them . in briefe , those onely who dis-value sublunary things , esteeming them as they are , onely to minister to our necessity , and not to reare them , as blind worldlings use , in the tabernacle of their heart to commit idolatry , keepe consort with this definition ; for the golden meane , as it is onely approved by them , so in a princely moderation of their affections , they are ever readiest to enter lists with their owne passions , that if any either exceed or come short of this meane , they may so square and hammer it till it bee reduced to a proposed meane . and let this suffice , for the definition : we will now descend to the second branch , wherein wee intend to shew , that no vertue can subsist without moderation , being indeed the temper which allayeth and aptly disposeth all our actions , making them equally seasoned , which otherwise would become violent and immoderate . as moderation is a subduer of every inordinate or indisposed affection , so is it a seasoner or temperer of all our actions , making them seeme worthy the title of vertuous , which without this temper would appeare vicious . for without this moderation , he that is liberall should incurre the name of prodigall , the frugall the name of miserable , the resolute be termed dissolute , the morall civill man a coward , the wise stoicall , the regular meerely formall , the just rigorous , the mercifull remisse . so defective is the structure of all vertues , wanting the sweet temper of moderation to season them . neither proceedeth this from the malevolent or uncharitable censures of men , as former times , have beene too apt to traduce or mis-interpret their best deservings , by aspersing some unworthy blemish upon their demerits : as in rome , if the pisoes bee frugall , they are censured-parcimonious ; if the metelli religious , they are taxed superstitious ; if the appii popular , they are termed ambitious ; if the manlii austere , they are stiled tyrannous ; if the lelii wise , they are curious ; the publicolae aspiring if courteous ; but meerely upon the want or deficiency of such actions , which are not tempered with moderation . for to give instance in each kinde ; how nobly and invincibly did alexander the great beare himselfe in all exploits ? how much feared abroad , and how much loved at home ? how affable to his friends , and how terrible to his foes ? yet how much were all his actions , of valour and matchlesse resolution darkened through want of moderation , being so excessively given to passion in his drinke , as his nearest and dearest friends could not bee secure from his fury ? for howsoever those acts and exploits of his against darius , yea against all opponents , expressed the noblenesse of his person , with the continued attendance of succeeding fortune ; yet the death of clytus , the torments he inflicted on callisthenes , and depopulation of persepolis , detracted as much from his glory , as ever his conquests gained him glory . likewise , how just and sincere was agesilaus held in all matters of justice ? how free from this ages staine , corruption ? how farre from personall respect , or to be over-awed by the offenders greatnesse ? so as , like the worlds generall ( of whom we even now made mention ) and of whom plutarch reports , that he used to shut the one eare with his hand when he heard any accuser in criminall causes , thereby ( as he said ) reserving audience for the defendant ; semblably did this renowned patron and patterne of unblemished iustice greatly eclipse those more glorious lights which shone in him , for want of moderating his affection towards his children ? so as his riding upon a cockhorse did no lesse argue his weaknesse , than his sincerity in matters of iustice witnessed his uprightnesse . albeit , his discreet parentall answer to such sages as occasionally repaired to him amidst that trifling pleasure , might seeme to qualifie this error : gentlemen , yee that see mee thus highly taken with this childish and vnmanly pleasure , till yee have children of your owne , suspend your censure . lastly , how profoundly wise was the lacedemonian chilo held to be , being numbred among the seven sages of greece , and elected ephorus , a place of especiall honour and esteeme ? how exquisite his sentences ? how quicke and pregnant his answers ? how solid his reasons ? how absolute in all his proceedings ? yet behold for want of moderation of his passions , how childishly hee gave way to excesse of joy , whereby he was inforced to pay his debt to nature . whence wee may easily collect , that no vertue , how cardinall soever , can subsist without the assistance of moderation , being that lesbian rule which direct● the modell , and makes it truly accomplished . all vertues ( saith one ) doe make a common-wealth happy and peaceable : but temperance alone is the sustainer of civill quietnesse ; for it taketh care that the realme be not corrupted with riot and wanton delights , whereby divers states have bin cast away ▪ or , to descend more particularly to those divine effects which this vertue produceth , it hindreth dishonest actions , restraineth pleasures within certaine bounds , and which maketh men to differ from bruit beasts . moreover , this is that herbe , which mercury gave to vlysses , lest he should taste of the inchanters cup , and so with his fellowes be transformed into a hog , wallowing in the mire of all sensuall delights . so as , whosoever is endued with this vertue , stands fortified against all assailants ; those eye-sores ( for so plutarch cals them ) i meane those attractive objects of lust , cannot surprize him : nor those worldly tumours ( for so eucherius stiles them ) i meane worldly honours , intrap him . not those robes or ragges of shame , the gorgeous attire of sinne ( which hierome cals antichrists veile ) delude him . nor those theeves of time , ( for so the orator is pleased to call them ) i meane friends and acquaintance , over-joy him . in briefe , as the vnicornes horne being dipt in water , cleeres and purifies it ; so there is no poison either arising from the tempting object of beauty , from the ambitious aspiring to honour , from the attire of sinne or cover of shame , or from those sweet time-beguilers or acquaintance , which is not frustrated by this choice and soveraign receit of temperance . so as this is that vertue , which ( though in generall it deserve to bee affected of all ) great men ought specially to embrace , that by their example the common sort might become temperate : for this is the reason why so many now a daies live riotously like beasts , namely , because they see noblemen , and magistrates that governe the common-wealth , to lead their lives wantonly , as sardanapalus did . whence it was that the poet so seriously concluded ; great is the crime , it cannot chuse , if he be great that doth it use . for as we see in colours , there is none which discovers any soile or blemish so much as white ; or as we have observed in the eclipse of the sunne , that it drawes more eyes to view it , than the darkning of any inferiour light : so amongst the children of men , though sinne be sinne in every one , yet more noted , and in that more exemplar , in these high peering cedars , i meane our peeres and nobles , then in these lower shrubs , whose humble condition frees them from like publike observance . how necessary is it then for you , gentlemen , whose birth hath enobled you , whose breeding hath enabled you , and whose more generous spirits have emboldned you , to undertake assayes for the glory and benefit of your countrey , the better to expresse your love and allegeance to your prince : to become affecters and practisers of so singular a vertue , that your lives might be patternes of moderation unto others , seeing more eyes are fixt upon you than on inferiours ? you are moulds wherein meaner men are ●asten ; labour then by your example to stampe impressions of vertue in others , but principally temperance , seeing no vertue can subsist without it . it is dangerous ( saith austine ) when prodigality and riot sway a scepter ; neither onely is it dangerous for the person whose illimited affections , of a prince make him a vassall ; but for the whole body of the state , training it to all impiety by his evill example . the laconians , by meanes of wife and temperate princes , became admired for their moderation and continence : insomuch as their spare diet , their home-spun raiment , and their generall hate to all accesse , made them no lesse honoured at home , than feared abroad . whereas , contrariwise , the sidonians , by following the riotous examples of some of their licentious princes , fell into all excessive gluttony . so powerfull and perswasive were the lives of princes , to inforce impressions of goodnesse or badnesse in the imitation of their subjects . but to take a review of those maine assailants of temperance , lust , ambition , gorgeousnesse in apparell , luscious fare , company-keeping , and the like , we shall find that where this temperance is , albeit these objects even in their height should encounter him , the bait will bee long laid ere it can take him . for to run over all these , and illustrate them with proper instances , wee shall plainely shew ; that where a divine power is ready to assist , and man no lesse ready , upon temptations approaching , to resist , all these motives can take no place . what admirable continencie shewed alexander in the conquest of his affections , sparing darius wife and his three daughters ? how greatly did this worlds monarch enlarge his glory by this onely conquest ? yet to reflect upon those objects of beauty we shall finde ; if records be true which write of them , that for beauty they were incomparably gracious , and for state the choicest dames of persia. the like we reade of scipio , who being a young man of foure and twenty yeeres of age , of strong constitution , and promising personage , in the taking of a citie in spaine , repressed his flames of lust , albeit a beautifull maid was brought him ; restoring her to a young man called allutius , to whom she was espoused , with a great reward . but incredible is the report of zenocrates continency , who lying all night with lais though shee used all the provocations and inticements shee could devise , yet he remained immoveable to her voluptuous inducements . and to close this illustration with an heroicke instance , cleopatra in the last tragicke scene of her disasters , kneeling at the feet of caesar , laid baits for his eyes ; but in vaine , her beauties were beneath that princes chastity . neither are histories ( those precious treasuries of time ) lesse plentifull in instances of moderation touching motives of ambition . when all the worldly romans ( i meane such whose demerits had gained them an eminent esteeme with their countrey ) had a desire to preserve their memories by erection of their statues , cato would not ; and being demanded the cause , answered ; if i might choose , i would rather have it asked why cato hath no statues erected for him , than why they are erected for him : implying that vertue , which is the most continued shrine , and , as that sage morall saith , maketh man a god , had more power to eternize him , than all materiall monuments ; which , as they are subject to corruption , so shall their names bee , which are engraven on them . from their contempt shewen to these sumptuous covers of corruption , iunius and blaesus , by the testimony of tacitus received no lesse glory ; whose statues , because they were not engraven in stone , appeared more conspicuous to the eye of the state. no lesse moderation of his desires shewed agesilaus , that princely patterne of iustice ; who , when the aegyptians , came forth of purpose to adore him , for those numerous and glorious victories which hee had atchieved , couched himselfe close upon the grasse , without least shew or semblance of majesty , expressing the humility of his thoughts by the lownesse of his seat . but of all others , there is no one example , to instance a true moderator of ambition , like that noble and victorious champion ; godfrey de boloigne , whose valour so bravely employed in expulsing the turkes and freeing ierusalem , that citie of the great king , from miserable slavery , had gained him so deserved a name , as it was thought fit his honourable service should be rewarded with a golden diadem ; but how answered this glorious champion ? farre bee it from mee ( quoth hee ) to suffer the servants head to be with a crowne of gold paled , where the masters head was with a crowne of thornes pierced . to produce likewise instances in such whose moderation in attire , manifested their contempt to these covers of shame , we shall find lycurgus , phocion , pelopidas , with many others , such profest foes to gorgeous apparell , as they alwayes reteined their ancient countrey weare with such plainenesse , as they expressed what they were , by the garments they wore . for a mans garment ( saith the sonne of sirach ) and his excessive laughter , and his going , declare what person hee is . insomuch as augustus caesar bore alwayes hatred to gorgeous and sumptuous apparell , terming it the blazer and bruiter of our pride , the nests to hatch the lascivious brood of lechery . in like manner , to descend to all those assailants of temperance , wee shall find many excellent subduers of their owne affections , using an admirable kind of restraint or moderation in their fare . the number of guests amongst the romans in any solemne feast privately observed , was not great , seldome times exceeding nine ; whence aulus gellius saith , that the number of guests should beginne with the graces , and end with the muses ; that is , they must not be fewer then three , nor more then nine . which use was occasion of that adage , septem convivium , novem convitium faciunt ; seven make a banquet , nine a riot . albeit that luxurious emperour heliogobalus seemeth to have beene delighted with the number of eight ; whence he invited to supper , to make his feast more singular , . bald ones , eight blind ones , eight gouty ones , eight deafe ones , eight hoarse ones , eight very blacke ones , eight very long ones , eight very fat ones , and eight hooke-nosed ones , being delighted with that greeke proverbe , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : whose ape , it seemes , that late conceited academicke was , who invited the blind , lame , and deformed to a supper , for whom hee had provided fowles , as different to their pallat by nature , as they were to others in feature ; furnishing his feast with owles , cuckowes , staniels , and popinjayes , to make himselfe infamously famous for his invention . but to proceed with these ethnicke instances of moderation ; democritus preserved his life without any other sustenance , save only the smell of hot bread , for the space of nine dayes : which abstinence or restraint was not injoyned him ; for neither his owne estate , nor any superior commanding power , had enforced him to that misery ; but purposely to prepare himselfe for celebrating with more solemnity the feasts which were kept in honour of ceres , called commonly ( as i take it ) buthysia ; resembling in greatnesse of celebrity , and magnificence of estate , that huge sacrifice called hecatombe . pythagoras likewise was of that wonderfull moderation in his fare , and that through no infirmity of nature , in that hee could not , but through an incessant desire to his studies ; with a vehement affection to the preservation or propagation rather of all living creatures ; as hee would desire two things of god , if the possibility thereof could stand with the conservation of humane society ; that hee might not speake , that hee might not eat : by the one to prevent offence in discourse , by the other avoid surfet by excesse . so as , hee commanded his schollers even in unreasonable things , as birds , beasts , fishes , &c. to abstaine from cruelty ; entreating both fowlers and fishers to let goe the fowle and fish they had caught , or else redeeme them with money , and let them goe . but too immoderate was this care , and too foolish this pitie ; for creatures were ordained for the use and service of man ; hee then that neglecteth the use , neglecteth likewise the ordinance . but in subjects of moderation , none more absolute , then where nature is urged by necessity to crave releefe , and occasion is ministred , yet the desire restrained : as in extremity of thirst , when nature requireth drink , which according to the philosophers axiom , is the very last refuge of nature , either through compassion or manly moderation , her desires is restrained . this did alexander , who out of a princely moderation or noble compassion , when hee was almost consumed with drought , having a head-peece full of water presented unto him , would not drink himselfe , but offered it to his souldiers . much to bee admired was this act of moderation , and a motive of generall affection , that a prince urged by the extreamest effects of thirst , and having occasion and meanes to satisfie the request of nature , yet moved with compassion towards his fellow-souldiers ( for so used hee to terme them ) hee chused rather to want himselfe , then to be wanting in any compassionate office to their necessity . certainely this act deserveth so much the more to be commended , by how much the extremity was greater which hee suffered . darius , when in his flight hee dranke muddy and stinking water , said , that hee never dranke a sweeter draught . which implyes , what torment he indures who feeles the extremity of thirst . the last assailant of temperance ( as wee formerly observed ) was company-keeping ; which indeed is such a stealer of time , or beguiler of tedious houres , as it makes passing of time a meere pastime . yet observe , what diligent care hath beene had , by making choice of such ( as i have else-where noted ) whose society might better them . peruse those athenian nights in gellius , and you shall find how fruitfully those nights were employed , how delightfully passed : making discourse of philosophy , that well-consorting melodie , which gave generall content to all the company . besides , it is worth our observation , to take a view of the speciall care divers ancients have had of the company they consorted with : having such in as great distaste that were evill , as they bore all due reverence to such as were good . wee reade how the prienean bias , having occasion to saile on a time with some ill-disposed men , by reason of a violent tempest , the ship wherein they sailed was so shaken , as these wicked men , moved rather by feare then devotion , begun to call upon their gods ; which bias hearing , hold your peace ( quoth hee ) lest the gods you call upon understand that you be here ; covertly taxing their impiety , and shewing that their prayers would be little acceptable to the gods . but an example much more divine , and so much deserving our imitation , may be here commended to us in the person of the blessed evangelist s. iohn , who would not come within the bath where the hereticke cerinthus was , so much did hee hate the fellowship of him , who , to use augustines words , was no fanne for the lords floore . thus have we run over those mainest and mightiest assailants of temperance ; now let us , as wee have illustrated each of them with proper instances of moderation , annex some reasons why these assailants of temperance ought to be restrained : and first for the first . lust , the sensuall mans sinne , is said to bee a friend which brings man in acquaintance with the divell , as ebriety is an enemy to the knowledge of god. besides , it is a vice detestable both to the brute beast and barbarian ; it with-drawes the mind of the creature from meditation of his creator ; makes man commit sinne even with greedinesse ; makes the image of god companion for a harlot ; makes him who should be the temple of the holy ghost , a cage of uncleane birds ; prostitutes the glory of the soule to the pleasure of sinne ; and prefers a sensuall delight before the obedience of reason . hee sels his birth-right for lesse then a messe of pottage , exposing his soule to the trafficke of shame . hee values a minutes joy above all future delight ; yea , rather then lose his present content , he will suffer an eternity of torment . this bleere-eyed lover is so blinded with affection towards his beloved , that hee will rather lose his owne soule , then lose that which hee affecteth . thus you see the lustfull man uncased , his blindnesse discovered , his sundry weaknesses displayed , and the heavy effects which from hence are derived : good reason then have you to restraine an affection so over-spreading , a motion so mortally wounding , a contagion so generally killing . take into your consideration the shortnesse of the pleasure , being but a moment ; the vengeance or punishment due to that pleasure , being eternall . what wise man , having neerely served his apprentiship , will for a minutes pleasure forfeit his indenture , and lose his freedome for ever ? wee should hold him destitute of common sense , who having a princesse offered him , will foolishly lose her for embraces of an harlot . if you will keepe your selves unspotted till the day of his comming , you shall bee espoused to a princely bridegroome , and receive palmes in your hands at his comming . go● not in by the wayes of the strange woman , but keepe your beds undefiled , knowing the state which you have undertaken to bee honourable before god and man. for i in no case will limit you to a monasticke or regular restraint , but approve of both estates , i meane both the single and married life , being undertaken in the feare of god , worthy the acceptance of every faithfull christian. for the virgins estate , as it drawes neerer to angelicall perfection , so the married to the preservation of humane society or propagation . so as saint augustine might seeme rather to be traduced , then truly alleaged for this place , virgins doe more then lawfull , as adulterers lesse : for my conceit shall ever be freed , from imagining so divine a father to approve of such an errour : for both estates are commended ; the one good , the other better ; both which titles , as they are by the apostle on these two estates conferred , so are they by us to be reverently esteemed . briefly , restraine all immoderate desires of the flesh , which fight against the spirit , so shall you find that inward tranquillity which obedience to your lusts shall never bring you . ambition , the second assailant of temperance , is such an high-mounting bird , as shee useth to build her nest ever in the tallest cedars , hatching her aeries in the highest spires , to expresse her unbounded aymes . this passion or distraction rather , of all others , brings man soonest to a forgetfulnesse of himselfe : ever aspiring , but never obtaining ; ever sailing in a tempestuous sea , attented by many hostile and piraticall adherents , whose aymes are to intercept all peaceable passengers , filling the whole state full of mutinies and combustions . pindarus describes him to be such an one , who strives to touch the clouds , and cope with iove himselfe , but is aymes draw him on to speedy ruine . what reason then is there to foster or cocker such a profest foe to publike and private peace ? who is hee , having understanding , will receive into his barge , where hee is , a quarrellous turbulent fellow , who in desperate fury will not sticke to over-whelme the vessell , both of himselfe , and the rest that consort him ? who is hee that will engage him in perill , when hee may in safety enjoy himselfe , and be free from danger ? who is hee that will desire to climbe , when he knowes there is no meanes to save him from falling , being got up ? surely the ambitious man is ever environed with perill , yet such is his folly , hee will rather chuse to incurre danger , then lose the present opportunity of acquiring honour . besides , they whom this unbounded passion hath once surprized , are so much distempered , as of sleepe they are quite deprived ; which disquiet proceeds either from emulation towards others , or an ambitious desire of advancement in themselves . for the first , themistocles was wont to say , that miltiades victory in marathon , bereaved him of his sleepe . for the latter , sylla could never take rest , till by the terrour of his legions , hee had obtained the law valeria to be made , whereby hee was created dictator for eight yeares ; as caesar the law servia , by which hee was perpetuall dictator . albeit , having obtained what they desired , and arrived at the port whereto their course was directed , they found an empire to be a monstrous and untamed beast , wounding them with many thorny cares , which deprived them of all seasonable rest . doe you then love to be at peace to enjoy perfect liberty , to be divided from all occasions of disquiet ? restraine those icarian thoughts , whose soaring wings are ever laved in the depth of ruine . confine your thoughts within an equal limit : and let not your projectments be above hope of effecting . those braving builders of babel , aymed at too high a story to bring their worke to perfection . let the foundation be built on firme ground , and the building will prosper better . for howsoever faire pretences may for a time appeare in the habit of truth , daubing up a rotten inside with a specious out-side ; hee that sitteth in the heavens and searcheth the hearts and reines , shall have them in derision , breaking them in peeces like a potters vessell . restraine then this fury or frenzie of the mind , and with timely moderation so bound in and confine your affections , as no aspiring thought may enter that place , which is reserved for a higher place : so shall you enjoy more absolute content in restraining , then enlarging your thoughts to the motives of ambition . gorgeous attire , being the third assailant moving man to glory in his shame , and gallant it in his sinne , is to be especially restrained , because it makes us dote upon a vessell of corruption , strutting upon earth , as if we had our eternall mansion on earth . what great folly is it to preferre the case before the instrument , or to bestow more cost upon the signe then on the iune ? me thinkes the bitter remembrance of the first necessity of clothes , should make men more indifferent for them : if man had never sinned , his shame had never needed to have beene covered . for sinne was the cause of adams shame , and his shame the cause hee fled unto the shade , which afforded him fig-leaves to cover his nakednesse . what vanity then , yea , what impudence to glory in these covers of shame ? would any one having committed some capitall offence against his prince ; for which hee is after pardoned , but on condition hee shall weare a halter about his neck , become proud of his halter , and esteeme it an especiall badge of honour ? wee are all in the selfe-same case ; wee have committed high treason against the king of heaven , yet are wee received to mercy , bearing about us those memorials of our shamefull fall or defection from our king ; which should in all reason rather move us to bee ashamed of our selves , then to prize our selves higher for these ornaments of shame . sure i am , as hee is a fond man that values the worth of his horse , by his sumptuous saddle or studded bridle ; so hee is most foolish , who estimates a man by his garment . yet see the misery of this age ! the cover of shame is become the onely luster to beautifie him : but be not yee so deluded ; prize the ornaments of the mind for the choicest and chiefest beauty : farre be it from you to glory in this attire of sinne , these rags of shame , these worme-workes , which with-draw your eyes from contemplating that supreme bounty and beauty , purposely to fix them upon the base objects of earth , which detract much from the glory of a reasonable soule . the swan prides not her selfe in her black-feet ; no more should you in these covers of your transgression , which , whensoever yee looke on , may put you in mind of your first pollution . no reason then to affect these , which had man never sinned , hee had never needed , being before clothed with innocency as with a garment , and with primitive purity , as with a rayment . whence it appeares , that many glory in the rags of shame , while they glory in these robes of sinne : now who , endued with reason , would pride him in that which augments his shame , or esteeme that a grace which asperseth reproach on him ? nicetas saith plainely ; no punishment so grievous as shame . and nazianzen yet more expresly ; better were a man die right out , then still live in reproach and shame . ajax being ready to dispatch himselfe , used these as his last words ; no griefe doth so cut the heart of a generous and magnanimous man , as shame and reproach . for a man to live or die , is naturall ; but for a man to live in shame and contempt , and to be made a laughing-stock of his enemies , is such a matter , as no well bred and noble minded man that hath any courage or stomacke in him , can ever digest it . delight not then in your shame , but in a decent and seemely manner affect that habit most , which becommeth most ; restraining that profusenesse , which the vanity of this age so much exceeds in ; and assuming to your selves that attire which gives best grace to modesty , and hath neerest correspondence with gentility . neither is luscious fare to be lesse avoided , or with lesse strictnesse restrained . many reasons whereof might be here produced , but wee will cull out the chiefest , to weane our generous vitellians from their excessive surfets . first , dainty dishes are foments to wanton affections , begetting in the soule and unaptnesse to all spirituall exercises : for this is a generall rule , that the body being strengthned , the soule becomes weakned : for fasting is a preparative to devotion , but riot the grand-master of distraction . looke how it is in the health of the body , and so it is in the state of the soule : if a man have a good appetite , and a stomacke to his meat , it is a signe hee is well in health ; in like sort , if a man be content to follow christ for the loaves to fill his belly , and care not for the food of his soule , questionlesse all is not well betweene god and him ; but if wee have a longing and a hungring desire of the word , then indeed his heart is upright in the sight of god. for as saint augustine noteth well ; if the word of god be taken by us , it will take us . but what meanes may be used to procure this longing and hungring desire in us ? not luscious or curious fare ; for that will move us rather to all inordinate motions , then the exercise of devotion : no , it is fasting that makes the soule to be feasting ; it is macerating of the flesh , that fattens the spirit . for it is sumptuous fare , that is the soules snare : sagina corporis , sagena cordis : it is the net which intangles the heart of man , drawing her from the love of her best beloved spouse , to dote on the adulterate embraces of sensuall beauty . neither is it fare , but delight in fare ; not simply the meat , but the desire or liquorish appetite , which produceth those odious effects : as for example , when the loose affected man maketh choice or election of such meats , purposely to beget in him an ability , as well as desire , to his sensuall pleasures . whence a learned father most divinely concludeth : i feare not ( saith he ) the uncleanenesse of meats in respect of their difference , but uncleannesse of desire in respect of concupiscence . neither doth the kind or difference of the meat ( saith another ) pollute so much , as the act of disobedience , eating that which is inhibited . now to propose a rule of direction ; not any one surer or safer can be set downe , then what an ancient father hath already proposed . wee nourish our bodies ( saith hee ) lest by being too much weakned , they faile us ; and wee weaken them by abstinence , lest by too much feeding them , they presse us . so then , temper your desires , that neither too much restraint may enfeeble them , nor excesse surcharge them . for as the body being weakned , the soule becomes strengthned ; so where the body becomes too much enfeebled , the performance of spirituall exercises is disabled : but in all things , take heed of pampering a disobedient servant ; hee sleeps in your bosome , that imagines mischiefe against you . who , the more hee is fostered , the more is your danger furthered : the more hee is cockered , the more is your heat of devotion cooled : chastise then this domesticke enemy in time , for hee participates of the nature of a serpent , who spreads most his poyson , where hee receives harbouring . now as the philosophers observe of the hart , that being pursued by dogs in hunting , by reason of heat , and losse of breath , being tired with the chase , hee hasteneth to the rivers ; or wearied in fight with a serpent , or stung , or wounded by him , while the serpent resteth on the the ground , hee seeketh to some cold fountaine , whereby the affection of the venome received , may be abated , and his former vigour restored . even so , such as are wounded , and strucken of the old serpent , must have recourse to christ , that fountaine of living waters , that all sensuall desires arising from excessive delight in delicious fare , may be the better allayed . neither onely is restraint to be used in the choice , and change of meats , but in the excessive use of drinkes . the reasons are two ; the one is , it is an enemy to the knowledge of god ; the other is this , it is held to be an enfeebler or impairer of the memorative parts ; for you shall ever note that deepe drinkers have but shallow memories . their common saying is , let us drowne care in healths : which drowning of care makes them so forgetfull of themselves , as carried away with a brutish appetite , they onely intend their present delight , without reflexion to what is past , or due preparation to what may succeed . o restraine then this mighty assailant of temperance ! bee ever your selves ; but principally stand upon your guard , when occasion of company shall induce you ; being the last we are to speake of . this company-keeping , how much it hath depraved the hopefullest and towardliest wits , daily experience can witnesse . for many wee see civilly affected , and temperately disposed of themselves not subject to those violent or brain-sicke passions , which the fumes of drinke beget ; till out of a too pliable disposition they enter the lists of good fellowship ( as they commonly terme it ) and so become estranged from their owne nature , to partake with zanies in their distempered humour . so as in time , by consorting with evill men , they become exposed to all immoderate affections ; such is the strength of custome . whence it is , that saint basil saith , passions rise up in a drunken man ( note the violence of this distemper ) like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . now you shall see him compassionately passionate , resolving his humour into teares ; anon like a phrenticke man , exercising himselfe in blowes ; presently , as if a calmer or more peaceable humour had seized on him , he expresseth his loving nature in congies and kisses . so different are the affections which this valiant mault-worme is subject to ; yet howsoever , out of a desperate bravado he binde it with oathes , that he will stand to his tackling , he is scarce to be credited , for he can stand on no ground . but to annexe some reasons which may effectually disswade every generous-affected spirit from consorting with such * sociats as are a blemish to a gentleman ; imagine with your selves , how mortally dangerous it is to enter an infected house ; how fearefull would any one bee of the state of his body , if hee should have one in his company who had the carbuncle or plague-sore running upon him ? how much would hee condemne his owne rashnesse to entertaine any such in his company ? and with what respect or cautelous advice would he prepare to expell the poyson of that infection , at least to prevent the occasion ? no cost might be spared , no care intermitted , that some soveraigne , receit might be procured , whereby the apparent danger , into which his inconsiderate rashnesse had brought him might be removed . now if our bodies , being but the covers of more curious and exquisite instruments , be so especially tendred , with what respect ought we to provide for the safety or security of our soules ? the ground of a disease is to mixe the sound with the sicke : now the soules disease is sinne , wherewith shee laboureth more painfully than the body can doe , being annoyed with any infirmity . those that are sicke , are vicious men , whose disease though it be insensible , and in that lesse curable it breakes out into loathsome ulcers , which staine the pristine beauty of the soule . now as wee serve so many vices , wee serve so many masters ; and so many masters , so many divels , each one having so many divels , as evils . which miserable servitude to prevent ( for no slavery is baser than the service of sinne ) the best and soveraignest receit that may be applied or ministred to the soule-sicke patient is the receit of adversion ; to turn aside from the waies of the wicked , and to keepe no company with the transgressour : for this adversion from the companions of sin , is a conversion to the god of sion . would you then have god turne to you ? turne you from your sinnes . would you bee at one with your maker ? be ever divided from these sensuall mates , so shall you bee made happy by the company of your maker . would you bee sound at heart ? leave to consort with these of an uncircumcised heart , whose paths lead to perdition , and they that walke therein shall be the heires of shame . for howsoever these instruments of sinne ( as i have sometimes observed ) may make a shew of godlinesse , or pretend , meerely under colour to give a varnish to their vicious lives , and a semblance of goodnesse ; yet it is but meere painting they deale with ; they deny the power thereof in their life and conversation . a ridiculous actor in the citie of smyrna , pronouncing , o co●lum ! o heaven ! pointed with his finger toward the ground : which when polemo the chiefest man in the place saw , he could abide to stay no longer , but went from the company in a chase , saying : this foole hath made a solecisme with his hand : hee hath spoken false latine with his hand . such ridiculous actors are these time-spenders ; they pronounce heaven with their mouth , but point at earth with their lives ; like wise polemons therefore stay no longer with them , if at any time you have consorted with them ; for their practice is onely to gull the world , and with smooth pretences delude their unhappy consorts . their profession is how to play the hypocrite christian , but being unmasked , their odious physnomies are quickly discovered . make use therefore of your experience , and with all temperance so counterpoize the weight of your passions , as none of these assailants ( though their incursions be never so violent ) may ever surprize the glorious fortresse of your minde . which the better to effect , let lust , be counterpoized by continence ; ambition by humblenesse ; gorgeous apparell by comlinesse ; luscious fare by abstinence , and company-keeping by that sweet seasoner of all vertues , temperance . thus you have heard , how as without salt there can be no seasoning , no warre without discipline , no tillage without manuring , no estate without mannaging , no building without a foundation ; so no vertue can subsist without moderation . as wee have hitherto expressed the dignity or sufficiency of this vertue , in that it giveth subsistence to all other vertues : so are we now to intreat of the amplenesse of it , proposing such subjects wherein it is principally said to be conversant . now , though there be no humane action which is not subject to many defects , being not throughly seasoned by this exquisite vertue , yet the use thereof may bee reduced to these two , as proper subjects wherein it is to be exercised ; expence of coine , and expence of time : for without moderation in the one , we should be prodigall of our substance : without moderation in the other , we should grow too profuse in the expence of that , which is more precious than any earthly substance . now touching worldly substance , as wee are to bee indifferent for the losse or possession of it , so ought wee to to carefull in the use or dispensation of it . as it is not to be admired when we possesse it , no more is it to be altogether dis-esteemed , because we stand in need of the use of it . if money bee so much to bee contemned , ( saith an ancient father ) expresse thy bounty , shew thy humanity , bestow it upon the poore : so may this , which of necessity thou must lose , releeve many , which otherwise might perish by hunger , thirst , or nakednesse . thus to bestow it , were not prodigally to spend it , but to lay it up in a safer treasuris , even in christs almes-boxe , to the disbursers great advantage . yea , but you will object you have other meanes to imploy it in ; you have a family to support , a posterity to provide for , a state to maintaine , and pleasures suiting with your ranke and quality to uphold : i grant it , and you doe well in having a care to your family , for he is worse then an infidel that wants this care . it is commendable likewise in you to have an eye to your posterity , for nature requires this at your hand . to maintaine likewise your state , and to continue your pleasures suiting with men of your ranke ; i allow it . but where , or in what sort must this be done ? for the place where , surely none fitter than your owne countrey where you were bred ; setting up there your rest , where you received your birth ; let your countrey ( i say ) enjoy you who bred you ; shewing there your hospitality , where god hath placed you , and with sufficient meanes blessed you . i doe not approve of these , who fly from their countrey , as if they were ashamed of her , or had committed something unworthy of her . how blame-worthy then are these court-comets , whose onely delight is to admire themselves ? these , no sooner have their bed-rid fathers betaken themselves to their last home , and removed from their crazie couch , but they are ready to sell a mannor for a coach. they will not take it as their fathers tooke it : their countrey houses must bee barred up , left the poore passenger should expect what is impossible to finde , releefe to his want , or a supply to his necessity . no , the cage is opened , and all the birds are fled ; not one crum of comfort remaining to succour a distressed poore one . hospitality , which was once a relique of gentry , and a knowne cognizance to all ancient houses hath lost her title , meerely through discontinuance : and great houses , which were at first founded to releive the poore , and such needfull passengers as travelled by them , are now of no use but only as way-markes to direct them . but whither are these great ones gone ? to the court ; there to spend in boundlesse and immoderate riot , what their provident ancestors had so long preserved , and at whose doores so many needy soules have beene comfortably releeved . yet see the miserie of many of those rioters ! though they consume their meanes , yet is the port they live at meane : for they have abridged their familie , reduced their attendants to a small number , and ( unnecessary expences set aside ) drawne themselves to within as narrow a compasse as possibly they may . for to take a view of those which are in ordinary roule ; you shall finde none but a page , a coachman , a lackey , and perchance a cooke . if the vailes of the house will maintaine one , or they bee not in fee with some city-cooke , whom they usually repaire to , at best betrust , and so run on score quarterly . now if you aske me , how their meanes should be consumed , when they live at so low commons ; my answer is , the lesse they bestow on their caterer , the more they bestow on their taylor . they cut it out of the whole cloth , and divide their acres peece-meale into shreds . where their phantasticke light-ones resort oftner to the house of the body-maker than the soule-maker : affecting nothing more than what may make them most noted . but observe the issue of these courses , gentlemen ; when they have maintained their riot with much expence , and engaged their means to these great monied men , whose iubile it is to entertaine acquaintance with one of these greene wits , they run upon the shelfe of ruine , and make their posterity the heires of want . which having incurred , what distracted and divided sleepes , what distempred thoughts , what hourely afflictions may wee imagine them to be subject to ? for what engagement worse then debt , when every shadow resembles a sergeant , every familiar touch or stroke of a friend , an arrest of an officer ? augustus caesar , hearing of them talke in his court , what a huge summe of money a certaine knight in rome owed at his death , and that all his goods were to be sold , to make payment of his debts , commanded the master of his wardrobe to buy for him that bed , wherein this knight used to lye : for , sayes hee , if i cannot sleepe soundly in that bed wherein hee could sleepe , that owed so much , then surely i shall sleepe in n●ne . surely , there is no affliction greater to a noble spirit , whose thoughts cannot endure engagement , then to be subject to the extremity of an unconscionable creditor , who usually makes advantages his revenues , and forfeitures the inhauncers of his fortunes . neither is this respect to be had onely in the disposing of your selves in court or citie , but likewise in the countrey : for though it be best spent , which is bestowed in hospitality , and in releeving those hungry soules , whose expresse images require your charity ; yet are you to consider how charity begins with it selfe : so as , howsoever you are bound to releeve and support those , whose present wants exact so much at your hands , yet ever with reservancie of a competent or convenient providence , so to sustaine the want of others , as not to procure want to your selves by sustaining others . but this needs little pressing : for experience shewes , that very small instruction will suffice any one to be provident enough in their bounty or exhibition to the poore . let us therefore divert the current of our subject , and addresse our exhortation to you ; purposely moving you to a moderation of your expence in your pleasures , or those more easie vanities of this life . as profit and pleasure make the sweetest musicke , so there is no pleasure , how incomparably delightfull soever for the present , but it affords much bitternesse , having no respect to providence . now , as all vertues may be comprized under the name of frugality , provided that we understand it to be of that absolute power and command , that neither excesse nor diminution beare any sway in it , it appeareth that without this frugall moderation no state can be well mannaged , no estate rightly husbanded ; so as , whether you have an eye to pleasure or profit , this frugality or equally tempered providence must bee soveraignesse in both . for first , there is no pleasure which hath not respect to vertue : how then may that properly be termed a pleasure , which hath no relation to frugality , under which name all vertues may seeme to be comprized ? likewise , there is no profit which is not joyned with honesty , how then may that properly be termed a profit , which hath no respect to honest providence , upon which all profits are truly grounded ? the best course then that you can follow , either in your choice of pleasures , or pursuit of profit , is ever to examine whether that pleasure which you affect , have respect to vertue , or that profit which you have in pursuit , be firmely grounded on honest providence : so shall neither pleasure so much inthrall you , as to engage your fortunes to her , nor profit so entangle you , as to neglect conscience for the love you beare her . surely , there is nought more dangerous to young gentlemen , whose unriper yeares have not sufficiently instructed them in the follies of vanity , then to give reines to their desires , and so become bondslaves to pleasure . for those that will deny their eyes nothing that they can desire , nor resist their owne wils in ought that they affect , bee they endued with never so much wisdome , it becomes foolishnesse , being blinded with their owne delights . they then onely , whose native temperance hath prepared them , or continuall wrastling with the infirmities of nature hath inured them , have attained this degree of perfection ; not onely ( i say ) to use moderation in their expence , but in their restraint of every pleasure ; labouring to become commanders of themselves in the desires and affections of this life : which of all others make men the absolutest conquerours . for man , whose naturall pravity , drawne from the corruption of his first parents , is ever working in him new motions of disobedience ; layeth continuall siege and battery to the fortresse of the soule , suggesting to her motives of pleasure and delight , which the carnall man will easily condescend to , because he savoureth not the things of the spirit . yea , how many doe we see , who begin in the spirit , but end in the flesh , making their end farre worse then their beginning ? how necessary then is this moderation , to curbe or checke such inordinate motions as arise in us , by reason of our naturall infirmity and weaknesse ? neither doe i so much insist upon the moderation of your expences , as if coine were of that esteeme , as it onely deserved respect . for if riches increase , wee are not to set our hearts upon them ; but rather to shew our indifferencie towards them in our free and liberall use of them . but hee who gave gifts before hee gave time , creating all things for our use in the world , before hee brought us into the world , without the use or ministery of these could preserve and support us , whom hee hath appointed as governours or rulers over all these : for hee who created all things without meanes , can likewise preserve those things which hee hath created without meanes . yea , though hee hath given us the fruits of the earth to feed us , the fels of beasts to cloath us , yea , workes out of the bowels of wormes to beautifie us ; yet is hee tyed no more to these exteriour meanes , then hee was before , creating all things without meanes . no king is necessarily tied , that onely pure bullion should bee current among his subjects , for if occasion serve , hee may stampe leather , brasse , or any other metall , which being authorized by his image or superscription , is not to be denied within his dominions . much more hee , who conteines the world in his fist , restraines not his power to any outward meanes , working sometimes with meanes , sometimes without meanes , sometimes against meanes , sometimes above meanes . with meanes , as when hee fed those which followed him into the wildernesse with bread ; above meanes , when hee fed so much people with so little bread ; without meanes , when hee himselfe fasted so long without bread ; against meanes , when hee caused the very ravens to bring his prophet bread . no , this exhortation rather tendeth to move you to relye on gods providence , yet withall not to abuse those creatures which hee hath bestowed on you , but to use them with temperance , sobriety , and moderation : for what is it to abound in all riches , surfet in pleasures , enjoy the treasures of the whole earth , yea to want nothing that either the eye can desire , or the heart affect ? surely nothing . * alexander , the monarch of the world , had all other things save onely a sepulcher to bury him in , when hee was dead ; hee never thought of that : for alas , when corruption shall receive what mortality renders , and man after so many dayes passed over in delights , shall make his bed in the darke , those perfunctory pleasures , which hee so much affected , those temporary blessings which hee enjoyed , shall bee as if they had not beene . so moderate therefore your expences in the use or dispensation of your earthly mammon , that it may appeare , your hearts are where your treasure is , and your treasure where your heavenly master is : for what is this world , but a list environed with fearefull combats ? so as the world is more to be feared when it smileth , then when it frowneth ; and more to bee taken heed of , when it allures us to love it , then when it moves or induceth us to contemne it . howsoever , they who embrace the world are like unto them , who are drowned in waters ; for their minds are so drenched in the depth of worldly affections , and so entangled by the reeds and oaze of earthly vanities , as they are divided from the sailers starre , and the haven of the ship-wrackt soule , being miserably forced to grope in darkenesse , without a light to direct them ; and to remaine wofully shelfed , being farre from sight of heaven to receive them . and let this suffice to have beene spoken touching moderation in your expence of coine ; i meane , your frugall dispensation of such estates , as god hath blessed you withall ; ever remembring that you must give account of your talent ; not onely ( i say ) of your talent of knowledge , but of that talent of substance , whereof in this life you were possessed . and so i descend to your expence of time , that precious treasure which is incomparably to be valued above all that wee enjoy ; because it affords a respit of using or employing , whatsoever wee enjoy . time is so absolute and soveraigne a regent , as hee is all-commanding , but not to be countermanded ; whence we commonly say , time and tide stayeth for no man. there is nothing undertaken by man , which can be effected without the attendance and gracefull assistance of time. neither can experience be gained , nor truth , the daughter of time discovered , nor the issue of any mans expectance attained , nor any thing worthy observance produced , unlesse time further it . there is nothing of consequence , that can bee done at an instant : great taskes require long time ; neither can wee limit time , but time will limit us : whence it appeares , that nothing can be intended , much lesse affected , unlesse time assist and second it . time being thus precious , wee must of necessity value it above any inferiour substance , seing without the company of time , wee are wholly deprived of the use of our substance . whence it was that a friend of mine caused these two verses to be set directly before his table of accounts ; if coines expence be such , pray then divine how rare and precious is th' expence of time ? now there be three sorts of persons , with whom i am to encounter by way of admonishment , for their abuse or carelesse expence of time ; the ambitious , voluptuous , and miserable covetous person . for the first , hee trifles away time , in the pursuit of impossibilities , spending his meanes , and mis-spending time , in hope of a day ; which day hee seldome or never sees , for his time is abridged before it come : so as the date of his death anticipates the day of his hopes . now to point out the place of his abode ; hee is ever to bee found in the eminentest places , for obscurity fits not his humour , whose onely aimes are to acquire honour . he is so farre from moderating his humour , as hee is humorously conceited of his worth , and thinkes whatsoever the parasite saies in his commendations , to be no lesse then what hee in his owne proper person deserves . for his contemplations , they are ever mounting , yet seldome so high mounting as heaven , for his thoughts are directed to another sphere . hee is prodigall in his feasts , solicitous in the pursuit of friends , impatient in the quest of rivals , and importunate in the dispatch of his affaires : and though it be a greater reproach to lose what is got , then not at all to get ; yet his aime is to get , though hee fore-see his losse before he get : and though the least liberty be apportioned to the greatest fortune , yet in his highest fortunes will hee use the greatest liberty : the reason his , hee conceits himselfe to walke in a cloud , where no popular eye can reach him . hee is unmeasurably opinionate , and admires his owne knowledge , wherein hee discovers his owne folly : for as hee that seekes to bee more wise then he can be , shall be found to be lesse wise then hee should be ; so hee who conceits himselfe more wise then hee is , displayes himselfe to the world what hee is . so as it seemes , hee differs in opinion from the poet ; who holds this as a maxime : he 's solely wise , who is not selfely wise , but humble in the judgement of his eyes . now his daily tasks may be aptly compared to domitians sports , who spent the whole day in catching flies . for those many projects which hee hath devised , those impossible aymes hee hath contrived , those ayrie turrets hee hath reared , fall in the end to nothing ; and like those misty conclusions of the deluded alchymist , bewray the folly of him that formed them . and as domitian grew ashamed of his owne impieties , exiling all arts , lest the knowledge of them should bring him to a discovery of himselfe : so the ambitious man , whose aimes are as boundlesse , as his purposes fruitlesse , when his eyes begin to be unsealed , and those scales of ambition , which hindred his sight , removed , hee will then ( if then be not too late ) acknowledge his shame , and ingenuously confesse , that his unbounded aimes deserved no better guerdon ; for had his actions beene sincere , they had made him more secure . likewise for the voluptuous man , whose belly is his god , and sensuality his delight , let me speake thus much : as his care extends but onely to the day , slaving himselfe to the pleasures of sinne , and preferring the huskes of vanity , before the soule solacing cates of eternity : so shall his misery appeare greater , when deprived of those delights , wherein his sole felicity consisted . this fleshly libertine mis-imployeth time in two respects ; first , in respect of himselfe ; secondly , in respect of those good creatures which were ordained for the use or service of himselfe . in himselfe , by exposing so glorious an image to the subjection of sense , and mis-applying those gifts which hee hath received , being diverted from those good offices , for which they were bestowed . in gods good creatures , by converting them to abuse , which were only ordained for use ; and turning them to wantonnesse , which were created for health and releefe of weaknesse . this is hee , who makes life a merriment , his pilgrimage a pastime , each yeare his iubile . this is hee , who turnes fasting into feasting , praying into playing , almes-deeds into all mis-deeds . this is he whose sole delight is in dainty feeding , to cause inordinate motions to be stirring , without least respect at all of his soules starving . this is he , whose dishes are the poore mans curses , and whose gate is the beggers gaole , where they are barred from the least crum of comfort . this is he , who walkes and struts in the street ; sends forth his eye to bring him in a booty of lust , or acquaint him with some new fashion , or delight him with some vaine shew . this is hee , who sends forth his eare , to convey unto him some choice melody to intraunce him ; his taste , with some luscious viands to provoke him ; his smell , with some rare perfumes to cheere him ; his tooth , with soft cloathing , or whatsoever may more effeminately move him . but whereto shall these outward delights availe him , when the cold earth shall entertaine him , when hee shall be divided from them , and they from him ? when belshazzer beheld the hand upon the wall , hee was put quite out of his humour of jollity ; his cheerefulnesse was turned into pensivenesse , his mirth into mourning , his solace into sorrowing . even so shall it fare with the voluptuous man , whose delight was onely on earth ; when that fearefull and ungratefull summons shall peremptorily injoyne him to bid adieu ( a long adieu ) to those sensuall consorts which accompanied him , those inordinate meetings which so much delighted him , yea , all those licentious pleasures which so inchained him ; hee will exclaime ( but in vaine shall be those exclamations ) and curse the occasions of his mis-spent time. o what a hard taske would hee endure , to redeeme what his security hath lost ? what extremities would hee suffer ? what difficulties undergoe ? how great and exceeding things would hee promise ? in what bonds of firme devotion would hee stand engaged ? surely there is nothing that either flesh could sustaine , or mortality suffer , which hee would not most willingly indure , to deliver his endangred soule from eternall torments . lastly , for the miserable covetous wretch , who makes great use of his coine , but small use of his time , treasuring up vengeance against the day of wrath ; how carefull is hee in making his barnes larger , in filling his chests fuller , in inhauncing his rents higher ; but how respectlesse of that supreme good , wherein all happinesse consisteth ? see , how menedemus-like , hee is ever digging and delving to raise a fortune for his seldome-thriving posterity . thus lives hee to become an eternall affliction to himselfe ; in whose person the poet very properly expressed a misers nature after this manner ; thus doe i digge , thus doe i delve t' enrich my state thereby , yet th'poorest slave of all i have , enjoyes as much as i. this was one of those vanities which the wisest of princes observed , as incident to the children of men , that many gathered , yet knew not for whom they gathered , having likewise no power to use what god had in his mercy bestowed . now to give this miserable caitiffe his due character : hee is his owne executioner , being good to none , but worst to himselfe . his eye is so fixed on earth , as hee finds no time to erect it to heaven . hee employes so much time in getting and gathering goods , as hee reserves no time for doing good . hee little observes how all earthly things are sweeter in the ambition , then in the fruition ; in the affection , then possession . nor how the circular world cannot fill the triangular heart , no more then a circle can fill a triangle ; where still there will bee some empty corners . hee runs on still in desire , labouring of a disease incurable , till death cure him . hee encreaseth his cares with his substance , and the more hee addes to his estate , the more hee detracts from his content : the poore hee hath alwayes with him , for hee makes all poore that deale with him . in briefe , hee is of all others most miserable , because in his riches hee hath all his consolation : which like the aegyptian reed , will faile him in his confidence , leaving him bare and naked to the testimony of a guilty conscience . for how secure was the rich-man ( as hee thought ) when hee invited his wretched soule to take her rest , having much goods laid up for many yeeres ; but this selfe security was the occasion of his succeeding misery ; for that night was his soule to be taken from him . it is a true saying , that the divell requires nothing of man but security , for that gives him opportunity of practising his undoing . now , how bitter is the remembrance of death , much more the unwelcome approach of death to this miserable covetous man , who hath all his peace in his substance ? for if nothing be so terrible as death ( as aristotle writeth : ) which antiochus feeling sensibly in himselfe , crieth out thus ; oh into what adversity am i come , and into what flouds of misery am i now fallen ? hee addeth the reason anon after ; for i must die with great sorrow in a strange land. surely then , to the miserable worldling , who hath made a covenant with sinne , and a league with transgression , must the approach of death seeme terrible , being to be divided from the staffe of his confidence , from thence to descend without least hope of comfort to the land of forgetfulnesse : for , as it cannot possibly be , that hee should dye ill , who hath lived well ; so it cannot be , that hee who hath lived ill , should dye well : for as the scorpion hath in her the remedy of her owne poyson a receit for her owne infection ; so the evill man carrieth alwayes with him the punishment of his owne wickednesse , the which doth never leave ( so incessant is the torment of a guilty conscience ) to wound and afflict his mind , both sleeping and waking : so as to what place so ever hee betake him , hee cannot so privately retire , but feare and horrour will awake him ; nor fly so fast , though hee should take the wings of the morning , but fury and vengeance will over-take him . having thus farre proceeded in the treating of such subjects , wherein temperance is required , and of such assailants , by whom shee is usually encountred and impugned : it rests now , that i impart my advice briefly touching temperance or moderation of the passions of the mind , whereof ( omitting the rest , as having else-where discoursed of them ) i will onely , and that briefly , insist of these two , the passions of ioy and sorrow . this passion ( to insist on ioy first ) requires direction , to order our desires aright in the matter ioy. every man loves a glad heart ; and wisheth ioy , as the fruit of his labours ; but therein many mistake . first , one rejoyceth in his substance , hee hath gotten much . secondly , another rejoyceth in his promotion . thirdly , another doateth upon that mad mirth which salomon speakes of . fourthly , another rejoyceth in a table richly deckt , an over-flowing cup , a faring deliciously every day . fifthly , another rejoyceth at the destruction of him , whom he hates . sixthly , another rejoyceth in sinne , and wickednesse . it is a pastime to a foole to doe wickedly . it is the drunkards joy to be at the cup early , and to sit till the wine hath enflamed them . the twi-light glads the heart of the adulterer . the oppressour danceth upon the threshold of him that is oppressed . ismael geereth at isaac . holy iob was as a tabret to the godlesse ones ; and the drunkards made songs on david . but this is not that ioy which is required , because the foundation of this ioy is grounded on sinne : wherefore wee are to find a ioy more pure , more permanent : for the ioy of the wicked is short , but the ioy of the righteous shall endure for ever . this ioy which wee are to seeke , and whereon wee are to ground our sole content , is no carnall but a spirituall ioy : the ioy of our hearts , the divine melody of our soules , conclude with the blessed apostle ; god forbid that we should rejoyce in any thing , but in the crosse of christ , and him crucified : for in this did all the saints and servants of god joy , disvaluing all other joy , as unworthy the entertainment of the soule . wee are to rejoyce likewise , for as much as god hath called us not to uncleannesse , but unto holinesse . we are to rejoyce in the testimony of a good conscience , being that continuall feast which refresheth every faithfull guest . wee are to rejoyce in our brothers aversion from sinne , and conversion to god ; in his prosperity and successe in his affaires of state . but above all things wee are so to moderate our joy in the whole progresse of our life , that our joy may the more abound in him , who is the crowne of our hope after this life . the like directions are required in our moderation of sorrow : for there is a sorrow unto death ; which to prevent , understand this by the way , that not so much the passion , as the occasion enforcing the passion , is to bee taken heed of . sorrow wee may , but not as ammon did , till he had defloured thamar , for that was the sorrow of licentiousnesse : sorrow we may , but not as ahab did , till he had got naboths vineyard , for that was the sorrow of covetousnesse : sorrow we may , but not as iosephs brethren did , greiving that their father should love him more than them , for that was the sorrow of maliciousnesse . sorrow we may , but not as ionah did , grieving that the ninivites were not destroyed , for that was the sorrow of unmercifulnesse . lastly , sorrow wee may , but not as the * gergesenes did , grieving for the losse of their swine , for that was the sorrow of worldlinesse . these sorrowes are not so much to be moderated as wholly abolished , because they are grounded on sin : but there is a religious and godly sorrow , which , though it afflict the body , it refresheth the spirit ; though it fill the heart with heavinesse , it crowneth the soule with happinesse . and this is not a sorrow unto sinne , but a sorrow for sin : not a sorrow unto death , but a sorrow to cure the wound of death . by how much any one ( saith a good father , ) is holier , by so much in prayer are his teares plentifuller . here sounds the surdon of religious sorrow , the awaker of devotion , the begetter of spirituall compunction , and the sealer of heavenly consolation ; being the way to those that beginne ; truth to those that profit , and life to them that are perfect . but alas , the naturall man ( saith the apostle ) perceiveth not the things of the spirit of god ; for they are foolishnes unto him , neither can hee know them , because they are spiritually discerned . it is true ; and this should move us to more fervor of devotion , beseeching the divine assistance to minister strength to our weaknesse , that what is wanting in the flesh , may be supplied by the spirit ; yea daily to set an houre-glasse beside us , and observe those precious graines ( the minute treasures of time ) how swiftly they run thorow the cruet , whereof not one must fall unnumbred : for as a haire of the head shall not perish , no more shall the least moment of time . now how healthfull were it ( though the carnall man distate it ) to vie teares with graines of sand ; that our sinnes , being as the sands of the sea-shore , that is , numberlesse , might bee bound up and throwne into the deepe sea of eternall forgetfulnesse : so as they may neither rise up in this life to shame us , nor in the world to come to condemne us . surely if you would know those blessed fruits which true penitent sorrow produceth , you shall finde that he who sowes in teares , shall reape in joy : neither can any one goe to heaven with drie eyes . may your teares be so shed on earth , that they may bee bottled in heaven ; so shall you bring your sheaves with you ; and , like fine flower , being boulted from the bran of corruption , receive your portion in the land of the living . and may this sacrifice of teares which you offer up unto him , whose eyes are upon all the wayes of the children of men , minister like comfort to your soules , as they have done to many faithfull members of christs church . and let this suffice to have beene spoken of such subjects , wherein moderation is to bee used : for to speake of moderation of sorrow for sinne , i hold it little necessary , seeing most men ( so insensible are they of their inward wounds ) come rather short of that sorrow which is required , then exceed in any sort the measure that is prescribed . as moderation in all the precedent subjects is to be used , so in all and every of them is it to be limited ; for to be so stoically affected ( as wee have formerly noted ) as not to entertaine so much as modest mirth , or approve of the temperate and moderate use of those things , which were at first ordained for the use and service of man , digressing as farre from the rule of moderation in restraint , as the profusely minded libertine doth in excesse . how hard a thing is it then to observe with indifferency an equall or direct course herein , when either by leaping short or over , we are subject to error ? so saith blessed cranmer ; some lose their game by short shooting , some by over-shooting : some walk too much on the left hand , some too much on the right hand . now to propose what forme of direction is best to be observed herein : wee will take a view of those subjects , whereof wee formerly treated , and set downe in each of them what moderation is to be used . all waters are derived from three waies or currents : springing either by fountaines and spring-heads , from the bowells of the earth inwardly drained ; by rivers and conduits , from those fountaines derived : or haile and snow from the earth extracted ; where some ascend , some descend : so passions are three wayes moved in our bodies ; by humours arising out of our bodies ; by externall senses , and the secret passage of sensuall objects ; or by the descent or commandement of reason . now to insist on the motion or effect of each passion , we shall not greatly need , having sufficiently touched them in our former discourse : we will therfore upon a review of those severall subjects , lust , ambition , gorgeous apparel , luscious fare , company-keeping , &c. reduce them and the occasion of them to those three troubled springs , from whence miserable man , by meanes of the immoderate appetite of sense , sucks the banefull poyson of sinne ; the concupiscence of the flesh , the concupiscence of the eyes , and the pride of life : for whatsoever is in the world ( as a good father noteth , and as the blessed apostle himself affirmeth ) is one of these : as first , whatsoever suiteth or sorteth with the desire or delicacy of the flesh , ministers fuel or matter to feed the concupiscence therof . now this fleshly libertine takes no delight in the spirit , but in the flesh ; he loves to be cloathed in purple and fare deliciously every day ; he loves to be cloathed in purple and fare deliciously every day ; he loves to keepe company with those consorts of ruine and misery , who drinke till they be inflamed , and delight themselves in the pleasures of sinne . secondly , whatsoever relisheth of vanity , ministers him objects of content , to feed the unsatiate concupiscene of his eyes : which eyes like dinah , stray from him , fixing themselves upon some vaine object , which suits ever best with his choice , who owes them , and so conveyes some present but perfunctorie delight unto him . as if he be covetous , they shew him naboths vineyard ; if wanton , a beauteous bersheba , or the sandals of iudith , which ravished the eyes of holophornes ; if dainty-tooth'd , iacobs red pottage ; if proud the silkes of tyre ; in briefe they fit every one with an object according to his condition . lastly , whatsoever may minister content to the proud and high-minded man , who walkes upon his turrets , saying , is not this great babel which i have builded ? is suggested to him ; putting him in minde of hamans honour , but never of hamans ladder ; telling him of balthazar 's birth-day , whereon he feasted royally , but never of his last day , whereon hee died fearefully ; shewing him herods garment which shone as the sunne , and of his applause , the voice of god and not of man ; but never of the eclipse of that sunne , when hee became so loathsome as his smell could be endured by no man. now to propose our rules of limitation in the moderation of these : as we are commanded to subdue the flesh with those inordinate affections , which arise from the infirmitie thereof ; so are wee not enjoyned to kill the flesh , for so should we digresse from the rule of humanity : for no man hateth his owne flesh , but loveth and cherisheth it . no , our righteousnesse in this life , which may be rather said to consist in the remission of sinnes , than perfection of vertues , as it is to be furthered by all ordinary and direct meanes , so are we not to transgresse that law , line , or limit which is prescribed . wee must not cut off our members with a knife , but our carnall affections with a holy and mortified life . whence it is , that origen was justly punished by using too little diligence where there was great need , because hee used too great diligence where there was little need . for , gelding himselfe , hee prevented himselfe , of a greater conquest : for there is no mastery to get the mastery , of sinne through disabilitie . for as hee that surceaseth but then from sinne , when hee can sinne no more , forsaketh not his sinnes , but his sinnes forsake him ; so he who disableth himselfe for committing sinne , lest his abilitie should draw him to sinne , disableth not his sinnes , but his sinnes disable him : for howsoever he hath disabled the act of sinne , he hath not supprest the occasion , which resteth not so much in the act , as in the desire to sinne . no lesse worthy was democritus errour of reproving , who was blinded before he was blind : for a christian need not put out his eyes for feare or seeing a woman ; since howsoever his bodily eye , see , yet still his heart is blinde against all unlawfull desires . the princely prophet saith indeed , lord turne away my eyes from vanity ; but this turning doth not so much imply the looke of the eye , as the lust or assent of the heart . neither is it so requisite to make a covenant with our eyes that they shall not looke upon a woman , as to make a covenant with our hearts that they may never lust after a woman . in like sort , if any intemperate or immoderate desire to luscious fare or delicious drinke should surprize us , whose subtill fumes unrivet each joynt of the memory , and loosen the cement which held it fast ; ( for you shall ever note , as i said before , that deepe drinkers have but shallow memories : ) wee are so to prevent the abuse , that we contemn not the moderate and healthfull use of them . for as to use them in excesse is to abuse them , so not to use them at all is to contemne or neglect gods providence in them . wee must not say with the epicure , let us eate and drinke , for to morrow wee shall die ; but rather let us eat and drinke , as if to morrow wee should die ; remembring that strict account which every one must give of the use or abuse of gods creatures : for it is not the use , but abuse which produceth sinne . so as thracius , whom i formerly touched , and of whom aulus gellius writeth , covertly glancing at his folly , was for any thing that i can see , even at that time most of all drunken , when he cut downe all his vines , lest he should be drunken . likewise in the quest or pursuit of honour , as it is ambition to hunt after it , undeserved ; so it is the most apparent testimonie of true and approved vertue to obtaine it undesired . for this reluctancy to receiving of honour , can never bee without some mixture of pride : for they would have the world to observe , how well they deserve it ; and againe , their humility ( which is seldome in these without some tincture of vaine-glory ) in that they so little desire it . so as , these popular and firie spirits , whose only aymes are to dignifie themselves , deserve no sharper curbe for over-valuing them selves , than these , who pride themselves in their humilitie , deserve for counterfeiting a kind of debasing or dis-valuing of themselves to the eye of the world . whence i might take occasion to speake of those precise schismaticks , who cannot endure any precedency or priority of place to be in the church , but an equalitie of presbyterie ; nay , what is now growne amongst them to a more desperate frenzy , their maine worke is to advance a lay-presbytery , which till by farel and viret from the chymera's of a vaporous or viperous brain hatched , was never dreamed : but i wil leave them to a sharper censure , til they be throughly cured of their distemper . now for the second motive to sinne , which is the concupiscence of the eye ; as it is so to be moderated that it stray not , so should it bee so directed that it sleepe not ; sleepe not , i say , in the survey of that , for which it was created . the eye strayeth when it coveteth what it should not ; it sleepeth when it retireth from what it should : it strayeth when it lusteth after a strange woman ; it sleepeth when it readeth not the law of god , to reclaime it from lusting after a strange woman : it strayeth , when it lusts after naboths vineyard ; it sleepeth when it lookes not after gods vineyard . neither is the eye so to be limited , as if contemplation were only intended ; for as it is not sufficient to pray , unlesse we practise as well as pray : so is it not sufficient to looke upon the law , unlesse wee live after the law on which we looke . wee read that abraham buried sarah in the cave of macpelah , that is , in a double sepulcher . he that burieth his mind in knowledge onely , without any care of practice , he buries sarah in a single sepulcher : but he that buries his mind , as well in the practice and feeling of religion , ( which is all in all ) as in the knowledge and understanding of it , hee buries sarah in a double sepulcher : and so must all wee doe which are the true children of abraham : for then with abraham burying our spirit in a double sepulcher , wee shall with elizeus have a double spirit ; a spirit that as well doth , as teacheth . otherwise , wee are but tinkling cymbals , making onely a sound of religion , without any sound or sincere profession : being ( as that honey-tongu'd father saith ) in body inward , but in heart outward . now the eye , as it is the tendrest and subtilest organ of all others , so should the object on which it is fixed be the purest and cleerest of all others . the eagle accounts those of her young ones bastards , which cannot fixe their eyes upon the sunne , and with equall reflection ( as it were ) reverberate the beaming vigour or splendour thereof : which should be the embleme of divine contemplation ; teaching us , that howsoever wee have our feet on earth , wee are to have our eyes in heaven : not by prying too saucily into the sealed arke of gods inscrutable will , but by meditating ever of him , so to rest in him , that after earth wee may for ever rest with him . it is observed by profest oculists , that whereas all creatures have but foure muscles to turne their eyes round about , man hath a sift to pull his eyes up to heaven . how farre divert they then their eyes from the contemplation of that object , for which they were created , who cannot see their neighbours ground but they must cover it , nor his beast but they desire it , nor any thing which likes them , but with a greedy eye they heart-eat it ? so large is the extent or circuit of their heart to earthly things , as they can see nothing but they instantly desire ; so strait is the circumference of their heart to heavenly things , they set no mind on them , as if altogether unworthy their desire . so as i cannot more aptly compare these idolizing worldlings to any thing , then to the bird ibis , which is of that filthy nature , as shee receives those excrements in at her mouth , which shee had purged before from her guts . neither doe they resemble this bird only in respect of their bestiall or insatiate receit , but also in the unbounded extent of their heart . oris apollo writeth , that the egyptians when they would describe the heart , paint that bird which they call ibis ; because they thinke that no creature , for proportion of the body , hath so great a heart as the ibis hath . neither hath our worldly ibis a lesse heart to the filthy desires of the world , being of necessity forced to leave the world , before hee can leave desiring the things of this world : or their eyes , satan-like , come from compassing the whole earth , esteeming no joy to the worldling , like much enjoying : yet am i not so rigorously affected , or from feeling of humanity so farre estranged , as with democritus , to move you to pull out your eyes , that the occasion of temptation might be removed , by being of your eyes , those motives to temptation , wholly deprived . nor with that inamored italian , to wish you to fix your eyes upon the beames of the sunne , till they were feared , that the sight of your mistresse might not move your disquiet . no ; enjoy your eyes , and make them direct●rs to guide you , not as blind deceitfull guides to entrap you ; use the object of this sense , but weane it from assenting to concupiscence ; concluding over with that good remembrance , may that object bee from our eyes removed , which makes us from our deare lord divided . now for the last motive , which is the pride of life ; it was lucifers sinne , and therefore should bee each true christians scorne . for this sinne ( saith an ancient and learned father ) are the children of the kingdome thrown into utter darknesse : and whence commeth this , but because they ascend up unto that mountaine , unto which the first angell ascended , and as a devill descended ? hee who entertaineth this motive , is an ambitious man , who ( as one rightly observeth ) may be well and fitly similized with the chameleon , who hath nothing in his body but lungs ; so the badge of the ambitius is to be windy and boisterous : whereas , if he would measure all his undertakings , rather by the dignity of the thing , then the ambition of his mind , hee should find as much content as now hee finds disquiet . it was the rule of a wise states-man , and well deserves it the observance of every private person , but especially of such who sit nere the sterne of state ; not to suffer any ambitious heat transport him , but to measure all things according to their dignity and worth : and withall , rather to referre the opinion of themselves and their actions to the censure of others , and freely put themselves to be weighed in the judicious scale or ballance of others , then to be approvers of themselves without the suffrage of others : for certainely , as there is no humour more predominant then ambition , nor apter to make man forgetfull of himselfe ; so hee who is of a haughty and proud disposition * dis-values all others , purposely to prize his owne deserts at an higher estimate . i remember with what character that proud english cardinall was decoloured , who bare so great a strok in this kingdome , as it was in his power to shake the foundation of monasteries , and from their ruines to raise his owne structures ; that hee was so puffed up with ambition , as hee preferred the honour of his person , before the discharge of his profession . surely that sentence was verified in him , promotion declares what men bee ; for never was his nature throughly discovered , nor his inside displayed , till his out-side was with the cardinals pall graced . how necessary is it then for man , being more subject to pride himselfe in his height , then with patience to receive a fall , to learne how to moderate his acception of honour , before he come to honour ? for i doe not so limit him , as if hee should not at all receive it , but rather how hee should demeane himselfe having received it . neither in ambition onely , but in that attire of sinne , gorgeous apparell , is the like limitation to be used : for herein are wee to observe such decencie , as neither the contempt thereof may taxe us of irregular carelesnesse , nor affectation thereof evince us of too singular nicenesse : for the former , as it implyes a carelesse indifferencie , so the latter argues an effeminate delicacie : for god hateth no lesse in man this sloth and sluttishnesse , then he hateth too much neatnesse and nicenesse . yea , i have oft-times observed no lesse pride shrouded under a thred-bare cloake , than under a more sumptuous coat , so as , antisthenes went not farre a wrong , who seeing socrates shew his torne cloake , shewing a hole thereof unto the people ; loe quoth he , thorow this i see socrates vanity . it is not the hood which makes the monke , nor the cloake which makes the philosopher ; but the disposition of the mind , which makes him a true or false professour . it is good therefore , in the use of these things to observe the end for which they were ordained ; now apparell was not ordained to pride us in it , but to be kept warme by it . peter martyr sheweth , that cloathing doth keepe the body warme two wayes : by keeping in the naturall heat of the body ; and by keeping out the accidentall cold of the ayre . this then being ordained for necessity , is not to be used for vaine-glory : for howsoever ( to such excesse of vanity is this age growne ) that fashion is esteemed nearest , which is newest ; discretion will informe you better , and tell you that fashion is of all other the choicest , which is the comliest . but that these three maine motives to temptation , and profest assailants of moderation . i meane , concupiscence of the flesh , concupiscence of the eyes , and pride of life may be the better resisted , incessant prayer is to be used . for prayer is gods honour , mans armour , and the divels terrour ; it is gods oblation , mans munition , and the divels expulsion . by prayer are those treasures digged , which faith in the gospel beholdeth . as it is then gods sacrifice , let it be mans exercise , that it may defeate the divels malice : saying with blessed augustine ; behold , o lord my god , the whole world is full of the snares of concupiscence , which they have prepared for my feet , and who shall escape them ? truly he , from whom thou shalt take away the pride of his eyes , that the concupiscence of his eyes may not seaze upon him ; and from whom thou shalt take away the concupiscence of the flesh , that the concupiscence of the flesh may not surprize him ; and from whom thou shalt take away an irreverent and unbridled mind , that the pride of life may not craftily deceive him . o happy he , to whom thou shalt do this i surely he shall passe his dayes in safety ! thus far have i proceeded in discourse touching both manner and matter , how and wherein moderation is to be limited . where , in the pursuit of honour , as i would have you no canius , too stoically to contemne it ; so no cassius , too tenderly to affect it : likewise in the pursuit of wealth , as i would have you no mimus , too scornfully to hate it ; so no midas , too slavishly to hug it : likewise in the pursuit of fancie , as i would have you no arminius , too severely to loath it ; so no arsenius , too dearely to love it : likewise in fare , as i would have you no phythagoras , too rigorously to abstain from it ; so no diagoras , too riotously to epicure it : likewise in apparell , as i would have you no diogenes , too carelesly to use it ; so no demosthenes , too curiously to chuse it : lastly , in pleasure , as i would have you no philopomenes , too strictly to despise it ; so no philoxenus , too highly to prize it . for origen himselfe eunuching , democritus his eyes blinding , crates his money drowning , and thracius his vines destroying , no lesse offended ( as wee have before observed ) in exceeding the limit by nature proposed , then the libertines of their time , came short of that rule which moderation had prescribed . but drawing neere shore , i am now to descend to the last branch of this observation , treating of the accomplished end which attends moderation . as there is no art or science which hath not some especiall end , to which it is properly directed ; so is there no vertue which workes or actuates not for some end ; in the acquisition whereof it is fully satisfied . now touching this end , whereto all vertues were and are properly directed ; both heathen and divine philosophers with one consent have concluded it to be that summary or supreme good , then which nothing could be better in respect of the fulnesse , higher in respect of the worthinesse , or safer in respect of the secureness . but how different in opinion the ancient philosophers have beene touching this summary or supreme good , what it should be , or wherein it might be properly said to consist ; there is none having bin conversant in their ethicks , but he sufficiently knowes it . so as varro reporteth , that these ancient philosophers have held and maintained two hundred threescore and eight severall opinions concerning felicity . where some placed their summary good in honours or preferments , others in pleasures or delights , but few in that true or accomplished felicity , the testimony of a good conscience , which only makes man happy ; and without which , enjoying all , hee enjoyes nothing : for were this felicity or accomplished end , to which all vertues are properly directed , to bee found on earth , then were the hopes of many good and vertuous men frustrated , whose thoughts are so farre above the foundation of earth , or all those perfunctory delights , which this low theater can afford , as they have esteemed such men of all others most miserable upon earth , whose thoughts were not erected above earth , but slaved to the desires of this life , as if their hopes extended no further . no , in vaine were those many sighings and groanings in the spirit , those incessant labours and watchings , which the faithfull so willingly undergoe , if there were no happinesse save onely in enjoying the delights of this life ; the fruition whereof , as they tender no true sweetnesse , so are they ever attended by sharpe repentance . for howbeit , every one be reputed worthy , if hee be wealthy , and nought if hee bee needy ; yet when sinne , having three punishments , feare , shame , and guilt ; feare of judgement , shame of men , and guilt of conscience : shall convent and convict him , hee shall find that riches cannot deliver in the day of wrath . so as howsoever the sinne seeme sweet , the sting of sinne shall wound his heart : for the bread of deceit is sweet to a man , but his mouth shall bee filled with gravell . likewise the high-minded man , whose heart hath beene only set on titles of honour , howsoever he seem'd raised or reared above the pitch of common earth , disdaining these poore wormelings , who had the selfe-same maker , though inferiour to this high cedar in honour ; when hee shall be forced to call corruption his mother , and wormes his brethren and sisters ; when he must leave that high babel , which his pride erected ; those worldly swelling tumours , his slippery honours , which he once enjoyed ; those sycophants , the followers of greatnesse , which hee so much affected ; yea , the world it selfe , where all his imaginary glory was stored ; hee shall then find goodnesse to be farre better then greatnesse , and worldly dignity to adde fuell to these viols , which hee hath worthily incurred . likewise the voluptuous man , as hee hath enjoyed the treasures of sinne for a season , sported him in his beds of ivory , feasted royally , fared deliciously , and fed all his miserable senses with a loathed satiety , hee shall feele that the pleasure of sinne was finall , but the punishment due to sinne eternall ; hee shall feele a worme ever gnawing , never ending , fiery teares ever streaming , never stinting , griefe ever griping , never ceasing ; death ever living , never dying : yea , that worme which gnaweth and dieth not , that fire which burneth and quencheth not , that death which rageth and endeth not . but if punishments will not deterre us , at least let rewards allure us . the faithfull cry ever for the approach of gods judgement ; the reward of immortality , which , with assurance in gods mercy , and his sonnes passion , they undoubtedly hope to obtaine ; with vehemency of spirit inviting their mediator : come lord iesus , come quickly . such is the confidence or spirituall assurance which every faithfull soule hath in him , to whose expresse image as they were formed , so in all obedience are they conformed , that the promises of the gospell might be on them conferred and confirmed . such as these care not so much for possessing ought in the world , as they take care to lay a good foundation against the day of triall , which may stand firme against the fury of all temptation . these see nothing in the world worthy their feare ▪ a this only ( say they ) is a fearefull thing , to feare any thing more than god. these see nought in the world worthy either their b desire or feare and their reason is this , c there is nothing able to move that man to feare in all the world , who hath god for his guardian in the world . neither is it possible that he should feare the losse of any thing in the world , who cannot see any thing worthy having in the world . so equally affected are these towards the world , as there is nothing in all the world , that may any way divide their affection from him who made the world . therefore may we well conclude touching these , that their light shall never goe out : for these walke not in darknesse , nor in the shadow of death , as those to whom the light hath not as yet appeared : for the light hath appeared in darkeness , giving light all the night long to all these faithfull beleevers , during their abode in these houses of clay . now to expresse the nature of that light , though it farre exceed all humane apprehension , much more all expression : clemens understandeth by that light which the wise-woman , to wit , christs spouse , kept by meanes of her candle which gave light all the night long , the heart ; and he calleth the meditations of holy men , candles that never goe out . saint augustine writeth , among the pagans in the temple of venus , there was a candle which was called inextinguishable : whether this be or no of venus temple , wee leave it to the credit of antiquity , onely augustines report we have for it ; but without doubt in every faithfull hearer and keeper of the word , who is the temple of the holy ghost , there is a candle or light that never goes out . whence it appeares that the heart of every faithfull soule is that light which ever shineth , and his faith that virgin oile which ever feedeth , and his conscience that comfortable witness which assureth , and his devoted zeale to gods house that seale which confirmeth him to be one of gods chosen , because a living faith worketh in him , which assures him of life , howsoever his outward man , the temple of his body , become subject to death . excellently saith saint augustine : whence comes it that the soule dieth ? because faith is not in it . whence that the body dieth ? because a soule is not in it . therefore the soule of thy soule is faith . but forasmuch as nothing is so carefully to be sought for , nor so earnestly to be wrought for , as purity or uprightnesse of the heart : for seeing there is no action , no studie , which hath not his certaine scope , end , or period ; yea , no art but laboureth by some certaine meanes or exercises to attaine some certain proposed end ; ( which end surely is to the soule at first proposed , but the last which is obtained : ) how much more ought there to bee some end proposed , to our studies , as well in the exercises of our bodies ; as in the readings , meditations , and mortifications of our mindes ( passing over corporall and externall labours ) for which end those studies or exercises were at first undertaken ? for let us thinke with our selves , if we knew not , or in mind before conceived not , whither or to what especiall place wee were to run , were it not a vaine taske for us to undertake to runne ? even so to every action are wee to propose his certaine end : which being once attained , we shall need no further striving towards it , being at rest in our selves by attaining it . and like end are wee to propose to our selves in the exercise of moderation , making it a subduer of all things which sight against the spirit , which may bee properly reduced to the practising of these foure ; overcomming of anger by the spirit of patience ; wantonness by the spirit of continence ; pride by the spirit of humility ; and in all things unto him whose image we partake , so neerely conformed , that , like good proficients , wee may truly say with the blessed apostle , wee have in all things learned to be contented . for the first , to wit , anger , as there is no passion which makes man more forgetfull of himselfe ; so to subdue it , makes man an absolute enjoyer of himselfe . athenodorus a wise philosopher , departing from augustus caesar , and bidding him farewell , left this lesson with him , most worthy to be imprinted in an emperours brest ; that when hee was angry , hee should repeat the foure and twenty greeke letters . which lesson received caesar as a most precious jewell , making such use thereof , as hee shewed himselfe no lesse a prince in the conquest of this passion , than in his magnificence of state , and majesty of person . no lesse praise-worthy was that excellent soveraignty which architas had over this violent and commanding passion , ( as we have formerly observed ) who finding his servants loitering in the field , or committing some other fault worthy reproofe , like a worthy master , thought it fit first to over-master himselfe , before he would show the authority of a master to his servants : wherefore perceiving himselfe to be greatly moved at their neglect , as a wise moderator of his passion , hee would not beat them in his ire , but said ; happy are ye that i am angry with you . in briefe , because my purpose is onely to touch these rather than treat of them , having so amply discoursed of some of them formerly : as the sunne is not to goe downe upon our wrath ; so in remembrance of that sonne of righteousness , let us bury all wrath : so shall we be freed from the viols of wrath , and appeare blamelesse in the day of wrath . for in peace shall we descend to our graves without sighing , if in peace we be angry without sinning . secondly wantonness , being so familiar a darling with the flesh , is ever waging warre with the spirit ; she comes with powdred haire , painted cheeks , straying eyes , mincing and measuring her pace , tinkling with her feet , and using all immodesty to lure the unwarie youth to all sensuality . these light professors ( as st. ierome to marcella saith ) are matter of scandall to christians eyes ; those eye-sores which wound the inward man with the sting of anguish . now what receit better or more soveraigne to cure this malady , than to take away the cause which begets this infirmity ? and what may wee suppose the cause to be , but the complacency of the flesh ? when wee labour to satisfie our desires , and give easie reines to our affections . for the flesh , while shee is obedient , becomes a servant to the soule : shee governeth , the other is governed : this commandeth , that is commanded : but having once begun to usurpe , shee will scarcely ever become a faithfull and loyall subject . what necessity then is there injoyned us to stand upon our guard , when we have a tarpeia within our gates , ready to betray us to our professed enemy ? with what continuall and incessant labour ought wee to imploy our selves , that this untamed iebusit● might bee so tired and wearied , that all inordinate motions might bee extinguished , which by sloth and want of imployment are ever cherished ? let us then embrace continence , and by power of so good a spirit dispossesse the bad . let us not entertaine those dangerous motives to sinne , which , like a snake in the bosome will wound us to death . and what bee those motives ? wanton thoughts and wanton words , which corrupt mens manners with wicked workes . it is a sure note and worthy observance ; whensoever any thought is suggested to you which tasteth of evill , make the doore of your heart fast , lest you give actuall possession to the divell . wanton words likewise are dangerous motives to incontinence ; the habit whereof being once attained , will hardly be relinquished . so as speech , which democritus cals the image of life , being exercised in scurrility , seemes to deface that image , by laying on it the darke and sable colour of death . for as muddy water is an argument that the fountaine is troubled : so filthy words are witnesses that the heart is corrupted . a good tree brings forth good fruit , a pure spring cleare water , and an uncorrupt heart words tending to the edification of the hearer . now hee who useth his tongue to filthy communication , incurres a threefold offence : first , in dishonouring god ; secondly , in sinning against his own soule ; thirdly , in ministring matter of scandall or offence to his brother . how necessary is it then , to keepe a watch upon our mouth , and a gate of circumstance unto our lips , that we offend not with our tongue ; which like the poisonous adder , stings even unto death , wounding the soule with an incurable dart ? neither doe i , speaking of wantonnesse , onely restraine my discourse to incontinence , but to whatsoever else may properly tend to the complacency or indulgence of the flesh , as to tender obedience to her in the desire of luscious and lascivious meats , or the like ; including all such as turne the grace of god to wantonnesse , making a profession of faith , but denying the power thereof in their life and conversation . thirdly , pride , that luciferian sinne , whose airie thoughts are ever mounting , must be subdued by the spirit of humility . we would hold it to be no faithfull part of a subject , to make choice of no livery but his , who is a profest foe to his soveraigne . and what i pray you , doe we , when we attire our selves in the habiliments of pride ; not onely outwardly in gorgeous apparell , choicest perfumes , and powdred lockes ; but likewise inwardly , in putting on the spirit of pride , attended by scornefull respects , disdainfull eyes , and haughty lookes ? can wee bee truly termed subjects ? may wee , wearing the divels crest , partake of the seamelesse coat of christ ? may we expect a crowne after death , that oppose him who wore a thorny crowne to crowne us after death ? no ; as the souldier is knowne by his colours , the servant by his cognizance , the sheepe by his marke , and coine by the stampe ; so shall we bee knowne by our colours , if wee be christs souldiers ; by our crest or cognizance , if his followers ; by our marke , if his sheepe and lambkins ; by our stampe or superscription , if his coine or sterling . o know , how much wee are the humbler , by so much to our beloved are we the liker ! let us resemble him then in all humility , that afterwards wee may reigne with him in glory . lastly , that wee may become conformable unto him , whose image wee have received , wee are to learne of the blessed apostle , in all things to bee contented . content ( saith the proverbe ) is worth a crowne , but many crownes come farre short of this content . now to propose a rule how this content may be acquired , were a lesson well worthy our learning : which i could wish might bee as soone learned as proposed : for content briefly , consists in these two ; to bee free from desiring what wee have not ; to bee free from fearing to lose what wee already have . now hee , who seeth nothing in the world worthy desiring , cannot choose but be free from feare of losing , being so indifferent touching the world , or whatsoever else hee hath in enjoying . for he that neither hath , nor seeth ought in the world which he esteemes worthy his love , enjoyeth nought but hee can willingly bee content to leave ; for no man feareth the losse of that which he doth not love . but to draw neerer a point : these two passions or affections of desire and feare ; desire of having more than wee have ; feare of losing what wee already have , may be properly said to have a threefold respect : to the goods or endowments of the minde , of the body , and of fortune . for the first , plato in his timaeo saith ; if a man lose his eyes , or feet , or hands , or wealth , we may say of such an one , hee looseth something ; but hee who loseth his heart and reason , loseth all . for in the wombe of our mother , the first thing which is ingendred or participates forme , is the heart ; and the last which dieth , is the same heart . so as properly it may be called reasons treasurie or store-house ; where those divine graces are seated , which conferre the best beauty to man , giving him a note of distinction from other creatures , the more to dignifie man. for howsoever all creatures have hearts , yet only to man is given an understanding heart . other creatures have hearts indeed sensible of present paine , but they cannot recall to minde what is past , or probably collect by what is past , the seasons of times , or issues of affaires likely to ensue . in the heart of man , there is the reasonable power , with which hee governeth himselfe ; the irascible power , with which he defendeth himselfe ; and concupiscible , by which he provideth for things necessary to releeve himselfe . now admit wee were deprived of that principall blessing , the intellectuall part , so as like raving and raging orostes , we were forced to take many blinde by-paths , wanting the means of direction by reason of our wofull distraction , and crying out with octavia in seneca ; o , to the spirits below that i were sent , for death were easie to this punishment ! admit , i say , all this ; yet is the afflicted soule to bee content , abiding gods good leisure , who as hee doth wound , so he can cure ; and as hee opened old tobiths eyes , so can he , when he pleaseth , where he pleaseth , and as hee pleaseth , open the bleered eyes of understanding : so with a patient expectance of gods mercy , and christian resolution to endure all assaults with constancie , as he recommendeth himselfe to god , so shall he finde comfort in him : in whom he hath trusted and receive understanding more cleare and perfect than before he enjoyed . or admit one should have his memorative part so much infeebled , as with corvinus messala he should forget his owne name ; yet the lord , who numbreth the starres , and knoweth them all by their names , will not forget him , though he hath forgot himselfe ; having him as a sign●t upon his finger , ever in his remembrance . for what shall it availe , if thou have memory beyond cyrus , who could call every souldier in his army by his name , when it shall appeare thou hast forgot thy selfe , and exercised that facultie rather in remembring injuries , than recalling to minde those insupportable injuries , which thou hast done unto god ? nay more ; of all faculties in man , memory is the weakest , first waxeth old , and decayes sooner than strength or beauty . and what shall it profit thee , once to have excelled in that facultie , when the privation thereof addes to thy misery ? nothing , nothing : wherefore , as every good and perfect gift commeth from above , where there is neither change nor shadow of change , so as god taketh away nothing but what he hath given , let every one in the losse of this or that facultie , referre himselfe with patience to his sacred majestie , who in his change from earth will crowne him with mercy . secondly , for the goods or blessings of the body , as strength beauty , agilitie , &c. admit thou wert blinde with appius , lame with agesilaus , tongue-tied with samius , dwarfish with ivius , deformed with thersites ; though blinde , thou hast eyes to looke with , and that upward ; though lame , thou hast legges to walke with , and that homeward ; though tongue-tied , thou hast a tongue to speake , and that to god-ward ; though dwarfish , thou hast a proportion given thee , ayming heaven-ward ; though deformed , thou hast a glorious feature , and not bruitish to looke-downward . for not so much by the motion of the body , and her outwardly working faculties , as by the devotion of the heart , and those inwardly moving graces , are wee to come to god. againe , admit thou wert so mortally sicke , as even now drawing neere shore , there were no remedy but thou must of necessity bid a long adieu to thy friends , thy honours , riches , and whatsoever else are deare or neere unto thee : yet for all this , why shouldest thou remaine discontented ? art thou here as a countryman , or a pilgrim ? no countryman sure ; for then shouldest thou make earth thy country , and inhabit here as an abiding city . and if a pilgrim , who would grieve to bee going homeward ? there is no life but by death , no habitation but by dissolution . he then that feareth death , feareth him that bringeth glad tidings of life . therefore to esteeme life above the price , or feare death beyond the rate , are alike evill : for he that values life to be of more esteeme than a pilgrimage , is in danger of making shipwracke of the hope of a better inheritance ; and he that feareth death as his profest enemy , may thanke none for his feare but his securitie . certainly , there is no greater argument of folly than to shew immoderate sorrow either for thy own death , or death of another : for it is no wisedome to grieve for that which thou canst not possibly prevent , but to labour in time rather to prevent what may give the occasion to grieve . for say , is thy friend dead ? i confesse it were a great losse , if hee were lost ; but lost hee is not , though thou bee left ; gone hee is before thee , not gone from thee ; divided onely , not exiled from thee . a princesse wee had of sacred memory , who looking one day from her palace , might see one shew immoderate signes or appearances of sorrow , so as shee moved with princely compassion , sent downe presently one of her pensioners to inquire who it was that so much sorrowed ▪ and withall to minister him all meanes of comfort ; who finding this sorrowfull mournes to bee a counsellor of state , who sorrowed for the 〈◊〉 of his daughter ; returned directly to his soveraigne , and acquainted her therewith . o ( quoth she ) who would thinks tha● a wise man and a counsellor of our state could so forget himselfe , as to shew himselfe 〈◊〉 for 〈…〉 of his childs ! and surely , whosoever shall but duly con●ider mans 〈◊〉 with deathe necessity , cannot chuse but wonder why any one should bee so wholly destitute of understanding , to lament the death of any one , since to die is as necessary and common as to be borne to every one . but perchance it may bee by some objected , that the departure of their friend is not so much lamented , for that is of necessity , and therefore exacts no teares of sorrow , being , if spent , as fruitlesse as the doome reverselesse ; but their sudden and inopinate departure . whereto i answer , that no death is sudden to him that dies well : for sudden death hath properly a respect rather to the life , how it was passed or disposed , than to death , how short his summons were , or how quickly closed . io. mathes . preaching upon the raising up of the womans sonne of naim by christ , within three houres afterward died himselfe : the like is written of luther , and many others . as , one was choaked with a flie , another with a haire , a third pushing his foot against the tressal , another against the threshold falls downe dead : so many kinde of wayes are chalked out for man , to draw towards his last home , and weane him from the love of the earth . those whom god loves , said menander , the young : yea , those whom hee esteemeth highest , hee takes from hence the soonest : and that for two causes ; the one , is to free them the sooner from the wretchednesse of earth ; the other , to crowne them the sooner with happinesse in heaven : for what gaine wee by a long life , or what profit reape wee by a tedious pilgrimage , but , that wee partly see , partly suffer , partly commit more evils ? priamus saw more dayes and shed more teares than troilus . let us hence then learne so to measure our sorrow for ought that may or shall befall us , in respect of the bodie , that after her returne to earth , it may bee gloriously re-united to the soule , to make an absolute consort in heaven . thirdly , and lastly , for the goods or blessings of fortune ; they are not to command us , but to bee commanded by us ; not to be served by us , but to serve us . and because hee onely in the affaires of this life is the wealthiest , who in the desires of this life is the neediest ; and he the richest on earth , who sees little worth desiring on earth : we are so to moderate our desires ( as i have formerly touched ) in respect of those things we have not , that wee may labour to over-master our desires , ( in thirsting after more than wee already have ; ) likewise so to temper and qualifie our affections in respect of those things we have , as to shew no immoderate sorrow for the losse of those we have , but to be equally minded , as well in the fruition of those we have , as privation of those we have not . for of all others , there is no sorrow baser nor unworthier , than that which is grounded on the losse of oxe , or cow , or such inferiour subjects . neither incurre they any lesse opinion of folly , who carried away with the love of their horse , hound , or some such creature , use of some prize or conquest got , to reare in their memory some obeliske , or monument graced with a beauteous inscription , to preserve their fame ; because ( poore beasts ) they have nothing to preserve themselves : for howsoever this act seeme to have some correspondence with gratitude , labouring only to grace them who have graced us , rearing a stone to perpetuate their fame , who memoriz'd our name by speed of foot , yet is it grosse and so palpable to those , whose discretion is a moulder of all their actions , as they account it an act , worthier the observation of an heathen than a christian. cimon buried his mares , bestowing upon them specious tombs , when they had purchased credit in the swift races of the olympiads . xantippus bewailed his dogs death , which had followed his master from calamina . alexander erected a citie in the honour of bucepha●us , having beene long defended by him in many dangerous battells . and the asse may well among the heathen be adorned with lilies , violets and garlands , when their goddesse vesta by an asses bray , avoyded the rape of priapus . but howsoever these actions among pagans might carry some colour of thankefulnesse , rewarding them , by whose speed , fury , agility , or some other meanes , they have been as well preserved as honoured : yet with christians , whose eyes are so clearely opened , and by the light divine so purely illumined ; would these seeme acts of prophanesse , ascribing honour to the creature , to whom none is due ; and not to the creator , to whom all honour is solely and properly due . in briefe , let us so esteeme of all the goods and gifts of fortune , as of vtensils , fit for our use and service , but of the supreme good , as our chiefest solace : for he who subjected all things to the feet of man , that man might be wholly subject unto him , and that man might be wholly his , hee gave man dominion over all those workes of his : so hee created all outward things for the body , the body for the soule , but the soule for him ; that shee might only intend him , and only love him , possessing him for solace , but inferiour things for service . thus farre , gentlemen , hath this present discourse inlarged it selfe , to expresse the rare and incomparable effects , which naturally arise from the due practice of moderation , being indeed a vertue so necessary , and well deserving the acquaintance of a gentleman , ( who is to bee imagined as one new come to his lands , and therefore stands in great need of so discreet an attendant ) as there is no one vertue better sorting ranke , not onely in matters of preferment , profit , or the like ; but in matters of reputation or personall ingagement , where his very name or credit is brought to the tesh . looke not then with the eye of scorne on such a follower : but take these instructions with you for a fare-well . doth ambition buzze in your care motions of honour ? this faithfull attendant , moderation , will disswade you from giving way to these suggestions , and tell you , ambition is the high road which leads to ruine , but humility is the gate which opens unto glory . doth covetousnesse whisper to you matters of profit ? here is one will tell you , the greatest wealth in the world , is to want the desires of the world . doth wantonnesse suggest to you motives of delight ? here is that h●rbe of grace , which will save you from being wounded , and salve you already wounded . in briefe , both your expence of time and coine , shall be so equally disposed , as you shall never need to redeeme time , because you never prodigally lost it ; nor repent your fruitlesse expence of coine , because you never profusely spent it . thus if you live , you cannot chuse but live for ever ; for ever in respect of those choice vertues which attend you : for ever , in respect of your good example , moving others to imitate you : and for ever , in respect of that succeeding glory which shall crowne you . the english gentleman . argument . of perfection ; contemplative and active ; the active preferred ; wherein it consisteth ; of the absolute or supreme end whereto it aspireth , and wherein it resteth . perfection . wee are now to treat of a subject , which , while wee are here on earth , is farre easier to discourse of , then to find ; for perfection is not absolute in this life , but graduall . so as , howsoever wee may terme one perfect or compleat in respect of some especiall qualities , wherewith hee is endued ; yet , if wee come to the true ground of perfection , wee shall find it farre above the spheare of mortality to ascend to : for man , miserable man , what is hee , or of himselfe what can hee , to make him absolutely perfect ? exceed hee can , but in nothing but sinne , which is such a naturall imperfection , as it wholly detracts from his primitive perfection . time was indeed , when man knew no sinne , and in that ignorance from sinne consisted his perfection . but no sooner was that banefull apple tasted , then in the knowledge of sinne hee became a professant . wee are therefore to discourse of such perfection , as wee commonly in opinion hold for absolute , though in very deed it appeare onely respective and definite ; for to treat of that perfection which is transcendent or indefinite , were to sound the sea ▪ or weigh the mountaines , so farre it exceedeth the conceit of man : yea , i say , to taske humane apprehension to the discussion of that soveraigne or supreme perfection , were as unequally matched , as ever were earth and heaven , strength and weaknesse , or the great beh●moth , and the silliest worme that creepeth in the chinks of the earth . let us addresse our selves then to this taske , and make this our ground , that as no man is simply good but god ; so no man is absolutely perfect till hee be individually united to god ; which on earth is not granted , but promised ; not effected , but expected ; not obtained , but with confidence desired , when these few , but evill dayes of our pilgrimage shall be expired : yet is there a graduall perfection , which in some degree or measure wee may attaine , becomming conformable unto him , whose image wee have received , and by whom wee have so many singular graces and prerogatives on us conferred . and this perfection is to be procured by assistance of gods spirit , and a desire in man to second that assistance by an assiduall endeavour : which devout and godly endevour , that it might be the better furthered , and his glory , by whose grace wee are assisted , the more advanced ; needfull it were to reduce to our memory , daily and hourely , these two maine considerations . first , those three profest enemies that infatigably assaile us , which should make us more watchfull . secondly , that faithfull friend , who so couragiously fights for us , which should make us more thankefull : for our enemies , as they are some of them domestick , so are they more dangerous ; for no foe more perillous then a bosome foe . besides they are such pleasing enemies , as they cheere us , when they kill us ; sting us , when they smile on us . and what is the instrument they worke on , but the soule ? and what the time limited them to worke in , but our life ? which humours doe swell up , sorrowes bring downe , heats dry , aire infect , meat puffe up , fasting macerate , jests dissolve , sadnesse consume , care straineth , security deludeth , youth extolleth , wealth transporteth , poverty dejecteth , old-age crooketh , infirmity breaketh , griefe depresseth , the divell deceiveth , the world flattereth , the flesh is delighted , the soule blinded , and the whole man perplexed . how should we now oppose our selves to such furious and perfidious enemies ? or what armour are wee to provide for the better resisting of such powerfull and watchfull assailants ? certainely , no other provision need we , then what already is laid up in store for us , to arme and defend us , and what those blessed saints and servants of christ have formerly used , leaving their owne vertuous lives as patternes unto us . their armour was fasting , prayer , and workes of devotion : by the first , they made themselves fit to pray ; in the second they addressed themselves to pray as they ought ; in the third they performed those holy duties , which every christian of necessity ought to performe . and first , for fasting , it is a great worke , and a christian worke ; producing such excellent effects , as it subjects the flesh to the obedience of the spirit ; making her of a commander , a subject ; of one who tooke upon her an usurped authority , to humble her selfe to the soules soveraignty . likewise prayer , how powerfull it hath beene in all places , might bee instanced in sundry places of holy scripture . in the a desart , where temptation is the readiest ; in the b temple , where the divell is oft-times busiest ; on the c sea , where the flouds of perils are the nearest ; in d peace , where security makes men forgetfullest ; and in e warre , where imminent danger makes men fearfull'st : yea , whether it be with daniel in the f denne ; or manasses in the g dungeon ; whether it be with holy david in the h palace ; or heavenly ieremie in the i prison : the power and efficacie of prayer , sacrificed by a devout and zealous beleever , cannot choose but be as the first and second raigne , fructifying the happy soile of every faithfull soule , to her present comfort here , and hope of future glory else-where . thirdly , workes of devotion , being the fruits or effects of a spirituall conversation ; as ministring to the necessity of the saints ; wherein we have such plenty of examples , both in divine and humane writ , as their godly charity , or zealous bounty might worthily move us to imitate such blessed patternes in actions of like - devotion , for such were they , as they were both liberall , and joyed in their liberality , every one contributing so much as hee thought fit , or pleased him to bestow . and whatsoever was so collected , to the charge or trust of the governour , or disposer of the stocke of the poore , was forthwith committed . here was that poore-mans box , or indeed christs box , wherein the charity of the faithfull was treasured . neither did these holy saints or servants of god , in their almes , eye so much the quality of the person , as his image whom hee did represent . and herein they nourished not a sinner , but a righteous begg●● ; because they loved not his sinne , but his nature . but now , because wee are to treat of perfection in each of these wee are to observe such cautions , as may make the worke perfect without blemish , and pure from the mixture of flesh . as first in that godly practice of fasting , to observe such mediocrity , as neither desire to be knowne by blubbered eyes , hanging downe the head , nor any such externall passion may tax us to bee of those pharisees , whose devotion had relation rather to the observance of man , then the service of god ; neither so to macerate the body , as to disable it for performing any office which may tend to the propagation of the glory of the highest . for the first institution of fasts , as it was purposely to subdue the inordinate motions of the flesh , and subject it to the obedience and observance of the spirit ; so divers times were by the ancient fathers and councels thought fitting to be kept in holy abstinence , of purpose to remove from them the wrath of god , inflicted on them by the sword , pestilence , famine , or some other such like plague . saint gregory instituted certaine publike fasts , resembling the rogation weeke , with such like solemne processions against the plague and pestilence , as this rogation-weeke was first ordained by another holy bishop to that end . as for the ember-dayes , they were so called of our ancient fore-fathers in this countrey , because on these fasting dayes , men eate bread baked under embers or ashes . but to propose a certaine rule or forme of direction , there is none surer or safer , then that which wee formerly proposed : so to nourish our bodies , that they bee not too much weakned , by which meanes more divine offices might be hindered ; and againe , so to weaken our bodies , that they be not too much pampered ; by which meanes our spirituall fervor might bee co●led . for too delicate is that master , who , when his belly is crammed , would have his mind with devotion crowned . secondly , for prayer , as it is to be numbred among the greatest workes of charity , so of all others it should be freest from hypocrisie : for it is not the sound of the mouth , but the soundnesse of the heart , which makes this oblation so effectually powerfull , and to him that prayeth , so powerfully fruitfull . it is not beating of the breast with the fist , but inward compunction of the heart , flying with the wing of faith , that pierceth heaven . for neither could trasylla's devotion , whereof gregory relates , have beene so powerfull ; nor gorgonius supplication , whereof nazianzen reports , so fruitfull ; nor iames the brother of our lord his invocation , whereof eusebius records , so faithfull ; nor paul the eremites daily oblation , whereof ierome recounts , so effectuall ; if pronunciation of the mouth , without affection of the heart ; beating of the brest , without devotion of mind ; dejection of face , without erection of faith , had accompanied their prayer . for it is not hanging downe the head like a bulrush , which argues contrition , but a passionate affection of the heart which mounts up to the throne of grace , till it purchase remission . thirdly , for almes-deeds and other workes of devotion , being the fruits or effects of faith , as they are sweet odours , and shall not lose their reward , being duly practised ; so wee must take these three cautions by the way , lest such sweet fruits bee corrupted . the first is , to give her owne , and not anothers , for that were robbery : the second is , to give to the poore , and not to the rich in hope of commodity : the third is , to give in mercy or fellow-feeling of others wants , and not for vaine-glory . for howsoever the poore need not care for any of these respects , because hee is rewarded ; yet the giver is to care , because his reward should hereby become frustrated . certainely , there is nothing which relisheth better to the palate of our maker ▪ then ministring reliefe to the needy begger , who is gods begger , as a holy father cals him , and therefore should be relieved for his cause that sent him . those goats set on the left hand doe affright me , not because they were robbers , but because they were no feeders , saith nazianzen : therefore are we willed to feed the hunger-starved soule , lest want should famish him ; for if wee suffer him to die for food , wee , and none but wee did famish him . thus if wee observe a-right the zealous and religious practice of those blessed patternes , who have gone before us , and have left their memorable lives as examples to be imitated by us , we shall in some measure attaine to that perfection , whereof wee now discourse ; labouring so to moderate our affections herein , as neither vaine-glory , nor any other fleshly respect may interpose it selfe in actions of such maine and serious consequence . for albeit , as i formerly noted , no man may come to that absolute perfection , either in matters of knowledge , or practice of life , as if nothing could bee further attained , but that the very highest pitch of perfection were acquired ; yet are there degrees which in some measure may be attained , if those vertues which conduce to this perfection bee duly practised . for , it is not professing of vertue , but practising ; neither practising of one , but all , which gives life to this perfection . for hee whom wee sincerely perfect call , excels not in one vertue , but in all . which perfection farre exceeds all others , derived from some exqui●ite knowledge in arts or sciences ; for these , how absolutely soever they be , come farre short of that perfection which longer time and experience might bring them to . alcibiades is reported to have beene so skilfull in all arts and exercises , that he won the prize in what enterprize soever he tooke in hand ; which was no small glory , when in the olympian or istmian games he no sooner appeared , than those who were to contend with him , were forthwith dismaied : yet came this perfection short of that whereof we now discourse . for it may bee probably gathered , that , albeit hee was the activest in his time on istmus . yet all the activest youths of greece were not on istmus ; or if they were , yet the whole world had youths more active , and in all parts more absolute than they were in greece . for to seeke perfection on earth , either in respect of minde or body , either in ability of the one , or excellency of the other , were — in aethere quarere nidum ; hee only being most perfect , who acknowledgeth himselfe to bee most imperfect . cicero brings in m. antony , saying that there bee many follow , and yet come not to the perfection . which hee might have instanced the best in himselfe : for who , for discipline more exquisite , for attempts in his own person more valiant , for ripenesse of wit more pregnant , or for tongue more powerfully perswasive than m. antony ? yet to observe how much those more excellent parts were disabled , that light of understanding darkned , that pregnancy of wit rebated , that perswasive orator by a wanton oratresse seduced ; yea , even that mirror of men blemished , might move us freely and ingenuously to acknowledge , as there is nothing more variable than man in respect of his condition , so nothing more prone to evill in respect of his naturall corruption . so as , howsoever he may seeme in some sort perfect , either in moderating his affections with patience , or subduing his desires with reason , yet there is ever some one defect or other that darkens those perfections . wherefore , as marius bombasted his stockins to give a better proportion to his small legs ; if any one would have his good parts set out , hee had need to weare some counterfeit disguise to cover his wants , and so gull the world , as iuno deceived ixion with a cloud . truth is , that the worthiest men have beene stained with some notable crime . caesar , though hee were moderate , yet was hee incontinent : alexander though continent , yet was he immoderate : sylla , though valiant , yet was hee violent : galba , though eminent , yet was hee insolent : lucullus generous , yet delicious ; marcellus glorious , yet ambitious ; architas patient , yet avaritious ; archias pregnant , yet lascivious . so as homers understanding , platoes wit , diogenes phrase , aeschines art of oratorie , and cicero's tongue , could not assume to themselves such perfection , as to free them from other blemishes , which detracted as much from their worth , as these perfections added to their glory . for howsoever that saying of solon may seeme authenticke ; all things among men are sound and perfect ; it is to be understood that he meant of dealings or * commerce among good men , whose word is their bond , and whose profession is to deale uprightly with al men . all things among such men are sound and perfect , for no commoditie can move them to infringe their faith , or falsifie their word for any advantage . but it may be objected , if none can be perfect , whence is it that we reade ▪ we ought to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect ? or how is it that paul exhorteth us to perfection ? or how may we be presented every man perfect in christ iesus ? surely not of us , nor of our selves , but through him who became righteousnesse , and all perfection for us , that he might perfect that in us , which was farre from us , without his especiall grace working or operating in us . yet are we to labour and strive hard towards the marke that is set before us , not ceasing till wee become conformable unto him , and be made perfect in him . but become conformable unto him wee cannot , unlesse wee take delight in contemplating him , to whom our desire is to be conformed . we will therefore descend to the second branch proposed , to wit , the contemplative part of perfection , wherein we shall easily finde what divine comfort is ministred to the minde , in contemplating him , who distinguished man from the rest of his creatures , by a reasonable minde . it was the saying of a heathen , if god tooke delight in any felicitie , it was in contemplation . to the free use whereof , even those which are ( as hortensius called l. torquatus ) unlearned , rude an ignorant , may bee admitted . for howsoever some have beene pleased to terme the images of saints , laymens-bookes ; sure i am , whosoever he be , be he never so simple or ignorant , that contemplateth god in his creatures , shall finde sufficient matter , in that voluminous booke of his creation , to move him to admire the work-manship of his maker . for the heavens are his , the earth also is his ; and hee hath laid the foundation of the world , and all that therein is . so as , even from the cedar of lebanon to the grasse upon the wall , hath he shewen his power , and his might to the ends of the world . now to the end this contemplation might not bee hindred by any worldly objects , wee are to with-draw our eye from the creature , and fix it wholly upon our creator . for how can any one behold the glory of heaven , when his eyes are poring upon earth ; or how should hee , whose affections are planted upon his gold , erect his thoughts to the contemplation of god ? so as wee must not only leave whatsoever we love on earth , but even leave our selves till wee become wholly weaned from earth ; so shall our affections be in heaven , though our temporary plantation bee on earth . for what are these ostrich-winged worldings , who never flie up , stooping to every lure that either honour , profit , or preferment cast out , but base haggards , who lie downe and dare not give wing for feare of weathering ? whereas these high fliers , whose aimes are above earth , are ever meditating of earths frailtie and heavens felicitie . these consider , how the solace of the captive is one , and the joy of the freeman another . these consider , how that hee who sighs not while he is a pilgrim , shall not rejoyce when he is a citizen . these consider , that it is an evident signe that such an one hates his countrey , who holds himselfe to bee in good state while hee lives a pilgrim . these will not preferre the husks of vanitie before those inestimable treasures of glory . these , and only these , value earth as it should bee valued , desiring rather to leave earth , than set their love on ought upon , earth . neither can death take any-thing from him going out of the world , who sets his love on nothing in the world . whereas it is much otherwise with them , whose eyes are accustomed to darknesse ; for they cannot behold the beames of that supreme veritie : neither can they judge any thing of the light , whose habitation is in darknesse : they see darknesse , they love darknesse , they approve of darknesse , and going from darknesse to darknesse , they know not whither they fall . such was demas , who forsooke his faith , and embraced this present world . such was simon magus , who bewitched the people with sorceries , to gaine himselfe esteeme in the world . such was demetrius the silver-smith , who brought great gaines unto the crafts-men , and mightily enriched himselfe in the world . and , in a word , such are all those whose eyes are sealed to heavenly contemplations , but opened to the objects of earth , prizing nothing else worthy either viewing or loving . it is rare and wonderfull to observe what admirable contemplations the heathen philosophers enjoyed , though not so much as partakers of the least glimpse of that glorious light which is to us revealed ! how deeply searching in the influence of planets , how studious after the knowledge of herbs , plants , vertue of stones , which inforced in them no lesse admiration , than delight in so sweet a contemplation ? now if the heathens , who had no knowledge of god , but only a glimmering light of nature , being not so much ( i say ) as the least beamling in comparison of that glorious light which wee enjoy , conceived such sweetness in the search of causes and events , preferring their contemplation before the possession of earth , or all that fraile earth could promise ; what surpassing comfort or ineffable sweetnesse are wee to conceive in the contemplation of god ; the one and only practice whereof maketh man blessed , although in outward things hee were the poorest and needfullest in the world ? the blessed saints and faithfull servants of god have beene so ravished with this sweetnesse , as they were drunke with joy in contemplation of the highest . for either honour or preferment , they were so indifferent , as they rejected it ; and for riches so equally contented , as they dis-valued it , selling their possessions , and laying the money at the apostles feet . yea peter , to instance one for all , no sooner tasted this sweetnesse , than forgetfull of all inferiour things , hee cried out as one spiritually drunke , saying ; lord , it is good for us to bee here ; let us make us here three tabernacles , let us stay here , let us contemplate thee , because wee need nothing else but thee ; it sufficeth us , lord , to see thee , it sufficeth us , i say , to bee filled with such swetnesse as commeth from thee . one onely drop of sweetnesse hee tasted , and hee loathed all other sweetnesse . what may wee imagine would hee have said , if hee had tasted the multitude of the sweetnesse of his divinitie , which he hath laied up in store for those that feare him ? surely , the contemplative man , whose affections are estranged from earth , and seated in heaven , makes use of whatsoever hee seeth on earth , as directions to guide him in his progresse to heaven . his eyes are not like the ambitious mans , whose eye-sore is only to see others great , and himselfe unadvanced : nor like the covetous mans , whose eyes ( tarpeia-like ) betray his soule , seeing nothing precious or prosperous which he wisheth not : nor like the voluptous mans , whose sealed eyes are blinde to the objects of vertue , but unsealed to the objects of vanitie , seeing nothing sensually moving which he affects not : nor like the vain-glorious mans , who practiseth seldome what is good or honest for the love of goodnesse , but to bee praised and observed . whereas the true contemplative man loves vertue for vertues sake , concluding divinely with the poet ; this amongst good men hath beene ever knowne , vertue rewards herselfe , herselfe's her crowne . and for these light objects of vanity , hee as much loaths them as the voluptuous man loves them ; and for coveting , hee is so farre from desiring more then hee hath , as hee is indifferent either for injoying or forgoing what hee already hath ; and for aspiring , hee holds it the best ambition of any creature , to promote the glory of his maker . hee is ever descanting on this divine ditty ; god! for his thoughts are spheared above earth , and lodged in the contemplation of heaven . and if so be , that hee chance to fixe his eye upon earth , it is , as i said before , to direct his feet , and erect his faith to the contemplation of heaven . for by consideration had to these temporall goods ( to use the words of a devout father ) hee gathereth the greatnesse of the heavenly councell : comprehending by the little ones , those great ones ; by these visible , those invisible ones : for if the lord shew , or rather showre so great and innumerable benefits from heaven , and from the ayre , from the land and sea , light and darkenesse , heat and shadow , dew and raine , winds and showres , birds and fishes , and multiplicity of herbs and plants of the earth , and the ministry of all creatures successively in their seasons ministring to us , to allay our loathing , and beget in us towards our maker , an incessant longing , and all this for an ignoble and corruptible body ; what , how great , and innumerable shall those good things be , which hee hath prepared for them that love him , in that heavenly countrey , where we shall see him face to face ? if hee doe such things for us in this prison , what will hee doe for us in that palace ? great and innumerable are thy workes o lord , king of heaven ! for seeing , all these are very good and delectable , which hee hath equally bestowed upon both good and evill : how great shall those bee which hee hath laid up onely for the good ? if so divers and innumerable be the gifts , which hee bestoweth both upon friends and foes ; how sweet and delectable shall those be , which hee will onely bestow upon his friends ? if such comforts in this day of teares and anguish , what will hee conferre on us in that day of nuptiall solace ? if a prison containe such delights , what , i pray you , shall our countrey containe ? no eye , ( o lord ) without thee , hath seene those things which thou hast prepared for them that love thee : for according to the great multitude of thy magnificence , there is also a multitude of thy sweetnesse , which thou hast hid for them that feare thee : for great thou art , o lord our god , and unmeasurable , neither is there end of thy greatnesse , nor number of thy wisedome , nor measure of thy mercy , neither is there end , nor number , nor measure of thy bounty : but as thou art great , so be thy gifts great : because thou thy selfe art the reward and gift of thy faithfull warriours . thus is the spiritually contemplative man ever employed , thus are his affections planted , thus his desires seated , caring so little for earth , as hee is dead to earth long before hee returne to earth ; drawing daily neerer heaven , having his desire onely there , long before hee come there . now to instance some , whose profession was meerely contemplative , having retired or sequestred themselves from the society of this world , wee might illustrate this subject with many excellent patternes in this kind , as those especially who strictly professed a monasticke life , becomming severe enemies to their owne flesh , and estranging themselves from conversing with man. which kind of discipline , as it was in respect of humanity too unsociable , so in respect of themselves doubtlesse , sweet and delightfull ; being so intranced with divine contemplation , as they forgot earth and all earthly affections . of this sort , you shall reade sundry examples ; whereof one more memorable then the rest might bee instanced in him , who reading that sentence of holy scripture , goe and sell all that thou hast , presently imagining it to bee meant by him , did so . the like contempt towards the world , might bee instanced in holy ierome , paulinus that good bishop of nola , and many others , upon which i would bee loath to insist for brevity sake . neither certainely can they , whose thoughts are erected above the center of earth , having their hearts planted where their treasure is placed , deigne to fix their eye upon ought in the world , because they see nothing worthy affecting in the world : for they thinke godlinesse is a great gaine , if a man bee content with that hee hath . they doe good , being rich in good workes , and ready to distribute , and communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come , that they may obtaine eternall life . yea , they have not only learned in whatsoever state they are , therewith to be content , but wholly to relinquish both selfe and state to advance the glory of god. but it may be now well objected , that these men whereof we now treat , are fitter for a cell then a court , and therefore too regular masters to have young gentlemen for their schollers : for how should these , whose education hath beene liberty , conversation publike society , and who hold good fellowship an appendice to gentry , betake themselves to such strictnesse , as to be deprived of common aire , live remote from all company , passing the remainder of their dayes in a wildernesse , as if they had committed some egregious fact that deserved such severe pennance ? mistake me not , my meaning is much otherwise : for as i would not have gentlemen libertines , so i would not have them hermits ; for the first , as they are too prodigally secular , so the latter are too severely regular . neither am i ignorant how a * cloyster may bee no lesse shelter unto errour , then a more publike place of delight or pleasure . but my discourse touching this contemplative perfection , was purposely to draw the curtaine from before the picture , and to shew to their eye that faire idaea , or feature which hath beene so long shadowed ; i meane the faire and beautifull structure of the inward man , which so long as it is darkened with these bleere-eyed leahs , these objects of vanity cannot enjoy it selfe , but peece-meale , as it were , divided from it selfe , seemes wholly deprived of life ; for a heart divided cannot live . and what are these objects of vanity , whereon the eye of your contemplation is usually fixed , but those soule-soiling sores of this land , pride and voluptuousnesse ? with what greediness● will a young gallants eye gaze upon some new or phantasticke fashion , wishing ( o vaine wish ! ) that hee had but the braines to have invented such a fashion , whereby hee might have given occasion to others of imitation and admiration ? with what insatiablenesse , will hee fix his eye upon some light affected curtezan , whose raiment is her onely ornament , and whose chiefe●t glory is to set at sale her adulterate beauty ? no street , no corner but gives him objects which drawes his eye from that choicest object , whereon his whole delight should bee seated : no place so obscure , wherein his contemplative part is not on the view of forbidden objects greedily fixed . how requisite then were it for you , young gentlemen , whose aymes are more noble then to subject them to these unworthy ends , to take a view sometimes of such absolute patterns of contemplative perfection , as have excelled in this kind ? but because a three-fold cord is hardly broken , i will recommend unto your consideration a three-fold meditation , the daily use and exercise whereof may bring you to a more serious view of your owne particular estate . first is , the worthinesse of the soule ; secondly , the unworthinesse of earth ; thirdly , thankefulnesse unto god , who made man the worthiest creature upon the earth . for the first : what is shee , and in glory how surpassing is she ( to use the selfe-same words which an holy father useth ) being so strong , so weake , so small , so great , searching the secrets of god , and contemplating those things which are of god , and with her piercing wit is knowne to have attained the skill of many arts for humane profit and advantage ? what is shee , i say , who knoweth so much in other things , and to what end they were made , yet is wholly ignorant how her selfe was made ? a princesse surely ; for as a queene in her throne , so is the soule in the body ; being the life of the body , as god is the life of the soule ; being of such dignity , as no good , but the supreme good may suffice it : of such liberty as no inferior thing may restraine it . how then is the soule of such worthinesse , as no exteriour good may suffice it , nor no inferiour thing restraine it ? how comes it then that it stoops to the lure of vanity , as one forgetfull of her owne glory ? how comes it then to be so fledged in the * bird-lime of inferiour delights , as nothing tasteth so well to her palate as the delights of earth ? surely , either she derogates much from what shee is , or there is more worthinesse on earth , then wee hold there is . having then taken a short view of the dignity or worthinesse of the soule ; let us reflect a little upon the unworthinesse of earth , and see if wee can find her worthy the entertainment of so glorious a princesse . earth , as it is an heavy element , and inclineth naturally downe-ward , so it keepes the earthly minded moule from looking upward . there is nothing in it which may satisfie the desire of the outward senses , much lesse of the inward . for neither is the eye satisfied with seeing , bee the object never so pleasing ; nor the eare with hearing , bee the accent never so moving ; nor the palate with tasting , bee the cates never so relishing ; nor the nose with sm●lling , bee the confection never so perfuming ; nor the hand with touching , bee the subject never so affecting . and for those sugred pils of pleasure , though sweet , how short are they in continuance , and how bitter , being ever attended on by repentance ? and for honours , ( those snow-bals of greatnesse ) how intricate the wayes by which they are attained , and how sandy the foundation whereon they are grounded ? how unworthy then is earth to give entertainment to so princely a guest , having nothing to bid her welcome withall , but the refuse and rubbish of uncleannesse , the garnish or varnish of lightnesse ? for admit this guest were hungry , what provision had earth to feed her with , but the huskes of vanity ? if thirsty , what to refresh her with , but with worme-wood of folly ? if naked , what to cloath her with , but the cover of mortality ? if imprisoned , how to visit her , but with fetters of captivity ? or if sicke , how to comfort her , but with additions of misery ? since then , the worthinesse of the soule is such , as earth is too unworthy to entertaine her , expedient it were that shee had recourse to him that made her , and with all thankfulnesse tender her selfe unto him , who so highly graced her . let man therfore in the uprightness of a pure and sincere soule weaned from earth , and by contemplation already sainted in heaven , say ; what shall i render unto thee , o my god , for so great benefits of thy mercy ! what praises , or what thanksgiving ? for if the knowledge and power of the blessed angels were present with me to assist me , yet were i not able to render ought worthy of so great piety and goodnesse , as i have received from thee ; yea surely , if all my members were turned into tongues , to render due praise unto thee , in no case would my smalnesse suffice to praise thee , for thy inestimable charity which thou hast shewn to me unworthy one , for thy onely love and goodnesse s●ke , exceedeth all knowledge . neither is it meet that the remembrance of a ●enefit should be limited by day or date ; but as the benefits wee receive are daily , so should our thankefulnesse be expressed daily , lest by being unthankefull , god take his benefits from us , and bestow them on such as will be thankfull . and let this suffice for the contemplative part of perfection ; descending briefly to that part , which makes the contemplative truly perfect by action . we are now to treat of that , which is easier to discourse of than to finde : for men naturally have a desire to know all things , but to doe nothing ; so easie is the contemplative in respect of the active , so hard the practicke in respect of the speculative . how many shall we observe daily propounding sundry excellent observations , divine instructions , and christian-like conclusions touching contempt of the world , wherein this active perfection principally consisteth , yet how far short come they in their owne example : so easie it is to propound matter of instruction to others , so hard to exemplifie that instruction in themselves ! this may be instanced in that ruler in the gospel , who avouched his integrity and perfection , concluding that he had kept all those commandements which christ recounted to him , from his youth up : yet when christ said unto him , sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poore , and thou shalt have treasure in heaven , and come follow me : we reade , hee was very sorrowfull ; for he was very rich . so miserable and inextricable is the worldlings thraldome when neither the incertainty of this life , nor those certaine promises made unto him , in hope of a better life , can weane him from the blind affection of earth . necessary therfore it is , that he who desires to attaine this active perfection , unto which all good men labour , moderate his desires towards such things as he hath not , and addresse himselfe to an indifferency of losing those things which hee already hath : for he , whose desires are extended to more than he enjoyes , or who too exceedingly admires what he now enjoyes , can never attaine that high degree of active perfection . the reason is , no man whose content is seated on these externall flourishes of vanity , can direct his contemplation , or erect the eye of his affection to that eternall sunne of verity , whom to enjoy , is to enjoy all true perfection ; and of whom to be deprived , is to taste the bitterness of deepest affliction . now , how are we to enjoy him ? not by knowledge only , or contemplation ; but by seconding , or making good our knowledge by action : for we know , that there is a woe denounced on him , who knoweth the will of his father and doth it not ; when neither his knowledge can plead ignorance , nor want of understanding in the law of god , simplicity or blindnesse . we are therefore not onely to know , but doe ; know , lest ignorance should mis-guide us ; doe , lest our knowledge should accuse us . behovefull therfore were it for us to observe that excellent precept of holy ierome : so live ( saith he ) that none may have just cause to speake ill of you . now there is nothing which may procure this good report sooner , than labouring to avoid all meanes of scandall ; as consorting with vitious men whose noted lives bring such in question as accompany them . this was the cause ( as i formerly noted ) why saint iohn would not stay in the bath with the hereticke c●rinthus . o how many , and with much griefe i speake it , have we knowne in this little iland , well descended , with choicest gifts of nature accomplished , of their owne disposition well affected , who by consorting with inordinate men have given reines to liberty , and blasted those faire hopes , which their friends and country had planted on them ! how requisite then is it , for every one whose thoughts aime at perfection , to consort with such as may better him , and not deprave him ; informe him , and not corrupt him ? for if there be a kind of resemblance betwixt the diseases of the body , and the vices or enormities of the mind ; what especiall care are we to take , lest by keeping company with those who are already depraved , we become likewise infected ? men would be loth to enter any house that is suspected only to be infected ; which if at unawares they have at any time entred , they presently make recourse to the apothecary to receive some soveraigne receit to expell it . and if men bee so affraid lest this house , the body , which like a shaken building menaceth ruine daily should perish , what great respect ought to bee had to the soule , which is the guest of the body ? shall corruption bee so attended and tendred , and the precious image of incorruption lessened and neglected ? god forbid ; specious or gorgeous sepulchres are not so to bee trimmed , that the cost bestowed on them should cause the divine part to bee wholly contemned . to remove which contempt ( if any such there bee ) i will recommend to your devoutest meditation these two particulars . first , who it was that made us : secondly , for what end he made us : to which two briefly , we intend to referre the series of this present discourse . for the first , we are to know that no man is his owne maker : it is hee that made us , who made all things for us , that they might minister unto us and to our necessity , ordaining these for our service , and himselfe for our solace . he it is who hath subjected all things to the feete of man , that man might wholly become subject unto him : yea , and that man might become wholly his , hee gave man absolute dominion over all those workes of his ; creating all outward things for the body , the body for the soule , and the soule for himselfe . and to what end ? even to this end , that man might onely intend him , onely love him , possessing him to his solace , but inferiour things to his service . now , to dilate a little upon this great worke of our creation , wee may collect from sacred scripture a foure-fold creation or generation . the first in adam , who came neither of man nor woman ; the second in eve , who came of man without woman ; the third in christ , who came not of man but woman ; the fourth in us , who came both of man and woman . for the first , as he had from earth his creation , so it shewed the weaknesse of his composition , the vilenesse of his condition , with the certainty of his dissolution . for the second , as she had from man her forming , so it figured their firmenesse of union , inseparable communion , and inviolable affection . for the third , as he came onely of woman , so he promised by the seed of the woman , to ●ruise the serpents head , who had deceived woman , and restore man to the state of grace , from which hee had fallen by meanes of a woman . for the fourth , as wee came both from man and woman , so wee bring with us into the world that originall sinne , which wee derive both from man and woman ; the sting whereof cannot bee rebated , but onely through him , who became man borne of a woman . but in this great worke of our creation , wee are not to observe so much the matter , as quality and nature of our creation . for the matter of our creation , or that whereof wee bee composed , what is it but vile earth , slime and corruption ? so as , howsoever wee appeare beautifull , specious and amiable in the sight of man , whose eye is fixed on the externall part , yet when the oile of our lampe is consumed , and wee to dust and ashes reduced , wee shall observe no better inscription than this ; behold a specious and a precious shrine covering a stinking corps ! wherefore ought we to observe the internall part , and the especiall glory wee receive by it : for hereby are we distinguished in the quality of our creation , from all other creatures , who governe their actions by sense onely , and not by reason . hence it was , that that divine philosopher gave god thankes for three speciall bounties conferred on him : first was , for that god had created him a reasonable creature , and no brute beast ; second , for creating him a man and no woman ; third , for that he was a grecian , and no barbarian . this it was which moved that blessed and learned father saint augustine to break out into this passionate rapsodie of spirit : thy hand could ( o lord ) have created me a stone , or a bird , or a serpent , or some brute beast : and this it knew , but it would not for thy goodnesse sake . this it was which forced from that devout and zealous father this emphaticall discourse , or intercou●se rather , with god ; who upon a time walking in his garden , and beholding a little worme creeping and crawling upon the ground , presently used these words ; deare lord , thou might'st have made me like this worme , and crawling despicable creature , but thou would'st not , and it was thy mercy that thou would'st not ; o , as thou hast ennobled me with the image of thy selfe , make mee conformable to thy selfe , that of a worm i may become an angell ; of a vassall of sin , a vessell of sion ; of a shell of corruption , a star of glory in thy heavenly mansion . and in truth , there is nothing which may move us to a more serious consideration of gods gracious affection towards us , than the very image which wee carry about us : preferring us not onely before all the rest of his creatures in soveraignty and dominion , but also in an amiable similitude , feature , and proportion ; whereby wee become not onely equall , but even superiour unto angels , because man was god , and god man , and no angell . to whom are wee then to make recourse to , as the author of our creation , save god , whose hand hath made and fashioned us , whose grace hath ever since directed and prevented us , and whose continued love ( for whom he loveth , he loveth unto the end ) hath ever extended it selfe in ample manner towards us ? how frivolous then and ridiculous were their opinions , who ascribed the creation of all things to the elements ; as anaxim●nes to the piercing aire ; hippeas to the fleeting water ; zeno to the purifying fire ; zenophanes to the lumpish earth ? how miserable were these blinded , & how notably evinced by that learned father , who speaking in the persons of all these elements , and of all other his good creatures , proceedeth in this sort ? i tooke my compasse , ( saith he , speaking to god ) in the survey of all things , seeking thee , and for all things relinquishing my selfe selfe . i asked the earth if it were my god , & it said unto me that it was not , and all things in it confessed the same . i asked the sea , and the depths , and the creeping things in them , and they answered , wee are not thy god , seeke him above us . i asked the breathing aire , and the whole aire , with all the inhabitants thereof made answer , anaximenes is deceived , i am not thy god. i asked the heaven , sun , moone and stars : neither are we thy god , answered they . and i spake to all these who stand about the gates of my flesh , tell me what you know concerning my god , tell me something of him : and they cried out with a great voice , he made us . then i asked the whole frame and fabricke of this world , tell me if thou be my god : and it answered with a strong voice , i am not , said it , but by him i am , whom thou seekest in mee ; hee it was that made mee , seeke him above me , who governeth mee , who made mee . the interrogation of the creatures is the profound consideration of them , and their answer the witnesse they beare of god , because all things cry , god hath made us : for as the apostle saith , the invisible things of god are visible to bee understood by those things which are made , by the creatures of the world . thus wee understand the author of our creation , of whom seriously to meditate , and with due reverence to contemplate , is to die to all earthly cogitations , which delude the sinne-be-lulled soule with extravagancies . and let this suffice for the first memoriall or consideration , to wit , who it was that made us ; we are now to descend to the second particular , which is , for what end he made us . he who rested not till h● had composed and disposed in an absolute order of this vniverse , proposed us an example that we should imitate : so long as we are pilgrims here on earth , so long as we are sojourners in this world , we may not enjoy our spirituall sabbath ; wee may stay a little and breath under the crosse , after the example of our best master , but rest wee may not . for what end then did hee make us ? that wee might live such lives as may please him , and die such deaths as may praise him ; lives blamelesse and unreprovable ; lives sanctified throughout , pure without blemish , fruitfull in example , plentifull in all holy duties , and exercised in the workes of charitie ; that he who begetteth in us both the will and the worke , may present us blamelesse at his comming . now , that our lives may become acceptable unto him , to whose glory they ought to bee directed , we are in this tabernacle of clay to addresse our selves to those studies , exercises and labours , which may benefit the church or common-wealth , ministring matter unto others of imitation , to our soules of consolation , & in both to gods name of glorification : wherein appeareth a maine difference betwixt the contemplative and active part : for sufficient it is not to know , acknowledge and confesse the divine majesty ; to dispute or reason upon high points touching the blessed trinitie ; to bee wrapt up to the third heaven ( as it were ) by the wings of contemplation ; but to addresse our selves to an actuall performance of such offices and peculiar duties , as wee are expresly injoyned by the divine law of god. our lord in the gospel , when the woman said , blessed is the wombe that bare thee , and the brests that gave thee sucke : answered , yea rather blessed are they that heare the word of god , and keepe it . and when one of the iewes told him that his mother and brethren stood without , desiring to speake with him ; hee answered , and said unto him that told him , who is my mother ? and who are my brethren ? and stretching forth his hand toward his disciples , hee said , behold my mother and my brethren : for whosoever shall doe the will of my father which is in heaven , the same is my brother , and sister , and mother . it is not knowledge then , but practise which presents us blamelesse before god. therefore are wee exhorted to worke out our salvation with feare and trembling . not to idle out the time in the market-place , as such who make their life a repose or cessation from all labours , studies , or vertuous intendements . of which sort those are , ( and too many of those there are ) who advanced to great fortunes by their provident ancestors , imagine it a taske worthy men of their places to passe their time in pastime , and imploy their dayes in an infinite consumption of mis-spent houres , for which they must bee accomptants in that great assize , where neither greatnesse shall bee a subterfuge to guiltinesse , nor their descent plead priviledge for those many houres they have mis-spent . o how can they answer for so many vaine and fruitlesse pleasures , which they have enjoyed , and with all greedinesse embraced in this life ? many they shall have to witnesse against them , none to answer for them : for their stoves , summer-arbours , refectories , and all other places wherein they enjoyed the height of delight , shall be produced against them , to tax them of sensuall living , and witnesse against them their small care of observing the end for which they were made . o gentlemen , you whose hopes are promising , your more excellent endowments assuring , and your selves as patternes unto others appearing , know that this perfection whereof we now intreat , is not acquired by idling or sensuall delighting of your selves in carnall pleasures , which darken and eclypse the glory or lustre of the soule , but in labouring to mortifie the desires of the flesh , which is ever levying and levelling her forces against the spirit ! now this mortification can never be attained by obeying , but resisting and impugning the desires of the flesh . wherefore , the onely meanes to bring the flesh to perfect subjection , is to crosse her in those delights which shee most affecteth . doth shee delight in sleepe and rest ? keepe her waking ; takes shee content in meats and drinkes ? keepe her craving ; takes shee solace in company ? use her to privacie and retiring ; takes she liking to ease ? inure her to labouring : briefly , in whatsoever she is delighted , let her bee alwayes thwarted ; so shall you enjoy the most rest , when shee enjoyes the least . hence it was that saint ierome , that excellent patterne of holy discipline , counselleth the holy virgin demetrias , to eschew idlenesse : exhorting her withall , that having done her prayers , she should take in hand wooll and weaving , after the commendable example of dorcas , that by such change or variety of workes , the day might seeme lesse tedious , and the assaults of satan lesse grievous . neither did this divine father advise her to worke , because she was in poverty , or by this meanes to sustaine her family ; for she was one of the most noble and eminent women in rome , and richest ; wherefore her want was not the cause which pressed him to this exhortation , but this rather , that by this occasion of exercising her selfe in these laudable and decent labours , shee should thinke of nothing , but such as properly pertained unto the service of god : which place hee concluded in this manner . i speake generally , no rayment , ornament , or habit whatsoever , shall seeme precious in christs sight ; but that which thou makest thy selfe , either for thine owne peculiar use , or example of other virgins , or to give unto thy grand-mother , or thy mother , no , though thou distri●ute all thy goods unto the poore . see how expresly this no●le woman was injoyned to her taske , that by intending her selfe to labour , shee might give lesse way unto errour . certainely , as mans extremity is gods opportunity , so the divels opportunity is mans security : we are then principally to take heed , lest wee give way to the incursion of satan , by our security of life and conversation . and what is it that begetteth this security , but idlenesse , which may be termed , and not improperly , the soules lethargie ? for nothing can be more opposite to this actuall perfection , then re● or vacancy ; wee say , vertue consisteth in action , how then may wee be said to be favourers , followers , or furtherers of vertue , when we surcease from action , which is the life , light , and subsistence of vertue ? wherefore , as it is little to reade or gather , but to understand and to reduce , to forme what wee reade , gather or understand ; for this is the ornament of art , the argument of labour : so it is little or to no purpose , that wee know , conceive or apprehend , unlesse wee make a fruitfull use of that knowledge by serious practice , to the benefit of our selves and others . i have knowne divers physicians , some whereof were of great practice , but small reading ; others of great reading , but small practice ; and i have heard sundry men of sufficient judgement confidently averre , that in cases of necessity they had rather hazard their lives in the hand of the practicke then theoricke : and their reason was this ; though the practicke had not exercised himselfe in the perusall of bookes , hee had gained him experience in the practice of cures ; and that the body of his patient was the onely booke within his element . to which assertion i will neither assent , nor wholly dissent ; for as he that practiseth before hee know , may sooner kill than cure ; so he who knoweth , and seldome or never practiseth , must of necessity , to get him experience , kill before hee cure . but sure i am , that many ignorant lay-men , whose knowledge was little more then what nature bestowed on them , by meanes of regular discipline , and powerfull subduing of their owne affections , have become absolute men ; being such as reached to as high a pitch of actuall perfection , as ever the learned'st or profoundest man in the world attained : for it is neither knowledge nor place , but the free gift of gods grace , which enableth the spirituall man to this perfection . now , forasmuch as not to goe forward , is to goe backward ; and that there be two solstices in the sunnes motion , but none in times revolution , or in a christians progression ; the onely meanes to attaine this actuall perfection , at least some small measure or degree therein , is every night to have our ephemerides about with us , examining our selves what we have done that day ; how farre wee have profited , wherein benefited our spirituall knowledge . againe , wherein have we reformed our life , or expressed our love to christ by communicating to the necessity of his saints . by which meanes , wee shall in short time observe what remaines unreformed ; esteeming it the sweetest life , every day to better our life . but principally , are wee to looke to our affections which rise and rage in us ; and , like the snake in the fable , pester and disturbe the inner house of man : for these are they , which ( as saint basil saith ) rise up in a drunken man , ( drunke i meane with all spirituall fornication ) like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . when the affections of men are troubled , they change them like circes cups , from men to beasts . neither is it so ill to bee a beast , as for man to live like a beast . o then , let us have an eye to our affections ; let them bee planted , where they may be duly seasoned ! earth makes them destastefull ; let them be fixed then in heaven , the only thought whereof will cause them to be delightfull . and to conclude this branch ; it will not be amisse for us , to counterpoize our affections ( if we find them at any time irregular ) with weights of contrary nature ; as if we find our selves naturally affected to pride ( that luciserian sinne ) to counterpoise it with motives of humility ; as the vilenesse of our condition , basenesse of our composition , and weaknesse of our constitution : or naturally inclined to covetousnesse ( that mammons sinne ) to give , though the gift afflict us , liberally , that our forced bounty may in time weane us from our in-bred misery : if of grating oppression , or grinding extortion ( that ahabs sinne ) let us make restitution with good zacheus , and though wee cannot doe it so frankly as hee did , yet let us doe it as freely as wee may ; that our restitution may in some sort answer for our former oppression : if of excesse in fare and gluttony ( that dives sinne ) let us so moderate our delight in feeding , that our delight may be to sustaine nature , and not oppresse her with exceeding : if of lust or sensuality ( that ammons sinne ) where that sinne may abound , the sense is obeyed , let us subject all our delights to the government of reason , and reason to the soveraignty of grace , that the flesh may be resisted in what it most affecteth , and in that seconded , wherein it least delighteth : if of envie , ( that serpentine sinne ) let us entertaine brotherly love , for envie can beare no sway where love raigneth : if of wrath ( that cains sinne ) embrace patience ; so shall fury bee suppressed , where patience is lodged : if of sloth , ( the sluggards sinne ) let us inure our selves to some exercise that may most delight us , so in time wee may become exercised in taskes of greater difficulty : being first from sloth weaned , afterwards to greater labours inured . thus to fight were to vanquish ; thus to enter lists , were to reape spirituall solace ; for through him should wee triumph , who sees us fighting , cheers us failing , and crownes us conquering . and this shall suffice to have beene spoken of the active part of perfection , purposing according to our former method , to compare the contemplative and active together ; the parts or properties of both which , being duly examined , it shall more plainely appeare how the active is to be preferred . it is a barren faith , wee say , that is not attended on by good workes ; and no lesse fruitlesse is that knowledge which is exercised onely in contemplation , and never in action . wee are therefore with elizeus to have a double spirit ; a spirit that as well doeth , as teacheth , not onely a profering of words , but also an offering of workes . so as , it is not breathing or moving , or talking , which argue a spirituall life , but abounding plentifully in all holy duties , expressing those effectuall and powerfull fruits of a living faith by workes of charity and obedience , which may any way tend to the glorifying of god , edifying our neighbour , or conforming our selves to him , whose image wee beare . now , as there is no comfort comparable to the testimony of a good conscience , being that inseparable companion which shall attend us to glory or confusion , so there is no punishment , torment or affliction so grievous as shame , which deriveth the cause , ground , and beginning , either from doing that which wee ought not , or from not doing that which wee ought : as the comfort we reape from the testimony of a good conscience , deriveth properly the primary cause and effect from doing that which wee ought , and abstaining from doing that which wee ought not . and what be those workes which are principally commended unto us , but workes of charity and devotion ? for to our owne soules ( saith a devout father ) shall wee be right acceptable and gratefull , if wee compassionate the estate of our poore brother , by being mercifull : yea , there is nothing that commendeth more a christian man , or argueth a christian-like affected mind , then to shew compassion to those that are afflicted . for in this there is a resemblance betwixt the creature and creator , loving , as he himselfe loved ; shewing compassion , as hee shewed . o let me commend this so commendable and generous a quality , to your admittance , gentlemen ! for beleeve mee , there is no one property that shall better accomplish you , no armoury that may more truly deblazon you : for it is a badge of gentry to shew compassion towards misery . what profit shall you reape , if having onely superficially read some treatise tending to the comfort of such as either in body afflicted , or in mind perplexed , or in both distressed ; if you apply not these directions of comfort to them thus miserably dejected ? what reward , i say , shall you receive , upon the account by you given , of the sicke which you have visited ; when having knowne how to comfort men in their affliction , you have not ministred the least comfort to them in their visitation ? or when you shall be demanded , where are the hungry which you have refreshed , the thirsty whose thirst you have quenched , the naked whom you have cloathed , the miserable oppressed soule , whose case you have not onely pitied but redressed ? and you shall answer , how you did indeed visit them , but minister small comfort unto them ; you knew them to bee oppressed , and the way to redresse them , but other occasions detained you , as you could not releeve them ; nay rather , have you not added worm-wood to their affliction ? have you not surfetted in their suffering , fatned your selves in their famishing , and raised your states by their ruine ? were not your tables stored , when they were starved ; did not you feast , when they fasted ; did it not affect you to see them afflicted ? if at any time you felt this in your selves , let the dolefull remembrance thereof produce torrents of teares from your distreaming eyes ; supply your manifold misdeeds with many almes-deeds ; your transgressions with compassions ; your oppression with foure-fold restitution ; that your sinne may no more be had in remembrance : yea , let mee use that exhortation to you , which a learned father used upon like occasion , let charity smite your bowels ; see not the image of your redeemer disgraced , but forthwith labour to right him ; see him not oppressed , but to your power redresse him ; see him not starve , if you have bread to releeve him ; or thirsty , if you have drinke to refresh him ; or naked , if you have a garment to cloath him ; or in any sort distressed , if you have meanes to succour him . oh consume not that on prodigality , which might procure the prayers of many poore soules for you ! their prayers are your praises ; their morning and evening sacrifice , way markes to direct you unto paradise : take heed then you offend none of these little ones , but cheere them ; bee not as thornes in their eyes , or pricks in their sides , but minister all necessary comfort unto them . now , if this appeare a matter of difficulty , pretending that the supportance of your state exacts so much of you , as you can reserve nothing to exhibite upon these workes of charity ; heare mee whosoever thou bee that makest this objection : bee provoked , o christian , bee provoked by the widow of sarepta to this encounter ! encounter i call it , because the flesh suggests sundry occasions to avert thee from it . that charitable widow though shee had but a little meale , shee imparted of that little to a prophet ; though shee had but a little oile , yet shee freely bestowed it to refresh a prophet . the woman of samaria , when iesvs said unto her , give mee to drinke , answered ; how is it that thou being a iew , askest drinke of mee , which am a woman of samaria ? sundry such like answers will flesh and blood make , to dispense with workes of charity ; or like the answer of churlish nabal ; who is david , and who is the sonne of ishai ? there bee many servants now adaies , that breake away every man from his master : shall i then take my bread , and my water , and my flesh which i have killed for my hearers , and give it unto men , whom i know not whence they bee ? o let not these objections divert the current of thy compassion ! eye not so much his countrey , whether neighbour borne , or a stranger , as his countenance , the expresse image of thy saviour . but to descend to some reasons , why the active part of perfection is to be preferred before the contemplative , this amongst others is the most effectuall and impregnable . in that great day of account , when the sealed booke of our secrete●● sinnes shall bee unsealed , our privatest actions discovered , our closest and subtillest practises displayed , and the whole inside of man uncased ; it shall not be demanded of us , what knew wee , but what did wee . fitting therefore it were to preferre action before knowledge in this life , being so infallibly to be preferred after this life . howbeit greater is their shame , and sharper ( doubtlesse ) shall bee their censure , whose education in all arts divine and humane hath enabled them for discourse , fitted or accommodated them for managements publike or private ; yet they , giving reines to liberty , invert their knowledge to depraved ends ; either making no use of such noble and exquisite indowments , or which is worse , imploying them to the satisfaction of their owne illimited desires . o happy had these beene , if they had never knowne the excellency of learning , for ignorance is to be preferred before knowledge loosely perverted ● yea but , will some object , i cannot see how any one should observe a law before they know it ; wherefore , as i thinke , knowledge is to be preferred , because by knowledge is action directed . it is true indeed , knowledge directs and instructs , for otherwise wee should grope in darkenesse ; neither doe i exclude all knowledge , but admit so much as may instruct man sufficiently in matters of faith , put him in remembrance of heaven , whose joyes are ineffable ; of hell , whose paines are intolerable ; of the last judgement , whose sentence is irrevocable . so as i exclude onely this grosse ignorance , or blind paganisme , for to these is the way to heaven closed , because they are divided from that light , without which the celestiall way cannot be discerned . whereas then i have so much insisted heretofore upon the contemplative part of perfection , my ayme was to shew how those , who continued in a contemplative and solitary life , sequestring themselves from the cares and company of this world , doubtlesse conceived ineffable comfort in that sweet retirement ; yet in regard they lived not in the world , the world was not bettered by their example . but in this active perfection , where the active part no lesse then contemplative is required , wee intend those who doe not onely know , but doe ; and in the actions of this life , use to make their light so shine before men , that they may see their good workes . yea , but it may bee againe objected , all sinnes bee properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and beare the name of ignorance : how then may wee exclude any knowledge ? every sinne indeed implyes an ignorance of the creature towards the creator ; which ignorance imports rather a forgetfulnesse . for admit a man should steale , commit perjury , or any such act contrary to the expresse will and commandement of god ; it were to bee imagined , that this breach or transgression of the divine law , proceeded not of ignorance : for hee could not choose but know , that consent to any of these incurred the breach of his law : but rather it may be said , hee had not god before his eyes , but out of a wilfull forgetfulnesse , violated the ordinances of god. but to conclude this branch in a word , the active is to bee preferred before the contemplative , for two respects : the first , whereof hath relation to our selves : the second to others . to our selves , having account to make for the actions of our life , how wee have imployed or bestowed those talents which hee hath lent us ; what use , profit , or benefit wee have made of them ; in what spirituall affaires have wee beene exercised , in what holy duties trained ! have wee not preferred private profit before the testimony of a good conscience ? have wee not laboured to inhaunce our meanes by sinister and indirect courses ? have wee not with-drawne our hand from releeving our needfull brother , or defrauded the labourer of his wages ? have wee not consorted with the evill doer , and encouraged him in his sinne ? have wee not hindred some pious worke tending to the honour of god , and imitable for example of others ? have wee propagated the gospel , comforted sion when shee mourned , repaired those breaches which were in her , and received those in peace which blessed her ? have wee onely sought the kingdome of god , and the righteousnesse thereof ; esteemed godlinesse to be great riches ; left our selves and all , to be followers of him who gave us dominion over all ? if wee have done this , as wee are here in the alpha of grace , wee shall be there in the omega of glory : here initiate , there consummate : but having knowne the will of our father , and done it not ; read principles or instructions of a good life , and observ'd them not ; conversant in deepe mysteries , and applyed them not ; studied in all arts and sciences , and practised them not ; how miserable is our knowledge , pronouncing on us a heavier judgement ! wherefore in respect of our selves , whether our knowledge bee great or little , if our conversation bee not in heaven , though our habitation , during our pilgrimage be on earth , our knowledge is but as a tinckling cymball , and shall smally availe us before the high tribunall . for knew wee the power and vertue of all creatures , of all plants and vegetive bodies , from the cedar of lebanon , to the hyss●p upon the wall , yet were this knowledge fruitlesse , being not seconded by a life conformable to that knowledge . § . secondly , in respect of others ; action is the life of man , and example the direction of this life . how much then doe such men prejudice those who live in the world , that betake themselves to a private or retired life , estranged from humane society , and ending their daies in some solitary cave , as men divided from the world ! for howsoever their manner of life bee religious , their discipline strict and rigorous , and in their devotion fervent and zealous ; yet they deprive others of the benefit , which they might reape by their example . wherefore most safe and sure it is ( to use the words of a judicious author ) for those who have a desire to take upon them a solitary life , to retire and withdraw their affections before they withdraw their bodies from the world , and to force the world to flie from their minde , before they flie the world ; lest going out of the world , they carry about with them the world . for as hee may live ill , who liveth apart from the society of men ; even so , though they flie not into the wildernesse , yet may they flie the world , and amidst the crowd of people live solitarily by an inward contemplation of the supernall glory ; and in midst of a clamorous court conferre with themselves , and converse with god : in the meane time , whatsoever they know or can doe ▪ that may any way tend to the common-good , benefit or utility of humane society , to effect it accordingly , and not bury that talent in the ground , which they have received from above ; which rule they are to observe after the example of the most holy and excellent men of both orders , ecclesiasticall ( i say ) and secular . thus farre have wee proceeded in the examination or discussion of these two especiall parts of perfection , contemplative and active ; wherein by manifest and infallible arguments wee have proved , how the active part is to bee preferred , both in respect of our selves and others ; because a life well acted shall minister most comfort to our selves , besides that light of example which it yeelds unto others . now as the active is preferred , it resteth that wee shew you wherein this active part of perfection consisteth ; which discovered , that whereof wee treat , and would gladly finde , may bee the sooner attained . there is no building , which as it relies on a foundation , consists not of some materiall composition ; no body but it consists of nerves , arteries or sinewes , which cement the lineaments together ; nor confection which consists not of some simples , for otherwise it were not mixed , but simple and uncompounded . the like may bee said of this choice and exquisite confection , this active part ( i meane ) of perfection . for as all rivers tend to the sea , to make one ocean ; all creatures to make one vniverse ; so all vertues aime at perfection ; which once attained , they surcease from action . now in this discourse of active perfection , the period of man , wee doe not meane of that absolute perfection or accomplishment , which admitteth no blemish or imperfection ; for wee are to seeke that above us , not below us ; for our righteousnesse , justice and perfection is such in this life , as it rather consisteth in the remission of sinnes , than perfection of vertues . yea , wee sinne daily , so as properly we can attribute nothing to our owne strength but weaknesse , to our owne ability but infirmnesse , to our resolves but uncertainnesse , to our wils but untowardnesse , to our affections but depravednesse , nor to the whole progresie of our lives but actuall disobedience . but rather ( i say ) wee meane of that christian perfection , which every one in this tabernacle of clay is to labour for ; that wee may become perfect through him who became weake that wee might bee strengthned , hungry that we might be nourished , thirsty that wee might bee refreshed , disgraced that wee might be honoured ; yea , who became all unto all , that by all meanes hee might gaine some . but wherein may this actuall perfection bee properly said to consist ? in mortification ; which like the swift gliding torrent of hydaspes , divides or dilates it selfe to two channels ; action , and affection : action in expressing it ; affection in desiring to expresse it : action in suffering , affection in desire of suffering . the one actuating no lesse in will , than the other in worke . where the action being more exemplar , and in that more fruitfull , gives precedency to affection , which concurres with the act to make the worke more graciously powerfull . for , where a worke of mortification is performed , and a hearty desire or affection to that worke is not adjoyned , that action may bee properly said to bee enforced , rather than out of a free or willing disposition accepted . now this twofold mortification extends it selfe properly to these three subjects ; life , name , goods . life , which even humanity tendreth ; name , which a good man before the sweetest odours preferreth ; goods , on which the worldling , as on the supreme good , lieth . for the first , many excellent and memorable examples of sundry devout and constant servants of christ iesus , are in every place frequent and obvious ; who for the confirmation of their faith , and the testimony of a good conscience , joyfully and cheerefully laid down their lives , esteeming it an especiall glory to bee thought worthy to suffer for him , who with all constancy suffered , to become an example of patience to them : which were easie to illustrate by the sufferings of many eminent and glorious martyrs . prudentius writeth , that when ascl●piades commanded the tormentors to strike r●manus on the mouth , the meeke martyr answered ; i thanke thee , o captaine , that thou hast opened unto mee many mouthes , whereby i may preach my lord and saviour : tot ecce laudant ora , quot sunt vulnera : looke how many wounds i have , so many mouthes i have to praise and laud the lord. ignatius words were these , to witnesse his constancie at the time of his suffering : frumentum sum christi , & per dentes bestiarum molor , ut mundus panis dei inveniar . i am christs corne , and must bee ground by the teeth of wilde beasts , that i may become pure manchet for the lord. it is reported that blessed laurence , being laid upon the gridiron , used these words to his tormentors : turne and eate , it is enough . saint andrew , when he went to bee crucified , was so rapt with joy , as hee rejoyced unmeasurably in that blessed resemblance of his masters death . blessed bartholomew willingly lost his skin for his sake , who had his skinne scourged , that hee might bee solaced . iohn dranke a cup of poison , to pledge his master in a cup of affliction . thus laurence's gridiron , andrewes crosse , bartholomew's skinne , iohns cup , expressed their mortification , by a willing surrender of their life for his sake who was the lord of life : yea , should wee survey those strange invented torments , during the bloudy issue of the tenne persecutions , which were contrived by those inhumane assasinates , whose hands were deep● died in the bloud of the saints , wee should no lesse admire the constancy of the persecuted suffering , than the cruelty of the persecutors infesting : what rackes , hookes , harrowes , tongs , forkes , stakes were purposely provided to torment the constant and resolute professours of the truth , wearying the tormentors rather with tormenting , than abating any part of their constancie in the height and heat of their tormenting ! yea , they were solaced in the time when they suffered ; esteeming * death to bee such a passage , as might give them convoy to a more glorious heritage . neither did these blessed professors of the faith , receive comfort by the eye of their meditation firmely fixed on heaven , but by the compassion and princely commiseration of divers eminent ad victorious emperours bearing soveraignty then on earth . constantine the great used to kisse the eye of paphnutius which was bored out in maximinas time . the like noble and princely compassion wee reade to have beene shewed by titus , trajan , theodosius , and many other princes graciously affected towards the poore afflicted and persecuted christians : yea , god moved the hearts of those , who naturally are most remorselesse or obdurate , in commiserating the estate of his afflicted . which may appeare by the gaolor in the acts , who washed saint pauls stripes and wounds . o how comfortable were these passions or passages of affliction , these tortures or torments , the trophies of their persecution ; the blessed memoriall whereof shall extend the date of time , receiving a crowne of him , who is the length of dayes ! so , as king alexanders stagges were knowne and hundred yeares together by those golden collars , which by the kings commandement were put about their neckes ; or as king arthurs bodie being taken up some what more than six hundred yeares after his death , was knowne to bee his by nothing so much , as by the prints of ten severall wounds which appeared in his skull ; so these glorious stampes of their passion , shall appeare as trophies to them in the day of exaltation ; because , as they lost their lives for the testimony of the gospel , they shall finde them recorded in the booke of life , receiving the crowne of consolation , for the deep draught which they tooke of the cup of affliction . and reason there is , we should dis-value our lives for the profession of our faith , since forlorne and miserable is his life , that is without faith . for if the heathen , whose future hopes were fixed on posterity , and not so much as the least knowledge of eternity , dis-esteemed their lives to gaine them renown , or propagate their countries glory ; much more cause have wee to subject our lives to the censure of death , having hope after death to live in glory . it is reported , that the body of cadwallo , an antient king of the britains , being embalmed and dressed with sweet confections , was put into a brazen image , and set upon a brazen horse over ludgate , for a terror to the saxons : and zisca , the valiant captaine of the bohemians , commanded that after his decease his skin would bee flayed from his bodie , to make a drum , which they should use in their battels , affirming that as soone as the hungarians , or any other enemies , should heare the sound of that drum , they would not abide but take their flight . this moved scipio to appoint his sepulcher to bee so placed , as his image standing upon it , might looke directly towards africa , that being dead , he might still bee a terrour to the carthaginians . if respect of pagans to their country , or an eye to popular glory did so inflame them , as their countries love exceeded their love of life , surviving in their death , and leaving monuments of their affection after death ; how lightly are wee to value the glory of this life , if the losse thereof may advance our fathers glory , or ought tending to the conversation of this life ; being assured by him , whose promises faile not , by such a small losse to gaine eternity ? now , as it is not the death , but the cause of the death which makes the martyr ; we are to know , that to die in the maintenance of any hereticall opinion is pseudo-martyrdom● for howsoever those arians , manichees and pelagians ; those macedonians , eutichees and nestorians ; yea , generally all hereticks were constant and resolute enough in seconding and maintaining their erroneous opinions ; yet forasmuch as the cause for which they contended was heresie , tend it might to their confusion , but never to their glory : for as honey-com●es ( saith learned tertullian ) are by waspes composed , so are churches by the marcionists ( and consequently by all heretickes ) disposed : in whose synodals or conventicles , many thousands are perverted , none converted , or to the church of christ faithfully espoused . whereas truth , which may be pressed , but not oppressed ; assailed , but never soiled , like the greene bay-tree in the midst of hoarie winter , or a fresh spring in the sandy desart , appeares most glorious , when her adversaries are most malicious ; bearing ever a countenance most cheerefull , when her assailants are most dreadfull . neither only in this glorious act of martyrdome , but in all inferiour works , the affection of the minde , as well as the action of the man , is to bee considered : for god himselfe , who hath an eye rather to the intention than action , will not approve of a good worke done , unlesse it be well done . as for example ; when the pharisie fasted , prayed , gave almes , and payed tithe of all that he possessed , he did good workes , but he did not those good works well : the reason was , hee exalted himselfe in his workes , without attributing praise unto him , who is the beginner and perfecter of every good worke : for his fasts were hypocriticall & not of devotion , his prayers ineffectuall , because they sounded of ostentation ; his almes unacceptable , because exhibited only for observation ; and his tithes abominable , being given to colour his secret oppression : for which cause did our saviour pronounce a woe upon them , saying , woe unto you pharisies ; for yee tithe mint and rue , and all manner of herbes , and passe over judgement and the love of god : these ought yee to have done , and not to leave the other undone . whence it appeares , that the worke it selfe was approved , but the manner of doing it reproved ; for that they preferred the tithing of mint and rue , before the judgement and love of god ; so they preferred it , as the one was performed , while the other of more serious and consequent importance was omitted . whence wee are cautioned , that in our workes of mortification , we doe nothing for any sinister or by-respect ; but only for the glory of god , to whom , as all our actions are properly directed , so are they to have relation onely unto him , if wee desire to have them accepted . is it so , that this actuall perfection is to be acquired by mortification , wherein is required not only the action but affection ? and that wee are even to lay downe our lives , if the cause so require , to promote the glory of our maker ? tell me then , gentleman , how farre have yee proceeded in this spirituall progresse ? have yee unfainedly desired to further the honour of god , repaire the ruines of sion , and engage your owne lives for the testimony of a good conscience ? have ye fought the lords battell , and opposed your selves against the enemies of the truth ? have yee shut the doore of your chamber , the doore of your inner parlour , i meane your heart , from the entrance of all earthly affections , sensuall cogitations , and expressed true arguments of mortification , the sooner to attaine this high degree of christian perfection ? have yee made a covenant with your eyes not to looke after the strange woman ; a covenant ( i meane ) with your hearts never to lust after her ? have yee weaned your itching and bewitching humours , from affecting forraine and out-landish fashions . which howsoever they be to fashion conformed , they make man of all others most deformed ? have yee done with your reere-suppers , midnight revels , curtaine pleasures , and courting of pictures ? have yee left frequenting court-maskes , tilt-triumphs , and enterludes , boasting of young ladies favours , glorying more in the purchase of a glove , than a captaine in the surprizall of a fort ? have yee cashiered all those companions of death , those seducing consorts of misery , and betaken your selves to the acquaintance of good men , conceiving a settled joy in their society ? o then thrice happy you ! for having honoured god , he will honour you ; having repaired the ruines of sion , hee will place you in his heavenly sion ; or engaged your lives for the testimony of a good conscience , hee will invite you to that continuall feast of a peaceable conscience ; or fought the lords battell , hee will say you have fought a good fight , crowning you after your victory on earth with glory in heaven ; or shut the doore of your chamber , and kept the roome cleane and sweet for your maker , hee will come in and sup with you , that you may rejoyce together ; or made a covenant with your eyes not to look after the strange woman , with those eyes yee shall behold him , who put enmitie between the serpent and the woman ; or weaned your itching and bewitching humours from affecting out-landish fashions , madding after phantasticke habits ( for * stuffe it skils not , whether silken or woollen , so the fashion be civill and not wanton , ) you shall be cloathed in long white robes , and follow the lambe wheresoever he goeth ; or done with your mid-night revels , and court pleasures , you shall bee filled with the pleasures of the lords house , and abide in his courts for ever ; or left frequenting maskes , tilt-triumphs , and enterludes , the glorious spectacles of vanity , you shall bee admitted to those angelicall triumphs , singing heavenly hymnes to the god of glory : or chashier'd those companions of death , whose end is misery , you shall have the saints for your companions , and share with them in the covenant of mercy . doe yee not hence observe what inestimable comforts are reserved for those who are truly mortified ; mortified , i say , in respect of your contempt to the world , which is expressed by ceasing to love it , before you leave it ? who would not then disvalue this life , and all those bitter sweets , which this fraile life affordeth , to possesse those incomparable sweets which every faithfull soule enjoyeth ? yea , but our silken worldling , or delicate wormeling will object ; this discipline is too strict for flesh and bloud to follow . who can endure to yeeld his head to the blocke , or his body to the faggot , when the very sight of death in another , ministers to the beholder motives of terror ? surely , this is nothing to him that duely considereth , how be that loseth his life shall save it , but he that saveth his life shall lose it . what is a minutes anguish to an eternity of solace ? wee can endure the launcing or fearing of a putrified member , and this endures as long as our time of wrastling with our dissolution , which brings us to our saviour : nor skils it much , what kinde of death wee die , seeing no kinde of death can hurt the righteous , be the terrors and torments of death never so numerous . the way then to contemne death , is to expect it , and so to prepare our selves for it , as if wee were this very houre to encounter it ; resolving never to goe with that conscience to our bed , with which wee durst not goe to our grave ; being so uncertaine whether before the next morne wee shall bee taken out of our bed , and shrouded for our grave . and this shall suffice touching our mortification or contempt of life , if with such a sacrifice wee may bee thought worthy to honour him who gave us life . wee are now to speake of mortification in respect of name or report ; wherein , you are to understand , that this is two-fold : first , in turning our ●ares from such as praise us ; secondly , in hearing with patience such as revile us . for the first , it is and hath beene ever the condition of sober and secret men to avert their eare from their owne praises ; at least with a modest passing over such vertues as were commendable in them : which modesty appeared in alphonsus prince of aragons answer to an orator , who having repeated a long panegyricall oration in his praise , replied , if that thou hast said consent with truth , i thanke god for it ; if not , i pray god grant me grace that i may doe it . others likewise we reade of , who could not with patience endure their persons or actions to bee praised above truth : this princely passion appeared in alexander , who hearing aristobulus , a famous greek historian , read his writings purposely penned upon the memorable acts he had atchieved , wherein he commended him farre above truth ; being mightily incensed therewith , threw the booke into the river , as he was sailing over hydaspes , saying with all , hee was almost moved to send aristobulus after . neither indeed will any wise man endure to heare himselfe praised above truth , seeing no lesse aspersion may be laid on his person by being too highly praised , than if he were discommended : for should wee praise one for his bountie , who is publikely knowne to the world to be parcimonius ; or for his humility , who is naturally ambitious ; or for his continencie , who is licentious ; our praises would not tend so much to his honour ; as to the display of his nature : yea , even he himselfe , guilty in himselfe , would tax us , knowing that he the least of all others deserved these praises from us . it is flattery ( saith one ) to praise in absence ; that is , when either the vertue is absent , or the occasion is absent . but in the report of our owne praise , admit wee should deserve it , the safest course is to withdraw our eare from hearing it , lest vaine-glory transport us upon hearing of those praises which are spoken of us : for if our aymes be only to purchase popular esteeme , preferring the praise of men , before the praise of god , or the testimony of a good conscience ; as our aymes were perverted , so shall wee bee rewarded . now there is no better means to abate or extenuate this desire of praise in us , than duly to consider whose gifts they bee , that deserve this praise in us : for were they our owne , wee might more properly be praised for them ; but they are gods , and not ours , therefore is the praise to be ascribed unto god , & not unto us . for he that would be praised for gods gift , & seeketh not gods glory , but his owne in that gift , though he be praised by men for gods gifts , yet is he dispraised by god ; for not seeking gods glory , but his own for this gift : and he who is praised by men , god dispraising , shall not be defended by men , god judging , nor bee delivered , god condemning . whereas , he that loveth god , will chuse rather to bee deprived of all future glory , than detract by any meanes from god the author of all glory . let us then so avert our eare from selfe-praise , or ought else that may beget in us vain-glory or ostentation , that we may become like unto him , who dis-esteemed all worldly praise from the houre of his birth to the houre of his passion . secondly , we are to heare with patience such as revile us : and reason good ; for observing this , a blessing is pronounced on us ; blessed are yee ( saith the lord of all blessing ) when men shall revile you , and persecute you , and shall say all manner of evill against you falsly for my sake : rejoyce and bee exceeding glad , for great is your * reward in heaven ; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you : yea , not only the prophets , but even him of whom all the prophets bare witnesse ; yet became hee as one that did not heare , having no rebukes in his mouth . when hee was tempted in the wildernesse , the scripture was his armour of resistance ; when hee was reviled on the crosse , he prayed for his enemies , to expresse his heavenly patience . now , if the sonne of god was in the desart tempted , what hermit can expect to bee from temptation freed ? if the master be reviled , how may the servant looke to bee intreated ? for howsoever some , or indeed most of the ancient fathers , doubt whether the divell did know that christ was god or no ; touching that parcell of scripture , wherein christ was tempted in the desart ; yet may it appeare probable by inference from the text it selfe , that after iesus had said unto him , it is written thou shalt not tempt the lord thy god ; the divell tooke him up into an exceeding high mountaine , and shewed him all the kingdomes of the world , and the glory of them ; saying , all those things will i give thee , if thou wilt fall downe and worship me . whence i collect , that after christ had told him that he was god , he continued his temptation ; which was an argument to evince him of palpable ignorance ; or of distrust to christs speech , which argued his diffidence : but our purpose is not too curiously to insist upon these subtill digressions ; it sufficiently appeareth , that christ who ought to bee every faithfull christians patterne , was reviled , yet opened not hee his mouth ; but with sweet silence and amiable patience offered his prayers unto his father for them who maliciously offered him upon the crosse ; leaving us an example of admiration and imitation , that following him and suffering with him , wee might likewise reigne and remaine with him : yea but will our spritely-stately gallant object , can any man , who knowes the value of reputation , with patience suffer publike disgrace ? is there any punishment so grievous as shame ? yea , were it not better for a man who is eminent in the eye of the world , to die right out , than still live in reproach and shame ? for a man to live or die , is naturall ; he performeth but that taske to which al mortality is injoyned ; but for a man to live in shame and contempt , and bee made a spectacle of disgrace to the world , an apparent touch or taint to his friends , a laughing stock of his enemies , is such a matter , as no well-bred and noble minded man , that hath any courage or stomacke in him , or tenders his esteeme , can ever digest it . true it is , that flesh and bloud will suggest many such objections ; and if there were nothing to bee valued so much as worldly esteeme , o● popular grace , which relieth on opinion , as soone lost as got , there were some reason to stand so punctually upon termes of reputation , but the eye of a christian ought to extend it selfe to an higher object . we are exhorted to heape coales on our enemies heads ; to render good for evill ; and to bee revenged on them by well doing . diogenes being asked how one should bee revenged of his enemy , answered , by being a vertuous and honest man. what matter then though all the world revile us , having a sincere and unblemished conscience within us , to witnesse for us ? socrates in his ecclesiasticall history writeth , that athanasius being accused by one iannes , to have killed arsenius , and after to have cut off his hand , that he might use it to magicke and sorcerie , cleared himselfe notably of this slander : having by good hap found out arsenius , who lay hid for the nonce ; hee brought him before the councell of tyrus , whereto hee was convented , and there hee asked his accuser , whether hee ever knew arsenius or no ? hee answered , yes : then athanasius called him forth , with his hands covered under his cloake , and turning up the one side of his cloake , shewed him the one of his hands ; & when most men surmised , that the other hand at leastwise was cut off ; athanasius without any more adoe , casteth up the other side of his cloake , and sheweth the second hand , saying , you see arsenius hath two hands , now let mine accuser shew you the place where the third hand was cut off . whence two remarkeable considerations are recommended unto us : malicious subornation in the accuser : gracious moderation in the accused . for the former , let the speech of a heathen man for ever be printed in your hearts ; who when his friend came unto him , and desired him to take a false oath in a cause of his , made answer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . you must ( saith he ) beare with me , there are many friends to bee gotten if i lose you ; but if by forswearing my selfe i lose the favour of god , i cannot get another there is but one god. for the latter , as soft words pacifie wrath , so by a pleasant conceit hee cooled all wrath , sleighting so much the aspersion of his accuser , as even of his enemies he gain'd him honour . to instance which moderation or patience , even in sundry heathen men , towards such as aspersed disgrace upon them , were it not that i feare enlarging of this branch too much , i might produce many heroicke and princely examples , as vespasian , his sonne titus , marcellus , demetrius , yea , the stiffe and rough-hew'd hercules , who cared not a flie for backbiting termes . but i am to use a word or two unto you , gentlemen , by quest of inquiry how you are found affected herein , and so descend to the third and last branch arising from this subject . have ye not delighted in hearing your owne praise , but reproved such as praised you , or turned your eare from their applause , lest it should transport you ? have yee distributed to the poore , without looking who saw you ? have yee fasted without hanging downe your head , to cause men observe you ? have yee prayed with zeale , fixing your eye only on god , that hee would look on you ? have yee performed the workes of charity , and that for conscience sake , and not for vain-glory ? have yee not too pharisaically prided your selves in your own integrity ? have yee ascribed to your selves shame , and to god the glory ? have yee heartily wished rather to bee deprived of all hope of glory than by your meanes to detract in any wise from gods glory ? o then happy & blessed are you ! for having turned your eares from the applause of men , you shall receive applause from angels ; or having distributed to the poore without looking who saw you , you shall bee plenteously rewarded by him , whose eyes are ever upon you ; or fasted without hanging downe your heads , to cause men observe you , you shall feast with him , who will erect your heads , and with glory crowne you ; or performed workes of charity for conscience sake , and not for vaine-glory , your● workes shall goe before you , and be accounted for righteous through him who shall cloath you with glory ; or not too pharisaically prided your selves in your owne integrity , you shall become justified with the publican ▪ and admitted to honour by humility ; or ascribed to your selves shame , and to god the glory , god shall wipe off your shame , and bring you to the full reuition of his glory ; or heartily wished to bee deprived of all hope of glory , rather then by your meanes to detract in any wise from gods glory ; your desire of advancing gods glory , shall after your passage from this vale of misery , estate you in the inheritance of glory . againe , have yee heard with patience such as revile you ? have yee answered them as hee did , who being accused by his enemy of one sinne , accused him likewise of ignorance , saying , thou accusest mee of one , when i am guilty of a thousand ? have yee not stood upon termes of reputation ▪ but with patience suffered all disgraces ? have yee overcome your enemy with mildnesse ? taken revenge on him by your vertue and goodnesse ? fortified your selves against all calumnie , with the spirit of patience ? o then right blessed are you ! for having heard with patience such as ●evile you , an eternall blessing is pronounced on you ; or having beene as ready to condemne your selves , as others to accuse you , your purged conscience shall freely acquit you ; or not stood on termes of reputation when men disgrac'd you , you shall be graced in heaven , where no disgrace shall touch you ; or overcome your enemy with mildnesse , the mild lambe shall crowne you with happinesse ; or taken revenge on him by your vertue and goodnesse , you shall be refreshed with the fountaine of sweetnesse ; or fortified your selves against all calumnie with the spirit of patience , with palmes in your hands shall yee sing with joyfulnesse . gather , o gather hence what ineffable solace is conferred on the patient ! whatsoever hee suffer here , shall in superabundant measure bee recompenced else-where . but it may be objected , that some aspersions are not to be borne with : for those scandals which are laid upon our persons , where our faith is not taxed or touched , may bee more easily endured ; but where these are struck at , they are not to be suffered . to confirme which , wee reade how peter and iohn having by prayer and imposition of hands , given the holy ghost , and simon the sorcerer saw that through laying on of the apostles hands , the holy ghost was given , hee offered them money , saying , give mee also this power , that on whomsoever i lay hands , bee may receive the holy ghost . but peter incensed herewith , saith unto him , thy money perish with thee , because thou hast thought that the gift of god may be purchased with money . whence it appeareth , that out of a holy zeale , one may shew passion towards such as detract from the honour of god , or asperse a blemish upon his servants in the worke of their ministery . the like we reade of paul , that glorious vessell of election conceiving much indignation against one who had withstood the word ; saying , alexander the copper-smith did mee much evill , the lord reward him according to his workes . the reason is inclusively annexed ; of whom bee thou ware of , for hee hath greatly withstood our words . the like spirit of zeale might iames and iohn bee said to be of , who when they saw that the saritanes would not receive christ , said ; lord wilt thou that wee command fire to come downe from heaven and consume them , even as elias did ? but how this passion of theirs was approved , may appeare by the ensuing verse , but hee turned and rebuked them , and said , yee know not what manner of spirit yee are of . now to cleare this objection , there is no patterne which wee ought sooner to imitate then christ himselfe , who is the master of truth , and directeth us in all truth ; who as hee was most blamelesse of all others , for in his mouth was never guile found , yet was hee in his owne person more blamed , in his doctrine more reproved , in his miracles more injured then all others : for one while hee is accused to have a divell ; anon , that hee casteth out divels through the prince of the divels ; anon , that hee is a man gluttonous and a wine-bibber , a friend of publicans and sinners : yet what answer vouchsafed hee unto all these save onely this , wisedome is justified of her children ? now i know there are differences of scandals or aspersions , where some leave deeper impression then others doe : for as the name is more precious then any earthly substance , so it receiveth the deepest staine when the estimation of our faith is questioned , being the very maine foundation whereon all religion is grounded , and the perfection of that building which makes a christian rightly accomplish'd . saint basil could shew himselfe calme enough in his conference with the emperour , till a cooke came in , and saucily told him , hee did not well to stand so precisely upon such small matters , but rather to yeeld to his master the emperour in a word or two : for what were those divine affaires whereon hee so much insisted , but such as with indifferency might be dispensed ? but what answered this reverend father ? yea , sir cooke ( quoth hee ) it is your part to tend your pottage , and not to boile and chop , up divine matters , which , as they little trouble you , so in weight and consequence are farre above you . and then with great gravity turning to the emperour , said , that those that were conversant in divine matters , which were principally to be intended , would with conscience rather suffer death , then suffer one jot of holy scripture , much lesse an article of faith already received , to be altered or corrupted . another holy man , though most innocent , could indure to be counted a whore-master , an uncleane person , and the like ; but when one called him an heretike , hee could beare no longer : so neere be we touched , when our faith is questioned . but as wee have a noble and glorious patterne , who shewed himselfe a conquerour in his suffering , let us wrastle with flesh and blood ; that suffering all things for him , and with him , wee may after our conquest joy in him , and with him . and let this be sufficient to have beene spoken of mortification in respect of our name or esteeme in the world , labouring daily to dis-value and humiliate our selves while wee are in the world . if it be no great thing to leave our substance , but our selves ; let us at least leave our substance , that wee may the better enjoy our selves . it was the wise exhortation of the wisest of princes ; honour the lord with thy substance , and with the first fruits of all thy increase ; annexing a promise to this precept : so shall thy barnes bee filled with plenty , and thy presse shall burst out with new wine . but forasmuch as many things are required to the mortification of this earthly mammon , wee will reduce them to two speciall heads , the better to retaine in memory this meanes of mortification : . to consider from whom wee have received these worldly blessings . . how to dispose of them , lest they become cursings of blessings . for the first , wee are positively to set downe , that every good gift and every perfect gift commeth from above ; the beasts that graze on a thousand hils are his ; the treasures of the earth are his : for from whom should wee thinke are they derived to us , but from him by whom they were created for us ? hee who never had it , how can hee give it ? but hee who hath all , guids all , governes all , and is all in all , is sole sufficient for all . hee it is then that maketh rich and maketh poore , exalteth and humbleth , sending forth his waters out of their treasuries , and all things are drowned ; shutteth them in their treasuries , and all things are dried . he it is that maketh the fruitfull barren , and the barren fruitfull . instead of the thorne shall come up the firre tree , and instead of the briter shall come up the mirtle tree , and it shall be to the lord for a name , for an everlasting signe that shall not be cut off . he it is that made heaven and earth and all things replenished heaven and earth with all things , giving man dominion , over all things , that man might be subject unto him who made all things . mow as hee gave them to man , so are they to be disposed of by man , to his glory who made man. and how is that ? not in laying land unto land with the oppressour ; nor in repairing to the house of the strange woman with the adulterer ; nor consuming your substance in excesse with the rioter ; nor hoording up vengeance against the day of wrath with the miser ; nor grinding the face of the poore with the extortioner : but rather distributing freely of that which you have , and communicating to the necessity of the saints : so shall you make to your selves friends of your unrighteous mammon , and shall be fed with manna in the courts of sionr gainefull is the use of that money , which is put out to the workes of charity ; which be it more or lesse , cannot but be exceeding great , being given with devotion , and the worke attended by singlenesse of heart and sincerity of affection ; for where a sincere will is not joyned with the worke , the worke cannot be effectuall to the doer , howsoever it may seem fruitfull to the beholder . at which sort of men , who erect sumptuous workes rather for popularity and affectation , then piety or sincere affection , the poet pleasantly glanceth ; these statues reare in publike wayes , as trophies of their love , which , as they heare , in passengers will admiration move , and gaine a fame unto their name , which may survive in them : but trust me , sirs , these workes of theirs shew them vaine-glorious men . which workes , howsoever usefull unto others , were better undone then done in respect of themselves : for to glory in our workes , doth not only derogate from our workes , but denounce upon us a greater damnation , ascribing to our selves what duly , properly , and solely ought to be attributed to the glory of god. but to draw neerer the point wee have in hand ; there is nothing that weaneth our minds more from the meditation of god and mortification to the world , then our earthly affections , which beare such sway over us , as they will not suffer those divine motions or meditations to take root in us . this is excellently shadowed in that parable of the great supper , where many guests were invited , but all with one consent began to make their excuse : the first , hee had bought a peece of ground , and hee must needs goe see it : the second had bought five yoke of oxen , and hee must goe prove them : and another had married a wife , and therefore hee could not come . these , though the fatlings be provided , the choicest dainties prepared , wherewith their hunger-starved soules might be refreshed , cannot come ; the world must detaine them , their earthly respects inchaine them , their sensuall delights restraine them : they cannot come , though often invited ; nor resort to this great supper , though all things be provided . these seldome or never take into their more serious consideration , the state of the blessed in heaven , or the state of the damned in hell. neither can the joyes of the one allure them , or the paines of the other deterre them . these will dispense with the word for the profit of the world , and enjoy the pleasures of sinne for a season , deferring repentance till it be past season . saint chrysostome relateth how paulus samosetanus that arch-hereticke , for the love of a woman for-sooke his faith . saint augustine relateth divers , who denied the torments of hell to have eternity , thereby to flatter their affection with a pretended assurance of impunity . saint gregory imputeth it to avarice and covetousnesse , that many forsake their faith . these follow not the example of sundry devout men , the memory whereof is recommended unto us in holy writ ; who being possessors of lands or houses , sold them , and brought the prices of the things that were sold , and laid them downe at the apostles feet : and distribution was made unto every man according as hee had need . the like contempt , in respect of earthly substance , wee reade to have been in many noble and equally affected pagans , as crates , bisias , zeno , bias , anacreon , anacharsis ; who ▪ though they had scarce the least glimpse of an eternity , yet they dis-valued the substance of earth as the subject of vanity . but i must now draw in my sailes , and take a view of your dispositions ( gentlemen ) how you stand herein affected ; that seeking what i expect to find , i may no lesse glory in your aversion from earth , then if you were ascending iacobs ladder , to have your names enrolled in the kingdome of heaven . have yee honoured the lord with your substance , and tendred him the first fruits of his bounty ? have yee acknowledged every good thing to come from him , as from the fountaine of mercy ? have yee subjected your selves unto him , as hee hath subjected all things to your soveraignty ? have yee disposed of them soberly and solely to his glory ? have yee beene oppressors , and with good zacheus made foure-fold restitution ? have yee not exposed your inheritance to riot and pollution ? have yee not hoorded up vengeance against the day of affliction ? have yee not grinded and grated the face of the poore with extortion ? have yee distributed freely , and communicated to the saints necessity ? have yee made you friends of your unrighteous mammon , and so made your selves way to the heavenly sion ? have yee done these workes of compassion with singlenesse of heart , and without affectation ? have yee beene by no earthly respect detained from comming to that great lords supper , to which you were invited ? o then in a happy state are you ! for having honoured the lord , hee will fill your barnes with plenty ; or having acknowledged all good things to bee derived from his mercy , hee will give you a fuller taste of his bounty ; or subjected your selves to his obedience , hee will cause every creature to doe you service ; or disposed of them soberly and solely to his glory , hee will exhibit his good gifts unto you more fully ; or beene oppressours , and made restitution , you shall with zacheus become vessels of election ; or not exposed your inheritance to riot and pollution , you shall be safe from the doome of confusion ; or not grinded the face of the poore with extortion , the poore shall beare record of your compassion ; or distributed freely to the saints necessity , hee that seeth in secret shall reward you openly ; or made you friends of your unrighteous mammon , manna shall be your food in the heavenly sion ; or done these workes singly , and without vaine-glory , you shall be cloathed with the garment of mercy ; or not detained by the world from going to that great lords supper , yee shall be graciously admitted and exalted to honour . thus to dispose of the substance of the world , is to despise the world : preferring one meditation of the pleasures and treasures of heaven , before the possession of the whole earth : and esteeming it farre better to be one day in the house of the lord , then to be conversant in the palaces of princes . o then , yee whose generous descents and mighty estates promise comfort to the afflicted , releefe to the distressed , and an hospitable receit to all such as repaire to you for succour or comfort , minister to the necessity of the saints , be liberall and open handed to the poore , having opportunity , doe good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the household of faith ; bee exercised in the workes of the spirit and not of the flesh , so shal ye build upon a sure foundation , and in the inheritance of gods saints receive a mansion . turne not ( i say ) your eare from the cry of any poore man , lest his cry be heard , and procure vengeance to be poured on your head : pitty the moanes of the afflicted , wipe off the teares of the distressed , comfort them that mourne in sion . the ordinary forme of begging in italy , is , doe good for your owne sakes . doe good for your owne sakes , for your owne selvs , for your owne soules . no a sacrifice to god more gratefull , to your selves more usefull , or to your own soules more fruitfull , then to be zealous in all holy duties , and compassionate to the needful : b for , he that in himselfe burnes not in devotion , can never inflame another with the zeale of devotion : c neither can any one shine , unlesse before he burne : shine in the works of compassion , unlesse he burn before with the zeale of a devout affection . so as many though they be d lights in respect of their ministry or office , yet are they snuffs in respect of their use , effect or service . exhibit therefore freely of those good gifts and bounties which god hath bestowed on you , and shew your liberality now in the opportunate time ; for , as there is a time that none can worke , so there is a time when none can give : give it then in your life time , that you may expresse your charity with your own hand , and not by way of legacie : for many make good wills , which i much feare mee proceed not of good will ; being rather by the sentence of mortality inforced , then of their owne charitable disposition affected , to leave to the poore afflicted of the world , which they so exceedingly love , while they sojourned here in the world . and what shall these bountifull legacies availe them , these charitable wills profit them , when they shall make their beds in the darke , and enter parlie with their owne consciences , whether this coacted charity of theirs proceeded from compassion or compulsion , leaving what they could no longer enjoy , and giving that which was not in their power to give ? surely , no more benefit shall this inforced charity conferre on them , then if they had sowne the sand : for fruitlesse is that worke which deriveth not her ground from a pure intention or sanctified will. in the easterne countries , they put coine in the dead mans hand , to provide for him after his departure hence . the like provision carry these along with them to their graves , who deferre giving , till they cannot give , making their executors their almoners , who many times defeate the poore , or number themselves in bead-roll of the poore , whereby they gull the deceased , enriching their owne coffers with the poore mans box . o gentlemen , you whose corps are followed with many mourners , and oft-times inward rejoycers ; send out those sweet odours of a good and devout life before you ; dispense and dispose faithfully , in whatsoever the lord above others hath enriched you ; deferre not your charity to your death , lest you be prevented of your charity by death ; bethinke your selves how you would be provided if that great master of accounts were this houre to call you before him , and make your reckoning with him ; would you not bee glad ; your conscience told you , how you had beene faitfull disposers or imployers of those talents , which were delivered to you ? would not your hearts rejoyce within you to have such a testimony , as the witnesse of an undefiled or spotlesse conscience within you ? would it not intraunce you with an exceeding joy , to heare that happy and heavenly approbation , well done , good and faithfull servants , you have beene faithfull over a few things , i will make you rulers over many things : enter yee into the joy of your lord ? if this could not choose but joy you , so dispose of your earthly mammon , that you may be partakers of this surpassing joy in the courts of sion . and so i descend to the last branch of this last observation , expressing that object of ineffable consolation , whereto this active perfection aspireth , and that spirituall repose of heavenly solace and refection , wherein it solely and properly resteth . man is borne unto trouble , as the sparkes fly upward , being here a sojourner in the inn of this world ; and drawing every day neerer and neerer the end of his pilgrimage ; where mans life is the travellers embleme ; his forme of living , the very mirrour of his sojourning ; his home returning , the type or figure of his dissolving . in which progresse or journall of man , by how much more the sun-diall of his life proceedeth , by so much neerer the night-shade of death approacheth . yet , behold the misery of man ! his desires are daily to disquiet and disturbe himselfe : for shew me that man howsoever affected , or in what degree soever placed , whose desires are so firmely fixed , as his mind is not troubled in the pursuit of that whereto his aymes are directed . for to begin with the highest , because his thoughts are ever aspiring'st ; doth the ambitious man ayme at honour or preferment ? behold , he purposeth with himselfe to gaine or attaine such a place under his prince , not so much for his owne ends ( as he pretendeth ) but to be usefull to his friends , and behovefull to his countrey ; but since that houre , he entertained the first infant thoughts of ambition , hee hath felt sufficiently the danger of that infection : reaping no other fruits but distractions , in respect of competitors , or want of enjoying himselfe , being pestred by multitude of sutors . or , is he covetous ? there is nothing which he eyes or beholds upon this vniverse , tending to profit , or promising hope of profit , which hee presently conveyes not to his heart , coveting whatsoever hee sees , and seeing nothing that he doth not covet : hee tumbles and tosses , and will not suffer his eyes to slumber , but like miserable menedemus in terence , or greedy gripus in plautus , hee afflicts and torments himselfe , making his owne desires his owne disquiets . or , is hee voluptuous ? his fond affection procures in him this phrensie or distraction : hee goes to the house of the strange woman , gives eare to her incantation , sports with ismael , lusts after her beauty in his heart : and is taken with her eye lids ; yet see how sensuality brings him to misery ! by meanes of this whorish woman , hee is brought to a peece of bread : and the adulteresse will hunt after his precious life : but to passe over these , and take a view of such whose course of life seemes better disposed , then to converse with the world , either by ambitiously aspiring to honours , the great mans darling ; or by too eager a pursuit after riches , the worldlings mammon ; or by too hot a quest after pleasure , the wantons minion . for to reflect a little upon the aymes of such who affect contemplation , and every day better their knowledge in the serious or exquisite search of the natures , vertues , or operations of all creatures ; wee shall find , to use the words of salomon , that even in these there is vanity and affliction of spirit : for , howsoever wisedome raines downe skill and knowledge of understanding , exalting them to honour that hold her fast ; yet salomons conclusion after the search of wisdome and folly , is definitively this ; in much wisdome is much griefe : and hee that increaseth knowledge , increaseth sorrow . for should man labour to engrosse all learning , knowledge and wisdome , his labour were but vaine , and his search fruitlesse ; seeing he , whose understanding was deepest , conceit quickest , and wisdome greatest of all them that were before him in ierusalem , hath thus concluded : all this i have proved by wisdome ; i said , i would be wise , but it was farre from me . adding the reason hereof ; that which is farre off , and exceeding deepe , who can find it out ? for be our search never so curious , our desire covetous in the pursuit of knowledge , wee shall find by daily experience our own weaknesse : where , though our wils be strengthned , our abilities are weakned , being ever more hopefull in our undertakings , then powerfull in our performance ; yea , it is a property inherent to us , and naturally ingraffed in us , to have an itching desire of knowing all things , but of doing nothing : yet neither in knowledge nor action may wee satisfie our desire or affection : vaine and endlesse therefore is our search in the former , as weake and fruitlesse is our pursuit of the latter . there is no end of writing many bookes , no end of reading many bookes , no end of storing our libraries with many bookes : for under the cover of these , much covetousnesse oft-times lurketh . these are not of that inestimable price , ( though they containe much spirituall comfort ) as may fully store or enrich the heart ; fully replenish or satisfie the heart ; fully settle or establish the heart : for where the desires of the heart are not fulfilled , how can shee hold her selfe sufficiently enriched ? or where her desires are not accomplished , how may shee rest satisfied ? or being not there seated , where her desires are settled ; how can shee bee quieted ? hence it is , that a devout father compares his heart unto a mil ; for as a mil ( saith he ) swiftly wheeleth and turneth about and refuseth nothing , but whatsoever is put upon it , it grindeth : but if nothing be put upon it , it consumes it selfe : so is my unstable heart alwayes in motion , and never resteth : but whether i sleep or wake , it dreameth and thinketh of whatsoever it encountreth . can then neither honour , nor wealth , nor pleasure satisfie his unconfined heart ? can neither honours surprize her , wealth enjoy her , nor pleasure intraunce her ? no : these are vanity , and lighter then vanity , receiving their true colour from the poet , who bestoweth on them this portraiture ; wealth is a wave , honour a bait of death , catching at which were catcht and choak't therewith . for tell me , is not the ambitious man as fearefull to incurre disgrace , after hee is received to his princes favour , as hee was jealous of a competitor before hee got into favour ? againe , is not the miserable rich man , who reposeth all comfort in his substance , all his consolation in his riches , as fearefull to lose what hee already enjoyes , as hee was doubtfull of prevention in what hee now enjoyes ? or is not the voluptuous carnall man , whose onely delight is daliance with his perfidious dalilah , stinged with as much griefe after his desires are satisfied , as hee was stirred with delight before his pleasures were effected ? or is not the contemplative man , whose aimes being higher , should tender him content in fuller measure , afflicted in mind , when hee finds himselfe come short in knowledge of what hee expected , and reads every day something which hee never before observed ? what content then in these flourishing may-buds of vanity , which in repentance and affliction of spirit , doe onely shew their constancy ? so as one well observeth , if man should not be afflicted by god , yet should hee be afflicted by himselfe ; consuming himselfe with his owne envie , rancour , and other distempered affections , which have more fury and torment attending on them , then the evill it selfe which procureth them . yet behold the wretched condition of unhappy man ! though neither honour bee permanent , nor from perill freed ; nor riches prevalent to make him after death the better friended , nor pleasures so excellent , as to free him from affliction when they are ended : yet are they for most part preferred before those heavenly honours which are ever permanent , and never altering ; before those incorruptible riches , which inrich the soule after death without decreasing ; and before those ineffable pleasures , where neither desires breeds longing , nor satiety loathing . so as , i cannot more fitly compare the actions of these sensuall affected men , then with that childish act of the emperour honorius , who taking especiall delight in a hen called roma : upon a time understanding , by report of such as told him , that roma was lost , he exceedingly lamented : whereupon some of his familiar friends , and such as were neere-him , noting his terrour ; it is not your hen that is lost , but your citie roma , that is taken by alaricus king of the gothes . wherewith comming a little to himselfe , hee seemed to beare with much more patience the surprize of the one , then the losse of the other . o childish simplicity ! you say well ; yet the like is in us . wee cannot endure that any one should steale from us our silver ; yet either honour , riches , or pleasure may have free leave to steale away our heart . wee would by no meanes be defrauded of our treasure ; yet it troubles us little to be depraved with errour . wee avoid the poysons of the body , but not of the mind ; intending more the diet of the body , then the discipline of the mind . since then , in these externall desires , this actuall perfection , whereof wee have formerly treated , may receive no true rest or repose , for to those it only aspireth , wherein it resteth ; wee must search higher for this place of peace , this repose of rest , this heavenly harbour of divine comfort : wee are to seeke it then while we are here upon earth , yet not on earth : would you know , what this soveraigne or absolute end is , wherein this actuall perfection solely resteth , wherein the heart onely glorieth , and to the receiver , long life , with comfort in abundance amply promiseth ? hearken to the words of iesus the sonne of sirach : it is a great glory to follow the lord , and to bee received of him is long life : nor skils it much , how worldlings esteeme of us ; for , perhaps , they will judge it folly to see us become weaned from delights or pleasures of the world ; to see us embrace a rigorous or austere course of life , to dis-esteem the pompe and port of this present world . this ( i say ) they will account foolishnesse ; but blessed are they who deserve to be of that number , which the world accounts for fooles , god for wise men . but miserable is the state of those forlorne worldlings , whose cheefest aime is to circumvent or intrap their brethren , making their highest aimes their owne ends , and accounting bread eaten in secret to bee the savourest , and stolne waters the sweetest : for these never drinke of their own cisterne , or feed of the flesh of their owne fold ; but partake in the spoile of others , yet wipe their mouthes as if they were innocent : but behold this haman-policy shall make them spectacles of finall misery , wishing many times they had been lesse wise in the opinion of the world , so they had relished of that divine wisdome , which makes man truly happy in another world ; even that wisdome ( i say ) who hath built an everlasting foundation with men , and shall continue with their seed : neither can this divine wisdome chuse but bee fruitfull , standing on so firme a root , or the branches dry , receiving life and heat from so faire a root . now to describe the beauty of her branches springing from so firme a root ; with the solidity of her root , diffusing pith to her branches : the root of wisdome ( saith the wise son of sirach ) is to feare the lord , and the branches thereof are long life . this feare , where it takes root , suffers no wordly feare to take place . many worldlings become wretched , onely through feare lest they should bee wretched ; and many die , onely through feare lest they should dy : but with these , who are grounded in the feare of the lord , they neither feare death , being assured that it imposeth an end to their misery ; nor the miseries of this present life , being ever affied on the trust of gods mercy . how constantly , zealously , and gloriously many devout men have died , and upon the very instant of their dissolution expostulated with their owne soules , reproving in themselves their unwillingnesse to die ; may appeare by the examples of such ; whose lives as they were to god right pleasing , so were their soules no lesse precious in their departing : upon some whereof , though i have formerly insisted , yet in respect that such memorable patternes of sanctity cannot be too often represented , i thought good purposely ( as usually i have done in all the series of this present discourse , where any remarkeable thing was related , to have it in divers places repeated ) to exemplifie this noble resolution or contempt of death , in the proofe and practice of some one or two blessed saints and servants of god. ierome writeth of hilarion , that being ready to give up the ghost , hee said thus to his soule ; goe forth my soule , why fearest thou ? goe forth , why tremblest thou ? thou hast served christ almost these threescore & ten yeares , and doest thou now feare death ? saint ambrose when hee was ready to die , speaking to stillico and others about his bed ; i have not lived so among you ( saith hee ) that i am ashamed to live longer to please god : and yet againe i am not afraid to die , because wee have a good lord. the reverend bede , whom wee may more easily admire , than sufficiently praise for his profound learning , in a most barbarous age , when all good literature was in contempt , being in the pangs of death , said to the standers by ; i have so lived among you that i am not ashamed of my life , neither feare i to die , because i have a most gracious redeemer . hee yeelded up his life with this prayer for the church ; o king of glory , lord of hostes , which hast triumphantly ascended into heaven , leave us not fatherlesse , but send the promised spirit of thy truth amongst us . these last funerall teares , or dying mens hymnes , i have the rather renued to your memory , that they might have the longer impression , being uttered by dying men , at the point of their dissolution . and i know right well ( for experience hath informed me sufficiently therein ) that the words of dying men are precious even to strangers ; but when the voice of one wee love , and with whom wee did familiarly live , cals to us from the death-bed , o what a conflict doe his words raise ! how strongly do griefe and affection strive to inclose them ! knowing that in a short space , that tongue , the organs whereof yet speak , and move attention by their friendly accents , was to bee eternally tied up in silence , nor should the sound of his words salute our cares any more : and certainly , the resolution of a devout dying man , being upon the point of his dissolution , cannot but bee an especiall motive to the hearer , of mortification . which was one cause , even among the heathens , of erecting statues , obelisks , or monuments upon the dead ; that eying the sepulchers of such noble and heroick men as had their honour laid in the dust , they might likewise understand , that neither resolution of spirit , nor puissance of body could free them from the common verdict of mortality : which begot in many of them a wonderfull contempt of the world . albeit it is to bee understood , that christians doe contemne the world much otherwise than pagans : for ambition is a guide to these , but the love of god unto them . diogenes trod upon plato's pride with much greater selfe-pride : but the christian with patience and humility surmounteth and subdueth all wordly pride ; being of nothing so carefull , as lest hee should taste the lotium of earthly delights , and so become forgetfull with vlysses companions of his native countrey . meane time he sojournes in the world , not as a citizen , but as a guest , yea as an exile . but to returne to our present discourse now in hand ; in this quest after that soveraigne or supreme end whereto all actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it resteth , wee are to consider three things : . what is to bee sought : . where it is to be sought : . when it is to be sought . for the first , wee are to understand that wee are to seeke onely for that , the acquisition whereof is no sooner attained , than the minde , whose flight is above the pitch of frailty , is fully satisfied . now that is a blessed life , when what is best , is effected and enjoyed : for there can bee no true rest to the minde in desiring , but partaking what she desireth . what is it then that wee seeke ? to drinke of the water of life ; where our thirst may bee so satisfied , as it never be renued ; our desires so fulfilled , as never higher or further extended . hee that hath once tasted of the fountaine named clitorius fons ( and choice is the taste of such a fountaine ) will never drinke any wine ; no wine mixed with the dregs of vanity , no wine drawne from the lees of vaine-glory : the reason is , hee reserves his taste for that new wine , which hee is to drinke in his fathers kingdome . and what kingdome ? the kingdome of heaven ; a kingdome most happy , a kingdome wanting death , and without end ; enjoyng a life that admits no end . and what life ? a life vitall , a life sempiternall , and sempiternally joyfull , and what joy ? a joy without sorrowing , rest without labouring , dignity without trembling , wealth without losing , health without languishing , abundance without failing , life without dying , perpetuity without corrupting , blessednesse without afflicting , where the sight & vision of god is seene face to face . and what god ? god the sole sufficient , summary , supreme good : that good which we require alone ; that god who is good alone . and what good ? the trinity of the divine persons is this summary good , which is seene with purest mindes . the heart triangle-wise resembleth the image of the blessed trinity ; which can no more by the circumference of the world bee confined than a triangle by a circle is to bee filled . so as the circular world cannot fill the triangular heart , no more than a circle can fill a triangle ; still there will bee some empty corners : it saies , so long as it is fixed on the world , sheol , it is never enough : but fixed on her maker , her onely mover , on her sweet redeemer , her dearest lover , she chants out cheerefully this hymne of comfort ; there is no condemnation to them which are in christ iesus . she then may rest in peace . and what peace ? a peace which passeth all understanding . shee then may embrace her love. and what love ? a love constantly loving . shee then may enjoy life . and what life ? a life eternally living . shee then may receive a crowne . and what crowne ? a crowne gloriously shining . this crowne ( saith s. peter ) is undefiled , which never fadeth away . the greeke words which s. peter useth , are latine words also ; and they are not only appellatives , being the epithetes of this crowne , but also propers ; the one proper name of a stone , the other of a flower : for isidore writeth , there is a precious stone called amiantus , which , though it bee never so much soiled , yet it can never at all bee blemished ; and being cast into the fire , it is taken out still more bright and cleane . also clemens writeth , that there is a flower called amarantus , which being a long time hung up in the house , yet still is fresh and greene . to both which , the stone and the flower , the apostle , as may bee probably gathered , alludeth in this place . here then you see , what you are to seeke . for are your desires unsatisfied ? here is that which may fulfill them . are your soules thirsty ? here is the well of life to refresh them : would you bee kings ? here is a kingdome provided for you . would you enjoy a long life ? a long life shall crowne you , and length of daies attend you . would you have all goodnesse to enrich you ? enjoying god , all good things shall bee given you . would you have salvation to come unto your house and secure you ? rest you in christ iesus , and no condemnation shall draw neere you . would you have your consciences speake peace unto you ? the god of peace will throughout establish you . would you have your constant'st love ever attend you ? he who gave himself for you , will never leave you . would you have him live for ever with you ? leave loving of the world , so shall hee live ever with you and in you . would you have a crowne conferred on you ? a crowne of glory shall empale you . seeke then this one good wherein consisteth all goodnesse , and it sufficeth . seeke this soveraigne or summary good , from whence commeth every good , and it sufficeth . for hee is the life by which wee live , the hope to which wee cleave , and the glory which wee desire to obtaine . for if dead , hee can revive us ; if hopelesse and helpelesse , he can succour us ; if in disgrace , he can exalt us . him then only are wee to seeke , who , when wee were lost , did seeke us ; and being found , did bring us to his sheepe-fold . and so i descend from what wee are to seeke , to where wee are to seeke , that seeking him where hee may bee found , wee may at last finde him whom wee so long have sought . for the second , wee are to seeke it while wee are on earth , but not upon earth , for earth cannot containe it . it is the philosophers axiom , that which is finite may not comprehend that which is infinite . now that supreme or soveraigne end , to which this actuall perfection is directed , whereto it aspireth , and wherein it resteth , is by nature infinite : end without end , beginning and end , imposing to every creature a certaine , definite , or determinate end . the sole solace of the soule , being onely able to fill or satisfie the soule , without which all things in heaven or under heaven , joyned and conferred together , cannot suffice the soule : so boundlesse her extent , so infinite the object of her content . how should earth then containe it , or to what end should wee on earth seeke it ; seeing whatsoever containeth , must of necessity bee greater than that which is contained ? but earth being a masse of corruption , how should it confine or circumscribe incorruption ? seeing nothing but immortality can cloath the soule with glory , it is not the rubbish or refuse of earth that may adde to her beauty . besides , the soule while it so journes here in this earthly mansion , shee remaines as a captive inclosed in prison . what delights then can bee pleasing , what delicates relishing to the palate of this prisoner ? shee is an exile here on earth : what society then can bee cheerefull to one so carefull of returning to her countrey ? if captives restrained of their liberty , exiles estranged from their countrey , can take no true content either in their bondage , bee it never so attempred ; nor in that exile , bee they never so attended , how should the soule apprehend the least joy , during her abode on earth ? where the treasure is , there is the heart : her treasure is above , how can her heart bee here below ? mortality cannot suit with immortality , no more can earth with the soule . whereto then bee the motions of our soule directed ? to him that gave it ; no inferiour creature may suffice her , no earthly object satisfie her , nothing subject to sense fulfill her . in heaven are those heavenly objects , wherewith her eye rests satisfied ; in heaven are those melodious accents , wherewith her eare rests solaced ; in heaven those choicest odours , wherewith her smell is cherished , in heaven those tastefull'st dainties , wherewith her soule is nourished ; in heaven those glorious creatures , wherewith her selfe is numbred . what difference then betwixt the satiety and saturity of heaven , and the penurie and poverty of earth ? here all things are full of labour , man cannot utter it : the eye is not satisfied with seeing , nor the eare filled with hearing : whereas in heaven there is length of daies , and fulnesse of joy without ending . and wherein consists this fulnesse ? even in the sweet and comfortable sight of god. but who hath seene god at any time ? to this , blessed augustine answers excellently : albeit ( saith hee ) that summary and incommutable essence , that true light , that indeficient light , that light of angels , can bee seene by none in this life , being reserved for a reward to the saints onely in the heavenly glory ; yet to beleeve , and understand , and feele , and ardently desire it , is in some sort to see and possesse it . now , if wee will beleeve it , though our feet bee on earth , our faith must bee in heaven : or understand it , wee must so live on earth , as if our conversation were in heaven : or feele it , wee must have so little feeling of the delights of this life , as our delight may bee wholly in heaven : or desire it , wee must hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , to direct us in the way which leadeth to heaven . it cannot be ( saith a devout holy man ) that any one should die ill , who hath lived well . wee are then to labour by a zealous , religious , and sincere life , to present our selves blamelesse before the lord at his comming . o if wee knew ( and grosse is our ignorance if wee know it not ) that whatsoever it sought besides god , possesseth the mind , but satisfies it not ! wee would have recourse to him , by whom our minds might bee as well satisfied as possessed . but great is our misery , and miserable our stupidity , who , when wee may gaine heaven with lesse paines then hell , will not draw our foot backe from hell , nor step one foot forward towards the kingdome of heaven . yea , when wee know , that it pleaseth the divell no lesse when wee sinne , then it pleaseth god to heare us sigh for sinne ; yet will wee rather please the divell by committing sin , then please god by sending out one penitent sigh for our sinne . for behold , what dangers will men expose themselves unto , by sea and land , to increase their substance ! againe , for satisfaction of their pleasures , what tasks will they undertake , no lesse painefull then full of perill ! a little expectance of penitentiall pleasure can make the voluptuous man watch all the night long , when one houre of the night to pray in would seeme too too long . early and late , to enrich his carelesse heire , will the miserable wretch addresse himselfe to all slavish labour , without once remembring either early or late to give thankes to his maker . without repose or repast will the restlesse ambitious sparke , whose aimes are onely to be worldly great , taske himselfe to all difficulties to gaine honour , when even that which so eagerly hee seekes for , oft-times bring ruine to the owner . here then you see where you are to seeke : not on earth , for there is nought but corruption ; but in heaven , where you may bee cloathed with incorruption : not on earth , for there you are exiles ; but in heaven , where you may be enrolled and infranchised citizens : not on earth the grate of misery , but in heaven the goale of glory . in briefe , would you have your hearts lodged , where your treasures are locked ; all your senses seated , where they may be fully sated ; your eye with delightfull'st objects satisfied , your eare with melodious accents solaced ; your smell with choicest odours cherished , your taste with chiefest dainties relished , your selves , your soules amongst those glorious creatures registred ? fix the desires of your heart on him , who can onely satisfie your heart ; set your eye on him , whose eye is ever upon you , and in due time will direct you to him ; intend your eare to his law , which can best informe you , and with divinest melody cheere you ; follow him in the smell of his sweet ointments , and hee will comfort you in your afflictions ; taste how sweet hee is in mercy , and you shall taste sweetnesse in the depth of your misery : become heavenly men ; so of terrestriall angels you shall bee made angels in heaven , where , by the spirituall union of your soules , you shall bee united unto him who first gave you soules . and so i come to the third and last ; when wee are to seeke , lest seeking out of time , wee be excluded from finding what wee seeke , for want of seeking in due time . if words spoken in season bee like apples of gold with pictures of silver ; sure i am , that our actions being seasonably formed or disposed , cannot but adde to our soules much beauty and lustre . to every thing there is a season , and a time to every purpose under the heaven : which season neglected , the benefit accruing to the worke is likewise abridged . there is a time to sow , and a time to reape : and sow wee must before wee reape ; sow in teares , before wee reape in joy . seeke we must before we find ; for unlesse wee seeke him while hee may be found , seeke may wee long ere wee have him found . after the time of our dissolution from earth , there is no time admitted for repentance to bring us to heaven . hoc momentum est de quo pendet aeternitas . either now or never ; and if now , thrice happy ever . which is illustrated to us by divers similitudes , examples and parables in the holy scripture : as in esau's birth-right , which ( once sold ) could not be regained by many teares ; and in the parable of dives and lazarus , where abraham answered dives , after hee had beseeched him to send lazarus that hee might dip the tip of his finger in water , and coole his tongue ; sonne , remember that thou in thy life-time received'st thy good things , and likewise lazarus evill things : but now hee is comforted , and thou art tormented . and in the parable of the ten virgins , where the five foolish virgins tooke their lamps , and tooke no oile with them ; but the wise tooke oile in their vessels with their lamps ; and when the bridegroome came , those that were ready , went in with him , and were received : but those foolish ones who were unprovided , though they came afterwards , crying , lord , lord , open unto us , could not be admitted . for know , deare christian , and apply it to thy heart , ( for knowledge without use , application or practice , is a fruitlesse and soule-beguiling knowledge ; ) that hee who promiseth forgivenesse to thee repenting , hath not promised thee to morrow to repent in . why therefore deferrest thou till to morrow , when thou little knowest but thou maist die before to morrow ? this day , this houre is the opportunate season ; take hold of it then , lest thou repent thee when it is past season . man hath no interest in time save this very instant , which hee may properly terme his ; let him then so imploy this instant of time , as hee may be heire of eternity , which exceeds the limit of time . let us worke now while it is day , for the night commeth when no man can worke . why therefore stand wee idling ? why delay we our conversion ? why cry wee with the sluggard , yet a little , and then a little , and no end of that little ? why to morrow , and to morrow , and no end of to morrow , being as neere our conversion to day as to morrow ? why not to day , as well as to morrow , seeing every day bringeth with it her affliction , both to day and to morrow ? meet it is then , for us to make recourse to the throne of mercy in the day of mercy , and before the evill day come , lest wee be taken , as hee who beat his fellow servants , when the great master of the houshold shall come . o earth , earth , earth , heare the word of the lord ! earth by creation , earth by condition , earth by corruption . remember now thy creator in the dayes of thy youth , while the evill dayes come not , nor the yeeres draw nigh , when thou shalt say , i have no pleasure in them . while the sunne , or the light , or the moone , or the starres that bee not darkened , nor the clouds returne after the raine . in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble , and the strong men shall bow themselves , and the grinders cease , because they are few , and those that looke out of the windowes be darkened : and the doores shall be shut in the streets , when the sound of the grinding is low , and hee shall rise up at the voice of the bird , and all the daughters of musicke shall bee brought low . also when they shall be afraid of that which is high , and feares shall bee in the way , and the almond tree shall flourish , and the grashopper shall bee a burden , and desire shall faile : because man goeth to his long home , and the mourners goe about the streets . or ever the silver coard be loosed , or the golden bowle bee broken , or the pitcher bee broken at the fountaine , or the wheele broken at the cisterne . then shall the dust returne to the earth as it was , and the spirit shall returne unto god who gave it . hence then are wee warned not to deferre time , lest wee neglect the opportunate time , the time of grace ; which neglected , miserable shall wee be , when from hence dissolved . yea , but will some object ; true repentance is never too late : which is most true ; but againe i answer , that late repentance is seldome true . repent then while ye have time ; for as in hell there is no redemption , so after death there is no time admitted for repentance . o remember that a wounded conscience none can heale ; so that , like as the scorpion hath in her the remedy of her owne poyson ; so the evill man carrieth alwayes with him the punishment of his owne wickednesse , the which doth never leave to torment and afflict his mind both sleeping and waking . so as , the wicked man is oft-times forced to speake unto his conscience , as ahab said to eliah , hast thou found mee , o mine enemy ? now there is no better meanes to make peace with our consciences , then to set god continually before our eyes , that his spirit may witnesse to our spirits , that wee are the children of grace . wherein many offend daily , who promise to themselves security , either by sinning subtilly or secretly : subtilly , as in dazling or deluding the eyes of the world with pretended sanctity , and concluding with the poet ; that i may just and holy seeme , and so the world deceive , and with a cloud my cunning shroud , is all that i doe crave . but such hypocrites will god judge , and redouble the viols of his wrath upon their double sinne . secretly , when man in the foolishnesse of his heart committeth some secret sinne , and saith , who seeth him ? there is none looking thorow the chinke to se mee , none that can heare me , but simple fooles : how much are these deceived ? is there any darkenesse so thicke and palpable , that this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the piercing eye of heaven cannot spie thee through it ? o if thou hope by firming secretly , to sin securely , thou shalt be forced to say unto thy god , as ahab said unto elijah , hast thou found mee , o mine enemy ? nay , o god terrible and dreadfull , thou hast found mee . and then let mee aske thee in the same termes that the young gallant in erasmus asked his wanton mistresse ; art thou not ashamed to doe that in the sight of god and witnesse of holy angels , which thou art ashamed to doe in the sight of men ? art thou so afraid of disgrace with men , and little carest whether thou be or no in the state of grace with god ? art thou more jealous of the eyes of men , who have but power onely to asperse a blemish on thy name , or inflict a temporall punishment on thy person , then of his , who hath power to throw both thy soule and body into the burning lake of perdition ? it was a pretty saying of epicurus in seneca ; whereto are offences safe , if they cannot bee secure ? or what availes it guilty men to find a place to lye hid in , when they have no confidence in the place where they lye hid in ? excellent therefore was the counsell of zealous bernard , and sententious seneca , that wee should alwayes , as in a mirrour , represent unto our eyes the example of some good man ; and so to live as if he did alwayes see us , alwayes behold us : for wee , who know that the eyes of god are upon all the wayes of men , and that no place so remote , no place so desart or desolate , as may divide us from his all-seeing presence , ought to be in all our workes so provident and circumspect , as if god were present before our eyes , as in truth hee his . and therefore prudentius in one of his hymnes gives this memorandum ; thinke with thy selfe , if thou from sinne would free thee , be 't day or night , that god doth ever see thee . o then let us fix our thoughts upon god here on earth , that wee may gloriously fix our eyes upon him in heaven ! let us so meditate of him here on earth , that wee may contemplate him there in heaven ! so repent us to have dishonoured him here on earth , that wee may be honoured by him in heaven ! let us become humble petitioners unto him , and prostrate our selves before his foot-stoole : of whom if wee begge life , his hand is not so shortned , as it will not save ; his eare so closely stopped , as it will not heare . it is reported that when a poore man came to dionysius the tyrant , and preferred his petition unto him standing , the imperious tyrant would not give eare unto him ; whereupon this poore petitioner , to move him to more compassion , fell downe prostrate at his feet , and with much importunity obtained his suit : after all this , being demanded by one why hee did so ; i perceived ( quoth he ) dionysius to have his eares in his feet , wherefore i was out of hope to be heard till i fell before his feet . but god , who intendeth rather the devotion of the heart , then the motion of the hand , or prostration of the body , will heare us , if wee aske faithfully , and open unto us , if wee knock constantly , and having fought a good fight , crowne us victoriously . thus you have heard what wee are to seeke , where wee are to seeke , and when wee are to seeke . what ; a kingdome , not of earth , but of heaven . where ; not on earth , nor in earth , but in heaven . when ; while wee are here on earth , that after earth we may raigne in heaven . what ; a garden inclosed , a spring shut up , a fountaine sealed . what ; a crowne of righteousnesse , a precious pearle , a hid treasure . what ; wisdome , health , wealth , beauty , liberty , and all through him who is all in all . aristippus was wont to say , that hee would goe to socrates for wit , but to dionysius for money : whereas this wee seeke , and seeking hope to enjoy , confers upon us the rich treasures of wisdome , and abundance of riches for evermore . for , first seeke wee the kingdome of heaven , and the righteousnesse thereof , and all things else shall bee ministred unto us . secondly , where wee are to seeke . where ; in heaven , the house of god , the citie of the great king , the inheritance of the just , the portion of the faithfull , the glory of sion . where ; not without us , but within us ; for the kingdome of god is within us . so as i may say to every faithfull soule , intus habes quod quaeris ; that is within thee , which is sought of thee . it is god thou seekest , and him thou possessest ; thy heart longeth after him , and right sure thou art of him , for his delight is to bee with those that love him . lastly , when ; on earth : when ; in this life : when ; while wee are in health ; while wee are in these tabernacles of clay ; while wee carry about us these earthly vessels ; while wee are clothed with flesh ; before the evill day come ; or the night approach ; or the shadow of death encompasse us ; now in the opportunate time , the time of grace , the time of redemption , the appointed time , while our peace may bee made : not to deferre from youth to age , lest wee bee prevented by death before wee come to age ; but so to live every day , as if wee were to dye every day , that at last wee may live with him who is the length of daies . what remaineth then , but that wee conclude the whole series or progresse of this discourse with an exhortation to counsell you , an instruction to caution you ; closing both in one conclusion to perswade you to put in daily practice , what already hath beene tendred to you . now , gentlemen , that i may take a friendly farewell of you ; i am to exhort you to a course vertuous , which among good men is ever held most generous . let not , o let not the pleasures of sinne for a season , withdraw your mindes from that exceeding great weight of glory kept in store for the faithfull , after their passage from this vale of misery ! often call to minde the riches of that kingdome after which you seeke : those fresh pastures fragrant medows , and redolent fields diapred and embrodered with sweetest and choicest flowers : those blessed citizens , heavenly saints and servants of god , who served him here on earth faithfully , and now raigne with him triumphantly . let your hearts bee exditers of a good matter , and your voices viols to this heavenly measure . o how glorious things are spoken of thee thou citie of god ; as the habitation of all that rejoyce is in thee ! thou art founded on the exaltation of the whole earth . there is in thee neither old-age , nor the miserie of old-age . there is in thee neither maime , nor lame , nor crooked , nor deformed , seeing all attaine to the perfect man , to that measure of age , or fulnesse of christ. who would not become humble petitioner before the throne of grace , to bee made partaker of such an exceeding weight of glory ? secondly , to instruct you where this crowne of righteousnesse is to bee sought ; it is to bee sought in the house of god , in the temple of the lord , in the sanctuary of the most high. o doe not hold it any derogation to you , to bee servants ; yea , servants of the lowest ranke , even doore-keepers in the house of the lord ! constantine the great gloried more in being a member of the church , than the head of an empire . o then , let it bee your greatest glory to advance his glory , who will make you vessels of glory ! but know , that to obey the deligths of the flesh , to divide your portion among harlots , to drinke till the wine grow red , to make your life a continued revell , is not the way to obtaine this crowne . tribulation must goe before consolation ; you must clime up to the crosse , before you receive this crowne . the israelites were to passe thorow a desart , before they came to canaan . this desart is the world , canaan heaven . o who would not bee here afflicted , that hee may bee there comforted ! who would not be here crossed , that hee may bee there crowned ! who would not with patience passe thorow this desart , onely in hope to come to canaan ! canaan , the inheritance of the just ; canaan , the lot of the righteous ; canaan , a fat land flowing with milke and honey ; canaan , an habitation , of the most holy ; canaan , a place promised to abraham ; canaan , the bosome of father abraham , even heaven ; but not the heaven of heaven , to which even the earth it selfe is the very empyraean heaven , for this is heaven of heaven to the lord : because knowne to none but to the lord. thirdly , and lastly , that i may conclude , and concluding perswade you ; neglect not this opportunate time of grace that is now offered you . i know well , that gentlemen of your ranke cannot want such witty consorts , as will labour by their pleasant conceits to remove from you the remembrance of the evill day : but esteeme not those conceits for good , which strive to estrange from your conceit the chiefest good . let it bee your task every day , to provide your selves against the evill day ; so shall not the evill day , when it commeth affright you , nor the terrours of death prevaile against you , nor the last summons perplex you , nor the burning lake consume you . o what sharpe , extreme , and insuperable taskes would those wofull tormented soules take upon them , if they might bee freed but one houre from those horrours which they see , those tortures which they feele ! o then while time is graunted you , omit no time , neglect no opportunity ! bee instant in season and out of season , holding on in the race which is set before you , and persevering in every good work even unto the end . because they that continue unto the end , shall bee saved , what is this life but a minute , and lesse than a minute in respect of eternity ? yet if this minute bee well imployed , it will bring you to the fruition of eternity . short and momentany are the afflictions of this life ; yet supported with patience , and subdued with long sufferance , they crowne the sufferer with glory endlesse . short likewise are the pleasures of this life , which as they are of short continuance , so bring they forth no other fruit than the bitter pils of repentance : whereas in heaven there are pleasures for evermore , comforts for evermore , joyes for evermore : no carnall , but cordiall joy : no laughter of the body , but of the heart : for though the righteous sorrow , their sorrow ends when they end , but joy shall come upon them without end . o meditate of these in your beds , and in your fields ; when you are journeying on the way , and when you are so journing in your houses : where compare your court-dalliance with these pleasures , and you shall finde all your rioting , triumphs and revelling , to bee rather occasions of sorrowing than solacing , mourning than rejoycing ! bathe you in your stoves , or repose you in your arbours , these cannot allay the least pang of an afflicted conscience . o then so live every day , as you may die to sin every day ! that as you are ennobled by your descent on earth , you may bee ennobled in heaven after your descent to earth . laus deo. totum hoc ut à te veniet , totur● ad te redeat . a gentleman is a man of himselfe , without the addition of either taylor , millener , seamster or haberdasher . actions of goodnesse he holds his supreme happinesse : the fate of a yonger brother cannot depresse his thoughts below his elder . hee scornes basenesse more than want ; and holds noblenesse his sole worth . a crest displayes his house , but his owne actions expresse himselfe . hee scornes pride , as a derogation to gentry ; and walks with so pure a soule , as hee makes uprightnesse the honour of his family . hee wonders at a profuse foole , that hee should spend when honest frugality bids him spare ; and no lesse at a miserable crone , who spares when reputation bids him spend . though heire of no great fortunes , yet his extensive hand will not shew it . hee shapes his coat to his cloth ; and scornes as much to bee holden , as to bee a gally-slave . hee hath been youthfull , but his maturer experience hath so ripened him , as hee hates to become either gull or cheat. his disposition is so generous , as others happinesse cannot make him repine , nor any occurrent , save sinne , make him repent . hee admires nothing more than a constant spirit , derides nothing more than a recreant condition , embraceth nothing with more intimacie , than a prepared resolution . amongst men hee hates no lesse to bee uncivill , than in his feare to godward to bee servile . education hee holds a second nature ; which ( such innate seeds of goodnesse are sowne in him ) ever improves him , seldome or never depraves him . learning hee holds not onely an additament , but ornament to gentry . no complement gives more accomplishment . hee intends more the tillage of his minde , than his ground ; yet suffers not that to grow wilde neither . hee walkes not in the clouds to his friend , but to a stranger . hee eyes the court with a vertuous and noble contemplation ; and dis-values him most , whose sense consists in sent . hee viewes the city , with a princely command of his affections . no object can with-draw him from himselfe ; or so distract his desires as to covet ought unworthily ; or so intraunce his thoughts , as to admire ought servilely . hee lives in the countrey without thought of oppression ; makes every evening his dayes ephemeris . if his neighbours field flourish , hee doth not envy it ; if it lie fit for him , hee scornes to covet it . there is not that place hee sees , nor that pleasure hee enjoyes , whereof he makes not some singular use to his owne good , and gods glory . vocation hee admits of , walking in it with so generous and religious a care , as hee makes piety his practice , acts of charity his exercise , and the benefit of others his sole solace . hee understands that neither health commeth from the clouds without seeking , nor wealth from the clods without digging . hee recommends himselfe therefore in the morning to gods protection and favour , that all the day long hee may more prosperously succeed in his labour . hee holds idlenesse to bee the very moth of mans time : day by day therefore hath hee his taske imposed , that the poison of idlenesse may bee better avoided . hee holds , as gods opportunity is mans extremity ; so mans security is the divels opportunity . hoping therefore hee feares , fearing hee takes heed , and taking heed hee becomes safe . hospitality hee holds a relique of gentry : hee harbours no passion but compassion . hee grieves no lesse at anothers losse than his owne ; nor joyes lesse in anothers successe than his owne peculiar . recreation hee useth to refresh him , but not surprize him . delights cannot divert him from a more serious occasion ; neither can any houre-beguiling pastime divide him from an higher contemplation . for honest pleasures , hee is neither so stoicall as wholly to contemne them , nor so epicureall as too sensually to affect them . there is no delight on mountaine , vale , coppice , or river , whereof hee makes not an usefull and contemplative pleasure . recreation hee admits , not to satisfie his sense , but solace himselfe . hee fixeth his minde on some other subject , when any pleasure begins too strongly to worke upon him : hee would take it , but not bee taken by it . hee attempers his attractivest pastimes with a little alloes ; to weane him all the sooner from their sweetnesse . hee scornes that a moment of content should deprive him of an eternity of comfort . hee corrects therefore his humour , in the desire of pleasure , that hee may come off with more honour . acquaintance hee entertaines with feare , but retaines with fervor . hee consorts with none , but where hee presumes hee may either better them , or bee bettered by them . vertue is the sole motive of his choice : hee conceives how no true amity , nor constant society can ever bee amongst evill men . hee holds it a blemish to the repute of a gentleman , and an aspersion to his discretion to make choice of those for his associates , who make no more account of time , than how to passe it over . conference hee affects ; and those hee admits onely into the list of his discourse , whom hee findes more reall than verball , more solid than complementall . hee will try him before hee rely on him : but having found him touch , they touch his honour that impeach him . moderation in his desires , cares , feares , or in what this theatre of earth may afford , hee expresseth so nobly , as neither love of whatsoever hee enjoyes can so enthrall him , nor the losse of what hee loves can any way appall him . a true and generous moderation of his affections , hath begot in him an absolute command and conquest of himselfe . hee smiles , yet compassionately grieves at the immoderation of poore worldlings in their cares and griefes ; at the indiscretion of ambitious and voluptuous flies in their desires and feares . perfection he aspires to ; for no lower mound can confine him , no inferiour bound impale him . vertue is the staire that raiseth to height of this story . his ascent is by degrees ; making humility his directresse , lest hee should faile or fall in his progresse . his wings are holy desires ; his feet heavenly motions . there is no sense which he offers not up as a sweet incense , to expedite his course and refresh his conscience . he holds it the sweetest life to be every day better , till length of dayes reunite him to his redeemer . hee hath plaid his part on this stage of earth with honour ; and now in his exit makes heaven his harbour . finis . an exact table , or directory , leading to the principall points contained in this booke , yovth . observat. . ovr youthfull yeares , our climactericall years ; with the dangers that attend on youthfull yeares ; seconded by an authentick story out of eusebius . p. . the vanity of youth displayed in foure distinct subjects . two reasons why young-men were not admitted to deliver their opinions in publike assemblies . . three violent passions incident to youth . two reasons why youth is naturally subject to those illimited passions of ambition , lust , revenge . ibid. especiall motives or incendiaries , tending to the increase of those passions . the proper postures of a compleate roarer . physicke prescribed , and receits applyed , to cure these maladies in youth . what choice imployments deserve entertainment from a gentleman . ib. disposition . observat. . the diversity of dispositions . pag. a probable judgement of our dispositions , drawne from the delights we affect , or company we frequent . passion the best discoverer of our disposition . ibid. discovery of dispositions in distempers . ib promotion held ever , mans best anatomy lecture . the disposition is not to be forced . what disposition ( being distinguished by three infallible markes ) is most generous : mildnesse . munificence . stoutnesse . the proper ayme or end whereto the actions of true resolution are directed : with the prudent observation of cortugall , one of the turkish princes , in his perswasive oration for the besiege of rhodes . edvcation . observat. . what education is . pag. education dilates it selfe to three subjects . ibid. our knowledge reflects upon two particulars . a profitable exhortation to all such as are drawne away by strange doctrine . two especiall errours incident to subiects of discourse ; affectation , imitation , whereof gentlemen are seriously cautioned . perswasion , being the life and efficacy of speech , consisteth on three parts . ibid the excellent morall of a bird , and a fowler . . immoderate passion , in arguments of discourse and reasoning , to be avoided education either improveth or depraveth . education , the best seasoner of action , as well as of speech , or knowledge : no lesse prevalent in arts manuall ; than actions martiall . ibid. & the admirable effects of education . ibid. how a gentleman may bee best enabled by education . ● education , the best seasoner of youth . vocation . observat. . the definition , necessity , and conveniencie of a vocation without personall exception or exemption . pag. . . vertue consists in action , time in revolution , the maze of mans life in perpetuall motion . pag. . l. three necessary considerations touching the conveniencie of a vocation ; divided and applyed . the efficacy of prayer in every vocation ; and the exercise thereof seriously recommended . ibid. we are to resist vices , by practising and doing acts of the contrary vertues . men of place , in respect of three distinct objects , are three wayes servants . . l. . men of place , of all others are least exempted from a vocation . . l. the ground of all novellisme . vocation in generall . the first invention of trades , arts , or sciences . the ancient borough of kendall ( upon serious discourse of manufacture ) worthily commended for their industry in wooll-worke : the judicious dutch-men of kes-wick , for their copper-worke . a serious survey and judicious display of all the liberall sciences . . the vocation of a gentleman in particular . the vocation of a gentleman hath imployment publike or private . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in publike affaires of state. ibid. how in chusing knights and burgesses of parliament , those are ever to be preferred , who seeke least after it : and how a too eager pursuit after offices , argues either arrogance , avarice , or weaknesse . ib. the life of man either active or contemplative . . l. . directions of reservancy , usefull to all gentlemen in their keeping of company . ibid. l. credulity , in two respects , dangerous to persons imployed in affaires of state. credulity in beleeving the relations of others . credulity in imparting his thoughts to the secrecy of others : shewed in a conceited story . . . resolution in suffering neither price to draw him , nor power to over-awe him : the one to taint him , nor the other to daunt him . disobedience punished in acts most successive . the holy war , as a consequent action of honour , recommended to the undertaking of all young gentlemen . . lin . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in publike affaires . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in private affaires . ibid. two perillous shelfes which endanger iustice. how iustice is to be poized equally . ibid. impunity the foster-mother of all impiety . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in his owne family . every family a private common-wealth . . marg . a gentleman is so to demeane himselfe in his family , as he neither hoord up niggardly , nor lash out lavishly . . l. he is to keepe a hanke of his bounty , lest too much profusenesse bring him to misery . ib. l. he is neither to be too remisse , nor too severe in his family . ibid. how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in spirituall affaires within his family . the exercise of devotion commended , a blessing thereon pronounced , if duly performed ; which blessing is on a precept and a promise grounded . . recreation . observat. . the difference of recreations . pag. of the moderate and immoderate use of recreation . the benefit redounding from moderate recreation . the inconveniences arising from immoderate recreation . the yeare of iubile defined and described . ib. objections against stage-playes , proposed and resolved . . what honours ancient and moderne times have conferred on poets , and what bounties for their poems . . what especiall subjects are privileg'd from i●sts . who the first comedian , who the first tragedian . ibid. a wofull example of a gentlewoman , who was a continuall frequenter of stage-playes . his vindication from a traducing opinion , conceived of him touching stage-playes . ib. mar . excesse of gaming reproved . cheaters displayed ; their humours experimentally decoloured , their habit , garbe , and formall insinuation discovered . ibid. young gamesters most subject to passion . a dolefull example of one that at game used imprecation . ibid. another moderne example covertly shadowed , of one who desperately surprized with distemper of losse , poysoned himselfe . ibid an excellent morall discourse of hunting . the story of the foole of millan , and his discourse with a falconer . of recreations best sorting with the quality of a gentleman . in exercises of recreation , those onely are most approved , by whom they are with least affectation performed , and with most freedome of mind embraced . . l. the misery of duello's . an accurate discourse of valour , and how in arguments of contest or challenge , a gentleman may come off with honour . a collection and election of histories . the knowledge of our owne moderne chronicles , most beneficiall to gentlemen . . history the sweetest recreation of the mind . the judgement of god inflicted upon the actors and authors of treason , sacriledge , &c. . what good morall men have flourished in evill times . . how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in recreation . prodigality condemned , moderation in expence , as well as in the exercise it selfe , commended . distinction of times for recreations , necessarily injoyned . no expence more pretious , then the expence of time . ibid. election of games for recreation : which conduce most to memory or retention ; which to pregnancy of conceit or apprehension . ibid. acquaintance . observat. . of the use of acquaintance . pag. mans security , the devils opportunity . . l. a display of some monasticke professors . ib. privacy no lesse perillous than society . ibid. the particular benefits derived from acquaintance , extend to discourse . advice . action . of the benefit wee reape by acquaintance in matters of discourse . ibid. of the choice of acquaintance in matters of advice . friendship resembled to the iuniper tree , whose wood is sweetest , shade coolest , and coal● hottest . ib. marg . of the benefit properly derived from one friend to another in every peculiar action . the expressive character of a reall friend . the benefits which redound from the mut●all union or communion of friends in the exercise of pleasure . all iests either festive or civill . ibid. those jests are best seasoned , that are least salted . a rule of infallible direction touching choice of acquaintance . ibid. of the choice or judicious approvement of acquaintance , in affaires of highest consequence . neither timist nor timonist are within the lists of acquaintance to be entertained . ib. the timist , or time-observer , displayed , and displaced . ibid. the timonist , or time-detracter , discovered and discarded . evil society the source of all sensuality . what directions are to bee observed in the choice of a wife . which branch hath proper relation to three choice characters , annexed to the end of this worke ; which characters are in some copies only annexed , and for some other observations hereafter reserved . the harsh and heremiticall conceit of the carthaginian arminius , touching mariage . ibid. the character of a shamelesse wanton . the character of a shamefast woman . advice in respect both of portion and proportion . . . &c. priviledges granted to such as are maried . nobility and affability hold equalli'st concurrency . ibid. l. sundry inducing motives to love recountèd . of constancy in the choice of acquaintance . who are best consorts to pray with , to play with , to converse or commerce with . l. three faculties of the vnderstanding , with their objects . of reservancy towards acquaintance . a two-fold reservancy ; in reconciling our secrets . ibid. &c. in reteining our substance . an admirable story , clozing with an unexpected catastrophe , of a prodigall gentleman , and an unconscionable creditor . . &c. of the absolute end of acquaintance . all things by course of nature have their proper end , save only suits of law , which admit no end . ibid. l. a briefe survey of acquaintance , in city , court , and countrey . learning , the moving'st inducement and exquisitest ornament of acquaintance . ibid. &c. titles formerly conferred on such as were learned ibid. the absolute aime or end of acquaintance , is either to better them , or be bettered by them . especiall offices wherein friendship and acquaintance should be exercised . ibid. what gracious effects were produced by the friendly compassion of those faithfull instruments of gods glory , in the first conversion of this kingdome . . . the flourishing state of the church , amidst many hoary winters of innovation , turbulent times of persecution . . an excellent conclusive precept recommended to all young gentlemen . ib. & moderation . observat. . moderation defined . pag. our life a medley of desires and feares . ibid. moderation of princes in their contempt of soveraignty , illustrated by an example of one of our owne . otho's resolution , who by dying had rather prove himselfe a mortall creature , than by living , load himselfe with cares of an emperour . no vertue can subsist without moderation . a review of those maine assailants of temperance , lust , ambition , gorgeousnesse in apparell , luscious fare , company keeping , &c. illustrated by divers instances . . &c. what excellent fruits are derived from temperance . conquest of a mans affections , the greatest victory . chastity the choicest ornament of youth . ibid. a distinction of degrees , conjugall , viduall , virginall . a more particular display of cheaters , with their obsequious natures , &c. wherein moderation is to be used . expence of coine . expence of time . motives to hospitality with a reclaim of our gentry from the court to their countrey . three sorts of persons encountred and reproved for their abuse or carelesse expence of time , the ambitious . voluptuous . miserable-covetous . the ambitious mans designes aptly compared to domitians catching flies , or the misty conclusions of the deluded alchymist . the voluptuous libertine misse-imployeth time in two respects ; in respect of himselfe . in respect of those good creatures , ordained for the use and service of himselfe . ibid. the covetous wretches treasury , the store-house of his misery . nothing so terrible as the approach of death to a worldling . moderation of the passions of the mind , reduced to two subjects , ioy. sorrow . ibid. the christians ioy is no carnall but a spirituall ioy. his sorrow is not a sorrow unto sinne , but a sorrow for sinne . ibid. eye is made the sense of sorrow , because the sense of sin . wherein moderation is to be limited . the occasion of all immoderation derived from those three troubled springs : concupiscence of the flesh ; concupiscence of the eye ; pride of life . excellent rules prescribed for moderating cares of the flesh . ibid. the eye , as it is the tendrest and subtillest organ of all others , so should the object wheron it is fixed , be the purest and clearest of all others . the eagle an embleme of divine contemplation . ibid. the worldlings earthly honour resembled to the bird ibis , her filthy nature . ibid. the desperate fate of an inamoured italian . ibid. l. the proud luciferians of this world similized to the chamelion , who hath nothing in his body but lungs . . lin . promotion declares what men be ; instanced in cardinall woolsey . ibid. the power of prayer expressed by these three distinct characters : it is . gods honour ; mans armour ; the devils terrour . or thus , gods oblation ; mans munition ; the devils expulsion . which pious practise , as it is gods sacrifice , so should it be mans exercise . ibid. and absolute clozing direction tending to true moderation . ibid. of the accomplished end which attends moderation . ibid. the difference betwixt the ethnicke and christian ethicke , in the opinion of felicity . the exercise of moderation reduced to a three-fold practise ; overcomming of anger , by the spirit of patience . wantonnesse , by the spirit of continence . pride , by the spirit of lowlinesse . he who useth his tongue to filthy communication , incurs a three-fold offence : in dishonouring his maker . in blemishing his soules image or feature . in ministring matter of scandall to his brether ▪ wherein true content properly consisteth those two passions or affections of desire and feare ; desire of having more than we have ; feare of losing what wee already have , may be properly said to have a three-fold respect : to the goods or endowments of mind . ibid. body . ibid. fortune . ibid. no attendant more tenderly constant to a gentlemans reputation , than moderation . moderation the best monitor in advising and advancing him to the true title of honour . perfection . observat. . no perfection in this life absolute , but graduall . pag. two considerations of maine consequence : the foe that assaults us . the friend that assists us . the christians compleate armour . ibid. the first institution of fasts , with the fruit thereof . the power of prayer : with examples of such as were most conversant in that holy exercise . ibid. & circumstances observable in workes of charity and devotion . ibid. objections and resolutions upon the ground of perfection . . lin . . &c. of the contemplative part of perfection . a corollary betwixt the heathen and christian contemplation . examples of a contemplative and r●tired life . a three-fold meditation of necessary importance : worthinesse of the soule ; vnworthinesse of earth ; thankefulnesse unto god , who made man the worthiest creature upon earth . . &c. of the active part of perfection . no contagion so mortally dangerous to the body , as corrupt company is to the soule . two especiall memorials recommended to our devoutest meditations : the author of our creation . ib. the end of our creation ib. a foure-fold creation . . lin . the fabulous and frivolous opinions of foure heathen philosophers , ascribing the creation of all things to the foure elements . . l. their arguments evinced by pregnant testimonies , both of scriptures and fathers . ibid. the end of our creation . ibid. singular precepts of mortification . idlenesse begetteth security , properly termed the soules lethargy . a christian ephemerid●s ; or his evening account . ibid. the active part of perfection , preferr'd before the contemplative . no armorie can more truly deblazon a gentleman , than acts of charity and compassion . the active preferred before the contemplative , for two respects ; the first whereof hath relation to our selves ; the second to others . . ignorance is to be preferred before knowledge loosely perverted ; with a comparison by way of objection and resolution , betwixt the conveniences of action and knowledge . ibid. action is the life of man , and example the direction of his life . . lin . wherein the active part of perfection consisteth . active perfection consisteth in mortification of action and affection . mortification extends it selfe in a three-fold respect , to these three distinct subjects : life . name . goods . illustrated with eminent examples of christian resolution , during the ten persecutions . . not the act of death , but the cause of death makes the martyr . no action , how glorious soever , can bee crowned , unlesse it bee on a pure intention grounded . ibid. mortification in respect of name or report , is two-fold : in turning our eares from such as prayse us . in hearing with patience such as revile us . scandals distinguished : and which with more patience than others may bee tolerated . . . &c. mortification in our contempt of all worldly substance : pitching upon two markeable considerations by whom these blessings are conferr'd on us . how they are to bee disposed by us . vaine-glory shuts man from the gate of glory . an exquisite connection of the precedent meditations . the absolute or supreme end whereto this actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it solely resteth . singular patternes of mortification , in their contempt of life , and embrace of death . . the reason of his frequent repetition of sundry notable occurrences throughout this whole book : wherein sundry passages throughout this last edition have suffer'd in the obscurity of their expressions , by the omissions of their marginall authorities , digits or directions . the heart can no more by circumference of the world be confined , than a triangle by a circle filled . . lin though our feet be on earth , our faith must be in heaven . a pithy exhortation ; a powerfull instruction ; clozing with a perswasive conclusion . . a character intituled , a gentleman . the english gentlevvoman , drawne ovt to the full body : expressing what habilliments doe best attire her , what ornaments doe best adorne her , what complements doe best accomplish her . the third edition revised , corrected , and enlarged . by richard brathvvait esq. modestia , non forma . london , printed by i. dawson . . to her , whose trve love to vertve hath highly ennobled herselfe , renowned her sexe , honoured her house : the right honourable anne , countesse of pembroke ; the only daughter to a memorable father , george lord clifford , earle of cvmberland . the accomplishment of her divinest wishes . madam ; some moneths are past , since i made bold to recommend to my right honourable lord your husband , an english gentleman ; whom hee was pleased , forth of his noble disposition to receive into his protection . into whose most honourable service he was no sooner entertained , & upon due observance of his integrity approved ; then upon approvement of his more piercive judgement , hee became generally received . out of these respects , my most honourable lady , i became so encouraged , as i have presumed to preferre unto your service an english gentlewoman , one of the same countrey and family , a deserving sister of so generous a brother : or ( if you will ) a pleasing spouse to so gracious a lover . whom , if your honour shall be but pleased to entertaine ( and your noble candor is such , as shee can expect nothing lesse ) especially , seeing her exquisite feature takes life from his hand , whose family claimes affinity with your fathers house ; you shall find excellently graced with sundry singular qualities , beautified with many choice endowments , and so richly adorned with divers exquisite ornaments , as her attendance shall be no derogation to your honour , nor no touch to your unblemish'd selfe , to reteine her in your favour . the living memory of your thrice noble and heroick father , may justly exact this addressement of mine to his daughter : of whom my father sometimes held such neare dependance , being ever cheered by his countenance , and highly obliged to his goodnesse . this memoriall made mee confident of a patronesse ; and so much the rather , being to preferre a maid so complete and richly qualified , as shee could not chuse but deserve highly from the hand of so noble a mistresse . sure i am , the sweetnesse of her temper , sorts and sutes well with the quality or disposition of your honour : for shee loves without any painted pretences to be really vertuous , without any popular applause to be affably gracious , without any glorious glosse to bee sincerely zealous . her education hath so enabled her , as shee can converse with you of all places , deliver her judgement conceivingly of most persons , and discourse most delightfully of all fashions . shee hath beene so well schooled in the discipline of this age , as shee onely desires to reteine in memory that forme which is least affected but most comely ; to consort with such as may improve her knowledge and practise of goodnesse by their company ; to entertaine those for reall and individuate friends , who make actions of piety expressivest characters of their amity . diligent you shall ever find her in her imployments , serious in her advice , temperate in her discourse , discreet in her answers . shee bestowes farre more time in eying the glasse of her life , to rectifie her errors , if there be any , then the glasse of her face in wiping off such outward staines as might blemish her beauty . neither in preserving that , is shee altogether so remisse , as not to reteine that seemely grace in her feature , as may put her in remembrance of the unexpressive beauty and bounty of her maker . neate she goes usually in her attire , which shee puts on with more care then cost . and to these she addes such a well-seeming grace , as shee bestowes more beauty on them , then she receives from them . phantasticke habits or forraine fashions are so farre from taking her , as with a sleight but sweet contempt they are dis-valued by her . she wonders how a wise state should imploy so much time in inventing variety of disguises to disfigure their shape . this makes her desire rather to be out of request with time , then with a civill and well-composed mind ; whose honour it is to be prized more by her owne internall worth , then any outward weare . constant shee is in her behaviour ; wherein shee affects little , but observes much ; with a bashfull admiration shee smiles at these civilized simpring dames , whose onely glory it is to affect a kind of reserved state ; which , as they hold , consists principally in a mine'd speech , set looke , or ginger pace ▪ shee loves alwayes to bee her selfe , nor to entertaine ought which may estrange her from her selfe . so as , there is nothing in the whole posture of her behaviour , but with a native gracefull propriety doth infinitely become her . take upon her to instruct others , she will not , such is her humility ; albeit , every moving posture which comes from her , may be a line of direction unto others to follow her . complement she affects not , as the world takes it . the word in his owne native and unborrowed signification is good , and in that sense she admits it ; but to bee restrained to an inforced formality , shee cannot relish it . whence it is , that shee prefers the incomparable liberty of her mind , before the mutable formality of a deluded age . shee desires to bee compleat in the exercise of goodnesse ; to improve her honour not by titles but a lovely and lively proficience , graced with a continuate practise in all vertues . shee cannot indure this later introduc'd kind of complement , which consists in cringies , congies , or supple salutes . a cheerefull modesty is her best complement , which shee ever weares about her as her chiefest ornament . decency shee affects in her cloathes , affability in her discourse ; shee hath made a covenant with her eyes never to wander , nor intentively to bestow themselves on any other object than the glory of her maker . a proper personage is no such attractive motive to her eye , to make her loose her selfe . whatsoever shee undertakes beseemes her , because shee affects nought but what naturally becomes her . her beauty is her owne ; and whatsoever else may better accomplish her . her pathes are evenly vertuous ; her desires truly religious ; piety is her practise ; which shee expresseth so fully in every action ; as the whole course of her well-disposed life is not so much as justly conscious of the least aspersion . so highly shee values her estimation , as shee will not engage it to suspition . promises cannot tempt her , nor hope of advancement taint her . she wonders one should preferre a conceit of being great , before a desire of appearing good . protesting lovers shee holds for no better then deceiving lures . bee their vowes of service never so incessant , their assaults never so violent ; her resolves have vow'd her constant . hope of profit cannot surprize her , nor thought of pleasure vainely delude her . estimation shee holds her highest grace , with which untainted shee purposeth to goe to her grave . shee knowes how to fancie ; and in her she reteines what she fancies most ; a chaste soule : this is that shee loves , and with which shee cheerfully lives . shee was never yet acquainted with a passionate ah me ; nor a carelesse folding of her armes , as if the thought of a prevailing lover had wrought in her thoughts some violent distemper . so seriously doth shee taske her selfe to imployment , as shee never reserves so much time as to treat of so light a subject . yet she unfainedly vowes , that if it be ever her fortune to make her choice , her constant affection must never admit any change. to be generous in every action , hath beene ever the height of her ambition . howsoever she might boast of descent , her desire is to raise it by desert . shee holds , no family can be truly generous , unlesse it be nobly vertuous . her life must expresse the line from whence she came . she scornes to entertaine one thought below her selfe : or to detract from the glory of that house from whence she came . as the blood that streames through her veines was nobly derived , so must it not by any action or affection drawne from the rule of her direction , become corrupted . for honour , she admits it , but seldome or never admires it ; the staires by which shee meanes to clime to it , must be faire and firme , or shee will never mount them . she rather admires the ages folly ; while shee observes how many hazard their high-priz'd liberty , for a vading glimpse of popular glory . her desires are higher seated , where they are only to be sated . a secure state consists not in styles but vertues , which are honours surest stayes . therefore her highest honour reflects on her creator , wherein she is so farre from fearing , wherein she is so farre from fearing , as she is ever wishing more corrivals . this is the gentlewoman whom i have presumed here to present unto your ladiships service , whose sweet converse will at retired houres afford you choicest solace . neither should you ranke her amongst the lowest of your meney , will it displease her , such is her humility : for she hath learned as well to obey as command . nor will she spare for any paines , so her diligence may please . only ( madam ) be pleased to shine upon her with the gracious raies of your favour , to shrowd her bashfull endeavours under the wings of your honour ; and entertaine her blushing approach with your benigne censure . so shall you find a constant desire of requitall in her ; and engage him , whose intimate zeale to your honour recommended her , your ladiships devoted servant : richard brathwait . to the gentlevvoman reader . gentlevvomen : i have here presented unto your view one of your owne sexe ; one , whose improved education will bee no blemish but a beautie to her nation . peruse her , and i make little doubt , but you will so approve of her behaviour , as you shall acknowledge her right worthy the title of a sister . more shall you find in her , by freely conversing with her , than in those yovng but loose english gentlewomen , whose long mercinary prostitution upon the stall , hath brought them out of request , and made them grow too stale , by being exposed to publike sale. many countries hath shee coasted , sundry dangers accoasted , courts and cities hath shee frequented , to returne home better freighted , and re-convey the benefit of that fraught to this iland , where shee was first bred and now arrived . doe yee itch after fashion ? shee is for you ; yet not that , which the vanity of this age admits ; but what modesty onely affects . shee hath observed much in forraine courts , which deserv'd rather contempt than imitation ; this shee would not for a world introduce into a well-govern'd state ; so tender shee is of her fame , as no place nor person shall derive from her the least staine . whatsoever shee hath commendably seene , is no lesse fully than faithfully showne , and with that temporate style drawne , as in every line some one precept of vertue seemes to shine . neither in this her strict or serious observation of times , doth shee resemble those lamiae , who use to take their eyes with them when they goe abroad , but lye them aside when they come home : no ; so little doth shee favour her selfe , as shee preferres others censures before her owne ; and in no one particular so much expresseth her owne true glory , as in the constant practise of humility . hence it is , that shee is no curious pryer into others actions , nor too censorious a reproover of others directions : being , indeed , a tyresias in the eying or de●scrying of others errors , an argvs in her owne . what is good and amiable in the eye of vertue , shee embraceth with an affectionate tender ; making it her highest honour , to promote the glory of her maker . but lest by being too serious , shee might become tedious ; shee will not sticke to walke abroad with you into more pleasing groves or pastures of delight : where shee will converse with you of love , and intermixe her discourse with such time-beguiling tales , as variety shall no lesse sharpen your attention , then the modesty of her method beget admiration . every subject shee treats of , you shall find so equally tempered with profit and delight ; as the one shall no lesse benefit your mind , than the other solace your eare . shee can reprove without gall , blush without guilt , love without guile , live without gaine . her gaine is to purchase vertue more followers ; her guile , to deprive the world of her favourers ; her guilt , to defeat all vitious pioners ; her gall , to dis-relish all voluptuous practisers . shee can discourse of love without lightnesse ; converse with love without loosenesse ; and consort with those shee loves without lewdnesse . she knowes how to reteine a seemely state without pride ; to expresse her selfe praise-worthy without selfe-praise ; and in all her actions to make vertue her highest prize . humility , which is the princesse of vertues , the conqueresse of vices , the mirror of virgins , and crowne of christians , shee so much honours , as shee values it above all humane glory : whence it is , that shee hath ever reapt more spirituall profit by dis-esteeme then selfe-esteeme . day by day shee recreates her selfe in her garden of good-will ; and in her recreation , shee makes this her soule-solacing meditation : who bee they that neighbour neare mee , and whose weake estates stand in need of mee ? concluding with this charitable resolution : there is none so poore , but to my power i will relieve , so long as i live , for the honour of his image whom i love . shee divides her day into houres , her houres into holy taskes . employment takes away all occasions of distraction . should shee suffer a light or indisposed thought to worke upon her imagination : or give way to any such intruder to disturbe the peace of her inward house , shee would endure her selfe worse for many yeares , and inflict upon her extravagant affections such a censure , as might deterre them thenceforth to wander . shee distates none more than these busie house-wives , who are ever running into discourse of others families , but forget their owne . neither holds shee it sufficient to bee onely an house-keeper ; or , snayle-like , to bee still under roofe : shee partakes therefore of the pismire in providing , of the sareptan widow in disposing : holding ever an absent providence better then an improvident presence . shee is no common frequenter of publike feasts , but if neighbour-hood require it , shee will admit of it : wherein shee demeanes her selfe so civilly , as there is no discreet person but joyes in her society . there is nothing must beget in her a distemper , having ever a tender eye o're her honour . in the report of others praises shee is attentive , but deafe to her owne . bee shee in places of publike resort or privately retyr'd , shee ever enjoyes her selfe ; neither can excesse of birth transport her , or any crosse occurrent much perplexe her . there is nought that aliens her mind more from those with whom shee consorts , then an immodest discourse , which shee interrupts with a discreet anger . wheresoever shee sets her rest , she makes vertue her guest ; whom shee entertaines with so sweet an embrace , as nothing can divide them : so firme and inviolable is the league that is betwixt them . shee conceives no small delight in educating the young and unexperienced damsels of your sexe : wherein shee reteines an excellent faculty and facility . it shall not bee amisse therefore for you who have daughters , to recommend them to her direction , whose government is such , as neither her too much indulgence shall spoyle them ; nor restraint dull them . whatsoever shee in many yeares hath learned ( so desirous is shee to benefit where her observations may afford profit ) shee is willing to impart ; to the end shee may procure her more servants , whom shee religiously hath ever vow'd to serve . long hath shee beene a learner , neither is shee asham'd to bee so still . onely for vertues honour , is shee become a teacher ; that the younger may bee instructed by those that are elder ; the undisciplin'd by such as are riper . neither shall you find her show in performing what shee hath so perfectly learned : for her very life is a continued line of direction , being solely dedicated to a vertuous profession . saint cyprian did sharpely reprove a rich woman , for comming into the lords temple without her oblation : but this reproofe shee would bee loath justly to incurre : therefore shee goes better prepar'd , that her portion of glory may bee sooner shar'd : having an oblation in her hand , devotion in her heart , and a crowne of consolation in hope . you then , who love modesty , entertaine her ; for shee will sort well with your humour , and through her acquaintance improve your honour . for such , who sacrifice the morne to their glasse , the afternoone to the stage , and evening to revelling ; shee holds no correspondence with them . these shee holds for no imployments ; nor the professors of them worthy her knowledge . they must not abuse time , that are commended to her trust . shee is not so weary of time , neither doth shee so disvalue it , as with such impertinences to consume it . those likewise , who preferre fashion before decency , formall punto'es before reall formality , and will suffer themselves to bee deluded by vanity ; they must not bee admitted into her family . shee hath learned better things than to foole her selfe in a painted disguise ; or to labour of that vniversall disease , which the corruption of a full and florishing state usually produceth . shee hath learned with that better sister , to chuse the better part . constant bee her purposes , contentment her desires , consonant her delights . bee it then your honour to bee informed by her ▪ seeing her instructions are equally mixt with profit and pleasure . now if you object , that shee hath beene too slow in comming , seeing her gentleman so long since arrived ; heare mine answer ; and suspend your censure , by imputing this fault to our english error : where venus is longer in trimming , than mars in training : though hee too , in these distracted times , hath beene too slow in marching . many provisions were required by her , before the world were to bee possessed of her . much likewise expected from her , before the world had knowledge of her ; this made her the longer to retire , that shee might profit the more in her returne . may you , gentlewomen , bee the instance of it ; so shall both the author and his labour rejoyce in it . to draw then to a conclusion , lest my por●ell rise too high for my building ; as you are not to expect from her any guga-tyres , toyes , or trifles ; love-sented gloves , amorous potions , perfumed pictures , or love-sicke pouders ; so shee doubts not , but to find in you an eare , prompt to attention ; a tongue , cleare of invection ; a spirit , free from detraction : with an heart apt to harbour affection . now for the volume , i had purposely made it more portable , that it might become your more sociable follower ; had not my observation told mee , that albeit amiablenesse consist in a lovely feature , the goodlinesse of a gentlewoman rests in her comely stature . vertue can never bee showne in too large a volume : nor vice scantled by too small a proportion . ample iliads are too strait for the one : little models too large for the other . besides , this corresponded better with the portraiture of the english gentleman , her affianc'd lover . for the margin , i have not charg'd it with many notes , lest you should neglect the garment , by being taken too much with the border . improve it to your best profit , and let god have the glory of it . the english gentlevvoman . argument . the necessity of apparell ; of the vse and abuse of apparell ; two meanes by which the vse may bee inverted to abuse ; that apparell most comely , which confers on the wearer most native beauty , and most honour on her countrey . apparell . had adam never committed sinne , he had never needed figge-leaves , to cover his shame . sinne made him fly to the grove for shelter , and shame compelled him to play the artlesse tayler , and through meere necessity to make him a cover . well enough was he before that time attyred , albeit naked : and so happily stated , as wee are to imagine , that ignorance kept him not from the knowledge of his nakednesse , but that his originall purity freed him from these necessities . but no sooner was the forbidden fruit tasted , then poore adam became tainted , his nakednesse discovered ; so as now for honour of modesty , hee must of necessity betake himselfe to that science , whereto ( being free till that time ) hee was never bound apprentice . his inhibited taste made him sensible ( and therein more miserable ) of what before hee felt not . no distemperature of cold or heat could before that time annoy him . now his failing in performing what he ought , brings him to a feeling of that hee never knew . now tender eve , whose temperate repose ministred her all content in a sweet and cheerfull arbour , with all the varieties and delicacies of nature , feels a shaking and shivering in her joynts : such a strange distemper hath the tast of an apple wrought in her . she must fit her selfe then to endure that with patience , which shee procur'd to her selfe and second selfe , through disobedience ; and put on what before she needed not , a vaile to cover her nakednesse , and subject her selfe to these necessities . it is true , that cloathing keeps the body warme two wayes : by keeping in the naturall heat of the body ; and by keeping out the accidentall cold of the ayre . all creatures enter the world sheelded and shrouded , save onely poore man , who enters lists naked . tender and delicate h● is by nature ; more subject to prejudice by distemper , then any other creature . now to fence himselfe against all occurrents , and the better to endure all intemperate violence , the divine providence hath accommodated it selfe to his necessity , from the very first entrance of his infancy : yet were it fit , when hee reflects upon himselfe thus decked and attired , to recall to mind the prime occasion of these necessities . so equally tempered was the ayre where hee first breathed ; so farre from the distemper of heat or cold freed ; with such variety of all delights stored ; as then in all happinesse hee seem'd to bee stated : but presently after his fall , began these to faile . that soyle , which before was naturally fruitfull , became wild without manuring : those rivers , which before were purely relishing and delighting , became muddy , brackish , and distasting : yea , that ayre , which before was ever sweetly and temperately breathing , became unseasonably scorching or freezing . necessity then hath provided for adam and his collapsed posterity a coat , to shroud them from the inclemency of all seasons . and whence came this necessity , but from sinne ? to glory then in these necessities , is to glory in sinne : which were , as if some grave capitall offender , having committed high treason against his soveraigne , should , notwithstanding , out of a princely clemency be pardoned ; yet with this condition , that hee should weare a cord or halter about his necke during his life , to put him in remembrance of his disloyalty and treason : in which badge , this frontlesse traytor should pride himselfe more , then if it were some ancient crest of honour . reflect then upon the originall source of your sorrow , eve , yee daughters of eve. ambition prompted her to sin , sin brought her to shame , shame to her shroud . meere necessity compelled her to weare what before shee knew not , and to provide her selfe of that which before shee needed not . how is it then , that these rags of sinne , these robes of shame , should make you idolize your selves ? how is it , that yee convert that which was ordained for necessity , to feed the light-flaming fuell of licentious liberty ? was apparell first intended for keeping in naturall heat , and keeping out accidentall cold ? how comes it then that you weare these thinne cobweb attires , which can neither preserve heat , nor repell cold ? of what an incurable cold would these butterfly-habits possesse the wearer , were pride sensible of her selfe ? sure , these attires were not made to keepe cold out , but to bring cold in . no necessity , but meere vanity , introduced these pye-coloured fopperies amongst us . vnvaile many of our light curtezans , whose brothell practice hath reft them of the ornament of a woman , and you will find a strange metamorphosis ; venus armata turn'd to venus calva : wee say there is no good congruity in a proud heart and a beggers purse : why should wee then pride our selves in that which displayes our beggery ? before wee had cloathes , wee wanted nothing ; having cloathes , wee stand in need of all things . primitive purity exempted us from these necessities ; originall impurity subjected us to these necessities . cold wee grew in charity , cold in every christian duty ; garments then stood wee in need of , to shroud us against the tempest of a benummed conscience . these habits then , it appeares , were ordained , at first , for necessity to shield us : vanity had not then set invention on worke , nor the age sent her phantasticks abroad to trafficke with forraine fashions . winter made choyce of his garment to fit the season ; so did summer , without an affected singularity , fit him to a seasonable fashion . they stood not much either upon colour or curious border ; temperate heat they desired to reteine , intemperate to repell ; cold to keepe out , naturall warmth to keepe in . this was that ancient times intended ; this was all that they affected . necessity enforced them to doe what they did ; otherwise , i am perswaded , they had not beene , to this day , made . those then that esteeme more of apparell , how gorgeous soever , then of a worke of necessity , detract from their owne glory , to sute themselves in stuffes of vanity . there is nothing in its owne nature so absolutely good , but it may bee corrupted ; what was at first intended for some good vse , if perverted , declines into some apparant abuse . now , gentlewomen , ( for to you i direct this discourse ) would you observe the right use , and divert in no particular from the ordinance of apparell ; modesty must be your guide , vertuous thoughts your guard , so shall heaven be your goale . when the roman princes , in their conquests , or triumphant honours , were with acclamations and vollies of salutes received , by the generall applause of the people extolled , and in their triumphall eber or chayre of state seated ; there stood alwayes one behind them in their throne , to pull them by the sleeve with this memoriall ; remember thou art mortall . a more usefull memoriall you cannot have , then these robes you weare , of your owne frailty nor a more effectuall motive to humility . had not sinne worne you out of gods favour , and rest you of your native splendour , you had never worne these habits , signals of your dishonour . i commend her for the good use which shee made of her apparell , who never eyed her garment , but shee watred it with a teare , remembring what necesities her ambitious thoughts had brought her to : for by aspiring to know more then shee did , shee became deprived of that excellent beauty which shee had . patternes likewise of modesty you may bee , and herein singularly usefull by your examples , unto others of your sexe . nor can you possibly expresse it better , then in observing that divine precept , by learning how to array your selves in comely apparell , with shame-fastnesse and modesty , not with broided haire , or gold , or pearles , or costly apparell ; but , as becommeth women that professe the feare of god. for even after this manner in time past did the holy women , which trusted in god , tire themselves . here is a prescript forme by way of direction , for your habit . choicer ornaments you cannot have to adorne you ; nor any fashion that will better seeme you . where you walke , you may enjoy your selves freed from light eyes , gazing and admiring vanity : your very habit is your testate to witnesse for you : loose thoughts nestle not in your bosome , nor doe wandring distractions surprise your breast : you have learned to your highest solace , even in every motion , action , posture , gesture , to observe modesty , as an ornament to honour . for , seeing that the very habit of the mind may bee best discerned and discovered by the state or carriage of the body , the disposition of the body by the habit ; to avoid scandall , and retaine that christian opinion which every one ought to preserve , wee are to make choyce of that attire , which confers most seeming gravity on us . this the very heathen , whose best direction was mortality , were carefull of : for in the use of apparell , they reteined such constant course , as they held it the greatest blemish they could asperse upon their nation , to introduce any new or exoticke fashion , either to effeminate the dispositions of their people , or to derogate from the honour of their memorable predecessours ; whose model was their direction in habit , and all other observable customes . what a simple , honest rusticity our ancestors reteined in their weare , might bee easily discerned , if wee should make recourse to one of their ancient wardroves ; where antiquity may prescribe for many ages , and constantly second what antiquity had introduced . yea , so observant were former times of those fashions which preceding ages had recommended to them , as they held it ominous to innovate , or bring in any new forme , even in matters of indifferency . when darius had altered the fashion of his sword , which used to bee persian , into the forme of the macedonian ( in the yeare immediately before hee fought with alexander ) the chaldees or sooth-sayers prophecied , that into what fashion as darius had altered his sword , time would reduce his state ; and that the persian glory was drawing towards her last period , by subjecting herselfe to the soveraignty of macedon . which prediction was soone confirmed by the next yeeres conquest . but tell mee , yee curious dames , who hold it a derogation to your honour , to entertaine ought that is vulgar ; whereto were cloathes first ordained , but to cover that nakednesse which sinne brought , and to skreene that shame which the effect of sinne first wrought ? the use of apparell is not to dignifie the wearer , or adde more beauty to the creature . sure i am , that a judicious eye , who measures dignity by desert , scornes to preferre the case before the instrument , the rinde before the pith. those who are worthy to bee your iudges , will determine your worth by what there is in you , not by what you weare on you . let may-games and morrices beautifie themselves with anticke dressings , to captivate the vulgar eye ; your breeding hath beene better , your judgements clearer , your observations wiser , than to stoope to such base lures . our life consists in the perfection or temperate infusion of naturall or radicall humour , or in the conservation of naturall heate : to preserve this , to increase that , nature hath provided meanes inward and outwards . to invert the use , is to pervert the ordinance it selfe : so use the outward , that you darken not the inward ; so dispose of the inward , that it may rectifie the outward . reflect on antiquity , yet no farther then may suit with the decency of the age , wherein you live . i am not ignorant , how many fashions formerly used , would in this age deserve rather derision than approvement . and that the infancy of the world had many shapes , as then but onely in their embrio or rather conception , which succeeding times , accommodated by more exquisite artists , brought afterwards to perfection . vse your habit as an ornament of decency ; let it not have the least edging of vanity . many eyes are fixed on you , sundry motives of imitation are derived from you . send not out one fruitlesse sigh for any phantasticke fashion which you see : they cannot bee sighes of compassion , that are sent meerely out for fashion . sigh rather that your country should labour of so vaine a birth , as to preferre forraine inventions before the ornament of a maiden i le , constant modesty . spend not a fruitlesse houre in an unprofitable garnish of corruption : vse these outward dressings as if you did not use them : let them bee rather your scorne than your pride ; your contempt than content . bee those curious cases of mortality decked or dawbed with never so much adulterate beauty , they cannot conferre upon themselves one beameling of lasting glory . looke upon those poore bases of frailty , your feet , what a tinkling they make , to partake of a lascivious meeting in privacy : eye those rising mounts your displayed breasts , with what shamelesse art they wooe the shamefast passenger : view those wandring lamps , how they rove abroad , as if they would flye out of their lodges , and spheare themselves in some amorous orbe . call them home , lest , dinah-like , they lose themselves by straying , impeach their honour by wandring , bring themselves woe by their lascivious wooing . affect no fashion that may beget in your generous bosomes a light thought ; contemne that fashion which detracts from the native beauty of the feature , or which brings it to that admiration of the creature , as it makes it forgetfull of the creator . o how contemptible a thing is man ( the word may reflect equally upon either sexe ) if hee erect not his thoughts above man ! what a poore use makes that miserable creature of his being here , who bestowes so much time in the tyring-house , as hee forgets what part hee is to play on the stage ? o consider the preciousnesse of time ! it is all that may bee properly s●id ours . neither can wee terme that portion of time which wee call ours , yeares , or dayes , or houres : a moment is our portion , and the commandingst emperour hath no larger proportion . of which moment , whatsoever is past , is not now : and whatsoever is to come , is not yet . eye then your houre-glasse , vye in teares with graines of sand . bestow not this little scantling , this moment shorter than nothing , in too curiously attiring of vanity , but in meditating of your owne frailty , and redeeming the time you have lost in security . as apparell was ordained for necessity , use it with christian civility . in observing this , you make the use good , which shall hereafter redound to your greater gaine . o but the misery and levity of this age is such , as that becomes generally least affected , which adornes us most ; that valued most , which beseemes us least . time was indeed , and may that time once reshine upon us , when the onely flower to bee loved of women , was a native red , which was shamefastnesse . the face knew not then what painting was , whose adulterate shape takes now acquaintance from the shop . then were such women matter of scandall to christian eyes , which used painting their skinne , powdring their hayre , darting their eye . our commerce with forraine nations was not for fashions , feathers and follies . there was distinction in our attires ; differences of ranks and qualities ; a civill observance of decent habits ; which conferred no lesse glory on our ile at home , than victorious mannagements by the prowesse of our inhabitants did abroad . if wee reflect on them , wee must of necessity blush at our selves ; seeing , what wee have received for use , wee have converted to abuse . that distinction which decency found out for habits virile and feminine , what commixture hath it found in latter times ? what neare resemblance and relation hath womans to mans : suting their light feminine skirts with manlike doublets ? semiramis , that victorious princesse , commanded all to weare tyres upon their heds , and to put upon them womans apparell without distinction , that shee might reigne securely without exception : thus the comely habit of modesty became a pretended vaile to an usurped soveraignty . a feminine regiment occasion'd this ornament : invention then became a project of policy , and found no head to looke out from a light balcone or prospect of vanity ; but these succeding times have tyred our women with tyres ; translating them to a plume of feathers . fashion is now ever under faile : the invention ever teeming , phantasticke wits ever breeding . more time spent how to abuse time , and corrupt licentious youth , than how to addresse employment for the one , or to rectifie the distempers of the other . take a survey of all degrees , and tell me what uniformity you finde in this particular . and to make instance in three severall places ( for to these all others may have proper relation ) take a more precise and punctuall perusall of city , court , and countrey ; and returne me a briefe of your survey . in the first , you shall finde many grave matrons , modest maids , devont widdowes : but are these all ? no ; with these you shall finde a strangely mixt generation : some affecting nothing more than what is most novell and phantasticke : others envying what they disdainfully see in others ; which fashion rather than they will misse , they will not sticke to set their honour at sale : all , or most , true biantines , carrying all their wealth about them . for the second , you shall find , amongst many other plants of promising growth and excellent proficience , sundry sweet-sented sprigs of cynnamon , whose rinde is worth all the body . no discourse can rellish their formall palate , but fashion ; if eves kirtle should bee now showne them , how they would geere their grandam ? for the last , though it bee long ere they creepe into forme , having once attain'd it , they can take upon them as unbeseeming a state in a countrey pew , as if they were ladies for that yeare , and had beene bred in the art of mincing since their childhood ▪ but what are these , but such , whose expence of time is scarcely valued ? sacrificing more houres to their looking-glasse , than they reserve minutes to lament their defects . such , whose vertuous thoughts never harbour the least conceit that may betray their honour , or deprave those more noble parts wherewith they are indowed ; scorne to drowne their better part in these dregs of sensuality . vertue is their attendant , honour their object , all inferiour delights their lowest subjects . day by day have these their taske imposed , that the poyson of sloath may bee better avoyded : no day passeth without a line , no action without a limit : observing the course of that vertuous mirror , of whom it is said , in distinct houres she did divide the day , to walke , to worke , to meditate , and pray . much different from this pious resolution , was that libertines impious conclusion , who held that none could bee frequently devout in prayer , and fashionably decent in attire . shee bestowed too much time on her glasse , to reserve any for her lampe . pride had exiled her zeale ; delicacy of habit , sanctity of heart . her day might bee easily divided : shee bestowed the forenoone on her skinne , the afternoone on a play , clozing her evening lecture with a reere supper : and this was her christian taske . miserable is the condition of that creature , who , so her skin bee sleake , cares not if her soule bee rough : so her outward habit bee pure and without blemish , values little her inward garnish . such an one hath made a firme contract with vanity , clozing her contemptuous age with a fearefull catastrophe . thus farre have wee discoursed of the effect or abuse it selfe , wee are now to treat of those two sources , from whence these abuses properly arise ; to wit , delicacy in being more curious in our choyce of apparell than necessity or decency doth require ; secondly , superfluity , in storing more variety and change of rayments than either nature needs , or reason would admit , were shee not transported with a sensuall affection , by giving way to what unbounded appetite requires . in the search of any minerall , wee are first to digge for the veine : and in the curing of any malevolent effect , wee are duely and seriously to inquire the producing cause , that by stopping the spring or source , wee may stay the violence of the streame . wee are then to insist of those two precedent means , by which the use may bee inverted to abuse ; and that which of it selfe is approveable , if observed with decency , becomes justly reprehensible by corrupting so necessary and consequent an use , either by delicacy , which weakens and effeminates the spirit , or by superfluity , which ever darkens the beameling of reason with the cloud of sense . reproofe touching apparell may bee occasioned from foure respects : first , when anyone weareth apparell above their degree , exceeding their estate precious attire . whence it is that gregory saith ; there bee some who are of opinion , that the weare of precious or sumptuous apparell is no sinne : which if it were no fault , the divine word would never have so punctually expressed , nor historically related , how the rich man , who was tormented in hell , was cloathed with purple and silke . whence wee may note , that touching the matter or subject of attire , humane curiosity availeth highly . the first stuffe or substance of our garments , was very meane ; to wit , skinne with wooll , whence it is wee read , that god made adam and his wife coats of skinnes , that is , of the skinnes of dead beasts . afterwards ( see the gradation of this vanity derived from humane singularity ) they came to pure wooll , because it was lighter than skinnes . after that to rindes of trees , to wit , flax. after that to the dung and ordure of wormes , to wit , silke . lastly , to gold and silver , and precious stones . which preciousness of attire highly displeaseth god. for instance whereof ( which the very pagans themselves observed ) we read that the very first among the romans , who ever wore purple , was strucke with a thunder-bolt , and so dyed suddenly , for a terror and mirror to all succeeding times , that none should attempt to lift himselfe proudly against god in precious attire . the second point reprehensible is , softnesse or delicacy of apparell : soft cloathes introduce soft mindes . delicacy in the habit , begets an effeminacy in the heart . iohn baptist , who was sanctified in his mothers wombe , wore sharpe and rough garments . whence wee are taught , that the true servant of god is not to weare garments for beauty or delight , but to cover his nakednesse ; not for state or curiosity , but necessity and convenience . christ saith in his gospel , they that are clad in soft rayments , are in kings houses . whence appeareth a maine difference betwixt the servants of christ , and of this world . the servants of this world seeke delight , honour , and pleasure in their attire : whereas the servants of christ so highly value the garment of innocence , as they loath to staine it with outward vanities . it is their honour to put on christ iesus ; other robes you may rob them of and give them occasion to joy in your purchase . the third thing reproveable is , forraine fashions : when wee desire nothing more than to bring in some outlandish habit different from our owne ; in which respect ( so apishly-anticke is man ) it becomes more affected than our owne . against such the lord threatneth , i will visit the princes and the kings children , and all such as are cloathed with strange apparell . which strange apparell is after divers fashions and inventions , wholly unknowne to our ancestors . which may appeare sufficiently to such , who within this , or , or . yeares never saw such cutting , carving , nor indenting as they now see . the fourth thing reproveable is , superfluity of apparell , expressed in these three particulars : first , in those who have divers changes and suits of cloaths ; who had rather have their garments eaten by moaths , than they should cover the poore members of christ. the naked cry , the needy cry , the shreekingly complaine unto us , how they miserably labour and languish of hunger and cold . what availes it them that wee have such changes of rayments nearly plaited and folded ; rather than wee will supply them , they must bee starved ? how doe such rich moath-wormes observe the doctrine of christ when hee saith in his gospel ; he that hath two coats let him give one to him that hath none ? secondly , wee are to consider the superfluity of such who will have long garments purposely to seeme greater : yet , which of these can adde one cubit to his stature ? this puts me in remembrance of a conceited story which i have sometimes heard , of a diminutive gentleman , who demanding of his tayler , what yards of sattin would make him a suite , being answered farre short in number of what hee expected : with great indignation replied , such an one of the guard to my knowledge had thrice as much for a suite and i will second him . which his tayler with small importunacy condescended to , making a gargantua's suite for this ounce of mans flesh , reserving to himselfe a large portion of shreads , purposely to forme a fitter proportion for his ganimede shape . the third superfluity ariseth from their vanity , who take delight in wearing great sleeves , mishapen elephantine bodies , traines sweeping the earth , with huge poakes to shroud their phantasticke heads , as if they had committed some egregious fact which deserved that censure : for in the easterne countries it hath beene usually observed , that such light women as had distained their honour , or laid a publike imputation on their name , by consenting to any libidinous act , were to have their heads sow'd up in a poake , to proclaime their shame , and publish to the world the quality of their sinne . now to insist more punctually on that effeminatour both of youth and age , delicacy of apparell ; i would have our daughters of albion , reflect upon themselves , those poore shells of corruption : what a trimming and tricking they bestow on their brittle houses . petrarch's advice was , that wee should not be afraid though our out-houses , these structures of our bodies , were shaken , so our soules , the guests of our bodies , fared well . whereas contrariwise , these , whose onely care is to delude the outward appearance with a seeming faire , so they may preserve the varnish , disvalue the foundation . o may this folly be a stranger to our nation ! to allay which fury , attemper which frenzie , i hold no receipt more soveraigne , then to enter into a serious meditation of your frailty : as first to consider , what you were before your birth ; secondly , what from your birth to your death ; lastly , what after death . if you reflect upon the first , you shall find that you have beene , what before you were not , afterwards were what now you are not ; first made of vile matter ( see the embleme of humane nature ) wrapped in a poore skin , nourished in an obscure place , your coate the second skinne , till you came to a sight of the sunne , which you entertained with a shreek , implying your originall sinne . thus attired , thus adorned came you to us ; what makes you then so unmindfull of that poore case wherein you came among us ? hath beauty , popular applause , youthfull heate , or wealth taken from you the knowledge of your selves ? derive your pedigree , and blush at your matchlesse folly , that pride should so highly magnifie it selfe in dust , or glory most in that which brings with it the most shame . why doe you walke with such haughty necks ? why doe you extoll your selves so highly in these tabernacles of earth ? attend and consider ; you were but vilde corrupted seed at the first ; and now fuller of pollution then at the first . entring the world with a shreeke to expresse your ensuing shame , you became afterwards exposed to the miseries of this life and to sinne ; in the end wormes and wormes meat shall you be in the grave . why then are you proud , yee dusty shrines , yee earthen vessels , seeing your conception was impurity , birth misery , life penalty , death extremity ? why doe yee embellish and adorne your flesh with such port and grace ; which within some few dayes wormes will devoure in the grave ? meane time you neglect the incomparable beauty of your soules . for with what ornaments doe ye adorne them ? with what sweet odours or spirituall graces doe yee perfume them ? with what choyce flowers of piety and devotion doe yee trim them ? what habits doe yee prepare for them , when they must bee presented before him who gave them ? how is it that yee so dis-esteeme the soule , preferring the flesh before her ? for the mistresse to play the handmaid , the handmaid the mistresse , is a great abuse . there can be no successe in that family , where the houshold is managed so disorderly . o restraine your affections , limit your desires , beare an equall hand to the better part ! the building cannot stand unlesse you remove the rubbish from the foundation . the soule in the body is like a queene in her palace . if you would then have this little common-wealth within you to flourish , you must with timely providence suppresse all factious and turbulent molesters of her peace : your passions , especially those of vaine glory , must bee restrained ; motives to humility cherished ; chaste thoughts embraced ; all devious and wandring cogitations excluded ; that the soule may peaceably enjoy her selfe , and in her palace live secured . whereto if you object , that this is an hard lesson ; you cannot despise the world nor hate the flesh ; tell mee where are all those lovers of the world , cherishers of the flesh , which not long since were among us ? nothing now remaineth of them but dust and wormes consider diligently ( for this consideration will be a counterpoize to all vaine-glory ) what they now are , and what they have beene . women they were as you are : they have eat , drunke , laughed , spent their dayes in jollity , and now in a moment gone downe to hell . here their flesh is apportioned to wormes , there their soules appointed to hell fire : till such time as being gathered together to that unhappy society , they shall be rowled in eternall burnings , as they were before partakers with them in their vices . for one punishment afflicteth , whom one love of sinne affecteth . tell mee , what profiteth them their vaine-glory , short joy , worldly power , pleasure of the flesh , evill got wealth , a great family , and concupiscence arising carnally ? where now is their laughter ? where their jests ? where their boasting ? where their arrogance ? from so great joy , how great heavinesse ? after such small pleasure , how great unhappinesse ? from so great joy they are now fallen into great wretchednesse , grievous calamity , unsufferable torments . what hath befallen them , may befall you ; being earth of earth , slime of slime : of earth you are , of earth you live , and to earth you shall returne . take this with you for an infallible position in these your cottages of corruption : if you follow the flesh , you shall be punished in the flesh : if you bee delighted in the flesh , you shall be tormented in the flesh : for by how much more your flesh is cockered in this world with all delicacy ; by so much more shall your soules bee tormented in hell eternally . if you seeke curious and delicate rayments , for the beauty and bravery of your rayments shall the moath bee laid under you , and your covering shall be wormes . and this shall suffice to have beene spoken touching delicacy of apparell : wee are now to descend briefly to the second branch , superfluity ; whereof wee intend to discourse with that brevity , as the necessity of the subject , whereof wee treat , shall require , and the generality of this spreading malady may enforce . divine is that saying , and well worthy your retention : the covetous person before hee gaine loseth himselfe , and before hee take ought is taken himselfe . he is no lesse wanting to himselfe in that which he hath , than in that which he hath not . he findes that he lost not , possesseth that he owes not , detaines that he ought not , & hates to restore what he injuriously enjoyes . so unbounded is the affection , or rather so depraved is the avaritious mans inclination , as he cannot containe his desires within bounds , not enter parley with reason , having once slaved his better part to the soveraignty of a servile affection . this may appeare even in this one particular . food and rayment are a christians riches : wherein hee useth that moderation , as hee makes that apostolicall rule his christian direction ; having food and rayment , i have learned in all things to bee contented . but how miserably is this golden rule inverted , by our sensuall worldling ? competency must neither bee their cater in the one , nor conveniency their tayler in the other . their table must labour of variety of dishes , and their wardrobe of exchange of raiments . no reason more probable than this of their naked insides , which stand in need of these superfluous additaments . what myriads of indisposed houres consume these in beautifying rotten tombes ! how curious they are in suiting their bodies , how remisse in preferring their soules suit to their maker ! how much they are disquieted in their choyce , how much perplexed in their change , how irresolute what they shall weare , how forgetfull of what they were ! this edging suits not , that purle sorts not , this dressing likes not : off it must after all bee fitted , and with a new exchange , lesse seemely , but more gaudy suited . the fashion that was in prime request but yesterday , how it begins to dif-rellish the wearer , as if it had lost the beauty by unseasonable weather ; thus is fashion fallen into a quotidian fever : see our completest fashion-mongers , how much they tyre themselves with their attiring , how they trouble themselves with their trimming ! had wee more new exchanges erected , we should have them plenteously peopled , and with such variety of feminine fancies stored , that invention should sooner lose her spirit , then our phantastick dames their appetite . and to take a fuller view of vanity , that pride may blush at her owne formality ; observe what babies , most of our fashion affecters bee ! rare trinkets they have got , to improve their projectors gaine ; yet having wonne them , they know not how to weare them . a forraine tyre-woman must have a constant pension , to put this love-bespotted idol into a more complete fashion . it seemes wonderfull to me , that they are not wholly crushed , with that onerous burthen with which they are pressed . what a shop of guga nifles hang upon one backe ? here the remainder of a greater worke , the reliques of ancient manor converted to a pearle chaine . there the moity of an ill-husbanded demaine reduced to a carknet . long traines must sweepe away long acres : the epidemicall vanity of this age doth exact it ; and shee is held least worthy affecting , that doth least affect it . what ? sayes my delicate madam ; is it for one of my ranke or descent to affect what is vulgar ? how then should i become popular ? i confesse , wee are all composed of one earth , yet is there to bee presupposed a difference in our birth . were it fitting that i should fall off , either from that delicacy which is generally approved , or that variety which is by our more generous formalists applauded ? what availes a mighty fortune to a miserable disposer ? or brave meanes , where a base mind is the dispenser ? apparell must be with delicacy sorted , variety suited , or the dignity of the person , be it never so conspicuous , will be obscured . admit variety be meere superfluity , at worst it is but the ages vanity ; which is such an universall malady , as it pleads exemption without farther apology . whereto i answer ; it is true , the age labours of this disease , where the eye becomes a determiner of our worth , by the outward habit which wee weare : it reflects not on what is in us , but what is on us . shee is not to be accounted a court visitant , who restraines her selfe either in her choyce of delicacy , or variety of habit . what then ? shall a vitious or effeminate age deprave your judgement ? or a corrupt time deprive you of judgement ? no ; you have more absolute perfections within you , than to be blemished with these imperfections which you too frequently carry about you . the more you display your pye-coloured flagge of vanity , the more lures you throw out of loosest liberty ; the more foments you use of soule-soyling delicacy , the deeper lodging you bespeake your selves in the lake of eternall misery . to such i onely speake , who , so they may furnish themselves of a dainty artist , to teach them how to dye well , make it the least of their care how to live well . these who love to dye their haire , but never change the dye of their corrupted heart : these will not stick with frontlesse impudence to boulster their depraved liberty ; they may be , without controule , dispensers and disposers of their owne . this variety and delicacy wherein they expresse themselves by an especiall marke of distinction from others , they derive it from the affluence of their owne fortunes , and not from others : which being so justly enjoyed , and without injury , admits no exception in all probability . whereto i reply , with the words of a divine father , art not thou , whosoere thou bee , a robber , who hast received goods as a steward or dispenser , and entitlest thy selfe selfe the impropriator or owner ? for what faire glozes or pretences soever thou makest for thy selfe , to gild thy shame , or mince thy sinne , it is the bread of the needy , which thou with-holdest ; the coat of the naked , which in thy chest thou storest ; the shooes of the bare-foot , which with thee lye rotting ; the coyne of the begger , which with thee lyes moulding . away then with these superfluous dressings ; you see daily objects of your charity , bring out your wardrobe , and cloath the naked . that which you so prodigally spent upon your selves , convert it to the more glorious attiring of your naked soules . see that your kings daughter bee all glorious within , that the king of kings may take pleasure in her . let not so precious an image bee defaced , so specious a virgin defiled , so glorious a creature dishonoured . instead of delicy , decke your selves modestly ; instead of superfluity , out of your variety communicate freely to others necessity . wee are now to descend briefly to the last branch of this first observation , declaring , how , that apparell is most comely , which confers on the wearer most native beauty , and most honour on her countrey . as that is ever held most generous which is least affected , most genuine which is least forced ; so there is nothing which confers more true glory on us , then in displaying our owne countries garbe by that wee weare upon us . the crow in the fable was sharpely taxed for her borrowed feathers : the fable , though it spoke of a crow , the morall pointed at a man. habit ( wee say ) is a custome ; why should it bee our custome to change our habit ? with what constancy some other nations observe their native attire , histories , both ancient and moderne , will sufficiently informe us . nothing is held more contemptible with them , then apishly to imitate forraigne fashions : prescription is their tayler , antiquity their tutor . amongst the ancient heathen , even their very habit distinguish'd widdowes from matrons , matrons from virgins . so as not onely sexes , states , conditions , yeares , but even linages , races , and families were remarkeably discovered . wee usually observe such a fashion to bee french , such an one spanish , another italian , this dutch , that poland ; meane time where is the english ? surely , some precious elixir extracted out of all these . shee will neither relye on her owne invention , nor compose her selfe to the fashion of any one particular nation , but make her selfe an epitomized confection of all . thus becomes shee not onely a stranger to others , but to her selfe . it were to bee wished , that as our countrey is jealous of her owne invention in contriving , so shee were no lesse cautelous in her choice of wearing . gregory the great thought that angles did neerly symphonize with angels , not so much in letter , as in favour and feature ; were it not pitty that these should darken their beauty with vailes of deformity ? were it not pitty that there should not be an analogy in their name and nature ; that the angles might partake of angels in nature as well as feature ? but the gold has chang'd his colour ; our purer mintage her native splendor . truth is , there is nothing which confers more native beauty on the wearer , then to bee least affective in whatsoever shee shall weare . shee asperseth a great blemish on her better part , who tyes her selfe to that formality , as shee dare not put off the least trifle that shee weares , nor put on ought more then shee weares , lest she should lose the opinion of compleat . there is a native modesty even in attire as well as gesture , which better becomes , and would more fully accomplish her , if fashion were not such a pearle in her eye , as it keepes her from the sight of her owne vanity . i confesse , light heads will be easily taken with such toyes : yea , i have sometimes observed a phantasticke dressing strike an amorous inconsiderate gooseling sooner into a passionate ah mee , with a carelesse love-sicke wreathing of his enfolded armes , then some other more attractive object could ever doe . but what is the purchase of one of these greene-wits worth ? what benefit can a young gentlewoman reap in enjoying him , who scarcely ever enjoy'd himselfe ? meanes he may have , but so meanely are they seconded by inward abilities , as his state seems fitter to mannage him , then he to marshall it . a long lock he has got , and the art to frizle it ; a ring in a string , and the tricke to handle it : a whole forrest of synonimies , has he by retaile purchased ; which , like so many dis-jointed similees , impeach his novellisme of palpable non-sense . for his discourse , to give him his true character , his silence approves him better ; for his wit , hee may laugh at a conceit , and his conceit ne're the wiser ; for his other parts , disclaiming his substance , i appeale to his picture . now , gentlewoman , tell me , doe you trim your selfe up for this popinjay ? would you have the foole to weare you , after so many follies have out-worne you ? let modesty suit you , that a discreeter mate may chuse you . be it your prime honour to make civility your director . this will incomparably more grace you , then any phantasticke attire ; which though it beget admiration , it clozeth alwayes with derision . you cannot possibly detract more from the renowne of your countrey , where you received birth and education , than by too hot a quest or pursuit after outlandish fashions . play not the dotterell in this too apish and servile imitation ; let other countries admire your constancy and civility : while they reflect both on what you weare , and what you are . bee it your glory to improve your countries fame . many eyes are fixed on you , and many hearts will bee taken with you , if they behold those two ornaments , modesty , and humility , ever attending you : discretion will bee more taken and enamoured with these , then toyes and feathers . there is nothing so rough but may bee polished ; nor ought so outwardly faire but may be disfigured . whereas the beauty of these two cannot by adulterate art be more graced , by the aged furrowes of time become defaced , or by any outward occurrent impaired . there are many beauteous and sumptuous cases , whose instruments are out of tune . these may please the eye , but they neither lend nor leave a sweet accent in the eare. may-buds of fading beauty ; fruits which commonly fall before they be ripe , and tender small sweetnesse to them that reape . these baths of voluptuous delights , chaste feet disdaine to approach . vertue must either be suited with consorts like her selfe , or they must give her leave solely to enjoy her selfe . bee you maids of honour to this maiden princesse . consecrate your day to vertuous actions , your night to usefull recollections . think how this world is your stage , your life an act. the tiring-house , where you bestow'd such care , cost and curiosity , must be shut up when your night approacheth . prepare oyle for your virgin lamps ; marriage robes for your chaste soules ; that advancing the honour of your countrey here on earth , in your translation from hence , you may find a countrey in heaven . the english gentlevvoman . argument . behaviour reflects on three particulars ; how to behave her selfe in company ; how in privacy : that behaviour most approved , which is clearest from affectation freed . behaviour . behaviour being an apt composure , of the body in arguments of discourse and action , expresseth every person in so faire a character , that if his brest were transparant , hee could not bee displayed fuller . albeit , some love to become so estranged or retired rather from the eye of the world , as they have made it their highest art and absolutest ayme , to shrowde themselves from the conceit or discussion of man : by entring covenant or contract with dissimulation , to appeare least to the eye , what they are most in heart . of this stampe was tiberius , who gloried in nothing so much ( neither indeede had hee many demeriting parts to glory in ) as in cunningly cloaking his foule purposes with faire pretences , going invisible , and deluding his subjects anxious resolutions with a seeming good . sometimes imminency of danger , begetting an apprehension of feare , will produce this eflect : whence it was , that agrippina in tacitus knowing her life to bee attempted by nero , knew well that her onely remedy was to take no notice of the treason . neither is it rare to finde a staide looke , and a staid thought in one and the same subject . but for as much as this is held the seldomest erring index , ever expressing innocent thoughts the best , and discovering disloyall thoughts the soonest , wee are to proceed to such particulars as the subject principally reflects on : which are three ; action , affection , passion : whereon wee purpose so to insist , as what deserves approvement in each of these particulars , may bee by our nobly disposed gentlewomen cheerefully entertained , carefully reteined , and to the improvement of their fame , the choicest odour , chiefest honour of true nobility , employed . vertue is the life of action , action the life of man : without the former , all actions are fruitlesse : without the latter , all our dayes are uselesse . now in this one subject , it is strange to observe what diversity of active dispositions wee shall finde . some are employed to the purpose , but they are so remisse in their employment , as they lose the benefit of it . others are imployed to no purpose , making a passing of time a meere pastime , comming as farre short of one usefull action at their death , as they were incapable of it at their birth . others sleepe out their time in carelesse security ; saluting the morning with a sacrifice to their glasse , the noone with a luscious repast , the afternoone with a play or a pallet repose , the evening with a wanton consort , accoutred with a reere-banket , to belull the abused soule with the sleepe of an incessant surfeit . others have crept into such an apish formality ; as they cannot for a world discourse of ought without some mimmicke gesture or other ; which , seeme it never so complete to them , appeares ridiculous to the beholder . this was semphronia's error , for which she was generally taxed , before ever her honour was publikely tainted . what a tinkling you shall observe some to make with their feet , as if they were forthwith to dance a morrice ? they are ever in motion like puppets , but in actions of goodnesse meere punies . their pace is a pavin in the street ; their looke a lure to a lascivious attempt ; they expresse nothing by their gesture worthy the image they beare . besides , who is hee , whose judgement will not taxe these of lightnesse , by these light an uncivill appearances ? a womans honour is of higher esteeme , than to bee thus dis-valued . light occasions are many times grounds of deepe aspersions . actions are to bee seasoned with discretion , seconded by direction , strengthened with instruction , lest too much rashnesse bring the undertaker to destruction . in the maze or labyrinth of this life , many bee our cares , mighty bee our feares , strong our assailants , weake our assistants , unlesse wee have that brazen wall within us to fortifie us against all occurrents . o then , let not the least action betray you to your enemy , for you have many ; within you , for they are dangerous , because domesticall ; without you , for they are strangers , and therefore doubtfull ! let your actions bee your applausivest actors ; the scene of your life is short , so live that your noble actions may preserve your memory long . it was seneca's counsell to his deare friend lucilius , that whensoever hee went about to doe any thing , hee should imagine cato , or scipio , or some other worthy roman to bee in presence . to second his advice , which may conferre on your glorious actions eternall praise , set alwayes before your eyes , as an imitable mirror , some good woman or other , before whom you may live , as if she ey'd you , shee view'd you . you may finde women , though weake in ●exe and condition , yet parallels to men , for charity , chastity , piety , purity , and vertuous conversation . re-visit those ancient families of rome , and you shall finde those famous matrons , octavia , portia , caecilia , cornelia , make a pagan state seeme morally christian. nor were nicostrata , mother to evander , corvina , sappho , women lesse famous for learning , than the other for blamelesse living . neither have our moderne times lesse flourished with feminine worthies , as might be illustrated with sundry eminent instances , if i would reflect upon this subject : but this hath beene the theame of sundry panegyrick poems , which makes me more sparing in it : onely in your behalfe , and to your honour , let me retort their criticke censure , who draw from the very etymon of your name an occasion of error : women are woe to men ; no they 're the way , to bring them homeward when they run astray . in a word , conforme your selves to such patternes as are imitable ; imitate them in all such actions as are laudable ; so live , that none may have occasion to speake evilly of you , if they speake truly . the memory of dorcas liveth still ; shee was full of good workes and almes which shee did . yea , even the very coats and garments which shee made , while she was living , were showne the apostle as arguments of her industry , memorials of her piety . hence it was that saint ierome , that excellent patterne of holy discipline , serious professor of divine doctrine , counselleth the holy virgin demetrias to eschew idlenesse : exhorting her withall , that having done her prayers , shee should take in hand wooll and weaving , after the commendable example of dorcas , that by such change or variety of workes , the day might seeme lesse tedious , and the assaults of satan lesse grievous : concluding his devout exhortation , with this definite position , i speake generally , no rayment , ornament , or habit whatsoever , shall seeme precious in christs sight , but that which thou makest thy selfe , either for thine owne peculiar use , or example of other virgins , or to give unto thy grand-mother , or thy mother , no , though thou distribute all thy goods unto the poore . see how strictly this holy father proceeds with his religious daughter ! yet was this demetrias , to whom hee addressed this his exhortation , a noble lady ; not one , whom poverty did enforce to actions of such necessity : but one honourably descended , richly endowed , powerfully friended . let this lady bee your patterne , her action your direction , her obedience your instruction , that you may share with her in a peacefull dissolution . entertaine no time without some devout taske : reflect upon the noblenesse of your descent , ennoble it with excellence of desert . for you must know true honour is not wonne , vntill some honourable deed bee done . waste not prodigally the precious lampe of your life without some vertuous action that may purchase love . your time is lesse than a minute in respect of eternity , employ that minute so , as it may eternize your memory . let this bee your highest taske ; to promote the honour of your maker , esteeming all things else a slavish and servile labour . there is nothing which requires more discretion , than how to behave or carry our selves while wee are enthralled to affection . the lover is ever blinded ( saith wise plato ) with affection towards his beloved . reason is laid a sleepe , while sense becomes the master wooer . whence came that usuall saying , one cannot love and be wise . but i wholly oppose my selfe to their assertion , who seeme thus farre transported with the sensuall opinion of affection . my tenet is , one cannot truely love , and not be wise . it is a beldam frenzy and no fancy , which gives way to fury , and admits not reason to have soveraignty . yet in this subjects , gentlewomen , is your temper best tryed , your discretion most required , and your patience , oft-times , most exercised . looke therefore how you plant it , lest you bootlesly repent it , when it is mis-placed . it is most certaine , there is nothing more impatient of delay than love , nor no wound more incurable while wee live . there is no exemption , all have a taste of this potion , though it have severall degrees of operation . looke all about you ; who so young that loves not ? or who so old , a comely feature moves not ? yet what different passions arise from one and the selfe-same subject ? here , gentlewomen , you shall see some of your sexe so surprized with affection , as it bursts out into violent extremes ; their discourse is semi-brev'd with sighes , their talke with teares ; they walke desperately forlorne , making launds and desolate groves their disconsolate consorts . their eyes are estrang'd from sleepe , their weakened appetite from repast , their wearied limbs from repose . melancholy is their sole melody ; they have made a contract with griefe , till griefe bring them to their grave . and these poore wenches are much to bee pittied , because their owne tender hearts brought them to this exigent : having either set their affections , where they thought verily they might bee requited and were not , or else where they received like seeming tender of affection , but afterwards rejected , what they wished to effect they could not . so as , in time , if continuance of absence reduce them not to a better temper , they fall into a poore maudlins distemper , by giving reines to passion , till it estrange them from the soveraignty of reason . whereas others you shall see , though not such kind soules , nor halfe so passionate , yet more discreet in their choyce , and in the passages of love more temperate . these will not deigne to cast a loose looke upon their beloved : but stand so punctually upon their termes , as if they stood indifferent for their choyce , albeit constantly resolved never to admit of any change . these scorne to paint out their passions in plaints , or utter their thoughts in sighes , or shed one dispassionate teare for an incompassionate lover . their experience hath taught them better notions : they will seemingly fly to make them follow , and so take them by whom they are most taken . they can play with the flame , and never cinge their wings ; looke love in the face , and preserve their eyes ; converse where they take delight , and colour their affection with a seeming disdaine . these are they who can walke in the clouds to their intimatest friends : make their eyes strangers to their hearts , and conclude ; nothing more foolish then love , if discovered ; nothing more wise , if artfully shadowed . but i neither approve the violence of the former , nor indifference of the latter . the one interlayeth affection with too much passion , the other with too much dissimulation . these were well to bee so allayed or attempered , as neither too much eagernesse taxe the discretion , nor too much remisnesse argue coolenesse of affection . for the former , i must tell them , they give great advantage to an insulting lover , to entertaine love with such vehement ardour : it fares with these , as with hot duellists , who fight themselves out of breath , and so subject their relenting force to the command of a better tempered enemy . for the latter , they hold constantly that position in arguments of love , as well as in other actions of their life ; she knowes not how to live , nor how to love , that knowes not how to dissemble . i must tell these , dissimulation sorts not well with affection : lovers seldome reade loves politicks . let them appeare what they are , with that discreet temper , as they may deserve the embraces of a noble lover . in briefe , let such as are too hot in the quest of their desires , attemperate that heat with intermissions : such violence is best rebated by absence . contrariwise , such as are too coole , let them quicken that easinesse with their more frequent conference , and assiduate presence . what a furious and inconsiderate thing is woman , when passion distempers her ? how much is her behaviour altered , as if iocasta were now to be personated ? true it is , some with a bite of their lip , can suppresse an intended revenge : and like dangerous politicians , pleasingly entertaine time with one they mortally hate , till oportunity usher revenge , which they can act with as much hostility , as if that very moment were the actor of their injury . but this passion never workes more tragicke or fearefull effects , then when it streames from iealousie or competition in the subject where they love . whereof we have variety of instances even in our owne iland , to omit italy , which is a very theatre of tragicke conclusions in this kind . it is not long since wee had one matchlesse president of this stampe . it sometimes pleased a young gentlewoman , whose fortunes had swell'd her high , to settle her affection on a gentleman of deserving parts , which hee entertained with a generous requitall : nothing was omitted that might any way increase this respect , or second the height of their joyes . continuall resort and frequent made them inseparably one : no day so pleasing , as when they were together ; no houre so tedious as when they were asunder . but how short is that moment of vading happinesse , which hath in it a rellish of lightnesse , and is not grounded on essentiall goodnesse ! long had they not thus lived , and sociably loved , but the gentlewoman conceived some private suspition , that her selfe was not sole soveraignesse of his heart , but that another was become sharer in his love . neither was this competitrice , whom shee suspected , any other then her owne attendant , whose caskets shee secretly opened , where shee found a ring of especiall note , which shee had formerly bestowed on him . this confirmed her conceit , changed her reall love into mortall hate ; which shee seconded with this tragicke act : inviting him one day to a summer arbour , where in former times they were usually wont to repose , amidst of an amorous discourse , shee casually fixt her eye upon three lennets , one whereof picking some privet leaves purposely to build her nest , flew away , while the two which remained , lovingly billed one with another : which shee intentively observing , used these words ; how tenderly and intimately doe these poore fooles mate it ? were it not pitty they should ever bee divided ? which words shee had no sooner uttered , then the shee-lennet flew away , and left the male alone , till another returned : with whom the hee-lennet billed , and amorously wooed as hee had done before : which shee more seriously eying , o , quoth shee , how light these males are in their affection ; this may seeme to you an easie error , but were i judge of birds , it should receive due censure . why lady , ( replyed hee ) these poore birds doe but according to their kind . yea , but what doe yee kind men then , who ingage your loves , interest your selves , empawne your soules to bee constant where you professe love , and performe nothing lesse then what you professe most . nor would her long intended revenge admit more liberty to her tongue ; for with a passionate enterbreath shee clozed this speech with a fatall stabbe : leaving so much time to her unfortunate and disasterous lover , as to discover to one of that sorrowfull family the ground of her hate , the occasion of his fall , which hastned on the dolefull scene of her tragedy . now to allay or abate these passionate furies , there is no better meanes then to enter parley with reason ; to chastise all such innovating motions as disquiet the inward repose of the mind ; to use the helpe of such wholsome instructions , as may attemper the heat of those indisposed and inordinate passions . anger , being an inflammation of blood about the heart , is such a fury , as to give way to it , is to disclaime reason : much wisedome is then required , mature advice to bee used , all assistants of art and nature to bee employed before this adder can bee charmed . for wee shall hardly see any one more forget themselves , then when they are surprized with this passion . some you shall observe so amazed or entranced , as they become wholly silenced : they cannot utter an articulate word to gaine a kingdome . gladly would they expresse their distaste , and menace revenge , if their tongues would give them leave , but wrath hath tyed them to good behaviour . others are so voluble of tongue , as nothing can passe them untouch'd , to asperse disgrace on such by whom they hold themselves wrong'd . if any infamy ( which to that time lay buried ) offer it selfe to their memory , how they joy in the occasion of venting their malice on their persons , bee their calumny seconded with words of fowlest aspersion : which sort of people the ever living pindarus termes persons of unbounded and unbridled tongues . to remedy which enormities , take along with you these instructions : they will benefit you much in the height and heat of your anger , and allay your passion when it rageth and riseth into hugest distemper . forthwith , so soone as you shall perceive your selves moved , restraine your passion ; but if you cannot appeale nor compose your inward commotion , at least restraine your tongue , and injoyne it silence , that if it speake no good , it may speake no evill , lest being loose and set at liberty , it utter what wrath , and not reason dictates : more soveraigne and peacefull it will be for you to retire from society , make recourse to your oratory , by recommending to your best physician the cure of this infirmity . vse likewise this cordiall salve to your corroding sore ; the receit is divine , if seasonably applyed , and will minister you comfort when you are most distempered . so soone as your disquieted minds begin to expostulate with the quality of your wrongs , which your enemy is apt to aggravate and exasperate , purposely to hasten your precipitate revenge ; propose and set before you all the disgraces which possibly you can suffer , and conferre them with those that were aspersed on your saviour : this will prepare you to suffer , teach you to conquer : for arrowes foreseene menace lesse danger . likewise , when you consider the injuries which are done you by others , you may reflect upon the wrongs which are done by you unto others : for the consideration of your owne infirmity , will exact of you towards others an impunity . weigh with your selves how much others suffer of you , how much god himselfe suffers of you , who , if hee should have inflicted revenge for every particular offence , you should have perished long since . in a word , you your selves are frequently grievous , and displeasing to your selves : seeing then you are so distastefull unto your selves , as you must of necessity suffer many injuries and affronts from your selves , repine not at the sufferings which are inflicted by others on your selves . you are likewise to consider these discommodities which arise from this passion ; which will arme you with patience , if of your selves you have any compassion . what availes it to be revenged , after our injury bee received ? is your wound by anothers wound to be cured ? or disgrace tendred , by rendring disgrace restored ? besides all this , see what he obtaineth , who anger obeyeth : . hee is deprived of the crowne of glory , and reward of eternity . . hee becomes a minister and instrument of the divell : . hee destroyeth his owne soule , that hee might hurt anothers body : for a dispassionate or angry person is like unto him , who , that hee may kill his asse , destroyeth himselfe ; or rather like him , who for huge debts which hee is not able to discharge , is throwne into prison , and disdainefully refuseth any ones offer to pay his debt for him . for by him , who doth you wrong , is the debt which you owe to god , forgiven , if with patience you suffer the injury which is done . whereas the angry person , who will bee his owne revenger , telleth god how and in what sort hee is to deale with him : that as hee suffered not small disgraces from another , so neither should small things bee suffered in him by god : as it is written , with what measure you mete , the same shall bee measured to you againe . six other detriments or discommodities there bee which arise from the exorbitancy of this passion . for by anger is lost , first , wisedome , while reason becomes blinded . secondly , righteousnesse ; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnesse of god. thirdly , society ; for the acquaintance of one angry man , is pleasing unto none . bee not , saith the wiseman , a companion with the angry man. fourthly , concord , while peace is disturbed . fifthly , the light of truth ; because anger casteth the darkenesse of confusion upon the mind or understanding , from whom god hideth the cheerefull beame of his divine knowledge . sixthly , the splendor of the holy spirit : upon whom , saith the prophet , shall my spirit rest , but upon the humble and quiet ? that is , upon the meeke , mild , and compassionate . thus you see what benefits may bee procured by attempering , what discommodities incurred by fostring this passion . whereon i have the rather insisted , because i am not ignorant , how the strongest and constantest tempers have beene , and may bee distempered and disparaged by it ; much more you , whose mainest strength consists in the expression of that passion . at all times therefore use a moderate restraint ; in the prime of your yeares , when youth sends forth her first promising blossomes , behave your selves mildly without bitternesse , humbly without haughtinesse , modestly without lightnesse , soberly without childishnesse . the caske will reteine her first taste ; the wooll her first dye ; the purest tablet her prime impression ; the loyall'st spirit her first affection . if you shew too much waywardnesse in your youth , small good is to bee expected in your age . as you tender your preferment , seeme milde while you are maids , lest you prove scare-crowes to a young mans bed . conforme your selves likewise to a nuptiall state , and preserve your honour without staine . contest not with your head for preeminence : you came from him , not hee from you , honour him then as hee cherisheth the love hee conceives in you . a domestick fury makes ill harmony in any family . the discord which was hatched and increased towards m. anthony by fulvia , was ever allayed and attempered by the moderation of octavia . bee you all octavia's ; the rougher your crosse , the richer your crowne . the more that injuries presse you , the more shall your patience praise you . the conflict is but short and momentanie , the triumph glorious and impall'd with eternity . and thus much touching those three particulars , whereon your behaviour principally reflects ; wee are now to descend to the next branch , which shall shew how a gentlewoman of ranke and quality , ( for to such onely is my discourse directed ) is to behave her selfe in company . society is the solace of the living ; for to live without it , were a kinde of dying . companions and friendly associats are the theeves of time . no houre can be so tedious , which two loving consorts cannot passe over with delight , and spend without distaste . bee the night never so darke , the place never so meane , the cheerefull beames of conceiving consorts will enlighten the one , and their affections mutually planted , enliven the other . what a desart then were the world without friends ? and how uselesse those friends without conceiving mindes ? and how weake those mindes , unlesse united in equall bonds ? so then , love is the cement of our life : a load without love . now , gentlewomen , you are to put on your vailes , and goe into company . which ( i am perswaded ) you cannot enter without a maiden-blush , a modest tincture . herein you are to be most cautelous , seeing no place can bee more mortally dangerous . beware therefore with whom you consort , as you tender your repute : for report will brute what you are , by the company which you beare . augustus being at a combat , discerned the inclinations of his two daughters , iulia and livia , by the company which frequented them : for grave senators talked with livia , but riotous persons with iulia. would you preserve those precious odors of your good names ? consort with such whose names were never branded , converse with such whose tongues for immodesty were never taxed . as by good words evill manners are corrected , so by evill words are good ones corrupted . make no reside there , where the least occasion of lightnesse is ministred ; avert your eare when you heare it , but your heart especially , lest you harbour it . to enter into much discourse or familiarity with strangers , argues lightnesse or indiscretion : what is spoken of maids , may bee properly applyed by an usefull consequence to all women : they should be seene , and not heard : a traveller sets himselfe best out by discourse , whereas their best setting out is silence . you shall have many trifling questions asked , as much to purpose as if they said nothing : but a frivolous question deserves to bee resolv'd by silence . for your carriage , it should neither be too precise , nor too loose . these sempring made faces partake more of chambermaid then gentlewoman . modesty and mildnesse hold sweetest correspondence . you may possibly be wooed to interchange favours : rings or ribonds are but trifles ; yet , trust mee , they are no trifles that are aym'd at in those exchanges . let nothing passe from you , that may any way impeach you , or give others advantage over you . your innocent credulity ( i am resolved ) is as free from conceit of ill , as theirs , perhaps , from intendment of good : but these intercourses of courtesies are not to be admitted , lest by this familiarity , an entry to affection be opened , which before was closed . it is dangerous to enter parley with a beleagring enemy : it implies want or weaknesse in the besieged . chastity is an inclosed garden , it should not be so much as assaulted , lest the report of her spotlesse beauty become soyled . such forts hold out best , which hold themselves least secure , when they are securest . it was the saying of a worthy generall , presuming on a mans owne strength is the greatest weaknesse ; and the readie way to betray himselfe to dangers is to contemne them . nasica , when the roman common-wealth was supposed to be in most secure estate , because freed of their enemies , and strongly fenced by their friends , affirmed , that though the achaians and carthaginians were both brought under the yoke of bondage , yet they were most in danger , because none were left , whom they might either feare for danger , or who should keepe them in awe . how subject poore women be to lapses , and recidivations , being left their owne guardians , daily experience can sufficiently discover . of which number , those alwayes proved weakest , who were confidentest of their owne strength . presumption is a daring sinne , and ever brings out some untimely birth , which viper-like deprives her unhappy parent of life . i have knowne divers so resolute in their undertakings , so presuming of their womanish strength , so constantly devoted to a single life , as in publike consorts they held it their choycest merriment to give love the affront , to discourse of affection with an imperious contempt , geere their amorous suiters out of count'nance , and make a very whirligig of love . but marke the conclusion of these insulting spirits : they sport so long with love , till they fall to love in earnest . a moment makes them of soveraignes captives , by slaving them to that deservedly , which at first they entertained so disdainfully . the way then to prevent this malady , is to weane you from consorting with folly . what an excellent impregnable fortresse were woman , did not her windowes betray her to her enemy ? but principally , when shee leaves her chamber to walke on the publike theatre ; when shee throwes off her vaile , and gives attention to a merry tale ; when shee consorts with youthfull bloud , and either enters parley , or admits of an enter-view with love . it is most true what the sententious morall sometimes observed : wee may bee in security , so long as wee are sequestred from society . then , and never till then , begins the infection to bee dispersed , when the sound and sicke begin to bee promiscuously mixed . tempt not chastity ; hazard not your christian liberty . you shall encounter with many forward youths , who will most punctually tender their uselesse service to your shadowes at the very first sight : doe not admit them , lest you prostitute your selves to their prostrate service . apelles found fault with protogenes , in that hee could not hold his hands from his table . whereas our damsels may more justly finde fault with their youthfull amorists , for that they cannot hold their hands from under the table . it is impossible to come off faire with these light-fingred fooles . your onely way is rampire your chaste intentions with divine and morall instructions , to stop the source , divert the occasion , subject affection to reason , so may you become emperesses of that which hath sometimes tyrannized over emperours : by this meanes shall every place where you publikely resort minister to you some object of inward comfort : by this meanes shall company furnish you with precepts of chastity , inable you in the serious practice of piety , and sweetly conduct you to the port of glory . privacy is the seat of contemplation , though sometimes made the recluse of tentation . from which there is granted no more exemption in the cell , than in the court. here is the lawne where melancholy drawes her line . here the minde becomes our mate ; silence , our sweetest conference : where the retired becomes either the best or worst friend to himselfe . there is none , who ever conversed with himselfe , or discanted solely with his owne humour , who can bee ignorant of those numerous slights or subtilities , which by that great tempter ( whose long exercise hath made him no lesse subtill in contriving , than cruell in practising our ruine ) are privately shadowed and shrowded , purposely to circumvent poore man , and leave him deluded . diogenes , when hee found a young man talking alone , demanded of him what hee was doing ? who answered , hee was conversing with himselfe : take heed ( quoth hee ) thou conversest not with thine enemy . of the like stampe was that love-sick girle , who became so immazed in loves error , as shee minded her worke least when shee eyed her sampler . never lesse alone then when most alone : for then , and never so freely as then , enjoyed fancy full scope of action , as when her retired privacy gave her thoughts leave to converse with affection . then and onely then became jealous love a projector , contriving wayes for enjoying her lover . no italian device , closed it never so inordinately with sense , could be unattempted , to catch him by whom shee was catched ; to seaze on him by whom shee was surprized . so eagerly cunning became fancy in feates of policy , as shee would rather lose herselfe , then by meanes of her deluded privacy , lose opportunity . to you , gentlewomen , i direct my discourse , whose privacy may enable you , if well employed , for better things than the toyes , tyres , & trifles of this age . how many ( the more our misery ) bestow their private houres ( which might be dedicated to contemplation , or workes of piety & devotion ) upon light-feather'd inventions , amorous expostulations , or minting of some unbeseeming fashions ? how few enter into account with their owne hearts ; or so consecrate their houres to gods honour , as they make privacy their soules harbour ? the day they spend in visitations ; how rare and tedious is one houre reserved for meditation ? what a serious intercourse or sociable dialogue is betweene an amorous mistresse and her looking-glasse ! the poynt or pendent of her feather wags out of a due posture ; her cheeke wants her true tincture ; her captious glasse presents to her quicke eye one error or other , which drives her into a monstruous distemper . pride leaves no time for prayer . this is her closet for ladies , where shee fits and accommodates her selfe to fashion , which is the period of her content , while purer objects are had in contempt . this is not the way to make privacy your mindes melody . these employments should sooner afflict than affect you , because they will sooner distract than direct you . your spirits will bee revived most , when these are valued least . let me therefore recommend to your choyce , patternes of more exquisite worth : such whose devotion may bee your direction , whose direction your instruction . devout mention is made of zealous anna , who made recourse to the temple , offring her incessant prayers , a viall of sweet odours , that shee might conceive a sonne : of whom , to her succeeding memory , the scripture recordeth , that after her teares so devoutly shed , her prayers so sincerely offred , her religious vowes so faithfully performed , her countenance was no more altred ; piety begot in her divine love , faith in gods promise made her beleeve , and zeale to gods house caused her to persevere : thus sighing she sought , seeking shee obtained , and obtaining shee reteined a gratefull memory of what shee received . no lesse fervour shewed ester in preferring the suite of her distressed israelites ▪ what perswasive oratory , what powerfull rhetoricke , what inducing reasons shee used , to have their unjust censure reversed , their insupportable wrongs redressed , their aggrievances relieved , the incensed king appeased , and them to favour restored ! shee wooed with teares in her eyes , faith in her heart , almes in her hand : gods cause was the progresse of her course ; shee desired nothing more then how to effect it ; which was seconded with a successive conclusion , because begun , continued , and ended with devotion . the like zeale expressed iudith for her besiedged bethulites ; the love of god had so inflamed her , as no feare of the enemy could amate her ; faith armed her with resolution , constancy strengthned her against all opposition . her armour was prayer , bethulia's cure her care , holy desires her sole attendants ; shee enters her enemies pavilion with a zealous confidence ; implores the divine assistance in her entrance ; and discomfits a daring foe with cautelous silence . her sighes and teares were as the first and second raine ; they brought successe to her thirsty soule , and a glorious conquest to her native soyle . no lesse are wee to admire the wonderfull devotion of that teare-swollen magdalen , who with devout love sought her deare spouse intombed , whose body with obsequious odours shee had embalmed before ever hee was interred . shee , when his disciples were departed , left not the sepulchre of her sweet master ; still shee sate sorrowing and sighing , weeping long and much , rising from her seat of sorrow , her grave of griefe : where hee was , hee is not ; and where hee is , shee knowes not : with pious teares , watchfull eyes , weary wayes , shee re-visits againe and againe the desart caves of his relinquish'd sepulchre , hoping at last to have the happinesse to behold , whom with so fervent a desire shee sought . now once and againe had shee entred his desolate tombe ; but little was all this to her that lov'd so much : the power or efficacy of every good worke consists in perseverance . but observe the comfortable effect of her effectuall love ! for as much as shee loved more than the rest , and loving wept more than the rest , and weeping sought more than the rest , and seeking persever'd , allowing her selfe no rest : therefore deserved she to finde , behold , and speake unto him before the rest . and not onely so , but to become the very first messenger of his glorious resurrection to his disciples , according as her choyce spouse had commanded her , and by especiall commission recommended to her : goe , tell my brethren that they goe into galile , there they shall see me . hence note the fruit of a devout heart ; the incomparable prerogative granted to divine love ! nazianzen in his epitaph for his sister gorgonia , writeth , that shee was so given to prayer , that her knees seemed to cleave to the earth , and to grow to the very ground by reason of incessancy or continuance in prayer . gregory in his dialogues writeth , that his aunt trasilla being dead , was found to have her elbowes as hard as horne : which hardnesse shee got by leaning to a deske , at which shee used to pray . such as these deserve your imitation ; for their vertues , like sweet odours , have sent out a pleasant perfume . they prayed , and obtained what they pray'd for ; they liv'd and practis'd what they sought for ; they dy'd and enjoy'd what they so long time sigh'd for . you are taught to enter your chambers and bee still . still , and yet stirring still : still from the clamours and turbulent insults of the world ; still from the mutinous motions and innovations of the flesh . but never still from warring , wrastling , bickring and embattailing with the leader of those treacherous associats , tyrannous assassinats . o should you consider what troopes of furious and implacable enemies are ever lying in ambuscado for you ; how many soule-tempting syrens are warbling notes of ruine to delude you ; what feares within you , what foes without you , what furies all about you ; you would not suffer one graine of sand to drop through the cruet , without a dropping eye ; not one minute passe undedicated to some good employment , to prevent the fury of such desperate assailants . make then your chamber your private theatre , wherein you may act some devout scene to gods honour . bee still from the world , but stirring towards god. meditation , let it bee your companion : it is the perfume of the memory ; the soules rouzer from sinnes lethargy , the sweetest solace in straits of adversity . let it bee your key to open the morning , your locke to close the evening . what an argument of indiscretion were it for one , amidst variety of choyce and delicious viands , to discourse of vanity , and suffer himselfe to famish in the presence of such plenty ? this is your case , if amids so many soule-solacing dainties of spirituall comforts , you divert your eye , by fixing it on these objects of earth : and repose not your selves in those fragrant borders of divine contemplation ; which , by how much they are more frequent , by so much they become more sweet and redolent . surely , there is nothing that relisheth more sweetly , tasteth more daintily , with-draweth your mindes from the world more speedily , strengtheneth you against the temptations of your enemy , excites or exerciseth you in every spirituall duty , as the soule-ravishing contemplation of the supreme deity . all other objects are vanity . they may play upon your fantasie , and so delude you ; but being weakely grounded on piety , they can never suffice you . taske your selves then privately , lest privacy become your enemy . as mans extremity is gods opportunity , so the divels opportunity is mans security . let not a minute bee mis-spended , lest security become your attendant . bee it in the exercise of your needle , or any other manuall employment , attemper that labour with some sweet meditation tending to gods honour . chuse rather with penelope to weave and unweave , than to give idlenesse the least leave . wanton wooers are time-wasters : they make you idolize your selves ; and consequently hazzardize the state of your soules . let not their lip-salve so annoynt you , as it make you forgetfull of him that made you . bee you in your chambers or private closets ; bee you retired from the eyes of men ; thinke how the eyes of god are on you . doe not say , the walls encompasse mee , darkenesse o're-shadowes mee , the curtaine of night secures me ; these be the words of an adulteresse ▪ therefore doe nothing privately , which you would not doe publikely . there is no retire from the eyes of god. i have heard of some , who for want of more amorous or attractive objects abroad , have furnished their private chambers with wanton pictures , aretine tables , sibariticke stories . these were no objects for christian eyes : they convey too inordinate an heat from the eye to the heart . the history of christ is a peece of portraiture that will suite your chambers best . eye no object which may estrange you from thought of your maker . make every day your ephemerides . let your morning initiate your purposes for the day , the day second what your morning purposed , the evening examine your mornings purpose , your dayes purchase . and so i descend to the next branch , how you are to behave your selves in publike , which should be by so much more punctuall , for as much as the world is more stoicall . women in sundry countryes , when they goe into any publike concourse or presse of people , use to weare vayles , to imply that secret inscreened beauty which best becomes a woman , bash-full modesty . which habit our owne nation now in latter yeares hath observed : which , howsoever the intention of the wearer appeare , deserves approvement ; because it expresseth in it selfe modest shamefastnesse , a womans chiefest ornament . i second his opinion , who held it ; for divers maine respects , a custome very irregular an undecent , that women should frequent places of publike resort , as stage-playes , wakes , solemne feasts , and the like . it is occasion that depraves us ; company that corrupts us . hence it was that some flourishing states , having eyed the inconveniences which arise from the usuall resort of women to enterludes and other publike solemnities , published an expresse inhibition against such free and frequent meetings . had hippodamia never wandred , shee had prov'd an hypemnestra , and had never wantoned . had dinah never roaved , shee had prov'd a diana , and had never beene ravished . yet farre bee it from me , to bee so regularly strict , or laconically severe , as to exclude women from all publike societies . meetings they may have , and improve them , by a civill and morall use of them , to their benefit . they may chat and converse with a modest freedome , so they doe not gossip it . for these shee-elpenors , and feminine epicures , who surfet our their time in an unwomanly excesse , wee exclude them the pale of our common-weale . bee they of what state soever , they are staines to their sexe for ever . especially such , who carouse it in deepe healths , rejoyce at the colour of the wine , till it sparkle in their veines , inflame their bloods , and lay open a breach to the frailty of their sexe . for prevention whereof , wee reade that kinsmen kissed their kinswomen to know whether they drunke wine or no ; and if they had , to bee punished by death , or banished into some iland . plutarch saith , that if the matrons had any necessity to drinke wine , either because they were sicke or weake ; the senate was to give them licence , and not then in rome neither , but out of the city . macrobius saith , that there were two senators in rome chiding , and the one called the others wife an adulteresse , and the other his wife a drunkard ; and it was judged , that to bee a drunkard was more infamy . truth is , they might joyne hands as mates of one society , for i have seldome seene any one subject to ebriety , preserve long untainted the honour of their chastity . now for publike employments , i know all are not borne to bee deborahs , to beare virile spirits in feminine bodies . yet , in chusing the better part , you may fit and accommodate your persons to publike affaires , well sorting and suting with your ranke and quality . claudia and priscilla were nobly descended , yet they publikely resorted where they might bee religiously instructed ; and no lesse publikely instructed others in those principles wherein they were informed . it is said of the vestall virgins , that they first learned what to doe ; secondly , they did what they had learned ; thirdly , they instructed others to doe that which they had both done and learned . for this , the rich saban queene left her owne region to heare the wisdome of king salomon . surely , howsoever some , no lesse properly than pregnantly , have emblematiz'd woman by a snaile ; because shee still carries her house about her , as is the property of a good house-keeper : yet in my judgement ( wherein i ingenuously submit to others censure ) a modest and well behaved woman may by her frequent or resort to publike places , conferre no lesse benefit to such as observe her behaviour , than occasion of profit to her private family , where shee is over-seer . i have seene some in these places of publike repaire , expresse such a well-seeming state without apish formality , as every action deserved imitation of such as were in their company . their conceits were sweetly tempered without lightnesse ; their jests savory , yet without saltnesse ; their discourse free without nicenesse ; their answers milde without tartnesse ; their smile pleasing , mixt with bashfulnesse ; their pace gracefull without too much activenesse ; their whole posture delightfull with a seemely carelesnesse . these are such mirrors of modesty , patternes of piety , as they would not for a world transgresse the bounds of civility . these are matrons in their houses , models in publike places . words spoken in season , are like apples of gold with pictures of silver : so opportunately are their words delivered , so seasonably uttered , with such unaffected eloquence expressed , wheresoever this sweet and well-tempered discretion is seated . whereas others there be , whose indiscretion makes discovery of an ocean of words , but a drop of reason . they speake much , but expresse little ; their conceits are ever ballased with harshnesse ; their jests foisted in with too much dulnesse ; their discourse trimmed up with too much neatnesse ; their answers leavened with too much sowrenesse ; their lookes promising too much lightnesse , or unsociable perversenesse ; their pace either too quicke or too slow in dispatch of busines ; their whole posturean indisposed frame of irregular absurdities . but to draw in our fayles , touching the prosecution of this branch ; our reproofe shall reflect upon two sorts especially , whose devious course drawne by an indirect line , may seeme to deserve reprehension worthily . the first are such who give too easie raines to liberty , making pleasure their vocation ; as if they were created for no other end , then to dedicate the first fruits of the day to their glasse ; the residue to the stage or exchange . these , no sooner have they laid their artificiall complexion on their adulterate faces , then they grow sicke for their coach. they must visit such a lady , or what , perchance , is worse , such a lord. a minute now in their chambers seemes a moneth . shall wee display one of these in her colours ? the play-bils must be brought her by her pentioner : her eye views and reviewes , and out of her feminine judgement culs out one from among them which shee will see , purposely to be seene . much shee observes not in it , onely shee desires to be observed at it . her behaviour in a box , would make any one thinke shee were a bee in a box ; shee makes such a buzzing and rusling . this is her daily taske , till death enter the stage and play his part ; whom shee entertaines with such unpreparednesse , as her extreme act presents objects of infinite unhappinesse : as it sometimes fared with a gentlewoman of our owne nation , who so daily bestowed the expence of her best houres upon the stage , as being surprized by sicknesse , even unto death , shee became so deafe to such as admonished her of her end , as when her physician was to minister a receipt unto her , which hee had prepared to allay the extremity of that agonizing fit wherewith shee was then assailed , putting aside the receipt with her hand , as if shee rejected it , in the very height and heate of her distemper , with an active resolution used these words unto her doctor : thankes good horatio , take it for thy paines . so inapprehensive was shee of death at her end , because shee never meditated of death before her end . now for the second sort , they are meere antipodes to the former ; these are onely for profit , as the other were for pleasure . these become so wedded to the world , as they afflict their spirits , macerate their bodies , estrange themselves from offices of neighbourhood , to improve their revenewes , by discovering their too much providence to the world . and these are commonly such , as are matcht to schollers , whose contemplation hath taken them from the world , and recommended the management of their estate to their wife . now to both these sorts let mee addresse my instruction : as i could not possibly approve of the former , because they made pleasure their businesse : so i cannot commend these , because they make not their businesse a pleasure . let these take heed , that they incurre not that miserable insensibility , which i have heard sometimes befell to a worldling of their sexe : who approaching neere her haven , & entring now her last conflict with nature , was , by such as stood about her , earnestly moved to recommend her selfe to god , tender the welfare of her soule , and to make her salvation sure ; thus briefly , but fearfully answered , and forthwith departed : i have made it as sure as law will make it . or as wee read in a booke enituled the gift of feare , how a religious divine comming to a certaine vsuresse , to advise her of the state of her soule , and instruct her in the way to salvation , at such time as she lay languishing in her bed of affliction ; told her , how there were three things by her to be necessarily performed , if ever she hoped to be saved : first , shee was to be contrite in heart ; secondly , shee was to confesse her sinnes ; thirdly , shee was to make restitution according to her meanes . whereto shee thus replyed ; two of those first i will doe willingly : but to doe the last , i shall hold it a difficulty ; for should i make restitution , what would remaine to raise my children their portion ? to which the divine answered ; without these three you cannot be saved . yea but , quoth shee , doe our learned men and scriptures say so ! yes surely , said the divine . and i will try ( quoth shee ) whether they say true or no , for i will restore nothing . and so resolving , fearefully dyed , fearing poverty temporall , more then eternall , which shee was of necessity to suffer , ( without gods infinite interceding mercy ) for preferring the care of her posterity , before the honour of her maker . to be short , the former sort deserves reproofe , for making pleasure their ●ocation ; the latter for barring businesse all recreation . a discreet temper will moderate both these ; the first , by holding pleasure a pastime , and no businesse ; the last , by applying a cure to an incessant care , and immixing some pleasure with businesse , to attemper it , lest it incline to heavinesse . both which , equally concurring , are ever conferring to the labouring mind , inward quietnesse . complexion inclosed in a box , gives no tincture to the cheeke , nor morall precepts unapplyed , beauty to the mind . thus farre have wee proceeded in directions of behaviour ; insisting on such remarkeable observances , as might better enable you in each particular . wee are now to say before you , upon serious discussion of the premisses , how that behaviour is to be most approved , which is clearest from affectation freed . apes are catcht in desarts by imitation . would not you be caught by indiscretion ? imitate nothing servilely , it detracts from your gentility . i have noted some of our chambermaids take upon them such an unbeseeming state , when they came to visit their poore friends in the countrey , as they punctually retein'd both gate and garbe of their mincing mistresses in the city . to their parish-church they repaire to be seene and showne ; where if any of these civilized iugs chance to be saluted by the way , having quite forgot both broome and mop , with a scornefull eye they will not stick to returne this majestick answer : wee thanke you , my good people . it is discretion that appropriates to every peculiar degree their proper distinction . many things will beseeme the mistresse , which agree not with the quality of the maid . but in no degree will that behaviour seeme comely , which affectation hath introduced , be it in court , city , or countrey . you shall see many , purposely to cover some naturall blemish or deformity , practise that which makes them appeare farre more unseemly . here one indents with her lips to semper , that shee may hide the want or greatnesse of her teeth . another contracts with her tayler , lest nemesis should be seene sitting on her shoulder . a third weares her gowne with a carelesse loosenesse , to cover or colour her bodies crookednesse . this , with fabulla , buyes an artfull periwig to supply her art-fallen haire : that enazures her seered veines , embolsters her decayed brests , to purchase a sweet-heart . what an affected state this generally-infected state assumes , purposely to gaine a popular esteeme ? survey our streets , gaze on our windowes ; you shall see gazers to entertaine your eyes with variety of phantasticke behaviours . but these are none of vertues followers . would you be prayse-worthy ? vertue to her selfe is her chiefest prayse , her choycest prize . there is nothing comparably precious to a continent soule . affectation shee will not admit , for her habit ; both her habit and behaviour are proper not enforced ; native and not apishly introduced . shee cannot wooe a wanton lover with a dissembled blush , nor promise more with an outward presence , then shee resolves to admit with a spotlesse conscience . outward semblances , if light , shee holds apparant blemishes to her life . her life , as it is a line to her selfe , so she would have it a light to others . lacides prince of argos , was accounted lascivious onely for his sleeke lookes , and mincing gate . so pompey , because hee used to scratch his head with one finger , albeit very continent and modest . beleeve it , though your person be the booke , your behaviour is the index . which will require a large comment , if it expresse it selfe in ought probably incontinent . now , for as much as nothing better seemes you , more commendably adornes you , or more absolutely accommodates you , then what is native and unaffected , so it be by education seasoned : bee your owne women ; dis-value all apish formality ; resort not to the temple to take a patterne of some new fashion : modest discretion blusheth at such servile imitation . what you see in another , may become them , which would not become another . the asse in the fable seeing the dogge fawne and leap upon his master , though it would beseeme him , but sorting not with his nature , it got him a beating for his labour . now to distinguish betwixt an enforced and unaffected behaviour , it is most easie ; the very first blush will discover the one by the other . you shall observe these who are tyed to affectation in this kind , set their looke , gate , and whatsoever else may conferre a phantasticke grace on their usurped behaviour , so punctually , as if they had entred a solemne contract with eye , face , hand , foot and all , to hold constantly their dimension , to beget in the beholder a more setled admiration . whereas contrariwise , these whose free , genuine , and generous demeanours expresse themselves lesse strictly , but farre more comely , scorne to tye their affections to these servile restraints . they hold it farre more sutable with an italian pantomime , who professeth hope of profit upon the stage , to confine them to these regularities , then discreet women , whose honour is their honest behaviour ; and whose praise it is , to be exemplary to others in goodnesse , and not others apes in imitating their phantastick fashions . to conclude then this observation ; as you are generous by birth , dote not on that which is most ridiculous on this stage of earth . approve your selves chaste virgins , continent wives , discreet matrons , honourable widdowes , in your vertuous and modest demeanour . preserve that eternally , which gives accomplishment to gentility . your educations ( as may be presupposed ) have so beautified you , as the garbe you reteine is most proper unto you . the hyaena is a dangerous beast : yet her subtilty and cruelty take life from affectation and imitation . desire you to bee so behav'd , as others may admire you ? in your choyce of behaviour , inure your selves to what is neatest , not what is newest . invention in subjects of this kinde , doth more harme than good . so behave your selves , that too much curiosity may not taxe you of pride , nor too much majesty of state : modesty mixt with humility will temper both these , and make that behaviour which appeares in you , so well become you , as if it were borne with you , and not affectively derived from others to you . the english gentlevvoman . argument . complement defined ; how it may be corrupted ; how refined ; wherein it may be admitted as mainely consequent ; wherein omitted as meerely impertinent ; what complement gives best accomplishment . complement . complement hath beene anciently defined , and so successively reteined ; a no lesse reall than formall accomplishment . such as were more nobly and freely educated , and had improved their breeding by forraine observations ( so sweetly tempered was the equall union and communion of their affections ) instructed others in what they had seene and observed , either at home or abroad , worthy imitation or approvement . nothing was admitted in those times publikely , but what was by the graver censors first discussed privately . iealous were the pagans of forraine fashions : for , with such constancy they reteined their owne , as they seldome or never itched after others . the tyrian and sidonian were so suspected of pride , through their effeminacy in attire , and other light fashions which they used , as they were held dangerous to commerce with . so purely did those poore beamelings of nature reflect on her people ; that formality was held palpable hypocrisie , faire semblances and coole performances meer golden shadowes to delude others , but gull themselves most . princes courts were princely seminaries . delicacy was there no tutresse , nor effeminacy governesse . if alcibiades , albeit in athens the beautifull'st , for native endowments the pregnant'st , and for descent one of the noblest , introduce ought irregularly ; or expresse any complement which relisheth not of civility ; the author must suffer the censure of the city . it was very usuall in former times , when any embassie was addressed from one state unto another , for the senate or councell , from whence any such legate was sent , to schoole them in sundry particulars before they tooke their journey or received their commission : but in no caution were they more strict , then in expresse command that they should use no other garbe , complement , nor salute upon their approach in forraine courts , then what they had seene used and observed at home . thus their owne native fashion , became a note of distinction to every nation . neither am i ignorant , how , even in one and the selfe-same province , there may be generally introduced a different or distinct garbe : which proceedeth either from the commerce and confluence of people there resorting , and consequently improving their behaviour and elocution by their mutuall conference ; or from the princes court , where all state and majesty hath residence ; or from the temperature of the ayre , to which some have attributed an especiall preeminence . whereas , in desart and remote places , on which the beames of civill society seldome reflect , wee shall find nothing but barbarisme and unsociable wildnesse . education is the improver of the one , and producer of the other . wee shall ever see complement shine most in places eminent . there are objects fit for such subjects : such as expect it , and bestow their whole dayes practice in exercise of it : these aspire to the nature or definition of no art more eagerly , then complement , which they hold the absolute ornament of gentility . howsoever , mainely repugnant be their tenets touching the subsistence of complement . some have held , it consisted in congies , cringes , and salutes ; of which errour , i would this age wherein wee live , did not too much labour : others , meerely in a painted and superficiall discourse ; wherein they so miserably tyed themselves to words , as they tyred the impatient hearers with foolish repetitions , frivolous extravagancies ; being , in a word , so affianced to the shadow , as they forgot the substance . the last , which were onely reall and complete courtiers , held a seemely gracefull presence , beautifide with a native comelinesse , the deservingst complement that could attend us . certainely , if wee should exactly weigh the derivation of the word , wee could not imagine so meanly of it , as to consist meerly of words , or anticke workes . it was first intended to distinguish betwixt persons of civill and savage carriage : yea , to appropriate a title of preeminence to such , who exceeded others in grounds or precepts of morality ; whose lives appeared as lampes to enlighten others , and consequently perpetuate the memory of themselves . many noble and eminent ladies are recorded , both in divine and humane writ , to have excelled in this complement of honour . these knew the definition of it , and moulded their conversation to it : they knew what belonged to a posture of state ; they could court it without apish curiosity ; embrace love with a reserved modesty ; expresse themselves complete without singularity . forraigne fashions they distasted ; painted rhetoricke they dis-relished ; reall complement was all they affected . love they could without dissembling ; discourse without affecting ; shew court'sie without congying ; still retaining what was best beseeming . in the court they resided to better it ; not a straid looke could promise a loose lover least hope of a purchase ; nor coynesse dishearten a faithfull servant from his affectionate purpose they knew not what it was to protest in j●st ; to walke in the clouds ; to domineere over their captives , or entertaine many suitors . they freed complement of dissimulation , made vertue their load-stone to affection ; their actions were dedicated to good ends : by which meanes they made god and good men their friends . nor doe i feare it , but that our flourishing albion hath many such noble and complete ladies ; who so highly esteeme the true and native definition of complement , as they preferre the substance before the shadow . honour is their deerest tender , goodnesse their line , by which they daily draw neerer to perfection , their proper centre . thus farre for the definition , wherein we have the rather inlarged our discourse , that the subject whereof wee treat , may be discovered in her owne nature ; such as owe attendance to her , become better proficients in their instructions derived from her . neither can wee observe what may really deserve your imitation , but by discerning the excellence of that whereof wee treat by a true and proper definition . there is nothing on earth so pure , but abuse may corrupt it ; nothing so good , but custome may deprave it . this may appeare in this one subject , which wee have now in discourse . former times were not so jaded to fashions , as to esteeme nothing formall , but what was phantasticall . it was not then held the life of complement , to have the art to set a face , court a glasse , make a cringe or a ducke . legges were held for usefull supporters , but no complementall postures . new-minted words made not their tongues more complete : nor an outlandish salute their persons more admired . virgin-modesty made resolution her steletto to guard her honour : plumes and feathers were held light dressings for staid minds ; suspicious trimmings for stale maids . actors might weare them in their presentments upon the stage , but modest matrons were never allowed to weare them in the state. women were admitted to have painters , but not to be their owne painters : campaspe was pictured out in her colours by apelles : crotons five daughters lively depictured by zeuxes , yet these , without any helpe of art , still retained their owne native features . it was the complement of that age to deliver their mind freely without mincing , converse friendly without glozing ; walke the street demurely without gazing . wherein ( with submission ever to graver judgements ) this latter age , in mine opinion , deserves just reproofe . education is a second nature , and this hath given that freedome to women , as they may admit any oportunity to entertaine time with their amorous servants ; redart wanton tales with light blushes ; passe a whole afternoone in a bay-window , in congies , courtesies , and other uselesse complements . flashes of wit are made beguilers of time ; and these mixt now and then with such lascivious passages , as modesty might justly hold it selfe abused to be so encountred : alas ! who knowes not what secret traines are laid for credulous women , under these pretenced parlies ? doe you observe how their tongues are tipt with your praises ; how they honour your shadowes ; admire the earth you tread on ; adore the ayre you breath on ; and with their ayrie applauses so gild you , as in the end they palpably gull you ; leaving you no lesse miserably deluded , than themselves seased of what their sensuall quest pursued ? beware of that complement which gives way to rob you of your choycest ornament . egnatius , in catullus , is brought out , shewing the whitenesse of his teeth : a poore subject to raise an encomiasticke poem . these are theames for an amorous muse : white teeth , rolling eyes , a beautifull complexion ( all exteriour and inferiour goods ) being that which euryala his nurse praised , when shee washed the feet of vlysses , namely , gentle speech , and tender flesh . no lesse perswasive by the elegancy of the one , than invasive by delicacy of the other . but all these outward imbellishments give but small accomplishment to the inward beauty : " where good 's a better attribute than faire . now bee not these dainty subjects for a complete youth to discant on ? what crotchets and extemporall conceits are hatched out of an addle braine ? the very shadow of iulia's haire must not want the compleatest honour , that either art can devise , or cost erect . not a cooplet but must bee poetically complete ; which , out of an amorous phrensie , must , with mounting hyperboles , bee thus continued : skinne more pure than ida's snow , whiter farre than moorish milke , sweeter than ambrosia too , softer than the paphian silke , indian plumes or thistle-downe , or may-blossoms newly blowne , is my mistresse rosie-pale , adding beauty to her vaile . an excellent peece of complementall stuffe to catch a selfe-conceited one . many you have of your sexe , who are too attentive auditors in the report of their owne praises . nothing can bee attributed to them , which they hold not properly due unto them . which conceit , many times , so transports them , as , narcissus-like , they are taken with their owne shadowes ; doting on nothing more than these encomiasticke bladders of their desertlesse praises . let mee advise you , whose discretion should bee farre from giving light eare to such ayrie tritons , to disrellish the oylie complement of these amorous sycophants . it is hatefull oratorie , that brings you to selfe idolatrie . much more usefull and beneficiall it will bee for you to reteine that modesty which appeared in alphonsus prince of aragon's answer to a plausive orator ; who having repeated a long panegyricall oration in his prayse , replyed ; if that thou hast said , consent with truth , i thanke god for it ; if not , i pray god grant mee grace that i may doe it . you shall encounter with some of these complete amorists , who will make a set speech to your glove , and sweeten every period with the perfume of it . others will hold it an extraordinary grace to become porters of your misset , or holders of your fanne , while you pinne on your maske . service , observance , devotion , be the generall heads of their complement . other doctrine they have none , either to instruct morally , or informe politically . beleeve it , gentlewomen , they are ill-spent houres , that are bestowed in conference with these braine-wormes . their frivolous discourse will exact from you some answer : which if you shape justly to their dialect , there will bee more vaine wind spent , than you can redeeme with many teares . let no conceit transport you above your selves ; hold it for no complement worthy your breeding , to trifle time in love-toyes . they detract both from discretion and modesty , and oft-times endanger the ruine of the latter fearefully . this kinde of complement with great ones , were but meere canting among beggars . hee or shee are the completest , who in arguments of discourse and action are discreetest . full vessels give the least sound . such as hold complement the sole subject of a glib tongue , active cringe , or artfull smile ; are those onely mimicks , or buffouns of our age , whose behaviours deserve farre more derision than applause . thus you have heard how complement may bee corrupted ; wee now purpose , with as much propriety and brevity as wee may , to shew you how it may bee refined : to the end , that what is in its owne nature so commendable , may bee entertained with freedome of choyce , and reteined without purpose to change . the vnicornes horne being dipt in water , cleares and purifies it . it is the honour of the physician to restore nature , after it bee decayed . it is the sole worke of that supreme architect to bring light out of darkenesse , that what was darke might bee enlightened ; life out of death , that what was dead might bee enlivened ; way out of error , that the erring might bee directed ; knowledge out of ignorance , that the ignorant might bee instructed ; a salve out of sinne , that sinnes sore might bee cured ; comfort out of affliction , that the afflicted might bee comforted ; hope out of despaire , that the desperate might bee succoured ; a raising from falling , that their fall might bee recovered ; strength out of weaknesse , that his great worke might bee glorified . gold thrice tryed , becomes the purer and more refined : and complement the most , when it is best accommodated . true it is , that society is either a plague or a perfume . it infects , where consorts are ill-affected ; but workes excellent effects , where vertuous consorts are assembled . it is the sweetest note that one can sing , when grace in vertues key , tunes natures string . where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith mellifluous bernard ) is sweet and delectable : where one man is meeke , it is profitable : where neither , it proves pernicious and uncomfortable . it is society that gives us , or takes from us our security . let me apply this unto you , gentlewomen , whose vertuous dispositions , ( so sweetly hath nature grac'd you ) promise nothing lesse than fervorous desires of being good . would you have that refined in you , which others corrupt , by inverting the meanes ? or expresse that in her native colours , which will beautifie you more than any artificiall or adulterate colours , whose painted varnish is no sooner made than melted ? make choyce of such for your consorts , whose choyce may admit no change . let no company bee affected by you , which may hazard infecting of you . the world is growne a very pest-house : timely prevention must bee used , before the infection have entred . you have no such soveraigne receits to repell , as you have to prevent . the infection of vice leaves a deeper spot or speckle on the mind , than any desease doth on the body . the blackmoore may sooner change his skin , the leopard his spots , than a soule deepe dyed in the graine of infection , can put off her habituate corruption . bee it then your principall care to make choyce of such bashfull maids , modest matrons , or reverend widdowes , as hold it their best complement to retaine the opinion of being continent . infamy hath wings as swift as fame . shunne the occasion , lest you undergoe the brand . posthuma , because given to laughter , and something forward to talke with men , was suspected of her honesty ; where being openly accused , shee was acquitted by spurius minutius , with this caveat , to use words sutable to her life . civility , trust me , is the best and most refined complement that may bee . courting in publike places , and upon first sight , it affects not ; for it partakes more of impudent than complete . bee it of the city that argument of discourse bee ministred , it can talke freely of it without mincing ; or of the court , it can addresse it selfe to that garbe in apt words without minting ; or of the countrey , in an home-spun phrase it can expresse whatsoever in the countrey deserves most prayse . and all this in such a proper and familiar manner , as such who are tied to complement , may aspire to it , but never attaine it . hee that hath once tasted of the fountaine clitorius , will never afterward drinke any wine . surely , howsoever this civill and familiar forme of dialect may seeme but as pure running water in comparison of complement , which , like nectar , streames out in conduits of delight to the humorous hearer : yet our discreet complementer preferres the pure fountaine before the troubled river . it is true , that many fashions , which even these later times have introduc'd , deserve free admittance ; yea , there is some thing yet in our oare , that may be refined . yet in the acceptance of these , you are not to entertaine whatsoever these finer times have brought forth . where variety is affected , and the age to inconstancy subjected , so as nothing but what is rare and new becomes esteemed : either must our inventions bee present and pregnant , our surveyes of forraine places serious and sollicitant , or wee shall fall into decay of fashion , or make old ones new , and so by antiquity gull our nation . truth is , though our tongues , hands , bodies , and legges bee the same , our elocution , action , gesture , and posture are not the same . should the soule of troilus , according to that erroneous transmigration of pythagoras , passe into the body of one of our english courtiers ; or hortensius , ( who was an orator active enough ) into one of our english lawyers ; or antigone ( who was complementall enough ) into one of our english curtezans ; they would finde strange cottages to dwell in . what is now held complete ; a few yeares will bury in disgrace . nothing then so refined , if on earth seated , which time will not raze , or more curious conceits dis-esteeme , or that universall reduction to nothing dissolve . that complement may seeme pleasing ; such a fashion generally affecting ; such a dressing most complete : yet are all these within short space covered with contempt . what you observe then to be most civill in others , affect it ; such an habit needs not to bee refined , which cannot be bettered . fashion is a kinde of frenzy ; it admires that now , which it will laugh at hereafter , when brought to better temper . civility is never out of fashion ; it ever reteines such a seemely garbe , as it conferres a grace on the wearer , and enforceth admiration in the beholder . age cannot deface it ; contempt disgrace it ; nor gravity of judgement ( which is ever held a serious censor ) disapprove it . bee thus minded , and this complement in you will bee purely refined . you have singular patternes to imitate , represent them in your lives , imitate them in your loves . the corruption of the age , let it seize on ignoble spirits ; whose education , as it never equall'd yours , so let them strike short of those nobler indowments of yours : labour daily to become improved , honour her that will make you honoured : let vertue be your crowne , who holds vanity a crime : so may you shew holinesse in your life , enjoy happinesse at your death , and leave examples of goodnesse unto others both in life and death . courts and eminent places are held fittest schooles for complement : there the cinnamon tree comes to best growth ; there her barke gives sweetest sent . choice and select fashions are there in onely request ; which oft-times like those ephemera , expire after one dayes continuance : whatsoever is vulgar , is thence exploded ; whatsoever novell , generally applauded . here bee weekely lectures of new complements ; which receive such acceptation , and leave behinde them that impression , as what garbe soever they see used in court publikely , is put in present practise privately ; lest discontinuance should blemish so deserving a quality . the courts glosse may bee compared to glasse , bright , but brittle ; where courtiers ( saith one ) are like counters , which sometime in account goe for a thousand pound , and presently before the count bee cast , but for a single penny . this too eager affection after complement , becomes the consumption of many large hereditaments . whereto it may bee probably objected , that even discretion injoynes every one to accommodate himselfe to the fashion or condition of that place wherein hee lives . to which objection i easily condescend ; for , should a rusticke or boorish behaviour accompany one who betakes himselfe to the court , hee might bee sure to finde a controuler in every corner to reprove him ; or some complete gallant or other , pittifully to geere and deride him . but to dote so on fashion , as to admire nothing more then a phantasticke dressing , or some anticke complement , which the corruption of an effeminate state hath brought in , derogates more from discretion , then the strict observance of any fashion addes to her repute . this place should bee the beacon of the state ; whose mounting prospect surveyes these inferiour coasts which pay homage and fealty unto her . the least obliquity there , is exemplary elsewhere . piercing'st judgements , as well as pregnant'st wits should bee there resident . not a wandring or indisposed haire , but gives occasion of observance to such as are neere . how requisite then is it for you , whose nobler descents promise , yea , exact more of you then inferiours , to expresse your selves best in these best discerning and deserving places ? you are women , modesty makes you completest : you are noblewomen , desert accompanying your descent will make you noblest . you may , and conveniency requires it , reteine a courtly garbe , reserve a well seeming state , and shew your selves lively emblemes of that place , wherein you live : you may entertaine discourse , to allay the irkesomenesse of a tedious houre ; bestow your selves in other pleasing recreations , which may no lesse refresh the mind , then they conferre vigour and vivacity to the body . you may be eminent starres , and expresse your glory in the resplendent beames of your vertues ; so you suffer no blacke cloud of infamy to darken your precious names . shee was a princely christian courtier , who never approached the court , but shee meditated of the court of heaven ; never consorted with her courtiers , but shee contemplated those citizens of heaven ; nor ever entred the presence-chamber , but shee thought of the presence of her maker , the king of heaven . and how shee was never conscious of that thought which redounded not to her subjects honour ; which shee preferred next to the love of her maker , before the fruition of an empire . such meditations are receits to cure all inordinate motions . your lives should be the lines to measure others actions . vertue is gracious in every subject , but most in that , which the prince or princesse hath made gracious . anciently , the world was divided into three parts , whereof europe was held the soule ; properly , every politike state may be divided into three cantons , whereof the court is the sunne . you are objects to many eyes ; be your actions platformes to many lives . i can by no meanes approve that wooing and winning complement ( though most courts too generally affect it ) which makes her sole object , purchase of servants or suitors . this garbe tastes more of curtezan then courtier : it begets corrivals , whose fatall duello's end usually in blood . our owne state hath sometimes felt the misery of these tragicke events ; by suffering the losse of many generous and free-bred sparkes ; who , had not their torches beene extinguished in their blood , might to this day have survived , to their countries joy and their owne same . so great is the danger that lyes hid in affable complements , promising aspects , affectionate glances , as they leave those who presumed of their owne strength , holding themselves invulnerable , many times labouring of wounds incurable . be you no such basilisks ; never promise a calme in your face , where you threaten a storme in your heart . appeare what you are , lest censure taxe you of inconstancy , by saying , you are not what you were . an open countenance and restrained bosome sort not well together . sute your discourse to your action ; both to a modest dispose of your affection . throw abroad no loose lures , wandring eyes , strayed lookes ; these delude the spectators much , but the actors most . a just revenge● by striving to take in others , they are taken by others . how dangerous doe we hold it to be , in a time of infection , to take up any thing , be it never so precious , which wee find lost in the street ? one of your loose lookes , be it darted with never so complementall a state , is farre more infectious , and mortally dangerous . there is nothing that sounds more cheerefully to the eare , or leaves a sweeter accent ; nothing that conveyes it selfe more speedily to the heart , or affords fuller content for the time , then conceit of love . it will immaze a perplexed wretch in a thousand extremes ; whose amazed thoughts stand so deepely ingaged to the object of his affection , as hee will sustaine any labour , in hope of a trifling favour . such soveraignty beauty reteines ; which , if discretion temper not , begets such an height of conceit in the party beloved , as it were hard to say , whether the agent or patient suffer more . to you let me returne , who stand fixed in so high an orbe ; as a gracefull majesty well becomes you , so let modesty grace that majesty ; that demeaning your selves like complete and gracious courtiers on earth , you may become triumphant and glorious courtiers in heaven . this garbe , as it suites not with all persons , so sorts it not to all places . for a mechanicke to affect complement , would as ill seeme him , as for a rough-hewen satyre to play the orator . it is an excellent point of discretion , to fit ones selfe to the quality or condition of that place where he resides . that vrbanity which becomes a citizen , would rellish of too much curiosity in a countrey-man . that complement which gives proper grace to a courtier , would beget derision or contempt , being personated by a merchant or his factor . in affaires of state , is required a gracefull or complete posture ; which many times procures more reverence in the person interessed , then if that state were omitted . whereas , in ordinary affaires of trafficke , it were indiscretion to represent any such state , or to use any expression , either by way of discourse or action , that were not familiar . that person , who prefers complement before profit : and will rather speake not to be understood , then lose one polite-stollen phrase , which hee hath purchased by eare onely , and understands not , may account himselfe one among his bank-rupt brethren , before hee breake . it is pittifull to heare what a remnant of fustian , for want of better complement , a complete-countrey-gossip ( for so shee holds her selfe ) will utter in one houre amongst her pew-fellowes . how shee will play the schoole-mistresse in precepts of discipline and morall behaviour ! nothing so gracefull in another , which shee will not freely reprove ; nothing so hatefull in her selfe , which shee will not confidently approve . teach shee will , before shee be taught ; and correct form● it selfe , to bring forme out of love with it selfe . to which malady , none is more naturally subject , then some ladies cashiered gentlewoman , or one who hath plaid schoole-mistresse in the city , and for want of competent pay , removes her campe into the countrey : where she brings enough of vanity into every family throughout the parish . shee will not sticke to instruct her young pupils in strange points of formality , enjoyning them not to aske their parents blessing without a complement . these , as they were never mistresses of families , so they are generally ignorant in employments of that kind . those three principall workes or faculties of the vnderstanding , which might enable them to discourse , distinguish , and to chuse , are so estranged from them , as their discourse consists solely in arguments of vanity , their distinction in meere shadowes of formality , their choyce in subjects and consorts of effeminacy . eight things , saith hippocrates , make ones flesh moist and fat ; the first , to be merry and live at hearts ease ; the second , to sleepe much ; the third , to lye in a soft bed ; the fourth , to fare well ; the fifth , to be well apparelled and appointed ; the sixth , to ride alwayes on horse-backe ; the seventh , to have our will ; and the eighth , to bee employed in playes and pastimes , and in such time-beguiling recreations , as yeeld contentment and pleasure . these are the onely receits in request with those shee-censors wee now discourse of ; and of whom it may be said , as was sometimes spoken of one margites , that he never plowed , nor digged , nor did any thing all his life long that might tend unto goodnesse ; and by necessary consequence wholly unprofitable to the world . who , howsoever they are lesse then women at their worke , yet at their meat ( so unconfined is their appetite ) they are more then men , and in their habits ( so phantasticke is their conceit , neither women nor men . so as , were diogenes to encounter one of these , hee might well expostulate the cause with her , as hee did upon like occasion with a youth too curiously and effeminately drest : if thou goest to men , all this is but in vaine ; if unto women , it is wicked . but these wee hold altogether unworthy of your more generous society ; whose excellent breeding hath sufficiently accommodated you for city , court , and countrey ; and so fully inform'd you how to demeane your selves in all affaires ; as i make little doubt , but you know wherein it may bee admitted , as mainely consequent ; and wherein omitted as meerely impertinent . i meane therefore to descend briefly to the last branch of this observation ; declaring , what ornament gives complement best beauty or accomplishment . it is true , what the sonne of sirach sometimes said ; when a man hath done his best , hee must beginne againe ; and when hee thinketh to come to an end , hee must goe againe to his labour . there is nothing so exact , which may not admit of something to make it more perfect . wee are to goe by stayres and steps to the height of any story . vertues are the staires , perfection the spire . but i must tell you , gentlewomen , the way for you to ascend , is first to descend : complete you cannot be , unlesse you know how replete you are of misery . humility is the staire that conducts you to this spire of glory . your beauty may proclaime you faire ; your discourse expresse a pregnancy of conceit ; your behaviour confirme you outwardly complete . yet there is something more then all this required , to make you absolutely accomplished . all these outward becommings , be they never so gracefull , are but reflections in a glasse ; quite vanished , so soone as the glasse is removed . critolaus balance was of precious temper , and well deserving estimation with heires of honour ; who poised the goods of body and fortune in one skale , and goods of the mind in the other : where the goods of the mind so farre weighed downe the other , as the heaven doth the earth and seas . to lead a dance gracefully ; to marry your voice to your instrument musically ; to expresse your selves in prose and verse morally ; are commendable qualities , and enforcing motives of affection . yet i must tell you , for the first , though it appeare by your feet to be but a meere dimension , in the opinion of the learned , it is the divels procession : where the dance is the circle , whose centre is the divell . which may be restrained by a more easie or moderate glosse to such wanton and immodest revels , as have anciently beene used in the celebration of their prophane feasts by pagans , and are to this day by pagan-christians ; who , to gaine applause from the spectator , care not what shamelesse parts they play in the presence of their maker . but what are these worth , being compared with these inward ornaments or beauties of your mind ; which onely distinguish you from other creatures , and make you soveraignesses over the rest of gods creatures ? you have that within you , which will best accomplish you . let not that bee corrupted , by which your crooked wayes may be best corrected . hold it no such necessary point of complement , to shew a kind of majesty in a dance ; and to preferre it before the complement of a religious taske . those sensuall curtezans , who are so delighted in songs , pipes , and earthly melody , shall in hell rore terribly and howle miserably ; crying , as it is in the apocalips ; woe , woe , woe . woe shall every one cry severally , for the reward they have received in hell eternally ; saying and sighing , woe is mee that ever i was borne : for farre better had it beene for her , that shee had never beene borne . and againe , cursed bee the wombe that bare mee a sinner . after this , shall shee cry out in her second woe against her selfe and all the members of her owne body : woe bee unto you my accursed feet , what evill have you brought upon mee , miserable wretch , who by your perverse paths and wicked wayes have shut heavens gate of mee ? woe unto you my hands , why have you deprived mee by your sinfull touch , and sensuall embrace , of the crowne of glory ? by your meanes am i brought to hell fire , where i shall bee tormented eternally . woe unto thee , thou cursed tongue , what mischiefe hast thou brought upon mee , by uttering words so scurrilous and filthy , and singing uncivill songs so frequently ? o ye cursed eyes , who by your unlawfull objects of concupiscence , have deprived mee of gods presence , and never shed one teare for your sinnes in token of repentance ! now begins your intolerable weeping ( yee teare-swolne eyes never dryed ) before all the divels and the damned . woe unto thee my heart , what hast thou put upon mee , who by thy lustfull thoughts and unlawfull joyes , hast deprived me of eternall joyes ? the third woe , that shee shall cry out , is this , saying : woe unto the bitternesse of my torments , for they are comfortlesse : woe unto the multitude of them , for they are numberlesse : woe unto the eternity of them , for they are endlesse . would our wanton curtezans , who sport it in their beds of ivory , surfeit it in their delicacy , wanton it in the bosome of security , and dedicate their whole time to sensuality , reflect upon such a soveraigne salve or spirituall balme as this ; they would draw backe their feet from the wayes of wantonnesse , and exercise them wholly in the paths of righteousnesse . they would remove their hands from unchaste embraces , and inure them to the search of scriptures . they would stop their mouthes from uttering ought uncivilly , and teach their tongues to bee orators of modesty . they would turne their eyes from vanity , and fixe them on the purest objects of eternity . that so , instead of bitternesse of torments , they might taste the sweetnesse of divine comforts : instead of multitude of torments , they might partake the numberlesse number of gods mercies : and instead of the eternity of those torments , immortality with gods saints and servants . prevention is the life of policy : the way to avoid those , and enjoy these , is to live in your court here on earth , where you are spheared , as in the presence of god and his heavenly angels , where your hope is seated . though your feet bee here , your faith should bee there : here your campe , there your court. meane time , while you sojourne here , you are to hold a good christian the completest courtier : and that vertue is the ornament , which gives complement the best accomplishment . silken honour is like painted meate ; it may feed the eye , but affords no nourishment . that courtiers coate gives a vading glosse , whose heart is not inwardly lin'd with grace . let goodnesse guide you in the way , and happinesse will crowne you in the end . let your complete armour be righteousnesse , your complement lowlinesse : complete in nothing so much as holinesse ; that in your convoy from earth , you may bee endenized in heaven , naturall citizens , angelicall courtiers . the english gentle-vvoman . argument . decency recommended as requisite in foure distinct subjects : decency the attractivest motive of affection : the smoothest path that leads to perfection . decency . decency takes discretion ever along with her to choose her fashion . shee accommodates her selfe to the place wherein shee lives , the persons with whom shee consorts , the ranke or quality shee partakes . shee is too discreet to affect ought that may not seeme her : too constant to change her habit for the invention of any phantasticke wearer . what propriety shee expresseth in her whole posture or carriage , you shall easily perceive , if you will but with a piercing eye , a serious survey , reflect upon her demeanour in her gate , looke , speech , habit. of which , distinctly , wee purpose to intreat , in our entry to this observation ; that by these you may probably collect the excellency of her condition . that , wherein wee should expresse our selves the humblest , many times transports us most , and proclaimes us proudest . it is no hard thing to gather the disposition of our heart , by the dimension of our gate . what a circular gesture wee shall observe some use in their pace , as if they were troubled with the vertigo ! others make a tinkling with their feet , and make discovery of their light thoughts , by their wanton gate . others with a jetting and strutting pace , publish their hauty and selfe-conceited minde . thus doe our wantons ( as if they had transparent bodies ) display their folly , and subject themselves to the censure of levity . this cannot decency endure . when shee sees women , whose modesty should bee the ornament of their beauty , demeane themselves more like actors than civill professants , shee compassionately suffers with them , and with choyce precepts of morall instruction ( wherein shee hath ever shewne her selfe a singular proficient ) shee labours to reclaime them : with amorous , but vertuous rhetoricke , shee wooes them , hoping by that meanes to winne them . shee bids them looke backe to preceding times , yea those , on which that glorious light which shines in those christian dayes , never reflected ; and there they shall finde women highly censured , for that their outward carriage onely made them suspected . a vaile covered their face , modesty measured out their pace ; their spectators were as so many censors : circumspect therefore were they of their carriage , lest they should become a scandall or blemish to their sexe . their repaire to their temples was decent , without any loose or light gesture ; entring their temples , constant and setled was their behaviour . quicke was their pace in dispatch of houshold affaires ; but slow in their epicureall visits or sensuall gossipings . they had not the art of imitating such huffing & mounting gates , as our light-spirited dames now use . they were not as then learn'd to pace : so far estrang'd were they from the very least conceit of vanity in this kinde . how much more should these purer times , where verity is taught and embraced , vanity so much tax'd and reproved , affect that most , which adornes and beautifies most ? is it not palpable folly , to walke so hautily in these streets of our captivity ? eye your feet , those bases of frailty , how they , who so proudly strut on earth , are but earth , and approach daily nearer their earth . the swan , when she prides her selfe in her whitenesse , reflects on her blacke feet , which brings downe her plumes , and allayes her selfe-conceit with more humblenesse . what anticke pageants shall wee behold in this survey of earth ? with what apish gestures they walke , which taxeth them of lightnesse ? how like colosso's others walke , which discovers their haughtinesse ? how punctually these , as if they were puppets drawn by an enforced motion ? how phantastically those , as if their walke were a theatrall action ? these unstaid dimensions argue unsetled dispositions . all is not well with them . for if one of the spartan ephori was to lose his place , because hee observ'd no decency in his pace , how may wee bee opinion'd of such women , whose yeeres exact of them stayednesse , whose places reteine in them more peculiar reverence , and whose descents injoyne them to a state-reservance ; when they , to gaine observance , admit of any new , but undecent posture ? deserve these approvement ? no ; discretion cannot prize them , nor judgement praise them . vulgar opinion , whose applause never receives life from desert , may admire what is new , but discretion that onely which is neat . it is one thing to walke honestly as on the day , another thing to walke uncivilly as on the night . decency becomes the one ; deformity the other . neither onely are modest women to bee cautelous how they walke , but where they walke . some places there bee , whereto if they repaire , walke they never so civilly , they cannot walke honestly . those who value reputation , will not bee seene there ; for honour is too deare a purchase to bee set at sale . such as frequent these places , have exposed themselves to shame ; and made an irrevocable contract with sinne . they make choyce of the twy-light , lest their paths should be discovered ; and shrowd their distained actions with the sable curtaine of night , lest they should bee displayed . these , howsoever their feet walke softly , their hearts poste on swiftly , to seize on the voluptuous prey of folly . farre bee these wayes from your walkes , vertuous ladies , whose modesty makes you honoured of your sexe . though your feet bee here below , let your faith bee above . let no path of pleasure draw you from those joyes which last for ever . though the world bee your walke while you sojourne here ; heaven should bee your ayme , that you may repose eternally there . live devoutly , walke demurely , professe constantly ; that devotion may instruct you , your wayes direct you , your profession conduct you to your heavenly countrey . it is a probable argument , that such an one hates her countrey , where onely shee is to become citizen , who thinkes it to bee well with her here , where shee is a pilgrim . walke in this maze of your pilgrimage , that after death you may enjoy a lasting heritage . so shall you praise god in the gate , and , after your christian race finished , receive a crowne . it is most true , that a wanton eye is the truest evidence of a wandring and distracted minde . the arabians proverbe is elegant ; shut the windowes , that the house may give light . it is death that enters in by the windowes . the house may bee secured , if these bee closed . whence it was , that princely prophet praid so earnestly , lord turne away mine eyes from vanity . and hence appeares mans misery : that those eyes , which should bee the cesternes of sorrow , limbeckes of contrition , should become the lodges of lust , and portals of our perdition . that those which were given us for assistants and associates , should become our assassinat● . our eye is made the sense of sorrow , because the sense of sinne ; yet more apt is shee to give way to sinne , then to finde one teare to rinse her sinne . an uncleane eye is the messenger of an uncleane heart : confine the one , and it will bee a means to rectifie the other . many dangerous objects will a wandring eye finde , whereon to vent the disposition of her corrupt heart . no place is exempted , no subject freed . the ambitious eye makes honour her object , wherewith shee afflicts her selfe , both in aspiring to what shee cannot enjoy , as likewise in seeing another enjoy that , whereto her selfe did aspire . the covetous makes wealth her object ; which shee obtaines with toile , enjoyes with feare , forgoes with griefe : for being got they load her , lov'd they soile her , lost they gall her . the envious makes her neighbours flourishing field , or fruitfull harvest , her object ; shee cannot but looke on it , looking pine and repine at it , and repining justly consume her spirit with envying it . the lascivious makes beauty her object , and with a leering looke , while shee throweth out her lure to catch others , shee becomes catcht herselfe . this object because it reflects most on your sexe , let it bee thus disposed , that the inward eye of your soules may bee on a superiour beauty fixed . doe ye admire the comelinesse of any creature ? remove your eye from that object , and bestow it on the contemplation of your creator . wormes and flyes , that have layen dead all winter by reflexe of the sunne beames , are revived : so these flesh-flyes , who have beene long time buried in these sensuall objects of earth , no sooner reflect on the sunne of righteousnesse , than they become enlivened and enlightened . those filmes which darkened the eye of their mindes , are removed , those thicke cataracts of earthly vanities are dispersed and dispelled , and a new light into a new heart infused . i know well , gentlewomen , that your resort to places of eminent resort , cannot but minister to you variety of objects . yea , even where nothing but chaste thoughts , staid lookes , and zealous desires should harbour , are now and then loose thoughts , light lookes , and licentious desires in especiall honour . the meanes to prevent this malady , which like a spreading ulcer disperseth it selfe in every society , is neither willingly to take nor bee taken . dinah may bee a proper embleme for the eye ; shee seldome strayes abroad , but shee is in danger of ravishing . now to preserve purity of heart , you must observe a vigilant discipline over every sense . where , if the eye , which is the light of the body , bee not well disposed , the rest of the senses cannot choose but bee much darkned . wee say , that the want of one peculiar sense supplies that defect with an higher degree of perfection in the rest . sure i am , there is no one sense that more distempers the harmony of the mind , nor prospect of the soule , then this window of the body . it opens ever to the raven , but seldome to the dove . raving affections it easily conveyes to the heart ; but dove-like innocence it rarely reteines in the brest . as it is a member of the flesh , so becomes it a servant of the flesh ; apprehending with greedinesse , whatsoever may minister fuell to carnall concupiscence . this you shall easily correct , by fixing her on that pure and absolute object , for which shee was made . it is observed by profest oculists ( an observation right worthy a christians serious consideration ) that whereas all creatures have but foure muscles to turn their eyes round about , man hath a fift to pull his eyes up to heaven . doe not then depresse your eyes , as if they were fixed on earth , nor turne them round , by gazing on the fruitlesse vanities of earth ; but on heaven , your haven after earth . in the philosophers scale ▪ the soule of a flye is of more excellence then the sunne ; in a christian scale , the soule of man is infinitely more precious then all creatures under the sun. preserve then the honour of a beautifull soule , which suffers infinitely when it is blemished with any soile . so order and dispose your lookes , as censure may not taxe you of lightnesse , nor an amorous glance impeach you of wantonnesse . send not forth a tempting eye to take another ; nor entertaine a tempting looke darting from another . neither take nor bee taken . to become a prey to others , will slave you● to make a prey of others , will transport you . looke then upward , where the more you looke you shall like , the longer you live you shall love . without speech can no society subsist . by it we expresse what we are , as vessels discover themselves best by their sound . discretion makes opportunity her anvile , whereon is wrought a seasonable discourse . otherwise , howsoever wee speake much , wee discourse little . that sage stagyrian debating of the convenience and propriety of discourse before alexander , maintained , that none were to bee admitted to speake ( by way of positive direction ) but either those that mannaged his wars , or his philosophers which governed his house . this opinion tasted of too much strictnesse ( will our women say ) who assume to themselves a priviledge in arguments of discourse , be the argument never so course whereon they treat . truth is , their tongues are held their defensive armour ; but in no particular detract they more from their honour , then by giving too free scopeto that glibbery member . for to such as professe their ability at this weapon , may that saying of pandolphus bee properly applied : they speake much ill , but they speake little well ; they speake much , but doe little . againe , they doe little well , but they doe much ill ; they say well , but doe ill . they promise much , but doe little . what restraint is required in respect of the tongue , may appeare by that ivory guard or garrison with which it is impaled . see , how it is double warded , that it may with more reservancy and better security be restrained ! to give liberty to the tongue to utter what it list , is the argument of an indiscreet person . in much speech there can never want sinne , it either leaves some tincture of vaine-glory , which discovers the proud heart , from whence it proceeded ; or some taste of scurrility , which displayes the wanton heart , from whence it streamed ; or some violent and dispassionate heat , which proclaimes a rancorous heart , from whence it issued . whereas , a well-disposed mind will not speake before it conceive ; nor deliver ought by way of expression , till it be prepared by a well-seasoned deliberation . that philosophers speech deserves retention ; who seeing a silent guest at a publike feast , used these words : if thou beest wise , thou art a foole ; if a foole , thou art wise in holding thy peace . for as propriety of speech ministers no lesse delight then profit to the hearer : so it argues discretion in the speaker , begetting him such attention , as not one syllable fals from him , which merits not retention . in your dialect then , you are not to hide your talent , if it probably appeare that you may improve any one by it . wherein let me advise you never to tye your selves so strictly to elegancie or ornament , as by the outward trimming to forget the benefit of speech , and so fall into expressions impertinent . this were to preferre the rinde before the pith : and to ingage sense to a profuse speech . as discourse usually edifying confers a benefit to the hearer ; so discourses ●●itlesse and wandring , as they tire the eare , so they taxe the discretion of the speaker . it was an excellent precept of ecclesiasticus : thou that art young , speake , if need be , and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked . comprehend much in few words ; in many be as one that is ignorant : be as one that understandeth , and yet hold thy tongue . the direction is generall , but to none more consequently usefull then to young women ; whose bashfull silence is an ornament to their sexe . volubility of tongue in these , argues either rudenesse of breeding , or boldnesse of expression . the former may be reclaimed by a discreet tutor , but the latter , being grounded on arrogancy of conceit , seldome or never . it will beseeme you , gentlewomen , whose generous education hath estranged you from the first , and whose modest disposition hath wean'd you from the last , in publike consorts , to observe rather then discourse . it suites not with her honour , for a young woman to be prolocutor : but especially , when either men are in presence , or ancient matrons , to whom shee owes a civill reverence , it will become her to tip her tongue with silence . touching the subject of your discourse , when opportunity shall exact it of you , and without touch of immodesty expect it from you ; make choyce of such arguments as may best improve your knowledge in houshold affaires , and other private employments . to discourse of state-matters , will not become your auditory : nor to dispute of high points of divinity , will it sort well with women of your quality . these shee-clarkes many times broach strange opinions ; which , as they understand them not themselves , so they labour to intangle others of equall understanding to themselves . that divine sentence , being made an individuate consort to their memory , would reclaime them from this errour , and free them from this opinionate censure : god forbid , that wee should not be readier to learne then to teach . women , as they are to be no speakers in the church , so neither are they to be disputers of controversies of the church . holy bernard pleasantly glanced at these , when on a time entring a church , wherein the image of our lady was erected , hee was saluted by the image in this manner , good morrow bernard ; which device having quickly discovered , perceiving some person to bee purposely inclosed in it , hee forthwith replyed : your ladiship hath forgot your selfe ; women should be no speakers in the church . in one word , as modesty gives the best grace to your behaviour , so moderation of speech to your discourse . silence in a woman is a moving rhetoricke , winning most , when in words it wooeth least . now , to give speech and silence their distinct attributes or personall characters , wee may gather their severall tempers by the severall effects derived from them . more shall wee see fall into sinne by speech then silence : yea , whosoever intendeth himselfe to speake much , seldome observes the course of doing what is just . in the whole current of your discourse , let no light subject have any place with you : this , as it proceeds from a corrupt and indisposed heart , so it corrupts the hearer . likewise , beware of selfe-prayse ; it argues you have slow neighbours , or few deserts . let not calumny runne descant on your tongue : it discovers your passion too much ; in the meane time , venting of your spleene affords no cure to your griefe , no salve to your sore . if opportunity give your sexe argument of discourse ; let it neither taste of affectation , for that were servile ; nor touch upon any wanton relation , for that were uncivill ; nor any state-politicall action , for rhe height of such a subject , compared with your weaknesse , were unequall . if you affect rhetoricke , let it be with that familiarity expressed , as your plainenesse may witnesse for you , that you doe not affect it . this will make your speech seeme gracious to the hearer , conferre a native modesty on the speaker , and free you of all prejudicate censure . there is nothing which moves us more to pride it in sinne , then that which was first given us to cover our shame . the fruit of a tree made man a sinner ; and the leaves of a tree gave him a cover . in your habit is your modesty best expressed ; your dispositions best discovered . the habit of the mind is discerned by the state or posture of the body ; the condition or quality of the body by the habit , which either addes or detracts from her beauty . as wee cannot probably imagine such to have modest minds , who have immodest eyes ; so can wee not properly say such women to bee modest matrons , or professors of piety , who in their attire shew arguments of their immodesty . it skils not much , for the quality of your habits , whether they be silken or wollen , so they bee civill and not wanton . for albeit , some have affirmed that all gorgeous attire is the attire of sinne , the quality of the person may seeme to extenuate the quality of that sinne . for noble and eminent personages were in all times admitted to weare them ; and to be distinguished by them : neither , indeed , is the sumptuousnesse of the habit so reprehensive , as the phantasticknesse of the habit in respect of the forme or fashion . it is this which derogates higly from the repute of a christian , to see her affect variety and inconstancy of attire , more then ever did pagan . there is nothing which introduceth more effeminacy into any flourishing state , then vanity in habit . where wee may observe fashion , many times , so long affected , till all fashion become exiled . surely , whatsoever our lighter disposed curtezans thinke , it is civility which addes most grace ; decency which expresseth best state ; and comlinesse in attire , which procures most love . other habits , as they display the mind of the wearer , so are they subjects of laughter or contempt to any discreet beholder . time is too precious to bee made a pageant or morrice on . these misconceived ornaments are meere deformities to good minds . vertuous and discreet matrons would bee loath to weare ought that might give least scandall or offence to their sexe . forraine fashions are no bai●s to catch them , nor phantasticke , rather phanaticke dressings to delude them . they cannot eye that habit which deserves approving , nor that attire which merits loving , where civility is not patterne . decency is their choycest every , which sets them forth above all embroyderie . there was an ancient edict amongst the romans , purposely to rid the state of all uselesse loyterers , that no roman should goe through the streets of the city , unlesse hee carried with him the badge or signall of that trade whereby hee lived : insomuch , that marc. aurelius , speaking of the diligence of the romans , giveth them this deserving testimony , that all of them followed their labour . now i marvell , whether upon due survey of all those artizans , either periwig , gregorian-maker , or tyre-woman , had any set place or proper vocation , or what badges they might beare to signifie their profession . would not these new-found artists have beene rather derided then approved , geered then applauded ? sure , rome was more civill then to give way to so contagious an evill . vesta had her maidens , so had viriplaca her matrons ; but neither of their followers could admit of any new minted fashions . that lady city had never soveragniz'd over so many rich states , swelling empires , victorious princes , had shee exposed her selfe to such vanity , which had beene the greatest eclipse to her spreading glory . to you let mee bend my discourse , whose more generous parts conferre more true beauty on themselves , then these outward fopperies can ever doe : doe not betray your names to suspition . the chaplet of fame is not reserved for wantons , nor such as sute themselves to the habit of lightnesse ; for these adde one degree more to their sexes weaknesse : but for such women as array themselves in comely apparell , with shamefastnesse and modesty , not with braided haire , or gold , or pearles , or costly apparell . but , as becommeth women that professe the feare of god. for even after this manner , in time past , did the holy women , which trusted in god , tyre themselves . here you have a direct platforme , how to attire your selves outwardly ; suting your civill habit with variety of sweet graces inwardly . let not then these spider-cauls delude you , discretion will laugh at them , modesty loath them , decency contemne them . loose bodies sort best with these adulterate beauties . those , whose conversation is in heaven , though they so journe here on earth ; those , whose erected thoughts spheare them in an higher orbe then this circle of frailty ; those , whose spotlesse affections have devoted their best service to goodnesse , and made modesty the exact mold of all their actions , cannot endure to stoope to such braine-sicke lures . and such are you , whose generous descent , as it claymes precedence of others , so should your vertuous demeanour in these foure distinct subjects , gate , looke , speech , habit , improve your esteeme aboue others . in gate , by walking humbly ; in looke , by disposing it demurely ; in speech , by delivering it moderately ; in habit , by attiring your selves modestly : all which , like foure choyce borders , perfumed with sweetest odours , will beautifie those lovely lodges of your soules with all decency . meane while , imprint these divine motions in your memory . and first for the first , hold this tenet ; to walke , walking to meditate , meditating to make the subject of it your maker , is the best portion of the creature : for the second , to fix your eye with that indifferency on the creature , as it never avert your contemplative eye from your creator : for the third , to direct your speech to the benefit of the hearer , and to avoyd impertinences for conscience-sake farre more then censure : for the fourth and last , to make choyce of that habit , whose civility may doe you honour , and publish you examples of decency to any discreet or temperate beholder . what is it that conveyes more affection to the heart , then decency in the object wee affect ? the spouse in the canticles was blacke , but comely ; and this gave praise to her beauty . a straid looke may move affection in a light heart , but in a vertuous mind it begets hate . truth is , in this disordered age , where the best shot to be discharged is the taverne bill , the best alarum is the sounding of healths , and the most absolute march is reeling ; discretion hath received such a maime , as affection is seldome measured by what wee are , but what wee weare . vanity hath set up her flagge ; and more fresh-water souldiers desire to fight under her banner , then the ensigne of honour . but all this workes little upon a constant and rightly-tempered disposition . such an one plants there his love , where with comfort he may live . doe you thinke that a jetting gate , a leering looke , a glibbery tongue , or gaudy attire can move affection in any one worthy your love ? sure no ; hee deserves a light one for his choyce , who makes his choyce by one of these . to bee an admirer of one of these , were to preferre in his choyce a may-marrian before a modest matron . now there are some fashions which become one incomparably more than another : the reason whereof may bee imputed either to the native propriety of the party using that forme , habit , or complement ; or else to the quality of the person , which makes the fashion used , infinitely more gracious . for the first , you shall never see any thing imitated , but it seemes the imitator worst at the first : habit will bring it into a second nature ; but till such time as custome hath matur'd it , many imperfections will usually attend it . whereas , whatsoever is naturally inbred in us , will best beseeme and adorne us ; it needs no other face than what nature gave it , and would generally become worse , were it never so little enforced . for the second , as in any theatrall presentment , what becomes a peere or potentate , would not sort with the condition of any inferiour substitute ; every one must bee suited to the person hee presents : so in the theatre of state , distinct fashions both in habit and complement are to bee retained , according to the place wherein hee is ranked . lucrece , no doubt , stamped a deeper impression of affection in the heart of her beholder , by addressing her selfe to hous-wivery and purple-spinning , than others could ever doe with their reere bankets and riotous spending . all are not of aegystus minde , who was taken with a complement of lightnesse . this argued , that a youthfull heat had rather surpriz'd his amorous heart , than any discreet affection preferr'd him to his choyce . but how vading is that love , which is so lightly grounded ? to what dangerous overtures is it exposed ? where vertue is not directrice in our choyce , our inconstant mindes are ever prone to change . wee finde not what wee expected ; nor digest well what wee formerly affected ; all is out of square , because discretion contriv'd not the building . to repaire this breach , and make the object wee once entertained , ever beloved : let nothing give us content , but what is decent . this is the habit , gentlewomen , which will best become you to bee woo'd in , and content a discreet suitor most to have you woone in . all others are neither worth viewing , wooing , weighing , nor wearing . rich iewels , the more wee looke on them , the more are wee taken with them . such iewels , are modest women , whose countenance promiseth goodnesse , an enforced smile native bashfulnesse , every posture such tokens of decency and comelinesse , as caius tarquinius in his caia could conceive no fuller happinesse : shee , i say , who made wooll and purple her dayes taske , and this her constant impreze , where thou art caius , i am caia . conforme then your generous dispositions to a decency of fashion , that you may attract to your selves , and beget in others , motives of affection . fountaines runne by many winding and mazie currents into one maine river ; rivers by sundry channels into one maine ocean . severall wayes direct passengers into one city ; but one onely way guides man to the heavenly city . this way is vertue , which like some choyce confection sweetens the difficulty of every occurrent that encounters her in her quest after perfection . of all those cardinall vertues , it is temperance onely which seasons and gives them a vertuous rellish . which vertue dilates it selfe to severall branches ; all which bud forth into one savoury fruit or other . it is true , that hee who is every way complete , may bee properly styled an absolute man. but what is it which makes him complete ? it is not a seru'd face , an artfull cringe , or an italionate ducke that deserves so exquisite a title . another age will discountenance these , and cover these complete formalists with dust . no , ladies ; it is something that partakes of a more divine nature , than a meere complementall gesture . if you would aspire to perfection , observe the meane , that you may attaine the end . temperance you cannot embrace , if decency bee estranged from your choyce . if temperate , you cannot chuse but bee decent : for it includes an absolute moderation of our desires in all subjects . come then , gentlewomen , love to bee decent , and that will teach you the best complement . you have that in you , which , divinely employ'd , will truly ennoble you . your descent may give you an higher ascent by way of precedency before others , but this you cannot appropriate to your owne deserts , but that nobility of blood which is derived to you by others . labour to have something of your owne , which you may challenge to bee yours properly , without any helpe of an ancient pedigree . how well doth it seeme you , to expresse a civill decent state in all your actions ? you are in the eyes of many , who precisely observe you , and desire to imitate whatsoever they note observable in you . you may then become excellent patternes unto others , by reteining decency , and entertaining her for your follower . shee will make you appeare gracious in their sight , whose judgements are pure and uncorrupted ; howsoever our corkie censurers traduce you , your fame cannot bee blemished , nor the odour of those vertues which so sweetly chafe and perfume you , decayed . decency attended you in your life , and the memory of your vertues shall crowne you after death . even there , where youth never ageth , life never endeth , beauty never fadeth , love never faileth , health never vadeth , joy never decreaseth , griefe is never felt , groanes are never heard , no object of sorrow to bee seene , gladnesse ever to bee found , no evill to bee fear'd . yea , the king shall take pleasure in your beauty , and at your end invest you with endlesse glory ▪ prize not then the censure of sensuall man , for hee is wholly set on vanity ; but fixe your eyes on him , who will cloath you with eternity . let this bee your crowne of comfort , that many are improved by your example , many weaned from sinne , many wonne to sion . by sowing the seed of goodnesse , that is , by giving good examples , expressed best by the effectuall workes of faith , you shall reape a glorious harvest . actions of goodnesse shall live in you , and cause all good men to love you . whereas , those are to bee esteemed worst , who not onely use things evilly in themselves , but likewise towards others . for , of so many deaths is every one worthy , as hee hath left examples of naughtinesse unto posterity . let vertues then bee stayres to raise you ; an improved fame the rudder to steere you ; these will adde unto your honour , seat you above the reach of censure , and joyne you individually to your best lover . the english gentlevvoman . argument . estimation , a gentlewomans highest prize ; how it may be discerned to be reall ; how superficiall : how it may be impregnably preserved ; how irreparably lost : the absolute end , whereto it chiefly aspires , and wherein it cheerefully rests . estimation . estimation is a good opinion drawne from some probable grounds : an unvaluable gemm● , which every wise merchant , who tenders his honour , prefers before life . the losse of this makes him an irreparable bankrupt . all persons ought to rate it high , because it is the value of themselves , though none more dearely then those , in whom modesty , and a more impressive feare of disgrace usually lodge . these , so cautelous are they of suspition , as they will not ingage their good names to purchase affection . publike resorts , because they may corrupt , they avoid ; privacy they consort with , and in it converse with their owne thoughts , whether they have in them ought that may betray them . they observe what in others deserves approvement , and this they imitate ; with an uncorrupt eye they note others defects , which they make use of as a caveat . for , as life is a globe of examples ; so these make the pious examples of others , the models or patterns of their lifes . pure is their mold , but farre purer the temper of their mind . fame they hold the sweetest flower that ever grew neere the border of time. which , lest either it should wither for want of moisture , or wanting warmth should lose its vigour , they bedew it with gracious affects , and renew it with zealous resolves . descent , as they draw it from others , so would they improve it in themselves . ancient houses , now and then , stand in need of props and pillars ; these would they have supplied with the cardinall vertues . these are emblemes of your selves ( noble ladies ) who so highly tender your honour , as estimation gaines you more then what your bloods gave you . for this is inherent and primitive , whereas the other is descendent and derivative . it is a princely command of your affections , which mounts you to this height of goodnesse : distinguishing betwixt blind love , and discreet affection . pleasure cannot make you so forgetfull of your honour , as to deprive you of that in a moment , which you shall never recover . vertue hath taken that seazure of you , as no light thought can seize on you , or dispossesse her of that claime shee hath in you . treacherous tarpeia's may bee taken with gifts ; but your honour is of too high an estimate to suffer the least blemish for reward . you observe what staines have laid , and doe yet lie upon many ancient families by meanes of attainders in their progenitors . their bloods ( say wee ) were corrupted , whereby their estates became confiscated , their houses from their lineall successors estranged , and they to lasting infamy exposed . certainely , though not in so high degree ( for these were capitall ) many families have received deepe staines from light actions ; which neither time , though never so aged , could weare out , nor the living exploits of their noble successors wipe off . for the highest family sticks ever upon it the deepest infan●y , when at any time stained : and diffuseth her beames with fullest glory , where it is by piety graced . vice hath ever beene of a deeper dye then vertue ; and the memory of the one commonly survives the fame of the other . wounds , when they are healed , leave their scarres behind them : paths reteine their prints . your memory shall neither receive life from that noble blood which sprinkles in you , nor from any monumentall shrine which may her eafter cover you , but from those precious odours of your ever-living vertues , which shall eternize you . these are of power to make such as long since dyed , and whose unequall'd beauty is for many ages since to ashes turned , reteine a flourishing fame in the gratefull memory of the living . penelope for spending chaste her dayes , as worthy as vlysses was of prayse . a daily siege shee suffered , and in her conquest equall was shee to those victorious peeres of greece , who made troy their triumph . estimation was her highest prize . suiters shee got , yet amidst these , was not her vlysses forgot . long absence had not estranged her affection ; youthfull consorts could not move in her thoughts the least distraction ; neither could opportunity induce her to give way to any light action . well might greece then esteeme her penelope of more lasting fame then any pyramid that ever shee erected . her unblemished esteeme was of farre purer stuffe then any ivory statue that could bee reared . nor was rome lesse beholden to her lucrece , who set her honour at so high a price , as shee held death too light to redeeme such a prize . though force , frights , foes , and furies gaz'd upon her , these were no wounds but wonders to her honour . the presence of a prince no lesse amorous then victorious , could not winne her ; though with him price , prayer , and power did joyntly wooe her . well deserved such two modest matrons the choice embraces of two such heroicke champions , as might equall their constant loves with the tender of their dearest lives . and two our histories afford , whom succeeding fame hath recorded eminent , because double conquerours , both of cities and of themselves ; puissant and continent . this noble testimonie wee receive of scipio , that being a young man of twenty foure yeares of age , in the taking of a city in spaine , hee repressed the slaming heat of his youthfull desires , when a beautifull maid was brought him , restoring her to a young man called allutius , to whom shee was espoused , with a great reward . right worthy was hee to conquer another , who could with such temper subdue himselfe : such good successe hath ever attended on these morall vertues , though professed by pagans . the other heroe was rightly avgvstvs both in name and nature ; and wheresoe're , you looke , a victorious caesar . cleopatra kneeled at his feet , laid baits for his eyes ; but in vaine ; her beauties were beneath that princes chastity . absolute commanders were these heroicke princes of their affections , yet a farre more singular argument of his composed disposition , and of morall , if not divine mortification , shewed that young man spvtimia in valerius maximus , whose beauty did so incomparably become him , as it occasioned many women to lust after him : which this noble youth no sooner perceived , then hee purposely wounded his face , that by the scarre hee sustained , his beauty might become more blemished , and consequently all occasion of lusting after it , clearely removed . this might bee instanced in one of your owne sexe ; a religious votaresse , whose chaste bosome was a sacred recluse dedicated to goodnesse : and who upon the encounter of a lascivious lover , returned this answer : sir , i honour you so much , as i have chosen rather to suffer , then by my tyrannous beauty to make you a prisoner : wherewith discovering her face , in complexion much altered , by some impostured colours , which shee had caused to bee laid upon it : hee vowed to relinquish his suit , imagining that shee had poysoned her face , to waine him from his impure affection . this hee had no sooner said , then shee ranne to a spring neere adjoyning to wash it off : see , said shee , i am the same i was ; but you are much better : for now you are brought to see your errour , in being so much taken with a skin-deepe beauty , which onely consists in dye and colour . now ( gentlewomen ) if you make estimation your highest prize ; if you preferre honour before pleasure , or what else is deare or tender ; your fame will find wings to ●ly with . this will gaine you deserving suitors . portion may wooe a worlding ; proportion a youthfull wanton ; but it is vertue that wins the heart of discretion . surely , i have seldome knowne any make this esteeme of honour , and dye a contemptible begger . such as have beene prodigall of it , have felt the misery of it ; whereas , a chaste mind hath ever had something to succour and support it . thus you see what this inward beauty is , which if you enjoy , you sit farre above the reach of calumny ; age cannot taint it , nor youth tempt it . it is the estimation within you , that so confines you , as you hate that place which gives opportunity , that person which makes importunity his agent to lay siege to your chastity . now wee are to descend to the second branch , wherein we are to shew you how this estimation , which is your highest prize , may be discerned to bee reall ; which is not gathered by the first appearance , but a serious and constant triall . in philosophy , a man begins with experience , and then with beleefe ; but in divinity , wee must first beginne in faith , and then proceed to knowledge . true it is , that the sunne , moone , and starres become subject to vanity ; yet charity bids mee beleeve , that there are many beauteous and resplendent stars in this our firmament , many fresh fragrant roses in this our inclosed garden of albion , who have preserved their beauty without touch , their honour without taint . where , if vanity did touch them , yet did it not so seize on them , as to disfigure or transforme them . you ( noble gentlewomen ) are those stars , whose glory can never bee eclipsed , so long as your estimation lives unstained ; you are those fragrant roses , whose beauty cannot be tainted , so long as your stalke of honour growes untouched . now , to the end that your lustre many not bee like to that of the gloworme , nor rotten wood , which is meerely imaginary , compared with that is reall ; you are not to make faire and glorious pretences , purposely to gull the world , and cast a mist before the eyes of bleered judgements . you may find maskes to shroud your face ; but no shroud to enskreane you from the eye of heaven . no , you are to be really , what you appeare outwardly . these that walke in the clouds , though they deceive others much , yet they deceive themselves most . observe then this rule of direction ; it will accomplish you more then any outward ornament that art can bestow on you ; bee indeed what you desire to bee thought . are you virgins ? dedicate those inward temples of yours to chastity ; abstaine from all corrupt society ; inure your hands to workes of piety , your tongues to words of modesty . let not a straid looke taxe you of lightnesse , nor a desire of gadding impeach you of wantonnesse . the way to winne an husband is not to wooe him , but to bee woo'd by him . let him come to you , not you to him . proferred ware is not worth the buying . your states are too pure , to bee set at sale ; too happy , to bee weary of them . so long as you live as you are , so your minds bee pure , you cannot possibly bee poore . you have that within you , will enrich you , so you conforme your minds to your meanes . in the discourse of vertues , and true estimate of them , none was ever held more excellent then that which is found in chaste youth . you are conquerours in that , wherein the greatest conquerours have fail'd . your chaste paths are not trac'd with wandring desires ; your private chambers arras'd with amorous passions ; you spinne not out the tedious night in ah mee 's . your repast findes no hinderance in digestion ; your harmelesse repose no love-sicke distraction . others you may command ; by none commanded . others will vow their service unto you ; while you are from all servitude freed . live then worthy the freedome of so noble a condition ; for your virgin state wants nothing that may enlarge her freedome . againe , are you wives ? you have attained an honourable state ; and by it made partakers of that individuate union , where one soule ruleth two hearts , and one heart dwelleth in two bodies . you cannot suffer in that , wherein you have not one share . griefe by your consort is allayed ; joy by partaking with him is augmented . you have now taken upon you to become secretaries to others as well as your selves ; but being one and the same with your selves , doe not betray their trust , to whose trust you have recommended your selves . imagine now ( to recall to memory an ancient custome ) that you have broken the axletree of your coach at your doore ; you must bee no more straglers . these walking burses and moveable exchanges , sort not with the constancie of your condition . you must now intend the growth and proficience of those olive branches about your table . like a curious and continuate builder , you must ever addresse your selves to one worke or other . from their infancy to their youth . from their youth to their maturer growth . for the first , i know well that distich to bee most true : a mother to bee nurse , that 's great and faire , is now held base : true mothers they bee rare . but farre was it from those ancient heroicke ladies , to thinke this to bee either a disgrace to their place , or a blemish to their beauty . their names are by aged annals memorized , and shall by these of ours bee revived . such were cornelia , the mother of gracchus , and vetruria of coriolanus ; who became examples of goodnesse and chastity ; educating their children which they had brought up from their own brests , with the milke of morality . the like did portia the wife of brutus ; cleobula the daughter of cleobulus , one of the seven sages of greece ; sulpitia the wife of calenus , who not onely instructed her children which shee had tenderly nursed , with excellent precepts while shee lived , but left sundry memorable instructions , as legacies or mothers blessings to them , when shee dyed . hortensia , the excellent daughter of a most eloquent orator , deserved no lesse fame , for her motherly care in nursing and breeding , her ability in copious and serious discoursing , her gravity in composing and digesting such golden sentences , as shee afterwards recommended to the perusall of her surviving children . edesia borne at alexandria , farre excelled others in profundity of learning , and piety of living ; shee was admired by such as lived in her time : performing the office of a nurse in her childrens infancy , of a guardian in their minority , of a sage counsellour in their maturity . paulina the wife of seneca , as shee was excellently seasoned with the precepts of her husband , so shee surceas'd not from commending them to the practice of those children shee had by her husband . whence it was , that seneca bemoaned the ignorance of his mother , for that shee had not so exactly observed the precepts of his father : by reflecting upon his paulina , who was so serious an observer and improver of the directions of her husband . what shall i speak of theano , the daughter of metapontus ? phemone , who was first that ever composed heroicke verse ? corinnathia , who exceeded the poet pindarus in her curious and artfull measures ; and contending flue severall times with him for the garland ? argentaria pollia , the wife of lucan ; whom shee is reported to have assisted in those his high and heroicke composures ? zenobia the queene of palmira , who learned both the greeke and latine tongue , and compiled an excellent history ; approving her selfe no lesse a constant wife to her husband , then a nursing mother to her children ? theodosia the yonger daughter of the vertuous and victorious theodosius ; no lesse renowned for her learning and other exquisite endowments of minde , than by being inaugurated with an imperiall title , to which shee was afterwards advanced . the centons of homer shee composed , and into one volume reduced , which to her surviving glory were after published . diodorus logicus his five daughters , all which excelled in learning and chastity , and left memorials of their motherly care to their posterity . these were tender nurses , carefull mothers , reverend matrons . or to give them that title which antiquity hath bestowed on them ; they were in so darke and cloudy a time , patternes of piety , presidents of purity , champions of chastity , mirrours of modesty , jewels of integrity : women ( to use plutarchs words ) so devoted to contemplating , as they conceived no delight in dancing ; yet could not contemplation estrange them from performing such proper offices as did concerne them . they knew what it was to obey ; that it was not fit for an inferiour member to command the head , nor for them to soveraignize over their husbands . what had sometimes beene taught them by their mothers , they now carefully recommend to the serious review of their daughters : wives with obedience husbands should subdue , for by this meanes they 'le bee subdu'd to you . thus learned they the duty of a wife , before they aspired to that title : conforme your selves to their examples : the cloud which kept them from a full view of their condition , is in respect of you , dispersed ; your eyes are cleared , not with any pagan errour filmed . bee then in this your christian conjugall pilgrimage so conformed , that as with increase of dayes , so with approvement of deserts you may bee confirmed . againe , are you widowes ? you deserve much honour , if you bee so indeed . this name both from the greeke and latine hath received one consonant etymology ; deprived or destitute . great difference then is there betwixt those widowes who live alone , and retire themselves from publike concourse , and those which frequent the company of men . for a widow to love society , albeit her intentions relish nothing but sobriety , gives speedy wings to spreading infamy . saint hierom writing to eustachia , gives her this counsell ; if thou shalt finde any question in scripture , harder then thou canst well resolved ; demand satisfaction from such an one , who is of a most approved life , ripe age ; that by the integrity of his person , thou maist bee secured from the least aspersion : for in popular concourse and court-resorts there is no place for widowes : for in such meetings shee exposeth her honour to danger , which above all others shee ought incomparably to tender . yea , but , will you object , admit our inheritance , family , fortunes , and all lye a bleeding , may wee not make recourse to publike courts , for redresse of our publike wrongs ? what of all this ? doe not complaine that you are desolate or alone . modesty affecteth silence and secrecy ; a chaste woman solitarinesse and privacy . if you have businesse with the iudge of any court , and you much feare the power of your adversary , imploy all your care to this end , that your faith may bee grounded in those promises of christ : your lord maketh intercession for you , rendring right judgement to the orphane , and righteousnesse unto the widow . besides , ye have courts for righting widows and redressing orphans ; where those very impreze's wrought in their cushions , cannot chuse but be like so many representative hieroglyphicks or usefull memorialls of iustice , to render to your just complaints and injurious pressures convenient solace . this inestimable inheritance of chastity is incomparably more to bee esteemed , and with greater care preserved by widowes then wives : albeit , by these neither to bee neglected , but highly valued . out of that ancient experience which time hath taught them , their owne observations inform'd them , and the reverence of their condition put upon them ; they are to instruct others in the practice of piety ; reclaime others from the pathes of folly , and with a vertuous convoy guide them to glory . it would lesse become them to tricke and trimme themselves gaudily or gorgeously , then young girles , whose beauty and outward ornament is the hope and anchor-hold of their preferment : for by these doe they their husbands seeke , and hope in time to get what they seeke . whereas , it were much more commendable for widowes neither to seeke them , nor , being offred , to accept them : lest enforced by necessity , or wonne by importunacy , or giving way to their frailty , they make exchange of their happy estate for a continuate scene of misery . a widow ought to pray fervently , to exercise workes of devotion frequently , that the benefit of her prayer may redound to her effectually and fruitfully ; and not returne backe from the throne of god drily or emptily . for i would ( according to menanders opinion ) have a widow not onely to demeane her selfe chastely and honestly , but likewise to give examples of her blamelesse life to such as heare her instructions attentively . for she ought to be as a glasse to young maids , wherein they may discerne their crimes . now i hold her a chaste widow , who though shee have opportunity to doe it , and bee suited by importunity unto it , yet will not suffer her brest to harbour an unchaste thought , or consent unto it . in that countrey where i was borne ( saith lud. vives ) wee usually terme such widowes the greatest associates and assistants of vices , whose too much delicacy in bringing up their children , makes them oft-times depraved , and to all inordinate liberty addicted . wherefore , i approve well of their course , who recommend the care of their children to some discreet and well-disposed person . for such is the too tender affection of mothers towards their children , and so much are they blinded with the love of them , as they thinke they treat them too roughly , albeit they embrace them never so tenderly . saint hierome writing unto salvina , saith ; the chastity of a woman is fraile and fading , like a flower quickly perishing and vading , with the least gust or blast of adverse fortune failing , if not falling : especially , where her age is apt for vice , and the authority of her husband wants to afford her advice ; from whose assistance , her honour derives her best succour and supportance . who , if shee have a great family , many things are required of her , and to bee found in her , to minister supply to the necessity of time , and use of affaires , wherein shee stands interessed . requisite therefore it were , that shee made choyce of some one discreetly ripe both in yeares and inward gifts , by whose honest integrity her family might bee better mannaged , with more diligence attended , and to the woman lesse occasion of disgrace objected . for i have knowne very many women , who , albeit they spent their dayes continually within their owne doores , yet have fallen into reproach , either by some persons observing them , or of their owne families disposed by them ; for suffering their servants goe abroad too neatly , arguing thereby a neglect of their family : so as the handmaids pride brought her mistresse into suspition of contemning her honour . which proceeded , as may bee probably gathered , from the subtilty of some quick conceipts , imagining that the maids knowledge of her mistresse lightnesse ( to purchase her secrecie and connivence ) advanc'd her to such neatnesse . sure it is , that an honest woman , who●e fame is her highest prize , requires nothing else , desires nothing else , than to satisfie her husbands bequest , though dead : honouring him with a due commemoration and admiration of his vertues : for the lives of those that dye , consist in the memory of those that live . so did anthonia the daughter of marc. anthonie , and wife to drusus : leading all the remainder of her life with her stepmother , and reteining alwayes the remembrance of her dead husband . the like did livia , who left both her house and land , that shee might dwell under one roofe with noemia : fearing , perhaps , lest the maids of her family growing too lasciviously wanton and inordinate , might by their lightnesse prejudice her honour , which shee incomparably valued above any treasure . see you not here by our discourse ( gentlewomen ) what excellent lights darted out from those darke times ! estimation was their best portion ; nothing of equall prize unto it choycest vertues were their . ornaments , which they preserv'd with such constancy , as feare of death could not deprive them of them , though after death they had scarce the least glimpse of immortality . thus have wee traced over these three conditions , which wee have stored with precepts , strengthened with examples , sweetned with choycest sentences ; that this reall estimation , whereof wee treat , might bee discerned ; and that superficiall esteeme , whereon wee are now to insist , discovered . many desire to appeare most to the eye , what they are least in heart . they have learned artfully to gull the world with apparances ; and deceive the time , wherein they are maskers , with vizards and semblances . these can enforce a smile , to perswade you of their affability ; counterfeit a blush , to paint out their modesty ; walke alone , to expresse their love to privacy ; keepe their houses , to publish them provident purveyors for their family ; receive strangers , to demonstrate their love to hospitality . their speech is minced , their pace measured , their whole posture so cunningly composed , as one would imagine them terrestriall saints at least , whereas they are nothing lesse than what they most appeare . some you shall observe so demure , as in their salutes they forbeare to expresse that freedome of curtsie , which civill custome exacts of them . those true trojan dames , to pacifie their incensed husbands , could finde a lippe to procure them love , and supple their contracted looke . whereas , these civilized dames , either out of a reservancy of state , or desire to bee observ'd , scorne to bee so familiarly demeaned ; as if they renounced antiquity , and sought by all meanes , that such customes as plead prescription , might bee reversed . their lippe must bee their cheeke ; which as it reteines a better tincture , so many times a sweeter savour . at these , the poet no lesse pleasingly than deservedly glanced in this sonnet : tell me what is beauty ? skin ; pure to th' eye , but poore within . what 's a kisse of that pure faire ? but loves lure , or adons snaire . nectar-balme did adon sippe not from venus cheeke but lippe . why should then loves beauty seeke , to change lippe unto her cheeke ? all which hee elegantly clozeth in opposition to himselfe , with these continuate stanza's : cheeke shall i checke , because i may not taste it ? no ; nature rather ; who to th' eye so plac'd it , as none can view it , but hee must draw neare it ; o make the chart familiar , or else teare it ! to puchase improvement of esteeme by these meanes , were to swim against the streame . discretion cannot approve of that for good , which selfe opinion or singularity onely makes good . these are but superficiall showes , which procure more contempt than repute , more derision than ground of esteeme . it is not a civill habit , a demure looke , a staid gate that deserves this report , unlesse all these bee seconded with a resolved soule , and a religious heart . those who dedicate themselves to the service of vertue , preferre the pith before the rinde , substance before appearance . what can bee safe , will these say with lucretius , to any woman , if shee prostitute her honour , or make it common ? good women , as they labour to avoyd all occasion of scandall , so much more any act that may give breath to scandall . civill they are in heart and habit ; constant in the profession of vertue . for others , they imitate the whoorish woman , who wipes her mouth , and saith , who seeth mee ? so they carry themselves charily , they care not how little chastely . there is none lookes through the chinke to see them , none in presence to heare them ; freely therefore may they commit , what shall afterwards shame them . let mee then direct my speech to these whited walls , who make pretences their best attendants , immaske their impudence with the vayle of darkenesse . tell mee , yee deluded daughters , is there any darkenesse so thicke and palpable , that the piercing eye of heaven cannot spye you thorow it ? o , if yee hope by sinning secretly to sinne securely , you shall bee forced to say unto your god , as ahab saith unto elijah : hast hou found mee , o mine enemy ? nay , o god terrible and dreadfull , thou hast found mee . and then let mee aske you in the same termes that the young gallant in erasmus asked his wanton mistresse : are you not ashamed to do that in the sight of god and before his holy angels , which you are ashamed to doe in the sight of men ? sinnes may bee without danger for a time , but never without feare . stand then as in the presence of god : redeeme the time you have lost ; love that which you have hitherto loath'd ; loath that which you have hitherto lov'd . know that these superficiall complementors , are hypocriticall courtiers ; these formall damazens , profest curtezans . you must not hold religion to bee meere complement . i will not say , but the bleered eye of humane reason may bee taken with these ; and conceive them reall , which are onely superficiall : but the all-seeing eye cannot bee deceived ; hee sees not as man seeth . neither distance of place , nor resemblance of that object , whereon his eye is fixt , can cause him to mistake . the bowells of the earth are unto him as the surface ; bee it your resolve to compose your selves , ever as in his presence : considering , how in chastising you hee does but justice , and in sparing you hee shews his patience . would you then bee courtiers , grac'd in the highest court ? throw away whatsoever is superficiall ; and entertaine what will make you divinely reall . it is not seeming goodnesse that will bring you to the fountaine of all goodnesse . the figge-tree brought forth leaves , yet because it yeelded no fruit , it was cursed . doe yee blossome ? so doth every hypocrite . doe yee bring forth fruits ? so doth a christian . what is it to purchase estimation on earth , and lose it in heaven ? this will sleepe in dust , but that never . your highest taske should bee how to promote gods honour , and to esteeme all things else a slavish and servile labour . thus by seeming what you are , and really expressing what you seeme , you shall purchase that esteeme with god and good men , which is reall , by shunning ostentation , which would set such a vading glosse on all your actions , as they will seeme meerely superficiall . a discreet commander will take no lesse care in manning and mannaging the fort hee hath wonne , than in winning it . it is a constant maxime ; there is no lesse difficulty in keeping than getting . some are more able to get a victory , than skilfull to use it ; others have more art to use it , than courage to atchieve it ; few or none so accomplish'd , as propitiously to winne it , and prudently to weare it . wee are now to suppose , that you ( vertuous ladies ) to whom wee addresse this labour , are victoriously seated in the fort of honour , where beauty cannot bee planted , but it must bee attempted . but so constantly gracious are your resolves , that though it bee assaulted , it can never bee soiled ; attempted but never attainted . this you desire , and to this you hope to aspire . in the port or entrance of every castle , city , or cittadell , there useth some percullas to bee in readinesse , to frustrate the enemies assault , and keepe him from entry . the like must you prepare , if you desire to have your honour secured , your daring enemie repelled , and a glorious conquest purchased . and what must this spirituall engine bee , but a religious constancy , to resist temptation ; and all the better to subdue it , to shunne the occasion ? i doe not admit of any parlies over your wals ; they give new breath to the beleaguer , and oft-times makes a prey of the beleagured . if the assault bee hot , devotion best fortifies the hold . one christian aspiration breathes comfort to the besieged , and promiseth reliefe when shee is most straightned . of all arrowes these which are darted by the spirit of zeale , wound the enemy most , and procure the archer best rest . and that in all assaults whatsoever , plotted or practised by so malicious a tempter . lactantius sheweth , that in his dayes , among many other examples of the weaknesse of idolatry , in the presence of christianity , a silly servingman that was a christian , following his master into a certaine temple of idols ; the gods cried out , that nothing could be well done , as long as that christian was in presence . the like recordeth eusebius of dioclesian , the emperour , who going to apollo for an oracle ; received answer ; that the just men w●re the cause that hee could say nothing . which apollo's priest interpreted to bee meant ironically of christians : and thereupon dioclesian began his most cruell and fierce persecution in eusebius dayes . sozomines also writeth , that iulian th'apostata endevouring with many sacrifices and conjurations to draw an answer from apollo daphnaus , in a famous place called daphne , in the suburbs of antioch : understood at last by the oracle , that the bones of s. babylas the martyr , that lay neere to the place , were the impediment why that god could not speake . and thereupon , iulian presently caused the same body to bee removed . and finally , hereof it proceeded , that in all sacrifices , conjurations , and other mysteries of the gentiles , there was brought in that phrase recorded by scoffing lucian ; exeant christiani ; let christians depart : for that , while they were present , nothing could be well accomplished . hence collect the force of a christians presence ; it extinguisheth the flame of a pagan sacrifice . zealous thoughts , servent desires , devout affections will suffer no diabolicall assault to surprize you . christian constancy will so arme you ; pious motions so inflame you ; thoughts of heaven so transport you ; contempt of the world so weane you ; as no object of delight can draw you from contemplating him that made you . it will not be amisse , if now and then you reflect on the constancy and resolution of ancient heathens , who so highly prized their honour , as it was their highest scorne to give way to an injurious vsurper . camnia wife to synattus survives to this day , as a mirror of feminine constancy ; whom one synoris , a man of greater authority then he , loved ; and making no small meanes to obtaine her love , yet all in vaine , hee supposed the readiest way for the effecting his desires , to be the murdering of her husband : which hee performed . this act of horror was no sooner executed , and by the robe of his authority shrouded , then hee renewed his suit , to which shee seemingly assented : but being solemnly come into the temple of diana , for celebrating those nuptiall rites , shee had a potion ready , which shee dranke to synoris : wherewith they were both poysoned , to revenge her husbands death . chiomara , wife of orgiagon , a petty king of that province , upon discomfiture of the gallo-graecians , being ravished by a roman captaine , gave a memorable example of conjugall vertue ; for shee cut off the fellowes head from his shoulders , and escaping from her guard , brought it to her lord and husband . more then feminine was the resolution of epicharia , a libertine of rome , who made privie to a conspiracy against nero , to free her native mother of such a monster , would not disclose the plotters thereof , though tormented with exquisitest tortures . neere resemblance had leëna's name with her leonine nature , who being conspirator against the tyrant hyppeas , and nothing agast at the death of her friends ( though torne with extremest torments ) would not reveale her partners , but bit in sunder her owne tongue , and spit it in the tyrants face . or to instance you in subjects lesse tragicall , but for constancy every way equall . armeniae , a noble lady , being bidden to king cyrus wedding , went thither with her husband . at night , when they were returned home ; her husband asked her , how she liked the bridegroome ; whether shee thought him to be a faire and beautifull prince or no ? truth , sayes shee , i know not : for all the while i was forth , i cast mine eyes upon no other , but they selfe . an excellent commandresse was this lady of her affections : and no lesse imitable was shee , whom wee are to instance next ; for her modest and bashfull covering of her husbands infirmities . one of hero's enemies reproaching him with a stinking breath ; went home and questioned his wife , why shee told him not thereof : who answered , shee thought all men had the same savour . without question , there is nothing that addes more true glory to a woman , or better preserves her esteeme , then to reteine a constancy in the quality or disposition of her estate . bee shee young or old , let her fame live ever fresh ; and like greene bayes , most flourishing , when the winter of adversity is most nipping . vertue cannot exercise her owne strength , nor expresse her owne worth without an opposite . spices send forth the sweetest smell , when they are most bruised ; and palmes spread the broadest , when they are soarest pressed . resolution without an assailant , would , in time , become effeminate . yet , i must tell you , it is dangerous to tempt either youth or age with motives of fancy , or to give least way to a promising opportunity . you shall find secret assacinates enough to undermine you , you need little to become your owne betrayers . i have heard of a noble lady in my time , whose descent and desert equally proclaime her worth , so tender of the esteeme of her honour , as shee held it scarce safe to receive any letter from a great personage , whose reputation was touched by rumour . this was the way to preserve her honour impregnably , and to reare it above the reach of calumny . neither are you to bee cantelous onely of your estimation in subjects of love and affection : but even in your domesticke affaires , which trench upon your providence or expence . your discretions in these are brought to the stage . let not profusenesse draw you to spend , where honest providence bids you spare ; nor niggardlinesse cause you to spare , where reputation bids you spend . shee deserves not to bee governesse of an house , who wants discretion to moderate her expence . let her reflect upon her progeny , intend her charge , and provide for her family . a good wife is compared to a wise merchant , who brings his trafficke from a farre . now , a wise merchant will not have his oare in every mans boate , but will seriously addresse his care to his owne . busie women would make ill snayles , and worse house-wives ; straglers will never become good house-keepers . to cloze this branch : so compose your affections at home and abroad , as providence may expresse you care and charge in the one ; a grave and reserved reverence preserve your esteeme in the other . as your lives are lines of direction to your selves , so should they bee arguments of instruction unto others . bee you planted in what state soever , let your good report be your greatest stake for ever : so may you reape what your vertues have deserved , and keepe your estimation impregnably preserved . none can preserve what hee loves , by mixing it with the society of that hee loathes . the ivye while it winds and wreathes it selfe about the plant , with an envious consumption decayes the sap . if you be companions to ostridges , you shall favour of the wildernesse . socrates called envie an impostume of the soule : so may every corrupt affection bee properly termed . vices love neighbourhood , which , like infectious maladies , doe ever most hurt , when they draw nearest the heart . there is nothing ( gentlewomen ) that brings your honour to a more desperate hazard , then giving reines to your owne desires . these must you subdue to the soveraignty of reason , if you expect rest in your inward mansion . what better fruits then ignominy may carnall liberty produce ? when you make the theatre your chiefest place of repose ; phantasticke gallants , who never yet converst with vertue , your choisest consorts ; delicious viands , servants to your liquorish appetites ; what conclusion may wee expect from such dangerous premisses ? when modesty puts off her vaile , and vanity begins to ruffle it in sinne ; when chaste desires are chased out a breath , and lightnesse pleads prescription ; when vermillion has laid so deepe a colour on an impudent skinne , as it cannot blush with sense of her owne shame ; when estimation becomes a word of complement , or carelesly worne like some over-cast raiment , valued as painted pageants doe guilded puppets , onely for shew ? what prodigy fuller of wonder , then to see a woman thus transform'd from nature ? her face is not her owne , note her complexion ; her eye is not her own , note her straid motion ; her habit is not her owne , eye her strange fashion . whilest loose weares imply light workes ; and thin cobweb covers promise free admittance to all sensuall lovers . yea , which is more , shee holds it no shame to glory in sinne , nor to court vice in her owne livery ; all which she maintaines to be complements of gentility . thus vice is ever in fashion , and keepes her gradation till shee aspire to the height of her building . shee begins with conceit , seconds it with consent , strengthens it with delight , and incorporates it with custome . one of this ranke have i oft-times observed tracing the streets of this flourishing city ; who , as one weary of her sexe , forbore not to unwoman her selfe , by assuming not onely a virile habit , but a virago's heart . quarrels shee would not sticke to bind upon any fresh-water souldier , whose late induction to the siege of gallants , had not sufficiently informed him in that posture . nothing desir'd shee more then to give affronts in publike places , which shee did with that contempt , as the disgrace shee aspers'd on others , was her sole content . places of frequent were her rendevou ; where her imperious tongue run descant on every subject ministred ; her selfe she usually ingaged for a second , upon least occasion offered . now could these courses any way choose but cause that to be irreparably lost , which by any modest woman should be incomparably lov'd ? tell mee , were not his spirit armour of proofe , who durst encounter with so couragious an amazon ? or enter nuptiall lists with such a feminine myrmidon ? surely , these , as they labour to purchase them opinion of esteeme , by their unwomanly expressions of valour , so they eclypse their owne fame , and by these irregular affronts , detract highly from their essentialst honour . such may gaine them observance , but never esteeme . take heed then , lest publike rumour brand you . scandall is more apt to disperse what is ill ; then opinion is to reteine what is good . when the world is once possest of your shame ; many deserving actions of piety can hardly wipe off that staine . esaus birth-right was temporall , yet once lost , many teares could not regaine it ; your soules honour is a birth-right spirituall , which once lost , many tedious taskes shall not redeeme it . let your estimation bee by you so tenderly lov'd , as you will rather choose to loath life , then irreparably lose that , which is the sweetest consort of humane life . there is nothing which workes not for some end , wherein it may rest and repose . long before that glorious light wee now enjoy , did the very heathens , who had no knowledge of a future being , rejoyce highly in the practice of morall vertues , and performing such commendable offices as might purchase them deserved honour , living ; and eternally memorize them dying . this might bee illustrated by severall instances in maids , wives , and widowes . for the first ; those locrian virgins deserve our memory ; whose custome it was , yearely to be sent to troy : which use continued for the space of a thousand yeares ; yet was it never heard , that any of those virgins were ever deflowred . who can likewise passe over in silence those seven milesian virgins ; who , at such time as the gauls raved and raged every where , subjecting all to fire and faggot , deprived themselves of life , lest hostile force should deprive them of their honour ? with what praises also may we worthily advance those daughters of scedasus of leuctra , a towne situate in the region of boetia ; who having in their fathers absence , hospitably received two young men , by whom , made drunke with wine , they were that night defloured : conceiving a mutuall sorrow for their lost virginity , became resolute actors in their owne tragedy ? aristomenes of messana , when in those publike feasts called hyacinthia , hee had surprized fifteene virgins , with the souldiers which attempted their dishonour , straightly commanding them to forbeare fron● using any such violence : whose command when they refused to obey , hee caused them to bee slaine ; redeeming those virgins with a huge summe of gold . afterwards , these virgins hearing that this aristomenet was accused about the death of one of those men , whome hee had commanded to be slaine ; they would not returne into their owne native countrey , till such time as , prostrating themselves before the feet of the iudge , with their prayers and teares , they had delivered from bonds the defender of their honour . yea , to draw neerer home , and instance this maiden-constancy in one of our owne ; i have heard of a notable spirited girle , within the wals of this city ; who , albeit shee frequented places of publike concourse boldly , discoursed freely , expressed her selfe in all assayes forwardly ; yet so tender was shee of preserving her honour , that being on a time suited by a young cavaliero , who was so taken with the height of her spirit , wherewith shee was endowed , as hee preferred it before the beauty of an amorous face , wherewith shee was but meanely enriched . shee presently apprehending the loosenesse of his desires , seemingly condescended : so shee might be furnished and appointed , and the busines with that secrecy carried , as no occasion of suspition might bee probably grounded . this answer-cheer'd our young gallant ; winged with hope to enjoy , what his wild desires did so much affect . a coach is provided ; all things prepared ; the very place appointed where they shall meet , to hasten their light journey : which , for more privacy , must bee the countrey . time and place they observ'd ; but before shee would mount her coach , calling him aside , shee tels him , how she had vow'd never to consent to any man in that kind , till shee had first tri'd his metall in the field . draw hee must , or shee will disgrace him ; in which combat , instead of a more amorous conflict , she disarm'd him , and with a kicke , wisht him ever after to be more wary how hee attempted a maidens honour . for the second , excellent was the answer of those lacedemonian wives ; who , being immodestly suited , made this reply : surely , wee should give way to your request , but this you sue for is not in our power to grant : for when wee were maids , wee were to bee disposed of by our parents ; and now being wives , by our husbands . at such time as the inhabitants of tyre came to lacedemon ; suspecting them to bee spies , they threw them into prison ; whose wives , having got leave to visit and comfort them in their captivity , changed garments with them , and according to their countries guise , vailed their faces , by which meanes the men escaped , leaving their wives restrained : which deeply perplexed all the lacedemonians . no lesse conjugall love shewed alcestra to her admetus ; laodimia to her prothesilaus ; panthia to her susius ; artemisia to her mausolus ; zenobia to her oedonatus . these were good wives , which zenophon cals the highest grounds of humane felicity . nothing being more amiable then an honest woman , saith theognis ; nothing conferring more joy to man , saith sententious xistus . for the third , what singular mirrors of viduall continency , and matron-like modesty were cornelia , vetruria , livia , and that most christian widow salnina , to whom saint hierome directed many sweet and comfortable epistles . these you might have found attired in grave funerall garments , ( as memorials of their deceased husbands ) of modest behaviour , reverend presence , publishing to the world a contempt of the world , in their outward appearance . now , what may you suppose did those pagan ladies hold to be the absolute end , whereto this tender care of their estimation chiefly aspired , and wherein it cheerfully rested ? it was not riches , nor any such temporall respect : for these they contemned , so their honour might be preserved . no ; there was implanted in them an innate desire of morall goodnesse ; mixed with an honest ambition , ●o to advance their esteeme during life , that they might become examples unto others of a good morall life , and perpetuate their memories after death . your ambition ( ladies ) must mount higher , because your conversation is heavenlier . it is immortality you aspire to ; a lower orbe cannot hold you ; nothing else may confine you . bee it then your highest estimation to honour him , who is the horne of your salvation : the crowne of your hope , the staffe of your helpe , the tower of your defence , the hope of your solace . let not a moment of deluding vanity , deprive you of the hope of eternity . your voyage is short ; your hazard great . many difficulties encounter you in the way ; addresse your selves therefore in the way , to some good worke . let patience teach you how to suffer , devotion sweeten your encounter , estimation crowne you with succeeding honour . the english gentlevvoman . argument . fancy●s is to bee with deliberation grounded ; with constancy reteined : wanton fancy is a wandring phrenzy ; how it may bee checked , if too wilde ; how cheered , if too coole ; an attemperament of both . fancy . fancy is an affection privily received in by the eye , and speedily conveyed to the heart . the eye is the harbinger , but the heart is the harbourer . love conceiv'd at first sight , seldome lasts long . deliberation must lead it , or else it is mis-guided . looke before you like , is a good rule ; but to like at first looke makes an house of mis-rule . is hee of hansome personage whom you love ? his proportion is a moving object to your eye , but his portion ( it may bee ) will not agree with your state . againe , admit hee have both these ; proportion to purchase your esteeme , and portion to maintaine your estate : his brest is not transparent ; his disposition may bee crooked ; and that will cast downe all that was before affected . themistocles being demanded by a nobleman of greece , whether hee had rather marry his daughter to one rich and evill , or one poore and good ; made this answer : i had rather have a man without money , than mony without a man. whence it was , that portia , the younger daughter of portius cato , being asked when shee would betake her selfe to an husband , replyed ; when i finde one that seekes me , not mine . witty was that young gentlewomans answer to an inconsiderate suiter : who with much instancy sollicited the father for the affection of his daughter ; whereto having at last consented , and the covenants of marriage concluded ; this indiscreet wooer unseasonably imparts his minde to the daughter ; who made strange with it , saying , she never heard of any such matter : yea but , replied hee , i have made your father herewith acquainted , and bee hath already consented : and you may marry him too , answered shee , for you must hold me excused . there is no time that exacts more modesty of any woman , than in her time of sniting ; a shamefast red then best commends her , and the movingst orator that speakes for her . like venus silver dove , shee is ever brouzing on the palme of peace ; while her cheeke betrayes her love , more then her tongue . so as virgil , the very prince of our latine poets , when hee should bring in king latinus privately conferring with his wife amata , and turnus , to whom in nuptiall bands hee was to espouse his daughter : hee brings in the young maid weeping , blushing , and silent . whence is implyed , that it becomes not a maid to speake of marriage in her parents presence , for that were small argument of modesty or shamefastnesse . there is a pretty pleasing kinde of wooing , drawne from a conceived but concealed fancy ; which , in my opinion , suits well with these amorous younglins : they could wish with all their hearts to bee ever in the presence of those they love , so they might not bee seene by those they love . might they chuse , they would converse with them freely , consort with them friendly , and impart their truest thoughts fully ; yet would they not have their bashfull loves finde discovery . they would bee seene , yet seeme obscured ; love , but not , disclose it ; see whom they love , but not bee eyed . this the poet in the person of a shepherdesse neatly displayeth : phillis to willowes , like a cunning flyer , flyes , yet she feares her shepheard should not spy her . now , in this subject of fancy , as there is nothing more dangerous than entertaining it without due and deliberate advice : so there is nothing growes more generally fatall to the indiscreet lover than by grounding affection on outward respects , without relation to that inward faire , which onely makes the object of fancy full of beauty , and presents every day as a marriage-day to the party : by performing the office of a princely combiner of beauty and majesty together . neither affluence of estate , potency of friends , nor highnesse of descent can attemper the griefe of a loathed bed . these may play upon the fantasy , but never give satisfaction to the fancy . wherefore ( gentlewomen ) to the end you may shew your selves discreetest in that , which requires your discretion most , discusse with your selves the purity of love , the quality of your lover ; ever reflecting on those best deserving endowments of his , which either make him worthy or unworthy your love . affection , though it enter in by the narrow cranny of the eye , it shoots at the heart ; which , unlesse it bee seasoned by judgement , it can not deserve so faire a title . a discreet eye will not bee taken with a smooth skinne ; it is not the rinde but the minde that is her adamant . iustina a roman maid , no lesse nobly descended , than notably accomplished , being married to one more rich than wise , exclaimed against her fate , that folly should hale her to so loathed a bed . and good reason had shee to repine , when his groundlesse jealousie made her a tragick spectacle of misery before her time . for seeing her white necke , that object begot in him presently an argument of suspect , which hee seconded with revenge , to vent the fury of his nature , and publish to the world the weakness of his temper . let deliberation then bee the scale , wherein you may weigh love in an equall poize . there bee many high and consequent circumstances , which a discreet woman will not onely discourse but discusse , before shee entertain so mysterious and honorable estate . disparity in descent , fortunes , friends , with other like respects , many times beget distraction of mindes . whence it was , that pittacus of mitylene , being intreated by a young man , to afford him his best advice , in the choyce of two wives tendred him , whether hee should marry ; the one whereof was equall to himselfe both in birth and wealth ; the other surpassing him in both ; wish'd him to goe along the streets of the city , where children use to play , and there observe what they did advise him . truth is , inequality in these , procures distaste ; but where there is a difference in the seazure of disposure of the heart , ( which should bee the firmest and strongest cement to unite affection ) there ariseth the greatest hazard . thence is it , suspition workes upon every light and frivolous subject ; while the other party hunts after opportunity , to surfet on forbidden fruit , and give her suspitious mate just ground of jealousie . feed hee may his indigested humour in a jealous pasture , and vow revenge when hee shall finde an apt subject , meane time hee becomes invisibly gull'd , while hee deludes himselfe with painted shadowes . — no iealousie can ever that prevent ; whereas two parties once bee full content . severall i know , are the effects of love , as are the dispositions of those that love . livia made quicke dispatch of her husband , because shee lov'd him too little : lucilia of hers , because shee loved him too much . phoedra fancied theseus lesse than shee should , but young hippolytus more than hee would . which effects are usually produced , when either disparity of yeares breed dislike ; or obscurity of descent begets contempt ; or inequality of fortunes , discontent . deliberate then before you marry , and thus expostulate with your selves touching his condition , whom you are to marry " is he young ? i will beare with his youth , till better experience bring him to the knowledge of man. my usage shall bee more easie , than to weane him from what hee affects , by extremity . youth will have his swinge ; his owne discretion will bring him home ; at least , time will reclaime him ; hee shall not finde mee put on a cloudy brow , or entertaine his freer course with a scowle . i must conforme my selfe to him , confirme my love in him , and so demeane mee towards him , that conjugall duty mixt with all affability many winne him . " againe , is hee old ; his age shall beget in mee more reverence ; his words shall bee as so many aged and time-improved precepts to informe me ; his actions as so many directions to guide me ; his rebukes as so many friendly admonitions to reclaime mee ; his bed i will honour , no unchaste thought shall defile it ; his counsell i will keepe , no forraine brest shall partake it . i will bee a staffe to him in his age , to support him ; an eye to direct him ; an hand to help him ; his substance i will not scatter on a youthfull lover : but serve him still , whom i have vow'd to honour . " againe , is hee rich ? much good may it doe him ; this shall not make me proud ; my desire shall bee , hee may imploy it for his best advantage ; i will move him to communicate unto the needy , that his riches may make him truly happy . it is a miserable state that starves the owner . i will perswade him to enjoy his owne , and so avoyd basenesse ; to reserve a provident care for his owne , and shunne profusenesse . " againe , is hee poore ? his poverty shall make me rich ; there is no want , where there wants no content . this i shall enjoy in him , and with him ; which the world could not afford mee , liv'd i without him . it hath beene an old maxime ; that as poverty goes in at one doore , love goes out at the other ; and love without harbour , falls into a cold and aguish distemper : but this rule shall never direct my thoughts ; should poverty enthrall me , it shall never appall me ; my affection shall counterpoize all affliction : no adversity can divide mee from him , to whom my vowed faith hath individually ti'd me . " in a word , is hee wife ? he shall be my thales . is hee foolish ? i will by all meanes cover his weakenesse : as i am now made one with him , so will i have mine equall share in any aspersion that shall bee throwne on him . thus if you expostulate , your christian constant resolves shall make you truly fortunate . your fancy is on deliberation grounded ; which promiseth such successe , as your marriage-dayes shall never feare the bitter encounter of untimely repentance , nor the curelesse anguish of an afflicted conscience . the selfe-same rule which augustus was said to observe in his choyce and constant retention of friends , are you , gentlewomen , to apply to your selves in the choice of your second-selves . hee was slow in entertaining , but most constant in reteining . favorites are not to bee worne like favours : now in your hat , or about your wrist , and presently out of request . which to prevent , entertaine none to lodge neere your heart , that may harbor in his brest ought worthy your hate . those two motto's i would have you incessantly to remember ; for the useful application of them may highly conduce to your honour . the one is that of caia tranquilla , which shee ever used to her royall spouse caius tarquinius priscus ; where thou art caius , i am caia . the other , that of ruth unto naomi ; whither thou goest , i will goe : and where thou dwellest , i will dwell . there is no greater argument of lightnesse , then to affect the acquaintance of strangers , and to entertaine variety of suites . these , as they distract the eye , so they infect the heart . constant you cannot bee where you professe , so long as you affect change . vowes deliberately advised , and religiously grounded , are not to be dispenc'd with . but say , you never vowed : have you made outward professions of love , and entertained a good opinion of that object in your heart ? againe , are you resolved , that his affection is reall towards you ? that his protests , though delivered by his mouth , are engraven in his heart ? let not so much good love bee lost ; insult not over him whom unfained affection hath vow'd your servant : let wolves and beasts bee cruell in their kindes , but women meeke , and have relenting mindes . it were to much incredulity in you to distrust , where you never found just cause of distaste . yea , but you will againe object ; wee are already by your owne observations sufficiently instructed , that fancy is to bee with deliberation grounded , that love lightly laid on , lasts not long . should wee then affect before we finde ground of respect ? should wee entertaine a rhetoricall lover , whose protests are formall complements , and whose promises are gilded pills , which cover much bitternesse ? no , i would not have you so credulous , lest your nuptiall day become ominous . make true triall and experiment of his constancy , who tenders his service to you . sift him , if you can finde any branne in him . taske him , before you take him . yet let these be sweetly tempred with lenity ; let them not bee taskes of insuperable difficulty . this were tyrannize , where you should love . this was omphales fault to make her faithfull servant , a servile slave . alas ! shall hee fare the worse because hee loves you ? this would induce others , who take notice of your cruelty , to loath you . and make your discarded lover , surprized with an amorous distemper , to reply , as absalom to 〈◊〉 , is this thy kindnesse 〈◊〉 ●hy friend ? my counsell is , that , as it will bee usefull for you to deliberate , before you take so much as the least notions of an affectionate servant ; yea , and to second that deliberation with some probable proofe or triall , that hee is truly constant : so it will bee a gratefull office in you , to reteine him in your favour with a gracious respect ; to countenance the improvement of his constancy with a cheerefull and amiable aspect : to banish all clouds of seeming discontent , and to give him some modest expressions of the increase of your good conceit towards him . let this bee done , till hymen make you individually one then , and never till then , may love enjoy her full freedome . shee stands priviledg'd by a sacred rite to taste that fruit , which before was forbidden . mutuall respects , like so many diametrall lines , pointing all to one centre , are then directed to one exquisite object , the purity of love ; which produceth this admirable effect : it makes one soule rule two hearts , and one heart dwell in two bodies . now , i would have you , when your desires are drawne to this period , to become so taken with the love of your choyce , as to interpret whatsoever hee shall doe , ever to the best sense . it were little enough that you reteined a good opinion of him , who stands in so many severall ingagements obliged for you . should your riot bring him into debt , his restraint must make you free . durance must bee his suit , while better stuffe makes you a coate . hee must content himselfe with restraint , to give you content : let nothing discontent you more then to entertaine him with contempt . yea , what conscience is there in it , but hee should receive and affable and amiable respect from you ; seeing , if your conscience be no conformalist , hee must pay for you ? these respects should perpetually tye you , to honour him , who becomes so legally ty'd for you . requite these then with constancy , and reteine this ensuing example ever in your memory . theogena , wife to agathocles , shew'd admirable constancy in her husbands greatest misery , shewing her selfe most his owne , when hee was relinquisht and forsaken of his owne ; clozing her resolution with this noble conclusion : she had not onely betaken her selfe to bee his companion in prosperity , but in all fortunes that should befall him . conforme your selves to this mirror , and it will reforme in you many a dangerous errour . thus if you live , thus if you love ; honour cannot chuse but accompany you living , much comfort attend you loving , and a vertuous memory embalme you dying . wanton love seldome or never promiseth good successe ; the effect cannot bee good , when the object is ill . sense must bee the blind lanthorne to guide her , while shee rambles in the street : for reason , shee leaves her sleeping with the constable . what devices shee hath to purchase her a moment of penitentiall pleasure ? her eye looks , and by it the sense of her mind is averted ; her eare heares , and by it the intention of her heart is perverted ; her smell breathes , and by it her thoughts are hindered ; her mouth speakes , and by it others are deceived ; by touch , her heat of desire upon every small occasion is stirred . never raged alcydes on mount oeta , nor orlando for his angelica , more then these vtopian lovers , for their imaginary shadowes . there is a kind of spider bred in pulia , called tar●nd●l● , which being of a diverse nature , causeth diverse effects ; some to dance , some to sing , others to weepe , or watch , or sweat . the soveraignest cure it admits of , is musicke ; while the patient by dancing , or some other vehement exercise of that sort , expulseth the poyson , and gives passage to his pores of respiration . many like creatures there bee of a malignant nature , but none comparable to a distempered lover . now , that wee may use the method of art ; to cure the effect , is to take away the cause : my purpose shall be first to discover those incendiaries of foments of this inordinate passion , or intoxicating poyson ; secondly , the effects arising from them ; lastly , the cure or remedy of them . for the first , wee may very properly reduce the prime grounds of this wanton fancy , or wandring phrenzie to a catalogue included in these two verses : sloth , words , bookes , eyes , consorts , and luscious fare , the lures of lust , and staines of honour are . one every of which particulars to insist , would enlarge this branch too much ; wee will onely poynt at them and so leave them . for the first , sententious seneca saith , hee had rather endure the utmost of fortunes extremity , then subject himselfe to sloth or sensuality . for it is this onely which maketh of men , women ; of women , beasts ; of beasts , monsters . this then is to be shunned , if the reward of vertue be to bee shared . secondly , words corrupt the disposition ; they set an edge or glosse on depraved liberty : making that member offend most , when it should beee imployed in profiting most . the tongue is more effectuall then any letter ; let it be then so employed , as it may improve the hearer . thirdly , bookes treating of light subjects , are nurseries of wantonnesse : they instruct the loose reader to become naught ; whereas before , touching naughtinesse hee knew nought . a story of the rape of ganimedes , or of light lais in eurypides , are their daily lectures . plato's divine philosophy , or dicearchus pious precepts of morality , must vaile to alcaeus , or anacrons wanton poesie . venus and adonis are unfitting consorts for a ladies bosome . remove them timely from you , if they ever had entertainment by you , lest , like the snake in the fable , they annoy you . fourthly , eyes are those windowes by which death enters ; your inward house cannot shine , unlesse these bee shut ; objects they have of more beauty to take them , then these sights of vanity , which miserably taint them . eve looked on the fruit before shee coveted , coveting she tasted , tasting shee perished . thus aspiring to the knowledge of good and evill , became to her and her posterity evill . the eye is a living glasse , but if wee make it a false glasse , it will neither represent us truly , nor discover our blemishes freely ; but make that seeme faire which is odious and ugly . by this meanes , may good objects become eye-sores unto us , which , if clearely viewed , would like a soveraigne eye-bright , restore sight unto us . fifthly , consorts are theeves of time , they will rob you of opportunity , the best treasure time can afford you , if you suffer them to incroach on you and abuse you . chuse such then for your consorts , of whom you may have assured hope , that they will either better you , or bee bettered by you . chuse such , whom you may admire both when you see them and heare them : when you see their living doctrine , and hear their wholesome instruction . lastly , luscious fare is the fuell of every inordinate concupiscence . nothing so much feeds it , nor insensates the understanding by delighting in it . by restraint of this , you shall learne to moderate your desires . whence you may rejoyce , yet in him , who is your joy , if you can live sparingly , and embrace the meanes that may chastise in you all sensuality : for by your spare life is lust extinguished , vertue nourished , the mind strengthned , the understanding to heavenly things raysed . yea , abstinence availeth much for preserving health of body and length of life . whence it is said : hee that dieteth himselfe , prolongeth life . which the profound stagyrian confirmes in these words : to abstaine from riot and superfluity , is the soveraign'st prescription or physicke for the body . now to descend to the second branch of our division in this observation ; wee might here enumerate those many odious and inhumane effects , which have and doe daily arise from the violence of this wanton fancy or wandring phrenzy ; and what tragicke events it hath in all times produc'd : but they would seeme relations too full of horror to your modest and timerous natures . onely let mee tell you , if you desire to be satisfied in subjects of that kind , our italian stories will afford you variety : where indiscreet love clozeth her dolefull scene with so miserable an exit , as no pencill can expresse any picture to more life , then an historicall line hath drawne out the web of their miseries . so as , that ancient adage might seeme verefied : that from slaves and miserable people god hath taken away the one halfe of their understanding . now , to cure this desperate malady ( though to you the cure , i hope , bee needlesse , being free from all such violent distempers ; ) the best and soveraign'st receit is to fortifie the weaknesse of your sexe with strength of resolution ; that , with incessant devotion . bee not too liberall in the bestowing of your favours ; nor too familiar in publike converse . presume not too much on the strength of a weake fort. make a contract with your eyes not to wander abroad , lest they be catch'd in comming home . treat not of love too freely ; play not wagges with the blind boy ; hee has a dangerous ayme , though hee hath no eyes , sport not with him , that may hurt you ; play not with him , that would play on you . your sports will turne to an ill jest , when you are wounded in earnest : the fly may be then your embleme : so long the foolish fly playes with the flame , till her light wings are cinged in the same . fly to an higher sphere : you are yet untouch'd ; this wandring phrenzy hath never yet surpriz'd you ; prevent the meanes , and it shall never invade you . be not such foes to your selves , as to purchase your owne disquiet . examples you have of all sorts , both to allure and deterre you . pure love admits no staine . such a fancy is never incident to a phrenzy . if ever then you entertaine any love , let it be such as brings with it a vertuous solace ; for all others , howsoever they may seeme to promise some perfunctory delight , they ever cast up their last account with repentance . when a man bleeds at the nose , and through abundance of blood is brought in danger 〈…〉 blood in his arme , to turne the course of the blood another way . if love issue out in too violent a streame , it is to be cooled by a temperate expostulation with fancy : or else by fixing our eye upon some more attractive object , divert the course of that madding passion . expostulate with fancy , thus you may , safely and freely : how is it with me ? me thinkes , it fares otherwise then it hath done formerly . a strange distemper i find in my mind ; and it might seeme to resemble love , if i knew the nature of it . love ! can virgin-modesty returne that accent , and not blush ? yes ; why not ? if the object i affect be worthy loving . and if not , what then ? is not the lover ever blinded with affection towards his beloved ? he , who may seeme a thersites to another , may be a paris in mine eye . were hee poore as irus , fancy makes him dearer to mee , then the wealth of croesus . yea , but a little advice would doe well . art thou perswaded that this non-parallell , thou thus affectest , hath dedicated his service onely to thee ? yes ; his protests have confirm'd him mine . besides , his continuall presence seconds what hee protests : that houre is tedious , wherein hee sees me not ; those pleasures odious , which my presence accompanies not . his eye is ever fixed on me ; his sole discourse is to me . what i affect he embraceth with delight : what i dis-relish , hee entertaines with distaste . these , i must confesse , ( gentlewoman ) are promising arguments of unfained love : yet may all these erre , and consequently leave you in a miserable error . your true-love may prove a iason or a theseus , and leave you in the bryers for all your confidence . you say , his protests have confirm'd him yours ; hee hath attested heaven to beare record of his love . alas of credulity ! take heed hee play not the part of that ridiculous actor in smyrna , who pronouncing , o heaven ! pointed with his finger to the ground . or like that namelesse lover , who solliciting a gentlewomans affection with abundance of amorous rhetoricke , concluded with this emphaticall protest ; that shee was the onely mistresse of his thoughts : which conclusion being over-heard by one to whom not long before upon like protests hee had ingag'd his faith ; shee replied , d●● not beleeve him , gentlewoman ; the selfe-same arbour where you now are , might witnesse that hee hath made the very like protests unto me , many times before . trialls in affaires of this nature have ever a truer touch than protests . it is easie for beauty to extort a vow , or a temporary protest ; which many times is as soone forgot as made . let not these then worke on your credulity . there bee , i know ( and so all bee that are truly generous ) who rather than they would infringe their faith , would ingage their life . but all are not of that noble temper . others there bee , who can tip their glozing tongues with rhetoricall protests , purposely to gull a credulous creature , for the purchase of an unlawfull pleasure ; which obtain'd , they leave them to bemoane their lost honour . with more safety therefore may you suspect , than too rashly affect . it will not bee amisse for you to reade him , before you chuse him . as thus ; hath his faire carriage got him estimation where hee lives ? hath hee never inur'd his tongue to play hypocrite with his heart ; nor made ceremoniall protests to purchase a light mistresse ? hath hee kept a faire quarter , and beene ever tender of his untainted honour ? hath hee never boasted of young gentlewomans favours , nor runne descant on their kindnesse ? hath hee kept himselfe on even boord with all the world , and preserv'd his patrimony from ingagement ? hath hee ever since hee vow'd himselfe your servant , solely devoted himselfe yours , and not immix'd his affection with forraine beauties ? chuse him , hee well deserves your choyce ; in which choyce , let this bee your impreze ; my choyce admits no change . to bee short ; the blessing which boaz pronounced upon ruth , shall like a honey-dew distill daily from the lips of your husband : blessed bee thou of the lord , my spouse ; thou hast shewed more goodnesse in the latter end , than at thy beginning , in as much as thou followest not young men , were they poore or rich . contrariwise , where you find no such demeriting respects in him , who makes love unto you ; checke your wilde fancy by time , lest a remedilesse checke attend your choyce . covertly knew that unfortunate lady how to paint out her griefe , the extent whereof her tongue-tide passion could not relate ; when like a fruitfull vine , shee had brought forth many faire and promising branches to a debaucht husband , by whose profuser course , her hopes which shee had stored in her numerous progeny , perished , and her selfe through griefe irrecoverably wasted ; shee wrote these pensive lines with a diamond in her chamber window , to give a living shadow to her lasting sorrow . vp to the window sprung the spreading vine , the dangling apricocke , and eglantine ; since when , that vine and branches too were found , shred from their root , laid sprawling on the ground . it is not so hard to give comfortable counsell to the sorrowfull , as to finde a fit season when to give it . i would have you , whose more noble parts promise much comfort to your families , give such attention to seasonable counsell , as you may prevent all ensuing occasions of sorrow . it is the condition of an inconsiderate person , who never foresees his fall , to cloze the issue of his misfortunes with this improvident conclusion ; i would never have thought that this should have thus come to passe ; i never dream'd of this event . it will bee more usefull and beneficiall to you , to checke your wilde fancy , if any such seaze upon you , than to give way unto it , and consequently undoe you . repentance comes too late at marriage-night . affaires of such weight and consequence are not to bee entertained without due advice , nor seconded with rashnesse . in one word ; have you plaid a little too long with the flame ? have you given too free accesse to your desertlesse lover ? have you suffered your heart not onely to thinke of him , but with more intimate respect to harbour him ? lodge him no longer in that roome ; it deserves a farre better guest . i will not heare you , if you reply , and say ; this is a taske of impossibility . continuance of time , with discontinuance of his presence , will easily effect it . meane time , fixe your eye upon some more deserving object . revenge your selfe of that conceit , that shall a-fresh present him to you . so shall the wildnesse of your fancy be checked ; your halfe-lost liberty regained ; and your affection afterwards planted , where it may bee better acquited ; there seated , where it may bee more sweetly seasoned . there bee haggards of that wilde nature , as they will by no meanes be reclaim'd ; neither love nor feare will cause them stoop to any lure . emblemes these are to such wayward girles , whose inflexible natures will neither bee woo'd nor wonne at any rate . these had rather dye for love , than bee deem'd to love . their hearts are smeer'd over with salamanders oyle , and wil admit no heat . they may entertaine suiters , but it is with that coldnesse of affection , as the longer they resort , the lesser is their hope . they may boast more of the multiplicity of their suitors , than their suitors can of any probability to bee speeders . as it chanced sometime in a contest betwixt two maids , who comparing one with the other their descents , friends , and suitors : make no comparison with me , replyed the one to the other , for i must tell thee , i have more suitors than thou hast friends ; more shamelesse you ( answered the other ) unlesse you meane to set up an house of good fellowship . these unsociable natures , who many times deferre making their choyce , till age bring them to contempt , and excludes them from all choyce ; or , danaë-like , live immured in their chamber , till their fort bee undermined by some golden pioner ; detract much from the relenting disposition of their sexe . it is their honour to be woo'd and won . to be discreet in their choyce , and to entertaine their choyce without change. of such i speake , who have not dedicated their dayes to virginity , which is such a condition , as it aspires to an angelicall perfection . good , ( saith venerable bede ) is conjugall chastity , better is viduall continency , but best is the perfection of virginity . yea , virginity exceeds the condition of humane nature , being that , by which man resembles an angelicall creature . wee reade likewise , that the vnicorne , when hee can be taken by no force nor subtill engine , will rest and repose in the lap of a virgin. to those onely i direct my discourse , who have a mind to take themselves unto the world , and to entertaine their lover : but it is with such coolenesse , as it drives their dispassionate sweet-heart into strange extreames . and this proceeds commonly from an over-weening conceit , which these dainty damsels have of their owne worth : with the apprehension whereof they become so infinitely taken , as they can find none worthy their choyce . of this disdainefull opinion was the unhappy gentlewoman , who after many faire fortunes tendred , suitors of deserving quality rejected , made her incestuous brother her licentious lover . a crime detestable even to barbarians and bruit beasts . insomuch as it is reported of the cam●ll , that they usually hood-winke him , when at any time they bring his mother unto him ; which act he no sooner knowes , then hee tramples her under his feet , and kicks her to death with his heeles : so hatefull is incest even to bruit beasts , whose native instinct abhors such obscene commixtures . you , whose discreet affections have cast anchor , by making choyce of some deserving lover ; afflict him not with needlesse delayes ; if hee merit your choyce , one day is too long to deferre him ; if undeserving , taxe your owne indiscretion so rashly to entertaine him . is it bashfull modesty that with-holds you ? i commend it ; it well becomes you . chastity cannot expresse it selfe in a fairer character , then in blushing lines of loving shamefastnesse . is it consent of friends that detaines you ? i approve that too ; these rites are best accomplished , when they are with consent and consort of friends solemnized . but if the ground of your delay trench either upon some future expectance of better fortunes ; or indifferency of affection in respect of your choyce : the issue cannot possibly prove well , being built upon such weake grounds . for , to insist cursorily upon either of these two ; shall a deceiving hope of preferment dispossesse him of your heart , whom personall deserts make worthy of your love ? looke to it ; such fortunes cannot purchase you content , which are got with an aged husbands contempt . it shewes a servile nature to cashiere a faithfull lover , because hee is poorer ; and to preferre another lesse desertfull , because hee is richer . this inconstancy cannot succeed well , because the foundation is grounded ill . againe , are you indifferent or luke-warme in affection ; in respect of your choyce ? for shames sake what doe you make of love ? do you use it like a toy or tyre to put off or on as you like ? must it resemble the fashion ? this day in request , and next day out of date ? this , indeed , is such a cool & easie-tempered love , as it will never mad you ; yet , trust me , it may well delude you . fancy will not so be plaid with . you will object , i imagine , your stomacks are too queasie to digest love. why then did you ever seeme so greedily to feed on that , which your stomacks now cannot well digest ? have you surfeited on the substance ? lay that aside for a while , and bestow your eye on the picture . such impressions have sharpened the dull affections of many lovers . alexander being much in love with apelles , as one highly rapt with the exquisitenesse of his art , proposed him that mcdell for a taske , which hee , of all others , affected most ; commanding him on a time to paint campaspe , a beautifull woman , naked ; which apelles having done , such impression wrought the picture in his affection , as apelles fell in love with her ; which alexander perceiving , gave him her . it is incredible , what rare effects were sometimes drawne from a morian-picture , being onely hung up in a ladies chamber . if such impressive motives of affection draw life from a picture , what may bee conceived by the substance ? oris apollo writeth that the egyptians , when they would describe the heart , and fit her with a proper embleme , paint the bird ibis : because they thinke that no creature , for proportion of the body , hath so great an heart as the ibis hath . it is the bird of love must bee the embleme of your heart . it is neither picture nor posture can content her . much lesse these inferiour pictures , which wee call moneyes : which are so farre from satisfying the affection , as they are onely for the mold or worldling : whose grosser thoughts never yet aspired to the knowledge of loves definition . as then , the precious stone diacletes , though it have many rare and excellent soveraignties in it , yet it loseth them all , if it bee put in a dead mans mouth : so love , though it bee a subject so pure , as none of a more refined nature ; so firme , as none of a more holding temper ; so hot , as none of a more lasting fervour : yet becomes her splendour darkened , her vigor weakened , her fervor cooled , when shee is in a cold brest entertained . resemble , rather , the iuniper-tree , whose coale is the hottest , and whose shadow is the coolest : bee hot in your affection , but coole in your passion . if you finde any thing which cooleth love in you , remove it ; if any thing which urgeth passion , quench it : contrariwise , feed in you loves heat ; but represse in you all passionate hate . take into your more serious thoughts , a view of his deserts whom you affect : increase the conceit of them by supposing more than hee expresseth . the imagination of love is strong , and works admirable effects in a willing subject . yet in all this , let no one straid thought wrong your maiden-modesty so much , as to suggest to you a straine of light-nesse . other closet-treaties you may entertaine safely and freely , without touch of modesty . as to thinke of the honour of that state , to which you are approaching ; the mutuall comfort from that mysterious union arising ; how griefes will bee attempered by one anothers suffering ; how joyes will bee augmented by one anothers sharing . these thoughts cannot but well become you ; nor otherwise chuse than with a pure affection inflame you ; nor receive lesse than free acceptance from you . thus may that love , which seem'd before to have beene as chilled , by these modest motives bee cheered . that day no blacke cloud should by right sit on your faire brow ; no cold dampe seaze on your heart . you have got one whom a sacred gage hath made yours ; with a cheerfull requitall render your selfe his . this cannot choose but highly please the pure eye of heaven , to see that mysterie so sweetly solemniz'd , which was honoured by christ , with his first miracle on earth . in this last branch of our observation , wee are to propose an attemperament of both those indisposed fancies before mentioned , and deservedly taxed . first , the wildenesse of the one ; secondly , the coolenesse of the other : by seasoning them both with an indifferent temper . in a vine , wilde and luxurious branches are to bee pruned , that such as are free and kindly may bee better cherished . in the spirituall field of your heart , is never to bee expected any fruitfull increase of vertues , till there be weeded out of it all the thornes of vices . the difference betwixt a wise and wild love , is this : the one ever deliberates before it love ; the other loves before it deliberate . the first question that shee askes , who wisely loves ; is hee , who is here recommended to my choyce , of good repute ? is hee rich in the endowments of his minde ? next question shee askes , are of a lower siege : may his personage give content ? are his fortunes such , as may not beget in love a contempt ? thus beginnes shee that loves wisely , with goods inward , and ends with outward ; whereas , shee that loves wildly , beginnes with outward , and ends , or else never remembers the inward : is hee , you tender to mee , of promising personage ? is hee neat in his cloathes ? complete in his his dresse ? can he court mee in good words ? and perfume them with sweet protests ? can hee usher me gracefully in the street ? and in very pace expresse a reserved state ? next question shee askes , must bee neare the same verge : is hee rich in manors ? hath not fortune made him a younger brother ? can hee , to buy himselfe honour , pawne the long-acre ? may his swelling means furnish me of coach , caroach , and daily fit mee for some exchange trifles ? i have a moneths mind to see the man ! hee cannot but deserve my love . wherein shee sayes well , for in very deed hee could deserve little else . now as the former , seldome bestowes her selfe , but where shee findes content ; so the latter , seldome or never , but either shee with her choyce , or her choyce with her falls into contempt . the reason is , this wilde girle never cares for more than to bee married . if shee may but see that day , it accomplisheth her content : though shee have but one comicall day all her life . yea , it is as well as can bee expected from her hands , if shee attaine that style without some apparant soile . such as these i could wish , to prevent the worst , they were married betime , lest they marre themselves before time . albeit , moderate restraint , seasonable advice ( presupposing some seeds of grace to worke on ) have wrought singular effects in many of these wilde-ones , who afterwards became grave and modest matrons . to you then , kind-hearts , am i to recommend some necessary cautions , which carefully observed , may make you wiser than you thought of ; and cause you have a tender care of that , which before you had never mind of . your brests are unlock'd , your tongues unty'd ; you cannot love , but you must shew it ; nor conceive a kinde thought , but you must tell it . the index of your hearts you carry both in your tongues and eyes ; for shame , learne silence in the one , and secrecy in the other . will you give power to an insulting lover , to triumph over your weakenesse ; or , which is worse , to worke on the opportunity of your lightnesse ? doe not ; rather ramme up those portells which betray you to your enemy , and prevent his entry by your vigilancy . keepe home and stray not , lest by gadding abroad , you incurre dinahs fate . you have consorts of your owne sexe to passe time withall ; their society will teach you to forget , what is better forgot than kept . let not a straid thought betray your innocency . checke your madding fancy , and if it use resistance , curbe it with restraint . it will doe excellently well , if you forbeare to resort to places of publike meeting ; till you have drawne up and seal'd a covenant with your eyes , to see naught that they may not lawfully covet . these , when they wander , they breed in the heart a dangerous distemper . lastly , addresse your imployment ever to something that is good ; so shall your fantasie finde nought to worke upon that is ill . this shall afford you more liberty , than the whole worlds freedome can afford you . now to you , coy ones , whom either coldnesse of nature hath benummed , or coynesse hath made subtill to dissemble it . you can looke and like , and turne another way , where you like most . no object of love can take you , till it overtake you . bee not wise too much . true affection cannot endure such dissimulation . divide not him , whom you love , into such extremes : you may be modest , and spare a great deale of this coynesse ; it is the rule of charity to doe as you would bee done to . now , would it content you to bee entertained with disdaine , where your deserts merit acceptance ? rectifie this then in your selves , which you would not have done by another to your selves . it is an ill requitall , to recompence fancy with contempt , or constant love with disdaine . this were to incurre ingratitude , a vice so odious , as no age could finde ever ought more uncivilly impious . i do not move you to bee too open-hearted ; or if so , not too liberally to expresse it : this were no discovery of fancy , but folly . so conceale and smoothly palliate your love , as your lover may not despaire of all hope to obtaine your love . indifferent curtsies you may shew without lightnesse , and receive them too in lieu of thankfulnesse . i leave it to your discretion to distinguish times and places ; for these may either improve or impaire the opportunity of such like curtsies . doe not immure your beauties , as if a jealousie of your owne weaknesse had necessitated this restraint . there can bee no conquest , where there is no contest . converse with love ; conceit with your selves whom you could like . this your cooler temper may admit , and still reteine that liberty which is fit . falconers use many meanes to make their hawks sharpe ; they begin with short flights , till weathring bring them to endure longer . pigmalions image received not life in all parts at once ; first , it took warmth , after that , vitall motion . is love coole in you ? let a kindly warmth heat that coldnesse . is love dull in you ? let a lively agility quicken that dulnesse . is love coy in you ? let a lovely affability supple that coynesse : so , in short time , you may have a full rellish of loves sweetnesse . now wee come to the attemperament of these ; wherein wee are to extract out of grosser metals some pure oare , which wee must refine , before it can give any true beauty to this specious palace of love . draw neare then , and attend to what of necessity you must observe ; if ever you meane to deserve her love , whom you are in civility bound to serve . in sicilia there is a fountaine called fons solis , out of which at mid-day , when the sun is nearest , floweth cold water ; at midnight , when the sunne is farthest off , floweth hot water . this should bee the lively embleme of your state ( gentlewomen : ) who , now after those cooler vapours of your frozen affection dispersed , those lumpish and indisposed humors dispelled , and those queasie risings of your seeming coynesse dispossessed ; have felt that chaste amorous fire burne in you , which will make you of shamefaste maids , modest matrons . when the heat of passion is at mid-day , i meane his full height , with those to whom faith hath engag'd you , and love , before the hostage of that faith , confirm'd you ; then are you to resemble the quality of that fountaine , by flowing with cold water of discretion and sweet temper , to allay that heat ; lest it weaken those you love , by giving way to passion , which patience cannot chuse but loath . againe , when heat is farthest off , and providence begins to labour of a lethargy ; when servants remit their care , neglect their charge , and the whole family grow out of order , through the coldnesse of a remisse master ; resemble then that fountaine , by flowing with hot water ; win and weane these whom love and loyalty have made yours , with warme conjugall teares , to compassionate their neglected estate , and by timely prevention to avert the fate of improvident husbands . or thus , if you please , may you make your selves gracious emblemes of that fountaine : doth the sun shine at mid-day , and in his fullest height on you ? do the beams of prosperity reflect brightly on you ? flow with cold water ; allay this your heat and height of prosperity , with some cooling thoughts of adversity , lest prosperity make you forget both the author of it , and in the end how to bestow it . againe , doth the sunne shine farthest off you ? doth not one small beameling of prosperous successe cheere you ? flow with hot water ; vanquish adversity with resolution of temper . desist not from labour , because fortune seconds not your endevour . to conclude , as your wild fancy ( if you were ever surpriz'd of any ) is now rectifi'd ; your coolenesse heatned ; your coynesse banished ; so conforme your selves to them , whom one heart hath made one with you , as no cloud of adversity may looke so blacke , no beame of prosperity shine so cleare , wherin you may not with an equall embrace of both estates , beare your share . the english gentlevvoman . argument . gentility is derived from our ancestors to us , but soone blanched , if not revived by us ; vertue the best coat ; a shamefaste red , the best colour to deblazon that coat ; gentility is not knowne by what we weare , but what we are ; there are native seeds of goodnesse sowne in generous bloods by lineall succession ; how these may bee ripened by instruction . gentility . gentility consists not so much in a lineall deblazon of armes , as personall expression of vertues . yea , there is no ornament like vertue , to give true beauty to descent . what is it to be descended great ? to retein the priviledge of our blood , to bee ranked highest in an heralds booke ? when our lives cannot adde one line to the memorable records of our ancestors ? there should bee no day without a line , if wee desire to preserve in us the honour of our line . those odours then deserve highest honours , that beautifie us living , and preserve our memory dying . should wee call to mind all those our ancestors , who for so many preceding ages have gone before us ; and whose memory now sleeps in the dust ; wee should , perchance , finde in every one of them some eminent quality or other , if a true survey of their deserving actions could bee made knowne unto us ; yea , wee should understand , that many of them held it their highest grace , to imitate their predecessors in some excellent vertue ; the practice whereof they esteemed more prayse-worthy , than the bare title of gentility . now , what just reproofe might wee deserve , if neither those patternes , which our ancestors had , nor the vertuous examples of our ancestors themselves , can perswade us to be their followers ? their blood streames through our veynes ; why should not their vertues shine in our lives ? their mortality wee carry about with us ; but that which made them immortally happy , wee reteine not in us . their gentility wee clayme ; the priviledges they had by it , wee reteine . meane time , where is that in us , that may truly gentilize us , and designe us theirs ? what a poore thing is it to boast of , that our blood is nobler , our descent higher ? tell me , can any one prescribe before adam ? and what shall hee finde in that first ancestor of his , but red clay ? the matter whereof hee was made , it was no better ; nor can wee suppose our mortar to bee purer . hee most emphatically described our genealogy , who cryed , earth , earth , earth : earth by creation , condition , dissolution . no lesse fully understood hee the quality of his composition , with the root from whence hee tooke his beginning , who called earth his mother ; wormes his brethren and sisters . his kinsfolkes hee could not much boast of , they were such inferiour creatures ; no strutters in the street , but despicable creepers . let me now reflect upon you , gentlewomen , whose generous birth should bee adorned with vertuous worth , and so make you moving objects of imitation both in life and death . are you nobly descended ? ennoble that descent with true desert . doe not thinke that the privilege of greatnesse , can bee any subterfuge to guiltinesse . your more ascending honour requires more than a common lustre . in places of publike resort you challenge precedency , and it is granted you . shall the highest place have the least inward grace ? no ; let not a word fall from you , that may unbeseeme you . others are silent when you discourse ; let it bee worth their attention ; lest a presumption of your owne worth draw you into some frivolous excursion . there is not an accent which you utter , a sentence you deliver , any motion in your carriage or gesture , which others eye not , and eying assume not . your retinue is great ; your family gracious ; your actions should bee the life of the one , and line of direction to the other . to see a light lady descending from a noble family , is a spectacle of more spreading infamy , than any subject of inferiour quality . i cannot approve of this apish kinde of formality , which many of our better sort use ; it detracts from their descent , to make affectation their tutresse . they were free-borne ; nothing then that is servile can become them . it is nothing to reteine the favour or feature of your ancestors , and to estrange you from that which truly dignifi'd your ancestors . vertues have more living colours , and are seconded with more lasting honours than any outward beauties . you deceive your selves , if you thinke that honour received her first life from descent ; no , it was demerit that made descent capable of honour . a pedigree argues your gentility ; but had not some deserving action beene , you had never attained to any noble pedigree . for gentility is not to bee measured by antiquity of time , but precedency in worth . if brackish or troubled water seldome come from a pure spring ; wilde and unsavory fruit from a good tree ; whence is it , that noble predecessors , whose pure blood was never corrupted with any odious staine , should bring forth such degenerating scions ? surely , this generally proceeds from the too much liberty that is granted to our youth ; whose inclinations , though otherwise good and equally disposed , are usually by custome , which becomes a second nature , miserably depraved . society they affect , and this infects them ; repaire to publike places they admit , and this corrupts them . those eminent examples which their noble progenitors left them , become buried with them . they comply with the time ; vertue ( they say ) can hardly subsist , where vice is in highest request . what though plato advise them to make choyce of the best way of living , which may bee easily effected by assiduate use and daily custome : they have learned to invert his rule , by affecting that custome most , which tends to the practice of vertue least . besides , there is another reason which may bee probably alleaged , why generous descents become so much corrupted ; and vertuous parents by vitious children so frequently seconded . our nobler women , though in other respects truly imitable , and for their vertuous conversation admirable , come short in one peculiar duty , which even nature exacts of them , and which being duely perfom'd , would doubtlesly , no lesse enable and ennoble them who are descended from them , than any particular , were it never so powerfull , that could informe them . these which are mothers by generation , are seldome their nursing-mothers by education . no marvell then , if they degenerate , when they partake of the natures of other women . though their owne mothers blood streame through their veines , a strangers milke must feed them , which makes them participate of their nature , as they are fed with their substance . wheresoever the nurses milke is received , the nurses manners are likewise reteined . whence it was , that chrysippus expresly commanded that the very best and wisest nurses should bee made choyce of ; that what good blood had infused , might not by ill milke be infected . it was the joynt advice both of plutarch and phavorine , that a mother should bee her childrens nurse : because , commonly , with the milke of the nurse , they sucke the quality or condition of her life . yea , according to an ancient decree , women were bound to nurse their owne children , and not to have any other women ( unlesse necessity enforc'd them ) to nurse them . let this then bee rectifi'd ; yee , whose noble descents have made you eminent in the eye of the world , and whom gods blessing hath made fruitfull mothers , to bring forth a faire and hopefull increase unto the world ; nurse them with your owne milke : this will expresse in you a motherly care to them , and beget in them a greater measure of child-like love to you . your care , the more it is parentall , will exact of them a love more faithfull and filiall . nurse them , i say , with the milke of your owne brests to feed them ; with the milke of your owne lives to informe them . so shall their actions prove them to bee your successours ; when they shall not onely derive their blood from you , but on this theatre of humane frailty , shall publish themselves to bee true representers of you . for in vaine is your blood to them derived , if your memory by their vertues be not revived . give them then that which may make them yours . goodnesse may bee blamed , but her succeeding memory can never bee blanched . thus shall you not onely shew your selves worthy of that house , from whence you came , but after your period on earth , bee receiv'd into a more glorious house in time to come . it is not the nobility of descent , but of vertues , that makes any one a gracefull and acceptable servitour in the court of heaven . houses are distinguished by coats and crests ; but these are dignifi'd by something else . in heraldry , those are ever held to be the best coats , that are deblazoned with least charge . consequently , then must vertue needs bee the best coat . shee requires the least charge ; in her attire , shee is not sumptuous ; in her fare , delicious ; nor in her retinue ( the more is the pitty ) numerous . shee confines her desires upon earth within a strait circumference ; a very small portion of that metall will content her . her desires are onely there seated , where they may bee satisfied . shee sees none so great in the court , as may deserve her envy ; none so rich in the city , as may beget in her an earthly desire ; none so repos'd in the countrey , as to induce her to change her state . shee is infinitely happy , in that shee aymes at no other happinesse , than where it is to bee found . ambition may display her pie-colour'd flagge ; but shee will never get vertue to bee her follower : her desires are pitcht upon a farre more transcendent honour , than these state-corrivals on earth can ere afford her ; or by their competition take from her . pleasure may cast out her lure , but vertue is so high a flyer , as shee scornes to stoupe to ought unworthy of her ; it pleaseth her to contemplate that on earth , which shee is to enjoy in heaven . these feathers in the ayre , are objects undeserving her care . profit may seeke to undermine her ; but all her policy cannot worke on vertues constancy . content is her crowne ; contempt of the world , her care ; what wordlings seeke , shee shuns ; whence it is , that her beauty , in the darkest night of adversity , shines . in a word , shee is an absolute commandresse of her selfe ; and easie is it to have that command , where no turbulent passions labour to contend . farre otherwise is it with those , who be they never so generously descended , popularly graced , nor powerfully guarded , yet being not adorned with this crest , distinguished by this coat , they can neither enjoy freedome within , nor safety without . lewis , the eleventh had a conceit , which , no doubt , proceeded from his melancholicke and indisposed humour , that every thing did stinke about him : all the odoriferous perfumes , or fragrant savours they could get , would not ease him , but still hee smelled a silthy stinke . so fares it with them , whose corrupt hearts , like musty vessells , not throughly seasoned with vertue , send forth no other smell than what is most distastefull to a pure and well-disposed minde . now , there bee many , who make an outward semblance of conscience ; and promise to the world apparant arguments of their uprightnesse ; whose inward cells , like corrupt charnell-houses , afford nothing but filthinesse . yea , these , to make the world more confident of their sanctity , will not sticke to condemne themselves , dis-value their owne worth , and rank them amongst the unworthiest that breath on earth . yet , though they disprayse themselves before others , they cannot endure to bee dispraysed by others . whereof wee read one excellent example to this purpose : there was a certaine woman , who had taken her selfe to a cloyster-life , and seemed very devo●t ; so as shee usually said to her confessor , who came often unto her , to heare her confession , and partake of her devotion : good father , pray unto the lord for mee ; for i am a woman so evill , yea , even so utterly naught , as i much feare lest the lord punish others for my sinnes . vpon this , the priest out of a discreet zeale , desired to try whether there were in her the foundation of true humility or no. next time therefore , that shee uttered the like words unto him , saying ; that shee was the very worst of all women ; the priest forwith answered : i have often times at many bands heard thus much of thee before this . whereat shee being presently incensed , replyed : you lye in your throat : and whosoever hath told you , or reporteth such things of mee , are all lyers . to attemper which immoderate passion , the priest humbly returned her this answer : now i perceive thy pride and hypocrisie ; for as much as thou speakest that of thy selfe , which thou disdainest any other should speake of thee . and this is no signe of true humility , but of inward pride and grosse hypocrisy . these dissembled , bee they never so assiduate , semblances , are no colours for vertues crest , they must bee dyed in graine , or they will not hold . these , who expresse modesty in their outward carriage , are good examples to those that consort with them ; yet if their private parler bee a witnesse of their dishonor , they deface the figure of goodnesse in themselves . vertue consists not in seeming but performing , nor piety in appearing but practising . what is it to bee outwardly retyred from the world , and inwardly affianced to the world ? how are those women in turkie affected , that most part of the yeare come not abroad ? those italian and spanish dames , that are mewed up like hawks , and lockt up by their jealous husbands ? this is such an enforced restraint , as it many times begets loose desires in the restrained . it is the prevention of occasion that crownes us . more prayse-worthy were those women of sio , could they confine their actions within the bounds of modesty , than these restrained libertines . for those iland women , as they are the beautifull'st dames of all the greekes , so have they more liberty granted by their avaricious husbands , than all the dames in greece . for their wives prostitution is their promotion . so as , when they see any stranger or promising factor arrive , they will presently demand if hee would have a mistris : which , for want of better supply , they mercenarily tender him in the person of their owne wives : so willing are they to weare the lasting badge of infamy , for base lucre or commodity . it is not then an enforced moderation of our affections , that deserves the stile of goodnesse . wee are to enjoy freedome in our desires , and over those a noble conquest , if wee merit the name of vertuous . come then , gentlewomen , you see what coat will honour your house most . other coats may bee blanched by corruption of blood ; or blemished by some other occurrent : but this is so pure as it will admit of no staine . fantasticall and false prophecies may bee ominously advanced , published , and dispersed , upon arms , fields , beasts , or badges , against which our lawes have ordained necessary provisions . but no augur , seer or southsayer can by any such groundless divination , detract from the constant beauty or splendor of his coat . soveraignizing saladine , after hee had made himselfe a terrour to many potent princes , by making them his subjects , who never till then knew what subjection meant ; after hee had atchieved so many prosperous victories , taken in so many flourishing provinces , and attained the highest degree of an imperiall greatnesse ; being surprized by so mortall and fatall a malady , as hee despaired of recovery : called his chiefetaine or generall before him , and bad him haste away to the great city damascus , and there in the midst of that populous city , to fixe his shrouding-sheete upon a speare , and display it like a banner , with these words ; this is all that souldan saladine hath left of all his ensignes ! this , the remainder of all his victories ! how happy had that emperour beene , if after so many memorable exploits done by him living , so many imperiall trophies of his dispersed victories erected by him breathing , hee had reserved this coat to have memoriz'd him dying ? dorcas coats were brought forth and shown , after shee departed . so live , that your best coats , which are your vertues , may give testimony of you , when earth shall receive you . let not your gentility become blasted with infamy ; nor your noble families labour of that scarcity , as not to give vertue all hospitality . divinely sung our moderne poet : to bee of gen'rous blood and parents borne , and have no gen'rous vertues , is a scorne . let it bee your highest scorne , to stoupe to any base thought . it is not priority nor precedency of place , but propriety and proficiency in grace that makes an honourable soule . that cloath is of most worth that weares best ; and that fashion of most esteeme that holds longest in request . vertue is right . sempiternam for weare ; and of that complete fashion , as with christian women it growes never out of date . make choyce of this stuffe then to suite you , of this coat to gentilize you . all others are but conterseits in comparison of her ; whose property it is to honour those that serve her ; harbour those that flye for refuge to her ; and to reward those who constantly stand in defence of her honour . there is nothing can wound you , being thus armed ; nothing ill-beseeme you , being thus adorned ; nothing disparage you , being thus honoured : heraldry findes a coat for your house , but vertue findes honour to grace your person . reteine those divine impressions of goodnesse in you , that may truly ennoble you : display your gentility by such a coat , as may best distinguish your family ; so shall you live and dye with honour , and survive their fame , whose onely glory it was to enjoy fortunes favour . painters are curious in the choyce of their colours , lest their art become blemished through those decayed colours , wherewith their pictures are pourtrayed . some are opinion , that the receit of painting or colouring the substance of glasse through , is utterly lost ; neither that these late succeeding times can regaine , as yet , that mysterious perfection . farre more is it to bee doubted lest vertue , which wee have proved by infallible arguments to bee the best coat , want her true colour , and consequently become deprived of her chiefe lustre . some pictures , i know , will doe well in white ; yet it is colour that gives them life . beauty never darts more love to the eye , not with quicker convoy directs it to the heart , then when it displayes her guiltlesse shame in a crimson blush . there is one flower to bee loved of women , which is the chiefest flower in all their garden ; and this is a good red , which is shamefastnesse . these standing colours are slow wooers to discreet lovers . vertues coat then is best beblazoned when a shamefast red breathes upon it . protogenes tables , wherein baccbus was painted , and all his furious bacchanals to life displayed , moved king demetrius to such admiration , during his siege of the city rhodes , that where hee might have consumed the city with fire , and buried the glory thereof in ashes , would not for the preciousnesse of that table : so as , protracting time by staying to bid them battell , wonne not the city at all . if a livelesse picture could enforce such affection in a knowing commander , what effects may wee thinke will a living substance produce ? truth is , there is such sweet and amiable correspondence betwixt vertuous beauty , and shamefaste modesty , as the one cannot subsist without the others society . not a light passage can want the attendance of a blush , whilest modesty is in presence . yea , though shee bee not conscious of any conceit , that might beget in her face a shamefaste blush ; out of a modest compassion shee will not sticke to blush , when shee observes ought in another deserving blame . her eares glow at any light report ; which , lest they should grow too credulous , shee fortifies with reason , to oppose the too easie entrance of suspition . shee partakes of no resemblance lesse than that of the chamelon , whose naturall property it is to represent all colours save white . shee is a milde and moderate interpreter of others actions ; but a serious censor of her owne . light discourses , which tend rather to the depraving of the hearer , than ministring any usefull subject to an attentive observer , shee excludes ; uncivill complement shee abhorres ; what onely is modest shee approves ; and seconds her approvement with a gracefull smile . shee holds an infected minde to bee more dangerous than an infected house : such company shee shunnes , on whom the rayes of vertue seldome or never shine . there is not that condition , bee it never so meane , which shee cannot with cheerefulnesse entertaine : so as , shee holds outward poverty the best enricher of an inward family . her desires are so equally poyzed , as shee neither seekes more than shee enjoyes , nor wants freedome to dispose of what shee enjoyes . honour shee affects , yet with no such eagernesse , as to hazzard the losse of a dearer honour , for so uncertaine a purchase . friends and favourites shee admits , and with that constancy , as it neither repents her of accepting , nor them of tendring such vertuous fruits of amity . here you have her , gentlewomen , who will tell you , and in her selfe exemplifie what shee tells you ; that modesty is the choycest ornament that can adorne you . now if you purpose to trace her path , or conforme your selves to her line ; you must worke on your affections , to embrace what shee loves , and reject whatsoever shee loathes . are you conversant at any time with such protesting servants , as make deepe oaths meere complements ; and whose tongues are witty orators in running descant on a wanton tale ? these are such consorts as modesty would bee loath to converse with . shee can never endure any of these discourses without an angry blush . should you delight in these , you should quickly heare her out of a vertuous passion , cry out with the poet : o age ! most of our women know not now , what ' t is to blush , till painting tell them how . againe , should you entertaine in your naked bosomes , what some wantons have too much affected , light amorous poems ; perusing them with no lesse content , than if they had beene purposely penned to worke on your conceit ; this cannot stand with your modesty : these may corrupt you , but never rectifie what is wandring in you . suffer not a wanton passage to play on your fantasie . sinne would never enter in upon you , if shee found but a preparation of resistance in you . tell me , what a sweet grace conferres it on you , to mixe your salutes with modest blushes , and entertaine your suitors with a shamefaste bashfulnesse ! sure i am , where love is discreetly grounded , this cannot chuse but be an especiall motive to affection . there may bee , i grant , such wilde lovers , who preferre the loose love of an inconstant phaedra , before the chaste embraces of a continent antiope : but their indiscreet choyce is ever seconded with a fearefull cloze . those , who esteeme more of a painted cheeke , than a native blush , shall finde all their imaginary happinesse resolved to a painted blisse . it is modesty and not beauty which makes the husband happy . would you then deserve the title of chaste virgins , constant wives , modest matrons ? while you are ranked amongst the first , converse not privately with a wanton thought ; send not forth a wandring eye to fetch in a sweet-heart . dis-value not your owne worth so much , as to wooe others to become your suiters : this would bee a meanes rather to depresse love , than increase it ; impayre love , than improve it . if you bee worthy winning , you cannot chuse but bee worthy wooing . meane time , let not a straid looke betray your too forward love ; nor a light conceit tax you of deserved reproofe . dye your cheeks with a rosie blush , when you heare ought that may detract from the modesty of your sexe . bee as silent as the night ; your best rhetoricke consists in maiden blushes , and bashfull smiles ; which will worke more powerfully on a lovers heart , than a rhetoricall tongue , bee it never so curiously tipt with art. for the second ranke , you know how strict a duty is imposed on you ; now are you not to converse with strange love , or suffer any other person have the least share in your affection . to court love , or use any complement , purposely to winne a private favorite , would detract as much from your honour , as for a souldier to flye from his captaine , and adhere to a stranger . hee hath invested you in himselfe , and ingaged himselfe yours by a sacred vow , which death onely may reverse : the dispersed loves which you enterteined before , must now bee reduc'd to one , and that but one , by whose mutuall choyce two are individually made one . a heart divided cannot live ; no more can the heat of divided love . you are now so farre from entertaining any stranger ; as you have vow'd with your heart , not to enter so much as any treaty with an unjust intruder . it is dangerous to converse with a profest foe , whose drift it is to undermine you ; and such an one is every loose lover , who labours with the licentious art of adulterous oratory , to deprive you of that inestimable gemme , which of all others , most adornes you . for you that are matrons , ripenesse of yeares hath enjoyned you to bid a lasting adieu to the vanities of youth . now are you set as examples of gravity , for others to imitate . it were dotage in you now to begin to love , when your decay in nature tels you , it is not long you are to live . you have hitherto performed your parts with a genercus approvement of your actions , faile not in the conclusion . this small remainder of your declining pilgrimage , should bee wholly dedicated to the practice of goodnesse ; that your pious end may second your vertuous beginning . the sunne shines ever brighter at his setting than rising ; so should your life appeare better at your departing than entring . it were incomparably beneficiall for you , now in this your exit , to have your affections seated in heaven , before you depart from earth : leaving some memorable examples of your wel-spent life , which may eternize you after this life . this will make your names flourish ; and cause others in a vertuous emulation of your actions , to reteine your memory in their lives . to bee briefe , bee you of what condition soever , either in respect of your age or state ; there is nothing can better become you than a modest shamefastnesse : which consists either in averting your eare from your owne praise ; or with-drawing your presence from dishonest or uncivill discourse ; or rejecting an importunate suitor , whose too inconsiderate entertainment might question your honour . i have noted in some women a kind of zealous and devout passion , when they chanc'd but to heare any light or wanton communication ; they could not hold but reprove them for their impudence , and amidst their reproofe , to adorn the rosie circlets of their cheekes with a blushing shamefastnesse . surely , this expressed a singular modesty in them ; which i would have you ( gentlewomen ) in a serious imitation of them , to represent in your selves . it will happen , many times , that you cannot chuse but encounter with some frontlesse buffouns , petulant pasquills , whose highest straine of obscene wit , is to justifie some fabulous story , or repeat an uncivill tale ; which you are to entertaine with such disgust , as these odious relaters may gather by your countenance , how much you distaste such uncivill discourse . for it is a sweet kinde of evincing sinne , to discountenance it with a modest shame . thus shall you make your very frowne an ingenuous index of your uncorrupt heart : and to adde one line more unto your honour , display the character of your guiltlesse shame in a maiden blush , a virgin-colour . severus the emperour would have majesty preserved by a vertuous disposing of the desire , not by a curious effeminacy in attire . for , as wee cannot account him for lesse then a foole , who prizeth his horse by the faddle , and trappings that hang about him , more then by the worth that is in him : so is hee most foolish , who values the man by the worth of his cloathes , rather then those inward parts that doe accomplish him . how many formall gallants shall wee observe , whose onely value consists in putting on their cloathes neatly ; wearing their cloaks before them , as if they would forgo them ; or bestow them upon some pandor to usher their mushrom gentility to a house of light society : with whom , if you should converse , you might easily finde aesops , painted seuls , fairely promising , but weakly performing ? the greatest obliquity these can finde in our age , is the too carelesse observance of fashions ; which our neate formalists have no great cause to taxe for an errour , seeing affectation in the choice of fashion is this ages humour . the golden apple was given to the fairest , not the finest ; the golden tripode , neither to the fairest nor finest , but wisest . for might the fairest have obtain'd it , alcibiades , being the daintiest and best favoured boy in all athens , might by right have challeng'd it . againe , might the finest have enjoy'd it , the lydian croesus , being richer in attire than any of his time , might have pleaded for it . of whom it is said , that solon of salamine came to visite him ; not to admire him , as simple people did , whose judgements most commonly were plac'd in their eyes : but to reprove him for his vanity , an apt subject for philosophy ; and weane him from that which threatned ruine to his state. this delicate prince had that learned sage no sooner found decked and adorned with the choisest ornaments , and seated on an high throne , than hee encountred that grave philosopher with this vaine question : demanding of him , whether hee had ever seene a more glorious sight ? to whom solon right gravely answered ; yes , quoth hee , i have seene house-cocks , phesants , and peacocks : and these were graced with a naturall beauty ; whereas yours is but a borrowed glory , which must vaile to time , and shake hands , ere it bee long , with mortality . to these that fabulous story of the persian prince crysalus may bee properly applied , and personally resembled ; who , with his pye-colour'd reteiners , presenting themselves at iupiters marriage like painted fooles , became transformed into plumed fowles . truth is , should wee judge of mens worths by their outward weare , or distinguish gentility by a fashionable attire , wee should erre more in judgement , then a blinde man in his first discovery of colours . what eminent ladies are recorded in the continuate histories of fame ; whose esteeme tooke first breath , not from what they wore , but what they were ? it was not their ayme to strike a stupid beholder into admiration with a phantasticke habit , nor allure an humorous lover with a conceited complement . our simple elders knew not what it was , to set their face , or court a looking-glasse . it was their highest taske to correct those errours that were in them : by which meanes they became so inwardly lovely , as none truely knew them , that could doe lesse than entirely love them . surely , there is no state that suites so sitly with gentility , as the low , but loyall attendance of humility . this is shee , who ( as shee is rightly defined ) is the princesse of vertues , the conqueresse of vices , the mirror of virginity , the choisest harbour or repose for the blessed trinity . shee considers , how hee , by whom our corrupt blood was restored , our unvaluable losses repaired , and our primitive nakednesse compassionately covered , was not with a diadem crowned , nor in a stately bed couched ; yea , scarcely rather with one poore coat covered : which hee wore not as an ornament to his body , to bestow on it trimnesse , but for necessity to cover his nakednesse . what a poverty is it then for you , whose ancient descent promiseth something extraordinary in you , to have nothing to boast of , save onely a gilded outside ? it was necessity that invented cloathes for you ; now were it fit to pride you in that , which depriv'd you of your prime beauty ? you shall observe in many of our grave matrons , with what indifferency they attire themselves . their inward ornaments are their chiefest care ; their renewing and repairing of them , their highest cure . they have found such choice flowers , as they afford more spirituall delight to the soule , than any visible flowers or odours doe to the smell . and what are these , but divine and morall precepts , soveraigne instructions ; which have taught them how to contemne earth , conquer death , and aspire unto eternity ? these by a continued custome or frequent converse with heavenly things , cannot now conceive any object to bee worthy their beholding on earth . fashions may bee worne about them , but little observed by them . the wedding garment is their desired raiment . this they make ready for the nuptiall day ; the meditation whereof so transports them , as nothing below heaven can possesse them . it is not beauty which they prize ; for they daily and duely consider the prophets words ; all faces shall gather blacknesse . againe , they remember the threats which god denounceth upon beautifull , but sinfull niniveh , i will discover thy skirts upon thy face . this makes them seriously to consider the dangerous quality of sinne , and to apply ninivehs salve to their sore : that wine of angels , the teares of repentance . which , howsoever it is , as one wittily observes , every mans medicine ; an universall antidote , that makes many a mithridates venture on poison : yet works it not this banefull effect with these ; for their affections are so sweetly tempered , their hearts so truly tendred , as they make not repentance security to delinquents : they well remember that aphorisme of spirituall physicke : as hee that sinnes in hope of remission , feeds distemperature to seeke a physician ; so hee that repents with a purpose of sinning , shall finde an eternall place to repent in . these , who thus belull themselves in the downe-beds of security , labour of an irreparable lethargy . they make bold to sinne , as if they were sure to repent . but the medicine was made for the wound , not the wound for the medicine . we must not suffer our selves voluntarily to bee wounded , in hope we have to bee cured : but prevent the meanes , that wee may atteine a more glorious end . the choicest receipt , the chiefest antidote then is to prevent the meanes or occasion of sinne ; which if at any time wee commit , to infuse the balme of repentance into it ; which seasonably applyed , may minister a soveraigne salve to our sore , so wee intend our care to so consequent a cure . come then , gentlewomen , beginne now at last to reflect on your owne worth . vnderstand , that gentility is not knowne by what you weare , but what you are . consider , in what member soever your creator is most offended , in that shall every sinner bee most tormented . remember , how the time shall come ( and then shall your time bee no time ) when the moath shall bee your underlining , and the worme your covering . trimm● your selves then with an inward beauty ; that a glorious bridegroome may receive you . fashion your selves to his image , whom you represent . that fashion onely , will extend the date of time , and crowne you with immortality after time . these , who have their judgements in their eyes , may admire you for your cloaths ; but those , who have their eyes in their heads , will onely prize you by your inward worth . were it not a poore ensigne of gentility , to hang up a phantasticke fashion to memorize your vanity after death ? so live , that you may ever live in the memory of the good . it will not redound much to your honour , to have observed the fashions of the time , but to have redeemed your time ; to have dedicated your selves to the practice of vertue all your time ; to have beene mirrors of modesty to your succeeding sexe ; to have dis-valued the fruitlesse flourish of fading vanity , for the promising hopes of a blessed eternity . o eternity , eternity ! let this ever emphatically sound in your memory ; supply then that in you , which bleered judgements expect without you . you challenge precedency in place , expresse your selves worthy of that place . vertue will make you farre more honoured , than any garish habit can make you admired . the one is a spectacle of derision , the other of true and generous approbation . this you shall doe , if you season your desires with discretion ; if you temper your excursive thoughts , and bring them home with a serious meditation of your approaching dissolution . it is said of the palme tree , that when it growes dry and fruitlesse , they use to apply ashes to the root of it , and it forthwith recovers : that the peacefull palmes of your vertuous mindes may flourish ever ; that their branches may ever blossome and never wither ; apply unto their roots the ashes of mortification ; renue them with some sweet and soveraigne meditation . that when you shall returne to your mother earth , those that succeed you may collect how you lived while you were on earth : by making these living actions of your gentility , happy precursors to your state of glory . fountaines are best distinguished by their waters , trees by their fruits , and generous bloods by their actions . there are inbred seeds of goodnesse ( saith the philosopher ) in every good man : and these will finde time to expresse themselves . it was davids testimony of himselfe : from my youth up have i loved thy law. an excellent prerogative given him , and with no lesse diligence improved by him . now these native seeds , as they are different , so are the fruits which come of them , variously disposed . some have a rellish of true and generous bounty ; wherein they shew that noble freedome to their owne , in their liberality towards others : as their very actions declare unto the world , their command and soveraignty over the things of this world . others discover their noble disposition , by their notable pitty and compassion ; these will estrange themselves from no mans misery . if they cannot succour him , they will suffer with him . their bosomes are ever open with pittifull zenocrates , to receive a distressed one . over a vanquish'd foe they scorne to insult ; or upon a dejected one to triumph . they have teares to partake with the afflicted ; and reall expressions of joy to share with the relieved . others shew apparant arguments of their singular moderation ; abstemious are these in their dishes ; temperate in their companies ; moderate in their desires . these wonder at the rioters of this time ; how they consume their daies in sensuality and uncleannesse their account is farre more straight ; their expence more strait ; but their liberty of mind of an higher straine . cloathes they weare , but with that decency , as curiosity cannot taxe them ; meats they partake , but with that temperance , as delicacy cannot tempt them . others from their cradle , become brave sparkes of valour ; their very childhood promiseth undoubted tokens of succeeding honour . these cannot endure braves nor affronts . generous resolution hath stampt such deepe impressions in their heroicke mindes , as fame is their ayme ; which they hunt after , with such constancy of spirit , as danger can neither amate them , nor difficulty avert them from their resolves . others are endued with a naturall pregnancy of wit ; to whom no occasion is sooner offered , than some dainty expression must second it . others with more solidity of judgement , though of lesse present conceit . and these are such , as generally imploy themselves in state-affaires ; wherein experience , purchased by an usefull expence , of time , doth so ripen them , as the publike state takes notice of them , and recompenceth their care with honours conferred on them . these and many other excellent endowments shall wee observed to bee lineally derived from ancestors to their successors ; which , as they reteine a neare resemblance of their persons , so they represent their actions : so powerfull is nature in bestowing her distinct offices on every creature , wherein they generally partake of their disposition as well as outward feature : whence the poet ; stout men and good are sprung from stout and good , horses and steeres reteine their parents blood . yet see the iniquity of time ! it fareth oft-times with those who are endowed with these vertues , to bee most traduced , where their more noble and eminent parts are to bee highliest honoured . which , as it was a maine error in former ages , so descends it to these present times . when rome was in her glory , this eclipsed her light , by detracting from their demerits most , whose free-bred vertues deserved of their countrey best . sundry families shee had , famous for their vertues , which by a depraved and mis-interpreting censure , became branded with undeserved aspersions . if the piso's were frugall , they were held parcimonious ; if the metelli devout , they were superstitious ; if the appii strict , they were rigorous ; if the manlii affable , they were ambitious ; the laelii , if wise , they were dangerous ; the publicolae , popular , by being courteous . but with good and well-disposed persons , vertue is never out of favour , though it bee never so much impeached by a traducing censure . thus you have heard , gentlewomen , what vertues have lineally and by blood descended from parents to their children ; what especiall inward graces usually attend some especiall families , which no lesse memorize them , than those native honours which are conferred on them . now , to select such as sort best with your sexe and condition ; in my opinion there is none that ennobles you higher , or makes you more gracious in the eye of the beholder than modesty , which was the greatest advancer of many roman families . this is that vertue , which expresseth you to be women ; this is that , which makes you honoured amongst women . chaines and carkenets , iewels and habiliments may bee valued ; but this ornament is of that high estimate , as it is not to bee prized . now , there is nothing that will cause this to appeare more pretious unto you , next to the testimony of a good conscience within you , with an ardent desire of promoting his glory who made you , than a reflexion to your family which bred you ; whose honour to preserve , as it is your especiall duty , so no object of profit or pleasure , no attractive lure of deceiving honour should remove this opinion from you : to bee high borne and basely minded , is to ingraffe bastard slippes in a noble stocke . branches of a crooked and inflexible quality , highly degenerate from true gentility . high and heroicke vertues become great houses . for , as they were first made great by being good , so should they by surceasing from being good , lose their title of being great . if by abusing the liberty of time , you detract from your ancestors fame , you lye a blemish on his shrine ; which , though it touch not him , yet it taints you who represent him . this , no doubt , was that noble lady right mindfull of , when on a time being sollicited by a powerfull suitor , who wooed her first in person , and after in a wanton rhetoricall letter ; shee , as one tender of her honour , and perceiving that the scope of his suit tended to her dishonour , answered his fruitlesse sollicitancy in this sort , with great modesty : should i condescend to your suit , i should not only derogate from the honour of my present state , dis-value that which i hold most deare , make my selfe a subject of contempt to every eare , but asperse that infamy on my family , which would beare record of my inconstancy . o what would the next age report of me , that i should so farre degenerate from those that bred me ? no ; poverty may enter in at my gate , but dishonour shall never lodge in mine heart . reserve these promises of honour for such , as prize them above their honour : that generous blood which distreames through my veines , shall sooner bee dried , than it shall bee for any hope of advancement ingloriously stained . such singular resolves many of our albion ladies , questionlesse , even at this day reteine ; who , rather than they would incurre the least dishonour , or occasion suspition by their too free entertaine of light suitors , would confine themselves to their chambers , and debarre themselves of publike recourse . seeing then , that there are native seeds of goodnesse sowne in generous bloods by lineall succession ; which even in their first infancy give faire promises of their inward beauty ; expresse your selves daughters worthy such vertuous mothers . emulation of goodnesse in great persons is honourable . their pictures you hang up , that their memories may live with you . enjoy their vertues too , and their memories shall live fresher in you . all memorials , being materials , be they never so durable , are subject to frailty ; only these precious monuments of your vertues survive time , and breath eternity . you spring from a noble seminary ; let those seeds of goodnesse which are sowne in your youth , come to that ripenesse in your age , that as in piety you imitated others , so you may become presidents unto others ; as you were here seasoned with grace , a good report may follow you to your grave . all which by instruction onely may bee effected , as in our next branch shall bee more pregnantly proved . he cannot chuse but live well , who conformes himselfe to that hee heares . good instructors are such faithfull monitors , as they will advise what is most fitting , not what is best pleasing . and these are to bee entertained with such endeered respect , as their speeches , bee they never so tart , should not incense us , nor their reproofes , bee they never so free , distaste us . though clitus open rebukes cost him his life , his free and friendly reproofe exprest his love ; so as alexander could never sufficiently bemone his losse . those native seeds of goodnesse , whereof wee formerly treated , bee they in our infancy never so plentifully diffused , yet in time they would grow ranke and wilde , unlesse they were by seasonable instruction ripened . now , gentlewomen , there bee no tutresses fitter to perfect this excellent worke in you , than those who were the secondary instruments of being unto you ; neither can those , who are derived from you , become better instructed than by you . your love , i confesse , will bee more indulgent , yet your care so much the more incessant . their dispositions are best knowne unto you ; if motherly affection then will give way to discretion , who more fit to mold them than you ? preceding times may afford you variety of examples in this kinde . cornelia instructed hers in all piety ; portia hers in exemplary grounds of chastity ; sulpitia hers in precepts of conjugall unity ; edesia hers in learning and morality ; paulina hers in memorials of shamefaste modesty . these , though heathens , were excellent informers of youth ; so as their children were more bound to them for their breeding than bearing , nurturing than nursing . besides , there is an inbred filiall feare in children to their parents , which will beget in them more attention in hearing , and retention in holding what they heare . now , there is no instruction more moving , than the example of your living . by that line of yours , are they to conforme their owne . take heed then , lest by the dampe of your life , you darken both their glory and your owne . i might propose unto you bookes of instruction , which might minister arguments plenteously in this kinde : but so short is the memory in reteining what it reads , yea so distracted is the minde in observing what it reads , that , as it fares with our naturall face in a glasse , from which the glasse is no sooner removed , than the resemblance of it is abolished ; even so , the booke is no sooner left out of the hand , than the contents are leapt out of the heart . yet , to the end you may not bee unprovided of such tracts as may enable you for instruction , and prepare you to encounter with tentation ; i will recount such unto you , as may best accomodate you for the one , and fortifie you against the other . learned vives in his instruction of a christian woman , recommends unto them these glorious lights of the church , s. hierom , cyprian , augustine , ambrose , hilary , gregory ; annexing unto them those morall philosophers , plato , cicero , seneca , &c. of which , severally to deliver my opinion , it is this : than s. hierom none more gravely copious , as may appeare by those pithy and effectuall epistles of his , directed to those noble ladies , marcella , demetria , laeta , furia , &c. wherin he useth singular exhortations , invincible arguments , perswasive reasons , sweet similitudes , and forcive examples . modesty is the subject hee commends unto them ; decency in apparell hee approves in them ; to a moderate restraint of liberty hee enjoynes them ; to an exemplary holinesse hee exhorts them ; and with sweet and comfortable promises of an incorruptible reward he leaves them . than s. cyprian , none more devoutly serverous ; in his reproofes hee shewes mildnesse ; in his treaties a passionate sweetnesse ; hee winnes the sinner by inducing reasons ; hee strengthens the soule mightily against temptations ; hee proposeth an excellent way of moderating the affections ; hee applyes soveraigne receits to soveraignizing passions : and concludes with that sober and discreet temper , as with a divine insinuation hee wooes , winnes , and weanes the sinner , and in a spirituall tye unites him to his redeemer . than s. augustine , none more profoundly judicious , more judiciously zealous ; pithy are his directions , powerfull his instructions : in his meditations hee is moving ; in his soliloquies inwardly piercing ; in his manuall comfortably clozing . amongst all those conflicts in our christian warfare , hee holds none sharper than our combat with chastity . hee applies meanes how wee may resist , resisting vanquish ; and by our christian victory , receive crownes of eternall glory . that conquest , hee holds , deserves small honour , which is atchiev'd without encounter . in a divine rapsodie drawne , as it were , from himselfe , hee shewes what should bee done by us . earth is no object fit to entertaine our eye ; nor her deluding melody our eare : hee exhorts us therefore to leave earth now while wee live , that leaving earth for altogether , wee may enjoy our best love. than s. ambrose , none more divinely plenteous ; sweetly serious are his instructions ; enforcing are his reasons : hee speakes home to the sinner ; whom hee no sooner findes wounded for sinne , than hee applies a spirituall salve to cure his sinne . many grave sentences are in his offices methodically couched ; singular directions to guide every christian in his spirituall path-way , are there delivered . like an expert physician , hee first gathers the nature or quality of your distemper , and then ministers soule-salving receipts to restore you to your right temper . hee shewes you how in your very motion , gesture , and pace you are to observe modesty : concluding that nothing can afford true comfort to a sojourning soule , but practise of piety . than s. hilary , none more fully sententious ; hee discovers the occasion of our corruption familiarly ; adviseth us with many passionate and teare-swolne lines to provide for our inward family ; hee proposeth us a reward , if wee contemne earth ; he threatens us with the law , if wee contemne life . sundry moving and effectuall lessons hee recommends to the perusall of women of all rankes , ages , and conditions . tenderly hee compassionates the case of a sinner ; passionately treats hee of those torments which shall last for ever : with prayers and teares hee sollicits them that have gone astray , to returne ; those that are already return'd , to goe no more astray . hee concludes with an usefull exhortation to sorrow for sinne , promising them , forth of that store-house of comforts , contained in the gospell , for this their momentaine sorrow , an incessant joy in sion . than s. gregory , none more highly mysterious , nor contemplatively glorious ; divinely morall are his morals ; full of heavenly comforts are his instructions ; hee walkes in an higher way than others trace , yet with that humility , as there is not a cloze from him , but it discloseth in him a love of meekenesse , lowlinesse , and piety . with proper and elegant similitudes are his works adorned ; with choice sentences , as with so many select flowers , neatly garnished ; in a word , hee is sweetly substantiall , and substantially sweet . hee reprehends the times gravely ; commends the practice of vertue gracefully . with an holy zeale hee reproves the remisnesse of the ministry . directions hee gives unto women , to have an especiall care of modesty : concluding , that the love of this life should not so possesse us , as to deprive us of that inheritance which might eternally blesse us . in good mindes hee holds poverty the portresse of humility : accounting those evils or adversities , which doe here presse us , to bee the cords which draw us unto god who made us . touching those three philosophers , this is my conceit of them ; wherin none can otherwise chuse than concurre with me , that shall seriously read , and sincerely scanne them : than plato , none more divinely philosophicall ; than cicero , more philosophically rhetoricall ; than seneca , more sagely morall . but for as much as it is not given to most of you to bee linguists , albeit many of their workes bee translated in your mother tongue , you may converse with sundry english authors , whose excellent instructions will sufficiently store you in all points ; and , if usefully applied , conferre no small benefit to your understanding . i shall not need particularly to name them to you , because i doubt not , but you have made choice of such faithfull reteiners and vertuous bosome-friends , constantly to accompany you . neither , indeed , are bookes onely necessary ; conference will singularly improve your knowledge ; but that is not altogether so convenient nor decent for your sexe in publike places . so as , i much condemne their opinion , who hold no meanes so fitting to bring their daughters to audacity , as a frequent consort with company . this , in time , begets in them rather impudence than boldnesse . it was held a touch to a maid to bee seene talking with any one in a publike place . but in private nurseries , which may bee properly termed your houshold academies , it will suit well with your honours to treat and enter into conference one with another ; or in such places , where your owne sexe is onely conversant . for such indiscreet mothers , who usually trim and deck their daughters , to send them forth to showes , meetings , or enterludes , they annoint havin with oyle , that it may burne the better . but much more blame-worthy bee those , who take them along to tavernes and gossippings ; which education a little time will bring into custome , and make modesty a stranger to her selfe . for above all things ( saith the philosopher ) ought young girles to bee kept from ebriety : which hee confirmes with this reason : it is good , saith hee , for young men and maids to bee kept from wine , lest such become afterwards protest drunkards , profuse rioters , and prodigall exposers of their honour : the maine occasion whereof , are their parents , by meanes of their ill instruction , and worse example . it is the very first instruction that takes the deepest impression ; how necessary then is it for you , gentlewomen , whose sexe is the embleme of weakenesse , and whose best resolves are oft-times weakned by youthfull promises , to furnish your blooming youth with wholesome instructions : and so to improve them , that they may increase in vigour , as you doe in stature ? this your sexe exacts of you ; this your present estate requires of you ; and this shall easily bee effected by you , if having ( as is to bee presupposed ) discreet and religious mothers , you submit your selves in all humble obedience to their direction . for as it is very hard for any one to know how to command , unlesse she know first how to obey ; so will it bee unto you to performe the office of a mother , if you never knew the duty of a daughter . strict and severe may those commands seeme to your youth , which riper age will easily digest . againe , you that are mothers , become patternes of modesty unto your daughters . your living actions are the lines of their direction . while they are under your command , the error is yours , not theirs , if they goe astray . their honour should bee one of the principall'st things you are to tender ; neither can it bee blemished , without some touch to your credit . i have knowne some inconsiderate mothers , and those none of the lowest ranke or quality , who , either out of a confidence they had of their daughters good carriage , or drawn with the hopes of some rich suitors to advance their marriage , have usually given too free way to opportunity , which brought upon their daughters names a spreading infamy . your instructions will doe well with them , till society deprave them : divert then the occasion , so shall your daughters , bee they never so poore , have good , portions of reputation . suffer not then those who partake of your image , to lose their best beauty . sigh then if they bee soyled , for their shame must bee on you aspersed . grace is a pure balme , and consequently requires a pure and sound vessell . in vaine is it infused , if the vessell bee not whole and found to preserve it . it must bee pure , that what is infused into it , bee not polluted ; it must bee sound , that what is poured into it , bee not effused , and it must bee deep , that it may bee more capacious in receiving of what is infused into it . looke then to your own actions ; these must informe them ; looke to your owne examples , these must confirme them . without you they cannot perish ; with you they may . what will you doe with the rest that is left , when you see a part of your selfe lost ? the harpie hath the face of a man , but a bird so cruell by nature , as when shee is an hungry , shee will assault any man and kill him : after which bloudy repast , shee becomes thirsty , so as , going to the river to quench it , shee sees her owne face ; and recalling to mind how it resembles him whom shee flew , she conceives such griefe , as shee dyes therewith . if your education or instruction deprave those who derive their beginning from you , the resemblance of this story may have proper relation unto you . but if your pious examples enable them , their proficiency in vertue shall ennoble you ; your comforts shall bee multiplyed in them ; your hopes seconded by them ; and , to your ever-living fames , the memory of your vertues preserved by them . let not that adage prove true , in respect of your charge : the most precious things have ever the most pernicious keepers . nothing more precious than a virgins honour ; it were shame for the mother to prove a tarpeian or treacherous keeper . that conceit was elegantly expressed by the emperour charles the fifth , in his instructions to the king his sonne ; that fortune had somewhat of the nature of a woman ; that if shee bee too much woo'd , shee is the farther off . but i hope i shall not finde that aversenesse in you . i have wooed you in words ; expresse your selves wonne by the testimony of your workes . i would not follow the indiscretion of empericks , which minister the same medicines to all patients ; i know well , that such physicke as agrees with age , would not agree with the hot constitution of youth : to either sort therefore have i applyed my severall receits : and to both , doe i addresse my conclusion . let the whole progresse of your conversation bee a continued line of instruction ; let the mother discharge her office in commanding , and that without too much rigour or indulgence ; let the daughter performe her duty in obeying , with all faithfull and filiall observance : so shall honour grace you here , and glory crowne you there with an heavenly inheritance . the english gentlevvoman . argument . honour is painted , when it is not with vertue powdred ; no cloth takes such deepe tincture , as the cloth of honour ; honourable personages should bee presidents of goodnesse ; vertue or vice , wether soever takes hold first , reteines a deeper impression in honour , than any lower subject ; that , vertue may receive the first impression by means of an in-bred noble disposition , seconded by helpes of education ; which reduc'd to habit , aspires to perfection . honour . promotion discovers what men bee , but true honour shewes what they should be . that is fed with a desire of being great ; this is inflam'd with a noble emulation of being good . it is a miserable thing to observe what brave and heroicke spirits , whose resolutions neither danger could amate , nor any disaster perplexe , have beene madded with an ambitious quest after honour ; what difficulties they incountred ; what oppositions they suffered ; what intricate pas●ages and provinces they entertained ! corrivals they could not want in their rising ; nor envyers of their greatnesse in their setling ; nor spectators to rejoyce at their setting . rough and menacing was the sea , on which they sayled ; dangerous and sheluy the wayes , by which they passed ; yea , full of disquiets was the port , at which they arrived . nay , which is worse , in what sinister and indiscreet paths would they walke ; upon what strange plots and projectments would they worke ; how discontentedly and disconsolately , with themistocles , would they walke , till they attained their end ; which , many times , brought them to an untimely end ? so quickly is poore man deluded with this shady picture of greatnesse , as hee will not sticke to engage for it his hopes of quietnesse . but these bee not those eminent personages , of whom i am now to treat : for such mens honour is meerely painted , because it is not with vertue poudred . morall philosophy , much more our christian theory , could never hold that for deserving greatnesse , which had not neare relation to goodnesse . those only they esteemed worthy honour , who did not seeke it , much lesse buy it , but were sought by it . such as knew not what it was to admire the purple , nor fawne on a rising favorite ; but interveined their actions with the precious oare of divinest vertues . such as had attained to a singular command or soveraignty of their affections : so as they had learned to say , as chilo answered his brother , wee know how to suffer injuries ; so doe not these fiery and furious spirits . it is a poore expression of greatnesse , to exercise it in revenge ; or in triumphing over inferiours ; or countenancing unjust actions . these detract from honour ; neither can their memory live long , who makes authority a sanctuary to wrong . know then , ( noble gentlewomen ) that your honour , bee it never so eminent ; your descent , bee it never so ancient ; lose both their beauty and antiquity , if vertue have not in you a peculiar soveraignty . be your wanton fancy painted and trimmed in never so demure or hypocriticall disguise ; bee your ambition or courtly aspiring never so shrouded with gilded shadowes of humility ; bee your unbounded desire of revenge never so smoothly coloured with the seeming remission of an impressive injury : in a word , should you never walke so covertly in a cloud ; nor never so cunningly with a dainty kind of dissembling gull the world ; all this will not avayle you . when your bodies shall come to be shrouded , then shall all your actions bee uncased . rumour then wil i take more liberty to discover unto the world , what you did in it . shew me that deepest dissembler , who retired himselfe most from the knowledge of man , and came not to discovery , for all his secrecy , to the eyes of man. many you have knowne and heard of that were great , but failing in being good , were their pretences never so specious , did not their memory rot ? iezabel was more eminent in titles than abigal ; but lesse glorious in her fame . such a poore piece of painted stuffe is that adulterate honour , which from vertue receives not her full lustre . when the subtill spider shall weave her curious web over your monuments ; when those beauteous structures of yours shall hee dissolved ; when all your titular glory shall bee obscured ; when those fading honours , on which you relyed , and with which you stood surprized , shall bee estranged ; and you from this goodly low theatre of earth translated ; it shall bee then demanded of you , not how eminent you were in greatnesse , but how servent in actions of goodnesse . while your skinnes then are with choycest odours perfumed , let your soules bee with purest vertues poudred . now for vertue , would you know how to define her , that you may more eagerly desire to become her reteiner ? or would you have her described , that you may thence collect how well shee deserves to bee observed ? heare the poet ; vertue in greatest danger is most showne , and though opprest , is never overthrowne . such a noble resolved temper ever accompanies vertue , as no prosperous successe can ever transport her , nor any adverse occurent deject her . shee feeds not on the ayrie breath of vulgar applause : her sole ambition is to aspire to an inward greatnesse ; to bee truly honourable in the title of goodnesse . great attendance , punctuall observance , stately retinues are not the objects shee eyes : shee loves to bee knowne what shee is , by that constant testimony which is in her , rather than by any outward ornament , much lesse formall complement , that may apishly suit her . would you enter then ( gentlewomen ) into a more serious survey of your selves ? would you rightly understand wherein your persons deserve honour , or how you may bee eternally honoured by your maker ? tender your service to vertue ; avoyd what is hurtfull ; admit what is helpfull . sacrifice not a vaine houre to the altar of vanity . employ your time in exercises of piety . dedicate your dayes to the advancement of gods glory . a soule solely dedicated to gods honour , is the best spirituall cloister . see not that poore soule in want , which your noble compassion will not relieve . have you friends ? hold them deare unto you , if deare in the eye of vertue ; otherwise , discard them , for you shall bee more stained by them , than strengthened in them . have you foes ? if vicious , they deserve ever to bee held so ; but if they affect goodnesse , prize them above the value of your highest fawning friends : who , as they are meere observers of the time , preferre your fortunes with which you are inriched , or honours to which you are advanced , or some other by-respect secretly aymed , before those essentiall parts which are in you , and truly ennoble you . are you of esteeme in the state ? become powerfull petitioners for the poore mans sake : preferre his suite : entertaine a compassionate respect of his wrongs : labour his reliefe ; and doe this , not for the eyes of men , but of god ; who , as hee seeth secretly , will reward you openly . againe , have you such as maligne your honour ? their aspersions cannot touch you ; he that made you , hath made you strong enough to despise them , and with a patient smile , or carelesse neglect to flight them . those that are good , can have none but those that are evill to bee their foes . the sweet smell of your vertues hath already dispersed themselves ; your memory is without the reach of infamy : live then secure , while your vertues shine so pure . reteine a true and unenforc'd humility in you ; so shall honour appeare more gracefully in you . imitate not those sudden-rising gourds of greatnesse , who have no sooner attained the titles of ladies , than this report makes them put on a new port ; old acquaintance must bee forgot ; scorne must sit on their browes ; and a contemptuous disdaine on their lips . though their mold bee but the same , they would faine change themselves into another mold . these are such as deserve not your knowledge ; though they be by their titles honoured , their titles by their ignoble actions become blemished . let them therefore study making of a face ; composing of their ga●e ; preserving of their vaine pompe ; with an unbeseeming port : while your contemplation shall fixe it selfe on no other object , than that true expressive end of honour : which is , to reteine a christian humility in your state ; a noble compassion in your eye ; an affable sweetnesse in your discourse ; and exquisite practice of goodnesse in your whole life . to dis-esteeme vertue , and hugge that painted idoll of titular honour , is to contemne the instrument , and foolishly to prize the case or cover . bee ye never so eminent , ye are but painted trunks , if vertue bee not resident . let her then not onely bee resident but president over all your actions ; so shall you not onely live but dye with honour ; by leaving that succeeding memory of your vertues behind you , that time may here eternize you , when time to eternity shall change you . for as salt to every subject , whereto it is applied , gives a savour ; so gives vertue the sweetest rellish unto honour . cloth dyed in graine reteines ever the deepest colour ; but none of deeper dye than the cloth of honour . if it bee but with the least blemish tinct , it can never wipe off that taint . spots in white are soonest discerned , and errors in great personages , whose actions should bee whites for inferiours to shoot at , are quickliest discovered . true corall needs no colour ; no more needs true honour any exteriour lustre . when parasius , that exquisite painter was to take a counterfeit of hellen , hee drew her with her head-attire loose ; and being demanded the reason , answered , shee was loose . bee your actions never so darkely shrouded , nor your amorous encounters cunningly carried ; there will bee ever some private pencill to pourtray them , some quicke-sighted eye to display them . loves enterview betwixt cleopatra and marke anthony , promised to it selfe as much secure freedome as fading fancy could tender ; yet the last scene clozed all those comicke passages with a tragicke conclusion . no pleasure can bee constant , unlesse it afford inward content ; nor can it minister content , unlesse it bee on vertue grounded . honour then must chuse for her selfe such a consort , as shee may not bee ashamed to have chosen . a vigilant circumspection should attend her ; resembling in this particular , the watchfull crane , whose wary eye ever feares , and by a timely feare prevents surprizall . now , there is nothing that asperseth a deeper staine upon the cloth of honour , than too much attention unto sycophants . these are they , which transport honour above her selfe , by bringing her to a vaine and odious idolizing of her selfe . these will not suffer their trencher-patronesse to reflect on her selfe , nor to enter into a private treaty with mortality . those bee too sowre and severe tractates for greatnesse . death is to bee thought on with these , when nothing else is to bee thought on . o what pernicious consorts bee these for noble personages ? antisthenes said truly of them , praestat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quàm 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incidere : for ravens seede onely on dead carkasses , but flatterers upon living men . o banish these your portells ! let not your loose tyre-women , while they trimme you without , soile you within . you shall finde their oratory , a continued scene of sycophancy . these will infuse a poysonous juyce into your too credulous eares : and the more to delude you with selfe-idolatry , tell you how such a dressing infinitely becomes you ; such love-spots enamour young gallants of you ; how those rivells of contemptible age are estranged from you . give no eare to such inchanting ayres ; they do but this to inlarge their vailes . their glozing will labour your confusion . they will make you forgetfull of your being , and consequently deprive you of your well-being . every foole ( saith menander ) will bee taken with arrogance and applause ; whereas the judiciously wise account it their highest happinesse , to meditate of the meanes how to prevent their highest unhappinesse . it is a miserable thing in a man ▪ to make himselfe a beast , by forgetting himselfe to bee a man : which usually comes to passe , when wee propose before our bleered and deluded eyes the glorious spectacles of this theatre of vanity , but never seriously meditate of our owne frailty , nor of the excellency of that supreme beauty , which makes the enjoyer absolutely happy . that mot of the athenians to pompey the great , thou art so much a god , as thou acknowledgest thy selfe to bee a man , was no ill saying : for at the least to be an excellent man , is to confesse himselfe to bee a man. violets , though they grow low and neare the earth , smell sweetest ; and honour appeares the fullest of beauty , when shee is humblest . alas ! what are titles worth , when deserts are wanting ? the best signall of descent , is distinguished by desert . antiochus was at one time saluted both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a glorious prince , and a furious tyrant . so s●itting is the applause of the vulgar , as it never conferres on the subject it approves or applauds , any permanent honour . it is miserable ( saith the poet ) to rely on anothers fame ; but worse , to begge fame from them that are infamous . it is prayse worthy to bee by some dis-praysed ; yea , vertuous actions , should they bee by vicious persons commended , would rather lose of their lustre , than become any way improved . to bee cheerefull in adversity , humble in prosperity , and in both to shew a temperate equality , is worthy praise , and deserves honour for a prize . yet , should these bee but onely pretences to gull the world , or delude the simple admirer , they would in time unmaske themselves , and display their counterfeit insides with shame to the world . false and adulterate colours will not hold , nor vertuous semblances long reteine the esteeme they have . wee have ever held them for most ridiculous , who follow the fashion , and were never yet in fashion . and such are all those counterfeit followers of vertue , who pretend fairely , but fall off foulely . these may be properly , in my opinion , compared to our new counterfeit stuffes ; which , as at first they are made best , so do they weare best at first . your cloth , gentlewomen , must bee of another nap : it must not bee the best a farre off . flowers , edgings , laces , and borders doe beautifie the outward attire , but adde no grace to the inward man. now , that cloth is the best , which strinks the least . doe any extremities encounter you ? let the innocency of your untainted mindes cheere you ? doth disgrace or infamy presse you ? you have a cloud of witnesses within you , that can beare testimony of you , and for you . that person needs not feare any foe , that hath within him such an incomparable friend . there was never any yet so happy , as to bee wholly freed from adversity , and never feele any gusts of affliction . trials of patience are sweet encounters ; by a minde rightly-resolved , they are with more delight than distaste entertained : which , as they come not unexpected , so are they no lesse cheerefully received . it is the argument of a generous spirit , to expresse his highnesse most , when the world accounts of him least . honour , if truly grounded , can looke in the face of terrour , and never bee amated . her device deserv'd approvement , who in the portraiture shee made for her selfe , directed her eye to the picture of vertue , and pointing thereat with her singer , used this imprezza : that picture is my posture . truth is , shee that makes vertue her object , cannot but make every earthly thing her subject . yea , there is nothing shee weares , which shee makes not a morall use of to better her selfe . her very attire puts her in minde of what shee was before shee needed it ; and how breach of obedience necessitated her to weare it . shee will not therefore pride her selfe in her shame , nor glorifie her selfe in the cover of sinne . shee cannot eye her selfe with any selfe-love , seeing shee lost her selfe by affecting that which shee ought not to love . her head-tyre puts her in minde of the helmet of salvation ; her stomacher , of the brest-plate of righteousnesse ; her partle , of the shield of faith ; her very shooes , of the sandals of peace . in this tabernacle of earth , shee is every day nearer her port of rest ; for her discourse is ever seasoned with discretion , winged with devotion , and graced by her owne conversation . shee is none of these , who are saints in their tongues , but divels in their lives : shee propounds nought fit to bee done , which shee confirmes not with her owne action . againe , for her actions , shee is free from publike scandall , as her whole life is a golden rule of direction , a continued precept of instruction . in a word , shee considers from whence shee came ; her descent was noble , and this shee graceth with noble vertues . her house must receive no dishonor from her , but an ample testimony of a deserving successour . let this idaea , gentlewomen , bee your patterne . pure is the cloth you weare ; let no staine of yours blemish it ; no moath of deserved detraction eat into it . many of your sexe , though highly borne , have so blemished the honour of that house from whence they came , and corrupted that noble blood from which they sprung , as their memory rots , yet their infamy lives . againe , others there have beene , who though obscurely borne , yet by those eminent vertues which did adorne them , those divine parts which did truly ennoble them , they became enlightners of their obscurity , filling annals with their glorious memory . imitate these ; relinquish those . honour is not worth receiving , unlesse it bee entertained by one that is deserving : yea , how many have incurred disgrace by dis-esteeming vertue , when they were advanced to highnesse of place ? nay , how many while they lived obscure , lived secure , and preserved their good names , who afterwards , by becomming great , lost that private esteeme which before they possest ? so hard it is to encounter with honour , and every way returne a saver . seeing then no cloth takes such deepe tincture as the cloth of honour , let no vicious aspersion spot it , no corrupt affection staine it ; lest , by being once blemished , it bring that honour into contempt , which before you reteined . land-markes are usually erected for direction of the mariner , and magistrates elected for instruction of the inferiour . the keele of mans life being ever more laden with vanity than verity , and more chilled with the bitter gusts of affliction , then cheered with the soule-solacing drops of true consolation , is ever tossed with contrary windes : neither , without the helpe of some expert pilot , can poore deluded man arrive safely at the port where he would bee . pride transports him , avarice infects him , riot corrupts him , sensuality secures him , anger distempers him , envy consumes him , idlenesse duls him . thus becomes hee piece-meale divided from himselfe , because hee reflects not with a pure and impartiall eye upon himselfe . what great need stands hee in then of direction in this maze of misery , vale of vanity ? hee portraid him well , who in the description of him , stil'd him a story of calamity , a statue of infelicity . hee is fraile in resisting , prone to falling , slow in rising . examples then were usefull , to conduct him in his iournall . and who more fit to bee these presidents , than such whom an honourable descent that ennobled , or princes favour advanced ? it is not for these to entertaine any servile or degenerate affection , nor to harbour one mutinous thought against the soveraignty of reason . to bee a lady of honour is more then titular . shee is onely eminent , who makes every action of her life a vertuous president . goodnesse must bee infused in her blood , that descent may partake of desert . now , there bee three especiall objects , upon which they are to reflect : charity , chastity , humility . an honourable minde is best showne in her liberall and compassionate exhibition to such , whose necessities require reliefe . yea , shee loves those best , to whom these arguments of bounty are in highest measure exprest . shee averts not her eare from the needy beggar , shee will shew him all favour for his image or feature . shee holds it an unbeseeming state , to entertaine a sowre looke , where noble pitty should beget in her a compassionate love . shee is so daily and duely inured to workes of mercy , as shee joyes in no object more than occasion of bounty . shee considers ( and this shee divinely applies unto her selfe ) how nought but vanity is to bee attributed to them , reteine they never so much earthly glory on them , who dwell in houses of clay , whose foundation is in the dust , which are crushed before the moath . silken vanity cannot delude her , nor any opinionate conceit of her owne estate transport her . her minde is not subject to wavering , nor her walke to wandring . bee her life long , her goodnesse becomes improved ▪ bee it short , her desires are crowned . neither reserves shee the gleanings for him , that is master of the harvest . poverty , appeare it never so despicable to her eye , it conveyes compassion to her heart . shee gives almes of the best , for his sake whom shee loves best . her piety is such , as shee prefers her almes-basket before her cabinet . a miserable minde shee hates ; for shee conceives how nothing can bee better worth enjoying , than a liberall desire of disposing : which shee expresseth with that cheerefull alacrity , as it inhanceth the value of her bounty . thus shee lives in a free and absolute command of what shee enjoyes ; with an hand no lesse open than her heart ; that action might second her pious intention . neither is the true nobility of her minde lesse discerned by her love to chastity . pure bee her thoughts , and unstained . the sanctuary of her heart is solely dedicated to her maker ; it can find no roome for an inordinate affection to lodge in . shee knowes not how to throw out her love●attracting lures ; nor to expose the glorious beauty of her soule to shame . a moments staine must not blemish her state . shee will not therefore give her eye leave to wander , lest it should betray her honour to a treacherous intruder . how weak prove those assaults , which her home-bred enemies prepare against her ? her looke must bee set on a purer object than vanity : shee will not eye it , lest shee should bee taken by it . her discourse must bee of a better subject than vanity : shee will not treat of it , lest shee should bee engaged to it . her thoughts are not admitted to entertaine vanity : they must not conceit it , lest they should bee deceived by it . occasions wisely shee foresees , timely prevents , and consequently enjoyes true freedome of minde . you shall not see her consume the precious oyle of her lampe , the light of her life , in unseasonable reere-bankets , unprofitable visits , or wanton treaties . those will shee not admit of for companions , who are prodigall of their honour . these shee reproves with a milde spirit , labouring to reclaime them with an ingenuous tender of her vertuous compassion towards them . none shee more distastes than these brokers or breakers of licentious bargaines : shee excludes them the list of all civill society . how cautelous shee is , lest suspition should tax her ? outwardly , therefore , shee expresseth , what shee inwardly professeth . that honourable bloud which shee from her predecessors received , till death surprize her , will shee leave untainted . neither is there ought shee hates more than pride , nor scornes more than disdaine . shee rightly considers how her daies are mensurable , being but a span long , which implies her brevity ; and miserable , being altogether vanity . shee disclaymes that state which consists in scornefull lookes ; a sweet and affable countenance shee ever beares : the honour shee enjoyes makes her humbler ; and the prayses which are given her , work in her thoughts no distemper . so farre is shee from affecting the pompe of this world , as it growes contemptible to her higher-mounting thoughts . a faire and well-seeming retinue shee ever keepes about her : but none of these must bee sycophants , with their oylie tongues to delude her ; neither must any , who cloaths his countenance with scorne , attend her . shee observes on what steepe and dangerous grounds ambition walketh . her sleepes are sweter , her content higher , her thoughts heavenlier . it is one of her greatest wonders , that any one should bee so rest of understanding , as to forget what infirme ground hee stands on . the purest creature , bee shee never so absolute in her feature , is of no richer temper than earth , our common-mother . shee is wiser than to preferre a poore handfull of red earth before her choycest treasure . though her deserts merit honour , shee dis-esteemes her owne deservings : being highly valued by all but her selfe . thus shee prepares her selfe daily for what shee must goe to . her last day is her every dayes memoriall . lower may her body bee , when interred ; but lower cannot her mind bee , than at this instant . so well hath shee attained the knowledge of her selfe , as shee acknowledgeth all to bee fraile , but none frailer than her selfe . here , gentlewomen , have yee heard in what especiall objects you are to bee honourable presidents . you shine brighter in your orbe than lesser starres . the beames of your reflecting vertues must admit of no eclipse . a thousand eyes will gaze on you , should they observe this in you . choyce and select are the societies you frequent ; where you see variety of fashions : imitate not the newest , but neatest . let not an action proceed from you , which is not exemplary good . these that are followers of your persons , will bee followers likewise of your lives . you may weane them from vice , winne them to vertue , and make them your constant followers in the serious practise of piety . let your vertues cloath them within , as their veiles doe without . they deserve not their wage , who desist from imitating you in actions of worth . your private family is a familiar nursery ; plants of all sorts are there bestowed . cheere & cherish those that be tender ; but curbe and correct those that bee of wilder temper . free and fruitfull scions cannot bee improved , till the luxurious branches bee pruned . but above all things , take especiall care that those vices spread not in you , which are censured by you . you are soveraignesses in your families : neither extend your hand too much to rigour ; neither contract it by shewing too much remisnesse or favour . let neither vertue passe unrewarded , nor vice , if it grow domineering , passe unreproved . foule enormities must admit of no privileges . no ; should you , by a due examination of your selves , finde any bosome-sinne secretly lurking , any subtill familiar privately incroaching , any distempred affection dangerously mutining ; bee your owne censors . bee not too indulgent in the favouring of your selves . proficients you cannot bee in the schoole of vertue , unlesse you timely prevent the overspreading growth of vice . let not your sunne , the light of your soule bee darkned ; let not your spring , the fount of your vertues bee troubled ; let not your fame , the perfume of your honour bee impaired . as you are generous by descent , bee gracious by desert . presidents are more powerfull than precepts : these onely lead , those draw . bee examples of goodnesse , that you may be heires of happinesse . the style you enjoy , the state you reteine , the statues which after you may remaine , are but glorious trophies of fading frailty . vertues are more permanent monuments than all these ; these are those sweet flowers that shall adorne you living , impall you dying , and crowne you with comfort at your departing . lastly , as you were honourable personages on earth , where you were presidents of goodnesse ; so shall you bee glorious citizens in heaven , where you are to bee participants of all happinesse . where vertue●s ●s sowne in a noble seed-plot , manured and fructisied by good discipline , strengthened by example , and adorned with those more gracefull parts , which accomplish the subject wherin vertue is seated ; what bickrings of fortune will it sustaine ? what conflicts in the necessities of nature will it cheerefully encounter ? her spirit is raised above any inferiour pitch : yea , the habit of goodnesse hath wrought such divine impressions in her soule who is thus disposed ; as society may improve her , but cannot corrupt her ; because a zealous affection to vertue doth possesse her . you shall ever observe these , whom nobility of blood hath advanced , to reteine some seeds or semblances of their progenitors ; which are so impressive in them , as no occurrent , bee it never so violent , can estrange these from them . here you shall see a native affability , or singular art of winning affection , to one naturally derived . there in another such a rough and unseasonable austerity , as her very count'nance is the resemblance of a malevola . some from their infancy have reteined such a sweet and pleasing candor , as they could cover anger with a cheerefull smile , and attemper passion with a gracefull blush . besides , they had the gift to expostulate with their discontents , and by applying seasonable receits to their wounds , free themselves from falling into any desperate extreames . others would rather dye , then suffer the expressions of their passions to dye . for affronts , as their spirits could not beare them , so did their actions discover them , and make them objects of derision to such as observ'd them . and whence proceeds all this ? surely , from the very first relish of our humours ; when that unwrought table of youth becomes furnished with choice characters ; and the subject begins to affect what is engraven in them ; by continuance of time they become so habituate , as no art can make them adulterate . sempronia was too light in her youth , to bee staid in her age . fulvia gave too much way to her passion in her youth , to attemper it in her age . zantippe was too shrewd a maid , to become a quiet wife . what nature hath not effected in us , may by industry bee facilitated in us , so wee begin to worke while the waxe is soft . o gentlewomen , how many , whose excellent endowments deserve admiration , either by selfe-opinion have become transported , or by giving loose reines to passion , have miserably wandred , or by inveying against others more deserving parts , have wittingly transgressed ? by which meanes , they become spectacles of contempt , who otherwise by their conceiving discourse might have given occasion of content . it is too true , that the liberty of greatnesse is such , as it is more apt to finde fewell to feede the humour of vice , then to minister any usefull ingredience for the recovery of vertue . great mindes are many times sicke of great maladies , which by soothing parasites become insensible , and consequently incurable . vice in a poore habit never reteines that majesty , which it displayes in a richer robe . is it so ? reflect then upon your selves ; if vice seeme so specious , what will vertue do : ( though all your vertues bee but indeed specious vices . ) beleeve it , if you cherish vertue in your minority , shee will performe the office of a faithfull guardian . the widowes teares shall bee very few , for shee will finde justice to redresse her : the orphans cryes shall not bee so loud , shee will finde compassion to cheere her . the state shall not exclaime of surfeits , for temperance shall shield her : nor the church of coldnesse , for zeale shall inflame her : what a sweet consort is an unison of vertues to the eare of a divine soule ! all other musicke is dis-rellishing , because it workes not on the affection . now would you know whence it comes , that vertue or vice , whethersoever takes hold first , reteines a deeper impression in honour , than in any lower subject ? the reason is evident : as in their state or condition they are more eminent , so is their representative example in others more inherent . doe these honourable personages then love vertue ? they are vertuous molds unto their followers : they shall finde in their shadowes what they expresse in themselves . iulia could not bee loose , when lucretia was so chaste : shee saw that in her mistresse which deserv'd love , and to that shee conform'd the line of her life . to consort at unseasonable houres with loose lovers , or to entertaine light discourse to beguile time , was no authenticke doctrine in her mistresse family : no day was without her taske , no night without her peculiar employment . there is no question , but the prime yeeres of this noble lady were seasoned with such exquisite instructions , as what her youth had received ; were not in her riper yeares to bee abolished . first , motions have deepe impressions : especially , when they become seconded by examples of authority , whose very persons impose on their pupils a resistlesse necessity . the estimate of honour , with those who are truly honourable , is at too high a rate to ingage it selfe to the hazard of disgrace , for any temporary profit or delight . their onely profit is to become proficients in the practice of vertue ; their highest delight , to subdue their delights to the obedience of reason , for the love of vertue . such as these , are to bee accounted onely noble ; for their desires are so , which they ever ennoble with deserving actions . for tell me , can any one whose judgement is not blinded , or inward light not wholly blemished , esteeme that person for honourable , whose outside onely magnifies it selfe in a poakt head , a poland sleeve , and a protean body ? no ; these are but outward badges of their inward vanity . these have too much coare at their heart , to bee of sound health . if they have no other expressions to deblaze their honour , they are rather objects of contempt than state , bee they never so glorious to the eye of our vulgar . it hath beene ( and i could wish it were not to this day continued ) an usuall forme of breeding , with some more eminent persons , to have their children practise a kinde of state from their infancy ; which , indeed , being truly defined , was a phantasticke supercilious garbe , which discovered more pride than deserved prayse . neither could these so easily relinquish in their age , what was commended to them in their youth . for such as commonly attended their persons , extolled whatsoever they saw by them , or in them expressed ; such is the misery of greatnesse that if it be not an exact censor and reprover of her owne vanity ; they shall finde approvers of it by those odious professors of sycophancy , whose glozing condition hath beene the ruine of many a noble family . for what may bee the usuall dialect of these tame-beasts to their bounteous benefactors , those prodigall disbursers of their fathers providence , but this parasiticall parley ? it would well become you , to bee rarely seene , reservedly affable ; to reteine state in your pace , awe in your face , scorne in your eye , a storme in your brow , with a gracefull contempt in all your carriage . an excellent direction to purchase hate ! these followers are not for your honour . the way to divert their straine , is to affect what they distaste . you cannot want vitious libertines to second you in a sensuall course , if your owne disposition stand so affected . calphurnia could not bee good , when messalina was so naught . your lives , as they are lines to your selves , so should they bee lights unto others . are you modest ? it will beget a love of modesty through all your family . not one who owes their observance to you , but will admire this vertue in you , and practise it in themselves , because they see it so highly valued by you . againe , lightnesse , or any irregularity in you whatsoever , will not redound onely to your owne , but your whole families dishonour . which opinion once possest , your honour receives such a mortall wound , as no continuation of time ( so lasting is the record of infamy ) may perfectly cure it : which seemes confirmed by our moderne poet : search all thy bookes , and thou shalt find therein , that honour is more hard to hold than win . how cautelous then ought you to bee of that , which preserves your well being ? many nobly descended , are sufficiently instructed , how to reteine their state , what place to take , by remembring whence they came ; meane time , they forget whence they came first . o consider how this speciosior pulvis , this more specious or seemingly precious dust of yours , is but dust ! vice will but varnish it ; it is vertue that will richly e●ammell it . your birth rather restraines than improves your liberty ; your sexe should detract from it selfe , were it estrang'd from modesty ; your beauty , honour , and all , are servants to time ; or worse , if bestow'd ●n vanity . let vertue reteine such deepe impression in you , as no vicious affection may seize on you . occasions are dangerous perswasions : prevent therefore the meane , that you may attaine a more glorious end . that onely deserves your love , which shall make you for ever live . vertue , if you love her and live with her , by becomming your survivor , will crowne your happy memory with succeeding honour . it is usually observ'd , that hawkes of one ayrie , are not of one nature ; some are more metall'd , others more lazy . as in birds , so in all other creatures . livia and iulia , angustus his daughters , were sisters , but of different natures . some there are , who even from their infancy have such excellent seeds of native goodnesse sowne in them , as their dispositions cannot rellish ought that is irregular . in arguments of discourse , they are moderate ; in company temperate ; in their resolves constant ; in their desires continent ; in their whole course or carriage absolute . others naturally so perverse , that , like our * humorous ladies , they can affect nought that others love , nor rellish ought that others like . the byas of their fancy runnes still on the fashion ; their tongue a voluble engine of feminine passion ; their resolves full of uncertainty and alteration . the whole enterlude of their life a continued act of femallfollies . it were hard to winne these to the love of vertue , or those to delight in vice . this might easily bee illustrated by divers memorable instances , personated in such , who , from their very cradle , became seriously devoted to a religious privacy , supplying their want of bookes , wherein they were meerely ignorant , with a devout and constant meditation of gods works , wherein they employed their whole study . industrious were their hands in labouring , and bounteous were they in bestowing . a native compassion lodged in their hearts , which they expressed in their charitable workes . hospitality to the stranger and needy beggar , was their highest honour . suffer they would the height of all extremes , ere they would suffer the desolate to want reliefe . so strongly were their affections fortifi'd against the assaults of an imperious lover ; as death was to them a cheerfull object to preserve their high-priz'd honour . such singular effects as these , have beene usually produced by an innate noble disposition ; so as , some of these whom wee have here cursorily shadowed , were endowed with such virile spirits , as they stickt not to spit in the face of tyranny ; others were not abash'd to * disfigure their owne beauty , lest it should become an adulterers booty . in these had vertue taken such deepe impression , as nothing could deepely touch them , but what trenched on their reputation . though by nature they were timorous , and inconstant , resolution had so prepar'd them , as they became discreetly valiant ; looking death in the face without feare , and embracing her stroke as a favour . doe you admire this in them ? imitate them , and you shall bee no lesse by succeeding times honoured , than these in ours admired . conceive your life to bee an intricate labyrinth of affliction ; the very anvill , whereon the heavy hammer of misery incessantly beateth . reflect on your birth ; and you shall perceive how you give the world a good morrow with griefe ; looke at your death ; how you bid the world good night with a groane . ioy then cannot bee long lasting , when you are daily taking leave of the place where you live ; which now , though living , you are leaving . besides , no continued hope of comfort can bee expected , where feare presents her selfe an inseparable attendant . feare has command o're subject and o're king , feare has no phere , seare's an imperious thing . to allay which feare , addresse your selves to that most , which may give you occasion of fearing least . and what may that receipt be ? a minde purely refin'd from the corruption of this infectious time . meditate therefore of that never fading beauty that is within you . labour to preserve it from the injury of all incroaching assailants . if your flesh with any painted flourish of light rhetoricke wooe her , timely prevent her before shee winne her . if the world with her lure of honour , command , or the like , seeke to draw her ; reclaime her , lest vanity surprize her . if her profest enemy labour to undermine her , make knowne his long-profest enmity unto her , that a vigilant circumspection may arme her . admit your dispositions become sometimes averse from the practice of that which you should most affect ; divert the current of them . you love liberty ; confine it to moderate restraint . you affect honour , curbe it with a serious meditation of your owne frailty . you desire to gather ; sowe your bread upon the water : charity will bring you quickly to a better temper . you admire gorgeous attire ; remember the occasion how you first became cloathed : had not sinne beene , these poore habiliments had never needed . doth delicate fare delight you ? consider how it is the greatest misery to pamper that delicately , or cherish it with delicacy that is your mortall and profest enemy . doe wanton consorts worke on your fancy ? cure , betime , this dangerous phrenzy . avert your eye , lest it infect your heart : converse with reason , and avoid nothing more than occasion . doe you finde your affections troubled , or to passion stirred ? retire a little from your selves ; attemper that boyling heat which workes so violently on you ; and in the end , resolve thus ; it will redound more to our honour to bridle anger , than to engage our discretions by giving reynes to our distemper . can you not see your neighbours field flourish without an envious eye ? of all others , expulse this soonest ; because of all others , it partakes of the divell the nearest . as you are commanded to love him as your selves , so with not that evill unto him , which you would not have to fall upon your selves . lastly , doe you finde a remisnesse in you to any employment that is good ? shake off this naturall dulnesse , and inflame your affections with a divine ferventnesse . you have hitherto beene slow in doing good , shew that in doing ill . meane time , with the wings of holy and heavenly desires , mount from earth to heaven ; plant your affections above , though your pilgrim dimensions bee here below . which the better to facilitate , reteine ever in your memory this devout memoriall or meditation : think whence you came , and bee ashamed ; where you are , and bee aggrieved ; where you goe to , and bee affrighted . every way wherein you walke , as it is full of snares , so should it bee full of eyes . those two roots of inordinate feare , and inordinate love , have brought many to the brinke of misery , by plunging their mindes in the puddles of vanity . looke about you ; snares you shall finde within you , snares without you . snares on your right hand , and those deceitfull ; prosperity in affaires temporall . in which , such persons are usually taken and surprized , by whom the benefits of god are abused . as the rich , when hee bestowes his wealth in attiring himselfe sumptuously ; the mighty , in oppressing the needy ; the amorous or lovely , in giving others occasion to bee taken with their beauty : whence the lord by the mouth of his prophet : thou hast made thy beauty abhominable . snares likewise on your left hand , and those fearefull ; adversity in affaires in temporall . in which the poore , infirme and afflicted are intangled and miserably inthralled : who by suffering affliction impatiently , curse god , their neighbors , and themselves in their adversity : whence that divine and devout father saith : in affliction the wicked detest god , and blaspheme him ; but the godly pray unto him , and prayse him . now , vertuous gentlewomen , whose titles doe not so much transport you as your love to goodnesse doth inflame you ; may you hence observe , how noble and generous dispositions , which , indeed , are properly defined equall or temperate disposers of the affections , have and doe ever receive the first impressions of vertue ; which are with constancy reteined , as they were cheerefully received . expresse then this nobility of your well-disposed natures in affecting what is good . vice throwes her aspersions on no subject so much as on honour . relinquish then rather all state , than it should reteine the least staine . much is promised by your disposition ; and no lesse by your discipline or education . your well-seasoned youth was never knowne to that rudenesse , which more rurall or servile states were bred in . second these rising hopes of inward happinesse . you are fruitlesly great , if you bee not fruitfully good . every moment wafts you nearer your haven ; let every action draw you nearer heaven . if you feare at any time to wander , religious feare will bee your conductor . if you doubt the issue of your encounter , stedfast patienc● will bee your encourager . if you distrust your owne strength , you are securer ; humility will crowne you with honour , and direct you to an happy harbour . as inbred noble dispositions have then enrich'd you , which by helpes of education are seconded in you , professe your selves lovers of vertue by your affections , advancers of vertue by your actions , that as honour attends your persons , fame may crowne your names , felicity your soules . what remaines then , to perfit this absolute master-piece of honour ; but that yee reduce to habit , and consequently to their best improvement , these initiate seeds of goodnesse sowne in your native disposition , growne by succession , and ripened through education ? now are yee in the way , and daily nearer the end of your worke . your unconfined soules must ever bee aspiring , till they come to their perfection . there is nothing under heaven , that can satisfie a soule created for heaven . are you virgins ? let your virgin-lamps bee fed with the oyle of charity . bee ready before the bridegrome call you ; yea , call on him before hee call you . let not your virgin-vayles bee vayles for vices . entertaine not a light thought , lest by degrees it spread to a sinne . in suffering ismael to play with you , though her sport seeme in jest , your ruine will prove in earnest . eye not that object , which may enthrall you ; heare not that subject , which may corrupt you ; rellish not that delight , which may deprave you ; admit not of that conceit , which may delude you . retort a light discourse with a maiden-blush ; it argues a spotlesse soule . hee well described a virgins prime beauty , who display'd it in shamefaste modesty . let your good name bee such a precious oyntment as you would not spill it for a world . are you matrons ? enlarge your selves by instruction unto the younger ; this is the office of a reverend mother . derive some portion of that knowledge unto others , which you fruitfully received from others . your lives must bee their lines . every action of yours is exemplar ; take heed then , it lead not into error . as you are ripe in yeares , so appeare rich in houres . remember not a sinne without a sigh ; nor a toy without a teare . there is no sinne more odious , because none more insolently glorious , than to remember sinnes committed with joy , and apprehend them with delight . your families should bee vertues nurseries , wherein your selves are to bee governesses and presidents of goodnesse . here you are to teach your children in the trade of their wayes , that when they are old , they may not depart from them . briefly , are you young or old ? esteeme no life sweeter , then when every day improves you and makes you better : then when every taske tastes of goodnesse , to advance your honour . delights , as they may moderately cheere you , so let them not play too much on your fancy , lest they take you : bee not commanded by them , but command them . the onely meanes to weane you from them , or make you more indifferent for them , is to fixe your affections on those which doe infinitely surpasse them . there is no comparison betwixt a palace and a prison : neither betwixt finite and infinite is there any proportion . o how happy were you , if with spirituall eyes you might once behold , how the princes goe before , joyning with the singers , and in the midst , young damsels dancing ! the way to contemplate these , and consort with these , is to meditate of heaven , which enjoyeth all these . here no pleasure , bee it never so promising ; no delight , bee it never so relishing ; no recreation , bee it never so refreshing ; but , though it cheere you in the beginning , it cloyes you in the end . last day , you were at court ; where revels , reere-bankets , showes , and solemnities , were objects to your eyes , eares , and tastes : but all these are vanished . this day , you coach to th' exchange ; where you see all kinde of vanities set at sale , that may any way soile a deluded soule : but the night clozeth the day , which makes them shut up shop , and then all those vanities are shrouded . next day , you goe to a play ; wherein you expect some new scene of mirth , or some state-action lively presented : but the last exit , your impreze of frailty , dismisseth you , and then all those artfull presentments , which gave so much content , are removed . thus you runne in a maze , while you lay the scene of your mirth on earth . recollect then your divided thoughts ; seat there the delight of your minde , where you may find a continued mirth . earth is too low a stage for an act of that majesty ; and too straight to give your best guest content within her mud-wals of misery . let not one houre passe by you , which is not well past . every day requires his due ; every houre her proper hire . consider , how the eyes of heaven are upon you ; how that generous stemme , from whence you were derived , expects much from you . the former injoynes you , upon hope of a future reward , to bee more cautelous ; the latter , as you tender the honour of your house , to bee vertuous . besides , know ( noble ladies ) that all the port or state-magnificence which this inferior globe can afford you , clozeth ever with more discomfort than content , bee your persons never so seemingly happy , nor happily secure , that doe enjoy them . yea , how happy had many eminent personages beene , had they never beene taken with this shadow of happinesse ? conclude then , for this conclusion will beseeme you , and in your highest ascent of honour incomparably secure you : honour is vertues harbour ; onely those styl'd great , are vertues friends , and vices foes . that glorious light of the church , an industrious searcher and judicious censor of antiquities , s. augustine , saith , that anciently the romans worshipped vertue and honour for gods . whence it was , that they built two temples , which were so seated , as none could enter the temple of honour , unlesse hee had first passed through the temple of vertue : to signifie that none was to bee honoured , unlesse by some vertue he had first deserved it . the morall admits no other exposition than its owne expression . for honour , none should bee so daring bold as to wooe her , till by passing thorow vertues temple , hee get admittance unto her . if you desire to bee great , let it bee your height of ambition to aspire to honour in the court of vertue . where the lowest cannot bee lesse than a lady of honour , because the lowest of her actions correspond with honour . such a service were no servitude but a solace . admit , that sometimes you affected forraine fashions , now let forraine nations admire your vertues . perchance , the delicacy of your nature , or misery of a long prescribed custome will not so easily at the first bee wholly weaned , from what it hath for so many yeares affected . vse than an easie restraint at the first ; withdraw your affections from vanity by degrees ; reserve some select houres for private devotion ; check your fancies when they dote on ought that may distract you . the first encounter will bee hardest ; time will bring you to that absolute soveraignty over your passions , as you shall finde a singular calmenesse in your affections . for the windes of your passions shall no sooner cease , then that vast boundlesse sea of your distemper'd affections shall become calme . what a brave salique state shall you then enjoy within your owne common-wealth ? vigilancy becomes warden of your cinque ports ; not an invasive forrainer dare approach , while shee with watchfull eyes waits at the port. all your followers , are vertues favorites . piety guides you in your wayes ; charity in your workes . your progenitors deserved due praise , but you surpasse them all . thus shall you revive the ashes of your families , and conferre on them surviving memories . but , it is the evening crownes the day ; sufficient it is not to diffuse some few reflecting beamelings of your vertues , at your first rising , and darken them with a cloud of vices at your setting . as your daies are more in number , so must they bee every day better . what availes it the mariner to have taken his compasse wisely , to have shunned rockes and places of danger warily , and at last to runne on some shelfe , when hee should now arrive at the bay where hee would bee ? rockes are ever nearest the shore , and most tentations nearest your end . if you resolve then to come off fairely , prepare your selves for some encounter daily ; observe your exercise of devotion duely ; resist assaults constantly ; that you may gain a glorious victory . this is all the combat that is of you desired ; wherein many of your sexe have nobly deserved . stoutly have they combated , and sweetly have they conquered . emulate their vertues , imitate their lives , and enjoy their loves . so may you with that patterne of patience dye in your owne nests , and multiply your dayes as the sand : so may your vertues , which shone so brightly in these courts of earth , appeare most glorious in those courts of heaven . so may these scattered flowers of your fading beauty , bee supplied with fresh flowers of an incorruptible beauty : yea , the king himselfe shall take pleasure in your beauty ; who will come like a glorious prince out of his palace of royall honour , to grace you ; like a specious spouse out of his nuptiall chamber , to embrace you . meane time , feare not death , but smile on him in his entry ; for hee is a guide to the good , to conduct them to glory . conclude your resolves with that blessed saint ; in hope no lesse confident , than in heart penitent : wee have not lived so in the world , that wee are ashamed to live longer to please god : and yet againe , wee are not afraid to dye , because wee have a good lord. short is your race , neare is your rest : onely , let the lesse of earth bee your gaine , the love of god your goale ; and angelicall perfection , to which your constant practice of piety and all christian duties have so long aspired , your crowne . the feare of the lord is a pleasant garden of blessing , there is nothing so beautifull as it is , eccles. . . trin-uni deo omnis gloria . a gentlewoman , is her owne tyrewsman ; one that weares her owne face ; and whose complexion is her owne . her iournals lie not for th' exchange , needlesse visits , nor reere-bankets . showes and presentments shee viewes with a civill admiration ; wherein her harmlesse desire is , rather to see than bee seene . shee hates nothing so much as entring parly with an immodest suitor . retire from occasions drawes her to her arbour : where the sole object of her thoughts is her maker . her eyes shee holds her profest foes , if they send forth one loose looke ; teares must sue out their pardon , or no hope of reconciliation . her resort to the court , is for occasion , not fashion : where her demeanour ever gives augmentation to her honour . her winning modesty becomes so powerfull a petitioner , as shee ever returnes a prevailing suiter . during her abode in the city , shee neither weares the street , nor wearies her selfe with her coach : her chamber is her tyring-roome , where shee bethinks her how shee may play her part on the worlds theatre ; that shee may gaine applause of her heavenly spectators . her constant reside is in the country ; where hospitality proclaimes her in-bred affection to workes of piety . all which shee exerciseth with that privacy , as they will witnesse for her , shee feares nothing more than vaine-glory . in her house shee performes the office of a mistris , no imperious governesse . shee knowes when to put on a smooth brow , and to cherish industry with moderate bounty . her discreet providence makes her family look with a cheerefull countenance : her posterity cannot chuse but prosper , being nurs'd by so naturall a mother . the open field she makes her gallery ; her labourers , her living pictures ; which , though shee finds meere pictures , hanging on , rather than labouring , passion transports her not above her selfe , nor forceth her to the least expression unworthy of her selfe : shee passeth by them with a modest reproofe , which workes in them a deeper impression , than any fiery or furious passion : her neighbors shee daily wooes and winnes : which shee effects with such innocent affability , as none can justly tax her of flattery . an over-seer for the poore shee appoints her selfe , wherein shee exceeds all those that are chosen by the parish . shee takes a survey daily and duly of them , and , without any charge to the hamlet , relieves them . she desires not to have the esteeme of any she-clarke ; shee had rather bee approv'd by her living , than learning : and hath ever preferr'd a sound professant before a profound disputant . a president of piety shee expresseth her selfe in her family , which shee so instructs by her owne life , as vertue becomes the object of their love . her taske shee sets her selfe daily , which shee performes duely : her owne remisnesse , ( if any such be ) shee reproves by so much more than others , as she knowes her owne life to bee more exemplary than others . some bookes shee reads , and those powerfull to stirre up devotion and fervour to prayer ; others shee reads , and those usefull for direction of her houshold affaires . herbals shee peruseth , which shee seconds with conference : and by degrees so improves her knowledge , as her cautesous care perfits many a dangerous cure . in all which , shee turnes her eare from her owne praise : humbling her selfe lowest in heart , though descent ranke her highest in place . she affects nothing more than mildnesse ; distastes nothing more than harshnesse . prosperity could never worke so upon her thoughts , as to transport her ; nor adversity so weaken her well-resolved temper , as to amate her . though shee tender her family ; extend her care to her posterity ; her highest ayme is the practise of piety . her discretion hath enabled her to distinguish of times : whereby shee informes her selfe when shee should bee provident and frugall , when bounteous and liberall . her gate is not more open than is her heart ; where shee holds the poorest her richest guests . shee thinkes that day wholly lost , wherein shee doth not one good worke at least . she is no busie-body , nor was ever , unlesse it were about her family , needle , or sampler . she holds that day the swetest , which in actions of goodnesse is the fruitfull'st . like a good merchant , shee brings her merchandize afarre , and yet shee travels not farre for it ; shee ●its at the sterne , steeres the rudder of her state , and frees it from hazard when driven to a strait . her husband shee acknowledgeth her head ; whom to oppose , were to mutine against her leader , and consequently shew her selfe an unruly member . if hee bee intemperate , shee wooes and winnes him with love ; and , in time , weanes and reclaimes him from his irregular life . so conformable is shee to his opinion , both in points of religion , and arguments of providence ; as the exchequer must bee no sponge to her husbands purse through her conscience . yet makes shee conscience her gaine ; and in that blessed commerce , humility her guide , heaven her goale . her houshold shee makes her common-weale ; wherein not any from the highest to the lowest of her feminine governement , but knowes their peculiar office and employment : to which they addresse themselves ( so highly they honour her they serve ) with more love than feare . shee becomes promoter , i meane of no office to wrong her countrey , but the tender care of a mother in behalfe of her well-educated progeny ; to which the world no sooner gives entertainment , than shee begins to enable them for their advancement . markets shee seldome visits , nor any place of freer concourse : for shee findes when her eyes are abroad , her thoughts are estrang'd from home . would you take a fuller view of her ? draw nearer ; observe her even in these which some of her sexe esteeme least , with how generous a beauty shee adornes her selfe most . apparell shee weares ; and sighes when shee remembers her sexe . she wonders how that fig-leafe , habit , should bee so strangely altered . how this ensigne of originall sinne should bee so quaintly slasht , and indented . what paines sinne takes to display her shame ! her garment is of another cut . though shee cannot rectifie this broad-spreading malady , the corruption of this age must not draw her to that vanity . shee knowes the use of apparell , which shee would bee loath to invert . ordain'd it was , to keepe in naturall heat , and to keepe out cold : this shee observes with a gracefull presence , making this her impreze : comely , n●t gaudy . behaviour shee sets out with a civill expression , without much art or affectation . there is nothing which doth not infinitely become her . in places of resort , shee is so highly admir'd , as those which observe her , could bee well content to serve her . she is generous in all ; not a look but gives life to love ; and that so vertuously dispos'd , as not a light thought can distract it . her very motion is a moving direction ; shee never learned to tinkle with her feet , to wander with her eyes , to staine her spotlesse honour with a painted blush . all shee doth is her owne ; all her owne doth incomparably please ; which shee clozeth with this impreze : loving modesty is a living beauty . complement shee admits , but not that which this age affects ; shee preferres substance before meere formality . pith before the rinde , performance before ceremony . shee distastes nothing so much as that court fustian ; which , in her e●teeme , is quite out of fashion ▪ your servants servant . shee cannot protest in jest , nor professe what shee meanes not in earnest . shee cares not for this rhetoricall varnish , it makes a good cause suspitious ; her desire is to expresse her selfe in action more than discourse . that complement which consists in congies , cringies , and salutes , dis-rellisheth her palate most : it tastes too much of the caske ; for the rest shee is secure , so her actions bee really pure ; her selfe completely honest . thus shee summes up her dayes , makes vertue her praise , this her impreze : civill complement , my best accomplishment . decency is her native livery ; though shee make no shadow of it , her owne shadow is not more individuate . in her attire shee is not so sumptuous as seemely , not so costly as comely ; in her discourse shee delivers her mind not so amply as fully , nor so quickly as freely ; in her whole course shee expresseth her inward beauty . her glasse is not halfe so usefull to her selfe , as the glasse of her life is to others . whatsoever is worne by her , receives a singular grace from her . her fashion is never out of request ; though more constant in it , than the age would admit . shee lives to bring time into some better t●●e : this is her taske in every place ; this is that which crownes her with peace ; while shee deviseth this for her impreze : virgin-decency is vertues livery . estimation is that precious odour which gives sweetnesse to her honour . dye had shee rather with it , than enjoy an empire and live without it . it is the goale of all her actions . the crowne of all her labours . poverty shee holds an incomparable blessing , so her name bee inriched by estimation : no lead fly can corrupt that ointment . happy needs must be her state , that preserves this without staine . this shee feeds not with the juyce of vain-glory ; nor seeks to augment it with a fabulous story . many have purchas'd praise in oylie lines , that never merited applause all their lives . her desire is to be , rather than seeme ; lest seeming to bee what shee is not , shee gull the world ; but her selfe most , by playing the counterfeit . resolute is shee in this her impreze : my prize is her owne prayse . fancy she entertaines with a cheerefull but chaste bosome . though love be blind , her love has eyes . no lesse faithfull is shee in reteining , than doubtfull in entertaining . protests are dangerous lures to credulous lovers , but her fancy is too staid to stoope unto them . shee can love well , but lest shee should repent soone , and that too late , shee will try before shee trust , have some reason to like before shee love . shee holds that fancy a frenzy , which is onely led by sense . shee makes reason her guide , that content may bee her goale . long time shee debates with love , before ever she give love her heart ; which done , shee confirmes the bargaine with her hand . her constancy shee displayes in this impreze : my choyce admits no change . gentility is not her boast , but that which dignifies that title most . titles from ancestors derived , and by their successors actions not revived , shee holds degenerously usurped . vertue is her soveraignesse ; in whose service to live and die shee holds the absolutest happinesse . gentry shee thinkes best graced by affability : to bee surly , derogates as much from her worth , as basenesse from nobility of birth . her linage is best distinguish'd by her crest , her worth by her selfe . her desert gives life to her descent . not an action comes from her , but excellently becomes her . shee ever reflects on the house from whence shee came , whose antiquity shee ennobles with numerous expressions of piety ; from the rising height of which increase , shee drawes this christian impreze : desert crownes descent . honour shee deserves more than desires ; this shee may admit , but not admire . weake shee holds that foundation of honour , where vertue is not a supporter . that antick portrature of state must needes decline , where piety beares not up the traine . the more honour that is conferr'd on her , makes her the humbler ; shee cloathes not her looke with a disdainfull scorne , nor clouds her brow with an imperious frowne . farre more esteemes shee the title of goodnesse than greatnesse . shee holds nothing more worthy of her approving , than a daily drawing nearer to perfection , by her vertuous living . her whole pilgrimage is nothing else than to shew unto the world what is most requisite for a great personage . in a word , shall wee take a re-view of her noble carriage in each of our observances ? for the first , she is fashionably neat ; for the second , formally discreet ; for the third , civilly complete ; for the fourth , amiably decent ; for the fifth , precious in repute ; for the sixth , affectionately constant ; for the seventh , generously accommodated ; for the eighth , honourably accomplished . whence it is , that shee impalls her diuinall race with this imperiall impreze : honour is vertues harbour . goe on , then , shee may with honour , seeing the king in her beauty takes such pleasure . a divine presage of promising goodnesse was her infancy ; a continuate practice of piety was her youth and maturity ; the cloze of her pilgrimage a calme passage from frailty to felicity . longer would the earth keepe her , but so should shee bee kept from that which shee values farre better . her husband cannot stay long behind , seeing his better part is gone before . finis . appendix vpon a former supposed impression of this title . during my late and long abode in the countrey , i was advertised by a friend from the universitie , that my english gentleman was matched in the citie . which report did not a little perplexe me ; that one so tenderly nursed , carefully nurtured , and by the testimony of all such as did judiciously know him , absolutely accomplished , should without his fathers consent , become tide , whom a generous liberty had made free . besides all this , i was infinitely troubled with the feare of his choice . for , thought i , should he now bee married to some young-roisting-minx , who ne're knew what providence meant , but intended more the tricking and trimming of her selfe , than decking or dressing of her soule ; who makes it her sole taske , to sacrifice the morning to her glasse , the mid-day to the stage , the evening to a light consort or recre-banket ; and so spin out her time in a sensuall surfeit ; how would this distemper him , and consequently dis-rellish them , who treasured up their hopes in him ! this begot in me diverse resolves , which were seconded with a fresh fally of doubts and feares . sometimes i resolved , if the match were not already concluded , nor the rites solemnized , to forbid the baines lest it should bee his bane , so rashly to contract , before hee had his parents consent . but i feared , lest this might have the selfe-same issue , which that cashiered souldier had , who having bestowed seven yeares and more in service with the states ; and now returning home ; and comming on a holiday to the parish church where hee was borne , hee might heare the baines of matrimony published betwixt one who bare his owne wives name , and another , to whom shee was to bee espoused , as hee rightly conceived . so as , impatient of farther delay , hee forbad the baines ; but to no purpose ; for though shee bare her name , shee was not his wife whom hee heard published ; for his owne wife was long before , to the curate of the parish solemnly contracted . all this while recollecting my senses , and adding spirit to my resolves , i began a fresh thus to expostulate with my selfe : admit this young gentleman were married , and by his choice disparaged ; were it not in the compasse of our lawes to redresse it ? yes ; for , thought i , her carriage will not bee so faire , but one may take advantage of it ; and consequently procure a divorce by it . or , should her circumspect levity bee such , as none could discover it , nor taxe her demeanure for it , yet presumptions and probabilities , exemplified with fat fees , would bring her to a discovery , and in short time produce a nullity . records upon due search , ( had they not of late either subtilely or tumultuously beene defaced ) i needed little doubt , but they would furnish me with eminent instances of this kind ; which being feelingly pressed , would become very prevalent before a conceiving court. besides , i might justly insert this in the course of my pleading , as a sufficient ground or motive to separation ; pregnant proofe i have of a precontract betwixt this english gentlewoman and him ; which marriage , though it were not solemnized with an externall rite , yet by mutuall consent was it confirmed , and reciprocally plighted with a ceremonious entergage of hand and heart . but i held it fittest , to addresse my course to the place , before i resolved of the materiall points of my pleas . and first to conferre with my gentleman himselfe , that i might understand by him how hee stood affected ; and whether his owne relation would confirme , what erring report had so constantly bruited . but to my comfort , as i left him , so i found him ; of too discreet a temper , to bee taken with any such counterfeit creature . such reports , hee ingenuously confess'd , there were dispersed ; but what am i ( said hee ) by these disparaged ? my untainted honour is neither improv'd nor impeach'd by rumour . hee builds weakely , who reares his foundation on the opinion of the vulgar . have you ever seene me so lightly enamoured , as to preferre either face or habit , before a deserving spirit . did you ever injoyne mee that morall embassie , which i have not faithfully performed ? or imposed on mee that taske , being noble and generous , which i have not carefully discharged ? were your eyes ever witnesses of any loose or light affection , to which i too pliably inclined ? or have you at any time observed mee so lightly credulous , as constantly to affect what was transitively commended ? have you ever knowne me sacrifice my lampe to the idoll of an undeserving love ? or melted into passion , to display the least impression of that love ? or flattered that love with any forced hyperbole , or passionate line ? or with folded armes past over a tedious houre , with an amorous redoubling of a mees ? how fares it then , you should so rashly conceit , what prejudicate report had so lightly dispersed ? no , believe it ; had it beene my unhappy fate , to have engag'd my faith to such a staine ; or darkened my discretion with such a foile ; or interchang'd my present happy estate , with such a blemish of her sexe ; i would have razed out my title , and expos'd my selfe a contemptible subject to all people . besides all this , i verily thinke , i should have turn'd true courtier , and made it my perpetuall progresse , never to lye with her . this did not a little revive me , to heare him so constantly expresse himselfe : being therefore thus freed , from what i feared , i desired nothing more than to search out the occasion of this feare . where i perceived , that a mercenarie * meretrician , who had taken upon her the state and stile of gentlewoman , with more impudence than became her sexe , had challenged acquaintance of my gentleman ; which , though his modesty did distaste , his civility would not altogether reject , but permitted her like a thing of sale , to lye apart from him on the open stall . this propinquity of lying , or contiguity of lodging , begot a groundlesse probability of their loving . but how farre his affection was estranged from her , shall appeare by the entertainment hee gave to this gentlewoman , whom wee here tender ; upon whose arrivall , hee expressed the true ground of his affection , after this manner : with a chast embrace of true conjugall love , you are welcome . let it not amate you , nor lessen my former esteeme with you , in that report hath blaz'd me forgetfull of you , by preferring an undeserving choice before you . fame were not her selfe , if all the grounds of her reports were truth . indeed , if either titles could have drawne me , or mercenarie respects seaz'd on me , i had bin neither yours nor mine owne ; for in being lesse than yours , i could not possibly have beene mine owne . but tell me , my vertuous choice , did you ever know me either taken with titles , or deluded with showes ? here is one indeed , who intrusively , and with lesse modesty than became her sexe , pressed my acquaintance ; but could her forwardnesse worke upon my affection , or leave with it the least retentive impression ? no ; should i chuse againe , as now my choice admits no change , i should equally prize the love of a wench too forward , and of one too froward : and entertaine them both with that indifferent respect , as neither the forwardnesse of the one , should beget in mee a desire of winning , nor the frowardnesse of the other , move me to spin out my time in fruitlesse wooing . indeed , i was seated in a warmer clime than where you resided . the south was my seate , while the north was your nest ; yet could not that clime make me discontinue my claime . coole is that love which either ayre can distemper , or distance of place dissever , or any disastrous occurrent alter . you know what pledge i left you ; nor did i ever since , engage it to any but you . never shall you find me any such paphlagonian partridge , as to have two hearts . it is not title but substance , i affect . your vertues were my first motives of affection ; i did not eye your descent , though nobly eminent ; nor those outward accomplishments of yours incomparably excellent ; nor your fortunes , in a worldings eye highly consequent . these i confesse , might produce rare effects , in such , whose conceits onely worke on outward objects . mine eye was fixed in an higher spheere ; spheered in a more glorious orbe . what i observed in you , did so enamour me , as i preferred that inward faire , which did so truely grace you , farre above those outward ornaments which did superficially adorn you . could you imagine then , that a forraine beauty could engage me , or a simpring civilized thing , whose best habilliments were borrowed , and whose very complexion , like a bee in a box , preserved , should so weane me from what i deservingly fancied ; as to become affianced to her , whose exposed liberty had made her publickly suspected ? no ; i never distinguished true merit by any of these : being such weake supports , as should any one relye on them , they would faile them , if not fall under them . but mildly tempered shall my construction be of my deare loves suspect . i perswade my selfe , it was a surpassing affection that first begot this conceit : which now sweetly allayed and attempered by reason , will admit of no such feare ; seeing discreet fancie cannot dispence with faith , nor ●hat faith incline to any separation , till enforced by an inevitable fate . with these and such like amorous regreets , mixt with other variety of choice discourse , they entertained time ; while shee , now safely seaz'd of him shee solely lov'd , and in whom her desires were fully cloz'd ; importunatly sought rather , out of an apprehension of love than feare , ( as what creature more impatient of a corrivall , or more solicitous of revenge in the quest of love than a woman ) to know the true ground of that report , which rumor had dispersed ; that any other should bee interessed in his love , whom so constant and continuate an affection had confirmed hers . wherein hee fully resolved her , by relating unto her , how amongst other impertinent pasquils , usually foisted , and wherewith publick presses are frequently farced , which begets in our age such a surfeite , as more learned labours become dis-rellished , and the surquedry of wit onely affected ; a young gentlewoman , whose ungenerous parts scarcely deserved that title , had by a secret or surreptitious claime made challenge unto him , but never durst to that day professe any such thing publikely before him ; which hee so sleighted , as his thoughts never deigned to stoope to so low a lure ; having long before , on a purer object fixed his love , and to her sacred shrine sacrificed the remaines of his life . this relation so cleared her from the least thought of suspicion , as it added now strength to her already-sufficiently strengthened affection . equally communicated became their joyes , sociably attempered became their griefes : no sorrow could worke so violently , nor breake forth so passionately , which the sweet union and communion of their concording mindes , could not qualifie ; no solace could transport them so highly , nor seaze on them so hotly , wherein with joynt affections they did not partake mutually , and which , with a vertuous temper they allayed not mildly . thus were they individually plighted , thus are they inseparably placed , mutually pleased , immutably planted , equally solaced , and now to the publike view of the world , solemnely united . imagine then , if at any time you encounter with the impression of any former labour bearing this title , that'tis but the embrio of his braine , whose mercenarie profession it is to divulge any corkie subject , that may promise but the least hope of profit ; resembling that ancient pantotipe of amsterdam ; who publikely protested , that hee could bee well contented , that the turkish alcaron were universally professed , so the priviledge of it might bee to him and his assignes solely granted . for this appendix , it was occasionally writ upon the report of publishing a subject bearing this title : which , belike , hearing of the coming forth of a more deserving consort , hath beene discreetly silenced , or by neglect of time , in obscure privacy retyred . now if any such amphibium , after so long diving shall appeare venting , let it receive what it deserves to have , timely suppression . for such readers , as are rather taken with titles than substance , and become miserably enamoured on a beauteous frontispi●e ; i would request of them this favour , to spare their labour of perusing more than the title-page , which will serve well enough for their classick discourse of authors ; for these , it is their highest honour , to furnish their uselesse memories , with scholies and catalogues of unread authors ; and to taxe them too of some egregious errors , although these subjects mount farre above the pitch of their critick censures . in a word , let our gentleman with this his incomparable choice be compared , and you shall find them equally matched , affectionately mated , and both for ornament and substance compleatly graced . so i commend you to the perusall and parallel of these ; which if you truely imitate , bee yee of what sexe or state soever , they will make you truely commendable , and crowne your ripened age with honour . embleme . some hold these observations to bee long , some more judicious , hold them to be short , thus are they censur'd bee they right or wrong ; what should wee then make censure but a sport , since good or bad , wee 're ne're the better for 't ? which to attemper , i should thinke it best , " vertue were censor in each authors brest . a compendious table ; wherein the principall points contained in this booke , are with no lesse brevity than perspicuity , propriety than facility couched . apparell . observat. . of the necessity of apparell . pag. . primitive purity exempted us from these necessities ; originall impurity subjected us to these necessities pag. . apparell keepes the body warme two wayes : first by keeping in the naturall heate : . by keeping out accidentall cold . pag. . these benefits are inverted by phantasticke fashions late introduc'd : where attires are not made to keepe cold out , but to bring cold in . pag. . & . of the use of apparell . . to makes this use good , modesty must bee our guide , vertuous thoughts our guard ; so shall heaven bëe our goale . ibid. a me●●●rable instance of a religious woman ; expressing what divine use shee made in the eying of her apparell . ibid. the habite of the minde may bee best discerned by the carriage of the body ; the disposition of the body , by the habite . pag. . the constancy of the heathen , in reteining their ancient countrey fashion ; and immutably observing the habite of their owne nation . ibid. habite is to bee used as an ornament of decencie ; without the least border or edging of vanitie . pag. . directions , how to dispose the senses ; and that reason must keepe sentinell , lest they become sensuall . ibid. the preciousnesse of time ; whereof , a moment is our portion ; nor hath the commandingst emperour a larger proportion . ibid. how contemptible a thing is man , if hee erect not his thoughts above man ! ibid. of the abuse of apparell . ibid. more time spent how to abuse time , and corupt licentious youth ; then how to addresse employment to qualifie the distractions of the one , or to rectifie the distempers of the other . pag. . this illustrated by instances in three severall places . citty , court , and countrey : and accommodated , with observations proper to every subject . ibid. the taske of a vertuous mirror , and a true lady of honour , expressed ; and to all ladies , as a president of goodnesse , zealously recommended . pag. . the life of a meere libertine instanced and displayed with a relation of those desperate conclusions to which shee adhered . ibid. how the use of apparell may bee inverted to abuse : either by delicacy , or superfinity . pag. . reproofe touching apparell , originally occasioned from foure respects : . sumptuousnesse . and that confirmed by a memorable example . . softnesse . and that confirmed by a memorable example . . strangenesse . and that reproveable in these . particulars : . superfluousnesse . and that reproveable in these . particulars : variety . ibid. immensity . ibid. vanity . ibid. all which are interveined with sundry instances of various delight . pag. . & &c. a disswasion from delicacy of apparell , by reflecting on the embleme of humane frailty , the modell of our mortality . which continuate subject is stored with a select variety of divine and humane observations . pag. . & . superfluity of apparell condemned ; the fashion-mongers answered : clozing that branch , with a devout admonition and personall application from divine basile extracted , and usefully applyed . pag. . & . that apparell most comely , which conferres on the wearer , most native beauty , and most honour on her countrey . pag. . habit is a custome ; yet it is our custome to change our habit. ibid. each countrey reteines a fashion of her owne , save our owne . ibid. ours an extraction or confection of all , which makes us ieered at by all . ibid. gregory the great being highly taken with the comely feature of the english ; said , it was great pitty that those angles should not , in disposition as well as proportion , resemble angels . ibid. phantasticke fashions are no motives of affection to discreet lovers . pag. . discretion will bee more taken with modesty , than vanity ; and humility , than vaine-glory . ibid. the world is our stage , our life an act ; the tyring-house , where wee bestow'd such care , cost and curiosity , must bee shut up , when our night approacheth , and strips us of these robes of our mortality . without vertue , all humane glory is a vading beauty ibid. behaviour . observat. . behaviour reflects on three particulars . action . pag. . affection . pag. . passion . pag. . vertue is the life of action , action the life of man. ibid. in this subject some are employed ( but remissely ) to the purpose . others are employed to no purpose . others sleepe out their mind in security . others creepe and cringe into an apish formality . none of these direct the bent of their actions , to the object of true glory . ibid. a womans honour is of higher esteeme than to bee thus disvalued . light occasions are many times grounds of deepe aspersions . actions are to be seasoned with discretion , seconded by direction , strengthened with instruction , lest too much rashnesse bring the undertaker to destruction . ibid. a briefe commemoration of divers noble women , who as they were honourable by descent , so were they memorable for desert . parallels to the best men for conversation , though weake in sexe , nature and condition . pag. . an exhortation to young gentlewomen , to conforme themselves to such imitable patternes : concluding with that excellent instruction addressed by st. hierom to that holy virgin demetrias ; commending nothing so much unto her as industry , the better to inure her in the practise of pietie . hier. ad demet. ibid. nothing requires more discretion than affection . pag. . one can never truely love and not bee wise : which directly opposeth plato's opinion . ibid. nothing more impatient of delay than love : nothing of more different passion : with an exact relation of their distinct operation . ibid. love is neither to bee too subtilly coloured , nor too simply discovered . if too hot , the violence of it is best rebated by absence ; if too coole it is to bee quickned with more frequent conference , and assiduate presence . pag . passion never workes more fearefull effects , then when it streames from iealousie : verified by a tragicke example in our owne ile and time occurring , and to succeeding times surviving . ibid. remedies to appease anger , and every passionate distemper . pag. . & . * the discommodities which arise from passion ; the benefits which redound from attempering it . * greg. moral . lib. . cap. . ibid. &c. an usefull exhortation , to this temperate moderation . pag. how a gentlewoman is to behave her selfe in company . ibid. modesty and mildnesse hold sweetest correspondence in all societies . pag. chastity is an inclosed garden ; and by no licentious foote to bee entred . ibid. oth●r vices are discomfited by fight , lust onely defeated by f●ight . aug. lib. de honestate mulieris . pag. we may be in security , so long as we are sequestred from society . ibid. we are to subject affection to the soveraigntie of reason . ibid. how a gentlewoman is to behave her selfe in privacie . ibid. patternes of singular devotion recommended to h●r imitation . pag. , & . meditation being a key to open the morning , a locke to close the evening , should be a gentlewomans bosome companion . ibid. gentlewoman , without much reservancie , are not to frequent publike places of society . pag. instances of such , as being discreetly reserved , accommodated their persons to publike affaires , and became improved by them . pag. a judicious recollection of such who intend time , and such who mispend time : clozing with the relation of sundry fearefull examples , to deterre loose livers from the like securenesse . pag. & that behaviour most approved , which is clearest from affectation freed . ibid. vertues habit and behaviour is free and not affected ; native and not traduced . pag. an accurate distinction or dijudication betwixt an enforced and unaffected behaviour . ibid. a gentlewoman is so to behave her selfe , that to● much curiosity taxe her not of pride , nor too much majesty of state. pag. complement . 〈◊〉 . complement defined . pag ●●● with what 〈…〉 retained their forme of complement . ibid. & different g●●●es proper to distinct places . ibid. a 〈◊〉 betwixt reall and 〈◊〉 complemen● . ibid. a deserving commendation of 〈◊〉 english ladies , in their unaffected way of complement . ibid. & . how complement may be corrupted . ibid. a descr●pti●n of am●rous 〈◊〉 , with a just repre●se of thei● 〈◊〉 hyperbolees . pag. the complement 〈◊〉 by some great ones , were but meere c●nting among beggars . pag. how complement 〈◊〉 be refined . ibid. civility is the best and most refined complement that may be . pag. civility is never out of fashion 〈◊〉 deserving admiration . pag. it is society that gives us , or takes from us our security . pag. ● wherein complement may be admitted , as mainely consequent . pag. the court is the beacon of the state ; the seate or schoole of complement . ibid. as courtiers are objects to many eyes ; so should their actions be platformes to many lives . pag. corrivalship in a light c●r●●zans love , hath deprived many a hopefull g●ntleman of his dearest life . ibid. in contests of love , it is hard to determine whether the agent or patient suffer in me . ibid. wherein complement may be omitted , as meerely impertinent . pag. apish formalists , or complementall actors dis-esteeme those three principall faculties of the vnderstanding . discourse . distinction . election . singular directions , how to accommodate them in all these . ibid. & . what complement gives best accomplishment . ibid. sensuall curtezans are their owne furies . pag. . a good christian the compleatest courtier : vertue the ornament , which gives complement the best accomplishment . ibid. decency . observat. . decency recommended as requisite , in foure distinct subjects : gate . pag. . looke . pag. . speech . pag. . habit. pag. . gate . it is no hard thing to gather the disposition of our heart , by the dimension of our gate . ibid. though our feet bee here below , our faith should be above . pag. . no path of pleasure should draw us from those joyes which last for ever . ibid. looke . a wanton eye is the truest evidence of a wandring mind : our eye becomes the sense of sorrow , because the sense of sinne . ibid. an vncleane eye the messenger of an uncleane heart . ibid. distinct objects proposed to eyes diversly affected . ibid. by looking upward , the more wee looke , we shall like ; the longer we live , we shall love . pag. . speech . without speech can no society subsist . ibid. excellent rules for propriety of discourse . pag. . & . a deliberate apprehension begot by serious attention , is to goe ever before discourse . ibid. what subject suites best for a gentlewomans discourse . ibid. a pleasant answer of mellifluous bernard , applyed to all forward shee-church discoursers . ibid. silence in a woman , is a moving rhetoricke . ibid. habit . there is nothing which moves us more to pride it in sinne , than that which was first given us to cover our shame . pag. . sumptuousnesse of the habit deserves not so much reprehension , as phantasticknesse of the habit , in respect of the forme of fashion . pag. . decency is a civill gentlewomans choycest livery , which sets her forth before all embroidery . ibid. time is too precious to be made a pageant or morrice on . ibid. a briefe but most usefull application of those foure proceding subjects . pag. . decency , the attractivest motive of affection . ibid. nothing convayes more affection to the heart , than decency in the object we affect . ibid. in this age , the best shot to be discharg'd is a taverne reckoning , the best alarum carousing , and the most absolute march reeling . ibid. no habit so decent , as what is native and properly habituate . pag. . where vertue is not directresse in our choyce , our inconstant minds are ever prone to change . ibid. nothing should give us content , but what is decent . ibid. decency the smoothest path that leades to perfection . pag. . the onely way to be compleat , is to be decent . . an adumbration of that glory , reserved for those that affect decency . ibid. a vertuous exemplarie life crownes the soule with eternall rest . ibid. estimation . observ. . estimation , a gentlewomans highest prize . pag. . the losse of estimation makes the richest merchant an irreparable bankrupt . ibid. fame , the sweetest flower that ever grew neare the border of time. ibid. a continuation of sundry eminent personages ; puissant in armes , continent in desires ; and absolute commanders of their owne affections . pag. , . greece and rome were no lesse honoured for penelopes and lucretia's constancie ; than for vlysses wisedome , or collatines loyalty . ibid. portion may woe a wordling ; proportion a youthfull wanton ; but it is vertue that wins the heart of discretion . pag. . a select improvement of our albion ladies . pag. . how estimation may be discerned to be reall . ibid. instructions of singular use for maides , wives , and widowes : illustrated with proper instances in each kinde . the way to winne an husband is not to wooe him , but to be woo'd by him . pag. , . mother 's the fittingst nurses of their owne children ; seconded by examples in all ages . pag. , . &c. a mistresse of a family many times taxed for her handmaides delicacy : instanced and illustrated copiously . pag. the lives of the dying , consist in the memory of the living . ibid. how estimation may be discerned to be superficiall . pag. . many desire to appeare most to the eye , what they are least in heart . ibid. the first occasion of kissing the lip : with a free reproofe of our late but too neate introduc'd custome of kissing the cheeke , elegantly shadowed in a sonnet . ibid. discretion cannot approve of that for good , which selfe-opinion or singularity onely makes good . ibid. those who dedicate themselves to the service of vertue , preferre the pith before the rinde , substance before appearance . pag a 〈…〉 wanton women . ibid. sinnes may 〈…〉 but never without feare . ibid. superficiall complementors , are hypocriticall courtiers . ibid. directions how to be gracious courtiers in the highest court. ibid. how estimation may be impregnably preserved . pag. . of all arrowes , those which are darted by the spirit of zeale wound the enemy most , and procure the archer best rest : confirmed by sundry notable examples . ibid. & none can walke safely , that walkes not religiously . ibid. a reflection upon the constancy and resolution of heathens , r●●●mmended to the imitation of christian wom●n . ibid. vertue cannot exercise her owne strength , nor expresse her owne worth without an opposite . ibid. an instance in a noble lady . pag. a direction in the cloze . ibid. how estimation may be irreparably lost . ibid. the * ivie while it is winding , decayes the plant , with which it is wreathing . * ilices hederae , agiles horae conficiunt . ibid. an instance of a citie-virago . pag. an use of this instance . ibid. the absolute end , whereunto estimation aspires , and wherein it cheerefully rests . ibid. this confirmed by sundry examples ; and one most remarkeable of our owne . ibid. & &c. an application to these ladies of our owne . pag. . fancy . observat. . fancy , is to be with deliberation grounded . pag. the eye is fancies harbinger , but the heart is her harbour . ibid. directions for settling and disposing our affection . pag. loves purity is to be discussed , before it be entertained . ibid. not the rinde but the minde it discretions ad●●●ant . ibid. the misery of jealousie debla●●n●d and exemplified . ibid. singular resolves for a conjugall 〈◊〉 . pag. . & fancy is to be with constancy retained . p●g . two memorable mottoes recommended . ibid. the waywardnesse of some women justly reproved , and how that humour may be rectified . pag. the admirable puritie and efficacie of love. ibid. memorable examples of conjugall constancy and continency . which constancy or rather pertinacious fancy might be instanced in that hartfordshire widow ; who , though l●ft deeply ingaged by her husband , was strongly sollicited by sundry eminent suitors : all which she rejected , making choice of a d●b●u●ht spend-thrift ; and , though much disswaided by her friends , she declined not her affection , saying ever , he was good enough to lye in a ●ayle ; which she performe , for the very same day they were married , her bridegroome was arrested and committed to prison , where she accommodates him with all necessaries , but never to this houre admits him the enjoyment of her person . pag. ● an exhortation tending to the imitation of such famous presidents . ibid. wanton fancy is a wandring ●renzy . ibid. wanton love , seldome or never , promiseth good successe : covertly shadowed in the instance of a wretchlesse lady ; who , though an hoary dye had discoloured her haire , and ripenes of yeares had summoned her to her 〈◊〉 , yet so farre was she estrang'd from 〈◊〉 , as her brothell-bed chased with 〈◊〉 broaths , became an ●arbouresse to three ●●●dinous consorts night by night . to this fury of loose fancy , as she prostituted her honour , so wheresoever she struck a●ch●r , ill successe did ever accompany her . ibid. the inc●ndiaries or soments of this inordinate passion , to sixe particulars reduced , all which are in one distich includ●d . ibid. the odious and inhumane effects in all 〈…〉 the violence of this wanton fancie , or wandring frenzie . pag. . soveraigne receipts to cure this desperate maladie . pag. what kind of affection deserves a gentlewoman● election . ibid. how fancy may be checked , if too wilde ; confirmed by a philosophicall demonstration or physicall experiments . ibid. a pleasant and pit●y expostulation with fancy . ibid. a disswasion from too much credulity to the light protests of deceiving fancy : confirmed by a moderne example . pag. a gentlewoman may with more safety suspect , than too rashly affect . ibid. a discreet resolution upon tearmes of affection , seconded with the promise of an assured blessing . ibid. the secret impression , and passionate expression of an unfortunate lady in the relation of her misery . ibid. & it is not so hard to give comfortable counsell to the sorrowfull , as to finde a fit season when to give it . ibid. consideration , a necessarie guide to affection . ibid. repentance comes too late at marriage night . ibid. how fancy may bee cheered if too cold . ibid. the incomparable honour of a virgin-condition . pag. the hate of iu●est with brute beasts . ibid. the bird of love , the embleme of a lovers heart . pag. moneyes are inferiour pictures to true lovers . ibid. the absolute end of a conjugall state. ibid. an attemperament of both those indisposed fancies before mentioned . pag. the difference betwixt a wise and wilde love , consists in this : the one ever deliberate● before it love ; the other loves before it deliberate . ibid. necessarie cautions for all kind-hearted gentlewomen . ibid. & . the like for all coy or coole-affected gentlewomen . ibid. a sweet attemperament of both these humours : with an apt emblem explained and properly applied , to such , as are with either of these humours distempered . pag. gentility . observat. . gentility , is derived from our ancestors to us , but soone blanched , if not revived by us . pag a perswasion to the imitation of our ancestors vertues . pag. there was nothing mortall about them but their bodies , and those were too fraile cabonets for such rich eminences to lodge in : whereas , there is nothing but frailties about ours , for loose and licentious love to lie in . ibid. those odours deserve highest honours , that beautifie us living , and preserve our memory dying . ibid. to see a light lady descending from a noble family , is a spectacle of more spreading infamy , than any subject of inferiour quality . ibid. gentility , is not to be measured by antiquity of time , but precedency in worth . ibid. the reason why generous descents become so much corrupted ; and vertuous parents by vitious children so frequently disparged . ibid. & mothers , the naturallest nurses : confirmed by precept , custome , and example . pag. ibid. * supra pag. , & an effectuall perswasion to that duty . ibid. vertue the best coat . pag. heraldry proves vertues coat to be the best , because deblazoned with least charge . vertue is no admiring lover of ought that is below her . pag. the misery of this age , in sumptuousnesse of attire . ibid. a notable example of hypocriticall piety . pag. . sinnes prevention , is to prevent the occasion . ibid. a shamefaste red the best colour to deblazon vertues coat . pag. gentlewomen are to reflect more on their inward worth , than on their outward weare . pag. the honour of humility . pag. a glorious approvall of modest matrons . pag. it will not redound much to a gentlewomans honour , to have observed the fashions of the time , but with a discreet contempt or civill neglect of fashion , to have redeemed her time . pag. living actions of true gentility , happy precursors to the state of glory . ibid. there are native seeds of goodnesse , sowne in generous bloods by lineall succession : variously instanced . ibid. & those who are with the choycest vertues endowed , become oft times , most traduced . ibid. there is no one vertue which makes a gentlewoman more gracious in the eye of her beholder , than modesty , the greatest advancer of many ancient family . ibid. to be high borne and basely minded , is to ingraft bastard suppes in a noble stocke . pag. high and heroicke vertues become great houses : confirmed by the resolution of a noble lady , in rejecting the powerfull solicitancy of a sensuall suiter . ibid. emulation of goodnesse in great persons is honourable . ibid. how these native seeds of goodnesse may be ripened by instruction . pag. no tutresses sitter to perfect this excellent worke in gentlewomen , than those who were the secondarie instruments of their beeing : strengthened by example and reason . ibid. a select choice and recommendation of sundry bookes of instruction , to the perusall of our english gentlewoman . ibid. a briefe enumeration , serious discussion , and judicious election of sundry ancient fathers , with other morall authors . ibid. & &c. english translations , the lights of ladies , but dampes of schollers . pag. private nurseries , houshold academies . ibid. the first instruction takes the deepest impression ; with an usefull application to every condition . pag. . necessarie directions highly conducing to the good report and repute of maides and matrons . ibid. the most precious things have ever the most pernicious keepers . nothing more precious , than a virgins honour ; it were a shame for the mother for any base lucre , to prove a treacherous keeper . ibid. the whole progresse of a gentlewomans conversation should be a continued line of direction : to which line he confines his observation . pag. honour . observat. . promotion discovers what men be , but true honour shewes what they should be . pag. honour is painted , when it is not with vertue poudred . pag. morall philosophy , nor christian theory , could ever hold that for deserving greatnesse , which had not neare relation to goodnesse . ibid. their memory cannot live long , who make authority a sanctuary to wrong . ibid. vertue defined , and by it true gentility with the honour of an ancient family expressed . pag. an accurate connexion with a personall application of the preceding subjects , to all gentlewomen . ibid. & be women never so eminent , they are but painted trunkes , if vertue be not resident . ibid. vertue should not onely be resident but president over all their actions . ibid. no cloth takes such deepe tincture , as the cloth of honour . ibid. no pleasure can be constant , unlesse it afford inward content . ibid. there is nothing asperseth a deeper staine upon the cloth of honour , than too much attention unto sycophants . ibid. soveraigne receipts against the poison of flattery ; with a serious exhortation to the entertainement of humility , patience , constancy , and every generous vertue . ibid. & violets , though they grow low and neare the earth , smell sweetest : and honour appeares the fullest of beauty , when shee is humblest . ibid. honour , if truly grounded , can looke in the face of terrour , and never be amated . pag. she that makes vertue her object , cannot but make every earthly thing her subject . ibid. honours imprezza and pasture . ibid. honours compleat armour , dresse , and portraiture . ibid. her description , with motives to her imitation . ibid. a briefe but usefull application . ibid. honourable personages should be presidents of goodnesse . ibid. landmarkes are usually erected for direction of the mariner , and magistrates elected for instruction of the inferiour . ibid. the world , a maze of misery , a vale of vanity . pag. man , a story of calamity , a statue of infelicity . pag. to be a lady of honour , is more than titular . ibid. three especiall objects , upon which honourable personages are to reflect : charitie . pag. ibid. chastitie . pag. ibid. humilitie . pag. ibid. a most accurate and serious discourse on each particular object . pag. , & the very last day to an honourable christian , is every dayes memoriall . ibid. the actions of noble personages , like sweet odours , diffuse themselves by imitation to their followers . pag. those that are followers of their persons , will bee followers likewise of their lives . ibid. their private family is a familiar nursery . ibid. foule enormities must admit of no priviledges : eminent persons are to be their owne censors . ibid. an excellent application , by way of exhortation to all such honourable censors . ibid. vertues are more permanent monuments , than statues , styles , trophees , or obeliskes . ibid. vertue or vice , whethersoever takes hold first , reteines a deeper impression in honour , than any lower subject . ibid. in these , whom nobility of bloud hath advanced , be ever some seeds or semblances of their progenitors reteined . ibid. this confirmed by philosophicall reason and example ; president and precept . pag. great mindes are many times sicke of great maladies : how this by timely prevention may be seasonably cured . ibid. the efficient cause , why vertue or vice , whethersoever takes hold first , reteines a deeper impression in honour , than in any lower subject ; illustrated by instance . ibid. first motions have deepe impressions ; first notions firme retentions . pag. the greatest profit of honourable personages , is to become proficients in the practice of vertue ; their highest delight , to subdue their delights to the obedience of reason , for the love of vertue . ibid. the corruption of time hath introduc'd that deformity of fashion , as it asperseth on our formall imitators much imputation . ibid. where youth is initiated in affectation of state , it partakes in age of too much pride . ibid. the humour , temper , and danger of our tame-beasts , or state-parasites . ibid. a reservancy of state in pace , face , & every posture , recommended by an insinuating faune , to a phantasticke gallant . ibid. sycophancy the ruine of many a noble family . ibid. an election of honest and discreet followers . ibid. gentlewomens lives , as they are lives to themselves , so should they bee lights unto others . ibid. for popular honour , vice will but varnish it ; it is vertue that will richly enammell it . singular motives to mortification . pag. that vertue may receive the first impression , by meanes of an in-bred noble disposition , seconded by helpes of education . ibid. a pleasant epigram alluding to all humerous ladies . marg. pag. ibid. a choice recollection and expression of such vertues as sort and suit with the condition of our noblest ladies : with cautions to attemper them in all extreames : by an usefull reflection upon all the senses ; and those commanding passions , which domineere most over the senses . ibid. & a singular meditation for recollection of our affections . pag. & . vice throwes her aspersions o● no subject , so much as on honour . ibid a fruitfull application to all young gentlewomen , for regulating their dispositions , and bow to make them true inheritrices of honour . ibid. vertue reduced to habit , aspires to perfection . pag. there is nothing under heaven , that can satisfie a soule created for heaven . ibid. exquisite directions for virgins , wives , and widowes . ibid. & we are to esteeme no life sweeter , than when every day improves us and makes us better . ibid. a divine contemplation , reflecting upon our mutabilitie on earth , our immortality in heaven . ibid. & a review of our ladies court and citty solace . ibid. recreations run a maze , while they lay their scene of mirth on earth . ibid. a twofold consideration full of sweet and select consolation . ibid. how happy many eminent personages had beene , had they never beene taken with this shadow of happinesse . ibid. no passage to the temple of * honour , but through the temple of vertue . * honor virtutis praemium ; virtus honoris pretium . ibid. if gentlewomen desire to be great , let it be their height of ambition to aspire to honour in the court of vertue . ibid. what a brave salique state shall gentlewomen enjoy , when vigilancy becomes warden of their cinque ports ? pag. perseverance is the crowne of goodnesse . ibid. a constant resolution , the diadem of a christian in her dissolution . ibid. a character , entituled ; a gentlewoman ; wherein such an one is described , whose desert answeres her descent ; whose actions truely ennoble her selfe : with a briefe touch or review of all his observations ; which are showne to bee objects of her love , improvements of her life . an appendix , upon a former supposed impression of this title ; wherein the authors feares are suggested , discussed , and resolved : and his compleat english gentlewoman to as compleat a gentleman espoused . where they rejoyce , like two tender turtles , in their mutuall triumph of love and honour , joyntly combined . finis . what may be wish'd in widow , wife or maid , is in our frontispice to life portraid : who seekes for more , may thus much understand , shee takes that feature from an higher hand . vpon the errata . to describe an english gentlevvoman without an error , were a glozing palpable error ; and to free her more than an english gentleman of error , were to incurre a prejudicate censure . of both which , without farther apologie , the presse hath sav'd me a labour : yet reflect upon the weakenesse of her sexe , ( whose purest selfe dignifies her sexe ) and the subject will injoyne thee to hold it thine highest honour , to salve her error with an ingenuous candor . so maist thou vindicate the author , and by beeing a vertuous lover , gaine a most deserving mistresses favour . prelum . crimen authores patiuntur omnes . praelium . typus . crimen authores patiuntur omnes . cippus . errata in the english gentlewoman . page . line . for eber , read ebor. pag. . l. . f. mortality , r. morality . pag. . l. . f. balcone , r. belcone . pag. . l. ult . f. and , r. an . pag. . l. . f. anacrons , r. anacreons . pag. . l. . f. phavorius , r. phavorinus . pag. . l. . f. strinks , r. shrinks . had woman , mans choyce succour , ne're beene sinner , pure as shee 's faire , shee 'd had no error in her : now , humble soule , her error to descrye , shee still reteines the apple in her eye . a ladies love-lectvre : composed , and from the choicest flowers of divinitie and humanitie culled , and compiled : as it hath beene by sundry personages of eminent qualitie , upon sight of some copies dispersed , modestly importuned : to the memory of that sexes honour ; for whose sweet sakes he originally addressed this labour . by ri. brathvvait esquire . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . london , printed by iohn davvson , . to that absolvte owner and honovr of discreet fancy , mris . elizabeth westby . mistris , receive here with a booke , the reall abstract of your selfe . for in it , when you have read it , do but converse with your owne thoughts , and you shall finde your selfe portrayed . phidias could never with all his art , present a master-peece of such beautie , as vertue can doe in drawing her line , & bestowing on it a modest blush to enliven fancie . these idaea's are englands cynthia's . you were sometimes pleased to peruse your selfe shadowed in my elegiack poem ; require this for a more lasting and living embleme . now , as to wish you what you already have , i neede not : so to wish you more then you already have , i cannot : unlesse some new choice might accomplish his happinesse that should attaine it . goodnesse is such a dower , as no maid can bring with her a better portion ; nor no widow enfeffe herself in a fairer iointure . may you ever shine in these , which make a woman most eminent : while you leave me infinitely joying in enjoying the title of your affectionate servant , ri. brathvvait . the stationer to the reader . at the instancy of sundry persons of qualitie , to my knowledge , was this our author induced to publish this epitome ; extracted from the choicest flowers of fancie : but in such a compendious method and manner , as it may abide the test of the severest censor ; seeing all such light passages , taking life from the too loose pens of ariosto , tasso , baccace , rheginus , alcaeus , &c. are here omitted : lest the modest eares of those beauties , at whose request and to whose bequest this epitome or love-enlectured lady , was addressed , might be offended by such affected levitie . entertaine it as thou shalt reape profit by it : farewell . a ladies love-lectvre : stored with all varietie of ingenious moralitie : extracted from the choicest flowers of philosophie , poesie , ancient and moderne history . and now published at the instancy of sundry persons of qualitie . ovos conspicui lumina phoebi . the excellency of women in their creation . section i. howsoever that divine plato , whose very infancy presaged many faire expressions of his future maturity ; definitely professed , that he had , amongst many other blessings which the gods had bestowed on him , greatest cause of all others to give them thankes for three things : first was , for that they had made him a reasonable creature , and no beast : second was , for civilizing him a grecian , and no barbarian : thirdly , in making him a man , and no woman : yet did hee sometimes ingenuously confesse the necessitie of them in winding up all his humane felicitie in these foure particulars ; so i may have ( said he ) eyes to reade , my mind to conceive what i reade , my memory to conserve what i have conceived and read , and a woman to serve me at my neede ; should adversitie assaile me , it should not foile me ; should an immerited disgrace lye heavy on me , it should not amate me ; should my endeared friends forsake me , by enjoying my selfe thus in mine owne family ; i should laugh at the braves of fortune ; account reproach my repute : and partake in the free societie of so sweet and select a friend within me , as no cloud without mee could perplex me . here was a brave philosophicall resolution ! he could see nought on earth , that could divert his thoughts from the contemplation of heaven ; provided , that he enjoyed that on earth , which made his earth seeme a second heaven . some are of opinion , indeede , that hee had perused the mosaicall law , and that he bestowed much time in it , during his reside with his deare friend phocion in cilicia . no marvaile then , if he found there the excellency of their creation : with their primary office or designation . being made helpes for man : and so intimate to man , as she tooke her mould from man , as man his modell from mold . yea , but she was made of a rib , will some say , and that implide a crooked condition . no ; but rather thus , a rib is bending , which presupposed her pliable disposition . and if that ancient philosophicall maxim hold good : " that the temperature of the soule followes the temperature of the body ; we must necessarily conclude , that , as their outward temperature and composure is more delicate : so their inward affections must be more purely refined . no violent passion so predominant , which their mild temper cannot moderate ; provided , that they be seasoned with grace , which makes them proficients in all spirituall growth . for a quicke unsanctified wit is a meere pery for the divell : whereas witts accompanied with humilitie , make their privatest soliloquies to converse with actions of glory . these , and onely these reteine in memory the object and end of their creation . and as those affectionate sabines call'd their wives their penates , their houshold gods , through that incomparable comfort they conceived in them , and benefits they derived from them : so are these domi-portae , damae-portae , delitiae horti , as that witty epigrammatist was sometimes pleased to enstile them , the choicest sociates of humane solace : so as ; if the world were to be held a wildernesse without societie , it might justly despaire of that comfort without their company . whence it is , that the wise man concludeth ; without a woman would the house mourne . when that delphick oracle had told that flourishing and ▪ victorious state ; that her many triumphes and trophies should not secure her ; nor her numerous ports so enrich her ; nor that confidence she reposed in her powerfull allyes priviledge her : for the very beautifull'st city she had , her sole magnificent metropolis , whose present glory aspired to the clouds , should labour of her owne providence , and interre her honour in the dust ; if they did not by sprinkling the purest dust that earth could afford , upon their prophaned altars , expiate her guilt , and appease their wrath . a strong and serious consultation being forthwith taken ; they advised amongst themselves which might be the purest and most precious dust ; but so many men , so many mindes . for the earth-worme , who made gold his god , and that dust his deitie : held none to be purer then the soile or dust of gold . others held , that none was purer then the dust of that copper whereof the athenians had made the pictures of the two tyrants , armodius and aristogyton : because their death gave life to the state ; their dust recovered their countries fame . others held ebonie , because the most continuate monument of humane memory , and monumentall embleme of his mortalitie . others held ivorie , because an emblematicall mettall of puritie . while one , whose opinion was delivered last , though his judgement appeared best , freely imparted himselfe to them , taxing them all of errour . for , saith he , it is not the pouder , dust or ashes of any materiall shrine that can be possibly any way propitious to the gods : as the enormitie of our losses hath incensed them , so must the ashes of some living sacrifice appease them . my opinion then is positively this : the ashes of some undefiled virgin must be sprinkled on their altar , if we meane to preserve our state and honour . this experience hath confirmed long since so highly usefull , as wee may reade what eminent states had perished ; how their glory had been to dust reduced ; nay , their very names in oblivion closed , and with dishonour cloathed , had not the fury of the incensed gods beene pacified , and by offertories of this nature attoned . this might be instanced in those sacrifices of iphigenia , hesyone , mariana , with many others : whose living memory raysed it selfe from dust , in so free and voluntary offering themselves to the stake , to deliver their endanger'd state ; confirming their country-love with the losse of their dearest life . search then no further , yee conscript fathers , how to appease their wrath ; virgin ashes cannot but be the purest dust of earth . whose sacred vowes , as they are dedicated to vesta , who cannot admit her temple to be prophaned by any impure touch : so ha's shee conferred such an excellent priviledge on a virgin state ; as the fierce untamed vnicorne , when nothing can bring him to subjection , nor attemper the madding fury of his disposition : as if he had quite put off his nature , and assumed another temper , he will be content mildly to sleepe in the lap of a virgin ; and in eying her , allay his passion . with joynt voyce and vote all the ephori inclined to his opinion : which so well appeased those divine furies , as their state , before by the oracle so highly menaced , became secured ; their altars , which were before prophaned , purged : and those pollutions , whereof their city laboured , clearely expiated . these poeticall fictions , though they easily passe by the eare , yet they convey by a morall application , an emphaticall impression to the heart . for hence might be divinely concluded : there is nothing comparably precious to a continent soule : nothing of so pure nor pretious esteeme , as a virgin state . and that a woman , being the weaker vessell , when shee either in her virgin-condition remaines constant , or in her conjugall state loyall , she so much more inlargeth her glory , as her sex or condition partakes more of frailtie . but to divert from these ; eye her in the excellency of her creation you shall finde her in her qualitie , an helper ; in her societie , a comforter ; in the perplexities of her consort , a counsellour ; and in all these , a sharer . had her beautie no other imbellishment , it were a moving object to entertaine a loving consort : but when inward ornaments accomplish that beautie , what a sweet perpetuall harmony runnes descant on their societie ? this makes a private family an earthly paradise . no frayes within , no feares without : no illimited passion raging either within or without . the reason is , she discreetly considers for what end she was created : and addresseth the whole course of her affaires to accomplish that for which she was created . in eying her selfe in the glasse , she admires not her owne beautie ; but his goodnesse , who bestowed on her so gracefull an image of fancy not to winne others unto lightnesse , but to waine others by her example from the pathes of loosenesse ; and by her patterne of pietie , decline them from vanitie , by chalking them forth a way to conduct them to happinesse . section ii. their imitable vertues , illustrated with examples . no discourse more prevalent to goodnesse , then what is illustrated by examples . on darke nights the least starre shewes her glory : which if it darted forth his lustre by day , would not be discovered so easily . then is goodnesse most improved , when the indisposition of the time does least approve it . those foure cardinall vertues , whereon all others have and hold a necessary dependance ; are compared by that devout and divine father , saint ambrose , to those foure rivers which issued from the foure borders of the garden of paradise : and of these imitable vertues , wee shall finde women such incomparable professours , as their actions deserve imitation and admiration . how prudently did artemisia and zenobia , thomyris and penthisilea demeane themselves in the mannagement of their affaires whether publique or private ! they might worthily take up the saying of that discreet contemplative roman : " they were never lesse alone , then when alone . for these when they were left to themselves , they were not left eyther lesse fear'd or lov'd . these held up their states so wisely ; disposed of their counsells so discreetly ; governed their people with feare and love so equally : mannaging all their actions with those prudentiall grounds of policie ; as their allyes lov'd them , their enemies fear'd them : none about them , but did honour them , desiring nothing more then to enter into a firme and inviolable league with them . so just likewise they were in all affaires of judicature ; that if those dayes were accounted happy wherein basill the emperour of constantinople lived ( and worthily might they be so esteemed ) for that whensoever hee came to his judgement seate , he neither found partie to accuse , nor defendant to answer : no lesse memorable were those halcyon daies of theirs ; when litigious appellants were so handled , that if they commenced any suite without just ground , they were to pay to the defendant double costs , to the publique state a mulct , and receive a personall disgrace : being disabled ever after to beare any publique office , or be imployed in any military or civill state-service . worthy indeede , of high commendations was the answer of that invincible alexander to his mother , who transported with passion ( as what humane condition but subject to such affections ) being desirous to execute an innocent harmelesse man , the better to prevaile with him , and the more impressively to worke on him , remembred him that herselfe for the space of nine moneths had carried him in her wombe , fed him with the substance of her selfe , and for that reason he must not say her nay . aske ( saith he ) good mother , some other gift of me : the losse of a mans life can be recompenced with no benefit . and no lesse wisely did the emperesse admonish her husband ; when , without ever examining or discussing the qualitie of the crime , he was ready to pronounce the judgement of death upon a delinquent ; who , for ought he knew , might appeare innocent . o , quoth she , leave your game at tables , and looke into the tables of moses , and you will finde how unjust it is to execute before you examine , to condemne before you advise . so temperate too , were many eminent women both ancient and moderne , as they dis-relished nothing more than inconsiderate passion . that discreete and well-composed speech of architas is much commended , who being angry with one of his hindes , said , o how would i have beaten thee , had i not beene angry with thee ! and no lesse deserving approvement was that noble ladies assertion : " so farre aliened hitherto have my thoughts beene from any predominant distemper , as i have chused rather to give way unto death ; then an indiscreet anger . whence it was , that noble biscoy , no lesse happy in his wives vertues , then his many victories ; avouched : that though he had foiled all his assailants , he could never yet foile his wives patience . whereas , that girle was quit of all other humour , whom , when her husband found her one day , all off th' hinges ; demanded of her , what had displeased her ? answered , because she saw nothing that could displease her . what excellent tempers many of their sex have showne , if wee would insist on examples , or enlarge our discourse with varietie of instances ; we might finde both our greeke and roman annals stored with such choice and select flowers , as we should more easily finde arguments of admiration than imitation . for many of these acted the parts of rare philosophers : knowing how to be silent in prosperitie , patient in adversitie , in neither of these to shew a distemper'd qualitie ; in either of these to expresse motive arguments of philosophie . in their discourse , they could argue without bitternesse ; in their habit , goe neately without nicenesse ; in the whole mannage of their affaires , live purely without affectednesse . tell me , sayes one , with whom thou conversest , and i will tell thee who thou art . this made them cautious with whom they consorted ; lest others conversation might make them suspected . those light examples of iulia , posthumia , and semphronia deterred them from conversing with any that might corrupt them . these had not onely perused but practised that arabian proverbe : " to shut their five windowes , that their house might give light . these windowes were their senses ; which , when they become most opened , the house of the mind becomes most darkened . these therefore , must be closed , that their inner house may be cleared . and this hath our christian philosophie in an exacter manner and fuller measure taught us : as fire and water will not sort well together : no more will heavenly and earthly delights ever strike in one harbour . these have drawne their resolutions to this period , and happy they in so glorious period : if the flames of hell were on the one side , and sinne on the other side , they would rather lie in those flames then sinne . nor have their sex showne lesse excellence in their fortitude of spirit : preferring their fame before life ; their honour before the utmost extreames of death , danger or disaster . this that epicaria , a romane libertine , and a vindicator of romes liberty ; this that leaena , that couragious revenger of hippeas tyranny confirmed ; when no torments could amate them ; no objects of terrour or torture amaze them : when the one chus'd rather to spit out her tongue , then spite her countrey by disclosing the revengers of her wrong ; the other to be torne by wilde beasts , then make that tender bosome of her native countrey , a receipt for tame beasts . here were virile spirits cloathed with womanly habits . their mindes were better composed , then to give way to an effeminate passion , when they beheld their indeared countrey suffer in her reputation . thus did their noble sex shew prudence without singularitie ; iustice without partialitie ; temperance with modestie ; fortitude in those amicable expressions to their countrey . section iii. their moderation of passion . although we have discoursed of this subject before , in our treaty of temperance : yet to amplifie this point ; wee shall finde , that there is no passion , whereto by reason of our humane frailtie we are most inclined , which we shall not observe by imitable mirrors of this sex to be strangely attempered , nay subdued . and first , to begin with what worketh strongliest upon our weake conditions : revenge ; which may reflect , by a proper and genuine division upon these three distinct objects , life , fame , fortunes . for the first , how bravely could that noble spartan lady , when she was staged upon the scaffold , to receive the stroke of death , becken to her injurious accuser ; with a mild and gracefull aspect advertise him of the wrongs he had done her : wishing him to lay his hand on his heart , and make his peace seasonably with the gods ! for my life , quoth shee , as it is of little use to the state , so i lesse prize it in regard i can benefit my country smally by it . trust me , i pitty more the indangering of your inward peace , then the losse of my life . this may be redeemed by an elysian freedome ; yours never to be prevented but by perpetuall sorrowing . indeede i lose my friends , but these are without me . but you should have a nearer friend within you , from whose sweet amitie and amiable familiaritie if you should once sever , ( heare the last breathing words of a dying woman ) you are lost for ever . so easily did she remit that wrong which cost her life . with what moderation did that triumphant thomyris beare the death of her sonne ! a feminine passion could not extract from her well-tempered eyes one teare : nor from her resolved heart one sigh . she knowes how to shadow passion with a cloud ; and immaske the designe of a future revenge with the whitest vaile . she chuseth rather to perish in her selfe , then doe ought unworthy of herselfe . she could put on a countenance of content , when she heard how her sonne had paid to nature her debt , though in a reflexion to his youth , before his time . i was his mother , and hee is now returned to her , who is mother to us both . if i lov'd him too much while he lived with me , i will make satisfaction for that errour , by bemoaning his losse the lesse , now when hee has left mee . but i finde her moderation in this object , amongst all others most imparallel'd ; which i the rather here insert , because she was a rare phoenix both in our time and clime : a woman nobly descended , richly endowed , which by her practise of pietie and workes of mercy became highly improved . she , when she understood how passionately and disconsolately her noble husband tooke the death of his daughter whom hee infinitely loved ; ( for her promising infancy gave apparent arguments of succeeding maturitie : ( made it one of her constant'st taskes to allay his passion ; and by playing the part of a faithfull and discreet consort , expostulates with the grounds of his immoderate sorrow in this manner : how is it sir , that your wisedome should thus forget it selfe ? is it any newer thing to dye then to be borne ? are we here placed to survive fate ? or here planted to pleade a priviledge against death ? is our daughter gone to any other place , then where all our predecessours have gone to ? yea , but you will say , she dy'd in her blooming youth ; before the infirmities of a decrepit age came upon her ! the more was shee bound to her maker . the fewer her yeares , the lesser her cares , the fewer her teares . take upon you then something more of man ; and partake lesse of woman . these comforts which i make bold to apply to you , might be more seemingly derived to me by you . to grieve for that which is remedilesse , argues weakenesse ; and not to prevent what admits a probabilitie of cure , implies carelesnesse . let us neither be too effeminatly weake in the one ; nor too securely remisse in the other : so may wee cure the one with patience , and redeeme the other by a timely diligence . for the next object reflecting upon their fame : nicetas sayes plainely , no punishment so grievous as shame . and nazianzen yet more expressely ; better were a man dye right-out , than still live in reproach and shame . ajax being ready to dispatch himselfe , used these as his last words ; no griefe doth so cut the heart of a generous and magnanimous spirit , as shame and reproach . for a man to live or dye is naturall : but for a man to live in shame and contempt , and to be made a laughing-stocke of his enemies , is such a matter as no well-bred and noble-minded man , that hath any courage or stomacke in him , can ever digest it . and yet bravely-spirited leonida , sleighted those assailants of her fame with no lesse dis-respect then her foes sought to blemish it . i am more confident of my fame , said she , then to suspect how any light tongue should impeach it . nor was that vertuous clareana lesse resolute , who directing her speech to her accusers ; told them ; her fame was so farre distanced beyond the reach of their impeaching ; as it ingenuously pittied the weakenesse of their detraction . this confirmed the resolution of that noble patron ; who occasionally used these words in a grave and great assembly : no womans fame could priviledge it selfe from a dangerous ●aint , if it were in hazard to suffer or lose it selfe by a poysonous tongue . for the last but least , which is fortune : many heroicke spirits have we had of this sex , who so farre dis-esteemed this outward rinde , ( for no other title would they daigne to bestow on it ) as one of them freely professed : " what matter is it , whether i be rich or poore , so my minde be pure ? and these instances are not so rare , but we may finde another of the same sex , to second so vertuous and accomplished a sister . the poorest thing on earth , is to suffer ones enlivened thoughts to be fixt on earth . and we have a third to make up a consort . she is of a weake command , who submits her thoughts to the command of fortune . and this a quaternion of brave resolved spirits expressed , in delivering the noblenesse of their thoughts in these proper imprezes ; which with their diamonds they left writ in the panes of their owne chamber windowes : the device of the first was this : it is not in the power of fate , to weaken a contented state . and the second scornes to fall short of her resolution : fortune may sundry engines finde , but none to raze a noble minde . the third in contempt of fortune , inlargeth this subject : should fortune me distresse , my minde would be no lesse . the fourth , to shew her affection true toutch , attests her constancy in this : fate may remove life , but not love . thus have we showne their spritely tempers in their contempt of all oppositions that might assaile or assault them : life they sleighted , being in competition with honour . fame , though it was too high a prize to lose , yet being not conscious to themselves of any staine , they neglected with a gracefull scorne the irregular libertie of a loose tongue . and for fortunes , they stood so indifferent , as they held content their crowne ; and that crowne the absolutest imbellishment of an infranchis'd mind . section iiii. their continency in assaults . noble spirits cannot chuse but preferre that most , which incomparably adornes them most . though the case give an outward beautie to the instrument ; yet it is the instrument gives the harmony to the case , or all were out of case . now if creatures , who never were indowed with reason : and whose highest desires confined themselves to sense , so much abhorred a communitie in the use of their sex , or an incestuous commixture of seed in their generations of one kind : how much more , those , who have captivated their sense to reason , and knowne what it was to give reines to unbounded libertie ; or slave their inward freedome to the weakely recompenc'd service of vanity ? for man , who as he is the noblest creature , and accomplish'd best with those choicest ornaments of grace to beautifie so princely a feature : so is he to discover some impressions of the dignitie of his nature , by living so on earth , as after earth hee may live for ever . o how hatefull it is , for a beast to be liker man , then man to himselfe ! for beast to partake of man , while man partakes no lesse of beast ! lust , saies that ambrosian father , is detestable to brute beasts and savages . the loving turtle forsakes her laune , and dis-esteemes life , when she has lost her love . on no greene branch will she perch ; no cheerefull ayre will she breath ; no new confort will she entertaine . a retired melancholy is her affected melody : privacy is her mansion ; remotest shades close best with her disposition . the porphyrio , or purple cout , cannot endure to repaire to his nest , after that he findes it stained with an adulterous foote : yet so loving is hee to his owne , as he scornes to take any unworthy revenge of his make , but by an incessant passion of continued griefe , to weave out the web of his woes , and so dispatch himselfe . it is reported of the camell , that they usually hood-winke him , when at any time they bring his mother unto him : which act ( observe this incestuous hate ) he no sooner knowes , then he tramples her under his feete , and kickes her to death with his heeles . so egregiously hatefull is incest , even to brute beasts , whose native instinct abhorres such obscene commixtures . nay , to present to your eyes the spleenefull disposition of some creatures ; who , to revenge their abused loves , have reteined a memory above their qualitie , to expedite their intended tragedy . this might be instanced in that memorable example of crathis ; who dwelling in the towne of sybaris , so monstrously , and unnaturally raged in the heate of immoderate lust ; as on a time neglecting all humanitie , to extinguish the violent flames of his bestiall affection , came to a she-goate , and coupled with her : which , the he-goate as one seeing , yet reserving revenge for a fitter time , found the said crathis one day fast asleepe : upon presentment of which opportunitie , to revenge the injury of his corrupted love , and revenge the horrour of his detested lust , hee presently fell upon him , and mall'd him to death with his hornes . by these , you shall collect , how myrrha never lookes better , then when mya stands beside her : and how the preciousest gems shew ever in the darkest places their fairest lustre . ladies we have here , who are so farre from a light assent , as they scorne to admit a weake assault : which confirmes the judgement of that nobly-accomplish'd , though unfortunate gentleman : in part to blame is she that has beene tride , he comes too neare , that comes to be denide . this that noble minded lady armenia expressed ; who being solemnly invited to king cyrus wedding , went thither with her husband . at night when those royall rites had beene solemnized , and they returned , her husband asked her , how she liked the bridegroome , whether upon perusall of him she thought him to be a faire and beautifull prince or no ? truth , sayes she , i know not : for all the while i was forth , i cast mine eyes upon none other , but upon thy selfe . those receiving portells of her senses , were shut against all forreigne intruders : shee had made a morall league with her loyall eyes , to fix on no unlawfull beautie ; lest her surprized eye might ingage her to folly . nor could these hold it to stand with their repute , either to heare , or conceive ought that might worthily trench upon their husbands fame , or redound to his reproach . one of hiero's enemies , finding nothing else in him , whereby he might revile him , or asperse disgrace upon him ; reproaching him with a stinking breath : went home and questioned his wife why she told him not thereof ? who answered , she thought all men had the like savour . this confirmes that maxim of divine plato : the lover is ever blinded with affection towards his beloved . but to enlighten the beautie of this subject with one exquisite and imparallel'd example , for all ; bestow your eyes upon chiomara , wife of orgiagon , a petty king of that province , upon discomfiture of the gallo-gracians , being ravished by a roman captaine , gave a memorable patterne of conjugall vertue , and sponsall continency : for she cut off the fellowes head from his shoulders , and escaping from her guard , brought it to her lord and husband . we might enlarge this discourse by illustrious examples derived from the continence of those dalmatian and sabine ladies : who preferred their honour before life ; holding nothing in more contempt then loose love . that princely care which darius wife and his daughters had to preserve their highly-valued honour : and how much their care was cherished by that universall conquerour . and though youth matched with age , oft-times begets distracted thoughts , yet might we produce instances , not onely in the survey of forraigne states ; but even within our native borders : how fresh-blooming youth , unequally affianced to hoary age , has borne it selfe so free from scandall , that , though they might professe themselves vestall virgins at the funerall of their husbands ; yet so cautious were they to decline shame , as their modest thoughts scorned to incline to a prohibited embrace of sinne . albeit , i must ever cloze in opinion with the poet : there 's nothing does more dully move in fancies orbe , then aged love . age then , with an ingenuous acknowledgement of his owne strength , should not fully such prime redolent blossomes with an earthy touch . yet if old age must doat ( as 't is too common ) that age suits better with the man then woman . thus have you heard how continent this weaker sex has beene in their assaults : how constant in their resolves : how ready to encounter with the extreames of death and danger , rather then impaune that incomparable gage of their honour . love was the line by which they were directed ; fame the ayme to which they aspired : and honour the centre wherein they closed . section v. their modesty in count'nance , habit , and expression of affection . it is true ; " nothing deserves lesse credit then the looke . yet in candid and ingenuous natures , it appeares much otherwise . for these cannot disguise their count'nance with a counterfeit appearance . these are they , who make their face an index to their mind . they cannot walke in the clouds with tibur●ia : nor adulterate their cheekes with a false blush ; nor cast forth taking lures from their eyes . these are what they seeme : and , as to seeme lesse then they are ; would tax them of weakenesse : so to seeme more then they are ; would evince them of arrogance . to avoide then these two hazzards : they desire to have their thoughts legible in their eyes . these be farre distanced from the conceit of that wanton : who , with a presuming confidence affirmed : that she could catch more with her eyes , then others could with their embraces . but such as these , are such profest traders in the merchandize of honour ; as they merit no esteeme in the eye of goodnesse : for as these cloath their actions with habiliments of splendid sinne : so they close , for most part , their light spun scene with apparent shame . these then , we resolve to leave behind us : addressing our penne to such vertuous patternes as are rank'd before us : and such , whose modest countenance scornes to entertaine the least acquaintance , either with scorne or too much smoothnesse ; lest the one might imply pride , the other lightnesse . these cannot endure to partake of their despicable condition , who can shew an open-house , but reteine a shut count'nance . they have hospitalitie in the one , as well as the other : and to a vertuous lover , have ever in readinesse a prepared harbour . i cannot remember , said that modest matron ; that i have suffer'd mine eyes to stray from me : nor to hunt after forreine suiters , to bring them home to me . i have not ey'd that face , since i was married , which could either so take me , as to preferre it before his , who had best title to me ; nor so delude me , as to beget in my thoughts a glowing fancy ; and so corrupt me , by admiring a strange beauty . no doubt , but that princely surveyor of his daughters dispositions , augustus ; could gather well enough by iulias light lookes , as well as her loose consorts , what received freest entertainment in her heart : as hee might , to his comfort , collect what vertuous thoughts accompanied his livia , by observing those staid lookes and modest countenance , which bestow'd an incomparable addition on her virgin beauty . pietie , as it receives scandall from the countenance ; and chastity treason from the eye , by conveying trecherous thoughts to the heart : so modesty runs many times on hazzard by the outward habit . all gorgeous attire is held the attire of sin . being such as is either worne above our ranke ; or by a garish and phantastick effeminacy , to introduce that broad spreading tetter of vanity , or loosenes of folly into the state. that simple old woman , belulled with a sleepy zeale , had a minde to goe to 'th church , purposely to take a nap : and many of our daintie ones , desire nothing more , then to goe to the temple , to present to a deluded eye a new dresse . o the phrensie of humane vanitie , when the sanctuary cannot plead priviledge from this selfe admiring idolatry ! it is a true position ; as to lust makes one a sinner , so he falls into the same list who has a desire to be lusted after . modesty then , as it is the decent'st dresse for a virgin , much more for a reverend matron ; whose demure looke ; unaffected gate ; civill habit should returne a president unto others ; how to conforme themselves to the time without affectation : and how to demeane themselves in the whole progresse of their life , as may deserve a vertuous imitation . these , as they reteine a loyall heart : so they affect a civill habit . they have no lures for light eyes . these mould their course to the example of that religious-noble widow : who , after the death of her truly honour'd and endeared lord , could neither in the habit of her person ; nor furniture of her chamber , admit of any other colour , but the sable livery of a mourner . and being one day demanded by a compleate courtier ; whose sense consisted most in sent , why shee would not put off that sullen-cloudy habit ; seeing it was high time for her rather to thinke of a new choice , then still to confine herselfe to that disconsolate recluse . o sir , replyed she , though my husbands funeralls were long since solemnized on earth : yet shall they be ever in solemnizing with me so long as i am on earth . this habit , me thinkes , so infinitely becomes me ; as i should not looke like my selfe should i put any other on me . neither can i hold this funerall roome a disconsolate recluse , as you please to stile it : for , trust me sir , i conceive more absolute comfort in it , by remembring his person whom sometimes i enjoyed in it : then if all that various affluence of your courtly pleasures should accompany it ; for by inthralling my selfe to these , i should become lesse my selfe , by depriving my widow-thoughts of those soule-solacing soliloquies , and sweet aspirations i enjoy in it . excellent was the answer of that heroick stranger ; who being asked why she addressed not herself to the habit of our countrey : because , quoth she , i can finde no constancy in the habit of your countrey : you affect forraigne fashions so much , as it implies you dis-affect your owne : why should i then accommodate my selfe to yours , who have none of your owne ? the way then to preserve opinion is , in our choice of habit , to admire no selfe-affected fashion . we have choicer ornaments to beautifie us , then those whose outward splendour highly detracts from that inward beauty which should truly accomplish us . now , in our expression of affection ; which requires a great measure of discretion ; we shall finde a rare temperance in the feminine sex. these could shadow their reserved loves with a discreet secrecy : and with an absolute command of what soveraignizeth most over that sex , decline apparent grounds of jealousie . that modest mytilene confidently maintain'd : that she had rather cease to live , then surcease to love : yet would she rather in exile live , then discover her exil'd love . it argues , indeed , a modest policy , to reserve our affections to our selves ; yet not so long , as to deprive us of the meanes to enjoy those whom we love equally as our selves . delay gives way to corrivalls : fabius maximus , indeed , wonne by delaying , but delay seldome speeds so well in our assay of loving : and yet , to see a declining chrone , who had liv'd long enough to number her dayes ; and whose aged furrowes had return'd a numerous arithmeticke of expended yeares ; play the wanton in a love-sicke expression , could not chuse but beget more sensible motives of derision then affection . this suites well with that old prediction : when age casts her slough , and takes on her youth , when old chrones breed young bones and are swelling , th' antipodes here , and we to their sphere , must both in a yeare change our dwelling . there be other inducements too , which are of force to re-tardate affection : and these are such holding remora's , as wee cannot possibly saile fairely , nor arrive safely , nor partake the f●uition of our hopes freely , nor enjoy our freedome fully , so long as these distance us from the object of our fancy . i would be , said that discreet lover , individually ti'd to thee , but that one tie divides me from thee . and what was this , but that lineall tie of consanguinitie , which restrained them from the tie of conjugall fancie ? this legall tie of honour , that amorist more elegantly expressed in this manner : had you the beautie of helena , the presence of cleopatra , the spirit of penthisilea , those endowments of zenobia , those fortunes of nicaula , the majestie of sophonisba , those melting kisses , moving embraces of myrrha ; and that my owne fancy should make choice of you for my bride , yet have we● a mother that would forbid the banes . that sacred bond of the church , divided him from his choice . love must hold a distance , where devotion will not admit of the allyance . in this expression of affection ; what may seeme boldnesse in the woman ; may comply well with the qualitie of the man. if there were bashfulnesse on both sides , love might hold a perpetuall progresse , and to her palace of pleasure , never be admitted to have accesse . yet to veile both with more modesty , and phidias-like , draw a more artfull curtaine to shroud fancy with more reserved privacy ; lovers use to supply this expression with the office of their pen : which , as it cannot blush , so it can usually more amply inlarge it selfe by writing ; then the perplexed secretary may in modesty doe by discoursing . and to returne a president of this ( because subjects of this nature are best graced , when grounded on examples ) i shall here propose the conceit of one , who both for state , stile and subject may well deserve , not onely your approbation but imitation in this kind . lines used to be those lights , which gave direction and accesse to the seat of love . but where constancy of affection seconds a profession of zeale ; that mistresse was accompted too remorselesse ; who entertained not his suite with a promising smile , and confirmed not that smile with a pleasing consent . honours , fortunes , all , have beene already prostrate . your selfe made the sole object , without the least reflex to any by-respect . nothing could be proposed , that might render you satisfaction , which was not embraced with a firme and loyall affection . to close with your desires , was the crowne of my content . this was my highest ambition . for , had present fortunes power to have withdrawne me , or possibilitie to have over-wrought me , or the faire and free tenders of powerfull allyes to have prevailed with me ▪ beleeve it , dearest , i might long before this time have fixed and planted my choice on an object of fancy : but how selectly and sincerely i have reserved my selfe for you , since those ample demonstrances of that gracefull and affectionate favour received from you , i will appeale to any candid or equall relatour in the world . o spin then no longer time ! mutuall be our consents , as they expect mutually immutable joyes . tell me , deare one , were it not better to be fixt then daily removing ? fix on your owne condition . though your affable and humble nature , which highly improves your honour , may beget in you this incomparable temper ; if you would please but to recollect your discreeter and more compose● thoughts , you should finde great distinction betwixt this fixed and that your present unsetled condition . this may suite well with some disposition , but me thinkes it should not poize evenly in the scale of your discretion . some may , happely , feed their hopes with a day will come ; now were it not more happinesse to you , to see that day shine upon your owne : wherein the world may have cause to blesse you , both church and commonwealth be improved by you , and your selfe amply partake in those living comforts , which derive their birth and breath from you ? let me receive one line , for a linke to combine this love . as it shall infinitly transport me in the perusall , so it shall incomparably solace you in the happy consummation of that nuptiall , which shall confirme me , legally and loyally yours . thus you see what expressions deliver themselves with most modesty , when the pen becomes their secretary . and how unbeseeming an oratour love is , when she wooes with too bold a face . hence you may collect ; what beautie accompanies a bashfull looke ; what an attractive fancy to a modest eye , derives it selfe from a civill dresse : and how entire love is best exprest , when with crimson blushes most deprest . these beget in a discreet temper more favour , then a leering looke , a wanton habit , or light expression shall ever recover . section vi. their violence upon such as were corrivalls in their choice . his judicious observation closeth equally with our experience ; who said : " the best things becomming ill , ever prove worst . an evill man is the worst of all creatures ; an evill christian the worst of all men ; an evill professor the worst of all christians . a woman , though she be a delicate creature , and , in her owne proper condition , of a sweet nature ; yet in one respect she may be resembled to the iuniper , which once kindled , will hardly be quenched . no fury to be compared to the anger of a woman ; which is aggravated or attempered according to the qualitie of the wrong wherewith she holds herselfe injuried . it is said of the river * himetus ; that it distreames or divides it selfe into two channells : which send forth waters of different natures . the one is sweet and pleasing : the other brackish and dis-relishing . we may properly apply this divided current to our present subject : by imagining a woman to this river ; as she is compared in an higher hieroglyphick , & of a more enlivened nature . and in this allusion , let us conceive these two channells variously streaming , to those two distinct affections soveraignizing over her , and in her severally working . these two similizing or discording passions shall borrow the names of love and hate . in both which we may properly call most of our women silla's daughters ; then whom none ever shewed more love to his friend , nor more hate to his enemy . and to discourse more amply of these ; wee shall finde some kinde hearts dispatch their husbands by loving too much : others , meere antipodes to the former , by loving them too little : this might be instanced in lucia and lucilla ; livia and iulia. two of these never held themselves so happy , as when their husbands were in presence ; the other two ever held nuptiall love at such a distance ; as they were never more discontented then when they were present . darke seem'd the house when their husbands were in it : clear'd was that cloud , when their husbands had left it . whereas those two other loyall dames , exprest themselves true theogena's ; who so tender'd her agathocles , as shee shewed admirable constancie , in her husbands greatest misery : professing her selfe most his owne , when hee was relinquish'd , and forsaken of his owne . but this revenge , whereon wee insist in this section ; proceeds for most part from grounded jealousie , or too exuberant fancy : which will admit willingly of no corrivall ; but if it doe , the issue generally becomes tragicall . our italian theaters have at all times reeked with these bloody issues ; which both in those admirable histories , long since published : and in that subject entituled , gods revenge against murder ; lately revived , and as i conceive from the former partly extracted , are copiously handled . ancient times had their hands imbrued in these crimes . their dye was as deepe ; though their fact seem'd lesse , in regard they were not so conscientious of what they did . hippolytus was guiltlesly murdered by a woman . hercules poysoned by a woman . candaules poniarded by meanes of a woman . yet examine these in a direct line , and you shall find all these perishing through too much love . they could not inflict that torment upon their lovers , which they themselves would not suffer , by designing themselves their owne tormentors . though phaedra's love to hippolytus were incestuously grounded ; and that unlawfull heate so impetuously enforced , as it could not be restrained , till it was with blood asswaged : yet her selfe selfe became the sacrifice to expiate her love-sicke malice . and for deianira , how constant she was in her affection : how loyall in her love : how inviolable her vow : the tragedian will returne you a faire account : and acquite her of all suspition , by the discovery shee made unto nessus , of her affection . that shirt which was given her by treacherous nessus , was intended to increase , as shee thought , a more vehement love in her hercules . lastly , for candaules wife , her shamefull , and too naked discovery unto gyges , justly expos'd his person to those miseries which he suffered : for the injury done to her modesty , was the onely occasion to hasten his tragedy . now , i must confesse , wee have had in all ages savage monsters , as well as civill matrons . and these of messalina's race ; who would not sticke to quench the heat of their lust in the actors blood . others no lesse cruell , but in their affections more loyall . and these had servants , but they could not endure to have them reteiners to many mistresses . this begot teares in their eyes , but stings in their hearts . too much love quickned their revenge . wronged fancie transform'd it selfe into a fury . this may confirme that passionate admiration of that heroick tragedian : how sharpely stings a womans discontent ! now there is no inducement more motive to give wings to this passion , then matches contracted with di●taste : proceeding either from disp●rity of yeares , or descent : which many times workes sundry distractions : and begets severall beds before their honey moneth bee well ended . when maids are deepe struck in yeares , be their fortunes never so promising , their alliance strengthning , or the beauty of their inward parts deserving ; they are commonly courted by youthfull fancy , with a neglectfull contempt . their rivell'd skin merits not a light amorous touch : nor their rugged browes deepe-indented with aged furrowes , a gracefull looke . and the like may be said of our stale batchelors ; who are so long in chusing , and so singular in their affecting ; as their affection fals into a neglect ; their declining persons into a contempt . to these may that similitude be not altogether improperly applyed : one having liberty given him to goe thorow a whole wood , to make choice of the best staffe he could find ; provided , that he chused it in his going on , but not in his returning back ; taking his course , and with a curious eye observing where hee might fit himselfe best : hee found many faire and streight plants that might serve his turne : but these would not content him ; on hee goes still , expecting better : till comming to the end of the wood , he found none but crooked ones to supply his choice , and of those no great change . then , but too late , hee repented him of his too-much singularity , in neglecting the opportunity of chusing what might give him content : and in submitting himselfe to a choice , which , in respect of those he refused , might deserve contempt . thus have wee discovered the grounds of those tragicke straits , which unhappy lovers have falne into : either by matching where they did not love ; or by being jealouse over those whom they did too much love ; or by conceiving a mortall hate towards those , who were corrivals in their love . which cruelty , as it proceeded from jealousie ; so that jealousie sprung many times from the disloyalty of those inconstant servants , to whom they bore such intimate fancy : as may appeare more amply in this their ensuing apology . section vii . their modest defence . you have heard what cruell creatures , those fatall effects of jealousy , and corrivalry , have made of the sweetest , and softest natures . and yet let not these relations lay such deepe tinctures , or aspersi●ns on that weaker sexe : as if blind affection had so inthralled reason to sense ; that there were no place left for their modest defence . cruelty indeed , admits no apology : yet when too impressive a fancy occasions this cruelty , it merits rather the title of a distracted phrensie , then an affected cruelty . many of these were inflamed with such heat of love : as the catastrophe closed as well with the losse of their owne life , as the life of their friends . yea , could they have forgotten the injury done them by the disloyalty of their servants : they could willingly have dispenced with that breach of faith : and expiated their guilt , with the haplesse embrace of their owne fate : truth is , their impatience was too great , to expostulate with reason : which drove them into this fury , or phrensie of passion . and this that noble , but unfortunate crescentia witnessed ; when after such time as shee had set her affection on a disloyall servant : and by her meanes , fortunes and favours , had highly advanced him : finding her love so meanely requited , as a strange mistresse became entertained , where her fancy should have beene solely lodged : another , and she a light curtezan , harboured , where shee should have beene honoured : shee burst forth into these extreames : the issue whereof sealed the period of her love , with the forfeiture of her life . o my demetrius , were 't not in restraint ; and who did inlarge thee ? were 't not hopelesse of fortunes ; and who advanc'd thee ? were 't not engag'd to the opposition of a powerfull foe ; and who atton'd thee ? nay , were 't not growne contemptible in the eyes of the lowest ; and who restor'd thee ? were not thy dejected fortunes so farre distanced from hope of reliefe , as not the least beameling of comfort afforded thee redresse ? where was thy sabina then to befriend thee ? no , no , demetrius , her light affection tooke first grounding from thy fortune , as thy fortune received birth from my too hasty loving , and too easie believing of so unthankefull a servant . yet shall it appeare to the world ; that though my love first issued from the source of folly : yet even in that there appeared a loyall constancy ; which , as it shall weave up the web of my fate ; so shall it beare record to posterity of thy unjust breach of faith . but spinne forth no more protractive houres , unhappy gratiana , in expostulating with his breach : or to no purpose , in wasting thy tedious breath . may my premature end , occasioned by my too credulous trust , become a caveat to all my sexe , to reteine more esteeme of their fame , and to be more carefull whom they trust . my indiscreet love brought me to ruine before my time : may my example bee a memoriall to after-times , to prevent their ruine derived from such meanes : and closing their hopes with such fearefull ends . nor was her hand lesse ready to execute , then her tongue was to dispute . for with these words , shee closed her amorous woes : farewell demetrius ; and redeeme the injury thou hast done to me , in expressing thy constancie to sabina's beauty . my best wishes shall attend thee : though thy subtilty did first wind me , then by surprizing my honour , wound me ; and wounding , unthankefully leave me . but to divert from these memorable , though miserable instances of constancy ; with the wrongs they suffered by their too light credulity : wee will now descend to such particulars , wherein these censorious timonists ( whose poore degenerate spirits are ever delighted most in detracting from women , or aspersing some unworthy disgrace upon their sexe ; ) usurpe this liberty , to lay upon their purest reputes a lasting infamy . wee shall in every place heare calumnious tongues too lavish in this error , and inveighing against them in this manner : what vice is there extant , which is not in the practise of women frequent ? if vanity were lost , where were it to be found , but in their light bosomes ? the forbidden fruit is ever in their eye : and ever dangling in their desire . whatsoever is prohibited , is by them most affected : whatsoever by obedience injoyned , scornefully neglected . if young , they are lascivious : if old , they are covetous . their whole life a comedy of errors : their formall feature a fardell of fashions . alas poore girles ! have you no defence against such viperous tongues ? when you desire to goe neat , or , according to your ranke , to hold your place ; you are term'd proud , or ambitious . if frugall , you are covetous . if you discover your wrongs , you are malitious . if with admiration you chance to eye the fulnesse of anothers estate , you are envious . if you be sparing in your dishes , you are penurious : if choice in your dishes , you are delitious . if you innocently converse with a youthfull neighbour , you are streight lascivious : if you keepe home , you are lazy , or unsociably censorious : if you walke abroad , you are too liberall of your honour , and to light eyes suspitious . nay , they will not sticke to presse this argument yet a little further : if goddesses themselves were wantons : what may wee thinke of the hand-maids of those goddesses ? dircetis that great goddesse of ascalon , could be inflamed with love to a youth , who sacrificed to her : and gratifie his oblation with a sensuall affection : yea , and close her loose love with as base a conception . 't is true ; the fable reports so much : yet if wee may give credit to the authority of a poet : wee shall find this goddesse resolving her eyes to teares : and , as one highly ashamed of her incontinency , exposing that adulterate brat to the desart : abandoning the society of that light amorous youth : and to make the scene more fully tragicall , throwing her selfe downe into a lake , bounding upon ascalon : to confirme unto the world , that if her staine were great , her sorrow was no lesse . the harbinger of the morne , could not so soone usher in these roseat consorts of the ensuing day : as this deluded goddesse ( if wee may grace her with such a title ) offered her penitentiall teares to her polluted shrine : her pleasure could not be so great , but her torture was more . yea , but these feminine criticks will say ; it is not enough for the youth of their sexe to glory in their growth of vanity : but even those old maquarella's ; whose very earthly breath divines their approaching returne to earth : as if they had perused aesons herball , and freely partak't of his receipts : must assume a gracefull presence of youth ; and fill up their irreparable decayes with art-beauty : by new plaistring those crazy buildings , which had long since falne into the lord paramounts hand , for want of repaire . alas , is this all ? if the weaker sexe deserve such reproofe , in their desire to cover their rivals : or smoothing those rugged deformities , which their decline in nature has laid on them : what may wee thinke of those old seniors , whose eyes have beene long since incased ; and whose constant aches in their bones , have beene above all other prognostications approved : and yet these can vaile their reverend age with an artfull peri-wigge : and court a light piece with as much vaine rhetoricke , as if their winter had beene metamorphos'd into a spring : and their silver-haires into downy blossomes ! that old blade had , no doubt , greene thoughts ; who coming to a barber to be trimm'd : and being asked by his complete trimmer , after what fashion hee would weare his beard whether he would looke amiable to his friend ; or terrible to his foe ; or point vice to his apparell ? this ancient fashion-favorite answered him , that hee would ( in regard of the rarity of the cut ) be trimmed point-vice to his apparell . which this nimble snap did ; and that to a haire , till he had not left him one haire , to worke on : this rivell'd scaledrake , having seene himselfe in the glasse , durst hardly acknowledge his owne face : but terribly distemper'd hee was to see himselfe so strangely disfigured ( which indeed might have beene prevented , if a sleepy distemper had not belulled him while he was trimmed . ) howsoever , seeing himselfe a stranger to himselfe , hee fell into a terrible quarter with his roguish trimmer : asking him in a cholericke manner , how he durst to abuse his face ? excuse me , reverend sir , said the barber ; i am but a naked trimmer , but your worship was the director : you told mee , that you would be trim'd point-vice to your apparell ; and i have observed your direction : for i have left your face as haire-bare , as your coat was thred-bare ; and that was point-vice to your apparell . the next objection you can presse against them , is this : they are covetous . but tell me , can you find in all their sexe such a midas , as to with the very meat he eate , to bee turn'd into gold ? or such a passionate incompetible revenger , as with silla , never to forgive , nor forget the injury done him by an offender ? or such a marrow-eating envious tetter , as ctesiphon , who macerated himselfe in the prosperity of an other ? or such an idolater of honour , as themistocles , who could not sleepe for the ambition he bore to those triumphs of miltiades ? or such a glutton , as cambletes , who dreaming hee had devour'd his wife ; as before , no dainties could asswage his hunger , he became his owne executioner , for feare of dishonour ? or such a catamite , as that bithinian ; who was a woman for all men ; and a man for all women : an equall agent or patient to satisfie nature ? or such a lazie lollard as margites was ; who never digged , ploughed , nor sowed , nor ever did any good all his life long in the least weight or measure : but slept out his time in a sluggish , and uselesse manner ? but some will againe object ; none can deny but they are light in their favours ; changeable in their fancies : the posies of their love-rings , ever hold check with this impreze : " our choice admits a change . no , no ; you shall find their disposition of a more choice and constant temper . for should they imitate our wanton free-natur'd youths , who having lately enter'd loves-lists , and brought some shreads of their fathers unnecessary providence to passe the alienation office ; you might find them accommodated with myriads of amorous servants . of which number that wanton wooer , and lavish lover , might be well accounted , who gloried in the multitude of his mistresses , and boasted of his fits and fancies ; resolving to be a servant to many , but a consort to one : though one has left me , i 've fresh storc enow , and all these presse me to performe my vow . content you girles , i me for one or none , one wench at once , will be enow for one . whereas , even that amorous curtezan of venice , whose embraces appear'd more mercenary , then complied with her honour , could protest , though shee had many servants , her sole solace was in one favorites service : stoope shee might to the lure of many : incline she could not , but to the love of one . 't is true , an impudent woman may wooe man : and if confidence dictated that it was loyalty , which caus'd modesty so farre transgresse , she that should thus woe , could not chuse but win ; for such oratory could not but be prevalent , where bashfull fancy became oratrix , and was predominant . as men woo women , might women woo men , for one watch now , there would be ten . this that stage-wit expressed in his enforced conceit , betwixt ecco and narcissus : this woe to man , shall henceforth be no woman , since woe to man is now become a woo-man . sometimes indeed , it was more curiously then usefully , more subtilly then fruitfully demanded ; why a woman might not as properly wooe man , as man woman : and that arabicke resolution , retrived from the very depth of imagination , with much ingenuity assoiled this question . wooing , said that arabian , was but a lovely seeking : now wee seeke not for that wee have , but what we have not . it is more proper then for the man , in this loves quest , to seeke for what he has lost ; then for the woman to seeke for what shee already has . the man he has lost his rib , and hee seekes after her that has it . meane time it were folly in her to seeke it , when she has it . it is for him then to seeke it ; who , though hee may not have it : yet he seekes to enjoy her who has it . againe , will some say : but why were all the furies women ; those three fatall sisters women ; those circean witches women ; those inchanting sirens women ? did not the first imply their cruelty ? the second their implacability ? the third their impiety ? the fourth their subtilty ? and with these you might insert that late chimera of the german hog-fac'd gentlewoman of wirkham : all alike probably true , and credibly built upon equall grounds . but to answer these prodigies of nature ; tell me , yee critick cavallieres , who have surely got a stroak over shins with some french faggot , or you would never thus inveigh against so exquisite a subject ; why were all the muses women ; all the sibyls women ; those watchfull hesperides women ; those nine-worthies , so lately memoriz'd , women ? surcease then , and close with me in their modest defence ; if you see in them any lightnesse , impute that to their weaknesse . againe , if you see in them that composednesse , which best becomes them : account that in them a reall goodnesse . sweet sociable soules they are , when grace conducts them . the path they walke in , is chalked forth by modesty : the track they pursue , is the practise of piety : where the period of so gracefull a scene , closeth ever with felicity . none ever but those proud pharisees , who us'd to weare philacteries , and ceremoniall philanties on their browes and elbowes , were knowne to winke at the approach of women : and may such winke still ; who , though they have sealed eyes , they may have seeing hearts . for though desire come in by the windowes : yet some mens windowes may seeme to be shut , when the doores of their desires are open . fancy may play the wanton within , while modesty seemes to play the goaler without . thus have you heard their modest defence : and how calumnious pens and tongues are ever most vers'd in traducing innocence . where if a woman be demure , she is taxt of coynesse ; if courteous , she is taxt of lightnesse ; affability and disdaine equally ingage her to a rigid censure : yet for all this , pure minds cannot be so amated : nor goodnesse , which reteines with her an inseparable witnesse , so eclypsed . the sunne appeares in his fullest beauty , when hee breaks forth of a cloud . so vertue , when she has dispell'd those malignant vapours which interpos'd her , shewes her selfe then in her clearest feature . this in those divine apothegms , which even in their greatest extreames they composed , may fully appeare , as you shall heare in our ensuing section hereafter . section viii . their witty aphorismes , apothegms , and answers . from these , no doubt , but the best principles of humane learning have derived their being and beginning . but as the best fruits are soonest corrupted , the earliest bloomes quickliest blasted ; so have our choicest maxims of this nature lost much of their lustre , by being diverted from that object whereat they aymed . pure rils should not bee so corrupted , by giving way to such troubled or brackish inlets as dis-relish the purest water , in making it quite degenerate from its owne primitive nature . some aphorismes there bee ( if they may merit that style ) which lose much of their state , and detract too much from their light , by their too weake discovery of an anacreonticke straine ; which generally makes obscene pasquils of serious apothegms . but these are not worth our observation : it shall be our taske , to avoid distaste ; by laying before you those witty aphorismes , apothegms , and answers ; the perusall whereof may afford both delight and profit ; the one to cheare you , the other to store you : whensoever any occasion of such discourse shall be ministred to you . that noble lady , though her descent and fortunes might fixe her above an inferiour spheare , shewed excellent arguments of a composed temper , and an humble nature in this resolution : as my descent exacts of me a tender eye to my reputation : so should my example be a president to others of imitation . for those , who commit any unseemely act in a publike presence , doe as much as lye in them , to murder those who take observance of them . my gate shall not publish me proud : nor my habit phantastick : for i find nothing in me , worthy such idolatry . that sicilian matron closed her content with an incomparable contempt of the world ; who publikely protested , that shee could eye nothing in this theatre of earth , that might seeme worthy to entertaine so divine a guest as her soule . and as of a finite to an infinite , there was no proportion : so it was impossible , that the circumference of earth should confine that infinite beauty of the soule to her dimensions . that moderne mirror of true nobility exprest her selfe a brave soveraignesse over her affections : who held it the greatest derogation to feminine honour , to discover the least distemper in subjects of anger . when i take a serious survey , said shee , of mine owne infirmity : and re-collect daily what cause i give my maker to be angry with me : i am halfe ashamed to expresse my passion of anger to any . can he forbeare me who made me ; and cannot i forbeare them who are equall in their creation with me ? cannot poore dust containe it selfe in patience with dust , when he can shew his gracious patience to ambitious dust , who made all of dust ? no lesse composednesse of spirit did that heroick parisian discover in her desire to see others flourish without repining : yea , wishing with that divine morall ; that all envious persons had their eares and eyes seated in all cities , that with others prosperities , being the proper objects which they most maligned , these , in the survey of them , might be more tormented . nor is that noble attestation of hers to be here omitted ; deserving so well in lasting characters with the point of a diamond to be inscribed . i doe not see my neighbours field flourish , but i wish it were more fruitfull ; nor any one honoured , but i wish it amplifi'd , if the person be desertfull ; nor any of my sexe beautifull , but i conceive joy in so faire a feature , being inwardly gracefull . it is an argument of a servile quality , to dart an envious eye on anothers prosperity . if hee be rich , and worthy of what he possesseth , much good may it doe him ; if unworthy of what hee enjoyeth ; it were a malitious pitty to envie him , having within him what will undoe him . he is already seazed of such a marrow-eating tetter , as this festred vlcer needs no other torture . a good proficient in the schoole of vertue , had that theban lady proved ; who held nothing so pretious as a continent soule : vowing withall ; that , should shee find in her bosome a thought of incontinence ; if it were possible , shee would estrange her selfe from an harbour of such lightnesse . neither could that brest reteine any impression of shame , that could present a sacrifice of love to any , but her husbands shrine : clozing her resolves with this divine impreze : as my hand has confirm'd the gift of my heart : so shall the loyaltie of my heart confirme the testimony of my hand . when that princely dame of ferrara , had heard of those luscious and licentious feasts of domenico silvio , that italian cleopatra ; good god ( said she ) has not the flesh foments enough , but it must be provoked , to the utter ruine of that divine part which should command it ? this is not to with-draw fuell from a flaming desire , but to feed it : and by feeding , famish that injuried guest which suffers for it . alas ! woman is not so strong , as to have all meanes diverted , by which her modesty might bee preserved : and to unrivet all those operative secrecies of art , by which their forts of honour may be betrayed . the wanton idumite is already too stirring ; shee needs no fresh fuell to feed her affection . it is strange , said the pious edessa , that wee should so cast about by sea and land to feed those , who will feed upon us : and to throw forth baits to those , who meane to make a prey of us . i never fare better , said that sage abstemious lady , then when i seeme to fare worst . abstinence is such a choice receipt , as it will admit of no sensuall deceipt . what can delude me , so long as i make my appetite subject to reasons soveraignty . there is no day so tedious , said that discreet consort , to a grave senatour , as that which is made a stranger to any taske . that sun shall not shine on me : nor that place entertaine me , which shall not receive some argument of life from me . for better were it for me by dying to cease from living : then by living unprofitably to be ever dying . for my part , in all this continued chesse-game of our life , i shall ever hold him or her the greatest looser , who riots forth the rich treasure of time in fruitlesse pleasure : for , as the deepest staine to an active spirit is sloath ; so the greatest griefe that can befall an improving man , is his losse of time . it is rare likewise to observe what excellent rules they not only delivered unto others ; but what they themselves reteined , that their owne exemplary life might publish to the world , they taught not others what themselves neglected : nor imparted by way of precept unto others those lessons which they sleighted . as the very best of gods creatures , in the opinion of that wise stagyrite , is that man who enjoyes himselfe in the execution of what is legall and just : so the very worst of his creatures is that man , who divides himselfe from what is lawfull or just . what incomparable creatures these feminine mirrors have showne themselves , even in these offices of judicature , would this briefe epitome give mee leave , i could here amply illustrate with many , both ancient and moderne instances : where you might find some even reproving their emperours for remisnesse of justice , in shewing too much lenity : or taxing their severity of justice , in their inflicting on easie delinquents too much cruelty . with instances of this sort our roman and greeke annals are so plentuously stored , as this subject shall little need to be further illustrated . this is most certaine ; as the prime intention may be properly said to give a name to the worke : for the very best work scarcely merits the title of a morall action , being not accompanied by a pure intention : so with what pure intentions many of these heroick ladies beautified their noble actions , may be easily confirmed by many memorable acts by them atchieved ; and with that modesty , as they could not well endure to have their names recorded in the performance of those pious workes and sacred structures ; which , as they were dedicated to devotion ; so were they sincerely erected , without the least tincture of vaine-glory , or heat of ambition . and well might many of their pious resolves cloze in such conclusions : when they so divinely considered , how they enter'd this life with the society of a teare ; how they past over this life in labour and care ; and how they were to end this life with griefe and feare . this made them cautious not only of their actions , how they were performed ; but of their thoughts , how they stood affected : as likewise of their words , how they were delivered . this moved them to observe that excellent discipline in the regiment of their tongue , which that experienc'd professor so discreetly recommended . there is a time , wherein we are to speake nothing : and there is a time , wherein we are to speake something : but there is no time wherein we are to speake all things . rightly did these observe , and seriously did these reteine , what they had received : by the very speech which is delivered , may we gather how the mind stands affected . neither can evill communication become a christian. and whereas youth it selfe is ever interested in most dangerous hazards ; they tooke a course to restraine youth , lest their light youth might beget a sad age . in a word , these observed those perillous motives to sin , and therefore wisely stopt their eares to the syrens song : kisses , words , bookes , light-eyes , cates , merry mates , make chastest minds to open fancies gates . thus have we in a succinct manner , to their surviving honour presented testimonies of their ability and piety in their aphorisms , apothegms , and witty answers : wherein they discovered an admirable promptnesse of wit , preparednesse of mind , and depth of judgement . but we are now to descend from these golden sayings which they uttered , to those glorious workes which they composed . in which their memory shall bee crowned : and with which our epitome , or love-lecture in morality , clozed . section ix . their eminent labours ; and how they were assistants in the exquisitest workes that have beene formerly composed , either for history or poesy . zeale of goodnesse is such a glorious ambition , as it can never be too aspiring . and in this , many eminent and heroick spirits of their sexe shew'd themselves worthy corrivals . where wee shall find some excellently vers'd in history . others in rare compositions , to give a rich lustre unto poetry . others far above the delicacy of their sexe , in the profound search of philosophy . others no lesse usefull in compiling morall precepts , properly conducing to an oeconomy . various patterns wee might here produce in each of these ; examples of such mysterious learning , and high contemplation , as their memory deserves no lesse admiration , then their piety imitation . for professors , and rich improvers of their knowledge in those precious treasures of time , history , and antiquity , wee shall find a princely zenobia , and a sage cleobula . for affecters , and happy enrichers of poesie , a spritely corinnathia , and a pharsalian pollia . for serious searchers of profound secrets in philosophy , a theoretick theano , and a divine diotima : a woman , who was so famous a philosopher , that both socrates and plato went to heare her lectures . and for morall precepts , and rules of oeconomy , a lovely sulpitia , and a stately edesia . prompt were their wits , rich their fancies , and so bravely composed their affections , as those who enjoyed them , might hold themselves so farre as humane happinesse extended , truly beatifi'd by them . one chancing pleasantly to repeat , in the presence of his wife , that old assertion ; how , of all inferiour blessings , the very summary of them might be comprised in this three-fold dimension : . to have a wife of his owne chusing . . to have an orchard of his owne planting . . to have a child of his owne begetting . but what answer'd his wife to this supposed abstract of all humane happinesse ? truly , said shee , if you had not done the first , you had never beene my husband . and if you have not done the second , you are the worser husband . but should you conceive the least suspition of the third , i should account you unworthy the name of a husband . truth is , such sweet consorts as wee have here in this section described ; and with whose vertues those very monumentall statues which enshrined them , are perfumed : confine not the period of their love to a honey-moneth . their delights are more perpetuate , because with goodnesse beautifi'd . for skin-beauty returnes but a sickly appetite to fancy . whatsoever reteines in it selfe a proclivity of decaying or declining , cannot conceive much felicity in the enjoying . for though the present object delight , one poore fit of a fever will darken those attractive rayes of content : and enforce the late enjoyer to distaste that most , which his bleere-ey'd judgement did so causelesly admire . whereas these , whose interiour beauty begets to their happy consorts a permanent fancy ; have beene ever reputed the choicest companions to ●ray with , to play with , to converse or commerce with . every of which wee shall illustrate by personall instances gregory in his dialogues writeth , that his aunt trasilla being dead , was found to have her elbowes as hard as horne : which hardnesse shee got by leaning to a deske , at which shee used to pray . the like writes hierome of asella , who , though confined to the straight compasse of a cell , enjoyed the whole circuit of heaven . but lest wee might fall into the heresie of the euchitae ( a thing i must confesse little to be feared , seeing the knees of devotion every where so benummed ) who professed to doe nothing else but pray : because the apostle exhorteth us to pray continually . so that professing to pray , and to doe nothing else , in effect they did nothing lesse : seeing , as theodoret reporteth of them , they did nothing for the most part but sleepe . whereas in basils judgement , a prayer should be filled not with syllables , or good words , so much as good workes . now i say , lest women should become so wholly contemplative , as wholly to forget the office of being active : wee shall present to you such , who are no lesse apt consorts to play with , then devout supplicants to pray with . right wisely knew that empresse how to play her irish game , who admonished her husband , that the life of a man was more to be valued , then a throw at dice. the losse of a life was to be recompensed with no benefit . when the game is ended , a new game may supply it : but when a life is forfeited , once deprived , it cannot be restored . an excellent direction , and worthy our observation in our forme of play , was that princely feminine caution : in game play faire , and doe not sweare , sleight hope of gaine , scorne thoughts of feare . the brave resolution of that noble gamester , discovered no lesse masculine temper ; who , to prepare her selfe against the braves of fortune , fortifi'd her well-composed spirit with this antidote : should a blacke cloud sit on my fate , i can with patience sleight her hate . nor were some of these inimitable femals , onely fitting consorts for subjects of devotion , to pray with ; nor onely pleasing companions for scenes of recreation , to play with : but moving sociats for arguments of communication , to commerce and converse with . those tyrian and sidonian women might confirme their propriety and expeditenesse in the way of commerce : with our daily experience of discourse with creatures of that sexe in treaties of converse . it seemes those three gentlemen , as if they had beene trium-viri in their fruition of this happinesse , could returne sufficient arguments of their mistresses abilities in this kind : while one making choice of this posy , expressed the absolutenesse of his choice in the neatnesse and elegancy of her discourse ; which hee recommended to the impressure of his diamond in a window : my choice is one , whose accents beare such weight , as all discourses else to mee seeme light . these lines when another gentleman had perused ; as one who conceiv'd himselfe no lesse enriched by his choice ; seconds the former in this manner , by engraving this impreze to his mistresse honour : single's my choice , yet with her cheered am i , as if that single conference were many . the third nothing short in his conceipt , of the like beauty , and for subjects of discourse no lesse moving in the care of fancy , to publish to the world that hee tender'd his deserving mistresse no lesse affection , with a more enlivened or mounting invention , closed his opinion he reteined of her in this commendation : my consort 's single , yet when shee is by me , mee thinkes the spheares in warbling quires draw nigh me . such as these may wee well hold , with that eminent statist , for old mens nurses , and young mens mistresses . should their youthfull prime entertaine by an enforced injunction a frosty consort : their vertuous temper is such , as their enforced choice must admit no change . euryala was never more obsequious to tender ithacus , then these will expresse themselves to their decrepit husbands . their disparity in yeares must not beget in their affections any disloyaltie of thoughts . though they be young brides , they will performe the offices of old nurses . their care must extend it selfe , instead of amorous embraces , to preserve health in their declining husbands : which they addresse themselves to with no lesse alacrity , then if they had beene matched to persons of more vigorous quality . these have made a league with their eyes ; that they shall be no betrayers of their hearts . as it was their doome to marry unequally , and to bestow their virgin youth on meere patients engaged to each infirmity : so they have vowed solely to observe them ; constantly to love them ; peaceably to live with them : and amidst all overtures so to beare with their infirmities , as no peevish humour of age shall distemper them : nor any groundlesse jealousie suggest to their revenge an opportunity to wrong them . and this their observance must not proceed from any by-respect ; as many cautelous younglings doe ; who usully accommodate themselves to their perverse husbands humour , with hope of a day to come after . their affections are pure without dissembling ; their care constant without projecting ; their desires addrest to please without humoring . others wee shall find of their sexe , fit to be young-mens mistresses ; and these no lesse modestly pleasing , then vertuously affecting : these can stand upon their points without apish nicenesse : and hold their distance without a squeamish precisenesse . they can love without fonding ; ingratiate themselves without fauning : neate they desire to goe without phantasticknesse ; sweetly can they converse without affectednesse ; these hold it a feminine madnesse to pride themselves in that , which stript their predecessors of their purest state . these reflect upon eve with a teare-swolne eye ; and in a retired contemplation , and recollected affection , present her image to their well-composed thoughts : and this they make their diarie to the end it may worke upon their imaginations more effectually . o was not eve created in her will free and innocent ; in her reason sage and prudent ; in her command strong and potent ? and what deprived her of so blest a condition , but an indisposed heat of ambition ? had her thoughts confin'd themselves to the lists of her present state , shee had never throwne upon her posterity such a surviving staine . o had shee beene content with what shee was , her sexe had never beene so miserable as it is . her ambition became our perdition : her pride our ruine . they sigh to see their sexe so vainely magnifi'd ; to heare them with titles of worthies dignifi'd ; to have their portratures in such magnificent manner beautifi'd ; these they sleight with more religious contempt , then ever the victorious vtican did the erection of his statue ; being no embellishment , as hee accounted it , to the essence of vertue . well deserving a succeeding memory was that motto : i did never in any thing to my selfe arrogate , wherein i did not from my selfe derogate . and such is the modesty of these patterns of piety , as they cannot endure to have their commendable actions too much observed , or publickly applauded , lest by hearing themselves praised , they might incurre vaine-glory , and so become deluded . their constant nuptiall impreses , or loves loyall posies were these : chaste faith enstiles me spouse . " a hand for my wheele , a bed for my spouse . " where thou art caius , i am caia . i love , i live , and yet i give that to my love by which i live . to live and have no heart were strange , yet have i none but by exchange . death may contract my life ▪ but not my love . such as these famous mirrors shall wee occasionally encounter withall , in our readings : who , though they were ethnicks borne , reteined in them such impressions of morall goodnesse : as their memory left an annall to posterity ; being so much more to be admired , in regard those times wherein they flourished , were with mists of pagan ignorance clouded . these desired to doe well , and not to be applauded ; to advance vertues , and not to have their names recorded : nor their amiable features with glorious frontispices impaled . to improve goodnesse by humility , was their highest pitch of glory . this their sundry excellent fancies confirmed ; their elegant labours discovered ; whereof though many have suffered oblivion through the injury of time , and want of that incomparable helpe of the presse , the benefit whereof wee enjoy : yet shall wee find by the testimony of our approvedst authors , that many of these women , which for brevity sake wee have onely shadowed , have beene assistants to the highest and most enlivened composures that ever derived birth or breath from helicon . besides other historicall relations , whose memory , time shall sooner expire in her selfe , then obscure . turne over those mysterious volumes of the sibyls ; those accurate ayres of corinnathia , that incomparable corrivall to the poet pindarus ; those emathian raptures of argentaria , that happy consort , and assistant to the heroick lucan . neither need wee travell abroad in pursuit of forraigne instances wee have not onely formerly enjoyed , but even in these times are we seazed of many eminent and deserving women , and in addition to their honour , no●ly descended , who rightly merit the style bestowed on them ; the wits . and these have the happinesse to judge of a well-composed line ; to breath spirit in invention ; to correct the indisposure of a scene ; to collect probably ( a worke i must confesse of greatest difficulty ) what may best comply with the humour of the time , or suite best with the propriety of court-maske , or publike stage . others wee have , who , by the helpe of our numerous translations , can read a lecture upon homers iliads , and with that exactnesse , as if with dares phrygius , they had beene personally interessed in that tragick service . others singularly versed in tongues ; and all these with such modesty managed , as if their many tongues had made them tongue-ti'd : and with a sweet composed silence so incomparably graced them , as if in others presence they had made exchange of their elocution with attention . let mee then addresse my discourse to you , who make it your taske to detract from this sexe . some of you have i heard traduce them , in laying such injurious aspersions as these upon them : women , of all others , are to bee esteemed the improvidentst governesses of their cinque-ports . they pervert the use of their five senses , by ingaging them to sensuall ends . eares they have , and these make them eve-droppers . eyes they have , and these make them tempters . smels they have , and these are compounded of love-pouders . tastes they have , and these returne them rioters . touches they have , and the●e render them free embracers . their feet make them gadders ; all their faculties , irregular li●ers . if old , their rivell'd furrowes make them sullen ; if young , their taking beauties make them wanton . if rich , they are haughty ; if poore , they turne naughty . every thing must live , and poverty cooles the hotest love . that adage proves ever true : love when it wants harbour , fals many times into a fever . besides , what a misery it is to bee matched to such an one , as affects nothing more then fashion ? such an one , who reserves more unfained adoration to her glasse ; then to the prime maker of the object of that glasse . the tender love shee beares to her tyre-woman , makes her forgetfull of the duty shee ought to tender to her husband . to such as these , husbands become meere shelters : those names they beare , serve onely for sk●●anes to salve their wives honours . againe , how pittifully discontented will some of these spotted beauties appeare ; when they see a dresse they affect , which their parents care , or husbands cost will not procure . lye downe and die they must instantly , there is no remedy : women they are not of this world , if they may not enjoy the loosest vanities of the world . but well did those two conceipts cloze , and in creatures of this pettish and perverse humour ingeniously meet : while one , having had his handfull , no doubt , of such a wilde one , wrote these two lines with his diamond in the chamber window of his discontented peat : maids that will die because they 'r lightly crost , may grieve their parents , but themselves the most . the other answer'd him in the same key , though in a more generall tone : by vixons that will dye for being crost , their countrey gaines farre more then shee has lost . thus doe these feminine criticks , whose best of elocution is detraction , labour to vilifie that sexe , without whose being they had never beene . but imputing the ground of their immeriting splene to some hard fortune they have suffered in the choice of their wanton , wilfull , or unsociable mistresses : or from their disdainefull repulse , which might probably beget in them this pittifull reproofe ; wee will leave these to feed and fat themselves with the seldome-thriving food of their distemper ; and addresse this our clozing discourse to you , who are those pious patterns of feminine honour ; for whose sakes , not onely in the maine subject more fully amplified , but even in this epitome more briefly contracted , wee have bestowed our oyle and labour . yee worthy women , who have no other device but the dresse of vertue to beautifie your frontispice ; yee , who give a gracefull accomplishment to those three incomparable ornaments of a woman , complexion , favour , and behaviour : for the first ▪ it is your owne , and not borrowed ; for the second , it is ever with a second looke improved ; and for the third , it is every way without affectation accomplished . yee , i say , whose living actions become so exemplar , as they are directories unto others how to live at distance from errour ; shall bee ever patronesses to these lines , as these lines shall bee relators of your vertues . yee reteine in your memory those mysterious emblemes of your creation ; yee find that you were made of man ; but not of his head , as to bee his imperiall ; nor of his foot , as to bee his vassall ; but of his ribbe , to bee his equall . yee were given him for helpes , not to spend his estate ; but to partake with him in every estate in his comforts to augment them , in his discomforts to allay them . the phantastick habits of the time have no power to delude you ; price nor prayer to corrupt you ; much lesse to dissease him of your fancy , who by right enjoyes you . as in your creation you are excellent ; so in your imitable vertues eminent . as in your passion moderate ; so in assaults continent . as in countenance , habit , and expression of your affection modest ; so , forth of loyall zeale to those you love , and with whom you account it your highest happinesse to live , to those who are corrivals in your choice , violent : albeit , with a modest defence may that violence , proceeding from an exuberance of affection , be sweetned . as your witty aphorismes , apothegms , and answers have confirmed you seriously pregnant ; so have your eminent labours publish'd you integriously diligent . and in each of these subjects , contracted in one entire individuall modell , have i portrayed your worth : which , so long as you hold correspondence with vertue , shall become the continued annall of my pen ; and in your noble acceptance , account it a sufficient guerdon for my paines . finis . the contents , disposition , and order of this ladies love-lectvre . sect . . hee treats of the excellency of women in their creation . plato's opinion touching women . the story of the delphicke oracle : with the explication and application of it . nothing comparably precious to a continent soule . eye a woman in the excellency of her creation ; she is found in her quality , an helper ; in her society , a comforter ; in the perplexities of her consort , a counsellor : and in all these , a sharer . sect . . their imitable vertues , illustrated with examples : and confirmed to be most eminent patternes in their practise and profession of the foure cardinall vertues . these compared , by an apt resemblance , to those foure rivers streaming forth of paradise . the way to sinne , is to open to occasion , and let temptation come in . the five senses are those cinque ports , which being well guarded , this little world , man , may remaine secur'd . sect . . their moderation of passion in motives to revenge , properly reflecting upon these three distinct subjects : life . with admirable instances in each of these : and with dainty motto's or imprezes to imbellish these . fame . with admirable instances in each of these : and with dainty motto's or imprezes to imbellish these . fortunes . with admirable instances in each of these : and with dainty motto's or imprezes to imbellish these . sect . . their continency in assaults . sundry historicall emblemes of beasts and birds , illustrating this subject . how an unaffected reservancy suites best with conjugall fancy . age becomes rather an object of pity , then fancy to the eye of youth . sect . . their modesty , in count'nance , habit , and expression of affection . candid thoughts are ever most legible in the eyes . piety receives scandall from the count'nance ; and chastity , treason from the eye , by conveighing treacherous thoughts to the heart . imitation of forrain habits , begets in us a dis-esteeme with forrainers . more advantage in dispatch then delay . delay gives way to corrivals . fancy , when it falls remisse in pursuit , it produceth cold fruit . a pleasant old prophesie of aged fancy . a presidentall love-letter . sect . . their violence upon such as were corrivals in their choice . a parallel betwixt the river himetus and the disposition of a woman : with the reasons of this allusion . a womans disposition bounds upon two extreames : boundlesse love. or endlesse hate . no receit more soveraigne then the one ; no deceit more subtile then the other . one of the best policies in a christian , is to delude a wily wanton : and decline the fury of a jealous woman . disparity of years , fortunes , or descent , ever begets in the parties married most discontent . a similitude suiting well with the temper of a stale batchler . sect . . their modest defence . though cruelty admit no apology : yet when too impressive a fancy occasions this cruelty , it merits rather the title of a distracted phrensy , then an affected cruelty . love , when it falls into these extreames , is more apt to expostulate with passion then reason . a memorable example in this kind . degenerate and creeping spirits are ever promptest to taxe the weaker sexe of errors . their censorious objections retorted , and with a merry story requited . womens inventions discover no such lightnesse in their love-imprezes and poesies , as more masculine spirits usually doe in their devices . an arabicke resolution to this question : why a woman might not as properly wooe man , as man woman ? none but proud pharisees were ever known to winke at the approach of women : and these , though they had sealed eyes , they had seeing and stealing hearts . sect . . their witty aphorismes , apothegms and answers . obscene pasquils detract from the style and state of serious aphorismes . these divine and morall aphorismes were not onely delivered by them , but personated in them : in their humility , contentment , charity , patience , continency , abstinence and industry . their excellent rules delivered unto others , for the better regiment of their thoughts , words , and workes . sect . . their eminent labours ; and how they were assistants in the exquisitest workes that have beene formerly composed , either for history , or poesie . and all this ennobled by memorable patterns and professors in all ages : where zeale of goodnesse was such a glorious ambition , as it could never be too aspiring . the discreet reply of a wife to her husbands assertion : " how all inferiour blessings were comprised in this three-fold dimension : . to have a wife of his owne chusing ; . to have an orchard of his owne planting . . to have a child of his owne begetting . nuptiall delights are more perpetuate , because with goodnesse dignifi'd . whatsoever reteines in it selfe a proclivity to declining , cannot conceive much felicity in the enjoying : whereas these , on goodnesse , not on greatnesse cast their care , ●shee's truly noble that is vertues heire . consorts inwardly beautifi'd , are the choicest companions for closet . casket . carpet . and this authorized with ancient and moderne instances . the ingenious contest of three gentlemen , touching their fruition of happinesse in their choice ; with answers to each others imprezes . discreet women sort themselves to their choice , in each condition : whether they be old-mens nurses , or young-mens mistresses . though they be young brides , they will performe the offices of old nurses . and being young-mens mistresses , they can shew a modest freedome without squeamish precisenesse . their pleasant love-posies to their loyall consorts . no learning shewes more lustre , then when enshrined in the bosome of a woman . no eloquence leaves a deeper impressure , then when delivered by the tongue of a woman . their silence an implying eloquence . their defence in the disposition of every sense , to the improvement of their honour , against the opposition of every critick feminine censor . he addresseth his conclusion to all such worthy women , whose vertuous lives promise a glorious evening . and with a recollection of every subject formerly handled , recommends them to their usefull observance : his labours to their gracefull acceptance . a sonnet . ladies , yee , that would be faire , i a cerusse can prepare will make you clearer then the ayre , 't is such choice and precious ware . hold your purse , it costs you nought , 't is in no shop to be bought , worth an empire , seldome sought , being from elysium brought . have yee rivels in your face , want yee love-spots for a grace , want yee borders , edging , lace , favour , feature , posture , pace ? would yee ever be in fashion , vye inventions with our nation , in your treaties move compassion , suite your persons to occasion ? would yee make affection flye from your love-attractive eye , to intrance the standers by , wishing there to live and dye ? would yee fixe in fancies spheare , or enjoy your onely deare , and no sly corrivall feare , apt to undermine you there . would yee feed on such choice food as enliveneth the blood , purging ill , infusing good , " a rare conserve for woman-hood ? would yee courtly measures tread on the flowry-checker'd mead , would yee no love-powders need , would yee in your seed succeed ? would yee love and feele no heat that may wrong chaste delia's seat , would yee in rich language treat , without envie become great ? here is one will make you fit both for lineament and wit , as yee cannot chuse but hit the marke that may accomplish it . here is one will fancy move , and such a tyre-woman prove in the discipline of love , as ne're was such a turtle-dove . poore shee is , yet is shee pure , vertve her name , her only lure a constant care , a carefull cure to make her loyall lovers sure . " this 't is will cheere your amorous braines like nectar , " and crowne you happy schollers in loves-lecture . the turtles trivmph ; presented in a svpplement : highly condvcing to an usefull application , and gracefull reconciliation of the two former subjects . continued by ri. brathwait , esquire . london , printed by iohn dawson . intentissimo viro , pvblicae salvtis stvdiosissimo , iohanni banks militi ; attvrnato avgvstissimi regis generali : r. b. parnassidvm hvmillimvs ; observantiae vestrae deditissimvs , heroinam hanc coronidem , legali ivgo , sponsali voto , geniali thoro , conjvnctam . d. d. d. a svpplement , highly condvcing to an usefull application , and gracefull reconciliation of the two former subjects . long time have these two affectionate consorts beene divided ; now at last it is their happinesse to become united : to confirme their loves , which they have vowed to remain inviolably firme , to their expired lives ; wee are to propose such necessary observances , as may prevent all occasion of distrust , and divert all grounds of future distrust . we are then in this usefull connexion ; first to treat of conjugall offices , being inherent , as that grave morall tels us , betwixt husband and wife , wife and husband . secondly , of parentall offices , being subsequent , as that profound stagyrite teacheth , of parents to their children , and children to their parents . thirdly , of domestick offices , being concomitant , as that sound stoicke reasoneth , being of masters to their servants , and servants to their masters . fourthly , of neighbourly offices , being reciprocally dependent , as that excellent politicke concludeth , being mutuall civill offices , or courtesies , betwixt neighbour and neighbour . in all which distinct subjects , our purpose is , with such brevity , and perspicuity , to deliver our usefull directions , that in this very breviarie may be layd downe the rules of an entire oeconomie : which , being perused with attention , and seconded with retention , may not onely prevent all occasion of dissention at home , but all division abroad . for , be the sea never so troubled , there is good hope , that the groaning ship may be better secured , when wisedome and moderation performe the offices of a pilot , and with a vigilant eye , steers her against all occurrents . of conjugall offices . it was the saying of the wisest of kings : hee that findeth a wife , findeth a good thing , and receiveth favour of the lord. and that he might more emphatically expresse the incomparable estimate of a good wife , and how far in the scale of judgement , she is to be preferred before substance , riches , or any worldly inheritance ; to render them the more proper , and genuine distinction , he returnes them not only a distinct gradation , but also a different derivation : house and riches are the inheritance of the fathers : but a prud●nt wife commeth of the lord. in what high estimation are you then , gentlemen , to hold discreet women ? and what happinesse may you be said to enjoy in casting your lots in so faire a field , so fruitfull a ground ? where you are caius , shee will be caia , such is her constancy . where you are agathocles , she will be theogena ; yours in prosperity and adversity . fulnesse of fortunes cannot transport her , nor any indigence dej●ct her . shee cannot endure to admit of that italian proverbe for orthodoxall , which they hold for a tenet so generall ; when love wants harbour , it drives love into a fever . no ; so shee may live , where she enjoyes her love , she is rich enough how soe're she live . now , what mutuall offices are required , that love so freely tendered , may be requited ! humanity , sayes the philosopher , exacts love for love . but love her you cannot , if you mixe your love with any , or fix it on any , wherein shee partakes not . let it then be your care , that she only have the monopoly of your love . let her bed be undefiled , your vow inviolate ; remembring ever that divine maxim : to breake a spo●full vow 's an odious sin ; to keepe't unstain'd , h 'as still an honour bin , and , to observe this lesson better ; conceive with your selfe , how ill you should digest her , if shee should wrong you in the same sort . it is an apparent argument of honest wisedome ( said that ancient sage ) to module an other by our owne measure . for to impose heavie burdens on others , and never to partake of them ; to injoyne taskes on others , and not to share in them , argues an indulgency in respect of our selves , our inhumanity unto others . entertaine this fellow-helper then which you have received , and to whom , by a sacred nuptiall tye ( recorded in heaven , solemnized on earth , and confirmed by the mutuall gages of two individually united hearts ) you stand affianced , with an affectionate continence ; knowing , how an heart divided cannot live , nor a divided fancy truly love . for , as there is nothing so precious as a continent soule : so is there nothing more odious , than a nuptiall bed stained with an adulterate soyle . that devout father , saint ambrose , can tell you , that it is a crime detestable to savages and barbarians ; how much more to be excluded from the practise of christians . the very birds of the ayre can retaine a memory of a dishonour'd love ; witnesse the porphyrio , who , as the naturall historian reports , no sooner finds another too familiar a sharer in her love , then she despaires any longer to live : her nest she leaves desolate , and in her distasted life she becomes so disconsolate , as being so injuriously abused by her endearedst friend , she chuseth griefe to be her only associate to accompany her to her grave . how passionately takes the loving turtle the losse , or dereliction of her beloved ? she will brouze on no greene herbe ; sit upon no flourishing sprig ; nor entertaine any new love . she frequents the retired laune ; where throbs and dis-passionate threnes become her choycest melody ; sighes , griefes and groanes , her widows obsequy . receive these loyall emblemes of constant fancy , in the precious store-house of your memory ; ever making use of these morall readings , that if creatures , directed onely by sense , scorne to be sensuall , much more purity should that soule retaine , which is rationall . how mournfully did that propheticall dove expresse his pious zeale , and devout compassion in the discovery of this sinne , a great dishonour to the house of sion ! in the morning every one neighs after his neighbours wife . nay , observe how hee seconds it , that the brutish nature of this sin might be fuller displayed ; in the morning they are as fed horses : thus were they sated and surfeited in their sensuall delights , making the pleasures of sinne their gaine , and the torments of hell their goale . shall wee close this with the positive conclusion , of that vessell of election ? marriage is honourable among all , and the bed undefiled : but whore-mongers and adulterers god will judge . or with that passionate expostulation of the prophet , in the person of god himselfe against this sinne , with the numerous professors of this sinne ? how should i spare thee for this ? thy children have forsaken me , and sworne by them that are no gods : though i fed them to the full , yet they committed adultery , and assembled themselves by companies in the harlots houses . but to use the words of that elegant morall , it is the least of our feare but to find more rich treasure in your tents , more pious graces in your pavillions ; your descent promiseth largely to your family ; that as your predecessors vertues were as signals , or land-markes to their posterity : so you , walking in the same pathes , might derive the like streamlings of goodnesse unto yours . an ancient family , saith that excellent ethick , retaines ever some beame-lings transcending others : and as a genuine modesty is for most part an attendant to ingenuity ; so are generous graces those constant'st consorts , which hold in equipage with true gentry . that solid cinick , hearing how a young gallant , descending from the order of the ephori , became hatefully debaucht , preferred his suite , and in it humbly begged this loose rioters estate : the whole synod wondring much , how , and on what grounds that wise dogge ( for so they were pleased to stile him ) preferred his suite ; seeing the gentleman was neither distracted , nor any way so disabled but hee might well enough manage that estate was left him : o conscript fathers , said he , know you not how this profuse foole ha's forfeited all that estate he had by his ancestors , by discovering his owne bastardy , in degenerating from his ancestors vertues ? ha's hee not made his family a brothell : and exposed his wives honour to a lascivious duell ? hee ha's not only stayned his house , in becomming so enormiously ill ; but in depraving others , who might have become , had not his example made them ill , ingenuously good . strip him then of all without him , who ha's already stript himselfe of all graces within him . trust me , fathers , wee have none here that will bemoane his losse ; but those whom even goodnesse loaths to looke upon ; and whose very lives make athens a l●th-stow of pollution . and such mourners have all prodigals ; nor doe these weepe to lose him , but by his losse to lose that estate which did supply them . give me him then , good senators ; i shall become his trusty faithfull guardian , and keepe him short enough to consort with a wanton . now to decline the just reproofe of such jeering cinicks ; nay , the distaste of all good men ; ( for men of honest quality can never relish any thing better than actions of piety : ) be it your highest terrestriall pleasure , to tender her , whom you ought to honour : to estrange from your thoughts those injurious embraces of an usurping lover . and remember ever lisimachus song ; the memory whereof will preserve that pure splendor and beauty of your soule from an eternall staine . the pleasure of fornication is short , but the punishment of the fornicator is long . one dayes dalliance exacts many yeares of repentance . imprint in your retentive memories the excellent interrogation of that choice mirror of chastity ; patterne of presidentall piety : how shall i doe this wickednes , and sin against god ? he chused rather to lose his coat , than his honour . opportunity could not tempt him , nor importunity taint him : price , prayer , power became al weak in power , to surprize a disposition so resolutely pure . be his patterne your president , his president the pattern for you to imitate . nor is this conjugall office , or duty restrained only to this limitation . as your affection is to be constantly continent to their bed : so are you to be affably pleasant at board . i have observed a strange kind of imperious and domineering soveraignty in some husbands ; who held it a great posture of state to insult over their wives : nay , to be marvellously discontented with what dishes soever were served ; to catch at offence , and to relish nothing better , than to discountenance those , whose desires were levelled only to please . but this argued in them a perversenesse of disposition ; resembling that ill-condition'd aglataidas , who was never better pleased , then with displeasing others : nor ever relished any dish better than what was distasted by others . or like that strangely temper'd demophon , who used to sweat in the shade , and shake for cold in the sunne . now i could wish to these , if their wives affability cannot in time reclaime them ; that their lots had beene throwne in more rugged grounds : for had these beene match'd with our zantippe's , iulia's , lucilla's , or faustina's ; no doubt , but they would have addressed the best of their endeavours as much to please , as their perverse humours are now to displease . then they would have studied apologies purposely to divert the furious torrent of their displeasure ; and for the purchase of one poore smile , engaged themselves to an herculean labour . it was a singular philosophicall use , which that wise socrates made of his wives shrewdeness : whether i go abroad ( said he ) or i return home , i am fenced with the armour of patience against whatsoever shall come . hee had so freely fed upon the herbe of patience , as nothing could distemper him , how violent soever the assault were that encounter'd him : yea , those bickerings he grapled with at home , made him better prepared to entertaine all encounters abroad : so as , with mithridates , hee had so well fortified his virile spirits , with soveraigne receipts , against the invasive power of all poyson , as he could performe the part of a true philosopher , in smiling upon affliction ; and receiving all distastes with so composed a brow , as hee wondred much how any motives of anger should in an intellectuall soule beget the least distemper . for , whosoever he be that in resemblance of this morall mirrour of admirable patience , can in prosperity be silent , and not transported ; in adversity , patient , and not amated ; in neither of these distempered ; in either of these philosophically composed ; scornes to ingage his more airy thoughts , to an un-manly passion : having already sphear'd them in an higher mansion . in the very same scene , gentlemen , are you interessed ; wherein should you fall short , or in the least measure defective : most part of all our spectators eyes are fixed on you , whose censure will prove as quick sighted , as your errour ; accounting you unworthy those brave parts bestowed on you , because mis-acted by you . entertaine these then , to whom you are espoused , with a free , and no servile affection . waine them from passion , if at any time they become ingaged to any , rather with a pleasing smile , then a daring frowne : for the former partakes more of an awfull soveraignty , then cheerfull fancy . the way to preserve in any family a sweet consorting , and concording harmony , is never to have the master and mistris of the house , at one time angry . let the sweetnesse of the one allay the sharpenesse of the other . it was an excellent resolution , which that laconian lady ever reteined : my husbands frowne shall be a beame to disperse my cloud , which cannot chuse but beget in him a cheerfull reflexe , seeing i make discontent a stranger to my heart for his sake . now there is one thing , gentlemen , which i am to annex to what i have formerly delivered ; which , being carefully remembred , and cautiously practised , cannot chuse but highly improve this conjugall love ; without which , your unconsociable communion were but an hellish life : and it is this . are you conceited , that shee whom you have married , is endowed with a sufficient measure of discretion to governe a family : and without just exception can propose to her selfe , with those recommended to her charge , rules of good huswifery ? doe not intermixe your care with her charge . the disposall of a daery , is more proper for a mistris than a master of a family . strong and manly offices become the man ; soft and delicate the woman . nor is there any intrusion lesse beseeming then this ; nor ought that more exasperates the spirit of a woman , then to have her care suspected , or her charge interposed by her husband ; either through a jealousie of her care , neglect of her charge , or disability to manage any such charge . those two honest rurall lovers , though their estates were but meane , their quality obscure , their place of habitation poore ; yet knew they how to distinguish their cares , by a fit addressement of themselves to their peculiar charge . palemon was not to meddle with his galatea's spindle ; nor galatea with her palemon's hook : distinct persons , distinct offices . besides , it is a derogation from gentry to converse too much with a daery . other imployments doe farre better become him : and persued with a discreet care ; may more improve him , then to intermedle in such inferiour offices ; which , as they suite meanly with him , so they decline him from the care of what may more properly become him , and more amply profit him . there was nothing which aliened the affections of those assyrians , more from their effeminate king , then his too familiar conversing , and manuall imploying of himselfe in the use and exercise of his needle ; weaving of purple ; and inuring himselfe to such feminine offices , as held no correspondence with the quality of a prince , nor the entertainment of any generous subject : for if agesilaus deserved to be in some sort condemned , for stooping to so low and unprincely a pleasure , as riding on cock-horse with his children ; which implyed only a tender parentall affection : much more deserve such to bee highly censured , who debase themselves in such servile , and un-virile offices , as detract from the honour of their place , and occasion many times domestick distaste . in a word , gentlemen , as you have more generous imployments to reteine you , more improving cares and studies to entertaine you : so have you more imitable patterns to propose unto you , what may infinitely become you . eagle spirits cannot stoop to low lures . reflect upon your family ; and by your faire examples , informe your posterity . leave to your noble consorts , the care and charge of what best suits with their sex : imploy your selves in what may better correspond with your state . different hands mixed in these , will rather redound to your prejudice , then profit ; disparagement , then credit . as you have made your choyce , recommend to that choyce her peculiar charge : this will heighten the opinion of your discretion , and raise an addition to her care . thus if you shall demeane your selves to your well-disposed consorts ; you shall find them ready , with chaste and cheerfull bosoms , to receive you ; with affable , and affectionate lookes to entertaine you ; with sweet innocent smiles to enchaine you : for , so constantly united unto you shall bee their love , as they will hold it their highest terrestriall happinesse , there to plant where you love : your danger shall become their greatest terrour ; your safety their gracefullest honour . for , as it shall be the fullest period of their joy to enjoy you : so shall it be accounted by them their dis-passionatest scene of griefe to forgoe you . nor shall you need any other monument to memorize their love , then those sweet joyes they conceive in your life , those sincere teares they sacrifice at your death . now to you , gentlewomen , are we to addresse our discourse . you have heard what conjugall offices are to be tender'd to you : and wee must now lay downe such peculiar offices , as are to be render'd by you . for husbands , wee have furnished you with such choyce , as their persons accommodated with faire , and generous qualities , admit no change . be you the same in affection , which they expresse themselves in a votive and loyall profession . let me tell you , though you be the weaker sexe ; yet that weaknesse must not give the least priviledge to any staine . the roman ladies were so farre from giving occasion , as they usually estranged themselves from places of suspicion . now , the only meanes to secure you , is so to fortifie those parts within you , as no dangerous pioner may betray you , nor ingage your safety to the assaults of a glozing enemy . wee have many english proverbs , both pithy and pregnant , but for your use none so consequent , as that arabian adage : shut your windowes without , that your house may shine within . it is related ( for ancient annals would have no memorable action , were it either to the fame or infamy of the agent , shrouded ) that tarpeia betrayed the gates of the capitol to the enemy , only upon promise , that they should throw her the bracelets , which they wore on their left armes ; which they accordingly performed , throwing also their targets ( to counterpoize those ornaments ) wherewith shee was pressed to death . it is true indeed , price , prayer , and power are dangerous assailants to forts of fancy : but to rebaite the force of these , hold price at such a distance , where it holds in competition with your honour , as it deserves not to be admitted into the scale , where a generous spirit is commander . and for prayer , though it be a perswasive oratour , yet must it be put to silence , when it is abused , and made an agent to corrupt honour . lastly , for power , that resolute megara may give you a brave lesson in her tragick constant expression : whom power can quell , she knowes not how to dye . no ; as price is too servile a solicitor to procure love in any loyall lover ; so is prayer too uncivil an oratour to worke any impression in arguments of honour : and for power , it is a poore grounded fancy that will yeeld her fort up , when she may keepe it , to so intrusive an vsurper . now , there is no way better to remaine safe from such impairers , and impeachers of honour , then to avoid conversing with them . corrupt society is a dangerous introduction to any inward malady . posthumia could not be taxed more for her immodesty , then semphronia or iulia were for consorting with light company . it is to bee supposed , you are now fixed , because espoused : you must then keepe your eyes at home ; not like those lamiae , whose custome was to incase them in a box ; for so they might remaine uselesly shut to the necessitated care of your family ; but from opening them to any light objects of vanity . dinah had not erred , had she not strayed : nor had she strayed , had her eyes beene restrayned . wee may imagine that noble lady armenia , when she was invited , with her husband , to the solemnizing of those princely nuptials of magnificent cyrus , that she might have seene many goodly , and amiable personages , pleasing and attractive objects : such as wanton eyes would have taken infinite delight in : but how sixt was her outward eye on him solely , to whom she stood ingaged by an inward tye , may appear by that discreet modest answer , which shee returned her husband : who at night when they were come home , demanded of her ( it may be out of a causelesse jealousie , which hee conceived of her ) how shee liked that princely bride-groom , whether she thought him not to be a faire , and beautifull prince , or no ? and what personage in all that brave assembly rendred the most gracefull presence to her eye ? truth , sayes she , i know not : for all the while i was forth , i cast mine eyes upon no other but thy selfe . this was an excellent patterne to imitate ! when no object could so take her eye , as to convey the least impression of deluding fancy to her heart . there is small doubt , but those experimentall maxims hold constantly currant : that the very state and composure of the mind is to be seene in the cariage and posture of the body : and that by the gesture and composition of the body , is to be discovered the quality , and disposition of the mind . so as , were one as cunning in his carriage , as tiberius was in his ; who could walke in the clouds to his friends ; and with pretended glozes delude his foes : or as subtile , as that apostate iulian , whom gregory nazianzen called a chamelion , because hee could change himselfe into all shapes and colours : or as crafty as herod antipas , that cunning foxe , who could ingratiate himselfe with his foes , for his owne ends : yet in the secretst , and subtilest carriage of all these , wee shall ever find by the outward gesture , some probable appearance of the inward temper . ambition cannot walke so privately , nor retyre her selfe from the eyes of men so cunningly , nor deceive a weake eye so much with a seeming humility : but some action or other will draw out to life his anatomy , themistocles may walke in the night , and have none but the moone and stars to be his spectators ; yet for all this , there be such observing spies and pioners within him , as the night cannot bee so darke , nor his retired thoughts so close , but humane eyes may see him ; and discover too the necessitie of his walke : for they find by his discontented looke , and ambitious gate , that miltiades triumph will not suffer him to sleepe : so as , no sooner doe his inward thoughts betray him , then his outward eyes display him : every trifling action becomes his discoverer ; every weake passion or broken fancy breaths forth the quality of his distemper . let me , gentlewomen , returne againe to you , and make such usefull application of these , as may improve you : stand your minds affected to publike assemblies , or private visits ? doe these enterludes , or pastimes of the time delight you ? begin you to dis-affect a countrey life , and with a night perswasive rhetorick , to incline the affections of your easie husbands to plant in the citie ; and to leave their ancient mannor-houses , sometimes memorable for hospitality ? trust me , these are no promising arguments of modesty . plants transplanted doe seldome prosper : and beauty exposed to all hazards , highly endangers the preservation of honour : cities and places of great confluence have brought to composed minds much prejudice ; especially , where a recession or diversion from imployment leaves the mind to talke with it selfe , without bestowing it selfe on any usefull designe , publike or private . nay , by estranging her acquaintance from good company , whose advice might assist her ; whose precepts might informe her ; and whose pleasing harmelesse discourse might delight her . and in exchange of such friendly consorts , entertaine society with light fantastick spirits , from whom no other profit can bee derived , then what vanity hath suggested , and the conceit of a deluded fancy hatched . o how many have preserved their reputes untouched , their names unquestioned , their fames unblemished , during their reside in the countrey , who , by entring acquaintance with light fashions , and loose consorts , incurred much infamy ! but as it is not the place , but grace , which workes most effectually with the soule ; be it your care to intend your inward cure : your pretence for the citie may be physick ; but if that physick of your bodies , beget in your minds an infirmity ; it had beene much better for you to have retained still those sickly bodies , you had in the countrey , then by so dangerous a recovery to labour of a farre worser malady in the citie . that sententious petrarch could say , it made no great matter , how the outward house ( alluding to the body ) fared , so the inward house ( alluding to the soule ) flourished : how the outward subsisted , so the inward were supported : yea , we shall observe how the decay , or decrease of the one , becomes many times the repaire and increase of the other . for too much agility of body , begets now and then a debility in the soule . restraine then your eyes from those outward objects , which may any way darken the prospect of your inward house . it is one of our especiall cares in our architecture , that our houses bee pleasantly seated ; and to faire prospects dilated . and we hold it an unneighbourly office , that any one whose contignate dwelling boundeth or butteth neere us , should upon any new superstructure , or late erected story darken the light of our windowes : this must not be endured ; the questmon must be informed , the wrong done us must be aggravated ; nothing omitted , to have the injury of our lesser-lights reformed , and our unsufferable wrongs ( as wee immeritedly account them ) redressed . mean time , any ill disposed neighbour , any vicious or distempered intruder , may at will and pleasure incroach upon the liberty of our higher rooms , these glorious structures of our soules . pride may damp and darken our lights , by over-topping them ; avarice may stop and straiten our lights , by soiling them ; riot may close and clot up our lights , by cloying them ; lust may raze and deface our lights , by peeping and peering through them ; wrath may bruise and break down our lights , by assailing them ; envie may obscure , nay immure our lights by interposing them : and sloath , like a more fruitlesse then harmelesse weed , may blanch and blemish our lights by over-spreading them . come then , ladies , let me become your watchfull bel-man , hang out your lights . the night you walke in is very darke ; and dangerous bee those assailants , to the court of honour , which encounter you . lay aside those love-sports , which your deluded fancies dictate to you , and falsely tell you , that they infinitely become you . lay aside , i say , those numerous love-sport trifles , distinguished by these idolatrous titles : your favour , your fancy , your complexion , your affection , your dasie , pancy , mirrha , venus , and phoebe . o exchange these love-babies with divine graces ! this will incomparably become you , and make you amiable in his sight , who made you . suffer not your eyes to wander ; but fixe upon that centre , where all mortality must of necessity take harbour : obstruite quinque fenestras , ut luceat domus . saint hierome gives this excellent testimonie of that devout woman , asella ; who being confined to a cell , enjoyed the whole circumference of heaven . though i doe not limit you to a cell , i would have your thoughts confined to one orbe ; seeing they cannot be circumscribed by any limit but heaven . thus farre have i addressed my discourse to you , for composing your affections , and contriving your fancy to your choice , whose election admits no change : i am now to caution you , and that briefly of a dangerous guest , which like the snake in the fable , many times disturbs the quiet of a whole house : and this is violent and distempered passion . the indiscreet fury of some wives have made prodigals of frugall men : yea , those who never knew what a loose or debauched course meant ; nor were much addicted to any liberty , became uncivill , and irregular by their wives fury . and howsoever i can by no meanes approve this aversion from goodnesse in the man , yet must i highly condemne the impatience of the woman , who abused so much the temper and good nature of the man. entertaine you then no acquaintance with these sprightly virag●'s , whose only sweet temper is ever to be out of temper . let not a frowne sit on your brow , nor a sparke of fury dart from your eye ; nor one syllable of harsh language from your tongue . soft words mitigate wrath ; observe this rule then , it will so prepare you against all suffering ; as you shall taste an incomparable sweetnesse in your suffering ; rejoycing most in that incounter , wherein you seemed most to suffer . give no place to wrath , but give place to your husbands in time of their wrath . the onely way to allay passion , is to calme it with an expostulation . this that bravely composed roman lady , made excellent use of ; who when shee found her husband quite off the hinges ; affecting nothing more ; then to catch at offence ; with a sweet countenance , and pleasing language , she enter'd into a faire treaty with him after this manner . o my deare quintianus , whence may these distempers grow ? you had a iuliana , i must confesse , a consort well deserving your choice ; and because your now espoused chariclea supplies her place , doth it repent you of your change ? and yet , me thinkes , should you recollect your selfe , and in an equall scale weigh your chariclea's love , you would hold it an ungratefull guerdon , to requite her loyall love with a distastefull looke . your first choyce was faire , incomparably faire , of a gracefull presence , perswasive language ! it is confess'd . yet knew this abstract of perfection , to break forth into passion . but she knew her owne worth , so as passion lodging in such a subject , might admit an easie dispensation ; and make that eagernesse appeare a vertue in her ; whereas even mildnesse , seated in so imperfect a peece as my selfe , may present it selfe like a vice , being shrouded with so meane a cover ! beleeve it sir , as nature has bestowed little on me , to make me proud ; relinquish me for ever , if my respect to honour shall not supply those defects of a more exquisite feature : your anger shall not beget in me the least distemper ; but , if at any time i be moved , it shall be , because you are discontented . have you occasion to rejoyce ? i shall increase it . have you cause to grieve ? i shall allay it . should you in any extremity suffer , i should desire nothing more then to become your sharer . many , very many might you have had , more rich in portion , more choice in proportion , but never any more true in her affection . in one word ; as there is no office in chariclea , which shall not bestow it selfe to quintianus honour , during life : so may it be quintianus goodnesse to accept the loyall sacrifice of her devoutest love . this conjugall protest wrought so impressive an effect in her too passionate husband ; as , recollecting his dis-joynted affections , he became so truly inamoured of his choyce , as the conceit of her imparallel'd vertues estranged his resolves , not onely from the least apprehension of a future change : but fairely attemper'd in him all motives of choller ; so as , it was rare to find in him upon any occasion whatsoever , any appearance of distemper , much lesse of any inconsiderate anger . there is no doubt but grounds of distaste may be easily suggested ; especially , where either iealousie , arising from an exuberance of fancy ; or an intended desire to displease , workes upon the conceit of the party . but admit , gentlewomen , your eyes and eares were so strongly possest of your injuried bed , as you may visibly perceive a breach and violation of that faith , which by a sacred vote , should in reason and religion have admitted no blemish unto death : yet if you shall find a relenting disposition in them , doe not aggravate your wrongs by too bitter an expression of them . the confession of a wrong should beget in you an indulgent smile ; yea , though a modest shame could not brooke to make too open a discovery of what loosenesse of folly had committed ; yet , though never so covertly shrouded , being with a resolved contrition closed , and not hypocritically cloathed , it deserves to be ingenuously remitted . this might be in him instanced , who desirous by a line to discover the irregularity of his life , brought in a livelesse monument to witnesse unto the world the relenting guilt of a sorrowfull delinquent . this babe had prov'd one of our wits , no doubt , but bastard-slips doe seldome take deep root : botolph , prepare for this small corpse a shrine ; the crime , beleeve it , was not his but mine . but time would sooner faile me , then this subject scantle me ; i must not inlarge my selfe too much , lest i deceive your trust . one thing i am to advise you of , which observed , may prevent many occasions of distaste , which are usually ministred . as i formerly advertised your husbands , not to intermedle in those feminine imployments , which concerne your charge : so be it your modesty to decline from those interesses , which properly admit their care . it is an hatefull thing , saith that devout father , to see a man practise the spindle , and a woman to handle the speare . you have peculiar offices equally designed ; let them not bee improperly mixed . that roman was much condemned for imparting secrets of state to his wife ; but his wife was more publikely taxed for laying downe grounds how to rectifie the state to her husband . this is a presuming evill , and too largely spreading , said that cinick , to bee cured , till selfe-conceit , by a timely reproofe , be rebaited . humility is the way to prevent it : for though pride be a dangerous mate to accompany man : yet it is never so domineering , as when it pleads for soveraignty in a womans mind . remember then that divine mandat ; it will be a meanes to calme it : thy desire shall be subject to thine husband , and hee shall rule over thee . which subjection , as it implyes a distinct condition , so it begets in every family an harmonious order , or disposition : if there be danger in civill warres , there can be no great security in domestick brauls : where both the conqueror , and conquered , become equally endammaged . doe not contest then for precedency , since the divine law hath given your consort the priority . and in one word , to the end you may appeare more amiable in his sight who made you ; and in his choyce , for whom hee made you ; reteine in memory that divine lesson , for it prescribes you a perfect rule of direction , how to behave you selves in your whole course or conversation : in your very motion , gesture , and gate , observe modesty ; it will infinitely become you , and attract a kind of reverend esteeme in those who eye you . this will make your husbands to second what a noble gentleman sometimes pronounced in testimony of his good fortune , and approvement of his choyce : who , as it was long before hee married , so did much happinesse crowne his expectance , after such time as hee was espoused . i thanke god ( said he ) that i abandoned my conceit , and thus embraced an honourable state . as i was long time in chusing , i shall bee longer ere my thoughts incline to a changing . as increase of posterity put me upon the one , so shall my vowed fidelity divert me from the other . her condition , whom i have taken , doe's so suite me , as i should make my selfe unworthy such a choyce , should i ingage my desires to any forraine fancy . vndeserving is he of a worthy one , who intangles his affections with more then one . this is the way then , gentlewomen , to ingratiate your selves in their bosoms with whom you live , and whom onely you are entirely to love ; to make a contract betwixt your eyes and hearts , when at any time you goe abroad , or are admitted to any necessary visit : that your eyes may not become treacherous tarpeia's to your hearts . nor suffer any intrusive thought to enter , that may incroach upon your honour . for it is no lesse errour to have a desire to be sought by others , then to seeke after others . to cast out deluding eyes , and , like subtile falconers , with light deceiving lures , to seaze on amorous fooles ; which howsoever it imparadise them , it cannot chuse but highly disparage you . for speaking eyes are such dangerous orators , that though they allure others to folly , they ever ingage themselves most to apparent misery . but your discreet moderation ha's taught you a better lesson ; your thoughts are impatient , in giving reines to any such diversion . one sun is but for one spheare ; one diadem for one head ; and one conjugall embrace for one bed ; this best becomes you , this crownes you . this , as it confirmes your loyall love , while you are living : so will it leave a memory of your goodnesse at your dying : for , as to love a wife while she lives , is a pleasing fancy ; so to reteine the memory of a wife when she dies , is an act of piety . thus having sufficiently treated of this conjugall office , which deserves preheminence , because dignified by a primitive ordinance : wee purpose now to descend to our second observance , wherein wee are briefly to recommend to your candid iudgements , the distinct qualities of parentall and filiall offices . of parentall offices . parents , as they beare a naturall love to those they get , so are they to have an innate care in providing for those they have got . which parentall care properly reflects upon two objects : internall , externall : internall , the better to inable and prepare them for the happy fruition of things eternall ; externall , to accommodate them in a way of livelihood , lest they should become indigent , or necessitous in things temporall : the former ha's proper relation to nurture ; the latter to such necessaries , as conduce to the conservation of nature . for the first , it is an excellent lesson , which the wiseman giveth : teach a child in the trade of his way , and when he is old , hee will not depart from it . wee say , vessels keepe a savour of their first liquor : as cloath dyed in graine reteines his prime tincture . how cautious then should parents be of their childrens nurture ? if wee should take a re-view of preceding ages , we might find with what diligence and intentive care , the very ancient pagans provided schoole-masters for their children ; not only to instruct them in principles of learning , but discipline of living . yea , even our most ancient and eminent princes , ( so much was soveraignty enamoured on philosophy , men of highest quality on morall piety ) reteined ever some philosophers to their familiars : as alexander , aristotle ; ●arius , herodetus ; augustus , ●iso ; pompeius , plauto ; titus , pl●ni● ; adrian , secundus ; trajan , plutarch ; anthonius , apollonius ; theodosius , clandinus ; s●v●rus , fabatus . and there were not onely imployed in their owne conference : but in composing and delivering precepts , or rules of instruction to their children : you then , parents , who reteine in you better grounded hopes , then airy thoughts of elysian fields ; you , i say , who treasure great hopes in your posterity , and with a provident eye labour to improve their estates , by advancing them to places of dignity : be it your primary care , to enrich them inwardly ; that they may know how to manage an estate , before they come to be masters of an estate : many have lept into faire and full fortunes , conferred on them by their parents providence ; who , as they kn●w little how their too carefull fathers got it ; so with as much indifference they dispatcht themselves of it . education , which is a second nature , had given them no better nurture , then to follow feathers in the ayre ; their best of philosophy was hunting or falconry . and more excusable had it beene , if they had to closed : but corruption of manners stript them of all their mannors : forty entertaining those consorts of death , loose pandars , or light parasites , they exhaulted those streaming treasures , and exuberant fortunes , in one yeare , which many yeares ac●ompanied with watchfull ●ares , had to ●●lici●ously gathered . nor is it indeed a thing possible , that young gentlemen , who are mounted to high e●●stes , attended by numerous reteiners ; supplyed with variety of pleasures ; but indigent in these mentall treasures , should devote themselves without some miraculous inspiration , to any studious employments learning , as it was a stranger to them in their youthfull minority ; so the very thought of it begets a fastidious aversenesse to their memory . bookes are for retired spirits ; but soone tired would their spirits be , to be so retired . divine fancies , they hold i remiticall frenzies . such studies must never make them leane : for they professe themselves aliens to all stories , but legends of love. o what a word of disgrace in these novices eares , is the title of a scholler ? and to estrange themselves the better from such pedanticall consorts , they have resolv'd already , never to entertaine any such for their follower or ret●iner , that holds least correspondence with a philosopher . the reason is , as their parents indulgence would not suffer them to l●arne when they were young : so now they hold themselves too old to learne . to prevent this malady ( too epidemicall in most places ) be it your principall care to prepare such tutors for them , as may instruct them in the principles of divine and humane learning : and by their incessant diligence , so enable them , as they may taste a sweetnesse in those sciences they have learned . for the onely reason of his neglect , or remissenesse in arguments of knowledge , is their deficience in knowledge . for did they but understand the sweetnesse of learning , they would preferre the incomparable delight of one houres study , before a myriad of houres imployed in vanity . that brave picene had arrived , no doubt , at this port ; who , though his descent was noble , his revenues ample , and his objects of pleasure many ; yet hee ingenuously protested , that the least graine of philosophy , which either his tutors industry , or his owne sedulity had purchased him , was of more weight in his scale , than all the revenues that were left him . truth is , as youth is most docile to learne , so it is many times most facile to erre . and because diverse and sundry are the dispositions , with which our masters are to encounter : so there is required in them ; a free and plenteous measure of discretion , to the end they may accommodate their discipline to every ones disposition . some natures they shall find sweet and affable ; others rough and intractable . some apt to get , and no lesse apt to forget ; others flow to get , but apt to reteine . some to be won by an apple ; others to bee taught by the rod. and in these discoveries ▪ i should with parents rather to recommend the scrutinie to their masters ; then by too much indulgency to interesse themselves . he deserves not to be a master , whose discretion applyes not it selfe to the disposition of his scholler . neither is our discourse only restrained to arguments of learning . i am not ignorant how children descending from one root , may differ in the quality of their mind . some are not capable at schoole , who may shew themselves sufficient for a trade . as you then shall find your children disposed , be it your care to have them so bestowed : as neither your too much indulgence may decline their improvement : nor your too remisse care beget in them a neglect of their advancement . for youth , as it may become depraved by too much cockring , so may it be nipped in the bud , and consequently too much discouraged , by too rigid a curbing . be it then your prime care to lay a faire foundation : and to give them such accomplishment by a generous education , as their very posture may confirme them branches of honour : scorning to appeare in that designe , that may in the least manner derogate from their place , or lay a blemish on their blood . if thou beest cato's sonne , said that brave roman , doe nothing unworthy of cato's father . this patterne , but in a more divine imitation , should all children reteine in their memory : to prove unto the world , that they are true native scienes derived from such a family : from whence , as they received their birth , so they labour to improve it by presenting good examples upon this theatre of earth . o if inconsiderate youth did but know , what precious time it bestowes in trifling vanity ; as in dedicating those first houres of the day , in crisping those wanton love-lockes ; in cerussing and repairing a decayed beauty , by idolatrizing themselves in the reflexion of a flattering glasse ; by composing an adulterate countenance , purposely to induce fancy ; and , like wanton dalilah , to rob deluded man of his strength by their lascivious folly ! againe , how it bestowes the after-noone in needlesse visits , immodest objects , light presentments ; but scarcely reserves one minute , after so many mis-spended houres , for workes of devotion ! o , i say , would youth but lay these to his heart , and cloze the period of his thoughts with this short expostulation : o what have i done ! hee would returne no doubt with the poore penitent prodigal , and acknowledge his sinne ; hee would feed no longer on the husks of vanity ; nor goe astray , any more in those by-paths of folly . he would returne , i say , with the turtle , truly mourning ; bestow the remainder of his dayes in repenting : and desire no longer to live after he desisted from that pious resolution , which had so wholly possessed him , as it had left no hope for vanity to seize on him . now to perfect this good worke , let it be the especiall care of parents , to educate their children religiously , to season their infancy with principles of piety . for there is nothing that makes elther youth or age more wavering in points of religion ( next temporary respects , which too often times coole divine effects ) then ignorance in the grounds of religion . now , as it is the office of parents to plant them in it : so is it their duty to suffer no temporall respect to decline them from it . it was that learned fathers resolution ; i will hold that faith now when i am old , which i was nursed in when i was young . there is more beauty in our christian truth , then ever appeared in helen of greece . this moved that victorious emperour constantine the great , to protest , what his princely constancy had ever exprest , that he preferred his happinesse in being a member of christs church , before his being the head of an empire . seeing that the priviledges of faith are of larger extent , then the confines of an empire ; and of that inestimable price , as no treasure is to be compared to her : it becomes every sincere professor , to desire rather to suffer , then so incomparable a princesse should suffer in her honour : nay , rather to perish by speaking , then that truth should perish for want of a speaker . having thus laid downe the foundation , whereon the first hopes of youth are to be grounded ; with such eminent graces , wherewith it is to be seasoned : and such consequent principles of religion , wherein necessarily it is to be confirmed : wee are now to descend to our secondary parentall care ; which as it is not to precede the former , so is it not to be neglected in a proportionable measure and order . the soule indeed , as it is of a more precious substance then the body , so ought their cares to be of a distinct quality . this the poet intimated elegantly : lesse is the losse of fortune then of fame , more of a soule then of a glorious name . diverse then , and of distinct nature be these different cares : wherein parents are to be so much the more cautious , in regard their too anxious and immoderate cares , may become highly noxious . o how many by doing too much for their children , have undone their children ! be it then your especiall ayme , in these temporall cares , to improve your meanes by honest wayes . a revenue got with honesty , is a thriving portion to posterity : whereas , estates built on rapine , or the ruine of others , what shallow foundations have such fabricks , being many times no sooner raised , then razed ! these illegitimate patrimonies , as that grave morall stiled them , seldome survive an age : for the macerating cares of an exacting father , treasure their hopes most commonly on a prodigall successor . howsoever then , that apostolicall admonition is ever to be remembred ; and by a discreet providence to be seconded : if there be any that provideth not for his owne , and namely for them of his houshold , bee denieth the faith , and is worse then an iufidell : yet let a religious feare ever accompany this care . gods honour must be in the first place ; or there can bee no peace in any place . now to advance his honour , and obtaine favour in the presence of our best master , let not the provision for a family , nor improvement of a posterity make you remisse in your care of eternity . be owners of your owne ; seeke not to reape , what you have not sowne . scorne to be intruders in anothers right ; or , in the confidence of your power , to crush your inferiour ; or to grinde the face of the poore , by working on his necessity who flies to you for succour ; or by removing buttals , to enlarge your boundiers ; or by any meanes , to surprize others , to inhance your injurious co●ers . the partridge ( saith ambrose ) makes her a nest of stolne eggs , which she hath not laid , but as soone as the birds are hatched , the true mother cals them all away from their thievish step-dame : this may be the proper embleme of the covetous and cruell man , incubat auro . such incroaching brooders be all unconscionable misers , who sit hatching those golden egges ( to use the words of the apologue ) which they never lay , but , to their griefe , must be stript by the true owners , of what they so immoderately love . for the oppressors wealth is like achans wedge : turnus belt : dagons house broke dagons neck ; and all usurping possessors are to expect the like fate . gnipho the vsurer ( as lucian feigneth ) lieth in hell lamenting his miserable estate , that one rodochares ; an incestuous prodigal did on earth consume his goods wastfully in the su●feits of pleasure , which hee with care , and unjust meanes had scrap'd together . the way to decline these laments , and prevent those infernall teares ; is with discretion to moderate your cares and feares . let not an unjust nor injurious thought seize on you ▪ nor a desire to improve your selves by anothers ruine surprize you ; let not a widowes teare , nor an orphans shreeke beare record against you ▪ these have shrill voyces , and will find an avenger : one who has a bottle to preserve the teares of the one , as a precious elixir ; and an eare to compassionate the cryes of the other , like an indulgent father : the way then in these temporall cares , to make you happy parents , is with that indifferency to value gold , as to make godlinesse your chiefest gaint : to preferre the approvement of equity , before the improvement of a posterity ; to rejoyce more in honest poverty , than in those swelling titles of iniquity . for beleeve it , that little common-weale of man cannot chuse , but enjoy much quietnesse , where conscience becomes soveraignesse , and receives preheminence . now , there is one errour that i have observed in parents , which were well to be rectified : it is too generally spreading , and consequently exacts the more expedite prevention . it shall be our care to prescribe a cure : which if it admit a cure , it shall amply recompence our care . many , too many make it their prime ayme , their principall care in preferring their children , to fixe upon inheritance , or portion . their sonnes must marry with c●●cires , and so joyne land to land . a survey of their estates with whom they intend to match , must precede all inducements of love . grounds of fancy must be rank'd in the second siege . proportion is to veile to portion . reall affection to a rich possession . it was onely hope of promotion , that preferr'd this loves motion . were those inward ornaments of this great inheretrix never so meanly accoutred , being thus encountred , and with such rare fortunes embellished , they must be above their estimate valued : there is not so much as the least question made of the young gentlemans love . the parents choyce must admit no change . meane time , what miseries have attended such enforced marriages , every age can afford variety of dolefull instances : where an vnion of hands begot a dis-union of hearts . the reason might be this ; indirect affections seldome receive a blessing . they invert the use of marriage , who make portion directrice of affection : fancy subordinate to fortune . love is not to be made such a page of : bee it then your office to examine the affection of your child , before you engage their persons to an enforced choyce . though a good fortune be not to be rejected , yet is a good liking betwixt the parties to be preferred . in a word , let vertue be the ayme : and the marriage-day cannot chuse but cloze with a glorious even . in bestowing likewise your younger children upon trades , you are to be very circumspect in the choyce of their masters , with the quality of their professions . ingenuous natures suite not well with rigid masters . neither are tender , or delicate constitutions for toyling ●or sinnewy professions . this was especially observed by the ancient romans , which made them exquisite artists in those manuall mysteries . wee have here in this our flourishing iland many staple trades ; wherin , as it is no derogation for our gentry to interesse their younger children ; so by gods blessing , and their good endeavour , they become many times so well improved , as they need not obsequiously ingratiate themselves to any inferiour favour , nor rely on a pentionary supply , or any necessitated succour , being able by a civill remonstrance to render curtesie for curtesie to their elder brother . neither can i approve the indulgence of such parents , whose too tender affection towards their children , declines them from all hopes or helpes of preferment in this kind . birds wee see , after such time as they have brought forth their young ones , will not for ever foster them under their wings . they must be sent abroad to provide themselves food to releeve them , to build them nests to receive them , and fitting mates to consort them . and must these be wiser in their generation , than those nobler creatures , who partake of reason ? these observe the meanes by which they are directed to conserving ends . now , would you have these meanes defined ; they are properly styled , the way by which wee are directed , to that scope or marke , at which we aymed . as you are then by nature their parents , be it your care to raise them meanes of supportance . as they had from you their being , let them receive from you grounds of subsistence . let not your delicacy estrange their spirits from industry ; lest by too much hugging them , with the ape in the fable , you stifle them . send them then forth into the world , that as you have educated them , so you may reape the fruit of your provisionall care , by their improvement . for , trust me , highly are such parents to be condemned , who leave their estates so perplexed , as they recommend the lively-hood of the younger , to the remisse consideration , or doubtfull commiseration of the elder . for these , many times , entertaine such profuse followers , as their vast and unbounded ryot begets a neglect in them , towards such as were recommended to them , by making servants of their brothers , and brothers of their parasites . besides , the charge of annuities , as they exhaust the estate of the elder , making him live all his time like an ancient descendible begger ; so it begets an irregular course in the younger : who , either falling short in receipt of his annuall allowance , or exceeding his bounds , ingageth his perishing hopes to some desperate action , which in the end spins to a full length , the threed of his ruine . so many fearefull examples , both ancient and moderne , present themselves daily upon the stage of our state , as they need no further illustration in this kinde . that maxime holds ever authentick : brethren are ever kindest one to another , when they are least beholding one to another . assigne then to every one their peculiar portion , which will become such a firme cement or ligament to their affection ; as their mutuall supplyes may produce reciprocall tyes : by which harmonious freedome , or propriety of living ; one may enjoy the others society , without the least conceipt of a too tedious beholding . in the disposing too of your estates , let me advise you not to neglect opportunity of doing good to your owne , now while it is in your power to dispose of your owne . many by deferring the settling of their estates to their death , become abridged of their intents , by being prevented with the inopinate arrest of death : and so leave their distracted estates to be determined by lawyers , who being sed with fat fees , make fooles of your intended heires : leaving them after many an humbly complayning to bemoane their leane fortunes , when they fall into consideration how their extracted estates , by those numerous suite atoms , are resolved into papers : and how their long practise in a litigious kind of alchimy , by a precious pragmaticall pouder , has reduc'd all their chymicall fortunes into the remaines of a greater worke , the elixir of poverty . sicknesse is a sufficient burden of it selfe : disburden then your selves , by disposing of your estates before sicknesse commeth : not by dis-possessing your selves of them , for so you may give others power over you ; but by a discre●t and deliberate disposure of them , that temporall cares may lesse intangle you , when sicknesse shall surprize you : and your inward house be set in such order , as your composed soules may receive rest to your comfort , and gods honour . thus farre have wee enlarged our discourse , in laying before you the care which you are to have in spirituall affaires , for improving your children in that best knowledge , which may truly enable them for their highest inheritance : as likewise how you are in a conscionable provision to addresse your inferiour care for their temporall subsistence . in which two respects , as you shall performe the office of prudent and affectionate parents : so shall those rich treasures , which you deposit in succeeding hopes of your children , crowne your silver haires with incomparable comfort : for as this religious care was sincerely discharged by you : so shall you receive those filiall offices from yours , as may amply recompence your care ; and , as you shall now heare , returne to their labourer a deserving hire . you have heard what is required of parents to their children ; their incessant cares ; jealous feares ; and these intermixed with such doubtfull hopes , as not one houre without a corroding care ; nor a promising hope without a threatning feare . it was observed in augustus , that so long as his two daughters iulia and livia were in his presence , hee could never returne any expression to his councell with much resolvednesse . his mind was not fixed upon an answer , but upon his daughters behaviour . where he collected by the company they frequented how their affections were inclined . if iulia converse with a ruffian , it becomes no lesse a sting to her fathers heart , then a staine to his daughters reputation . whereas if livia enter into discourse with any grave senatour ; this pleasing object redounds equally to his solace , as well as her honour . now to recompence these numerous cares and anxious feares , which become constant companions to parents hearts , let children returne a gratefull remonstrance of their duty and zeale in these three distinct respects . first , in tendring them the sacrifice of obedience ; secondly , in performing that filiall office with all reverence . thirdly , in affording them , if necessity should thereto enforce them , their best supportance . of these we shall take occasion to treat severally , and with that perspicuity , as the very youngest and rawest in these offices , may vnderstand his peculiar duty . it was an excellent admonition of that sonne of sirach ; honour thy father from thy whole heart , and forget not the sorrowes of thy mother . which admonition in the next ensuing verse he strengthneth with this emphaticall remembrance : remember that thou wast borne of them , and how canst thou recompence them the things that they have done for thee . this confirmes that maxime of the stagyrite : to our masters , our gods and parents can never be rendred an equivalence . and if that divine rule hold , that the obedience we exhibit to our superiours , we even exhibit to god himselfe , who is the lord paramount , and in whose presence the highest potentates are inferiours ; what superiority in a degree of such propinquity exacts of us a more filiall duty ? whence it was , that blessed basill falling into a serious contemplation of this tender native affection , affirmeth ; that we are bound to love our parents as our owne proper bowells . so as hee well deserveth , saith saint gregory , to bee punished with blindnesse , which lookes vpon his parents with a louring count'nance , or with proud eyes offends the piety of his naturall parents . canst thou looke ( said that excellent morall ) vpon those who brought thee forth into the world with a contemptuous eye , as if they were not worthy to live in the world ? must those who bred thee , breed a distaste in thee ? art thou by being a man of place , ashamed of thy birth , which gave thee a being upon earth ? must thine honour so degenerate from nature , as nature must veile to honour ; and make the affluence of a fading state to soveraignize over her ? are these arguments of obedience , when creditors become debters , and parents servants to their children . as every family is a private soveraignty ; so ought there to bee a disposition , order , or apt symmetry in every member of that family . the members are ministers unto the head : so are children and servants to the master of the house . should the least member surcease to minister , the head could not chuse but infinitely suffer . now , how unnaturall bee those tendrells , how adulterate those scienes , which decline from that stemme which gave them growth ; from that parentall stocke , which render'd them their first birth ? the philosopher , indeed , gives a reason why parents love their children more , then children their parents : and why they know more then those children that derive their being from them : because , sayes he ; as water is the purest which flowes from the fountaine head the nearest ; so that love which descends from the originall root is ever the dearest : and for as much as true love is ever grounded upon knowledge , for otherwise it merits rather the title of folly then fancy ; in regard parents know us better to be theirs , then we our selves know us to be theirs : so much more as their knowledge is surer , so much is their parentall affection purer . whence the poet delivers this for a knowne experiment . nature do's oft descend , but seldome mount , parents areeres fall short in their account . but if children would consider how they have received their native being from them : againe , those incessant cares which attend them : with those promising hopes which they have treasured in them , they would hold it one of the highest taskes , and noblest acts of piety , to be imployed in those offices of filiall duty ; and to performe them with all alacrity . besides , doe children desire a blessing ? the honour which they render unto their parents is confir●ed with a promise . nor is any commandement ratified with a stronger assumpsit . length of dayes is promised , which implyes an abridgement of time to such as neglect it . nay , that i may presse this argument a little further , by recounting those benefits which arise from parentall honour : wee shall generally observe , how that dis-regard to obedience , which children shew towards their parents , ●s fully requited by the disobedience of their children , when they come to be parents . for what more may you expect from yours , then what you tendered unto yours ? you may collect hence what singular blessings are from obedience derived : againe , what discomforts even to posterity are from disobedience occasioned . the one proposeth a long life ; the other implyeth a short life . the one conferrs a comfort on us in our posterity ; the other a myriad of afflictions in our progeny . nor can that child be of ●a ingenuous nature , who with a free and uncoacted embrace addresseth not his best endeavours to advance this honour . let him but respect upon his parents tendernesse , and hee cannot chuse but highly taxe himselfe of unthankefulnesse ; should hee suffer the neglect of one houre in returning the obedientiall sacrifice of a child to his father . neither is any time to be exempted from so pious a taske . for as their tender and vigilant eye has beene from infancy to yeeres of more maturity ever intentively fixed , that their hopes might be improved , and their comforts ●n that improvement numerously augmented ; so ought it to be the delightful'st study to their posterity , to crown their parents white hairs with comfort ; and in imitation of that ve●tuous corinthian , to recollect themselves , by considering what might give their parents most content : and with all cheerfulnesse to performe that for them , even after their death , which they conceived could not chuse but content them in their life . alas , so indulgent are most parents , and so easily contented , as the very least offices of duty performed by their children , transport them above comparison . when children in obedience play their part , they drop young blood into an aged heart . nay , i may truly affirme of this precious plant of filiall obedience , what our ancient poets sometimes wrote of that aesonian herbe , or what the ever living homer reported of his moli ; that it has power to restore nature , and beget an amiable complexion in the professor . for a good life attracts to the countenance ( sayes the ethick ) expressive characters of love . now should you more curiously then necessarily enquire after the extent of this obedience ; as , wherein it is to be exercised , and to what bounds confined : take this for a positive rule ; that in whatsoever shall not be repugnant to the expresse will of god , there is required this observance : yea , even in matters of indifference , it is farre safer to oppose your owne wils , then distaste your parents . it was an excellent saying of saint gregory ; hee that would not offend in things unlawfull , must oft abridge himselfe in things lawfull . the way to infuse more native heat in this obedience , is to shew an alacrity of obeying , even in subjects of indifference ; for a remissenesse in these cannot but argue a probable coolenesse in those of higher consequence . and , as the command of a discreet father will injoyne his child nothing but what may comply equally with piety and reason : so will a dutifull child submit himselfe to his fathers command , without the least unbeseeming debate or expostulation . thus from these premisses may wee draw this infallible conclusion : would you enjoy length of dayes , glad houres , or a succeeding comfort in yours ? answer their aged hopes who have treasured their provisionall cares for you ; bring not their silver haires with sorrow to their grave : but returne them such arguments of proficience in every promising grace ; that your sincere and unfeigned obedience , may not be only a surviving comfort to your parents , but a continuall feast to your owne conscience . neither are you to performe these offices of obedience , with a regardlesse affection , or without due reverence . for , as god would have those who are labourers in his vineyard , to doe their worke with cheerefulnesse : so is it his will that naturall children returne all offices of duty , and filiall obedience with humility and reverence . age is a crowne of glory , when it is found in the way of righteousnesse . and this closeth well with that saying of the preacher : the crowne of old men , is to have much experience , and the feare of god is their glory . but admit they were such , whom native obedience injoynes you to reverence : as the nearer to their grave , the further from knowledge : the nearer to earth , the more glued to earth : yet for all this , in lawfull things are you not to alien your thoughts of obedience from them : but as you derived your being from them , so with a sensible compassion of their infirmities , with the veile of piety to cover their nakednesse . it is true indeed what that sententious morall sometimes observed : a there is no sight more unseemely then an old man , who having lived long , reteines no other argument of his age then his yeares . this moved curius dentatus to conclude so positively , b that he had rather be dead , then live as one dead . neither indeed is age to bee measured by yeares but houres . many are old in yeares , who are young in houres : many old in houres , who are young in yeares . for time is of such unvaluable estimate , that if it be not imployed to improvement , it becomes a detriment to the accomptant . no object more distastefull ( said that divine morall ) then an c elementary old-man : no subject of discourse more hatefull ( said witty petrarch ) then a d dialecticall old-man . a logicall age , howsoever it appeare copious in words ; it seldome becomes plenteous in workes . free discoursers in philosophy , are oft the slowest proficients in the practick part of philosophy . whereas , it is better to be a truant at schoole , then in the practise of life . for , as it is better to know little ; and practise much ; then to know much , and practise little : so it is a more usefull knowledge , to learne the art of living , then of learning . for many with their learning have gone into hell : whereas none , were they never so simple , but by living well have gained heaven . it is an excellent caution indeed , and well deserving our deepe impression : if thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth , what canst thou find in thine age ? put sufficient it is not to gather , but to make use of that experimentall treasure . medicines deposited afford small benefit to the patient : nor are talents to bee buried : nor our lights under a bushell shrouded . knowledge cannot be usefully active , unlesse it be communicative . howsoever , then , age in respect of her ancient livery with those aged emblemes of her antiquity exact reverence : yet deserves it most honour when those gray haires are beautified with knowledge . oh , how pleasant a thing is it , when gray headed men minister judgement , and when the elders can give good counsell ! oh , how comely a thing is wisedome unto aged men , and understanding an● prudency to men of honour ! this no doubt , as it begets them esteeme amongst their equals : so it highly improves their reverence with inferiours . for , foolish age , though it should be exempted from derision ; yet such is the levity of time , and piercing eye of youthfull observation , as age becomes censured by youth ; whereas youth ought rather to interpret the best , then detract in the least from the reverence of age . it is too true , that every obliquity , be it either of higher or lower quality , is more incurable in age , then youth . the reason is , age becomes more insensible of what it has committed , and growes more indurate through an accustomed habit : whereas , though an unconfined heat of youth drive the other into folly : an ability of conceipt brings them to an apprehension of what they have done : and consequently to a recollection of themselves , to reforme what they have mis-done . now , the way how to improve this reverence in parents to their children , and magistrates to their inferiours ; is to expresse such patterns of piety in the whole course of their life , as the very shadows reflecting from such mirrors may produce an awfull reverence , zeale , and love in their observers : with a zealous desire of imitation in their successors . this , no doubt , begot a pious emulation in our predecessors towards those , whose actions being of ancient record , induced them to trace those steps wherein they had walked : and with much constancy to professe those vertues , which they had found in them so highly approved . others lives became their lines ; lines to direct them by their coppy : lights to conduct them to an higher pitch of true nobility . it is a rule worthy inscription on the ancient wardrobe of age : old men , by how much they are unto death neerer , by so much more ought they to be purer . this will attract unto them duty in their life ; and eternity after death . now , gentlemen , that you may better observe this reverence , addressed to those to whom you owe all obedience : be it farre from you to debate or dispute their commands : it suites not well with the duty of a child to expostulate with a father ; especially , in morall respects : where the quality or nature of the command discovers no opposition to the law divine . be never in their presence without a pious feare , and awfull reverence . interrupt them not in their discourse : neither preferre your owne opinion before their advise . it tastes of an ill condition to stand upon conditions with a father , upon proposals of meanes or exhibitions . but much more distastefull to contest in termes ; as if the memory of nature were lost in you , and all acquaintance with piety estranged from you . this it was which moved that dis-passionate theban , to take up his unseasoned sonne in this manner : putting him in mind of his neglect , even of civile duty ; which the better to remember , hee layes before him his uncivile demeanour in this severe character . an ale-house seemes by your apologie an excellent receipt for a male-content . i am sory you have lost the principles of more divine philosophy . you might recall to mind those attick studies , wherein you were sometimes versed ; those academick colleagues , with whom you discoursed : a memoriall of these might have better qualified this humour ; by reducing your troubled affections to a clearer temper . but my hopes now are to be resolv'd into prayers : for as yet there can appeare small hope , where your morning sacrifice is offer'd to smoake : a sweet perfume for an intended convert ! you seeme to presse your father to a performance of promise ; god blesse you ! i see plainely your pen must necessarily make that maxime good : — where there is a want in the practise of piety , it must needs beget a neglect of duty , nay of civility . i could wish that you would be as ready to reform : the errours of your life , as i to performe the offices of a fatherly love : so speedily do's love descend , so slowly do's it ascend . to conclude all in one , — i must tell you , to condition with a father , argues no good condition in a sonne . but let the wisest consort you consult with advise you , and with their tap-rhetorick surprize you ; you shall find that i have power to proportion meanes to every ones merit . from which resolution , neither shall affection draw me , nor power over-awe me : so as , if you expect from me a patrimony , exercise piety . be what you seem● , or prove the same you vow , wee have dissembling practisers enow . thus have you heard the course of a profuse sonne , with the resolution of a dis-consolate father . collect hence what discontents accompany the one : what distractions conscionably may attend the other children reflect constant cares , but uncertaine comforts . cares are proper attributes to parents : comforts , those fruits , after a long seed-plot of cares , the sole harvest they reape . it is true , parents are to dispence with discomforts in their children ; and receive them as familiar guests to lodge with them : but what heavy fates attend such children , as exemplarily present this condition ! welcome guests you cannot be to your father in heaven , who make your inferiour cares such unwelcome guests to him on earth . i have found in some children a serious inquisition after their fathers yeares : so as , if they could possibly have contracted with the register , to inlarge his aged character , hee could not want an ample fee for so gratefull a labour . such as these would ride in their fathers saddle before their time . but trust me , few of these lap-wing hopes or loose-pinion'd desires , but they cloze in a fatall catastrophe : and as their ill-grounded hopes were scean'd in prodigality , so they end tragically in an act of misery . let it be your honour to reverence their gray haires , and with wishes of pious zeale to rejoyce in their length of dayes : for this it is will bring an happinesse to your age ; and beget a reverend obedience in yours , as you in all piety offer'd like sacrifice unto yours . for take this for a constant position ; you shall seldome see any prodigals falling short of these inherent offices of duty , but if they live to have a progeny , they receive the like discomforts from their posterity . nay , i have knowne very few such vnnaturalists , who desired their fathers death , in hope to enjoy his land ; that ever enjoy'd much comfort in possession of that land : for as these murder their parents in their hearts , so they are many times stifled in the fruition of their hopes : tasting more aloes of discontent in their enjoying : then ever they did sweetnesse in their expecting . consider then the excellency of that divine proverbe : a foolish son is a griefe unto his father , and a heavinesse to her that bare him . now , lesse then foolish you cannot be , so long as dis-obedience hales you to ruine : for your folly becomes an abridger of your dayes : or an ingager of your yeares to many dis-consolate cares : inverting that by making it a cursing , which by preserving it in his owne purity , might have beene an incomparable blessing . remember then that golden sentence , and let it reteine a faire character in the signature of your conscience : childrens children are the crowne of the elders : and the glory of the children are their fathers . as you are their crowne , so let them be your glory . let every day wherein you live , produce a testimony of your unfeigned duty , your entire love . this shall be a meanes to accumulate gods blessings on you : and leave patterns of piety , to such as shall succeed you , with a sacrifice of like obedience to please you , and in the memory of their vertues deservingly to prayse you . thus by performing the religious taske of sincere obedience , you cannot chuse but seasonably afford them your supportance , to whom you tender'd such entire reverence . should children forget their duty to those that bred them ; or neglect all such pious offices as properly become them . should those native impressions be wholly razed in them , which , as shadowes to their bodies , should individually attend them . should humanity lose his name , or piety relinquish her nature : yet might these , even by fixing on sensible creatures , find such moving objects , as the very parentall affection which these inferiour emblemes beare to those that gave them being , could not chuse but strike in them a glowing shame , and present to their weake memory , the neglect of their necessitated duty . it is said of the cranes , that when their parents have moulted their feathers , their young ones seeke about for all such necessaries as may relieve them , till such time as their aged parents recover their feathers ; or by death leave them . likewise to shew how wee ought to succour and support our parents when they grow aged , may be instanced in the tender affection of the storke : whereof wee reade , that when the storkes grow old , their affectionate brood take up their parents upon their owne wings , and set them in their nests , and like tender infants place them in their owne bosome ; where they nurse and nusle them , affording them all supportance that may any way accommodate them . nay , of all the birds in the ayre , the vultur onely suffers his parents to perish with hunger ; which discovers his ravenous and odious nature . it is most true what an ancient father sometimes observed : should wee bestow on them whatsoever we could possibly conferre on them , yet could wee not doe that which they have done for us , beget them . how tender then should wee be of their supporting , from whom we receive the source of our being . it is written of the tyger , though a beast of a savage and truculent nature , that when they take away the young one , they set looking glasses , or some transparent models in the way to stay the pursuit of the she tyger ; wherein seeing her selfe represented by reflexion of the glasse , she there solaceth her selfe with the conceit of her owne forme , while the hunters make way for escape . whence wee may take a view of the tender affection of the savagest creature to her cubs in an imaginary reflexion on their feature . these unfeignedly love those who came from them ; and no doubt by a secret instinct of nature , are equally requited by a thankefull remonstrance returned to them : and shall the parthian tyger reteine more impressive characters of a tender nature , then the most noble and rationall creature ? you heard before , how when the old storke through age becomes naked of feathers ; destitute of all personall supply or succour : when her life becomes tedious unto her , through those infirmities of age which attend her ; yet shee receives comfort from those , who derived their being from her : shee is fed by her brood , and carried by them from place to place upon their wings . so was aged anchises carried by his pious aeneas : and so should all children doe to their distressed parents . valerius relates an excellent example , wherein hee shewes how we ought by so imitable a patterne to succour and support our parents when they are in necessity ; which hee commends unto us in this admirable story : there was sometimes a certaine noble woman of high descent and parentage , who being adjudged to dye for some foule offence , yet in respect of her family the iudge decreed she should not dye publikely ; but be shut up in prison , and so dye for hunger . but her tender-hearted daughter being then married , having got leave of the iudge that shee might daily visit her mother , a dis-consolate prisoner , but before she were admitted to her , to be carefully search'd that shee brought no reliefe unto her : so as , being in that manner prevented to afford her such comfort or repast as she desired ( behold how wittily naturall affection became provided ) shee pull'd forth her owne brests , and with her milke nourish'd her mother . and when the iudge wondred how shee could so long subsist , being deprived of all meanes of reliefe ; having at last heard what her daughter had done unto her mother , being moved with compassion , and the unexemplary piety of her affection , he restored the mother to her daughter . now shall pagans expresse better the piety of christians , then christians the humanity of pagans ? shall a beameling shew more splendor , then the sonne it selfe , whose reflection affords that lustre ? a glimmering at the best had but these ethnicks , and that onely darting from the light of nature : whereas we enjoy the sunne in his meridian glory ; being adorned with an inward beauty : expecting no elysia● f●●lds , but those essentiall joyes of eternity . as our hopes are higher ; our expectance surer , our grounded assurance firmer : let our affections appeare purer ; our actions in the practise of piety clearer . it was an excellent commendation which that monument bore in her front to the memory of that vertuous matron , constantia , the lady lucie : a true performer of all duties to husband , parents , children , friends . in the first , expressing conjugall constancy ; in the second , filiall piety ; in the third , naturall propinquity ; in the fourth , reciprocall courtesie . now , of these , some have maintained that no office was more obliging , then that of a child to his parent , confirming their affection with this reason : in the losse of a wife , one may redeeme that losse with the marrying of another : in the losse of a child , one may repaire that losse in the generation of another : and in the losse of a friend , one may recover that losse by the purchase of another : but should we forgoe a father or a mother , wee cannot possibly restore that losse with the supply of another . howsoever i stand doubtfull of the authentick validity of this opinion : seeing wee are expresly injoyned to leave father and mother for our wife : which parentall dereliction implyes , that man is to adhere to his wife in the nearest tye of affection ; no doubt but wee are by the law of nature , nay by the definite command of our maker , rather to surcease from living , then from supporting those from whom we received our being . our breeding was their care ; let our care bestow it selfe on their succour . let not a wish proceed from our heart to accelerate their end : though a wish extend not to an act , yet it breaths too much inhumanity to worke upon so native a part . man should be of a more noble and malleable a temper , then to partake of the nature of a viper . it is reported , that towards the north-west part of ireland , there is an iland so temperate , or by some miraculous influence so indowed , as when any inhabitant there becomes worne with age ; or so enfeebled , as their life becomes an affliction : so tedious their houres ; so fastidious their yeares ; their children or friends must remove them out of that place , before they can dye . whether there be any such enlivening ile or no , i shall leave to the credit of the relater : but i much feare mee , there be many remorcelesse friends , and gracelesse children , who would find ready hands to remove those eye-sores from that iland ; long before such times as any such decrepit age seized on them : desiring rather to enjoy their present fortunes then the presence of their persons . but such premature hopes resolve themselves into weake helpes : for where sonnes are sicke of the father , or daughters of the mother , they generally decrease no lesse in the prosperity of their estate , then quality of their nature . be it then your care to provide for their necessity ; to support them in their misery ; and cheerefully returne them all such offices of piety , as may relieve their age , and consequently improve your comfort in a surviving posterity . and so we descend briefly to those domestick offices , wherein the servant is to expresse himselfe with all diligence and reverence to his master ; as likewise in what manner every master is to demeane himselfe towards his servant , in a gratefull and ample measure to requite his endeavour . wherein , as they merit precedency , we are first to treat of the offices of a master : and in the second place of those duties of a servant to his master , which are ever to be rendred with competent honour . of domestick offices . every private family is a little city ; wherein if there should be no order , nor harmony , that distracted government would beget a private anarchy . it were a great abuse ( said that mellifluous bernard ) for the mistris to play the hand-maid ; the hand-maid and mistris : yet as the eyes of the hand-maid should be upon the eyes of her mistris ; so must not the eyes of the mistris be estranged from the eyes of her hand-maid . as there is a deputative charge recommended to the one : so should there be a supervisive care in the other . now , as masters challenge to themselves a power to command : so are they to have discretion in knowing what they command . in some cases , servants may more conscionably dis-obey , then obey the commands of their masters . ioseph would not ingage his honour , by prostituting his chaste thoughts to a prohibited pleasure , for the losse of a light mistris favour . lawfull things only , as they are by masters to bee commanded ; so are they with all alacrity by servants to be obeyed . now to walke in such a faire a smooth path of commanding ; as neither the master may erre in the exhibition of his commands : nor the servant shew himselfe remisse in observing what is commanded : the master is to decline two extreames ; the neglect whereof many times begets either a contempt or hate in the master : an insolence or remissenesse in the servant . these are leuity and severity : for as the one makes the servant more insolent : so the other makes the master more hated . the wise-man , indeed , proposeth a rule how masters are to command : and in what manner they are to demeane themselves to their servants : which he expresseth to life in these words : he that delicately bringeth up his servant from youth , at length hee will be even as his sonne . whence he inferreth , that too much delicacy or familiarity with ones servant begets a contempt . this makes him quite forget his servile condition : and strangely infuseth into him an over-weening conceit of his owne abilities : which begets in him such a malapertnesse , as in short time his perverse disposition confi●mes the wise-mans assertion : he will not bee chastised with words : though hee understand , yet hee will not answer . it is dangerous then , to make a copesmate of our inferiour . you are then to observe a meane in this ; neither to insensate them by too much indulgency : nor decline their affections from you by too much severity . that indiscreet act of vedius pollio could deserve no lesse then an extreame censure ; who , as one stript of humane nature , could so intemperately tyrannize over his servants , as to cause one to bee cast into a fish-pond for breaking a glasse , what an excellent rigid master would this man have beene for our lascivious and spritely gallants , who cannot present an health to their britle venus , without the breach of a venice glasse ? now , there be many masters , who with zimri , by seeking their servants , lose themselves . these are so glued to the world , as they verily think the world has not enough mould to give every one an handfull . they never looke upon the wheele ( for such emblemes are farre from them ) which in its motion has ever the least part or portion of all his proportion upon the ground . earth receives the least part of it ; whereas earth enjoyes the most of their heart . these , though they reteine the title of masters , are in their condition poorer then the lowest of their servants . for in those comforts or complies of nature , they partake the least share . their sleeps are distracted ; their unseasonable repasts undigested : their clothes sordidly or broakishly suited . so as , such miserable wretches as these , who are only rich in having , but poore in enjoying , want no character to discover the quality of their slimy nature , but that epitaph or inscription which was addressed for one of the like temper , and in this manner : here lyes hee who had stocke and store , had flocks i' th field , had corne o' th floore , had goats within , and gates at 's doore , had all a-shore , yet dyed poore . i vow by fate , a wondrous feate , that such a mate should dye for meate . it is farre better to possesse little , and enjoy it : then by possessing much , to be estranged from the enjoyment of it . these , as they are ever their owne tormentors : so they for most part leave few mourners , but fat executors . i have observed many of these rigid and severe masters , suited with the very sluggisht and sloathfull'st servants . such , as though they pretended diligence in their masters sight , it was , but eye-service at the best : for their masters absence gave them an easie dispensation with conscience . their seeming labour must then turne loyterer ; their late distemper'd rest into a shady repose or plenteous repast . such as these will be the aptest for taking up those words of that malapert servant in the gospel : my master doth deferre his comming . hee resolves therefore to take advantage of time ; and to play the commander in the absence of his master . where , like an imperious censor , he begins to smite the servants , and maidens , and to eate , and drinke , and to be drunken . these are many times the fruits of parcimonious masters : who , by tasking their servants too strictly : or by deteining from them what they are to render them in equity ; either make them dissolute , or some other way desperate : whereof wee have such daily examples , as their too insulting command have brought many timorous servants to a fearefull end . the like may be spoken of domineering mistresses ; who make their correction of their maids , their sole recreation . and these for most part , are of that tenacious nature , as they will not afford a competence to their family , but ingage themselves to famine amidst of plenty . these , as they live without love , so they generally dye without teares . their excessive care to advance a posterity , as it expos'd them to an indiscreet parcimony ; so it ever closed their memory with an incompassionate elegy . this that injuried melissa in the poet expressed ; who , having long time served where shee little profited , and now freed of her sharpe mistris drusilla , by death attached ; resolved to revive her mistresses memory , one no lesse decrepit in mind then body , in this loves lachrymae , or her ladies elegie : ladies tell mee , you that shine in the fancy of the time , would you live when you doe feele maladies from head to heele ? rugged wrinkles on that brow whiter once then ida's snow ; many rivels , beamlings few where the rose and lily grew ; when those dangling'trosses shall in a timely autumne fall ; when that breath shall earth partake , which was once ambrosiack ; when those pearled cordons shed leave your mouths unpeopled ; when your nose and chin shall meet , balmy palme has lost her heat ; when those weake-supporting feet faile in traversing the street ? if death pleasing be to such , why should frailty then thinke much , when like grasse she is cut downe for others good , and for her owne ? let not a tear then dimme your eye , when you see your mother dye . she only to her mother goes where for a while she must repose , till her united parts shall sing a glorious paean to her king ; or to dis , i know not which , who made her poore by being rich : " for ready entrance who 'l deny her , " that has the keyes of angels by her ! but let us decline our course from these parcimonious natures ; being such as make themselves most miserable in having : by enjoying least what they have in possessing : and in briefe deliver the true character of a deserving master . which we shall not presume to commend unto you , as a patterne , or modell drawne from the engine of our owne conceit : being already so exactly presented to life , by that glorious convert , and excellent vessell of election in these words : yee masters , doe unto your servants , that which is just , and equall , knowing that ye also have a master in heaven . and to attemper the inclemency of sterne and implacable masters , whose highest glory it is domineere over their servants , he useth this exhortation : put away threatning ; for know that even your master also is in heaven , neither is there respect of persons with him . now to observe this golden meane in your command ; neither beare your selves so indulgent , as your remissenesse may probably beget a neglect in your servant : for so by remitting your care , might you occasion him to difert , or omit his charge : nor cruell ; for your distemper may discourage a well composed nature , and make him weary of his imployments for so severe and rigid a master . be it your care , that neither your remissenesse make him sleight you , nor your to much strictnesse bring him to hate you : so shal your gracefull demeanour deserve the choyce of such a servant , as i am now to present unto you : whose service shall be to your solace : and whose behaviour shall ever conduce to your profit and honour . now , as you have heard those distinct offices of masters to their servants : you , who are in all lawfull things to obey your masters , recollect what especiall duties import you : and how you stand obliged , both by divine and humane law to performe conscionably , what you are enjoyned to observe legally . and to expresse your selves the better in the performance of this duty , let not such taskes nor imployments as are injoyned you , be done perfunctorily or remissely , but cheerfully , and with all alacrity . observe the direction of that sage morall : that labour loseth a great part of its honour , that is done in a secure or drowsie manner . a servant , to render himselfe truly obedient , must have agility of hand , and alacrity of heart . many by repining have lost their penny in the evening . and know ye , that as a curse is denounced on that master , who defraudeth his servant of his wages : so can no blessing redound unto that servant , who defraudeth his master of his worke . it was the apostles exhortation , and it well deserves your attention : servants be obedient unto them that are your masters according to the flesh , with feare and trembling , in singlenesse of your hearts as unto christ. whence you may collect , how pretences of obedience without reverence and sincerenesse can purchase no acceptance . let it bee your principall care to reteine a memory of your highest master : by which you shall learne to performe those offices to his honour , which are recommended to your charge ; and in the evening of your service , amply remunerate your care . iacob , because hee did the duty of a carefull servant , became a master of dutifull servants . he shall never know well how to command , that has not learned first how to obey . obedience is a thankfull sacrifice : neither can he well expresse it to his invisible maker , who has not endeavour'd to render it to his visible master . you know well what is commended and committed to you : discharge your place with discretion ; it will improve your masters affection ; confirme his good opinion ; and conferre a blessing on your fortune . a discreet servant shall have rule over a lewd sonne . doe you observe this honour ? as you tender then your reputation , let your service be ever seasoned with discretion . let not your labours be to the eyes of men ; seeing you are in his sight , whose eyes are upon all the children of men . let not your masters presence be the sole motive to your diligence : but when hee is farthest divided from you , addresse your imployments as if hee were present with you . let no wandring thoughts distract you : as you are seated in a vocation , you must not suffer it to admit of the least distraction . this has made too many labourers mighty loiterers , by suffering their thoughts to wander amidst those interesses of their labour . thinke how many are made slaves of servants : this cannot chuse but sweeten your taske , in conceiving that extreame servitude which others taste . let not an indiscreet word passe from you : know how you are to serve . let your speech then suite with the condition of a servant . a malapert answer may exasperate the passion of the most indulgent master . but above all things observe this caveat : guild not over your errours with glozing excuses . to defend an errour , is the way to confirme you in errour . nor is there any hope of his reclayming , who either stands in justification of his offence , or with a frontlesse boldnesse labours to approve it , either by a palliated excuse , or apparent defence . for in this case , saith the civilian , the meere defence equals the quality of the offence . now to divert all occasions of wandring , be it your care to assigne every distinct houre his peculiar taske . there is no rust that consumes iron so much , as sloath enfeebles or effeminates the spirit . idlenesse makes of men women , of women beasts , of beasts monsters . let it not then be said of you , what was sometimes spoken of margites ; that he never plowed , nor digged , nor did any thing all his life long that might tend unto goodnesse . such as these are wholly unprofitable to the world . furnished with ericthous bowels , but philoxenus hands : for howsoever they are lesse then pigmies at their work , yet at their meat they are more then men . i would have these patrons and patterns of idlenesse used , as zeno handled his servant bruso ; who being taken with theft , and alledging for himselfe that it was his destiny to steale ( so apt are the most irregular to weave excuses ) his master shaped him as ready an answer , and thy destiny to be beaten . the crab-fish , ( when as the oyster doth open her selfe ) by a politick instinct casteth a stone into her shell ; by which meanes being not able to shut her selfe againe , she becomes a prey unto the crab. the fathers by a proper allusion apply this unto the divell ; when hee findeth men gaping and idle , he casteth into them some stone of temptation , whereby he workes their overthrow and ruine . the sloathfull man is the divels shop ; there hee workes , ever most busie when men are lazie ; ever intentivest when men are securest . for as mans extremity is gods opportunity , such is his piety : so the divels opportunity is mans security , such is his policy . you are to know then , that health commeth not from the clouds without seeking , nor wealth from the clods without digging . the earth begun from her former fertility to faile , when adam begun to fall . it needed not then such culture , as it afterwards required to make it fruitfull . had adam never transgrest , hee had never received that strict command of eating his bread in the sweat of his browes . eden was then a native fruitfull garden : but adams sinne alter'd the soyle . as you are then injoyned , and by a strict covenant tyed ; neglect no time wherein you may in a conscionable way render unto your master an usefull account of your imployment . and as this is required at your hands ; so let this bee done with cheerfull hearts . for where alacrity accompanies any good , or pious action , it argues a sincere previous intention : which indeed , is the crown of every action . for good actions may be ill done , either by being corrupted in their doing , or by being not intended before they were done . you are then to performe your labours with singlenesse of heart ; which affords an high approvement to every act . there is one thing more , which you are carefully to prevent : for as the errour is more generall , so it requires a timely diversion , lest habit begin to sleight the quality of the offence , through an inurement or continuance of practise . i have observed many servants to hold this opinion : that if their care extend it selfe to what is committed to their charge ; they are not bound in conscience to looke any further : the charge of their fellow-servants holds no relation with them : they doe what is injoyned them , and this ( as they erroneously pretend ) may sufficiently discharge them . it is true , indeed , as the world goes , such servants may bee well received into the list of carefull reteiners , who addresse their labour to what is peculiarly injoyned them by their masters : but if they should duly consider the office of a faithfull servant : their care would dilate it selfe to an higher extent . for that servant cannot love his master sincerely , nor performe those offices which are required of him effectually , unlesse hee reteine a cautious and vigilant eye towards his fellowes care , and to their neglects prescribe a cure . yet not so , as by an insinuating way , so to ingratiate themselves in their masters favours , as by private whisperings or suggestions to lay a disgrace upon their fellow-servants . this is neither an act of duty ; nor any such office as may hold coherence with charity . for her rule is , to doe as you would be done unto . but if you apparently perceive that those who are in family with you , neglect their charge , or profusely dissipate your masters goods ; you are not in conscience bound to bee their secretaries . for when no admonitions will reclaime them , corrasives instead of cordials must be applyed to them . thus have you heard what you are to doe , and what you are to decline . much is expected from you , because much is committed to you . remit not your care ; but reflect on your heavenly master , in whose presence you ever are . begin the actions of every day with a memoriall of piety : so shall you prosper better in the performance of those offices in your family . and so we descend to our last observation ▪ which strikes anchor upon those neighbourly offices , which wee are to doe mutually one to another . of neighbourly offices . ovr daily experience and hourely observance may sufficiently informe us ; that , as our speech is the bond or arterie of humane society : so is humane society ; an especiall solace in this vale of misery . that rough philosopher , who gloried more in his contempt of the world , then others did in enjoying the fulnesse of it , though he naturally affected retirednes , yet could he not chuse but apprehend a great happines to consist in the mutuall enjoyment of one anothers neighbour-hood . this moved him to returne that answer to one , who intreated his resolution touching a parcell of ground which he was to purchase , with the conveniences which accomodated it : before thou become purchaser , inquire first who shall be thy neighbour . an ill neighbour makes an unhappy farmer : neither can the purchase be deare , who has a friendly neighbour at his doore . it was the wisemans positive assertion : he that despiseth his neighbour is destitute of wisedome . now , to preserve this neighbourly vnion : that as propinquity of place hath joyned them , so a sweet harmony of mindes may ever accompany them : you are first to know in what especiall offices this neighbourly amity is to bee exercised what proper obiects it reflects upon . that knowing how and in what particulars it consisteth , you may neither decline from the object at which it aimeth , nor become defective in performing those proper offices which it requireth . our ethicks will tell you , that these neighbourly offices , whereof wee are here to treat , either pitch upon arguments of discourse , and communication ; or upon action and negotiation ; or pastime and recreation . and first for matters of discourse ; wherein you are to bee so cautious , as nothing proceed from you as may either ingage his life , fame , or substance ; nor put your selves upon so desperate an hazard , as by your too free and inlarged discourse , to empaune your freedome under anothers girdle . which obvious perill that you may the better decline ; beware of these four precipices : for many by too securely failing upon the maine , have perished in their too much security , and through too much confidence lost themselves irrecoverably . first then , play not too much the part of an egregious traveller , by telling marvailes , nor of too pragmaticall a sophister , by pressing reasonings ; nor of too tart a critick , by detracting from others merits ; nor too arrogant an opinionist , by making comparisons . the first may erroneously dictate to your deluded thoughts that you are admired , when indeed you shall finde your selves to bee pittifully jeered . the second may perswade you that you are scholastically approved ; when you are in the test of him that heares you , pedantically censured . the third may hold you in hand that you are with resolution against all opposition armed ; whereas your too liberall censure makes you hated . the last , though it like you best , can never bee more by others distasted , then when by your selves most relished . we usually say , we may speake any thing safely , under the rose . but this proverbe is to reteine a discreet restriction . the rose is an embleme of charity ; which so long as wee make our obiect , wee may speake safely , because our discourse is seasoned with a pious reservancy . but no place can secure us , be it never so retired , unlesse the subject of our discourse be so seasoned . thinke then before you speake , that an irrevocable word beget not in you too untimely a repentance for what you have spoke . many , too many , will rather loose their friend then their jest . but these are dangerous to consort with : a jest unseasonably uttered has occasioned too many an indiscreet buffoun much losse , and irreparably divided them from others love . there is no greater deliberation then to bee taken in any passage of this life , then in our choice of acquaintance : many have perished by being too credulously confident of the privacy or fidelity of those they consorted with . catiline had never been so unexemplarily mischievous , had he not so daily consulted and consorted with a cethegus . now in arguments of discourse , as you are to addresse your scope according to the quality of the person , or necessity of his occasion with whom you converse : so three particulars are mainely observable in treaties of this nature : verity , vtility , modesty . by the first , we are taught to deliver nothing upon trust or fabulous report , but what is infallibly true and integrious . by the second , not to insist upon impertinences , but to presse upon that subject which is usefull and commodious . by the third , to decline too much vehemency in arguments of discourse ; for this argues a disposition arrogant and impetuous . for these with that daring epicurean velleius , are so confident and peremptory in matter of argument , as not a period must be delivered , but they expect it should be for a maxim received . and herein they erre most , because they hold themselves secure from erring . to bee briefe , in subjects of discourse ; let it be your care to regulate your speech to the direction of that ambrosiack father ; whose advice is , that there be weight in our words , sense in our speech , gravity in our discourse . which observed , neither shall your hearer be tediously cloyed , nor any impropriety discovered ; but by meanes of this communicative discourse become so mutually interessed and improved , as the evening may returne a faire account of whatsoever has beene delivered . secondly , as these neighbourly offices may pitch vpon action or negotiation ; be it ever your prime ground , ( as i have else-where observed ) to doe as you would be done vnto : you would not have your trust deceived : delude your neighbour with faire pretences . let your contracts bee just without circumvention ; your intentions cleare without collusion . suffer with your neighbour , as if it were in your owne particular . comfort him when you shall finde him perplexed ; relieve him when you shall find any way necessitated . now in directions of comfort , it is not so hard to give comfortable counsell to the sorrowfull , as to finde a fit season when to give it . make choice then of an opportunate houre , wherein the office of an affectionate neighbour may be performed ; and the action to which it is addressed , cheerefully seconded . tell me , is he brought upon the stage for his life ? performe the part of a constant damon to your distressed pitheas . bring him off if it lye in your power : especially , if his innocence merit your defence . sollicite his cause ; labour to free him from tyrannizing foes . it is a worke of piety , and reteines the highest place in those living annals of amity . againe , comfort him in the losse of those he loved . attemper his griefe with seasonable advice . so compassionate his teares , that they may find a sympathy in your eyes , and an antidote in your discourse . it was no lesse divinely then wittily said of epictetus the philosopher , who going forth one day , and seeing a woman weeping that had broken her pitcher ; and the next day meeting another woman weeping for that shee had lost her sonne : yesterday i saw teares shed over a broken pitcher ; and to day teares shed over one for paying his debt to nature . sociable and seasonable counsell in these , as it effectually workes upon the patient , so is it an argument of a pious disposition in the agent . you desire comfort in these cloudy dayes of your affliction ! minister the like solace upon every occasion : so shall others be stirred up to afford you the like receipt in your greatest strait : the like remedy in your pressingst extremity . in the second place , you are to tender his good name . for fame and honour is such a precious odour , as it survives man : and reteines the memory of his actions in a lasting shrine of glory or shame : these are monuments which cannot perish . touch , ieat , marble , ivorie , are all of them materials of mortality : whereas a precious fame survives such perishing metals , and makes perpetuity her trophey . the righteous shall be ever in remembrance : but the memory of the wicked shall rot . as it is palpable flattery then to bestow an adulterate beauty upon immeriting actions : so is it an act of impiety to detract from the repute of deserving persons . this moved devout hierome to conclude : to lay upon good men an aspersion , admits not easily a pardon . this were to discourage vertue , and to imbolden vice . be it then your especiall care to value his honour with whom you familiarly consort . such a pure stole as an undefiled fame may admit no staine . to observe this , let the preachers advice , be your impreze : if thou hast heard a word against thy neighbour , let it die with thee , and be sure , it will not burst thee . now in the choyce of those with whom you desire to be intimate , as you are to try before you trust , prove before you approve ; so having once confirm'd them yours , let their fame be equally pretious to you as your owne . first for your choyce , let them be such as you may rest confident that you may either better them , or be better'd by them . it was the advice of a learned morall , and the wisest may reserve an attentive eare for such usefull counsell : be not too easie in entertaining , but be constant in reteining . for the former , as it may taxe you of levity ; so the latter cannot chuse but accuse you of much inconstancy . if hee deserve your love , tender his fame as your owne life . if it be your opinion of him , that hee deserves not to be so enlisted ; use more freedome to him in trifles , then in what may appeare more consequent . it was the expression of a divine father to his affectionate friend : tuus sum totus . but before such time as his pious discretion admitted of any such subscription , by a more serious examen and discussion of his parts , he had found him worthy his affection : that maxime is true : love transanimates into the thing loved . they who truly love , fix on no object with more desire , then on that wherein they see their friends desire to cloze . hearts so really devoted , cannot possibly be divided . for as aristotle saith , friendship is one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies . how is it possible then that such an amicable union should admit of the least division ? for these sweet musicall ayres of entire affection , never suite well with those warbling measures which consist of divisions : for friendship implyes an equality ; nay , it is more platonically spheared , and infers a community . now there are five degrees of civill society ; . is of one family ; . of one city . . of neighbourhood or propinquity . . of amity . . of one countrey . all which produce effects in a severall manner , according to their contiguity , analogy or order . albeit , that society which derives it selfe from the lineall tye of blood , challengeth to it selfe the highest prerogative . now , i must not prescribe you what neighbours you are to have , but how to demeane your selves with those you have . and of these , none are held more dangerous , then such as are either superciliously insolent , or furiously impatient . for the former , that poet pourtrayes him to life in these his lofty and enlivened measures : whose proper similies so nearly allude unto him , as i cannot omit him . like to the bending shoulders of our anticks , who seeme as they 'd supported the foundation of an imperious structure , when god wot those arched cielings , rafters , beames and all would fe●le th' weight of their grandeure , and decline to mouldred earth , had they no firmer ground-workes to buttresse their rare fabrick : — so did th' fly i th' fable glory , that she rais'd the dust those spoke-wheeles fanned ; — thus though sense forbid it , a selfe-opinion ever thinkes she did it . neither be our impatient and violent spirits lesse incommodious in neighbourly offices . for with these , the least trespasse is of such high quality and nature , as it must admit no arbitrator . archita's milky dove must not build in their lovure . it were a taske of difficulty to consort with these neighbourly : and yet a moderate and well-composed temper may not only attemper such an humour , but bring his neighbour to a recollection of himselfe , and consequently to an acknowledgement of his errour . these effects wrought socrates , stilpho , and that tarentine archita's in theirs : and the like elixir may you extract from yours , if you seasonably apply your advice after the heat of their passion , and so by degrees bring them to enter treaty with reason . by which meanes you shall win them , by waining them from what did most unman them . now , there is no better office in the opinion of our soundest moralists , that can be expressed by one neighbour to another , then in moving him to peace , if he be contentious : and exhorting him to patience , if he be furious . where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith mellifluous bernard ) is sweet and profitable : where one man is meeke , it is commodious : where neither , it proves pernicious . for the contentious person , as he spins subtile webs to intangle others : for the most part ( with that grecian shipwright phereclus ) he becomes a prey unto others . it is said , that law , logick , and the switzers may be hired to fight for any one : sure i am it holds with these factious men , whose disposition holds ever in opposition with peace : and can find a fee for a lawyer , when they can scarce find a farthing for a dinner . these make their whole life a continued suite ; till they have brought such an irrecoverable consumption to their estate , as they leave no other inheritance to their posterity , then the remaines of a greater worke , reversions of poverty . i must confesse such litigious tetters are dangerous neighbours : for as they scorne to take wrong , so for most part they are as unwilling to doe any one right . yet a discreet temperate neighbour may worke much good upon such an indisposed nature . it is said agltaidas , that hee was a man of that surly and crooked disposition ; as hee dis-relished nothing more then the purchase of others affections . his only ayme was to disturbe others peace : and detract from others praise . yet , behold , how this rough peece , of a surly saturnine became affable ; of a cloudy critick , indifferently sociable , by a neighbourly consorting with those , whose propinquity of place , and familiarity of speech wrought strongly upon his spirit ! now , there is another office in you requisite , and to your neighbour expedient : and that is to afford your comfort by a seasonable exhortation of him to patience . if you find him dejected by receiving a legall censure otherwise then he expected , or , as hee conceives , deserved : by which hee holds himselfe so highly disparaged , as hee is ever harping upon that sentence of nicetas ; " no punishment so grievous as shame : or that expression of nazianzene , which reteines a more impressive stampe ; better were a man dye right out , then ever live in reproach and shame : or that dis-consolate speech of ajax , who being ready to dispatch himselfe , and with a desperate hand to divert the current of a maturer fate , used these as his last words ; no griefe doth so cut the heart of a generous and magnanimous man , as reproach and shame : oh then deferre no time , but seasonably apply your taske by infusing into his breathing wounds some balmy comfort , such as that cordiall was of a divine poet : nulla tam tristis sit in orbe nubes , quam nequit constans relevare pectus ; nulla cordati scrinio clientis ansa querelis . no cloud so dusky ever yet appeared , which by minds armed was not quickly cleared ; ne're suit to th' bosome of a spirit cheered sadly resounded . againe , should you find him afflicted with sicknesse , which hee increaseth with a fruitlesse impatience ; wishing a present period to his daies , that so death might impose an end to his griefes . suffer him not so to waste his spirits ; nor to dishonour him who is the searcher of spirits ; but apply some soveraigne receipt or other to allay his distemper , which vncured might endanger him for ever . exhort him to possesse his soule in patience : and to supply this absence of outward comforts with the sweet relishing ingredients of some mentall or spirituall solace . ingenious petrarch could say , be not afraid though the out-house , ( meaning the body , ) be shaken , so the soule , the guest of the body , fare well . and he closed his resolution , in a serious dimension , who sung : he that has health of mind , what has he not ? 't is the mind that moulds the man , as man a pot . lastly , doe you find him perplexed for losse of some deare friend , whose loyall affection reteined in him such a deepe impression , as nothing could operate in him more grounded sorrow , then such an amicable division ? allay his griefe with divine and humane reasons : tell him how that very friend which he so much bemones , is gone before him , not lost by him . this their division will beget a more merry meeting . let him not then offend god by lamenting , for that which he cannot recall by sorrowing : nor suffer his too earthly wishes for his owne peculiar end , to wish so much harme to his endeared friend as to make exchange of his seat and state of immortality , with a vale of teares and misery . admit he dyed young ; and that his very prime hopes confirmd the opinions of all that knew him , that a few maturer yeares would have so accomplish'd him , as his private friends might not onely have rejoyced in him , but the publique state derived much improvement from him . his hopefull youth should rather be an occasion of joy then griefe . though priam was more numerous in yeares , yet troilus was more penurious in teares . the more dayes , the more griefes . no matter , whether our dayes be short or many , so those houres we live be improved and imployed to gods glory . but leaving these , admit you should find him sorrowing for such a subject , as deserves no wise mans teares : as for the losse of his goods . these teares proceed from despicable spirits , and such whose desires are fixed on earth . so that , as their love was great in possessing them , so their griefe must needs be great in forgoing them . many old and decrepit persons ; to whom even nature promiseth an hourely dissolution ; become most subject to these indiscreet teares : for with that sottish roman , they can sooner weepe for the losse of a lamprey , then for the very nearest and dearest in their family . at such as these , that morall glanced pleasantly who said : those teares of all others are most base , which proceed from the losse of a beast . and these though their grounds of griefe appeare least , yet many times their impatience breakes forth most . fearefull oathes and imprecations are the accustomablest ayres or accents which they breath . these you are to chastise , and in such a manner and measure , as they may by recollection of themselves , agnise their error , and repeat , what that divine poet sometimes writ , to impresse in them the more terror : that house which is inur'd to sweare , gods judgements will fall heavy there . these , as they are inordinate in their holding , so are they most impatient in their losing . and it commonly sareth with these men as it doth with the sea-eagle ; who by seeking to hold what she has taken , is drench't downe into the gulfe , from which shee can never be taken . it was the saying of sage pittacus , that the gods themselves could not oppose what might necessarily occurre : sure i am , it is a vaine and impious reluctancy to gaine-say whatsoever god in his sacred-secret decree has ordained . his sanctions are not as mans , they admit no repeale . what availes it then these to repine , or discover such apparent arguments of their impatience , when they labour but to reverse what cannot be revoked , to anull that which must not be repealed ? exhort them then to suffer with patience , what their impatience cannot cure : and to scorne such servile teares , which relish so weakly of discretion , as they merit more scorne then compassion . now , there is another kinde of more kind-hearted men , who though in the whole progresse of their life , they expressed a competent providence ; being neither so frugall as to spare where reputation bad them spend ▪ nor so prodigall as to spend where honest providence bad them spare . yet these , even in the shore , when they are taking their farewell of earth , having observed how their children , in whom their hopes were treasured , become profuse rioters , set the hoope an end , and turne spend-thrifts too : and so close their virile providence with an aged negligence : sprinkling their hoairy haires with youthfull conceipts : and singing merrily with the latian lyrick : our children spend , and wee 'l turne spenders too , and , though old-men , doe as our young men doe . this i must ingeniously confesse is an unseemly sight : that old men when yeares have seazed on them , and their native faculties begin to faile them ; should in so debaucht a manner make those discontents which they conceive from their children , the grounds of their distemper . for as the adage holds it prodigious for youth to represent age ; so is it ridiculous for age to personate youth . but for decrepit age , as it is for most part unnaturall to bee prodigall , so is it an argument of indiscretion for it to be too penuriously frugall . for to see one who cannot have the least hope of living long , to bee in his earthly desires so strong ; to be so few in the hopes of his succeeding yeares , and so full of fruitlesse desires and cares , what sight more vnseemely ? what spectacle more uncomely ? that man , deluded man , when strength failes him ; all those certaine fore-runners of an approaching dissolution summon him : and the thirsty hope of his dry-ey'd executors makes them weary of him ; that then i say , his eager pursuit of possessing more ( when as he already possesseth more then he can well enioy ) should so surprize him , discovers an infinite measure of madnesse : for , as it divides his affections from the object of heaven , so it makes him unwilling to return to earth , when his gellied blood , his enfeebled faculties , and that poor mouldred remainder of his declining cottage , as they have made earth weary of him , so should they make him desirous to returne to earth . now , as you cannot expresse a more christian neighbourly office , then in your private arbours , to converse with these groundlings ; and acquaint them with the hopes of another life ; and the feares of a second death : so even with all such as neighbour neere you , when at any time you shall perceive any predominant irregular affection over-swaying reason in them : to afford your best advice to reclaime them ; by which means as you may winne them , so may you winne favour with the highest by your so discreet , pious and seasonable endevour to waine them . for as comfortable cordials are usefull to such as be disconsolate : so are more sharpe medicinable corrasives helpefull to such whom a long custome of delinquency has made indurate . and so i briefly descend to the pleasant'st , neither altogether the unprofitablest neighbourly office , which we formerly , according to the distribution , of our ethicks , proposed ; which particular office , discreetly moderated , cannot but redound with much mutuall content to the parties so lovingly and neighbourly interessed . it is a received tenet ; apollo's bow must not hold ever bent , and once a yeare his laughter gives content . there is none so intentively serious , unlesse hee be wholly drenched in mundane cares : or fastned to the privacy of a studious life : but hee will reserve an houre to recreate his over-tyred spirits with his friend . yet sayes that flower of roman oratory , wee are in these to use a restriction , lest of our recreation we make a profession . wee are to make use of it , as of our sleepe or rest : to cheere us , not to dull us . if wee lye too long groveling in it , we become stupid and insensate by it . this makes me recall to mind that pleasant dialogue betwixt a tutor and his pupill ; whom when his tutor found lying a bed at nine of the clock ; he chid him , telling him that five houres were sufficient to lye in bed for necessity : and seven for recreation : and truly , said his pupill , i thought good to make use of both ; for i have laine twelve : so as , tutor , you cannot justly blame me , having observed both mine houres of recreation and necessity . now in subjects of this nature , wee shall find such variety ; as they cannot chuse but afford us delight , and that in a pleasing satiety . for these extend equally to the exercises both of body and mind . to the mind , to reason or contemplate : to the body , to practise or operate . the one being no lesse apt , ( to use the words of that witty centurist ) to handle his booke , then the other his ball : the one his pen , the other his pike . for the former of these , that neighbourly farmer writing to his honest friend and farrier , upon his herauld labour , exercised his wit in a recreative way after this manner . parthen . in miscell . marg . a black-smith , and a writer ! 't is a straine , well hammer'd forth by th' anvill of the braine . each period is a naile , that well bestowes this prayse on th' author : " he has won his shoes . he needs no belloes to disperse his fame , each stroke returnes an accent of his name . with common cates he do's not cloy your gorge ; nay , what is rare , he workes without a forge . admit you 've broke , or lost your armes , reteine this man , hee 'l bring them to their use againe . nay , reade till you be gravell'd , i le assure you , repaire but to this farrier , hee will cure you . one smelt shall serve for all ; the more i read , the more , me thinkes , he hits the naile o' th head . so as i vow by th' crowne of polihymnie , more learned smoak ne're steam'd from lemnian chimny : whose wel-composed bulke for state and style , needs not the helpe of any vice or file : for th' more one lookes , the more it would amaze one , to see a mulciber a coat deblazon : succeeding yeares shall say , when these times passe , that never horse-leach such an herald was : and stationer too will wish , if 't roundly sell ; " many such smiths were in his israel . such harmelesse pleasing passages as these , doe not onely delight the fancy ; but remaine as pledges of neighbourly love and amity : whereas such light straines or jeering wits , as run descant on the same of their neighbour : they may perhaps please themselves , but they cannot chuse but dis-relish any well-disposed hearer . for true ingenuity can never hold equi-page or relation with love of infamy or detraction . that wit reteines the best state , which frees it selfe from others staine . whereas , the too fat and fertile soiles of exuberant wits , for want of due culture , grow wild with weeds , and returne to their master a fruitlesse crop for all his labour . to divert from these ; there is an other recreation more commonly used , then worthily approved : because the too free scope given to the use , has brought it into an abuse . i meane their too assiduate familiar-neighbourly meetings ; which , though they imply love , yet they cloze too oft in violent extreames , and apparent issues of hate . frequent meetings and long sittings cannot chuse but produce unexpected effects ; especially seeing , that even the best tempered spirits , and sweet composed natures daily lose themselves by tasting too freely of circes cups : and of disceet antenors , become intemperate elpenors : entring those inchanted cels like lambs , but going forth like lyons . neither ( as i have often observed ) did these distempers arise from any love they bore to the cup , but their companion : or some other attractive motive , which lengthneth the shots , and makes the merry-madding houre seeme short . this that pleasant pasquill daintily shadowed : an handsome hostesse needs not keepe true score , a smile will cause her guests stay one night more ; she shewes no curt'sies , but they must requite them , while ev'ry kisse she lends , makes up an item . many mis-spent houres have these occasions produced ; which upon a more serious , and indeed temperate consideration could not but be repented : for upon discussing expence of time and coine ; how frivolous , if not noxious delights , begot a neglect in the former , then which nothing more precious : and a needlesse dis-respect of the latter , then which nothing more profusely foolish : these could not chuse but taxe themselves of ignorance in the one , and improvidence in the other : such consorts as these , can neither make good husbands for wives ; good companions for neighbours ; good masters of a meney ; nor trusty friends to any . for the first , that lydian maid discovered her resolution fully , and imparted her mind freely , in her distaste to a mate of this society : i 'd rather dye maid , and lead apes in hell , then wed an inmate of silenus cell . for the second , how can they performe the office of a neighbour , whose distemper'd braine cannot distinguish a neighbour from a stranger ? for the third , how were it possible that they should be discreet masters over others , who have not the discretion to bee masters of themselves ? for the last , how should they be trusty to any , when intemperance has betrayed the trust of every faculty , and unriveted that golden claspe of the memory , which should have reteined ( like a sure recluse or store-house ) the bowell of every secrecy ? in your deportments then of this nature ; as your reserved houres admit of moderate recreation , to allay the weight or grandeure of more serious businesse , make it only as a pastime , not as a continued taske of passing time . flies , when they play with the candle , never leave it , till their wings are singed by it . habit , as it is precious in the practise of vertue ; so it growes pernicious in the exercise of vice . observe then these circumstances in these inferiour actions of delight . . with whom you consort . . for what end you consort . . to observe a meane , whereby you may attaine the end , for which you consort . now , to give an usefull touch in each of these : that excellent morall can informe you : the way to safety is to retire your selves from company : but seeing humane society admits , nay injoynes it ; you are to make choyce of such as may improve your knowledge by it . all good fellowes are not good men . you are then to bee no lesse cautious in your choyce of company ; then you would be of those you consort with , in a contagious or pestilentiall city : the way to infect all , is to mixe the sick with the whole . the meanes to avoid this malady , is to make piety your directresse in the course and choyce of your society . secondly , you are to consider for what end you consort . not to ravell out time , as if no account were to bee given of it : but to bestow it upon some usefull discourse ; such as may improve the hearer , and returne this testimony of you to the discreetest eare , that you come not thither to be time-spenders , but improvers of your talents to your selves and others . thirdly , you are to observe a meane , whereby you may attaine the end . distemper is an ill manager of any busines . and in the course or passage of occasions to admit any unnecessary diversion , mainely troubles the current , or in-let of occasion . avoid both these : let neither your bloods bee inflamed through distemper : nor your occasions diverted by any irregular or indisposed humour . so shall these amicable intercourses of yours , not only redound to the benefit of the hearer : but returne into your owne bosomes with much profit and honour . now to take our worke out of the loome ; you may remember how in this our last observance , wee told you that these neighbourly offices , either pitched upon arguments of discourse and communication ; or upon action and negotiation ; or pastime and recreation : in the pursuit or agitation whereof , you were to be cautelous of the life , fame , or substance of such with whom you stood interessed . of all which , with no lesse brevity then perspicuity wee have so farre treated , as nothing now remaines to be further handled or discussed , save only substance ; which being in the estimate of opinion the least , wee have reserved for the last . we shall briefly descend to that too ; that nothing may be omitted wherein your knowledge may be improved , and these mutuall offices better performed ; which even in humane society are necessarily to bee preserved . touching this then , a better morall direction you cannot receive , then from that well contented and rightly tempered tarentine : who protested that hee never saw his neighbours field flourish , but hee rejoyced in the fecundity of it , as if it had beene his owne . his welfare made him smile . his successe caus'd him to give thankes to the gods , as if that successe had redounded to his owne goods . this well-disposed ethick had not an evill eye . he knew not how to repine or murmure when his neighbour did prosper . be you of the like mind . as it is an angelicall vertue , to rejoyce at anothers good : so is it a diabolicall vice , to repine at anothers gaine . let not your eye be evill , because another's good . be it your salutation , when you passe by them , in your devoutest prayers to blesse them : saying , " god speed you , we wish you good luck , may you prosper in your labour to his glory whom you honour . these if you duly observe ; when you see your neighbours field look fat , ( to use the saying of that wise cinick ) it wil not make your cheeks look leane . that marrow-eating envie cannot grind you , because your neighbours prosperous successe doth infinitly cheer you . you will not stumble on his meere-stone , nor remove his buttoll to inlarge your own , because you tender his welfare equally as your owne . his losse must not procure your curse : because your best wishes ever cloze with his successe . let us draw in our sailes , and contract all in one . would you , gentlemen , in your reflexion upon conjugall offices , performe the duty of good husbands ? love your wives , even as christ loved the church , and gave himselfe for it . and rejoyce with those whom you have loved . observe likewise that mutuall office and benevolence betwixt them and you : and let none partake in your love , but those who are affianced to you . the wife hath not the power of her owne body , but the husband : and likewise also the husband hath not the power of his owne body , but the wife . this mutuall interest thus confined , should make your hearts the more individually united . performe then the office of good elkanahs , loving husbands : so may you find in your wives , the like mutuall affections . and yee wives , who are thus happily espoused , render a faire requitall unto them , in whose esteeme you are so much endeared . be discreet , chaste , keeping at home , good , and subject unto your husbands ; usurpe no authority over them , but bee in silence . this conjugall office , by a sweet introduced habit , will become a solace . secondly , touching parentall offices ; as yee children are to obey your parents in the lord , for this is right : so are yee fathers not to provoke your children to wrath : but bring them up in instruction , and information of the lord. thirdly , for domestick offices ; as yee servants , are to be obedient unto them that are your masters ; pleasing them in all things , not answering againe : so yee masters , doe the same things unto them , putting away threatning . this in every private family will beget a sweet consorting harmony . lastly , in neighbourly offices ; as yee neighbours are to please one another in that that is good to edification ; let no man seeke his owne , but every man anothers wealth . these offices thus performed , what can be less expected then such a sweet union of minds and affections ; as these two consorts here combined , and to one volume reduced , cannot in their loves be more firmely cemented , then they harmoniously joyned ? be it then your care to preserve this faire contexture ; trust mee , it will conferre on your family , where vertue gives the best beauty , more true honour , then the easie-resolving varnish of fortunes , or whatsoever may outwardly accommodate you . for in the survey of these , you shall find such a faire provision , as it may prepare you to be loyall lovers , discreet fathers , just masters , friendly neighbours : and which is above all , such absolute commanders of your own affections , as should all those occurrents which encounter mortality , oppose you , they could not surprize you , because a pious resolution hath reer'd her counter-mure to secure you . this taske i shall account happy , so it may redound to your profit , gods glory . finis . a tablet reflecting upon this svpplement . a preamble , branching it selfe into a briefe analysis of the whole tract . pag. . of conjugall offices . pag. . observat. . the excellent saying of caia , wife to caius tarquinius . ibid. the noble florentines impreze , which hee caused to be engraven for a nuptiall embleme . pag. conjugall offices are not to be disorderly mixed . palaemon , si caulam negligat , galataeam faciet indigentem : galataea , si colum deserat , palaemonem faciet insipientem . p. . the offices of a wife to her husband . pag. wonderfull examples of piety and mortification . p. a discreet loving treaty betwixt a wife and her husband , recommended to the constant practise of all affectionate censorts . p. offences ingenuously acknowledged , are with conjugall piety and pity to be pardoned : and this locally instanced . p. of parentall offices . p. . observat. . a parentall care reflects properly upon two distinct objects : internall . externall . the one to educate them in principles of religion : the other to accommodate them for a vocation . p. . . &c. the highest point of discretion in a schoole-master , is to find out the disposition of his scholler . p. inconsiderate youth accounts the fruitlesse expence of time , a meere pastime . ib. parents are to dispose of their estates now , while they stand seazed of estates , lest their decease alter the intention of their estates . p. the offices of children to their parents . ibid. children are bound to render unto their parents expressions of their duty and zeale , in three respects : obedience . p. . &c. reverence . p. . &c. supportance . p. . &c. the fruits of obedience , as they have relation both to children and parents . p. the admonition of an incensed father to a disobedient sonne . p. a constant position observable in disobedient children . p. . the graduall respects of love and duty . p. of domestick offices . p. . observat. . the offices of masters to their servants . ibid. two extreames or perillous poles to be avoided , whereby this domestick obedience may be better observed : lenity . p. ibid. severity . p. ibid. no servant meaner then a parcimonious master . p. . the duty of servants to their masters . p. the duty of a servant to his master , will make a servant an happy master . ibid. emblematicall hieroglyphicks of sloath . p. adam no sooner became sinfull , then the earth unfruitfull . ibid. it is not sufficient for a servant to intend his owne peculiar charge , unlesse he admonish others of the neglect of their care . p. of neighbourly offices . p. ibid. observat. . all neighbourly offices pitch upon three particulars : arguments of discourse or communication . p. . &c. arguments of action and negotiation . p. . &c. arguments of pastime and recreation . p. . &c. foure cautions in matters of discourse to be avoided ; that all grounds of distaste may be better diverted . telling marvailes . p. pressing reasonings . p. lessening others merits . p. making comparisons . p. three particulars observable in arguments of discourse : verity . ibid. vtility . ibid. modesty . ibid. three peculiar subjects , wherein these neighbourly offices are to be exercised : life . p. fame . p. svbstance . p. five degrees of civile society : of one family . p. of one city . p. of neighbourhood or propinquity . p. of amity . p. of one countrey . p. the dangers arising from opinionate wits . p. . the unexpected events of frequent meetings . p. ▪ circumstances observable in all inferiour actions of delight : with whom wee consort . p. for what end we consort . p. the meane , p. whereby we may attaine the end for which we consort . hee winds up the series of his discourse , with a repetition , and usefull application of every particular branch . ibid. the usuall salutation by the ancient lations observed , and as it is to this day by us reteined . p. hee concludes this supplement , with a briefe relation of the benefit of every particular subject . ibid. a conclusive poem contracting all these subjects in one . by him , who steers the sterne of ev'ry state , inspires our muse , informes us how to write , that palme of peace , that day which knowes no date , that sole-all-seeing , and surveying sight , that wings our faith , and cheers us when we fight : " by his sweet influence was this begun " with whom it ends , and so my worke is done . to you then , english gentlemen ; to whom our first part is addrest : — bestow your care to act what may gentility become ; that as yee in your fathers fortunes share , your vertues may proclaime whose sonnes yee were . " 't is this will leave your names more eminent " then honour , fading favour , or descent . next , to you english ladies ; who expresse a native beauty in each act yee doe , let good resolves prepare your morning dresse , and thinke on heav'n when wanton suiters wooe , or on those mates yee stand affianc'd to . " fame is a precious odour , whose least graine " once shed , is hardly gather'd up againe . ladies love lectvre to you have i read , where yee such fresh-choice-fragrant flow'rs may cull as yee no other ornaments shall need ; fill then your iv'ry-azur'd bosomes full , ne're any such did atalanta pull . " prove usefull readers then , and , if yee erre , " condemne mee for a carelesse lecturer . lastly , i 've cloz'd all in a svpplement , where modest tearmes describe the art of love , which to the rest gives such embellishment , 't is styl'd the trivmph of the tvrtle-dove , whose reall-loyall emblemes if yee prove , " i shall not chuse but like where ere i looke , " and for your sakes make bold to kisse the booke . finis . for the most vertvovs , and nobly-accomplisht ladie , the right honovrable , elizabeth , ( dowager ) covntesse of strafford ; highly eminent in the skale of the serious't , and serenest judgements , for her pious conservation of the living memory of her most absolute consort . a character of honovr . to write of honour , and not amply , according to honours character , were a derogation to her : and to write exactly , would require a more expert and judicious artist , then every rude myson to take in hand a subject of such consequence ; but vertue , as she is best adorned when least garnished with externall colours : so honour is most lively when she seemes most naked of rhetoricall varnish . the best moralls have ever pourtray'd justice by a scale , poyzing every action duely , discussing every ambiguity throughly , without fixing of her eye on the object of majesty commanding , or of amity ( with more easie meanes ) perswading ; they have deciphered fortitude , not by thrasoe boast , or a precipitate opposing her selfe to all dangers without mature judgement to foresee , and resolution to prevent the iminency of all occurrents : which made homer dilate upon the essence of true fotitude , represented in hector , as an archytipe no lesse imitable , then for mannagement in all assaies admirable : he brings him in dehorting his brother paris , from his inconsiderate purpose : with this good caveat . it becommeth us not to take armes upon every sensuall respect , but to ground the motion of warre upon a cause honestly moving . to be brief , there should be no vertue which should not rather-character her selfe , by her owne purity , then be displaied by a curious or affective style ; which rather detracts then augments those perfect and unstained ornaments wherewith she is endued : and that which cicero speaks of the office of an orator , censuring that speech as most vicious , which seemes most curious ; may i speak of honour , whose dependence is of vertue : onely illustrated in her selfe , because her essence gives to her more eminence than the polish'd styles of the best rhetoricians could ever effect . but i will descend into the particular discourse of truly honourable : what they should be that arrogate that name , and what they are that merit it . honour relisheth best , when highliest descended : not boasting with lycas in the tragedy of noble ancestors , but of inward vertues ; making their mindes the purest mansions of nobility ; their vertues , the symbolls of their d●scent and progeny . for what is it to challenge precedencie by our ancestors , being made noble by them , whom our owne actions perchance , makes as ignoble ? i can approve that disposition of alexander the best ; who rather wished his fathers exploits ( though not in e●vy ) to be obscured , whereby his owne memorable atchievements might purchase him glory , not by relation had to the prowesse of his father , but his owne demerits ; yet not with a too listning eare of attention , hearing his warlike designes above truth praysed : but more willing to doe , then heare of his doings . for hearing aristobulus on a time commending his memorable acts farre above truth in his writings , he threw the booke into the river , as he was sailing over hydaspis , saying , he was almost moved to send aristobulus after . for this i have alwaies observed in an honourable minde : no popular conceipt can transport her above her shpaere ; she cannot endure a temporizing humorist , that feedes on the aire of his owne applause ; but like a wise ithacus commits the sailes of his prudent and provident affections to be disposed by vertue , stopping his eare at the incantations of the voice-alluring syren , or cup-attracting cyrce . an honourable man stereth his ship with no sterne of ambition , but with a temperate opinion of himself and his owne actions : referring the whole current and passage of his intentions , purposes and endeavours to his countries welfare : whose safety he preferres before his owne : wishing rather death with a good opinion of his country , then immerited honours with her detriment . the truly honourable will accept of no honours but such as her deserts challenge : nor those neither , if not obtruded . this moved many of the ancient heroes , whose acts deserve no lesse memory , then their lifes did glory , to expose themselves to all perils , whereby their names might be recorded in the annalls of fame : leaving not only statues or monuments of what they have been , but by the exact representation of their vertues , what they are ; for even the pagans reserved a place of honour and celebrity to such as had either exempted their country from the servitude of her enemy , or had augmented her glory by the voluntary resignation of their lives . such were the memorable annalls of the decii , curtii , bruti . many of the worthy mannagers of state in former times , desired to have no statues to be erected in their glory , rather making their owne vertues the liveliest records of their memory ; the reason whereof may be conceived or at least conjectured ) by those occurrents which even hapned in their times : being pursued by that publique foe to vertue and all vertuous intendments , envy : which ( marrow-eating locust ) attended the worthiest personages that then breathed . caesar had a pompey , pompey a septimius : african a marius , eschines a demosthenes , cicero a cethegus . this might move , and that not without just cause , that columne of justice , lacedemons glory , vertuous agesilaus , to erect no statue in his honour , lest his life 's ideome after death should be no lesse contemned , then he was in his life envied : in meum honorem simulachra erigi non cupio , ea enim magis gloriam detrahunt quàm augent : in hoc autem humili thoro fama mea ab aliorum invidia maximè aliena est : i desire to have no statue nor curious monument erected in mine honour : they rather diminish than propagate our glory ; my fame is least envied in this low and dejected bed of earth . poore prince , shall thy name , which hath spread it selfe by so many victories atchived so many conquests purchased , non sine sanguine & sudore , shall they feare to be vanquished or suppressed by times anatomy , cankred envy , that never knew what honour meant , but by corrupting honour ? o then how vaine be those trophies which are hung in honour of those heroes of former times ! what availeth it cyrus of the translated monarchy from the medes to the persians ? or for alexander to have reduced the whole world into one monarchy ? or caesar so farre to have dispersed his glory , making his motto — veni , vidi , veci ? the envenomed breath of one serpentine spirit can consume , so great and happy vertues , which once aspired to that height , that eminence , as they enstyled their possessors truly heroicall ; making flaccus axiome no lesse true to demonstrate our declining memory , then to describe our times mortality : quò pius encas , quo tullus dives & ancus ? pulvis & umbra sumus . — dust and ashes indeed ; yet such , as albeit the slimy substance of the externall man rest immured and incaged in the bowels of earth ; yet there is an aethereall , an heavenly aspiring beauty which cannot be depressed with the terrene and massie weight of earths interior centre — alta petit , nec cessat , quoad altissima perringit . it hovereth higher , as a bird farre removed from her native repose , till it arrive at those elysian fields of true immortality , where her expected habitation is possessed — even the mansion of heavenly syon . hence therefore may those carnall and epicureall men , who have wallowed in all mundane delights , drunke deep of the sensuall lethe of their security , be confounded with shame ; who relinquishing the offred time of grace , expose themselves to the brothells of sin and impiety , forgetting all respect of honour , as corvinus messala did his owne name — and when they behold the admired and most resplendent honours of our time , either to decline by some in auspicious accident , or cut by the common sithe of fate , compare their contaminate lives with their refined vertues . they are gone , and who will now remember them ? they were pillars of the state , while they lived , but now the state is altered ; where be all the fruits of their fruitlesse cares ? the harvest of so industrious labours ? where is that great attendance which gained them observation in the eye of the world ? our state is now more happy , we breath not on others breaths ▪ yet receive no lesse content by our riot ; we are not publikely observed , and yet observe no lesse repute by private attendance ; we live merrily ; and dye without the least perturbation , anguish or pensive distraction of a minde surcharged with care , over-ballanced with distresse : ●e thinke not of ample inheritances , nor make others riot in our funeralls : castè & cautè vivunt , qui aliorum quadrâ non vivunt , saith the comick ; and we may believe him . our privacy gaines us a retired liberty ; rest is not purchased by honour , nor the date of our time protracted by the ambicious wings of preferment . thus will the sileni of our time descant upon honours ruine , interpreting life , vertues best reward : when no lesse distast is conceived by the truly vertuous , of these distempered humors , which proceed from the cachexie or evill disposition of our mindes , then that renowned phylosopher heraclitus did by the vanity of ephesus , or diogenes by the vain and fruitlesse rarities of synope . for he is truly honourable , who employeth his oyle , the faculties of his soule , so to his countries availe , that he may attaine a more glorious seate , in his country supernall . neither are we to hold the ornaments of honour onely derivative from their princes favour . we have seene many eminent in their eye , whose actions have throwne a worthy odium upon their persons , by abusing the grace bestow'd on them : and bringing a fatall and fearefull combustion upon the state by their ambition , or appetite of revenge : or some other indirect aime ; as all ages can present instances , and these of our owne , to our griefe , even in these our late distractions . and though families of high extraction and innate honour might be held worthiest to fit at the sterne , and to mannage the highest affaires of state ; yet have princes suffered in their too much confidence : and falne under their umbrage , by whom in their greatest extreames , they ought to have beene supported . and to inlarge our observations in this particular ; whence is it to be thought , that this degeneration ariseth ? is it from corruption of blood , or of time ? we shall finde a decay or defection in both : effeminacy or delicacy being generally nursers of our gentry : which cannot chuse but make plants sprung from eminent descents looke unlike themselves . so as , where honour and valour with other decoring endowments , should close in competition with one another : education , which is a second nature , intervenes and tells them , that their breeding never school'd them in any such notions . former times might finde seminaries for such abilities : but a long continued peace and fulnesse of fortunes have made the excercise of those abilities uselesse . but shall we proceed a little further , and unrip the occasion or ground of this malady ? we shall render it briefly and truly . let us suppose a prince ( as in a platonick idaea ) seated in his chaire of state ; and in a full assembly as in his senat-house : where persons of quality and such as are elected for the benefit and indemnity of their country appeare assistants . and in this grand convene , proposalls of high concerne are debated : but clearely carried by the plebeian party ; as in our roman annalls , we may finde sundry presidents . whence is it , i say , that the candidates and those of nobler extraction should vaile to the lower : and to their princes prejudice and regall priviledge ▪ subscribe to their decretalls ? is it weaknesse or personall interest , that begets in them this remissnesse ? no ; not wholly from weaknesse ; though their judgements be not of the first sight , but their facility in subscribing to inferiour votes , is grounded upon three respects . popularity ; self-ends and pusillanimity . the reasons you shall hear thus discussed . it was well observed by a statesman in our time ; whose travells had sufficiently read unto him , how plebeian votes were ever for crying up libertie of subjects ; and subjection of soveraignes : that nothing was more dangerous to a state government , then this popular overswaying power : being ever over-clowded with discontents : and picking quarrells at the present government , were it never so prudently managed , nor peaceably administred . innovation is the posture of state , they aime at : which , though it introduce with it many fearefull consequences ; they will chuse rather to smile on their owne approaching ruine ; then admit that state or condition be it never so calme nor serene , so long as they hold it incapable of a change. now would you know the cause why these plebeian votes passe for current ; and receive no opposition ? we are to understand , how highest families are not ever indued with the pregnant'st wits , nor percivest judgements . they find subtil groundlings , who , though they came but th' other day from cart & never look't so high as into the glorious horizons of a court ; yet they have found the way how to over-wit those perfumed ingenuities : who ravell out time in their court-dialect : and by intending more the trimme then the dress ; spoile the pursuit of their arguments : and give easy way to their rurall opponents : who , though lesse neat , hold more to substance : and win ground upon those state-popinja●es , by taking advantage upon their impertinencies . but to omit these ; for all of them retaine not a savour of this cask ; there is another bait , which these lordly lobsters usually nibble at ; being a politike designe , as they conceit it ; the apprehension whereof ( though it expire like an airy fancy ) has great influence over them . and what is this illusion , but a popular opinion ? their desire is to feede on vulgar aire ; the steame whereof for most part choakes them . they have heard perchance , of some persons , who by suffrage of the people , and their applause , have swolne great in the opinion of the state : and sometimes by being borne upon their shoulders , have attained the highest pitch of command . they observe , how the fame of mens actions receives more life from popular opinion , than any other instrument of state. and in this they canonize their owne fancies , by applying that rapsody of the poet , to the imaginary extension of their spreading shadowes : quàm pulchrum est digito monstrari , & dicier hic est ? as the theater , whereon they act their mimick-tyming parts , are hung about with the arras of vanity : so their prime care is to woo and ingratiate their spectators , and by winning in upon their affections , to purchase their applause in the cloze of their actions . but as we commonly note , that by-standers see more then the gamesters ; so fares it with these deluding changelings . for by labouring to please those of inferiour judgements , these mechanicks below the stage ; they lose themselves in the opinion of these serious and mature censors ; those gallant gallery wits ( to passe by those feminine boxes , where pregnancie even in criticisme , oft-times transcends the quality of their sexe ) who can discover their defects ; for so enlivened are their judgements , and so farre distanced from a popular verge , where conceipt , like a restrained vassall , is ty'd to the demension of the object they looke on , and no further ; as they know well how to distinguish betwixt a roscius and a lysias . popularity is an affected kinde of action ; which the higher it mounts , it ever lesseneth it selfe the more in the eye of judgement . surely would honour equally ballance her owne worth , and enter into a serious consideration with its owne extraction ; she would blush at nothing more , then in suffering her selfe to be deluded with such a phanatick shadow of fruitlesse glory : which ( though it promise much ) is ever failing in her reality of performance : and not onely failing the expectance ; but drawing the too credulous believer into a dangerous precipice ; from which no thread , were it never so curiously spun by the artfull or subtill hand of an ariadne , may ever free him . it is prevention that is the life of policy ; but if opportunity be not taken by the foretoppe ; he failes in his pursuit of prevention , by neglecting the season . let honour beware of aspiring , or raising herself one story higher , either by indirect wayes , or weake hopes ; both which she shall finde , like so many egyptian reedes , rather piercing than strengthning her in her progresse , or ascent to greatnesse in her pursuit of popular fame ; which seldom or never accompanied the merit of any action : but observes the issue , & upon that successe grounds the basis of their opinion . honour should derogate much from her true native value , in entertaining such flitting and fly blown followers ; who act nothing with alacrity but innovation , faction & disloyalty . thus farre you have heard what strong influence this popular froath has upon adulterate honour ; which , as it retaines a glo-worme light , so it deceives others with its false splendor , and makes the pursuers of it most unfortunate . we shall litle need to strengthen this assertion with instances : our owne chronicles may afford us variety , without ranging further . now to the second motive ; wherein we shall lay open unto you , how powerfully self-ends operate upon this painted greatnesse . their revenues are such land-marks , as they direct their course by them . these make them conclude positively , though poorely for persons of descent and quality : si mihi res constet , satis est ; quo publica flerem ? non aliâ pendet compage nostra domus . publique safety is the lightest feather in their skale . so they may riot and play the sensuall libertines in the free and undisturbed injoyment of their own ; they hold the game well plaid to their advantage . no defection of subjects ; no alteration of government , no decrease of commerce , no hostile invasion by a surreptitious nation ; can work much upon their affections : or resolve their adamantine temper to a compassionate teare , the wheel of their fortune holds a constant course , amidst these inconstant and vertiginous wheelings of the state. and this is enough for them . now to preserve these , and stand at distance , like priviledg'd persons , secur'd from exception or opposition ; they ever have an intentive eye upon the stronger party . and these they follow with a servile reverence . how happy had it been for these moaths of honour to have been souldiers of fortune , or younger brothers , or persons of inferiour quality ; that the lownesse of their condition might have freed them from the pursuit of such dishonourable self-ends . the maxim is true : o quàm multi foeliciores fuissent , si minus possedissent ! whereas , a spirit cloathed with true habilliments of honour , will rather suffer all extreames ; then admit an injurious or disgracefull bargaine in the sale or prostitution of his honour . the historian returnes us the relation of a foolish emperour ; who , when newes came unto him , that rome was taken ; he imagining it to be his hen which he called roma , fell into a violent passion , and torrent of teares for the loss of his bird. i cannot more properly resemble them then to this brainsick prince ; who preferr'd so contemptible a creature before the surprize of his own person , and the ruine of his empire . teares have easy issues and avenues that break forth upon such inconsiderable trifles . and this , even in this last scean & catastrophee of our imbroyled state , ( as some of our traducing criticks blanch it ) might we find instanced in sundry persons of note ; whose actions , in parallel lines directly tended to this centre . for although they beheld spectacles of grief every where numerously presented , the face of their country changed ; those whom they held in time of peace deservingly honoured , & in relation to themselves most indeared ; stripped of what they justly injoyed : & for their honest principles , exposed to the weight of an injurious and malignant censure ; yet some of these , whose ripe and mellow yeares , besides the distractions of the time , might have taught them a more usefull lesson ; never , or very coldly applyed the sundry traverses of others misfortunes to their own condition . their connivence and concurrence with those eminent votaries , who bore the sway , and made their wills , their lawes ; would ( as they hoped ) secure their persons and states . but they found their ill-grounded confidence meere foolishnesse . the umbrage of that usurped greatnesse , whereon they relyed , could not supersede that guiltinesse , which their actions , though with much privacy carried , had casually incurred . it was the least of their care , and tooke the lowest place in their apprehension of grief , to see a late-flourishing state much envyed by forraigne nations ( being such a store-house of all necessary provision , and an inclosed garden of selected delicacies ) to see , i say , so choice and well-cultuated a soyle , soyled with perfidious feet , and made a wilde forrest for rationall brutes . this they lightly resented ; it begot no qualme in them to see the state quite turned off the hinges : so they remained secure by hugging the constitutions of a corrupted state ; and by vertue of that protection , were not in feare to be turn'd out of their own houses . thus have you heard how strait-lac'd these selfe-interested personages are , and have been ever to their owne ends ; being deterred from opposition , or speaking in defence of their country or ancient-regall priviledges in time of danger for feare of losse ; or through some other servile respects , by being over-aw'd with number , a great derogation to persons of honour . we are now to descend to the last , but lowest staire ; wherein we shall finde how these declining spirits retardate their flight in the pursuit of honourable actions , through pusillanimity . so as , none would hold them , by seriously reflecting on them , but for such a broad as had beene hatched from the eggs of those paphlagonian partridges ; which our naturallists report to have no hearts . neither be our neuters much better : who , like those salmacian sharks have two hearts ; for these can skrew their posture to the time , and become serviceable shadows to any commands ; presenting hope of advantage or assurance to their present condition . these cinnamon-curtaine lordings , who sacrifice more devotion to their glasse and complexion , then any noble designe , or virile action ; being school'd only in the discipline of complement , & frenchifide wholly in ducks , cringes and congies ; these , i say , having left their fathers houses , ( ancient monuments of hospitality ) have resolv'd , ( for so their effeminate course proclaimes ) neither to increase nor preserve the honour of them . the camp has ever held an antipathy to the curtaine . loyalty , or what addresse soever , looke it never so fixtly upon honour , cannot gentilize their humour . their growth professeth them meere state-sycamours ; all for shade , nought for fruit . or such as the witty emblematist portray'd under the notion of galeati lepoares , who would be in the van at a feast , but in the reere at a fray ; these mens resolutions are not to indanger their persons upon any rate . to obtain a victory without hazard , and partake a rich spoile without blood , is the height of their ambition : & the utmost pitch of their valour . to see a kingdome at stake , or a prince acting his last tragick sceane on a stage ; is not so much as resented by them . pusillanimity has begot in them such a strange kinde of charity ( if it may without offence assume that name ) as they can looke upon the innovated deformity of a state ; violation of lawes and liberties , prophanation of divine honour , or whatsoever is most odious to humanity , without a thought of revenge : or aime to redresse . were honour to be purchased in their dayes by the sword ; how slowly would it be conferred : how weakly merited ? such is the mettall of these partiall-guilt pieces of sophisticated honour : it cannot indure the touch . yet we shall observe in many of these , military promises : presentments of valour : but wherein consist they ? in surly and supercilious lookes to their over aw'd followers : or affronts to disgrac'd favourites : but these lyons within verge of the court , appeare ever lambes in the campe. they blesse them from the report of a cannon , as from a stroak of thunder . youth inured to a canopy , is not so easily disciplin'd in a course of souldiery . it was the saying of epaminondas ; that he could not fiddle , but he knew how to make a small village a glorious city . whereas these , whose character we return in this place , are just antipodes to his harmony . a chest of viols , or a set of lutes , is the onely brave military fyle wherin they desire to be inlisted . if this be the badge of honour , let feminine delicacy arrogate to it self , the style of valour . but these be dull-pallid colours in the annals of heraldry : and deserve no other deblazonry ( to beget a glowing blush in their successors ) then lines blanch'd with infamy . let us here then in the cloze of our character , present these advertisements to honour ; that she may know how and in what posture to preserve her state clear'd from the opinion of a deceiving lustre : by appearing more really-gracefull , then poorely-popular . to compleat this worke , it will conduce highly to her advantage , to be a constant professor of fidelity ; in the first place to soveraignty . and next in all offices of amity . an affable smile gives an excellent grace to the countenance of honour . amicitia nunquam minore acquirenda est dispendio quàm clementiâ . clemency gains most with least cost . in her expresse of bounty , or works of charity , let discretion be her almoner : by an indisposed liberallity , many have lost more then they have won . in actions of valour , honour should be rather resolute than daring : and in nothing more confident then in the maintenance of a good cause . for habit ; more comely then gaudy , is the nearest livery : being to be knowne better by what we are , then what we weare . for diet ; delicacy should be a stranger to her palat . these olia's of our time have brought an odium upon our state. lastly , a princely command or composure of her affections , will returne her absolute in all . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e n●e levier tibi culpa fuit crevisse per orbem ; grande satis genti crimen boxore frui . sta. altius surgentes , innocentes licet , comitatur suspicio . tacit. majori invidas foveam parat ; quam ne devitet , unâ corruet . minutius . mancipia 〈◊〉 lectionis cum fint . for my dedication , in stead of all unnecessary excuses of presumption ; i wil cloze briefly with this constant resolution : " though to your title there be honour due , " it is your self that makes me honour you . notes for div a -e observa● . . the dangers that attend on youths vnum est instar bell●ae humiliari , aliud est belluiros mores imitari . * vicina lapsibus adolescenti● . hieron . omniainb ac aetate juvenescunt vitia . euseb. lib. . modò inveniaem , non perditus est , &c. euseb. ibid ; siingratum dixeris , omnia dixeris . min. publianus . qui simus , quinam erimus , in ephebio constitutum est . diog. cyn. lectum non citius relinquens , quàm in deum delinquens : non citius surgens , quàm insurgens . the vanity of youth display'd in foure distinct subjects . gate . audacia pro muro bebetur . salust . in bell . caril . dan. . . . . seneca . looke . plutarch . in vit . syll. august . gregor . de tran● . an . quo ●ltior in diviti●s , eo copiofier in vitiis . ber. de inter . dom. metam . . speech . sine loquela non potest stare societas . arist. aug. de magist . psal. . . prov. . . in vit . phoc. in lib. desecr . secret . two reasons why young men were not admitted to deliver their opinions in publike assemblies . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . pi●● mirand . in epist. ad hermol . neque iocas , neque amicus quisquam teget , quem arma non texerint . ● salust . in bell . iugurth . ferociam animi , quam babebat vivus , in vultu retinuit catilina . salust . in conjur . catil . salust . law , logicke , and the switzers may be hired to fight for any one . blos . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . basil. virtus maxima , in mole minima . singular directions in arguments of discourse , & discovery of secrets . eccl. . , . habit . in vit . solon . horat. epist. l. . ep. . * vt in exequi is epulis que celebrandis nimioque apparatu corporis , omnis inutilis sumptus prohibeatur . plut. in vit . alcibiad . socrates . mihi mirabile fit quòd non enecentur , cum tantum onas bajulent . clem. alex. , paedagig . hier. ad fur. de vid. serm. tom. . aug. de christ. fide . tertul. de bab , mul. cap. tim● . . . pet. . . prima est haec ultio , quod se judice , nemo nocens absolvitur . iuv. sat. ● aug. in ena● sup . . psal. bern. de inter . domo . cap. . aug. scliloq . cap. . sen. ad lucil. tuscul. quaest . lib. . august . sup . psal. . prov. ● . prov. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . arch. tare●t . prov. . . aug. ser. . nazian . contra mulieres immodicè comptas . hier. de exitu lea. laert. lib. . laert. ibid. iames . . . . seneca act. . , . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . aug. three violent passions incident to youth . lvst . two reasons why youth is naturally subjected to illimited passion . an espiciall motive tending to the increase of this passions venus in vinis . nunquam ego ●brium putabo castum hier. plato . plutarch . macrob. q. curt. lib. . * irene . what rare effects the precepts of morall philosophy wrought in heathen men . etiam feris ac barbaris detestabile est . ambr. lib. . de abraham . vid. aul. gell. in noct. atticis . seneca . — rara est concordia formae , atque pudicitiae . iuven. sat. . numb . . . ambition nullus enim magni sceleris labor — iuven. sa● . . tuscul. quaest lib. . tolluntur in altum , vt lapsu graviore ruant — hen. the fourth whose name deserves to be enrouled among the ancient worthies . aristot. chrysost. in . corinth . quantum-cunque te dejeceris , bumilior non eris christo. hier. plutarch . semper hiat , semper tenuem qua vescitur auram reciprocavit chamaeleon . et mutat fasiem varios sumit que colores , praeter rubrum & candidum . alciat . nil tam metuens , quàm ne dubitare aligua de re videretur . petrarch . de remed . utri●s . sort . revenge . appian . alex. hom in iliad . & polyb. apud curionem . lib. . facilè redimunt qui sanguine famam . martial epig. — impium est mortis statum praecipere tempus . galesti lepores . pet. mar. the proper postures of a compleat roarer . est venus in vinis , vinis venus illita venis . sint proculà men●is vina venus que meis . hom. in odyss . seneca ad gaelion . de remed . fortuit . quicquid ● vobis minor exti●escet , major hoc vobis dominas minatur , horat. king. . , . horat. lib. . epist. . basil. homide ira. greg. mor. l. . cap . ephes. . . rom. . . iam. . . isay : . nah. . , . numb . . . iam. . . prov. . . ● cor. . . prov. . . eccl. . . . prov. . . . ephes. . . . physicke precribed , and receits applied to cure these maladies in youth . omnis actio duas habet ansas . in lib. de leg . luke . . what imployments deserve entertainment from a gentleman . blos : christ. lib. de orand . deo. luke . . rom. . , . eph. . , . col. . , . psal. . . eccl. . . notes for div a -e observ. . the diversity of dispositions . exeunti intro , miranti exeo . vid. laert. a probable judgement of our dispositions , drawne from the delights we affect , or company we frequent . salust . passion the best discoverer of our disposition . discovery of dispositions in distempers . non habet ulterius quod nostris potibus addat posteritas — habebitur a●iquando ●br●etatt ho●or , & platimum meri cepisse , virtus erit . sen. non invenit ●rimen , etiam viri fortis accipit nomen , tantò nequior , quantò sub po●●ulo invi●●●er aug. de verb. apost . ser. . promotion held ever mans best anatomy lecture . thom. in . quaest . . c. . op●andaea est amissio honoris , quae facit nos humilicres . nihil difficilius est quam bene imperare . diocles. dict. l. flor. lib. cap. . the disposition is not to be forced . objection . sancti iuvenes , satanici senes . hieron . cont . lucif . resolution . * vt●a ●●●●nibus nascuntur ●●geni●a , ita ab exiguis 〈◊〉 ingenia . quibus●um evenit , ut cum primis floribus arboru●a ; hi enim citi●● acc●lerius , illi autem felicius ac●uberius gemmare so●ent & germinare suet. tran. in vit . ner. stupent in ●itulis & imaginibus . bene est cui deus obtulit , par●a , quod satis est manu . hor. od. lib. . cap. . eccles. . . nugae & delirtum : quanto magis capit , tanto magis cupit : quanto magis cupit , tanto minus sapit . * plutarch . in moral . horat. lib. . epist. . what disposition is most generous . mildnesse . blutrch . in vit . pomp. ioseph . in hist. iud. in vit . marcel . comin . matth. ▪ . dan. . . king . , . deut. . . bede . nec leges metuunt , sed cedit viribus aequum , maestaque victrici jura sub ense jacent . omnia adversa exercitationes putant seneca . cyprian . munificence . amici , perdidimus diem . sext. aurel. iustin. cujus domus quasi quaedam munificentiae officina crederetur . val. max. l. . paucos heavit aula , plures perdidit● sed & hos quoque ipsos , quos heavit , perdidit . faern . in emb. amos . . amos . , , . nihil liberale , quod non idem est justum cic. calvin . instit. lib. . cap. . fortitude . maldon . in . matt. cap. . arist lib. . de hist animal c. . & l . de part . anim . c. . fort is non est qui in arenam descendendo , dimicare audet , sed qui nocendi cansam secum discutis , priusquàm auder . . macchab. . the proper aime or end whereto the actions of true resolution are directed . cicero . boet. in lups . treatise of charitie . cic. . lib. tusc. quaest . the prudent observation of cortugal , one of the turkish princes , in his o●ation persuasive to his lord to besi●ge rhodes , was this christimus occasus discord●s intesti●●● correboratur . sitting * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . notes for div a -e observ. . what education is . knowledge . vt cognoscam te ; ut erg●●scam me . bern. knowledge of god. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . luke . . . knowledge of mans selfe . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . multum semper discens , senesco . socrat. panorm . de reb . gest . alphon . lib. . prodigi praed●a , parasiti praeda . socrat. quomodo proficis , sitam tibi sufficis ? bern. aug. in s●liloq . cap. . bern. medit. cap. . plutarch . in l. de virt . amor . motus animae ( saith s. aug. ) quos graeci 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellant . ex lati●is quidā ( ut cic. . tus. ) perturbationes dixerunt , alii affectiones , alii affectus , alii expr●ssas passiones vocav●runt . damascen defineth other affections of the minde . motio sensualis appetivae virtutis , ob boni vei mali imaginationem . l. . de fid . orthodox . c. . zeno ap . cic. in . tusc. ita definit : perturbatio seu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aversa recta ratione contra naturam animi commotio . in vit . anselmi . * vt a christo accepimus beneficium , praesiemus christiani officium . praebendomemoris christi hospicium . erige oculum in humilitatis speculum , ejus enim exemplum , speciosii deo praeparabit templum . quantumcum . que te ●cejeceris , humilior non eris christo . hieron . tim. . . a right profitable exhortation to all such as are drawne away by strange doctrine . sacerdotes nominamur , non sumus . gr. humilium sumus doctores , superbiae duces . ibid. nemo ●am impius est , quem haereticus impietate non vincat . s hieron l. . in esaiam . si enim haeretici sunt , christiani ●sse non possunt . tertul. de praesor . cap. . cypr. de vnitate . et hier contra luciferianos . discourse . laert. lib. two especiall errors incident to subjects of discourse ; affectation , imitation : whereof gentlemen are seriously cautioned affectation . s●●● ser. . imitation . vin● . de vit . spirit . ibid● cicero . pic. mi●●nd . ad hermel . life of the speaker . i●m . . . truth of the subject . * equites asiam , iuven. sobriety of speech . gell in noct. atti● . immoderate passion , in arguments of discourse and reasoning , to be avoided . plutarch . in vit . phoc. two powerfull motives or perswasion vehemencie of passion : and instancie of demonstration . qualis sermo o●tenditur , talis & animus comprebatur . isid. est enim fidelitut● silentio merces . hor. carm . l. . ad . silentio culps crescit . isidor . neque imperiale est libertatem dicendi negare , neque sacerdotale quod sentiat , non dicere , ambr. epist. . gr●g ezek. . . cor. . . quic ●uid non licet , pastoris est prohibere ne fiat . aug. ludo v. viv. instruct . christ. mul. adeoque ut errorem cum lacte nutricis sugunt . cic. vberalactis & lucis , alent vos milites supremi ducis . action . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . cic. sen. de tranq . anim . appian . alex. the admirable effects of education . educatio & doctrina efficiunt mores . seneca . without learning hercules becomes a tyrant , darius insolent , achilles inordinate . par● divinain homine mersa . sen. lips. phavorinus . vid. tit. liv. luc. flor. plut. in vit . rom among wolves was his education , by vultures his inauguration . hi pastores pecorum , magis quàm reges gentium . xenophon in cyropaedia . quint. curt. plutarch . in vit . alex. hominis ●●im solus xullo beneficio persotur . seneca . tuse quaest . l●b . quart . stil●●o . al●●●iades . affrican marcellus . how a gentleman may he best enabled by education . * for aristotle , howsoever termed his master , is thought to have flourished when he came to riper yeares . vid. ep alex. ad arist. con . scriptam , de sit . & stat ind. three things moved tiberius to send drusus into illyricum : the first was senescere ●●lttiae : the second , studiae exercitus ●● . rare : the third , simul ●uvenem urbano luxu lascivientem melius in castris haberi re●batur tiberius . tacit. * for aristotle , howsoever termed his master , is thought to have flourished when he came to riper yeares . vid. ep alex. ad arist. con . scriptam , de sit . & stat ind. three things moved tiberius to send drusus into illyricum : the first was senescere ●●lttiae : the second , studiae exercitus ●● . rare : the third , simul ●uvenem urbano luxu lascivientem melius in castris haberi re●batur tiberius . tacit. milites ira non lyra , sed turba sonat . nec telis est not a chelys . cic. in bruto . isocrates . sext. philosophus . this may be confirmed by that elegant distich : virtus in●rtis habet , titulum sepeli●e the●aurum ; ●irtus amand● parit cu●ta , sepulta perit . eunius . plut. in vit● marcel . habet ornatū satis illo majorem ; habet aliud spactaculum , ad iliud spectaculum te compone . quod ergo tibi est specta●ulum ? coelum , angelorum innumera multitudo . chrysost. hom . . in epist. . ad hebraeos . notes for div a -e observ. . gen. . . gen. . . a qui luxuriant in vermiū operibas . chris. tom . hom . . in genes . fueruntur quidam ex india vermiculi , hujusmodi facere vestes . idem . tom . . hom . , in ●ad timoth. b imu●in viscera terrae , & in sede manium opes quaerimus ; eiusque penetrat luxuris , plin. hist. natural . l. . c quid memorem pretiosorū aromatum , quae ex india , ex arabia , & ex perside convebùntur . sunt si vis unguenta pretiosa , quae non e● arabia , vel ex perside , sed ex ipso convehuntur coelo , quae emuntur , non auro sed fide non ficta . chr. c. . tom . hom . in ad tim. aug. tom . . serm. de temp. d animaliumque vento feruntur , delitiae . cl. alex. paea . l. . c. ● . e et sua vestimenta & vestes stragulas su●●umigāt , & aspergunt : atque adeo ut ipsas propemodum matulas , clem. alex , ●●aed . l. . c. . f vermium texturae . chrys. tom . . hom . . in gen. g maximi autem pretii margarita mulierum conclave invasir : ea autem nascitur in quodii ostreo . clem. alex. paed. lib. . c. . h quae peccatorem sactum convincerent . aug. l. . de gen. ad lit . &c. . i di●o ergo hominem , non alia de causa opus habere ve●●imentis , qu●m ut regatur corpus , ad maxima frigora & ve●e●entes oestus propussandos : hic est vestis scopus . clem alex. paed l. c. . verbera ventorum vitare imbrosque coactos . ● ucr l. . li●el de imag hor. l . ep . . ornamentum est quod ornat : ornat autem quod honestiorem mulier●m facit . plutarch . in praecept . connubial . hoc ipsum , quod vos non ornatis ornatus est . ambros lib. . de virg. ambros. tom . . lib. . offic. cap. . phil. . , . the necessitie of a vocation . ezek. . . prov. . . . . ecclus. . ● ▪ . thess. . . . . tim. . . cor. . . health commeth not from the clouds without seeking , nor wealth from the clods without digging . vocation a peculiar labour or function , particularly allotted to any one person . * alijs micans , consumer . aul. gell. in noct. artic. adde quod ingenium long â rubigine loesum torpet , & est multo quam fuit ante , minus . vita quanto magis procedit , tanto propius ad mortem accedit . aug. soliloq . c. . sam. . . ester . . . king. . dan. . . sam. . . king. . . ibid. . . luke . . gen. . . act. , . cor. . . eccles. hist. deut. . . xista potius quàm zenodochia , regia potius palatia , quàm tectain pauperum solatia , erigent . horti delitiae , horrei divitiae , elegantiae aedificij , morientium oculis dolores inimicíssimí . ib. three necessary considerations touching the conveniencie of a vocation . a divine consideration . a civil consideration . amore dei amor vicinig ignitur , amore vicini amor dei nutritur . bern. oratio inter maxima charitatis opera numerandae est . the effect of prayer confirmed . exod. . . a peculiar consideration . vid. salust . in bell . iug. nec enim libertas ●utier ulla est , qu●m domino servire ruo . prima est libertas carere cri●inibus . aug. a damnum potius quam turpe lucrum eligendum est . laaert . b omnes complectuntur artes ex quibus lucrum consequi poterint . plat. de leg . lucri bo●●m odor ex re qualibet . iuvenal . lucrum sine damn● alteriue ●ieri nō potest . sen. epist. . d cum aliqua species utilitatis objecta est , nos commov●ri necesse est cic. de offic . . omnes appetimus utilitatem , & ad ed rapimur . ibid. e lucrum facit homines deter●●res . polit. . nisi lucrū esset , nemo ●uisset improbus . f nam tale turpe lucrum accusatio naturae est . apud stobaeum . g recuniae studium , fidem , probitatem , caeterasque bonas artes su●vertit . hor. h voluntas firgendi , & mentiendi est eorum qui opes appetunt , & luc●um desidera●t . lact. 〈…〉 . i clar●●-ubique fuit , fortis , sapiens , etiam rex , & quicquid vole● . horat. si for●una vole● , fies de rhetore consul ; si volet haec eadem , fus de consule rhetor. iuvenal . sat. . k virtus nihil quod extr●se est quaerit . pontan lib. de prud. l nulla potest esse virtus nisi gratuita cic in tus. m domat omnia virtus . salust . quicquid homines arant , navigant , aedifica●t , virtuti omnio ●a●ert . ibid. n virtuit fortuna ●●dit . plut. o nihil eripit fortuna , nisi quod ipsa dedit . sen. de tranq . an . p virtute qui praediti sunt , soli sunt divites . cicero . * deut. . . pauperes eligit deus ad haereditatem regni ●aelestis . . cor. . . luk. . . . o mors , quàm amara est memoria tuae , homini habenti pacem in substantiis suis● non s●lii virtus , sed etiam ●ama , decus ; divina humanaque pulchris divitiis p●rent . hor●t . lib . sat. . we are to resist vices , by practising & doing acts of the contrary vertues . no man exempted from a vocation . non vestrae magis irae , quom famae cōsulatis . caes. in orat . pro cat. de libertate vindicanda . vide salust . in maxima fortuna , minimalicentia est . salust . bere paupert●● humili tec●o contenta latet . qu●tiūt altas● aepepro●cila ; aut evertit fortuna demus . s●n. in agam. quiequid excelsum est . cadat . in octa●o . invident honori meo , ergo invideant labori , & innocentiae , periculis etiam meis , quoniam per haec illum cepi . salust . in bell . lug . cic. in l. de leg . agendo , audendeque res romana crevit . salust . l ▪ flor. lib. . cap. . gen. . . in iis linguis quas nō intelligimus , surdi sumus . tusc. lib. . hoc nempe ab homine exigitur , ut profit hominibus si fieri potest , multis ; si minùs , paucis ; si minùs , proximis ; si minùs , sibi . seneca de vitâ beat â. a resemblance betwixt the offices in the body of a state , & a body naturall . ocules ad caelum , manus ad clavum . experimenta per mortes agunt . hippocr . 〈…〉 ; & 〈…〉 ut hier. ad pat● . conquerum ) scripturarum interpretationem passim sibi vendica●t omn●s , benegat . ruia anus , hanc del●us sen●x , hanc sophista verbesus , hanc vniversi praesumant , lucerant decent antequam discant . see the first rising of all novellisme and innovated doctrine , how & upon what weak grounds planted , and how strangely by the bellows of singularity increased . exod. . ● . west . west . . . ●d . . . ed. . . h. . . h. . . h. , & . el. mala fama benè parta d●lectat . sen. nam vivos interdum fortuna , saepe invidia fatigat : ubi anima naturae cessit , demptis obtrectatoribus , ipsa se virtus magis magisque extollit salust . homines inertissimi quorum omnis vis virtusque in lingua sita est . salust . in . orat . virtus per se amara atque aspera est . ad virturem una atque ardua via est . ibid. vocation in generall . ezek. . sam. , . prov. . . j●rm . . . zeph. . . mich. . ion . . hinc alij aliis artib●s incumbunt ; hi in mari navigantes , hi in mentes p●scantes et pastinantes , &c. vis●e procedere in thessaliam ? artem disces hortulanam ; visne in barbariam ? arrem experieris equesirem . sam. . sam. . . gen. . . gen. . . gen. . . gen. . . grammar . logicke . sera cogitatis quae à clave artis reseratur arist. in poster . vid. meleb. can. in l. . de locis theologicis . rhetorick . eras. lib. . apotheg . quint. curt. — si vis me flere , delendumest primū ipst tibi , tunc tua me infortunia laedunt . hor. de art . poet . cic. lib. . de orat. * maro both a poet & an excellent orarator ; who with isocrates for lacke of a good voice ( otherwise called the father of eloquence ) never pleaded publikely : therefore was it said of his orations , that if maro penned them , and cicero pronounced them , nothing could bee more exquisite . mathematicks . libenter ignoro quod me scire . deus noluit . caetera quidem nescio , hoc autem scio , quòd dii oderint curies●s . euclid compescat igitur se humana temeritas , & id quod non est , nō quaerat , ne illud quod est , non inveniat . maxim. serm. . geometrie . vid plut. in vit . marcel . l. flor l. c. . physick . vid. app. al. hippocrates . l. flor. l. . c. . musicke . vt lyram vel citharam percu●iat , &c. sam. . . musicke hath a different working melody , mirth & melancholy . king. . . exod. . . iudith . . iudg. . . aug. conf. lib. . cap. . qui tam modic●flexu vocis faciebat sonare lectorem psalmi , ut prenu●tianti vicinior esset quàm canenti . ibid. the vocation of a gentleman in particular . quae retro sunt oblivisci , & ad ea quae antè sunt apostolum sequi . epist. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dial. . exod. . . gen. . . psal. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . mark. . . cor. . . luke . . . the vocation of a gentleman hath relation to imploiment publike or private . objections framed against byron , set his treaty with forraine states . credulitie in two respects dangerous to persons imployed in af●sires of state. credulitie in beleeving the relations of oth●rs . credulity in imparting his thoughts to the secrecy of others . for cabinet-counsell this may be their motto ; plenu● sum rimarum . vt thesaurus repositus . leporis ventri quam vento vulgi , multò satius mandari sentiens . iust. resolution in suffering neither price to draw him , nor power to over-awe him . excitamur ad meliora magnitudine rerum , salust . herodotus l. . initio . vid. hotman de legat. legatus ipsam reipub. faciem suam attulisse videtur . ad virtutem laudesque habendas naturam si●e doctrina , quam doctrinam sino natura valuisse . cic. disobedience punished in attempts most successive . virgis coedi jussit quibus miserè periit . plut. in apoth●g . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in publike affaires . cypr●● . macc. . . magne , non bene . a●g a frier , who writte diverse works viz. de papae & corelij , autoritate . speculum clericorum . &c. zinglerus l. de 〈◊〉 viris germaniae , cap. . in turc . hist. probè def●●rur à stoicis fortitudo , cum eam virtutem duunt . ●sse propugnatem pro aequitate . ci● . salmacida spolia sine sanguine & judere . si. lib. . plut. in vit . iul. cas. ioseph in bell . iud. clementiam id 〈◊〉 imperatoris pro inertia ducebant . ib. dulce & decorum est pro p●tria mori . hor. l. . od . . poeni faedifragi . cic in offic. nulla sancta societas , nec fides regni . philip. . . a glorious enterprize recommended to the undertaking of all generous spirits . totum adimit , quo ingrata refulget . coping with the persian sapor in titular insolence , who caused himself to be stiled , rex regum , frater solis & lunae , particeps syderum . a glorious fight is ever accompanied by a noble fate . non debet timere hostem fortem , ●u● dominum habet fortiorem . esa. . . psal. . . how a gentleman is to demeane himself in private affaires . sic crimine nota crumena est . quid non speremus , si nummos possideamus ? omnia nummus habet quod vult , facit , addit & aufert . this may be observed in suits of law , as well as private affaires of justice . a deut. . . b deut. . . c sam. . . d ierem. . . e gen. . . f deut. . ● g esdr. . . rom. . . psalm . . . h act. . . i prov. . . k ecclus. . . . . act. . . . tim. . . , . l . . . to . m sam. . . n iob . . amos. . . purpuram magis quam deum coleutes . iudges . . two perillous shelfes which in danger iustice. sicut absynthiaper se pellunt morbos , melle tamen illiniuntur , ut puerorum aetas improvida ludificetur . pic. mirand . ad hermol . mark. . . a exod. . . b exod. . . c sam. . . d deut. . . e king. . . f exod. . g cor. . . . h deut. . . . heb. . . i exod. . , . num. . . melius est qu●d perist unus , quam unitas qui malis parcit , bonis nocet . luxuriantes amputantur surculi , ut genuini coalescant rami . in putatione sarmenta flerilia reciduntur : ut ca quae praevalent uberiùs fructum ferant greg. in mor. exposit . in iob. nimius amor & nimiū odiū omne pervertaut iudicium . chrysost. malle se inter inimicos , quam amicos iudicare dicebat . laert. in vit . eian . perit omne iudicium cum res transit in affectum . sen. habeo in me , quod testetur pro me . omnis piorum vita testimonium redilit deo. cypr. de duplo martyrio , initio . prob pudor ! secundum fortunam aestimatur persona , quum potius secundū personam aestimanda sit fortuna : tam bonus reputatur quàm dives ; tam malus , quàm pauper ; cum potius tam dives sit reputandus quàm bonus , tam pauper quàm malus . de contem . mund . l. . cap. . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in his owne family . tim. . . aug. ephes. . . ad ul● . eph . ad . demus , ( inquit aristoteles ) est quas● 〈◊〉 civitas , & civitas quasi magna domus . every family a private common-wealth . how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in temporall affaires within his family . gen. . . deut. . . prov. . . . prov. . , . luke . . gen. . . sam. . . exod. . . nec soràidè custodiat , nec prodige spargal . salust . eph. . . * circa domest●cos severiratem . med. cap. . deut. . . cor. . . tim. . . how highly to bee condemned was that act of vedius pollio , who tyrannzed so much over his servants , that he caused one to be cast into a fish-pond for breaking a glasse ? invenes amârunt , senes ●derunt . famulos impubescentes amasse voluptas , adolescentes utilitas , senescentes pietas . alauda cristā habet . proverb . tim. . . domum suam coercere , plerisque baud minus arduum est , quam prov●nciam regere . tacit. gen. . . gen , . gen. . . . . luke . . prov. . . . hydroptē habent conscientiam . aug. quanto magis bibunt , tanto magis sitiunt . quanto magis capiunt , tanto magis cupiunt . quorum sitis neque copia , neque inopia minuitur . salust . vera inopia , cupiditatum copia . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in spirituall affaires within his familie . gen. . . chron. . . deut. . , . . vers. . consisting upon a precept and a promise . ostendit exemplo , quod promisit in praemio . aug. ruth , , nimium est negoti● continere c●s quibus praesis , nisi te ipse contineus . anima mea quid secisit hodiè ? &c. quod malum hodiè sanas●i● senec. deira , lib. . veni ad judicium . hieron . paratum est cor meum . ibid. nulla di●s sine linea . esai . . . choen●cine insideas . thess . joh. . luke . . vlterius . luke . . nunquam ei praeesse familiae , quae parùm studiosa est divinae gloriae . philip. . . notes for div a -e observat. . the difference of recreations . vid. strab. vid. plut. aul. gell. in noct . att. laert. in vit . cbyl . l. flor. l. . c. . balsares narrat à qua gente balistas no●men duxisse , verisimile est , jasulandi arte omnium facile principes esse . * sicut nostri ab anno domini , prisci ab olympiad um stadio , sua comput ârunt ● secula . lucullian● horti . vid. plut. in vit . a cynosargus , locus in quo palestriae exercebaniur ; cerostrotum , in quo eorum corpora ungebantur . b circus , quia aculeatis spiculis circumclusus . vid. varro . de antiq . rom. c haec quae difficilis turget bagenica pluma , folleminus luxa est , & minus arcta pilà . martial . lib. . d fortissima adversus mētem , & dolorem disciplina . vid plut. in apotheg . & in vit . socr. flat . in repub . vid. plut. in vit . lycurg . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . such like exquisite peeces may we imagine our rare italian iec●ano limned : whose incon parable art bestowed on them so much beauty , as they wanted nothing but a promethean fire to enliven fancie . nazian . contra ●ulieres immodicè comptas . nescit equo rudis hae●ere irgenuus puer , venarique timet ludere doctior , s●● graeco jubeas troc●o , seu m●lis vetita legib●s alea. h●r . od. . . cor sule victorem , in vit . imperator . studiosus aleae lusor . ibid. suct . in aug. * vocatus numeravit calculos , & sodali suo ; vide ( inquit ) ne post mortem meam mentiaris te vicisse . tum annuens genturioni : test is ( inquit ) eris , uno we antecedere . sen. de tranq . anim . of the moderate and immoderate use of recreation . pic. mirand . in epist. ad . hermol . the benefits redounding from moderate recreation . sen. de tranq . anim . nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit . ibid. horat. ● . . ep . . cellae & coeli habitatio cognatae sunt . ber. de vit . solitar . non calathum iuno , non arcum semper apollo tendit : amant roquiem corpora fessa suam . sueton. tranq . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . avaritia bellua fera , immanis , intoleranda est . salust . domi-porta , limax ; quia limum serpendo relinquit . vid. alciat . in emblem . aelian . in nat . hist. * revel . . . the inconveniences arising from immoderate recreation . immoderatione relaxantur artus , immin●untur vires : moderatione religantur artus , reparantur vires . laert. in vit . chyl . num. . . eccles. . . amos . . amos . . . . in the yeare of iubile all captives were delivered , all slaves enfranchised , all debts discharged . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . solon . dediscere didisi , oblivisci qua memini . sen. de tranq : enim . plut. in apoth . aelian . in varia hist. lib. . cap. . dies festos nolite inhonorare ( inquit ignatius ) quid tamen agunt isti , qui licenti●s epulando crapulae indulgent , aut calites hauriendo ebrietatem fovent ? melius est quod omni die foderent , quàm omni die saltarent . aug. sup psal. . mark. . . ebrietate nil latius serpit , nil gravius s●vit . panorm . homer . in odyss . horat. in epist. laert. in vit . cleo● . vid. quint. curt. lib. . armatis , divum nullus pudor . sil. ital. plato . plutarch . macrob. tim. . . mo●ico vino utere . ecclesia mater est , noverca non est ; libertas datur ad necessitatem , modo cohibeatur ad vanitatem . a itae evenit , ●t cúm aliquid ubi non oportet adhibetur , illic ubi oportet negligatur . tertul. lib. de poeniten . initio . b in apolog. c. . democritus excaecando seipsum incontinentiam emendatione profitetur . at christianus salvis oculis faeminam videt , animo adversus ●ibidines caecus est . c ego mergam vos , neipse mergar ● vobis . d noctium attic. l. . c. . homo miser vites suas sibi omnes detruncat . quo major , eò melior ; idque exemplo perfice , ut aliis etiam bene vivendi exempla trilua● . prov. . , . observation of admirable continencie , instanced in beast , and birds . vt eruaentur à multere altena , &c. ●● . vers . . the publication of secula plays used by the heathen , was cryed in these words ; convenite ad ludos spectādos , quos neque spectavit quis quam , nec spectaturus est . suet. in claudio , cap. . pol. vug. de invent . lib. . cap . ovid. trist. lib. object . . primum quod urgent illi histriom ast . di sumptum est è deuter. . ●e cultu multebri , an pueris li uit cum assumere ; carumque mo res assimilare ? vni bezae omres acquiescunt theologi . object . . obj●ctio de sacra scriptura sumpta & perita . quàm plurima in pubitcis theatris sunt spectanda , ad regendos mores , dirigendos motus , corrigendos animi metus , admodum utilia . object . . vt metus humilitatem ▪ sic nimia laetitia gestit levitatem . cic. eccles. . . object . . tertul. lib. de patient . theophylact. chrysostome . gregory . object . . de deo loqui e●iam vera periculosissimum est . arnob. object . in comed . de thaide . * anticyrainsula est o●tae , monti thessalio opposita , ubi helleborus crevisse dicitur . object . . aut vinculum aut vehiculum . de civit dei. lib . cap. . theatra idolatricis deorum sacris esse turpiora &c. augustinus , latinorum patrum augustios de civit . dei lib. . cap. . * nunc sum delignatus aedilis , habeo rationem quòd à populo acceperim , mihi ludos sanctissimos , maxima et ceremonia cereri liberoque faciendos . cic. in ver. quintilianus hypocritam histrionem appellat : qui mores , motus gestus , incessus voces , vultus , deponere & dediscere ( quorum personas agunt ) nullo modo possunt . elizabetha orbis phoebe ; inter mulieres sibylla , inter reginas , saba . homerus , sophocles heroicus ; sophocles , homerus tragicus . had ovid supplied cherilus place he might by this meanes have inriched his fortunes above the condition of a poet. sedeo inter suspiria & lachrymas . — ego laudoruris amoeni rivos , & musco circumlita saxa , nemusque . hor. . epist. . carmina sec●ssum scribentis & otia quaerunt . frustra poet as feres compos sui p●pulit . sen. de tranq . anim . macrob in som. scipioni . ad reprehendenda aliena facta atque dicta ardet omnis animus . salust . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . eupolis atque cratinu● , aristophanes que poetae . horat. serm. lib. . sat. . saepius me eupolis in theatro demersisti , semel te in mari demergam . * ignotum tragicae genus invenisse camanae . dicitur , & plaus●ris vexisse poemata thespis , quae canerent agerētquè peruncti faecibus ora . horat. in art . poet . hence it may appeare how injuriously i was ●●aduced by mr. w. p. in his historiomas●ix . though the most able and s●nowy fancies , which of late times flourished amongst our italians for dramatick measures , were accounted these : lopis de vega . arisiofane . mauzano . mirinda . vivianus . assarino . alvisus . astolsus . cum fame craciantur christi pauperes , effusis largitatibus nutriunt histriones . greg. donare res suat histrionibus causa histrionatus , vitium est ●mmane & non virtus . aug. sup. iohan. daindigenti , & non da saltanti et hiero. this fearfull example disapproves not the use but abuse of stage-playes . ludus ale ae et omnis ludus qui innititurfortunae prohibitus est . in sum. pisan. barthol . merula . in ovid. de art . amand , l. . * canis , canalicula seu chius , apud romanos jactus erat omnium maximè inauspicatus ; hercules , venus seu basilicus , omnium benignissimus . vid. lips. antiq . lect lib. ● . c. . turn . adu . lib. . cap. . in tesserario lud● , mydas jactu● erat fortunatissimus . de●●pst . antiq . rom. l. . c. . * in a treatise entituled ; the hunismans raunge . vellet que videre , non etiam sentire . act aeon apud ovid. quos mortes ascendent , quas paludes transibunt , quas vepres sentesque sine sensu percurrent , modoò unum lepusculum tāto sudore capiant ? horat. optat aprum , aut fulvum descendere monte lecnem . virg. ●●t olim gargilius , qui manè plagas , venabula , servos differtum transire forum , populumque jubebat , vnus ut è multis ( populo spectante ) referret emptum mulus aprum . horat. epist , lib. . . vid. sueton. tranquill. greg. in moral . exposit . in iob. the romans , as may appeare by their laetoria lex , accounted all prodigals mad-men . cic. . de offic . horae non auri dispendium defleo . of recreations best sorting with the quality of a gentleman . tus●●l . lib. . quint. curt. lib. . heu quantum potuit terrae pelagique parari , hos quem civiles hauserunt sanguine dextrae . a ephes. . b rom. . . prov. . . . c prov. . . ● . d prov. . . lucan . spiritus magni magis quàm utiles . liv. dec . . lib. . is●i sunt maximè no●ij , quibus minimè noti . the saying of adherbal , bomilcars son ; vincerescis hannibal , sed uti victoria nescis . l. flor. l. . c. . resembling clement the fourth , who had a pregnant wit for projecting , unfortunate for atchieving . object . sol. vid homer in iliad . plin. in nat. hist. knowledges are as the pyramides , wherof history is the basis. de orat. l. . whence cicero moved luceius to record his acts in his writings . annot. in tacit . dequo verè dici po●est , ut inclytus ille lipsius de guicciardino testatus est ; " prudens peritusque scriptor , et qui taies lectores suos facit . * in the survey of histories lately revised and amply inlarged ; which might be rightly entitled , the muses wardrobe , or , the noble-mans lecture , dilating on the various delights of history , the best accomplisher of true gentility . historicum nobilem et verum aug. de civit. dei , l. . graecorum thucydidem et herodotum , latinorum salustium & t. livium facilè principes esse judicamus . laur. vall. in ●r●oem thucyd . * ●linius iunior wished he might be mentioned in the histories of cornel. tacitus , because he did foresee their succeeding memory . * non solùm animis , sed etiam oculis servire civium . cic. * homines fronte & oratione magis quàm ipso beneficio , reque capiuntur . ibid. tusc. . quint. curt. . a cicero said of galba's leaden and lumpish body : his wit had an ill lodging . b who would have majesty preserved , virtute non cultu . macrob. lib. . saturnalium , c. . dion . lib. . appianus alex. plut. in vit . bomp . iustin. quint. curt. vid. polydor. fab. stow. & al. appian ▪ alex , l. flor. l. . c. quint. curt. l. . the miserable ends of such as committed sacriledge in their time . virg. aeneid . . lib. . lactant. de orig . error . cap. . valer. max. vid. chron. what good morall men have flourished in evill times . plut. initio apotheg . regum . iustin. lib. . i● fine . non dolenda solùm sed periculosa etiam res est , cum ingratis habere negotium . sen. appian . alexand. o ingrata patria , ne ossa quidem● valer max. quint. curt. l. ● . plut. in apotheg . quarti d●x . tanti exercitus . l. flor. l. . c. . pecoritus fatigatis quoque velocior domum gradus est . sen. de tranquill . anim . lib cap. ● . as in the reign of king iohn ▪ a● . dom. . having crossed the seas to ierusalem . id credo non fuit hominum , sed conscientia sc●lerum . polydor ▪ virgil ▪ how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in recreation . defunctum asseruntimmodica laetitia & se●ii imbecillitate , &c. laert . in vit . chyl . suet. in nero●● . plut. in vit . s●xt . a●rel . herodian . virtus atque sapientia major in illis fuit , qui ox parvis opibus tantum imperium fecere , quàm in nobis , qui ea bene parta vix retinemus salust . majus dedecus est parta amittere , quam non omnino par avisse . peculatu● ararii factus est ibid. assuetis nulla sit passio . eresius . suet. in tiber. si videas murem dominari alii muri , nunquid risum teneas ? quantò magis ridiculum est quando tax illum , quod est minoris valoris quàm mus , homini dominetur ? sen. from this inordinate desire spring two maine branches : cupiditas acquirendi ; aviditas retinendi : eagernesse of gaining ; greedines of reteining . blos . omnium notarum peccatores ; et nulli rei nisi panitentiae nati . tertul. de paenit . in fine . quic quid repre●en dendum non damnandum est . sen. de benef. l. . cap. . davidem saltantem plus stupeo quàm pugnantem . moral . l. . c. . sam. . . chro. . . ludam ( inquit ) ut illudant . bonus ludus quo michol . irascitur , & deus delectatur . greg. mag. chrysost. in gen. hom. . tom. . cap. . notes for div a -e observat. of the use of acquaintance . one. dentatus apud senecam de tranq . anim . mar. . . acts . . prov. ▪ ▪ deut. . , . a bern. de vitâ solitariâ . b honores mundi , tumores mundi . eucher . epist. par●en-de contempt . mundi . c omnis seculi honor , diaboli est negotium . hil. can . . in matth. quaeremus unum bonum in quo sunt omnia , bona et sufficit . aug. med. * greg. diligenti deum sufficit ei placere quem diligit , quia nulla major expetenda est remuneratio quam ipsa dilectio . leo magnus serm. de jejuno . mat. . . . psal. . . tim. . . iob. . . bernard . in . . lib. de consid . ad eugen. in eodem lib. cap. . periclita●ur castitas in delitiis , humilitas in divitiis , pi●tas in nego ●io , verit as in multiloguio , charitas in hoc nequam saeculo . bern. asrariu● . of the benefit we reape by acquaint●nce in matters of discourse . amor à praesente gauder , absente dolet . bern. sup . cant. nihil interest habere estium apertum , vultum clausma . cicero . no rush without mire , no corrupt heart without sin . p●in . in na● . hi●● . iob . . of the choice of acquaintance in matters of advice . iob . . la●rt . in vit . periand . omnia pro tempore , nihil pro veritate . optatus . l. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eccles. . . * whose wood is sweetest , shade coolest , and coale hottest . fabiolae m●us . . lat●at , ●aec una salus . sc● . in troad . in tiberius t●me . prov. . . . lacrt. in v●t . biant . suct . in aug. tusc. lib. . of the benefit properly derived from one friend to another in every peculiar action . plutarch . in pelopida , initio . plutarch . in paulo aemilio , sine . nihil tan aequè oblectaverit animum quàm amicitia fidelis . sen. in tranq . anim . vt flores qui odore delectant . ibid. nullus sine amicis locus amaenus : omnis sine sociis mūdus eremus . * the expressive character of a reall friend . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . nam in ●●ro sunt lites & actiones moles●● . posidio . si qu●s in hos mundo cunctis vult gratus baberi ; det , capiat , quaerat , plurima , pauce , nihil . plato . the benefits which redound from the mutuall union or communion of friends in the exercise of pleasure . ioci non sint nimis salfi , multò minus in sulfi : illi enim multum ●fficiunt ; isti , nisi per cachinnum , parùm proficiunt . vanitati propriè festivitas cedit . cic. de orat . lib. . as many stars as in the heavens bee ; so many maids has rome to welcome thee . as many kids as on the downs wee see ; so many prostitutes in rome there be . scipio nasica . a tergo nemesis . laert. in vi● . biant . a rule of infallible direction , touching choice of acquaintance . quis quis pl●s justo non sapit ille sapit . martial . l. . those jests are best seasoned , that are least salted . of the choice or judicious approvement of acquaintance , in affaires of highest consequence . amicos sequere quos non pudeat elegisse . bias. neither timist nor timonist are within the lists of acquaintance to be entertained . the timist or time-observer displaied and displaced . nec tuta fiducia regum , quae levibus plerunque suis nituntur amicis . philip. comin . l. . sext. aurel. in constant. these timists have resemblance to those applauding parasites , by whom a●tiochus was at one time saluted both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a glorious prince , and a furious tyrant . . 〈◊〉 peccatum semper praegnans , aliudex alio gignit . vitia morbi sunt animi . sen. vitia ad vicinos serpunt et contactu nocent . ib. marcionist . * faciunt favos & vespae , faciunt ecclesias & marcionistae . tertul . l. . cont . quae malè afficitur , miserè inficitur . quot vitiae , tot daemonia : tot daemonia , quot crimina . emisenus . si innocentes existimari volumus , non solum nos abstinentes , verum etiam nostros comites praestare debemus . cic. fro incerta spe , certa praentia . salust . gratia quae cocat sicti malè sarta sodalis , est velut in siculo scylla cavenda mar● . pub faust. andr. prov. . . the timonist , or time-detracter discovered and discarded . arist. hist. anim . nosque ubi primus equis oriens afflavit anhelis , illie sera rubens accendit lumina vesper . tu voluptatem complecteris , nos compescimus : tu omnia voluptatis causâ facis , nos nihil . sen. de malis accidentibus bonis . lib. . neu tibi pulthra placent caeci vestigia mundi , fallere quae citiùs quàm renovare selent ? plutarch . what directions are to be observed in the choice of a wife . gen. . . the harsh and heremiticall conceit of the carthaginian arminius , touching marriage . se non prosperae tantùm , sed oranis fortunae inisse societatem . - vix ulla perēnior urna est , vel tibi grata magis proprio quam corpore busium condere . — una requiescit in urna . o vid. met. l. . heb. . . arist. lib. . polit. cap. . eum eligas magistrum , quem magis admireris cum videas , quam cum audias . seneca . egnatius quod condidos habet dentes renidet usque quaque , seu ad rei ventū est subsellium . vid. catul. in lib. eleg. a epictet , enchirid . b cypr. de disciplina & habitu virg . c petr. mart. reg. . . d cyprian . e ambr. hexam . lib. . cap. . f hieron . g iunius . h aug. de christ. fide . i ambros. l. . de offic . cap. . k hier. ad furiam de vid. ser. tom. . l tertul. de hab . mul. cap. . m scult . n cyprian . in lib. de hab . virg . o vict. ad salmonem . p tho. hudson . q clemens alexconst . apost . lib. . cap. . r hier. de exitu leae . s vict. ad salmonem . t caesar. in comment . u nazian . contra mulieres immodicè comptas : x laert. lib. . optimisunt odores qui odorant mores ; aliter non sunt flores sed faetores . y lessius de justitia & jure . lib . cap. . fol. . z pet. alagora in compendio manual . navar. c. . num. fol. . laert. in vita cleeb . portion and proportion . a vbi deu● est , ibi pudicitia , hieron . ad ●uriam de vid. serm tom. . b velamen istud antichristi . ibid. cael. rhod. lib. cap. . priviledges of marriage . plin. . ● . . laeert . in vit . chyl . optimī optīmis claruere gratiis : pessimi pessimis caluere vitiis . fortes creantur fortibus et bonis . est in juvencis , est in equis patrum virtus — horat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . infelicem dicebat bias qui ferre nequiret infelicit atem . laert. pomp. mela. lib. . quorsum alter dives , alter pauper ? theophrast . nil habet infelix paupertas durius in se , quàm quod ridiculos homines facit — iuven. sat. . quem fugiam scio , quem sequàr nescio . homer . iliad . this was never more exemplarily then in that place , and at this time presently confirmed ; where faction guilded over with pretences of religion , labours to bring an united state to division . nihil turpius dubio & incerto , pedem modo referente , modò producente . sen. ep. . sundry motives to love recounted : parentage . benovelence . fame . pardoning of injuries . num. . , . concurrency in hatred . compassion in afflictions . king. . , sam. . . eccles. . . vatus in infamitate persicitur . cor. : . delivery from danger . iudith . . . esther . . ● . exod. . . ioshua . iudg. . . maccab. . . vid. eccle. à cap. ad . expression of vertue . king. . . acknowledgement of injuries . a position of aristot. rh●t . . cap . vt tenuissima scintilla quae in oceanum demittitur . chrysost. in hom . ad pop. suffering of injuries . bounty , or munificence . cor. . . eccles. . . . eccles. . . . ibid c. . . . obad. . arist. eth. l. . of constancie in the choice of acquaintance . eccles. , . . amârunt solem ardentem , oderunt arguentem . vt abiis melicres f●ant , aut eos quibuscuns versantur , meliores faciant . inter vestales hoc celebr● juit , primò discunt quid agant , postea agunt quod discunt , tertiò alios do●ent guod discant , & agant . non est strepitus oris , sed jubilus cerdis ; non sonus labiorum sed morus gaudiorum ; concordia voluntatum , non consonantia vocum : parum enim prodest sola voce cantar● sine cordis intentione . bern. * etiam cadaver mortui officioso geslu precabatur . quaerite quod quaeritis , sed non ubi quaeritis . august . delicatus magister est , qui pleno ventre disputat de jejunio . hieron . qui satur est , pleno laudat jejunia ventre . eccles. . . quin. cur. l. ● amicitiae ut pares quaerunt ita et faciunt : ut cuique est aetas , it a quemque facetus adopta . hor. l. . epist. . suaves omnes fiunt soles inter socios et sodales . qua dementia est potius trabi quàm sequi . seneca . nec quia delectat , placet ; sed quia placet , delectat . ibid egregium apud vos virtutis officium voluptates persuanere : super mens●m recognoscentes omnia gentium animalia : & quò magis implentur , e ò magis inexplebiles , ibid. three faculties of the understanding . these observe that maxim ; he that knoweth how to speak well , knoweth also when he must hold his peace . these thinke an houre before they speake , and a day before they promise . in lib. disecrit . secretor . ecclus . , . talis substantia non est slabilis , aut ipsis inventoribus est peritura , aut à molis haeredibus est diss●panda . chris. in mat. ecclus. ● . . arist. l. . eth. of reservancy towards acquaintance . chap. . . to . iudg. . . chap. . . ecclus . . aditam nocendi perfido praestat sides . sen. in oedip. sam. . . king. . arcanum neque tuscrutaberis ullius unquam ; commissumque teges , & vino tortus & irâ . hor. front●m aperiat , mentem tegat . cic. sam. . . quid difficile ●arcana ( inquit ) retie●re , & ocium rectè disponere . laert . in vit . chyl . aristot. sext. autel in vit . commodi . sam. . . king. . . stow. annal. in vit . iohan. reservancie in respect of our substance , salust . predigas & siultus donat quae spernit , et edit . herat. l. . cp ●● ecclus . . nos proprii simus praedi coloni . nascitur è scopulis nutritus lacte ferino , et dicam silices pectus babere summ . ovid. ecclus. . . . of the absolute end of acquaintance . omnis labor aliquò referatur , aliquò respiciat . sen. de tranque anim . cornel. gall. seneca . aristot. laert. in vit . biant . ecclus . . . in itinerarie . pag. . scholasticus ? et mendicus ? ô secula ●oeca ! nonne alterius seculi ros est transire per terramauri sine auro ? bern. de consid . lib. . zeno noster cum omnia sua audiret submersa , jubet ( inquit ) me fortuna expeditùs philosophari . sen. de tranq . anim . mergam vos ne mergar à vobis . magnum est malum non posse ferre malum . sen. sen. de mal . accident . bonis . lib. . especiall offices wherein friendship and acquaintance should be exercised . arist. maxima foelicitas hujus mundi confiftis in anticis . boet . de consol . phil. nemome amicus beneficentiâ , remo inferendâ injuriâ inimicus superavit . plut. in vit . syl. posse et nolle , nobile . * vsque ad adventum christi brittannia fertilis provincia tyrannorum , & scoticae gextes , omnesque usque ad oceanum per cir●●itum barbarae ●ationes , moysen , propheta●que igno●abant . b stow annal in vita morgani . c camdeni britan. in essexia . d stow annal . in vita blad●d , & leyre regum , & severi imperatoris e iuellus in tractat. de sacris scripturis pag. . acts . . templum christi in templum iovis , mariae in veneris , diceres conversa . d. aegidius . f gildas . lib. de victoria aurelii . am. g nicephorus l. . cap. . h dorotheus in synopsi . cap. . rom. . . tim. . . the flourishing state of the church , amidst many hoarie winters of innovation . i adver . iudae . cap. . hispaniarum omnes termini , & galliarum diversae nationes , & britannorum inaccessa romanis loca christo vero subdita . k hom. . in ezek. quando terra britannia ante adventum christi in unius dei consensit religionem ? nunc verò universa terra cum latitio cl●mat ad dominum . l socrat. l. . c. . m hom. . in cor. n epist. ad evagrium . anno . columbanus in anglia , palladius in scotia , patritius in hi●ernia floruit . o advers . graes . lib. . p epist. lib. . cap. . . q hist. lib ▪ . c ▪ . vide praeter caeteror nec minus inclyti nominis , vitam bernardi . . cap. . et bernard . de con●iderat . l. . si miscere licet figmentis s●cra profanis : atque paludiferis pura fluentalocis ▪ in upupae nido lapis est diversi coloris , qui tam occultae est virtutis ut gerentem planè invisibilem reddet . albert. mag. basil. omnis injuria in sensu patientis . gravis est miseria iniquè ferenti suavis autem est divino amore ferventi . praecept . . vid. goguin . lib. . hist. franc. sur. tom. . notes for div a -e observ. . moderation defined . omnis quae à ratione suscipitur de aliquare institutio , debet à definitione proficisci , ut intelligatur quid sit id de quo disputetur . cio . offic . l. . nihil interest an habeas , an non concupiscas . sen. dil tibi divitias de derant artemquè fruendi . hor. epist. lib. . plutarch . in vit . camill. appian . alex. plutarch . in vit . vespas . habere vitam in patientia , mortem in desiderio . sen. cohaeres christi , quid gaudes ? quia socius es pecorum ? aug. mihi credite , mori mallem quàm imperare . otho . curia curis stringitur , diadema spinis cingitur . aphorism . sen. in thiest . no vertue can subsist without it . quint. c●tt . plutarch . in vit . ages . plutarch in alexandro . plut in apotheg . eras. in apotheg . ludens par impar , equitausque in arundinelonga . agis rex lacedemon . laert in chilo . what excellent fruits are derived from temperance . homer . lib. . odyss . oculi dolores . plut. in vit . alex. honores mundi , tumores mundi . euche . epist. paren . de contempt . mundi . velamen istud antichristi . hieron . ad furiam de vid. serm. tom. . amici fure● temporis . cic. arist. lib. . ethic. cap. ▪ accepit luxuriet sceptrum ; quid sperandum est praeter naufragium ? august . plut. in apoth . caro & mundus pleni sunt spinis : conversari in his & non laedi , divinae potentiae est & non virtutis humanae . bern. quint. c●●t . lib. . cum de virtutibus agitur , nulla excellentior cernitur quam illa quae in castis adolescentibus in venitur . salust . in i●g . bel. vid. plutarch . in apotheg . q. curt. lib. . cap. . mallem quae●i cur statua mihi nulla posita fit , quam cur sit . cato . seneca . prasulgeb●●t iunin● & blaesus eo ipso , quod effigies eorum non viseb●ntur . tacitus . plut. in vit . legitur in gestis romanorum , quod ille q●i primitiùs inter eos vestem purpuream induit , à fulgure percussus est , & sic interiit . faces faecesque superbiae . sueton . aul. gell. noct. atti. l. . c. . alex. gen. dic . lib. . c. . s●uckius de convi . lib. . cap. . haec d●od deo , modo cum conservetione naturae stare poterint , unicè postulaebat ; ut à loquendo & edendo perpetuò abstineat . vltimum refugium naturae , est potus . axioma . gell. in noct. attic. aug. de academ . laert. in vit . biant ▪ august . lib. . de bapt. cont . don. cap. . ebrietas inimica est cognitioni dei ; cupidit as amica necessitudini diaboli . ambros. lib. . de abraham . qui luxuriatur , vivus mortuus est . hier. bona est castitas conjugalis , melior continentiae vidualis , optima perfectio virginalis . beda . qui non nubent , ●xores non ducunt , sicut angeli in terra sunt . ambros. supergreditur virginitas conditionem humanae naturae , per quam homo angelis assimilatur . ibid. virginitas si labitur , nulla poenitentia reparatur ad integritatem . ifid . de sum. bon. audenter loquor , cum omnia possit deus suscitare , tamen non potest virginem post ruinam . valet quidem de poena liberare , sed non valet coronare corruptam . hier. vel●a , or velleia . alphons . in lib. de haeres . in verb. tyrannis . soto . lib. . de iust. & iure . quaest . . artic . . si tanta humilitate se deprimit divina majestas , superbire in quo audet & praesumit humana infirmitas ? aug. de conflictu vitiorum . mihi mirabile fit quod non enecentur , cum tantum o●us bajulent . clem. alexan. . paedag. o nobilem magis quam faelicem pan●um ! stob. sur. . si adam nunquam offendisset , ad dume●● non confugisset , nec ficul nec folia in perizomara consuisset . sen. epist. . visus jam est vestis non regumenti . clem. alex. paedag. lib. . cap. . chrysost . tom. . hom. vivere et mori naturae functio , ludibrio esse proprio ducitur . ambros. ep . . venter vitae charybdis . diog. apud laert. chrys. hom. . in gen. impossibile est hic implere ventrem , & ibi mentem . hier. in epist. si sermo meus caperetur , caperet : nam fic est sermo die , & sic esse debet fidelibus , sicut pisci hamus ; tum capit quando capitur , nec sit captis injuria ; ad salutem enim , non ad perniciem capiuntur . aug. tract . . in iohan. aug. in l. confes. blos . collyr . haeret. gregor . in mor. exposit . in iob. qui per annos plurimos tecum familiariter vixit , ad mensam tuam sedit , cibum de manu tua sumpsit , in ●inutu● dormivit : cum voluit , tecum colloquium habuit , hic jure haereditario servustum est . bernard . aristot. de historia animalium . lib. . c. . lucretius l. . oppianus l. . de venatione . non cervus fluvios sic avet algidos , cervus , turb● canum quem premit , buchan . in psal. . ebrio sus confundit naturam , emittit gratiam , perdit gloriam , incurrit damnationem aeternam . ambros. l. de poenit . dum absorbent vinum , absorbentur ● vino . vt cautes , evitemus calices , ni in ore nauseam , in mente naufr●gium sentiamus . pestis non saeviùs grassatur in urbe , quam ebrietas in corde . basil. * amongst which consorts of death , if at any time it be your fortune to encounter with these civill city foysts whose cheats are their chequer , timely discard them , lest untimely experience make you distaste them . run with the roe unto the rose ; the roe must winne , the rooke must loose : for northern rookes are little worth , compar'd with those the south brings forth . senec de tran . anim . bernard . august . emissenus . stultum est servire diabolo offenso , qui nullo placatur obsequio . greg. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . wherein moderation is to bee used . au●um horamque petunt , petendo perdunt perdende pereunt . expence of coine . tertul. instit . lib. . cap. . this is excellently seconded by a princely pen , in a pithy poem directed to all persons of ranke or quality to leave the court and returne into their owne countrey . the rich retinue of a rare rioter . relata ad se magnitudine aeris aticujus , quam quidam eques romanus dum vixit celaverat , culcitram emi cubicularem sib●●ussit : et praeceptum mitantibus hanc rationē reddidit ; habenda est ad somnum culcitra , in qu● ille cumtantum deberet , dormire potuit . macrob. saturn . l. . c. . frugall men being rightly stiled , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . tusc. l. . dona prius quàm tempora dedit . datur etiam vermibus nere è visceribus , accuratiorem cultum praebere hominibus . vid. pet. mart. * qui totum orbem possederit , ne in orbe sepulchrum in venire poterit . quò cumuli gazae , si desint ossibus urnae ? eosdem penates habuit & regiam , & rogum , & sepulchrum . valer. max. de tull. hostil . ambros. aug. epist. . bernard . de adventu serm . . august . in med ▪ cap. . expence of time . eucheriars ▪ nil preciosius tempore , & heu nil bodiè eo vili●s i●venitur : transeunt dies salutis & nemo cogitas . bern. majus dedecus est , parta amittere , quàm non omninò paravisse . salust . martial . l. . sext. aurel. in domit. ne quid usquam honesti oculis occurreret . vid. tacit. quàm quisque pessimè fecit , tam maximè ltutus est , sa●ust . cujus cupe diae , fercula in actu , cujus januae carceres mendici . dan. . . fet. dam. de borâ mortis sic mihi divitias , famuli patiendo labores , nec minorest domino servus in aere suo . eccles. . . vtinam invidi oculos baberent in omnibus locis , ut de omnibus foelicitatibus torquerentur : nam quanta sunt faelicium gaudia , tanti invidorum sunt gemitus . seneca . luke . . . . mac. . . . fieri non potest ut malè moriatur , qui benè vixerit . blos . enchirid . parvul . author . non potest malè mori qui bene vixerit , & vix bene moritur qui malè vixerit . aug. de discip . christiana . moderation of the passions of the mind reduced to two subjects . ioy. iob. . . hester . . . eccles. . . dan. . . , . &c , iob . . prov. . ● . esay . . iob. . ● . zeph. . . gen . . iob. . . psal. . . thes. . . sorrow . sam. . . kin. . . gen. . . ionah . . * or gederans . ioseph . li. . c. . matth. . . quò quisque sanctior , eò ejus in orando fletus uberio● . aug. via est incipientibus : veritas est proficientibus : & vita perfectis . tho. à campis in solileq . animae c. . cor. . . bernard . wherein moderation is to bee limited . aug. solileq . cap. . iohn . . concupiscence of the flesh . gen. . . king. . . sam. . . iudith . . gen. . . dan. . . esther . . dan. . . dan. . . acts. . . qui modo immortalis vocabar , &c. euseb. ephe. . . august . de civit . dei , l. . c. . tertul lib. de poeniten ▪ initio . quem de flumine galio qui per phrygiam labitur , propinesse arbitremur ; de quo quicungue bibit , tantoperè insanire solet , ut scipsune ililco castraturus est . pomp. laetus de sacred . bl●s . tertul. in apolig c. . psal. . . noctium atticarum li. . c. . concupiscence of the eye . gen. . . king. . . ● cor. . . coepore interias , sed corde exterius . bernard , med. cap. . col●wella lib . cap. . vnum musculū prae caeteris animalibus oculum elevantem babet ▪ quo ad coeleslia magit rapiatur , terrestribus minus capiatur . ib. foetorem , quem ab illis priùs emisisset , ab ore denud recipit . plin. in nat. ●ist . aeliah . gersen . ariosto . erga mundum habecmus oculum retortum . pride of life . august . soliloq . cap. . omnia metiri malim dignitate quam ambitione . plin in epist. * iudging of another consisteth in these ▪ three points ; first , when a man doth well , to say he doth evill . secondly , when a man doth evill , to say that man doth worse . thirdly , when a thing is doubtfull to take it in the worse part . vid annal . stow. laort-in vit . pittaci . solâ socordiâ innocentes . tacit. ●allium video , philosophum non video . comment . in ● reg. cap. . chrysost. lib. de orando deo. august . soliloq . cap. . of the accomplished end which attends moderation . lib. de philosophia apud . aug. de civitate dei. lib. . cap. . the difference betwixt the ethnicke and christian ethick in the opinion of felicity . prov. . . august . bernard . revel . . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . nazi●n . b qui nil ●●bet in mundo quod app●t●t , nihil est quod de mundo p●●timescat . cyprian . c quis ei deseculo metus est , cui in se●ulo deus tutor est ? ibid. de hoc die lux proficit , sed ●ox deficit . aug. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellat clemens . august . de civit . dei. lib. . cap . tract . . in io. vnde mors in anima ? quid non est fides . vnde mors in corpore ; quid non est animae . ergo animae tu● anim● est fides . anger . this might be instanced in our late fleetstr●et tumult . plutarch in apotheg . rom. cic. tus. lib. . ira mortalium debet esse mortalis . lectant . wantonness . august . pride . august● wherein true content properly consisteth . the goods of the minde . plato in timaeo . primùm oritur , postremiun moritur . quis me stygias mittet ad umbras ? mori juvabit , poenae nam gravior● nece esi . sen-in octav. messala corvin . the goods of the body . plut. in vit . anl. gel. nect . attie . l. . c. . su●t●● . tranqull . homer in odys . certum est quòd morieris , inc●rtum est quando , quomodo , aut ubi ; quoniam ubique te mors expectat , tu quoque si sapiens fueris , ubique eam expectabis . ber. in med. . excusit redeuntem natura , ut intrantem . sen. vnus intro●tus , innumori exitus . men. nazian . in funeb . orat . pro caesario . the goods of fortune . aug. s●liloq , cap. ▪ notes for div a -e observat. . deus fecit hominem ratione sapi●●tem , vitainnocen tem , domino potentem . two considerations of maine consequence . bern. med. . august . manual . cap. . the christians compleat armour . augustin . sicut nullus locus vacat à peccando , it a nullus locus vacet à precando . a matt. , , . b luke . . c mark. . . d thes. . . e exo. . , . f dan. . . g paralip . . h sam. . . i ier. . . qui copiofiores sunt , ●t volunt pro arbitrio quisque s●o quod visum est contribuunt , et quodita colligitur apud praepositum deponitur , &c. iust. mart. apol. . non pecca●erem , sed ●uf●um paupere●●utrit , quia in illo non culpa●● , sed naturam diligit , &c. greg. m●g . the fruit of fasting . vid cyprian . serm . de jejunio , tom . . basil. de jejun homil . . tertul , lib. de jejun . origen . hom . . in levit. vid. bedam . quo viro verè venerabili ( testimonio p●●lyd●ti ) nihil fuit cas●ius , nihil melius , nihil verius , &c. polydor. lib. . greg. in mo● . expos. in iob. hieron . the power of prayer . in dei auribus desidertum vehemens clamor magnus est ; remissa intentio , vox submissa . bernard . greg. in dialog . nazian . in epitaph . gorgon . sororis ejus . euseb. in hist. hieron . in vit . paul. eremit . vid. doct. andr. in tortura tort. greg. nazian . in flumine palladis ignem . cicero , lib. de orat. plut. in vit . cicero . . lib. t●s●ul . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . solonis dict . * grata commercia , na●tae gratia : bona consortia , vitae solatia . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . . physic. matth. . heb. . . cor. . . colloss . . . of the contemplative part . psal. . euclionum animae , struthionum ●lae . august . lanspurg . aug. s●liloq . cap. . tim. . . acts . . acts . . ignoravi quòd tam suavis , o bone iesu , ●sset tuus amplex●● , tam henestus attactus tuus , tam diliciosus convictus tuus . bonavent . aug. soliloq . cap. . nec inveni● guidlicentius appellandum extstimemus coelum caeli domino quàm contemplantem &c. aug. med. cap. . vanity ha's not art to forge that illusion , that may surprize a fixt divine contemplation . august . soliloq . cap. venire ad er●mum s●m●● perfectio est . caesar ar●latensis . hom . . p. . aug. in retract . de anton . eremita hoc refert , quem damescenus p●imum monasticae vitae professorem vocat . vid. histor. barlaam . vid. paul. diaconum . tim. . . , . philip. . . * magis resistit ignis ferro quam ligno , sed cum ignis vincat utrumque , inten●ior est calor in ferro quàm in ligno . stell ▪ de centemtr . m●nd . qued tentation● quo●●ndam sanctorum assimilari potest : acrius tentationi resis●unt , susceptam tamen al●i●● . retinent . a three-fold meditation of necessary consequence . aug. med. cap. . vita corporis anima , vita animae deus . august . manual . cap. ● . * viscus est amor possessionis , affectus cognationis , cupidit a● honoris , & carnis voluptas . bern. med. . nothing may satisfie the senses , but the divine essence . palea ad triticum , siliquae ad panem , c●pae et allia egypti ad coelestem mann●m . aug. in med. cap. . no● est 〈◊〉 tempore & die ●●mortam benefi●●● de●●ni●i cicero . of the active part . 〈…〉 , nihil ag●●e . gasper in hipposit . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gell. noct attic . lib. . cap. . luke . ▪ multi miseri 〈◊〉 magis 〈…〉 quod amant , quam c●rendo amando enim res 〈◊〉 miser● , b●be●do sunt misertores . aug sic vivite , ut nemo de vobis m●lè l●qui abs . que mendacio possit . hieron . epist. ad coelum de inflit . matris . morbi animi sunt vi●●a . petrarch . two especiall memorials recommended to our devoutest meditation . . the author of our creation . . the end of our creation , aug. soliloq . c. . aug. soliloq . cap. . ecce pulchrum ac pretiosum lipidem putre ca●●ver tegentem ! gasp. in her●clit . plato . aug. ●●liloq . cap. . 〈…〉 . a●sel . aug. s●liloq . cap. . aug. soliloq . cap. . rom. , . the end of our creation . luke . . . . matth. . , , , . v●d . aegid . in hunc locum . feria quart. & quint. hebd . prim. nec proderunt hîc divitiae divitibus , nec parentes filiis , nec angeli ipsi proderunt . chrysost. ille iudex nec gratia praevenitur , misericordia jam flectitur , nec pecunia corrunspitur , nec satisfactione vel poena mitigabitur . august . singular precepts of mortification . hieron . ad demet. act . . ibid. prope finem . idlenesse begetteth security , properly termed the soules lethargy parum est le ger● , ●ur ●o●igere ; sed intell gere & in formam red● g●re , hoc artis , hoc laboris est . casman . vid. histor. barlaam . aug. in retract . bernard . a christians ephemerides basil. plutarch . in moral . revel . . . coloss. . . king. . . . luke . . luke . . sam. . . gen. . . & ● . . gen. . . prov. . . the active part preferred . agapetus . bern. de inter . domo . c. . nicet as . nazi●nzen , ambros. epist. . a●imae tuae gratum ●eceris si misericors fueris , bern , de modo bene vivandi . nil magis commendat christianum animum &c. ambros. ● . tim. pag. . tract . . in iohan. dives factus est prop●er pauperem , & pauper propter divitem ; pauperis est r●g●re , divitis erogore , august . he preacheth best , qui dieit non lingua sed vità . aug ser. . de verb. dom. charitas vis●●ra tua percu●iat . august . vta christo accepimus beneficium , praesiemus christi●●● officium , praebendo membris christ● hospirium provocaris chri●●iane , provocaris à vidua in certamen . august . kin. . . iohn . , . eo d●e in quo ratio reddetur , quid fecimus , non quid ●ovimus , quaeretur . object . sol. luke . . object . sol. the active preferred before the contemplative for two respects . gaspar . in heraclito . c. . mundum ex animo prius fugare , quàm mundum fugere . nec divinitùs accepium talentum in terram defodore . ibid. wherein the active part of perfection consisteth . aug. de civit . dei. l. . cap. . active perfection consisteth in mortification of action and affection . mortification extends it selfe in a three-fold respect , to these three distinct subjects . . life . . name . . goods . mortification in our dis-esteem of life . iren. advers . haeres lib. . cap. . euseb. i● eccl. hisp. ruff●nus l. . hist. cap. . * infoelix multis theta est , mihi litera f●elix . si 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 scribit , scribit & illa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . act. . . plin. l. . c. . aug. tract . . in iohan. hollins●ed . cyprian . con●rarii sunt illis factiosi haeretici , quorum conscientiae usque adeò sunt amplae , ut in illis civitatem decem millium civium aedificare possis , quemadmodum quid●m magnum alexandrum depinxit . aegid . in . thess. . tertul. lib. . cont . marcionist . in omnibus quae egimus , finem intenti onis , m●gis quam actum operationis intendit . aug. soliloq . c. . luke . . . luk. . . * par●m refert , vestis tua ●n sericea an cilicea , modo pudica ●it , non meretricia . lanspurg . in pharetra divini amoris . ibid. scire debes , quòd quamvis de morte meditari sit horribile , de statu finalis judicii cogitare ut aestimo , non minus est formidabile : quia nullus tunc poterit fallere sapientiam , flectere justitiam , inclinare clementiam , declinare ultionis & justae retributionis sententiam . bern. mortification in our dis-respect of fame or report . mortification in averting our eare from our owne praise . phavor . in l. . de rebus gest . alphons . regiis auribus , ni escianatae , adulantium laudes maximè ingratae . ea laus , d. augustini judicio , unicè approbanda est , quando nec laudantem adulatio movet , nec laudatum tentat elatio . aug. soliloq . cap. . mortification in suffering aspersions laid on our good name . matth ▪ . . . * qui jusius est & maledicitur , praemium ei pro maledictione redditur . aug. quod si ips● dei filius à diabolo in eremo tentatus fuit ; quis eremitarum idem non expectet ? gaspar . in heraclito . vid. aegidium in hunc locum . matth. ● , , . tota vita christi in terris quae per hominem gessit , disciplina morum fuit . omnia bona mundi christus contempsit , quae contemnenda docuit : & omnia mola sustinuit , quae sustinēda praecepit ; ut in illis non quae reretur foelicites , neque in istis timeretur infoeluitas . aug. de ver . rel . ambr. ep . . beneficium se putabat accepisse augustae memoriae theodosius , quoties rogabatur ignoscere . optabatur ineo , quod tilmebatur in atiis , ut irascereur . de obit . theo. charon nec lethis caeca charybdis faedarunt sacras sorde charites , socrat. in eccles . hist. l. . cap. . the arians scandalized the great athanasius , of practising magick with the dismembred hand of arsenius . non solum quorum ate incusafti , fateor reum , sed verè cogor tuam inculpare ignorantiam , quiaunius me fecisti reum , quando conscius fui millium . act. . , , . ▪ tim. . ▪ . luke . . . iohn y. . matth. . . matth. . acts . . scandalum pharisaeorum . scandalum pufillorum . scandalum activum . scandalum passivum . mortification in our contempt of all worldly substance . prov. . . two remarkable considerations : first , by whom these blessings are conferred on us : secondly , how they are to be disposed by us . non dabit ●uod non babet . aug. isa. . . isa. . . luke . . signa viis reparant , ut nomina nota relinquant m●rmore quae sculpto nomen inanis habent . luke . , . &c. poenitentia dolorum , non remissionis peccatorum . chrysost. hom . . in iohan. aug. lib. . de civit . dei . c. . greg. lib. . moral . c. . act. , . an accurate repetition and connexion of the precedent meditations . gal. . . a nullum deo gratius sacrificium quàm zelus animarum . greg. in bom . . sup . ezec. b nam qui non ardet , non accendit . bernard . c nec lucere potest , nisi prius ardeat . aquin . in . iohan : d lucernae quoad officium , extinctae quoad effectum . ibid. quod emittitur voluntarium est : quod amittitur necessarium . ambros. elemosyna in vita , est lucerna lucens ; elemosyna post mortem , lucerna caecutiens . qui à dle in diem deferunt , donec parcae cuncta auferunt . non memini me legisse mala morte mortuum , qui libentèr opera pietatis exercuit . hieron . in epist. ad nepotianum . quàm immensa est laetitia de recordatione transactae virtutis ; &c. bern. in fest . omnium sanctorum . serm . . iob. . . the absolute or supreme end whereto this actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it solely resteth . chrysost. aug. solioq . c. . terent. in heauton . plau. in rudeute . prov. . . ecclus. . . eccles. . . . . , . scire omniae volumus , nihil agere . gasper . in herac. c. . sub quorum velamine , frequenter magna avaritia comperitur . vincent . de vit . spirit . cap. . sive dormiam five vigilem , somniat : & cogitat qui●qui deii occurrit . bern. med. cap. . in petendo honorem timet ne praeveniatur , in possidendo valdè timet ne privetur . cui tam deest quod habet , quàm quod non habet : adeptae voluptatis coronidem si quaeres , poeniten●iam invenies . cum se cuncta novisse putat , plura se ignorosse quàm didicisse , indies sentit . sid deo non affligatur homo , seipsum affliget . in herac . cap. . ita de humano arbitratu penfitatur divinitas , nisi deus homini placuerit , deus non erit . tertul. in apol. cap. . ibid. cap. . vid. vit . honor . corporis vitamus venena non animi . ibid. in heraec . quis vicinus malus , quis latro , quis infidiator tibi tollit deum ? et potest tibi tollere totum good po●●ides corpore , non tibi tollit cum quem possides corde . aug. ecclus. . . beauti qui ex eorum numero esse merentur , quos mund●● prostultis , deus pro s●pientibus habet . blos . enchirid. parvul . auth . esther . , , . ecclus. . . ● . multi miseri sunt metu , ne miseri fiant : multi mori metuentes , moriuntur . gaspar . in herac. thē reason of his frequent repetition of sundry sentences , similitudes , and other memorable discoveries thorowout this book . hier. in vit . pontius in fine vitae ejus . in vit . bedae . extrema morientium eloquia , audientium oracula : ultimae voces , viventium vates . nicet . in funeb . orat . sepulchra enim non tam mortuorum quàm viventium memoriae condita sunt . ambitio his dux illis , amor dei gasp. in epist. ante heraclit . vitruvius l. . cap. . august . manual . cap. . ibid. cap. . luk. . . trinitas divinarum personarum est summum bonum . quod purgatissimis mentibus cernitur . aug. lib. . de trin. cap. . rom. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . isidorus etymol l. . c. . aug. manuel . cap. . ibid. ▪ aliud noli petere , uni suffice , quia una tibi sufficiet . aug. in psal. . where we are to seeke . august . med. cap. . eccles. . . aug. med. cap. . sipes in terris , spes sit in coelis . blos . enchirid parvul , auth . ibid. minore negetionobis calum comparem possum●s , quàm infernum . ibid. hilar. enar . in . ps. . hi , lice●●lta nimis cogitent ▪ humilitèr se gerent , quo aliorum gratiam sibi concilient , in litibus decernendis justa statuent , quo majoreus ●ibi reverentiam , f●catâ eâ iustitia larva , sibi adferant : in●●rim , alios dum capiunt , sese decipiunt ; aliena dum rapiunt , miserè ruunt . vid. annal , hiber . bernard . when we are to seeke . eccles. . . gen. . . luke . . . matth. . . . . . . deus cōversioni tuae indulgentiam promisit : sed dilationi tuae diem crastinum non promisit . aug. matt. . . august . ierem. . . eccles. . à vers . . ad . gen. . . august . poenitentia poenae ; non p●na p●nitentiae . king. ● . . da mihi sallere , da justum sanctumque videri , noctem peccatis & fraudibus ob●ice nubem . nullus est in rima , nullus qui me ex●●udiat . eras. dial. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — cernit deus omnia vindex . kin. . . annon pudet id facere in conspectu dei , actes●ibus sanctis angelu , quod pudet facere in conspectu hominum . quid si tuta possint esse scelera , ●● secura e●se non possunt ? vel quid prode●t nocentibus habuisse latendi facultatem , cum liten●i fiduciam non habent ? sen. opist . . bernard . de vitâ solitariä sen. epist. . august . mau cap. . quicquid ages mundo , furtìmve palàmve , momento , inspectatorem semper adesse deum . prúdentius hymno●um . l. . cont . symmach . aug. soliloq . cap. . aures habet in pedibus aristippus . c●nt . . . tim. . . mat. . . mat. . . cor. . . cor. . . mat. . . esay . . matth. . num. . ● . rom . . sam. . . . luke . . qui amat desiderare , defideret amare . bern. de amore dei. c. . vid. greg. mor. lib. . cap. . a●pithy exhortation . via●i●tutis , s●ella salutis . pandect . happy misery , when cloathed with the white roabe of immortality , cheered with heavenly harmony , holy melody ! aug. man. cap. . a powerfull instruction . majorem s●bi gloriam conferri existimab●t , in seipsum exhibendo membrum ecclesiae , quám caput imperii . vid. euseb. exod. . . exod. . . gen. . . luke . aug. soliloq . cap. . a perswasive conclusion . matth. . . hebr. . . prov. . . greg. in moral . exposit. in iob. blos . enchirid . parvul . auth . notes for div a -e such , to your honour , is her zealous affection , as she makes it the sole apology of her presumption : which she weaves up in this dimension : to serve some great ones i 've been oft-times woo'd , but hers i 'm vow'd that is both great and good . notes for div a -e observat. the necessity of apparell . the use of apparell . the abuse of apparell . how the use of apparell may be inverted to abuse . zephan . . delicacy of apparell . superfluity of apparell . that apparell most comely , which confers on the wearer most native beauty , and most honour on her countrey . notes for div a -e observat. . behaviour● eflects on three particula●s . action . affection . passion . how to behave herselfe in company . how to behave herselfe in privacy . this branch might seeme included in our former discourse of company ; but that reflected on persons , this on affaires . de 〈◊〉 worie . that behaviour most approved which is clearest from affectation freed . notes for div a -e observat. complement defined . how complement may be corrupted . how complement may bee refined . wherein complement may bee admitted , as mainely consequent . plutarch . wherein complement may be omitted , as meerly impertinent . eccles. . . what complement gives best accomplishment . apoc. . notes for div a -e decency recommended as requisite in foure distinct subjects . gate . loo●e . speech . ambros. in lib. de offic . greg. in mor ▪ habit . cic. in lib. de leg . tim. . , . pet. . . decency the attractivest motive of affection . decency the smoothest path that leads to perfection . aug. soliloq . cap ▪ . sen. de vita beata . m●d● . . greg. in mor. notes for div a -e estimation , a gentlewomans highest prize . tit. liv. lib. . cap. . how estimation may be discerned to be reall . sen-in octov . how estimation may be discerned to bee superficiall . how estimation may be impregnably preserved . lactant. lib. . divin . ins●it . cap. . e●s●b . l. . de prap . evang. lucian . in alex. l. flor. lib. . cap. . how estimation may be irreparably lost . the absolute end , whereto estimation aspires , and wherein it cheerfully rests . an english amazon . plutarch . notes for div a -e observ. . fancy is to be with deliberation grounded . hieron . cont . ruffin . fancy is to be with constancy reteined . wanton fancy is a wandring phrenzie . eccles. . arist. de reg . princ. if cupid then be blind , how blind are yee , that will be caught by one that cannot see ? how fancy may be checked , if too wilde . sen. de tranq . an . how fancy may be chee●ed if too cold . an attemperament o● both . pemp . mela. an explanation of the embleme . another proper application of this embleme . notes for div a -e observ. . gentility is derived from our ancestors to us , but soone blanched , if not revived by us . vertue the best coat . nazian . a shamefaste red the best colour to deblazon vertues coat . gentility is not knowne by what wee weare , but what we are . o age ● no cover now fit for our mold , but plush , shag , velvet , tissue , cloth of gold. calcagninus apol. marg . aug. ioel. . nahum . . bern. these are native seeds of goodnesse sowne in generous bloods by lineall succession . how these native seeds of goodnesse may bee ripened by instruction . greg. in . eva●g . a briefe enumeration , serious dicussion , and judicious election of sundry ancient fathers with other morall authors . arist●t . pol. . notes for div a -e observ. . honour is painted , when it is not with vertue poudred . no cloth takes such deepe tincture , as the cloth of honour . horac● . honourable personages should bee presidents of goodnesse . epicter . iob. . . vertue or vice whether soever takes hold first , reteines a deeper impression in honour , than any lower subject . aristot. . de anima . that vertue may receive the first impression by meanes of an in-bred noble disposition , seconded by helps of education . * these are described to life in the person of an humurous fantasticke , in this pleasant epigram : she that must eat her breakfast in her bed , and is til neon in trimming of her head , and sits at table like a maiden ▪ bride , and talkes all day of nothing but of pride : god may doe much in mercy for to save her , but what a case is he in that sh●ll have her ? * this was formerly instanced in that memorable example of spirituals . tob. . . bern. aug. lib. . de civit. dei. vertue reduc'd to habit , aspires to perfection . candida virgine is miscuit ora rosis . aug. in epist. prov. . . ambros. notes for div a -e * a frisking fro , freighted hither in a florentine frigot . notes for div a -e flora nec veris speciosi fora viridariis punicis amaeniora . notes for div a -e bern. anselm . ambros. epist. . ambros. lib. . de abrahamo . sir t. o. cogitate quotidie moriturum , & nunquam de s●cundis nuptiis cogitabis . hier. tom. . ep . ad furn. p. . vt laqueariae pulsant inertia , feles aniles ineunt consortia , o vos lepiduli pereunt acredulae , alta nam coeli vela ruentia . eheu ! antipodes mutârunt oras , nos illis , nobis tribuere suas . a presidentall love-letter . * or himellaz a rivet of high esteeme with the sabines , called ismene . o noxlonga ! hor. me nova turba petit , licet una puella recessit , et mihi vota premunt , quae violanda negant . sijtite vos nimphae , vix tanta licentia zonae , vni nuptus ero , sufficit una viro. arist. . pol. amb. aug. in lib. de spiritu & anima . hugo de disciplina mona . isid. ib. sidonius in epistolari . oscula , verba , libri , vaga lumina mensa , sodales . mentibus intactis tela fuere necis . diotima 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . iovis gloria : such was her divine etymon . hier. de la●d . asella epist. . aelian . impendeat fat is nubes opaca mei● , discutiet mens nubes patiendo leves . sir fra : bacon . in nullo unguam arrego , in quo mihi non derogo . casta fides sponsam me fe●ent — . manus colo , thor●s sponso . vid. var. since to taxe womens errors 't is so common , what may my booke looke for in praise of women ? notes for div a -e sen. arist. anax. montan. prov. . . prov. . . the saying of caia , wife to caius tarquinius . vid. plu● . arist. eth. conjugalem fidem violare nefas , nuptialem thorum venerari a●cus . thales miles . ambros. lib. . de abraham . aeli●n . in nat . hist. alcia● . in emblem . this you may the better retaine , by engraving in the window of your bed-chamber with thas noble fl●rentine , this impreze , to make you more tender of your nuptiall honour : emblema est 〈…〉 theri . ier. . . heb. . . ier. . . optima semper ingenia , quaedam ge●●●●a comitatur modestia . gen. . . tali conjugio fruor , ut , sive foris egrediar , sive revertar , quicquidevenerit libentissimè patior , & patiendo vinco citiùs quàm vincor . vid. licost. apotheg . meleand . in bast. palemon . ad caulam , calatea ad colum . plutarch . licosth . macrob. the offices of a wife to her husband . obs●ruantur fenestrae , ut luceat dom●s . sen in herc. fur. macrob. habitus mentis in corporu statu cernitur . gestus corporis indicat qualitatem mentis . vid. gre. in mor. bern. in epist. aug. in confess . nazian . luke . . in urbe maxima confluunt vitia . bona consortia , vita solatia . petrarch . de remed . utriusquè fortunae . caro quò agilior , anima debilior : anima quò sortior ▪ caro infirmior . in pandect . hippol. de collib . obserantur aedes , quò interiores splendeant sedes . quae unius cellulae clausa angustiis , latitudine coeli fruebatur . her. de laud. asellae ; epist. . a discreet loving treaty , betwixt a wife and her husband : recōmended to the constant practice of affectionate consorts . primitias prolis teneas botolphia sedes ; ingenio pollens , palladis arte potens ; prae s●ciis docilis , puerilibus argus in annis : ast spurii stirpes obtinuere leves . vid. remaines of a greater work . aug. gen. . . victi victoresquè in lachrymas fusi . cadmaea victoria . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ambros. li. . de offic . ca. . vxorem vivam amare voluptas est , defunctam religio . observ. . a parentall care reflects properly upon two distinct objects . arist. in eth. prov. . . vid. plutarch . trog . pomp. macrob . in aturn stobae . appian . alex. patere . how a prodigals profu●enes●e abuseth his parents providence . with such transported spirits as these , divine ayres are accounted choyce canto's only for dull eares . our ignorant gentry estrangeth philosophy from their society . the reason why young gentlemen are not in learning delighted is because they are not in principles of learning sufficiently grounded vid. petrarch . the highest point of discretion in a school-master , is to find out the disposition of his scholler . inconsiderate youth accounts the fruitlesse expence of time a meere pastime . 〈◊〉 sen●x ten●io ●idem , in qu● 〈…〉 s●m hier. ad pammach . & ocean de e●ror . orig. . levius es● dispendium sert●●ae quàm famae , famae quàm anim● . chrysol . l●●●●t . tim . . talis substantia non est stabilis ; aut ipsis invenientibus est peritura , aut à malis haeredibus es● dissipanda . chrysost. in matth. vide plut. vid. var. macrob . in sa●●● . media vi● pe●ere ? via dirigitur , quâ ad●●ctam ●endi●ur . fodere nondum didicerunt , & mendicare crabuerunt ▪ fures igitur non cai●s vident qu●m cum iis currunt , & 〈◊〉 adulteris portione ponunt . ista ne generosa cers●amus vitia , quae antiquae 〈◊〉 detraxerunt auspicia ? pandect . parents are to dispose of their estates now while they stand seized of estates : lest their decease alter the intention of their estates . the offices of children to their parents . children are bound to render vnto their parents expressions of their duty and zeale in respects . obedience . ecclus. . . . magistris , di●s & parentibus non 〈◊〉 reddi equivalens . arist. eth . parentes nostros vt propria viscera d●ligamus . basil. m●retur caecitatis suae subire supplicium , qui parentum vultus torvo visu respexit , & elatis oculis laeserit pietar●● . greg. sicut membra capiti , liberi et servi patri familiae . elench . parentes pius diligunt fa●es quam è converso , eò quòd magis sciunt parentes quám filij , quòd ab iis sunt geniti . arist. eth. . rariùs ascendit , descendit gratius 〈◊〉 , quae patres paeris non retulere suis. salv. illud expectandum est à nobis , quod praestitimus nostris . panorm . quicquid parenti placuisse vivo senserit , eo etiam mortuo praestare non desi●it . pater● . o quam parva fuis tenero placuere parenti . parvula in nostris misuere noble . hom. in iliad . vita spectabilis , vultus amabilis , vita enormis , forma deformis . greg. the fruits of obedience ▪ as they have relation , both to children and parents . reverence . prov. . . ecclus . . a quare nihil turpiu● est , quàm grandis natu senex , qui nullum aliud argumentum , quo se probet diu vixisse quàm aetatem . sen. de tranq . an . b malle esse se quàm vivere mortuum . ib. c nihil sene elementario turpius . sen. nihil dialectico sene deformius . petrarch . ecclus . . ecclus . , . omne peccatum incurabilius est in sene , quam in juvene . holgot . sup . li. sap. quantò senes sunt morti viciniores : tantò debent esse puriores . in decret . dist . . tune aurorae filius , nepenthiacis salamancae fumis , primas aurorae horas offeres ? e tabernis vestri proruant rhetores . a constant position observable in disobedient children . prov. . . prov. . . svpportance . plin. in nat. hist. aelian . sambuc . in emblem . paradin . soli vultures parentes fame mori permittunt . ib. quam vis plurima 〈◊〉 reddidima , rursus tamen eos generare non possumus . ci●il . admoverunt labiis tigrides ubera , & lacte sugunt nutricis ilia . basil. homil. . & . valer. max. the gradual respects of love and duty . donec ab insulae finibus removeantur , languentem agentes vitam , emori non poterint . the offices of masters to their ●ervants bern. med. . two extreames to be avoyded , whereby this domestick obedience may be better observed . prov. . . prov. . . no servant meaner then a parcimonious master . vid. lucian . in sat. luke . . lacrymans amoris epicaedium ; vel heroinum elegium . farn. in epig. colos. . . eph. . . the duty of servants to their masters . vid. laert. eph. . . the duty of a servant to his master , will make a servant an happy master . tunc nostra magis clarescunt bona , cū fuerint praesentibus comparata malis . gothofred . de corp . iur. civil . casel . de jure civili iulius pacius in analysi . theoph. instit . fabrot . inter. vid. plut. in mor. ovid. in met. arist. in eth. emblematicall hieroglyphicks of sloath. adam no sooner became sinfull , then the earth unfruitfull . it is not sufficient for a servant to intend his own peculiar charge , vnlesse hee admonish others of the neglect of their care . vid. arist. in polit. zenophon in cyro . ped . observ. . oratio vinculum humanae societat iis societas solatium animae peregrinantis . vid cic. hippol. casiman . laert. in vit . diog. prov. . . arist. in eth. melanct. fonseca . pererius . discovrse . life . foure cautions in matters of discourse , to bee avoided ; that all grounds of distaste may be better directed . three particulars observable in arguments of discourse . vid. epict. enchirid. ambrose in offic. action . observ. . here he insists upon those three particular subjects , wherein these neighbourly offices are to be exercised . life . fame . svbstance . heri vidifra gilem frangi ; hodie video mortalem mori . epict. fame . non facilis est venia , prava dixisse de rectis . ecclus . . ambros. offic. . amor transanimat in rem amatam . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . five degrees of civile society . frieg . in prim . offic. cic. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . vid. plut. in moral . arist. in eth. sen. in epist. boet. bern. hi necis artifices , ph●lari● , phereclusque perillu● , quae texunt aliis , poena fuere suis. dum vult esse praedo . fit praeda . aug. vid. plut. macrob. strom. nicet . nazian . homer . in in odys . petrarch . de remed . vtriusque fort . cui mens sana fuit quid in orbe requireret vltra . mens cujusque virum format , vt ille scyphum . prianus , quò diutius vixit , magis flevit . ille troilo ditior in annis : troilus priamo foelicior in lachrymis . reg. epicaed . quantò maior fuit amor in possidendo , tantò gravior erit dolor in amittendo . nullae sunt lachrymae indigniores iis tandem quae à discrimine jumenti sunt orientes . a domo domini perperàm jurantis , nunquam recedit ira tonantis . cum ferre quod cepit nequeat , in gargitem demergitur . pittacus apud laert. vt proles dispersit opes , spargamus & omnes . a s●nious juvenes efficiendo leves . seni invenescere ludibrium inveni senescere prodigium . inventus et aetas varias agans scaenas . quanto propinquior sepulchro , tanto porrectior in desiderio . quanto minus suppetit , tanto magis appetit . in viribus deficiens , et in cupiditatibus proficiens . sicut lux sive ignis non melius accenditur quam ignem igni applicande : fic servi dei non melius inflammantur quàm simul habitando . serm-in octav. pas. recreation . ludo et j●co vti licet ficut somno et quiete . cic. the dangers arising from opinionate wits . the unexpected effects of frequent meetings . virgineam citius vitam agam , simias apud inferos ●raham . sponsum quàm obrium in thal●mum admittam . circumstances observable in all inferiour actions of delight . seneca . ib. this ( as hath been shown in his introduction to the first observance ) will prevent all occasion of distaste , & divert all grounds of future distrust . he winds up the series of his discourse , with a repetition and usefull application of every particular branch . vid. plut. in moral . anselme . this salutation was by the ancient latians used , as it is even to this day by us reteined : sit deus vestris al● laboribus ; sit deus vestris aura laboribus ; sit deus costis s●ctus amoribus ; sit deus gratio portus ho●●ribus . eph. . . eccles. . . cor. . . sam. . . &c. tit. . . tim. . . eph. ▪ . . tit. . . rom. . . cor. . . he concludes this supplement with a briefe relation of the benefit of every particular subject . notes for div a -e philotas his perdiccas , perdiccas his pausanias , antigonus his pharnaees , tigranes his tiridates . ☞ ☞ plat. in repub . zenoph . in cyro . paed . these be they who rubricate their own fancy : preferring a singular opinion before a consistory . sext. aurel. no government but may present the face of a common-wealth ; so long as good lawes be regents , and subjects reall in their obedience . principes tyrannidem gravitis exercent quàm optimates ; ni optimi sint principes . bodin . de repub . a faire conquest cannot properly rceive the style of usu●pation . paraeus . this by inversion , was sometimes the complaint of the peeres , against the boores of france , occasioned upon their late distractions . which corruption ariseth not wholly from the indisposure of a state ; but distemper of mind . aelian . those were held in the roman account worthy of honour , who , without any relative extraction acquired it by their valour . var. de antiq. rom. velleius de mor gent. val. in c. de fort. viger . de milit. arist. in polit. polyb. the english gentleman containing sundry excellent rules or exquisite observations, tending to direction of every gentleman, of selecter ranke and qualitie; how to demeane or accommodate himselfe in the manage of publike or private affaires. by richard brathwait esq. brathwaite, richard, ?- . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the english gentleman containing sundry excellent rules or exquisite observations, tending to direction of every gentleman, of selecter ranke and qualitie; how to demeane or accommodate himselfe in the manage of publike or private affaires. by richard brathwait esq. brathwaite, richard, ?- . vaughan, robert, engraver. [ ], , [ ], - , [ ] p. printed by iohn haviland, and are to be sold by robert bostock at his shop at the signe of the kings head in pauls church-yard, london : . with an additional title page, engraved, signed "ro: vaughan fecit". the first leaf is a folding letterpress explanation of this. "three choice characters of marriage" (p. [ ], - , [ ] at end) has separate divisional title; register recommences at ² n . variant: lacking this section. reproduction of the original in cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng conduct of life -- early works to . courtesy -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the english gentleman : containing sundry excellent rules or exquisite observations , tending to direction of every gentleman , of selecter ranke and qualitie ; how to demeane or accommodate himselfe in the manage of publike or private affaires . by richard brathwait esq. seneca in herc. furen . — qui genus jactat suum aliena laudat . london , printed by iohn haviland , and are to be sold by robert bostock at his shop at the signe of the kings head in pauls church-yard . . to the nobly accomplished , honoured , and loved ; thomas viscount wentvvorth , lord president of yorke ; all correspondence to his prudent'st and prepared'st resolves . worthyly honoured , vertue the greatest signall and symbol of gentry : is rather expressed by goodnesse of person , than greatnesse of place . for , howsoever the bleere-ey'd vulgar honour , the purple more than the person , descent more than desert , title than merit : that adulterate gentility , which degenerats from the worth of her ancestors , derogates likewise from the birth of her ancestors . and these be such , whose infant effeminacie , youthfull delicacie , or native libertie hath estranged them from the knowledge of morall or divine mysteries : so as , they may be well compared to the ostrich , who ( as the naturall historian reports ) hath the wings of an eagle , but never mounts : so these have the eagle-wings of contemplation , being indued with ●he intellectuall faculties of a reasonable soule ; yet either intangled with the light chesses of vanity , or trashed with the heavie poizes of selfe-conceit and singularitie , they never mount above the verge of sensuall pleasure . but i am here to tender unto your honours judicious view , a gentleman , quite of another garbe : one , whose education hath made formall enough , without apish formalitie , and conceiving enough , without selfe-admiring arrogancie . a good christian in devout practising , no lesse than zealous professing ; yet none of the forward'st in discoursing on religion . for hee observes ( as long experience hath brought him to be a judicious observer ) that discourse of religion hath so occupied the world , as it hath well-neere driven the practice thereof out of the world . he esteemes such only happy , who are of that number , whom the world accounts fooles , but god wise men . hee understands , that whatsoever is sought besides god , may so imploy the minde , as it may be occupied , but never satisfied . he observes the whole fabricke of humane power , and hee concludes with the preacher ; ecquid tam vanum ? he notes how the flesh becomming obedient , behaveth herselfe as a faithfull servant to the soule : this governeth , the other is governed ; this commandeth , the other obeyeth . finally , he summes up all his observations with this : hee that sigheth not while hee is a pilgrim , shall never rejoyce when hee is a citizen . this is the gentleman , whom i have presumed to recommend to your protection : and to you hee makes recourse , not so much for shelter , as honour : for his title , it exempts him from servile bashfulnes , being an english gentleman . now , if any of those corkie censurers , qui mercurium in lingua non in pectore gerunt , shall chance to accoast my gentleman : i resolve me , his education hath made him so accomplish'd at all assayes , and his conversing with the most piercing'st judgements , hath brought him to that perfection , as hee can discerne of what mould or temper these criticks are ; concluding , voces sunt , praeterea nihil ; as is said of the nightingall . this only resteth ; if i limme him to the life , in spite of censure , he will merit the patronage of honour : if i faile in my art , ( as i dare not presume of my strength ) it is in your honour to impute the fault rather to the pen than the man , whose intimate affection to your lordship , made him erre , if he erre . your honours in all devotion , richard brathvvait . to the knowing reader . he that provides not for his family is worse than an infidell : yet he who prefers the care of his family , before the advācement of gods glory , may seeme to be of cardinall bourbons minde , who would not lose his part in paris , for his part in paradise , each mans private oeconomie ought to be a certaine academie , wherein all sacred and morall knowledge is to be taught . for that master of a family , who only extends his care in providing how to get , making the object of his providence gaine , will experimentally crie out , when his mouth shall be filled with gravell : o death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee to that man , whose peace is in his substance ! to prevent which immoderate care , and that every one may cloze with cicero : virtute qui praediti sunt , soli sunt divites , i have proposed some especiall rules of direction , right worthy ( if my judgement doe not deceive mee ) the observation of every publike or private family : though principally tending to the making up of an accomplish'd gentleman . for who knowes not , ( if he know any thing ) how the gentry of this age , through a depraved effeminacie , must be in custome with the fashion , to purchase him the title of gentleman ? where he is to enter cōmerce with taylor , haberdasher , millener , sempster , and sundry other appertinences of a gentleman : which in time , worke gentility out of love with hospitality , engaging him so deeply to vanity , as by a strange catastrophe , he ever ends with misery . to rectifie these obliquities , i have brought a gentleman , who professeth the true and new art of gentilizing : yet not like your begging pedanticall artist , who by a mercenary bill pasted on some frequented gate , gives notice to the itching passenger , that if any one be minded to learne the rare and mysterious art of brachygraphie , stenographie , logarisme , or any art ( indeed ) whatsoever , ( though he be a meere stranger to any ) upon resort to such a signe in such a lane , he shall find a most illiterate anacharsis , ready to bray his braines in a morter to give him content . but this gentleman , as the science which he professeth is free , so doth he teach it freely : craving no other reward for his fruitfull observance , than thy friendly acceptance . vpon the volume and title . i had purposed that this worke should have beene digested into a portible volume , to the end it might be more familiar with a gentlemans pocket , not to picke it , but that he might picksome good f●om it : but since the volume would not beare it , you must with patience beare with it , and with more trouble beare it : by enlarging your pocket to containe it . now for the title , i am not wholly ignorant , how a subject intitled the complete gentleman , was heretofore published ; which ( i can assure you gentlemen ) consorts with this rather in title than tenour , name than nature ; the proofe whereof i referre to the generous and judicious reader . the subjects whereof this booke principally treateth and insisteth . youth . disposition . education . vocation . recreation . acquaintance . moderation . perfection . an exact table or directory , leading to the principall points contained in this booke . yovth . observat. . ovr youthfull yeares , our climactericall yeares ; with the dangers that attend on youthfull yeares ; seconded by an authenticke story out of eusebius . pag. . the vanity of youth displayed in foure distinct subjects . two reasons why young-men were not admitted to deliver their opinions in publike assemblies . three violent passions incident to youth . two reasons why youth is naturally subject to those illimited passions of ambition , lust , revenge . especiall motives or incendiaries , tending to the increase of those passions . the proper postures of a complete roarer . physicke prescribed , and receits applied , to cure these maladies in youth . what choice imployments deserve entertainment from a gentleman . disposition . observat. . the diversitie of dispositions . pag. a probable judgement of our dispositions , drawne from the delights we affect , or company we frequent . passion the best discoverer of our disposition . ibid. discovery of dispositions in distempers . promotion held ever , mans best anatomy lecture . the disposition is not to be forced . what disposition ( being distinguished by three infallible markes ) is most generous . the proper ayme or end whereto the actions of true resolution are directed : with the prudent observation of cortugal , one of the turkish princes , in his perswasive oration for the besiege of rhodes . . edvcation . observat. . what education is . pag. education dilates it selfe to three subjects . ibid. our knowledge reflects upon two particulars . a profitable exhortation to all such as are drawne away by strange doctrine . two especiall errours incident to subjects of discourse ; affectation , imitation : whereof gentlemen are seriously cautioned . perswasion , being the life and efficacie of speech , consisteth on three parts . immoderate passion , in arguments of discourse and reasoning , to be avoided . education either improveth or depraveth . education , the best seasoner of action , aswell as of speech , or knowledge : no lesse prevalent in arts manuall , than actions martiall . . education , the best seasoner of youth . vocation . observat. . the definition , necessitie , and conveniencie of a vocation without personall exception or exemption . pag. , . . vertue consists in action , time in revolution , the maze of mans life in perpetuall motion . pag. . lin . three necessary considerations touching the conveniencie of a vocation ; divided and applied . the efficacy of prayer in every vocation ; and the exercise thereof seriously recommended . we are to resist vices , by practising and doing acts of the contrary vertues . men of place , in respect of three distinct objects , are three wayes servants . . lin . men of place , of all others least exempted from a vocation . . lin . the ground of all novellisme . vocation in generall . the first invention of trades , arts , or sciences . the antient borough of kendall ( upon serious discourse of manufacture ) worthily commended for their industry in wooll-worke : the judicious dutch-men of keswick , for their copper-worke . , a serious survey and judicious display of all the liberall sciences . the vocation of a gentleman in particular . the vocation of a gentleman hath imployment publike or private . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in publike affaires of state. the life of man either active or cōtemplative . ib. lin . directions of reservancie , usefull to all gentlemen in their keeping of company . ib. lin . . credulity , in two respects , dangerous to persons imployed in affaires of state. credulity in beleeving the relations of others . in imparting his thoughts to the secrecie of others : shewed in a conceited storie . , , resolution in suffering neither price to draw him , nor power to over-awe him . disobedience punished in acts most successive . the holy war , as a consequent action of honour , recōmended to the undertaking of all young gentlemen . . lin . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in publike affaires . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in private affaires . two perillous shelfes which endanger iustice. how iustice is to be poized equally . impunity the foster-mother of all impiety . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in his owne family . every family a private common-wealth . . marg . a gentleman is so to demeane himself in his family , as he neither hord up niggardly , nor lash out lavishly . . lin . he is to keepe a hanke of his bounty , lest too much profusenesse bring him to misery . ibid. lin . he is neither to be too remisse , nor too severe in his family . ibid. how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in spirituall affaires within his family . the exercise of devotion commended , a blessing thereon pronounced , if duly performed ; which blessing is on a precept and a promise grounded . . recreation . observat. . the difference of recreations . pag. of the moderate and immoderate use of recreat . the benefits redounding from moderate recreat . the incōveniences arising frō immoderate recreat . the yeare of iubile defined and described . objections against stage-playes , proposed and resolved . what honours antient and moderne times have conferred on poets , and what bounties for their poems . . what especiall subjects are privileg'd from iests . who the first comedian , who the first tragedian . a wofull example of a gentlewoman , who was a continuall frequenter of stage-playes . excesse of gaming reproved . cheaters displayed ; their humours experimentally decoloured ; their habit , garbe , and formall insinuation discovered . young gamesters most subject to passion . a dolefull example of one that at gamoused imprecation . ibid. another moderne example covertly shadowed , of one who desperately surprized with distemper of losse , poisoned himselfe . ibid. an excellent morall discourse of hunting . the story of the foole of millan , and his discourse with a falconer . in exercises of recreation , those only are most approved , by whom they are with least affectation performed , and with most freedome of minde embraced . . lin . an accurate discourse of valour , and how in arguments of contest or challenge , a gentleman may come off with honour . the misery of duello's . a collection and election of histories . the knowledge of our owne moderne chronicles , most beneficiall to gentlemen . history , the sweetest recreation of the minde . the judgement of god inflicted upon the actors and authors of treason , sacrilege , &c. , , what good morall men have flourished in evil times . how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in recreation . prodigality condemned , moderation in expence , aswell as in the exercise it selfe , commended . distinction of times for recreations , necessarily injoyned . no expence more precious , than the expence of time . ib. election of games for recreation : which conduce most to memory or retention ; which to pregnancie of conceit or apprehension . ibid. acqvaintance . observat. . of the use of acquaintance . pag. mans security , the devils opportunity . . lin . a display of some monasticke professors . ibid. privacie no lesse perillous than societie . . the particular benefits derived from acquaintance , extend to discourse . advice . action . ibid. of the benefit we reape by acquaintance in matters of discourse . ibid. of the choice of acquaintance in matters of advice . friendship resembled to the iuniper tree , whose wood is sweetest , shade coolest , and coale hottest . . marg . of the benefit properly derived from one friend to another in every peculiar action . the expressive character of a reall friend . the benefits which redound from the mutuall union or communion of friends in the exercise of pleasure . all iests either festive or civill . those jests are best seasoned , that are least salted . a rule of infallible direction touching choice of acquaintance . ibid. of the choice or judicious approvement of acquaintance , in affaires of highest consequence . neither timist nor timonist are within the lists of acquaintance to be entertained . ibid. the timist , or time-observer , displayed and displaced . ibid. the timonist , or time-detracter , discovered and discarded . evill societie the source of all sensuality . what directions are to be observed in the choice of a wife . . * which branch hath proper relation to three choice characters annexed to the end of this worke ; which characters are in some copies only annexed , and for some other observations hereafter reserved . the harsh and heremiticall conceit of the carthaginian arminius , touching marriage . the character of a shamelesse wanton . , the character of a shamefast woman . , advice in respect both of portion and proportion . privileges granted to such as are married . nobilitie and affabilitie hold equall'st concurrencie . ibid. lin . sundry inducing motives to love recounted . , &c. of constancie in the choice of acquaintance . who are best consorts to pray with , to play with , to converse or commerce with . . lin . three faculties of the understanding , with their objects . of reservancie towards acquaintance . a two-fold reservancie ; . in concealing our secrets . . in retaining our substance . an admirable story , clozing with an unexpected catastrophe , of a prodigall gentleman and an unconscionable creditor . of the absolute end of acquaintance . all things by course of nature have their proper end , save only suits of law , which admit no end . ibid. lin . a briefe survey of acquaintance in city , court , and countrey . , learning , the moving'st inducement and exquisitest ornament of acquaintance . titles formerly conferred on such as were learned . ibid. the absolute ayme or end of acquaintance , is either to better them , or be bettered by them . especiall offices wherein friendship and acquaintance should be exercised . what gracious effects were produced by the friendly compassion of those faithfull instruments of gods glory , in the first conversion of this kingdome . , , &c. the flourishing state of the church , amidst many hoary winters of innovation , turbulent times of persecution . an excellent conclusive precept recommended to all young gentleman . moderation . observat. . moderation defined . pag. our life a medley of desires and feares . moderation of princes in their contempt of soveraigntie , illustrated by an example of one of our owne . otho's resolution , who by dying had rather prove himselfe a mortall creature , than by living , load himselfe with cares of an emperour . no vertue can subsist without moderation . a review of those maine assailants of temperance , lust , ambition , gorgeousnesse in apparell , luscious fare , company-keeping , &c. illustrated by divers instances . , what excellent fruits are derived from temperance . conquest of a mans affections the greatest victory . chastity the choicest ornament of youth . a distinction of degrees , conjugall , viduall , virginall . a more particular display of cheaters , with their obsequious natures , &c. wherein moderation is to be used . expence of coine . expence of time . motives to hospitality , with a reclaime of our gentry from the court to their country . three sorts of persons encountred and reproved for their abuse or carelesse expence of time , the ambitious . voluptuous . miserably-covetous . the ambitious mans designes aptly compared to domitians catching flies , or the misty conclusions of the deluded alchymist . the voluptuous libertine mis-imployeth time in two respects ; in respect of himselfe . in respect of those good creatures , ordained for the use and service of himselfe . ibid. the covetous wretches treasury , the store-house of his misery . nothing so terrible as the approach of death to a worldling . moderation of the passions of the minde , reduced to two subjects , ioy. sorrow . the christians ioy is no carnall but a spirituall joy . ib. his sorrow is not a sorrow unto sinne , but a sorrow for sinne . eie is made the sense of sorow , because the sense of sin . where in moderation is to be limitted . the occasion of all immoderation derived from those three troubled springs : concupiscence of the flesh ; concupiscence of the eye ; pride of life . excellent rules prescribed for moderating cares of the flesh . the eye , as it is the tenderest and subtillest organ of all others , so should the object whereon it is fixed , be the purest and clearest of all others . the eagle an embleme of divine contemplation . ib. the worldlings earthly honour resembled to the bird ibis , her filthy nature . ibid. the desperate fate of an inamored italian . . lin . . the proud luciferians of this world similized to the chameleon , who hath nothing in his body but lungs . ibid. lin . . promotion declares what men be ; instanced in cardinall woolsey . the power of prayer expressed by these three distinct characters : it is gods honour ; mans armour ; the devils terrour . or thus . gods oblation ; mans munition ; the devils expulsion . which pious practice , as it is gods sacrifice , so should it be mans exercise . an absolute clozing direction tending to true moderation . of the accōplished end which attends moderation . the difference betwixt the ethnicke and christian ethicke , in the opinion of felicitie . ibid. the exercise of moderation reduced to a three-fold practice ; overcōming of anger , by the spirit of patiēce . wantonnesse , by the spirit of continence . pride , by the spirit of lowlinesse . he who useth his tongue to filthy cōmunication , incurs a three-fold offence . in dishonouring his maker . in blemishing his soules image or feature . in ministring matter of scandall to his brother . wherein true content properly consisteth . those two passions or affections of desire and feare ; desire of having more than we have ; feare of losing what we already have , may be properly said to have a three-fold respect : to the goods or endowments of minde . body . fortune . no attendant more tenderly constant to a gentlemans reputation , than moderation . moderation the best monitor in advising and advancing him to the true title of honour . ibid. perfection . observat. . no perfection in this life absolute , but graduall . pag. two considerations of maine consequence : the foe that assaults us . the friend that assists us . the christians complete armour . ibid. the first institution of fasts , with the fruit thereof . the power of prayer : with examples of such as were most conversant in that holy exercise . ibid. & circumstances observable in workes of charitie and devotion . ibid. objections and resolutions upon the ground of perfection . . lin . of the contemplative part of perfection . a corollary betwixt the heathen and christian contemplation . examples of a contemplative and retired life . a three-fold meditation of necessarie importance : worthinesse of the soule ; vnworthinesse of earth ; thankefulnesse unto god , who made man the worthiest creature upon earth . of the active part of perfection . no contagion so mortally dangerous to the body , as corrupt company is to the soule . two especiall memorials recommended to our devoutest meditation . the author of our creation . the end of our creation . ib. a foure-fold creation . . lin . the fabulous and frivolous opinions of foure heathen philosophers , ascribing the creation of all things to the foure elements . . lin . their arguments evinced by pregnant testimonies , both of scriptures and fathers . ibid. the end of our creation . singular precepts of mortification . idlenesse begetteth security , properly termed the soules lethargy . a christians ephemerides ; or his euening account . the active part of perfection , prefer'd before the cōtemplative . no armory can more truly deblazon a gentleman , than acts of charity and compassion . the active preferred before the contemplative , for two respects ; the first whereof hath relation to our selves ; the second to others . , ignorance is to be preferred before knowledge loosely perverted : with a comparison by way of objection and resolution , betwixt the conveniences of action and knowledge . , action is the life of man ▪ and example the direction of his life . . l. wherein the active part of perfection consisteth . active perfection consisteth in mortification of action and affection . mortification extends it selfe in a three-fold respect , to these three distinct subjects : life . name . goods . illustrated with eminent examples of christian resolution , during the ten persecutions . , not the act of death , but the cause of death makes the martyr . no action , how glorious soever , can be crowned , unlesse it be on a pure intention grounded . mortificat . in respect of name or report , is two-fold : in turning our eares from such as praise us . in hearing with patiēce such as revile us . scandals distinguished : and which with more patience than others may be tollerated . , , &c. mortification in our contempt of all worldly substance : pitching upon two remarkable considerations : by whom these blessings are conferred on us . how they are to be disposed by us . vain-glory shuts man from the gate of glory . an exquisite connexion of the precedent meditations . the absolute or supreme end wherto this actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it solely resteth . singular patternes of mortification , in their contempt of life , and embrace of death . , the reason of his frequent repetition of sundry notable occurrences throughout this whole booke . the heart can no more by circumference of the world be confined , than a triangle by a circle filled . . lin . . though our feet be on earth , our faith must be in heaven . a pithy exhortation ; a powerfull instruction ; clozing with a perswasive conclusion . , , a character intitled a gentleman . the english gentleman . yovth . argument . the dangers that attend on youth ; the vanitie of youth , display'd in foure distinct subjects ; three violent passions incident to youth ; physicke prescribed , and receits applied to cure these maladies in youth . yovth . howsoever some more curiously than needfully may seeme to reason , that there be divers climactericall or dangerous yeeres in mans time ; sure i am , that in mans age there is a dangerous time , in respect of those sinne-spreading sores which soile and blemish the glorious image of the soule . and this time is youth , an affecter of all licentious liberty , a comicke introducer of all vanitie , and the only heire apparent to carnall securitie . this it was which moved that princely prophet to pray , lord forgiue mee the sinnes of my youth . sins indeed ; because the youthfull sinner is ever committing , but never repenting , usually provoking god , but rarely invoking god. this is hee who snuffeth the wind , with the wilde asse in the desart , being like the horse or mule which hath no understanding , by giving sense preeminence aboue reason : and walking in the fatnesse of his heart , as one wholly forgetfull of god. he may say with the psalmist , though in another sense , vt jumentum factus sum apud te : upon exposition of which sentence , it is laudable ( saith euthymius ) that in the sight of god we take our selues as beasts to shew our humility , but not to resemble beasts in ignorance or brutish sensualitie . many are the dangerous shelfes which menace ruine and shipwracke to the inconsiderate and improvident soule , during her sojourning here in this tabernacle of clay : but no time more perillous than the heat of * youth , or more apt to give fuell to the fire of all inordinate desires ; being as ready to consent , as the devil is to tempt , and most willing to enter parley with her spirituall enemie upon the least assault . it is reported by eusebius , that saint iohn meeting a strong young-man , of good stature , amiable feature , sweet countenance , and great spiri● , straightway looking upon the bishop of that place , he said thus unto him : christ being witnesse and before the church , i commend unto thee and thy care this young man , to be especially regarded and educated in all spirituall discipline . whom when the bishop had received into his tuition , and promised that he would performe whatsoever he ought , s. iohn againe and againe gives his charge , and contesteth his fidelity : and afterwards he returnes to ephesus . the bishop takes the young man home : brings him up as his owne sonne , keeps him within the limits of his dutie , intreats him gently , and at last baptiseth him , and confirmes him . afterwards , upon remitting something of his care , and giving freer reines to his libertie , the young man takes occasion to shake off the yoake of tuition , and falls into bad company , who corrupt him : diverting his course from the path of vertue by these meanes . first , they invite him to banquets , then they carry him abroad in the night , afterward to maintaine their profuser expence , they draw him to theevery , and so by degrees to greater wickednesse , being now made captaine in this theevish company . at last saint iohn returnes and saith ; goe to bishop , give me my depositum , which i and christ committed unto thee in the church which thou governest . the bishop was astonied , thinking that he had deceitfully demanded some money which he never received , and yet durst scarce distrust the apostle . but as soone as saint iohn said , i demand the young man and soule of my brother : the old man hanging downe his head , sighing and weeping , said ; ille mortuus est , he is dead . how and with what kinde of death , said iohn ? deo mortuus est , hee is dead unto god , answered the bishop : nam nequam & perditus , & uno verbo latro evasit : for he is wicked and lost , and in a word a theefe . much matter might be collected from this story , to enlarge the ground of our proposition , to wit , what imminent dangers are ever attending on youth , and how easie it is by the painted flag of vanity , and sensuall pleasure , to draw him to ruine . for doubtlesse , many excellent rules of instruction had this grave bishop delivered and imparted to his young pupill : many devout taskes and holy exercises had hee commended to his practice : many prayers full of fervent zeale had hee offered for his conversion : many sighes had he sent , many teares had he shed to reclaime him from his former conversation . yet see , how soone this youthfull libertine forgets those instructions which hee had taught him , those holy taskes which were injoyned him , those zealous prayers which were offered for him , those unfained sighes and teares which were shed for him i hee leaves this aged father , to become a robber , he flies from the temple to the mountaine ; he puts off the roabe of truth , and disguiseth himselfe with the vizard of theft . and no small theefe , but a leader . rachel was a theefe , for shee stole idolls from her father ; iosuah was a theefe , seeing hee stole grapes from canaan ; david was a theefe , seeing he stole the bottle of water from saul ; ionathas was a theefe , since he stole hony from the hive ; iosaba was a theefe , since he stole the infant ioash . but here was a theefe of another nature ; one , whose vocation was injury , profession theevery , and practice crueltie : one , whose ingratitude towards his reverend foster-father , merited sharpest censure : for bysias the grecian , osige● the lacedemonian , bracaras the theban , and scipio the roman , esteemed it lesse punishment to be exiled , than to remaine at home with those that were ungratefull for their service . so as , it is not only a griefe , but also a perillous thing , to have to doe with ungratefull men . and wherein might ingratitude be more fully exemplified than in this young-man , whose disobedience to his tutor , sleighting his advice that had fostered him , deserved severest chastisement ? but to observe● the cause of his fall ; wee shall finde how soone those good impressions , which he had formerly received , were quite razed and defaced in him , by reason of depraved company : whence we may gather , that youth , being indeed the philosophers rasa tabula , is apt to receive any good impressure , but spotted with the pitch of vice , it hardly ever regaines her former puritie . whence wee are taught , not to touch pitch , lest we be defiled : for as that divine father saith , occasiones faciunt latrones . truth is , the sweetest apples are the soonest corrupted , and the best natures quickliest depraved . how necessary therefore , the care and respect youth ought to have in the choyce and election of his company , may appeare by this one example , which sheweth that society is of such power , as by it saints are turned into serpents , doves into devils : for , with the wise wee shall learne wisdome , and with the foole we shall learne foolishnesse . dangerous therefore it is , to leave illimited youth to it selfe : yea , to suffer youth so much as to converse with it selfe . so as , that greeke sage , seeing a young man privately retired all alone , demanded of him what hee was doing ? who answered , he was talking to himselfe . take heed , quoth he , thou talke not with thine enemie . for the naturall pronenesse of youth to irregular liberty is such , as it is ever suggesting matter of innovation to the soveraigntie of reason . now to reduce these enormities incident to youth , to certaine principall heads , we will display the vanitie of youth in these foure distinct subjects ▪ gate , looke , speech , habit : that by insisting and discoursing on each particular , we may receive the feature of ladie vanitie portrayed to the life . it is strange to observe how the very body expresseth the secret fantasies of the minde : and how well the one sympathizeth with the other . i have seene even in this one motion , the gate , such especiall arguments of a proud heart ; as if the body had beene transparent , it could not have represented him more fully . and i have wondered , how man endued with reason , could be so far estranged from that where with he was endued ; as to strut so proudly with feet of earth , as if hee were never to returne to earth . but especially , when youth is employed in ushering his mistresse hee walkes in the street as if hee were dancing a measure . he verily imagins the eyes of the whole citie are fixed on him , as the very patterne which they esteeme worthy imitation : how neerely then concernes it him to stand upon his equipage . he walkes , as if he were an upright man , but his sincerity consists onely in dimension . he feares nothing so much as some rude encounter for the wall , and so be discredited in the sight of his idoll . now i would be glad to weane this phantasticke from a veine of lightnesse , and habituate him to a more generous forme . first , he is to know , how that which is most native and least affect●ve , deserves choisest acceptance . we were not borne to glory in our feet , the bases of mortalitie : but to walke as children of light , in holinesse and integritie . safer it were for us , to observe and make use of that , which the swan is reported to use , when at any time shee glories in the whitenesse of her colour , to wit , shee reflects her eye upon her blacke feet , which qualifies her proud spirit : making her so much the more dejected , as joying before in her owne beautie , shee was erected . excellently was that embleme of humane frailtie shadowed in the image of agathocles the syracusan tyrant , who commanded his statue to be composed after this sort : the head to be of gold , signifying purenesse , the armes of ivory , intimating smoothnesse , the body of brasse , implying strongnesse , but the feet of earth , importing weaknesse . be the head-peece never so pure ; be it a diadem of gold wee weare , it cannot promise to us perpetuitie ; wee stand on earthen feet , how may we then stand long , relying on such weak supporters ? though nebuchadnezzer strut never so proudly upon the turrets of his princely palace , saying , is not this great babel which i have builded ? hee knowes not how soone he shall be deprived of his glory , and be enforced to feed with the beasts of the field , being as one estranged from his former magnificence . quid ergo ad nos consolatio mundi ? let us not glory in mundane vanitie , nor repose too much confidence in these feet of frailtie . sipes interris , mens sit in coelis ; though our foot be on earth , let our minde be in heaven : knowing , that ( as saint augustine saith ) three cubits of earth doe expect us ; and how little or much so ere wee possesse , this is all that shall be left us . the next subject we are to treat of in this display of youthfull vanity , is his looke : wherein hee is ever noted to shew a kinde of contempt , expressing by his eye , what he conceives in his heart . here is oculatus testis , an eye-witnesse to tax him of his pride ; disdaining to fix his eye upon the lower shrubs , as if a reflex on them should derogate from his glory . they that looked upon sylla's ring , could not choose but take notice both of sylla's seale and the treason of iugurth ; so he that should but eye a proud look , could not choose but collect from what heart so disdainfull a looke proceeded . i have ever observed , the most generous to be least affective in this kinde : for it is , and hath beene ever an inherent propriety in them , to expresse a generous affability as well in looke as speech . the eyes ( saith a good father ) are members of the flesh , but windowes of the minde ; which , eagle-like , should be ever erected to the beames of righteousnesse , and not depressed by any unworthy object of externall basenesse . the only sight of god is the true food and refection of our minds : we look to be satisfied , but satisfaction we cannot finde in any outward object ; much lesse in contempt of our poore brother , who many times exceeds us more in worth , than we him in birth . but tell me , young gallant , what it is that moveth thee to this contempt of others ? is it thy descent ? alas , that is none of thine ; thou derivest that glory from thine ancestors , whose honour by thy vertues as it liveth , so obscured by thy ignoble life , dieth . yea , recall to minde how many glorious houses now lye buried in the grave of oblivion , by the vicious course of irregular successours : and again , how many houses , whose names formerly were not so much as knowne , either raised from others ruine , or advanced by industrious merit , usurpe their glory . is it thy riches ? indeed , if the philosophers axiom bee true ; riches is a signe of eternall glory , there were some reason to glory in them : but we shall finde this glory meerely imaginary , yea a great darkner and blemisher of the internall glorie and beautie of the minde . for as the moone doth never eclypse , but when she is at the full : so the minde is never so much obscured , as it is with the superfluitie of riches . and againe , as the moone is farthest off from the sunne which giveth it light , when it is at the full ; so a man , when he is the fullest of riches , is farthest off from that equitie and justice , which ought to give him light in all his proceedings . and therefore , he might doe well herein to imitate the fly , which putteth not her feet in the great masse of honey , but only taketh and tasteth with her tongue so much thereof as serveth her turne , and no more , lest by doing otherwise , she might remaine taken and drowned therein . yea , if we should but reflect and take a view of certaine ethnicks , whose ●dmirable contempt of riches eternized them , wee should observe what inimitable continencie was in them , and what an hydropticke thirst of avarice remaineth as yet unquenched in us . and though we must live according to lawes , and not to examples , yet cicero held that nought could be taught without example ; wherefore , to enforce this argument further , wee will here produce certaine heathens , who contemned riches so much , as being offered , yea obtruded , they would not accept them . anacharses refused the treasure sent him by croesus : anacreontes refused the treasure sent him by polycrates : and albionus refused the treasure sent him by antigonus . the like moderation we reade in fabius maxim. crates , mimus , and most of the greeke philosophers . this indifferencie towards fortune , is excellently described by the sententious seneca , concluding , nihil eripit fortuna , nisi quod ipsa dedit . to insist on more examples , were to enlarge this branch too much ; we will therefore shut them all up with that divine observation of the wise simonides ; who being asked once , whether vertue or riches were of more reputation , made answer , that the vertuous did more frequent the doores of the rich , than the rich the vertuous : thence inferring , that wealth was a great nourisher of vice , and povertie of vertue ; or rather implying , how those who are richest are oft-times the retchlest , being ev●r with vices more infected , who are to highest fortunes advanced . wherefore i assure me , thou wilt not glory in riches , for they deprave the soule , which should be in the body , like a queene in her palace . whence then proceedeth this haughty looke ? perchance thou wilt object , that thou art a man of place ; admit thou beest : is there nothing thou canst finde to expresse the eminence or greatnesse of thy place , to which thou art called , save a disdainfull or surly looke , ● neglectfull or scornefull countenance , contemptuously throwne upon thy inferiour ? surely , if such an one thou be , how great so ere thou be , i will admire rather thy seat than thy selfe : and conclude with aristippus , a stone sits upon a stone . these are they , at whom our moderne poet glanced pleasantly , when he saith : " they dare not smile beyond a point , for feare t' unstarch their looke . so punctuall and formall they are , as besides a kinde of formall and phantasticke humour they are nothing : or to expresse them better ; they thinke it a derogation to honour , to converse with basenesse ; they shew a great deale of peremptory command in an awfull looke , imagining it a sufficient argument of greatnesse , for midas asse to have minos countenance : for thus hath time drawne out their formes to me , they be and seeme not , seeme what least they be . since then neither descent , for that is derived from others ; nor riches , aptest to deprave us of all others ; nor place , being worst expressed in glorifying our selues and contemning others ; should move us to put on the countenance of disdaine to our inferiours : we are to conclude , that humilitie , as it opens the gate unto glory , so affabilitie , a vertue right worthy of every generous minde , cannot be better planted than in the eyes , those centinels which guard us , those two lights which direct us , those adamantine orbes which att●act affection to us . a face erected , first to man was given , t' erect his eyes unto the king of heaven . let not then any other object entertaine it , at least , not retaine it : if they be to be employed in any worldly object , let them be employed in contemplating his workes who made the world ; for all other objects are but meere vanitie and affliction of spirit . the third subject we are to discourse of , is speech ; a proprietie wherein man is distinguished from other creatures : yea , the only meanes to preserve societie among humane creatures . quant●meliu● est docere quàm loqui , tanto melior est quàm verba locutio , saith s. augustine : by how much better it is to teach than to speake , by so much better is speech than words . here this learned father maketh a maine difference betwixt speech and words : which distinction may be properly applied to the argument whereof we now treat . the rash young man , who useth no guard to his mouth , nor no gate of circumstance unto his lips , inureth himselfe to many words , but little speech . now to define speech , it is nothing else than an apt composing , and an opportunate uttering of words ; whence it is said , words spoken in season or opportunitie , are like apples of gold with pictures of silver . and herein is youth many times blame-worthy , who will professe himselfe a speaker , before he know what to speake ; yea , putting his oare in every mans boat , admits no conference , no treatie , no discourse , how transcendent soever , but he will be a speaker : though it oft-times move some wise phocion to say to this jangling pithias , good god , will this foole never leave his babbling ? aristotle debating of the convenience and proprietie of discourse before alexander , maintained that none were to be admitted to speake , but either those that managed his warres , or his philosophers which governed his house . observe here what strictnesse was imposed even upon heathens , to restraine them from too much libertie of speech , onely such being admitted to speake , whose approved judgement in militarie or philosophicall discourse might worthily be said to deserve attention . divers reasons of no small consequence might be here produced , why young men were not to give their opinions in any matter of state in publike places ; but we will reduce them to two . the first whereof may be imputed to their rashnesse in resolving ; the second to a passionate hotnesse in proceeding . for the first , to wit , rashnesse in resolving : it is the propertie of youth without premeditation to resolve , and without counsell to execute . now as it possible any good effect should succeed from such unsteadie grounds ? yes , you will say ; some are of that present and pregnant conceit , as a matter is no sooner imparted , than they apprehend it : and for speech , divers haue had such excellent gifts , as they would shew more native eloquence in a speech presently composed , than upon longer preparation addressed . did not tiberius better in any oration extempore , than premeditate ? have not many in like sort , as if secretly * inspired , expressed and delivered abundance of profound learning upon the present ? it is true , yet are wee not hence to collect that premeditation is fruitlesse , that rash and inconsiderate resolves are to be admitted , or young mens advice , which is for most part grounded on opinionate arrogancie , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , secundum opinionem , non secundum veritatem , should be authenticke . for admit young men were eloquent , yet foolish eloquence ( which must needs be in unseasoned youth ) is as a sword in a mad-mans hand , it cannot but hurt much ; being first , apt to perswade , and likewise by delivering dangerous matter , no lesse prompt to depra●e the eare that is perswaded . the second reason which we observed , why youth was not to give his opinion ●n any publike place , was his hotnesse in proceeding . it is intolerable for these young-heads to be opposed : they are deafe to reason , as if opinion had possest them of purpose to oppose reason . this appeared in those violent attempts of catiline , cethegus , lentulus , and their factious adherents ; who , though privately cautioned and friendly advised by such , whose long experienced loue and fidelitie assured them of their unfained amity yet rather than they would lose the opportunitie of their aimes , all counsell must be rejected , and their own private opinions ( without ground of reason ) embraced . but to come nearer them in our discourse : these young-blouds use rather , catiline-like , to speake much and doe little , than iugurth-like , to speake little , and doe much . of all innes , they loue not that of harparates , with the signe of the finger on his mouth . they are unmeasurably passionate in any argument , and so nailed to their owne opinion , as conceit transports them aboue reason , and leaves no place for contradiction . it is commonly said , that law , logicke , and the switzers , may be hired to fight for any one ; and wee have found out one that will match them . now you have received the character of his speech , i would labour to reclaime him from his errour ; which to effect the better , he must know , that being a gentleman , ( for to such an one chiefly doe i direct my discourse ) he can asperse no greater imputation on gentry , than in exercising his tongue in fruitlesse and frivolous discourse , or spending his breath in uselesse or needlesse contention . the tongue ( as one observes ) is a small member : but very glibbery and proane to ruine : apt it is to rebell , if not restrained , prompt to innovate , if not confined . but of all the sallies or excursions which are made by the tongue , none in my conceit lesse beseeming a gentleman , than in giving reines to passion , to slave himselfe to illimited fury : much more profit should he finde in expostulating with passion , recalling to minde that saying of archytas so much commended ; who being angrie with one of his hindes , said ; o how would i have beaten thee , had i not beene angrie with thee ! where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith bern●rd ) is sweet and profitable ; where one man is meeke , it is profitable ; where neither , it proves pernicious . may your speech , ( gentlemen ) be so seasoned , as it may relish of discretion : rather learne the art of silence , than to incurre the opinion of rashnesse : for the one seldome gives argument of offence , but the other ever . speak , but not with affectation , for that gives a better rellish to the eare , than to the conceit : speake , but not in assentation , for that is mercenarie , and seemes better in the mouth of a slavish sycophant , than a generous professant : speake freely , yet with reservation , lest the comedians phrase have some allusion to your opennesse ; being so full of chinkes , as secrecie can haue no hope to finde harbour in your bosome . as to speak all that we know , sheweth weaknesse ; so to impart nothing of that we know , inferres too much closenesse : to observe a meane in these extremes , choice respect is to be had with whom we converse . if we finde him apt to conceale , we may more safely and freely deliver our minde ; but where suspicion of secrecie ministers argument of distrust , we are to be more cautelous : for it is great folly to engage our thoughts to the secrecie of him whom wee know not . worthy commendation was augustus in this respect , who was so choice in the election of a friend , to whom he might communicate his privatest thoughts , as he would employ much time in searching and sifting him , ere he would retaine him . and hence i might take occasion to tax divers , who are too readie to open their bosoms unto all encounter● ; and yet i must freely confesse , that this credulitie ●f theirs , meerely proceeds from the goodnesse of then nature : for they imagine ( such is their easie simplicitie ) that others are as secret , as they open . such is the affabilitie of unexperienced youth , as they cannot reserve the secret'st of their thoughts , but must discover them upon the first view to their first acquaintance : whence plautus , benignitas ejus ut adolescentuli est ; wherein he seemes to instance youth , as a patterne of ingenuous affabilitie , no lesse readie to utter his thoughts , then his subtill applauder is to heare them . much more fruit should hee reape by observing that divine precept of ecclesiasticus : thou that art young speake , if need be , and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked . comprehend much in few words ; in many be as one that is ignorant : be as one that understandeth , and yet hold thy tongue . wherein he proposeth an exact rule to be observed by youth , even in circumstance , as well as substance of speech . now it may be expected , that i should propose a forme for words , as i have proposed a rule for discourse ; but my reply to him , who expects this , shall be the same which demosthenes made to aeschynes the orator ; who having found fault with demosthenes , questioning him of certaine words which he had pronounced , something rare and strange , was in this sort answered by him ; that the fortunes of greece depended not upon them . only thus much i will adde , to reclaime him , who more curiously then pertinently , insisteth rather on words than substance : that as there is no man but would esteeme him for an indiscreet builder , who preferreth the care of his frontispice before the maine foundation , or such an one for a foolish painter , who bestoweth more art upon the varnish than the picture : so whosoever intendeth his care rather to finde out words than matter , may be holden for a verball rhetorician , but no serious orator . to be short , if you will have my opinion touching the use of words : i esteeme such to be most elegant , which are least affected ; for there 〈◊〉 proprietie of speech which best becomes us ; being adorned with such ornaments , as grace our discourse better than adulterate art , which many times bestowes so much time upon beautifying her selfe , as shee forgets whom shee should serve . wee are now to descend briefly to the last , though not least vanitie incident to youth ; and it is habit or attire . wherein i have not a little wondered , falling now and then into more serious meditation with my selfe , how any man , having reflex , by the eye of his soule , to his first fall , should glory in these roabs or rags of shame , being purposely invented to cover his sinne . sinne indeed ; for had not man sinned , his shame had never beene discovered . poore fig-leaves were then the onely shelter , to shroud from shame this miserable sinner . then was adam his owne taylour , and stood not much on fashion , so his nakednesse might finde a cover . come then and heare mee , thou perfumed gallant , whose sense chiefly consists in sent ; and observe how much thou derogat'st from thy owne worth , in covering a shell of corruption with such bravery . all gorgeous attire is the attire of sinne ; it declines from the use for which it was ordained , to wit , necessitie , and dilates it selfe purposely to accomplish the desire of vanitie . forraine nations , on whose flowrie borders the glorious sun-shine of the gospell hath not as yet shined , though for their silkes and sables , none more plenteous or precious , yet with what indifferencie doe they use these riches ? it may be you will object , that art hath not as yet showne her cunning amongst them ; so as their neglect of fashion meerely proceedeth from want of skilfull artists , to introduce the forme or fashion of other countries ( by meanes of civill government , more curious and exquisite ) to their people . but i shall ●●ov● and that by impregnable arguments , how this contempt of pride is naturally planted in them ; yea , with what scorne and derision they looke upon other countries , usually affected to this delicacie and effeminacie in apparell . such as have travelled , and upon exact survey of the natures of forraine countries , have brought the rich fraught of knowledge stored with choicest observations to their native home , have confirmed this : for they have found such contempt in other nations , touching these fruitlesse vanities , wherein we idolatrize our owne formes , as it strucke admiration in them , as their records , to this day extant , doe apparantly witnesse . to instance some whereof , as the russian , muscovian , ionian , yea even the barbarous indian , it may appeare with what reservancie they continue their ancient habit ; loth , it seemes , to introduce any new custome , or to lose their antiquitie for any vain-glorious or affected noveltie : with a joynt uniformitie ( as it seemes ) resolved , tam in cultu numinis , quàm apparatu corporis , moribus legibusque uti praesentibus , etiamsi deteriores sint . but leaving them , because we will a while insist upon prophane authorities ; let us reflect our dim eyes , bleered with the thicke scales of vanitie , to those divine sages , whose excellent instructions no lesse imitable than admirable , merit our approbation and observation . it is reported by laertius , that on a time croesus , having adorned and beautified himselfe with the most exquisite ornaments of all kindes , that either art , or cost could devise ; and sitting on a high throne , to give more grace or lustre to his person , demanded of solon if he ever saw a sight more beautifull ? yes ( quoth he ) house-cockes , phesants , and peacocks ; for they are clothed with a naturall splendour or beautie bestowed on them by nature , without any borrowed elegancie . the like contempt appeared in eut●apelus , who valued the internall beautie of his mind , more than the adulterate varnish of art. besides , hee was of this opinion , that hee could not doe his foe a greater injury , than bestow on him the preciousest garments he had , to make him forgetfull of himselfe and his owne frailtie ; whose nature the poet excellently describeth thus : the sage eutrapelus right wisely bade his foes should have the richest roabes he had , thinking he did them harme , himselfe much good , " for given , they made him humble , them more proud . amongst many profitable laws enacted by numa , the law * sumptuaria conferred no small benefit upon the state publique . for by that law was prohibited , not only all profuse charge in funerall expences , but likewise the excessiue use of apparell , whereby the roman state grew in short time to great wealth , labouring to suppresse those vices , which usually effeminate men the most , to wit , delicacie in fare , and sumptuousnesse in attire . now there be many , i know , who invent fashions meerely to cover their deformities , as iulius caesar wore a garland of laurell to cover his baldnesse withall ; and these seeme excusable , but they are not : for did not he who made thee , bestow this forme on thee ? could not he have stamped thee to the most exquisite or absolute feature , if it had so pleased thy creator ? and wilt thou now controule thy maker , and by art supply the defects of nature ? beware of this evill : i can prescribe thee a better and safer course , how to rectifie these deformities . hast thou a crooked bodie ? repaire it with an upright soule . art thou outwardly deformed ? with spirituall gra●●● be thou inwardly beautified . art thou blinde , or lame , or otherwise maimed ? be not there with dejected , for the bl●nd and lame were invited . it is not the outward proportion , but the inward disposition ; not the feature of the face , but the power of grace which worketh to salva●●●on . alcibiades , socrates scholer , was the best favoured boy in athens ; yet , ( to use the philosophers words ) looke but inwardly into his bodie , you will finde nothing more odious . so as , one compared them aptly ( these faire ones i meane ) to faire and beautifull sepulchres ; exterius nitida , interius faetida ; outwardly hansome , inwardly noysome . notable was that observation of a learned philosopher , who professing himselfe a schoole-master , to instruct youth in the principles and grounds of philosophie , used to hang a looking-glasse in the schoole where he taught ; wherein he shewed to every scholer he had , his distinct feature or physnomy : which he thus applied . if any one were of a beautifull or amiable countenance , hee exhorted him to answer the beautie and comlinesse of his face , with the beautie of a well-disposed or tempered minde ; if otherwise he were deformed , or ill featured ; he wished him so to adorne and beautifie his minde , that the excellencie of the one , might supply the defects or deformities of the other . but thou objectest ; how should i expresse my descent , my place ; or how seeme worthy the company of eminent persons , with whom i consort , if i should sleight or disvalue this general-affected vanity fashion ? i will tell thee : thou canst not more generously , i will not say generally , expresse thy greatnes of descent , place , or qualitie , nor seeme better worthy the company with whom thou consortest or frequentest , than by erecting the glorious beames of thy minde , aboue these inferiour things . for who are these with whom thou consortest ? meere triflers away of time , bastard slips , degenerate impes , consumers of their patrimonie , and in the end , ( for what other end save misery may attend them ) haires to shame and infamie . these ( i say ) who offer their morning-prayers to the glasse , eying themselves 〈◊〉 till narcissus-like they fall in love with their owne shadowes . o england , what a height of pride art thou growne to ? yea , how much art thou growne unlike thy selfe ? when , disvaluing thy owne forme , thou deformest thy selfe by borrowing a plume of everie countrey , to display thy pie-coloured flag of vanitie . what painting , purfling , powdring and pargeting doe you use , ( yee idolls of vanitie ) to lure and allure men to breake their first faith , forsake their first love , and yeeld to your immodestie ? how can you weepe for your sinnes , ( saith saint hierome ) when your teares will make furrowes in your face ? with what confidence do you lift up that countenance to heaven , which your maker acknowledges not ? doe not say that you have modest mindes , when you have immodest eyes . death hath entred in at your windowes ; your eyes are those cranies , those hatefull portells , those fatall entrances , which ( tarpeia-like ) by betraying the glorious fortresse or cittadell of your soules , have given easie way to your mortall enemie . vtinam miserrimus ego &c. i would i poore wretch ( saith tertullian ) might see in that day of christian exaltation , an cum cerussa , & purpurisso & croco , & cum illo ambitu capitis resurgatis : no , you stanes to modestie , such a picture shall not rise in glory before her maker . there is no place for you ; but for such women as array themselves in comely apparell , with shamefastnesse and modestie , not with broided haire , or gold , or pearles , or costly apparell . but , as becommeth women that professe the feare of god. for even after this manner in time past did the holy women , which trusted in god , tire themselves . reade , i say , reade yee proud ones , yee which are so haughtie , and walke with stretched-out neckes , the prophet isaiah , and you shall find your selves described , and the judgement of desolation pronounced upon you . beca●se the daughters of zion are haughtie , and walk with stre●ched-out neckes , and with wandring eyes , walking 〈◊〉 minsing as they goe , and making a tinckling with the●● feet ; therfore shall the lord make the heads of the daughters of zion bald , and the lord shall discover their secret parts . and he proceeds : in that day shall the lord take away the ornament of the slippers , and the calles , and the round tyres . the sweet balles , and the bracelets , and the bonnets . the tyres of the head , and the sloppes , and the head-bands , and the tablets , and the eare-rings . the rings and the mufflers . the costly apparell and the g●ailes , and the wimples , and the crisping-pins . and the glasses , and the fine linnen , and the hoods and the launes . now heare your reward : and in stead of sweet savour , there shall be stinke , and in stead of a girdle , a rent , and in stead of dressing of the haire , baldnesse , and in stead of a stomacher , a girding of sack-cloth , and burning in stead of beautie . now attend your finall destruction : thy men shall fall by the sword , and thy strength in the battell . then shall her gates mourne and lament , and shee being desolate shall sit upon the ground . see how you are described , and how you shall be rewarded . enjoy then sin for a season , and delight your selves in the vanities of youth : be your eyes the lures of lust , your eares the open receits of shame , your hands the polluted instruments of sinne : to be short , be your soules , which should be the temples of the holy ghost , cages of uncleane birds ; after all these things , what the prophet hath threatned shal come upon you , and what shall then deliver you ? not your beautie ▪ for to use that divine distich of innocentius , tell me thou earthen vessell made of clay , what 's beautie worth , when thou must die to day ? nor honour ; for that shall lye in the dust , and sleepe in the bed of earth . nor riches ; for they shall not deliver in the day of wrath . perchance they may bring you , when you are dead , in a comely funerall sort to your graves , or bestow on you a few mourning garments or erect in your memory some gorgeous monument , to shew your vain-glory in death , as well as life ; but this is all : those riches which you got with such care , kept with such feare , lost with such griefe , shall not afford you one comfortable hope in the houre of your passage hence ; afflict they may , releeve they cannot . nor friends ; for all they can doe , is to attend you , and shed some friendly teares for you ; but ere the rosemary lose her colour , which stickt the coarse , or one worme enter the shroud , which covered the corpse , you are many times forgotten , your former glory extinguished , your eminent esteeme obscured , your repute darkened , and with infamous aspersions often impeached . if a man ( saith seneca ) finde his friend sad , and so leave him , sicke without ministring any comfort to him , and poore without releeving him ; we may thinke such an one goeth to jest , rather than visit or comfort : and such miserable comforters are these friends of yours . what then may deliver you in such gusts of affliction which assaile you ? conscience ; shee it is that must either comfort you , or how miserable is your condition ? shee is that continuall feast which must refresh you ; those thousand witnesses that must answer for you ; that light which must direct you ; that familiar friend that must ever attend you ; that faithfull counsellour that must advise you ; that balme of gilead , that must renew you ; that palme of peace , which must crowne you . take heed therefore you wrong not this friend , for as you use her , you shall finde her . she is not to be corrupted , her sinceritie scornes it ; shee is not to be perswaded , for her resolution is grounded ; she is not to be threatned , for her spirit sleights it . she is aptly compared in one respect to the sea ; shee can endure no corruption to remaine in her , but foames , and frets , and chafes , till all filth be removed from her . by ebbing and flowing●s ●s shee purged , nor is she at rest till shee be rinsed . 〈◊〉 ab agro ad civitatem , à publico ad domum , à domo in cubiculum , &c. discontentedly shee flies from the field to the citie , from publike resort to her private house , from her house to her chamber ; she can rest in no place ; furie dogs her behinde , and despaire goes before . for conscience being the inseparable glory or confusion of every one , according to the qualitie , disposition or dispensation of that talent which is given him , for to whom much is given , much shall be required : we are to make such fruitfull use of our talent that the conscience wee professe may remaine undefiled , the faith wee have plighted may be inviolably preserved , the measure or omer of grace we have received , may be increased , and god in all glorified . which , the better to effect , wee are to thinke how god is ever present in all our actions ; and that ( to use the words of augustine ) whatsoever we doe , or addresse our selves to doe , it is before him that we doe , yea whatsoever it be that wee doe , hee better knowes it than we are selves doe . it was seneca's counsell to his friend lucilius , that whensoever he went about to doe any thing , he should imagine cato , or scipio , or some other worthy roman to be in presence . in imitation of so divine a morall , let us in every action fix our eye upon our maker , whose eyes are upon the children of men ; so shall we in respect of his sacred presence , to which we owe all devout reverence , abstaine from evill , doe good , seeke peace and ensue it . such as defil'd themselves with sinne , by giving themselves over unto pleasure , staining the nobilitie and splendour of their soules through wallowing in vice ; or otherwise fraudulently , by usurpation or base insinuation , creeping into soveraigntie , or unjustly governing the common-weale ; such thought socrates , that they went a by-path separated from the counsell of the ●●ds : but such , as while they lived in their bodies , ●nitated the life of the gods , such hee thought had an ●sie returne to the place from whence they first came . if the pagan had such a divine conceit of those , whose approved life represented a certaine similitude or resemblance of god , as he imagined , no glory could be wanting to them , in regard of their integritie : let us embrace the like opinion , and expresse such apparent demonstrations of sanctitie , that as we exceed the pagan in regard of that precious light wee enjoy , so wee may exceed him in the conversation of the life we lead . but how should these painted sepulchres , whose adulterate shape tastes of the shop , glorying in a borrowed beautie , ever meditate of these things ? how should their care extend to heaven , whose basiliske eyes are only fixed on the vanities of earth ? how should that painted blush ( that iewish confection ) blush for her sin , whose impudent face hath out-faced shame ? two loves ( saith that learned bishop of hippo ) make two cities . hierusalem is made by the love of god , but babylon by the love of the world . and these are they , who engaged to worldly love , have forsaken their true love ; they have divided their hearts , and estranged their affections from that supreme or soveraigne good . o then ( young men ) come not neere the gates of this strange woman , whose feet goe downe to death , and whose steps take hold on hell . this is the woman with an harlots behaviour , and subtill in heart . this is shee , who hath deckt her bed with ornaments , carpets and laces of aegypt : and perfuming her bed with myrrhe , aloes and cynamon . take heed thou sing not lysimachus song ; the pleasure of fornication is short , but the punishment of the fornicator eternall . but of this subject wee are more amply to treat hereafter ; onely my exhortation is to youth , whose illimited desires tend ever to his ruine , that if at any time it be your fortune to encounter with these infectious ulcers , these sin-soothing , and soule-soiling lepers ; and they like that whorish woman in the proverbs , invite you to their lothed daliance , saying . come , let us take our fill of love untill the morning : come , let us take our pleasure in daliance : that you shake off these vipers at the first assault , and prevent the occasion when it first offers it selfe . for know , that which a devout and learned father saith concerning the dangerous habit of sinne , is most true : prima est quasi titillatio delectationis incorde , secunda consensio , tertium factum , quarta consuetudo . sinne begins with an itch , but ends with a skar . the first degree begins with delight , the second with consent , the third with act , and the fourth with custome . thus sinne by degrees in men of all degrees , like a broad-spreading tetter , runnes over the whole beautie of a precious soule , exposing the fruits of the spirit to be corrupted by the suggestion of the flesh . but too farre ( i feare mee ) have i digressed from this last branch , whereof i was to discourse , to wit , of habit , or attire : albeit i haue enlarged my selfe in nothing which may seeme altogether impertinent to our present purpose . for discoursing of the vanitie of women ( whose phantasticke habits are daily theames in publike theatres ) i imagined it a necessary point to insist upon : partly to disswade those shee-painters of this flourishing iland from so base and prostitute practice . base , for festus pompeius saith , that common and base whores , called schaenicolae , used dawbing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . partly to bring a loathing of them in the conceit of all young gentlemen , whose best promising parts use often to be corrupted by their inchantments . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. there is one flower to be loved of women , a good red , which is shamefastnesse . saint hierom to marcella saith , that those women are matter of scandall to christian eyes , quae purpurisso & quibusdam fucis ora oculos● depingunt . i might here likewise justly tax such effeminate youths , whose womanish disposition hath begot in them a love to this hatefull profession ; but i will onely use diogenes speech , which hee made to one that had anointed his haires : cave ne capitis suaveolentia vitae maleolentiam adducat . or that saying he used to a youth too curiously and effeminatly drest : if thou goest to men , all this is but in vaine ; if unto women , it is wicked . so as , being asked a question of a young man , very neatly and finely apparelled , he said , hee would not answer him till he put off his apparell to see whether he were a man or woman . there is another objection , which i imagine youth will alledge , to prove how expedient it is for him to be choice or curious in respect of apparell . it gaines him more acceptance and esteeme with men of eminent place . but harken how the apostle opposeth himselfe to this ; reproving such whose judgement consists in the eye rather than in the braine , proceeding thus : if there come into your company a man with a gold-ring , and in goodly apparell , and there come in also a poore man in vile raiment , and yee have a respect to him that weareth the gay cloathing , and say unto him , sit thou here in a goodly place ; and say unto the poore , stand thou there , or sit here under my foot-stoole : are yee not partiall in your selves , and are become judges of evill thoughts ? so as , howsoever these diffident worldlings , annulo magis credunt quam animo ; it is not the habit , but the heart which god accepts : yet most acceptable is that habit which is not so sumptuous as seemely , not so costly as comely . true indeed it is , that the popular eye , which cannot distinguish of the inward beautie , but observeth rather what wee weare , than what wee are , admires nothing more than the outward habit ; as we may reade how much herod , being arrayed in royall apparell , was applauded by the people , who gave a shout , saying , the voice of god , and not of man. but that all-seeing and all-searching eare of the divine majestie seeth not as man seeth . he prefers l●zarus rags before dives roabes . though the one be clothed in purple and fine linnen , and the other seeme despicable in the eye of the world , in respect of his nakednesse ; yet , mortua necessitate , peribunt opera necessitatis : the one is translated to glory boundlesse , the other to misery endlesse : for this sorrow which he here felt , ended when he did end ; but the joy which he obtained , exceeded all end . thus farre have i laboured to answer all such objections as might be proposed in defence of this generall-approved vanitie , concluding ; quod peccata sericea teterrima sunt vitia ; no sinnes like to silken sinnes , for they ever crave impunitie , the foster-mother of all impietie . i intend yet to proceed in decyphering the lightnesse of youth , by expressing three grand maladies incident to youth ; whereof i purpose to dilate particularly , to move the young man to be more cautelous of his wayes , in the mazie labyrinth of this life . these three ( for all the rest may be reduced to them ) are comprehended under lust , ambition , revenge : of which briefly , according to our former method , we purpose here to intreat . so exposed is youth to sense , and so much estranged from the government of reason ; as it prosecutes with eagernesse whatsoever is once entertained with affection . this might appeare in the ruines of troy , occasioned by the unlawfull love of paris ; where the violent intrusion and usurpation of anothers bed , brought an irreparable fall to the trojans . some have given two reasons , why youth is more subject to this illimited passion , than any other age . the first is , that naturall heat or vigour , which is most predominant in youth , provoking him to attempt the greatest of difficulties , rather than suffer the repulse where hee affects . the second is , want of employment : which begets this distemperature ; whence the poet : take away idlenesse , and without doubt , cupids bow breakes , and all his lampes goe out . this want of employment was it , which moved aegistus to shew himselfe more familiar with clytemnestra , than stood well with his honour ; for had he ranked himselfe with those valiant greekes , whose resolute adventures gain'd them generall esteeme , he had prevented occasion , and purchased himselfe equall renowne by his valour , as by vaiue expence of time he incurred dishonour . wittie and proper was that elegant invention of lucian , who faining cupid to invite the gods to an amorous feast , prevailed with all of them to give way to love , till he came to pallas ; but she was found conversing with the muses , and would admit of no time to enter parly with cupid . true it is , that exercise draweth the mind from effeminacie , as remisnes●e feeds the desire , and addes fuell to unlawfull heat . and no lesse occasion gives wanton discourse , or lascivious bookes to the enraged affections of distempered youth : so as , much more blessed were the state , if restraint were made of composing or publishing such subjects , where every leafe instructs youth in a new lesson of folly . alcaeus , a man of good reputation and generall observance in the common-wealth ; what toyes wrote he of the love of young men ? all the writings of anacreon , are only of love . but most of all other , rheginus even burned with love , as appeareth by his writings . yea even philosophers ( and that by the counsell and authoritie of plato , whom therefore dicearchus did worthily reprehend ) became the commenders and honourers of love . such discourses should be throwne to the darkest corner of our studies , as that of ovids was by augustus , which tend to corrupt youth , and divert his minde from the exercise of vertue . but alas ; to what height of licentious libertie are these corrupter times growne ? when that sex , where modesty should claime a native prerogative , gives way to foments of exposed loosenesse ; by not only attending to the wanton discourse of immodest lovers , but carrying about them ( even in their naked bosomes , where chastest desires should only lodge ) the amorous toyes of venus and adonis : which poem , with others of like nature , they heare with such attention , peruse with such devotion , and retaine with such delectation , as no subject can equally relish their unseasoned palate , like those lighter discourses . yea ( which hath struck me to more admiration ) i have knowne divers , whose unriper yeers halfe assured me , that their greene youth had never instructed them in the knowledge , nor brought them to conceit of such vanities , excellently well read in those immodest measures ; yea , and prompt enough to shew proofes of their reading in publike places . i will not insist upon them , but leave them , to have their names registred amongst those infamous ladies ; semphronia , scribonia , clitemnestra , cleopatra , faustina , messalina , whose memories purchased by odious lust , shall survive the course of time ; as the memory of those famous matrons , octavia , porcia , caecilia , cornelia , shall transcend the period of time . to expresse what especiall motives tend most to increase of this passion , i thinke it not amisse : because i hold it necessarie to propose the cause , before we come to cure the effect . for i thinke , according to the opinion of socrates , that then my instructions have brought forth good fruit , when by them any one shall be provoked to apply his disposition to the knowledge and practice of vertue . which , the better to effect , you shall know , that there is no one motive more generally moving , or enforcing to an eager pursuit of our immoderate affections , than curious or luscious fare , delicious liquors , which might appeare ( if we should have recourse to history ) in those prodigall feastings of anton. and cleopatra : where no cost was spared to give more free course to lascivious desires . to prevent this , ( as may be probably gathered ) greece in her flourishing estate , restrained women both publique and private accesse to banquets : and kinsmen kissed their kinswomen , to know whether they drunke wine , or no , and if they had , to be punished by death , or banished into some iland . plutarch saith , that if the matrons had any necessitie to drinke wine , either because they were sick or weake , the senate was to give them licence ; and not then in rome neither , but out of the citie . macrobius saith , that there were two senators in rome chiding , and the one called the others wife an adulieresse ; and the other his wife a drunkard ; and it was judged that to be a drunkard was more infamie . here we may collect what strictnesse , even the heathen used , to observe a morall course , and to represse such inordinate motions , as most commonly invade the eminent'st states , when long peace hath rockt her people asleepe , snorting in the downe-bed of securitie . sure i am , as there is nothing which brings either publike or private state to a remisnesse of government sooner than peace or plentie ; so nothing effatuates the understanding of man more , than excesse in meat or drinke , subjecting the intellective part to the bondage of sence . for what may be the discourse of epicurists , but lascivious , begot on excesse of fare curious and luscious ? these are dilating ever on the rape of ganimedes , lais in euripides . beautie is their object , and vanitie their subject . white teeth , rolling eyes , a beautifull complexion ( an exteriour good ) being that which euryala praised , when shee washed the feet of vlysses , namely , gentle speech , and tender flesh . thus are their tongues tipt with vanitie , their desires ayming at sensualitie , and their delights engaged to fleshly libertie . amongst the romans , venus or cous was the best chance at dice : and no chance , ( till some heavie mischance over-take them ) more happie in their opinion , than to receive a loving smile or cheerefull aspect from their terrestriall venus . some countries i haue read of , whose naturall basenesse , being given to all avarice , induced them to dis-esteeme all respects in this kinde , and to make merchandize of their womens honour . such are the women of sio reported to be , who are reputed for the most beautifull dames of all the greekes in the world , and greatly given to venery . their husbands are their pandors , and when they see any stranger arrive , they will presently demand if hee would have a mistresse : and so they make whores of their owne wives , and are contented for a little gaine to weare hornes : such are the base minds of ignominious cuckolds . here is a dangerous i le for our amorous gallant , who makes his travell ( with griefe i speake it ) too oft the ruine of himselfe and his estate . happie are those ( but too few are those ) who with wise ithacus stop their eares to these soule-tainting and sin-tempting syrens . yet some there are , and some there have beene ever ( i perswade mee ) whose noble conquests over themselves and their owne desires , have seconded , if not surpassed those many conquests which they atchieved in foraine nations . as the admirable continencie of alexander the great , in sparing darius wife and his three daughters . the continencie of scipio during the space of foure and twentie yeeres , wherein his prosperous exploits could purchase him no more glory , than in the besieging and taking of a citie in spaine , he gained him renowne , by repressing his flame of lust , when a beautifull maid was brought him : restoring her with a great reward to allancius , a celtiberian lord , to whom she was espoused . no lesse worthy was that part of marius , who having sylla's wife and sisters in his power , sent them nobly , unattempted . an example of like continencie might be instanced in solyman the magnificent , towards the faire * greeke ; whom , albeit he entirely loved , yet to shew unto his peeres , a princely command of himselfe and his affections ; as he had incensed them before by loving her , so he regained their love by sleighting her ; whence the poet : with that he drew his turkish symeter , which he did brandishore the damsells head ; demanding of such ianizers were there , if 't were not pitie shee'sd be slaughtered ? pitie indeed ; but i perforce must doe that which displeaseth me , to pleasure you . many such instances , ancient and moderne histories afford , but i must not insist on each particular , lest i should enlarge my selfe too much in this branch . my exhortation shall be to such , whose unmellow yeeres crave instruction , that they would betake themselves to employment : for idlenesse maketh of men , women , of women , beasts , of beasts , monsters . and amongst employments , ever mix such readings as may minister matter , either divine , or morall , to allay the heat of this distempered passion . we reade of the roman stilpho , that albeit he was naturally addicted to all incontinencie , yet by reading certaine precepts of morall philosophie , he became an absolute commander of his owne affections . hate to consent to that , which so transformes man , as hee wholly loseth the true title of man , and becommeth meerely bestiall . nos qui accepimus rationis lucem communem cum angelis , non transiamus vitam in silentio cum pecoribus . thou art beautified with an angelicall feature ; let it not participate of any inferiour creature . to be short , art thou a gentleman ? beare that posture still : staine not a native glory with an infamous blemish . this vice of all others , derogates most from honour : for we commonly say , such whose lightnesse incurres scandall , to have lost their honour . o let not the honour of a generous minde suffer eclypse , for a minutes pleasure ! lais asking of demosthenes so much for one nights-lodging , he presently replyed : i will not buy repentance at so deare a rate . dearer is the rate of shame , than of come . prize honour at that estimate , as the height of pleasure may never have power to surprise it . canna , wife to synattus , whom one synoris , of greater authoritie than synattus , loved : making no small meanes to obtaine her love , yet all in vaine ; supposed the readiest way for effecting his desire to be the death of her husband , which hee performed . this done , he renewed his suit , to which shee seemingly consented . but being solemnly come into the temple of diana for celebrating the nuptials , shee had a sweet potion ready , which shee drunke to synoris , wherewith they both were poisoned , to revenge her husbands death . here is a pagan patterne of inimitable continencie ; who rather than shee would consent to contract mariage with her husbands foe , disvalued all future hope of preferment , yea embraced death , as a happie agent of her intended revenge . the wise ( saith that sententious philosopher ) may gather gold out of dung ; which may be thus applyed . the wise christian , may cull excellent flowers from an ethnicke garden : for the envious man he is the spider , which sucks poison from the fragrant'st and freshest flowers . i will conclude this point , and intreat the generous affected , whose glory should be vertues bootie , and whose best beauty to be enriched by her bounty ; to make vertue their prize , being so praise-worthy of her selfe , as shee needs no outward praise . to purchase which incomparable blessing , i could wish , gentlemen , that your resort to eminent places be more spare , till you finde in your selves an aptnesse to resist , if any vnchaste motion make assault . yet good it were not to presume , upon one single triall : for the disposition may be more temperate at one time than another ; and the assault also more perillous . to court beautie is an enterprize of danger : for some i have knowne , who upon their accesse to beautie , have beene free-men , who upon their returne , became slaves . but you will object ; to vanquish where there is no assault made , is a weake conquest ; true , but to play with the candle till we suffer our wings to be cing'd , is a greater folly . i would not hazard my honour upon those termes , as by affronting temptation , to be caught . to conclude this branch , as the substance of the soule is pure , so this masse of flesh is corrupt : staine not the puritie of the former , by conversing with the latter : for to parley with so subtill an enemy , is to give way to his policy . observing these , you shall goe to your graves with honour ; not to the graves of lust , the sepulchres of shame , and receptacles of corrupted love . we will now descend to the second maladie incident to youth ; that eagle-soaring passion , ambition . those who are affected to this , vse to say with tiridates in tacitus : sua retinere , privatae domus , de alienis cer●are regia laus est . these can never confine themselves to their owne , raising their hopes above possibilitie : but are building airie castles , of purpose to confront greatnesse . we shall never heare them talke of any subject save soveraigntie or dominion . one termed an empire , a monstrous and untamed beast ; and so may this passion be well defined : whose aime is onely to purchase glory , albeit her aymes be planted on indirectest termes . we reade how pa●sanias killed philip of macedon only for fame or vain-glory : so did herostratus burne the temple of diana at ephesus , with this resolution : because he could not by any act of renowne eternize his memory , he would gaine him fame , though by an act of infamie . how violent these ambitious heads are , and have beene ever , there is scarce any state which hath not felt : where civill wars have menaced no lesse danger to the state , than forraine powers ; private factions , than open hostilitie . in some likewise , so deepe impression hath ambition wrought , as the envie which they conceive at others greatnesse , deprives them of all rest : this appeared in themistocl●es , who walked in the night-time in the open street , because he could not sleepe : the cause whereof , when some men did enquire , he answered , that the triumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest . the like height of ambition shewed alexander , weeping bitterly to see his father win so fast before him , fearing nothing should remaine for him to conquer . now , how naturally youth is affected to this illimited motion , may be observed even in usuall games ; where youth , rather than hee will endure the foile , exposeth himselfe to all encounters . it is glory which he aimes at , and before he lose it , he will hazard himselfe for it . his prize is his praise : he values nothing more than to get him a name , which may brute his renowne , and gaine him respect with his dearest . his disquiet , ( for what is ambition , but a distraction of the mind ? ) as to affect that best , which doth afflict him most . augustus had broken sleepes , and used to send for some to passe the night away , in telling tales , or holding him with talke . see the misery of ambitious spirits , whose ends are without end , limiting their desires to no other period then sole soveraigntie . their ayrie thoughts ( like icarus wings ) are ever mounting , till the sunne , which they threatned , dissolve them . inferiour taskes they as much sleight , as eagles doe flies : they love not to stoope to basenesse , when many times lowest fortunes entertaine them with no lesse discontent , than despaire can force them to . and in their lowest ebbe , when hope forsakes them , and their neerest ( like tiberius friends ) shrinke from them , and no comfort remaines , save expectance and sufferance of all extremities ; you shall heare them upbraid prince or state ; relating ( with much vain-glory ) what dangers they have undergone for them . instance whereof , even in these latter times , might be produced ; as in that ambitious french-man , the brave byron , who seeing no way but one , burst out into these violent extremes : i have received three and thirtie wounds of my body , to preserve it for him , and for my reward , he takes my head from my shoulders : he now quencheth the torch in my bloud after hee hath used it . this is the condition of high spirits , whose aimes were transcendent , to close up their tragicall scene with a vain-glorious boast of what they have done : little considering , how their countrie might lawfully exact and expect as much as was in them to performe , a●● they still debtours to her , because they had their being from her . yet see ( though sometimes they stand upon termes of resolution , desiring to die standing ; ) when the sentence of death is pronounced , and all future hope extinguished , they will be ( as that great french-man was ) supple as a glove : presenting their heads ●s willingly to the sword , as agis did his unto the halter . it is strange to note , how these men walke in clouds , imagining themselves most secure , when imminencie of perill assures them nothing lesse . the reason whereof may seeme to be this ; they flatter themselves in their vanitie , as pigmalion with his image , or narcissus with his shadow ; reposing more confidence in their owne valour ; and the aide , which ( themistocles or pausanias-like ) they contract abroad , linking and uniting themselves with forraine powers , than on all the information of friends , or the perswasions of a loyall and uncorrupted heart . but these ( as that heroick prince noted ) must bow or breake : be their persons never so hopefull , or directions behovefull to the state , they must be curbed , or the state endangered . their proprietie is ever to swim in troubled waters : nor can they endure to be mated . though their aimes bee to perpetuate their greatnesse , yet those beasts , which are bred about the river hypani● , and live but one day , may oft-times compare with them for continuance : whence the poet saith excellently , out of his owne observation : much have i seene , yet seldome seene i have , ambition goe gray-headed to his grave . there is nothing which the ambitiou● man hates so much as a corrivall ; he hopes to possesse all , and without a sharer . but so indirect are his plots , and so insuccessive their end , as hee findes to his great griefe , that the promise of securitie had no firme foundation to ground on : nor his attempts that issue they expected . now gentlemen , you , whose better parts aime at more glorious ends , so confine your desires to an equall meane , that mounting too high bring you not to an irreparable fall . wee are borne indeed ( as that divine father saith ) to be eagles , and not iayes , to fly aloft , and not to seek our food on the ground : but our eagle eyes are to be fixed on the sunne of righteousnesse , not on temporall preferments . we are to soare to the tower from whence commeth our helpe . for it is not lifting up a mans selfe god likes , but lifting up of the spirit in prayer . here are wings for flying , without feare of falling : for other aymes , they are but as feathers in the aire ; they delude us , howsoever they seeme to secure us . but i heare some young gentleman object , that it is a brave thing to be observed in the eye of the world ; to have our persons admired , our selves in publike resorts noted , yea our names dispersed ! indeed i grant ; he who consists on nothing more than showes ; thinkes it is brave to heare , loe there he goes ! but such , whose solid vnderstandings haue instructed them in higher studies , as much disvalue popular opinion , or the corkie conceits of the vulgar , as the nobilitie scornes to converse with any thing unworthy it selfe . their greatnesse hath correspondence with goodnesse : for esteeme of the world , as in respect of their owne worth they deserue it , so in contempt of all outward glory they disvalue it . come then ( yee nobly affected gentlemen ; ) would yee be heires of honour , and highly reputed by the highest ? resemble the nature of the highest : who humbled himselfe in the forme of man , to restore miserable man ; vilifying himselfe , to make man like himselfe . it is not , beleeve it , to shine in grace or esteeme of the court , which can ennoble you : this glory is like glasse , bright but brittle : and courtiers ( saith one ) are like counters ; which sometime in account goe for a thousand pound , and presently before the count bee past , but 〈◊〉 single pennie . it is more glory to be in the courts of the lord , to purchase esteeme with him , whose judgement never erres , and whose countenance never alters . it is reported by commine , in his french annals , that charles , whom he then served , was of this disposition , that he would make assay of the greatest matters , revolving in his mind how he might compasse them : yea perchance ( saith he ) assayes farre above the strength of man. see the picture of an ambitious spirit , loving ever to be interessed in affaires of greatest difficultie . camelion-like on subtill ayre he feeds , and vies in colours with the checkerd meeds . let no such conceits transport you , lest repentance finde you . it is safer chusing the middle-path , than by walking or tracing vncouth wayes , to stray in your iourney . more have fallen by presumption , than distrust of their owne strength . and reason good ; for such who dare not relie on themselves , give way to others direction ; whereas too much confidence , or selfe-opinionate boldnesse will rather chuse to erre , and consequently to fall , than submit themselves to others judgement . of this opinion seemed velleius the epicurean to bee , of whom it is said ; that in confidence of himselfe hee was so farre from feare , as hee seemed not to doubt of any thing . a modest or shamefast feare becomes youth better : which indeed ever attends the best or affablest natures . such will attempt nothing without advice , nor assay ought without direction : so as their wayes are secured from many perills , which attend on inconsiderate youth . my conclusion of this point shall be in a word ; that neither the rich man is to glory in his riches , the wise man in his wisdome , nor the strong man in his strength : for should man consider the weaknesse and many infirmities whereto he is hourely sub●ect hee would finde innumerable things to move him to sorrowing , but few or none to glory in . againe , if he should reflect to the consideration of his dissolution , which , that it shall bee , is most certaine , but when it shall be , most vncertaine : he would be forced to stand upon his guard with that continuall feare , as there would be no emptie place left in him for pride . this day one proud , as prouder none , may lye in earth ere day be gone . what confidence is there to be reposed in so weake a foundation ; where to remaine ever is impossible , but quickly to remove , most probable ? then ( to use petrarchs words ) be not afraid though the house , the bodie be shaken , so the soule , the guest of the body , fare well : for weakning of the one addeth for most part strength to the other . and so i come to the last passion or perturbation incident to youth . revenge , is an intended resolve arising from a conceived distaste either justly or unjustly grounded . this revenge is ever violent'st in hot blouds , who stand so much upon termes of reputation , as rather than they will pocket up the least indignitie , they willingly oppose themselves to extremest hazard . now this unbounded fury may seeme to have a two-fold relation : either as it is proper and personall ; or popular and impersonall . revenge proper or personall , ariseth from a peculiar distaste or offence done or offered to our own person ; which indeed hath ever the deepest impression . which may be instanced in menelaus and paris ; where the honour of a nuptiall bed , the law of hospitalitie , the professed league of amitie , were joyntly infringed . or in antonie and octavius ; whose intestine hate grew to that height , as antonies angell was afraid of octavius angell . which hatred , as it was fed and increased by fulvia , so was it allayed and temp●red by octavia : though in the end it grew irreconciliable ; ending in bloud , as it begun with lust . revenge popular or impersonall , proceedeth extrinsecally , as from factions in families , or some ancient grudge hereditarily descending , betwixt house and house , or nation and nation . when annibal was a childe , and at his fathers commandement , he was brought into the place where he made sacrifice ; and laying his hand upon the altar , swore , that so soone as he had any rule in the common-wealth , he would be a professed enemie to the romans . whence may be observed , how the conceit of an injury or offence received , worketh such impression in that state or kingdome where the injury is offered , as hate lives , and survives the life of many ages , crying out with those incensed greekes ; the time will come when mightie troy must fall , where priams race must be extinguish'd all . but wee are principally to discourse of the former branch , to wit , of proper or personall revenge : wherein wee shall observe sundry occurrents right worthy our serious consideration . that terme ( as i said before ) usually called reputation , hath brought much generous bloud to effusion : especially amongst such , qui magis sunt soliciti vani nominis , quàm propriae salutis : prizing vain-glory above safetie , esteeme of valour above securitie of person . and amongst these , may i truly ranke our martiall duellists , who many times upon a taverne quarrell are brought to shed their dearest bloud , which might have beene employed better in defence of their countrey , or resistance of proud infidels . and what is it which moves them to these extremes ; but ( as they seeme to pretend ) their reputation is engaged , their opinion in the eye of the world called in question , if they should sit downe with such apparant disgrace ? but shall i answer them ? the opinion of their valour indeed is brought in question , but by whom ? not by men of equall temper , or maturer judgement , who measure their censures , not by the last of rash opinion , but just consideration . for these cannot imagine how reputation should be brought in question , by any indiscreet terme uttered over a pot , whereof perchance the speaker is ignorant , at least what it meant : but of these distempered roisters , whose only judgement consists in taking offence , and valour in making a flourish ; of these , i have seene one in the folly of my youth , but could not rightly observe till my riper age : whose braving condition ( having some young gooselin to worke on ) would have made you confident of his valour : instancing what dangerous exploits hee had attempted and atchieved , what single fields hee had pitched , and how bravely he came off : yet on my conscience , the battell of the pygmeies might have equall'd his , both for truth and resolution . yet i have noted such as these , to be the bellowes which blow the fire of all uncivill quarrells ; suggesting to young gentlemen ( whose want of experience makes them too credulous ) matter of revenge : by aggravating each circumstance to enrage ●heir hot bloud the more . some others there are of this band , which i have likewise observed : and they are taken for grave censors or moderators , if any difference occur amongst young gentlemen . and these have beene men in their time , ( at least accounted so ) but now their fortunes falling to an ebbe , having drawne out their time in expence above their meanes , they are enforced ( and well it were if misery forced them not to worse ) to erect a sconce , whereto the roarers make recourse , as to their rendevou : and hereto also resorts the raw and unseasoned youth , whose late-fallen patrimonie makes him purchase acquaintance at what rate soever : glorying much to be esteemed one of the fraternity . and he must now keep his quarter , maintaine his prodigall rout with what his parcimonious ●a●her long carked for ; prepare his rere-suppers , and all this , to get him a little knowledge in the art of roaring . and by this time , you may suppose him to have attained to some degree , so as he can looke bigge , erect his mouc●atoes , stampe and stare , and call the drawer rogue , drinke to his venus in a venice-glasse , and to moralize her sex , throwes it over his head and breakes it . but for all this , he hath not fully learned his postures : for upon discourse of valour , he hath discovered his cowardize ; and this gives occasion to one of his cumrades to triumph ore his weaknesse . who entring upon termes of reputation , and finding himselfe wrong'd , he would gladly wipe off all aspersions , and gaine him opinion in the eye of the world : but recalling to mind , the dangers incident to quarrells , he thinkes it best to repaire to that grand moderator ( whose long experience hath made his opinion authenticke ) to receive satisfaction , whether hee may put up the injury offered him , without touch of disgrace . now he must be feed for his opinion , ( as if he were some grave legall professour : ) which done , his reply must tend to the defini●tion of a wrong , and what the law of valour holds fo● satisfaction in actions of that nature . againe , ( for still he workes on this young-gallants weaknesse ) how the world esteemes his opponent to be a brave sparke ; one , whose spirit cannot be daunted , nor fury appeased with lesse than bloud : drawing him in the end by some rhetoricall perswasion ( as nothing more smooth than the oyly tongue of an insinuating foist ) to some base composition , whereof he and his complices are made equall sharers . now gentlemen , i could likewise produce certaine wofull occurrents , which have befallen some of your ranke and qualitie , and that within these few yeares , by consorting with such grand cutters : who pressing them to offence , could not endure such affronts , but with ●●solution ( which ever attends a generous spirit ) encountring them , have been utterly overthrowne , either in doing or suffering . but you will aske me , how should this be prevented ? can any gentleman suffer with patience his reputation to be brought in question ? can he endure to be challenged in a publike place , and by that meanes incurre the opinion of coward ? can he put up disgrace without observance , or observing it , not revenge it , when his very honour ( the vitall bloud of a gentleman ) is impeached ? heare me , whosoever he be that frameth these objections ! i am not ignorant how many unjust and immerited aspersions shal be throwne upon men of eminent'st desert , by such , whose tongues are ever steeped in calumnie : but who are these , save such as the glory of greece ( the everliving homer ) displayeth in the contemptuous person of thersites ; whose character was , more deformed in minde than bodie ? their infamous and serpentine tongues inured to detraction , deserve no other revenge , ( next legall punishment ) save avoiding their company , and bruting their basenesse in all societies , where their names are knowne , to caution others of them . i am spoken evill of ( saith seneca ) but the evill speake it : i should be moved , if m. cato , if wise lelius , or the two scipio's should speak this of me ; but it is praise for mee , to have the evill displeased with mee . it is true ; for as no imputation can truly be said to staine a pure or undefiled soule , whose inward sinceritie ( like a brazen wall ) beats backe all darts of envie or calumnie ; so it is not in the power of the evill to detract from the glory of the good : for what then should remaine secure from aspersion of the vicious ? but i imagine , you will reply ; it is not only the report or scandall of these men of uncurbed tongues , ( for so pindarus termes them ) but of such , whose eminent esteeme in the world , gives approbation to what they speake , which awakes my revenge . if they be as you terme them , men of eminent esteeme , and that esteeme by merit purchased , ( for all other estimation i exclude it : ) i need little doubt , but the distaste which you conceive against them , hath proceeded in some part from your selfe ; and that upon maturer consideration you should find your owne bosome guiltie to the cause of these aspersions . if otherwise it happen , ( as i grant it may ) that upon private surmises , or suggestions derived from some factious heads , these men of more eminent note and esteeme have brought your name in question , because ( as they were informed ) you formerly aspersed a blemish upon their honour : i would not have you to erre so farre from your owne judgment , as without further discussing the cause , to fall into desperat extremes : for were it not much better for you to sift the cause , how you both are abused , whereby that base suggestour might be duely censured , and your wrongs mutually redressed , than to vow revenge ere an injury be offered ? yes sir , beleeve it , much better and safer , and in the opinion of discreet men , wiser : howsoever our hare-brain'd gallant , whose property is to act before he resolve , esteeme it a derogation to ex●postulate on termes of disgrace , but to publish war ere the league be broken . we account him who can beare the most , to be the strongest ; yet esteeme we him who can beare injuries most , to be the weakest ; so ill disposed is mans temper , as for an opinion of reputation , hee will incurre apparant errour . now there is another revenge , which proceedeth from a nature farre more inglorious than the former . and that is , when for some little distaste conceived against our inferiour , ( even in worldly respects ) wee labour his undoing : yea many times , because hee stands too resolutely for right , wee threaten his ruine : but true shall we finde it : as the high doe use the low , god will use the highest so . and this might appeare in poore naboth , who because he would not give the inheritance of his fathers , his vine-yard , he must be stoned . but of this revenge i am not to insist ; for this is an evill more properly inherent to our rich oppressours , who grind the face of the poore , and raise them an house to their seldom thriving heires out of others ruine . only my wish shall be , that their dwelling may be with owles and ostridges in the wildernesse , and not in the flowry borders of this iland , lest shee be forced to vie sighes for their sinnes . i might now in this subject of revenge , inlarge my discourse by speaking of anger , from whence revenge may seeme to receive her originall being : which anger the poet termes a short fury : anger is madnesse , and as strong in force , but not in course so long . for what differs an angrie man from a mad-man , save onely in this ; his violence of passion continues not so long : for the time it is as vehement and as violent . excellent therefore was that precept of moderation given and observed by that renowned emperour theodosius , drawne ( as may appeare in the like example of augustus ) from a former patterne : of whom it is written , that he would never in his anger proceed to revenge , or so much as shew any argument of distaste , till hee had repeated over the foure and twentie greeke letters . but to conclude this last branch , my exhortation to all young gentlemen shall be , whose high spirits cannot endure affronts , that they would labour to expostulate with passion ; which if once protracted , will be sooner tempered , meditating also of these divine places of scripture : which receits are indeed most powerfull and effectuall to allay this passion . we that are by nature children of wrath , ought to give place unto wrath . for the wrath of man doth not accomplish the righteousnesse of god. yea , we ought to imitate god , which if we will doe , we must not continue in wrath , knowing , god will not contend , nor be wroth for ever . hee is slow to anger . yea , every man ought to be slow to wrath : for it is wisdome . if we will joyne in the true lovers knot , we must not be angry , for , true love is not provoked to anger . and if we will prevent the effect , we are to avoid the occasion ; therefore are we taught to have no familiaritie , neither strive with an angrie man. would wee appease anger ? we must doe it by meeknesse . lastly , may we be angrie ? yes , but how ? be angrie , but sinne not . let not the sunne goe downe upon your wrath . neither give place to the devill . thus have we runne over all those predominant humours , which beare most sway in distempered youth . let us now , according to our former purpose , proceed in applying certaine receits to cure these dangerous maladies . which briefly ( to avoid all curious divisions ) may be reduced to these two : active and contemplative . the one in exercising and performing the offices of our calling : the other in practising workes of pietie , exercises of devotion , meditation , contemplation . for the former , to wit , active , everie action hath two handles ( to use the philosophers words ; ) the one whereof consists in plotting or contriving ; the other in effecting . without the former , the latter is precipitate ; and without the latter , the former is frustrate : but both concurring , the action becomes absolute . but to speake generally of action , as it is the represser , so idlenesse is the producer of all vice . whence came that ancient edict amongst the romans , mentioned by cicero ; that no roman should goe thorow the streets of the citie , unlesse he carried with him the badge of that trade whereby he lived . in so much that marcus aurelius speaking of the diligence of the romans , writeth ; that all of them followed their labour . now gentlemen , i perswade my selfe , you will most of you object and say with the displaced steward in the gospell , we cannot digge : ( and i could wish that many of our eminent ones , would adde unto it , and to begge we are ashamed . ) it is true indeed ; i know your breeding hath beene otherwise ; but admit you cannot dig , doe yee inferre hence that yee are exempted from all labour ? in no case are you so to argue . there are other taskes , other employments besides manuall and mechanicke labours , which require your furtherance . and these are forraine or domesticall : forraine , as to benefit your countrey by rare discoveries , reconveying the rich freight of knowledge ( by conference with forraine nations ) to your native soile : or by personall adventure , to stand resolutely in defence of the faith , against those profest enemies of christendom , the turks ; whose furie and hostile crueltie , the easterne parts ( to our great griefe be it spoken ) have alreadie wofully sustained . domesticall ; as in studying the practice of lawes , or other humane studies , in labouring to determine differences betwixt partie and partie , in chastising and due censuring , ( as farre as their callings give leave ) of such factious or litigious sectists , as either in church or common-weale disturbe the quiet of the realme , and distract the state with frivolous or fruitlesse ambiguities . here are labours fit to entertaine gentlemen , and nought derogating from men of eminentest descent or qualitie . for in actions of this nature haue the best and most renowned states and princes in christendome beene trained and exercised : glorying no lesse in the happie and successive management thereof , than in subduing the potent'st and flourishing'st kingdomes . secondly , for the contemplative , which participates more of the minde : i could wish all gentlemen ( as they claime a prerogative in height of bloud ) so to erect their contemplations above the sphere of these lower and inferiour mortalls , whose cogitations pressed downe with the rubbish and refuse of earthly preferments , cannot distinguish light from darknesse : that they may imagine ( as in truth they ought ) that whatsoever is sought besides god , may possesse the minde , but cannot satisfie it . now , of all exercises of devotion , i must principally commend prayer ; being ( as one excellently noteth ) to be numbred amongst the chiefest and choisest workes of charitie . for by prayer are digged forth those treasures , which faith beholdeth in the gospell : being gods sacrifice , mans solace , and the devills scourge . for the time and place of prayer , i will not insist much of it ; howsoever , divers more curiously than profitably , precisely than wisely , have quarrelled about the place : excluding withall , some places as unfit for prayer . but in a word , for the place of prayer or devotion , this shall be my conclusion ; as there is no place exempted from tempting , so there is no place excepted from praying : and for the time , as we are continually assaulted , so are wee exhorted to pray continually , that we may be the better provided to resist those temptations which are usually suggested . amongst those many devout and divine prayers commended to youth , none more needfull or effectuall than that of the psalmist : remember not the sinnes of my youth . nor any memoriall more powerfull , than that of the preacher : remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth . for by the latter are we put in mind of him , whose grace is to preserve us from sinne ; and by the former to call on him , whose mercie it is to forgive sinne . now gentlemen , have i composed and perfected what i purposed touching my first observance , entituled youth . wherein i have inlarged my selfe so much the more for two principall respects : the one , lest by being unprovided you should flie away naked ( as the young-man in the gospel ) wanting sufficient instruction to informe your weaker understandings : which moved me to amplifie each particular subject with varietie of morall reading ; because i knew how such discourse would relish more pleasantly to a young-mans palate , than graver or more serious matter . the other , lest wanting a convenient foundation to worke on , the maine building might shrinke . now , this i purposely framed for the basis or ground-work , the rest as stories , which are made to beautifie the foundation : for in these observances ensuing i intend brevitie , yet with such perspicuitie , as the gentleman to whom i write , may the better understand himselfe , and direct his courses to that bent of honour , whereto all generous actions are directed . the english gentleman . argument . of the diversitie of dispositions ; the disposition is not to be forced ; what disposition is most generous . disposition . how different the dispositions of men be , our usuall converse and commerce with men may sufficiently instruct us . yea even in youth , where the first seeds of inclination are sowne , we shall observe such diversitie , as the grasse-piles of the earth may scarce vie with them for varietie , the starres or sands for multiplicitie . where you shall note some youths of such wel-affected or tempered dispositions , as they shew undoubted arguments of future good : and these are such , whose natures are rather to be cherished than chastised , cockered than curbed : for the least distaste which their guardian or tutour can shew , workes such impression in them , as they could willingly choose rather to suffer his correction than his distaste . others there be , whose perverse and refractory natures are not to bee dealt withall upon equall termes : and these are the very antipodes to those well-tempered dispositions which wee spake of before : for they ever walke in a contrary path , directly opposite to such , whose native affability gains them love by an inbred courtesie . these ( diogenes-like ) are ever entring the temple , when others goe forth ; or repairing to the market , when others come from it . and these must taste of sharper censure ; for lenitie will not prevaile , therefore rigour must . the like may be observed even in their dispositions to learning : where wee shall finde some apt enough to get , and as apt to forget : others more solide ; though for the present slow , yet more retentive . and these , as with hardnesse they get it , so hardly will they lose it ; for their difficultie in gaining , is supplied by a facilitie in retaining . likewise , as the principall workes or faculties of our understanding be three ; first to discourse , secondly to distinguish , thirdly to choose : we shall also observe an admirable difference in these , in respect of their distinct qualities . where we shall finde one as apt to discourse , as unable to distinguish or choose ; and such an one hath all his judgement in his tongue . another of greater depth and maturer judgment than the former , more able to distinguish or choose , than apt to discourse : for though he want facilitie of utterance ( which want is generally supplyed by more excellent gifts ) yet so quick and subtill is the piercing eye of his judgement , as he is no lesse prompt in conceiving , than slow in uttering . now to treat of the dispositions of mens mindes ; it is strange to see what difference appeares in them , ( even by naturall and infusive motion . rome brought forth the pisoes for frugalitie , the metelli for pietie , the appii for austeritie , the manlii for affabilitie , the lelii for wisdome , and the publicolae for courtesie . which conditions appeared so lineally in their successours , as they seemed representers of their ancestours natures , as well as features . yet what reason can be given touching these distinct affections , save those prime seeds sowne in them by nature , which produce not onely these dispositions in themselves , but dilate or propagate their effects in others , to wit , those in whom they have stamped a likenesse both of image and condition . now to collect or gather , how men are affected , there is no course more direct , or in it selfe lesse erring , than to observe what delights they affect , or what company they frequent . augustus being at a combat , discerned the inclinations of his two daughters , iulia and livia , by the company which frequented them ▪ for grave senators talked with livia , but riotous persons with iulia. truth is , we shall ever se● persons of like condition love to consort together , for their qualitie or equalitie rather of disposition moves a desire of familiaritie one with another . likewise for delights , wee shall ever observe such , whose lighter dispositions affect libertie , to be frequenters of publike meetings , agents in may-games , profest lovers of all sensuall pleasures . that roman curtezan semphronia , was noted for her singing , sporting and dancing , wherein shee laboured to shew more art than became a modest woman , with other motives of licentiousnesse . but in my opinion , there is no one meanes to sift out the disposition of man better , than by noting how he beares himselfe in passion , which is of that violence , as many times it discovers him , though his purpose was to walke never so covertly from the eye of popular observance . should we have recourse to the lives of sundry tyrants , whose outward appearance or semblance promised much goodnesse : we might finde sufficient matter to confirme this argument . some whereof ( as tiberius ) so commonly carried and covered their plots , as none could dive into their thoughts , pretending ever most smoothnesse , when they intended a tempest . yet if at any time ( as it befell many times ) their spirits became netled or incensed ; so farre did passion transport them , as they apparantly expressed their natures , without further character . other discoveries may be made , and those are the manifestest of all , how men are affected or disposed when they are least themselves : and this is ( with griefe i speake it , for too highly doth albion labour of it ) when man , losing indeed that name , at least his nature , becomes estranged from the use of reason , by drowning his understanding with drunkennesse . in high germanie , the parents of such children as should be married , will see those which should be their sonnes in law to be drunke before them , to see what disposition they are of , before they marrie their children unto them . for they imagine , if they be subject to any especiall vice , they will then discover it , having no locke to keepe it secret . yet in this there are different humours which reigne and rage according to the disposition of the person subject unto it : as we shall see one lumpish without all conceit ; another jocund and merry , apt for any conceit : one weeping , as if some disastrous fortune had befallen him : another laughing , 〈◊〉 if some merry scene were presented him . we reade of two distinct conditions in philip and alexander , when they were in drinke ; for the one shewed his rage and furie towards his foes , the other to his friends : the one whereof participates of more true generous spirit than the other . for as nothing can be imagined more ignoble , than to triumph over our friend , so nothing relisheth of more resolution , than to shew our spirit ( so it be upon equall termes , and without braving ) upon our enemie . but would you indeed see the disposition of man truly discovered , and the veile which kept him from sight , cleare taken away ? then come to him when he is advanced to place of honour or esteeme ; ( for promotions declare what men be : ) and there you shall finde him pourtrayed to life . galba was esteemed in the opinion of all , fit to governe till he did governe . many have an excellent gift of concealing and shadowing ( which giveth grace to any picture ) so long as they are obscure and private : but bring them to a place of more eminent note , and give a lustre to their obscuritie , you shall view them as perfectly , as if their bodies were transparant , or windowes were in their bosomes . here you shall see one unmeasurably haughtie , scorning to converse with these groundlins ( for so it pleases him to tearme his inferiours ) and bearing such a state , as if he were altered no lesse in person than place . another , not so proud as he is covetous : for no passion ( as a learned schooleman affirmeth ) is better knowne unto us than the coveting or desiring passion , which he calls concupiscible : and such an one makes all his inferiours his sponges ; and ostridge-like can digest all metalls . another sort there are , whose well-tempered natures have brought them to that perfection , as the state which they presently enioy makes them no more proud than the losse of that they possesse would cast them downe . these ( camillus-like ) are neither with the opinion of honour too highly erected , nor with the conceit of affliction too much deiected . as their conceits are not heightned by possessing it , so they lose nothing of their owne proper height by forgoing it . these are so evenly poized , so nobly tempered , as their opinion is not grounded on title , nor their glory on popular esteeme : they are knowne to themselves , and that knowledge hath instructed them so well in the vanitie of earth , as their thoughts have taken flight , vowing not to rest till they approach heaven . pompey being combred with his honour , exclaimed to see sylla's crueltie , being ignorant after what sort to behave himselfe in the dignitie he had ; and cried out , o perill and danger never like to have end ! such is the nature of noble spirits , as they admire not so much the dignitie of the place to which they are advanced , as they consider the burden which is on them imposed ; labouring rather how to behave themselve in their place , than arrogate glory to themselves , by reason of their place . neither are these sundrie dispositions naturally ingraffed in men , meerely produced from themselves , as the affections or dispositions of our mindes doe follow the temperature of our bodies ; where the melancholy produceth such , the cholericke , phlegmaticke , and sanguine such and such , according to humours predominant in that body , whence these affections are derived : but i say , these participate also of the clime wherein we are . for otherwise , how should our observations appeare good , which we usually collect in the survey of other countries ; noting certaine vices to be most entertained in some especiall provinces ? as pride among the babylonians , envie among the iewes , anger among the thebans , covetousnesse among the tyrians , gluttonie among the sidonians , pyracie among the cilicians , and sorcerie among the aegyptians , to whom caesar gave great attention , as alexander was delighted in ●he brachmans . so as i say , our dispositions how different or consonant soever , doe not only partake of us , but even of the aire or temperature of soile which bred us . thus we see what diversitie of dispositions there is , and how diversly they are affected : let us now take a view of the disposition it selfe , whether it may be forced or no , from what it naturally affecteth . the philosopher saith , that the disposition may be removed , but hardly the habit. but i say those first seeds of disposition , as they are primitives , can hardly be made privatives : being so inherent in the subject , as they may be moved , but not removed . not removed ( objectest thou ! ) why ; disposition can be of no stronger reluctance than nature ; and wee see how much shee may be altered , yea cleare removed from what she formerly appeared . for doe we not ( in the view of humane frailtie ) observe how many excellent wits drained from the very quintessence of nature , as apt in apprehending as expressing a conceit , strangely darkned or dulled , as if they had beene steeped in some lethaean slumber ? nay doe we not ( in this round circumference of man ) note divers honest and sincere dispositions , whose gaine seemed to be godlinesse , and whose glory the profession of a good conscience , wonderfully altered , becomming so corrupted by the vaine pompe or trifling trash of the world , as they preferre the puddle before the pearle , forsaking christ for the world ? doe we not see how uprightly some men have borne themselves all their time without staine or blemish : being all their youth vertuously affected , all their middle-age charitably disposed , yet in their old-age miserably depraved ? againe , doe we not behold , how many women whose virgin-modestie and nuptiall-continencie promised much glory to their age ; even then , when the flower of beautie seemed bloomelesse , so as their very age might make them blamelesse , when their skin was seere , and their flesh saplesse , their breath earthie , and their mouth toothlesse ; then , even then fell these unweldie beldames to embrace folly , promising longer continuance to pleasure , than they could by all likelihood unto nature ? now tell me how happened this ? were not these at the first vertuously affected ; if disposition then could not be forced , how came they altered ? all these rivers of objections i can drie up with one beame , darting from the reflex of nature . thou producest divers instances to confirme this assertion , that dispositions are to be forced from what they were naturally affected unto . whereto i answer , that dispositions in some are resembled ( and not improperly ) unto a beame cloathed or shadowed with a cloud ; which ( as we see ) sheweth his light sometimes sooner , sometimes later : or ( as by a more proper allusion may seeme illustrated ) may be resembled to the first * flourish in trees , which according to the nature or qualitie of the internall pith , from whence life is diffused to the branches , send forth their bloomes and blossomes sooner or later . true it is you object , that to the outward appearance , such men shewed arguments of good dispositions , for they were esteemed men of approved sanctitie , making conscience of what they did , and walking blamelesse and unreproveable before all men : but what collect you hence ? that their dispositions were sincerely good or pure , if societie had not depraved them ! no , this induction will not hold : it is the evening crownes the day . what could be imagined better , or more royally promising , than nero's quinquennium ? what excellent tokens of future goodnesse ? what apparant testimonies of a vertuous government ? what infallible grounds of princely policie , mixed with notable precepts of pietie ? yet who knowes not , how all the vices of his ancestours put together , seemed by a lineall descent to be transferred on him : being the patterne and patron of all crueltie , the author and actor of all villany , the plotter and practiser of all impietie : so as , if all the titles of crueltie were lost , they might be found in this tyrant . how then doe you say , that his disposition was naturally good , but became afterwards depraved and corrupted ? no , rather joyne with me and say , that howsoever his disposition seemed good during those five yeares , wherein he dissembled with vertue , and concealed those many vices which he professed and possessed afterwards : yet indeed he was the same , though not in shew , yet in heart . only now the cloud being dispersed , his tyrannous and inhumane nature became more discovered , acting that in publike , which he had long before plotted in private . for howsoever our dispositions may seeme forced , from what they naturally or originally were ; it is but a deception , they remain still the same , though advice and assistance may sometimes prevaile so much with them , as for the time they seeme to surcease and discontinue from their former bent ; but returning afresh , they will antaeus-like , redouble their strength and become more furious . for resolve me , and shew what may be the effectuallest or powerfullest meanes to remove disposition , or alter man most from what he may seeme naturally inclined unto . can honour ? no ; for that man , whose inclination is subject to change for any exteriour title , is not to be ranked amongst these generous spirits , with whom i am onely here to converse . for these admire titles , and assume a kinde of affected majestie , to make their persons more observed . but tell mee , what are these whom honour hath thus transported , expressing state with winkes and nods , as if the whole posture of state●●●sisted ●●●sisted in gesture , but meere popin-jayes , who glory more in the painting or varnish of honour , than the true substance of it ? and to speake truth ( as i had never fortune to doat much on an immerited title , nor gloze with counterfeit greatnesse ) their dispositions howsoever they seeme to the vulgar eye changed , they are nothing so : for their inclinations were ever arrogantly affected , so as they no sooner became great , than they deblazoned their owne thoughts . can riches ? neither ; for such , whose imaginations are erected above earth , scorne to entertaine discourse with ought that may make them worse : all in the world being either fumus or funus , a vanitie or vexation , as the preacher saith . these conclude , that no object lesse than heaven can satisfie their eye ; no treasure lesse than eternitie can answer their desire ; no pleasure save what hath concurrence with felicity , can gaine them true delight . now for these earthly moles , who are ever digging , till their graves be digged ; their dispositions are of baser temper : for they can taste nothing but earthly things . they measure not estate by competence , desiring only so much as may suffice nature , but by abundance ; which fares with them as liquor with an hydropticke man , who , the more he drinkes , the more he thirsts : so the more they have , the more they crave ; making their desires as endlesse , as their aimes effectlesse ; their hopes as boundlesse , as their helpes fruitlesse . when their mouths shall be filled with gravell , and corruption shall enter those houses of clay , for which so much provision was stored , and so small a share in the end contented . can acquaintance ? no ; for if company better me ( by an internall grace working secretly , yet effectually in mee ) my disposition consented , before such good fruit was produced : if it make me worse , my disposition , by consenting to suggestion , induced me that i should be therto moved . yea generally , whosoever is wel-disposed , wil keepe no man company , but either in hope to 〈◊〉 him , or to be bettered by him : as he , whose inclination is vicious and corrupt , leaveth the company hee frequents ever worse than when he found them . for as a * troubled fountain yeelds impure water , so an infected soule vicious actions . can travell ? no ; for , give me a man that hath seene iudasses lanterne at s. denisses ; the ephesian diana in the louvre ; the great vessell at heydelberge ; the amphitheatre at vl●smos ; the stables of the great mogol ; or the solemnities of mecha : yea all the memorable monuments which the world can afford ; or places of delight to content his view ; or learned academics , to instruct and enrich his knowledge ; yet are not all these of power to alter the state or qualitie of his disposition : whence the sententious flaccus ; to passe the sea some are inclinde , to change their aire , but not their minde . no ; shouldst thou change aire , and soile , and all , it were not in thy power to change thy selfe : yet as soone thy selfe as thy disposition , which ever accompanies and attends thee , moving in thee a like or dislike , just as shee is affected . having thus proved , that the disposition is not to be forced ; wee are now to descend to discourse of the noblest and most generous disposition : which wee intend to make knowne by certaine infallible markes , which seldome erre in their attendance , being vowed servants to such as are vertuously affected . the first is mildnesse ; the second munisicence ; the third fortitude or stoutnesse . mildnesse is a qualitie so inherent , or more properly individuate to a gentleman , as his affabilitie will expresse him , were there no other meanes to know him . hee is so farre from contemning the mea●●● , as his countenance is not so cheerefull , as his heart compassionate : though the one be no lesse gracious in promising , than the other generous in his performing . he poizeth the wrongs of the weakest , as if they were his owne ; and vowes their redresse as his owne . he is none of these furly sirs , whose aime is to be capp'd and congied ; for such gentilitie tastes too much of the mushrom . you shall never see one new stept into honour , but he expects more observance than an ancient : for though he be but new come from mint , he knowes how to looke bigge , and shew a storme in his brow. this meeknesse admits of humilitie to keepe her company ; in whose sweet familiaritie she so much glories , as she cannot enioy her selfe without her . and in very deed , there is no ornament which may adde more beauty or true lustre to a gentleman , than to be humbly minded ; being as low in conceit , as he is high in place . with which vertue ( like two kinde turtles in one yoake ) is compassion ( as i noted before ) linked and coupled : which compassion hath many times appeared in the renowmedst and most glorious princes . when pompeyes head was offered to caesar , as a most gratefull and acceptable present , it is reported that hee washed the head with teares of princely compassion , and inflicted due punishment vpon his murderers . the like is written of titus , that love and darling of mankinde , in his taking and destroying of ierusalem , using these words ; i take god to witnesse , i am not the cause of the destruction of this people , but their sinnes : mixing his words with teares , and tempering his victorious successe with royall moderation . the like is related of marcus marcellus , who having won the most flourishing city of syracusa , stood upon the walls , shedding plenty of teares before he shed any bloud . and this compassion attracts ever unto it a kinde of princely maiestie , gaining more love than any other affection . for as proud spirits , whose boundlesse ambition k●eps them ever afloat , till they sinke downe for altogether , use to triumph in others miseries , till miserie in the end finde them out : so these , in a discreet moderation or noble temper , will never assume more glory to themselves for any exploit , how successively or prosperously soever managed . such is the native modestie , wherewith they are endued , as their victories are never so numerous or glorious , as to transport them above themselves . which modestie surely becommeth men of all degrees , but especially men of eminent and noble ranke , to the end they may understand and acknowledge in every action , that there is a god , from whom all things proceed and are derived . now as there is no glory equall to the command or soveraigntie over our owne passions ; the conquest whereof makes man an absolute commander : so there is no ornament which conferres more true or native grace to one ennobled by place or birth , than to put on the spirit of meekenesse , being expresly commanded , and so highly commended of god , as the goodnesse thereof is confirmed by a promise ; the meeke shall inherit the earth . so humilitie is said to purchase gods favour ; for by that one vertue wee become to have a resemblance of him , whose glory it was to disesteeme all glory to fashion us like unto himselfe . now how precious may that exquisite treasure appeare unto us , which conferres so much light on us , as by it wee are brought to know our selves : being strangers , as it were , and aliens unto our selves , till humilitie tooke off the veile , and shewed man his anatomie . so rare was this divine vertue , and so few her professors in former time , especially amongst such whose titles had advanced them above inferiour ranke , as the place which they held made them forget the mould whereof they were made . an excellent historicall demonstration wee have hereof , as wee receive it from venerable bede , who reports 〈◊〉 thus : aidan a religious bishop , weeping for king osuinus , and demanded by the kings chaplaine why he wept ; i know ( said he ) that the king shall not liue long : for never before this time have i seene an humble king. which hapned accordingly , for he was cruelly murdered by oswin . but ( thanks to him who became humble for us ) wee have in these declining dayes , among so many proud symeons , many humble iosephs , whose chiefest honour they make it to abase themselves on earth , to adde to their complement of glory in heaven ; so much sleighting the popular applause of men , as their only aime is to have a sincere and blamelesse conscience in them , to witnesse in that judiciall day for them . these have not ( like those furies of revenge ) hearts full of wrath , but with all meeknesse and long-suffering will rather endure an injurie , than inflict too violent revenge , though they have readie power to effect or performe it . it is reported of thomas linacres , a learned english-man , much commended for his sanctitie of life , that when hee heard it read in the fifth chapter of s. matthew , diligite inimicos ; blesse them that curse you , &c. he brake forth into these words : o amici , aut haec vera non sunt , aut nos christiani non 〈◊〉 o my friends , either these things are not true , or we are no christians ! true it is indeed , that so strangely are some men affected , as they tender revenge equally deare as their owne life : their plots are how to circumvent , their traines how to surprize , their whole consultations how to inflict due revenge , where they have alreadie conceived distaste . and these are those bulls of basan , who rome and roare , and when the prey falleth , they stare on it , and teare it with their teeth . on these men may that of the poet be truly verified ; they feare no lawes , their wrath gives way to might , and what they plot they act , be 't wrong or right . but how farre the disposition of these men may seeme removed from the meeke and humble affected , whose only glory is to redresse wrong , and render right judgement unto all , there is none but may at the first sight apparantly discerne . for these humble and mildly-affected spirits , stand so firme and irremoveable , as no adversitie can depresse them , no prosperitie raise them above themselves . for adversities , they account them with that excellent morall , nothing else than exercises to trie them , not to tire them . and for prosperities , they ●eceive them as they come ; not for much admiring them , as making a profitable use of them ; and with a thankfull remembrance of divine bountie , blessing god for them . these are those impregnable rockes ( as one aptly compared them ) subject to no piercing ; those greene bayes in midst of hoarie winter , never fading ; those fresh springs in the sandie desart , never drying . whos 's many eminent vertues , as they deserve your imitation , ( gentlemen ) so especially their meeknesse , being the first marke i tooke to distinguish true gentilitie . the second was munificence ; that is , to be of a bountifull disposition , open-handed , yet with some necessary cautions , as to know what we give ; and the worth of that person to whom we give . for without these considerations , bountie may incline to profusenesse , and liberalitie to indiscretion . this moved that mirror of roman princes , the emperour titus , to keep a booke of the names of such , whose deserts had purchased them esteeme , but had not as yet tasted of his bountie . so as , it is observed of him , that no day came over his head , wherein he exprest not his princely munificence to such , whose names he had recorded : which , if at any time through more urgent occasions he neglected , he would use these words to such as were about him : o my friends , i have lost this day ! no lesse was the bountie which cyrus expressed , first in words , but afterward in deeds , to such souldiers as tooke his part against his grand-father astiages ; that such as were foot-men , he would make them horse-men , and such as were horse-men , hee would make them ride in their chariots . it is said of the house of the agrigentine gillia , that it seemed as if it had beene a certaine store-house or repository of all bountie . such indeed was the hospitalitie ( esteemed in this iland formerly , one of the apparantest signalls of gentrie ) which was showne to all such as made recourse to that mansion . and because i have accidentally fallen into this discourse , let me speake a word or two touching this neglect of hospitalitie , which may be observed in most places throughout this kingdome . what the reason may seeme to be i know not , unlesse riot and prodigalitie , the very gulfes which swallow up much gentrie : why so many sumptuous and goodly buildings , whose faire frontispice promise much comfort to the wearied traveller , should want their masters . but surely i thinke , as diogenes jested upon the mindians , for making their gates larger than their citie ; bidding them take heed , lest the citie run out at the gates : so their store-house being made so strait , and their gates so broad , i much feare me , that provision ( the life of hospitalitie ) hath run out at their gates , leaving vast penurious houses apt enough to receive , but unprovided to releeve . but indeed , the reason why this defect of noble hospitalitie hath so generally possessed this realme , is their love to the court. their ancient predecessours , whose chiefest glory it was to releeve the hungrie , refresh the thirstie , and give quiet repose to the weary , are but accounted by these sweet-sented humorists , for men of rusticke condition , meere home-spun fellowes , whose rurall life might seeme to derogate from the true worth of a gentleman , whose onely humour is to be phantastically humorous . o the misery of errour ! ●ow farre hath vanity carried you astray ( ye generous spirits ) that you should esteeme noble bountie , which consists not so much in bravery as hospitality , boorish rusticitie ? how much are you deluded by apish formalitie , as if the only qualitie of a gentleman were novell complement ? or as if there were no good in man besides some outlandish congie or salute ? alas gentlemen , is this all that can be expected at your hands ? must your countrey which bred you , your friends who love you , the poore , whose prayers or curses will attend you , be all deprived of their hopes in you ? no ; rather returne to your houses , where you may best expresse your bountie , by entertaining into your bosome , that which perchance hath beene long time estranged from you , charitie . for beleeve it ( as assuredly yee shall finde it ) that your sumptuous banquetting , your midnight revelling , your unseasonable rioting ▪ your phantasticke attiring , your formall courting shall witnesse against you in the day of revenge . for behold the lord commandeth , and he will smite the great house with breaches , and the little house with clefts . returne therefore before the evill day 〈◊〉 distribute to the necessitie of the saints , become good dispensers of what you have received , that yee may gaine your selves grace in the high court of heaven . but as for yee that put farre away the evill day , and approach to the seat of iniquitie ; ye that sing to the sound if the violl , and invent your selves instruments of musicke , yee shall goe captive with the first that goe captive . o misery ! that man with so beauteous an image adorned , with such exquisite ornaments of art and nature accomplished , to so high a ranke above others advanced , should delude himselfe so with the shade of vanitie , as to become forgetfull of his chiefest glory ▪ but experience ( i doubt not ) will unseale those eyes which lightnesse and folly have blinded ; till which happie discovery of youthfull errour , i leave them , and returne to my former discourse . you may perceive now , how requisite bountie is for a gentleman , being an especiall marke ( as i observed before ) whereby we may discerne him . amongst sundrie other blessings conferred by god on salomon , this was not one of the least , in that he gave him a large heart : not onely abundance of substance and treasure to possesse , but a large heart to dispose . indeed this is a rare vertue : worldlings there are , who possesse much , but they enjoy little , becomming subject to that which they should command . the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and rich not using , is by these two expressed ; the one carendo , the other non fruendo . of which two , the greater misery is the latter ; for he slaves himselfe to the unworthiest servitude , being a servant to obey , where he should be a master to command . to conclude this point in a word ; if wee ought to shew such contempt to all earthly substance as hardly to entertaine it , much lesse affect it ; let us make it a benefit , let us shew humanitie in it , by making choice of the poore , on whom we may bestow it . this which we waste in rioting , might save many from famishing : let us bestow therefore lesse of our own backs , that we may cloath them ; lesse of our owne bellies , that we may feed them ; lesse of our owne palats , that we may refresh them . for that 's the best and noblest bountie , when our liberalitie is on such bestowed , by whom there is no hope that it should be required . the third and last marke whereby a true generous disposition is distinguished , is fortitude or stoutnesse : being indeed the argument of a prepared or composed minde , which is not to be dismayed or disturbed by any sharpe or adverse thing , how crosse or contrary soever it come . excellently is this fortitude defined by the stoicks , terming it a vertue which standeth ever in defence of equitie : not doing , but repelling an injurie . those heires of true honour , who are possest of this vertue , dare oppose themselves to all occurrents in defence of reputation ; preferring death before servitude and dishonour . if at any time ( as many times such immerited censures occurre ) they die for vertues cause , they meet death with a cheerefull countenance ; they put not on a childish feare , like that baendite in genoa , who , condemned to die , and carried to the place of execution , trembled so exceedingly , that he had two men to support him all the way , and yet he shivered extremely . or ( as maldonatus relates ) how he heard of those which saw a strong man at paris condemned to death , to sweat bloud for very feare : proving out of aristotle , that this effect may bee naturall . but these , whose generous spirits scorne such basenesse , never saw that enterprise which they durst not attempt , nor that death which could amate them ; where honour grounded on vertue , without which there is no true honour , moved them either to attempt or suffer . but now to wipe off certaine aspersions laid on valour or fortitude : wee are not to admit of all daring spirits to be men of this ranke : for such , whose ambition excites them to attempt unlawfull things ; as to depose those whom they ought to serve , or lay violent hand on those whom loyall fidelitie bids them obey ; opposing themselves to all dangers to obtaine their purpose , are not to be termed valiant or resolute , but seditious and dissolute . for unlesse the enterprise be honest which they take in hand , be their spirits never so resolute , or their minds prepared , it is rashnesse , but no valour , having their actions ever suted by dishonour . sometimes likewise the enterprize may be good and honest ; the cause for which they encounter with danger , vertuous ; the agents in their enterprize couragious ; yet the issue taste more of despaire than valour . example hereof wee have in the machabees , in the death of razis one of the elders of ierusalem , a lover of the city , and a man of very good report ; which for his love was called a father of the iewes . one , who did offer to spend his body and life with all constancie for the religion of the iewes ; yet being ready to be taken on every side , through the fury of nicanor ; who so eagerly assaulted and hotly pursued him , he fell on his sword : yea , when his bloud was utterly gone , he tooke out his owne bowels with both his hands , and threw them upon the people , calling upon the lord of life and spirit , that he would restore them againe unto him ; and thus he died . whence augustine , that devout father , and most excellent light of the church , concludeth , that this was done magnè , non benè , more resolutely than rightly : for hee was not to lay violent hand upon himselfe , though there were no hope of safetie , but imminent danger in respect of the furious and bloudy enemie . now this fortitude , whereof we here discourse , as it is grounded upon a just foundation , so it never ends in basenesse or rashnesse : in basenesse , as in not daring ; in rashnesse , as in too inconsiderately attempting . it is so farre from any act of despaire , as it hopes so long as it breathes ; for to despaire , is to entertaine the extremest act of feare , which is farre from her condition . now to discourse of the aime or end whereto all her actions are directed : it is not any peculiar interest which moves true resolution so much as publike good . for such , whose aimes are glorious , are ever conversant in redressing wrongs , ministring comfort both by advice and assistance to such , whose weaknesse hath felt the power of greatnesse . for as in every good man there is naturally implanted a desire of goodnesse ; so in every valiant man there is a native desire to gaine honour by redressing injuries : yea , admit no honour were to accrue unto him by endevouring to right or releeve such as are distressed , yet for vertues sake ( which is a sufficient reward to her selfe ) he undertakes the taske . for charitie , being a good and a gracious effect of the soule , whereby mans heart hath no fancie to esteeme , value or prize any thing in this wide world beside or before the care and studie of god ; so inflameth a well-disposed man , as his desire is only to doe good , whereby he might in so doing glorifie god , the beginner and accomplisher of all good . now there are many motives to excite men to valour , as may be collected from histories properly and profitably tending to this purpose . but the usuallest motive is anger , being indeed the whetstone of fortitude : or the princes presence ; as wee reade of the macedonians , who being once overcome in battell by their enemies , thought the only remedie to animate their souldiers , was to carry philip being then a childe in a cradle to the field ; thereby stirring up the zeale of loyall and faithfull subjects to defend their innocent prince : and this whetstone so sharpned their swords , that indeed they won the battell . or the renowme of ancestors ; as the people of tangia in america alwayes in their warres carried the bones and reliques of their memorable predecessors , to encourage their souldiers with the memory of them , to avoid and eschew all timiditie . so tacitus reports how the germans inflame their spirits to resolution and valour , by singing the memorable acts of hercules . or the sound of warlike alarmes ; as the nairians in india stirre up their people to battell , by hanging at the pu●mels of their swords certaine plates to make a noise , to animate and incense them to warre . so ale●ander the great hearing antigenida that excellent ●rumpetter sound his trumpet to battell , was stirred up in such sort to fight , that his very friends were not secure from blowes which stood about him . or the passionate effects of musicke ; as s. basil recounteth one timothie to be so excellent in musicke , that if he used a sharpe and severe harmony , he stirred up men to anger , and presently by changing his note to a more remisse and effeminate straine , he moved them to peace : both which effects he once produced in alexander the great at a banquet . or opinion of the enemies crueltie ; as in the yeere appeared in agria a city in hungaria , engirt with long siege by mahomet bassa with an army of turkes amounting to threescore thousand , and battered with sixtie cannons ; in the citie were only two thousand hungarians , who with incredible valour repelled thirteene most terrible assaults : resolved to endure famine , or any extremitie soever , rather than yeeld to their truculent and insatiable desires . wherefore they never came to parley of truce , but to answer their enemies fury with cannons and calivers . at last , when the bassa had offered them many favours , they hung over the wall a coffin , covered with blacke , betwixt two speares , signifying thereby , that in that citie they would be buried . so the turkes despaired of successe , and the hungarians , to their eternall glory and renowne , prevailed : preserving themselves and their citie , whose libertie they defended from the turkes 〈◊〉 . and hence i might take occasion to advance with due deserved praise the glorious memory of such , whose resolution hath had no other ayme , than defence of the truth against those profest foes of christendome ; who have alreadie taken possession of the holy land making the keepers of that sacred sepulchre ( the most blessed monument that ere was erected on earth ) to pay them tribute , whose high-swelling pride is growne to that height , as their empire seemes to labour with her owne greatnesse . o what tender christian eye can behold these wofull distractions in christendome , and abstaine from teares ? to see christian armed against christian , while the common foe of christians laughs at these divisions , taking advantage of the time to enlarge his dominions . o who can endure to see pagans and infidels plant , where the blessed feet of our saviour once trod ? to heare mahomet called upon , where christ once taught ? to have them usurpe and prophane those temples , where he once preached ? to reare them altars for their false prophets , where those true prophets of god once prophesied ? to see mahomets oratorie erected , where the iewish temple was once seated ? to behold his palace in the cathedrall church of san sophia , now become his seraglia ; where stood once the high-altar or communion-table , and patriarchall throne , now made , and so used as a turkish moschie , with uncleane hands polluted , by unbeleeving hearts possessed ? alas for sorrow ! that soveraigntie should so much blind , or desire of command beare so much sway , that christs * enemie should get advantage by our discord . o thrice happie ( and may it be soone so happie ) were the state of christendom , if all civill and unnaturall broiles ( for unnaturall it is for christian to shed christians bloud ) were appeased and ended ! that they with one consent might assaile this common enemie , marching even to constantinople ( once the glorious seat of a victorious emperour ) crying with one voice , downe with it , downe with it even to the ground . and easily might this be atchieved , if christendom would joyne minde with might , that this vncircumcised philistine might bee discomfited , till which time christendom can never be secured . but to conclude this discourse , ( for i feare i have enlarged my selfe too much in my digression ; ) as fortitude is that 〈◊〉 marke which giveth a gentleman his true character , shewing resolution as well in suffering , as acting : my exhortation to our english gentrie shall be , that they so demeane themselves , that their countrey may be honoured by them , true worth expressed in them , and their predecessours vertues seconded , if not surpassed by them . the english gentleman . argument . what education is ; the effects of it . how a gentleman may be best enabled by it . edvcation . education is the seasoner or instructresse of youth , in principles of knowledge , discourse , and action . of all inferiour knowledges , none more behoovefull than the knowledge of mans-selfe ; of all superiour , none more usefull nor divinely fruitfull than the knowledge of god , who for man gave himselfe . by view had of the one , man shall have a sight of his misery ; by view had to the other , man shall finde cause to admire gods mercie . hence that hony-tongued father desired that his knowledge might extend it selfe only to these two : to know god ; to know himselfe . now as the beautie and splendor of the sun is best discerned by his beames ; so is the greatnesse of god best apprehended by his workes . whereof i may say , as simonides did of god , that when he had required but one day to resolve what god was : when the day was expired , he was more unable to answer , than at the first . so as hermes termes the sun-beames of god to be his works and miracles ; the sun-beams of the world to be the varietie of formes and features ; and the sun-beames of man , diversitie of arts and sciences . touching knowledge , it is in god to know all things ; in man to know some things : in beast to know nothing . as we cannot extend to the distinct knowledge of the creator , so let us extend our knowledge above the reach of the inferiour'st of gods creatures . it is written of alcibiades , that hee was skilfull in all things , in all exercises : so that he seemed in every nation to obtaine the conquest , in what prize or masterie soever he tooke in hand . it is not for us to labour the attaining of such exactnesse : vnum est necessarium : one only knowledge transcends all others , the attaini●● whereof makes the knower happie ; as the want if makes man , how knowing soever in all other sciences , most unhappie . for what skills it to have knowledge in reasoning of high and deepe points concerning the blessed trinitie , and want charitie , whereby we offend the trinitie ? let us therefore esteem i● the crowne of our hope , to attaine to the excellent and incomparable knowledge of him who made us , whose bloud did save us , and whose holy spirit daily and hourely shields and shadowes us . next is to know himselfe ; an excellent knowledge grounded on true humilitie : where man shall finde how many things he is ignorant of ; and of these things which he knowes , how farre short he comes of that perfection which is required of him . it was a saying of a grave philosopher , by learning alwayes something , i grow old . now how fruitfully were our time from infancie to youth , from youth to man-hood , from man-hood to old-age employed , if our aymes were so to direct our knowledge , that we might attaine the understanding and knowledge of our selves . then would not selfe-conceit transport us , nor opinion of our owne knowledge entrance us , but we would divinely conclude ▪ we have reaped more spirituall profit by dis-esteeme , than selfe-esteeme . alphonsus of arragon answered an orator , who had recited a long panegyricall oration in his praise : if that thou hast said consent with truth , i thanke god for it ; if not , i pray god grant me grace that i may doe it . the like temper i could wish in each gentleman , who in respect of meanes more than merit , shall many times heare himselfe approved and applauded by such tame-beasts or glozing sycophants , who feed on the prodigalls trencher . let not applause so much transport , or praise so farre remove man from himselfe , as to become ( by the vaine blast of others breath ) forgetfull of himselfe . humbly esteemed hee of his knowledge , who concluded : this i onely know , that i know nothing . nothing in respect of that i should know ▪ nothing in respect of that which is injoyned me to know ; nothing in respect of others who knew farre more than ere i may know . for ( saith bernard ) how canst thou possibly be a proficient , if thou thinkest thy selfe alreadie sufficient ? but alas , how farre hath selfe-opinion estranged man from knowledge of himselfe ; who rather than he will be found ignorant in any thing , will assume upon him a supposed knowledge in every thing ? he will rather lye upon his knowledge , then seeme defective in any knowledge . whence one speaking of the knowledge of mans selfe , most divinely concludeth ; nosce teipsum first descending from heaven to earth , is now ascended from earth to heaven , leaving miserable man admiring his owne feature , as if hee were his owne maker . and whence proceedeth this , but because he hath ascended unto that mountaine , to which the first angell ascended , and as a devill descended ? whereas , if he duely considered those many imperfections whereto he is engaged ; those many debts and bills of errours , which , as yet , are undischarged ; that naturall or originall sinne wherein hee was conceived ; and that actuall sinne wherewith hee is daily polluted ; hee would questionlesse conclude ; what 's man whose first conception's miserie , birth baine , life paine , and death necessitie ? which divine meditation is of power to subdue the whole man of sinne , and bring him under the yea●●●● of obedience , by an incessant consideration had of gods mercie , and mans misery ; which may produce in him a more blessed effect , by extenuating and humbling himselfe , both in respect of the substance or matter of his creation , and in respect of the irregenerate course of his conversation : as also in contemplating the ineffable mercie of the almightie ; whose grace it is , that directs miserable man , and reduceth him from erring ; whose compassion it is , that raiseth him from falling ; and whos● tender mercy it is , that supporteth him in his rising . bu● in my conceit , there is no one motive more effectuall , or divinely powerfull , to bring us to a true and perfect knowledge of our selves , than to observe with what passions or perturbations wee are encountred ; especially when through immoderate excesse , we are in the cup of forgetfulnesse drowned . which saint basil confirmeth , saying : that passions rise up in a drunken man , like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . which passions are not such as are prevented by reason , and directed by vertue : for these are not altogether to be extinguished , as the stoicks supposed , but to be provoked as movers of vertue , as plutarch teacheth . but rather such distemp●red o● indisposed affections as are suggested to man by his implacable enemies : labouring to undermine and ruine the glorious palace of his deare bought soule . vpon which affections seriously to meditate , were to expell all selfe-conceited or opinion● t● arrogance ; to become humble in our owne thoughts : concluding , that our knowledge is ignorance , our strength w●●knesse ▪ and our wisdome foolishnesse . being ( as one well observeth ) like a spring-locke , readie of our selves to shut , but not to open ; apter to shut grace from us , than to receive grace into us : or like stones upon the top of a hill , by reason of our heavie and earthie nature , readie enough to tumble downe , but without the helpe or motion of another , slow enough to mount up . saint anselme walking abroad in the field , and beholding a shepheards boy , who had caught a bird , and tied a stone to her leg with a threed ; and ever as the bird mounted , the stone haled her backe againe . the venerable old man moved with this sight , fell a weeping pitifully , lamenting the miserable condition of man , who endevouring to ascend up to heaven by contemplation , are detained by the passions of the flesh ; which enforce the soule to lye there like a beast , and not soare to heaven by that pro●er motion , which was first given her by her creator . ●ow to conclude this first point , ( by making a fruitfull use or application of what hath beene already spoken ) i could wish young gentlemen , whose aymes , perchance , are addressed to purchase rather the light freight of forraine fashions , than the precious gemme of selfe-knowledge , to be otherwise minded , by conforming themselves to his * patterne and example , who though he knew all things , boasted not of his knowledge , but abased himselfe to make us rich in all spiritual knowledge . as for such as are puft up and know nothing , but dote about questions and strife of words , whereof commeth envie , strife , railings , evill surmisings , perverse disputings of men of corrupt mindes , and destitute of the truth ; we are taught to withdraw our selves from them , because their fellowship is not of light , but darknesse ; their knowledge no perfect nor sincere knowledge , but palpable ignorance ; their wisdome no sound nor substantiall wisdome , but meere foolishnesse . their wayes are not by the stockes of the shepherds , but ragged and uneven wayes , leading their deluded followers head-long to all perdition . deare christians , though i know this point to have beene gravely and exactly handled by many solid and learned divines ▪ whose holy oyle hath beene fruitfully employed in unmasking and discovering these dangerous separatists , who have sowne the seed of pernicious doctrine in the eares of their weake auditory : yet i thinke it not amisse to presse this exhortation further , lest your speedie ruine prevent you of all hope hereafter . beware of these pharisaicall doctors , whose puritie only consists in semblance and outward appearance ; whose doctrine hath ever a taste of pride ; whose counsells ever tend to faction ; and whose wayes are ever antipodes to the truth . these are called prophets , but they are none : being humbl● teachers , but proud doctors . outwardly specious , but inwardly vicious : having faire rindes , but false hearts : having a shew of godlinesse , but denying the power thereof . come from among them and leave them , for their wayes lead to death , and their paths to destruction . saint iohn would not come in the bath● where the hereticke cerinthus was . another holy man ( though most innocent ) could endure to be accounted a whoremaster , an uncleane person , and the like ; but when one called him hereticke , he could beare no longer . wee have here ( thankes to our maker ) more pleasant and delightfull springs to retire to , than these troubled and corrupted puddles , which taste of nothing but pollution . leave these , and love those . where can there be vnitie , where there is no conformitie ? where a holy zeale or compassionate fervour , when nothing is spoke but by the sonnes of thunder ? be yee wise unto salvation ; may godlinesse be your best knowledge ; that , dissolved from this tabernacle of earth , yee may keepe consort with the angells in a blessed harmony , because ye resembled them on earth in mutuall love and unitie . and let this suffice for the first branch , to wit , knowledge : now wee will descend to the second , to wit , discourse , with some necessary cautions very profitable , if put in use , to direct ( or rather limit ) such , whose 〈◊〉 liberall and profuse speech oft times brings them within the censure of indiscretion . democritus calls speech 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the image of life , because it represents to man the occurrents and passages of his life . now forasmuch as through the subtiltie of time , men use to shroud and conceale their thoughts , by expressing least what they intend most ; speech becomes a darke image , representing man 〈◊〉 as he is , but as he seemes . diogenes wondred that men would not buy earthen pots before they proved by the sound whether they were whole or broken : yet they would be contented to buy men by their speech . the old proverbe used by socrates , and approved by ancient philosophers , was this : loquere ut te videam . subtill purposes were not then shadowed or gilded with faire pretences ; but so simple were their meanings , as they needed no words of art ( meerely invented to delude ) nor the gawdie ornaments of perswasive oratorie to colour them . but to propose some necessary cautions worthy observation of the generous in their discourse ; i would have young gentlemen to beware especially of two errours , usually occurring in subjects of this nature ; affectation , and imitation : the one for the most part arising from our selves , the other from too ardent a desire of imitating others . the first sort generally , are so miserably enamoured of words , as they little care for substance . these are ever drawing a leaden sword out of a gilded sheath ; and will not lose a dram of rhetoricke for a pound of reason : having , as theocrit●● said of anaximenes , a floud of words , but a drop of reason . these are ever talking , till their mint of words faile them , and then of necessitie they turne silent . these will lay themselves open to their professedst enemie , so they may gaine applause , and get the opinion of good speakers , being the onely marke they shoot at . and indeed , these seldome hurt others , but many times themselves : for these are those fooles ▪ which carry their hearts in their mouthes ; and farre from those wise men , which carry their mouthes in their hearts . though discretion of speech be more than eloquence , these preferre a little unseasoned eloquence before the best temper of discretion . and thus much of affectation . imitation tastes no lesse of barrennesse , than the other of phantasticknesse : though i must confesse , this draweth neerer true humilitie , in that it dis-values it selfe , to become a serious observer and imitator of others . but great men especially cannot want imitators , be the occasion never so unworthy imitation . if caesar have an use to hold his necke aside in his discourse or pleading , he shall have one to affect and imitate that deformitie . if vespasian draw in his face in a purse , ( as if it went hard with him ) hee shall have one to represent it , as it were naturally . and , which is of all others most intolerable , so habitually are these grounded on imitation , as they are conceited that nothing can so well beseeme them , as this uncomely fashion which they have observed , and now imitate in others . whereas if they would consider how nothing forced may appeare with that decencie , as when it is naturally descended , they would ingenuously confesse , that this apish or servile imitation detracts much from the worth of man , who should subsist on himselfe , and not relie on others postures . in briefe , that discourse is most generous , which is most genuine : nature may beseeme that , which imitation cannot : but to addresse our selves to imitation of others , in that which even appeares ridiculous in the persons themselves , this inferreth grosse stupiditie . it is an excellent lesson which a holy father giveth to all discoursers , that they should rather be given to heare than ●●ake● and in matters of argument , to assoile a needlesse question with silence . so as cicero preferreth wisdome attired with ignorance , before speech attended by folly . now because the best of discourse tendeth to perswasion , which is the life and efficacie of speech ; and this perswasion consisteth on three parts ; life of the speaker ; truth of the subject ; and sobrietie of speech ; of necessitie these three must be observed , ere we can have our audience sufficiently perswaded . first for the life of the speaker : if speech ( as wee have said ) be the image of life , why should not wee conforme our life to our speech ? wee would be loth to be taxed of indiscretion in our speech ; let us labour likewise to appeare blamelesse and unreproveable in our life . for he that forgetteth to conforme or fashion his life to his speech , his speech to his life , is like unto a man beholding his naturall face in a glasse : for he beholdeth himselfe , and goeth his way , and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was . wherefore gentlemen , of all others , ought to be most respective of their conversation : for a little soile is a great blemish in them , whose education promiseth more than inferiour men . such m●● , for most part , gaine best authoritie or approbation in discourse , who have beene ever observed to speake probably , and not of subjects above the reach or pitch of humane conceit . neither can any thing disparage or lay a deeper aspersion upon the face of gentrie , than to be taxed for fabulous relations . especially therefore should they inure themselves to probable discourses , being such as may gaine them an opinion of reputation , and be a meanes to conferre more authority on their discourse . the second is the truth of the subject , which must needs import much authoritie : for how should wee perswade , where the subject admits no probabilitie of truth ? therefore were it meet , that wee make choice of what wee relate , not maintaining whatsoever we heare by report , for undoubted trut●● for so should wee be made * knights of post to all newes-mongers , being no lesse ready to sweare , than they to report . i have casually fallen into the company of some , whose only relation was noveltie : these would entertaine no discourse but forraine , speaking as familiarly of the states of princes , and their aimes , as if they had new crept from their bosomes . but alas , how ridiculous are these in the sight of judicious men , whose eyes are not so sealed , but they may easily discerne the arrogancie of these , who affect rather to be admired than beleeved ? excellent and proper for our present purpose , is that fable of the fowler and the bird : a fowler having taken a bird in his snare , was humbly intreated by the bird , that he would free her and give her libertie , and shee would requite this courtesie with three good lessons ; which ( if duly observed ) would profit him more than her small body . vpon these conditions , the fowler was contented to release the poore bird , provided , that the lessons were so profitable and usefull unto him , as she pretended . which , in briefe , were these : not to lose a certaintie for an incertaintie : not to give credit to things beyond probabilitie● . nor to grieve for that which is past remedie . these lessons received , the bird was forthwith released : who being now at libertie , and mounting aloft in the aire , and triumphing in so blest a freedome , chanted out this merrie madrigall ; had'st thou knowne the wealth i had , thou would'st nere have let me gone , for it would have made thee glad to enjoy so rich a one . in my bladder there 's a stone , then which , never earth brought forth one of more unvalued worth . this the discontented fowler had no sooner heard , than presently he repented himselfe of so rare and inestimable a losse ; which the nimble bird perceiving , thus replied : how apt's man for to forget what might give him most content ? thou at libertie me set , when i taught thee , to repent nothing how the world went ; nor what crosse ere fell on thee , if past hope of remedie . but thou griev'st thou canst not have what thou canst not get againe : thus thou mak'st thy selfe a slave to thy selfe , and mourn'st in vaine : and long may'st thou so complaine . for my lessons i was free , yet thou keep'st not one of three . the perplexed fowler inquisitive of knowing further , pressed the bird againe ; asking her in what particular he had broken any of her lessons ? to whom the bird , flickring a little with her wings , as one that gloried in her unexpected libertie , answered ; the lessons which i gave thou sleight'st , and weigh'st them but a rash , or else thou would'st not lose one bird in hand , for two in bush. the next was , things incredible nere credited should be , yet thou beleev'st a precious stone worth worlds is hid in me . the last , for things remedilesse thou never shouldst complaine , and now when i am flowne from thee , thou wishest me againe . many excellent moralls are shadowed in these fables , which may deserve observation of the pregnant'st and maturest conceit ; not onely in the subject or substance of the admonition , but in the person which giveth this admonition . where the poets smoothly , but tartly , used to introduce beasts , birds , and such like creatures ; admonishing man , the noblest of all creatures , of his dutie . yea of beasts , they made choice sometimes of the grossest and contemptiblest , as the asse , to expresse the want of consideration in man ; whose diviner parts drowned in the lees of sensuall corruption , or carnall securitie , become forgetfull of that , for which they were principally created . it were easie to enlarge this subject with much varietie of examples ; but my purpose is , in digressions , rather to touch than treat . wee have handled two particulars , effectually moving to perswasion ; the life of the speaker , that it be unreprovable ; the nature of the subject whereof hee speakes , that it be probable . now wee are to descend to the third , which is , sobrietie of speech : an especiall motive to attention , being that which cicero much commendeth , and for which hortensius was much commended . albeit , arguing in sylla's cause , he was taxed by l. torquatus , and called for his too much effeminacie in apparell , as also for his too much action of bodie , not only a common actor , but even a dionysia , who was famous for her moving and wanton gesture . to whom hortensius answered , callest thou me dionysia ? sure i had rather be a dionysia than as thou art , torquatus : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : one without learning , barbarous and uncivill . now this sobrietie consists not onely in the pronunciation of speech , but sober carriage or deportment of the body , which indeed addeth no little lustre to discourse . i haue observed in some , a kinde of carelesnesse in their forme of speaking ; which , though it gaine approbation in men of eminent ranke , it would seeme harsh and contemptible in men of inferiour condition . others there are , who can never enter into any set or serious discourse , but they must play with a button , as if they drained their subject from such trifling action : and these , me thinkes , resemble our common-fidlers , who cannot play a stroake , to gaine a world , without motion or wagging of their head , as if they had rare crochets in their braine : but this mimicke and apish action keepes small concurrence with the postures of a gentleman , whose speech as it should be free , native and generous ; so should the action of his bodie admit of no phantasticke imitation or servile affectation , which expresseth little , save a degenerate qualitie or disposition . others i have likewise noted , to conclude their set speeches with winkes and nods , as if the understanding of the whole world were confined to the circumference of their braine : and these usually expresse more soliditie of conceit in the action of their bodies , than the motion of their tongues . for oft-times , through want of matter ( being gravell'd with an affected gravitie ) they are forced to trifle time in impertinences , and leave that matter untouched for which they came . i could wish that young gentlemen would principally observe this lesson , to be sober in arguments of discourse , but especially in reasoning : for there is nothing that darkeneth or obscureth the light of reason , more than the boundlesse effects of passion , which makes a man forgetfull of that he should say , no lesse than indiscreet in that hee doth say . but especially in publike assemblies , where difference of judgements oft-times racke our speeches to a higher pin , ought deliberation to be had : for there we cannot recall so soone what we have spoke amisse , as in private , where lesse premeditation may afford matter of satisfaction . i approve likewise of his opinion , who would have such , whose pleasant conceits minister content to the hearer , if they meane to jest publikely , and force their wits to stem the streame of worlds judgements , ( which , i say , are different , and therefore more observant ) that they use pericles custome , who determining to speake any thing publikely , desired the immortall gods , that no improvident word should passe his mouth . certainly , whosoever he be that speakes and never meditates , may be compared to the uncleane beast , who digests and never ruminates . neither is it hard to gather this , even by their discourse , which consists meerely on ventositie , digressive and impertinent , spending much wind to small purpose : resembling pytheas that foolish orator , who would never leave his babbling . he that meditates before hee be prepared ( saith one ) builds his house before stones be gathered . but sure i am , he that discourseth before he be provided , serves up his dishes before they be seasoned . albeit tiberius be said to doe better in any oration extempore , than premeditate . now i could reduce these discursive motives of perswasion , to two generall heads : to wit , vehemencie of passion ; or instancie of demonstration : and first for vehemencie of passion , here may we produce an apt and proper example . there came a man to demosthenes , desiring his help to defend his cause , and told him how one had beaten him : demosthenes answered him againe , saying : i doe not beleeve this to be true : the plaintiffe then thrusting out his voice aloud , said : what , hath he not beaten me ? yes indeed ( quoth demosthenes ) i beleeve it now , for i heare the voice of a man that was beaten indeed . whence appeareth , what effects vehemencie of passion produceth , expressing her wrongs so well in words , as they enforce beleefe to the hearer . likewise , because examples illustrate , though they doe not prove ; touching instancie of demonstration , we have an excellent one in that of cato : who determined to strike the senate and romans in feare , discoursed at large of the carthaginian warres , aggravating the danger by proper circumstances , which threatned the publike state ; and instancing the ruine of many eminent and flourishing states occasioned by the securitie of their people . but they objecting againe , that carthage was farre from them ; he shewed them greene figs , implying thereby that carthage was not farre distant , for otherwise the figges would have beene dried and withered . these kindes of discourses , seconded by instance , are very moving and perswasive ; for as speech is called the object of the eare , so is such kinde of instance an object to the eye , which must needs be more perswading , because visibly appearing . but we have inlarged this subject too much ; wherefore to draw in our sailes , and apply particularly , what in generall hath beene discoursed : i could wish young gentlemen considerate in what they speak , because speech is termed the index of the minde , and can best expresse him , whether he taste of rinde or pith . now because moderation of the tongue is such an absolute vertue , as it displayeth the wisdome of him that hath it ; whence the wisest of all princes , he that bridleth his tongue is most wise : i must needs preferre discreet silence before loquacitie , for , in much speech there shall want no sinne ( saith solomon : ) whereas silence is exempted from all censure , so it bee mixed with discretion . it is said that pythagoras would desire two things of god ( if the poss●bility thereof could stand with the conservation of humane society : ) that hee might not speake , that he might not eat : for by the one , hee should prevent offence in discourse , by the other , avoid surfet through excesse . whence the poet ; silence is such a soule-entrancing charme , it may doe good , but can doe little harme . albeit that pythagorian silence i cannot approve of , being many times prejudiciall to the publike state : for by silence ( saith the orator ) is errour approved , the lustre of vertue darkned , good and wholesome precepts suppressed ; whereby youth might be instructed , private families directed , all inordinate motions corrected , and the whole structure of this little world , man , rectified and repaired . but especially in divine professors and dispencers of the sacred word , is silence most hurtfull : for these should be shrill trumpets in sounding and delivering the sweet tidings of salvation , the tidings of peace and spirituall consolation . the pastor ( saith a blessed father ) by holding his peace , doubtlesly killeth sinners : that is , when he will not tell the house of iacob his sinnes , nor israel her transgressions ; but cries , peace , peace , when there can be no true peace : for what peace unto the wicked , saith the lord ? so as the word of the lord which came unto the prophet , rouzed him up with this fearfull caveat : if thou givest not the ungodly warning , he shall perish , but his bloud will i require at thy hand . with whom the apostle harmoniously joyneth ; woe unto mee if i preach not the gospell . for in that cause wherein the faithfull and painfull pastor is to please god , he is to sleight the pleasure or displeasure of men . now gentlemen , yee whose education hath engaged you farre in the expectance and opinion of others ; yee whose more generous breeding promiseth more than others ; ye whose nobler parts should distinguish you from others ; let not those innate seeds of gentilitie first sowne in you , as in a hopefull seed-plot , be nipped in their rising : which , that yee may the better prevent , exercise your selves in noble discourses , not wanton or petulant , for these breed a dangerous corruption even in the life and conversation of man. quintilian would not have nurses to be of an immodest or uncomely speech , adding this cause ; lest ( saith hee ) such manners , precepts , and discourses as young children learne in their unriper yeers , remaine so deeply rooted , as they shall scarce ever be relinquished . sure i am , that the first impressions , whether good or evill , are most continuate , and with least difficultie preserved . how necessary then is it , that an especiall care or respect be had herein , that choice be made of such , whose modest and blamelesse conversation may tender you their brests in your infancie , and furnish you with grave and serious precepts in your minoritie ? that your knowledge may be fruitfull ; your discourses usefull ; and your actions in the eyes of the almighty gratefull . of which action , we are now to speake ; being the third branch which we observed in our definition of education . that education is the seasoner of our actions , wee shall easily prove , if we observe the rare and incredible effects derived from it : which , that we may the better doe , you are to know , that every action hath two handles ; the one whereof consists in contriving ; the other in performing . in the former , we are to observe deliberation : whence the orator ; before wee take any thing in hand , we are to use a diligent or serious preparation ; that we may effect what we intend , and more prosperously succeed in that we take in hand . in the latter , is diligence required ; for what is premeditation or preparation worth , if it be not by diligence seconded ? when annibal was a childe and at his fathers commandement , he was brought into the place where he made sacrifice , and laying his hand upon the altar , swore , that so soone as he had any rule in the common-wealth , he would be a professed enemie to the romans : nor did hee infringe the vow which his infancie had professed , but expressed when he came to be a man , what he had protested to performe being a childe . no device unassayed , no stratagem uncontrived , no labour neglected , no taske unattempted , which might conferre honour on carthage , or expresse his mortall and implacable hate to rome . in this one example , we shall see the strength of education : for though annibal had no cause personally given him , to vow all hostilitie rather on rome than any other place ; yet in respect he received his breeding from such as were professed foes to the romans , he seconds their hate , resolving to live and die romes enemy . the like may be observed in the demeanour and conversation of men : in which respect also , education discovereth her absolute power . for shall wee not see some , whose faire outsides promise assured arguments of singular worth , for want of breeding meere painted trunks , glorious features , yet shallow creatures ? and whence commeth this , but through want of that which makes man accomplished , seconding nature with such exquisite ornaments , as they enable him for all managements publike or private ? licurg●● brought two dogges , the one savage , wilde and cruell ; the other trained ; to let the people see the difference betwixt men brought up well , and badly : and withall to let them understand the great good of keeping lawes . now what are these savage and wilde doggs , bu● resemblances of such , whose untrained youth never received the first impressions of a generous education ? these , as they were bred in the mountaines , so their conversation is mountainous , their behaviour harsh and furious , their condition distempered and odious . yet see the miserie of custome ! what delight these will take in actions of incivilitie ! nothing relisheth with them , save what they themselves affect ; nor can they affect ought worthy approbation : for education ( which one calls an early custome ) hath so farre wrought with them , as they approve of nought freely , affect nought truly , nor intend ought purposely , save what the rudenesse of education hath inured them to . these mens aimes are so farre from attaining honour , as they partake of nothing which may so much as have the least share in the purchase of honour . their minds are depressed , and as it were earth-turned : for they aspire to nothing which may have being above them ; neither can they stoope any lower , for nothing can be under them . nor can their actions be noble , when their dispositions by a malevolent custome are growne so despicable . hence it is , that the philosopher saith ; the divine part in such men is drowned , because not accommodated to what it was first ordained . for how is it possible that their affections should mount above the verge of earth , whose breeding and being hath beene ever in earth ? they ( saith phavorinus ) who sucke sowes milke , will love wallowing in the mire : inferring , that as our education hath formed us , so will wee addresse our selves in the passage and current of our life . for as nature is too strong to be forced , so education ( being a second nature ) hath kept too long possession to be removed . she it is , that in some sort moldeth our actions and affections , framing us to her owne bent ; as if wee received all our discipline from her , by whom we were first nourished , and since tutored . but you may object , if education expresse such power , as her first native impressions cannot be suppressed ; how did those men appeare educated , whose first breeding was in mountains , and afterwards advanced to no lesse glory than a diadem ? such were romulus and remus ; that translater of the median empire to the persians , victorious cyrus ; and he who from the plow-stilts was elected emperour , to wit , gordius . surely their education came farre short of that which is expected in the majestie of a prince ; yet what inimitable presidents of renowme were these , shewing much resolution in conquering , and no lesse policie in retaining what they had conquered ? to begin with the first , to wit , romulus ; truth is , he laid the first foundation of a glorious and flourishing state ; yet as his nurse was a wolfe , he plaid the wolfe to his brother . he planted his kingdome in bloud , as his infancie received food from her , whose native disposition affecteth bloud . neither can i be perswaded , that his carriage could be so civill , as that his first breeding left no relique nor relish of barbarisme : especially , when i reade what injuries or indignities were offered the sabines by him , what cruelties were acted upon his owne uncle , what impieties were committed upon the neighbouring heards-men : the multitude whereof expressed how cruelly he was naturally addicted , and that the first seeds which his savage education had sowne in him , could hardly be suppressed . touching cyrus , no question his breeding was not altogether in the mountaines , for he had recourse or resort ( though unknowne ) to asti●ges court , where he received no small bettering in the progresse of his reigne . neither ( as it may probably be collected ) would harpagus permit so great hopes , as were treasured in him , and by all auguries and predictions likely to be confirmed of him , to be destitute of instructions fit and accommodate for so high a person . forels● , how should such excellent lawes have beene devised ; such exquisite cautions for state government provided ; the empire of the medes , with whom it had so long continued , to the persians peaceably translated , and without faction established ? these ( i say ) might probably confirme , how well this victorious shepherd was furnished with all precepts apt to informe him ; stored with all princely habiliments fit to accomplish him ; and exercised in all regall discipline , the better to prepare him against all occurrents that should assaile him . for the last , as he was from obscurity raised , so did he little in all his time that could be worthily praised , being more skilfull in setting of a turnep , than setling of a state ; more experienced in correcting the luxurious growth of his vine , than rectifying those abuses raging and reigning in his time : so as , his small acquaintance in state-affaires , during his minority , made him lesse affected to those employments in his riper years . whereas , if we reflect upon the noble and inimitable exploits of alexander the great , whose fame hath given life to many volumes , we shall see that his princely education gave him such rare impressions of glorious emulation in his father philip , as it raised him to those hopes hee afterwards attained . for where was that enemie he encountred with , that he overcame not ? that citie he besieged and wonne not ? that nation he assailed and subdude not ? yet who more mildly affected , though a souldier ; or more humble-minded , though a conquerour ? which may appeare by that answer of this invincible chieftaine to his mother ; who desirous to execute an innocent harmlesse man , the better to prevaile with him , remembred him , that her selfe for the space of nine moneths had carried him in her wombe , and for that reason he must not say her nay . but what replied he ? aske ( saith he ) good mother some other gift of me : for the life of a man can be recompenced by no benefit . behold a princely disposition lively charactred , having an eye no lesse to saving than subduing ; to receive mercie than to gaine a victorie ; to preserve the conquered than become a conquerour ; to get a friend than to win a field ! which , as it requires a noble and free disposition , not engaged to crueltie , boundlesse ambition , desire of triumph without compassion ; so questionlesse it shewes a composed , civill , and generous education : for these exclaime not with the poet ; omnis in ferro est salus : but esteeme it the most glorious conquest to be subduers of their owne wills , preferring the saving of a life before the gaining of an empire . yet doe i not conclude these men to be exquisite , as if they were freed from all such insulting affections as usually invade the brests of these high aspirers : for so should i renounce the credit and authoritie of all histories . themistocles ( as i have elsewhere noted ) walked in the open street because he could not sleepe : the cause whereof when some men did enquire , he answered , that the triumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest : see the strength of ambition , how powerfully it subdued a man of approved resolution & exquisite temper ! pausanias killed philip of macedon only for fame and vaine-glory : see the weaknesse of a high spirit , whom the least blast of flickring fame could so transport , as to embrue his hands in bloud to gaine him an infamous glory . no , my aime is rather to expresse the noble acts and atchievements of such whose breeding had sh●wne them as well by precept as example , what might best become such eminent personages . hippocrates recounteth of a certaine sort of men , who to be different from the vulgar ( being men more nobly descended ) chose for a token of their nobilitie , to have their head like a sugar-loafe : and to shape this figure by art , when the childe was borne , the midwives tooke care to binde their heads with swathes and bands , untill they were fashioned to the forme . and this artificialnesse grew to such force , as it was converted into nature : for in processe of time , all the children that were borne of nobilitie , had their heads sharpe from their mothers wombe . for the truth of this relation i will not argue much , but sure i am , if art have such power on the outward forme , education , which is termed a second nature , can produce no lesse effect from the inward man. for have wee not read , how divers naturally addicted to all licentious motions , by reading morall precepts , and conversing with philosophers , became absolute commanders of their owne affections ? have they not ( some i meane , and those of place & esteeme ) even in the height of their desires , when opportunitie was offered , an occasion ministred , and all motives to a sensuall banquet mustered , restrained their desires , subjected sense to the obedience of reason , and became kings by not consenting , whereas they had become despicable slaves by yeelding ? yes , and in that more remarkable , that they were heathens , who had no knowledge of god , but directed by the light of nature only . what then may wee imagine might be done by long education and continuall practice , during the time of infancie , which ( as the philosopher saith ) is that smooth and unwritten table , apt to receive any impression either of good or evill ? for which cause , as all times require instruction , so this time especially , because subject to correction ; which moved sundry peeres to send for certaine wise and discreet men to instruct their children during their greener yeeres . achilles had his phoenix , alexander his * calisthenes , alcibiades his socrates , cyrus his xenophon , epaminondas his lycias , themistocles his symmachus : to whom they ought more ( as they themselves confessed ) than to their owne naturall parents : for , from them ( their parents i say ) they received only living , but from these they received meanes of living well . but me thinkes we decline rather to knowledge than action ; let us therefore presse this point a little further , and returne to where wee left . during that prosperous and successive time of victorious sylla , pompey the great , then a young man and serving under him , received such seasoning from his military discipline , as made him afterwards chosen amongst so many brave spirits , to trie the hazard of fortune with the victorious caesar. nor was his judgement inferiour ( if wee may build on the credit of historie ) to his potent adversarie , though fortune made him her slave , triumphing no lesse in the quest of his death , than view of his conquest . themistocles ( whose name as wee have oft repeated , so in all records worthily renowmed ) having beene trained from his infancie in the discipline of warre , became so affected , and withall so opinionate in himselfe of martiall affaires , as being moved on a time at a publike feast to play upon the lute , answered ; i cannot fiddle , but i can make a small towne a great citie . see what long use in experiments of warre had brought a noble souldier to ! his actions were for the publike state ; his aimes not to delight himselfe or others with the effeminate sound of the lute , but to strike terrour in his foe with his sharpe-pointed launce . now what should wee thinke of these , whose more erected minds are removed from the refuse and rubbish of earth , ( which our base groundlins so much toyle for ) b●t that their thoughts are sphered above the orbe of feare ? death cannot amate them , imminent perill deterre them , disadvantage of place or inequalitie of power discourage them ; this is their canto , and they sing it cheerefully : the only health ( what 's ever doe befall ) that we expect , is for no health at all . this might be confirmed by sundry histories of serious consequence , especially in those memorable sieges of rhodes , belgrade , vienna , and many other ; where the resolution of their governours sleighted the affronts of that grand enemie of christendome , the turke , and by their valour purchased to themselves both safetie and honour . thus farre have we proceeded in our discourse of education , which we have sufficiently proved to be a seasoner of action , as well as of speech or knowledge . neither in actions militarie only , but in all manuall arts practised in rome during her glorious and flourishing state : from which even many ancient families received their name , beginning and being . as the figuli from the potters ; the vitrei from the glaziers , the ligulae from the pointers ; the pictores from the painters ; the pistores from the bakers . all which ( as we may reade in most of the roman authors ) had applied themselves , even in the first grounds of their education to these arts , wherein they grew so excellent , as they inriched their posteritie by their carefull industrie . but to speake truly of action , as it is generally taken , neither speech , nor knowledge , of which we have heretofore spoken , can well want it . wherefore demosthenes defining the principall part of an oration , said , it was action : the second the same : the third no other than action . isocrates for lacke of a good voice , ( ●therwise called the father of eloquence ) never pleaded publikely . and cicero saith , some men are diserti viri , but for lacke of action , or rather untowardnesse , habiti sunt infantes . whence it is , that sextus philosophus saith , our bodie is , imago animi . for the minde is ever in action ; it resteth not , but is ever labouring , plotting or contriving , addressing it selfe ever to employment . the like affinitie hath action with knowledge : for barren , fruitlesse and livelesse is that knowledge which is not reduced to action . whence it is , that many ( too many , heaven knows ) burie their knowledge in the grave of obscuritie , reaping content in being known to themselves without communicating their talent to others . but this is hiding of their talent in a napkin , putting their candle under a bushell ; resembling the envious spitefull man , who will not open his mouth to direct the poore passenger in his way , or suffer his neighbour to light his candle at his : for both imply one thing , as the poet excellently singeth ; who sets the trav'ller in his journey right , doth with his candle give his neighbour light . yet shines his candle still , and doth bestow light on himselfe , and on his neighbour too . for this burying or suppressing of knowledge , it may be aptly compared to the rich miser , whose best of having is only possessing ; for that communicative good he knowes not , but admires so much the golden number , as he prefers it before the numbring of his dayes . yea , as it is much better not to have possessed , than to mis-imploy that whereof we were possessed ; so is he in a happier case who never knew any thing , than such a man who knew much , yet never made a communicative or edifying use of his knowledge . as may appeare by the parable of the talents . the contemplative part indeed affords infinite content to the spirituall man , whose more erected thoughts are not engaged to the meditations of earth , but are spheared in a ●ighe orbe . this mans minde , like archimedes ayme , should enemies invade him , death and danger threaten him , inevitable ruine surprize him , his desire is only to performe his taske , and that taske the highest pitch of a soule-solacing contemplation . and this kinde of rapsodie , or intrancing of the soule ( as i may terme it ) ministers unspeakable delight to the minde of that man , who is usually affected to these divine aspirations , as a godly father termes them . yet these contemplative persons , whose retirednesse of estate , immunitie , or vacation from publike government have drawne their affections wholly from the thought of earth or conversing with men ; as they relish more of the cloister , than societie of nature ; more of the cell or frocke , than communitie which affords the most fruit ; so they never extend further than satisfying their owne disconsorting humour . i confesse indeed , their contemplations farre exceed the worldly mans , for his are to earth confined ; or the voluptuous mans , for his are to pleasures chained ; or the ambitious , for his are to honours gaged ; or the deluded alchimist ( whose knowledge is a palpable mist ) for his are to impossible hopes restrained ; yet as profit and pleasure make the sweetest musicke : so contemplation joyned with practice , make the fruitfullest knowledge . to conclude our discourse touching education , on which as the principall'st seasoner of youth , we have long insisted ; may the first seeds of your more hopefull harvest , ( worthy gentlemen ) be so sowne , as they may neither by extremitie of winter , that is , by too awfull rigour , be nipped ; nor by the scorching heat of summer , that is , too much connivencie of your tutor , parched . so may your countrey reape what she hath with long hope expected , and receive a plentifull crop of that which she her selfe , by hopefull education , hath long manured . the english gentleman . argument . of the necessitie of a vocation ; no man is exempted from it ; of vocation in generall ; of the vocation of a gentleman in particular ; and how he is to employ himselfe therein . vocation . vocation is a peculiar calling allotted to every one according to his degree . wherein we are to consider ; first , a necessitie of vocation ; secondly , no exemption from that vocation : and first of the first . in that originall or primitive puritie of mans nature , i say before his fall , there was no such command exhibited , as was afterwards injoyned . for then he was created pure , and deputed soveraigne over a pleasant and flourishing empire , a delightfull eden , receiving no inhibition after so large and ample a commission , save this , that of the tree of good and evill , hee should not eat of it . but when adam had transgressed , this command was forth with directed to him and his sin-stained posterity : in the sweat of his face should he eat bread . then , then , and not till then began adam to delve , eve to spin ; inferring that the sweat of their brows should earne them a living . there were none that did gallant it in the workes of a wormes . there were none that pierced the bowells of the b earth for precious stones to adorne them ; none that had minde of precious c odours and aromaticall sweets to perfume them . in briefe , none held it then a grace to have the out-cast d feathers of birds to plume them ; the very excrements of e beasts to sent them ; the bowels and entralls of f wormes , to cloath them ; the white excretions of g shell-fish to decke them . those leatherne coats were provided to cover mans shame , and doe evince him of h sinne. they were provided likewise to repel the extremitie of i heat and cold , to shelter him against the violence of all seasons . there were other vocations then intended and attended , other labours proposed and sustained , other fashions used and observed than the vanities of this age , where the devill , that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that imitating and apish thing , as k damascen calls him , peccati fomenta succendit , kindles those foments of sin to traine wretched man to the lake of perdition . hence it is , that he sets up that vexillum superbiae , to which all the sonnes and daughters of vanitie repaire ; affecting incivilitie before modestie , inquiring after the fashion , not how neat it is , but how new it is . these imagine it a labour sufficient , a vocation for their state and degree equivalent , to spend the whole morne till the mid-day in tricking , trimming , painting and purfling , studying rather to die well , than live well . these are they who beautifie themselves for the stage , to become deluding spectacles to the unbounded affections of youth . they make time only a stale for their vanities , and so prostitute their houres ( those swift coursers of mans pilgrimage ) to all enormous libertie . these are penelopes wooers , gilded gallants , whose best of discourse is complement , or apish formalitie , whose best thoughts reach but to where they shall dine , or the choice of an ordinary ; and whose best actions are but ravishing of favours from the idolls of their fancie . but how farre short come these of that necessitie of vocation injoyned them ? they thinke it sufficient so to attire themselves , as they may become gracious in the eye of their mistresse : whereas that , wherein they seeme to themselves most gracious , to the eye of a grave and considerate man may seeme most odious : as in apparell , we say that onely to be commendable which is comely , that laudable which is seemely : for it is an ornament which adorneth . now how deformed are many of our rayments drawne from forren nations , and as ill-seeming our ilanders , as cockle-chaines agricola's souldiers ? certainly , this attire becommeth not a christian , but such as are prostitutes to the whore of babylon . the garment of a true follower of christ , is innocencie , which , because it cannot be simple or absolute , wee should endevour to lessen our imperfections daily , becomming conformable to his image , who being free from sinne , tooke upon him our sinne , to free us from the guile of sinne , and punishment due unto sinne . let us therefore endeuour our selves , i say , to attaine the reward of our high calling in christ : which that wee may the better obtaine and purchase at his hands , by whom wee expect reward , wee are in the meane time to serve him in our vocation here on earth , that we may reigne with him in heaven . now that there is a necessitie of vocation injoyned all , of what ranke or degree soever , wee may prove by many pregnant places of scripture , inveighing against idlenesse , and commending imployment unto us . amongst which , that of the prophet ezechiel may be properly applied to our purpose . behold ( saith he , speaking of the sinnes of ierusalem ) this was the iniquitie of thy sister sodome ; pride , fulnesse of bread , and abundance of idlenesse was in her , and in her daughters : neither did she strengthen the hand of the poore and needie . againe , in that of the proverbs : he that tilleth his land , shall be satisfied with bread : but he that followeth the idle , is destitute of understanding . againe : he that is slothfull in his worke is even the brother of him that is a great waster . againe , that of the sonne of sirach : if thou set thy servant to labour , thou shalt finde rest : but if thou let him goe idle , he shall secke libertie . againe : send him to labour that he goe not idle : for idlenesse bringeth much evill . this likewise the blessed apostle admonisheth the thessalonians of , saying : for even when wee were with you , this wee warned you of , that if there were any which would rot worke , that he should not eat . for wee heare , that there are some which walke among you inordinately , and worke not at all , but are busie bodies . therefore them that are such , we warne and exhort by our lord iesus christ , that they worke with quietnesse , and eat their owne bread . againe , that serious exhortation of the apostle to timothie , describing the natures of such factious and busie bodies as intend themselves to no setled imployment : but being idle , they learne to goe about from house to house : yea , they are not only idle , but also pratlers and busie bodies , speaking things which are not comely . againe , that expresse charge given by the apostle touching every ones distinct profession or vocation : let every man abide in the same vocation wherein he was called . see here how much idlenesse is condemned , and labour commended ; the former being the mother of all vices ; the latter a cheerer , cherisher , and supporter of all vertues . for wherein may man better expresse himselfe than in the display and dispatch of such offices to the management and execution whereof he was first created ? vertue , as it consists in action , time in revolution , so the maze of mans life in perpetuall motion : wherein non progredi est regredi , non procedere recedere est . it is given to man to labour , for life it selfe is a continuate labour . see then the necessitie of a vocation , being a peculiar labour allotted or deputed to any one person in particular . whence sprung up first the diversitie of trades and occupations , which now by processe of time have aspired to the name of companies , gaining daily new prerogatives , the better to encourage them in their severall offices . it is a saying of cn. bentatus ; that he had rather be dead , than live dead : meaning , that vacancie from affaires , and retiring from such actions as tend to the conservation of humane societie , was rather to die than to live . for life , that is compared to a * lampe or burning taper , so long as it is fed with oyle , giveth light ; being an embleme of mans life , which should not be obscured or darkned , but ever sending forth her rayes or beames both to light it selfe , and others . whence the poet ; life is a lampe whose oyle yeelds light enough : but spent , it ends , and leaves a stinking snuffe . gellius compares mans life to iron : iron ( saith he ) if exercised , is in time consumed , if not exercised , is with rust wasted . so as this rust ▪ which indeed is rest from imployment , doth no lesse consume the light or lampe of our life , than labour or exercise : for our life decayes no lesse when wee are eating , drinking , or sleeping , than toyling or travelling about our worldly affaires . so much of our life is shortned , as wee are even in these things , which preserve and sustaine nature , imployed : thus death creepes on us when wee least thinke of it , surprizing us when wee least expect it . some with ammon carousing , others with haman persecuting , or with sanherib blaspheming , or with belshazzar sacrilegiously profaning , ahitophel plotting , the children mocking , that incredulous prince of israel distrusting , or that rich man in the gospell presuming . few or none with iacob exhorting , with martyr-crowned steven blessing , with the apostles rejoycing , or with all those glorious martyrs , whose garments were deepe died in the bloud of zeale , singing and triumphing . and a good reason may be here produced , why many die so wofully dejected : for how should they cloze their dayes cheerefully , who have spent all their dayes idly ? if they that disobey god , shall plant the vineyard ▪ and others shall eat the fruit ; how may those expect to be partakers of the fruit of the vineyard , who neither obey god nor plant vineyard ? how long have many , whose exquisite endowments were at first addressed for better imployments , stood idling in the market-place , never making recourse to gods vineyard , either to dung or water it , refresh or cherish it ; labouring rather to breake downe her branches , than sustaine it ? how many be there , who will rather imploy whole yeeres in contriving some curious banquetting-house , than one moneth in erecting one poore almes-house ? how choice and singular will the most be in their tabernacles of clay , while the inward temple goes to ruine ? as charles the emperour said of the duke of venice his building , when hee had seene his princely palace like a paradice on earth : haec sunt , quae nos invi●●s faciunt mori . they draw us backe indeed , and hale us from meditation of a more glorious building , which needs not from the inhabitant any repairing . how necessary is it for us then , to addresse our selves to such imployments , as may conferre on the state publike a benefit ? for as wee have insisted on the necessitie of a vocation , so are wee to observe the conveniencies of a vocation . which that wee may the better doe , wee are to consider three especiall things , which as scales or greeses may bring us to the right use and exercise of our vocation . the first consideration is divine , or to god-ward ; the second civill , or to man-ward ; the third peculiar , and to our selves-ward . for the first , because indeed the rest have dependance on it , and could have no subsistence but from it ; wee are to consider by whom we are deputed to such a place or office , 〈◊〉 for what end . the person by whom wee are so deputed , is god , who in his goodnesse as hee hath bestowed an image more noble and glorious on us than on any other creature , so hath he enabled us to execute our place under him with due feare and reverence to his name , ever observing the end for which wee were to such places deputed ; which is , to honour him , and be helpfull unto others who resemble him : which is the second consideration wee before observed , and termed civill , because in civill societie requisite to be performed . by the love of god ( saith a good father ) is love to our neighbour ingendred , by the love of our neighbour is our love towards god increased . now if wee should communicate all that wee possesse unto our neighbours , and want this love , which onely maketh the worke fruitfull and effectuall , wee were but as tinkling cymbals ; we are therefore incessantly to crave of god by prayer ▪ which ( as that godly divine saith ) is to bee numbred amongst the greatest workes of charity ; that he would infuse into us the fervour of his love , by which onely is granted us to ●●●taine true neighbourly love , performing such workes of charitie in our vocation , as we may preserve that union and communion , which members of one mysticall body have one with another . and this love thus planted , cannot bee so silenced or smothered , but it will be discovered , and that by such effects as are usually derived from charitie : for these will not grinde the face of the poore by extortion , or draw teares from ●he orphans eyes by oppression , or sow the seed of dis●ord betwixt neighbour and neighbour by the spirit of contention . no , as they are placed in a vocation , they will shew themselves to all helpfull , to none hurtfull . they will be an eye to the blinde to direct them , a staffe to the lame to support them , a visitant to the sicke to comfort them , a samaritan to the w●unded to heale them , a garment to the naked to cover them , meat to the hungry to releeve them , drinke to the thirstie to refresh them : being all unto all , that by all meanes they might gaine some . these are the effects of this love , which with adamantine tyes becomes linked to the love of god , and to man for god. the third consideration is peculiar ; wherein we are principally to take heed of selfe-love , a vice no lesse fatall than universall . which selfe-love as it hath many branches , or sciens , according to the disposition of the owner , so it produceth no lesse variety of effects . the ambitious man being ever aiming , ever aspiring , thirsteth after honour , and never leaves hunting after it , till hee fall with his owne grandure . his pre-coloured flagge of vanity is displayed , and his thoughts ( so open hearted is he ) as if hee had windowes in his breast , discovered . his agents are weake and unsteady ; his aimes indirect and maligned by envie , concluding his comicke beginning with a tragicke catastrophe . yet see how selfe-conceit transports him , sycophancy deludes him , and an assured expectance of an impossibility detaines him . now see him uncased ; he useth rather with catiline to speake much and do little , than with iugurth to speake little and doe much . he entertaines all with broad-spread armes , and proclaimes liberty , but none will beleeve him . for how should he proclaime , or proclaiming conferre that on others , which he enjoyes not in himselfe ? or how should he enjoy that inestimable libertie , which the earthly-sainted or contented only enjoy ; when he is become a slave to his owne unbounded desires , and through selfe-conceit , is made a prey to his foes deceit , falling in that lowest , where his expectance raised him highest ? yet see whence these effects proceed ! surely from no other spring than that troubled well-spring of selfe-love , which leaves her distressed master engaged to sundry extremes . the like may be observed in the avaritious man ; ( for to these two instances is my present discourse restrained : ) whose misery it is to admire rather than employ what he enjoyes . the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and the rich not using , is by these two expressed ; the one carendo , the other non fruendo . of these it may bee truly said , that their gaine is not godlinesse , but their godl●●●ss● is to reape gaine . and though apparent a losse be to be preferred before filthy gaine : yet they wholly and onely embrace such b arts , trades , or sciences , from which a certaine gaine may bee procured . they know ( and that knowledge makes them more culpable ) that c gaine cannot accrue to one , without losse to another : yet they will rather prejudice another in the greatest , than be an inconvenience to themselves in the least . they have felt by experience , that wealth is a great nourisher of vice , and poverty of vertue ; yet will they erect an idoll to honour her by whom vice is nourished , but disesteeme her from whom many vertuous motions and affections are derived . true it is indeed , that when any d object of profit is tendred us , necessarily are we induced to condescend to the meanes of acquiring that profit . againe , we all seeke profit , and are ( as it were ) haled unto it : yet this is to be intended such profit , as holds concurrence with honesty . they know , ( and wofull it is that they make no better use of their knowledge ) how e gaine maketh men worse : and but for gaine no man had beene evill . for this filthy f gaine accuseth nature , and reproveth us , that our life being so short , should have desires so long , labouring to joyne land to land , when so small a scantling will serve our turne at our departing . they know how truly that sententious poet sung ; g wealth disesteemes all learning , and all arts , faith , honesty , and all our better parts . there is a h native will or inclination to feining and lying in all such as seeke after wealth , and desire gaine . see how servile and ignoble their condition is , whose affections , slaved to private profit , embrace any course how indirect soever , for selfe-love , or selfe-gaine ! that are ever harping upon that of the poet ; i he shall be noble , valiant , wise , a prince , or what he will , that ha's but wealth , no matter how he got it , well or ill . but how farre short comes vulgar opinion of truth , whose judgement is in their eyes or eares , no● measuring man , nor his worth , by those nobler parts within him , but by his wealth or habit , whose best of glory is without him ? little know these earth-worms how they shall be uncased , and with what misery then enclosed . for if they did , they would preferre ( right sure i am ) the inestimable purchase of vertue , before this rust or rubbish , which leaveth the possessor as full charged with care , as his chest stored with coine . vertue is of that noble and unconfined nature , as she k seeketh nothing that is without her ; there is her glory . againe , there can be no vertue which is not l free and voluntary ; there is her libertie . againe , she m subdueth all things ; there is her soveraignty . againe , n fortune gives place to her ; there is her precedency . for o fortune can take nothing away but what she herselfe giveth . againe , they only are p rich which are enriched with vertue ; there is her felicity . so as , howsoever the philosophers axiome be , that riches is a signe of eternall glory ; sure i am , that vertue directeth man in this maze of misery , to the true sight and light of glory . this is that morning-starre sent from that sunne of the morning to direct us ; that brazen wall reared by that brazen serpent to shield and protect us ; that faire lilly of the valley cropt by that fairest often thousand to beautifie and adorne us ; that sweet odoriferous plant budding out of the root of iesse to sweeten and perfume us . what skills it then , if we be deprived of all , possessing vertue●hat ●hat includeth all ? the levites who were chosen for the altar and for gods owne service , were to have no possessions : for the lord was their inheritance . againe , god chuseth the poore for an inheritance of his heavenly kingdome . againe , blessed are you that bee poore , for yours is the kingdome of heaven . and againe , miserable are you rich men , who in your riches have all your consolation . againe , o death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee to that man , whose peace is in his substance ! hence we see the difference betwixt the state and condition of the worldling , whose affections are wholly planted and placed upon earth , and his , whose desires transcend the pitch of earth , having his feet below , but his faith above . the poet very covertly and wittily in derision of such , whose delights were wholly fixed on mould , satyrically concludeth ; not only vertue , winged fame , and honour too , i say , but things divine & humane too , must riches all obey . but to returne where we left ; whence commeth this so avaricious and illimited desire , but only from a selfe-love which these men have to their owne private and peculiar profit ? which that wee may the better p●●vent , being such a shelfe as it endangers the ship that commeth neere it ; we are daily to examine our selves , and observe what especiall affection we are most prone unto : which found out , we are to apply such remedies , or receits , as may best cure such enormities , as arise from the vicious and corrupted source of our affections . now to come to the cure ; because medicines provided and not applied , are fruitlesly employed . are yee naturally subject to vain-glory ? labour to suppresse those motions even in their rising , by becomming vile and contemptible in your owne sight . are yee affected to wantonnesse and effeminacie ? impose your selves a taske , inure your bodies to labour , reserve some houres for reading , as well those exquisite morall precepts of heathen writers , as those blessed patternes of continencie recorded in sacred writ . are ye slaved to the misery of a worldling ? wrastle with your affections , entertaine bountie , affect hospitalitie , so in time yee shall become weaned from base and servile parcimony . to be briefe , as vices are best cured by their contraries , ever oppose your selves to that which your natures affect most ; for this is the way to make you , that were slaves before , commanders of your owne affections : which soveraigntie surpasseth all inferiour command , for by this meanes you command those , who have had the greatest monarchs in subjection . thus have we proposed the necessitie of a vocation , and what especiall rules were to be observed in the undertaking of that vocation : which observed , yee shall conferre no lesse good on your countrey , who expects much good from you ; then yee shall minister content unto your selves , finding all depraved or distempered affections buried in you . and so we descend from the necessitie of a vocation , to inquire whether any from the highest to the lowest be exempted from it . no lesse authenticke than ancient is that position , the higher place , the heavier charge . so as , howsoever that erring opinion which vulgar weaknesse hath introduced , seem approved , that men whom fortune hath made great , may hold themselves exempted from all vocations , because either noblenesse of bloud may seeme too worthy to partake of them , or greatnesse of successe ( little subject to the feare of want ) hath made them too high to stoope unto them : i may safely averre , that of all other degrees , none are lesse exempted from a calling than great men , who set like high peeres or mounts , should so over-view others , as their lives may be lines of direction unto others . hee sinnes doubly , that sinnes exemplarily : whence is meant , that such , whose very persons should be examples or patternes of vigilancie , providence and industrie , must not sleepe out their time under the fruitlesse shadow of securitie . men in great place ( saith one ) are thrice servants ; servants of the soveraigne , or state ; servants of fame ; and servants of businesse . so as they have no freedome , neither in their persons , nor in their actions , nor in their times . first , they are servants to their soveraigne or state , for as they are by place set neere his person , so are they with due and tender respect ever to observe him , in affaires tending to the safetie of his person , and generall good of the state. they are servants ( likewise ) of fame : for howsoever the actions of inferiour men may seeme sleighted with neglect , or clouded with contempt , they are sure to have their deeds bruted by fame , either to their glory or disgrace . yea , these are also eager hunters after fame , preferring opinion before all other inferiour respects , and wishing rather themselves to die , than it should die . whence it was , that anaxagoras telling alexander that there were many worlds ; alexander wept , replying , that he had not wonne one : implying , that his fame , being that which he principally tendred , having scarce yet dispersed it selfe to the circumference of one world ; it would be long , ere it could diffuse or dilate it selfe to many worlds . lastly , they are servants of businesse ; being placed neere the helme of the state : and therefore , like wise and vigilant pilots , must be carefull lest the rudder of the state be not shaken by their securitie . neither is their state so sure , that it should move them to be secure : for men in high places are for most part pursued by many enemies , whose eyes are ever prying into their actions , which they invert , by labouring to bring the state in distaste with their proceedings . now what meanes better to frustrate their practices , than by a serious and cautelous eye to looke into their owne actions ? diogenes being as●●d how one should be revenged of his enemie , answered ; by being a vertuous and honest man. which badge ( i meane honesty ) as it should be the cognizance of every christian ; so should it shew her full lustre or splendour in these persons , whom descent or place hath so ennobled . now these enemies of greatnesse , if right use be made of them , may conferre no small profit to such as they hate . nasica , when the roman common-weale was supposed to be in most secure estate , because freed of their enemies , affirmed , that though the achaians and carthaginians were both brought under the yoake of bondage , yet they were in most danger , because none were left , whom they might either feare for danger , or who should keepe them in awe . this we shall finde verified even in our selves : for tell me , are wee not most circumspect in all our actions , wherein we have to deale with our enemie ? are we not fearefull lest by some inconsiderate or prejudicate act , he take advantage of us , and consequently circumvent us ? so as our enemies may be used as tutors or monitors to instruct us , warning us to be advised what wee undertake , lest they take hold of us in our mistake . there is also another benefit redounding to us , of which it were likely we should be deprived , if we wanted enemies , by whom this benefit is on us conferred . and it is this ; wanting enemies , we many times make of our best friends , enemies . whence oenomademus in a faction in the i le of chios , counselled his fellowes that they should not expell all their enemies , but still leave some in the citie , lest ( quoth he ) being void of all our enemies , we should begin to quarrell with our friends . thus you see , how men of place are of all others least exempted from a vocation ; for as idlenesse would give them occasion to sinne , so by their enemies should they be soone detected of shame : being more subject to detraction in those actions which are their best , than likely to plead a protection for such as are their worst . we may well then conclude this point , with that of a true and noble historian ; in the greatest fortune , there is the least libertie ; for by how much any man is higher placed , by so much is he more generally noted . we say , that there is required the greatest care , where there is the great●st danger : now what danger more presently imminent , or more powerfully violent , than highnesse of place , threatning ruine daily to the possessour ? where honour feeds the fuell of envie , and enmitie ever pursues in chace such as are advanced by fortune : whence our moderne poet excellently concludeth ; studie thou vertue , honour's envies bait , so entring heav'n thou shalt be graduate . how necessary then even in private respects to themselves is circumspection ; not only in labouring to prevent occasions of feare , but the finall and fatall effects thereof ? so may those , whom either fortune hath raised , or noblenesse of birth advanced , say with majestick marius : they envie my honour : let them also envie my labour , innocencie , yea , those admirable dangers which i have passed , for by these was my honour purchased . now then , how should such whose height of place hath raised them above the lower ranke of men , imagine that their place may exempt them from their taske ? offices are peculiarly assigned to all men , and vocations to all rankes of men . whence came that ancient edict amongst the romans , mentioned by cicero in lib. de leg. ( as wee have else-where noted ) that no roman should goe thorow the streets of the citie , unlesse he caried with him the badge of that trade wherby he lived : in so much that mar. aurelius , speaking of the diligence of the romans , writeth , that all of them followed their labour . so as , there was no difference betwixt the patricians and plebeians ; inter f●cem & florem civitatis ( as one well observeth ; ) but an expresse taske was imposed and exacted on every subject . whence it grew that the roman empire became absolute soveraignesse of many other ample dominions : whose flourishing estate ( as it was described to king pyrrhus ) appeared such ; that the citie seemed a temple , the senate a parliament of kings . neither is it to be doubted , but even as god is no accepter of persons so his command was generall , without exception of persons ; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread . albeit i doe not hence conclude , that all are to intend the plough , or betake themselves to manuall trades : for so i might seeme to presse that exposition which a frier once urged against latimer , touching reading of scripture in a vulgar tongue : if the rude people ( objected he ) should heare the scripture read in english , the plow-man when hee heareth , hee that holdeth the plough and looketh backe , is not apt for the kingdome of god ; would thereupon cease to plow any more : and the baker , when he heareth it read , a little leaven corrupteth the whole lumpe ; might be moved not to use leaven at all : and when the scripture saith , if thine eye offend thee , plucke it out ; the ignorant might be perswaded to pull out their eyes ; and therefore it was not good to have the scripture in english. to which objection latimer vouchsafed no other answer than this : he would wish the scriptures to be no longer in english , till therby either the plow-man were perswaded not to plow ; or the baker not to bake . no , i am not so stupid , as not to apprehend how severall places or offices are deputed to sundrie men : how some are appointed for guiding and guarding the state ; others for ranking and ranging powers in the field ; others for teaching and training of youth in the schoole ; others for propounding and expounding the lawes of our realme at the barre ; others for caring and curing of maladies in the bodie ; others for breaking the bread of life , and breathing the spirit of comfort to the afflicted . whence we gather , that of all degrees none are exempted or excepted : a vocation is proposed and imposed , which of necessitie must be by one or other observed and intended . for as in the mutuall offices of our bodie , every member intends that peculiar function or office to which it is assigned or limited ; so in the bodie of the state ( being all members depending and subsisting of that state ) wee are all in our mutuall places or offices to discharge that taske which is injoyned us . wherein i should thinke it convenient , if we observed the selfe-same rule , which the members of our bodie use in the due performance of their offices . for wee see not one of them incroach or intrude into anothers place or employment : the eye it sees , and handles not ; the hand it handles , and sees not ; the palat it tastes , and smells not ; the nose it smells , and tastes not ; the eare it heares , and walkes not ; the foot it walkes , and heares not . and so of the rest : but contrariwise , how itching are men after such employments as least concerne them ? how officious in businesse which least touch them ? the dray-man he will play the divine ; a dayrie woman the physician ; the collier the informer ; the farmer the lawyer . wherein surely , i have observed in the small progresse of this my pilgrimage , no small inconvenience redounding to the publike state. for say , whence sprung all these schismes in the church , these many rents in christs seamelesse-coat , but from those , who of mechanickes became divines , professing to teach , before they were taught ? whence are so many mens dayes abridged , their easie maladies without hope of being cured , but by meanes of these horse-leaches , who gaine experience by the death of their patients , professing themselves artists , before they know the definition of an art ? whence are so many unjustly vexed , so injuriously troubled , but by these base informers , who become disturbers rather than reformers ? whence arise these differences , betwixt partie and partie , but by meanes of some factious and seditious instruments , who like the serpent dipsas , sucke the moisture and verdure of every hopefull plant , building their foundation on the ruine of others ? surely , as we have statutes enacted , of purpose to have such turbulent members duely curbed and censured ; so were it to be wished that such lawes as are to this end provided , were likewise executed : for by this meanes the flourie borders of our realme should bee stored with grave divines , and learned professors , leading their flocks to the greene pastures of ghostly instruction , not to the by-paths of errour and confusion ; with judicious and expert physitians , who are not to learne experience by the death of their patients ; with sincere and uncorrupted officers , whose ayme is not to gaine , but to redresse abuses ; with upright and conscionable lawyers , whose desire is to purchase their clients peace , and not by frivolous delayes to cram their purses . o what a golden age were this ! when each performing a mutuall office vnto other , might so support one another , as what one wanted , might be supplied by another . then should we have no sectists or separatists divided from the unity of faith to disturbe us ; no artlesse quack-salvers or cheating mountebanks to delude us ; no factious brands to set a fire of debate amongst us ; no corrupt or unconscionable lawyers , by practising upon our states , to make a prey of us . then should we heare no ignorant laicks familiarly disputing of the too high points of predestination , rejecting the ordinary meanes of attaining salvation : as may be seene in the synodals or conventicles of many seduced soules , even in these dayes , where some barber is made a cathedrall doctor , to improve , rebuke , and exhort : but how is it possible that ought should be hatched but errour , where singularity grounded on ignorance is made a teacher ? s. basil talking with the emperour valens of matters of religion , and the cooke comming in saucily and telling the holy man his opinion , that it was but a small matter to yeeld to his master the emperor in a word or two ; and that he needed not to stand so precisely in divine masters . which seemed indifferent , or of no moment . yea , sir cook ( quoth saint basil ) it is your part to tend to your pottage , and not to boyle and chop up divine matters : and then with great gravity ( turning to the emperour , ) said , that those that were conversant in divine matters with conscience , would rather suffer death , than suffer one jot of holy scripture , much lesse an article of faith to be altered or corrupted . so carefull have former times beene of the reverence which ought to be had in dispensing the heavenly mysteries of gods word : admitting none to so holy and high a vocation , but such who had vrim and thummim , knowledge and holinesse : beautifying their knowledge , i say , with holinesse of conversation : being not onely speakers but doer● , for no word-men but work-men are fit for the lords vineyard . the like complaint might bee made touching these physitians of our bodies : where artlesse and ignorant handicrafts-men , who perchance upon reading of some old herball , wherein were prescribed certaine doubtfull cures for certaine maladies , will not sticke to professe themselves galenists the first houre : setting out a painted table of unknowne cures to raise them credit . to whom in my opinion , that tale may be properly applyed , which is related of one alphonso an italian ; who professing physicke , wherein his fortune was to kill oftner than he did cure ; one day as he and his man nicolao rode on the way , he might see a great multitude of people assembled upon a hill ; whereof being desirous to know the cause , he sent his man nicolao to inquire further : who , understanding that there was one to be executed for committing a murder , put spurrs to his horse , and running with all speed to his master , wished him to flie : wherewith alphonso not a little astonished ; demanded the cause : why master ( quoth nicolao ) yonder is a poore wretch adjudged to die for killing one man , and you in your time have killed an hundred . neither are wee lesse to grieve for the pressures which burden our state by such , who sow the seed of discord betwixt neighbour and neighbour , supporting champertie and emoracerie in buying of titles , maintaining suits out of a contentious or turbulent disposition . which enormities , as they are by apt and necessary lawes thereto provided , duly censured ; so were it to be wished , that for example sake some one , whom the impunitie and indulgencie of this time hath made too presuming , were punished according to the extremitie of the law thereto provided : for then should wee enjoy those happy halcyon dayes , wherein basil the emperour of constantinople lived : who , whensoever he came to his iudgement seat , found neither partie to accuse , not defendant to answer . to this end then and purpose tendeth our present discourse , that as a peculiar vocation is deputed to every one in this pilgrimage of humane frailtie ; so he should not intermix himselfe in affaires or offices of different nature . a man may be excellent in one , who cannot be exquisite in many . let us then so addresse our selves , as wee may be rather fruitfull in one , than fruitlesse in many . doe wee feare by being excellent in one to purchase hate of many ? let us sleight that hate which is procured by good meanes ; for so long as we live here , sometimes adverse fortune will crosse us , oft times envie curbe us : but where the minde hath given way to the infirmities of nature , and beares with a prepared mind whatsoever may be inflicted on her , shee makes no account of detraction ; for that vertuous resolution which is in her , doth daily more and more raise and advance her . neither are wee to be strong in tongue and weake in act ; as those , whose only valour is vaunting , and honour verball glorying : for of all others , such men are the slothfull'st , whose force and power is wholly seated in the tongue . no , rather let us know that vertue consists in action , which by long habit becomes more pleasant than the habit of vice , whose vaine delights tender no lesse bitternesse in the end , than they did promise sweetnesse in the beginning . agendo a●dendoque res romana crevit . let our eare , as it is a sense of instruction , become a light of direction : for then wee heare with profit , when wee reduce what wee heare to practice . thus you have heard both of the necessitie of a vocation , and how none is to be exempted from a vocation : wherein , gentlemen , i could wish , that as birth and breeding have advanced you above others , so you would shew such arguments of your birth and education , as may make you seeme worthy of a glorious vocation ; expressing such exemplary vertues in your life , as might gaine you love even in death . and so i descend to speake of vocation in generall ; wherein i will be more briefe , because i have partly glanced at it in our former discourse . vocation may be taken equivocally or univocally : when wee speake of vocation in generall , it is equivocall ; when of any speciall vocation in particular , it is univocall . without vocations no civill state can subsist ; because idlenesse maketh of men women , of women beasts , of beasts monsters . it was one of the sinnes of sodome , as wee may reade in the prophet ezekiel . it was that which brought david the anointed of the lord , nay the man after gods owne heart , to commit adulterie . it was this which moved salomon to bid the sluggard goe to the pismire to learne good husbandry . to be short , it was this which moved the prophets to denounce judgement upon the flourishing'st cities , for their securitie . how necessary then is it for all estates to be carefull , lest they incurre a heavy and fearfull censure , to addresse themselves to especiall vocations , beneficiall to the state , and pleasing to god , whose glory should be our aime , without any by-respect unto our selves ? wee shall see in most places both at home and abroad , how such trades or vocations are most used , as may best suit with the nature and condition of the place . as in our port-townes trafficke and commerce , conferring no lesse benefit to the state by importance , than profit to other countries by exportance . againe , in our townes lying further within land , the inhabitants use some especiall trade to keepe their youth in labour ; whereby they become not only beneficiall to themselves , but usefull and helpfull unto others . amongst which , i cannot be unmindfull of the diligence of the towne of kendall , and worthy care which they have to see their very young children put to work , being a labour which requires no great strength , to wit , wooll-worke . wherein , so approved hath their care and industrie beene , as they have gained themselves no small esteeme in forraine places , who are made partakers of the fruit of their labours . for i have known a familie , consisting of seven or eight persons , maintained by the work of two or three stones of wooll , which amounted not above thirty shillings : and with this they maintained credit , living in an honest and decent manner . whose labours as they were laudable , so have they beene no lesse furthered , favoured , and encouraged by our late gracious soveraigne of renowmed memory ; who , of his princely clemencie , hath dammed all such impositions or heavy taxations as might any way impaire or impeach the free use of that trade . albeit now of late , the towne of kendall , so famous for wooll-worke , by reason of a late decrease or decay of trade in those parts , is growne no lesse penurious than populous : so as ( with griefe i speake it ) such inhabitants as formerly by their paine and industrie were able to give an almes at their doore , are now forced to begge their almes from doore to doore . the redresse whereof , as it hath beene by the prince and those prudent guides and guardians of our state , the lords of his privie counsell , duely intended ; so no doubt , but by their wise care it shall be accordingly effected , & those poore people after so many miseries sustained , wholly releeved ; to the advancement of gods glory , the supportance of many a needfull family , and the succeeding renowne of his majesty , to whom every subject oweth his life , love and loyalty . the like commendation i could give to the copperworkes used in the north ; more especially about keswicke , where divers dutch-men being planted , have for many yeares expressed no lesse judgement than industry in sundry excellent and choice experiments , which to their succeeding fame may perpetuate their memorie . for these , like cunning and experienced artizans , have to doe in the bowels of the earth , whence they digge copper , which with incredible paines they bring to the hammer . for so steepe , ragged and cliffie are those mountaines , whence their copper is digged , as it might seeme a matter of impossibility to effect so intricate a worke ; but so infatigable are the labourers which they employ , as their patience in suffering is no lesse to be commended , than their skill in contriving to be admired . but to speake in generall of all vocations , sciences , or mysteries : wee are ever to observe the place and conveniencie thereof , that we may the better appropriate some especiall vocation according to the necessity and conveniencie of the place . as ship-masters in places of trafficke and navigation ; sheep-herds , graziers and farmers , in places of plantation : according to that ancient proverbe ; gardiners in thessalie , horsecoursers in barbary . now if you should object touching the difference of vocations , that some are more necessary than others : yea such as now seeme most necessary , have formerly ( as may appeare ) beene held trades of indifferency : my answer is , i grant it ; yet not so altogether as some might object against the necessity of a smiths trade , by alleaging that of the prophet samuel ; there was no smith found thorowout all the land of israel . for this did not inferre that smiths were of least use or imployment in israel , but rather the necessity of them made so few amongst them , as may appeare in the latter part of the verse : for the philistines said , lest the hebrewes make them swords or speares . here see the cause why there were so few in israel , because they would have beene most usefull and behooffull to the people of israel . for this cause were they banished , slaughtered and deprived of all meanes to assist their distressed country , whose people hid themselves in caves , and in holds , and in rocks , and in towers , and in pits . for the first invention of trades , arts or sciences , as they were in time and by degrees brought to perfection , so had they proper and peculiar persons , from whom they received their beginning and foundation . for example , tillage from cain , pasturage from abel , vintage from noah , navigation from zabulon , brazery or smith-worke from tubal-kain , musicke from iubal ; which by succession of time came to such perfection as they are now in . the satyre at the first sight of fire , would needs have kissed and embraced it , but prom●theus checked him . so highly admired were things unknowne , and so familiarly imployed being once knowne . the like we may imagine at the first rising of trades , what difficulties attended them , and what imperfections were incident to them ; being like the beares whelpe , ever in licking , before they came to perfecting , ever in renuing and furbushing , ere they came to such furnishing as they now expresse . yea , if we should make recourse to al such scholasticke sciences or vocations ( if i may so terme them ) as have the name of liberall sciences : wee shall finde that in their infancy or minority , there were many defects and blemishes in them , having not as then attained that heighth or growth , which they have acquired at this day . for then wee had not a quintilian to play the grammarian ; a subtill scotus to play the logician , an eloquent cicero for a rhetorician ; a learned euclid for a mathematician ; a studious archimedes for a geometrician ; a famous hippocrates to renowme a physitian ; a sense-ravishing orpheus to eternize the musitian . many conclusions were then to be sought and explored , ere such perfection as wee now enjoy could bee attained . for to instance grammar ; how long may we imagine , and tedious might the taske bee , ere so many rules could bee so aptly digested and disposed ? how long before such rules could be by authority of so innumerable authors approved ? how long being approved , before they could so generally and without opposition be received ? the like may be spoke of logicke , which is rightly termed the locke of knowledge , opened by the key of art : what subtill and intricate sophismes ? what formall and effectuall conclusions ? what rules of art to direct them in the maine current of their proceedings ? those foure questions produced by arist. in his posteriors , how fit are they to be observed in the managing of every subject : quid nominis , quid rei , qualis sit , propter quid sit ? likewise his distinction or division of places ; topicall or rhetoricall , called insita , being intrinsecally ingraffed or inserted in the nature of the thing : also places derived ab antecedentibus & consequentibus ; as , the sunne hath shone , whence it followeth , that day hath appeared ; the sunne is set , whence it followeth that night is approached . also places derived a comparatione majorum , minorum & aequalium . as if christ washed his disciples feet , much more ought we to doe the same one to another . likewise in those locall circumstances , very necessary for searching and discussing the truth of any matter ; who , what , what time , and where , how , why , what helps were there . why ; as the offence was more blame-worthy in iudas ▪ than if it had beene done by any other , being his disciple ; and so of the rest . all which , as they tend properly to the office of an orator ; so minister they no little elegancie even to our familiar discourse : wherein wee most commonly ( though wee observe not so much ) use some one of these places , to aggravate or extenuate the subject whereof wee speake . the like also of rhetoricke ; what perswasive inductions , what powerfull arguments are there to be found ? the definition whereof , if wee should expresse in one word , it is , to make great things little , and little things great . after aeschines being banished athens , was come to rhodes , he declared in an oration the cause of his exile ; the rhodians no lesse satisfied with the pregnancie of his reasons , than ravished with the elegancie of his phrase , wondred at the athenians who had banished him so undeservedly . o ( quoth he ) you heard not what demosthenes answered to my reasons ! this moved philip of macedon in a treatie of league betwixt him and the olynthians , to demand of them their orators ; little doubting , but having once deprived them of the stayes and supporters of their state , by receiving them as hostages , he might quickly receive the province into his subjection . it is above imagination to consider of the rare effects derived from moving or perswasive rhetoricians , resembling in some sort passionate actors ; who to move passion , such an order keepe , as they feigne teares to make their hearers weepe . now the difference betwixt actors and orators ( saith cicero ) is , that the one intermixeth levitie in their action , to make their hearers laugh ; the other use all gravitie , authoritie , & serious arguments ( with a gracefull insinuation ) to perswade . wherefore those are accounted ridiculous , these esteemed prudent . neither is this excellencie of theirs only in passion or efficacie of perswasion , but in a subject of more admiration : which is , they can make blacke seeme white , and cloath that which in the eye of the world seemes most deformed , in a beautifull habit . which art polycrates that athenian rhetorician had , who praised the tyrant busyris ; the like had seneca , who praised the dissembling claudius ; favorinus , who commended the deformed thersites ; no lesse elegant was * maro in commending his gnat ; lucian a flie ; apuleius his asse ; also favorinu● a quartan ague ; glauco , injustice ; synesius , baldnesse ; lucian , flatterie ; erasmus , follie. which elegant paradoxes they have so wittily and perswasively handled , as they gained more approbation , than if they had beene themes commonly received : for there is no discourse , of what nature soever , that can comparably delight the reader or hearer , like these which seeme opposite to opinion generally received , yet by strong and effectuall reasons use to be proved and maintained . neither was this rhetoricall art lesse required in the campe than in the court : for if wee should peruse histories both of ancient and succeeding times , we should finde what rare effects were brought to passe by this smooth inducing art of rhetoricke . how souldiers became animated by hearing their leader play the orator , in extenuating the enemies power , in proposing assured hopes of victory , and putting them in minde of their ancestors glory : againe , in shewing them the benefit of a rich booty , promising them much honour if they live , and no lesse memory of their valour if they should die . the like ( to descend to all those arts whereof wee have formerly spoken ) may be said of the rare and admirable effects of the mathematicks : what singular conclusions have beene drawne from thence by the line of art ? what secrecies above humane conceit have beene drained and derived from that mysterious knowledge ? wherein many have offended rather by being too curious , than by being too little solicitous . whence it was , that euclid being demanded by one too inquisitive in the secrecies of heaven , touching a question , which ( as he thought ) was more profound than profitable , he answered : surely i know not this , but thus much i know , that god hateth such as are curious searchers after his secrets . i might here produce the basis on which the studie of the mathematicks is grounded , as also the exquisite and admirable effects or conclusions from thence derived , but i hasten to the rest . the power of geometrie was shewne sufficiently in that studious artist archimedes , who by his owne proper power repelled the whole force of marcellus and all his army , laying siege to syracusa : so as it was imagined that this one man did more good in defence of the citie by his art , than all the rest of the inhabitants did by the force of armes . neither had marcellus ( as it was generally thought ) in long time prevailed , although the city was in most places razed and ruined , if it had not beene by false and trecherous meanes privately yeelded and betrayed . where this mirror of his time , the famous archimedes , was suddenly in his studie surprized , and by a common souldier much against marcellus will ) cruelly murdered . touching physicke , what rare cures have beene wrought by such excellent and expert artists as have professed this knowledge ? it is wonderfull to read , what perfection mithridates attained in this profession , being the first that found and gave name to that knowne receit against all poison , mithridate : with which he so inured his body , to repell the force of poison ; as in his ebbe and decrease of fortune , when he had lost in one houre what he had in so many yeeres gained , being deprived of all meanes to cure his miserie , he laboured to finde a way to end his miserie , and that was to deprive himselfe of life ; which the better to effect , hee drunke poison ; but so strongly had his former receits fortified his body against such banefull effects , as it would not worke , nor as he expected , produce that tragicall issue with him . the rare cures of dioscorides ; the admirable experiments of hippocrates , to them that shall but peruse their workes , will confirme the excellencie of this art : where the one concludeth , that art is long , life short , experience deceiving : implying , that so rare an art could not be attained , but by much industrie ; life being so short , and a very embleme of frailtie , was to be used tenderly ; and experience being so deceiving , was to be put in practice carefully . they give us this precept ; in sicknesse to respect health principally , and in health action . health , that we might be made for action ; action , that wee might the better preserve our health . lastly musicke , the first beginning or invention whereof , as it merits admiration ; so the perfection of it , at this day deserves applause : finding an open torteise on the ground , from it the art of musicke first was found . so observeth du bartas ; which indeed may rather be limited to one kind of instrument , whereto the torteise may seeme to have resemblance , that is , the lute . pythagoras chanced once into a company of drunkards , where a musitian ruled their lascivious banket : hee presently commanded him to change his harmony with a dorion , ( or an heavier tone ) and so with this tragicke melodie moved them to cast off their garlands , ashamed of whatsoever they had done , being brought by the accent of grave and solemne musick to sobrietie . whence it was , that aristotle forbiddeth in his common-wealth certaine lascivious musicke , and alloweth the doricall , which is of another kinde . the arcadians by musicke were transformed from savage and barbarous people to civilitie , and transported ( as it were ) from the violent current of naturall crueltie , to affabilitie and courtesie . shall we descend to some diviner effects of musicke , confirmed by holy writ ? saul being vexed with an evill spirit , when david played upon his harpe , he was comforted , and the evill spirit departed . musick causeth mirth and moane ; divine mirth , as appeareth in salomons songs ; a holy turtle-like moane , as appeareth in ieremies lamentable threnes , davids penitentiall psalmes . elizeus prepared his spirit to receive the influence of prophecie by musicke . when israel had passed the red-sea , moses with the men , and miriam the prophetesse , sister of aaron , with the women , sung panegyries of praise to god , with hymnes and musicall instruments . the like did iudith , when shee had vanquished holofernes . so did deborah , when sisera was discomfited . augustine reports of himselfe , what comfort he cōceived at the beginning of his conversion ; what teares he shed , and how he was inwardly moved with the harmonie and melodie which was used in churches : yet thought that holy father ( as he rightly thought ) that hee offended when hee was delighted more with the note and melody of the song , than sense of the psalme : and therefore highly commendeth saint athanasius , who caused the reader of the psalme to sound out the words with so small a forcing of his voice , as it seemed rather like one that did pronounce it , than one that did sing it . but i feare me , i have strucke too long on this string ; wherefore , lest i should wrong your generous patience too much , for whom i addressed my selfe at first to this task : i purpose now to descend from speaking of vocation in generall , to speake of the vocation of a gentleman in particular ; hoping to make amends by refreshing you in this , whose patience i have so much tired in the other . now are wee to addresse our selves in a more restrained and particular discourse , to propose a gentleman his vocation ; which , perchance , by our nicer and more curious gallants , whose sense consists in sent , will be distasted and dispalated : but to such , whose understanding consists not in perfumes , nor tye themselves to the vaine garbe of complement , as the onely posture whereon gentry relyes , these ensuing observations will not ( i assure mee ) seeme altogether unwelcome . s. bernard writing to one haimericus , chancellor of rome , in his very first salutation , without further insinuation , wisheth him to forget those things which are behind , and to follow the apostle to those things which are before . which no man can doe , that either stands still , or is idle . wherefore hermes saith generally , nothing in the whole world is altogether idle . the wiseman hath allowed a time for every thing else , but for idlenesse he hath allowed no time . moses arke had rings , and barres within the rings , to signifie that it was not made to stand still , but to be removed from place to place . iacobs ladder had staves , upon which hee saw none standing still ; but all either ascending or else descending by it . ascend you likewise to the top of the ladder , to heaven , and there you shall heare one say , my father doth now worke , and i worke also . whereupon basil noteth , that king david having first said , lord who shall dwell in thy tabernacle ; addes then , not he that hath wrought righteousnesse heretofore , but he that doth now worke righteousnesse ; even as christ saith , my father doth now worke , and i worke also . descend you likewise to the foot of the ladder , to the earth , and there you shall heare that fig-tree accursed , which did beare leaves and no fruit . whereupon theophylact noteth , that iohn baptist having first said , the axe is laid to the root of the tree ; addes then , not every tree that hath not brought forth good fruit heretofore : but , every tree that doth not now bring forth good fruit shall be cut downe , even as that fruitlesse fig-tree was cut downe , and cast into the fire . therefore wee must so walke , as god seeing our continuall fruitfulnesse , may say of us , i see men walking like trees . men walke like trees , when men are never idle , but alwayes abounding in the worke of the lord : as the tree of life every month bringeth forth twelve manner of fruits . but that i may the better proceed in that which i have taken in hand ; you are to know , that the life of man is either active or contemplative , so as all our imployments have relation to the one , or to the other . which two were represented in mary and martha . the one whereof was very attentive , sitting at iesus feet , and heard his preaching : but martha was cumbred about much serving . the former sitting at iesus feet , hearing him preaching , may signifie likewise the spirituall man , whose actions , affections , motions and intentions , are wholly bent to the service of god , leaving all things to gaine him , who left his life upon the crosse to save him . the latter being cumbred about many things , signifies the naturall man , who betakes himselfe to the imployments of this life , ministring to the necessitie of his family , labouring with his owne hands to get him a competent living . neither are these to be divided one from the other , partaking indeed so neerely one of another . for as we are not altogether to imitate the hermite or anchorite in being wholly retired from the world ; so like the libertine or loose worldling are we not too much to be cumbred or intangled with the world . for the first , as it implyes a kinde of hate to humane societie ; so the latter inferres our too much care to the things of the bodie . now to observe that golden meane , which may free us ●●om being taxed by the one , or tainted with the other : ● doe thinke it fitting , that gentlemen should be sociably affected , ever with a reservancie , with whom they keepe company ; likewise from worldly affections weaned , that being on earth they may have their minds seated above : being ( i meane ) so free in the inward man , as rather than they will slave the noblest motions of the soule to the unworthy bondage of the body , they will endure want , contempt , or whatsoever the blinde world can lay upon them . the vocation of a gentleman , without more curiositie of division , is either publike or private . publike , when imployed in affaires of state , either at home or abroad : at home , either in advising or acting ; abroad , as by way of embassage , or personall exploits in the field . private , when in domesticke businesse he is detained , as in ordering his household ; or if not as yet attained to the name of housholder , in labouring to know such things as may ripen his understanding when he comes unto it . touching the first , to wit , publike affaires of state ; as all are not fit for such a charge or burden ; so there is a necessitie injoyned such , who are able to undertake so great and weightie a taske , to submit themselves willingly to the command of their soveraigne , whensoever his pleasure shall be to make triall of their sufficiencie in affaires of state. in the carriage whereof , divers necessarie cautions have beene formerly observed by statesmen . as first , to avoid all occasions of distrust , never to shew too much inwardnesse with forraine states : for this may beget a suspect in your prince , that your aymes are neither faire nor loyall . it was this which broke byrons necke : being accused to have had conference with one picote , borne at orleans , and fled into flanders to have intelligence with the arch-duke , to which picote he had given an hundred and fifty crowns for two voyages to that effect . likewise it was objected against him , that he had treated with the duke of savoy three dayes after his comming to paris . likewise the intelligence he had from the duke of savoy in the taking of bourges , giving him advice to attempt against the kings armie . likewise that hee should bring the king before saint katherines to be slaine there : and to that end had written to the governour , giving him some tokens to know his majestie . likewise , that he had sent la fin to treat with the duke of savoy , and the count of fuentes . to which , although he replyed , and in some sort purged himselfe , yet those treaties or parlyes which were proved against him , shewed him guiltie of divers indirect proceedings against him . it is dangerous therfore to entertain conference with strangers in matters of state : for howsoever your aymes may be faithfull and honest , such treaties may be so racked and misconstrued by such as maligne your greatnesse , as they will bring you in danger , if not to finall distresse . it is no lesse dangerous to one imployed in affaires of state , to be too credulous ; and that in two respects : either by being too credulous in giving trust to the relations of others , or by being too credulous in imparting his thoughts to the secrecie of others . for the former , it detracts much from the worth and estimate of man , yea ( and if i may so say ) argues great indiscretion to have an care open to all reports , seconding whatsoever is related , with an opinion of credulitie . for such as these , whom either greatnesse of place by descent , or some more noble and native characters of personall worth have advanced , need not want for relaters in this kinde , especially if they finde them apt to beleeve whatsoever they shall be readie to report . neither are any sort of men more subject to the garbe of strange and novell relations than travellers : who may arrogate to themselves a libertie of invention in this kinde , by authoritie . whence it is said , that travellers , poets and lyers , are three words all of one signification . now there is no meanes better to avoid the company of these fabulous relaters , than by interrupting them , or by requiting their tales ( to argue their incredibilitie ) telling stories farre more strange , and indeed beyond the compasse of common sense . : whereof i have heard a merry conceited tale to this effect : a certaine traveller , or at least one who desired though he never deserved that title , reporting wonderfull and incredible things which hee had seene in his travell , amongst the rest related this : vpon a time it befell ( said he ) that i travelled along a certaine desart in arabia felix , where i with others who then accompanied me , were assailed by a violent showre , so as labouring to flie for shelter to some covert , wee might perceive a little coppice , wherein grew great store of cabbages of such huge proportion , as the very leaves thereof ( so largely extended were the spurges ) might by their greatnesse give shadow to five hundred men . this tale being told , one amongst the rest , to answer his tale , makes this reply by way of discourse upon such occurrents as had hapned him in his travell , proceeding thus ; it fortuned that i with some other gentlemen of eminent ranke and quality , travelled neare the riphean mountaines , in the clifts of which mountaines abundance of all metalls , but especially of copper , is daily found : now as we coasted along , we might perceive some three leagues westward from those mountains , a great number of people beating and knocking with incessant labour , but for what end wee knew not : wherefore with one consent we resolved to approach neerer them , and see about what they so eagerly laboured . where we found five hundred braziers making of one caldron , which was of so huge proportion , as not any one of all those braziers , though they were all employed in one worke , could heare one another strike . good god ( quoth the former traveller ) for what use was so huge a caldron made ? surely ( replyed the second ) i cannot imagine for what use it should bee , unlesse it were to boyle your cabbage in . this present and pregnant answer so daunted that fabulous traveller , as he was ever after more sparing in discourse of his travells . a states-man ought likewise to beware of giving credit to all forra in relations : for divers there be who presuming of the distance of place , will invent and vent their inventions to curry favour : having so couched and digested their new-minted newes , as they passe for currant , at least they seeme probable for the present . and herein certainly have many beene abused , giving approbation to what was spoken onely by way of insinuation . the second respect , wherein a states-man ought not to bee too credulous , is this ; hee must not bee too open brested in imparting his thoughts to the secrecy of others . for if we say , that even a private man committing his secrecy to another , becomes his slave to whom he committed it : much more a states-man , whose affaires have no other limit than the publike state , by imparting his thoughts , or rather laying himselfe open to the trust or secrecy of others , makes himselfe bound , where he was before free ; yea , he endangers the body of the state , wherof he is an especiall member , by commending or committing her private intendments to the hazard of rumour , which should not be so much as possessed of the least intelligence given in matters of such maine importance . to be full of chinks in affaires of ordinary consequence , implies a great weaknesse : but especially , where the state is interested , there is injoyned that comicke impreza : if wise , seeme not to know that which thou knowest : at least , divulge not thy secret'st thoughts to the danger of discovery , whereby thou put'st thy head under anothers girdle . he is my deare friend ( saith one ) to whom i will impart my inferiour aimes ; but he shall be incorporated with mee , to whom i will make knowne what may endanger me . the like is requisite to bee observed in affaires of state : where all counsells and consultations tending to the safety and security of the publike state , should be laid up as a secret treasure , and not discovered to every mans trust . this that prudent and politicke statesman , harpagus rightly understood , when in disclosing a secret of state unto cyrus that persian monarch , hee commanded such letters as included the summe of his directions , to be inclosed and sowed in the belly of a hare , and so dispatched the messenger towards that victorious commander . there is likewise required a noble and prepared resolution in euery states-man : being so affected , as neither price can taint him , nor power over-awe him : addressing his aymes wholly for the benefit of the state , preferring death before his countries prejudice . of this resolution or constancie of minde we have a notable example in lewis duke of bavaria commended for his constancie ; in so much as being threatned by albert the marquesse of brandenburgh , that if he would not condescend to some reasonable ransome for his libertie , hee would deliver him over into the hands of his enemie , answered , aske that thing of me being prisoner , that thou would'st aske of mee as liberty . the like wee reade of pantaleon , who restrained in most strait bondage , was never a whit dismaied , nor so much as sighed , when he beheld his son paraxaspis thrust to the heart . this resolution or stoutnesse of minde , might be illustrated by divers examples of the like kinde , but my purpose hath ever beene ( because these doe rather illustrate than prove or confirme ) to take them , as it were by the way , but in no case to dwell on them : wee will therefore descend to forraine imployments of state , as affaires of embassage or treaty with any prince or state . now it is expedient that such as bee imployed in affaires of this nature , be choice and select men both in gifts of nature , and state-experience . for in nature is the foundation laid , which by experience and continuall imployment in state-businesse , useth to bee stored , furnished , and accomplished . so as i doe not altogether assent to his opinion , who thought that in choice of instruments to treat or negociate by way of embassie betwixt prince and prince ; it is better to chuse men of a plainer sort , who are like to doe that , that is committed to them , and to report backe againe faithfully the successe , than those that are cunning to contrive out of other mens businesse , somewhat to grace themselves , and will helpe the matter in report for satisfaction sake . for his conclusion agrees not with his premises ; for ( saith he ) if you would worke any man , you must either know his nature , and fashions , and so lead him ; or his ends , and so perswade him ; or his weaknesse and disadvantages , and so awe him ; or those that have interest in him , and so governe him . now how should a man , whom a simple plainnesse onely possesseth , one whom no diving or penetrating reach enableth , one whom the outward semblance onely instructeth , how should he ( i say ) by working any man , either know his nature or fashion , and so lead him ; since his eye can reach no farther than the outward seeming , which as oft deceives , as it receives diversitie of habits which it weares ? or how should he ( i say ) know his ends with whom hee treats and so perswade him , since politicke men doe usually pretend that which they least intend : shewing a faire glosse , and putting on a false face to delude , and deluding to colour their designes more cunningly ? or how should he discover the weaknesse or disadvantages of the person with whom hee deales , when his owne weaknesse so disables him , as hee oft-times lets opportunity slip , when the best advantage is for him ? or how discerne those which have interest in him , when his aymes are onely to conclude with him , with whom hee deales , without relation to any intercedent meanes to effect his businesse ? neither is it to bee doubted , but such whose understanding hath attained a higher pitch , will be as ready to doe that which is committed to them , as those on whom a more plainnesse hath naturally seized : for these will duly consider the great danger they are like to incurre , if they should exceed their commission either in doing too much , or detract from their commission in doing too little . for in affaires of this nature especially , parum agendum est de proprio , yea , though in the opinion of the party imployed , it seeme that hee could goe more effectually to worke , than just as his commission directs him . manlius torquatus commanded his sonne to be put to death , for fighting ( albeit prosperously ) against his commandement . pub. crass. mutianus sending to his inginer to send him the bigger of his two ship-masts that he had seene in athens , to make a ramme to batter downe the walls ; the inginer sent him the lesse , imagining it to be fitter : wherefore mutianus sent for the inginer , and caused him to be so cruelly whipped with rods , that he died therewith . if disobedience in such affaires as these , being of lesser consequence , seemed among the heathen cause sufficient to pronounce sentence of death upon the offender ; what may they deserve , who in conceit of their owne wisdome , dare take upon them directions of their owne , without tying themselves expresly to their commission ? and of these there be two sorts : the one , even in greatest and most important matters , will presume to take upon them without direction of autho●itie : wherein as they commonly erre , so they give advantage to him with whom they have to deale , of making his owne bargaine upon such termes as shall best please him : for how should one mans judgement equall a whole judicious counsell ? so as in dealing with cunning persons , wee must ever consider their ends , to interpret their speeches ; and it is good to say little to them , and that which they least looke for . the other sort tie themselves something more strictly or precisely to their commission ; for these will be loth to disgresse from it in matters of weight and substance , but rather in some impertinent ceremony or circumstance : as wee read in the generall historie of spaine , that there came two embassadours out of france unto king alfonfe the ninth , to demand one of his daughters in mariage for their soveraigne king philip ; one of which ladies was very faire , and named vrraca ; the other nothing so gracious , and called blanch. they both comming into the presence of the embassadours , all men held it a matter resolved , that their choice would light upon vrraca , as the elder and fairer , and better adorned : but the embassadours enquiring each of their names , tooke offence at the name of vrraca , and made choice of the lady blanch ; saying , that her name would be better received in france than the other . for matters of such indifferencie as these , it is not to be doubted but they are left to the discretion of the instrument : but for affaires of state , as they require due deliberation in discussing ; so require they the joynt assent and approbation of the state ere they come to concluding . there are likewise publike imployments , wherein gentlemen upon occasion may be interessed , which extend themselves to military affaires : in which , as it is not the death , but the cause of the death which makes a martyr , so it is not the action , but the ground of the action which merits the name of valour . that act of razis , in taking out his owne bowels , and throwing them upon the people , it was an act ( saith s. austin ) that tasted more of stoutnesse than goodnesse . for what could that act of his benefit his countrey ? wherein could it adde spirit to the distressed maccabees ? wherein allay the heavy burden of their affliction , or minister the least releefe in the time of their persecution ? that act of resolution by that noble bohemian , as it tasted more of true valour ; so it reared a columne of perpetuitie to his ever-living honour ; which exploit is thus recorded : when mahomet the second of that name besieged belgrade in servia , one of his captains at length got up upon the wall of the city , with banner displayed . another bohemian espying this , ran to the captaine , and clasping him fast about the middle , asked one capistranus standing beneath , whether it would be any danger of damnation to his soule , if hee should cast himselfe downe headlong with that dogge , ( so he termed the turke ) to be slaine with him ? capistranus answering , that it was no danger at all to his soule , the bohemian forthwith tumbled himselfe down with the turke in his armes , and so ( by his owne death only ) saved the life of all the city . the like worthy exploits might be instanced in those heires of fame , the rhodians , in the siege of their city : the knights of malta in their sundry defeats and discomfitures of the turks : the inhabitants of vienna , who being but a handfull in comparison of their enemies , gave them not only the repulse , but wholly defeated their designes . this valour or fortitude , which indeed appeareth ever in the freest and noblest minds , is excellently defined by the stoicks , to be , a vertue ever fighting in defence of equitie . these who are professors of so peerelesse a vertue , are more ready to spare than to spill : their aimes are faire and honest , free from the least aspersion either of crueltie or vaine-glory : for as they scorne to triumph over an afflicted foe , so they dislike that conquest ( unlesse necessitie enforce it ) which is purchased by too much bloud . the salmacian spoiles rellish better to their palate : for they are so full of noble compassion , as the death of their enemy enforceth in them teares of pity . this appeared in those princely teares shed by caesar at the sight of pompeys head ; and in titus that darling of mankind , in those teares hee shed at the sight of those innumerable slaughters committed upon the iewes . now as my purpose is not to insist on the postures of warre ; so i intend not to dwell upon every circumstance remarkable in martiall affaires , but upon the maine scope of military discipline , whereto every generous and true bred souldier is to direct his course . let your aime be therefore , gentlemen , to fight for the safetie and peace of your countrey , in the defence of a good conscience , which is to be preferred before all the booties of warre : for as you have received your birth and breeding from your countrey ; so are you to stand for her , even to the sacrifice of your dearest lives ; provided that the cause which you entertaine in her defence be honest , without purpose of intrusion into anothers right , or labouring to enlarge her boundiers by an unlawfull force . for howsoever the ancient heathens were in this respect faultie , being some of them truce-breakers , others violent intruders or usurpers of what was little due unto them : wee for our parts have learned better things , being commanded no● to take any thing from any man , but in all things learne to be contented . but of all enterprizes worthy the acceptance of a gentleman in this kinde , if i should instance any one in particular , none more noble or better deserving ( as i have elsewhere formerly touched ) than to warre against the turke that profest enemy of christendome ; the increase of whose empire may be compared to the milt in mans body ; for the grandure of it threatens ruine and destruction to all christian states , drawing light to his halfe moone by darkening of others , and shewing even by the multitude of his insolent titles what his aimes be , if the lord put no● a hooke in the nose of that leviathan . praise-worthy therefore are those glorious , and ( no doubt ) prosperous expeditions of such english and other christian voluntaries as have stood , and even at this day doe stand engaged in personall service against the great turke : for these , though they perish in the battell , shall survive time , and raise them a name out of the dust , which shall never be extinguished . these are they who fight the lords battell , and will rather die than it should quaile : these are those glorious champions , whose aime is to plant the blessed tidings of the gospell once againe in that holy land , which now remaines deprived of those heavenly prophets which shee once enjoyed , of those godly apostles which she once possessed , of that sweet singer of israel with which her fruitfull coasts once resounded . o gentlemen , if you desire imployment in this kinde , what enterprize more glorious ? if you aime at profit , what assay to your soules more commodious ? if you seeke after fame , ( the aime of most souldiers ) what expedition more famous ? since by this meanes the practices of christs enemies shall be defeated , the borders of christendome enlarged , peace in sion established , and the tidings of peace every where preached . besides , in assayes of this nature , being taken in hand for the peace and safeti● of christendome , assureth more securitie to the person engaged : for little need he to feare a strong foe , that hath a stronger friend . admit therefore that you returne , as one that commeth with red garments from bozra , so as the devill and his angels like wilde bulls of basan run at you , you shall breake their hornes in his crosse for whom you fight . as wee have discoursed of imployments publike , which wee divided into two ranks , civill and military ; and of the manner how gentlemen are to demeane themselves in court or campe ; so are we now to descend to imployments private , wherein wee purpose to set downe such necessary cautions or observances , as may seeme not altogether unprofitable or unusefull for the consideration of a gentleman . and first , i will speake of the imployment of a private iustice of peace , wherein he is appointed and made choice of , not only to redresse such annoyances as may seeme to prejudice the state of that countie wherein he lives , and is deputed iustice ; but likewise to mediate , attone and determine all such differences as arise betwixt partie and partie ; for to these also extends the office of iustice of peace . yea , wee are to wish him to be , as well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a compounder , as a commissioner of the peace . godlinesse should be their chiefest gaine , and right and peace their greatest joy : for such are both pacidici , and pacifici , pleaders for peace , and leaders to peace : peace-lovers , and peaceable livers . as for the rest , they are deservedly blamed , that confine all their practice not within those ancient bounds , usque ad aras , but with those usuall bonds , usque ad crumenas . the old position was , iustice is to be preferred before profit ; but now the termes are transposed in the proposition , and the avaritious desire of having never disputeth of the equity of the cause , but of the utilitie . kinde men such are but where they doe take , hardening their hearts against the crie of the poore . if a man come to demand justice , he shall speed ill , having no money to give , no coine to present , no friends to speake , his cause is like to fall . suppose out of two mites hee give one : the rich adversaries horse eats up the poore clients oats ; there needs no oedipus to vnfold this riddle : in the end the poore sheepe , that lost but a locke of his wooll in the country , loseth his whole fleece in the citie ; consumeth what he hath , spendeth his time , loseth his hope , and falleth his suit , be it never so good and honest . whereas such ( and of such we only speake ) as doe a right judgement to the fatherlesse and widow , beare a resemblance of god , who is a loving father to the orphane , and a gracious iudge to the widow . these will not for conscience sake pervert the right of strangers , fatherlesse , &c. for such as doe so , shall be b cursed upon mount ebal : but these like pure lampes , diffuse those divine beames of unblemished justice , to all places where they reside , resembling david , who c executed judgement and justice to all his people : or like that propheticall dove , ieremiah , ever d exhorting to execute righteousnesse and judgement . or like that good patriarke abraham , ever e commanding his houshold to doe righteousnesse and judgement . for these know , how f all the wayes of god are judgements . and that , g just and like a great deepe are gods judgements . and the wicked h tremble at gods judgements . and the wicked i understand not judgements . and therfore strive against k perverse judgements . because they know what l equitie is to be required in judgements . having ever before their m eyes gods judgements . o how pretious are the lips of these who preserve judgement , being an honour to their country , a pillar to the state , leaving a memorable name to themselves , which as that princely prophet saith , shall never rot ! these are they , who have their faces n covered , lest they should have respect unto the person ; as godlinesse is their gaine and the preservation of a good conscience their principall ayme ; so if there were neither reward here , nor elsewhere , for such as executed justice and judgement ; yet for conscience sake , and a sincere love they bore to truth , would they continue in their zealous care to the profession and protection thereof . these are not of that leaven who turne iudgement to worme-wood , and leave off righteousnesse in the earth . for such in stead of judgement and equitie , execute crueltie and oppression . these are not of that sort , who preferre the purple before the person , the person before the cause ; never examining the cause how good it is , but observing the man how great he is . no , their counsells and consultations tend to the publike peace , and the redresse of such enormities as arise from vicious humours , breeding and spreading in the state. now what imployment more fitting or accommodate for a gentleman of what degree soever , than this , which inables him in affaires tending as well to himselfe in particular , as the sterne of the state publike in generall ? would you see errours and abuses in the state redressed ? you are seated where by your owne authoritie you may have them reformed . would you have officers execute their places under you honestly , being from corruption freed ? your prince , by especiall notice taken of you , hath so advanced you , that you may see all offices under you duely executed , and where default shall be , have them punished . would you further the poore mans cause , and see his wrongs releeved ? it is in your hand to effect that which you have desired . would you purge your countrey of such superfluous humours , as from long peace and too much prosperitie have oft-times issued ? you are those physitians who may lance and cure those broad-spreading sores , with which the state hath beene so distempered . would you curbe factions and contentious members , who like samsons fire-brands tyed to foxes tailes , kindle the fire of all division , and labour to have them extinguished ? you have authoritie to see such censured , that publike peace ( as becommeth a civill state ) might bee maintained . now there are two extremes which ( like two dangerous rocks ) are carefully to bee avoided , lest the precious freight of iustice might thereby hee enndagered . the one is rigour , the other indulgence . i approve therefore of his opinion , who would have intus mel , foris oleum ; as well cordialls as corrasives : for as some men ( and those of the basest and servilest condition ) are onely to be deterred from doing evill by the censure or penalty of the law ; so there are others of a more generous and noble disposition , who are only to be reclaimed by faire and affable meanes ; and these are to be brought in rather by love than awe . for as wormewood of it selfe , expels diseases , yet is to be anoynted with honey , that the improvident age of childhood might bee deluded , and they from their nurses teats the sooner weaned : so though this wormewood of rigour and severity bee of force to cure and expell most diseases raging or reigning ; yet being allayed with the honey of mercy and indulgence , it will sooner weane children , that is to say , such whose soft and easie temper is best perswaded by courtesie , than wormewood untempered , that is , than the law to her highest pinne wrested . indeed these boanerges , the sonnes of thunder , are powerfull in deterring such , whose braving and domineering natures use to oppose themselves to right : for perswasions are as little available to these , as to sow sand in the ayre ; wherefore as the law hath provided fit meanes to curbe and chastice such , whose obstinate and refractory natures will not by easie meanes be induced , so hath it qualified or attempered the rigour or bitternesse of such provisions , where there is assured hope , that the partie by easier perswasions will bee reclaimed . for if we will resemble that absolutest patterne or abstract of all iustice , god himselfe ; we shall reade that he came as well in a still voyce , as in thunder . so as , albeit a god when he delivered the law , came downe in the fire ; and the b glory of god appeared on mount sinai , as a consuming fire ; and out of gods mouth went a c consuming fire ; and in gods wrath against d israel was kindled fire ; and e eliah was taken up into heaven by a chariot and horses of fire ; and the f angell appeared to moses in a flame of fire ; and g every mans worke shall be tryed by fire ; yet god , as he is to the wicked a h consuming fire : so to the godly he is a i comfortable fire . be not then ever cloathed with fire , reprove the enormities of the state with the spirit of mildnesse , which if it will not prevaile , unsheath the sword of iustice , that such may bee severely , curbed , who by gentlenesse would not bee cured . it is not to be doubted , but you shall encounter with delinquents of severall natures : the chastizing of both which sorts is left wholly to your discretion : for many things , though expresly enacted , are in respect of the manner , referred to your discretion to see them executed . many there are , who will rather die for the act , than discover the act : like epicharia a libertine of rome , who made privie to a conspiracie against nero , would not disclose the plotters thereof , though tormented with cruell punishments : or leena , who conspiratour against the tyrant hyppeas , was not agast at the death of her friends , though torne with extreme torments , but resolute to the end , would not reveale her partners , but bit in sunder her owne tongue , and spit it in the tyrants face . there are others likewise , who will expose themselves to all extremities that law can inflict , onely to gaine themselves a name ; such was herostratus , who burned the temple of diana of ephesus , onely for vaine-glory : but to these you are not to use indulgence ; for they that brave it in sinne , esteeming mischievous practices to bee their chiefest glory , are fallen into that gall of bitternesse , as in them there is small hope of remedy . better it is that one perish , than that unitie perish , and in these ( sure i am ) that maxime is true ; he that spareth the evill , hurteth the good . for it is impossible that any state should flourish with increase of good men , where there is no difference made betwixt the good and evill . wherefore you are to deale in the state , as skilfull gardners or vine-dressers doe with their vines ; they cause the wild branches to be pruned , that their naturall sciens may bee better nourished . vnfruitfull members , and such as are more burdensome than behouefull to a state , are to bee purged and pruned , that such whose honest care and providence deserves due praise among you may be the more encouraged , seeing these , who used to live on others labours , duly punished . yet in all your censures beware of this , that no personall distaste aggravate in you the quality of the crime : i meane , let no private hate or dislike to any person , cause you to punish him , for this is a partiall and indirect proceeding , relying rather vpon the authority of your place , than equity of the cause . farre more generous is it to bury all hate towards your foes , especially when by meanes of your place , it rests in your power to spare or punish . when caesar commanded the demolished monuments of pompey to bee set up againe ; cicero told him that in erecting pompeyes trophies hee established his owne . and no lesse generous was scaurus , domitius his enemy , who when a certaine servant of domitius came before the judgement seat to accuse his master , he sent him home to his master . the like of cato and murena . be your censures likewise free from passion ; for there is nothing that so troubles the pure current of iustice , or so much transformes man from himselfe , 〈◊〉 giving way to wrath . the saying of archytas is much commended , who being angry with one of his hindes , said ; o how would i have beaten thee , had i not beene angry with thee ! heare the poore mans cause with an equall and impartiall care ; let not the greatnesse of his adversary be any barre to his plea , or any hinderance to his cause ; beare your selves sincerely with all singlenesse , uprightly without partiall connivence ; standing for your foe equally as your friend , if your foes cause be as honest as your friends . it was bias saying , that he had rather be a iudge amongst his enemies , than amongst his friends : and this might probably bee his reason ; because his enemies would pry more narrowly into his actions than his friends ; and therefore his desire was to bee by them onely approved , by whom hee was chiefly observed . yea , herein might you partake of a right noble revenge upon your enemies ; in shewing apparent testimonies of your care and zeale to the truth ; in preventing all occasions of scandall ; in preferring justice even in cases which neerely concerne your friend , before all termes of friendship ; having the testimony of a good conscience within you , as a wall of brasse against all opponents : for hence it was that diogenes being asked how one should be revenged of his enemy , answered , by being a vertuous and honest man. for the whole life of every good man giveth testimony unto god of the integrity or uprightnesse of his conversation . but beware above all things ( as i formerly noted ) of accepting or respecting persons ; for this is the very bane of iustice. let not the rich man with all his presents tempt you , nor those many friends which he hath laid up in store to speake for him , taint you . fie for shame ( saith innocentius ) now adayes man is esteemed according to his money , whereas rather the money should bee esteemed according to the man. every one is reputed worthy , if he be wealthy , and naught if he be needy ; whereas rather every one should be reputed wealthy , if he be worthy , and needy if he be naught . marcus caelius was said to have a good right hand , but an ill left hand ; because he could plead against a man better than for him . be you so equally handed , as poyzing the weight of the cause sincerely , you may minister right judgment to all parties , being as ready to defend the cause of the needy , as of the wealthy , giving him the best countenance , who hath the best cause . it was romes fault , which presages romes fall , to be facunda inimicuiis , faecunda praemiis ; farre be it from our iland , who as she hath enjoyed a long peace , so ought shee to become more thankfull to that god of peace , who in his mercy hath strengthned her bulwarkes , enclosed her as a hedged garden , fed her with the flower of wheat , making her feet like hindes feet to runne the wayes which hee hath appointed . and so i come to speake of such private affaires as require the care and charge of a gentleman , even within the compasse of his owne family . if there bee any that provideth not for his owne , and namely for them of his houshold , he denieth the faith , and is worse than an infidell , saith the apostle . now how carefull should we be to remove from us , so hatefull a title as the name of infidell ? have we not our appellation from christ ? but in vaine are we named after christ , if wee doe not follow christ. wee were not borne to passe our time in an improvident or carelesse sensuality ; wee were not created onely to cramme our selves , and spend our dayes in securitie ; man ( saith iob ) was borne to labour , as the sparkes to flie upward ; at least to provide for his owne family , over which hee is made a master : by releeving them outwardly with all necessaries , and inwardly with all good and wholsome instructions . now to propose you a forme , in what manner you are to demeane your selves towards all degrees within your family : i shall little need , since the apostle himselfe hath so notably laid downe every ones office or duty : where hee sheweth in what manner wives are to submit themselves unto their husbands ; and againe , how husbands should love their wives , even as christ loved the church , and gave himselfe for it . in the next ensuing chapter hee declareth the duty of children in these words ; children obey your parents in the lord , for this is right . then he descendeth to the duty of parents ; and ye , fathers , provoke not your children to wrath : but bring them up in instruction and information of the lord. then touching servants ; servants bee obedient unto them that are your masters , according to the flesh , with feare and trembling , in singlenesse of your hearts as unto christ. concluding the last duty with masters ; and yee masters doe the same thing unto them , putting away threatning : and know that even your master also is in heaven , neither is there respect of person with him . thus have wee briefly and cursorily runne over those particular duties , deputed to every one from the highest to the lowest in their peculiar places and offices ; where we can finde no exemption from the servant to the master , but that certaine particular duties are injoyned either . as every mans house is his castle , so is his family a private common-wealth , wherein if due government be not observed , nothing but confusion is to be expected . for the better prevention whereof , i have thought good to set downe sundry cautions , as well for direction in affaires temporall , as spirituall ; which observed , it is not to bee doubted but that god will give you all good successe to your endevours . first therefore , in affaires temporall i could wish you to observe this course ; so to provide for the releefe and supportance of your family , as you may not onely have sufficient for yourselves , but also bee helpfull unto others ; sufficient for your selves in providing food and apparell , being all which iaakob desired of god : and helpfull unto others , in giving food and raiment to the fatherlesse , in providing releefe for the desolate and comfortlesse , in harbouring the poore , needy and succourlesse , and briefly in ministring to the necessity of the saints , and all such as are of the family of faith . and because providence is the way , by which releefe both to your selves and others may bee sufficiently ministred , beware of prodigality , and excesse ; lest you give your honour unto others , and your yeares to the cruell . lest the stranger should be filled with your strength , and your labours be in the house of a stranger . go rather to the pismire , who though she have no guide , governour , nor ruler , provideth in summer her granary for winter . neither is it sufficient to gather , but frugally to dispose of that which is gathered . this providence admits of no vitellius break-fasts , nor cleopatra's bankets . the prodigalls daintie tooth brought him to feed on husks . esau's to sell his birth-right for a messe of pottage . ionathans for a honey-combe to endanger his life . the israelites to murmure against moses . babylons golden cup , to fill her full of abominations . i have observed , and no lesse admired than observed , how some have consumed their estates in satisfying their appetites , and that only in the choice of meats and drinkes ; and was not this a great vanitie ? that those , whom meats , though lesse delightfull , yet more healthfull might haue sustained , and fewer diseases occasioned ▪ could not content themselves with that which might have better satisfied nature , but to shew themselves epicures rather than christians , will bestow the revenues of a manour upon the superfluous charge of a supper . for these are they , who like ery●thous bowels , will disgorge as much upon the boundlesse expence of their owne family , as might serve well for releeving a whole countrey . these are they who like the endive or misselto , sucke up all the native verdure and vigour of such plants as they inwreath : for by their excesse , though their owne luscious palats taste no want , the commonaltie feeles it , when they goe to the markets , and finde the rate of all provision inhanced by such , whose prodigalitie scarce extends a provident eye to themselves , much lesse to the behoose of others . it is said of cambletes the gluttonous king of lydia , that he dreamed he devoured his wife , while they lay sleeping together in the same bed ; and finding her hand betweene his teeth when he awaked , hee slow himselfe fearing dishonour . howsoever the history be authenticke ; sure i am the morall taxeth such , whose epicureall mindes are only set upon prodigall expence , without respect either of present fortunes , or care to posteritie , whose want is oft-times procured by their riot . to be short , as parcimonie is too late when it comes to the bottome ; so it may be with discretion used , when it is at the top : for i approve of his opinion , who would have a gentleman neither to hoord up niggardly , nor lash out lavishly . for as the former argueth a miserable and ignoble minde , so the latter sheweth a minde improvident and indiscreet ; both which are to be so avoided ; that a meane betwixt both may be duely observed . for as i would have a gentleman , even in arguments of outward bountie , shew whence he was descended ; so would i have him keepe a hawke , left his too free disposition be ●hrough necessitie restrained . so as in matters of expence , i hold his resolve authenticke , who said ; i will never spare where reputation bids mee s●end , nor spend where honest frugalitie bids me spare . it is a good rule , and worthy observation : for whosoever spares , when with credit and reputation hee should spend , is indiscreetly sparing : and whosoever spends , when with honest frugalitie hee may spare , is prodigally spending ▪ now in government of a family , as i would not have you too remisse ; so i would not have you too severe , towards your servants ( i meane ) and those who have received their several charge from you : this it was which moved the apostle to exhort masters to put away threatning ; adding this reason : for know that even your master also is in heaven , neither is there respect of person with him . therefore it was saint augustines prayer unto god , that he would root out of him , all rashnesse , frowardnesse , roughnesse , unquietnesse , slownesse , slothfulnesse , sluggishnesse ; dulnesse of minde , blindnesse of heart , obstinacie of sense , truculencie of manners , disobedience to goodnesse , repugnance of counsell , want of bridling the tongue , making a prey of the poore , shewing violence to the impotent , calumniating the innocent , negligence of subjects , * severitie towards servants , harshnesse towards familiars , hardnesse towards neighbours . hence note , how in this holy fathers repetition and enumeration of many grievous and odious sinnes , he toucheth severitie towards servants , as a hainous and egregious offence : and not without great cause ; for if we be taught not to muzzle the oxe that treadeth out the corne : and that , we are to spare the life of our beast : much more ought we to have mercie over such as partake with us in the same image , which wee have equally from him received , by whom we live , move , and have our being . i approve therefore of them , who put on the spirit of mildnesse towards such as are deputed or substituted under them , bearing with one anothers weaknesse , as those who have a compassionate feeling of humane infirmities , not laying such heavie burdens upon them , as they themselves will not touch with their finger , but will in some measure partake with them in all their labours . but of all other vices incident to masters , there is none more hatefull in the sight of god and man , than the unthankfulnesse or disrespect of masters towards their servants , when they have spent their strength , and wasted themselves in their service . these like the grey-hound in the fable , may well say , that they see nothing can please , but that which doth profit : when they were young , able and fit to endure labour , they were respected ; whereas now being old , infirme , and helplesse , either to themselves or others , they are sleightly regarded . whereas , if they were thankfull masters , these whom they once loved for profit sake in youth , they would now love in age , in respect of the profit they reaped by their youth . but , alas , doe we not see how nothing is more contemptible than an old serving-man ? he may say he was a man in his time , but that is all . there is no man that will know him , since his blew-coat knew no cognizance ; the losse of his crest , makes him hang downe his crest , as one crest-fallen : so as the poore larke may boast of more than he may : for every larke hath his crest , saith simonides , but he hath none . to redresse this , as in humanitie you ought , so i know such as are generously disposed , will : that those who have deserved well under you , being now growne aged , yet unpreferred , may by your care be so maintained , that their service of labour may be made a service of prayer , offering their sacrifice of devotion unto god , that great master of a houshold , that he in his mercy would give a happie successe unto all your endevours . now as the labourer is worthy of his wages ; for , cursed is he that defraudeth ●he labourer of his hire : so there is an especiall care required in every servant to looke unto that which is given him in charge . for the better discharge whereof , it is injoyned you that be masters ; not to be too remisse in your care and overseeing thereof ; for much oversight is usually committed for want of a good overseer . admonish your servants that they intend their charge ; suffer them not to idle , but in their peculiar places to doe that which they in dutie are to performe , and you in reason are to expect . wherein , as they proceed in diligence , so are you to require their care with a cheerefull thankfulnesse . if it be your lot to have such an one as iaakob was , ( as rare it is to finde such an one as he was ) reward him not with a bleare-eyed loah , for a beautifull and faire rahel : i meane , abridge not , nor scant not their wages ; for this is a discredit to your selfe , and a discouragement to your servant . if he say , these twenty yeeres i have beene with thee : thine ewes and thy goats have not cast their young , and the rams of thy flocke have i not eaten . whatsoever was torne of beasts , i brought it not unto thee , but made it good my selfe : of mine hand diddest thou require it , were it stollen by day , or stollen by night . i was in the day consumed with heat , and with frost in the night , and my sleepe departed from mine eyes . thus have i beene twenty yeeres in thine house , and served thee fourteene yeeres for thy two daughters , and six yeeres for thy sheepe , and thou hast changed my wages ten times . if ( i say ) hee hath thus served you , and shewne faithfulnesse in that charge over which hee was appointed , reward him with a bountifull hand , and encourage his care with your best countenance . whereas , contrariwise , if you meet with such a servant , that saith in his heart , my master doth deferre his comming ; and shall begin to smite the servants , and maidens , and to eat , and drinke , and to be drunken ; you are not to use remisnesse to such a servant , but to cut him off , lest you give example unto others , by your indulgence , to be of the like condition . in briefe as a good servant is a precious jewell , tendring the profit and credit of him he serveth ; so an evill servant , whose service is only to the eye , and not for conscience sake , is a scatterer of his substance whom he serveth ; aiming only at his owne private profit , without least respect had to his masters benefit . difference therefore you are to make of their care , in cherishing the one , and chastising the other ; which can hardly be effected , unlesse you , who are to make this difference of your servants , have an eye to their imployments . neither would i have your care so extended , as to afflict and macerate your selves by your excessive care : a meane is the best both in the preservation of health and wealth . be diligent ( saith salomon ) to know the state of thy flocke , and take heed to thy herds . yet withall note his conclusion : let the milke of thy goats be sufficient for thy food , for the food of thy familie , and for the sustenance of thy maids . whence you may observe , that to gather is admitted , so the use or end for which wee gather be not neglected . for such , whose hydroptick minds are ever raking and reaping , yet know not how to imploy the blessings of god , by a communicative exhibition unto others , are become vassals unto their owne ; making their gold-adoring affection an infection , their reason treason , and the wealth which they have got them , a witnesse to condemne them . but i have insisted too long on this point , especially in framing my speech to you , whose more free-borne dispositions will ever scorne to be tainted with such unworthy aspersions : wherefore i will descend briefly to such instructions , as you are to use touching spirituall affaires , being masters of housholds in your private families . we reade that abraham commanded his sons , and his houshold , that they should keepe the way of the lord , to doe righteousnesse and judgement : and wee are taught what wee must doe , returning from gods house to our owne : and what wee are to doe sitting in our houses , even to lay up gods word in our heart and in our soule , and binde it for a signe upon our hand , that it may be as a frontlet betweene our eyes . and not only to be thus instructed our selves , but to teach them our children , speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house , and when thou walkest by the way , and when thou liest downe , and when thou risest up . and not so onely , but thou shalt write them upon the posts of thine house , and upon thy gates . whence you see , how no place , time , or occasion is to be exempted from meditating of god : but especially in housholds and families ought this exercise of devotion to be frequently and fervently practised ; for a blessing is pronounced upon the performance hereof , as appeareth in the foresaid place , and the next ensuing verse , where he saith , you shall doe all that i have commanded you , that your dayes may be multiplied , and the dayes of your children , in the land which the lord sware unto your fathers to give them , as long as the heavens are above the earth . marke the extent of this blessing , for it promiseth not only length of dayes to them that performe it , but even to the children of them that performe it ; and that in no unfruitfull or barren land , but in the land which the lord sware unto your fathers to give them ; and that for no short time , but so long as the heavens are above the earth . so as , this blessed promise , or promised blessing , is ( as one well observeth ) not restrained , but with an absolute grant extended : so that , even as the people that were in the gate , and the elders wished in the solemnizing of that mariage betwixt boaz and ruth , that their house might be like the house of pharez ; so doubtlesse , whosoever meditates of the law of the lord , making it in his familie , as a familiar friend to direct him a faithfull counseller to instruct him , a sweet companion to delight him , a precious treasure to enrich him , shall finde successe in his labours , and prosperitie in the worke of his hands . but amongst all , as it is the use or masters of housholds to call their servants to account for the day past ; so be sure , gentlemen , and you who are masters of houses , to enter into your owne hearts , by a serious examination had every night , what you have done , or how you have imployed your selves , and those talents which god hath bestowed on you , the day past ; in imitation of that blessed father , who every night examined himselfe , calling his soule to a strict account , after this manner ; o my soule , what hast thou done this day ? what good hast thou omitted ? what evill hast thou committed ? what good , which thou shouldst have done ? what evill , which thou shouldst not have done ? where are the poore thou hast releeved ? the sicke or captive thou hast visited ? the orphan or widow thou hast comforted ? where are the naked , whom thou hast cloathed ? the hungry , whom thou hast refreshed ? the afflicted and desolate , whom thou hast harboured ? o my soule , when it shall be demanded of thee , quid comedit pauper ? how poorely wilt thou looke , when there is not one poore man that will witnesse thy almes ? againe , when it shall be demanded of thee , vbi nudus quem amicivisti ? how naked wilt thou appeare , when there is not one naked soule that will speake for thee ? againe , when it shall be demanded of thee , vbi sitiens quem potasti ? vbi esuriens quem pavisti ? vbi captivus quem visitasti ? vbi moestus quem relevasti ? o my soule , how forlorne , wretched , and uncomfortable will thy condition be , when there shall not appeare so much as one witnesse for thee to expresse thy charitie ? not one poore soule whom thou hast releeved ! one naked whom thou hast cloathed ! nor one thirstie whom thou hast refreshed ! nor one hungry whom thou hast harboured ! nor a captive whom thou hast visited ! nor one afflicted whom thou hast comforted ! thus to call your selves to account , by meditating ever with s. hierome of the judgement day , will be a meanes to rectifie your affections , mortifie all inordinate motions , purifie you throughout , that you may be examples of pietie unto others in your life , and heires of glory after death : concluding most comfortably with the foresaid father ; if my mother should hang about mee , my father lie in my way to stop me , my wife and children weepe about mee , i would throw off my mother , neglect my father , contemne the lamentation of my wife and children , to meet my saviour christ iesus . for the furtherance of which holy resolution , let no day passe over your heads , wherein you addresse not your selves to some good action or imployment . wherefore apelles posie was this , let no day passe without a line . be sure every day you doe some good , then draw one line at the least : according to that , line upon line , line upon line . and pythagoras posie was this , sit not still upon the measure of corne . doe not looke to eat , except you sweat for it : according to that , he which will not worke , let him not eat . in my fathers house ( saith christ ) are many mansions . so that no man may sing his soule a sweet requiem , saying with that cormorant in the gospell , soule take thy rest : for in heaven onely , which is our fathers house , there are many mansions to rest in . in this world , which is not of our fathers house , , there are not many mansions to rest in , but onely vine-yards to worke in . wherein , because not to goe forward , is to goe backward , we are to labour even to the day of our change . hereupon charles the fifth gave this embleme , stand not still , but goe on farther ; vlterius : as god saith to his guest , superius : sit not still , but sit up higher . doing thus , and resolving to be no masters over that family , whose chiefest care is not the advancement of gods glory , you shall demeane your selves , being here worthy that vocation or calling , over which you are placed , and afterwards , by following hard toward the marke , obtaine the prize of the high calling of god in christ iesus . the english gentleman . argument . of the difference of recreations ; of the moderate and immoderate use of recreation ; of the benefits re●ounding from the one , and inconveniences arising from the other ; of recreations best sorting with the qualitie of a gentleman ; and how he is to bestow himselfe in them . recreation . recreation , being a refresher of the minde , and an enabler of the bodie to any office wherein it shall be imployed ; brancheth it selfe into many kinds ; as hawking , which pleasure , one termed the object of a great minde , whose aymes were so farre above earth , as he resolves to retire a while from earth , and make an evening flight in the aire . hunting , where the hounds at a losse shew themselves subtill sophisters , arguing by their silence , the game came not here ; againe , by being mute , it came not there ; ergo , by spending their mouthes it came here . fishing , which may be well called the embleme of this world , where miserable man , like the deluded fish , is ever nibbling at the bait of vanitie . swimming , an exercise more usuall than naturall , and may have resemblance to these diving heads , who are ever sounding the depths of others secrets ; or smimming against the streame , may glance at such whose only delight is opposition . running , a recreation famously ancient , solemnized by the continued succession or revolution of many ages , upon the olympiads in greece , so as the account or yeerly computation came from races and other solemne games used on olympus . wrastling , leaping , dancing , and many other recreations of like sort , as they were by the continuance of many yeeres upon olympus kept , and with publike feasts duly celebrated : so in many places of this kingdome , both southward in their wakes , and northward in their summerings , the very same recreations are to this day continued . shooting amongst the scythians and parthians , was an exercise of especiall request , as afterward amongst the amazonites , being women expert above all people of the world in shooting and practising the dart. bowling amongst the romans was much used , especially in lucullus time , whose garden-alleyes were ever stored with young gentlemen , who resorted thither to recreate themselves with this exercise . the greekes had a a cynosargus , to traine and exercise their youth in wrastling ; and a cerostrotum to annoint their bodies in before they wrastled . the ancient romans had a b circus , to inure and practise their youth against military service , wherein they wrastled and contended . they used likewise , as the french doe to this day , the exercise of the c ball , which play is never sufficiently praised by galen : being an exercise wherein all the organs or faculties of mans bodie are to be imployed ; as the eye to be quicke and sharpe in seeing , the hand readie in receiving , the body nimble in moving , the legges speedie in recovering . that fencing also was of much use and practice among the romans , even in their height of glory , and during the flourishing time of their empire , may appeare by that high commendation which cicero giveth it , terming it , d the strongest and soveraignest exercise against death and griefe . that iusts , turnaments and barriers ( likewise ) were amongst our ancient knights usually practised and observed , both for gaining the favour of such ladies as they loved , as also for the honour of their country , vanquishing such strangers with whom they contended ; may appeare in histories of all ages . or to descend to more soft and effeminate recreations : we shall finde , of what great esteeme musicke was , even with some , who were in yeeres as ripe , as they were for wisdome rare . socrates , when he was well strucke in yeeres , learned to play upon the harpe . minerva and alcibiades disliked the lowd musicke of dulcimers and shalmes , but admired the warbling straines of the harpe . plato and aristotle would have a man well brought up in musicke . lycurgus in his sharpe lawes allowes of musicke . chyron taught achilles in his tender yeeres , musicke . achasia , with diotima and hermione , taught pericles prince of troy ( or rather duke of athens ) musicke . epaminondas of leuctra , was experienced in musicke . themistocles was lesse esteemed , because not seene in musicke . alexander was so ravished with musicke , that when he heard a trumpet , he used to cry ad arma , ad arma ; not able to containe himselfe : so highly were his spirits erected by the force of musicke . painting likewise among the ancient pagans , was for a recreation used , though at this day , through the dishonour our painted sepulchers doe to their maker , much abused . fabius surnamed pictor , from whence the fabii tooke their names , was a painter , for he painted the walls of the temple of peace . metrodorus a philosopher and painter of athens , sent to by l. paulus to bring up his children , and to decke the romane triumphs . protogenes his table wherein bacchus was painted , moved king demetrius lying at the city rhodes , so much to admire his rare art and workmanship , that whereas he might have consumed the city with fire , he would not for the preciousnesse of that table : and therefore staying to bid them battell , wonne not the city at all . so campaspe pictured out in her colours by apelles ; and crotons five daughters , lively pourtrayed by zeuxes , gained those famous artists no lesse honour . howsoever his art was in painting , i cannot chuse but commend his quicke wit in answering , being by them reproved whom he most distasted ; and thus it was . two cardinalls reproving one raphael a painter , in that he had made the pictures of peter and paul too red , answered , that saint peter and saint paul were even as red in heaven , as they saw them there , to see the church governed by such as they were . this device or invention of painting , was by the pagans generally , but especially those of the better sort , taken only for a recreation , and no trade or profession ; labouring to shew their cunning in beautifying , garnishing and adorning the triumphs of their conquerours , or in decoring their temples dedicated to the gods. as the scythes used to erect obeliskes or square stones upon the hearse of the deceased , in number so many as he had slaine of his enemies : where he that had not slaine an enemy could not drinke of the goblet , spiced with the ashes of some memorable ancestor , at solemne feasts and banquets . for other painting ( too much affected at this day ) it was not so much as used by any matron , wife , or virgin , whose best red was shamefastnesse , and choicest beauty maiden bashfulnesse : onely , as festus pompeius saith , common and base whores , called schaenicolae , used daubing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . but this may seeme an art rather than a recreation ; wee will therefore descend to some others , whose use refresheth and recreateth the minde , if imployed as they were first intended , being rather to beguile time , than to reape gaine . and first for the antiquity of dice-play , we have plenty of authorities every where occurring : being much used by all the roman emperours at banquets and solemne meetings , where they bestowed themselves and the time , at no game so much as dice. so as , augustus was said to be a serious gamester at dice : affecting them much , when at any time hee retired from court or campe. whence it is , that suetonius bringeth in augustus caesar speaking thus ; si quas manus remisi cuique exegissem : aut retinuissem quod cuique donavi , vicissem , &c. if i had exacted those chances which i remitted every one , and kept that which i bestowed , i had gotten by play ; whereas now i am a loser by my bounty . though no game more ancient , or which indeed requireth a conceit more pregnant than the chesse ; which we read to have beene in great request amongst the ancient romans , whereof we have a history in the time of caius caligula , tending to this purpose . this emperour being naturally addicted to all cruelty , chanced one day amongst others to send for one canius iulus a philosopher of eminent esteeme at that time : with whom , after some conference , the emperour fell into such a rage , as he bade him depart thence , but expect within short time to receive due censure for his boldnesse : for ( quoth he ) flatter not thy selfe with a foolish hope of longer life , for i have doo●ed thee to bee drawne by the officer unto death : but see with what resolution this noble canius bore himselfe ! i thanke you ( quoth he ) most gracious emperour , and so departed . within some few dayes after , the officer ( according to the emperours commandement ) repaired to the houses of such as were adjudged , not by any legall processe , but onely by the emperours pleasure , to suffer death ; amongst which , he made repaire to canius house , whom hee found playing at chesse with one of his companions . the officer without delay gave him summons to prepare himselfe , for it was the emperours pleasure he should die : whereat , as one nothing amated or discouraged , he called the officer unto him , and * numbring the chesse-men before him and his companion with whom hee played : see ( quoth hee ) that after my death thou report not that thou hadst the better of the game : then calling upon the centurion or officer : be you witnesse ( quoth he ) that i was before him one . thus laughed this noble philosopher at death , insulting as much over death , as hee insulted over him , who adjudged him to death . this kinde of game , now flater yeares is growne so familiar with most of our neighbouring countries , as no one play more affected or more generally used . so as wee have heard of an ape who plaid at chesse in portugall : which implyed , the daily use and practice of that game , brought the ape to that imitation . and certainly , there is no one game which may seeme to represent the state of mans life to the full , so well as the chesse . for there you shall find princes and beggers , and persons of all conditions ranked in their proper and peculiar places ; yet when the game is done , they are all thrust up in a bagge together : and where then appeares any difference betwixt the poorest begger , and the potentest peere ? the like may be observed in this stage of humane frailty : while we are here set to shew during the chesse-game of this life , we are according to our severall ranks esteemed ; and fit it should be so , for else should all degrees be promiscuously confounded : but no sooner is the game done , the thred of our short life spunne , than wee are throwne into a bagge , a poore shrouding sheet , for that is all that wee must carrie with us : where there shall bee no difference betwixt the greatest and least , highest and lowest : for then it shall not bee asked us how much wee had , but how we disposed of that we had . thus farre have we discoursed of the first part , to wit , of the difference of recreations : thinking it sufficient to have touched only such as are most usuall and knowne unto us . for some others , which wee have purposely omitted , lest our mindian gate should grow greater than our city , we shall have occasion to speake of some of them , when we are to discourse of such recreations , as are to be made choice of by gentlemen of best ranke and quality . in the meane time we will descend to the second part , to wit , the moderate and immoderate use of recreation . if wee eat too much honey , it will grow distastfull ; so in recreations , if we exceed , they must needs grow hurtfull . i approve therefore of his opinion , who adviseth us to doe with recreations , and such pleasures wherein wee take delight , as nurses doe with their brests to weane young children from them : annoint them a little with allöes ; sprinkling our sweetest delights with some bitternesse , to weane us from them with more easinesse . neither is it my meaning that gentlemen should be so from the pleasure of recre●tion weaned , as if from society wholly estranged : for this were like him , who became hermit because he might not have her he loved . but rather so to attemper or allay the sweetnesse of such pleasures or delights as they betake themselves to , that they bee never too much besotted with them . this course that gentleman tooke , who perceiving himselfe too much affected on hawking , resolved one day to weane his minde a little from it , by trying his patience with some inconveniences incident to it . wherefore he set a lazie haggard on his fist , and goes to his sport : where he finds store of game but few flights ; for wheresoever the partridge flew , his hawke never made farther flight than from tree to tree , which drove the gentleman faulconer to such impatience , as he lesse affected the pleasure for long time after . the like i have heard of a gentleman who used much bowling : which recreation he so continually practised , for the love he bore it , as his occasions were much neglected by it , which to prevent , as he rode farre for his pleasure , so he stayed late ere hee returned home , of purpose , so to become wearied , that his minde by that meanes might from his pleasure be the sooner weaned . but these experiments as they are oft failing , where the minde is not come to setling : so in my opinion there is no meanes better or surer to weane man , endued with reason , from being too much captived or enchained with these pleasures , than to consider what benefits redound from moderate rec●e●t●on , and againe what inconveniences arise from immoderate delight therein . first then , let us consider the end for which recreations were ordained , and wee shall finde that they were rather intended to beguile time , than to bestow our selves on them all our time . though many , too many there be , who will not sticke to say with him who sported himselfe in the warme sunne , vtinam hoc esset vivere , would to god this were to live ; would to god this recreation were a vocation , this pleasure my trade forever . no , as recreation was at first intended for refreshing the minde , and enabling the body to performe such offices as are requisite to bee performed : so is it not to bee made a trade or profession , as if we should there set up our rest , and intend nothing else . consider therefore the benefits which redound by a moderate or temperate use of recreation . first it refresheth or cherisheth the minde , accommodating it to all studies : clearing the understanding which would be easily depressed , if either with worldly cares , or more noble and generous studies wholly restrained . it is said of asinius pollio , that after the tenth houre he would be retained in no businesse , neither after that houre would he reade so much as any letter . of cato likewise , that he used to refresh his minde with wine ; the like of solon and archesilaus , that they would usually cheere their spirits with wine : yet whosoever should object drunkennesse to cato , might sooner prove that crime honest , than cato dishonest . so as , whether we beleeve the greeke poet , it is sometimes pleasing to be a little madding ; or plato , who in vaine expulsed poets the bounds of his common-weale ; or aristotle , that there can never be any great wit without some mixture of folly : we shall finde , that even the gravest and most experienced statists have sometimes retired themselves from more serious affaires , to refresh and solace their tired spirits with moderate recreations . the poet excellently describes a man buried in the deepe slumber of contemplation , after this manner ; he dies , pent up with studie and with care . so were the anchorites and hermites in former time , being wholly divided from societie : yea so immured , as they seemed to be buried living . whose conversation , as ( questionlesse ) it argued a great mortification of all mundane desires ; so it ministred matter of admiration to such , who given to carnall libertie , wondred how men made of earth , could be so estranged from conversing with inhabitants of earth . but to leave these , and imagine their conversation to be in heaven , though their habitation was on earth : we perceive hence , how beneficiall recreation is to the minde , in cheering , solacing , and refreshing her , if used with moderation . how it lessens those burdens of cares , wherewith shee is oppressed , revives the spirits , as if from death restored , cleares the understanding , as if her eyes long time shut , were now unsealed , and quickens the invention , by this sweet respiration , as if newly moulded . neither is this benefit so restrained , as if it extended onely to the minde ; for it conferres a benefit likewise to the bodie , by enabling it to performe such labours , taskes or offices , as it is to be imployed or exercised withall . there are two proverbs which may be properly applied to this purpose : once in the yeare apollo laughes ; this approves the use of moderate recreation . apollo's bow 's not alwayes bent ; this shewes , that humane imployments are to be seasoned by recreation : wee are sometimes to unbend the bow , or it will lose his strength . continuall or incessant imployment cannot be endured : there must be some intermission , or the bodie becomes enfeebled . as for example ; observe these men who either encombred with worldly affairs , so tye and tether themselves to their businesse , as they intermit no time for effecting that which they goe about : or such as wholly nayled to their deske , admit no time for recreation , lest they should thereby hinder the progresse of their studies . see how pale and meager they looke , how sickly and infirme in the state of their bodies , how weake and defective in their constitution ? so as to compare one of these weaklings with such an one as intermits occasions of businesse , rather than he will prejudice his health 〈◊〉 serving times as well for recreation and pleasure , as for imployment and labour , were to present a spectacle of iuius dwarfe , not two foot high , and weighing but seventeene pound , with a rhinoceros , tiger or serpent of fiftie cubits long : such difference in proportion , such ods in strength of constitution . for observe one of these starved worldlings , whose aimes are onely to gather and number , without doing either themselves or others good with that they gather ; with what a sallow and earthy complexion they looke , being turned all earth before they returne to earth . and what may be the cause hereof , but their incessant care of getting , their continuall desire of gaining , being ever gaping till their mouthes be filled with gravell . so these , who are wholly given and solely devoted to a private or retired life , how unlike are they to such as use and frequent societie ? for their bodies , as they are much weakned and enfeebled , so is the heat and vigour of their spirits lessened and resolved , yea their dayes for most part shortned and abridged : the cause of all which proceedeth from a continuall secludi●g and dividing themselves from company , and use of such recreations , as all creatures in their kinde require and observe . for if we should have recourse to creatures of all sorts , wee shall finde every one in his kinde observe a recreation or refreshment in their nature . as the beast in his chace , the bird in her choice , the snaile in her speckled case , the polypus in her change , yea the dolphin is said to sport and play in the water . for as * all things were created for gods pleasure , so hath he created all things to recreate and refresh themselves in their owne nature . thus farre have wee discoursed of moderate recreation , and of the benefits which redound from it ; being equally commodious to the minde as well as the body , the body as well as the minde : to the minde , in refreshing , cherishing and accommodating it to all studies ; to the understanding , in clearing it from the mists of sadnesse : so the body , in enabling it for the performance of such labours , tasks , or offices , as it is to be imployed or interessed in . it now rests that wee speake something of her opposite , to wit , of immoderate recreation , and the inconveniences which arise from thence ; whereof wee shall but need to speake a word or two , and so descend to more usefull points touching this observation . as the wind caecias drawes unto it clouds , so doth immoderate recreation draw unto it divers and sundry maine inconveniences : for this immoderation is a loosener of the sinewes , and a lessener of the strength , as moderation is a combiner of the sinewes , and a refiner of the strength . so dangerous is the surfet which wee take of pleasure or recreation , as in this wee resemble chylo , who being taken with the apprehension of too much joy , instantly died . now who seeth not how the sweetest pleasures doe the soonest procure a surfet ? being such as most delight , and therefore aptest to cloy . how soone were the israelites cloyed with quailes , even while the flesh was yet betweene their teeth , and before it was chewed ? so apt are wee rather to dive than dip our hand in honey . most true shall every one by his owne experience finde that saying of salomon to be ; it is better to goe to the house of mourning , than to goe to the house of feasting : for there may wee see the hand of god , and learne to examine our lives , making use of their mortalitie , by taking consideration of our owne frailtie . whereas in the house of feasting , wee are apt to forget the day of our changing , saying with the epicure , eat , drinke , and play ; but never concluding with him , to morrow wee shall die . so apt are wee with messala corvinus to forget our owne name , man , who is said to be corruption ; and the sonne of man , wormes meat . for in this summer parlour 〈◊〉 flourie arbour of our prosperitie , wee can finde time to solace and recreate our selves ; lie upon beds of ivorie , and stretch our selves upon our beds , and eat of the lambs of the flocke , and the calves out of the stall . singing to the sound of the viole , and inventing to our selves instruments of musicke like david . drinking wine in bowles , and anointing our selves with the chiefe ointments , but no man is sorry for the affliction of ioseph . so universall are wee in our iubile , having once shaken off our former captivitie . to prevent which forgetfulnesse , it were not amisse to imitate the roman princes , who ( as i have elsewhere noted ) when they were at any time in their conquests or victorious triumphs with acclamations received , and by the generall applause of the people extolled , there stood one alwayes behind them in their throne , to pull them by the sleeve , with memento te esse hominem : for the consideration of humane frailtie is the soveraignest meanes to weane man from vaine-glory . whence it was that themistocles , when symmachus told him , that he would teach him the art of memory , answered , he had rather learne the art of forgetfulnesse ; saying , he could remember enough ; but many things he could not forget , which were necessary to be forgotten ; as the over-weening conceit of himselfe , the glory of his exploits , and merit of his actions , the memory whereof tended more to his prejudice than profit . but to descend to the particular inconveniences occasioned by immoderate recreation ; we shall find both the minde and body , as by moderation cheered and refreshed , so by immoderation annoyed and distempered . it was a good rule which those great men of rome observed in their feastings and cup-meetings ; wee will drinke not to drowne us , but to drowne care in us . not to reave sense , but revive sense . not as those who are ever carousing in the cup of nepenthe , steeping their senses in the lethe of forgetfulnesse . for these , like those b●se elyots slaved to ebrietie , have buried that glory of man , the reasonable part , in the lees of sensualitie . these are so farre from standing upon their guard , as the devill may safely enter either upon the fore-ward or rereward without resistance : for mans securitie is the devils opportunitie , which he will not slip though man sleepe . i read of one leonides a captaine , who perceiving his souldiers left their watch , upon the city walls , and did nothing all the day long but quaffe and tipple in ale-houses neere adjoyning , commanded that the ale-houses should be removed , being the cittadels wherin they resided , from that place where they stood , and set up close by the walls ; that seeing the souldiers would never keepe out of them , at the least wise that they might watch as well as drinke in them . these were souldiers fit for such a captaine , and a captaine worthy the training of such souldiers ; being one who could sort himselfe to the necessitie of the time , and frame himselfe to their humour ; when hee could not bring them of with more honour , yet he brought them to stand upon their guard , though they could hardly stand to their tackling : so as i conclude , their march could not chuse but be lazie , when their heads were so heavy . generally , but irregularly , is this broad-spreading vice of drunkennesse holden now adayes for a recreation ; so deeply rooted is the custome of impietie , being once strengthned by impunitie . for what is our sabbath recreation in city and country , but drinking and carousing , imagining ( belike ) that the sabbath cannot be prophaned , if wee use not such works or labours wherein our vocation is usually imployed ? if the iewes made the temple of god a den of theeves ; wee come neere them in making that our temple , which gives harbour unto theeves . for what are our city or country ale-houses , for most part , but the devils boothes , where all enormities are acted , all impieties hatched , all mischievous practices plotted and contrived ? these are those sinkes of sinne , where all pollution and uncleannesse reigneth , where fearfull oathes and prophanation rageth , whence all sensuall libertie ariseth . o gentlemen , let not this professed friend to securitie attend you ! it will make you unlike your selves , transforming that glorious image which you have received , like cyrces guests , who became swine , by being too sensually affected . it was sage cleobulus saying , that ones servant made merry with wine , was not to be punished ; for ( saith he ) in seeing him , thou shalt see thy folly of drunkennesse all the better . whence it was that some countries have formerly used ( though the custome seeme scarcely approved ) to make their slaves or vassals drunke , to shew unto their children the brutish condition of that vice ; whereby they might be the better weaned and deterred from that , which through the libertie of youth is usually affected . for if we should but observe the braine-sicke humours of these professed drunkards , we would rather admire how reason should be so strangely drenched and drowned in the lees of senselesse stupiditie , than ever be drawne to become affecters of so loathsome a vice . yet see the miserie of deluded man ; how many , and those of excellentest parts , have beene and are besotted with this sinne ? for who ever lived , and shewed more absolute perfection in action and person , than that great conquerour and commander of the whole world , alexander the great ? yet what uncomely parts plaid he in his drunkennesse ? how full of noble affabilitie and princely courtesie being sober ? how passionately violent , once fallen to distemper ? witnesse the burning of persepolis , to which cruell attempt hee was perswaded by a common and profest strumpet , even thais , whom all greece had 〈◊〉 for a publike prostitute . likewise his killing of callisthenes , being one whom he so dearly affected , as hee was never well , but when hee enjoyed his company . of both which facts hee so repented , as it was long ere hee would bee comforted . neither onely such as hee , who was a souldier , and therefore might seeme rather to claime in some sort a liberty in this kinde : ( for of all others , wee observe such as these to bee more addicted to these distempers , than others whose more civill and peaceable conversation have inured them to a better temper : ) but even those ( i say ) whose sincerity of life , and severity of discipline had gained them all esteme in their countrey , have beene likewise branded with this aspersion . as censorius cato , than whom none more strict or regular ; asinius pollio , than whom none more gracious or popular ; solon , than whom none more legall ; archesilaus , than whom none more formall . yet if wee did but note how much this vice was by the pagans themselves abhorred , and how they laboured to prevent the very meanes whereby this vice might be either cherished or introduced , wee would wonder that moderation in a heathen , should be so weakly seconded by a christian . amongst them , kinsmen kissed their kinswomen , to know whether they drunke wine or no ; and if they had , to be punished by death , or banished into some iland . plutarch saith , that if the matrons had any necessity to drinke wine , either because they were sicke or weake , the senate was to give them licence , and not then in rome neither , but out of the city . and how much it was hated , may appeare by the testimonie of macrobius , who saith , that there were two senatours in rome chiding ; and the one called the others wife an adulteresse , and the other his wife a drunkard , and it was judged that to bee a drunkard was more infamy . thus you see even in pagans , who had but onely the light of nature to direct them , how loth they were to drowne the light of reason through drunkennesse , being indeed ( as a good father well observeth ) an enemy to the knowledge of god. to conclude then this first point ; may it bee farre from you gentlemen , to deprive your selves of that which distinguisheth you from beasts : make not that an exercise or recreation , which refresheth not , but darkeneth the understanding . drinke you may , and drinke wine you may , for wee cannot allow the device of thracius , but we must disallow saint pauls advice to timothy , vse a little wine for thy stomacks sake , and thine often infirmities . so as you are not injoyned such a strict or laconian abstinence , as if you were not to drinke wine at all : for being commanded not to drinke , it is to be implyed , not to use drunkennesse , wherein is excesse ; for in many places are wee allegorically and not literally to cleave to the text. as for origen , strange it is , that perverting so many other places by allegories , onely he should pervert one place , by not admitting an allegory . for our lord commanding to cut off the foot , or any part of the body which offendeth us , doth not meane we should cut off our members with a knife , but our carnall affections with a holy and mortified life : whence it is , that a origen was iustly punished by using too little diligence , where there was great need , because he used too great diligence where there was little need . no lesse worthy was b democritus errour of reproving , who was blinded before hee was blinde : for a christian need not p●t out his eyes , for feare of seeing a woman , since howsoever his bodily eye see , yet still his heart is blinde against all unlawfull desires . neither was crates thebanus well advised , who did cast his money into the sea , saying , c nay sure i will drowne you first in the sea , rather than you should drowne me in covetousnesse and care . lastly , d thracius , of whom aulus gellius writeth , was for any thing that i can see , even at that time most of all drunken , when hee cut downe all his vines , lest hee should bee drunken . no , i admit of no such strict stoicisme ; but rather ( as i formerly noted ) to use wine or any such strong drinke to strengthen and comfort nature , but not to impaire her strength or enfeeble her . for as by a little we are usually refreshed , so by too much are wee dulled and oppressed . there are some likewise , and these for most part of the higher sort ( i could wish they were likewise of the better sort ) who repaire to the house of the strange woman , sleeping in the bed of sinne , thinking so to put from them the evill day : and these are such as make whoredome a recreation , sticking not to commit sinne even with greedinesse , so they may cover their shame with the curtaine of darknesse . but that is a wofull recreation , which brings both soule and body to confusion , singing lysimachus song , short is the pleasure of fornication , but eternall is the punishment due to the fornicator : so as , though hee enjoy pleasure for a time , hee shall bee tormented for ever . but consider this , gentlemen ; you ( i say ) whose better breeding hath instructed you in the knowledge of better things ; that if no future respect might move you ( as god forbid it should not move and remove you from these licentious delights ) yet respect to the place whence you descended , the tender of your credit which should be principally valued , the example which you give , and by which inferiours are directed , should bee of force to weane you from all inordinate affections , the end whereof is bitternesse , though the beginning promise sweetnesse . it was demosthenes answer unto lais , upon setting a price of her body , non emam tanti paenitere : sure i am , howsoever this heathen orator prized his money above the pleasure of her body , and that it was too deare to buy repentance at so high a rate ; that it is an ill bargaine for a moments pleasure , to make shipwracke of the soules treasure ; exposing reputation and all ( being indeed the preciousest of all ) to the object of lightnesse , and subject of basenesse , paying the fraught of so short a daliance with a long repentance . wherefore my advice is unto such as have resorted to the house of the strange woman , esteeming it only a tricke of youth , to keepe their feet more warily from her wayes : for her house draweth neere unto death , and her paths unto hell. so as none that goe in unto her , shall returne , neither shall they understand the wayes of life . let such as have herein sinned , repent ; and such as have not herein sinned , rejoyce , giving thankes to god , who hath not given them up for a prey to the lusts of the flesh ; craving his assistance to prevent them hereafter , that the flesh might be ever brought in subjection to the spirit . for as the lionesse having beene false to the lion , by going to a libard ; and the storke consorting with any other besides her owne mate , wash themselves before they dare returne home ; and the hart , after he hath satisfied his desire , retires to some private or desolate lawne hanging downe his head , as one discontent , till he hath washed and rinsed himselfe , and then he returnes cheerfully to his herd againe : so we cannot be unto god truly reconciled , till we be in the floud of repentance thorowly washed . thus shall you from the wayes of the strange woman be delivered ; thus shall your good name , which is aptly compared to a precious ointment , remaine unstained ; and a good report shall follow you , when you are hence departed . there is another recreation used by gentlemen , but especially in this citie ; which used with moderation , is not altogether to be disallowed : and it is repairing to stage-playes , where , as they shal see much lightnesse , so they may heare something worthy more serious attention . whence it is , that thomas aquinas giveth instance in stage-playes , as ●ittest for refreshing and recreating the minde , which likewise philo iudaeus approveth . but for as much as divers objections have beene , and worthily may be made against them , we will here lay them downe , being such as are grounded on the sacred word of god ; and with as much perspicuitie and brevitie as we may , cleare and resolve them . playes were set out on a time by the citizens for the more solemnity of a league concluded betwixt the cantons of berna and tiguris ; touching which playes , sundrie differences arose amongst the ministers of geneva , which could not easily be determined , about a young boy , who represented a woman in apparell , habit and person : in the end it was agreed of all parts , that they should submit the determination of this difference , with generall suffrage and consent , to the authenticke and approved judgement of their beza , holden for the very oracle both of vniversitie and citie . this controversie being unto him referred , he constantly affirmed , that it was not onely lawfull for them to set forth and act those playes , but for boyes to put on womens apparell for the time . neither did he onely affirme this , but brought such divines as opposed themselves against it ▪ to be of his opinion , with the whole assent and consent of all the ecclesiasticall synod of geneva . now in this first objection , we may observe the occasion , which moved these zealous and learned divines to make a doubt of the lawfulnesse of stage-playes , because ( said they ) it is not lawfull for men to put on womens apparell , or women to put on mens . as we reade how stephanio , an actor of roman playes , was whipped , for having a mans wife waiting on him , shorne in manner of a boy . which doubt being so soundly and sincerely cleared by so glorious a light of the church , we will no longer insist upon it , but descend to the next objection . we are therefore to come to another place of scripture , pressed likewise by such as oppose themselves to the lawfulnesse of stage-playes , as we finde it written in the . psalme , turne away my eyes that i see no vanitie . which requireth of us a two-fold consideration ; generally , for the whole nature of things , as in that place of salomon , vanitie of vanities , &c. in which sense i freely confesse that stage-playes may passe under the name of vanitie . specially , for subjects vaine , light , foolish , frivolous , fruitlesse , being such as are to be applied or accommodated to no good use or profitable end ; in which sense or signification our stage-playes may in no sort bee termed vanitie . for wee shall gather , by a right use and application of such things as we shall heare and see , many excellent precepts for instruction , sundrie fearefull examples for caution , divers notable occurrents or passages , which well applied ( as what may not be perverted ) may confer no small profit to the judicious hearer . the third objection may probably ground it selfe upon the testimony of saint luke . . woe unto those that laugh now , &c. whence it may be gathered , that if the scripture condemne laughter , then consequently stage-playes also , whose speciall ayme and intendment is to make men laugh . but it is to be understood , that christ directeth his speech to those perverse and malicious men , whose mourning is but a dissembled sorrowing , outwardly grieving , and inwardly laughing ; who speake one thing with their mouth , but professe another thing in their life : for this is not to be understood of the common societie or conversation of men , as if christ should forbid any one to laugh at all ; but rather of immoderate laughter , whence is that of the poet ; woe unto thee whose spleene affecteth laughter , for thy short joy shall turne to sorrow after . for as feare begetteth humility , so too much mirth procureth levitie . much laughter corrupteth manners , and looseth the sinews of their former strength , but a grave countenance is the preserver of knowledge ; yet addeth ecclesiastes unto this : there is nothing better than for man to rejoyce in his workes ; which david confirmeth psalme penult . so as , there is nothing by this objection proved , but what with all reason may be approved : for immoderate mirth is that which is here condemned , being that which we have in this observation especially touched and taxed : whence we may inferre , that moderate delight tasting more of sobrietie than levitie , is not only allowed , but commended . the fourth objection is taken from saint matthew , chap. . . but i say unto you , that for every idle word , &c. of which word , that wee may use no other exposition , than what the ancient fathers themselves have used ; we will shew in this place their severall expositions upon this parcell of holy scripture . tertullian in his booke of patience , understandeth by every idle word , whatsoever is vaine and superfluous . but theophylact by idle words understandeth lyes , calumnies , all inordinate and ridiculous speeches . chrysostome , almost after the same manner interpreteth it , saying , that by idle words are understood such as move uncomely and immodest laughter . gregorie understandeth by these which want the profit ever redounding from modestie , and are seldome uttered upon any precedent necessitie , things frivolous , fables , old-wives tales . all which severall expositions , as they agree in substance , so doe we cloze with them in every circumstance . for such as these which corrupt youth by light and scurrillous jests , so little are they to be affected , as the very stages where these are used , are to be hated . for the fifth , it is written to the corinth . . . and exod. . . the people ●ate downe to eat and drinke , and rose up to play : which argument is drawne from chrysostome , where he sheweth that by these words the apostle meant two maine inconveniences , being the effects of false worship , and endangering the soules shipwracke , to wit , the idolatry , or idolomany of the israelites done to the golden calfe in dan and bethel . but farre be this from the conceit of any to imagine , that stage-playes intended for modest delight and recreation , should ever move the spectatour to such abomination . for so much ought stage-playes to be from introducing any such impietie , as they should not so much as once present in their shewes or pagents , ought that might tend to the depraving of the hearer in matters of conversation , much lesse in drawing their minds to any prophane or pagan opinion : which should not be so much as once named , much lesse entertained amongst christians . for the sixth , it is grounded on the foundation of the same apostle , where in divers places he writeth expresly against fables ; as tim. . . give no heed to fables , &c. againe , the tim. . . but cast away prophane , and old-wives fables , &c. againe , the timoth. . . taxing such as shall turne their eares from the truth , and shall be given unto fables . againe , pet. . . the apostles in their doctrine were not directed by deceivable fables . but for these comedians , let them speake for themselves , being such as follow the steps of terence , menander , &c. or may be properly referred to the lesbian rule of menander , and the lydian stone of paul. for such as breed corruption in our manners ( that i may jumpe in opinion with plato ) let them faile to * anticyra , and undergoe due censure for their errour . but how worthy the workes of some of the ancient comedians have beene , may appeare by the apostles alleaging divers of their sentences in his epistles , and vouchsafing to use the name of their poets , by a generall title , to approve some things in them worthy reading . as that of luke . . a proverbe used by euripid. in his tragedies ; that also of menander , made sacred by the mouth of the apostle paul , cor. . . as it is likewise manifest , that the same apostle paul used the authoritie of aratus and epimenides , act. . . all which adde a reverend approbation to the authoritie of poets . the seventh objection which these stage-antagonists frame , is taken from ephes. . . where the apostle willeth and warneth that these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. that is , such things as become no man , and which our very eares should abhorre to heare , ought not to be so much as once named amongst christians . whereto i answer , that as these things tending to lightnesse were inveighed against by the apostle , that hee might leave unto us a more excellent patterne or example of modestie , which is an ornament that suteth best with the children of god : so there is none , having the light of grace in him , or fearing the judgement that is to come , who will applaud these scurrilous jests , which are wont to deprave , but seldome to edifie the understanding : whereof the poet speaketh ; iests that unseason'd are , i cannot beare , for they distaste a modest bashfull eare . but it may be here againe objected , that every thing , being ( as augustine testifieth , ) either a hinderance or a furtherance ; these stage-playes , which are properly called the bellowes of vice , may rather seeme a hinderance in the course and progresse of vertue , than any furtherance to him in his practice therein . besides , playes ( saith ambrose ) ought not to be knowne of christians , because there is no mention at all made of them in holy scripture . whereto wee briefly answer thus with peter martyr that sound and profound divine , that in holy scripture we have ( as it were ) a general rule set downe unto us , touching all things mediate or indifferent , in the number whereof are playes necessarily included . yea , but augustine the prince of the latine fathers , seemes to affirme , that even those stages or theaters where their interludes were acted , were more abhominable than those idolatrous sacrifices , which in honour of the pagan gods were offered . but hence is to bee understood , that this holy father meant of such solemne playes or enterludes as were acted and usually celebrated by the heathen in the honour of their father * liber , and other ethnicke gods , for the yearely increase of their fruits : wherein many uncomely and immodest parts were played . yea , but where shall we finde these stage-actors in former times so much as countenanced , being such as quintilian termeth expresly , hypocrites , from counterfeiting the manner , measure , motion , gesture , gate , grace , and feature of such persons as they represent ; whose fashion they often retaine when they have resumed their owne habit ? yes , and by the eminent'st and noblest personages . edward the sixth so much approved them , as he appointed one who was a witty courtier to bee ( as it were ) the chiefe master or disposer of the playes , who by his office should take care to have them set forth in a princely and sumptuous sort ; which office to this day retaines the name of the master of the revels . likewise our late queene elizabeth of blessed memory , rightly stiled the worlds phaebe , among women a sybilla , among queenes a saba : how well she approved of these recreations , being ( as shee termed them , ) harmlesse spenders of time ; the large exhibitions which she conferred on such as were esteemed notable in that kinde , may sufficiently witnesse . neither did shee hold it any derogation to that royall and princely majestie , which shee then in her regall person presented , to give some countenance to their endevours , whereby they might be the better encouraged in their action . yea , if wee would but peruse some bookes treating of this subject , we should finde poets in generall to have received such countenance and approbation from the most eminent'st princes , as their poems never wanted patrons , nor the authors themselves benefactors : which by instances i intend here to confirme , though the prosecution hereof may seeme digressive to our present discourse . wee read how much amyntas king of macedonia , made of the tragicall poet euripides , the athenians of sophocles ; in what price the noble and heroicke poems of homer were holden by alexander , placing them in that curious cabinet which hee got in the spoile of darius ; and not onely homer the father of the poets , was so honoured by him , but for his sake all other meaner poets : in so much as cherilus no very good poet , had for every verse well made , a philips noble of gold , amounting in value to an angell english , and so for every hundred verses ( which a cleanly hand could presently dispatch ) hee had an hundred angels . and since alexander the great , how theocritus the greeke poet was favoured by ptolomie king of aegypt , and berenice his wife . ennius likewise by scipio , virgil and horace by augustus ; betwixt which two poets the emperour sitting one day , and one that might bee bold asking what hee did ; marrie ( said hee ) i sit here betweene groanings and teares ; for the one was ever sighing , and the other seemed as if he were ever weeping . but to descend to our later times ; how much were i●han de mehune , and guillamne de loris made of by the french kings ? and ieffery chaucer , father of our english poets , by richard the second ; who , as it was supposed , gave him the mannor of newholme in oxfordshire ? and gower by henry the fourth ? harding by edward the fourth ? also how francis the french king made sangelais , salmonius , macrinus , and clemens marot of his privie chamber , for their excellent skill in latine and vulgar poesie . and henry the eighth , for a few psalmes of david translated and turned into english meetre by sternhold , made him groome of his privie chamber . also one gray , in what favour grew he with henry the eighth , and after with the duke of somerset , protectour , for his hunt is up , hunt is up ? and queene marie , for one epithalamie made by vargus a spanish poet , at her marriage with king philip , solemnized in winchester , gave him during his life two hundred crownes pension . nor were poets only eminent in this kinde , but esteemed for their universalitie of knowledge , apt for any office publike ; as in the administration of common-weales affaires , conduct of armies , &c. for wee finde that iulius caesar was not only the most eloquent orator of his time , but also a very good poet , though none of his doings therein be now extant . quintus catulus a good poet , and cornel. gallus treasurer of aegypt ; and horace the most delicate of all the roman lyricks , was importuned by many letters of great instance , to be secretary of state to augustus the emperour ; which hee neverthelesse refused for his unhealthfulnesse sake ; and being a quiet man , and nothing ambitious of glory , retired himselfe from publike deportments . and ennius the latine poet , was with all respect entertained as a fellow and counsellor by african , for his amiable conversation . so antimenides , of whom aristotle reports in his politicks ; and tyrtaeus the poet , though a lame man , was chosen by the oracle of the gods from the athenians , to be generall of the lacedemonians army . nor may that noble and honourable memoriall of that worthy woman twice french queene , lady anne of britaine , wife first to charles the eighth , and after to lewis the twelfth , adde lesse glory to this exquisite art ; who passing one day from her lodging toward the kings side , saw in a gallerie m. allane chartier the kings secretary , an excellent poet , leaning on a tables end asleepe , and stooped downe to kisse him , saying thus in all their hearings : wee may not of princely courtesie passe by and not honour with our kisse , the mouth from whence so many sweet ditties and golden poems have issued . yea plato himselfe , howsoever he may be said to exclude divers poets the bounds of his common-weale , for their obscene and immodest labours , which effeminated youth , training them rather to the carpet than the campe ; yet wrote he many epigrams and excellent poems in his younger yeeres , before he intended himselfe to philosophy . for even in fables appeare seeds of vertues , as macrobius testifieth . yea but our stage-stingers , or poet-scourgers , will againe object , that these theaters , which were at first erected for honest delight and harmlesse merriment , grow many times busie with states , laying aspersions on men of eminent ranke and qualitie ; and in briefe , will spare none , so they may gaine themselves by disparaging others . but i must answer thus much for them , albeit , - non me tenet aura theatri ; that such as imploy their pens in taxing or tainting any noble or meriting person in this kinde , deserve no better censure , than as they whipt , so to be whipt themselves for their labour : for they must know ( to use the words of one who was once an eminent statist ) that some things are privileged from jest , namely , religion , matters of state , great persons , any mans present businesse of importance , and any case that deserveth pitty ; and generally , men ought to finde the difference betweene saltnesse and bitternesse . certainly , he that hath a satyricall veine , as he maketh others afraid of his wit , so he had need be afraid of others memory . this was very straitly looked into by the ancient heathens , who ordained many strict lawes to punish such bitter satyrists as touched the good name of any citizen , either in publike stage o● any private worke . the ancient romans had a law enacted in their twelve tables , that whosoever should impeach any ones good name , o● detract from the credit of his person either in verse or action , should suffer death . so as tiberius slew scaurus , and not altogether undeservedly , for writing a spightfull tragedie against him . in like manner did augustus banish ovid , for writing too wantonly towards some that were neere him . so nero injoyned lucan silence , for his * smooth invection framed against him . so as , stesichorus writing bitterly against helen , aristophanes against cleon , eupolis against alcibiades , callisthenes against alexander , suffered equall punishments according to their demerits . this eupolis is said to be o●● of the first comedians , and was drowned in hellespont , about the time of that famous sea-fight betweene the lacedemonians and athenians : but i can scarcely assent to his opinion ; for wee finde it recorded , that hee was throwne into the sea by alcibiades , for presenting him on the publike stage , embracing timandra in a lascivious sort ; and that he used these words : oft times , eupolis , hast thou drowned mee upon the stage , i will once drowne thee in the sea. thespis likewise is said to be the first inventer of a tragicke scene , as * horace witnesseth : thespis some say inventing first the straine of tragicke scenes , grew famous in his vaine ; whose actors , that yee might the better note , with painted faces sung the lines he wrote , mounted in chariots ; which with greedie eares the people heard , and hearing sent forth teares . and in these did satyrus ( no doubt ) among the greekes shew an admirable art , being so highly extolled by demosthenes , ( for unto him did this satyrus propose the first forme of speaking plainly and articulately ) as he was no lesse praised by him , than the roman roscius was by cicero , or aesopus to whom cicero useth many titles of love and familiaritie in his epistles . for roscius and aesopus were held the choicest and chiefest orators , even at that time when the common-weale excelled not onely in eloquence , but also in wisdome . the like of pilades and hyla , master and scholer , who were such passionate actors , as they enforced admiration in the hearer . but to what end should i prosecute either comick or tragick subjects any further ? my opinion briefly is this ; as comedies should breath nothing but terences art , cecilius gravitie , menanders sweetnesse , aristophanes conceit , and plautus wit : so tragedies should relish of nothing but of the royall and majestick measures of sophocles , the sententious fulnesse of euripides , and the sincere integritie of seneca . for these which tend to corrupt youth , making their stages stewes , or their scenes meere satyres , to detract from the credit or estimation of any person either publike or private ; as their authors deserve due punishment , so should they be avoided : the former sort , because they are in danger to deprave us ; the latter , because perhaps wee shall heare them touch the credit of such as are neere us . for such enterludes ( gentlemen ) as participate with neither of these , but in a temperate and equall course mix profit with honest delight ; you shall account the time you bestow in hearing them , not altogether fruitlesly spent . for albeit the italians are held worthy before all others to carry away the garland for poesie , being for number and measure fuller , and for weight and merit better , as may appeare in the happy labours of petrarch and boccace ; yet if wee looke homeward , and observe the grace of our presentments , the curiositie of our properties , and proprietie of our action , wee may justly conclude , that no nation is or hath beene so exquisite in that kinde . but to draw in our sailes touching this recreation ; as i approve of the moderate use and recourse which our gentlemen make to playes ; so i wholly condemne the daily frequenting of them : as some there be ( especially in this citie ) who , for want of better imployment , make it their vocation . and these i now speake of , be our ordinary gentlemen , whose day-taske is this in a word : they leave their beds , to put on their cloathes formally , repaire to an ordinary , and see a play daily . these can finde time enough for recreation , but not a minutes space for devotion . so as i much feare mee , when they shall be struck with sicknesse , and lie on their death-bed , it will fare with them as it fared with a young gentlewoman within these few yeeres ; who being accustomed in her health every day to see one play or other , was at last strucke with a grievous sicknesse even unto death : during which time of her sicknesse , being exhorted by such divines as were there present , to call upon god , that hee would in mercy looke upon her , as one deafe to their exhortation , continued ever crying , oh hieronimo , hieronimo , me thinks i see thee brave hieronimo ! neither could shee be drawne from this with all their perswasions ; but fixing her eyes intentively , as if shee had seene hieronimo acted , sending out a deepe sigh , shee suddenly died . and let this suffice to have beene spoken of the moderate use of this recreation : upon which i have the longer insisted , because i am not ignorant how divers and different opinions have beene holden touching the lawfulnesse of stage-playes , which i resolved to reconcile in as briefe and plaine a manner as i could , before i descended to the rest . for as much as wee have begunne to treat of such recreations as require small use or exercise of the body , we will first proceed with such as follow , being ranked in the same siedge , because recreations of the same nature : descending from them to exercises requiring more alacrity of spirit , and more ability of bodie . of these , which may bee rather termed exercises of the minde , than exercisers of the faculties of the body , are cards and dice , a speciall recreation : meerely invented and intended to passe tedious winter nights away , and not to hazard ones fortunes at them , as many inconsiderate gamesters now adayes will not sticke to doe : which done , what ensueth hence , but entertaining of some desperate course , which bringeth the undertaker many times to an end as unfortunate , as his life was dissolute ? which makes me thinke i never see one of these gamesters , who in a bravado will set their patrimonies at a throw , but i remember the answer of one minacius , who having on a time lost at dice not only his money , but his apparell too ( for hee was very poore ) sate weeping at the portall doore of a taverne . it chanced that a friend of his seeing him thus to weepe and lament , demanded of him , how it was with him ? nothing , ( quoth minacius ; ) why weepest thou then , ( said his friend , ) if there be nothing ? for this cause doe i weepe ( replied minacius ) because there is nothing . his friend still wondring ; why then ( quoth hee ) doest thou weepe thus , when there is nothing ? for the very same cause ( quoth hee ) because i have nothing . the one understood , that there was no cause why hee should weepe ; the other wept because he had nothing left to play . how many be there who may sing lachrymae with menacius , going by weeping-crosse : being either by crosse fortune , as they ascribe it , or rather by flat cheating , as they may more properly terme it , stript of their substance ? amongst the romans , * venus or cous was the best chance at dice : but indeed the best chance that any one can have , is not to throw at all . howsoever , i could wish young gentlemen to beware of frequenting these common gaming houses , where they must either have fortune with advantage , or else bee sure to play like young gamesters to their owne disadvantage . truth is , i would have none to play much , but those which have little to play . for these , as they have little to lose , so they cannot be much poorer , if they lose all . whereas such , whose ancestors have left them faire revenues , by investing them as heires to their providence ; need little to raise or advance their fortunes by these indirect meanes . for tell mee gentlemen , doe yee game for gaine , or passing time ? if for gaine , it is needlesse , yee have sufficient . if for passing time , your stake sh●uld be lesse , and your care for winning , more indifferent . besides , doe yee not observe what foists yee have daily resorting and frequenting these houses ; whose purses are lined with cheats , and whose profession is only to sharke ? shun their companies then , lest they prey upon you : whereby you shall make your selves subjects both of want and weaknesse . of want , by filling their purses with your coine ; of weaknesse , by suffering your selves to be made a prey of by their cheats . if you will game , make choice of such as you know to be square gamesters , scorning to bring their names in question with the least report of advantage . as for tricks frequently used in these dayes , learne rather to prevent them , than professe them : for i never knew gamester play upon advantage , but bring him to the square , and his fortune was ever seconded with disadvantage . but above all , use moderation in play , make not your recreation a distemper : and set up this as your rest , never to mount your stake so high , as the losse of it may move you to choler . and so i descend to recreations more virile , wherein i will be briefe , because i would hasten to the next branch . in this ranke may be numbred hunting and hawking ; pleasures very free and generous , and such as the noblest dispositions have naturally affected . for what more admirable than the pleasure of the hare , if wee observe the uses which may bee made of it , as i have * elsewhere more amplie discoursed ; purposing here rather to touch them , than treat of them ? in her doubles , note her cunning ; in the dogges , eagernesse of pursuing . where all the senses remaine for the time pleased , but when at default , how much are they grieved ? what an excellent melody , or naturall consort to delight the eare ? what choice objects to content the eye ? what odoriferous smells in the flourie meads , to refresh the nose ? onely the touch and taste must have their pleasures suspended , till the sport be ended . non sine lepôre , tanto labore , pro uno lepore homines torqueri video ; saith one very wittily and elegantly . i can never chuse but laugh , to see what labour men will take for a poore hare . what mountaines they will climbe , what marishes they will passe , what brakes and bryers they will runne through , and all for a hare ? which may be an embleme of humane vanity ; where men ( miserable deluded men ) will refuse no toyle or labour to gaine a trifling pleasure . what indirect courses they will take for a moments delight , which is no sooner showne them , than vanished from them ? these pleasures are most commonly affected by youth , because they have agility and ability of body to maintaine the pursuit of them : whence the poet ; the beardlesse youth , when 's guardians raines do yeeld , sports him in horse and dogges , and open field , the reason may be this ; he cannot endure restraint : for the heat of youth must needs take aire , or it choaks it selfe with too much holding . it must be carried aloft on the wings of the wind , taking an icarian flight , but never fearing his fall . such dogges as were presented by the king of albanie unto alexander the great , who would not stirre at small beasts , but at lions and elephants , are the fittest for his kennell ; for youth is no sooner moving than mounting . whence ascanius in a youthfull bravery ; wisheth some boare or savage lion should descend the mount , and cope with him he would . so subject is youth to expose it selfe to all dangers , swimming ever with bladders of vain-glory , till they receive water , and it sinke . there are some also of these youthfull hunts-men , who when they cannot speed in their sport , will rather buy it , than want it ; that having their game on their backe , they may proclaime to the world , how they are masters of their profession . and these are excellently displaid by the poet , in the person of gargilius ; as once gargilius , who one morne betime sent out his servants forward to the chace , with hunting poles , and twisted nets of line , to buy a boare , which through the market place laid on a mule , as if his men had slaine him , would , as he thought , eternall glory gaine him . so apt are many in inventing , and eager in pursuing ought which may raise them a name , though in things meerely indifferent . for as reputation is a common conceit of extraordinary vertue , so every one laboureth to acquire the end , albeit they misse the meanes of acquiring it . for how should any one imagine ( unlesse his conceit were wholly darkned ) that these things could be any meanes to perpetuate his name ? but so soone transported is youth with any phantasie suggested , ( albeit upon no sufficient ground builded ) as whatsoever his conceit whispers to him , that may tend to his praise , he entertaines it with a greedy and eager desire , labouring to effect what may gaine him popular esteeme . so as the lover is never more blinded with affection towards his beloved , than youth is in affecting that which may cause him to be praised . to speake much touching this recreation i will not addresse my discourse : only this is my opinion , that as it is generous , so generally is it most harmelesse , so it be moderately used ; for otherwise it may weaken or enfeeble the body , impaire the health , and be occasion of many inconveniences : for in my discourse upon the particular branch of this observation , i am onely to approve of such recreations as are used with moderation . as hawking , which ( as i before observed ) is a pleasure for high and mounting spirits : such as will not stoope to inferiour lures , having their mindes so far above , as they scorne to partake with them . it is rare to consider , how a wild bird should be so brought to hand , and so well managed as to make us such pleasure in the aire : but most of all to forgoe her native liberty and feeding , and returne to her former servitude and diet . but in this , as in the rest , wee are taught to admire the great goodnesse and bountie of god , who hath not only given us the birds of the aire , with their flesh to feed us , with their voice to cheere us , but with their flight to delight us . the eagle , which is indeed the prince of birds , and the prime hawke , was observed much among the ancient romans in all their auguries : so as an eagle hovering in the aire , in the reigne of augustus , and at last setling upon the name of agrippa , and just upon the first letter of that name , a. a lightning descending downe from heaven , strucke the first letter of his owne name out , c. whence south-sayers , by conjecturall arguments gathered , that he should but live an hundred dayes after , and be afterwards canonized for a god : because aesar , the residue of that name , in the tuscane language signified god . for the romans , of all nations under the cope of heaven , relyed most upon the prophesying of birds : so as we reade , that they ever kept their oscines or birds of augury , by which they collected what their successe should be , both in peace and war. albeit , some there were among the heathen , who made small account of them : so as claudius pulcher , when in taking his auspicia , or the predictions of his successe before sicily , the pullets would not feed , he commanded they should be plunged in the sea , that they might drinke , seeing they would not eat . it is the saying of an ancient father , that the piercing eye of the eagle exceeds the sight of all other birds : being of such sharpe sight , as reflecting the beames of the sunne fixed upon her she can looke upon the sunne without shutting her eyes , which are not to be dazled , shine the sunne never so brightly . so as it is said , shee makes a triall of her brood when they are but young , by mounting up , and fixing their eyes against the sunne : of which , if any be so tender-eyed , as they cannot looke upon it , she disclaimes them ; but such whose sharpe sight can looke stedfastly upon it , shee tenders them as her selfe . whence many secret and sacred uses might be gathered , ( for this is but the type of a divine morall ) if i should insist upon the exposition of that blessed father ; but i must briefly descend , to speake of the moderate use of this recreation . this pleasure , as it is a princely delight , so it moveth many to be so dearely enamoured of it , as they will undergoe any charge , rather than forgoe it : which makes me recall to minde a merry tale which i have read , to this effect . divers men having entred into discourse , touching the superfluous care ( i will not say folly ) of such as kept dogs and hawkes for hawking ; one paulùs a florentine stood up and spake . not without cause ( quoth he ) did that foole of millan laugh at these ! and being entreated to tell the tale , he thus proceeded . vpon a time ( quoth he ) there was a citizen of millan , a physitian for such as were distracted or lunaticke ; who tooke upon him within a certaine time to cure such as were brought unto him . and he cured them after this sort ; hee had a plat of ground neere his house , and in it a pit of corrupt and stinking water , wherein he bound naked such as were mad to a stake , some of them knee-deepe , others to the groine , and some others deeper , according to the degree of their madnesse , where hee so long pined them with water and hunger , till they seemed sound . now amongst others , there was one brought , whom he had put thigh-deepe in water : who after fifteene dayes began to recover , beseeching the physitian that he might be taken out of the water . the physitian taking compassion of him , tooke him out , but with this condition , that he should not goe out of the roome . having obeyed him certaine dayes , he gave him liberty to walk up and downe the house , but not to passe the out-gate : while the rest of his companions , which were many , remaining in the water , diligently observed their physitians command . now it chanced , as on a time he stood at the gate , ( for out he durst not goe , for feare he should returne to the pit ) he beckned to a young gentleman to come unto him , who had a hawke and two spaniells , being moved with the novelty thereof ; for to his remembrance , before hee fell mad , hee had never seene the like . the young gentleman being come unto him ; sir ( quoth he ) i pray you heare me a word or two , and answer me at your pleasure . what is this you ride on ( quoth he ) and how doe you imploy him ? this is a horse ( replied he ) and i keepe him for hawking . but what call you that , you carry on your fist , and how doe you use it ? this is a hawke ( said he ) and i use to fly with it at pluver and partridge . but what ( quoth he ) are these which follow you , what doe they , or wherein doe they profit you ? these are dogges ( said he ) and necessary for hawking , to finde and retrive my game . and what were these birds worth , for which you provide so many things , if you should reckon all you take for a whole yeere ? who answering , he knew not well , but they were worth a very little , not above six crownes . the man replied ; what then may be the charge you are at with your horse , dogges and hawke ? some fiftie crownes , said he . whereat , as one wondring at the folly of the young gentleman : away , away sir , i pray you quickly , and fly hence before our physitian returne home : for if hee finde you here , as one that is maddest man alive , hee will throw you into his pit , there to be cured with others that have lost their wits ; and more than all others , for he will set you chin-deepe in the water . inferring hence , that the use or exercise of hawking , is the greatest folly , unlesse sometimes used by such as are of good estate , and for recreation sake . neither is this pleasure or recreation herein taxed , but the excessive and immoderate expence which many are at in maintaining this pleasure . who , as they should be wary in the expence of their coine , so much more circumspect in their expence of time . so as in a word , i could wish young gentlemen never to be so taken with this pleasure , as to lay aside the dispatch of more serious occasions , for a flight of feathers in the ayre . the physitian saith , that it is the best exercise which is , ad ruborem , non adsudorem ; refreshing the spirits , and stirring up the bloud a little , but not putting a man into any great sweat : for he that makes his recreation a toyle , makes himselfe likewise pleasures thral . rrefresh your spirits , stir up your bloud , and enable your bodies by moderate exercise : but avoid mixing of distemper with your pleasure , for that were not to refresh , but depresse the spirits ; not to stirre up , but stoppe the course of bloud ; not to enable , but enfeeble the bodie . and so i descend to the next branch , treating of recreations best sorting with the qualitie of a gentleman . to propose what recreations may please best , i cannot , ( because i know not how you stand affected ) but i shall , as neere as i may , recount what especiall recreations best sort and sute with your qualitie . of all those which i have formerly touched and treated , there is none but may be approved and entertained with an equall indifferencie , being ( as i have said ) tempered and moderated with discretion . but some there are i have not touched , which may be so much the more admired , for as much as they are by our young gentlemen usually affected ; yea , and as especial ornaments to grace and accomplish them , generally esteemed : as fencing and dancing ; the one to accommodate him for the court , the other for the campe. of which two recreations , to give my opinion freely , there is required a knowledge ; but respectively , to such ( i meane ) as only intend to court or gallant it : for these shall have occasion to make use of their knowledge , in the one to grace and beautifie them ; in the other to shield and defend them . yet in neither of these would i have them to imitate their masters : for ●o may they turne cowards , and so shew themselves true fencers . or in their dancing use those mimicke trickes which our apish professanes use : but with a reserved grace to come off bravely and sprightly , rather than with an affected curiositie . you shall see some of these come forth so punctually , as if they were made up in a sute of wainscot , treading the ground as if they were foundred . others you shall see , so supple and pliable in their joynts , as you would take them to bee some tumblers ; but what are these but iacke-an-apes in gay cloathes ? but others there are , and these onely praise-worthy , who with a gracefull presence gaine them respect . for in exercises of this kinde ( sure i am ) those only deserve most commendation , which are performed with least affectation . now i have heard of some who could doe all this ; shew an excellent grace in their carriage ; expresse themselves rare proficients in all schoole-tricks ; being so much admired as who but they : yet observe the cloze , and they spoile all with an english tricke , they cannot leave it when it is well . it is said of apelles , that hee found fault with protogenes , in that hee could not hold his hands from his table : and right so fares it with these young cavalieroes , when they have shewne all that may bee shewne to give content , striving to shew one tricke above ela , they halt in the conclusion . for fence-play , i have knowne some puffed up with a presumption of skill , to have beene too apt in giving offence : so as , of professors of worth , they became practicers of wrong . but see their unhappinesse ! this conceit or over-weening opinion of their surpassing skill , brings them many times to an unexpected end , by exposing themselves to inevitable dangers . and this they doe either for vaine glory , being ambitious after fame ; or else out of a quarrelling disposition , being no lesse apt to conceive or apprehend the smallest occasion of offence , than to prosecute revenge upon occasion offered . for the first , the bravest and noblest spirits have beene affected to it , i meane ambition , but their ends were more glorious . as themistocles , who walked in the night time in the open street , because he could not sleepe : the cause whereof when some men did enquire , hee answered , that the triumph of miltiades would not suffer him to take his rest . the like might be observed in alexander , who sighed that his father should winne so much , and leave him so little to winne . so as , it is said that he wept , hearing that there was another world , saying , he had not yet wonne one world . but with these it fareth many times , as it did with marius , who not contented with the glory hee got in the cimbrian warres , by seeking to augment it , did extenuate it . yet are these more noble in their aymes , than such whose ambition it is to commit all impieties , onely to gaine them a perpetuall infamy . as pausanias , who killed philip of macedon , onely for fame or vaine-glory ; so did herostratus burne the temple of diana , to get him a name by an infamous act . for the latter sort , being such as are given to quarrells , i have ever noted their gaines to bee small in all their adventures . for what are these , but such as value bloud at a low rate ? they pretend how their reputation stands engaged ; they cannot put up such disgraces but with touch of cowardize ; and what a blemish were it , for ones reputation to bee brought in question , upon termes so neere concerning them , and not seeke revenge ? where the wide world would take notice of their disgrace , pointing at them in the streets , and saying , there goe such and such who were most grosly baffled ; preferring their bloud before their honour , their safety before their reputation ! o gentlemen , how many of your ranke and quality have perished by standing upon these termes ! how many , and those of the choicest and selected'st ranke , have exposed themselves to extremest danger , whereby they might gaine themselves the stile of valiant ! how many , even upon trifling occasions have gone into the field , and in their heat of bloud have fallen ? sure i am , their deare countrey hath felt their losse , to whom in all due respect they should have tendred both love and life and not have made prodigall expence of that , which might have beene a meanes to strengthen and support her state . yet doe i not speake this , as one insensible of wrong , or incapable of disgrace : for i know that in passages of this nature , publike imputations require publike satisfaction , so that howsoere the divine law , to which all humane actions ought to be squared , may seeme to conclude , that wee are to leave revenge to whom revenge belongeth ; yet so passionate is the nature of man , and through passion so much weakned , as hee forgets many times what the divine law bids him doe , and hastens to that which his owne violent and distempered passion pricks him to . now to propose my opinion , by way of direction , in a word it is this . as one may be a angry and sinne not , so one may revenge and offend not , and this is by b heaping coales of fire upon our enemies head : for by this c meeknesse is anger appeased , and wee of our owne fury revenged . but the best meanes to prevent occasion of distaste in this kinde , is to avoid the acquaintance or society of such as are given to offence : whence it is that the wisest of kings exhorteth us in these words : d to have no familiarity with an angry man , neither go● with the furious man. and why ? lest thou learne his wayes , and receive destruction to thy soule . for indeed these , whose turbulent dispositions are ready to entertaine any occasion of offence , albeit the occasion perchance was never intended , are unfit for any company , or to passe time withall in any recreation . so as , of one of these it may be said , as was said of scaeva , who shewed apparant arguments of resolution , to slave himselfe to the servile yoake of tyrannous subjection ; infelix dominum quant â virtute parasti ! how many courses , miserable man , hast thou tryed ; how many wayes hast thou traced ; how many adventures entertained ; to get thee a master , fury , archtrai●our to that glorious fortresse of patience ? these are those bloud-hounds who are ever in quest , and are never satisfied in pursuit , till their eyes become the sad spectators of a fall : yea , rather than these men will be out of action , they will engage themselves in maintaining other quarrels ; so prompt they are to take offence , as a strangers engagements must be made their owne , rather than they will discontinue their former profession . another sort there are , who albeit they finde abilitie in themselves to subdue and moderate this passion of furie by the soveraigntie of reason , yet it fares with them as it did with hannibal , who knew better how to conquer , than how to make use of his conquest : or as it is said of glendor , that he was more able to get a victorie , than skilfull to use it . so these , though reason like a discreet monitor advise them to moderate their passions , yet so ambitious are they of popular praise , as rather than they will lose the name of being esteemed resolute , they will oppose themselves to all perils , and entertaine a course in the eye of true valour most dissolute . yet respect to our good name , being indeed the choicest and sweetest perfume , must not be so sleighted , as to incurre apparent termes of disgrace , and not labour to wipe off that staine , by shewing some arguments , that wee have so much conceit as to apprehend what an injurie is , and so much spirit as to take revenge on him , by whom the injurie is offered . it is true , neither am i so stupid , as not to conceive how insupportable the burden of those wrongs is , which touch our name . so as indeed , ( to speake as a man unto men , ) these wrongs are above the nature of mortalitie to beare : for the naturall man tasting more of earth than heaven , whilest he ponders the qualitie of his disgrace , and how farre he stands engaged , in respect of the opinion of men , to beare himselfe like himselfe , and not to burie such wrongs in silence , as if senselesse of the nature of an injurie ; he never considers what the divine law injoynes , but casteth his eye upon the wrong he sustaines . wherein , if passion will needs over-master reason , ( albeit i doe not hold it consonant to the divine law , morall , or nationall , but to all generous spirits experimentally usefull ) i could wish him to come off faire at the first , for this either wins him the buckler , or loseth it : so shall hee ever gaine to himselfe an esteeme of conceit , in knowing the nature of a wrong ; and an opinion of spirit , in daring to wipe off the disgrace that shall be laid upon him . for this is my position , faile at the first , and faile ever : for as the first onset terrifies the enemie , so in actions of this nature , the only meanes to gaine opinion is to come off bravely in the beginning . now perchance it may happen , that he from whom you have received wrong , will take no notice of your distaste , but will doe as hee did , who receiving a challenge upon some personall touch , whereby he apprehended the occasion for his best advantage , of making choice ( as the challenged may ) of time , place , weapon , and second , returned this answer to the messenger ; for the time , i know not when ; for the place , when that time comes , it shall be the alpes ; for the weapon , it shall be guyes sword that slew the cow on dunmooth heath ; and for my second , it shall be your selfe , that i may bring you within the compasse of duelloes . if with such your fortune be to deale , ( as many there are more valiant in tongue than hand , more apt to offer wrong than tender satisfaction ; ) know thus much , that these alpes which hee hath named , and whereto he never meanes to come , is what place soever you shall meet him ; the time , whensoever you shall have fit opportunitie to encounter him ; the weapon , though he chuse it , you may refuse it , ( because it is too closely kept to come to ) and make choice of your owne weapon lest by going to warwicke castle to procure a sword , you forget your wrong before you come there ; and the second , your only selfe ; that as you are particularly wronged , you may be particularly righted : for as the wrong toucheth you and no second , so you are to right your selfe without a second . but the safest and surest course ( as i said before ) not to partake with men of this condition , is to refraine their company and conversation : for these firie spirits , who have thersites tongue and antaeus hand , are dangerous to consort with ; for they seldome resort to any meeting , but either they doe hurt , or receive it . so as , even in these tolerable recreations of horse-races , cockings , bowlings , &c. you shall ever see these throw one bone or other to make differences amongst men of qualitie and ranke , wherein they will be sure to be interested as seconds , if not as principall agents . my advice therefore is , that you avoid their company , as disturbers of the publike peace , interrupters of all honest recreations , and profest enemies to all civill societie . for , as wee read of the bird curuca , that she will rather hatch the egges of another , than hatch none at all ; so these will rather engage themselves in others differences , and like subtill spiders spin the web of dissention , than be without imployment : but they hatch the cockatrice egges , reaping the fruit of their labours to their shame . but wee have insisted too long upon them ; wherefore wee will returne to our former discourse . as wee have briefly touched some recreations well sorting with the qualitie of a gentleman , being such as tend especially to his accomplishment outwardly ; so are wee now to treat of such as may conferre no lesse benefit to the inward man , by enabling him for matters of discourse . of which ranke , reading of history is to be accounted as one especially tending thereto ; and that not only in respect of discourse , but in respect of discipline and civill societie ; being there taught how to demeane ●r behave our selves in all our actions , how to moderate 〈◊〉 ●ffections , how to gaine worthy esteeme both in our ma●nagements publike and private . cicero entring into the commendation of histories , honours them with this rhetoricall definition : histories ( saith he ) are the witnesses of times , the light of truth , the life of memory , the mistresse of life , the messenger of antiquitie : in which notable exemplification , he shewes what excellent fruits may be gathered from the select flowers of histories . first , how the passages and events of former times are there recorded ; secondly , how the truth of things by the light of historie is discovered ; thirdly , our memory is revived ; fourthly , our life is directed ; fiftly , antiquities successively transscribed . in tacitus are three notes which are required in a perfect history ; first , truth , in sincere relating , without having any thing haustum ex vano ; secondly , explanation not only of the sequels of things , but also the causes and reasons ; thirdly , judgement in distinguishing things , by approving the best , and disallowing the contrary . touching which three notes , wee are to observe first , that there is necessarily required in every historie a sincere relation of truth , foisting nothing in which may seeme either fabulous or impertinent . likewise , it is not enough to lay downe or explaine the sequels or issues of things , but the causes and reasons from whence those sequels issued . thirdly , there is required judgement in distinguishing probabilities from improbabilities ; never setting ought downe for a grounded truth without approved authoritie . having thus proposed unto you the fruits redounding from historie , as also what is required therein , to make it more generally affected ; it rests now that i shew my opinion to●ching your choice of histories : of which subject , because i have * heretofore copiously treated , i will only speake a word , and so descend to the last branch of this observation . augustine in his fourth booke de civit. dei , calls salust , a noble and true historian ; noble in respect of his descent ; true in respect of his discourse . neither doth he indeed deserve any lesser title ; for his phrase is elegant without affectation , his discourse continuate without impertinent digression , and the series of his historie stored with much sententious instruction . from the depth of a princely judgement , caesars commentaries have received most noble approbation . but if you would take view of a flourishing state , whose greatnesse never any attained to , being raised from such beginnings ; be acquainted with * tacitus or livie , where you shall observe the courses and passages of many eminent princes , how they bare themselves in their height , how in their hate . here you shall see , those men , who ( as cosmo saith ) carry their heart in their mouth , are more to be pittied than feared : for these judge men only by the outward appearance . whereas tiberius gloried in nothing so much as in cunningly cloaking his purposes with faire pretences , going invisible , and deluding his subjects resolutions with a seeming good . here you shall likewise observe others so obsequiously seeming , as they strove not onely to satisfie the * mindes , but eyes of the citizens , understanding well enough , that the common sort of people were catcht sooner by a * cheerfull countenance , and a pleasing outward semblance , than any other respect whatsoever . some you shall see note much , yet will bee seene to note little : therefore agrippina in tacitus , knowing her life to bee attempted by nero , knew well , that her onely remedy was to take no notice of the treason : so is scipio described by cicero , to be the most cunning searcher of m●ns minds ; and sylla by salust . others you shall observe so much dejected presently upon any losse sustained , 〈◊〉 they entertaine affliction with a desperate sorrow , crying out with afranius sonne , alas mee wretched ! or philotas-like , receive such deepe impression or apprehension of their disgrace , as through it they are forced to lose the faculty of speech . whereas others , like furius camillus are neither puffed up with honour , nor cast downe with disgrace : as his dictator-ship could not make him too haughtily affected ; no more could exile from his countrey cause him to bee dejected . such was the resolution of the ancient romans , who at the disaster of cannae , when their utter ruine and overthrow was rung in every place , did nothing unworthy themselves . here you shall encounter with a iugurth , speaking little , but doing much ; there with a catiline , speaking much , but doing little . here one , in all mens opinions worthy of an empire before he had it , but most unworthy when he hath it , exemplified in a galba ; there one much doubted before he have it , but generally loved when he had it , exemplified in b severus . againe , observe you may in the course of histories , how justly god hath shewne himselfe towards such as practised treason against their princes , though they were heathens : finde out one of all those who conspired caesars death in the capitoll , who died in their bed . for no sooner had antonie shewed in his funerall oration the thirty three wounds wherewith caesar was deprived of life by his conspirators , and erected a temple to caesar , and sung a mournfull hymne in memory of caesar ; then trebonius and decimu● were the first that were dispatched , being of the conspiracie . cassius likewise was killed on his birth-day : who , some say , killed himselfe with the same dagger wherewith caesar was killed ; yea , observe the misery of these assacinates , being so unhappy , as they could hardly finde one so friendly , as to lend a hand to end their ●●sery . for cassius offered his throat to pindarus his page : brutus to strato , who denying to doe it , was answered by a servant ; votis tuis nec deërit amicus nec servus . the like revenge was inflicted on septimius , for betraying his master pompey . the like on the magi , for their treacherous attempts , after the death of cambises . the like on bessus for his disloyalty towards darius . and to descend to later times , even within the bounds of our owne nation , what just revenge seconded those perfidious complices ; alectus for conspiring against his deare soveraigne carausius ; and that arch-traitour edrike , for his treacherous practices with canutus the dane , and breach of allegeance towards king edmond ? for seldome hath any state in any age beene so happy , as it hath not bred a catiline with a catulus , a cethegus with a curtius , a sertorius with a soranus , a quadratus and quintianus with an aemilius and coriolanus . besides , you shall observe what justice and integrity appeared in the heathen , chastising such as would be bribed or corrupted , though they were their enemies . so as , mithridates tooke manius acilius , one of the chiefest embassadours of the romans , and set him contemptuously upon an asse , till he was come to pergamo , where hee put molten gold in his mouth ; reproving the romans for taking gifts . the like reward had tarpeia , being corrupted by t. tatius to deliver the capitoll : for having betrayed the gates of the capitoll to the enemie , onely upon promise , that they should throw her the bracelets , which they wore on their left armes , this they accordingly performed , throwing also their targets upon her , with which she was pressed to death . you shall likewise finde there , what reverence the pagans shewed to their idolatrous temples ; and how carefull they were to observe their countrie rites , which they esteemed sacred , and what successe ever followed the enterprises of such as committed , sacrilege . the very heathen observed , that after such time as the grecians once offered violence to the temple of pallas , that they lost all their hope , and never thrived after . lactantius reporteth of divers who were grievously punished for their impiety and prophanenesse towards the gods ; as namely fulvius the censor , who for taking away certaine marmoreas tegulas out of the temple of iuno lacinia , was distraught of his wits . appius claudius for translating and conveying those sacred reliques which were before consecrate to hercules , within a while after lost the use of his eyes . dionysius , who made a jest of sacrilege , taking a golden cloake from iupiter olympius his image , a woollen cloake being put in stead thereof , saying , that a golden cloake was too heavie in summer , and too cold in winter , but a linsie-woolsie cloake was fit for both ; cutting off also aesculapius golden beard , saying , it was no reason that the son should have a beard , and apollo his father have none ; and taking away certaine cups of gold which they held in their hands , saying , it was a great madnesse , to refuse them offered ; was for these driven into banishment . pyrrhus , for robbing proserpina's treasury , suffered ship wrack not farre from the shore . zerxes , who sent foure hundred of his souldiers to delphos , to spoile the temple of apollo , had them all destroyed , and burnt with thunder and lightning . marcus cr●ssus , for taking a great masse of money out of the temple , which pompey would not meddle withall , perished there with his whole armie . and here in albion , we reade of brennus , who in his expedition to delphos , was by a sudden hurly-burly , or immoderate feare , through a noise heard in the bowels of the earth , ( raised indeed by the lamentable shrikings and howlings of the distracted druids and ministers of apollo ) despairing of further successe , perished with all his army . whence may be observed , how justly such 〈◊〉 punished , who contemned the religion of their countrey , robbing their temples , and enriching themselves with the spoile of their gods : who , albeit they were idols and no gods , or rather devills and no idols , yet so ill was their successe in all their affaires afterwards , as they attributed the cause of their miserable ends to the contempt of their gods . but howsoever this may seeme erroneously ascribed , sure i am , that thus it may be rightly applied : that where god is dishonoured , his temple prophaned , and religion contemned , nothing can be succesfully or prosperously concluded . it is wonderfull to note in such evill times , so good men , as we shall every where meet with in the course of histories . an aristides for iustice , a pelopidas for temperance , a numa for prudence , a trajan for patience , an african for continence ; all which in this cleanthes table , history , shew admirable vertues in a corrupt government . againe , reflect your eye on those whose love to their countrey deserves eternall memory ; and you will no lesse wonder at the greatnesse of their mindes , than the happinesse of those realmes that enjoyed them . king darius upon a time , by chance opening a great pomegranat , and being demanded of what hee would wish to have as many as there were graines in that pomegranat ? answered in one word , of zopyrusses . now this zopyrus was a right noble and valiant knight , who to reduce babylon to the subjection of his lord and master , and defeat the traiterous assyrians , suffered his body to be rent and mangled , and being thus disfigured , fled straight-wayes to babylon , where the assyrians were intrenched : whom he made beleeve that darius had mis-used him in this sort , because hee had spoken in their behalfe , counselling him to breake up his siege , and to remove his armie from assaulting their citie . they hearing this tale , and the rather induced to thinke it true , because they saw him so shamefully disfigured in his bodie , were perswaded to make him their chiefe captaine : by which meanes he● betrayed them all , and surrendred both them and their citie into his masters hands . the like we reade of codrus prince of athens , who according to the counsell of the oracle , sacrificed his life willingly , to preserve the libertie of his countrey . the like did gobrias , who offered his bodie to slaughter , to free his countrey of a tyrannous traitour . yet observe withall , the ingratitude of former ages to men of best deservings ; which caused aeschines say , that though the citie of thebes and athens were full of naughtie men , yet not so full of any sort as of ungratefull men . this felt annibal , this felt asdrubal , this felt african ; while asdrubal within , must be accused by asdrubal without : and noble african , than whom none ever deserved better of his countrey , may begge a resting place for his bones , but must not have it . againe , it will not be amisse to note the sundry occasions of warres , proceeding from the sundry dispositions of men . some strove for soveraigntie ; others for preservation of their libertie : where , so eager was the one of gaining glory , the other of defending their libertie , they were many times brought to such straights , as there was more roome for beholders , than fighters , many bearing armes , but could not use them . no lesse remarkable is it , to note what incredible exploits have beene atchieved by a handfull of men under a valiant leader : where by a more particular survey had of their actions , we shall finde that observation of plutarch to be most true : better is an armie of harts , with a lion to their leader , than an armie of lions with a hart to their leader : an armie being said to derive her strength from her selfe , but her spirit from her captaine . in ● word , gentlemen , to observe the revolution of times ●he mutation of states , the natures and dispositions of persons , the issues and events of things , would 〈◊〉 an imployment of no lesse delight than profit ; conferring the ebbings and flowings of forraine estates with our owne . but to draw homeward , lest like messala carvinus by remembring the name of a stranger , we forget our owne : there is no history more usefull , or relation more needfull for any gentleman , than our owne moderne chronicles , where he shall observe many notable passages worthy his reading . as first , how his countrey was first planted ; how by degrees it became peopled ; how to civilitie reduced ; how by wholesome lawes restrained ; and how by the providence of the almightie , in so calme and peaceable manner established . here he shall see a good king , but a bad man ; there a good man , but a bad king. againe , here hee shall see the state more weakned by civill broiles , than forraine warres : securitie being no lesse hurtfull at home , than hostilitie abroad . scipio used to have this sentence in his mouth : that easie , favourable and affable captains , were profitable to the enemie , which though they were beloved of their souldiers , yet they set little by them . this shall you see verified in the too much indulgencie of many of our captaines , through which lenitie they made many hopefull souldiers , absolute cowards . againe , to note the raising of many obscure persons to great honour ; as likewise the pulling down of many eminent houses and families , would enforce no lesse admiration in us of gods divine providence , than of his secret iustice , who pulleth downe , and setteth up , as seemeth best to his wisdome . to observe likewise , in the corruption of bloud , what noble families have beene tainted , which by the princes clemencie were againe restored . what dangerous attempts and practices have beene undertaken , not only to shake but supplant the glorious frame of this ila●d : labouring to divide and remove all succession to this crowne , from the royall line of our princes , and to in●est forraine princes therewith : where an english king was summoned to the french kings court , while normandie was yeelded by us , the welsh invaded us , lewis with a speedie arrivall accosted us , and iohn himselfe was forced to leave us . nay which was more , one of the nurseries of our iland was displanted : for at that time was oxford of her students forsaken and abandoned , ( which before for the space of three hundred and nine yeares had successfully flourished ) so as not onely the state , but learning , the sterne of state , became much weakned . yet observe , how happily this storme was calmed , when it was least expected ; for by the vicount of mellin his confession , lying then upon his death-bed , was the whole practice of the french , by a frenchman discovered , which was no lesse happily afterwards prevented . for king iohn , being to repentance moved , tooke an oath before his barons that all things should be reformed , which the barons likewise seconded with an oath to confirme his proceedings . so iohn was absolved , and that crowne which he had before resigned , he forth with resumed , being in this made more happie , in that being once so unhappie , hee came to defeat his foes , make sufficient triall of his friends , and recover that by submission , which he had lost by his pride . againe , if we should but reade , and reading consider , how peacefull the government , how quiet the sleepes , how cheerefull the delights were of such as came by lawfull and lineall succession to the crowne ; and the heavie nights , troubled thoughts , broken sleepes , and many tedious houres which those were owners of , who came by usurpation to enjoy ( with little joy ) a princely diadem ; we should of necessitie conclude with pompey ; who being combred with his honour , exclaimed to see sylla's crueltie , being ignorant after what sort to behave himselfe in the dignitie he had , and cried out : o perill and d●●ger never like to have an end ! for to use one example for all ; who should but consider the practices which richard the third used to get a crowne , planting his kingdome on an indirect foundation , blond , and those many strange passages and overtures which happened in his reigne , with those fearefull visions which appeared to him before his death , would certainly set downe this for his rest : that it is not what we have without us , but what we have within us that procures us peace or disquiet . whence polydore virgil upon that terrible dreame of richard the third , the night before bosworth field , in which hee was slaine , useth these words : i doe not beleeve that these were the ghosts of men that did affright him , but the guilt of a troubled conscience that did torment him . certainly , discourses of this nature cannot chuse but minister much profit with delight , and enable you that are gentlemen to entertaine the time with much content to them that heare you . for in this treasury or store-house of history , you shall finde better meanes , than all the helpes to discourse which our weake pamphletters can publish , to enable you for discourse in all companies . for to restraine or tye your selves to a set forme of discourse , as if you were to doe nothing without rules , were too pedanticall : besides , you should be sometimes so scantled , for want of subjects , that unlesse the subject whereof you are to discourse fall happily within your owne element , your ship for want of sea-roome would runne a ground . whereas history ( the sweetest recreation of the minde ) will afford variety , ( being not curtaild by epitomees , which are the moths of history ) both for table-talke to delight , and discourse of more serious consequence . which in my opinion would better seeme a gentleman , than to entertaine time in nothing but the cry of dogges , or flight of hawkes ; which , as they are gentlemanly pleasures , and worthily approved ( as i formerly noted ) so are they to bee used but onely as pleasures and recreations : of which to speake sparingly were much better , than onely to discourse of them , as if our whole reading were in them . neither doe i speake this without iust cause ; for i have noted this fault in many of our younger brood of gentry , who either for want of education in learning , or their owne neglect of learning , have no sooner attained to the strength of making their fist a pearch for a hawke , but by the helpe of some bookes of faulconry , whereby they are instructed in the words of art , they will run division upon discourse of this pleasure : whereas , if at any time they be interrupted by occasion of some other conference , these high-flyers are presently to bee mewed up , for they are taken from their element . wherfore gentlemen , let me advise you in a word , so to entertaine time in recreation , as the pleasure you take therein , draw not your minds from more serious and usefull imployments . i have proposed to you , and made choice for you , of some recreations which may no lesse delight and benefit your mindes , than these other active delights doe your bodies ; use them , and you shall finde such pleasure in them , as you may perceive profit and pleasure so equally mixed , as if at first intended to make your delight perfect . and so i come to the last branch , shewing how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in them . as one said of love , that it should be a toy and no toyle ; so say i of recreation ; the spirits should be cheered by it , not drowned in it ; refreshed , not depressed . i doe not like of this eagernesse after pleasure ; for i● argues too much sensuality ; the minde should ●e so tempered , as it may shew an indifferencie to the use of pleasure . which i have surely found , as a maine errour in most part of young gentlemen ; whose eager appetite so unmeasurably pursuing the quest of pleasure , cannot containe it selfe from expressing outwardly , the love it conceives to such a pleasure inwardly . so as i have observed some intraunced ( as it were ) with joy in the chace of hare , or the flight of hawke ; which in my opinion argued much lightnesse : for no sooner was their pleasure at a stay or default , than all their former delight was turned to a contrary passion . i commend therefore his resolution who said ; he was never so over-joyed with pleasure , but he thought it good to allay that surpassing joy , with the remembrance of the end of that pleasure . it is an excellent thing to moderate our joyes , by considering the shortnesse of them ; and to allay the height of them , by observing what breaches or intermissions are incident to them . wherefore above all , it becommeth a gentleman to be circumspect in this kinde , for even by his outward carriage may his weaknesse bee discovered . sure i am , there is nothing that tasteth more of true wisdome , than to temper our desires in effects of joy : so as i cannot sufficiently wonder , how chylo being accounted one of the seven sages of greece , should bee so overtaken with joy , as to die with excesse thereof . the like we reade of argia the prophetesse , who being carried in a chariot of gold to the temple by her two sonnes , whereat shee conceived no lesse joy than if her two sonnes had beene invested with the title of emperours , through excessive joy immediately died . but these passions rather become women than men , who should be themselves still , but especially when they feele any such conceit undermining them . it is written of polycrates , that meditating one day with himselfe , how he had never any thing which crossed him all his life , but enjoyed all successe both at home and abroad , so as he became fearefull to his foes , and powerfull to his friends : resolved to try how hee might crosse his good fortune , by a voluntary incurring of losing that he did exceedingly love . wherefore one day he went unto the sea-side , where taking off a ring which he did especially tender , hee threw it into the sea , intending thereby to crosse himselfe , whom fortune would not : but see how polycrates was crossed in his crosses : for not long after , a fisher-man came and presented him the ring hee had lost , having found it in the belly of a fish ; which did not a little trouble the prince , saying ; i perceive the gods owe mee a displeasure , which they will doe when i least expect it , and make mee so much the more unfortunate , in that i never knew what misfortune meant . which he afterwards found true , being deprived both of crowne and dignitie . certainly , there is no meanes better to attemper and allay ones joy conceived in the pursuit of any pleasure , than to crosse himselfe in the quest thereof : for this tasteth of true manhood , when one can master his affections , and stay himselfe in that he loves . neither is this hard to doe being once assayed ; for wee shall finde more true content in the moderation of our pleasure , than in the pleasure it selfe . i have heard of some young gentlemen , who purposely crossing themselves in some one pleasure or recreation which they loved , and betaking themselves to their chamber , apprehended such a deepe impression of the fruition of their pleasure , as they visibly ( as it were ) enjoyed that pleasure in their chamber , which others enjoyed in the field . that conceit is strong i will not deny ; but that it should worke so strange and strong an effect , i am doubtfull : yet whosoere they be ( if any such there be ) sure i am they may well crosse themselves in pleasures abroad , having such pleasant conceits within themselves . now , as i would have young ●entlemen to use moderation in the exercise it selfe ; so would i have them to observe like moderation in their expence or charge requisite for that exercise or pleasure . it is deare bought pleasure that makes the posteritie beggers . nero was taxed for his prodigalitie , because hee would have his fishing-rods of gold , and his nets of purest silke ; vitellius for his embroderie , as well as his epicurisme ; lucullus for his gardens ; antoninus for his bathes ; caracalla for his roabes ; commodus for prodigall expence in all recreations . now what madnesse is it to bestow that to delight mee , which i may wish one day i had to sustaine mee ? to bestow that on my pleasure , which i may chance need to releeve nature ? wee have heard of one within this citie , who like a prodigall heire to his fathers thriving providence , bestowed an incredible masse of money to satisfie his five senses : but sure i thinke hee was distraught of his senses , and therefore quickly satisfied . it is no pleasure but a brutish affection , which gives it selfe so over to delight it selfe , as rather than it will be restrained or moderated , will engage credit , state and all to have her desires fulfilled . likewise in games at cards , dice , chesse , or such houre-beguiling recreations , i would not have our gentlemen to play for that which may occasion in them the least base or unworthy feare . you shall see some of these peasantly gamesters , who partly for desire of winning , or else for feare of losing , shew a perpetuall palsey in their joynts , so full of troubled thoughts they are , or passionate feares , which apparently discover a basenesse of disposition in them , whom either hope of gaine or feare of losse can drive to such extremes . i would have you therefore so to bestow your selves in these , as they may never force a change of colour in you : for there is nothing that may derogate more from the native character of a gentleman , than to expresse the least sembla●ce of feare , for the losse of ought that he shall play . neither is it any lesse touch to a gentleman , whose affections should be so composed as they may expresse his nature without any other character , to fall into passion for ought that he shall lose . albeit i have heard of one , who ( much subject to this imperfection ) chanced to be reproved by his friend , who in friendly and familiar sort wished him either to learne more patience in gaming , or else to surcease from game . what ( quoth he to his friend ) doest thou thinke i am a stock or stone , that i should have no sense of my losse ? surely i thinke there is no man that knowes how he comes by his money , but will be moved for the losse of it . but i approve not of his maxime : you shall see an old gamester beare all crosse chances with an equall and undejected spirit , whereas our young gamesters ( for passion is most incident to novices ) upon a crosse throw , pull their haire , teare the cards , stamp and fret like gumm'd grogram : so farre they are from patience for want of experience . their younger and unmellowed yeeres never felt the crosses of a gamester , and therefore can hardly digest them when they come . this the philosopher seemes to confirme , saying ; nothing can be violent , being once habituate . for use or custome as it makes perfectnesse , so it begets a composednesse of minde , to endure with patience whatsoever the extremitie of fortune may inflict . but now in my discourse of passion , which makes men so much forget themselves , as they will , rather than want a fit subject to revenge their ill fortunes on , minister occasion of offence to their dearest friends ; there is one thing which i would have our young gentlemen to take heed of , and that is , in their heat and height of passion to forsweare gaming at all , or with such an one , because they had never fortune to be savers at his hands ; yet , as men carelesse of what they sweare , without respect to what they formerly protested , presently fall , ●o game againe with the selfe-same company which they had so lately abjured . a dolefull and wofull example wee had of this within these few yeeres of one , whose more eminent parts interested him greatly in his countries hope ; yet having dipt his hand in bloud , was according to justice and equitie adjudged to die , which was afterwards accordingly executed . this gentleman , whose education had beene ever with the best , and in the most frequented places , used much gaming , at which he had generally ill fortune ; so as , feeling the smart of it , he resolved , binding his resolution with a solemne protestation , that if ever he gamed againe , he might be hange● : which protestation was so usuall with him , as nothing more frequent . but see this gentlemans miserable end ! within few yeeres after he suffered in himselfe what he had so often wished for himselfe . take example hence , you i say , who are so prodigall in oathes , vowing , protesting , and swearing in your heat of passion , what you are no lesse apt to forget having coold your passion . for though you little feare the effecting of that which you wish to your selves , yet time may come when you would wish you had not used those imprecations upon your selves . there is another thing likewise which i could wish young gentlemen to be mindfull of , and it is to make distinction of times for their recreations : for as all times are not for all pleasures , no more are pleasures for all times . wee are therefore to reserve so much time for our more serious affaires , as not to give way to pleasure or delight , and so neglect what wee should principally intend . no expence is more precious than the expence of time ; which is rather imployed than wasted , when bestowed to the good and benefit of the imployer . so as , even in matters of pleasure or recreation , i could wish you to betake you to those games which may best benefit your understanding ; as in games at cards , the maw requires a quick conceit or present pregnancie ; the gle●ke ( because of varietie ) requires a retentive memory . these are good exercisers of the minds , and such , as being made recreations only , and no tricks to circumvent , may afford some help or benefit to the gamesters understanding . now therefore , doe not ( theotimus-like ) preferre lust before your eyes ; preferre not any profit you are to reape by gaming , before the inward benefit which you may reape by conceiving . it is a mercenary trade , to frequent gaming-houses for gaine , to alter the propertie of a recreation , and make that an anguish which should be a solace , a torture which should be a pleasure . for what pleasure can that gamester enjoy by play , whose heart is surprized with hope , feare , passion , despaire , and a thousand perturbations , which like tiberius vision are ever startling him ? surely , if there be any pleasure in these recreations , those only enjoy it , whose minds are neither cast downe with the feare of losse , nor over-joyed with the hope of gaine ; making this use of all adverse or crosse fortune : how miserable is that man , whose highest hopes relie on so light a mistresse ? how simple he , whose conceit is grounded on the constancie of fortune , who is only constant in inconstancie ? how pittifully pittilesse is his case , who puts finger in the eye , because he hath felt her frowne ? how forlorne is his hope , who having had experience of the extremest affronts of fortune , is ever giving himselfe occasion of new sorrowing ? but contrariwise , how truly happy is he , who makes use of fortunes braves , and receives what chance soever comes , with a cheerefull brow ? how truly blessed he , who cares as little for the insults of misfortune , as he prizeth all momentany successe which so blinde a goddesse can afford him ? there is no griefe more base or unworthy , than that which taketh beginning from losse in game : for why will wee make a voluntary hazard to procure us sorrow ? why should any one imagine himselfe to be more dearly tendred by fortune than another ? if you play square , without intendment of advantage , then expect no more than another may looke for , being equally interested in the share of fortune . for in these recreations , as it is mercenary gaine , which is got by game ; so it is an indiscreet griefe to sorrow in losse , or rejoyce in gaine . recreations are not to be used as men use trades ; these are to maintaine us ; the other to refresh us . so as they greatly pervert the use of pleasure , which make it a daily taske , as many of our english gentlemen doe ; who made heires of their fathers providence , esteeme it the onely generous qualitie , to make use of their fathers coine , without respect to his care . these are they who blemish their descent , and detract from the glory of their house , consuming the sun-shine of their dayes in workes of darknesse . i have read a conceited treatise composed by an italian , entitled a supplication to candle-light : discovering the abuses committed and curtained by the silent and secret shade of night . where it might be demanded , as god in esay did aske the devill our subtill watch-man , custos quid de nocte ? and there hee shewes how a great office is not so gainfull as the principall-ship of a college of curtizans . for no merchant in riches may compare with these merchants of maiden-heads , if their female inmates were not so fleeting and uncertaine . too many , i feare me , there be of these licentious gamesters , who make sinne a recreation , wantonning in the lap of impudence , exposing their estate and name to a miserable hazard : whose youth , as it addes fuell to desire ; so age , the truest register of the follies of youth , will besprinkle those desires with the bitter teares of repentance : grieving to have committed , what may hardly bee redeemed . for hee that surceaseth but then from sinne , when hee can sinne no more , forsaketh not his sinnes , but his sinnes forsake him . it is one thing to fall into light sinnes , through occasion onely , or humane frailtie : and another thing to fall through affected negligence and securitie . farre be the latter from you , gentlemen , whose aymes ought to be so much the more glorious , as your descents are noble and generous . though humane frailty move you to offend , labour to redeeme that time wherein you did offend , by vying sinnes with sighes , those ungodly tares with incessant teares ; for if you will live when you be dead , you must die to sinne while you be alive . and for as much as pardon cannot be procured , but where repentance is renued ; as we are omnium notarum peccatores , so should we be omnium horarum poenitentes ; as every houre sinning , so every houre sighing ; as every houre committing , so every houre bringing forth fruits of remission . thus like hismenias the thebane , who would shew musicians of all sorts , to imitate the best , and reject the worst ; have i proposed and set downe recreations of all sorts , making choice withall of such especiall and select ones , as best sort with the qualitie of a gentleman , concluding how and after what manner he is to bestow himselfe in them . neither have i taxed any particular recreation , provided that it transgresse not the bounds of modestie , but admitted it as indifferent for the use of a gentleman . yea , such recreations as may seeme to undergoe the censure of lightnesse , have i not only not reproved , but worthily approved , being with decencie used . whereupon gregorie saith , i admire king david a great deale more , when i see him in the quire , than when i see him in the campe : when i see him singing as the sweet singer of israel , than when i see him fighting as the worthy warriour of israel : when i see him leaping , than when i see him weeping : when i see him dancing before the arke , than when i see him drawing forth his armie to the field . when david fought with others , he overcame others ; he wounded others ; he made others sicke . but when hee danced before the arke , and delighted himselfe , he was overcome himselfe , he was wounded himselfe , he was sicke himselfe . but this sicknesse did rather affect him , than afflict him ; joy him , than annoy him . i will play still ( sayes he ) that others may still play upon me . for it is a good sport when god is delighted , though michol be displeased . whence you see , that it is not the recreation , but the circumstance tending to that recreation , which for most part giveth occasion of offence ; as the time when , gods sabbath is not to be dishonoured , nor our serious occasions intermitted ; the place where , the holy ground is not by the feet of lightnesse to be profaned , nor places where iustice is administred , to the exercise of such delights inured ; the persons who , we must take heed lest the weakest of our brethren be scandaled , or offence to any by our sports occasioned . doing thus , we shall glorifie god , not only in this life , but in that best and blest life which is to come ; if wee fall not backe into the same sinnes , but bid a long fare-well to the illusions of the devill ; if with diligent attention to the word of god , earnest desire of conversion , and continuall confession of our sinnes , we procure the carefull eye of the almightie to watch over us . for it sufficeth him in his great mercy that we surcease from sinne , whereby wee shall be more easily moved to the practice of all good workes . wherefore to conclude this observance with that exhortation of golden-mouthed chrysostome , to the end wee may render more honour to his sabbat● ▪ let not any one hence-forth be seene trying masteries on horse-backe , nor spending any part of the day in unlawfull meetings ; let not any one hence-forth consort himselfe in games at cards or dice , or the tumultuous noise which ariseth from thence . for i pray you answer mee ( saith hee ) what profit is there in fas●ing , if all the day eating nothing , you game , sport , sweare and forsweare , and so spend the day in worse than nothing ? let us not , i beseech you , be so negligent in that weightie affaire of our salvation , but rather let our communication be of spirituall things . and let every one take in his hand a godly booke , and calling his neighbours together , water both his owne understanding and theirs who are assembled , with heavenly instructions , that so we may avoid the deceits of the devill . performing this , gentlemen , your recreations shall be healthfull to your selves , helpfull to your country , delightfull to the vertuous , and beseeming men of your ranke , nobly generous . the english gentleman . argument . of acquaintance ; of the choice of acquaintance ; of constancie in the choice of acquaintance ; of reservancie towards acquaintance ; of the absolute end of acquaintance . acqvaintance . the comfort of an active life consists in societie , as the content of a contemplative consists in privacie . intermission of action in the former , is a kinde of death ; intention to devotion in the latter , is a pleasant life . for solitarie places are the best for prayer ; but publike for practice . we reade that christ went out into a solitary place , and there prayed : but hee entered into the synagogue , and there preached ; that such libertines as were there trained might bee reclaimed . and wisdome cryeth without , and uttereth her voice in the streets , that her words might bee practised . as there is no publike state which can subsist without commerce , trafficke , and mutuall society ; so there is no creature living , whose life would not bee tedious , being debarred from all use of company . there are two birds which are noted both in divine and humane writ to be lovers of solitarinesse ; the owle in the desart , and the pelicane in the wildernesse . which two , among divers other birds , were accounted uncleane , and therefore were not to bee eaten by the iewes . as retirednesse from occasions abroad , makes us more serious in occasions at home : so this privacie or solitarinesse makes the memory more retentive in affaires usefull to our selves , but withdrawes our hand from affording helpe or assistance to others . but life should bee communicative ; not only intending it selfe ; but labouring wherein it may doe good to any . for whereas saint bernard saith , that the a affinity is neere betweene the dwellers in a cell and in heaven : it is to bee understood , that such whose mortified affections , and regenerate will have concluded all b worldly honours to bee worldly tumours ; and all c secular honour to be the devills trafficke , have stepped neere unto heaven . neither are we to conclude thence , that such who have to deale in the world , by commerce at home and abroad , are excluded from this affinity . for there are many ( as we are to be charitably perswaded ) who live in the world , & have to do with the world , yet are not of the world ; that is , are not so affected to the world , as they could not finde in their hearts to forgoe all things they have in the world , for the love of him that created the world . yea , who will not say , and with much comfort affirme , we will seeke one good wherein consisteth all good , and that sufficeth ; we will seeke one joy wherein consisteth all joy , and this onely joyes us . it is * grace and not the place , which saveth the soule . for as there may bee a wolfe in sheeps cloathing , so there may bee a worldly minde in a hermits dwelling . mans security is the deuills opportunity , which may be found in the wildernesse as well as in the world ; neither is the one place lesse subject to temptation than the other . the wildernesse is secret , yet christ was tempted in it . the night is silent , yet doth that princely prophet warne us , to lift up our hands in the night watches of temptation . for the life of man , as it is a continuall temptation , so is there neither time , place , sexe nor condition exempted from temptation . the monks cell and the monarchs court are equally subject to it . this , devout bernard seemes to confirme in his description of such as professed a monasticke life , saying ; they were large promisers , but slow performers , faire-tongued flatterers , but snarling back-biters , simple-seeming dissemblers , but malicious betrayers . againe , we ( saith hee ) receive all into our monasteries , in hope to better them ; whereas in the court it is more usuall , to receive such as are good , than to make them good : for we have found by experience , that more good men have decreased than profited in it . hence we may conclude this point , that no place is privileged from temptation , neither cell nor court : but those places are , and have beene ever most subject to danger , where men were left to themselves to enter lists with temptation . which proceedeth either from the naturall frailty of man , in that he falleth from best to worst ; or his want of judgement to discerne best from worst : whence the poet most divinely concludeth ; when want of judgement reignes in humane brest , the best is ta'ne for worst , the worst for best . god in his sacred wisdome having created man , thought it not good that hee should bee alone ; and therefore made him an helpe meet for him . it was an excellent saying of that sage cynicke , who seeing a young man all alone by himselfe , and demanding of him what he was doing , i am talking ( quoth the young man ) with my selfe ; take heed ( said hee ) thou talke not with thine enemie . for howsoever cato might say in respect of the inward delight hee tooke in contemplation , i am never lesse alone , than when alone ; we shall finde this true , that man is never more ready to give way to temptation , than when hee is alone . how needfull then is acquaintance , being indeed the life of the living ; the particular benefits whereof extend to discourse , advice and action ? it is experience hath begot wisdome , and memory as a mother hath brought it forth . now , what experience could we gaine , if wee should only be left to our selves , and have none to helpe us in treaties or matters of conference ? it is said of demosthenes , that he recovered his speech only by direction ; long would it be ere we attained to any perfection of speech , either in manner or matter , if we wanted these usuall helps of conference , which enable us when , where and how we should speake . for as the satyre was afraid at the first sight of fire ; or that captaine , who looking himselfe in a glasse when hee was angry , was affrighted with his owne countenance , so should we , having never consorted or conversed with men , stand amazed when we approached their companie . for what is it that ministers boldnesse and audacity to men , save their usuall frequent of assemblies ? or what is it , that so much benefits their knowledge , but their acquaintance with such who are professants of knowledge ? plutarch reporteth , that plato came forth of asia into cilicia , for no other cause but onely to see his deare friend phocion the philosopher . see here the love of good men one to another ; for amongst evill men can be no true friendship . for it is the ayme of acquaintance that makes it good or evill ; as to insinuate ones selfe into acquaintance for their owne ends , to wit , to profit by it , or worke on others weaknesse , this is acquaintance for macchiavells schollers , whose principall ayme is to undermine ; and under pretence of amity , shroud their villany . these hold concurrencie with frier clement , ravillac , iaurequy , baltazar gerard. they have an open gate , but a shut countenance ; or if an open countenance , a close shut heart . aristotle saith , that friendship is one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies . whereas these men , whose acquaintance hath relation to their owne peculiar ends , have a heart and a heart ; a heart outwardly professing , and a heart secretly practising ; a heart outward , and a heart inward ; outwardly pretending , and inwardly plotting . these are no acquaintance for you gentlemen ▪ their hearts are too farre from their mouths ; learning to prosper by others errours . yea , by often conversing and practising with others , no lesse cunning than themselves , they have so farre prevailed , as they are not onely able to match them , but out-strip them : serpens nisi serpentem comederit , non fit draco : these are they who hatch the cockatrice egges ; come not therefore neere them , for the poyson of aspes is under their lips. yea , they sucke the gall of aspes , and the vipers tongue shall slay them . yet , to leave you alone without company , would make your life as much loathed , as choice of acquaintance makes you love it . he is a weake prince that enjoyes an empire without people ; and no lesse desolate or disconsolate is his state , who wants not for meanes , yet wants a friend to whom hee may impart his minde . lend me your hands therefore ( gentlemen ) and i will direct you in a way how to make choice of acquaintance in matters of advice , which is the second benefit redounding from the use of acquaintance . if a man ( saith seneca ) finde his friend sad and so leave him ; sicke without ministring any comfort to him ; and poore without releeving him : wee may thinke such an one goeth to jest rather than visit or comfort . whence we may observe the office or condition of a friend , who , if his friend be sicke , he will visit him ; i● sad , hee will cheare him ; if poore , hee will releeve him ; if afflicted in minde , he will comfort him ; otherwise his friendship is but dissembling , his visiting him , a meere mocking of him . iob called his friends miserable comforters , because their discourses were rather afflictions than comforts , their counsels rather corasives than cordialls , their exhortations rather scourgings and scoffings , than soule-solacing refreshings . these doe not advise friends ; but despise them ; miserable are such comforters . wherefore i may well distinguish acquaintance into two sorts ; the one halcion-like , come to us in a storme ; the other swallow-like , draw neere us in a calme . the former sort observe periandors precept , shew thy selfe still the same , whether thy friend bee in prosperity or adversity : but the latter observe that sentence of optatus , all for the time , but nothing for the truth . all acquaintance may be either compared to pitch staining , o●to balme curing . hee that toucheth pitch shall bee defiled therewith , saith the sonne of sirach ; such is the nature of much acquaintance , especially in these latter dayes , where vanity is more affected , than the practice of vertue , which should be onely loved . where many returne worse than when they went forth , confirming that sentence , sanabimur , si separemur à coetu . but balme , it refresheth , cheereth , and cureth ; such is that acquaintance , whose conceits are delightfull , discourse chearefull , and instructions fruitfull . these , if wee be at any time doubtfull , will advise us ; if in necessitie , will releeve us ; if in any affliction either outward or inward , will beare a part with us , to allay griefe in us . a little stybium is too much , such are the first ; a great quantitie of styrax is too little , such are the last . a * iuniper-tree maketh the hottest coale , and the coolest shadow of any tree : the coale is so hot , that if it be rak't up in ashes of the same , it continueth unextinguished by the space of a whole yeere : so doth true friendship or faithfull acquaintance ; it affordeth the coolest shadow to refresh us , and the hottest coales , implying fervour of affection , being once kindled , to warme us . when poore andromache craved vlysses advice , what he thought best to be done in behalfe of her young sonne astyanax ; conceale him ( said he ) this is the only meanes to save him . this shewed his faithfulnesse in advising , albeit her countries foe ; for otherwise hee would have perswaded her to submit her selfe and him to the hand of the mercilesse souldier , or reape a benefit by their bondage , making them his owne captives : as it is in the fable of the crow , who comming to the eagle that had got a cockle , the fish whereof he could not get out neither by force nor art , hee counselled him to mount up on high and throw the cockle downe upon the stones , and so breake the shell : now all the while did the craftie crow stay below expecting the fall : the eagle throwes it downe , the shell is broken , the fish by the crow is taken , and the eagle deluded . many such counsellors there be , who advise not others for their good , but their owne good . others there be , who make use of their friends or acquaintance meerely for their owne ends ; and rather than they will be prevented of their aimes , they will expose the life and safetie of their friend to imminent perill . and these resemble the fox , who seeing a chestnut in the fire , made use of the cats foot to take it out . but these are not those friends , whose advice is faithfull , as their friendship is firme and gratefull . their aimes are indirect , their advice tends to their owne benefit , their counsell tastes of profit , and their directions become as pitfalls to their friends . those to whom i would have gentlemen knowne , are men of an other ranke and qualitie , appearing like the canii , senecae , aruntii , and sorani ; whose admirable vertues were inimitable in so corrupt a government . neither would i have them to shake off these friendly monitors , if at any time their advice relish not halfe well to their palate ; but rather honour them for their vertuous sinceritie , as epaminonda● honoured lysias , agesilaus xenophon , scipio penetius , alcibiades socrates , achilles phoenix , sent him by his father peleus . for such as will not endure a friendly reproofe , i would have their acquaintance doe with them as plato did with dionysius , who perceiving him to be incorrigible , left him . the rebukes of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemie ; for the one , though at first displeasing , tend ( if rightly used ) to his conversion ; but the other , though pleasing , tend ( if not prevented ) to his confusion . had alexander understood this aright , he would have preferred the faithfull advice of his affectionate clitus before all his conquests ; for by his instruction might hee have learned humilitie , which lesson had beene worth his worlds monarchie . had nero that president of tyrants , or monster of men , given care to the wise advice of his loyall and learned seneca , hee might have found a subject to love him , a scholer to live with him , a souldier to fight for him , and a mother to blesse him . for surely , as of all possessions friendship is most precious , being suted with vertue , without which there is no true friendship ; so are we to value the life of our friend as the crowne of our glory . for tell mee , are you fad ? your friends conceit , as a soveraigne receit , will cheere you . are you disposed to be merry ? mirth alone , is a single consort , your friend will partake with you . would you have one to passe the tedious night away , in telling tales , or holding you with talke ? your friend will invent a thousand pastimes to cheere you , and make the night seeme lesse tedious unto you . is the burden of your griefes too heavy to beare ? you have a friend to share with you in your burden . in briefe , want you comfort ? he will supply it ; want you meanes to releeve your wants ? hee will afford it ; want you counsell ? he will impart it ; want you all that man can want ? you want not a friend who will supply your wants with his want . and so i descend from the benefit redounding from advice , to the third and last , which is the profit or benefit which redounds from one friend to another in every peculiar action , exercise or recreation . cicero , the glory of rome , and flower of orators , exemplifying the prowesse of themistocles and epaminondas , useth these words ; the sea shall sooner overwhelme the isle it selfe of salamine , than it shall drench the remembrance of the salamine triumph : and the towne of leuctra in boeotia shall sooner be razed , than the remembrance of the field there fought , forgotten . but howsoever these monuments may be razed or defaced by continuance of time , sure i am that the love which they shewed to their friends , even to the apparent danger of their owne lives , shall eternize their memory . pelopidas a noble grecian , skirmishing with the lacedemonians against the arcadians , untill such time as being hurt in seven places , hee fell downe at last for dead . then presently epaminondas , out of a princely resolution and noble affection to his distressed friend , stepping forth bestrid him , and fought to defend his body , he alone against many ; till being sore cut on his arme with a sword , and thrust into the brest with a pike , he was even ready to give over . but at that very instant , agesipolis king of the lacedemonians came with the other point of the battell in a happy houre , and saved both their lives when they were past all hope . here see apparent arguments of true love , mixed with a noble and heroick temper : for friends are to be tried in extremities , either in matters of state or life : in state , by releeving their wants ; in life , by engaging themselves to all extremes , rather than they will suffer their friend to perish . these are they who will latch the blow of affliction laid upon their friends , with the buckler of affection ; preferring death before their friends disgrace . marcus servilius a valiant roman , who had fought three and twenty combats of life and death in his owne person , and had alwayes slaine as many of his enemies as challenged him man to man ; when as the people of rome resisted paulus aemilius triumph , stood up and made an oration in his behalfe : in the midst whereof hee cast up his gowne , and shewed before them the infinite skars and cuts he had received upon his brest ; the sight of which so prevailed with the people , that they all agreed in one , and granted aemilius triumph . here observe the tender respect of one friend towards anothers honour : there is nothing unassayed , nothing unattempted , which may procure or further it . for this friendship or combination of minds , as there is nothing more precious , so there is nothing which doth comparably delight or solace the minde like unto it , being faithfully grounded . their discourse like some choice musicke delights our hearing ; their sight like some rare object contents our seeing ; their presence fully satisfies us in their touching ; their well-seasoned jests ( like some delicious banquet ) relish our tasting ; and their precepts ( like sweet flowers ) refresh our smelling . thus is every sense satisfied , by enjoying that which it loveth : for as senses wanting their proper objects , become uselesse ; so men , whether in prosperitie or adversitie , wanting friends to relie on , are wretched and helplesse : so as there is no greater wildernesse than to be without true friends . for without friendship , societie is but meeting , acquaintance a formall or ceremoniall greeting . wheras it is friendship , when a man can say to himselfe , * i love this man without respect of utilitie : for ( as i formerly noted ) those are no friends but hirelings , who professe friendship only to gaine by it . certainly , whosoever hath had the happinesse to enjoy a true & faithfull friend , to whom he might freely impart the secrets of his brest , or open the cabbinet of his counsels , he ( i say ) and only he hath had the experience of so rare a benefit daily redounding from the use of friendship : where two hearts are so individually united , as neither from other can well be severed . and as it is certaine , that in bodies inanimate , union strengthneth any naturall motion , and weakneth any violent motion ; so amongst men , friendship multiplieth joyes , and divideth griefs . it multiplies joyes ; for it makes that joy communicative , which before was single ; it divideth griefes ; for it shares in them , and so makes them lesse . now perfection of friendship , is but a speculation , if wee consider the many defects which are for most part subject to all worldly friendship : yea , and as the world increaseth in age , so it decreaseth most commonly in goodnesse : for in courts , are suits and actions of law ; in cities , tricks and devices to circumvent ; in the country , ingrossing and regrating , of purpose to oppresse . it is rare to see a faithfull damon or a pythias ; a pylades or orestes ; a bitias or a pandarus ; a nisus or euryalus . and what may be the cause of this , but that the love of every one is so great to himselfe , as he can finde no corner in his heart to lodge his friend in ? in briefe , none can gaine friends , and make a saving bargaine of it , for now it is a rule commonly received ; he that to all will here be gratefull thought , must give , accept , demand , much , little , nought . so as it may seeme , it is not given to man to love and to be wise ; because the lover is ever blinded with affection towards his beloved ; so as , he dis-esteemes honour , profit , yea life it selfe , so hee may gratifie his beloved . but my opinion is quite contrary ; for i hold this as a firme and undoubted maxime ; that he who is not given to love , cannot be wise . for is he wise , that reposeth such trust in his owne strength , as if he stood in no need of friends ? is he wise , who dependeth so much on his owne advice , as if all wit and wisdome were treasured in his braine ? is he wise , who being sicke , would not be visited ; poore , and would not be succoured ; afflicted , and would not be comforted ; throwne downe , and would not be raised ? surely in the same case is he , who sleights the purchace of a friend , preferring his owne profit before so inestimable a prize . there is none , whether he be valiant , or a profest coward , but may stand in need of a friend in a corner . for be hee valiant , hee stands in need of a friend to second him ; if a coward , he needs one to support him : therefore , whosoever wanteth fortitude , whether it be in minde or bodie , let him embrace friendship ; for if his weaknesse proceed from the minde , hee shall finde a choice receit in the breast of his friend , to strengthen and corroborate him , so as griefe may assaile or assault him , but it cannot dismay or amate him . againe , if his weaknesse proceed from the bodie , that weaknesse is supplied by the strength of his friend , who will be an eye to direct him , and a foot to sustaine him . telephus , when he could finde none amongst his friends to cure his wound , permitted his enemie to doe it : and he who purposed to kill prometheus the thessalian , opened his impostume with his sword . if such effects have proceeded from enmitie , what rare and incredible effects may be imagined to take their beginning from amitie ? than which , as nothing is stricter in respect of the bond , so nothing is more continuate in respect of the time : being so firme , as not to be dissolved ; so strict , as not to be anulled ; so lasting , as never to be ended . neither is this benefit , derived from friend to friend , onely restrained to matters of action or imployment , but extendeth it selfe to exercises of pleasure and recreation . for tell me , what delight can any one reape in his pleasure , wanting a friend to partake with him in his pleasure ? takes he delight in hunting ? let him choose acquaintance that may suit him in it : not onely a hunter , but one whose conceit ( if occasion serve ) can reach further ; such an one i would have him as could make an embleme of the forest where hee raungeth , compose a sonnet on the objects which he seeth , and fit himselfe for ought hee undertaketh . of which ranke , was that merry epigrammatist , ( as it may be imagined ) who being taxed for wearing a horne , and could not wind it , made this replie ; my friend did tax me seriously one morne , that i should weare , yet could not wind , the horne ; and i repli'd , that he for truth should finde it , many did weare the horne that nere could wind it : hows'ere of all , that man may weare it best , who makes claime to it , as his ancient crest . to interveine conceits or some pleasant jests in our recreations , whether discursive or active , is no lesse delightfull than usefull : but these jests should be so seasoned , as they may neither taste of lightnesse , nor too much saltnesse . iests festive are oft-times offensive , they incline too much to levitie ; jests civill ( for into these two are all divided ) are better relishing , because mixed with more sobrietie and discretion . catullus answer to philippus the atturney , was no lesse wittie than bitter : for catullus and he being one day at high words together ; why barkest thou , quoth philippus ? because i see a theefe , answered catullus . he shewed himselfe a quick anatomist , who branched man into three parts , saying , that man had nothing but substance , soule , and bodie ; lawyers dispose of the substance , physitians of the bodie , and divines of the soule . present and pregnant was donato's answer to a young gentleman , who beholding a brave company of amorous ladies and gentlewomen , meeting donato comming towards rome , as one admiring their number and feature , said ; quot coelum stellas , tot habet tua roma puellas . by and by answered donato ; pascua quot haedos , tot habet tua roma-cinaedos . phaedro being asked , why in the collects , where christian bishops and pagans be prayed for , the cardinalls were not remembred ? answered , they were included in that prayer , oremus pro haereticis & schismaticis . well requited was that young scholler , who giving his master this evening salute : domine magister , deus det tibi bonum sero ; was answered by his master : et tibi malumcito . wittie , but shrewd was that answer of a disputant in my time to his moderator in posterior : who demanding of him what the cause should be , that he with whom he disputed , should have so great a head and so little wit , replied ; omne majus continet in se minus . a base minde was well displayed in that covetous man , who unwilling to sell his corne while it was at an high price , expecting ever when the market would rise higher ; when he saw it afterward fall , in despaire hanged himselfe upon a beame of his chamber ; which his man hearing , and making haste , cut the rope and preserved his life : afterwards , when he came to himselfe , hee would needs have his man to pay for the cord hee had cut . but i approve rather of such jests as are mixed with lesse extremes : pleasant was that answer of scipio nasica , who going to ennius house in rome , and asking for ennius ; ennius bade his maid tell him he was not within . so ennius on a time comming to scipio's house , and asking whether he was at home ? i am not at home , answered scipio : ennius wondering thereat ; doe i not know that voice ( quoth hee ) to be scipio's voice ? thou hast small civilitie in thee ( answered scipio ) that when i beleeved thy maid thou wert not at home , yet thou wilt not beleeve me . likewise to retort a jest , is an argument of a quicke wit ; as leo emperour of bizantium answered one , who being crook-backt , jested at his bleared eyes ; saying , thou reprochest mee with the defect of nature , and thou carriest nemesis upon thy shoulders . domitius reproaching crassus , that he wept for a lamprey ; crassus answered , but thou hast buried three wives without one teare . alexander asking a pyrate , that was taken and brought before him ; how he durst be so bold to infest the seas with his pyracie ? was answered with no lesse spirit , that hee played the pyrate but with one ship , but his majestie with a huge navie . which saying so pleased alexander , that hee pardoned him : reaping especiall delight in that similitude of action , by which was transported the current of the kings affection . other conceits there are more closely couched , covertly carried , and in silence uttered ; as that of bias , who , when an evill man asked him what goodnesse was ; answered nothing : and being demanded the cause of his silence ; i am silent ( quoth he ) because thou enquirest of that , which nothing concernes thee . the same bias sailing on a time with some naughtie men , by violence of a tempest , the ship wherein they were , became so shaken and tossed with waves , as these naughty men began to call upon the gods ; hold your peace ( said bias ) lest these gods you call upon understand that you be here . but lest by dwelling too long upon jests , i forget the series of my discourse , i will succinctly conclude this branch , with my judgement touching acquaintance in this kinde . as i would have gentlemen to make choice of their acquaintance by their sound , so i would not have them all sound : musicke doth well with ayres , but there is no musicke in that discourse which is all ayre . my meaning is , i would not have these acquaintance which they make choice of , all words or flashes of wit : for i seldome see any of these who are so verball , much materiall ; or these who are all wit , but through height of a selfe-conceit they fall to much weaknesse . for these many times preferre their conceit before the hearers appetite , and will not sticke to lose their friend rather than their jest , which in my opinion is meere madness : for he that values his jest above his friend , over-values his conceit , and had need of few jests , or great store of friends . i have knowne some wits turne wittalls ; by making themselves buffouns and stale jesters for all assemblies . which sort are fitter for gentlemen to make use of as occasion serves , than to entertaine them as bosome-acquaintance : for as the benefit which redounds to one from another in action , exercise , and recreation , is mutually imparted ; so is the danger no lesse incident one to another , where the ends or uses are perverted . thus farre have we proceeded in the discovery of those particular benefits which redound from discourse , advice , and action , by meanes of acquaintance : being the cement which so firmely joyneth minds together , as they may be encountred by extremes , but divided never . now for as much as the essentiall triall of acquaintance consists in matters of highest consequence , we are now to addresse our selves to such a choice , as our choice may admit no change . the precept of that ancient sage is worth remembring ; follow such friends as it may not shame thee to have chosen . certainly , there is no one argument to evince man of indiscretion , more holding than this ; that he makes no difference or distinction in the choice of his friends . in which respect , no man can bee too warie or circumspect , because herein for most part , consisteth his well-fare or undoing . it were meet therefore that a gentleman made choice of such for his friends or acquaintance , as are neither timists nor timonists , fawners nor frowners . for the first sort , they are for all seasons , and all weathers ; so as they may be fitly compared to the hedge-hogge , who hath two holes in his siedge , one toward the south , another toward the north. now when the southerne wind blowes , he stops up that hole , and turnes him northward ; when the northerne wind blowes , he stops up that hole likewise , and turnes him againe southward . such vrchins are all temporizers : they turne as the wind blowes , and sute themselves for euery occasion . these friends or acquaintance who follow not us but ours , will be seene in all liveries : princes have felt the inconveniencie of them , and inferiour states have not beene free from them : but the highest states generally are most subject to these retainers ; for princes by experience we have seene , abused most where most their trust hath beene . now there are two kinds of princes ( saith comines ) the one are so cautelous and suspitious , as they are scarce to bee endured : for they are almost come to that passe , as they thinke themselves ever deluded and circumvented . such was dionysius the tyrant of syracusa , who grew so suspicious , as he would not trust any barber to shave him , causing his owne daughters to learne to shave . others there bee , who are so farre from harbouring suspicion , as being of a dull and lumpish wit , they scarce understand what is commodious for them , and what not . such was domitian , who cared more for catching of flies , than retaining of friends : being so farre from preventing danger , as he never foresaw it , till he felt it . in these there is small constancy of mind ; for as they easily discontinue friendship , they as easily decline from hatred and embrace friendship . constantine the great , being a profest foe to all these timists , or temporizing sycophants , was wont to call them gnats and moths that pester a princes palace . so aspiring be their aymes , so base their meanes ; who like base beetles as they have begun , in every cowsheard nestle neere the sun. whence , as it may bee probably gathered , was that sentence derived , amici curiae , parasiti curiae ; fawning rather than friending , tendring onely love where they hope to receive gaine . these , as they have ianus front , for they carrie two faces under one hood , so have they simons heart , professing love , but practising hate : of which sort the ever-living homer thus concludeth ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . there 's nought on earth i more detest , than sugred breath in serpents brest . whence it was that the great spirited byron , who shewed more passion than resolution at his death , howsoever during all his time none was ever held for a more brave or noble souldier ; perceiving his trust ( as he collected ) betrayed by la fin , with whom he had conspired , and by whom his practice was disclosed , he confessed that la fin had bewitched him , exhorting his hoast to be warie of him , lest he should delude and circumvent him with his impostures . for certainly , as more expresly appeared , not onely at the time of his execution , but in all the passages of his practice , as he had reposed great trust in la fin , in the whole management of that businesse ; so having seene his trust weakned , and those many protestations of amity infringed , ( though in practices of that nature there can bee no true league of friendship ) it moved him no lesse to impatience , than the discovery of his treason . but these fawning friends or timists which wee have now in quest , as they are onely for the present time , so will they undertake many times the most enormous and indirect course to raise their hopes , that can bee devised . when the rash-aspiring catiline had promised to divulge those new tables , wherein were contained the proscription of the rich , magistracies , priest-hoods , rapines , and all other insolencies , which either the shocke of warre , or will of the conquerour gives way to ; hee had followers enow upon the instant to second him in his hatefull courses : being such as either his youth had made him acquainted with , or his dissolute course had consorted with : which unhappy followers made him doubtlesse , more violent in his attempts , and lesse considerate in his directions . how needfull then is it , to prevent the occasion of so maine an inconvenience ? how expedient is it to avoid the frequent or society of such , as will not sticke to bee assistants in mischiefe ? how consequent a thing is it , to weane ones selfe not onely from their familiarity and inward acquaintance , but even from so much as conversing with them or writing to them . themistocles was suspected to be knowne to pausanias treason , although most cleare of himselfe , because he wrote unto him . for as the nature of man is originally depraved , so by consorting with vicious men the arme of sinne becomes strengthened . the fuller ( as it is in the fable ) would by no meanes suffer the collier to dwell with him under one roofe , lest hee should soile what he had rinsed . which fable hath a morall relation to the course of our life , and the nature of such as wee usually consort with : for there is a traffique or commerce as well of manners as persons , of vertues and vices , as other commodities . the babylonian hath beene naturally said to be arrogant , the theban passionate , the iew envious , the tyrian covetous , the sidonian a rioter , the egyptian a sorcerer : neither did these nations keepe these vices to themselves , for they induced others likewise , to whom they had recourse and commerce , to be affected to the like : for the very egyptians had so bewitched caesar himselfe with their illusions , as hee gave great attention to them ; as alexander was delighted with the brachmanes . for vice is such an over-growing or wildespreading weed , as there is no soyle wherein it likes not , no kinde of nature ( of what temper soever ) it invades not , and invading surprizeth not . to the body , diseases are infectious , to the minde are vices no lesse obnoxious : for vices are the diseases of the minde , as infirmities breed distempers and diseases to the body . so as , whether wee observe the state of church or common-weale , we shall finde vices to bee of a nature no lesse spreading than diseases ; neither the state or symptome of the minde lesse endangered by the infusion of the one , than the body by the infection of the other . for as the state politicke is much weakned by the haunt of these vices , so is that mourning dove the church , many times afflicted to see herselfe torne with schismes and divisions : where as * waspes make honey-combes , so marcionists make churches . how needfull then is it to divide our selves from the consorts of vice , without entertaining the least occasion that might induce us to give consent to her followers ? augustus wore ever about him , for preservative against thunder , a seales skinne , which plinie writes checketh lightning ; as tiberius wore alwayes about his necke a wreath of laurell . but let us carrie about us that moli or herbe of grace , whose precious juyce may repell the spells of so inchanting a syren . for as the vnicornes horne being dipt in water , cleares and purifies it , so shall this soveraigne receit cure all those maladies , which originally proceed from the poyson of vice . the mind so long as it is evill affected , is miserably infected . for so many evills , so many devills , first tempting and tainting the soule with sinne , then tearing and tormenting her with the bitter sense of her guilt . saint basil saith , that passions rise up in a drunken man , like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side ; whatsoever that holy father saith of one vice , may be generally spoken of all : so as wee may truly conclude with that princely prophet ; they come about us like bees : though they have honey in their thighs , they have stings in their tailes , wounding our poore soules even unto death . requisite therefore is it to avoid the society of such whose lives are either touched or tainted with any especiall crime ; these are dangerous patternes to imitate , yea , dangerous to consort with ; for as the storke being taken in the company of the cranes , was to undergoe like punishment with them , although she had scarce ever consented to feed with them ; so be sure , if we accompany them , we shall have a share in their shame , though not in their sinne . auoid the acquaintance of these heires of shame , whose affected liberty hath brought them to become slaves to all sensuality , and sure ere long to inherit misery . give no care to the sycophant , whose sugred tongue and subtill traine are ever plotting your ruine ; hate the embraces of all insinuating sharkes , whose smoothnesse will worke on your weaknesse ; and follow the poets advice : avoid such friends as feigne and fawne on thee , like scylla's rocke within sicilian sea. so dangerous are these syrenian friends , that like the sicilian shelves , they menace shipwracke to the inconsiderate sailer . for these , as they professe love , and labour to purchase friends ; so their practices are but how to deceive and entrap those to whom they professe love . whence it is that salomon saith , a man that flattereth his neighbour , spreadeth a net for his steps . that is , he that giveth eare to the flatterer , is in danger , as the bird is before the fowler . hee whistleth merrily , spreadeth his nets cunningly , and hunteth after his prey greedily . and let this suffice to bee spoken for the timist , who professeth observance to his friend onely for his owne end . now gentlemen , as i would not have you to entertaine time with fawnes , so neither with frownes . the former , as they were too light , so the latter are too heavy . the one too supple , the other too surlie . for these timonists ( for we have done with our timists ) as cicero said of galba's leaden and lumpish body , his wit had an ill lodging , are of too sullen and earthy a constitution . it is never faire weather with them , for they are ever louring , bearing a calender of ill weather in their brow . these for the most part are male-contents , and affect nothing lesse than what is generally pleasing : appearing in the world naturalized demophons whose humour was to sweat still in the shadow , and snake in the sunne . so as , howsoever they seeme seated in another clime , for disposition they are like the antipodes unto us , opposing themselves directly against us in all our courses . they are of democritus mind , who said , that the truth of things lay hid in certaine deepe mines or caves ; and what are these but their owne braines ? for they imagine , there can be no truth , but what they professe . they proclaime defiance to the world , saying ; thou miserably deluded world , thou embracest pleasure , wee restraine it . thou for pleasure doest all things , wee nothing . now who would not imagine these stoickes to be absolute men ? such as are rare to see on earth , in respect of their austeritie of life , and singular command over their affections ? such as are divided ( as it were ) from the thought of any earthly businesse , having their mindes sphered in a higher orbe ? such as are so farre from intermedling in the world , as they dis-value him that intends himselfe to negotiate in the world ? such , as when they see a man given to pleasure , or some moderate recreation , whereby he may be the better enabled for other imployments , sleight him as a spender of time , and one unfit for the societie of men . such , as say unto laughter , thou art mad ; and unto joy , what meanest thou ? such as take up the words of that grave censor in the poet ; tak'st thou delight to trace those pathes , where worldlings walked have , which seldome doe refresh the minde , but often doe deceive ? yet behold , how many times these mens severity comes short of sinceritie ! they will lay heavie burdens on others shoulders , which they will be loth to touch with the tip of their finger . the taskes which they impose on others are insupportable , the pressures they lay on themselves very easie and tolerable . of this ranke was aglataidas , of whom that noble and faithfull historian comines writeth , saying ; while he served in the campe he was of a most harsh and austere condition , doing many things perversly , and desiring rather to be feared than loved . such was this timon , from whose name wee entitle these frowning friends , who can hardly be true friends to any , being so opposite or repugnant to all , as they can scarcely hold concurrence with any . neither was this timon ( as plutarch reporteth of him ) only harsh and uncivill towards men , but towards women also : so as going forth one day into his orchard , and finding a woman hanging upon a wilde fig-tree : o god ( quoth he ) that all trees brought forth such fruit ! vnfit therefore was this timon for the acquaintance of man , who profest himselfe so mortall and irreconciliable an enemie to the sociablest and entirest acquaintance of man. so as , these timonists are to be cashiered for two reasons ; first , for their owne harsh and rough condition ; secondly , for the unjust grounds of their opinion , which dissents so far from societie , as it disallowes of marriage , the ordinary meanes appointed to preserve societie . so as , leaving them and their opinion , as alreadie evinced , wee will descend to make choice of your neerest acquaintance , ( i meane ) the choice of your wife ; the first day of which solemnitie promiseth either a succeeding iubile , or a continued scene of sorrow , where nought is sung but dolefull lachrymae . it was pleasantly spoken of him who said ; wives are young mens mistresses ; companions for middle age ; and old-mens nurses . the first sort take as much content in wearing their mistresse favour , as winning it ; the second sort in winning rather than wearing it ; the third neither in wearing nor winning it , but like children , to be cherished and cockered by it . the second sort are we only to speake of , where wives are to be made companions , and such entire ones , as they are bone of your bone , and flesh of your flesh . in the choice whereof , we will propose such necessary cautions , as shall be no lesse usefull to your selves , if rightly observed , than motives of comfort , if duly and exactly considered . he was reputed one of the wise men , that made answer to the question ; when a man should marry ? a young man not yet , an elder man not at all . of which opinion was arminius that ruler of carthage , whose harsh conceit of mariage proceeding either from personall disabilitie , or some experience of womans levitie , deserves small approbation . for had it beene arminius fortune to have matched with arminia , hee would doubtlesse , rather have fallen into admiration of so sacred a rite , than into distaste of it . for this noble lady , being bidden to king cyrus wedding , went thither with her husband : at night when they were returned home , her husband asked of her , how shee liked the bridegroome , whether shee thought him to be a faire and beautifull prince or no ? truth ( sayes she ) i know not : for all the while i was forth , i cast mine eyes upon none other , but upon thy selfe . or had calanus prevented hiero of his choice , he would have fallen from his stoicall dreame to a nuptiall song ; for one of hiero's enemies reproching him with a stinking breath , hee went home and questioned his wife why shee told him not thereof ; but what answer gave this continent ladie ? surely ( said she ) i thought all men had the same savour . or had timon attained the happinesse to joyne hands with theogena , wife to agathocles , he had not inveighed so much against the state of marriage ; for this renowned lady shewed admirable constancie in her husbands greatest misery , shewing her selfe most his owne , when hee was relinquis●t and forsaken of his owne , saying , that shee was not given him to be a sharer only in his prosperitie , but in what fortune soever should befall him . or had zenocrates enjoyed zenobia , hee would no lesse have admired his fortune , than beshrewed himselfe for depriving himselfe so long of so sweet a companion . for this princely ladie , after the death of odonatus ( though a barbarian queene ) yet by her reading of both roman and greeke histories , so managed the state after the decease of her husband , as shee retained those fierce and intractable people in her obedience : being a woman no lesse absolute for learning , than discreet governing : for she abridged the alexandrian , and all the orientall histories , ( a taske of no lesse difficultie than utilitie ) whereby she attained the highest pitch of wisdome and authoritie . or had aristippus beene so happie as linked himselfe with artemisia , he would have preferred so kinde and constant a yoke-fellow before all exteriour contemplations : for this chaste and choice lady , after the death of her beloved mausolus , thought it not sufficient to erect a glorious monument in his memory , but to enshrine him in her owne bodie , by drinking his ashes , and interring him in herselfe . many such eminent women may wee reade of in histories both divine and humane , whose vertues have equalled , if not surpassed most men . so as , howsoever it was the milesian thales his saying , that he had cause to give fortune thankes for three things especially ; first , for that he was a man , and not a beast ; secondly , that he was a man , and not a woman ; thirdly , that he was a greeke borne , and not a barbarian : women there be whos 's more noble endowments merit due admiration , because as in their sex weaker and inferiour , so in the gifts of the minde richer and superiour . but now to our choice : for it is to be received as alreadie granted , being by the authoritie of an apostle confirmed , that mariage is honourable among all : and every honourable thing is more eligible than that which is not honourable . so as he that shunneth mariage , and avoideth societie , is to be esteemed a foe to humanitie , or more than a man ; as he whom homer reprehendeth , saying : that he was tribe-lesse , law-lesse , and houselesse . i could wish every young gentleman to make that choice of his mistresse , which seneca would have one observe in the choice of a master ; choose him for thy master ( saith he ) whom thou mayest more admire , seeing him , than hearing him . neither altogether , as egnatius in catullus , is brought out shewing the whitenesse of his teeth : for all outward perfections , are but as fuell to feed desire , without that inward faire , which onely maketh woman worthy loving . for what is a beautifull complexion , being an exteriour good ; or that which euryclea his nurse praised , when she washed the feet of vlysses , namely , gentle speech , and tender flesh , wanting those inward graces , which truly adorne and beautifie women ? so as it is much better to follow his direction in the choice of a wife , who said , that they were to be chosen a modestiá non formâ ; which modestie cannot admit of this ages vanitie , where there nothing is lesse affected than what is comely . for , b these garish fashions agree well with none but prostitutes and shamelesse women . c neither can that face be a good one , which stands in need of these helpes . for d what madnesse is it to change the forme of nature , and seeke beautie from a picture ? e which picture is vices posture , and the ages imposture . f neither doe these affected trumperies , nor exquisite vanities become a christian. g for what is more vaine , than dying of the haire , painting of the face , laying out of breasts ? h doe not say that these can have shamefast mindes , who have such wandring and immodest eyes . i for the habit of the minde is to be discerned by the carriage : so as even in motion , gesture , and pace , is modestie to be observed . how miserable then is the state of these phantasticke idols ▪ who can endure no fashion that is comely , because it would not be observed ? how base is her shape , which must borrow complexion from the shop ? k how can shee weepe for her sinnes ( saith s. hierome ) when her teares will make furrowes in her face ? with what confidence doth she lift up her countenance to heaven , which her maker acknowledges not ? l i would , i poore wretch ( saith tertullian ) might see in that day of christian exaltation , whether with cerusse , and vermillion , and saffron , and those tyres and toyes upon your head , you are to rise againe ! which if they doe , they shall certainly witnesse against them , m to receive the reward of their painting in a lake of tormenting . n for these are they who lay hands upon god , correcting with a hand of contempt the workmanship of god. these never carry a box of ointment to bestow on the members of christ , but a o box of complexion they have in readinesse to bestow on a cheeke . which sort of wantons ( for how should i otherwise terme them ) are well displayed by one in their colours after this manner ; p shee surely keepes her fault of sex and nation , and best alloweth still the last translation : much good time lost , shee rests her faces debter , sh 'as made it worse , striving to make it better . this introduced ulcer , which is now esteemed no sore , because custome hath taken away the sense of a sore , how much it was abhorred formerly , may appeare by that command or constitution purposely exhibited to restrain it . q doe not paint thy face which god hath made . but if our women would but consider how hatefull these abuses are in the sight of the almightie , yea , how much they were loathed even of all honest women in former ages , they would distaste them , sure i am , farre more than they affect them . for if we will credit saint r hierome , writing to marcella , who saith ; that those women were matter of scandall to christian eyes , which painted their faces and eyes with vermillion , and such like adulterate complexions . yea he writes , that maximilla montanus his prophetesse , a woman-devill , by command from him whom shee served , did use to paint . so festus pompeius saith , that common and base whores , called schoenicolae , used dawbing of themselves , though with the vilest stuffe . so did the druids amongst the romans , expresly shadowed by the poet ; s preserve what nature gave you , nought's more base than belgian colour on a roman face . t so did our ancient britaines , but not to make their faces more amiable , but to appeare more terrible to the enemie . thus much , gentlemen , i thought good to write , before you make your choice , that you may see who are worth loving before you make your choice . u there is one flower to be loved of women , a good red , which is shamefastnesse ; here make your choice , and you shall finde farre more content in a native than artificiall blush . for as diogenes said to one that had anointed his haire ; x take heed that thy smelling head bring thee not an ill-smelling life ; so beware lest these perfumed ones become not polluted ones . for whosoever shall use them , i cannot choose but suspect them ▪ howsoever i have read of some that maintained the use of painting , grounded upon these ensuing respects ; y such a cause there may be ( saith one ) that women may use painting , and without sinne : as for example , if it be done of purpose to cover any blemish or deformitie . likewise , if the husband command that his wife should doe it , to the end that among other women shee might appeare more amiable . which opinion seemes likewise confirmed by another , who affirmes , z that to receive more beautie by attire or painting , though it be a counterfeit worke , yet it is no mortall sin . so as platina writeth , that paulus secundus , bishop of rome , used to paint himselfe . whom if diogenes had seene , he would doubtlesse have said to him , as hee once said to a youth too curiously and effeminately drest : if thou goest to men , all this is but in vaine ; if unto women , it is wicked . wicked surely , it cannot choose , being ( as it were ) a reproving or reforming of the almightie , whose workmanship is so absolute , as it admits of no correction . take heed therfore that you be not taken with one of these idols , as pigmalion was with his image ; but so direct your affections , as she may be worthy your embrace , whom you shall choose . which that you may the better effect , follow the sages advice in your choice : match with your equall . if not in fortunes , for so both may prove beggers , at least in descent : so will she the better content her selfe with your estate , and conforme her the better to your meanes . for i have seldome seene any difference greater , arising from marriage , than imparitie of birth or descent , where the wife will not sticke to twit her husband with her parentage , and brave him with repetition of her descent . likewise , as i would not have you to entertaine so maine a businesse without mature advice , so i would not have you wholly rely upon a friends counsell ; but as you are to have the greatest oare in the boat , so to make your selfe your owne carver : for he that is enforced to his choice , makes a dangerous bargaine . wherefore ground your choice on love , so shall you not choose but like ; making this your conclusion ; to her in hymens bands i 'le nere be tide , whom love hath not espous'd and made my bride . for what miseries have ensued on enforced mariages , there is no age but may record : where rites enforced , made the hands no sooner joyned , than their minds divorced , bidding adue to content , even at that instant when those unhappie rites were solemnized . the next observance in making your choice , is matter of portion ; a businesse not altogether to be neglected ; for if she be a good wife , a good portion makes her no worse : and if an ill one , she had need of a portion to make her better . for he hath a hard bargaine that hath neither portion in a wife , nor out of a wife . we would account him a weake and simple man , that would enter bond without either consideration or securitie to keepe him harmelesse . you are sure to be bound , be not so farre from consideration , as have nothing to shew for your selfe for your own security . i can commend his wit , who having made choice of a proportion , moving enough to gaine affection , was not content so , but he must know further touching her portion ; that as her proportion procured love , so her portion might enable him how to live : like a quicke epigrammatist he proceedeth thus ; i got a portion and proportion too , one got , the other i desir'd to know , which knowne , though at that season i was free , a thousand pound cost me my libertie . o foole ( quoth my alexis ) to be bound to thraldomes yoke , to gaine a thousand pound ! content thee friend ( said i ) for wor'st thou what , i have beene bound for a lesse summe than that , yet nere was bankrupt , but if so i doubt to lose by th'bargaine , i will banke her out . it is a true saying , something hath some favour ; whereas he that neither gets good wife nor good portion , will make but a hard saver . for he that wants a wife to cherish him , had need of some money to cheere him . having now made choice of your wife , being so well disposed ( as it is to be intended , ) she should not be much restrained : for shee hath alreadie resolved to be no gadder , but in resemblance of the snaile , a good house-keeper . the grecians accustomed to burne , before the doore of the new married , the axletree of that coach , wherein shee was brought to her husbands house , letting her to understand , that she was ever after to dwell there . which custome shee approveth , having made her family her common-weale , where she addresseth her selfe to governe without intermedling in others affaires . neither is she only to be freed from restraint of liberty in going abroad , ( for her occasions call her , or else she could be contented to be housed for ever : ) but in her desire of apparell , or any thing else that shee affecteth . for wheresoever christ is , there is a shamefastnesse ; like as wheresoever antichrist is , there is b shamelesnesse . and this chosen vessell well understands that all garish and gorgeous attire , is the attire of sinne , which shee will not so much as partake with , having learned how that modestie is the only ornament which beseemes a matron . wherefore , you should much wrong your choice to restraine her from the use of any pleasure which she affecteth : for so well disposed is she , as shee affecteth no other pleasure than to converse with vertue , which she holdeth at a higher rate than to be purchased with a masse of treasure . but admit it were your fortune to bestow your selfe on one , whose licentious affection might second faustina's , whose pride sempronia's , and whose shrewd tongue zantippe's : you must make a vertue of a necessitie , and so learne to inure you to patience , as you may be able by continuall exercise to encounter and subdue the violentest passions . how wisely did aurelius cover his faustina's shame , labouring to reclaime by mildnesse , when he could not prevaile by bitternesse ? how discreetly was sempronia's proud humour curbed , and with as little impatience as might be reproved ? how resolutely did socrates forbeare his wife zantippe , though a froward woman , because he thought he might better and with more patience converse with others ? for marriage is no such merchandize , as to promise returne with advantage to all factors . there is a ceremoniall custome used by the duke of venice upon the ascension day , to goe in a vessell called the bucentor , made galley-wise , with other nobles a mile or two into the sea : casting a ring into it , ( by which ceremonie they wed the sea ) that it may never leave the citie upon drie land . certainly , whosoever he be that marrieth a wife , empledging his faith unto her by a ring , must not thinke that he hath brought his ship to a perpetuall harbour , but rather that he is now putting off from land , and entring the maine ocean , where he is to encounter with many violent blasts , contrary winds , surging waves , ebs and flowes , which will not end till his journey end . it were wisdome therefore to beare what we may not avoid : considering , that as the marriage state is subject to many occurrences , so it is endowed with sundry excellent privileges , as the gravitie of the state requireth : as in rome , the lex iulia gave precedencie to him who had most children ; and in florence at this day , hee that is father of five children , straight-way upon the birth of the fifth , is exempted from all imposts , subsidies , and lones . also here in england , a married man ( out of a tender respect to his posterity ) is not so soone prest into the wars as single-men or batchelors . wherefore , as the state is more honoured , so is more sobrietie and government in it required ; bearing your selves patiently without bitternesse , and forbearing your wives for their sexes weaknesse . having thus farre discoursed of acquaintance both at bed and boord ; it were not amisse , if we set downe some especiall directions , which might better instruct you in the choice of them ; which , as protogenes seeing but a little line drawne in a table , knew straight-waies it was apelles doing , whom hee had never seene ; shall upon first sight resolve you , that those friends , or acquaintance , to which these instructions shall direct you , are worthy loving and knowing . there is no one note more infallible of true friendship , than to expresse a faithfulnesse in misery : which faithfulnesse is ever found in these noble and generous dispositions , who can say with chylo , that in all their life-time they were never guiltie of ingratitude . so as nobilitie and affabilitie hold for most part concurrencie : whence the poet ; a disposition towardly and good , implyes a generous and a noble blood . these keepe continuall records of courtesies received ; with a catalogue of such friends as have at their hands worthily deserved . it is reported of henry the fifth , that he never promised any thing , but he registred and set it downe with his owne hand . such noble sparkes are these , who , as they receive acceptably , so they render backe bountifully , making no other benefit of amitie , than as of a mutuall or reciprocall courtesie . neither is it to be wondered at , that i should here make choice of descent or birth , as an especiall or infallible note of true and faithfull amitie : for there is a naturall straine in all creatures , which they take from the parents that bred them ; strong men from strong their native strength doe gather , both bull and horse take spirit from their father . it is a common saying amongst us , that a gentleman will doe like a gentleman ; he scornes to doe unlike himselfe , for his word is his gage , and his promise such a tye as his reputation will not suffer him to dispence with . men of this ranke , as they are readie to beare an equall share in their friends misery , so are they resolved with a spirit undanted , ( if such be their chance ) in their own persons to sustaine misery ; for they esteeme no man so unhappie , as he that cannot beare unhappinesse . in sicilia there is a fountaine called fons solis , out of which at mid-day , when the sunne is neerest , floweth cold water ; at mid-night when the sunne is farthest off , floweth hot water . such fountaines are these firme friends , who , when the sunne shineth hottest upon you , with the raies of prosperitie , will yeeld you cold water , no great comfort or succour , because you need it not : but when the sunne is farthest off , and the darkest clouds which fortune can contract , sit heaviest on you , then they send forth hot water ; they weepe with you , there is hot water ; they suffer with you , there is hot water ; they cheere you drooping , comfort you sorrowing , support you languishing , and in your extremest fortunes are ever sharing . these crie with theophrastus , what care we if this friend be rich , that friend poore , we are the same to either ? make choice therefore of these well bred ones , for though some degenerate , most of them hold . whereas , contrariwise , these who are of a base dunghill descent , it is seldome seene but they have some base and unworthy condition ; being generally all for the time , but little for trust , or as tops which alwayes run round , and never goe forward , unlesse they be whipt . such a neuter among the romans was tully , who could not resolve , whether he should take caesars part or pompeyes part . among the grecians was tydides , who could not determine whether he should joyne himselfe with achilles or hector ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . among the persians was nabarzanes , who seeing his masters fortunes decline , laboured to joyne himselfe to him whose fortunes were in rising . such were tiberius friends , who shrunke from him , hearing with patience , tiberium in tiberim . and such were our northerne borderers , who have beene alwayes uncertaine friends in extremities , and assured enemies upon advantage . of which it may be said , as was spoken of the philosophers cloake , pallium video , philosophum non video : i see the cover of a friend , but no friend . for as nothing is more hatefull than a doubtfull and uncertaine man , who now draweth his foot backe , and now putteth it forward ; so there is nothing more distastefull to any man , than these faire protesting friends , whose hollow and undermining hearts make a shew of faire weather abroad , when there is a tempest at home , comming towards you with their feet , but going from you with their hearts . in briefe , they are danaus tubs , or running sieves that can hold no water ; leave them therefore to themselves , if you desire in safety to enjoy your selves . now , to the end i may acquaint you likewise with the rest of such motives to love , as are powerfully working in the affection of the minde ; as we have touched the first motive or inducement to love , to wit , parentage or descent , which cannot so farre degenerate from it selfe , but it must of necessity shew it selfe : so it attracts other motives of love unto it , as benevolence in rewarding ; excellencie or admiration proceeding from the fame of such redoubted hero's , as have their names charactred and ingraven in leaves of brasse , to preserve their memorie : as salomon for his wisdome , whom , no doubt , nicaula queen of saba had a desire to see & be known to , through report of his wisdome ; so as her long journey seemed short , having understood that to be true with her owne eare , which shee had only heard of before by report . how much likewise was david affected for his valour , in discomfiting the uncircumcised philistin ? so was alexander , whose report brought the amazon thalestris from her owne countrey , of purpose to be knowne to so invincible a spirit . so hercules , achilles , dardanus , diomedes , scipio , hannibal , constantine , &c. whose exploits purchased them love to such as were never acquainted with their persons . pardoning likewise of injuries , is an excellent motive of love. when chylo's brother was angry that himselfe was not made ephorus as well as he : o ( quoth he ) i know how to suffer injuries , so doest not thou ! though diogenes the cynick answered uncivilly to alexander , when he came to his poore mansion in synope , his philosophers barrell , yet hee replied unto his satyricall speech with no indignation ; but said to such of his attendants , as derided the boarish and exoticke speech of diogenes , if i were not alexander , i would wish to be diogenes . the like instance may be confirmed by holy writ : where miriam , for murmuring against moses , was stricken with a lothsome leprosie : he could not suffer this condigne punishment to be inflicted on her , but demanded of god that hee would cure her . another motive to love , is hatred , where an ill occasion procureth among enemies a reconciliation . herod and pilat enemies before , were reconciled in combining their powers together against christ. mastives , if set together , will fight till death , but in the presence of a bull will joyne together . sometimes mutuall affliction procureth mutuall affection . such resorted to david , as were persecuted by saul , being such as were amaro animo . where sauls enmitie brought david to a triall of hushai's faithfull amitie ; where hee found the words of ecclesiasticus to be true , a faithfull friend is a strong defence ; and hee that findeth such a one , findeth a treasure . for when wee are in the greatest straights , such an one sheweth the most strength : so as the apostles words may be here verified , strength is made perfect in weaknesse . where one afflicted friend supporteth another , by joyning their strengths together . another motive there is , proceeding from some especiall delivery from danger : for who will not esteeme him for a friend , who will expose himselfe to danger , to deliver his friend ? iudith entred bethulia with holofernes head , and by that meanes preserved her countrey from ruine and desolation . esther procured the death of haman , repealed those severe and cruell lawes enacted , proclaimed , and even ready to be executed by hamans suggestion , in the kingdome of the medes and persians ; whereby she purchased eternall honour , love and memory in her countrey . the same love gained moses for delivering the israelites from the thraldome of aegypt . the like may be said of ioshua , samson , maccabeus , and many others frequent in holy writ . the romans so highly honoured and affected such as protected their countrey , and defended her libertie , as they bestowed no lesse style on them than patres patriae . another motive there is , drawing one enemie to love another , induced thereto in respect of compassion , or some other princely vertue which he seeth in him . when saul understood that david might have taken away his life , and would not , levavit vocem & flevit : his threats were changed into teares , and his passion into a teare-swolne admiration , to see his foe so full of compassion . we are induced likewise to love them that tell and confesse sincerely their offences ; for an ingenuous acknowledgment of what is done , moves us to commiserate his case by whom it is done , yea quencheth all hate , as if a small sparke were drenched in the sea. likewise in the toleration of wrongs , wee are enforced to love him who suffereth them , and having power to revenge , will not out of the noblenesse of his spirit , doe what he may . to conclude , bountie is a motive to love ; for giving gifts gathereth friends : which bountie is most worthy acceptance , when done with cheerefulnesse . hilarem datorem diligit deus . thus have we traced over such motives as generally induce or procure love , friendship , or acquaintance ; wherein observe the lesson of the sonne of sirach : depart from thine enemies , and beware of thy friends : for some man is a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in the day of thy trouble . now if you would understand , how a man may know a friend , you shall find him described , and by certaine infallible markes discovered in the twelfth chapter of the same booke . but alwayes , beware ( saith he ) of deceitfull friends , lest feeling the bitternesse of them , you finde the saying of the prophet true : all the men of thy confederacie , have driven thee to the borders : the men that were at peace with thee , have deceived thee , and prevailed against thee : they that eat thy bread , have laid a wound under thee : there is none understanding in him . make choice then of him for your acquaintance , whom you may worthily esteeme of as a second-selfe : so may you communicate your counsells freely , acquaint him with your griefes friendly , and share in comforts and afflictions fully . thus much for the choice of acquaintance ; wherein i have the rather enlarged my discourse , because i know that as there is nothing more usefull to direction or instruction , than where good ones are elected ; so there is nothing more hurtfull in the maine matter of discipline or conversation , than where ill ones are affected and frequented . many and singular were the commendations attributed to augustus , amongst which none more absolute than this : as none was more slow in entertaining , so none more firme of constant in retaining ; which agrees well with that of the sonne of sirach : if thou gettest a friend , prove him first , and be not hastie to credit him . but having found him , we are to value him above great treasures : the reason is annexed : a faithfull friend is a strong defence , and hee that findeth such a one , findeth a treasure . this adviseth every one to be no lesse wary in his choice , than constant in the approvement of his choice ; so as it rests now , that wee presse this point by reasons and authorities , illustrating by the one , and confirming by the other , how consequent a thing it is to shew our selves constant in the choice of our acquaintance . there is no one thing more dangerous to the state of man , or more infallibly proving fatall , than lightnesse in entertaining many friends , and no lesse lightly cashiering those who are entertained . which errour i have observed to have borne principall sway in our new-advanced heires , whose onely ambition it is to be seene numerously attended , phantastically attired , and in the height of their absurdities humoured . these are they , who make choice of acquaintance , only by outward habit , or which is worse , by roisting or russian behaviour : with whom that false armory of yellow bands , nittie lockes , and braving mouchato's have ever had choice acceptance . and herein , observe the misery of these depraved ones ; who having made choice of these mis-spenders of time , and abusers of good gifts , they will more constantly adhere to them , than with better affected consorts . oh that young gentlemen would but take heed from falling unwarily upon these shelves , who make shipwracke of their fortunes ( the remaines of their fathers providence ; ) yea not only of their outward state , which were well to be prevented , lest misery or basenesse over-take them ; but even of their good names , those precious odours which sweeten and relish the pilgrimage of man ! for what more hatefull than to consort with these companions of death , whose honour consists meerely in protests of reputation , and whose onely military garbe is to tosse a pipe is stead of a pike , and to flie to their tinderbox to give charge to their smoakie ordnance , to blow up the shallow-laid foundation of that shaken fortresse of their decayed braine ? these hot-liverd salamanders are not for your company ( gentlemen ) nor worthy your acquaintance ; for of all companions , those are the worthiest acceptance , who are so humble-minded and well affected , as they consort with others purposely to be bettered by them ; or being knowing men , by their instructions to better them . that course which the ancient vestalls observed , such usefull companions as these have ever seconded . they first learned what to doe ; secondly , they did what they had learned ; thirdly , they instructed others to doe as they had learned . such as these were good companions to pray with , to play with , to converse or commerce with . first , they are good to pray with ; for such as these only were they who assembled together in one place , imploying their time religiously in prayers , supplications , and giving of thankes : and honouring him , whom all powers and principalities doe honour with divine melodie : which was expressed not so much with the noise of the mouth , as with the joyfull note of the heart , nor with the sound of the lips , as with the soule-solacing motion of the spirit , nor with the consonance of the voice , as with the concordance of the will : for , as the precious stone diacletes , though it have many rare and excellent soveraignties in it , yet it loseth them all , if it be put in a dead mans mouth : so prayer , which is the onely pearle and jewell of a christian , though it have many rare and exquisite vertues in it , yet it loseth them every one , if it be put into a dead-mans mouth , or into a mans heart either , that is dead in sinne , and doth not knocke with a pure hand . so many rare presidents have former times afforded , all most inimitable in this kinde , as to make repetition of them , would crave an ample volume ; we will therefore only touch some speciall ones , whose devotion hath deserved a reverence in us towards them , and an imitation in us after them . nazianzen in his epitaph for his sister gorgonia , writeth , that shee was so given to prayer , that her knees seemed to cleave to the earth , and to grow to the very ground , by reason of incessancie or continuance in prayer ; so wholly was this saint of god dedicated to devotion . gregory in his dialogues writeth , that his aunt trasilla being dead , was found to have her elbowes as hard as horne ; which hardnesse shee got by leaning to a deske , at which shee used to pray ; so continued was the devotion of a zealous professour . eusebius in his history writeth , that iames the brother of our lord , had knees as hard as camels knees , benummed and bereaved of all sense and feeling , by reason of continuall kneeling in prayer ; so sweet was this taske , undertaken for gods honor , where practice made that an exercise or solace , which the sensual man maketh a toile or anguish . hierom in the life of paul the eremite writeth , that he was found dead , kneeling upon his knees , holding up his hands , lifting up his eyes : * so that the very dead corps seemed yet to live , and by a kinde of zealous and religious gesture to pray still unto god. so transported or rather intraunced was the spirit of this lovely dove , as even in death he expressed the practice of his life . these followed augustines rule in their forme of prayer : seeke ( saith he ) what you seeke , but seeke not where you seeke . seeke christ , that 's a good what . seeke what you seeke ; but seeke him not in bed , that is an ill where . but seeke not where you seeke : moses found christ not in a soft bed , but in a bramble bush . for as we cannot goe to heaven on beds of downe , no more can those devotions pierce heaven which are made on beds of downe . albeit , every place is good , for as no place is freed from occasion of sin , so no place should be free from prayer , which breaketh downe the partition-wall of our sinne . but certainly those downie prayers taste too much of the flesh , to relish well of the spirit ; for as he is a delicate master , who , when his belly is full , disputeth of fasting ; so he is a sensuall prayer , who in his bed only , addresseth himselfe to devotion . neither are these only good companions to pray with , but also to play with ; i meane to recreate and refresh our mindes with , when at any time pressed or surcharged either with cares of this world , or in our discontinuance from more worthy and glorious meditations of the world to come : for as in the former we are usually plunged , so by the latter wee are commonly enfeebled , at least wearied , if by some recreations , to entertaine and allay the tediousnesse of more wearie houres , we be not refreshed and solaced . now in our choice of acquaintance , as like requireth like , so are we to sort our selves to an equality both in degree and condition . when some of alexanders companions demanded of him , if he would runne a race with them ; willingly , ( said he ) if there were kings to runne withall . for this parity breeds affection , and an equalitie of minds in any recreation : while neither respect to an inferiour ranke begets contempt , nor an eye to superiority begetteth feare . besides , as there is an equality of degree , so is there an equalitie of mind concurring with that degree . there is no pleasure affected by one , which is not entertained with free approbation by another : for in all their jestings , sportings , and delightfull meetings , they are provided of a disposition , equally tempered to give a jest , and take a jest : having ever in mind that common english proverbe , play with me , but hurt me not ; jest with me , but shame me not . for their sports , as they are harmelesse without guile , so their conceits are pleasant without gall . there is neither saltnesse in the one , nor harshnesse in the other . neither doe these make sport or pastime a vocation , as if they were borne to nothing else than play : for these delights of theirs , which are ever moderate , and therefore truly seasoned , they make use of , as physitians of sugar-plates , which they minister to their patients , to take away the taste of a more bitter potion . it is worth observing , to note the excellent use which these men make of recreation . they can use it with such temperance , as they can command the pleasure which they use , and not be commanded by it . their only pleasure is to contemne pleasure , yea even to dis-esteeme it in their height of pleasure : neither , because pleasure delighteth , doth it please them , but because it pleaseth , it doth delight them . it is the excellent'st office of some mens vertue to perswade the use of pleasure , recounting at their table creatures of all sorts , with which by how much more they are filled , by so much more their appetites remaine unsatisfied . briefly , whereas their discretion hath subjected appetite to reason , in gaming they play without desire of g●ining ; in recreations of the body , their aime is to refresh and renue nature , without any desire of mastery ; in their solemne feasts , they feed without sursetting ; in their may-games , they are merry without exceeding ; in their flashes or encounters of wit , they are pregnant , present , and pleasant without offending . those are most fruitfull and fertile in rendering fruit ( saith the philosopher ) which partake most of cold and moist : which position intendeth the conceptive part ; but my assertion reacheth further ; for i conclude , such as these being equally tempered , to be most copious in the principall workes or faculties of the understanding , being three ; first to discourse ▪ second to distinguish , third to choose . for the first whereof , it resteth that we now proceed in proofe , concluding ; these not to be only the best companions to pray or play with ( as wee have formerly proved ) but to converse , or commerce with , as we shall hereafter make manifest . megabizes esteemed alexander as a prince , whiles he stood in his schoole and said nothing ; but when he began to talke of things which he knew not , he said unto him , that even his little children would laugh him to scorne . this speech of megabizes proceeded ( as may be imagined ) from some words uttered , or reasons alleaged by alexander , which relished little of philosophie , being a studie to which a souldier is for most part a stranger . but these men , whom we now have in hand , and whom we have made choice of , as fit companions to converse and commerce with , are men of such singular discretion , as they wil preferre silence before discovery of their ignorance . these know for what end or purpose the bars and gates of the lips and teeth ( like a double ward ) were ordained to limit or restraine the tongue . these observe , how man hath two eyes to see with , two nosthrills to breathe with , two hands to labour with , two feet to walke with , but one tongue to talk with ; implying , that one tongue requires as much government as any two members of all the body . neither only is their speech wisely silenced , but when delivered , discreetly seasoned . seasoned with mildnesse and affabilitie , without the least expression of roughnesse or austeritie . where two meeke men meet together , their conference ( saith bernard ) is sweet and profitable ; where one man is meeke , it is profitable ; where neither , it proves pernicious . neither in mildnesse and affabilitie onely , but in the highest pitch of wisdome , is their discourse seated . whence it was ( as i have heretofore noted ) that aristotle debating of the convenience and proprietie of discourse before alexander ; maintained , that none were to bee admitted to speake , but either those that managed his warres , or his philosophers which governed his house . which wisdome of discourse hath beene formerly so much affected , as plutarch reporteth that plato came forth of asia into cilicia , for no other cause but onely to see his deare friend phocion the philosopher , and to converse with him . this caused nica●la ▪ the queene of saba , to travell from her owne country to iudea , to heare the wisdome of salomon : yea , peruse those athenian nights in gellius , how and in what excellent manner , with what varietie of discourse , propriety of conference , strength of arguments those winter-nights were bestowed , and you shall finde there fit companions for schollers , souldiers , and all generous professours . neither are they consorts only fit to converse with , but to commerce with also ; for these are no bankrupt merchants , or desperate factors , who use to dispence with conscience and credit , rather than in a conscionable sort discharge their credit . so as , how soever the sonne of sirach may seeme to conclude , there be two things , which me thinke to be hard and perillous ; a merchant cannot lightly keepe him from wrong , and a victualler is not without sinne . so well and equally are the ships of these good merchants ballased , as rather than they will make shipwracke of a good conscience , or runne their reputation upon the shelfe of disgrace , they will suffer the worst of extremes . these are none of those , who make sale of deceitfull commodities , to enrich their seldom thriving progenie with impostures . these are none of those trifling mountebankes , who draw on customers with faire protests , and shew strange experiments upon their sophisticated oyles , to delude the ignorant . these are none of our inconsiderate factors , who make exchange of english money with indian trifles , enriching forraine countries with our treasures , and fooling our own with their feathers . these are none of our sea-sharkes , who under pretence of merchandize , exercise piracie ; bearing the world in hand that they befriend us , when they practise all hostilitie against us . these are none of our dangerous spies , who pretending they come to trade or commerce with us , arrive purposely to note what strength is amongst us . no , these are factors of better temper and more honestie , hating deceit , though that might enrich them ; scorning the mountebankes trade , though that might draw customers to them ; discarding all inconsiderate factors , who give money for feathers , though in fooling others , they might gaine by them ; cashiering all sea-sharkes , who by piraticall practices , use to support them ; excluding all dangerous spies , who to discover others weaknes , purposely embark them . in briefe , would you have their character ? they can discourse of novelties without affectation , impart their minds freely without dissimulation , valuing no losse so great , as the hazard of their reputation . these are those friends which deserve your choice and acceptance ; these are they , who , as upon good grounds you have made choice of , so should you bee constant in your choice . for you are not to be so light in the choice of your acquaintance , as in the choice of your fashion ; where every giddie head sorts himselfe to what is newest , not what is neatest ; for so should you be ever choosing , and farre from constancie in choosing . rather having got a friend and proved him , first in matters of small weight , and afterwards in affaires of greater consequence ; labour by all meanes to retaine him , for you have found a treasure : forsake not this old friend , for the new is not comparable unto him . you have got a friend , proved and tried him to be no ambitious man , for ambition is fearfull , and for the least crosse of fortune will forsake true friendship . you have got a friend , proved and tried him to be no covetous man , for covetousnesse selleth fellowship , faith and honesty ; to conclude , you have got a friend , who will not by glozing deceive you ; by ayming at his owne private ends , entrap you ; by hunting after popular praise , disvalue you ; or by consorting wich politicke heads , endanger you . keepe him then , and be constant in your choice , holding him so firmely knit unto you , as if hee were individually united to your selfe ; for a friend , ( provided that he be such an one as we have charactred him ) is a second-selfe , and therefore as impossible to be divided from you , as you from your selfe . and may this suffice to be spoken touching constancie in the choice of acquaintance , wherein as we ought to be circumspect in our choice , so ought we to be constant , having had proofe of the faithfulnesse of our choice . there is nothing which argues more indiscretion , than an aptnesse of discovering our selves ; so as , we are advised in getting a friend , to prove him first , and not to be hasty to credit him . for albeit , the precept may seem generall , the secrets of our friend we may not discover ; which is confirmed by the sonne of s●rach , who so discovereth secrets , loseth his credit , and findeth no friend after his will. yet , how many are there , who either through unfaithfulnesse , as they will not , have brought their friends to extremest hazard ? yea , not onely our common friends , but even those who sleep in our owne bosome ; as dalilah plaid with samson , either simply or subtilly will discover our secret'st counsells to our enemie : so as , we may take up the complaint of samson , which he made in the discovery of his riddle : if he had not plowed with our heifer , he had not found out our riddle . had not that woman by the river of sorek , that subtill dalilah , betrayed his trust , how invincible had samson remained , no lesse powerfull to his friends , than fearfull to his enemies ? whence we may gather , how dangerous it is to discover the secrets of our heart , even to those to whom we have engaged our heart : for wee ought not to give our friend power over us . this is seconded by a divine precept : give not thy son and wife , thy brother and friend , power over thee while thou livest ; and give not away thy substance to another , les● it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe . whence wee are advised to a two-fold reservancie ; first in concealing our secrets ; secondly , in retaining our substance . for the first , he explaines himselfe more fully in the ensuing verse ; as long as thou livest , and hast breath , give not thy selfe over to any person . for the second , he gives a reason in the end of the former verse ; give not away thy substance to another , lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe . of which two parts , and the reservancie which we are to observe in either , my purpose is briefly and plainly to intreat ; and first of the first , to wit , reservancie of secrets , wherein i will be as briefe as the qualitie of the subject will suffer me . it is said of geese , that , when at the change of seasons , they passe from cilicia , over the mountaine taurus , which abounds with eagles ; they carry stones in their bills , for feare their crie should discover them to their enemies . reason should teach us that , which nature hath instructed them , lest by diverting from the rule of reason , we become inferiour to them , who never had the use of reason . for there is nothing which detracts more from the glory of man , than by too prodigall a discovery of himselfe , to lay himselfe open to the trust of another : so as it may be positively averred , there is nothing that betrayeth a man so much to ruine , as his owne credulitie . dionysius gave straight commandement , the head of brias , one of the gentlemen of his chamber , should be cut off , for telling plato , who had demanded of him what the tyrant did , that he had stripped himselfe by reason of the heat , and was painting in a table . so tender were princes of the discovery of their actions , even in affaires of indifferencie . let us imitate therefore that grecian of former times , who being told that his breath did smell , answered , it was by reason of the many secrets , which had a long while laine rotting , and put●ifying within him . let our bosome ( the recluse of secrets ) be like the lions den in the apologue ; towards the mouth whereof , the prints and prickings of sundry sorts of beasts , might easily be discerned , sed nulla retrorsum , but from thence none at all . let us alwayes talke with harpocrates , at the signe of the finger on the mouth ; and learne of anacharsis , that the tongue hath need of more strong restraint than nature . let us not be too curious , with them of bethshemesh , in the search of other mens secrets , nor yet too carelesse with hezekiah , in the discovery of our own . morality giveth us a prohibition for the one , and a precept for the other ; seeke not to know that secrecie thy friend reserved hath , but keepe what 's tender'd to thy trust , though drunke with wine and wrath . and indeed it is a prophanation of dutie to publish any thing we should not ; and too much insinuation to winde our selves in the privacie of others secrets , which make knowne we ought not . those things therefore , which are to be concealed , let us conceale them , vt curia martis athenis , as close as either silence or darknesse will afford us meanes to keepe them , both from eye and eare : for the better effecting whereof , there is necessarily required in every one a wise distrust , and slownesse of beleefe , wherewith the brest must so equally be ballanced , that he may steddily run on , without suffering shipwracke in such a doubtfull and dangerous course . it hath beene ever held a singular argument of policie , to have an open face , but a shut heart ; to give entertainment with a free and affable countenance , but with a wise and discreet reservancie of our counsells , to prevent the occasion of giving our friend power over us . yea , but it may be objected , it may sometimes fall out , that a friend cannot performe the office of a friend , but by discovering the secret purpose or practice of another : for how could faithfull ionathan advertise david of sauls wicked purpose against him , but by discovering what saul in secret had imparted to him ? how could he ( i say ) have advertised david of his fathers fury , by shooting three arrowes , but by discovering what his father had secretly intended against him ? to which objection it may be thus answered ; that , as amongst evill men there can be no true friendship continued , so neither are the secrets of such men , tending ever to mischiefe and effusion of innocent bloud , to be concealed , but by all meanes should be discovered , that such tragicall issues might be prevented . yea , but it may be againe objected , that admit this were so , may wee not impart our griefes to a friend , or communicate our counsells to one , whom we have made triall of to be trustie and faithfull ? to which i answer , that wee may , but with this provision , that we never unrip our bosome so farre , as to give our friend power over us , in matters which may either concerne life , state , or name . for though your experience of the trust of such a friend hath beene long , and those affaires wherein you have imployed him , of serious consequence : we have knowne many comicall beginnings , have a tragicall catastrophe ; many promising mornings turne to duskie afternoones ; many faire glozing friends recoile ( like the bat in the fable ) and become either neuters , or profest enemies . so as , it was wisely answered by that learned sage to one who demanded of him , what hee thought to be the hardest thing in the world ; to keepe counsell , quoth he . we say , it is good sleeping in a whole skin ; but how can our sleepes be quiet , our rest from terrours freed , when wee have lost our libertie by committing our secrets to others trust ? yea , but friendship , being one soule ruling two hearts , or one heart dwelling in two bodies , loseth her prerogative , if excluded from partaking in her friends griefes or comforts : for would you thinke it well , that your friend should finde you sad , and so leave you ; sick , without ministring any comfort to you ; or poore , without releeving you ? surely , you could not chuse but thinke such an one commeth to jest , rather than to visit or comfort you . now , how should he comfort you , who is wholly ignorant of the cause of your discomfort ; or how minister any receits to you , when he knowes not what distempers you ; or how releeve you , when he knowes not of any povertie that hath befallen you ? whereto i answer , that these are not to be numbred among those secrets which wee hold unfitting to bee imparted or discovered , by one friend to another ; for the discovery of these may profit , but cannot prejudice us . whereas , the disclosing of such secrets as concerne our name , may afterwards brand us with infamie ; or such as concerne our state , may bring us to povertie ; or such as concerne our life , may weave our unhappie webbe in a fearfull tragedy . therefore it is good counsell , not to give our friend power over us , but with a circumspect eye to take heed whom we entertaine as a friend ; and of what nature those secrets are , which we impart to that friend . when that unhappie emperour commodus had communicated his secret'st thoughts to martia , his best affected concubine ; and withall , how his purpose was , before many dayes were ended , to dispatch laetus and electus , two of his senators : shee perceiving how the world went , and that the emperour was no lesse inconstant in his love , than illimited in his lust , discovered to the senators what the prince had intended against them ; which to prevent , with one consent they resolved to dispatch the emperour , and so rid them of all occasion of feare . farre more hatefull was that act of bessus and nabarzanes , in discovering the counsels of their unfortunate prince darius ; which discovery , though it deposed their prince of crowne , and deprived him of life , rewarded those disloyall traytors with a deserved end . should we but take a view of the doublenesse and deceitfulnesse of friends , whose only aymes are , for most part , to take advantage of our opennesse , wee should find , though there be some hushaies , or faithfull friends , so there be some false brethren , who secretly ( under pretence of amitie ) will labour to undermine us . for if we be great , we shall have some to ply our veine , soothing us with the height of our place , the eminence of our state , our easie accesse to a higher step , if we will take hold of occasion ; and with these are young-men , whose unripened judgements never attained to the discovery of persons , chiefly pleased , and to these are their secret'st thoughts ever imparted ; on these are they wholly planted , and in these is their principall trust reposed : yet loe , they trust in broken staves of reed , on which if they leane , they will goe thorow their hand and pierce it . againe , are we rising to greatnesse , and in the first spring of promotion ? we shall find these chattering swallowes ever flying about us , pretending friendship and secrecie in our counsels ; but misery attends us , if we entertaine them . to be briefe , are we rich ? if we have discovered any secret to them , which may prejudice us being revealed , wee shall be sure to have that secret vented , if our hollow coun●ellour be not rewarded . are we poore ? though our state need not feare undoing , our secrets must be discovered , if the meanest may be gratified by the discovery . thus no ranke may be exempted , no degree freed from prejudice , where counsels are disclosed . indeed sometimes it happeneth , that a friend discovers the secrets of a friend ; because , out of the justnesse of himselfe , and the integritie of his owne conscience , which no respect will suffer him to violate , hee cannot endure the sinister or indirect practice of his friend , and therefore discovers it to give meanes of prevention to the innocent . which may be instanced in the ●●ount of melin his confession , who lying upon his death-bed here in england , disclosed the purpose of king lewis his master , to the chiefe peeres and barons of the realme ; who considering the inevitable danger into which they were falling , by giving free entrie to the french king , wisely in time ( and but in time ) expulsed him , receiving their unhappie deposed king , to avoid an ensuing mischiefe . now the occasion of this discovery , though it be divers wayes conjectured , yet the probablest in my opinion is , to refer it to the compassion which count melin had of the english nation , whose state had beene , to the judgement of all men , grievously shaken , had lewis , as he was already arrived , beene peaceably possessed of the same . now to conclude this point , i hold that english proverbe worthie our remembrance , in affaires of secrecie : one may keepe counsell , but two cannot : implying , that it is the safest and surest course to be a mans owne secretary , so shall ●e not give his friend power over him , but sleepe quietly without feare of discovery , having none but his owne brest to betray him to his enemie . the second thing , which , as we formerly noted , requireth a reservancie in us towards our acquaintance , is a respect to our substance ; which should neither be lashed out lavishly , nor hoorded up niggardly . and herein i have observed a great vanitie in young gentlemen , who are no sooner mounted in their fathers saddle , or made heires of his providence , than upon purchase of acquaintance , ( which a young master cannot want ) he begins to squander his revenues upon gifts , to feed his thirstie followers : but see the issue of these bountifull novices , they change their acres into peeces , and so peece-meale divide them , till they fall all into peeces , and have not one peece to cover them . so as , it is true which the poet hath observed ; the prodigall and foole gives what he scornes and hates , and with his state makes other men to glory in their states . wherefore the lesson is good , and well deserveth our observation , which is given to us by the son of sirach : that not only to our friends , acquaintance , or the like , but even to our children , whose naturall respect to their parents , should binde them to be gratefull , we should not be too forward in distributing our substance , concluding thus : for better it is that thy children should pray unto thee , than that thou shouldest looke up to the hands of thy children . if we be advised to use this reservancie to our owne , even those whose naturall affection will enforce bountie at the parents hand , much more to our acquaintance , whose pretended semblances , or outward protestations many times tend rather by fawning to feed on us , than by true profession of friendship to bestead us . oh gentlemen , how many through too easie a hold have exposed themselves , as a prey to the avaritious desires of their followers ; where many times it falleth out , that the servant is able to purchase his master , having enriched himselfe by feeding his humour ! yet see the unthankfulnesse of many of these ; having made them a garment of their masters shreads , and raised themselves to a great estate by his prodigalitie , they can learne to put on a scornefull countenance towards their landlesse master , entertaine him with contempt , forget his bountie , and ascribe all to their owne thriving providence , which proceeded meerely from his profusenesse . so well can these thriving timists , who raise their fortunes from their masters ruines , shape themselves to all times , that they may profit by all meanes . there are acquaintance likewise , whose aimes as they extend only to themselves , so they will use any indirect course , how irregular soever , to bring their purpose about . and of these , we had a late example , even in our owne countrey , and within the walls of this flourishing citie : which example , that it might remaine to the memory of succeeding times , for the benefit whereof , as well as of these present , our labours should be addressed , i thought good here to set downe . there was a young gentleman , whose profuser course having consumed much of his meanes , was enforced , upon some present extremities urging him , to make a morgage of a peece of land , which peece was the very last which he had left him : the money being lent and spent , and now the un-foreseene day of payment approaching , the young gentleman driven to an exigent , made recourse by chance , to an ancient acquaintance of his , by trade a chandler , who was a monied man , and could finde a friend in a corner , who upon a commodious bargaine would at any time bestead him of a good summe . hee , the chandler i meane , noting what benefit the morgage of the young gentlemans land might be unto him , if he redeemed his estate , which now lay a bleeding , and tooke the morgage into his owne hand , concluded with the gentleman , and releeved his present wants , proposing a certaine day for redemption of the said morgage : which was kindly accepted of by the gentleman , little thinking how he fell from the fire into the flame , and by avoiding charybdis , had fallen into scylla . the time now drew neere , which was limitted the gentleman to redeeme the premises : whence a double care or feare ensued ; a feare and provident care in the gentleman of procuring money to redeeme it ; a feare in the chandler , lest it should be redeemed , and so the hopes he had of so beneficiall a bargaine frustrated . which to prevent , ( marke the impiety of the age even in this one example ) the chandler against the day limitted and prefixed , repaires to a consort of opportunate agents for his purpose ; assacinates fleshed in all mischiefe , and ready to embrace any motion , or engage themselves in any action , which might minister fuell to their riot . and these he acquaints ( as it seemes their acquaintance was ancient ) how he knew of a rich bootie for them , if they had hearts to attempt , and resolutions to effect , what their present wants enforced them to attempt . they desirous to heare of that booty , promising him reward if their purpose came to effect , pressed him ( as little pressing needed to such a base instrument ) that he would discover , where this bootie might be purchased . he imparted his minde freely , and told them that such a gentleman ( being the same who had made a morgage of his land unto him ) was to come provided of a great summe of money , upon such a day , and by such a place , as gave opportunitie for the attempt , which they might easily obtaine , having none but himselfe and his man to resist them . they , at the first seemed jealous of him , imagining it was some fetch meerely to intrap and circumvent them ; but being more confident upon his protestations , that his purpose was to benefit them , not to betray them ; they generally consented to this plot , provided that they might have his company , not onely to direct them , but share and partake with them : whereto the chandler condescended , choosing rather to be an assistant in the practice , than prevented of his purpose . to be short , vizards and disguises were provided , and all things fitted , that such an attempt might be furthered : where , by direction of their leader , they tooke their stand , where the unfortunate gentleman was to passe ; who , within some few houres after , came according to their expectance , provided of a summe purposely to redeeme his estate ( the last remainder of his fortunes ) out of the hands of the chandler . but he is intercepted and bid stand , whose present occasions admit no stay : and in briefe , stripped of all his money , and bound , he and his man , and throwne into a gravell-pit , where wee leave them : and returne to this perfidious chandler , who expecting to be a sharer as well in the stake , as in the forfeiture of his estate , is by his wittie copesmates used after another sort than hee looked for ; being bound hand and foot , and throwne into a ditch adjoyning ; where he remained , till a shepherds boy having occasion to come that way , hearing one pitiously mourning , drew neere to the place where hee heard the voice ; but seeing onelye there bound in an ugly vizard , and disguised after an uncoth manner , as one afraid , he run from him , albeit the chandler humbly intreated him , to lend his helping hand to loose him . the noise which the chandler made , desiring aid from the shepherd , and the shepherd denying aid to the chandler , was now come to the care of the afflicted gentleman , and his man : wherefore they sent out their complaint , as men pitifully distressed ; which the shepherd hearing , came forth with to the place where they lay bound , and seeing the gentleman , and his man , lent them his helping hand , and delivered them from their bonds : directing them withall , to the pit where the chandler his treacherous acquaintance lay , whom hee knew by his disguise to be one of those , who had taken his money from him : but having pulled off his vizard , and perceived him to be none but the chandler , his professed friend ▪ you may imagine what diversitie of perplexed thoughts encountred him ; but suspecting the worst , which after proved the truest , hee caused him to be brought before a iustice , where he was examined touching the premises , which , to his shame hee confessed , discovering himselfe to be both actour and authour of that perfidious complot . for which , being committed , and legally tried , he was adjudged according to his desert , to receive the condigne punishment of death . whose goods being confiscate , our late prince of renowned memory , out of his royall compassion to the gentlemans estate , allotted so much in his princely bounty , as redeemed his engaged lands , repossessing him thereof to his great joy , and an example to succeeding ages , not to repose too much confidence in the profession of acquaintance . many examples of like sort ( though this may seeme imparallel ) might be here produced , but i cannot insist upon this point . what hath beene herein discoursed , principally tendeth to this end and purpose , to deterre young gentlemen from discovering themselves too openly to these glozing and temporizing acquaintance , whose onely ayme is to benefit themselves by their weaknesse , and make their prodigality the only foundation of their providence . whence it is , that many times they become enrichers of their retinue , but beggerers of their posterity . and which is of all others most miserable , those , whose sponges they were , and had squeased them of all their fortunes , will contemptuously demeane themselves towards them , and unthankfully sleight them , who by impoverishing their owne meanes , have enriched them ; whose natures in the person of one especiall ungratefull man , are to life expressed by the poet ; ragg'd rockes him bred , brute beasts him fed , no thankefulnesse can enter his seared brest , or sealed chest , which is of flintie temper . and let this suffice to be spoken of reservancie towards acquaintance , both in respect of our secrecie of counsell ; lest by discovering our selves either upon confidence of anothers trust , or transported with passion , ( the end whereof is the beginning of repentance ) wee give out friend power over us , and so by too credulous trust bewray our owne weaknesse : or in respect of our substance ; by a prodigall bountie to our friends and followers , without respect had of our meanes , and so make our followers our masters . so as , it is right wholesome counsell , which that wise sonne of sirach gave , and which wee formerly alleaged , but cannot be too often renewed ; give not away thy substance to another , lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same againe : concluding with this excellent precept ; be not excessive toward any , and without discretion doe nothing . now excuse me , gentlemen , if i have insisted longer on these two points , than the qualitie of the subject we have in hand , might seeme to require : for i am not ignorant how many of your ranke have unfortunately fallen on these two dangerous shelves , either , i meane , by too open a discovery of themselves , or by too prodigall a hand in giving , what they may afterwards stand in need of to releeve themselves . but of these we shall have occasion to speake more amply in our discourse of moderation ; meane time , let this lesson be ever imprinted in the tablet of your memory : impart your minde , but not your secrets ; give where you see desert , but with such reservance , as it may neither repent you to have given , having extended your bountie to such as are thankfull ; nor grieve you to have discovered your selves , having imparted your minde to such as are faithfull . it is a maxime in philosophie : whatsoever is , it is for some end : so as all our counsels , and consultations , businesses and negotiations , have ever an eye or ayme to some speciall end , to which they are properly directed . for as we see in elementary bodies , every one by naturall motion tendeth to their owne proper center , as light bodies upward , heavie ones downward , being places wherein they are properly said to rest or repose : even so in arts and sciences , or the proper objects to which they are directed , and wherein they are peculiarly said to be conversant , there is ever a certaine end proposed , to which , and in which their aymes are limited or confined . whence it is , that excellent morall saith , that every task , labour or imployment must have reference and respect to some end : which the poet confirmeth , saying ; all things which are , must have a proper end , to which by course of nature , they doe tend . so as in my opinion , there is nothing which proceeds in a course more contrary to nature , than suits of law , whose object is end without end ; consuming time and substance in frivolous delayes , and multiplicitie of orders , which like hydra's heads , by lopping off or annulling one , gives way to decreeing of another . now to enter into discourse of the absolute end of acquaintance , we are as well to reprove the indirect ends , which some make of it , as approve of those good and absolute ends for which it was ordained . wherefore to come unto the point , we are to understand that acquaintance is nothing else but a familiar friendship , or friendly familiaritie , which we have one with another . now there is nothing which doth comparably delight the minde , like a faithfull friendship ; being , as the stagyrian philosopher well defineth it ; one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies . so as , of all possessions friendship is most precious , where we are to make no other estimate of our friends life , than of our owne glory : a friend being nothing else than a second selfe , and therefore as individuate as man from himselfe . how much then is this sweet union or communion of mindes abused , when friendship is only made a stale of , professing love and familiaritie only for our owne ends ? and where shall we come , where this abuse of friendship and sociable acquaintance is not practised ? in the court we shall finde smooth and sweet-sented friends , who make friendship a complement , and vow themselves ours in protests , congies , and salutes : but whereto tend they , but to winde us in , and so become engaged for them ? for it stands with reason , thinke they , as wee are familiar with them in complements of courtesie , so they should be familiar with vs in the mercers booke . too precious are these mens acquaintance , and too heavie their engagements ; let us therefore turne from them , and travell towards the citie . and what shall we finde there , but many dangerous and subtill friends , who like politique tradesmen , having heard of our estates , and how we are come to yeares to dispose of them , will professe themselves to be our countrey-men , in which respect wee cannot chuse , but make bold with them and their commodities rather than any stranger ? yet it is strange to see how strangely and unconscionably they will use us , making ever their commodities vendible with protestations , and binding them upon us with termes of courtesie . we must then needs conclude , that these men tender friendship but onely for their owne ends . we are therefore to seeke further , and descend to the countrey , where wee are likest to finde them . yet see , the generall infection of this age ! we shall finde there , even where simplicitie and plaine dealing used ever to keepe home , great monied men , who to enrich their seldome-prospering heirs , will offer us any courtesie , and to shew they love us , they will lend us , to support our state , and maintaine our riot : but observe their aymes ; in feeding us , they feed on us ; in succouring us , they soake us ; for having made a prey of us , they leave us . likewise , wee shall finde there , many summer-swallowes , and finde that sentence in them verified ; though one swallow make no summer , yet one mans summer makes many swallowes . where then shall we finde them ? surely in all these places which we have traced : for in the court , we shall finde friends no lesse compleat than complementall ; in the citie , friends no lesse trustie than substantiall ; and in the countrey , friends no lesse faithfull than reall . notwithstanding , we are taught to beware of our friends ; and the reason is this , for that some man 〈◊〉 a friend for his owne occasion , and will not abide in the day of trouble . having now made choice of such friends and acquaintance , as may seeme to deserve both our knowledge and acceptance , wee are to respect the ayme or end to which all friendship and acquaintance may truly and properly be referred . which ( as we formerly observed ) is not onely matter of gaine or worldly profit , as these brokers and sellers of amitie esteeme it : for , as much friendship may be found in cheape amongst the huxters , or in smith-field with the horse-coupers , as these professe . but rather , how we may benefit the inward man by a friendly conversation one with another . for which cause ( as we have else-where noted ) came plato forth of asia into cilicia to see and converse with his deare friend phocion , nicaula the rich saban queene , to visit salomon ; brutus the sincere roman , to converse with vtican . these , though pagans , so highly valued knowledge , as their ayme was to entertaine friendship with knowing-men , purposely to increase , at least preserve their knowledge . for learning , which is the producer of knowledge , hath ever had such exquisite and admirable effects , as it hath gained due and deserved esteeme , not only in respect of opinion , but title and honourable approbation . so as , nathan citraeus writeth , that in prage , an vniversity of bohemia , where iohn hus , and hierom of prag● professed , that , they that have continued professours for the space of twentie yeers together , are created earles and dukes both together . and therefore their style is to be called illustres , whereas they which are singly and simply but only either earles or dukes , are called spectabiles . neither maketh it any matter that they have no revenewes , to maintaine earledomes or dukedomes : for they have the title notwithstanding , even as suffragans have of bishops . this esteeme of learning was no lesse effectually expressed by one , who encountring with a scholler , who through necessity was enforced to turne begger , cryed out ; a scholler and a begger too ! the age is blinde doth plainly show . yet how contemptible riches ( that worldlings idoll ) hath ever beene to these , whose conceits were not engaged to pelfe , nor their affections to desire of having , may appeare by the admirable contempt of divers pagans towards riches , preferring a voluntarie povertie before all worldly possessions . this might be instanced in anacharsis , who refused the treasure sent him by croesus ; in anacreontes , who refused the treasure sent him by polycrates ; and albionus , who refused the treasure sent him by antigonus . the like indifferencie towards riches , appeared in the admirable and inimitable patience of zeno , who hearing all his substance to be drowned by shipwracke upon the sea ; fortune ( quoth he ) bids me to addresse my selfe to philosophie more speedily . the like in mimus , who threw his goods into the sea , saying ; packe hence yee evills , for yee were hinderances to me in my pursuit after better goods ; it is better for me to drowne you , than be drowned by you . whence it was that demetrius was wont to say , that nothing could be more vnhappie than that man , to whom no adversitie ever happened : for that opinion , even amongst the ethnicks hath been generally held for most authentick , that nothing can be truly said to be good or evill , but a good or evill minde . now whereas we have sufficiently proved , that no true friendship can be but only amongst good men , ( i meane morally or civilly good ) and that ayme in the profession of friendship or acquaintance , is either to better them , or be bettered by them : wee are in like sort to make this our ayme or supreme end , that having made choice of such whose eminent parts deserve our respect and acceptance , wee are to imploy our time in conversing and conferring with them , the better to enable us in imployments publike or private . neither is this only the absolute ayme or end of friendship , for so we should inferre that our acception or intertainment of friends had reference only to our owne private ends , without relation to him with whom wee have entred the lists of acquaintance . we are therefore to have an eye to these especiall offices of friendship , being such as deserve our observation and imitation , if so be wee deserve the name or title of friends . first is , if wee see our friend doubtfull or unresolved , to advise him ; if afflicted , to comfort him ; if sicke or restrained , to visit him ; if weake in estate or impoverished , to releeve him ; if injured , to labour by all meanes to right him ; and in all things to be helpfull to him , supplying his necessitie by apparent testimonies of our approved amitie . it is reported , that on a time , duke godwin bringing up a service to edward the confessors table , he chanced to slip with one of his feet , but to recover himselfe with the other ; whereupon presently he used these words in the kings hearing ; one brother supports another . o ( quoth the king ) so might i have said too , if godwin had not beene ! meaning , that he was the cause of his brothers death , whose life was a staffe to his state , but his fall a weakning to his feet . certainly , every faithfull friend should be as a brother , or as in a naturall body one member ministers aid and succour to another ; where the head cannot say to the foot , i have no need of thee , nor the foot to the hand , but every one in their distinct and mutuall offices are ready to execute their severall duties : so , i say , should friends and acquaintance be one to another ; not in preying or feeding one upon another , as if all were fish that came to net , for this were to make no difference or distinction betwixt friend or foe , but for some intendment of private benefit to dissolve the strict bond of friendship . whereas a friend , being indeed a mans second selfe , or rather an individuate companion to himselfe , ( for there is one soule which ruleth two hearts , and one heart which dwelleth in two bodies ) should be valued above the rate of any outward good , being such a happinesse , as he giveth a relish to the dayes of our pilgrimage , which otherwise would seeme like a wildernesse : for the world , as it is both to be loved and hated ; loved , as it is the worke of the creator ; hated , as the instrument of temptation unto sinne ; ministers some few houres of delight to the weary pilgrim , by the company and socie●ie of friends , recou●se and concourse of acquaintance , without which comfort , how tedious and grievous would these few yeeres of our desolate pilgrimage appeare ? how highly then are wee to value the possession of a good friend , who partakes with us in our comforts and discomforts , in the frownes and fawnes of fortune , shewing himselfe the same both in our weale and woe ? it is written of sylla , that never any did more good to his friends , or more harme to his enemies . which princely courtesie to his friends could not chuse but increase them , howsoever his extreme courses towards his enemies might seeme rather to inrage than appease them . for as remembrance of benefits argues a noble nature , so forgetting of injuries ( having in the meane time power to revenge ) implies a bravely resolved temper . whence it was , that themistocles , when symmachus told him , hee would teach him the art of memory , answered , hee had rather learne the art of forgetfulnesse ; saying , hee could remember enough , but many things he could not forget , which were necessary to be forgotten . as the over-weening conceit of himselfe , indignities done him by his foes , opposition in the quest of honour , and the like ; all which a great minde could hardly brooke , being so illimited as he can admit of no corrivall in his pursuit of honour . but to descend to the greatest benefit which proceeds from friendship , commerce and acquaintance : we shall finde how miserable the state and condition of this flourishing iland had beene , whose halcyon dayes have attained that prerogative of peace , which most parts of christendome are at this day deprived of ; had not the friendly compassion , and devout zeale of sundry learned and faithfull instruments of christ , delivered her from that palpable blindnesse and heathenish idolatrie under which she was long detained captive . * s. ierome in the end of his dialogue against the pelagians writeth thus : vntill the very comming of christ , ( sayes he ) the province of britaine , which hath beene oftentimes governed by tyrants , and the scottish people , and all the nations round about the ocean sea , were utterly ignorant of moses and the prophets . so that then , by the testimonie of s. ierome , all our religion was superstition , all our church-service was idolatrie , all our priests were painims , all our gods were idols . and to appropriate to every nation their peculiar god , there was then in scotland the temple of mars ; in cornwall the temple of mercurie ; in bangor in wales , the temple of minerva ; in b malden in essex , the temple of c victoria ; in bath , the temple of apollo ; in leycester , the temple of ianus ; in yorke , where peters is now , the temple of d bellona ; in london , where pauls is now , the temple of e diana . therefore it is very likely , that they esteemed as highly then of the goddesse diana in london , as they did in ephesus ; and that as they cried there , great is diana of the ephesians , so they cried here , being deluded with the same spirit , great is diana of the londoners . even no more than . yeeres before the incarnation of christ , when iulius caesar came out of france into england , so absurd , senselesse and stupid were the people of this land , that instead of the true and ever-living lord , they served these heathenish and abominable idols , mars , mercurie , minerva , victoria , apollo , ianus , bellona , diana , and such like . and not long after , to wit , anno christi . king lucius being first christened himselfe , forthwith established religion in this whole kingdome . but thankes , thankes be to god , in the time of the new testament , three and fifty yeeres after the incarnation of christ , when ioseph of arimathea came out of france into england , many in this realme of blinde and ignorant pagans , became very zealous and sincere christians . for saint philip the apostle , after he had preached the gospell throughout all france , at length sent ioseph of arimathea hither into england : who , when he had converted very many to the faith , died in this land , and he that buried the body of christ , was buried in f glastenbury himselfe . also simon zelotes , another apostle , after he had preached the gospel thorowout all mauritania , at length came over into england : who , when he had declared likewise to us the doctrine of christ crucified , was in the end crucified himselfe , and buried here in g britaine . about this time h aristobulus , one of the seventie disciples , whom saint paul mentioneth in his epistle to the romans , was a reverend and renowned bishop in this land. also claudia a noble english ladie , whom saint paul mentioneth in his second epistle to timothy , was here amongst us a famous professour of the faith . since which time , though the civill state hath beene often turned up-side downe by the romans , by the saxons , by the danes , by the normans , yet the gospell of christ hath never utterly failed or beene taken from us . this the holy fathers of the church , which have lived in the ages next ensuing , doe declare . tertullian , who lived anno . writeth thus ; i all the coasts of spaine , and divers parts of france , and many places of britaine , which the romans could never subdue with their sword , christ hath subdued with his word . origen , who lived anno . writeth thus ; k did the i le of britaine before the comming of christ , ever acknowledge the faith of one god ? no ; but yet now , all that countrey singeth joyfully unto the lord. constantine the great , the glory of all the emperours , borne here in england , and of english bloud , who lived anno . writeth in an epistle thus ; l whatsoever custome is of force in all the churches of aegypt , spaine , france , and britaine , looke that the same be like wise ratified among you . saint chrysostome , who lived an. . writeth thus ; m in all places wheresoever you goe into any church , whether it be of the moores , or of the persians , or even of the very iles of britaine , you may heare iohn baptist preaching . saint ierome , who lived anno . writeth thus ; n the french-men , the english-men , they of africa , they of persia , and all barbarous nations worship one christ , and observe one rule of religion . theodoret , who lived anno . writeth thus ; o the blessed apostles have induced english-men , the danes , the saxons , in one word , all people and countries , to embrace the doctrine of christ. gregory the great , who lived an. . writeth thus ; p who can sufficiently expresse , how glad all the faithfull are , for that the english-men have forsaken the darknesse of their errours , and have againe received the light of the gospell ? beda , who lived anno . writeth thus ; q england at this present is inhabited by english-men , britaines , scots , picts , and romans , all which though they speake severall tongues , yet they professe but one faith . thus you see , how the gospell of christ , having beene first planted in this land , by ioseph of arimathea , and simon zelotes ( in whose time aristobulus and claudia , and not long after king lucius also lived ) hath ever since continued amongst us ; as testifieth tertullian , origen , constantine the great , athanasius , chrysostome , ierome , theodoret , gregory , beda , and many more , which might here have beene alleaged . now , how singular and exquisite a benefit have our progenitours received , by meanes of these faithfu●l professours of the gospell , and first planters of the christian faith here in this iland ? what a miserable famine of the word had the people of this land sustained , if these faithfull friends and sincere witnesses of the truth , had not loosed from the shore , and embarked themselves in danger , to deliver them from the danger of soules shipwracke ? in which danger , we likewise had beene sharers , had not this so rich a fraught , so inestimable a prize rescued us from danger , and directed our feet in the way of peace . the story of theseus includes an excellent morall ; whose love to his deare friend perithous , the poet labouring to expresse , shewes how he went downe to hell , of purpose to deliver his friend from the thraldom of pluto , under whom he remained captive . which without offence or derogation , may properly seeme to allude , ( next to that inimitable mirrour of divine amitie ) to these noble and heavenly warriours , who descended ( as it were ) even to the jawes of hell , encountring with the insolent affronts of many barbarous assassinates , readie to practise all hostilitie upon them . yet see their undanted spirits ! their godly care inflamed with the zeale of devotion , and their love to the members of christ , kindled with the coale of brotherly compassion , made them as readie to endure , as those hellish fiends and furies , the enemies of the truth , were ready to inflict ; choosing rather to perish in the bodie , than to suffer the poorest soule , bought with so high a price , to be deprived of the hope of glory . these were good and kinde friends , being such as would not sticke to lay downe their lives for their friends ; suffering all things with patience and puissance of minde , to free their distressed brethren from the servile yoke of hellish slavery , and bring them by meanes of gods spirit , by which they were directed , to the knowledge of the all-seeing veritie . such as these professe not friendship under pretences or glozing semblances , making their heart a stranger to their tongue , or walking invisible , as if they had found the stone in the lapwings nest ; but as they are , so they appeare , affecting nothing but what is sincerely good , and by the best approved . their absolute ayme or end of friendship is to improve , reprove , correct , reforme , and conforme the whole image of that man with whom they converse , to his similitude whom all men represent . if at any time they enter into discourse , it ever tends to fruitfull instruction ; if at any time they enter into serious meditation of the world , their meditation is not how to purchase estate , or fish after honour , or build a foundation on oppression , to enrich their posteritie with the fruits of their injurious dealing . no , they have the testimony of a good conscience within them , which testifies for them , should the world and all her complices bandie against them . wherefore , admit they should be put to all extremities , and suffer all the indignities which envie or malice could dart upon them , the weight of every injury is to be measured by the sense or feeling of the sufferer ; for the apprehension of the sufferer makes the injury offered , great or little ; if he conceit it small or no injury , howsoever others esteeme it , the burden of the wrong is light , and therefore more easily sleights it . now gentlemen , we have traced over the whole progresse of acquaintance , wherein if haply it be thought , that we have sojourned too long , my answer is ; that in passages of greatest danger , there is required more circumspection , than rashly to goe on without due deliberation . and what occurrent in all the passage or pilgrimage of man , is beset with more danger than the choice of acquaintance ; especially to you gentlemen , whose meanes is the adamant of acquaintance ? wee have therefore insisted the longer upon this subject , that you may be the lesse subject to such , who will winde them in with you , of purpose to feed and prey on you . to cure which maladie , no receit more soveraigne , than to imprint in your memory that golden rule or princely precept , recommended by that pious and puissant saint lewis to his sonne philip , in these words : have especiall care that those men , whose acquaintance and familiaritie you shall use , be honest and sincere , whether they be religious or secular ; with whom you may converse friendly , and communicate your counsells freely ; but by all means avoid the company of naughtie and wicked men : whose societie ever tends to inordinate respects . take these cautions therefore as the last , but not least worthy your observation . be not too rash in the choice of your acquaintance , for that shewes weaknesse ; nor inconstant to those you have chosen , for that argues lightnesse ; nor too forward in the discovery of your counsells , for so you might be taxed of too much opennesse ; ever ayming at that absolute end of acquaintance , to profit more and more in the practice of goodnesse . so shall god bee your guide , good men your friends , and your country where you had education , receive much glory from your life and conversation . the english gentleman . argument . moderation defined ; no vertue can subsist without it ; wherein it is to be used ; wherein to be limited ; of the accomplished end which attends it . moderation . in the whole progresse of mans life , which is nothing else , but a medley of desires and fears ; we shall finde , that there is no one vertue which doth better adorne or beautifie man , than temperance or moderation ; which indeed is given as an especiall attribute to man , purposely to distinguish him from brute beasts , whose onely delight is injoying the benefit of sense , without any further ayme . this moderation therefore , being a note of distinction betwixt man and beast , let us draw neere to the knowledge of this so exquisite a vertue ; which , that we may the better attain , let us first see how she is defined : because every instruction grounded upon reason touching any subject , ought to proceed from a definition , that wee may the better understand what that is , whereof we dispute . moderation is a subduer of our desires to the obedience of reason , and a temperate conformer of all our affections , freeing them from the too much subjection either of desires or feares . first , it causeth our desires to be subject to the obedience of reason , pulling us alwayes by the sleeve , and remembring us how we are men and partakers of reason , and therefore ought not to subject our desires to the captivitie of sense , as brute beasts which have no reason . secondly , it is a conformer of all our affections , freeing them from all unworthy subjection , either in respect of our desires or feares : of our desires , as having learned in all things to be contented , whether that portion wherewith god hath blessed us , be little or great : of our feares , as suffering no worldly thing to be so neerely endeered to us , as to feare the losing of it , which we so dearely tender . for the first , it is an excellent saying of a sage morall , there is no difference betweene having , and not desiring ; for he that desires nothing , enjoyes more than hee that possesseth the whole world ; for his desires are satisfied , which the worldling can never bee , so long as his thoughts and desires are to the objects of earth engaged : so as , the difference betwixt the poore wanting , and rich not using , is by these two expressed , the one carendo , the other , non fruendo : whereas , if the poore having little , desire no more than that little which they have , they become rich in desire , and enjoy by desiring little , more above estimate than the dunghill wretch ( whose eyes cannot enjoy themselves for coveting ) will ever be master off . for as men sicke of an atrophy , eat much , but thrive not ; so these , though they devoure widowes houses , feed upon the fat of the land , lay land unto land , and hoord up treasure to enrich a progenie of rioters , yet these seldome thrive with the fat of their oppressions , but make oft-times as fearfull ends , as their beginnings were calme and prosperous . it is a singular blessing , which the poet attributes to one , who was not only rich , but could enjoy that he had freely ; god gave thee wealth , and power to use it too , which these earth-wormes of ours can never doe . neither only in matters of desire , are we to entertaine the choice companie of moderation , but in our feares , where we many times feare to forgoe , what we already with much content enjoy . so as , the former direct their ayme to what they have not ; but the latter stand surprized with feare , left they should leese what they alreadie have : the former argues an avaritious minde , who can never confine his desires to what it hath ; the latter a worldly besotted affection , that can never finde heart to forgoe what it already enjoyes . a philosopher perceiving dionysius to sit merrily in the theater , after hee was expulsed his realme , condemned the people who banished him : certainly , this prince shewed an admirable moderation , both in respect of his desires and feares ; first , in his desires , extending not his thoughts above that low verge whereto his tyranny had forced him ; nor fearing any succeeding losse , being above the reach of greater misery . this moderation appeared in furius camillus , whom neither honour could too much transport , nor disgrace cast downe ; bearing the former with no lesse temperance , than he did the latter with patience ; & esteeming it his only conquest , to conquer passion in the height of affliction . it is likewise a great argument of moderation , when in extremity , we stand prepared to encounter with the worst of danger , passing al inducements to feare , with a minde no lesse resolute than cheerefull , saluting affliction with a smile , and entertaining surmises of danger with a jest . this did cr●ssu● , who being willed by the arabian guides to make haste before the moone was past scorpio ; but i ( said he ) feare more sagittarie , meaning the archers of persia. there is nothing which expresseth more true worth in any man , than his constancie and courage in the encounters of this life ; imitating , in this respect , vespasian , who upon the instant of his dissolution , when death had summoned him to make present surrender , by paying his debt to nature , of that short lease of life , which with many an unquiet houre hee had traced , standing up upon his feet , used these words ; it became an emperour to take his leave of earth standing : implying , that the extremities which either nature or fortune could inflict upon him , could not so much deject him , or by their assaults enforce him to doe ought unworthy himselfe . whence we are taught ( and well may this lesson deserve our observation ) to entertaine this life with patience , expecting death with a desired assurances for there is no better meanes to moderate the passions of desire and feare , than to enter into meditation of the world ; and withall to consider , how there is nothing of that esteeme in the world , that may seeme worthy our desire , coveting to have it , or worthy our feare , inwardly doubting to lose it . this serious consideration will be of force to move the greatest worldling to a moderation of his desires , subjecting them to the obedience of reason . whereas , if he should give reines to his owne avarice , ericthous bowels could not containe more in proportion , than his in an illimited desire and affection : for the world , being like a city without a wall , a house without a doore , a ship without helme , a pot without a cover , and a horse without a bridle ; hath brought out people equally consorting with her in nature and temper ; of unbridled and uncorrigible dispositions , naturally affected to all sensuall libertie , preferring one minutes pleasure or profit , before an eternitie of succeeding pleasures and profits , reserved for those onely whose lives are imployed in promoting their makers glory , being wholly addressed to please him ; and whose deaths , like the choicest odours , send out a sweet smell , the perfume of a good and vertuous life , sending out a voice , even in their last period to praise him . what admirable moderation divers ancient princes have shewne , especially in their contempt to the glory and pompe of this life , histories can afford sufficient examples ; but to omit forraigne instances , my purpose is to insert here one of our owne , which , by how much more neere us , by so much deeper impression should it inforce in us . canutus , that was absolute king almost of five kingdomes , somewhat before the conquest , upon a time in his progresse riding neere the thames , light and sate downe before the shore : then , as it were to trie a conclusion , he commanded the water being now-ready to arise againe and to ●low , not to come any neerer him . but the water keeping his naturall course , came up still higher and higher , till it began to wet him . whereupon to his nobles , which were about him , yee call mee ( sayes he ) your king and master , and so indeed i am ; and yet loe yee , i cannot command so much as this little streame ; but doe what i can , that will doe still as it lift . whereupon presently hee posted to westminster , and resigned his crowne to the crucifix there ; neither could he ever after this be perswaded to weare it any more . the like indifferencie to all princely honours , shewed those memorable saxons , kingulfus , iva , ceodulphus , eadbertus , ethelredus , keredus , offa , s●bbi , sigeberius . charles the fifth emperour of germanie , gave up his empire into the hands of the princes electors , and withdrew himselfe in the yeere . into a monasterie . the like of late yeeres did his sonne king philip of spaine . neither need wee to exemplifie this subject , touching contempt of the world , only in such as the glorious light of the gospell had shone upon , but such whose times of darknesse had never attained to so blessed a sun-shine : as may be instanced in dioclesian , who voluntarily relinquished the flourishingest empire in the world . yea , to adde one example more , even amongst those , whose best religion is policie , and whose onely aimes are to inlarge their owne soveraigntie . amurah the second , emperour of the turks , after he had gotten infinite victories , became a monke of the straightest order amongst them , in the yeere of our lord . all which may seeme to confirme what seleuchus being king was wont to say , that if a man knew with what cares a diadem was clogged , he would not take it up , though it lay in the street . so as , when the romans had despoiled antiochus of all asia , he gave them great thanks , saying , they had rid him of many insupportable cares . now , as wee have defined this vertue to be a subduer of our desires to the obedience of reason , and a temperate conformer of all our affections ; so are wee to direct our eye to the conclusion , to wit , a freer of the affections from the too much subjection either of desires or feares . so as , wee are here to observe , that he is the man whom our definition only aimes at , whose well-tempered brest is neither transported with a desire of enjoying what it hath not , nor surprized with a feare of losing what it now enjoyes . having so much as may content him , the losse whereof should he sustaine , could nere deject him . such an one the tragick poet entitleth a prince , as one too worthy to be numbred among the inferiour ranke : who feares , desires , and stifling cares suppresse , are kings at least , they can be nothing lesse . for these are they who have absolute soveraigntie over their passions , and in prosperitie scorne as much to be proud , as in adversitie to shew themselves base . yea , they will rather entertaine the extremest encounters that miserie can lay upon them , than lose the least of that libertie of minde , with which their noble temper hath endued them . in briefe , those only who dis-value sublunary things , esteeming them as they are , onely to minister to our necessitie , and not to reare them , as blinde worldlings use , in the tabernacle of their heart to commit idolatrie , keepe consort with this definition ; for the golden meane , as it is only approved by them , so in a princely moderation of their affections , they are ever readiest to enter lists with their owne passions , that if any either exceed or come short of this meane , they may so square and hammer it till it be reduced to a proposed meane . and let this suffice , for the definition : wee will now descend to the second branch , wherein wee intend to shew , that no vertue can subsist without moderation , being indeed the temper which allayeth and aptly disposeth all our actions , making them equally seasoned , which otherwise would become violent and immoderate . as moderation is a subduer of every inordinate or indisposed affection , so is it a seasoner or temperer of all our actions , making them seeme worthy the title of vertuous , which without this temper would appeare vicious . for without this moderation , he that is liberall should incurre the name of prodigall , the frugall the name of miserable , the resolute be termed dissolute , the morall civill man a coward , the wise stoicall , the regular meerely formall , the just rigorous , the mercifull remisse . so defective is the structure of all vertues , wanting the sweet temper of moderation to season them . neither proceedeth this from the malevolent or uncharitable censures of men , as former times have beene too apt to traduce or mis-interpret their best deservings , by aspersing some unworthy blemish upon their demerits . as in rome , if the pisoes be frugall , they are censured parcimonious ; if the metelli religious , they are taxed superstitious ; if the appii popular , they are termed ambitious ; if the manlii austere , they are stiled tyrannous ; if the lelii wise , they are curious ; the publicolae aspiring , if courteous : but meerely upon the want or deficiencie of such actions , which are not tempered with moderation . for to give instance in each kinde ; how nobly and invincibly did alexander the great beare himselfe in all exploits ? how much feared abroad , and how much loved at home ? how af●able to his friends , and how terrible to his foes ? yet how much were all his actions of valour and matchlesse resolution darkned through want of moderation , being so excessively given to passion in his drinke , as his nearest and dearest friends could not be secure from his fury ? for howsoever those acts and exploits of his against darius , yea against all opponents , expressed the noblenesse of his person , with the continued attendance of succeeding fortune ; yet the death of cly●us and depopulation of persepolis , detracted as much from his glorie , as ever his conquests gained him glory . likewise , how just and sincere was agesilaus held in all matters of justice ? how free from this ages staine , corruption ? how farre from personall respect , or to be over-awed by the offenders greatnesse ? so as , like the worlds generall ( of whom wee even now made mention , and ) of whom plutarch reports , that hee used to shut the one eare with his hand , when he heard any accuser in criminall causes , thereby ( as he said ) reserving aud●ence for the defendant ; semblably did this renowmed patron and patterne of unblemished iustice : yet how greatly did he eclipse those more glorious lights which shone in him , for want of moderating his affection towards his children ? so as his riding upon a cockhorse did no lesse argue his weaknesse , than his sinceritie in matters of iustice witnessed his uprightnesse . lastly , how profoundly wise was the lacedemonian chilo held to be , being numbred among the seven sages of greece , and elected ephorus , a place of especiall honour and esteeme ? how exquisite his sentences ? how quick and pregnant his answers ? how solid his reasons ? how absolute in all his proceedings ? yet behold , for want of moderation of his passions , how childishly hee gave way to excesse of joy , whereby he was inforced to pay his debt to nature . whence we may easily collect , that no vertue , how cardinall soever , can subsist without the assistance of moderation , being that lesbian rule which directs the modell , and makes it truly accomplishd . all vertues ( saith one ) doe make a common-wealth happy and peaceable : but temperance alone is the sustainer of civill quietnesse ; for it taketh care that the realme be not corrupted with riot and wanton delights , whereby divers states have beene cast away . or to descend more particularly to those divine effects which this vertue produceth , it hindreth dishonest actions , restraineth pleasures within certaine bounds , and which maketh men to differ from bruit beasts . moreover , this is that herbe , which mercury gave to vlysses , lest he should taste of the inchanters cup , and so with his fellowes be transformed into a hog , wallowing in the mire of all sensuall delights . so as , whosoever is endued with this vertue , stands fortified against all assailants ; those eye-sores ( for so plutarch calls them ) i meane those attractive objects of lust cannot surprize him : nor those worldly tumours ( for so eucherius stiles them ) i meane worldly honours , intrap him . nor those roabes or rags of shame , the gorgeous attire of sinne , ( which hierome calls antichrists veile ) delude him . nor those theeves of time , ( for so the orator is pleased to call them ) i meane friends and acquaintance , over-joy him . in briefe , as the vnicornes horne being dipt in water , cleeres and purifies it ; so there is no poison either arising from the tempting object of beautie , from the ambitious aspiring to honour , from the attire of sinne or cover of shame , or from those sweet time-beguilers our acquaintance , which is not frustrated by this choice and soveraigne receit of temperance . so as this is that vertue , which ( though in generall it deserve to be affected of all ) great men ought specially to embrace , that by their example the common sort might become temperate : for this is the reason why so many now adayes live riotously like beasts , namely , because they see noblemen and magistrates that governe the common-wealth , to leade their lives wantonly , as sardanapalus did . whence it was , that the poet so seriously concluded ; great is the crime , it cannot chuse , if he be great that doth it use . for as wee see in colours , there is none which discovers any soile or blemish so much as white ; or as wee have observed in the eclipse of the sunne , that it drawes more eyes to view it , than the darkning of any inferiour light ; so amongst the children of men , though sinne be sinne in every one , yet more noted , and in that more exemplar , in these high peering cedars , i meane our peeres and nobles , than in these lower shrubs , whose humble condition frees them from like publike observance . how necessary is it then for you , gentlemen , whose birth hath ennobled you , whose breeding hath enabled you , and whose more generous spirits have emboldned you , to undertake assayes for the glory and benefit of your countrey , the better to expresse your love & allegeance to your prince : to become affecters and practicers of so singular a vertue , that your lives might be patternes of moderation unto others , seeing more eyes are fixt upon you than on inferiours ? you are the molds wherein meaner men are casten ; labour then by your example to stampe impressions of vertue in others , but principally temperance , seeing no vertue can subsist without it . it is dangerous ( saith austine ) when prodigalitie and riot sway a scepter ; neither only is it dangerous for the person , whose illimited affections , of a prince make him a vassall ; but for the whole body of the state , training it to all impietie by his evill example . the laconians , by meanes of wise and temperate princes , became admired for their moderation and continence : insomuch as their spare diet , their home-spun raiment , and their generall hate to all excesse , made them no lesse honoured at home , than feared abroad . whereas contrariwise , the s●donians by following the riotous examples of some of their licentious princes , fell into all excessive gluttony . so powerfull and perswasive were the lives of princes , to inforce impressions of goodnesse or badnesse in the imitation of their subjects . but to take a review of those maine assailants of temperance , lust , ambition , gorgeousnesse in apparell , luscious fare , company-keeping , and the like , wee shall finde , that where this temperance is , albeit these objects even in their height should encounter him , the bait will be long laid ere it can take him . for to run over all these , and illustrate them with proper instances , wee shall plainly shew , that where a divine power is ready to assist , and man no lesse ready , upon temptations approaching , to resist , all these motives can take no place . what admirable continencie shewed alexander in the conquest of his affections , sparing darius wife and his three daughters ? how greatly did this worlds monarch enlarge his glory by this onely conquest ? yet to reflect upon those objects of beauty , wee shall finde , if records be true which write of them , that for beauty they were incomparably gracious , and for state the choicest dames of persia. the like wee reade of scipio , who being a young man of foure and twenty yeeres of age , of strong constitution , and promising personage , in the taking of a city in spaine , repressed his flames of lust , albeit a beautifull maid was brought him ; restoring her to a young man called allutius , to whom she was espoused , with a great reward . but incredible is the report of zenocrates continencie , who lying all night with lais , though she used all the provocations and enticements she could devise , yet he remained immoveable to her voluptuous inducements . and to close this illustration with an heroicke instance ; cleopatra in the last tragicke scene of her disasters , kneeling at the feet of caesar , laid baits for his eyes ; but in vaine ; her beauties were beneath that princes chastitie . neither are histories ( those precious treasuries of time ) lesse plentifull in instances of moderation touching motives of ambition . when all the worthy romans ( i meane such whose demerits had gained them an eminent esteeme with their country ) had a desire to preserve their memories by erection of their statues , cato would not ; and being demanded the cause , answered ; if i might chuse . i would rather have it asked why cato hath no statues erected for him , than why they are erected for him . implying , that vertue , which is the most continued shrine , and as that sage morall saith ▪ maketh man a god , had more power to eternize him , than all materiall monuments , which , as they are subject to corruption , so shall their names be ; which are engraven on them . from their contempt shewne to these sumptuous covers of corruption , iunius and blaesus , by the testimonie of tacitus , received no lesse glorie ; whose statues , because they were not engraven in stone , appeared more conspicuous to the eye of the state. no lesse moderation of his desires shewed agesilaus , that princely patterne of iustice , who , when the aegyptians came forth of purpose to adore him , for those numerous and glorious victories which he had atchieved , couched himselfe close upon the grasse , without least shew or semblance of majesty , expressing the humility of his thoughts , by the lownesse of his seat . but of all others , there is no one example , to instance a true moderatour of ambition , like that noble and victorious champion , godfrey du boloigne , whose valour so bravely employed in expulsing the turkes and freeing ierusalem , that citie of the great king , from miserable slavery , had gained him so deserved a name , as it was thought fit his honourable service should be rewarded with a golden diadem ; but how answered this glorious champion ? farre be it from me ( quoth he ) to suffer the servants head to be with a crowne of gold paled , where the masters head was with a crowne of thornes pierced . to produce likewise instances in such whose moderation in attire , manifested their contempt to these covers of shame , we shall finde licurgus , phocion , pelopidas , with many others , such profest foes to gorgeous apparell , as they alwayes retained their ancient country weare with such plainenesse , as they expressed what they were , by the garments they wore . for a mans garment ( saith the son of sirach ) and his excessive laughter , and his going , declare what person he is . insomuch as augustus caesar bore alwayes hatred to gorgeous and sumptuous apparell , terming it the blazer and bruiter of our pride , the nests to hatch the lascivious brood of lechery . in like manner , to descend to all those assailants of temperance , we shall finde many excellent subduers of their owne affections , using an admirable kinde of restraint or moderation in their fare . the number of guests amongst the romans in any solemne feast privately observed , was not great ; seldome times exceeding nine : whence aulus gellius saith , that the number of guests should beginne with the graces , and end with the muses ; that is , they must not be fewer than three , nor more than nine . which use was occasion of that adage , septem convivium , novem convitium faciunt ; seven make a banquet , nine a riot . albeit that luxurious emperour heliogabalus seemeth to have been delighted with the number of eight , whence he invited to supper , to make his feast more singular , eight bald ones , eight blinde ones , eight gouty ones , eight deafe ones , eight hoarse ones , eight very blacke ones , eight very long ones , eight very fat ones , and eight hooke-nosed ones , being delighted with that greeke proverbe , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : whose ape , it seemes , that late conceited academicke was , who invited the blinde , lame , and deformed to a supper , for whom he had provided fowles , as different to their pallat by nature , as they were to others in feature ; furnishing his feast with owles , cuckowes , staniels , and popinjayes , to make himselfe infamously famous for his invention . but to proceed with these ethnicke instances of moderation ; democritus preserved his life without any other sustenance , save only the smell of hot bread , for the space of nine dayes : which abstinence or restraint was not injoyned him , for neither his owne estate , nor any superiour commanding power , had enforced him to that misery ; but purposely to prepare himselfe for celebrating with more solemnitie the feasts which were kept in honour of ceres , called commonly ( as i take it ) buthysia ; resembling in greatnesse of celebrity , and magnificence of state , that huge sacrifice called hecatombe . pythagoras likewise was of that wonderful moderation in his fare , and that through no infirmity of nature , in that he could not , but through an incessant desire to his studies ; with a vehement affection to the preservation or propagation rather of all living creatures ; as he would desire two things of god , if the possibility thereof could stand with the conservation of humane societie ; that he might not speake , that he might not eat : by the one to prevent offence in discourse , by the other avoid surfet by excesse . so as , hee commanded his schollers even in unreasonable things , as birds , beasts , fishes , &c. to abstaine from crueltie ; entreating both fowlers and fishers to let goe the fowle and fish they had caught , or at least redeeme them with money , and let them goe . but too immoderate was this care , and too foolish this pitie ; for creatures were ordained for the use and service of man ; he then that neglecteth the use , neglecteth likewise the ordinance . but in subjects of moderation , none more absolute , than where nature is urged by necessitie to crave releefe , and occasion is ministred , yet the desire restrained : as in extremitie of thirst , when nature requiteth drinke , which according to the philosophers axiom , is the very last refuge of nature , either through compassion or manly moderation her desire is restrained . this did alexander , who out of a princely moderation or noble compassion , when he was almost consumed with drought , having a head-peece full of water presented unto him , would not drink himselfe , but offered it to his souldiers . much to be admired was this act of moderation , and a motive of generall affection ; that a prince urged by the extremest effects of thirst , and having occasion and meanes to satisfie the request of nature , yet moved with compassion towards his fellow-souldiers ( for so used he to terme them ) hee chused rather to want himselfe , than to be a wanting in any compassionate office to their necessitie . certainly this act deserveth so much the more to be commended , by how much the extremitie was greater which he suffered . darius , when in his flight he dranke muddy and stinking water , said , that he never dranke a sweeter draught . which implyes , what torment he indures who feeles the extremitie of thirst . the last assailant of temperance ( as we formerly observed ) was company-keeping ; which indeed is such a stealer of time , or béguiler of tedious houres , as it makes passing of time a meere pastime . yet observe , what diligent care hath beene had , by making choice of such ( as i have else-where noted ) whose society might better them . peruse those athenian nights in gellius , and you shall finde how fruitfully those nights were employed , how delightfully passed : making discourse of philosophie , that well-consorting melodie , which gave generall content to all the company . besides , it is worth our observation , to take a view of the speciall care divers ancients have had of the company they consorted with : having such in as great distaste that were evill , as they bore all due reverence to such as were good . we reade how the prienean bias , having occasion to saile on a time with some ill-disposed men , by reason of a violent tempest , the ship wherein they sailed was so shaken , as these wicked men , moved rather by feare than devotion , begun to call upon their gods ; which bias hearing , hold your peace ( quoth he ) lest the gods you call upon understand that you be here ; covertly taxing their impiety , and shewing that their prayers would be little acceptable to the gods . but an example much more divine , and so much more deserving our imitation , may be here commended to us in the person of the blessed evangelist s. iohn , who would not come within the bath where the hereticke corinthus was , so much did he hate the fellowship of him , who , to use augustines words , was no fan for the lords floore . thus have we runne over those mainest and mightiest assailants of temperance ; now let us , as wee have illustrated each of them with proper instances of moderation , annex some reasons why these assailants of temperance ought to be restrained : and first for the first . lust , the sensuall mans sin , is said to be a friend , which brings man in acquaintance with the devill , as ebrietie is an enemie to the knowledge of god. besides , it is a vice detestable both to the brute beast and barbarian ; it withdrawes the minde of the creature from meditation of his creator ; makes man commit sinne even with greedinesse ; makes the image of god companion for a harlot ; makes him who should be the temple of the holy ghost , a cage of uncleane birds ; prostitutes the glory of the soule to the pleasure of sinne ; and prefers a sensuall delight before the obedience of reason . hee sells his birth-right for lesse than a messe of pottage , exposing his soule to the trafficke of shame . hee va●ues a minutes joy above all future delight ; yea , rather than lose his present content , he will suffer an eternitie of torment . this bleere-eyed lover is so blinded with affection towards his beloved , that he will rather lose his owne soule , than lose that which he affecteth . thus you see the lustfull man uncased , his blindnesse discovered , his sundry weaknesses displayed , and the heavie effects which from hence are derived : good reason then have you to restraine an affection so over-spreading , a motion so mortally wounded , a contagion so generally killing . take into your consideration the shortnesse of the pleasure , being but a moment ; the vengeance or punishment due to that pleasure , being eternall . what wise man , having neerely served his apprentiship , will for a minutes pleasure forfeit his indenture , and lose his freedome for ever ? we should hold him destitute of common sense , who having a princesse offered him , will foolishly lose her for embraces of an harlot . if you will keep your selves unspotted till the day of his comming , you shall be espoused to a princely bridegroome , and receive palmes in your hands at his comming . goe not in by the wayes of the strange woman , but keepe your beds undefiled , knowing the state which you have undertaken to be honourable before god and man. for i in no case will limit you to a monasticke or regular restraint , but approve of both estates , i meane both the single and married life , being undertaken in the feare of god , worthy the acceptance of every faithfull christian . for the virgins estate , as it drawes neerer to angelicall perfection , so the married to the preservation of humane society or propagation . so as saint augustinemight seeme rather to be traduced , than truely alleged for this place , virgins doe more than lawfull , as adulterers lesse : for my conceit shall ever be freed , from imagining so divine a father to approve of such an errour : for both estates are commended ; the one good , the other better ; both which titles , as they are by the apostle on these two estates conferred , so are they by us to be reverently esteemed . briefly , restraine all immoderate desires of the flesh , which fight against the spirit , so shall you finde that inward tranquillitie which obedience to your lusts shall never bring you . ambition , the second assailant of temperance , is such an high-mounting bird , as shee useth to build her nest ever in the tallest cedars , hatching her aëries in the highest spires , to expresse her unbounded aymes . this passion or distraction rather , of all others , brings man soonest to a forgetfulnesse of himselfe : ever aspiring , but never obtaining ; ever sailing in a tempestuous sea , attended by many hostile and piraticall adherents , whose aymes are to intercept all peaceable passengers , filling the whole state full of mutinies and combustions . pindarus describes him to be such an one , who strives to touch the clouds , and cope with iove himselfe , but his aymes draw him on to speedie ruine . what reason then is there , to foster or cocker such a profest foe to publike and private peace ? who is he , having understanding , will receive into his barge , where he is , a quarrellous turbulent fellow , who in desperate fury will not sticke to over-whelme the vessell , both of himselfe , and the rest that consort him ? who is he , that will engage him in perill , when he may in safety enjoy himselfe , and be free from danger ? who is he , that will desire to climbe , when hee knowes there is no meanes to save him from falling , being got up ? surely the ambitious man is ever environed with perill , yet such is his folly , he will rather chuse to incurre danger , than lose the present opportunitie of acquiring honour . besides , they whom this unbounded passion hath once surprized , are so much distempered , as of sleepe they are quite deprived ; which disquiet proceeds either from emulation towards others , or an ambitious desire of advancement in themselves . for the first , themistocles was wont to say , that miltiades victory in marathon , bereaved him of his sleepe . for the latter , sylla could never take rest , till by the terrour of his legions , hee had obtained the law valeria to be made , whereby hee was created dictator for eightie yeares ; as caesar the law servia , by which he was made perpetuall dictator . albeit , having obtained what they desired , and arrived at the port whereto their course was directed , they found an empire to be a monstrous and untamed beast , wounding them with many thornie cares , which deprived them of all seasonable rest . doe you then love to be at peace , to enjoy perfect liberty , to be divided from all occasions of disquiet ? restraine those icarian thoughts , whose soaring wings are ever laved in the depth of ruine . confine your thoughts within an equall limit ; and let not your projectments be above hope of effecting . those braving builders of babel , aymed at too high a story to bring their worke to perfection . let the foundation be built on firme ground , and the building will prosper better . for howsoever , faire pretences may for a time appeare in the habit of truth ; daubing up a rotten inside with a specious out-side : he that sitteth in the heavens and searcheth the hearts and reines , shal have them in derision , breaking them in peeces like a potters vessell . restraine then this fury or frenzie of the minde , and with timely moderation so bound in and confine your affections , as no aspiring thought may enter that place , which is reserved for a higher place : so shall you enjoy more absolute content in restraining , than enlarging your thoughts to the motives of ambition . gorgeous attire , being the third assailant , moving man to glory in his shame , and gallant it in his sinne , is to be especially restrained , because it makes us dote upon a vessell of corruption , strutting upon earth , as if we had our eternall mansion on earth . what great folly is it to preferre the case before the instrument , or to bestow more cost upon the signe than on the inne ? me thinkes the bitter remembrance of the first necessity of cloaths , should make men more indifferent for them : if man had never sinned , his shame had never needed to have beene covered . for sinne was the cause of adams shame , and his shame the cause he fled unto the shade , which affoorded him fig-leaves to cover his nakednesse . what vanity then , yea , what impudence to glory in these covers of shame ? would any one , having committed some capitall offence against his prince , for which he is after pardoned , but on condition hee shall weare a halter about his neck , become proud of his halter , and esteeme it an especiall badge of honour ? we are all in the selfe-same case ; we have committed high treason against the king of heaven , yet are we received to mercy , bearing about us those memorialls of our shamefull fall or defection from our king ; which should in all reason rather move us to be ashamed of our selves , than to prize our selves higher for these ornaments of shame . sure i am , as hee is a fond man that values the worth of hi● horse , by his sumptuous saddle or studded bridle ; so h● is most foolish , who estimate a man by his garment ▪ yet see the misery of this age ! the cover of shame is become the only luster to beautifie him : but be not yee so deluded ; prize the ornaments of the minde for the choicest and chiefest beauty : farre be it from you to glorie in this attire of sinne , these rags of shame , these worme-workes , which withdraw your eyes from contemplating that supreme bountie and beauty , purposely to fix them upon the base objects of earth , which detract much from the glory of a reasonable soule . the swan prides not her selfe in her blacke-feet ; no more should you in these covers of your transgression , which , whensoever ye looke on , may put you in minde of your first pollution . no reason then to affect these , which had man never sinned , he had never needed , being before clothed with innocencie as with a garment , and with primitive puritie , as with a rayment . whence it appeares , that many glory in the rags of shame , while they glory in these roabes of sinne : now who , endued with reason , would pride him in that which augments his shame , or esteeme that a grace which asperseth reproach on him ? nicetas saith plainly ; no punishment so grievous as shame . and nazianzen yet more expresly ; better were a man die right out , than still live in reproach and shame . ajax being readie to dispatch himselfe , used these as his last words ; no griefe doth so cut the heart of a generous and magnanimous man , as shame and reproach . for a man to live or die , is naturall ; but for a man to live in shame and contempt , and to be made a laughing ●●ocke of his enemies , is such a matter , as no well bred and noble minded man that hath any courage or stomacke in him , can ever digest it . delight not then in your shame , but in a decent and seemely manner affect that habit most , which becommeth most ; restraining that profusenesse , which the vanity of this age so much exceeds in ; and assuming to your selves that attire which gives best grace to modesty , and hath neerest correspondence with gentilitie . neither is luscious fare to be lesse avoided , or with lesse strictnesse restrained . many reasons whereof might be here produced , but wee will cull out the chiefest , to weane our generous vitellians from their excessive surfets . first , daintie dishes are foments to wanton affections , begetting in the soule an unaptnesse to all spirituall exercises : for this is a generall rule , that the body being strengthned , the soule becomes weakned : for fasting is a preparative to devotion , but riot the grand-master of distraction . looke how it is in the health of the body , and so it is in the state of the soule : if a man have a good appetite , and a stomacke to his meat , it is a signe he is well in health ; in like sort , if a man be content to follow christ for the loaves to fill his belly , and care not for the food of his soule , questionlesse all is not well betweene god and him ; but if he have a longing and an hungring desire of the word , then indeed his heart is upright in the sight of god. for as saint augustine noteth well ; if the word of god be taken by us , it will take us . but what meanes may be used to procure this longing and hungring desire in us ? not luscious or curious fare ; for that will move us rather to all inordinate motions , than the exercise of devotion : no , it is fasting that makes the soule to be feasting ; it is macerating of the flesh , that fattens the spirit . for it is sumptuous fare , that is the soules snare : sagina corporis , sagena cordis : it is the net which intangles the heart of man , drawing her from the love of her best beloved spouse , to dote on the adulterate embraces of sensuall beautie . neither is it fare , but delight in fare ; not simply the meat , but the desire or liquorish appetite , which produceth those odious effects : as for example , when the loose affected man maketh choice or election of such meats , purposely to beget in him an abilitie , as well as desire , to his sensuall pleasures . whence a learned father most divinely concludeth : i feare not ( saith hee ) the uncleannesse of meats in respect of their difference , but uncleannesse of desire in respect of concupiscence . neither doth the kinde or difference of the meat ( saith another ) pollute so much , as the act of disobedience , eating that which is inhibited . now to propose a rule of direction , not any one surer or safer can be set downe , than what an ancient father hath alreadie proposed . we nourish our bodies ( saith he ) lest by being too much weakned , they faile us ; and we weaken them by abstinence , lest by too much feeding them , they presse us . so then , temper your desires , that neither too much restraint may enfeeble them , nor excesse surcharge them . for as the body being weakned , the soule becomes strengthned ; so where the body becomes too much enfeebled , the performance of spirituall exercises is disabled . but in all things , take heed of pampering a disobedient servant ; hee sleeps in your bosome , that imagines mischiefe against you . who , the more he is fostered , the more is your danger furthered ; the more he is cockered , the more is your heat of devotion cooled ; chastise then this domesticke enemie in time , for he participates of the nature of a serpent , who spreads most his poison , where he receives harbouring . now as the philosophers observe of the hart , that being pursued by dogs in hunting , by reason of heat , and losse of breath , being tired with the chase , he hasteneth to the rivers ; or wearied in fight with a serpent , or stung , or wounded by him , while the serpent resteth on the ground , he seeketh to some cold fountaine , whereby the infection of the venome received , may be abated , and his former vigour restored . even so , such as are wounded , and strucken of the old serpent , must have recourse to christ , that fountaine of living waters , that all sensuall desires arising from excessive delight in delicious fare , may be the better allayed . neither only is restraint to be used in the choice , and change of meats , but in the excessive use of drinkes . the reasons are two ; the one is , it is an enemie to the knowledge of god ; the other is this , it is held to be an enfeebler or impairer of the memorative parts ; for you shall ever note that deepe drinkers have but shallow memories . their common saying is , let us drowne care in healths : which drowning of care makes them so forgetfull of themselves , as carried away with a brutish appetite , they only intend their present delight , without reflexion to what is past , or due preparation to what may succeed . o restraine then this mighty assailant of temperance ! be ever your selves , but principally stand upon your guard , when occasion of company shall induce you ; being the last we are to speake of . this company-keeping , how much it hath depraved the hopefullest and towardliest wits , daily experience can witnesse . for many wee see civilly affected , and temperately disposed of themselves , not subject to those violent or brain-sick passions , which the fumes of drink beget , till out of a too pliable disposition they enter the lists of good-fellowship ( as they commonly terme it ) and so become estranged from their owne nature , to partake with zanies in their distempered humour . so as in time , by consorting with evill men , they become exposed to all immoderate affections , such is the strength of custome . whence it is , that saint basil saith , passions rise up in a drunken man ( note the violence of this distemper ) like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . now you shall see him compassionately passionate , resolving his humour into teares ; anon like a phrenticke man , exercising himselfe in blowes ; presently , as if a calmer or more peaceable humour had seazed on him , he expresseth his loving nature in congies and kisses . so different are the affections which this valiant mault-worme is subject to ; yet howsoever , out of a desperate bravado he binde it with oathes , that he will stand to his tackling , he is scarce to be credited , for hee can stand on no ground . but to annex some reasons which may effectually disswade every generous-affected spirit from consorting with such * sociats as are a blemish to a gentleman ; imagine with your selves , how mortally dangerous it is to enter an infected house ; how fearfull would any one be of the state of his body , if hee should have one in his company who had the carbuncle or plague-sore running vpon him ? how much would he condemne his owne rashnesse to entertaine any such in his companie ; and with what respect or cautelous advice would he prepare to expell the poison of that infection , at least to prevent the occasion ? no cost might be spared , no care intermitted , that some soveraigne receit might bee procured , whereby the apparent danger , into which his inconsiderate rashnesse had brought him , might be removed . now if our bodies , being but the covers of more curious and exquisite instruments , be so especially tendred , with what respect ought wee to provide for the safetie or securitie of our soules ? the ground of a disease is to mix the sound with the sicke : now the soules disease is sinne , wherewith she laboureth more painfully than the body can doe , being annoyed with any infirmitie . those that are sicke , are vicious men , whose disease though it bee insensible , and in that lesse curable , it breakes out into loathsome ulcers , which staine the pristine beautie of the soule . now as wee serve so many vices , wee serve so many masters ; and so many masters , so many devils : each one having so many devils , as evils . which miserable servitude to prevent ( for no slaverie is baser than the service of sinne ) the best and soveraignest receit that may be applied or ministred to the soule-sicke patient , is the receit of aversion ; to turne aside from the wayes of the wicked , and to keepe no company with the transgressour : for this aversion from the companions of sinne , is a conversion to the god of sion . would you then have god turne to you ? turne you from your sinnes . would you be at one with your maker ? be ever divided from these sensuall mates , so shall you be made happie by the company of your maker . would you bee found at heart ? leave to confort with these of an uncircumcised heart , whose paths lead to perdition , and they that walke therein shall be the heires of shame . for howsoever these instruments of sinne ( as i have sometimes observed ) may make a shew of godlinesse , or pretend , meerely under colour to give a varnish to their vicious lives , a semblance of goodnesse , yet it is but meere painting they deale with ; they deny the power thereof in their life and conversation . a ridiculous actor in the citie of smyrna , pronouncing , o coelum ! o heaven ! pointed with his finger toward the ground : which , when polemo the chiefest man in the place saw , hee could abide to stay no longer , but went from the company in a chafe , saying ; this foole hath made a solecisme with his hand : he hath spoken false latine with his hand . such ridiculous actors are these time-spenders ; they pronounce heaven with their mouth , but point at earth with their lives ; like wise polemoes therefore stay no longer with them , if at any time you have consorted with them : for their practice is only to gull the world , and with smooth pretences delude their unhappy consorts . their profession is how to play the hypocrite-christian , but being unmasked , their odious phisnomies are quickly discovered . make use therefore of your experience , and with all temperance so counterpoize the weight of your passions , as none of these assailants ( though their incursions be never so violent ) may ever surprize the glorious fortresse of your minde . which the better to effect , let lust be counterpoized by continence ; ambition by humblenesse ; gorgeous apparell by comelinesse ; luscious fare by abstinence ; and company-keeping by that sweet seasoner of all vertues , temperance . thus you have heard , how , as without salt there can be no seasoning , no warre without discipline , no tillage without manuring , no estate without mannaging , no building without a foundation ; so no vertue can subsist without moderation . as wee have hitherto expressed the dignitie or sufficiencie of this vertue , in that it giveth subsistence to all other vertues : so are wee now to intreat of the amplenesse of it , proposing such subjects wherein it is principally said to be conversant . now , though there be no humane action which is not subject to many defects , being not throughly seasoned by this exquisite vertue , yet the use thereof may be reduced to these two , as proper subjects wherein it is to be exercised ; expence of coine , and expence of time : for without moderation in the one , wee should be prodigall of our substance ; without moderation in the other , wee should grow too profuse in the expence of that , which is more precious than any earthly substance . now touching worldly substance , as wee are to be indifferent for the losse or possession of it , so ought wee to be carefull in the use or dispensation of it . as it is not to be admired when wee possesse it , no more is it to be altogether disesteemed , because wee stand in need of the use of it . if money be so much to be contemned , ( saith an ancient father ) expresse thy bountie , shew thy humanitie , bestow it upon the poore : so may this , which of necessitie thou must lose , releeve many , which otherwise might perish by hunger , thirst , or nakednesse . thus to bestow it , were not prodigally to spend it , but to lay it up in a safer treasurie , even in christs almes-box , to the disbursers great advantage . yea , but you will object , you have other meanes to imploy it in ; you have a familie to support , a posteritie to provide for , a state to maintaine , and pleasures suiting with your ranke and qualitie to uphold ; i grant it ; and you doe well in having a care to your familie , for he is worse than an infidell that wants this care . it is commendable likewise in you to have an eye to your posteritie , for nature requires this at your hand . to maintaine likewise your state , and to continue your pleasures suiting with men of your ranke ; i allow it . but where , or in what sort must this be done ? for the place where , surely none fitter than your owne countrey where you were bred ; setting up there your rest , where you received your birth . let your countrey ( i say ) enjoy you , who bred you , shewing there your hospitalitie , where god hath placed you , and with sufficient meanes blessed you . i doe not approve of these , who flie from their countrey , as if they were ashamed of her , or had committed something unworthy of her . how blame-worthy then are these court-comets , whose only delight is to admire themselves ? these , no sooner have their bed-rid fathers betaken themselves to their last home , and removed from their crazie couch , but they are ready to sell a mannor for a coach. they will not take it as their fathers tooke it : their countrey houses must be barred up , lest the poore passenger should expect what is impossible to finde , releefe to his want , or a supply to his necessitie . no , the cage is opened , and all the birds are fled ; not one crum of comfort remaining to succour a distressed poore one . hospitalitie , which was once a relique of gentrie , and a knowne cognizance to all ancient houses , hath lost her title , meerely through discontinuance : and great houses , which were at first founded to releeve the poore , and such needfull passengers as travelled by them , are now of no use but only as way-marks to direct them . but whither are these great ones gone ? to the court ; there to spend in boundlesse and immoderate riot , what their provident ancestors had so long preserved , and at whose doores so many needy soules have beene comfortably releeved . yet see the miserie of many of these rioters ! though they consume their meanes , yet is the port they live at meane : for they have abridged their familie , reduced their attendants to a small number , and ( unnecessary expences set aside ) drawne themselves to within as narrow a compasse as possibly they may . for to take a view of those which are in ordinary roule , you shall finde none but a page , a coachman , a lackey , and perchance a cooke , if the vailes of the house will maintaine one , or they be not in fee with some city cooke , whom they usually repaire to , at best betrust , and so run on score quarterly . now if you aske mee , how their meanes should be consumed , when they live at so low commons ; my answer is , the lesse they bestow on their caterer , the more they bestow on their taylor . they cut it out of the whole cloth , and divide their acres peece-meale into shreds . where their phantasticke light-ones resort oftner to the house of the body-maker than the soule-maker : affecting nothing more than what may make them most noted . but observe the issue of these courses , gentlemen ; when they have maintained their riot with much expence , and engaged their meanes to these great monied men , whose iubile it is to entertaine acquaintance with one of these greene wits , they run upon the shelfe of ruine , and make their posteritie the heires of want . which having incurred , what distracted and divided sleepes , what distempered thoughts , what hourely afflictions may wee imagine them to be subject to ? for what engagement worse than debt , when every shadow resembles a sergeant , every familiar touch or stroke of a friend , an arrest of an officer ? augustus caesar , hearing of them talke in his court , what a huge summe of money a certaine knight in rome owed at his death , and that all his goods were to be sold , to make payment of his debts , commanded the master of his wardrobe to buy for him that bed , wherein this knight used to lie : for , sayes hee , if i cannot sleepe soundly in that bed wherein hee could sleepe , that owed so much , then surely i shall sleepe in none . surely , there is no affliction greater to a noble spirit , whose thoughts cannot endure engagement , than to be subject to the extremitie of an unconscionable creditor , who usually makes advantages his revenues , and forfeitures the inhauncers of his fortunes . neither is this respect to bee had only in the disposing of your selves in court or citie , but likewise in the countrey : for though it be best spent , which is bestowed in hospitalitie , and in releeving those hungry soules , whose expresse images require your charitie ; yet are you to consider how charitie begins with it selfe : so as , howsoever you are bound to releeve and support those , whose present wants exact so much at your hands , yet ever with reservancie of a competent or convenient providence , so to sustaine the want of others , as not to procure want to your selves by sustaining others . but this needs little pressing : for experience shewes , that very small instruction will suffice any one to be provident enough in their bounty or exhibition to the poore . let us therefore divert the current of our subject , and addresse our exhortation to you ; purposely moving you to a moderation of your expence in your pleasures , or those more easie vanities of this life . as profit and pleasure make the sweetest musicke , so there is no pleasure , how incomparably delightfull soever for the present , but it affords much bitternesse , having no respect to providence . now , as all vertues may be comprized under the name of frugalitie , provided that wee understand it to be of that absolute power and command , that neither excesse nor diminution beare any sway in it , it appeareth that without this frugall moderation no state can be well mannaged , no estate rightly husbanded ; so as , whether you have an eye to pleasure or profit , this frugalitie or equally tempered providence must be soveraignesse in both . for first , there is no pleasure which hath not respect to vertue : how then may that properly be termed a pleasure , which hath no relation to frugalitie , under which name all vertues may seeme to be comprized ? likewise , there is no profit which is not joyned with honestie ; how then may that properly be termed a profit , which hath no respect to honest providence , upon which all profits are truly grounded ? the best course then that you can follow , either in your choice of pleasures , or pursuit of profit , is ever to examine whether that pleasure which you affect , have respect to vertue , or that profit which you have in pursuit , be firmly grounded on honest providence : so shall neither pleasure so much inthrall you , as to engage your fortunes to her , nor profit so entangle you , as to neglect conscience for the love you beare her . surely , there is nought more dangerous to young gentlemen , whose unriper yeeres have not sufficiently instructed them in the follies of vanitie , than to give reines to their desires , and so become bondslaves to pleasure . for those that will deny their eyes nothing that they can desire , nor resist their owne wills in ought that they affect , be they endued with never so much wisdome , it becomes foolishnesse , being blinded with their owne delights . they then onely , whose native temperance hath prepared them , or continuall wrastling with the infirmities of nature hath inured them , have attained this degree of perfection ; not only ( i say ) to use moderation in their expence , but in their restraint of every pleasure ; labouring to become commanders of themselves in the desires and affections of this life : which of all others make men the absolutest conquerours . for man , whose naturall pravitie , drawne from the corruption of his first parents , is ever working in him new motions of disobedience , layeth continuall siege and batterie to the fortresse of the soule , suggesting to her motives of pleasure and delight , which the carnall man will easily condescend to , because he favoureth not the things of the spirit . yea , how many doe wee see , who begin in the spirit , but end in the flesh , making their end farre worse than their beginning ? how necessary then is this moderation , to curbe or checke such inordinate motion as arise in us , by reason of our naturall infirmitie and weaknesse ? neither doe i so much insist upon the moderation of your expences , as if coine were of that esteeme , as it only deserved respect . for if riches increase , wee are not to set our hearts upon them ; but rather to shew our indifferencie towards them in our free and liberall use of them . for he who gave gifts before he gave time , creating all things for our use in the world , before he brought us into the world , without the use or ministerie of these could preserve and support us , whom he hath appointed as governours or rulers over all these : for hee who created all things without meanes , can likewise preserve those things which hee hath created without meanes . yea , though hee hath given us the fruits of the earth to feed us , the fells of beasts to cloath us , yea , workes out of the bowels of wormes to beautifie us ; yet is he tied no more to these exteriour meanes , than hee was before , creating all things without meanes . no king is necessarily tied , that onely pure bullion should be current among his subjects , for if occasion serve , hee may stampe lether , brasse , or any other metall , which being authorized by his image or superscription , is not to be denied within his dominions . much more he , who contains the world in his fist , restraines not his power to any outward meanes ; working sometimes with meanes , sometimes without meanes , sometimes against meanes , sometimes above meanes . with meanes , as when he fed those which followed him into the wildernesse with bread ; above meanes , when he fed so much people with so little bread ; without meanes , when he himselfe fasted so long without bread ; against meanes , when he caused the very ravens to bring his prophet bread . no , this exhortation rather tendeth to move you to rely on gods providence , yet withall not to abuse those creatures which he hath bestowed on you , but to use them with temperance , sobrietie , and moderation : for what is it to abound in all riches , surfet in pleasures , enjoy the treasures of the whole earth , yea to want nothing that either the eye can desire , or the heart affect ? surely nothing ; alexander , the monarch of the world , had all other things save onely a sepulcher to bury him in , when he was dead ; he never thought of that : for alas , when corruption shall receive what mortality renders , and man after so many dayes passed over in delights , shall make his bed in the darke , those perfunctory pleasures which he so much affected , those temporary blessings which he enjoyed , shall be as if they had not beene . so moderate therefore your expences in the use or dispensation of your earthly mammon , that it may appeare , your hearts are where your treasure is , and your treasure where your heavenly master is : for what is this world , but a list environed with fearfull combats ? so as the world is more to be feared when it smileth , than when it frowneth , and more to be taken heed of , when it allures us to love it , than when it moves or induceth us to contemne it . howsoever , they who embrace the world , are like unto them , who are drowned in waters ; for their minds are so drenched in the depth of worldly affections , and so entangled by the reeds and oaze of earthly vanities , as they are divided from the sailers starre , and the haven of the ship-wrackt soule , being miserably forced to grope in darknesse , without a light to direct them ; and to remaine wofully shelfed , being farre from sight of haven to receive them . and let this suffice to have beene spoken touching moderation in your expence of coine ; i meane , your frugall dispensation of such estates , as god hath blessed you withall ; ever remembring that you must give account of your talent ; not only ( i say ) of your talent of knowledge , but of that talent of substance , whereof in this life you were possessed . and so i descend to your expence of time , that precious treasure which is incomparably to be valued above all that wee enjoy , because it affords a respit of using or employing , whatsoever we enjoy . time is so absolute and soveraigne a regent , as he is all-commanding , but not to be countermanded ; whence we commonly say , that time and tide stayeth for no man. there is nothing undertaken by man , which can be effected without the attendance and gracefull assistance of time. neither can experience be gained , nor truth , the daughter of time discovered , nor the issue of any mans expectance attained , nor any thing worthy observance produced , unlesse time further it . there is nothing of consequence , that can be done at an instant : great taskes require long time ; neither can wee limit time , but time will limit us : whence it appeares , that nothing can be intended , much lesse effected , unlesse time assist and second it . time being thus precious , we must of necessity value it above any inferiour substance , seeing without the company of time , wee are wholly deprived of the use of our substance . whence it was that a friend of mine caused these two verses to be set directly before his table of accounts ; if coines expence be such , pray then divine how rare and precious is th' expence of time. now there be three sorts of persons , with whom i am to encounter by way of admonishment , for their abuse or carelesse expence of time ; the ambitious , voluptuous , and miserable covetous person . for the first , he trifles away time , in the pursuit of impossibilities , spending his meanes , and misspending time , in hope of a day ; which day he seldome or never sees , for his time is a bridged before it come : so as the date of his death anticipates the day of his hopes . now to point out the place of his abode , hee is ever to be found in the eminentest places , for obscuritie fits not his humour , whose only aymes are to acquire honour . hee is so farre from moderating his humour , as he is humorously conceited of his worth , and thinkes whatsoever the parasite saies in his commendations , to be no lesse than what he in his owne proper person deserves , for his contemplations , they are ever mounting , yet seldom so high mounting as heaven , for his thoughts are directed to another sphere . he is prodigall in his feasts , solicitous in the pursuit of friends , impatient in the quest of rivalls , and importunate in the dispatch of his affaires : and though it be a greater reproach to lose what is got , than not at all to get ; yet his ayme is to get , though he fore-see his losse before he get : and though the least libertie be apportioned to the greatest fortune , yet in his highest fortunes will he use the greatest libertie : the reason is , hee conceits himselfe to walke in a cloud , where no popular eye can reach him . he is unmeasurably opinionate , and admires his owne knowledge , wherein he discovers his owne folly : for as he that seekes to be more wise than he can be , shall be found to be lesse wise than hee should be ; so he who conceits himselfe more wise than he is , displayes himselfe to the world what he is . so as it seemes , hee differs in opinion from the poet , who holds this as a maxime : he 's solely wise , who is not selfely wise , but humble in the judgement of his eyes . now his daily tasks may be aptly compared to domitians sports , who spent the whole day in catching flies . for those many projects which he hath devised , those impossible aymes he hath contrived , those ayrie turrets he hath reared , fall in the end to nothing ; and like those misty conclusions of the deluded alchymist , bewray the folly of him that formed them . and as domitian grew ashamed of his owne impieties , exiling all arts , lest the knowledge of them should bring him to a discovery of himselfe : so the ambitious man whose aymes are as boundlesse , as his purposes fruitlesse , when his eyes begin to be unsealed , and those scales of ambition , which hindred his sight , removed , he will then ( if then be not too late ) acknowledge his shame , and ingenuously confesse that his unbounded aimes deserved no better guerdon ; for had his actions beene sincere , they had made him more secure . likewise for the voluptuous man , whose belly is his god , and sensualitie his delight , let me speak thus much : as his care extends but only to the day , slaving himselfe to the pleasures of sinne , and preferring the huskes of vanity , before the soule-solacing cates of eternitie : so shall his misery appeare greater , when deprived of those delights , wherein his sole felicity consisted . this fleshly libertine mis-imployeth time in two respects ; first , in respect of himselfe ; secondly , in respect of those good creatures which were ordained for the use or service of himselfe . in himselfe , by exposing so glorious an image to the subjection of sense , and mis-applying those gifts which he hath received , being diverted from those good offices , for which they were bestowed . in gods good creatures , by converting them to abuse , which were only ordained for use , and turning them to wantonnesse , which were created for health and releefe of weaknesse . this is he , who makes life a merriment , his pilgrimage a pastime , each yeare his iubile . this is he , who turnes fasting into feasting , praying into playing , almes-deeds into all mis-deeds . this is he , whose sole delight is in dainty feeding , to cause inordinate motions to be stirring , without least respect at all of his soules starving . this is he , whose dishes are the poore mans curses , and whose gate is the beggers iaile , where they are barred from least crumme of comfort . this is he , who stalkes and struts in the street ; sends forth his eye to bring him in a booty of lust , or acquaint him with some new fashion , or delight him with some vaine shew . this is he , who sends forth his eare , to convey unto him some choice melody to intraunce him ; his taste , with some luscious viands to provoke him ; his smell , with some rare perfumes to cheere him ; his touch , with soft cloathing , or whatsoever may more effeminately move him . but where to shall these outward delights availe him , when the cold earth shall e●tertaine him ; when he shall be divided from them , and they from him ? when belshazzar beheld the hand upon the wall , he was put quite out of his humour of jollity ; his cheerefulnesse was turned into pensivenesse , his mirth into mourning , his solace into sorrowing . even so shall it fare with the voluptuous man , whose delight was only on earth ; when that fearfull and ungratefull summons shall peremptorily injoine him to bid a due ( a long a due ) to those sensuall consorts which accompanied him , those inordinate meetings which so much delighted him , yea , all those licentious pleasures which so inchained him ; hee will exclaime ( but in vaine shall be those exclamations ) and curse the occasions of his mis-spent time. o what a hard taske would he endure , to redeeme what his security hath lost ? what extremities would he suffer , what difficulties undergoe ? how great and exceeding things would he promise ? in what bonds of firme devotion would he stand engaged ? surely there is nothing that either flesh could sustaine , or mortality suffer , which he would not most willingly indure , to deliver his endangered soule from eternall torments . lastly , for the miserable covetous wretch , who makes great use of his coine , but small use of his time , treasuring up vengeance against the day of wrath ; how carefull is he in making his barnes larger , in filling his chests fuller , in inhauncing his rents higher ; but how respectlesse of that supreme good , wherein all happinesse consisteth ? see , how menedemus-like , he is ever digging and delving to raise a fortune for his seldome thriving posterity . thus lives he , to become an eternall affliction to himselfe ; in whose person the poet very properly expressed a misers nature after this manner ; thus doe i digge , thus doe i delve ●'enrich my state thereby , yet th'poorest slave of all i have , enjoyes as much as i. this was one of those vanities which the wisest of princes observed , as incident to the children of men , that many gathered , yet knew not for whom they gathered , having likewise no power to use what god had in his mercy bestowed . now to give this miserable caitiffe his due character : he is his owne executioner , being good to none , but worst to himselfe . his eye is so fixed on earth , as he finds no time to erect it to heaven . hee employes so much time in getting and gathering goods , as he reserves no time for doing good . he little observes how all earthly things are sweeter in the ambition , than in the fruition , in the affection , than possession . nor how the circular world cannot fill the triangular heart , no more than a circle can fill a triangle ; where still there will be some empty corners . he runs on still in desire , labouring of a disease incurable , till death cure him . he encreaseth his cares with his substance , and the more hee addes to his estate , the more hee detracts from his content . the poore hee hath alwayes with him , for hee makes all poore that deale with him . in briefe , hee is of all others most miserable , because in his riches hee hath all his consolation : which , like the aegyptian reed , will faile him in his confidence , leaving him bare and naked to the testimony of a guilty conscience . for how secure was the rich-man ( as he thought ) when he invited his wretched soule to take her rest , having much goods laid up for many yeares ; but this selfe-securitie was the occasion of his succeeding misery , for that night was his soule to be taken from him . it is a true saying , that the devill requires nothing of man but securitie , for that gives him opportunity of practising his undoing . now , how bitter is the remembrance of death , much more the unwelcome approach of death to this miserable covetous man , who hath all his peace in his substance ? for if nothing be so terrible as death , ( as aristotle writeth : ) which antiochus feeling sensibly in himselfe , crieth out thus ; oh into what adversitie am i come , and into what flo●ds of misery am i now fallen ? he addeth the reason anon after ; for i must die with great sorrow in a strange land. surely then , to the miserable worldling , who hath made a covenant with sin , and a league with transgression , must the approach of death seeme terrible , being to be divided from the staffe of his confidence , from thence to descend without least hope of comfort to the land of forgetfulnesse : for , as it cannot possibly be , that he should die ill , who hath lived well ; so it cannot be , that he who hath lived ill , should die well : for as the scorpion hath in her the remedie of her owne poison , a receit for her owne infection ; so the evill man carrieth alwayes with him the punishment of his owne wickednesse , the which doth never leave ( so incessant is the torment of a guiltie conscience ) to wound and afflict his minde , both sleeping and waking ; so as , to what place soever he betake him , he cannot so privately retire , but feare and horror will awake him ; nor sly so fast , though hee should take the wings of the morning , but fury and vengeance will over-take him . having thus far proceeded in the treating of such subjects , wherin temperance is required , and of such assailants , by whom shee is usually encountred and impugned : it rests now , that i impart my advice briefly touching temperance or moderation of the passions of the minde , whereof ( omitting the rest , as having else-where discoursed of them ) i will only , and that briefly , insist of these two , the passions of ioy and sorrow . this passion ( to insist on ioy first ) requires direction , to order our desires aright in the matter of ioy. every man loves a glad heart ; and wisheth ioy , as the fruit of his labours ; but therein many mistake . first , one rejoyceth in his substance , he hath gotten much . secondly , another rejoyceth in his promotion . thirdly , another doateth upon that mad mirth which salomon speaks of . fourthly , another rejoyceth in a table richly deckt , an over-flowing cup , a faring deliciously every day . fifthly , another rejoyceth at the destruction of him , whom he hates . sixthly , another rejoyceth in sinne , and wickednesse . it is a pastime to a foole to doe wickedly . it is the drunkards joy to be at the cup early , and to sit till the wine hath enflamed them . the twi-light glads the heart of the adulterer . the oppressour danceth upon the threshold of him that is oppressed . ismael geereth at isaac . holy iob was as a tabret to the godlesse ones ; and the drunkards made songs on david . but this is not that ioy which is required , because the foundation of this ioy is grounded on sinne : wherefore we are to finde a ioy more pure , more permanent : for the ioy of the wicked is short , but the ioy of the righteous shall endure for ever . this ioy which we are to seeke , and whereon we are to ground our sole content , is no carnall but a spirituall ioy : the ioy of our hearts , the divine melody of our soules , concluding with the blessed apostle ; god forbid that we should rejoyce in any thing , but in the crosse of christ , and him crucified : for in this did all the saints and servants of god joy , disvaluing all other joy , as unworthy the entertainment of the soule . wee are to rejoyce likewise , forasmuch as god hath called us not to uncleannesse , but unto holinesse . wee are to rejoyce in the testimonie of a good conscience , being that continuall feast which refresheth every faithfull guest . wee are to rejoyce in our brothers aversion from sinne , and conversion to god ; in his prosperitie and successe in his affaires of state . but above all things wee are so to moderate our joy in the whole progresse of our life , that our joy may the more abound in him , who is the crowne of our hope after this life . the like directions are required in our moderation of sorrow : for there is a sorrow unto death ; which to prevent , understand this by the way , that not so much the passion , as the occasion enforcing the passion , is to be taken heed of . sorrow wee may , but not as ammon did , till he had defloured thamar , for that was the sorrow of licentiousnesse : sorrow wee may , but not as ahab did , till he had got naboths vineyard , for that was the sorrow of covetousnesse : sorrow wee may , but not as iosephs brethren did , grieving that their father should love him more than them , for that was the sorrow of maliciousnesse : sorrow wee may , but not as ionah did , grieving that the ninivites were not destroyed , for that was the sorrow of unmercifulnesse . lastly , sorrow wee may , but not as the * gergesenes did , grieving for the losse of their swine , for that was the sorrow of worldlinesse . these sorrowes are not so much to be moderated as wholly abolished , because they are grounded on sin : but there is a religious and godly sorrow , which , though it afflict the body , it refresheth the spirit ; though it fill the heart with heavinesse , it crowneth the soule with happinesse . and this is not a sorrow unto sinne , but a sorrow for sinne ; not a sorrow unto death , but a sorrow to cure the wound of death . by how much any one ( saith a good father ) is holier , by so much in praier are his teates plentifuller . here sounds the surdon of religious sorrow , the awaker of devotion , the begetter of spirituall compunction , and the sealer of heavenly consolation ; being the way to those that begin ; truth to those that profit , and life to them that are perfect . but alas , the naturall man ( saith the apostle ) perceiveth not the things of the spirit of god ; for they are foolishnesse unto him , neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned . it is true ; and this should move us to more fervour of devotion , beseeching the divine assistance to minister strength to our weaknesse , that what is wanting in the flesh , may be supplied by the spirit : yea daily to set our houre-glasse beside us , and observe those precious graines ( the minute treasures of time ) how swiftly they run thorow the cruet , whereof not one must fall un-numbred : for as a haire of the head shall not perish , no more shall the least moment of time . now how healthfull were it ( though the carnall man distaste it ) to vie teares with graines of sand , that our sinnes , being as the sands of the sea-shore , that is , numberlesse , might be bound up and throwne into the deepe sea of eternall forgetfulnesse : so as they may neither rise up in this life to shame us , nor in the world to come to condemne us . surely , if you would know those blessed fruits which true penitent sorrow produceth , you shall finde , that he who sowes in teares , shall reape in joy : neither can any one goe to heaven with drie eyes . may your teares be so shed on earth , that they may be bottled in heaven ; so shall you bring your sheaves with you , and like fine flower , being boulted from the bran of corruption , receive your portion in the land of the living . and may this sacrifice of teares which you offer up unto him , whose eyes are upon all the wayes of the children of men , minister like comfort to your soules , as they have done to many faithfull members of christs church . and let this suffice to have beene spoken of such subjects , wherein moderation is to be used : for to speake of moderation of sorrow for sinne , i hold it little necessary , seeing most men ( so insensible are they of their inward wounds ) come rather short of that sorrow which is required , than exceed in any sort the measure that is prescribed . as moderation in all the precedent subjects is to be used , so in all and every of them is it to be limited ; for to be so stoically affected ( as we have formerly noted ) as not to entertaine so much as modest mirth , or approve of the temperate and moderate use of those things , which were at first ordained for the use and service of man , digresseth as farre from the rule of moderation in restraint , as the profusely minded libertine doth in excesse . how hard a thing is it then to observe with indifferencie an equall or direct course herein , when either by leaping short or over , wee are subject to error ? so saith blessed cranmer ; some lose their game by short shooting , some by over shooting : some walke too much on the left hand , some too much on the right hand . now to propose what forme of direction is best to be observed herein ; wee will take a view of those subjects , whereof wee formerly treated , and set downe in each of them what moderation is to be used . all waters are derived from three wayes or currents : springing either by fountaines and spring-heads , from the bowels of the earth inwardly drained ; by rivers and conduits from those fountaines derived ; or haile and snow from the earth extracted , where some ascend , some descend : so passions are three wayes moved in our bodies ; by humours arising out of our bodies ; by externall senses , and the secret passage of sensuall objects ; or by the descent or commandement of reason . now to insist on the motion or effect of each passion wee shall not greatly need , having sufficiently touched them in our former discourse ; wee will therefore upon a review of those severall subjects , lust , ambition , gorgeous apparell , luscious fare , company-keeping , &c. reduce them and the occasion of them to those three troubled springs , from whence miserable man , by meanes of the immoderate appetite of sense , sucks the banefull poison of sinne ; the concupiscence of the flesh , the concupiscence of the eyes , and the pride of life : for whatsoever is in the world ( as a good father noteth , and as the blessed apostle himselfe affirmeth ) is one of these . as first , whatsoever suiteth or sorteth with the desire or delicacie of the flesh , ministers fuell or matter to feed the concupiscence thereof . now this fleshly libertine takes no delight in the spirit , but in the flesh ; he loves to be cloathed in purple and fare deliciously every day ; he loves to keepe company with those consorts of ruine and miserie , who drinke till they be inflamed , and delight themselves in the pleasures of sinne . secondly , whatsoever relisheth of vanitie , ministers him objects of content , to feed the unsatiate concupiscence of his eyes : which eyes , like dinah , stray from him , fixing themselves upon some vaine object , which suits ever best with his choice , who owes them , and so conveyes some present but perfunctorie delight unto him . as if he be covetous , they shew him naboths vineyard ; if wanton , a beauteous bersheba , or the sandals of iudith , which ravished the eyes of holophernes ; if dainty-toothd , iacobs red pottage ; if proud , the silkes of tyre ; in briefe , they fit every one with an object according to his condition . lastly , whatsoever may minister content to the proud and high-minded man , who walkes upon his turrets , saying , is not this great babel which i have builded ? is suggested to him ; putting him in minde of hamans honour , but never of hamans ladder ; telling him of balthazar 's birth-day , whereon he feasted royally , but never of his last day , whereon he died fearfully ; shewing him herods garment which shone as the sunne , and of his applause , the voice of god and not of man ; but never of the eclipse of that sunne , when he became so loathsome , as his smell could be endured by no man. now to propose our rules of limitation in the moderation of these : as wee are commanded to subdue the flesh with those inordinate affections , which arise from the infirmitie thereof ; so are wee not injoyned to kill the flesh , for so should wee disgresse from the rule of humanitie : for no man hateth his owne flesh , but loveth and cherisheth it . no ; our righteousnesse in this life , which may be rather said to consist in the remission of sinnes , than perfection of vertues , as it is to be furthered by all ordinary and direct meanes , so are wee not to transgresse that law , line , or limit , which is prescribed . wee must not cut off our members with a knife , but our carnall affections with a holy and a mortified life . whence it is , that origen was justly punished by using too little diligence where there was great need , because he used too great diligence where there was little need . for , gelding himselfe , he prevented himselfe of a greater conquest : for there is no mastery to get the mastery of sinne through disabilitie . for as he that surceaseth but then from sinne , when he can sinne no more , forsaketh not his sinnes , but his sinnes forsake him ; so hee who disableth himselfe for committing sinne , lest his abilitie should draw him to sinne , disableth not his sinnes , but his sinnes disable him : for howsoever he hath disabled the act of sinne , he hath not supprest the occasion , which resteth not so much in the act , as in the desire to sinne . no lesse worthy was democritus errour of reproving , who was blinded before he was blinde : for a christian need not put out his eyes for feare of seeing a woman ; since howsoever his bodily eye see , yet still his heart is blinde against all unlawful desires . the princely prophet saith indeed , lord turne away my eyes from vanitie ; but this turning doth not so much imply the looke of the eye , as the lust or assent of the heart . neither is it so requisite to make a covenant with our eyes that they shall not looke upon a woman , as to make a covenant with our hearts that they may never lust after a woman . in like sort , if any intemperate or immoderate desire to luscious fare or delicious drink should surprize us , whose subtill fumes unrivet each joynt of the memory , and loosen the cement which held it fast ; ( for you shall ever note , as i said before , that deepe drinkers have but shallow memories : ) wee are so to prevent the abuse , that wee contemne not the moderate and healthfull use of them . for as to use them in excesse is to abuse them , so not to use them at all is to contemne or neglect gods providence in them . wee must not say with the epicure , let us eat and drinke , for to morrow wee shall die ; but rather let us eat and drinke , as if to morrow we should die ; remembring that strict account which every one must give of the use or abuse of gods creatures : for it is not the use , but abuse which produceth sinne . so as thracius , whom i formerly touched , and of whom aulus gellius writeth , covertly glancing at his folly , was for any thing that i can see , even at that time most of all drunken , when he cut downe all his vines , lest he should be drunken . likewise in the quest or pursuit of honour , as it is ambition to hunt after it , undeserved ; so it is the most apparent testimonie of true and approved vertue , to obtaine it undesired . for this reluctancie to receiving of honour , can never be without some mixture of pride : for they would have the world to observe , how well they deserve it ; and againe , their humilitie ( which is seldome in these without some tincture of vaine-glory ) in that they so little desire it . so as , these popular and firie spirits , whose only aimes are to dignifie themselves , deserve no sharper curbe for over-valuing themselves , than these , who pride themselves in their humilitie , deserve for counterfeiting a kinde of debasing or dis-valuing of themselves to the eye of the world . whence i might take occasion to speake of those precise schismaticks , who cannot endure any precedencie or prioritie of place to be in the church , but an equalitie of presbyterie ; but i will leave them to a sharper censure , till they be throughly cured of their distemper . now for the second motive to sinne , which is the concupiscence of the eye ; as it is so to be moderated that it stray not , so should it be so directed that it sleepe not ; sleepe not , i say , in the survey of that , for which it was created . the eye strayeth , when it coveteth what it should not ; it sleepeth , when it retireth from what it should : it strayeth , when it lusteth after a strange woman ▪ it sleepeth , when it readeth not the law of god , to reclaime it from lusting after a strange woman : it strayeth , when it lusts after naboths vineyard ; it sleepeth , when it lookes not after gods vineyard . neither is the eye so to be limited , as if contemplation were only intended ; for as it is not sufficient to pray , unlesse wee practise as well as pray ; so is it not sufficient to looke upon the law , unlesse wee live after the law on which wee looke . wee reade that abraham buried sarah in the cave of ma●pelah , that is , in a double sepulchre . he that burieth his minde in knowledge only , without any care of practice , he buries sarah in a single sepulchre : but he that buries his minde , as well in the practice and feeling of religion , ( which is all in all ) as in the knowledge and understanding of it , he buries sarah in a double sepulchre : and so must all wee doe which are the true children of abraham : for then with abraham burying our spirit in a double sepulchre , wee shall with elizeus have a double spirit ; a spirit that as well doth , as teacheth . otherwise , wee are but tinkling cymbals , making only a sound of religion , without any sound or sincere profession : being ( as that honey-tongu'd father saith ) in body inward , but in heart outward . now the eye , as it is the tenderest and subtilest organ of all others , so should the object on which it is fixed , be the purest and clearest of all others . the eagle accounts those of her young ones bastards , which cannot fix their eyes upon the sunne , and with equall reflexion ( as it were ) reverberate the beaming vigour or splendour thereof : which should be the embleme of divine contemplation ; teaching us , that howsoever wee have our feet on earth , wee are to have our eyes in heaven : not by prying too saucily into the sealed arke of gods inscrutable will , but by meditating ever of him , so to rest in him , that after earth wee may for ever rest with him . it is observed by profest oculists , that whereas all creatures have but foure muscles to turne their eyes round about , man hath a fift to pull his eyes up to heaven . how farre divert they then their eyes from the contemplation of that object , for which they were created , who cannot see their neighbours ground but they must cover it , nor his beast but they desire it , nor any thing which likes them , but with a greedy eye they heart-eat it ? so large is the extent or circuit of their heart to earthly things , as they can see nothing but they instantly desire ; so strait is the circumference of their heart to heavenly things , they set no minde on them , as if altogether unworthy their desire . so as i cannot more aptly compare these idolizing worldlings to any thing , than to the bird ibis , which is of that filthy nature , as she receives those excrements in at her mouth , which she had purged before from her guts . neither doe they resemble this bird only in respect of their bestiall or insatiate receit , but also in the unbounded extent of their heart . oris apollo writeth , that the egyptians when they would describe the heart , paint that bird which they call ibis ; because they thinke that no creature , for proportion of the body , hath so great a heart as the ibis hath . neither hath our worldly ibis a lesse heart to the filthy desires of the world , being of necessity forced to leave the world , before he can leave desiring the things of this world : for their satan-like , come from compassing the whole earth , esteeming no joy to the worldling , like much enjoying : yet am i not so rigorously affected , or from feeling of humanity so farre estranged , as with democritus , to move you to pull out your eyes , that the occasion of temptation might be removed , by being of your eyes , those motives to temptation , wholly deprived . nor with that inamored italian , to wish you to fix your eyes upon the beames of the sunne , till they were ●eared , that the sight of your mistresse might not move your disquiet . no ; enjoy your eyes , and make them directers to guide you , not as blinde or deceitfull guides to entrap you ; use the object of this sense , but weane it from assenting to concupiscence ; concluding ever with that good remembrance , may that object be from our eyes removed , which makes us from our deare lord divided . now for the last motive , which is the pride of life ; it was lucifers sinne , and therefore should be each true christians scorne . for this sinne ( saith an ancient and learned father ) are the children of the kingdome throwne into utter darknesse : and whence commeth this , but because they ascend up unto that mountaine , unto which the first angell ascended , and as a devill descended ? hee who entertaineth this motive , is an ambitious man , who ( as one rightly observeth ) may be well and fitly similized with the chameleon , who hath nothing in his body but lungs ; so the badge of the ambitious is to be windy and boisterous : whereas , if hee would measure all his undertakings , rather by the dignity of the thing , than the ambition of his minde , he should finde as much content as now he finds disquiet . it was the rule of a wise statesman , and well deserves it the observance of every private person , but especially of such who sit neere the sterne of state ; not to suffer any ambitious heat transport him , but to measure a●l things according to their dignity and worth : and withall , rather to refer the opinion of themselves and their actions to the censure of others , and freely put themselves to be weighed in the judicious scale or ballance of others , than to be approvers of themselves without the suffrage of others : for certainely , as there is no humour more predominant than ambition , nor apter to make man forgetfull of himselfe ; so he who is of a haughty and proud disposition * dis-values all others , purposely to prize his owne deserts at an higher estimate . i remember with what character that proud english cardinall was decoloured , who bare so great stroake in this kingdome , as it was in his power to shake the foundation of monasteries , and from their ruines to raise his owne structures ; that hee was so puffed up with ambition , as hee preferred the humour of his person , before the discharge of his profession . surely that sentence was verified in him , promotion declares what men bee ; for never was his nature throughly discovered , nor his inside displayed , till his out-side was with the cardinalls pall graced . how necessary is it then for man , being more subject to pride himselfe in his height , than with patience to receive a fall , to learne how to moderate his acception of honour , before he come to honour ? for i doe not so limit him , as if he should not at all receive it , but rather how hee should demeane himselfe having received it . neither in ambition only , but in that attire of ●in , gorgeous apparell , is the like limitation to be used : for herein are we to observe such decencie , as neither the contempt thereof may tax us of irregular carelesnesse , nor affectation therof evince us of too singular nicenesse : for the former , as it implies a carelesse indifferencie , so the latter argues an effeminate delicacy : for god hateth no lesse in man this sloth and sluttishnesse , than he hateth too much neatnesse and nicenesse . yea , i have oft-times observed no lesse pride shrouded under a thred-bare cloake , than under a more sumptuous coat . so as , antisthenes went not farre a wrong , who seeing socrates shew his torne cloake , shewing an hole thereof unto the people ; loe , quoth he , thorow this i see socrates vanitie . it is not the hood which makes the monke , nor the cloake which makes the philosopher ; but the disposition of the minde , which makes him a true or false professour . it is good therefore , in the use of these things to observe the end for which they were ordained ; now apparell was not ordained to pride us in it , but to be kept warme by it . peter martyr sheweth , that clothing doth keepe the body warme two wayes : by keeping in the naturall heat of the body ; and by keeping out the accidentall cold of the ayre . this then being ordained for necessity , is not be used for vain-glory : for howsoever ( to such excesse of vanity is this age growne ) that fashion is esteemed neatest , which is newest ; discretion will informe you better , and tell you that fashion is of all other the choicest , which is the comliest . but that these three maine motives to temptation , and profest assailants of moderation , i meane , concupiscence of the flesh , concupiscence of the eyes , and pride of life may be the better resisted , incessant prayer is to be used . for prayer is gods honour , mans armour , and the devils terror ; it is gods oblation , mans munition , and the devils expulsion . by prayer are those treasures digged , which faith in the gospell beholdeth . as it is then gods sacrifice , let it be mans exercise , that it may defeat the devils malice : saying with blessed augustine ; behold , o lord my god , the whole world is full of the snares of concupiscence , which they have prepared for my feet , and who shal escape them ? truly he , from whom thou shalt take away the pride of his eyes , that the concupiscence of his eyes may not seaze on him ; and from whom thou shalt take away the concupiscence of the flesh , that the concupiscence of the flesh may not surprize him ; and from whom thou shalt take away an irreverent and unbridled minde , that the pride of life may not craftily deceive him . o happie hee , to whom thou shalt doe this , surely hee shall passe his dayes in safety ! thus farre have i proceeded in discourse touching both manner and matter , how and wherein moderation is to be limited . where , in the pursuit of honour , as i would have you no canius , too stoically to contemne it ; so no cassius , too tenderly to affect it : likewise in the pursuit of wealth , as i would have you no mimus , too scornefully to hate it ; so no midas , too slavishly to hugge it : likewise in the pursuit of fancie , as i would have you no arminius , too severely to loath it ; so no arsenius , too dearely to love it : likewise in fare , as i would have you no pythagoras , too rigorously to abstaine it ; so no diagoras , too riotously to epicure it : likewise in apparell , as i would have you no diogenes , too carelesly to use it ; so no demosthenes , too curiously to chuse it : lastly , in pleasure , as i would have you no philopomenes , too strictly to despise it ; so no philoxenus , too highly to prize it . for origen himselfe eunuching , democritus his eyes blinding , crates his money drowning , and thracius his vines destroying , no lesse offended ( as wee have before observed ) in exceeding the limit by nature proposed , than the libertines of their time , came short of that rule which moderation had prescribed . but drawing neere shore , i am now to descend to the last branch of this observation , treating of the accomplished end which attends moderation . as there is no art or science which hath not some especiall end , to which it is properly directed ; so is there no vertue which workes or actuates not for some end ; in the acquisition whereof it is fully satisfied . now touching this end , whereto all vertues were and are properly directed ; both heathen and divine philosophers with one consent have concluded it to be that summary or s●preme good , than which nothing could be better in respect of the fulnesse , higher in respect of the worthinesse , or safer in respect of the securenesse . but how different in opinion the ancient philosophers have beene touching this summary or supreme good , what it should be , or wherein it might be properly said to consist ; there is none having beene conversant in their ethicks , but he sufficiently knowes it . so as varro reporteth , that these ancient philosophers have held and maintained two hundred threescore and eight severall opinions concerning felicitie . where some placed their summary good in honours or preferments , others in pleasures or delights , but few in that true or accomplished felicitie ▪ the testimony of a good conscience , which only makes man happie ; and without which , enjoying all , he enjoyes nothing : for were this felicity or accomplished end , to which all vertues are properly directed , to be found on earth , then were the hopes of many good and vertuous men frustrated , whose thoughts are so farre above the foundation of earth , or all those perfunctory delights , which this low theater can afford ; as they have esteemed such men of all others most miserable upon earth , whose thoughts were not erected above earth , but sla●ed to the desires of this life ; as if their hopes extended no further . no ; in vaine were those many sighings and groanings in the spirit , those incessant labours and watchings , which the faithfull so willingly undergo , if there were no happinesse save onely in enjoying the delights of this life ; the fruition whereof , as they tender no true sweetnesse , so are they ever attended by sharpe repentance . for howbeit , every one be reputed worthy , if he be wealthy , and nought if he be needy ; yet when sinne , having three punishments , feare , shame , and guilt ; feare of judgement , shame of men , and guilt of conscience : shall convent and convict him , he shall finde that riches cannot deliver in the day of wrath . so as howsoever the sin seeme sweet , the sting of sin shall wound his heart : for the bread of deceit is sweet to a man , but his mouth shall be filled with gravell . likewise the high-minded man , whose heart hath beene only set on titles of honour , howsoever he seem'd raised or reared above the pitch of common earth , disdaining these poore wormelings , who had the selfe-same maker , though inferiour to this high cedar in honour ; when he shall be forced to call corruption his mother , and wormes his brethren and sisters ; when hee must leave that high babel , which his pride erected ; those worldly swelling tumours , his slippery honours , which hee once enjoyed ; those sycophants , the followers of greatnesse , which he so much affected ; yea , the world it selfe , where all his imaginary glory was stored ; he shall then finde goodnesse to be farre better than greatnesse , and worldly dignitie to adde fuell to those violls , which he hath worthily incured . likewise the voluptuous man , as hee hath enjoyed the pleasures of sinne for a season , sported him in his beds of ivory , feasted royally , fated deliciously , and fed all his miserable senses with a loathed satiety , he shall feele that the pleasure of sinne was finall , but the punishment due to sinne eternall ; he shall feele a worme ever gnawing , never ending ; fiery teares ever streaming , never stinting ; griefe ever griping , never ceasing ; death ever living , never dying : yea , that worme which gnaweth and dieth not , that fire which burneth and quencheth not , that death which rageth and endeth not . but if punishments will not deterre us , at least le● rewards allure us . the faithfull cry ever for the approach of gods judgement ; the reward of immortality , which , with assurance in gods mercies , and his sonnes passion , they undoubtedly hope to obtaine ; with vehemencie of spirit inviting their mediatour ; come lord iesus , come quickly . such is the confidence or spirituall assurance which every faithfull soule hath in him , to whose expresse image as they were formed , so in all obedience are they conformed ; that the promises of the gospell might be on them conferred and confirmed . such as these care not so much ●or possessing ought in the world , as they take care to lay a good foundation against the day of triall , which may stand firme against the fury of all temptation . these see nothing in the world worthy their feare . a this only ( say they ) is a fearfull thing , to feare any thing more than god. these see nought in the world worthy either their b desire or feare ; and their reason is this , c there is nothing able to move that man to fear in all the world , who hath god for his guardian in the world . neither is it possible that he should feare the losse of anything in the world , who cannot see any thing worthy having in the world . so equally affected are these towards the world , as there is nothing in all the world , that may any way divide their affection from him , who made the world . therefore may we well conclude touching these , that their light shall never goe out : for these walke not in darknesse , nor in the shadow of death , as those to whom the light hath not as yet appeared : for the light hath appeared in darknesse , giving light all the night long to all these faithfull beleevers , during their abode in these houses of clay . now to expresse the nature of that light , though it farre exceed all humane apprehension , much more all expression : clemens understandeth by that light , which the wise-woman , to wit , christs spouse , kept by meanes of her candle which gave light all the night long , the heart , and he calleth the meditations of holy men , candles that never goe out . saint augustine writeth , among the pagans in the temple of venus , there was a candle which was called inextinguishable : whether this be or no of venus temple , wee leave it to the credit of antiquity , only augustines report we have for it ; but without doubt in every faithfull hearer and keeper of the word , who is the temple of the holy ghost , there is a candle or light that never goes out . whence it appeares , that the heart of every faithfull soule is that light which ever shineth , and his faith that virgin oile which ever feedeth , and his conscience that comfortable witnesse which assureth , and his devoted zeale to gods house , that seale which confirmeth him to be one of gods chosen , because a living faith worketh in him , which assures him of life , howsoever his outward man , the temple of his body , become subject to death . excellently saith saint augustine : whence comes it that the soule dieth ? because faith is not in it . whence that the bodie dieth ? because a soule is not in it . therefore the soule of thy soule is faith . but forasmuch as nothing is so carefully to bee sought for , nor so earnestly to bee wrought for , as purity or uprightnesse of the heart : for seeing there is no action , no studie , which hath not his certaine scope , end , or period ; yea , no art , but laboureth by some certaine meanes or exercises to attaine some certaine proposed end ; ( which end surely is to the soule at first proposed , but the last which is obtained : ) how much more ought there to be some end proposed to our studies , as well in the exercises of our bodies ; as in the readings , meditations , and mortifications of our mindes ( passing over corporall and externall labours ) for which end those studies or exercises were at first undertaken ? for let us thinke with our selves , if we knew not , or in mind before conceived not , whither or to what especiall place we were to run , were it not a vaine taske for us , undertake to run ? even so to every action are wee to propose his certaine end : which being once attained , wee shall need no further striving towards it , being at rest in our selves by attaining it . and like end are wee to propose to our selves in the exercise of moderation , making it a subduer of all things which fight against the spirit , which may be properly reduced to the practising of these foure ; overcomming of anger by the spirit of patience ; wantonnesse by the spirit of continence ; pride by the spirit of humilitie ; and in all things unto him whose image wee partake , so neerely conformed , that like good proficients wee may truly say with the blessed apostle , wee have in all things learned to be contented . for the first , to wit , anger , as there is no passion which makes man more forgetfull of himselfe ; so to subdue it , makes man an absolute enjoyer of himselfe . athenodorus a wise philosopher , departing from augustus caesar , and bidding him farewell , left this lesson with him , most worthy to be imprinted in an emperours brest ; that when he was angry , he should repeat the foure and twenty greeke letters . which lesson received caesar as a most precious jewell , making such use thereof , as he shewed himselfe no lesse a prince in the conquest of this passion , than in his magnificence of state , and majestie of person . no lesse praise-worthy was that excellent soveraigntie which architas had over this violent and commanding passion , ( as we have formerly observed ) who finding his servants loytering in the field , or committing some other fault worthy reproofe , like a worthy master , thought it fit first to over-master himselfe , before he would shew the authoritie of a master to his servants : wherefore perceiving himselfe to be greatly moved at their neglect , as a wise moderator of his passion , hee would not beat them in his ire , but said ; happy are yea , that i am angry with you . in briefe , because my purpose is only to touch these rather than treat of them , having so amply discoursed of some of them formerly ; as the sunne is not to goe downe upon our wrath ; so in remembrance of that sunne of righteousnesse , let us bury all wrath : so shall wee be freed from the viols of wrath , and appeare blamelesse in the day of wrath . for in peace shall wee descend to our graves without sighing , if in peace wee be angry without sinning . secondly , wantonnesse , being so familiar a darling with the flesh , is ever waging warre with the spirit ; she comes with powdred haire , painted cheeke , straying eyes , mincing and measuring her pace , tinkling with her feet , and using all immodestie to lure the unwarie youth to all sensualitie . these light professors ( as s. ierome to marcella saith ) are matter of scandall to christian eyes ; those eye-sores which wound the inward man with the sting of anguish . now what receit better or more soveraigne to cure this maladie , than to take away the cause which begets this infirmitie ? and what may wee suppose the cause to be , but the complace●cie of the flesh ? when wee labour to satisfie our desires , and give easie reines to our affections . for the flesh while she is obedient , becomes a servant to the soule : shee governeth , the other is governed : this commandeth , that is commanded : but having once begun to usurpe , she will scarcely ever become a faithfull and loyall subject . what necessitie then is there injoyned us to stand upon our guard , when wee have a tarpeia within our gates , ready to betray us to our professed enemy ? with what continuall and incessant labour ought wee to imploy our selves , that this untamed iebusite might be so tired and wearied , that all inordinate motions might be extinguished , which by sloth and want of imployment are ever cherished ? let us then embrace continence , and by power of so good a spirit dispossesse the bad . let us not entertaine those dangerous motives to sinne , which like a snake in the bosome , will wound us to death . and what be those motives ? wanton thoughts , and wanton words , which corrupt mens manners with wicked works . it is a sure note , and worthy observance ; whensoever any thought is suggested to you , which tasteth of evill , make the doore of your heart fast , lest you give actuall possession to the devill . wanton words likewise are dangerous motives to incontinence ; the habit whereof being once attained , will hardly be relinquished . so as speech , which democritus calls the image of life , being exercised in scurrilitie , seemes to deface that image , by laying on it the darke and sable colour of death . for as muddy water is an argument that the fountaine is troubled ; so filthy words are witnesses that the heart is corrupted . a good tree brings forth good fruit , a pure spring cleare water , and an uncorrupt heart words tending to the edification of the hearer . now he , who useth his tongue to filthy communication , incurres a threefold offence : first , in dishonouring god ; secondly , in sinning against his owne soule ; thirdly , in ministring matter of scandall or offence to his brother . how necessary is it then , to keepe a watch upon our mouth , and a gate of circumstance unto our lips , that wee offend not with our tongue ; which like the poisonous adder , stings even unto death , wounding the soule with an incurable dart ? neither doe i , speaking of wantonnesse , onely restraine my discourse to incontinence , but to whatsoever else may properly tend to the complacencie or indulgence of the flesh ; as to tender obedience to her in the desire of luscious and lascivious meats , or the like ; including all such as turne the grace of god to wantonnesse , making a profession of faith , but denying the power thereof in their life and conversation . thirdly , pride , that luciferian sinne , whose airie thoughts are ever mounting , must be subdued by the spirit of humilitie . wee would hold it to be no faithfull part of a subject , to make choice of no liverie but his , who is a profest foe to his soveraigne . and what i pray you , doe wee , when wee attire our selves in the habiliments of pride ; not only outwardly in gorgeous apparell , choicest perfumes , and powdred locks , but likewise inwardly , in putting on the spirit of pride , attended by scornfull respects , disdainfull eyes , and haughtie lookes ? can wee be truly termed subjects ? may wee , wearing the devils crest , partake of the seamlesse coat of christ ? may wee expect a crowne after death , that oppose him who wore a thorny crowne , to crowne us after death ? no ; as the souldier is known by his colours , the servant by his cognizance , the sheepe by his marke , and coine by the stampe ; so shall wee be knowne by our colours if wee be christs souldiers , by our crest or cognizance if his followers , by our marke if his sheepe and lambkins , by our stampe or superscription if his coine or starling . o know , by how much wee are the humbler , by so much to our beloved are wee the liker ! let us resemble him then in all humilitie , that afterwards wee may reigne with him in glory . lastly , that wee may become conformable unto him , whose image wee have received , wee are to learne of the blessed apostle , in all things to be contented . content ( saith the proverbe ) is worth a crowne , but many crownes come farre short of this content . now to propose a rule how this content may be acquired , were a lesson well worthy our learning : which i could wish might be as soone learned as proposed : for content , briefly , consists in these two ; to be free from desiring what wee have not , to be free from fearing to lose what wee already have . now hee , who seeth nothing in the world worthy desiring , cannot chuse but be free from feare of losing , being so indifferent touching the world , or whatsoever else he hath in enjoying . for he that neither hath , nor so●th ought in the world which hee esteemes worthy his love , enjoyeth nought but hee can willingly be content to leave ; for no man feareth the losse of that which he doth not love . but to draw neerer a point : these two passions or affections of desire and feare ; desire of having more than wee have , feare of losing what wee already have , may be properly said to have a threefold respect ; to the goods or endowments of the minde , of the body , and of fortune . for the first , plato in his tymaeo saith ; if a man lose his eyes , or feet , or hands , or wealth , wee may say of such an one , he loseth something ; but he who loseth his heart and reason , loseth all . for in the wombe of our mother , the first thing which is ingendred or participates forme , is the heart , and the last which dieth is the same heart . so as properly it may be called reasons treasurie or store-house , where those divine graces are seated , which conferre the best beauty to man , giving him a note of distinction from other creatures , the more to dignifie man. for howsoever all creatures have hearts , yet only to man is given an understanding heart . other creatures have hearts indeed sensible of present paine , but they cannot recall to minde what is past , or probably collect by what is past , the seasons of times , or issues of affaires likely to ensue . in the heart of man , there is the reasonable power , with which he governeth himselfe ; the irascible power , with which he defendeth himselfe ; and concupiscible , by which he provideth for things necessary to releeve himselfe . now admit wee were deprived of that principall blessing , the intellectuall part , so as like raving and raging orestes , wee were forced to take many blinde by-paths , wanting the means of direction by reason of our woful distraction , and crying out with octavia in seneca ; o , to the spirits below that i were sent , for death were easie to this punishment ! admit , i say , all this ; yet is the afflicted soule to be content , abiding gods good leisure , who as hee doth wound , so he can cure ; and as he opened old tobiths eyes , so can he , when hee pleaseth , where hee pleaseth , and as he pleaseth , open the bleered eyes of understanding ; so with a patient expectance of gods mercy , and christian resolution to endure all assaults with constancie , as he recommendeth himselfe to god , so shall he finde comfort in him , in whom he hath trusted , and receive understanding more cleare and perfect than before he enjoyed . or admit one should have his memorative part so much enfeebled , as with corvinus messala hee should forget his owne name ; yet the lord , who numbreth the starres , and knoweth them all by their names , will not forget him , though he hath forgot himselfe , having him as a signet upon his finger , ever in his remembrance . for what shall it availe , if thou have memory beyond cyrus , who could call every souldier in his army by his name , when it shall appeare thou hast forgot thy selfe , and exercised that facultie rather in remembring injuries , than recalling to minde those insupportable injuries which thou hast done unto god ? nay more ; of all faculties in man , memory is the weakest , first waxeth old , and decayes sooner than strength or beauty . and what shall it profit thee , once to have excelled in that facultie , when the privation thereof addes to thy misery ? nothing , nothing : wherefore , as every good and perfect gift commeth from above , where there is neither change nor shadow of change , so as god taketh away nothing but what he hath given , let every one in the losse of this or that facultie , referre himselfe with patience to his sacred majestie , who in his change from earth will crowne him with mercy . secondly , for the goods or blessings of the body , as strength , beautie , agilitie , &c. admit thou wert blinde with appius , lame with agesilaus , tongue-tied with samius , dwarfish with ivius , deformed with thersites ; though blinde , thou hast eyes to looke with , and that upward ; though lame , thou hast legges to walke with , and that homeward ; though tongue-tied , thou hast a tongue to speake , and that to godward ; though dwarfish , thou hast a proportion given thee , ayming heavenward ; and though deformed , thou hast a glorious feature , and not bruitish to looke downward . for not so much by the motion of the body , and her outwardly working faculties , as by the devotion of the heart , and those inwardly moving graces , are wee to come to god. againe , admit thou wert so mortally sicke , as even now drawing neere shore , there were no remedy but thou must of necessitie bid a long a due to thy friends , thy honours , riches , and whatsoever else are deare or neere unto thee : yet for all this , why shouldst not thou remaine contented ? art thou here as a countryman , or a pilgrim ? no countryman sure , for then shouldst thou make earth thy country , and inhabit here as an abiding city . and if a pilgrim , who would grieve to be going homeward ? there is no life but by death , no habitation but by dissolution . he then that feareth death , feareth him that bringeth glad tidings of life . therefore to esteeme life above the price , or feare death beyond the rate , are alike evill : for he that values life to be of more esteeme than a pilgrimage , is in danger of making shipwracke of the hope of a better inheritance ; and he that feareth death as his protest enemy , may thanke none for his feare but his securitie . certainly , there is no greater argument of folly , than to shew immoderate sorrow either for thy own death , or death of another : for it is no wisdome to grieve for that which thou canst not possibly prevent , but to labour in time rather to prevent what may give thee occasion to grieve . for say , is thy friend dead ? i confesse it were a great losse , if he were lost ; but lost he is not , though thou be left ; gone he is before thee , not gone from thee ; divided only , not exiled from thee . a princesse wee had of sacred memory , who looking one day from her palace , might see one shew immoderate signes or appearances of sorrow , so as she , moved with princely compassion , sent downe presently one of her pensioners to inquire who it was that so much sorrowed , and withall to minister him all meanes of comfort ; who finding this sorrowfull mourner to be a counsellor of state , who sorrowed for the death of his daughter ; returned directly to his soveraigne , and acquainted her therewith . o ( quoth she ) who would thinke that a wise man and a counsellor of our state could so forget himselfe , as to shew himselfe a childe for the death of his childe ! and surely , whosoever shall but duly consider mans frailtie with deaths necessitie , cannot chuse but wonder why any one should be so wholly destitute of understanding , to lament the death of any one , since to die is as necessary and common as to be borne to every one . but perchance it may be by some objected , that the departure of their friend is not so much lamented , for that is of necessitie , and therefore exacts no teares of sorrow , being , if spent , as fruitlesse as the doome reverselesse ; but their sudden or inopinate departure . whereto i answer , that no death is sudden to him that dies well : for sudden death hath properly a respect rather to the life , how it was passed or disposed , than to death , how short his summons were , or how quickly clozed . io. mathes . preaching upon the raising up of the womans sonne of naim by christ , within three houres afterward died himselfe : the like is written of luther , and many others . as one was choaked with a flie , another with a haire , a third pushing his foot against the tressall , another against the threshold falls downe dead : so many kinde of wayes are chalked out for man , to draw towards his last home , and weane him from the love of earth . those whom god loves , saith menander , die young : yea , those whom hee esteemeth highest , hee takes from hence the soonest : and that for two causes ; the one is to free them the sooner from the wretchednesse of earth ; the other to crowne them the sooner with happinesse in heaven : for what gaine wee by a long life , or what profit reape wee by a tedious pilgrimage , but that wee partly see , partly suffer , partly commit more evils ? priamus say more dayes and shed more teares than troilus . let us hence then learne so to measure our sorrow for ought that may or shall befall us , in respect of the bodie , that after her returne to earth , it may be gloriously re-united to the soule , to make an absolute consort in heaven . thirdly , and lastly , for the goods or blessings of fortune ; they are not to command us , but to be commanded by us ; not to be served by us , but to serve us . and because hee onely in the affaires of this life is the wealthiest , who in the desires of this life is the neediest ; and he the richest on earth , who sees little worth desiring on earth : we are so to moderate our desires ( as i have formerly touched ) in respect of those things we have not , that wee may labour to over-master our desires , in thirsting after more than we already have ; likewise so to temper and qualifie our affections in respect of those things we have , as to shew no immoderate sorrow for the losse of those we have , but to be equally minded , as well in the fruition of those wee have , as privation of those we have not . for of all others , there is no sorrow baser nor unworthier , than that which is grounded on the losse of oxe , or cow , or such inferiour subjects . neither incurre they any lesse opinion of folly , who carried away with the love of their horse , hound , or some such creature , use for some prize or conquest got , to reare in their memory some obeliske , or monument graced with a beauteous inscription , to preserve their fame , because ( poore beasts ) they have nothing to preserve themselves : for howsoever this act seeme to have some correspondence with gratitude , labouring only to grace them who have graced us , rearing a stone to perpetuate their fame , who memoriz'd our name by speed of foot ; yet is it grosse and so palpable to those , whose discretion is a moulder of all their actions , as they account it an act , worthier the observation of an heathen than a christian. cimon buried his mares , bestowing upon them specious tombs , when they had purchased credit in the swift races of the olympiads . xan●ippus bewailed his dogs death , which had followed his master from calamina . alexander erected a citie in the honour of bucephalus , having beene long defended by him in many dangerous battels . and the asse may well among the heathen be adorned with lillies , violets and garlands , when their goddesse vesta by an asses bray , avoided the rape of priapus . but howsoever these actions among pagans might carry some colour of thankfulnesse , rewarding them , by whose speed , fury , agilitie , or some other meanes , they have beene as well preserved as honoured : yet with christians , whose eyes are so clearely opened , and by the light divine so purely illumined , would these seeme acts of prophanenesse , ascribing honour to the creature , to whom none is due , and not to the creator , to whom all honour is solely and properly due . in briefe , let us so esteeme of all ●he goods and gifts of fortune , as of vtensils , fit for our use and service , but of the supreme good , as our chiefest so●ace : for he who subjected all things to the feet of man , that man might be wholly subject unto him , and that man might be wholly his , he gave man dominion over all those workes of his : so he created all outward things for the bodie , the bodie for the soule , but the soule for him ; that shee might only intend him , and only love him , possessing him for solace , but inferiour things for service . thus farre , gentlemen , hath this present discourse inlarged it selfe , to expresse the rare and incomparable effects , which naturally arise from the due practice of moderation , being indeed a vertue so necessary , and well deserving the acquaintance of a gentleman , ( who is to be imagined as one new come to his lands , and therefore stands in great need of so discreet an attendant ) as there is no one vertue better sorting his ranke , not only in matters of preferment , profit , or the like ; but in matters of reputation or personall ingagement , where his very name or credit is brought to the tesh . looke not then with the eye of scorne on such a follower : but take these instructions with you for a fare-well . doth ambition buzze in your eare motions of honour ? this faithfull attendant , moderation , will disswade you from giving way to these suggestions , and tell you , ambition is the high road which leads to ruine , but humilitie is the gate which opens unto glory . doth covetousnesse whisper to you matters of profit ? here is one will tell you , the greatest wealth in the world , is to want the desires of the world . doth wantonnesse suggest to you motives of delight ? here is that herbe of grace , which will save you from being wounded , and salve you already wounded . in briefe , both your expence of time and coine , shall bee so equally disposed , as you shall never need to redeeme time , because you never prodigally lost it ; nor repent your fruitlesse expence of coine , because you never profusely spent it . thus if you live , you cannot chuse but live for ever : for ever , in respect of those choice vertues which attend you : for ever , in respect of your good example , moving others to imitate you . and for ever , in respect of that succeeding glory which shall crowne you . the english gentleman . argument . of perfection ; contemplative and active ; the active preferred ; wherein it consisteth ; of the absolute or supreme end whereto it aspireth , and wherein it resteth . perfection . we are now to treat of a subject , which , while we are here on earth , is farre easier to discourse of , than to finde ; for perfection is not absolute in this life , but graduall . so as , howsoever we may terme one perfect or complete in respect of some especial qualities , wherewith he is endued ; yet , if we come to the true ground of perfection , we shall finde it farre above the sphere of mortality to ascend to : for man , miserable man , what is he , or of himselfe what can he , to make him absolutely perfect ? exceed can he in nothing but sinne , which is such a naturall imperfection , as it wholly detracts from his primitive perfection . time was indeed , when man knew no sinne , and in that ignorance from sin consisted his perfection . but no sooner was that banefull apple tasted , than in the knowledge of sinne he became a professant . wee are therefore to discourse of such perfection , as wee commonly in opinion hold for absolute , though in very deed it appeare only respective and definite ; for to treat of that perfection which is transcendent or indefinite , were to sound the sea , or weigh the mountaines , so far it exceedeth the conceit of man : yea , i say , to taske humane apprehension to the discussion of that soveraigne or supreme perfection , were as unequally matched , as ever were earth and heaven , strength and weaknesse , or the great behemoth , and the silliest worme that creepeth in the chinkes of the earth . let us addresse our selves then to this taske , and make this our ground , that as no man is simply good but god ; so no man is absolutely perfect till hee be individually united to god ; which on earth is not granted , but promised ; not effected , but expected ; not obtained , but with confidence desired , when these few , but evill dayes of our pilgrimage shall be expired : yet is there a graduall perfection , which in some degree or measure wee may attaine , becomming conformable unto him , whose image we have received , and by whom we have so many singular graces and prerogatives on us conferred . and this perfection is to be procured by assistance of gods spirit , and a desire in man to second that assistance by an assiduall endevour . which devout and godly endevour , that it might be the better furthered , and his glory , by whose grace we are assisted , the more advanced ; needfull it were to reduce to our memory , daily and hourely these two maine considerations . first , those three profest enemies that infatigably assaile us , which should make us more watchfull . secondly , that faithfull friend , who so couragiously fights for us , which should make us more thankfull : for our enemies , as they are some of them domestick , so are they more dangerous ; for no foe more perillous than a bosome foe . besides , they are such pleasing enemies , as they cheere us , when they kill us ; sting us , when they smile on us . and what is the instrument they worke on , but the soule ? and what the time limited them to work in , but our life ? which humours do swel up , sorrows bring downe , heats dry , aire infect , meat puffe up , fasting macerate , jests dissolve , sadnesse consume , care straitneth , security deludeth , youth extolleth , wealth transporteth , poverty dejecteth , old-age crooketh , infirmity breaketh , griefe depresseth , the devill deceiveth , the world flattereth , the flesh is delighted , the soule blinded , and the whole man perplexed . how should wee now oppose our selves to such furious and perfidious enemies ? or what armour are we to provide for the better resisting of such powerfull and watchfull assailants ? certainly , no other provision need we , than what already is laid up in store for us , to arme and defend us , and what those blessed saints and servants of christ have formerly used , leaving their owne vertuous lives as patternes unto us . their armour was fasting , prayer , and workes of devotion ; by the first , they made themselves fit to pray ; in the second , they addressed themselves to pray as they ought ; in the third , they performed those holy duties , which every christian of necessity ought to performe . and first , for fasting , it is a great worke , and a christ●●●worke ; producing such excellent effects , as it subjects the flesh to the obedience of the spirit ; making her , of a commander , a subject , of one who tooke upon her an usurped authority , to humble herselfe to the soules soveraignty . likewise prayer , how powerfull it hath beene in all places , might be instanced in sundry places of holy scripture . in the a desart , where temptation is the readiest ; in the b temple , where the devill is oft-times busiest ; on the c sea , where the flouds of perils are the neerest ; in d peace , where security makes men forgetfull'st ; and in e warre , where imminent danger makes men fearfull'st : yea , whether it be with daniel in the f denne ; or manasses in the g dungeon ; whether it be with holy david in the h palace ; or heavenly ieremie in the i prison : the power and efficacie of prayer , sacrificed by a devout and zealous beleever , cannot chuse but be as the first and second raine , fructifying the happy soile of every faithfull soule , to her present comfort here , and hope of future glory else-where . thirdly , workes of devotion , being the fruits or effects of a spirituall conversation ; as ministring to the necessitie of the saints , wherein we have such plenty of examples , both in divine and humane writ , as their godly charitie , or zealous bounty might worthily move us to imitate such blessed patternes in actions of like devotion . for such were they , as they were both liberall , and joyed in their liberality , every one contributing so much as he thought fit , or pleased him to bestow . and whatsoever was so collected , to the charge or trust of the governour , or disposer of the stocke of the poore , was forth with committed . here was that poore-mans box , or indeed christs box , wherein the charity of the faithfull was treasured . neither did these holy saints or servants of god , in their almes eye so much the quality of the person , as his image whom he did represent . and herein they nourished not a sinner , but a righteous begger , because they loved not his sinne , but his natur● . 〈◊〉 now , because wee are to treat of perfection , in each of these we are to observe such cautions , as may make the worke perfect without blemish , and pure from the mixture of flesh . as first , in that godly practice of fasting , to observe such mediocritie , as neither desire to be knowne by blubbered eyes , hanging downe the head , nor any such externall passion may tax us to be of those pharisees , whose devotion had relation rather to the observance of man , than the service of god ; neither so to macerate the body , as to disable it for performing any office which may tend to the propagation of the glory of the highest . for the first institution of fasts , as it was purposely to subdue the inordinate motions of the flesh , and subject it to the obedience and observance of the spirit ; so divers times were by the ancient fathers and councels thought fitting to be kept in holy abstinence , of purpose to remove from them the wrath of god , inflicted on them by the sword , pestilence , famine , or some other such like plague . s. gregory instituted certaine publike fasts , resembling the rogation weeke , with such like solemne processions against the plague and pestilence , as this rogation weeke was first ordained by another holy bishop to that end . as for the ember dayes , they were so called of our ancient forefathers in this countrey , because on those fasting dayes men ate bread baked under embers or ashes . but to propose a certaine rule or forme of direction , there is none surer or safer , than that which we formerly proposed ; so to nourish our bodies , that they be not too much weakned , by which means more divine offices might be hindred ; and againe , so to weaken our bodies , that they be not too much pampered ; by which meanes our spirituall fervour might be cooled . for too delicate is that master , who , when his belly is crammed , would have his mind with devotion crowned . secondly , for prayer , as it is to be numbred among the greatest works of charitie , so of all others it should be freest from hypocrisie : for it is not the sound of the mouth , but the soundnesse of the heart , which makes this oblation so effectually powerfull , and to him that prayeth , so powerfully fruitfull . it is not beating of the brest with the fist , but inward compunction of the heart , flying with the wing of faith , that pierceth heaven . for neither could trasilla's devotion , whereof gregory relates , have beene so powerfull , nor gorgonias supplication , whereof nazianzen reports , so fruitfull ; nor iames the brother of our lord his invocation , whereof eusebius records , so faithfull ; nor paul the eremites daily oblation , whereof ierome recounts , so effectuall ; if pronunciation of the mouth , without affection of the heart ; beating of the brest , without devotion of minde ; dejection of face , without erection of faith , had accompanied their prayer . for it is not hanging downe the head like a bulrush , which argues contrition , but a passionate affection of the heart which mounts up to the throne of grace , till it purchase remission . thirdly , for almes-deeds and other works of devotion , being the fruits or effects of faith , as they are sweet odours , and shall not lose their reward , being duly practised ; so wee must take these three cautions by the way , lest such sweet fruits be corrupted . the first is , to give our owne , and not anothers , for that were robbery : the second is , to give to the poore , and not to the rich in hope of commoditie : the third is , to give in mercy or fellow-feeling of others wants , and not for vaine-glory . for howsoever the poore need not care for any of these respects , because he is rewarded ; yet the giver is to care , because his reward should hereby become frustrated . certainly , there is nothing which relisheth better to the palate of our maker , than ministring releefe to the needy begger , who is gods begger , as a holy father calls him , and therefore should be releeved for his cause that sent him . those goats set on the left hand doe affright mee , not because they were robbers , but because they were no feeders ; saith nazianzen : therefore are wee willed to feed the hunger-starved soule , lest want should famish him ; for if wee suffer him to die for food , wee , and none but wee did famish him . thus if we observe aright the zealous and religious practice of those blessed patternes , who have gone before us , and have left their memorable lives as examples to be imitated by us , wee shall in some measure attaine to that perfection , whereof we now discourse ; labouring so to moderate our affections herein , as neither vaine-glory , nor any other fleshly respect may interpose it selfe in actions of such maine and serious consequence . for albeit , as i formerly noted , no man may come to that absolute perfection , either in matters of knowledge , or practice of life , as if nothing could be further attained , but that the very highest pitch of perfection were acquired ; yet are there degrees which in some measure may be attained , if those vertues which conduce to this perfection be duly practised . for , it is not professing of vertue , but practising ; neither practising of one , but all , which gives life to this perfection . for he whom wee sincerely perfect call , excells not in one vertue , but in all . which perfection farre exceeds all others , derived from some exquisite knowledge in arts or sciences ; for these , how absolute soever they be , come farre short of that perfection which longer time and experience might bring them to . alcibiades is reported to have beene so skilfull in all arts and exercises , that he won the prize in what enterprize soever he tooke in hand ; which was no small glory , when in the olympian or istmian games he no sooner appeared , than those who were to contend with him , were forth with dismayed : yet came this perfection short of that whereof wee now discourse . for it may be probably gathered , that , albeit hee was the activest in his time on istmus , yet all the activest youths , of greece were not on istmus , or if they were , yet the whole world had youths more active , and in all parts more absolute than there were in greece . for to seeke perfection on earth , either in respect of minde or body , either in abilitie of the one , or excellencie of the other , were - in aethere quaererenidum ; he only being most perfect , who acknowledgeth himselfe to be most imperfect . cicero brings in m. antony , saying , that there be many follow , and yet come not to the perfection . which hee might have instanced the best in himselfe : for who , for discipline more exquisite , for attempts in his owne person more valiant , for ripenesse of wit more pregnant , or for tongue more powerfully perswasive than m. antony ? yet to observe how much those more excellent parts were disabled , that light of understanding darkned , that pregnancie of wit rebated , that perswasive orator by a wanton oratresse seduced ; yea , even that mirror of men blemished , might move us freely and ingenuously to acknowledge , as there is nothing more variable than man in respect of his condition , so nothing more prone to evill in respect of his naturall corruption . so as , howsoever hee may seeme in some sort perfect , either in moderating his affections with patience , or subduing his desires with reason , yet there is ever some one defect or other that darkens those perfections . wherefore as marius bombasted his stockins to give a better proportion to his small legs ; if any one would have his good parts set out , hee had need to weare some counterfet disguise to cover his wants , and so gall the world , as iuno deceived ixion with a cloud . truth is , that the worthiest men have beene stained with some notable crime . caesar , though he 〈◊〉 mo●derate , yet was he incontinent : alexander , though continent , yet was he immoderate : sylla , though valiant , yet was he violent : galba , though eminent , yet was he insolent : lucullus generous , yet delicious ; marcellus glorious , yet ambitious ; architas patient , yet avaritious ; archias pregnant , yet lascivious . so as homers understanding , platoes wit , diogenes phrase , aeschines art of oratorie , and ciceroes tongue , could not assume to themselves such perfection , as to free them from other blemishes , which detracted as much from their worth , as these perfections added to their glory . for howsoever that saying of solon may seeme authenticke ; all things among men are sound and perfect ; it is to be understood , that he meant of dealings or commerce among good men , whose word is their bond , and whose profession is to deale uprightly with all men . all things among such men are sound and perfect , for no commoditie can move them to infringe their faith , or falsifie their word for any advantage . but it may be objected , if none can be perfect , whence is it that wee reade , wee ought to be perfect as our heavenly father is perfect ? or how is it that paul exhorteth us to perfection ? or how may wee be presented every man perfect in christ iesus ? surely not of us , nor of our selves , but through him who became righteousnesse , and all perfection for us , that he might perfect that in us , which was farre from us , without his especiall grace working or operating in us . yet are we to labour and strive hard towards the marke that is set before us , not ceasing till wee become conformable unto him , and be made perfect in him . but become conformable unto him wee cannot , unlesse wee take delight in contemplating him , to whom our desire is to be conformed . wee will therefore descend to the second branch proposed , to wit , the contemplative part of perfection , wherein wee shall easily finde what divi●e comfort is ministred to the minde , in contemplating him , who distinguished man from the rest of his creatures , by a reasonable minde . it was the saying of a heathen , if god tooke delight in any felicitie , it was in contemplation . to the free use whereof , even those which are ( as hortensius called l. torquatus ) unlearned , rude and ignorant , may be admitted . for howsoever some have beene pleased to terme the images of saints , lay-mens bookes ; sure i am , whosoever he be , be he never so simple or ignorant , that contemplateth god in his creatures , shall finde sufficient matter , in that voluminous booke of his creation , to move him to admire the workmanship of his maker . for the heavens are his , the earth also is his ; and he hath laid the foundation of the world , and all that therein is . so as , even from the cedar of lebanon to the grasse upon the wall , hath he shewne his power and his might to the ends of the world . now to the end this contemplation might not be hindred by any worldly objects , wee are to with-draw our eye from the creature , and fix it wholly upon our creator . for how can any one behold the glory of heaven , when his eyes are poring upon earth ; or how should hee , whose affections are planted upon his gold , erect his thoughts to the contemplation of god ? so as we must not only leave whatsoever wee love on earth , but even leave our selves till wee become wholly weaned from earth ; so shall our affections be in heaven , though our temporary plantation be on earth . for what are these ostrich-winged worldlings , who never flie up , stooping to every lure that either honour , profit , or preferment cast out , but base haggards , who lie downe and dare not give wing for feare of weathering ? whereas these high fliers , whose aimes are above earth , are ever meditating of earths frailtie and heavens felicitie . these consider how the solace of the captive is one , and the joy of the freeman another . these consider , how that hee who fighs not while he is a pilgrim , shall not rejoyce when he is a citizen . these consider , that it is an evident signe that such an one hates his countrey , who holds himselfe to be in good state while hee lives a pilgrim . these will not preferre the husks of vanitie before those inestimable treasures of glory . these , and only these , value earth as it should be valued , desiring rather to leave earth , than set their love on ought upon earth . neither can death take any thing from him going out of the world , who sets his love on nothing in the world . whereas it is much otherwise with them , whose eyes are accustomed to darknesse ; for they cannot behold the beames of that supreme veritie : neither can they judge any thing of the light , whose habitation is in darknesse : they see darknesse , they love darknesse , they approve of darknesse , and going from darknesse to darknesse , they know not whither they fall . such was demas , who forsooke his faith , and embraced this present world . such was simon magus , who bewitched the people with sorceries , to gaine himselfe esteeme in the world . such was demetrius the silver-smith , who brought great gaines unto the crafts-men , and mightily enriched himselfe in the world . and in a word , such are all those whose eyes are sealed to heavenly contemplations , but opened to the objects of earth , prizing nothing else worthy either viewing or loving . it is rare and wonderfull to observe what admirable contemplations the heathen philosophers enjoyed , though not so much as partakers of the least glimpse of that glorious light which is to us revealed ! how deeply searching in the influence of planets , how studious after the knowledge of herbs , plants , vertue of stones , which inforced in them no lesse admiration , than delight in so sweet a contemplation ? now if the heathens , who had no knowledge of god , but only a glimmering light of nature , being not so much ( i say ) as the least beamling in comparison of that glorious light which we enjoy , conceived such sweetnesse in the search of causes and events , preferring their contemplation before the possession of earth , or all that fraile earth c●uld promise ; what surpassing comfort or ineffable sweetnesse are wee to conceive in the contemplation of god , the one and only practice whereof maketh man blessed , although in outward things he were the poorest and needfullest in the world ? the blessed saints and faithfull servants of god have beene so ravished with this sweetnesse , as they were drunke with joy in contemplation of the highest . for either honour or preferment , they were so indifferent , as they rejected it ; and for riches so equally contented , as they dis-valued it , selling their possessions , and laying the money at the apostles feet . yea peter , to instance one for all , no sooner tasted this sweetnesse , than forgetfull of all inferiour things , he cried out as one spiritually drunke , saying ; lord , it is good for us to be here ; let us make us here three tabernacles , let us stay here , let us contemplate thee , because wee need nothing else but thee : it sufficeth us , lord , to see thee , it sufficeth us , i say , to be filled with such sweetnesse as commeth from thee . one onely drop of sweetnesse he tasted , and he loathed all other sweetnesse . what may wee imagine would he have said , if he had tasted the multitude of the sweetnesse of his divinitie , which he hath laid up in store for those that feare him ? surely , the contemplative man , whose affections are estranged from earth , and seated in heaven , makes use of whatsoever he seeth on earth , as directions to guide him in his progresse to heaven . his eyes are not like the ambitious mans , whose eye-sore is only to see others great , and himselfe unadvanced : nor like the covetous mans , whose eyes ( tarpeia-like ) betray his soule , seeing nothing precious or prosperous which he wisheth not : nor like the voluptuous mans , whose sealed eyes are blinde to the objects of vertue , but unsealed to the objects of vanitie , seeing nothing sensually moving which he affects not : nor like the vain-glorious ma●s , who practiseth seldome what is good or honest for the love of goodnesse , but to bee praised and observed . whereas , the true contemplative man loves vertue for vertues sake , concluding divinely with the poet ; this amongst good men hath beene ever knowne , vertue rewards herselfe , herselfe's her crowne . and for these light objects of vanity , he as much loaths them , as the voluptuous man loves them ; and for coveting , he is so farre from desiring more than he hath , as he is indifferent either for injoying or forgoing what he already hath ; and for aspiring , he holds it the best ambition of any creature , to promote the glory of his maker . he is ever descanting on this divine ditty ; o how glorious things are spoken of thee , o thou city of god! for his thoughts are sphered above earth , and lodged in the contemplation of heaven . and if so be , that he chance to fix his eye upon earth , it is , as i said before , to direct his feet , and erect his faith to the contemplation of heaven . for by consideration had to these temporall goods ( to use the words of a devout father ) hee gathereth the greatnesse of the heavenly councell : comprehending by these little ones , those great ones ; by these visible , those invisible ones : for if the lord shew or rather showre so great and innumerable benefits from heaven , and from the aire , from the land and sea , light and darknesse , heat and shadow , dew and raine , winds and showres , birds and fishes , and multiplicity of herbs and plants of the earth , and the ministry of all creatures successively in their seasons ministring to us , to allay our loathing , and beget in us towards our maker , an incessant longing , and all this for an ignoble and corruptible body ; what , how great , and innumerable shall those good things be , which he hath prepared for them that love him , in that heavenly countrey , where we shall see him face to face ? if he doe such things for us in this prison , what will ●ee doe for us in that palace ? great and innumerable are thy workes o lord , king of heaven ! for seeing , all these are very good and delectable , which hee hath equally bestowed upon both good and evill : how great shall those be which he hath laid up only for the good ? if so divers and innumerable be the gifts , which he bestoweth both upon friends and foes ; how sweet and delectable shall those be , which he will only bestow upon his friends ? if such comforts in this day of teares and anguish , what will he conferre on us in that day of nuptiall solace ? if a prison containe such delights , what , i pray you , shall our countrey containe ? no eye ( o lord ) without thee , hath seene those things which thou hast prepared for them that love thee : for according to the great multitude of thy magnificence , there is also a multitude of thy sweetnesse , which thou hast hid for them that feare thee : for great thou art , o lord our god , and unmeasurable neither is there end of thy greatnesse , nor number of thy wisdome , nor measure of thy mercy , neither is there end , nor number , nor measure of thy bountie : but as thou art great , so be thy gifts great : because thou thy selfe art the reward and gift of thy faithfull warriours . thus is the spiritually contemplative man ever employed , thus are his affections planted , thus his desires seated , caring so little for earth , as he is dead to earth long before hee returne to earth ; drawing daily neerer heaven , having his desire only there , long before he come there . now to instance some , whose profession was meerely contemplative , having retired or sequestred themselves from the society of this world , we might illustrate this subject with many excellent patternes in this kinde , as those especially who strictly professed a monasticke life , becomming severe enemies to their owne flesh , and estranging themselves from conversing witt●man . which kinde of discipline , as it was in respect of humanity too unsociable , so in respect of themselves , doubtlesse , sweet and delightfull ; being so intraunced with divine contemplation , as they forgot earth and all earthly affections . of this sort , you shall reade sundry examples ; whereof one more memorable than the rest might be instanced in him , who reading that sentence of holy scripture , goe and sell all that thou hast , presently imagining it to be meant by him , did so . the like contempt towards the world , might be instanced in holy ierome , paulinus that good bishop of nola , and many others , upon which i would be loth to insist , for brevity sake . neither certainly can they , whose thoughts are erected above the centre of earth , having their hearts planted where their treasure is placed , deigne to fix their eye upon ought in the world , because they see nothing worthy affecting in the world : for they thinke godlinesse is a great gaine , if a man be content with that he hath . they doe good , being rich in good workes , and ready to distribute , and communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come , that they may obtaine eternall life . yea , they have not only learned in whatsoever state they are , therewith to be content , but wholly to relinquish both selfe and state to advance the glory of god. but it may be now well objected , that these men whereof we now treat , are fitter for a cell than a court , and therefore too regular masters , to have young gentlemen for their schollers : for how should these , whose education hath beene liberty , conversation publike society , and who hold good fellowship an appendice to gentry , betake themselves to such strictnesse , as to be deprived of common aire , live remote from all company , passing the remainder of their dayes in a wildernesse , as if they had committed some egregious fact that deserved such severe penance ? mistake me not , my meaning is much otherwise : for as i would not have gentlemen libertines , so i would not have them hermits ; for the first , as they are too prodigally secular , so the latter are too severely regular . neither am i ignorant how a * cloister may be no lesse shelter unto error , than a more publike place of delight or pleasure . but my discourse touching this contemplative perfection , was purposely to draw the curtaine from before the picture , and to shew to their eye that faire idaea , or feature which hath beene so long shadowed ; i meane the faire and beautifull structure of the inward man , which so long as it is darkened with these bleere-eyed leahs , these objects of vanity , cannot enjoy it selfe , but peece-meale , as it were , divided from it selfe , seemes wholly deprived of life , for a heart divided cannot live . and what are these objects of vanity , whereon the eye of your contemplation is usually fixed , but those soule-soiling sores of this land , pride and voluptuousnesse ? with what greedinesse will a young gallants eye gaze upon some new or phantasticke fashion , wishing ( o vaine wish ! ) that he had but the braines to have invented such a fashion , whereby he might have given occasion to others of imitation and admiration ? with what insatiablenesse , will he fix his eye upon some light affected curtezan , whose raiment is her onely ornament , and whose chiefest glory is to set at sale her adulterate beauty ? no street , no corner but gives him objects which drawes his eye from that choicest object , whereon his whole delight should be seated : no place so obscure , wherein his contemplative part is not on the view of forbidden objects greedily fixed . how requisite then were it for you , young gentlemen , whose aymes are more noble than to subject them to these unworthy ends , to take a view sometimes of such absolute patternes of contemplative perfection , as have excelled in this kinde ? but because a three-fold cord is hardly broken , i will recommend unto your consideration a three-fold meditation , the daily use and exercise whereof may bring you to a more serious view of your owne particular estate . first is , the worthinesse of the soule ; secondly , the unworthines of earth ; thirdly , thankefulnes unto god , who made man the worthiest creature upon earth . for the first : what is she , and in glory how surpassing is she ( to use the selfe-same words which an holy father useth ) being so strong , so weake , so small , so great , searching the secrets of god , and contemplating those things which are of god , and with her piercing wit is knowne to have attained the skill of many arts for humane profit and advantage ? what is shee , i say , who knoweth so much in other things , and to what end they were made , yet is wholly ignorant how herselfe was made ? a princesse surely ; for as a queene in her throne , so is the soule in the body ; being the life of the body , as god is the life of the soule ; being of such dignity , as no good , but the supreme good , may suffice it ; of such liberty , as no inferiour thing may restraine it . how then is the soule of such worthinesse , as no exteriour good may suffice it , nor no inferiour thing restraine it ? how comes it then , that it stoopes to the lure of vanity , as one forgetfull of her owne glory ? how comes it then to be so fledged in the * bird-lime of inferiour delights , as nothing tasteth so well to her palate , as the delights of earth ? surely , either she derogates much from what she is , or there is more worthinesse on earth , than wee hold there is . having then taken a short view of the dignity or worthinesse of the soule ; let us reflect a little upon the unworthinesse of earth , and see if we can finde her worthy the entertainment of so glorious a princesse . earth , as it is an heavie element , and inclineth naturally downward , so it keeps the earthly minded moule from looking upward . there is nothing in it which may satisfie the desire of the outward senses , much lesse of the inward . for neither is the eye satisfied with seeing , be the object never so pleasing , nor the eare with hearing , be the accent never so moving , nor the pallat with tasting , be the cates never so relishing , nor the nose with smelling , be the confection never so perfuming , nor the hand with touching , be the subject never so affecting . and for those sugred pills of pleasure , though sweet , how short are they in continuance , and how bitter , being ever attended on by repentance ? and for honours , those snow-balls of greatnesse , how intricate the wayes by which they are attained , and how sandie the foundation wheron they are grounded ? how unworthy then is earth to give entertainment to so princely a guest , having nothing to bid her welcome withall , but the refuse and rubbish of uncleannesse , the garnish or varnish of lightnesse ? for admit this guest were hungrie , what provision had earth to feed her with , but the huskes of vanity ? if thirstie , what to refresh her with , but with worme-wood of folly ? if naked , what to cloath her with , but the cover of mortality ? if imprisoned , how to visit her , but with fetters of captivity ? or if sicke , how to comfort her , but with additions of misery ? since then , the worthinesse of the soule is such , as earth is too unworthy to entertaine her , expedient it were that she had recourse to him that made her , and with all thankefulnesse tender herselfe unto him , who so highly graced her . let man therefore in the uprightnesse of a pure and sincere soule weaned from earth , and by contemplation already sainted in heaven , say ; what shall i render unto thee , o my god , for so great benefits of thy mercy ? what praises , or what thanksgiving ? for if the knowledge and power of the blessed angels were presen● with me to assist mee , yet were i not able to render ought worthy of so great piety and goodnesse , as i have received from thee : yea surely , if all my members were turned into tongues to render due praise unto thee , in no case would my smalnesse suffice to praise thee , for thy inestimable charitie which thou hast shewne to me unworthy one , for thy onely love and goodnesse sake , exceedeth all knowledge . neither is it meet that the remembrance of a benefit should be limitted by day or date ; but as the benefits we receive are daily , so should our thankfulnes be expressed daily , lest by being unthankfull , god take his benefits from us , and bestow them on such as will be thankfull . and let this suffice for the contemplative part of perfection ; descending briefly to that part , which makes the contemplative truly perfect by action . we are now to treat of that , which is easier to discourse of than to finde : for men naturally have a desire to know all things , but to doe nothing ; so easie is the contemplative in respect of the active , so hard the practicke in respect of the speculative . how many shall we observe daily , propounding sundry excellent observations , divine instructions , and christian-like conclusions touching contempt of the world , wherein this active perfection principally consisteth , yet how farre short come they in their owne example : so easie it is to propound matter of instruction to others , so hard to exemplifie that instruction in themselves ? this may be instanced in that ruler in the gospell , who avouched his integritie and perfection , concluding , that hee had kept all those commandements which christ recounted to him , from his youth up : yet when christ said unto him , sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poore , and thou shalt have treasure in heaven , and come follow me : we reade , he was very sorrowfull ; for he was very rich . so miserable and inextricable is the worldlings thraldome , when neither the incertainty of this life , nor those certaine promises made unto him , in hope of a better life , can weane him from the blinde affection of earth . necessary therefore it is , that he , who desires to attaine this active perfection , unto which all good men labour , moderate his desires towards such things as hee hath not , and addresse himselfe to an indifferencie of losing those things which hee already hath : for he , whose desires are extended to more than hee enjoyes , or who too exceedingly admires what hee now enjoyes , can never attaine that high degree of active perfection . the reason is , no man whose content is seated on these externall flourishes of vanity , can direct his contemplation , or erect the eye of his affection to that eternall sunne of verity , whom to enjoy , is to enjoy all true perfection ; and of whom to be deprived , is to taste the bitternesse of deepest affliction . now , how are we to enjoy him ? not by knowledge only , or contemplation ; but by seconding or making good our knowledge by action : for we know , that there is a woe denounced on him , who knoweth the will of his father and doth it not ; when neither his knowledge can plead ignorance , nor want of understanding in the law of god , simplicity or blindnesse . wee are therefore not only to know , but doe ; know , lest ignorance should misguide us ; doe , lest our knowledge should accuse us . behovefull therefore were it for us to observe that excellent precept of holy ierome : so live ( saith hee ) that none may have just cause to speake ill of you . now , there is nothing which may procure this good report sooner , than labouring to avoid all meanes of scandall ; as consorting with vitious men , whose noted lives bring such in question as accompany them . this was the cause ( as i formerly noted ) why saint iohn would not stay in the bath wih the hereticke corinthus . o how many , and with much griefe i speake it , have we knowne in this little iland , well descended , with choicest gifts of nature accomplished , of their owne disposition well affected , who by consorting with inordinate men have given reines to libertie , and blasted those faire hopes , which their friends and country had planted on them ! how requisite then is it , for every one whose thoughts ayme at perfection , to consort with such as may better him , and not deprave him ; informe him , and not corrupt him ? for if there be a kinde of resemblance betwixt the diseases of the body , and the vices or enormities of the minde ; what especiall care are we to take , lest by keeping company with those who are already depraved , wee become likewise infected ? men would be loth to enter any house that is suspected only to be infected ; which if at unawares they have at any time entred , they presently make recourse to the apothecary to receive some soveraigne receit to expell it . and if men be so afraid lest this house , the bodie , which like a shaken building menaceth ruine daily , should perish , what great respect ought to be had to the soule , which is the guest of the body ? shall corruption be so attended and tendred , and the precious image of incorruption lessened and neglected ? god forbid ; specious or gorgeous sepulchres are not so to be trimmed , that the cost bestowed on them should cause the divine part to be wholly contemned . to remove which contempt ( if any 〈◊〉 there be ) i will recommend to your devoutest meditation these two particulars . first , who it was that made us : secondly , for what end he made us : to which two briefly , we intend to referre the series of this present discourse . for the first , we are to know that no man is his owne maker : it is he that made us , who made all things for us , that they might minister unto us and to our necessity , ordaining these for our service , and himselfe for our solace . he it is who hath subjected all things to the feet of man , that man might wholly become subject unto him : yea , and that man might become wholly his , he gave man absolute dominion over all those workes of his ; creating all outward things for the body , the body for the soule , and the soule for himselfe . and to what end ? even to this end , that man might only intend him , onely love him , possessing him to his solace , but inferiour things to his service . now , to dilate a little upon this great worke of our creation , we may collect from sacred scripture a foure-fold creation or generation . the first in adam , who came neither of man nor woman ; the second in eue , who came of man without woman ; the third in christ , who came not of man but woman : the fourth in us , who came both of man and woman . for the first , as he had from earth his creation , so it shewed the weaknesse of his composition , the vilenesse of his condition , with the certainty of his dissolution . for the second , as she had from man her forming , so it figured their firmenesse of union , inseparable communion , and inviolable affection . for the third , as he came only of woman , so he promised by the seed of the woman , to bruise the serpents head , who had deceived woman , and restore man to the state of grace , from which he had fallen by meanes of a woman . for the fourth , as we came both from man and woman , so we bring with us into the world that originall sinne , which we derive both from man and woman , the sting whereof cannot be rebated , but only through 〈◊〉 , who became man borne of a woman . but in this great worke of our creation , we are not to observe so much the matter , as quality and nature of our creation . for the matter of our creation , or that whereof we be composed , what is it but vile earth , slime and corruption ? so as , howsoever we appeare beautifull , specious and amiable in the sight of man , whose eye is fixed on the externall part , yet when the oile of our lampe is consumed , and wee to dust and ashes reduced , we shall deserve no better inscription than this ; behold a specious and pretious shrine covering a stinking corps ! wherefore ought wee to observe the internall part , and the especiall glory wee receive by it : for hereby are we distinguished in the quality of our creation , from all other creatures , who governe their actions by sense onely , and not by reason . hence it was that , that divine philosopher gave god thankes for three especiall bounties conferred on him : first was , for that god had created him a reasonable creature , and no brute beast ; secondly , for creating him a man , and no woman ; thirdly , for that he was a grecian , and no barbarian . this it was which moved that blessed and learned father saint augustine to breake out into this passionate rapsodie of spirit . thy hand could ( o lord ) have created me a stone , or a bird , or a serpent , or some brute beast : and this it knew , but it would not for thy goodnesse sake . this it was which forced from that devout and zealous father this emphaticall discourse or intercourse rather with god ; who upon a time walking in his garden , and beholding a little worme creeping and crawling upon the ground , presently used these words ; deare lord , thou might'st have made me like this worme , a crawling despicable creature , but thou would'st not , and it was thy mercy that thou would'st not ; o , as thou has● ennobled me with the image of thy selfe , make me conformable to thy self , that of a worm i may become an angel ; of a vassall of sin ▪ a vessell of sion , of a shell of corruption , a star of glory in thy heavenly mansion . and in truth , there is nothing which may move us to a more serious consideration of gods gracious affection towards us , than the very image which we carry about us : preferring us not only before all the rest of his creatures in soveraignty and dominion , but also in an amiable similitude , feature , and proportion ; whereby we become not only equall , but even superiour unto angells , because man was god , and god man , and no angell . to whom are wee then to make recourse to , as the author of our creation , save god , whose hand hath made and fashioned us , whose grace hath ever since directed and prevented us , and whose continued love ( for whom he loveth , he loveth unto the end ) hath ever extended it selfe in ample manner towards us ? how frivolous then and ridiculous were their opinions , who ascribed the creation of all things to the elements , as anaximenes to the piercing aire ; hippeas to the fleeting water ; zeno to the purifying fire ; zenophanes to the lumpish earth ? how miserably were these blinded , and how notably evinced by that learned father , who speaking in the persons of all these elements , and of all other his good creatures , proceedeth in this sort ? i tooke my compasse , ( saith he , speaking to god ) in the survey of all things , seeking thee , and for all things relinquishing my selfe . i asked the earth if it were my god , and it said unto me that it was not , and all things in it confessed the same . i asked the sea , and the depths , and the creeping things in them , and they answered , we are not thy god , seeke him above us . i asked the breathing aire , and the whole aire , with all the inhabitants thereof made answer : anaximenes is deceived , i am not thy god. i asked the heaven , sun , moone and stars : neither are wee thy god , answered they . and i spake to all these who stand about the gates of my flesh , tell me what you know concerning my god , tell mee something of him : and they cryed out with a great voice , he made us . then i asked the whole frame and fabricke of this world , tell me if thou be my god ? and it answered with a strong voyce , i am not , said it , but by him i am , whom thou seekest in mee , hee it was that made mee , seeke him above me , who governeth me , who made me . the interrogation of the creatures is the profound consideration of them , and their answer the witnesse they beare of god , because all things cry , god hath made us : for as the apostle saith , the invisible things of god are visibly to be understood by those things which are made , by the creatures of the world . thus wee understand the author of our creation , of whom seriously to meditate , and with due reverence to contemplate , is to die to all earthly cogitations , which delude the sinne-belulled soule with extravagancies . and let this suffice for the first memoriall or consideration , to wit , who it was that made us ; we are now to descend to the second particular , which is , for what end he made us . he who rested not till he had composed and disposed in an absolute order of this vniverse , proposed us an example that we should imitate : so long as we are pilgrims here on earth ; so long as we are sojourners in this world , wee may not enjoy our spirituall sabbath ; wee may stay a little and breath under the crosse , after the example of our best master , but rest wee may not . for what end then did he make us ? that we might live such lives as may please him , and die such deaths as may praise him ; lives blamelesse and unreproveable ; lives sanctified throughout , pure without blemish , fruitfull in example , plentifull in all holy duties , and exercised in the workes of charitie , that he who begetteth in us both the will and the worke , may present us blamelesse at his comming . now , that our lives may become acceptable unto him , to whose glory they ought to be directed , we are in this taberna●le of clay to addresse our selves to those studies , exercises and labours , which may benefit the church or common-weale , ministring matter unto others of imitation , to our soules of consolation , and in both to gods name of glorification : wherein appeareth a maine difference betwixt the contemplative and active part : for sufficient it is not to know , acknowledge and confesse the divine majesty ; to dispute or reason upon high points touching the blessed trinitie ; to be rapt up to the third heaven ( as it were ) by the wings of contemplation ; but to addresse our selves to an actuall performance of such offices and peculiar duties , as we are expresly injoyned by the divine law of god. our lord in the gospell , when the woman said , blessed is the wombe that bare thee , and the brests that gave thee sucke : answered , yea , rather blessed are they that heare the word of god , and keepe it . and when one of the iewes told him that his mother and brethren stood without , desiring to speake with him ; he answered , and said unto him , that told him , who is my mother ? and who are my brethren ? and stretching forth his hand toward his disciples , he said , behold my mother and my brethren : for whosoever shall doe the will of my father which is in heaven , the same is my brother , and sister , and mother . it is not knowledge then , but practice which presents us blamelesse before god. therefore are we exhorted to worke out our salvation with feare and trembling . not to idle out our time in the market-place , as such who make their life a repose or cessation from all labours , studies , or vertuous intendments . of which sort those are , ( and too many of those there are ) who advanced to great fortunes by their provident ancestors , imagine it a taske worthy men of their places , to passe their time in pastime , and imploy their dayes in an infinite consumption of mis-spent houres , for which they must be accomptants in that great assize , where neither greatnesse shall be a subt●●●●g to guiltinesse , nor their descent plead privilege for those many houres they have mis-spent . o how can they answer for so many vaine and fruitlesse pleasures , which they have enjoyed , and with all greedinesse embraced in this life ? many they shall have to witnesse against them , none to answer for them : for their stoves , summer arbours , refectories , and all other places wherein they enjoyed the height of delight , shall be produced against them , to tax them of sensuall living , and witnesse against them their small care of observing the end for which they were made . o gentlemen , you whose hopes are promising , your more excellent endowments assuring , and your selves as patternes unto others appearing , know , that this perfection whereof we now intreat , is not acquired by idling or sensuall delighting of your selves in carnall pleasures , which darken and eclypse the glory or lustre of the soule , but in labouring to mortifie the desires of the flesh , which is ever levying and levelling her forces against the spirit ! now this mortification can never be attained by obeying , but resisting and impugning the desires of the flesh . wherefore , the onely meanes to bring the flesh to perfect subjection , is to crosse her in those delights which shee most affecteth . doth she delight in sleepe and rest ? keepe her waking ; takes she content in meats and drinkes ? keepe her craving ; takes she solace in company ? use her to privacie and retiring ; takes shee liking to ease ? inure her to labouring : briefly , in whatsoever shee is delighted , let her be alwayes thwarted ; so shall you enjoy the most rest , when she enjoyes the least . hence it was that saint ierome , that excellent patterne of holy discipline , counselleth the holy virgin demetrias , to eschew idlenesse : exhorting her withall , that having done her prayers , shee should take in hand wooll and weaving , after the commendable example of dorcas , that by such change or variety of workes , the day might seeme lesse tedious , and the assaults of satan lesse grievous . neither did this divine father advise her to worke , because she was in poverty , or by this meanes to sustaine her family ; for she was one of the most noble and eminent women in rome , and richest ; wherefore her want was not the cause which pressed him to this exhortation , but this rather , that by this occasion of exercising herselfe in these laudable and decent labour , she should thinke of nothing , but such as properly pertained unto the service of god : which place he concludeth in this manner . i speake generally , no rayment , ornament , or habit whatsoever shall seeme precious in christs sight ; but that which thou makest thy selfe , either for thine owne peculiar use , or example of other virgins , or to give unto thy grand-mother , or thy mother , no , though thou distribute all thy goods unto the poore . see how expresly this noble woman was injoyned to her taske , that by intending herselfe to labour , shee might give lesse way unto errour . certainly , as mans extremity is gods opportunity , so the devils opportunity is mans security : we are then principally to take heed lest we give way to the incursion of satan , by our security of life and conversation . and what is it that begetteth this security , but idlenesse , which may be termed , and not improperly , the soules lethargie ? for nothing can be more opposite to this actuall perfection , than restor vacancy ; we say , vertue consisteth in action ; how then may we be said to be favourers , followers , or furtherers of vertue , when wee surcease from action , which is the life , light , and subsistence of vertue ? wherfore , as it is little to reade or gather , but to understand and to reduce to forme what we reade , gather or understand ; for this is the ornament of art , the argument of labour : so it is little or to no purpose , that wee know , conceive or apprehend , unlesse we make a fruitfull use of that knowledge by serious practice , to the benefit of our selves and others . i have knowne divers physitians , some whereof were of great practice , but small reading ; others of great reading , but small practice ; and i have heard sundry men of sufficient judgement confidently averre , that in cases of necessity they had rather hazard their lives in the hand of the practicke than theoricke : and their reason was this ; though the practick had not exercised himselfe in the perusall of bookes , he had gained him experience in the practice of cures ; and that the body of his patient was the onely booke within his element . to which assertion i will neither assent , nor wholly dissent ; for as he that practiseth before he know , may sooner kill than cure ; so he who knoweth , and seldome or never practiseth , must of necessity , to get him experience , kill before he cure . but sure i am , that many ignorant lay-men , whose knowledge was little more than what nature bestowed on them , by means of regular discipline , and powerfull subduing of their owne affections , have become absolute men ; being such as reached to as high a pitch of actuall perfection , as ever the learned'st or profoundest man in the world attained : for it is neither knowledge nor place , but the free gift of gods grace , which enableth the spirituall man to this perfection . now , forasmuch as not to goe forward , is to goe backward ; and that there be two solstices in the suns motion , but none in times revolution , or in a christians progression : the only meanes to attaine this actuall perfection , at least some small measure or degree therein , is every night to haue our ephemerides about with us , examining our selves what we have done that day ; how far we have profited , wherein benefited our spirituall knowledge . againe , wherein have we reformed our life , or expressed our love to christ by communicating to the necessitie of his saints . by which means , we shall in short time observe what remaines unreformed ; esteeming it the sweetest life , every day to better our life . but principally , are we to looke to our affections which rise and rage in us ; and like the snake in the fable , pester and disturbe the inner house of man : for these are they , which ( as saint basil saith ) rise up in a drunken man ( drunke i meane with all spirituall fornication ) like a swarme of bees buzzing on every side . when the affections of men are troubled , they change them like circes cups , from men to beasts . neither is it so ill to be a beast , as for man to live like a beast . o then , let us have an eye to our affections ; let them be planted , where they may be duly seasoned ! earth makes them distastefull ; let them be fixed then in heaven , the only thought whereof will cause them to be delightfull . and to conclude this branch ; it will not be amisse for us , to counterpoize our affections ( if wee finde them at any time irregular ) with weights of contrary nature ; as if we finde our selves naturally affected to pride ( that luciferian sinne ) to counterpoise it with motives of humilitie ; as the vilenesse of our condition , basenesse of our composition , and weaknesse of our constitution : or naturally inclined to covetousnesse ( that mammons sin ) to give , though the gift afflict vs , liberally , that our forced bounty may in time weane us from our in-bred misery : if of grating oppression , or grinding extortion ( that ahabs sin ) let us make restitution with good zacheus , and though we cannot doe it so frankly as he did , yet let us doe it as freely as we may ; that our restitution may in some sort answer for our former oppression : if of excesse in fare and gluttony ( that dives sinne ) let us so moderate our delight in feeding , that our delight may be to sustaine nature , and not oppresse her with exceeding : if of lust or sensuality ( that ammons sinne ) where that sin may abound , the sense is obey'd , let us subject all our delights to the government of reason , and reason to the soveraignty of grace , that the flesh may be resisted in what it most affecteth , and in that seconded , wherein it least delighteth : if of envie , ( that serpentin● sinne ) let us entertaine brotherly love , for envie can beare no sway where love raigneth : if of wrath ( that cains sin ) embrace patience ; so shall fury be suppressed , where patience is lodged : if of sloth , ( the sluggards sinne ) let us inure our selves to some exercise that may most delight us , so in time wee may become exercised in taskes of greater difficultie : being first from sloth weaned , afterwards to greater labours inured . thus to fight were to vanquish ; thus to enter lists , were to reape spirituall solace ; for through him should we triumph , who sees us fighting , cheeres us failing , and crownes us conquering . and this shall suffice to have been spoken of the active part of perfection , purposing according to our former method , to compare the contemplative and active together ; the parts or properties of both which being duly examined , it shall more plainly appeare how the active is to be preferred . it is a barren faith , we say , that is not attended on by good workes ; and no lesse fruitlesse is that knowledge which is exercised only in contemplation , and never in action . we are therefore with elizeus to have a double spirit ; a spirit that as well doeth , as teacheth ; not only a profering of words , but also an offering of works . so as , it is not breathing or moving , or talking , which argue a spirituall life ; but abounding plentifully in all holy duties , expressing those effectuall and powerfull fruits of a living faith by workes of charity and obedience , which may any way tend to the glorifying of god , edifying our neighbour , or conforming our selves to him , whose image we beare . now , as there is no confort comparable to the testimony of a good conscience , being that inseparable companion which shall attend us to glory or confusion 〈◊〉 there is no punishment , torment or affliction so grievous as shame ; which deriveth the cause , ground , and beginning , either from doing that which we ought not , or from not doing that which we ought : as the comfort we reape from the testimony of a good conscience , deriveth properly the primary cause and effect from doing that which we ought , and abstaining from doing that which wee ought not . and what be those works which are principally commended unto us , but works of charitie and devotion ? for to our owne soules ( saith a devout father ) shall we be right acceptable and gratefull , if we compassionate the estate of our poore brother , by being mercifull : yea , there is nothing that commendeth more a christian man , or argueth a christian-like affected minde , than to shew compassion to those that are afflicted . for in this there is a resemblance betwixt the creature and creator , loving , as he himselfe loved ; shewing compassion , as hee shewed . o let me commend this so commendable and generous a quality , to your admittance , gentlemen ! for beleeve mee , there is no one property that shall better accomplish you , no armory that may more truly deblazon you : for it is a badge of gentry to shew compassion towards misery . what profit shall you reape , if having only superficially read some treatise tending to the comfort of such as are either in body afflicted , or in minde perplexed , or in both distressed ; if you apply not these directions of comfort to them thus miserably dejected ? what reward , i say , shall you receive , upon the account by you given , of the sicke which you have visited ; when having knowne how to comfort men in their affliction , you have not ministred the least comfort to them in their visitation ? or when you shall be demanded , where are the hungrie which you have refreshed , the thirstie whose thirst you have quenched , the naked whom you have cloathed , the miserable oppressed soule whose case you have not 〈◊〉 pitied but redressed ? and you shall answer , how you did indeed visit them , but minister small comfort unto them ; you knew them to be oppressed , and the way to redresse them , but other occasions detained you , as you could not releeve them : nay rather , have you not added worme-wood to their affliction ? have you not surfetted in their suffering , fatned your selves in their famishing , and raised your states by their ruine ? were not your tables stored , when they were starved ; did not you feast , when they fasted ; did it not affect you to see them afflicted ? if at any time you felt this in your selves , let the dolefull remembrance thereof produce torrents of teares from your distreaming eyes ; supply your manifold misdeeds with many almes-deeds ; your transgressions with compassions ; your oppression with foure-fold restitution ; that your sin may no more be had in remembrance : yea , let me use that exhortation to you , which a learned father used upon like occasion ; let charitie smite your bowels ; see not the image of your redeemer disgraced , but forth with labour to right him ; see him not oppressed , but to your power redresse him ; see him not starve , if you have bread to releeve him ; or thirsty , if you have drinke to refresh him ; or naked , if you have a garment to cloath him ; or in any sort distressed , if you have meanes to succour him . oh consume not that on prodigality , which might procure the prayers of many poore soules for you ! their prayers are your praises ; their morning and evening sacrifice , way-marks to direct you unto paradise : take heed then you offend none of these little ones , but cheere them ; be not as thornes in their eyes , or prickes in their sides , but minister all necessary comfort unto them . now , if this appeare a matter of difficultie , pretending that the supportance of your state exacts so much of you , as you can reserve nothing to exhibite upon these workes of charity ; heare me whosoever thou 〈◊〉 makest this objection : be provoked , o christian , be provoked by the widow of sarepta to this encounter ! encounter i call it , because the flesh suggests sundry occasions to avert thee from it . that charitable widow , though shee had but a little meale , shee imparted of that little to a prophet ; though shee had but a little oile , yet shee freely bestowed it to refresh a prophet . the woman of samaria , when iesus said unto her , give me to drinke , answered ; how is it that thou being a iew , askest drinke of me , which am a woman of samaria ? sundrie such like answers will flesh and bloud make , to dispence with workes of charitie : or like the answer of churlish nabal ; who is david , and who is the sonne of iesse ? there be many servants now adayes , that breake away every man from his master : shall i then take my bread and my water , and my flesh which i have killed for my shearers , and give it unto men , whom i know not whence they be ? o let not these objections divert the current of thy compassion ! eye not so much his countrey , whether neighbour-borne , or a stranger , as his countenance , the expresse image of thy saviour . but to descend to some reasons , why the active part of perfection is to be preferred before the contemplative ; this amongst others is the most effectuall and impregnable . in that great day of account , when the sealed booke of our secretest sinnes shall be unsealed , our privatest actions discovered , our closest and subtillest practices displayed , and the whole inside of man uncased ; it shall not be demanded of us , what knew we , but what did we . fitting therefore it were to prefer action before knowledge in this life , being so infallibly to be preferred after this life . howbeit , greater is their shame , and sharper ( doubtlesse ) shall be their censure , whose education in all arts divine and humane hath enabled them for discourse , fitted or accommodated them for managements publike or private ; yet they , giving reines to liberty , invert their knowledge to depraved ends , either making no use of such noble and exquisite indowments , or which is worse , imploying them to the satisfaction of their owne illimited desires . o happy had these beene , if they had never knowne the excellence of learning , for ignorance is to be preferred before knowledge loosely perverted ! yea but , will some object , i cannot see how any one should observe a law before they know it ; wherefore , as i thinke , knowledge is to be preferred , because by knowledge is action directed . it is true indeed , knowledge directs and instructs , for otherwise we should grope in darknesse ; neither doe i exclude all knowledge , but admit so much as may instruct man sufficiently in matters of faith ; put him in remembrance of heaven , whose joyes are ineffable ; of hell , whose pains are intollerable ; of the last judgement , whose sentence is irrevocable . so as i exclude only this grosse ignorance , or blinde paganisme , for to these is the way to heaven closed , because they are divided from that light , without which the celestial way cannot be discerned . wheras then i have so much insisted heretofore upon the contemplative part of perfection ; my ayme was to shew how those , who continued in a contemplative and solitary life , sequestring themselves from the cares and company of this world , doubtlesly conceived ineffable comfort in that sweet retirement : yet in regard they lived not in the world , the world was not bettered by their example . but in this active perfection , where the active part no lesse than contemplative is required , we intend those who doe not only know , but doe ▪ and in the actions of this life , use to make their lights so shine before men , that they may see their good workes . yea but , it may be againe objected , all sinnes be properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and beare the name of ignorance ; how then may wee exclude any knowledge ? every sinne indeed implyes an ignorance of the creature towards the creator ; which ignoran●● imports rather a forgetfulnesse . for admit a man should steale , commit perjury , or any such act contrary to the expresse will and commandement of god ; it were to be imagined , that this breach or transgression of the divine law , proceeded not of ignorance : for he could not chuse but know , that consent to any of these incurred the breach of his law : but rather it may be said , he had not god before his eyes , but out of a wilfull forgetfulnesse , violated the ordinances of god. but to conclude this branch in a word , the active is to be preferred before the contemplative , for two respects ; the first whereof hath relation to our selves ; the second to others . to our selves ; having account to make for the actions of our life ; how we have imployed or bestowed those talents which he hath lent us ; what use , profit , or benefit we have made of them ; in what spirituall affaires have we beene exercised , in what holy duties trained ! have we not preferred private profit before the testimony of a good conscience ? have we not laboured to inhaunce our means by sinister and indirect courses ? have wee not withdrawne our hand from releeving our needfull brother , or defrauded the labourer of his wages ? have wee not consorted with the evill doer , and encouraged him in his sinne ? have we not hindred some pious worke tending to the honour of god , and imitable for example of others ? have we propagated the gospel , comforted sion when shee mourned , repaired those breaches which were in her , and received those in peace which blessed her ? have we only sought the kingdome of god , and the righteousnesse thereof ; esteemed godlinesse to be great riches ; left our selves and all , to be followers of him who gave us dominion over all ? if we have done this , as we are here in the alpha of grace , we shall be there in the omega of glory : here initiate , there consummate ; but having knowne the will of our father , and done it not ; read principles or instructions of a good life , and observ'd them not ; conversant in deepe mysteries , and applied them not ; studied in all arts and sciences , and practised them not ; how miserable is our knowledge , pronouncing on us a heavier judgement ! wherefore in respect of our selves , whether our knowledge be great or little , if our conversation be not in heaven , though our habitation , during our pilgrimage , be on earth ; our knowledge is but as a tinckling cymball , and shall smally availe us before the high tribunall . for knew we the power and vertue of all creatures , of all plants and vegetive bodies , from the cedar of lebanon , to the hyssop upon the wall , yet were this knowledge fruitlesse , being not seconded by a life conformable to that knowledge . § . secondly , in respect of others ; action is the life of man , and example the direction of his life . how much then doe such men prejudice those who live in the world , that betake themselves to a private or retired life , estranged from humane societie , and ending their dayes in some solitary cave , as men divided from the world ! for howsoever their manner of life be religious , their discipline strict and rigorous , and in their devotion fervent and zealous ; yet they deprive others of the benefit , which they might reape by their example . wherefore most safe and sure it is ( to use the words of a judicious author ) for those who have a desire to take upon them a solitary life , to retire and withdraw their affections before they withdraw their bodies from the world , and to force the world to flie from their minde , before they flie the world ; lest going out of the world , they carry about with them the world . for as he may live ill , who liveth apart from the societie of men ; even so , though they flie not into the wildernesse , yet may they flie the world , and amidst the crowd of people live solitary by an inward contemplation of the supernall glory ; and in midst of a clamorous court conferre with themselves , and converse with god : in the meane time , whatsoever they know or can doe , that may any way tend to the common good , benefit or utilitie of humane societie , to effect it accordingly , and not bury that talent in the ground , which they have received from above ; which rule they are to observe after the example of the most holy and excellent men of both orders , ecclesiasticall ( i say ) and secular . thus farre have wee proceeded in the examination or discussion of these two especiall parts of perfection , contemplative and active ; wherein by manifest and infallible arguments wee have proved , how the active part is to be preferred , both in respect of our selves and others ; because a life well acted shall minister most comfort to our selves , besides that light of example which it yeelds unto others . now as the active is preferred , it resteth that wee shew you wherein this active part of perfection consisteth ; which discovered , that whereof wee treat , and would gladly finde , may be the sooner attained . there is no building , which , as it relies on a foundation , consists not of some materiall composition ; no body but it consists of nerves , arteries or sinewes , which cement the lineaments together ; no confection which consists not of some simples , for otherwise it were not mixed , but simple and uncompounded . the like may be said of this choice and exquisite confection , this active part ( i meane ) of perfection . for as all rivers tend to the sea , to make one ocean ; all creatures to make one vniverse ; so all vertues aime at perfection , which once attained , they surcease from action . now in this discourse of active perfection , the period of man , wee doe not meane of that absolute perfection or accomplishment , which admitteth no blemish or imperfection : for wee are to seeke that above us , not below us ; for our righteousnesse , justice , and perfection is such in this life , as it rather consisteth in the remission of sinnes , than perfection of vertues . yea we sinne daily ; so as properly wee can attribute nothing to our owne strength but weaknesse , to our owne abilitie but infirmnesse , to our resolves but uncertainnesse , to our wills but untowardnesse , to our affections but depravednesse , nor to the whole progresse of our lives but actuall disobedience . but rather ( i say ) wee meane of that christian perfection , which every one in this tabernacle of clay is to labour for ; that wee may become perfect through him , who became weake that wee might be strengthned , hungry that wee might be nourished , thirsty that wee might be refreshed , disgraced that wee might be honoured ; yea , who became all unto all , that by all meanes he might gaine some . but wherein may this actuall perfection be properly said to consist ? in mortification ; which like the swift gliding torrent of hydaspes , divides or dilates it selfe to two channels ; action , and affection : action in expressing it ; affection in desiring to expresse it action in suffering ; affection in desire of suffering . the one actuating no lesse in will , than the other in worke . where the action being more exemplar , and in that more fruitfull , gives precedencie to affection , which concurres with the act to make the worke more graciously powerfull . for , where a worke of mortification is performed , and a heartie desire or affection to that worke is not adjoyned , that action may be properly said to be enforced , rather than out of a free or willing disposition accepted . now this two-fold mortification extends it selfe properly to these three subjects ; life , name , goods . life , which even humanitie tendreth ; name , which a good man before the sweetest odours preferreth ; goods , on which the worldling , as on the supreme good , relieth . for the first , many excellent and memorable examples of sundry devout and constant servants of christ iesus , are in every place frequent and obvious ; who for the confirmation of their faith , and the testimonie of a good conscience , joyfully and cheerefully laid downe their lives , esteeming it an especiall glory to be thought worthy to suffer for him , who with all constancie suffered , to become an example of patience to them : which were easie to illustrate by the sufferings of many eminent and glorious martyrs . prudentius writeth , that when asclepiades commanded the tormentors to strike romanus on the mouth , the meeke martyr answered ; i thanke thee , o captaine , that thou hast opened unto me many mouthes , whereby i may preach my lord and saviour : tot ●ece laudant ora , quot sunt vulnera : looke how many wounds i have , so many mo●thes i have to praise and laud the lord. ignatius words were these , to witnesse his constancie at the time of his suffering : frumentum sum christi , & per dentes bes●earum molor , ut mundus panis dei inveniar . i am christs corne , and must be grownd by the teeth of wilde beasts , that i may become pure manchet for the lord. it is reported that blessed laurence , being laid upon the grediron , used these words to his tormentors : turne and cut , it is enough . saint andrew , when he went to be crucified , was so rapt with joy , as hee rejoyced unmeasurably in that blessed resemblance of his masters death . blessed bartholomew willingly lost his skin for his sake , who had his skinne scourged , that hee might be solaced . iohn dranke a cup of po●son , to pledge his master in a cup of affliction . thus laurences gridiron , andrewes crosse , bartholomews skin , iohns cup , expressed their mortification , by a willing surrender of their life , for his sake , who was the lord of life : yea , should we survey those strange invented torments , during the bloudy issue of the ten persecutions , which were contrived by those inhumane assacinates , whose hands were deepe-died in the bloud of the saints , wee should no lesse admire the constancie of the persecuted suffering , than the cruelty of the persecutors inflicting : what rackes , hookes , harrowes , tongs , forkes , stakes were purposely provided to torment the constant and resolute professours of the truth , wearying the tormentors rather with tormenting , than abating any part of their constancie in the height and heat of their tormenting : yea , they were solaced in the time when they suffered ; esteeming * death to be such a passage , as might give them convoy to a more glorious heritage . neither did these blessed professors of the faith , receive comfort by the eye of their meditation firmely fixed on heaven , but by the compassion and princely commiseration of divers eminent and victorious emperours bearing soveraignty then on earth . constantine the great used to kisse the eye of paphnutius , which was bored out in m●●ciminus time . the like noble and princely compassion we reade to have beene shewed by titus , trajan , theodosius , and many other princes graciously affected towards the poore afflicted and persecuted christians : yea , god moved the hearts of those , who naturally are most remorselesse or obdurate , in commiserating the estate of his afflicted . which may appeare by the iaylor in the acts , who washed saint pauls stripes and wounds . o how comfortable were these passions or passages of affliction ; these tortures or torments , the trophies of their persecution ▪ the blessed memoriall whereof shall extend the date of time , receiving a crowne of him , who is the length of dayes . so , as king alexanders stagges were knowne an hundred yeares together by those golden collars , which by the kings commandement were put about their neckes ; or as king arthurs bodie being taken up somewhat more than six hundred yeares after his death , was knowne to be his by nothing so much , as by the prints of ten severall wounds which appeared in his skull ; so these glorious stampes of their passion , shall appeare as trophies to them in the day of exaltation ; because , as they lost their lives for the testimony of the gospell , they shall finde them recorded in the booke of life , receiving the crowne of consolation , for the deep draught which they tooke of the cup of affliction . and reason there is , we should disvalue our l●ves for the profession of our faith , since forlorne and miserable is his life , that is without faith . for if the heathen , whose future hopes were fixed on posterity , and not so much as the least knowledge of eternity , dis-esteemed their lives to gaine them renowne , or propagate their countries glory ; much more cause have we to subject our lives to the censure of death , having hope after death to live in glory . it is reported ; that the body of cadwallo , an antient king of the britains , being embalmed and dressed with sweet confections , was put into a brazen image , and set upon a brazen horse over ludgate , for a terror to the saxons : and zisca , the valiant captaine of the bohemians , commanded that after his decease his skin should be flayed from his bodie , to make a drum , which they should use in their battels , affirming that as soone as the hurgarians ▪ or any other enemies , should heare the sound of that drum , they would not abide but take their flight . this moved scipio to appoint his sepulcher to be so placed , as his image standing upon it , might looke directly towards africa , that being dead , he might still be a terrour to the carthaginians . if respect of pagans to their country , or an eye to popular glory did so inflame them , as their countries love exceeded their love of life , surviving in their death , and leaving monuments of their affection after death : how lightly are we to value the glory of this life , if the losse thereof may advance our fathers glory ; or ought tending to the conservation of this life , being assured by him , whose promises faile not , by such a small losse , to gaine eternity ? now , as it is not the death , but the cause of the death , which makes the martyr ; we are to know , that to die in the maintenance of any heretical opinion is pseudo-martyrdom : for howsoever those arrians , manichees and pelagians ; those macedonians , eutichees and nestorians ; yea , generally all hereticks were constant and resolute enough in seconding and maintaining their erroneous opinions : yet forasmuch as the cause , for which they contended , was heresie , tend it might to their confusion , but never to their glory : for as honey-combes ( saith learned tertullian ) are by waspes composed , so are churches by the marcionists ( and consequently by all heretickes ) disposed : in whose synodals or conventicles , many thousands are perverted , none converted , or to the church of christ faithfully espoused . whereas truth , which may be pressed , but not oppressed , assailed , but never soiled , like the greene bay-tree in the midst of hoarie winter , or a fresh spring in the sandy desart , appeares most glorious , when her adversaries are most malicious ; bearing ever a countenance most cheerefull , when her assailants are most dreadfull . neither only in this glorious act of martyrdome , but in all inferiour workes , the affection of the minde , as well as the action of the man , is to be considered : for god himselfe , who hath an eye rather to the intention than action , will not approve of a good worke done , unlesse it be well done . as for example ; when the pharisie fasted , prayed , gave almes , and payed tithe of all that he possessed , he did good works , but he did not those good workes well : the reason was , he exalted himselfe in his workes , without attributing praise unto him , who is the beginner and perfecter of every good worke : for his fas●s were hypocriticall and not of devotion , his prayers ineffectuall , because they sounded of ostentation , his almes unacceptable , because exhibited only for obseruation , and his 〈◊〉 abominable , being given to celour his secret oppression : for which cause did our 〈◊〉 pronounce a woe upon them , saying , woe unto you pharisies ; for 〈◊〉 tithe mint and rue , and all manner of herbes , and passe 〈◊〉 ●●dgement and the love of god : these ought yee to have done , and not to leave the other vndone . whence it appears , that the worke it selfe was approved , but the manner of doing it reproved ; for that they preferred the tithing of 〈◊〉 and rue before the judgement and love of god ; yea , so they preferred it , as the one was performed , while the other of more serious and consequent importance was omitted . whence we are cautioned , that in our workes of mortification , we doe nothing for any sinister or by-respect ; but only for the glory of god , to whom , as all our actions are properly directed , so are they to have relation onely unto him , if we desire to have them accepted . is it so , that this actuall perfection is to be acquired by mortification , wherein is required not only the action but affection ? and that we are even to lay downe our lives , if the cause so require , to promote the glory of our maker ? tell me then , gentlemen , how farre have yee proceeded in this spirituall progresse ? have yee unfainedly desired to further the honour of god , repaire the ruines of sion , and engage your owne lives for the testimony of a good conscience ? have ye fought the lords battell , and opposed your selves against the enemies of the truth ? have yee shut the doore of your chamber , the doore of your inner parlour , i meane your heart , from the entrance of all earthly affections , sensuall cogitations , and expressed true arguments of mortification , the sooner to attaine this high degree of christian perfection ? have yee made a covenant with your eyes not to looke after the strange woman , a covenant ( i meane ) with your hearts never to lust after her ? have ye weaned your itching and bewitching humours , from affecting forraine and out-landish fashions , which howsoever they be to fashion conformed , they make man of all others most deformed ? have ye done with your reere-suppers , midnight revels , curtaine pleasures , and courting of pictures ? have yee left frequenting court-maskes , tilt-triumphs and enterludes ; boasting of young ladies favours , glorying more in the purchase of a glove , than a captaine in the surprizall of a fort ? have yee cashiered all those companions of death , those seducing consorts of misery , and betaken your selves to the acquaintance of good men , conceiving a setled joy in their society ? o then thrice happy you ! for having honoured god , he will honour you ; having repaired the ruines of sion , he will place you in his heavenly sion ; or engaged your lives for the testimony of a good conscience , hee will invite you to that continuall feast of a peaceable conscience ; or fought the lords battell , hee will say you have fought a good fight , crowning you after your victory on earth , with glory in heaven ; or shut the doore of your chamber , and kept the roome cleane and sweet for your maker , he will come in and sup with you , that you may rejoyce together ; or made a covenant with your eyes not to look after the strange woman , with those eyes yee shall hehold him , who put enmitie between the serpent and the woman ; or weaned your itching and bewitching humours from affecting out-landish fashions , madding after phantasticke habits ( for * stuffe it skils not , whether silken or woollen , so the fashion be civill and not wanton ) you shal be cloathed in long white roabes , and follow the lambe wheresoever he goeth ; or done with your mid-night revels , and court pleasures , you shall be filled with the pleasures of the lords house , and abide in his courts for ever ; or left frequenting maskes , tilt-triumphs and enterludes , the glorious spectacles of vanity , you shall be admitted to those angelicall triumphs , singing heavenly hymnes to the god of glory ; or cashier'd those companions of death ▪ whose end is misery , you shall have the saints for your companions , and share with them in the covenant of mercy . doe yee not hence observe what inestimable comforts are reserved for those who are truly mortified ? mortified , i say , in respect of your contempt to the world , which is expressed by ceasing to love it , before you leave it . who would not then disvalue this life , and all those bitter sweets , which this fraile life affordeth , to possesse those incomparable sweets which every faithfull soule enjoyeth ? yea , but our silken worldling , or delicate wormeling will object ; this discipline is too strict for flesh and bloud to follow . who can endure to yeeld his head to the blocke , or his body to the faggot , when the very sight of death in another , ministers to the beholder motives of terror ? surely , this is nothing , to him that duely considereth , how hee that loseth his life shall save it , but he that saveth his life shall lose it . what is a minutes anguish to an eternity of solace ? wee can endure the launcing or searing of a putrified member , and this endures as long as our time of wrastling with our dissolution , which brings us to our saviour : nor skils it much , what kinde of death wee die , seeing no kinde of death can hurt the righteous , be the terrors and torments of death never so numerous . the way then to contemne death , is to expect it , and so to prepare our selves for it , as if we were this very houre to encounter it ; resolving never to goe with that conscience to our bed , with which we durst not goe to our grave ; being so uncertaine whether before the next morne wee shall be taken out of our bed , and shrouded for our grave . and this shall suffice touching our mortification or contempt of life , if with such a sacrifice wee may be thought worthy to honour him , who gave us life . we are now to speake of mortification in respect of name or report ; wherein , you are to understand , that this is two-fold : first , in turning our eares from such as praise us ; secondly , in hearing with patience such as revile us . for the first , it is and hath beene ever the condition of sober and discreet men to avert their eare from their owne praises ; at least with a modest passing over such vertues as were commendable in them : which modesty appeared in alphonsus prince of aragons answer to an orator , who having repeated a long panegyricall oration in his praise , replied , if that thou hast said consent with truth , i thanke god for it ; if not , i pray god grant me grace that i may doe it . others likewise we reade of , who could not with patience endure their persons or actions to be praised above truth : this princely passion appeared in alexander , who hearing aristobulus , a famous greek historian , read his writings purposely penned upon the memorable acts he had atchieved , wherein he commended him farre above truth : being mightily incensed therewith , threw the booke into the river , as he was sailing over hydaspes , saying withall , he was almost moved to send aristobulus after . neither indeed will any wise man endure to heare himselfe praised above truth , seeing , no lesse aspersion may be laid on his person by being too highly praised , than if he were discommended : for should we praise one for his bountie , who is publikely knowne to the world to be par●●monious ; or for his humility , who is naturally ambitious ; or for his continencie , who is licentious ; our praises would not tend so much to his honour , as to the display of his nature : yea , even he himselfe , guilty in himselfe , would tax us , knowing that he the least of all others deserved these praises from us . it is flattery ( saith one ) to praise in absence ; that is , when either the vertue is absent , or the occasion is absent . but in the report of our owne praise , admit wee should deserve it ; the safest course is to withdraw our eare from hearing it , lest vain-glory transport us upon hearing of those praises which are spoken of us : for if our aymes be only to purchase popular esteeme , preferring the praise of men , before the praise of god , or the testimony of a good conscience ; as our aymes were perverted , so shall we be rewarded . now there is no better means to abate or extenuate this desire of praise in us , than duly to consider whose gifts they be , that deserve this praise in us : for were they our owne , we might more properly be praised for them ; but they are gods , and not ours , therefore is the praise to be ascribed unto god , and not unto us . for hee that would be praised for gods gift , and seeketh not gods glory , but his owne in that gift , though he be praised by men for gods gift , yet is he dispraised by god , for not seeking gods glory , but his owne for this gift : and he who is praised by men , god dispraising , shall not be defended by men , god judging , nor be delivered , god condemning . whereas , hee that loveth god , will chuse rather to be deprived of all future glory , than detract by any meanes from god the author of all glory . let us then so avert our eare from selfe-praise , or ought else that may beget in us vain-glory or ostentation , that we may become like unto him , who dis-esteemed all worldly praise from the houre of his birth to the houre of his passion . secondly , wee are to heare with patience such as revile us : and reason good ; for observing this , a blessing is pronounced on us : blessed are ye● ( saith the lord of all blessing ) when men shall revile you , and persecute you , and shall say all manner of evill against you falsly for my sake : rejoyce , and be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you . yea , not only the prophets , but even him , of whom all the prophets bare witnesse ; yet became he as one that did not heare , having no rebukes in his mouth . when hee was tempted in the wildernesse , the scripture was his armour of resistance ; when he was reviled on the crosse , hee prayed for his enemies , to expresse his heavenly patience . now , if the sonne of god was in the desart tempted , what hermit can expect to be from temptation freed ? if the master be reviled , how may the servant looke to be intreated ? for howsoever some , or indeed most of the antient fathers , doubt whether the devill did know that christ was god or no ; touching that parcell of scripture , wherein christ was tempted in the defart ; yet may it appeare probable by inference from the text it selfe , that after iesus had said unto him , it is written thou shalt not tempt the lord thy god ; the devill tooke him up into an exceeding high mountaine , and shewed him all the kingdomes of the world , and the glory of them ; saying , all these things will i give thee , if thou wilt fall downe and worship me . whence i collect , that after christ had told him that hee was god , he continued his temptation ; which was an argument to evince him of palpable ignorance ; or of distrust to christs speech , which argued his diffidence : but our purpose is not too curiously to insist upon these subtill digressions ; it sufficiently appeareth , that christ who ought to be every faithfull christians patterne , was reviled , yet opened not hee his mouth ; but with sweet silence and amiable patience offered his prayers unto his father for them , who maliciously offered him upon the crosse ; leaving us an example of admiration and imitation , that following him and suffering with him , we might likewise reigne and remaine with him : yea , but will our spritely-stately gallant object ; can any man , who knowes the value of reputation , with patience suffer publike disgrace ? is there any punishment so grievous as shame ? yea , were it not better for a man who is eminent in the eye of the world , to die right out , than still live in reproach and shame ? for a man to live or die , is naturall ; he performeth but that taske to which all mortality is injoyned ; but for a man to live in shame and contempt , and be made a spectacle of disgrace to the world , an apparent touch or taint to his friends , a laughing stock of his enemies , is such a matter , as no well-bred and noble minded man , that hath any courage or stomack in him , or tenders his esteeme , can ever digest it . true it is , that flesh and bloud will suggest many such objections ; and if there were nothing to be valued so much as worldly esteeme , or popular grace , which relyeth on opinion , as soone lost as got , there were some reason to stand so punctually upon termes of reputation ; but the eye of a christian ought to extend it selfe to an higher object . we are exhorted to heape coales on our enemies heads ▪ to render good for evill ; and to be revenged on them by well doing . diogenes being asked how one should be revenged of his enemie , answered , by being a vertuous and honest man. what matter then though all the world revile us , having a sincere and unblemished conscience within us , to witnesse for us ? socrates in his ecclesiasticall history writeth , that athanasius being accused by one iannes , to have killed arsenius , and after to have cut off his hand , that hee might use it to magicke and forcerie , cleared himselfe notably of this slender : having by good hap found out arsenius , who lay hid for the nonce , he brought him before the councell of tyrus , whereto he was convented , and there he asked his accuser , whether he ever knew arsenius or no ? he answered , yes : then athanasius called him forth , with his hands covered under his cloake , and turning up the one side of his cloake , shewed him the one of his hands ; and when most men surmised , that the other hand at leastwise was cut off ▪ athanasius without any more adoe , casteth up the other side of his cloake , and sheweth the second hand , saying , you see arsenius hath two hands , now let mine accuser shew you the place where the third hand was cut off . whence two remarkable considerations are recommended unto us : malicious subornation in the accuser ; gracious moderation in the accused . for the former , let the speech of a heathen man for ever be printed in your hearts ; who when his friend came unto him , and desired him to take a false oath in a cau●e of his , made answer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . you must ( saith he ) beare with mee , there are many friends to be gotten if i lose you ; but if by forswearing my selfe i lose the favour of god , i cannot get another , there is but one god. for the latter as soft words pacific wrath , so by a pleasant conceit he cooled all wrath ; fleighting so much the aspersion of his accuser , as even of his enemies hee gain'd him honour . to instance which moderation or patience , even in sundry heathen men , towards such as aspersed disgrace upon them , were it not that i feare enlarging of this branch too much , i might produce many heroicke and princely examples , as vespasian , his sonne titus , marcellus , demetrius ; yea , the stiffe and rough-hew'd hercules , who cared not a flie for back-biting termes . but i am to use a word or two unto you , gentlemen , by quest of inquiry how you are found affected herein , and so descend to the third and last branch arising from this subject . have yee not delighted in hearing your owne praise , but reproved such as praised you , or turned your care from their applause , le●t it should transport you ? have yee distributed to the poore , without looking who saw you ? have yee fasted without hanging downe your head , to cause men observe you ? have ye prayed with zeale , fixing your eye only on god , that he would look on you ? have ye performed the workes of charity , and that for conscience sake , and not for vain-glory ? have ye not too pharisaically prided your selves in your own integrity ? have ye ascribed to your selves shame , and to god the glory ? have yee heartily wished rather to be deprived of all hope of glory , than by your meanes to detract in any wife from gods glory ? o then happy and blessed are you ! for having turned your eares from the applause of men , you shal receive applause from angels ; or having distributed to the poore without looking who saw you , you shall be plenteously rewarded by him , whose eyes are ever upon you ; or fasted without hanging downe your heads , to cause men observe you , you shall feast with him , who will erect your heads , and with glory crowne you ; or performed works of charity for conscience sake , and not for vain-glory , your workes shall goe before you , and be accounted for righteous through him who shall cloath you with glory ; or not too pharisaically prided your selves in your owne integrity , you shall become justified with the publican , and admitted to honour by humility ; or ascribed to your selves shame , and to god the glory , god shall wipe off your shame , and bring you to the full fruition of his glory ; or heartily wished to bee deprived of all hope of glory , rather than by your meanes to detract in any wise from gods glory ; your desire of advancing gods glory , shall after your passage from this vale of misery , estate you in the inheritance of glory . againe ; have ye heard with patience such as revile you ? have ye answered them as he did , who being accused by his enemie of one sinne , accused him likewise of ignorance , saying , thou accusest mee of one , when i am guiltie of a thousand ? have ye not stood upon termes of reputation , but with patience suffered all disgraces ? have ye overcome your enemie with mildnesse ? taken revenge on him by your vertue and goodnesse ? fortified your selves against all calumnie , with the spirit of patience ? o then right blessed are you ! for having heard with patience such as revile you , an eternall blessing is pronounced on you ; or having beene as ready to condemne your selves , as others to accuse you , your purged conscience shall freely acquit you ; or not stood on termes of reputation when men disgrac'd you , you shall be graced in heaven , where no disgrace shall touch you ; or overcome your enemy with mildnesse , the milde lambe shall crowne you with happinesse ; or taken revenge on him by your vertue and goodnesse , you shall be refreshed with the fountaine of sweetnesse ; or fortified your selves against all calumnie with the spirit of patience , with palmes in your hands shall yee sing with joyfulnesse . gather , o gather hence with ineffable solace is conferred on the patient ! whatsoever hee suffer here , shall in superabundant measure be recompenced else-where . but it may be objected , that some aspersions are not to be borne with : for those scandals which are laid upō our persons , where our faith is not taxed or touched , may be more easily endured ; but where these are struck at , they are not to be suffered . to confirme which , we reade how peter and iohn having by prayer and imposition of hands , given the holy ghost , and simon the sorcerer saw that through laying on of the apostles hands , the holy ghost was given , he offered them money , saying , give mee also this power , that on whomsoever i lay hands , he may receive the holy ghost . but peter incensed herewith , said unto him , thy money perish with thee , because thou hast thought that the gift of god may be purchased with money . whence it appeareth , that out of a holy zeale , one may shew passion towards such as detract from the honour of god , or asperse a blemish upon his servants in the worke of their ministerie . the like wee reade of paul , that glorious vessell of election , conceiving much indignation against one , who had withstood the word ; saying , alexander the copper-smith did mee much evill , the lord reward him according to his workes . the reason is inclusively annexed ; of whom be thou ware also , for he hath greatly withstood our words . the like spirit of zeale might iames and iohn be said to be of , who when they saw that the samaritanes would not receive christ , said ; lord wilt thou that wee command fire to come downe from heaven , and consume them , even as elias did ? but how this passion of theirs was approved , may appeare by the ensuing verse ; but he turned and rebuked them , and said , yee know not what manner of spirit yee are of . now to cleare this objection , there is no patterne which wee ought sooner to imitate than christ himselfe , who is the master of truth and directeth us in all truth ; who as hee was most blamelesse of all others , for in his mouth was never guile found , yet was he in his owne person more blamed , in his doctrine more reproved , in his miracles more injured than all others : for one while he is accused to have a devill ; anon , that he casteth out devils through the prince of the devils ; anon , that he is a man gluttonous and a wine-bibber , a friend of publicans and sinners . yet what answer vouchsafed he unto all these save only this , wisdome is justified of her children ? now i know there are differences of scandals or aspersions , where some leave deeper impression than others doe : for as the name is more precious than any earthly substance , so it receiveth the deepest staine , when the estimation of our faith is questioned , being the very maine foundation whereon all religion is grounded , and the perfection of that building which makes a christian rightly accomplishd . saint basil could shew himselfe calme enough in his conference with the emperour , till a cooke came in , and saucily told him , he did not well to stand so precisely upon such small matters , but rather to yeeld to his master the emperour in a word or two : for what were those divine affaires whereon hee so much insisted , but such as with indifferencie might be dispensed ? but what answered this reverend father ? yea sir cooke ( quoth he ) it is your part to tend your pottage , and not to boile and chop up divine matters , which , as they little trouble you , so in weight and consequence are farre above you . and then with great gravitie turning to the emperour , said , that those that were conversant in divine matters , which were principally to be intended , would with conscience rather suffer death , than suffer one jot of holy ▪ scripture , much lesse an article of faith to be altere● or corrupted . another holy man , though most innocent , could endure to be accounted a whoremaster , an uncleane person , and the like ; but when one called him an heretike , he could beare no longer : so neere be wee touched , when our faith is questioned . but as we have a noble and glorious patterne , who shewed himselfe a conquerour in his suffering , let us wrastle with flesh and bloud , that suffering all things for him and with him , wee may after our conquest joy in him and with him . and let this be sufficient to have beene spoken of mortification in respect of our name or esteeme in the world , labouring daily to dis-value and huminate our selves while wee are in the world . if it be no great thing to leave our substance , but our selves ; let us at least leave our substance , that wee may the better enjoy our selves . it was the wise exhortation of the wisest of princes ; honour the lord with thy substance , and with the first fruits of all thy increase : annexing a promise to this precept ; so shall thy barnes be filled with plenty , and thy presse shall burst out with new wine . but forasmuch as many things are required to the mortification of this earthly mammon , wee will reduce them to two especiall heads , the better to retaine in memory this meanes of mortification : . to consider from whom we have received these worldly blessings : . how to dispose of them , lest they become cursings of blessings . for the first , wee are positively to set downe , that every good gift and every perfect gift commeth from above ; the beasts that graze on a thousand hills are his ; the treasures of the earth are his : for from whom should wee thinke are they derived to us , but from him by whom they were created for us ? he who never had it , how can he give it ? but he who hath all , guides all , governes all , and is all in all , is sole-sufficient for all . he it i● then that maketh rich and maketh poore , exalteth and humbleth , sendeth forth his waters out of their treasuries , and all things are drowned , shutteth them in their treasuries , and all things are dried . hee it is that maketh the fruitfull barren , and the barren fruitfull . in stead of the thorne shall come up the firre tree , and in stead of the brier shall come up the mirtle tree , and it shall be to the lord for a name , for an everlasting signe that shall not be cut off . he it is that made heaven and earth and all things , replenished heaven and earth with all things , giving man dominion over all things , that man might be subject unto him who made all things . now as he gave them to man , so are they to be disposed of by man , to his glory who made man. and how is that ? not in laying land unto land with the oppressour ; nor in repairing to the house of the strange woman with the adulterer ; nor consuming your substance in excesse with the rioter ; nor hoording up vengeance against the day of wrath with the miser ; nor grinding the face of the poore with the extortioner : but rather distributing freely of that which you have , and communicating to the necessitie of the saints : so shall you make to your selves friends of your unrighteous mammon , and shall be fed with manna in the courts of sion . gainfull is the use of that money , which is put out to the workes of charitie : which be it more or lesse , cannot but be exceeding great , being given with devotion , and the worke attended by singlenesse of heart and sinceritie of affection ; for where a sincere will is not joyned with the worke , the worke cannot be effectuall to the doer , howsoever it may seeme fruitfull to the beholder . ac which sort of men , who erect sumptuous works rather for popularitie and affectation , than pietie or sincere affection , the poet pleasantly glanceth ; these statues reare in publike wayes , as trophies of their love , which , as they heare , in passengers will admiration move , and gaine a fame unto their name , which may survive in them : but trust mee , sirs , these works of theirs shew them vaine-glorious men . which works , howsoever usefull unto others , were better undone than done in respect of themselves : for to glory in our works , doth not only derogate from our works , but denounce upon us greater damnation , ascribing to our selves what duly , properly , and solely ought to be attributed to the glory of god. but to draw neerer the point wee have in hand ; there is nothing that weaneth our minds more from the meditation of god and mortification to the world , than our earthly affections , which beare such sway over us , as they will not suffer those divine motions or meditations to take root in us . this is excellently shadowed in that parable of the great supper , where many guests were invited , but all with one consent began to make their excuse : the first he had bought a peece of ground , and he must needs goe see it : the second had bought five yoke of oxen , and he must goe prove them : and another had maried a wife , and therefore he could not come . these , though the fatlings be provided , the choicest dainties prepared , wherewith their hunger-starved soules might be refreshed , cannot come ; the world must detaine them , their earthly respects inchaine them , their sensuall delights restraine them : they cannot come , though often invited , nor re●ort to this great supper , though all things be provided . these seldome or never take into their more serious consideration the state of the blessed in heaven , or the state of the damned in hell. neither can the joyes of the one allure them , or the paines of the other deterre them . these will dispense with the word for the profit of the world , and enjoy the pleasures of sinne for a season , deferring repentance till it be past season . saint chrysostome relateth how paulus samosetanus that arch-heretike , for the love of a woman forsooke his faith . saint augustine relateth divers , who denied the torments of hell to have eternitie , thereby to flatter their affections with a pretended assurance of impunitie . saint gregory imputeth it to avarice and covetousnesse , that many forsake their faith . these follow not the example of sundry devout men , the memory whereof is recommended unto us in holy writ ; who being possessors of lands , or houses , sold them , and brought the prices of the things that were sold , and laid them downe at the apostles feet : and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need . the like contempt , in respect of earthly substance , wee reade to have been in many noble and equally affected pagans , as crates , bisias , zeno , bias , anacreon , anacharses ; who , though they had scarce the least glimpse of an eternitie , yet they dis-valued the substance of earth as the subject of vanitie . but i must now draw in my sailes , and take a view of your dispositions ( gentlemen ) how you stand herein affected ; that seeking what i expect to finde , i may no lesse glory in your aversion from earth , than if you were ascending iacobs ladder , to have your names enrolled in the kingdome of heaven . have yee honoured the lord with your substance , and tendered him the first fruits of his bounty ? have yee acknowledged every good thing to come from him , as from the fountaine of mercy ? have yee subjected your selves unto him , as he hath subjected all things to your soveraigntie ? have yee disposed of them soberly and solely to his glory ? have yee beene oppressors , and with good zacheus made fourefold restitution ? have yee not exposed your inheritance to riot and pollution ? have yee not hoorded up vengeance against the day of affliction ? have yee not grinded and grated the face of the poore with extortion ? have yee distributed freely , and communicated to the saints necessitie ? have yee made you friends of your unrighteous mammon , and so made your selves way to the heavenly sion ? have yee done these works of compassion with singlenesse of heart , and without affectation ? have yee beene by no earthly respect detained from comming to that great lords supper , to which you were invited ? o then in a happy state are you ! for having honoured the lord , he will fill your barnes with plenty ; or having acknowledged all good things to be derived from his mercy , he will give you a fuller taste of his bounty ; or subjected your selves to his obedience , hee will cause every creature to doe you service ; or disposed of them soberly and solely to his glory , he will exhibit his good gifts unto you more fully ; or beene oppressors , and made restitution , you shall with zacheus become vessels of election ; or not exposed your inheritance to riot and pollution , you shall be safe from the doome of confusion ; or not grinded the face of the poore with extortion , the poore shall beare record of your compassion ; or distributed freely to the saints necessitie , he that seeth in secret shall reward you openly ; or made you friends of your unrighteous mammon , manna shall be your food in the heavenly sion ; or done these works singly , and without vaine-glory , you shall be cloathed with the garment of mercy ; or not detained by the world from going to that great lords supper , yee shall be graciously admitted and exalted to honour . thus to dispose of the substance of the world , is to despise the world : preferring one meditation of the pleasures and treasures of heaven , before the possession of the whole earth ; and esteeming it farre better to be one day in the house of the lord , than to be conversant in the palaces of princes . o then , yee whose generous descents and mighty estates promise comfort to the afflicted , releefe to the distressed , and an hospitable receit to all such as repaire to you for succour or comfort ; minister to the necessitie of the saints , be liberall and open handed to the poore , having opportunitie , doe good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the houshold of faith , be exercised in the works of the spirit and not of the flesh , so shall yee build upon a sure foundation , and in the inheritance of gods saints receive a mansion . turne not ( i say ) you eare from the cry of any poore man , lest his cry be heard , and procure vengeance to be powred on your head . pitty the moanes of the afflicted , wipe off the teares of the distressed , comfort those that mourn in sion . the ordinary forme of begging in italy is , doe good for your owne sakes . doe good for your owne sakes , for your owne selves , for your owne soules . no a sacrifice to god more gratefull , to your selves more usefull , or to your owne soules more fruitfull , than to be zealous in all holy duties , and compassionate to the needfull : b for he that in himselfe burnes not in devotion , can never inflame another with the zeale of devotion : c neither can any one shine , unlesse before hee burne ; shine in the works of compassion , unlesse he burne before with the zeale of a devout affection . so as many though they be d lights in respect of their ministerie or office , yet are they snuffs in respect of their use , effect or service . exhibit therefore freely of those good gifts and bounties which god hath bestowed on you , and shew your liberalitie now in the opportunate time ; for as there is a time when none can worke , so there is a time when none can give : give it then in your life time , that you may expresse your charitie with your owne hand , and not by way of legacie : for many make good wills , which i much feare mee proceed not of good will , being rather by the sentence of mortalitie inforced , than of their owne charitable disposition affected , to leave to the poore afflicted of the world , which they so exceedingly loved , while they sojourned here in the world . and what shall these bountifull legacies availe them , these charitable wills profit them , when they shal make their beds in the darke , and enter parlie with their owne consciences , whether this coacted charitie of theirs proceeded from compassion or compulsion , leaving what they could no longer enjoy , and giving that which was not in their power to give ? surely , no more benefit shall this inforced charitie conferre on them , than if they had sowne the sand : for fruitlesse is that worke which deriveth not her ground from a pure intention or sanctified will. in the easterne countries , they put coine in the dead mans hand , to provide for him after his departure hence . the like provision carry these along with them to their graves , who deferre giving , till they cannot give , making their executors their almoners , who many times defeat the poore , or number themselves in beadroll of the poore ; whereby they gull the deceased , enriching their owne coffers with the poore mans box . o gentlemen , you whose corps are followed with many mourners , and oft-times inward rejoycers ; send out those sweet odours of a good and devout life before you ; dispense and dispose faithfully , in whatsoever the lord above others hath enriched you ; deferre not your charity to your death , lest you be prevented of your charity by death ; bethinke your selves how you would be provided if that great master of accounts were this houre to call you before him , and make your reckoning with him ; would you not be glad , if your conscience told you , how you had beene faithfull disposers or imployers of those talents which were delivered to you ? would not your hearts rejoyce within you to have such a testimony , as the witnesse of an undefiled or spotlesse conscience within you ? would it not intraunce you with an exceeding joy , to heare that happy and heavenly approbation , well done , good and faithfull servants , you have beene faithfull over a few things , i will make you rulers over many things : enter yee into the joy of your lord ? if this could not choose but joy you , so dispose of your earthly mammon , that you may be partakers of this surpassing joy in the courts of sion . and so i descend to the last branch of this last observation , expressing that object of ineffable consolation , whereto this active perfection aspireth , and that spirituall repose of heavenly solace and refection , wherein it solely and properly resteth . man is borne unto trouble , as the sparkes fly upward , being here a sojourner in the inne of this world ; and drawing every day neerer and neerer the end of his pilgrimage ; where mans life is the travellers embleme ; his forme of living , the very mirrour of his sojourning ; his home returning , the type or figure of his dissolving . in which progresse or journall of man , by how much more the sun-diall of his life proceedeth , by so much neerer the night-shade of death approacheth . yet , behold the misery of man ! his desires are daily to disquiet and disturbe himselfe : for shew me that man howsoever affected , or in what degree soever placed , whose desires are so firmely fixed , as his minde is not troubled in the pursuit of that whereto his aymes are directed . for to begin with the highest , because his thoughts are ever aspiring'st ; doth the ambitious man ayme at honour or preferment ? behold , hee purposeth with himselfe to gaine or attain such a place under his prince , not so much for his owne ends ( as he pretendeth ) but to be usefull to his friends , and behovefull to his countrey ; but since that houre , hee entertained the first infant thoughts of ambition , he hath felt sufficiently the danger of that infection : reaping no other fruits but distractions , in respect of competitours , or want of enjoying himselfe , being pestred by multitudes of sutors . or is he covetous ? there is nothing which hee eyes or beholds upon this , vniverse , tending to profit , or promising hope of profit , which he presently conveyes not to his heart , coveting whatsoever he sees , and seeing nothing that he doth not covet : he tumbles and tosses , and will not suffer his eyes to slumber , but like miserable menedemus in terence , or greedy gripus in plautus , hee afflicts and torments himselfe , making his owne desires his owne disquiets . or is he voluptuous ? his fond affection procures in him this phrensie or distraction : he goes to the house of the strange woman , gives eare to her incantation , sports with ismael , lusts after her beauty in his heart : and is taken with her eye-lids ; yet see how sensuality brings him to misery ! by meanes of this whorish woman , he is brought to a peece of bread : and the adulteresse will hunt after his precious life : but to passe over these , and take a view of such whose course of life seemes better disposed , than to converse with the world , either by ambitiously aspiring to honour , the great mans darling ; or by too eager a pursuit after riches , the worldlings mammon ; or by too hot a quest after pleasure , the wantons minion . for to reflect a little upon the aymes of such who affect contemplation , and every day better their knowledge in the serious or exquisite search of the natures , vertues , or operations of all creatures ; we shall finde , to use the words of salomon , that even in these there is vanity and affliction of spirit : for howsoever , wisdome raines downe skill and knowledge of understanding , exalting them to honour that hold her fast ; yet salomons conclusion after the search of wisdom and folly , is definitively this ; in much wisdome is much griefe : and he that increaseth knowledge , increaseth sorrow . for should man labour to engrosse all learning , knowledge and wisdome , his labour were but vaine , and his search fruitlesse ; seeing he , whose understanding was deepest , conceit quickest , and wisdome greatest of all them that were before him in ierusalem , hath thus concluded : all this i have proved by wisdome ; i said , i would be wise , but it was farre from me . adding the reason hereof ; that which is farre off , and exceeding deepe , who can finde it out ? for be our search never so curious , or desire covetous in the pursuit of knowledge , we shall finde by daily experience our owne weaknesse : where though our wills be strengthned , our abilities are weakned , being ever more hopefull in our undertakings , than powerfull in our performance ; yea , it is a propertie inherent to us , and naturally ingraffed in us , to have an itching desire of knowing all things , but of doing nothing : yet neither in knowledge nor action may we satisfie our desire or affection : vaine and endlesse therefore is our search in the former , as weake and fruitlesse is our pursuit of the latter . there is no end of writing many bookes , no end of reading many books , no end of storing our libraries with many bookes : for under the cover of these , much covetousnesse oft-times lurketh . these are not of that inestimable price , ( though they containe much spirituall comfort ) as may fully store or enrich the heart ; fully replenish or satisfie the heart ; fully settle or establish the heart : for where the desires of the heart are not fulfilled ; how can she hold her selfe su●ficiently enriched ? or where her desires are not accomplished ; how may she rest satisfied ? or being not there seated , where her desires are setled ; how can she be quieted ? hence it is , that a devout father compares his heart unto a mill ; for as a mill ( saith he ) swiftly wheeleth and turneth about , and refuseth nothing , but whatsoever is put upon it , it grindeth : but if nothing be put upon it , it consumes it selfe : so is my unstable heart alwayes in motion , and never resteth : but whether i sleepe or wake , it dreameth and thinketh of whatsoever it encountreth . can then neither honour , nor wealth , nor pleasure satisfie this unconfined heart ? can neither honours surprize her , wealth enjoy her , nor pleasure intraunce her ? no ; these are vanity , and lighter than vanity , receiving their true colour from the poet , who bestoweth on them this portraiture ; wealth is a wave , honour a bait of death , catching at which wee 'r catcht and choak't therewith . for tell me , is not the ambitious man as fearfull to incurre disgrace , after he is received to his princes favour , as he was jealous of a competitor before he got into favour ? againe , is not the miserable rich man , who reposeth all comfort in his substance , all his consolation in his riches , as fearefull to lose what hee already enjoyes , as hee was doubtfull of prevention in what hee now enjoyes ? or is not the voluptuous carnal man , whose only delight is daliance with his perfidious dalilah , stinged with as much griefe after his desires are satisfied , as he was stirred with delight before his pleasures were effected ? or is not the contemplative man , whose aimes being higher , should tender him content in fuller measure , afflicted in minde , when hee findes himselfe come short in knowledge of what he expected , and reads every day something which hee never before observed ? what content then in these flourishing may-buds of vanity , which in repentance and affliction of spirit , doe only shew their constancie ? so as one well observeth , if man should not be afflicted by god , yet should he be afflicted by himselfe ; consuming himselfe with his owne envie , rancour , and other distempered affections , which have more fury and torment attending on them , than the evill it selfe which procureth them . yet behold the wretched condition of unhappie man ▪ though neither honour be permanent , nor from perill freed , nor riches prevalent to make him after death the better friended ; nor pleasures so excellent , as to free him from affliction when they are ended : yet are they for most part preferred before those heavenly honours which are ever permanent , and never altering ; before those incorruptible riches , which inrich the soule after death without decreasing ; and before those ineffable pleasures , where neither desire breeds longing , nor satiety lothing . so as , i cannot more fitly compare the actions of these sensuall affected men , than with that childish act o● the emperour honorius , who taking especiall delight in a hen called roma : upon a time understanding , by report of such as told him , that roma was lost , he exceedingly lamented : whereupon some of his familiar friends , and such as were neere him , noting his errour ; it is not your hen that is lost , but your citie roma , that is taken by alaricus king of the gothes . wherewith comming a little to himselfe , he seemed to beare with much more pa●ience the surprize of the one , than the losse of the other . o childish simplicity ! you say well ; yet the like is in us . we cannot endure that any one should steale from us our silver ; yet either honour , riches , or pleasure may have free leave to steale away our heart . we would by no meanes be defrauded of our treasure ; yet it troubles us little to be depraved with errour . we avoid the poisons of the body , but not of the minde ; intending more the diet of the body , than the discipline of the minde . since then , in these externall desires , this actuall perfection , whereof we have formerly treated , may receive no true rest or repose ; for to those it only aspireth , wherin it resteth : wee must search higher for this place of peace , this repose of rest , this heavenly harbour of divine comfort : we are to seeke it then while we are here upon earth , yet not on earth : would you know , what this soveraigne or absolute end is , wherein this actuall perfection solely resteth , wherein the heart only glorieth , and to the receiver , long life , with comfort in abundance amply promiseth ? hearken to the words of iesus the sonne of sirach : it is a great glory to follow the lord , and to be received of him is long life : nor skils it much , how worldlings esteeme of us ; for , perhaps , they will judge it folly to see us become weaned from delights or pleasures of the world ; to see us embrace a rigorous or austere course of life ; to dis-esteem the pompe and port of this present world . this ( i say ) they will account foolishnesse ; but blessed are they who deserve to be of that number , which the world accounts for fooles , god for wise men . but miserable is the state of these forlorne worldlings , whose chiefest aime is to circumvent or intrap their brethren , making their highest aymes their owne ends , and accounting bread eaten in secret to be the savourest , and stolne waters the sweetest : for these never drinke of their own cisterne , or feed of the flesh of their owne fold ; but partake in the spoile of others , yet wipe their mouths as if they were innocent : but behold this haman-policy shall make them spectacles of finall misery ; wishing many times they had been lesse wise in the opinion of the world , so they had relished of that divine wisdome , which makes-man truly happy in another world ; even that wisdome ( i say ) who hath built an everlasting foundation with men , and shall continue with their seed : neither can this divine wisdome chuse but be fruitfull , standing on so firme a root ; or the branches dry , receiving life and heat from so faire a root . now to describe the beauty of her branches springing from so firme a root ; with the solidity of her root diffusing pith to her branches : the root of wisdome ( saith the wise son of sirach ) is to feare the lord , and the branches thereof are long life . this feare , where it takes root , suffers no worldly feare to take place . many worldlings become wretched , only through feare lest they should be wretched ; and many die , only through feare lest they should die : but with these , who are grounded in the feare of the lord , they neither feare death , being assured that it imposeth an end to their misery ; nor the miseries of this present life , being ever affied on the trust of gods mercie . how constantly , zealously , and gloriously many devout men have died , and upon the very instant of their dissolution expostulated with their owne soules , reproving in themselves their unwillingnesse to die , may appeare by the examples of such , whose lives as they were to god right pleasing , so were their soules no lesse precious in their departing : upon some whereof , though i have formerly insisted , yet in respect that such memorable patte●nes of sanctity cannot be too often represented , i thought good purposely ( as usually i have done in all the series of this present discourse , where any remarkable thing was related , to have it in divers places repeated ) to exemplifie this noble resolution or contempt of death , in the proofe and practice of some one or two blessed saints and servants of god. ierome writeth of hilarion , that being ready to give up the ghost , he said thus to his soule ; goe forth my soule , why fearest thou ? goe forth , why tremblest thou ? thou hast served christ almost those threescore and ten yeares , and doest thou now feare death ? saint ambrose when he was readie to die , speaking to stillico and others about his bed ; i have not lived so among you ( saith he ) that i am ashamed to live longer to please god : and yet againe i am not afraid to die , because we have a good lord. the reverend bede , whom wee may more easily admire , than sufficiently praise for his profound learning , in a most barbarous age , when all good literature was in contempt , being in the pangs of death , said to the standers by ; i have so lived among you , that i am not ashamed of my life , neither feare i to die , because i have a most gracious redeemer . he yeelded up his life with this prayer for the church ; o king of glory , lord of hostes , which hast triumphantly ascended into heaven , leave us not fatherlesse , but send the promised spirit of thy truth amongst us . these last funerall teares , or dying mens hymnes , i have the rather renued to your memory , that they might have the longer impression , being uttered by dying men , at the point of their dissolution . and i know right well ( for experience hath informed me sufficiently therein ) that the words of dying men are precious even to strangers ; but when the voice of one we love , and with whom we did familiarly live , calls to us from the death-bed , o what a conflict doe his words raise ! how strongly doe griefe and affection strive to inclose them ! knowing that in a short space , that tongue , the organs whereof yet speak , and move attention by their friendly accents , was to be eternally tied up in silence ; nor should the sound of his words salute our eares any more : and certainly , the resolution of a devout dying man , being upon the point of his dissolution , cannot but be an especiall motive to the hearer , of mortification . which was one cause , even among the heathens , of erecting statues , obelisks , or monuments upon the dead ; that eying the sepulchres of such noble and heroick men , as had their honour laid in the dust , they might likewise understand , that neither resolution of spirit , nor puissance of body could free them from the common verdict of mortalitie : which begot in many of them a wonderfull contempt of the world . albeit , it is to be understood , that christians doe contemne this world much otherwise than pagans : for ambition is a guide to these , but the love of god unto them . diogenes trod upon platoes pride with much greater selfe-pride : but the christian with patience and humilitie surmounteth and subdueth all worldly pride ; being of nothing so carefull , as lest he should taste the lotium of earthly delights , and so become forgetfull with vlysses companions of his native countrey . meane time he sojournes in the world , not as a citizen , but as a guest , yea as an exile . but to returne to our present discourse now in hand ; in this quest after that soveraigne or supreme end , whereto all actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it resteth , wee are to consider three things : . what is to be sought ; . where it is to be sought ; . when it is to be sought . for the first , wee are to understand that wee are to seeke only for that , the acquisition whereof is no sooner attained , than the minde , whose flight is above the pitch of frailtie , is fully satisfied . now that is a blessed life , when what is best , is affected and enjoyed : for there can be no true rest to the minde in desiring , but partaking what she desireth . what is it then that wee seeke ? to drinke of the water of life ; where our thirst may be so satisfied , as it never be renued ; our desires so fulfilled , as never higher or further extended . he that hath once tasted of the fountaine named clitorius fons , ( and choice is the taste of such a fountaine ) will never drinke any wine ; no wine mixed with the dr●gs of vanitie , no wine drawne from the lees of vaine-glory : the reason is , hee reserves his taste for that new wine , which hee is to drinke in his fathers kingdome . and what kingdome ? the kingdome of heaven ; a kingdome most happy , a kingdome wanting death , and without end ; enjoying a life that admits no end . and what life ? a life vitall , a life ●empiternall , and sempiternally joyfull . and what joy ? a joy without sorrowing , rest without labouring , dignitie without trembling , wealth without losing , health without languishing , abundance without failing , life without dying , perpetuitie without corrupting , blessednesse without afflicting , where the sight and vision of god is seene face to face . and what god ? god the sole-sufficient , summary , supreme good : that good which wee require alone ; that god who is good alone . and what good ? the trinitie of the divine persons is this summary good , which is seene with purest mindes . the heart triangle-wise resembleth the image of the blessed trinitie ; which can no more by the circumference of the world be confined , than a triangle by a circle is to be filled . so as the circular world cannot fill the triangular heart , no more than a circle can fill a triangle ; still there will be some empty corners : it sayes , so long as it is fixed on the world , sheol , it is never enough : but fixed on her maker , her only mover , on her sweet redeemer , her dearest lover , she chants out cheerefully this hymne of comfort ; there is no condemnation to them which are in christ iesus . she then may rest in peace . and what peace ? a peace which passeth all understanding . shee then may embrace her love. and what love ? a love constantly loving . she then may enjoy life . and what life ? a life eternally living . she then may receive a crowne . and what crowne ? a crowne gloriously shining . this crowne ( saith s. peter ) is undefiled ▪ which never fadeth away . the greeke words which s. peter useth , are latine words also ; and they are not only appellatives , being the epithetes of this crowne , but also propers ; the one proper name of a stone , the other of a flower : for isidore writeth , there is a precious stone called amiantus , which , though it be never so much soiled , yet it can never at all be blemished ; and being cast into the fire , it is taken out still more bright and cleane . also clemens writeth , that there is a flower called amarantus , which being a long time hung up in the house , yet still is fresh and greene . to both which , the stone and the flower , the apostle , as may be probably gathered , alludeth in this place . here then you see , what you are to seeke . for are your desires unsatisfied ? here is that which may fulfill them . are your soules thirstie ? here is the well of life to refresh them . would you be kings ? here is a kingdome provided for you . would you enjoy a long life ? a long life shall crowne you , and length of dayes attend you . would you have all goodnesse to enrich you ? enjoying god , all good things shall be given you . would you have salvation to come unto your house and secure you ? rest you in christ iesus , and no condemnation shall draw neere you . would you have your consciences speake peace unto you ? the god of peace will throughout establish you . would you have your constant'st love ever attend you ? he who gave himselfe for you , will never leave you . would you have him live ever with you ? leave loving of the world , so shall he live ever with you and in you . would you have a crowne conferred on you ? a crowne of glory shall empale you . seeke then this one good wherein consisteth all goodnesse , and it sufficeth . seeke this soveraigne or summary good , from whence commeth every good , and it sufficeth . for he is the life by which wee live , the hope to which wee cleave , and the glory which wee desire to obtaine . for if dead , he can revive us ; if hopelesse and helplesse , he can succour us ; if in disgrace , he can exalt us . him then only are we to seeke , who , when we were lost , did seeke us ; and being found , did bring us to his sheepe-fold . and so i descend from what wee are to seeke , to where wee are to seeke , that seeking him where he may be found , wee may at last finde him whom wee so long have sought . for the second , wee are to seeke it while wee are on earth , but not upon earth , for earth cannot containe it . it is the philosophers axiom , that which is finite may not comprehend that which is infinite . now that supreme or soveraigne end ▪ to which this actuall perfection is directed , whereto it aspireth , and wherein it resteth , is by nature infinite : ena without end , beginning and end , imposing to every creature a certaine , definite or determinate end . the sole solace of the soule , being onely able to fill or satisfie the soule , without which all things in heaven or under heaven , joyned and conferred together , cannot suffice the soule . so boundlesse her extent , so infinite the object of her content . how should earth then containe it , or to what end should wee on earth seeke it ? seeing , whatsoever containeth , must of necessitie be greater than that which is contained . but earth being a masse of corruption , how should it confine or circumscribe incorruption ? seeing nothing but immortalitie can cloath the soule with glory , it is not the rubbish or refuse of earth that may adde to her beautie . besides , the soule while it sojournes here in this earthly mansion , she remaines as a captive inclosed in prison . what delights then can be pleasing , what delicates relishing to the palat of this prisoner ? she is an exile here on earth : what societie then can be cheerefull to one so carefull of returning to her countrey ? if captives restrained of their libertie , exiles estranged from their countrey , can take no true content either in their bondage , be it never so attempred ; nor in their exile , be they never so attended ; how should the soule apprehend the least joy , during her abode on earth ? where the treasure is , there is the heart : her treasure is above , how can her heart be here below ? mortalitie cannot suit with immortalitie , no more can earth with the soule . whereto then be the motions of our soule directed ? to him that gave it ; no inferiour creature may suffice her , no earthly object satisfie her , nothing subject to sense fulfill her . in heaven are those heavenly objects , wherewith her eye rests satisfied ; in heaven are those melodious accents , wherewith her eare rests solaced ; in heaven those choicest odours , wherewith her smell is cherished ; in heaven those tastfull'st dainties , wherewith her soule is nourished ; in heaven those glorious creatures , wherewith herselfe is numbred . what difference then betwixt the satietie and saturitie of heaven , and the penurie and povertie of earth ? here all things are full of labour , man cannot utter it : the eye is not satisfied with seeing , nor the eare filled with hearing : whereas in heaven there is length of dayes , and fulnesse of joy without ending . and wherein consists this fulnesse ? even in the sweet and comfortable sight of god. but who hath seene god at any time ? to this , blessed austine answers excellently . albeit ( saith he ) that summary and incommutable essence , that true light , that indeficient light , that light of angels , can be seene by none in this life , being reserved for a reward to the saints only in the heavenly glory ; yet to beleeve , and understand , and feele , and ardently desire it , is in some sort to see and possesse it . now , if wee will beleeve it , though our feet be on earth , our faith must be in heaven : or understand it , wee must so live on earth , as if our conversation were in heaven : or feele it , wee must have so little feeling of the delights of this life , as our delight may be wholly in heaven : or desire it , wee must hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , to direct us in the way which leadeth to heaven . it cannot be ( saith a devout holy man ) that any one should die ill , who hath lived well . wee are then to labour by a zealous , religious , and sincere life , to present our selves blamelesse before the lord at his comming . o if wee knew ( and grosse is our ignorance if we know it not ) that whatsoever is sought besides god , possesseth the minde , but satisfies it not ! wee would have recourse to him , by whom our minds might be as well satisfied as possessed . but great is our miserie , and miserable our stupiditie , who , when wee may gaine heaven with lesse paines than hell , will not draw our foot backe from hell , nor step one foot forward towards the kingdome of heaven . yea , when wee know , that it pleaseth the devill no lesse when wee sinne , than it pleaseth god to heare us sigh for sinne ; yet will wee rather please the devill by committing sinne , than please god by sending out one penitent sigh for our sinne . for behold what dangers will men expose themselves unto , by sea and land , to increase their substance ! againe , for satisfaction of their pleasures , what tasks will they undertake , no lesse painfull than full of perill ! a little expectance of penitentiall pleasure can make the voluptuous man watch all the night long , when one houre of the night to pray in would seeme too too long . early and late to inrich his carelesse heire , will the miserable wretch addresse himselfe to all slavish labour , without once remembring either early or late to give thanks to his maker . without repose or repast will the restlesse ambitious sparke , whose aimes are only to be worldly great , taske himselfe to all difficulties to gaine honour , when even that which so eagerly he seekes for , oft times brings ruine to the owner . here then you see where you are to seeke ; not on earth , for there is nought but corruption ; but in heaven , where you may be cloathed with incorruption : not on earth , for there you are exiles ; but in heaven , where you may be enrolled and infranchised citizens : not on earth the grate of miserie ; but in heaven the goale of glory . in briefe , would you have your hearts lodged , where your treasures are locked ; all your senses seated , where they may be fully sated ? your eye with delightfull'st objects satisfied , your eare with melodious accents solaced , your smell with choicest odours cherished , your taste with chiefest dainties relished , your selves , your soules amongst those glorious creatures registred ? fix the desires of your heart on him , who can only satisfie your heart ; set your eye on him , whose eye is ever upon you , and in due time will direct you to him ; intend your eare to his law , which can best informe you , and with divinest melodie cheere you ; follow him in the smell of his sweet oyntments , and hee will comfort you in your afflictions ; taste how sweet hee is in mercy , and you shall taste sweetnesse in the depth of your miserie ; become heavenly men , so of terrestriall angels you shall be made angels in heaven ; where by the spirituall union of your soules , you shall be united unto him who first gave you soules . and so i come to the third and last ; when wee are to seeke , lest seeking out of time , wee be excluded from finding what wee seeke , for want of seeking in due time . if words spoken in season be like apples of gold with pictures of silver ; sure i am , that our actions being seasonably formed or disposed , cannot but adde to our soules much beautie and lustre . to every thing there is a season , and a time to every purpose under the heaven : which season neglected , the benefit accruing to the worke is likewise abridged . there is a time to sow , and a time to reape ; and sow wee must before wee reape : sow in tears , before wee reape in joy . seeke wee must before wee finde ; for unlesse wee seeke him while he may be found , seeke may wee long ere wee have him found . after the time of our dissolution from earth , there is no time admitted for repentance to bring us to heaven . hoc momentum est de quo pendet aeternitas . either now or never ; and if now , thrice happy ever . which is illustrated to us by divers similitudes , examples , and parables in the holy scripture : as in esaus birth-right , which ( once sold ) could not be regained by many teares ; and in the parable of dives and lazarus , where abraham answered dives , after he had beseeched him to send lazarus , that he might dip the tip of his finger in water , and coole his tongue ; sonne , remember that thou in thy life time receivedst thy good things , and likewise lazarus evill things : but now he is comforted , and thou art tormented . and in the parable of the ten virgins , where the five foolish virgins tooke their lamps , and tooke no oyle with them ; but the wise tooke oyle in their vessels with their lamps ; and when the bridegroome came , those that were ready , went in with him , and were received : but those foolish ones , who were unprovided , though they came afterwards crying , lord , lord , open unto us , could not be admitted . for know , deare christian , and apply it to thy heart , ( for knowledge without use , application , or practice , is a fruitlesse and soule-beguiling knowledge ; ) that hee who promiseth forgivenesse to thee repenting , hath not promised thee to morrow to repent in . why therefore deferrest thou till to morrow , when thou little knowest but thou maist die before to morrow ? this day , this houre is the opportunate season ; take hold of it then , lest thou repent thee , when it is past season . man hath no inte est in time , save this very instant , which hee may properly terme his : let him then so imploy this instant of time , as hee may be heire of eternitie , which exceeds the limit of time . let us worke now while it is day , for the night commeth when no man can worke . why therefore stand wee idling ? why delay wee our conversion ? why cry wee with the sluggard , yet a little , and then a little , and no end of that little ? why to morrow , and to morrow , and no end of to morrow , being as neere our conversion to day as to morrow ? why not to day as well as to morrow , seeing every day bringeth with it her affliction , both to day and to morrow ? meet it is then for us , to make recourse to the throne of mercy in the day of mercie , and before the evill day come , lest wee be taken , as he who beat his fellow servants , when the great master of the houshold shall come . o earth , earth , earth , heare the word of the lord ! earth by creation , earth by condition , earth by corruption . remember now thy creator in the dayes of thy youth , while the evill dayes come not , nor the yeares draw nigh , when thou shalt say , i have no pleasure in them . while the sun , or the light , or the moone , or the stars that be not darkened , nor the clouds returne after the raine . in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble , and the strong men shall bow themselves , and the grinders cease , because they are few , and those that looke out of the windowes be darkened : and the doores shall be shut in the streets , when the sound of the grinding is low , and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird , and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low . also when they shall be afraid of that which is high , and fears shall be in the way , and the almond tree shall flourish , and the grashopper shall be a burden , and desire shall faile : because man goeth to his long home , and the mourners goe about the streets . or ever the silver coard be loosed , or the golden bowle be broken , or the pitcher be broken at the fountaine , or the wheele broken at the cisterne . then shall the dust returne to the earth as it was , and the spirit shall returne unto god who gave it . hence then are we warned not to deferre time , lest wee neglect the opportunate time , the time of grace ; which neglected , miserable shall we be , when from hence dissolved . yea , but will some object ; true repentance is never too late : which is most true ; but againe i answer , that late repentance is seldome true . repent then while yee have time ; for as in hell there is no redemption , so after death there is no time admitted for repentance . o remember that a wounded conscience none can heale ; so that , like as the scorpion hath in her the remedy of her owne poison ; so the evill man carrieth alwayes with him , the punishment of his owne wickednesse , the which doth never leave to torment and afflict his minde both sleeping and waking . so as , the wicked man is oft-times forced to speake unto his conscience , as ahab said to eliah , hast thou found me , o mine enemie ? now there is no better meanes to make peace with our consciences , than to set god continually before our eyes , that his spirit may witnesse to our spirits , that we are the children of grace . wherein many offend daily , who promise to themselves security , either by sinning subtilly or secretly . subtilly , as in dazling or deluding the eyes of the world with pretended sanctity , and concluding with the poet ; that i may just and holy seeme , and so the world deceive , and with a cloud my cunning shroud , is all that i doe crave . but such hypocrites will god judge , and redouble the viols of his wrath upon their double sinne . secretly , when man in the foolishnesse of his heart committeth some secret sin , and saith , who seeth him ? there is none looking thorow the chinke to see mee , none that can heare me , but simple fooles : how much are these deceived ? is there any darknesse so thicke and pal●able , that this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the piercing eye of heaven cannot spie thee thorow it ? o if thou hope by sinning secretly , to sin securely , thou shalt be forced to say unto thy god , as ahab said unto elijah , hast thou found mee , o mine enemie ? nay , o god , terrible and dreadfull thou hast found me . and then let me aske thee in the same termes that the young gallant in erasmus asked his wanton mistresse ; art thou not ashamed to doe that in the sight of god and witnesse of holy angels , which thou art ashamed to doe in the sight of men ? art thou so afraid of disgrace with men , and little carest whether thou be or no in the state of grace with god ? art thou more jealous of the eyes of men , who have but power only to asperse a blemish on thy name , or inflict a temporall punishment on thy person , than of his , who hath power to throw both thy soule and body into the burning lake of perdition ? it was a pretty saying of epicurus in seneca ; whereto are offences safe , if they cannot be secure ? or what availes it guiltie men to finde a place to lye hid in , when they have no confidence in the place where they lye hid in ? excellent therefore was the counsell of zealous bernard , and sententious seneca , that wee should alwayes , as in a mirrour , represent unto our eyes the example of some good man , and so to live as if he did alwayes see us , alwayes behold us : for wee , who know that the eyes of god are upon all the wayes of men , and that no place so remote , no place so desart or desolat● , as may divide us from his all-seeing presence , ought to be in all our workes so provident and circumspect , as if god were present before our eyes , as in truth he is . and therefore prudentius in one of his hymnes give this memorandum ; thinke with thy selfe , if thou from sin would free thee , be 't day or night , that god doth ever see thee . o then let us fix our thoughts upon god here on earth , that we may gloriously fix our eyes upon him in heaven ! let us so meditate of him here on earth , that wee may contemplate him there in heaven ! so repent us to have dishonoured him here on earth , that wee may be honoured by him in heaven ! let us become humble petitioners unto him , and prostrate our selves before his foot-stoole : of whom if we begge life , his hand is not so short●ed , as it will not save ; his eare so closely stopped , as it will not heare : it is reported , that when a poore man came to dionysius the tyrant , and preferred his petition unto him standing ; the imperious tyrant would not give eare unto him ; whereupon this poore petitioner to move him to more compassion , fell downe prostrate at his feet , and with much importunity obtained his suit : after all this , being demanded by one why he did so ; i perceived ( quoth he ) dionysius to have his eares in his feet , wherefore i was out of hope to be heard till i fell before his feet . but god , who intendeth rather the devotion of the heart , than the motion of the hand , or prostration of the bodie , will heare us , if wee aske faithfully , and open unto us , if wee knocke constantly , and having fought a good fight , crowne us victoriously . thus you have heard what we are to seeke , where we are to seeke , and when we are to seeke . what ; a kingdome , not of earth , but of heaven . where ; not on earth , nor in earth , but in heaven . when ; while we are here on earth , that after earth we may reigne in heaven . what ; a garden inclosed , a spring shut up , a fountaine sealed . what ; a crowne of righteousnesse , a precious pearle , a hid treasure . what ; wisdome , health , wealth , beautie , libertie , and all through him who is all in all . aristippus was wont to say , that he would goe to socrates for wit , but to dionysius for money : whereas this we seeke , and seeking , hope to enjoy , confers upon us the rich treasures of wisdome , and abundance of riches for evermore . for , first seeke we the kingdome of heaven , and the righteousnesse thereof , and all things else shall be ministred unto us . secondly , where wee are to seeke . where ; in heaven , the house of god , the citie of the great king , the inheritance of the just , the portion of the faithfull , the glory of sion . where ; not without us , but within us ; for the kingdome of god is within us . so as i may say to every faithfull soule , intus habes quod quaeris ; that is within thee , which is sought of thee . it is god thou seekest , and him thou possessest ; thy heart longeth after him , and right sure thou art of him , for his delight is to be with those that love him . lastly , when ; on earth : when ; in this life : when ; while we are in health ; while we are in those tabernacles of clay ; while we carry about us these earthen vessels ; while we are cloathed with flesh ; before the evill day come ; or the night approach ; or the shadow of death encompasse us ; now in the opportunate time ; the time of grace ; the time of redemption ; the appointed time while our peace may be made : not to deferre from youth to age , lest wee be prevented by death before we come to age ; but so to live every day , as if we were to die every day , that at last we may live with him who is the length of dayes . what remaineth then , but that wee conclude the whole series or progresse of this discourse with an exhortation to counsell you , an instruction to caution you , closing both in one conclusion to perswade you to put in daily practice , what already hath beene tendred to you . now , gentlemen , that i may take a friendly farewell of you ; i am to exhort you to a course vertuous , which among good men is ever held most generous . let not , o let not the pleasures of sinne for a season , withdraw your mindes from that exceeding great weight of glory kept in store for the faithfull , after their passage from this vale of misery ! often call to minde the riches of that kingdome after which you seeke : those fresh pasture● , fragrant medows , and redolent fields diapred and embrodered with sweetest and choicest flowers : those blessed citizens , heavenly saints and servants of god , who served him here on earth faithfully , and now raigne with him triumphantly . let your hearts be enditers of a good matter , and your voices viols to this heavenly measure . o how glorious things are spoken of thee , thou citie of god ▪ as the habitation of all that rejoyce is in thee ! thou art founded on the exaltation of the whole earth . there is in thee neither old-age , nor the miserie of old-age . there is in thee neither maime , nor lame , nor crooked , nor deformed , seeing all attaine to the perfect man , to that measure of age , or fulnesse of christ. who would not become humble petitioner before the throne of grace , to be made partaker of such an exceeding weight of glory ? secondly , to instruct you where this crowne of righteousnesse is to be sought ; it is to be sought in the house of god , in the temple of the lord , in the sanctuary of the most high. o doe not hold it any derogation to you , to be servants , yea , servants of the lowest ranke , even doore-keepers in the house of the lord ! constantine the great gloried more in being a member of the church , than the head of an empire . o then , let it be your greatest glory to advance his glory , who wil make you vessels of glory ! but know , that to obey the delights of the flesh , to divide your portion among harlots , to drinke till the wine grow red , to make your life a continued revell , is not the way to obtaine this crowne . tribulation must goe before consolation ; you must clime up to the crosse , before you receive this crowne . the israelites were to passe thorow a desart , before they came to canaan . this desart is the world , canaan heaven . o who would not be here afflicted , that he may be there comforted ! who would not be here crossed , that he may be there crowned ! who would not with patience passe thorow this desart , onely in hope to come to canaan ! canaan the inheritance of the just ; canaan the lot of the righteous ; canaan , a fat land flowing with milke and honey , canaan , an habitation of the most holy ; canaan , a place promised to abraham ; canaan , the bosome of father abraham , even heaven ; but not the heaven of heaven , to which even the earth itselfe is the very empyraean heaven , for this is heaven of heaven to the lord : because knowne to none but to the lord. thirdly , and lastly , that i may conclude , and concluding perswade you ; neglect not this opportunate time of grace that is now offered you . i know well , that gentlemen of your ●anke cannot want such wittie consorts , as will labour by their pleasant conceits to remove from you the remembrance of the evill day : but esteeme not those conceits for good , which strive to estrange from your conceit the chiefest good . let it be your task every day , to provide your selves against the evill day ; so shall not the evill day , when it commeth , affright you , nor the terrours of death prevaile against you , nor the last summ●ns perplex you , nor the burning lake consume you . o what sharpe , extreme , and insuperable taskes would those wofull tormented soules take upon them , if they might be freed but one houre from those horrours which they ●ee , those tortures which they feele ! o then , while time is granted you , omit no time , neglect no opportunitie ! be instant in season and out of season , holding on in the race which is set before you , and persevering in every good worke even unto the end ; because they that continue unto the end , shall be saved . what is this life but a minute , and lesse than a minute , in respect of eternity ? yet if this minute be well imployed , it will bring you to the fruition of eternitie . short and momentanie are the afflictions of this life ; yet supported with patience , and subdued with long sufferance , they crowne the ●ufferer with glory endlesse . short likewise are the pleasures of this life , which as they are of short continuance , so bring they forth no other fruit than the bitter pils of repentance : whereas in heaven there are pleasures for evermore ; comforts for evermore ; joyes for evermore : no carnall , but cordiall joy ; no laughter of the body , but of the heart ; for though the righteous sorrow , their sorrow ends when they end , but joy shall come upon them without end . o meditate of these in your beds , and in your fields ; when you are journeying on the way , and when you are sojourning in your houses : where compare your court-dalliance with these pleasures , and you shall find all your rioting , triumphs and revelling , to be rather occasions of sorrowing than solacing , mourning than rejoycing ! bathe you in your stoues , or repose you in your arbours ; these cannot allay the least pang of an afflicted conscience . o then so live every day , as you may die to sinne every day : that as you are ennobled by your descent on earth , you may be ennobled in heaven , after your descent to earth . laus deo. totum hoc ut à te venit , totum ad te redeat . a gentleman is a man of himselfe , without the addition of either taylor , millener , seamster or haberdasher . actions of goodnesse he holds his supreme happinesse : the fate of a younger brother cannot depresse his thoughts below his elder . he scornes basenesse more than want ; and holds noblenesse his sole worth . a crest displayes his house , but his owne actions expresse himselfe . hee scornes pride , as a derogation to gentry ; and walkes with so pure a soule , as he makes uprightnesse the honour of his familie . he wonders at a profuse foole , that he should spend when honest frugalitie bids him spare ; and no lesse at a miserable crone , who spares when reputation bids him spend . though heire of no great fortunes , yet his extensive hand will not shew it . hee shapes his coat to his cloth ; and scornes as much to be beholden , as to be a gally-slave . he hath beene youthfull , but his maturer experience hath so ripened him , as he hates to become either gull or cheat. his disposition is so generous , as others happinesse cannot make him repine , nor any occurrent save sinne make him repent . he admires nothing more than a constant spirit , derides nothing more than a recreant condition , embraceth nothing with more intimacie , than a prepared resolution . amongst men he hates no lesse to be uncivill , than in his feare to god-ward to be servile . education hee holds a second nature ; which ( such innate seeds of goodnesse are sowne in him ) ever improves him , seldome or never depraves him . learning hee holds not only an additament , but ornament to gentry . no complement gives more accomplishment . he intends more the tillage of his minde , than his ground ; yet suffers not that to grow wilde neither . he walkes not in the clouds to his friend , but to a stranger . he eyes the court with a vertuous and noble contemplation ; and dis-values him most , whose sense consists in sent . hee viewes the city , with a princely command of his affections . no object can with-draw him from himselfe ; or so distract his desires , as to covet ought unworthily ; or so intraunce his thoughts , as to admire ought servilely . he lives in the countrey without thought of oppression ; makes every evening his dayes ephemeris . if his neighbours field flourish , he doth not envy it ; if it lie fit for him , he scornes to covet it . there is not that place he sees , nor that pleasure he enjoyes , whereof he makes not some singular use to his owne good and gods glory . vocation hee admits of , walking in it with so generous and religious a care , as hee makes pietie his practice , acts of charitie his exercise , and the benefit of others his sole solace . hee understands that neither health commeth from the clouds without seeking , nor wealth from the clods without digging . he recommends himselfe therefore in the morning to gods protection and favour , that all the day long hee may more prosperously succeed in his labour . he holds idlenesse to be the very moth of mans time ; day by day therefore hath he his taske imposed , that the poison of idlenesse may be better avoided . he holds , as gods opportunitie is mans extremitie ; so mans securitie is the devils opportunitie . hoping therefore he feares , fearing he takes heed , and taking heed he becomes safe . hospitalitie he holds a relique of gentry : he harbours no passion but compassion . he grieves no lesse at anothers losse than his owne ; nor joyes lesse in anothers successe than his owne peculiar . recreation he useth to refresh him , but not surprize him . delights cannot divert him from a more serious occasion ; neither can any houre-beguiling pastime divide him from an higher contemplation . for honest pleasures , he is neither so stoicall as wholly to contemne them , nor so epicureall as too sensually to affect them . there is no delight on mountaine , vale , coppice , or river , whereof he makes not an usefull and contemplative pleasure . recreation he admits , not to satisfie his sense , but solace himselfe . hee fixeth his minde on some other subject , when any pleasure begins too strongly to worke upon him : he would take it , but not be taken by it . hee attempers his attractivest pastimes with a little alloes , to weane him all the sooner from their sweetnesse . he scornes that a moment of content should deprive him of an eternitie of comfort . he corrects therefore his humour , in the desire of pleasure , that he may come off with more honour . acquaintance he entertaines with feare , but retaines with fervour . he consorts with none , but where he presumes he may either better them , or be bettered by them . vertue is the sole motive of his choice : hee conceives how no true amitie , nor constant societie can ever be amongst evill men . he holds it a blemish to the repute of a gentleman ; and an aspersion to his discretion , to make choice of those for his associates , who make no more account of time , than how to passe it over . conference he affects ; and those hee admits only into the list of his discourse , whom he findes more reall than verball , more solid than complementall . he will try him before he rely on him : but having found him touch , they touch his honour , that impeach him . moderation in his desires , cares , feares , or in what this theatre of earth may afford , he expresseth so nobly , as neither love of whatsoever he enjoyes can so enthrall him , nor the losse of what he loves can any way appall him . a true and generous moderation of his affections , hath begot in him an absolute command and conquest of himselfe . he smiles , yet compassionately grieves , at the immoderation of poore worldlings in their cares and griefes ; at the indiscretion of ambitious and voluptuous flies in their desires and feares . perfection hee aspires to ; for no lower mound can confine him , no inferiour bound impale him . vertue is the staire that raiseth to height of this story . his ascent is by degrees ; making humilitie his directresse , lest he should faile or fall in his progresse . his wings are holy desires ; his feet heavenly motions . he holds it the sweetest life to be every day better , till length of dayes re-unite him to his redeemer . hee hath plaid his part on this stage of earth with honour ; and now in his exit makes heaven his harbour . finis . embleme . with a climacterick yeere this worke began , which is exprest when sev'ns & nines doe meet , held fatall to this short-spun threed of man ; and with same number ends the finall sheet of these observances , whereof i treat : threescore and three is held the dangerous yeere , and just so many sheets shall you finde here ; but not a leafe to give a life to feare . vpon the errata . howsoever some no lesse justly than confidently might ●vouch , quod plura non dantur vulnera mi●●ti●n praelio , ●uam authori in prelo ; yet must i ingeniously wipe off this aspersion from my judicious friend and artist , an ornament to his profession . whose s●dulous care towards me and others , hath already gain'd him a deserved esteeme and approvement of all authors . truth is , gentlemen , when you encounter with any erro●s ( as they are individuates to all labours ) you are to impute the e●●or to the absence of the author . whose affaires in the countrey tooke him from cares of the city : or to explaine himselfe more fully , that he may come off fairely ; and possesse him of your opinion more freely ; he was call'd away from laurence iury , by the impannel of a northerne iury , and pressed to attendance by an old bayliffe of the country , when his occasion lay for the presse in the old bayly neere the city . in a word , had not a nisi prius interposed , these errors by a quest of in juiry had beene prevented . it is your generous candor to recti●ie him with your pennes , who solely for your sakes undertooke this paines . errata . vtilitas erroris , humilitas authoris . pag . lin . . for harparates read harpocrates . p. . l. . for stanes r. staines . p. . this marginall distich omitted ; " est venus in vinis , vinis venus illita venis ; " sint procul à mensis vina venusque meis . p. . l. . for as r. is . p. . l. . for comine r. commes p. . l . for stare r. seaze . p . marg . for utilitas r. utilitatis . p. . l. . a branch of vocation undistinguished . p. . l. . for enndagred r. endangered . p. . l. . for hawke r. hanke , * which inverts sense . p. . l. . for enevors r. endevours . p. . l. . for smimming r. swimming . p. . l. . for thrust r. t●ussd . p. . l . * a branch of acquaintance undistinguished . p. . l. . * another undistinguished . p. . l. . for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. ib. num . for . r. . p. . l. . for wounded r. wounding . p. . l. . for . r. . p. . l. . for estimate r. estimates . p. . marg for charibdis r. charybdis . p. . marg . for felicie r. felicitie . p . l. . for say r. saw . p. . l. . for lesse r. ishai . p. . marg . for percepit r. praecepit . ¶ sundry marginall notes you shall finde obscured , which by your candor may be cleared . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e mancipia paueae lectionis cum sint . ☞ for my dedication , instead of all unnecessary excuses of presumption , i wil cloze briefly with this constant resolution : though to your title there be honovr due , it is your selfe that makes mee honovr you . notes for div a -e observat. . the dangers that attend on youth . vnum est inslar belluae humiliari , aliud est belluinos inores imitari . * vicina l●psibus adolesc . ●●a . hieron . omnia in hat aetole juvenescunt vitia . euseb. lib . . si ingratum dix●ris , omnia dixeri● . min. publianus . quisimus , quinam ●●●mus , in ephebio constitu●um est . diog. cyn. lectum non citius relinquens , quàm in deum delinquens : n●n citius surgens , quàm insurgens . the vanitie of youth displ●yed in foure distinct subjects . gate . audacia pro 〈◊〉 habetur . salust . in bell. cati● . dan. . . . . seneca . looke . plutarch . in vit . syll. august . gregor . de tranq . an . quo altior in divitiis , eo cop●ostor in vitiis . ber. de inter . dom. m●●am . . speech . sine loq ●●la non potest sla●e societas . ar●st . aug. de magist. psal. . . prou. . . in vit . phoc. in lib. desecr . secret . two reasons why young men were not admitted to deliver their opinions in publike assemblies . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . pic. m●rand in epist. ad h●r●ol . neque locus , neque amious quisquā teget , quem arma non texerint . salust . in bell. iugurth . ferociam animi , quam habebat vivus , in vultu retinust catilina salust . in conjur . ca●il . salust . law , logicke , and the sw●tzers may be hired to fight for any one . blos . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . basil. virtus maxima , in mole minima . eccles. . , . habit . in vit . solon . hor●t . epist. l. . ep. . * vt in exequiis epu●sque celebrandis n●mioque apparatu corporis , omnis inutilis sumptus prohibeatur . plutarch . in vit . alcibiad . socrates . mihi mirabile fit quòd non enecentur , cum tantum onus bajulent . clem. alex. . paedag. hieron . ad fur. de vid. serm. tom. . aug. de christ. fide . tertull. de hab . mul. cap. . tim. . , . pet. . . — prima est haec ul●io , quod se iudice , ne●o nocens absolvitur . iuv. sat. . august . in enar . sup . . psal. bernard . de interdomo . cap. . an● sol●loq . cap. sen. 〈◊〉 lucil. tuscul. quaest . lib. . aug. sup ps●● . prov. . . prov. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . archi● . ta●ent . prov. . . aug. ser. . nazian . contra ●uli res immudice comptas . hieron . de exitu lea. lacrt. lib. . lacrt. ibid. iames ● ▪ . . seneca . act. . , . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . aug. three violent passions incident to youth . lvst . two reasons why youth is ●aturally subject to this ill●mited passion . an especiall motive tending to the increase of this passion . venus in vinis . nunquam e●o ebr●um pu●●bo cas●um . hi●ron . plato . plutarch . macrob. q. curt. lib. . * irene . what rare effect the precepts of morall ph●losophie wrought in heathen men . ●tiam seris ac b●b●●● 〈…〉 . ambr●s lib. . d●●●rah●m . vid. a●l. gell. i● n●ct . att●●s . seneca . — rara est concordia forma , a●que pudicitiae . iuven. sat. . numb . . . ambition nullus enim magnisc●●eris labor — i●● en . sal. . tusc. l. quaest. lib. q●art . — tolluntur in altum , vt lapsu gr●vi●reruam — hen. the fourth whose name deserves to be enrouled among the ancient worthies . aristot. chrysost. in corinth . quantumcunque le dejeceris , humilior non eris christo. hieron . plutarch . semper hia● , semper tenuem qua v●s●●tur auram reciprecavit chamaeleon . et ● utat faciem vari●s sumitque colores , praeter rubrum & candidum . alciat . nil tam metuens , quàm ne dubi●a●e aliqu● de re videretur . petrarch . de remed . utrius fort . revenge . appian . alexan. homer . in iliad . & polybius apud cu●i nem , lib. . facili redimunt qui sanguine famam . martial . epigr. — impium est mortis statum praeripere tempus . galeatilepores . pet. mart. the proper 〈…〉 . homer . in odyss . seneca ad galion . de remed . fortuit . quicquid à vobis minor extimiscet major hoc vobis dominus minatur . horat. king. . , . horat. l. . epist. . basil. homil. de ira. greg. moral . l. . cap. . ephes. . . rom. . . iam. . . is●ay . . 〈◊〉 . . . . n●mb . . . iam ● . prov . co● . . . p●o● . . ec●l●s . , . prov. . . . ephes. . . physicke prescribed , and ●e●ceits applied to cure these maladies in youth . . in lib. de leg . luke . . what employments deserve entertainment from a gentleman . blos . chrysost. lib. de ●rand . deo. luke . . rom. . , . ephes. . , . col. . , . psal. . . eccles. . . notes for div a -e observat. . the diversitie of d●spositions . exeunti intro , ●n . ranti exeo . vid. laert. a probable judgement of ou● dispositions , drawne from the delights we affect , or company we frequent . salist . passion the best discoverer of our disposition . discovery of disp●sitions in distempers . non habet ulterius quod nostris potibus addat posteritas — habebitur aliquando ebrietati honor , & plurimum meri cep●sse , virtus erit . sen. non invenit crimen , etiam viri ●ortis accipit nomen , tantò nequior , quantò sub p●culo invict●or . aug. de verb. apost . ser. . promotion held ever mans best anatomy lecture . thom. in . quaest . . a. . optanda ea est amissio honoris , quae facit nos humiliores . nihil 〈◊〉 e●●quam bene ●●se●are . diodes . dict . l. phi. l. . ● . . the disposition is not to be forced . objection . sancti iuvenes , satanici senes . hieron . cont . lucif . resolution . * vt 〈…〉 ingentia , 〈◊〉 exigu● 〈◊〉 na●●ūtar ingenia . qu 〈…〉 , ut cum primis floribus arborum ; hie●●● citius ac celerius , illi autem faeli cius ac uberius gemmare solent & germinaere . suet. tran . in vit . ner. stupent in titulis & imaginibus . be●e e● cui deus obtul●t pa●●a quod satis est , manu hor. od l. . c. . eccles . . nuga & acl●rium . quanto magis capi● , tanto magis cupit . quanto magis cupit , tanto minus sapit . * plutarch . in moral . horat. l. . epist. . what disposition is most generous . mildnesse . ☞ plutarch . in vit . pomp. ioseph . in hist. iud. in vit . marcell . com●n . matth. . . dan. . . king. . , . deut. . . bede . nec leges metuunt , sed cedit viribus aequum , maestaque victrici jura sub ense jacent . omnia adversa exercitationes p●tat . seneca . cyprian . munificence . amici , perdidimus diem . sext. aurel. iustin. cujus domus quosi quaedam munificentiae , officina creder●tur . val. max. lib. . pa●cos ●eavit aul● , plures perdidit : sed & hos quoque ipsos , quos ●eavit , perdidit . farn. in emblem . amos . . amos . . . . nihil liberale , quod non idem est justum . cic. calvin . instit. lib. . cap. . fortitude . maldon . in . matt. cap . arist. lib. . de hist. animal . c. & lib. . de part . anim . cap. . fortis non est qui in arenam descendendo , dimicar● audet , sed qui nocendi causam secum discu●t , priusquam audet . machab. . the proper aime or end whereto the actions of true resolution are directed . cicero . in lups . treatise of charitie . cic. . lib. tus. quaest . the prudent observation of cortugal , one of the turkish princes , in his oration perswasive to his lord to besiege rhod●s , was this . christianus occasus discordus intestinis corroboratur . sitting * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . notes for div a -e observat. . what education is . knowledge . vt cogn●s●am te ; ut cognoscam me● bern. knowledge of god. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . luke . . knowledge of mans selfe . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . multum semper discens , senesco . socrat. panorm . de reb . ●est . a●phon . lib . socrat. quomodo pros●cis , sij●m tibi sufficis ? bern. aug. in soliloq . cap. . bernard . medit. cap. . plutarch . in lib. de virtut . am●r . m●tus anima ( saith s. aug. ) quo● grae● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellant . ex latinis quidam ( ut cic. . tuscul. ) perturbation●s dixerunt , alii affectiones , alii affectuo , alii expressas p●ssiones vocaverunt . d●mascen define●h other affections of the minde . motio ●e●sualis appe●i●ivae virtutis , ob boni vel ma●i imaginationem . lib. . de fi● . or●●●dox . cap. . zeno ap cic. in . tuscul. ita definit : perturbatiose● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 avers● recta ratione contra natura●a 〈◊〉 commotio . l● vit . ans●lmi . * vt à christo accepi●u●s benefici●l●● , praes●●mus christiani offium , 〈…〉 christi 〈…〉 in humilitatis specul●●m , 〈…〉 enim exemplam , 〈…〉 te dejeceris , 〈…〉 . 〈◊〉 . ● . a right profi●able exhortation to all such as are drawne away by strange doctrine . sacerdot●s nominamu● , nonsumus . greg. humilium sumus doctores , supe●b●ae du●cs . ibid. ne●o ta● impius est , quem haere●●cus impietate non vincat . s. hieron . lib . in esa●m . si enim haeretici sunt , christia●●ti esse non possunt . tertul. de praescript . c●p . . cyprian de vnitate . et hi●●on . c●●tra luciferianos . discourse . laert. lib. . two especiall errors in●●dent to subjects of discourse ; affe●tation . imitation : whereof gentlemen are seriously caut●●ned . affectation s●b●s●r● . imitation . vincent : de vit . spirit . ibid. c●cero . pic mirand . ad her● ▪ ol . life of the speaker . iam. . . truth of the subject . * equites asians . iuvem . sobrietie of speech . gell. in noct. attic. immoderate passion , in arguments of discourse and reasoning , to be avoided . ☞ plutarch . in vit . phoc. ☞ two powerfull motives of perswasion ; vibemencie of passion ; and instancie of ●●monstration . est ●n●m fi●eli ●●ta fil u●o merces . ho● . car●d od . silentio culpa crescit . i●dor . neque imperiale est libertatem dicendi negare , neque sacerdotale quod senti●t , non ●cere . ambros. epist. . greg. ezech. . . cor. . . ludev . viv. instruct . christ . mul. ad●oque ut errorem cum lacte nutrici● sugunt . ci● . vb●ra la●●● & luc●● , alent vo● milit●● supremi ducis . action . ☜ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . cic. s●n. de tranq . anim . ☞ appian . alexan the admirable effects of education . educatio & doctrina efficiunt mores . seneca . without learning hercules becomes a tyrant , darius insolent , achilles inordinate . pars divina in homine mersa . sen. lips. phavorinus . vid. tit. liv. luc. flor. plut. in vit . rom. among wolves was his education , by vultures his inauguration . hipastores pecorum , magis quam reges g●n●ium . xenophon . in cyropaedia . quint. curt. plutarch . in vit . alex. hominis enim sal●● nullo beneficio pensa●ur . seneca . ☞ tusc. quest . lib. quart . ☞ stilpho . alcib●ades . affrican . marc●llus . how a gentleman may be best enabled by education . * for aristotle , howsoever termed his master , is thought to have flourished when hee came to riper yeeres . vid ep. alexan ad arist. conscriptam , de sit . & stat . ind. three things moved tiberius to send drusus into illyricum : ●he first was , senescere militiae : the second , s●u diae exercitus parare : the third , simul juvenem urb●no luxu lascivient●m melin●in castris haberi reabatur tiberius . tacit. militis ira non lyra , sed t●ba so nat . ●ne● telis est nota chelys . cic. in bruto . isocrates . sext. philosophus . eunius . plutarch . in vit . marcell . habet ornatum satu illo majorē ; habet aliud spectaculum , ad illud specta●ulum te compone . quod e●go ●ibi est spectaculum ? coelum , angelorum inuum●ra multitudo . chrysost. hom . . in epist. . ad hebraeos . notes for div a -e observat. . gen. . . gen . . a qui luxuriant in verinium operibus . chrysost. tom . hom . . in g●xes . fe●untur quidam ex india vermiculi , hujusmodi facere vestes . idem tom . . hom . . in ad timoth. b imus in viscera terr● , & in sede maniaem op●s quaerimus ; c●usque pen. tr●t luxuria pl●n hi●t natural . lib . c quid me●●-rem pre●ios●rum aeromatum , quae ex india , ex arabi● , & ex perside convehuntur . sunt siuv , unguen●a pre tio●a , quae no● ex arabia , vel ex perside , sed ex ipso convihunt●r coelo , quae emuntur , non aura , sed fide non ficta . ch●ysost c. . tom . . hom . . in ad tim. august . tom . , serm. 〈◊〉 temp. d animaltum que v●nto feruntur , delitiae . clem. alex. pad l●b . . cap. . e et sua v●s●●menta & veste●st● agulas sassumigant , & aspergunt : atque adeo ut ipsas propemodum matulas . clemens alex. paed. lib. . cap. . f vermium texturae . chrysost. tor . . hom . . in genes . g maximi antem pret●i margarita mulierum conclave invasit : ca aut●m nascitur in quodom ostre● . cle. alex. paed●g . lib. . cap. . h quae pecca●oremfactum convincerent . aug. l. . de g●ne● . edli er . & cap. . i dico ergoho●inem , non al a de caisa opus habere vestimentis . qu●m ut teg it ●● corpus , ad maxima frigora & vehementes aestus propul andos : h●c est vestus s●●pus . clem. d. ex . paedag. lib. . cap. . verbera ventorum vitare imbrisque●o●ct●s . lueret . lib. . k libel de imag. horat. l. . epist. . ornamentum est qu●d ornat : ernat autem quod honestiorem mulierem facit . plutari . in praecept . connubial . hoc ipsum , quod vos non ornatis ornatus est . ambros . lib. . de virg. ambros. tom . . lib. . offic. c. . phil. . , the necessitie of a vocation . ezech. . prov. . . . ecclus. . . . thes. . , . . tim. . cor. . health commeth not from the clouds without seeking , nor wealth from the clods without digging . vocation a peculiar labour or function , particularly allotted to say one person . * aliis micens , consumor . a●l. gell. in noct a●t c. adde quod ingenium lon●a ●a●igine lasum t●rpet , & est multo , quàm fuit ante , minus . vi●a quanto magis proced●● , tanto propues ad mortem accedit . aug. solil●● . c. . sam . . ester . . king. . . dan. . . sam. . . king. . ibid. . luke ●● . gen . act. . . cor. . . ec●les . hi●t . deut. . . xista potius quàm zenodech●a , regia potius palatia , qu●m tecta in panperum solatia , erigent . three necessary considerations touching the conveniencie of a vocation . a divine consideration . a civill consideration . amore dei amor vicini giga●tur ; amore vicini amor dei nutritur . o●atio inter maxima charitatis opera nume●and● est . the effect of prayer confirmed . exod. . . a peculiar consideration . ☜ vid. salust . in bell . iug. nec enim libertas tutior ulla est , quam domino servire tuo . prima est . libertas carere criminibus . aug. ☜ a damnum potius quam turpe lucrum eligendum est . la●rtius . b omnes complectuntur ar●es ex quibus lucrum consiqui poterin● . plat. de leg . lucri b●nus odor ex re qualibet . invenal c lucrum sine dan no alterius fieri . non potest . sen. lip st . d cum aliqua species ●tilitas objecta est , nos comoveri necesse est . cic. de offic . . omnes appetinius utilitatem , & ad e●m rapunur . ibid. e lucrum facit homines deteriores . polit. . nisil●crum esset , nemo ficisset improbus . f nam tale turpe lucrum accusatio nature est . apud stobaeum . g pecuniae st●dium , fidem , probitatem , ceteras . que bonas artes subvertit . horat. h voluntas fingendi , & mentiendi est eorum qui opes appetunt , & lu●rum desiderant . lact. desalsa relig . i cl●rus ubique fuit , fortis , sapiens , etiam rex , & quicquid volet . herat. si fortuna volet , fies de●betore consul ; sivo ' et haec eadem , fies de consule●betor . iuvenal . sat. . k virtus nihil quod extra se est quaerit . pontan . lib. . de prud. l nulla potest esse virtus nisi gratuita . cic. in tusc. m domat omnia virtus . salust . quicquid homines arant , navigant , aedificant , virtuti omnia parent . ibid. n virtuti fortuna cedit . plaut o nihileripit fortuna , nisi quod ipsa dedit . sen. de tranq . an . p virtute qui praediti sunt , sol . sunt divites . cicero . deut. . . pauperes eligit deus ad haeredi tatem regni caelest●s . cor. . luk. . . . o mors , quam amara est memorta tuae , hom●ni habenti pacem in substantus suis ! non sol 〈◊〉 virtus , s●detian s●ma , d●cus , divina humanaque ●ul●bris diviti●s parent . horat. l. . sat. . we are to resist vices , by practising and doing acts of ●he contrarie vertues . no man exempted frō a vocation . non vestrae magis irae , quàm famae consulatis . caes. inorat . pro cat. de liber●ate vindicanda . vide salust . in maxima fortuna , minima licentia est . salust . - bene paupertas humilt tecto contenta late● , quatiunt al●as saepe procellae , aut evertu fortuna ●om●s . senec. in agam. quicquid excelsum est , cadat . in octav. invident honori meo● ergoinvid●ant labori , & innocintiae , periculis etiam miris , quoniam per haec illum cepi . salust . in b●ll . lug . ☞ cic. in lib. de leg . agendo , audendoque res romana crevit . salust . l. flor. l. . c. . gen. . . in iis linguis quas non in●●lligimus , surdi sumu● . tusc. lib. . hoc nempe ●b homine exigitur , ut prosit huminibus si sieri potest , muli● ; siminùs , paucis ; siminùs , proximis ; siminùs , sibi . seneca de vitá b●atá . a resemblance betwixt the offices in the bodie of a state , and a body naturall . oculus ad coeium , manus ad clavam . experimenta per mories agunt . hippocrat . faces , fauces , & faeces insulae . nunc ( vt hieron . ad paul. conqueritur ) scripturarum interpretationem passim sibi vendicant omnes , hanc garrula ann● , hanc d●lirus senex , hanc sophista verbosus , hanc universi praesumunt , lacecerant , docent antequam discant . see the first rising of all novellisme and innovated doctrine , how and upon what weak grounds planted , and how strangely by the bellows of singularity increased . exod. . . west . . west . . . ed. . . ed. . . h. . . h. . . h. . & . el. mala fama bene parta d●iectat . sen. nam vivos interdum fortuna , saepe invidia fatigat : ubi anima naturae cessis , demptis obirectatoribus , ipsa se virtus magi● magisque extollit . salust . hominas inertissimi quorum omnis vis virtusque in lingua sita est . salust . in . orat . virtus per s● amora atque aspera est . ad virtutem una atque ardua via est . ibid. vocation in generall . ☞ ezek. . . sam. . . prov. . . ierem. . . zeph. . . mic. . . ion. . . hin● alii aliis artibus incumbunt ; hi●n mari navigantes , bi in monte pas●en●es & pastinantes , &c. visne procedere in thessaham ? artem disces bortulanam ; visne in barbariam ? artem experieris eq●●strem . sam. . . sam. . . gen. . . gen. . . gen. . . gen. . . grammar . logicke . sera cognitionis , quae à cla●e artu re●eratur . arist. in poster . 〈◊〉 melch. can. 〈…〉 rhetorick . eras. l. . apotheg . quint. curt. - sivis me flere , dolend●● est primū ipsi tibi , tunc tua 〈◊〉 infortaenia laedunt . horat . de art . p●●t . cic. l. . de orat. * maro both a port and 〈…〉 ; ●ho with i●orat●s for l●cke 〈◊〉 good voice oth●●wise called the father of eloquence never pleaded ●ublikely : he●●ore was it laid of his orations , that if maro penned thē , and cicero pro●ounced them , nothing could be more exquisite . mathematicks . libenter ign ro quod m●●●ne deus nol●●t . caelera quidem nescio , hoc autem scio , quòd dii oderi●● curiosos . euclid . compescat igitur se humana temeritas , & id q●od n●n est , non quaerat , ne illud quod est non in 〈◊〉 . maxim. serm. . geometrie . vid plut. in vit . marc●ll . l. flor. l. . c. . physick . vid app. alex. l. flor l. . c. . hippocrates . musicke . vt lyram vel citharam percutiat , &c. sam. . . musicke hath a different working , melodie , mirth and melancholy . king. . . exod. . . iudith . . iudg. . . aug. confess . lib. . cap. . qui tam medico fle●u voci● faci●bat sona●e lectorem psalm● , ut pronuntianti vicinior esset quam can●nti . ibid. the vocation of a gentleman in particular . quae ret●osunt oblivisci , & ad ea quae ante sunt apostolum sequi . epist. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . dial. . exod. . . gen. . . psal. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . mark . . cor. . . luke . . . the vocation of a gentleman hath relation to emploiment publike or private . objections framed against byron , for his treatie with forraine states . credulitie in two respects dangerous to persons imployed in affaires of state. credulitie in beleeving the relations of others . credulity in imparting his thoughts to the secrecie of others . for cabinet counsell this may be their motto ; plenu● sum rimarum . vt t●●●au●us ●e●ositu● . le●oris ventri 〈◊〉 vento vulgi , 〈…〉 . resolution in suffering neither price to draw him , nor power to over-awe him . excitamur ad meliora magnitudine rerum . sal●●● . herodotus lib. . 〈◊〉 . vid. hotmaen de legat. legatus ipsa● re●pub . 〈◊〉 suam attulsse ●idetur . advi●tutem laudis ●ue haben●as naturam , ine doctri●a , quam doctr●n●m ●ine n●tura valu●sse . 〈◊〉 . disobedience punished in attempts most successive . virgi●●aedi●●ssit quibus 〈…〉 plut. in a●o●●e● . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in publike affaires . cyprian . mach. . ☜ magne , non be ne . aug. zieglerus l. de illustribus viris germaniae . c. . in turc . histor. probe definitur à stoicu fortitud● , cum ●am virtutem dicunt esse propugnante pro aequit●● . cic. salmacida spoli● sine sanguine & sudore . si. lib. . ☜ plut. in vit . iul. cas. ioseph in bell . iud. ●lementiam tamen imperatoris pro●ne●tia duceban● . lb. dulce & decorū est pro patria 〈◊〉 hor. li. . od . . poeni foed fragi . cic. in offic . nulla sancta societas , nec fides regni . philip ● . a glorious enterprize recommended to the undertaking of all generous spirits . totum adimit , quo ingrata refulget . coping with the persian sap●r in titular insolence , who caused himself to bee stiled , re. r●gum , frater solu & 〈◊〉 , particep● syderum . non debet timere hostem fortē , qui dominum habet fortiorem . esa. . . psal. ● . . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in private affaires . — sic crimine nota crumentaest . quid non speremus , si numm●s possideam● ? omnia nummus habet , quod vult , facit , addit , & aufert . this may be observed in suits of law , as well as private affaires of iustice. a deut. . . b deut. . . c sam. . . d ierem . . e gen. . f deut. . . g e●d● . . ● . rom . ● psal. . . h act ● . i pro● . . . k e●clus . . , , . act. . . tim● . , . l . . to . m sam. . n iob . . amos . . purpuram negis quam deum ●o kn●es . iudges . . two perillous shelfes which ind●nger iustice . sicut absynthia per sep●llunt morbo● , melle tamen ill●●iuntur , ut puerorum a●as improvida ludificetur . pic. mi●and . ad hermol . mark. . . a exod. . . b exod. . . c sam. . . d deut. . . e kings . . f exod. . ● . g cor. . . . h deut. . . . . heb. . . i exod. . , . num. . . ☜ melius est quod periat unus , quam unitas . qui malis parcit , bonis nocet . luxuriantes amputantur surculi , ut genuini coalescant ●ami . in putatiore sarmen●a sterilia recid●ntur : ut ea quae praevalent uberius fructum serant . greg. in mor. exposit. in iob. ☞ malle se in●er i●imicos , quam amicos ●udicare dicebat . laert. in vit . bia● . habeo in me , quod testetur p●o●●e . ☜ omni●●iorum vita testimonium ●edd●t deo. cypr. de duplo martyrio , initio . proh pudor , secundum fortunam as●imatur persona , quum potius secundum personam aestimada sit fortuna : ●am bonus reputatur quam dives , tam malus quam pau●er ; cum potius tam div●s sit reputandus quam bonus , tam pauper quam malus . de contem . mund . l. . c. . how a gentleman is to demeane himselfe in his owne family . tim. . . aug. ephes. . . adul● . ephes. . ad . domus , ( inquit aristoteles ) est quasi parva civitas , & civitas quasi magna domus . every family a private common-wealth . gen. . . deut. . . prov. . , . prov. . ● , . luke . . gen. . ● . sam. . . exod. . . nec sord●●è custod at , nec prodige spargat . salust . ephes. . . * circa domesticos ●●veritatem . med. cap. . deut. . . cor. . . tim. . . how highly to be condemned was that act of vedius pollio , who tyrannized so much over his servants , that he caused one to be cast into a fish-pond for breaking a glasse . iuvenes amárunt , ●●nes oderunt . alauda crist●m h●bet . proverb tim. . . domun● suam coer●er● plerisqu● haud minus arduum est , quam provinciam regere . tacit. gen. . . gen. . . gen. . . . . luke . . prov. . . . ☜ hydroptem habent conscientiā . aug. quanto magis bibunt , tanto magis ●uiunt . quanto magis capiunt , tanto magis cupiunt . quorum sitis neque copia , neque inopia minuitur . salust . vera inopia cupiditatum copia . how a gentleman is to imploy himselfe in spirituall affaires within his familie . gen. . . chron. . deut. . . . . verse . consisting upon a precept and a promise . ostendit exemplo quod promisit in praemio . aug. ruth . , . nimium est negotii continere eos quibus praesit , nisi te ●ps● contineas . anima mea quid fec●sti hodie ? &c. quod mal●● h●die 〈…〉 , lib. . veni ad judicium . hieron . paratum est cor●m●um . ibid. nulla dies sine linea . esay . . choeneci ne insideas . thess. ● . . iohn . . luke . . vlterius . luke . . nunquam ei prae●sse fami●iae , quae parum studi●sa est divina gloriae . philip. . . notes for div a -e observat. . the difference of recreations . v●d . strab. vid. plut. aul. g●ll. in noct . att. laert. in vit . chyl . l flor. lib. . c. . baleares narrat , à qua gente balistas nomen dux●sse , verisi . mil● est , jaculandi arte omnium facile principes esse . luculliani horti . vid. plut. in vit . a cynosargu● , locus in quo palestritae exercebantur ; cerostr●tum , in quo eorum corpora ungebantur . b circus , quia aculeatis spiculis circunclusus . vid. varro de antiq . rom. c haec quae difficilis turget paganica pl●ma , folle minus luxa est , & ●inus arcta p●lá . mar●ial lib. . . d fortissima adversus mortem & dolorem disciplina . vid. plut. in apotheg . & in vit . socr. plat. in repub. vid. plut. in vit . lycurg . ☜ nazian . contra ●ulieres immod●ce comptas . nescit equo rudis haere●e ingenuus puer , v●narique imet ludere do●lior , seu graeco jubeas trocho , seu malis vetita legibus alea. hor. od. . . consule victori . in vit . imperator . stud●sus al●a lusor . ibid. sue● . in aug. * vocatu● numeravit cal●ul●s , & sodal● suo ; vide●●nquit ) ●e post mortem meam mentiaris te vicisse . tum aun●●ns cen●urion● : te●u ( inquit ) eris , uno me antecedere . sen. de tranq . anim . of the moderate and immoderate use of recreation . pic. mirand . in epist. ad hermol . the benefits redounding from moderate recreation . s●n de tranq . anim . nullum magnum i●ge●●um s●ne m●●tura dementia su●● . ibid. horat. l. . ep . . cellae & habitatio cognatae sunt . ●er . de vit . solitar . non calatham iuno , non arcum sen per apollo tendit , amant re●●iem corpora ●essa suam . sueton. tranq . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . avari●i● bellua ●e●a , 〈◊〉 , m●ol●anda est . salust . domi-porta , lamax ; qu●a ●●limum serpendo rel●nq●it . vid al●iat . in embl●m . aelian in nat . hist. * rev. . ● . the inconveniences arising from immoderate recreation . immoderatione rela●antur artus , imminuuntur ●i●s : moderatione religantur ar●us , reparantur vires . laert. in vit . chyl . num. . . eccles. . . amos . . . . in the yeere of iubile all captives were delivered , all slaves enfranchised , al debts discharged . sen. de tranq . a●●m . pl●t . in apotheg . elian in vari● hist. l. ca. . dies ●●●tos nolite inhonorare ( inquit ignatius ) ●u●d tamen agū : isti , qui licentt●s ●●ulando crapule ●ndulge●● , 〈◊〉 calices ●●nriendo ebrictatem fove●t ? mel●●s est quod 〈◊〉 de f●●erent . quam 〈◊〉 de salt● e●● . aug sup . ps. ● . mark. . homer . in odyss . horat in epist. l●ert . in vit . cleob. vid. quint curt. lib. . armatis , divum nullus pudor . sil. ital. ☞ plato . plutarch . macrob. ☜ tim. . . modico vi●o utere . ecclesia mater est , noverca non est ; libertas datur ad necessitatem , modo ●●●ibeatur ad vanitatem . a ita evenit , ut cum aliqu●d ubi non oport●t adhib●tur , illic ubi oportet negligatur . te●tul . l●b . de paeniten . in●tio . b in apolog. c. . dem●critus e●caca●do s●ips●●●n●ontinentiam emendatione profitetur . at christianus solvis oc●lis faeminam videt , a●imo adve●su ▪ libidines cacus est . c ego mergam vos , ne ipse merga● à v●bis . d noctium attic. l. . c. . homo miser vites suas sibi omnes de●runcat . quo major , eò ●●●●ior ; id●ue e●e●p●o perfice , 〈…〉 etiam ●e●●●●●endi exc●pla trib●as . prov. . , . observations of admirab●e continencie , instanced in beasts and birds . vt er●ontur à muliere 〈◊〉 , &c. ibid. ve●s . . the publication of secular 〈◊〉 used by the heathen , was cried in these words : conv●nite ●d ludos spectandos , quo , neque spectavit quisquam , nec spectaturus est . suet. in claudio , cap. . po● . virg. de invent . lib. ● . cap. . o●id . trist. l●b . . object . . primum quod urgent illi histri●mast : desumptum este deutr. . de cultu mul●●br● , an pueris licu●● e●m assum●r● ; earumque mores assimila●● ? v●i bez● omnes acquiescunt theologi . object . . obiectio de sacra scriptura sumpta & petita . quam-plurima in publicis theatris sunt sp●ctanda , ad regendos mores , dirigendos motus , corrigendos animi metus , admodum ●●i●●a . object . . vt metus humilitatem , sic nimia laeticia gestit levitatem . cic. eccles. . . object . . tertul. lib. de patient . theophylact. chrysostom . gregorie . object . . de deo loqui etiam vera periculosissimum est . a●nob . object . . in com●d . de th●ide . * anticyra insula est o●tae monii thessalio opposita , ubi helleborus crevisse dicitur . cor. . . object . . aut vi● . ul●m aut vehiculum . de civit . dei. l. . c. . theatra idolatri●is is de●um sacris esse turp●ora , &c. august●nus latinorum patr●●● augustus . de ciuit . dei. l. . c. . * nun● sum designatus aedilis , babeo rationem quòd a populo accep●ri● , mihi ludos sanctissimos maxima●um ceremonia cereri liberoque 〈◊〉 cic. in ver. quintilianus hypocritam hist●ionem appellat . qui mores , motus , gestus , incessus , voces , vultus , depo●ure & dediscere ( quorum personas agunt ) nulla modo possunt . elizabetha orbis phaebe , inter mulieres syb●lla , inter reginas saba . homerus sophocles heroicus , sophocles homerus trogicus . had ovid supplied cherilus place , he might by this meanes have inriched his fortunes above the condition of a poet. sedeo inter suspiria & lachrymas . ●ego la●do ruris amoeni rivo● , & mus●o circumlita sa●a , nemusque . hor. . epist. . carmin● se●essum scribentis & otta quaerunt . frustra po●tas sores campos sui p●pulit . sen. de tranq . anim . macrob. in so●n . scipionis . ad reprebendenda abena ●acta atque dicta ardes omnia animus . solust . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . eupolis atque cratinus , aristophanesque poetae . horat. serm. li. . sat. . saepius me eupolis in theatro demersisti , semel te in mari demergam . * ignotum tragicae genus invenisse camenae dicitur , et plaustris vexisse poemata thespis , quae cancre●t agerentque peruncti ●aecibus ora . horat. in art . poet . cum fame cruciantur christi pauperes , effusis largitatibus nutriunt histriones . greg. barthol . merula . in ovid. ●e a●● . amand . l. . * can●● , canalicula seu ch●us , a●ua romanos ●actus erat omn●●um maxime inauspicatus , hercules , venus seu basilicus , omnium benignissimus . vid. laps . antiq . lect . lib. . c. . turn . adu . lib. . cap. . in tessera●io lada , mydas ●actus erat f●● t●●at●ssimus . demp●t . antiq . rom. lib. . cap. . * in a treatise entituled ; the hunts-mans raunge . velletque videre , non etiam sentire . actaeon apud ovid. quos montes ascendent , quas palades transibunt , quas vepres sentesque sine sensu percur●ent , modo unum lepusculum tanto sudore capiant ? horat. optat aprum , aut fulvum descendere monte leonem . virg. — ut o●●m gargil●us , qui mone plagas , venabula , servos dis●ertum transi●e●orum , populumque jub●bat : vnu● ut è multis ( populo spectante ) referret emp●um mulus ●p●um . horat. epist . lib . . plato . vid. sueton. tranquill. greg. in moral . exposit . in iob. the romans , as 〈…〉 accounted all prodigalls mad-men . cic. de offic. horae non auri dispendium defleo . of recreations best sorting with the qualitie of a gentleman . ☜ t●scul . lib. . ☜ qui●t . curt. ● . . ☞ he● quantum potuit terrae pelagiq●e parari , ho● qu●m civiles hauserunt sanguine dextra ! a ephes. . . b rom. . . prov. . , ● . c pro. . . . d prov. . . . lucan . the saying of adherbal , bomilcars sonne ; vincere scis hannibal , sed uti victoria nescis . l. flor. l. . c. . resembling clement the fourth , who had a pregnant wit for projecting , unfortunate for atchieving . object . sol. vid. homer . in iliad . plin. in nat. ●ist . knowledges are as the pyramides , whereof historie is the basis. de orat. . lib. whence cicero moved luccius to record his acts in his writings . annot. in tacit. de quo verè dici potest , ut inclytus ille l●psius de gui●cia●dino testatus est ; " prudens peritusque s●rip or , & qui tales lectores suos facit . * in the survey of histories ; which might be rightly entitled , the muses wardrobe , or the noble-mans lecture ; dilating on the various delights of historie , the best accomplisher of true gentilitie . historic●m nobilem & verum . aug. de civit. dei , . l. graecorum thucyd●dem & herodotum , latinorum salustium & t. livium facilè principes esse judicamus . l●●r . v●ll . in pr●oem . thucyd. * plinius iunior wished hee might be mentioned in the histories of cornel. tacitus , because he did foresee then succeeding memory . * non solum onim● , sed etiam 〈…〉 cic. * ☜ a cicero said of galba's leaden and lumpish body : his wit had an ill lodging . b who would have majestie preserved , virtute non cultu . ma●r●b . lib. . saturnalium c. dion . l. . a●pianus alex. plut. in vit . pomp. iustin. quint. curt. v●d . polydor. fab. stow. & al. appian . alex. i. flor. l. . c. . quint. curt. l . the miserable ends of such as committed sacrilege in their time . virg. aeneid . l. . lactant. de o●●g . error . cap. . valer. max. vid. chron. what good morall men have flourished in evill times . plut. initio apotheg . regum . iustin. lib. . in fine . non dolenda solum sed periculosa etiam res est , cum ingratis babere negatium . senec. appian . alexand. o ingrata patria , ne ossa quidem ! valer. max. quint. curt. l. . plut. in apotheg . q●anti dux , tant●●x●rcitus . l. flor. l. . c. . pecoribus fa●igatis quoque ve●o●●or domun gradus est . sen. de ●●anquill . anim . lib. . cap as in the reign of king iohn . an. dom. . having crossed the seas to ierusalem . ideredo non s●it hominum , sed cons●ien●●a scelerum . polydor. virgil. how a gentleman is to bestow himselfe in recreation . ☞ desunctum asserunt immod●●a laetitia & senii imbecillitate , &c. laert. in vit . chyl . suet. in nerone . plut. in vi● . sext. a●●d . herodian . virtu● atqu● sapientia maj r●n illis fuit , qui ex parvis opious tantum emperiū secere , quam in nobis , qu● ea b●ne parta vi● retinemus . salust . maius d●decus est pa●ta a●●ttere , qua ● non omninò pa●avisse . peculatus ●rarii fastus est . ibid. assuetis nulla fit passio . 〈◊〉 . suet. in tiber. from this inordinate desire , spring two maine branches ; cupi●itas acquire●di ; avid●●as retine●di : eagernesse of gaining ; greedinesse of retaining . blos . omnium notarum peccatores ; et nulli ●ein●si poenitentiae ●a●i . tertul. ac poe●t● . in fine . quicquid repre●endendum non 〈◊〉 d●m est . sen. de bene● . l. cap. . davide● s●lta● ▪ ●em . 〈◊〉 stupeo quàm p●gnantem . mora. l. . c. . sam. ● . . chro. . . l●dam ( inquit ) ut illud . xi . bonus ●udus quo m●ho● iras●itur , & deus del●ctatur . greg. mag. chrysost. in gen. tom. . tom. . cap. . notes for div a -e observat. . of the use of acquaintance . cu● . dentatus apud senecam de tranq . anim . mark. . . act. . . prov. . . deut. . , . ☞ a bern. de vita solitaria . b honores mundi , tumores mundi . eucher . epist. par●ne de contempt . mundi . c omnis seculi honor , di●boli est negotium . hil. can . . in matth. quaeremus unum bonum in quo sunt omnia bona & sufficit . aug. med. * greg. diligenti deum sufficit ei placere q●em diligit , quia nulla major expetenda est remuneratio quàm ipsa d●ectio . ●eo magnus . serm. . dejejunio . mat. . . . psal. . . tim. , iob . . bernard . in lib. de consid . ad eugen . in codem l●b c. peri●lita●ur castitas in delaiis , humi●●tas in divit●●s , pietas in negotio , veritas in ●●ultiloquio , charitas in hoc nequam saeculo . 〈◊〉 . gen. . . ☞ afranius . of the benefit we reape by acquaintance in matters of discourse . ☞ amor ● praesente g●nd●t , absente dolet . bern. sup . cant. nil interest habere ostium apertum , vultum clausum . cicero . no rush without mire , no corrupt heart without sinne . plin. in nat. hist. iob. . . ☞ of the choice of acquaintance in matters of advice . iob . . laert. in vit . per●and . omnia proten pore , ni●il pro veritate . optatus l. . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ecclus. . . * whose wood is sweetest , shade coolest , and coale hottest . fabiolae maus . . lat●at , hac uno s●●w . s●n. in troad . in tiberius time . pro. . , . laert. in vit . biant . suet. in august . tusc. lib. . of the benefit properly derived from one friend to another in every peculiar action plutarch . in pelopida , initio . plutarch in paulo aemilio , fine . nihil lam aeque ●●l●cta●●ri● an●num quam am●●itia side is . sen. in tranq . anim . vt flores qui odore delict●nt . ibid. * the expressive character of a reall friend . nam in soro sunt lites & ●c●●ones mol●●stae posidip . dict . si quis in hoe mundo cunctis vult gratus haberi , det , cap●al , quaerat , plur●ma , pauca , nihil . plato . the benefits which redound from the mutuall union or communion of friends in the exercise of pleasure . ioci non s●nt nimusalsi , multo minus insulsi ; illi enim multum officiuni ; isti , nisi per cachinnum , parum p●oficiunt . vanitati prosrie festivitas cedit . cic. de orat . lib. . as many stars 〈◊〉 in the heavens bee , so many maids ha's rome to welcome thee . as many kids as on the downes we see , so many prostitutes in rome there bee . scipio nasica . a tergo nemesis . lacrt. in vil . biant . a rule of infallible direction , touching ●h●●ce of acquaintance . quisquis plus justo non sapit , ille sapit . martial . l. . those jests are best seasoned , that are least saked . of the choice or judicious approvement of acquaintance , in affaires of highest consequence . a●icos sequere , quos non ●ud●at ●legisse . bias. neither timist nor timonist are within the lists of acquaintance to be entertained . the timist or time-observer displayed and displaced . nec 〈…〉 sext. aurel. in constant. these timists have resemblance to those applauding parasi●es , by whom antiochus was at one time saluted both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a glorious prince , and a furious tyrant . tam gravis ille mihi nigri quàm limina ditis , ore aliud qui fert , aliud suo pect●re condit . homer . lib. . ☞ cum catilina polliceri novas tabulas , proscriptiones divitum , magistratus , sacerdotia , rapinas , ali● omnia quae bellum atque libido victorum fert . salust . plures homines pudore magis quam bona voluntate prohibitis abstinent . esse inter nocentes 〈…〉 est . cyprian . epist. . ca●panus . ☞ ☞ peccatum semper pregnans , 〈◊〉 ex alio gig●●t . vitia m●bi sant an . mi. sen. v●tia ad vi●inos serpunt & con●acta no●ent . ib. * quae male ●●ssi●●tur , mis●r● insicitur . q●●t vit●a , tot d●moni● . tot daemo●ia , quo● 〈…〉 . si inrecentes 〈…〉 praemia . salust . gratia quae coeat fict●●ale-s●rta sodalis est velut in siculo scylla cavenda mari . pub faust. andrel . pro. . . the timonist . or time detracter discovered and discarded . ☞ ar●st . hist. ani●n . nosque ubi 〈…〉 oriens 〈…〉 rubens 〈◊〉 ●umina 〈◊〉 . tu voluptatem complecteris , nos compescirrus . tu omnia voluptatis causa facis , nos nihil . sen. de malis accidentibus bonis . lib. . neu tihi pulchra patent caeci vestigia mundi , ●allere quae citi● quam renovare solent ? plutarch . what directions are to be observed in the choice of a wife . gen. . . the harsh and heremiticall conceit of the carthaginian arminius , touching mariage . se non prosperae tantum , sed ●mn● fortunae inssesocietatem . — vix ulla perennior u●na est vel tibi grata magis , proprio quam corp●re bustum condere . — und requiescit in urna . ovid. met. lib. . hebr. . . arist. lib. . polit . cap. . eam ●ligas mag●●●●● , quem magis admire is 〈◊〉 ●ideas , qu●m cum anci●● . s●neca . egnatius quod candidos habet dentes re●id●t usquequaque , seu aed rei ventum est subsellium . vid. catull. in lib. e●eg . a epictet . enchirid . b cypr. de discip●ina & habitu virg . ☜ c petr. mart. in reg. . . d cyprian . e a●b● . hexam . lib. . cap. . f hieron . g iunius . h aug. de christ. fide . i ambros. lib. . de offic . cap. . k hier. ad furiam de vid. ser. tom. . l tertul. de hab . mal. cap. . m scult . n cyprian . in lib. de hab . virg . o vict. ad salmonem . p tho. hudson . q clemens alex. const . apost . l. . cap. . r hier. de exitu leae . s vict. ad salmonem . t caesar. in comment . u nazian . contra multeres immodice c●mptas . x laert. lib. . optimisunt odores qui adorant m●●s , al●te● no● sunt flores sed faetores . y lessius dej●sti . 〈◊〉 & jure . lib. . cap. fol. . z pet. al●gora in compend o manu●l . navar. c ▪ numb . . f●l . . laert. in vit . c●e●b . portion and proportion . a vbi deus est , ibi p●dicitia . h●●●en . ad furiam de vid. serm. tom. . b velamen istud an●i●hristi . ibid. cal. rhod. lib. . cap. . privileges of marriage . plin. l. . c. . laert. in vit . chyl . fortes creantur fortibus & bonis : est in juvencis , est in equis patrum virtus — horat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . insel cem dicebat bias qui ferre nequiret inselicita●em . ●aert . pomp. 〈◊〉 l. . quorsum alter dives , alter pauper ? theophrast . nil habet infelix paupertas darius in se , quam quod ridiculos homines facit — iuven. sat. . quem sugiam scio , quem sequar nescio . homer . iliad . . nihil turpius dubio & incerto , pedem monò reserente , modò produc●nte . sen. epist. . sundry inducing motives to love recounted . parentage . benevolence . fame . pardoning of injuries . numb . . . . concurrencie in hatred . compassion in affliction . king. . . sam. . . ecclus. . . virtus in infirmitate perficitur . cor. . . delivery from danger . judith . . esther . . exod. . . joshua . . judg. . . maccab. . v●d . eccl. à cap . ad . expression of vertue . k●ng . . . acknowledgement of injuries . a position of aristot. rhet. . cap. . vt tenuissima scintilla quae in oceanum demittitur . chrysost. in hom . ad pop. suffering of injuries . bountie , or munificense . cor. . . ecclus. . . . ecclus. . , . ibid. cap. . . . obad. . arist. eth. lib. . of constancie in the choice of acquaintance . ecclus. . . . . a●ârunt solem ardentem , oderunt arguentem . vt ab iis meliores fiant , aut eos quibuscum versantur , meliores faciant . inter vestales hoc celebre fu●t , primò discunt quid agant , pof●ea agunt quod discunt , tertio alios d●cent quod discant & agant . non est strepitus oris , sed jubilus cordis , non sonus labiorum , sed mo●us gaudior●● , con . ordia voluntatum non cons● nantia vocum ; parum enim pro. lest sola voce cantare sine cordis intentione . bern. * etiam cadaver mortui officioso gestu precabatur . quaerite quod quaritis , sed non ubi quaritis . august . delicatus magister est , qui pleno ventre dispatat de ●●junio . hieron . qui saturest pleno lauda● jejuni● ventre . ecclus. . . quint. curt. l. . amicitiae ut pares quaerunt itae & faciunt . vt cuique est atas , ita quemque facetus adopta . hor. l. . epist. . suaves omnes siunt sales inter socios & sodalci . quae demen●ia est potius trabis quàm sequi ? seneca . nec quia delectat , placet ; sed quia placet , delectat . ibid. engregium apud vos virtutis officium ●●●●ptates persuadere : super mensam recognoscentes omnia gentium animalia : & quò magis implentur , eò magis inexplebiles . ibid. three faculties of the understanding . these observe that maxime ; he that knoweth how to speake well , knoweth also when he must hold his peace . these thinke an houre before they speake , and a day before they promise . ☜ in lib. de se●re● . s●cret●r . ☜ eccl. . , talis substantia non est stabilis , aut ipsis inventibus est peritura , aut à ma●is haeredibus est dissipanda . chrysost. in mat. ecclus. . . aristot. l. . eth. of reservancie towards acquaintance . eccles. . . chap . . to . iudg. . . chap. . . eccles. . . verse . secrecie . aditum nocendi perfido praestat sides . sen. in ocdip . ☜ sam . . king. . . arcanum neque t● s●rulaberis ullius 〈◊〉 ; comm●ss●m● nelegis , & 〈◊〉 tortus & ●ra . h●r . frontem a●eriat , mentem legat . ci● . sam. . . . quid difficile ? arcana ( inquit ) retice●e , & ocium recte disponere . laert. in vit . chyl . ☜ aristot. ☜ seneca . sext. aurel. in vit . commodi . sam. . . king. . . ☜ stow annal. in vit . iohan. reservancie in respect of our substance . sal●st . prodigus & stu●tus donat quae spernit , & odit . horat. l. . ep . . ecclus. . nascitur escopulu , nutritus lacte serino , et dicam silices pectus habere suum . ovid. ecclus. . . . of the absolute end of acquaintance . omni● labor alisquò reseratur , aliquò respiciat , sen. de tranq . anim . cornel. gall. seneca . ☜ aristot. laert. in vit . biant . ecclus. . . . ☜ in it●nera●io . pag. . scolasti●us & mendi●u● ; ● s●●ulacea●a ! nonne alterius seculi 〈◊〉 est transire per terram auri sine auro ? bern. de consid. lib . zeno noster cum omnis su● audiret submersa , jubet ( inqui● ) ●e fortuna expeditiùs philosophari . sen. de tranq . anim . morgam vos ne mergar à vobis . magnum est malum non posse ferre malum . sen. sen. de mal . accident . bonis . lib. . especiall offices wherein friendship and acquaintance should be exercised . ☜ arist. maxima f●lici●as hujus mundi consistit in amicis . boe● . de consol . phil. nemo me amicus ben●sicen●ia , nemo inferend● injuria ●imicus superavit . plut. in vit . syll. posse & nolle , nobile . ☞ * vsque ad adventum christi , brita●nia fertilis provincia tyrannorum , & scoticae gentes , omnesque usque ad ocean●m per circuitum barbarae nationes , moysen prophetasque ignorabant . b stow annal. in vita morgani . c camdeni britan . in essexia . d stow annal. in vita bladud & leyre regum , & severi imperatoris . e iuellus in tractat . de sacris scripturis . pag. . act . . templum christi ●n te● plum iov●s , mariae in veneris diceres ●onversa . d aeg●●●ius . f gildas ▪ l●b de victoria a●tchi a● . g nicephorus l. . cap . h d●rotheus in synopsi . cap. . rom . . tim. . . the flourishing state of the church , amidst many hoarie winters of innovation . i advers . iudae . cap. . h●spaniarum omnes termini , & galliarum diversae nationes , & britanna um i●accessa romanis l●ca christo vero subdita . k hom. . in ezek . qu●ndoterra britanniae ant● adventum christi●n univ● dei cons ●sit relig●onem ? nunc vero uni●●●sa terra cum leticia clamat ad dominum . l socrat. l. . c. . m hom. . in cor. n epist. ad ev●grium . anno . columbanus in anglio , palladius in scoli● , patritius in hibernia s●o●uit . o advers . grae. lib. . p epist. lib. . cap. . q hist. lib. . c. . vide praeter caeteros n●cn inu● melyti nominis , vitam b●rnard● . lil . cap. . & . bernard . de considerat . lib . si mi●cere licet figmentis sacra pr●fa●is . in upupae nido lapis est diversi coloris , qui tam occultae est virtutis ut gerentem p●ane invisibilem ●od let . albert. mag. basil. omnis injuria in sensu patientis . gravis est miseria iniquè fere●ti , suavis au●em est divino amore serv●●t● . praecept . vid. gaguin . lib. . hist. franc. sur. tom. . notes for div a -e observat. . moderation defined . omnis quae à ratione suscipitur de al qua re institutio , debet a definitione p●oficisci , ut intellig●tur quid sit id , de quo disputetur . cic. offic . lib. . nihil interest an habeas , an non concupiscas . sen. ☞ dii tibi divitias dederant , artemque fruendi . hor. epist. lib. . ☜ plutarch . in vit . camill. 〈◊〉 . alex. plutarch . in vit . v●spas . habere vitam in patientia , ● ortem in des●d●rio . sen. ☞ caberes christi , quid gaudes ? quia sucius es pecorum ? aug. mihi credite , mori mallem quàm imperare . oth● . curia curis stringitur , diadema spinis cingitur . aphorism . sen. in thiost . no vertue can subsist without it . ☞ quint. ●urt . plutarch . in vit . ages . plutarch . in alexandio . plut. in apo●heg . eras. in apotheg . ludens par impar , equita●sque in arundine longa . agis rex lacedemon . ☜ la●rt . in chilo . what excellent fruits are derived from temperance . homer . lib. . odyss . oculidolores . plut. in vit . alex. ☜ honores mundi , tumores mundi . eucher . ●pist . paraen . de contempt . mundi . velamen istud antich●●sti . hieron . ad furi●m de vid. serm. tom. . amici sures temporu . cic. arist. lib. . ethic. cap. . accepit luxuries sceptrum ; quid sperandum est praeter nauf●agium ? august . plut. in apoth . car● & mundus plenisunt sp●nis : conversari in his & non laedi , divinae potentiae est , & non virtutis humanae . bern. ☜ quint. curt. li. . cùm de virtutibus agitur , nulla excellent●or ●ernitur quam illa , quae in cast●s ad●lescentibus invenitur . salust . in iug. vid. plutarch . in apotheg . q. curt. lib . cap. . mallem quaeri cur statua m●hi nulla posita ●it , quàm cur sit . cato . seneca . praefulgebant iunius & blaes●●● , eo ipso , quòd effigies ●orum non visebantur . tacitus . plut. in vit . legitur in gestis romanorum , quod ille qui primi●ùs inter eos vestem purpuream induit , a fulgure percussus est , & sic interut . faces faecesque superbiae , s●●ton aul. gell. noct . atti. l. . c. . alex. gen. dier . lib. . cap. . stuckius de convi . lib. . cap. . ☜ haec duo à deo , mudò cum conservatione naturae stare ●oterint , unici postulabat ; ut a loquendo & edendo perpetuò abstineat . vltimum r ▪ ●ugium natur● , est potus . axioma . ☞ gellan nect . attic . aug. de academ . ☞ laert. in vit . b●ant . ☞ august . lib. . de bapt. cont . don. cap. . ebrietas in●mica est cogni●oni dei ; cupiditas 〈◊〉 necessitudim diabolt . ambrey . lib. . de abraham . quil●xuriatur vivero mortuus est . hier. bona est cas●itas conj●g●l● ▪ mel●or continentit vidualis , optima perfectio vi●ginalis . beda . qui non nuhent & ●xor●s non ducunt , sicut adgeli in terra sunt . ambros. supergreditur virginitas conditionem humanae naturae , per quam homo angel●s assimilatur . ibid. virginitas si lab●tur , nulla poenilentia reparatur adintegritatem . isid. de sum. bon. a●denter loquor , cum omnia possit deus suscitare , tamen non potest virginem post rian●m . valet quidem de poena ●●●●rare , sed non valet ●o ronare corruptam . hier. ☜ velea , or velleia . alphons . in lib. de haeres . in verb. tyrannis . s●to lib. . de lust . & lure . quaest . . artic . . si tanta humilitate se deprimit divina majestas , superbire in quo andet & praesumit humana infirmitos ? aug. de const●ctu viciorum . ☞ mihi m●●abile sit quod non enecentur , cum tancum onus bajalent . clem. alexand. . paedag. o nobilem magis quam foelicem pannum ! stob. ser. . sen. epist. . visus jam est vestis non tegumenti . clem. alex. paedag . lib. . cap. . chrysost. tom. . hom. vivere & mori naturae functio : indi●●io esse proprio duc●●ur . ambros. ep . . venter vitae charibdis . diog. apud laert. chrysost. hom. . in gen. impossibile est hic implere ventrem & ibi mentem . hier. in epist. si sermo meus caperetur , caperet : nam si● est sermo dei , & sic esse debet fidelibus , sicut pisci hamus ; tum capit qu●ndo capitur , nec sit captis injuris ; ad salutem enim , non ad perniciem capiuntur . aug tract . . in iohan. aug. in l. confess . blos . collyr . haret . gregor . in mor. exposit . in iob. qui per annos plurimos tecum familiariter vixit , ad m●nsam tuam sedit , cibum de manu tua sumpsit , in sinu tuo dormivit : cum v●luit , tecum colloquium habuit , lic j●re haer●ditario servus tuus est . bernard . aristot. de historia animalium . lib. . cap . lucretius lib . oppianus lib. . de venatione . ☞ ebriosus consundit naturam , amittit gratiam , perdit gloria●● , incurrit damna●●onem aeternam . ambros. lib. de paenut . dum absorbent ●inum absorbentar à vino . vt cautes , evitemus cali●es , ni in ore na●seam , in mente nausragium sentiamus . pestis non saevius grassatur in urb● , quam ebrieta● in corde . ☞ bosil . * amongst which consorts of death , if at any time it bee your fortune to encounter with these civill city-foists , whose cheats are their chequer , timely discard them , lest untimely experience make you distate them . run with the ro● unto the rose ; the roe must win , the rooke must lose : for northern rookes are little worth compar'd with those the south brings forth . senec. de tranq . anim . bernard . august . emissinus . stultum est servire diabolo offenso , quinullo placatur obsequio . greg. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ☞ wherein moderation is to be used . aurum horamque petunt , petendo perdunt , perdendo periunt . expence of coine . tertull. instit . lib. . cap. . this is excellently secōded by a princely pen , in a pithy poem directed to all persons of ranke or qualitie to leave the court , and returne into their own country . relata ad se magnitudine aeris alicujus , quam quidam eques romanus dum vixit cclav ▪ rat , culcieram emi cubicularem sibi jussit : & praeceptum mirantibus hanc ratione redd●dit ; habenda est ad somnum culcitra , in qua ille cum tanium d●beret , dormire pot●●it . macrob. saturn . l. . c. . frugall men being rightly stiled , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tusc. l. . dona prius quàm tempora dedit . datur etiam vermibus nere●e viscer●bus , acuratiorem cultum praebere hominibus . vid. pet. mart. quò cumuli gazae , si desin● ossibus urrae ? ensdem penates habu●t & regi●m , & rogum , & sepulchrum . valer. max. de tull. hostil . ambros. aug. epist. . bernard . de adventu s●rm . . aug●st . in m●d. ca● . . expence of time . eucherius . nil preciosius tempore , & heu nil hodie eo vilius invenitur : transeunt di●ssalutis & nemo cogital . bern. majus dedecus est , par●a amittere , quàm non omninò paravisse . salust . martial . lib. . sext a●●el . in domit. ne quid us●uam honesti occu●●●●l 〈◊〉 . vid. tacit. quàm quisque pess●me fici● , ●am maxime t●t●s est . salust . cujus cupediae ●er ula mediae , cujus januae ca●cera mendici . dan. . . pet. dam. de hora mortis . sic mihi divitias , samuli patie●dolahores , nec minor est domino servus in aresu● . eccles. . v●inam invidi oculos haberent in ●mnibus locis , ut de omnibus soelicitatibus torquerentur : nam quanta sunt foelicium gaudia , tanti invidorum sunt gemitus . seneca . luke . . . mac. . . . fiori non potest ut male muriatur , qui bene vix●rit . bl●s . encli●id . pirvul . auth●r . moderation of the passions of the minde reduced to two subjects . ioy. iob . . he●●er . eccles. . . dan. . , , , &c. iob . . prov . . esay . . iob . . zeph . gen. . . iob . . psal. . . g●l . . . thess. . . sorrow . sam. . . king. . . gen. . . ionah . . * or , gederans . ioseph . li. . . matth. . . quo quisque sanctior , co ejus in orando fletus uberior . aug. via est incipientibus : veritas est proficientibus : & vita perfectis . tho. à campis in soliloq . animae . cap. . cor. . . bernard . ☜ wh●rin moderation is to be limited . aug. soliloq . cap. . iohn . . cōcupiscence of the flesh . gen. . . king. . . sam. . . iudith . . gen. . . dan. . . esther . . dan. . . dan. ● . . acts . . qui modò immortalu vocabar , &c. euseb. ephes . . august ▪ de civil . dei , l. . c. . ☜ tertul lib. de poenilen , initio . quem de stumine gallo , qu● per phrygiam labitur , propinasse ar●itremur ; de q●o quicunque bibit , tautepere insanire solet , ut seipsum illicò castraturus est . pump . laetus de sacerd . blos . tertul. in apolog . c. . psal. . . ☞ ☞ noctium atticarum li. . c. . cōcupiscence of the eye . gen. . . king . . cor. . . corpore interius , sed corde exterius . bernard . med. cap. . ☞ columella lib. . cap. . foetorem quem ab ibis p●i●s emisissel , ob ore denuo recipit . pl●n . in na● ▪ bist . aelian . gerson . ariost● . erga mundum hab●amus oculum re●ortum . pride of life . august . soliloq . cap. ● . omnia metiri malim dignitate quam ambitione . pl●n . in epist. * judging of anothe● consisteth in these three points : first , when a man doth well , to say he doth evill . secondly , whē a man doth evill , to say that man doth worse . thirdly , when a thing is doubtfull , to take it in the worser part . vid. annal. stow. laert. in vit . pittaci . ☜ pallium video , philosophum non video . ☜ comment in regum cap. . chrysost. lib. de orand● des. august . soliloq . cap. ● . of the accomplished end which attends moderation . lib. de philosophi● apud aug. de civitate dei. lib. . cap. . the difference betwixt the ethnick and christian ethick , in the opinion of felici●ie . prov. . . august . bernard . revel . . . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . nazian . b qui nil habe● in m●ndo quod appetat , nihil est quod de mundo per timescal . cyprian . c quis ei deseculo metus est , cui in seculo deus tutor est ? ibid. de hac die lux pr●ficit , sed nox deficit . aug. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellat clemens . august . de civil . det. lib. . cap. . tract . . in iob. vnde mors in anima ? quia non est fides . vnde● ors in co●po●e ? quia non est anima . ergo animae tuae anima est fides . vid. lansparg . in pharetra divini amoris . anger . this might be instanced in our late fleet●street tumult . ☜ plutarc . in apotheg . roman . ☜ cic. tusc. lib. . ir● mort●lium debet esse mortalis . lactant. wantonnesse . ☞ august . ☜ pride . august . wherein true content properly consisteth . the goods of the minde . plato in tymaeo . pri●ùm eritur , pos●remum moritur . quis me s●ygias mittet ad umb●as ? morijuvabit , poena nam gravior nece est . sen. in octav. messala corvin . the goods of the body . plut. in vit . aut. gel. noct. attie● . c. . sutton . tra●● . homer . in odys. certum est quod morieris , incertū est quando , quomod● , aut ubi ; quoniam ●bique te mors expectat , tu quoque si sapiens sueris , ubique eam expect . bis . bern. in med. . excutit redeuntem natura , ut intrantem . sen. v●●● introitus , innumeri exitus . menander . nazian . in suneb. orat . pro casario . the goods of fortune . aug. soliloq . cap. . ☜ notes for div a -e observat. . two considerations of maine consequence . bern. mod. . august . manual . cap. . the christians complete armour . augustin . sicut nullus locus vacat à peccando , ita nullus locus vacet à precando . a matth. . . . b luke . . c marke . d thess. . . e exo. . . f dan. . . g paralip . . h sam. . i ierem. . . qui copiosiores sunt , & volunt pro arbitrio quisq●e suo quod visum est contribuuill , & quod ita colligitur apud praepositum deponitur , &c. iust. mart. apol. . non peccatorem , sea j●stum panperem nu●rit , quia in illo non culpam , sed naturam diligit , &c. greg. mag. the fruit of fasting . vid. cyprian . serm . de jejuni● tom . . basil. de jeju● . homil . . tertul. lib. de jijun . origen . hom . . in levit. vid. bedem ; qu● viro verè venerabil● ( tes●im●nio polydori ) nihil fuit castiu● , nihil melius , nihil verius , &c. polydor . lib. . greg. in mor. expos. in iob. ☜ hieron . the power of prayer . in dei auribus d●siderium vehemens clamor magnus est ; remissa inten●io , vox submissa . bernard . greg. in dialog . nazian . in epitaph . gorgon . sororis ejus . euseb. in hist. hieron . in vit . paul. er●mit . vid dict. andr. in tortura tort. greg. nazian . ☜ cicero . lib. de orat. plut. in vit . cicer. . lib. tuscul. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 solonis dict . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 physic. matth. . . heb. . . cor. . . coloss. . . of the contemplative part . psal. . . august . lanspurg . aug. soliloq . cap. . tim. . . acts . . acts . . ignoravi , quod ●an s●●vis , o bone iesu , esse● tuus emp●e●us , tam b●nestus at●actus tuus , tam debciosus convictus tuus . bonave●● . august . soliloq . cap. . n●● invenio quid licentius appellandum ex●●limenus coelum ●●eli domino , quam contemplantem &c. aug. m●● c. . august . soliloq . cap. . veni●● ad 〈…〉 perfectio est . caesar arelat●nsis . hom . . p. . aug. in ●●tract . de anton. e●cmita hoc ●ef●rt , q●em . damas●●n : pri●um monasticae vitae professorem vocat . vid. histor. barla●m . vid. paul● diaconum . tim. . . , . philip. . . ☞ * magis resistit ignis fe●ro quàm ligro , sed cum ignis vincat utrunque , intensior est calor in ferro quam in ligno . stoll . de contempt . m●nd . quod tentationi quorundam sanctorum assimilari potest : acriùs tentationi resistunt , susceptam tamen aliiùs retinent . a three-fold meditation of necessary consequence . aug. med. c. . vita corporis anima , vita animae deus . august . manual . cap. . * viscus est amor possessionis , affectus cognatio●● , cupidi●a h●noris , & 〈◊〉 voluptas . bern. med. . aug. med. c. . non est aequum tempore & die memoriam benefi●it definir● . cicero . of the active part. omnia volumus scire , nihil agere . gasper . in hippolit . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . gell. noct. att●● lib. . cap. . luke . . . . multi miscrisunt magis habendo quod amant quàm carendo . amando enim res noxias , niseri habendo sunt miseriores . aug. sic vivite , ut nemo de vobis male loqui absque mendacio possit . hieron . epist. ad coelum de instit . matris . ☞ ☜ morbianimi sunt vitia . ☜ petrarch . two especiall memorialls recommended to our devoutest meditation . . the author of our creation . . the end of our creation . august . soliloq . cap. . ecce pulchrū ac p●●tiosis lapide patre ●ad●ver tegentem ! gasp. in he●aclit . ☜ plato . aug. soliloq . c. . ☜ in vit. anselm . aug. soliloq . c . aug. soliloq . c. rom. . . the end of our creation . luke . . . math. . . . . . vid. aegid in hunc locum . ●●ria quart. & quint. hebd . prim. nec prederunt hic divitiae divitibus , nec parentes filiis , nec angeli ipsi proderunt . chrysost. ille ind●x nec gratia p●evenitur , nec misericordia iam fectitur , nec pecunis corrumpitur , nec satisfactione v●l poena mitigabitur . august . singular precepts of mortification . hieron . ad demet . act. . . ibid. prope finem . ☞ idlenesse begetteth securitie , properly termed the soules lethargie . parum est legere , aut colligere ; sed intelligere , & in formam redigere , hoc artis , hoc laboris est . casman . vid. histor. barlaam . aug. in retract . bernard . a christians ephemerides . ☜ basil. plutarch . in moral . revel . . . coloss. . . king. . luke . luke . . ● sam. . . gen . . & . gen. . prov. . . the active part preferred . agapetus . ☜ bern. de interdomo . c. . n●cetas . u. nazianzen . ambros. epist. . anime tuae gratum feceris si misericors fu●ris . bern. de m●do bene vivendi . nil magis commendat christianum animū &c. ambros. . tim. pag. . tract . . in ioh. dives factus est propter pauperem , & pauper propter divitem ; pauperit est rogare , divitis erogare . august . he preacheth best , qui dicit non lingud sed vitâ . aug. s●r . . de verb dom. charitas viscera tua percutiat . august . vt à christo accepimus beneficium , praestemus christiani officium , praebendo membris christi hospitium . provocaris christiane , provocaris a vidua in certa●en august . king. . iohn . . sam . . eo d●e in qu● ratio reddetur , quid fecimus , non quid novimus , quaeretur . object . sol. luke . . . object . sol. the active preferred before the contemplative for two respects . g●spar . in heraclit . cap. . mundum ex animo priùs fugare , quàm mundum sugere . nec divinitùs acceptum talentum●n terram defodere . ibid. wherein the active part of perfection consisteth . ☞ aug. de civit. dei l. . c. . active perfection consisteth in mortification of action and affection . mortification extends it selfe in a three-fold respect , to these three distinct subjects . . life . . name . . goods . mortification in our disesteeme of life . iren. advers . haeres . lib. . . . ☞ euseb. in eccles. hist. ruffinus lib. hist. cap . * 〈◊〉 multis the●a est , mihi litera foelix . si 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soi bit , scribit & ill . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . act. . plin. lib. . c. . aug. tract . . i● iohan. hollinshed . ☞ cyprian . contrariisunt illis sactiosi ●aeretici , quorum conscientia usque adiò sunt amplae , ut in illis civitatem decem millium civium aedificare possis , quemadm●dum quidam magnum alexandrū depinxit . aegid . in thess. . tertul. . l. cont . marcionist . ☜ in omnibus quae agimus , finem intentionis , magis quàm actum operationis intendit . august . soliloq . cap. . luke . . luke . . * parùm res●rt , vesti● tua an s●ricea an cilicea , modò pudica sit , non meretricia . lanspurg . in pha●etra divini amoris . ibid. scire debes , quòd quamvis de mor●e meditari sit horribile , de statu finalis judicii cogitare , ut aestimo , non minus est sormidabile : quia nullus tunc polerit fall●re sapientiam , flectere just tiam , inclinare clementia● , declinare ultionis & justae retributionis sententiam . bern. mortification in our dis-respect of fame or report . mortification in averting our eare from our ●wne praise . ☞ pha●●orin . lib. . de rebu● gest . a●b●ns . ealaus , d. augustini judicio , unicè approbanda est , quando nec laudantem adulatio movet , nec laudatum tentat elatio . aug. soliloq . c. mortification in suffering aspersions laid on our good name . matth. . , . quod si ipse dei filius à diabolo in eremo tentatus fuit ; qu● eremita●um idem non expectet ? g●sper . in h●ra●lit● . vid. aegidium in hunc locum . matth , . . tota vita christi in terris quae per hominem gessit , disciplina morum fuit omnia bona mundi christus contempsit , quae contemnenda docuit : & omnia mala sustinnit , quae sustinenda percepit ; ut in illis non quaereretur faelicitas , neque in istis timeretur infaelicitas . aug. dever . rel . ☜ ambros. epist. . the commendation shall ever live which a●b●ose giveth to theodosius the emperour ; beneficium se p●tabat accepisse august 〈◊〉 o●iae theodosius , quoti●s rogabatur ignoscere . optabatur in co , quod timebatur in aliis , ut irasceretur . de ob●t . theo. ☞ cha●o● nec lethis caeca charybdis saedoru● sacras sorde charites . s●crat . in eccles. hist. lib. . cap. . the arrians scandalized the great athanasius . plutarch . in vit . act. . , , . . tim. . . . luke . . . iohn . . matt. . . matt. . . act. . . scandalum pharisaeorum . scandalum pasillorum . scandalum activum . scandalum passivum . ☞ mortification in our cōtempt of all worldly substance . prov. . . . two remarkable considerations : first , by whom these blessings are conferred on us ; secondly , how they are to be disposed by us . non dabit quod non habet . aug. isa. . . isa. . . luke . . signa viis reparant , ut nomina nota relinquant , ma●more quae sculpto romen manis bab●nt . luke . , , &c. poenitentia dol●rum , non rem●ssionis ●e●catorum . chrysos● ho● . . in iohan. aug lib. . de ci 〈◊〉 . dei , c●p . greg. l●b . me●a● . cap. . act. . , . an accurate repetition and connexion of the precedent meditations . gal. . . a nullum deo grati 〈◊〉 sacrificium , quàm zelus 〈◊〉 . greg. in hom . . sup . ezech. b nam qui non ardet , non accendit . bernard . c nec lucere potest , nisi prius ardeat . aquin. in . iohan. d lucerna quoad officium , extinctae quoad effectum . ibid. quod emittitur voluntarium est : quod amittitur necessarium . ambros. qui à die in d●em deserunt , donec parcae cuncta auserunt . non memini me legisse mala morte mortuum , qui liben●èr opera 〈◊〉 exercuit . hieron . in epist. ad nepotianum . quàm immensa est laetitia de recordatione transacta virtutu ! &c. bern. in fest . omnium sanctorum . serm . . iob . . the absolute or supreme end whereto this actuall perfection aspireth , and wherein it solely resteth . chrysost. aug. soliloq . c. . t●rent . in heauron . plan. in rudente . prov. . . ecclus. . . eccles. . . . . . . ☜ scire omnia volumus , nihil agere . gasper . in herac. cap. . sub quorum velamine , frequenter magna avaritia comperitur . vincent . de vit . spirit . cap. . sive dormiam sive vigil●m , somniat : & cogitat quicquid ei occurrit . bern. med. cap. . in 〈◊〉 honorem 〈◊〉 ne praeveniatur , in possidendo valdè si●et ne privetur . cui tam d●●st quod habet , quàm quod non hab●t . adeptae voluptatis coronidem si quares , poenitentiam invenies . cum se cuncta novisse putat , plura se ignorasse quàm didicisse , indies sentit . si à deo non affligotur homo , seipsum effliget . in herac. cap. . i●a de humano arbitratu pensitatur divinita● , nisi deus homini placuerit , deus non erit . tertul in apol. cap. . ibid. cap. . vid. vit . honor. c●rporis vitamus venena non animi . ibid. in herac. quis vicinus malus , quis latro , quis insidiator tibi tollit deum ? et potest tibi sollere totum quod possides corpore , non libi tollit eum quem possides corde . aug. ecclus. . . beati qui ex eorum numero esse merentur , quos mundus pro stultis , deus pro sapientibus habet . bl●s . euchirid . parvul . 〈◊〉 . esther . , . ecclus. . . . multi miseri sunt metu , ne miseri fiant : multi meri metuentes , moriuntur . gasp. in herac. ☜ the reason of his frequent repetition of sundry sentences , similitudes , and other memorable discoveries thorowout this book . hier. in vit . ●jus . pontius in sine vitae ejus . in vit . bedae . sepulchra enim non tam mortuo rum quàm viv●ntium memoriae condita sunt . ambitio his dux ; ●llis , amor dei. gasp. in epist. ante hera●lit . what wee are to seeke . vitruvius , l. . c. . august . manual . cap. . ibid. cap. . luke . . trinita● divinarum pers●narum est summum bonum , quod purga●issimis mentibus cernitur . aug. . de trin. cap. . ☞ rom. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . isidorus e●ymol . l. . c. . august . manual . cap. . ibid. . aliud noli petere , uni sus●●ce , quia una tibi sufficiet . aug. in psal. . where we are to seeke . aug. med. c. . eccles. . . aug. med. c. . sipes i● terris , sp●● s●t in coelis . ☞ blos . enchirid. pa●vul . autb . ibid. minore negotio nobu coelum comparare possumus , qu●agrave ; m infernum . ibid. hilar. ●nar . in p. . bernard . when wee are to seeke . eccles. . . gen. . . luke . . . matt. . . . . . . d●us 〈…〉 promisin●●● 〈…〉 prom●sit . aug. matth. . . august . ierem. . . eccles. . à vers . . ad . gen. . . a●g●st . poenitent●● poe●ae ; non paena poe●ntenti● . ☞ king . da mibi 〈◊〉 , da ●●stum , sanctan● videri , noctem p●ccatis & fraudi●us obji●e nubem . n●llus est ●n ri●●a , nullaes qu● me e●aud●at . eras. dial. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 deus omnia vina●x . king. . . annon pudet id fac●re in conspectu dei , ac te●●ibus sanctus angelis , quod p●des facere in consp●ctu hom●●um ? quid si tuta possint essescelera , si secura esse non possunt ? vel quid prod●st nocentibus habuisse latendi facultatem , cum latendi fiduciam non habent ? sen. epist. . bernard . de vita solitaria . sen. epist. . august . man. cap. . quicquidages mundo fur●ì●ve pa●amve memento , inspectatorem semper adesse deum . prudentius hymnorum . l . cont . symmach . august . solil●q . cap. . ☞ aures babet in pedibus . ari●lippus . cant. . . tim. . . matth. . . matth. . . cor. . . cor. . . matth. . . isay . matth. . . numb . . . rom. . . sam. . . . luke . . qui amat destderare , desideret amare . bern. de amore dei. cap. . vid. greg. mor. lib. . cap. . a pithy exhortation . aug. man. c. . a powerfull instruction . majorem si●i gloriam con●erri existimabal , in seipsum e●●ibendo membrum ecclesiae , quàm caput imperii . vid. euseb. exod. . . exod. . . gen. . . luke . . august . soliloq . cap. . a perswasive conclusion . ☜ matth. . . hebr. . ● . prov. . greg. in moral . exposit. in iob. blos . euchirid . parvul . auth .