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GAYLORD			PRINTED IN U S.A. ! 1
319240279583173(netotrti tracts:
ILLUSTRATING THE MANNERS, OPINIONS, AND
OCCUPATIONS OF ENGLISHMEN DURING THE
SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES:
NOW FIRST REPUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL
COPIES WITH A PREFACE AND NOTES.
PRINTED FOR THE ROXBURGHE LIBRARY,
M.D.CCCLX.VIII.x>/\
320
H HX
v) 37 p*
l\ ,\Introduction.
T may be queftioned whether, in the entire compafs of
early Englifh literature, three Tradts could be found
more inllrudlively and entertainingly illuftrative of old
manners and ideas than thofe which are here prefented
to the fubfcribers to the prefent feries.
The firft article, Cyuile and Vncyuile Life, 1579, exifts in two
copies, which are of different iffues, if not of different editions. Of
each of thefe iffues (or editions), this fingle copy only is known. I
have preferred adopting that of 1586, becaufe the opportunity was
afforded me by the kindnefs of a friend, of collating in proof the
tranfcript of the Bodleian exemplar, line for line, with the original
copy of the later date in his poffeffion. The annexed page is an
exa6h reprefentation of the title of the earlier quarto.
The account given by the anonymous writer of this valuable
volume may now be compared with other authorities for the fame
clafs of information, fuch as Peacham’s Compleat Gentleman, 1622,
Blome’s Gentleman's Recreation, Markham’s Country Contentments,
&C,1 In Lyly’s Euphues, 1579 (repr. Arber, p. 113-14), there is an
1 See alfo Antiquarian Repertory, ed. 1807, i. 71.Cyuile and vncyuile life.
A difcourfe very profitable,
pleafant, and fit to bee read of
all jftobilitie ant) Gentlemen,
Where, in forme of a Dialoge
is tiifputeti, tobat o?tier of Igfe befi bc=
feemetb a Gentleman in all ages ant)
times: aftoel fo ? emicatio, as tfje courfe
of bis tobole life:to mafee bim a patfon
fit fo? tbe publiquefetuice of bis p?ince
ant) Countreg, ant) fo? tbe quiet, ano
cumlpneffe of bis oftsne p?iuate efiate
ano callinge.
Imprinted at London , by
Richard Jones, and are to bee
folde at his Ihop ouer agaynft Saintt
^epulcbers Cbutcb, 1579-Introduction.
v
interefting account of the manner in which, according to the writer,
the occupation of the country gentleman or farmer was varied with
the feveral feafons of the year. Lyly, with all his fantaftic phrafeology
and uncouth mannerifm, throws much light on old Englifh manners.
Mr. Arber did good fervice in reprinting his Euphues from the
editiones principes : nor are Lyly’s dramas by any means deftitute of
merit and intereft, though tainted by the fame affectations in ftyle and
language. I regard Euphues as an allegory. Caffander in Lyly’s
Euphues and his England, 15Bo, fpeaks up for a rural life. In his
will, he fays to his fon : “ Liue in the Countrey not in the Court :
where neither Grajfe will growe, nor Mojfe cleaue to thy heeles.”
Our fecond article is fuppofed to have proceeded from the fertile
pen of the author of Country Contentments ; but one argument, which
militates flightly againft this attribution of the initials at the foot of
the Epiftle to the Reader, is that J. M. fpeaks of the production as
his earlieft appearance in print, which could not in any way be true of
Markham, who in 1598 had already acquired fome celebrity as a
verfifier and mifcellaneous writer. The fubjeCt handled in the
Seruingmans Comfort, as the traCt is ftyled in the headlines, had not re-
ceived much attention before; and we are indebted to Markham, or
J. M., for feveral ufeful and amufing items of intelligence on what
cannot be regarded as either an uninterefting or unimportant theme. We
have, however, in the fame direction, Lydgate’s Stans Puer ad Menfam,
the Eottrinal of Good Seruantes, Rhodes’ Boke of Norture, and one or
two other treatifes in verfe or profe, and fome hints to the purpofe
occur in Bacon’s EJfays, Overbury’s Characters, Braithwaite’s Rules for
the Government of the Houfe of an Earl (Mifcellanea Antiqua Anglicana,
1816), and Archaologia, xiii.
On the fly-leaf of his copy of the Seruingmans Comfort, DouceVI
Introduction.
notes :—“ This is in all refpedts a curious work, but particularly fo for
having fupplied Shakfpeare with feveral hints, &c., in his play of
Love’s Labour Loft. See a note by Dr. Farmer in Ste[e]vens’s Shak-
fpeare, vol. v. p. 236., edit. 1793.”
A volume of extraordinary rarity and curiofity completes the pre-
fent book. Of The Court and Country, by Nicholas Breton, 1618,
not more than one perfedt copy has ever been feen ; an imperfedt and
fadly mutilated one, which formerly belonged to my friend the Rev.
Thomas Corfer, M.A., is now in the Bodleian Library. To S.
Chriftie-Miller, Efq., I owe my acknowledgments for the courtefy
and liberality with which he enabled me to furnilh to this colledtion a
complete and accurate text of a produdtion in every fenfe unique.
Of the life of Breton, Mr. Corfer has given fo me particulars in his
ColleSanea Anglo-Poetica, but the late Mr. Hunter, in his New
Illuftrations of Shakefpeare, 1845, has pointed out the interefting cir-
cumftance that Breton was connedted by marriage with George Gaf-
coigne, the foldier-poet. Mr. Collier, in a note to A Book of Roxburgh
Ballads, 1847, xxEi., confounded Breton the poet with a namefake
and contemporary of his.
In Fletcher’s Scornful Lady, 1616, Sir Roger, one of the charadters,
is made to fay—
“ Did I expound the Owl!
And undertook, with labour and expenfe,
The re-colledtion of thofe thoufand pieces,
Confirmed in cellars and tobacco-fhops,
Of that our honour’d Englifhman, Nich. Breton.”
Again, in Fletcher’s Wit Without Money (1614), Valentine alks
Bellamore—IntroduBion.
Vll
“ Who look’d on you,
Put piping kites, that knew you would be prizes,
And prentices in Paul’s Church-yard, that fcented
Your want of Breton’s books ? ”
I know of no book or tradt by this writer except his Wits Private
Wealth, 1612, which would have been of much fervice to Bellamore
and his friends. Can the dramatift have written Britton’s book—the
legal treatife fo called ?
All thefe pieces are very carelefsly printed, and the pundtuation
was found fo faulty, that it was neceffary to amend it throughout.
The old typographers did not beftow much pains, under any circum-
ftances, on the work in hand, and to the execution of pamphlets
defigned for popular ufe and general circulation they were probably
ftill more indifferent.
A few notes have been incorporated with the index, but they are
merely fuch as feemed to me, in reviling the fheets for prefs, to be
likely to prove ferviceable to a few readers who might be lefs con-
verfant with archaic expreffions or allufions.
This volume was promifed for November laft, and Ihould properly
have appeared then; the delay in its iffue is due to a caufe entirely
unconnedted with the editorlhip: the fault lies with another depart-
ment ; but neverthelefs the Inedited TraEls form part of the fubfcrip-
tion of j 868.
W. C. H.
Kenfington,
Chriftmas, 1868.THE ENGLISH
Courtier , and the
Cutrey-gentleman :
A pleafaunt and learned Difputation,
betweene them both: very profitable and ne-
ceflarie to be teab of ail iSobilitie
and Gentlemen.
Wherein is difcourfed, what
order of lyfe,beft befeemeth a Gentleman , (afwell,for e-
ducation, as the courfe of his whole life) to make him a
perfon fytte for the publique feruice of his Prince and
Countrey.
Imprinted at London, by
Richard Iones: OtoClUng; at the figiTC
of the Rofe and Crowne neere
vnto Holborne Bridge. 1586.To the right Honorable, Sir Francis
TValfingham Knight , her Maieflies
principall Secretary, and of her Highnefle priuy
Counfell: Riciwde iones printer, toifftjetf)
lonp life, tjealtj), ano ittcceafe of honour.
Ight Honourable Sir , fom-
times, a prety conceite well con-
uayed, contenteth the minde, no
lejfe then agraue &great booke. In euery
written worke, two thinges bee fpedally
required, Inuention, and Phrafe : The
one, is the fubstance or matter: the other,
the forme or facion: but if they bee both
good\ they make the worke perfite, & win
the worker commendacion. Tea, other-
whiles , a filly Subiet fubstantially hand-
led,is not onely pafsable, but alfo praife-
able. A title flower well fauored is wor-
thyfmelling: A trifling ft onefet by a cun-
ning craftefman, deferueth to be worne:
A poore Pamphlet perfitly handled,
asketh the reading. J befeecheyou then,
giueThe Epiftle dedicatory.
giue leaue, and let mee prefentyour Ho-
nor with this litle Dialogue, written by a
Gentlema, ratherforpaflime, thenfetled
fluddy: and yet in my poore minde^ both
for wife conceyt and pleafant penninge,
worthy to be read, fhe Author therof (as
a thinge vnworthy) is neither content it
jhouldprefume to your prefence, nor pafse
among the wife.	Notwithflanding,
without his leaue, I make bolde to aduen-
ture the one and the other: And doo most
humbly dedicate thefame to your Honor,
the rather becaufe he hath louedyou long,
and honoured you much. J craue fmall
praife for my Printing of it, and hee (be-
inge vfed to loofe his labour) defreth no-
thinge.
Your Honours alwayes (moft humbly)
to commauntb R. iones.THE AVCTHOR,
to the Gentlemen Readers.
■'Lbeit I well know .that euery Gentleman,
wil gentlemanly iudge of all things: yet haue
I thought it no reftraynt, but happely fome
--------furtherance towardes their curteous confide-
ration , moft humbly to pray pardon if ought in this
prefent Pamphlet, bee found either in very reafon, dif-
fentinge from wifer iudgementes , or 'els through di-
ueriitie of humors, not fittinge with their fancies: For
fome I haue feene fo pafsionate in opinion, as can not
fee or heare patiently any thinge that contenteth not
their owne eye , or fquareth not euen with the rule of
their owne mindes . But, if it pleafed them to confider
how hardly mennes opinions bee brought to concur,
they would (I am fure) fpare them felues, and not with
choller & offece, fo often trouble their own thoughts,
Opin [i]on and cuftome (as daily experience teacheth) do
leade euery one , be hee neuer fo foolilh or barbarous,
to beleeue his owne countrey condicions.and felf con-
ceytes to bee beft : and therin they that haue leaft rea-
fon, do no lelfe conftantly tary , then thofe that vpon
found reafon in deede, experience,and learninge, haue
firmed their iudgementes. For, do wee not finde that
the fauadge Nations, are as lothe to alter their foyle, as
are wee that inhabite a moft cyuill Countrey ? Or do
you not thinke,that many eyther through want of wil
or lack of patiece to learn, accompt men mad, that hold
them felues at continuall ftudy ? And contrarywife,
would any ciuill man bee pleafed, to abandon his bee-
inge , to abide amonge the fauadge? or that would
leaue the ftudy of good letters, to take plefure in thofe
toyes,The Epiftley by the AuEihor^
toyes, which ignorant men delight in ? furely no : and
no maruaile,lithe the wifeft, yea the Philfophers them
felues, haue euen to this day diffented in opinion. For
fome you fe haue fought the contemplatiue life:others
commended the adtiue: and many preferred pleafure,
as that which ought moft to bee defired . Sith then,for
fo many reafons you finde difference in the opinions
of men: and that no counfell, wit, or wil, can perfwade
them to one minde: my meaning is not, that though
in this Dialogue accordinge to mine owne fancie , I
preferre the Towne habitacion, yet therby to finde
fault with any, that either becaufe his reafon fo per-
fwadeth,or his own minde fo delighteth, wil driue out
his dayes in the Countrey . It fhall therfore pleafe me,
that euery man pleafe him felfe, vfinge the liberty and
will of his owne minde: and though it be farre diuerfe
from mine , yet I know not why his opinion fhould
trouble mee, or mine offende him : fo longe as the di-
rection of eyther, be ftill in our owne powers. What
harme was it to Achilles, though Socrates refuting al ho-
nors, put his whole felicity inwertue? And why fhould
Socrates bee offended, though aboue all thinges,^c^/7/?j
defired honour ? What maketh it matter , though
Heraclitus, thought that nothing was cotrary to other?
Or what offence was it that Permcenides, frantickly af-
firmed, all worldly things to bee but one thing? And
if Zeno perfwaded him felfe that nothing mooued ? All
which opinions and errors, could nothinge difturbe
the patience of the true Philofophers , who fet their de-
light in contemplation, and loue of Th’almighty.
Tot capita, totfenfus, the Prouerbe fayth: We fee then,
that the endes of mans delights bee diuerfe, and for the
moft parte contrary: although the ende of euery mans
life,to the Gentlemen Readers.
life, is one. The life of man may therfore be compared
to Iron, which beeinge vfed , becommeth bright and
fhyning, yet at laft worne to nothing : Or if it bee not
vfed , but layde vp , doth neuertheleffe confume with
ruftines . Euen fo, mans age well imployed , weareth
with fome glofle or brightnefle of Fame : or if it bee
without adtion , and obfcurely paffed , yet doth it not
continue euer: for death (certayne) is the end both of
the one and the other. God graunt that euery man
may lyue in the true feare of the Lorde, and the due
obedience of his Prince , fo fhall hee eyther in Courte,
Towne, or Countrey, moft happely end his daies.
FINIS.THE ARGUMENT AND OCCASION
OF THIS DIALOGUE.
IT happened (as ofte it doth) that diuerfe Gentlemen bee-
inge conuited to dyne togeathers: Among many other
thinges, they chaunced to fall in fpeeche of the Countrey
and Courtly Iyues, reafoninge whyther it were better for the
Gentlemen of Englande to make mod abode .in their Coun-
trey houfeSj (as our Englilh manner is,) or els ordinaryly to
inhabite the Citties and cheefe'Townes, as in fome forraine
Nations is the cuftome. Thefe Gentlemen as they were di-
uerfly difpofed and vfed, fo were their opinions of this matter
likewife differinge : fome commending the Countrey dwel-
ling , others preferring the Cittie habitation. This matter a
while fpoken of by euery one, Was at length by aflente of the
whole company difputed by two Gentlemen, th’one (for this
time) I will call Vincent, th’other Vallentine, both men of more
then comon capacity, & (haply) fumwhat learned. Vincent
had beene brought vp in the Countrey: Vallentine his edu-
cation and life was in Courts and Citties. Either of them
with the beft reafons they could, maintayned their opinions,
as hereafter in this difcourfe you dial plainly perceaue.Of cyuile and vncyuile life.
Cfjc Speakers.
Vincent and Valentine.
T is a ftrange matter to fe, how menne in this age, and
in this Realme of England, begin to alter their manners
& cuftomes, not onely in garments, & ordinary beha-
uiour, (which be things of none importance) : But euen
in their order of life, and conuerfation.
Vallentine.
Sir, it is true, that fome doo, but the moft doo not: But wherin I
pray you, do you note the cheefe chaunge, and in what fortes of men,
and whether is this alteratio, from worfe to better, or from better to
worfe ?
Vincent.
This chaunge (wherof I meane) is like to the reft of worldly
chaunges: that is, from the better to the worfe : For as the Prouerb
fayth : Seldome corns the better.i o
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
That Prouerbe in deed is auncient, and for the moft part true,
beeing truly applied : yet becaufe I am lothe to miftake your mean-
inge, I defire to know, whether in lamentinge of alteration, you
include the whole world, or fome perticuler countrey: or whether
you will haue mee to apply it to England, and to fome fortes of
Englilh men only : For with other Nations (I fuppofe) you haue
pradtifed litle.
' Vincent.
In deede, I am a home bred bird, and therfore will not take vpon
mee to difcourfe of forrayne cuftomes, though I heare they bee bad
enough: But as I tolde you at the firft, I am forye to fee Engliflv-
men, fo apte to leaue their auncient good falhions, and fall into
forrayne manners, in my poore minde, much worfe, then our owne.
And becaufe our talke fhall not bee ouer tedious, I will not- at this
time tell you of all faultes (wherof I wifhe amendment:) But only of
one matter, and that in one fort of men.
Vallentine.
You do very wifely to reduce matters into briefe, wherin you fhall
both eafe your felfe, and helpe my memory, which is, (I confefle)
but litle worth.
Vincent.
I know (Maifter Vallentine) your memory is very good, & fo is
there in you many other commedable partes, though you, for mo-
defty, will not fo fay. For you Trauellers are full of refpedts : and
in all your dooinges, your manner is to vfe modefty.
Vallentine.
I thanke you Sir, for fo fayinge, and more I thank you if fuch bee
in deed your opinion of mee.Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.	11
Vincent.
Touching mine opinion, you {halbe allured, it is, and euer lhalbe
luch, as I fay : For I am (as I tolde you) a plaine man, vtterly vnac-
quainted with difguifing, and fuperfluous ceremony, yea in troth, they
are thinges much diuers, from mine education, and nature.
Vallentine.
I loue you a great deale the more, for in good faith, I am made of
the felfe fame mowlde. And though defire to know did carry mee
in youth far from home, and that into Countries, both beyond the
Seas, and Mountaynes alfo, yet haue not thofe ayres any whit, altered
my loue from my natural! Countrey,
Vincent.
That fo beeinge as (vpon your worde, I will now beleeue it is) I
will truft the rather to your talke, and thinke that, what you doo
anfwere to my demaundes, is in troth, that your felfe doth faithfully
follow.
Vallentine.
I pray you (Maifter Vincent) lay by thefe curtefies, and fal to the
matter of your demaundes. For mee thinkes, (though you would be
called a playne man) yet you vfe more ceremony then I, that haue
fpente fome parte of my life in Countries, where thofe cuftomes are
mod plentifull.
Vincent
Well, then I will holde you no longer in thefe complaintes, (which
wordes I learne of you trauellers.) But fall into the matter it felfe.
Vallentine.
Indeed Sir, that is my defire, & fith it feemeth, that the fubiedt o
your fpeech lhalbe in comparing of our countrey cuftoms, with thofe
of forrain nations, I hope you will hold mee blameles, (though occa-12	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
fion beeinge offered) I happen to finde faulte with fomewhat of our
owne, and commend the cuftomes of others: which I will doo the
more boldly, becaufe you tolde mee, you loued plainenes, and ther- j
fore bee content, our talke may bee free fpeech, and without refpeft.
Vincent.
On Gods name, fo let vs proceede, and (as I promifed) leaft our
talke fhould extend too farre, I will neither afke your opinion .of all
cuftomes, nor of all fortes of men : but onely defire to be refolued of
one doubt, in one thing, which toucheth mee only, and others of my
degree and condition.
Vallentine.
And I pray you Sir, what may that bee ?
Vincent.
You know the vfe and auncient cuftome of this Realme of England
was, that all Noble men and Gentlemen, (not called to attendance in
our Princes feruice) did continually inhabite the countryes, continuing
there, from age to age, and from Auncefter, to auncefter, a continual!
houfe, and hofpitallitie, which got them great loue amonge their
Neighbours, releeued many poore wretches, and wrought alfo diuerfe
other good effecftes, as hereafter I will tell you.
Vallentine.
In deede Sir, I will not denie, that the Countrey ayre is holfome,
to gaine the loue of neighbors is very good, and to relieue the poore
is an a<fte of much charity: But to what end fpeake you this, for to
your well liking of thefe matters, euery man wil aflent.
Vincent.
I wifh to God they would: but I fee, that Gentlemen begin to take
another courfe, & fallinge from the vfe of their Aunceftors, doo now
eyther altogeather (or very much) leaue to dwell in their Country13
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
houfes, inhabitinge Citties, and great Townes, which manner of
liuing I cannot allow, Though it bee (as I heare) vfed in forraine
Countryes. And becaufe you haue feene both fafhions, my defire is
(as a man of experience in both) you will faithfully informe mee,
which of thefe orders of liuing you like beft.
Vallentine.
Ah Sir, now at length you are come to the matter, which (as
I conceaue) is nothinge els, but that you woulde know whither it were
beft that gentlemen fhould inhabite, as they did aunciently, their
owne houfes in the Country, or the Citties, as in many forraine
nacions the cuftome is.
Vincent.
In troth, that is the fomme and whole effefte of my demaund, and
nothinge els I will for this time defire to know your opinion of,
vnlefle occafion of our fpeech (hall fo require.
Vallentine.
For my opinion herein (though it bee of fmall authority) fuch as it
is I will tell you plainely, yet (as it feemeth by your former fpeech)
it will difcent with yours. For as you commend the continuall
habitation of the country, fo do I vtterly difalow therof, as a cuftome,
neither good for the common welth, neither for the gentils that do
vfe it: which you (hall perceaue playnly, if it pleafe you to compare
the commodities with the difcommodities, of either: the good, with
the bad, which is in either: the profit with the difprofit, which is in
either : the quiet and difquiet which is in either. And the fecuritie,
with the hazard that is in either : all which (without priuate Paflion)
well waied, will eafely lead you to the troth: But firft, becaufe you
affecft the country life, I pray you commend it perticulerly, the beft
you may, and giue mee leaue to remember you with the difcommodi-14	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
ties therof, leaft you growe ouer fatte, with feedinge vpon your owne
affedtion. When it commeth to my lot to fpeake of my likinge, you
fhall without offence, bee as bold with mee.
Vincent.
With all good will (Maifter Vallentine). But I praye you marke
well what I fay, and forget (duringe my difcourfe) the perticuler loue
you bare to fome Italian or Spanifh Lady, during your abode, on that
fide: Leaft that priuate Paflion doth make your likinge to their
cuftomes fo delicate, as you loath our owne country quiet, and
commoditie.
Vallentine.
Nay Sir, you fhall not neede to doubt any fuch parcialitie, for it is
long fithence I was there: and befides that, my bloud is now ouer
colde to kindle any fuch fier. And therfore to our purpofe.
Vincent.
Then I pray you vnderftand,that I remayne of the auncient minde
of our Englifh Gentlemen, who euer, euen to this day (or very lately)
did thinke the country habitation beft, as a life and education moft
honeft, moft pleafant, and moft profitable.	->
Vallentine.
I like the diuifion very wel; in any wife, proceed in that order.
Vincent.
I have euer, and euer will accompt, that education & life moft
- honeft, which is nourifhed in iuftice, truth, and plaine dealinge, free
from fraude, and diffimulatio : things (as I thinke) litle vfed among vs
plaine men of the Country : And firft to fpeake of education of our
Children, wee acquaint them not with any crafty company: we clad
them fimply, to efchue pride: wee feede them grofely, to harden their
bodies: and wee teache them Schoole learning, to know good from*5
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
bad : other qualifies in their childhood, wee commonly doo not giue
them, as things which are either hurtful or fuperfluous : beeing growen
to riper age, wee fend them to the Uniuerfitie, where many become
fo learned, as they gaine by learning their owne liuing : or if not, yet
fuch tafte of learninge, as they are the better. Some alfo we bring vp
in ye Innes of Court, where if they profite, wee fuffer them to pro-
ceede : if not, fpeedely reuoke them from thence, leaft they acquaint
themfelues to much with the licentious cuftomes of the Cittie: as
with quarreling, dyeing, dauncing, deceiuing, luftinge, brauing, &
indetting. To teach them thefe, there wanteth not in euery ftreate
inftrudors ynow. Wee therefore holde it heft, not to hazard our
children abroade from our homes, vnleffe it bee in thefe places of
order, and there alfo fuffer them not to continue, vnleffe wee fee their
difpofition to learning. To ferue in Court, or follow the war, wee
accompt thofe liues rather lewde, then laudable : thefe trades are
commonly hard, and their hazard greater then wee (beeinge borne to
wealth and worlhip) will put our Babes vnto : In conclufion, our care
in educatio of children is fuch, as wee ftudy cheefly to make them
honeft and iuft, wife and welthy, obedient and affured. Which com-
modities, others that haunt the Court, the Cittie, the Warre, and the
world : either they want, or with great hap, or hazard they haue the.
Thus much I thinke fhall fuffice, to enforme you of our education, I
think you partly know it, els I would fpeake at more large : How do
you allow therof tell me playnely ? And then I will fpeake of our
lyues, and how honeftly wee Hue. For that was my promife.
Vallentine.
I allowe of your zeale to honefty in education, but if you mixe it
with fome other thinges, I will like it the better. That you ftudy to
bring vp your children in honefty, which is vertue, and cheefely iuftice16:	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
(for of that vertue men bee called good) I doo not onely allow you,
but commend you : Yet if you remember what Tully telleth you (for
fure I am you haue bin a Scholler), That men are not only borne to
themfelues: Then will you ad fome other vertues and knowledges to
thefe, you wifh to bee in your children, for befides, that all men are
not apt for one thinge, yet is it commendable, nay rather neceflary, that
there bee perfons prepared for fundry actions, not fo much to ferue
their owne turnes as their Prince and Countrey : Refpedtes of more
importaunce, then the fafety of any priuate Gentleman, either his
perfon, his patrimony, or his Parets. For as you faid the fum of
your intent, was to frame your childre to be honeft & .iuft : wife &
welthy : obedient and allured. Al which things I allow, as lawdable,
beeing not misvnderftood. And firft, touching honefty & iuftice, I
accompt them as one : for indeed, an honeft man is a iuft man: &
a iuft man is honeft : & that is he that liueth iuftly & honeftly,
in refpedt of loue to honefty and iuftice : and not hee that is iuft,
either for feare, or for lacke of fkil, to be worfe : for vertue is a
volutary, & knowing good habite : Therfore if your fonne be honeft
and iufte, either for feare of punifhment, or for ignorance, becaufehe
knoweth not how to bee vniuft, or falfe, I aflent not vnto you, for
then, he may be rather called a good, honeft, iuft foole, then an honeft,
or iuft wife man: Touching the next, which are to be wife and
welthy, to put thefe two into one, it may happen to prove that they
concurre, though moft commonly I haue feene few wife men welthy:
not becaufe welth ftiunneth wifdome : but rather, becaufe wifdome
feldome feeketh after welth. Yet in your fence (I fuppofe) it may
ftand well: for you accompt no man wife, but thofe that bee welthy :
and I doo alfo aflent vnto you, fo that you are contente to meane
fufficient wealth: but to feeke after priuate goods, omittinge all*7
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
publique adion, and priuate contemplation, I holde not that man wife,
for hee fhall do (as Marcus the Emperour fayd of Marchants :)
Labour and Hue miferably, to die ritch : To the thirde of your
endes, wherunto the education of your children tended, which is
obedience with fafety : furely, for the firft there is no nation, no,
fcantly the moll barbarous, but wil commend obedience, & therin
reft you firme: but what you mean by fafety I doo not fo well know,
but for ought I conceiue, it is the efchuing of perill & paynes, which
beeing your intent (as it feemeth it is) I can by no meanes aftent vnto
you. For if you confider wel (as mens bodies be diuerfe) fo are their
mindes & inclinations diuerfe : euery one is not difpofed to one
thing, nor to one adio, & therfore when you difallow of al forts of
learning & adion, but of thofe that be for gayne and reward, I
accompt your iudgement reproouable. I wifti therfore cleane cotrary
to your minde, that in refped of the common wealth, & the feruice
therof, (wherunto we are all bound, yea the beft of vs all) that fuch
younge Gentilmen as are not inclined to learning, ftiould by their
Parentes, bee not only fuffered, and encouraged, but alfo to their
powers enhabled, to trauaile countreyes, & haunt y' warres. In which
trades of life, although touchinge their perfons, there bee greater perrill
then in ftudy at home: yet fith the common weale may not wante
fuch men, and thofe knowledges not gotten without perrill, I iudge
it a lefie euill to hazard mens bodies in them (though many perifh)
then vtterly to want them, and haue our children fafe at home.
Euery man by nature is condemned to die, & better it is to aduenture
an honeft death, then to continue an vnprofitable life : To anfwere the
reft of your fpeech, that in warre, in Court, and Cittie, is great ftore
of euill company : Thereto I fay there is alfo many good: Therfore
good counfaile of freends, & honeft difcretion of young men, may
D18
Cyutle and Vncyuile Life.
learne them to make choife: Befides that, it is good to know euill,
not to vfe it, but to auoyd it: and for the mod part, things are in-
different, and not perfit. Befides vertue, there is nothing in perfec-
tion good: nor befides vice, nothing in perfection euill. Therfore;
though your childe muft needes know fome euill, in learning good,
yet it is better hee know it, with fome hazard, then want his good for
feare of that hazard. If no man would approch the fier, becaufe it
hath burned many a houfe, and many a heedleffe man alfo, that haue
fallen into it, then would many a one freeze to death: & though
the Sea hath drowned many thoufands, yet no wifdome would that
fayling fhould bee forbidden: for (as erft I fayd) in euery thing ex-
cepting vertue, is commodity and difcoinmodity, & when the good
doth or may furpaffe the bad, no man doth (or at the leaft ought)
fhun the aduenture, where good is the marke, and the end honeft.
Vincent.
In good faith, Sir, you haue fpoken more, then euer I did heretofore
confider: for in deede, when I b'ethinke mee of your difcourfe, I
remeber how diuerfely my poore children are in nature affedtedj
fome of the are of thefelues very bookifh, others for none entifement,
or compulfion, can be brought to learn; fo as (I fuppofe) you fay
truly, y‘ if I durft hazard their perfons, & fuffer them to try their
fortune abroad, they might attaine to fumwhat. And Fortune (as
fome Clerkes fay) is very freendly to folke aduenturous.
Vallentine.
Well, I am glad, my fpeech hath drawen you to confideration, of
any good thing, before either vnthought of, or forgotte. But I am
fure you take my meaning, as it is, to remeber you, & not to coucel
you.l9
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
Sir, I thanke you, that you yeeld me that honor, to fay fo : this
proceedeth of your fauour. But I muft confefie troth, that I neuer
call my minde fo far from home. And I therby conceiue that a
common wealth hath occafion afwell to imploy men expert in warre,
as others learned in lawes, though of thefe wee haue moft vfe.
Vallentine.
Yea, Sir, therof aflure your felfe, and in fome Countryes where God
hath fuffered vnquietnes, there is more want of good Capitaynes, then
learned Dodors : yea in fuch eftate hath our Country beene, and may
bee, for nothing is allured. But befides Warriers, Princes haue occa-
fion to imploy many other Gentlemen of experience. For I can
accompt vnto you fundry honeft quallities that are very comendable
in men, and neceflary for the ftate.
Vincent.
Fayne would I bee enformed of all. But firft let mee intreat you,
to tell what are or ought to bee, the cheefe profefiions of a Gentle-
man.
Vallentine.
That can I doo, and in few wordes.
Vincent.
So much the better, for my memory lhall the more eafely beare
them away : therfore without more requeft, I pray you proceede.
Vallentine.
The cheefe and onely profefiions, wherby a Gentleman Ihould re-
ceaue aduancement, or commendation, are Armes and Learninge.
For in thefe two onely fhould hee exercife him felfe.
Vincent.
Surely Sir, they feeme to bee noble quallities, but I thinke hard to20
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
excel in them. But is not Hufbandry, Tillage, Grafinge, Marchan-
dife, buying and felling, with fuch other trades (as wee Country men
vfe) thinges meete for a Gentleman ?
Vallentine.
In plain fpeeche I tell you, that I thinke not one of them fit for a
gentlemans exercife.
Vincent.
And why fo ? are they not commonly vfed of Gentlemen ? and by
them they doo receaue daily profit : the lawes doo allowe of them as
thinges commendable. Alfo by them many poore yonger Bretheren
without lande (as commonly they are all) doo by the Plough, main-
tayne him felfe, his wife and family.
Vallentine.
A poore maintenance, and a flow thrifte, God knoweth, and full
euill it becommeth the perfon of a Gentleman to pra&ife any of thefe
trades.
Vincent.
Then I pray you tell mee how many wayes a man, without land,
may gayne his lyuinge Gentlemanlike.
Vallentine.
There are three wayes to doo it.
Vincent.
And which are they, I pray you informe mee ?
Vallentine.
There is Arte, Induftry, and Seruice.
Vincent.
What you meane by euery of thefe, I pray you let mee know,
for I am borne, I thanke God, to fome reuenues of mine owne: and
therfore haue litle ftudied to attaine to any thinge, faue that my lotte
hath brought mee vnto.21
Cyutle and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
The better is your fortune, that haue by fucceffion only, the whole
fruite of all your aunceftors trauaile.
Vincent.
Eueri fo it is in deed, I thanke God & them for it: But I pray
you anfwere to that I alke you.
Vallentine.
Such Artes as I wilh a Gentleman fhould learne, mud be thofe that
commonly are called Lyberall Sciences. Which and how many
there bee of them, you may eafely know, yea and to what purpofe
they feme.
Vincent.
But tell mee, are not the lawes a ftudy very fit for a Gentleman ?
Vallentine.
Yes furely, both the lawes Ciuill & Common are ftudies mod
excellent, & to fpeake breefely, all learnings, that tend to adtion in
the ftate either Ciuill, or Martiall.
Vincent.
Now you feeme to talke of great mifteries, but wee gentlemen in
the Country, vnleffe our fonnes proceed in the ftudy of the comon
lawes, Diuinitie, or Phificke, doo holde them learned ynough if they
can write and read Englifh, and congrue (yfc) Latine.
Vallentine.
If your fonne wade no deeper in learning, better vntaught at all.
And I am of this minde y‘ thefe common Schooles (wherof in
England are many) that receaue all fortes of children to bee taught,
bee their Parents neuer fo pore, and the Boyes neuer fo vnapt, doo
often times rather harme the good, becaufe there they continue fo
long, as a good mifterie or occupation might haue bin learned. For22
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
as I fay, vnles the childe be apt for learning, and his freendes refo-
lute in holdinge him to it, the thinge were better vnattempted.
Vincent.
Now (Maifter Vallentine) you feeme to fpealce ftraungly, as though
Wrighting, Reading, and the Lattin tongue, were nothing worth.
Vallentine.
Sir, I do not fo fay, but to gaine a lyuing by the without further
learninge, I thinke it hard. And therfore poore men that put fo
many vnapte chyldren to the Schole, do nothing els, but offer them
Ioffe of time : For do you not meete many beggers that can doo all
thefe, and yet you fee their eftate is plaine beggery ?
Vincent.
That is true in deede, but yet if they bee honeft and perfonable,
they are the fitter to become Seruants to attend vpon a Noble or
Worfhipful man.
Vallentine.
I am glad you haue remembred mee of feruing-men, for hereafter
I will tel you more of my minde touching them : in the meane time,
thefe quallities beeing of no neceflity, will litle amend their entertaine-
ment, and their certenty nothing.
Vincent.
Well, I doo now conceaue what learninge you thinke meete for a
Gentleman, and that for poore children (vnleffe they proceede to fome
perfection in learning) they were better vntaught: & in troth to haue
a good occupacion, I thinke is a fure[r] trade to take vnto, then bare
wrighting and reading.
Vallentine.
Touching Induftry, I with that young Gentlemen, (hauing no arte)
fhould fundry ’wayes, yea, & euery wayes honeft, try their fortune.23
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
And how I pray you ? for of my credite (if I had no reuenues of
mine owne,) I could not tell, how to gaine a groat.
Vallentine.
Yet do you not fee many yonger Bretheren, that euen in forraine
Countryes, haue afpired to great penfions : others haue happened
vpon good Marriages, others for fome notable, and egregious a ft,
haue attained both profit and honour, whe others for very doth or
cowardife do liue at home, almoft in beggery. Did not they better
that did aduenture them felues ?
Vincent.
Yes indeede, but there are few, whom fortune fowel favoureth, and
in attempting thefe matters many doo mifcarry.
Vallentine.
No doubt of that, els their reward ought not to bee fo great, for
things eafy, without hazard, euery blockhead doth take in hand, and
yet to incourage young men, as well in Induftry, as Arte, I pray you
confider how fewe of infinite numbers doo prooue learned in the
Uniuerfities : how few Prentices doo proue ritch Marchaunts, and how
few Law Studients become Judges: And then fhall you find the
number of induftrious men that thriue, is like to the reft.
Vincent.
If I were fure my Sonne fhould attaine to that good hap you fpeake
of, (and that fome perhaps, haue afpired vnto.) Then could I bee
content, hee fhould hazard himfelfe: but I finde the daungers many,
8c the hope fo litle, as I hold better to keepe him at home in the ftate
of a poore yonger brother, then fee him feeke a good fo defperate.
Vallentine.
The more vnwife you, and by fo fayinge you difcouer the bafenes of24	Cyuile and Vncyuik Life.
your minde, your fmall judgement and lefle experience : For if you
had feene the Courtes of Princes, or the warres: you Ihal finde in
euery of them, not only many young Gentlemen of your condition:
But alfo many your betters, the Sonnes of Knightes, Barrons, Earles,
Dukes, and Princes, & many of them, as ready to hazarde their Hues
for their honour & Country, as the pooreft or prowdeft Souldier. Do
you then take fcorne that your Sonne fhould fubmit him felfe to that
perrill that thefe Princes doo aduenture ? And if you confider how
many euen of bafe name & birth, through induftry only, without arte,
haue not only gayned them felues goods and glory: but alfo therby
haue giuen honour to all their Pofterity, I fuppofe you would not
onely aduenture your yonger Sonne, but my young Maifter, your heir
alfo, yea (rather then faile) your owne perfon. For had your firft
Aunceftors beene no more induftrious then you feeme, furely your
name and houfe had not had that worfhip and wealth it hath. Thefe
reafons may, mee thinkes moue you to hope well of induftry : But to
confirme you, I will refite the names of fome few, whofe induftry hath
not only gained themfelues glory, but alfo their Countrey infinite
good. How fay you to Colombus and Vefputius, whofe induftry dif-
couered the weft part of the world: from whece the King of Spaine
fetcheth yearely great Treafure? Alfo what do you thinke of Magelanus,
that fayled about the world : yea to come nearer to your knowledge,
do you not thinke that Maifter Frobufher, by his induftry, and late
trauaile, fhall profit his Country, and honour him felf? Yes furely,
and a number of others, who though they haue not performed fo
notable matters, yet haue they wonne them felues reputatio, and meane
to line, fome more, and fome lefle, according to their vertue and
fortune.25
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
In good faith, you haue fpoken very reafonably, I will no more be
fo lothe to let my children goe feeke their aduenture. Now tell mee
fomewhat of feruice, for (as I remember) that was the third way to
aduauncement.
Vallentine.
In troth, I fo faide, and fo I meane. Seruice, I fay, hath aduaunced
many, and daily doth, it can not much differ from induftry, fauing
that it hath fomewhat a ftraighter rule : but defire of honor in the
couragious, and neceflity in the poore, doth driue them to refufe
none aduenture : Thofe yong Gentlemen therfore, yl finde them felues
of minde capable, & of body difpofed, I wifh them to haunt the
warre, wherin though the paines bee greate, and the peril! much, yet it
entertaineth the life, and in time yeeldeth honour. It is the common
cuftome of Fraunce and other Countries that young gentilmen bee
brought vp as Pages in Court: fo foone, as their Pagery is part, they
become fouldiers in fome Band or Garriso, where (after knowledge and
proofe) they become Officers : from Officers, Captaines of companies,
and many of them gouernours of Townes, Coronels, and Chieftaynes.
Is not this a better courfe for younge Gentlemen then tarry at home
in their Fathers or Brothers houfe, and kepe a Sparhawke, or a kennell
of bawling Dogges, or (that, which in mine opinion is as bad :) Marry
him felfe with fome poore Mayden, and through charge of Children,
become a very Farmer, or Ploughman, which thinges though they bee
honeft, and fit for fome men, yet for a Gentilman vtterly vnmeete.
Vincent.
I am halfe of your minde, but this Realme hath feldome warres,
and few Garrifons, where wee fhould refort to learne, and lefle meanes
to employ or entertaine fuch young men, as are apt & willing to
ferue.	e26
Cyuile and Vncyutle Life*
Vallentine.
It is true, & yet there are more occafions to call the to it, then they
take, & more meane to entertayne the, then (for ought I fee) men of
minde to defcerne them, and were our nation fo defirous of honour,
and their owne good, as fome others are, there would neuer bee lefle,
then two or three hundreth young Gentlemen wandring the world
abroade & feeking aduentures : yea, I fuppofe, wee Englifh Gentlemen
haue fo heretofore vfed y* matter : how could els Johannes Acutus,
an Englifh man, haue kept that ftir in Italy that hee did: who (as
Iouius, and other Cronacleirs fay) led 5000 Englifh voluntary Soul-
diers, and during the contetions betweene Guelphi and Gibellinj, did
many feruices &c exploits very memorably ?
Vincent.
But I pray you, are there no other wayes for Gentlemens prefer-
ment, then the exercife of war ?
Vallentine.
Yes, Sir, els God forbid : for I would haue no man (cheefely poore
men) to accompt that the war is their occupation : But rather how to
ferue at occafions, and the fervice done’, quietly to retier them felues
to their owne houfes, Maifters, freends, or other induflry, not dooing
as I fe many lufty yong Souldiers do, beg in the ftreats, when with a
litle paines they could get them felues a way to liue.
Vincent.
But what fhall the young Gentlemen fouldiers doo, for (I thinke
you know) they haue no handy crafte to fly vnto.
Vallentine.
That I know well, neither would I wifh them to meddle with any
Mecanycall manner of liuinge, as a thing vtterly vnfit for Gentlemen.
And therfore I will fay y* fith the number of thofe fouldiers is fmall,2 7
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
m refpeCt of ye other multitude, they might eafely bee (or the greater
part of them) receaued into Garrifons, and into the feruice of Noble-
men, and others their good freendes, who knowinge them vertuous,
would bee glad of their feruice, nay rather their company.
Vincent.
In deede the number of Gentlemen, that follow the war, is nothinge
in refpeCt of the multitude : and therfore either feruice, their owne
induftry, freends or fortune may, (as you fay) continually holde them
in hart, and ability to liue.
Vallentine.
Doubt you not therof, fpecially if they be honeftly and thriftely
enclined: for fome I haue feene fo careles, as they neuer forecaft what
want may follow. But finding them felues plentifully applied, do
fpend as much in one yeare, as fortune & frends haue gayned in many :
therfore to prouide for them I meane not.
Vincent.
~ Yet one queftion more, touchinge feruice; Are there not other
feruices befides the warre, fit for a Gentleman, whereby hee may bee
maintained or happely aduaunced ?
Vallentine.
Elfe the world were harde, though the warre ought to occupy the
greateft number. For (if you forget not) I told you long fince, that
the profeffion of a Gentleman might bee either Armes or Learning:
wherof, if hee hath any tafte, with fome wifdome and experience, he
may not only ferue in the houfe and affaires of Noblemen, and Officers,
but alfo the Prince himfelf, yet if his learning be not in perfection, or
excellent in fome liberal fcience or lawes, I would wiffi hee added
therunto Induftry. In conclufion, what gentleman fo euer hath in him
either by nature or nourture, any vertue, Angularity, or induftrious28
Cyuile and Lncyuile Life.
knowledge, cannot want place eyther Martiall or Ciuill, either in his
owne natiue Countrey or els where. And though perhap you fee
many in Court euen by mere flattery, yea, fome almoft witlefle, win
more wealth & worlhip then many others, yet aflure your felfe that
vertue is the true way vnto them: & whe occafion of feruice doth
happen, men of value & vertue bee thofe that Ihal ftand their country
in fteede, and honor them felues.
Vincent.
Yet tell mee I pray you, which are the meanes, to enter into the
courfe and order, to bee aduaunced to fome good, either Martiall or
Ciuill, as you terme them ?
Vallentine.
And that will I breefely tell you, let him that affeteth the warre,
apply him felf to ferue, or follow fome Noble man, or expert Captain,
that is either in continuall feruice Martially, or that is likely to bee vfed
at occafion, for mod commonly wee loue thofe, and defire their good,
whofe ftudies and inclinations be like vnto our owne. And fuch as
fynd thefelues difpofed to lerning, or any ciuil function, let the
follow or ferue thofe learned or wife perfons, to whom the ftate hath
geuen thofe authorities and truft.
Vincent.
Truly you tell mee a way very likely & reafonable, for at fuch time
as the lafte warre was in Fraunce, I meane at Newhauen (where as you
know who was the Generali,) I hard him commend the courage and
condudte, not onely of principall Captaynes and Gentlemen, but euen
of priuate Souldiers : yea many yeares, fithens that time, you lhal yet
vpon fmall occafion heare the like at his hand, as though their
dooings, and the mennes names were written in the middeft of his
memory.29
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
Well, now I perceaue you vnderftand me, and as this Noble man
did and doth honor men of his profeflio, fo doubt you not but like-
wife will others. And yet to acquite your tale, I remember, I haue
heard him tell more then once, of one poore Souldier, who in refcuing,
or reuenginge an other Englilh man, aflayled by two Almaynes with
their flaugh fwordes, flew them both with his owne hand, euen in his
fight, which both wee, and euery man mull fay, was a part of a coura-
gious Souldiour, and the General often fpeaking therof a figne, hee
honored his defert and defired his aduauncement.
Vincent.
But I pray you, is this the manner of other great men, to honour
thofe that feme vnder them in their profeflion ? I afke of you,
becaufe you liue in Courte, where are great perfonages, both in the
knowledge of Armes and learning.
Vallentine.
Yea furely, though I cannot fo perticulerly name the matters : yet
many Gentlemen there bee fo ftudious and painefull, as both in Ciuill
& Martiall affaires are very expert, and you fhall heare great men
that can iudge, much commend them, yea to the Prince, by whofe
bounty all fortes of vertuous men are aduaunced.
Vincent.
I begin to reft fatisfied, touching education : and am perfwaded,
(and fo will perfwade with other Gentlemen my freends) that they
fhall aduenture their Sonnes, more then the oldecuftome was, fith either
by their aduenture, they fhall liue and become vertuous, or (as wee
Englifhmen call it) of good quallities, or elfe die honeftly in feekinge
to make them felues fit for the Princes feruice, and their owne repu-
tation.3°
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
I am very glad that my poore reafons haue taken good effed, but
therm I wil challenge no more to my felfe, then I deferue: which is,
that I haue put you in minde of that you either forgot, or els (for
want of leyfure) neuer confidered : For I acknowledge you of much
more wifdome and iudgement then I am. Doth it pleafe you to
commaund mee any further feruice ?
Vincent.
You will neuer leaue your Ceremonies (Maifter Vallentine). I know
you are more wifer and more expert then I am: but your naturall
curtefy and modefty, doth moue you to yeeld more refped then is
due vnto mee : I thanke you for it, and loth I am to feme tedious, els
I entreat you to hold your promife; that is, to heare mee tell of
our countrey commodities & the content wherin we liue there: For
though I now yeelde that the education of Gentlemen is beft abroad,
yet mee thinkes their continuall habitation fhould bee beft in the
Country at home.
Vallentine.
I hope you will not euer dwell in that opinion : but I pray you
begin to tell of your Countrey delightes, and what is your manner of
liuinge. I will with all my hart both paciently heare you, and boldly
(as you gaue leaue) tell you my jninde, how I allow of your reafons.
Vincent.
I fay then, that our Country habitacion is more godly, more
honorable, more holefome, more quiet, more pleafant and profitable,
than it can be in any Cittie or Burrough.
Vallentine.
Surely Sir you have fpoken of great refpeds, why you Ihould loue
the Country dwellinge, and though I will beleue that the thing is asCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	31
you fay, yet fith wee are in difpute of the matter, you rauft giue mee
leaue to demaund either reafons or demonftracions, why indeed it is
fo?
Vincent.
I will proceede, as orderly as I can, and make proofe (as I hope) of
all my fpeeche, & firft becaufe I alleadged, that our Country Hues (I
fpeake without comparifort) was more godly, then the life of the
Cittie : That opinion I conceaud, becaufe I finde there much loue
& charity, which as I take it, are two fpeciall markes of godlines,
and feldom found in Citties, where euery man almoft lyueth to him
felfe For wheras Neighbours doo meete often without ceremony,
chearing and conuerfing one with an other, without difdayne, or enuie,
(as wee do in the Countrey,) there I iudge is loue, and good
neighbourhood: Likewife where hofpitallitie is liberally kept, and
many Children and Seruauntes daily fed, with all other commers:
there (as I alfo thinke) is much charitie : in the Towne itfeemeth the
contrary, there is no meetinge of neighbours, without fpecial con-
uitation, no falutation without much refpedt & ceremony, no number
of Seruaunts, but thofe that for neceflary vfes are imployable. So as
in breefe, there feemeth to bee litle loue amonge equals, and lelTe
liberality to inferiours: Wherupon I inferre, that in Citties and
Townes, is lefle plenty of both thefe properties : (I meane loue and
charity) then is with vs in the Country. How fay you (M. Vallentine)
haue I fpoken well or no ?
Vallentine.
You fpeake euer exceeding well, yet I pray you with patience, heare
what may be fayd to the contrary. It feemeth that ceremonies of
ciuility, doth make you doubt of loue among town inhabitants, and
fo confequently there wanteth fome parte of that godly good will you32
Gyuile and Vncyuile Life.
finde, or imagine to be in the Country. Truely, Sir, if you were
afwell acquainted in any Cittie, as you are in the Shier, where you
abide : you (hould finde the fame affedlion among men, that there
are, fome more & fome lefie, of acquaintance and freendfhip amongft
thefe men, as they bee more or lefie a kinne, allied, or of conformitie
or difformitie in difpofition. For there are few men fo vniuerfally
curteous or kinde, as make accompt of all men alike; which fo
beeinge, bringeth mee to beleeue, that when good freends are difpofed
to meete, it is better to be eyther inuited, or occafioned, then (as
they doo in the Countrey) hand ouer head refort to a gentlemans
houfe, where (becaufe the Maifter doth not make choice of hisgqeftes)
fometimes very ftraungers doo there meete, yea, other whiles meare
enemyes, which (as you can conceaue) muft needes marre all the
myrth. And if any of thefe gueftes doo happen to receaue leffe
curtefy or entertainment then the other, he falleth forthwith into
offence or ieloufy agaynft the Maifter of the houfe, and holde[th] him
more then halfe his foe. Which difgleafure could not happen, if r.o
man would reforte thither vnbidden. Befides that, (if you marke it
well) when a knot of good and famylier freendes bee met, to make
merry and talke, (as true freendes often doo) merrilly and liberally:
if but one extraordinary man (none of this troupe) doth hap to come
in, you ftiall finde all the mirth marred, and their free fpeeche con-
uerted to refpetfte, yea, (fhall I tell all) that guefte vnlooked for
maketh one to many : for the number of lodginges. And fo the
Maifter of the houfe, is driuen eyther to forfake his owne bead, or
difcharge his vnbiden gueft.
Vincent.
It is true that you fay, that thefe vnacquainted gueftes do occafion
alteration of cheare, and I my felfe in my poore houfe, haue diuerfe33
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
times beene fo haunted with guefts, as I was driuen out of mine owne
bed, to lye at fome Tennants houfe of mine, for a night or two :
Notwithftanding, I toke it for no great trouble, fo long as my freends
found themfelues content and welcome.
Vallentine.
But, Sir, are you fure they were all your freendes ?
Vincent.
Yea, furely, I fo thinke, though fome of them I had neuer feene
before that day.
Vallentine.
Doo you not thinke you haue as true freendes as any of thefe
haunt feaftes, that dwell far from you, or that do vifite you at
their occafions, or your owne conuitation ?
Vincent
Yes, truly, and my trouble the lefle, if wee were lefle haunted, but
the Country cuftome is, to bid euery man welcome, and the more re-
fort he hath, the more is the Maifter of the houfe honored, and the
more authority a Gentleman hath in the fliier, the more is the refort
vnto him.
Vallentine.
Uerely I fo thinke, for as his true freends do feeke him for loue and
honour, fo are there others that do it for flattery or feare : Thus you
fee how eafely you may be deceaued in the loue of your Neighbours,
and that haunting your houfe, may bee for other caufe or occafion,
afwell as loue.
Vincent.
Sir, it may fo bee right well, but yet you can fay litle agaynfl: mee,
touching our liberalitie and charity, which wee vfe in the Country,
keepinge our gates open for all men, and feeding many tall fellowes
F34
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
to attend vpon vs : alfo relyuing all Beggers, that afke at our gates,
with money, meat, or bothe.
Vallentine.
I am loth to fpeak againft thefe cuftomes, becaufe they are the
cheefe commendacions of the Countrey : and yet, fith I haue already
my pardon and lycence to fay what I luft, againft you, let mee alke
what fortes of men doo enter commonly within your gates, which (as
you fay) are neuer fhut ?
Vincent.
There doo refort vnto vs of all fortes, I meane Noble men,
Gentlemen, Yeomen, our Neighbors, & many others that either haue
occafion to come thither for bufines, or paffe that way for their own
affaires or pleafures.
Vallentine.
Thefe mennes prefence in your houfes, do rather honor you, the
ftiew that therby you be charitable. But what bee thefe tall fellowes
of whom you fpeake ?
Vincent.
They bee our feruingmen, that attend vpon our Table, and follow
vs in the ftreetes, when wee bee at London, or any other great Towne,
and furnilb our Halles at home.
Valien tine.
But I pray you, haue they no other quallities, wherin to ferueyou,
or doo you vfe them for no other purpofe, then attend on your Table,
or follow you as fhadowes.
Vincent.
Surely no, neither is it the manner to offer them any labour or
drudgery, for therof they would take great fcorne, beeing cumly
perfonages, & commonly the fonnes of fome honeft Yeomen, or Far-
mers of the Countrey.Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
35
Vallentine.
Then can I compare them to Monckes and fat Friers, who vnder
pretence of prayer, wanne themfeluesa lafie life, and Iiued vpon others
laboure: So thefe men, beeing called men of feruice, do nothinge lefle
then feme : I doo notrtherfore accompte' you charitable in feeding of
fuch idle folke: for that rs fayd to bee fpent or geuen charitably
which is bellowed on beggers_, the blinde, and lame, and fuch like :
but not on thefe llurdy fellowes & needles feruauntes.
Vincent.
Doo you fo fay, Sir ? Were it for the worlhip of a Gentleman, hauing
good lande and reuenues to keepe no more feruaunts, then (as they
doo in Citties) thofe that for their neceflary vfes they mull needes im-
ploy ? If wee Gentlemen Ibould fo doo, how Ihould wee furnilh our
Halles ? how Ihould wee bee ready for quarrellers ? or how Ihould
our Wiues bee wayted on when they ride a broade, as commonly
their cullome is, cheefely in Sommer, the faire feafon and hunting
time ?
Vallentine.
In good footh, you haue now fayd much, but nothing to purpofe,
for though it hath been a cullome to keepe thefe needlelfe men, yet
the cullome being not good, or not profitable, it ought to be
banilhed, among the lubberly Monckes and fat headed Friers.
Your Halle will bell Ihew their good proportion, when they be not
ouer ful: your quarrels would be perfourmed, with your owne
perfons, and your wiues (beeinge well vfed) Ihould bee no common
huntrefie[s], nor gadders abroade, though I deeme not, fuch hath bin
the vfe that Ladies and gentlewomen, (euen in their Hulbandes
abfence) Ihould ride a hawking, or huntinge.36
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent,
If this cuftome of keeping great numbers of feruingmen had not
beene good, and commendable, how happeneth it, that neither lawes
hath forbidden it, nor experience hath not difprooued it ?
Vallentine.
I will tell you how (in mine opinion) this comberfome and vn-
profitable cuftome came, which in deede (as I thinke) at the firft was
very neceflary, but now cleane contrary.
Vincent,
How can a thing bee good once, and after proue euill, cheefely a
cuftome fo long vfed ?
Vallentine.
Yes, furely Sir, and you fee many lawes or ftatutes made with good
confent, and vpon iuft occafion, which afterwardes become either fo
vnprofitable, or fo feuere, as by like confent they be annulled, as you
your felf (euen in your owne age) might haue marked: Likewife
would cuftomes which become vnprofitable, or vnfit for yc comon
welth be vfed. And touching our matter of many idle feruats, I
thinke, yl at fuch time, as this Realm was deuided into fundry princi-
palities, & y* therby cotinuall quarrell and difcord grew among the
Princes and their fundry fubie&es, of neceflity the Noble men and
Gentlemen were forced to keepe the greateft number of Seruauntes
they were able: Not for the purpofes you alleadge, but rather (as a
Gard) to defend them from the fury of their enemies : either els this
cuftome began in ye time of the great ciuill warres, which continued
many yeares, and was (as you know) called the Barrens warre. In
thefe times it was onely not folly but rather great wifedome to haue
numbers of feruauntes, and followers, though with charge, to attend
vpon Gentlemen for their defence : but had they liued in continuall37
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
quiet, free from ciuill difcention, I fuppofe, they would not haue con-
tinued thofe Garrifons for their vayne glory, or their fenceles ambition
(as I may call it).
Vincent.
In good earneft, you fpeake reafonably.
Vallentine'.
Yea, Sir, I can bringe one other matter to your mind, wherof you
may rather gather, yl this peaceable Realme, hath been in times here-
tofore greatly trauelled, and the Nobillity in much perrill: for if you
confider wel the fights, and manner of their mod auncient houfes, you
fhall finde they were all (for the moft part) either Caftelles or houfes
trenched, or Moted about: as buildinges, made rather for defence, then
other refpedt, either of plefure or profite. Wherfore feeinge they
did choofe an habitation for ftrength and defence, it is very like they
alfo accompanied them felues, as ftrongly as they were able. And I
dare warrant you that in thofe dayes, though they did, (as wee do)
entertaine many feruaunts, yet was their confideration diuerfe from
ours. For as wee regarde cheefely the comlines of the perfon, fo did
they ftudy to take them that were expert in the warre, and weapon of
that age: as Pikes, Bowes, Swordes, and Iheeldes, (for (hot, I gefle,
they vfed not:) Alfo they made choice (as I likewife fuppofe) of men
that were hardy and ftrong, becaufe, hauinge litle, or no vfe of
Artillary or fmall (hot) the cheefe feruice confided vpon force : both
in defence of their Caftels or houfes, and alfo in the feelde fight.
Vincent.
All this while (I confefle) you reafon very probably : but now
(thankes to god, and good gouernment) wee haue no neede, as they
had, and yet haue we as good reuenues or more then the noble or
Gentlemen of thofe ages, and enioy them more quietly : why fhould3 8	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
wee not then keepe them ftill, to attend vpon us for our honour &
worfhip ? And they are not altogeather fo vnquallified, or idle, as
you are perfwaded.
Vallentine.
Then I pray you, enforme mee further of their vertues or qual-
ifies, fith I haue plainely tolde you, for what caufe the cuftome of
Seruingmen began, and of what condicion they were.
Vincent.
Among our Yeomen, you fhal finde fome (yea very many) wel
brought vp, and expert in fundry feemly, and neceflary knowledges,
without which they cannot (as they doo) ferue a noble man, or
gentleman: and not to holde you in longer expectation what they are,
you fhall know that our feruingmen, befides that they al, (or the
greateft number) can well and decently weare their garments, and cheefely
their lyuery coates, their fwordes & bucklers, they can alfo carue very
cumly at your table, as to vnlafe a Conny, to raife a Capon, trompe a
Crane, and fo likewife handle all other difhes, and meates that are fet
on the board before you : fome of them alfo can wreftle, leape well,
run & daunce. There are alfo of thofe, that can fhoote in longe
Bowes, crofle Bowes, or handgunne : Yea there wanteth not fome
that are both fo wife, and of fo good audacitie, as they can, and doo
(for lacke of better company) entertaine their Maifter with table talke,
bee it [h]is pleafure to fpeake either of Hawkes, or houndes,
fifhinge, or fowling, fowing or graffinge, ditchinge or hedginge, the
dearth or cheapenes of grayne, or any fuch matters, wherof Gentle-
men commonly fpeake in the Country, bee it either of pleafure or
profit, thefe good fellowes know fumwhat in all.
Vallentine.
Uerely, Syr, you haue told mee newes; I would faine know moreCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	39
of thefe men, and of their feates, I will no more fay vertues, for that
fmels to much of beyond feas.
Vincent.
If you knew, what honour or worfhip thefe can doo, to a Noble
man in his Countrey houfe, you would rather giue a good feruing-
man fortie pounds wages, then want his feruice fome one day : I meane,
eyther when you haue ftore of ftraungers (for fo wee call our gueltes,)
or els when you are from home: For in your abfence, hee cannot
onely fee thinges in good order, but alfo entertayne them, firft in the
Hall, nexte in your Parlour, (or if you keepe that manner or eftate)
in your great Chamber, as a right good Gentleman, and fometimes a
Lorde, may bee content (in their Maifters abfence) to take all in good
part: Yea to tell you all, fome heires, (I fpeake playnely in this
place) bee fo Ample, as their feruingmen, by their counfell, in pro-
uidinge, forefeeinge, entertaininge, and fparinge, doo maintayne their
honours and worlhips.
Vallentine.
You fpeake well for thefe fortes of feruauntes ; I lull: not yet a while
to reply, I pray you fay on. Are thefe all, that his folly, & foblilh
ambition doth entertaine ? You muft not tell what I fay.
Vincent.
I am fure you fpeake merrily: but yet I will proceede, thefe fortes
of men bee the molt number : but befides them wee haue fubferuing-
men, (as I may call them) feldome in fight: As Bakers, Brewers,
Chamberlaines, Wardrobers, Faulkeners, Hunters, Horfekeepers,
Lackeies : and (for the moll parte) a naturall Fooleor Jefterto make
vs fporte: Alfo a Cooke, with a Scullin or two, Launderers, Hynes,
and Hogheards, with fome other filly flaues, as I know not how to
name them.40
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
I thought I had knowen all ye retinue of a Noble mans or Gentle-
mans] houfe. But now I finde, I do not, for it femeth a whole Army or
Camp : and yet, (lhal I tell you truely what I thinke) this laft number
though it bee leaft, is the more neceffary forte of feruaunts, becaufe
thefe ferue neceffity, and the other fuperfluity, or (I may call it) am-
bition : But altogeather they make a world : For my parte, I had
rather haue a litle with quiet, then a great deale with fuch confufion:
for though money and prouifion bee plentiful in the Countrey, yet
fpending and eating, deuoureth all: and for aught I conceaue, there
is no great charity in feedinge of many of thefe men who eate much,
and get litle.
Vincent.
I mull confeffe it true that our charge is great, and fome of them
are alfo prowde and euill natured people, as were it not for their
Parents fakes (who bee our good freendes, or Tennants) wee would
many times difcharge our houfes of them : But partly for thofe re-
fpefls, and partly for feare, beeinge out of feruice, they fhould fall
into offence of law, wee kepe them, though to our great charge and
difcontent: for well you know, it were great pittie to fee a tall fellow
to clyme a Gibbet.
Vallentine.
Euen fo it were in deed : and yet, if you hap to haue in your
ground a fayre great Tree that yeelds you no fruit: but with the
bowes therof ouer droppeth an Aker of graffe, which therby (I meane
for want of funne fhine) cannot profper : were it not better to hew
downe this tree, then for the onely beauty therof, fuffer it to grow to
your continuall Ioffe and hinderance ?41
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
Yes mary would I, but to what purpofe would you apply this
Parrable ?
Vallentine.
I can compare a cumly vnquallified feruaunt to this Tree, for if hee
can none other good, but Ihew forth his proper perfon, nor intendeth
to bee more profitable, it maketh no great matter, what becommeth of
him: cheefely, if hee bee vnhoneft, and of euil condition. Let not
that therfore comber your confcience: but a gods name prefer your
profit beefore the releefe or maintenaunce of fuch ydle folke.
Vincent.
In very deed, fyr, I haue heard of learned Clerks, that God and
nature hath made nothinge in vaine : wherupo I iudge, that men who
can no good, the fault is rather their owne, then natures : yet doth
it fumwhat ftay in my ftomack, to difcharge a lufty fellow, though his
conditions bee but Ikantly commendable. And the reafon is becaufe
hee becommeth a houfe well.
Vallentine.
If that bee all, that bindeth you to your charge, I will tell you how
you Ihall better cheape furnilh your houfe, then of thefe perfons, of
whom you haue no other vfe, then to looke on them, becaufe they
are cumly.
Vincent.
As how, I pray you ? for confidering the fmal feruice they doo, and
yet are men healthy & found, I fuppofe it is no great charity to keepe
them.
Vallentine.
What I meane to tell you, is this: that you were belt to caufe al
their pi&ures to be drawen in their beft array, and hange them vp in
c42
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
your Hall, and you (hall finde them as feemely furniture, as the men
them felues, and yet they will put you to no coft, eyther in meate,
money, or cloth.
Vincent.
You fpeake merrily, but yet in good faith reafonably and truely,
for fith thefe men bee found and ftronge, and will notwithftanding
bee ydle, I beleeue to keepe them, (cheefely with euill condicions) is
no great charitie, and hauinge no feruice at their handes, I cannot
maintaine reafonably, that they are profitable.
Vallentine.
I am very glad, that you are perfwaded to fee, that many thinges
vfed in the Country, & accompted godly, bee not euer as they feeme.
Vincent.
In deede, I yeelde vnto you, and had I confidered fo much a
dozen yeares fince, it would haue faued mee two thoufande poundes
of vidtuals, that thefe good fellowes haue deuoured: But tell mee
touching my next allegation, honour and worfhip.
Vallentine.
To that I fay, that your honor or worfhip, refteth not either in
your Countrey aboade, or keeping of many feruaunts, but rather in
your owne vertue. For though wife men for curtefy, & fooles
through fimplicitie, doo falute you with reuerence, yet muft you not
thinke your felfe the more honorable, vnleffe you be in deede ver-
tuous: I meane wife, valyaunt, iuft, temperate, liberall, affable,
modeft, and in fomme, indued with all fortes (or at the leaft wife)
with fome vertuous morrall and commendable condicions, wherby you
may be known, and at occafions vfed, in the feruice of our Prince and
Country, either Martially or Ciuilly, for thofe bee occupations of all
nobility, in which word is included all fortes of Gentlemen, afwell
thofe that beare greateft Tytles, as they that haue leffe.43
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
I finde it far otherwife then you fay, for albeit a man bee (as few
are) in pofleflion of all thefe vertues, which (you fay) doth onely
make men honourable : yet if hee bee no Houfeholder, nor keeper
of feruaunts, you fee that in his Countrey, neither the neighbours
will loue him, nor ye people do him reuerence.
Vallentine.
I did not, nor will not fpeake agaynft houfeholdinge, nor yet haue
I inuayed agaynft keping of honeft and neceflary feruauntes but
againft the fuperfluitie in either : For I confefle that hofpitallity, bee
it in Towne or Country, is good and godly, and alfo a teftimony of
liberality, which is a great vertue, and very commendable. But
therwith bee content that I tell you, that though all good houfe-
keepers bee the more honourable,.yet euery one that can not, or doth
not kepe houfe, or feruaunt, muft therfore bee difdained or holden
vile.
Vincent.
I know not what ye mean by difdain or vilety, but I am fure, be a
man neuer fo vertuous, vnles hee be a houfekeper, no ma wil in ye
country refort vnto him, or if hee walke in the Cittie without feruants
attending on him, no man wil put off his cap or do him reuerence:
how can then fuch a man bee honorable ?
Vallentine.
Yes, yes fyr, as much (or perhaps) a great deale more, then hee
that fpendes a thoufand poundes a yeare in his houfe, or that hath in
the Towne twenty men to follow him. For though a vertuous man
doth walke alone for lacke of abillity and ritches, yet (if he bee
knowen) hee ftialbe honored : though (for want of feruaunts) hee
feemeth not to euery one, that hee is honorable, becaufe it is the44	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
vertue of minde, and not the guifts of fortune, that honor is due
vnto.
Vincent.
Mee thinkes, you fpeake wel: and I muft needs allow that a
vertuous man (though hee bee poore) deferueth to bee refpe&ed, and
honored : yet experience teacheth the contrary, that men of Title and
wealth, are euer honored, and the poorer forte (though full fraught
with vertue) doo pafle without reputation : As for example, when we
Gentlemen of the Countrey doo reafon (as many times wee doo) of
Noble men, Knightes, and all other degrees, comparinge fome one to
an other of the fame callinge : we accompt him more or lefle honorable
or worfhipfull, as hee is more or lefle landed or wealthy.
Vnllentine.
I doo not vnderftand you ; I pray you tell mee, as how you make
your comparifon.
Vincent.
If there bee two Lordes in our Countrey, and ye one hath twenty
hundreth pounds in reuenue, and the other but fifteene, wee fay, hee
that hath the more liuinge is the more honourable Lorde. And like-
wife, if two Knightes, the one hauinge a thoufand pounde rent, the
other not half fo much, wee fay they bee both men of worfhippe, but
not worfhipfull alike, but the one more, the other lefle: And fo from
degree to degree, wee make our eftimation : Alfo you fhall fee it as a
rule, taken and followed amonge Gentlemen, that hee that hath lefle
lyuinge, giueth place to him that hath more: though for byrth and
vertue, hee [bee] much better. The fame guife their good wiues vfe
in the Countrey : for a ritch Lawyers wife, or the wife of a luftye
younge Francklin, that is lately become a Gentlewoman (Gra merce,
Monfer le Harrault) will make no ceremony, I warrant you, to fit45
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
downe and take place before any poore Gentlewoman, bee fliee neuer
fo vertuous, wel borne or married to a Gentleman in deede, of a good
race, vnlefle hee hap to haue either authority in the Countrey, or
good plenty of lyuinge.
Vallentine.
I doo now vnderftand well, how the worlde walketh, and am forry
for it, fithe that which is without the man fhould more honour him,
then that is within him. This eftimacion I mud (notwithftanding that
the multitude do allow it) vtterly reie&e as falfe and vile.
Vincent.
And why ? will you oppofe your felf to the opinion of fo many: I dare
fay if you come into the country and alke of this matter, I warrant you
they will fay (without exception) the wealthier man, is the more honeft
man : and the greater landed Gentleman, the better man of worlhip.
Vallentine.
Then by that reafon my Lorde Mayors Horfe is a worthier bead:
then Maifter Recorders Moyle, becaufe hee carrieth a ritcher burden :
For that in your accompt thinges without vs bee thofe that honour
the perfon. But this folly and falfe iudgement in honour commeth of
ignorance, and ignorance proceedeth from your manner of life in the
Country, where in deede you neuer attende to know what doth
become you, but what may enritch you, wherin you are far Ihort of
the Lawyer and Ploughman, the one hauing a trade to ketch coyne,
by his counfell and crafte, the other by his labour and lucke. You
in the meane feafon (though in troth, attentiue enough to heare of
profit :) yet mixing your thirfty defire with mirth and folace, as
hauking, and hunting, can neuer attaine to that wealth, which they
do, and yet you will yeeld them honour Certainly, if you had beene
trained1 vp in the Court or Towne, you would call: an other accompt
1 Orig. ed. reads traded.46	• Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
of this matter, and bee not fo barely minded as to way the worth of
men, by the rente of their landes or the money in their purfes.
Vincent.
I did not fay, that this was my iudgement, but the opinion almoft
vniuerfall, for if one man in the Countrey do hold your minde, I dare
fay you fhal finde an hundreth to incounter him.
Vallentine.
It may fo bee (cheefely) in this corrupt age, but for my parte,
though twife a hundreth men did encounter my iudgement, I care
not, for I am fure there is not one wife man among two hundreth.
Vincent.
Well, I am content to yeelde rather to reafon then the multitude,
and beleeue with you, y* men are more or lefle honourable, as they
are more or lefle vertuous, not meafuring them (as the multytude*
doth) as they are layed in Subfedy bookes.
Vallentine.
I thanke you, fyr, for dooing mee fuch fauour, as to concurre with
mee in opinion. I pray you proceede in the reft of your countrey
commendacions.
Vincent.
Then mull I fpeake of the holfomnefle of our dwellinges, which
without contradiction is much more the your aboad in Citties, Court,
or townes, where the ayre is commonly ftraught, & the concourfe of
people great: which two thinges mufl needes breede contagion and
ficknes; there wanteth alfo commodity for exercife, which is a thinge
very neceflary to maintaine health; we may at our willes walke, &
ronne, hauke, and hunt, our feelds beeing fpacious, and our game
plentifull. All which thinges you want in Court & Cittie, or with
great difficulty you haue them.47
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
Euery commodity beareth about it fome difcommodity : yet if I
luft to reafon fo needles a problerhe, I could fay, that as Courtes and
Cities, by reafon of the concourfe of people become oft times vn-
pleafauntly aired, yet the fight is of more importance and worthier
confideracion. For it may bee that a perticuler houfe in the country,
(as commonly all olde buildinges were) bee as low, and vnholfomly
placed, as any Cittie, for hereof was greater aduife in fytinge it. Alfo
therin are great prouifions to preuent corruption and ficknes: the
people alfo beeing therin, are more neate and ciuill then they bin in
the countrey: For clenlynes is afpeciall preferuatiue againft infection,
yea, if you did, or could know the whole number of people that did
inhabit London, or any other cittie, comparinge them with as many
- of the Countrey, and marke how many died weekly of either, you
fiiould commonly fee the thing would fall out indifferent, though at
fome one time died more Citizens, yet at fome other you fhould
finde as great plagues and ficknefle among the Mafie of your
countrey folke. And for your exercifes (which I confefle are honeft
and good,) I will fpeake of them hereafter when you hap (as you haue
promifed) to praife the pleafure of your countrey dwelling : Let it
then fuffife, that touchinge the good or euill ayre, and holefomnes or
vnholefomnes, of our diuerfe dwellinges, I refer you to the fighte of
the places, and leaue them to your wifedome without comparinge.
Wee Hue here, till Wee can no longer, and you, till you die : fome are
very healthy, and fome euer fickly : fome haue much of the one, and
fome of the other. Euery man to his fortune.
Vincent.
Then fyr, let that bee, as bee may, for I finde in euery ayre, fome
Hue longe, & fome lefle, though few fo longe as they would, but now
let vs common of our quiet.48
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
With all good will, I am content to heare you, fay what you luft,
for it will pleafe mee much, to know of your quiet life.
Vincent.
Vnderftand you (good Maifter Vallentine) that our houfes bee, or
(at the leafte) the moft auncient of them, fited in places remote, and
far from any Cittie, Burrough, or (almoft) Village, wherby wee want
thofe noyfome noyfes of cryinge and carriages, which necefiarily the
Citizens mull abide. Our gates bee not euery handwhile knocked,
for either they are all day open, or that our Porters bee ftill prefent
to let men in and out; wee are not much troubled with fendinge too
and fro, for our prouifions: becaufe euery Gentleman, if hee bee a man
of any reafonable lands, and forecaft, he hath about home, vpon his
owne demeanes, all forts of vidtuall for horfe and man, and likewife
fewel: So as in conclufion, I tell you hee needeth not to difquiet
him felfe, either in fence or wit, vnlefle it bee fome one ambitious
Gentleman amonge many, who (becaufe he would feeme more
venorable the the left) wilbe ritchly apparrelled, and fill his Seller
with Wines of fundry fortes, which prouifion in deed wee haue not
without fending to London or fome great Cittie.
Vallentine,
I perceaue (as partly I did before) that your houfes bee far from
company, which in the refpedt you haue fpoken, are the more quiet,
and yet mee thinkes, I would not want the comforte of neighboured
for the quiet you haue tolde vs, which neuerthelefle may bee enough:
And wheras you alleage that your prouifions at hande doth acquite
you of trouble, which wee haue in the town, therin I iudge you de-
ceaue your felfe. For albeit corne groweth on your owne demeane,
and your wood likewife, alfo your cattell and all countrey foode: yet49
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
dare I warrant you before fuch time as the fame prouifions be fit for
your vfe (I meane, your Lande manured, your corne reaped, your
woods cut downe, & all thinges ready, and brought home as they muft
bee: your trouble and difquiet wilbe much more then ours, that fende
twife a day from our houfe to the Market in the towne where wee
dwell.
Vincent.
In deede I had forgotten, that wee haue much adoo in feed feafon,
to fet forth our Plowes, in harueft to reape our corne, and towards
winter to lay in our fewell: But all thefe thinges yet wee haue without
money, which you haue not.
Fallen tine.
Without money ? But, fyr, by your fauour, not without coft, and
other whiles wee haue them better cheape then you, though they
growe on your owne ground, as I will hereafter perfwade when I fhall
anfwere you, touchinge the profite of the Countrey, which is one of
your allegations.
Vincent.
Then do I longe much to heare, yet let mee tel you one touch
more of our quiet, which is our authority, for a number of vs bee
Iuftices, fome of Quorum, and many of the Peace, fome Shreeues,
fome Surueyors, fome Efchetors, fome Feodaties, and fuch like, others
alfo, though in no office, yet beeinge difcended of wealthy and
worfhipfull houfes, are much refpefted, worffiipped and feared of the
people: But if the beft of thefe remayned in Court (without office
there) or in ye Citty or town, the meaneft Marchaunt, or fyllieft
Shoemaker, woulde fcantly refpedte vs, and none at all feare vs.
Vallentine.
Nor wee them : and yet fhall I fpeake plainely, I had rather bee
H5°
Cyutle and Vncyuile Life.
worfhipped or refpedted of one ciuil or wife man (fuch as liue in
Courts or towns) then of one hundreth Countrey loutes, that either
doo falute you for flattery, or honour you ignorantly : And lothe
would I bee, to finde you fo grofle, as to thinke that among twife
tenneof thofe pleabeyall fortes, there bee two of iudgement enough to
know what honour is due to one, more then to an other.
Vincent.
And why fo, fyr ? yes I warrant you that they vnderftand, what
Noble man or Gentleman doo dwell neare them, and what honour is
due to eyther : Neyther are they fo ignorant, or vnciuil, but if they
hap to meet any fuch well apparrelled perfon, in his worfhipfull gar-
mentes, or with a fayre cheyne about his necke, the countrey lowtes
(as you terme them) can fo much good manner, as to put off their
hats, and if the Gentleman be braue in deede, they will alfo doo him
other reuerence.
Vallentine.
Not fo, but I thinke verely they will often do reuerence to the
Gentlemans cheyne, or his braue coate, which curtefie men of iudge-
ment do not regard, for they would be honoured for them felues and
their vertue, and though no man doth commit Idolitry to their
cheynes, or garmentes, they force litle: which error I haue feen not
only comon people to commit, but (by your leaue,) many of your
worfhipfull inhabitantes, who by reafon you are continually abydinge
in the Countrey, you know neither the perfons of the Nobillity, nor
yet the very Magiftrates that gouerne. Wherby (when happely ye
bee called before them) you know neither what difference to make,
either of their perfons or dignities. The like fimplicity I haue feen
in your Wiues : and yet in them more excufeable, (becaufe they may
not modeftly, without your leaues, fee fo much of the world:) who51
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
when they come to Court, do neither know the gentlewomen from
the Ladyes, nor fcantly the Queene her felf. What Gentleman or
Gentlewoman would not be alhamed of fuch ignorance, and wifheth
not rather that he had fpent twife two hundreth pounds then to (hew
him felfe to bee fuch a one as I haue tolde you.
Vincent.
In very deede, (Maifter Vallentine,) it ismeete for euery Gentleman
to know the perfon of his Prince : and likewife of the Magiftrates,
(or at the leaft, of the mod of them) and furely fuch knowledge is
not gotten without comminge to Court, or places where they refort:
Notwithftanding if all Gentlemen Ihould follow the Court or dwel in
London, how (hould the countrey bee gouerned ? For without
Juftices of Peace and officers there, the people would be out of
order, and the princes feruice mud needs bee negle<fted.
Vallentine.
Although I take vpon mee to remember Gentlemen of their
grofle ignorance and lacke of ciuility, yet it is not my intent to traine
them all their whole Hues out of their countrey, neyther would I
wifh them, (cheefely Officers, & minifters of the Princes in Iuftice) to
remaine alwaies either in court or Cittie: But to refort thither at
fuch age & times, as hee is either not imploied, or not needed,
which if hee did (I am mod aflured) his feruice woulde proue the
more worth, and him felf a great deale the more ciuill : If it pleafeth
you to confider that if any important feruice bee comitted to the
Iufticesof any Shier, you (hall fee the fame (or the cheefe truft therof)
allotted to men knowen to the Prince or the Councell, and not to
others. And if after the fayd feruice bee performed and any report
therof muft bee made, if a man do come to do that office beeing
before knowen to the Prince or Magiftrates, you (hal finde hee fhalbe52
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
heard with more refpedte, and difpatched with more fpeede, then if
any other vnknowen or vnfkilfull perfon had beene prefented vnto
them.
Vincent.
No doubt of that, but would you haue all Gentlemen thus finely
brought vp, and that there fhould no Iuftices of Peace remayne in
the Countrey ? Mee thinkes that were exceeding ftrange.
Vallentine.
I did wifh indeed, that all Gentlemen were wel brought vp, and
reforters to Court or Cittie, yet I faide not that they fhould euer
abandon the countrey, cheefely thofe that are imploied there.
Vincent.
Then it feemeth that you would haue all the reft to bee Courtiers
and Townes men: how fhould any of them then afpire to the offices
of the Countrey, when there they are not abidinge.
Vallentine.
My meaning is not to entice them all to Court, or to Cittie from
their natural! fhier: But that fuch as would not doo them felues that
great good that at the leaft they would fome times, & cheefely in
their youth, abide in their cheefe towne or cittie of their countrey,
where they may conuerfe with a people more ciuill, then the poore
villaines, and bee notwithftanding at hand to take office (if it be layed
on them.) Alfo if they bee in office already, they dwell there fitly
enough to exercife the fame. But by this you haue faide, it feemeth
you are, or faine would bee an Officer in your countrey.
Vincent.
Nay not fo, fyr, but yet if it bee layed vpon mee, I muft not re-
fufe to ferue my Prince.53
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
I warrant you, fyr, if you bee no better acquainted in Court then
you feeme, nor no better learned then I, you fhall neuer bee troubled
with office, vnleffe fome friend of yours doo recommend you, for fo
obfcure education as you fpeake will flowly prefer you.
Vincent.
I confeffe our preferment is flow, and yours (bee it fpoken with
patience) is not ouer fwift. For if you marke well, it is much better
to fmell of the law, then of the Launce.
Vallentine.
By my fay, fyr, you haue hit mee home, for truely I wifli that thofe
fauours did yeeld thrift allike. But how happy are you, for whom
fortune hath fo well prouided, as you neede neither to tafte the paines
of the one, nor the perrill of the other. But Bafta. Let vs returne
to the matter, & tell me how ye are perfwaded of my fpech touching
your quiet.
Vincent.
Exceedingly well: And muft acknowledge that in manuringe our
owne groundes, wee offer our felues much difquiet and care, not
becomminge a Gentleman. Alfo in confideration of our ftrangnes to
the Court, wee are made the leffe meete for gouernment, & not to
know the perfon of our Prince is a thinge that amazeth a Gentleman
much. I yeelde therfore vnto your reafons, and the rather becaufe
you will neither binde vs continually to Court, nor London : But
that wee may both vifit our owne countrey houfes, and yet make
cheefe abode in our fhier townes, as places to keepe vs in that ciuilitie,
[which] is behoouefull.
Viallentine.
You underftande mee right, and you fhall by your dwellinge in54
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
thofe Townes, much enritche the people, that they thereby enhabled
maye make their buyldinges the more beautifull and commodious, fo
that in one adte you woorke two good effedtes, which are to make
your felues ciuill, and enritch the townes.
Vincent.
But how fay you to our pleafures and pleafant exercifes of the
countrey ? for that was the next I promifed to praife : I truft you
will allow of them, and commende your owne coldly, for I think they
be colde enough in deede.
Vallentine.
Well, fyr, I perceaue you haue a colde conceit of our Courtly
pleafures, but what of that: tel vs yours, I pray you.
Vincent.
Wee haue in troth fo great ftore of them, as there is no time of
the yeare, no houre of the day, nor no weather, but wee haue a
paftime to entertaine vs with.
Vallentine.
As how ? for Gods fake, fay on.
Vincent.
In the fpring time (and cheefely in Lent) wee fifh the Carpe, the
Pike, the Breame, the Roche, and the Yeele, as good meates in the
eatinge, as good fportes m the ketching. In fommer we dare the
Lark with Hobbies, and ketch them with day Nettes. In harueft
when corne is downe, our Sparhaukes bee ready to kill the Partridge,
the Quayle, and Rayle. In winter wee hauke the Heron, the Feafant,
the Ducke, the Teale : And in breefe, all fortes of volary. The like
pleafures wee can (hew you vpon the ground, (for you mud conceaue
that all thefe fowles doo fly,) and bee it your will to hunt with your
eye or eare, wee are ready for you as if you pleafe to fee with the eye.55
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Wee courfe the Stagge, the Bucke, the Roa, the Doa, the Hare, the
Foxe, and the Badger : Or if you would rather haue fome Muficke
to content your eare, out goes our dogges, our houndes (I fhould haue
faide;) with them wee make a heauenly noife or cry, that would make
a dead man reuiue, and run on foote to heare it.
Vallentine.
But by your leaue, if you wifht your owne good father, whofe
Heire you are, would rife from death to life, you had rather neuer
heare hound, then trouble his reft.
Vincent.
Very well fyr, you thinke I would bee lothe to trace my Fathers
new fteppes vpon his olde land. I fpeake like a hunter, and to tell
you plainely, as I neuer defired his death, fo were it no reafon I
lhould put him to paines, of receauing his arrerage of rents, which I
haue fpent thefe half dozen yeares part.
Vallentine.
Much good may it doo you, and let him reft, (God giue him reft:)
But tell mee if all thefe pleafures, wherof you tolde, bee they vfed
by day or night, in faire weather, or fowle ?
Vincent.
In good footh (Maifter Vallentine) either you are wonderoufly
pleafaunt, and difpofed, or els very ignorant in Gentlemens quallities,
that will afke me thefe vain queftions: For euery man knoweth that
the day time is fitted: for all fportes, and likewife the faire weather.
Vallentine.
Ah fyr, I pray you pardon mee, for I confefle I am vnfkilfull, yet
vnlefle I bee much deceaued, I haue hard hounds barke by night, &
haue feene foulers ketch Woodcockes in colde weather.56
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
In deede it may bee, you haue hard fumtimes hounds yorne (for
fo you ought to terme it) by night, and I fuppofe the winter weather
and hard, is fitted; for ketching of Woodcockes in deede.
Vallentine.
Well, I am glad, you know therby I haue hard, and feene fum-
what worthy a Gentleman: I pray you now tell vs your paftimesi
deftined for fowle weather, & how many be of them, befides ketching
of Woodcockes.
Vincent.
I allure you many, and thofe diuerfe, in which I will include our
exercifes alfo; but becaufe you demaund of our fowle wether
paftimes, I wil fpeake of them firft.
Vallentine.
You are full of memory & order ; I pray you fay on.
Vincent.
In fowle weather, we fend for fome honeft neighbours, if happely
wee bee with our wiues alone at home (as feldome we are) and with
them we play at Dice, and Cardes, forting our felues accordinge to
the number of Players, and their {kill, fome to Ticktacke, fome
Lurche, fome to Irifh game, or Dublets : Other fit clofe to the Cardes,
at Poll & Paire, at Ruffe, or Colchefter Trumpe, at Mack or Maw:
yea, there are fome euer fo frelh gamefters, as wil bare you copany at
Nouem Quinque, at Faring, Trey trip, or one & thirty, for I warrant
you, we haue right good fellowes in the countrey, fumtimes alfo (for
Ihift of fports, you know, is deledtable) we fall to Hide thrifte, to
Penny prick, & in winter nights we vfe certaine Chriftmas games
very propper, & of much agilitie; wee want not alfo pleafant mad
headed knaues, y* bee properly learned, and will reade in diuerfe57
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
pleafant bookes and good Authors: As Sir Guy of Warwicke, y'
foure Sonnes of Amon, the Ship of Fooles, the Budget of Demaundes,
the Hundreth merry Tales, the Booke of Ryddles, and many other
excellent writers both witty and pleafaunt. Thefe pretty and pithy
matters do fome times recreate our mindes, cheefely after longe
fittinge, and lofle of money. In faire weather when we haue
ftraungers, or holly daies (for els in the day time wee attend our
thrift) wee exercife our felues in (hooting at Buttes, Prickes, Roauers
and Rownes : We caft the Bar or fledge, Leape or Run, if our ages
and condicion bee fit for fuch exercife, els (beeing aged) wee chat at
home, and talke of Turryn and Torny or fome other notable war,
wherin wee ferued our Prince: Or if wee haue cotinually dwelt at
home, & bin Iuftices of Peace, we accopt what graue Iudges &
gentlemen we haue feene fit on our Bench, & with what eloquence
we haue (when it was our turne) geuen the charge.
Vallentine.
Certainly, fyr, you haue told mee of many proper pleafures, and
honeft exercifes: But with all let mee alke you what Neighboures
thefe companions bee, of whom you haue tolde mee.
Vincent.
They are our honeft neighbours, Yeomen of the Countrey, and
good honeft fellowes, dwellers there about: as Grafiers, Butchers,
Farmers, Drouers, Carpenters, Carriers, Taylors, & fuch like men,
very honeft and good companions.
Vallentine.
And fo I thinke, but not for you beeing a Gentleman : For as
their refort vnto your houfe fhal giue them occafion to learne fome
point of ciuillity, and curtefie, fo your conuerfinge with them will
make you tafte of their bluntnes and rufticitie, which wil very euill
become a man of your calling.
i58
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
What, would you then haue mee liue alone, and folitary ? That
were worfe then to bee dead.
Vallentine.
Nay, neither, for if you did, for the moll liue in Court or Cittie
among the better forte, you fhould euer finde company there, fit for
your eftate and condicion : I meane Noble and Gentlemen, (with
whom if you had acquaintance) you would litle delight in this ruftical
conuerfation, and lefle reioyce at that mirth, which (now not knowinge
better) doth (as it feemeth) pleafe you much.
Vincent.
If thefe paftimes bee not fit for a Gentleman, what would you haue
vs to make our felues mery with ?
Vallentine.
That wil I tel you hereafter, when you demaund to know the
paftimes and exercifes of Court. In the meane time, tell on your
owne tale, being now come to the laft commodity of the Countrey,
which is profit.
Vincent.
I thought it had beene needles for mee to haue faide any thinge
therof, becaufe I thinke you fee ye matter in fuch experiece, as it
nedeth no difpute.
Vallentine.
What meane you by that ? when there is nothing (as I tolde you
long fince,) perfitly good, nor perfidy euill, onely vertue and vice
except.
Vincent.
All this while you flye aboue my pitch ; I praye you Ipeake plainely.
Doo you thinke the thrifte of Noblemen and Gentlemen, hauntingCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	59
the Court, or inhabitinge the Citties, is comparable to the good huf-
bandry and profit of the Country ?
Vallentine.
Yea furely do I, and therfore conclude not in haft.
Vincent.
How can it fo bee, when the moft part, yea in effecft, all Courtiers,
and towne dwelling Gentlemen bee beggers (or at the leaft poore in
purfe) and wee of the Countrey bee either all, or the greater number,
very wealthy, or ritche enough.
Vallentine.
All this may bee true, and yet neither the Court or Towne is caufe
of their pouerty, nor the Countrey dwelling, the occafion of your
ritches.
Vincent.
Well, fyr, fith experience will not perfwade you, I will fet downe
fome reafons to drawe you to mine opinion. And firft call you to
memory the continuall & exceflive charge which the Courtier, or
Cittie dweller is at, I mean in feeding him felf, feruauntes, and
famely: likewife how coftly and almoft princely hee apparrelleth him
felfe, his wife, his children, and feruauntes, and all this charge goeth
from the purfe, for prouifion hath hee none: neither doth hee fow
any graine, reare any cattel, nor his wife and woman feruaunts fpin
any cloth, & though they fo did, none I fuppofe of you would weare
it, fuch is your pride. On the other fide, all the come wee make our
bread of, groweth on our demeane ground, the flefh wee eate, is all
(or the moft parte) of our owne breeding, our garmentes alfo, or much
therof, made within our houfe. Our owne Maulte and water maketh
our drinke : So as in conclufion, I fay that fith the neceflities of mans
life confifteth vpon thefe: I meane meate, drinke, and cloth (all6o
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
which coft vs nothinge, or very litle, and you very much) how can
you in reafon conceaue, that wee fhould bee no ritcher then you, that
haunt Courts, and inhabit Citties.
Vallentine.
What you alleage, or the moft part therof, I thinke is true, but
your conclufion falfe: For albeit your prouifions be great, yet your
expenfes beeing greater, your thrifte is like to ours, who haue fmall
prouifion, and like charge.
Vincent.
How can your charge bee litle, when the coft of keepinge one man
in Court, or Towne, wilbe as much, as to keepe three in the Coun-
trey ?
Vallentine.
And that I* iudge is alfo true, but if my one man in the towne,
will ferue mee as well as your three men in the Countrey feme you,
though that one fpendeth mee as much as your three, I care not:
for my thrift is no whit the lefle, nor yours ye more, if of force, (as
in deede you muft) keepe fo many. For where there is (as you
alleage) great Tillage, rearinge vp of Cattell, Spinninge, and Cardinge,
with daily reforte, befides of ftraungers, (as is commonly to Gentle-
men in the Countrey,) there muft needes bee alfo many feruauntes,
which concourfe of people, and bufines breedeth occafion of continuall
expence of vidtuall: So as in effedl you keepe many that doo bring
you home profite, and they with others doo ftraight waies eate it vp:
what are you then the better ? but by thus much the worfe then we,
that you are combred with the vnlooked for reforte of freends and
foes, and the daily feeding of many feruauntes.
Vincent.
Mee thinkes your fpeech hath good fence, yet becaufe it is long,Gyuile and Vncyuile Life.	61
I do not perfidy conceaue it, as I defire; I pray you tell mee your
reafon breefely.
Vallentine.
Then mud you imagine that you haue ten loads of Haye in your
Stable, and ten horfes which of force you mull keepe. In my Stable
I haue but one load, and one horfe. Now will I afke you whither your
proportion bee larger for your cattell, or mine for mee ?
Vincent.
They feeme all one, fauinge that hee that hath the greateft prouifio,
hath alfo the greater trouble.
Vallentine.
Then I am glad you vnderftande : For fuch is the difference be-
twixt the Countrey and towne dweller: the one hath much prouifion,
and many to fpend it; the other hath litle, and few to confume it. So
as I gefle, all comes to one reckoninge,' faue that the greateft hauer
hath the lefle quiet.
Vincent.
But yet by your leaue (Maifter Vallentine) you gay befeen Cour-
tiers, albeit you want prouifion and haue litle, yet will you alfo fpend
much. And how then ?
Vallentine.
Mary then I fay, fo many of vs (as indeede fuch is the honour of
the moft) bee plaine banckeroutes, and beggers, as you call vs, but
in whom is the fault ? not in the Court nor yet in the towne. But
in our owne felues, and our owne folly : But fuch as liue in Court or
in towne orderly, & fpende within their proportion, may bee equall
with you in thrifte, and in quietnes far before you.
Vincent.
Yet haue you not fully anfwered mee, for fith, befides my yearly62
Gyuile and Vncyuile Life.
rentes, I haue three or foure hundreth Acres of demeane landes, wher-
upon my prouifion groweth, I accompt my houfe cofteth me nothing,
when you that haue none, but liue on the penny, muft needes fpend
without meafure.
Vallentine.
Why, fyr, if you luft let out your demeanes, were it worth no
rente ?
Vincent.
Yes that it were, for there is no Acre of it, but would yeeld mee
yearely a crowne.
Vallentine.
Then may you accompt, your prouifion coft you yearly foure
hundreth crownes.
Vincent.
By my fay, you fay troth, for if I did not eate it, I perceaue I
fhould haue it: But then how Ihould my houfe bee kept, and my
neighbours loue mee ?
Vallentine.
A great deale better now [than] for you & other Gentlemen difpofing
your felues (as ful yll it becommeth you) to bee Ploughmen; you haue
learned what euery foyle is worth, and fo after that rate, fet out your
land, wherby the poore Hulbandman or Farmer payeth fo deare for
your comming and neighborhood, as hee had rather you liued further
off like a Gentleman, though for very flattery or feare, when hee
dineth at your Boarde, hee faith, hee is fory your worlhip Ihould
dwell away, when God wotteth, the poore man meaneth nothinge
lefle: For I haue learned that thofe Tennauntes haue belt peny
worthes of their Farmes, whofe Landlordes do leaft know the Lande,
or dwell furtheft from it. Wherfore you deceaue your felfe, to
thinke that your continuall dwelling in the Country, doth eafe theCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	63
poore Ploughman, fo long as you play the Ploughman your felfe, or ^
let your lande at great rente : For fhall you not finde a number of
poore Hufbandmen that almoft ftarue for want of lande to mannure ?
wherof I iudge nothinge a greater caufe, then that Gentlemen bee
become Ploughmen, and are not contente to let the poore hier it, and
hue of the rente, as their calling is, which covetous and clownifhe
honour they cloake vnder pretence of hofpitallitie.
Vincent.
But if I fhould not occupy my lande, how fhould I know what it
were worth ? for this I found by experience (calling home into my
handes certayne coppy houldes, let out by mine Aunceftors) that
euery Acre was twife fo much worth, as the rente I receiued for it.
Vallentine.
Loe, now in erneft you fpeake like a worlhipfull Ploughman, not
like a worthy Gentleman, for this experience wherof you fpeake, were
better vnknowen then vfed. Therfore fome Dodtors doo thinke it
better not to know all thinges, then to know them : meaning (as I
iudge) that euery man fhould not bee to deepe a fearcher in an
others profeffion or miftery, leaf!: led on with priuate profit he
hindereth the common commoditie.
Vincent.
By this reafon (wherein I confefle is good fence) the Gentleman1 of
ye Country that occupieth much lande with his owne Plough, and
feedeth many other, letting alfo his lande wel and roundly, were
afwel fpared, as prefent among his Tennauntes, notwithftanding hee
keepeth good hofpitallitie.
Vallentine.
Yea certainly, for they giue the poore men their Tennants a
1 Orig. ed. has Gentlemen.64
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
meales meat twife a weeke worth a groate, and force him to pay a
fhillinge more then hee was wonte, before his lorde became fo fkilfull
a hulband. Yea by your leaue alfo, if your poore Tennant prefentes
you with a couple of Capons, or a Pigge, it is many times welcome,
all the meat hee eateth at you[r] Table is not fo much worth.
Vincent.
I partly conceaue now the fubftance of all this difcourfe vpon profit,
& finde in deede that comparing the number which wee keepe in the
countrey, with thofe that you do in the Cittie, the coft of houfehold-
inge commeth all to one accompt, and to confefle troth, I fuppofe
there is more certenty in the proportion of your charges then in ours;
and (as I graunted before) not halfe the trouble. And fith I am led
thus far from mine olde foolilh minde and common loue to our
countrey cuftome, to inhabite there, I will tell you of great and ex-
ceflive priuie charges, which wee be at in our houfes: I meane in our
houfehold ftuffe, and cheefely linnen, for if a Gentleman haue in his
houfe twenty beads, (as manye haue) and fome a greater number, wee
haue them full often occupied with ftraungers and their feruaunts, who
for the moft parte bee fo careles, or llouenly, as they will make quicke
fpeede to weare out not only our linnen, but alfo our hanginges,
Curtaines and Canopies of filke: So as within a litle time wee fpoyle
a great deale of good ftuffe, and then [bee] forced to buy new. For as
you fee Gentlemen daily reforte vnto common Innes, fo do they daily
refort to Gentlemens houfes, with man and horfe, hauke and dog,
till the poore Maifter of the houfe hath al his linnen foule, al his
prouifion eaten & his houfehold ftuffe made vnfailery, & oft times
torne and fpoiled. But al this notwithftanding I acknowledge to be
true, yet it greeueth mee to dwel from my owne houfe where my neigh-
bours loue mee, & my tenants do feare me, yet would I faine do, as
you aduife me, were not the fafhion and the cuftome to the contrary.Cyuile and Vncyuile Life,	65
Vallentine.
By fo faying, you renue an olde verfe, that beeinge a Schoole boy,
I oftentimes red: Video meliora, proboq; deteriora fe^uor. But I
praye you let nothinge that is euil, vnfit or vnprofitable entice you to
continue it, becaufe the fame hath beene an auncient cuftome, for I
dare warrant you, that Vice is as olde, as any vertue: and yet I hope
you are not fo Ample, as for the age (againft all reafon)you will allow
it for good.
Vincent.
In very deede, you difcourfe fo well, as I mu ft needes confeffe my
felfe driuen to the wall with playne reafon, yet while it comes to my
minde, let mee afke you how your Wiues will bee brought to leaue
their Countrey Goffippes, with whom they haue had longe loue and
familiaritie. Alfo to difcharge their Dayeries (which is their priuate
profite) will touch their ftomackes neare, cheefely the thriftier forte,
and good hufwiues ? For fome that loue not hufwiuery would eafely
bee perfwaded to the Towne, becaufe they may lye longe a bed, and
weare gay garments.
Vallentine.
Now haue you mooued a fober doubt, and well I wot not how to
anfwere therunto, vnleffe I knew your wiues difpofition, for I am very
lothe to offend : Notwithftandinge becaufe wee do common heare
priuately, and not as they doo in Parliament iuditially, I wil tel you
my opinion touchinge your wiues; I pray you heare what I fay, but
tell not them, what I fayde : or (if you doo) fay not from whom you
had it.
Vincent.
With all my hart, for I learned longe agoe, (as I remember of
olde Quid the louer) Paruus tacere labor.
K66
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
Then doo I tell you flatly, that your wiues bee no lefle, but happely
more from the order of ciuilitie, and the life of Gentlewomen then
you are your felues, and therfore can I lightly beleeue, they wil not
bee willingly brought to leaue their Countrey goflips, and gamefters,
and more hardly to put away their good miltch Cow. But your
wifedome mud euer rule their couetous folly : For if you confider
how vncumly a thing it is to fee, (as I haue fome times feene, and you
I am fure often) a Gentlewoman walkinge in the paftures, among
her Cowes, and Calues, al to be dabled with dew and dyrte, and
other whiles wandering in the hot fommer, a longe mile, to finde out
her hey makers, or corne reapers : So as beeing come thither, or at
the leafl: before fhee bee returned home to her hufbands bord or bed,
what with myre in winter, and fweating in fommer, fhee is become a
morfell more meete for a Mowre, or a Mafon, then a Gentleman1 or
a ciuill hufbande. This I know is their vfe : yea, I haue feene fome
of greater title then a Gentlewoman vfe this manner of toyling : And
if any other Gentlewoman bee more fine or delicate (as fhee ought to
bee indeede) fhee is mifliked among them, and called a cleane fingered
girle, as though that were a great ignomy. But now, fyr, I dare
promife that you hauinge’yeelded to be ciuill your felfe, will no more
allow of this life in your wiues, but remoue fuch manners from them,
either by reafon or ouer rulinge, for ye fex is not euer reafonable.2
Vincent.
For my parte, I wifh my wife were not fo paynfull an hufwife,
and yet is that no euell propertie, but a thinge very profitable. And
though good hufwiues, in deed, muft neither fhun the Sommer fweat,
nor doubt to march in the Winter myer, yet I warrant you vpon the
1 Old ed. has Gentlemen.	2 Old ed. has reajonably.Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.	67
Hollyday, or when fhee lull to goe into fine company, fhee hath good
garments, and can weare them well and Courtly. So can alfo our
Gentlemen of the Countrey, for though wee walke at home plainely
apparrelled : yet when wee come to the Affizes, London, or any
place of aflembly, wee will put on Courtlike garments, and (though
I fay it) fome of vs weare them with good grace.
Vallentine.
I beleeue you, euen like a Co'nftable in Midfommer watch. But
this is no great matter.
Vincent.
Well, then, wee do not differ much: Let us therfore come to con-
clufion, becaufe I longe to heare how men be trained and exercifed
in Courte and Cittie, for (as it feemed by yqur fpeeche) their manner
of Hues doo much refemble one thother.
Vallentine.
And fo they doo in deed, I meane the Gentlemen, and not the
Marchants and Mecanicall people, for their trade (as you can con-
ceaue) is turned other waies : But I praye you fay on, for it feemed,
you ment to refight in breefe the fomme of all this fpeech, and how
well we haue by confent refolued.
Vincent.
That is my intent, fo far as wit and memory will ferue mee. But
firfl: let mee intreat you to tel fumwhat of Courte, and Towne dwel-
linge : then fhall you heare my minde, and conclufion of all togeather.
Vallentine.
Uerely, Maifter Vincent, I mull (vnleffe I fhould wrong you) com-
mend your memory a great deale, and many thankes mud I alfo allow
you for your patience in hearing my poore reafon and difcourfe,
which (as it feemeth) is not in vaine, but hath taken the effedte I
defired.68
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
Yea furely, fyr, and therof refte you allured. I pray you now let vs
forget the Countrey, and (as you promifed,) fay fumwhat of the
Court & Cittie habitation. For I am a ftraunger to thefe places,
though your hap bee to finde mee here at this prefent in London.
Vallentine.
You might thinke mee of euill manner, and leffe curtifie, if I re-
fufed to performe your reafonable' requeft, and the rather for the
honour you haue done mee, in yeelding to my reafons.
Vincent.
Then without more ceremony I praye you begin, and feele no
offence, though I through ignorance doo afke many queftions, for
mannes nature, (you wot well) is defirous to know cheefely thinges
commendable.
Vallentine.
Euen fo it is. But touching my talke of the Court, and Towne
habitatio, although I haue at length prooued, that in thofe places ought
to be ye Gentlemens cheefe aboade, yet I thinke it not neceffary to
make any new comparifon: But onely to touch fome matters, how
men do there liue, and in what ages and eftates the Courtinge
life doth become : For to take vpon mee to frame a Courtier were
prefumption, I leaue that to the Earle Baldazar, whofe Booke tranf-
lated by Sir Thomas Hobby, I thinke you haue, or ought to haue
reade. I wil not therfore cumber you with the educatio of a gende-
man, for that is already fpoken of. For whither the fame bee in
Armes or learning, it is indifferent, for (as I tolde you) the ftate hath
neede of both, and both do alike befeeme him; vnderftande you, then,
that all Gentlemen inhabiting the Citties & there from their Cradle
brought vp, can not bee fo hard to bee entred into a ciuill life, as
they were, beeing brought vp in the Countrey till they bee fixteene orCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	69
eyghteene yeares olde, before which time they are fo deepely rooted
in rudicitie, as they prooue like vnto the haggard haukes, which many
times are fo wilde and indifciplinable, as wil either neuer or with great
labour bee reclaimed. The like I fay of their Hues ; through rudicall
company in childehoode, [they] doo get them felues as it were an
habite in loughty lokes, clownifh fpeech, and other vngentlemanly
Iedures, as it is a good while (yea many times neuer) that thofe
rudicities bee leafte. But I will no more fpeake of children : onely
this I fay that young Gentlemen, (whofe Parentes inhabit the Cittie,
and are defirous to haue their Sonnes well and vertuoully brought vp)
befides that, they fhalbe free from thefe Countrey conditions, they
may, or they1 come to this age, bee perfidy learned in the Greeke and
Lattin tongues, and other whiles in other volgare languages: alfo he
may haue fome good intrance in the fciences [and] Mathematicall
knowledges, very fitte for a Martiall man, and not vnfit for the
Ciuill Officer: Whereof I infer that at this age, or fhortly after, hee
is to bee iudged, wherunto hee is by nature and defire mod: inclined.
Vincent.
Wee will then for this time imagine, (and for my part fo wifh)
that all Noble and Gentlemen, did dwell in Citties and Townes, and
that therby their children fhould not be infecded with the countrey
conditions, but were as apte for Courte and Ciuilitie, as you would
haue them: what would you then they fhould do, beeing come to
eyghteene or twenty yeares, as you feeme to defire, beeinge well
entred and learned in thofe dudies, that become a Gentleman ?
Vallentine. .
I would then (findinge the inclination of my fonne to learninge)
continue and encourage him therin, and make him (I hope) a man
fit for his countrey, or at the lead for him felfe.
1 Old ed. has then.7°
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
As how ? I pray you proceede : For beeing now my felfe per-
fwaded to dwell in the Cittie, & hau[ing]e many younge children, I
would diredte them the belt I could.
Vallentine.
I wifli that your fonne, hauing pafled the fcholes, and fpent fome
time in the vniuerfitie, finding him difpofed to learne the common
lawes, you fhould in any wife continue him, and (as I fayd before) holde
him therto as a ftudy both neceflary for the ftate, and profitable for
him felfe. Or if he rather affefleth the lawes Ciuill, or the fcience
Mathematicall, I would aduife you (if fuch bee your ability) to fend
him to ftudy in the Uniuerfities of forraine Countreyes, where hee may
make double profit: I meane, learne the knowledge hee feeketh, and
alfo the language of the place.
Vincent.
But I pray you, giue mee leaue to demaunde to what vfe the
knowledge of ye lawes ciuil do feme, for it is the law of the Realme
only (as I thinke,) that bringeth in both honor and profit.
Vallentine.
I deny not, but after our longe peace and quiet, (which God con-
tinue) the common lawes of this Realme hath both aduaunced, and
enritched many, for (fuch is the nature of men) as they neuer ceafe
one to moleft the other, not beeinge by fome forraine moleftacion
offended, they conuert their ambition and couetife1 one agaynft the
other. Wherupon they call one the other to tryall of law; in thofe
contentions, (which are many) the men of lawe are hired and im-
ployed, to their exceedinge profit and gayne. But touching the
ciuill lawes, I fay that is a moft noble knowledge, beeinge the law
almoft vniuerfall to all Chriftendome, & therefore fuch as attaine to
1 Old ed. has couetous.71
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
the knowledge therof, fhall not onely in this lande, & many other,
hable them felues to get their owne liueload, but alfo be men moft
fit to counfell Princes, and all eftates of gouernments both in caufes
Ciuill and Martiall. For by them all differentes bee diflided. The
learned Ciuilian therfore (befides his owne perticuler) is a man very
fit, & imployable in all counfels of eftate and AmbafTages, as hee that
is fkilfull of the gouernment vniuerfall. And if (as before I fayd) his
learninge be gotten in forraine Countreyes, he fhall alfo bee helped
with language and fome experience.
Vincent.
Surely, fyr, this is more then I euer hard, for I fuppofed the onely
profite and reputation of this learninge had been in the Arches and
Spiritual Courtes, as wee call them. But now I finde that Ciuilians
can ferue better purpofes, and in euery chriftian countrey make
fhifte to earne their owne liuinges. I pray you what fhall we dif-
pofe of thofe young men y* loue a Lawnce or a Sword better then
either a Booke, or a long gowne ?
Vallentine.
I thinke I tolde you, talking of the Countrey, that in my poore
opinion there was no Gentilman (vnlefle hee were witleffe) but
might bee made fit for fumwhat. Such therfore, as were perfons dif-
pofed of Body, after the age beforefayde, and not affedted to the
ftuddie of thefe lawes, I would notwithflanding holde them in loue of
the Mathematicall Sciences, and preferre them into the feruice of
Noble men, and Captaynes, eyther at home or els in forraine
Countryes; who haunting the warres, fhal enftrudt thefe young fel-
lowes in all orders and Martiall difcipline, wherin, helped with the
knowledge of the fayde Science, they fhall in fhorte fpace, become
not onely good and obedient Souldiers, but alfo fkilfull commaunders7 2
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
and perfite Captaines. Others alfo may with daily pradtife prooue
excellent in the Art of Ridinge, and others in Saylinge or Nauigation:
So as the Martiall exercifes bee diuerfe, all fitte for a Gentleman, &
moft expedient for the Princes feruice.
Vincent.
But thefe qualifies bee (as I thinke) flow occupations to thriue
by : notwithftanding they are full painefull and perilous. Many men,
(yea euery man at one time or other) haue neede of a Lawier; but a
Captaine, a man of Armes, or a Souldiour (cheefly in time of peace) no
man needeth. If therfore a young Gentleman, beeinge of eyghteene
or twenty yeares old, fhould during flue, fixe or feuen yeares nexte
after, wholly endeuour him felfe in thefe difciplines and Martiall
exercifes, and doth become in them expert, or happely excellent, re-
turned home into Englande, where all is peace, what vfe were there
of his vertue, or who would maintayne him ?
Vallentine.
I muft fay thofe fortes of men feruiceable bee not fo well prouided
for as the deferue, & I defire. Notwithftanding, fith the number of
Gentlemen, who apply them felues that wayes bee not many: I
iudge, beeinge men in deede of vertue and value, our Prince, (for that
fhee is both liberall and valourous,) would willingly afforde them
mayntenaunce; befides that, there are diuerfe Noble men and great
Councellors, fome very fouldiers them felues, and fome louers, as well
of armes as learning that would likewife put their handes to helpe fo
vertuous and induftrious a youth.
Vincent.
And fo do I fuppofe alfo, and doo heare it daily wifhed, that all
fortes of men imployable in the ftate were prouided for: Notwith-
ftanding, fith the vfe of thefe is but feldome, I fee no ordinaunce, orCyutle and Vncyuile Life.	73
fpeciall prouifion for them. And, in deede, a man not needed
feemeth fuperfluous, and may be forgotten.
Vallentine.
You haue reafoned wifely, but not well, for if your Horfe fhould
no longer bee allowed Prouender, then during the time you ride him,
I warrant you your iourney could not bee longe. Or if your feruaunt
fhould haue wages, but for howres wherin he laboureth, then fhould
you pay him but for half the yeare, for euery night (as reafon is) hee
refteth.
Vincent.
You are (Maifter Vallentine,) very nimbly witted, and therfore
will I not replye, but in that which reafon doth maintaine. And
touching our matter : Let vs prefuppofe that fome young Gentleman
hath in the prime of his youth difpofed him felfe induftrioufly in
ftuddy, warres, and trauell, where hee caught that knowledge or ex-
periece, that doth recommende him to the Princes feruice : what is
the order of the life there, and wherin lhall he exercife him felfe at
the firft comminge, or after fome yeares of aboad there, and at what
age may hee without offence, and in reafon, retire him felfe.
Vallentine.
You are very difcrete and orderly in all your demaunds ; I would
wifh you to afke of more Ikilfull Courtiers: for though I haue feene
the Courtes of fundry forraine Princes, and ferued longe our owne
Soueraigne, yet dare I not accompt my felf fo perfite, as to enforme
you in euery of thefe.
Vincent. .
I haue faide, and fo I muft once more fay, that you are ouer full
of refpedtes, which humor you found beyond the Mountaynes: I
praye you laye by this curiofitie, and do (as you partly promifed) tell
L74
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
of the order of a Courtly life, and what exercifes becommeth a Cour-
tier in euery age, and begin at flue and twenty yeares, or there about,
for before that time, a young Gentleman may haue both ftudied in
Schooles, feen the warre, and trauelled Countreyes: Which three
thinges, or at the leaft one of the, in any wife I wifli a Gentleman
Ihould doo, to make him worthy of a Princes feruice.
Vallentine.
Such a man, beeinge retained to the Prince, his belt meane to ad-
uauncement (as I thinke) is to excell, (if poffibly1 hee may) in that he
profefleth, adding therunto dilligence and fidelity in feruice. And ifhe
profefleth (fpecially) armes, I would hee aduentured him felfe, in euery
honourable warre, till fuch time as hee hath gayned the true know-
ledge and reputation of a fouldier. And touchinge the exercifes of
fuch a one duringe his aboad in Court, it fhall well become his age
and profeflion, to handle all forts of armes, both on horfeback and
foote, leape, daunce, runne, ride, and (if hee fo like) play at all fortes
of games, fo that hee accompanieth either his betters or equals, and
that with fuch difcretio as his lofs be not at any time fo great as to oc-
cafion his ruyn. It will alfo Hand wel with his condition to entertaine
Ladyes, and ferue fpecially fome one, whofe vertue and priuate
curtefie doth at his hand bell deferue. One other thinge alfo I wifh
hee vfed : I meane that at the lead: one howre of euery day hee Ihould
read, either in fome notable Hiftory, or excellent difcourfe : For that
will much exercife the minde, & encreafe the knowledge.
Vincent.
It 'is true, that as the ftrength of body, vnufed, will quickly decay,
fo wil alfo the wit and memory. But I pray you tell mee when thefe
1 ufty exercifes will become a Gentleman, I meane, whither they bee
feemely all his life, or but only for fome certaine yeares ? .
1 Old ed. has poffible.75
Cyui/e and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
In this queftion I am fure you aunfwere your felfe, that they are
feldome feemely in a man of ripe age, and in olde yeares very ridi-
culous. For if you flaould fee an olde Gentleman, with a white or
grifly bearde, take vpon him to daunce, or turny for his MiftrilTe
fauour, I fuppofe you would not looke on him without laughter, nor
Ihee without difdaine : yea, (fuch is the force of cumlinefle) as euen in
thofe that make profefTion of dauncing, vnlede their yeares be fit for
the vfe therof, they doe rather inftrudt others, then vfe it them felues.
But armes becommeth a Gentleman in all ages, but yet diuerfly. For
old men mull only in earned: vfe it. But young men both in earned:
& fporte are bound to that exercife.
Vincent.
Yet haue you not tolde mee how longe this lyfe wilbe feemely. ' ”
Vallentine.
I pray you prefle mee no more with thefe demaunds, for I referred
you to a booke y* can better enforme you. Yet fith you feeke my
opinion, I fay (as in a forte I haue already fayd) that thefe exercifes
of bodie doo only become youth : and therfore that age which (I
fuppofe by the Philofophers rule) endeth at thirty and due yeares
doth onely grace a Gentleman in them. After that time, beeinge of
capaflitie and experience, hee is rather to be imploied in ferious fer-
uices, then left at leyfure, to entertayne Ladies, or daunce a Galliard.
Vincent.
But if it happeneth hee bee not vfed in any adlion meete for his
age and fkill : but either through want of occafion, - freendes or
fortune, let fland dill in his firft eftate, without either aduauncement
or imployment, beeing no longer fit for loue and dalliance: How
fhould hee grace him felf in Court ?7 ^	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
Truly (as I take it) beeing come to the declyne of his age, and
drawing neare to fortye yeares, hee may without offence retire him
felfe, and refigne his ordinary attendance, refortinge fome times to fee
his'Soueraigne, as a cheefe comfort. For if you confider well, that
place which requireth the perfon of a younge man, will mifbecome
the fame body beeinge in yeares : alfo, while youth and lull Med,
there was hope of good : which now decaied, the man becommeth not
only vnfit for the place he vfed, but alfo (not preferred) loofeth the
reputation, wherin his vertue and expedtacion did holde him.
Vincent.
You fpeake like a man of experience and iudgement, as one that
knoweth what is befeeming in euery age and eftate. *Notwithftand-
inge I fee fome vnaduaunced, & alfo vnemployed Courtiers that dwell
in their young places of feruice, euen to their laft yeares.
Vallentine.
Euen fo in troth it is, and the occafions thereof diuerfe. Some
there are of thofe men, very imployable, yet therwith deepely in-
fedted with ambition, and therfore wil neuer leaue the Courte, clearely
forgetting that Fortune is a woman, which fexe feldome preferreth
folke of declyning age. Others hauinge happely committed fome
error, and therby incurred the princes offence, beeing penitent, and
defirous to recouer fauour and reputation, doo notwithftanding they
know felues ouer aged for their profeffion, ftil attend a plaufible de-
parture : which is not quickly obtayned, for (you wot well) Ira and
Irabundia bee fpeedier paffions, then are Beneuolentia and Gratia.
The thirde forte are the Children of Phao, who for want of wit,
will imagine they bee euer young, neuer knowinge what becomes77
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
them, hut dill day in Courte without countenaunce, not to afpire to
any thinge, but to eate and drinke among Lords. For them was the
Florentine Prouerbe deuifed, which faith : Chi S’inuecchia in Corte in
paglia mor[t]e.
Vincent.
Sir, you needed not fo far to haue fetched a Prouerbe, to apply to
this purpofe, for wee haue one of our owne. But I thanke you for
yours; you teach mee betwixt times fome beyond fea.
Vallentine.
Then (Maider Vincent) fith you encounter mee with mockes, I
will fpeake no more of Court, but as I haue oft tolde, wilh you to
perufe the booke of the Courtier.
Vincent.
Yet one word more of the Court, and then fpeake whereof you
pleafe. You feemed to fay that Learning & Armes were the true
profeffions of a gentleman: would you then, that when hee commeth
to age, hee lhould abandon one of them ? I meane Armes. Or be fo
difcurteous, as no longer to loue Ladyes ?
Vallentine.
I meane nothing lefle, but that duringe life, a Gentleman fhould
profefle Armes, and at occalions vfe them (as I tolde you before) : in
age ernedly ; in youth, both in earned & fporte. Alfo I would haue
all Gentlemen, euen to their dying dayes, to honour Ladyes, although,
to ferue them daily in Courte and dalliance, I holde olde men farre
vnmeete.
Vincent.
I am fatisfied, and becaufe you haue fo ofte addrefled mee to the
Earle Baldazar, I will fpeake no more of Courte, but come home to78	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
the Cittie, which is, or ought to bee our habitacion. Doth it pleafe
you to commaunde mee anye feruice there ?
Vallentine.
No feruice, good fyr, but [I] defire you will commaund mee,
wherin I am able.
Vincent.
I know your abilitie to bee much more then I will imploye: But
fithe you fo freely offer your felfe, I praye you (but not commaund
you) to tell what is your order of life in the Cittie, and which bee
your exercifes, both of body and minde.
Vallentine.
The manner of the moft Gentlemen and Noble men alfo, is to houfe
them felues (if poffible they may) in the Subburbes of the Cittie,
becaufe mode commonly, the ayre there beeinge fomewhat at large,
the place is healthy, and through the diftaunce from the bodye of the
Towne, the noyfe not much: and fo confequently quiet. Alfo for
commoditie wee finde many lodginges, both fpacious and roomethy,
with Gardaines and Orchardes very deledable. So as with good
gouernment, wee haue as litle caufe to feare infection there, as in the
verye Countrey : our water is excellente, and much better then you
haue anye, our ground and feeldes moft pleafaunte, our fier equall
with yours. This much touchinge the fite of our Towne dwellinge
and the Elements.
Vincent.
Then my defire is to know, how you be furnifshed of al fortes of
prouifion : as flefh and fifh, beere and bread, wood and coall, hay and
oates, with euery other thing needfull, either for your ordinary ex-
pences, or for feaftinge your freendes at occafions.79
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vallentine.
All thefe thinges wee haue with lelTe labour then you of the
Countrey, where the fame doth grow : For either it is brought to our
very Gates, and offered vs, or els in the Market, hard at hand, wee
may buy it.
Vincent.
But fo dearely, as euery penny worth of prouifion in the Countrey
is worth three of yours.
Vallentine.
That may hap fo to bee, and yet (as I tolde you already) I may
better afforde a penny for three Egges in the Cittie, then for nine in
the Country.
Vincent.
And how can that bee ? Is not nine more then three, and will goe
further ?
Vallentine.
Yes truly, but fithe a penny in Egges wil ferue the turne for my
few I keepe in the Cittie: and your penny though it bringeth you
more plenty, yet feeinge you haue. fo much people, as will deuoure
it, commeth not the matter to one reckoninge, faue that the ad-
uauntage is ours, that in roftinge our three Egges is not fo great
trouble1 as yours, in rolling of nine ?
Vincent.
Certainely (Maifler Vallentine,) you are an excellent Arithmetri-
tion among egges : But I pray you tell mee how fhal our children
bee brought vp, and where fhall wee haue Scoolemaiflers to teache
them ?
Vallentine.
A great number of better then any Sir Iohn of the Countrey, who
1 Old ed. has troubles.8o
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
moft commonly teacheth your children, that him felfe knoweth not,
and yet, either becaufe you are lothe your Babes fhould be fet far from
your fleeues, or that there you may haue the taught beft cheape, you
will in no wife feeke out a fkilfull Tutor in deede. But when you
ftial inhabite the Cittie, you haue there choice of excellent Maifters,
not only for the Grammer, and fuch boy ftudies, but alfo in all fortes
of learning.
Vincent.
That is a very good thinge, and an excellent commodity. Now I
defire you to inftrudte mee, what repare will bee to our houfes, and
how wee are to entertaine them, for I am ignoraunt in all, becaufe I
neuer dwelt in the Cittie.
Vallentine.
Of my former fpeeche, comparing the Country cuftome with ours,
you might haue gathered, that vnoccafioned, or not contryued, no
man will refort vnto your Town houfe, except he be your brother,
your fonne, or fome dere frend, whom you accompt as your felfe, els
none without occafion ; which happening, they that feke you are fo
refpeftiue, as neither at the howre of dinner or fupper, they will looke
you, if their bufines doth not very much vrge them. And if happely
you do inuite any, of what condition foeuer hee bee, his feruauntes
doo not charge you, no nor trouble you, for they retire, till fuch time
as their Maifter haue dined, of what degree or title fo euer [h]is fayd
Lorde or Maifter bee. So as the greateft Lord fhal no more pefter
your Hall or diforder your prouifion, then ye leaft gentleman or
meaneft freend, except it bee that for one meale you will to honour
the great gueft make your fare the better.
Vincent.
That is a great fauinge to my purfe, and fparing mee from trouble:81
Cyuile and VncyuileLife.
In Country, the Cuftome is contrary, the charge of our Halles is more
then our owne Table, and the trouble to feme the feruaunts exceed-
ing. But when wee haue no company but by thefe happes, wee
flialbe (I fuppofe) very folitary.
Vallentine.
Euen fo much as pleafeth your felfe, for when you luft to tarry
alone, no man will pre/Te you : if you wilbe accompanied, a fmall
conuitation will traine freendes vnto you, and thefe men of more
ciuilitie, wifedome and worth, then your rude Countrey Gentlemen,
or rufticall Neighboures. If you delight in graue men & fober, you
/hal eafely acquaint your felfe with fuch. If you pleafure in myrth
and pleafant companions, they are at hand. If you like of learned
men, there are they found. If you wil hauke or hunt, there are
Faukners & hunters enough. If you will ride, there are horfemen.
And to bee /horte, you /hall neuer lacke company fit for your
honour, age, and defire.
Vincent.
I am very glad of thofe newes, for wee Countrey Gentlemen loue
not to eate, nor dwell, alone: But yet mee thinke I /hall hazard my
health: notwithftandinge, if my body bee difeafed (as it may bee,
wherfoeuer I dwell) wee may haue (I fuppofe) plenty of Phifitions to
cure Vs. The wante of which men is caufe that, in the Countrey,
many do I think daily perifh, whofe hues might by their /kill bee
preferued.
Vallentine.
Yea certainly, fyr, many in deede for want of good medecines doo
no doubt mifcarry: And euen in mine own experience, I haue
knowe a Gentleman or two, that were driuen to die, for want of a
poore Surgion, or a Barbor to let them blood.
M82
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
The more is the pitty. Now hauing hard what life I fhall haue
for my towne habitation, and likewife how I may be accompanied, I
defire to know with what matters I fhall entertaine my rninde, and
exercife my body.
Vallentine.
I haue tolde you often, and euer will tell you, that the cheefe and
principall ftudies, and delight of a Gentleman, mull bee learninge and
Armes: And therfore fuch as haue [been] ciuilly brought vp, do
feldom mufe on other matters. For though they refufe not for
company & converfation to hauke & hunte, fifh and fowle, Bowie or
coyte, or any other honeft paftime, yet is our mod continuall exercife
eyther ftudie or ridinge of great and feruiceable horfes; with the one
we entertaine our mindes, with the other we exercife bur bodies, &
yt with great delight. Are not thefe occupations to much more
purpofe then either hauking or huntinge, or any other paftime which
you Countrey Gentlemen do vfe ?
Vincent.
In refpebt of the common wealth, I fuppofe they are to better pur-
pofe, and yet are they coftly : For the buyinge of many bookes, and
hieringe of learned men to inftrudt you, is a thinge (as I take it) very
chargeable. Likewife to maintaine two or three feruiceable horfes,
with good feedinge and keeping, will prooue exceeding coftly.
Vallentine.
You fay truely, and yet lay by your haukes, and your dogges with
their keepers, and fuch charges as are incidente to thofe paftimes,
then {hall you finde that the pradtife of learninge and armes is not
more coftly then thefe, and to dyceing and cardinge not comperable.
You fhall alfo confider, that for thofe Noble or Gentlemen that beeCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	83
not bound to attendaunce to follow Court, but at their owne willes
may make prouifion in the Cittie, and kepe their horfes there, it is
matter of fupportable expence. And many Gentlemen there are, that
fpend yearly fo much hay and corne, vpon huntinge and haukinge
lades, as would maintayne halfe a dozen able horfes to ferue their
Prince.
Vincent.
But would you haue euery Gentleman to kepe feruiceable horfes,
euen thofe y' liue to themfelues, and receaue no pay of the Prince,
either in war or Court ?
Vallentine.
Yea furely, fyr, euery Gentleman of abillity ought to doo it, for
vnlefie hee be at all times well armed and horfed, I holde him vnworthy
the name of a Gentleman, yea though hee weareth the Ionge Roabe.
Vincent.
Then will you put our Gentlemen to double charges, I meane to
keepe their haukinge nags, and their horfes of feruice alfo.
Vallentine.
I will not wilh them to that. For I defire onely to fee them
furnilhed like Gentlemen, not like Faulkners: if there were fewer
haukes, and more horfes, I fuppofe it were better for the ftate, and
more worlhip for y“ Gentlemen. Alfo (if you marke it well) it is
(befides the neceffity) a better and more commendable fight, to fee a
Gentleman ride with three fayre horfes, then fifteene of thofe vncumly
Curtalles.
Vincent.
In that I muft alfo concurre with you in opinion.
Vallentine.
Yea, I am fure you will, and fo wil euery other man, in who there84	Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
is either iudgement or courage. And if you were in fome Countries,
where gentlemen doo in deede Hue a ciuill life, you fhould daily fee
them fo wel mounted, as would greatly delight you. And fo great is
there the defire of knowledge in Chiualry, and the vfe of armes, as in
fundry Citties they haue by confente eredted a pay and pention, for
men expert to teach them thefe knowledges: So as what with their
inftrudtions, and their owne exercife, many become cunninge, and
fome very excellent. The like prouifions they haue deuifed for the
knowledge of Philofophy, and the Mathematicall Sciences, entertain-
ing men excellent in them, to read publikely, who for their paines do
receaue good reward, euen by the only bounty and beneuolence of
Noble and Gentlemen, ftudious of honour and vertue.
Vincent.
How commeth this currage and noble defire of knowledge into
thofe people, more then vnto vs ?
Vallentine.
I dare not take vpo mee to iudge, but (as I gefle) the want of
knowledge what honour is, muft bee the principall occafion of our
want of defire to excel both in learninge and Armes: Yea, in my
poore minde, becaufe we dwel in remote place, one gentilman far
from other, fo as the better cannot inform the worfe : there is no
meane made to enftrudt the ignorant, but euery one difpofeth him
felfe almofi: as a poore Ploughman, making profit and riches the
markes of all his indeuor.
Vincent.
Then it feemeth, that the Cittie, the Court, and other places of
aflembly, (I meane of Nobility) doth occafion men to learne the
cuftomes of curtefy, and pointes of honour ?85
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Valien tine.
No doubt therof, for euen experience doth prooue, that fo it is; for
if you happen into the company of two Gentlemen, (though in wit
and capacity alike) the one brought vp in the Countrey, the other in
Court or Cittie, you fhall euen at the firft fight perceaue by their
fpeeche, iefture, and behauiour, that their educations are diuerfe.
Vincent.
And that may fo bee, yet the behauior of both good and gentle-
manly enough. For you fhall finde few Gentlemen of the Country,
but they are fumwhat learned, and many of them brought vp in
feruice, fo longe as they can therby know what reuerence or counte-
nance to vfe towards all fortes of men.
Vallentine.
That is but your opinion, for I will compare their good manners,
or rather their euill manners vnto the {kill of an vnfkilfull Taylor or
fhoemaker: who dwelling among the countrey people, doth exercife
his occupation: and not beeinge there any better workeman, is
holden an excellent artizan: when in deede hee is a plaine bungler,
and a very ignorant dolte. Euen fo to thofe that neuer faw any ciuile
men, they that weare any good garmentes, are without other con-
fideration accompted braue Gentlemen, and folke of good nurture.
Vincent.
Then I perceaue that euery man that can make a coate is not
a Taylor, nor euery one that hath'the name of a Gentleman, and
goeth well apparrelled, ought bee fo reputed: vnlefie the one bee
fkilfull in his crafte, and the other feemely in his garmentes.
Vallentine.
You take my meaning aright, and yet you mud not thinke that
thefe externall thinges, (I meane apparrell and iefture) bee the cheefeft86
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
ornamentes for a Gentleman. For the inwarde vertues and perfec-
tions be in troth of mod waight, and cheefly required.
Vincent.
So haue I hard you already fay, but few can attaine to perfection,
and not many draw neare vnto it. Yet I thinke you fhal finde in the
Countrey the mod part of thofe that beare the name of Gentlemen,,
that they are of capacitie fufficient & hable to talke of their Ihire
wherin they dwel, as of the fertilytie or barenes therof: of hauking
or huntinge, filhinge or fowlinge, and finally of all fuch matter as
conferne either pleafure or profit; wherfore I finde no want in their
wittes to bee fupplied, vnles they happely lack the Arte of Adulation,
or the Ikil of ceremonious fpeech, which you trauellers haue brought
from beyond the Seas.
Vallentine.
Sir, you may bee bolde to tell mee of all faultes : For I can
willingly confefle that, from far, many haue fetched full euill con-
ditions. But therwith I pray you confider, that who fo buyeth come,
mud needes put fome chaffe into his fackes: And fo were yee better
do then bring home no corne at all. Euen fo hee that feeketh to
know the beft, mu ft of force happen vpon fome euill: both which a
wife man knoweth how to vfe, yc one to bee ftored, the other to bee
caft away and detefted.
Vincent.
Yet haue you not tolde mee your opinion, touching our Countrey
wittes and experience, neither haue you fayde ought, how you allowe
of thofe thinges wherin wee are able to fpeake.
Vallentine.
I fay they are not euil, neither is it vngentlemanlike to haue (kill
in matters of profit or pleafure. And yet, if your capacities compre-Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.	87
hend no greater matter, you may proue fat Franklins, or faulkners for
a prince, or perhaps hunts for my Lord Maior: but neuer become
worthy the name of Gentlemen nor the eftimation that therto be-
longeth.
Vincent.
In deede, fyr, I remember you tolde mee that armes and learning
were the only occupations of a Gentleman, and thefe are not in troth
any of the. Notwithftandinge you mud vnderftand that the mod of
vs haue gone to fcoole, and many haue feen fome parte of the
warres.
Vallentine.
Euery boy that hath been beaten for not learning his lefl'on, is not
to be accompted learned, but hee that in deede hath learning ; nor hee
that a few dayes hath marched in armour ought to be taken for a
fouldier : no more then thofe that, for one nightes fleepe in Parnafius
Hill, fhould bee reputed perfite Poets.
Vincent.
Truely it feemeth a thinge reafonable, that fo noble knowledges
are not gotten without long labour and perfeuerance. But I pray you
tell mee what imperfe&ion you finde in the conuerfation of our Coun-
trey Gentlemen : whom (to tel you truly) I w!fh either more lettered,
or better learned in the Martiall difcipline.
Vailentine.
Sith you fo require mee, I will vfe that (which you fay is no pro-
perty of a courtier) plainefle. And therfore I tell you, y‘ befides thofe
quallities you alleaged, I finde nothing els in y' Count[r]ey Gentle-
men : & the fame not accompanied with fome tafte of lerning or
armes, I accompt as nothing worth. Touching their conuerfation,
you {hall befides the rufticitie of their houfes and garments, finde88
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
them full of lofty lookes, barbarous behauiour, and vndecent dooinges.
As for enfample, fome one will laugh when hee fpeaketh: an other
will cough, before hee telles his tale: and fome will gape or yawne
when hee giueth the hearinge. So as in deede (vnlefle they be of
better education) few doo know what coutenance to make among y'
equals, and among their betters [are] vtterly to feeke. Alfo if they hap
to dine at any table, either they are fullenly filente, or els they fall into
fpeeche of their owne Aunceftors, their owne landes, their owne wiues
or children : other fubiedt of talke yee fhall feldome finde among thefe
fortes of countrey men.
Vincent.
In good fayth, fyr, when I remember al mine acquaintance, I con-
fefle that fome of them (cheefely in company) are to feke which way
to loke: & much more how to entertaine. And this I fpeake not
only of vs that dwell in the countrey, but by your leaue of many
Courtiers.
Vallentine.
I am not fo Ample, (though fimpleft of many) but that I finde in
Courte diuerfe as vnworthy the name of Courtiers, as of you that de-
ferue not the reputation of Gentlemen. But yet neceffity and occafion
do draw vs to be of better manner, & cheefly in our dooings to vfe
more refpedf. And would you pradtife mine opinion, to liue fum-
times in country, & fumtimes in cittie, yee could not choofe but
know the thrift of the one, wherof ye boaft, and alfo the ciuility of
the other.
Vincent.
All men are not apt for one thing, & mens delights be diuerfe:
for as fome affedt the fcholes & lerning, fo others take pleafure in
hufbandry and tillage. Some haue minde to the wanes, & loue toCyuile and Vncyuile Life.	89
wander in forraine Countryes: others are willinge to follow princes
affaires, & fome are beft content to tarry at home & liue to the
felues. How the fhould al men be expert in learning & armes ?
Vallentine.
I am glad you come fo neare mee, for now wil I put ye in minde
y‘ long fince I tolde you, which is, that euery gentleman vnleffe hee
were witles, will proue fit for fome abtion, either Martiall or Ciuill; if
he doth not, the fault is1 his owne, y‘ doth not offer himfelfe to
induftry, or his foolifh freends, y' would not comfort him to it. And
fo in conclufio, I impute [not] ye fault to Nature, but rather to Nurture.
Vincent.
I had thought that nature had made euery man fo affeded as that
he had been only meet for that his freendes put him vnto, or that
his Aunceftors before him vfed and delighted.
Vallentine.
Touching that, I will tell you how Licurgus the Law maker of
Lacedemon handled the matter, to teache the people there, what
education befides nature could do in men. Hee caufed two dogges
of one lytter to be brought vp, the one he committed to a man that
delighted in huntinge, and fo vfed that whelpe : the other was
foftered by a poore villain, willing in no wife that dogge to doo other
then eate and feede fat. Thefe two whelpes being growe to ripe age,
Licurgus comaunded they fhould be brought forth in ye prefence of
many people, and with the a Hare & a potful of poridge, which
being fhewed to the dogges, and they both let Ioofe, the one ran after
the Hare, the other made haft to the porifh pot. Wherby the
Lacedemonians perceaued, that education, & not nature, made in all
creatures the difference of delightes, though fome men are more and
1 Old ed. has in.
N9o
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
fome lefle to goodnes enclined, yet euery man [is] apt for fome what,
though many haue made them felues fit for nothing.
Vincent.
To fay troth, I know many good wits, that firft fro1 not beeingeby
freends admitted to learne, and after through an habit of floth, do
become both vnlearned and very lowtes. Others both witty and
curragious, yet vfed to home, and not hearing how vertuoufly fome
their equalles haue beene, are in time rather beaftly then braue,
rather effeminate then curragious.
Vallentine.
Well, now you fee the minde doth much, and the endeuor therof
maketh men worthy or vnworthy the name of Gentlemen: of defaultes
many accufe nature, wherof them felues are moft giltie.
Vincent.
Concerning then (of that you haue fpoken) how the ende of the
Courtier is honour, & his exercifes, Armes and learning; and that
the country gentlemen afpireth to ritches, exercifed cheefly in grafing
and Tillage : it mull needes bee, that their manners and cuftomes
are alfo diuerfe. But as they bee in birth both equall, fo ought they
to haue lyke delights & cuftomes, wherfore to vnite them it behoueth
that the one forte do confirme them felues to the other.
Vallentine.
Then it is meete, that the worfe do yeelde to the better, & the
vnexpert, to thofe of beft knowledge.
Vincent.
So were it both wifedome and reafon.
Vallentine.
And which of thofe men (as you thinke) liueth moft vertuoufly*
and are fitted: for the ftate ?
Old ed. has for.9'
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
Vincent.
Surely, fyr, fince I confidered, that we muft not Hue onely for our
felues, and our perticuler profite, I am fully perfwaded, that a gentle-
man vnfkilfull in Armes and vtterly vnlearned, is feldome found fit
for any publique function, or employment. And no man denieth but
that man, who is able to gouerne, is a perfon more worthy and necef-
fary then hee that is gouerned. For Ariftotle, a Father in Philofophy,
fayth: Regens eft dim us redo.
Vallentine.
I am very glad to heare you fo fay, for that was all I laboured you
to beleeue : yet before we put ful ende to our fpeech, let mee intreate
you to tell, that a good while fince your felf offered, which is to
refite in breefe, the fum of all our fpeech, wherby yee fhal fhew the
excellency of your owne memory, and alfo make thefe Gentlemen our
hearers, the better to carry away what hath beene fayd.
Vincent.
Vnderftand you then, that through your good reafons (for which I
hartely thanke you) I am brought to know that the education of a
Gentleman ought bee onely in Learning and Armes, and that no
Gentleman, no nor no Noble man, fhould withdraw or holde backe
his fonne from the attayning of thefe knowledges, which are the very
true and only qualifies or vertues of a gentleman, as things not only
befeeming fuch a perfon, but alfo for the feruice of a Prince or ftate
very neceflary.
Secondly, you haue perfwaded that in Court or Towne, the life of
a Gentleman may bee no lefle godly and charitable, then in the
Countrey : In which difcourfe you fet downe what fortes of feruauntes
were fuperfluous, and which neceflary, both for priuate vfe and
the publike ftate. Wherin I alfo noted, that fuch younge men as92
Cyuile and Vncyuile Life.
were not borne to lande or lyuing, {hould eyther apply them felues
to perfedlion in learninge or Merchandize, either els to hulbandry, or
fome Mecanicall miftery or occupacion : and not to be feruingmen
without other knowledge, leaf! through their Maifters want of will to
kepe them, or their lacke of Ikill to earne their owne liueloades, they
may be driuen to vnlawfull life or beggery.
Thirdly, in confideration of ycur reafons I geather, that true honor
confifteth not in the admiration of common people, but in the vertue
of him that therwith is indued. And that the reputation which a few
Wife men do giue vnto a Gentleman, is of more worth then that of
the multitude, whervpon is inferred, that the refpedt which is borne
to any man by them of the Court and Cittie, (beeing the heft and
wifeft fort) is more eftimable then that which is borne by the common
people.
Fourthly, you feeme to allow more of many our Countrey fportes
& exercifes, then of our company in vfinge them.
Fifthly, that for health and holefome habitation the Citties, and
fome cheefe townes in England, are either better or not inferiour to
the fites of the Noble and Gentlemens houfes.
Sixtly, I fee that the Towne dwellinge doth much furpafle for
quietnefle, & that the mod parte of Gentlemens countrey houfes be
frequented as honourable hoftries.
And laft, that the Court or Cittie habitatio not abufed, is no leffe
profitable than y* of the country, & more free from trouble. Thus
much of the Country.
Touching the Court and Cittie, you tolde that a Gentleman ought,
in the prime of his youth, endeuor him felfe to become fufficient for
the feruice of his Prince. Which fufficiency is attained vnto through
ftudy, trauaile, and Martiall endeuour. Informinge breefely, at what93
Cyuile and Lncyuile Life.
age hee ought come to Court, what his exercifes Ihould bee there,
and in what time and fortune it dial become him to retier him felfe
from thence: For (as it feemeth,) an olde Courtier vnpreferred and
vnimployed, loofeth his reputacion, and may be compared to a non
profitiens in Schoole. Concerning the reft, you referre mee to the
Booke of the Courtier.
Of the Cittie, you haue fayd fumwhat perticulerly of ye manner
and fyte of Gentlemens houfes there, and likewife how they may with
commodity and reafonable coft bee furnilhed of al forte of vitftuals
and other needfull prouifion. Alfo that there be more fkilfull Tutors
to inftrud your children, then wee poflible can haue in the Country.
You doo alfo difcourfe well of the manner of houfeholdinge and
the reforte of freendes in the towne, which feemeth not to be com-
berfome.
Laftly, it appeareth your exercifes bee cheefely in Letters and
Armes, which bee both commendable and very neceflary.
Thus much (as I thinke) is the fomme or principall partes of your
fpeeche, which I confefle to bee very reafonable and good, and ther-
fore confent that a Gentleman fo brought vp, is more ciuil then any
Country man can bee: Likewife meeteft for gouerment, and for his
priuate vertue mode to bee regarded.
Vallentine.
Surely, fyr, you haue framed a proper Epilogue of our fpeech.
And fithe I fee that you both conceaue aright what hath beene per-
fwaded, and are alfo brought to beleeue what is true, I will prefle you
no further, but bidding you moft hartely welcome to our towne
habitation, as a place fitted for a Gentleman, I take my leaue.
FINIS.A
Health to the
Gentlemanly pro-
fefsion of Seruingmen:
or, The Seruingmans
Comfort:
With other thinges not impertinent
to the Premififes, as well pleafant
as profitable to the cour-
teous Reader.
Felix quifocij nauim perijjfe procellis
cum vidit,in tutum fie HitJua carbafa portum.
Nl .
Imprinted at London by W.W.
1598.The Epiftle to the
gentle Reader, of what eftate
or calling Joeuer.
^ENTLE Reader, whether adorned with the royall
Roabes of true Nobilitie, or apparrelled with the gor-
gious Garmentes of Gentilitie, pardon, I pray, thefe
my vnpolifhed lines; vnrip not, I befeech you, the
miftaken flitches of this botcherie, neither fenfure feuerely the vn-
fauerie tafte of .this Loafe, being Primogeniti, the firft batch of my
baking : But if you finde any thing herein conteyned difpleafing your
humours, fay with the Dodtor in Cambridge, What, was it I he
meant ? No, he named not mee, he fpake it not by mee, he
knoweth mee not; How fliould he then be priuate to any of my
doinges ? No no, I am none of thefe miferable Maifters that fo in-
humanely burieth in obliuion vnrewarded the long, good, and dueti-
full feruice of my olde Seruant: But if you be fuch as either thus, or
otherwyfe, abufeth thofe good creatures that God hath lent you, I
meane thefe earthly commaunders, Golde and Siluer: Let thefe my
cauiats worke fome remorfe of confcience, and play not the gauled
Horfe that kicketh and winfeth, his fore being once touched, to burft
out into vngentlemanlike tearmes agaynft the Authour, being with
his worke difpleafed. For aflure your felues, and before God I pro-
teft, I fpeake not againft one in particuler, neither againft all in
o98
The Epiftle to the Reader.
generall, vpon a malepart or prefumptuous minde, as not caring who
are offended with my doinges; but carefull leaf! I fhould offende any,
or incurre their difpleafures, by any prefumptuous enterprife, I humbly
(as before) pray pardon. Thinke not, Gentlemen, that whereas I
fpeake any thing of Maifters hard vfage of their Seruantes, or of any
auncient familiaritie betwixt them, that thereby I woulde giue any in-
couragement to the Seruant to be negligent in his duetie, or by
malepart fawcineffe to abufe that reuerence that he oweth vnto his
Maifter : for God is my recorde, be it farre from mee, that I fhoulde
once dreame of fo inhumane and fedicious a pradfife: For I proteft
for my owne part, yf I fhould ferue the meaneft Carman that whiftleth
after his Horfe, and be bound by his wages to call him Maifter, I
would not fkorne to do him any reuerence and duetie that by my
place and calling were to be required at my handes. Therefore,
gentle Gentlemen, fince curtefie is alwayes the companion of true
Gentilitie, courteoufly I pray you confider of me and my doinges.
And now Reader, if you by degree deferue the name of a Yeoman,
fubmiffiuely without hautines of hart I pray your patience in
perufing this my firft pradtife, for I hold your calling no leffe com-
mendable, and your profeffion no leffe pertinent to the fupportyng
of this humane focietie, then them of higher dignitie and degree:
For, What is the Prince without the Plough ? or the Potentate
without the Pafture ? Doth not the one affoorde them Corne, the
other Kine, with all other prouifion for their bodyly fuftenaunce?
Since therefore, gentle Reader, yf Yeoman you be one, that I {hall
happily haue fomewhat to fay to in this folowing Treatife, I pray (as
before) your patience, that if youfinde any thing therein amiffe, either
in vnmanerly tearmes, or otherwyfe, that you would paffe it ouer
with filence, and impute it to ignoraunce, and not to be done of any99
The Rpijile to the Reader.
malicious or fet purpofe, or els to fay with your felues, In aliena re-
publican ne fis curiojus, It is not good to fcalde ones lyppes in other
mens Pottage. Since he fpeaketh neither by me, of me, nor agaynft
me, nor any thing that confernes me, why fhould I fpurne agaynft his
fpeches, or hate him for his harfh harmonie ? Let them that are
galled kicke, and them that are wounded feeke remedie : But yf you
be fuch as your guyltie confcience perfwades you, that what as is
fpoken, is meant by you, for it is an olde faying Con[f\cius ipjefibi, deJe
putat omnia dici> the guyltie confcience thinkes what as is fayd, is
alwayes fpoken himfelfe to vpbrayde : Then worthely waigh and con-
fide r whether you be iuftly accufed, and complayned of or no; and
yf you finde your felfe to haue offended in fuch and fuch thinges, and
that what hath been fayd of you, you haue worthely deferued; then
be content to bite the lyp, wincke at fmall faultes, and mende that is
amiffe: for if you manifeft your malice in any opprobrious fpeaches
againft the Authour of this worke, then you lhall pronounce a
definitiue fentence of condemnation againft your felfe, as worthy to
haue deferued all, and more, then herein is conteyned. For be it
knowen vnto you, and all other of higher or inferiour degree, that I
haue not touched any of the better fort, neither any that are men well
meriting for their mindes or manners; but fuch as are mates of no
merite, and as have condignly deferued more then I can fay againft
them ; but if any of what eftate or degree fo euer, fhall murmure
againft mee, I will fay vnto him as Chrift faid to the men that brought
the woman taken in adulterie before him to be ftoned to death, He
that hath not offended let him throw the firft ftone : So he that will
acknowledge himfelfe touched herewith, let him caft the firft ftone, let
him the firft feeke remedie and reuenge : but before he feeke reuenge,
it were good he knew who had wronged him. And if he thinke IIOO
The Epijlle to the Reader.
haue wronged him by fpeaking any thing againft him, then let him
come to me and know whether I ment it by him or no, and I will not
onely refolue him of that doubt, but alfo pacifie his impatient humour.
Therefore, gentle Reader, I expert a pardon of courfe, if I haue
offended by ignoraunce; which I vndoubtedly perfwade my felfe to
receaue at your handes, and fo I leaue you to your labours: Which I
pray God may yeelde you a plentifull increafe. Now, curtuous fur-
ueyour of thefe barren Landes, nay barren and moffe-begrowen lines,
if thou beeft my fellow in fraternitie a Seruingman, to thee I addrefle
my petition ; if you be a Gentleman borne, and a Seruingman by pro-
feffion, if in reading this my Booke, you fhall happely ftumble on any
unfauerie fentence that may miflike your tafte, pocket I pray you this
iniurie, as I may tearme it, fince (God is my witnes) I meane you no
harme, but rather pray for your preferment, and wyfh your welfare,
then by any meanes to feeke your indignitie, or difgrace. And if,
gentle Reader, thou be a Yeomans fonne, that hath with the complet
Armour of foure Markes and a Lyuerie, entered the lyftes to play the
pryfes of a Seruingman, [and you] fhall in this my Booke finde a lump too
much leauened, that a weake and queafie ftomacke can hardly difgeft,
I pray thee perfwade thy felfe, that it is better to haue a frowne of a
friende, then a fmyle of a flattering and deceitfull enemie : andwhat-
foeuer I haue fpoken of thee, or concerning thee, is rather of goodwill,
to forewarne thee of an imminent danger, then to beate thee with the
dry blowes of intollerable ignominie. Wherefore, gentle Reader,
whatfoeuer thou be, I earneftly intreate thee to reuerfe that hard
fentence of Hatred in lue of my laboure, and rather Another thy dis-
content with the allies of filence (if any fuch thou finde in reading
this Treatife) then to wreake thy malice with the hot coales of in-
quenchable furie; which will fooner confume thy felfe, then preuayle10 J
The Kpijlle to the Reader.
againft thy miftaken enemie. Thus hauing (as I hope) fatisfied my
curious enemies, I am to craue the goodwill of my courteous friendes,
defiring you (gentle Reader) to accept in good part thefe my labours :
which if they fhall like you, I fhall accompt my gayne great; if not,
yet muft I needes count my lofle but light, in that the doing of it
kept me from idleneffe, a thing fo dangerous to a young man, as it
is conuenient he Ihould feeke with as much induftrie to auoyde the
fame, as the fkilful Mariners with vigilant eyes do labour to pafle
without perill the dangerous Rockes of Scilla and Caribdis: And fo
wilhing to thee as to my felfe, I commit thee to God.
I. M.A HEALTH TO THE
GENTLEMANLY PROFES-
SION OF SERVINGMEN.
N this Burfle, or Exchange of humane affayres, which
confifteth (as it were) altogeather in Marchandize, bar-
gayning, buying & felling, it is very meete and neceffiary
that there ffioulde be men of all manners, conditions,
and callinges: as the Princes or Potentats, Dukes, Earles, Barons,
Knightes, Efquires, Gentlemen, Yeomen, Hufbandmen: Taylor,
Tanner, and Tinker: Cowper, Carter, and Cobler, with men of all
other eftates, degrees, and profeffions, fummoned vpon forfayture of
io/. in Iffues to appeare, with money or ware alwayes ready, to
mayntaine this Mundane market. If then without euery of thefe
profeffions there can be no well gouerned Common wealth: (For if
all men Ihoulde be Kinges, then cunning Cobiers Ihould loofe their
craft: yf all Cobiers, Princes foueraintie would quickly furceafle :)
How then commeth it to pafle that fo many Herefies are crept into
one Religion, fo many difeafes into one body, and fo many afpyring
mindes into this Commonwealth of England ? For the Cobler would
be a Shoomaker, the Shoomaker a Tanner, the Tanner a Grader: fo
that no man refteth contented with his vocation. But mee thinkes I
heare one cry vnto mee, Hoe, fyr John lacklattin, you are out of the104	The Seruingmans Comfort.
text, your tongue trottes fo vpon Tanners, Taylors, & Tinkers, that
I feare me you will eyther loofe your way amongft thefe cobling
Carters, or els runne your felfe out of breath : which if you do, your
promyfe to your profeffion wilbe llenderly performed, and our ex-
pectations fruftrate, fo that we (balbe forced to fay with the Fable in
Efope, Pertitriunt Montes paritur1 ridiculus Mus, His promife is golden
Hilles, but his performance durtie Dales. Sutor ne vltra Crepitam.
The pott is full, therefore youth drinke a health to the Gentlemanly
profeffion of Seruingmen, and returne to your purpofe. Seruingmen
(fayes my gaffer Thomfons eldeft fonne) as they are nameleffe in this
former Catalogue, fo I holde them needelefs in any well gouerned
Common wealth. Ruffet coate, I tell thee, if thou canfl: holde the
Plough no better then thou canfl: holde this argument, I holde thy
thorow thrift fcarfe able to prouide lyquor for thy throate. But as
thou by profeffion art not the meaneft member in this vnited body,
yf thou confider thy calling accordingly, without afpiring higher, or
manifefting thy mallice by fcalding thy lyppes in other mens Pottage:
fo I leaue thee to thy labor; wifhing thee in thy profeffion no leffe
profperitie, then health and happines to my felfe. But fince this
whole text is too tedious for my trauell, vnwilling to vndertake the
cutting out of a Garment, before I can heele a Hofe; I will firft
imploy my endeuour to threede the needle, to intreate of one of thefe
members, and leaue the body for a better workeman: in which
member more matter confifteth, then qui m'thi Dicipulus is able to
comprehende: But Cum dejrnt vires tamen eft laudanda voluntas, As
the poore muft mixe Beanes and Peafe with their Breadcorne this
deare yeere, for Wheate & Rie is too highly rated, unleffe it be
knauerie, which feldome or neuer miffeth a plentifull yeere in what
1 The author mifquoted paritur for nafcitur.The Seruingmans Comfort.	105
ground foeuer it be fowen: So muft I yeelde you a Loafe of courfe
Cockle, hauing no acquaintance with Coyne to buy Come, which
though it may be hard of digeftion, yet I hope it will not be much
vnwholfome.
This Loafe is the profeffion of Seruingmen, not courfe for the
calling, but in refpedl of the workeman, whofe fhort time in his trade
hath gayned him fo fmall experience, as he can hardly as yet fafh-
yon a loafe of fine Cocket: but fine or courfe, fuch as it is, you muft
eyther eate or ftarue, for any bread of my baking. This Loafe (as I
fayd before) this ftate and profeffion of Seruingmen, is the onely
marke whereat I ayme, whofe original, and to what ende it was
ordained, I meane firft to declare. Secondly, how florifhing was the
prime of this profeffion. And thirdly, the ruine and decay of this
ancient buylding. In the firft creation of Adam and Eue, there
needed no fuperioritie, nor members for this body, being altogeather
planted and feated in all happines and perfecftnes of Nature: but the
offence committed, and the forfayture enrolde, that Man for his
tranfgreffion ftiould eate the Labours of his handes by the Sweate of
his browes, and that the commaunde, Increafe and Multiplie, was
ftridtly by the law of Nature obferved : Trabt of time yeelded fo
plentifull an increafe, as it grew very needefull that this body fhould
be drawen into feuerall members, to auoyde a caoes of confufion, and
frame an artificiall buylding. For euen as a Logge of wood vnwrought
yeeldes neither profite nor pleafure, but being fawne, hewne, and
fquared, ferues for many feuerall vfes; for that which will not be
a Bedde, wilbe a Boord, a Table, or Truffe, fo that euery peece
hauing his proportion, will execute his office : Euen fo this confort
of Companions, not knowing feuerally the partes of their pro-
feffion, reftes very troublefome one to another: for all defiring to
p106	The Seruingmans Comfort.
be Heades, then the body mud needes fall for want of Eyes to direft
him ; and if all Eyes, then it mud needes perifh. fur want of a mouth
to feede him: But being deuided into members, euery one vfing his
office, and refting contented with his eftate, the body remaynes in
perfedt health & happines. Now in the knitting of thefe ioyntes
togeather, euery officer according to his aptnes was appoynted. Firft
the King as head, for his magnanimitie : then others adorned with
the tytles of Nobilitie and gentrie, their mindes no leffie meriting:
And laftly, the Comminaltie at the commaund of thefe mercifull
Maieftrates. Thefe Princes and Potentates thus feated in the folace
of their foueraintie, thought it very meete and neceffarie, to chofe
and ordayne one fort of Seruantes for their profite and pleafure (ouer
and befides their feruile fottes, as Dicke to droyle, Ralph to runne,
Kit the Cater, with other Gouldfmythes of their occupation:) which
fort of Seruantes were knowen from the reft by the names of Seruing-
men. Now being come to their names, it is neceflarie to know of
what mettall thefe minifters were moulded, and what fort of people
were thought fitteft for this frame, confidering the ende for which
they were ordayned. Firft they were chofen men of witte, difcretion,
gouernment, and good bringing vp, confidering their Soueraignes,
Lordes, and Maifters ferious bufines, waightie affayres, and worldly
wealth, was for the mod part committed to their cuftodie and care:
Whofe vigilant eye, willing minde, and faythfull forecaft diligently to
difcharge that duetie, was thought fo neceflarie, as choyce they were
of them they admitted to this calling.
Secondly, men .of valoure and courage, not fearing to fight in the
mayntenance of their Maifters credite, in his iuft quarrell, againft his
forraine foe, if occafion were offered ; and alfo, if any Countries caufes
called him abrode, to garde and defende him agaynft Newmarket
Heathes commiflioners, or any confortes of their craft.The Seruingmans Comfort.	107
Thirdly, men of ftrength & adliuitie, to be excellent in (hooting,
running, leaping, dauncing, pitching the Barre, throwing the Hammer,
or other feates of lyke facultie, wherewith Potentates in times paft were
highly pleafed.
Fourthly, men fine, neate, and nimble, in regarde of their nearenes
about their Maifter, his apparel and cates: for the Clowne, the
Slouen, and Tom althummes, are as farre vnfit for this profeffion, as
Tarletons toyes for Paules Pulpit : betwixt which, though I make a
comparifon, yet to the place I referue a reuerend regarde.
Fifthly and laftly, men of qualitie to be feene in haulking, hunting,
fyfhing and fowling, with all fuch like Gentlemanly paftimes: All
which being required in a Seruingman, and naturally belonging to a
Gentleman: amongft what fort of people fhould then this Seruing-
man be fought for ? Even the Dukes fonne preferred Page to the
Prince, the Earles feconde fonne attendant upon the Duke, the Knights
feconde fonne the Earles Seruant, the Efquires fonne to weare the
Knightes lyuerie, and the Gentlemans fonne the Efquiers Seruing-
man. Yea, I know, at this day, Gentlemen younger brothers, that
weares their elder brothers Blew coate and Badge, attending him with
as reuerend regard and duetifull obedience, as if he were their Prince
or Soueraigne. Where was then, in the prime of this profeflion,
goodman Tomfons Jacke, or Robin Roufhe my gaffer ruffetcoats
feconde fonne ? the one holding the Plough, the other whipping the
Carthorfe, labouring like honeft men in their vocation : Tricke Tom
the Taylor was then a Tiler for this trade, as ftrange to finde a Blew-
coate on his backe, with a badge on his fleeue, as to take Kent-ftreete
without a Scoulde, or Newmarket-heath without a Commiffioner.
But now being lapt in his Liuerie, he thinketh him felfe as good a
man, with the Sheares at his backe, as the Poet Lawret with a penneio8	The Seruingmans Comfort.
in his eare. Notwithftanding for his profeffion I holde it profitable,
and him felfe a good member, yf his Sheares do not canker, nor his
Needle ruft. And if there muft be one amongft artificers, Coblers,
and Carters, chofen felow of this facultie, I holde the Taylor not
vnfitteft. Firft in regard his trade tyeth him to no vncleanlines:
and fecondly, that his Maifters apparell be kept in reparations: for
nothing more vnfeemely in a ciuile Gentleman, then his apparell out
of repayre, torne, or broken. Agayne, yf he be a felow of an humble
fpirit, he may pleafure his friendes, and profite him felfe: his friendes,
I meane his felow feruantes, without blot or ftayne to his birth or
trade.
Two thinges, it {hould feeme, were holden in high regard amongft
the founders of this fraternitie of Seruingmen: the preferuation of
ancient Houfes, and the mayntenance of the Commons in their call-
ing. Firft, for the vpholding of Hofpitalitie or auncient Houfes, a
Gentleman by antiquitie, or an Efquire by his calling, waighing and
worthyly confidering his wealth & worlhyp, in this wauering worlde
of wretchednes, hauing by Gods prouidence lent him vi or viii
Sonnes, proper & perfonable men, wel meriting for their myndes and
manners, callyng I fay to mynde the credite he caryed in his Countrey,
the men he mainteined, the poore prouided for by pence from his
purfe, the blacke Jack ietting from haul to butterie, from butterie to
barrel, from barrel backe for the hauls health, where good felowes
dyuing into the deapth of this ditch, leaues in the bottome this in-
fcription : God faue the founders.
Of all thefe, with many moe, the good Gentleman, meditating in
his minde, fayes with him felfe : If I fhall leaue my Land and liuing,
my Kine and Coyne, equally deuided amongft my children, imparcially
proporcioning to euery one his part, the youngeft to the heire and eldeftThe Seruingmans Comfort.	109
no way inferiour for worldly fortune : then fhall the dignitie of my
degree, the hope of my houfe, & the mayntenance of thefe before
mentioned members, be quite (as IfTue extindt) buried in the bottom-
les pit of obliuion. What, fhall the light of my Lampe for want of
Oyle be blemifhed, and my Houfe for want of Lyuing fuftayne the
reprochfull name of a Mock-begger : Virtus pojt funera viuit. And
fhall I not leaue my name noted in the booke of enfuing ages ? Yes,
yes verely. Thou my eldeft Sonne that fhall furuiue thy dying father,
holde heere wholly my Land I leaue thee, that my name may remayne
Tegiftred in thy pofteritie, thy byrthright by holy writ doth challenge
it. Let therefore the example of Efaw be ever coated in the margent.
Let couetoufnes neuer corrupt thee, nor pleafures fo much preuayle,
as for Pottage to hazard thy Parentage : but let thy minde and man-
ners be euer equally matched according to thy birth & calling, that
thy fathers foregoing may teach thee to folow. Maynteine thy right,
& loofe no part of that which the law of libertie hath allotted thee.
According to thy abilitie mainteyne Hofpitalitie: for that is the
harbourer of two hopes, prayfe, & prayers: yet let Liberalitie be
the Linke to light thee, left Couetoufnes might corrupt, or Prodigalitie
procure penurie. In medio conciftet virtus (fic), euery meane betwixt
two extreames is a vertue : fo is liberalitie, betwixt auarice and prodi-
galitie, being placed : this meane in al muficke yeelds a moft heauenly
harmonie. Thus not doubting but in thee to Hue after my Funerals
be folemnized, committing the honour of my Houfe to the care of
thy credite, and thee with it to the tuition of th’almightie.
1. And you, my younger fonnes, to whom I allow no lefte loue then
the law of nature doth allot, I giue euery one of you yeerely, to main-
teyne you from miferie, an annual rent during your natural Hues :
with payment of which rent your eldeft brothers land fhall remayneI IO
The Seruingmans Comfort.
charged; To that the Legafie I leaue you you may afluredly receaue:
exceede not your exhibition, but Hue within compafle, tyll, your care
and diligence being fowne in feruice, it may yeelde you a more
plentifull Harueft. For I tell you, my younger Children, Seruice, I
meane, (balbe your inheritance: wherfore I will you, and euery of
you, with modeft mindes and humble fpirites, by diligence to aug-
ment your portions. And thus much for the preferuation of ancient
Houfes. Now it foloweth, with what care the maintenance of the
commons in their calling was in this election confidered. For this
Mundaine market was wholly maintayned by three Merchauntes, the
fupporters of this whole focietie: fyrft the Prince or Soueraigne ;
fecondly, the Nobilitie with gentrie: and the Commons the thirde
calling. Now the Prince, being but one alone perfon, could lende no
part to this profeffion : and for the Commons, there were many caufes
to keepe them in their accuftomed confort. For if they (hould take
Peter patchpannell from the Cart to the Court, from the Plough to
the Parlour, from the Sacke to the Saddle, and from courfe Karfie to
handfome habite, this Shippe hauing one of her Cables thus crackt,
might in a ftorme hazarde the whole, for want of fuch like neceflaries
to preuent the extremitie of winde and weather. Confidering there-
fore that the Plough was the Potentates power, and Corne the kinges
Commaunder, it was thought good not to lame it of any limbe,
efpecially not of any fuch neceflarie limbe as the houlder or the
dryuer: for take but away a Yokefticke, the Yoke falles, the Plough
flandes, and the Harueft is hindered : much more the mayming of
eyther the before mentioned members. All artificers, Colliers, Coblers,
and Carters, are confortes of this craft, and maynteyners of this
Mifterie : and if any of them, nay any member of any of them, be a
miffing, it doth blemyffi the body, crofle the company, and hinder the
hope of this happie Harueft.The Seruingmans Comfort.	111
Since therefore, as I fayd before, the Plough is the Princes repaft,
the Maifters meate, the Seruantes fuftenance, and the poores
prouender ; the Potentates as good Phifitians, had alwayes an eye that
no hurt Ihould happen to hinder the health of this blefted body, the
blemilh whereof might bryng bane and bayle into their owne bofome.
You fee the two caufes fo highly had in efteeme in the choyce of
Seruingmen : the mayntenance of auncient Houfes, and the Commons
in their calling. And this much for the originall and ende of
Seruingmens fyrft ordeyning. Now foloweth how florilhing was
the prime of this profeflion.
Euen as, Adam our fyrft Parent [being] in the perfedtion of all
pleafure placed in Paradice, God in his wyfedome thought this feate too
folitarie for him alone, fo framed him a felow for his further content,
helpe, and comfort: but what was the mettall that his mate was made
of? Confidering that two of a contrary nature being matched togeather
could neuer agree: and that thefe two muft continually accompany
togeather the one with thother, as in a confort without difcorde, [He]
thought it meete and neceftarie to match them as neare as might be,
fo calling Adam into a dead fleepe, tooke a Ribbe from his left fide,
whereof he framed the Woman : which being made of the fame
moulde, euen part of his owne body, he combined togeather in vnde-
foluable bondes of allured friendfhyp. Euen fo, Gentlemen and States
confidering their calling, thought it very meete and neceftarie to haue
a helpe, to further them in euery of their actions: which helpe, though
not to them fo feruiceable as Eue to Adam, yet fo needeful vnto
them, & fo neceftarie about them, as it was thought meete, this helpe
or Seruaunt Ihould be made of their owne mettall, euen a Loafe of
their owne dough: which being done, as before I haue declared, the
Gentleman receaued euen a Gentleman into his feruice, and thereforeI 12
The Seruingmans Comfort.
did limit him no other labour then belonged him felfe, as to helpe
him readie in the morning, to brulh his apparrel, Cloake, Hatte,
Girdle, or other garment, trufle his poyntes, fetch,him water to walh,
with other fuch like neceftaries. His Maifter thus made ready, yf it
pleafed him to walke abrode, then to take his Liuerie and Weapon to
attende him, being himfelfe ready, handfome, and well appoynted: at
his returne, yf it pleafed him to eate, then with all diligence, decently
and comely to bring his meate to the Table, and thereon in feemely
fort being placed, with a reuerend regarde to attende him, placing and
difplacing dylhes at the firft or feconde courfe, according as occafion
fhall ferue, tyll time commaunde to take away: which done, grace
fayd, and the Table taken vp, the Plate prefently conueyed into the
Pantrie, the Haul fummons this confort of companions, (vpon payne
to dyne with Duke Humfrie, or kifle the Hares foote) to appeare at
the firft call: where a fong is to be fong, the vnderfong or holding
whereof is, It is merrie in Haul, when beardes wagges all. But
beardlefle Brian, and long toothed Tom, whofe teeth be longer then his
beard, fayth the inditer of this dittie, was as farre ouerfeene inmifplacing
a worde, as the founders of Broughton Church in Crauen in York-
ftiyre was, in placing it without an Alehoufe: or, he that giueth his
friende a potte of Ale in a froftie mornyng without a Toaft, for that is
the appurtenance therunto belonging. Beardes for Choppes, fay they,
is the right of it, for it is merrie in Haul! when Choppes wagges all.
But Beardes or Choppes whether fo euer, they both agree to bid a
bafe to the chine of Beefe, which being fore battered with many freth
aftaultes, retyres backe agayne to his houlde the Kitchen, if he be
able to abyde a feconde charge : yf not, then he dyes manfully in the
feelde, vpon the poynt of his enemies weapon, who purfues him with
fuch hatred, as they euen eate him for very anger, or hunger, choofeThe Seruingmans Comfort.	1i3
you whether: and not To contented, they commit his very boones to
the Dogges to gnaw, for his further perfecution.
And if any other enemies of lefle efteeme incounter them in this
hot conflict, all goes to the potte, vnlefle fome fparke of mercie mooue
their mindes to repriue thefe prifoners tyll the next affifes to be holden
in the Haull aforefayd: which feruice performed, and they fatisfied,
the Maifter calles to go on huntyng, haulkyng, filhyng, or fowlyng,
in which he taketh moll pleafure, or thinketh fit for the tyme. Then
the Seruingman, or men, with all diligence prepare them felues to the
feelde, euery one willing to fhew his Ikil, to delight his Maifter in
which of thefe recreations he taketh moft pleafure. Thus palling the
day with thefe, or fuch lyke fportes, the nyght calleth them home,
where the whole feruice of the Seruingman is ftyll imployde about his
Maifter. No feruile feruice was then fought for at the Seruingmans
hand, though no Gentelman but ftandeth [in] neede of fome moylyng
mate to droyle about his drudgerie. How fiorilhyng then the ftate
of Seruingmen was in thefe dayes, he that hath eares to heare, let him
heare. What fport or paftime in feelde or at home, pleafing the eye,
or delyghting the eare, could the Maifter any way haue, but the
Seruant was thereof equal] partaker? What was the difference then,
wyll fome fay, betwixt the Maifter and the Man, yf their pleafures
were equall ? for then it had been as good to haue been a Seruant, as
a Soueraigne, a Man as a Maifter : euen this was one, and all that
parted the Potentates power, and the Seruingmans profeflion, the one
did commaunde, the other was to obey : the due obedience to which
commaunde was had in fo reuerent regarde, and the Seruant fo feare-
full to offende his Maifter, no feruile, but as it were a filiall feare, as
the Maifter was almoft as carefull in his commaunde, as the Seruant
diligent in his duetie.. For in thefe dayes, what greater loue could
Q»114	The Seruingmans Comfort.
almoft be found, then betwixt the Maifter and the Seruant ? it was
in maner equall with the Hufbandes to the Wyfe, and the Childes
to the Parent: for teftimonie whereof, there are infinite examples to
be alleadged, as in the prefcription of the triumuerie of Marcus Lepidus,
Marcus Anthonius, and Odtauius Cefar, in the Romane ciuile warres,
where Nafo, condemned by their prefcription, was by one of his Ser-
uants kept fafe in an hili: the fayd Seruant going to the Sea fide, to
hyre his Maifter a Boate for his more fafe paflage and fpeedy efcape,
and at his returne, perceauing his Maifter by the ftrikers to be killed,
he cryed aloude vnto him (hauing yet a lytle life) Stay a whyle 0
Maifter (quoth he) and fodaynely ftroke the Captayne and killed him,
then comming agayne to his Maifter, killed him felfe, faying: 0
Maifter, you haue receaued comfort.
An other in the fame tyme of perfecution and tryall of frindes,
hauing a fayre fhadowed Vineyarde, and in it a goodly Caue, deepe
and large (for the which peraduenture he was condemned) bychaunce
refreftiing him felfe in the fayd Caue, one of his Seruantes perceauing
the quellers yet a farre off, which came to finyfh his Maifters tragidie,
for the pure loue, and fincere affedtion that he bore to his Maifter,
hid him fafely, as he thought, in the fecret place of the Denne, and
furnilhed him felfe with his Maifters apparrell, feigning to be hee,
euen offeryng him felfe to the death for his Maifters fafetie. O rare
examples, worthy of euerlaftyng memorie. What greater goodwil,
what purer loue, or more fincere affedtion can be found amongft any
confort of creatures then this ? O happie Seruantes, that had your
beeing in thofe goulden dayes, when Maifters would merite fuch
maruels at your hands: and thrife happie Maifters, that paft your
pilgrimage in thofe bleffed houres, when by your loue and liberalitie,
you tyed your Seruantes with this vndeflolueable bonde of affured115
"The Seruingmans Comfort.
friendfhyp, euen to deferue and merite the full meafure of your good-
will towardes them. Infinite are the examples (as I fayd before) that
may be alledged in this matter, onely thefe two I holde fufficient to
confirme this argument, fince none but will confeffe this loue and
affeftion to be auncient, and of long continuance.
Yea, but will fome fay, thefe examples are olde, and long is it
fince this loue and affedtion was thus in the higheft degree made
manifeft, and the tryall of friendfhyp thus exercifed: fhew me fome
examples of late yeeres, for the more credite of your caufe, or els fome
reafons why thefe examples fhould not be as plentifull in thefe latter
dayes, as in former tyme.
To this Obiedtion, I anfwere thus: There be two efpeciall caufes
that hath vntwyned this knott, and euen cancelled this firme Obli-
gation, exchanging it for a fingle Bill. The firfl is, the com-
pounding of this pure and refined mettall (whereof Seruingmen were
firfl: framed) with vntryed dregges and drofle of lefle efteeme. The
feconde is the death and decay of Liberalitie or Rewarde for well
doing. But I wyll omit to vnrippe the bowelles of thefe reafons,
tyll tyme and place of fitter opportunitie be offered, fince I haue not
as yet finifhed the feconde part of this tradlate, which is onely to de-
clare the florifhyng dayes of the prime of this profeffion.
I haue before declared how this feruice was in no fort feruile, nor
the paynes belonging it any pennance, but they ioyed as much in their
libertie, & florifhed as frefh in their profeflion as any other, of what
fort, degree, or calling foeuer: their fare was alwayes of the beft,
their apparrell fine, neate, handfome, and comly: their credite and
efteeme alwayes equall with their birth and callyng, in good regarde:
their exercifes, or dayly labours, nothyng but pleafure, their head fo
finally troubled with carpe and care of worldly Coyne, and them116	The Seruingmans Comfort.
felues fo farre from miferie, pennurie, fcarcitie, or beggerie, harboured
in the hauen of happineffie, fwimming in the calme, neythertoo deepe
nor too lhallow, fupported by thefe good patrons their Maifters,
neither foaryng to high, nor dyuing too deepe, neither Prince nor
begger, florylhing in this their eftate, being (as it were) euen the
meane or midwarde of all degrees and callinges : as I verily thinke they
were the happieft confort of Companions, and the leaft troubled
tradefmen, in the prime of their profeffion, that belonged this
Mundaine market.
O what pleafure belonged Seruingmen in thofe dayes! When the
great Chamber was ferued, the Hauls cryer, with a Hoe yes, fum-
moned all good fellowes to appeare vpon an allarum ; at which
battayle, the boordes end was euer battered with the gun (hot of
Good-ftomackes; where the chine of Beefe, the hagftocke to thefe
Carpenters, was hewen and fquared into diuers parcels, for feuerall
purpofes: and the blacke Jacke, merily trowlyng from one to
another, well lyned with the lyquor of lyfe, moyftened and molified
the malecontent humors of thefe merrie mates, to their Maifters
credite, and their owne comfort.
But mee thinkes I heare the maligners of this myfterie, or pro-
feffion, lyke Momus mates murmure, faying to them felues, He
telleth vs of their delicate diet, handfome habite, and pleafant palling
the Sommer of their yeeres : but when this luftie Juuentus begunne
(with the Moone) to wane, and that crooked olde age had eclipfed
the bright Sunffiyne of their golden dayes, with dulkie blacke Cloudes
of darke morpheus : I meane when that Healing Time, had confumed
the oyle of their Lampes, and euery ioynt begunne to grow ftarke, not
able to fupply his former place : what courfe then they tooke, to
maynteine them felues from miferie, in this their greateft neceflitie,The Seruingmans Comfort.	117
he doth omit, as a thing altogeather impertinent to this difcourfe :
but, in my iudgement, a thing moft neceftarie amongft them to be
conAdered, and the very marke whereat they ought chieflyeft to
ayme. For els, who is fo Ample but will confefte, that the Seruing-
mans profeftion (in regarde of their pleafure and eafe) is to be pre-
ferred before diuers fortes of people of more wealth and greater
abilitie, yf their ende were not miferie, pennurie, fcarcitie, and almoft
beggerie : For I holde it an infallible rule, A young Seruingman,
an olde Begger.1 What Gentleman now a dayes, that giueth wages
and lyueries, doth not looke his Seruant Ihoulde deferue them ; and
when the Seruant is olde and crooked, and altogeather vnable to helpe
him felfe, how much more is he then vnable to deferue mayntenance
at his Maifters handes ? To this Objection, thus much: What
•fotte is fo Ample to afke a queftion, not knowing the caufe ? or to
make anfwere, being altogeather ignorant of the queftion? My
Difcourfe tendeth onely to fet foorth the ftorifhyng and golden dayes
of Seruingmens fyrft ordeyning : and the Objedtion commeth foorth,
with, What Gentleman now a dayes, &c.
But leaft he, or they ftioulde thinke me ftriken mute with the Arft
blow, not able to abyde a feconde charge, I wyll anfwere fo much of
the queftion as ftiall feeme any way appertayning to this place, and
leaue the reft to a fttter opportunitie.
Seeing therefore I haue handled the V?r, aft as and Autumnus, of
this Seruingmans eftate, I wyl not leaue him tyll his fourth part be
fully ftnilhed, Ance the Obiedtion hath allowed, that thefe three partes
of his lyfe was fpent in pleafure and delyght, accordyng to my former
faying. But you muft note by the way, that I holde ftraight on the
path wherein Arft I fet foote, not medlyng with thefe latter or leaden
dayes, tyll tyme minifter occafton. Now for the fourth, which is
1 Old ed. has An olde Servingman, a young Begger.118	7'he Seruingmans Comfort.
the Hiems, and laft part of mans yeeres, commonly called Crooked
olde-age [Hoarie heares,] as Dauid fayth, are to euery man nothing
but meere miferie, in regarde of weakening his ftrength, and decaying
of nature : which hoarie heares, if they bryng to euery man miferie in
generall, it muft then needes touch this degree in particuler. But
this miferie common to all, and by the law of nature fo forcible, as [not]
the wealthy Creflus, the wittie Salomon, nor the fubtyle Simon, can
any way efchew, yf Atropos do not befriende them in cutting the
threed of their lyfe before thefe dayes of decay approch, cannot 1
fay be onely attributed to Seruingmen, and them by that meanes ac-
compted moft miferable. But to leaue this naturall miferie, and
come to the miferie that by pennurie, fcarcitie, and want of worldly
wealth, is incident. Thus much I fay for this profeffion : When
that Boreas boyfterous blaftes had blowen the buddes and blofloms
from their trees, and that Hiems hoarie froftes had euen nipped and
wythered the fruites of their florifhyng Sommer, this kinde care
had euery Lord of his attendant, and euery Maifter of his Seruant,
that by thele, and fuch lyke meanes, they prouided for their
Attendantes and Seruantes, to maynteyne them from want of worldly
neceflaries, euen vntyll the fall of their leafe was fully finilhed, and
their vitall dayes ended. Some woulde giue their Seruantes an
Annuitie or yeerely portion of Money, duering their naturall lyues,
ouer and aboue their Wages, to the ende, that when their feruice
coulde not merite mayntenance, in refpedt of their yeeres and vn-
wealdines, confideryng they had reaped the fyrft fruites of their
Benefice, euen the fommer of their yeeres, this their beneuolence
Ihould maynteyne thefe their Seruantes from worldly pennurie, to
their laft houre. Other fome Maifters, in the fame regarde, would
procure for their Seruants fuch Martages, as they fhould thinkeThe Seruingmans Comfort.	119
them felues fufficiently rewarded and fatisfied for their whole feruice.
Againe, fome other would reward their Seruants with the Leafe of a
Farme, not as they are let now adayes, like a droyle for a braineficke
Jade, Durante bene placito, and rearing the rent, but Durante vita,
and rent free: fo that this angelicall Oyle fhould fo molifie his de-
caying members, and reuiue his dying fpirit, as the thought of
crooked olde Age fhould neither hinder his duetie in his feruice, nor
with griefe fhorten his dayes. By thefe, and fuch lyke meanes, were
alwayes Seruingmen fo prouided for in thofe dayes, that none, no not
one (that referued that reuerent regard and duetie towardes his
Maifter that he ought) but paffed his youth and age in as much
pleafure, plentie, and worldly felicitie, to his hartes content, as any
other, of what eftate, degree, or calling foeuer. And thus much for
the florifhyng prime of this profeffion. Now followeth the third,
and laft part of this tradlate, wherein fhalbe declared (God willing)
the ruine, downefall, and decay, of this mifterie or profeffion. Fyrft
you haue heard the originall, and of what moulde or mettall this
Seruingman was made. Secondly, in what pleafure, plentie, and
delyght, in the fyrft age of their ordeyning, they paft their tyme,
euen A crepundiis ad terminum vita.
Now gentle Reader, yf thou wilt with patience perufe thefe vn-
polifhed lynes, and willingly lende me thy fenfes, to furuay a capite
ad calcem, this laft part of this my fyrft pradtife: thou ffialt therin
playnely behold the manifold occafions that hath moued me to vnder-
take this heauie tafke, which may be thought in me a malepart pre-
fumption, in regard of my infufficiencie. For euen as the eredtor or
buylder of an Houfe, if he lay his platforme or foundation more large
then the pence in his purfe, or the coyne in his coffers is able to
counteruayle or difcharge, fo that his abilitie is not fufficient to ende1 20
The Seruingmans Comfort.
his beginnyng, what he is cenfured, the fimple may eafely furmife.
Euen fo I, hauing vndertaken this taike, and layde this platforme,
fitter to cary Stones and Morter to this buylding, then to be thought
the workeman, hauing I fay layde this foundation, and farre vnfit to
finyfh it, what the gentle Reader may thinke of mee, I leaue it to his
good confideration : for Cum defunt vires, tamen eft laudanda voluntas.
But the mutteryng or murmuryng of Momus mates I waigh not, for
I holde them like barking Dogges, that ceafleth not to trouble, as
well the honeft traueller, as the lurking loyterer. But leaft I Ihould
fall into a laborinth, not able to free my felfe from captiuitie, I meane,
to goe fo farre befide my text, as to forget where I left, I wyl returne
agayne to my purpofe. Since therfore I haue deuided this Tractate
into three partes, namely the originall & ende of this ordinance, the
flooryftiyng prime of this profeflion, and laftly the ruine and decay
thereof: two of the which, I haue alredy handled; now the thirde
and laft, which is the downefall and decay of this buylding, I will alfo
deuide and reduce into three feuerall poyntes, though infinite are the
caufes that may be alleadged in this matter.
Firft, the death of Liberalitie. Secondly, the ambition and dif-
daine of the plaine Countreyman, and the gentlemanly Seruingman.
Thirdly and laftly, the decay of Hofpitalitie, or good Houfekeeping.
Now for the fyrft, which is the death of Liberalitie, at whofe
Funeralles or Obfequies the Seruingman may be holden chiefe
mourner. Of the yeere, and day, of his originall and beginnyng, I
am altogeather vncertayne, vnlefle he tooke his beginnyng primo die
et anno Jalutis, in the firft day and yeere of our fauiour Chrift Jefus:
whofe loue and liberalitie to mankind fo farre furpafled all others, as
I am fure he had eyther thence his beginni[n]g, or was then growen
to his full perfection: but then, or whenfoeuer he had his beginnyngThe Seruingmans Comfort.	121
(it is not greatly materiall) fince he is now almoft buried in the
bottomlefie pit of obliuion, he is fure now eyther altogeather dead, or
els fo aged, as he lyeth bedrid in fome obfcure place. Where he is
furely I know not; but yf I were of that power to pay his ranfome,
and free him from captiuitie, or of that knowledge in the Phificall
fcience, as by miniftryng vnto him Potions, I might mittigate his
paflions, I would endeuour with my whole power and lkyll to pro-
cure his freedome and health, that I myght craue of him fome
acquaintance, for I much defire his friendlhip and familiaritie. But
fure in my dayes he hath been fuch a ftranger as I could neuer haue
his acquaintance, no, not know him from his ouerthwart neighbour
Prodigalitie, I would fayne learne what is his countenance and habite,
that yf I meete him, I may know him, and craue his acquaintance.
Surely, I feare he walkes early in the mornyng, and then it is no
maruell though I know him not, for my houre is eight a clocke,
though it is an infallible Rule, Sanat, fantiificat, et ditat, Jurgere
mane. But yf I thought early ryfing would preuayle in this queft, I
would change my houre, and be gone at foure: but I am almoft paft
hope of his recouerie, fince his two vtter enemies, Prodigalitie and
Couetoufnefle, doth dayly purfue him with fuch deadly hatred.
Thefe are two extreames and Liberalitie a meane betwixt them both,
which is alwayes a vertue : but Hercules ne contra duos, though his
part was the meane to make the muficke the fweeter, yet it is
accompted harfti harmonie where Liberalitie beareth a part. And
why ? becaufe his two oppofite enemies hath banilhed him thefe (I
may fay) inhumane coaftes. Where he lyueth I know not; but fure
I am, his exile, banylhment, death, or decay, hath brought this vtter
ruine and ouerthrow to this profeflion, as further by the fequell hereof
fhall playnly appeare.122
The Seruingmans Comfort.
I haue tolde you before, that Seruingmens onely mayntenance con-
fifteth vpon Liberalitie, for their wages was neuer (in any age) able to
defray their neceflarie charges and expences. But I would not haue
you to mifconfter my meanyng in this Liberalitie, that it was be-
llowed vpon them in meere commifleration, pittie, and charitie, as
them of abilitie doe vpon impotent Beggers: but the Seruant by his
duetie and diligence, did merite and deferue it before he had it,
though it was ouer and aboue his couenant and bargayne.
And agayne, befides this good minde of the Maifter to his owne
Seruant, there was another Liberalitie, as thus: If the Seruant were
fent to his Maillers friende, or familiar, with a prefent or friendly re-
membrance, though he were not at that tyme prouided to requite his
equall with the lyke gyft or prefent, yet he would Ihew his thankful-
nelfe towardes his Seruant, in liberally rewarding him for his paynes:
And this kinde of Liberalitie is now very much decayed.
There was alfo a Liberalitie allotted and belonging to the Seruing-
man, in this fort: If one Gentleman inuited an other to his houfe, or
that of curtefie and kindnes he came to fee him, the Seruingmans
duetie and diligence, to do this his Maillers neighbour and friende
feruice and honour, though that was their Maillers pleafure and com-
maunde, yet in regarde of their extraordinarie paynes, fome pence
redounded to their profite : For a Gentleman, in thofe dayes, thought
it (as it is in deede) the greatell dilgrace that coulde happen vnto
him, to omit thankfulnes for kindnes receaued. But Couetoufnefle
doth now fo much corrupt, as they eyther thinke it is idely fpent, or
euyll bellowed that is geuen in that manner, without care of their
credit, or confederation why they Ihould giue it, or els their memorie
doth fayle them more then in former tyme it was wont: for fure I
am, that they do either many times forget, or els are llacke in per-The Seruingmans Comfort.	123
formance of this Gentlemanly gratitude & liberalitie. Eft virtus
vera nobilitas, et liberalitas eft virtus, ergo liberalitas eft vera nobilitas:
true it is, there are eyther few or none that are indued with wealth &
worldly bleffings, but they couet to be comely couered with the
handfome habite of their higheft tytles, Nobilitie, or Worfhyp, or
els whatfoeuer: but whether on them thefe titles be rightly beftowed,
or no, that I leaue to the cenfure and iudgement of their owne
confciences. And yf that Liberalitie be alwayes the companion of
true Nobilitie, as it is in deede (for they are as neare ioyned togeather
as Fayth and Good workes), then, as S. lames fayth, The good
Tree will bring foorth good fruite : fo the true Noble minde cannot
be without his fruites, euen Liberalitie it felfe will bud and planely
appeare in the branches of this body.
Is Liberalitie then a Vertue, and fo neare a kinfman to the true
Noble minde, as it is the very fcuttion, creaft, and badge thereof, fo
that if this Coate and Cognifance walke the ftreetes, the Maifter
thereby may eafely be knowne ? Surely it is: but yf a Nobleman or
Gentleman, now adayes, could no otherwyfe be knowne but by his
Liberalitie, I feare mee, yf I fhould tread the Strand, I fhould often
(for want of knowledge) vnduetifully iuftle fome of them, and fcarfe
lende my Cappe, to whom a low legge fhould belong. For truft
mee, I met (not long fince) a Gentleman in Fleeteftreete, whofe lyuing
is better woorth then .2000. Markes yeerely, attended with onely one
man, whofe apparrell was much better then his Maifters, though he
was a Iuftice of Peace in his Countrey. But I fpeake not this, eyther
to difcommend the Gentlemans homely habite, or commende t[he]
Seruingman in his exceffe : but the miferie of that minde, that re-
garded more Coyne then his credite.
But me thinkes I heare one interrupt me, faying, If your fenfe of
feeing be not befotted, you may eafely difcerne a difference betwixt124	The Seruingmans Comfort.
the Potentate and the Peafant, the Gentleman & the meaner perfon:
And yf your hart be not too hautie, you may render a reuerent re-
garde, & due curtefie to whom in duetie it doth belong. For
yf there were no other note nor difference to know the one from
the other, a Gentleman from his inferiour, the Potentats coftly
apparrel, handfome habite, & gorgious garmentes, doth alwayes eafely
bewray him ; alfo his men and attendantes (when he walketh abrode)
doth fhew what he is : for men of meaner eftates do not vfe to goe fo
garded, or walke fo worthely attended. Wherefore, as I fayd before,
eafie it is, yf you be thereunto willing to lende Cappe or knee, or
other duetie, to whom it fhall rightly belong or appertayne.
To this Obiedtion I anfwere thus : Firft, for apparrel, furely I
thinke him fome farr borne Countreyman, that thus obiedteth, where
in his Countrey a Satten Doblet, nay yf it be but a Veluet Gyrdle or
Wafte, is of as much power and force, as Boreas boyfterous blaftes in
a wyndie day, or a long Staffe with a good arme, the one blowyng a
mans Cappe from his head perforce, and the other teaching a man to
make curtefie, being well layde on. For I fay, in fome places of
England, let but a payre of Veluet breeches make their apparance,
what perfonage fo euer they retayne to, they fhal haue moe Caps, and
lowe Legges, then the Lord Maior of Applebie within his whole
limit, precindt, or corporation. But yf he be fuch a cunning Lapi-
darie as can difcerne cullours, and tell the nature and vertue of euery
Stone by his outwarde appearance, then I woulde gladly (yf I might
make fo bolde with him) craue his companie to walke Paules in a
Terme tyme: and yf his Ihooes be not too neare worne, foote it downe
to Weftminfter haull by land : in which perambulation, yf he can
rightly difcipher the nature of euery golde Lace, and the vertue of
euery filke Stocking at the firft blufh, nay, after long perufing the125
T’he Seruingmans Comfort.
fame, yf he can (hew me by their royall Roabes, and gorgious Gar-
mentes, the Noble man, and Gentleman, from the Yerfer, Setter,
Cros biter, and Cunnie-catcher, then I will yeelde to his faying, and
learne fome of his cunning, that I may euer hereafter know my duetie
the better, and fpare my Cappe & Legge from fuch mates of no
merite, as many tymes I lende them vnto vnknowne. But furely I
holde him in a great errour, that thinkes him felfe thus cunnyng, and
no lefle able to performe this by his (kill (I meane to know euery
eftate by his habite,) then the Alcumiftes vnable by their Philofophers
Stone, to make a metamorphofis of euery mettall, and turne all into
Golde that they therewith touch.
And whereas he alleadgeth, that the Seruingmen and attendantes
do alwayes bewray the Nobleman and Gentleman what he is, that I
deny : for, fallet hec regula quociefcunque, I meete a Gentleman that
may difpende yeerely by his reuenues, 2000. poundes of good and
lawfull Englylh money, with onely one Boy at his heeles, walking by
Ludgate hill, and by that tyme I come to Paules middle walke, I
(hall fee Sir Dauie Debet, with .vi. or .viii. tall fellowes attending him,
whetting their kniues readie to dine with Duke Humfrie: but though
they be (harp fet, they may take leafure enough, for there all
lirching is barde by and maine. But yf their hard Commons were
the word, that might be mended with after noones battling, for there
is good Ale and Bread in Paules pettie Cannons : but there is a fore
Giant, a Sargent I meane, with whom they mud wraftle, yf Pater-
nofter Row be no better to them then Creede Lane : yf then fir Iohn
Makefhift (whofe laft acre lyes morgaged to the mercie of fife fincke)
hath many times .vi. or .viii. tall fellowes attending him, and an
auncient Gentleman, that hath fayre landes, and great reuenues,
whofe onely ftudie is Arithmatique, and therein mod pradtifed in126	The Seruingmans Comfort.
multiplication and the goulden number, manneth him felfe withonely
one Boy, How fhould it be poffible to difcerne this difference, and
know the one from the other, the Gentleman from the Swafhbuckler,
by his apparrel, attendants, and companie ?
But what is the reafon, may fome fay, that a Gentleman of great
worth and abilitie, doth walke nowadayes fo flenderly attended, and
a new vpftart Caueliro, whofe Fathers chiefe Badge or Cognifance
was the Weauers Shuttle, or the Taylors Sheares, will treade the
ftreetes fo ftately attended, and fo gallantly garded with a fort of
feemely (yf fo I may tearme them) and floryfhing fayre Cloakes, as
though he were the Prince of Peacockes, or Marques of fome ftately
Moulhill ? Mary euen this, The Ioffe of Liberalitie in the one, and
the power of Prodigalitie in the other: for yf the Gentleman of high
regarde and efteeme, were not too ftudious in their two branches of
the art of Arithmetique, Multiplication [and] the Goulden number:
yf I fay, Liberalitie, the badge and cognifaunce of true Nobilitie and
worfhyp, were not by his power and authoritie committed to common
Gaole, then would he, preferring worth before wayght, walke more
worthely attended, garded gallantly with a fort of feemely Seruantes,
alwayes well appoynted, as well to fhew his power, as to grace his
perfon. And fyr Henrie Hadland, yf he would well waygh and con-
fider how many dayes, nay weekes, monethes, and yeeres, his father
fpent in fore toyle and trauayle, euery houre and moment, day and
nyght, carping & caring, how of patches to make a weareable gar-
ment, and fcrape fome Crownes into his Coffers, whereby he, with
his pofteritie, might be more able to maynteine themfelues in their
trade and calling neighbourlike, would neuer fo prodigally and care-
lefly fpende, confume, and make hauocke in one Winter of that,
which fo many, yea and fruitefull Sommers, before had yeelded.7'he Seruingmans Comfort.	127
This prodigalitie procureth a double miferie, a miferable want in the
ende to them that fo careleffly confumes their patrimonie, and meere
miferie to the couetous Cormorant: for, fayth he, Felix quern focij
nauim periijfe procellis cum vidit (fic) in tutum fie ft it Jua carbaja
portim, (fic) : it is good to be rich ; a man may be poore when he will.
So by the example of this prodigall perfon, he that hath wherwith
to maynteyne himfelfe in very Gentlemanlike fort, with men about
him for his credite, being defcended of an auncient houfe and worthy
parentage, burieth in obliuion his Hate and dignitie, and becomming
a very feruile flaue, and thraull, to this donghyll drofle, his golde and
money, leadeth his lyfe in mod miferable maner. Where is then this
Liberalitie become, that hath been in former tyme fo highly
efteemed? Looke in the .vii. Chapter of Ecclefiafticus, and there
you (hall finde a friendly perfwafion, Be liberall vnto all men : much
more then vnto your Seruantes & Attendantes, meriting and deferuing
this your liberalitie. And in an other place of the fame Chapter, he
fayth, You Maifters, reftraine not your Seruants of their libertie, and
be fure you leaue not your faythfull Seruant a poore man.
O how many Gentlemen in thefe dayes doth refpedt this woorthy
faying, or haue that care of their faythfull Seruants, that this place
of Scripture doth commaund ? fure they are few or none. The
liberall Maifter is a rare Phenix : fo that the faying of Elias may well
in thefe our dayes be verified, There is none, not one left in all Ifrael,
that feareth the Lord, and worketh righteoufnes. Euen fo it may be
fayd, There is non, no not one, in this age, that beareth that loue in
Liberalitie towardes his Seruantes, that he in goodwill ought, or they
by duetie do dayly merite. But it may be fayd to mee, as the Lord
fayd to Elias, I haue not onely feuen, but feuentie times feuen Ser-
uantes in Ifrael, that hath not bowed their knees to Ba[a]ll, though128
The Seruingmans Comfort.
vnto Elias they were thought fo fmall a number : euen fo, not onely
feuen, but feuentie times feuen Gentlemen, in whom the ancient
vertue, the badge and creft of true Nobilitie, euen Liberalitie it felfe,
doth budde, bloflome, and beare her accuftomed fruite in due feafon,
as in former ages.
This number is fince, by tradt of tyme, much leflened and im-
payred: but howfoeuer, fure I am that Liberalitie, as I fayd befoie,
is eyther quite dead, banyfhed, or els playes leaft in fight, as Banck-
routes, that walkes narrow lanes, or keepes them out of the Libertie,
leaft they fhould fing the Counter tenor, or at Ludgate, For the
Lords fake. But pittie it is, that Liberalitie, that honeft fellow, fhould,
dying, be buried without his rites and ceremonies, his funeralles and
obfequies, to be duely folemnized. I feare me that none was fo
charitable as to ring his foule knell, or beftow on him a winding
Iheete. O that I had lyued when he dyed, or had been at the making
of his Will, though I had been none of his Executors, nor had had
any Legafie beftowed vpon mee, yet would I, at my owne charges,
haue feene him honeftly brought foorth to his long home (as the
faying is:) but fure he died Inteftate, and for heyres Apparent I
think he had none, for fince his death I neuer heard of any his fuc-
cefiours. Notwithftanding though he were before my tyme, yet haue
I heard fo much good of him, as loth I am that his fame fhould be
buried in obliuion: wherefore I will (though I be no profeft Poet)
frame fome Epitaph of his lyfe and death, though the place and
tyme of his death be vnto me altogeather vnknowne, and leaue it to
enfuing ages.
It is not for the Sheepheards Oten pipe, to prefume to keepe his
part in confort in Princes Pallaces, where heauenly harmony is dayly
harboured ; neyther I to take vpon me Poetrie, whofe judgementChe Seruingmans Comfort.	129
therein can fcarcely difcerne what feete a Verfe doth ftande vpon :
notwithftanding, fince I haue promifed an Epitaph, I will perforate
it, though it lie buryed with the fhauinges of the Preffe in the bottome
of a Dryfat: wherefore, hoping the Fiddle may be accepted, for want
of muficall Inftrumentes, giue eare,' and you {hall heare his beft
tune.
Ceafle Sunne to lend? thy glorious lhine,
Moone darkned be, as cloudy night,
Starres ftay your dreaming lightes diuine,
That wonted were to thine to bright :
Weepe woofull wightes, and wayle with me,
For dead is Liberalitie.
You Fire, Water, Earth and Ayre,
And what remaynes at your commaund :
Foules, Fyth, or els, be fyld with care,
And marke the fumme of my demaund :
Weepe, weepe I fay, and wayle with me,
For dead is Liberalitie.
You bluer ftreames that wont to flow,
Vpon the bankes of Helicon :
You facred Nimphes, whofe (lately fhow
Bedimd the bright of Phaeton,
Weepe, weepe I fay, and wayle with me,
For dead is Liberalitie.
If Due-defart to Court refort,
Expecting largely for his payne,
The Prince he Andes then alamort
No lue, his labour is fpent in vayne :
May he not then come wayle with me ?
Yes, dead is Liberalitie.
The paringes from the Princes Fruite,
That fllie Groomes were wont to feede,
SThe Seruingmans Comfort.
Now Potentates for them make fuite :
True Gafcoine fayth, the Lord hath neede :
Weepe therefore weepe, and wayle with me,
For dead is Liberalitie.
The Courtly crew, of Noble mindes,
Would giue rewarde for euery Legge:
To crouch and kneele now duetie bindes,
Though Sutor nought but right doth begge :
Weepe therefore weepe, and wayle with me,
For dead is Liberalitie.
When Countreys caufes did require
Each Nobleman to keepe his houfe,
Then Blewcoates had what they defyre,
Good cheare, with many a full caroufe:
But not now as it wont to be,
For dead is Liberalitie.
The Haull boordes-ende is taken vp,
No Dogges do differ for the bones,
Blacke-Jacke is left, now Glaffe or Cup,
It makes mee sigh with many groones,
To thinke what was, now thus to be,
By death of Liberalitie.
Where are the Farmes that wont to flye
Rent free by feruice well deferued ?
Where is that kinde Annuitie,
That men in age from want preferued ?
What, do you looke for wont to be ?
No, dead is Liberalitie.
What Squire now but rackes his Rentes,
And what he hath, who will giue more ?
The giffe gaffe promife he repentes,
The Lord hath neede, furceafre therefore :
Weepe, weepe, for now you well may fee,
That dead is Liberalitie.The Seruingmans Comfort.	131
The golden worlde is part and gone,
The Iron age hath runne his race,
The lumpe of Lead is left alone,
To prefte the poore in euery place :
Nought els is left but miferie,
Since death of Liberalitie.
Weepe, weepe, for fo the cafe requires,
The worlde hath loft her fecond Sunne :
This is the fumme of my defires,
To ende where earft I haue begunne :
Euen (till I fay come wayle with me,
The death of Liberalitie.
Thus you haue heard, the death of Liberalitie to be one of the
efpeciall occafions that hath wrought the vtter ouerthrow, ruine, &
fubuertion of Seruingmens eftate. Now for the ambition and dif-
dayne of the Countreyman, and the Gentlemanly Seruingman,
Firft for the Yeoman, or Hufbandmans fonne, afpyring from the
Plough to the Parlor, I holde thefe, the contempt of his vocation,
feare to hazard his life in his Princes Marciall affayres, and the
ambitious defire of dignitie, to be the efpeciall occafions that hath
mooued him to change his habite and cullour, from Jerkin to Coate,
and from Ruflet to Blew. In the firft he imitates Icarus, who pre.
fuming vpon his Waxen winges, foared fo high, as the heate of fierie
Phaeton melted the winges of this vnfethered Foule, and fo caft him
fully as lowe as he had his beginning: euen fo, this Yeomans Sonne
prying into this eafie and pleafaunt Iyfe of Seruingmen, and confidering
the droyling that he hath about his drudgerie, without confideration
that he is called to this Countryes labour, or how farre he is vnfitte
to execute the others office, not acquainted therewithal!, taketh vppon
him this new trade of lyuing, in my judgement as far vnable132	The Seruingmans Comfort.
to execute the others office, as Icarus to foare in the higheft heauens:
but pittie it is that they are not as well punilhed for their afpyring
mindes, as Icarus for his proude and prefumptuous enterprife. Hem-
fora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis, when crooked olde age com-
meth, and they ffiaken off, as by their vnwildineffe not able to merite
foure Markes and a Lyuerie, then they are faigne with heauie cheare
retrojpettare, and wiffieth that eye had beene blynde wherewith they
fyrft pried into the floryffiing profeffion of Seruingmen : florylhing I
fay, in their firft age, but now by thefe and fuch like occafions
ruinated, and almoft cleane withered.
The feconde occafion that made Blew fo deare, was this. Thefe
latter dayes are more dangerous and troublefome then former ages,
fo that many Kinges and Princes are euen occafioned to mayriteirie
their right by force of Armes and Hoftilitie. And now falling out
fo that an Armie muft be leauied, to be imployed at home or abrode,
for the defence of the Countrey, or offence to the enemie, Robin
Ruffetcoate muft of neceffitie be one of the number, as good reafon
[is] that all fortes fhoulde be affiftant to fuch feruice. Now his Father,
loth to part from his beloued Sonne, will giue Markes and Poundes
to redeeme him, and keepe him at home from doing his Prince and
Countrey feruice. And yf he can by any fauoure, coyne, or kind-
neffe, blow ouer thefe boyfterous blaftes, and keepe his Sonne from
being made deafe by the gunftiot of great Ordinance : then he will
feeke by all meanes poffible to preuent a feconde feare, and makes
hafte to a Gentleman, or Iuftice of peace, to whom when he commeth,
he lendes moe Cappes and Legges, then a good Arithmetitian can
almoft in a long tyme number : then comes, I befeeche your Worfhyp,
and at euery worde a low legge : the tenor of whofe petition may
eafily be furmyfed. The Gentleman being of Seruantes fufficiently133
The Seruingmans Cotnfort.
furniffied, and hauing all his Offices full, loth to difplace any, well
confideryng how farre vnfit fuch a fellow is to be lapt in a Lyuerie,
or harboured in the Haull, who wonted dayly to attende in the Oxe-
parlor, fhapeth him an anfwere : Friende, I cannot pleafure you, I haue
no place voyde that your Sonne canne fupply. The feelie olde man
returneth home fad and forowfull, not knowing how to preuent the
next Alarum : but remembring the olde faying of the popyfli Prieftes,
that wont to make money of their Mattens, No pennie, no Paternofter,
putteth in pradtife, by the oyle of Angels, to mollifie the hard hart of
this Maieftrate. Then comes he againe : I haue brought your worffiyp
a coople of fat Capons, Pigge, Goofe, or Lambe; now, good your
Worffiyp, ftande my good Maifter, and take my Sonne into your
feruice, I will apparrell him at my owne charge, he ffiall affie nothing
but meate, drinke, and a Lyuerie, with other neceflaries I will
maynteine him like a man. Now the Gentleman, calling to minde
that hereby he might faue foure Markes and a Lyuerie, befide a pre-
ferment that his Man woulde expedt for his long and duetifull fer-
uice, bethinketh himfelfe one way or other, Nodum in Jerpo (fic)
querere, and thereby to make benefite of this laft motion : then he
watcheth oportunitie, and euen for breaking a Bulruffi, Facile cum
(fic) inuenire baculum, ad cedendum Canem, Knaue packe out of my
doores, I will keepe no fuch as thou art, with a thoufande fuch lyke
opprobious liueries, neither befittyng a Gentleman to giue, nor a right
Seruingman to receaue. But thus ridding his handes of one of his
Seruantes that then moftexpedted preferment, hegiueth entertainment
to fyr Rowland Ruflet-roates fonne, who reftes no lefle glad of his
place, then the Foule of a fayre day: But dulce helium inexpertis: If
he confidered what the want of fyre is in a Winter euening, he would
rather with the Emmet laboure in Sommer, then with the Flye ftarue134-	The Seruingmans Comfort.
in Winter, though the Winter of Seruingmens yeeres was euer fufi
ficiently prouided, as before I haue declared : but euery thing is worfe
for the wearing. Then this goodly Yeoman, thruften into a Blew
coate, holdeth himfelfe a better Seruingman, then he that hath fpent
his whole tyme in that trade, though (fimple fwayne) he know not
how to holde a Trencher.
The thirde, and laft occafion of this new enormitie, is the ambi-
cious defire of dignitie: for in former ages (as before I haue fayd)
when Seruingmen were had in good regarde, by dyuers occafions
they were many tymes highly preferred, as by their wit and will
many of them often merited great matters. Some of them would
cary them felues fo foberly, difcreetely, and wifely, as they came to
great wealth, worth, and preferment by Mariage : fome, agayne,
amongft the Potentates were fo much efteemed, as they were thought
worthy, & in deede preferde to Offices & places of great credite:
and many other meanes they had whereby they came to great pro-
motion. Which wealth, worth, credite, and preferment, thefe
vnciuill fottes gape after, and furmife them felues worthyly to merite,
though (God wot) many of them are as much vnworthy to keepe the
Dogges out of the dyning chamber, as I vnable to expreffe their in-
fufficiencie.
Now for the difdayne of the Gentlemanly Seruingman. You haue
heard before what mettall the right Seruingman was made off, of him
felfe pure and right ftuffe, not mixed with any dregges and droffe of
leffe efteeme. But when this mixture of mingle-mangle begunne,
and that he faw him felfe conforted with a crue of fuch clufterfyftes,
he beganne to waxe weerie of his profeflion, euen loathing to lyue in
fellowffiyp with fuch vnferuiceable people, and difdayning the degree of
a feruile drudge, [he] refolueth eyther to cleare the fuite of that Carde,The Semi?igmans Comfort.	135
or els to turne ouer a new leafe : but Herculei labores, it is as hard for
him to thruft Pierce the Ploughman out of his Blew coate, as to tame
the fhrewyfh tongue of a Kentyfh-ftreete Scoulde; not in regard
that the Gentlemen of this age are fo delyghted with their clownifh
barbarifme, but that their mayntenance doth not fo ftretch the Purfe-
ftringes of their Maifters, as the mayntenance of the right Seruing-
man : betwixt whofe merites, there is much more difference, then in
thefe our dayes betwixt their rewardes: for foure Markes and a
Lyuerie is to them both as currant, as vii.j. vi.d. for a flemyfh
Angell; nay, fourtie fhillinges a yeere keepeth a great fturre in many
Houfes, though it was ordinarie .400. yeeres fince: but for wages I
will omit, tyll oportunitie be offered. Notwithftanding, to returne to
my purpofe, I would fayne know whether the Iorneyman or Ap-
prentice, the Workeman or the Labourer, be more worthy or better
deferuing, if the Labourers wages be but .vi.d. a day, and the
Maifter workman can & wil earne a fhilling ? So much, and more
(in my judgement) ought to be the difference betwixt a right
Seruingman, & a new vpftart Tom all-thummes: For the one,
a crepundiis, hath been trayned vp to his fcience: the other at .xx.
yeeres fetteth vp for him felfe. But it is maruayle they are not
brought into the Exchequer, vfing other mens occupations, neuer
feruing Apprentifbyp. Exchequer! nay, into the Towne-ftockes, a
fitter place : for the occupation is now a dayes fo beggerly, as few, or
none of them, is able to pay the fees to that Court belonging, neyther
can thenformer wring any powling pence out of any of their Purfes.
The olde faying is verified, There are fo many of thoccupation, as
one cannot thriue for throng of his neighboures. Surely this doth
proue, that in diebus illis, it was a good trade, other wife fo many
would not haue left the Plough, to wayte in the Parlor. But euen136	The Seruingmans Comfort.
as Ringtayles and Buflardes hooueryng ouer the Partridge, fpoyles the
flyght of the Falcon, whofe magnanimious minde daigneth not to
ftoope in the prefence of thefe carion Scarcrowes, but chofeth rather
to leaue the pray, and foare abroade, then to wagge her winges, or
feeme any way conuerfant amongft fuch coapfmates: euen fo the
Gentlemanly Seruingman, whofe lyfe and manners doth equall his
birth and brynging vp, fcorneth the focietie of thefe fottes, or to
place a Dyfh, where they giue a Trencher.
But amongft thefe vnfitting felowes for this fraternitie, I meane not
to place all Yeomens fonnes, or others, that are not Gentlemen by
birth. God forbid that I ftiould do them all in generall fo great
wrong: for many there are that come to deferue the names of
Gentlemen, and higher tytles, by Learning, and other their extra-
ordinary good gyftes, whofe Father could well content him felfe
with the name of Goodman, &c. Wherefore, fuch as haue eyther
been brought vp in Learning, and fo made fit for this Forme, or them
that a purili etate haue been pradtifers of this fcience, I will make
bolde to place amongft thefe Gentlemanly Seruingmen : for Cicero
fayth, It is more honoure and credite to be the firft Gentleman of the
name, then fo to ende, as his pofteritie cannot challenge for their
inheritance that worthy tytle. And for my owne part, I thinke the
Scholler (howfoeuer borne) deferues alwayes the name of a Gentle-
man. Therefore filing thefe, as I fayd before, vpon the roule of right
Seruingmen, I will returne agayne where I left. What inconuenience
doth grow by this controuerfie may eafely be feene, knowne, and
vnderftoode.
Firft, for the afpyring minde of the Countreyman, that will needes
be lapt in a Lyuerie, this mifchiefe foloweth his madnefie: dearth,
fcarcitie, famine, and hunger. For I will prooue by good reafon, thatThe Seruingmans Comfort.	i 37
the Yeomans Sonne leauing his dayly labour (to which from his infancie
he hath been trayned) and taking vpon him the degree of a Seruing-
man, breedeth as many inconueniences in the Common wealth, as
want of exercifes begetteth difeafes in a corpulent body: For the
Yeomans fonne, as I fayd before, leauing gee, haygh! for, Butlor,
fome moe fayre Trenchers to the Table : bringeth thefe enfuing vlcers
amongft the members of this Common body. Firft, whereas he him
felfe by the fweate of his browes and dayly hand labour was able to
digge yeerely from the wombe of the earth, fo much belly timber, as
was able to fuftaine and fatisfie the hungry mouthes of .vi. viii. or .x.
of his Fathers familie, or neighbours neare dwelling, and fo much
backe prouifion, as would hill, happe or couer them in feemely fort,
according to their Countreys callyng, his hand, that was fo well
imployed, non fibi folum Jed fuis, now by change of his vocation,
becomming idle, not any way gettyng meate for his owne mouth,
the feelie foules that were by his induftrie before fully fedde, mull of
neceflitie now peryfh with famine, and ftarue for want of clothing,
for that the meanes of their mayntenance is now thus metamorphofed :
for the hand of any man fcorning his office to feede his mouth, the
whole body of neceffitie mull peryfh ; euen fo this body, this hand
thus difdayning his duetie.
Agayne, this is an other enormitie that hereof proceedeth. This
hand that maynteyned vi. viii. or x. as I fayd before, ceaffeth not
only to do this good to his Countrev, but alfo in procefle of tyme, by
changing his vocation, breedeth and begetteth a further mifchiefe and
inconuenience, to the hurt and hinderance of the Common wealth, as
after by circumftances I fhall declare. For hauing thus altered his
vocation, he mull alter his habite, countenance, conditions, qualities,
cogitations : and what not ? He mull as well as he can, make fatif-The Seruingmans Comfort.
^38
fadtion for the Queenes currant Engliftr before by him clipped: he
muft now make it full wayght, good and currant lawfull Englifti.
His habite muft now be fafhionate in proportion and cullour:
Northeren Carfies not now weareable in Breetches, for it will
fhrinke, and the falhion is now to haue Venetians of the largeft
fife: yf they will not holde a bulhell a breetch, they are not faleable
in Birtchen lane. For Kentilh ruflet, it is no cullour: it will make no
(hew in a Countrey Church. But the beft Broad-cloth, and neweft
coloure, muft couer this late Countrey Courtier. His pafe it muft
not be tother Legge tother way, and tother Legge tother way, as he
was wont to throw them, when he turned his Cattle from Plough to
Pafture, making Indentures all along the ditches; but his gate and
iefture of his body muft be diredt and vpright, treading as true
as though he would tell what paces are in a Furlong. His curtefie
with Cappe and Legge muft be as his Apparrell of the neweft falhion,
with all other the rites and ceremonies belonging to this new taken vp
trade. No fmall tyme he fpendes, before he be in this an artift, and
meane while, his fenfes are fo befotted, as he quite forgetteth how to
holde the Plough, or whip the Carthorfe : and for the cunning in
this craft, not one amongft an hundred of them euer, in all his life
time, attayneth to the knowledge of his duetie, for Ethiopeum lauare,
is an endlefle laboure : euen fo, to make a Foxe tayle a blowing
Horne, or of a Countrey Clowne, a fufficient Seruingman. For,
Quo femel eft imbuta recens feruabit odorem
Tefta diu—
He that till twentie is brought vp to Plow,
What feruice in Parlor can he do, thinke yow ?
Is it poflible to bende or bow a ftrong Oke as a young Sapline?
or to teach the olde fyngers that are growen ftyffe and ftarke, to theirThe Seruingmans Comfort.	139
full age, to play vpon any muficall Inftrument, with fuch facilitie and
leauinefie of ioyntes, as the young Fingers that are nimble, and to
anything tradable, in regarde they are but gryftles and finewes vn-
growen ? Euen fuch is the impoffibilitie, to make the Countreyman
that hath been brought vp in Hufbandry, and other bodyly
labour, whofe handes, tongue, and all the reft of his members, haue
been dayly and hourely imployed to one and the fame kind of exer-
cife, now to aulter and change euery office of his fayd members, and
them to imploy in feuerall and vnknowne exercifes. But fome may
obied and fay : You make fuch a myfterie of your profeffion, and fuch
cunning to belong it, as without a man haue all his members apt,
neate, and nimble : as his Handes plyant to feuerall purpofes, his
tongue eloquent to obied, anfwere, or difcourfe pleafantly, his perfon
and iefture handfome and comely, his Wit, Difcretion, and Courage,
anfwerable to all the reft of his partes; as yf he want thefe, nay any
one of thefe, he is Seruus nomine non re, He is a Seruingman in name,
but not in deede; I holde you are much miftaken, for yf a man can
place a Dylh, fyll a Boule, and carrie his Maifters Rapier, what more
is or can be required at his handes ? And yf this be all in all to dis-
charge that duetie, what blunt fellow, how brutilhly foeuer he hath
been brought vp, but can and may learne quickly to difcharge fo
much as is here required ?
O foolylh obiedion, and thrife fottyfh furmife, no lefie Ample then
meere fimplicitie it felfe, not much vnlyke the Popylh Prieftes of the
olde Learnyng (as they fay) which thought them felues worthy, nay,
fufficient to difcharge a place in the Minifterie, and take orders, yf
they could fay or fing by roate, or otherwyfe, the olde Confitemini, or
Nunc dimittis Jeruum tuum domine, though they coulde better ling the
whole Mafle, then decline Dimittis. But, as the olde verfe is worthy140	The Seruingmans Comfort.
notyng, and true in deede, that Qui bene can, bene con, bene le, prejbiter
debet ejfe, and none els, no none ought to take vpon them that function,
vnlefle they could reade well, fing well, and expounde well: So none
ought (in my judgement) to take vpon hym the degree of a Seruing-
man, unlefle he be furnifhed with thofe qualities and partes that
before I haue fet downe belonging to a Seruingman, and befitting his
profefllon.
And yf it be then requifite in a Seruingman, that he fhould be of
wit, difcretion, gouernment, and good bringing vp; fine, neate,
nimble, and well qualited, to difcharge thofe dueties, which before I
haue fet downe belonged him, and were required at his handes in the
prime of his ordeyning, and for thofe qualities was fo called to that
place, as without them, nay, euery of them, he coulde not fufficiently
difcharge his duetie therein : how much would then the founders of
this fraternitie haue frowned, to haue admitted one into this fellow-
fliyp, that had wanted not onely one, but all thefe partes before
mentioned, fo requifite, and the full meafure of them fo much at his
handes expedited and required ? Would they, thinke you, haue been
contented to haue entertayned a man that could onely haue caried a
Dyfti, giuen a Trencher, or caried a Rapier after them? No, they
did not onely require this to be done in decent and comely maner,
which none, no, not one of them which is obiedted, fitte enough for
this profeflion, can do as is required, but much more; he mull, ouer
and befides the qualities before in him required, be able to giue en-
tertaynement to a ftranger in decent and comely maner, delyuer a
Meflage difcreetely and wifely to a Potentate, Maieftrate, or meaner
perfon, to talke and difcourfe with his Maifter vpon forraine or do-
mefticall affayres: nay, much more then I can exprefle, for want ol
iudgement and experience herein ; and if I were of knowledge fuf-The Seruingmans Comfort.	141
ficient, yet would my penne be weerie, before I ftiould at large
exprefle the whole duetie to this profeffion belonging. But I will
not take vpon me to teach others that, wherein I am my felfe but a
learner, leaft it might be fayd vnto me (and not vndeferuedly) 'Turpe
dottori cum culpa redarguit ipfum, You take vpon you to teach others
their duetie, and cannot your felfe performe it. Therefore I will
furceaffe to wade any further into this Foorde, leaft I fhould be
drowned in the deapth, or loofe my felfe in this Laborinth. If then
all the fedueties, & many moe, be required in a Seruingman, how
much then infufficient thinke you is the Yeomans fonne, that begin-
neth at xx. to take vpon him this trade ? Thus you haue heard what
inconuenience doth grow by the afpyring minde of the Countreyman ;
now [of] what hurt doth happen to the Commonwealth, by the
difdayne of the Gentlemanly Seruingman, a worde or two, and fo an
ende of this part.
You haue heard before from whence this Seruingman was defcended,
of auncient and worthy Parentage, yet his mayntenance not altogeather
correfpondent; and the caufes why he was no better by his Parentes
prouided for, are before at large exprefled. His mayntenance, I fay, was
but fome annuall portion, and that after the deceafle of his Parentes;
which, without fome other helpe, was no way able to maynteine him
Gentlemanlike, and therefore called to this profeflion, for the better
fupportyng of him according to his eftate, without charging of his
friendes further then his Fathers Legafie: his eftate, birth, calling, &
credite no way thereby blotted, blemifhed, ftayned, impayred, or
impeached, but much bettered for wealth and worth. In worth, in
regarde he was fellow to no inferiour, and in wealth, becaufe he kept
his owne, and often increafed his tallent by his diligence and defart.
But now, being forced to confort him felfe with men of lefte merite,H2	The Seruingmans Comfort.
and that they fhall equall him in efteeme, and better him in rewarde,
I meane, they comming in the after noone at foure a clocke into the
Vineyarde, (ball haue their hire for the whole day, in as full or larger
meafure, then he that hath endeuoured himfelfe Manibus pedibufque,
with tooth and nayle, that is, euen to the vttermoft of his power from
vi. in the mornynyg, to the laft houre, truely to earne his whole
dayes wages, beginneth much to difdayne this drudgerie, and fo
leaueth the Vineyarde wholly to thefe vnlkilfull workemen, and loy-
tering labourers. And now being not as before fet aworke, but
miflyng that part of his mayntenance before mentioned, which he got
in feruice, how do you thinke he can carie himfelfe in Jlatu quo prius ?
no, it cannot be without fome extraordinarie meanes. Eyther he muft
be more chargeable to his friendes then his Father willed him, or els
procure his mayntenance by fome worfe meanes then will ftande with
his birth or credite. What neede I glofe vpon the text, or feeme to
daunce mafked in a Nette ? trueth it is, he muft lyue, and he will
lyue. How ? lyke a Man ? yea, and lyke a Gentleman. What, and
want lyuing ? that is no matter: he wil Hue by his Wittes. What, by
the art of Alcumiftrie, to metamorphis[e] other Mettall into Money ?
or by conueying the Indies into Englande, or Englande into the
Indies ? No, no, Pewter, Brafle, nor Tinne, we can not fpare to
turne into Golde or Siluer, and for the Indies to come into England,
we haue no roome, vnlefle he can commaunde the Sea to giue it
place, which doth on euery fide fo rounde immure vs, and I am fure
it loues vs too well, to leaue vs vndefenced. What reftes then ? He
can not, as Chrift did, worke myracles, to turne Water into Wine;
but he can do this myracle : by a writ of Remoue he can difplace
Money or Golde, finding it vnfeemely feated, and place it higher or
lower, as he Andes it worthy ; and yf the fight of it be too garylh,The Seruingmans Comfort.	143
and offende his eyes, he can do this myracle: he can turne it into
Wine, which fhalbe more pleafant to his tafte, then was the fight to
his eye ; and after all, turne the Wine into Water, to fhew his power
and preheminence ouer it, and how finally he efteemes this worldly
drofie and pelfe. But what Court this Writ of Remoue comes from,
or whether it be ex officio or no, there is the queftion, but that doubt
I leaue for men of more iudgement to difcide: yet notwithftanding
thus much I wyll fay, that yf the breaking, tranfgrefling, and violating,
of good Lawes and Statutes in a Common wealth, for the publique
weale eftablifhed, be offenfiue, dangerous, and hurtfull to the ftate of
the fayd weale publique, then furely this difdayne that I haue hitherto
fpoken off, mull of neceflitie ingender many difeafes in this common
body, to his great hurt and hinderance.
Much more furely I could haue faid in difcribing particularly the
inconueniences herof proceeding, but loth I am to protraCt time with
friuolous phrafes, & feeme too tedious in a matter fo apparant.
Wherfore, gentle Reader, you fee how dangerous is this difdayne, &
how hurtfull to the Common wealth, & beare with me, I befeech you,
in that I pafle it ouer fo flightly, for, Quod Jubintelligitur non deejl.
That that is behinde I leaue to your good confideration.
But me thinkes I heare you fay : You haue made a long difcourfe
of this ambition and difdayne ? what mifchiefe and inconuenience doth
thereof proceede to the Common wealth, and to all in generall; but,
what hurt or hinderance doth thereof grow in particuler, to the ftate
and profeflion of Seruingmen in this age, that you leaue altogeather
vntouched, which (as I take it,) fhoulde be the fumme of your
Treatife. 1 anfweare no : I haue in fome fort handled it already : but
yf I haue not therein fatisfied your expectations to the full, I will
briefely giue you a note or two moe, and fo an ende of this part.144	The Seruingmans Comfort.
For the Countreyman that will needes eleuate his voyce a note
aboue Ela, that will with Icarus haue waxen Winges to flie aloft,
becaufe Fethers be to lyght in a boyfterous winde: this felow, I fay>
that imagines he can fing Prickfong at the firft fight, before he can
fay his Gammoth, when he fteppes in to play his pryfes, imployeth
all his partes, to feeyf he haue any thing in him fo to commende him,
as thereby to gayne the good lyking of his new Maifter. But finding
in himfelfe nothing worthy efteeme, and that his partes and gyftes can-
not deferue nor gayne him that he expedtes at his Maifters handes, he
turneth ouer a new leafe, and feekes by finifter meanes to effedt that,
which otherwyfe he could not by any good meanes bring to pafle.
Then he beginneth, like a Politician, to enter into confideration of
his Maifters humor; and yf he be prodigall, he preacheth of Gentle-
manlyke liberalitie: yf coueteous and worldly, then he turneth his
copie, and prattles of fparing; he telles him he keepes too many idle
fellowes, his Butterie is too open, and his fare too coftly; lefie would
ferue and as well fatisfie. With a thoufand fuch lyke tales he tyreth
his Maifters eares ; which needeth not, for they are fubiedt enough to
heare now adayes fuch pratlyng Parafites, efpecially talking of
profite or fparing. And yf his Maifter lende him hearing, and
feeme to allow of his talke, then he ceafleth not to inuent and
inuaigh againft his fellowes, hoping thereby to creepe into foie
credite with his Maifter, and to lyft them out that are men of much
more merite, and better defart. But all this his pradtife and pratling,
is not with finceere affedtion to preferre his Maifters profite, but
thereby to grope for fome gayne to himfelfe. For Pettie in his ciuill
conuerfation fayth : That, marke when you will, yf any feeke to come
vp or benefite them felues, they feeke by briberie, flatterie, and fuch
other finifter meanes, yf they want the giftes of Nature and nurtureThe Seruingmans Comfort.	145
to the fame to commende them. Now yf this new vpftart tradefman
preuayle in his pradrife, it makes the Maifter flenderly regarde his
olde Seruantes, it makes him agayne fmally, or not at all, rewarde
them for their long feruice, and good defartes; it cutteth them fhort
of their wonted allowance, as well for fare and dyet, as for their
libertie: which mayming of their mayntenance, and laming their
libertie, makes their lyues fo myferable, their profeffion fo con-
temptible, and their manners fo mutable, as not being able (as before)
to play the good fellowes, they fall in to fome defperate humor, or fome
malecontent melancholyke, curfing the houre of their creation, the day
of their natiuitie, the place of their education, and the tyme wherein
they tooke vpon them this their profeffion, wyffiing they had been
brought vp otherwyfe, though it had been to the greateft and moll
feruile bodyly laboure. For, Who is fo wobegon, as firft a man, and
then none ? And thus much for the ambitious minde of the Coun-
treyman.
Now for the difdaine of the right Seruingman [who,] finding him-
felfe thus agreeued, and his difeafe incurable, without change of ay re,
leaueth his place and profeflion, and retyreth him felfe into fome
folitarie defart, where I will leaue him to the mercie of his malecon*
tent humors. Now, he being thus banifhed as an exile, fteppes into
his place fome mate of leffie merite, which hauing no partes to com-
mende him, nor gyftes to deferue gaynes, becommeth very officious
and diligent, willing to droyle and drudge in any feruile fort, fo as he
may get meate to his belly, and clothes to his backe, without refpedt
of the credite of his place, his prefent gayne, or his future preferment:
and when an other of better partes commeth to fupply that place,
hauing a care of his credite, and refped to his preferment, his Maifter
will regarde him no more then the other, neither in wages nor
u146	The Seruingmans Comfort.
rewarde : fo that this kinde of feruice by this meanes becomes a very
feruile feruitude. What might further hereof be difcourfed I will
omit, fince I rauft touch it more at large in the fequell of this treatife,
and therefore thus much (hall fuffice concernyng this ambition and
difdayne.
Now foloweth the laft part of this Tradiate, wherein I will (hew
(God willing) into what vtter ruine, downefall, decay, and meere
miferie, this ftate of Seruingmen is fallen, by the decay of Hofpitalitie
and Good-houfekeeping. It were a trauell too tedious to (hew a
capite ad calcem all the caufes that brought this bane and bayle to the
Butterie and Bordes ende, which both being fallen into a confump-
tion, a cureleffe difeafe, there reftes no Phificke helpes to recouer their
decaying members. Wherefore I will omit the originall, from whence
their maladie proceedes, and onely fpeake of the hurt and hinderaunce
that thereof enfueth to the trafiquers in this trade, and minifters of
this mifterie.
Now trueth it is, in diebus illis, in former ages, that Potentates and
Gentlemen of worth fpent their whole Rentes and Reuenues in
Hofpitalitie and good Houfekeeping (Skot and Lot onely excepted);
making euen at the yeeres ende, neuer trubling them felues with the
art of Arithmetique, to adde or fubftradt. They wayed no wealth, but
helde Coyne in vtter contempt, not vouchfafing to touch, handle, or
difpofe of it: that care they committed to the confideration of their
Seruantes, ftridtly obferuing the comaund of wife Cato, Dilige dena-
rium Jed perce (fie) dilige formam. It was rare to fee any of them
fell, or purchafe, or finde more Coyne in their Coffers then would
defray neceffary charges. O how meryly they liued, and what pleafure
they tooke to fee the gunlhot of good ftomackes come batter the
great Chines of their ftaulled Beefe. To compare the pleafures ofThe Seruingmans Comfort.	147
their golden dayes, when Gold was fo finally regarded, with the
miferie of this latter, nay laft age, were able in my iudgement, to
wring teares out of the eyes of Adamant. There was no violating of
Fayth, no breach of promyfe, no hatred nor mallice, no cunning nor
Cunnie-catching, no fwearing nor forfwearing, no feare of fraude, nor
miftruft of friendlhyp, no fymonie, no briberie, no flatterie, no vil-
lany, no deceyte in bargaynyng, no falfe witnefle bearyng, no cruell
murderyng, no craftie confpyring, nor any fraudulent dealing. And
why ? Becaufe Golde, the authour of all this vngodlynes, was not
regarded. Why is promyfe not performed ? Mallice fo manifeft ?
Cunning and Cunny-catching fo common ? Swearing and forfwearing
fo vfuall ? Symonie, Briberie, Flatterie, and all villanie, fo dayly
praftifed ? What is the ende of deceyt in bargayning ? Why doth
the wicked beare falfe witnefle ? the murderer kill cruelly ? the craftie
confpiratour imagine his mifchiefe ? and the fraudulent dealer deceyue
his neighboure ? euen Siluer and Golde, Money is the marke whereat
they all fhoote, the Maifter whom they all obey, the Mine wherein
they all digge, and the Man to whom they all do reuerence. It
is Money they minde, Golde they grope after, and Gayne they groane
for. Money, I fay, Money is the caufe of all this mifchiefe and miferie.
But it may be obiefted, How can Money be the caufe of all this
mifchiefe and miferie ? It neither commaundeth nor forbiddeth, pro-
cureth nor diflwadeth, flattereth nor frowneth, compelleth nor de-
nyeth, furdereth nor hindereth, any man to commit any offence,
villanie or knauerie; it is a dead mettall, and no lyuing creature,
that with fayre wordes, amiable countenance, or faythfull promyfes,
it might intice, allure, or perfwade any man to do anything contrary
to his owne intended meaning or purpofe. Trueth it is, the Mettall
of it felfe cannot be deemed either good or hurtfull: for let it lie, it148	The Seruingmans Comfort.
will neither flop your paflage, nor hinder your iourney, it will not
braue upon you, nor vrge you to any inconuenience, take it and vfe
it with difcretion, it will not be your foe, but your friende. But come
to abufe it, it wyll beare no coales, it wyll not take any wrong at
your handes, it is pure and fined Mettall, and cannot indure to be
mixted with dregges and drofle of lefle efteeme : I fay, it cannot
indure to be vfed otherwyfe then as it is, and to that ende it was
ordeyned. It is not the Mettall of it felfe, as I fayd before, that is
eyther good or hurtfull, but the vfe or abufe of it worketh in it either
of the forefayd effedtes. For marke from the beginning, whom you
haue feene to abufe it, I meane, to defire or procure it, contrary to
law, equitie, and confcience (for that is. the abufe of it) and it hath
not quit him or his their meede, as the faying is: euen rewarded him
according to his defartes.
Did not Iudas that falfe traytor, euen for the couetous defire of
Coyne, betray his owne maifter our fauiour Chrift into the handes of
the Iewes ? But what was his guerden and rewarde ? How long did
he poflefle this bootie, by this his inhumane pradtife obteyned ? Did
he not immediately goe foorth, and curfing the houre of his creation,
the time of his birth, the wombe that bore him, and the pappes that
gaue him fucke, and fo in this defperate humor hanged himfelfe ? In-
finite are the number of them againft whom this definite fentence of
death, or other danger hath been adiudged, onely for abufing thefe
pure and refined earthly commaunders, Golde and Siluer.
You haue now proued, may fome fay, that the wrong vfe of worldly
treafure breedeth many difeafes in this humane focietie: but what
particuler hurt hereof enfueth to Hofpitalitie, which is the matter you
haue now in hand, you omit. Not fo, my very good friendes; but
haue patience a while, and I will pay you the vttermoft farthing.The Seruingmans Comfort.	149
I haue tolde you before, in what fmall efteeme men of worth in
former ages helde this worldlinges God, nay, they were fo afrayde to
difcontent or abufe it, that they would neither make nor meddle with
it, but by fubftitutes and deputies, with the helpe of it procured to
them felues all worldly necefiaries, which was the totall of their de-
fire. But the Deuill (in my iudgement the authour, roote, and
originall of all mifchiefe and miferie,) hath infufed into this mettall
fome peece of Adamant, and into mans defire and affedtion fome
lumpe of Iron ; which Adamant, according to his nature, drawing the
Iron vnto it, linketh them felues togeather in vndefolueable bondes of
earthly perpetuitie, during this worldly pilgrimage : not much vnlyke
the Caftle of Adamant, feigned in the hiftorie of Hughon of Bur-
deaux, which Caftle hauingdrawne the fayd Hughon vnto it, all hope
of departure thence was quite extinguilhed, onely except he coulde
efcape and be thence delyuered by an extraordinarie and imminent
danger: which was, to be caried ouer the Sea in the clawes of a
Griffine, whofe defire was to deuoure him, and that was one danger :
and in great hazard in regarde of his wayght to fall from the fayd
Griffine into the Ocean and fo be drowned, and that was an other
danger: which dangers, as they were great and perilous, fo I holde
their perils no lefle dangerous, and as hard for them to be feperated
and deliuered from this pernitious Adamant Caftle, that hath linked
and chained them felues vnto it by their extraordinarie couetoufe de-
fire of this worldly Mammon. Now this affedlionate defire of this
bafe Bulloigne, has' linked and chayned the hartes of great ones
vnto it, fuch as in former ages were wont to maynteine Hofpitalitie
and Good-houfe-keeping in the higheft degree, in fuch a felfe blinded
bond of aflurance, as they fall into confideration and warie waighing
of all the furpluflage to that charge belonging : fo leflening, pinching,
1 Old ed. has hauing.150	The Seruingmans Comfort.
deminilhyng, deuiding, and fubftradting of it, as they may almoft be
alhamed of the remayne, it is drawen into fo narrow a roome: nay,
yf they holde on (as God wot they haue1 done too long) their fub-
ftradtes I feare mee wilbe, Take nothing out of nothing, and there re-
maynes nothing. I aduife you goe not falling to fuch a houfe, for
there you may as foone breake your necke as your fall. O miferable
and ftrange language, and not fo llrange as true. Where are the great
Chines of llaulled Beefe ? the great blacke Jackes of doble Beere,
the long Haull tables fully furnilhed with good victuals, and the
multitude of good fellowes aflembling to the houfes of Potentates and
men of worth? In a worde, they are all banylhed with the fpirit of
the Butterie; they are as rare in this age, as common in former tymes.
Thefe Potentates and Gentlemen, as I fayd before, haue begun in this
maner to leflen their charge : fyrft, for their three yeeres ftaulled Beefe,
it was too fatte, and triple charge: one yeere, nay lefle will ferue to
fatte a Bullocke, the meate much fweeter, and the charge much lefle,
and fo for other vidtualles of that kinde. Now for Beefe, Mutton,
Veale, Pigge, Goofe, and Capon, which was the fubftaunce of their
prouifion in thofedayes, wherewith their Tables were dayly furnilhed,
fo that there was good cheere with plentie for them that fate, good
reuertions for them that wayted, and great reliefe for the poore
amongll thofe full platters, now thefe bountifull and fubftantiall
dylhes are changed into cates of lefle coft, though dylhes of rarer
deuice. Now there muft be Goofe-giblets, Pigs-petitoes, and fo many
other boyled meates, forced meates, and made dylhes, as wyll fupply
the roome of the fubftantiall accuftomed full-platters, to furnylh the
Table, though they be but as liphers in Augrime, to fupply the
number. Allow notwithftanding, that this kinde of feruice doth fatisfie
and content them that are lerued, yet what lhall anfwere the hungrieThe Seruingmans Comfort.	151
appetites of the attendantes that hath long fafted in hope of this re-
uertion ? Euen the remayne of thefe cold boyled meates, and made
dyfhes, muft fatisfie their hungrie appetites, which may wel be called
colde Commons: but after this latter dinner is ended, fmall are the
broken meates that remayne to relieue the poore. Nay further, con-
cerning their fare, they (like good Phifitians) confider that change of
choyce dyfhes and feuerall meates at one time may breede a furfet,
and all fuperfluitie bringeth exceffe, and therefore they will draw their
multitude of dyfhes into a leffe number, and content them felues onely
with two or three dyfhes at the moft, with Fruite and Cheefe after, to
fupply, yf neede require. Now, yf they haue but two or three
dyfhes, what fhould they neede fo many Attendantes ? So, wanting
feruice wherein to imploy them, there they cut off an other charge :
this affoordes them a doble benefite, it cuts off the charge of Men, and
many Dyfhes. But yet there remaynes one feruice, wherein they
muft imploy moe Men then the tables attendance requireth, that is, yf
their Miftres ryde abrode, fhe muft haue .vi. or .viii. Seruingmen to
attende her, fhe muft haue one to carrie her Cloake and Hood, leaft
it raine, an other her Fanne, if fhe vfe it not her felfe, an other her
Boxe with Ruffes and other neceffaries, an other behinde whom her
Mayde or Gentlewoman muft ryde, and fome muft be loofe to open
Gates, and fupply other feruices that may be occafioned. Now to
deminifh and cut of this charge, afwell of Horfe as Men, there is now
a new inuention, and that is, fhe muft have a Coach, wherein fhe,
with her Gentlewomen, Mayde, and Chyldren, and what neceffaries
as they or any of them are to vfe, may be caryed and conueyed with
fmaller charge, leffe coft, and more credite, as it is accompted: for
one or two Men at the moft, befides the Coach-man, are fufficient for
a Gentlewoman or Lady of worthy parentage. Now at Boord and152	The Seruingmans Comfort.
abrode, yf fo few Seruantes may fatisfie, and fupply all the feruice that
herein can be required, all the reft fure are Juperuacu\T\um and omne
nimium vertitur in vitium ; therefore, leaft by the mayntenance of this
fuperfluous charge, the fuperabundant number of Seruingmen might
grow vitious, and fo blame-worthy, thefe remedies before rehearfed
were put in vre and vfe, fo that hereby the number of this Companie
is much leflened and impayred.
Now it ftiould feeme (in my iudgement) that the leflenyng and di-
minifhyng of this confort of companions fhould better their eftate and
callyng: for the fewer that a Gentleman hath attending him, the
better he may prefer them, being as able in worldly poffeflions as his
aunceftors, which maynteyned many moe. But it falles out contrarie;
for their feruice was neuer fo fmally regarded and rewarded as now;
and yet the number of them neuer fo fmall.
The Gentleman (I know) will thus anfwere for him felfe, that he
is neither able to do fo much for his men, nor to mayteine his port
& hofpitalitie in fo bountifull manner as his aunceftors in former
ages: for his Father, or Graundfather, payde but .xx j. an Oxe,
.iii.a Mutton, .ii.j. a Calfe, vi.d. a Goofe. iiii.^. a Capon, \\.d.
a Henne, and .ii.^. a Pigge, and for all other houfeholde prouifionthe
like rate. Now there is not any thing that belonges to houfekeeping,
but it is a triple charge ouer it was; and whereas one hundred
poundes a yeere was a competent lyuing to maynteine good hofpi-
talitie, now three hundred pound a yeere will not defray the charge
of fuch a houfe, rateably proportionyng all neceflaries thereunto be-
longing, without exceeding his accuftomed plentie. Now his lyuing
is not greater than was his anceftors, nor any Acre by traift of tyme
enlarged : yf the charge therefore grow thus doble[y] burdenous, by
reafon of the deerenes of all kinde of prouifion to that houfe keeping153
The Seruingmans Comfort.
belonging, and his mayntenance not any way augmented, How is it
poffible for him to maynteine himfelfe in Jlatu quo prius ? Now,
Farmours, fpeake for your felues, for I holde you fufficient (though
not learned) to anfwere this queftion, and difcide this doubt.
Mee thinkes I fee them ftriue, who ffiould fpeake firft: free
libertie is graunted, therefore fpeake in order, and you fhall all be
heard.
Mary then, fayes one, Let me haue the tenne Acres at the olde
rent, and I will finde you Beefes for your houfe at .xx.j. a peece.
Sayes another, Let me haue fuch a Farme as it went an hundred
Yeeres fince, and I will ferue you Muttons at .ii.j. vi.d. the cafe.
Well, fayth the thirde, let me have your Demaynes in fuch a place,
for the rent your Graundfather let them, and I will finde you all
other houfehold prouifion, for ordinarie vidtualles, at the rate he
payde: therefore, yf your Houfekeeping be more chargeable then it
was by the deerenes of your dyet, then your Landes yeeldes you
more profite then it did, by rearing the rent.
Thus is the Landlordes excufe anfwered with quid pro quo. But
what may the poore Seruant heere obiedt, and fay for him felfe ?
In tymes paft, I could haue bought Cloth for.ii.r. the brode yarde,
an Halt-for .xii.d., a Shirt for .x.d., a payre of Bootes for .ii.r., and
whatfoever other neceffaries belonged me, at like rate: now I muft pay
three tymes dearer for any part of the fayd Apparrell, and yet my
Wages not more then my great Graundfathers, [he] fupplying the
fame place and office I doe. But it may be obiedted on the behalfe of
Maifters, that my aunceftor or predeceffor coulde be content with
corfe Karfie, or Countreys Ruflet, for his Holyday Garment, and
you, with your fraternitie, in thefe latter dayes, cannot be content to
fhape your Coate according to your Cloth, and your expences ac-
x154	The Seruingmans Comfort.
cording to your mayntenance : but you, or the moll of your confort,
mull in maner exceede your Maifters in brauerie, and collly-falhionate
Apparrell. ‘Turpe doffori cum culpa redarguit ipfum, It is a lhamefor
the Lawgiuer to breake and violate his owne inftitutions.
Truft me, I holde this exceffiue coftly Apparrell a great caufe why
Gentlemen cannot maynteyne their wonted and accuftomed bountie
and liberalitie in Hofpitalitie & houfe-keeping: for when as the
Mercers booke fhall come, Item for fo many yardes of Cloth of
Golde, of Siluer, Veluets, Sattin, Taffata, or fuch lyke ware: the
Goldfmithes Debet for Chaynes, Ringes, Jewels, Pearles, and precious
Stones: the Taylors Bill, fo much for fuch a Sute of laced Satten,
and fuch lyke fuperfluous Charges, amounting in one yeere to more
then the reuenues of his Landes, the charge of Houfe-keeping and
other neceflaries vndefrayde: how can he then chofe but eyther
make others Gentlemen by poffeffing his Inheretaunce, or els betake
him to London, or fome other Sanftuarie, where he may lyue priuate
fo many yeeres, as he is runne ouerlhooes, that debtes thereby may
be payde, and defedtes fupplyed. Which tyme thus fpent in this
priuate lyfe, is fo euyll bellowed, as he cannot make any accompt
thereof to God, his Prince, or his Countrey, to whom he with his
lands, liuing, pofleffion, and worldly patrimonie, is bound in feuerall
dueties; for there is none but knoweth, that at their handes that hath
much, much lhalbe required.
If a Gentleman haue a competent lyuing, that wyll maynteine
good Hofpitalitie (which is, as I fayd before, the harbourer of two
hopes, Prayfe and Prayers) and him felfe like a Gentleman, yf he will
not exceede his degree, al other fuperfluous charge layde a part, wyl
bellow upon his owne or his wiues backe in brauerie of apparrel halfe
a yeere of his houfe-keepinges charge, the other halfe yeere mull ofThe Seruingmans Comfort.	155
neceflitie be mavmed, pinched, and impayred, to the great hurt and
hinderaunce of that duetie which he is bound to performe by neigh-
bourhood to his Countrey, and by charitie to his poore brother.
Concerning this coftly and fafhionate Apparrel, I remember a
notable example of a King of England (as it is fayd) that called 1
vpon occafion, certayne of his Noblemen and Peeres of his Realme
to the Court, whyther when they came, one amongft the reft came
very homely apparreled, in a Jerken of Frieze and a pay re of
bretches of Countreys Ruflet, and al his other apparrel correfpondent;
his trayne and attendantes werq a hundred or fixe fcore proper and
perfonable men, all well Horfed, and gallantly furnilhed at all poyntes.
This Noble-man, thus attended, came to the Court, and doing his
duetie to his Prince and Soueraigne, the King fayd vnto him : My
Lord, I cannot but commende your troupe and trayne fo well fur-
nifhed, and your felfe fo worthyly attended : but your owne perfon to
be apparrelied in fo bafe and vnfeemely a fuite, I cannot but highly
difcommende, for that it befitteth not a man of your eftate, degree and
calling, but alwayes to be apparrelied in coftly, comely, decent, and
handfome habite. Well, my Leige apd Soueraigne, anfwered the
Noble-man, What as is amifle lhalbe amended (God willing.) So
going from the Court to his lodging, he fent prefently his Man to
buy hym a rich gowne of blacke Veluet, the fleeues thereof all befet
with Aglets of Golde, a Veluet Cappe, with a Fether and a Golde
Bande, very richly bordered about with Pearles and precious Stones
of great value, a fuite of Cloth of golde of the neweft and richeft
falhion, his Gyrdle and Hangers richly imbrodred and befet with
coftly Pearle with all other his apparrell no lefs ftately and coftly.
Thus richly furnifhed, attended with onely one Man and a Page, he
makes his repayre the next morning to the Court agayne, where whep
1 Old ed. has calling.156	The Seruingmans Comfort.
he had done his duetie to the King: Yea mary, my Lord, fayd the
King, you are now like your felfe, and as you fhould be : but where
is your goodly trayne of Men and Horfe, wherewith you were yefter-
day fo gallantly garded ? If it may like your Grace, anfwered the
good Earle, throwing down his Cappe, Heere is twentie Men and
twentie Horfe : and throwing off his Gowne, fays, Heere lyes fourtie
Men and fourtie Horfe more, with other the reft of his fumptuous
Rayment at the lyke rate, faying, that all his Men and Horfes were
turned into gorgious Garments. Now, fayth he, yf it like your
Maieftie that I fhould maynteine my felfe in thefe Royall Roabes to
do your Grace feruice, onely garded with my Man and my Page, or
that I fhould maynteine my troupe of Horfe and Men, to do your
Maieftie feruice at home, or abrode againft your Graces forraine foes,
or domefticall Rebels (yf any fuch fhalbe) in my homely habite?
Whether of thefe, as it fhall pleafe your Grace to commaunde me, I
am redie to obey : but my liuing is not able to perfourme them both.
Now what anfwere he receyued from the King I know not, but if
both could not be perfourmed, then I perfwade my felfe that none is
fo fimple, but will preferre the Men and Horfe, before the gorgious
Garmentes, both for the honour of the King, the credite of the
Maifter, the fauegarde of the Countrey, the common good for the
weale publique, and in all other refpedtes whatfoeuer. But Totnam
is turned French, thefe Men and Horfe are metamorphofed into
Golden Garmentes, which makes Seruingmen, yea and Men, fo litle
fet by, and fo fmally regarded: Wherfore they may wel both fay &
fing>
In vaine, my eyes, in vaine you waft your trickling teares,
In vaine my fighes, my fighes, and fobbes of my defpayres:
In vaine you fearch thefe troupes of gallent men and horfe,
In vaine you fearch, for paynted plumes hath banifhd al remorfe.The Seruingmans Comfort.	157
The (lately Towers decay, the Courts therof grow greene,
No palkage into Pallace fayre, where great refort hath beene:
The Hauls are now too large, the Tables are too long,
The clouted (hooes comes in fo fad, they keepe too great a throng.
The Chargers now be changed, wherein men wont to eate,
An old Fruite dilh, is big enough to hold a ioynt of meate :
A Sallad, or a Sauce, to tafte your cates withall,
Some {(range deuice to feede mens eyes, mens ftomackes now be fmall.
And where the Porters lodge, did yeelde beefe, bread, and beere,
The Kitchen, Haul, & Parlor to, now wantes it twice a yeere :
Now Seruingmen may ling, adue, you golden dayes,
Meere miferie hath taken place, where plentie purchaft prayfe.
Thus you have heard, that the number of this profeffion, by this
decay of Hofpitalitie, is greatly leflened and diminifhed, and fo con-
fequently the date of the remaine impayred : for what trade or occu-
pation is beft, there are commonly of the fame moft profeflors. But
I will fpeake a worde or two of the perticuler inconueniences that
hath happened to this, at the firft happie, but by trad of tyme, thrife
unfortunate fraternitie : hereby I meane by the decay of good Houfe-
keeping.
Firft, whereas their pleafures were equall with their Maifters, and
their Maifters tooke pleafure commonly in honeft fportes: now thefe
their Maifters fportes and paftimes are either turned into couetouf-
nefie, groping after worldly graith, or els into riotous fpending their
Patrimonie in gay Cloathes, lafciuious lewdnes, extraordinarie gaming,
or fuch like; the godly meane, which is the heavenly harmonie, is
now baniftied thefe (I may fay) inhumane coaftes, and cannot be
harboured in any of our Hauens. Now the Seruingmans pleafure, is
turned into feruile toyle and droyling drudgerie; for fince he hath no
fellowes but that are dayly and hourely imployed : and how ? Not in158	The Seruingmans Comfort.
pleafure, as before, in haulking, hunting, fy filing, and fowling, but
in other bufinefle, he himfelfe alwayes riding and running about
worldly bufines, or otherwife, as it fhall pleafe his Maifter to appoynt.
But I cannot, nor will not may nteine argument againft this, for Otium eft
radix omnium malorum, Idlenefle is the roote of all mifchiefe; and if
Seruingmen Ibould do no feruice but as they were wont, and tie
them felues to their ancient cuftome, then they fhould be altogeather
idle, becaufe former imployment is taken away. But it may be
obiedled, You tolde vs what maruels Seruingmen merited at their
Maifters handes in former ages: and why are not their defartes fo
well gratified in thefe latter dayes, as before ? Marie, for many re-
fpedtes, yet principally for two. Firft, they are for the mod part,
though not all, of a bafer mettall then they were wont to be; and
therefore the kinde vfage and friendly familiaritie, that in former ages
did linke the Maifter and the Seruant togeather, is now on the
Maifters behalfe had in vtter contempt and difdaine, in regard of their
homely, rufticke, and vngentlemanlike bringing up, which they re-
garde as it is, and rewarde onely with bare wages. Couenauntes they
keepe and perfourme, as Artificers do with their Apprentifes, &
Workemen with their Labourers; but preferment ouer and aboue
they get none. And why ? Becaufe their finguiaritie in any of their
feruices is no fuch as can merite or deferue anything aboue promife.
Neither doth Maifters now adayes take any fuch pleafure in the
qualities of their Men, as they1 can affoorde them a Farme for their
feates, or a yeerely Annuitie for their {kill in any of the feuen
liberal] Sciences. Beleeue me, I fpeake as I thinke: if the wifedome
of Salomon, the ftrength of Sampfon, the beawtie of Abfalon, the
prowes of Hercules, the eloquence of Cicero, the profound learning of
wife Plato, and all the excellenteft partes that can be named, were all
1 Old ed. has be.159
The Seruingmans Comfort.
comprehended in one man, and the fame man would fhroude him
felfe in the habite of a Seruingman, and profefle the fame by taking
foure Markes a yeere wages and a Liuerie, I verily beleeue his pre-
ferment fhould be rather a Remuneration then a Guerdon, if he get
any in this Leaden and laft age. But what is the difference betwixt
the Remuneration and the Guerdon, may fome fay, we would faine
know ? otherwife we can not tell how you meane this well qualited
Seruingmans defartes fhould be rewarded. Your queftion is reafonable,
and therefore I will diftinguifh them as their difference was tolde me
not long fince by a friende of mine.
There was, fayth he, a man (but of what eftate, degree, or calling,
I Will not name, leafte thereby I might incurre difpleafure of any) that
comming to his friendes houfe, who was a Gentleman of good reckon-
ing, and being there kindly entertayned and well vfed, as well of his
friende the Gentleman, as of his Seruantes : one of the fayd Seruantes
doing him fome extraordinarie pleafure during his abode there : at his
departure he comes vnto the fayd Seruant, and faith unto him, Holde
thee, here is a remuneration for thy paynes, which the Seruant re-
ceyuing, gave him vtterly for it (befides his paynes) thankes, for it
was but a Three-farthinges peece : and I holde thankes for the fame
a fmall price, howfoeuer the market goes. Now an other comming
to the fayd Gentlemans houfe, it was the forefayd Seruants good hap
to be neare him at his going away, who calling the Seruant vnto him,
fayd, Holde thee, heere is a Guerdon for thy defartes. Now the Ser-
uant payde no deerer for the Guerdon then he did for the Remunera-
tion, though the Guerdon was .xi,d. farthing better, for it was a
Shilling, and the other but a Three-farthinges. Therefore, I fay as
I fayd before, the man of beft qualitie in thefe dayes, if he be a
Seruingman by profeflion, fhalbe as flenderly rewarded for his feruice,160	The Seruingmans Comfort.
as the mome of no merite, that hath no partes at all in him worthy
commendation.
Now for the other reafon, why Seruingmens defartes are not re-
warded in thefe dayes, as they were wont in former ages: it is,
becaufe Gentlemen nowadayes have more vfe of their Land &
Liuing, their Kine and Coyne, their Rentes and Reuenues, their
Siluer and Golde, and all other their worldly Treafure, then they were
wont to haue: for in times before they had fo much (many of them)
as they bellowed Landes, Liuinges, Rentes and Reuenues, vaynely
and ceremonioufly upon Friers, Monk.es, Abbots, Cannons, and
pelting popylh. Prieftes. And to what ende ? Euen that they, and
their crue, might pray that their foules might pafle Purgatorie with
lefle pennance then they would willingly endure. But now they finde
other vfe for it, then either to bellow it upon fuch momylh MalT-
mongers, or any of it vpon them that better deferue it, their owne
Men.
What fay they, yf a Seruingman for long and duetifull feruice re-
quell the Leafe of a Farme at the olde rent, or fome other prefer-
ment ? Was my Liuing left me to bellow upon my Men, or to deuide
amongll my Children ? Why do I giue you wages, but in regarde
of your feruice ? If you like not me nor my wages, you may prouide
for your felfe when you will, I will not be your hinderaunce; not
waighing and confidering, that his wages is not able to finde his
Man neceflaries from the middle downe: but I dare not fpeake what
I thinke, neither what might be fpoken, concerning wages in thefe
dayes. But why is the Gentleman fo peremptorie and refolute at his
Mans reafonable requell ? Mary, becaufe he knoweth where to haue
a Man fitter for his purpofe, that will llande him in lefle charge; and
therefore Seruingmen are not rewarded as they were wont, becaufe161
The Seruingmans Comfort.
Gentlemen nowadayes cannot fpare any preferment to beftow vpon
them. But what is this fellow that is fitter for his purpofe, and will
ftande him in lefle charge, expecting no preferment at all at his handes,
no, not fo much commonly as Wages ? It is (as I fayd before) his
neighbours Sonne, who will not onely maynteine him felfe with all
neceflaries, but alfo his father will gratifie his Maifters kindnes at
Chriftmas with a New-yeeres gyft, and at other Feftiuall times with
Pigge, Goofe, Capon, or other fuch like houfeholde prouifion. And
why will the good olde Yeoman be at all this charge, fince his fonne
woulde otherwife earne him much more profite, and do him much
more pleafure ? Why ? Marie, becaufe his Sonne fhalbe fure to
keepe the Catte from the Tonges at home, when other his neighbours
children fhall trudge into Fraunce, Flaunders, and other Nations, to
do their Prince and Countrey feruice. But if it woulde pleafe God of
his goodnefle, to fende vs peace and quietnefle, that our gracious
Soueraigne (whom God preferue long amongft vs, to his blefled will
and pleafure) fhould haue no vfe of warlike prouifion at home nor
abrode, and confequently the Yeoman no vfe of the Gentlemans
goodwill and pleafure, you fhould fee thefe new vpftart Seruingmen
flocke to their olde haunt, as the Emmets in the beginning of Sommer
do congregate them felues togeather, to labour while Sommer laftes,
for feare of Winters penury.
Now if this Man, I fay (as I fayd before), my neighbours fonne,
can at one and twentie, or two and twentie, yeeres fupply the place of
a Seruingman, and difcharge that duetie as well as he that hath been
trayned vp in feruice from his childhood, and will take vpon him that
trade, without expecting either prefent gayne, or future preferment
for his feruice at his Maifters handes : what neede then the Gentleman
giue wages and preferment to a Seruingman, yf he may haue thefe of
Y162
The Seruingmans Comfort.
fo free Coft ? But I fay it is pittie that God hath lent that man his
flue Senfes and all other his bodyly members that belonges to the
fufficient furnifhyng of a whole man, that beftowes his talent fo euil,
& fo flouthfully labours in his vocation, as he cannot with all his in-
deuors get meate to his belly, nor clothes to his backe, as thefe do,
that beftowes euen the beft time of all their yeeres in the feruice of
Gentlemen. But this decay of Hofpitalitie hath bred a far greater
mifchiefe amongft Seruingmen then this. For now euery Gentle-
man almoft hath gotten fuch a rabble of Retayners, as makes poore
Houfe-holde feruantes fo fmaliy fet by as they are. For what cares
a Gentleman now adayes to knaue & rafcall his Man at euery worde ?
And yf his Man (as flefti and blood many tymes cannot indure to be
fo inhumanely intreated) ftial fcorne thefe vngentlemanlike tearmes,
and thinke much for fo fmall a caufe, as many times they are, to be
fo hardly vfed: then off goes the Lyuerie Coate or Cloake, and:
packe out of my doores you arrant knaue, I wyll haue your betters
to beare more then this at my handes. Thus is the poore Seruing-
man turned out of his Lyuerie, & out of doores, hauing but a bare
quarters warning, but not that quarter that is allowed them by the
Statute made for Seruants, in Quinto of her Maiefties reigne, which is
a quarter of a yeere, but fcarce a quarter of an houre, to packe up
fuch apparrell as he hath.
But what is the caufe that the Gentleman cares fo lytle for his Man,
though he be neuer fo paynefull, honeft, diligent, and duetifull a
Seruant ? What ? marie this, becaufe he can haue, yf he fende for,
fuch a Retayner, to ryde with him, or runne for him, or do any
feruice he hath to commaunde him, till fuch time as he Ihalbe pro-
uided of another. But poore Seruingman, what Ihall he doe, yf he
be farre from his friendes, and haue fmall acquaintance there whereThe Seruingmans Comfort.	163
he dwelt ? Poore foule, I holde him to be in much worfe cafe then
the impotent Begger, that procureth the Towne-Seale, with certayne
ofhis neighbours handes, where he hath been three yeeres laft refident,
to begge within the limits of fuch hundredes, by vertue of the Statute
made in Vicejfimo Jecundo of our late dread Soueraigne, that worthy
Prince of famous memorie, 'King Henrie the eight, for the reliefe of
the poore : for the one hath free libertie to palfe from Towne to
Towne, without let, moleftation, or hinderance, vfing himfelfe
honeftly: and the other fhalbe accompted as a Roge, and fent to
Gaole, being Maifterleffe, for wandering abroade without a Lycence.
Now the miferable needinefle of Houfe-keeping was the firft
founder, begetter, and rayfer of this Retayner. For yf a Gentleman
nowadayes coulde be content to giue Meate, Drinke, Wages, and
Lyuerie, as his forefather did, to fo many men as he had any im-
ployment for, what neede he then haue any Retayners ? And yf
the Gentleman will pleade inhabilitie, that he is not able by his
Lyuing to maynteine fo many in houfeholde as his father did, though
his degree and calling require no leffe countenance: then let him be
content to cary fo much a lower fayle, and grinde as his winde will
give him leaue: cary that port, credite and countenance in his Coun-
trey, as his lyuing will afforde him maynteinance. I will not fay what
I could concerning thefe Retayners, fince the worthy Lawes and
Statutes of this Realme hath prepared, conftituted, and ordeyned pe-
cuniarie punifhmentes for the offenders herein, yf they might be
duely put into execution. But, dguod Ju-pra nos, nihil ad nos, What
hath Joan to do with my Lady, or I with execution of Lawes or
Statutes, that is neither Conftable nor Borfhoulder of Towne nor
Hundred ? But I wyfh well to all, and would not willingly incurre
difpleafure of any, and craue pardon yf in any thing I haue pad my164	Ihe Seruingmans Comfort.
boundes, or been too bolde. But to returne agayne to my poore
maifterlefle, and Lyuerylefle, nay Lyuerlefle and Hartlefle brother in
Chrift: What Ihall he do, being thus Maifterlefle, moneylefle, &
friendlefle, hauing loft his Maifter and maynteynance both at one in-
ftance ? What, Ihall he beg? no, he wantes his Teftimoniall.
Liberalitie is dead, as I tolde you before, and no body will give him
any thing, becaufe he is able to worke. What then, fhall he worke ?
Alas, he can not earne fait to his pottage, for he hath not been trayned
to any bodyly laboure : and yf he would or coulde, yet’no body will
fet him a worke, becaufe they know him not: and yf they knew him,
yet they will not, for they haue Townefmen labourers enough, to do
what worke they haue. What fhall he then do ? Shall he make his
appearance at Gaddes hill, Shooters hill, Salifburie playne, or New-
market heath, to fit in Commiflion, and examine paflengers ? Not
fo; for then, yf he miftake but a worde, Stande, for Goodmorow, he
fhall ftraight, whereas he did attende, be attended with moe men then
his Maifter kept, and preferred to a better houfe then euer his father
buylded for him, though not fo holfome. What reftes then, (hall he
ftarue ? No, no, Ferrum frangit neceffitas, Hunger breakes ftonewalles:
neceflitie hath no Law : and yet neceflitie vrgeth him to do fome of
thefe, to worke or fteale : to worke if he coulde haue it, I holde well
withall : but to fteale or ftarue, are two hard choyfes; and woe, woe,
and thrife woe be to him that is dryuen to eyther of them, as God
wot many of thefe poore Seruingmen be in this Leaden and laft age.
O who would be a Seruingman, to hazarde to fall into this de-
teftable daunger, and be dryuen into thefe extremities ? even into all
the penurie, beggarie, fcarcitie, and meere miferie, that may befall any
humane creature : nay when they are in their greateft profperitie, and
had in higheft efteeme, yet they are euen then the moft contemnedThe Seruingmans Comfort.	165
and defpifed companie that lyues in this humane focietie. For what
doth a Gentleman now adayes care more for his Man, then to
ferue his prefent turne ? No, no more for him then he doth for
his Dogge or his Horfe, who while they can do him feruice,
he is content to allow them meate, and other neceflaries. But
when the Horfe falles blynde or lame, knocke him in the head:
when the Dogge growes fo olde as he can do nothing but lie by
the fyre, cut his throate, what is he good for, but to fpende
vi&ualles: and the Seruingman, when the Sommer of his yeeres are
fpent, and that crooked olde age hath fummoned him to make her
many low curtefies, with bended knees, fo as he is not able now by his
feruice to earne Otemeale for his Pottage, then off goes his Ihooes,
and he is turned to the Common ; impafture is too good for him, for
who would keepe one to do nothing, and bread fo deare ? Thus
much doth his Maifter regarde him, when he is able to do him no
more feruice.
Agayne, yf this honeft minded Seruingman doth enter into conli-
deration of his eftate, and woulde willingly by fome honeft meanes
prouide that he myght liue in time to come like a man, and fo lendes
a louing looke to fome Yeoman or Countreymans daughter, whofe
Father he thinkes will bellow upon her fome reafonable portion, that
with good hulbandry may maynteine them both neighbour-like : then
upon fome good lyking of both the parties, he comes to the Father
& Mother of the Mayde to craue their good willes in the matter.
What then ? fayes the Father, fhall I bellow my Daughter vpon
a Gentleman forfooth, that wantes lyuing, and cannot worke ? On a
Seruingman, on a begger ? Noe, I am not yet fo weerie of my
Daughter, as I would fee her ftande neede of an almes: no no, I pray
you, prouide for your felfe otherwyfe, for my Daughter is not, nor166	The Seruingmans Comfort.
fhall be, a pray for your pawes. Then it comes to the eares of my
neighbours kinfmen & friendes, that my neighbour Jenkingfons
daughter fhall haue M. what call you-hims man. Then they beginne
to gabble amongft them felues What, fhall Joan haue a Seruingman ?
is her father fo madd as he wyll marrie her to a Seruingman ? What,
to a Seruingman, fayes one ? To a Seruingman, fayes another ? He
neyther hath any thyng, nor can earne any thyng. How wyll they
lyue, fayes one ? How wyll they lyue, fayes another ? Marie merily,
tyll his wyues portion be fpent, and then wyll he be gone, and play
leafl in fight. Mee thinkes he myght remember the olde faying: A
Bakers wyfe may byte of a Bunne, a Brewers wyfe may drinke of a
Tunne, and a Fyfhmonger’s wyfe may feede of a Cunger, but a
Seruingmans wyfe may ftarue for hunger.
Thus vncharitably do they all iudge of the poore Seruingman.
What eftate, degree, or callyng, can then be more miferable then the
profeflion of a Seruingman ? Heere to day and gone to morow.
In good credite with his Maifter at noone, and Jacke out of office
before night. It was not for nothyng that a good fellow, and friende
of myne, a Seruingman, told mee he neuer made his Bedde before he
went to it: for, fayth he, I know not in the mornyng, whether I fhall
lie in it at nyght or no, and therefore I wyll be fure my Maifter fhall
not owe mee a bedde making.
And thus you fee, gentle Reader, the eftate, degree, callyng, and
profeflion, of euery poore Seruingman, in thefe latter dayes, to be
more waueryng and vnconftant, then Winters weather, Womens
thoughtes, or Fortunes wheele, that neuer reftes rowlyng and turnyng
about, in all thynges mutable but mutabilitie.
Thus, courtuous Reader, I haue fet downe, accordyng to my fmall
iudgement herein, to what ende this fraternitie of Seruingmen was atThe Seruingmans Comfort.	167
the fyrft ordeyned, and of what mettall they were made. I haue alfo
declared how floryfhing was the prime of their profeffion, and what
eftate, credite, and countenaunce, they lyued in, in former ages, euen
tyll Vltima linea vita. And thirdly and laftly, into what penurie
fcarcitie, beggery, meere myferie, and vtter ruine, fubuertion, and
contempt, this auncient buyldyng is fallen into, in this leaden, latter,
and laft age. Whofe fall I earneftly lament and bewayle, wyllyng
(yf any way I coulde) to procure a falue for this incurable difeafe.
But, fince I cannot, I wyll pray euen Ab intimo corde, from the bottom
of my hart, that this companie of Seruingmen may eyther be better
rewarded for their feruice, and better efteemed of amongft their
fuperiours, equals, and inferiours; or els that none of my friendes,
or welwillers, doe take vpon them this trade and profeffion1 (though
for my owne part I cannot fpeake any thyng of this by my owne
experience, as hauyng tailed my felfe the gaule of this bitter-fweete :
for euer fince I was a Seruingman, I haue receyued the full meafure
of my defartes at my Maifter’s handes) lead they Ihould fall into the
before rehearfed inconueniences, which are very incident generally to
the profeflors of this callyng.
1 Old ed. has profejjions.
FINIS.The Court and Country,
OR
A briefe Difcourfe Dialogue-wife fet downe
betweene a Courtier and a Country-man.
Contayning the manner and condition of their Hues with many
Deledtable and Pithy Sayings worthy obferuation.
- Alfo, necelfary Notes for a C O VR TIER.
-------------7—^----—	-----------
Written by N) B: Gent.
The Country-man.	The Courtier.
Printed at London by G. Eld for Iohn Wfight, and are to be fold at his (hop
at the Signe of the Bible without Newgate, 1618.THE
Court and Country,
OR
A Briefe Difcourfe betweene the
Courtier and Country-man;
of the Manner, Nature, and Condi-
tion of their Hues.
Dialogue-wife fet downe betwixt a
Courtier and Country-man.
Conteyning many Deledtable and Pithy
Sayings, worthy Obfervation.
Alfo, necejfary Notes for a COVRTIER.
Written by N.B. Gent.
London
Printed by G. Eld for Iohn Wright, and are to
be Sold at his Shoppe at the Signe of the Bible
without Newgate.
1618.To the Reader.
MONG many Paftages that I have met with in the
world it was my hap of late to light on a kinde Contro-
uerfie betweene two Kinfmen, a Courtier and a Country-
man, who meeting together vpon a time, fell to per-
fwading one another from their courfes of Life; the Courtier would
faine haue drawne the Countryman to the Court, and the Countryman
the Courtier to the Country. The reafons for their delights, and
loue to their manner of Hues, I haue fet downe as I found them; but
whatfoeuer they alledged for their contentments] it feemed they were
refolued | vpon their Courfes] for in the end they left where they
begunnej euery man to his owne humour,' and fo brake off. Now what
Profit or Pleafure may arife by the reading of them, I referre to their
difcretion that can beft beft make vfe of them. Matter of ftate is
not here medled with ; fcurrillity heere is none: no taxing of any
Perfon nor offence iuftly to any whofoeuer: But paffages of witte,
without the malice of any euill minde. And in fumme, matter of
good fubftance, and mirth enough to driue away a great deal of
melancholy; and fo leauing it to your Patience to read, and to your
Pleafure to efteeme of as you fee caufe: both to Courtiers and
Countrimen that are kinde and honeft men, I reft, to wifh content in
the Courfe of a happy life, and fo remaine
Your well wifhing Countreyman
N. B.To the Worfhipfull and worthy
Knight, the fauourer of all good
Vertues and Studies Sir Stephen
Poll, of Blackmoore in EJfex; and
to his worthy Lady Health Honour,
and eternal! HappineJJe.
Worthy Knight,
Eing well acquainted with your true knowledge of the
Honour of the Court, and the Pleafure of the Coun-
trey :	your iudiciall Obferuation in your Trauels
abroad, and your fweet retyred Life at home :
Finding my Seruice indebted to many of your vndeferued boun-
tifull Fauours, and willing, in fome fruites of my Labour, to Ihewe
the thankefulnefle of my Loue I haue aduentured to prefent your
Patience with a fhort Difcourfe, in the manner of a Dialogue, betweene
a Courtier and a Countriman, touching the Liues of either: What
Matter of worth is in it I will leaue to your difcretion to confider of,
with my bounden Seruice to the honour of your Commaund, hoping
that either heere or in the Country it will be a pretty paftage of idle
time with fome matter of mirth to remoue melancholy. And
fo in Prayer for your health, and your good Ladies,
to whom, with your felfe, Dedicating
this fhort Dialogue, I reft
Tours, humbly deuoted to be Commanded
Nich. Breton.The Courtier and the Country-man.
Covntry-Man. I am To indeede, and wifh that you were fo too:
for then fhould you not be fo great an eye-fore to your friends, nor
fuch an enemy to your felfe : for, I feare the place you liue in is
more coftly then profitable; where, for one that goes vp the weather
a number goe downe the winde, and perhaps the place not fo truly
full of delight as the paflage through a meaner compafle.
Covrt. Oh Coufin, you cannot but confefle that blinde men can
iudge no coulours, and you that liue plodding to purchafe a pudding,
cannot but diftaft any meat that may compare with it, though in
many degrees of goodnes it exceede it: for, fhould I tell you truly
what I know of it, you would foon alter your opinion to a point
of better iudgment. Oh, the gallant life of the Court, where fo
many are the choices of contentment, as if on earth it were the Para-
dife of the world : the maiefty of the Soueraigne, the wifdome of the
Councell, the honour of the Lords, the beauty of the Ladies, the care
Covrtier.
OUSIN, Well met; I fee you are ftill for the Country,
your habite, your countenance, your footing and your
carriage doe all plainly fhew you are no changeling,
but euery day alike, one, and the fame.
A A178 The Courtier and the Country-man.
of the Officers, the courtfey of the Gentlemen, the diuine Seruice of
the Morning and Euening, the -witty, learned, ncible, and pleafant
difcourfes all day, the variety of wits, with the depth of iudgments,
the dainty fare, fweetly drefled and neatly ferued, the delicate wines
and rare fruites, with excellent Mufique and admirable Voyces,
Mafkes and Playes, Dauncing and Riding; deuerfity of Games, de-
lightfull to the Gamfters purpofes; and Riddles, Queftions and
Anfwers ; Poems, Hiftories, and ftrange inuentions of Witt, to ftartle
the Braine of a good vnderftanding ; rich Apparrell, precious Jewells,
fine proportions, and high Spirits, Princely Coaches, ftately Horfes,
royall Buildings and rare Architecture, fweete Creatures and ciuill
Behauiour: and in the courfe of Loue fuch carriage of content as
fetts the Spirit in the lap of pleafure, that if I ffiould talke of the
praife of it all day, I ffiould be ffiort of the worth of it at night.
Covnt. And there withall you wak’t; or elfe you are like a
Mufitian that onely playes vpon one firing: but, touch the Bade,
with the Treble, the Meane, with the Counter Tenor, and then fee
how the firings will agree together, and whether the Voyces doe not
rather faine then fing plaine, for feare the Ditty may difgrace the
Note, and fo the Muficke be not worth the hearing. But if all be as
you fay, yet take the Euening with the Morning, and all the weeke
with the holyday, the fower with the fweet, and the coft with the
pleafure, and tell me then if once in feauen yeares, when your ftate is
weakened and your Land wafted, your Woods vntimberd, your Paf-
tures vnftored, and your Houfes decayed: then tell me whether you
find the prouerbe true, of the Courtier young and old : though fome-
time a Bell-weether may bee fat, when many a better ffieepe cannot
hit on fo good a feeding. But fince you fpeake fo fcornefully of theThe Courtier and the Country-man. 179
Country life, if you were or could be fo happy as to apprehend
the true content in the courfe of it, you would fihake the head and
figh from the heart to be fo long from the knowledg of it, and
neuer be at reft till you were gotten to it. Oh, the fweete of the
Country life, in which are fo many and fo true varieties of pleafures
as keepe the fpirit euer waking, and the fenfes euer working for the
full content of the whole Creature, in fo much that if [there] may be
a limilie of heauen on earth, it is onely in the precindt of the Country
paflage, where both nature and reafon behold and enuy that fatiety
of pleafure that is not eafily to be exprefled. And to anfwer direftly
to fome of your points of praife, let me tell you, though we fee not
our Soueraigne euery day, yet we pray for him euery hower; and
holding our felues vnworthy of his prefence, are glad when we may
get a fight of his Maiefty.
Now, for Councellors of State, we reuerence their perfons, and
pray for their liues in their labours for our peace. And for your
Lords, we haue Land-lords that agree belt with our mindes, whom
vfing with due reuerence, paying them their rent, and now and then
for fome fmall remembrances wee can haue friendly talke withall, and
learne good leflons of them for many things to be look’t into. And
vpon the Bench at a Quarter Ses[s]ions, when they giue a charge, heare
them fpeake fo wifely, that it woulde doe ones heart good to heare
them : and fometime in the holydayes, when they keepe good houfes,
make many a good meales meat with them. And in the time of the
yeare when the harueft is in, goe a hunting, and hauking, courfing
and fifhing with them : and fometime to continue good neighbour-
hood, meete and make matches for Ihooting and bowling with them,
when wee exercife the body in plaine dealing, and not the braine in
fubtle device.180 The Courtier and the Country-man.
Now for your Ladies, wee haue pretty Wenches, that, though they
be not proud, yet they thinke their penny good filuer, and if they
be faire it is naturall, and hauing their mothers wit they will doe well
enough for their fathers vnderftanding. And for your Gentlemen,
we haue good Yeomen that vfe more courtefey or at leaft kindnefle
then curiofity, more friendfhip then complements, and more truth
then eloquence: and perhaps I may tell you, I thinke we haue more
ancient and true Gentlemen that hold the plough in the field then you
haue in great places that waite with a trencher at a Table; and I haue
heard my father fay, that I beleeue to bee true, that a true Gentle-
man will bee better knowne by his infide then his outfide, for (as he
faid) a true Gentleman will be like himfelfe, fober, but not proud;
liberall, and yet thrifty ; wife, but not full of words ; and better feene
in the Law, then be too bufie with the lawes ; one that feares God;
will be true to his King; and well knowes how to live in the world,
and whatfo[e]uer God fends, hath the grace to be content with it; loues
his wife and his children, is carefull for his family, is a friend to his
neighbour, and no enemy to himfelfe: and this (faid my father) is
indeed the true Gentleman: and for his qualities, if he can fpeake
well, and ride well, and fhoote well, and bowle well, wee defire no
more of him. But for killing of the hand, as if hee were licking of his
fingers, bending downe the head, as if his neck were out of ioynt; or
fcratching by the foote, as if he were a Corne-cutter; or leering afide,
like a wench after her fweete-heart; or winking with one eye, as
though hee were leuying at a Woodcocke ; and fuch Apilh tricks, as
came out of the Land of Petito, where a Monkey and a Baboone
make an Vrchin Generation; and for telling of tales of the aduen-
turous Knight & the ftrang Lady ; and for writing in rime, or talking
in profe, with more tongues then teeth in his head, and with that whichThe Courtier and the Country-man. x 81
he brought from beyond the Seas, which he cannot be rid of at home,
for fwearing and brauing, fcoffing and ftabbing, with fuch trickes of the
diuels teaching, we allow none of that learning. Now, if you haue
any fuch where you Hue I know not; I hope with vs there are none
of them, but I am fure, if they come amongft us, wee defire to be rid
of them.
We haue good hulbands and honefi: widdowes ; pure Virgins and
chaft Bachelors; learned Church men, and ciuill Townes men ; hole-
fome fare, full dilhes, white bread, and hearty drinke; cleane platters
and faire linnen ; good company, friendly talke, plaine mufique, and a
merry fong: and fo when God is prayfed and the people pleafed, I
thinke there is no courfe where a man may be better contented.
Now, if it be true (but hope it is not) that I haue heard, that in fome
fuch places as you Hue in, in the world, a great way hence beyond
the Sea, there be certaine people that haue brafen faces, Serpents
tongues, and Eagles clawes, that will intrude into companies, and
perfwade wickednes, and flatter follies ; that catch hold of whatfouer
they can light on for the feruice of lewdnes, eyther money, lands, or
leafes, or apparell: and euer cramming, and yet euer crauing. They
are carriers of letters betweene luft and wantonnefle, tellers of old
wiues tales, and fingers of wenching Ballads; fweare and forfweare,
drinke and gull, laugh and be fat, and for a little pleafure on earth
goe to the Diuell for ever. Now, thefe in the old time (but now a
dayes I hope are out of vfe) were called Parafites and Panders,
Ieafters, or Iuglers, much of the nature of Gypfies, cunning as the
Diuell to diue into a pocket, or to picke out the bottome of a purfe;
but I hope they are all dead, or at lead you haue few of them about
you: if you haue, I know not what vfe you can make of them,
but I am fure we cannot away with them among vs. I haue heard182 The Courtier and the Country-man.
moreouer that you haue among you certain Eues-droppers, that are
tale carriers, that come among the rooles of Knaues. But for our
howfes in the Country they are fo far one from another, that if
we catch any of them about vs, wee Ihould carry him before the
Conftable for a Theefe.
But now leauing to fpeake more of thefe things : for pleafures,
beleeue it, we will put you downe a world of fteppes; for, firft: of all
we rife with the Larke and goe to bed with the Lambe, fo that we
haue the breake of the day and the brightnes of the Sunne to cheere
our Spirits in our going to our labours, which many of you barre
your felues of, by making day of the night and night of the day, by
fleeping after wearines vpon the labour of wantonnes, if not of
wickednes, as they which worke all day to bring the Diuel into hell
at night, and labour all night for "damnation in the morning: fuch I
haue heard of beyond Sea, I pray God you haue none about you:
but for vs in the Countrey, I allure you wee can abide no fuch
doings. Now for the delight of our eyes, wee haue the May-painting
of the earth, with diuers flowers of dainty colours and delicate fweets:
we haue the berryes, the cherries, the peafe and the beanes, the
plums and the codlings, in the month of June : in July the peares
and the apples, the wheat, the rye, the barly and the oates, the beauty
of the wide fields, and the labours with delight and mirth, and merry
cheare at the comming home of the Harueft cart. We haue, againe,
in our woods the birds finging : in the paftures the Cowe lowing, the
Eue bleating, & the Foale neighing, which with profit and pleafure
makes vs better mufique then an idle note and a worfe ditty, though
I highly doe commend mufique, when it is in a right key. Againe, we
haue young Rabbets that in a funny morning fit walhingof their faces,
while as I haue heard beyond the feas there are certaine old ConiesThe Courtier and the Country-man. 183
that in their beds fit painting of their faces: wee haue befides Tum-
blers for our Conies, and Greyhounds for our courfes, Hounds for our
chafes, Hauk.es of all kinde for the field, and the riuer, and the wood :
fo that what can reafon conceiue, that nature can defire ? but for the
delight of both the Country doth afford us.
Furthermore, at our meetings on the holydayes betweene our Lads
and the Wenches, fuch true mirth at honeft meetings, fuch dauncing
on the greene, in the market houfe, or ■ about the May-poole, where
the young folkes fmiling kiffe at euery turning, and the old folkes
checking with laughing at their Children, when dauncing for the
garland, playing at ftooleball for a Tanfie and a banquet of Cords
and Creame, with a cup of old nappy Ale, matter of fmall charge,
with a little reward of the Piper, after calling of Iheepes eyes, and
faith and troth for a bargaine, clapping of hands, are feales to the
truth of hearts, when a payre of Gloues & a handkerchiffe are as
good as the beft obligation, with a cappe and a courtfey, hie ye home
maides to milking, and fo merrily goes the day away. Againe we
haue hay in the barne, horfes in the liable, oxen in the Hall, Iheepe in
the pen, hogges in the Hie, corne in the garner, cheefe in the loft,
milke in the dairy, creame in the pot, butter in the dilh, ale in the
tub, and Aqua vita in the bottle, beefe in the brine, brawne in the
fowce, and bacon in the roofe, hearbs in the garden, and water at our
doores, whole cloths-to our baekes, and fome money in our cophers,
and hauing all this, if we ferue God withall, what in Gods name
can we defire to haue more ?
Now, for fome of you, a man may take you many times in the
nature of blind-men, that you can fcarcely fee a penny in your purfe,
and your lands growne fo light, that you beare them all on your
baekes, and your houfes fo empty that in the cold of winter all the184 The Courtier and the Country-man.
fmoake goeth out at one chimney, when, if Brag were not a good
dogge, I know not how hee would hold vp his taile. Oh, the fine ex-
cufes of wit, or rather folly! late bufinefle ouer night makes you keepe
your beds in the morning, when indeed it is for lacke of meate to
dinner, and perhaps no great banquet at Supper, when a Cruft and an
Orenge, a Sallad and a cup of Sack makes a feaft for a Brauo: then
after all, a ftrech and a yaune, and a pipe of Tobacco, weare bootes
for want of ftiooes, or elfe that the garters and the rofes are at pawne.
Now thefe are no Courtiers, but hangers on vpon thofe that fome-
times in great places haue an humor to fatten fleas.
Now for vs in the Country, wee runne no fuch courfes, but are
content with that we haue, and keepe fomwhat for a rainy day: loue
neither to borrow nor lend, but keepe the ftake ftill vpright, fpend
as we may fpare, and looke to the maine at the yeares end: our
meetings are for mirth, and not mifchiefe : and for quarrells we haue
none, except the oyle of the malt worke vp into the head and fo dis-
temper the braine, that the tongue runne out of order, when a fit of
fifticuffes will foone make an end of all matters ; fo that wee haue
pleafure with profit, mirth without madnefle, and loue without dif-
fembling, when the peace of Confidence is an inward Paradife. Now
if you can fliew any better Cards for the maintayning of your
oppinion, I pray you heartily let me heare it.
Covrt. Oh Coufin, I am forry to fee your fimplicity : what a deale
of adoe you haue made about nothing! but I fee the proverbe holds
true in you, He that liues alwayes at home fees nothing but the fame;
and your education being but according to your difpofition, fomewhat
of the meaneft manner of good faftiion, your witte rather being all
in Coppy-hold, then in Capite, and your learning but to fpell and
put together, it were hard for you that neuer ftudied Aftronomy toThe Courtier and the Country-man. 185
fpeake of the nature of the Starres; and therefore I can the better
beare with your humour, becaufe it'is more naturall then artificial!,
yet could I wiffi you would not fo clownifie your wit, as to bury your
vnderftanding all vnder a clod of earth. What! is man but as a
beaft, bred like a fore-horfe, to goe allways right on, and rather draw
in a cart, then trot in a better compare! fie vpon bafeneffe, it is the
badge of a Begger. No, let me tell you, if you were or could be ac-
quainted with the life of a Courtier, you would finde fuch bewitching
obieCts to the eyes, and rauiffiing delights of the heart, that you
would hold the world as a wildernes to the Palace of a Prince, and
life but as a death that hath no taft of Court comforts.
Oh Coufin, wee haue learning in fuch reuerence, wifdome in fuch
admiration, vertue in fuch honour, valour in fuch efteeme, truth in
fuch loue, and loue in fo rare account, that there doth almoft nothing
pafle in perfection, yt is not followed with great obferuation, wher the
fauour of a Prince maks a Begger a petty King, the countenance
of a Lord makes a Clowne a Gentleman, and the looke of a Lady
makes a groome a gay fellow. Oh Coufin, aduancement and
contentment are the fruites of Court feruice, and the fteps of hope to
the ftate of honour: furthermore, for knowledge, we haue^the due
confideration of occurrents, the difciphering of Characters, enditing of
letters, hearing of orations, deliuering of meffages, congratulating of
Princes, and the forme of ambaffages, all which are fuch delights of
the Spirit, as makes a ffiadow of that man, that hath not a mind
from the multitude to looke into the nature of the Spirits honour.
Furthermore, we haue in Court Officers of care, Orders of difcre-
tion, eyes of brightneffe, eares of clearneffie, hearts of pureneffie,
braines of wifedome, tongues of truth, mindes of nobleneffe, and Spirits
of goodneffe, which though they bee not in all, yet are they examples
B B186 The Courtier and the Country-ma?t.
for all, and in the worthieft of all. Oh Coufin, to heare a King or
Prince fpeake like a Prophet, a Queene like an Angell, a Councellor
like an Oracle, a Lord like a Councellor, a Lady like a Queene, a
Preacher like an Apoftle, and a Courtier like a Preacher : and then
to note the maiefty of the greateft, the reuerence of the wifeft, the
honour of the worthieft, and the loue of the heft, to receiue grace
from the one, inftrudtion from the other; fauour from one, counte-
nance from another; honour from one, and bounty from an other:
kindnes from one, and comfort from another; where for the good
(fic) all, loue goeth through all, where exercifes of wit are but tryals
of vnderftanding, and the properties of fpeech are the proofes of
iudgment; where peace is the pradtife of power, iuftice the grace of
wifdome, and mercy the glory of iuftice : where time is fitted to his
vfe, and reafon is the gouernour of nature, where priuiledges are pro-
tections for the vnwilling offendant, and fandtuaries are the fafety of the
vnhappily diftrefled: where the name of want hath no note, bafenefie no
regard, wantonnefle no grace, nor wickednefle entertainement, except
the Diuell like an Angell of light come vnfeene to the world: where
the qualities of vertue are the grace of honour, and the breath of wif-
dome is the beauty of greatnefle: where art hath rewarde of labour,
feruice the regard of duty, nature the affedt of reafon, and reafon the
refpedt of iudgment : where idlenefl'e is hated, foolilhnes derided,
wilfulnefle reftrayned, and wickednefle baniftied: where wits refined,
braines fetled, bodies purged, and fpirits purified make a confort of
fuch Creatures as come neere vnto heauenly natures.
Beleeue me, Coufin, there is no comparifon betweene the Court
and the Country, for the fweets of conceit in an vnderftanding fpirit,
which can truely apprehend the true natures both of pleafures and
profit. Alas, let the Cowe lowe after her Calfe, and the Eue bleatThe Courtier and the Country-man. 187
after her Lambe, the Affe bray, the Owle fing, and the Dog barke:
What mufique is in this medley ? Let ignorance be an enemy to wit,
and experience be the Miftris of fooles, the Stockes ftand at the Con-
ftables doore, and the Gallowes ftand hard by the high way, What is
all this to matter of worth ? To fee Laddes lift vp leaden heeles, and
Wenches leare after their Lubbers : to fee old folkes play the fooles
to laugh at the birds of their owne breed, and the young Colts wighie
at their parting with their Fillies, when Madge mull home to milking,
and Simon muft goe feme the beafts: What conceite is in all thefe
courfes, but to trouble a good fpirit with fpending time in idlenes?
Oh Coulin, if thou wert once well entred into the life of a Courtier, '
thou wouldft neuer more be in loue with the Country, but vfe it as a
cleane fhirt, fometime for a refreftiing, though it be farre courfer for
wearing, and little cleaner then that which you put off. I could fay
more that might eafily perfwade you to change your opinion, and
alter your affedtion from the Country to the Court; but I hope this
fhall fuffice. If not, I pray you let me heare you fpeake to fome purpofe.
Covntry. Say, quoth you ! let me tell you, that all that you haue
faid, or I thinke you can fay, doth, nor will worke any more with
my witte to incline my humour to your will, then a Pill that lyeth
in the Stomake, and more offends nature, then purgeth humour: for,
where there is no corruption Phificke hath nothing to worke vpon,
except by the trouble of nature, to bring health into ficknes. Doe you
thinke fo much of your ftrength as to remoue a Mil-ftone with your
little finger; or are you fo perfwaded of your wit, that with a word of
your mouth you can take away the ftrength of vnderftanding ? No
fuch matter, no haft but good: I pray you giue me leaue a little, and
if I fpeake not to your purpofe, I will fpeake to mine owne: and I
will fay as one Dante, an Italian Poet, once faid in an obfcure18 8 The Courtier and the Country-man.
Booke of his, Vnderftand me that can, I vnderftand my felfe: And
though my Country booke be written in a rough hand, yet I can read
it and picke fuch matter out of it as fhall ferue the turne for my
inftrudtion. What is here to do in perfwading you know not what?
to talke you care not how ? Is this Court eloquence ? Is not the
Clownyfying of wit the Foolifying of vnderftanding ? Home fpunne
cloth is not worth the wearing, water is a cold drinke, and fimple-
nefie is but bafenefie, and a Clowne is but a rich Begger. Now truly,
Coufin, you are quite out: for, let me tell you that good words and
good deeds are the beft tryals of good minds, and make the bed:
paflages among the beft people: and fo much for this matter.
Now to anfwer your prouerbs, and as I can remember, moft points
of your difcourfes: Firft, let me tell you, that I hold it better to fee
fomething of mine owne at home, then trauell fo farre that I fee
nothing of mine owne abroad, for I haue heard that roling ftones
gather no mofie. And for my education, if it hath beene Ample, and
my difpofition not fubtle, If I be not fafhioned according to the
world, I fhall bee the fitter for heauen: and for my wit, to deale
truely with you, I had rather hold it in a Coppy of & good Tenure,
then by the title of an idle braine to keepe a fooles head in Free-
hold. Now for my learning, I hold it better to fpell and put together,
then to fpoile and put afunder: but there are fome that in their
Child-hood are fo long in their home booke,'that doe what they can,
they will fmell of the Baby till they cannot fee to read. Now we in
the Country beginne and goe forward with our reading in this manner,
Chrifts Crofle be my fpeed, and the Holy Ghoft: for feare the
Diuell fhould be in the letters of the Alphabet, as hee is too often
when hee teacheth od fellowes play tricks with their Creditors, who
in ftead of payments, write I O V, and fo fcoffe many an honeft man
out of his goods.!The Courtier and the Country-man. 189
i.
And againe, when he teacheth trauellors that haue taken a furfet
in the Low-countries to fet downe H and O, to exprefle the nature
of their griefe, and to iealt out the time with B and R, or to bite
mens good names with thofe letters to auoyde adlions of Hander, and
when they write you R, and they B. Oh fine knackes of more wit
then honefty : But I hope there are none of thefe among you. But I
haue heard my father fay, that when he was young, hee faw many fuch
in fuch places as you liue in, but it was a great way hence beyond the
fait water.
Now for Aftronomy, I thinke it be fallen from the height that it
was in former time, for Starres were wont to bee in the heauens :
now Gallants hang them vpon their heeles, fo bright in their Spurres
as if they were all young Phaetons, that would ride Phoebus horfes,
while the folly of pride fhould fit in the Chaire of ruine : but let them
fit fall when they are vp, leafl: they breake their neckes in their falls.
Now for your Nature and Art, I thinke better of a naturall Art,
then an artificiall Nature. And for your Fore-horfe pace right on, I
hope he is better than a refty lade that will not ftir out of the Stable,
or a Kicking Curtail that will fette his Ryder befide the Saddle ; and
better draw foundly in a cart then be lamed in a coach, or be ficke in
a Foote-cloth: & better a true trot then a fidling amble. But let
t^efe humors pafie.
Now for your bewitching obiedts, I doubt they will make abiedts of
Suhiedts, and therefore I loue no fuch diuelifh deuifes, when womens
eyes will bewitch mens hearts, and the breath of Tongues will poifon
a mans wits. And for your rauifhing delights, it is a word that I well
vnderftand not, or at leaft, as I haue heard, this rauiihing is a word
that fignifieth robbing of wenches of the inner lining of their linnen
againft their wills ; and if it be fo, it is a perilous delight that brings a190 The Courtier and the Country-man.
man to the Gallowes, if not to the Diuell, for a little fit of pleafure:
but if there be any better fence in it, I would be glad to vnderftand
it, though at this time I care not to be troubled with it.
Now for Princes Pallaces, they are too high buildings for our
Brickes ; plaine people are content with Cottages, and had rather pay
tributes to their maintenance, then haue them-too much in our view,
for blinding of our eies with their golden brightnes. Now for life and
death, hee that hues at quiet and will not be'contented, may change
for the worfe and repent it, when he cannot helpe it. Oh Coufin, I
haue heard my father fay, that it is better to fit faft, then to rife and
fall, and a great wife man that knew the world to a hayre, would fay,
that the meane was fure : better be in the-middle roome, then either
in the Garret or the Sellor: and an-other of an excellent worlds wit,
that ranne the ring with him in the walke of the world, would fay,
that honour was but ancient riches, and in high places, where frownes
are deadly, and fauours are vncertaine, there was more feare of the
one, then hope of the other : and a laborious weekes wages well payde
was better then a yeares hope in paper : and therefore, hee that would
leaue pofleffions for promifes, and aflurances for hope, were more full
of wit then vnderftanding, and of conceipt then iudgement, for though
there is no feruice to the King, nor no fifhing to the Sea, yet there are
fo many fuitors for rewards, and fo many beaters of the water, that
delayes may be cold comforts of long hopes to the one, and the other
angle all day and catch a Gudgion at night: and therefore, though
the world be like a Well with two Buckets, that when one falleth,
another rifeth, yet the fall is much fwifter then the ryfing, and good
reafon, becaufe the one goes downe empty and the other comes vp
laden. But to be plaine, I haue fo long beene vfed to a quiet life,
that I would not leaue it for a world.The Courtier and the Country-?nan. 191
Now for your notes of worth that you haue fet downe in your
Court commendations ; I allow that all may bee true, and they that
thriue in it may thinke well of it, and hold it a kind of heauen vpon
earth : but for my felfe, I remember certaine notes that I read in a
Booke of my Fathers owne writing that fhall goe with me to my
graue ; there were not many, but in my mind to good purpofe: as
firft for greatnes, My minde to me a Kingdome is: fo that the quiet
of the minde is a greater matter then perhaps many great men pof-
feffe. Then for wealth, Godlines is great riches to him that is contet
with that hee hath, which many great men fomtime perhaps haue lefTe
then meaner people. Then for a good rule of life ; Feare God, and
obay the King: which perhaps fome doe not fo well in the Court as
the Country. Then for the courfe of the Law, Loue God aboue all,
and thy neighbour as thy felfe : which if you doe in the Court as wee
doe in the Country, Enuy would worke no hatred, nor malice mif-
chiefe: but loue in all perfons would make a pallace, a Paradife,
which in the bed is more euident, then in the meaneft apprehended:
but God, whofe loue is the life of all, breed fuch loue in the Hues of
all, that peace may euer liue among all.
Now for learning, what your neede is thereof I know not, but with
vs, this is all we goe to fchoole for: to read common Prayers at
Church, and fet downe common prifes at Markets; write a Letter,
and make a Bond ; fet downe the day of our Births, our Marriage day,
and mjake our Wills! when we are ficki; for the difpofing of our
goods yvhen we are dead : thefe are the chiefe matters that we meddle
with, and we find enough to trouble our heads withall; for if the
fathers knowe their owne children, wiues their owne hufbands from
other men, maydens keep their by your leaues from fubtle batchelors;
Farmers know their cattle by the heads, and Sheepheards know theiri92 The Courtier and the Country-man.
Iheepe by the brand, What more learning haue we need of, but that
experience will teach vs without booke ? We can learne to plough
and harrow, fow and reape, plant and prune, thrafh and fanne, win-
now and grinde, brue and bake, and all without booke ; aijd thefe are
our chiefe bufinefle in the Country, except we be Iury-men to hang
a theefe, or fpeake truth in a mans right, which confcience & ex-
perience wil teach vs with a little learning. Then what (hould we ftudy
for, except it were to talke with the man in the Moone about the
courfe of the Starres ? No, Aftronomy is too high a reach for our
reafon : we will rather fit vnder a lhady tree in the Sunne to take the
benefit of the cold ayre, then lye, and Hare vpon the Starres to mark
their walke in the heauens, -while wee loofe our wits in the cloudes:
and yet we reuerence learning as well in the Parfon of our parifh, as
our Schoolemafter, but chiefely, in our Iuftices of peace, for vnder
God and the King they beare great fway in the Country. But for
great learning, in great matters, and in great places, wee leaue it to
great men. If wee liue within the compafle of the Law, ferue God
and obey our King, and as good Subiedls ought to doe, in our duties
and our prayers dayly remember him, What neede we more learning ?
Now for wifdome, I heard our Parfon in our Church read it in the
holy Booke of God, That the wifdome of the world is but foolilhnes
before God: And why then Ihould a man feeke to befoole himfelfe
before God, with more wit then is necefiary for the knowledge of the
world ? The wife man mull die as well as the foole, and when all are
the Sonnes of Adam, wee haue a faire warning to bee too bufie with
tailing of the tree of too much knowledge. I haue read in the Booke
of the bell wifdome, that the feare of God is the beginning of wifdome,
and furely, he that begins his lelfon there may continue his learneng
the better, and come to bee a good Scholler at laft. Salomon,The Courtier and the Country-man. 193
the wifeft man that euer was, faid, that all was vanity and vexation of
the Spirit: and why then Ihould a man vex his fpirit with feeking to be
as wife as a Woodcocke, in beating his braines to get the pofleflion
of vanity ? And yet I mud confefie, that leaft vanity turne to
villanie, it is good that the authority of wifdome haue power to
bridle the folly of felfe will. But- for the great wifdome of Coun-
cellors of State, Iudges of Lawes, Gouernours of Citties, Generals of
Armies, or fuch great People'' in fuch great places, they go fo farre
beyond our wits, that wee had rather be obedient to their wills, then
enter into the depth of their difcretions,'and content our felues with that
wifdome which is mod neceflary for vs, to loue God aboue all, & our
neighbours as our felues, to rife with the day raies, and goe to bed
without a candle, to eate when we are hungry, drinke when wee are
thirfty, trauell when we are lufty, and reft when we are weary : feare
God, be true to the Crowne, keepe the lawes, pay fcot and lot, breed
no quarrels, doe no wrongs, and labour all we may to haue peace,
both with God and man : fpeake truth and ftiame the Diuell: pitch
and pay, fay and hold, trye and truft, belieue no lies, tell no newes:
deceiue not an enemy, nor abufe a friend, make much of a little and
more as it may increafe: Thefe are the points of wifdome that we
runne the courfe of our Card by.
Now for valour, it is feene beft in the beft quarrells, and Saint
Paul faid, that hee had fought the good fight, to fight for the prefer-
uation of a ftate, the perfon of a King or Prince, to keepe my houfe
from thieues, my children from dogs, and my family from famine,
and my faith from fainting in the word of God, this hold we the
good fight, and the true valour : not to ftand vpon puntos, not to
endure a lye without death, challenge for a frowne, and kill for a
fowle word, aduenture all for nothing, or perhaps worfe then nothing,
c c194 The Courtier and the Country-man.
loofe lands, goods, life and foule and all in a murther or a bloody
bargaine, to pleafe a Punke, and to be counted a Captain of the
Diuels army, or a Gallant of the damned crew, except fome few
howers before his end, while the worme of Confcience bites him at
the heart, a fparke of grace enter into his foule, and make him at the
Gallowes make a repentant rehearfall of a lewd life, and leaue a fayre
example at his death to all behoulders, perhaps with thefe good
words at his departing, All yee that heere bee, take example to be
bang’d by me.
Oh braue valour that makes many a^ weeping bye, when my
mother for my fonne and my After fhr my brother, or my wife for
my hulband, or my father for my daughter, of mine vncle for mine
aunt, fit and howle like dogs to fee the workes of the Diuell, in
the wicked of the world. Such kinde of valour I haue heard my
father fay that he hath mark’t in fome places where he hath trauel’d,
I know not where, a great way hence when he was young, where he
found among a hellifti company of accurfed fpirits, they were called
valliant fellowes, that durft fay any thing, doe any thing, or be any
thing, till they were worfe then nothing : durft quarrell with any man,
abufe any man, ftrike any man, kill any man, and care for no man,
durft prate, lye, fweare and for fweare, fcoffe and fwagger, drinke and
dice, drab and ftab, durft be hang’d and damn’d for a horrible fit of
a franticke humour, and this was their valour. I pray God there be
none fuch among yee where you keepe, I am fure there keepe none
fuch among vs.
Now for truth, I hope there are more true hearts in the Country
then there are tongues in the City in many places, yea, and in greater
places then I will fpeake of, but where they be, God bleifie them, and
where they are not, God fend them, and that is all that I fay to them.The Courtier and the Country-man. 195
But for ought I fee there is fo much falfhood in the world that I
feare there is littletruth on the earth: and in great places where pro-
teftations are without performances, and excufes are better than lies,
lo here is either truth of loue or loue of truth ? but a little, I
thinke: I would there were more. But with vs, truth is fo beloued,
that a Lyer is held little better then a theefe, and it is a leffon we
learne our little Children, fpeake truth, tell truth, take heed you lie
not, the Diuell is the father of lies, and little better be 'his Children;
deale truly with all men, let your tongues and your hearts goe
together, Chrift is truth, in his holy name be true, euer tell truth and
fhame the Diuell, be true to God in your beliefe and obedience to his
word, bee true to your King in the loyalty of your hearts, bee true
to your wiues in the honefty of your bodies, and bee true to your
friends in performing your promifes : this is the loue we haue to
truth; if you haue it fo, it is a good blefling of God and makes a
happy people.
And for loue, if it bee in the world, I thinke it is in the Country,
for where enuy, pride, and malice, and Iealoufie makes buzzes in
mens braines, what loue can bee in their hearts, howfoeuer it flip
from their tongues? No, no; our Turtles euer flie together; our
Swannes euer fwimme together, and our louers Hue and die toge-
ther. Now if fuch loue be among you, it is worthy to be much
made of; but if you like to day and loath to morrow, if you fawne
to day and frowne to morrow; if all your loue bee to laugh and lye
downe, or to hope of gaine or reward; that is none of our loue.
Wee loue all goodnes and onely for goodnes : firft God, then our felues,
then our wiues and children, then our family, and then our friends :
and fo hath loue his courfe in our liues: and therefore if there be
any obferuation in affedtion, I pray you, let it bee rather in the196 The Courtier and the Country-man.
Country then in any place, where faith is not fo faft, but fancy can
alter loue vpon a little humour of diflike.
Now for your fauour, when one Begger growes rich by it, how
many rich grow beggers through the hope of fortune: and therefore
in my minde, better be Lord ouer a little of a mans owne, then to
follow a Lord for the bare name of a Gentleman, and better with
a little to bee counted a good man, then with gaping after Gudgions
to be thought, I know not what. Truly, Coufin, I thinke euery thing
is beft in his owne nature; as one is bred, fo let him bee: for as a
Courtier cannot hold the plough, but he wil be foone feene to be no
workman, fo a Country-man cannot court it, but hee will fhewe in
fomewhat from whence he comes.
And for a Ladies looke, I thinke wee haue wenches in the Country
that haue as faire eyes as finer creatures, who when they lift to looke
kindly, will make many glad though few gay fellowes. 1 And for
apparell, plaine ruflet is our wearing, while pied coats among vs we
account players or fooles, except they be better men then the beft of
our parifti, except our Landlord.
Now for preferment and aduancement, they be encouragements
to fome Spirits that are borne vnder the diming climate, but
for mine owne part I loue not to play the flye with a Candle, for
feare of burning my wings, but will leaue the ladder of honour to him
that beft knowes how to climbe, and to fit faft when he is vp. Now
for your Occurrents, what are they but newes, fometime true and
fome time falfe, which when they come to vs they are commonly more
coftly then comfortable, and therefore wee defire not to trouble our
felues ? Now for difciphering of Characters, I haue heard my father
fay in the old time, that they were accounted little better then eon-
iurations, in which were written the names of Diuels that the ColledgeThe Courtier and the Country-man.	197
,of Hel vfed to coniure vp in the world, and belong’d onely to the
ftudy of Sorcerers, Witches, Wifards, and fuch wicked wretches, as
not caring for the plaine word of God, goe with fcratches of the
Diuels clawes into hell. But how true it is God knoweth: but that
this is true, euery man knoweth that it was a deuife of the Diuell at
the firft, to put into the head of a deceiuing heart that hauing no true
nor plaine meaning in confcience, would write fo, that no man ftiould
vnderftand him but himfelfe, or like himfelfe, and onely to hood-
winke the world for looking into his wickednefle. But what is the
end of all wily beguily ? feeking to deceiue other, deceiu’d himfelfe
mod of all. Now letters of darkenes deuifed by the .Diuell fur the
followers of his defignes in the courfes of his deceipt: honeft men in
the Country loue to meddle with no fuch matters, but fo far as may
be to Gods glory and the good of a State, to find out the plots, and
to preuent the mifchiefe of a villanie, being done in Gods holy name
and by his grace.. I hold it a fine quality to difcipher a Character,
and lay open a knaue : But for vs in the Country, wee loue no fuch
braine-labours as may bring our wits into fuch a wood, that we know
not how to get out of it. Now for enditing of Letters: alas, what
neede wee much adoe about a little matter ? If we can write, wee
commonly begin and end much after one manner : Trufting in God
you are in good health, with all our friends : and fo to the matter,
either to borrow or to pay, or to know the prife of your Cattell, or
for a merry meeting, or I thanke you for my good cheere. And fo
with my hearty commendations, I commit you to God. From my
houfe fuch a day. Your louing friend to his power. And then feale
vp the paper, and write on the outfidg: To my louing Coufin,
Neighbour, or Friend, at his houfe in fuch a place, with fpeed, if the
time require, and fo no more adoe. Except it bee a Loue Letter, and
then a fewe idle words of,198 The Courtier and the Country-man.
Sweete heart, I commend me vnto you, and haue beene as good as
my promife, and haue fent you a paire of gloues by Meg your
Brothers beft beloued, and vpon Friday (God willing) I will meete
you at the Market, and wee will be merry, and talke further of the
matter, and if you be as I am, fay and hold, I know my portion, and
when yours is put to it wee {hall liue the better. And fo, keeping
your Handkerchiffe neere my heart: till I fee you, I reft
Yours during life in true loue
W. T.
Now for your Stiles of honour and worftiip to this Lord and that
Lady on the outfide, and a deale of humility and ceremony on the
infide, me thinkes it is a wearying of the minde before you come to
the matter. And as I remember a great wife man that would difpatch
many matters in little time, would- thus euer read Letters, in the
beginning two words for the Stile, and other two at the end for the
conclufion, fo noting the treble aboue, and the bafe beneath, he would
foone in the middeft find the fubftance of the Mufique: and to tell
truth, few words and plaine, and to the purpofe, is better for our
vnderftanding, then to goe about with words to tell a long tale to
little end.
Now if we cannot write, we haue the Clerke of the church, or the
Schoolemafter of the towne to helpe vs, who for our plaine matters
will ferue our turnes wel enough, and therefore what neede wee
trouble our heads with enditing of Letters ?
Now, for Orations, they are fitted: for Schollers to allure an
audience to attendance : but for vs, wee haue more vfe of our hands
to worke for our liuings, then of our eares to heare the found of a
little breath. Yet I allow it among you in fuch places as you liue in:
but where truth is the beft eloquence, we make but two words to aThe Courtier and the Country-man. 199
bargaine, and therefore for your long difcourfes, we defire not to be
wearied with them, but will leaue them to you that haue more vfe of
them, and haue time to hearken to them.	,
Now for your Meflages, alas, cannot we giue a Cap and make a
Legge to our Betters, and deliuer our minds in few words, without
we learne to looke downe as' though we were feeking of a Rabbets
neft, or that we had committed fome fuch fault that we were alhamed
to fhew our faces, or make a long congie as though we were making
preparation to a Galliard, when if a foote flip we may haue a difgrace
in the fall; and if a word be mifplaced, it is halfe a marring to all the
matter: and therefore for meflages, our matters being not great, fmall
inftru&ios wil ferue our turnes for the deliuery of our minds.
Now for congratulating of Princes, God blefle them, they are too
great men for vs, more then to pray for them ; and their matters too
high for our reafon to reach after ; it is enough for vs to giue a Cake
for a Pudding, and a pint of Wine for a pottle of Beere : and when
wee kill Hogs to fend our Children to our neighbours with thefe
meflages : My Father and my Mother haue fent you a Pudding and a
Chine, and defires you when you kill your hogges, you will fend him
as good againe. Now for great folkes, they haue fuch great choyce of
prefents, and of fuch great charge, and fuch great care in the deliuery
of them, that (Lord haue mercy vpon vs) wee in the country cannot
tell what to fay vnto them, but, God blefle them that haue them, and
much good may they doe them.
Now for Ambaflages and Ambafladors, wee know not what the
word meanes and therefore little care to be troubled with the men ; for
when we heare of any man that comes from a ftrange country, wee
fay, I pray God he comes for good, and then hee is the better wel-
come : Tufh, talke to vs of a Balket or a Balket-maker, and not of200 The Courtier and the Country-man.
an Ambafiador nor Ambaflages ; but make your felues, that beft
know the meaning of them, the beft vfe you can of them ; for vs, wee
care not to looke after them, more then to pray for them, that as they
doe, or as they meane, fo God blefle them.
Now for your Officers, their charge is fo great, that wee defire not
their places, for we hold a priuate quiet better then a publike
trouble : and a cleane confcience worth a world of wealth. Now for
your Orders, perhaps your need of them is great, where diforders may
be grieuous : for vs in the Country, we haue few, but in the Churches
for our Seates, and at our meetings for our places, where, when
Maifter Iuftice and the high Conftables are fet, honeft men, like good
fellows, will fit togeither; except at a Seffions or an Affife wee bee
called vpon a Jury, then as it pleafeth the Clerk of the Peace, fet one
afore another; and therefore for orders what neede we trouble our
felues with other then we are vfd vnto ? I remember I haue heard
my father tell of a world of orders hee had feene in diuers places,
where he had trauel’d, where right good Gentlemen, that had followed
great Lords and Ladies had enough to doe to ftudy orders in their
Seruice : a Trencher muft not be laid, nor a Napkin folded out of
order; a difii fet downe out of order, A Capon earned, nor a Rabbet
vnlaced out of order; a Goofe broken vp, nor a Pafty cut vp out of
order ; a Glafle filled, nor a Cup vneouered nor deliuered out of
order ■, you muft not ftand, fpeake, nor looke out of order : which
were fuch a bufines for vs to goe about, that we fhould be all out of
time ere we fhould get into any good order. But in that there is dif-
ference of places, and euery one muft haue their due. It is meete for
good manners to keepe the rules of good orders. But how much
more at reft are we in the Country that are not troubled with thefe
duties ?The Courtier and the Country-man. 201
Now for your eyes of brightnefle, I feare you are not troubled with
too many of them : late fitting vp, long watching, and night bufines,
as writings, readings, calling vp of accounts, long watchings, and fuch
like other bufines; befides gaming, playing at Cards, Tables and
Dice, or fuch fports as fpend time, are all dangerous for weake fights,
and make a world of fore eies. But as you faid, fome of the bell fort
are wifer in their actions, and more temperate in their motions, and
therefore keep their fights in more perfection; which may be ex-
amples to others, if they haue the grace to follow them. But for our
eies, if we doe not hurt them with a ftripe of a twig in the wood, a
flye in the ayre, or a mote in the Sunne, our eyes are as bright as
chriftall, fo that we can fe the lealt thing that may doe vs good ; and
if we can fee the Sunne in the morning and the Moone at night, fee
our Cattell in our paltures, our lheepe in the Common, our Corne in
the fields, our houfes in repaire, and our money in our purfes, our
meate on our tables, and our wiues with our Children, and looke vp
to heauen, and giue God thankes for all, wee feeke no better fight.
Now for the cleannes of your hands, I feare that now and then
fome of ye haue your hands fo troubled with an itch, that you muft
haue them nointed with the oyle of gold, before you can fall to any
good worke: and fome of yee, that though your wits haue good in-
uentions, yet you cannot write without a golden pen, which indeede,
bell fits a fine hand. But for vs in the Country, when we haue
walhed our hands, after no foule worke, nor handling any vnwholefome
thing, wee neede no little Forks to make hay with our mouths, to
throw our meat into them.
Now for the purenes of your hearts; except Kings, Queenes and
Princes, and fuch great perfons, [they] make no comparifon with Coun-
try people, where yea and nay are our words of truth; faith and
D D202 The Courtier and the Country-man.
troth are our bonds of loue, plaine dealing, paflages of honefty; and
kinde thankes continues good neighbour-hood: A Iyer is hated, a
fcoffer fcorned, a fpend-thrift derided, and a mifer not beloued: a
Swaggerer imprifoned, a Drunkard puniihed, and a Iugler whipped,
and a Theefe hanged, for our hearts will harbour no fuch Guefts.
And for loue, two eyes and one heart, two hands and one body, two
louers and one loue ties a knot of fuch truth as nought but death can
vndoe.
Now for braines of Wifdome, I thinke hee is wifer that keepes his
owne, and fpends no more then needs, then hee that fpends much in
hope of a little, and yet may hap loofe that too at laft. Now for tongues
of truth, let me tell you, fayre words make fooles faine, and Court
holy-water will fcarce wafti a foule Ihirt cleane, except it come from
fuch a Fountaine, as euery man muft not dip his finger in. But,
Coufin, when hearts and hands goe together, words and deeds goe to-
gether : thefe are the tongues that will not faulter in their tales, but
tell truth in the face of the wide world ; and therefore excepting the
foeft that may bee examples to the reft, I thinke if truth be anywhere,
fhe is in the Country.	v
Now for the noblenefle of minds: it fitteth the perfons in their
places : but for vs in the Country, wee had rather haue old Nobles in
our purfes, then a bare name of noble without Nobles: the reafon
may be that we doe not know the nature of noblenes fo well as wee
doe of Nobles, and therefore wee heare onely fo much of the coft of
it, that we haue no heart to looke after it: but where it is' truly we
honour it, and fay, God blefle them that haue it, and if they be worthy
of it well may they keepe it, and that is all I fay to it.
Now to fpirits of goodnes, alas, there is not one in the world.
Chrift Jefus our Sauiour faid fo, There is none good but God : andThe Courtier and the Country-man. 203
if there be any on the earth, I thinke a good beliefe and a good life
doth beft exprefle the nature of it.
To conclude with Vertue, in which you lay vp all the treafures of
life, I doubt not it is in the beft, I would it were fo in all with you,
but bee it where it pleafeth God to fend it once, I verily belieue it to
bee as truly in the Country as in places of higher compafte: and by
your leaue, let me tell you of a Riddle of my fathers o[w]ne writing,
touching that rare and pretious Iewell.
There is a fecret few doe knowe,
And doth in fpeciall places grow,
A rich mans praife, a poore mans wealth,
A weake mans ftrength, a ficke mans health;
A Ladyes beauty, a Lords blifle,
A matchleffe Iewell where it is :
And makes where it is truely feene,
A gracious King and glorious Queene.
And this faid he, is vertus, which though he vnderftood in the Court,
yet he made vfe of it in the Country. Now therefore good Coufin,
be content with your humour, and let me alone with mine; I thinke
I haue anfwered all your politions: and let me tell you, whatfoeuer
you fay, I verily belieue that ere you die, I Ihall finde you rather in
the roole of peace in the Country, then in the tryall of patience in
the Court, except the heauens higheft Grace, and vnder heauen our
earths higheft Honour, make you happier in their fauours then the
whole world elfe can make you. And now, what fay you further
vnto mee ?
Covrt. I fay this to you, Kind Coufin, that your Fathers leflons
haue made you better learned then I looked for, but yet let me tell
you, had you feene but one of our fhowes in our Triumphs, heard204 'The Courtier and the Country-man.
one of our Songs on our folemne dayes, and tafted one of our diflies,
in our folemne feafts, you would neuer looke more on a May-game,
liften more to a louzy Ballad, nor euer be in loue with beefe and
pudding.
Covnt. Oh Coufin, flay the Bells, I thinke you are deceiued, for it
may be that at one of thefe Showes, I might fee the fruites of my
labours and my poore Neighbours, flong away in gaudes and feathers;
and perhaps haue a proud humour, wifli to be as wife as they that
were no wifer then they fhould bee ; and therefore I thinke, better
tarry at home then trauell abroad to no better purpofe.
Now for Songs, a plaine ditty well expreffed, is better with vs,
then a fine conceit, as faigned in the voyce as the matter. Now for
your diflies of meat, I will tell you, I heard my father onpe report it
for a truth, that a great man who liued where you liue, fent him for
a great dainty a Porpofe Pye or two cold: which taking very thank-
fully, and caufing the Meffenger to flay dinner with him, he cut one
of them vp, and very nicely taking out a peece of it, gaue it to my
Mother, which fhe no fooner had in hej mouth, but it had like to
haue marred all with her ftomacke, but fhee quickly conueyed it all
vnder boord, which my Father feeing, faid, Why how now, wife?
What? doe you loue no good meate ? Yes (quoth (he) but I pr^y
you taft of it your felfe: which he no fooner did, but he made as
much haft out of his mouth with it as Are did ; then did the Children
likewife the fame, and the Seruants being by, their Matter offred ech
one a peece of it, [who] no fooner tafted of it, but they did fo fpit and
fpatter as if they had beene poyfoned; then he gaue a peece to his
Dogge, which fmelt to it, and left it: by and by after came in a
Miller and his Dogge to whom my Father in like manner offered a
peece, but neither man nor dog would eate of it: wherevpon myThe Courtier and the Country-man. 205
Father heartily laughing, with thankes to his great Lord for his kinde
token, fent one of them backe againe to him with this meflage, Com-
mend me, I pray you, to my good Lord, and tell him I heartily
thanke his honour, and tell him, if either my felfe, or my wife, or
my children, or my feruants, or my dog, or the Miller, or his dogge,
would haue eaten of it, I would neuer haue fent one bit backe againe
to him of it: but it may bee that it is more wholefome then tooth-
fome, and hee may make a better friend with it: fo, paying the
meflenger for his paines, fent him away with his meflage, which was
no fooner deliuered, but his Lord heartily laughed at it. This was
one of your fine dilhes. Another a great Lady fent him, which was
a little Barrell of Cauiary, which was no fooner opened and tafted,
but quickly made vp againe, [and] was fent backe with this meflage,
Commend me to my good Lady, and thanke her honour, and tell her
we haue blacke Sope enough already; but if it be any better thing, I
befeech her Ladyfhip to beftow it vpon a better friend, that can
better tell how to vfe it. Now if fuch be your fine dilhes, I pray you
let me alone with my Country fare. And now, what fay you elfe
vnto mee ?
Covrt. I fay this, that Nature is no botcher, and there is no walh-
ing of a blacke Moore, except it bee from a little durty fweat: the
Oxe will weare no Socks, howfoeuer his feete carry their fauour: and
Diogenes would bee a Dog, though Alexander would giue him a king-
dome : and therefore though you are-, my kinfman, I fee it is more
in name then in nature thy breath fmels all of Garlike, and thy
meat tafts all of mammaday pudding, which breaking at both ends,
the fluffing runnes about the Pot. And fince I fee thou art like
a Milftone that will not eafily bee ftirred, I will leaue thee to thy folly,
till I finde thee in a better humour, for I fee the Mufique of thy
minde hangeth all vpon the bafe firing. Farewell.206 Thhe Courtier and the Country-man.
Covnt. Nay, foft a while, let me not be in your debt, for an ilf
word or two : I fee truth is no Iyer ; all in the Court are not Courtiers,
nor euery man that hath witte is not truly wife; for then no man
would fpend breath to no purpofe: an Oxes foot may bee fweeter
then a Cods head, when Sockes may bee but faueguards for bare tooes
in broken ftockings: Garlike hath beene in more grace then Tobacco,
and is yet in the Country, with them that loue meate better then
fmoake. Diogenes is dead, and Alexander is in his graue ; and better
bee a manifh Dogge then a dogged man. And if your good will be
to your good words, you are more like a ftranger then a kinfeman
and for my pudding, I belieue it will proue better then a Tobacco
pipe. So, rather defirous to be a Milftone, not to ftirre at euery motion,
then a feather in a Weathercocke, to turne with euery gayle of winde,
I will pray for your better wit, then you haue fhowne in a felfe wild
humour, and fo till I finde you in more patience and lelfe paflion, I
will leaue you till wee meete againe, hoping that you will bee as I am,
and will be a friend, to forget all ill humours, and ready to requite
all kindnefles.
Covrtier. So will I; and fo, Farewell.
Thus they parted for that time, but what fell out at their next
meeting : as you like of this, you lhall heare more hereafter.
FINIS.Neceflary Notes for a Courtier.
Shieftion.
HAT is a Courtier ?
Anjwer. An Attendant vpon Maiefty, a companion
of Nobility, a friend to Vertue, and a hope of honour.
Slue ft. What things are chiefely to be required in a
Courtier ?
A. Two.
Sj What are they ?
A. A good body, and a good minde.
Slj How are they to be vfed ?
A. In humillity and ciuillity.
To whom ?
A. The.firft vnto God, the fecond to man.
What are the proofes of a good mind ?
A. Loue of goodnefle, and feare of greatnefle.
S^ What are the tokens of a good body ?
A. Ability and agility.
SI- What preferues a good minde in goodnefle ?
A. Prayer and Charity.
And what keeps the body in ftrength ?
A. Continence and exercife.208 The Courtier and the Country-man.
What is the chiefe grace of a Courtier ?
A. The feare of God, and the fauour of a King.
£>. What is the Honour of a Courtier ?
A. The loue of vertue.
gK What is the wealth of a Courtier ?
A. The loue [of] a King.
What is the charge of a Courtier ?
A. Truth in Religion, care in his Seruice, loue to his Matter, and
fecrecy in his truft.
J^. What is the care of a Courtier ?
A. To deferue well, to keepe well, to Hue well, and to dye well.
What qualities are chiefely required in a Courtier ?
A. Wifdome, Valour, Learning, and Bounty.
What learning is moft fit for a Courtier ?
A. Diuinity, Philofophy, Policy, and Hiftory.
What are the Ornaments of a Courtier ?
A. Variety of Languages, obferuation of Trauels, experience of
Natures, and the vfe of Vnderftanding.
Q What is a Courtier moft to take heed of?
A. Enuious Ambition, malicious Faftion, palpable Flattery, and
bafe Pandarifme.
J^. What is a Courtier chiefely to take note of?
A. The difpofition of the beft, the words of the wifeft, the actions
of the nobleft, and the carriage of the faireft.
What things chiefely is a Courtier to be charie of?
A. His tongue and his hand, his purfe and his midle finger.
Qj What conuerfation is fitteft for a Courtier ?
A. Wife wits, noble fpirits, faire eyes, and true hearts, v
How fhould a Courtier hope of aduancement ?The Courtier and the Country-man. 209
A. With prayer to God, diligence in his feruice, refpeft of perfons,
and iudgment in affections.
What difcourfes are fitted: for a Courtier ?
A. Admiration of wifdome, defert of honour, truth of valour, and
life of loue.
What friends are fitted: for a Courtier ?
A. The wife and the wealthy, the valiant and the honed.
What feruants are fitted for a Courtier ?
A. The expert, the faithfuil, the diligent, and the carefull.
What is the true valour in a Courtier ?
A. To feare no fortune, to be patient in aduerfity, to mader
affections, and to forgiue offenders.
What are the follies in a Courtier ?
A. Vaine difcourfes, idle complements, apifli fancies, and fuper-
fluous expences.
What are mod dangerous in a Courtier ?
A. To bee inquifitiue of Occurrents, to reueale Secrets, to fcorne
Counfaile, and to murmur at Superiority.
4J. What things are mod profitable to a Courtier ?
A. A (harpe wit and a quicke apprehenfion, a fmoth fpeech, and
a found memory.
^\ What diould a Courtier chiefely obferue in a King ?
A. His wifdome, his valour, his difpofition, and affection.
§>j What in a Councellor ?
A. His religion, his reafon, his care, and his iudgment.
What in a Lord ?
A. His title, his worthines, his fpirit, and his carriage.
What in a Lady ?
A. Her beauty, her portion, her parentage, and her difpofition.210
The Courtier and the Country-man.
Q What in an Officer ?
A. His knowledge, his care, his diligence, and his confcience.
What time is beft fpent in a Courtier ?
A. In prayer, in ftudy, in graue difcourfes, and in good exercife.
And what time is worfe fpent ?
A. In deuifing of faffiions, in fitting of fancies, in faining of Loue,
and in honouring vnworthines.
gr What is commendable in a Courtier ?
A. A concealing of difcontentments, mitigating of paffions, affability
of fpeech, and courtefie in behauiour.
i^. What moft delighteth a Ladies eye in a Courtier ?
A. Neat apparell, wife fpeech, to manage a Horfe well, to dance
well.
i^. What moft contenteth a King in a Courtier ?
A. Religious valour, reuerent audacity, humble loue, and faithfull
feruice.
What is moft troublefome to the minde of a Courtier ?
A. Confcience and patience, continence and abftinence.
What are moft grieuous to a Courtier ?
A. The frowne of a King, the difpleafure of a Lady, the fall of
honour, and the want of wealth.
/ What friend ffiall a Courtier moft rely vpon ?
' A. His God, his King, his wit, and his purfe.
iWhat foes fhould a Courtier moft ftand in feare of?
A. Wanton eyes, glib tongues, hollow hearts, and irreligious
fpirits.
What things are neceffary for a Courtier to haue euer in
memory ?
A. Temperate fpeeches, moderate adtions, deliberate inuentions,
and difcreete refolutions.’The Courtier and the Country-man.	211
£)j What delights are moft fit for a Courtier ?
A. Riding and tilting, hunting and hauking.
Q. What is moft comely in a Courtier ?
A. A ftayed eye, a faire hand, a ftraight body, and a good legge.
What ftiould be hated of a Courtier ?
A. Rudenes and bafenes, floathfulnefle and flouenlinefle.
What fpeciall feruants of name are moft fit for a Courtier ?
A. A Barbour for his Chamber, a Taylor for his Wardrobe, a
Groome for his Stable, and a Foote-man for his Meflage.
What is the hapinefle of a Courtier ?
A. To feare God, to haue the fauour of a King, to be able to lend,
and to haue no neede to borrow.
What is the fhame of a Courtier ?
A. To take much and giue nothing, to borrow much and lend
nothing, to promife much and performe nothing, and to owe much
and pay nothing.
4J. What fhould a Courtier be alwaies iealous of?
A. Infinuating fpirits, intruding wits, alluring eyes, and illuding
tongues.	\
§1- What is the life of a Courtier ?
A. The labour of pleafure, the afpiring to greatnes, the eafe of
nature, and the commaund of reafon.
Q What is the fame of a Courtier ?
A. A cleare confidence, and a free fpirit, an innocent heart, and a
bountiful] hand.
FINIS.INDEX AND NOTES.
YOUNG Seruingman, an
old Beggar. — Prov.
P. 117.
Angle all day, and catch
a Gudgion at night.
—Prov. P. 190.
Aimon, Four Sons of: A romance men-
tioned. Of this Caxton rprinted an
edition, of which no perfect copy is at
prefent known. It was reprinted by
Wynkyn de Worde in 1504, and again
by W. Copland in 1554. P. 57-
Augrime, augrim (algorithm) ftones.
This was a fyftem of calculation with
counters very common in England in
early times; it is alluded to by
j Chaucer.J!“ Augrim-ftones Counters
formerly ufed in arithmetic,"and which
continued to be employed long after the
introduction of Arabic numerals.”—
Halliwell. P. 150.
Baby. “ To fmell of the baby.” P. 188.
Ballad. “ Liften more to a louzy Ballad.”
P. 204.
Bar, To cajl the. P. 57.
Bajla i. e., enough. This is a very
common exclamation in our early plays.
See Dyce’s Beaum. and Fletcher, ix.
414, note ; but the phrafe occurs in the
“ Englifh Courtier and the Cutrey
Gentleman,” 1586 (firft printed in
1579-)
Beggars’ privileges under 22 Hen. VIII.
P. 163.
Belly-timber, food. Speaking of the Bell
Inn, in Carter Lane, where there ufed
to be an eight-penny ordinary, the
author of A Vade Mecum for Malt-
Worms (1720), part ii. p. 30 (of repr.)
fays, that this charge continued
“Till Tom, who found young appetites too keen,
For fuch a fum, advanced thofe Pence to Ten ;
For which each Mother’s Son may rule the Roaft,
Furnifhed with Belly-Timber at his coft.”
P- 137*
Belong, belong to. P. 139, et alibi.
Birchen Lane. This, with Petticoat and
Long Lanes, was the great emporium
in the old time for fecond-hand wearing
apparel. P. 138.214
Index and Notes.
Black jacks. Leathern bottles, commonly
ufed to hold liquor, and frequently men-
tioned by our early writers. Nares,
who wrote in 1822 (Gloftary, art.
Jack), fays, that he remembered them
being in ufe. P. 150.
Books, Popular. P. 57.
Brag—“ If Brag were not a good do.”
—Prov. P. 184.
Brand—Cujlom of branding Jheep. P.
192.
Bravo, a brave fellow. P. 184.
Broken up, a term in carving, ufed in refer-
ence to a goofe. P. 200.
Bulloigne, bullion. P. 149.
Buzzes, “Makes buzzes in mens braines.”
P- 195.
By-your-leaues, a cant term. P. 191.
Cards. P. 201.
Carjies, Kerfeys. P. 138.
Cafe, a {kin, or, poftibly, a pair, as with
piftols ; for I do not think that a Angle
Iheep could have fetched 2s. 6d. in the
time of Elizabeth. P. 153.
Cat (to keep the) from the tongs, to re-
main at home in unmanly idleneft. P.
161.
Caviare. P. 205.
Charads. P. 197.
Chrijl crofs me fpeed. P. 188.
Clownify. P. 185.
Coaches. P. 157, 178.
Colchejler Trump, another name for Ruff.
P. 56.
Confitemini, the commencing word of
Pfalms 106, 107, 108, 118, and 136.
Country amufements, fjc. P. 179.
Curtal. P. 189.
Dante. P. 187.
Demands, The Budget of, a book fo
called; and unlefs this was a reprint,
no longer known, of the Demands
Joyous, originally publifhed by W. de
Worde in 1511, f4to. 4 leaves, I am
not acquainted with any fuch work. A
fmall book called The Mery Demandes
and Anfwere thereunto, was licenfed in
1564-5 ; but as, in 1575, Captain Cox,
according to Laneham, had the trail
here referred to (the Budget of De-
mands), under the precife title which
it bears in the text, I incline to confider
the latter a loft publication, Deledable
Demands and Pleafant Quejlions, a
tranflation from the French of Chartier,
1566, was afturedly not the article in-
tended. P. 57.
Demaynes, demefnes P. 153.
Dice. P. 201.
Ela, the fcale in mufic fo termed. P. 144-
Emmets. P. 161.
Etiquette at table. P. 200.
Experience is the Mijtris of fooles, Prov.
P. 187.
Fan, to winnow. P. 192.
Fans. P. 151.
Faring, a game at cards. P. 56.
Fafhionate, fafhioned. Cojlly fajhionate
in the text, feems from a repetition of
the terms a little further on (p. 155),
to be equivalent to cojlly and well-
fajhioned (or, as we fhould fay)
fajhionable. P. 154.
Field Sports, (Jc. P. 182-3, 211.
Fijlicuffs. P. 184.
%Index and Notes.
215
Foolyfying. P. 188.
Fore-horfe pace. P. 189.
Forks. P. 201.
Frobijher, Sir Martin. P. 24.
Gads-Hill. P. 164.
Galliard. P. 199.
Games. Pp. 56, 178.
Gammoth, gamut. P. 144.
Gape after gudgions. P. 196.
Gee haigh ! the carter’s common ejacu-
lation to his horfes ; it is at leaft as old
as Chaucer. There are feveral forms
or modifications of it, as gee bo '. gee
wo! &c. P. 137.
Goofe-gibtets. P. 150.
Graith, riches. P. 157.
Guy of Warwick, the romance fo called.
P. 51-
H. and 0. “ To fet down H. and O, &c.”
P. 189.
Hangers, the fringed hoop or (trap ap-
pended to the girdle in which the
dagger or fmall fword ufually hung.
—Haltiwell. P. 135.
Hawks. P. 183.
Heaven vpon earth.—Prov. P. I94.
He that lives always at home, fees nothing
but the fame.-—Prov. P. 184.
Hediors. P. 194.
Hill, cover. P. 137.
Hornbook. P. 188.
Honour is but ancient riches.—Prov.
P. 190.
Huon of Bordeaux. Of this popular
French romance there was an early
tranflation into Englifh by Bourchier,
Lord Berners. An edition, called the
third, appeared in 1601; of the firft,
printed about 1540, Dr. Blift’s copy,
which was fold in 1858 for 19L, is at
prefent the only one known, and that,
unfortunately, wanted the end, which
might have given the name of the
printer, if not the date. When the
fecond edition was publilhed is ftill more
uncertain, as no copy has, I believe,
ever come under notice. P. 149.
Hundred merry tales, a book fo called.
Two editions, printed by Raftell, are
known, but it feems that there were
editions (now loft) during the reign of
Elizabeth. See Old Englifh Jejl-
Books, I. P. 57.
Impajlure. P. 165.
Inner lining of a wench's linen, a cant
phrafe. P. 189.
I O V. P. 188.
Irijh game, or Dublets. P. 36.
It is better to fit faft than to rife and fall,
Prov. P. 190.
Jurymen. Pp. 192, 200.
Juftices of Peace. P. 192.
Lacklatin, Sir John, an ignorant, un-
lettered perfon. P. 103.
Laugh and be fat. P. 181.
Laugh and lie down. P. 193.
Levying at a woodcock. P. 180.
Lurch, a game. P. 56.
Mammaday pudding. P. 203.
Mafques and Plays. P. 178.
Maflmonger. P. 160.
Maw, or mack, the game fo called. P. 30.2l6
Index and Notes.
May-game. P. 204.
May-pole. P. 183.
Middle finger, a cant term. P. 208.
Midfummer watch. See Dyce’s Beaumont
and Fletcher, ii. 142, note.
Mome, a clown. P. 160.
Mufic. P. 178.
My mind to me a kingdom is. A very
popular ballad and tune, of which this
is the earlieft mention, perhaps, in print.
It is alluded to in Taylor’s Begger, 1621,
and in Fletcher’s Monfieur Thomas.
The ballad is printed entire in Mendez’s
ColleSHon of Poems, 1767, p. 148.
Newmarket Heath. P. 164.
No, they did not onely require this, See.
There is fome corruption in the text
here which is beyond my ingenuity.
P. 140.
Novem Quinque. “A kind of game at
dice, at which it appears that five or fix
perfons played.”—Nares. See further
Glofs. ed. 1859, art. Novem. P. 56.
Nunc dimittis, See., the Song of Simeon,
St. Luke ii. 29. P. 139.
Old Learnyng. Perhaps Dr. Turner’s
book, A coparifon betweene the Olde
learnynge and the Newe, 1537, or a
traCl which was publifhed about 1548,
The olde Fayth of greate Brittaygne,
and the newe lernynge of Inglande,
may have been in the writer’s thoughts,
or both—or neither! No doubt, the
old learning was a popular and well-
underfiood expreffion. P. 139.
Out. You are quite out, i. e., you are
quite wrong. P. 188.
Pandarifm. P. 208.
Penny-Prick. “ A game confiding of catt-
ing oblong pieces of iron at a mark.”—
Hunter’s Hallamfh. Glofl. l829,p, 71.
See alfo Halliwell’s Arch. Di£L in voce.
Rice, in his Inventive againjle Vices
taken for vertue, 1579, fig. D 2 verfo,
fpeaks of muzzle-prick, a fport, in which
it feems that knives were ufed. The
fame author mentions a game called
knives, poffibly the fame thing. In
Rice’s Inue6liue againji vices taken for
vertue, 1579, fig. D 2, the writer feems
to fay that at that time penny-prick
was played with counters. P. 56.
Pelting popyjh Prieftes, i. e. paltry popifh
priefts. Taylor, the water-poet, ufes
the term in the fame fenfe in a traett
printed in 1618. P. 160.
Petito, Land of. P. 180.
Pettie in his ciuill conuerfation, Sec. The
work referred to is Guazzo's Ciuile
Conuerfation, tranflated by George
Pettie, and printed in 1581 and 1586,
4to. The old edit, reads Petrie. P. 144.
Pied coats. The motley which formed the
diftinclive coftume of the profeflional
fool. P. 196.
Pigs-petitoes, trotters. P. 150.
Play his pryfes, to, ue. to fhew his parts.
P. 144.
Porpoife pie. P. 201.
Pofi and Pair, a game at cards. P. 56.
Prices of provifions. The difference in
the value of money mutt be borne in
mind in connection with thefe figures;
the whole account is very interefting
and valuable. It is curious enough that
a few years only before this, that is,
about 1590, a writer publifhed a tra6lIndex and Notes.
to (how that the country would go to
ruin in confequence of the extraordinary
fuperabundance of Jheep, which to a
certain extent explains the low price at
which {heep flood in 1598, namely,
one (hilling and fourpence, or there-
abouts, of our money. See Handbook of
Early Englijh Lit., art. England,
No. 3. In the Houfehold Book of
Henry, Lord Clifford, 1510, lambs are
quoted as felling at Settle Fair, on the
Ribble, Yorkfhire, for fixpence a piece.
I am not aware that, in our literature,
we have a work fimilar in its fcope to
Leber’s EJlai fur Vappreciation de la
Fortune priv&e, 1847, but even this
volume does not come down low enough.
In 1852, however, Mr. Halliwell printed
eighty copies of “ An Account of a Col-
lection of Several Thoufand Bills, Ac-
counts, and Inventories, illuftrating the
Hiftory of Prices between the Years
1650 and 1750,” 4to. P. 152.
Pricks, Shooting at. P. 57.
Prickfong. P. 144.
Quarter's notice to fervants under 5 Eliz.
P. 162.
Queftions and Commands. P. 178.
Qui bene can, & c. Qui bene can tat, bene
conjlruit, bene legit. P. 140.
Quit, quite, repay. P. 148.
Rabbit’s neji. “To looke downe as though
we were feeking of a Rabbets neft.”
P. 199.
Rape, a capital offence. P. 190.
Rearing, raifing. P. 153.
Riddles, Book of, a book fo called. It is
mentioned in Laneham’s Letter from
217
Kenilworth, 1575, but the earlieft edi-
tion now known is dated 1600. P. 57.
Rife with the lark and go to bed with the
lamb, Prov. P. 182.
Rolling Jiones gather no mojl, Prov. P.
188.
Rofes (in fhoes). P. 184.
Roarers and Rownes, games fo called.
P- 57-
Ruffs. P. 151.
Run the courfe of our Card by, 8cc.
P. 193.
Run the ring with him, compete, or
keep pace. P. 190.
Salifbury Plain. P. 164.
Sanat, fantificat, et dicat, furgere mane,
Prov. P. 121.
Schooling. “ This is all we goe to fchoole
for,’’ &c. P. 191.
Schoolmajlers. Pp. 192, 198.
Scot and lot. This expreflion, which con-
tinues in ufe, meant literally at the
time when the Health, &c., appeared,
an aftelkment on all fubje&s according
to their feveral incomes or properties,
and comes from Sax. fceat and llot.
But the writer here feems to imply
that the houfekeepers of the good old
days which he remembered (when have
there not been good old days ?) fpent
all they had in hofpitality except what
they were obliged to pay to the govern-
ment in taxes and other levies. Pp.
146, 193.
Seafons of the year and their produds.
P. 182.
Sheep’s-eyes, cajiing, i. e. looking amo-
roufly. This familiar expreflion occurs2 I 8
Index and Notes,
in the Gothamite Tales, firft publifhed
about 154° (Old Englifh Jeft-Books,
iii. 18.) P. 183.
Ship of Fools, The. This muft have been
Barclay’s rather bulky translation of
Brandt’s Stultifera IVavis, printed in
1508, and again in 1570. P. 57.
Shooter’s Hill. P. 164.
Sledge, to call the bar or fledge. P. 57.
Slide-Jhift, perhaps the fame as flide-
groat. See my edit, of the Popular
Antiquities of Great Britain, under
Sports (Slipthrift). P.
Sorcerers, &c. P. 197.
Speak truth, and Jhame the Diuell, Prov.
PP- 193, 195-
Stand upon puntos. P.193.
Stoolball, the game fo called. P. 183.
Supernaculum. P. 152.
Tables, the game which was then alfo,
and is (till known, as backgammon.
P. 201.
There is no feruice to the King, nor no
fijhing to the fea, Prov. P. 190.
Thofe dueties which before I haue fet
downe, &c. This fentence, and indeed
the entire paragraph, is very clumfily
conftrudted; but it feemed undefirable
to difturb the text to the extent necef-
fary in order to reduce it to grammati-
cal rules. It is, after all, intelligible.
P. 140.
Three-farthings' piece, a fmall filvercoin,
remarkable for the poverty and thinneft
of the metal. P.159.
Tick-tack, a game at cards. P. 56.
Tobacco. P. 184.
Trey-trip, or one-and-thirty, a game at
cards. P. 56.
Tumblers. The tumbler “ was a kind of
dog formerly employed for taking rab-
bits. This it effected by tumbling
about in a carelefs manner till within
reach of the prey, and then feizing it
by a fudden fpring.”—Halliwell. P. 183.
Unlaced, carved. P. 200.
Ure and ufe. P. 152.
Venetians, large wide breeches fo called.
P. 138.
Video Meliora, See. From Ovid. P. 65.
Wily beguily. P. 197.
THE END.
CHISWICK PRESS PRINTED BY WHITTINGHAM AND WILKINS,
TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.